PEARL POST
Dec. 9, 2016
Volume 8 Issue 4
THE
Daniel Pearl Magnet High School 6649 Balboa Blvd., Lake Balboa, CA 91406
@ThePearlPost
@ThePearlPost
The Pearl Post
@dpmhsmedia
News 2
The Pearl Post
Dec. 9, 2016
Students concerned about grades, substitutes Kirsten Cintigo and Angel Rivera Social Media Editor and Staff Writer
After a sudden leave of absence from the school’s only Spanish teacher Glenda Hurtado and math teacher Anna Felix, students were left with substitutes and wondering when their teachers would return. “I was kind of disappointed it means that we were gonna have subs so it means subs don’t teach and we’re gonna be behind on work,” sophomore Camille Acevedo said. Hurtado has been at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School for 10 years. On Sept. 20, she was hit in the face while trying to stop a fight between seniors Albert Amougou and Alex Terminasyan during her period six class. “Well, I mean, with (Hurtado) gone we didn’t continue our lesson plan,” sophomore Blanca Osorio said. “I was absent (the) day we had to do presentations so I couldn’t do my presentation anymore.” Long-term substitute Charity Price has been filling in for Hurtado since September Price intends to get all of the classes back on the intended path both teachers had planned. In order to complete this task, all students taking Spanish 1, 2 and 3 have been set up with an online learning program, “Edgenuity.” The program gives daily les-
Photo by Eva Kaganovsky
Substitute Charity Price teaches the Spanish 2 class. Price has been filling in for Spanish teacher Glenda Hurtado since September. sons that the students must complete at home while Price does traditional lessons using the textbook in class. “Honestly for a sub, she’s doing a pretty good job. I have confidence in her,”
Osorio said. According to Price, all students’ grades at the end of the semester will reflect the work completed from when Hurtado was present, any homework and
tests given out since her departure and the scores students receive on the daily lessons from Edgenuity.
Substitutes, continued on page 11
Get Lit players ignite poetic passion April Serrano Staff Writer
Photo by Michelle Kaganovsky
Student teacher Kyle Edwards teaches in English teacher Leah Pevar’s relocated classroom during Period 4.
Moved classrooms for new air systems Amanda Jimenez Staff Writer
Due to a few classroom’s sunrooms having inadequate air ventilation and no air conditioning, the school has begun air conditioning construction on a quarter of its classrooms. The roofs of the sunrooms will be deconstructed and rebuilt in order for there to be new units installed. The classrooms on the ends of the courtyards are the only ones affected and each will take eight weeks to complete. A private contractor, hired by the Los Angeles Uni-
fied School District, has been working on the project since Oct.14. Teachers who teach in classrooms with a sunroom will be inconvenienced and will have to move their classes. “I don’t know where I’m moving or when,” science teacher Stephen Schaffter said. “That’s okay if it’s necessary.”
Air conditioning, continued on page 11
Walking into the multipurpose room with Bruno Mars “24K Magic” blasting through the speakers, students were excited for the Get Lit performance. “My SAT score says study more, I say there is an AP Chem test on Monday. There is not always time for both,” Get Lit player Mila Cuda said when reciting her poem about college applications. On Nov. 18, all students listened to the nonprofit organization’s poets who shared their love for poetry. Its curriculum seeks to get students to study classic poetry and to then write a response poem that relates to them. The program has been adopted by more than 100 schools, including Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS). Players, the student poets who promote the Get Lit program, travel to different schools to help recruit participants for the Get Lit program in that school. “It was intense and so good,” senior Raquel Dubin said. “The college poem was definitely relatable.”
Get Lit, continued on page 11
Dec. 9, 2016
The Pearl Post
New season brings winter fashion
Angel Rivera
Staff Writer
Features 3
Holiday gifts on a budget Richard Mendiola and Michelle Kaganovsky
Staff Writers
Finding the perfect gift while trying to stay within a budget is the most tedious part of the otherwise joyous holiday season. Here’s a list of great gift ideas that are budget-friendly.
Scarf from Burberry, $400+
Scarf, $10+ sweater, $14+ jeans, $20+ from Aeropostale
Coat from Zara, $100+
Shoes from Vans, $45+
Nicole Gabino, freshman
Photo by:www.flickr.com Shoes from Aldo, $100+
Scented candle - $4.50 Candles from shops such as Bath and Body Works are a great gift that will light up the holidays with the cozy scents of winter.
Sergio Cardoso, senior
Pixar broken down to a science in new exhibit Michelle Kaganovsky Staff Writer
The many colorful animations and hands-on exhibits that compose the California Science Center’s new Pixar exhibit is enough to bring awe to viewers of all ages. The “Science Behind Pixar” exhibit displays how technology, science, math, engineering and art intertwine to produce Pixar’s award-winning animated films. With more than 40 exhibits showing different parts of the Pixar production pipeline, viewers are provided with an inside look into how Pixar’s beloved movies were brought to life. When guests first enter the exhibit, they are greeted with an introductory video explaining how Pixar storytellers transform their stories into their animated masterpieces. After the video, visitors are able to continue through the exhibition in any order. The exhibit consists of eight sections, each providing viewers with the various steps involved in the film-making process.. In addition to the educational aspects of the exhibition, the California Science Center brings the animated characters to life in extraordinary ways. Visitors can take photos with recreations of their favorite characters. With its lovable characters and en-
Photo by www.uncommongoods.com
Smartphone Projector- $28
Make an iPhone or Android screen bigger with the Smartphone Projector. Watching movies or videos is much easier with this gadget.
Photo by www.fujifilmusa.com
Fujifilm Intax Mini Instax Camera$55 Photo by Rebekah Spector Pixar’s famous character WALL-E is part of the “Science Behind Pixar” exhibit at the California Science Center opened until April. gaging exhibits, the “Science Behind Pixar Exhibit” is a great experience for anyone who wants to revisit the magic of Pixar’s
beloved movies. Instagram: @michelle.ella
For a list of more things to do during the winter break, visit our website www.thepearlpost.com
A small compact Polaroid camera to help capture life’s moments. This camera is a simple point-and-click and is easy for many to use.
For the complete holiday shopping on a budget list, visit our website www.thepearlpost.com
Opinion 4
The Pearl Post
Dec. 9, 2016
Disrespect has become the face of this country Steven Guzman Staff Writer
Watching the results come in late at night on Election Day, my nightmare became a reality: Donald Trump won the 2016 presidency. After watching Trump deliver racist comments about Mexican people, I would have never expected that he would win the 2016 presidential election. I was completely shocked to discover that people supported and endorsed Trump’s hateful comments. “They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crimes. They’re rapists. Some, I assume, are good people,” Trump said when he kicked off his campaign in the summer of 2015. The way that Trump publicly speaks of other cultures is absolutely disrespectful and unprofessional. America has grown out of many cultures and religions. America’s background of being a proud country of diversity is slowly beginning to die. His idea on a building a wall along the Mexican border and having Mexico pay for it, is unbelievable. His ideas on deporting all illegal immigrants are frightening. Many illegal immigrants come to America to start anew, since our country is seen as a land of acceptance and opportunity. Trump maintains that same disrespectful attitude when talking about women. From body-shaming to claims of sexual harassment, it’s quite clear that Trump has low respect toward women. Only focusing
Photo by Daniela Guzman Protesters gathered in front of Los Angeles City Hall on Nov. 12 to speak out and express their feelings toward Trump’s win. on a woman’s look completely blocks the truth of what she can accomplish. “I mean we could say politically correct that look doesn’t matter but the look obviously matters,” Trump said to a female reporter in a clip featured on “Last Week Tonight.” “Like you wouldn’t have your job if you weren’t beautiful.”
Aside of all his negative comments and behavior, his business skills seem to be what most of his supporters positively look towards. I would be willing to give his presidency a chance and positive outlook, if it weren’t for Trump’s disgusting personality. The way Trump slithered his way to
power by praising himself higher than others truly sickens me. What’s worse is that some people can’t see that. I hope one day, that the people who voted for Trump see the consequence of the grave mistake they have made. Instagram: @Strykemedown
Trump presidency brings hope back to America Rachel Bullock Staff Writer
I may not be an avid supporter but I also can’t deny that I was glad that Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton. Before I am a female, before I am a half-Mexican-half-white teenager, I am an American. I love my country and want to protect it. For those who voted for Trump, this is what made had this election different. We are in a troubling time and playing things off as already good, naygreat, won’t help us. We need a shot of nationalism. We need to strive for better things and that is what a Trump presidency promised to bring us. “It is time to show the whole world that America Is Back – bigger, and better and stronger than ever before,” President-Elect Trump said. “It’s waiting to see if we will rise to the occasion and if we will show the whole world that America is still free and independent and strong.” The people didn’t vote against diversity. They didn’t vote against progress. The people voted for America. To make America great again, we need to put America first again. I feel like no matter who you are, if you got that message you were sure
to recognize the potential in Trump. Our nation, being $18.96 trillion in debt can use “a small loan of a million dollars,” especially the over $3 billion in net worth it eventually grew to. Afterall, Trump may be a political wild card, but he is also a no-nonsense businessman who could prove to be the help our country needs. I have taken these election results as an assurance that our nation was passed into relatively safe hands. Like President Barack Obama said, “the sun will rise tomorrow,” and it did. I say good for the discounted votes that won it for Trump. Working tax-paying Americans, Cuban-Americans and the older generations, all who know how big government and a Clinton presidency would have affect them, who pushed it to the win for us all. “These are the forgotten men and women of our country. People who work hard but no longer have a voice,” Trump said in his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention (RNC). We aren’t moving as backwards as people think. Civil and women’s rights have come too far to change and Trump has said, “Anyone who endorses violence, hatred or oppression is not welcome in our country and never will be.” Trump said at
Photo by Wikimedia Commons President-elect Donald Trump is scheduled to go into office on Jan. 20, 2017. the closing night of the RNC. “I only want to admit individuals into our country who will support our values and love our people.” With that, the kind of a nation we are going to evolve into is definitely one I want to be a part of. A more strong, more proud and more safe America worthy of being called great. Despite what Trump has talked about doing, there is a balance of pow-
ers that can always stop unjust change. “We will be a country of generosity and warmth. But we will also be a country of law and order,” Trump said. I choose to have more faith in the system than to drop it all and move to Canada. Just let the powers balance out and America will be fine. Facebook: Rachel Bullock
Dec.9, 2016
The Pearl Post
Finals call for stress and all nighters Michelle Kaganovsky Staff Writer
Finals. The one word that has the power to bring students’ stress levels up and grades spiraling down. After enduring a semester of countless assignments and due dates, students are forced to sit down once more and take a test that has the potential to undo it all. A single exam has the final say in the outcome of each student’s hard work, time and dedication that they put into the school year. The week prior to finals is commonly referred to as “dead week,” due to the large amount of studying and stress that revolves around the dwindling time before the approaching tests. In last-minute desperation, many students resort to pulling all-nighters to cram months worth of learning into the span of a week. According to the American Psychological Association, students placed under stress have shown a sharp in-
crease in drug abuse, sleep deprivation and other negative effects due to the large accumulation of stress. Although finals do have some drawbacks, they also have some benefits. Finals help motivate students to relearn the curriculum.
effects of test anxiety and underperform when placed under pressure. Offering one test with the capability to alter their grade is placing a significant number of students at a disadvantage. A possible alternative to having a single menacing test is having a series of small exams that add up to the percentage of one final. If teachers eliminate giving one test, students will feel less pressured and have more of a chance to raise their grades. Teachers could lower the stress of finals by giving them to students on different weeks. Having a single week for finals is taxing on students and doesn’t Photo by Helper Code give them enough time to prepare T h e y for their upcoming exams in other classes. offer students a last opportunity to inFinals have an important role in the crease their grades. Without finals, stu- life of a high school student but need dents would be given their final grades and some revision. One test can’t possibly capwouldn’t have any way to change them. ture each student’s progress throughout Even with that possibility, not ev- the year, so it isn’t fair to treat it that way. ery student is a natural-born test-taker. Instagram: @michelle.ella Many students suffer from the crippling
The Pearl Voice: Is it too early for holiday music?
Photos and Interviews by Sergio Payeras
“I think they need to wait until later in December, its exciting though.”
“It’s good. You gotta get into that theme since Christmas is coming up pretty soon.”
“I think it’s too early because it’s a whole month before the actual holiday.”
Junior Desiree Davila
Freshman Luis Medina
Junior Nathan Moz
See our spotify playlist of holiday music. Go to www.thepearlpost.com
Twitter: @justsergthings
Editorial
Trump’s election brings much concern After the race for the White House finally ended on Nov. 8, Republican candidate Donald Trump came out on top, raising a lot of concerns from those who dreaded the thought of Trump being the president for the next four years. The Pearl Post editorial staff is proud to have many different voices from many different races, backgrounds and religions. So when Trump was named president-elect, there were feelings of heartbreak and confusion. Some of the confusion came from voters who still voted for the billionaire despite the many distasteful comments he said. Such as the time where Trump mocked a disabled reporter in 2015 or his many Twitter tirades against anyone who doesn’t agree with his views. From what Trump has promoted in
his many rallies and debates, it seems that the businessman would more than likely strip the rights of anyone who doesn’t match up to his ideals. He objectifies women who stand against him or don’t fit his “image” and wants to take away the right to a woman’s own body concerning abortion. He believes that immigrants, specifically Mexicans, are “rapists” and “killers.” By looking at Trump’s nominees of the presidential cabinet, we were left scratching our heads and worrying about the future of the country. To name one, Trump nominated Betsy DeVos to become Secretary of Education. DeVos has a long career in the education system, working to move many schools to become religious and private schools. To do this, DeVos plans on taking federal funding from public schools, hurting millions of students nationwide.
There is a long list of reasons why Trump won’t make a good president of the United States but unfortunately, there is not much people who voted against him can do. Yes, they can exercise their right to free speech, or burn as many flags as they so please but none of it will stop the political cycle from doing the inevitable. Not even the recount proposed by Green Party candidate Jill Stein, that raised $3.5 million won’t change anything because Hillary Clinton conceded. The fact is, America is stuck with Trump whether they like it or not. The only influential thing people who are upset by the results of the election can do is to not stop talking about it to show that this country won’t be run by people who use propaganda to spread hate.
Opinion 5
The Pearl Post Editor-in-Chief Rebekah Spector Online Editor-in-Chief Tahra Hunter Managing Editor Kyrah Hunter Opinion Editor Cristina Jercan Entertainment Editor Jessica Salguero Feature Editor Nallely Delara Tech Editor Anthony Weatherspoon Sport Editor Winter Rawson Social Media Editor Kirsten Cintigo New Media Editor Maia Hito Cartoonist Danielle Valenzuela Photo Editor Juliette Tafoya Assistant Photo Editor Brandon Tapia Staff Writers/Photographers Rachel Bullock, Michael Chidbachian, Alice Curran, Daniela Guzman, Steven Guzman, Amanda Jimenez, Eva Kaganovsky, Michelle Kaganovsky, Ani Kocharyan, Sergio Payeras, Richard Mendiola, Angel Rivera, April Serrano Adviser Adriana Chavira
The Pearl Post is an open forum for student expression as allowed by California Education Codes 48907 and 48950, committed to excellence in reporting, writing and photography. The newspaper strives to inform and educate students and faculty on events affecting Daniel Pearl Magnet High School. The thought and opinions published in these pages are the work of journalism students and do not represent the position of DPMHS, its administrators or the Los Angeles Unified School District. An unsigned editorial is the opinion of the Editorial Boards, which is comprised of the Editor-in-Chief and the editors. Signed opinions in the Pearl Post reflect the views of the authors. A signed cartoon reflects the view of the cartoonist. The Pearl Post welcomes letters to the editor. They should be 250 words or less and may be edited for length. Letters with profanity and obscenity will not be printed. Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be published. Letters may be submitted to Ms. Chavira’s mailbox in the main office, in Room 22 or emailed to thepearlpost@gmail.com. The newspaper is published monthly and is the official campus newspaper of Daniel Pearl Magnet High School. The newspaper is also posted online at http://www.thepearlpost.com. Free copies are distributed to magnet students, teachers and staff. The school is located at 6649 Balboa Blvd., Lake Balboa, CA 91604-5529.
Special Reports 6
The Pearl Post
Dec. 9, 2016
Hate crimes increase after Donald Trump elected president
Photo by CreativeCommons.org After Election Day on Nov. 8, hate crimes targeting race, religion, sexual orientation, gender or physcical disabilities have occurred all over the country in the hundreds. President-elect Donald Trump went on air to call a stop to the crimes that offenders have put under his name. Alice Curran and Angel Rivera Staff Writers
Throughout his campaign Donald Trump’s controversial comments and tweets caused tension among Americans and alienated the groups he targeted. “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re not sending you. They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists,” Trump said during his candidacy announcement speech in 2015. Since Trump won the presidential election on Nov. 8, hate crimes have dramatically increased, according to a study by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). “There has always been people with harmful intentions and hateful hearts, but since the election, minorities have witnessed a rise in discrimination and hurtful actions,” senior Andrea Escamilla said. “It saddens me that students are being targeted because of their ethnicity, skin color, or sexual preference.” The SPLC has tracked over 700 hate crimes since election day, some of which have been committed in Trump’s name. The various hate crimes include people chanting racial slurs, painting swastikas on public buildings, and physically harassing Muslims and other minority groups. Some of the most alarming hate crimes have taken place at schools, with students verbally assaulting their classmates. Numerous accounts of students chanting, “build a wall” and “ten feet higher” to Hispanic students have
been reported. Hate crimes such as these have been linked to Trump because of promises he made during his campaign in
made hateful comments about her faith. Various Trump supporters have argued that these hate crimes are fabricated by anti-Trump groups in order to make the impression that Trump’s election is causing a national crisis. “I haven’t heard any hate crimes,” sophomore John Senden said. “I get that he said a lot of bad things and I don’t agree with everything he says, but I don’t think anything will happen.” Although some of the reported hate crimes have been committed as a hoax, such as, the tagging of swastikas and racist graffiti, the hatred toward many groups of Americans is still seen nationwide. The blatant hate that has been occurring in schools shows the discrimination some students are facing. Increasing hate crimes in schools undermine what should be one of the safest environments in society. As a result of Trump’s presidency, the pre-conceived notions and judgement many people have about other individuals has been heightened and seen as acceptable. Hate crimes, especially those in schools are threatening the safety and sense of belonging students should feel. “One way schools can try to prevent hate crimes is to speak with the students about everybody’s difference in opinion and why it is important to respect that,” junior Madison Feinstein said. “Providing students with an unbiased education on this election and what it means going forward may help some kids accept how their classmates feel.” Instagram: @aangel__rivera Twitter: @aliicecurran
“There has always been people with harmful intentions and hateful hearts, but since the election, minorities have witnessed a rise in discrimination and hurtful actions,” - Senior Andrea Escamilla
which he voiced his stance on illegal immigration. “I will build a great wall – and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me – and I’ll build them very inexpensively. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will make Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words,” Trump said during his candidacy announcement speech. Students across the country are also terrified by messages of hate that have been written on schools and public buildings. At a high school in Minnesota, racist graffiti of “Whites only” and “Go back to Africa” was written on bathroom stall doors. California has also seen an increase in hateful behavior. A Muslim student at San Diego State University was harassed by two men who grabbed her belongings and
Dec. 9, 2016
The Pearl Post
In his own words: Donald Trump President-elect Donald Trump owns his fair share of distasteful comments on Twitter. Trump’s comments range from targetting women, journalists and just about anyone who doesn’t agree with his views. Here’s just a short dishonorable list of tweets from the business :
Special Reports 7
I am a proud of_______ who I am April Serrano Staff Writer
We asked students of different races with different backgrounds to see why they are proud to be who they are.
Compiled by Kyrah Hunter @IDreadwritelife “I am proud to be Filipino because we are a very prideful nation. And we express ourselves a lot.” - Senior Jonas Acebes, Filipino
“I am proud to be Mexican/Spanish because it’s unique in its own way with its music and culture. The music just wants to make you get up and dance, I love it.” - Freshman Aimee Guzman Mexican/ Spanish
“I am proud to be Catholic because their is nothing wrong with being who you are and I love my culture.” -Adelina Delao, sophmore Mexican and Catholic
See all interviews @ ThePearlPost.com
Entertainment 8
The Pearl Post
Dec. 9, 2016
Nostalgic movies to watch this holiday season Eva Kaganovsky Staff Writer
With the holidays right around the corner, what’s better than watching Christmas movies under layers of blankets? Here is a list of throwback movies that will get you excited for this winter holiday. Twitter: @ evaakaganovsky
Photo by Universal Pictures How the Grinch Stole Christmas Rating: PG Genre: Fantasy, Family, Comedy Released: Nov. 17, 2000 The Grinch lives on the outskirts of the jolly Whoville. As all of Whoville prepares for the holidays, the Grinch and his loyal companion Max are hard at work planning ways to ruin the holidays. After the Grinch encounters Cindy Lou Who, his heart (literally) grows and he learns the true meaning of Christmas and community, which no one has the capability of taking away.
Photo by IMDB A Charlie Brown Christmas Rating: TV-G Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family Released: Dec. 9, 1965 Struck with the grand issue of materialism, Charlie Brown directs a Christmas play with a pitiful Christmas tree to uncover the true significance of the holidays.
Photo byTwentieth Century Fox Home Alone Rating: PG Genre: Comedy, Family Released: Nov. 16, 1990 Christmas Day usually consists of spending time with family. But when 8-year-old Kevin wakes up, he is home…. alone. After Kevin learns his family went on a vacation and left him behind, excitement fills him, until he overhears the plans of two conmen. Faced with the task of protecting the house, Kevin transforms from an obnoxious child into a hero. In this coming-of-age movie, Kevin learns the true value of family.
Photo by Warner Bros The Polar Express Rating: G Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family Released: Nov.10, 2004 Does Santa Claus really exist? Based on the cherished children’s novel, “The Polar Express” follows a skeptical boy as he embarks on a journey to the socalled North Pole. After examining a train on Christmas Eve, the conductor invites the young boy on a trip to visit Santa Clause. When the train reaches the North Pole, the boy receives a gift that could only be heard by those who believe.
Photo by Walt Disney Pictures A Christmas Carol Rating: PG Genre: Animation, Drama, Family Released: Dec. 16, 1938 and re made Nov. 6, 2009 Based on the novel by Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol” is a must-see Christmas classic. While all of London waits in anticipation for the arrival of Christmas, Ebenezer Scrooge sits in grief, shouting “Humbug” at those with joyous Christmas views. Scrooge’s misery is interrupted with the arrival of three ghosts that take him on a journey of self-discovery in which he is given a choice on how he wants to live the rest of his life.
Photo by IMDB Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Rating: TV-G Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy Released: Dec. 6, 1964 There have been stories passed down and songs made after this well-known reindeer, but Rudolph received his debut in Robert L. May’s “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Rudolph was an outcast; everyone teased the small, feeble reindeer, until one year, a blizzard threatened Santa’s ability to deliver presents. In a time of crisis, only Rudolph was able to step up and save Christmas with his famous red nose.
Dec. 9, 2016
The Pearl Post
Entertainment 9
Album Review:
New music to enjoy this Weeknd
Ani Kocharyan
Staff Writer
Screenshot from YouTube
YouTuber of the Month: Matthias Sergio Payeras Staff Writer
Comedy and vlogging have never gone together as well as in Matthias’ videos. Matthew Fredrick, otherwise known by his channel name Matthias, is a full-time YouTube personality whose videos focus around vlogs, challenges, collaborations and even music videos. He has worked with other famous YouTubers like Jacksepticeye and Markiplier, and also runs the channel Team Edge alongside his brother, J-Fred. Fredrick began his channel under the name Matthiasiam on Aug. 10, 2011. The first videos shown on his channel include covers, mashups and parodies of popular songs. Later, Fredrick branched out into areas like vlogs, comedy shorts and gaming.
For the full story, visit thepearlpost.com
Leaning toward pop mixed with R&B, The Weeknd’s new abum strays away from his previous music which refused to be anything but the latter. The artist follows his previous album “Beauty Behind the Madness,” released mid-2015, with 18 songs that hint at a completely different genre. His new album, released Nov. 25, shows his growth with songs like “False Alarm,” “Six Feet Under” and “Nothing Without You.” The album’s title track, “Starboy,” was the lead single released on Sept. 22 and quickly made its way onto radio stations. It gave listeners a look into the vibe of the entire album. Serving as a reminder of the music that originally found fame for the Weeknd, “Reminder” sounds like the songs found on his previous albums with strong R&B influences. The chorus in “False Alarm” features less singing and more screaming, which contrasts the chorus in “A Lonely Night,” showing his vocal range and talents. Along with a variety of slow songs, there is a plethora of upbeat music, showing his audience his capabilities.
Photo by Flickr The Weeknd releases his newest album “Starboy” with a new type of sound on Nov. 27. The album features multiple well-known artists who add their own genres to the songs they’re in. Lana Del Rey was originally featured on “Beauty Behind the Madness” and returns for “Stargirl Interlude.” Using her wide vocal range, she captures the audience’s attention with her high notes that aren’t typically heard in her own music. Kendrick Lamar shows off his exper-
tise on “Sidewalks” while Future executes his well-known talent on “All I Know.” Daft Punk is featured throughout the album, adding the duo’s unique musical style to each song. While staying true to his roots, the Weeknd’s pop and R&B influenced “Starboy” album is unlike anything he’s released before. wInstagram: @ani__kocharyan
TED Talks filled with insight for growing minds
Michael Chidbachian
Staff Writer
Take the time out of your day to binge watch these innovative TED Talks that will leave you inspired. They can be found on the YouTube channel with the same name. Instagram: @Michaelvchid
Screenshot from YouTube
Photo by Wikimedia Commons
Screenshot from YouTube
Kelly McGonigal: How to make stress your friend
Graham Shaw: Why People believe they can’t draw and how to prove they can
Students undergo lots of stress on a daily basis from friends, family and school. Psychologist Kelly McGonigal explains how to change the effects of stress and make it something that can be viewed as essential to a person’s life.
Graham Shaw demonstrates a simple yet creative way for anybody to draw an animated human face. With just a few easy steps, Shaw gets people drawing like they never have before.
Screenshot from YouTube
Screenshot from YouTube Jonathan Haidt: Can a divided America heal?
Roger Antonsen: Math is the hidden secret to understanding the world
With the presidential election over and Republican nominee Donald Trump winning, many people have protested and argued with others who have opposing beliefs. Jonathan Haidt discusses how, and if, we will ever truly unite as one.
While many see math as terrifying and avoid it at all costs, Roger Antonsen shows the beauty behind it and how perspective can change the way we view some dull topics. Beautiful patterns emerge from such featureless concepts.
Check out movies to watch during winter break on ThePearlPost.com
Sports 10
The Pearl Post
Dec. 9, 2016
Girls water polo plays to keep their championship Alice Curran
Staff Writer
Last season, the girls water polo varsity team won the California Interscholastic Federation Championships and are looking forward to maintaining their title. The Birmingham Community Charter High School team started the season strong with a win against Culver City on Dec.1. “The team has committed many hours in preparation for this season, training over the summer and since the beginning of school,” head coach Vincent Kezman said. Due to the success the team had last year, players are confident that this season will bring more great games and wins. The water polo junior varsity (JV) team lost their first game 13-4 against Culver City. “The first game was really hard since the girls played really aggressively,” JV player Gabriella Angos said. Despite the loss, the girls are determined to improve by working hard and pushing themselves at practice. “I believe in my team and I think we will push harder than any other team to make sure we get to where we are meant to be and to maintain our title,” JV player Genesis Ocampo said. The next game of the season will be Jan. 11 against Verdugo.
Photo by Steven Guzman Freshman Gabriella Angos rests on the side of the pool after the Birmingham Community Charter High School vs. Culver City High Twitter: @aliicecurran School game. BCCHS’s junior varsity team lost 13-4.
Athlete of the Month: Eva Kaganovsky Staff Writer
It’s rare to discover both something you love to do and something you are good at, but junior Kevin Garcia was lucky enough to discover soccer. “Soccer is a really positive thing for me,” Garcia said. “I’ve met a lot of new people and it’s a great opportunity for me to see new cities and discover new things.” Garcia began playing soccer when he was three years old after his dad enrolled him into a Boy Scouts team. After playing for clubs, Garcia joined the Birmingham Community Charter High School’s (BCCHS) team this year as a center attacking midfielder. Soccer is a dominant aspect of Garcia’s life. After more than a decade of playing soccer, he has received high recognition. Garcia was part of the Balboa Soccer Final Ten, winning the Irvine and Thousands Oaks Cup and has won American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) trophies. He has also won some Cal-South tournaments. Although Garcia enjoys practicing soccer, he understands the importance of doing well in school. Garcia maintains a 3.4 GPA and is tackling two Advanced
Soccer player Kevin Garcia is king of the field Placement (AP) classes this semester. Maintaining exemplary grades and practicing regularly did not come easy, but Garcia found a routine to satisfy his academics and his practice. “I try to focus on homework first and when I have extra time before bed, I pass the ball against a wall,” Garcia said. As Garcia grew older, his love of soccer grew as well. Soccer transformed from an activity his father placed him in, into a sport he hopes to play for the rest of his life. In the future, Garcia hopes to play for a professional team in Nicaragua. “I won’t stop playing soccer after high school,” Garcia said. “I want to play for college and maybe even for a team.” Garcia’s advice for aspiring players is to work hard and have fun. “If this is what you love to do, work hard and appreciate everything,” Garcia said. Twitter: @evaakaganovsky
Upcoming home boys soccer games: BCCHS vs. Roosevelt High School Jan. 5 @ 2 p.m. BCCHS vs. Granada Hills Charter High School - Jan. 13 @ 4 p.m.
Photo by Eva Kaganovsky Junior Kevin Garcia dribbles the ball down the field toward the goal during practice.
Dec. 9, 2016
The Pearl Post
Sports 11
Girls soccer kicks the season off with a victory Richard Mendiola
Staff Writer
With the girls soccer season coming up with a game against San Fernando on Dec. 5, many players are working their best to prepare themselves. “I’m hoping that this season will be a great one,” said varsity player Rosalinda Nava. This is Nava’s first season on the Birmingham Community Charter High School (BCCHS) girls varsity soccer team. “I’m very excited to contribute to this team. I hope to make somewhat of an impact,” said Nava. “It’ll be exciting to see how the team cooperates.” The soccer team had a record of six wins, eleven losses, and one tie in the 2015-2016 season. The team is striving to improve upon their previous record by doing various drills during practice. “Practice is daily, unless we have a game,” said varsity player Evelyn De Dios. “We do passing, shooting and dribbling drills.” De Dios plans to take her leadership and show new team members how to go on with their play. “I hope to serve as some kind of role model,” De Dios said. “I want to show new members how the team is supposed to act and respond to different situations on court and off the court.” BCCHS’s girls varsity soccer team had
Photo by Rachel Bullock Senior Evelyn De Dios, defense, attempts to block a pass during practice on the Birmingham Community Charter High School’s field. a home non-conference game against San Fernando on Dec. 5 Varsity’s next game will be a presea-
son game on Dec. 9 against Kennedy High School at 2:30 pm. It will be on the BCCHS soccer field.
Twitter: @rsmendiola23
Absent teachers cause longterm substitutes to take over Substitutes continued from page 2
Photo by Sergio Payeras The Get Lit team meets every Tuesday in Ron Baer’s room to discuss auditions.
Get Lit team gets back together Get Lit continued from page 2 English teacher Ron Baer introduced the poetry program two years ago to get students interested in poetry. The Get Lit club meets once a week to discuss poetry. Each year a team is devised of four students that practice and perform for the annual Get Lit Competition. This coming year DPMHS’s team decided to have their motto be “At home
with the world.” This was inspired by Daniel Pearl and how content he was with sharing his work. So the team is doing the same in being content with expressing their poetry to the world. “I felt it was motivating and it makes you look at things differently,” senior Katie Lashley. Twitter: @lirpa_cs
“[Edgenuity is] mostly review to me, but it’s helpful as well,” junior Hannah Tateel said. “I still prefer the textbooks though.” There have not been any updates regarding when Hurtado is set to come back, nor does Smith have an idea when this will happen. However, parents are aware of the teacher’s absence. Price sends out emails to both students and guardians via Jupiter Ed on class updates. Until the school receives further notice on Hurtado’s return, Price has been scheduled to take over for the rest of the semester. “My plan right now is to make the curriculum interesting and understandable,” Price said. Felix has been a teacher at DPMHS since 2014 and left Oct. 11. due to medical reasons. She returned to school on Dec. 5. “I was glad to know she was okay and that we could finally start learning again
but it’s going to be hard cramming right before finals,” Acevedo said. In order to get students on track long-term substitute Martin Rivera taught upcoming lessons from the textbook for both Precalculus and Algebra 2, while also reviewing previous subjects and testing students’ skills on them. “What I felt like I could do is teach you guys what you’ve missed and improve the foundation of what was suppose to be learned previously,” Rivera said. It is unknown whether the work completed during Felix’s absence will be counted into students’ grades. “I haven’t seen any of the substitutes grades. He didn’t leave anything. I have prepared a practice test for them this week and I might change some of the questions depending on how prepared they are,” Felix said. Instagram: @kirsten.cintigo and @aangel__rivera
Air conditioning repairs forces teachers out of their classrooms Air Conditioning continued from page
Once a classroom undergoes the process, the teacher isn’t allowed back until it’s finished. English teacher Leah Pevar was relocated to a different room, leaving behind
most of the English novels that are stored in an office. This inconvenience made it hard to plan for future lessons. During installations, contractors may find asbestos, a microscopic silicate fiber
that causes lung and respiratory illnesses as well as cancer. If it’s detected, it will be contained and the project will move forward. Many teachers and students being
affected are wondering why the project wasn’t done during the summer. However, if the project was started earlier, it would have still gone into the school year. Twitter: @TheGirlWithCrocs
Tech 12
The Pearl Post
Best tech gifts to give for this holiday season
Dec. 9, 2016
Angel Rivera
Staff Writer
Olloclip (retail: $80) The Olloclip is made specifically for the iPhone 6. It is a clip that attaches to the camera of the phone and amplifies regular images by adding more camera room to a selfie or by enabling the iPhone to take a wide-shot of a pretty view.
With the holiday season quickly approaching, here is a list of the best tech gifts to give to a loved one. FitBit Flex (retail: $79.95) The FitBit Flex Track is an inexpensive device designed to track different aspects of a workout. This gadget is the perfect gift for anyone who to exercise. Photo from commons.wikimedia.org
Photo from commons.wikimedia.org Phiaton BT 100 NC (retail: $100) The revolutionary wireless earphones, Phiaton BT 100 NC, are perfect for everything from gaming and music to exercise. These headphones incorporate more efficient sounds and even blockout outside noise with ease. They also have a battery charge that can last up to 12 hours.
Audio Technica AT-LP60 (retail: $99) This technology is less inexpensive than other record players and a combination of a more advanced stereo and an old-fashioned record player. Just put a record on this record player, press play and listen.
Photo from audio-technica.com
Photo from phiaton.com
Amazon Kindle (retail: $80+) The Kindle is perfect for the avid reader. This model includes 46GB of memory and provides an advanced library of books for readers to enjoy. Also, it is lighter than a paperback, and includes new features like the notification for the reader to pick up the pace of reading or to set goals.
Braven BRV-1 (retail: $68) The Braven BRV-1 speaker is the speaker to have. Being waterproof, it can withstand rain, splashes and can even be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. It also has 15 hours of battery charge and the outside rubber material protects the unit from an inevitable collision. Photo from pixabay.com
Photo from braven.com
Instagram: @aangel__rivera
Snapchat Spectacles mix tech with fashion Amanda Jimenez Staff Writer
Photo from depop.com
App of the Month
Depop Kirsten Cintigo
Staff Writer
No need to wander aimlessly store through store to find that that perfect top or trendiest vintage item. The app Depop helps provide all those perfect ticket items to everyone just at the tap of a finger. The app was created by Simon Beckerman, an entrepreneur from Milan who wanted to create a marketplace dedicated to connecting with others. According to Beckerman this came from an urge to make something innovative, design led, intuitive and fun to use. For the full story go to the www. thepearlpost.com
Snap Inc. more commonly known as Snapchat released its new product, the Snapchat Spectacles. The new sunglasses were released on Nov. 10 and have the capability to record a 10-second video when pushing the only button on the device. The Spectacles are being sold from a spectacle dispenser in Venice Beach for $129. However, they sold out quickly and the only way to get your hands on them is online from resellers such as Ebay. The only downside to purchasing the Spectacles from a reseller is that the starting price is substantially greater than the original retail price. “It’s smart for people to resell them,” senior Arianna Aguayo said. “There’s always people who’ll buy them just to have them.” The Snap Spectacles have a camera and a button to start it, unlike the Google Glasses. Once the Spectacles start recording, a spinning light indicates to the surrounding people that they are on camera. The video is then wirelessly uploaded to the user’s snapchat. The Spectacles’ advertisements were geared towards teens who feel the need to share every aspect of their life. But the majority of teens aren’t aware of the innovative product.
Photo from Snapchat.com The Snapchat Spectacles allow users to creatively record memories in a new way. “They’re pretty pointless,” sophomore Daniel Santiago said. “They have nothing to them making them, waste of money.” The complication with Snapchat releasing the Spectacles is that they have not released an official Snapchat app compatible for Microsoft phones. After telling Microsoft phone users that their next project would be to create a functional app to use on Microsoft phones, they began to produce the Spectacles. The release of the glasses likely occurred from Snapchat attempting to keep
its users from their rising competition. Other social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram have begun creating similar features to that of Snapchat’s. Nonetheless, it is a new way to keep the consumer in control of different ways to produce short videos to share with their friends. “They aren’t Google or Microsoft,” sophomore Taylor Devlugt said. “They should really calm down because it’s too much.” Instragram: @TheGirlWithCrocs