PEARL POST
Daniel Pearl Magnet High School 6649 Balboa Blvd., Lake Balboa, CA 91406
www.thepearlpost.com
Sept. 22, 2017
Volume 9 Issue 1
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals News 2
Undocumented immigrants affected by end of DACA Opinion 8
dreams
Shattered
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Photo Illustration by Cristina Jercan
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News 2
Sept. 22, 2017
The Pearl Post
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ending Elizabeth Cortez and Daniela Dixon
A
Staff Writers
lthough sophomore Jason Echeverria is not directly affected by President Donald Trump’s recent decision on ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, he still aches to see friends who are affected by it. “I’m not being affected by it but I know other people who are and it’s sad to see that their dreams are hurt,” Echeverria said. On Sept. 5, Trump announced an end on DACA, a program that gives an estimated 800,000 undocumented youth a reprieve from deportation and gives them permits for work, according to the Department of Homeland Security website. In the Sept. 5 article “Trump ends DACA but gives Congress window to save it” published on CNN, Trump said that winding down the program would be more considerate than letting the courts end it. He also said in the same article, “We will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion, but through the lawful Democratic process while at the same time ensuring that any immigration reform we adopt provides enduring benefits for the American citizens we were elected to serve. We must also have heart and compassion for unemployed, struggling and forgotten Americans.” Trump gave Congress six months to come up with legislation to help the estimated 800,000 undocumented people affected by DACA. According to the Sept. 5 article “Trump ends DACA program for immigrants” published in the Baltimore Sun, hundreds of people will continue to lose their ability to lawfully hold a job, buy a home and receive student loans if they no longer have DACA. Trump wants tougher immigration enforcement, in hopes of lowering the amount of immigrants let in. In California, an estimated 200,000 undocumented people benefit from DACA. At Daniel Pearl Magnet High School, several students are affected by it. “Well, I’ve always supported the
Photo by Adriana Chavira Rallies, like this one held in Echo Park on Sept. 10, are being held aroud the country in response to President Trump’s announcement that he’s ending DACA, which affects an estimated 800,000 undocumented people, including students at Daniel Pearl Magnet. implementation of DACA,” Counselor Martina Torres said. “It gives our undocumented students an opportunity to work and do things they couldn’t do before.” The Los Angeles Unified School District has come out in support of DACA recipients. “We call on the Trump administration to continue the support for these young immigrants, who have become valuable contributors to the community and the nation they consider their home,” Superintendent Michelle King said in the Aug. 30 press release titled “L.A. Unified Leaders Support DACAs, ‘Dreamers’.” The debate on what to do with undocumented immigrants has and still is an ongoing battle. The first related proposition was made in Aug. 2001 by Senator Orrin Hatch and Senator Maria Cantwell. The two came up with the DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors), an alternative act to legalize immigrants. Years passed and Congress didn’t do anything because they didn’t see this as an important enough
topic to break the filibuster in Senate. On June 15, 2012, President Obama introduced DACA, which kept people under the age of 31 from deportation and provided eligibility for a work permit according to the Sept. 6 article “Obama said DACA was ‘not a permanent fix’ in 2012 announcement” published in The Washington Post. DACA also provided a temporary employment authorization card that let undocumented students apply for a Social Security number, which allowed them to report wages and pay taxes. With a Social Security number, undocumented immigrants were able to have a driver’s license and an identification card. In order to be eligible for DACA, undocumented immigrants must have lived in the U.S. continuously since June 15, 2007, had come to the United States before their 16th birthday, were present in the United States, attended school, have graduated from high school in the United States or have a GED. An honorably discharged veteran of the Coast
Campus aid position closure leaves school with no extra security this year Angel Van Horn Staff Writer
The lack of school aid has left the school without an extra set of eyes to supervise students since the position was closed at the end of the last school year. “I feel fine. I’m not worried about it at all,” Principal Deb Smith said. “We have staff that supervise the hallways and courtyard areas. That’s never changed.” In June, the transfer of Madgeolyn Wooten, known as Ms. Madge, was announced when her position was eliminated. The district closed the position
for a campus aid, thus preventing Daniel Pearl Magnet High School from hiring a replacement. Smith felt that there was really no need for a campus aid considering the size of the school and the many adults already patrolling the courtyards. Plus, since the new school year began, the school has been sharing a campus aid with Independence High School who comes two mornings a week from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. But students feel that an extra person would make them feel safer on campus. “We need security in every school.
A random person could just walk in the school and nobody would notice,” Junior Clarissa Jimenez says. “It affects our safety.” Smith said that the position for campus aid has not yet been authorized but once it is, the position will be filled. She says she is not worried and the students shouldn’t be either. “The position was closed last year and if we get authorized to have that position back then we will hire one. We don’t have a safety officer assigned here, we’ve never felt that we needed one,” Smith said Instagram: @angul.murie
Guard or Armed Forces of the United States could also apply for DACA. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will no longer accept initial requests for DACA. They will only renew DACA requests received by Oct. 5 for those whose permit expires between Sept. 5 and March 5, 2018. Trump’s decision to end DACA is affecting current high school seniors who are applying to colleges because now they are unsure on what lies in their future. “It’s hard to know who is a DACA student because it’s not something that all students are open about,” Torres said. “I just want to say that I hope DACA students do continue to talk to adults that may help them.”
Instagram: @xo.danielaa10 Instagram: @cortez_elizabeth_
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Sept. 22, 2017
The Pearl Post
Briefs:
Restorative justice in action Rosa Lemus Staff Writer
Restorative justice at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School officially kicked off Sept. 20 to help teens connect more and help them with behavior problems. “The barriers between grades levels will be broken,” said science teacher Steven Schaffter, who is one of the school’s staff who has been trained in restorative justice. In the past few years, the Los Angeles Unified School District has been implementing restorative justice programs in its campuses. This programs is to help teens with behavior problems by giving students a more personal approach. At DPMHS, the goal is to have these restorative justice advisory meetings once a month. Having these meetings will bring benefits to teenagers in a way that can show them there are people just like them going through the same things. During the first advisory on Sept. 20, students will meet within smaller groups in their Houses and hold a community circle activity during an advisory, which will be after Period 4 but before lunch. “You get to know people as individuals, not just as classmates,” Schaffter said. Instagram: @rosalemus_
Early Tuesdays return Anthony Freyre New Media Editor
After their one-year suspension, short Tuesdays make their long-awaited return, as students now get out of school at 1:42 p.m. and regular school hours return to 3:16 p.m. “Last year when we didn’t use early Tuesdays, it made it really hard for us to get enough days for everybody to get together for all the different meetings,” Principal Deb Smith said. The school was able to revive early dismissal because the teachers needed more time to conduct their department meetings. LAUSD requires that schools have the minimum of 11 professional development meetings each year and have a staff meeting once a month. “I prefer to get out earlier than 3:16 because I hate waiting in traffic, but at the same time I don’t mind getting out every Tuesday at 1:42,” Davy Mauermann said. LAUSD mandates that high schools must reach the minimum of 65,300 annual instructional minutes and luckily with the shortened Tuesdays the school is able to reach those minutes with a compromise of extending every other day to 3:16 p.m. Instagram: @_tonyfreyre10
See our video on Early Tuesdays @ www.thepearlpost.com
News 3
Low enrollment cuts Spanish classes Julissa Rangel
Staff Writer
Four weeks into the new semester, approximately 100 students’ schedules have been dramatically altered because of the limited availability of classes, especially Spanish classes, this school year. “It’s very frustrating,” Spanish teacher Glenda Hurtado said. “We’re unable to meet students’ skill level because of how small of a school we are.” Many juniors and seniors find themselves scrambling to fulfil their A-G requirements within their last two years of high school, the 2017-2018 school year being no different. Due to another year of low enrollment with only 356 students, they’re limited to their choices of courses and some are afraid they’ll be unable to accumulate all their credits by the end of senior year. Among the biggest dilemmas students faced earlier this semester was choosing between a lower level of Spanish or putting it off for another year, which would put them in danger of not being able to graduate. “The elimination of Spanish speakers was annoying and frustrating,” junior Danny Santiago said. “I understand why it was removed, so I can’t really blame the school. It’s just something that happens.” A-G requirements are classes Los Angeles Unified School District requires all students to complete and pass with a “D” or better before they’re allowed to graduate from high school. One of the requirements is at least two years of a foreign language, Language Other than En-
Photo by Richard Mendiola The schedules of many students clashed with the Spanish classes being offered. glish or “LOTE,” for short. As of now, the only foreign language offered is Spanish. The subject is taught entirely by Hurtado and the only Spanish-speakers class offered was disbanded just three days into the semester. In its place, two separate Spanish two classes are being offered. Originally, the school planned on hiring a second Spanish teacher in an effort to keep Hurtado from having to teach all levels of the subject. The addition of the new teacher would have allowed for more flexibility in students’ schedules and the changing of their schedules would have been avoided. But since student enrollment is low, the extra teacher was deemed unnecessary and for the
second year in a row, Hurtado is solely responsible for teaching the language. Both, freshman and sophomore classes are larger than the junior and senior classes this year. This has to do with the large number of students who transferred out for either private or larger schools, according to Magnet Coordinator Nicole Bootel. Had the school kept its students from previous years as well as incoming freshmen and transfers, the addition of a second language teacher would have become crucial. “If we had held our previous students along with incoming ones, we’d have over 400 students this year,” Bootel said. Instagram: @juliss.za
Staff takes home two second place awards Michael Chidbachian Copy Editor
The Pearl Post placed second for the best High School Newspaper at the Los Angeles Press Club SoCal Journalism Awards, coming in after The Accolade from Sunny Hills High School. The accompanying website, which was up against four universities, also won second place after the UCLA’s Daily Bruin. This has been the sixth year in a row in which The Pearl Post has been a finalist in the Los Angeles Press Club awards. The awards gala took place at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles on June 25. The ceremony featured countless journalists and celebrities, including Los Angeles Press Club President Robert Kovacik, Spanish broadcaster of the Los Angeles Dodgers Jaime Jarrín, Mayor Eric Garcetti, Judea Pearl, Andrea Mitchell of NBC and MSNBC and comedian Conan O’Brien. At the start of the event, attendees were allowed to take photos on the red carpet and soon after, the silent auction full of jewelry and signed memorabilia was open. As the program began, dinner was served at the same time Kovacik gave his opening speech. In a matter of moments,
Photo by LA Press Club Juniors Michael Chidbachian and Kirsten Cintigo accepted the two awards for the staff. the student category awards in which The icant role it plays in everybody’s lives. Pearl Post was nominated in came up. For the full story, visit thepearlpost.com President of the National Press Club Jeff Ballou spoke about the importance of journalism, emphasizing the signifInstagram: @michaelvchid
Features 4
The Pearl Post
Sept. 22, 2017
Students go nuts and bolts for new robotics class Melissa Hernandez
Staff Writer
Gadgets, gizmos, and coding arrive on campus with the addition of a new robotics class this school year. In Room 2 where the robotics class is held, students are often put into groups to meet new people, exchange ideas and help each other understand robotics more efficiently. “Robotics is very interactive and hands-on, and we often have to work together,” senior Faith Alvarenga said. The class began the first day of school with students experimenting and learning how to construct various types of robots. As a beginner’s lesson, students were taught how to create Clawbot, which is a type of robot with claws designed to pick up objects. Robotics teacher Mark Gendernalik maintains a hands-off teaching style by making his students work together and analyze the problem when an issue comes up. In addition to coding and identifying the different parts of robots, students also learn important skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. “We start by learning what all the equipment is called to have a common language,” said Gendernalik, who teaches at Mulholland Middle School but comes to this campus for the Period 4 robotics class. “I try and guide them to where they can figure it out and if I think they already have enough and they can figure it out, I don’t give them much of anything at all.” Students plan to participate in future competitions with other schools but first they must become more experienced in
Photo by Sergio Payeras Senior Tatanka Baskerville controls a robot he created with his group in the fourth period robotics class.
Photo by Sergio Payeras Sophmore Ethan Guttman, senior Cris Martinez and senior Deborah Zuleta assemble materials to construct their robots. building their own robots. Once they learn how to build different robots and become more experienced with coding, students will be more prepared for upcoming competitions. In order to be able to compete, the students must create their own team, get the information of the event and raise money for new equipment and transportation. Once everything is completed, the school will finally be qualified for the high school competitions. “Right now, we are working on a Clawbot so that way everyone can have
a basic understanding of how to build a robot,” freshman Chelsea Bangert said. “That way we can be ready for a competition at the end of the year.” Due to the high demand and interest for a robotics class, there is also an after-school ROP class that started earlier this month. “As long as we can get a teacher here on our campus to teach it and students are interested, it will be a permanent program,” Principal Deb Smith said. “I would love to see the class grow.” Twitter: @melissa_pikachu
Photo by Sergio Payeras Students in the robotics class worked in groups to design robots that can pick up objects.
College Corner: Cal State edits math requirement Daniela Dixon
Staff Writer
A new school year has begun and California State universities are changing up their math requirements for the incoming freshmen of 2018. “I actually didn’t know about this, but I struggled a lot in algebra, so in a sense, I’ve seen lower expectations,” senior Cesar Zeledon said. “I feel disrespected because they’re saying that people who might want a challenge, aren’t getting it.” In June, the California State universities dropped intermediate algebra as a requirement to take a few of the college-level math courses. This new policy allows college students to have more flexibility and choices when it comes to choosing a particular GE course. In the past, over 25,000 freshmen students were required to take non-credit remedial courses in the fall, but now they will not need to take any of those classes. However, the admission requirements won’t change because of this new policy. Students will still need three years of common core math, but now students
will be tested to see if they need to repeat their intermediate algebra as a remedial course. The entire CSU system will no longer determine where a student gets placed on their math placement exams. Instead, they will base it off the student’s high school GPA, their grades in college-level classes, and other tests such as the Advanced Placement scores. Teachers such as math teacher Daniel Cramer have their own opinions and thoughts on the recent changes. “I understand that math is often preventing students from pursuing the careers they want but I’m concerned that more students won’t take the math classes that will benefit them,” Cramer said. There are many positive outcomes due to this new policy. Now, whenever college students take a class, they are guaranteed credit for that class towards their degree. In the Aug. 4 article, “Cal State Univ. System removes math, English placement exams and remedial class requirements” published online on The Blaze, the main reason that Cal States are changing the system is to try and increase the college
Photo from Wikipedia This June, California State universities subtracted intermediate algebra from their math requirements graduation rate from 19 to 40 percent, by the year 2025. Students who are planning to major in math, science, or engineering, still need to take algebra and other higher math courses.
“In a way I think it’s good, but for the students who are really deserving, they have less of a chance to get in,” senior Kamryne Blake said. Instagram: @xo.danielaa10
Sept. 22, 2017
The Pearl Post
Features 5
Hambright receives the Rookie of the Year award Samantha Freyre Staff Writer
A few months after receiving the district’s Rookie of the Year Award, music teacher Wes Hambright continues teaching his students the art of music with the hope that they will gain confidence and the ability to think creatively by the end of the school year. “When I was told I had won a Rookie of the Year award I was floored,” Hambright said. “It came as a big surprise because I didn’t even know the award existed.” On Aug. 13, the 18 winners of the Rookie of the Year award were treated to a Dodgers-Angel baseball game at a private suite at Dodgers Stadium. The award was initially created with the intent to recognize and reward teachers in the Los Angeles area. Winners were selected through key characteristics such as effectiveness in preparing and delivering instructions, providing a positive classroom environment and showing high levels of professionalism. Most students were overjoyed to hear that their favorite music teacher had received an award for his outstanding teaching skills. Many believed Hambright deserved the award because of unique way of teaching music. “He deserves this award because he is really interactive with his students and he’s willing to stay the extra 10 minutes to
Photo by Samantha Freyre Hambright teaches different guitar chords to his second period guitar class.
Photo provided by Deb Smith Music Teacher Wes Hambright was awarded a Rookie of the Year award, a highly-selective award given to 18 teachers out of 76 possible candidates. help you actually get the music,” senior Christian Martinez-Sepulveda said. This award was given to 18 first-year teachers out of 76 other candidates. Receiving the recognition is extremely humbling for many teachers because only few are selected out of all of the Los Angeles Unified School District.
“I think the award reinforced the fact that I am doing a solid job at DPMHS,” Hambright said. “This helps give me a momentum to continue with my goals for the school and the students here.” Facebook: Samantha Freyre
Photo by Deb Smith Hambright’s family helped congratulate him for his award on June 7. .
Meet the New Staff
What is your favorite part about working here?
Sal Rivas Plant Manager
A-G Counselor Iliana Hernandez
“I was once at a high school “My favorite thing about worklevel and it’s great to be surround- ing at DPMHS is that it’s inclusive ed by that type of energy again.” and welcoming to all students.” Photos and interviews by Julissa Rangel
Joanne Tuell Psychiatric Social Worker
“The staff is so welcoming and cares about the kids. It’s fun to be on campus.”
Mark Gendernalik Period 4 Robotics Teacher “My favorite part is the student’s energy.” Instagram: @Juliss.za
Special Reports 6
The Pearl Post
Sept. 22, 2017
Political timeline heats up during summer Along with the summer heat, politics rose to hot topic status in the U.S as the government made decisions that affected people on a global scale. Here are a few notable events to help you get caught up in case you missed anything.
Photo from wikepedia.com
June 1
On , President Donald Trump revoked the involvement and participation of the United States in the Paris Climate Accord. Composed of 195 nations, the Paris Climate Accord is purposed with combating environmental hazards on a global scale.
June 12
On , 22-year-old United States citizen Otto Warmbier, was released from captivity in North Korea under the guise of an illness he had contracted. Warmbier was detained in January of 2016 for allegedly attempting to steal a propaganda poster from the hotel and was subsequently sentenced to 15 years of hard labor. A week later, Warmbier died from an unknown cause.
July 11
On , this order was signed in regards to a 1997 executive order that was issued by Bill Clinton which resulted in labeling Sudan as a “threat to national security.” Sudan wanted to be reevaluated for the warrant put on them. Trump’s order extended the deadline to October 12, which gives the U.S. more time to decide whether or not Sudan is a threat to national security.
Aug. 12,
On white supremacists gather for a “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville to the protest removal of a statue of Robert E. Lee. Violence breaks out after counter protesters offer opposition to white supremacists. President Trump did not condemn the acts of hatred committed by white supremacist and said there was blame on both sides.
June 12
Trump faced yet another defeat on in enforcing his proposed travel ban on six predominantly Muslim countries. Two previous Court of Appeal rulings (Hawaii and Virginia) deemed that the executive order was lacking the adequate justifications necessary to proceed. On Sept. 12, the Supreme Court upheld Trump’s decision.
July 31
On , Chief of Staff, John Kelly fired Communications Director, Anthony Scaramucci only 10 days after he was hired. Scaramucci was removed from his position after giving a controversial interview in which he criticized members from Trump’s Administration. Trump deemed his comments as disrespectful and unprofessional.
Aug. 16,
On Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh decides to remove confederate statues. She believed these statues resembled the pain and violence in Charlottesville and did not want that in her city.
Aug. 18
On Stephen Bannon, Trump’s chief strategist was fired because he had views that contradicted Trump’s
Photo from wikepedia.com Compiled by Mirabelle Chernick, Samantha Freyre and Maria Ruiz
Sept. 22, 2017
Why is “Hamilton” relatable to teens?
Junior Judith Ntere “Some teens relate to his story because they’re immigrants. They started a new life from scratch in the U.S (like Hamilton).”
The Pearl Post
Broadway added to history curriculum
Photo by Amanda Jimenez A selected group of juniors were chosen to attend a special assembly at Panorama High School on Aug. 17 to hear about EduHam. Michael Chidbachian
D Sophomore Marjina Haque “It’s a fusion of U.S. history and rap which sounds interesting, plus it celebrates immigrants.”
Special Reports 7
Copy Editor
uring a visit to Los Angeles for the opening of his hit Broadway show “Hamilton: An American Musical,” playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda told his life story and his way to success to nearly 1,000 student attendees. “There are things that just pop up in my work and the fact that Hamilton was an immigrant related to me,” Miranda said. Students across the Northeast Valley were invited to Panorama High School on Aug. 17 to learn about Miranda’s career in the arts and the new educational program he has helped implement in public high schools across the country. “It takes a genius to think about how
to make the world better,” Congressman Tony Cárdenas said before introducing Miranda. “He got inspired about an event 200 years ago and made it relevant to us. That’s not easy to do. It takes a genius to do that.” Funded by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History and the Rockefeller Foundation, Hamilton Education Initiative, or EduHam, is a complete curriculum supplied to Title I schools across the country that helps teach the story behind “Hamilton.” In this project, students create short skits that relate to Hamilton or the history related to him. “You know that Hamilton music you’ve been listening to? That’s history,” Cárdenas said. “You’re learning his-
tory.” After creating their skits and working first-hand with documents written nearly 200 years ago, students have a chance to show off their performance on stage before the start of the musical in front of thousands of people. When asked by junior Zachary Gephart-Canada whether or not he would ever focus on a person of color for a future play, Miranda filled with excitement about the idea. “EduHam will allow students to share stories that are marginalized and unheard,” Miranda said during the Q & A. “Frederick Douglass, Rosa Parks — there is no shortage of the stories you can tell.” Instagram: @michaelvchid
“Hamilton” helps add creativity to classroom Jade Ajileye
Senior Alana Cush “The genre of hip-hop and all the drama makes it relatable.”
Freshman Idris Muhammad “(Hamilton) has music teens can relate to.” Interviews and photos by Julissa Rangel Twitter: @ ju11ssa
Staff Writer
Junior Hailee Kessler can now breathe a sigh of relief after completing the new curriculum assigned by the history teachers of the junior class. “Finding sources was an easy and fun way to learn about the Boston Tea Party,” Kessler said. “I learned how to find primary sources from books and online websites to complete my research.” The Hamilton Project was a precursor to the junior class’ trip on Oct. 12 to view the smash Broadway hit “Hamilton: An American Musical” written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, at the Pantages Theatre This is part of the Hamilton Education Initiative, also known as #EduHam, that aims to introduce teenagers to Historical figures and challenge the teens to tap into a creative mindset. “The fact that we had to research it to make sure it was factually correct helped me learn about Hamilton,” junior John Sendin said.” Creativity is always good to have in certain projects. If it’s all plain, it can get boring.” The curriculum consisted of a booklet in which the pupils were tasked with finding credible sources, analyzing histor-
ical documents and getting familiar with excerpts, songs and poems from the play. The booklet also included activities such as fill-in-the-blanks and timelines to help the students learn about the time periods in which their chosen performance pieces took place in. The historical event gave the students complete creative control. The way they would act it out and if they would perform individually or in groups was a decision that each student was able to make. “My group did a poem about the Hamilton v. Burr Duel,” junior Tabitha Quiroz said. “We got a booklet and had to fill it out and do research about the event in particular then go from there.” The assignment taught the students to not just read off the book, but to experience the history they’ve always learned in a way that would bring out creativity and help the information stick in their minds better. “We had to write the whole script ourselves,” junior Quiser Nasir said. “You could work in groups, I worked in a group of three.” Nasir and his group did a skit on the Hamilton v. Burr Duel in which they used their phones as prop guns. Now, they will
walk into the play with previous knowledge and a better understanding. Instagram: @jade.ajileye
Photo by Steven Guzman Junior Emely Felix performed her interpretation of a historical figure as part of the new #EduHAm curriculum.
Opinion 8
The Pearl Post
Sept. 22, 2017
Students Accepted through Gender Pronouns Jade Ajileye
Staff Writer
No pronoun belongs to any certain sex, meaning pronouns aren’t assigned to or just for males or females. In short, all pronouns are gender neutral. This belief has gained popularity as more schools and workplaces try to meet the needs of the genderqueer and transgender community. This year, our school has become more open in asking students their preferred gender pronoun to avoid misunderstandings and because it would be a disservice to some students otherwise. “It is a reflection of the needs of our students,” Magnet Coordinator Nicole Bootel said. ”We would like to treat people the way they want to be treated. I think that people want to be referred to in a manner that’s comfortable to them. It’s a simple enough adjustment.” These changes are the result of recent campaigns for gender-neutral bathrooms. DPMHS is ahead of the curve, having these accommodations in place for four years now ahead of any other high school in LAUSD. Gender identity for most people is the same as their biological sex or their gender expression fits enough into traditional norms that people can correctly assume their pronouns are either “he” or “she.” However, for those that don’t fall into this category, assumptions can be considered rude and limiting. “Pronouns are an unavoidable fact of the English language, and people deserve
Cartoon by Christine Valenzuela A student wears a shirt that holds the symbol for gender neutrality and multi-gender, while surrounded by preferred gender pronouns and the contradiction of others.
the common decency of being referred to in a way that reflects who they are and how they identify,” said Tatiana Fiermonte, a representative of the LGBT National Help Center, in an interview. “It isn’t a question of respect or kindness, it is a minimum standard of decency.” Other pronouns like ‘they’, ‘ve’, ‘ze’ and ‘xe’ exist, all are gender neutral pronouns the LGBT community approves of and utilizes, so it is courteous to practice asking someone how they identify to avoid confusion. “You can’t always tell someone’s gender or what they prefer to be called by appearances, so by asking you put the ball in their court,” said an anonymous representative of Equality California, an LGBTQ organization in Los Angeles, in an interview. By not jumping to conclusions, you’re modeling respectful pronoun use for others and promoting tolerance. The use of preferred gender pronouns in schools is progressive and a great way to promote inclusion and support students. “The ideal method is to create an environment where people feel comfortable declaring for themselves how they identify,” Fiermonte said. It’s a privilege to not have to worry about which pronoun someone is going to use for you based on how they perceive your gender. If you have this privilege, yet fail to respect someone else’s identity, you’re being oppressive. Instagram: @jade.ajileye
Undocumented immigrants affected by end of DACA Sergio Payeras Tech Editor
Like everyone else, illegal immigrants in this country have dreams, but on Sept. 5, it was announced that those dreams may very well never come true. On that day, President Donald Trump decided to end a program that protects around 800,000 immigrants from being taken away from their friends, family and the life they’ve built in America. Now, its applicants, called “Dreamers,” stand on even thinner ice as Trump has put their status into the hands of Congress. Current Dreamers do not have to worry about their permits until their expirations, but Congress has until March 5, 2018 to renew the program. In June of 2012, the Obama Administration established the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, which allowed a selection of undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as minors to be eligible for work permits as well as being granted a two-year period of deferred action from deportation. Many Dreamers and supporters alike have taken to social media to voice
their concerns for the program. Tags like #DefendDACA have risen on Twitter from these groups, and numerous users across other platforms have expressed their feel-
there’s a couple of things to understand about Dreamers. They include people from all races, not just Latinos. They are found everywhere from schools and offic-
“They include people from all races, not just Latinos. They are found everywhere from schools and offices to stages and top company positions. They are as integral to society as an American born citizen.”
ings in emotional meltdowns of anger, fear, grief and uncertainty. Despite the emotion, it’s not a surprise that the Trump Administration has decided to end the program. With the increased feelings of anti-immigration in the government, the fate of DACA had been in jeopardy since the presidential election. No matter how the current administration may feel about immigration,
es to stages and top company positions. They are behind television screens, hospital desks and even holding the pen that wrote a magazine, a book or a high school newspaper article. They are as integral to society as an American born citizen. According to a survey in contribution with the University of California San Diego, 95 percent of Dreamers are employed or currently attend
school, 54 percent have bought their first car and 12 percent have purchased their first home. All this does not mean a path for citizenship. Dreamers are not granted amnesty. They aren’t eligible for services like Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Social Security and cannot vote. They are still required to pay federal income taxes, and in some states, are allowed to get a driver’s license. Contrary to some belief, parents of DACA recipients do not get any of these benefits. As such, Dreamers still have to live in constant fear for the safety of their significant others who do not qualify for the program. If anything, Dreamers have had to work twice as hard for what they have and will achieve. Or, at least, while they still can. Applicants who have renewed their status in 2016 have until 2018 until their work permits expire, and those who have renewed in the recent months have until 2019 . Beyond that, Dreamers’ statuses remain up to Congress for now. Twitter: @justsergthings
Sept. 22, 2017
The Pearl Post
Hopeful beginning to refined issues Cristina Jercan
Editor-in-Chief
The new 2017-2018 writers, photographers and editors have joined the staff with true ambition, allowing for us all to create a more unified goal for the paper. As student journalists, we stress the importance of our voices in the public media. Fake news and mistrust in the media has become prevalent in our world with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. The power of student journalism has been spread throughout the newsroom, creating a unified force to report the truth and the news to our public sphere. Laws like California Ed Code 48907 protect the rights of student journalists to exercise our First Amendment rights and has become a vital tool for our publication’s success. As a staff, we utilize our right and responsibility to provide credible news to our community. Moving forward and expanding upon the redesign of the newspaper becomes an exciting goal for the editors. We have opened the doors for editors to explore their creativity through their pages. This is being done by contributing to PBS NewsHour’s Student Reporting Labs, in which three new media editors have were appointed. They add a new wave of creativity and expression to the publication that had been very minimal in previous years. Our staff is ready to work together on
Photo by Rachel Bullock Online Editor-in-Chief Jessica Salguero and Editor-in-Chief Cristina Jercan. communication between both writers and allowing for the student body to be more editors. Communication has become the involved with the content on our publicaprimary goal of the publication to reach as tion and help to communicate to us what it establishes success and improvement in they would wish to see in the newspaper. its quality. We plan to send out surveys to classes We believe the improvement of the asking students what they would enjoy paper is linked to the response from the to read about in our publication and offer student body to the content being pub- for them to nominate student athletes for lished. It is beneficial to see the true power “Athlete of the Month.” that lies within the audience as it is what Twitter: @cristanabanana most affects the paper’s success. We are
Online presence to improve this year Jessica Salguero Online Editor-in-Chief
The 2017-2018 school year marks the start of yet another great year for The Pearl Post’s online publication. Our online publication will undergo its own small makeover to catch up with the print publication’s redesign from last school year. A new logo for the website is currently in the works and should be published in almost no time. The primary goal of the website this year is to continue to post new content
for our readers. However, we are hoping to provide our school with information by posting articles at least twice a week and more videos, as we have introduced 3 additional new media editors. On top of that, we plan on finding new ways for the website to be more interactive with students. We’ve been experimenting with more interactive photos and timelines, and hope to implement them alongside our other multimedia content. We are also planning on adding bi-monthly polls and quizzes for everyone to enjoy. Our staff consists of new and experi-
enced faces eagerly working together to create award-worthy content. Last year our website placed Second Place Best News Website at the Los Angeles Press Club and are working toward adding even more to our collection. This year’s staff is bound to be faced with some issues in the process of creating the content that our viewers desire. However, we will be able to overcome them as they arise and be one step closer to achieving the goals we have already set for both publications. Twitter: @jxssick
Pearl Voice: Can teachers ask students’ PGP?
Photos by Elizabeth Cortez “I feel like teachers shouldn’t be asking students what they want, especially in front of the class,” freshman Olivia Bullock said.
“I think it’s like polite and nice,” junior Andres Perkins said.
“I’m glad that they are giving students the option,” senior Lisette Bayardo said.
Opinion 9
The Pearl Post Print Editor-in-Chief Cristina Jercan Online Editor-in-Chief Jessica Salguero Managing Editor Nalley Delara Features Editor Michelle Kaganovsky Opinion Editor Kirsten Cintigo Entertainment Editor Amanda Jimenez Sports Editor Anthony Weatherspoon Tech Editor Sergio Payeras New Media Editor-in-Chief Maia Hito New Media Editor Anthony Freyre, Steven Guzman, Ani Kocharyn, Photo Editors Rachel Bullock, Richard Mendiola Copy Editors Michael Chidbachian Staff Writers/ Photographers Jadesola Ajileye, Jade Campbell, Alyssa Cancio, Mirabelle Chernick, Elizabeth Cortez, Daniela Dixon, David Eskichyan, Samantha Freyre, Melissa Hernandez, Rosa Lemus, Karina Mara, Julissa Rangel, Maria Ruiz, Angie Rumbo, Lauryn Uhlenberg, Christine Valenzuela, Angel VanHorn 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 916045529.
Entertainment 10
The Pearl Post
Sept. 22, 2017
Screenshot from Netflix.com
screenshot from youtube.com Vlogger, Mike Martin accusing his son Cody of spilling ink all over the carpet, even though it was his mother who spilled it as a prank.
YouTubers push the legal boundaries
Christine Valenzuela Staff Writer
YouTubers are becoming more daring and dangerous with their pranks over recent months, blinded by the promising YouTube fame. “If YouTubers are going to prank someone they should make sure it won’t harm anyone,” sophomore Andi Mendoza said. “And that there won’t be any long term effects.” As pranks become one of the most viewed videos online, YouTubers strive to make their prank video the best, for views of course. Just about anything is worthy of becoming a prank to up and coming youtubers; from “pretending” to hurt family
Photo by alvvays.com
members to damaging the reputation of others. YouTubers, such as Jake and Logan Paul and DaddyOFive, are doing ridiculous and unimaginable actions calling them pranks, when it’s really just twisted humor. DaddyOFive have uploaded videos where parents are abusing their children, throwing them into dressers, even body slamming them while calling it a prank video. “Before it was just a pie in the face, or pulling down someone’s pants, but now it’s progressed to pretending that you’re dead and actually hurting people,” senior Alana Cush said. “These are incidents that could potentially be real for some people.” YouTube pranks not only consist of others’ injury but also vandalize the name
of other youtubers, all in the name of views. In a recent scandal YouTuber Faze Banks was accused of assaulting YouTuber Jake Paul’s assistant. Evidence says otherwise, there is even a speculation that Paul’s assistant confessed to the assault in order to gain views and subscribes for Paul. “YouTubers who do this should be punished since it’s a serious issue,” junior Emely Felix said. “They’re going too far.” YouTube should start banning and taking down videos where the prank is clearly hurting others. Demented pranks shouldn’t be created in order to gain views and subscribers.
Photo by princessnokia.org
Photo by Spotify.com
Canadian indie pop band Alvvays, consisting of vocalist Molly Rankin, guitarist Alec O’Hanley, bassist Brian Murphy and keyboardist Kerri MacLellan, dropped their album “Antsocialites” on Sep. 8. “Dreams Tonite” shares the optimistic side of love while “Lollipop” explores the blushing moments we experience when in love.
Daniel Caesar released a R&B/soul album on Aug. 25. Caesar uniquely incorporates a mix of soul and rock. In his debut album he highlights moments from his life where he questioned his faith and his battles with heartache and love. His breakout song “Get You” has an avant garde feel that eludes nostalgia.
Instagram: @cchristinevalenzuela
New low-key albums to listen to Daniela Dixon
Staff Writer
Destiny Nicole Frasqueri is Princess Nokia the newest rapper you should know. Her new album “1992” came out on Sept. 8, which highlights her Puerto Rican and Cuban background. Her carefree attitude and free spirit is a fresh addition to her well embodied talent.
Instagram: @xo.danielaa10
Disney says goodbye to Netflix
Lauryn Uhlenberg
Staff Writer
In an effort to conform to the current trends and technology, Disney and Pixar are removing their films from the competing streaming site Netflix and designing a new web page exclusively for Disney movies. Disney already released a beta-test not available in the U.S. that is similar to the style and content that the new service will provide. The test site, DisneyLife, allows subscribers to indulge in 400 plus movies, 4000 Disney shows and many songs and books. Unfortunately, only the U.K. has access to the site. Despite Marvel belonging to Disney, beloved Marvel shows, such as “Daredevil” and Jessica Jones, are still being provided by Netflix. The superhero shows have been an extreme success for Netflix, including Iron Fist, which approximately 15% of all Netflix subscribers tuned in to watch on its premiere date. In early 2018, Disney will also release a similar service for ESPN, where consumers are able to watch a plethora of Major League Baseball and college sports programs. Although the cost of the productions are unknown, Disney purchased a $1.58 billion share in BAMTech, the MLB streaming company. Using their share in BAMTech, Disney has the base to form a successful website that children and adults alike will enjoy. Many are eagerly anticipating the release in 2019, while some are dreading the additional fee of a new service. Instagram: @pake.the.snake
To see more entertainment stories, go to www.ThePearlPost.com. Also, check out our playlist on missed bops off summer albums on our Spotify page.
Sept. 22, 2017
The Pearl Post
VEX Marks the Spot
Tech 11
Mirabelle Chernick Staff Writer
VEX Robotics aims to inspire students to foster a passion for science, technology, engineering and math. With two robotics classes on campus this year, here’s a more detailed look at the three main kits.
Photo from apple.com Apple’s iPhone X features no home button, facial recognition and wireless charging. Preorders available Oct. 27 starting at $999.
Photo from vexrobotics.com The IQ Clawbot used by VEX beginners. Typically utilized for elementary and middle schools students, VEX IQ is the intro kit designed to acquaint students with the fundamental skills for VEX Robotics.
Photo from vexrobotics.com The VEX Clawbot used by robotics class. VEX EDR is the curriculum created for high school students. Its element of competition is demonstrated by regular battles in the class well as the culminating national and international championships.
iPhone X is the phone of the future Christine Valenzuela
Staff Writer
As a part of Apple’s tenth anniversary, three new smartphones were announced on Sept. 12; the iPhone 8, 8 Plus and the iPhone X. Apple has completely redesigned the new iPhone. Unlike the old iPhones, the iPhone X is going to be entirely screen, which means Apple will be completely getting rid of the home button. Instead of needing to click the home button in order to go back to the home screen, a simple swipe up from the bottom of the screen takes you home. Materials that make up the iPhone’s body have been completely changed, now made of a svelte glass screen and a surgical stainless steel body. The device is also water and dust-proof. However, the price seems to throw people off. As opposed to previous iPhone prices ranging from $500-800, the iPhone X sells for a staggering $1000.
Photo from apple.com iPhone 8 keeps the home button feature. Available in gold, space gray, or silver.
“In my opinion, the iPhone X is ridiculous because it doesn’t even have a home button and headphone jack,” junior Daniel Lopez said. “The price for iPhone X is starting at $1000 and that’s a ton of money for such a small device.” Cameras for the iPhone X have a larger and faster 12MP Sensor, which improves the quality of the photo taken and allows for optical image stabilization. It also offers optical and digital zoom. The iPhone X contains an A11 bionic chip, which is the “smartest chip ever in a smart phone”. With this chip, the iPhone X is capable of 600 billion operations per second. The phone also features facial mapping for unlock passwords and to pay. Its battery life also lasts up to two hours longer than the iPhone 7. The iPhone X is available for preorder on Oct. 27 and will be released on Nov. 3. Instagram: @cchristinevalenzuela
App of the month:
Introducing Smart Track College Funding program
David Eskichyan
Staff Writer
Photo from vexrobotics.com A VEXpro creation by Team JVN in 2014 The VEXpro college-level curriculum, where students become familiar with potential career paths involving their skills, is based upon the notion that everything can and should be personalized. Instagram: @chernick4340
With the help of the Smart Track College Funding system, high school students now have realistic ideas of how much financial aid they will receive. “The family puts in their information and the colleges that the student is interested in, and then what this does is it estimates,” College Counselor Linda Zimring said. “It’s only an estimate of how much financial aid the student will get given this financial information the parents put in, and of the colleges that the student lists, which ones are more generous and have a history of being more generous in financial aid,” Zimring said.
This nonprofit program is targeted at high school juniors and seniors with the aim of helping students with financial aid. The amount of financial aid a student will receive is based on the student’s family and their financial status. This company will help students set realistic goals for themselves in college not only based on the financial aid they will acquire, but also take into consideration what students want to study. Further information will be assessed by a meeting on Sept. 19, where the company will come and talk to junior and senior families of DPMHS and Valley Alternative Magnet High School. The meeting will take place at DPMHS. Twitter: @dxvideskichyxn
Photo from collegefundingkit.com Smart Track helps get students on the right path for college financial aid.
Sports 12
The Pearl Post
Sept. 22, 2017
Patriots charge with high hopes into new season David Eskichyan
Staff Writer
With the start of a new year, the Patriots prepare to tackle a new season as they start off the season with a total of two losses and one victory this season. Ending their most recent game with a final score of 34 to 21 against La Salle High School, the Patriots have brought their first win from their last home game on Sept. 8. One win and two losses later, the team remains determined to get closer to playoffs. “I definitely think it affects our attitude to the season as a whole but at the end of the day we have to remember that our goal is not to show off at home games but to compete for a city title and I definitely think we have a chance at that this year,” said senior Dean Khazanov, who plays offensive player and nose guard. With only two home games this season, the Birmingham football field will take advantage of it’s hiatus, undergoing renovations as they have made plans to turn the field into turf instead of field grass. “I think the team is a lot more inclined to win this year,” Khazanov said. “Last year we were not very confident but this year we have a whole different attitude as we approach the season.”
Scoreboard Varsity Football
8/25 BCCHS vs Harvard-Westlake 33-28 Loss 9/1 BCCHS vs Notre Dame 34-14 Loss 9/8 BCCHS La Salle 34-21 Win
Boys Water Polo
9/5 BCCHS vs Culver City 15-5 Win 9/6 BCCHS vs Eagle Rock 9-8 Loss 9/7 BCCHS vs Cabrillo 14-5 Win 9/8 BCCHS vs Beverly Hills 8-7 Loss 9/11 BCCHS vs San Pedro 19-6 Win 9/13 BCCHS vs Taft 15-10 Win 9/14 BCCHS vs Venice 9-5 Win
Photo by Richard Mendiola Nose guard senior Dean Khazanov leads the Birmingham Patriots into a 34-14 game against the Notre Dame Knights on Sept. 1. The Patriots spent the entire sum- last year when we played them it seemed The next loss for the Patriots was a mer training and working hard in order to like we were struggling to put together close game, with a final score of 34. achieve the victory they desire. The team drives, but this year it felt completely dif“There’s going to be hard games this began their new season they took their ferent,” said Khazanov. “Even though we season, but I feel our team will perceiver first loss against Harvard-Westlake with a lost in the last ten seconds of the game, and win,” said junior Kyle Matson Lemus, final score of 33 to 28 on Aug. 25. I still think that we have a much better who plays defense and nose tackle. “We just had our first season game opportunity to win and move further into Twitter: @dxvideskichyxn against Harvard-Westlake on Aug. 25, and playoffs this season.”
Athlete of the month:
Audree Alaras begins her second season in Patriots volleyball Jade Campbell
Staff Writer
Q: How long have you been playing volleyball? A: I’ve been playing for three years. Q: Why do you like volleyball? A: It’s always been a family tradition to play volleyball. I started watching my family play it when I was young. I just started playing it. Q: What are some highlights that you’ve had? A: I was injured for nine months and when I came back to practice for the first time, we had a tournament that week end and
I volunteered to go. I hadn’t practiced in nine months and I made the winning point. Q: Do you plan to continue playing after high school? A: I’ve thought about that a lot, I do want to continue playing volleyball but I want to be a veterinarian. But it’s been a dream to be a professional volleyball player. Q: Do you recommend other people to play volleyball? A: Yeah I do. If they really want to be on a team and feel that their confident playing volleyball then they should join.
Photo by Julissa Rangel Defense specialist Audree Alaras plays for Twitter: Ckecked333 the Junior Varsity Birmingham Patriots.
Athlete of the month:
Ben Sanchez makes a splash in upcoming water polo season Karina Mara Staff Writer
Q: How long have you been playing water polo? A: I started playing eight years ago and I played it because my brothers did it.
Girls Volleyball
Q: What are your goals in the future for the sport? A: I want to break the goal record of 150 but I can’t because I’m not in pace.
8/24 BCCHS vs Kennedy 3-1 Loss 9/14 Verdugo Hills 3-0 Loss Photo by Rachel Bullock Junior Ben Sanchez passes to teammate during a game against Venice High.
Q: What are the struggles you face in the sport? A: I’m weaker than most players so people just push me around.
Q: How do you manage your time with school and sports? A: I just go home and do homework and try not to fall asleep. But you should have 30 minutes to relax. Q: How have you improved in water polo throughout the years? A: I improved through hard work and perseverance. I continuously practice even during summer. Twitter: jade__campbell8