The Pearl Post October 2020 news magazine

Daniel Pearl Magnet High School 6649 Balboa Blvd., Lake Balboa, CA 91406

www.thepearlpost.com

Volume 12 Issue 1 October 2020

Youth voice in 2020 Presidential election See page 5

@ThePearlPost

@ThePearlPost

The Pearl Post

@dpmhsmedia

The Pearl Post

In this issue...

1 Cover

Design by Geraldine Suniga

3-5 News New Principal/ Distance learning Reports 6-7 Special 2020 elections/ Youth voice in politics 8-9

Opinion

Black Lives’ mental health matters

10-11 Features College Corner/ Pride Club 12-13 14-15

Entertainment

Fall mask-inspired outfits/ Enola Holmes review/ Best Black revolutionary books

Sports/Tech

Athletes protest social injustice/ Tech tools to help during distance learning

16 Back cover

Letter from the Editor

As the world around us continues to adjust to a new pandemic reality and a drastically different virtual learning format is implemented this school year, The Pearl Post staff plans to work diligently to strengthen our publication.

While brainstorming for our first magazine, we reflected on the major events that have occurred in the past few months. It was immediately evident that the main focus of this issue would be the 2020 elections. We chose to highlight how students are involved in the election. Junior Geraldine Suniga created a design for our cover. By including face masks and a mail-in ballot box in the design, she perfectly summed up how unique this election is.

We also focused on the new virtual learning format and how that has

2

impacted students and teachers. We conducted an online poll about virtual learning experiences that the whole school had the opportunity to take and received 81 responses.

A wave of protests took over our streets this past summer and we felt it was important to include that in the magazine as well. We included resources students can utilize to educate themselves on the Black Lives Matter movement and highlighted student opinion.

Although we know that there are going to be many challenges for us to overcome this year, we are extremely hopeful that we can put together high-quality content. We are looking forward to making a great year regardless of the current circumstances.

-Itzel Luna

The Pearl Post | October 2020

THE PEARL POST Print Editor-in-Chief Itzel Luna Online Editor-in-Chief Parampreet Aulakh Managing Editor Alliana Samonte Features Editor Valeria Luquin Opinion Editor Daniela Rangel Entertainment Editor Sara Marquez Sports/Tech Editor Casey Wanatick Social Media Editor Delilah Brumer New Media Editor-in-Chief Harlow Frank New Media Editors Valery Barrera, Shannon Sullivan Photo Editor Maribella Ambrosio, Mahali Sanchez Copy Editors C.J Gorospe, Cassia Ramelb, Jonathan Spahr, Chareena Pascua, Jhonny Gonzalez Staff Writers/ Photographers Antonio Bedon, Delilah Brumer, Emily Flores, Branden Gerson, Evan Gleason, Gabriela Gomez, Gabrielle Lashley, Nancy Medrano, Jessica Melkonyan, Nathalie Miranda, Mario Ronquillo 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 magazine 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, emailed to thepearlpost@gmail.com.

The magazine is published monthly and is the official campus newspaper of Daniel Pearl Magnet High School. The magazine is also posted online at http://www.thepearlpost.com.

DPMHS welcomes new principal during virtual learning school year

Petrossian hopes to build community with students, staff

By Gabrielle Lashley rmen Petrossian officially assumed his position as principal and he is excited for students to learn about the kind of person he is.

“I’m a good listener,”said Petrossian, who previously was an assistant principal at Pacoima Middle School.“I involve people and I have good people skills.”

As Petrossian entered Daniel Pearl Magnet High School on his first day as principal on Monday Oct. 5, he had the simple yet chivalrous goal of helping each student to the best of his ability.

With years of experience with other schools and his own family, he believes he can help make DPMHS an “even more positive and caring community,” as he puts it.

“I’m a collaborative leader and I like to bring people together,” Petrossian said. “The thing is, it takes a village. It’s a cliche but it works. It takes us all together to form ideas for making this campus an even more positive and caring community.”

In August, former principal Pia Damonte left DPMHS to take the position as principal at Vista Middle School. Petrossian took her place and on his first day he had a staff meeting where he virtually met the DPMHS staff for the first time.

“We have wonderful teachers who are all supportive,” Petrossian said. “They are respectful and very discerning about what’s going on around them.”

Petrossian considers himself to be a family man. He enjoys spending time with his family, which consists of his wife, his 14-year-old son, 17-yearold daughter and his labrador-dane dog whom he describes as, “the best dog in the word.” Petrossian often goes mountain-biking with his son, on family trips and he has been learning how to play the harmonica.

“I’m proud of being a good family

A

Photo by Maribella Ambrosio Principal Armen Petrossian went to Daniel Pearl Magnet High School on photo makeup day and senior portrait day on Oct. 3 to take his ID photo. Petrossian’s first official first day as principal of DPMHS was on Oct. 5.

man, a good father, a good husband and a good friend, those are the things I pride myself in,” Petrossian said.

Petrossian started off wanting to make a career in linguistics. He put himself through college at California

“

It takes us all together to form ideas for making this campus an even more positive community.

Principal Armen Petrossian

State University Northridge in 1989 and received his bachelor’s in linguistics. It wasn’t until he became a teacher’s assistant while in college that he knew he wanted to be an educator.

“I started working as a teacher’s as-

sistant in Cleveland High school and that was pretty much all I needed to know that working with students was what I wanted to do,” Petrossian said. “Some of the teachers let me co-teach lessons, after that I was like ‘Forget linguistics. This is what I want to do.’ After that I got my teaching credentials in English and the rest is history.”

His very first administrative position was in 2013 as an assistant principal at Pacoima Middle school but before that he was a counselor for two years. Petrossian says he knew he was ready to move on from his last position at Pacoima when he began to have his own vision and wanted to lead his own team.

“I made it happen in one place and wanted to support another school,” Petrossian said. “I knew what an accepting and great place (DPMHS) is so I applied. You have no idea how happy I am to have gotten the job because it’s just a very caring place. I can’t say that enough.”

Instagram: @yogabbygabby_1

”

News | October 2020

3

Students adjust to distance learning

By Gabriela Gomez ue to the COVID-19 pandemic, classrooms look different this year at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School as teachers teach from their living rooms and students learn from their bedrooms.

The 2020-21 school year began completely online because of the coronavirus pandemic. Students have to virtually attend three class periods a day and they alternate daily. This semester, a new class was incorporated into students’ schedule called advisory to provide students with social-emotional support in a smaller and less formal setting.

“I feel like advisory is a time for me to interact with students I’ve never met before and have time to wind down just a little bit,” senior Ashley Pedraza said.

Mondays are instructional support days that allows students to get extra help from their teachers or gives them time to catch up on work. Mondays end earlier than the rest of the week, at 12:10 p.m. and students don’t meet with their advisory teacher.

During distance learning, the school

D

day starts at 9 a.m., one hour later than normal and ends earlier, at 2:15 p.m. Students are also given an hour-long lunch break every day, twice as long as when they’re on campus.

Other changes this school year includes the loss of a Spanish teacher due to low enrollment. Math teacher Lori Seo is also teaching a new Intro to Data Science class. It is a UCLA math class which focuses on the analysis of data as well as how the data can be used.

Although online learning is the safest way for students and teachers to interact without coming into contact, distance learning is still a struggle.

“I feel overwhelmed with distance education,” junior Derek Calderon said “I was using a Chrome provided by the school but then it started giving me trouble so I started to use my own laptop.”

Students are also struggling with remote learning because they are staring at a screen for a long period of time.

“I get distracted so easily and I end up being on my phone a lot more or just not paying attention,” senior Petra Vass said.

In September, 81 DPMHS students responded to an online survey about distance learning.

Evan Gleason and Antonio Bedon contributed to this report.

Advisory kicks off during online learning

By Delilah Brumer

D

istance learning has affected many aspects of student life, such as the transition to different class schedules. One of the biggest changes has been the district-wide addition of advisory periods.

“I think it was a combination of the district and the (Los Angeles Unified School District Teachers) Union wanting the schools to be able to give the students more social-emotional support,” Daniel Pearl Magnet High School Magnet Coordinator Leah Pevar said.

Advisory periods are graded on a pass-fail basis and students receive 2.5 units of credit toward graduation if they pass. Students have these 30-minute-long periods every school day except for Mondays. Students either have advi-

4

sory period H, which is before lunch, or advisory period L, which is after lunch.

“It’s still school but it feels kind of like a place to just be calm and relax a little bit. Like today we were doing origami,” freshman Robert Wolfe said.

While some students find advisory helpful, others feel like their time could be better spent working on more academic-focused work.

“I just feel like advisory is a little bit of a waste of time because I could be using it to do homework for other classes,” junior Nadia Montiel said. “At the same time, I do like that you get to talk things through and I have improved on things.”

Advisory periods allow for students to learn real-world skills, aside from academic subjects. Additionally, advisory class sizes are capped at 20 students per

The Pearl Post | October 2020

teacher, allowing for more communication.

“I like how small the (advisory) classes are and how everyone just kind of knows each other,” sophomore Sabrina Robertson said.

Instagram: @BrumerDelilah

As teachers’ WiFi cuts out, so does connection with students

By Jessica Melkonyan ith his wife and two children also online, English teacher Ron Baer has had internet issues during distance learning. His alternative has been to return to campus and teach from his classroom.

“It’s weird being here because I’m all the way in that back room,” said Baer, who feels odd being on campus with barely any appearances from staff. “I’m like a ghost here. . . If anything were to happen, no one would know.”

Even though distance learning has been going on since the spring semester of the last school year, faculty and students are still struggling with technical difficulties. Whether a website crashes, a student’s audio doesn’t work or Wi-Fi suddenly stops working, teachers have no control over many situations like these. Now half-way through the fall semester, it’s been a hassle to keep a connection with students and get into the routine of being in school virtually again.

“It was a really tough time holding onto people,” Baer said. “No one really knew what to expect, so it was hard.

March 13th just hit and suddenly it was just crazy.”

Baer’s class is located far from the main hall, so he feels strange being at school basically alone. Without seeing faces, hearing voices, and the limited class time, it’s hard for him to find a balance between “getting-to-knowyou” activities and classwork.

For teachers working from home, things haven’t gone smoothly, either.

Spanish teacher Glenda Hurtado has experienced situations with Zoom crashing and attending her own class 20 minutes late.

Not only are teachers having issues with glitches in the system but teachers also struggle with the lack of colleague connection. Companionship with co-workers kept Hurtado going. She makes the effort to have short meetings to catch up and see how her colleagues are doing and how their classes are

W

Photo by Mayada Hatamleh and Glenda Hurtado Science teacher Mayada Hatamleh(left) and Spanish teacher Glenda hurtado (right) showcase their teaching workspace during this distance learning school year, which began on Aug. 18 and has been completely online.

coming along. However, with the tight schedules that they possess, it’s not easy for Hurtado to keep up the communication.

“Not having any feedback (from co-workers is hard),” Hurtado said. “Am

“

Things won’t always be exactly the way you’re used to. There will be bumps. This is a bump.

Mayada Hatamleh

I doing the right thing? Or did I miss a step?”

For teachers, it may be difficult that students don’t communicate but in some cases, shy students feel comfortable verbally conversing with their teachers online according to science teacher Mayada Hatamleh. It really puts a smile on teachers’ faces to hear their students

speak and be involved, especially the ones who never have. It’s a breakthrough for many students and this brings satisfaction to Hatamleh.

“I have noticed, especially in advisory, that some kids are actually more confident because I can’t see them,” Hatamleh said. “They’re actually opening up to me more and sooner.”

Hurtado feels that a teacher’s connection with their students is a significant part of the teaching and learning experience. The fall semester has more to come and Hurtado is hoping schools will soon begin to welcome students and teachers back into the classrooms.

Hatamleh believes that distance learning is the best method and everybody will eventually start growing accustomed to online schooling.

She feels a better-developed connection with some of her students and has hopes for more bonds to form.

“We don’t need to look at it super negatively,” Hatamleh said. “Things won’t always be exactly the way you’re used to. Hiccups will happen. There will be bumps. This is a bump.”

Instagram: @sh.jeess

”

News | October 2020

5

Two choices, one vote, one president

By Gabrielle Lashley lthough students like senior Samantha Mills are not old enough to cast their ballots, they’re finding their own ways to contribute on Election Day, which is on Nov. 3.

“I’m volunteering because I know that in the past, poll workers have been composed of elderly people,” senior and poll volunteer Mills said. “I’d rather put myself at risk than someone who has a higher chance of dying.”

The presidential election is less than a month away and about 1 in 10 eligible voters will be from Generation Z (Gen Z). In this election their focus is on two big issues, which are climate change and human rights. The Democratic party’s presidential nominee former Vice-President Joe Biden is running against the Republican party’s presidential nominee President Donald Trump.

“I want to contribute and make some kind of difference,” pre-registered Sydnee Blueford said. “Voting can do that.”

When regarding human rights, young voters have focused on specific issues such as the Black Lives Matter movement, healthcare and the violation of human rights at immigration centers.

The first presidential debate of 2020 took place on Sept. 29, which soon turned into a debacle of irrational interruptions and name calling. Biden and Trump were supposed to get another chance to influence voters at the next presidential debate on Oct. 15. However, ever since Trump has contracted COVID-19, Biden has stated as long as Trump is infected, there shouldn’t be a debate.

The debate between vice presidential nominees Mike Pence and Kamala Harris took place on Oct. 7.

“I think there was nothing presidential about this debate,” Mills said. “Biden could’ve handled each outburst from Trump a little better. All in all, despite being such a train wreck, this debate did a great job at showing those who are still undecided (on) how unfit Trump is for

A

6

this position.”

Trump has appointed 53 conservative federal judges on the 13 U.S. circuit courts in his first term. He tear-gassed peaceful protesters after the death of George Floyd. According to NBC News, he has also contradicted warnings from health officials about the coronavirus, misleading U.S citizens and contributing to the deaths of over 200,000 U.S. citizens and over ten times that amount were left jobless.

“The fact that he’s still ignoring a global pandemic just really says that he does not care about this country,” first-time voter, sports and tech editor for The Pearl Post, Casey Wanatick said.

“I think that if he’s in power for the next four years, it will be the worst four years America has ever faced, worse than the last four.”

In states such as California, Nevada, Iowa and Ohio, registered voters will automatically receive a ballot that they can either mail back or drop off at their local ballot drop box. However, there are local polling places where people can cast their vote.

“We’ve heard about the USPS being defunded right now so there will be voter suppression. However, voting by mail would be best,” poll volunteer Cassia Ramelb said, who has also volunteered for the Super Tuesday election. “You can drop it off at a polling station but I really suggest voting by mail.”

The Pearl Post | October 2020

Instagram:@yogabbygabby_l

Graphic by Jessica Melkonyan

Opinion:

Gen Z, millenials look for better president, better future by votes

By Nathalie Miranda ith the presidential election around the corner, many teens and first-time voters are expected to play a significant role in determining the future of this country.

Generation Z (Gen Z), the only generation that has grown up in a fairly modern world, has gained a lot of attention numerous times for showing they are incredibly progressive and will not stay quiet about the issues this country faces. Gen Z is known for their courage to speak for social movements like racial justice, climate change and human rights. Also, there will be many more youth voters this year than there were in 2016. There will be about 23 million eligible Gen Z voters and about 63% of them will be voting, compared to only 47% in 2016.

Studies from 2018 done by Pew Research Center showed only about 30 percent of Gen Z actually approved of how President Trump has led this country. The remaining percent want a government that will try to solve human rights injustices, rather than one that fuels large corporations.

The youth vote is so important because young adults recognize the damage Trump

W

Photo by Cassia Ramelb Black Student Union President Cassia Ramelb encourages students to vote and pre-register. The presidential elections is less than a month away and it is important to vote who will lead the fate of the country.

has inflicted on the majority and they’re younger generations, regardless of being not afraid to fight back. It has become raised under traditional morals, managed evermore apparent youth voters have to break out of those standards. very progressive beliefs rather than tradiAs time passes and the more this tional beliefs. country advances, progress and open“While being a part of the younger minds are what we need. Youth voters generation, it is so important we show up understand the need for a president who to the polls, makes efforts to message benefit the entire politicians country. The future and demand of the United change,” States is quite poll worker, literally depending political rally on the younger captain and generations. For senior Casthose who are of sia Ramelb age, show up to Cassia Ramelb said. “Most the polls and vote, of the youth are involved in politics and for the sake of the country and everyone are driven to have a say. What is happenliving in it. ing in politics today is the world we will grow in and we need our voices to echo.”

Even as this country emerges into a more connected society, it still seems to want to preserve the beliefs from hunInstagram: @nathalie61313 dreds of years ago. This being said, the

“

Most of the youth are involved in politics and are driven to have a say.

Illustration by Shannon Sullivan

”

Special Reports | October 2020

7

BLACK LiVES’ MENTAL

Careless mass distribution of violent videos through

By Gabrielle Lashley eeing things such as traumatic events online or the police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery can, in several ways, heavily contribute to the poor mental health of young people of color.

In a study released in 2019 by the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, suicide attempts among Black youth have risen 73% between 1991 and 2017. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among 10 to 19-year-old Black youth, while suicide rates of white adolescents have lowered.

In an effort to stop this from continuing, the causes must be looked at.

According to a 2015 study released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 9.1% of African-American adolescents reported a serious depressive episode within the past year while only 40.6% of them received treatment. The reasons for this are: either their parents didn’t want to get them help or their local healthcare facilities just didn’t care enough about helping them. There are so many walls Black people have to go through just to get the proper help that they, and every other human being, have a right to. It’s about time people become more open-minded about mental health and getting help for it, just as it is time for the structural racism in the American medical field to stop.

There are three big things that contribute to the poor mental health of these people: police brutality of Black people seen online, overt discrimination and treatment issues for mental health.

The fact that traumatic online events and police killings of Black people contribute to kid’s poor mental health isn’t surprising, but it is somewhat new.

As recently as the early 2000s, it wasn’t possible to capture a video of something like police brutality and put it on the internet for everyone to see.

S

8

The Pearl Post | October 2020

Cartoon by Gabrielle Lashley Black youth are routinely exposed to harmful and graphic media portraying violence against the Black community. This has an undeniable toll on their mental and emotional health.

You either saw the event yourself, heard what happened from somebody who saw it, or you learned about it from the

news. Now anyone can see these disturbing events, including Black youth.

HEALTH MATTERS TOO social media negatively impacts Black youth.

Another factor that heavily contribget treatments, it’s usually through the utes to these kid’s poor mental state is juvenile justice system. It’s things like simple, overt discrimination. A report this that need to change. Everyone has a released by The American Phycological right to receive good healthcare but for Association, in 2017, stated that persome reason people want to corrupt an ceived discrimination has been shown already tainted system. to contribute to It’s mental health understanddisorders among able to be igethnic groups. norant about Another report, things, but released by the it’s your job Office of Disease to educate Prevention and yourself Health Prowhen that motion, states ignorance that everyday becomes discrimination a problem. can turn into a Black carconstant stressor egivers out and increase there, please one’s chances educate of developing a yourselves mental illness. and try to Gabrielle Lashley There is a get your certain stigma child the about getting help for your mental best health care you possibly can. To the state in the Black community that not Black youth reading this, always be carea lot of people know about. A lot of ful of what you consume online. The fact African-American guardians think that that the internet has access to photos if their child gets help, they would be and videos of police brutality isn’t a bad labeled as “crazy”and that they just thing. But it can be when your mental need to grow up and get over it, but this health is at stake. mindset can be very hurtful toward their When you see things like this, don’t kids. The adults in the Black community be afraid to talk to your friends and should be working together to get their family about the state the world is in and children good mental health care instead about your own mental health. To any of keeping the mentality of, ‘This is how school administrators, in times like this, we’ve always done it.’ it’s essential you reach out to your Black Mental health facilities also have a students and try to provide them with lot of racial inequities engraved in their the mental health care they may not be system. This has really put the brakes on getting. any type of strides taken to improve the The importance of mental health mental health of adolescents of color. can be so easily overlooked when it According to an article released by The comes to the Black community. It’s alAmerican Psychological Association, in ways important to remember that Black 2020, Black youths are less likely than lives’ mental health matters too. their white peers to receive any treatInstagram @yogabbygabby_l ments for depression, and when they do

“

The fact that the internet has access to photos and videos of police brutality isn’t a bad thing. But it can be when your mental health is at stake.

”

Opinion | October 2020

9

College Corner:

Applications, deadlines zooming by

By Delilah Brumer his year may be unusual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that hasn’t stopped senior Susannah Ness and many others from preparing for college.

“I spent my summer gathering research and narrowing down my (college) list,” 17-year-old Ness said. “(I’ve been) figuring out how the Common Application works and doing essay writing workshops to get ready for the application.”

This year, the college application process is very different from previous years. COVID-19 has caused high schools across the country to move to distance learning and this has caused many students to worry that they will fall behind.

Additionally, these circumstances have intensified the difficulty of college applications and changed student priorities.

“I think just not having that time at school, since it’s virtual, it’s being a little more neglected,” Ness said about the college application process. “That’s been a little tricky.”

A huge change this year is that the California State University schools have gone test-optional for this admissions cycle. This means that while students are allowed to submit standardized test scores, they will not be penalized for not doing so. The University of California schools have gone even further and are test-blind for this year, meaning they won’t accept standardized tests at all.

“Right now we’re in a pandemic and students, especially seniors, have so much stress already going on,” DPMHS counselor Martina Torres said. “I think it’s appreciated by many current seniors that they are not requiring those exams.

I think it gives (seniors) a little bit more ability to show off themselves in other ways.”

Financial aid is also a major part of the college application process. Most financial aid is through the FAFSA, a form

T

“

10 Features | October 2020

which can be filled out by seniors starting on Oct. 1.

“The key thing students and parents need to understand is that what (the FAFSA) generates is an amount that the family should be able to pay per year for college,” DPMHS College Counselor Linda Zimring said. “College financial aid offices have the ability to override the decision of the FAFSA based on special circumstances.”

Students can find out more about colleges and financial aid through a group on Schoology called “DPMHS College Updates,” which Torres set up and is open to all students at DPMHS. The code to join is S37T-BQ2R-9PWBB. Seniors can

I think it’s appreciated by many current seniors that they are not requiring those exams.

Martina Torres

”

also explore colleges they are interested in through virtual tours.

“There’s tons of virtual tours being hosted,” Torres said. “Every campus is offering workshops these days. Some campuses are offering tours and application workshops.”

There are many things for seniors to consider when applying to college, especially during a pandemic. Luckily, there are many resources available and counselors Torres and Zimring, as well as DPMHS Magnet Coordinator Leah Pevar, are working hard to help.

Photo by Delilah Brumer College application dates and deadlines vary for each college students apply to. Seniors should check with each university for deadlines.

“I think my biggest advice right now is (for seniors to) keep their options open,” Pevar said. “The world is changing a lot right now. Explore all the different options available to you.”

Instagram: @delilah_rose2004

Club Corner:

!"#$%&'()*+&,&-(./%&01&/122%/0 Distance learning can be lonely but Pride Club offers that human connection that students are craving right now.

By Branden Gerson espite being in the midst of a global pandemic, the Pride Club continues to provide all students with a safe and judgment-free zone to express themselves.

Pride Club has a Zoom meeting every Monday at 12:30 p.m. hosted by the school’s psychiatric social worker, Joanne Tuell. Meetings were originally on Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. but will now be held on Mondays starting Oct. 5. They start off with fun icebreaker questions to get everyone acquainted and feeling comfortable with each other in the Zoom. Then, they share personal experiences and sometimes talk about goals for the club and how to promote it.

On Oct. 1, Mental Health Practitioners Talia Guppy and Frances Marion with the Los Angeles Unified School District Human Relations, Diversity and Equity department gave a presentation to members of the club. In their presentation, they talked about the best circumstances of when to come out and when not to.

They offered helpful advice and created a safe environment for students to talk about their own experiences.

The pandemic has necessitated Daniel Pearl Magnet High School to take part in online learning, which leaves many DPMHS students lacking the same human connection they had before school became virtual. Now, students can go to

D

Photo by Valeria Luquin Talia Guppy and Frances Marion are Mental Health Practitioners with the Los Angeles Unified School District Human Relations, Diversity and Equity department who gave a presentation during the Pride Club meeting on Oct. 1.

Pride Club, socialize with their friends and experience some of that human connection they are missing.

“I go to the Pride Club to see my friends because right now, it’s very hard to see people out of class,” sophomore Frankie Witt said. “Pride Club is something I always look forward to on a Thursday.”

Pride Club formed several years ago to be a place of comfort for DPMHS students struggling to come out. Over time, Pride Club has sustained its reputation as a safe place for teens to express their

feelings. Additionally, it has evolved into a club for passionate students at DPMHS to participate in LGBTQ+ conferences and to educate others about what it means to be LGBTQ+ and how to be an ally.

“We need a Pride Club so that more people can educate others about LGBTQ and that they won’t think it’s a “phase” or they’re doing it for attention,” junior Breanna Peralta said.

Instagram: @brandEnGerson

Features | October 2020

11

Just the fall necessities What to wear with your face mask this season

By Jessica Melkonyan e may be in the middle of a pandemic but that shouldn’t be stopping you from pulling off a trendy outfit.

During this time, it’s important to keep your self esteem on the radar. When you don’t go out of the house and see people, it really affects your mental status. So when you get the chance to leave your house of doom, you’d want to take that opportunity to dress up and show yourself off even though you’re probably just going to the grocery store. Some people even like to fancy-up just to sit at home. Fashion is a significant part of everyone’s lives, everyone wears clothes right? The bonus of it all is strutting your style, no matter where you are or who you’re with. Everyone needs some confidence.

So here’s a little guide, to inspire and motivate you to boost your self esteem with fashion choices. But face it, the mask is not preventing you from looking good, it’s actually a unique add on to a rockin’ outfit. A pizzazz to our world of pandemic distress.

Instagram: @sh.jeess

W

Photo by Vince Gillen Sophomore Jermaine Vince Gillen with vibrant outfits.Wearing a blue vest over a white mid-length top and off-white pants.

Photo by Gaby Huizar Junior Gaby Huizar pulls off a bright outfit with a striped yellow long sleeve shirt, dark blue mom jeans, and killer primary-colored classic vans.

12

Photo by Sylvana Prieto Junior Sylvana Prieto shows off a simple black tank top topped off with skirt overalls.

The Pearl Post | October 2020

Photo by Justin Pernillo Junior Justin Pernillo rockin’ a black and white checkered designed short-sleeved flannel on top of a simple white crew neck and black jeans.

Photo by Alysa Basmadzyan Freshman Alysa Basmadzyan wears blue ripped mom jeans with a tight white long sleeve top, and to top it all off, white Nike AirForce 1s.

Enola Holmes, more than famous detective Sherlock Holmes’ younger sister

By Valery Barrera “Stranger Things” star Millie Bobby Brown takes on yet another adventure-filled Netflix film in “Enola Holmes.”

As she transforms into a sophisticated young lady to stay hidden from her brothers Sherlock Holmes and Mycroft Holmes, Enola Holmes is in search of her mother whom she carries a strong connection with. Along the journey, she crosses paths with runaway Lord Tewksbury, played by Louis Partridge (“Medici”). The action packed film was released on Sept. 23.

Set 1884 in England, Holmes adventures off on her 16th birthday. Along her journey, she is left with no choice but to face the obstacles the world throws at her. Figuring out her identity in the process, she strives to be someone more than just Sherlock Holmes’ little sister.

Having to unscramble many clues, Holmes is persistent with her plan even when it takes a turn. Constantly breaking the fourth wall, Brown creates a fulfilling

connection with the audience as to what goes on in Holme’s head.

Often not needing any sort of introduction, Sherlock, played by Henry Cavil (Superman), is amazed by Enola’s detective skills and sees a lot of himself in his younger sister. Mycroft, played by Sam Claflin (“The Hunger Games”), views her more as the wild child of the three.

With no doubt of being a unique family, “Enola Holmes” conveys the message of embracing one’s uniqueness.

“I think that if young women walk away from this film feeling empowered, thinking that they have a seat at the table, that their voices are going to be heard, then I think then that’s what the film, for me, is all about,” Brown said in an Instagram video she posted.

The remarkable acting, cinematography and even costume design plays out so well in this 123-minute film that it’s a must watch for the whole family to see.

Instagram: @valeerryy

See through their eyes with these books, movies

By Daniela Rangel ollowing months of Black Lives Matter protests, independent and Black-owned bookstores saw a spike in demand for black revolutionary texts.

Here are some books and movies to read and watch to become more informed and involved.

F

Instagram: @dan1ela32

Photo by Amazon

Photo by Netflix Netflix Original Film “Enola Holmes” was released on Sept. 23 starring “Stranger Things” actress Millie Bobby Brown.

Photo by IMDB

Legendary director Spike Lee tells Michelle Alexander’s “The New Jim the story of Black political activist and Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Muslim minister Malcolm X in the 1992 Colorblindness” details the prejudiced film about his life titled “Malcolm X.” The criminal justice systems of America that have led to the mass incarceration of pri- film received multiple nominations and awards for its depiction of the revolutionmarily Black men. He dismisses the false ary activist’s life and legacy. notion that racism in the U.S. stopped when Barack Obama was elected as the first Black president.

Entertainment | October 2020

13

Photo by Wikimedia Commons Players from the San Francisco 49ers kneel during the National Anthem in support of quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s protest against police brutality. Kaepernick’s protests gained support of several other NFL players.

Opinion:

Star athletes use platform to fight social injustice

By Nathalie Miranda fter the shooting of Jacob Blake in August of 2020 in Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Bucks decided to boycott their game as a form of protest against the constant mistreatment of Black people by the police.

Following the example, the WNBA and MLB also postponed their games.

After the boycott, the teams got a lot of praise from the public.

There are so many Americans that keep up with sports and some of those people are going to disagree with things like the Black Lives Matter movement.

But for people to openly shame and criticise those athletes who speak up about their beliefs just because they disagree is not the proper way to handle things.

A

For many years, Black people have fought for their place at the table and Black athletes have been speaking up for years. Bill Russell, a former NBA player, has been acknowledged throughout his career as being an activist for equality. In 1963, he even took part in the March on Washington and throughout the 1950s and 1960s he was a leader, inspiring many people with his words and actions.

Some recent examples of athletes speaking up are when Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the National Anthem in 2016. Kaepernick got a lot of criticism for kneeling and eventually opted out of his contract with the 49ers. In July of 2020, the NBA season restarted with every player kneeling during the National Anthem and they all wore shirts that said “Black Lives Matter.”

14 The Pearl Post | October 2020

Infographic by Casey Wanatick Information researched by Evan Gleason

Becoming an athlete doesn’t change the fact that they’re still human.

It doesn’t mean that athletes suddenly have to stop having beliefs and morals just to appeal to the small percentage of people who would disagree with them.

Many people who don’t agree with BLM are also telling the athletes that are speaking up that they shouldn’t bring politics into sports, but human rights aren’t politics. The right to walk down the road and not get shot as a black man should not be political.

Black athletes have had to deal with criticism for so many years if they chose to speak up about the injustices in this country. It’s time to let athletes be human and use their voices.

Instagram: @nathalie61313

Online tools to help distance learning go a little smoother

By Delilah Brumer With the fall semester beginning with distance learning, there are many virtual tools that can be beneficial. Check out the following apps and websites for everything from studying to relaxation.

Khan Academy This free website provides instruction and support through thousands of videos, tutorials, and practice assignments. Khan Academy covers topics such as math, social studies, science, language arts, and SAT practice. The resources are extremely helpful when you do not fully grasp a concept, or just need extra practice.

Libby Libby is a free app for Apple and Google Play that allows students to access ebooks from their local library’s Overdrive, a place where libraries have their ebooks. Libby is useful for getting both fiction and nonfiction books for classes or exploring novels to read for fun. This can help when physical libraries like the DPMHS library are closed.

Turboscan Turboscan is a free app (with in-app purchases) for Apple and Google Play. It allows you to scan documents with your phone as if you were using a scanner.

This works better than taking a photo of a written assignment in order to turn it in electronically.

CollegeBoard For students taking AP classes, CollegeBoard provides resources to study and to better understand what the structure of their AP class and exam is like.

Additionally, students can go on CollegeBoard to learn more about the SAT and PSAT and practice for both of them.

Quizlet Quizlet is a free website and app that includes features to create your own digital flashcards, practice tests and more. Additionally, it allows you to share the study tools you make with others, so classmates can study together.

Kahoot Kahoot is a free app and website for game-show style educational competitions and can be a fun way to study with friends or classmates. One student or teacher sets up a game by coming up with questions and multiple choice answers and gives a code to the other players. You can also choose to play games that are already available on Kahoot.

Sports/Tech| October 2020

15

Student Photography Spotlight About the Photographer Maribella Ambrosio is a photo editor for the Daniel Pearl Magnet High School Student Media. This is her second year on staff and she always does her best to get great pictures for the media publications. She is always happy to take photos for the magazine, yearbook and for the website because she wants to give the best photos to the readers of the publications. Maribella has earned third place in photography in CSUN Write-offs and has also earned an honorable mention award in photography on CSUN Journalism day.

Behind the Photo Senior Jesus Cortez and the rest of the senior class took their senior portraits on Oct. 3 at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School. To ensure social distancing, seniors were given a specific 20-minute time slot based on their last name to go to campus and take their photos. The event lasted from 9 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Seniors were able to choose from four different photo packages and will be able to preview their photos about two weeks after they were taken. They either pre-ordered their package or paid for the photos at school. Students of other grade levels who needed to retake their ID photos were also able to do so on this day.

Submit your best photos with a brief description to thepearlpost@gmail.com for a chance to be featured in the next issue of the The Pearl Post news magazine.