Raven Report
Sequoia High School
Volume XI, Issue 7
1201 Brewster Ave. Redwood City, CA 94062
Swim team defeated in senior meet
The Varsity girls, boys and JV boys swim team fell in their senior meet to San Mateo High School April 19. JV girls ended the match with a win, thanks in part to junior Briana Amaya-Adle, who won the 200 meter relay by 0.2 seconds. The team raced a total of 42 races, with points distributed based on the rankings of each individual race.
Photos by Aviva Futornick
April 25, 2018
Practice field re-opens after lengthy renovation process
lacrosse team a few weeks ago. “Before we got the new field, we had to share the field or stagger practices,” said Alexandra Siri, junior and co-captain of the varsity girls Lacrosse After nine months of work, the team. “Having the new field is a huge field formerly known as Nicotine improvement—it’s great.” Conditions on the field also help Field has finally been finished, and is now open to athletes and will soon teams practices be more efficient. “The turf is so even, and it’s so springy open to the public. “We started construction at the be- and vibrant,” Siri said. “There’s enough ginning of last summer,” Administra- space for us to run a scrimmage and do drills at the same tive Vice Principal Garry Gooch said. “The turf is so even, and it’s so springy time.” For now, the “It was supposed to and vibrant. There’s enough space for field is only bebe done in October, us to run a scrimmage and do drills ing used by Sebut the company inat the same time.” quoia athletes, stalled it wrong, so —Alexandra Siri, junior allowing both it took a lot longer administrators than we planned on and users to get a it taking.” The company still charged the custom to the new space. “In this district, there is an agreement school district for the extra work that that—when we are not using the facilihappened to correct its mistake. “Right now, there is litigation go- ties for school events, the facilities are ing on,” Gooch said. “It was [the open to the public for its use,” Gooch company’s] fault, so there might be a said. The former name, Nicotine Field, is lawsuit if it charges the school.” Though the field took a long time also being retired. It will be up to Printo be renovated, it was opened to the cipal Sean Priest to pick the new name. By RIO POPPER and CHRISTIAN PARDO Copy Editor and Staff Reporter
Student-led group petitions to change ‘Cherokee’ name By AVIVA FUTORNICK Online Editor A new student-led group, ‘Ready for Ravens,’ was recently created to petition the change of Sequoia’s team name from Cherokees to Ravens. The club, which meets once a week, is currently working to garner support from students, parents, alumni and community members. In a petition created online, the club states that ‘Native groups, and specifically the Cherokee nations, have asked for non-native schools to stop using Native names, logos and mascots as they consider this racism and stereotyping.’ Sophomore Miles Webb, one of the club’s founding members, joined because he felt that the current setup of a differing name and identity disrupts the school’s identity. “The middle ground is not fair to the entire student body,” Webb said. “We don’t have an identity because we can’t write
Cherokees on anything and we can’t write Ravens on anything.” Currently Sequoia’s official mascot is the Raven and the official team name is the Cherokees. The Raven was introduced in February 2001 following a series of behaviors such as the image of the Cherokee on various sports uniforms and school apparel and a person in full headdress appearing as the mascot, which occurred in years prior to the decision. The actions in 2001 were supported by the Sequoia High School Alumni Association, including President Ken Rolandelli. The final decision reached was that all physical images of Cherokee would be removed, while the name would be retained with a set of guidelines and standards for its use. The association believes that having Cherokees as the team name is an important aspect of Sequoia’s history. “Knowing the history, I believe it’s highly respectful to
have the Cherokee [as the team believe it could be valuable to name],” Rolandelli said in a send a poll to the student body, phone interview. and properly gauge the support The Cherokee was selected for the issue. A similar poll was by the student body in 1925 done in 2001, according to Roin honor of the Indian Chief landelli, where 79 percent of Sequoyah, who was half Cher- the student body believed the okee. Sequoia was originally Cherokee name was respectful named for the Sequoia redwood when used in honor of Chief trees, which in turn were named Sequoyah and Sequoia’s history. for Chief Sequoyah. For students displeased with Physics teacher Allison Hon- the Raven, Honold introduced old disagrees with the use of an alternative idea. Cherokee, and hopes to see it “I think we could vote on a changed. new [mascot] among a selection “We are not a school of Cher- of alternatives,” Honold said. okees,” HonTo officialold said. “I ly change the don’t see any “The middle ground is not fair school’s name pros, I only to the entire student body. We or mascot, it don’t have an identity because see cons.” would have H o n o l d we can’t write Cherokees on any- to be voted s u p p o r t s thing and we can’t write Ravens through by ravens by on anything.” the school showing stuboard. —Miles Webb, sophomore dents videos The onhighlighting going goals the intelliof Ready for gence of ravens. Ravens, advised by Athletic DiBoth Honold and Rolandelli rector Melissa Schmidt, are to
Spread:
continue gaining support and conduct a meeting composed of club members and the Alumni Association. Rolandelli states that the association has agreed to meet where both parties can have respectful conversations with one another. “It is important to hear all sides of the issue and important to have thoughtful discussions on both sides,” Rolandelli said. “I think that once people hear the history, they would recognize it is not stereotypical.” Regardless of his position on the issue, Rolandelli agrees that it is more meaningful to have students lead this discussion. Club members will continue to promote their position, with the hope of better representing the current student body. “Our school is super diverse and [the Cherokee name] doesn’t represent us as a whole,” Webb said. “[It] demonstrates a disconnect between the student body and the general culture of the past.”
Opinion:
American education; fair or foul?
Page 4-5
Societal effects of ‘one size fits all’ clothing
Page 6
April 25, 2018 2 Feature Buildings’ names tell story of Sequoia’s movers and shakers
Gym 1 Weight Room
100
Multi Purpose Room
103
101
109 107 105
Health office
Tea Garden
Locker Room
111
113
106
Tea Garden Conference Room
123
128
125 129
127
132
131
M–1 M–4 M–2
name “Nicotine Field”. At the moment, there is no official name for the field; however, some call it the practice field. “Nicotine Field” is not endorsed by the school administration, but is referred to as such by alumni and students.
Rev. 8/11/14
Gym 2
College and Career Center
115 108
112 110
119
117
Carrington Hall
FIRST FLOOR LAYOUT
M–3
130
Sequoia High School
121
Oficina de Asistencia
Tesorera
Sub Directores Administrativos
Departamento de Consejería
Attendance Office
Treasurer’s Office
Administrative Vice Principal’s Office
Guidance Office
Baños
Sub Director de Instrucción
Instructional Vice Principal’s Office
LLAVE:
Student Parking Lot
James Ave
Pool
Director
Principal’s Office
P4 P3
P1
P2
We asked students who the new field should be named after in hopes that the administration will consider these people. Here are the top five responses. #1 Gary Gooch- Current Junior and Senior AVP #2 Kenny Ortega- Alumnus, choreographed & directed “High School Musical” #3 Mike McRae- Current head track and field and cross country coach #4 Donald J. Trump- Current U.S. President #5 Holly Spalletta- Student, passed away this year, galvanized others to support one another.
Restrooms
KEY:
B–1
B–2
B–3
B–4
B–10
B–8
Locker Room
PE4 PE5
PE1
PE3
141
142
143
145
144 146
147
B–7 B–5
B–6
Gym 3
TRC
Student Activity Center
155 160
158
151
153
156
154
152
133
150
Ceramic Studio
LL–2
LL–3 LL–4
Brewster Ave
LL–5
WS–1 Wood Shop
B–12 B–11 B–9
Elwood St
Who should the new field be named after?
Elwood St
Brewster Parking Lot
134
Frank Griffin (Faculty 1920–1956, Class of 1913): Griffin left before graduation because of a dispute with an English teacher, only to receive his diploma as faculty. Serving as a sports coach, he made significant changes to the Physical Education program. He created an obstacle course, the “Atomic Loop”, that every male had to pass, and created levels of physical accomplishments. His programs became a model for Elwood St —Compiled by BEATRICE BUGOS many other schools across the U.S. Bob Anderson (Faculty 1950–1980, Class of 1941): As a student, Andersen was on six sports teams. After joining the Navy in WWII, he returned as a coach for seven sports. With the help of his father and the Athletic Director, Frank Griffin, Andersen started the Boys Night boxing club. It was an annual father-son night where the two best boxers in each weight limit fought, and often there were guest celebrities in attendance. PE2
Robert Powell (Class of 1949): Shortly after graduating, Powell was a drywall installer on the Peninsula. After touring in Europe with his wife, he came back as a real estate developer. Later, he established the Robert C. and Jeannette Powell Foundation that offers scholarships and programs to students in need.
Broadway
Library
Lenkurt Labs: Lenkurt Electric Company, started by Kurt Appert and Lennart Erikson in 1944, was a microwave and telecommunications company. First based in San Francisco, it then moved to San Carlos in 1947. The company donated money to build the current LL-2 classroom, named Lenkurt Lab. Later, the LL-wing was added.
Al Terremere (Faculty 1930–1950, Class of 1925): Arnold C. Argo (Faculty 1921–1948): Playing four sports, Terremere won PAL titles in football A Principal and a Superintendent of the Seand baseball. in 1924, he was one of the 14 men who parquoia Union High School District. He taught ticipated in track and field. He was affectionately nickstaff to be more resourceful and innovative. named by his teammates, “Frenchy” for working at his He believed schools should inspire students to family’s business, a french laundry. After graduating, Teractively participate in our democratic society, grow to appreciate diversity in the school and work to- remere returned to be a baseball and football coach. gether to educate one another. Argo also coached footNicotine Field: ball—one of his players was Terremere—and girls basketUntil 1986, students smoked nicotine on ball. their breaks on the field with the unofficial
104
Otis Carrington (Faculty 1907-1950): Carrington was a music and art teacher and later became the head of the music department he developed. He’s most famous for his children operettas because he found there were no operettas that suited his students’ voices. He also composed the Sequoia Hymn. He is the creator of the Treble Clefs-who still exist today- and other choral and a capella groups.
Best responses picked by the Raven Report staff:
Dolores Huerta- “Because she does not get as much credit for what she did. With the high percent of females and latinos at Sequoia, I think it would be a good representation of the school.” Karl Marx- “[He’s] a beacon of authenticity in our artificial society controlled by the bourgeoisie. A practice field being named in honor of one of history’s greatest philosophers would symbolize the power of the working class and Sequoia’s focus on intellectual and academic excellence.”
Cape Town drought foreshadows future weather issues more than 50 liters of water a day, far less than the average American’s daily usage. Many people must travel to a commuCape Town, South Africa, nal water tap to collect water. a major metropolis of nearly Scientists agree that this na4 million people, is running tional disaster has been exacerof of water. Historically dry bated by global warming. rain seasons in the past few “Droughts are a natural years have left reservoirs phenomenon in the Western completely dry. City officials Cape and the effect of climate have pushed “Day Zero” to changes is that it magnifies all 2019 -- the point at which weather events—both drought all taps would be cut off, but and flooding—and makes them earlier this year this date was less easy to predict,” said Uniset for as soon as April 12, versity of Cape Town hydrolothe city’s water dashboard gist Dr. Piotr Wolski to the Inreports. However, recent dependent. cutbacks At Seon civilquoia, stu“Droughts are a natural pheian usage are nomenon in the Western Cape and dents and a rethe effect of climate changes is that it equally aware lease of magnifies all weather events—both of the im10 mildrought and flooding—and makes pacts of clilion galmate change. them less easy to predict,” lons of “I know —Dr. Piotr Wolski, water by that in small University of Cape Town farmers climates the hydrologist have put smallest pH off “Day change or a Zero” for now. single temperature difference The situation is limiting has massive effects on small enfor citizens, who can use no vironments, so I don’t think it By SARAH FAZIO Staff Reporter
would be a stretch to say [climate change] has an affect on large scale things as well,” sophomore Maya Hirano said. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the increase in natural disasters can be attributed to extreme temperatures more frequently occurring, both hot and cold. Extremely hot temperatures will possibly lead to droughts and fewer but more severe storms and hurricanes because of increased evaporation which fuels these events. In California, residents experienced the effects of natural disasters worsened by climate change. From 2011 to 2017, California was in a state of drought declared an emergency by Governor Jerry Brown and late last year, wildfires singed thousands of acres of California land in an especially destructive fire season. However, steps have been taken to limit global warming. One major agreement, the Paris Climate Accord, was signed by every country by last November except the US. It set the goal of
limiting the global temperature that is that is costs too much rise to 2 degrees Celsius above money to put those filters pre-Industrial levels. President there. So he definitely does Donald Trump pulled the US not care about [the climate]” out of the agreement in June senior Jared Mejia said. 2017 in a move widely criticized More change must be by the international commu- achieved before the climate nity, since can be im“People know what [climate proved since the US is the world’s change] is. Both being able to com- temperatures 2nd largest bat it small scale and large scale is continue to polluter in really important,” rise at very —Maya Hirano, fast total and rates sophomore and natural the largest polluter per disasters are capita. progressively The president has been a vo- becoming more severe. cal denier of climate change, but “People know what [cliover 69 percent of Americans mate change] is. Both being think that it is real, as found by able to combat it small scale the Yale Program on Climate and large scale is really imporChange Communication. tant because a lot of people “[Climate change] is not just think that it’s the people’s necessarily affecting people at duty to use less water or take the very top who have all the shorter showers and yes, if evmoney, so they don’t really see a eryone did that, that would reason to change it … All they have a huge impact, but the think about is the now and the truth is not everyone’s going money they can make … Even to do it. And so focusing on recently [Trump]’s trying to get large scale ideas, not just foan act passed that takes these cusing on individual people is carbon emission filters out of also super important,” Hirano companies. His reason for doing said.
3
Opinion
April 25, 2018
America’s prison system: a perversion of justice
discussion of mass incarceration is headlined by the same racist dog whistles that try and pin the issue on black and brown communities; what about black crime rates? What about what’s happening in Chicago? What about Baltimore? The truth is destitution and poverty in these inner city areas is sewn into their identities by the threads of over 350 years of institutionalized racism. From slavery to redlining to a war on drugs which specifically targeted minorities, it shouldn’t be a mystery how conditions have deteriorated as much as they have in these poorer areas. If those who so-often peddle this propaganda actually cared about this issue, they would try and resolve the problem at hand through some sort of reparations, instead of a side-long mention when it’s politically expedient. What’s more is that the existence of this racist lens that our criminal justice system adorns is tangibly provable. In the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 9.5% of whites were reported to have used drugs in the past month, compared to 10.5% of African Americans had reported using drugs in the past month—a whole 1 percent difference! So, whilst African Americans and whites use drugs at similar rates, the imprisonment rate of African Americans for drug charges is almost six times that of whites.
By DARIO McCARTY Entertainment Editor Navigating the woes of poverty is one thing; avoiding ensnarement by the tangled web of ideologies that defines our criminal justice system is quite another. America, the Land of the Free, accounts for a little less than 5 percent of the world’s population — and 25 percent of the world’s incarcerated population (per the American Civil Liberties Union). Rather than trying to offer rehabilitative or preventative help to those convicted, our criminal justice system shackles poor communities to the evercycling mill of poverty. This nation’s mass incarceration is predicated upon centuries of subjugation and plundering of minorities, but it is largely built on the backs of the “toughon-crime” politics of the 1990’s—more specifically, Bill Clinton’s 1994 Crime Bill. Clinton’s crime bill, which featured harsher sentencing laws and an allocation of large tracts of cash to police militarization, compounded an already budding incarceration issue. For this reason, it is incredibly troubling to see our administration push for the death penalty
Graphic courtesy of PolitiFact
Following Bill Clinton’s 1994 crime bill and “tough-on-crime” politics, drug arrest rates skyrocketted within the black community. for drug dealers. “We will not hesitate to bring a death penalty when it’s appropriate for drug traffickers,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. This line of thinking is a trail we have followed before, and it led us to the world’s biggest incarceration crisis in history. It was this exact type of overt penalization policy that caused thousands of low-level drug users to shoulder the full brunt of state power, leaving a littering of ravaged families in its wake. Sessions’ inclusion of the words “when it’s appropriate” is especially perturbing, leaving a lot available
to interpretation. When dealing in the currency of men’s lives, nothing should be left up to a single individual’s discretion. If we support this kind of totalitarian ideology, the very fabric of our country stands to be stained with the blood of the accused. Even more damning are the statistics surrounding race and incarceration. According to a United Nations Human Rights committee report, one in every 3 black males born today will end up in prison at some point in their lives, one in every 6 Latinos, but only one in every 17 white males. Every
Constraints of helicopter parenting causes kids to catastrophically crash By SIMON CLARKE Staff Reporter
Ma k i n g mistakes is universal, especially a m o n g teens. A teen’s acknowledgement of a false step to their guardian is no easy task. When parents make their children more comfortable admitting their mistakes, they will progressively ease into making better subsequent decisions. In a perfect world, parenting shepherds the next generation of new minds. The current state of helicopter parenting is moving the young generation in the wrong direction. At some point, parents should realize when it’s time for their kids to make decisions for themselves. As a teen, there are many aspects of modern parenting that I disagree with. One of these is parents’ decision to track their children. I’m sure many students receive the same explanation as I did: it’s their phone and they need to see where you are at 4 p.m. in
the afternoon for your own safety. Granted, they may have bought your phone or given you one as a privilege. Regardless, it is immoral for them to track you. A big part of growing up is learning from your mistakes—learning what’s wrong and what’s right. Having adults supervise you via tracking is not the correct approach. I’m sure both American adults and children don’t like the government tracking their internet activities. There is no difference between this and overbearing parents who vicariously live through their children by tracking them with an unhealthy amount of vigilance. It’s all too easy now for parents to establish an interface allowing them to track you. Companies like TMobile have 100,000 users paying $9.99 a month for a service, FamilyWhere, which lets parents keep tabs on all phones on their accounts. Apple has made it free to apply family sharing to devices. Back in the ‘80s, parenting was merely checking in with children and making
sure they were doing everything they were supposed to. But the fact that the latchkey kids from the ‘80s are raising the children of today has changed something. Sadly, the kids from then are the helicopter parents of today. The coverage of tragic events concerning children has strongly influenced modern parenting, prompting parents to expand their supervision to inessential lengths. To parents who insist on tracking their children for their safety, I ask this: won’t your child be safer in the long run if you grant them the independence they deserve? The only way us adolescents will be able to survive in the real world is by experiencing it early on in life by gradually taking on more personal responsibility. Detailing the issue of tracking teens is merely scratching the surface of animosity between parents and their children. Five years from now, we won’t have our parents to lean on. If we’re prepared for that now, we’ll be able to thrive when that time comes.
SEQUOIA HIGH SCHOOL RAVEN REPORT 2017-2018 Executive Editors Trevor Crowell Maddie Pei Zack Rosenblatt Managing Editor Mackenzie Clarke Copy Editor Rio Popper
News Editors Benjy Jude Beatrice Bugos
Sports Editor Brighid Bugos
Feature Editor Shannon Coan Online Editor Aviva Futornick
Opinion Editor Nicholas Abraham Social Media Editor Madeleine Reynolds
Entertainment Editor Dario McCarty
Staff Reporters Soana Afu, Edward Aguayo, Sam Brook, Simon Clarke, Sarah Fazio, Taylor Gayner, Jonathan Guzman, Hannah Kloninger-Stever, Christian Pardo Villa, Ysabelle Punzal, Lauren Stevens, Jay Tipirneni, Sione Tuiaki, Krista Weaver Adviser Minu Dave Send letters to the editor or requests for advertisement to ravenreport17@gmail.com Masthead by Darien Daly
4
Special
The ‘low-down’ on higher education
American education is far from failure the rankings, the United States finished 38 out of 71 countries in math, 38 in reading and 24 in science. Countries Politicians, eduincluding Slovenia, Macao and Estonia cators and citizens beat out the United States in all three often share the view categories. that the United At face value, these rankings illumiStates of America nate a shocking reality. One that imneeds to spend more presses upon anyone with a brain to say, tax dollars on our “What the hell. The US should be close education system. The proponents of to the best. We need to fund education these policies often cite ‘worldwide way more in America.” The only thing education rankings’, statistics analyzis, that is exactly what the creators of ing income after college and varying PISA and the people citing PISA stats countries’ graduation rates that clearly want and eerily assume you will think. convey the United States lagging beHint: these PISA rankings do not paint hind many other seemingly far less-dean accurate picture of anything at all. veloped countries. This evidence seems First of all, in most every other to point to a failing United States edcountry, there are no laws that force all ucation system that is nearly cheating children under the age of 18 to attend students all across America into inferischool. In many countries, if you strugor public education. gle in school at an early age… see you in While these statistics do show a surthe fields. This means that the only stuprisingly grim reality, they can often dents left in schools are the most dedibe manipulated with hidden, lurking cated, sharpest thinkers in the country. variables and presented in a biased way. Of course, when you average their test In this specific situation, more research scores, they’ll be higher than ones from needs to be done instead of plainly recountries where they lawfully force all citing stats and proceeding to get your children into attending school. Say my boxers in a bunch. friends and I don’t care One of the most According to US News and about school...when we cited ‘world educa- World Report’s “Global University are given some random tion rankings’ is the Rankings”, United States’ univer- thing called the ‘PISA’ Programme for In- sities occupy eight out of the top 10 test, we are going to anternational Student ranks. swer ‘C’ (of course) for Assessment (PISA). every question. Enough According to the students do that and Organization for Economic Co-Opthe US ends up ranking 38 in readeration and Development, the intering and 24 in science. national organization that created the Additionally, there is immense PISA test, the test is an “international pressure by governments around the survey which aims to evaluate educaworld to place high in the rankings. tion systems worldwide by testing the Because placing high in the PISA rankskills and knowledge of 15-year-old ings is seen as very prestigious, smaller students.” countries often try to manipulate the The PISA is conducted every three system in order to rank the highest, years. The most recent results are from thus gaining more recognition for their 2015, where over half a million stucountry. This has lead to theories that dents, representing 72 countries and many countries teach students solely economies, took the two-hour test. In with the goal of preparing them to take By ZACK ROSENBLATT Executive Editor
the PISA test, leaving countries, like the United States, that focus less on these statistics at the disadvantage seen in the rankings. While the PISA test focuses on the education of students 8th grade and below, there are telltale signs that the United States in fact is a worldwide leader in higher education. According to US News and World Report’s “Global University Rankings”, United States’ universities occupy eight out of the top 10 ranks. In addition, US News and World Report ranks the United States the second best country in terms of ‘primary school to university education’—right behind the United Kingdom. Our education system is far from perfect and for
it to continue to be an important staple of American success, tax dollars will always be needed. With that said, our education system is far from falling apart anytime soon, so un-bunch those boxers.
Various countrie educational models tions focus their effor doors open for studen ing, others elect to m by tracking students
Student Debt
Presidents’ Programs
Standardized Tests
College Board is a nonprofit organization exempt from taxes on $840 million revenue known for administering AP and the SAT. College Board President David Coleman came under fire recently for his response to the Parkland shooting. While commending Marjorie Douglas Stoneman student Emma Gonzalez’s speech, Coleman used the opportunity to promote AP. Though many like the new SAT, criticism over the new SAT centers around lack of change. They argue that though the questions are different, the premise is the same. The SAT (and ACT) strengthen the ‘educational arms race,’ where negligible differences matter greatly.
President George Bush II’s No Child Left Behind and President Barack Obama’s Race To The Top are the education programs of the Century so far. No Child Left Behind (NCLB) aimed to create accountability, allowing states to adopt their own assessments and standards. However, NCLB failed to compare states’ progress against the other. Race To The Top is a series of grants totaling $4.35 billion. A state or territory receives the grant given it adops common standards, instead of creating their own like in NCLB.
Standardized tests the globe’s means of measuring academic skill, from college admissions to measuring performance at a national and international level. Proponents recognize its usefulness and practicality, creating a universal scale where students can be easily compared. However, educators worry that standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT favor speed over knowledge or logic. Only half of test-takers completed the calculator section of the SAT. Some are also concerned about the frequency of these tests, as students take over 100 by graduation.
Feature
5
Textbook bias bleeds through to students By RIO POPPER Copy Editor Any textbook is vastly different from any other textbook—even when the books are about the same topic. The books used in California are different than the books used in New York, which are different from the books used in Virginia. Each book tells the story of history with a different slant. “Here in California, we try to find more progressive books,” Administrative Vice Principal Garry Gooch said. “A lot of the textbook publishers are more conservative so here, in this district, we try to find the really progressive, really cutting-edge publishers who are doing something new—something different from the more conservative publishers.” In California high schools, it is up
to each individual district what book to use, so long as it meets the state-approved standards and complies with the state-approved framework. For English and math, this means following common-core standards. For history, though, things are not as simple. In 2016, a new framework of educational standards was passed by the state. This framework, which includes what facts students should know and how to best teach that knowledge, has been met with considerable controversy. “California’s history and social science curriculum framework is dangerously one-sided, biased and incomplete,” said Lance Izumi, past president of the California state Community College Board in a report. “Crucial facts such as the massive death toll of Communism in the twentieth century are omitted, while a left-leaning narrative is evident
es differ in their s. While some narts on keeping many nts long into schoolmaximize efficiency s at young ages.
throughout.” This left-leaning narrative is exemplified by factual errors that line up with the liberal perspective. According to the framework, the communists overthrew a horribly un-democratic, tsarist government in the Russian revolution, painting the communists as the (at least temporary) “good guys.” In truth, many factions helped overthrow the Tsar in February of 1917; a democratic, moderate government then came to power. It was not until October of that year that the communists overthrew the democratic government and took power—certainly not the emancipators of suppressed, peasant Russia that they are painted as in the California framework. But standards, and textbooks, tend not to ever be perfectly middle-of- theroad. The Texas standards refuse to state slavery as the main cause of the Civil
California schools skyrocket in price, plummet in admittance By MACKENZIE CLARKE Managing Editor
—Compiled by SHANNON COAN
College Board In 2014, student loan debt surpassed credit card debt, clocking in at $1.3 trillion. Adjusted for inflation, the price of college now is about three times higher than in 1974, writes Adam Davidson in the New York Times. One culprit may be the rise of administrative positions. According to the Department of Education rose 60 percent from 1993 to 2009. California Polytechnic State University found that CSU schools’ faculty rose 3.5 percent from 1975 to 2008. Yet, during that time, administrative positions (those not working in academics) grew 321 percent.
War and do not require textbooks or teachers to give instruction about the Ku Klux Klan or Jim Crow laws—an obvious example of glaring bias in the right-leaning direction. A textbook is not the only—or even the most important—tool to a teacher, though, and there are many other sources of bias—in both the left and right directions. “Often, textbook publishers, especially those big textbook publishers— think Houghton Mifflin, McGraw-Hill, Pearson—do try to sell to a wide market, so they do try to be relatively agreeable to everyone,” Gooch said. “That is why we have teachers: to keep on top of the new and constantly changing progression[…]to keep a finger on [society’s] pulse and teach our students the more progressive, newer things that aren’t in textbooks.”
Throughout my college application and decision process this year as a senior, I have developed a disillusionment with the accessibility of an education at schools in the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems. A record-breaking 221,000 students applied for undergraduate admission to the UC system and the California Polytechnic Institute (San Luis Obispo) received over 65,000 applications for the class of 2022. In conjunction with this increase in applications, tuition and room and board at both the UC and CSU campuses have seen an upwards trend over the past 15 years. As the largest and one of the most prestigious and
sought-after university systems that, without federal financial in the country, I understand and aid, I would and could not be respect that you get what you able to attend a UC campus pay for at these schools; howev- without putting myself and my er, as a California resident, the family in egregious debt. I don’t bottom line household income want to enter the adult world needed to qualify for federal financially behind in the game. financial aid (Cal Grant, Pell The current housing and job Grant, etc) at these institutions market themselves are already is extremely low and borderline precarious enough to navigate unlivable. This financial aid as a 22 or 23-year-old, let alone does help those who need it the with $100,000 in loans and most (and I am certainly not debt. saying I fall into that category), Okay, so up to this point this but it also remains a limiting sounds like a lot of whining, I factor for many middle-class get it. But what I want to emstudents and their families. phasize is the increasing and “It’s making it so that, espe- persistent issue of our state unicially for versity system. the midTuition is goWe are all California residents dle class, and students, and we should all ing up every s t u d e n t s have a tangible and reasonable year, the cost and their chance to go to school in our home of both on families and off-camstate are ending pus housing up in a lot resembles that of debt after attending a UC of a three-story beach house on or CSU,” College and Career the Florida coast, and qualified Counselor Teresa Ignaitis said. students continue to get denied “Federal [financial aid] is help- year after year with their spots ful, but the amount is so low— being taken by out-of-state and to make over the amount [in international students. the Bay Area] certainly doesn’t We are all California resmake families rich.” idents and students, and we For me, the cost of the UCs should all have a tangible and was my largest obstacle and the reasonable chance to go to ultimate deciding factor. I knew schools in our home state.
Common Core Established in 2010, Common core intends to standardize education in America. Before, states had control over their education, and their standards as well as curriculum varied greatly. However, these are just standards— what they need to know; states can still dictate their own curriculum—how they teach. Some critics believe that education should be at a more local level because they know what is best for them, not the federal government. Others believe Common Core still focus on standardized testing.
Curriculum Students and adults alike have long questioned the school’s curriculum. Sir Ken Robinson is a well-known, major proponent of more creativity integrated into school curriculum. The Center for Financial Literacy gave California an ‘F’ in financial literacy. Sexual education curriculum also varies greatly by state. As of 2015, Guttmacher Institute found only 13 states required that the information provided is medically accurate (California is one of them), and 25 states must stress the importance of abstinence if sex education is provided.
6
OPINION
April 25, 2018
One size does not fit all; one size fits small By SAM BROOK Staff Reporter
On the quest for a new spring outfit, you search the shelves for something cute. You finally come across the perfect pink shirt and look for your size in the stack. You flip the tag to see what size it is but all you see is ‘ONE SIZE FITS ALL.’ Hmm, ok maybe it will fit, right? You are part of “ALL,” right? You hold up the shirt to find that it would fit you perfectly… if you were the same size as your 6-year-old cousin. One of the first decisions kids get to start making is what they wear. From a young age, girls in particular think about how they look and look at what other girls are wearing. As girls get older, they move on from the glittery pre-teen stores like Justice and onto stores for teens like Urban Outfitters and Brandy Melville. Some stores for teen girls, such as Brandy Melville, sell all of their clothing in one size, logically labelled “one size fits all.” Correct me if I’m wrong, but last time I checked, ‘All’ means everyone,’ and if these stores think everyone in America is a size zero, then they’d be better off selling their clothes to toddlers.
Photo By Sam Brook
Stores such as international teen girls clothing chain, Brandy Melville, sell all of their apparel in only one size. This sizing is clearly not realistic for most girls. Every person feels comfortable dressing in their own way. There is already constant pressure from society for young girls to dress femininely and highlight what men often see as the attractive parts of their bodies. This pressure can also come from female friends, who often challenge girls confidence and while this fits some young girls style, we should give others the opportunity to experiment with more than this one option. I for one completely admit to buying some articles of clothing from these stores. They never end up fitting me how I thought they would and
often look more provocative on me than they would on a smaller girl, but, yes, they are still likeable clothes. Shopping there normally makes me very uncomfortable and also frustrated that the stylish clothing doesn’t fit me right. I have tried to make the single sizing work and some shirts or jackets occasionally will fit me, but overall I’ve still found that most of the clothing would only work if I were two sizes smaller and 5 inches taller. The store would greatly benefit if they added sizes to their system. Shopping is made into a bad experience when nothing
fits and I don’t want to feel bad about myself shopping because I don’t fit into a tank top that is supposed to be for everyone. If America is supposed to be a place of individuality, beauty, acceptance and uniqueness then why are stores trying to categorize us all in one size? Beauty comes in all sizes and shapes. We all have curves, butts, different size waists and different length legs. Curves are beautiful, and trust me, curves don’t fit into one size fits all skirts and pants. It is wrong to assume that all teen girls should fit into one size of pants. One of many explanations for
the rising eating disorder problem is young women constantly comparing themselves to the models wearing the “One Size” clothing. According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, at least 30 million people in America suffer from eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. These model girls are beautiful, but not everyone can fit into clothing made for flat chested, size zero, five-foot-ten-inch girls. This level of what people have defined as perfection is unattainable. Why are we making it synonymous with small thighs, a flat stomach and flawless skin? Maybe everyone is working toward this “perfection” because they don’t know how to define it in any way other than how the media is, which is outrageously unrealistic. Let’s redefine beauty starting with making every size of clothing for every size of beautiful. It doesn’t stop at sizing next there’s overcoming extreme pressures on young girls and promoting selflove. These messages are surrounding us, but the more we encourage body confidence, the more we can defeat impossible body standards. No girl should have to be put through the pressure of fitting in society’s mold of a perfect body type because your body is beautiful, curves and all, no matter what size you buy in stores.
Living short vs. living tall: A battle of inches
Tall
short
Pros Standing at a whopping 5 feet 1.5 inches tall, being short has its benefits. If there’s ever a need to hide or protect myself from potential dangers, being short allows me to squeeze into tight places where they’d be hard to find and I can also blend into crowds and not stand out. Ever made a human pyramid? If so, you know that being on the bottom is the worst possible place to be. If you’re short, you’ll most likely never have to experience this! Lucky for us, we will almost always be on top, free from pain. Something you never have to think about if you are short is whether or not your bed will be long enough. The average bed measures 6 feet 3 inches and with a 2 feet long pillow. Us shorties can sleep in peace, not worrying
about our feet getting cold or stressing to find the perfect sleeping position. Cons In my 17 years of being short, I for some reason am always placed in the back of the class. While sitting in the back is pretty nice, being short makes this experience less enjoyable. You constantly have to stand up and lean over to see the board, especially if the tallest person in class is sitting in front of you. Walking with tall friends is like trying to keep up with a moving car. I’m constantly shouting for them to “wait up!” or “slow down!” while I rush over to keep up, gasping for breath. If I take a rest or go my own pace, I will end up several feet behind them. Not going to lie, it’s definitely a struggle.
Photo By Aviva Futornick
—Compiled by YSABELLE PUNZAL and JAY TIPIRNENI
Pros Being 6 feet comes with its perks and can be useful in many situations. Whenever I see someone struggling to get some cereal from the top cabinet, I can always give a hand. If you’re tall enough and can jump high enough then you can dunk, and therefore be cooler than any short person. You ever get lost in a large crowd? Well if you’re tall you have two advantages in that situation. You can be easily found because your head sticks over everyone elses’ and you can find others easily because you can look over everyone. As a tall person, I love to impose my height onto my shorter friends by putting my elbow on their heads. It’s always fun to use
people as armrests because it always seems to make their short heads hot with anger. Cons The more I grew, I realized how many vehicles aren’t made for us. Planes are the worst as a tall person because of the leg space being an average of 31 inches. Cars can be a whole different deal and are especially infuriating when you sit in the very back of the car and are forced to spread your legs out in order for you to fit. One of the most frustrating things about being tall is the fact that clothing and shoes cost more for us than my shorter friends. I completely understand that with larger clothes means higher prices. But despite that I still get jealous when my shorter friends spend less on their clothing than I do.
April 25, 2018
No one should feel pressured into prom By NICK ABRAHAM Opinion Editor
One of the biggest events adults remember from their teenage years are proms: the dresses and tuxes they wore, the dates they brought, the songs they danced to or the crazy mishaps they encountered. Historically, it’s made everlasting memories for many; because of this, it has become the most hyped-up event of any teen’s time in high school. This works out great for those who make a lot of friends at their school, go to all of the football games, basketball games and other school dances and events. The problem is, not everyone is like this anymore. Students have begun to increasingly diversify how they spend their time and individuality has become important in Sequoia’s community, and for young people in general.
This idea of students being individuals feels squandered when we’re all expected to participate as one big group in an event that is not enjoyable to all. Ever since I first got to high school, I have been told by peers and parents alike that prom will be one of my most important memories in high school, and for a while, I believed that. Eventually, though, as I started spending most of my social life outside of school with people other than my classmates, I distanced myself from this idea. I realized that I was only going to all of the football games and homecomings and winter formals just because I wanted to fit in, and because that was what I thought I was supposed to be doing to have a good time in high school. Because of this, when I told my friends I wasn’t going to prom, they all seemed surprised. It was as if the preliminary idea was that anyone with friends at school and a conscience would be going to the dance. After being honest with myself, I chose not to go because I wanted to give space to those who would actually enjoy it, as well as the space to myself to spend the time
on something else that would bring me more joy and that I could really make memories from. Also, the financial burden that prom poses to many may not seem worth it to everyone. It is true that there are many programs in place throughout the school to skirt some of the large costs prom creates for students and make it more affordable. However, even those who can afford the $80-90 ticket coupled with the prices of transportation and a nice dress or tuxedo may much rather save their money for things that make them individually a lot happier. It’s great that so many people get to make the memories of their lives at prom, but it’s time for the culture around it to change so that it is not viewed as the norm for everyone. Not everyone will enjoy prom, just as not everyone will enjoy going to a concert or a day at Great America with their friends. We choose what we do with our time and money in high school, and if prom doesn’t seem like a worthwhile investment to others, it’s important to make that just as normal as choosing to invest in prom.
Unilateral speech practices erode first amendment rights By ZACK ROSENBLATT Executive Editor
Since the ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1791, Americans have been given the right to freedom of speech and expression. This right stems from the First Amendment to the Constitution. In full, the First Amendment reads: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” While diction like “thereof ”, “abridging” and “grievances” can understandably give one fits, words like “peacefully” should not. Why when given five inches do some people insist on taking five feet? The United States Constitution gives every American citizen rights that are seldom seen around the world. If you assemble against the government in North Korea, you are shot. So why must people take advantage of such liberties in America? Assemble if you wish… it is your right… but at least follow the law and do it peacefully. This means that if it is a march or large demonstration in a plaza or park, call a city official and ask if a permit is needed. These unalienable rights give Americans many privileges and ben-
7
Opinion
efits but call for responsibility and aged politics’ war-of-words rages on maturity. While free-speech is saying Twitter posts’ threads and Facebook what you want to say, it is also hearing posts’ comment sections. Users hurl what you don't want to hear. If you insults at each other, engage in ‘I want to protest in favor of gun con- block you, you block me’ games and trol, you need to be able to respectful- comment on how one anothers ensuly handle being in the presence of pro- ing death will gruesomely look like. tests against gun control. If you want There is no ‘you talk, I listen’ and then to protest in comfort—away from be- ‘I talk, you listen.” ing called negative names and having Even more troubling, Google uses offensive slurs yelled at you—abstain the Southern Poverty Law Center from doing this to others. (SPLC), a liberal-leaning legal advocaIf you do anything to someone else cy group that specializes in civil rights that you would not want to be done to and anti-extremism, to help police yourself, there is only one word even the sharing of content on YouTube. the dumbest person could end up call- Though it is safe to assume that the ing you…a hypocrite. SPLC does a good Once your target auWhile free-speech is saying job at removing dience realizes you are what you want to say, it is also hate speech from a hypocrite, you have hearing what you don't want to YouTube, the liberal not only lost others’ hear. ideology within the respect, but worse, you SPLC raises queshave lost receptivity of tions over whether your message. the hate speech from a liberal miliIn the worst cases, a demonstra- tant group like ‘Antifa’ gets removed tion of freedom of speech ends up pre- at quite the same rate as a white suventing another from exercising their premacists’ content. right to freedom of speech. On Feb. 1, While YouTube and other social 2017, conservative commentator Milo media websites do own the right to Yiannopoulos was unable to speak at a remove any content they want off of planned appearance on the UC Berke- their platform, if there is favoritism ley campus after a small group of pro- for either side of the political spectesters surrounded the building, barri- trum, these companies should be cading the doors and throwing objects transparent about it. In addition, for through the windows. This is wholly those passionately speaking or posting ironic and unacceptable. What is the about a political topic, learn to accept, rationale behind preventing someone and even invite others to passionately from speech through the use of your speak and post with opposite opinright to speech? ions. After all, you may as well exercise Similarly, on social media websites a right that most of the world’s populike Twitter and Facebook, the new lation is not as fortunate to have.
Where is the beef? By JONATHAN GUZMAN Staff Reporter
Over the years, vegan culture has risen into the mainstream as we begin to shift to more sustainable approaches to living. Veganism, an extreme form of vegetarianism, is the practice of avoiding the consumption or use of any animal products. Going vegan meant a dramatic shift in my diet and meant being cognizant of any hygiene products I use. Veganism has never looked more enticing with celebrities like Beyoncé and Tom Brady becoming vegans. Also, with other Vegans hyping this “new” diet, it’s almost impossible to not think it could improve every aspect of your life. According to Top Trends in Prepared Foods, as of 2017, six percent of Americans identify as Vegan, compared to one percent in 2014. Don’t get me wrong, going vegan is a major life decision, but there are benefits. A study from the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that vegans lost more weight than their counterparts and could more-easily decrease blood pressure and the risk of type 2 diabetes. Many Vegans that I talked to claimed to be more energetic than their counterparts, but that wasn't the case for me. I think it’s more of a selffulfilling prophecy. Throughout the three weeks, I found that I ate more throughout the day, but not bigger meals. My light meals consisted of fruits and various chip options. I was also told that Oreos were vegan; however, I found, contrary to popular belief, Oreos are not vegan (according to Nabisco, the makers of Oreos.) Vegan meals, surprisingly, taste better than they look and definitely are healthier. Many Vegans say they converted not because of the moral issue of the mistreatment of animals, but instead because of the environmental effects. According to Global Citizen, it takes 100 to 200 times more water to raise a pound of beef than it does to raise a pound of plant food. Veganism is a viable option for anyone willing to commit, but for those that think the change is too dramatic, vegetarianism is also a great middle option. What I have taken away from these weeks is that I can see myself going vegan in the future, but—for now—I shall take my experience and live a healthier lifestyle that requires less of a dramatic change.
8
Feature/Opinion
April 25, 2018
Teachers' absences more beneficial than student's By TAYLOR GAYNER Staff Reporter
When you walk into class and you see a substitute teacher sitting in the place of your regular teacher, what do you think? That the class period is going to suck because you’re not going to get anything productive done? That you should just go home now? If so, me too. We all understand the struggle of dealing with clueless subs who can’t even follow the simplest of lesson plans. However, what we fail to think about when we have subs is, where did our teacher go? Occasionally, our teachers leave to go on vacation or to take care of a family member, but more often than not, they are at mandatory meetings that they attend in order to become better teachers for us. Our teachers are required to attend roughly one meeting a month at the school or district, whether they feel that said meeting is necessary or not. Both students and teachers find it equally frustrating to have someone else in the classroom trying to “teach” this often. “I became a teacher so that I could teach you, and not to be gone
in meetings all the time. On the oth“When teachers want to meet to er hand, though, I leave so that I can plan instruction or learn about new become a better teacher for you all,” teaching strategies, we need to find English teacher Jasmine Schimek time outside of instruction,” District said. Coach Jose Rosario said. "Monday The district calls for teachers to at- colab is a good place to start, but tend meetings relating to widely dif- it's only an hour and sometimes we ferent issues for each school in our have other topics to cover than curdistrict; it gives teachers and staff riculum. Free periods could work, a chance to discuss the things that but you're not always guaranteed aren’t working at their schools. The to have the same free period as the district requires teachers to attend teachers you need to meet with. You these meetings for the sole purpose could meet after school, but teachof enhancing their abilities. ers have other commitments, obliOur teachers host and attend gations and lives after the last bell. different meetings at Sequoia that Childcare could be more costly than sometimes occur during class time. staying late for meetings. ” For example, teachers with students Smaller teacher meetings are with disabilities have to attend In- called within the school more fredividualized Education Program quently than larger meetings with meetings, and all teachers have to the district or departments. At least attend Student once a week, teachStudy Teams to "I became a teacher so that I ers have to go to prep discuss how stu- could teach you, and not to be gone period meetings, dents are doing in meetings all the time. On the staff meetings or dewith the curricu- other hand, though, I leave so that partment meetings. lum. District I can become a better teacher for The smaller sizes alcoaches from every you all." low teachers to take —Jasmine Schimek school create a caltime and check in English teacher endar to organize with fewer teachers all of the meetings and talk about how so that the teachjust Sequoia stuers can coordinate their lesson plans dents are doing. Sometimes, these and necessary sub days. Because of meetings have to take place during the frequency of this, Sequoia is class time because teachers do not now confronted with a lack of subs, have enough time outside of class to which is a completely different issue. meet.
“The last option is to meet during the school day if sub-coverage gets approved. Say some Sequoia English teachers wanted to meet for a full day. Or maybe the Health Careers Academy. Or any other team. You could stagger this across multiple weeks. However, this coordination gets complicated because any course team at another site in our district could want to meet too.” Rosario said, “Now, you have a couple dozen teachers who need coverage across six schools. Then a couple dozen teachers the next week and so on. This doesn't include subs for teachers who are sick, signed up for district-led professional development, conferences, or field trips.” On top of all this, Sequoia teachers who teach IB classes are required to attend IB meetings as well. These meetings have completely different purposes, as IB calls for a very different and specific form of teaching. Taking into consideration the fact that these meetings are intended for teachers to be more equipped to teach us, more sympathy is needed towards their absences. The next time you walk into class with a substitute teacher waiting for you, instead of going straight into a negative headspace about it, choose to think of the positive effects that it is going to have on you, your teacher and your class overall.
Recent, diverse movies shine on the silver screen By HANNAH KLONINGER-STEVER and LAUREN STEVENS Staff Reporters
When senior and VicePresident of Sequoia’s Black Student Union Jada Herbert saw “Black Panther,” she saw herself on screen. Following the success of “Wonder Woman” in 2017, representation of marginalized groups is continuing to surface in movies like “Black Panther” and “Love, Simon.” “I liked how [in ‘Black Panther’] they were all dark skinned characters. It’s refreshing because when people cast black actors they usually go for more light skinned people like Zendaya, and it’s great that there are black people, but they’re not accounting for a large part of the black community,” Herbert said. “It’s just really nice to be able to see yourself up on the screen.” “Black Panther,” the fictional story of high-tech African Nation, Wakanda, has been praised for its empowering portrayal of black people, particularly black women.
It is now the highest-grossing superhero movie of all time, and has sparked a wave of black positivity, presenting a positive image for a group that often has minimal representation in mainstream media. “In the weeks after ‘Black Panther’ came out, there was an obvious surge in the sense of community among black people, and you could see it on Instagram, on Twitter, on Facebook. People were really, really excited to see themselves in a movie,” senior and BSU President Morgan Taradash said. “We grew up seeing people who don’t look like us in movies. It’s really hard being a kid and growing up and thinking ‘Why aren’t there
people who look like me on screen?’” Many, including Taradash, enjoyed the diverse and powerful representation of women presented in the film. “T’Challa’s sister is the head of technology in Wakanda, which was another thing that really inspirational: to see a woman in charge of technology, which is something that tends to be thought of more as a male career,” Taradash said. Like “Black Panther”, the new movie, “Love, Simon,” which follows the life of a closeted gay teen navigating the coming out process during his high school years, has also been lauded for its representation of an underrepresented group. It
Photos courtesy of Stuff.com and Penquin Books Australia
grossed over $11 million in its opening weekend, and was labelled “tender, sweet, and affecting” by critics from Common Sense Media. As the first mainstream gay teen romance film, “Love Simon” depicts the LGBTQ+ community in a positive light in a movie that otherwise appears cliche. “Seeing that ‘Love, Simon’ has a gay couple in it, that’s awesome to me because it’s showing that no, [it doesn’t] have to be some sort of alternative movie, some sort of sub-genre type thing, it’s just normal people and it’s a pretty cliche teen movie but it’s cute,” sophomore and GSA board member Amy Abad said. “It’s not something that is ‘taboo’ anymore, it’s something normal, and it
should be something everyday.” “Love, Simon” has also been praised for providing role models to LGBTQ+ teens dealing with the same struggles addressed in the movie. “It shows that things can get better, and if [viewers] don’t have any positive role models, it gives them positive role models and people that they can look up to,” Abad said. “That’s important to anybody, just so that they can see that they can become something awesome.” As well as presenting positive role models, these movies are helping normalize diversity in the media and diminish stereotypes about marginalized groups. With the financial success of diverse movies, many hope that it will open the door for more to come. “The more diverse [a movie] is, the more relatable it is, and the more people will want to watch it,” Abad said. “You don’t have to resort back to white, straight, cis people. It will be successful anyway.”