Apple Valley Senior High
VOLUME 45 ISSUE 1
September 13, 2012
THE SUNDIAL APPLE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL 11837 NAVAJO ROAD APPLE VALLEY, CA 92308j
IN THIS ISSUE:
Standardized Test Scores
Star
scor es
shine
brightl y
By SABRINA FUENTES Editor-in-Chief
PAGE 2: SCHOOL LUNCH
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Everyday hundreds of students line up and prepare as they are about to partake...
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PAGE 3: MISSION TRIP IN HAWAII
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For the past three summers through High Desert Church, over 200 students have...
Shining brightly for the third year in a row, the Apple students advanced in the API scores once again. API stands for the Acedemic Performance Index. The API Increased a total of 8 points from last year’s record setting 765 to 773. Sun Devils proved themselves academically by having the highest score in the town of Apple Valley beating out crosstown rival, Granite Hills. “This year’s students took the test more serious than ever before. We know we have the brightest students and we want our test scores to reflect it,” Principal Mr. Schlosser said. With test scores increasing in language arts and science, Schlosser seeks improvement in math in the coming year. Schlosser plans to coordinate individual conversations with the students and their counselors, highlighting their strong points along with their weak, and encouraging them to strive to do their best. “I am excited. The scores
Photo by Morgan Blalock/ Photo Editor
Sun Devils celebrate after discovering their victory over crosstown rival Granite Hills for the third year in a row.
were higher in English. They were already high but improved greatly, which was unexpected,” English teacher Mr. Nunes said. Schlosser plans to motivate students by rewarding them with a barbecue, free activity time and a $ 2,000 prize to the winning class. In spring, these events will take place, to remind students of the rewards given for working
hard. “I try my best because colleges look at your scores and you can earn scholarships for good scores,” junior Joe Kern said. Not only does a high API score make the school appealing to possible incoming students and the community, but also it will help in the WASC accreditation process this year.
When receiving the news of the API score, Schlosser called for an emergency staff meeting after school and began building a spread sheet. There the staff celebrated the achievements. “I am proud of you guys. You guys had great effort. Some thought there was no room to grow, but we did. We proved them wrong,” Schlosser said.
” No shades of grey comparing red, blue candidates National Election
By RUQAYYA AHMAD
PAGE 4:
Features Editor
‘THUNDERSTRUCK’ PREVIEW
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Kevin Durant, striking audiences and fans across the world on the court and in theaters...
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PAGE 5: BELLGAME FEVER
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Coming into this new seasons Bell Week, the pressure rises, the team is anxious and the town...
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PAGE 6: NEW SUN DEVIL STAFF
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‘I once won Pee-wee Herman dance contest at training school...’
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Additional photos and texts compliled by Sabrina Fuentes/ Editor-in-Chief & Ovaa Hall/Contributing Editor
The Presidential Election happens in less than 60 days. President Barack Obama hopes for a second term, while the Republican Party just officially nominated Govenor Mitt Romney. If elected, Romney would be a dramatic change to the current workings of the United States, as he is almost the complete opposite of current President Obama. The comparisons of Obama and Romney are endless. The most obvious difference is that
Bus Passes This year students district wide will have a new edition to their backpacks, a student bus pass. When the students board the bus, they will have to show the bus pass to the driver, verifying that they are in the correct bus and that they are getting off on the correct stop. The passes will be checked when the students are boarding the bus at the bus stop in the morning, as well as after school when getting on the bus. The district is discovering that there are high numbers of students riding who are not eligible for transportation services. The non-eligible students are causing overcrowding on the busses. The bus passes are not expected to cause a delay in the route times. It is also possible that some savings will materialize in the future, determining the number of busses needed to serve
both were born and raised in different places. Additionally, while Romney is from a political and business background, Obama is not. Obama has a widespread knowledge regarding law while Romney does not. A major difference regarding the two is their views on how to handle the national budget. “Romney says he will cut spending which will reduce the federal deficit, and he will reduce taxes for everyone. This plan should have positive effects on our economy and will do more to help our economy than what is being done at the moment,” teacher Mr. Pontier
said. Obama believes that the wealthy should be taxed more. He also pledges to reduce federal spending. The President understands that the government debt has risen, but the billions in stimulus spending, bank and auto bailouts were necessary to keep the recession from being even worse. This according to the President. “Obama inherited a poor economy and people who criticize him do not realize that most of it was inherited and not caused by him,” teacher Mr. Collins said. Another key difference be-
tween the two is women’s rights. Romney is pro-life when it comes to abortions. He says that he would like to see the Supreme Court reverse the Roe v. Wade ruling supporting abortion rights. Obama is prochoice and believes that a woman has every right to do what she likes with her body. Voters can have their opinions of these two heard by going to vote on election day: November 6, 2012. “I am hoping that the American people have a chance to listen to and understand the topics being mentioned and are able to make a good decision,” teacher Mr. Williams said.
way Home Solutions decided to run the ‘It’s a Gas to go to Class’ program once again. All nine high schools in the High Desert are participating in this event. This program aims to encourage students in the ninth through twelfth grade to attend school every day in exchange for an opportunity to win prizes. This year, two new Dodge
Darts will be presented to the winners of the raffle, which will be held at the end of the school year. “I am so happy!” Toney said. This according to The Daily Press . Other prizes such as TVs, computers, gift cards and scholarships, will also be awarded. By SABRINA FUENTES
From the Devil’s Lair
eligible students, and long term fuel savings. By DANIELLE ROZHON Co-Entertainment Editor
It’s a Gas to go to Class Sun Devil Sydney Toney won the Gas to Class car for perfect attendance last year. Due to the great turn out last year, schools and sponsors such as Victorville Motors and Mid-
Editor-in-Chief
With the school making many improvements, the Sun Devil Clock Tower is still missing a clock.
Freshly painted and scuffs no more, Sun Devil Circle is back to its original glory.