highlights
Beverly Hills, Calif.
Volume 90, Issue 3 - October 17, 2016
Beverly Hills High School
BHEA negotiates Union contracts
Sophia Goldberg business manager The Beverly Hills Education Association (BHEA) is still currently negotiating the teacher contracts for the 2015-16 school year with the district. The main point of disagreement can be found with the 20-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio in K-3 classes, with the Union wanting the ratio to remain at 20-to-1 and the Board of Education believing the ratio should be raised to 23-to-1. All negotiations taking place until now are still for the 2015-16 school year, which causes many is-
sues for the Teacher Union. “The ideal situation [for a contract year] is when an agreement is reached before the school year ends, but for the past three years, the negotiations have continued either late into the school year or into the next school year. In the 2013-14 school year, negotiations were completed in August 2014, at the beginning of the next school year. In the 2014-15 school year, we came to an agreement at the end of the school year. The past school year’s [2015-16] negotiations have not been resolved yet,
INSIDE this issue
meaning the negotiations for this school year have not been started,” BHEA President Telly Tse said. The main impediment to BHEA and the district resolving the negotiations and moving on to that of this school year is the issue of 20-to-1 for kindergarten to third grade classes. According to Tse, Director of Human Resources Yolanda Mendoza agreed with the BHEA representatives about the 20-to-1 ratio and the exceptions that would be made for additions of students. However, when taken to the Board of Education to ratify
NEWS
DECA enforces new plans
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the negotiations, the agreement was not approved, with the Board deciding the ratio should be increased to 23-to-1. High school principal Dave Jackson is one of the staff members representing the district in negotiations with the Union. He believes that both sides are trying their best to create contracts that benefit both the teachers and the students throughout the district. Article continued on page 2: BHEA.
CULTURE
Music in the classroom
Page11
SPORTS
Football cocaptain feature
Page 12
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2 news
October 17, 2016
Highlights Highlights
DECA enforces new plans for school year
Print Veronica Pahomova and Ben Shofet editors-in-chief
Rinesa Kabashi, Evan Minniti, AJ Wolken, Sam Bernstein, Lauren Hannani staff writers
Eleanor Bogart-Stuart culture editor
Natasha Dardashti multimedia editor
Web Ben Shofet and Keith Stone editors-in-chief
Benjamin Dahan, Jason Harward, Priscilla Hopper, staff writers
Jamie Kim news editor
Vivian Geilim opinion editor
Isaiah Freedman sports editor Sophia Goldberg business manager Gaby Herbst Seniors Noah Lee and Cameron Smith grin gleefully as Lee holds up Smith’s silver medal at a DECA competiton. Lauren Hannani staff writer In order to become more of an organized and productive club, DECA has implemented new changes, including a mandatory entrepreneurship class, a new administrator and new goals. A mandatory, seminar-style entrepreneurship class implemented by California DECA is a part of the club for the first time. Since last year’s meetings were not as productive and organized as some members would have liked, the presidents of DECA think the class, which is necessary only for those who want to compete in upcoming conferences, will be very beneficial for members. This class meets for two hours twice a week, but the officers of DECA are very flexible with these requirements.
“The great thing about DECA is that it’s very flexible,” junior copresident Vivian Geilim said. “We know not everyone will be able to attend a two-hour class twice a week because we know people enrolled in DECA are very good students. We care about every student who’s a part of it and we’re not trying to give everyone all this work; we’re just trying to improve everyone’s skills.” Along with this additional class added to members’ schedules, Coach John Johnson (JJ) has become its new administrator for the year. Robotics instructor Elfego Cruz and CTE coordinator Cindy Dubin also plan to help during meetings. “JJ is fantastic. He is deeply invested in the well-being of the club.
I think he’s going to be especially strong in improving professional speaking abilities,” vice president Lana Schwartz said. “Ms. Dubin has also been very helpful in trying to make the course as flexible as possible for our members.” Although preparing for business conferences continues to be the main focus of the club, DECA hopes to achieve more community outreach. “We plan on working at Cheesecake Factory around Thanksgiving to feed those less fortunate, and fundraising activities for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, all while maintaining an active presence in the community,” senior co-president Jessica Moghaddam said. “We also hope to have a Networking Night this year that
adviser —
Photo by: VIVIAN GEILIM will allow our members to network among business professionals and hopefully attain long lasting relationships between students and employers.” With these new changes, the business-based club looks forward to expanding the club and winning more awards as a result of hard work and dedication. “DECA isn’t just something to slap on your resume; you’re actually working toward a goal and working to achieve a trophy at the conferences,” Geilim said. “The club has so much potential to help people in so many ways, like in speaking abilities and life skills from being in a different kind of environment than school. We all wanted to expand the club to bring its potential to the top.”
Our goal as a student-run publication is to provide reliable, accurate and fair content that informs and intrigues the Beverly Hills community by following the principles of ethical journalism and represents the student body. We will deliver a broad spectrum of coverage through a variety of mediums, including online and print.
Continued from page 1: BHEA Sophia Goldberg business manager
“Both parties, the people on BHEA and the people on the district administration team, are striving for what they feel is best for the kids and the teachers. Their hearts are in the right place, and I think it’s just a process,” Jackson said. Board President Howard Goldstein states that when the District decided to no longer participate in the Comprehensive School Reform (CSR) program in 2013, average class size was supposed to be raised to 29to-1. However, the Board believed that 29 students was too high for teachers to effectively and adequately respond to all their students, and dropped the ratio to 23 students per K-3 class. “As the CSR program no longer exists, the District
can no longer participate, and therefore, pursuant to the BHUSD-BHEA contract, K-3 class size is 29-to1. With that said, it is important to point out that the board has not set class size to 29-to-1, but rather updated board policy to reflect a K-3 class size of 23-to-1, which is in compliance to what was contracted,” Goldstein said. “Contract terms have precise meanings, and unless they are defined otherwise, the plain meaning applies.” Tse sees the lack of consistency between the Board and the District representatives frustrating and unfair to the Teachers’ Union. “[The fact that] the Board would not ratify the 20-to-1 component of the contract when the Director of Human Resources agreed at the negotiating table is a
very serious violation of the trust between BHEA and the District. BHEA considers this unfair labor practice,” Tse said. “I hope that the District and BHEA can resolve this issue, but time is running out and it may require the Public Employee Relations Board’s (PERB) involvement.” PERB, according to the California Government’s website, is responsible for protecting and instituting the eight collective bargaining laws for California’s public schools and government employees. In the event that a teacher union at a California public school or community college feels as though its employers have committed an unfair practice in not abiding by one or more of the bargaining laws, the teacher union may file an unfair practice
charge. Currently, BHEA is looking into filing an unfair practice charge against the District, unless a decision can be made on the 20-to-1 matter. Tse mentions that the prolongment of the contract makes the K-3 students in the District most vulnerable, as Tse believes those years of education are most important. Also, Tse mentions that substitute teachers can not receive an increase in salary. “BHEA has demonstrated that it is open to working with the District and that they keep their word. The Board has not done the same,” Tse said. “We are looking forward to closing negotiations soon, because the prolongment of the contract harms K-3 students, substitute teachers and the community as a whole.”
Highlights is a forum for public expression that is produced by the Advanced Journalism class of Beverly Hills High School, 241 Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212. Letters to the editor may be sent to beverlyhighlights@gmail.com. Visit beverlyhighlights.com. Follow @bhhighlights on Instagram and Twitter. Highlights is sponsored by
news 3
October 17, 2016
Highlights
A closer look at
presidential candidates’ college plans
News Analysis Natasha Dardashti multimedia editor
It is no secret that the 20162017 election is hectic. Different opinions from two of the most hated candidates in modern history affect students in a multitude of ways. However, there is one topic that affects every single college student across America: college debt. Between Hillary Clinton’s and Donald Trump’s plans for easing college debt, one candidate has a solid plan while the other has a thin outline. Clinton’s debt-free college plan, named the College Compact, is a step toward alleviating the stresses of debt that fall onto many American students. Following this plan would eventually lead to all community colleges being completely tuition-free, as well as higher education being debt-free for those attending public, in-state universities. By 2021, Clinton plans on making college completely debt-free for students in households that make less than $125,000 a year.
The College Compact will also affect those who undertake acts of community service. Community service workers who participate in AmeriCorps and complete two years of service will be relieved of loans. Also, newly certified teachers who teach in high-need areas or subjects with teacher shortages will have an increased forgiveness of loans. Still, nothing good comes without a price. According to the official Clinton website, “this plan will cost in the range of $350 billion over 10 years – and will be fully paid for by limiting certain tax expenditures for high-income taxpayers,” which could lead to a decrease in the size of the economy in the long run. Trump’s campaign offers no plan for helping debt-heavy students. But, he has acknowledged the debts faced by college students. “The saddest thing I see is these students are leveraged, [with] debt up to their necks,” Trump said in an interview in Florida. With Clinton’s plan in effect, taxes are expected to rise, espe-
Donald Trump speaks at the Conservative Political Actions Conference. Photo Courtesy of: GAGE SKIDMORE cially for those with an adjusted gross income of over $1 million. The payoff of these taxes, though, is expected to cover at least some form of higher education for 80 percent of Americans by 2021.
Opinion
Genius of Clinton’s College Compact Sam Bernstein staff writer
In this historic presidential election, popular short-term issues such as Donald Trump’s treatment of women and Hillary Clinton’s emails have captivated national attention rather than political policies that will influence many generations in the future. One extremely important issue that will affect many generations to come was deeply analyzed and considered during the Democratic pri-
maries. That issue is college tuition and debt. Unfortunately, this problem has barely made any noise in the general election. This lack of noise has hurt the chances of further development of a college plan by either side. It has been observed that there is only one college plan offered by either candidate. That plan was created by Democratic nominee Clinton. Because Republican nominee Trump was too fo-
Hillary Clinton speaks for the Human Rights Campaign. Photo Courtesy of: GAGE SKIDMORE
cused on “building walls,” he has not proposed a major college plan. Clinton’s plan is very strong, but not only compared to Trump’s lack of a plan. Clinton has devised a strong plan to send many to a twoyear college free of future debt. Americans need higher education, and it is a shame that many cannot get it simply because of the cost. Right now, our nation has a major problem with the expenditures that come with obtaining a higher education. Clinton’s education blueprint is a less radical idea than the system introduced by Bernie Sanders. Sanders’ layout was to offer debt-free college to every student in America. It seems like a nice scheme on paper; however, the tax increases issued to the rich, or the “one percent,” seemed extreme. His strategy turned off many higher-income members of both major parties. Clinton seems to have created the perfect medium. Clinton has created a plan that successfully funds college, without overdoing it. She has also openly discussed a major plan, unlike Trump. According to the Wall Street Journal, Clinton’s arrangement offers free tuition for American public universities to students in families annually earning under $85,000. This formula will later be extend-
ed to students in families earning under $125,000 by 2021. Under this recipie, by 2021, 80 percent of American families would be eligible to receive free tuition. Her tax increases to fund this plan are indecisive. Again according to the Wall Street Journal, “[Clinton’s plan] would take $500 billion in new federal spending over 10 years, $150 billion more than the college plan she put out last summer.” Clinton hasn’t decided how she’ll divide this. To speculate, most of the financial burden will likely be placed on the top 10 percent, as she’s announced that most of her tax increases will affect this strong income minority. Students in this area are fortunate to live in an upper class community. Many Beverly Hills families will be paying for this plan. This is a good thing. The hypothetical tax money being paid by Beverly Hills residents will do well for many young scholars. We are fortunate to live in a community where many can hold their own and pay for their own college; however, many Americans cannot afford higher education like most students here can. This is our way of giving back. It’s an unfortunate crisis that the general American public cannot afford college. Clinton’s plan will be the solution.
October 17, 2016
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October 17, 2016
Highlights
Renovation of the Veronica Pahomova co-editor-in-chief Evan Minniti staff writer
The front entrance and lawn of the school are nearly unrecognizable, the Swim Gym was closed and a majority of the main building’s second floor is off-limits--and those are only the physical changes! Whether one likes it or not, the school is currently undergoing some changes that are overdue and necessary. Alongside the renovation, the administration has enacted new policies, employment and benefits in all fields. According to a recent poll, 53.7 percent of 244 student respondents feel like the administration is doing its best to accommodate the students in this temporary situation. One of the improvements lie in the schedule change. Collaboration days have increased, having the staff now meet twice a month rather than once. With this improvement, faculty members can communicate ideas or concerns and join forces to ensure the best experience for the student body. Just last meeting, Assistant Principal Mark Mead created a superb presentation and proffered it to the teaching staff, assuring Principal Dave Jackson that this was a “very good improvement.” Every morning, students and faculty can often find Jackson and the three assistant principals out on campus, helping to di-
rect the morning traffic alongside the new crossing guards who are present throughout the day. Social Studies Department Chair Dan Moroaica stresses the importance of this new addition, acknowledging the administration’s improvement on safety. “The school has been spending...money on lots of little things that we feel are needed. I drive to school every day and I’ve seen this issue of not only student drivers, but also sometimes parent divers and also sometimes faculty drivers. It can be dangerous, so I think it’s a very good investment in student safety. I’m sure it’s not the only factor that’s out there, but that little thing makes a big difference,” Moroaica said. Even the library, staffed with a new Head Librarian Daniel Bradford and Library Technician Janell Balmaceda, has undergone advancements, including the room’s new whole-day availability and a less strict identification card policy. “I’ve talked about the kind of changes I wanted to make [with the assistant principals] and they’ve just been supportive. The main thing they wanted was a more welcoming atmosphere in the library, so that’s what Ms. Balmaceda, the library technician, and I are trying to do,” Bradford said. In a technological sense, according to Jackson, last year the school only had
around 400 computers. This year, however, the administration is in the process of purchasing more. “[New computers are] something that we’ve needed for a very long, long time,” Moroaica said. “I think that the current administration, lead by Principal Jackson, have been doing a great job in addressing student concerns and student needs.” Pertaining to the current senior class, their proficient and higher CAASPP testing scores earned them the opportunity of obtaining passes that allow them to leave at 1:10 instead of 1:45. Jackson believes that his “helps on campus”, as well as helps the kids, and senior Dani Berris agrees. “I believe that it’s good that we can leave at lunch now,” Berris said. “I have tons of homework this year, and this makes it 10 times easier because I can go home and study while eating or whatever I want, and in school I can’t always do that.” Overall, Jackson has mentioned the increase in general politeness. It’s evident to him that his students have been joyous and courteous based on their interactions throughout the school day. “I’ve had kids just randomly walk by and say ‘thank you,’” Jackson said. “I say good morning and everything, but I think the nice thing now is that kids are saying good morning before I say good morning, and
Norman Nation
they’re saying good morning to friends of theirs, and they’re saying good morning to teachers! That politeness is coming back, and I think that’s a really nice thing.” Some students even recognize the administration’s attempt to create a more aesthetically pleasing environment in the bungalows with their additions of potted palm trees and teachers’ mini gardens. Sophomore Kate Barko has stated her happiness with the fact that the administration is “taking action and making our school a better place.” “There is nothing better than greenery when trying to improve environments! Beverly’s attempt to make our student life and education better by caring for our amenities surrounding us is expected, but also much appreciated,” senior Marcell Lengey said. Even though some might call the construction a “nuisance,” Moroaica is one of the individuals who recognizes the positives in the situation. “[People are] gonna complain, but they also have to respect the amount of effort being put in to try to minimize the discomfort.” Moroaica said, Overall, Jackson states that, “We have a really happy campus.” “If you look at kids’ faces, they’re smiling,” said Jackson. “So that to me is wonderful.”
Eleanor Bogart-Stuart culture editor
The start of construction on our school and its facilities has become a defining characteristic of the 2016-2017 school year. These changes are being made for the benefit of future generations and the safety of current ones, a fact that many refuse to understand. Despite the construction already being beneficial, administration has graciously decided to help ease and make the process less painful with several improvements which students still undermine and gripe about. It’s clear that the administration not only understands the importance of our little Norman Nation, but cares about the students who are a part of it. While the construction is mandatory, the administration’s efforts to make the transition easier for us are not. They don’t have to place plants by the bungalows. They don’t have to rent bungalows with the same amount of amenities as the ones we have now. They don’t have to let us leave early from lunch because of a high CAASPP score, a benchmark that students should have already been achieving without being seduced by rewards. But they do. As the great Winston Churchill said, “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” We are the Norman Nation. The Norman Nation is our country. The administration is our government. Their work for us should be recognized, not denigrated. It is vital that students stop whining about
an extra long walk to their chemistry class or the size of a bungalow and realize that the most important thing is having a unified student body. Yes, going through this difficult and trying time of school construction may have us feeling a little lost and without a home. But the Norman Nation, no matter what form it takes, is our home. We must remember that the changes that our school has undergone, and continues to undergo, does not equate to a perversion of our spirit and community. Complaining is not a helpful nor productive way to maintain this sense of spirit. A house divided against itself cannot stand. Even some teachers notice this lack of appreciation that the student body holds. Social Studies Department Chair Dan Moroaica urges the Norman Nation--the students, parents and entire faculty--to look on the bright side. “Humans are going to complain…people remember the negatives more than the positives. My personal opinion is yes, it could be a heck of a lot worse, and they’re handling it extremely well. For the situation, we make the best we can out of it,” Moroaica said. Appreciate your administration for working hard for you. Appreciate your parents for sending you here. Appreciate your peers. Appreciate your school. As J.K Rowling’s famous Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore once said in the movie Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn off the light.”
Opinion 8
October 17, 2016
Highlights
Anxious and exhausted: senior year strikes Eleanor Bogart-Stuart culture editor
A few weeks ago, a friend of mine told me to come meet him at the local Starbucks . When I did, I saw tears streaming down his face. He was having a breakdown because he thought that he did poorly on his physics test, and somehow believed that this would ruin his chances of getting into any and all colleges. High schoolers are angsty and feel as if they carry the world on their shoulders. But seeing my friend’s world crumbling around her solely because he performed badly on a physics test made me realize that seniors have to deal with an entirely different set of problems. We have to deal with real life. Although every teen in high school has their “problems,” it’s the seniors who are forced with daunting task of planning out their entire futures. I used to view senior year as a time of liberation from the usual shackles of education, a time of celebration and enjoying the last year before the rest of your life. I realized a few weeks in that senior year, or at least the first semester, is a time of complete and destructive anxiety. Already almost half-way through the first semester, I’ve never felt more exhausted and stressed in my entire life. I’ve noticed that I’m not the only one that feels beaten
down. It’s hard enough to try and maintain a respectable grade point average while balancing the usual pressures of social and family life, but to make decisions about what career you want to do for the rest of your life seems like a bit too much. It seems like all these years of education, in particular this year, are spent trying to impress someone else. A family member, a teacher, a counselor. And now, a herd of colleges. This endless process would be painful for anyone, most of all emotional and insecure teenagers. Transcripts and grades have begun to replace identities. Feeling like every move you make is being critiqued by an audience of a thousand takes its toll. We’ve exaggerated these feelings to a dangerous measure. Suddenly every phone call, homework assignment, conversation, has taken on a new and dramatic meaning. We turn radical hypotheticals into concrete realities. Everything is now the most important thing. Take my friend, who viewed the possibility of a bad grade as the end to any happy future. Every senior I know is on the edge of their seat, almost desperately seeking for some kind of stimulation to distract them from the terror of the incoming future. This in itself just exacerbates the initial stress of applying to colleges and consider-
ing how the rest of our lives will be affected by these choices. I believe in the idea of fate. I believe that what is meant to be, will be. For your own health and happiness, I urge you to keep in mind that doing badly on one test does not spell out your demise. I’ll admit, it’s often hard for me to remember that and remain consistently positive. But I’m tired of seeing people who I care about undermine themselves and become legitimately depressed just because they forgot a homework assignment or forgot what to say during a presentation. It’s time that students celebrate themselves. We’ve all made it this far. Somehow, through all these years of organelles and proofs and grammar quizzes and mile tests, we’ve made it. Through every awkward interaction in the hallway, through every scolding from a teacher that actually did hurt a little bit. We’ve made i t this far. And I promise you, we can make it one more year.
STRAIGHT UP: WHAT SENIORS THINK “ I’ve dealt with stress all my life, so when it came to senior year I became way more organized in order to prevent that. I started preparing for my college applications during the summer. “ - senior Preston Rozwood
Pictures by: ELEANOR BOGART-STUART
“People tend to underestimate what the first semester of senior year is like. After a full day of school, I come home and work for 8 hours, and only get 3-4 hours of sleep.” - senior Lana Schwartz
Credit recovery unappreciated, necessary Rinesa Kabashi staff writer Credit Recovery classes are available to those who have not completed all credits in a specific particular class or would like to advance in a class. Students are allowed to take these classes over the summer. However, do not think taking classes over summer can be beneficial to students. These students should have the option of taking a separate class during the school year rather than taking it over summer. It seems to be that having stu-
dents repeat a class makes them less motivated. Students can feel uncomfortable in an environment by feeling undermined by another student’s advanced knowledge. They will feel undermined because not everyone in the class is on the same level. To prevent this feeling we can separate students. They can make a credit recovery class for a group of
students. One choice which is over summer is not a choice. They should
ule. “I have always wanted to take credit classes over summer, but my family and I schedule trips to
Student can feel uncomfortable in an environment by feeling undermined by another student’s advanced knowledge. have a variety of options because not everyone can take a class over summer. Many students can be busy over summer and will not be able to fit time in their sched-
Europe every summer so I can see my family out there,” sophomore Kate Barkhodarian said. Taking a semester class is also only five weeks over summer, if students
take it over the year it gives them more time. “I feel like students being in a separate class will help them learn better. A lot of my friends who have needed to repeat a class felt like they did not get enough attention in the first place, so I feel like this would be a really good thing for students,” sophomore Kayla Shadgoo said. Instead of focusing on students that are on different levels they have a group of students in one class who are all there for the same .
opinion 9
October 17, 2016
Highlights
Editorial
Junior cheerleaders hold up large spirit posters on Homecoming day. Photo by: VIVIAN GEILIM. It’s nice to believe that our school once did have school spirit, a long, long time ago. However, with construction and students moved to the bungalows, we started this year knowing that we would be coming to school to simply and only soak our brains in knowledge. It seemed like there would be no orange mo-
tivation, no excitement on our bleachers and surely no spirit; just as it has been for all of the years we have attended school. After all of these presumed assumptions the Norman Nation had at the beginning of school, ASB came, saw and conquered the latent spirits from within every Norman and seam-
lessly revived the black and orange of the school. In preparation for Homecoming, the pep rally took place on the football field, where every student was exposed to the 90-degree beating rays of the sun. This, however, didn’t keep the excitement dormant in the stands. There were in-
teractions with the audience as ASB members threw T-shirts to the crowd of students, as the homecoming nominees played tug-of-war and fall sports captains smashed their faces in whipped cream in an attempt to find their M&Ms. The feel of the pep rally was so different this year. You could feel the excitement in its entirety as students watched the football players dressed as cheerleaders and teachers dancing to modern-day music. It was refreshing. It was fun. It felt unified. The school spirit did not end after the double-headed pep rally. ASB orchestrated a carnival-themed, two hour tailgate leading up to the homecoming game. There were
photo booths, cool music (shoutout Radio Airlift), taco trucks and basketball pop-a-shots, all located in the Swim Gym parking lot. It just goes to show what a little spirit and unity can bring to the atmosphere. The football stands were packed in a sea of blackness, visual evidence of excellent school spirit and unity. At halftime, when homecoming winners were announced, everyone cheered like crazy to support the princes, princesses, king and queen of each grade. Norman football’s tough loss did not matter. The school was united, at a time it did not have to be, and the result was just pure fun. We do understand that it is hard to have spirit during the doldrums of a weekday, and in a school that has been sliced up into three parts. However, the no-spirited stereotype that has grown in our school and grown in each student is now a part of Norman history. Finally, we have surpassed the stipulation and have evolved to become a true Norman Nation.
Political correctness fails to convey purpose Veronica Pahomova co editor-in chief
As Apple releases its new iOS 10 update, new features and layouts are accompanied by new emojis. Scraping away every possible menacing aspect of a more realistic gun, this green toy water gun emoji symbolizes the increase in popularity of political correctness (PC). With their sirens up and running, the PC Police have gathered more nationwide troops with callsto-action inspired by an increase in sensitivity and the presidential campaign. Yet whether one is for the PCPD or against it, it is necessary for political correctness, as both a concept and locution, to be abolished for the sake of the nation’s pluralist culture. The proof lies within two reasons. 1. The term, alongside with its meaning and connotation, is constantly interpreted in numerous ways, and in response is undoubtedly confusing. While for many citizens it may represent a willingness to behave in a socially acceptable manner, political correctness now signifies the deformation of free speech for millions of people. So if this was not the original word’s intent, why is this the case? The most noteworthy cause of these haphazard misconceptions lie within the presidential campaigns. Throughout the year of 2016, the (in)famous Donald Trump has milked the very word dry. The Republican presidential nominee has made remarks on enforcing Muslims to carry identification cards to state their faith, as if they were tagged farm animals or unfortunate victims of the Ho-
locaust. When reporters ask him if the nation has been too “politically correct with Muslims in America,” Trump answers in wholehearted agreement. With this in mind, Trump transforms the definition of political correctness and uses it as an excuse for his ignorance. In attempt to solidify his argument, Trump states that being “politically correct takes too much time,” and inhibits the American people from speaking their minds. In doing so, he manipulates his massive following into believing that those who accuse them of insensitivity and racism are purely tearing down the pillars of democracy. In terms of the presidential race, Trump has made the meaning of political correctness--originally being “mindful” and “informed”-synonymous with “repressive” and “unaccountable.” Trump creates a negative connotation around PC and cloaks it over the campaign of opponent Hillary Clinton. Clinton, however, wears her political correctness as a badge of honor and rebukes Trump with examples of his crass statements to prove his ignorance. Political correctness is not the opposite of truth. Indecency and incivility are the true antonyms. Now that there exists a justification for immorality and oppression--thank you, Trump--the nation can watch the campaign breed conflicting interpretations of a single word and struggle to grasp onto one of the candidates’ definitions. 2. Some people take their definitions of political correctness--whichever one it
may be--way too far, and therefore waste their and others’ time and energy. This is in no way, shape or form an argument about the fighters in the Culture War. Those who take to the streets and parade LGBTQA rights are social-standard soldiers creating a mindset revolution and should be well credited. The real problem lies in those few rotten apples who perpetually find themselves spoiling the basket. These problematic individuals unnecessarily point fingers at unintention-
defines boundaries for right and wrong, as if there were a set list of guidelines mailed to every citizen in America. On numerous occasions, even a neutral mention of sensitive topics sparks a retaliation. When it comes to PC extremists who place the burden of cultural reformation on their shoulders, who are they to decide what is right and wrong? What gives their opinion more value than another? This branch of PCPD might say, “Because the opposer’s actions are not moral or just,” but who are they to decide what is “moral” and “just?” For all anyone knows, the accuser may as well be a 12-year-old on Tumblr trying to gain followers. If the nation must persistently self-censor conversations regarding race, gender, sexual orientation and/or religion, then the society is condemned to elongate the very obstacles it wishes to overcome. In this case, politicians, news reporters, businessmen, even the president and members of civil society, will continue to maneuver around--if not ignore altogether--sticky topics in fear of being labeled by any career-killing term from the extreme PCers. Not only does this radical view of PC waste the nation’s time, but it also has a counterintuitive product. This inessential combat between the extremists and those who do not know or agree with their specific preachings and terminology is making it difficult for leaders and civilians to discuss the nation’s issues as they are, not just as they are referred to. This
“Political correctness is not the opposite of truth. Indecency and incivility are the true antonyms.” al offenses and reprimand the public with their dogmatic principles. The fact that Google uses the phrase, “often considered as taken to extremes,” referring to political correctness is proof that those in the PCPD with good intentions don’t always generate positive outcomes. Nowadays, it’s hard to scroll through a social media platform without having a thread of arguments between the PC Police and those they accuse of wrongdoings. Many PC extremists--as if they just stare at their computer screens until they find something to get mad at--find themselves roaring jargon to those who do not even deserve the backlash. When singled out by one of the extremists, the offender is not treated as if he made a mistake, but as if he intentionally participated in an immoral act. This assumed supremacy
understandable drive--from both oppositions--to fulfill perfect aspirations for an impossible standard has lead to constant division and separation. Not only is this moral grandstanding polluting time to talk about issues the extremists discredit, but it also wastes time that could be spent talking about other crucial matters that might even need to be solved first before enacting any cultural progression. In all respect to the fighters of sexual equality, would a malnourished and homeless individual be worried about, as writer of exposé “Why Political Correctness is Failing the World” Umair Haque puts it, choosing their “identity from a long, long list.” This, he says, is a “great luxury.” The struggling person would most likely focus their attention on food, shelter and safety rather than the pressing issue those “reformers” on inefficiently Tumblr stress. All in all, with these almost unimaginable presidential nominees and a group of indignated individuals hammering at doors, it seems to be best for the term politically correct, with all its meaning and harms, to be erased from the nation’s vocabulary. There is a fine line between insulting idiocracy and accidental ignorance, just as there is a fine line between informative correcting and imperious condemnation. Whether or not Trump and Clinton are adding fuel to the flame of political correctness, and whether or not those preteens on Tumblr are truly running a muck, it would be wise to detach and desensitize from the word and connotation of political correctness for the sake of the nation’s resiliency.
October 17, 2016 Highlights
10 culture
Teacher tunes: how music makes a difference Max Yera co-editor-in-chief
A recent trend has seen teachers of various departments play music of either their own or students’ choices through every passing period. AP Language and freshman English teacher Minna Kim is one such teacher. “Music makes everyone happier and feel more welcome,” Kim said with a smile. “It was years ago that I was playing something I liked during passing period and students generally commented that they liked it. They started to make requests to hear certain artists or songs and because of the overwhelming positive student response to it. It became a formalized part of every passing period.” However, for both Kim and her students, music holds far more significance than simply being fun. “The music is much more effective than the bells at signaling when it’s time to start class. When the music stops, there’s a clear auditory distinction between socializing time and work time,” Kim explained. “But much more importantly, I think it helps students feel some sense of ownership over what is essentially their workplace.” The teachers aren’t just making this up. The students themselves agree that music has an effect on the classroom environment. “AP classes can often be pretty
stressful, but I think the music helps create a much more relaxed, familial environment,” junior Jonathan Artal said. “It helps set the tone for her course, as Ms. Kim obviously values her students as people over creating a strict or stressful atmosphere.” Though the reasoning or effect of playing music may vary, Kim is one of several teachers to have taken joy in playing music before and after their class periods. AP Literature teacher Dr. Steven Rubenstein, for example, has cited playing music as a medium to relate to what he teaches in class. “I realized that everything we study in class may have a playlist attached, so I always look on Spotify for music that relates to what we’re talking about in class,” Rubenstein said. Outside of the English Department, AP Government and Economics teacher Catherine Pincu plays music of her choosing before and after every class period. “I always had a little stereo by my desk for when I was doing grade entry, and sometimes, when students would walk in, they would hear what I was playing and ask me to turn it up, so I did,” Pincu said. “I really play what I like, while trying not to offend anyone.” Though Pincu has not given the practice much thought, her students have expressed that music has a calming effect on the classroom environment.
Seniors Andi Di Battista and Ethan Harris dance to AP Government teacher Catherine Pincu’s music. Photo by: VERONICA PAHOMOVA
“I think that playing music before class is a very interesting idea,” senior Sahil Merali said. “Although it may be distracting for some people, I feel as if it sets the tone for class. Instead of thinking of the class itself, . adds somewhat of a calming element that eases students into the class.” AP Calculus BC and AP Physics teacher Jeff Berkeley also enjoys
playing his music between class periods. “It’s my way of sharing a part of me,” Berkeley said. Some students find such passing periods as opportunities to learn new music. “I usually get to class a little early and I walk in, he has music playing, and you know I can dig it. Its enjoyable,” senior Josh Fouladian
said. “One specific group he [Rubenstein] introduced us to, the Drop Kick Murpheys, an Irish punk band, he played for us in class while we were taking notes and I was pleasantly surprised.” Music has seemingly grown to have a greater importance to both students and teachers inside, and outside, of the classroom.
Senior student board member speaks out for student body Lauren Hannani staff writer
In some schools across the country, student council is the highest level of student representation for those who want to have a voice in their school. However, as student board member this year, senior Sam Schwartz serves as a repre-
sentative for the student body and speaks out about student opinions during board meetings. Although student involvement is not unfamiliar to Schwartz, this experience is a new way for him to try to make a positive impact on the school. “I’ve always been involved in stu-
Student board member Sam Schwartz poses during a photoshoot taken earlier this year. Photo Courtesy of: SAM SCHWARTZ.
dent council, ever since elementary and middle school. I just like to get involved in any way...anything I can do for the school, I’ll try to do it whether that be through clubs or ASB,” Schwartz said. “So I saw this as the next level of involvement where I’m given the chance to try to make a difference in how we go around doing things here.” As student board member, Schwartz also has the chance to meet with the board members or the superintendent to become more well-known with the issues and policies discussed during meetings. “Students rarely get the opportunity to be involved in the political systems that control their lives every day,” Board President Howard Goldstein said. “Mr. Schwartz meets with both the superintendent and myself on a regular basis to increase his understanding of the issues that face the district and the teachers.” Since Schwartz attends every board meeting and is allowed to speak about any concern the students might have, he has developed some new skills that he can apply to life outside school as well. “I think a big part of being on the Board is honing your listening skills because you can’t be the one blabbing on, especially if you’re a 16-year-old on the Board with the superintendent, the chief aca-
demic officer and five board members,” Schwartz said. “You have to understand where each person is coming from and understand what you want to talk about before you speak, so listening is definitely one of the skills I’ve improved upon.” Schwartz has also been able to witness a lot of the different processes the Board goes through on a regular basis, which is one of his favorite parts of the whole experience. “I think knowing a lot of the behind the scenes stuff and seeing how people make the decisions is the coolest part. I like being able to voice student opinions about issues even though the adults obviously do not always agree with students on all issues because I’m at least able to put the student opinion out there.” However, Schwartz’s words do not always change the decisions made by the Board due some of the members’ strong opinions. “It’s hard to judge how much effect my words have on their decision making because a lot of the members come into the discussions with a certain mindset,” Schwartz said. “So since it’s hard to sway them, there’s not probably not much that I’ve said that really changed everyone’s opinions, but recently I’ve said that students oppose offense, and that discussion has been tabled a couple times.”
Although Schwartz’s vote during meetings does not count toward the final vote tally, Goldstein believes Schwartz has contributed positively to the district nonetheless. “Mr. Schwartz has grown in his understanding of the issues quicker than any student board representative I have seen,” Goldstein said. “His input has directly effectuated changes in the BHUSD’s educational system that will help his peers for years to come.” With these new experiences and contributions, Schwartz already feels like he can apply the skills he has learned through speaking on behalf of the students to anything coming forward in his future adult life. “People always ask me what it’s like being the student board member, because it’s a unique experience; it’s not something that every person goes through. You get a different sense about how things work and a sneak peak about real life community, involvement and politics,” Schwartz said. It’s kind of like a foray into the real world, and I think in the future, I’ll be able to take these experiences and apply them to whatever.” Students can contact Schwartz about any concerns they have regarding the school by emailing him at sschwartz2@bhusd.org.
culture 11
October 17, 2016 Highlights
Percieved “holiness”
of
Buzz Adventure Tours Eleanor Bogart-Stuart culture editor
As a senior who is stuck in the thick of applying to colleges and, consequently, my future, I have little to no time to think about my plans for the weekend, let alone the summer. Yet I’ve recently been forced to deal with a flurry of frantic organizing for a certain summer trip run by a man named Buzz. Much to my displeasure, I’ve discovered that students have practically formed a cult of worship around Buzz and his “adventure tours.” More commonly known as just “Buzz,” this guided tour through Europe has become a tradition for seniors to attend the summer after graduation. “Tour 3” in particular, spanning from July 16 to Aug. 8, has become the designated trip of choice for many students. The cheapest option for the tour, the “economy package” costs $3,295, while the deluxe package that includes the best hotels and modes of transportation is worth $3,995. I got my first taste of the way students treated the trip a few weeks ago, when the deadline to pay was closing
in. After talking to some people and asking why they were going, I realized that there’s an alarming number of students who blindly worship this program without knowing anything about it. Several students had no idea what the itinerary for the trip actually was or what countries they would be visiting. However, they still claimed that it would be “life changing,” a notion that probably came from the website’s biography, which claims that “you will have the experience of a lifetime.” But I had doubts. Is it really worth all of that money? Could it just be a tourist trap? Why is this man’s name Buzz? Over the years, each senior class has eulogized Buzz so much that it’s become a holy, untouchable idea. When I dared to criticize or question what the trip entailed, people became offended and upset. They were baffled by someone who dared to challenge this cult of Buzz. That’s not to say that the trip isn’t as incredible as the hype has made it out to be. Despite having major doubts at first, my friends eventually ended up convincing me that the “Buzz” trip
would be an amazing way to spend the summer. I consulted with those who have gone on past “Buzz” trips and they only confirmed that it would be just as life changing as the website promised. The trip has elements of adventure and fun that I realized anyone would be able to enjoy. Seeing iconic art in Paris, exploring the hidden alleys of Venice, skydiving in Switzerland and, most of all, spending three weeks with your closest friends. It sounds like a movie. Despite these benefits, I still am shocked by the holy status that students have created for the trip. I just want to urge future seniors and “Buzz” participants to take a lighter approach to the trip. Please make your decisions carefully and without peer pressure. Don’t feel bad if you can’t afford to go, or simply just don’t want to. The holiness that “Buzz” has been endowed over the years makes people practically ashamed to admit they’re not attending, and scared to challenge the itinerary of the trip itself. It’s important that people know that “Buzz” isn’t the only option.
“Buzz is a pretty unique and incredible opportunity. I’d love to participate in Buzz, but it’s too expensive.” - senior Andi Di Battista
“The idea of a Europen trip sounds awesome. It would be really cool to learn about how different European culture is.” - senior Grace Delee Picture courtesy of: PublicDomainVectors.
Infographic by VERONICA PAHOMOVA
Picture courtesy of: Pixabay.com
October 17, 2016
12 sports
Highlights
Football co-captain transforms physique Max Yera co-editor-in-chief Seemingly unfazed by the afternoon heat, varsity football cocaptain Harrison Van Pelt is nearly unrecognizable as he performs sprints after months of physical rehabilitation. “During kickoff on the last game of the season, I sprained my ankle. Badly,” Van Pelt explains. “The diagnosis was a high ankle sprain which nearly tore five of my ligaments.” Months of pain and rehabilitation led Van Pelt, who was, as he puts it, “overweight and sluggish,” to question his devotion to the football team. “I knew my experience and size were enough to force me into a position where I would either become the backbone of the team or quit,” Van Pelt said. “But I went to work and put in as much effort as possible into making sure I was physically and mentally fit enough to be successful on both sides of the ball for the entire game. I’ve now lost nearly 40lbs of fat.” Van Pelt’s devotion to football has developed over time, as he, being a soccer player since the age of six, had neither experience nor an interest in football upon entering high school. “The first time I ever wore pads and put on a helmet was actually freshman year of high school,” Van Pelt said. “I was rather naive and actually despised football and football players prior to high school. In fact, the only reason I
ever started playing was because so many people kept pushing me to play ‘because I was big.’” Van Pelt’s size enabled him to play both offensive and defensive lineman throughout his freshman year. Any prior animosity toward the sport turned to passion. During his sophomore year, Van Pelt was a replacement lineman for the varsity team and by junior year, he was a starting offensive and defensive lineman. Yet Van Pelt, after his recent physical rehabilitation and weight loss, has now transitioned from the offensive line to tight end and defensive line to linebacker. “He’s one of our key players to our defense and our number one guy on the line as a tight end,” senior running back Alex Dennis said. In terms of value to the team, Van Pelt is far more than a star tight end or linebacker. He is one of three captains and only one of four players returning from last season to have played in a varsity game. “As captain, he really treats all of his teammates as if they are part of his family and he has been one of my favorite teammates over the past four years,” senior co-captain and fellow tight end Patrick Levy said. Van Pelt’s leadership style is, according to teammates, effective, but not in the traditional sense of being one of the loudest off the field.
“He’s not always the most vocal but he knows how to lead by example,” junior quarterback Thomas Goolsby said. Yet leading by example does not come without passion, which in Van Pelt’s case seems to stem from
a devotion to his teammates as much as to the sport itself. “Seeing [my teammates] give everything they have in a single run makes me want to fight even that much harder to watch them succeed,” Van Pelt said.
“The brotherhood I have with my fellow seniors and lower classmen consistently gives me that drive to continue pushing forward when I mentally think I am unable to do so.”
Van Pelt cools down on the sidelines at a football game at Malibu High School on Sep. 9. Photo by: PRISCILLA HOPPER
Student Opinions
“These are issues that we need to stand up, or sit down, for. And Americans have the right to protest inequalities in any way that they see fit.” “The First Amendment of the Bill of Rights allows freedom of speech for everyone. I don’t agree with these protests or approve of them, but I think that people should be allowed to protest as long as it’s peaceful.” “Freedom of speech; in regards to Kaepernick, police brutality is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Although protesting the National Anthem is neither the most effective nor most efficient way to protest, I don’t agree with people trying to shut it down.”
“It references god, and this country supposedly has separation of church and state. It makes those who question their belief or do not have belief in god uncomfortable.” Quotes provided by students who wished to remain anonymous