December talon 2

THE TALON “Seize Truth and Use It Well.”

Clayton Valley Charter High School December 11, 2015

Volume LVIII, Issue 3

“LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX,” SAYS CV STUDENTS

BY MARIS DEGENER

Anonymous CV students display a condom, a contracpetive currently not available on campus or provided by the school’s health resources. Many students at Clayton Valley hope to have increased sex-ed, as well as more resources for sexually active teens, in the near future. (Photo/Maris Degener)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47 percent of American high school students polled in 2013 have had sexual intercourse. Of those students, 34 percent had sex in the past three months, and of those students, 41 percent said they did not use a condom the last time they had sex.

Anonymous interviews conducted amongst Clayton Valley students upheld these reports, revealing that by the time students enter their last year of high school, they’re likely to have had at least one sexual encounter, or even to be in a steadily sexually ac-

tive relationship. Out of a small pool of just 20 students spanning across the four grade levels on campus, 18 said they would describe themselves as “sexually active,” and six admitted to having, or knowing someone who had, a pregnancy scare in the past six months.

It’s apparent that students at Clayton Valley are having sex, but how prepared are they to handle this responsibility?

At CVCHS, sexual education is not a graduation requirement, nor is it included in standard science curriculum. While it would be expected

that at least a brief course in contraceptives (methods and tools to prevent pregnancy), STDs, and personal health would be covered in freshman Biology courses, students are all reporting the same thing: they’re not getting all the information they need from the school to make informed decisions about their relationships.

“The school doesn’t have any resources,” senior vice president Cesar Ledesma said. “Teens are left on their own.”

An anonymous Clayton Valley parent was also concerned, saying, “I was disappointed when my freshman

received no sex-ed in their Biology class. If I want my kid to learn these things in school, they have to take Child Psych, which won’t fit into their schedule for a few years.”

Child Psychology is a class which offers information on contraception as well as child and infant care. It is offered as an elective on campus, but not all students choose to take, or have room in their schedule, for the class.

Continued on Page 2 as “Sex Education”

follies raises funds for the future

BY MADDIE SIMBIRDI The lights dimmed on Clayton Valley’s stagebut Clayton Valley students lit up the night. The big event was Follies, the school’s annual cabaret-style talent show. On the nights of November 12, 13, and 14, students showcased their talents and hard work to family, friends, and administrators. The show featured Clayton Valley stu-

dents from drama, choir, band, and dance and was hosted by the comical CV Improv Team.

Follies is a significant event because it generates funds for the school’s performing arts programs, and it supports Clayton Valley’s performing arts students. “This year’s ticket sales did really well compared to past years,” reported Sunny Shergill, Clayton Valley’s Technical Theatre Coordinator. Follies this year raised over $6,000 for Clayton Valley’s choir and drama programs. The money will be used to tune the baby grand piano which was recently donated to the school. The piano, which will be placed in the multi-use room, will need a piano cover as well. Funds from Follies will pay for other piano tunings throughout the year and strings for the instrumental program.

Additionally, the money raised will fund the licensing rights for this year’s school musical.

Every year, Follies consists of a Clayton Valley students Anthony Andrews on the upright bass and Kelsi Niepraschk on wide variety of acts. Perhaps this the piano and vocals perform “Say Something” on Thursday night of Follies. (Photo/ year, though, Follies showcased Maddie Simbirdi) the greatest collection of acts yet.

The show ranged from simpler acts to crazier and more imaginative ones. However, a few acts stood apart from the rest. Arts Academy students Angela Freitag, Veronica Renner, Jordan Steinberg, and Brianna Mungo performed a melodrama titled “Synchronized Swimming” that generated many laughs and much applause from audiences.

The four students choreographed a routine in which they appeared to be going out for a swim when they suddenly heard the “Jaws” theme song and encountered a visit from a hungry shark. “Personally, I enjoyed ‘High School Theatre Showcase’ the most,” said Clayton Valley ASB President Hosna Opeyany. In this crowd favorite, several drama students collaborated to put their own spin on “High School Theatre Showcase,” a skit originally performed on Saturday Night Live. Siblings Daniel, Mariana, and Arthur Jones performed a fun mashup of songs enjoyed by many friends and family in an act called “Now That’s What I Call Polka!”

Also, Clayton Valley’s Concert Choir, Show Choir, and Women’s Ensemble each did a set in the show.

The four students choreographed a routine in which they appeared to be going out for a swim when they suddenly heard the “Jaws” theme song and encountered a visit from a hungry shark.

Continued on Page 2 as “Follies”

News Page 2

GENDER NEUTRAL BATHROOMS ARE IN THE WORKS

psa seniors set the standard for younger members

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BY CELINE HERRERA

As you lock the stall in the gym, you’re finally alone. Away from a world full of distractions, you’re finally in a safe haven — the bathroom. However, utilizing the bathroom is often a necessary privilege that is often overlooked on campus.

The school is currently working towards converting a single-staff bathroom to a gender neutral bathroom, open to students who are uncomfortable with using the gender-conforming restrooms.

“Why do we need one,” questioned one junior. “That’s so weird.”

For many members of the LGBTQ+ community, it is often uncomfortable or dangerous to use bathrooms that are gender conforming. Not only are students at risk for physical and verbal harassment, but students may also restrict their fluid intake or leave school altogether, because of the harassment. According to Portland Community College, a campus that has utilized gender neutral bathrooms, in the last year alone, two-thirds of transgender students avoid school bathrooms because they feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

“School is to promote a safe place.“They

need people to feel safe to do their private business,” says Spectrum president Anna Lau. “I can only imagine how much conflict how that causes. People tend to overlook the facility as just a bathroom, but your identity means so much more.”

“I think it’s really good,” says senior Andrea Grabher. “I think it’s important for the LGBTQ+ community to feel like they belong in today’s society.”

Administration plans to convert the staff bathroom in S-Wing to a single stall gender neutral restroom. However, students can only use the facility during brunch or lunch.

Lau says,“Nothing has been set in stone yet, because of security reasons” She went on to say, “There is the issue of where are teachers going to the bathroom now, because we’re using one of their bathrooms now during the break time.”

To raise awareness about the issue, activists have been using the hashtag, #FreeThePee in order to raise awareness about the issue.

As gender neutrality begins to become more prominent in society, the changes that come with it will be beneficial to the LGBTQ+ community.

SEX EDUCATION Even if kids get the chance to take the class, only

about 10-20 percent of the curriculum actually covers sexual health.

“We talked about birth control and pregnancy for about two months,” said Child Psychology student and Clayton Valley senior Celine Herrera, “We were tested on it and then we moved on.”

Another senior student enrolled in the course commented on the class, saying, “I was surprised at how many students didn’t know the different forms of contraception. And these are students who say they’re sexually active.” The condom is the most common form of contraceptive amongst teens, with 68 percent of females and 80 percent of males (according to the CDC) reporting using it during their first sexual encounter.

It’s no surprise that condoms are so popular- they’re cheap, easily accessible, and don’t require parental consent to acquire. Are they the best choice?

In terms of preventing pregnancy, when used consistently and correctly, condoms are 98 percent effective according to the CDC. Using them correctly isn’t always easy. Many users report common mistakes such as using two condoms at once, using an oil-based lubricant that can degrade the product, and not knowing the correct way to put them on. While sex-ed courses in middle and elementary schools may mention the importance of wearing a condom, not all go over the specifics of safely and correctly using one.

“We didn’t put it on right at first,” an anonymous teen at Clayton Valley recalled on the beginning of her sexual relationship. “We had some scares with the condom breaking.”

In terms of sexually transmitted diseases and infections, condoms are effective dependent on the nature of the disease. They are most effective at preventing the spread of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV, which are transmitted through the contact of bodily fluids. However, diseases such as herpes and

For more information about the LGBTQ+ community, turn to page 11.

FOLLIES “I thought Follies was really great this year,” noted sophomore Kelsi Niepraschk, who performed the song “Say Something” in the show with Anthony Andrews and Guard. “All of the acts were very intriguing.”

Several parents of Clayton Valley seniors who attended the show commented that this year’s Follies was the best one they had been to in the last couple of years.

Clayton Valley students still performed their best despite the intimidation of performing in front of almost 700 audience members. “I think Follies was

HPV, which are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, can only be prevented through the use of condoms if the condom itself covers the sores of the infection.

Although 15-24-year-olds account for only a quarter of the sexually active population in the U.S., they account for nearly half of the 18.9 million new STI cases each year, as reported by the CDC. Certain types of sexual diseases, such as HPV, seem fairly innocuous at first contraction, but if left untreated, can lead to complications such as cancer later on down the road.

At Clayton Valley, condoms are not readily available on campus. In fact, health care at CVCHS is limited; a nurse is only on campus two out of the five days of the school week. Not only can teens not access contraceptives on campus, several obstacles can prevent students from accessing them elsewhere, such as cost, confidentiality, transportation, embarrassment, and lack of education on the matter.

“I don’t feel like the school supports sexually active teens,” senior Gracie Huffine reported.

“There’s no resources on campus for them.”

Many students wish to see a more indepth sexual health curriculum available on campus. Some students even want the class to be an automatic enrollment, with an easy way to opt-out for students or parents who have religious or other concerns. The logistics of this class being brought to Clayton Valley, however, are difficult to work out.

“I’m not sure if it’s [contraceptives] something we can openly provide at school,” Mr. Romo, the Student Services Administrator, said. “We can certainly help educate students, but I don’t know if providing things like condoms is within our parameters of a school.”

When asked for a response to the fact that many students on campus feel “unsupported” in leading

very successful this year. Clayton Valley has many talented students and many seniors that will be missed,” Performing Arts Director Elizabeth Emigh shared. “Also, I think the Clayton Valley choirs did better than expected for having Follies so early in the year.”

“I thought some of the acts I didn’t think were going to be ready turned out a lot better than I thought they were going to,” singer Ashley Franich observed.

“Overall, Follies went very well. It went smoothly and was very well-received,” concluded Shergill.

healthy personal lives, Romo replied that “it just hasn’t come up,” and “if students were to voice interest,” the school would be more open to change.

“We want you to be healthy young adults,” says Romo.

Romo directs students to an online by California Board of Education, called the Healthy Kids Survey. The survey is intended to gauge the sexual activity and safety of student bodies, and to provide information for the school administrators to make decisions on the kinds of resources made available in high schools. Romo believes that the survey could be used as a catalyst to the sex-ed movement spurring on campus.

“Educating our students is definitely important to us,” assured Romo, “We just need to find the right avenue to doing so. Principal Eben, in his first year at Clayton Valley, is open to finding that avenue.

“I’m certainly open to this idea,” he assures, “I think it’s important to help our students. I’ve presented this idea to the curriculum board and we are discussing the logistics of a college-recognized health class for ninth graders.”

For now, it appears that students will need to keep voicing their concerns over the resources currently available to them in order to ensure that progress is made.

“The most important thing for students to do is to start the conversation,” Eben said. “The more students come to us and express what they want, the more we’ll be able to make changes on campus.”

Students need to be sure to take this as an opportunity to ensure the changes in the school they wish to see. If the school doesn’t know what the students want, they won’t be able to provide it. A student body-initiative for greater health support on campus appears to be underway.

News

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BY SHAILA PANALIGAN AND SYDNEY SKOW

Every first semester of the school year, the Public Service Academy students at Clayton Valley are challenged to earn fifteen hours of community service work. During this time of the year, local organizations such as Montecito, Diamond Terrace, and the Food Bank of Contra Costa County receive an influx of volunteers. In total, PSA students participate in community service projects that total up to approximately 2000 hours. Towards the end of the semester, all students present their service time project at the First Semester Project Showcase.

Collecting canned goods, senior Maddy Sorenson bargains the Friday night before October’s Homecoming game. (Photo/Jenna Grigsby)

The typical PSA student will work at a local organization to earn their service time, but every year, a few students come up with creative ways to help those in need.

“Let’s beat Concord!” was a slogan that was heard often in the coming weeks before the homecoming football game. While it may seem like those three words were talking about beating their football team, they were, in fact, promoting a

canned food drive for the Food Bank of Contra Costa County. The project was run by PSA seniors Jenna Grigsby, Maddy Sorensen, and Olivia Nelson.

This slogan was created after Grigsby learned that Concord High School held the record for the school who had made the biggest donation to the food bank: 12,000 pounds.

Determined to beat this record, the girls had first scattered food bank cans all around the Clayton Valley’s Public Service Academy held it’s annual First Semester Project Showcase Clayton Valley campus. Only on Wednesday, December 2. senior Crystal Whitehead’s board summarizes the work she gaining a few cans of food with did for the Make-A-Wish foundation. (Photo/Shaila Panaligan) this strategy, the girls had decided to create a bar- Operation Gratitude, an organization that sends gain that would influence both their project and care packages to U.S. military members overseas, the fans of the Clayton Valley Ugly Eagles Foot- caught the attention of senior, Anthony Vines. For ball Team. The deal of “Bring three or more cans his project, Vines hoped to collect candy to include of food to the homecoming game and get in for in the care packages sent to U.S. military members free!” was announced and proved to be successful, overseas. He spread the word throughout the PSA resulting in a total of 2,100 pounds of food raised. grade level classes, and encouraged the students to Around the time of Halloween, seniors Crys- donate candy to his cause. After collecting over 70 tal Whitehead and Nicolette Medrano created a pounds of candy, Vines shipped it all down to Los new and original project. “Usually we do volun- Angeles, where Operation Gratitude is based, who teer work, but this year we wanted to go outside will then send the candy to the soldiers overseas. of the norm,” says Crystal. Both Whitehead and “A large part of what we do is the community Medrano were interested in the Make-A-Wish service and helping to get our students out there, foundation and its’ focus, which is to grant a but also educating them about what people have wish to every child with a life-threatening medi- done, what the problems are, and what can still cal condition. Through a series of different fund- be done,” says PSA English teacher, Mrs. Allan raisers, Whitehead and Medrano plan to raise states. In this case, the seniors have established a $1,000 to donate to the organization. Their first new way of stepping out of their comfort zones fundraiser was a pumpkin decorating contest lo- and hope to one day, as Grigsby states, “pass cated in downtown Clayton, during which they down these projects to the younger members of earned about $200. They also sold Halloween the PSA.” Earning these 15 hours of communigrams on campus and raised $60 for their cause. ty service time is an annual expectation, and the They are continuing their fundraising efforts un- PSA class of 2016 has set the bar high and cretil their goal is reached, with their next fundrais- ated opportunities for the upcoming PSA classes. er to be at Mountain Mike’s in the near future.

STRICTER SATURDAY SCHOOL SUPPLEMENTS STUDENTS

BY ROSANNA ARAGON AND ISAIAH THURMAN

Many students stress that they should be able to relax and sleep in on weekends, but if they get more than five unexcused tardies in a class or any unexcused absences they will be assigned a Saturday School. Saturday School is a recovery program that runs from 8AM to 12PM. Although some students complain going or just don’t go, this time can be used to catch up in their classes.

“I think every school year we modified and tried to change Saturday School obviously, so that it’s not a waste of time for students and peoOffice assistants such as Sarah Utterback have been passing out ple that are running it,” Mr. Romo, the Director Saturday school papers more often than they have in the past few years. of Student Services, comments. “This year we (Photo/Isaiah Thurman) really focused on period absences or truancies, student does have a Saturday School.” If a student as where in the past it was more of a whole day sysisn’t able to attend the day scheduled for them, he tem if you were absent or truant the whole day. That or she should go to student services to reschedule. naturally drives our number up a lot more,” admitMr. Gregory Fister, the Dean of Character who ted Mr. Romo. He added, “It’s one of many ways supervises this program, wants students to know we keep students accountable for their attendance that “Saturday School is a program to support and behavior, so I think it’s definitely beneficial for students academically and help enrich their learnour program and Clayton Valley.” Romo also mening.” Students also aren’t the only ones here on tions, “I think some families and students may weekends. He says, “Teachers are on campus every have, if anything, problems trying to schedule if a Saturday in core subjects and electives to help stu-

dents with questions, tutoring and support.”

He went on to say, “Sending out reminder slips and having Friday Saturday School lunch check-ins in room C1, are ways of communicating that we want our students to succeed here at CVCHS and to become world class citizens.” Although some students are criticizing the importance of Saturday School, it has become evident that the administration has improved the program to benefit students.

“I feel like it helps in some ways, but for tardies I feel like you shouldn’t get Saturday School. It’s extra time to do homework,” says Leslie Damian, a senior who has been to Saturday School.

She believes that the program helps students.

Seniors have also recently signed a contract stating that Saturday Schools must be cleared in order to graduate. The program and a few administrators have gained a negative reputation due to this program, but some have realized the importance of it. Students can bring work to do in order to catch up because of absences, ask teachers for help on these assignments, and improve their lexile levels on Achieve 3000.

News Page 4

clayton valley coach reflects on great season

WHEN MEMOIRS TURN INTO FICTION BOOK REVIEW: WILD

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BY LYNETTE COX

On Halloween day, the Clayton Valley cross country boy’s varsity team took the Diablo Valley Athletic League championship title for the first time in 21 years.

Early in the morning, runners from Northgate, Berean, Concord, College Park, Mt. Diablo, Ygnacio Valley, and Clayton Valley high schools all rendezvoused at Hidden Valley Park in Martinez for the largest race of the season- DVAL championships.

In fact, this race was also the last cross country DVAL race, because the league will be combining with the DFAL league next year, which will include Acalanes, Alhambra, Campolindo, Las Lomas, and Miramonte.

In cross country, varsity participants compete on three-mile courses, while non-varsity runners compete on two-mile courses.

The Clayton Valley team has been led by coach Anthony Munch since 2013, when he first took over. He ran cross country at Clayton Valley during his senior year of high school back in 1994, and that year his team was undefeated in league championships, second at North Coast Section, and fifth at the California State meet.

This year’s team has been training ever since early July, and all the training proved successful at DVAL championships. The school’s varsity boys team took first place, in front of Northgate and last year’s champion,

Michael Cox, Sayed Opeyany, Branden Bizicki, Coach SG, Coach Anthony Munch, Branden Busby, Dylan White, Jj Perez, Coach Danny, and Anthony Maytum are ready to take on the three-mile course at Woodward Park, in Fresno, on November 28.

(Photo/Claire Olson)

College Park. All of the Clayton Valley boys’ varsity runners ran strong races, and while none of the boys made first place, sophomore Dylan White took second place, and the rest of the seven-runner team finished within 36 seconds of each other.

After DVALs, the varsity boys and girls of the cross country team went on to compete in the Division II races of North Coast Section at Hayward High School, which is the qualifier for the California State meet.

The girls ran well; out of 17 teams, the varsity girls achieved 9th place,

behind the Northgate girls who took 5th place. The boys ran incredibly well, with sophomore Dylan White finishing 5th out of the 128 total Division II boys, running three miles in 15:37.6. “Dylan just had an outstanding race,” commented Munch.

He was followed by Michael Cox, junior, and Anthony Maytum, senior, placing 17th and 18th, respectively. J.J. Perez, Junior, finished 24th; Branden Busby, sophomore, finished 32nd, right in front of Sayed Opeyany, senior, who finished in 33rd place.

Junior Branden Bizicki finished 48th,

completing the seven-member team and placing well enough to send the varsity boys to state. Out of 19 teams, the boys placed third, ahead of Northgate in 6th, and Concord in 17th.

“You qualify for state [at NCS] based on how your teams did in the previous years, and the team on your division. Anywhere between two and up to six teams, I think, can go from your division for each section, and there are ten sections in the state of California. So this year [the boys qualified within] the top three teams at NCS,” explained Coach Munch.

The boys team went on to compete at the California Interscholastic Federation cross country championships on Saturday, November 28, a week after NCS, and two days after Thanksgiving.

“The training between sections and state was pretty light... When you’re that late in the season, you’re just maintaining [the fitness level you already have],” mentioned Munch.

He also revealed he was not too worried about the boys indulging during Thanksgiving in the middle of the week. “The way they metabolize food, it’s not going to be a problem,” said Munch.

The boys placed 18th out of 23 schools in the Division II race at state.

Continued as “Cross Country” on Page 11

CV Supports PH Patient and Community Member

BY GIANNA PALLOTTA AND ERIN TINDALL

“Her heart is enlarged and her arteries are not functioning properly. She has the worst possible case scenario,” a doctor reveals to Kathy Groebner referring to her daughter, Katie Grace, who was only nine years old at the time. “She has pulmonary hypertension. We cannot help her here and she will require a heart-lung transplant.”

On the pulmonary hypertension (PH) association page, readers can get a small look into who Katie Grace is and what her journey has been.

Pulmonary hypertension is a blood pressure condition that affects the arteries in the heart and lungs, requiring immediate medical care.

Someone who has pulmonary hypertension has a weakened heart and lungs. This is because the blood vessels that carry blood from their heart to their lungs become hard and narrow. Over time, it will cause heart failure. Unfortunately, there is no cure for PH, there are only treatments that can ease symptoms.

Katie Grace, a girl who is only 13, has been through it all. According to

Katie Grace’s update page on Facebook, “Katie Grace’s Dream For a Cure,” on November 24, she underwent a tracheostomy. A tracheostomy is a surgery that involves an incision in the windpipe made to relieve an obstruction to breathing.

The next day, the update page stated that Katie’s surgery went better than the doctors had expected. As of now, Katie is recovering from the surgery.

At the end of November, doctors were having trouble trying to bring

her down from sedation. Katie was having horrible withdrawals. Her family wishes to lessen the amount of drugs Katie is taking, but they also want her to be as comfortable as possible during her recovery.

Currently, here at Clayton Valley, many of Katie’s friends and family have been raising awareness. Clayton Valley Junior, Tyler Llacuna, has been working with the family the past few months. Tyler is in the Public Service Academy (PSA) and decided to team

Alumni Kyle Wickware and junior Savanha Groebner sing “A Little Bit Longer,” by the Jonas Brothers, at Follies in memory of Katie Grace. (Photo/Maddie Simbirdi)

up with the Clayton Arts Academy (CAA) and sell bracelets to raise money for Katie Grace and her family.

“Originally, my goal was $500 for them, but that doubled and I have gotten over $1,300. I was selling bracelets, doing fundraisers,” says Tyler.

Tyler’s motivation for raising the money, was the fact that Katie Grace is due for yet another lung transplant. “What I wanted for the bracelets was for people to be able to look down, think of Katie Grace, and know they are really helping her out.”

Without the support and prayers from friends, family, and complete strangers, Katie’s dream might not have been what it is today. Bringing awareness to childhood diseases can help those children tremendously. Speaking up for the children who are not healthy enough to do it on their own, can change their entire life. Your voice can make a difference for children just like Katie Grace and they can be given the life they always dreamed of.

Features

Page 5

BY BANA TWAL

When you read a memoir or an autobiography you expect two things: for it to be inspiring and for it to be truthful. Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, is inspiring but does not pull its weight in truthfulness. There is something romantic about a person putting their life in a backpack and hiking their troubles away, and Strayed knows that. She knows what her readers want to hear, they want to hear a woman hikes all alone in order to run away from her divorce and her mother’s death. In that sense Strayed delivers, almost too much. If this story were fiction it would get five stars, because you would want to read it.

However as an autobiography, it runs short, by often overlooking the factual details that are so critical.

Backpacking requires at least one basic thing: preperation. This is something that Strayed did not do much of. Gregory Rosewell, a CV English teacher and avid backpacker stresses preparation. “I prepared a lot. I bought every map I could find, took practice classes at the Green Mountain Club,” he says.

“I went on a practice overnight trip with my gear and prepared my food.”

Strayed says, “A month ago, I’d been firmly advised to pack my backpack just as I would on my

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hike and take it on a trial run... But I hadn’t.” She had one guide book with her, four other books, and various heavy books. According to Mr. Rosewell, weight is everything in backpacking. On his 28 day hike, his pack was about 30 pounds.

Meanwhile, Strayed’s pack weighed on average around 70 pounds, not including all the food for the trip.

It gets worse, as Strayed starts making claims so large, they become hard not to question. She admits to using heroin the night before the hike, with no withdrawal effects as she hiked on. According to Medlineplus, “The body needs time to recover and withdrawal symptoms result. Withdrawal from opiates can occur whenever any chronic use is discontinued or reduced.” Strayed’s body had no time to recover, and she hiked on, creating once again another mystery. This is not the peak of possible exaggerating and deceit.

The peak of deceit is her almost copping one of her favorite authors stories and claiming it her own.

Strayed makes it known that she is very fond of Alice Munro. She even posts on her Facebook page in 2013, “Alice Munro wins the Nobel Prize in Literature! Those of you who know me know how happy this makes me.”

“Wild” by Cheryl Strayed, among other various memoirs. (Photo/Bana Twal)

This would not be an issue, except certain details of Alice Munro’s well known short story, “Boys and Girls” is extremely similar to Cheryl’s Wild.

Munro describes the life of her characters who live in an unfinished shack in the woods, far from any civilization. Munro writes, “We were afraid of inside, the room where we slept.

At this time upstairs of our house was not finished.” Interestingly Strayed also spent her teen years living in an unfinished shack deep in Minnesota.

She confesses, “On Halloween night we moved into the house we’d built out of trees and scrap wood. It didn’t have electricity or running water or a phone or an indoor toilet, or even a

CV TRAFFIC DRIVES COMPLAINTS

BY ESHAAN CHANDI

People are getting new jobs, and more kids are getting enrolled in schools in the Contra Costa County, including Clayton Valley Charter High School.

Even though Clayton Valley is not in the forty-six school Mount Diablo Unified School District, this school is located in Concord, California. . There are thirty elementary schools, nine middle schools, and six high schools in the MDUSD district. CVCHS is considered one of the best schools in the area, and many parents want their kids to come to this school.

“I was a transfer student from Berean Christian High School, located in Walnut Creek, California,” says Jacob Sartorio, a new student at Clayton Valley. “It was a hassle for me and my parents when I was there, because it was a long commute and a lot of traffic. I am glad I came here so I could see my friends again,and it does not take me long to get to the school.”

Traffic is a large issue at Clayton Valley with the recent influx of new students such as Sartorio. Because of the traffic delays, many students receive tardies and Saturday School summons on a weekly basis. Many students disagree with this punishment system, and wish to fight back against it.

A student of Clayton Valley who has been to Saturday School says, “It is absolutely bogus, and unfair.”

The school has taken some measures to reduce the effects of traffic, including bringing in volunteers to help director drivers.

Mr. Fister, Dean of Character and a traffic direc-

tor at Clayton Valley, says that “We have saved three to four minutes of driving time for parents and students due to traffic security over the last three years.”

The largest contributors to traffic on campus are the two main student parking lots by the gym, and the one in the H-wing parking lot. When there is open fifth and sixth for students, they leave school early, and Mr.Fister reports that “the traffic is pretty smooth around this time of day, or not that much.”

It appears traffic is at its worse in the morning before first period, and in the afternoon after sixth period. Mr.Fister has received six to ten complaints from parents about every year.

Chief of Police for the Pittsburg Police Department, George Addington, said in an interview with the Talon that “traffic in Pittsburg and Concord has increased because of more accidents occurring.” The Chief had also said that “the traffic has been increased in Concord and Pittsburg by thirty percent this year.”

Traffic has become a serious issue in the area, and it’s affecting students and their efforts to get to school on time. It remains to be seen if traffic direction will help ease the congestion around the school during peak traffic hours to an extent where tardies on campus will decrease.

The question also remains if tardies for being late due to traffic should result in mandatory Saturday Schools or detentions. For now, students may just have to brave the traffic and hope for the best.

single room with a door. All through my teen years Eddie and my mom kept building on to it.” The next similarity is the sleeping situation of Munro’s characters and Strayed’s life. Munro notes on the makeshift sleeping situation, “In the dark we lay on our beds, our narrow life rafts, and fixed our eyes on the faint light coming up the stairwell.” However Strayed makes a point to share, “Karen and I shared a bed on a lofted platform on a loft so close to the ceiling we could barely sit up.” She notes how she often stared at the skylight.

Continued as “Wild” on Page 11

POETRY CLUB Poetry the language of the heart put into written word Our beautiful words bounce against the walls Everyone’s a poet Trying to express what our hearts want to tell Returning every Wednesday for endless fun Y did I join this club?

‘Cause for more endless fun!

Listening ears and answering smiles Upon the desire to expand Bravely following the words that flow out from our hearts ¡Que nunca se acabe!

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING, THIS CLUB MEETS IN H-7 ON WEDNESDAYS AT LUNCH.

Features Page 6 www.cvchsthetalon.com

INTERVIEW WITH A FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT:

STUDENTS FEEL TARGETED BY STAFF

BY KRIPA LAMICHHANE AND HANNAH ROCHELEAU

Student targeting is when a teacher becomes the bully, and they target students by treating them SOPHIA LUCIA ETTER drastically worse compared to any of their other students. There have been many reports of this occurring world wide. Many schools have had reports of teachers targeting their students, and unfortunately this includes Clayton Valley. There no specific amount of data of the increase amount but there is a pertangage on how many students and staff have witnessed it. According to teachers who bully students, 93 percent of staff and students have witnessed teacher targeting and only 7 percent said they did not witnessed it. 30 percent are male teachers, 12 percent are women and 50 percent for both.

An anonymous freshman student at Clayton Valley has reported that they have been targeted by their teacher, mentioning “I always get in trouble for things other students are also doing, and they don’t get in trouble for it, only me.”

Many other students were witnesses to the Sophie Lucia Etter is a 17-year-old exchange student from Switzerland. She traveled to America with the anonymous student being targeted and treated unhelp of Interact Rotary, an international club. She fairly by the anonymous teacher. “I simply didn’t hopes to learn better English and explore the U.S. understand a problem and all the teacher did was She loves to excel in school, play sports, and aims to yell at me and call my parents,” says the student.

Even though a teacher is accused of targetbecome a hotel manager. She arrived to the U.S. in August and will return to Switzerland in July.

Interview conducted by Lynette Cox.

ing a student, sometimes it can just be a misunderstanding. For example, the anonymous teacher who was accused of the targeting says, “When a student doesn’t understand a problem, I sit down with them and try to help them, but sometimes they think I’m picking on them or worse, and I think that’s what happened here.”

Teacher targeting is often a rare case, but throughout the year there has been an increasing amount of students that have said, they themselves have been targeted, or have witnessed the targeting of another student.

There is no specific reason why some students are being treated this way, it’s just abuse of power and a form of humiliation. Victims who are targeted are either chosen because the teacher knows that no one will defend the student or they have apparent vulnerability. Teachers excuse abuse as appropriate discipline for unacceptable behavior Students that are targeted experience confusion, anger, self-doubt, and concern for their grades.

Over time, when students receive no help from others, they begin to blame themselves for the abuse or feel worthless. By addressing the issue closer we are one step closer to ending teacher targeting.

Q: Why did you come here?

A: I came here because everybody wants to come here. People talk about the U.S. all the time.

BE “ON THE WATCH” FOR THE WINTER RALLY THEME!

Q: How do teens here differ from teens in Switzerland?

A: Here they are a lot louder and they want more attention. They do more sports and are a lot more involved in clubs.

The Winter Rally will be held on February 5, 2016.

Q: Does everybody go to college where you’re from?

A: No. About 60 percent do. The rest go do apprenticeships. They work and stay at their apprenticeships and get paid to do it.

CONSUMABLES MAY BE OVERPRICED

BY TRAVIS TAYLOR

Overpriced food and beverages is a problem many high school Q: How does city life here differ from in students must face in their fourSwitzerland? year journeys. At Clayton Valley A: Everything is huge here. More busy and there Charter High School, students are many poor people here and you don’t see that have come to the realization that in Switzerland. Switzerland is so small that the this is an ongoing issue with government can take care of the people. their school’s vending machines, brunch prices, and lunch pricQ: What kind of music do teens in Switzerland es. The constant complaint of listen to? having to pay two dollars for a A: We listen to a lot of American music. If you drink, nearly four dollars for a look at our top hits, they are all American songs. single slice of pizza, or anothI can understand them mostly. I don’t get “I Can’t er extreme price for one of the Feel My Face” [by The Weekend]. other products offered here at CVCHS has become an unforQ: What is the stereotype about Americans in tunate norm on the Ugly Eagles’ Switzerland? What do people say about them? campus. However, there is a reaA: America is so cool [to young adults] son behind everything, so what is because of the stores like Abercrombie. We don’t the reason for these high prices? have that in Switzerland. We think they’re very To gain insight on this elufunny, but kind of dumb. Americans are the world sive reason, I asked CVCHS police and always want to be involved in everystudent, and cafeteria regular, thing. Everybody dreams of vacation here. They Sean Myers, he believes that want to go here for holidays to California or New the outrageous prices are “...

York or Miami or Hawaii. because they can; paying $3.50

pizza may not be right, but, money is money.” Without the probable profit gained by these prices, CVCHS may not be able to fund their other departments as efficiently as possible.

Another important aspect of this stress-causing issue is, of course, how it comes to affect the student. To shed light on this detail, CVCHS student Andrew Sanchez is a student on the Free and Reduced Lunch Program that is offered here at Clayton Valley Charter. Sanchez states that the program was successful in “relieving stress off [his] family’s finances, and making sure he has an affordable lunch day to day.” According to Sanchez, without this program he would not be able to get the daily nutrition he requires to complete his everyday activities.

Clayton Valley Charter, thankfully enough, does offer a

program to kids whose parents’ incomes cannot carry the burden of our school’s day-to-day high lunch and brunch prices; everybody has to eat. This program significantly reduces the amount the student would have to normally pay for lunch and brunch.

This program could be the answer to the Ugly Eagles’ high food prices; there has to be a way to fund this program and make it happen. CVCHS’ high food prices may be justifiable, after all.

Clayton Valley students may have to come to the realization that the struggle and scrounge to pay for these consumables may be for good reason. In order for some to succeed, others must learn to struggle; this truth, hopefully, will work to quell the minds of the students facing the endeavor of paying for the food here at CVCHS.

Page 7

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SPORTS

quest for championship continues despite setbacks

BY TOMMY VO

Two more wins. That is what stands between Clayton Valley Charter football and a state championship.

The Ugly Eagles won their third NCS Division II championship in four years after defeating rival Concord High with the close score of 23-22. Now they advance to regionals, only one victory away from reaching the CIF Division I-A state championship game.

However, this is not unfamiliar territory for the Ugly Eagles.

In last year’s CIF State Football D-II Championship game, Clayton Valley Charter fell short, losing to Redlands East Valley 33-34. Since the loss, the Ugly Eagles have been training with redemption on their mind, preparing to bring a championship to campus.

However, with devastating injuries to star players such as Jalen McKenzie and Luis Ramos, the team faced grueling setbacks in their mission.

In the opening game of the season against Folsom High, Jalen McKenzie, the team’s star junior two-way lineman and 4-star recruit, suffered a season-ending ACL tear. After the injury, McKenzie mentioned how he felt like he let the team down. As the season progressed, however, he learned how to contribute to the team in other ways.

“It was through the team’s resilient effort,” McKenzie says, “That showed me that even though I got hurt there were other ways I could be a leader.”

McKenzie reflected on his team’s preparation. “The work that the whole

Junior Jeff Williams blocks player #55 at DVC against Concord High, at DVC, on Saturday, December 5. (Photo/Jason Rogers)

team puts in, when one man goes down, another comes right back up.”

He said he has enjoyed becoming a mentor to backup Jalyn Mitchell, who he refers to as his “Young Padawan.”

McKenzie answers all of Mitchell’s questions on the field and is guiding him into his new starting role.

The Ugly Eagles suffered another debilitating injury with starting quarterback, Luis Ramos. Ramos suffered a season-ending knee injury in a CIF NCS playoff game against Windsor High on November 20th. He was the second leading rusher with 648 yards, and the second leader in touchdowns with a total of 10. He also threw for 12 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.

“For how hard I worked to become as good as I can be, it kills me to know my season is over,” he laments. “I would pay millions to play one last time under the lights with my brothers.”

Regardless, Ramos is still optimistic

for his team’s quest for a state championship win. “I expect my brothers to finish this season the way we have been talking about since last January: to win a state title. My family knows what it takes, and I know they have all the talent to do it. As I tell them, ‘all you have to do is set your mind to it.’”

Junior Zia Rahmany, who filled in Ramos’ role as starting Quarterback, spoke highly of his injured teammate. “He’s a great captain. He’s a good role model. Filling in his shoes, I have to play hard for him.” After the conclusion of the NCS playoff finals, Rahmany was focused on the task at hand next week in regionals. “We have to get back to work,” he said.

As the Ugly Eagles prepare for their next opponent, it can be assumed that the bulk of the game plan will center around star running back, Ray Jackson III. “We came out, we battled, and now we’re getting ready for next week,”

Jackson said after the NCS finals against Concord. “Everybody is stepping up. Everybody is filling in for the positions that need to be filled.”

Jackson led the team in rushing yards and total touchdowns this season, with 1,918 yards on the ground and 18 total touchdowns (17 rushing, 1 receiving).

Senior defensive back Nathaniel Ewing lamented the loss of his teammates, but remained confident on his team’s mission to avenge last year’s shortcoming. “We all expect to win state, but more than anything, we expect to be a family, and to be as good as we can be no matter what we’re faced against.”

“I feel good that the guys who are stepping up are doing a really good job,” Ugly Eagles head coach, Tim Murphy, said after the NCS Finals. “I feel like our rhythm is a little bit off right now on offense, and we have to get that fixed. It’s been the story since [McKenzie] went out in the first game to all the way to this game, where people are playing hurt or playing in a situation or position they’re not used to. They’re doing a great job.”

One piece of advice he said he wanted his players to hear is to “Just keep on fighting.”

The Clayton Valley Charter Ugly Eagles face the Oak Grove Eagles in the CIF Division I-A State Football semi-finals on Saturday, December 12, at 7:30 P.M. The game will be at Oak Grove High School in San Jose.

men’s soccer shooting for a strong season

BY TAYLOR HEUERMAN

As the soccer season begins at CVCHS, the Ugly Eagles look to make NCS playoffs for the first time since becoming a charter school. Even though making playoffs is the main goal, another important accolade for the season is winning the DVAL league which includes high schools Northgate, College Park, Ygnacio Valley, Concord, Mt. Diablo, and Berean Christian.

Since becoming a charter, the soccer program has been run by Coach Guillermo Jara who believes the Ugly Eagles could be one of the best teams in the division with the talent that continues to feed into the school each year. He wants to create a team as good as the Ugly Eagles were in the 2011/2012 season, who made it to NCS semi-finals and ended the season with a record 19 wins, five ties, and three losses. This year’s varsity team consists of 14 returning players and seven players who are new to the highest level of the soccer program.

Coach Jara was chosen for the head soccer position at CVCHS because of his strong soccer background and years of experience in the sport. He played soccer in Sacramento for Christian Brothers High School and the Tri-Valley Soccer Club. He then played four years of collegiate soccer at the

University of San Diego where he holds the school record for both goals and assists, was the West Coast Conference Player of the Year, and a third team All American. Jara was drafted to the Los Angeles Galaxy in 1996 and played four seasons in the MLS. He also played for the Under-23 U.S. national team.

Last season was a huge improvement for the Ugly Eagles soccer program, as they qualified for NCS for the first time in three years. However, their last game of the season ended in a 1-0 loss against College Park which eliminated their chances of making the NCS playoffs. The Ugly Eagles ended their season with a record of 10 wins, 9 losses, and 2 ties.

Many players expressed that this was a dismal end to a season that produced strong feelings of hope within the entire men’s soccer program. CVCHS alumni Jon Bellesorte, described the game as “one of the saddest ways to end my high school soccer career, but it was a season I’ll never forget.”

CVCHS senior and returning varsity player, Pablo Hernandez stated that “The team can go very far this season with the new talent that has joined this year’s team, but we need to be smart about the way we play.” Hernandez also believes that the team can make NCS playoffs this year be-

cause of the team’s many strengths and little weaknesses. “Our biggest strength is that we play well together as a unit,” stated Hernandez, “while our biggest weakness is that we are known to get overconfident when we play well. We will have a successful season if we stay humble, and stay hungry.”

This season the Ugly Eagles have started out the season with a stunning 5-0-0 record and are currently at the top of the North Coast Section division one standings. They look to continue their winning streak in their next two games.

CVCHS Men’s varsity soccer team during their pregame prayer on December 4, before they face Liberty High School. (Photo by Taylor Heuerman)

Sports Page 8

TITLE IX SUPPORTS WOMEN’S SPORTS ACROSS CAMPUS

muslims feel targeted due to terrorist attacks

www.cvchsthetalon.com

BY EMMA SKOW AND REBECCA WALSH

Following the improvements of this upcoming break, the junior varsity softball field sits unused and awaits the upcoming season in February. (Photo/Emma Skow)

Women’s sports allows girls of all ages to express themselves and their individuality.

Sports have a great impact on girls and studies have shown that girls who play sports have better grades and demonstrate better self-esteem compared to non-athletes. Yet, when Title IX was brought to our school’s attention, violations were recognized and policies were enacted to improve the facilities for the women’s sports at Clayton Valley.

Title IX is the federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded activity such as high school sports. Last year after being hit with a lawsuit regarding Title IX, Clayton Valley took action to amend the blatant violations. “The main complaint was that the facilities for softball and baseball were not equitable,” Title IX coordinator Miguel Romo stated.

After the softball team’s complaint was filed, the treatment of other women’s sports teams was

brought to light. This year the women’s team’s have been given an immense amount of recognition due to Title IX. The softball team received a new bullpen, scoreboard, and was granted access to the batting cages, and almost all women’s sports received new equipment.

“I see a growing difference in appreciation for women’s sports in the last couple of years but the appreciation is still not equal to the some of the mens sports out there, ” said Caitlyn O’Leary, one of the water polo captains at Clayton Valley.

As a captain, Caitlyn has observed the changes over time in the athletes she shares the pool with and how the equal treatment of the boys and girls teams has improved over the years.

Not only did the title just bring the unequal treatment for the girls teams around campus to light; it also made the girls feel heard and important. Confidence for the girls teams is being restored. Hanna Lopez, a varsity player on the lacrosse team, said, “I feel more confident now that the women’s sports are more appreciated instead of being pushed aside.” A noticeable difference can be made by just showing a small amount of support for a team. The shy girl on the team can flourish into the team’s strongest player by just showing support .

The complaint was filed last year against the school and little by little there have been improvements made around the women’s sports facilities. Noticeable differences have been made because of Title IX even though it hasn’t been put

into full effect yet. During winter break this year, Clayton Valley is planning on making improvements to the women’s softball facilities to start the full effects of Title IX across Clayton Valley.

“I would like to see more support for women’s sports in the future of my high school athletic career,” says Sydney Skow a freshman on the water polo and swim team. With Title IX soon in full effect, the years to come will be an essential time for the equality for the women’s sports teams to be instilled. Facilities will be improved and hopefully support will be too. With the progress Clayton Valley is making, soon underappreciated women’s sports will become appreciated at last.

The girls varsity softball team beams with pride after a great game played together as a team. (Photo/Maya Gonzales)

BOYS’ BASKETBALL SHOOTING FOR STARDOM

BY JOSEPH FOBBS AND AIDAN MARANAN Every varsity basketball player can recall the feeling of the loss in DVAL against College Park by 20 points last season. Since the loss, they have been practicing much harder, with more intensity and dedication than ever before. Last year’s varsity player Gianluca Nomellini recalled the loss when he said, “It was kind of hard to watch.”

Another varsity player from last year’s season, Jake Peralta, says that “I remember the first quarter we started off fired up. [During the] 2nd quarter they got an alley oop and then we were kind of shocked at that point.” A loss in a big game will sometimes hit you pretty hard, especially by double digits.

The team’s perspective as a whole on what they need to work on, his perspective is “just playing well together and pushing the ball.” They have had time to bond and grow as a team since the loss. Sophomore varsity player Garrett Pascoe believes he needs to work on “being a leader and just trying to get better overall.” they had a lot of time since the next year would start in winter.

During that time in the off-season, majority of the players sought out a team so they can work on their game. They soon found out that varsity Coach Eric Bamberger and the rest of the coaching staff was a part of a team; Cal Hoop stars. This team is “separate” according to JV Coach Ed Norton. “Just happens that the players from CVCHS come and play.”

Eric Bamberger led the varsity team to 2 years of nothing but positive .500 (more successes than loses) basketball. According to maxpreps.com, Clayton Valley Charter posted an overall 16-12 record last year. The year before that was a 16-11

The boys varisty basketball team often holds practices after school in the large gym. (Photo/Aidan Maranan)

record as well. When Coach Bamberger first came to CV, his first initial thought was that the team was “disorganized,” and that they were so dysfunctional that “the kids seemed confused year to year.”

Perhaps the biggest problem Bamberger noticed was that they did not play “with a passion.” But Coach Bamberger himself said that his “biggest goal was to make the game fun” and “work on defense.”

This year “defense has been the biggest improvement”, according to Bamberger “We work on defense, we teach defense.” Bamberger recognizes what defense can offer to each and every win.

Though the addition of varsity co-captains and now CVCHS graduates; Jacob Lunsford and CVCHS Athlete of the year, John Allen, they con-

tinue to persevere. Coach Bamberger feels that he doesn’t want to say “we are better or worse that will be said on the court, [but] we play better as a team, we read each other better.” Varsity player Spencer Tamichi believes the “Next man up” mentality, where the new additions to the team “will step up and bring the same intensity and tenacity as much as the other guys.” The team would not be as good without the players as well, these players have become a close group.

“I totally agree with that [Ed Norton’s comment on the team],” says senior varsity player Matt Osterkamp.

“We are a young group, but we play well together.”

Page 9

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Opinions

BY PABLO HERNANDEZ

“An attack on humanity,” read The Inquirer’s headline on November 14, 2015, as the world stood shocked by the work of eight cowards. 130 people were killed in the tragic attacks in Paris and many were left injured. As numerous cities lit up monumental buildings in the colors of the French flag, the effects of the attacks went even further than damaging and taking lives. The religion of Islam was identified as the motivation behind the attack by the attackers themselves, tainting the religion and giving it once again the belief that the religion is directly tied with terrorism.

More and more factors began to come into play. As one terrorist was assumed to be identified as a Syrian immigrant, debate rose on that topic as well. “What happened in Paris can happen here. The U.S. must mobilize at home and lead abroad to defeat this increasing threat,” said the Committee of Homeland Security. Consequently, 31 states vowed to reject any Syrian immigrants that tried to enter as refugees.

This is not the first time that the religion of Islam has been directly tied to terrorism. After September 11, numerous racist remarks flooded politics, social media, and even everyday society.

Nor was it the first time that those remarks were false. They continue to be; in fact, Islam actually condones terrorism and even teaches the opposite.

“It’s a cross between saddening, disrespectful, and just flat out horrific because people don’t know the

Tarweeh prayer inside of the Concord Masjid al Umar-Farooq. (Photo/Islamic Center of Contra Costa) true meaning of our religion,” says ASB president Hosna Opeyany. “They only believe what they hear or see from other sources. You cannot pinpoint a group of people for the actions of a small group of others. You can’t take what someone else did and basically frame or blame someone else for it,” continued Opeyany, who like many other Muslims is tired of being singled out in today’s society.

The recent terrorist attacks have not only affected Islam, but mosques across the nation, such as the Islamic Center of Contra Costa located in Concord.

An anonymous member of the Islamic Center of Contra Costa says, “There will always be ignorant people in this world that believe whatev-

er they hear and say so I don’t think it will ever change. One thing we can do is have more diversity in this country, which can start by taking in more Syrian refugees.” The member continued to advocate for diversity mentioning, “The more diversity and religions in this country the more we will realize that terrorism has no religion.” Islam is a religion based off of the principles that spreads peace, love and positivity, the contrary of the popular belief that the religion is strictly about inflicting terror in any way possible. “I feel bad because in this generation and society one person’s wrong action can be blamed on a whole religion and race, which is a shame,” continued our interviewee. This is precisely why we have to understand something before we speak wrongly about it.

In today’s society, we have to able to separate the truth from lies spread around us. Stereotypes are extremely common and should never be looked at during the search for truth. Instead, we must gain knowledge before we speak. It’s simply wrong to blame a peaceful group on the actions committed by a group of selfish people. If society is to bring change, it will be brought along little by little to make sure peaceful Muslims and people of other religions feel safe and not discriminated against. Here at CVCHS, always remember to treat one another with respect and to be open to any sort of truth that may come your way.

phones impact learning environment

ugly eagles’ trouble with trump

“More people own a cell phone than a toothbrush,” says the Content Factory.

This goes to show how dependent people have become on technology- when cell phones were first released, people were almost afraid to use them, and today a large number of the population has an iPhone or a Samsung. A lot of these people who own a cell phone are young adults, and studies show that kids from the ages of 8-18 spend an average of 44.5 hours a week in front of a computer or a phone.

Although not every person’s phone habits can be predicted by a statistic, freshman Nick Ciapponi confirms this, saying that “he is on his phone all the time.”

Ciapponi also admitted that his phone has had a negative impact on his life and this might be affecting his learning. However, when asked again about the topic he said that he “would learn the same amount with or without a phone.” A lot of people may disagree and say that phones do distract young students from learning to their best ability, but when asked, young adults may agree with the statement, but refuse to give up their phones.

Students also agree that instead of doing homework, they would rather be on their phones talking to their friends or going on social media. They say this need for distraction can not be blamed on the phone, but rather the stress that comes from homework. When kids get homework, the

“Ew,” summarizes one anonymous teacher about her personal feelings of Donald Trump, a Republican presidential candidate. Another faculty member went on to say that “He’s an idiot, flat.” Across campus, many people seem to dislike the millionaire and former television personality, due to his political ideals, racist comments, and strict immigration laws. Many believe that he will do nothing but endanger this country and racism will be at an all time high again.

“Trump has this huge plan to build a wall on the border, and increase racism, and has all these crazy philosophies and thinks the U.S will actually stand behind him on these acts,” said one Clayton Valley faculty member.

Besides administration, students do not feel safe if Donald Trump were to be elected as president. Faculty members and students alike would try to leave the country due to safety.

“If Trump is elected for president I will move back to India, and I would feel bad for the immigrants, because they will be highly affected, such as get sent

BY ALEX STEINER

Avoiding homework, freshman Hannah Rochelaeu is on her phone. Many students tend to use their phones as a source of procrastination.

(Photo/Alex Steiner)

stress that comes when thinking about doing it causes them to look for an escape, and phones are usually the fastest fix.

Tabitha Kierstead, a freshman, admitted that she has “had to stay up late doing homework because she went on her phone instead of doing homework.” This mistake is what a majority of students will be able to admit because technology is such an easy escape from homework. Although kids do go on their phones a lot, when it comes down to it, the many gree that technology does not affect kids from learning.

BY JAMES BILES AND BIANCA CRUZ

back to their countries, highly targeted, put in prison, and strict immigration laws would be passed,” says Jas Kular.

Immigrants are not a threat to this country, they work hard, they have kids and families just like everyone else does, they are no different from born citizens of the the U.S. Immigrants. Despite what Trump says about immigrants, they do not come to this country to make it worse. They do not fill the U.S with rapists, drug dealers, and thieves. Instead, immigrants come to America in order to have a better life for themselves and their families.

Not only has Trump has proven how close minded he is to see the good in people, but he has showcased how terrible a president he would be for the United States. We hope to have a president who will keep everyone safe, not just a specific ethnicity of citizens who live in the U.S. We pray and hope for the greater outcome.

opinions Page 10

“NOT MY CIRCUS, NOT MY MONKEYS” MENTALITY SWEEPS THE NATION regarding

LGBTQ+: WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

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BY TINA MANGINI, CATIE SMITH, AND BANA TWAL

As we go to press, there mentality that is only found in the have been 353 mass shootUnited States. In our country, ofings in America. Since ten times there is a lack of sense of October, 52 shootings community, a country that only were school related. The comes together after something most recent one was at horrible happens. How often do Mojave High School, in we come together to prevent someNorth Las Vegas, Nevathing horrible from happening? da. The number of school Attackers write journals, leave shootings have increased videos, and explain their over the past three years plans, as if they want somein the U.S. since the Sanone to discover their plans. but dy Hook incident. There their plans are seldom seen. is no direct answer as to When we turn our cheek, why there has been a rise the problem is bigger than what in school or mass shootwe expected them to be. EvUSA Today has kept a record of U.C. mass killings since 2006. A detailed timeline can be found on their website, ings. All ages are target- www.usatoday.com (Photo/USA Today) eryone expects to see signs ed from kindergarten to of violence appear in somethose as their “go to answers” as they are easy college. Many researchers and investigators are and convenient. A CVCHS teacher who one suddenly, not realizing that does not hapworking on answers to solve not only why they wishes to remain anonymous says, “A combination pen. The community expects not to know who do it, but also how they may fix this ever grow- of our culture, access to weapons, and a combina- the shooter is; but deep down, they all know. ing problem. In their search to solve it, peo- tion of psychological health care, and there are more Journals, videos and out of line comments give ple often want to know the causes of the issue. and more copycats than there used to be, People see some answers, but the true answer our society is Often school shooters are thought of as “so- it and copy it. Also the media perpetuates it. What trying to find lies deep in a vortex of unusual brain cially awkward” or “different.” It seems al- is it about our country that causes these? It is very function that may never be unscrambled. Eric most as if we want the shooter to have trou- easy to blame guns, but there’s got to be more than Harris, the evil mastermind behind Columbine, ble making friends, ¨the weird kid” or which that. We have reached critical mass with guns. it’s wanted to “Kick start a revolution” and he did, label we use at the time of the attack. The United not just guns. Social workers need to address these these episodes need to stop. This phenomenon of States is a society fixated with violence and always issues. The shooters are often middle class white school violence has engrossed the American peolooking for simple answers to a very complex issue. males who feel like they were entitled to do that. It ple completely, generating controversy and action.

In reality, these are attention seekers, looking for also comes down to getting away with stupidity.” We are so fixated with the idea that to end somea platform to be noticed, argue many experts and Maybe the cause is simpler than any of us can thing we must know its beginnings, this is praccivilians alike. They do get noticed; by the world, imagine, a lot of the time, according to many sourc- ticed in modern medicine, in the search for cures and that is just the problem. These are kids who es, it comes down to humanity, or the lack there- and we try to apply it to every aspect of our lives. want to fit in, but social exclusion can prevent that. of, the humanity and affection that no one shows Some blame gun control, the media, or the shooters. A “not my circus, not my monkeys” A continuation of this story can be found on our website, www.cvchsthetalon.com mental illnesses. In fact most people use

TEACHERS SHOULDN’T BE YOUR PUNCHING BAG

BY ALYSSA ARINO

Respect is highly valued in any setting, whether it’s in a marriage or workplace. We are taught from a young age to have respect for our elders, for our soldiers, for our bosses. The relationship between student and teacher seems to be an obvious call for mutual respect of the deepest form, and yet, the reality isn’t so straightforward.

Teenagers are bratty, their hormones drive them crazy, kids are kids.

There are a hundred excuses that can be made for the behavior seen in high schools. Eye rolling, phone usage, and verbal outbursts aren’t exactly respectful actions, yet they are far from uncommon occurrences in a classroom environment. As a student, random public tantrums directed at the teacher by a peer can be seen as a minor disruption, or even a source of cheap entertainment. It’s easy to forget that there is someone on the receiving end of that taunt, especially when it’s an adult being targeted.

“‘I hate this [explicit] class’, ‘dumb [explicit]’, ‘wait until I see you in the street’,” one teacher lists, recounting particular phrases that have been brought up in their classroom in the past. “I’ve heard it all.”

“I have had students swear at me for requiring them to do work,” a Clayton Valley teacher recalls. “A campus supervisor was called because [a student] was preventing his peers from learning anything that day.”

Standing up in the middle of a lesson and shouting a string of expletives may be a dramatic display of one’s disrespect, but it’s the less graphic sentences that cut deeper.

“It’s little things like ‘this sucks’, ‘I’m bored,’ ‘ugh, again?’ that get to me.

“I try really hard to make my class fun and interesting, and those sting much more than a simple expletive,” a teacher confesses. The mindless comments discussing one’s boredom is a far cry from the positive feedback a teacher wishes to hear when it comes

to the hard work they put towards lesson plans and classroom activities.

There’s a less disruptive, almost silent way to reach the same lofty level of disdain during class. In fact, this method is so subdued that many students do not even see it as a sign of contempt. According to insidehighered.com, “more than 90 percent of students admit to using their digital devices for non-class activities during class.” Sneaking a look at your phone under the desk or having headphones in while your teacher is speaking may seem insignificant to you, but your teacher is not blind and is very aware of the fact that you’re not simply staring at your crotch for fifteen second intervals. Not only is it extremely obvious, many teachers take it as a blatant sign of disregard for their authority.

“The disrespect I get is not from intentional comments, but from actions, the number one being phones,” comments one Clayton Valley teacher. “I can’t just [stop

talking and reprimand a student] when 30 other students are watching and trying to be successful.”

It may not be easy, but many teachers have become desensitized to the crude comments that the sleep-deprived, annoyed teenagers in their classrooms can spew out when something sets them off. In the end, their highest priority is to give their students the best education possible.

“Whether they like you or not isn’t important. It is important that you can counsel them to a point of humility so they can learn in your class,” a teacher explains.

In 2011, careeroverview.com named being a public school teacher as the 11th most difficult job in the world, right below prison warden and mountain rescue. Next time you haven’t gotten quite enough coffee or your grade is tanking, refrain from turning your teacher into your metaphorical punching bag.

EXTRAS

Page 11 www.cvchsthetalon.com

BY HAYLEY BRELJE AND JUNE GRAYS

Identifying within the LGBTQ+ community lets people be open about their sexuality or gender and helps them find a way to be who they actually are as a person.

Many people find the LGBTQ+ community a sensitive topic because they are afraid of offending someone in the community. Along with this comes the fear from members within the community of coming out to others about their sexuality or identified gender. 73 percent of LGBTQ+ youth admit to being more honest about themselves online than in person. People might wonder why that is, but think to yourself, if you thought someone would criticize your life based off of stereotypes and rumors, would you want to actually tell people who you are? The LGBTQ+ Community is made up of many different aspects, and people of various identities. Part of understanding someone who identifies within the community is understanding each part of the community’s definition.

Pronouns, such as he/him/his, she/her/hers, and they/them/their, are used to refer to the people or a specific person you are addressing. There are also gender neutral pronouns that can be used like ze and hir that takes away the female/ feminine and male/masculine effect. Asking someone what pronouns they use may be awkward, but it’s better than accidentally offending a transexual or a gender non-conforming individual by referring to them as “it” or “he/she.”

Each letter in the acronym LGBTQ+ stands

The student mural in front of M3 represents in a symbolic way the LGBTQ+ is apart of every aspect on the campus. (Photo/ Hayley Brelje)

for a different sexual/gender identity (L; Lesbian, G; Gay, B; Bisexual, T; Transgender/ Trans*, Q; Queer). Being lesbian means to be a female attracted to the same female gender. The G, stands for gay. Being gay is defined as being a male sexually attracted to another male. The B for Bisexual, which means to be attracted to both the gender-normative male and female genders.

Transgender means to be someone who identifies as the opposite gender than the one assigned at birth. The Q for queer is an umbrella term, or a word that allows every gender/ identity to fall into this category, and is a vague definition for gay.

A club that supports the LGBTQ+ community is the Spectrum Club. This club features a weekly meeting place that doubles as a safe haven for LGBTQ+ students on campus. Spectrum is the school’s place to go for information on the community and is ran by co-presidents Tara Killoran and Anna Lau. Ana explained that to inform other students about the community, Spectrum promotes advocation and self-awareness to the club members. Spectrum is about teaching the members “how to approach problems and handle them in the right way.”

The main goal of the club is to inform the members on how to handle situations involving the members of the community and themselves.

An example of this would be telling someone how to deal with when asked what they identify as, by someone not in the community that may not understand. “We equip them to handle situations like rumors or drama,” says Lau. A member of the club, Robert Solari, explains, “There’s not much bullying within the school [regarding the LGBTQ+ community] that comes around.”

The sole purpose of the LGBTQ+ community at Clayton Valley is to influence members of the community and people that are unaware of the community in a positive way. Every member apart of the community at Clayton Valley has each felt a connection with at least one person also in the community. The fact that students from the community at CV feel accepted must mean that we are doing something right.

wild

CROSS COUNTRY

The last parallel in these similar stories is far too close to look past. Both Munro’s characters and Strayed watch a horse they love be inhumanely killed, by those they love. This is what happened in Munro’s Story, where Mack is the horse.“My father raised the gun and Mack looked up as if he had noticed something and my father shot him. Mack did not collapse at once but swayed, lurched sideways, and fell, first on his side; then he rolled over on his back and, amazingly, kicked his legs for a few seconds in the air. At this Henry laughed, as if Mack had done a trick for him. Laird, who had drawn a long, groaning breath of surprise when the shot was fired, said out loud, “He’s not dead.” And it seemed to me it might be true. But his legs stopped, he rolled on his side again, his muscles quivered and sank.” Strayed story is so alike, this alone is enough to make one question the whole integrity of the book. She claims, “She stumbled and Jerked, but didn’t fall and she didn’t run, though she was no longer tied to the tree. Lady took one wobbling step and then fell onto her front knees her body tilting hideously forward as if she were a great ship slowly sinking into the sea. Her legs buckling beneath her. She hovered there. struggling to stay grotesquely up, before she finally toppled onto her side,

Compared to other years, Munch explains, “Just dedication.

The boys were determined to do well this year. It wasn’t just the goal to win league, they wanted to do well beyond that. For the returning runners, I think a lot of it has to do with the difficulties they have faced in the last two years. Two years before this, they were tied for first in League, and they ended up with third last year.

You can do two things when that happens- you can give up and be sullen and say ‘whatever’, or you can really push and try harder and they really did that.”

The boys can’t take all the credit for their achievements, however. Anthony Munch has been working hard to improve the team for the past three years, juggling coaching as well as teaching sociology and history.

“This is the second time I’ve taken over a program like this,” explained Munch, “You have to kind of go off of what the previous coaches were doing the first year.

If you try to change things too quickly there may be pushbacks, but you can up the level of practice and intensity especially by the

“Boys and Girls” with the exact page from wild resembling Munro’s work. (Photo by Bana Twal)

where she kicked her legs and flailed.”

If Strayed’s memoir is copied, exaggerated upon, or made-up, we will never truly know. However, overblown memoirs are becoming increasingly common. Her book isn’t the first to be deeply examined. Memoirs such as A Million Little Pieces, Misha, and many more are following this trend. Literary forgery is happening, and Strayed likely joined that curve with Wild.

third year.”

He said the whole team deserved this season’s success; in the end, after all, they’re the ones running the race. “I think a lot of it was the athletes themselves,” he pointed out, “They were ready to just work hard.”

As for the next cross country season, Munch gave it a 50/50 chance of going to state again, explaining, “Losing [seniors] Anthony and Sayed is going to have an impact on the team, but our younger athletes are good and I see them getting a lot faster. I think they could do just as well next year, but there’s no given. We went to state because of one point this year. I hate to guess on that- if the team is too overconfident and they don’t put the training in, they won’t have that edge. But if they have no confidence, it would be the same thing as being too confident. They have to want it bad enough where they are willing to work for it.”

Extras Page 12 www.cvchsthetalon.com

STUDENTS REFLECT ON GRATITUDE

BY CATIE SMITH

Giving thanks is a good way to better yourself emotionally and spiritually. It also helps you show those around you how grateful you are to have them in your life. Families from all around our community, especially the Clayton Valley community, are thankful for a plethora of things. They all are formed by their personal backgrounds, such as where they come from, their home lives, role models and idols, but mainly things they have been through. These experiences shape who they are. In order to be grateful one must take the time to actually notice the positive things going on around them. This portion of the paper is dedicated to showing how much our students and faculty truly appreciate the people around them and the things those people do. For the holiday spirit, we turn to those we love and care about and say thank you.

We thank you Clayton Valley for being a family for those who have none.

ashley ulinger

ERYN DUDLEY

Season’s Greetings from the talon staff!

We wish you a warm and happy holiday season filled with love, joy, and happiness. see you in 2016!

Social Media Facebook: www.facebook.com/cvchsthetalon She is thankful for popcorn, her mom, and her kitten Ro. ”I love popcorn. Also, I work in a movie theatre. My mom is my best friend. My kitten hangs out with me when I’m sad.”

She is thankful for family, friends, music, her cat, Sailor Moon, and the bands and artists she likes.

“They make me happy and give my life purpose... they made me happy when a lot of other things didn’t.”

sarah louis “I am thankful for my family and friends because they help, support, and love me no matter what. I am thankful for all the great people around me because without human kindness, this world would be cruel and unhappy. My cat supports and comforts me everyday when I’m feeling stressed. I am thankful for the roof over my head and the luxuries I have because a lot of people don’t have such nice things. Without education, there wouldn’t be any opportunity and so many people would be poor without good paying jobs.”

AUSTIN JACKSON He is thankful for people of all kinds and their opinions, his friends, the little things in life, sports, having a family, being alive, luxuries, freedom of speech, and history.

“Without them the world would be boring and I like everyone’s perspective on things. My friends and team because they are there for me and when I’m at my all time low, they are there to pick me up...because it helps me get through the problems in life.”

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The Talon Staff Editor-in-Chief: Celine Herrera

Lead Editors:

Lynette Cox and Maris Degener

Assistant Editors:

Maddie Simbirdi and Isaiah Thurman

Advisor:

Gregory Rosewell

Teacher Assistants:

Andrea Grabher and Ariel Lauritsen

Staff Writers:

Rosanna Aragon Alyssa Arino James Biles Hayley Brelje

Check out the online edition of the talon for continuations and more stories about Eshaan Chandi Clayton Valley!

Katelyn Courchaine Be sure to visit our website, www.cvchsthetalon.com Bianca Cruz for more information.

Joseph Fobbs If you have any questions or comments about June Grays this edition of the paper, feel free to email us Pablo Hernandez directly at Taylor Heuerman cvchsthetalon@gmail.com. Your comments may appear in the next edition of Kripa Lamichhane

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Tina Mangini

Aidan Maranan Gianna Pallotta Shaila Panaligan Hannah Rocheleau Emma Skow Sydney Skow Catie Smith Alex Steiner Travis Taylor Erin Tindall Bana Twal Tommy Vo Rebecca Walsh