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EL ESTOQUE ONLINE
LOG ON TO ELESTOQUE.ORG AND CHECK OUT THE WEEKLY SPORTS PROGRAM EESN
R.I.P. FLOATS
ONCE UPON A TIME,
A look into the 30 year history of Homecoming floats and their uncertain future ENTERTAINMENT page 19
VICTORY
40 YEARS AGO
MVHS defeats Cleveland High School 14-6 on Sept. 19 to earn first win
NEW COOL THING
CENTERSPREAD pages 11-14
SPORTS page 18
VOLUME XLISSUE 1MONTA VISTA HIGH SCHOOLCUPERTINO, CA
1977 F rie togethe nds walking r
g a football
1977 Plannin game
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
Underenrollment shakes three classes Extra sections result in the closing of three classes more than three weeks into the year
Samved Sangameswara | El Estoque
SWAPPED On Sept. 17, English department chair Debbie Vanni informs parents of English teacher Vanessa Otto’s seventh period American Literature class that their child’s class is being dissolved. Otto’s class was one of three collapsed in the last week.
API score rises 11 points
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hen juniors filed into english teacher Vanessa Otto’s seventh period American Literature class on Sept. 17, they didn’t know it would be the one of the last times. Due to underenrollment in the sophomore and junior classes, Otto’s seventh period American Literature class, as well as Vivana Montoya-Hernandez’s seventh period World History and Brian Dong’s seventh period Geometry class, were all dissolved in the last week.
Anticipation for predictable growth in the sophomore and junior classes led MVHS and the FUHSD to create extra sections for certain classes. However, instead of the enrollment growing as it has done over the past few years, it decreased by about 30 students. According to the registrar there has been a sharp increase in students who were originally enrolled for the 2009-2010 school year, but ended up withdrawing their enrollment after the school year had already begun. The top two reasons given for leaving were issues with paying rent and moving out of the country. see SWITCH on page 6
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN
?
DANCE
MVHS reaches a new high of 935
Dance policy tested, changes in the works
by Samved Sangameswara
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fter a brief relapse the dark ages are over. The MVHS API score has risen to a new high of 935 and is now ranked 6th in the state. Just two years ago MVHS saw its API score fall below 900 for the first time since 2003. Although the 2007 score of 900 is high by many standards, the slow decline still managed to shake the nerves of administration. “We need to take scores seriously,” Principal April Scott said. “It’s a measurement of our school.” However, the nerves have been relaxed as API scores from 2009 school year were released and MVHS saw its score rise to 935. Although not as large as the 23 point jump that occurred between two years ago, the improvement was still welcomed.. “When you’re that high already, your growth is very limited,” Scott said. “So 11 points is a huge jump.” One of the areas that MVHS saw heavy growth in was the algebra portion of the STAR test. Math teacher Jennifer MacDonald attributes the improvement to a change in textbooks. Last year all Algebra classes used a book called “Algebra Connections.” After being introduced two years ago the book began to be used by all Algebra classes last year. Ultimately though, Scott credits the students afor the rising score. “The students [at MVHS] take school very seriously.
by Aileen Le and Samved Sangameswara
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Stefan Ball| El Estoque Illustration
School year began with absent budget by Aileen Le
I
by Jordan Lim ith the Homecoming dance quickly approaching, there is a nervous buzz amongst the students. This year it’s not about who you’re going to ask to the dance, rather how you’re going to dance. In the aftermath of the Welcome Back Dance, the MVHS community has one big unanswered question: what will future dances look like? Students are wondering whether they will once again see flood lights illuminating the dance floor and have to keep an eye out
Potential cuts cause concern
for administration wandering the floor “policing” the dancing. Although administration has not confirmed any definite changes for the Homecoming dance, Dean of Students Denae Moore has made it clear that future dances will not look like the ones from years past. “We want to create a dance environment that is more in line with our morals at MVHS,” Moore said. “There are definitely going to be some changes.” see DANCE page 6
UC’s policy concerning SAT II’s considered unfair
n an economy doomed by overspending, it seems like MVHS’ administration was the wise saver. By anticipating unknown cuts to state funding in spring of 2009, it prepared for the worst, which made it easier for the school to swallow the 50 percent cuts in categorical funding announced early this year. “It was like a test of patience going into the school year since we knew there would be cuts, but we just didn’t know how big they were going to be,” Scott said. “That’s where our frustration was at the end of school last year. We were waiting to hear how big the cuts were so we were entering the school year really conservatively and almost had to anticipate having zero dollars versus what we were normally used to getting.” Despite not knowing how much money it would receive, if any at all, administration was still able to purchase vital instructional matierals such as AP Environmental Science textbooks because of money saved from previous years. “We have to be conservative some years to adapt to our growth,” Scott said. “Think about it like a savings account, when we have the need, we have the money to meet it.” Scott explains that the school must separate the “must-have” items from the “can wait” items. Nothing that was absolutely needed was denied to any department, and Scott describes the department chairs as being very supportive of one another and seeing the big picture.
Some believe that elimination of subject tests discriminates against Asians by Christine Chang
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ommon are juniors whose bookshelves house enough SAT subject test books to keep bonfires ablaze for hours and hours. Next year, however, those bookshelves may be empty. For students looking to pursue an education in the University of California system, the subject exams, also known as SAT II’s, are inevitable. But this year’s juniors will be the last generation of prospective UC applicants burdened with taking subject exams. In February of this year, the UC Board of Regents modified the admissions policy with hopes that “more qualified students will have the opportunity to be considered for admission to a UC,” UC
Academic Senate Chair Mary Croughan said in a press release. A major difference in the new proposal is the elimination of two SAT subject tests required for admission, which are mandatory for all undergraduate students applying before Fall of 2012. The changes, effective for the class of 2012, have been the source of controversy among high-performing academic students. In the past, SAT subject tests have generally given applicants an unbiased chance to demonstrate their understanding of various subjects. Through the current system, each student’s score in respective subjects is computed and factored into the overall admissions decision. Once the subject test requirements are
dropped, however, the University of California hopes to expand the pool of applicants to include minority groups such as Blacks and Chicano Latinos. “In Proposal for Eligibility Reform”, a report issued by the university itself and reviewed by the UC Board of Regents, researched data reveals that Black admissions are expected to increase between 0 percent and 25 percent, Chicano Latinos between 0 percent and 15.8 percent, and Whites between 20.6 percent and 29.4 percent. The only specified ethnicity that is expected to decrease in admissions is Asian Americans: between 11.1 percent and 19.4 percent. see UC POLIICY page 3
see BUDGET page 5
THE ROAD AHEAD
Road to Renovation A brief overview of how Measure B will affect campus in the coming years Looming consequences Parcel tax needed to maintain status quo
NEWS page 5
EL ESTOQUE NEWS
PAGE 2
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
BRIEFING: IN SHORT
FROM THE EDITORS
1
THE BIG PICTURE
Family matters
by Aileen Le and Samved Sangameswara
I
t seems that every new school year brings some sort of big change to our publication and this year was no different. Last year it was the introduction of the online staff. This time, it is learning how to deal with the pains of having a new addition to the El Estoque family. Quite frankly, it was like having a new little brother. A little brother that plays with all our toys, takes up space in our room, and worst of all, gets all the attention of our single mother, journalism adviser Michelle Balmeo. It was okay at first. Fine, mom was just a little busy but we could cope—until little brother ruined everything. Okay, ruined might be an exaggeration, but he certainly made our lives more difficult, especially when it came to sharing stories. After whining for a few weeks we realized that this, like any other family matter, wasn’t just going to go away, and the only thing to do was work together towards a solution. Sitting around and complaining that the online staff was “stealing” our stories wasn’t going to do us any good. Instead we decided that we could build off of the work they had already done. Whether we liked it or not, we had a new addition to the family, and it was beyond our control—very much like administration’s change to the dance policy, as explored in junior Jordan Lim’s “So you think you can dance.” Sometimes, you just have to make it work. It is actually pretty cool to have a little brother. Together, we can cover a greater breadth of issues in more innovative ways. So,with seven issues ahead of us, we plan on doing just that. Finding the big issues that take more than just one simple story and tackling them together. This year you are going to see El Estoque online and El Estoque in print working together. Welcome to the family.
el estoque 2009-2010
Editor in Chief Aileen Le Samved Sangameswara News Editor Tammy Su Opinion Editor Vijeta Tandon Centerspread Editor Jane Kim
Adviser Michelle Balmeo
Disclaimer Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the journalism staff and not of Monta Vista High School or the Fremont Union High School District. Credits Some images in this publication were taken from the royalty-free stock photography website sxc.hu Mission Statement El Estoque is an open forum created for and by students of Monta Vista High School. The staff of El Estoque seeks to recognize individuals, events, and ideas and bring news to the Monta Vista community in a manner that is professional, unbiased, and thorough in order to effectively serve our readers. We strive to report accurately and will correct any significant error. If you believe such an error has been made, please contact us. Letters of any length should be submitted via e-mail or mail. They become the sole property of El Estoque and can be edited for length, clarity, or accuracy. Letters cannot be returned and will be published at El Estoque’s discretion. El Estoque also reserves the right to reject advertising due to space limitations or decision of the Editorial Board that content of the advertisement conflicts with the mission of the publication. Contact Us El Estoque 21840 McClellan Rd. Cupertino, CA 95014 mv.el.estoque@gmail.com
2 | CLASSES AND CLUBS Government class celebrates Constitution First period, Sept. 17: Government Team mapped the campus with landmark Supreme Court cases involving student rights, ranging from the famous Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka to recent cases such as Redding v. Stafford, involving a student forcefully strip-searched for Advil pills. In December of 2004, Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia fought to pass a motion to establish Sept. 17 as Constitution & Citizenship Day. The legislation mandated that schools would be required to acknowledge the Constitution on this day, though the manner in which the school carried out their plans was not specified. Social studies teacher Christopher Chiang first heard of Constitution & Citizenship Day on the Public Broadcasting Station. Because Government Team uses the Constitution as a focal point in their curriculum, Chiang says he wanted to incorporate Constitution Day. “I hope people will take a moment to get interested in learning about the Constitution.”
5 | CITY City designates land for farm, preserve The Cupertino City Council has designated purposes for two pieces MCCLELLAN of land within McClellan RANCH PARK Ranch Park, the M cC lella MV n Rd Stocklmeir and Simms . properties. The Stocklmeir property, previously owned by Louis Stocklmeir, will become a “legacy farm” used for historical and educational purposes. On the other hand, the Simms property will become a natural preserve. Students from local colleges and high schools, will work with the city to restore the sites. Both pieces of land can also serve educational purposes for students, who will have the opportunity to do academic projects on the restored areas. Specific details of the restoration effort are still being decided. . Dr
Copy Editor Kanwalroop Singh
Stefan Ball | El Estoque
ta Vis
Layout and Design Editor Sabrina Ghaus
Print Staff Writers Joseph Beyda Natalie Chan Christine Chang Varshini Cherukupalli Erin Chiu Christophe Haubursin Somel Jammu Victor Kuo Hannah Lem Sahana Sridhara Sarika Patel Jiachen Yang Roxana Wiswel Xiaoyang Zou
Students make this trek every day, but Back to School Night is the only time of the year that parentsmake their way through the stairwells and courtyards to class. As they navigate the masses, with Link Leaders to guide them, they experience their own version of passing period.
da Lin
Entertainment Editor Mansi Pathak
Managing Editors Stefan Ball Bhargav Setlur
Sept. 17, 2009 Back to School Night
8 | COUNT OFF CLASS OF 2013
640 7
3 | CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS PTA becomes PTSA to encourage student participation After nearly a year of filling out applications to have the motion approved, PTA has become PTSA. So what has changed? Nothing really. The Parent Teacher Association, or PTA, is a group of parents, teachers, administrators, students, and community members, that raises money through membership to support students and activities. “We changed the name to have students participate more actively,” PTSA president Suman Ganapathy said. PTSA meetings are every fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the library. PTSA is currently holding a contest for membership: the grade with the most student and parent members will be awarded $250 to use however they wish. The deadline is Oct. 1, 2009.
4 | COMMUNITY Community meeting to update community on campus renovations Superintendent Polly Bove and Associate Superintendent Glenn Evans will hold a public informational meeting regarding Measure B changes. This meeting will “kick-start the whole process” of renovations for the MVHS track and fields. SAVE THE DATE “It’s a great informational night if Date: Oct. 1, 2009 you’ve got kids in Lincoln or Kennedy,” Time: 7:00 PM Principal April Scott said. “This is where they’ll be coming in a few years.” Place: MVHS Auditorium The meeting is in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. Along with informing, it also will gather information regarding the impact of the changes external to campus. “It’s the perfect opportunity to voice your opinion,” Scott said, “and it’s our way of being respectful to the community.”
6 | CA EDUCATION SYSTEMS Budget cuts cause UC system to raise tuition for 2010-2011 school year The economic crisis hit state education on the whole, and the UC system is no exception. According to the University of California website, the UC Board of Regents has reported a projected deficit for the 2010-2011 fiscal year, the year Class of 2010 graduates will be college freshmen, and is proposing, among other actions, to increase tuition to make up the difference. In numbers: undergraduate tuition $1,344 Proposed the 2010-2011 school year
increase for
2,300 Projected freshman enrollment cut for Fall 2010 1,600
Approximate number of faculty positions for which hiring is being deferred
$70,000
Maximum family income that qualifies for Cal Grants and UC Grants
$139 million
Current instructional budget cuts
Total number of students in the freshman class Number of middle schools that fed into MVHS
7 | NATION Students attend town hall meetings regarding Obama’s health care proposal
Rep. Mike Honda, D-Campbell, held a town hall meeting in Los Gatos on Sept. 13 regarding Obama’s health care proposal. The audience of approximately 400 included some students from MVHS. “It was really intense,” senior Samantha Chen said. “Like, people were yelling while Mike Honda was speaking and everything, it was like on TV.” This meeting was one of several in the area, which have generally been attended by passionate proponents or opponents of Obama’s plan. The proposal involves creating public health insurance and instituting regulations on health care.
5.7% 1/3
Percentage of the class that ran for class office Fraction of the class that participated in voting
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
EL ESTOQUE NEWS
On the brink of recovery
BHARGAV SETLUR
Two mothers’ counseling service allows teens to express themselves by Varshini Cherukupalli
A
living room, two mothers, and MVHS students. One by one, students spoke about their lives—about their families, friends, and personal issues. The conversation grew deeper, but the mothers stayed supportive, encouraging each student to contribute to the conversation. This was the setting of the session "From the Mouths of Teens and What We Can Learn By Listening." Held last year for MVHS students by mothers Carol Satterlee and Lisa Fairchild, the session helped them understand what teens go through today. Why? Satterlee and Fairchild are founders of the practice Family on the Edge, which provides individual and family relationship guidance for its clients. From hospice volunteer and human resources worker to relationship coaches— Satterlee, mother of class of 2009 alum Ryan Satterlee and class of 2007 alum Allison Satterlee, and Fairchild are not your typical mothers. Starting the business was far from a spontaneous idea; they have numerous reasons for why they put all their effort into helping others. 15 years ago, Satterlee and Fairchild led completely separate lives in completely different settings. Satterlee was a stay-home mother with her two children. Later, she became a hospice volunteer. This was an experience that changed her perspective on life, motivating her to eventually transition into relationship and family guidance. "I realized life is so short and sometimes, you don't get a choice in what happens," Satterlee said. "Then, I learned about coaching; I knew I wanted to work with people. Whatever happens, I'm becoming a better person." Fairchild also initially did not envision herself as a relationship coach. Working in the human resources field, Fairchild claims she only learned who she really was once
Say it like It is
Disregarding Decorum
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Sabrina Ghaus | El Estoque
APPROACH TO COACH Former MVHS parent Carol Satterlee and Lisa Fairchild, founders of counseling practice Family on the Edge, encourage people to “be connected with who they really are.” On Sept. 17, they meet to plan for an upcoming speech at Regnart Elementary School. she got divorced. Thereafter, she decided to spend time with her son and look for another career. This is when she and Satterlee met—and began planning for what is now Family on the Edge. Satterlee and Fairchild believe deeply in the value of supporting their clients through coaching. This includes personal sessions with each client and group workshops. However, the unique characteristic of Family on the Edge is simple. The coaches coach, and it actually works. "We look for the clients who are coach-able," Satterlee explained. "This means that they have to be willing to take some ownership of their life. Coaching is really about working with individuals who have a goal they want to meet; they maybe don't know how to do it themselves, so we will work with them to help them get there." Out of all the different types of clients that they coach, Satterlee and Fairchild have discovered that they specifically enjoy working with teenagers, especially because they are mothers of young adults
themselves. Many students from MVHS have attended Family on the Edge stressed out about academics and school pressure. Satterlee and Fairchild steer them away from this viewpoint, helping them understand that their lives are much more than just academics. And that is when the teens open up. "You've got academic counselors at school already," Satterlee said. "But who do you go to when it's relationship and social problems? When you just want to go to a dance? What we're all about is encouraging the teens to be themselves." Fairchild and Satterlee believe this is only possible with hope. They motivate their clients to be optimistic about hardships because, once overcome, they help with gaining experience. "When you have that perspective, you almost invite in struggles knowing that the struggles are going to help you and give you new perspectives on life," Fairchild said. They are not lifelong professionals, but Fairchild and Satterlee have helped
people of all ages achieve their desired goals and gain confidence. Although many counseling centers are now available, Family on the Edge is distinctive in its coaching approach which has shown to be successful—started by two mothers with only a desire to help people. Satterlee and Fairchild hope to hold more sessions at MVHS in the future, like that which they held last year. According to Fairchild and Satterlee, Family on the Edge represents someone on the edge of discovery and recovery. And as Fairchild stated, "That's what coaching is all about: having people be connected with who they really are."
FOR MORE INFO Website: www.familyontheedge.com Emails: carol@familyontheedge.com lisa@familyontheedge.com Phone numbers: (408) 255-1173 (925) 600-1765
UC POLICY: Students in danger of college rejection continued from page 1
PAGE 3
expectationsShieh is worried that under the new policy, GPAs Currently, Asians make up the largest ethnic group throughout will become a more dominant determining factor. But grades are the entire chain of UCs, topping the number of Whites at seven subject to greater fluctuation than tests which Shieh feels is unfair of the nine universities. Nonetheless, many see the proposal as a for students at more academic, such as MVHS. “The California master plan and UC eligibility criteria have subtle attempt to diversify UCs, thus reducing Asian admissions. “If you can diversify without having to hurt anyone, then I’m been the single most important factor in setting and maintaining all for it,” senior Catherine Shieh said. “But if a group is going to academic standards,” Hayashi said. “Under the new policy, be suppressed into a minority even though they’re technically thousands will do what is asked of them but no longer be guaranteed the space. Most likely to suffer are the poor students qualified, then that’s not right.” According to MVHS’s 20082009 School and immigrants because they have a record of doing extremely well on subject tests.” Accountability Report, our student A mere 11.1 percent decrease under the The SAT reasoning test, also body consists of about 71.7 percent new policy means that approximately known as the SAT I, will then be Asians. A mere 11.1 percent decrease 200 of the 1808 Asians from MVHS would the only test required under the under the new policy means that hypothetically be denied acceptance. new policy. According to Hayashi, approximately 200 of the 1808 Asians immigrants and poorer students from MVHS would hypothetically be have made “tremendous progress” over the years through the denied acceptance. “They say the new policy will [bring in more minority subject test system. Because the SAT I focuses largely on reading students], but the numbers are so small, the projection is comprehension and writing, Hayashi asserts that students who highly speculative,” former UC Associate President Patrick do not speak English at home tend to score lower. And once Hayashi said. “I would be very surprised if there was an subject exams are eliminatetd, the reasoning test will be the only test involved in the application process. increase.” “This is an equality issue more than anything else,” Shieh said. Many point out that subject tests help level the playing field and compensate for inflated grades. They provide a set of standards “I think we have to ask the UC admissions officers, ‘Are you willing more objective than grades handed out by teachers with varying to erase meritocracy for the sake of diversifying a student body?’”
hoever said that everyone gets their fifteen minutes of fame is wrong. The soaring wings of fame only grace a few lucky souls. In fact, more and more these days, if people find themselves experiencing fifteen minutes of anything, it’s the stinking pit of infamy. Cue Joe Wilson, a congressman from South Carolina who on Sept. 9 interrupted President Obama’s address to a Joint Session of Congress with impassioned shouts of “You Lie!” Wilson’s comment, which reflected his belief that President Obama was misstating some of the particulars of a health care bill being designed by Congress, drew loud boos and stern looks from audience members on both sides of the aisle. Perhaps it was just a momentary lapse of control, because soon after the address Mr. Wilson called the White House and offered his apologies. After Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel accepted his mea culpa, the wayward congressman expected that the sorry affair was closed. His 15 minutes, actually, were just starting. On Tuesday, September 15th, the House voted to officially admonish Wilson for his “breach of decorum”. It ended six days of squabbling over whether an informal apology from Congressman Wilson was enough. To the Democrats in power, apparently not. Not surprisingly, the vote split along party lines. It didn’t even matter that President Obama himself had said that it was time to move on. Congressional Democrats, in their infinite wisdom, used the most fundamental tool of democracy—the vote—to fulfill an embarrassingly petty vendetta. But they are elected representatives, after all. So can we blame them if they display in the hallowed chambers of Congress the same kind of behavior that we display in our lives? Because really, it’s something that happens too often: the big guy kicks the little guy while he’s down. It is said that absolute power corrupts absolutely, and this cynical mantra holds true at all levelse — whether it’s Congress or high school. When we win a classroom debate, especially one that gets heated, it’s not enough to just come out on top. For some reason, it’s almost as important to dismiss and belittle the loser afterwards, even if under one’s breath. “What an idiot.” “I can’t believe anyone could have things so wrong.” It’s just part of the game. Maybe it’s because we think it makes us look better to win a contest and trash the defeated party. That’s what winners do, right? Maybe not. One of the qualities that is missing at all levels of discourse—especially ours—is a sense of grace. A winner doesn’t just win. A real winner comes out on top, but savors his or her victory privately and keeps quiet in public. You may be stronger, better or faster, but just because it’s true doesn’t mean you can go around announcing it. It’s a rule that’s often most easily found in high school sports, where the champions congratulate the other team on a tough effort. Why can’t we adopt that same good-game attitude during disputes? The fact is, it only reflects better on the victor when he or she treats the loser with respect, dignity, and if need be, forgiveness. Yes, Rep. Wilson started the fiasco by shouting during the President’s speech, but his hasty apology should have ended it. The Democrats didn’t need to waste time beating a dead elephant. Sooner or later the GOP will get behind the wheel, and they’ll repay the Democrats in full. Let them make sure the apologies and admonishments are all evened up. Health care reform can wait.
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EL ESTOQUE NEWS
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
Help wanted with recycling initiative
Campus recycling bins maintained by students; irresponsible disposal complicates sorting by Tammy Su
E
ven someone who didn’t attend MVHS could tell you that out in the courtyards, the trash cans are the metal gray ones and the plastic blue bins are for recycling. That person could have no way of knowing, though, that due to a current lack in campus organization, there’s not always a guarantee that the contents of the blue bins end up anywhere other than the dumpster. According to Facilities Manager Chris Kenney, maintaining the recycling bins on campus has never been the responsibility of the custodial staff, due to a union dispute that occurred around the implementation of the recycling bins. As a result, the large blue bins have mainly been emptied by students. In the past few years, however, the long process that happens after a can has been thrown into the recycling bin is one that most of the campus appears to have lost interest in. Students walking by the access road by the A and B buildings will notice large orange and gray plastic bins. Dean of Students Michael Hicks explains that these bins are provided by the Los Altos Garbage Company and everything that makes it to these bins, generally paper, gets recycled. Most of the time, teachers will have their classroom bins brought out to be emptied there, and the office does as well. It’s out in the courtyards with the cans and bottles where the problem is. “Outside is a whole different story,” Hicks said, “Outside has no order, no structure.” Hicks cites several problems with the recycling system outside, issues like not having enough blue bins out or not having a way of keeping them in place. Beyond the material problems though, Hicks said
that another main problem is the way the current recycling bins are being treated. He maintains that ideally, the recycling bins could simply be emptied into the larger bins for pick-up. “The problem is, it’s not only bottles going into the bins,” Hicks said. “What we get is people throwing away anything they need to — you know, the last two bites of my cheeseburger, the wrapper off my candy bar.” Because of this behavior, the recyclables, unlike trash, has to undergo a process of sorting, cleaning, and washing before it will be accepted by the recycling center. If there’s no one to take care of this, recycling doesn’t happen. Years ago, several student groups used to have an entire system for managing the recycling, and all the money made from the center would be split among these groups. When the students in charge graduated, though, the interest was lost. “Ideally we could get groups, maybe not one but several, to each commit to [the recycling system], each maybe once a month and a few years ago we did,” Kenney said. “The problem is, it’s not easy work, and then the kids decide the next year that they don’t want to do it anymore.” In the past two years, only one group on campus has stepped up to deal with the problem: the Perspectives class. The class of 10 students gives up one block period every two weeks to cover as much of the campus as possible, both inside teachers’ classrooms and outside in the courtyard. Because they assume entire responsibility for the bins, all money that they make from the cans and bottles goes back to their class. Right now, the money is being used to cover shipping costs for Soles for Souls, an organization for which the class holds a
Stefan Ball | El Estoque
RECYCLE On Sept. 16, sophomores Gordon Fong and Navid Rahnemoon help empty recyclables into The Ungarbage bin. shoe drive every year. Perspectives teacher Don Vierra will attest to the fact that the work is time-consuming and unpleasant. He, Kenney, and Hicks all agree that there’s a greater need than most of the MVHS population currently understands for them to abide by the rules of what goes into trash cans and what can be recycled. “If we could get more people involved, it would help primarily with spreading awareness across the campus,” Vierra said, “and in that way it would be very worth everyone’s efforts.” Hicks does have a solution in mind. One day, he’d like to see an organized system
created for on-campus organizations to tackle the problem like the Perspectives class, but on a larger scale. Aside from spreading conscientiousness, this would also provide a long term way, one that wouldn’t disappear after the graduation of a class, for student organizations to take a problem on campus and turn it into money for themselves. Kenney also states that if organizations were interested in helping out, the school could help arrange for transportation of the plastic to the recycling center. With the help of the school, recycling bins could go back to fully serving their environment-protecting purpose.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
Looming consequences
EL ESTOQUE NEWS
n o i t a v o n
Road to
Re
Parcel tax needed to maintain status quo by Tammy Su
C
onsider the potential effect on classroom life if the district were to lose $5.2 million in funding: Fewer teachers. Cuts in classes and programs. More restrictions on which classes can or cannot be taken. While the downturn in the economy and the state budget crisis may seem distant to students, Measure G, the district-proposed parcel tax renewal appearing on the November ballot, will have direct and immediate consequences on the way things run at MVHS. If not passed this year, students will feel the impact. Superintendent Polly Bove explains that FUHSD is one of the approximately 100 basic aid public school districts in the state, meaning that the property taxes in the district are enough to keep school funds above the revenue limit — a state-decided level that’s deemed adequate to provide satisfactory education. With the economic crisis, though, property values have declined, leading to a decrease of public school funds. In addition, the student population of 10,300 spreads the funds the district does have even thinner. Finally, state funds have also been slashed this year, leaving a gap for local governments to make up. With these three factors, Measure G starts looking more like a way to maintain the status quo than an improvement — and that’s exactly what it is. The school board had the option this year to increase the tax but chose not to, after poll results showed that the community would favor a renewal of the current tax, passed in 2004 and set to expire in 2011, over an increase. The language of the measure proposes a renewal of the $98 tax paid annually per parcel, but this time the tax would be adjustable for inflation Amount in dollars and there is that the district will no expiration lose if Measure G date — a plea from the fails to pass district for the community to make “a longterm commitment to our schools,” Bove said, quoting Board of Trustees member Nancy Newton. Even with the renewal of the current tax, per pupil spending would still be low by state standards. Statistics compiled by the district show that the funding for FUHSD schools is about $6,895 per student. The state average is $9,433, and nearby districts such as Palo Alto Unified ($13,509) and Mountain View-Los Altos ($12,699) all spend more than FUHSD. The impact of not renewing the tax, which provides on average $500 for every student in the district, would drop the dollars per pupil even further below average. The polls for this measure have come back promisingly, but poll results don’t constitute voting. Board members are still concerned, as the prospect of the measure not receiving enough votes is one that would bring huge change directly to students and teachers after the expiration of the current tax in June 2011. No definite decisions have been made, but if this source of funding disappears, the Board will be forced to adjust schools to the money they have to run them. Measure G will appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot and needs 66.7 percent of eligible voters to vote affirmative to pass.
PAGE 5
by Victor Kuo
A brief overview of how Measure B will affect campus in the coming years
M
easure B is a school bond voted for by the community to improve the infrastructure of all five schools in FUHSD through a flat tax. By law, Measure B does not cover staff salaries, textbooks, or other educational programs, but improves the facility so students can have an optimal environment in which to
learn. The bond money provides $198 million for the construction of different projects, which will take place over the next five to six years. Such projects include remodeling of buildings, parking lots, and fields. Here is a quick look at the changes, some of which are already under way.
Track and field
Solar Panels
Construction begins summer 2010
Construction begins summer 2010
What: The upper and lower fields will have all-weather turf and a rubber track installed for sports teams and PE classes. Electronic scoreboards, lights, restrooms, and new visitor stands are other possible additions.
What: Solar panels will be constructed similar to those already in place at Lynbrook, Cupertino, and Homestead over parking spots in the student parking lot. Why: Will save FUHSD over $1 million in electricity costs each year
Why: Current track and field don’t allow for home games and meets
Kitchen
Tech
Changes will take place summer of 2010
Summer 2008 and ongoing
What: Replacement of every appliance and utensil in the kitchen, including the ovens, utilities, stoves, and freezers currently in use. Why: Kitchen hasn’t been remodeled since it was first built in 1969 when the school was opened
What: New LCD projectors and speakers were installed in each classroom. New Mac and PC computer labs are also possibilities. Utilities like plumbing, electricity, and drainage systems will be upgraded. Why: Equipment was too old
5.2 million
Victor Kuo | El Estoque
SOLAR Panels Structures placed at Lynbrook
NEXT 6 YEARS
Victor Kuo | El Estoque
KITCHEN Most appliances will be replaced next summer
BUDGET: Economic recession leaves cuts to be made continued from page 1
needed was denied to any department, and Scott describes the department chairs as being very supportive of one another and seeing the big picture. Art department chair Brian Chow explains that might might have a desk that’s starting to fall apart, for example, but that isn’t a “must-have” so he waits a couple of years before asking for a new desk, something which he has seen other departments do. “Every year I pretend that I don’t have a lot of money in the first place,” Chow said. “[The art department] plans very carefully about how we offer courses, what projects we do, and what materials we use, as well as maintain them.” Social studies department chair Robyn Brushett says that her department has been resourceful by sharing materials such as textbooks with other schools in the district. While the department did not receive many of the technological items that they were hoping to integrate into their program this year, Brushett realizes what is important for the entire student body. “We’re pretty good with prioritizing and understanding what is good for the whole school and for our students as a whole
population, not just for our students in our department,” Brushett said. “I think that the mentality is, in terms of priority, necessity is what’s good for the whole school.” As for now, Scott says that the MVHS community just needs to be aware of the ways that they can support education, alluding to the board-supported parcel tax renewal on the ballot in November.
Although Measure B funds can only be used on facilities, Measure G funds could be used for programs and teacher salaries. Administration hopes that the passing of Measure G will allow MVHS to continue offering programs it has in the past. “If it doesn’t pass, I have no idea what changes will be made,” Scott said. “I only know that they will not be positive.”
FUHSD FUNDING
Where the district’s money comes from: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: Economic stiumlus
package from Congress; one-time funding; state funds may be cut due to this STATE GOVERNMENT Categorical funds: Funds designated for specific purposes (i.e. English-
language learners, mentor teacher programs); slashed 50 percent in 2009 LOCAL GOVERNMENT Parcel tax: Flat-rate yearly tax; renewal proposed by FUHSD and will appear on November ballot as Measure G Property Taxes: Fluctuates with property values; not enough to, alone, keep up with district costs
PAGE 6
EL ESTOQUE NEWS
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
Dance: Future uncertain for guidelines concerning MVHS dances continued from page 1
Administration’s plans for future dances may not be exactly what students want. They are aiming to end what they consider inappropriate dancing at MVHS dances. Although the view points of the students and administration are conflicting, Moore wants to make sure a solution that pleases both students and administration is reached. “We made some changes for this first dance, but we’re going to work together for the rest of them. It’s going to be with the students, [not] against the students,” Denae Moore said. The first step towards working with the students was the formation of the dance committee. The committee is made up of eight ASB leadership students (one boy and one girl from each class) and has been given the task of voicing the student opinion. “Our role as the dance committee is to represent the student body and make sure their opinions are brought to administration.” Dance committee member and junior Angeline Chen said. After their formation just weeks after the Welcome Back dance, the dance committee began their first assignment of gathering student opinions through a survey made accessible online through Facebook and SchoolLoop. This survey consisted of questions aimed at getting student opinions on the dance culture at MVHS. In just about a week the survey was able to receieve over 30 posts on both the class of 2010 and 2011 discussion boards on Schoolloop. Although the survey was created with the intent of finding a solution to the student’s unhappiness with the dance policy, it has gone on to create a controversy of its own. Some students felt that the survey had questions that would lead to responses supportive of administration’s policy. One question in particular which asked if the students would be comfortable with parent’s watching them at a dance, had students questioning the intent with which the survey was created. “The questions were biased,” sophomore Timmy Nguyen said. “They weren’t open questions. They were direct questions aimed at getting a certain response, the response
EL ESTOQUE POLL
Student opinions on the recently implemented dance policy
El Estoque put out a survey to get student opinions on the dance policy and the future of dances at MVHS. The poll gathered over 200 responses and here are the results:
90% It was unnecessary.
40% Yes, but only if administration gives up trying to monitor dancing
ht s rig 10%
It wa
How did you feel about administration’s policy of restricting freaking at the Welcome Back dance?
27% Yes, If the policy from the welcome back dance changes.
11% No
Yes, even if the policy from the welcome back dance remains
Do you plan on attending the Homecoming Dance? *258 students responded to this question
*254 students responded to this question
that admin wanted.” However, Ms. Moore said that the survey was not designed to influence opinion, but open up discussion in regards to the dance policy. “If students are ashamed of what they do at at school, we should rethink how we’re doing things,” Moore said, regarding the question involving parents. Even with the student body’s strong opposition to their policy, administration is still insisting that the policy remains. Moore has made it clear that administration is un-
22%
comfortable with the current behavior at MVHS dances. “If we decrease the amount of freaking, I will consider that a success,” Moore said. Moore also said that trying to curb the amount of freaking and encouraging different types of dancing are only a part of the larger plan to change the culture of the MVHS dances. “We haven’t even started talking about the dress code this year.”
Constitution confusion
SWITCH: EnrollFailure to comply with rules results in loss ment drops, classes dissolved last week BY STEFAN BALL
W
hile it may not be kept in a humidity-controlled glass case and many clubs might not even take the time to read it in its entirety, the club constitution exists and regulates clubs even when school is not in session. Service club Interact held a Pizza My Heart fundraiser in July, unaware that summer fundraisers had to be approved in leadership council before the summer began. The consequences? 50 percent of the profits from the fundraiser were transferred to ASB’s MRS Gold account. “I was kind of angry because I wasn’t aware of it,” said Interact president senior Soumya Murag. “If I [had been] aware of it, then I wouldn’t have been as mad. It was just something that didn’t seem fair because no one informed us and this was the consequence -- no one had said that either.” In cases of clubs like Interact, who at the end of the year donate remaining profits to charity organizations, the rule comes across as harsh. Yet, with over 70 clubs on campus, club commission argues that blanket policy is necessary to maintain consistency. “If you’re going to [say for] these kinds of clubs there’s this rule and this kind of club there’s this rule, people don’t even follow the rules as it is or they forget,” said lead club commissioner senior Neena Kashyap. “That’s why we have the strike system.” While the three strikes to disbandment rule applies for most violations, the regulation of fundraisers and financial accounts is more strict. 50 percent of the profit from a fundraiser is taken away from clubs who violate those, the club receives two strikes, and it is prohibited from holding another fundraiser for the following six weeks. This penalty is enumerated in the full constitution, which clubs agree to in order to be recognized by ASB.
A CLOSER LOOK
A peek into the club constitution
continued from page 1
This summer service club Interact got in a bit of trouble when they neglected a clause in the club constitution. The mistake ended up costing them 50 % of the profits from a fundraiser. Here’s a closer look at the club constitution: ARTICLE VII - ASB AFFILIATED CLUBS SECTION 11, B A motion must be submitted for every month a fundraiser lasts, with a maximum of 1 motion per leadership council per fundraiser.
SECTION 5, B “[Reprobation of a Club or Strike will occur if:] Fundraisers held without approval will result in 50% of the profit from the fundraiser being transferred into the MRS Gold Account, and the club will not be permitted to hold another fundraiser for six weeks after the offense.
“The justification is that the clubs are affiliated with the school - they’re using students and school resources, they’re having meetings at school, and they’re using advisors who are teachers,” said Kashyap. “Since ASB keeps the money with [ASB Financial Technician Judy] Ma, you have to include the school in [deciding fundraiser information]. Leadership is kind of a big thing because we’re the liaison between the student body and administration, and that’s where leadership council comes in – you have to let them know because you’re part of it.” The stiffened financial accountability penalties were put in place to avoid instances of poor tracking of money, loss and theft -- in essence, to protect clubs from making costly mistakes. Club commission’s hope is that these consequences will push club members to ensure that their officers are follow-
ing the guidelines set out in the constitution. “If you have officers of a club that are irresponsible, people in that club are either going to start leaving or trying to become officers themselves,” Kashyap said. “So if their officers don’t follow rules and lose their money, the [members] are going to be mad because they’re going to have to pay higher membership dues. It affects the club members. Club members keep their officers in check.” Despite a lack of clarity in the information known by clubs and their presidents, there have been recent efforts to improve communication. “I think that this club commission, at least up until now, are doing so much better,” Murag said. “At least theyre setting the rules and telling us what we can follow and they’re following it up later.”
The result was that students in these three classes were now taken away from the teachers they had grown accustomed to and put into new classes four weeks into the school year. “It’s disappointing and it’s going to be an adjustment,” Otto said. “I will miss my 7th period. Maybe I’ll have them again someday in the future.” Assistant Principal Trudy Gross, who handles scheduling, was also given the duty of informing students of the changes. Gross said that she works to make the transition as easy as possible for the students. “I know this is not good news,” Gross said. “While this is something we have to do, I try to make changes without impact to the student’s schedule.” Although the closure of three classes came as a shock to many at MVHS, according to the FUHSD Director of Business Services Jason Crutchfield, who handles enrollment issues in the district, class closing is a fairly ordinary occurrence around the FUHSD. “Every school cuts sections,” Crutchfield said. “MVHS doesn’t always see it because enrollment is always going up and up, but district-wide it happens every year.” As ordinary as the procedure may be, it still rattled the sophomores and juniors now being forced into new classes almost a month into the school year. The change happened so late because the district and administration were waiting for enrollment to reach the projected amount. When enrollment never rose, it became apparent that it was time to stop waiting and make the change. Junior Christina Ho, who was in Otto’s class, expressed her discontent with the way the decision was thrust upon the students. “I thought it wasn’t fair that they didn’t even consult us before they told us about the change,” Ho said. Unfortunately for Ho and the other 16 students in Otto’s former 7th period class, the district had no other choice. The MVHS staff is now scrambling to sync up curriculums in the history, English, and math departments to make the transition as easy as possible for the students and teachers. Ultimately, Otto is confident that, although the changes are unfavorable, students and staff will manage to cope with the difficulties. “We’re doing our best to adapt to the situation,” Otto said. “I’m sure we’ll work together to make it a positive experience in the end.”
n o i n i op
7 Anti-freaking policy angers students PAGE 8
Link: opposing viewpoints
PAGE 9
English classes improved by changes
PAGE 10
Internet blocks hinder students
‘Face-to-face with a little space’ only succeeds in irritating those looking for a good time
U
sually, school dances don’t result in long, angry SchoolLoop threads. But the Welcome Back Dance on Friday, August 28, really had people talking. “Last time I checked, we weren’t a private Catholic school,” one student said. “The administration treated us like little kids,” another said. What were they so mad about? It seems that administration’s new initiative “Face to Face with a Little Space” – an effort to crack down on freaking and other dancing – just ended up trampling on a lot of toes. What went wrong? Maybe an easier question to ask would be: what didn’t go wrong? Because the list of grievances is lengthy. First of all, in an unannounced and unplanned move Administration decided to place four spotlights on each side of Rally Court, blinding students with harsh light. The idea, of course, was to make people uncomfortable with freaking in full view of administration and other students. Well, whoever decided to place the lights around Rally Court failed to consider consequences. Students, in an attempt to avoid the bright lights, just crowded tighter and tighter into the center. According to some, what resulted was a
nearly hazardous density—with people elbowing and being elbowed, shoving and being shoved. Inappropriate dancing or dangerous dancing? It’s safe to say that most would much rather suffer the former. Now, most would have tolerated the prison-yard feel of the dance if it wasn’t for the incompatible music played by the DJ. ABBA, as great as they are, don’t belong at a high school dance. And in terms of music being out of place, that was a mild example. Administration was going for music that was tame. But let’s face it: there is only one word to describe some of the tracks that were played: lame. To be fair, student disapproval during the dance did prompt the DJ to play some more dance-able music, and the quality improved as the dance progressed. This only goes to show one thing: music can make or break a dance. While some songs were good, a significant number were completely incongruous with a school dance. Worst of all, arguably, were the Decency Police. Bad music and bright lights pale in comparison to the groups of teachers and other adults walking through the crowd, interrupting people and reprimanding them for “obscene dancing”. It was almost as hu-
Staff Editorial
Sabrina Ghaus | El Estoque
miliating as it was irritating. At one point, some students refused to dance, afraid that it was no longer allowed. And other students – more defiant ones—just left. The dance was a disaster. Let’s hope administration has learnt its lesson: forget about “Face to Face”. While adults may be embarrassed by the style of dancing popular today, freaking—and all other “objectionable” styles of dancing—do not hurt anyone. Worst of all, the argument that the majority of students are uncomfortable at dances has absolutely no merit. Yes, a few students have come to administration to complain about dances. But they only represent a vocal minority. Will
people who are satisfied with current dances communicate their opinion to administration? Clearly not. The argument that most students are uncomfortable with “freaking” is such a glaring fallacy that it only reflects poorly on administration. The real reason is that adults are embarrassed by the way students are dancing. Any attempt to impose arbitrary standards of decency will fail. Let’s return dances to the way they were: put away the spotlights, and the bad music, and if need be avert your eyes. It would be a tragedy for the next dance to be anything like the last one.
Club commission enforces unfair rule
UC policy hurts
fifty percent penalty unjustified, hurts clubs excessively
not the way to diversity
by Somel Jammu
W
hen Interact president senior Soumya Murag emailed club commission on a simple question regarding a fundraiser to be held soon, she never expected a response informing her of an already calculated loss of 50 percent profit. “[Club commission] never gave specific rules on fundraisers during the summer,” Murag said. Because of this, she felt that it was unfair of club commission to enforce a consequence by collecting 50 percent of the profits the fundraiser would receive. “You don’t know in June what you’ll be doing in August, two months later,” Murag said. Rather than acting as a central organization that facilitates and simplifies
Stefan Ball | El Estoque
HARD-EARNED Interact Club members sell Marie Callender’s pies on Club Day, Sep. 11. communication between clubs and administration, faculty, the student body, and between clubs themselves, club commission’s policies sometimes lead to more complications. In this case, the fundraising policy
QUICK TAKE
by Joseph Beyda
A bite-sized take on the issues surrounding campus today
mandates that if clubs wish to have any sort of fundraiser when school is out, they must have it approved ahead of time. This fundraising policy is no different than the one that regularly applies if clubs wish to
Leave the S out of PTA Recent inclusion of students in the iconic Parent-Teacher Association is nice, but not exactly the best way to get them involved. Few students will be willing to give up time better used for studying or sleeping. A lunchtime version of the PTSA should be adopted in which students can voice their concerns to be addressed during PTA meetings by student body leaders. If a connection hasn’t been established in the hours students spend daily with teachers and parents, a monthly meeting of all three groups won’t do any good either.
hold a fundraiser during the school year. However, because clubs are required to have their motion approved by leadership council before they may proceed, it requires extra planning and effort on the part of the clubs—for example, if a club wishes to have their fundraiser in early August, they must conceive the idea and pass in a motion in June before school ends, nearly three months ahead of time. “The policy is in place because of issues in the past where people were pocketing the money themselves,” said junior club commisioner Nishad Joshi. By enforcing this policy, club commission feels that not only will they be better informed, they will be able to prevent issues such as embezzlement and fraud
by Vijeta Tandon
A
s the University of California system plans to implement its new policies of eliminating SAT subject tests for admission, concerns have risen over how these new policies will affect the number of Asian American admissions. Reports have shown that the number of Asian American admissions will most likely decline from anywhere between 11.1 percent and 19.4 percent, which has caused many students to become upset with the UC system’s new method to diversify their student body. UC Academic Senate Chair Mary Croughan stated in a press release that with the adoption of these new policies, “more qualified students will have the opportunity to be considered for admission to a UC.” If the UC system really wants more qualified students to attend UCs, then why are they making it easier for less qualified students to be considered for admission? Those students who were not eligible to apply to UCs earlier because of their failure to meet SAT Subject Test requirements will now be compared alongside students who spend months of their time studying in order to do well on those subject tests. Instead of allowing “more qualified students” to be considered for admission, this policy actually seems
see CLUB on page 9
Bulletin wall woes The A building’s brick wall has become a giant bulletin board of sorts, except for one thing — students have the strange urge to tear posters down. Clubs are rumored to have torn down the posters of competing groups. This action is becoming increasingly common, and there are no regulations regarding the wall for administration to enforce. Either the wall, which is located across from the office, will have to be monitored, or the school may need to invest in giant push-pins to better hold the posters up.
see UC on page 9
Education B-locker For years, seniors have complained about the fact that they haven’t been given lockers despite their heavy course loads. If the problem is that the school doesn’t have enough lockers for everyone, why did Measure B set aside money for the completion of a new track instead of fixing something that hindered academics? Most of the measure’s funding works toward removing academic barriers. As icing on the cake, new lockers could ease the back pains of every student that sets foot on campus once they get to senior year.
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EL ESTOQUE OPINION
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
Link Crew: Does it help or hinder freshmen?
Link strengthens bond between school and students by Natalie Chan
T
hey are defined by bright yellow shirts and even brighter smiles. They are the Link leaders of the school. Every student has a different perspective on Link, but no matter the opinion Link is a reliable program at MVHS, one solely meant to help students. The goal itself is admirable: provide a solid foundation for new high school students. Help them cope with stress and show that MVHS is more than just school—it is an experience. There are people who argue freshmen do not need Link. There are already clubs, sports teams and counselors to guide them, but Link is not a club with 200 members. It is not a sport divided by varsity and junior varsity. There is no neglect or competition. Also, counselors are not the easiest people to talk to. It is generally more comforting for students to seek advice from another teenager who students can relate to—even if that teenager is a Link leader who might only sees their freshmen once a month. Actually, the fact that Link leaders don their yellow shirts so rarely is one of the few downsides— but
that is changing. This year Link is a better support system. In just the first month of school, Link has already hosted a barbecue before the MVHS vs. Cleveland football game— partly for bonding and partly for school spirit. Link now works outside of the typical classroom setting, and in an environment where stress breeds faster than rabbits, Link is doing more than helping students skip literature for a day. It gives real advice from pig dissections to timed miles. And the benefits don’t stop there. Link is for helping freshmen, but it also helps Link leaders become role models. They are not in charge of an activity or a club, but of people. By helping freshmen step up into high school, Link leaders help themselves become actual leaders. High school is not all about GPAs and graphing calculators. It is about building friendships. So, maybe some people want their literature classes back and maybe others wish yellow T-shirts would not spontaneously flood the campus. It is still better to embrace this than to go to a school where academics link students together rather than the people themselves.
“ ” “ ” “ ” Everyone I know who is a Link leader says it’s boring and hates it and only continues it as a resume-builder.
The jump from middle school to high school is a big one, and I feel that any help that bridges that gap is extremely beneficial. My Link leaders helped me become more comfortable with the “MV” style of life.
— Anonymous responses to an online survey
Link falls short of a noble and worthwhile goal by Roxana Wiswell
T
ick. Tock. Rows of faces stare up at the clock, hoping to make it tick faster. It is the Link leaders’ first visit to their freshmans’ Literature classrooms. The yellowshirted individual at the front of the room reads off point after point from a list. The class has heard this stuff before, at Matador Retreat. They don’t even pretend to listen this time. What a waste of 50 minutes. The goal of Link is worthwhile. Make freshmen feel welcome, help them to orient themselves on a new and much bigger campus. From the Link leader side, become more mature and give back to the campus. It has the potential to create freshmen that are more outgoing, upperclassmen that are more responsible, and a campus that is more welcoming. But Link has some fundamental problems. In order for a freshman to get something out of Link, they have to go in with a certain mindset. They have to want to make the most of their experience, by learning about the campus or making
new friends. The problem is, a freshman with that mindset is a freshman who would be just fine without Link. If they are that positive and outgoing, they will find someone to tell them the inside tips and tricks. The freshman that really needs a program like Link is one who is shy and has a hard time making friends or asking strangers for directions. The type of freshman that won’t be able to connect with their Link leader, the way it’s done now. Structuring Link around group activities opens the door for some of the freshmen to sit in silence and never be included. By shifting the focus to individual attention with opportunities such as oneon-one peer counseling, and individual follow-up, Link could better serve the needs of its freshmen. Few people dispute the value of a group that helps to assimilate new students into the MVHS community. The disagreement is over how to go about it. Link does have a noble goal, but it needs to do much more to achieve it.
Fully-licensed drivers, except not really
One-year probationary period faulty and counterproductive by Natalie Chan
K
eys? Check. License? Check. No passengers? Check. To a student, driving represents freedom. It is a step towards independence and Chipotle burritos for lunch. It takes the completion of Driver’s Education, driver’s training, and 50 hours of practice driving before a student can even attempt to get a license. But after that, the trouble still does not stop. For a full year after getting a license, student drivers are not allowed to drive anyone under 20-year-old—classmates, or friends. Talk about freedom. This restriction is based on assumptions. It assumes that driving minors cannot drive safely with a passenger. Why would a licensed driver not be capable of taking passengers? There are no extra skills. The Driver’s Handbook does not teach lane changes when a friend is a passenger as opposed to when she is not. Students do not take a driving test specifically for carpooling, and why?
There is no difference. Another passenger cannot be more distracting than a cell phone or the latest Lady GaGa song on the radio. The problem is not with students and their driving experience, but their age and alleged immaturity. The law is based on ageism and stereotypes, not actual driving skills. There may be statistics showing teenagers have more accidents than adults, but no driver can be defined by a number. Not all adults are safe drivers. Not all students are reckless drivers. It is assumed that our school is full of street racing, adrenaline addicts, not over-caffeinated, study junkies. This law is not only excessive, it is illegal according to the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution; restricting students’ drving privelages is cruel and unusual punishment. At MVHS, tests are a part of life and driving tests are no different. What is surprising is that, even after obtaining licenses, minors are still seen as unsafe drivers. With this restriction, the test does not actually give students the license to drive.
Natalie Chan | El Estoque
ROAD TO FREEDOM Licensed students park their vehicles in the student parking lot.
EL ESTOQUE OPINION
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
SARIKA PATEL
The dirty truth about recycling by Stefan Ball
For those who think MVHS is “green”, we have some bad news. Some outdoors recycling bins are emptied into the same dumpsters as the trash. So much for recycling.
Recycle or else!
Overhaul of literature classes sees positive results New writing portfolio, other measures better prepare students by Stefan Ball
E
verywhere in high school there are complaints. There are complaints about this and complaints about that. There are complaints about administration abusing x power and students taking advantage of y privilege. If there is one place where this does not hold as true, it is the upper B building. For most classes, 2010 and earlier, freshman and sophomore literature classes have been bittersweet. Yes, coloring is not challenging and poster making does not exactly exercise the cerebellum, but classes were easy enough and high grades were easily achieved. Yet at the same time, when underclassmen became upperclassmen in higher-level English classes — especially those of the honors variety — they often found themselves feeling both overwhelmed and under-prepared. There was protest, frustration and anger throughout junior year, and a continued huffing and puffing the next. And so often such protest is unmet and overlooked, or at least tackled in an inefficient or incorrect manner. But a curriculum is not dead—it is a living thing. It can grow and evolve. Over the past two years, various changes have been made. All freshmen
now carry throughout their high school careers a writing portfolio, and classes now not only contain more technical and relevant curriculum, but they are taught by veteran teachers who have had their feet in both upper and lower-classmen ponds. A general effort to build a bridge into American Literature classes has been made — no more gaping ravine to jump over, Or fall into. The fact that this editorial was conceived as a negative attack at an unsuccessful cur-
“So, bravo to a system that, perhaps unexpectedly to students, can work.” riculum is a message in and of itself. (It was changed when the improvements had been discovered.) Students, you can and will be heard. As annoying as it may be, every employee at school is there for bettering your education. And to administration, students may go about seeking change in School Loop discussions and by whining incessantly, but thank you for listening. So bravo to a system that, perhaps unexpectedly to students, can work. And in a case like this where much of the student body is unaware that a change has been
made, it’s important for us to remember something — sometimes things are being worked on and we don’t know it. We’re not in administration. In the future students should be more understanding that we often dont see the behind-the-scenes, even if the office is made of glass. But at the same time it’s a reminder that a school functions as a service to the students, and to a point, their opinion should matter. However, it’s important to see all sides of the issue. Jumping to conclusions is never a good practice when it comes to making decisions or compromises. In a way, the reorganization of literature classes represents a positive change for the way classes are taught. Now, students can look forward to freshman and sophomore classes that are better taught with the goal of junior and senior classes in mind. It’s absolutely vital that Literature/Writing 9 and World Literature connect seamlessly with classes like American Literature Honors and AP Literature. As much as it is possible to reduce the gaps between curriculum and content in literature classes, the better it will be for students. The literature department has made some important steps. We can say with confidence that these changes will have very noticeable differences in the years ahead.
UC: Policy shortsighted
CLUB: Excessive penalty
continued from page 7
continued from page 7
Rules hurt academic reputation to be doing the opposite. These new policies put in place by the UC system also do not make sense when compared alongside the fact that the number of UC applicants has been rising each year. In order to select only the best of the best students, the UC system should be making their qualifications for admission stricter so that they can further narrow the admission pool. Sacrificing true intellectual capability for the sake of ethnic diversity doesn’t make much sense. If a student is smart, it shouldn’t matter whether he or she is asian or black, or anything else. In fact, in this time of economic recession and concerns that jobs are moving out of the US, each American university should be doing its part to make sure the brightest young minds stay here and are given ample opportunities to thrive. By making decisions aimed at diversification rather
than the creation of a more talented student body, the UC system is failing to live up to the challenge. Now, if every college and university in the US began to filter applications based on the applicants’ race rather than actual intellectual capability, it would not be long before the US would lose its place as an international leader in education. As the UC mission statement itself says, “[The mission of the UC system involves] providing long-term societal benefits through transmitting advanced knowledge.” In reality, however, it seems that instead of focusing on the long term implications of what they are about to do, the UC system is choosing only to look at the short term advantages, in turn leaving the potential of hundreds of highly qualified potential UC admittants untapped. This policy has no place in higher education. It’s time the UC saw that.
Fifty percent too much to lose from arising. “We’re liable for everything [clubs] do,” said sophomore club commisioner Ryan Chui. Though club commission is in charge of making sure that clubs receive the help they need while keeping in check with school policies, requiring clubs to pass a motion for a fundraiser months ahead of when they are planning to hold it is unreasonable. Not only is it extra work for the club, it does not necesarily help club commission out either. The policy only states that the plan for fundraising must be somewhat tentative; meaning, it could be called off and it wouldn’t have made a difference whether club commission was informed of the fundraiser or not. In addition, the punishment for not telling club commission of a fundraiser when school is out is quite harsh. Clubs must hand over half of their profits to club commission for failing to notify them of a fundraiser. What is
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the point, in the end, of having a fundraiser if 50 percent of the profits will be taken away? It would be easier to simply eliminate the policy of having to inform club commission of fundraisers. But because it would become extremely hard for club commission to then regulate the number of similar fundraisers occurring at a time, club commission and the respective clubs should come to a compromise by eliminating the current fundraising policy, and instead creating simpler guidelines. For example, if there was a time limit to email club commission at least two weeks ahead of time as to where and when a fundraiser is, leadership council could then see that if there was a problem, they could deal with it easily. The burden of having to deal with motions and such would be completely left out. Clubs should not have to pay a high penalty. The only solution is to eliminate the rule.
It’s all in your Head
My Paranoia
S
afari became Running of the Bulls, a suitable change which finally delineated the chaos and madness of the annual rite of passage. But to fully capture the essence of the insanity, Running of the Bulls should be renamed something along the lines of Stampede of the Frantic. As summer comes to a close, it becomes more and more apparent that most of us are cruising like a car on neutral and living with the “as it comes” attitude. The anguish of school starting begins to creep up on us and the daunting task of productive school days and efficient studying becomes a reality. However, after the first dose of reality, comes the pang of paranoia. As August rolled around and the tension for class schedules started mounting, the voices of the 2010 seniors came back to haunt me, and remind me of the tedious task I had cut out for me. There was no way I could really prepare myself for what was coming, but of course I tried anyway. I forced myself to stay up until ridiculous hours of the night (to simulate “studying”), and then wake up at 6:30 a.m. and try to be efficient the following day. If epic fail needed a best friend, it could have found one in my panic-stricken summer. The seniors had left haunting voices in my head, and by Running of the Bulls I had lost all sense of sanity and found myself under the D building at 4:30 a.m. with absolutely no schedule changes to make. Stupid? No, not stupid, just deranged. But most definitely not alone. I was greeted by a congregation others of who felt that they too had to be at ROTB at a freakishly early time and partake in other eccentric “pre-schedule change” activities: sleep on dirty sleeping bags, starve for almost 14 hours, and end up with an unbelievably weary looking yearbook picture. I was careful not to let the others know I had no business at ROTB at 4:30 a.m., worried I might get lynched for my spot. But I wondered, out of the 200 or so students that had shown up well before 5 a.m., how many of them actually needed schedule changes? And how many of them, like me, were paranoid? During the extensive five-hour period I was given a chance for some discerning introspection. I came to the conclusion that the paranoia at ROTB is in actuality self inflicted. It’s like we are asking for it. It comes from the precedent the previous years have set which tells us that “unless you have ‘good’ teachers, you are screwed for the year”. We change gears to being pessimistic and wind up at school at the most peculiar hours of the night. We’ve accumulated this giant rain cloud in our minds which make us do undoubtedly absurd things, and we have no one to blame but ourselves. We set ourselves up for something, and then mock it incessantly. Three cheers for being hypocritical. Giving in to this paranoia is one thing, but then this paranoia starts to develop into the stereotype that we are all nerds, have no lives and are too academically driven. Well, duh. Of course we’ll think of ourselves as freaks if we see about 100 of our peers at 5:00 a.m. Coming to school at that hour, we are doing nothing more than conforming to our stereotype and worse, giving it even more legitimacy. Precedent becomes paranoia, which begins to pervade every layer of our society. And now is the time to break out of it, before it’s too late. All it takes is a small attitude change, a realization that whether we think we can or we can’t, we’re probably right. So have heart, take a deep breath, and relax. It’s only a vicious cycle that seems unbreakable, but really it’s just all in your head.
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EL ESTOQUE OPINION
Model Drivers Parking lot reflects quality of student drivers by Stefan Ball
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
New toys for classroom use LCD projectors and speakers allow new styles of teaching by Sarika Patel
I
Psyche of a MVHS “Car Guy”
“Legit” race car driver
t’s easy to complain about how little money our school is given and even easier to assume that the money is wasted and used incorrectly. People argue that getting a new track and building solar panels is wasting the money on frivolous projects that we really don’t need. What they do not know is: the funds from this bond cannot be used to buy new textbooks, pay teachers, or pay other staff members. The projects allowed with Measure B emphasize not so much on what we learn, but on how we learn it, something which has been loosing a significant amount of respect these days. One of the newer projects, installing new speakers and LCD projectors, can be beneficial to classroom learning, if used appropriately. The LCD (liquid crystal display) projectors hang from the ceiling and have a remote control to make it easy for teachers to use. Teachers will no longer have to interrupt the flow of their lessons in order to continue using slides. The speakers have three parts — two speakers and a larger box that are drilled into one side of the room. The speakers have been wired to the cable and the LCD projectors, and together can create a theater effect. “It is supposed to help the teachers by giving them more options and hopefully integrate this new technology into their lessons,” Assistant Principal Brad Metheany said. Having all these facilities broadens the horizons for teachers, and
Sarika Patel | El Estoque
NEW TECHNOLOGY Teachers are offered opportunities to integrate visuals and audio into convential learning. the sky becomes the limit. They no longer have to rely on the drudgery of Powerpoints and be chained to colorless overhead projectors. Teachers can try to incorporate movies, clips and music into their lectures to further engage students. It will no longer be a battle of man versus machine and teachers who are not fond of dealing with technical glitches will be able to easily work with the prewired devices. In addition to helping teachers in their lessons, administration hopes that by connecting the LCD projectors to the cable, the video announcements can directly be pro-
jected on to the large screens instead of watching on the smaller TVs. Was it worth spending a significant amount of money on things that we already have? Especially when many teachers have already bought new speakers with their own money? Definitely. If teachers actually use this new technology in their classrooms to make learning more interactive for us, please count me in. It’s safe to assume that most students would prefer to watch a cool clip about Chemistry rather than yet another dull Powerpoint, no matter how cool the ClipArt is.
Access: Denied. Students: Not trusted. Rationale behind blocking Facebook and Youtube is flawed
“Legit” off-roader
Sabrina Ghaus | El Estoque Photo Illustration
THE UNBREACHABLE WALL District office’s restriction of popular websites reveals an unwillingness to allow students to exercise responsibility. by Sabrina Ghaus
T
Legit?
wo weeks before school started, I watched a miracle unfold in A111. Hoping against hope, I typed www.facebook.com into the web browser, and crossed my fingers. To my great joy, I found that I now had access to one of the greatest inventions (in my opinion) of our time — Facebook. Flushed by my success, I searched for Youtube. Again, I was victorious! A few days after school started, however, I found that both sites were blocked. My exhilaration faded as I realized that sadly, the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away. It turns out that it was only a technical malfunction that caused Facebook and Youtube to be unblocked for a few weeks
before school started and a couple days into the school year. For three years now I’ve been fruitlessly trying to understand the logic behind filtering Internet content at school. Really, shouldn’t high school students such as ourselves be learning to navigate the web and manage our time by ourselves? What exactly is the district trying to teach us by blocking popular sites like Youtube that people will undoubtedly find ways to access by other means? Obviously not to be responsible adults. Honestly, if we are going to be taught how to use the Internet correctly, we should be allowed to access the entire Internet at school,
not just a few sites that the adults at the district office have decided are pure enough for our innocent (as if!) eyes to behold. All right, so the district is obligated to heed the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA), but the classifications it uses to define content that is “obscene” and “harmful to minors” as stated in sections A and C are hopelessly flawed. While all content on Youtube is blocked, Wikipedia is left free, despite the fact that Wikipedia is by no means a completely clean site. Is Wikipedia left unblocked simply because it’s more “educational”? Well, last time I checked, a translation of the Bible into LOLcat was not a part of the curriculum of my literature class. It comes down to this: if we’re going to have Internet at school, give us the whole thing. We, as young adults growing up during the age of technology, should be allowed access to all of the Internet so that we can actually learn how to deal with it. I’m sure we can survive without pornography websites, which is prohibited by section B of the CIPA, but sites like Facebook and Youtube which anyone and almost everyone accesses outside of school shouldn’t be blocked. For one thing, how else am I supposed to while away my open third period? And second, school is for life-long learning, not just learning how to identify the parts of a dead fetal pig. We as students should be learning how to handle the Internet in its entirety, because that’s the only way the lessons the district is trying to teach us will be learned.
EL ESTOQUE CENTERSPREAD
PAGE 11
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
Once upon a time, 40 years ago... Monta Vista High School first opened its doors in 1969. On its 40th anniversary, we take a look at what has changed and what has stayed the same, from the past to the present.
Change from ten by pus policy, writ The open cam ted mmons, was vo student Beth Si t of six schools on, and four ou of it. voted in favor
1969 Mon
to now
Across the deca des . . . p. 13 Q&A on the first gradua ting class
Before the pre sent . . . p Highlights of eras in MVHS . 13 history How well do yo u know Quiz on trivia throughout th MV? . . p. 14 e years
s bea required clas History wasn’t uset thought to be cause it was no ents. reer-bound stud ful class for ca d get ers propose an Bathroom smok was ea.” Smoking a “smoking ar r— about 30 pe accepted then gan be s er ok sm ent cent of the stud mpus. smoking on ca
ta Vista o
40 years ago
1979 Junior Prom was held at Sunnyvale Community center with bids for $6.50.
pens nts
1977 Cheering stude at the game
California Scholarship Federation was
created.
PAGE 11
EL ESTOQUE CENTERSPREAD
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
How well do you know MVHS? by Xiaoyang Zou 1. Which card game was popular in Monta Vista since 1994? l) Yugioh m) Magic card n) Pokemon
by Somel Jammu
2. In the year of ________, the senior class tried to establish a senior lawn. A) 1972 B)1968 c)1992 d)2001
Census recorded changes from 1972 to 2007 in Cupertino
3. True or False? MVHS had a badminton team in 1978
dents describe MVHS’s 4. In 1979, how did stu academics? strict a) lenient b) similar c)
18,216 96% 0.2% 2.9% 0.1%
59,592: Total population 35.56%: White population 1.46%: Black population 52.88%: Asian population 0.07%: Native Hawaiian and other
3.2% 0.3%
3.76%: Hispanic/Latino 6.72%: Other
de to the PE 5. What change was ma department in 1980? rarily A) it was closed tempo ly running ek B) they introduced we raining t-t C) they included weigh rooms ker loc D) they created co-ed
Pacific Islander
Changes at MVHS from 1972 to 2009
250 649: Students in the graduating class 90 144: Total teachers in school 1,600 2,515: Total students enrolled 12-20 18-35: Average class size
6. In 1972, MVHS ha d its first ______. m) El Estoque Publica tion n) rally o) graduating ceremon y p) yearbook 7. In 1998, how did MV HS rank compared to Saratoga, Gunn, and Lynbroook? Q) better than all three . R) worse than all three S) better than Saratog a but worse than the others T) worse than Saratog a but better than the others
10. What was shown in a 1973 survey on MVHS students? H) 5/10 students weren’t planning to go to college I) 9/10 students have cheated at least once
8. What percentage of MVHS students believed that the US should not boycott the Moscow olympics in 1980? L) less than 25% O) between 25% and 50% P) between 75% and 90% Q) more than 90%
11. In which year did a TV news program begin? A) 1986 B)1983 C) 1990 D) 1994 12. In 1972, coaches tried to regulate _______, causing widespread protest. C) the dress code for all students D) school conduct E) the hair of athletes
9. In 1980, which one of these sports became intramural? R) volleyball S) badminton T) softball U) dodgeball Answers:
1
M
2
A
3
T
4
A
5
D
2003 New library and computer lab The old library used to be smaller and did not have an attached computer lab. A separate study section was added during renovation.
2004 Visual performing arts building
The Black Box was added along with the new woodshop rooms. Before, the woodshop rooms were twice the size they are now.
2004-2005 Tennis courts The tennis courts were renovated. During the process, there were some problems so construction was held off for almost a year.
2005-2006 D building
The D building was built on an area that used to be asphlalt-covered basketball courts.
6
O
7
R
8
P
9
R
10
I
11
D
12
E
2006 Locker rooms
Just before the swimming pool and weight room consturction began, the locker rooms were completely remodeled. The old boys locker room consisted of what is now both the boys and girls locker room. The weight training room and wrestling room were the girls locker room.
2006-2007 Swimming pool and weight room Initially there were two pools, and now there is a much bigger one. Before the new weight room was made, it was in the room above the student center, which is now the Leadership room.
2008 New office opens
The old office was difficult to identify. The new office is bigger, more organized, and has easy access from the bus circle.
sports Interview with Freddy Kuo
PAGE 16
PAGE 17
Belshe takes over JV field hockey
Pushing Through
CARRYING ON Freshman Omar Naguib running during junior varsity football practice on Sept. 15. Naguib played and practiced with the team even while fasting for Ramadan.
15
PAGE 18
Football vs. Cleveland HS
Freshman continues to play football through month-long fast for Ramadan by Samved Sangameswara
F
ootball players rarely get a break. After five days of grueling two-a-day full pad practices during the dog days of August, they are greeted on the very first day of school with another set of two and a half hour practices. The one respite they get is their water break. It’s a welcomed break for almost every single player, every single player except freshman Omar Naguib. Naguib dreads the water break. The freshman is currently participating in Ramadan, the Muslim religious holiday that requires full day fasts for an entire month. This means that from sunrise to sundown Naguib cannot consume any food or liquid, including water. The result is a physical and mental struggle each and every day at practices and games. “The hunger you get used to,” Naguib said. “But the thirst is not that easy.” On empty stomachs and parched throats, Naguib makes it out to practice every single day, playing on both the offensive and defensive line. Going into the season, Naguib knew what he was in for. After three years on Kennedy Middle School’s cross country team during Ramadan, Naguib felt that he was ready for the challenge. He says that he relied on drinking a lot of water at night and in the mornings, as well as using a drink called Pedialyte, an electrolyte solution designed to keep people hydrated. Naguib says that drink-
ing Pedialyte in the night time and in the morning before school helps keep him hydrated through the day. Despite his previous experience, there was still a fair share of concern coming from his family. Although his brother, class of 2007 alum, Ahmed Naguib performed the same feat a few years ago, Omar’s parents were still concerned about the toll that playing would take on his body. “My mom didn’t want me to play,” Naguib said. “She didn’t think I could do it, but it looks like I can.” Naguib’s mother Fatma Elkholosy did note that she was very much concerned going into the year, but has since eased up after seeing how Naguib has met the challenge. “He seems so comfortable, he doesn’t just go to sleep after practice,” Elkholosy said. “I am so proud now.” Social studies teacher and co-head coach Nick Bonacorsi admitted that he had his concerns when he heard about what Naguib was going to do. He was willing to let him play, but knew he had to keep an extra watch on Naguib. “They’ll push themselves and play through anything,” Bonacorsi said. “It’s our job to sit them down and tell them to take a break.” After practice last Friday, Naguib was done with his month long journey. Ramadan ended this past Sunday and the team water breaks are no longer a test. After the last four weeks it’s clear that Naguib has earned his victory sip.
Stefan Ball | El Estoque
Increased focus, decreased numbers Boys cross country limits team size to improve organization and performance by Jiachen Yang
E
very day, throughout the fall season, one single coach manages, instructs and trains more than 60 athletes, many of whom do not receive specific individual advice. During every cross country meet, that one coach tries to organize these adrenaline-pumped MVHS sportsmen, all crowded within a sea of other school teams, and prepares them for the high-stakes race. If these situations seem daunting, rest assured, they belong to a team of the past. This season, boys cross country coach Jeff Payne made an unprecedented decision, a 2.65 mile tryout at Stevens Creek County Park on Sept. 1 for all of those who aspire to join the boys team.“It was hard to concentrate on 60 to 70 boys,” Payne said. “Too many athletes is hard for the coach. Getting to know them should be part of the whole package of coaching.” Payne used to coach 30 athletes at Woodside High School before he started coaching the MVHS boys cross country team five years ago. Given this prior experience, he thinks that a smaller team will allow him to give “more attention and more focus” to individual members, arrange training sessions more efficiently and avoid organizational difficulties at the start of a race. Therefore, he devised the time trial, involving two steep hills as the selecting factor, in which the cutoff time decreases consecutively from 23 minutes
for freshmen to 20 for seniors. Some cross country veterans view it as a drastic reversal from a long history of openparticipation. With the transition from a larger community, in which novices could find their passion and more experienced runners could help to guide others forward, to a smaller and more competitive group of runners, this season’s team has raised some discontent. Keaton Chiu, a former cross country member from the class of 2009, and senior William Yee, a team member since his sophomore year who missed the cut by 18 seconds, doubt the appropriateness of the tryout. “It totally changes the family atmosphere of the team. Before, everyone was close, everyone had fun while supporting each other, and anyone could join and improve. Trying out people ruins it,” Chiu said. “23 minutes for freshmen is all right, but they can’t expect people to improve by three minutes in three years,” Yee said. “They should decrease the cutoff point of 23 minutes by 30 seconds for each grade.” On the other hand, Payne focuses on the necessity of the cut and views it as an acceptable deviation from the tradition of including everybody. “I think this system will be fair to everyone,” Payne said. “Looking back at the race times in previous years, I think eighty percent of those who try out should make it. Of course, having another coach would be the ideal solution, but because the school can only offer a fifth of the stipend
Jiachen Yang | El Estoque
ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO! The cross country team lines up at the start of their 2.65 mile time trial run on Aug. 30. The runners had to meet a certain time in order to make the team. This was the first cut for the cross country team in recent history. for a normal coach, we’ll have to settle for the cut.” While newcomers mainly concentrate on the cut itself freshman Nicholas Chen views it as “doable and lenient” veterans with more knowledge about team organization and experience with team
spirit assess the new policy on its relation to the overall team. Senior Alex Cheng provided a more balanced viewpoint on the issue: “It’s sad to see people go, but we should keep in mind that one coach can’t manage that many people,” Cheng said.
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EL ESTOQUE SPORTS
THE PAGE THE PLAYER
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
A LOOK BACK AT THE MONTH IN SPORTS
FREDDY KUO - VARSITY FOOTBALL
THE GAME
VARSITY GIRLS WATERPOLO VS. WILCOX
Freddy Kuo #4
Stefan Ball | El Estoque Photo Illustration
EL ESTOQUE: This is your first year starting on varsity. How does it feel to basically lead a team of players that you haven’t had all that much experience with yet? FREDDY KUO: Well, it’s pretty intense since I have to learn how to fit in and be a leader out there. EE: What are your strengths? FK: Right now, my strength is probably throwing the ball and staying in the pocket. EE: What are your weaknesses? FK: My weaknesses are scrambling and getting out of the pocket and moving around. EE: Has the team made any drastic improvements since last year regarding strategies in plays? FK: Well, right now, we have made a lot of improvements like [in] the previous plays that we screwed up on. Also, a lot of sophomores are coming in and out, so they’re getting in practice time and getting reps done too. EE: What has been your most memorable moment so far during practice or a game? FK: During the first game, I didn’t start, but coach put me in at the last quarter and I made a touchdown pass.
THE TEAM
Junior Freddy Kuo is now the starting quarterback of the varsity football team. After a brief period of uncertainty in which the team had three possible choices for the role, Kuo was named the starter for the remainder of the season. After a strong performance against Willow Glen High School on Sept 11. Kuo started again Sept. 18 against Cleveland High School from Portland Oregon. MVHS won the game 14-6 and Kuo had one touchdown pass to senior Nick Utley. EE: You probably have the biggest shoes to fill, succeeding Justin Rahn. How does that feel? FK: It’s pretty intense, but I’m looking forward to reaching that goal because Justin Rahn, he’s pretty damn good. So I’m always looking up to him now and [trying to] be at his level. EE: What do you think will be the biggest challenge in the upcoming Milpitas game? FK: Probably the linemen because they have some big people on that team, so it’s going to be a tough job for me and the line. EE: Maxpreps predicted your team will win league this year. How do you guys feel about that? FK: Well, we started off pretty badly this year, but I think we can get it back. I’m actually pretty confident this year. EE: In terms of league, which team do you think is going to be the biggest challenge to beat? FK: For right now, I think Lynbrook will be tough one. EE: What makes them a tougher team than say, Fremont? FK: Actually, all the teams are pretty tough. What makes them good is their intensity, which we didn’t have in our first games.
Stefan Ball | El Estoque
CHARGE! Senior Alexis Weckel moves towards the Wilcox goal with junior Nikki Danse trailing her. Weckel scored a goal in the game on Sept. 15 and Danse added an additional 5 in the 10-3 win.
MONTA VISTA MATADORS
10
WILCOX CHARGERS
3
by Ashley Wu
W
ithin 28 minutes, the varsity girls water polo team were able to snatch the oppotunity to beat the unbeatable. Last year, the girls lost 7-9 in an intense game against Wilcox, who finished their season undefeated. This year, with the promise of new players and new strategies, they were prepared to take on the challenge. “We’re the best conditioned team in the league,” said coach Don Vierra. “We’re further along [in training] this season than in seasons past.” Less than two minutes into the first period of the game, junior Nikki Danese made the first goal for MVHS. As the spectators cheered, the team played on with their strong “umbrella” defense formation, swimming back and forth to keep the ball in their possession. Throughout the first half of the game, senior goalie Alyssa Walker blocked four attempted goals by Wilcox. A goal made by senior Alexis Weckel and another by Danese brought the score at the end of the first period 3-0. During the second seven-minute period, Wilcox was finally able to make its first goal. However, the MVHS girls increased their lead with two goals made by Danese, and one each by junior Sonika Singh, junior Lena Jenny, and junior Gaby Antonova. After halftime, the girls switched sides and Singh
replaced Walker as goalie. Although Wilcox was able to get two goals in, Singh made a total of six saves during the second half. Freshman Christina Enescu and sophomore Stacey Urauchi were in during the third quarter, helping Danese score two more goals before the second time-out of the game. The last quarter of the game involved a penalty shot taken but missed by Weckel. Sophomore Kelly Darmawan and junior Anne Faraday were put in, playing to keep Wilcox from scoring any more points. As the timer buzzed, the game ended with the final score of MVHS vs. Wilcox was 10-3. The new varsity girls contributed to the improvement of the playing in the pool. “I couldn’t be happier with the new players,” Vierra said. “One of the girls I just brought up made a great steal and drove straight to the goal.” The fact that the varsity Wilcox team is defending a league championship put the pressure on MVHS, especially considering the fact MVHS had not won against them for the past two years. Vierra praised the team as the victory was more than just a small addition to the win column. “I knew it was going to be a test for us, and we really stepped up.”
THE PLAYERS AND PERSONALITIES OF VARSITY GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Erin Chiu | El Estoque
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
EL ESTOQUE NEWS
Going the whole 26 miles World history teacher Robyn Brushett competes in marathons by Somel Jammu
T
he night before a marathon, World History teacher Robyn Brushett loads on the carbohydrates by feasting on pasta. The next morning, her nervousness changes into excitement, and by the time she is at the finish line, she is only focusing on her attitude. “I’m amazed by the distance I’ll be running soon...but I have to be positive,” Brushett said. “If you only think about the negatives, you won’t enjoyit.” Since her first marathon, Brushett has participated in three full marathons, 12 half marathons, and 10 to 12 smaller races. She has also trained with two other running clubs, San Francisco Road Runners and Nike Run Club. Each day of the week, Brushett trains for an hour, varying between running and alternate activities such as aerobics, push-ups, and sit ups. And no matter how desperately she may want to slouch off and watch T.V., she always gets up and runs. “If I don’t go now, I’ll never get up and do it,” Brushett said. “Besides, I come back from running feeling energized.” After graduating and relocating to California from Connecticut, Brushett was introduced to marathon running by a close friend. She joined Team In Training, a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society sports training program, and began training for her first marathon. At the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society marathon, held in San Francisco, Brushett
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SAMVED SANGAMESWARA
For the LOVE of the GAME
Unsportsmanlike conductor
I
courtesy of Robyn Brushett
RUN LIKE THE WIND The clock continues to tick as social studies teacher Robyn Brushett is about to run past the finish line at the Maui Half Marathon in 2006. was able to meet fellow runners and patients who came out to support the runners. “I looked at [the patients] and thought, ‘If they can do chemotherapy, then I should be able to run a marathon,” Brushett said. Though it may seem as though marathon training would take up much of Brushett’s free time, Brushett runs precisely because of the time issue—or in this case, because marathon running is a solution that fits her schedule. “[I run because] I can make my own schedule and set my own goals and limits,” said Brushett. “I can run on my own and still feel challenged.”
In addition to her own reason for running, Brushett’s Team In Training captain inspired Brushett and fellow runners to run, as well. Brushett’s captain, Amanda Arsenith, chose to run marathons because she wanted a challenge, but also because her father had Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, a condition where large groups of cancerous white blood cells develop. “Last season, I was the Honoree Captain. My job was to help my teammates connect to the cause. A lot of people join Team in Training not knowing how much they help people living with
blood cancers,” Arsenith said. “I encourage [Brushett and others] to run by cheering them on and letting them know that they are doing a good job...that training for long distance running doesn’t happen over night!” With her next marathon coming up in December, Brushett hopes to use the Women’s Nike Half-Marathon in October to prepare for the winter run. In addition to this, Brushett still wants to try new experiences, such as a triathlon, a sporting event where participants bike, swim, and run. “You can train your body to do anything,” Brushett said.
Returning to a long loved childhood sport
History teacher Bonnie Belshe coaches junior varsity field hockey by Hannah Lem
Y
ou have seen her enthusiasm on the court at Dodgeball games, but wait until you see her on the field during field hockey games. Dressed in a purple polo and yelling instructions and encouragement from the sidelines, during the pre-season game against Christopher High School, a spectator could instantly pick out the coach of the MVHS junior varsity field hockey team, social studies teacher Bonnie Belshe. Belshe has helped coach the junior varsity softball team with art teacher Jodi Johnson, but this is the first year that she is coaching field hockey. However, she is not new to this sport since she played field hockey during her seventh to twelfth grade years at her high school in St. Louis. “It’s huge [in St. Louis],” Belshe said. “Every girl played field hockey. I moved there in sixth-grade from West Virginia where no one played field hockey, and didn’t even know what it was. In seventhgrade I went to a private school, and they said, ‘You play field hockey,’ and I said, ‘Okay’. From that second on I loved it.” Unfortunately, Belshe hyperextended her knee during her senior year. Although she was able to finish her season, her injury crushed any chances of playing in college. Belshe’s love for field hockey provides much of her enthusiasm for coaching. However, coaching is a big commitment. During the season there is a lot of time put in, not just on the field, but also for evaluating players and preparing for practices, away and home games.
Stefan Ball| El Estoque
PEP TALK Belshe gives the JV girls field hockey team a talk after a game. However, Belshe said that working with varsity coach Denise Eachus is absolutely fantastic because Eachus set up such a great program already. It has been easy for Belshe to step in and coach because Eachus has done so much of the work already. Eachus agrees that she and Belshe both have similar coaching philosophies and that they complement each other. Belshe works mainly with the goalies and brings a defensive perspective while Eachus tends to focus more on the offensive. Although Belshe had played for such a long time, there are still some things which she will have to relearn. “Some of the rules have changed,” Belshe said. “I’ve been working to learn what has
changed because it has been 13 or 14 years since I have played. The rules do change, some have even changed from last year to this year.” While Belshe has to get used to the new rules, the junior varsity girls have also had to get used to a new coach. “Cheryl, the coach from previous years, was really nice and supportive,” sophomore and junior varsity player Danielle Beiser said. “We all miss her a lot. However, Belshe coming in has been a great addition to the field hockey program. She has been completely supportive and upbeat. We love having her on the team, so the girls have adjusted really well [to a new coach].“ Beiser also has Belshe as her World History teacher and says that many of her teaching qualities come into play when she is coaching as well. “Belshe asserts herself well in the classroom and on the field,” Beiser said. “She is very forward with what she wants, and she’ll tell you what she wants done in practice. The girls don’t fool around when she says to get things done. She gives advice where it’s needed and support to those who need it.” During one of the time outs of the Christopher game, Belshe was giving advice on how to better the game. She made sure to say that the girls were doing great, but they needed to focus on what the other team was doing because the girls could have reached many of the opponent’s passes. The junior varsity field hockey girls won their first season pre-game, 3-0.
should probably preface this column by mentioning that I’m not a very good sport. From about the age of 11 onwards, I gave up on organized sports and all the lessons on sportsmanship that would have come along with it. This resulted in me learning all of those valuable lessons from video games, who were by no means the best teachers. There may not be an I in team but there most certainly is one in Playstation . So after spending the last half of a decade merely watching sports, I’ve gotten my fill of egomania from the Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco’s of the world.But when it comes to high school sports, I’m baffled. As an avid fan of MVHS football I make it out to almost every single game and after three years of observation I must say, I think that the California Interscholastic Federation is stabbing the game in the heart. Take for example what happened three weeks ago in the first game of the season against Gunderson High School. Linebacker senior Joe Crosoriol caught the Gunderson offense off guard and was able to get an interception and run it back for a touchdown. In a game with very few bright spots for MVHS, Crosoriol’s interception was a flash of brilliance. After taking it to the house and keeping the Mats in the game, Crosoriol spiked the ball in celebration. A perfectly acceptable gesture in my opinion, in fact I would go as far as saying he could and should have done even more. If I were to have been in his postion, I would probably mandate a show stopping firework display and some sort of parade. Anyway I digress, Crosoriol spiked the ball and although the MVHS crowd clearly approved, our friends at CIF did not. The MVHS football team was charged with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and was forced to kick the ball off 15 yards behind the designated spot. I was apalled. Crosoriol was being punished for what, in my eyes, was a perfectly appropriate display. I suppose that the CIF is aiming to keep that ego driven behavior that I admire out of our schools but I still wonder why? Of course the obvious answer is that egregious celebration on the high school fosters the sort of cocky, individual driven attitude that doesn’t belong in our high schools. However in an effort to stamp out that kind of behavior, CIF is taking emotion out of the game entirely. ” So much for “the thrill of victory.” It seems to me that their ideal scenario would involve Crosoriol politely handing the ball back to the referee and then perhaps, in an extreme explay of jubilance, shaking coach Jeff Mueller’s hand. So maybe my firework displays are wrong but that doesn’t make gutting all the joy out of some of the great moments in high school football right. Crosoriol did no harm when he spiked that football, what he did do was fire up one of the groups CIF tends to overlook, the fans. Sure they don’t participate in the game neccesarrily but when it comes to spectator sports like football, they are certainly a part of the experience. Could you imagine how quickly Crosoriol issuing an apology for his “unsportsmanlike behavior” would deflate an MVHS crowd. The bottom line is that everyone, the fans, the players, the coaches, are all out on that field to have fun and even if the CIF won’t sink down to my level, they need to learn how to have a little fun. After all, it is just a game.
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EL ESTOQUE SPORTS
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
Football develops interstate tradition Varsity fights for 14-6 victory in second annual game against Cleveland High School
By Bhargav Setlur
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n Sept. 18, MVHS played Grover Cleveland High School for the second time in as many years and won, 14-6. In a heated match between friendly, but fierce rivals, varsity football scored first early in the game when senior Nick Utley caught a 35-yard pass to complete a touchdown. The game proved to be more of a defensive battle as the score stayed at 7-0 for most of the game, but it got tense again in the fourth quarter when CHS snatched an interception and ran it for a touchdown. With the game tied up, Utley delivered again with a 60-yard touchdown run. The Matadors held on for the last few minutes and were able to seal the deal with a 14-6 victory. The victory was the first for Matador football all season. After tough losses against Gunderson and Willow Glen, the team finally came through for a victory Friday night. Utley noted that the team was playing at a much more competitive level than they had been playing the previous couple of weeks. “We came out a lot stronger than we have in the past few games,” Utley said about Friday’s win. “And [Cleveland] had nicer guys this year, as compared to last.” The win, was made even more significant by that fact that MVHS came out on top despite a number of injured starters, including cornerback senior Alex Spurzem with a knee injury and fullback Wesley Oberhelman with a shin injury. And, in
terms of morale, the 14-6 finish had a very strong effect on the team. “Last year, we were 2-0 going into the game. Going in 0-2 this year made us really desperate for a win,” Utley said. The game is also the only time that varsity football coach Jeff Mueller comes face to face with his old coach and mentor, Mike Shanahan, now an athletic director at CHS in Portland, Ore. Although on opposite sides of the field now, Mueller played for Shanahan when he was a student, and kept in touch with him after graduation. Later, Mueller returned to Cupertino High School, where he coached football with Shanahan for three years. After moving from on CHS, he and Mueller came up with the idea of a cross-state game between the two schools. This idea became a reality last year, when the varsity team flew up to Portland and defeated CHS 22-20. It was a nail-biting finish, with MVHS needing to score a touchdown with only 50 tense seconds on the clock. After faltering twice on two incompletions, quarterback Justin Rahn completed a 40-yard pass to Eric Wenschlag. After two more incompletions, then junior Nick Utley caught a pass from Rahn to score a touchdown with no time left on the clock. As exciting as both this year’s and last year’s games were, the expenses involved in flying a team from one city to the other are high. However, Mueller is confident that the game holds more than enough value to cover the costs of transportation and sched-
Patrick Mi | El Estoque
TOUCHDOWN! Senior Nick Utley celebrates in the end zone after scoring in the first quarter. Utley went on to score the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter on a 60-yard run. MVHS proceeded to win the game 14-6. uling issues. “It’s an experience that you don’t get very often,” Mueller said about the game. “You have to learn how to be flexible, and adjust to different circumstances.” For the players, however, the game also has symbolic meaning. Senior Chris
Kompella, who plays offensive and defensive tackle, views the game from a larger perspective. “We’re representing California to Oregon,” Kompella said of the game. “and we have to play with pride for our school and our state.”
Pao and Pedrazza bring national soccer title to Cupertino
Local club soccer team with two MVHS players wins national championship over summer By Samved Sangameswara
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Courtesy of Michelle Pao
CHAMPIONS The De Anza Force, an under-16 girls soccer team, poses with the trophies from their national title run. The team, which features junior Jacqueline Pedrazza and senior Michelle Pao, beat out the Ponte Verda storm from Florida in the national championship tournament over the summer and clinched the title.
t was only a few months ago that the varsity girls soccer team made history by clinching a CCS title for the first time in 30 years. However, that achievement seems tiny compared to what two of that girls from the team have accomplished. On July 26, the De Anza Force, a local club soccer team, won the national title in the under-16 division. With the help of Pepperdine University-bound senior Michelle Pao and junior Jacqueline Pedrazza, the Force beat out Florida’s Ponte Verda Storm 1-0 to clinch the national title. The teams’ journey kicked off in late May when they won the NorCal State cup. After claiming the state title they moved on to the regional championship where they played in a tournament with teams from all over the Northwest. Although they placed second in this tournament, the team which took first had already earned their ticket to the National Championship so the Force were given a chance to represent Cupertino and the Bay Area on the national level.
The team arrived in Lancaster, Massachusetts in late July, ready for the challenge that awaited them. “We knew we were going to win,” Pedrazza said. “We had come so far there was no way we were going to let ourselves lose.” The win elicited memories of the CCS victory of Palo Alto in March, but both girls agree that winning on the national level was an entirely different experience. “It is the biggest thing you can win,” Pao said. “It’s definitely bigger than CCS.” Pedrazza also noted that she enjoys these national games more because of the effect they have on her personal game. “You’re playing the best teams,” Pedrazza said. “It makes you a much better player and prepares you for playing in college.” The title run that the girls experienced has proved to be a defining moment in their soccer careers. As excited as they are for the upcoming season this winter, the girls have made it clear that they will not be forgetting this match anytime soon. “It was unbelievable,” Pedrazza said. “It was a once in a lifetime experience.”
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Junior plays on her harpstrings
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Flea market scavenger hunt
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End of one era,
THROUGH THE AGES
1979
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The breakfast club(s): a guide
start of a
new
Tradition of floats at Homecoming changing for the future by Erin Chiu
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1983
hirty-three years ago, the MVHS graduating class of 1976 began a new Homecoming activity, which involved the building of floats for the Homecoming game. Little did they know it would become a vital part of the school’s spirit and tradition for many years to come. However, due to the implementation of Measure B, floats will no longer be a part of MVHS’ Homecoming traditions after the 2009 Homecoming celebration. By the end of this year, Cupertino High School, where MVHS’ Homecoming games are held, along with other schools, will have a newly renovated track, making it impossible for MVHS to have their Homecoming float parade on it. Along with MVHS, other schools in the district will have to cease the use of trucks for floats and vintage Ford Thunderbirds to drive the Homecoming court around the track. Junior Angeline Chen was less than thrilled when she heard the news. “I’m disappointed,” Chen said. “I really like floats and I think that without them, it will be harder for classes to show spirit aside from rallies and for everyone to come together and work as a class.” Dean of Students Denae Moore disagreed, stating that she would like to see a change in Homecoming traditions. “I would prefer seeing something where there are more
1997
2009
students involved in more ways,” Moore said. Along with Moore, other students are supportive of the changes. It takes $250 and a lot of time—about 6 weeks— to make one float that makes one lap around the track at halftime of one football game. When floats first started in 1976, anywhere between 50 to 70 people in each class participated in floatbuilding. Today, those numbers are closer to around 10 to 20 people at each class floatbuilding. While some are sad about the end of Homecoming floats, others remain optimistic. “I love floats, but other schools don’t have floats, and they still think Homecoming is fun, “ sophomore Ryan Chui said. “Maybe a better tradition will come out of this change.” Administration has not yet come up with a permanent replacement for the floats, though they are considering the concept of “human floats.” According to Assistant Principal Brad Metheany, human floats have been a tradition in other schools and have gained a lot of popularity due to the creativity that goes into creating a float by decorating only the bodies of the members of each class. Another idea being considered is to have a parade of floats on the streets near Cupertino High school, similar to what Homestead High does. Who knows? Maybe the class of 2011 will start a Homecoming tradition that will continue on in the many years to come.
FLOATS IN THE WORKS (Left to right) Class of 2010’s cardboard rainbows, Class of 2011’s papier mache toucan, Class of 2012’s bees, and Class of 2013’s painted characters.
YEAH Club: A new way of thinking about a timeless value Service club focuses on having members design independent projects to improve health by Joseph Beyda
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ention the phrase “problems that arise unexpectedly” to most MVHS students, and they will likely think of that math test that they didn’t realize had two sides. But senior Akshay Ravi will probably think of weaving through corporate budget cuts during an economic recession in order to give out free food. Ravi’s less-than-typical endeavor started when he and senior Peter Tran approached Chemistry teacher Kavita Gupta last spring about creating a new club. In the beginning, she was skeptical. “My first question was, ‘Are you doing this for your résumé? Because I won’t be your advisor for that,’” Gupta said. But Ravi and Tran had something else in mind. Their plan? To create small units of volunteers who would come up with small-scale projects regarding keeping up health and exercise. Her decision? Yeah. While other clubs specialize in health
or community service, the YEAH Club, pressed for time due to the unexpected Youth Engaged in Advancing Health, tries budget cuts, the event was a huge to combine the two while improving upon success with hundreds of MVHS students each. Events set up by the club address attending. Currently, the club is planning a exercise and eating right, the two most community health fair and a collaboration important aspects of healthy living. Their with 24-Hour Fitness. version of community service, however, “America is only becoming wider,” may not be for everyone. Tran said of the country’s growing obesity “It’s for those kids who really have a figures. Tran, Ravi, and Gupta all agree calling, not for those that students are ready to “It’s for those kids who change for the better. who want to put [down] hours,” Gupta said. “I see so many kids that really have a calling, While the club’s are very conscientious of not for those who want what they’re eating,” Gupta smaller, focused projects to put [down] hours.” said. “If it’s not awfully have greater impact, they do not generate the inconvenient, they are large numbers of community service hours willing to make that change to live a better, that most students crave. healthier lifestyle.” The group of around 10 students that Though improving the health of students heeded that calling haven’t been officially is a main focus, the club is unique for its awarded club status due to their late start novel ideas about just what community last year. As the YEAH club’s first exposure service should mean to people. to the school, they teamed up with Chipotle “We give, pretty much, the power of an to give out healthier food to students for officer to the members,” Tran said, “and he free on June 1. or she is allowed to make projects by him Though Ravi, the club’s president, was or herself.”
Additionally, the actual officers take a hands-off approach, helping members when necessary but leaving them to plan most of the project on their own. Ravi thinks this community service system will provide beneficial leadership skills in the long run. “You’ll see hundreds, thousands of people saying, ‘I did like 500 hours of community service,’ but you won’t see anyone saying that they created their own community service project, they ran it themselves, and it was just by students.” The idea seems revolutionary in a campus filled with large-scale service clubs. Members believe in the service they are doing, in large part because they themselves decided what that service would be. “It’s like creating your own miniclub for an activity,” Ravi said. “You’re your own leader, and you can go out and carry out your project.” If genuine service like this continues to gain in popularity, larger service clubs may soon be eating some humble pie. That is, of course, if the YEAH club deems it healthy.
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EL ESTOQUE A&E
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
Clubs in a flash
Prepare to be speechless by Sahana Sridhara and Roxana Wiswell
“P
repare to Be Speechless!" declared promotional signs for the speech and debate team's showcase. The event took place on the evening of Sept. 4 in the MVHS auditorium. Varsity speech captain junior Yeshar Hadi and Varsity debate captain junior Daniel Ki are taking steps to publicize the speech and debate team more than in previous years to increase membership. Instead of a traditional end-of-year showcase, the speech and debate team chose to hold a promotional showcase to raise freshman and other student awareness about their club. The goal of the showcase was to give students a way to understand what the team does, and to find those that are interested in it. To attract an audience, the showcase advertised free admission and free food, and some teachers gave extra credit for attendance. The nine speeches performed showed a cross section of the speech events available to competitors, and Ki explained the debate program. With a turnout of over 200 students, the showcase was a successful start to the year for speech and debate. MONKEYING AROUND Sophomores Amit Reddy and Adhiraj Watave perform their duo interpretation speech at the speech and debate showcase on Sept. 4 Roxana Wiswell | El Estoque
Chinese charity
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End of the fast
ou’ve heard about the tragedies every day on the news. Asia has recently been struck with multiple natural disasters, including Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan. Chinese club took it upon themselves to do what they can to help the millions whose lives have been shattered and whose homes have been left in shards of rubble. They hosted an Orange Tree fundraiser on Sept 5-7 and raised $250, which they donated to the American Red Cross. The money will be used to reconstruct houses and hotels torn down by the typhoon. Chinese club president, junior Sharon Zhu, wished that they could have helped China during the 2008 earthquake in Sichuan China and saw this fundraiser as a way to help those in Taiwan. More than 1,000 students supported their families at Orange Tree.
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llahu Akbar. On Sept. 4 at 7:37 p.m. the loud chanting of the evening namaz was heard all across campus. Muslim Student Association held an Iftaar to commemorate the end of Ramadan for students on campus. Ramadan is a month-long fast that Muslims observe from dawn to dusk in hopes of getting closer to the plight of the hungry and in honor of those who have fought to uphold the religion. During Iftaar, large groups of Muslims break their fast together with the ceremonial eating of dates and drinking of water. Many students brought a variety of delicious Islamic desserts to the Iftaar. The club’s mission was to unite all Muslims on campus, but for the event, they welcomed Muslims from all over the Bay Area. Over 100 Muslims gathered to celebrate the the spirituality and richness of Ramadan.
Students Interact at BBQ
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plash! MHVS students pelted each other happily with water balloons at Interact’s first annual barbeque on Friday, Sept. 4 from 3:35 to 5 p.m. in the rally court. The event was meant as a promotional tool that the club plans on using in its future years, mainly to raise awareness about Interact. The barbeque was open to all students, even if they were not previously involved in the club. To further promote the barbeque, the food was free. The event far exceeded the expectations of Interact officers—about 200 people participated in the barbeque activities and over 50 people signed up for the club. Highlights of the event included a speaker from the Cupertino Rotary Club, a Chipotle gift card raffle, a water baloon toss, and lots of food.
A recent trend among Cupertino students: The new indie film Students question whether or not independent films remain true to their traditional roots by Jane Kim
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he sardonic and humorous afterlife of suicide victims in “Wristcutters: A Love Story.” The unconventional love story in “500 Days of Summer.” Both films fall into the romance category, both are independent— yet “Wristcutters: A Love Story” was filmed using a low budget and reached a smaller audience, while “500 Days of Summer” was backed by a major independent film studio with a considerably larger budget. Do these two films really come from the same category of indie films? Since the success of “Napoleon Dynamite” in 2004 and “Juno” in 2007, more independent films have broken through to the mainstream audience. Independent films, more commonly known as indie films, are movies that are not produced by any major film studio such as Paramount Pictures, MGM or Warner Bros. Most of the time the independent companies that distribute these films don’t have as much money as major film studios. And due to this, usually budgets are low and actors in the films are not well known. During the summer of 2009 independent films became more popular through the openings of “500 Days of Summer” and “Paper Heart.” But due to the more main stream qualities of “500 Days of Summer”
the question arises among students on of Summer,” has made students such as what is considered to be a true indie film. Egan question whether or not some indie Indie films have always been present as films are staying true to their definitions. a less well known alternative to the movies According to Egan, success for indie films on the big screen. Senior Brian Egan, has such as “500 Days of Summer” depends on been watching indie films since he was 14 a contracted independent vibe to appeal to years old. He was first introduced to the the main stream audience. films through online movie critics, and has “I don’t think there’s really a big surge of since then rented and watched them. people towards real indie films. ‘Indie’ has “I love [indie films] because they keep become another false label, like ‘Green’ or delving into interestEgan said. “I don’t think that the ‘Eco-friendly’,” ing subjects,” Egan said. “It’s one of those things messages that they companies like to affix to “They aren’t like mainstream action, horror give are changing,” products to make them cultured.” movies, or romantic Juang said. “But the seem Egan also believes that comedy fodder.” way the filmakers some indie films, such as According to Egan, the watchers have different portray the problems “Juno” and “500 Days of Summer”, have to use a reactions to mainstream is changing.” manufactured indie feel and independent films. “Real indie films aren’t going to to gain a broader audience. However, sebe things everyone likes. They have odd niors Alan Do and Benjamin Juang, also styles, or plots or they touch into obscure or watchers of indie films, don’t see eye to eye offensive subjects,” Egan said. “Most audi- with Egan on his opinion. Their belief in ences like to watch plots they are familiar why some indie films gain such fast popuwith or they don’t really think of movies larity among audiences differs from Egan’s as capable of demonstrating anything other as well as each other’s. than point-blank humorous reactions.” “The movies haven’t been getting betEgan is a fan of independent films. But ter or worse. Some of these movies are what he doesn’t care much for is the ris- getting a lot of attention because they’re ing trend and labeling of those films. With pretty good. They’re always going to be its substantial budget of around $7 mil- independent films,” Do said. “It’s not like lion, this summer’s hit movie, “500 Days they’re changing but more like more and
more studios are trying to make these types of films.” And Juang believes that indie films are changing—not as a direct effect of filmmakers’ need to keep up with trends and gain a larger audience, but because the films have always been changing. “They’ve always somehow related to the problem of the decade. ‘District 9’ was based off an indie film about apartheid, so I don’t think that the messages that they give are technically changing,” Juang said. “But the way the filmmakers portray the problems is changing.” Juang thinks that indie films try to portray difficulties in society, while Egan believes it is society’s mediocrity that has created the current trend and label of ‘indie’. “I think the current ‘Indie’ trend where movies starring white teen hipsters doing inane things is more of an effect of society,” Egan said. “There exists that whole middle class social strata where kids have nothing better than to do than just to talk about insane things.” Although all three have different opinions about the films, all three agree that there is no fear in independent films permanently switching over to mainstream media. “‘Indie’ as a label will come and go,” Egan said, “but independent films will always be around.”
EL ESTOQUE A&E
MAKING A MELODY Junior Sharla Capener tries to practice the harp about an hour and a half daily. by Tammy Su
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hen junior Sharla Capener lifts up her hands and points out the pads of her fingers, I see calluses. They aren’t from doing yard work or any other outdoor activity, though. No, these hands belong to a harper, and the roughened patches of skin are seven years in the making. Capener plays what is called a lever harp. A harp, she explains, isn’t always the ornately-carved, ceiling-high instrument that many of us picture when we hear the word; those larger harps are generally pedal harps. Hers requires her to, beyond the obvious string plucking, physically flip levers up and down when she wants to change a key or raise a note. She’s been playing since elementary school, a track record that proves itself through her advancement in technique levels: she and her instructor of five years, Celeste Midsfelt, a grayhaired woman about her height, now sometimes play similar music. Despite her current expertise in this instrument, though, Capener brings an interesting element to her playing with her prior experience of another, more widely played instrument. It’s hard to come across a harp player in this land of piano and violin players, and Capener acknowledges that. She herself, in fact, has also had experience in tapping keys. Most young musicians start out by practicing the piano, and years ago, Capener’s mom, a music theory major, felt that her daughter should do the same. Capener though, who had grown up attending Scottish fairs with
What was your favorite song in high school?
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SAIL ON
LIONEL RICHIE
—social studies teacher Margaret Platt
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DON’T SPEAK
NO DOUBT
—social studies teacher Viviana Montoya-Hernandez
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BORN TO BE WILD
STEPPENWOLF
—math teacher Jon Stark
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MORE THAN WORDS
EXTREME
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Tammy Su | El Estoque
her family, knew from a young age which instrument she wanted to play. “I always used to tell my mom ‘I want to play the harp. I want to play the harp,’” Capener said. Her mother agreed, with the condition that Sharla would play the piano for two years first. Promptly at the end of two years, Sharla began a renewed demand for the instrument. That year, she received a lap harp for her birthday. Having had experience playing both instruments, it’s easy for Capener to look back and see similarities and differences between the two instruments. Piano players might be interested to know, for example, that although the harp and the piano are similar in physical respects—both contain several octaves worth of notes, both are played with two hands, and so on—there are some critical differences. For example, Capener points out the colors of the strings on a harp, which, incidentally, are not random, and contrast with the stark blacks and whites of a piano’s keyboard. Each different colored string on a harp is actually representative of a different note—red for C, blue for F, and so on. Other differences she cites include the use of the hands in playing—harp players don’t play with their pinkies—the flexibility of being able to reach across more octaves when the “keys” are strings, and the difficulty of playing with accidentals— raising or lowering a note despite the overall key of the song—as she has to induce every sharp (she can’t flatten a note, either) manually with a lever flip. Musicians are also very familiar with instrument maintenance. Capener estimates that she tunes her harp once every two weeks, and that frequency is necessary because of the manner the harp is played— the harpist pulls directly on the strings. “There’s a joke about harpists,” Capener said, “It goes that we spend 90 percent of our time tuning, and 10 percent of the time playing out of tune.” Most importantly, though, unlike her two-year excursion in piano-playing, Capener has continued playing the harp out of genuine passion and enjoyment, not parental pressure. Her parents, in fact, have only enjoyment for her practicing — in a household of musicians, her playing is always welcomed and encouraged. “[My mom] actually says, ‘Sharla, why don’t you go practice your harp I need to take a nap,’ because she says it sounds really restful,” Capener said. “Like in the Bible story with David and Sol, when Sol wanted David to play the harp for him, because it really is such a relaxing sound.” So, in this absence of music-related pressure, she continues to pursue her hobby. She definitely has been playing with rough future plans — a job, perhaps, understanding the uniqueness of her skill, or maybe a website where she can advertise her talent and showcase some of her playing. Ultimately, however, her focus remains on the present, and day by day, finding an hour to give up to the beautiful music of this relatively rare instrument.
teacher picks
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Experienced in piano and harp, junior makes comparison
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Plucking strings with love
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SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
—science teacher Pamela Chow
FAST FACTS ABOUT HARPIST SHARLA CAPENER
Been playing for : Seven years Instrument description : Lever harp: Light brown wood, about five feet tall, has a range of five octaves.
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Where to find her : Carpener plays at recitals with other harp students and at special church services Upcoming performances: She will be participating in a holiday event called “Twenty Harps for the Holidays,” promotional materials coming soon
SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY U2
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Sampling of songs : “Canon in D”, “Dance of the Dead, Angel of Music, Under the Sea”; in general, Celtic and Irish rhythms, assorted hymns, syncopated rhythms
—math teacher Jeff Payne
Mansi Pathak and Aileen Le | El Estoque
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EL ESTOQUE A&E
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
Uncovering treasures amongst trash Students race to find items in flea market rush, learn valuable lessons about business by Aileen Le and Roxana Wiswell
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eady, set, go! On an early Saturday morning, senior Justin Shie and freshman Lucia Dalle Ore disappeared into the busy, hustling crowds of the De Anza Flea Market. Only Shie’s navy backpack and Dalle Ore’s long ponytail were still visible. El Estoque chose two students to participate in a challenge during the flea market on Sept. 5. Shie and Dalle Ore were given $20 each to spend in 20 minutes. Both expressed concern about the time limit before the challenge and had a goal in mind; Dalle Ore was after sunglasses, while Shieh wanted comic books. They both ran through the crowds to get to the most stalls. Shie even ran in a zigzag pattern to view stalls on both sides of the aisle.
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Both agreed that the presentation of stalls made a huge difference. “If [shop owners] don’t set up [their stalls] in an interesting fashion, then they don’t deserve my money,” Shie said. Freshman Aneesh Prasad, who was working at the MVHS water polo booth to raise funds for the team, understands why customers would feel that way. “You have to get [customers] to buy the junk that you got in the trash,” Prasad said. “While everything is mostly throw away stuff, lots of people get good deals.” Bargaining is definitely his favorite part. “It’s fun and kind of educational because you get to deal with real world people,” Prasad said. “In school, you just learn in class with teachers and peers, but here you have to manage, you have to be charismatic, and you have to get them to buy.”
SCAVENGER HUNT SNIPPETS
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1.. Freshman Lucia Dalle Ore browses through a sunglass stall to buy sunglasses for her older sister.
“[These sunglasses] are to make up for the last 13 years of pure torture [to my sister].”
2.. Senior Justin Shie flips through an assortment of comic books and picks up “Howard the Duck, Master of Quack Fu.” 3.. Dalle Ore quickly checks how much money she has left before deciding what to buy next.
“Oh yay, now I get to buy shiny things!” 4.. A plastic bug, shampoo, and a bracelet were only some of Dalle Ore’s bargain buys.
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Natalie Wong and Minh Bui | El Estoque
Natalie Wong and Mihn Bui | El Estoque
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
EL ESTOQUE NEWS
The best breakfast in town The most delicious morning wakeup is right around the corner by Mansi Pathak Gilley’s Coffee Shoppe 47 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos CA 95030
Los Gatos Café 340 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos CA 95030
Prepare for a time-warp when you step into Gilley’s Coffee Shoppe. The tiny breakfast shop is the ultimate diner, fully equipped with tiled floors and food right out of Pleasantville. Upon my first visit, I was seated next to the door and I ordered their freshly made hot cocoa topped with a thick whipped cream most restaurants wouldn’t dare use. Needless to say, I finished the entire mug before I even had time to begin on the main course—a stack of pancakes with a side of bacon and sausage links. The food quality was simply good. The pancakes were home-made quality, though less fluffy than I would have liked. The sausage and bacon were also merely satisfactory. Typical of a family-run diner, the utensils were mismatched and the atmosphere very casual. My hot chocolate was in a glass decorated with hearts, while the coffee came in a white, wide-mouthed mug. The overall atmosphere of Gilley’s is more impressive than the meal itself. While I may not visit again, I would recommend Gilley’s Coffee Shoppe as a must try—at least once.
There’s nothing like a hearty, delicious brunch to get the day started. At Los Gatos Café, that is exactly what you’ll get. The café is bustling with parties of families and friends and has a wait of at least 20 minutes at peak brunch hours. The seating is pretty tight, but the crowd is only a sign of the fabulous food that awaits you. The breakfast menu consists of over 15 omelets, as well as a section of pancakes, Belgian waffles, and French toast. Overwhelmed by the selection, my sister and I decided to share the strawberry Belgian waffle and Italian omelet, which turned out to be a very, very unwise decision. Luckily the omelet was served first, and after looking at its size, we cancelled the waffle order immediately. Our omelet, which was fluffy and savory, came with a side of potatoes and was easily a meal for two. The potatoes are a Los Gatos Café specialty—slightly crispy on the outside and warm and flavorful on the inside. Though Los Gatos Café comes at the cost of a 20 minute wait and cash-only policy it is well worth it for the delicious breakfast at an economical $8.50 for two.
Blueberry Pancakes * Toast and Eggs * Cinnamon Bun Hot Tea * Waffles and Fruit Creamed Coffee * Cereal Holder’s Country Inn 998 S, De Anza Blvd., San Jose CA 95129 If you’re craving a quieter breakfast experience, Holder’s Country Inn might seem like a suitable environment, since it only attracts a meager amount of customers. Though this breakfast inn is located on De Anza’s busy main road, Holder’s Country Inn Coffee Shop is not a popular breakfast spot, which is apparent by the little to no wait on weekend mornings. The restaurant has minimal decoration, both on its exterior and interior. The very large menu ranges from the average breakfast dishes—eggs, pancakes, and French toast—to lunches and desserts. The regular customers at Holder’s Country Inn Coffee Shop are more businessmen and senior citizens than groups of teenagers and families making a racket. The service is also slightly slow; waiters don’t check up on their customers often, so it is hard to get a hold of one. The eggs are quite mediocre as are the pancakes. Though price is decent for the amount of food offered, I wouldn’t recommend Holder’s Country Inn. A homemade breakfast might be a better bet.
Breakfast in Bed * Granola Coffee Cake * Quiche * OJ Omelet with Chives * Milk Scones * Fruit Parfait * Hot Hobee’s Restaurant 21267 Stevens Creek Blvd. Suite 310, Cupertino CA 95014 Hidden between new froyo shops and upcoming Thai restaurants, old Hobee’s Restaurant is easy to overlook. The family-friendly restaurant has been located in Cupertino Oaks Center for years. To begin my Saturday morning feast, I ordered the Hobee’s hot chocolate. Much to my dismay, the hot chocolate tasted more like warm chocolate. As I neared the bottom of my cup, the consistency thickened and the hot chocolate began to taste more and more like the powdered cocoa mix they had likely used. Dissatisfied with my warm chocolate, I quickly ordered the main course: banana and blueberry whole-wheat pancakes and a side of the Hobee’s Famous Blueberry Coffeecake. The square of coffeecake had a crunchy blend of brown sugar and cinnamon crumbled over the top. There was no doubt in my mind to why it was named their famous coffeecake. The pancake stack, however, was too sweet for my slowly diminishing appetite. The $14 was inexpensive for a meal, but the quality was definitely a bummer. Perhaps next time, I’ll take the coffeecake to go.
DMV disasters: Driving test horror stories Students share bad experiences while getting their licenses by Sahana Sridhara
S
ome girls await their sixteenth birthdays with plans for extravagant parties and elaborate celebrations; then there are others who wait for something else—a DMV proctor. Junior Nicolet Danese did just that, as she sat at Santa Clara’s DMV waiting in a lengthy line to meet the man who would determine her driving fate. Getting a permit on your half birthday and a license on your birthday had been a long-lived tradition for the Danese clan. Things were going well, until the proctor told her to turn onto Lawrence Expressway. Cautiously, she entered the 50 mph road only to encounter a large construction site. Out of nowhere, a large cardboard box sailed across her windshield and seconds later, three construction workers sprinted after it. Danese slammed the breaks and swerved to a halt at the side of the road. When they returned to the DMV parking lot where the proctor announced that she had just barely passed. When she asked how she lost 13 points, she was shown a big red six—“handled construction site improperly”. Many students have been through the process and all concur thar there are quite a few bumps on the way to getting a license. When it comes to preparing for the driver’s license test, finding a good instructor is key. MVHS students have experienced them all: the instructors who give directions in foreign languages, the ones who can’t tell their left from right, and even violent ones. “My driving instructor made me his very own personal
chauffeur. He made me drive him to the bank, to McDonald’s, and even to his house,” senior Alice Yu said. She paid hundreds of dollars in hopes of having a few hours dedicated to her, but she was expected to learn while completing her instructor’s chores. What can be worse than having your instructor treat you like their child expected to do chores, is actually being your instructor’s son or daughter. Junior Amanda Hsu experienced first hand the horrors of having her dad as her teacher. “The first time I was being taught by him, my father wouldn’t let go of my steering wheel out of fear that I’d do something stupid. He kept yelling whenever I didn’t do a perfect turn or hit the brakes too slowly ” Hsu said. She comments on how her dad’s tense hands on her steering wheel and his loud voice screeching in synchrony with her brakes did everything but teach her how to drive safely. “I almost met with an accident when driving my mother’s car. I had been so used to my dad controlling the wheel that I drove horribly without it,” Hsu said. Somehow, Hsu and Yu got that golden slip signed, authorizing that the classes had been taken and the practice had been done. What’s left was only the test. Danese went through the requirements and six months later, she is the proud owner of a piece of plastic. However she feels that the process wasn’t easy. License-holders have experienced the faulty driving process first hand, but for those who haven’t—consider yourself warned.
PAGE 23
VICTOR KUO
the Temp
Adventures of a lifeguard
O
ne dollar and fifty-three cents. I searched every corner of my wallet, hoping in vain to find a cent, or a dollar that might have magically hidden itself. No such luck. I closed my wallet with a sigh. So much for that new jacket from Urban Outfitters or that new pair of Nikes. I thought about it. Money can be earned, right? And it was then and there that I made a decision: I needed a job. A week later I drove down the hill to Blackberry Farm, excited and ready to work in my new guard shorts and Cupertino Lifeguard shirt. The pool manager greeted me there and explained the logistics of the pool: the basic rules, the different signals, the rotation schedule, etc. Once I got the gist of the rules, I put on my rescue tube and fanny pack and worked myself into the lifeguard chair. I had a job. I learned quite a few lessons at work that day. Here are a couple: Lesson One: Always use sunscreen. No matter how long you think you’re going to be out in the sun or how strong the daily UV index is, use sunscreen. Plan ahead and don’t be lazy. When I went out for my first rotation, I distinctly remember assuming that the sun’s UV rays would not be able to burn my already tan skin, so I walked out unprotected. However, within 30 minutes under the blazing heat of the sun, I discovered I had developed terrible bright red sunburn on the back of my neck. I could already imagine the pain it would cause and the peeling and sunspots that would result from the burn. I groaned thinking about it. So for the future—always remember to plan ahead if going outside and put on sunscreen. Lesson 2: Never be too nice. People just don’t seem to respect nice lifeguards. On the pool deck kids are always in a rush to get from one end of the pool to the other, so they get out and sprint to the other side, though they know they’re not supposed to. As lifeguards, we have a duty enforce the rules so we are required to yell “WALK!” a million times a day. However, some little kids just don’t listen. Apparently saying, “walk please, you’ll get hurt” and yelling, “WALK!” have two entirely different meanings to kids. On the pool deck it seems that the word “please” signifies weakness. If you want to get your point across, say it forcefully and with confidence. Command them. The lifeguard is in charge of the pool; never be afraid to assert authority. Lesson 3: Biohazards in the pool can be blessings. Poop and vomit—more commonly known as “biohazards”—may seem like hassles from the patron point of view but from the lifeguard point of view they are blessings in disguise. Since poop and vomit need to be disinfected, all the patrons in the pool must be evacuated for a certain amount of time, depending on the seriousness of the accident. Poop closes the pool for the day and vomit for around an hour. During that period of time, the lifeguards, rather than having to guard the crowded pool deck, get to enjoy a few hours or the rest of the day to themselves. One person’s mishap can cause quite a few unseen consequences, both good and bad. When a baby decides that it needs to go in the pool, the patrons lose some swimming but the lifeguards get a break. The lifeguards have to clean up the mess but they get to relax after. All actions have consequences, whether good or bad, big or small. Reflecting back on my day at work, I assess what happened. A pretty painful sunburn, watching over rule-breaking kids, and biohazards. Maybe being a lifeguard isn’t the job for me.
TREND WATCH 148 MPH
interview conducted by Victor Kuo
Senior Kevin Chen discusses his choice to purchase a motorcycle Q: What model is it? A: 2008 Honda CBR 600RR Q: Why did you get this motorcycle? A: I wanted a new bike. My first motorcycle went
through some unfortunate circumstances when a friend of mine accidentally tipped it over. The exhaust was messed up and there were scratches on the main body, so I replaced some parts. My second one is a lot better and faster.
UP2DATE
The best and worst features of the newest tech gadgets by Bhargav Setlur Best features: Light weight, cheap price, fast, free software, soundquality
Worst features: Comes with linux software, memory space
Q: Why did you decide to ride a motorcycle instead of
driving a car? the money. Motorcycles are a lot cheaper, better gas mileage, repair is cheaper, gas is cheaper, parts are cheaper, everything is cheaper.
A: For
Q: How often do you ride it? A: Every single day. I like to go into the mountains
up Regnart Road. It’s a good stress reliever and I can get my mind off of things. Sometimes I ride on the highway too and go as fast as possible. It gets really scary once you pass 100 because then everything is really shaky, so much so that my jeans fluttering would make my riding unstable. The fastest I’ve gone is 148 mph.
Q: Where did you buy it? A: I bought it from this guy who lives in a small
Victor Kuo | El Estoque
town called Griddly. I found him on Craig’s List and I contacted him after looking at pictures online. My friends and I rode three hours there and three hours back to get it.
Cost: $169 with $5 shipping
Battery Life: 4 hours
Netbooks are good if you just need something to function. I need a convenient, small,and fast laptop for meetings, so this is the best thing to carry around. If you are looking for something with advanced performance and features like a laptop, a netbook may not be the best thing to buy. I personally find them a lot better than iTouches when browsing around the Internet.
the expert: senior Cat Shieh
Exhaust Chen has an Italian-made exhaust. “It has an amazing purr,”Chen said.
CAMPUS RUNWAY
Tiger Chen keeps a stuffed tiger next to his license plate for luck. He claims it waves good-bye to you as it passes by.
Front Headlight Chen’s front headlight only lights up one light when parked.
Black Rims Chen enjoys showing off his black rims which he considers to be extremely stylish.
What’s next? October 1 and 2
With this summer sun’s still shining overhead, students whip out their brightest neons and pastels
Powderpuff Games Lunch on the Upper Field Oct. 1- 2011 vs 2012 Oct. 2- 2010 vs 2013
Cap Hat World
Backpack DIY
Tee Shirt Michael’s
October 9
Tank Top Forever 21
Homecoming Rally MVHS Gym
Blue Zip-up Fox Store Shorts Sports Authority
October 9 Converse Taiwan
freshman Michael d’Antonio
junior Elizabeth Marten
freshman Matt Olkein
freshman Kyrene Wang
Homecoming Game Cupertino High School JV- 5-7 pm Varsity- 7-9 pm
Aileen Le and Mansi Pathak | El Estoque
Backpack
Finds
What’s in your bag? Take a peek into your classmates’ bags this month:
senior Derek Bau
“ ” “ ” I have an open 5th period, so I go out to lunch everyday. This free coupon comes on the soda; you get a free cookie, so I save them.
Photos courtesy of Scott Deruiter
“ ” “ ” I was biking to school and I needed a helmet, so I used [earmuffs from my snowboard helmet] to block out sound.
junior Melanie Kim
junior Ryan Mulligan
[The clothespin game] is just a fun way to go back to school; to play, you ‘tag’ people by pinning clothespins on them as they walk by. It’s just a fun way to mess around.
I got the yellow [key chain] from the Converse store for $10. I got [the other one] from my cousin. They’re really cute and they are the same size as my phone. I like Converse!
freshman Jenny Han
Photo illustration by Mansi Pathak and Aileen Le