First Issue 2016

Palo Alto Unified School District Henry M. Gunn High School 780 Arastradero Rd Palo Alto, CA 94306

Students share summer activities.

Youth mental health facility to be built in Palo Alto.

PG. 6-7

PG. 2

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PA I D Permit #44 Palo Alto, Calif.

Gunn repainted with Wildflower color scheme Janet Wang Forum Editor

Elizabeth Zu

New Gunn TOSA positions introduced to enhance learning Shannon Yang

Oracle/SEC Liaison

This year, there will be two new Teacher on Special Assignments (TOSA) positions: a math intervention TOSA and a literacy intervention TOSA. Ariane Tuomy will serve as the literacy intervention TOSA and the math intervention TOSA position will be split between Rachel Congress and Christopher Bell. The TOSAs will be supporting teachers with strategies to promote student success. The three TOSAs and assistant principals Jack Ballard and Heather Wheeler will meet regularly to collaborate and discuss strategies for more comprehensive learning.

Principal Dr. Denise Herrmann believes that the three intervention TOSAs are great fits for the position. “They are very experienced and accomplished teachers here at Gunn,” Herrmann said. “They want to help students and they want to help their peers be the best teachers they can be. So I think that’s the number one thing. But the other thing is they have the respect of their colleagues.”

In Herrmann’s eyes, each of the TOSAs has a unique skill set that will be helpful to the position.

Herrmann referenced how Tuomy’s journey as an English language learner sparked her passion in literacy. She also noted Congress’s ability to understand what makes students frustrated in mathematics and how to get past that, as well as Bell’s skills in technology. “Between the three of them, we’re really hopeful that it’ll be a nice combination of technology support and people support that will make everything work well with the staff,” Herrmann said.

Over the summer, Gunn was repainted based on the color scheme “Wildflowers,” a project that was led by the organization Paint Gunn High School. The painting process began on June 6 and lasted for about eight to nine weeks.

The idea of painting Gunn was initiated four or five years ago as a recommendation by the Gunn Advisory Council—a committee of 25 people including parents, teachers and students who wanted to make the campus a welcoming place. The recommendation, however, fell through then due to a lack of funding.

After the suicide cluster, the repainting was brought back to the attention of the school board, who approved to release funding. Principal Dr. Denise Herrmann says that the administration wanted to repaint Gunn in hopes that the colors would uplift students’ spirits. “The idea is that having colors that are a little bit brighter and are happier in their mood and tone can be just one small thing to contribute to students feeling optimistic and happy on campus,” she said.

Soon after, the School Site Council selected the Palo Alto based firm Architarian Design to start the Paint Gunn High School project. In January, the firm began to conduct multiple

surveys around campus asking students a variety of questions ranging from, “What’s your favorite spot on campus?” to “How does the current paint scheme make you feel?” to incorporate student voice. These survey results generated two color schemes—Wildflowers and Golden State. According to the Paint Gunn High School survey, 72.7 percent of students voted for “Wildflowers”—a palette consisting of pastel and neutral

coat of white paint. Then, each building was coated with four different paints—a different color for the ceiling, trim, wall and door.

One new feature of the repainting is the color-coded buildings. Herrmann said that the idea behind this came from parents and new students pointing out that the campus was confusing to navigate. “When someone said to, ‘Go to the M building or go to this building’ to meet a teacher for a conference or something, that was all of the brown buildings, and it was difficult to find “The idea is that having colors places,” she said.

For junior Keshav Iyer, the colorthat are a little bit brighter and coded buildings will make getting are happier in their mood and around campus easier. “One of the tone can be just one small thing problems that [Gunn] has been facto contribute to students feeling ing for a long time is that it was a optimistic and happy on campus.” huge campus and it was hard to get around,” he said. “Now, people know — Principal Dr. Denise Herrmann the differences between the building.”

Before the repainting, students colors such as green, blue and yellow. described the old paint scheme as Junior Crystal Guo enjoyed the in- “dull” and “gloomy.” Now, junior Mary clusion of student voice in the decision Sapigao says that the new paint depicts making for the final paint scheme. “It Gunn as a creative and inspiring school. gave us a choice in how our campus “I feel like brown is kind of a boring should look, which is nice because it’s and sad color, and the people who were our campus,” she said. in charge of painting wanted us to be When the school year ended, a team reflected as more of a creative school,” of 15 to 20 professional painters started she said. “[We’re] more than just people renovating the buildings. To prepare who put their heads in the books and the buildings for the paint, the walls more of people who like to sing and were power-washed and primed with a dance and like to be social.”

2016-2017 Bell Schedule

What the positions are In her new position, Tuomy plans to work on breaking down barriers to student learning and literacy. “I think the word intervention is quite aggressive. I mean, usually when one talks about an intervention, it is a pretty big deal,” she wrote in an email. “I like to think it more as removing barriers.

Even in a successful school, there are still barriers TOSAs—p.2

Courtesy of Gunn website

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News

THEORACLE 780 Arastradero Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 354-8238 www.gunnoracle.com

Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Shagun Khare Managing Editors Matthew Hamilton Lena Ye News Jenna Marvet Helen Nguyen Samuel Tse Forum Anyi Cheng Deiana Hristov Janet Wang Features Stina Chang Prachi Kale Ariel Pan Centerfold Emma Chiao Mikaela Wayne Sports Grace Ding Paulo Frank Tim Sun Lifestyle Sabrina Chen Kaya van de Horst Tone Lee Changing the Narrative Cassie Bond Photo Editor Richard Yu Graphics Editor Elizabeth Zu

Staff Business/Circulation Matthew Oh Assistant Business/Circulation Jack Mallery Copy Editors Clara Kieschnick-Llamas Carolyn Kuimelis Oracle/TBN Liaison Elizabeth Chung Oracle/SEC Liaison Shannon Yang Graphics Artists Sherry Chen Cheryl Kao Jackie Lou Reporters Sohini Ashoke Bridgette Gong Evalyn Li Yael Livneh Maya Rapoport Janet Shea Seungik Shin Grace Tramack Katie Zhang Tech Editors Akansha Gupta Amanda Lee Adviser Kristy Blackburn

$600,000 acquired to build youth Blood, scare banned mental health facility in Palo Alto from first-day theme said. “We’re figuring out how to get services going that aren’t located at school where young people can go to get early mental In June, the Stanford Center for Youth health support if they don’t feel comfortable Mental Health and Wellbeing acquired doing it at school.” $600,000 in funding from Santa Clara Student Body President Chloe Sorensen County to create an innovative youth men- became involved in the initiative after a famtal health facility in collaboration with the ily friend told her about it at a Lucile Packard Student Wellness Committee. Though cur- fundraising event, which Adelsheim also atrently unnamed, the clinic will offer off- tended. “As soon as [my family friend] told campus mental health resources including me about it, I knew I wanted to be involved, counseling, outreach programs and mental because it’s always been one of my biggest health screenings throughout the county. dreams to have a center like this, and she was According to Stanford Psychiatry and offering a concrete way for me to help make Behavioral Sciences Clinical Professor Dr. it happen,” she said.

Steven Adelsheim, the project was initiated After working together at a fundraiser, at the Stanford Center for Youth Mental Sorensen introduced Adelsheim to the StuHealth and Wellbedent Wellness ing after he heard Committee—a about the Headgroup of eight “We’re figuring out how to get servicspace model. students dedies going that aren’t located at school Headspace, decated to mental where young people can go to get earveloped in Austrahealth issues. ly mental health support if they don’t lia, is a model for “It’s kind of the feel comfortable doing it at school.” stand-alone clinics group at Gunn that allow youth that brings all —Dr. Steven Adelsheim to have access to of the other programs that offer physical health, mental mental health initiative groups together— health, academic and drug and alcohol sup- we’re people from ROCK, ARK and Sources port. The program also has a Youth National of Strength,” Student Wellness Committee Reference group to ensure that all services President junior Vidhu Navjeevan said. incorporate youth voice and are youth drivNavjeevan says that the off-campus facilien. ties will be beneficial to students who want Adelsheim says that there are currently privacy and year-long support. “Having a no programs like Headspace in the United separate system that’s away from school is States, and he is looking to build two Bay really important to make sure that students Area sites based on a similar model. He be- feel like they have an outlet if they don’t want lieves that the facilities will be beneficial for their parents involved,” she said. “School is adolescents in the community and is col- closed for three months and that might laborating with Gunn mental health com- not be beneficial to someone who is going mittees and administrators. though something like depression, so having “Every month, I spend a morning with somewhere that is open all year and be like the mental health leadership at [Gunn],” he a second home is the most important thing.”

Janet Wang

Akansha Gupta

Forum Editor

Tech Editor

To make new students feel more welcome, the Gunn administration decided that the senior first-day theme should not include scary decorations or bloody, death related costumes.

Some seniors were upset by the sudden change.

Senior Emilia Boultbee was looking forward to seeing her entire class unite with the traditional bloody theme and was irritated it was no longer possible. “To me at least, it feels like this is just another thing that the school is taking away from us,” she said. Though she recognizes that the policy demonstrates Gunn’s consideration for students and staff well-being, she points out that the senior class had certain hopes and expectations for their first day. “The Class of 2017 has kind of felt like guinea pigs to a bunch of new policies,” she said, “It kind Elizabeth Zu of kicks off senior year at a low point because we can’t do something that has been [tradition] for a while.”

Senior Class President Lucy Augustine believes that the policy change did not reduce her class’s excitement for the first day or their plans to dress-up.

“I think there was initially some anger but overall people have rebounded and chosen to make the first day of school a positive experience,” she said.

Augustine believes the communication gap between the school administration and the student government was the root of the disappointment felt by some seniors. “We didn’t foresee any problems, so we started planning in the same way it has been done in the past,” she said, “Since the administration was not involved in the initial brainstorming, they were unable to express their concerns to us before it was too late.” She hopes this incident will help avoid communication errors in the future.

New TOSAs aim to make education more inclusive TOSAs

to learning. My role is to ‘intervene’ to remove those barriers to learning.”

Tuomy says most of her work will be teacher-centered. “My primary role is to support teachers in their professional development by presenting information on the latest research, best practices and learning around equity and literacy,” she wrote.

Congress has a similar role, except in the math department. According to Congress, her position will entail observing teachers to find out what strategies they are using, as well as supporting teachers in finding ways to differentiate their teaching. “I’m going to be essentially a teacher coach, so I’m a resource that teachers can take advantage of if they feel like they need support,” she said.

The creation of the positions was prompted by recommendations from the district’s Minority Achievement and Talent Development Advisory Committee report to help underrepresented students. “The best kind of intervention is the kind that happens directly in the classroom,” Herrmann said. “The intervention TOSAs are going to be two different staff members who find clearing houses of best practices and they can model different kind of lessons and sort of be a super-duper resource for other people and the staff, and the ultimate

goal being to improve student learning.”

Math intervention opportunities Congress has always been looking for a way to make sure that everyone in her class can be successful, whether that means retakes, standards-based grading or projects. “I never felt right with having a certain percentage of my students fail my class,” she said.

This past year, Congress and her co-teacher, Joanna Hubenthal, succeeded. Because of their differentiated teaching, everyone passed their class except for students with truancy issues.

Though traditional classrooms often target auditory learners and students who express themselves in writing as opposed to speaking, Congress feels the need to mix it up.

“I really try to make my course address as much of the different learning styles as possible,” she said.

In addition to differentiation, Congress stresses the importance of thinking about how classes are Congress structured. “If your class is primarily based on just test scores or maybe it’s just primarily

based on homework, now is that the best way to assess whether students are understanding?” she said. “If a student fails to turn in their homework, does that mean they fail the class? If a student bombs one test, does that mean they fail the class?”

Right now, Congress believes that the math department does a great job with c o o r d i n at i n g materials and sharing assessments, but could work on using Tuomy results to inform instruction.

Another challenge in the math department is that courses are now open enrollment, in which students can sign up for any lane for which they meet the prerequisites, without teacher recommendation. “The classes are going to be a lot more diverse in terms of ability level so teachers will definitely need to differentiate, maybe more differentiation than they’ve done in the past,” Congress said. “So the idea with my position is that by supporting the teachers, I will be helping the students indirectly.”

Literacy intervention opportunities As for literacy, Tuomy points out that it is really more complicated

than it seems, and despite passionate teachers and dedicated students, academic language is still not accessible to all. “I don’t know that the system supports a space where these two groups come together to make academic language accessible to all students,” Tuomy wrote.

“Most people think of literacy as the ability to read and write. But it is really more complex than that.

It includes cultural and subject specific language.

Can you ‘read’ a political cartoon in history? A chart in Biology? What about understanding how to provide a complete answer to a critical thinking question at the conclusion of a math unit? How can you explain your learning in writing? These are all aspects of literacy.”

Tuomy says she has had an “activist bone” in her since she was a child.

And as an English language learner herself, Tuomy saw how language could open or close doors. “Academic language can be hard to unpack,” she wrote. “In many ways it is a foreign language students need to acquire.”

In this new position, Tuomy sees uncertainty, but is willing to take the risk. “Of course, there is always a risk in stepping into a position that is brand new,” she wrote. “I know what I hope to achieve—whether I am successful in that endeavor is not guaranteed.”

First Day of School Issue

Monday, August 15, 2016

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High school survival guide: students give advice to next generation

Sohini Ashoke

Seungik Shin

As freshman starting high school, what lies ahead seems like a grueling path. The transition can often be stressful for students because of the challenge of making friends and managing schoolwork.

However, if you remember these pointers, your first year at Gunn will be smooth and easy-going.

First, as a freshman, communicating well with your teachers and other students helps make you feel more comfortable and willing to participate more in class. Although you probably have your own group of friends, you are not always going to have those friends in your class. Strike a conversation with someone you have never met before, and

who knows, you might just make another friend.

Also, talk with your teachers and you’ll find that a one-on-one conversation with your math teacher isn’t always “May I go to the bathroom?” or “See you Tuesday.” If you can hold a conversation with your teachers, classes become more enjoyable, as you have a more personal relationship with them.

Second, do not pack too much in your backpack. It’s nice to be prepared, but you do not want to carry too much extra weight. To avoid unnecessary shoulder pain, instead of using one big binder, use small binders for each individual class. By doing this, you’d only bring the materials for the classes you have that day, making your load lighter.

Furthermore, creating or joining a club can help you find a sense of community at Gunn and discover new interests. Our school has a growing number of clubs every year. From the usual language clubs like French Club to more unique ones like the Thespian Club, you are likely to find a student organization on campus that fits your needs. However, if

none of the clubs interest you, you can always start your own. If you enjoy a certain hobby, make a club for that hobby. Whatever you choose to do, know that both choices are both equally enjoyable and valuable.

Last but not least, don’t procrastinate. Many students tend to procrastinate in freshman year, which costs them precious sleep that is important to their health. Find a way to schedule your study time with a calendar so that you are prepared for whatever that comes your way.

Overall, freshmen year can be a challenging and confusing year. There is lots to do and figure out. There’s more people, new classes and a new environment. However, if you make the right decisions, you can make your freshman year one of the most memorable years of high school. The choice is yours. May the odds ever be in your favor!

—Ashoke and Shin, sophomores, are Reporters

Stina Chang

Amanda Lee There are usually two mindsets that freshmen have when they go into sophomore year. One is, “Hey, I got through freshmen year, right? Sophomore year will be a breeze.” The other is, “Oh my gosh, this is my second year of high school! I’m going to have so much more homework and I’ll have to stay up until 2 a.m.” Both mindsets are right. You’ll know where to find the K building, what Homecoming is and where the sophomore quad is.

But sophomore year is harder, especially when it comes to academics. Teachers have greater expectations of you. Homework policies will not be as lenient. And yes, there is more homework.

First of all, it’s much easier to talk to teachers when they are not preparing for the next period. Flex Time is an excellent time to ask teachers questions and if a teacher offers study sessions before a major test, go to them. Teachers will have more time for you since there are fewer students. A teacher who seems intimidating

in class might not be as scary when you talk to them one-on-one, so don’t use that as an excuse to not talk to teachers.

Studying with classmates or friends can also be useful. Create a class chat or group for a difficult course. They are a great way to discuss concepts you don’t understand or to get the homework assignment if you were absent.

My elementary school teacher emphasized that one has to balance work and play. That piece of advice is true when learning how to succeed during sophomore year. Enjoy time with friends; sophomore year is likely to be the last year when you have plenty of time to socialize, so use it wisely! Friends are going to be one of your biggest sources of strength.

Some last words of advice: enjoy this year and make wonderful memories with your friends. Throw yourself (not literally) into what you love—sports, volunteering, clubs, music, art or even journalism.

Sure, it probably is a good idea to start thinking about the SAT and ACT, college and life after high school, but don’t spend all your time worrying. You still have two more years before graduation. Good luck, sophomores. Have a great year!

—Lee, a junior, is a Tech Editor

Junior year. After listening to scary stories from upperclassmen about late night studying and stressing out, it’s finally coming true. Don’t stress out yet, because I’m here to tell you how to conquer what you might think is “the most important year” of your high school career.

To start off the year, don’t feel like you have to pack your schedule with studying and extracurriculars all the time. The constant worrying and anxiety will stress you out even more than you already are.

Instead, find ways to destress and relax, so that when those APUSH readings seem never-ending, or that big project deadline is just around the corner, you can take a step back and put things into perspective. If you are stressing out about that math test coming up, go out for a walk to clear your mind.

I promise that you will feel so energized afterwards.

For the SAT and ACT—the two most dreaded acronyms—it’s okay if you do not get the score you want on your first try. You still have time to study because remember, you can technically take the tests over and over again as many times as you want (although you probably don’t want to pay that registration fee too many times!)

Don’t feel like you have to get

a perfect 1600 or 36. Good enough is enough.

With the presence of extracurriculars and school work constantly looming in your mind, stressing out is inevitable. It would be a lie if I said I didn’t struggle through junior year. Therefore, it’s important to have some order in your life.

Try to limit internet/social media time because these activities take up most of your productive times. This will allow you to have more time to sleep. You might also find extra time to attend nonacademic events such football games and school plays.

Lastly, it doesn’t hurt to reach out and be friendly to the underclassmen.

Although the transition from being an underclassman to being an upperclassman doesn’t feel that different, freshmen and sophomores do look up to you. Be a friend to them and answer any questions they might have.

Although junior year sounds scary at first, it’s going to be over before you know it. Time passes quickly once you get caught up.

—Chang, a senior, is a Features Editor

Graphics by Elizabeth Zu

Shawna Chen Congratulations, seniors! You have arrived at your last year of high school in one piece... or so we hope.

Senior year is never what you expect it to be. For me, it was one long process of self-discovery—first in the form of college essays and then in second semester, when I finally stopped caring about the scores and grades and began prioritizing people.

I know college applications are scary. There’s the inevitable fear of not getting in anywhere, the panic of making all the deadlines and the constant worry that you’re not enough. And there is where I stop you: you are enough. Getting into college is not what defines

you as a person—only you can do that for yourself.

Remember to stay on top of your applications. Read essay instructions carefully and if you’re going to apply Early Decision, check the box. When your Facebook newsfeed starts flooding with “Accepted to _______” and “______ Class of 2021!”, don’t panic. Someone else’s acceptance does not mean your rejection, and it definitely does not mean you are any less than them.

Once all your applications are in, it’s time for the #secondsemestersenior in you to emerge. Everybody talks about #SSS as if you go crazy, party 24/7 and show up to 0 percent of school. In truth, it’s not the lack of attendance or wild activities that make #SSS so special. What makes #SSS special is the fact that maybe for the first time since kindergarten, you’re not working toward something.

I spent so much of high school anticipating the next step—SATs, classes, college, career—that having the ability to do what I wanted meant everything. I binge-watched all five seasons of “Chuck” and spent

every minute trying to make the most of it with the people I love.

Second semester senior year also gave me the opportunity to discover what it means to love myself. My whole life I’ve been saddled with self-doubt and harsh self-criticism. High school, surrounded by a sea of talented and beautiful peers, only made it worse.

But #SSS, without the need for success, gave me time to dedicate to myself. I went to therapy to start redefining my sense of self and I stopped seeing “perfect” as the final goal.

Ultimately, enjoy senior year. It’s something you won’t ever experience again. And when you walk across that stage with your diploma in 2017, be proud of yourself—you made it.

—Chen, an alumna, is a member of the Class of 2016

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CAMPU

Get to know your campus Icons on map correspond to descriptions on sides

Map Legend = Vending Machines = Bike Cages = Library = Academic Center = Guidance Office = Main Office = SAC = Spangenberg = Wellness Center *map not to scale

Library Ever yone f rom t he workswamped student to the laid-back lounger can make good use of the library. The comfortable space offers a wide variety of resources, including computers, couches, private desks and, of course, books.

In addition, laptops and books can be checked out for a limited period of time. Overdue book owners are not charged a fee but will be prevented from attending graduation if the books are not turned in by the final deadline. A small outside patio called the Acorn Lounge is connected to the library. The library often serves as a place for school events such as guest speeches and Advanced Placement (AP) testing.

The main librarian is Daljeet Gill.

Library hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday.

Academic Center The Academic Center (AC) provides students with a relaxed and supportive environment for doing homework, working with tutors and hanging out with friends. Students can easily access computers, textbooks, tables for work, a microwave, tea and other valuable resources. The AC is often filled with students, and it can be a great place for recreation and group work. The AC also offers board games for the students.

Unlike the library, the AC allows students to talk while collaborating on a project. Throughout the year, the AC hosts small events such as lottery drawings that all students can participate in. The AC staff member is Pam Steward.

The AC hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

military. Students can also talk to their counselors to change their class schedules. The nurse’s office is located at the end of Anyone looking for help can find it at the guidance office. the office. The guidance counselors are Goldie Chan, Derek The guidance counselors give personalized advice in one-on- Johanson, Challis Michael, David Leftwich, Joel Nicole-Reid, one sessions that provide students with information about Jon Fidani, Shannon Flaskerud and Cora Ross. Registrar Tracy opportunities. Those who wish for a meeting should make Douglas, data manager Olga Celis and Guidance Technician prior appointments with their counselors, although drop-ins Robin Francesconi are also located in the guidance office. are permitted. Students can find various pamphlets regarding work and volunteer openings, colleges, careers, standardized The guidance office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. tests, driving and options for those interested in joining the from Monday to Friday.

Guidance Office

US

MAP

Monday, August 15, 2016

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s: the seven top hot spots SAC

The Student Activities Center (SAC) functions as the home of the Student Executive Council. The SAC sells T-shirts, sweatshirts, bus passes, yearbooks and, starting the first day of school for carpoolers, parking permits. It is also the destination for ticket purchases for upcoming dances. The SAC’s staff are Kim Knaack and Leslie Kousnetz and Student Activities Director Lisa Hall.

SAC hours are from 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Monday through Friday.

Spangenberg Legend has it that a swimming pool is located on the roof of the Spangenberg Theater, even though, to this date, not a single expedition has been mounted to confirm this preposterous allegation. Along with its role in what may be Gunn’s most mysterious rumor, Spangenberg has served as the principle auditorium since 1965. Highly regarded for its wide-ranging versatility, the theatre functions as a site for schoolwide assemblies, AP test sign-ups, TED talks, student concerts and theatrical performances. Named af ter Karl R. Spangenberg, a Stanford professor of Electrical Engineering, the theatre holds a maximum house occupancy of 953 people and an onstage occupancy of 160 people. There is no word on how many people can fit inside the purportedly real pool. Due to construction that is scheduled to begin during Winter Break, Spangenberg will not be accessible second semester.

Wellness Center

Graphics by Elizabeth Zu

turned in to the main office. The school principal is Denise Herrmann and assistant principals are Jack Ballard, Tara The office can provide students with information that can Keith, Miriam Stevenson and Heather Wheeler. Teacher boxes make campus life less stressful. The main office is the go-to are located to the left of the office, so students trying in vain place for general questions. Secretary Martha Elderon will to physically reach their teachers can leave them notes in the answer most inquiries, such as those concerning school hours appropriate box. Donations to school booster programs (e.g. or important dates. School visitors who wish to park their cars sports boosters) can be dropped off at the office. in the school parking lot must stop by the main office to pick up a temporary parking permit. Forms for the start of school, The main office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. transferring or student visitors can also be picked up at and Monday to Friday.

Main Office

The Wellness Center is a new addition to campus, taking over the place where the Attendance Office used to be situated. The Wellness Center is home to Adolescent Counseling Services. It is a safe space for students to talk with trained professionals. Its final location is to be in the twostory building to be built in the middle of the school, but people can still come in to its temporary location. The Wellness Center will also offer small student support group activities such as yoga, and is intended to help students become leaders in wellness on campus. As it is a new resource on campus. the Wellness Center will adapt in the coming months to adjust to student needs.

The Wellness Center is open during school hours Monday to Friday.

—Compiled by The Oracle staff

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First Day of School Issue

Gunn students use their summer breaks Students study abroad throughout the world, from Mexico to Japan

Courtesy of Amanda Yee

Courtesy of Adele Colwell

Sports Editor

From June 2 to June 5, senior Matthew Shi and alumna Maya Sankar competed in the American Regions Math League (ARML) at Las Vegas, NV. They were a part of the top San Francisco Bay Area team, which ultimately took first place in the nation.

According to Sankar, in the first three to four practices they held during late April, students practiced in small groups and were then split into teams by level. Both Shi and Sankar were selected for the top team.

ARML is a national mathematics contest in which high school students compete in 15-person teams based on geographic regions. Competitions are held simultaneously at four sites across the nation, one being Las Vegas.

The winning team has the highest score total out of all sites. There are four main events: Team, in which the team solves 10 numerical-answer problems; Power, in which the team gets an hour to write proofs; Individual, in which each member of the team answers 10 questions; and Relay, a fast-paced round in which members of the team must use answers to questions solved by other teammates to hand in a final answer.

According to team coach Simon Rubinstein-Salzedo, the team’s margin of victory was only eight points. “We really needed all our students to perform well in order to win,” Rubinstein-Salzedo said. “If I do a competition, I want to win—that’s a pretty major goal of mine—and we did, so I’m really happy about that.”

Sankar also expressed her pride in her team. “Winning the championship is a combination of your scores from every single event,” she said. “We did pretty well on all of the different areas and I was happy about that.”

Shi enjoyed ARML for its accessibility to all students,

regardless of their math backgrounds, because it places value on a student’s drive to learn as opposed to his or her specific skill sets. “Everyone who wants to go, can go,” he said.

Rubinstein-Salzedo also expressed great appreciation for ARML, as it has been his favorite contest since high school. “[ARML] gives students a good way to make friends with other local math students, rather than ones who just happen to go to the same school,” he said.

Although both Shi and Sankar claim they did not perform their best individually, they still enjoyed the social aspect of the experience. “I had a lot of fun on the bus rides there and back, as well as at the competition itself,” Shi said. “There were a lot of cool people hanging out and making new friends.”

co m p et e ,

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e x p l o r e Staffer volunteers at

FBLA participates in national competition Monterey aquarium Tone Lee

to place in the top ten, and we were able to place ninth,” Wang wrote in an email. “I participated in Network design, which was a team event. From going to NLC, Though relatively new on campus, Gunn’s Future I was able to strengthen social skills and become more Business Leaders of America (FBLA) has taken competi- culturally aware from meeting people from all across tions by storm. From June 29 to July 2, several students the country.” competed and placed at FBLA’s National Leadership Ng and Wang placed fifth and ninth in their events, Conference (NLC) in Atlanta, Georgia in individual and respectively. Both prepared several weeks in advance for team events, with four students placing in the top 10 tests and presentations that ultimately allowed them to for their events. FBLA is a student qualify for their national awards. business organization that prepares According to Ng and Wang, students for the future through seeing their hard work pay off “We want to see members succeed in learning, leadership opportunities was one of the most rewarding competitions but also develop leaderand giving back to the community. parts of the experience. “I also ship and business skills that will promote Junior Joseph Ng is proud of learned that if you put your mind future success.” the progress Gunn FBLA has demto something, you can achieve it, —junior Joseph Ng onstrated over the past two years. no matter how impossible it may “This past year, Gunn FBLA won seem,” Wang wrote. “I did not more awards than many other larger chapters,” Ng said. know what network design was when I went into the “This summer, almost 20 Gunn students attended the competition in states, but was able to, with the help of National Leadership Conference in Atlanta.” my team, [place] ninth in Nationals.”

NLC is a highly competitive competition that only Although Gunn FBLA has been performing well over select members of FBLA could qualify for if they did the past year, Ng has even greater expectations for the well in the State Leadership Conference, which was in future. “We want to see members succeed in competitions April. Four teams were chosen from each state to go to but also develop leadership and business skills that will the prestigious event, which hosted 200 total teams from promote future success,” Ng said. “I expect Gunn FBLA around the world. will grow to become a powerful contender on the local, Junior Max Wang participated in one of the teams state and even national level. We want to make a name that was chosen to represent California. “Our goal was for Gunn High School.”

Students help campaign for Hillary Casandra Bond

but aren’t informed about policies or how someone will affect our country.”

Other students, like senior Isha Gupta, have also With the election season in full swing, students taken on similar roles to aid in the campaigning have been doing their part to stay involved and aware process for national election. Gupta started her inof the 2017 presidential election. Through organiz- volvement in May this year by applying to volunteer ing and recruiting volunteers, making calls and even for the Hillary Clinton campaign. “It is a program going door-to-door, for high schoolers or s t ud e nt s at G u n n you ng people who are hoping to be a want to volunteer for part of changing the the program to help country on a national out more, a s a m i x level. between a volunteer Senior Asa and a staffer,” Gupta Kohrman began her said. While volunteerinterest in the elecing, Gupta organized tion, as she wanted volunteers, recruited to find a way to get volunteers and called involved in the povoters to inform them l it ic a l pro c e s s . “I of Clinton’s platform. was reading about Gupta began to nothe election and how tice how many people y ou n g p e ople a re are aware of the elecCourtesy of Asa Kohrman such an important tion and t he candipart of the election, d ate s’ st a nc e s , a nd so I was looking for a how ma ny a re not . way to get involved.”

“When we were callKohrman said. ing voters, we would She has been stayhave to talk to them ing active in the naabout getting out to tional election in sevvote and some people eral different ways. “I just weren’t informed have been trying to enough to make decistay on top of things sions,” Gupta said. by reading the news, However, through doing calls for the the hours of volunteerHillary Clinton caming and phone calls, paign for a morning Gupt a s aw t he d i fand afternoon, and I ference t hat getting also went to the rally i nvolved ca n ma ke. when Bernie [Sand“Change has the abilCourtesy of Isha Gupta ers] came,” Kohrman it y to come f rom a Top: Seniors Asa Kohrman, Sithara Simmons and Anushka large group of people, said.

Through staying Joshi display their “Hillary” campaign signs. Bottom: Senior who aren’t necessarily i nvolve d w it h t he Isha Gupta meets presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. in power but want to Democrat ic Pa r t y, make a difference and Kohrman learned why it is important to be up to want to have a change.” Gupta said. “I think that bedate. “I learned how important it is to stay informed,” cause of all the efforts we were able to do here, and Kohrman said. “I think that throughout this election because of all the efforts our colleagues were able to we have seen that a lot of the people who are voting do across California and the United States, we were are looking at it based off of who they think will win, able to win, and hopefully make change.”

Changing the Narrative Editor

Courtesy of Sophia Guccione

Top: Senior Amanda Yee and her hosts and friends in Japan. Middle: Senior Adele Colwell in Costa Rica. Bottom: Junior Sophia Guccione in Kralendijk, Boniare.

Math team featuring Gunn student, alumna places first in nation Grace Ding

To

Monday, August 15, 2016

Lifestyle Editor

Elizabeth Chung

gram to enrich her knowledge of Japan. “On family Oracle/TBN Liaison trips, I would usually visit tourist spots rather than explore what the country is really like,” Yee said. “I This summer, 23 students from Gunn were given was always interested in Japanese culture so I wanted opportunities to study abroad through Council on to experience what Japanese lifestyle was like.”

International Educational Exchange (CIEE). Through The Global Discovery program helped students CIEE, students were able to explore different cultures learn outside of a classroom setting and get hands on and learn new skill sets as they immersed themselves experience. For junior Sophia Guccione, her experiin one of the three unique educational programs that ence at Kralendijk, Bonaire exceeded expectations. the program provided.

“My favorite moment was when we went for a dive at The Language and Culture program was for students the crescent of the island,” Guccione said. “We took who wanted to learn a language of their choice for four a boat up there and then jumped off. It had the most weeks while staying with the local host family. Sopho- amazing breeze and the aqua shallows at the drop off more Pauline Her, who participated in the Language and it was beautiful. It was definitely a huge experience and Culture program in Guanajuato, Mexico, saw the that I will never forget.” trip as not only an opportunity to improve her SpanSenior Adele Colwell participated in the “Biodiverish, but also as an opportunity to experience a new sity and Conservation” program in Monteverde, Costa environment.

Rica. She was initially nervous, but was able to learn “I got to learn about a whole new place because I more about the world and grow through her experience have never been outside of the United States except abroad. “I was hesitant to apply to the program in the for South Korea,” Her said. “At first, I was awkward first place but you just have to put yourself out there,” with my host family because it was my first time stay- Colwell said. “If you find something interesting, just ing with a host family and I didn’t know how to act. I go for it. Just embrace it and don’t be afraid to step out wasn’t sure about my Spanish level but my host family of your comfort zone because that’s where you end up helped me along the way.” having the most personal growth.”

Senior Amanda Yee decided to partake in the proColwell believes that through facing challenges of learning outside of the familiarity and comfort of Gunn classrooms, one is able to expand one’s point of view. Because of this, Colwell recommends that other students should take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad if they can. “There is only so much you can learn in a classroom,” Colwell said.

“You don’t really get the opportunity very often.

St udy i ng abroad g ives you a new perspec t ive and allows you to learn Courtesy of Pauline Her more than in a normal Sophomore Pauline Her dances along with her hosts in Guanajuato, Mexico. classroom.”

First Day of School Issue

In college, Sankar will have fewer opportunities to compete and will have to shift her focus to other math topics. However, she is grateful for competitions like ARML for the sense of community they brought her.

“At school there’s a very small group of people who are in math club, but at math competitions, it’s like the math clubs of everywhere,” she said. “I get to see a lot of friends, meet a lot of new people and meet a lot of friends of friends.”

Shi will continue attending as many competitions as possible in his last year of high school and looks forward to ARML next year. “Math competitions don’t always have to be about math,” he said. “It’s really more of an experience and a friendly place to socialize, hang out and meet a bunch of other people.”

Senior Matthew Shi and Alumna Maya Sankar, members of the San Fransico Bay Area American Regions Math League team, celebrate finishing first in the nation after their competition in Las Vegas.

Samuel Tse This summer, I was able to volunteer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium as part of their Teen Conservation Leaders program (TCL). Working at the aquarium is something I’ve always wanted to do ever since I first visited the aquarium during an elementary school field trip, and this summer, that dream became a reality.

For a half of my shifts as a volunteer, I was on something called “guide shift.” I was paired up with experienced guides every week, who had been volunteering at the aquarium from anywhere between two to 20 years. From them, I was able to pick up new pieces of information here and there. Their guidance really helped me develop my skills as a guide throughout the summer. During these shifts, I would go from exhibit to exhibit, according to my schedule, and I was able to interact with the guests in any way I wanted. I was even able to work at the touch pools, teaching people about the animals as they interacted with marine life, such as sea cucumbers or gumboot chitons for the first time.

On the other half of my shifts, I was a student ambassador. I was able to do all sorts of activities from holding tubes of jellyfish to looking for animals, such as otters, out in the bay. This really allowed me to learn about conservation and sustainability of the ocean, which is the main message the aquarium tries to send to their guests. I found it fun because I felt it had a more focused purpose than guide shift, which was more open-ended, since most of its focus was tied around specific animals or exhibits.

One interaction with a guest that stood out to me this summer was with a seven-year-old girl from Malaysia. I found it really easy to connect with her about how recycling and throwing away trash properly could help preserve marine life, and we ended up talking for 15 minutes about ways she could help save the animals. It really touched my heart when she started saying that she would “toss my rubbish in the rubbish can to save the sea turtles.” It was incredible to see how someone so young could possess so much knowledge and compassion for such an important issue.

While it was fun to just look at the animals in the aquarium such as the adorable penguins and otters, it is important to remember that we have a profound effect on them and their environment. From eating sustainable seafood to our carbon footprint, we can affect the entire ocean ecosystem with our own choices everyday. While things such as recycling and alternative transportation are the norm here in Palo Alto, we have to remember that there are many other communities across the globe who are just now starting to take in those ideas and implement them. A number of guests I talked to throughout the summer had no idea global warming was occurring, much less that they should decrease their consumption of single-use plastics and use reusable bags or water bottles instead.

This was the most exciting summer I’ve ever had.

It took a lot of dedication on my part having to make the multi-hour trip back and forth everyday that I had a shift, but it made it worth it as I got to know more people through carpooling and taking the bus with other students who had the same passion for marine life as I did. These new connections that I made this summer are bonds that I hope will never be broken. Doing things like feeding the otters and going behind the scenes in addition to a kayaking trip and a sleep over at the aquarium were really cool perks in the program, but I will never forget the countless hours I spent with my group (Sunday/ Monday group represent!) and friends, and my time as a guide on the f loor interacting with the many guests that passed through the aquarium from around the world.

—Tse, a senior, is a News Editor.

8

First Day of School Issue

NEW, UP-AND-COMING EATERIES IN PALO ALTO

Lemonade

151 University Ave Palo Alto, CA 94301

This up and coming California healthy restaurant chain opened their doors to downtown Palo Alto this summer. Along with sandwiches, salads and other healthy entrees, Lemonade’s signature items are—you guessed it—gourmet lemonades. Try something new with Guava Limeade, Blueberry Mint or Carrot Ginger lemonade.

Go Fish

Stanford Shopping Center Palo Alto, CA 94304 This restaurant originally opened in San Jose, but is planning on opening in Stanford Shopping Center this fall.

Poké is a raw fish salad native to Hawaii, and diners can customize the bowls with rice, noodles, and a variety of sauces and toppings. The restaurant will also offer handrolls and meat dishes.

Sweetgreen

581 Ramona Street Palo Alto, CA 94301

Looking for a new place to get your health-food-fix? Sweetgreen opened earlier this summer in downtown and is serving up local, organic salads and soups to Palo Altans downtown. They offer a variety of salads, including three that vary by season. Customers also have the option to create their own custom salads.

Zareen’s

365 California Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94306 This restaurant features a diverse menu of both Pakistani and Indian food. Originally located in Mountain View, Zareen’s is taking over the old Pizza Studio space on California Avenue. A great spot for vegetarians and meat lovers alike, Zareen’s will be a wonderful addition to Palo Alto’s foodie community.

CA Mochi

570 N Shoreline Blvd Mountain View, CA 94043 This bakery wants to bring traditional Japanese desserts to California. Mochi of various flavors runs at about $3.50 per piece. While most of their mochis feature classic fillings like red bean, they have more experimental flavors made up of fresh fruits, such as pineapple and green grape. They also serve tea and fresh fruit juices.

Mademoiselle Colette 499 Lytton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301

Known for its upscale authentic French pastries, Mademoiselle Colette has quickly risen to popularity. Based in Menlo Park, the French restaurant is best known for its authentic pastries. Besides the pastries, Mademoiselle Colette also offers a variety of soups and salads. Soon, Mademoiselle Colette will also offer a happy hour with wine paired with charcuterie cheeses, foie gras and cheese gruyere. With its delicious foods, the Mademoiselle Colette location in Menlo Park has accumulated a 4.6 star rating on Yelp and also won the award for best croissant in the South Bay from the San Francisco Magazine. It is open the entire week besides Monday.

—Compiled by Tone Lee and Jenna Marvet Graphics by Elizabeth Zu