August 2021 · Freshman Issue

LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL'S STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1994 lqhawkview.com · @hawkviewlq

WELCOME

HOME,

CLASS OF 2025!

A special back-toschool project produced by the 2020-2021 Hawkview staff.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MOC.WEIVKWAHQL

1 A Hawkview Hello 2 Bell Schedule 3 Getting Around La Quinta High's Campus 4 What to Bring on the First Day of School 5 Back-to-School Expenses 6 A Student Guide to the Library Media Center 7 Meet Your Teachers 8 Tech Tips: Email Etiquette 9-10 Upperclassmen Advice 11 Blackhawk Bucket List

Photos by Jacquelyn Castillo, Leonardo Flores, and Christian Romero

A HAWKVIEW

HELLO

Hello, Class of 2025! Welcome to La Quinta High School.

We are Miranda Muir and Layla Freiberg, your Hawkview co-editors-in-chief for the 2021-2022 school year. The Hawkview is La Quinta High’s studentrun newspaper dedicated to amplifying local voices and stories.

Our goal this year, and moving forward, is to diversify our newsroom and coverage of events, without shying away from difficult topics on the national or local level. The world is diverse, unique and full of nuance: we want our publication to reflect that. We believe there is no better way to do this than tackling it head on with transparency and authenticity to you, our readers.

Many agree there is no one way to create or consume media, and as students who feel the same, we plan on expanding the way we cover stories. Whether it be column-style writing, photos, videos or even vinyl banners like our ongoing Humans of LQHS project, we want to make it happen–all to increase our presence in the things happening around you! You are the center of what we do. Your involvement as a guest writer, being interviewed for stories, or inviting us to events is always welcomed and encouraged.

That’s all for now, we’ll be seeing you all very soon, and we can’t wait for the amazing things to come. www.lqhawkview.com · @hawkviewlq · lqhs.journalism@myds.us

LQHS' 2021-2022 Bell Schedule

Getting Around La Quinta High School's Campus LQHS is a large school and it can be very easy to get lost or confused (but don't be afraid to ask a student or staff member). As students step onto the campus for their first time, here are some locations to keep in mind.

Where do P.E classes usually meet?

P.E. classes typically meet on designated numbers provided by the teachers. These numbers are located in front of the swimming pool, outside the southeast corner of the girls’ locker room, and also the basketball courts. Be sure to clarify with your P.E. teacher to know where you need to go!

What classes are upstairs?

The Medical Health Academy classes are upstairs in the 1100 building. Science classes and labs are upstairs in the 1200 building, while the special education classes are located upstairs in the 1300 building.

Where are the restrooms?

Student restrooms are located in the 500 wing. There are also restrooms located by the north end of the boys’ and girls’ locker rooms, the east and west ends of the 1200 buildings (both upstairs and downstairs), and also the east end of the 1300 building (upstairs and downstairs).

How can I enter the high school?

There are gates located near the Dune Palms parking lot, the attendance office, and also the tennis courts. If you arrive late, visit the windows in the attendance office for your late pass and then enter the school through the main doors (past the flag pole).

Where are the counselors located?

The counseling office is part of the administration building (Building 100) on the west end, near the student lunch area and cafeteria.

Where is the ASB office located?

The ASB office is part of the gym complex (Building 1000), and is directly west of the student lunch area (cafeteria).

by hannah tovar and hector partida Photos by Leonardo Flores and christian romero

REMINDERS

NOW

What should I bring on the first day of school?

To say that the first day of high school is nerve-wracking is quite an understatement. It's natural to worry about what the transition from middle to high school will look like—which causes students to overthink about what to bring on the first day of school. You're not alone!

The most important thing to bring to school with you is a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. “[Be] ready to learn, ready to do, and ready to smile,” said Erica Rosser, who has taught photography at La Quinta High for eight years and has taught her fair share of freshmen.

While different departments require different materials, the most basic essentials you should carry with you on the first few days of school are as follows: your school ID (this one may seem obvious, but lanyards are easy to forget) a charged Chromebook (and its corresponding charger; label it with your name if you can) at least one notebook or college-ruled lined paper a writing utensil, preferably a pencil or two a reusable water bottle (after all, it's still summer); snacks/ lunch and, of course, a positive attitude!

English teacher Rosemarie Cheseborough, also known as “the freshman whisperer,” suggests bringing a planner to keep track of your deadlines.

Syllabuses are a tool that will help you prepare for your classes, and will sometimes list the required materials for each individual class. Each of your teachers will create their own syllabus, which include their class rules and expectations, contact information, and much more.

Many freshmen teachers said that they include required supplies on their syllabuses, while others said they distribute their syllabuses within the first month of school. Some hand out the syllabus on the first day, while others upload it to Google Classroom or their Google Site. Simply put, expect to receive a course syllabus at some point early in the school year.

Always remember that teachers and their resources exist to help you, not hurt you. High school goes by faster than you think, don’t waste time being scared or unready. You’ll do great!

By Layla Freiberg

back-to-school expenses This is your go-to guide for any and all expenses that a freshman may encounter here at school.

Please note that due to current COVID-19 circumstances, some events and costs listed below are subject to change.

First things first, if you ever have questions about school expenses throughout the year, the ASB Office should be your first stop.

The holy grail of purchases on campus is the coveted ASB card. At $30, the card gets you discounted school dance tickets and the yearbook, as well as free admission to regular season sports competitions on campus. Without it, some sports games cost a little more, yearbooks may range from about $85 to $100, and school dances can go upwards of $60.

For those of you enrolled in P.E. this year, you are going to need your uniform to work out and earn class participation.

A set of La Quinta High P.E. clothes are available at Yellow Mart in Indio for $20. Depending on the teacher you have, you may be able to wear any official La Quinta High School shirt. It doesn't hurt to ask! (The cheer team sells many options for $25 at most school events.)

ASB Office Staff ASB Director: Josh Griswold joshua.griswold2@desertsands.us ASB Accounting Technician: Corina Ortiz michele.ortiz@desertsands.us ASB Office Specialist: Samantha Hirsch samantha.hirsch@desertsands.us

Used locks for your locker are also available for purchase from Coach Brian Ansley, one of the P.E. teachers, for $6.

If you expect to make the honor roll this school year, you may be able to attend the annual honor roll field trip. Normally held at Knott’s Berry Farm, the cost has been known to be $85, but is subject to change.

Last but not least, if you tend to be the forgetful type, you may soon be in the market for an ID replacement.

Since your school ID is required to be worn on campus, it’s important you always have it on you. Replacements can be purchased in the ASB Office.

Despite how daunting this list may seem, most costs on campus are not mandatory or needed to have a successful or fun freshman year.

BY Miranda Muir Photos by Leonardo flores and christian romero

A Student Guide to the Library Media Center The school’s library media center is an essential resource for every Blackhawk.

In there, you can find a myriad of helpful resources to assist with assignments, or to use just for fun. Here’s a guide to inform you about all of them!

BOOKS : The media center has many fiction

CHROMEBOOK HELP :

and nonfiction books for you to check

The media center is where you can

out. For those not satisfied with the

check-out and charge your

collection, all DSUSD students also

Chromebook. If you’re ever having

have access to the Sora app, which is

Chromebook issues, the library is

an online library you can log in to

where you can go to get them

with your school Google login:

fixed or replaced.

firstname.lastname + student ID

PRINTING: The media center has free printing for all

GAMES:

students—a lifesaver if

Chess boards and puzzles

you don’t have one at

can be borrowed by

home or if you can’t print in class!

STUDY AREAS:

students to be used in the library just for fun!

The library provides a quiet area for students to study, with charging stations for laptops and other devices.

There’s even a study room for groups that need to talk but still need a quiet place to collaborate.

Questions about services provided by the library media center may be directed to the librarian, Steve Zinner at steven.zinner@desertsands.us

By avery webb

MEET YOUR TEACHERS Your relationship with your teachers can potentially affect your motivation to learn. It’s important to build a healthy and respectful relationship with your teacher from the first day of school through the last.

It can be as easy as asking questions about what you’re learning to asking about how their weekend was to create a more comfortable environment for you to learn.

To the students who are shy, do not worry: there’s nothing more teachers love than when students ask for help.

Teacher Tip: Marcie Borchard, math teacher and softball coach, advises students to always write down questions on a piece of paper and give to the teacher after class. This way, you’re able to still interact with your teacher without having the fear of asking in front of the class.

Teachers are known to create assignments that help students express who they are.

They love when students take their time to get to know them while they also get to know their students. This will benefit you in having a more comfortable atmosphere with your teacher as you both get a better sense of one another.

“It’s good for students to reach out if they’re involved in things,” Borchard said. “Let your teachers know if you’re in an academy or sports. This way, teachers have a better idea of what you're involved with, too.”

It’s natural for students to feel overwhelmed by a teacher or a class if assignments are difficult to understand.

This can all be solved by one solution, but it’s up to you to make the first step.

Teacher Tip:

“Stay two minutes after class, or come in two minutes early.

Claim those moments as your own to ask for what you need.

Just be bold about it. Help your teachers help you. They want to help,” said Laura Bickford, who teaches IB English. “We thrive on helping; just ask!”

Teachers are humans just like you—they have passions and stories they want to share.

You never know what you have in common.

Be open with them, as they are there to help you grow as a person.

by lexi noguera

Back to Basics

EMAIL ETiQUETTE

The behavioral norms we should use when writing or answering email messages so that we can communicate effectively with our teachers!

do not demand anything from anyone.

Always ask for what you want in the form of a question.

Do not send a lengthy email.

Do get to the point succinctly and quickly. And proofread!

For more tech tips, go to LQ Tech Talks at: https://sites.google.com/desertsands.us/lqtechtalks/home

ADVICE FROM THE UPPERCLASSMEN AVOID TRAFFIC Arrive early to school; this does not have to be a huge change in your schedule— just be 5-10 minutes earlier than normal (the first few days of school though can be hectic, though).

When walking to class, scan your surroundings! Don't look down. Keep that head up!

Stay away from the middle of the hallways; you will get run over by a stampede of students!

Walk through the back hallways (also known as the fire lane) for less students and more space.

GET INVOLVED The experience you gain stays with you—not just on paper, but also helps to define your character It's extremely fun! Getting involved with a club, sport, or other extracurriculars helps to get out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and learn about new things that you probably wouldn't have experienced otherwise.

TRIED-AND-TRUE Studying and taking notes really does help! Review those notes!

Manage your time wisely.

Consider the workload that honors, AP, and IB classes may have. Make decisions that get you excited to learn!

Don't procrastinate.

Pay attention: you are learning tools that are necessary to understanding the world.

Well-earned tips and tricks on surviving and thriving high school

ASK YOUR TEACHERS QUESTIONS A lot of teachers are very interactive with their students; however, students need to take the initiative and communicate with them in return!

Raise your hand. Your peers might have the same question.

Asking for help is important; it clarifies a lot of concerns.

FIND WAYS TO DESTRESS Naps are essential; schedule one after school to give your brain some time to relax and process the day.

LEAVE THE CHROMEBOOK ALONE! Give yourself at least 20 to 30 minutes without a screen when you get home.

Find a space that provides some peace and quiet; the library is a good start!

TIME FLIES Enjoy your time; believe it or not, these next four years of high school will go by quickly. Make sure you leave with no regrets!

Expand your horizons by being open to new ideas and experiences.

Build relationships with your classmates and all staff/ faculty members—not just your teachers!

Be curious, not judgmental.

BY ZOEY BATRES

UPPERCLASSMEN REVEAL: What was one thing you were scared of before entering high school that ended up not being scary at all?

Joseph Murrell '22 Finding my way around the school campus. The school looked so big at freshman orientation.

Angelique Duran '22 I was scared of having no friends in my classes.

There were some classes where I didn't know anyone, but I usually ended up making friends.

Alexia Arroyo '22 I was scared about moving to a bigger school where there would be a lot of kids that I didn't know. However, now as a junior, I've made a lot more friends and amazing memories.

Tanner Gayler '21 I was scared of the difficulty of classes and that teachers were going to be more strict and less approachable. Throughout my time at LQHS, I had amazing teachers who were extremely helpful and rather merciful. Though there were some challenging classes, those teachers helped me understand what was necessary in order to succeed.

Interviews have been edited for clarity and brevity.

BY MELISSA CAMARENA

BLACKHAWK BUCKET LIST Join at least one club or sport on campus.

Attend at least one sports game and a flag game.

Participate in as many spirit weeks as you can.

Go to at least one school dance.

Make a new friend! Or two! Be kind.

Interact with people outside of your grade level.

Strive to make honor roll.

Read the school newspaper, the Hawkview. That's a given!

Support school extracurriculars, such as attending the Car Show, Blackhawk Showdowns, plays, band performances, and more!

Volunteer or support nonprofit organizations through school clubs and/or fundraisers.

BY ANNABELLE Navarrette

WWW LQHAWKVIEW COM .

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Good luck this school year, Class of 2025!

If you have any questions, feel free to email our school newspaper staff at lqhs.journalism@myds.us Go Blackhawks!