The Era of Giba Vol.58 Issue 1

OBSERVER

Fall 2016

a forum of student expression

The Era of Giba...

A beacon of hope in a school lacking guidance

Six ways to help a grieving friend

By Helen Salinas As high school takes its toll for many of us, we experience different emotions throughout the years. Joy when the football team makes a touchdown, anger when plans fail with friends, anxiousness to know if you made it in the play, and even infatuation when that special person says yes to homecoming.

Life has a lot to offer, unfortunately it has its griefs too. On June 24, 2016 Max, Natalie and their future child past away. Many students were distressed due to this tragedy. When a friend is going through grief, it’s our duty to render aid in these situations.

Here are 6 ways to help a grieving friend: Be Empathetic.

Understand them.

Know that the sorrow may last a while. The best thing to do is understand their feelings. Place yourself in their shoes, stop and think for a moment how would you feel if you had to handle the same situation. Don’t pity your friend, help change their attitude by initially learning their sentiments.

Listen.

Listening does not always mean verbal communica-

tion. It is also gestures, movements, attitude, and signs. Take a good look at him or her. Consider the body movements to detail. This can be slumping, lost in thought, unenthusiastic and too quite.

These can all be signs of a simple worry or a despair. Everyone has unique ways of interpreting feelings.

Communicate.

If you see or feel something out of the ordinary in a friend. Let them know that you are there in the good and bad times. That’s what friends are for. Let them know that you are close to them.

Give Advice.

This is especially important and should only be given if you truly understand their pain. Be careful with the words you speak, because it may be misinterpreted. Speak about a similar situation you handled yourself and how you managed it.

This can help them feel less agonized.

Be patient.

People are not always willing to open up to others. Sometimes it’s in our nature to shut down. If this is the case, give them time. Some people may feel anger and vent their frustration in different ways. An example would be exercising, but in extreme cases it may be in an unhealthy manner like raging against others, or worse self-harm. In circumstances like these, it’s

Have you REVAMPED? Get the new yearbook for $75 starting Nov 4th in Room M225

If this is the case, give them time.

Your feline friend may be holding onto a Some people may feel anger and vent their frustration in different ways. dark side Do An example would be exercising, you own but in extreme cases it may be in an cats? Do

By Alyssa Camacho unhealthy manner like raging against you know ic treatment, although there are others, or worse self-harm. In cirsomeone antibiotics if needed. cumstances like these, it’s best to let who could someone know. clown lives matter possibly grow old and be the ‘crazy’ cat March canceled Find Help Although some people lady? Don’t you just love laying in have dissimilar methods of coping bed on a cold winter night cudover threats of with grief, the best way to help a dling your cat sipping on some death friend is to let someone else know. hot cocoa? We all love our feline The organizer We are young adults still learning friends but did you know that Shelly Gutiabout life and we can’t manage those little cute paws can mean life errez, of the everything on our own. A friend or death?

“Clown lives will be there, but a true friend who Cat scratch disease also known as Matter” march knows that their friend in grief cat-scratch fever is caused by fleas canceled the doesn’t want help, will still get it and ticks which may be harboring event due to death threats on for them. It can be anyone from a The bartonella virus. You social media. The march was orteacher you trust, a family member can get bartonella through a bite ganized in response to the clown or even a therapist. As long is all is from an infected cat if you have sightings in recent months. “This for the greater good. Be the good an open wound or if you touch is a peaceful walk to show clowns Samaritan. the white part of your eye. There are not psycho killers. has been no evidence that you can We want the public to feel To wrap it all up: catch it directly from a flea, but if safe and not be afraid.”, a flier for The joy, the sadness, and the grief an infected flea is on a cat, most the event said. On facebook Shelly are all part of life. We may be in likely the cat has the disease. posted, “With numerous death high school, but we have a lot to go Roughly about forty perthreats and harassment it’s sad to through before comprehending what cent of cats carry the disease in say we have canceled what was is in our reach and what is not. Just their lifetime. The more common supposed to be a fun peace walk. remember that no matter how hard symptoms are: swollen lymph We apologize to everyone the situation they’re going through, nodes near the bite or scratch, fawho was excited to go and have a or even yourself, things always get tigue, headaches, a bump or blister better. Sometimes that same manure at the bite or scratch area, and/or a good night of fun.” we seem to be stuck in, is where the low grade fever. The least common most beautiful flowers of opportuni- symptoms are: loss of appetite, ty grow. weight loss, and/or a sore throat.

Through symptoms alone, Contact the ROTC Dept. for it is hard to tell if you are infectFollow us on twitter and booking the Saber Guard for your ed or not, but when examined Facebook next event! the doctors look for an enlarged spleen which indicates you are @IrvinPrintMedia infected or a blood test would be more accurate. There is no specif-

football team had been practicing everyday around the homecoming schedule, shortening the practices but maintaining focus to ensure Outstanding ex: ed stansbury that the Rockets would come out victorious.

By Joseph Sanchez and Helen Salinas Before the game, Ed Stansawarded a trophy Continuing bury gave a quick pep talk that on that Wednesday sent chills throughout the locker Coming afternoon, came the room pumping every player up into the week of lightning IHS. A claswith the passion to go out and September 19, sic celebration done play the game. The Rockets ran Irvin rockets every year for all stuout of the tunnel determined and were expected dents and also where confident because they knew they to dress up for seniors come together could defeat the foxes. the homecoming in the football field The foxes put up a fight theme, circus. as they do the countmarching down field to score From Monday down before lighting gaining the early lead on the rockthrough Thursthe stadium’s letters. ets but soon after senior QB Adam day, each day This year, class of 2017 Knutson, had a breakout run that had a unique did the final countchanged the momentum of the celebration of down and cheered game. costumes for with enthusiasm as The Rockets would then go students to the whole stadium on to make fans happy obtaining dress as. That turned pitch dark and their second district win 28-21. same day, Irvin’s the letters became illuminated.

To make Homecoming week end Homecoming parade was presentThe school smoothly, ed traditionally with each club and spirit roared Saturday night organization participating. Each throughout the dance organization in the event gave the aftertook place candy to the crowd and children noon as the here at Irvin watching. song “Hall in the gym.

After the annual homeof Fame” by The theme was coming parade, the rockets along the Script once again, with its proud alumni gathered played. circus. at the stadium. It was there that Ending the Many the rockets chanted loud in order night, the memorable to see which class had the most students moments were enjoyed here. The spirit. When ex rocket, Edmund commemorated the day by taking students danced and had a great Stansbury gave a speech for all selfies among their friends and time in fellowship. To contribute to remember, he spoke about classmates. to the theme, in the back of the how he overcame adversity in the The following day, Irvin’s gym, students were able to get Northeast to play for UCLA as a football team was getting prepared their fortune told by senior Marcy running back and later on became to go to war against the Jefferson Hernandez. “The fortune teller a football player for the Houston Foxes who were looking to get was a good touch to it all, because Texans. a district win.

The mighty Irvin every circus has one, so why not After his speech he was

Homecoming heard round the Northeast

ours.” Explains Elizabeth Junker who attended the event. Making it more circus friendly, a projector was shown on the wall with different Disney movies adding a special touch to it all.

One can say that this homecoming was one for the books to always be remembered. Homecoming 2016.

was at the forefront when it came to sports, now it’s a struggle to keep the fire alive to even fill up the stands on senior night, or any night for that matter.

Decades past and a horrible PR track record later, Irvin is fighting to recapture its long gone essence with the coming of Mrs. Maryanna Giba. Giba was

The Era of Giba Irvin gets solid school leadership

by Sonia Becerra, john redriguez and lya navarrete

Being built and founded in 1959, one could imagine that Irvin High School would have a tradition filled history. Of course having this type of “Golden Age Thinking” doesn’t translate very well for 21st century students walking the halls today.

Throughout the years both Irvin’s pride and prominence deteriorated, there is no longer a sense of what it means to be a “Rocket” both in spirit and in body. If you go back in time through Irvin’s yearbooks you can tell that Irvin

in retirement at the time now ex principal Laron Sharp was being investigated and off campus for long stretches of time, she would eventually be pulled out of retirement to fill ex assistant principal Jennifer DeGraff ’s position when she left to take a principal position at Canyon Hills Middle School.

Hesitant at first, Irvin’s student body grew on Giba and the decision was easier to make.

“Falling in love with these kids.” said Giba is what drove her to

make her stay permanent and fill the void that was missing in the school. Solidifying her stay at Irvin High she wanted to “make change” in how the school was seen. In the past two months Giba and her brand new administration has been a force to be reckon with when it comes to how the school is being run.

New and old policies and how they are being enforced is something the entire school has not seen in what seems to be a very long time. Giba is re-enforcing new rules that have falling to the wayside like: Students and faculty wearing ID badges at all times, halls are being monitored at all times during Irvin’s new A/B one lunch schedule, students required to have insurance and license to park in school parking otherwise the car is towed amongst others.

Besides the new rules and policies Giba has shown a great deal in expanding the academic and educational offerings that students can opt into. Newtech is expanding and evolving almost daily, and just recently talks have begun to have different academies within Irvin as well. One notable academy would be an AV Media Communication Academy. “[Giba] is the missing puzzle piece” said new assistant principal over at the NewTech Dept. Mohamed Dejebroun.

From PR nightmares that cause Irvin to be on the news showcasing stories like: Students who go on a two state robbing sprees and assistant principals who get injured trying to break up

a fight. This is the era that Irvin can bounce back and be the “Gem of the Northeast.”

since we learned how to speak, we’ve been taught to respond when spoken to; problem is no one teaches us to think before we

op/ed: The difference between listening and understanding

By Alyssa Alvarez Recently I’ve come to notice that many people nowadays listen to respond instead of listening to understand. Once an argument starts it seems like the only valid thing that can keep anyone from looking foolish is a quick clever response.

To sit and think about what to say next only makes the other assume they have won against your opinion or reasoning for believing in what you do.

To understand someone is to listen to what they say, process why they might feel the way they do about a certain topic and consider it while replying with your own thoughts.

The point is it should never be an argument but a reasonable debate.

Many times in arguments, our response become so swift and abrupt that we often tend to regret many things we may have said; and no matter how many different comebacks we come up with afterwards, it doesn’t change how one single argument can change someone’s life.

Yet we still live our lives daily based on a “hear/respond” type method, and why not? Ever

Coffee Apocalypse?

No more PSL’s or Dunkachino’s Fans!

by Ashley Badillo via Vice News

speak until it becomes a problem.

So while in the midst of still learning to thoroughly think about our response, we have to now understand not only our perspective of things, but also comprehend the fact that there is a vast variety of viewpoints and they all have a very complex reason as to why they are the way they are.

Recognizing one’s stance can be the difference between walking away frustrated and feeling like no one “gets you” than walking away feeling like you accomplished in showing others what you’re visioning.

The simple fact is someone can feel a certain way about a topic maybe because they’ve experienced/ witnessed something traumatic in their lives that would impact their feelings about it; but in the moment we become inflamed with a passion to be right rather than to be understood.

What would happen if the coffee plant went extinct? Well many things could happen most likely people would be devastated because 2.4 million livelihoods depend on coffee, that’s only 1 country.

There’s an estimate that in the year 2080 there won’t be anymore.

Perhaps you may ask yourself, how did this happen? Due to rising temperatures, pests and fungi the amount of suitable coffee is expected to have halved. In the year 2050 It could be the knock out half of the area suitable for coffee production.

Dramatic changes are expected as a consequence of everything that’s why there’s many con’s. Predictions have been made of how and why would this happen. One of the reasons is that the coffee production is expected to move away from the equator and up the mountains which would cause deforestation.

Be on the look out for our first podcast coming soon!

production is expected to move away from the equator and up the mountains which would cause deforestation.

Another thing is the heat, but it’s not the only thing doe also the spreading of fungi would be out of control and that would devastate the plants. The harm that was done in the year 2012 was a resulting in 350,000 laborers in the region. This happen because Central American crops were infected with wage of Coffee Leaf Rust.

A spokesperson Mario Cerutti from the coffee producer said, “We have a cloud hovering over our head,” he also said, “It’s dramatically serious. Climate change can have a significant adverse effect in the short term.

It’s no longer about the future; it’s the present.” They’re in panic and want to find a solution to save the coffee plant.

On October 11, 2016, Woodley was arrested at the Dakota Access Pipeline for protesting at the construction area. What is known so far was that Woodley was charged by being part of the riot and trespassing private property. What all remains to the question of the public is whether or not she shows a good role model to younger viewers.

In Shailene’s defense, she alleged that police officials who arrested the actress were saying that because she is well known and over 40,000 people were watching the protest untangle, she was arrested. Everyone else involved in the protest were allowed to leave.

Now going back to her quote, “I hope you’re watching mainstream media,” she wanted the world to see the injustice unravel.

This leaves the public wondering of who she really is and what message is she sending out.

Rich and Famous not exempt from the law

Although it may seem like an ideal opportunity, feeling free and as if everything will be in perfect harmony with the plans placed on the table, but inexperience and innocence will yell from the rooftops to rape predators.

Majority were known as “friends” to several women in college. About 40 to 50% percent of women who are sexually assaulted describe the man as being a friend or someone they knew and later saw at a party and began drinking with them.

Alcohol is involved in 90% of campus date rapes. This often happens because men know a woman can be taken advantage of easier. Another thing used are date rape drugs. Guys who buy women a drink should be attentive and watch the bartender make it, keep it with them at all times and should abandon a drink that looks or taste funny.

Warning signs include a salty taste or a cloudy residue on their drink. Date rape is common among college students, but luckily can be prevented.

Actress Shailene Woodly released from jail The reality of rape culture

By Michelle Garcia “I hope you’re watching mainstream media.” Yelled Shailene Woodley, also known as the Divergent star.

The actress was released from prison in a North Dakota jail after several protesters gathered up with the actress.

Heed for graduating seniors

By Helen Salinas Senior year is here for some of us and we wait anxiously to just finish school and begin an independent life especially for those moving away for college.

Irvin’s own sweetheart visits students Jennifer Han defends title

by Joseph Sanchez

On October 15,2016 “El Paso’s sweet heart” Jennifer Han defended her title at the Don Haskins

Center. It was there that she took a ten round boxing match. Just to present their scores, the crowd on Lilliana Martinez for the IBF as she did her rounds around the was silent. All three judges scored World title that was supposed ring, the crowd stood up, Jennifer in favor of Jennifer Han. The to take place in the prior fight.

Han came strolling out with the crowd was on the edge of their Martinez failed to make it to the look of determination on her face. seats applauding and cheering. scheduled fight in April due to The crowd cheered her on as With the unanimous decision, complications, later being replaced she set foot in the ring to take on Han retained her Featherweight

by Calista Silthe #3 contender world title and gained some fans gado. Han was for her title. along the way in her effort to gain successful at deAs the first round popularity for the sport. fending her belt took off it looked but it was this as if Jennifer Han fight that was knew her oppoon everyone’s nent’s every move. waiting list.

She dodged MartiWhen the nez’s punches and doors opened still managed to the crowd bethrow in some of gan to roll into her own combos. the gym preThroughout the pared to watch fight fans cheered three under“Let’s go Jennifer, card matches let’s go Jennifer, between local male fighters. “The let’s go!” first couple of fights where decent Han was able to maintain focus but not what I was there for, I was and that alone was enough to get there to cheer on our very own her to stay on top of this fight.

Jennifer Han” said Irvin High In any attempt to connect on a School students Jacqueline Rodri- devastating blow, Martinez swung guez . wildly but Han was able to zoom “I guess it is kinda cool how an in and out easily with great footex Irvin student is the only world work ultimately leading her to champion out of El Paso.” beating Martinez after the tenth Lilliana Martinez came out of the round. tunnel into the ring to face off in When it was time for the judges Published six times a year, the student newspaper of Irvin high Observer Staff: alyssa camacho school is a public forum, with its students editorial board making alaina camacho all decisions concerning its contents.

Editor in Chiief : ashely badillo unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board.

Sonia Becerra michelle garcia letters ti the editor are welcomed and will be published as Designer: helen salinas space allows.

Alyssa alvarez lizeth cordero letter must be signed, although the staff may withhold the name on request. the paper reserves the right to edit letters for Staff Writers: grammar and clarity, and all letters are subject to laws governJohn rodriguez print media advisor: ing obscenity, libel, privacy and disruption of the school process, ashely burciaga Isaac j. medina as are all contents of the paper. Opinions in letters are not neccessarily those of the staff, nor should any opinion expressed in a alize youngblood public forum be construed as the opinion or policy of the adminislya navarrete tration, unless so attributed

Six ways to help a grieving friend

By Helen Salinas

As high school takes its toll for many of us, we experience different emotions throughout the years. Joy when the football team makes a touchdown, anger when plans fail with friends, anxiousness to know if you made it in the play, and even infatuation when that special person says yes to homecoming.

Life has a lot to offer, unfortunately it has its griefs too. On June 24, 2016 Max, Natalie and their future child past away. Many students were distressed due to this tragedy. When a friend is going through grief, it’s our duty to render aid in these situations.

Here are 6 ways to help a grieving friend: Be Empathetic.

Understand them.

Know that the sorrow may last a while. The best thing to do is understand their feelings. Place yourself in their shoes, stop and think for a moment how would you feel if you had to handle the same situation. Don’t pity your friend, help change their attitude by initially learning their sentiments.

Listen.

Listening does not always mean verbal communica-

tion. It is also gestures, movements, attitude, and signs. Take a good look at him or her. Consider the body movements to detail. This can be slumping, lost in thought, unenthusiastic and too quite.

These can all be signs of a simple worry or a despair. Everyone has unique ways of interpreting feelings.

Communicate.

If you see or feel something out of the ordinary in a friend. Let them know that you are there in the good and bad times. That’s what friends are for. Let them know that you are close to them.

Give Advice.

This is especially important and should only be given if you truly understand their pain. Be careful with the words you speak, because it may be misinterpreted. Speak about a similar situation you handled yourself and how you managed it.

This can help them feel less agonized.

Be patient.

People are not always willing to open up to others. Sometimes it’s in our nature to shut down. If this is the case, give them time. Some people may feel anger and vent their frustration in different ways. An example would be exercising, but in extreme cases it may be in an unhealthy manner like raging against others, or worse self-harm. In circumstances like these, it’s

Have you REVAMPED? Get the new yearbook for $75 starting Nov 4th in Room M225

If this is the case, give them time.

Your feline friend may be holding onto a Some people may feel anger and vent their frustration in different ways. dark side Do An example would be exercising, you own but in extreme cases it may be in an cats? Do

By Alyssa Camacho unhealthy manner like raging against you know ic treatment, although there are others, or worse self-harm. In cirsomeone antibiotics if needed. cumstances like these, it’s best to let who could someone know. clown lives matter possibly grow old and be the ‘crazy’ cat March canceled Find Help Although some people lady? Don’t you just love laying in have dissimilar methods of coping bed on a cold winter night cudover threats of with grief, the best way to help a dling your cat sipping on some death friend is to let someone else know. hot cocoa? We all love our feline The organizer We are young adults still learning friends but did you know that Shelly Gutiabout life and we can’t manage those little cute paws can mean life errez, of the everything on our own. A friend or death?

“Clown lives will be there, but a true friend who Cat scratch disease also known as Matter” march knows that their friend in grief cat-scratch fever is caused by fleas canceled the doesn’t want help, will still get it and ticks which may be harboring event due to death threats on for them. It can be anyone from a

The bartonella virus. You social media. The march was orteacher you trust, a family member can get bartonella through a bite ganized in response to the clown or even a therapist. As long is all is from an infected cat if you have sightings in recent months. “This for the greater good. Be the good an open wound or if you touch is a peaceful walk to show clowns Samaritan. the white part of your eye. There are not psycho killers. has been no evidence that you can

We want the public to feel To wrap it all up: catch it directly from a flea, but if safe and not be afraid.”, a flier for The joy, the sadness, and the grief an infected flea is on a cat, most the event said. On facebook Shelly are all part of life. We may be in likely the cat has the disease. posted, “With numerous death high school, but we have a lot to go Roughly about forty perthreats and harassment it’s sad to through before comprehending what cent of cats carry the disease in say we have canceled what was is in our reach and what is not. Just their lifetime. The more common supposed to be a fun peace walk. remember that no matter how hard symptoms are: swollen lymph

We apologize to everyone the situation they’re going through, nodes near the bite or scratch, fawho was excited to go and have a or even yourself, things always get tigue, headaches, a bump or blister better. Sometimes that same manure at the bite or scratch area, and/or a good night of fun.” we seem to be stuck in, is where the low grade fever. The least common most beautiful flowers of opportuni- symptoms are: loss of appetite, ty grow. weight loss, and/or a sore throat.

Through symptoms alone, Contact the ROTC Dept. for it is hard to tell if you are infectFollow us on twitter and booking the Saber Guard for your ed or not, but when examined Facebook next event! the doctors look for an enlarged spleen which indicates you are @IrvinPrintMedia infected or a blood test would be more accurate. There is no specif-

football team had been practicing everyday around the homecoming schedule, shortening the practices but maintaining focus to ensure Outstanding ex: ed stansbury that the Rockets would come out victorious.

By Joseph Sanchez and Helen Salinas

Before the game, Ed Stansawarded a trophy Continuing bury gave a quick pep talk that on that Wednesday sent chills throughout the locker

Coming afternoon, came the room pumping every player up into the week of lightning IHS. A claswith the passion to go out and September 19, sic celebration done play the game. The Rockets ran Irvin rockets every year for all stuout of the tunnel determined and were expected dents and also where confident because they knew they to dress up for seniors come together could defeat the foxes. the homecoming in the football field

The foxes put up a fight theme, circus. as they do the countmarching down field to score From Monday down before lighting gaining the early lead on the rockthrough Thursthe stadium’s letters. ets but soon after senior QB Adam day, each day This year, class of 2017 Knutson, had a breakout run that had a unique did the final countchanged the momentum of the celebration of down and cheered game. costumes for with enthusiasm as

The Rockets would then go students to the whole stadium on to make fans happy obtaining dress as. That turned pitch dark and their second district win 28-21. same day, Irvin’s the letters became illuminated.

To make Homecoming week end Homecoming parade was presentThe school smoothly, ed traditionally with each club and spirit roared Saturday night organization participating. Each throughout the dance organization in the event gave the aftertook place candy to the crowd and children noon as the here at Irvin watching. song “Hall in the gym.

After the annual homeof Fame” by The theme was coming parade, the rockets along the Script once again, with its proud alumni gathered played. circus. at the stadium. It was there that Ending the Many the rockets chanted loud in order night, the memorable to see which class had the most students moments were enjoyed here. The spirit. When ex rocket, Edmund commemorated the day by taking students danced and had a great Stansbury gave a speech for all selfies among their friends and time in fellowship. To contribute to remember, he spoke about classmates. to the theme, in the back of the how he overcame adversity in the

The following day, Irvin’s gym, students were able to get Northeast to play for UCLA as a football team was getting prepared their fortune told by senior Marcy running back and later on became to go to war against the Jefferson Hernandez. “The fortune teller a football player for the Houston Foxes who were looking to get was a good touch to it all, because Texans. a district win.

The mighty Irvin every circus has one, so why not

After his speech he was

Homecoming heard round the Northeast

ours.” Explains Elizabeth Junker who attended the event. Making it more circus friendly, a projector was shown on the wall with different Disney movies adding a special touch to it all.

One can say that this homecoming was one for the books to always be remembered. Homecoming 2016.

was at the forefront when it came to sports, now it’s a struggle to keep the fire alive to even fill up the stands on senior night, or any night for that matter.

Decades past and a horrible PR track record later, Irvin is fighting to recapture its long gone essence with the coming of Mrs. Maryanna Giba. Giba was

The Era of Giba Irvin gets solid school leadership

by Sonia Becerra, john redriguez and lya navarrete

Being built and founded in 1959, one could imagine that Irvin High School would have a tradition filled history. Of course having this type of “Golden Age Thinking” doesn’t translate very well for 21st century students walking the halls today.

Throughout the years both Irvin’s pride and prominence deteriorated, there is no longer a sense of what it means to be a “Rocket” both in spirit and in body. If you go back in time through Irvin’s yearbooks you can tell that Irvin

in retirement at the time now ex principal Laron Sharp was being investigated and off campus for long stretches of time, she would eventually be pulled out of retirement to fill ex assistant principal Jennifer DeGraff ’s position when she left to take a principal position at Canyon Hills Middle School.

Hesitant at first, Irvin’s student body grew on Giba and the decision was easier to make.

“Falling in love with these kids.” said Giba is what drove her to

make her stay permanent and fill the void that was missing in the school. Solidifying her stay at Irvin High she wanted to “make change” in how the school was seen. In the past two months Giba and her brand new administration has been a force to be reckon with when it comes to how the school is being run.

New and old policies and how they are being enforced is something the entire school has not seen in what seems to be a very long time. Giba is re-enforcing new rules that have falling to the wayside like: Students and faculty wearing ID badges at all times, halls are being monitored at all times during Irvin’s new A/B one lunch schedule, students required to have insurance and license to park in school parking otherwise the car is towed amongst others.

Besides the new rules and policies Giba has shown a great deal in expanding the academic and educational offerings that students can opt into. Newtech is expanding and evolving almost daily, and just recently talks have begun to have different academies within Irvin as well. One notable academy would be an AV Media Communication Academy. “[Giba] is the missing puzzle piece” said new assistant principal over at the NewTech Dept. Mohamed Dejebroun.

From PR nightmares that cause Irvin to be on the news showcasing stories like: Students who go on a two state robbing sprees and assistant principals who get injured trying to break up

a fight. This is the era that Irvin can bounce back and be the “Gem of the Northeast.”

since we learned how to speak, we’ve been taught to respond when spoken to; problem is no one teaches us to think before we

op/ed: The difference between listening and understanding

By Alyssa Alvarez Recently I’ve come to notice that many people nowadays listen to respond instead of listening to understand. Once an argument starts it seems like the only valid thing that can keep anyone from looking foolish is a quick clever response.

To sit and think about what to say next only makes the other assume they have won against your opinion or reasoning for believing in what you do.

To understand someone is to listen to what they say, process why they might feel the way they do about a certain topic and consider it while replying with your own thoughts.

The point is it should never be an argument but a reasonable debate.

Many times in arguments, our response become so swift and abrupt that we often tend to regret many things we may have said; and no matter how many different comebacks we come up with afterwards, it doesn’t change how one single argument can change someone’s life.

Yet we still live our lives daily based on a “hear/respond” type method, and why not? Ever

Coffee Apocalypse?

No more PSL’s or Dunkachino’s Fans!

by Ashley Badillo via Vice News

speak until it becomes a problem.

So while in the midst of still learning to thoroughly think about our response, we have to now understand not only our perspective of things, but also comprehend the fact that there is a vast variety of viewpoints and they all have a very complex reason as to why they are the way they are.

Recognizing one’s stance can be the difference between walking away frustrated and feeling like no one “gets you” than walking away feeling like you accomplished in showing others what you’re visioning.

The simple fact is someone can feel a certain way about a topic maybe because they’ve experienced/ witnessed something traumatic in their lives that would impact their feelings about it; but in the moment we become inflamed with a passion to be right rather than to be understood.

What would happen if the coffee plant went extinct? Well many things could happen most likely people would be devastated because 2.4 million livelihoods depend on coffee, that’s only 1 country.

There’s an estimate that in the year 2080 there won’t be anymore.

Perhaps you may ask yourself, how did this happen? Due to rising temperatures, pests and fungi the amount of suitable coffee is expected to have halved. In the year 2050 It could be the knock out half of the area suitable for coffee production.

Dramatic changes are expected as a consequence of everything that’s why there’s many con’s. Predictions have been made of how and why would this happen. One of the reasons is that the coffee production is expected to move away from the equator and up the mountains which would cause deforestation.

Be on the look out for our first podcast coming soon!

production is expected to move away from the equator and up the mountains which would cause deforestation.

Another thing is the heat, but it’s not the only thing doe also the spreading of fungi would be out of control and that would devastate the plants. The harm that was done in the year 2012 was a resulting in 350,000 laborers in the region. This happen because Central American crops were infected with wage of Coffee Leaf Rust.

A spokesperson Mario Cerutti from the coffee producer said, “We have a cloud hovering over our head,” he also said, “It’s dramatically serious. Climate change can have a significant adverse effect in the short term.

It’s no longer about the future; it’s the present.” They’re in panic and want to find a solution to save the coffee plant.

On October 11, 2016, Woodley was arrested at the Dakota Access Pipeline for protesting at the construction area. What is known so far was that Woodley was charged by being part of the riot and trespassing private property. What all remains to the question of the public is whether or not she shows a good role model to younger viewers.

In Shailene’s defense, she alleged that police officials who arrested the actress were saying that because she is well known and over 40,000 people were watching the protest untangle, she was arrested. Everyone else involved in the protest were allowed to leave.

Now going back to her quote, “I hope you’re watching mainstream media,” she wanted the world to see the injustice unravel.

This leaves the public wondering of who she really is and what message is she sending out.

Rich and Famous not exempt from the law

Although it may seem like an ideal opportunity, feeling free and as if everything will be in perfect harmony with the plans placed on the table, but inexperience and innocence will yell from the rooftops to rape predators.

Majority were known as “friends” to several women in college. About 40 to 50% percent of women who are sexually assaulted describe the man as being a friend or someone they knew and later saw at a party and began drinking with them.

Alcohol is involved in 90% of campus date rapes. This often happens because men know a woman can be taken advantage of easier. Another thing used are date rape drugs. Guys who buy women a drink should be attentive and watch the bartender make it, keep it with them at all times and should abandon a drink that looks or taste funny.

Warning signs include a salty taste or a cloudy residue on their drink. Date rape is common among college students, but luckily can be prevented.

Actress Shailene Woodly released from jail The reality of rape culture

By Michelle Garcia “I hope you’re watching mainstream media.” Yelled Shailene Woodley, also known as the Divergent star.

The actress was released from prison in a North Dakota jail after several protesters gathered up with the actress.

Heed for graduating seniors

By Helen Salinas Senior year is here for some of us and we wait anxiously to just finish school and begin an independent life especially for those moving away for college.

Irvin’s own sweetheart visits students Jennifer Han defends title

by Joseph Sanchez

On October 15,2016 “El Paso’s sweet heart” Jennifer Han defended her title at the Don Haskins

Center. It was there that she took a ten round boxing match. Just to present their scores, the crowd on Lilliana Martinez for the IBF as she did her rounds around the was silent. All three judges scored World title that was supposed ring, the crowd stood up, Jennifer in favor of Jennifer Han. The to take place in the prior fight.

Han came strolling out with the crowd was on the edge of their Martinez failed to make it to the look of determination on her face. seats applauding and cheering. scheduled fight in April due to The crowd cheered her on as With the unanimous decision, complications, later being replaced she set foot in the ring to take on Han retained her Featherweight

by Calista Silthe #3 contender world title and gained some fans gado. Han was for her title. along the way in her effort to gain successful at deAs the first round popularity for the sport. fending her belt took off it looked but it was this as if Jennifer Han fight that was knew her oppoon everyone’s nent’s every move. waiting list.

She dodged MartiWhen the nez’s punches and doors opened still managed to the crowd bethrow in some of gan to roll into her own combos. the gym preThroughout the pared to watch fight fans cheered three under“Let’s go Jennifer, card matches let’s go Jennifer, between local male fighters. “The let’s go!” first couple of fights where decent Han was able to maintain focus but not what I was there for, I was and that alone was enough to get there to cheer on our very own her to stay on top of this fight.

Jennifer Han” said Irvin High In any attempt to connect on a School students Jacqueline Rodri- devastating blow, Martinez swung guez . wildly but Han was able to zoom “I guess it is kinda cool how an in and out easily with great footex Irvin student is the only world work ultimately leading her to champion out of El Paso.” beating Martinez after the tenth Lilliana Martinez came out of the round. tunnel into the ring to face off in When it was time for the judges Published six times a year, the student newspaper of Irvin high Observer Staff: alyssa camacho school is a public forum, with its students editorial board making alaina camacho all decisions concerning its contents.

Editor in Chiief : ashely badillo unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board.

Sonia Becerra michelle garcia letters ti the editor are welcomed and will be published as Designer: helen salinas space allows.

Alyssa alvarez lizeth cordero letter must be signed, although the staff may withhold the name on request. the paper reserves the right to edit letters for Staff Writers: grammar and clarity, and all letters are subject to laws governJohn rodriguez print media advisor: ing obscenity, libel, privacy and disruption of the school process, ashely burciaga Isaac j. medina as are all contents of the paper. Opinions in letters are not neccessarily those of the staff, nor should any opinion expressed in a alize youngblood public forum be construed as the opinion or policy of the adminislya navarrete tration, unless so attributed