carlmont

INSIDE

Football Field or Frying Pan? What’s Going On at C-Mont?

What if Swine Flu Strikes?

Full Color Sports Photos

The Highlander

Carlmont High School Student Newspaper

Volume 1, Issue 1 - September/October 2009

Tough Practices and Blisters Lead to Varsity Coach Resignation

Photo by Nicci Betteo

Is Carlmont Prepared Against Possible Threats?

Abbot Middle School. No one was killed or injured during the incident.

In light of the recent bomb inAfter hearing a loud noise, a cident at Hillsdale High School, teacher went to see what was Carlmont students may won- going on. She immediately went der whether or not they are back to her classroom and locked safe here and how Carlmont the door. In 2007, Hillsdale had would handle such a situation. invested in “Columbine Locks” When students at Hillsdale - doors that lock from the inside.

High School woke up on the Currently, Carlmont classroom morning of August 24th, they doors lock from the outside but never expected to be evacuated the Carlmont administration from their classes just a few is looking into investing in the hours later. Shortly after 8 A.M., Columbine Locks. However, the the suspect, Alex Youshock, ar- cost is something to take into acrived at the school allegedly count. possessing ten homemade pipe To install these interior locks, bombs, a chainsaw and a sword. Hillsdale spent an estimated He was only able to set off two $100,000 - about $200 per door. of the ten pipe bombs before beAccording to Ms. Gordon, Ading wrestled to the ground by ministrative Vice Principal and staff members. head of emergency plans, “If Minutes later, the police ar- our school were to have a situarived at the school and Yoush- tion such as the one at Hillsdale, ock, a 17 year-old former Hill- the response would be very simsdale High School student, was ilar.” arrested. The entire school was Our school would go into escorted off campus to near-by lock-down, the police would be quickly notified and everyone would be escorted to a safe place. Just as the students at Hillsdale were escorted to the nearby middle school Abbott, our students would be escorted to Tierra Linda middle school across the street.

“After the Hillsdale incident, I sent out an e-mail providing a refresher of all the emergency plans” said Ms. Gordon. This reminder included a sheet of what An orange vest and an ID - is the staff should do in different this enough to make use safe? emergency situations such as earthquakes, bomb threats, proPhoto by Christina Belasco

By Jenna Chambers Staff Writer

continued on page 7...

By Christina Belasco, Staff those blisters. Once he realWriter ized what was happening to our hands he made us stop.”

Mr. Dylan Shelley made the The blisters were about 2-3 difficult decision to step down inches in diameter on the palms from his position as varsity of the players’ hands and the football coach amid questions marks were still visible weeks surrounding the players’ blis- after the punishment. tered hands and other incidents.

Although coaches stopped the The culminating incident was a punishment as soon as the indrill used as punishment that led juries were known, many feel to severe blistering of several that the players’ well-being is players’ hands. the ultimate responsibility of the According to team captains coach, no matter what happens.

Nick Passanisi and David Mr. Shelley commented on reZepeda-Campos, the punishment signing, “I loved coaching these was a joint decision between guys. They worked really hard them and the assistant coaches and we were about to have a redue to a few players ditching ally good season. I appreciate out on running at the beginning all of their support and I’m just of practice. The combination of heartbroken that I’m not going this intense drill with the scorch- to be a part of this anymore.” ing heat of the turf led to players Though team morale has regetting huge, painful blisters on cently been down he doesn’t their hands. want them to give up. “I want “First we said one ‘Big Three’ them to get behind (new Coach –bear crawl, crabwalk, and back- Corey) Turnbeaugh and have a pedal. Our coach said it wasn’t great season. I don’t want them enough so I said okay three ‘Big to be quitters.”

Threes’ and we did that,” PasOne player who asked not to sinisi explained in the San Jose be identified said, “Shelley was Mercury News who devoted a too rough and took little things lot of press to the incident. way over the top. In Oregon, he “As soon as we knew a kid was grabbed [a player] by his face hurt we stopped.” Mr. Shelley just because he didn’t have his said about the event. chinstrap on.”

When asked about how he and However, many of the players the team felt about the punish- see things from a different perment, linebacker Nick Davidov- spective. ich remarked that “We always “There’s a lot of false rumors complained like normal but we going around. We deserved all knew we did something wrong, the punishments we got. There and we knew we had to get it was nothing he did any footover with one way or another… ball coach wouldn’t do,” said I don’t believe that he (Shelley) Zepeda-Campos. However, that knew that we were going to get does lead to the question: are

coaches pushing their players too hard?

In Kentucky, a football coach went on trial charged with reckless homicide in the death of a 15-year-old who collapsed during practice last August and died three days later.

In recent weeks, at least two teenagers have died as a result of pushing themselves too hard.

On August 25, a 13-year-old Vernon Middle School student (in Texas) died after practicing in triple digit heat.

Also, in Bollingbrook, Illinois, a Curie High football player collapsed during a game on September 4th. Quaashi A. Chandler, 18, a senior, collapsed on the sidelines during the game and died from mucus plugging the airways in the lungs, according to the Will County Coroner’s office.

Corey Turnbeaugh, the former JV football coach was chosen to take Mr. Shelley’s place as varsity coach.

Raul Zamora, principal of Carlmont High School said

continued on page 7...

Photo by Noele Pennington

An unidentified player shows his blistered hands two weeks after the incident.

School’s Out for Summer?

Summer school may no longer be available

By Lexi Friis, Staff Writer Although not everyone goes to summer school, there are people who need it to graduate and who may not have that opportunity anymore.

Due to the recent budget crisis, summer school last year was only available at one high school in the district. Carlmont’s Instructional Vice Principal, Mr. Lynn Bailey says that “as of now our school doesn’t know anything,

neither does the district (for what will happen next year). If the economy keeps going as it’s going, I’m not sure what will happen with summer school.”

One teacher even predicts that summer school will not happen for the next two years.

And this isn’t only a problem for the students- several teachers at Carlmont were supposed to teach at summer school last year, but didn’t end up getting the chance to because of budget

cuts.

So what does this mean for students who need to finish their credits? Nova-net, an online school program might be available next year, but that is not guaranteed. So if a student needs to complete their credits, they will have to take classes at a community college during the summer in order to graduate.

It does not cost anything

continued on page 6...

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Entertainment

Where Art Thou Drama Class?

By Joseline Diaz, Staff Writer Due to the recent construction of Carlmont’s new music department, the drama classes have found themselves temporarily without a permanent home.

Last year, the drama class had been placed in the Student Union, but since the creation of the after school detention center, the Student Union has become unavailable for this year’s drama classes.

For the time being, the classes have been placed in E-17, a classroom in Carlmont’s math hall; definitely not an ideal location for a rowdy class of actors.

Some students may ask, why can’t they use the brand new theater? It’s because

The drama classes have been shuffled so much, students don’t know where they will end up next.

the new music department is currently in construction and the choir students have nowhere else to go. A classroom is unsuitable for the choir classes when they have 30 plus students. The only place large enough for the classes is in the theater.

Unfortunately that leaves the drama classes in a small classroom where it’s harder for the actors to participate in interactive activities. In a classroom full of chairs the art of acting is even more difficult, as acting requires space to move freely.

Danielle Grimsby, a drama student said, “It’s really difficult to act properly when you have to worry about running into desks and such and it kinda defeats the whole image that you as an actor are

Ms. Martin and her Drama I class walk to the softball field to rehearse during sixth period

Photo by Joselyn Diaz

A Very Potter Musical: A Magically Hilarious Event

By Hannah Abney, Staff Writer

Youtube.com has brought us countless humorous videos, and now it presents A Very Potter Musical - a satire of the Harry Potter series created by students of the University of Michigan. The show is a riot and one that Potter fans shouldn’t miss. Written by Matt Lang, Nick Lang and Brian Holden, with music by AJ Holmes and Darren Criss (who also stars as Harry), the show premiered in early 2009.

It includes fun and catchy songs such as “Totally Awesome,” the show’s opening number, as well as “Danger Granger.”

Much like the Tony Award-winning musical on Broadway, Spamalot, the show pokes fun at recent pop culture phenomena, such as Zac Efron and High School Musical.

This type of humor allows for a closer connection between the cast and audience as the audience makes fun of Efron and HSM (with love of course) along with the actors on stage.

The musical satirizes the characters in the Potter series by giving them special quirks. As opposed to the book’s Harry, this Harry actually has a personality. In the play, Harry is said to be a twelve year-old kid who plays guitar to defeat dragons as opposed to the traditional wand method, and he also relies on Hermione to get his homework done.

Ron is constantly eating which is especially hilarious at the opening of the second act when he enters with a three foot Hershey’s bar after a fight with

Hermione. Draco is constantly rolling on the floor as he attempts to strike a pose and fails, the show’s way of portraying his constant failures in the Potter series.

Of course, there’s Dumbledore, humorously brought to life by Dylan Saunders. Dumbledore is Zac Efron’s biggest fan. He also believes Snape to be the “sexiest man [he has] ever met.”

Snape is an absolute riot, as his suave, sinister persona is transgressed into a lanky walk and talk which will bring audiences to their knees with laughter.

As its villain, the show turns to the villain of the first book, professor Quirrel with Voldemort attached to his head. The two are an “odd couple” and during the year Voldemort spends on Quirrel’s head, develop a sort of friendship that reveals the softer side of Voldemort (who really loves to tap dance).

Now, die-hard Potter fans may read this and instantly want to crumple up this review and promptly send hate mail to starkidpotter, the YouTube user name for A Very Potter Musical’s creators.

However, the show was created by fans for fans, and means no harm.

And if it can make someone like me, who has never read the Harry Potter Books, a fan of the Potter series, then it can’t be all that bad. Even though the show is somewhat long, as it covers twenty-three videos, it’s definitely worth watching. Just one video will have you laughing on the floor and wanting more.

trying to present to your audience.”

Ms. Nancy Martin, the school’s drama teacher, has been working hard to get her students into a proper setting. She’s been meeting with administration to help her find a place for her Ms. Martin teaches her Drama I class in the students, and it seems softball field. her efforts have not gone to waste.

She has managed to relocate her sixth provide. Not only is the Student Union period, Drama I, students into the Student dirty and messy after lunch but kids are Union. The next focus is trying to get wandering in for detention.

But, there is hope for an end to this the advanced drama students into the Student Union full time as well. The only problem. The administration treats all times the Student Union is available is of their art students as professionals on Friday when there is no detention, and and does its best to provide them with a suitable learning environment. They that’s when they’ve been granted use.

The class has been granted access to have therefore been working very hard the theater stage every Wednesday as to find a proper setting for their drama well. Ms. Martin said she is thankful the students; who they have recognized as administration has been doing what they professional actors.

“I’ve been in the drama department my can to help them find space.

Whether the Student Union is a step entire Carlmont career and it really is sad up from a classroom is up to the actors. to see where we’ve ended up. My hope Although Grimsby finds the Student is that all involved in this issue can come Union better, saying that it, “gives us to a compromise that benefits all parties,” room to breathe so we can be productive says Grimsby who is hopeful that there with our work and have space to act at will soon be an end to this problem. If all our full potential,” the Student Union goes well, the drama classes may have a lacks the atmosphere that a stage could proper home by next semester.

Photo by Joselyn Diaz

October 2009

Horoscopes

What’s your destiny?

Libra (September 23 - October 22): Your birthday is coming up soon!

An unexpected visitor will arrive at your doorstep, so look forward to the best one yet.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21): Don’t stress and cram for that big exam.

Take a break and relax, you may know more than you think..

Sagitarious (November 22 - December 21): If you do your best in your 3rd period class an eBehavior “praise” might be coming your way.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19): Unleash the beast and work your hardest in a sport or outside activity. It will definitly pay off.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21):

Your lunch times in October will have you waiting for 4th period to end early every day.

Aquarius (January 20 - Febuary 18): Try your best not to get in an arguement with someone who is itching for one. It may end badly.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22): Set your alarm early. There may be a tardy in the near future.

Pisces (Febuary 19 - March 20): Put on your dancing shoes, the dance is just around the corner and you’re about to have the best time ever.

Leo (July 23 - August 22): Your personality today is a plus for school life. Pick up a book at the Belmont Library and you may find it has a hidden message.

Aries (March 21 - April 19): Check your e-mail at least once this week. An important cyber message may be waiting for you.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20):

Received an unexpected gift lately?

Maybe it’s because you appreciate the people around you.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22): Make sure your I.D. is visible all day.

You never know who is watching...

October 2009

Entertainment

Rockin’ for the Arts Benefit

Dangerous Effects of Energy Drinks: The Unintended Results of a Taste Test

Rock out at this awesome show and help keep the arts program rollin’

By Noele Pennington, Sports Editor

my classes.

As great as energy drinks may seem, The anonymous student who tested they can cause devastating effects on said, “Oh my god, I got heart burn the people who drink them; I can speak during 7th [period] today, and I have only from my own experience. had it one other time in my life.”

Some say that an energy drink can Nowhere on the can or bottle do the give you energy for a game or to help drinks warn of the possible negative stay up later. effects, so it’s like walking around blind Clayton Weatherly, Anne Marie folded when you drink them - you never Palladino, Charles Pennington, myself, know the outcome. and another student (who asked to Weatherly said, “I had no effects, I remain anonymous) tested nine energy was completely fine, but drinks at school, during “I got heart burn after drinking all of them lunch. th during 7 today, I had a stomach ache.”

Each of us had a different and Pennington type of reaction from the and I have only Weatherly both said that they drink drinks, but we all had one had it one other around one or two energy thing in common: we all experienced at least one time in my life.” drinks every two weeks.

Palladino and the other negative effect. student both said that they When we tested the drinks, only have energy drinks when they are all of us had around forty ounces each.

After the drinks were all finished, we all with friends and trying to stay up longer, mainly at sleepovers. had huge stomach aches.

Energy drinks all have their own Pennington said, “Yes, I had a effects and they vary depending on who stomach ache, but I drink them often so drinks them.

I’m a tall, smaller-sized the effects don’t bother me.”

For me, after ten minutes, the caffeine female who had around forty ounces and I was shaking and unable to focus. started to kick in. I was tapping my However when a taller, more muscular fingers, my hands and body were shaking, and I couldn’t even focus in male who drinks them more often has

l l a ed

By Hannah Abney, Staff Writer forty or more ounces, it doesn’t have the same effect.

If you look at the back of any drink, it will usually tell you how much caffeine is in the can. Red Bull has 77 milligrams in every 8 ounces. That’s a lot of caffeine for that little of liquid.

All five of us tested Monster, Amp, Rockstar, Venom, Rockstar Juiced, Full throttle, Nos, Red Bull, and a Target brand to see if they could guess which cup had the right drink in it. Out of all nine drinks, Weatherly’s favorite was Full Throttle and he was able to identify all but one of them in a blind taste test.

Pennington’s favorite was Amp and he had two wrong, Palladino’s favorite was Amp and she also had two wrong. The other student who tested reported her favorite was Rockstar Juiced, and she had three wrong.

Next time, think of the consequences before you drink an energy drink.

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Come one, come all, to Carlmont’s greatest show of fall. On October 22nd and 23rd the Carlmont Arts council will proudly present Rockin’ for the Arts, a benefit for the performing arts program.

Carlmont’s Jazz Band, Out-of-theBlue and In Treble, will be performing, along with a Steely Dan tribute

by Aja Vu and a special appearance

by Caravanserai, the best Santana tribute band in the U.S. To experience a fabulous night of music and support a good cause, come to Carlmont’s Community performing arts center at 7pm the evenings of October 22nd and 23rd. Admission fees are only $25 for adults and $15 for students; not much to ask for a seat to this rockin’ show.

October 2009

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Scot Scoop

New Sheriff in Town

The Freshman Aren’t the Only Unfamiliar Faces This Year

Making a Difference One Step at a Time “My group went down to an elementary school in a neighborhood that had been hit pretty hard [by the storm] to run a program for kids who needed extra help with There are many reasons why people reading,” said Ian. choose to volunteer. Some want to meet What’s important to realize is that benew people, some want to feel better fore the Hurricane hit, these families and about themselves, and still others just children were already struggling to get want to do something useful with their by. The storm took away, in many cases, time. Sure, community service can get the little that these families had. you a few extra credit points or look good “Some of [the kid’s] parents had left to on a college application, but the people go look for places to live or for work,” who really make a difference are often recalled Ian. the ones who go unnoticed.

It’s easy to forget situations like these Ian Schornstein, a junior at Carlmont, is when the media is no longer flashing the an inspiring example of how much of an pictures of pillaged homes all over your impact one person can have on the lives television, but what makes Ian stand out of people in need. is that he chose not to forget. He went out Just this last year, Ian was able to go on of his way to help others and ended up a trip to New Orleans with his church’s making an incredible impact. youth group to help out victims of HurNot only was Ian able to help others ricane Katrina. but the experience touched his own life Although reports about the Hurricane as well. “You hear about what happened have faded from the headlines and the on the news but you don’t actually get to news no longer dwells on the plights of see the damage and the impacted lives.” its victims, the damage done by Hurri- Well, the trip gave Ian the opportunity to cane Katrina still permeates the lives of do just that. those who were affected by the storm.

“The best part was when random people Three years later, many streets are still on the street were thanking us just for empty, homes are still vacant, and entire being there.” Often times we don’t even communities are wiped out. Hundreds realize the impact that we can have on of families are still displaced and sadly the lives of others and on the world.

Ian’s story is admirable and inspiring. those who continue to be the most greatly Not everyone has to travel to another impacted by the damage are the children state to volunteer but everyone can make of New Orleans. a difference. There are hundreds of other students out there who take time out of their lives to volunteer in the community and to serve people who can’t necessarily give anything back. We want to know who you are. If you or anyone you know is going out of their way to make a difference tell us YRU Here by emailing Is one of these people our next profile? How did you make a us at jraisner@seq.org or difference? Email us at jraisner@seq.org to tell your story. stopping by room A14.

By: Savannah Jack Scot Scoop Editor

There’s a strange new face patrolling the halls of Carlmont these days and no one seems to know anything about him except that he is in charge.

In an effort to get to know him better we asked our new principal, Raul Zamora, a few questions.

Raul Zamora grew up in El Paso, Texas with his family and attended Riverside High School. All throughout his high school career, Zamora was extremely involved in campus and school activities.

He was ASB president, a member of the band, and a drum major.

Like many of us, he remembers the stress of high school and “a lot of late nights.” All in all, he recalls high school as an “exciting time” where he learned a lot and made many friends.

High school has its great moments and its more stressful moments as well. Mr. Zamora remembers two of the best moments of his high school years as when his school’s jazz band won top jazz ensemble in the state and when his school’s student council won the state award for student council most active in the school and the community.

Although very proud of his other accomplishments Zamora recalls struggling especially with chemistry saying, “I always had problems with using formulas.” Mr. Zamora credits his success in school to his parents who taught him to always give his best effort.

After graduating from high school, Zamora left home to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas where he studied Music Education and Music Performance on Trumpet. He then transferred to CSU, Chico and graduated with a Bachelors in Music Education and Music Performance on Trumpet. He went on to earn his Masters from the University of Illinois and is currently studying for his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership at the University of La Verne located in southern California.

While continuing his own education, Mr. Zamora has still had more than enough time to make a difference as an

Photo by Anne Marie Palladino

By: Dylan Coyne Editor-in-Chief

administrator despite his busy schedule.

Before becoming principal at Carlmont, Zamora was the principal at Miramonte High School in Orinda.

According to the API index, Miramonte is currently the number one ranked public school district in California for academic performance.

Before his arrival, Miramonte was ranked 11th in the state, but it moved up to eigth by the time he left. When asked how he was able to help the school achieve this impressive record he gave most of the credit to the teachers, students, and parents.

He added that the increased scores are a result of “…teachers focused on meeting the California Standards, doing their best to align their curriculums with [the state’s standards].”

He also mentioned that the parents of the students made helpful financial commitments by donating a lot of money.

Fortunately, Mr. Zamora plans to help Carlmont make the same kind of progress. “There are three areas that we focus on,” he said, “student engagement, teacher and staff collaboration, and new tools and practices.” He also stressed that “it’s important for teachers to work together.”

It is evident that in the last 10 to 15 years Carlmont has already come a long way and made a lot of progress, Zamora plans to focus “not so much on changing the school but on following what’s already in place.”

Above all, Mr. Zamora is excited to “help the students and staff progress” and is “looking forward to a successful

school year”.

“Yes. I feel like it’s a rare chance that something like that would happen at Carlmont” -Mackenzie Stent, ‘11

Yes, because those things only happen every once in a while” -Tori Herfert, ‘13

Talk Back “Yeah, because I know there are security guards and teachers and staff who know how to take care of everybody” -Taylor Sarget, ‘12

Do you feel safe at Carlmont after “Yes, I’m not worried about it. I’m just the recent going to school” -Tyrone Love, ‘10 Hillsdale attack?

Get Your Club On..

Animation Club- Interested in animation? Come to D-26 on Fridays and dive deep into learning about the history and heritage of animation. Explore with Mr. Sheridan.

Art Club- Are you an artistic person and enjoy making art? Advisor Ms. Condos does and will advise you on how to make great artwork! Come draw and color in U-2 on Wednesdays.

Asian American Club- Are you of Asian ethnicity and want to learn more about your culture? Then visit Mr. Fung in A-10 on Thursdays and be united with others of Asian ethnicity.

Black Student Union- Want to share your African-American culture? The club meetings will be held in A-15 at 12:15 on Wednesdays. Develop leadership skills and learn about other cultures. Join Ms. Wade for some fun when associating yourself with Regional and State BSU organizations.

California Scholarship Federation- Have you maintained high grades? If you have and are interested in being recognized at graduation go visit Mr. Long in E-15 every other Tuesday. This club is a community service organization for students with high academic achievements.

Cantonese Club- If you’re a Cantonese American stop by Ms. Chiang in T-10 on Fridays. It’s a fun way to meet all Cantonese American students at Carlmont.

Carlmont Comedy Club- Are you interested in sharing your talent outside of what you can do in class? Are you interested in hat humor and performing in front of an audience? If you are this is the perfect club for you. So join Mr. Waller in E-6 at lunch. Boost Carlmont’s school spirit and bring performers together.

Carlmont Beach Volleyball Club- Do you enjoy playing beach volleyball? Or do you want to learn how to play beach volleyball? Meetings will usually be held on

Scot Scoop

October 2009

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How To: Be You, But Better

Sleep All Night, Play All Day By: Sarah Biklen Scot Scoop Editor The bell rings at eight o’ clock and students shuffle into class while their teacher hastily tries to start the day’s lesson. A few shameless students hustle in tardy and try to sneak into their seats before they receive an e-behavior discipline. Whether tardy or on time these students all have something in common.

Besides the fact that they don’t want to be at school, most of them are half asleep.

Sleep deprivation is a major problem in our country, with nearly forty percent of all Americans being moderately to severely sleep deprived. Insomnia and other sleep disorders mainly develop in the teen years, which is unfortunately the time period in which the body requires the most amount of rest. Teens, in fact, require a generous nine or more hours of sleep a night and on average only receive seven.

I recently asked fifty random Carlmont students if they feel they receive enough sleep during the week and, unfortunately, only ten percent responded yes.

This was no shock - mornings at Carlmont could be compared to a scene from a zombie movie.

Although we are used to being tired and have adapted various ways to deal with our fatigue during the day, we should all aim to get more sleep at night. This may seem a far-fetched goal for some but there are actually a lot of tips for getting more rest that require very little time and energy.

For instance, avoiding energy drinks,

sugary breakfasts’, caffeine, and junk food when you are feeling worn-out in any way will undoubtedly lead you to feel more energetic during the day. This is because all of these substances cause you to crash later on in the day. Try sticking to low-calorie, low-fat foods, and stocking up on fruits, vegetables, and protein.

Another easy strategy that is often overlooked is to limit your exposure to light before going to bed. This is because the production of melatonin, a hormone released by a gland in your brain that causes feelings of sleepiness and lowering of the body’s temperature, is inhibited by light. So be sure to make your room as dark as possible before going to sleep.

And finally, it is critical that you try to minimize stimulating activities such as texting, watching TV, playing video games, or using the computer right before bed. These activities will excite your brain and nervous system and cause you to feel more energetic and alert. Try exchanging your late night TV for a hot bath or another quiet activity. Taylor Phillips ’11 recommends, “warm milk, soft music, and counting your blessings.”

If your current routine isn’t working for you, it may be time to try something new. Replace counting sheep and tossing in bed all night with one of the strategies listed above. Who knows?

Maybe you and the sheep will both end up getting more rest.

..Check Out What You’re Missing

By Dana Bloom

the weekends from two o’clock- four o’clock in E-6. Join Mrs. Mills to play beach volleyball and teach newcomers the techniques, rules, and strategies of beach volleyball.

Carlmont GYA- Do you want to end global warming and educate people who don’t really care? Drop by A-11 once a month to inspire youth to become involved about putting and end to pollution and global warming. Come visit Mr. O’Hara and become green leaders.

Chinese Culture Club- Do you know how to play Chinese chess? Or how to use a Chinese yo-yo? If you are curious how to do these activities come to T-10 on Fridays with Ms. Chaing. Learn about the Chinese culture and play some enjoyable games!

CHIPSA- Who wants to represent their Latin culture? If you do then you should join Ms. Cestone and Mr. Gomez in C-11 on Fridays. Get familiar with the Latin traditions and have some fun!

Christian Club- Want to learn more about God? Support and build other people up in C-13 on Wednesdays with Ms. Redman.

COSEA- Concerned about the environment? If you want to make students more aware of issues facing the environment then come to C-3 on Fridays with Ms. Perna.

Creative Arts Club- If you are interested in critiquing and sharing art, this club is for you. Come to A-2 on Fridays and learn about creative artwork with Ms. Langkusch and Mr. Sheridan.

Creative Writing- Do you want to write stories with proper technique? Ms. Langkusch does and will teach you how in A-2 on Fridays. Also practice drawing, shading, lighting, and proportion techniques.

MORE NEXT MONTH...

Got Praise? eBehavior: Finally, a reward for good behavior

By Anne Marie Palladino, Staff Writer There’s a way to get rid of detentions without having to serve them. If you earn five praises after you are assigned a detention, the new eBehavior system will automatically remove your detention from the system. eBehavior is a new system that’s not only about detentions, but also about recognizing the good behavior being displayed in the classroom. The school has decided on eBehavior as their new behavior management system. Basically, it’s just replacing the old system.

Students are in this system whether they are signed up or not. Signing up is just a way students and parents can access the behavior record. Students are not required to have an account unless it is assigned in class (which is up to the teacher).

The new system gives parents much easier access to their student’s behavior record. The school bought this new system in hopes that it will improve behavior communication. The school believes it is worth the money because, “There is always a problem with communication.” says Administrative Vice Principal Ralph Crame, “and it’s a good way to manage detentions.”

The system also makes it easier to manage detentions, as students have

probably seen the detention lists hung up around school.

Not only does eBehavior help organize detentions, but it also allows teachers to give their students positive feedback by “praising” them. “The old system had no way of keeping record of positive behavior,” recalled Mr. Crame.

Through their account, students can access their record and see what all the teachers and staff members see when they look up their name. Students can also set it so that they receive a text message every time they get a praise or discipline.

Behaviors that merit praise include being on task, completing homework on time, good attendance, having respectful behavior, having school spirit, listening and following directions, positive contribution in class, putting forth effort, or wearing an ID. Additionally, teachers can fill in any reason for praise or leave extra comments.

However, cutting class, disrespectful behavior, a dress code violation, littering, not dressing for P.E., a violation of the electronic device policy, or a violation of the respect policy are all automatic detentions. eBehavior will probably be around for a while. Mr. Crame said, “My hope is that we keep [the system] because I believe it has improved communication.

The Monthly Quad Snapshot The freshmen tried to prove how smart they are during the rally held on September 11 in the quad.

News & Opinions

Obamacare

What lies are being spread to defeat his healthcare plan

By Arik Schoessow, Staff Writer Today in our senate, the new health care bill faces a determined opposition consisting of abusers of negative propaganda, and some outright liars, thus prohibiting the success of a long needed health care reform in America.

In case you were away from civilization for a year or so, you should know that our country is in the midst of a fiscal crisis.

This is no time for lengthy squabbles debating whether or not to ensure our people with the quality health care they need now more than ever. The people of this nation are ready for reform, and the only way to give them that is by actually reforming something.

This isn’t just another sidetrack for the president to boost his moral character. In truth, it is a necessary and procrastinated development that should already be in place in our country.

Right now, there are millions of American families, some of whose children go to our own school, who, every night, sit around their table squirming with doubt - doubt of a future for their children, not knowing whether or not to pay the rent, or keep health care after being let go from a “downsizing.”

Do these families have to make these decisions to save the American economy? No! Are they? Yes. This kind of mistreatment of our people is cruel, and pathetic.

What kind of congress would be willing to stand by while our unemployment rate skyrockets and our social comfort deteriorates at an even faster rate?

Congress is not, however, full of bigots and cheaters. There are those in congress who choose to decide for what is best on the behalf of the people. Unfortunately, there are a few people who will do almost

anything to stop reform in its tracks.

Some say that “death panels” will be sent door to door verifying when and how you want to die if you are a senior citizen.

Some say Obama’s plan will cover illegal immigrants. These are all fallacies.

Some insist that this plan is the death of democracy as we know it in the United States, and that the government would complete a socialist plan to take over the economy. However, we know by now that Obama is not a Socialist.

As president Obama said whilst addressing congress, “We are the only democracy - the only advanced democracy on earth, the only wealthy nation - that allows such hardships on its people.” The idea here is to better our democracy, not leave it in ruin.

If we do not take the initiative to aid our people and ensure their future is ripe with opportunity, then our status as a nation will diminish. We will not be able to contend in the global market, our reputation will be further ruined, our economic hiatus between rich and poor will engulf the middle class, and, in time, we will be looked upon as the example of a nonresponsive failure of a government.

This health care bill is the beginning to stopping all that which may be yet to come, but it is being whipped back at every moment of hope.

Nobody is just getting the raw truth, prohibiting our people from being more than puppets. This is unacceptable. We cannot allow ourselves to become a nation of corporate zombies.

Fight the machine! Please, go take a trip to the internet and find out what is really going on in the white house. Otherwise, if we let this bill fail, our people will continue to suffer.

Football Field or Frying Pan? Turf field raises questions

By Laney McGrew, News Editor The football field at Carlmont High School has been measured at temperatures that have the potential to cause great harm to those who practice on it.

Artificial turf fields are quite popular among athletes; they are easy to maintain, very durable, and do not get muddy during rain, like regular grass. However, the highly regarded field may be doing more harm than good.

“Turf can get up to 150% hotter than grass,” said Marcus Farhad, Carlmont’s Health Aide and assistant Varsity football coach.

Once the Highlander staff found this out, we conducted a laser temperature reading of the field. The results showed that on an 88°F day, the turf can reach up to 180°F. The maximum temperature human skin can touch before being burned is 130°F. This fact, however, does not stop coaches from allowing athletes to practice barefoot and barehanded on the turf every day.

Do the players have anything to say about the heat of the turf? “Usually it’s not that bad if you have shoes on,” stated Junior Varsity football player Mark Concilla, “but sometimes you can barely touch it.”

Recently, the turf’s extreme temperatures have created physical problems for the Varsity football team. After doing bear crawls around the field, the players began to notice giant blisters forming on their hands, which ended up lasting for a number of weeks.

“The heat’s okay,” said Varsity captain Nick Passanisi. “I’ve never had a problem with it, except for the blisters, but they’re fine now.”

Players stretch on the hot turf while volleyball players warm up on the track

What if Swine Flu Strikes Us?

By Ashley Dierolf, Entertainment Editor H1N1 Flu, better known as Swine Flu, has been sweeping the nation as well as its schools. Although Carlmont High School has not had a full blown outbreak, are we prepared for a possible epidemic?

Since teenagers are more vulnerable than other age groups, it’s important that each student stay alert about his or her own well being. This means that feeling a little ill shouldn’t be shrugged off and called the common cold. Instead, take a day off and see if the symptoms advance.

The normal flu and H1N1 flu are alike in many ways; both consist of a cough, fever over 100 degrees, sneezing, sore throat, and many other basic flu-like symptoms.

According to the Sequoia Union High School District Nurse, Judy Sencenbaugh, if someone on campus has a fever, he or she will be sent home until the fever is gone for one day without the help of fever medication, but Carlmont High School itself is unable to diagnose any student.

However, just because you don’t have a fever or any other symptoms, doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.

Sencenbaugh provided some valuable information, “You can be contagious one day before getting symptoms and as long as five days after getting sick.” Even without symptoms, the H1N1 flu is still affecting the body and able to be spread.

With over 2,000 cases of H1N1 flu and over 20 deaths in California alone, this up-and-coming possible epidemic isn’t something Carlmont should be taking lightly. According to most major news sources, schools are a prime target for this epidemic due to the close contact students have with one another every day. A few high schools in the New England states have gone as far as to create rules which limit close contact between students. So far administration hasn’t told us we can’t hug our friends, but is the administration really doing enough?

Many students think that if someone on campus is to catch H1N1, the school would close down for a week or two, which would then be made up by extending the school year However, that’s far from the truth.

Photo by Nicci Betteo

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Photo by Nicci Betteo

October 2009

A laser thermometer reads the field temperature. It was 88 degrees when this reading was taken.

Summer School Continued from Page 1

to attend a community college during the summer for high school students and they conveniently offer many high school courses. The only danger is that they might become full with all of the incoming students. And this threat is even greater considering that Carlmont has not yet thought of alternatives to raise money towards summer school.

Without summer school, fewer students will be able to graduate, and the graduation rates at Carlmont will decrease.

Some students rely on summer school to retake classes in order to get a passing grade. One sophomore student, who went to summer school last year, said, “If there is no summer school and I need to finish my credits, and then I’m [in bad shape]. That’s going to be a problem; I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

Another student who attended summer school last year says, “since I had to take English last year in summer school and you need four years of English to graduate, if I needed to retake it, I would have to take a support class and have seven periods which I don’t want.”

Bottom line, the possibility of not having summer school is going to have major affects on students and staff members alike.

For the Health Office in San Mateo County to decide whether or not Carlmont should be shut down, at least 460 of the approximately 2,300 students attending the school must be diagnosed with H1N1 by a doctor and out sick for the time being. The percentage of faculty and staff also has to be worked into the equation; if too many of them are out sick and the school is unable to properly function, Carlmont would be closed down for a week or two.

At some point, it is out of the school’s hands and into our own to remember a few rules while this is going down: always wash your hands, cough and sneeze into a tissue or arm, don’t share food or drink, get a Free ice skate rental with your Carlmont ID Every Saturday night from 8:30–10:30pm seasonal flu vaccination, and ultimately stay home and visit a doctor if symptoms start to appear.

FREE SKATE RENTAL

815 Old County Road, Belmont 650-592-0533 • www.belmonticeland.com information@belmonticeland.com

Sports

October 2009

Sports Profiles - Know Your Team Profiles and photos by Nicci Betteo, Sports Editor

VOLLEYBALL Sophomore volleyball captain, Haley Bazzani, has been playing volleyball since she was in sixth grade at Ralston Middle School. She initially got involved in the sport because of her friend and teammate, Ashley Duba. Bazzani gets support from her teammates, parents, and last year’s girls froshsoph volleyball coach, Julie Davies.

They keep her head in the game and keep her going.

Part of being one of the team captains means that she must keep the girls focused and pumped during a challenging game or a tough practice. Before practice, Bazzani and the rest of the team attend a mandatory study hall in order to do homework. This allows the girls to play the sport they love, but also maintain school and other activities.

WATER POLO Adam Fecher, a sophomore, has been playing water polo since he was seven-yearsold. He decided to try it because he loved being in the water. His parents support him by going to his games, and his coach supports him by helping him develop as a water polo player. Fecher enjoys hanging out with his team, especially friends, Adam Govani and Avi Vigdorchik, because they all “get along really nicely for such a big team.”

Although Fecher prefers water polo over academics, he knows that school always comes first. With almost all advanced classes, he has a hard time trying to find free time. He is very dedicated to the Carlmont JV water polo team, and wouldn’t trade water polo for any other sport.

Highlander Staff

Welcome from

Editor-in-Chief Dylan Coyne News Editor Laney McGrew Entertainment Editor Ashley Dierolf Scot Scoop Editors Sarah Biklen Savannah Jack Sports Editors/Photographers Nicci Betteo Dana Bloom Noele Pennington Staff Writers Hannah Abney Jocelyn Diaz Lexi Friis Anne Marie Palladino Arik Schoessow Jenna Chambers Staff Writer Graphics Design Daniel Rubinstein Faculty Advisor Mr. Justin Raisner

the advisor Welcome to The Highlander. We chose the name of the paper for many reasons. Since we are the Carlmont Scots, there is the obvious connection to the Scottish Highlanders.

In addition, the Highlander was Carlmont’s original mascot. Also, the school is located in some pretty high lands (anyone who has walked from El Camino can attest to that). In a way, we are all Highlanders.

This newspaper is about you and for you. It was produced by the students in Journalism 2, and you can look for this paper every month. We welcome all suggestions and submissions.

I’d like to thank our advertisers, and I encourage all of our readers to support them.

If you like what we’re doing, we also accept donations to help with printing costs.

I’d also like to thank the school administration and the school district for helping set up our journalism program as both a CTE class and a UC elective.

Please submit all questions about advertising, donations, submissions, article ideas, or comments to jraisner@seq.org Regards, Mr. Raisner

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Coach resigns Continued from Page 1

FOOTBALL Carlmont senior Nick Passanisi plays for the varsity football team.

Not only is he the starting quarter back, but he is also one of the captains.

Passanisi has been playing football for seven years and would never choose another sport over football.

He was supported by his parents for the last seven years with his decision to play, and they helped him by taking him to his practices and games.

Passanisi has already had some challenges to face in the ’09 season.

The hardest part for him was stepping up as a leader and holding his team together when their head coach, Mr. Dylan Shelley, resigned.

“It’s challenging… and different now that Shelley’s gone,” Passanisi stated.

Thanks to his coaches (Coach Shelley in particular), Passanisi considers himself successful in playing football.

Now that he’s a senior, it is getting harder to balance school and football, but he’s managing to do what he loves while getting good grades at the same time.

Ready for Bomb?

Continued from Page 1

cedures for evacuation, and a reminder that four drills will be performed this year: a lockdown drill, an earthquake drill, and two evacuation drills.

When students were asked if they thought our school would be prepared for an emergency, sophomore Olivia Riedy responded “There should be more drills at school other than fire drills because I don’t think our school would know what to do in case of an emergency like the one at Hillsdale.”

Carlmont has explicit instructions as to what to do in case of an emergency.

But what we need to do is inform new and returning students and staff every year of the emergency plans and continue performing different drills to ensure our school’s preparedness in case of an emergency.

in a written statement. “Coach Turnbeaugh was Carlmont’s frosh-soph football coach last year when the team went 7-3. He is now coaching a number of students who he coached last year, and he is looking forward to working with all the players during the season.”

Though there has been much controversy over this issue, Mr. Shelley has always been an extremely dedicated teacher and coach. He never missed a practice or game. To say he cared about his players and students very much would be an understatement.

He held study hall in his room every day for players that needed extra help with their schoolwork. During the summer, he would even drive to East Palo Alto to pick up the kids and take them to Carlmont to lift weights before summer school. Mr. Shelley has worked with some of the kids for four years, so he is sad to see it end, but the support they give helps him through it.

There were countless emails from parents (both positive and negative) and there were even a few texts from the players saying thank yous and goodbyes.

Varsity player Elliot Lieberman said, “I’ve had a lot of problems this year. My parents got divorced, I got kicked out of my house and honestly, I’ve learned more and grown up more on the football field than I have at home. I’ve learned more about life and more about how to be a man from Coach Shelley than anywhere else. Life’s hard and football’s hard.”

Mr. Shelley has made an overall positive impact as varsity football coach and it is everyone’s belief that Corey Turnbeaugh will do the same.

“While we understand that some people have strong feelings about the coaching change, we are pleased to hear that Coach Turnbeaugh continues to gain the support of players and parents. We look forward to a positive season for our student athletes and the entire Carlmont community.”

It is district policy that personnel matters have to stay confidential according to Administrative Vice Principal Robert Fishtrom, but he was allowed to say, “Mr. Shelley resigned for personal reasons,” and, “I just want the best possible football program to move forward from here on out.”

All anyone can hope for is that in the future there are as few problems as possible and that the team can push through and have the great season they are capable of having.

October 2009

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Photos by Nicci Betteo, Dana Bloom, and Noele Pennington

Sports Bulletin Varsity Shines, FS Falls in Season Openers

By Noele Pennington, Staff Writer

Ryan Lippi runs around a Santa Cruz defensive man, helping the Scots move closer to the end zone.

Amanda Morris serves a bullet over the net, contributing to the Scots victory.

CALENDAR - Be There to Cheer On Your Scots!

9/24 4:00-BHS-jv away 3:30BHS-v home 3:15-jv 4:30-v-home-BHS gv-3:00 gjv-4:00 bv-4:45 bjv-5:30home-Mills 9/26 9:00-Stanford 11:00 jv-2:00-vaway-Aragon 9/29 3:30-v 4:00-jv-away-Aragon 3:15-jv 4:30-v-away-Aragon

Shannon Garrett spiked a ball over the net for a crucial point. The Scots went on to win the game.

gv-5:00 gjv-6:00 bv-3:00 bjv-4:00home-Hillsdale 10/1 3:00-Capp-jv away 3:30-v 4:00-jv-home-San Mateo 3:15-jv 4:30-v-away-Mills gv-3:00 gjv-4:00 bv-4:45 bjv-5:30home-Terra Nova 10/2 3:005-Capp-v away 10/3 9:00-Half Moon Bay 10/5 3:30-v 4:00-jv-home-El Camino 10/6 3:15-Crystal Springs 3:30-Westmoor-v home 3:15-jv 4:30-v-home-San Mateo 10/8 3:00-Half Moon Bay-jv away 3:30-v 4:00-jv-away-Woodside 3:15-jv 4:30-v-home-Sequoia

Carlmont Varsity vs. Santa Cruz Varsity The varsity game turned out to be a great game to start off the season. Captain Nick Passanisi said they had a lot of fun this game and they did well considering what went on earlier that week. Passanisi said that all the players did well that game and they all contributed to a good game.

Tenshow Streets scored three touchdowns and intercepted one pass.

After the game, all of the Varsity players ran up to where former head Coach Shelley watched the game. The ending score of the game was a close 27-20 victory for the Scots.

Carlmont JV vs. Santa Cruz JV Opening day was not great for junior varsity football. With their original coach gone, the junior varsity did better than most expected but not well enough to win.

Mark Concilla, one of the captains for the game said, “We played well even though we dealt with the new coach thing.”

Concilla added that Joe LaSala had an outstanding game with his great defense and running over many opponents.

Will Zepeda-Campos added, “We had a good game, but at the beginning of the 4th quarter we started to get tired.” In the end, Santa Cruz took home a 12-0 victory.

Mike Rosenberg leaps over a defender

Mike Rosenberg soars over a defender to score in the Varsity victory

gv-3:00 gjv-4:00 bv-4:45 bjv-5:30home-Half moon Bay 10/9 3:00-Half Moon Bay-v homehomecoming game 10/13 4:00-MA-jv home 3:30-MA-v away 3:15-jv-4:30-v-home-Woodside gv-4:30 gjv-5:30-home-Mercy 10/15 3:00-San Mateo-jv home 3:30-v 4:00 jv-home-Mills 3:15-jv-4:30-v-home-MA 10/16 3:00-San Mateo-v away 10/17 9:00-Hayward 10/20 3:30-v 4:00-jv-home-BHS 3:15-jv 4:30-v-away-BHS gv-4:00 gjv-5:00 bv-2:00 bjv-3:00away-Mills 10/22 3:00-BHS-jv home 3:30-v 4:00-jv-home-Aragon 3:15-jv 4:00-v-home-Aragon gv-2:00 gjv-3:00 bv-3:45 bjv-5:15away-Hillsdale 10/23 3:00-BHS-v home 10/24 8:30-Mt Sac, Orange

Scots defense prevents a first down.

Melissa Won serves to her opponent. The tennis team eventually took home the win.

Senior Dylan Coyne, blocks a shot while playing Sequoia. The team battled against their rival in a very close game.