The Granite Bay Gazette (Sept. 7, 2018) Vol. 22, No. 1

Sister Teachers Reminisce Student Section Relocates Memorable Moments G10-11 B1 C1

Siblings at school discuss their teaching careers

Tribe moves out of endzone and into bleachers

Students discuss experiences over summer

The Granite Bay Gazette GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL w 1 GRIZZLY WAY w GRANITE BAY, CA w 95746 w VOLUME 22 w ISSUE 1 w FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2018

COMMENTARY

CAR CLASHES Students cope with changes to parking situation

andrew yung ayung.gazette@gmail.com

College essays prompt healthy self-reflection

I

am an avid fan of haikus.

Perhaps it is the way that the 17 syllables roll off the tongue in such a short, savory way. Perhaps it is the Asian origin of the haiku, a heritage I share.

Or perhaps it is the limitation that the haiku entails. Because who doesn’t like a challenge?

Hemingway sure refused to back down from one, as did Dr. Seuss. As a result, we are gifted with “For Sale: Baby Shoes Never Worn” and “Green Eggs and Ham.” And in the vein of willingness to take on a challenge, I must say this: I enjoy the challenge of the Common Application general statement essay.

I enjoy the challenge of writing it. I enjoy the challenge of thinking about it. I enjoy the challenge of having to depict the entirety of my 17-year life, the entirety of my being, with 650 words.

Because, though the task initially is daunting and stressful – as this will perhaps be the most important piece of writing I will ever do – I feel confident in my ability to portray my being in a way that is true to myself.

Not true to what colleges want in an applicant. True to myself.

That is why I have sat on this essay for several months now. To brainstorm, to ponder and to edit.

However, my parents have attributed the long wait to my supposed procrastination.

They think that because I am usually quick with homework and other assignments, my essay remains incomplete only because I do not feel the urgency of finishing the essay.

How wrong they are.

When I said earlier that for the last several months now I have been working on this essay, I lied.

It was in the eighth grade that I started thinking about this essay.

Because it was in the eighth grade that I started to question my true identity.

Although such intense self reflection was prompted by a family death and ongoing problems at school, I am truly glad I went through that rough time.

I learned a lot about myself that year.

I learned that enduring persecution doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong, but vice versa, and it only makes you a stronger person.

I learned that dealing with loss doesn’t mean you’re overly sensitive or vulnerable, but it only makes you more empathetic and caring.

And above all else, I learned that my purpose in life was not to better myself, but to be a light to others.

That is why, when the admissions officers read my essay, I want them to look my essay in the face. I want them to stare into its eyes and not only get a feel for who I truly am, but also what I stand for. I want it to encompass every aspect of me: the creative side, the athletic side, the religious side, the giving side.

Above all else, I hope they will get to know me better. And if they choose not to accept me, so be it.

If they do not accept me for who I am, then it is their loss. It is only my loss if I pretend to be something I am not. *** Andrew Yung, a senior, is a Gazette co-editor-in-chief.

RESERVED

BY ABBIE GOULD

T

agould2.gazette@gmail.com

he parking situation at GBHS has always been an issue, but this year it has become a larger challenge.

For more than a year now, the Roseville Joint Union School District has been planning to install solar panels in the Granite Bay High School parking lot.

“The parking lot (project) was supposed to have started (a year ago, but) the school district said ‘Time out... we don’t want to run into next fall while were doing construction,’” assistant principal Brian McNulty said. “So we planned it out.”

The goal was to have the solar panels built by the end of summer to avoid any problems with parking protocol during the school year.

Gazette illustration | Andrew Yung and Sidney Zabell

However, because of a few construction complications, the project had to be extended into the start of the 2018-2019 school year.

“There was an issue with the steel girders that hold (the solar panels) up,” McNulty said. “It became a time-out, time-in kinda deal.”

Along with the steel dilemma, there were also strict guidelines that the school had

School introduces six new faculty members following a larger-than-normal turnover

BY SPENCER COVA

scova.gazette@gmail.com

W

Gazette photo | Sydney Sewell

Video cameras added across GBHS campus Security upgrades come after troubling year

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ayung.gazette@gmail.com

t’s not that school campuses are no longer safe – it’s that they are no longer as safe as students, parents and teachers want them to be.

As a result, Granite Bay High School, along with many other schools across the nation, has increased its security system and protocols in the past year, adding door-locking mechanisms and security cameras on campus.

This national trend – to increase campus security – largely stems from the national reaction to several school shootings that occurred last year.

GBHS students and faculty members fully realized the possibility of such an event last May after a note, threatening to shoot up the school, was found in a school bathroom.

No person ever acted on the threat, but the hours-long lockdown that ensued because of the note left many people more concerned about the school’s safety.

“The lockdown last year was surreal,” senior Josh Yeargin said. “Because of the school shootings around the country, es-

pecially the Parkland (Florida) shooting, I was just thinking about what could have happened here.”

For others, the event added fuel to their fire to fight for change.

Bethany Brooding, a GBHS senior who co-coordinated the March For Our Lives walkout at the school last spring, said the event played a large part in adding to her zeal.

“I became more passionate about (reform) when we had the lockdown at our own school,” Brooding said. “It just made everything feel a lot more real.”

The lockdown, as well as the shootings around the nation, caused GBHS to make some changes on its campus.

“Our culture had a couple of major incidents (across) the United States last year,” assistant principal Brian McNulty said.

“These (security upgrades) were definite reactions in an effort to keep our constituents safe.”

One of the first problems the school addressed was making sure the safety of the entire campus was being considered.

“Granite Bay is a 40-acre parcel that

See SECURITY, page A7

ith the turn of the new year, new faces have emerged at Granite Bay High School.

The Roseville Joint Union High School District and site administration have hired six new teachers to inspire, influence and teach students.

“I am looking for really smart, innovative team players,” principal Jennifer Leighton said. “They believe that every kid can learn. That’s a big deal for me.

Phoenix Johnson, hired to teach English 10 and International Baccalaureate English High Level, had exactly what Leighton was searching for.

“With Mrs. Johnson, literature is (her) life,” Leighton

said. “There is a deep understanding of literature, and love of people and kids. Her interview made us feel like we just got a big warm hug, and we felt like the IB program could really use that too.”

Johnson previously taught at Monterey Trail High School in Elk Grove, a long commute from her home in Roseville.

However, it wasn’t just the easier commute to GBHS that caused her to switch schools.

“As much as (the interview panel) felt me, I felt them,” Johnson said.

Not only did she coincide naturally with the staff, but with the student body as well. ”Everyone was so warm in the assembly, but afterwards is what made an impression on me,” Johnson said. “Three or

Phoenix

Johnson New English teacher takes on IB English HL four young ladies came up and told me, ‘Welcome to Granite Bay.’” Johnson is passionate about literature, but she has also made it clear that she is in it for her students.

“Teaching students the value of words and helping them find their voice,” Johnson said, “they really (can) get away from expectations. I feel that See FACULTY, page A7

Several staff members depart Spanish teacher Jennifer Hill now an AP at San Juan High

BY SIDNEY ZABELL

szabell.gazette@gmail.com

The summer of 2018 came with several staff resignations and retirements, a few of which came as a surprise to the Granite Bay High community.

Math teacher Denise Kraft resigned on Wed., Aug. 9, less than 24 hours before the first day of the 2018-19 school year.

Health teacher Kathy Sinor retired and English teacher Jody Van Dusen resigned at the end of the 2017-18 school year, and performing arts teacher Angelika Dyadchenko resigned

inside this section news Theater to be renamed in teacher’s honor

Intervention changes in its second year

School and community honors former staff member the late Jim Prichard.

After its first installment last year Grizz Time is changing.

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See PARKING, page A5

New teachers hired

Security cameras are now installed on the GBHS campus and keep an eye on students every day.

BY ANDREW YUNG

to follow.

“Planning and building stuff on schools… in the state of California is very challenging,” McNulty said.

Even with all the mishaps, the administration has developed a parking lot protocol that allows both students and staff to still park at the high school.

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over summer break. English teacher Adam McLearan resigned to take an assistant principal position at Woodland High School.

One of the most surprising staff changes came in mid-summer when Spanish teacher Jennifer Hill resigned to accept a position as an assistant principal at San Juan High School in Citrus Heights. In addition to teaching, Hill served as the Advanced Placement coordinator last year.

“I taught Spanish for 13 years at Granite Bay High School, and if you had asked me three years ago, ‘Do you ever want to stop teaching,’ I would have said no,” Hill said. “I feel like I’ve reached a point in my teaching where I feel like I can offer so much more to a school when I’m in a position where I can support other teachers See DEPARTURES, page A7

voices Overscheduling is a problem at GBHS Students should not take on too much and inundate themselves with homework.

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News

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Friday

Granite Bay Gazette

w September 7, 2018

NAMES IN THE NEWS

sidney zabell szabell.gazette@gmail.com

New baby likely has traveled way, way more you In June, media teacher Zach Weidkamp welcomed his son Finnley into the world. Odds are, Finnley traveled more than you this summer – he’s already been on a trip to Lake Tahoe and attended Yearbook camp with his mother, Kate, a yearbook teacher at Woodcreek High School. *** Be sure to give a warm welcome to Phoenix Johnson, one of our new English teachers! She came to us from Monterey Trail High in Elk Grove, and she has shortened her commute by ... a lot!

We are happy to have her join the Grizzly family. Grrrrrr… *** Last week, speaker JC Pohl led our third annual Leadership Summit. Roughly 100 Grizzlies dedicated their days to learning how to be better leaders on campus. If you’re a leader, lead well!

If you want to be a leader, step up! If neither ... oh well! *** Volunteer hours – a classic!

You’ve got to get some if you’re a senior to be able to actually graduate.

And if you’re looking for somewhere to volunteer this fall, look no further. Jessica Morse for Congress is here to save the day. The Democratic candidate in California’s Fourth Congressional District is looking for interns to help work on the campaign.

Email hello@morse4congress. com for details. *** The journalism room looks a little bit different this year.

Bernadette Cranmer has moved her yearbook class over to Room 510, and her students are putting together a book that they hop will match last year’s terrific publication. Things are a little lonelier over in the Publications Lab, Room 514. Miss you guys! *** Watch out sheriff, there’s a new superindendent in town. Say hello to our new Superintendent, Dr. Denise Herrmann. Can’t wait to have you on board! *** This year’s theme for Homecoming is superheroes. Maybe, the seniors can get fourth place again. Feeling... hopeful. Good luck, Charlie! *** Today was the last day of Club Rush. Hopefully, you got out there and signed up for a few clubs. If you didn’t check out the club tables, you’ll have much more work to do to figure out what’s going on in the club scene. But ... I’m pretty sure you can do it! *** Congratulations to Kabe Teague, who is serving as the new ASB president after Alyssa Sewell’s graduation. Good luck. *** Sidney Zabell, a senior, is a Gazette co-editor-in-chief.

CORRECTIONS Accuracy is perhaps the most important fundamental of good journalism. It's the policy of the Gazette to correct all factual errors that are brought to our attention.

Email us at: staff.gazette@gmail.com

Identification Statement GRANITE BAY GAZETTE PUBLISHED EIGHT TIMES PER ACADEMIC YEAR c/o Granite Bay High School 1 Grizzly Way Granite Bay, CA 95746 Subscriptions: $25 per year/ $15 per half year

TECHNOLOGY TAKING OVER Gazette photo illustration | Sydney Sewell

As a part of the Chromebook 1:1 initiative, all Granite Bay High School freshmen and sophomore students have recieved a computer to use for anything related to school.

Chromebook initiative provides each freshman and sophomore personal computer for school use

BY HEBA BOUNAR

hbounar.gazette@gmail.com

A

s society delves deeper into the modern era of technology, it seems as if all aspects of student lives are gradually beginning to revolve around it. This includes, of course, education.

Through the new Digital Equity in Learning initiative at Granite Bay High, all freshmen and sophomores have been provided a Chromebook to use in and out of class.

As a result, predominantly freshman and sophomore courses have become increasingly focused on online-based curriculum. The development has left students and teachers both enthusiastic and critical.

Marc Imrie, the teacher of computer science and information technology courses at GBHS, said providing students access to technology can be extremely beneficial as long as teachers are able to manage it proficiently.

Incident interrupts cool summer scene

“What (an online-based curriculum) can allow is students to access that content, curriculum, lessons, whatever it may be and whenever they need it,” Imrie said.

While Imrie maintains support for the benefits computers have on schoolwork, he remains wary of the effect technology will have on student and teacher habits.

“Some of the drawbacks,” Imrie said, “are an overdependence on technology from students or teachers relying too much on the technology for technology’s sake and forgetting the instruction of it.”

Freshmen and sophomores on campus also seem to be satisfied with the convenience of onlinebased curriculum and Chromebooks.

Sophomore Aidan Filben has

come to appreciate the feasibility of being able to use technology for writing assignments and said a majority of his peers agree.

“Everyone I know loves it,” Filben said. “I mean voice typing – you don’t have to write it and it doesn’t hurt your hand as much.

It’s just easier.”

For others, being granted technology by a school is not so novel.

Freshman Naomi Jamieson came from Olympus Junior High, a school where the Chromebook initiative has been implemented for more than a year now, and so she is accustomed to the online-based curriculum and regular Chromebook usage.

“I think that in this day and age, people are getting used to computers and technology use,” Jamieson

said.

She added that it is necessary to become accustomed to new technology in order for students to better manage themselves in the real world.

Despite increased access to online sources for both teachers and students, teachers are concerned about technology becoming a tool of distraction within a class setting. They worry that students could be doing anything with their Chromebooks when their teacher is not looking.

Imrie, though, said it is ultimately up to students to make the right choice, as they will not always be closely monitored.

“At some point in the near future, not now in high school (but) in colSee CHROMEBOOK, page A7

Car accident in front of frozen yogurt shop leads to rising tensions, threats

BY SYDNEY SEWELL

ssewell.gazette@gmail.com

L

ast month, a few students just trying to enjoy the last few days of summer at a local food eatery ended up getting more than just fro-yo.

On Aug. 1, senior Ryan Pizzo and 2018 Granite Bay High School graduates Alyssa Sewell, Janelle Cruz and Owen Box were sitting outside of NuYo in Granite Bay when their conversation was interrupted by a loud sound. It was the sound of tires screeching – two cars had crashed.

As they looked out to the street, they saw it was cluttered with broken car debris and glass.

But what went wrong?

One car mistakenly turned left on a red light, hitting another car going straight on a green light.

“As I witnessed the crash. I was completely caught off guard and thought it wasn’t really happening,” Sewell said. “The initial crash was very loud and scary, and I just wanted to make sure everyone was OK.” Sewell said, after seeing all the damage, she and her friends began looking around to see if anyone had been injured.

After making sure everyone was OK, the friends returned to the

sidewalk, believing the chaos was over – until suddenly one of the cars tried to drive off.

It was the same driver who ran the red light.

“After a little bit, the lady started driving backwards into traffic and nearly running over people,” Cruz said. “I was ... freaking out and shaking and stuff. It was crazy, someone could have died.”

As tensions rose, Cruz took her phone out to video the whole event, focusing on the woman in the car who was attempting to drive away.

Gazette photo illustration | Sidney Zabell The students also made sure to In front of beloved local yogurt shop NuYo, some GBHS graduates and current students witnessed a notify authorities.

“Owen called the police to notify crime involving a car accident and a knife being pulled out. Students were planning on a casual night. them about (the event), and they seem to calm down – she instead “After the crash,” Sewell said, forwarded the video taken by Cruz said they (would) send firemen got out of her car holding an ob- “the victims told Janelle and as part of the evidence. there,” Cruz said. ject in one hand and wielding an- Owen that the lady was holding “When I was driving away, there Meanwhile, as Box called the other object in her other hand. The her dog and was waving around a police, the others warned the peo- woman also began yelling at the knife and threatened to stab them were multiple police helicopters ple passing on the sidewalk and people around her. with spotlights that were looking if they got close to her.” those driving by the scene.

After hitting several people, the Only then did the group begin to for her,” Pizzo said.

“Ryan Pizzo and I stayed on lady then got back into her car process the intensity and severity After the event, the group rethe street with people coming out and succeeded this time in driv- of what they had just witnessed. from Nuyo to explain what hap- ing away from the scene she had “That was a crazy moment of flected on what they had just seen, pened,” Sewell said. created. realization that she had not only wondering if they could have done “We saw more cars get involved Initially, the friends said they been trying to hit the other people anything differently. and it looked like one person was thought the lady was holding a and their car, but she had a knife “We were all shaken up,” Cruz there to help get the lady calmed baby in one hand and some weap- and she was trying to stab them,” said.

“It was definitely a new exdown and (get) her (information) on in the other, but after talking to Pizzo said. perience for all of us, and we at least.” the victims of the crash, they were After the woman drove off and the police came, the four students didn’t really know what to do.”

However, the woman did not informed otherwise.

Former performing arts teacher to be honored GBHS theater to be renamed James T. Prichard Performing Arts Center for the late teacher

E

BY ELLIOTT HYMAN

ehyman.gazette@gmail.com

veryone wants to be remembered.

To leave a lasting legacy. After 13 years of hard work, former Granite Bay High School teacher Jim Prichard will be forever memorialized on the front of the theater, where he spent thousands of hours.

In honor of his contributions to the Granite Bay Theater Department, the theater will now posses a new title – the James T. Prichard Performing Arts Center.

Prichard, who died in 2015, left an endur-

ing mark on his students and the Granite Bay community. Working from 1999 to 2012 as the director of theater arts for GBHS, he cultivated a community from the ground up.

His relentless efforts and life spent helping students resulted in a torrent of support for the project from the community.

Kyle Holmes is the current director of theater arts at GBHS. After Prichard’s death, Holmes’ reflection on his legacy led to the idea of honoring him through the renaming of the theater.

“Reflecting on Jim’s career, it is commendable and impressive how much he

gave back to not only the theater community but the school as a whole,” Holmes said. “Through that conversation, the idea dawned on me that this was the right thing to do, because he dedicated an entire career to making his community better through art.”

Currently, the only named building on campus is the Palmer Center, named after the family whose donations allowed it to be built.

Naming a building after a former staff member was a different task entirely.

“We approached the administration and the district with this idea and began this year-long endeavor to make this happen and get through the bureaucracy of a change like

this,” Holmes said. “It was a lot of things – writing a letter, collecting letters of support from the community and coming up with a signage proposal to begin with.”

To garner support for the proposal and show the district the community’s agreement, Homes posted the group’s goal online. To his surprise, the post reached almost 20,000 people.

“The response to our post requesting letters of support from the community was incredible,” Holmes said. “The community outpouring of gratitude and praise for this person who had given so much for the community was just amazing.”

See THEATER, page A7

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New school year, new curriculum Changes are made to science classes around the nation

BY DYLAN ROWE

drowe.gazette@gmail.com

aaaAs each school year begins, modifications are made in order to develop learning environments for students around the country. Regardless of how big or small the adjustment are, the goal is to further allows students to grow academically.

For the past decade and a half, the National Science Teachers Association has been developing a new curriculum for high school classes nationwide.

Students at Granite Bay High School might notice something different about their schedules this fall. On their schedules “regular” biology is now Next Generation Science Standards, or NGSS Biology.

“The change really is a shift in emphasis towards environmental science and towards a problem-solving, applications-ori-

ented explanation approach,” said Chet still made the grades.”

Dickson, a GBHS biology teacher.

Students taking the class this year can The learning material is virtually the expect a more hands-on approach, along same, but now, the mawith several large-scale terial is given to stuprojects. dents so they can more “I’m looking forward easily learn what is beto having a class where I “I’m looking ing given to them. can learn through experforward to More learning maiments and class discusterial will also be ex- having a class where sions,” freshman Easha plored in depth and Narayanan said, “because ranged into a smaller I can learn through I find it harder to learn group of content topics. experiments and while being lectured all Students will also be period.” subjected to involve- class discussions.”

The switch to NGSS ment in significant Biology is many ways a – Easha Narayanan, planning, implementathrowback to a curricubiology student tion of scientific princilum Biological Sciences ples, careful execution Curriculum study, which and extensive data colwas developed in the early lection.

1960s.

Advocates of the new curriculum say the “Students can expect much more handschange was necessary because the class on learning,” biology teacher Andrew Philwas focused on the memorization of ma- lips said, “ a student-centered classroom, terial rather than actually comprehending and higher expectation of critical thinking and learning. and problem solving.”

“I didn’t really learn that much in the Phillips says the new curriculum is simclass when I took it,” junior Sienne Lee ilar to his previous teaching style, which said. “I just went through the motions and might push other educators in the district

“

”

Gazette photo | Dylan Rowe

Andrew Phillips, a science teacher at GBHS, teachers his biology students the new curriculum that has been implemented for the 2018-2019 school year. out of their comfort zones.

“I’ve heard that the newer version of biology is going to be easier to learn, not because of a material change but because of the change of teaching style,” junior Seth Chandler said.

The new biology curriculum will also leave students with a better understanding

of real-life problem solving and critical thinking – a crucial asset for students futures.

“The goal is to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible,” Phillips said, “ and the district has provided several professional development opportunities to mitigate this as well.”

Scheduling errors affect System for hiring new staff Intensified procedures for students and teachers vetting new teachers

Counselors struggle with assigning class schedules requires many extensive However, sophomore Joseph Estes offered an

BY MAYA SNOW example of a perfect schedule. aaaMaking schedules for hundreds of students “My schedule is good because I have all the classbackground checks can be a really stressful task for Granite Bay High es I want,” Estes said. “An overabundance of stumsnow.gazette@gmail.com

counselors to achieve – many students apply for the same classes.

This results in many classes being overcrowded, and it makes it more difficult on the teachers and students.

There are many different perspectives on this issue from teachers, counselors and students themselves. “(My classroom only has) 36 computers, so it’s hard when (I have) 39 (students) – three kids sit on the couch.” business teacher Bill Patterson said. “(Fewer students) is better.”

Making sure students all have the same amount of attention is also a struggle for teachers.

“It is a … challenge in that you have more students to work with in a given class period,” said English teacher Stephanie May. If there are more students in one class, it is harder on the teachers because they have to deal with grading additional papers. “(Teachers) have to carve out more time in their day to make sure to give equal attention to each student’s work,” May said.

From a student’s perspective, “it is difficult to learn with too many students in one classroom,” junior Carly Burgess said.

If there are more than 35 students in one classroom, it makes it more difficult for them to focus.

While it benefits the social aspect for students as they have the opportunities to make more friendships, it is harder to concentrate on their education.

dents in my classes isn't a problem for me – probably because I take harder classes that have less people wanting to take them.”

There are many positive and negative perspectives when it comes to student schedules. Some students are content with their classes and some aren't, along with the teachers.

But it’s the counselors who have the stress of making more than 2,000 student schedules that students want to be “perfect.”

But, overcrowding is still a problem at GBHS, counselor Paul Stordahl said, “(so) we (have) to make sure we have enough seats for everyone.”

The counselors have to also fit schedule changes into the picture too – no easy task..

“Three to four hundred (schedule) requests are made.” Stordahl said.

A few teachers retired or resigned this summer, including Denise Kraft, who taught math classes and 3D animation.

“The math department (offered) to fill (Kraft’s two math classes) by teaching on their prep (period),” Stordahl said.

This is hard on the teachers because they normally would use the prep period to grade papers for the other three classes, but now they have to take time out of their day to grade for four classes.

“In the end,” Burgess said, “everything turns out the ways it’s supposed to.”

Gazette photo | Maya Snow_

Counselors have to create individual schedules for over 2,000 students, balancing their wants and needs becuase many request the same classes and teachers, while still pleasing the teachers.

BY KABE TEAGUE

kteague.gazette@gmail.com

Former Woodcreek High School teacher Douglas Mason is still officially on unpaid leave as a result of student accusations of sexual harassment.

His status has led to questions about background checks and the safety on the Granite Bay High campus.

However, the process for hiring new staff members at GBHS is nothing but extensive and thorough.

“They apply through what we have called Edjoin, which is this program that uploads all their documents from not only the district but also fingerprinting,” assistant principal Brian McNulty said. “They also have to go through something called the H6, which is driver’s license information, and they need to declare any and all legal criminal problems that they may have had in their past.”

The initial background check is an official process that indicates whether there are any noticeable red flags about the applicants before they are looked at as qualified candidates.

“It’s kind of a lot like a governmental background check,” McNulty said, in which “the background checks need to pass with flying colors within the district.”

In fact, the person applying must answer at the bottom of the application whether they have been non-reelected (meaning they were essentially fired from a job), and below that they must declare whether they have been convicted of a crime.

“I look for a ‘no’ and a ‘no,’ and if I see a ‘yes,’ then I’m like ‘pfft’ and I close their application,” GBHS principal Jennifer Leighton said. “I figure that we have so many people that want to work here, why would I want to hire someone with a criminal past?”

At this point in the process, the administration picks out the applications worthy of an interview.

“We hold an interview panels, we vote and we offer our best choices – and then honestly, the principal makes the decision,” McNulty said. “Then if we say ‘OK, this is the person we want,’ it moves to the district office which goes to (the Human Resources) department, and they do all the background checks formally,” McNulty said.

Then the applicant must fill out paperwork at the district office.

Once the district office reviews their application,“the Department of Justice and FBI will run a background check on them,” said John Becker, the the Roseville Joint Union High School District’s executive director of personnel services. “More often than not, the reports come back clean but I’ve seen it come back where somebody had a DUI back in 2007. I’ve seen it where somebody had three DUIs and I couldn’t hire that person.”

Although applicants might pass the initial screening, reference calls can sometimes bring attention to some other red flags.

“There’ve been some red flags that I’ve come across – like if you call a principal about another candidate at another site ... if their response is, ‘You know, you should probably call the human resources department,’” Becker said, “that’s usually a red flag for ‘I don’t want to get in trouble for telling you all the bad things about this per-

Gazette photo illustration| Kabe Teague

GBHS administration throughly checks the background of staff applicants before they are hired.

son but you may want to call human resources if you’re still interested.’”

In Leighton’s case, her experience helps speed up the process.

“I call the references they want me to call, but because I’ve been in the district for so long, I normally know somebody that knows somebody that worked with them where they’re working now,” Leighton said. “I kind of go in sideways calling people they’re not expecting me to call, and if those come across really well, then I offer them the job.”

Leighton also said she looks at their profiles on social media sites like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

“I see more what their voice is, what their attitude is, what kind of things they’re saying about students and other people because that kind of lends itself to letting me know more about their character,” Leighton said.

Despite these efforts of screening to ensure more than qualified applicants get the job, there are cases in which site administrators do not have much a say.

In the case of Mason, for example, the Woodcreek health teacher was involuntarily transferred to Oakmont at the beginning of the 2017-18 school year after a suspension with pay at the end of the previous school year – and site administrators didn’t have much opportunity to object because “labor laws all apply to that so that the confidentiality of what they are doing with their employee is kept on the hush hush,” McNulty said.

Deciding how to deal with an incident like the one at Woodcreek is a rare occasion, but there is a wellthought-out process to separate the employee from the alleged victims.

“There are so many layers of investigation that that have to go on, both sides getting legal advice and at that point, in my opinion, we just want to get him away from the individuals that were initially impacted while they are trying to process everything,” Becker said.

At the end of the day, the district has the last word.

“Sometimes we just don’t have a choice,” Leighton said. “If the superintendent says, ‘You’re taking this teacher,’ you can fight back as much as you want but she’s my boss.

“Of course, I would express my concerns and do everything I can to protect our students.”

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News

Big changes to ‘Grizz Time’ affect the student body

A5

New additions to a free period influence varied responses

BY LINDSAY ZABELL

lzabell.gazette@gmail.com

As the second year of Grizz Time is now underway, the Granite Bay High staff and administration have to make tweaks to the 28-minute period that happens four days a week.

In an effort to maintain a secure and safe campus, GBHS has set up identification card scanners in every classroom in hopes of being able to account for every student, not just those in common areas.

Jennifer Buschmann, the assistant principal in charge of overseeing Grizz Time, said she is confident the new changes will positively impact the overall security of the school. “(With the ID scanners,) we know who is where in case of (an) emergency,” Buschmann said.

Principal Jennifer Leighton thinks the new ID card scanners will make for a much safer campus, along with providing additional information for administrators to continue to make Grizz Time the best it can be.

“In the case of an emergency, we will know where everyone is, and that is huge,” Leighton said. “Additionally, we will be able to track our data more effectively as we will know where students

went to get help and how it affects their final grades.”

The administration has already began to receive mixed feedback from students and teachers on the new changes. “ I know all teachers don’t especially like scanning, but they voted last spring to implement the scanning in order to account where students are spending their time.” Leighton said.

“So far,” Buschmann added, “everyone seems to be liking knowing where people are. Students report scanning into classrooms is pretty easy and they are used to it.”

Assistant principal Jessup McGregor said he has noticed a mixed response from students, but he is sure the changes will be positive.

“I think at first students may have mixed feelings about checking in to all rooms,” McGregor said. “In the long run, it will keep us safer and students will have access to a continually improving experience.”

For students, the new changes they have to abide by are practically unnoticeable. “(The only change for students is that) kids need to carry ID cards at all times, which they should be anyway,” Buschmann said.

Although administrators have worked

hard in order to set up ID scanners for all classrooms, not all students have been able to experience the new changes.

“I have not been affected by the new scanning system – I haven’t even used it,’ junior Catherine Candy said. “I feel like the (ID scanners) will get progressively used more throughout the year as students and teachers start remembering to scan their IDs, but at the start of the year it’s pretty new for all of us.”

McGregor agreed that it might take some time in order to tell if the changes will ultimately be beneficial.

“It may be too early to tell, as so far everyone is still figuring things out and getting into a rhythm,” he said. “We’ve asked for feedback from department coordinators and look forward to incorporating any feedback we get from them and others into our decision-making process.”

In the meantime, administration will continue to supervise the effects of the changes, and use that information to hopefully improve Grizz Time as a whole.

“We are always trying to improve Grizz Time and eliminate the wandering around that can sometimes occur,” Leighton said. “It’s a precious 28 minutes that should not be wasted.” should not be wasted.” Leighton said.

Hydroflasks fill a new dress code

Stickers placed on water bottles are now subject to dress coding

BY MIA TAYLOR

mtaylor.gazette@gmail.com

Hydroflasks have been extremely popular throughout the country over the past few years, and Granite Bay High is no exception to this trend.

A quick walk into the GBHS cafeteria offers a glimpse into the widespread use of these water bottles. Nearly every table is littered with different colored bottles, each customized with various stickers.

Students use their hydroflasks not only as a means to stay healthy and hydrate but as a way to creatively express themselves – with the addition of stickers on the flasks. . Whether these stickers hold personal meaning in the life of the owner or are simply displayed for aesthetic purposes, they have become a prominent way for students to accessorize an otherwise uninteresting item.

However, with the wide variety of stickers students have displayed on their water bottles,

some have been brought to the attention of administration because of their “inappropriate content.” Like any other professional setting, school is not a suitable place to display suggestive content. Accordingly, the administration has decided to make an effort to remove this type of content from campus by cracking down on hydroflask stickers.

“Similar to the regular dress code, students should avoid stickers with references to guns, drugs, alcohol, profanity, etcetera.” assistant principal Jessup McGregor said. “I wouldn’t call it a big issue at this point. Rather, we wanted to raise awareness that the display of inappropriate information and graphics isn’t limited to just T-shirts.”

Although these recent restrictions have not affected many students, many of those who have been affected said they believe inflicting rules upon what a student can or can't place on their property is unreasonable.

Senior Ellie Wilson, who was flagged for having a marijuana leaf sticker on her hydro-

Gazette photo | Max Schwartz

Granite Bay High students can scan their ID card as a new measure of safety this year.

flask, said students should have every right to customize their personal property.

“Students are encouraged to be themselves, but (administrators) contradict that idea with the enforcement of so many rules,” Wilson said. “ I don’t think they're disruptive in the classroom setting.”

Others question where the line between administration and student power should be drawn.

“I don't think administration has the right to take hydroflasks away, but they can ask students to leave them at home or remove a sticker,” senior Antonio Rizzuto said.

Despite student concerns, McGregor said violations of the new hydroflask policy can be easily resolved.

“Generally there is no punishment,” McGregor said. “Rather, we ask students to correct the issue such as covering with another sticker or removing the inappropriate one.”

PARKING: Controversey with new parking lot situation Continued from page A1 Also, within the first two weeks of school, there was yet another problem with the construction of the solar panels.

On August 20th, McNulty was informed by the construction crew that the fencing on the lot was being taken down.

“They were going to move the fencing (around the construction zone) without telling us,” McNulty said. “(I) called the district office and asked them if they knew. Their answer was no.”

Now, the construction of the solar panels is postponed until September 10th, and in the meantime, administration has reopened the parking lot to everyone.

With yet another delay in the proj-

ect, seniors say they are worried about getting a senior parking spot, a long-standing tradition at GBHS that can only happen once construction is completed.

“Senior spots are kinda a staple for seniors,” Fitch said.

At the moment though, they will have to settle for the original regulations, once the fencing comes back up.

Only after the construction in the parking lot has finished, will parking go back to how it was in years past.

The only problem is that there is no given concrete date for when the construction will be over.

The school remains optimistic that the project will be finished by the end of the school year.

“It’s taken us this long to (get this far),” said McNulty, “ so (they’ll finish), I’m thinking, in March or April.”

ASB UPDATE The Gazette talked to Student Government student Connor Chang about upcoming events.

Q

&

A

What events are coming to Granite Bay this semmester?

Gazette: How will you encourage students to participate?

Chang:Club Rush just happened in which Chang: Every class has their float building sites all the clubs approved got tables set up which will be promoted via social media and postto showcase what their club is all about. ers across campus and you’ll be able to help build Gazette photo /Natalie Erickson This helps create a connection from club your class float which is super fun. It’s a great way presidents to a variety in the student to get to know people in your class and support body. class spirit. You can also come to the all the homeRipple Effect week is coming up Sepcoming events and just have a good time. tember 24 and we’re going to be doing Breilh: rally is on Febactivities to improve the culture across Gazette: WhatThe is your role? ruary 17 during school. campus.

Homecoming is also coming up and we Chang: Chang: I’m actually Club Rush commissionalready chose the theme (Super Heros). er and I just finished working on it with my commitClass floats is going to be a really big tee. We collected charters from clubs looking to be thing this year, along with Overtime, Bonapproved organized the clubs placement for the fire, and the halftime parade. event.

Gazette photo /KABE TEAGUE

Connor Chang

–Compiled by Sabina Mahavni -Compiled by Max Schwartz

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Overcrowded classrooms Math classes consider cause issues early on new changes this year Teachers faced wiith new difficulties

BY HEBA BOUNAR

hbounar.gazette@gmail.com

With the growing number of students on Granite Bay High’s campus, classroom sizes are beginning to expand as well.

As certain classes develop a higher demand, students often find themselves in full classrooms holding above forty students.With the standard teacher-to-student ratio being around thirty-to-one, it is understandable why students might feel uneasy.

Correspondingly, students and teachers are expressing concerns for the new expectations within these class settings.

Kavya Krishnan is a sophomore taking her first AP classes. Being in an overcrowded AP Physics 1 class, she is left feeling a little intimidated as a result of growing competition.

“I’ve noticed that students, including myself, feel uncomfortable asking certain questions about certain subjects since there is such a large crowd in the classroom,” Krishnan said.

“The pressures have increased because there is so many people... and I’m only a sophomore with a lot of seniors and juniors in my class.”

Due to the overwhelming amount of students teachers are now responsible for, it is also noticeable that the amount of available oneon-one time with teachers has taken a toll.

Senior Taylor Harris understands that Grizz Time and after school hours are helpful for working on personal development, however, she still said that the time is limited. “...a lot of teachers have their own lives outside of school,” she said, “so we have to respect their time” “During Grizz Time, because there is a surplus of students, it can be difficult even then to get that one-on-one time because a student may have an issue that takes fifteen minutes when there is already a line of other students trying to talk to (the teacher).”

Among the classrooms suffering from enlarged class-sizes, the math department is arguably struggling the most.

Following the sudden resignation of IM 1 math teacher Lisa Kraft, other teachers such as Katherine Farias have been forced to take over.

While being given another set of students was stressful at first, Farias said that she and fellow math teachers were able to accomodate in the best way possible.

Although students and teachers might be stuck under the inconvenience of large class-sizes, the difficulties counselors face to organize these classes according to student preferences is often forgotten.

Counselor Tiffani Gieck recognizes the disadvantages of overcrowded classrooms, but she also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing student needs to take part in desired classes.

“Each class is given a cap-size,” Gieck said, “meaning how many students are able to fit whether it’s facility-wise, safety-wise, sometimes depending on resources such as computers or equipment, and once those classes are at their cap, we are not able to overload.”

“However, with that being said, we have new students continuing to enroll at GBHS. We definitely have to guarantee them a space and a home, and with that, we hope as the days and weeks progress, things are going to even out.”

While counselors do try to accommodate with the amount of students trying to get into preferrable classes, often too many students are left out once the capsize has been filled.

Sophomore Mehar Rangi is among those students who create a four-year plan that must include specific courses in order to satisfy their needs. She worries that with a lack of space within these classes, students will be forced to take other courses they did not initially want.

“The idea of not getting into a certain class because of the surplus of students already enrolled is absolutely devastating to some students,” Rangi said. “...there’s no doubt that the bitterness and regret in losing one class will have a negative impact on their outlook of school life.

“When you’re a highschooler, the smallest inconvenience is another straw weighing on (your) back, and sometimes, this can lead to the final blow.”

Integrated Math shifts curriculum for fall semester

BY EMMERSON FORD eford.gazette@gmail.com

Changes are happening to the Integrated Math program this year.

Only four years ago, other major changes were made when the Integrated Math system was first introduced at Granite Bay High School.

“Carnegie, the publisher, decided to rewrite the Integrated 1 and Integrated 2 curriculum… with the idea of making things better for the students,” David Laughrea, a math teacher at GBHS, said.

Some major changes were made in the textbooks.

“The (Integrated Math) textbook has changed in terms of some of the sequencing of the chapters,” Lisa Kunst, an IM 1 teacher, said.

Another substantial difference is that homework assignments are in the textbook instead of online.

The writers of the IM program are also changing the main focal points of the class.

“In IM 2... we’re focusing a lot more on circles than we did in previous years,” Tyler Jaynes, an IM 2 and IM 3 teacher, said.

The new books have upgrades, edits, and changes of improvement from the last version.

“The biggest change is (that) they’ve rearranged some things and made better connections (from one concept to another),” Bruce Honberger, an IM 2 teacher, said.

These changes are for the benefit of the students.

“I think that there’s going to be more understanding from one unit to the next,” Laughrea said.

However, the changes being made are not the exact same for IM 1 and IM 2.

A change in grading style is being made solely to IM 1 called Standards Based Grading.

“Homework does not count as part of their grade,” Kunst said. “Their grade is only based on skill quizzes, unit exams, and performance tasks.”

Kunst says that homework doesn’t really represent how much a student knows because it can be copied from friends, tutors, or online.

Teachers say that this new system of grading also forces students to improve. “(Students) can retake quizzes up to two times,” Kunst said. “I think (the new grading system) will be really good for students because it does promote a growth mindset.”

These new changes com “It’s hard to understand from the student side but when new curriculum comes that means new notes, new homework, new tests, new quizzes,” Laughrea said.

Jaynes anticipates some problems but thinks the changes will be good overall.

“Obviously having something new there are always bumps in the road along the way,” Jaynes said. “But I think it’ll be a good thing overall.”

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FACULTY: For Adams, Spanish is an addiction Continued from page A1

we all are very important and have something to give that only we can give. In some small way, to help them find what that is (and) helping them generate that into this world, for me, is a desire and a privilege.”

Grant Adams Grant Adams, the new Honors Spanish 4 and Spanish 2 teacher, is similarly passionate about his profession.

“Spanish is (my) addiction. I went to Guatemala when I was 12 and I fell in love with everything,” Adams said. “Culture, language, people, lifestyle, I swore after high school I would live in Central America and learn the language.”

Last year, Adams taught at both Granite Bay – for one period a day – and Oakmont, but has been hired full-time at Granite Bay this school year.

“It’s nice (being back), it feels like I’m at home,” Adams said. “I’ve been wanting to be here all day ever since I started in the district.”

Before coming to the RJUHSD, Adams taught at Sacramento State University for three years, and also at American River College, where he still teaches night classes.

However, given his experience and expertise as an educator, Adams chooses to remain at the high school level.

“My place is high school … at this point I don’t think I will ever go full time at community college because I like high school so much, I’ll just keep them both on the table,” Adams said.

Adams applies his vast knowledge as an educator through concepts he has studied.

“There is one method I try to focus on called desuggestopedia,” Adams said. “ It’s making (learning) fun. If you can make your class like-minded, engaging and entertaining, then your students are going to want

DEPARTURES: Hill left to help more students

Continued from page A1

to help them support their students. So rather than just helping the 100 kids in my classroom at GBHS, I could help hundreds more kids (as an administrator)”.

About two years ago, Hill was approached by GBHS principal Jennifer Leighton to serve as the school accreditation coordinator. Hill was told she worked well under pressure and was good at organizing people, leading her to consider working or her administrative credential.

Hill brought up the idea with her husband that winter break.

“I was talking to my husband, and he really wasn’t happy with his job and I loved my job and being in education,” Hill said.

“We had just become a family with three kids, and we thought it would be great if one of us could stay home since I enjoyed my job and we figured, well this is probably what’s going to be best for our family.”

After earning her administrative credential and master’s degree in educational leadership in 2017, Hill began applying for jobs, later casting her net beyond just the Roseville Joint Union High School District. Hill was hired as an assistant principal at San Juan High School over summer break.

“I was definitely excited, but at the same time, a little sad to be leaving Granite Bay, just because of the people,” Hill said.

“More than anything, its just the people – the teachers, the counselors, the admin, the students, of course.”

The timeline of staff resignations wasn’t ideal for administrators to correct scheduling issues.

“We knew some teachers were leaving before the end of the year, which is normal,” assistant principal Jessup McGregor said.

Classes previously taught by teachers who departed GBHS staff were absorbed by other teachers. For example, Spanish teachers Ben Soper, Gerardo Solano and Grant Adams each took an additional period of Spanish.

“So Mr. Soper and Mr. Solano, then, don’t get a prep period this term,” McGregor said. “They absorbed those two classes, each took one. Then we have Mr. Adams (who) was going to be part time, and he ended up going full time. This is tough to do, so kudos to those (teachers).”

The departure of Dyadchenko allowed administrators to bring a new teacher into the faculty team.

“With Mrs. Dyadchenko leaving, we were able to make a hire, which was awesome,” McGregor said. “So we got a really great new person (Susanna Peeples) – it’s surprising to get a great person, when you’re doing last-minute (changes).”

Senior Rachel Finsthwait had Hill as a spanish teacher for both Honors Spanish 4 and Advanced Placement Spanish.

“I have known Mrs. Hill for about four years, but we were closer during my time as her TI,” Finsthwait said. “I love how encouraging and loving she is to her students. She has the kind of patience you need when teaching kids a foreign language, and she has inspired my love for Latin culture and language.”

Hill had a final message for her former students.

“La Casa de Amor,” Hill said. “They’ll know. They’ll remember.”

to have more of a buy-in and will want to be there. If you have that interest of wanting to be there, learning comes easy.”

Susanna Peeples The resignation of music teacher Angelika Dyachenko over the summer led to an extensive search to find the right person to fill the gaping hole of the award-winning program.

School officials chose Susanna Peeples, who came from McNair High in Stockton where she grew the choral program to more than 200 students.

“Mrs. Peeples had a huge choir program and she just loves kids, loves to reach out to them,” Leighton said.

Peeples will be teaching choir, piano and guitar this school year.

Heidi McKeen The search to fill an opening in the science department didn’t need to be quite so wide-ranging.

Heidi McKeen, a college prep and IB biology teacher as well as the freshman class adviser, has returned to GBHS after a four-year absence “We didn’t even post the opening for the science department,” Leighton said. “The science teachers are so excited to have her back.”

McKeen left GBHS in October 2014 for maternity leave and spent additional time off raising her child.

“I came back to teaching last year, but I didn’t come back here, I took a job at Antelope (High) for a year and then was fortunate enough to transfer back here,” McKeen said. “I got a call asking if I was interested in coming back and I said yes. I miss everybody.”

Growing up with her mom as a teacher, McKeen always knew that education was an option for her.

“I have a great background in science, but my passion doesn’t lie in continuing that side of it,” McKeen said, “but trying to make other people excited about

science too.”

McKeen’s love for both science and teaching compelled her to pick up the challenge of teaching an IB class.

“I love science, so to get to be in these higher-level science classes where, even as a teacher, I’m continually educating myself and having really awesome conversations with motivated and mature students,” McKeen said. “So that part of it is really fun.”

McKeen plans to be involved in several programs around campus.

“I missed feeling like I was a (part) of the community, and I’m excited to be back,” McKeen said.

Meghan Cole Meghan Cole is yet another teacher returning to GBHS, although this time, in a much different role.

Cole graduated from GBHS in 2012 and has been hired to return as an English 9 teacher just six years later.

“I went to Chico State (after graduating) ... and got a major and two minors in five and a half years,” Cole said.

While at GBHS, Cole was heavily involved with Student Government and dance, which played a vital role in her return.

“The teachers that had worked with her as a student said that she was an outstanding student,” Leighton said. “She worked with Mrs. (Tamara) Givens, (Desiree) Milburn and (Dede) Walker, and they all said she’s awesome. We (had to) grab her.”

Cole had several job offers from schools in the area lined up for her in the beginning of the summer, but she turned them all down for an opportunity to interview for a position at GBHS. “I never thought in a million years that I would come back here because this school and district is so prestigious, so I never thought that this is where I’d get to

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start,” Cole said.

The administration recognized her talent and energy immediately and called her back on the same night as the interview.

“It’s fun when teachers come home again,” Leighton said. “They have a lot of pride, and they want to be here.”

Cole now has an opportunity to take on an expanded role at her alma mater by possibly taking on different programs outside of the English program.

“She has a dance background, she can help support there because the dance program is always growing so we can always look at that,” Leighton said. “(Also) she was in Student Government, (and) Mrs. Givens isn’t going to want to do student government forever.”

Cole said she would be very interested in taking up those opportunities if they become available in the future.

“It’s my dream – I love English … but because of my experience here and how I enjoyed both of those programs, I would 100 percent do either one in a heartbeat,” Cole said.

Michaela Morrison Michaela Morrison has been hired to teach one section of English 9 at GBHS in the fall, and she’ll teach two sections of English at Oakmont. In the spring, she’ll teach two sections of English 9 at GBHS and one section of English at Oakmont.

The new faces hired at GBHs are eager to begin a new step in their careers. They have all taken different paths to reach this point, but Leighton said they all are passionate about their subjects and the education profession.

“I look forward,” Leighton said, “to how they’re going to grow their programs.”

CHROMEBOOK: Technology introduced for students

Continued from page A2 lege and their career, (students) are going to have technology available to them,” Imrie said.

“It’s going to distract them. It’ll be a temptation, and they’re going to have to figure out how to be successful in life with technology always available.”

Some students and teachers also

worry about the increased amount of screen time students are getting each day and its effect on teenagers. With technology already consuming a great deal of students’ time, adding even more hours at school could make it worse.

Sophomore Shrina Pandey is among those students who don’t necessarily dislike internet-based curriculum but would still prefer

the classic educational system of pencil and paper. She also has already begun to notice negative effects that the increased screen time has had on some students.

“Looking at a screen probably isn’t the best way for (adolescent) brains to grow,” Pandey said.

“There have been a lot of scientific explanations that say that looking at a screen the entire day

deteriorates attention span(s) and the amount of sleep (students) are getting.”

While there might be physical consequences to excessive internet-use, technology does broaden the opportunities students have to get creative outside of school.

With numerous online sources available to them at all times, people like Imrie believe students

can really take advantage of the freedom they are being provided. “(Technology) gives students the ability to create and explore in a whole variety of ways,” Imrie said, “vs. just a textbook or an assignment done in class that has limited abilities in both what they are given and ... the outcome.

“Technology gives the freedom to do so much more.”

THEATER: Facility to be renamed in memory of former director Continued from page A2 However, the story of the renaming isn’t really about any one person contributing to the project, according to Holmes.

“It’s really not supposed to be about us doing anything for them,” Holmes said. “It is really a story of the community coming together to honor this man that did so much for them.”

The current theater sign will be replaced by a sign that will read: “James T. Prichard Performing Arts Center.”

Inside, there will be a more prominent display with his photo and a description of his work with the GBHS theater department.

“I really think it is a fitting tribute,” said Bob Prichard, Jim’s son and a current English and speech and debate teacher at GBHS. “He may not have been the school’s first drama teacher, but he’s responsible for the tradition of theater at this school that is very strong.”

In addition to his father Jim, Bob’’s mother, Rita Prichard, coached speech and debate and taught English at GBHS. “Growing up with teacher parents who were very committed to what they did showed me the passion that it takes

and how rewarding it was,” Bob said. “It influenced me into thinking that it was a career that could work well for me.”

To the very last day of his career and afterward, Jim was extremely passionate about his livelihood.

“If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life,” Bob said. “That’s how I feel about teaching, and I’m certain that that’s how my dad felt about teaching.”

Jim’s love for theater and his kind heart reached hundreds of students in his years at GBHS. “The thing about being a teacher is that you probably influence more people than you realize,” Bob said. “To see that many people take the time to write about how their life was influenced by my dad was pretty touching.”

Jim’s influence on the community is perhaps best represented in the letters of support for the project sent by his former students.

“We could see right through that tough, fatherly exterior to a heart of gold, a heart that loved kids and loved theater most of all,” said Sarah Shotwell, a 2003 graduate of GBHS. “Mr. Prichard was not a wealthy donor or a famous man, but no one else’s name deserves to be on the theater like he does.”

To his students, Prichard became more than a drama teacher – he was a mentor and father figure.

“Jim Prichard was my teacher and director, but reflecting back, I realize that he was a friend and father figure who helped teach and guide me through so many life lessons,” said Alex Yamada, a 2006 graduate.

Students treasured the welcoming environment that Prichard created in the theater classroom, which served as a haven for hundreds of students to explore their creativity over his 13 years teaching.

“Over the three years I was privileged to know him, Mr. Prichard was nothing short of inspiring,” said Thomas Tallerico, a 2013 graduate. “He encouraged anyone who came into the drama space to be themselves and took pains to ensure an environment of acceptance.”

Prichard’s deep care for his students left an indelible mark on the community that lives on today.

“Mr. Prichard was a phenomenal teacher and a caring man – and maybe this it too obvious, but that kind of combination really saves kids,” Tallerico said. “I don’t feel I overestimate when I say the theater felt like home ... to many of us because of how hard Mr. Prichard tried to make the space welcoming and worthwhile.”

SECURITY: Cameras intended to increase protection for students, faculty on camContinued from page A1 has close to 3,000 people going through it any given day,” McNulty said. “We’re trying to make sure that people … coexist in (the) environment (and) ensure everyone’s safety on campus.”

Part of the school’s movement toward

safety included the addition of 28 security cameras that are now installed. GBHS is only the third school in the Roseville Joint Union High School District to have active security cameras on campus.

“We have three long-throw (cameras) and 25 fish eyes,” McNulty said. “We have a dedicated server to (the cameras) also, so

we’ve got recordings of videos, which will be around for three weeks. We can do a multitude of other things with it.”

In addition to the cameras, the school has also given out Lock Blocks – a mechanism that allows a faculty member to lock a classroom door from the inside – in order to upgrade safety protocols.

“We’re (giving) Lock Blocks for every single classroom and teacher that wants one,” McNulty said.

This overall safety effort comes not just from the school district, but from the community.

“I don’t think (the upgrades) were school mandated,” McNulty said.

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GAZETTE The Granite Bay

GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL 1 GRIZZLY WAY GRANITE BAY, CA 95746

Editors-in-Chief: Spencer Cova Abbie Gould Max Schwartz Andrew Yung Sidney Zabell Lifestyle Editors: Elliott Hyman May Lin Ashley Yung Green Screen Editors: Bella Hamilton Angelina Kolosey Dylan Rowe Sports Editors: Emily Hansen Akhil Shah

School success does not always translate Doing well in high school can in reality be detrimental

I

t’s apparent at Granite Bay High School we have a common belief that in order to succeed, we must win.

Some students might even feel that if they are not the smartest in a class or the best on their team, they have not proven themselves successful – but it’s time that this idea is altered.

The idea that “if you're not first you're last” only discourages students from progressing in their own way. When someone believes they cannot be successful without winning or being the best, the accomplishments made along the way become less significant to them.

It’s OK to fail in order to learn and grow. Making mistakes is actually a good thing in order to learn what to do better next time.

Think of practice for a school sport – most of the time, athletes understand that not everything will run smoothly each practice.

An athlete might miss a goal, drop the ball or hit the net.

During practice most people are OK with making mistakes because they become more motivated to fix them.

Yet when it comes to a game or match and athletes make a mistake, it’s easy for them to become discouraged and

Even if a students is not an athlete, losing or slowly loses motivation.

The problem lies in the idea that a game failing is OK. is everything, and in order to win, misIt's OK to fail a quiz because it can entakes can’t be made. courage you to study harder next time. It’s Winning is an amazing thing and feels OK to lose a class election because it can great to all those who contribute to it, but encourage you to reach out to others more. it is not everything.

It's even OK to lose a part in a play or dance It’s OK to make mistakes and it’s even because it will encourage you to work harder.

OK to lose. It only helps you to learn and Losing doesn’t mean someone isn't smart grow. enough, strong enough or fast enough. It simThe GBHS football team is 1-2 so ply means that there is more room to grow far this preseason, but that’s not a bad and therefore more room to progress. thing. This doesn't mean the players can’t Progression only leads to greater achievedevelop into a winning team or that they ment. have not accomplished individual growth ssewell.gazette@gmail.com The best way to be happy with yourself is as athletes. to look at failing as a way to improve and It's not fair to look at a win as the only evidence of understand that winning isn't everything in life. progression or success when in reality the team has been Being accomplished can come by realizing your own progressing all season. potential and believing that you don't have to win or be the It's impossible not to grow when the team practices on best to be successful. average four and a half hours a day, four days a week.

You don't have to be the smartest in the class to be intelEach person on the team has likely made mistakes or ligent.

You don't have to be the best team in the league to be messed up a play, but it doesn't mean that they aren't an amazing athlete. capable of greatness. Win or lose, they have still worked You are not a just number in your class or a stat on your every day to learn and grow into better athletes. team. Everyone is more than their GPA or first place.

It's important to understand the work put in every day by students and athletes.

COMMENTARY

sydney sewell

Social Media Editor: Kabe Teague Staff Writers and Photographers: Landen Acosta Heba Bounar Cori Caplinger Shreya Dodballapur Emerson Ford Bella Khor Lamont Mason Cyrus Mynar Sydney Sewell Maya Snow Sidney Stipanovich Mia Taylor Gaby Williams Sarah Withrow Adviser: Karl Grubaugh

The Gazette is published eight times per academic year by students in the advanced journalism class at Granite Bay High School.

Content is determined by the staff and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Granite Bay High School’s faculty, administration, adviser or student body.

Students are protected in their exercise of press freedom by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and California Education Code 48907.

Signed editorials and columns reflect the views of the writer.

Letters to the editor and guest commentaries are encouraged and must be signed, although anonymity can be granted on a case-by-case basis.

The editorial board reviews letters to the editor, advertising and guest commentaries and reserves the right to edit and refuse material. Reasons can include length, clarity, libel, obscenity, material disruption of the educational process at Granite Bay High School or violation of copyright laws.

Let’s talk more about: Toxic Masculin ity Males should be free to open up about their problems without having to face stigma

Gazette illustration | Spencer Cova

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COMMENTARY

young age to act a certain henever toxic masculinity is way and believe certain introduced into a things. In reality, it not conversation, we tend to shy only affects men, but it away from the topic. This is affects our society as a not only frustrating, it is also whole. very dangerous.

Toxic masculinity has The definition of the term become an epidemic, branches out immensely, as no evident by male suicide one can really agree on what which has reached an allit means – some people take time high – men are 3.5 offense at the term and others times more likely to combelieve it denotes the assermit suicide than females, tion of male dominance over according to the American ccaplinger.gazette@gmail.com women.

Foundation for Suicide I personally believe toxic Prevention. Toxic mascumasculinity is the general societal expectalinity might not be the leading cause of these tion of men that was introduced to them at a startling rates, but it is certainly a big factor.

cori caplinger

S Identification Statement GRANITE BAY GAZETTE PUBLISHED EIGHT TIMES PER ACADEMIC YEAR c/o Granite Bay High School 1 Grizzly Way Granite Bay, CA 95746 Subscriptions: $25 per year/ $15 per half year

This tendency to undershare experiences is what I believe toxic masculinity is really about.

Toxic masculinity is not a joke, and it definitely isn’t something we should ignore for fear of ridicule.

Instead, it’s time for us to open up the conversation on toxic masculinity, and to not shy away from it just because of embarrassment. Because this is affecting not only men, but the people around them as well.

We should utterly abolish the practice of teaching young boys to toughen up. Instead, we need to start teaching them that it is OK to open up and discuss what is stressing them out.

GBHS legacy can lead to stressed, overtaxed students Students are often too focused on school that they lose sight of what matters the most in life

Send Letters to the Editor to staff.gazette@gmail.com

Gender stereotypes certainly reflect the problem of toxic masculinity. Females are often stereotyped for oversharing their feelings, while males are stereotyped for undersharing. And this is not just a stereotype – many men feel like they can’t share their thoughts or feelings out of fear of peer judgment.

Personally I think this is ridiculous. Society has always taught men to “man up” and to “suck it up.” How can anyone be expected to do this when you’re not mentally healthy?

I absolutely cannot fathom a world where my emotions are so debilitating and I can’t even discuss it with anyone. Yet we have failed to produce a comfortable environment where men can openly discuss what’s affecting them.

ince its beginning in 1996, Granite Bay High has bred successful people. From nationally recognized athletes to bestselling authors, our alumni have created a standard for the current classes.

Although this standard has helped our school grow into somewhat of a powerhouse in many aspects, such as our band and athletic programs, it has also affected the academic culture here on campus.

Since our progression toward becoming one of the top public schools in the area, a new level of stress has come along with it.

The stress is noticeable in every class on campus, as it is not only a desire to succeed and maintain a high GPA, but also it is somewhat of an internal requirement that begins to sprout even in freshman year.

With college in mind, the “Numbers Game” begins.

By sophomore and junior year, a fair majority of students have already begun front-loading their schedule with around the same number of Advanced Placement and honors classes that students elsewhere take in all four years.

For instance, some students have taken as many as eight AP classes in their junior year, all in the hopes of getting a high GPA.

This increase in pressure to perform diminish all cases. Cheating is a normal here at GBHS, while thought to drive thing on campus whether it is homework a culture of success and ambition, has or exams. People would much rather get consequently also bred a culture that sees 10 points on their homework than learn the an abundance of cheaters. material.

Our school has multiple precautions and This mindset is dangerous to breed at punishments set up to prevent cheaters such as the “Black List,” but even with such a young age – once these students get such possible discipline, our students’ to college or work, they will not be able to need to not be caught at the bottom of the live off of taking other people’s work. class rank has apparently outweighed the Being subject to an environment that fear of being caught cheating. made them feel as if they were forced to The presence of cheating was formed cheat in order to achieve their dreams is a not because of bad students, but in some cases the exact opposite. We have had bad message to send to youth during their kteague.gazette@gmail.com cheaters on campus become class valedicmost impactful years: high school. torians. I know successful students who The workload and tough grading systems within our have cheated in the classroom on occasion. Not because classes on campus does not help either, as the stress of their intelligence or work is inadequate, but rather because school varies immensely from one teacher to the next. of the stress placed on them by the school culture.

Some teachers only give homework that is necessary for There is no one to blame for this level of stress placed upon students, but over time, students at GBHS have been learning while others give several hours worth of work. taught to meet the lofty standards set by previous alumni.

If we want to see a decline in cheating, we need to deal Our school has created a big emphasis on integrity in with the culture of our school. We need teachers and the the classroom, and teachers are often very harsh with their administration to recognize the difference between having repercussions for a student who has broken the code of conduct. Some have gone as far as emailing the colleges the students learn and having them work, and we need our students to understand that a number can’t define who you are. students plan on attending.

Although this does help the cause, it does not completely

COMMENTARY

kabe teague

Friday, September 5, 2018 w

The Granite Bay Gazette

HEARD on the BAY Do you think the college admissions process is unfair?

“No but it is a bit stressful knowing that if you messed up one year in high school, colleges are going to put you at the bottom.”

freshman

Voices A9

The press, including us, isn’t the enemy EDITORIAL W

e the people are ruled by the United States Constitution.

The sacred document has been amended only 27 times and is the basis on which our country runs.

It determines what is fair and just. It grants us our unassailable rights.

Among these freedoms are bearing arms, assembling, and maintaining free speech. Included in this document is also the freedom of the press.

Written into the very first amendment, this part of the Constitution has challenged and bettered society in countless ways, including exposing Nixon’s Watergate scandal.

However, the freedom of the press has also faced its fair share of scrutiny.

In the past couple of years, the integrity of all media outlets – online,

print and television honorable endeavours. included – have At the Granite Bay been seriously Gazette, we cover mainly questioned, the local and school-related The voice of the movement chamtopics. Granted, we do Granite Bay pioned by a select not refrain from discussGazette few current political ing political and global leaders. trends that we observe As a result, the and are impacted by in labels “fake news” and “biased media this community. outlets” have been overused and often However, we are hardly focused on blindly thrown at any and all news targeting select individuals. Instead, sources, no matter where they lie on we strive to focus on our intimacy the political spectrum. with the community as we serve first This trend is due in large part to and foremost to inform and perhaps President Trump’s ongoing claims that entertain, our readers. the mainstream media is an enemy of That is why, at the Granite Bay the people and are out to get him.

Gazette, we remove all biases from However, we as a high school informational stories to the best of our journalism program have much more abilities.

That is why we remove all fabrication of facts and details, and prevent fake news to the best of our abilities.

That is why we try to remove our own commentary and opinions on informational, news articles.

Because here, at the Granite Bay Gazette, our stories are not about the writers.

They are about the people in our community. They are about giving a voice to those around the community.

Truly, it is the people that write our stories, their stories, and quotes that drive the article, and their perspective that shapes the tone of the story.

Because we as writers merely function to enable the community’s voices, especially the voices of students, to be heard.

Brayden Rudisill “No, because everyone gets an equal opportunity”

sophomore

Sydney Flynn “I don’t think it’s unfair because they demand the same thing for everyone.

junior

Gazette illustration | Spencer Cova

Teens are dealing with too much Students suffer results

of overscheduled lives

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Sean Turner “They are definitely unfair, they have slight bias based off economical and racial standpoints.”

senior

hen I was little, my days consisted of coming home from school, doing what little homework I had and then doing something fun with my parents or friends.

My family had weekly movie nights but as I grew up there was no more time for our traditions.

The miniscule time it once took to do my homework turned into multiple hours and so the time I spent with my family during weekdays became less and less.

My soccer schedule when I was little was manageable: three days of practice and a game (or occasionally two) on the weekend with a tournament here and there.

Now my schedule is overbearing, as it consists of four days of practice and traveling to different states on the weekend for one game.

I do all the same things–school, soccer and spend time with friends and family–but as I’ve gotten older a lot more has been squeezed into each 24 hour day.

I go to school, rush home and start on homework, go to the gym for an hour, do more homework and then go to soccer practice for three more hours. I end up getting home at 9:30 then finish my homework until one or two in the morning.

The sad thing is, my schedule isn’t a rarity; a lot As teenagers we need the longest amount of sleep of high school students have very similar timelines and most of the time, especially on school nights, we between school, sports and friends. are not getting that.

The standard at Granite Bay High School is to take According to the sleep foundation, after babies, as many Advanced Placement classes as possible, play teenagers need the most amount of sleep–an average of one or more sports, go to all the social events and still eight to ten hours a night. find time for your friends and family.

It is more important to focus on your health and find There are simply not enough hours in the day to postime to rest and relax than going to the sibly fit everything in, yet we all still football game on Friday. find a way to do it.

It’s not the smartest idea to take four to While “thriving” on four hours of five AP classes with six hours of homesleep or pulling all-nighters, I make work a night when you spend a majority of sure I complete all my homework, go your night at a sports practice. to all my trainings and socialize with my friends.

Take the AP classes you are interested My schedule from when I was little in, not as many as possible that way you has changed a lot in the number of have more time to have fun while in high things I try to fit into each day. school.

Kids are overscheduled trying to fit Only participate in the sport if you love into the norm of society nowadays it and if you don’t, switch to a team that and it unhealthy for them. doesn’t take up as much of your time.

Giving up their sleep because they Have fun while you are young and don’t abbie gould had to go to their practice and comtry to squeeze an abundance of activities plete their six hours of homework and agould2.gazette@gmail.com into one day. study for a big test on top of that only Only do the activities you are passionate wears oneself out. about that way you have time to rest and aren’t overThat is just one day in an overly busy week, with no scheduled–appreciate your life and enjoy it. time for rest.

COMMENTARY

Beauty products come at a definite cost

animal-testing for makeup products. skin. The idea is too gruesome to even Even though the majority of women are against ponder. animal-testing, they choose to lose their moral comBut why is it that when it comes to the life of innocent, voiceless animals, pass in exchange for convenience. This is proven by we’re indifferent to their pain and the fact that thriving makeup companies such as MAC t’s 5 a.m. and she grudgingly pulls herCosmetics, L’Oreal and Benefit, all suffering? self out of bed, immediately heading known users of animal-testing, are It’s as if the lives toward the restroom. still some of the most successful of animals are simply First comes the foundation and eyeliner. in the world. toys that can be There is a greater brands Next the lip gloss and mascara. After hours thrown out when Maintaining such financial success of pampering her face, she is ready to start need-be. is impossible without the tremensacrifice that her day. dous support from makeup users Yet despite the Does this sound familiar? Women across comes before across the world, including the 72 remorse we feel after the globe understand the sacrifice to mainpercent of women who are supposhearing the terrible applying the tain a presentable image within presentedly anti-animal-testing. atrocities that happen day society. makeup – the This just goes to reveal the hyto these animals daily, But humans are not the only casualty we are unable to put pocrisy of these women who might testing of the toxic beauty standards in the world have a certain moral belief but are the product down and today. heba bounar unable to maintain it when given an trade it for an animalThere’s a greater sacrifice that comes easier option. friendly brand. hbonour.gazette@gmail.com before applying the makeup – the testing.

It becomes clear that humans are Because of an undeIt’s a common misconception that self-centered beings whose morals sirable higher price, animal-testing is just another regrettable piece of are thrown out the window when confronted with ispeople have come to ignore these brands and rather American history. That is not the case. equate the price of a cheaper beauty product with the sues of money or beauty.

In fact, they’re only four states that have banned price of an animal’s life.

As a result, little to no attention is being paid to such animal-testing and only one, California, that has proa large problem. Think twice next time when purchasThe other issue? Those who deem animal-testing to hibited the sale of these products altogether. ing makeup products. Take the initiative to inform be unethical yet unknowingly continue to use these However, this bill doesn’t go into effect for another products or choose, conveniently, to forget. yourself of companies that do use animal-testing, and three years. The fact that 46 states still legalize the pay the extra dollars for animal-friendly products.

In a survey conducted by the Humane Society of the abuse of animals for cosmetics is appalling.

As Elle Woods iconically said: “Speak for those who United States, 72 percent of women, who are the largImagine if chemicals were to be dripped into your can’t speak for themselves.” eyes, forced down your throat and rubbed on your bare est consumers of cosmetics, stand against the use of

Animals undergo consequences of cosmetic companies

Noah Lutz “It is as fair as it can be.... they are doing everything they can do.”

staff

Kay Bacharach Compiled by Spencer Cova

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COMMENTARY

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News

Friday, September 7, 2018

A10

Second Look Seniors celebrate their first day of high school by watching the sunrise together

Ursus yearbook photos by Sam Weltsch ď ˇTop left, seniors talk while waiting for the sun to rise on the first day of school. Top right, senior Caroline Guidera folds her yellow bandanna so she can attach it to her backpack. Middle left, senior Bennett Mantz jokingly wears his yellow bandanna on his head while posing for a picture. Across from Bennett, Jenna Ladrech, Hannah Les, Will Nogrady, Ryan Rosnack Matthew Fowler, Jace Foddrill and Nick Schultz take a picture on the first day of school. Senior Nevin Phagura buys his senior class shirt in the bottom left photo. Across from Nevin. seniors Pariya Rahni, Clayton Madsen, Avonna Usher, and Marina Soares pose for a silly picture.

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Lifestyle

Granite Bay Gazette

B Section

Friday w September 7, 2018

COMMENTARY

SAT mishap with repeat test from Asia Students share their upset at the College Board over the August exam

BY MAX SCHWARTZ

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ashley yung ayung2.gazette@gmail.com

Kindness comes before everything else

I

have a confession: I am completely and entirely selfish.

Last year, when I had insomnia, I was cranky the following day. When school got difficult, I rudely ignored my friends and my family. When I did poorly on a test, I didn’t feel like congratulating those who did well. I thought when people were mean to me, I was justified in being mean back.

I used these circumstances as my excuse. I refused to believe that I was an unpleasant person. That my relationships were failing. I considered myself “relatively” nice–as if there were some low standard I should be proud of surpassing.

Another confession: I didn’t really think kindness mattered.

Sure, I’d say it. But my actions didn’t attest for it. I wanted myself to be what colleges wanted me to be: smart and talented. Kindness seemed so inferior in comparison.

I think my perspective really changed when I went to a two week overnight creative writing camp.

Don’t get me wrong: these people astonished me with their creativity, their brains, and their humor. But I didn’t cry on the plane ride home because of that.

I don’t call it the best two weeks of my life because of how much I admire their talent.

I cried because I was leaving the kindest people I had ever met behind. Because I didn’t know if I’d ever feel so accepted again. If I’d ever feel such overwhelming care.

My camp friends helped me overcome some of my darkest internal battles. They taught me what love is. What selflessness is. What acceptance is.

And for the first time, people told me I was beautiful. People told me I should never feel worthless and that circumstances do not determine my identity. And I cried because I had never heard such encouraging words before. And I cried again because for the first time, I believed the compliments.

And I thought about home.

About the insecurities I had. About the pain I went through. About the selfish thinking that tore me down when I failed myself. And I thought about how I left that all behind not because I got smarter or more talented or metamorphosed into some perfect person. I changed because kind people influenced my perception of myself and what is important in life.

And I came to a consensus: the best people are the kindest people.

When I had a selfish mindset, I liked being kind because it made me feel good about myself.

But now, kindness is so much more than that. Kindness is about uplifting people. It’s about forgetting yourself for a second and thinking about the wonderful people around you. It’s about listening to people. Helping them. Genuinely caring about them. It’s about creating smiles and being addicted to the feeling of watching someone else be happy.

***

mschwartz.gazette@gmail.com

he SAT is infamous for its power of making or breaking a student admission into a college. When a student gets a bad score they reap the consequences, but what happens when the College Board is in the wrong?

College Board, the company that manages the SAT has been in the press lately for the possibility of an invalidation of the August test. This obviously has sparked a lot of mixed emotions from students who took the test.

College Board isn’t new to strong criticism. For the June SAT, the company implemented a questionable curve because it found the test to be too easy.

The June test was GBHS senior Fernando Gonzalez’s third SAT. “I improved my score each time before then (going from a score of) 1260 to an 1180,” Gonzalez said. “I know that the tests will always have a curve, so it’s not random, but this was a shock.”

A part of Gonzales’ reasoning was the comparison of his friend’s score in the previous tests, who also spoke on the issue.

“People asked me a lot about my score (to compare theirs) because the curve was unexpected,” GBHS senior Daniel Green said. “(For an example) my math score was 750 and I missed 5 to 6 problems; my friends missed the same and got a (score of) 720.”

Although addressing the unusual curve, Greene did express that the extent of the curves wasn’t as bad as people say.

“People definitely used (the curve) as a crutch when they didn’t get the (score they wanted),” Green said. “It’s a basic element of human nature to put the responsibility on something else.”

Students left their test rooms after taking the SAT — a product of their studying for a month — only to be met with an announcement that their tests may be invalidated.

The reason for the possibility of an invalidation is the reading test was available to students in China before the

Gazette illustration | Ashley Yung

actual test date.

The reaction to this, for the most part, wasn’t positive.

“When I pay for something like that… and it’s out of my hands, it’s annoying because I have spent countless hours studying.” Greene said.

Similarly, AP tests have had problems, but according to Greene they aren’t equal.

“AP tests leak some questions every year so it could be worse for the SAT,” Green said. “Then again there are multiple AP tests and those don’t always matter in perspective to every college.

The SAT matters.”

The problem with the test isn’t exclusive to the company, College Board. They also are present in the lower levels.

“One of my friends who was also a baseball player… was just watched by colleges but never approached because of his low scores,” Zach Taylor, a TCU baseball commit said. “After studying more and dedicating himself to get a high score on his tests… he got an offer from a college that had previously passed on his due to his earlier grades.”

In a statement, Taylor summarized what the SAT mean: “One test can make or break hopes for athletic or college futures,” Taylor said.

“Getting a great high score can open up so many doors for your future that aren’t there if you haven’t received a good score.”

Siblings employed as teachers together

Sisters attend the same high school when they’re adults

BY ASHLEY YUNG

ayung2.gazette@gmail.com

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Julia Bonilla-Leary (left) and Theresa Landon are siblings teaching together at GBHS.

Ashley Yung, a junior, is a Lifestyle editor.

“The classroom (that I took the SAT in) didn’t have a clock in it, so I had no idea how much time I had. They would only give you a two minute warning, so when you’re in a 65 minute section that’s not the ideal situation.” Gonzalez said.

This wasn’t the only kind of incident.

“My friend signed up to take the test at Folsom High School and had (Folsom High School) on his ticket, but when he went there, he missed his SAT (because he wasn’t on their list),” Greene said.

“There are a lot of problems at the lower level that should have zero.”

Considering last year’s admissions from Granite Bay High, the tensions are high about the admission process this year.

This is especially the case for athletes.

Gazette photo | Corinne Caplinger

s of 2016, a pair of sisters have taught at Granite Bay High School. Theresa Landon is a science teacher, and her sister, Julia Bonilla-Leary, is a Spanish teacher.

Although Bonilla-Leary was employed at GBHS before Landon, she is the younger sister by eight years. However, Bonilla-Leary does not believe that her sister’s choice to become a teacher had an impact on her.

“I don’t think (Landon) had an influence (on my desire to teach),” Bonilla-Leary said.

“It was definitely more our mom.”

Their mother was a English teacher herself and ran a small business that helped prepare future teachers for their credential exams.

Landon said that their mother was also the reason why she became a teacher.

“We both come from a family full of teachers,” Landon said. “Her example was very instrumental in encouraging both of us to pursue education.”

Landon said that because she went through the process of becoming a teacher first, this might have given

Bonilla-Leary some additional insight on what the process is like.

“I’m sure it was helpful for (my sister) to see and hear what it was actually like to enter a credential program, get a job and work in the classroom,” Landon said.

When Landon was working at Antelope High School, she encouraged her sister to take an open Spanish position at GBHS. “I wanted to come (to GBHS) because (Landon) always said good things about GBHS and the whole Roseville Joint Union High School District,” Bonilla-Leary said.

For this reason, Bonilla-Leary ended up accepting the job at GBHS over offers at other high schools.

After a maternity leave from Antelope High School, Landon was asked to fill in temporarily as a science teacher for one semester at GBHS. “I fell in love with the staff and students at GBHS and had fun working alongside my sister,” Landon said. “The temporary (teaching) position ended, but a permanent part time position was then available.”

See SISTERS, page B4

inside lifestyle Wacky scholarship

B2

Faculty focus

B4

Student spotlight

B5

Vaping is on the rise

Family Success Story

Bitter Boys and Girls

Nicotine’s addictive qualities pose a greater risk for teens

Local immigrant family experiences challenges on the way to success

B3

B5

A long-standing group of teachers meet together during lunch

B6

Friday, September 7, 2018

Lifestyle B2

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Service dogs offer help, awareness and education

It’s important to respect rules for service animals in order to keep their owner’s health stable blind, or to alert an oncoming seizure. Therefore, a distracted service dog puts their owner at hen most people think of risk of getting hurt if they miss a medical equipment, they signal to alert their owner. think of crutches, wheel- “People tend to disrespect me chairs, oxygen tanks, stethoscopes, and my service dog almost everythermometers, etc. Their first day. Some of the most common thought is not typically a service things people do that interfere dog. with [Rielta’s] job Currently, on are petting her the Granite Bay without asking, High School’s calling her name campus, there or trying to give People tend to are two service her commands.” dogs - Rielta, disrespect me and Ghufran said. “It who aids junior just distracts her my service dog Madelaine Ghuso if I don’t know fran, and Shamalmost every day. if somebody is rock, who aids petting her, I don’t staff member Aiknow if she’s – Madelain Ghufran, mee Betgeorge. paying attention to Madelaine and me and she might junior Mrs. Betgeorge not alert me.” are type-one This puts Ghudiabetic and fran at risk if her gets alerted by blood sugar sigtheir service nificantly changes dogs if and when their blood sugar in those few distracted moments, begins to drop or rise. Service therefore, she wouldn’t know to dogs are relied on to alert their properly control it. owners, for example, changes in “It’s really frustrating because blood sugar, guidance if they are a lot of people know that you’re

BY EMERSON FORD

eford.gazette@gmail.com

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supposed to ask before you pet a service dog but a lot of people don’t think it’s that important to follow the rules.” Ghufran said.

Having to worry about this sort of situation can be burdensome and stressful for people with service dogs.

“We’ll be out in public and people will touch him or they’ll let their kids come over and play with him and that actually happens quite a bit so I’ll just have to explain,” Betgeorge said. “A lot of times, it’s kids who understand more than their parents.”

On top of the already attitude towards service dogs, a shocking influx of “fake” service dogs is a Gazette photo | Cori Caplinger current disturbing trend. Fakers Shamrock and Riealta, GB’s service dogs , focuses on their owner’s health while waiting for instructions. are purchasing a service dog vest to put on their pet dog so or it really just takes away from for disabled people with legitimate frustrating.” they can bring them with them the legitimacy of service dogs. So service dogs to take care of every Participants who train to have while they run their errands or it really is detrimental to everyday tasks. a service dog are taught how to travel. By passing their pet off as body with service dogs” Ghufran “People have tried to deny me work and deal with these scenarios a service dog, they are granted acsaid. entry but I have to then tell them by learning all the rights of having cess with their pet to certain places Some establishments who have that it’s a legal service dog and a service dog. such as stores and restaurants had trouble with fake service dogs it is illegal for them to not let me “It would be so nice if people which they aren’t supposed to be. in the past chose not to allow any into their establishment. So people understood when they go to pet “The issue of buying fake vests service dogs at all. Because of have definitely tried but I’ve him or when they go to do things for service dogs… it really hurts this, as the number of establishalways been able to get in. It’s not it definitely distracts them… I people with service dogs just bements that distrust the service dog common. It’s every now and then mean that really is life threatencause their dog might be distracted vest increases, the harder it will be but when it happens, it is really ing.” Betgeorge said.

High schoolers are struggling with sleep deprivation Teens are having trouble staying awake and developing a consistent bed schedule because of obligations

BY SHREYA DODBALLAPUR

Wacky Scholarship Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship

Requirements: To qualify, you must submit a photo, artwork, or computer graphics for the front of a greeting card. All designs or photographs must be the original work of the applicant.

Scholarship awarded: The Gallery Collection will award the winner $10,000 plus an additional $1,000 prize for the school.

Who offers: Prudent Publishing Company/The Gallery Collection Deadline: March 1st, 2019 -Compiled by Sidney Stipanovich

RANDOM...

Club

sdodballapur.gazette@gmail.com

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nyone between the age of 14 and 17 needs about nine hours of sleep, according to studies on everydayhealth.com.

However, teenagers are only getting an average of about seven and a half hours per night.

Health teacher John MacLeane is well-acquainted with the topic of sleep deprivation, and the reasons behind it.

“You guys are out doing unspeakable things at night,” MacLeane jokes.

In actuality, there is also a more scientific reason teenagers struggle with sleep.

“Puberty moves the circadian rhythms on teens back about two hours,” MacLeane said. “So (teens) really are not sleepy until much later at night and have a hard time going to bed early enough to (be) in time for school. Add to that social stuff and homework and it’s easy to see why most teens are sleep deprived.”

Along with the way adolescents are wired, teens have plenty of distractions that keep them awake.

“The demands of school and extracurricular activities and everything else we have going on keep us from getting enough sleep,” Junior Alex Nash said. “That’s why teenagers are always tired.”

The summer gave students a break from their regular sleep schedule.

Gazette photo | Shreya Dodballapur

Sleep deprivation affects teenagers’ concentration and is detrimental to their academic success at school.

“I felt a lot better over the summer because there was no homework and more time to do other things,” Senior Surina Dhanota said. “But now, I have to focus on school and college apps.”

Now that school is back in session, students are adjusting to getting less sleep than they were over the summer.

“I’m just more tired now,” Sophomore Jordyn Caulfield said.

“When I get enough sleep, I feel energized for the day, but when I don’t, I feel kind of mopey.”

Some students have difficulty doing normal activities when they

are short on sleep.

“If we don’t get enough sleep, our bodies can’t function properly, and we can’t focus very well either,” Dhanota said.

Nash suggested a few ways for teenagers to get more sleep.

“We could work on time management and trying to stay away from being on our phones too much,” Nash said. “We should be more proactive and get our work done when we can, and use every minute of time we have.”

MacLeane recommended keeping a regular sleep schedule.

“Don’t sleep in crazy long on

the weekends,” MacLeane said.

“Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol for several hours before bedtime.

Turn off electronics. Start school later in the day.”

Until Granite Bay High School does decide to start later, students have to figure out a way to balance their sleep schedules with their ever-growing lists of things to do.

Sleep is an important aspect of the day, and it has a significant effect on the human body.

“Mental health is important, and sleep effects it a lot, so it's important that we take care of ourselves,” Nash said.

Facts 1) Ketchup was sold as medicine in the 1830s.

Faculty Focus President: Ammar Ajaz Club Name: Make-A-Wish

Gazette: What is the purpose of the club?

First: Well, we help raise money to arrange wishes for children who have life-threatening diseases.

Gazette: How did the club start?

First: Eight years year ago, my brother started the club and then my sister was president next, then they both graduated so now I’m president!

Gazette: Why should people join this club?

First: So, you should join it because it’s for a good cause and for kids who don’t have much in life, we can help them fulfill their wishes.

-Compiled by Bella Khor

2) Frederic Baur was the man who invented the pringles can. When he died, his ashes were buried into one.

Student

Gazette photo | Landon Acosta

Kaitlin Cantrell

3) The queen owns all swans in England.

4) M&M’s stands for “Mars and Murrie’s” for the founders’ last name.

5) Yoda’s look was inspired by Albert Einstein.

6) McDonald’s once made bubble-gum flavored broccoli.

Gazette: What do you do outside of school?

First: I work at chick-fil-a and participate in Bayside’s youth program.

Gazette: What is your favorite T.V show?

First: My favorite T.V. show is criminal minds.

7) There are more telephones than people in Washington D.C.

Gazette: What is your favorite class at Granite Bay? First: My favorite class at Granite Bay is dance because of how fun it is.

8) Cats can’t taste sweet things due to a genetic defect.

Gazette: What is your favorite music?

-Compiled by Heba Bounar

-Compiled by Landen Acosta

Friday, September 7, 2018

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Lifestyle B3

The Granite Bay Gazette

Seniors look forward to their final year of high school Class of 2019 prepares to embark on its last year at GBHS

BY MAY LIN

A

Ursus photos | Sam Weltsch

Seniors gather for Senior Sunrise the to inaugurate the beginning of their last year at GBHS.

mlin.gazette@gmail.com

sea of yellow crowded the bleachers during Senior Sunrise as mixed emotions filled the air. Seniors arrived at 6:00 a.m. join their peers and make sure that their last school year started off right with unforgettable memories.

“Senior Sunrise was really amazing. Even though we didn’t see much sun, it was really nice to see all of us together,” said Lyann Luu, a senior at GBHS. Some wanted to get involved early, before the school year even started, volunteering their time to volunteer at the Grizzly Retreat.

“I did Link Crew and that was really fun. I had a good time at the Grizzly Retreat and met a lot of cool freshmen [while] making a lot of friends as well,” said senior Madison McDermott. “It was a good time and we have a great freshmen class this year.”

There will be some feeling of downheartedness from seniors who realize that it will be their last year in high school, but most try to focus on the

Vaping’s popularity is on the rise for today’s high school students Nicotine’s addictive qualities pose a greater risk for teenagers “Teenage brains, because they are still developing, are actually at a higher risk of becoming addicted or dependent on substances such as nicotine,” said Joyce Lippe, a Kaiser Permanente pediatrician.

Besides the worrying addictive qualities that accompany vaping, poorly made vapes can malfunction and result in a rare but deadly overdose of nicotine.

Lippe said a child can be killed by even the smallest amounts of nicotine if consumed directly.

Less than half a teaspoon can be potentially deadly to a young adult.

Critics say the flavor descriptions and cartoon illustrations on the boxes of vape juices are

“

designed with the boy who asked purpose to intrigue to remain possible buyers. anonymous. aping has become more The industry has (Vapes) are very “Every student and more normal for been criticized for Bay easy to acquire. atcanGranite Granite Bay teenagers bright colors and get one in – and the relationship between sweet flavors that Every student at less than 10 young adults and this fad only catch the eyes of if they Granite Bay can minutes continues to grow stronger. children in stores. know what Some juice flavors Vape juice, or E-juice, is the they’re doing.” get one in less include ice cream fluid used in vaporizers that The need to than 10 minutes fit in compels cookie milkshake, actually creates the vapor that passion fruit and some teens is inhaled into the user’s lungs. if they know choco donuts. to engage in Vape juice contains the harmful what they’re Galleria Vape and trends such as and addictive nicotine that has Smoke in Granite vaping and is become a concern to parents and doing.

Bay reports that fuji the fuel that doctors across the country. apple strawberry keeps it so The health effects of vaping are nectarine is the popular. different for teens than they are – Anonymous most popular flavor “Teens vape for adults because of their still in their shop. because they developing brains.

Sophomore Boy “My want to be favorportrayed as ite flavor is milk cool or fit in with people they and churros,” said know that vape,” said another a Granite Bay High anonymous sophomore boy. junior boy who Not all students are supportive asked to remain of vaping, just as doctors, paranonymous. “It ents and teachers aren’t. tastes sweet, and “Students don’t need to risk their academic careers just for that’s why I like a hit of nicotine at school,” (it).” said an anonymous senior girl.

In order to obtain tobacco and vaping “Fourteen to 18 year olds don’t products legally, need to get addicted to nicotine buyers must be 21 at such a young age.” years old. How Opinions of community underage teens get members differ, but the bond between teens and vaping is not their hands on vapes breaking. is another concern.

Health teacher Terry Stafford Two GBHS students has noted the rapid growth of said there is one vape shop in the area the new trend among GBHS that will illegally sell teens.

“Vaping is such a new thing,” to people under 21.

Gazette photo | Elliott Hyman Stafford said, “and it has (be“(Vapes) are very Vaping is rapidly becoming more popular among high school students come) so huge.” easy to acquire,” and poses an increased risk of addiction for their developing brains. said a sophomore

BY SARAH WITHROW swithrow.gazette@gmail.

V

”

National Park of the Month Denali National Park • Contains the highest mountain in North America, Denali, which rises to 20,310 feet of elevation • Denali means “The High One” in the language of the native Athabascan tribe • Denali is so tall that it actually creates its own weather patterns • Can only be accessed by tourists via a single road which, for the most part, can only be traveled by bus in order to keep the animals fully wild • Has a population of around 350 grizzly bears, 51 wolves, and 1,500 moose – by Elliott Hyman, Lifestyle editor

Gazette photos | Elliott Hyman

Alaska’s Denali National Park contains a collection of stunning views and even more stunning megafauna

just enjoy my senior year instead of positive. stressing about it,” McDermott said.

“I’m most excited for making my The Class of 2019 has already gone last memories with friends before we through a sufficient amount of years at all go our separate ways,” said Olivia GBHS to experience it’s challenging Harimoto, a senior. “It would be very curriculum, wide variety of depressing opportunities and the environbecause I ment offered here, which helped won’t be able I had a good time them shape into the people they to see them today. anymore.” at Grizzly Retreat are“I’ve definitely grown a lot However, the and met a lot of more. I used to be really shy seemingly easididn’t like to speak in front er course has cool freshmen. and of people,” Luu said.“But after led to greater – Madison joining Key Club and getting inoptimism.

McDermott, link volved [in] leadership through“I expect this out the years, I’ve grown out of year to be more crew leader my shell and learned that even chill and fun. though I’m more introverted, I’ve actually I can still be strong and passionate in already felt more excited and enermy own ways.” gized for the rallies or even the first On top of personal growth, one of day of school because this will be the the greatest benefits of a Granite Bay last time where I’ll be able to do it,” education is the level of preparation Harimoto continued. it gives for the world beyond high Others feel the same as they try to school. treat this year like any other normal “Granite Bay really brings a lot of year.

“This year, I want to get into college. challenge to it’s students and prepares us for what’s beyond high school,” Besides that, I want to keep getting Luu said. good grades, not get senioritis. And

“

”

If you really knew me, you would know...

“ “ “ “

Logan Barker

If you really knew me, you would know that I try to make friendships that last a lifetime.

”

Sophia Tastor

If you really knew me, you would know that I win every single Mario Kart race that I play.

”

Tanya Barot

If you really knew me, you would know that I’m a boxer.

”

Yena Jang

If you really knew me, you would know that my house has flooded five times.

”

- By Sarah Withrow

Lifestyle B4

Friday, September 7, 2018

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The Granite Bay Gazette

Grizzly Retreat leaders welcome the class of 2022

Freshmen get acquainted to a new high school

BY LANDEN ACOSTA

T

lacosta.gazette@gmail.com

he Grizzly Retreat has been a Granite Bay High School tradition for 23 years. For many freshmen, the thought of attending a school that’s almost double the size of their previous is nerve racking.

With the pressure that comes from the beginning of high school, freshmen seek to find their niche.

Starting fresh creates endless opportunities for new students to make new friends and begin their journey on the road to self identity.

The Grizzly Retreat is run by a select group of upperclassmen devoted to freshmen well-being. At the Grizzly Retreat, the staff of Link Crew Leaders make it their duty to include freshmen in the growing student body.

The mentors strive to make an all-inclusive environment so freshmen can build solid relationships that will last them the duration of high school.

“They weren’t nervous to talk to us or anything, they made sure everyone was included,” said Isabella Fraser, a freshman who attended Grizzly Retreat. “They encouraged everyone and made sure it was an open environment.”

Senior Link Crew leader Rami Sadek went above and beyond when it came to welcoming the new class.

“It really helps to put yourself out there, initiating the conversation with them makes them feel welcome,” Sadek said.

Ashley Kindrick, a junior Link Crew leader, helped introduce students to their new campus.

“I showed them all of their classes they would be taking, so they wouldn’t be lost on the first day,” Kindrick said.

The purpose of the Grizzly Retreat is to assimilate freshmen to GBHS and build relationships with upperclassmen. Link Crew leaders build lasting relationships with freshmen and show them around the school so they aren’t lost once the first day rolls around.

Andi Rothman is a physical education teacher and the head of Link Crew at GBHS. “Having upperclassmen mentoring and holding the hands of freshmen as they get through their first few weeks and months has played a really big role in the culture here at Granite Bay High School,” Rothman said.

Although the retreat is optional, many freshmen agree it’s a great way to get out of their comfort zone and meet classmates in a comfortable environment.

“They prepared me for what to expect,” freshman Diego De La Cruz said. “Before school started, I was kinda scared – and they helped me with that.”

Grizzly Retreat is a popular option for freshmen of all backgrounds. Link Crew mentors have freshman participate in a variety of team building activities to ensure a well informed and knowledgeable freshman class.

“In our groups ... there is a lot of diversity,” ex-

Gazette photo | Sidney Zabell

Link crew leader Summer Holt welcomes freshmen to begin the Grizzly Retreat. plained Isabella Fraser.

Link Crew has fulfilled their mission statement by making all freshmen feel like they are a part of the

Playing video games is beneficial

Online collaboration helps teens develop teamwork and make friends

BY CYRUS MYNAR

E

cmynar.gazette@gmail.com

veryone is playing video games nowadays, from “Fortnite” to “Pokemon” to “Call of Duty” to “Super Mario Brothers”. Video games have become a staple of popular culture.

The question now is what kind of effect has growing up in the digital era had on our youth, especially the students of Granite Bay. Senior Jaden Dunmore had a gaming console growing up “I had a Wii, a different DS’ and an Xbox 360,” Dunmore said. “(I play) for entertainment reasons,” Dunmore said. “And my

friends had them so it was something to do with my peers.”

Addiction is not a concern for Dunmore.

“I usually made sure all my work was done and as long as I sleep and eat it’s not a big deal,” Dunmore said.

Multiplayer games are the games of choice for Dunmore.

“Having friends play with you changes it from being a game to an experience or a memory of sorts.”

Nick Parker was also an avid video game player growing up.

“I had an Xbox 360 and a Wii,” Parker said.

While Parker has never had problems with addiction, he has

encountered negativity online.

“I don’t think it’s taken up too much time,” Parker said. “But (I have) definitely (seen) toxic behavior, when people get upset they just get annoying.”

Parker appreciates the collaborative aspect of online gaming.

“I play video games because it gives me a chance to have fun with my friends in a way that builds friendships and helps with our team bonding skills,” Parker said.

Parker agreed with Dunmore in their preference for Multiplayer games.

Parker’s favorite game is “Fortnite”. His favorite genre? Battle royale games including “Fort-

Gazette illustration | Ashley Yung

nite”. The game has been trending for over a year in pop culture due to its free-to-play platform and accessibility across consoles.

Multiplayer games are popular among students because of their ability to play with their friends, build friendships and make memories with each other.

A lot of popular games like “Call of Duty” and “Minecraft” offer these experiences with friends and especially games in the battle royale genre such as “Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds” and the aforementioned “Fortnite”.

“Fortnite” is a video game where 100 players are dropped onto a map and are tasked with the challenge of being the last one standing. “Fortnite” can be played solo or with friends.

Both Dunmore and Parker play “Fortnite” with their friends as a way of connecting with them and creating memories.

“Entertainment, Connectivity and Pop Culture,” said Dunmore, when asked why he plays video games.

Connectivity being so important to his gaming experience shows us that for those growing up in the digital age, bonding over video games is a good way to connect with your friends, and the aspect of pop culture is a good talking point during conversation.

Parker and Dunmore demonstrate the potential positive effects that gaming can have growing up.

Playing games like “Fortnite” has deepened their relationships with friends and given them an avenue to form new memories.

Playing multiplayer games gives teens the opportunity to form deeper bonds in a new social setting.

GBHS community. It helps students make relationships that could last through high school and potentially beyond.

SISTERS: Landon and Bonilla-Leary thrive teaching together styles are fairly similar.

“I’ve never even observed (Landon) teach, but I think Landon decided to take the part we are similar in style,” Botime position so she could still nilla-Leary said. “We are both manage the schedules of her fairly energetic and willing to three children. try new things.”

Since then, Landon has Students who have had both enjoyed living in such close Landon for physiology and proximity to Bonilla-Leary for her sister as an Spanish can agree adult. that they are similar.

“There were “Both are very many years personable and unwhere we derstanding,” said didn’t see each Mikayla Deblaquiother often ere, a GBHS senior. (due to col“If (a student) ever lege),” Landon has a problem, said. “Now (they) can talk to we… can be them whether it’s together for school-related or more family not.” celebrations.”

Maddy Fitch, In addition, another senior at both are able GBHS, agrees that to enjoy their both teachers are sister’s friendkind. However, she – Theresa Landon ship in the also believes that work setting. their similarities “We can also extend to their bounce ideas physical appearoff each other, bring Starbucks ance. to one another or save the other “They look the same,” Fitch a seat at staff meetings,” Landon said. “When (Landon) said said. something about being (BonilBonilla-Leary agrees that there la-Leary’s) sister, I thought it are advantages to having a sister made so much sense.” around. She said that Landon is Both the sister teachers and always someone to talk to when Granite Bay students seem she gets bored and wants to get pleased about their employment out of her classroom. at GBHS. Although Bonilla-Leary and “I am just so thankful we both Landon teach different subjects, ended up together,” Landon they think that their teaching said.

Continued from page B1

“

I am just so thankful that we both ended up together.

”

Faculty Focus What do you teach and how long have you been teaching at Granite Bay?

What are your favorite things to do outside of school?

“I teach Physiology during the Fall term and AP Biology during the Spring term and this is my “My favorite things to do outside of school are 5th year teaching at Granite Bay.” spend time with my friends and family, cook, chill with my cat Ching, and I’m very crafty so I What is your favorite part about teaching? spend a lot of down time crocheting and practicing calligraphy.”

“My favorite part about teaching is it combines all of my passions into one occupation.

If you weren’t a teacher, what other job I really enjoy the nature of science and seeing would you like to have? students make discoveries or learn the “why” behind things they’ve known their whole life.

“If I weren’t a teacher I would most likely be I also really love interacting with teenagers a surgeon. I love details and the attention to who are at this major transition point in their detail that surgeons have has always fascinatlife from high school to college. I like hearing ed me. Plus nothing grosses me out and I really about their goals and helping them make love putting things together.” steps to achieve those goals.”

- By Lindsey Zabell

Gazette photo | Lindsey Zabell

Lisa Goldsmith

Friday, September 7, 2018 w The Granite Bay Gazette

Lifestyle B5

Local immigrant family experiencing challenges through the way to success

Journey to America reveals a heart-warming story filled with accomplishments

BY BELLA KHOR

bkhor.gazette@gmail.com

W

alk a few steps down from a well-known chain restaurant on a busy corner in Granite Bay and you’ll find a quiet immigrant success story.

Near the Habit Burger Grill off Sierra College Blvd. and Douglas Blvd. is Awesome Nails, an elegant and well-decorated nail salon ran by Jennifer Chau, mother of an immigrant family from Vietnam.

Chau, her husband Don Le and their two children, Phong and Minh Le moved to Sacramento on Dec. 27, 2002, nearly 13 years after her parents were moved out of Vietnam by the United States government.

When Chau and Don arrived, they could only speak basic English. Phong and Minh couldn’t understand any English at their age of 10 and 9 years old.

Soon Chau went to beauty school and became a full-time licensed nail technician, while Don worked multiple Gazette photo | Bella Khor part-time jobs, such as being a welder Family visits Disneyland for the first time in 16 years, spending quality time and enjoying the happiest place on earth. and working as a barber. Chau worked at Awesome Nails with her sister, who After middle school, both Phong and “She had to work (for) two years,” school, going through the white coat eventually became the owner of the Minh went to Mira Loma High School said Chau, who was then interrupted by ceremony, indicating the beginning nail salon. and were part of the highly acclaimed her husband who finished her sentence: of his journey to becoming a doctor As their parents worked long hours, International Baccalaureate program.

“And (made) money to pay for medical of pharmacy at the University of the Phong and Le went to school at Pioneer They both ended up committing and school,” Don said.

Pacific in Stockton. Minh went through Middle School in Foothill Farms and going to the University of California Minh did research in a hospital in her white coat ceremony this past sumwere assisted by a teacher who could at Davis. When they graduated from San Francisco, as well as tutoring in mer at Western University in Pomona. speak Vietnamese. Once school was UCD, each of them took a two-year Davis, and then she returned back to Chau and Don now work at Awesome done for the day, they went home and gap period before applying to pharmaher parents’ home in North Highlands.

Nails for most of their week. studied. ceutical school (Phong) and medical She also worked in Stockton as a Chau continued saying, “We used to “My son and daughter studied (by) school (Minh). counselor. work seven, sometime six days a week. themselves,” said Chau, and Don add During this gap, Minh worked two After their gap years, in 2017 Phong Now it’s six (or five) days, but we’re ed that they would drop them off at the jobs. started his first year at pharmaceutical very happy.” library to study and read.

Student

Spotlight

Passion in Drama

TOP

10

Backpack Necessities Pencils and Paper

Planner

Calculator

ID Card

What is something that plays an important role in your life?

Drama and acting because it helps me get away from academics, and the stress of just solid, constant learning in class. It also helps me express the artistic side of me, and it’s just so much fun.

Pen

How much experience do you have in it?

I was in Jesus Christ Superstar, the musical we did last year. And I’m auditioning for the play soon, and I’m going to be in the musical next semester.

What are your plans for the future?

Gazette photo | Shreya Dodballapur

Jack Dugoni

Definitely something with drama or acting. Maybe major in one of them, but if I can,I’d like to just minor in it and probably major in film.

Highlighters

-Compiled by Shreya Dodballapur

Seniors reflect upon their experiences during the college application process

Phone Charger

Despite the stress, upperclassmen still have feedback on their experience

BY AKHIL SHAH

ashah.gazette@gmail.com

A

fter countless hours of SAT preparation, meetings with counselors and years of extracurricular activities, seniors now scramble to fill out their college applications in hopes of continuing their academic or athletic careers.

The process of receiving admission to college is not as simple as it’s made out to be, however.

In a community as competitive as Granite Bay High School, the journey of planning out another four years of education only becomes more challenging.

Fernando Gonzalez, a senior at GBHS, said the school counselors haven’t helped with his application process nearly as much as his own college counselor has.

“She’s great (my college counselor). She helps me write my admissions essays, and we usually get together to edit them and make changes,” Gonzalez said.

“I think the school counselors are here to help us for schedules and things related to that,” said Hana Rosenblatt, a Senior varsity soccer player.

“My go-to counselor has been my college counselor. She helps me stay on top of my applications since I tend to procrastinate a lot.”

At GBHS, students and their families hiring college counselors isn’t anything new.

However, for some students they come across as unfordable and ultimately unnecessary.

Brayden Schauer, a senior at GBHS, chose not to hire a counselor to aid her with her applications.

“I used to think that because my friends had counselors helping them, that I was a little behind,” Schauer said.

“Another thing I’d feel (if I had a college counselor) is the pressure to go to a big name school. I’d ask myself if my education would even be worth it if I studied at a small school with a different reputation.”

Schauer added.

This pressure among the GBHS student body was confirmed by Rosenblatt and Gonzalez.

“For me, my goal has been to play college soccer at a school that fits my educational needs as well,” Rosenblatt said. “I’ve turned down offers because they haven’t been big name schools. The pressure definitely exists here, but for me, I’m choosing based on my educa-

tional needs.”

Gonzalez feels as if the pressure to go to a big name school has affected his views on college.

“I’ve looked into a lot of schools for business, and in my free time I’ll do a lot of research to see where a college ranks and what reputation it holds, it’s important to me,” Gonzalez said.

Another aspect of college admissions raised the attention of Gonzalez, Rosenblatt and Schauer.

A generalization of many colleges across the nation: Colleges accept students based on race-based admissions to boost diversity among their campus.

Schauer said she believes schools indeed take race into a factor because diversity’s value on college campuses.

Gonzalez and Rosenblatt said that despite race’s role in admissions, other aspects like test scores, essays and g.p.a. hold a greater influence over admissions decision.

Despite the abundant challenges inherent with college admissions, all three seniors hold a significant level of excitement for what their four years have prepared them.

“It’s been really hard. I’m young, and I feel like I don’t really know who I truly am

Gum

Water

Gazette photo | May Lin

Senior ponders over a variety of colleges they wish to apply to and chooses through the college application process yet,” Rosenblatt said. “It’s not easy trying to write about myself and show myself to universities.”

Difficulties and all, optimism is still palpable among this years seniors.

“Wherever we end up, I

think it’s going to work out for us,” Schauer said. “There’s a bubble here at Granite Bay, and it’s scary but also exciting to break away from that within a year.”

Chap stick

-Compiled by Shreya Dodballapur

B6 Lifestyle

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Friday, September 7, 2018 w

The Granite Bay Gazette

itter oys

(and girls)

Gazette illustration | Ashley Yung

Long-standing group of teachers gathers together during lunch

B

BY SIDNEY STIPANOVICH

sstipanovich.gazette@gmail.com

itter isn’t a trait we often use to describe the staff here at Granite Bay High. Yet a lunch time gang of teachers prefers to eat together under the curious title, “The Bitter Boys.”

Each day, the group gathers to eat and socialize during the 30 minutes of first lunch.

The boys began to meet around the years 2000 and 2001.

According to GBHS government teacher Jarrod Westberg, it was a place where some teachers would come together to chat.

“Actually it was history teachers and English teachers,” Westberg said. “Pretty much all the guys that came in around the same time.”

The Bitter Boys have grown over

the years as new teachers arrive.

“It just evolved into (what it is today). I mean now it’s (about) 10, 11, 12 of us ... who have been eating here for years.”

Other Bitter Boys members said the clan’s origin is older than the high school itself.

Mathematics teacher Scott Becker said that the Bitter Boys’ tradition is passed down through generations.

“It’s actually a heritage, I guess is what you would say,” Becker said, with his tongue metaphorically pok-

ing into his cheek. “It’s actually a long-standing branch of the FreeMasons, back from you know, early colonial times.”

The intriguing title “The Bitter Boys” is also surrounded by rumors and suspicion. Westberg said the name was given to the group, and it caught on.

“It was administration who gave it to us, if I remember correctly.”

Westberg said. “It just kind of grew out of… a joke. We never called ourselves that, someone else did, and then it just kind of took on a life of its own.”

AP European history teacher Mike Valentine, who started eating lunch with the boys only this year, said he thinks the birth of the name has more ominous roots.

“I don’t know, an offshoot of the Illuminati or something like that.”

Valentine said, with a subtle smirk.

Over a decade of eating lunch together has resulted in quite a few

memories.

Westberg recounted amusing days when substitute teachers would end up teaching in the Bitter Boys’ designated classroom for lunch.

Today, the designated classroom is Westberg’s room.

“Our funniest memories are walking into one of the other teacher’s rooms, and a sub is there,” Westberg said. “We didn’t say anything. We all just sat down and carried on with our lunch (while) the substitute sat there for the whole time, uncomfortable for like 40 minutes.”

While these memories are clear for some of the Bitter Boys, others are not able to recall them. Becker said he has no memory at all of the lunches.

“Actually the memories of all the members get wiped, so there aren’t really memories, per se, of the group,” Becker said with a smile.

“It’s part of what you sign on for.”

Ultimately, while some of the

group’s antics are questionable, the Bitter Boys are only a group of teachers who eat together everyday.

These teachers, boys and girls, don’t give off the impression they are bitter, but rather grateful for the time they spend together.

Westberg agrees that the group is not bitter, but fun.

“Well we’re not angry, we actually enjoy each other’s company,” Westberg said.

Westberg also said the group is growing.

“The umbrella has gotten much larger over the years,” Westberg said.

The Bitter Boys will foreseeably continue to spend lunches together during the school years to come.

According to Valentine, the group is capable of great things.

“The fate of the world rests in the decisions coming out of Westberg’s room.” Valentine said. “The fate of the world.”

Granite Bay Gazette

COMMENTARY

akhil shah ashah.gazette@gmail.com

PRIDE isn’t always present

H

igh school athletics – do athletes at Granite Bay High School truly exem﹣ plify Grizzly Pride?

The very concept of Grizzly Pride was built and implemented by the GBHS football program.

Reflecting back to my days playing football for GBHS in 2015 and 2016, I vividly recall the emphasis coaches across all levels placed on their players regarding the importance of demonstrating Grizzly Pride.

From team meetings and team bonding activities, to practices and games, the idea of Grizzly Pride was invariably accentuated.

This develops the question: what really is Grizzly Pride?

A motto that now extends to the entire GBHS student body, it remains more prevalent than ever before.

The acronym includes the concept of personal responsibil﹣ ity, respect, integrity, dignity and engagement, hence PRIDE. With the axiom of Grizzly Pride magnified within the walls of our school, it’s evident that our school’s sports teams each hold an ample measure of responsibility regarding the spread of this motto.

While most athletes wholeheart﹣ edly mirror the very idea of Griz﹣ zly Pride, others fail to rise to the expectations time and time again.

Athletes need to be held more ac﹣ countable.

Regardless of an athlete’s talent and importance to a team, a lack of accountability further diminishes the very idea behind the school’s aphorism.

Coaches and administration together have the needed influ﹣ ence over players to change their behavior toward others.

Stronger consequences, cutting playing time and even going to the extent of removing an athlete from a team are just a variety of options coaches and administration carry to discipline athletes in a more meaningful process.

On many occasions, the negative actions of some athletes are simply explained by their immaturity.

A common theme appears in these types of scenarios which leads to the stereotypes of athletes being somewhat superior to others, giving them the right to do as they please.This toxic mentality has to change.

As some athletes near adulthood, immaturity simply can’t be a jus﹣ tifiable reason for the demeaning actions a small number of athletes partake in.

A large majority of teams and their players demonstrate positive behavior within their community.

From generating funds for non-profit foundations and help﹣ ing around their campus, many athletes exhibit their PRIDE. It’s beyond unfortunate how too often the perception of all players seems to be generalized by the wrongdoings of a few.

Within the GBHS community, it’s crucial that we stop validating the negative actions of these play﹣ ers, and stand up to the egos and lack of pride they exhibit. *** Akhil Shah, a senior, is a sports editor.

E

Sports Friday

nd to the nd zone

C Section

w September 7, 2018

Tribe rolls back to stands for 2018 season

BY GABY WILLIAMS

gwilliams.gazette@gmail.com

Granite Bay High School is known for many things, such as band, drama or the many sports teams.

One way the school particularly stands out is by the student cheering section.

The Tribe has been going on for many years at GBHS, cheering on the sports programs. Most students’ favorite thing about the

Gazette photo | Sidney Zabell

The Tribe enjoys the first game from the stands instead of the iconic end zone, decked out in decades outifts.

Tribe was not only how enthusiasstadium entrance, the freshmen experience being in the end zone vibe for the football players this tic it is, but where they sat under would be able to cheer on their first hand, and now she will not be year,” Solone said. “Last year, when the stadium lights at Friday night football team from the famous able to. we would run out on the field, games. student section.

“My sisters both liked being in we’d go straight to the Tribe and This year, the Tribe has been Freshman Kerri Caulfield the end zone and they enjoyed all high-five our friends. It just gave us moved to the stands, right next to expressed her concerns with the of that, so I was super excited,” a whole other energy boost for the the band, and away from the end situation involving the stands.

Caulfield said. game.” zone.

“I feel that we’re not as included Students who have experienced Another reason the end zone Many freshmen were excited to and involved in the football games the positive aspects of the end zone was loved by the students was come into high school to experianymore, because we are in the are very disappointed to be moved the interaction they got with the ence Friday Night Lights in a difstands, so the football players won’t to the stands. One upset student is football players – almost as if they ferent way. see us,” Caulfield said. senior football player Matt Solone.

Instead of hanging out by the Her older sisters were able to “It’s going to be a whole different See TRIBE, page C2

Student shines in Russia Junior rock climber follows his passion on trip abroad

J

BY MIA TAYLOR

mtaylor.gazette@gmail.com

unior Colin Wills has taken his newfound passion to the next level.

After two years of competitive climbing, Wills has earned a spot on the United States boul﹣ dering team. His skills have allowed him to travel around the world to showcase his talent.

This past August, Wills represented team USA at the Junior World Bouldering Championships in Moscow where he was joined by elite climbers from 43 countries.

The competition kicked off with an opening ceremony and was followed by a qualifying round the next day.

Wills was able to elevate his finish from last year’s competition.

“My coach told me I was in second place (in the preliminary round), and I was really surprised since my placement the previous year wasn’t as good,” Wills said. “I was happy to see all the progress I’ve made.”

Wills’ performance clinched him a spot in the semifinals. After undergoing a frustrating semifinal round, Wills ended up in 19th place in the world.

It was an outcome that filled him with both ex﹣ citement and disappointment.

“Just being able to have that experience at world championships opened my eyes to a whole new level of competition and helped me see what I need to do to compete at a higher level,” Wills said.

Wills hopes to improve further this upcoming

season.

“Within the next few years I hope to be more competitive in world cups,” Wills said. “I also want to avoid injury so I can continue competing as long as possible.”

Despite lacking the level of experience of many of his competitors, other climbers said Wills still has a bright future in rock climbing.

“All of my teammates have been climbing their whole life,” Wills said. “Some even have parents who climbed and introduced them to the sport. Be﹣ ing exposed to climbing at such a young age helps develop techniques necessary to be a competitive climber.”

Despite his brief climbing career, Wills is a promising athlete. He credits his talent for climbing to the many years of climbing furniture and trees growing up.

He said his initial experience in a climbing gym was “just an extension of what (he) had been doing before. It just felt natural.”

Also, one benefit of having started climbing at an older age than most, if not all, of his competitors is that he “wasn’t exposed to all those early injuries that most climbers have to deal with.”

Wills plans on avoiding injuries that will cause any setbacks as he heads into the upcoming season.

Training four days per week, three hours each session and balancing the stress and workload that comes with his junior year of high school can be a daunting task, but Wills is confident he can take on the challenge.

“So far my teachers have all been super sup﹣ portive, which has made a huge difference,” Wills said. “I try to get as much homework done as I Special to the Gazette | Jennie Jariel can before I leave (for practice). Overall, it works pretty well.” Colin Wills practices his beloved sport at a competition in Russia.

See WILLS, page C2

Poor air quality due to wildfires affects outdoor athletic practices Sports teams work hard at practice despite tough air quality conditions

BY EMILY HANSEN

G

ehansen.gazette@gmail.com

ranite Bay High School has com﹣ mitted, diligent athletes who push through difficult conditions to follow through with their sports.

Most people only see athletes perform during a game or meet. They don’t always realize how hard the work is behind the scenes﹣at practice.

“When I started practice as a freshman on the track team it was super hard because I was not in shape at all,” said Joseph Ken﹣ nedy, now a senior, who runs cross country.

Cross country practices six days a week for about two to two and a half hours. This includes morning practices on Saturdays, collaboration days and an occasional Friday.

Football also has intense practices that can take quite the physical toll on the body.

“Tuesdays are usually the most brutal,” Bryce Van Order, a senior football player, said. “They’re Tuesday Bruise Days. That’s where we get the most physical.”

Sports practices are exhausting as it is, without the factors of nature to increase the challenge. However, due to the wildfires sweeping across California, the air quality has been a problem for those fall sports that practice outdoors.

“It was hard to run around and breathe all the time,” Dillon Hamilton, a junior on the football team, said. “We didn’t cancel prac﹣ tice but we lifted weights instead of practic﹣ ing on the field.”

Principal Jennifer Leighton and Assistant Principal over Athletics, Gregory Sloan, sent an email to the parents and students of GBHS alerting them to the issue of air qual﹣ ity. Leighton and Sloan assured parents that students’ safety is a priority and that specific precautionary measures will be taken.

In addition, the email informed parents of the Placer County air quality index and how the school will use it to determine safe levels of outdoor activity.

“When the air quality index reaches 151, teams will not be allowed to hold outdoor practice,” the email stated.

But even on days when the air quality in﹣ dex is below 151, athletes practicing outside can still feel the effects of the poor air.

“Breathing is such a big thing (in cross country),” Kennedy said. “Your lungs just feel like garbage. It makes us have to slow down or take breaks.”

Athletes on the cross country team powered through their practices, however, pushing on even when the numbers recom﹣ mended they stop.

“There were a few days over summer where we were at that index, but because school hadn’t started, the school had no say so they couldn’t force us to stop,” Kennedy said.

Football, another outdoor fall sport involv﹣ ing running, has also had to deal with the

Gazette photo | Maya Snow

Cross country team still holds practice on the track, despite the effects of the poor air quality that has been around for the past month due to multiple fires in California. issue of air quality.

“We didn’t cancel practice but we lifted weights instead of practicing on the field,” Hamilton said.

According to Hamilton, the coaches helped by going a little easier on the team and making sure to give them breaks. But there’s no doubt the poor air still made practice harder.

“We didn’t really change the length or physicality of practice (because of the air

quality),” Van Order said. “We just tough﹣ ened through it.”

There’s a fine line between the dedication and lengths some athletes will go to for their sport and the ability to ensure their own health.

Fortunately, GBHS is taking the necessary precautions to allow athletes to keep doing what they love while still keeping them safe.

inside sports Fan of the Month Grizz Quiz

C2

Football plans for upcoming season

Girls tennis starts a new JV team

C3

Players and coaches share excitement for their program

For the first time, girls tennis will have a junior varsity team

Athlete of the Month C3

C2

C3

Fall sports preview Teams start back up after a relaxing summer break

C4

Sports C2

Friday, September 7, 2018

w

The Granite Bay Gazette

Last season’s success places pressure on seniors Can football team rise to this year’s high expectations after a tremendous season?

BY LAMONT MASON

O

lmason.gazette@gmail.com

ver the course of the past four years, Granite Bay High School’s varsity football team has accomplished a section title, three playoff berths and a victory in the Honor Bowl.

The team’s strides have not gone unnoticed by players, as many said their recent success has only pushed them to exceed expectations once again.

“The accomplishments we had last year are a really big motivation, and it’s something we are trying to accomplish again this year,” senior captain Jacob Ellis said.

Players have felt pressure regarding their playing abilities.

“The wins and achievements of last year raise the bar of how well we need to be this year,” senior Tannen Vagle said. “It’s a little nerve racking.”

Many say there’s excessive pressure from the new teams playing in the Sierra Foothill League this year – including perennial power Grant of Sacramento and former Div. 2 contender Whitney of Rocklin.

The GBHS players said it’s going to be very competitive because of the junior players having to step up on the team.

“We have a standard to do well this year in league, but now it’s a new team and new players in new positions,” senior Andrew Martinez said.

Because of the previous feats the GBHS football team has achieved, there have been many new features added to the program.

A new nutrition plan was created for the team by a professional nutritionist.

“The nutritionist is super cool because he put us on a plan that will make us lose or gain weight around the season,” Vagle said.

The plan helps players physically, as they feel and play better on the field.

“I like the nutrition plan we are on because it helps with recovery after practice, which has a big impact on my body and muscles,” Martinez said.

Some players look at the nutrition plan as a new beginning toward accomplishments on the playing field.

“The competition is fierce this year – the nutrition plan is beneficial because it puts us on a whole new level than other teams in our league,” senior Bryce Van Order said.

A major factor of the players’ nutrition plan is the protein shakes.

“The shakes are going to improve our performance in the weight room, which is going to give us the upper hand against the other teams,” Vagle said.

Another addition to the GBHS football program are the new green and grey jerseys.

Gazette Photo| Sidney Zabell

Grizzies line up on first down under the reigns of quarterback TJ Robertson and running back Jacob Ellis to Robertson’s left in one of their first football game’s of the 2018-2019 season against their preseasom opponent Monte Vista High School.

“The jerseys look great on us,” Ellis said.

“If we feel good, we play good.”

Seniors on the football team this year say they want to make the most of their year and go as far as possible.

“I look forward to playing my last year with my brothers and for my dad,” Ellis said. “I’m excited about this team because we all bond together, which helps on the

field.”

Despite the team’s losing record (the Grizzlies are 1-2 in preseason games, with a home game tonight against Vacaville), the players are pushing for a winning season.

“Our team is dynamic (and) still growing,” Vagle said. “We’re trying to figure ourselves out, and we’ll will stick together

and get things done so we can finish our season on a better note.”

All the athletes rely on each other to work hard on the field and to earn victories.

“This is a special year – we’ll get there,” Martinez said. “We just have to believe in each other and work hard.”

FAN OF THE MONTH: Senior symbolizes school spirit

BY EMILY HANSEN

ehansen.gazette@gmail.com

Granite Bay High School has many students that exhibit Grizzly PRIDE, but senior Madison Fitch goes above and beyond by being involved in a variety of athletics. She illustrates the “engagement” element of PRIDE. Fitch is dedicated to both attending and participating in GBHS athletic games. She has played both soccer and basketball for Granite Bay, but appreciates sports of all kinds.

“I go to football and basketball games, but I also like going to the tennis matches and some of the baseball games,” Fitch said. “I have a bunch of

friends on the teams.”

Football games are a definite favorite for Fitch, who loves the Tribe’s themes and all the school spirit.

Game days are an opportunity for her to reveal her school pride by dressing up.

TRIBE : Student section moved to stands following climactic fight last season with Antelope High School in playoff game Continued from page C1 were in the game.

The interaction with the football players came a little too close during the GBHS playoff game against Antelope last fall. Blake Peterson, a senior running back last season, scored a touchdown that night and was then hit from behind by an angry Antelope defensive player. Mayhem ensued in front of the Tribe when fights broke out between players in the end zone.

Some Tribe students also were fighting with Antelope players.

As a result, the stands became a semi-permanent home for the Tribe.

Many students believe this is the reason why Granite Bay’s student section has been moved. But ac-

cording to assistant principal Greg Sloan, who specializes in athletics, it is not.

The Tribe stands were not up to safety standards because of their location, Sloan said. The rickety fence and small bleachers did not help the situation.

“Many district officials were at the game last year when the fight broke out, and it was brought to their attention that the seating for the Tribe was too small and not up to the safety standards,” Sloan said.

Getting safer bleachers standards could cost up to $45,000.

Will the spirit for the Tribe be the same being so far from the field and the action of the game?

“We are going to try to make different adjustments to make sure everyone has a fun time, but it will

hopefully not affect our spirit,” Tribe leader Bennett Mantz said.

This year, students can expect new things from the Tribe – new dress-up themes, new chants and hopefully a loudspeaker. Athletic director Tim Healy sees one upside for the student section being in the stands – Tribe members can interact with the band.

According to Healy, to make this year great, “kids have to come together, get 800 kids in the Tribe, interact with band and cheer, and make the best of this situation.”

The next question is, will the Tribe ever go back to the beloved end zone?

“It’s not impossible to get back into the end zone,” Sloan said, “it’s just a conversation of what it might take to get there,”

“My favorite game was the section championships for football at Sac State last year when we played Del Oro,” Fitch said.

So far this year, Fitch has attended the varsity football game against Monte Vista. “I liked that it was decades themed,” Fitch said. “We’ve never done that before.”

Fitch is looking forward to all the exciting games this fall season will offer, and will make sure to support the school through her spirit and support.

Fitch believes that having an encouraging fan section can make a team play better.

“I get a good sense of school pride from going to games,” Fitch said. “I just love sports in general!”

Gazette photo | Emily Hansen

Madison Fitch looks forward to 2018-2019 athletics at GBHS

WILLS: Climbing world championships

Continued from page C1 Wills plans on avoiding injuries that will cause any setbacks as he heads into the upcoming season. Training four days per week, three hours each session and balancing the stress and workload that comes with his junior year of high school can be a daunting task, but Wills is confident he can take on the challenge.

“So far my teachers have all been super supportive, which has made a huge difference,” Wills said.

“I try to get as much homework done as I can before I leave (for practice). Overall, it works pretty well.”

Wills also has found a balance between climbing and the rest of his life, and he acknowledges the importance of having fun and not just focusing on the competitive elements of the sport. Whenever he begins to feel frustrated or stressed with the sport, he has a strategy for relaxing.

“I take a step back and climb outside for a while with friends and remember why I originally got into climbing,” Wills said.

For Wills, climbing is not just a sport in which he excels – it is a passion and a portal to experiences he never could have imagined. Through climbing, Wills has acquired a network of support from friends and family.

“He has the brain to solve the problem,” said Douglas Taylor, Wills’ grandfather, “the body to conquer the wall, the conditioning enabling endurance and the heart of a champion.”

Special to the Gazette | Jennie Jariel

Wills competes at the junior rock climbing and bouldering world championships in Russia

CHEER ON THE GAZETTE

Friday, September 7, 2018 w

The Granite Bay Gazette

Girls’ tennis expands with new junior varsity team

Grizzlies push for a strong season after the addition of JV girls tennis

BY SHREYA DODBALLAPUR sdodballapur.gazette@gmail.com

T

his year, Granite Bay High has a new junior varsity girls tennis team.

Because of the number of girls wanting to join the tennis team, the coaches decided to create a separate JV team where everyone could be involved.

Joanna Badgley, the coach of the junior varsity team, said she believes having another girls tennis team will have a positive impact on the school.

“We decided to start a JV team and give girls more of an opportunity to learn, play and be a part of the team,” Badgley said.

Badgley said she is excited to help her team of 30 girls improve their skills and grow as players.

“We are able to work with the girls who have little to no experience … and hope-

fully set them up to play in the future,” Badgley said.

Freshman Kathryn Smith said the JV team is helpful for those who enjoy the game but simply don’t have as much experience as the seniors.

“There are lots of beginners on the junior varsity team, so ... it gives them more of an opportunity to play,” Smith said.

“On varsity, I don’t think any beginners can play there.”

Junior Cameron Hunter said she also is more comfortable starting out on the junior varsity team.

“I’m just starting out, and I think it is a good way to start the game until I’m (ready for) varsity,” Hunter said.

According to junior Avani Singh, the new team allows for room for improvement before playing for the varsity team.

“It’s not just about winning, but the coaches really want to work on helping

Sports C3

you learn the game and improve your skill level,” Singh said.

Smith agreed that the JV team gives players some time to learn.

“It’ll … help the JV players know more about tennis and how to play,” Smith said.

Badgley wants her team to improve as players, but she also wants them to form long-lasting relationships.

“They get to be involved on a team, enjoy after school activities and experience team bonding,” Badgley said. “They create instant friendships that make the high school experience that much more memorable.”

At the teams’ first tournament, Singh had a nice time because of the teamwork Special to the Gazette | Travis Welch aspect of the game. Girls Tennis poses for a team photo after school. Upperclassmen on this team are “(The tournament) was really fun with excited to mentor younger athletes on the new junior varsity tennis team. my doubles partner Cameron Hunter, because it was the first match I had played,” tennis team. been playing tennis since she was 8 years Singh said. old, and she is happy to be able to spread “It allows more students to be part of Hunter enjoys practicing with her team her passion to her students. a group and get involved in (GBHS) as well.

“Tennis is a lifelong game,” Badgley culture,” Singh said.

“That way everyone “I love how much fun all of us have on said, “and these girls will be able to play feels like they are part of something.” the team together and how the game goes Coach Badgley said, above all else, she for many years after high school. at your own pace,” Hunter said.

“It’s an awesome sport that you can play wants the girls on the team to continue The coaches and the players are happy forever.” playing and loving tennis. Badgley has to be involved in the school through the

Freshman excels in multiple sports, earning JV polo roster spot my parents scrimmaging, foot skills, Miya Bannai also played,” agility and shooting,” Bannai models an Bannai said.

Bannai said. “For swim, exceptional student “It pressured the season ended but athlete, taking care of normally practices are an me to play however I still business both on and hour long in the mornings. enjoy it, I’m We do set pyramids and off the waters, court more nersprints.” and field. vous for this Excelling in multiple upcoming season,” Bannai said. sports, Bannai’s hard work during pracBannai isn’t new to the pressure of mix- tices and games has been paying off. ing sports with academics.

“We’ve placed first in multiple soccer Before joining the water polo team, tournaments. For my hotshots basketBannai played club soccer, swam and ball team, we’ve won multiple games as even played basketball. well,” Bannai said.

“My soccer team practices two to three After playing different sports which times a week in the afternoon. We do each require a multitude of skills, one

BY MAY LIN

mlin.gazette@gmail.com

Another season of exceptional Grizzly water polo is underway at Granite Bay High School. Despite harsh weather conditions, the team will push through and practice everyday.

A new school setting is challenging enough as it is, but adding a new sport to one’s spectrum only adds further difficulties.

Miya Bannai took on this challenge, adding water polo to her rigorous schedule.

Only a freshman, Bannai already earned a spot on the junior varsity team.

“My sister played water polo, and both

Grizz Quiz Compiled by Maya Snow

Grace Graham Cheer

Do you have a job? If so, where?

Evan Beland Lacrosse

sport stands out for Bannai over all others.

“Soccer is my favorite sport because I have more friends on that team. I like the people on my team and just how the game is played. I love our team bonding and our Santa Cruz trips as well. We would go to the boardwalk before tournaments,” Bannai said.

However, Bannai hopes to accomplish her own personal goals as well within each sport.

“I hope to get stronger in water polo.

For swim, I hope to grow as a player and for soccer, I wish to possibly play in college,” Bannai said.

Julia Tastor

Soccer

Dawsen Vincent Water Polo

Joseph Estes

Soccer

No

No

Lining soccer fields

No

No

What season is your sport?

Fall-winter

Spring

All year

Fall

Winter and spring

What is your favorite class?

English

English

Drama or Physiology

Government

Weight training

Bonding with teammates

The difference between my sport and other ones

The intensity of the game

Physicality

Breaking ankles

Summer

Winter

Winter

Summer

Winter

What do you enjoy most about your sport?

Do you prefer winter or summer?

Block the fake news

Read the Gazette.

Friday, September 7

C4

w The Granite Bay Gazette

SECOND LOOK Fall Sports Preview

Another season of athletic excellence

BY SARAH WITHROW swithrow.gazette@gmail.

Girls’ Golf

Successful teams from previous years can set high standards for current teams.

For example, the 2017 golf team was the first in the school’s history to make it to state. However, it is the 2018 golf team that is hoping to intimidate all the years to come by going even further.

“Our goal for the year is to win state,” said sophomore Yewon Jang.

Ambitious goals such as this are the key to a hard working team.

Being the first Granite Bay team to win state will not be easy, but players are determined to do their absolute best.

Boys’ Water Polo

Gazette photo | Emily Hansen

Gazette photo | Emily Hansen

The water polo team has a similar hope as the golf team does to win sections.

Some tournaments that players are looking forward to participate in include the Roches, Clovis and Delong tournaments.

The team also set goals for themselves for the upcoming season “We are trying to be better than last year’s team by being true brothers to one another, thus building trust between each other,” said junior Brandon Hilton.

Girls’ Volleyball

Team bonding is important for any successful team by strengthening their play in the game. Away tournaments are a perfect time for this to take place.

“I’m looking forward to the Santa Cruz tournament because it will be a good time to bond with the team,” said sophomore Julia Olson.

Improving the team from last year is also a top priority for the volleyball team because of the recent coaching changes.

Senior Grace Ehnen said the whole Granite Bay High volleyball coaching staff from last season left to coach at Del Oro. “One goal I know all returning varsity players have is to beat Del Oro,” Ehnen said. “We are trying to improve from last year by focusing more at practice and giving more effort.”

Girls’ Water Polo

After being known as the league champions for two years in a row, a third year is what the team is striving for. At the beginning of the season, players wrote down their individual goals in order to know what they need to improve on.

“We all agree we want to be encouraging to our teammates and push them to be their best,” said junior Ashlyn Hemphill.

Valerie Pederson said she wants to make everyone welcome and become part of the family they are trying to build.

Gazette photo | Emily Hansen

Cross Country

With such a huge team, cross country must maintain a mutual goal to always remain competitive. While cross country is sometimes just used as an extra training for sports, students are very much into doing their best.

“Our league, the SFL, is incredibly harsh in that it is so full of talent in track and cross country,” said senior Jake McKillop, team manager.

By keeping up the competitiveness within the team, the hope to advance out of the league is realistic.

Gazette photo | Sidney Zabell

Cheer

The closeness of the cheerleaders is very important to their team.

“I’m looking forward to just having fun with my team,” said senior Piper Wenstrom. “We’re honestly like a family, and it’s so nice to always feel supported on and off the field.”

Wenstrom said she wants to leave the legacy of having such a close team to the younger cheerleaders. Each time the team performs together, their bond strengthens.

“Football games are so exciting, and we grow together as a team sharing such an amazing experience,” said junior Samantha Hutchison.

Football

The history of the football team is one of its advantages on the field. The team’s goal is to become state champions and set the bar even higher than it was last year.

While becoming state champs is an important goal, the team also focuses on their spirit. “(We want to) just improve the energy on campus every day even after the season is over,” said junior Cobe Weeks.

Gazette photo | Emily Hansen

Sophomore Kacey Ogden, top left, sets up to serve at a junior varsity girls volleyball game against Vista Del Lago. Junior Alana Sturdevant, top right, works on her freestyle stroke at water polo practice.

Freshman football player Brycen Mogensen, middle, evades a defender and gains a first down for the team. The cheer team, lower middle, executes a right hurdler jump as they perform at the first home football game of the season. Junior Alex Reese, bottom left, practices his passes with his teammates during water polo practice. Senior Lauren Roush, bottom right, performs a trick in front of the Tribe at the home football game against Monte Vista.

Gazette photo | Sidney Zabell

GS The Gazette’s arts and entertainment guide.

September 2018

GREENSCREEN Reflecting on summer 2018

PAGES 10 & 11

Gazette photo | ANGELINA KOLOSEY

Page 2

September 2018

sneak peek.

Special to the Gazette | STEVEN MAURIZZIO

Gazette photo | GABY WILLIAMS

wSee page 3 Blue Nami food scare

wSee pages 14 & 15 Teacher style guide

Gazette photo | BELLA HAMILTON

wSee page 20 Fall concert guide

Make memories now

Your time here is short, make the most of it

I

COMMENTARY

can’t count how many times an adult has or rushing to finish my homework the night before told me that the four years that I spend in it’s due – I’ll remember the genuine fun I had. high school will be the best years of my I don’t want to look back and think, “I should life. have,” or “I wish I would have,” – I want to be I’m sure I’m not the only one who has content with my choices. And although it sounds heard the phrase time and time again, but I cliche – live without regrets. don’t think anyone takes the advice as seri Don’t get me wrong, of course I think it’s imously as they should. portant to do well in school, just like the majority Swayed by modern media, I’ve been led of people my age. However, I think enjoying the to believe that high school is a time that high school experience is something that is just as everyone hates, and is a time for learning and important. nothing else.

Hopping onto the bandwagon of the role that drowe.gazette@gmail.com While I can agree with the theme of learntechnology plays in teens lives, I also believe that ing in a school setting (obviously), I can’t media is causing a stunt in productivity, and stickwrap my head around why it’s the only thing teens can do in ing with the theme, making memories. these crucial years.

Nowadays most teens wouldn’t mind sitting at home and At Granite Bay High School specifically, it’s easy to lose sight watching Netflix, playing online games, or scrolling through of the things that really matter. Most of the time what consumes social media apps instead of going out. students most is the looming thought of failure. This leads to Teens take the time they’re given for granted, only realizing teens caring more about ranks and grades more than life experithe importance of it all when they’re looking back and reflecting ences. on what they achieved during the infamous four years of high I believe that people my age are wasting the freedom they’re school. given in the four years of high school, and missing out on the The memories that people make early on will become the backmemories that they could be making. bone of the new generation. If the only memories young adults Going into my third year of high school, I’ve come to the realihave are those of studying for tests and sitting at home doing zation that now is arguably the most important time of our lives. homework, was the idea of learning really achieved? *** Regardless of what one might think, the teenage years are meant for trying new things, being (responsibly) reckless, and Dylan Rowe, a junior, is a Gazette Greenscreen editor. making everlasting memories.

Ten years from now, I won’t remember studying for a big final,

dylan rowe

Page 3

Blue Nami scare

Guide to

GreenScreen

Page 4

Page 7 Media equipment

Page 5 National anthem

Page 8 Top Tweets Page 9 Movie Reviews

Page 6 Fall show

Pages 10 & 11 Summer reflection

Food Reviews

Page 12 & 13 Music Reviews Page 14 & 15 Teacher fashion Page 16 Mixtape

UPCOMING

GBHS EVENTS FOR SEPTEMBER

September 13 & 14 Freshman and Senior Tailgate September 14 GB vs. Del Oro football game September 24-27 Ripple Effect Week Page 17 Chinny & Wandy Page 18 Dog Tweets Page 19 Chinny and Wandy Page 20 Fall concert guide

September 2018

Page 3

blue nami no no.

Sushi Squirmers Students and Blue Nami react to viral incident

BY SIDNEY STIPANOVICH sstipanovich.gazette@gmail.com

F

or years, Blue Nami Sushi has been a go-to restaurant for many Granite Bay High School students.

Whether it be an after-school lunch date with friends or dinner during a night out, it isn’t uncommon to see a fellow grizzly when eating at the restaurant.

Blue Nami is known for its affordable Japanese cuisine and is a popular spot to order sushi.

However, when a video surfaced of a maggot crawling in a lemon slice found in a water glass at Blue Nami, the restaurant lost a fair amount of customers, including GBHS students.

The video, which has over a million views on Facebook, was posted by Steven Maurizzio, who will not be returning to the restaurant in the future.

“This isn’t the first time I’ve heard horror stories of this place but it was my first run in person-

ally, and my last,” Maurizzio captioned the Facebook post.

While the video caused certain students to express distaste for Blue Nami, others will continue to eat at the restaurant.

Senior Taylor Harris was bothered by the video, but said she will most likely return to Blue Nami. “(The video) bothered me a little bit because I like to know where people are getting their food from in restaurants that I’m going to,” Harris said. “I didn’t like seeing that they had that at their restaurant because it was kind of concerning for other food that they might serve.”

Harris feels as if returning to Blue Nami now, would be safer than returning later.

“I think now is the best time to go because they’re going to be extra extra cautious after something like this happens,” Harris said.

Senior Avi Gattani will also be returning to Blue Nami, but she

will exercise with caution when she does.

“Honestly, I probably will return to the restaurant because I go there often enough with people. I think I will be a little more wary of what’s in my food,” Gattani said.

After the video went viral, Blue Nami’s previous manager resigned. New manager Steve Liu said that Blue Nami’s new management team will be thoroughly trained.

“Since this incident, Blue Nami Sushi has changed key management and is run by family. Our new management has integrated additional training on food preparation and quality control techniques to serve our customers the freshest, most delicious sushi,” Liu said.

While some have questioned whether the maggot living in the produce is a first-time occurrence, Liu said that there has never been a similar incident.

“Since our founding in 2001,

we have passed every health inspection,” Liu said. “At Blue Nami Sushi, we have sourced produce from the same supplier for the past decade. In that time, we have not had a single incident occur.”

Blue Nami uses fresh produce for the dishes they serve. Because of this, Liu said this type of occurrence is possible.

“Mother nature has its place and all restaurants are susceptible to incidents like this,” Liu said.

Liu also mentioned that one of the restaurant’s priorities is customer satisfaction.

“As a family owned business, our passion is seeing our customers enjoy their dinner and having a memorable dining experience at our restaurant,” Liu said, “We’re grateful to be able to provide over three hundred jobs to our local community and we make it our mission to make every person who comes into our restaurant feel as if they’re part of our family.”

Gazette illustration | ANDREW YUNG

Page 4

September 2018

chow time.

The Gazette staff shares their favorite Chinese cuisine.

We’ll have you wonton more Tsing Tao Chinese

T

BY SARAH WITHROW

swithrow.gazette@gmail.com

sing Tao Chinese Restaurant has been standing in Granite Bay on Auburn Folsom Road for over thirty years.

The business continues to be maintained by relatives of the original owners.

From the outside, the restaurant may be overlooked because of its size and lack of decoration. However, once inside it is a charming view.

While the place is small, filled with just five booths and seven tables, it is decorated wall-to-wall.

Chinese dragons and lanterns made of colorful paper hang from the ceiling and flower blossoms are set on each table.

Soft music from artists such as Adele plays in the background, while one TV plays a news station.

The restaurant looks clean and neat, it smells so good that it will make your mouth water.

As I walked in, an employee asked me what I would like to order.

The employees, despite what some may think, do understand what you say and are more than willing to start up a casual conversation.

On a day with fewer customers, food will take around 15 minutes to be prepared. While waiting, I was

Rose Garden Chinese

offered a drink of choice such as soda or tea.

All of Tsing Tao’s food is made fresh in the restaurant, and none of their food is reheated.

According to an employee, the most popular meat dishes are the Peking Beef and the Kung Pao Chicken.

While the beef is the best item I ordered from the restaurant, the flavor of the chicken is not too appealing as it tasted bitter.

The noodle dishes, including the Chow Fun, are simply delicious and I totally recommended.

Some of their food, including the dumplings, were surprisingly rich.

Only a couple of bites are enough to satisfy.

Overall, Tsing Tao is the perfect place to visit when craving some traditional Chinese food.

Gazette photo | SARAH WITHROW

T

BY MAYA SNOW

msnow.gazette@gmail.com

he moment you walk into Rose Garden Chinese Restaurant in the same shopping center as A&W in Roseville, you are greeted by an employee who brings you to your seat and brings you complimentary hot tea.

When I walked into the restaurant, there were perfectly folded napkins waiting on the table for us. But the tea was really weird and just tasted like water.

Our server walked over and brought us waters, but unfortunately she didn’t ask if we wanted to order drinks.

We ordered chicken fried rice, chow mein, sweet and sour pork and potstickers.

The chicken fried rice was bland and didn’t taste like much but still it had a variety of vegetables mixed in.

The chow mein did not have anything but noodles in it, but it was still really good. If you are looking for something with some meat or vegetables in it you should try the shrimp, beef, or vegetable chow mein.

The sweet and sour pork weren’t bad, but I have had better. I would still recommend this item.

The potstickers were my least

favorite thing we ordered. They were very hot and the veggies on the inside were all stringy and soggy.

The service was not bad, the waitress brought us the drinks as soon as we asked for the beverages.

The food came relatively fast though, five to ten minutes.

The restaurant really wasn’t crowded at all at around 4 o’clock on a Monday.

The portions were a good size for the price of around ten dollars for each item.

If I were to rate this restaurant, I would give their service would be a six out of ten.

For the individual items, the chicken fried rice would get a seven out of ten, chow mein would get a ten out of ten, sweet and sour pork an eight out of ten and potstickers a six out of ten.

Gazette photo | MAYA SNOW

Yue Huang Dim Sum GABY WILLIAMS gwilliams.gazette@gmail.com

I

f you are looking for authentic Chinese food, Yue Huang Dim Sum in Sacramento is the place to go.

An Authentic Chinese Restaurant is hard to find these days. Many people think Chinese food is Panda Express, but in fact that is authentic American Chinese food.

Today Americans believe Chinese food is orange chicken or broccoli beef, but in reality there is so much more!

At Yue Huang, ducks,

dim sum and roasted pig are considered the normal meal.

I tried the salt and pepper pork, as well as soy sauce chow mein. And let me tell you, that was the best Chinese food I have ever had. You get different flavors from spicy to sweet in your mouth.

Anything you eat at Yue Huang, will always be fresh.

If you decide to go on the seafood route, you walk over to the aquatic tank and choose exactly

which fish or octopus you want. Talk about fresh.

Now the best part of this whole dining experience at Yue Huang is the ambiance.

Waiters and waitresses dash around the restaurant in a frenzy trying to get everyone’s food out fast.

And you see dim sum carts rolling around and dessert carts. It is like the Disneyland of Chinese food.

The price is fairly reasonable for the quality of food and experience you

get. A dish can go anywhere from $5 to $15.

But if you are feeling quite expensive you can get a whole roasted pig anywhere up to $300.

Family style is a fun way to go, when you order a bunch of dishes and just enjoy time with your loved ones. This restaurant is quite far, but it is well worth the trip. Many people come from all over Northern California for this wonderful experience.

Gazette photo | GABY WILLIAMS

anthem opinions.

September 2018

Page 5

Singing loud and proud Students reflect on perceptions of the national anthem

BY LAMONT MASON

T

lmason.gazette@gmail.com

he national anthem evokes and eulogizes the historical traditions of this country.

It also holds a meaning to the students and staff on the school campus, including senior Natalie Collins, who has been singing the national anthem for Granite Bay High School since her sophomore year.

It is understandable to be nervous to sing, especially during the first football game of the season.

“Yeah I’m a little nervous, it’s a little nerve racking (...), but I’m more excited than nervous,” Collins said.

Singing the national anthem is something Collins truly enjoys.

“I think it’s really fun. I go and sing and I have the football players raise their helmets,” Collins said. “It’s just a good time.”

The national anthem also holds a meaning to former singer, senior Chloe Boyan, who sang the anthem during her junior year and has previous experience of singing it.

“When I sang the national anthem it was cool to see everyone stop what they were doing and

listen to me sing,” Boyan said. “Singing the national anthem gives more meaning and purpose to the history of the song itself. It’s so empowering to sing it.”

The national anthem does all sorts of wonders when people hear it. In sports many players find it as a time to get ready and pumped for the game.

“The national anthem gets my heart racing a little bit, because its an indication that it’s game time,” football player and senior Bryce Van Order said.

The performance of the anthem is also a time to reflect on why the players have the privilege to be playing football on that very field, and the sacrifices that were made that gave us our liberties.

“We also can’t forget, it’s a time to pay respects to our fallen soldiers and veterans,” Van Order said.

The national anthem is also a time to get “hype” in the Tribe for some students, especially for one of the GBHS Tribe leaders, senior Bennet Mantz.

“The national anthem makes me just enjoy the moment and be grateful for freedom, and of course, to say the USA chant (with) the whole tribe after is such a cool tradition as well,” Mantz said.

On the other hand, for some players it’s an opportunity to protest.

The National Football League has recently been experiencing moments of players kneeling during the national anthem at football games. This has caused backlash towards the NFL and players themselves.

Some argue that the action of kneeling is disrespecting the importance of honoring our country, while others argue that the players have the freedom to protest whatever they want.

“They have the right, or it would be contradictory of the meaning of the national anthem itself, if people were educated they would know that,” said senior Stephanie Samson.

The meaning and impact of the national anthem varies from student to student on this campus.

From respect, to controversies concerning professional football player’s careers. This will always continue as long as America exists.

“The soldiers fought for the country, so they fought for freedom of protest in a way. So, the players should freely protest,” Van Order said.

“At the end of the day I don’t care what the players do – I just want to watch some football.”

Gazette illustration | ABBIE GOULD

Page 6

September 2018

up next.

Fall Show is coming soon Drama program prepares for upcoming production

BY CORI CAPLINGER

ccaplinger.gazette@gmail.com

G

ranite Bay Theater has recently announced the fall show, a play called “Our Town.”

“Our Town,” a play written by Thornton Wilder, takes place in a small town named Grosvenor Corner, located in New Hampshire.

“So ‘Our Town’ is about a town, and it really is that simple,” senior Mathew Gandler said. “It’s an average town in the early 1900s and late 1800s, and it’s basically just watching as the people grow up and change throughout the years, and how their upbringing affects them.”

The play will be a fresh change for the theater program, which has put on more than five plays written by Shakespeare for the fall show in the past few years. “‘Our Town’ is a very unconventional show which I really love to be a part of,” senior Olivia Brubaker said. “The reason it’s unconventional is because the author intentionally crafted it so that the details and the boundar-

ies of the show are vague. Therefore it can be applied to the audience a lot better,” Since the play is unique, the hope is that the audience will become engaged during the performance. Kyle Holmes, the drama teacher and head of the Granite Bay Theater department, said he hopes the play will be relatable for the audience.

“It’s a play about living, loving and dying, and those are things that I think everybody can relate to and identify with,” Holmes said.

Holmes added that the play might also teach a lesson GBHS students need to pay attention to.

“The meaning of ‘Our Town’ is that you have to cherish the everyday moments,” sophomore Gabby Kolsky said. “Just because every day is normal doesn’t mean it can’t be remembered and honored and stuff. The message is to live your life and enjoy every moment that passes.”

The play also produces a challenge for the cast and crew of “Our Town.” The script calls for pantomiming, something that is not necessarily easy to do.

“It’s just going to be very different because we have the task of doing a lot of pantomiming, which is a challenge for a lot of us,”

Gandler said.

As a result, the production will require fewer props and other kinds of st aging elements. According to Holmes, this will allow the audience to focus better on the actors.

“It will be really cool, I think, for it to be just a very simple show with a very simple story, and I think that makes it easier to hear what we’re saying when you’re not focusing on everything,” said Holmes. “It’s funny, it adds a complexity to the play by simplifying the play.”

Since the play is very ensemble-based, the theater program has decided to bring in even more help with the set and the behind-thescenes work.

“They are going to invite a professional stage director from Sacramento, and she’s going to help work with the crew,” Kolsky said.

Overall, Kolsky and other students are excited about the production of “Our Town,” and they hope every student at GBHS will consider attending the show.

“Come see ‘Our Town,’ ” Kolsky said, “it’s a good play.”

Gazette Illustration/ SIDNEY ZABELL

Page 7

September 2018

in the new.

We just got TECH-Y Granite Bay Media program looks forward to class advancements

GBHS Media Students prepare the media room in order to film using specialized equiptment.

BY LINDSEY ZABELL

A

lzabell.gazette@gmail.com

s years go by, the possibilities and opportunities open to Granite Bay High students continue to grow – and the Granite Bay Media program now has the means to record them all.

This summer, media teacher and adviser Zachary Weidkamp had the opportunity to purchase and set up an entire new studio set, which has already begun changing the dynamic and workflow of the media program.

Students in the fall term taking the Advanced Media class are more eager than ever to begin producing bulletins on a more professional studio set.

Weidkamp spent all of last school year and summer working to have everything ready for the new students to use when they returned in the fall. According to Weidkamp, countless hours were spent extensively researching different sets, flooring and software, as well as filling out paperwork in order to qualify for a state grant.

“Anything we’ve done prior has all been examples of what we can do and thus been examples of our program and is the necessary data for us to prove that we have what’s called a Program of Study,” Weidkamp said.

A program of study is an academic career plan developed with intentions of helping move students toward their career path by completing all courses in that career subject.

Martelle Jackson, a senior and one of three showrunners for the GBTV news bulletin, said she is very excited to see how the new equipment will help the production of the bulletin run more smoothly for the new year.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to grow our skills and learn about professional equipment that we didn’t have before,” Jackson said.

In previous years, the bulletin has been filmed on a homemade set with a single camera, with all editing done in post-production. With the new additions to the studio, the bulletin will now be filmed on a professional TriCaster, a multi-camera operating system that will allow students to run graphics, switch camera angles, and mix audio – all while filming live.

This new device will greatly minimize the amount of editing that would previously be worked on for hours after school every Tuesday. “(Filming on a TriCaster) is a lot more logical, and we don’t have to have an editor stay for hours after school anymore,” Jackson said.

Like Jackson, showrunners Mikayla Deblaquiere and Colby Moresi are also eager to see what opportunities the new studio set will bring.

“The studio will impact future bulletins in a great way and allow the students to broaden the use of equipment,” Deblaquiere said.

Classroom leaders also stress the importance of the new equipment on their specific jobs.

“We have to work a lot with the new technology in the studio,” Jackson said. “It’s made our jobs so much more important because we’re the ones giving guidance to our teams and helping them with the equipment.”

Deblaquiere said her job has been made easier with the new equipment now allowing her to teach more students how to produce a more well-rounded bulletin.

GBTV producer and senior Joe Reinero said he believes the new equipment will push students to do better and work harder.

“It pushes me to help everyone around me to grow and

Special to the Gazette| Colby Moresi

produce the best bulletins possible,” he said.

Not only will this new equipment impact the Advanced Media class, but it will also heavily impact the way other film and media courses are run.

“It’s going to change the class drastically,” Weidkamp said.

This year, along with learning how to make stories, commercials, and ads, students enrolled in Beginning Media are now going to be learning how use the new studio equipment.

“I’m teaching (Beginning Media) in anticipation that those students are going to go directly into Advanced Media and be ready to produce using the equipment,” Weidkamp said.

Because Advanced Media students have not yet had prior experience with the new equipment, they have had to put their regular production schedule on hold in order to carve out time to get all students up to speed.

“It’s putting a little bit of a quirk into us really getting going, but there’s no other way to do it,” Weidkamp said.

With all of the technology working together, classroom leaders and student content producers have high hopes of being able have a more organized and systematic production.

“The new technology definitely (came with) a learning curve, but the whole process has gotten so much more efficient,” Jackson said.

The Advanced Media class also is looking forward to see how the new studio set will impact viewer engagement and course popularity.

With the new endless options of angles and styles they can incorporate into the production, they hope it will be able to be more appealing to viewers, making students more interested in joining the program.

September 2018

Page 8

current.

Top Tweets Spirited tweets by Granite Bay High School students

BY EMERSON FORD

Netflix Picks

eford.gazette@gmail.com

Twitter

BY BELLA HAMILTON

bhamilton.gazette@gmail.com

1. I am Killer This is an in-depth look into the life of a convicted killer and a peek into a criminal’s thought process on why they committed the crimes they have. The show delves deep into the mind of a killer and exposes many different sides to crimes that once looked one-dimensional. Each episode focuses on a single prisoner and the history of their cases that the public doesn’t get to see. The show gives viewers a new perspective on the life of a prisoner and is a great show for anyone looking for an in-depth look into the judicial system 2. Disenchantment Disenchantment is an animated series following the misadventures of the princess Bean and her elf and demon cronies as they adventure across the medieval kingdom of Dreamland. Princess Bean is also constantly struggling with her dad on varying topics including arranged marriage, throwing parties and many other valiant quests. Lighthearted and exciting, this show will keep you laughing and entertained for hours on end. The show, filled with jokes and an ever-changing plot will keep you glued to your couch. I recommend this show to anyone who enjoys animated shows meant for an older audience.

3. Jurassic Park Jurassic Park is a movie that needs no introduction. As part of a group chosen to tour an island inhabited by dinosaurs, the main characters travel to an island in the middle of the ocean to have an up-close view of a dinosaur. The rich owner of the park has promised the safety of all the visitors, but they soon find out the creatures are attacking. To escape, the group has to reach a helicopter to take them off the island. On the way, they encounter many amazing animals both dangerous and docile. One thing about this movie is for sure, this will always be a great movie to put on anytime you’re looking for a thrill.

Back to school means wearing cute outfits for a week before transitioning full time to lulu shorts and a t shirt Lily @lilyrafanan

33 Retweets 110 Likes

Thought my uncle was yelling at me but turns out he was just having a heated conversation with his dog.

Greta @gretagunell

0 Retweets

0 Likes

Was sitting next to a teacher on a plane. Sorry Connor, she marked a F ton of stuff wrong + you forgot your reading log

Kabe Teague @kabeteague

0 Retweets

24 Likes

Your #mcm asks for the military discount at McDonald’s after getting a win in fortnite Rami Sadek @rsadek23

1 Retweet

7 Likes

Hangout Location of the Month:

BY SIDNEY SEWELL ssewell@gmail.com

Old Town Folsom

What is it?

Looking for a new place to hangout outside of Granite Bay? Old Folsom is the place for you.

Old Folsom is filled with adorable shops and places to eat. It is the perfect place for a relaxing getaway with your friends or family.

What to Look Out For • • •

Farmers markets are open most Saturday mornings throughout the town of old Folsom.

Live concerts that occur on Saturday nights.

Folsom bridge, a popular place to take photos and lookout over the river.

Gazette photo | Sydney Sewell

September 2018

Rated: PG-13

By Elliott Hyman ehyman.gazette@gmail.com

Mission Impossible: A

ission: Impossible - Fallout is my favorite pure action flick that I’ve seen in quite some time.

While not being vastly groundbreaking or exploring untouched areas in the genre, Fallout takes the traditional action archetypes and delivers on them at the highest level.

With no shortage of chaotic gunfights, heart-pounding car chases and shocking backstabs, Fallout doesn’t disappoint viewers coming to sit back and allow themselves to be washed over by ridiculous and improbable action.

Cruise’s mind-bending stunts are part of what separates this movie from other action movies released in recent years.

The risks that Cruise puts himself under not only raise the viewer’s anxiety level but also increases one’s satisfaction when the sequence is pulled off flawlessly.

Cruise’s lovable team has grown considerably over the years to now include Simon Pegg, Alec Baldwin, and Ving Rhames. All three deliver above par performances, but Rhames was the shocker of the bunch. Even as a background character, Rhames’ gripping performance imbues the film with an unexpected sense of realism.

A host of new and compelling villains are introduced with some reliable oldies thrown in the mix for good measure. The villains are relatively black and white, but that’s made up for by their ambitious goals that, while not particularly original, permeate the film with a healthy amount of drama.

At the end of the day, the film delivers best on what any Mission: Impossible film promises. There are some extremely impressive car chase scenes that left me on the edge of my seat at moments. Can’t forget great stunts and of course some trademark face swapping.

Does the film have anything to say anything about the world? Probably not. But who cares?

You’re not there to ponder philosophical questions. You’re there to forget about your problems for two and a half hours and watch Tom Cruise beat some bad guys senseless.

So, sit back and enjoy an action film executed just about as well as one can be.

C

Warner Brothers

razy Rich Asians is one of the few movies this year that has generated buzz in the community not mainly because of its storyline or the cinematography, but more for what it represents.

It has been a quarter of a century since a major motion picture featured an all Asian cast, and now, with Crazy Rich Asians, the movie has been deemed pioneering; a much-needed change to Hollywood; an inspiration to all audiences alike.

However, with so much hype leading up to its release, I’ll admit I was skeptical.

Was the movie just some platform for Asian-Americans to attempt a mark on the entertainment industry? And would the quality suffer as a result? Or would the movie be a refreshing change to the average romantic comedy?

My concerns were seemingly answered in the first scene – which acts as a sort of prologue to the movie – as an Asian family is shown facing racial discrimination; not the usual issue romantic comedies are wont to containing.

Crazy Rich Asians tells the story of an NYU economist professor, Rachel Chu, and her Asian boyfriend, Nick Young.

When Nick goes back to his home, Singapore, for his best friend’s wedding, Rachel comes along.

However, after being in Singapore for just a day, Rachel discovers that her boyfriend of over a year has neglected to tell her something very important. He is “crazy rich.”

As the story goes on, Rachel comes to terms with Nick being rich, but she cannot deal with Nick’s mother, Eleanor Young, who visibly despises Rachel. As a result, the two end up ultimately vying for Nick’s love and a spot in his future.

The stories focus on familial and cultural issues, which are in this case the complications keeping the couple apart, made the movie more relatable and real.

While the movie was hardly perfect, as at times the story played on one too many Asian-American stereotypes, the interesting storyline, as well as its willingness to try new things, makes Crazy Rich Asians a must-watch movie.

Rated: PG-13

By Andrew Yung ayung.gazette@gmail.com

F

Focus Features

ilms that reflect true stories in an enthralling way have always been inviting to me.

After watching the trailer for Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman,” I knew it was a movie I wanted to see as soon as possible.

The film follows the true story of Ron Stallworth, an African-American who leads an undercover investigation of the Ku Klux Klan in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1978.

Stallworth and his Jewish partner Flip Zimmerman act as the same man to investigate and take down the group. Stallworth strategically talks to the Ku Klux Klan members on the phone while Zimmerman infiltrates the party from within.

Characters maneuvered through dangerous situations accompanied by guitar riffs and groovy beats, allowing certain moments to take on a playful identity.

Director Spike Lee brings comedic elements to the table while tackling the topic of racism in our country head on. Zimmerman and Stallworth’s sarcasm mock the ignorance of the KKK members in the film, as these members exclaim opinions that illustrate their own stupidity, and make them the butt of many jokes.

While “BlacKkKlansman” has enough witty humor to grant the audience a fair amount of laughs, the film also addresses the nation’s political climate today by creating a parallel that reflects the past moments that clearly mirrored recent debates on issues such as police brutality were thought provoking and engaging. During the length of the film, I was surrounded by the thoughts that although it was set in 1978, “BlacKkKlansman” could have for the most part taken place today.

Former Grand Wizard of the KKK, David Duke, is a character Stallworth amusingly fools in the film. However, David Duke is still preaching anti-semitic and racist rhetoric today, with a sickeningly large following.

The end of “BlacKkKlansman” could possibly be the most powerful ending of a film I’ve ever seen. Real footage from the deadly Charlottesville white supremacy rally left the movie theater in a deafening silence. The haunting last scenes forces the audience to reflect upon the racism we continue to see as a nation.

“BlacKkKlansman” isn’t a movie you should see, it’s a move you need to see.

Rated: R

By Sidney Stipanovich sstipanovich.gazette@gmail.com

BlacKkKlansman: A

Paramount Pictures

Crazy Rich Asians: A

M

Page 9

movie time.

Pages 10 & 11

what a summer.

September 2018

Summer to Remember Students reflect on the very-much-missed vacation season

BY ANGELINA KOLOSEY

A

akolosey.gazette@gmail.com

fter ten months full of academic pressures the last bell finally rings, and it is time for summer break.

Students get the opportunity to relax, spend more time on extracurricular activities, vacation and make everlasting memories.

Each individual student experiences summer vacation in a unique way and participates in different activities.

It is very common for students to go on vacation and spend time with friends and family during the summer.

Granite Bay High School junior Ellen Taylor visited family in Norway for one month in June.

“It was really nice to get to see my family in Norway because I only get to see them once a year, so that was really fun.” Taylor said. “It was really nice and relaxing.”

Summer gives many the opportunity to catch up on many aspects of life ignored during the school year,

such as spending time with loved ones and exploring different activities.

“My summer was a lot of fun and really adventurous because I went to a lot of cool places,” junior Kaiya Lang said. “I saw a lot of new things.”

Students made memories that will last a lifetime, many in other unique locations.

“My family and I took a road trip through Oregon, and then I went with my friend and her family to New Hampshire and Boston,” Lang said.

Summer is also gives the opportunity for students to combine what they’re passionate about with their travels.

Junior Stephanie Siau had the opportunity to travel across Europe while playing volleyball in Italy over the summer.

“A highlight of my summer was playing volleyball in Italy,” Siau said. “I made so many amazing friends from around the country, and around the US and Italy as well.”

Some students’ summers were full of meaningful

Special to the Gazette | Kaiya Lang

experiences, as well as laborious yet rewarding work for students who chose to give back to others.

“Building a house in Mexico for a family in need and climbing mountains in Norway were both my summer highlights,” Taylor said.

Although it is understandable that most students enjoy an academic break, many individuals have specific factors of summer that love the most.

“I liked having freedom and time to do a bunch of stuff because we weren’t in school,” Lang said. “We had time to do new things.”

Though not settled in a classroom environment over summer, students still grow as individuals and learn new things over break.

“From summer, I learned that you don’t really need three months off of school to have a fun time,” Lang said. “You could have just as much fun during the school year (or) on the weekend, and if you just manage your time well, you could still go on a bunch of fun adventures.”

Although summer serves as a time to enjoy free time

for one’s self, memories made with other individuals tend to be more memorable, often lasting for life.

“Something I’ll remember is getting to spend so much time with my sister because she’s in medical school,” Taylor said. “It was super nice getting to spend it with her in Norway with no distractions, whereas when she’s home and I’m home with her we both have other stuff to do.”

Experiences from break may provide an overall change of thought to normal everyday life.

“Summer taught me to be open minded to everything, culture wise,” Siau said.

Now, the school year is back in full swing, but the opportunity to apply individual growth and learning obtained over summer fuels the memories that can be made throughout high school.

Special to the Gazette | Ellen Taylor

Display of photos from summer at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France (bottom left), student Stephanie Siau on a trolley in Italy (bottom middle), in Kauai, Hawaii (bottom right), students swimming in a lake (top left) and a student with her sister in a Norwegian field (top right).

Special to the Gazette | Stephanie Siau

Gazette photo | Dylan Rowe

Gazette illustration | Angelina Kolosey

September 2018

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tune in.

Sleeping at Last Atlas : Year

BY BELLA KHOR

bkhor.gazette@gmail.com

I

love the Atlas Project, and Atlas: Year Two by Sleeping at Last was introduced to me by my brother when he was driving me to the doctor’s office. I remember playing the first song of this series, completely unaware of this universe I was about to be absorbed in. I played “One” on the bluetooth speaker in the car and was immediately in love.The gentle and lively piano in the background reminded me of a musically bubbling brook instantly drew my interest.

The words differed from the lyrics I was used to hearing about love and partying. In “One”, the artist doesn’t sing about any of the mainstream topics, what he does is sing the thoughts of a person who strives for

perfection and correction of mistakes.

This is apparent in his words, “I want to sing a song worth singing, I’ll write an anthem worth repeating.” It sounds just like a person who is aiming to be the best.

Late I listened to his podcast episode for “One”, Sleeping at Last explained that it was the first track of the last themed EP of his Atlas: Year Two series, the enneagram.

The enneagram is a sort of personality typing tool, oddly shaped, with arrows striking across a circle surrounded by numbers one through nine. The different numbers represent different personality types.“One” was constructed to be from the point of view of a “one” personality type. According to his podcast, ones were the perfectionists out of the nine basic personality types. People who wanted to be the best and do their best work within their own strong moral values.

When I opened Sleeping at Last’s webpage, I was immediately disappointed and yet excited about his series being still unfinished. There are three more singles that he will release to complete the collection of twenty-five tracks in Atlas: Year Two series.

Although I was bummed about having wait for the next three singles to be released, I still went through and listened to the rest of the available tracks of Atlas: Year Two. I listened to the compilation and immediately fell deeper in love with the beautifully earnest lyrics and touching instrumentals of the series.

I’m extremely glad to have found this profound musical artist with such emotional and well-written lyrics, and the I look forward to listening to the rest of his music while waiting for Atlas: Year Two to be finished.

Interscope, Astroid-B612

Atlas: Year Two was released on June 29th, 2018.

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Skip to: “One”

Kanye West Ye

K

GOOD Def Jam

 Ye was released on June 1st, 2018.

A-

Skip to: “Violent Crimes”

BY LANDEN ACOSTA

lacosta.gazette@gmail.com

anye West.

A name that evokes thoughts of controversy and creative genius. His latest album, “‘Ye”, touches on hardships in his marriage with star Kim Kardashian, his children growing up, and backlash he’s received from not only from the general population and his own fanbase.

On the track “Wouldn’t Leave,” Kanye expresses his gratitude to Kim Kardashian for sticking by his side through the pitfalls and triumphs of marriage.

“My wife callin’, screamin’, say we ‘bouta lose it all, had to calm her down ‘cause she couldn’t breathe, told her she could leave me know but she wouldn’t leave,” Kanye says.

Kanye’s recent fashion and business endeavors have put him 50 million dollars

in debt and has taken a toll on the marriage.

Kanye applauds women that stand by their significant other and their decisions.

“For every down female that stuck with they dude Through the best times, through the worst times, this is for you,” he says.

Kanye is now to coming to the realization his daughters are growing up. Kanye and Kim have three children, North, Chicago and Saint. Kanye is an overprotective father of his girls North and Chicago but not so much of his son Saint.

Kanye’s perspective on how men should treat women has drastically changes due to his daughters being born.

Father forgive me, I’m scared of the karma ‘Cause now I see women as somethin’ to nurture However Kanye predicted this perspective change happening back in in the track “We Major” in his second album Late Registra-

tion.

“Until you have a daughter, that’s what I call karma, and you pray to God she don’t grow breasts too soon,” he says.

Kanye expresses his deep concerns about his daughter being itemized and taken advantage of when they grow up.

“I pray your body’s draped more like mine and not like your mommy’s. Just bein’ salty, but ni**** is nuts, and I am a ni***, I know what they want,” he says.

As of the last tracks in the album it’s a statement in his ability to drown out all the noise and be his own person. He remains unaffected by the opinions of people he deems relevant. This has been a key success point of Kanye’s career. Since his humble beginnings, Kanye has been subject to various trials and tribulations. “‘Ye”, is a testament to Kanye’s ability to thrive and prosper through anything that life throws his way.

Chloe x Halle The Kids are Alright

BY EMERSON FORD

C

eford.gazette@gmail.com

hloe and Halle Bailey, known best by their stage name “Chloe x Halle” make a big splash in the music world with the recent release of their debut studio album “The Kids Are Alright,” following their EP “Just the Two of Us” by Beyonce’s record label Parkwood Entertainment.

“The best thing about the album is that this is Chloe x Halle’s album. From the lyrics down to the production, Chloe Bailey and Halle Bailey are credited, something many are not used to seeing when it comes to new artists.

Something about this makes the album seem, organic, fresh and innovative,” wrote Akii Butler for Billboard.

R&B is the best way to describe their style, but Chloe x Halle manage to find a way to color outside of the lines of traditional R&B. The Beyonce-approved sister duo, focus on universal emotions including love, glory, and nostalgia in the songs while always managing to find just the right tune to match the message they are trying to convey. They also

reminisce on the mistakes kids can make, but how ultimately everything turns out fine - a sentiment rarely covered in the musical world.

Their music explores self-discovery, vulnerability, and personal growth in a sincere and honest approach.

The songs on this album take your breath away from the moment you hear them.

Their angelic voices and electrifying beats will leave you entranced and wanting more.

The songs blend together and have a smooth transition from one to the other when listening in order.

There are a handful of dreamy yet strong songs such as “Down,” “Cool People,” and “Fall.” At the same time, more upbeat and electric beats like “Everywhere,” “Drop,” and “Happy Without Me” are best left on repeat and at max volume (even better if you’re somewhere where you can dance along to it).

“Lyrically the album is strong and mature, with them being credited as a writer on every song of the album, one wouldn’t realize that Chloe is only 19 and Halle is only 17. While the album does have its moments that are a bit immature such as “Grown,” which is used

for the show “Grown-ish,” it doesn’t affect the album due to the strength of the other songs.

“Happy Without Me” is a perfect candidate for a single, not only are the lyrics strong, but the delivery makes it 10 times better and the verse from Joey BadA$$ doesn’t hinder the song but instead complements it. The message is loud and clear and the emotion behind the lyrics amplifies it even louder.

The GoldLink assisted “Hi Lo,” and the trap infused “Everywhere” show the girls’ versatility as Contemporary R&B artists while staying true to themselves and their sound,” Butler said. istening to this album is the same feeling as opening a window for fresh air, feeling yourself float in the ocean, hand-picking a bouquet of flowers for your best friend.

It’s genuine, and soft, and puts into words all the things you’ve felt before but never knew how to say.

The raw emotion and passion presented in this album is what makes it so impactful and powerful. This is an album you don’t want to miss, and a duo worth keeping your eye on.

Parkwood Colombia

The Kids are Alright was released on June 22nd, 2018.

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Skip to: “Everywhere”

September 2018

Page 13

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Florence and The Machine High as Hope

BY MIA TAYLOR

mtaylor.gazette@gmail.com

I

n Florence + the Machine’s latest album, “ High As Hope” Florence Welch expresses a deeper and more personal side of herself, uncovering intimate past experiences including an eating disorder, drug use and heartbreak. The album conveys her passionate and, at times, wistful tone in all of the 8 songs featured. Although each song has an individual feel, and tells a personal story, as I listened to her album I unfortunately felt as though the songs began to blend together and the similarity between them lead to an overall boring experience.

However, the album did feature many impressive songs that respectively won a lot of recognition.

The album had the most success with its

hit single “Hunger” that topped Billboard’s top 40 Adult Alternative Songs Chart five times in a row. “Hunger” allows listeners to experience an emotional and enthralling ride as Welch bravely uncovers her struggle with an eating disorder by capturing her desperation and ardency. Additionally, “South London Forever” conveys her younger years and reflects upon her recklessness as well as highlights uncertainty she had regarding her future. Especially for upperclassmen, this song can relate to the similar anxiety and lost feeling many of us face as we enter such a pivotal time of our lives.

Another relatable song featured on the album is “Big God”. Florence revealed that her motivation behind the song stemmed from an empty and hurt feeling she experienced after being ignored by someone of significance in her life. In a simplistic

example, she described the experience conveyed in her song as the feeling you get after being left on read by someone you like. This song can obviously be related to by many teens who often deal with this simple tragedy.

Florence + the Machine collaborated with many artists to produce High as Hope in efforts to create a new sound to their well-known indie alternative vibe. Producer Jamie XX worked with Florence on “Big God” to create a unique track that highlights Florence’s famous sound while adding key instrumentals to enhance the melody.

Through this album, listeners were given an opportunity to learn more about Florence on a personal level and relate to her struggles.

Virgin EMI Republic

High as Hope was released on June 29th, 2018.

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Skip to: “I See You, The XXX”

Childish Gambino Summer Pack

BY LINDSEY ZABELL

lzabell.gazette@gmail.com

I RCA Records

 Summer Pack was released on June 4th, 2018.

B+

Skip to: “Feels like Summer”

f you’re looking for an something to bop to all summer long with friends, Childish Gambino has the perfect album for you.

With his third and newest EP record, Summer Pack, Donald Glover, under the famous stage name Childish Gambino, has done it once again.

Childish Gambino has continued to follow his psychedelic, chill, style, similar to his past well-known songs such as Redbone and Sober.

Evoking a feeling of an endless and worryfree summer, this pair of songs has the ability to make you feel like you are anywhere you want to be.

The album opens with Summertime Magic, a song some may see as the ultimate sum-

mer bop. On this track, Childish Gambino expresses his feelings for a girl who he views as “summer valentine.”.

Keeping the record short and sweet, Childish Gambino closes the album with Feels Like Summer, a song that will make you want to take a long trip with friends and never return. During the course of the entire track, he continues to emphasize that he “feels like summer.” Other than that, there’s not much to say about the song, other than it truly does come with a summer feeling.

Childish Gambino received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from fans and listeners, with Summertime Magic reaching #44 on Billboard’s Hot 100 charts as of July 28, 2018.

But for some listeners, they found these two hits as lacking any sort of depth or meaning. Although exceeding expectations in the category of evoking ultimate summer

vibes, there seems to be little to no meaning in either of these summer jams. Some fans even compared the songs as being “leftovers Glover just happened to find on his desktop.”

Some other fans felt the same, but were more forgiving in the way that all they really wanted to hear was some feel-good summer beats.

Despite the lack of true meaning or emotional connection in either song, I think Donald Glover exceeded expectations with the style of beats used, which is all a summer bop really needs to be.

Although I definitely wouldn’t categorize this EP as being even close to one of his best, I think it was a great segway into seeing what he could possibly produce in the future.

Kevin Abstract American Boyfriend : A Suburban Love

BY LAMONT MASON

K

lmason.gazette@gmail.com

evin Abstract is the savior of alternative hip hop and the finder of the new hit group Brockhampton. Brings out the most emotional side out of listeners, with the influence of his warming lyrics.

The beats in his music are solid yet so complex and exhilarating. Such as the song: “Yummy”, that makes listeners want to get up and jump around, as well as to make a mosh pit with you and your friends.

There’s such a drastic change with the mood, like the song “Echo.”

Which touches the deep core of emotion inside listeners. Making them want to sway their arms back and forth, and cry.

The profound cover art of the album gives off a heart warming, and emotive look.

Promising a narrative that will make you yearn for love and emotion.

Making you wonder what you have been missing out on.

This album elaborates the important concept of love that other albums fail to do.

The songs are short snippets, that you would wish that were a bit longer. The ideas and meaning of each song makes you want to listen to it on repeat, because the lyrics are so beautiful.

Yet he simply expressed how he felt about with his hardships and love interest in high school.

Which makes it even more beautiful because he was being creative with expressing his story of love through lyrics in the album.

In addition, it was his first album for a soundcloud artist, it was published remarkably well.

However, some songs like “Papercut”, and “June 29th” seemed like they were extremely rushed and as if they were there to fill some void spaces.

Kevin Abstract makes up for it all with the outstanding, well written songs: “American Boyfriend”, “Echo”, and “Miserable America.” towards the end of the album.

The artist never followed trends, or relied on hating on other artiststo gain exposure. Unlike many other artists nowadays.

Instead, he got his claim to fame in the Brockhampton Records alternative hip-hop genre, through hard work American Boy Friend: and self expression.

A Suburban Love was The only criticism that Kevin acknowlreleased on November edges is the critisism that he talks about in 18th, 2016. his songs.

Kevin is furthering his success with the music group Brockhampton, who are currently on tour in the U.K..

Kevin still has much potential to reach, and Skip to: at this rate he is going to accomplish much “Miserable America” more in the future.

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let-us entertain you.

September 2018

We’ll never desert you

Read the Gazette

August 2018

Page 15

trendy teachers.

GBHS staff show off their outfits Teachers reveal how they choose their looks

BY GABY WILLIAMS

gwilliams.gazette@gmail.

D

o you ever wonder how the Granite Bay High School teachers style themselves or what their style is? Whether they pick their outfit the night before or morning of?

Many teachers on campus are always styling cute and comfy outfits. Elizabeth Henderson, Kathleen Bacharach, Andrew Phillips, and Myron Stephens are few of many, who dress to impress. They are always put together and never missing a day of fashion.

Kathleen Bacharach is known for her cute girly style. She is either rocking a cute sundress or keeping it casual with some grizzly gear!

Kathleen Bacharach takes her time to choose her outfits, and plan out ahead what she will be wearing for that day.

“Almost always, I pick them the night before, a lot of times I will think through the week, and I will usually have an idea,” she said.

But like many of us, she changes her mind the morning of and sometimes is late to work.

“It kind of stresses me out, the reason I haven’t chosen it (an outfit) because I don’t really know what I am going to wear, and then I stress out even more because I still have not decided, it makes me late in the morning” she said Kathleen Bacharach is just like us, when choosing outfits in the morning. We all can relate coming to school late because we were indecisive in the morning.

Kathleen Bacharach’s favorite stores include The Loft, TJ Maxx, and Macy’s.

Many students know Andrew Phillips for his

button up shirt and tie almost every day.

The reason Andrew Phillip’s dresses up is because when he first started teaching he would get confused by being a student and not actually a teacher.

So he would dress up, but on some days, he wants to just chill in his baggy sweatpants and big sweatshirt with his Raiders hat.

One thing about Mr. Phillips, is that he wears his hat to the side. He says that he isn’t trying to pose, that’s just how he has always worn his hats.

He thinks it’s quite funny that students think he is super hip, because he literally just throws on whatever.

Andrew Phillip’s loves Target, Goodwill and Nordstrom Rack. Many teens today thrift their outfits and so does Phillips.

Elizabeth Henderson has what is known as a capsule wardrobe! Many people only wear 20% of their closet in their lifetime, a capsule wardrobe eliminates that.

“A capsule wardrobe is where you’ll take like a season and then you’ll limit your pieces to coordinate and mix and match with each other,” Elizabeth Henderson said.

It’s a lot more convenient and makes her mornings go faster when she can just look at a limited amount of clothing and choose right there and then.

How Henderson puts together her outfit is a little different. First, she picks out a jewelry piece, and then would match her outfit based on that one item.

She also has fun printed dresses, like flowers, feathers and leaves. But her favorite are her periodic table print TOMS, she wears them

Kathleen Bacharach, Elizabeth Henderson, and Myron Stephens pose for a photo depicting their outfit choices.

periodically.

Her favorite places to shop is Target, Poshmark and Thread Up! “Our fashion choices are something to think about carefully and consider the people who make the clothes and jewelry we love, as well as the environment.” Henderson said she believes.

Students will often see Myron Stephens riding around on his mini bicycle in a paint jumper and bandana.

The splattered jumpsuit has been a trend for Stephens for many years.

“The jumpsuit came about 20 years ago when I decided I was tired of every article of clothing I owned having paint on them. So, even though it’s hot in the summer I do it for fashion…the price we pay to look good.” he said.

If you want to recreate Stephen’s look, just go to Amazon and buy a jumpsuit and get some paint on it.

“I turned into one of those shoppers who is destroying the American Mall.” he said.

One last article of clothing he wears everyday is a bandanna on his head. Mr. Stephens started wearing a bandanna is college and in high school a cap! He never goes a day without wearing them!

“Now I think it just adds the artsy look. My mom doesn’t let me where it when we go somewhere nice, she says (Myron don’t wear your hanky, you look better without it!)

Stephens is just styling the artist look anywhere he goes.“I think it helps to look like stereotypical artist when you are getting into galleries. The galley owners want to know you’re not just a weekend warrior,” he said.

Everyone has their own style, even teachers.

Gazette photo | GABY WILLIAMS

September 2018

Page 16

current.

MIXTAPE - LATE NIGHT DRIVE

Artist of the Month 1) What got you into art?

Kristina Rodriguez

I wasn’t much of an athlete, so I needed to do something and I decided that art was the way to go.

2) What do you like most about art?

I like art because its a way to relax and take my mind off things. In addition, it allows me to express ideas of mine.

3) Do you want to continue art after high school?

Not as a career, but I would definitely like to continue to do art as a hobby.

BY GABY WILLIAMS

gwilliams.gazette@gmail.com

1. Ocean Eyes - Billie Elish This song is about the beauty of someone’s eyes, and how you can get lost in them, Billie Eilish’s vocals range truly captures the meaning of this song.

2. Brooklyn In The Summer - Aloe Blacc A song that you can drive to with the windows down and just enjoy life. The beat is very unique and just a great bop!

3. Lay It on Me - Vance Joy Vance Joy is known as an acoustic singer, his voice is so comforting and the messages of his songs are very relatable. “Lay it on Me” is about two friends who start seeing each other as more than just friends, but are too scared to lose their friendship.

4. Fresh Eyes - Grace Grundy This tune is so catchy, making it a must listen song about seeing someone you love in a new way and just appreciating and loving them even more.

5. Carolina - Harry Styles Harry styles has created a new name for himself, other than just being known as the kid in a boy band. “Carolina” is a good example of his new style of music.

Instagram

FOLLOW FRIDAY

Follow @_a.llison for creative and cute vibes.

Compiled by Cori Caplinger

Gazette photo | Lamont Mason

Compiled by Lamont Mason

FRESHMAN 2022 v s.

VS. SENIOR 2019 Where is your ideal travel destination?

Rebecca King: Bora Bora Ava Rafanan: Hawaii What is your favorite place to shop for clothes?

Rebecca King: American Eagle Ava Rafanan: Pacsun

Gazette photo | Mia Taylor

 Ava Rafanan, GBHS freshman.

Gazette photo | Mia Taylor

 Rebecca King, GBHS senior.

Compiled by Mia Taylor

September 2018

news fresh as a daisy.

Let your voice

Blossom

Page 17

Page 18

Tweet the day away.

September 2018

Twitter accounts influence students Gazette illustration | Sidney Zabell

GBHS students speak up about their favorite social media accounts

T

BY LANDEN ACOSTA

lacosta.gazette@gmail.com

witter. This revolutionary microblogging app has quickly become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world.

The site allows users to publish “tweets.”

“Tweets” are messages and media users can post on their profile as well as share with people on the app.

For years, Twitter has been a creative outlet for millions of people worldwide, especially for users on the entertainment side. Attracting thousands of followers, accounts like @ barstoolsports, @kodyko, and @nickcolletti make users around the world laugh on a daily basis.

We asked Granite Bay students what content they like to see on their feed when they scroll through Twitter.

“I usually follow...accounts that tweet funny self-degrading things because those always make me laugh,” junior Olivia Thompson said.

Accounts that post memes and pictures of animals like, puppies, kittens, and birds get a

lot of traffic and likes on their pages. @RacismDog claims to be trained to “sniff our racism”, quoting suspiciously racist tweets with a casual “BARK BARK BARK”. @dog_feelings shares the perspective of dogs, phrased in a goofy way to make fellow Twitter users laugh. @barstoolsports posts several tweets mainly concerning the professional and college sports fan base. The account has managed to procure a large fan base across the country, gaining popularity by sanctioning representatives at universities to run sub-twitter accounts affiliated with @barstoolsports.

The only difference with these sub-accounts being the content is centered around campus life and happenings around the certain university.

“Barstoolsports is my favorite twitter account,” sophomore Andrew Bandfield said.

The account caters to individuals interested in sports and interesting videos and stories happening in the country. The sub accounts keep students on whichever campus the account is for updated on their sports teams and wacky happenings submitted by students

around the campus.

Some other Twitter accounts that have been impactful to students are @billrachet and @ lilbthebasedgod. “@lilbthebasedgod and @billrachet are funny,” senior Mo Huish said. @lilbthebasedgod is a rapper, writer and historical online figure that has a gigantic following on Twitter with over 1 million followers.

His fans send him messages and tweet about him on a daily basis praising the content he posts on his page as well of the work he does outside of twitter. @billrachet is an online personality that posts tweets and media on a daily basis just for comedic purposes. The account has a large following but not as big as @lilbthebasedgod.

With a staggering 336.3k followers the comedy account gets tons of retweets and likes on every tweet is uploads.

Twitter has been impactful not only on the world but on the Granite Bay campus. Students from all classes will enjoy the app on a daily basis and its microblogging features for years to come.

September 2018

Page 19

dogs, reviewed by grizzlies

AIR BUD ENTERTAINMENT

Think multi-sport athletes are impressive? Try eight-sport dog

AIR BUD ENTERTAINMENT

Gazette Editor-in-Chiefs review Air Bud movies

BY MAX SCHWARTZ

BY SPENCER COVA

mschwartz.gazette@gmail.com

T

he irrational fear of being cut from a prestigious junior high basketball team, coached by an ex-Knicks player because a clown-turned basketball player, golden retriever dunked on you becomes rational in the hit movie Air Bud. This movie begins with a clown with a probable substance abuse issue, leaving yet another failed 11 year old birthday party with a golden retriever. This movie immediately tugs at the heartstrings when Buddy’s cage falls out from the back of the truck and onto the highway. But worry not parents about to have to explain a dog dying to your crying six year olds – Buddy survives.

Josh, the main character, meets Buddy (Air Bud) when shooting hoops alone in wake of him moving from his old town – drowning in pre teen angst. We hear a noise in the forest, and for second, the movie-goer is put into a position where the movie could be in the horror genre. Ah, nevermind just a golden retriever with a pudding cup.

Oh, I forgot to add that the Josh is going through the loss of his dad due to a plane crash – another great conversational to be held with your young kids.

In a span of thirty minutes, Josh makes the basketball team along with Buddy because of the off chance a coach let Buddy shoot a basket. Let’s hear it for finally making friends, Josh!

The first game was an absolute slam for Buddy and Josh, Josh gets in for a few seconds and Buddy runs onto the court, almost ruining the entire game. Nevermind! Buddy hits the ball with his nose and makes a basket!

What a turn!

In the enormous post game celebration, Buddy goes from basketball player to sleuth as he wanders down a hallway. Hey parents! Guess what?

You now get to cover abuse in your post movie theater ride home, because Buddy directs attention to a coach physically abusing a child.

The rest of this movie is in the peak of an identity crisis when realizing this is a movie about a dog playing basketball. Take notes, Hollywood directors.

scova.gazette@gmail.com

S

ince the bases of basketball and football have already been covered, the third installment of the Air Bud series to focus, naturally, on the popular youth sport of soccer. Despite the film’s painful predictability, you’d be insensible to pass up Air Bud: World Pup given its mind-boggling title.

Although the story suffers from sequelitis (the element of surprise walked out the door when the idea of the film was conceived--Buddy, the Golden Retriever being able to be studly in any sport involving a ball and to understand english perfectly), it still manages to shock me how incomplete the film is.

Essentially the plot of Air Bud: World Pup is lazy mess of Home Alone criminals, dogs hitting balls with their noses and teenagers fumbling awkwardly towards their first awkward fumble. With just that, it already has the factors ready to make it one of the best films of the early 2000’s.

What pains me about the film is not the concept--the big picture is very Disney-like-what hurts the movie is it comes nowhere near the execution of a Disney film. World Pup is extremely choppy and can’t make ends meet.

In a 82-minute span, the movie is able to squeeze in: adults getting married, teens falling in love and trying not to be awkward at it, teen competition for love and jealousy, preteens playing spy games, dogs falling in love, dogs playing soccer, dogs having puppies, manipulative parents who’ll do anything to make their kids win being taught a lesson by their kids, housekeeper dilemmas, and crooks cooking up and executing elaborate plots--the director and producers are chasing their tails trying to make this film come full-circle.

That’s ten big plot spins – and I’m likely leaving a few plot issues out as well – with less than ten minutes to deal with each thread, and presumably weave each thread into a coherent whole that is both not too complicated and heartwarming.

Put all human-caused issues aside, and the movie is absolutely incredible. The leading role: Air Bud, played by Buddy, the Golden Retriever, lives up to the stage set by his name and face on the cover of the movie. Buddy’s talent is seemingly limitless – he truly is the goodest boy the world has yet to see.

Even considering Air Bud: World Pup’s shortcomings, it is still undoubtedly cracks the top ten for best romantic-animal-sports-comedy of all time.

September 2018

Page 20

groovy.

LOCAL CONCERT GUIDE

Gazette illustration | Bella Hamilton

BY BELLA HAMILTON

HIPPIE SABOTAGE

bhamilton.gazette@gmail.com

WHEN: SEPTEMBER 26

On Wednesday, Sept. 26, EDM group Hippie Sabotage is coming to town. They will perform at Ace of Spades

in downtown Sacramento. On their “Lost California” tour, the group will be heading across the west coast of the U.S., with one stop on the Hawaiian island of Honolulu in October.

Tickets are available on the Ace of Spades website and also through the Hippie Sabotage website. Tickets start at $29, and VIP packages include early access to the show, a photo with the group and a meet and greet experience at the concert.

CHEIF KEEF WHEN: OCTOBER 3

Chief Keef will be coming to Ace of Spades on Wednesday, October 3.

With his most recent EP released in early June and with many mixtapes this year, you can be assured that the concert will be packed with Keef ’s newly released music. Kicking off his tour in London via hologram show, Keef will be touring across the United states and in Europe this fall. Tickets for his concert are 25 dollars on the Ace of Spades website.

THOMAS RHETT WHEN: OCTOBER 27

SHORELINE MAFIA WHEN: SEPTEMBER 9

Los Angeles-based hip hop group Shoreline Mafia will perform at Ace of Spades in Sacramento on Sunday, Sept. 9. Shoreline Mafia gained popularity in

Nov. 2017 during the release of their first fulllength album, “ShorelineDoThatS**t”. Ace of Spades is a popular concert venue on R Street, with tickets on their website to their upcoming events. Ticket prices for general admission is $24, plus taxes and fees. The VIP package, which includes one ticket to the concert and one photo with the band is priced higher, but makes up in experience value. The concert venue is small, so be sure to get your tickets before it fills up!

On October 27th, Thomas Rhett will be at the Golden 1 Center in Downtown Sacramento. On his tour

across the US and UK, Rhett makes his last stop in the US in our capital city of California. The Life Changes tour is named after his third album which was the first country release to take a top spot on the Billboard 200 in 2017. Tickets for the show range from 60 dollars to 750 dollars for resale on ticketmaster.

ROLLING LOUD WHEN: SEPTEMBER 15-16

This annual music festival, located in San Francisco, comes in the late summer with many musical guests including Wiz Khalifa, Young Thug, Juice WRLD and more. With roots in

Miami, Florida, Rolling Loud has grown to one of the biggest hip hop festivals in the world. The festival is being held on Sept. 15-16, and tickets start at $189 according to the Rolling Loud website. They also offer VIP packages for a higher rate. The concert does sell out quickly, so be sure to get your tickets for the festival early!