GBHS Contemplates a Major

Current Page 8 Granite Bay Gazette wFriday, March 6, 2020 GBHS contemplates a major transition Administration examines the positive and negative effects of a move away from 4x4 block

BY MAREESA ISLAM mislam.gazette@gmail.com

Each type of schedule brings many benefits as well as some drawbacks. – Jessup McGregor, assistant principal After more than two decades on a 4x4 block schedule, Granite Bay High teachers and administrators are at least having conversations about making a change. “Discussions regarding the benefits of various schedules tend to be ongoing,” GBHS assistant principal Jessup McGregor said. Recently, the possibility of integrating a traditional sixperiod yearly schedule into GBHS has gained the attention of administrators. “Each type of schedule brings many benefits as well as some drawbacks,” McGregor said, “as … many folks have feelings for and against each.” In a traditional six-period schedule, students are enrolled in six classes that meet every day for the entire school year, with the exception of courses that meet for only a semester such as government and economics. In this system, students would take 24 courses in four years of high school vs. 32 in the 4x4 block schedule. “One of the primary benefits that often comes up is providing a longer period of time for students to work with content (though not necessarily more instructional time), as well as more time for teachers and students to build relationships,” McGregor said. McGregor said that while discussions are happening, an actual switch to a new schedule isn’t on tap in the near future, if it happens at all. “At this time there is not a plan (or) timeline to implement a change to (the current) schedule,” McGregor said. Student preferences will also play an important role in terms of the feasibility of any particular schedule. Junior Eric Antonio acknowledged that each course schedule has its unique strengths and drawbacks. “They both have pros and cons,” Antonio said. He said that the six-period schedule would perhaps provide students more time to build stronger bonds with peers and teachers, the classes’ workloads could increase. “In a six-period (schedule) … you get a closer relationship with your teacher all year,” Antonio said. “On the other hand, you might have more homework.” Just six classes per year could pose inconve

A GBHS student’s schedule displays the typical Granite Bay High 4x4 block schedule, which includes four classes per semester and eight per year. An alternative would include six classes. Gazette photo /MAREESA ISLAM

niences to students. For example, such a change could limit students’ ability to take desired courses. “There are several different classes I’ve been wanting to take,” junior Rachel Low said. “Switching to a six-period schedule would limit what I would be able to do.” In addition, Low noted that required high school courses would account for a large portion of a six-class schedule, causing students to sacrifice elective courses for essential academic classes. “In a six-period year, the majority of the classes would need to be academic to meet the school’s requirements, so although you would have less total classes and more time to process material throughout the year, you would have less opportunity to explore elective courses,” Low said. Austin Hailey, an eighth grader who will be at Granite Bay High next year, prefers the current 4x4 block schedule. “I think (the current GBHS schedule) would be better because you are given a less-busy schedule with more time to work on each subject,” Hailey said. Regardless of the downfalls and benefits of each schedule system, plans of actually implementing a six-period schedule isn’t on the radar. And generally, students seem to be content with their eight classes per school year. “With eight classes per year, it can be overwhelming, but you have the ability to balance your schedule with electives,” Low said, “and you only need to juggle four classes at a time.”

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International Women’s Day

Holiday exclusively celebrating women can also be used to remind many of continual oppression

BY CORI CAPLINGER ccaplinger.gazette@gmail.com

There has rarely been a time where the inequalities of the sexes hasn’t been prevalent. But the historical inequalities have shown only slow improvement in the contemporary society we reside in. Despite this reality, International Women’s Day has remained a holiday to celebrate the successes, achievements and history of women world-wide. The event takes place on March 8 and is a positive way for women internationally to recognize and support each other. “I think it’s a lot about women empowerment and equality and kind of showing our face and saying ‘Hey here we are,’” Granite Bay High School’s Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography teacher Kathleen Angelone said. “We don’t want things to continue the way they are continuing, so it’s a way for women to be heard, I think, in large numbers because it is world-wide.” Since the beginning of the 19th century, IWD has tried to consistently offer a reminder that the hardships and challenges women face never fully go away, and then show how women have adapted to an ever-growing and changing society. On the internationalwomensday.com website, you can see a timeline of major events spanning from the Industrial Revolution all the way to today, revealing that IWD adapts – allowing women to come together over great feats of time. While IWD seems like it would be a major holiday, some women said they don’t think the celebration gets enough attention. “I wish we paid more attention to it,” AP Literature and English Language Development teacher Christy Honeycutt said. “When we have students come here from other countries like Mexico for example, in Mexico they celebrate Dia de la Mujer, which is the day of the woman. It’s like a big deal, and it’s something they acknowledge, whereas I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone in the United States say ‘Happy International Women’s Day.’ ” “It’s (IWD) not like a broadcast, super-well announced thing as much as it could be,” Angelone said. “It could be definitely advertised more, encouraging more people to do more.” Some critics have questioned the validity of the IWD celebration in the United States because of the overall lack of representation and acknowledgment. Among the questions? How can such a well-off and educated country have a shortage of powerful women residing in government and high level positions? “We are one of the only fully developed nations that’s never had a woman in a presidential role,” International Baccalaureate World Religions teacher David Tastor said. “England has, Pakistan has, Germany has, India has, ... I mean here we are in 2020 and we don’t have that.” IWD, to those who acknowledge it and celebrate it, reveals the injustices and the facts of men and women not receiving equal treatment. This issue is what gave birth to feminism, the movement directly tied to IWD and the current power that drives it. “Feminism is important because it’s common sense,” Angelone said. “There’s no reason why women should be treated differently, or paid less, or thought as less significant than men. In fact it should be the opposite.” Changing preconceived thoughts and notions isn’t easy, but it’s necessary in order to completely rid society of inequality between the genders. What starts as small actions leads to much bigger and more impactful changes in the future. For Tastor, inequality and the demeaning oppression of women can even become apparent in classrooms. “I think as a male, recognizing our role in feminism, not speaking for women when they have something to say, not assuming their understanding but listening and allowing opportunities for a voice to be heard,” can mutually benefit men and women, especially in a classroom environment, he said. Many educators have begun the process of slowly integrating feminist ideals into their ciriculum as a way to combat sexism. “I cover gender inequality in my class extensively,” Angelone said. “I know my students get (education about feminism) from me, but it’s not like they’re going to get it from like a math class or something. So if there is a way to incorporate (feminism) as a school-wide thing, I think that would be better. We need to fill in the hole of where students aren’t getting that information.” Education regarding feminism in the school environment seems like it would be beneficial, but concerns are arising from those who believe educating students and others about feminism should remain optional. “I believe we can educate people more about feminism, but not force it on people that don’t want to learn about it,” senior Ean Mayhew said. “It should be their own will to want to learn about feminism.” The challenges for women are not over yet. In 2018, women made 82 cents to every dollar earned by a man, according to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research. Female employment in the science, technology, engineering and math fields has declined since 1990, according to the U.S. Department of Labor blog. Finally, women make up just 5.4 percent of fortune 500 chief executive officers, according to Inequality.org. “It’s a proven fact that women will make less over their lifetime.” Tastor said. “It shouldn’t have to be that way. We shouldn’t have to be in a society where women are automatically financially dinged.” Inequality is not going to vanish overnight – it will take time and patience and cause many to go against what they believe. International Women’s Day, albeit a holiday, should remind many that the difficulties women face are far from over. “What women are capable of,” Angelone said, “is pretty dang impressive.”

Granite Bay Gazette wFriday, March 6, 2020 Lifestyle Remembering Kobe

Communities worldwide mourn the loss of an influential figure

Kobe Bryant, 5-time NBA champion and sports legend, died in a helicopter accident on January 26th, 2020 along with 8 others in Calabasas, California. Among the victims was Bryant’s 13 year old daughter Gianna.

The 18 time All-Star retired just 4 years ago after 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

Kobe’s influence reached far beyond LA, however. “(I) got the chance to watch this young man grow and mature right before my eyes,” teacher and football coach Jeff Evans said. “Off the court, he worked as hard in his other endeavors (as he did in basketball). (He was) an unwavering loving father (and) … community leader.” “What made him so special (on the court) was his relentless (and rare) pursuit to be great.” Kobe’s legendary work ethic has been well documented since he entered the NBA in 1996 and has inspired many athletes and will continue to for years to come. The so-called “Mamba Mentality” has become synonymous with greatness in pop culture, and for good reason. “You can point out a couple of players that may have been better … than Kobe, but you will not find someone that was tougher,” Evans said. As a fan, Evans said he could always “count on (Kobe) to work as hard as he could, harder than anyone else, to make sure his team won.” That drive to be great, however, often set him at odds with teammates and fans. Possibly the strongest example of this was Kobe’s relationship with Shaquille O’Neal. The two were teammates during the early 2000’s, when the Lakers won three straight NBA titles. Despite the success, Bryant and O’Neal had their differences; Bryant criticized O’Neal for his work ethic, or lack thereof, while O’Neal accused Bryant of being too hard on him, claiming he was talented enough to be out of shape and still perform at a high level. In recent years, however, the two have reconciled their differences, even appearing in a commercial for NBA 2K18 together. Following Bryant’s death, O’Neal tweeted “There’s no words to express the pain I’m going through with this tragedy of losing my niece Gigi and my brother Kobe Bryant. My condolences go out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board.” Senior Alonzo Cannon, a Lakers fan, admits he had his problems with Bryant at one point as well. “Kobe was someone … I didn’t like while he was playing. I saw him as (rude and selfish). It wasn’t until … I got older and (realized) he was the opposite. He was such a selfless … person, … the kind of man I aspire to be.” Cannon said. “What made Kobe so special was his … integrity to himself and his family to be the best (version of himself). … If he set out to do something, … he would sacrifice anything to strive (for) his version of success, while challenging and inspiring others to to step up,” Cannon said. Though he’s gone, Kobe will never be forgotten. “He served as an inspiration to athletes and sports fans everywhere. … (He) was an icon,” said senior Zack Haug. “My family, being very big on basketball, raised me (to) idolize (players like) Kobe. He was recognized as one of the greatest to ever play the game … and kids looked up to him as someone who was a leader both on his team and in his community,” Haug said. “He was … a legend.” The NBA honored Kobe and his daughter Gianna during the 2020 All-Star Game with Team LeBron wearing the number 2 in honor of Gianna, and Team Giannis wearing 24 in honor of Kobe. The All-Star Game MVP was also named after Bryant, who won the award four times. On February 24th, a tribute was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, highlighted by emotional speeches from Michael Jordan and Bryant’s wife Vanessa. Kobe was unlike any player in NBA history. He embodied the very essence of hard work and dedication, showing the world that regardless of one’s situation, success is achievable. From sinking game-winning free throws moments after tearing his achilles tendon to scoring 60 points in his final game, Kobe’s career was the stuff of legend, and that’s exactly what he was; a legend. Bryant is survived by his wife and three daughters, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.

*** Editors note: For Kobe, who inspired me and so many others. You will be missed. BY BRENT EVANS bevans.gazette@gmail.com National tea franchise goes local in GB Immigrant entrepreneur creates unity through her pursuit of authentic boba Gazette illustration/DYLAN ROWE

Shake for life’ - a motto repeated in hundreds of stores around the world. The exquisite taste from the just a simple mix of tea, milk, sugar, and chewy tapioca balls is what made this product shared amongst many. However, there’s one company known for taking this drink to the next level. “(Ding Tea) is pretty high up my list of boba shops because their teas and boba are actually fresh compared to other stores. There’s some other places where you can taste the fat in the milk tea and the creamer. This place genuinely has tea and you watch them add the milk to it. They also have a lot of options,” said Jessica Fayer, a senior at GBHS. The franchise is located in Taiwan but branches out to more than 1000 locations internationally. Their menu features from their signature milk tea to coffees and slushies, as well as fruit juices and hot drinks. They’re known for the freshness of their ingredients and commitment to making the experience as authentic as possible so it’s no surprise why many risk buying into the business. “It took me eight months to go from beginning to end. I started last June and went to Taiwan and got to know the company, and came back here to look for a location. I was aiming for Granite Bay High School because boba is mostly about the younger generation,” said Michelle Nguyen, the owner of the Ding Tea that recently opened in Granite Bay. With the bustling of customers coming in and out, the up-beat music, and aesthetic layout of the store, it is no wonder why Ding Tea has been getting an average of 200 BY MAY LIN mlin.gazette@gmail.com ‘ customers a day since their soft opening. “In a community where the sources for a quick drink are Starbucks Coffee, Dutch Bros Coffee, and Pete’s Coffee, I think Ding Tea’s status as a boba shop already makes them very special relative to Granite Bay,” said senior Theodore Tran. The extremely supportive community relieved many doubts the shop had originally before it launched, and the feedback from the customers is what keeps the doors open all day long. “I honestly didn’t think I was ready for opening day but a lot of people came and were really excited. We heard that everyone was waiting this whole time for it so we were really happy to see that,” said Maddy Le-Nguyen, a junior at GBHS and daughter of Mrs. Nguyen. “I see a lot of people from school. I know that people are enjoying the boba and I’m happy that they get to hang out with their friends, creating a community.” No matter what time of the day it is, the shop is always busy carrying out orders. Customers even linger around the store after ordering their drink because of the relaxing environment. However, although it seems to be thriving in appearance, don’t get fooled as it took a lot of hard work to get this shop going. Nguyen was one of many immigrants looking to settle in America for a better life after the Vietnam War in 1991. At first, she resided in Iowa with her family and then moved to Silicon Valley where she started her career. “I got tired of the busy life in Silicon San Jose so I decided to move to Granite Bay. After that, I didn’t want to go back to work for the title company. I realized this sleepy town needed a good boba place,” said Nguyen. Nguyen’s past experience in the business world wasn’t the only skill that led to where she’s at now. As a single mom and for what she had to go through, perseverance was a sole discipline that kept her on her feet. Since the beginning, she has been working 14 hours every day without a day off. “It’s tough… What’s amazing is that I push through it every day; it feels worth it. There’s always a struggle, if you talk to anybody who has opened a business. It takes guts,” said Nguyen. “There’s no such thing as jumping into a business and not knowing where it’s going to go. You do it and put your heart and soul into it, and you know you’re going to make it.”

Special to the Gazette photo /MADDY LE-NGUYEN Gazette photo /DYLAN ROWE  Ding Tea Boba shop recently held its grand opening in Granite Bay and instantly attracted customers within the community.