in this issue
VAN BRANDE5
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pantherprowler.org
PANTHER PROWLER Friday September 19, 2014
Issue I
Newbury Park High School
One team, one goal new administration team adds new faces to the front office
456 N. Reino Rd., Newbury Park, CA 91320
SHOW ME THE MONEY Haley Berardinelli Features Editor Lindsay Filgas Staff Writer Before retiring, former Principal Athol Wong made it her goal to raise enough money to replace all the old lockers. Unfortunately, when students showed up on the first day of the new school year, they saw the same lockers as before, despite having donated money the previous year. “We currently have a portion of the money necessary to refurbish the lockers,” Principal Josh Eby said. Last year’s fundraising was not enough to replace all of the lockers throughout the school, but not much information was given on what would be happening next. This left many students wondering what would be done with the money: would just some of the lockers be redone, would the fundraising continue this year, or would the money be put towards another cause? While most of the money remains unused and has been set aside until enough is raised to complete the entire project, 150 locks have been purchased to replace those that do not work. Eby’s goal is to continue with fundraising this year and buy new lockers soon, but so far, nothing has been done to collect the funds they need. “I know it was a big push of Mrs. Wong’s and it’s not going away,” Eby said.
New faces join administration - From left to right, Cheryl Moncourtois, dean of students; Bennett Wutkee, assistant principal of instruction; Carly Adams, dean of activites; Josh Eby, principal; and Kelly Welch, assistant principal of athletics. Samantha Meyer/Prowler
Courtney Brousseau Editor-in-Chief Sam Ellison Sports Editor “When I was coaching, we had a motto - ‘one team, one goal’ - and that’s something I would like to see reflected in our athletics program … that we are all Panthers,” Kelly Welch, the assistant principal of athletics, said. Although she was speaking about student athletes and sports teams, her goals for the year echo the mission of the new administration as a whole. The only returning administrator out of five, Welch is working with a completely new team led by Principal Josh Eby. Eby is returning after leaving his position as the assistant principal of instruction to serve as principal of Sycamore Canyon School (SCS) for the past two years. As an assistant principal, Eby was always able to go to the principal for guidance or mediation. However, Eby said that learning how to be the “final say” as principal of SCS was tough, but he feels this experience will be helpful in ensuring that he and the rest of the administration have a successful year. “[As principal of SCS] it was my vision and my school that I got to run - and getting to learn to do that on a slightly smaller scale (SCS has 1,500 students) … was invaluable,” Eby said. While the other three administrators are completely new to campus, Eby has had the opportunity to work with all of them in a professional setting at some point during his career. For example, Eby coached boys’ baseball with Bennett Wutkee, new assistant principal
of instruction, at Westlake High School for two years and he later became an administrator there. Cheryl Moncourtois, the current dean of students, taught sixth grade English and social studies while Eby was principal at Sycamore. Eby worked with Carly Adams, dean of activities, at WHS where she taught AP Psychology. They have also been family friends since they were 12 years old and grew up together. Based on past work experiences with his fellow administrators, Eby is confident in the new team. “I know that we all can work together,” Eby said. “We have a common value system and understanding of how a school should work, and I also think our personalities mix really well together.” Eby is optimistic that the administration will have a successful year, but he understands the advantages and disadvantages of working with a brand new group. “Now, to say it is going to be perfect … no. I know there are going to be bumps in the road and at times we are going to have to really work through things because we haven’t done this for five or six years,” Eby said. “At the same time, this gives us the opportunity to put our mark on things and say, you know what, maybe there is a different way to do this … let’s take a step back and see if we can do this better.”
Ghost money - When students arrived on the first day of school, they were greeted with the same lockers as last year, causing many to question what happened to the money donated for new lockers. Samantha Meyer/Prowler Renewbury Park, an organization of volunteers who have worked to do many projects around the school, are very involved in the locker project. This organization began in August of 2012, when several parents decided to work together to refurbish the school. So far, the Renewbury Park has completed a number of projects including repainting the front of the gym. “The locker project was one of the initial motivations for the Renewbury Park High School Team initiative,” said Joseph Noga, a Renewbury Park volunteer. “We attempted to raise $190,000 (roughly $100 per NPHS family)[but were] sucessful in receiving about $19,000 in this effort.” $5,000 came from a contribution from the PFA coupled with parent donations collected from phone banking and back to school night. However, this was not nough to put a dent in the overall goal. “The Renewbury Park project is still alive,” Eby said. “One of my goals is to complete this and get the proper lockers and functionality that our students deserve.”
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news Panther Prowler • Sept. 19, 2014
Camarillo transfers tighten with Rio Mesa’s IB program Victoria Juan Opinion Editor Student interdistrict transfers from the Camarillo area have become more difficult this year as Rio Mesa High School continues into its seventh year as an International Baccalaureate (IB) school. “The main reasons for (approved) transfers are for siblings and parents’ work,” said Kathy Greaves, director of student services at Oxnard Union High School District (OUHSD). “When students apply to leave OUHSD based on Newbury Park’s IB program, we say that we also have an IB program at Rio Mesa.” Following Ventura County policy, students must complete an interdistrict transfer permit and submit it to their home district for approval before applying to enter another school district. Official reasons for transferring concern sibling priority, parents’ work, child care, educational programs and residency. According to Principal Joshua Eby, there are currently around 300 enrolled students who have transferred from OUHSD, which makes up almost 12 percent of the student population. However, in the last two years since the arrival of new superintendent Dr. Gabe Soumakian, OUHSD has tried to retain its students by offering more programs and classes. “It did get harder probably two years back when we got a new superintendent … then we tried our hardest to keep students and parents in district,” Greaves said. “We are looking at all programs in the surrounding districts and trying to add new things to our ‘menu’, (such as) Chinese and Japanese classes.” “I wanted to have a block schedule,”
VISIT US ONLINE AT PANTHERPROWLER.ORG
Our New Website Features... Online exclusives Photo galleries freshman Quinn Badner said about his transfer. “I like the block schedule because it gives you more time in class to get work done and more opportunities to ask questions in class.” Gavin Toy, junior, transferred from OUHSD because he was looking for a Chinese class and a better tennis team. He submitted his application in December 2011 through what he believes was a simple process. “I actually got in the day before they said they were going to stop accepting people, so for me it was easy,” Toy said. “(OUHSD) started rejecting people because too many of us were leaving that school district to come to Conejo Valley, and they were losing money, so they wanted to stop it as much as possible. I guess that decision didn’t happen until after I had gone through.” Since the California Department of Education grants public school funds based on the average daily attendance of students, the funding for students who transferred
would be directed towards CVUSD instead of their home district, Eby confirmed. Eby also said that although many students had been rejected two to three years ago, the main issue this year was the time it took for the interdistrict transfer permits to be approved. “It took longer for us to get information from the district for the release of the students,” Eby said. “We’re up to over 2500 students now, so space availability has become more of a challenge for students who want to get in, and so parents were notified much later.” Compared to Newbury Park’s 18 years and over 25 classes dedicated to the IB program, Rio Mesa’s program is much younger and has only about 12 classes. Their API score of 757 also falls short of Newbury Park’s 873 score, so students like Toy still believe that their transfer was the right choice. “Newbury Park was a better school just in general, academically and all-around,” Toy said.
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opinion Panther Prowler • Sept. 19, 2014
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FREE SPEECH IS HERE
EXPRESS IT. EMBRACE IT. EXERCISE IT. The tragic deaths of two American journalists, James Foley and Steven Sotlott, who were kidnapped and executed while reporting in Syria, haunt the minds of all reporters, professional and amateur alike. No matter how often such events occur, it is impossible to become accustomed to the victimization of reporters, considering that the occupation of journalism serves to report the trials of victims. Even in our own country, more than a dozen journalists were arrested during protesting in Ferguson, MO. The scarcity of complete free speech and press in the world is a stark contrast to the rights that exist here in this country and even in this school. For high school students, one law in particular protects those rights. Education Code 48907, amended in 1977, provides an addition to the first amendment of free speech, designed specifically for high schoolers in California public and charter schools. The law shields school newspapers from the censorship of administration and staff. It mandates that no one is permitted to censor publications of high school newspapers, unless the content is “obscene, libelous, or slanderous,” as written in the California Education Code Section: 48907. The law also specifies other exceptions for student publications, which includes content that puts students in danger or encourages them to commit unlawful acts. Nevertheless, while abiding by school district policy, the content of school publications rests solely in the hands of the editors. This code does not end with the newspaper. It protects multiple forms of student expression under the same regulations, including the distribution of fliers, the wearing of various clothing, and the use of bulletin boards. This provides for more freedom than a club day sign or a newspaper article, but rather as a platform for the voices of high school students. Every high schooler is required to take history before graduation, but we scarcely apply our knowledge. Education Code 48907 has been in effect since the appearance of armbands supporting peace during the Vietnam War, and it is not a new addition to our textbooks. Nevertheless, students seldom realize that this code still exists and applies to such things as “I <3 Boobies” bracelets and OBEY t-shirts. Although their statements go without much notice, administrators sometimes remind us that, “the black boxes are yours.” The next time you see the boxes that line our hallways, don’t think of them as composed of black paint. Look at that black box and know that the blackness is only a mirage of more than two thousand tiny little names all scrunched together signifying ownership. There is the possibility to say anything. These are the students’ rights. Use them, because you can, and if you observe what’s happening around the world, you’ll notice there are too few that have the same opportunity. The black box is waiting.
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CALIFORNIA EDUCATION CODE 48907
states that “Pupils of the public schools...shall have the right to exercise freedom of expression and of the press including, but not limited to, the use of bulletin boards, the distribution of printed materials or petitions, the wearing of buttons, badges, and other insignia, and the right of expression in official publications....”
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CONSTITUTION WEEK
black boxes were painted across the
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campus walls as of September; these can be used to display appropriate
is on September 17-23, celebrating 227 years of the Constitution and the rights it protects.
expressions of students’ free speech.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=edc&group=48001-49000&file=48900-48927 http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/09/16/presidential-proclamation-constitution-day-and-citizenship-day-constitut 1
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PANTHER PROWLER 2014-2015 staff
Editors-in-Chief Courtney Brousseau Grace O’Toole
News Editors Monica Boedigheimer Mariam Syed
Copy Editors Monica Boedigheimer Adrianna Robakowski Raevyn Walker
Opinion Editors Daulton Beck Victoria Juan
Photographers Chief / Samantha Meyer Daulton Beck Haley Berardinelli
Staff Writers Alyssa Boedigheimer Rachna Deshpande Lindsay Filgas Angela Swartz
Sports Editors Shreya Chattopadhyay Entertainment Editors Adrianna Robakowski Sam Ellison Raevyn Walker Ad Manager Features Editors Tazaieen Sayeda Haley Berardinelli Nevnit Gill Online Editors Victoria Juan DPS Editors Mariam Syed Courtney Brousseau Grace O’Toole Graphic Artist Michael Hellard
The Panther Prowler is the official publication of Newbury Park High School, and is created and produced by the Advanced Journalism students. The newspaper is funded by advertisements from local companies. The Panther Prowler staff makes all final decisions on information published in its newspaper, its website and its publishing in other social medias. While Mrs. Michelle Saremi advises the Advanced Journalism students, the staff is solely responsible for what is printed. The Panther Prowler is published every three weeks throughout the school year by American Foothill Publishing Co. For advertisement information, visit www.pantherprowler.org. The Panther Prowler is accepting letters to the editor. To submit your feedback, please provide your full name, email and a letter about 300 words in length. Letters are subject to discretion and editing for taste, length and libel. Letters can be submitted to the email posted below.
Newbury Park High School 456 North Reino Road, Newbury Park, California 91320 (805) 498-3676 x 1110 prowler.newspaper@gmail.com
Adviser Michelle Saremi
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opinion Panther Prowler • Sept. 19, 2014
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge vs. Severe Drought
LIES IN DISGUISE
Rachna Deshpande Staff Writer
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It’s safe to say we have all seen our fair share of buckets of ice water being thrown over the heads of our friends, peers, and family. Everyone from Lil Wayne to Bill Gates has participated. While some call it wasteful, others find it heroic. This is the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. For those of you who don’t know, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Early on, patients experience symptoms such as cramps, stiffness and weakness in their muscles, slurred speech, and difficulty chewing or swallowing. These symptoms sometimes go unnoticed, but in later stages, patients can become completely paralyzed. Every day, an average of 15 people are diagnosed with ALS, affecting over 30,000 Americans to date. To raise awareness, millions of Americans have drenched themselves in ice cold water in order to experience the same shocking lH
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numbness that ALS patients go through on a daily basis. After recording themselves doing the challenge, they nominate friends, family, and just about anybody to complete the same challenge within 24 hours. If those people fail to do so, they must donate to the cause. This summer, the phenomenon took the U.S. by storm. These short but effective videos have cluttered the Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram feeds of thousands. According to the ALS Association, an astounding $4 million has been raised between July 29 to present day. Thanks to social media, there has been a gigantic leap in donations in comparison to last summer’s $1.12 million received. While most seem to be on board with this viral fundraiser, some people feel that the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is a
waste of water because of our severe drought. According to the United States Drought Monitor, 58.41% of California is in an exceptional drought as of September 16. With regard to the drought, Anna Cismaru, sophomore, feels it shouldn’t taint all the positivity that is being brought out through this challenge. Cismaru lost a dear friend in June of 2012 to ALS and when she and her family came to know about the Ice Bucket Challenge, they were “all for it.” Anna, on behalf of her family, speaks openly. “The challenge seems to have raised a lot of money and awareness for a disease that causes a lot of suffering and frustration. I think that the drought will end eventually and while we have no say in when it does, we do have a say in how much effort we put into researching this disease and stopping it.” It’s clear that this is a cause worth fighting for. The sheer number of supporters are there to prove it. Yes, the severity of California’s drought does continue to increase. However, it shouldn’t stand as a reason to taint a fundraiser that has the potential to save thousands upon thousands of lives.
To IB or not to IB Was removing AP English and AP Spanish from upperclassmens’ course options justified?
YES
Monica Boedigheimer News Editor
Senior year scheduling dilemma: you’re sitting in your counselor’s office, choosing eenie-meenie-miney-mo between AP and IB. Which will give you the best chance of passing, and the most college credits? Starting this school year, students don’t get that choice for some classes. Specifically, AP English and AP Spanish are no longer being offered. While this might seem a calamity to some dead set on taking that AP test in the spring, offering only IB lightens the load on teachers and administration, while the IB program still presents boundless opportunities for over-achieving students to get their 5.0 GPA, and get their general education credit for freshman year at Stanford. If taking thirty end-of-the-year tests is a priority for some students, the lack of AP classes does not actually prevent them from taking an AP test. Students can take AP tests without taking AP classes; however, IB requires internal assessments only offered in the classroom. These assessments, such as the Further Oral Evaluations and Written Tasks, are spread out over junior and senior year. As English teacher Christine Hodson-Burt put it, “IB is a two year program, AP is contingent on one test given in May.” What does this mean for students who have taken IB English year one? By senior year, half of the testing process is over! Why switch to AP? Another point: it’s unfair to teachers AND students when one class has six kids and another has 42. So few students were signing up for senior level English AP that the class distribution was hopelessly skewed. Fewer small classes means that rooms aren’t overly crowded, and students can be evenly distributed among teachers. Also, now, teachers can also focus solely on honing their knowledge of “IB-land”, as, according to Hodson-Burt, “[IB] insists the teacher is one of the learners.” With only one test to prepare students for, teachers can focus on one curriculum and deepen their knowledge of the IB expectations. These standards present another reason to keep only IB. According to Hodson-Burt, while AP is a “test-centered pedagogy”, IB encourages creativity, being “student-driven and student-centered”. It leads participants to constantly be surprised and inspired. That might sound like more work than AP’s style of reading and memorizing, but last year, Hodson-Burt said, “students seemed to think everything was pretty comparable.” So for all the scheduling nightmares, keeping the two-year, thought-provoking, equally-weighted IB program is the best choice for many at NPHS.
NO
Grace O’Toole Editor-in-Chief
To the disgruntled students who wanted to take AP English or AP Spanish, you are not alone in your annoyance at this year’s changed schedule. Both of these classes were cancelled and are no longer offered, and students wishing to take either class were enrolled in IB English or IB Spanish in a schoolwide push toward a more IBcentric curriculum. I’m not here to criticize the IB program itself, nor to compare it to AP classes. IB encourages critical thinking rather than rote memorization, and since more and more students are taking IB classes (especially English) it makes logical sense to lump everyone together into one class to make it easier on teachers. On that level, this change was absolutely beneficial, although taking an AP test rather than an IB test can be simpler and less complicated for getting college credits (many colleges accept only a score of 7 on a Higher Level IB test for credit, versus a 4 or a 5 on an AP test). I have been told that if one wants to take the AP test in either subject, they can self study along with taking the IB equivalent of the course and take it at the end of the year like normal. This may work for English; however, from personal experience, tests such as AP Spanish require extensive preparation in class to prepare. Nearly the entire second semester of my AP Spanish class was dedicated to preparing for the exam; now, those wanting to take the AP Spanish exam may be out of luck. So, why were these classes cut in the first place? AP Spanish remains a mystery. There were upwards of 50 people in two rotating periods last year, the majority of whom took the AP test. Apparently a total of 16 people signed up for AP English for the 2014-2015 school year, and this low number was enough to convince the administration to cut the class entirely -- having a class for 16 people would be too specialized and cause unnecessary strain on other class sizes. However, the stated reasons for cutting the classes do not line up with other class sizes this year. While 16 kids is too few to run AP English, there are under ten students in Math IB HL 2, and even less in ESL. There are less and less opportunities for students who want to take AP classes: take, for example, those who took CP English in 11th grade with the expectation of being able to take an AP class in 12th grade are now forced to choose between taking the second year of IB English (which is substantially harder without the first year as a background - after all, it is a two year course) or remaining in CP. NPHS seems to be pushing more and more toward a more IBfocused curriculum. While that will open up some opportunities, it will take away many others that students still want to be available.
The Panther Prowler deeply regrets and apologizes for any errors we have made. If you spot any errors we have missed, help us correct them by sending mistakes to: prowler.newspaper@gmail.com.
Julian Foley Guest Writer Clichés, we learned in our first semester of freshman English class, are to be avoided. Like a literary equivalent to stale saltine crackers, not even the hungriest kids for a joke want to hear them. Although well intentioned, like that one weird family friend who lingered far too long after that family reunion, the best move is to not invite them to the party. The truth about clichés is not nearly as harmless. They are lies in disguise that lead us astray. If Dr. Seuss were still around, no doubt he would agree – clichés should never reach twenty feet close to me. In the dangerous realm of cliché club, they say it takes two to start a fight. I’m not sure who “they” are, but apparently they have never once had an argument over vegetables. Not once in my life have I wanted to get into a fight with an angry vegan, yet I have found myself as an unwilling participant in an extended debate about how the values of vegetables are compared to meat far too often. In truth, it only takes one to start a fight. If you doubt me, just picture yourself in a dark parking lot being pursued by your friend on how they took a class on how to respectfully (according to the vegan ways) slaughter a goat. Now imagine yourself explaining that it takes two to fight and that you refuse to cooperate. Now imagine yourself being sliced like a carrot. To paraphrase another cliché, Hell hath no fury like a vegan scorned. This example points out the treachery behind another cliché – what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. When I was diagnosed with colitis, admitted to a hospital, and forced to consume 4 gallons of lemon-lime Gatorade all within a single night, these false words of wisdom were bestowed upon me. While wheeled into the room for my emergency colonoscopy (that term is just as terrifying and unpleasant as it sounds), the medical technician assured me that this experience would build character and maybe give me something to write about in a possible future English essay (thanks, Linda). A truer phrase would be “what doesn’t kill you leaves you emotionally scarred and unable to look at lemon-lime Gatorade in the same way.” Perhaps Kelly Clarkson should update her lyrics. To keep my colitis in check, I was told that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Unless the apple is used as a threat against the doctor, this cliché is worse than useless. In truth, prescription medicine keeps the doctor away. It would be more accurate to say that an apple a day keeps angry vegans at bay. Perhaps these clichés are meant to inspire. Perhaps they are white lies that we are told for our own good. Or perhaps, we would be wise to realize that the truth is messier than any simple cliché taught to us by an elder or kindergarten teacher. We can’t fault our teachers and parents and delinquent friends for passing on the same clichés that they were told, but we can be a little less quick to buy the hype. After all, what doesn’t fool you makes you stronger.
features Panther Prowler • Sept 19, 2014
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Next Up: Princeton Water polo goalie Helena Van Brande transitions from NPHS to Princeton University Rachna Deshpande Staff Writer It’s not every day a high schooler, from a small town like Newbury Park, competes in the FINA World Women’s Youth Water Polo Championships in Spain, and gets accepted to Princeton University’s esteemed Collegiate Water Polo Association (NCAA) team. For Helena Van Brande, however, that day did come. Van Brande played the back up goalie position in the FINA Championships, helping USA’s team to win gold for the first time in history. “I actually never expected to be a goalie... Our coach asked us if anyone could try out for goalie and no one volunteered. So finally, I was like “ok ok I’ll try it out.” And yeah, that’s how I became a goalie,” Van Brande said. Van Brande moved into her Princeton dorm last week and is looking forward to playing on the NCAA Division 1 Women’s team. While practices won’t begin until spring 2015, classes began Sept. 15, 2014. When asked if she had always aspired to be a professional water polo player, Van Brande’s answer was an immediate no. “My older sister played before I did and I always hated going to her games. I was doing swim at the time, actually, and in eighth grade we decided to switch to water polo and then I finally got to try out. When I did, I ended up actually really liking it so I stuck with it and I’m still sticking with it … obviously” she jokes. Once Van Brande set her mind on the sport, nothing could stop her. Her water polo coach, David Gleisberg, describes Van Brande to be “determined and extremely self-motivated, but at the same time skillful, gifted, talented and smart.” Gleisberg was confident in Van Brande’s success at Princeton both academically and
athletically, saying “she’ll do as well as she wants to. Knowing Helena, that’ll be the best.” Although preparing for college made Van Brande slightly nervous, she is excited to start a new chapter in her life. While she may be one of the best at hitting the ball away from the net, the goalie is also familiar with hitting the books. Before arriving at orientation, she didn’t know what classes she would be taking in the fall. However, Van Brande thought the suspense was “cool.” “I’m looking forward to the academics. I’m thinking of going the English route … English, creative literature, and Journalism. I’m just going to feel it out. I would love to study environmental science as a ‘minor,’” Van Brande said. As for being accepted to Princeton, Van Brande says she lucked out. One of her USA water polo teammates as well as a teammate from her club team will be joining her at the university. Although she has a few friends by her side, “meeting people and playing with teammates” is what she’s looking forward to most. “The sport, it’s not all about an individual. I like the team aspect.” Van Brande gushes about her love for the sport and hopes that others who play feel the same passion. “Do the sport you love because you love it, not because that’s what everyone else expects of you. You kind of get out what you put in it.” “If you want to play in college, you’re going to have to put yourself out there. There are so many people out there who want to play (sports in college). You have to make it clear that you’re willing to give it your all. It’s not easy to put yourself out there but do your best and if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out.”
Going down in history - Helena Van Brande poses with the team’s trophy after helping the USA Women’s Water Polo team win their first gold medal ever in Spain’s FINA World Women’s Youth Water Polo Championships. Helena Van Brande/With Permission
Samantha Meyer/Prowler
th things you didn’t know about Peggy Walker ab AP and IB Psychology teacher Adrianna Robakowski Entertainment Editor
She is most embarrassed when she walks into the wrong classroom.
She once worked at a pickle packing company, stuffing pickle jars for two days.
As a student, she sponsored the first woman’s studies class at her university.
Born in Hayward, California but moved to Utah at age 1.
Enjoys water skiing, snow skiing, boating, and snow mobiling.
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Saman
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DPS Panther Prowler • Sept. 19, 2014
yer/Pro
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of high report presc rec
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Lack of Regulation Shreya Chattopadhyay Sports Editor Daulton Beck Opinion Editor When people hear the words “drug abuse”, the first images that come to mind are of people smoking marijuana, or injecting an illicit substance into their arms. However, there are other types of drugs to be abused, one of the most prominent of these are doctorprescribed drugs. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “...if you take a medicine in a way that is different from what the doctor prescribed, it is called prescription drug abuse.” This means that taking a medicine prescribed for someone else, taking a larger dose than prescribed, taking the medicine in a different way than intended by the doctor (such as crushing tablets and then snorting or injecting them), or using the medicine for another purpose such as getting high are all considered various forms of drug abuse. While misuse of prescription drugs may seem innocent considering medications have legitimate uses, even the abuse of simple sleep medications can lead to complications. This includes lowered blood pressure, withdrawal systems, and even addiction. Preeyada Chen, a pharmacist at Vons pharmacy, has sold drugs prescribed by a doctor,
such as birth control and painkillers like Vicodin and Advil, to high school students. Chen believes that buying with cash has become a problem in the realm of drug purchases. “If people want to get prescription drugs, then they go to multiple doctors and pretend they have pain … if people have insurance and they bill (the prescription) from pharmacy A and go to pharmacy B to fill it, (the pharmacy) can reject it. But if they pay cash, it can be dangerous because we can’t track it.” Problems like these are causing increasing accessibility to medications. According to the 2012 “Monitoring the Future” survey, about 50 percent of high school seniors said that opioid drugs other than Heroin (such as Vicodin) would be fairly easy to get. “There are ‘quacks’ who write it out from their pickup trucks. They don’t have an office, but they have a prescription pad, and they just write it (for the customer),” Chen said. This lack of regulation coupled with ease of access makes what seems like a bottle of prescription drugs into a much more dangerous situation.
DPS Panther Prowler • Sept. 19, 2014
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Been There, Done That, Never Going Back Samantha Meyer Chief Photographer When Rachel Andrews*, junior, abused prescription drugs, she would often fall asleep in the middle of lectures and wouldn’t even hear the bell ring at the end of class. Hardly anyone noticed. “I got to the point where I was taking three (pills) a day during school, in the mornings and after school to get my homework done,” Andrews said. “And then if I went any more than four hours without it, I would get a miserable headache, become nauseous and probably throw up.” Because her mom needed the medications, Andrews had easy access to Xanax, Oxycontin, and Vicodin - drugs that are extremely addictive when used without medical reason. Although she quit a few months ago, after her parents found out and the “negatives started outweighing the positives”, she believes that her past dependence on them is still a large portion of herself. “Addiction is when it’s what your life revolves around,” Andrews said. “It’s never something that’s not on my mind. It’s kind of always there.” She began using the drugs at the beginning of last school year when, after she saw an improvement in her academic performance and motivation to do well, with the pills also helping her stay “happier”. “They’re better,” Andrews said, when explaining how these over the counter drugs compare to more mainstream drugs, such as marijuana. “They feel better. There’s less negative association with them. They’re more readily available. You don’t have to go through dealers, upon dealers, upon dealers, when it just gets more and more expensive. And you don’t have to do stupid (stuff ) to get them.” When it comes to the doctors that prescribe or recommend over-the-counter drugs, Andrews thinks that, although freely prescribing drugs isn’t ideal, cutting back on them could create more problems than it prevents. “There are doctors that when you go to them you can tell that they’re not doing their job right, but they’re still giving you the medications you need, like the anti-depressants I need,” Andrews said. “Even though he’s just sitting there like, ‘Everything’s the same? Cool? ‘Kay’ and then I hear my prescription printing before I finish speaking. Like I know there’s a problem there, but if it’s super regulated then it would be tough to get what you actually need.” Even though Andrews thinks that if she decided to go back to her old ways “her life would be easier and she would do better in school again,” she does regret starting in the first place. “After starting and seeing how good everything could be, it made everything else a lower low than it was before,” Andrews said. Her days of sleeping through the bell may be over, but when asked to give others advice who are experimenting with prescription drugs, Andrews answered, “I’m not qualified because I still want to do drugs everyday.”
Every day in the United States,
4.8%
school seniors t having used cription drugs creationally.
50%
of high school seniors say opiod drugs other than heroin are fairlyy easy to get.
The majority
2,000 teenagers use prescription drugs without a doctor’s guidance for the first time.1
60%-70% of teens say that home medicine cabinets are their source of drugs.
of teens and young adults obtain prescription drugs from friends and relatives, sometimes without their knowledge. 1
*name changed upon request
National Institute of Drug Abuse
Depressants, opiods, and antidepressants
are responsible for more overdose deaths than cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and amphetamines
combined.
8
features Panther Prowler • Sept. 19, 2014
STUDENT Kyle Popok/Junior
1What is the three-word motto
VS
TEACHER Tiffani Coull/History
8 Who is the youngest star ever
Adrianna Robakowski Staff Writer
of the Olympic Games?
Coull: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity Popok: Equality, Unity Answer: Faster, Higher, Stronger/Citius, Altius, Fortius
to have all of their albums reach No. 1 on music charts?
5-7
Coull: Michael Jackson Popok: Michael Jackson Answer: Justin Bieber Kyle and Coull were both very sure of themselves on this one, but are both wrong. Justin Bieber holds the title, not Micheal Jackson. Scary but true.... 7-5
Both very wrong, but at least Mrs. Coull’s has 3 words. Notice the history teacher flair (cough cough French Revolution). 0-0
no fury like….”
Coull: A woman scorned Popok: A woman scorned Answer: A woman scorned Correct for both Coull and Kyle. Coull would rather it be,”hell hath no fury like a history teacher scorned.” Those who know her can understand. 1-1
7 Who’s mom always said,”Life
Samantha Meyer/Prowler
2Finish the phrase…”Hell hath
is like box of chocolates?”
Coull: Forrest Gump Popok: Forrest Gump Answer: Forrest Gump
Coull wins! 5
3 What sport is played on ice, 4 What is the least popular using a broom?
month for US weddings?
In what year did the first episode of the Simpson’s air?
Coull: Curling Popok: Curling Answer: Curling
Coull: January Popok: February Answer: January
Coull: 1989 Popok: 1988 Answer: 1989
Both opponents were quick to recognize this strange sport. Watch out world, curling just might be the next big thing. 2-2
Ah, sorry Kyle. Coull is now in the lead. Looks like most people are sane enough to not get married straight after the holiday season. 10 claps for America. 3-2
Another point for Coull. She would like to thank National Public Radio for keeping her informed on the important things in life, like the Simpsons. 4-2
A lucky strike for both Coull and Kyle. Let’s be real though, this question was a pity point. Everyone loves Forrest Gump. 6-4
6 What British event was the world watching in April 2011?
Coull: Royal Wedding Popok: Royal Wedding Answer: The Royal Wedding Fun Fact: Both of our contenders are fans of the Royal Family. Have you seen how cute their child is? God save the queen. 5-3
THE CONTROVERSY CONTINUES a 60 year conflict leaves its mark on students halfway across the world
rd/ P ella lH ae ch Mi
For many, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a distant battle, just another Middle Eastern struggle that has no impact on them except for the occasional tweet or Facebook status. However, for some students, the conflict is very real. Both grandmothers and aunts of Fatima Salah, sophomore, live in the West Bank. Salah plans on visiting her family in Jerusalem next summer, despite the situation that occurred this summer in Gaza. In June, Israel blamed Hamas for the kidnapping of three teenaged Israeli settlers. After the bodies of the youths were found, a Palestinian teenager was abducted and killed. To prevent further revenge, Israel launched Operation Protective Edge, a 50 day war, on July 8. On July 17, Israel also launched a ground invasion of Gaza, aiming to stop the firing of rockets and destroy tunnels used by Hamas. Several cease fires did not hold, and the civilian population bore the brunt of the invasion. When the fighting ended on August 26 in a cease fire, 2,100 Palestinians had been killed and 67 Israelis - 64 soldiers - had been killed. According to CNN, the United Nations estimated that close to 70% of the Palestinians killed were civilians. For Salah, though, the issue is not just about Operation Protective Edge or a political battle. “People need to realize that there are children getting slaughtered, kids under the age of 12,” she said. According to BBC, 495 Palestinian children and one Israeli child have died in Operation Protective Edge this summer.
row ler
Daulton Beck Opinion Editor Mariam Syed News Editor For senior Jason Krastein, “It’s more of an Israel vs Hamas issue. Americans don’t know what’s going on at all.” “A lot of people in the Middle East, except for Israel, are anti-semitists. If it wasn’t for Hamas starting it [the war], Israel wouldn’t do anything,” adds Karina Krastein, junior. Salah, however, disagrees. “You can’t discriminate against religion,” Salah said. “There are many Jews for a Free Palestine. One (Free) Palestine protest I went to was organized by a Jewish guy.” While Salah is thankful that most of her family lives in the West Bank, safe from the rockets in Gaza, she added that her mother’s aunt is still in Gaza. “She was from the West Bank and got married before the wall went up around Gaza. We haven’t heard from her yet,” Salah said. In addition, her family went to several funerals here for friends whose relatives died in Gaza this summer. Karina has relatives on her mother’s side living in Israel and said that they were affected by the situation this summer. “I back Israel one hundred percent because that is my home,” said Karina. Even though Salah is of Palestinian descent, she believes that people shouldn’t just form an uneducated opinion, adding that she extensively researched both sides before forming her own opinion. “Don’t just go to your friends (for information),” Salah said. “Do your own research, be open-minded, get your facts first.”
entertainment Panther Prowler • Sept. 19, 2014
9
Hopping on the gravy train of book-to-movie adaptations Angela Swartz Staff Writer
“The Giver”
“If I Stay”
All of them made into perfect little robots, the people of Lois Lowry’s utopian society don’t experience pain and suffering or feelings and color, not even the main character, preteen Jonas. But, when it is Jonas’ turn at the Ceremony of Twelves to get a job, he is chosen to be the Receiver of Memory. Suddenly he is allowed to see all of the past’s beautiful aspects and how much his world is lacking. Adding to the dystopian trend and increase of book to movie adaptations, “The Giver” recently appeared at the box office 21 years after the book was written. Even though the book by Lois Lowry introduced the whole idea of teens struggling in a futuristic society, director Phillip Noyce led the movie to meagerly follow similar films such as “Divergent”, “The Hunger Games”, and “Ender’s Game” that arrived at the box office before and, as a result, was left in the dust with its overwhelming plot holes and jerky storyline. Without the movie’s accomplished cast that includes Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, and even Taylor Swift, the movie would be a total flop. The actors rescued the would-be boring characters, and transformed them into being much more complex and intriguing parts. Straying from the book’s path of a classic coming-of- age tale, the movie was transformed into a love story with two sixteen-year-olds. Although impossible in their strict utopian society, emotions and opinions are clearly displayed between the two and other characters. Cutting your imagination off, a definitive ending is shoved down your throat. Unlike the open ending in the book, the complex problems are too simply solved and does not leave the viewer to question things. Though regularly consulted during the making of the movie, Lowry’s written masterpiece was turned into an ordinary, run of the mill movie with the very occasional surprise. The author simply states, “I have had two previous books made into very mediocre movies for television. The movies appeared and disappeared quickly. The books continued on.”
Choosing whether or not to live in the middle of a coma might not be on everyone’s bucket list, but Mia Hall, the main character of “If I Stay”, doesn’t get a choice. Beautifully portraying the delicate situation of life and the twisted emotions that go with it, Chloe Mortez, who played Mia, was definitely the star of this movie that occasionally flickered through over-dramatic and cheesy scenes. And of course it can’t be a young adult movie without a love story! Jamie Blackey, who plays Adam, Mia’s doting boyfriend, has sappy stapled to his forehead and is always there for her. He is joined in the hospital with Mia’s grandfather who also steals the show with his short but sweet conversations with a comatose Mia. Unfortunately coming out soon after the hit blockbuster”The Fault in Our Stars”, “If I Stay”, directed by R.J. Cutler and based on the book by Gayle Forman, is referenced to be a copy of “Stars” since it is similar in many aspects. Even though “If I Stay” is a pretty typical romantic drama, Mia’s past memories of her family along with the pain she is going through plays with the audience’s emotions and provokes them to think more deeply about life. I recommend seeing it if you enjoyed “The Notebook” or “The Fault in Our Stars”, even if it was another basic outline of a romance causing viewers to forget it in a month.
Student band Paper strives for success Haley Berardinelli Features Editor
Rocking Out - As a crowd of students applauded Paper, a band with members Jeff Demorest, Sean Levine, and Hoyt Yeatman, as they performed in the quad during lunch on September 17. Samantha Meyer/Prowler
Student band Paper formed three months ago. Since then, they have performed at Beanovino, Rock City Studios, Twin Dragons Dojo, and Rock Nation, written and recorded original music, and performed on campus at lunch. Band members Jeff Demorest, drummer, and Sean Levine, bassist, attend NPHS, while guitarist and singer Hoyt Yeatman goes to TOHS. When asked about their goals as a band, Yeatman said“We want to show people that there is better and more real music out there.” Paper performs covers as well as their own originals. Each of the band members composes the parts for their own instruments, with Yeatman writing the lyrics. They have written a total of six original songs in the three months they have played together as a band. On Sept. 9, their first single “Wilbur” was released on iTunes. “We recorded ‘Wilbur’ first and we were just excited to get it out there,” Yeatman said. Other originals include
“I Will”, “Lonesome Contagion”, “Saturday”, “U Suck”, and “Rainbow”. Paper tries their best to meet up every weekend, with rehearsal sometimes dragging on for six or seven hours. Demorest explained that when they record their music, it sometimes takes even longer. “We’re fortunate enough to have all the resources we need in order to make things happen,” Demorest said. According to Demorest, Paper wants to continue making music that they are proud of and that they enjoy. “We do everything we can to ensure we’re having fun, but at the same time making progressive moves that build our fan base,” he said. z Their next concert will be held on Sept. 20 at the Thousand Oaks Teen Center, with tickets selling for $10. They will be performing covers of popular songs and all six of their originals. The band looks to the future optimistically. “We’re all really dedicated and it’s a collaborative effort to succeed,” Demorest said.
Paper/With Permission
10
entertainment Panther Prowler • Sept. 19, 2014
A Fresh Start:
After four teachers in four years, Marilyn Strange is ready to take the theater department to the next level
Angela Swartz Staff Writer Theater experienced its fair share of instructors in the past four school years, with control of the program jumping from teacher to teacher. Now, entering stage right, is Marilyn Strange, the newest drama teacher. Due to financial issues from over-spending in previous years, the theater program prepared for this year by planning several fundraisers, including the Zombie Run in October and another 18 Hour Theater Festival in Spring. “The drama club is really excited for the Zombie Run and I think the students will be too. High schoolers are at that age where it’s no longer cool to trick-or-treat and it’s just lame to stay at home and pass out candy, so this event is kind of the happy medium. I believe that it will draw in a big crowd,” Strange said. Regardless of coming in during the middle of last year’s spring play, Strange’s transition to what she calls “Nice People High School” has been very smooth. Her first project here is “Man of La Mancha.” A cast of thirty-three students are putting on the 5 Tony Award winning play, which is about an actor in prison putting on a play in order to save a mysterious manuscript to life. “‘The Man of La Mancha’ is an older play that hasn’t really been done in the Conejo Valley area, so the students of Newbury Park are in for a surprise,” Strange said, “The big cast brings lots of different talents to the stage, which is going to make it a really fun experience. So far, rehearsals and planning also have been going well and we’re pretty on track.” Strange is not only planning for the upcoming fall play, but also for a baby boy in December. “He is coming in between the fall and spring plays, so it’s not going to be in the middle of anything. Actually, it is very nice planning. I’m very excited,” Strange said. She has big plans and high hopes for the drama program this school year. “Everyone has been so kind and supportive,” Strange said. “I really want the best for the students and for them to walk out of high school knowing that it is okay to be themselves and be comfortable in their own skin.” “Man of La Mancha” will be playing November 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15 in the PAC at 8 p.m. Ticket prices are $8 for students and children 12 and under and $10 for general admission.
Samantha Meyer/Prowler Getting right to it - Marilyn Strange and her theater students begin a year of hardwork to make their comeback with the upcoming “Man of La Mancha.”
#incomingfreshmanadvice Rachna Deshpande Staff Writer
Listen up freshman, your schoolmates have some advice for you... Freshmen Words
blackie chan
@FreshmenWords
@zLARRYb
running to every class is good exercise and will also show the seniors how physically fit you are 8/14/14, 22:28
#incomingfreshmanadvice become a rapper and freestyle in front of the entire school… You’ll be invited to all the parties (emoji)
The Sickness @RedWingJGreen
#FreshmanAdvice Use wikipedia for all your research. Teachers really respect that site. 8/25/14, 14:02
8/20/14, 9:20
Andrew Mason
Emily Brody
Alex Rivera
@andrewmason54
@em_brods
@alexx_rivera13
#incomingfreshmanadvice Take a couple off periods freshman year. Relax. Don’t do PE yet either...you have your senior year to make it all up
#FreshmanAdvice creepily follow girls around and hold their hand in public until they finally cave and become your girlfriend
@alexx_rivera13: #incomingfreshmanadvice wear heels everyday to school like in the movies
8/26/14, 10:08
8/24/14, 16:05
8/22/14, 1:37
Preston Hill
clay
Pat
@Hill_I_Am1
@Clay_Quintanar
@PatrickTagari
#FreshmanAdvice If you aren’t the last person to class, you aren’t late. 8/21/14, 13:11
#IncomingFreshmanAdvice use the (100) emoji as much as possible. It says classy but still hood
#FreshmanAdvice post as many pictures as possible of you turning up with your “squad”, everyone will think you are super cool
8/17/14, 21:34
8/25/14, 7:45
sports
11
Panther Prowler • Sept. 19, 2014
LACROSSE COACH RESIGNS
Moments Before the Match - Preparing to play, last years’ Varsity Boys Lacrosse Team huddled together and cheered before they faced Agoura last spring. Samantha Meyer/Prowler
Shreya Chattopadhyay Sports Editor Victoria Juan Opinion Editor The new school year always brings a plethora of changes, some expected, some not. For the Boy’s Varsity Lacrosse Team, the impending changes are substantial. On September 7, coach Tom Penix resigned after two seasons. Following Penix’s resignation, student athletes and
administration face obstacles in finding a new coach before the season starts in November. “Some of the parents were unhappy with the way the program was going, and some of the players were as well, so (Penix) decided to resign for the best of the program,” said Michael Marinelli,
senior. “He really cares about the program and wants to see it shine, and he thought it was the best choice for all of us.” Currently, administration, parents and students are searching for qualified lacrosse coaches, and recently opened up the application process to coaches all around the nation due to the lack of coaches on the west coast. “Being a predominantly east coast sport, lacrosse really hasn’t worked its way west,” said Marinelli. “There’s a lot of kids playing, but not very many coaches who have moved out here. At the youth level, the high school kids help out with the coaches, but at the high school level it’s pretty hard to find a coach, so it’s gonna be a while.” Kelly Welch, assistant principal of athletics, said that they are seeking someone with a previous lacrosse or general athletic background through a series of screenings. Their goal is to be “committed to a final new coach” by early November. “Hopefully we can start conditioning and off season work late October, so that’s our goal date to get a new coach,” Marinelli said. Interviews will also be conducted by two panels, one including herself and principal Joshua Eby, and the other including director of athletics Jason Klein, a lacrosse student athlete, and possibly another coach. “I try to think of myself as an optimist, but you get kind of frustrated with this whole situation because you really want an answer right now,” said Preston Hill, senior. “Then you realize that there’s an entire process to (finding a new coach).” Despite the setbacks, Marinelli and Hill are still looking forward to a strong winter season with their “family” of lacrosse players. “We’re all just excited to to get ready for the new season and start being with each other every single day again,” Marinelli agreed.
Students take on new opponents in revamped league Victoria Juan Opinion Editor Athletes in the newly organized Marmonte League face fewer schools this fall, including Agoura, Calabasas, Oaks Christian, Thousand Oaks and Westlake, but should expect tougher matches since the league is redesigned every four years to encourage better competition. “The reason for the releaguing was to create more equal playing among the schools, so that schools were playing other schools of equal ability and ranking,” said Kelly Welch, assistant principal of athletics. “It was to make things a little bit more fair so that more teams had the opportunity to make [CIF] playoffs, not just the same teams every year.” “The basic gist of the whole releaguing is that you want to be put into a league with relatively similar schools so that you have competitive games,” agreed director of athletics Jason Klein. Since there are only six competing teams this year, due to the loss of Royal, Moorpark and Simi Valley, and the addition of Oaks Christian, overall there will be fewer official league games. Unlike its multiple dual meets last year, cross country only has two all-school league meets at Agoura High School in October, but Rachel Brown, sophomore, believes that the changes were made for the better. “It’s actually nicer only having two meets this year because we don’t miss as much school time, and the invitationals are on the weekends,” Brown said. “The competition is higher at the meets this year because there’s more people to compete against, which is a pro because it’s motivation to do better.” Coaches will also be forced to arrange more non-league games with surrounding schools to fill their schedules. However,this does not pose any problems.
New Beginnings - Varsity football runs down the field before the first game of the season as part of the new league. Samantha Meyer/Prowler
“Scheduling is a little bit tougher, but it actually gives our coaches some leeway to go out and schedule with whoever they want to,” Klein said. “You actually get to know your team a little bit better rather than just jumping straight into league. That’s the cool thing about this, that you get a little more time to know what you’ve got on your team in a pressure situation before you have to play in league.” Welch agreed, saying “it’s been mostly the same teams” that are in the league now than as before, so transportation should not be difficult.
Football has also changed its league into the Camino League, a separate football division, along with Thousand Oaks, Royal and Camarillo. They have scheduled seven non-league games before their three league games near the end of October, giving plenty of time for the team to develop their bonds and practice for their new opponents. “We definitely have a harder schedule than last year opponent-wise, but we’re really coming together to have a big year,” said varsity quarterback Daniel Prieto, senior.
“We’ve just been watching a lot of film about teams that we don’t really know that much about, because usually we play teams that we really know and play year-in and year-out.” According to Brown, cross country has also prepped for new competitors, especially private school Oaks Christian, by “focusing more on our speed a lot so we can finish strong.” Both Brown and Prieto agree that students should not expect big changes this year. “The new league is not really that much of a difference,” Prieto said.
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sports Panther Prowler • Sept. 19, 2014
#NPHShoco2014 Shreya Chattopadhyay Sports Editor Preston Hill @Hill_I_Am1
I hope I get in the newspaper #NPHShoco2014 9/14/14, 3:47 PM
Miranda Kildee @ mirandakildee
Typical #NPHShoco2014 @henho: Kissing the Queen #NPHShoco2014
9/14/14, 6:17PM
the goalie
maddi_marshall #NPHShoco2014
@twerkonmyhead
Newbury’s homecoming was so much better than any Westlake one I’ve been to, and I didn’t even go on a party bus #NPHShoco2014 ‘twas real
@darickholmes 3-0! Love being a part of Newbury Park! #NPHShoco2014
9/14/14, 11:24 AM
chris_ekblad Such a great night #NPHShoco2014
Sam Wise @samuelcwise
It is 10:12. I am soaked and stoked #NPHShoco2014 9/13/14, 10:12 PM
brynicoleexstrom ya we got our groove on #NPHShoco2014 #picsfordayss
jamiebakerr #NPHShoco2014
emily_brods #NPHShoco2014
clarke_chris66 #NPHShoco2014
cg_ram #NPHShoco2014
olivia_kosanke #NPHShoco2014