VOL. 10 NO. 1
September 22 , 2016
3400 W. GONZALES ROAD, OXNARD, CA. 93036
A - G: I Wish I Had Known
Students successfully complete graduation requirements they are different than college A-G Requirements
Table of Contents
By: Jazmine Toledo
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- New ASB advisor, Ms. Botello - On Our Way Up
Page 3
- OHS Alumni - Then and Now!
Page 4 - PTSA Page 5
- Homework Center, Here to Help! - New Band Advisor
Page 6
-‘Clubbing It’ at The Hive
Page 7
- Mr. Verdin - AP classes
Page 8
- Go Pro - Community Service Opportunities
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Dr. Riegert has emphasized A-G Requirements as a school-wide priority By: Mark Salupen
Oxnard High School has the second highest graduation rate in the Oxnard School District, following Adolfo Camarillo High School. The current OHS graduation rate is around ninety percent; however, only twenty percent of Oxnard High School students complete A-G Requirements, making those students eligible to gain acceptance at a four-year university. Those students who are not aware of the requirements may be at a disadvantage. Not all students may wish to attend college in their early high school careers; however, students should ideally be in a position to have as many choices as possible in their senior years. At the AVID Convention, held August 1-3 this year, OHS Principal Dr. Riegert emphasized the important need for schoolwide A-G awareness and participation,
students need to take two years of laboratory science in either biology, chemistry, or physics. Another A-G fulfillment is that of needing to complete two years of language other than English, one year of visual and performing arts, and lastly, one year of a college preparatory elective. OHS AVID Coordinator Mrs. Henchy said, “Almost all of our classes offered are A-G approved, however, to fulfill the A-G requirement a grade of C or higher is required in most cases. There’s also the PE requirement to graduate, but not for A-G.” Knowing the “ins and outs” of A-G Requirements begins with the Oxnard Union High School District website, which provides information regarding the requirements. Parents may easily access this information by logging onto http://www.ouhsd.k12.ca.us/, clicking the Divisions tab and, subsequently, clicking the Graduation Requirements selection. By having a strong understanding of these requirements, students and parents alike can help create a road to college admissions with clear vision rather than driving on an unknown path that may lead to wrong turns.
making it a critical goal for the 2016-17 academic year. A-G Requirements provide an academic path for students to prepare for the rigorous challenges and obstacles they will need to overcome at the next level. The course roadmap is simple and being aware of the courses needed is the first step towards University of California Approved building a student’s A - G List A-G course load. A - History / Social Science - 2 years Students are re- required. quired to take multiple B - English - 4 years. classes consisting of two years of history/ C - Mathematics - 3 years required, 4 years recommended social science. They are also D - Lab Science - 2 years required, 3 years required to take four recommended years of English and E - Language other than English - 2 three years of matheyears required, 3 years recommended matics. However, colleges do recommend F - Visual & Performing Arts - 1 year four years of mathe- required matics. Following this, G - Elective - 1 year required
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Issue 1 ♦ Thursday, September 22, 2016
Oxnard High School Welcomes New ASB advisor, Ms. Botello Ms. Botello discusses future plans for ASB By: Yasel Hurtado
outcome would be,” said Ms. Botello,“but the stars aligned and I was hired at OHS.” During her first year at OHS, Ms. Botello taught English 1. As she enters her second year, she has taken on the role of ASB advisor and Peer Resource coordinator. She explained that she has “been with the leaders of ASB since the beginning of August almost every day. We have been getting to know each other and prepping for the year.” “I’m trying to take This picture was taken during Ms.Botello’s fourth ASB to the next level,” experiod class, Peer Resource. plained Ms. Botello. She is By: Yasel Hurtado “ “I’m excited to teach brought about a desire for striving to bring her vision to the program and build creativity and awareness ASB,” said Oxnard High School Associated Student in OHS school spirit. OHS upon the foundation that Body advisor Ms. Botello, senior and ASB leader, Zoe was set down by former advisors. Barraza, said, “[Ms. Bowho, like her students, is Her ambition and enthusiastically embracing tello] brings a new atmodrive to make the program sphere” to the class. her new position. “It’s an the best it can be is evi After teaching for excellent program with dent to the students. OHS four years at Temple City students who pour their High School in Pasadena, senior, Tania Escobar, said, hearts into it, as well as Ms. Botello “felt like [she] “She is very spirited and countless hours.” motivated.” needed a new challenge.” It is obvious that Ms. Botello her excitement has caught This led her to apply to stressed that she wants schools in Oxnard. “I fire with ASB students to be fully involved in didn’t know what the and her enthusiasm has
On Our Way Up
every aspect of ASB and “help from the top down.” Although it is only her first year as ASB advisor, she wants her students to know that she is “in it for the long haul.” Ms. Botello said “If [the students] need help painting something at the last minute, I’m going to help them. I’ll get down and start painting.” This shows that she is equally as dedicated to the success of ASB as her students. Ms. Botello has already implemented a few new things into ASB. OHS senior and ASB co-president, Iris Pineda, explained that Ms. Botello was the inspiration behind the back-to-school rally being a “glow rally instead of cardinal and gold.” Also, Ms. Botello is aiming to “Have a stronger presence on social media on a daily and weekly basis.” She is striving to broaden ASB’s reach across our campus and connect with the entire student body.
Common Core standards have impacted the students and faculty at OHS By: Sarah Anaya According to Exce- hand],” said Mr. Sveiven. lined.org, “The new standards make sure students Mr. Mostowa found the are learning and absorbing transition into teaching the critical information the nationwide standard they need to succeed at easy because of the prohigher levels.” No matter gram he endured to get the standard of each state, his credential. the students will continue Experienced teachto progress. ers “go to CPM (College Common Core Preparatory Mathemathigh school mathematics) training which really ics has been split up into supports [the Common three math years, known Core standards],” said Ms. The new common core textbook starting from as Integrated Mathematics Venable. This helps the Mathematics 1 to mathematics 3. I, II, and III. The differOHS teachers be on the By: Sarah Anaya same page to teach the With the math careers, and civic life,” ac- ence in this standard is that “they distributed the new standard as required. standard known as Com- cording to Common Core subjects of math over the With the standards mon Core being adopted Parent Overview. still being new to some of by California on August This new standard four years. You do statistics all four years, some us, there is always room 2, 2010, our perception on was implemented for stufor improvement. “The teaching and understand- dents who are transferring algebra, some geometry, Common Core Standards ing of math has changed. schools or moving to dif- so it is integrated that way, ” said math teacher have been designed to This new standard goal is ferent states. Oxnard High Mr. David Sveiven. leave room for tailoring to for students to learn math School started to impleFor the students specific state populations “through real-world situ- ment the new standards in (states must adopt at least ations and focus on fewer, the 2012-2013 school year going through the Common Core process, they 85% of the standards, more connected topics and now “[our standards] “work more collaborative- leaving 15% to tweak),” presented in a coherent are completely common progression that leads core,” said Associate Prin- ly and try to reason [with according thecommonthe problems given at core.wordpress.com. to readiness for college, cipal Ms. Lisa Venable.
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The Buzz Staff Editors-In-Chief Mark Salupen Jamie Tadiaman Managing Editor Jazmine Toledo Copy Editor Luz Martinez Quality Control Editor Leslie Espinosa Layout Editors Rhiannon Enriquez Ileana Gonzalez Entertainment Editor Adriana Mandujano Sports Editor Cienna Saucedo Business Manager Sarah Anaya Online Editor Lisandro Elizondo Reporters Maria Almaraz Adrian Clark Ilse Cruz Jaylene Gutierrez Yasel Hurtado Leonela Joaquin Ashley Ledbetter Leila Luis Pablo Paredes April Perez Celeste Ramirez Ilse Ramirez Kathy Raygoza Kim Santos Anjanette Tadiaman Cindy Tran Verania Valdez Malia Vallender Jesus Zapien Faculty Advisor Mr. David Page
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OHS Alumni
Issue 1 ♦ Thursday, September 22, 2016
Current students and alumni of OHS give testimonies of the unity and appreciation among campus By: Leonela Joaquin and Luz Martinez
Class of 2011 alumnus Liliana Martinez. Popular high school website collegeCounselors, as well as teachers and confidential.com listed the greatest high school memories as those from Homecoming, Sadie’s administrators, take the time to ensure that Dance, home football games, Prom, Grad Nite, all students are provided with the services and of course, teachers who made a difference. throughout their OHS careers, even after In tribute to those great memories, this nostal- graduation. Emigdio Cordova, counselor, and gic retrospective provides thoughts from some migrant student coordinator, was remembered of Oxnard High School’s current students and by 2007 OHS graduate Jeimy Camacho “Mr. Cordova was very helpful with guiding and memories from OHS alumni. According to the school’s website, OHS has been open for 114 years. At the start of its establishment, OHS was the only school in the district containing 41 students, one principal, and two teachers. Its founders were M.H. Gabbert, President; Adolfo Camarillo, W.E. Goodyear, Charles Gill, E.H. Wood, G.A. Hails, H.W. Witman, and James Leonard. Throughout the years, OHS has encountered great progress now housing approximately Past OHS alumni timeline. 3,000 students and over 200 staff members, according to the school’s By: Leonela Joaquin & Luz Martinez website. Despite the large numbers, there is no lack of quality at OHS. “They have advising me to continue doing my best.” The awesome teachers that truly do care about the ethnic diversity of OHS makes it a special place. students,” said OHS senior Paul Santellano. OHS strives to meet the needs of their Through generations of Yellowjacket history, the high level of expectations demands students. “The school had after-school programs that helped me with homework and the that a variety of programs and services be offered to students. “I heard that they had really migrant program,” said Camacho, who was an English learner. good programs to help their students,” said
The OHS tradition of providing services and aid for all students has engendered an environment of trust that has resulted in long lasting relationships. “Mrs.Timmons has been there for me since freshman year,”said Santellano, “If I ever need anything, I’ll go to her and she will help me, no matter what time it is.” Over the generations, fashion statements are a noticeable part of the high school experience. “In my days we wore bell bottoms and coats with long scarves,” said 1972 graduate David Gonzalez. “Girls would wear a lot [of] gel in their hair. We would think that the harder it would get the nicer it would look,”said 2008 OHS alumnus Mayra Martinez, “We would wear rubber bands on our pants and pull them up so it would look tight on the bottom.” Fast-forwarding to the New Millennium, this generation makes a statement of their own with “Nice plain or printed tops with jeans or just graphic tees,” according to current OHS senior Alyssa Mireles. Throughout the changing years at Oxnard High School, one aspect has remained constant -- its vision statement of “High standards of academic excellence and personal behavior and believes in the fundamentals of success, diversity, and empowerment”, according to the school’s website.
Then and Now!
Oxnard High School students discuss their goals from freshman year and beyond By: Mark Salupen to attend Harvard University after high school. Throughout high school, I had to calculate which schools I should I apply to and plan to attend.” In his journey through high school, Reyes progressively be“It’s all in adjusting and rethinking things.” gan to realize that -OHS senior Darien Reyes. his goals were By: Mark Salupen unrealistic for his Once at the peak of the socircumstances and that he should cial and educational food chain in middle school, some freshmen en- learn to prioritize being a more tering high school come in feeling well-rounded student. Reyes said, as if they are at the bottom. Oxnard “I needed to lower my goals and set more reasonable ones considering High School senior Darien Reyes my GPA and test scores [weren’t up spoke from experience, saying, to par.]” “I’d say I was extremely shy. I was As a senior breaching the very scared to speak to many of the upperclassmen or get in their way.” end of high school, Reyes rec Like some students seeking ommends underclass students to to achieve high grades and pursue become more dynamic individuals, focusing their efforts on a variety a higher education in some of the of areas as opposed to merely one. nation’s top universities, Reyes “Get super active in school, whethshared a similar goal. He said, “I set big goals during middle school er it involves sports, clubs, or any type of extracurricular.”
The university-hopeful did not allow his grades to become a blemish towards his attitudes about school. Reyes intends to keep a positive outlook on his future and accept the person he is today despite the obstacles he has faced. Beginning his senior year, Reyes has made a complete 180° change ever since being a freshman, developing as a person while retaining his bubbly personality. “Today, I am extremely open to anyone dealing with anything. I carry a lot of energy within myself,” said Reyes. “I always try to be polite to others, especially the new freshmen. I have lacked my true potential in education but there’s nothing I can do [about it.]” Although his goals from the start did not follow through as intended, Reyes hopes to remain true to himself as his high school career concludes. Like Reyes, OHS sophomore Grace Ngyuen seeks to attend a prestigious school as well. Regarding her freshman year, Nguyen believes that it was an “amazing and really successful year.” Nguyen said, “I joined clubs
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[and] was friends with upperclassmen, [who] gave me advice and answered all my questions.” Her goals at a young age were towards going to a University of California campus, but remains open to any opportunity for the future. Nguyen said, “Being in high school made me see that I have other options. I want to set myself up in a way that if I do want to go to a higher end college, I’ll have a shot.” Although her freshmen year was successful, she still claims “it was a pretty hard transition.” From her experience, Nguyen advises others to learn from her. She said, “Freshman year has taught me to let the little things go and to not be too sensitive to everything. I’ve learned to not worry because everything ends up working out by itself.” She hopes to continue this streak of success for the rest of her high school career. Nguyen said, “I want to make the people who believe in me proud and just remember to do my very best.”
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Issue 1 ♦ Thursday, September 22, 2016
Parent Teacher Student Association PTSA offers benefits for students and their parents
The PTSA Board at the first meeting held on September 13, 2016. By: Jamie Tadiaman
By: Jamie Tadiaman At Oxnard High School, there are a and parents. Last school year, the PTSA non-native speakers, PTSA is encouraging variety of ways for students and parents to raised $4,500 in scholarship money, which participation of a group that has a large get involved. While students can connect they awarded to nine OHS students at the presence in the school community, but a to the school by joining sports and clubs, Senior Awards Night. small voice. one way for parents to get active on campus To become eligible for the schol“I have always wanted to know what is gois by joining the Parent Teacher Student arships offered, one must meet certain Monthly meetings Association (PTSA). requirements. Ms. Eileen Whalen, the According to their webpage on the secretary of the PTSA, said, “[The] scholare the second TuesOxnard High School website, the PTSA arships are only offered to seniors, with a day of each month is a “non-profit organization which raises grade point average of 2.5 or better, who at 6:15 p.m. in the money to support a variety of programs are going on, after graduation, to a trade College and Career that benefit our students and staff.” or technical school, a two year community Ms. Ginny Whitt, the PTSA Histori- college or a four year college or university. Center and everyone an, said that PTSA “provides students with The applicant must be a current OHS PTSA is invited to attend. a number of volunteer opportunities member who has been regis- tered as an throughout the year that How can one become a memOHS PTSA look great on resumes member ing on at my children’s schools, and I also ber of the PTSA? and college applications. for at least know that kids don’t always share importAnd for the parents, two years ant information with their parents, and the - One can become a member by PTSA is a unique opand who PTA/PTSA is a great way to stay informed,” paying an annual membership of portunity to stay inhas partic- said Ms. Whitt. $6.00 per member. formed and meet other ipated in Ms. Vazquez said, “We are all busy, parents.” at least one but I believe that as parents we should take - The board member that’s in “It’s good for OHS PTSA a bit of our time to get involved with our charge of membership is Michelle parents to get involved,” event children’s school and know what’s going Larios. Anyone who would like to join said Ms. Debra Erdduring four on.” can contact her at mann, who is a memyears at bmlarios@yahoo.com ber of the PTSA and a OHS.” PTSA Meeting Dates teacher at OHS. “It’s an This October Febuary opportunity for parents to ask the princiyear, the PTSA has set goals to reach out to - 10/11 - 2/14 pal questions about the school and to help other parents and students. November March problem solve if there’s any issues.” Ms. Whitt said, “It is the OHS PT- 11/8 - 3/14 Ms. Eva Vazquez, the president of SA’s goal this year to provide translation December April the PTSA for the 2016-2017 school year, assistance at our monthly meetings, and said, “Being part of PTSA will give me the Dr. Eric Riegert [the principal of OHS] has - 12/13 - TBA chance to have a voice to represent our assured us that we will have access to the January May students and families.” special translator headsets which will make - 1/10 - 5/9 This organization not only makes this process much easier.” contributions to OHS, but also to students By reaching out to the school’s *At 6:15pm OHS College & Career Center*
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Issue 1 ♦ Thursday, September 22, 2016
Homework Center, Here to Help!
Student tutors and homework center coordinator discuss the benefits of attending By:Leslie Espinosa & Kimberly Santos “It makes it less daunting to learn from someone who is just slightly older than you,” said Oxnard High School Homework Center co-coordinator and English teacher Ms. Crystal Murillo, explaining how the center creates a comfortable environment for its student clientele. The Homework Center provides student tutors and teachers for help in any subject areas like English, Math, Science, and History. The hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 3:15 to 5:00 p.m., in the OHS library. There are multiple resources available for students at the homework center. OHS senior and homework center tutor George Galvan said that computers are easily accessible, and tutors are available to ensure there is guidance for technology and study. According to educator website teachingonpurpose.org, peer tutoring has proven to be extremely successful for improving academic success in low achievers. The Homework Center provides outside support that al-
lows students to avail themselves of for a particular discipline or course of study. It strives to be a school setting “where students can go and feel safe and have the resources to work on their home-
peers can be advantageous in providing knowledge and guidance that lower class-level students are comfortable with. The homework center is not only beneficial to students
process of arriving at the correct answers. Likewise, OHS senior Megan Frost, who started tutoring as a sophomore, said she “likes seeing that little ‘Aha!’ moment when people start to get things.” Since the learning at the Homework Center is a two-way street, one of the requirements to become a homework center tutor is to maintain a “B” average grade or better in the subject area the student would want to tutor in. Students should have a great understanding of their requested tutoring subject. Tutoring counts as community service and, as a result, the hours spent tutoring are volunteer hours. It is a great way to show involvement in school. The OHS library provides as a safe haven for students to study. These volunteer hours from By: Leslie Espinosa tutoring may greatly enhance a work,” said Ms. Murillo. who need help in a subject area, college application. Connections can be built but also for the student tutors as Students do not just bebetween students of differing well. come tutors for the community class levels at the Homework Through her experience service hours. Kajal said, “You do Center. For example, a freshman as a tutor, OHS senior Sama Kalaj get volunteer hours which is great or sophomore can build a consaid she “feels like [she is] gainbut you also gain skills which is nection with a junior or senior ing more knowledge by talking even more important. It’s a wintutor. Associating with a more ex- about a certain subject,” as she win.” perienced and higher class-level helps guide students through the
New Band Advisor
Band has a new advisor and he’s ready to lead By: Anjanette Tadiaman (Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association) Championships. The OHS band students have found him to be very approachable in their past few months’ work with him. Sophomore Daniel Castillo said, “He connects with the students rather than just giving us instructions.” His connection with the students makes it easier for them to Mr. Andre B. Spence Mr. Spence has been in Florida practice and make progress with By: Adriana Mandujano teaching band, choir, and ortheir music. After 24 years of teaching chestra at several different high Mr. Spence has made in the music department at Ox- schools. He came back to his some changes to their system nard High School, Mr. Legohn hometown of Oxnard “to bring that reflect his uniqueness. “He decided to retire from the band the show style of band to the introduced different perspecand focus on building the vidWest coast,” said Mr. Spence. tives into band,” said sophomore eo program at OHS. When Mr. A few of his past muNadia Rubio. Spence’s fresh Andre Spence learned about the sic accomplishments include routines in music, dances, and OHS band director vacancy, he taking his band to the 2013 St. chants have brought fun and decided to fulfill the role. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, energy into the band. “I feel like For the last five years, Ireland and to the 2015 SCSBOA he is, in more urban terms,” said
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Pallasugui, “making us more lit.” Even though the band’s practice hours have been extended, Spence still understands that students need to manage their school lives. Rubio said, “He accepts that [students] have other responsibilities.” He gives students some time after school, making it easier for them to work around their practice schedules. Mr. Spence’s students have high hopes for him to help them improve. “I expect him to bring us up and make us the best band we could be,” said freshman Marisol Velazquez. He wants to make his students better not only as a band, but as individuals. Describing the pace of progress he wishes to see in the future of the program, Spence said it is to be, “0 to 100 -- real quick.” Castillo said, “He’s a good band director and a good person in general. I’m excited to see what happens in the future.”
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Helpful Student Apps
Issue 1 ♦ Thursday, September 22, 2016
‘Clubbing It’ at The Hive
OHS Clubs Are A Pathway to New Experiences By: Verania Valdez & Malia Vallender
StudentVUE
Grades/class schedule /attendence.
At Pacifica, Oxnard High School’s Acadeca team dressed up for their annual competition. By: Staff photographer
According to The Uni-
EasyBib
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versity of Idaho, “Student Organizations are the backbone of campus activity. They connect students, create [communities], and [...] shape future leaders.” Oxnard High School lists over forty clubs on the official school website, ranging from Migrant Speech and Debate to Chemistry. All students at OHS can find a club that best fits their interests, whether they enjoy competing, volunteering, or just having fun. One of the most wellknown club on campus is Key Club. The basis of the club revolves around students building their home, school, and community. OHS sophomore Grace Nguyen said, “[Key Club] is beneficial because it gives me volunteer hours and it looks good on college applications.” Being a part of this club allows you to take part in volunteer opportunities such as beach cleanups, serving food to the less fortunate, and tutoring younger children.
Storing Files
sangan said, “Acadeca is most beneficial in the aspect that we practice public speaking and interview skills [that are] helpful for life in general.” The competitiveness of the club may sound intimidating, but AcaDeca has a friendly environment “pretty much for anyone that just wants to hangout and study,” added OHS junior Enrique Bercerra. Even if one does not find interest in any of clubs offered at OHS, there is always the option of creating one’s own club. Students seeking club affiliation should look for club flyers posted around the campus and listen to daily announcements to find out more about times, dates, and locations of club meetings. Those who want to take the leap of creating a new club would begin their journey by approaching ASB. Either way, joining or creating, the club experience will provide new friends, unforgettable experiences, and a path for learning great leadership skills.
11 - Late Start November: PTSA 6:15 (College 1-18 Canned Food & Career Center) Drive September: 22 - Back to School 17-21 Homecoming 4 - Rally (vs OHS) Week 5 - SAT Night 21 - Homecoming 8 - Late Start 23 - Minimum Day Rally PTSA 6:15 (College 28 - Club Week 22 - Homecoming & Career Center) Dance 11 - Veteran’s Day October: ACT 15 - Late Start 1 - SAT 25 Late Start 21-25 Thanksgiving 5 - Blood Drive Break
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Key Club also raises awareness to life-threatening diseases in poverty-prone countries. OHS junior Kimberly Santos said, “I raised money for Project Eliminate by collecting spare change.” Key Club has joint service projects with nonprofit organizations as well. As both share one common goal to serve the community, Santos said she “enjoys the welcoming feeling [...] because it tries to keep everyone as a family.” AcaDeca is a competitive club that “gives you the opportunity to be held to a really high standard in obtaining, retaining, and presenting information,” according to OHS sophomore Jade Chongsathapornpong. Every year AcaDeca focuses on a different topic, giving students the opportunity to perform multiple choice tests, to compete in performance events, and to write essays at the AcaDeca competitions. OHS senior Nina Lan-
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Issue 1 ♦ Thursday, September 22, 2016
Mr. Verdin Makes the Sting Mean Former OHS alumnus returns to the hive
By: Jaylene Gutierrez and Adrian Clark
average and pursued his dreams of going to college. After attaining his Master’s degree, he became a high school counselor for five years, working at Hueneme High School, and then became an adjunct professor at Oxnard College. Mr. Verdin furthered his education and earned an administrative credential. Although Mr.Verdin had several proud accomplishMr. Verdin in his office, posing for a photo. ments over the years, Picture taken by Jaylene Gutierrez and Adrian Clark. he also had to overcome obstacles “I’m so glad to be back reach optimal levels of success. while on the path to success. home,” said Mr. Oscar Verdin, a Implementing the most At age fourteen, he and his 2002 Oxnard High School alumefficient instructional strategies family emigrated from Mexico. nus, who returns to his alma mater for student growth and motivating “Coming in from a small town as an OHS assistant principal. students towards achievement, as where the population was 450 peo Mr. Verdin is entering quickly as possible, is one of his ple and coming to a high school this school year with a mindset to main goals. “He knows what he where we had approximately 3,000 create a positive atmosphere and wants and he knows what he has to people was shocking,” said Mr. encourage communication. He do to make sure everyone around Verdin. is determined to get to know as him is a little bit better,” said OHS Being a fourteen year old many people on campus as he can, English teacher Mr. Page. in a new country and not knowing including students, teachers, and As a senior, Mr. Verdin a single word of English was one staff. He wishes to provide support graduated with a 4.0 grade point of the challenges he faced growing and, ultimately, to help students
up. “One of my accomplishments was to be able to learn the language and the culture,” said Mr. Verdin. His desire to succeed in school was motivated by his family circumstances. Coming from a family that worked in the fields their whole lives, they did not know how the specifics of how to guide him on the right path, however, they knew that education, in and of itself, was critical. Along the way, Mr. Verdin received help from his OHS teachers and now wishes to return the favor. “I feel that it is my time to give back to my community all the support I received from them,” said Mr. Verdin. To be able to see the students succeed is a crucial element in his desire to be at OHS it is something he is excited to be a part of. Mr. Verdin has high hopes for a great school year. “I’m looking forward to working with him and he’s a great addition to the administrative team,” said OHS assistant principal Ms. Venable. Mr. Verdin is a great administrative addition to OHS, but seeing his how excited he is about his return ‘home’, it is as if he never left.
Why Take AP Classes?
AP classes are essential to students who would like to go to college By: Pablo Paredes
AP students working diligently during class. By: Pablo Paredes
“ “Every May, students nationwide take Advanced Placement(AP) exams in what is widely viewed as a big step toward enhancing the chances of being admitted to a top-ranked college,” said Stanford University Graduate School of Education professor Denise Pope, in an article from news.stanford.edu. “I just hope it looks better on my application,” said Oxnard High School junior Eric Padilla.
Pope said, “It also considers whether an emphasis on AP courses improves schools overall, and whether they give students an edge in being admitted to college.” This is one of the thoughts that students have regarding Advanced Placement courses. Pope added that the benefits of AP coursework may not even positively influence college paths. Concerning AP classes,
OHS sophomore Samantha Cen- it over your head, then it may be sejas said, “No me an hablaron more harmful than helpful.” le estas clases (No one has talked OHS junior Bryce Aguilar, to me regarding these classes.)” who is taking English 3 AP said, Some students aren’t given any “I’ve [improved] my grades [and] information about AP classes my ability to hold conversations. until it’s too late. Some students [...] All around I’ve gained knowldon’t know about other AP edge.” classes that can be offered here in Besides their purpose of Oxnard High School. According taking AP to make their college to news.stanford.edu “There are application great, they also want courses in more than two dozen to gain better academic skill. Acsubjects.” cording to greatschools.org, they Some students who don’t said, “Taking AP courses helps take AP classes don’t have the students develop the knowledge, time throughout the day to be skills, and abilities necessary for a able to achieve a high grade in successful transition to college.” an AP class. OHS sophomore Adomari Salazar Mendez said, “I would rather drop it and get a good grade in a regular class than continue failing in an AP class.” According to news. stanford.edu they said “If you’re pushed into it without good preparation and without a safety net in place at the school to help you if you get AP student textbooks. By: Pablo Paredes
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Issue 1 ♦ Thursday, September 22, 2016
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Go Pro!
Rising to a profesional athlete By: Kathy Raygosa Out of all the high school and collegiate athletes in the United States, only 20.89% of students make it to becoming professionals, according to peachnet.edu Oxnard High School has graduated athletes over the years who have moved on to the professional ranks after competing at the college level. OHS athletes have played not only in the NFL, but in Major League Baseball as well. Recent Yellowjacket graduates Terrell Watson and Joseph Romero showed the talent that caught the attention in their respective professional sports of football and baseball. “We knew he would get drafted because he was already in the top prospect of the draft” said OHS senior Sirena Romero, younger sibling of 2014 OHS alumnus Joseph Romero. Joseph,
known as ‘Jojo’, attended Yavapai College in Arizona. After showing his athletic talents at the college level, he was drafted as a pitcher by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft as the first pick in the fourth round. Success in athletics at OHS is driven not only on the fields, courts, and diamonds, but also in the classroom. Teachers encourage student-athletes by encouraging them not only to achieve in the classroom, but also to encourage competitiveness in all facets of student life. “I would say that the connection he had in school and on the baseball field was that he was always confident and relaxed because he knew what he was doing,” said OHS teacher Ms. Maria
Romeo. The Ventura County Star reported that Romero received offers from 7 different colleges and was being watched by over 30 Major League Baseball teams. Romero has provided inspiration as well, by setting an example for young people to emulate in their aspirations to achieve their goals. One person who looks up to him is his younger brother Joshua Romero, who said, “He has helped me learned so much more than I knew and my knowledge of the game keeps expanding.” Another OHS alumnus who has provided great inspiration from the position of professional athleticism is OHS alumnus Terrell Watson, a running back with the National Football League Cleve-
land Browns. ”In his high school career, they called him the Night Train”, said OHS senior Nina Watson. From 2011-2015, Terrell Watson played at NCAA Division 2 Azusa-Pacific University where, according to ncaa.org, he scored 79 touchdowns and rushed for nearly 6,000 yards. After a successful game,in 2015 Watson was an MVP of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl where he then would be eligible for the NFL draft. Although the Cardinal and Gold is sometimes an afterthought in the world of professional sports, these inspirational young men prove that Yellowjacket spirit is alive and well in the professional ranks.
Community Service Opportunities Key Club October 1, 2016 9-11am Beach Clean-up @ Mandalay Beach Project Understanding (805) 652-1326 www.projectunderstanding.org and download application form Tutoring elementary school students 3-5 pm Boys and Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme (805) 815-4959 Homework Tutoring Ventura County Animal Service (805) 387-4341 Cuddle with animals St. John’s Regional Medical Center (805) 988-2627 Help transport, at the the gift shop, information desk.
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