October Talon

Oak Park HIgh School

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A New National Competitor

By Alex Appelrouth, News Editor

This year’s football team is the best that Oak Park High School has witnessed in years. With a winning record of 5-1 this season, the Varsity the team seems unstoppable. The only loss that the team has accumulated thus far was the first game of the season, where they suffered a 41-35 defeat at our home field by Agoura High School. Since then, Oak Park Varsity football has dominated every other opponent.

The next game played, after the crushing loss to Agoura, was a 41-6 win against Channel Islands.

Six days later, Oak Park triumphed over Simi Valley in a crucial 34-33 win at home.

In the next three games, the Varsity team accumulated a

Photo Credit: Mark Kalbeld James McFadden and Greg Kalbfeld take down Village Christian running back. Also pictured, Shawn Green, Justin Green and Zach Fowler.

total of 157 points, scoring at least 50 points in each of these games, except for a 4935 against El Segundo, according to MaxPreps.

The combination of a potent offense and defense has given Oak Park the necessary tools to become a threat against any opponent.

In addition, the team chemistry is profound, as defensive end and wide receiver Justin Green insinuated. He noted, “The desire to succeed emitting from each and every one of us [as] an obvious difference between this year and last. Our team is much closer.”

Why Are Tampons So Taboo?

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Blood Drive Friday, October 31

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Annual Food Drive “Santa Comes to Westlake/Agoura and Beyond,” November 12 -15

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Kanan Shuttle

view?

The lack of acceptance of these products and of the menstrual process eludes many. Why is it that grown women are sometimes seen clutching their bags as they go into the restroom, never daring to release even a glimpse of their tampon, shifting their eyes to make sure the coast is clear?

As embarrassing as it is for grown women, the shame for teenage girls is much greater. Girls are sometimes seen whispering to each other and discreetly

On August 5, Ventura County launched a shuttle service open to Oak Park and Agoura, students and residents.

This service works hand in hand with Dial-ARide, which has been serving seniors, the handicapped, and Agoura Hills’ residents since 1985. Together, these services are meant to provide ready transportation in an increasingly metropolitan area. The 24-seat shuttle, with its leaping mountain lion logo, is intended to ease traffic congestion on both sides of Kanan.

The shuttle runs between Thousand Oaks Blvd. to Lindero Canyon, with 14 stops along Kanan. The service will operate from 6:40 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on major holidays. Shuttles will run every 30 minutes regularly, but during peak hours (6:40 - 9:00 am and 2:30 4:00 pm) they will run every 15 minutes.

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Events: Homecoming Dance October 12, in the Oak Park HS Gym, from 7-11 p.m.

When asked what to attribute the profound success of the team’s defense to, Green replied, “We got a new defensive coordinator and we have been coached

by Mike Puopolo, and so with our line being the best

By Zainab Pixler, Managing Editor, Carlo Cruz-Albrecht, Staff Writer

Feature

Homecoming Football Game vs. Santa Paula, 7:30, TONIGHT

9 1 3 7 7

Photo illustration by Min Kwon and Leah Katz.

By Adella Katz, Co-Editor-in-Chief

From a relatively young age, every girl gets her gift from Mother Nature, or, more commonly known as, her period. As a pre-emptive strike against heavy blood flow and excessive leakage, girls are supplied with diaper-like appendages called ‘pads.’ Up to a certain age, pads are effective and safe, however, each girl must decide whether to continue wearing these pads or switch to a less diaper-like alternative known as tampons.

In high school, a majority of young women shift to using tampons because they are convenient, easy to use and less of a mess than pads. Unfortunately, all ‘feminine products’ have been deemed embarrassing.

It’s as if women are shamed for their natural bodily functions. “Shield your eyes, children! It’s…. it’s… a tampon!”

As exaggerated as that may be, people really do attain sudden and disgusted looks at the sight of tampons or pads, as if having a period is unnatural. Why should girls and women hide their feminine products from public

News

2

October 2013

Freedom to Marry: Prop 8 Repealed

Photo Credit: Andy K. Powell

By Benjamin Porat, Staff Writer

During the summer, the Supreme Court decided on two key cases that heavily affect the LGBT community in the Los Angeles area. Both decisions were controversial.

The first decision was Hollingsworth v. Perry.

This case involved California Proposition 8, which denied same-sex couples the right to marry. The plaintiff, Kristin Perry, was denied a marriage license to her longtime partner.

Dennis Holling-

sworth of ProtectMarriage. com, took the role of the defendant when California’s governor Jerry Brown chose to not defend the lawsuit, creating a dilemma for Prop 8 supporters.

A Federal Court struck down the proposition and the case was brought to the U.S. Supreme Court who found that Hollingsworth did not have the grounds to appeal the case.

Since the appeal was denied, same-sex marriage in California is once again legal.

This decision, however, does not affect any

other states. Justice Kennedy led the dissent, who felt that since Prop 8 was supported by a majority of voters, it should be upheld.

The next case was United States v. Windsor.

The issue at stake was the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which became law in 1996. This law limited the federal definition of marriage to between a man and a woman. It also denied married same-sex couples the right to claim tax benefits.

Edith Windsor and her late wife, Thea Spyer, were married in Canada and moved to New York. Speyer

died in 2009 and left her estate to Windsor. Since their marriage was not recognized at the federal level, she had to pay much more in estate taxes. If the law was to be struck down, same-sex marriage would be made legal throughout United States.

Despite DOMA being declared unconstitutional, this did not happen.

The ruling stated that the US Federal Government had to recognize samesex marriages approved by the states. Justice Kennedy joined the liberal justices in the decision that found the law unconstitutional.

The decisions were mostly well received at Oak Park High School. Sophomore Varsha Sarveshwar, a supporter of LBGT rights, says, “I am really happy about the progress our country has made with LGBT rights.”

Dr. Anderson, who teaches US history, Government, and Mock Trial, agreeing with the commonly held view of OPHS students and faculty, says, “I support transgender [rights] and same-sex marriage.”

Shuttle

Continued from page 1

Although the shuttle does not drop off students directly at school, stops are within walking distance of Oak Park Schools. The vehicles are also accessible to the disabled and are equipped with bicycle racks.

The Shuttles are often full, especially during peak hours. Many students who used to walk, bike, or get driven to school, save timr by using the Shuttle and then continuing to school or their homes.

Senior Catherine Shi says, “I am really grateful for the Kanan Shuttle. It’s convenient and saves me a lot of time and energy.”

In the County of Ventura press release, Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks said, “The Kanan Shuttle is economic and environmentally friendly, reducing traffic, air pollution and travel costs.” Parks encourages students and residents alike to “give it a test drive.” The new shuttle system is free until November to entice riders.

For schedule visit www.kananshuttle.com.

University Admissions: Increased Scrutiny of Affirmative Action

By Nicholas Branigan, Staff Writer

Courts must examine affirmative action programs more carefully according to a 7-1 decision by the U. S. Supreme Court issued on June 24, 2013.

The court declined to rule on the principal case, Fisher v. University of Texas, instead choosing to send it back to a lower court. In the court’s statement, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote for the majority, explaining that the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit incorrectly upheld the affirmative action program of the University of Texas at Austin since it failed to “apply the correct standard of strict scrutiny.”

For Oak Park students applying to California universities, the Supreme Court’s decision remains largely irrelevant, as state voters banned affirmative action programs in 1996.

However, the court’s stricter standards for the examination of race-based admissions programs will likely prompt challenges to programs elsewhere in the nation. Such action could alter

admissions to out-of-state universities for some students.

In its ruling, The Supreme Court declared that all courts must be more suspicious of affirmative action programs, and as Kennedy writes, “The reviewing courts must ultimately be satisfied that no workable race-neutral alternatives would produce the educational benefits of diversity.”

If nonracial options supported diversity nearly as well as racial ones, then the court ruled that universities couldn’t use race as a factor in admissions. Kennedy explained that they must demonstrate, “before turning to racial classifications, that available, workable raceneutral alternatives do not suffice.”

Students at Oak Park High School voiced differing opinions on the use of race conscious admissions.

Cole Hasserjian, a sophomore, supports affirmative action saying, “It’s good for colleges to have a balance of each culture. . . . It promotes diversity.” Yet, he cautions, “There’s a fine line for affirmative action. You cannot just allow some kid with a

1.0, who’s a minority, to go into your college.”

Varsha Sarveshwar, a sophomore at OPHS, supports a conservative approach to race conscious admissions. “I think that we shouldn’t go too far in looking at it by race. I think that it has to do a lot more with the economic status of a person than it should with the ethnicity of a person.”

Contrary to the opinion of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who wrote for the majority in Grutter v. Bollinger that there would come a time in 25 years when affirmative action would no longer be needed, Varsha Sarveshwar says, “I think it’s a long, long way until [affirmative action is] not necessary because it’s going to take so long to make it so that it’s a true meritocracy where we’re all equal economically.”

A number of students at Oak Park are less supportive of race conscious admissions in higher education. Sevitha Konda, a senior, finds affirmative action as no longer so critical in today’s world. “I’m not overwhelmingly supportive of [affirmative action]. I

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

don’t think it’s too necessary anymore for our current environment.”

Regarding the future of race conscious admissions Ms. Konda agrees with the Supreme Court’s approach saying, “I think it should be slowly restricted over time until we don’t have it anymore.”

Wendy Xiao, a senior at OPHS sees affirmative action as conceptually sound, yet flawed in practice. “Logically, I believe that [affirmative action is] very helpful for allowing minority groups or disadvantaged groups to be represented properly in our colleges and universities, however, I do believe that affirmative ac-

tion has gotten to such a degree that sometimes it is unfair towards the other side.”

Concerning the future of affirmative action, Wendy Xiao disagrees with the approach of the Supreme Court, saying “If we are going so far as to put restrictions on affirmative action, we should just go ahead and ban it.”

Arguments for the second affirmative action case that the Supreme Court has accepted – Schuette v.

Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, regarding a Michigan voter initiative to ban race conscious admissions – will be heard next term beginning in October.

News

October 2013

3

New Year, New Changes

By Juliana Furgala, Staff Writer, Ashley Siavoshi, Entertainment Editor

This summer was filled with many renovations and improvements to the school, most notably a complete renovation of the C-Building. The numerous changes, including general aesthetic upgrades and a brand new layout, made the renovations noticeable to everyone on campus.

There were a few difficult challenges to overcome during the renovation. According to Principal Kevin Buchanan, the previous layout of the C-Building prevented easy accessibility between the different rooms, so the entire layout of the building was altered.

Also, because the C-Building contains many specialty rooms, such as three computer labs, a wood room, the student store, and

the art rooms, it was a challenge designing each room separately. Buchanan commented on this challenge saying, “When we’re doing other classrooms it’s pretty much the same specifications but these [rooms] all had different functions. It’s a lot of work to get all the different needs met in every different classroom.”

Despite the difficulties, all the specific requirements were met in each classroom. Art teacher Anna Lovejoy commented on the renovation of her classroom saying, “I got everything I needed: new sinks, new drawers for storage, and the best part - tackable walls.”

The extensive renovations to the C-Building were not the only changes made to the school over the summer. Safety and accessibility have been increased throughout the school, including the addition of more disabled parking near the baseball field and repairs to

the concrete walkways to prevent tripping hazards.

More benches have also been added in many places around the campus.

Many environmentally conscious decisions were also made during the renovation mainly to conserve energy. According to superintendent Tony Knight, approximately $500,000 was spent on electricity bills alone district-wide last year.

In the C-Building renovation, all the doors and windows were made using double pane, energy efficient glass. High efficiency lighting was also added in all the rooms, as well as 100% biodegradable carpet tiles. Last year alone, approximately $500,000 was spent on electricity bills alone district wide.

Most of the changes scheduled for the upcoming years revolve around being environmentally friendly and conserving energy. Over the next five years, the dis-

New renovations seen inside of Ms. Lovejoy’s art room.

trict will be receiving $1 million to be used for energy conservation and efficiency. “Our hope is to use this money to invest in our own solar power generating system,” said Knight. “This could mean systems on the roofs, parking lot car ports, and maybe even a small solar farm that could be placed on unused land we own.”

In the near future a large shade structure will be added to the campus’s quad.

According to Principal Kevin Buchanan, the structure

will be 30’ by 80’. The PFC has donated $43,000 to cover the cost of manufacturing and installation and the district will cover approximately $10,000. The structure’s installation is set for late October.

Superintendent Knight reveals that there are more changes to come to the school in the near future including a renovation of the boys’ and girls’ locker rooms as well as increased surveillance and safety.

When Mother Nature Strikes: Are You Prepared?

Continued from page 1 pulling an object out of their backpacks. The transaction is then completed as one girl inconspicuously passes a tampon/pad to another with a thankful whisper and a weak yet grateful smile.

Feminine products aren’t drugs, they’re not frightening and they’re certainly not shameful.

If they’re so taboo, shouldn’t feminine products be readily available to teenage girls in middle and high schools without the awkwardness of having to ask others for them? In Oak Park High School, pads and tampons may be asked for at the school’s office, but although pads are available in the nurse’s office, girls tend to shy away from this option because of the embarrassment. Whispering to an office worker, asking for a tampon and having the woman yell back, “What do you want? A tampon?” throughout the entire office is not the preferred method at any school.

So, girls resort to asking friends or teachers for tampons and pads. Apparently, some teachers do give them out discreetly, allocating a specific drawer in their desks for feminine products. Others, however,

refuse bluntly and inquire as to why the girls do not have extras in their lockers. These uncomfortable encounters are, unfortunately, frequent.

If there was a surefire way to avoid them all, girls would.

However, since there are no sanitary product dispensers in the bathrooms, products are not readily available.

Several weeks ago, this issue was brought to the attention of the Head of Facilities of Oak Park Unified School District, Julie Suarez. After contemplating the issue and validating the awkwardness of the whole situation, she said with a determined look, “I want to get down to the bottom of this.”

Nowhere in the California Education Code or California Health Code are feminine products prohibited from being dispensed to students. Nowhere are they mentioned whatsoever. Similarly, but on a smaller scale, the distribution of feminine products is not clearly prohibited by the Oak Park School District or by Oak Park High School. Why, then, are these products not available to female students at Oak Park High School?

When this question was posed to Mrs. Suarez, she chuckled and exclaimed, “Good question!” Regarding the prohibition of these

products in schools, she pointed out, “If there isn’t anything out there, what can we do to change that? Can we add it to the permission slip so that the parents can sign for it? If there are no rules and regulations, I don’t have a problem with installing them in the restrooms and I can get that done quite easily.”

However, having dispenser installed turned out to not be so easily done.

The big question came up again: Why are tampons so taboo?

First of all, some brands of tampons, most notably the brand names, contain the toxin dioxin, which can cause a very rare, but dangerous disease called Toxic Shock Syndrome – a major road block for having dispensers installed in the bathroom. However, if a big warning label was slapped onto each dispenser, would that not safeguard the school against liability issues if something were to occur? A warning label would clearly signify to students: Use at your own risk. In response to this, Suarez, with a sigh, replied, “I should hope so.”

Suarez then pointed out that another problem the school(s) could encounter involved the condition of the bathrooms if sanitary prod-

Photo illustration by Min Kwon.

ucts were available. “The reason we took paper towels out of the bathroom is because people shove them down the toilets. People back up the toilets.” However, the girls’ bathrooms do contain small side trashcans where tampon and pads wrappers are thrown out. “We rarely have an issue with the girls’ bathroom, though . . . but we’ve never had [dispensers] in there, so that’s the only bad part,” said Suarez.

A third issue that can arise involves conservative and religious beliefs.

Using tampons specifically becomes a moral issue for people because the physical insertion of a tampon, to some, simulates sexual activity. “But you can’t have that in schools. It has to be a separation of church and

state,” pointed out Suarez.

Further into the interview, Suarez stated, “Maybe it’s something that we need to bring up districtwide so we can have a set policy.”

Mr. Meskis, Oak Park High School’s new vice principal and head of facilities at the school, with Mrs. Suarez, did bring this issue to the district board. Currently, they have approved the installation of a pad dispenser in the main bathroom of OPHS. However, tampons remain taboo.

If there are any questions or general comments on this article, feel free to contact the author of this article at talon@oakparkusd. org.

School Life

4

October 2013

In With the New Teachers students.” Fortunately, she says, “Both the students and the faculty are very supportive.” A student in her Chemistry class, Junior Harrison

Along with the inSchelter, says, “She’s a very flux of a freshman class, good teacher. She knows the Oak Park High School has concepts well and teaches employed a few new teachthem well.” ers this year, including: Ms.

The new AP Physics Kawakatsu, and Global Dr. Leber, Mr. Science Borquez, Mr. teacher, Dr. Jones and Mr. Leber, had a Peluce. “hectic first M s . day, but Kawakatsu, [she] thinks the new CP it went Chemistry well.” When and AP Enasked what vironmental her chalScience teachlenges as a er, is embarkteacher are, ing on her Leber says, first full year “So much of teaching. to do, but When asked only so how she felt much time. about her first Dr. Leber, Global Science/AP Physics At the end year so far, of the day, Kawakatsu says, “My first I wish I could teach it again year has been very busy, but with even more content.”

I like getting to know the Additionally, she takes spestudents. I am a bit sleep-decial care to get to know her prived, but I guess that’s norstudents. She says, “Part of mal.” Her teaching career is teaching is getting to know starting out nicely with what the students. [It] helps me she says is “a good group of assist them better.” Kristen

By Min Kwon, Head of Photography, Leah Katz, Art Director

Bender, a student in Leber’s AP Physics class, says, “She knows her stuff very well.

I think that she is, and will become, a huge asset to the science program at OPHS.”

Mr. Jones is the new CP Chemistry, CP Physics and Global Science teacher.

He began his teaching career in England and says, “Students are the same the world over. So, American kids are the same as English kids.” In regards to his teaching philosophy, he believes that students “need to understand and learn rather than remember.” He even has a different seating system where, “[there aren’t] kids sitting in straight lines… my kids sit around tables… and it helps them work collaboratively.”

When asked how he felt about the school, Jones says, “It’s fantastic. I love it.”

Mr. Peluce is the new Photography and Graphics teacher, which is a great fit for him because, as he says, “I come from the industry, as an animator, illustrator, designer.” He decided to teach because he “really like[s] working with teenagers and their creativity.” When asked how he feels about Oak Park,

Mr. Jones and Ms. Kawakatsu enjoy their new positions at OPHS.

he says, “I think it’s a great school… the kids are very intelligent and great to work with.”

Mr. Borquez is the new Band Director. He student-taught at Walter Reed Middle School and Westlake High School. He also taught Mrs. Levine’s music classes at Medea Creek. When asked about the music program, he replied, “Next year I would like to see two concert band classes and perhaps a string ensemble club. My ultimate goal is for OPHS to have a fully comprehensive music department that offers en-

sembles and classes for any type/level of musician.”

His goal for this year, in addition, is to “show the OPUSD community that instrumental music is still alive and well at OPHS.”

These new teachers are all putting forth a tremendous effort to inspire an excitement to learn in their students. Their hard work and positive attitudes are sure to prove constructive to the students and the overall environment of Oak Park High School.

Oak Park Welcomes New Administrator Jason Meskis

By Kailee Canty and James Whiteley, Staff Writers

Mr. Meskis was a star basketball player at the University of Western Ontario in Canada.

The commencement of the new school year has brought Oak Park High School a new addition.

Mr. Meskis, the school’s new vice principal, tells the students a little bit about himself in the following interview: Kailee: Good afternoon, Mr. Meskis.

How are you?

Mr. Meskis: It’s been a busy day, but I’m great!

K: What made you choose Oak Park?

Mr. M: Well, I live in Moorpark and know that Oak Park has a great reputation. I have heard many good things about this school. Going from

a big district of 3,500 students to a smaller district of just 1,500 students is a big difference.

K: What’s your favorite thing about our school?

Mr. M: I love that it is a small school.

K: What did you used to teach?

Mr. M: I was a P.E. and English teacher. Those were my favorite subjects in school. I was also an Athletic Director and testing coordinator.

K: What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Mr. M: I wanted to be a professional basketball player!

K: What do you do in your free time?

Mr. M: I have twin 7-year-olds, and we love to go out and surf together.

We go to the beach, and we also skateboard.

K: Do you plan on making any changes at OP? Mr. M: Yes! I am working with AYBA to get new home-side bleachers in our gym, which will probably take place somewhere in the springtime.

K: Which college did you attend?

Mr. M: I went to the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada.

I went to CSUN to get my Masters.

K: Anything you would like OP to know about you personally?

Mr. M: I just love it here. So far it has been great. The staff, students, and parents have all been very nice.

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School Life

October 2013

Senior Spotlight

By Alex Appelrouth, News Editor, Brittany Jones, Co-Editor-in-Chief Q: What is your philosophy on life?

A: God that’s so hard. Um… just go out there and do your thing. Be yourself. Nobody cares, well people do care, but you don’t care what people think. And you just go out there and be yourself ‘cause that’s just what you do.

I mean, that’s what I do and it’s kind of worked.

Q: What is an essential part of your day?

A: Probably just drawing (tapping on the desk). I draw every day. I have art every other day and I have graphic design after that. I draw stuff all the time. That’s fun stuff.

Q: What do you consider to be fun?

A: Probably just hanging out with my friends, going out, going off campus for lunch, and stuff. Um, I’ve always wanted to sky dive, but never done it, but that seems fun.

I’m scared of heights… but I’ll do it.

Q: If you ran our school, what would you do?

A: Ran our school? God. Is this realistic? [No, anything at all.] Anything? [Yes]. – pass—I have nothing to say here. Probably start taxing students…for being here.

Oh wait, we do tax students!

Alright, we tax the parents.

But start taxing the students and force them to work for their stuff so their parents can work toward social security. (chuckle) … Wait, no. No! The people have to check every morning if you have hand sanitizer and tissues in every classroom. Because I walk into class like “Do you have a tissue?” And they’re like “No…go to the bathroom.” I go to the bathroom and they have the little air blower things. My nose is running and everyone can see it. Everyone’s making fun of me. And it hurts. And there’s no tissues.

Q: If you formed a band, what would you call it?

A: It’d probably be Taylor, but there’d be a money sign

in between the y and the l.

So it’s like Tay-money-lor, so that everyone knows I make a lot of money. Even though, currently, money is tight.

Q: If you could have any pet, extinct or not, what would it be?

A: A Pachycephalosaurus.

Period. It’s a dinosaur, the head butting one.

Q: If you were a rapper, what would your name be?

A: It’d probably be Tay$lor.

Oh! No, no. Clancy.

Q: If you could be anything at all, what would it be?

A: Anything? Like I could just be like… [You could be an ice cream.] Why would I want to get eaten? I just thought about that. Maybe food…does food like getting eaten? [You could eat yourself.] I could…but then where would I go? These are answers that science needs to be looking at. Oh God, I could be anything.

Um. Okay, God. I hate these questions because then I have to like analyze them to get the perfect answer. So, would I still be myself but I’d be this? So if I was like,

5

Taylor Bray

yo, I want to be Obama.

Would I be Taylor, but look like Obama? [Sure.] Really?

Because Obama is a really good-looking guy. … [You’d be like yourself inside, but say you wanted to be ice cream, you’d be you, but an ice cream cone.] So I’d talk to people when I’m an ice cream? [Yes…] So I’d die.

People would eat me. Would I still bleed? [No, you’d melt.]

That’s harsh. That’s harsh.

It’s actually really hot out so that’d be a problem. … Probably Usain Bolt. He’s a fast guy. He’s just a good looking guy. He’s fast and athletic. He knows what he’s doing. He’s got his life straight.

Q: Do you have a favorite joke?

A: No. (chuckle) Just put no.

Or just say I don’t know any jokes.

Feature

6

October 2013

TECHNOLOGY IN CLASSROOM

By Zainab Pixler, Managing Editor

In the later days of June, amidst the dusty beginnings of Oak Park High School’s reconstruction, Oak Park teachers gathered in the dimly lit, air conditioned room of G-9 to hear a presentation given by OPUSD’s new Director of Educational Technology, Enoch Kwock.

Kwock’s presentation introduced Oak Park’s most recent technological addition: the iPad. This device, already familiar to the general public, plays the largest role in OPUSD’s latest technology plan. The plan, implemented from July 2013 to June 2016, is somewhat of a shift from the district’s previous plan which was focused on turning all district classrooms into “21st Century Classrooms.”

The 21st Century Classroom model brought brand new, much needed technology into OPUSD classrooms. According to the current technology plan, approximately 92% of the district classrooms now have a 77” SMARTboard interactive whiteboard, a document camera and a set of “clickers.”

Students primarily interact with the technology through clickers or when using the SMARTboard for a presentation or classroom exercise.

According to the 2013-2016 technology plan, “The District is not abandoning the progress and focus on the 21st century classrooms, but it is rather extending the scope of technology infusion to allow students to be the primary operators and users of the

technology.” The new program, essentially, is introducing iPads as an additive, not a replacement.

The proposed purpose of the new gadget is to extend technological interaction to each student in order to individualize learning experiences, offering an advanced level of educational engagement.

New technology also serves to prepare Oak Park students and teachers for the forthcoming requirements of the Common Core Assessment, a mandated performance-based computer adaptive test currently set to arrive in the spring of 2015.

The state of California has allocated nearly $1.25 billion to schools to fund the shift to digital testing. With about $200 per student, districts are now able to pay for adequate teacher training, appropriate materials and approved technology.

Oak Park High School Principal Kevin Buchanan plans on putting that money to good use.

“Incorporating the types of performance assignments, and problem-based learning using the iPads is important for our students to be prepared and successful as we enter this next generation of instructional assessment and accountability,” he states.

The new testing, for which the 9.7” screen iPad is an approved testing device, works by targeting the individual curriculum strengths and weaknesses of each student.

To prepare for the unique testing requirements, Oak Park’s Technology Committee designed a plan to ready its teachers and students for the change.

The ultimate goal of the technology plan is to have all district teachers and student engaged in an iPad-centered program by June 2016. To get there, the district will slowly bring iPads into the classrooms, then into the

part of select classrooms; and, by June 2015 the district will deploy mobile class sets of iPads, similar to the COWS (Computers on Wheels) and affectionately call them MiLKs (Mobile iPad Learning Karts).

“The students think they’re playing a game,” said Kwock, “but they’re really building an understanding.” hands of students.

“Before students are given their own iPads,” states the plan, “teachers must develop proficiency and teaching skills and discover which apps are appropriate.”

Any teachers who were interested received loaner iPads following Kwock’s presentation in June. Teachers were given the opportunity to learn to navigate on the iPad and download apps that best fit their specific curricular objectives.

“This is the coolest teaching tool ever,” says Calculus teacher Robin Midiri, referring to her high-tech Texas Instrument App. Midiri has great hopes for the iPad in the high level math curriculum. “I think it would be a huge help in terms of students understanding concepts,” she says, “and the transition between this [app] and what students would use on the AP exam is not a problem.”

The next step of the process involves making small groups of iPads in learning centers, which house around 6-8 iPads, a

Each iPad will be equipped with expertly coded apps, some chosen by the district and others by teachers, that target specific curricular objectives.

Along with standard Apple iWork applications such as Pages, Keynote and Numbers, each iPad will also feature apps such as Readdle for local document storage, WireShare for wireless uploading and downloading and Dropbox for personal student and teacher document management.

During his presentation, Kwock demonstrated a few apps which have already been installed to the district’s existing iPads. One particular app that Kwock demonstrated, called Motion Math, is specifically designed to teach students fractions by having them maneuver the iPad to form visual fraction representations.

“The students think they’re playing a game,” said Kwock, “but they’re really building an understanding.”

Certain apps, like Motion Math, give students both audio and visual feedback.

They also adapt to student

input, adjusting the questions to target each student’s strengths and weaknesses, much like the Common Core testing.

Other demonstrations included National Geographic’s interactive World Atlas which includes geographical facts such as population and weather and distance measuring tools.

By June 2016, all district teachers should have their own iPads to deliver instruction to students, and all students, or at least those targeted by the Common Core Testing Standards, should become familiar enough with the iPad to pass the performance based assessment.

Once the device has been fully assimilated into the district’s classrooms, the district will consider ways to fund a program in which students will have the opportunity to take their iPads home with them.

“It’s so exciting,” says Mrs. Midiri. “It’s just the beginning. It’s pretty awesome in terms of the fun of teaching and, hopefully, the fun of learning.”

Feature

October 2013

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7

School Life

8

Annual Club Week

By Jack Berner, Staff Writer

Oak Park High School presented its annual Club Week from Monday, September 16th through Friday the 20th. Club Week is an event that allows students to browse club stations which are set up by other students in the school’s pavilion.

Clubs that have been at Oak Park for many years include the robotics club, math club, and chess club.

The drama club remained popular, but many new clubs appeared as well.

Junior Polina Davydov, creator of the new Russian Club

Photo Credit: Min Kwon

states, “It’s basically a way to immerse yourself in Russian culture in a new, fun way.”

The founder of the Indian club, sophomore Aneesh Gowri, comments on the club’s agenda, saying, “We plan to talk about Indian culture. We’re competing with other Indian clubs from other schools in the area.”

The Indian Club has had large success in sign-ups and when sophomore Ameya Bulusu, a sophomore, was asked why he joined the club he said, “because I’m Indian, of course.”

Other new clubs include the One to Another Club, described by its founder, sophomore Brandon Byer, as “a club where we talk about what we can do for

others, plan certain activities and take suggestions from members,” the Rubik’s Cube Club, founded by freshman Rutwik Tipireddy who explained that this is, “a club where we teach amateurs to solve Rubik’s cubes and various types of puzzles.” and the ukulele club created by Audrey Pham, a junior.

Not only are there new clubs at Oak Park High School, but many existing clubs have changed as well.

Junior Russell Tagawa, the new president of the Robotics Club, says he plans to include, “more participation and meetings.” Jessica Ji, a junior and president of the economics club explains, “We’re going to be a lot more active this year so we can get in volunteer hours.” Senior Aakash Jha, the current president of the Future Medical Club says, “I’m going to invite more doctors to come and we’re going to go to hospitals.”

The turnout for club week this year was average, with a wide grade range among the students from curious freshman to veteran seniors. With the amount of new clubs and positive changes to preceding clubs, this years’ club week was considered a success.

October 2013

Seaside XC Invitational

By Nicholas Markarian and Nicole Schwartz, Staff Writers

On July 6th at the Seaside Cross Country Invitational, Sahm Bazargan, a senior at Oak Park High School, won for the fourth year in a row.

Bazargan ran a time of fourteen minutes and twenty-eight seconds for three miles. He averaged a pace of four minutes and forty-nine seconds per mile.

He came in first out of two hundred and seventy three senior male runners from cross country teams around Southern California.

Sahm has won this race every year starting from his freshman year and said, “I’m very happy about it and I look forwad to the season.”

In addition to this win, Brittany Blackwell took first place out of three hundred and thirteen girls in the sophomore girls’ race.

Blackwell explained, “I was happy with my time

and it was a great start to the season.” She finished with a time of seventeen minutes and fifty-two seconds.

Overall, Cross Country team members are excited about this year and feel the team will do well.

Sophmore Jake Whealen agrees saying, “Everyone is excelling and preparing for state - our biggest challenge yet.”

Coach Calce adds, “The season is going very well and we are looking forward to the season.”

Sahm Bazargan and Brittany Blackwell, Seaside winners

Sports

October 2013

9

Girls’ Tennis Teams

By Irena Yang, Staff Writer

The girls’ tennis team is kicking into high gear, hoping to make it to CIF in the Tri-Valley League for the last time. Next year, the team will not only switch into a new league, but also face new schools and opponents.

“It’ll be tough to compete with the bigger schools next year,” Coach Carl Joyce comments, “but I think this year we have a strong chance of finishing at the top.” And, so far it looks like he’s right. The Oak Park Girls’ Varsity team has won all of its preseason matches against Viewpoint (12 games—6 games), Agoura High School (14—4), Louisville (11—7), and Chaminade (15—3).

A lot of the girls’

success has come from a combination of new players and experienced veterans.

With the addition of freshman Annette Goulak and the return of sophomore Sasha Romanova, this year’s Varsity singles team has become one of the strongest yet. Although three seniors from the doubles line-up graduated last year, the Varsity team still has two strong doubles teams: Roopa Chandra and Irena Yang, and Anastasia Greer and Ashwarya Srinivas.

Annette Goulak, the team’s best singles player, has shown immense potential for the years to come.

Goulak commented on her love for tennis, saying, “I like playing for the team because I love competition and I also get to make new friends and cheer them on.” Both Goulak and Romanova have won all their singles matches thus

Photo Credit:Min Kwon, Junior varsity girls’ tennis team.

far. Both doubles teams are also undefeated.

The tennis team also added a new Junior Varsity team last year, which has created a bigger and better tennis experience. With an additional 15 girls, the courts are filled and new friendships are forming. “I’m really glad they added the JV team,” sophomore Lillian

Ong says. “I get a chance to improve as a player and play real matches.” The JV team has also had an unblemished record, winning their first match against Agoura.

Team captains Sydney Hassard, Lindsay Stanton, Roopa Chandra, and Irena Yang all have high hopes for the team. “We have such a solid Varsity line-up

that it’s getting competitive between the girls to take the few remaining starter spots,” Junior Lindsay Stanton said.

“But that just means there’s a lot of talent on our team this year!”

The girls’ tennis team has a strong change of achieving their goals both for this year and for future years to come.

Oak Park Football Dominates Continued from page 1 it has ever been, fundamentally speaking, we have the ability to dictate the game through our performance.”

Oak Park’s offense has been exceptional as well. In six games, the Varsity team has averaged over 45 points scored each game with a combined total of 273 points. Quarterback Chandler Whitbord, one of the national leaders in touchdown passes, has helped to score 25 of the team’s 41 touchdowns with his talented arm, according to MaxPreps. Whitbord is wellaware of his standing as the country’s high school leader in passes. He credits this feat through “work[ing] really hard with [his] receivers

after practice and building chemistry with them.” In continuing his discussion on his major accomplishment, Whitbord points out that “it’s a nice accomplishment to have as many touchdown passes that I have.”

According to MaxPreps, 19 of these touchdown receptions have been completed by wide receiver Matt Byer, who is one of the national leaders in touchdown receptions. Byer commented on this achievement saying, “It’s pretty surreal.”

He attributes getting to this position by working “very hard over the off-season” while giving “so much credit to [his] quarterback and offensive linemen.”

Byer explains, “I try and not let the statistics get

into my head and just let my game speak for itself. The most important thing to me is winning. I pride myself in being modest and staying motivated in order to help my team win a league championship.”

The Oak Park football team has operated on an entirely new level of confidence and determination. “I see us heading to greatness” reports Green, who shares this mentality with the rest of the Varsity squad. The team eagerly awaits their first league game, which is Friday, October 11th against Santa Paula at home.

Whitbord sums up the team’s new mindset, saying, “It’s all about winning, and that’s what Oak Park football is all about now.”

Photo Credit: Mark Kalbeld Above: Chandler Whitbord, one of the national leaders for touchdown passes, prepares to throw. Below: Justin Green sacks Villiage Christian QB and Zach Fowler recovers fumble for a touchdown.

“This year’s team has worked extrememly hard in the off-season to become a successful team. We have assembled a new coaching staff this season with a lot of positive reinforcement. Winning a Tri-Valley Championship and a CIF title are very reachable accomplishments for this team.

With such a great group of student athletes, it’s an honor to be their Head Football Coach.” - Cwoach Shorten Photo Credit: Mark Kalbeld

Entertainment

10

Horror at the Movies

By Nicholas Burt, Staff Writer

It is the time of the year once again. The month of the year devoted just to putting dread straight into the soul of every person – October.

For most people October means giving out candy to trick-or-treaters or going to parties with their friends. To others, it means going out to the cinema and watching a horror movie that will keep them up for many nights in a row. Horror movies have always been a favorite of movie goers across the world.

For me, it is the spine tingling music and fear that will keep me up for

nights. Recently, I had the chance to go to the theaters and watch Insidious: Chapter 2.

When I walked into the movie I had a general sense of what I was going to see since the first Insidious had done a good job of terrifying me. Insidious: Chapter 2 is similar to the first film in that it depicts the lives of people who can go into the world of the dead.

Inside the world, they use their spiritual bodies to walk around and learn about dead people, often becoming trapped. Insidious 2 offers this and a few new twists, which makes the movie even more enjoyable than the first.

Once again, the movie follows the Lambert

“NewDress Code=Turtle Necks and Long Pants”

By Sarah Goldberg and Natasha Rowland, Staff Writers

Photo Credit: Min Kwon Punishment for dress code violation.

This year students returned to Oak Park High School to find that the administration was enforcing the dress code more strictly.

According to Assistant Principal Bryan Martin, the decision to enforce the dress code was made by the entire administration team.

Martin stated that this decision was reached because, “within the last two years the school has received complaints from teachers and community members that our students were beginning to dress less appropriately.

Our enforcement of the current dress code had become sparse so as an administration we decided to adhere to the current dress code more firmly and to document more precisely whether a student had ever been spoken to about dress code.”

It is also believed that females are more directly affected by the dress code. Martin explained this, saying, “Currently, adolescent female fashion consists of clothes that violate Oak Park’s current dress code policy.” In fact, on the first day of school, 13 girls were dress coded.

Most recently, the total count of dress code violations reach 83 students. These include short shorts, backless dresses, and cropped shirts.

A new addition to the dress code policy is that students who are caught violating the dress code have to wear What Would Ellen Do t-shirts.

The seniors made it clear they disapprove of the new enforcement with a sign at the first rally that said, “new dress code=turtlenecks and long pants.”

Sophomore Liane Greenberg commented on the strictness, stating, the new dress code is “really strict and I see advisors walking back and forth and dress coding people early in the morning.” Junior Polina Davydov added, saying, “They focus more on the girls and midriffs and bandeaus.”

The faculty seems to stand united in appreciating this new change while the students, especially the girls, wait to see if the strictness will fade and things will go back to ‘normal.’

family and their troubles.

The major conflict is that the family’s father, Josh Lambert, played by Patrick Wilson, is accused of murdering Elise, the psychic from the first film. After their house is taken control of by the, the family moves to Josh’s childhood home and tries to start-up their lives once again.

Just like in Insidious, the mother, Renai Lambert, played by Rose Bryne, begins to see dead people walking around the house.

From that point on, the story begins to get confusing.

James Wan, the director, is a true master of low budget horror films that can really make you tremble in your seat. An hour into the movie, I begin to see the story unravel. Problem after problem smacks the viewer in the face and some seem

October 2013

to lose our direction in the movie’s plot. To me, I felt as if I had to retrace my steps in the storyline. In the end, I had to actually spend some time analyzing the story.

What it lacks in story, it makes up with its comedy. In the first film, there was no humor and it was a

Cultural Exchanges

By Adella Katz, Co-Editor-in-Chief

As the 2013 school year began, the student population hit an all-time high, exceeding 1,500 students.

This was due to an influx of out-of-district students, the previous year’s Medea Creek 8th graders and fifteen new foreign exchange students. A seemingly small number, fifteen foreign students in Oak Park High School is a great feat, seeing as the school’s foreign exchange program began only second semester of the previous school year.

The 15 international students that arrived came from primarily Europe and South America, specifically from Brazil, Norway, Germany, Italy, Costa Rica, Spain and Russia.

Lena Stache, a sophomore at OPHS, as well as a German exchange student, relates her desire of choosing this particular foreign exchange program. “I was interested to go to America and to make new friends and to get the experience to stay with a host family.”

She excitedly adds, “I really like it here. The people are really nice and they helped me transition here. The host family is very nice and helpful.” Though she attends OPHS Lena’s host family lives in Thousand Oaks, which, though a bit inconvenient, is still in the vicinity of the school. When asked if she is currently participating in any school activities or clubs, Lena said, “I am on

the tennis team and in a club that helps homeless people.”

A month into the school year and Lena is already well underway in her Americanization.

Two months after arriving in America from Russia, Denis Melnikov began his freshman year at Oak Park High School. Unlike Lena who chose a foreign exchange program, Denis moved to Oak Park with his “papa and mama” because “[his] dad found work here.”

Speaking only very little English, Denis faces troubles at the school, among them surpassing language barriers. Due to this issue, Denis’s replies to questions were translated into English.

When asked how this school is different from his school in Russia, Denis replies, “At my old school there were 80 people and we learned seven subjects in a single class. I don’t speak English well at all. In this school I take a few classes as well as an addi-

Denis Melnikov is from Russia.

classic haunted house movie.

The second Insidious provided the audience with humor, which picked the movie right back up.

Overall Insidious is a far better movie than its sequel and Insidious: Chapter 2 is an average film with several good scenes. tional English class.” Regarding his difficulty to learn in English, Denis comments, saying, “No, it’s much easier here than in Russia.” He then laughed and added, “The material, I mean, is simpler here than there.” As a final remark, Denis relates, “I like America, I like California, and the weather is great.”

Interestingly enough, OPHS is the only school in OPUSD that utilizes a foreign exchange program. According to Principal Kevin Buchanan, Oak Park became involved in the foreign exchange program “to raise funds that could be used to help maintain our District’s Mandarin Chinese program since the FLAP grant, which initially paid for the program, was no longer funded.”

Buchanan added, “We are very excited that these international students are here and I know our students are curious about them and are welcoming them. I hear that they are enjoying learning how to surf.”

Lena Stache is from Germany.

Entertainment

October 2013

Homecoming Dance: The Great Gatsby

11

Upcoming Theatre

By Jordan Berns, Staff Writer Local Theatres

By Julia Appelrouth and Lauren Perlmutter, Staff Writers

Homecoming is the first and main dance of the school year which is attended by a majority of the Oak Park High School student body. This year, the theme chosen by ASB is the Great Gatsby.

Not only has there been much talk and excitement about this dance, but with the amount of work being put into the decorations and planning, it will be one to remember.

“We are hoping to make it an elegant, more formal type of dance,” explained Katherine Byrne, ASB president.

Many students are also showing signs of excitement for the upcoming dance. “I’m most excited to see how they decorate the dance to make it Great Gatsby, because I like glamorous things,” says sophomore Amanda Liu.

Hopefully, this special homecoming event will not disappoint.

Spamalot Where: Conejo Valley Players When: November 15 – December 14, 2013 Thurs, Friday & Saturday at 8:00pm, Sunday at 2:00pm Ticket Price: $18-20 Theatre’s Distance from Oak Park High School: 15-20 minutes Best Suited for: Those who are fans of Monty Python, killer rabbits, and off the wall musical comedies. It should be noted that Spamalot has been historically cast-contingent, so it will be interesting to see how this production turns out.

The Second City Touring Company Where: Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza When: February 21, 2014 at 7:30pm Ticket Price: $39 Distance from Oak Park High School: 15-20 minutes Best Suited for: Fans of comedic improvisation.

Second City is a world-renowned comedy club born in Chicago. This show is sure to be absolutely hilarious.

Professional Theatres War Horse Where: The Pantages When: October 8-13, 2013 October 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 2013 at 8pm October 12, 2013 at 2pm October 13, 2013 at 1pm October 13, 2013 6:30pm Ticket Price: $32-140 Theatre’s Distance from Oak Park High School: 45 minutes-1 hour Best Suited for: Those with an affinity for moving stories and fantastic staging. The Handspring African Puppet Company has created some of its most genius work yet in the animals that grace the stage of War Horse. It is almost worth seeing the show just for the puppetry. There is a common misconception that War Horse is a musical, but it is actually a play, and brought home the converted Best Play award at the 2011 Tony Awards.

M A R K E X L E R D . D . S . , F. A . C . P. PRACTICE LIMITED TO PROSTHODONTICS

Proud Supporter of OPHS Women’s

Volleyball

“Go Eagles” BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST CARING FOR YOUR SIMPLE TO COMPLEX DENTAL NEEDS 818-501-0663/16311 VENTURA BLVD., SUITE 530 ENCINO, CA 91436

About the Talon

TALON Mission Statement

12 The Talon, produced by OPHS Journalism Club students, strives to bring attention to and to discuss current events through a student forum.

The paper aims to inform the student body in a reliable and relevant manner.

If you would like to contact the Talon with comments or questions regarding advertising, please e-mail the newspaper at: talon@ oakparkusd.org

October 2013

Letter from the Editor Dear Readers,

This new school year has brought about many changes to our school including a new vice principal, a new inforcement of the dress code, a handful of international students and structural changes across campus. As the new Editors-in-Chief of the Talon, Brittany Jones and I are very excited to present our new and improved newspaper to the Oak Park High School public. From the dress code to Homecoming, from tampons to football, we, the Talon staff will be bringing you all the most updated and interesting news and entertainment.

For this issue’s feature, the topic of iPads was chosen, considering the recent revamp of the technology program. SMARTboards and COWs will have the addition of Mobile iPad Learning Karts, or MiLKs, in classrooms starting in 2014. Additionally, this year’s Varsity football team is the best the school has had in many years. We are all very proud of our boys and wish them luck at the Homecoming game tonight. Everyone come down to the stands tonight and support Oak Park! We wish you all a happy Homecoming and may the best seniors win King and Queen.

On that note, have a good weekend Oak Parkians. Seniors – good luck with those college apps.

Just get them over with and enjoy this last year. Keep calm and carry on, as the popular t-shirts say.

And in the words of Anchorman Ron Burgundy, “Stay Classy, [Oak Park].”

- Adella Katz, Co-Editor-in-Chief

The Talon Staff Editorial Staff Brittany Jones is a senior who has been writing for the Talon for three years. She is on the Varsity basketball team.

Adella Katz is a senior at OPHS. She enjoys writing for the Talon and obsessively watches her favorite TV shows New Girl and SVU. Alex Appelrouth is a senior at Oak Park who loves music and fast food. He enjoys being active and plays Varsity baseball.

Juliana Furgala is a junior and she has always been, and will continue to be, an avid reader. Her favorite subjects are history and art.

Nicholas Markarian is a sophomore at Oak Park High School. He runs crosscountry and track, and enjoys playing soccer as well.

Sarah Goldberg is a sophomore at Oak Park High School. She enjoys reading, watching television, and hanging out with her friends.

Tushar Jois is a junior at Oak Park who enjoys writing and layout. He is a typophile and hopes you like the new layout.

Julia Appelrouth loves to watch new episodes of CW’s The Vampire Diaries Thursday nights. This is currently her first year participating in Journalism Club.

Leah Katz is a senior at Oak Park and she likes taking pictures and watching ridiculous sitcoms. She also plays soccer in her free time.

Carlo Cruz-Albrecht is a sophomore who loves to read, to write, and express his opinions on controversial topics. He’s into science, engineering, and history.

Min Kwon is a senior at OPHS. He enjoys writing for the Talon and listening to K-Pop in his free time.

Jordan Berns is a senior. She likes the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. This is her third year on the paper.

Ashley Siavoshi is a junior and has been writing for the Talon since her freshman year. Her hobbies include poetry, maths, and the Big Bang Theory.

Jack Berner is a sophomore who enjoys writing for the Talon. He’s interests include tennis, history, science, and things that make him laugh.

Staff Writers

Natasha Rowland is a sophomore who loves to read and write. She also enjoys singing in the OPHS Chamber Choice and outside of school.

Nicholas Branigan is a sophomore at OPHS. Among his interests are writing, mountain biking, and lamenting his lack of free time.

Benjamin Porat is a sophomore writing for the Talon for a second year. He is a certified Microsoft Office Master in Office 2013.

Lauren Perlmutter is a sophomore and has had a passion for writing since she was young. Lauren enjoys being with friends and volunteering in her free time.

James Whiteley is a junior and he loves to run. He is on the cross country and track teams.

Kailee Canty is a junior and she loves to write. Her other hobbies include running track and cross country and playing the ukulele.

Nicholas Burt is a freshman who loves to watch films. He regularly goes to the movie theater and to the library to check out more.

Interested in joining the Talon Staff?

Whether you are intersted in journalism, photography or layout, we have a place for you. ~ Contact Brittany Jones or Adella Katz or stop by a meeting. Meetings take place every other Tuesday at lunch in H-9.