Raven Report 12-13 Issue 1

Raven Report Sequoia High School

Volume VI, Issue 1

1201 Brewster Ave. Redwood City, CA 94062

SEPTEMBER 19, 2012

US Secretary of Education kicks off tour at Sequoia

By LILY HARTZELL Feature Editor Arne Duncan, the U.S. Secretary of Education, visited Sequoia High School on Sept. 12 as his first stop on the “Education Drives America” tour. Speaking to a packed audience of students, educators and leaders in technology in Carrington Hall, Duncan moderated a panel of experts from Silicon Valley about the need to promote technology in education. “[Technology] is not about replacing humans, but empowering them,” said panelist Salman Khan, founder of Khan Academy.

Principal Bonnie Hansen opened the assembly, which focused on how technology can support teachers. She emphasized equal opportunities for all students in the public education system despite income inequality.

“Families have chosen Sequoia because they want their kids to go to

school with the rest of America,” Hansen said.

Senior Alejandro Castro introduced Duncan after sharing his story about moving from El Salvador as a freshman to being a college-bound senior in IB English. He was one of the student musicians featured in the “We Are the Future” music video, which premiered at the event. It was written and filmed

by Sequoia students in collaboration with the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus. “Who knows, you know, [I could be] a doctor that makes hip raps on the radio,” Castro said.

Duncan complemented Sequoia on our efforts to cater to every student.

“My goal, my dream, is that every student can go to a school like this one,” Duncan said.

He also touched on the issue of the DREAM Act, which was passed in California in 2011, but has not come

Sequoia was the first stop of 23 on this national tour.

The event drew hundreds of visitors to campus.

Photos by Erick Castro

through on a federal level. The Act allows undocumented students to qualify for state financial aid and attend state universities without paying out-of-state fees.

“Nationally we have to pass the DREAM Act,” Duncan said. “We as a nation can’t afford to keep that on the sidelines.”

The bulk of the assembly was a panel discussion with Duncan, Khan, Andrew Ng, Director of the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab

and co-founder of Coursera, and Catlin Tucker, a high school English teacher and author of “Blended Learning for Grades 4-12.” They all highlighted technology as a tool for teachers to close achievement gaps and allow students to work at their own paces.

“Technology is not going to save education [on its own], great teachers with great tools are going to save education,” Tucker said.

See DUNCAN, page 2

Cherokees begin new season with two wins

By LAUREL DEARBORN Sports Editor

Two weeks into the season, the Cherokees are 2-0 with a win at home against Fremont and on the road at Monta Vista.

Senior offensive lineman Julian Bertero is ready to bring it every week by being a role model both on the field and in practice.

“Being a senior is great, but with it comes responsibility,” Bertero said. “Seeing as we are a young team this year, it falls to the seniors to pull the in-

Feature:

tensity that we need out of the younger players. I think that the seniors have to be not just be an example to the younger guys, but to also keep them in check.”

Bertero leads the list of offensive players to watch out for, which also includes quarterback Mike Taylor, running back and linebacker Matt Jenkins and running back Tommy Lopiparo.

The top defensive players include defensive back Dylan Anderson, free safety Zach Tornquist and lineman Andres Ortiz.

Get to know new Sequoia teachers Page 5

Opinion:

“The team is fun,” Ortiz scheduled to be the Cherotold Prep2Prep.com. “You kees’ Homecoming game, but get to play with people and with PSATs the same week, have teamwork. I’m excited to the administration felt it play against Woodside and to would be too hectic. [beat] Carl“I was “Seeing as we are a young mont and asked by [get] the team this year, it falls to the the AdminTerremere seniors to pull the intensity istration to T r o p h y that we need out of the move it to back.” any other younger players.”

B o t h —Senior Julian Bertero w e e k , ” games will H e a d be played at Sequoia with the Coach Rob Poulos said. “We Woodside game on Oct. 19 make such a huge academic and the Carlmont on Nov. 9. push here at Sequoia for every The highly anticipated student who is eligible to take Woodside game was initially the PSAT that they felt like

Zero Period: not as bad as it sounds Page 6

By the Numbers

1,997

Total 2012-2013 student enrollment

it was going to be very hard to [have the test] the same week that we were doing all the homecoming activities.”

Still, this game will have a huge draw and may be the biggest game of the season.

“The idea about playing [Woodside] for Homecoming [was great] but even if you take emotion out of it, the games not going to be any smaller,” Poulos said.

“It’s going to be crazy here.

You don’t need homecoming to add to that. There is enough passion on that one.”

See WIN, page 8

484 New freshmen

2

News

DUNCAN

Fast Facts

(continued from page 1)

Examples of these tools are interactive digital textbooks, which the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Education hope to implement in U.S. schools in the next five years. They also hope to incorporate Connect2Compete, a program that would offer low-cost broadband plans to families with students on free or reduced lunch, starting in 2013.

Sequoia was the first of 23 stops on the nationwide tour. Other stops will include public libraries, universities, middle schools, community colleges, elementary schools and a local tire company. At each stop, Duncan will focus on a different aspect of education.

The Sequoia community had a variety of reactions to Duncan’s visit.

“It was great to see the music video,” said sophomore Alicia MenendezBrennan, a singer in the “We Are the Future” video.

“It was pretty much the culmination of all the fun we’ve had this past week. The people we worked with were the best and I appreciate everything they did for us.”

Over 400 Tweets were posted during the day about the event. Many praised and agreed with the panelists’ ideas.

However, some people protested the visit and Duncan’s policies, including Race to the Top, a program created by the Department to give incentives for innovation in education.

“No Child Left Behind gave schools a stick. Race to the Top was supposed to be more of a carrot, but the problem [is] in the name - ‘race,’” Spanish teacher Edith Salvatore said.

“If you take all the kids in the country, who deserve free education, and you have a race, some are going to lose.

I disagree that anyone should lose.”

At the e v e n t , Wo o d s i d e history teacher Greg Gruszynski stood during the assembly with signs reading “Arne Duncan: Stop Closing and Privatizing our Schools” and “We Support Chicago Teachers and Schools.”

Other teachers stood in solidarity with the Chicago Teachers Union strike by wearing red.

“I think they’re working real hard together,” Duncan said. “I have great

Arne Duncan is the US Secretary of Education. He majored in sociology at Harvard University, where he was named an Academic All-American in basketball. Here is some information on his background and what he has done so far in office.

•Duncan played professional basketball in Australia from 1987 to 1991.

• Duncan was previously the Chief Executive Officer for Chicago Public Schools from 2001 to 2008.

• Duncan has been Secretary of Education since 2009 when President Barack Obama appointed him.

• While in office, he has instituted the Race to the Top Program, which is meant to give incentives to schools to improve education.

• He has worked to increase Pell Grants for college students.

• This is his third Back to School Tour, which is meant to excite the country about public education.

• He lives in Virginia with his wife and two children, who both attend public school.

—LILY HARTZELL

Above: Secretary of Education Arne Duncan gave a signed basketball as a gift to Principal Bonnie Hansen.

Below right: The event drew hundreds of educators, journalists, and technology experts, who came ready with laptops, tablets, and cell phones to blog and Tweet about the event as it was broadcast live.

Below left: Not all were happy about Duncan’s visit or educational policies, though. confidence in the teachers and the union, and I hope they resolve it as quickly as possible and get everyone back together in the classroom. I know everyone has students’ best interests at heart and that they will put egos and persona lities aside to work together and figure this thing out.”

D uncan praised Sequoia’s success.

“Sequoia is an amazing school.

It’s no coincidence we started our tour here. We want to take the lessons learned here and share them. This is a remarkable success story in the making,” Duncan said.

Additional reporting from Dalia Jude, staff reporter.

Photos by Erick Castro and Alsace Patrone

3

Feature

“We are the future”

Lennon Bus project inspires students to come together

By ARACELI EFIGENIO Feature Editor 750,000 miles traveled. Four dancers. Three singers. Two guitarists. One rapper and famous producer songwriter for the Black Eyed Peas, Printz Board.

For a special three days, the Lennon bus provided 10 Sequoia students with the opportunity to create an original song and music video using high-end industry standard technology which was unveiled at U.S Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s visit last Wednesday.

The song “We are the Future,” written to go along with Duncan’s “Education Drives America” tour, was filmed in Carrington Hall and other locations around Sequoia and Redwood City.

The Lennon Bus staff works with students who have all types of musical experience over the course of the five-month tour.

“Sometimes the kids haven’t touched an instrument in their lives and sometimes they’re going to Juilliard,” said Ryan L’Esperance, one of the three engineers for the bus.

All the Sequoians, however, have been involved in their craft from young ages.

“So much knowledge at such a young age is really inspiring for me,” said George Pajon, guitarist for the Black Eyed Peas.

Jeff Sobel, the chief engineer and responsible for the bus design, enjoyed seeing the progress of the students first hand during the international tour.

“You forget that you didn’t know [these students]. They seem like old friends at the end of the day leaving the bus,” Sobel said.

The bus is separated into two studios with audio, video and a full recording booth.

Sequoia guitarists, seniors Jared Solomon and Zé Martinho, worked with Pajon. Junior Jackie Ahern, senior Joselyn Juarez and sophomore Alicia Menendez-Brennan worked on vocals with Board.

“It’s nice to listen to these girls and say ‘Yeah, she’s got it’. If you’re dedicated to the craft, then you’re gonna win,” said Board, also a father of three who values music education in schools.

Music is very important to all the singers, especially Juarez, who is often caught singing in class. “[Singing is] really individual,” Juarez said. “Sing-

Bottom left: Jared Solomon’ interview will be featured on the Lennon Bus website and on YouTube.

Top left: From left to right Joselyn Juarez, Mario “Tex” James, Jackie Ahern, Alicia Menendez- Brennan, and Alejandro Castro spent three days together over the weekend to create an original song.

Top right: Zé Martinho has been playing guitar for seven years.

Bottom right: Edgar Aguirre and Francisco Menera were two of the four dancers who had two hours to create choreography for the music video.

ers try to compare themselves to other people, but one isn’t better than the other. I can’t sing like Beyoncé, but Beyoncé can’t sing like me. We’re like flowers—they’re all different but all beautiful.”

Senior Alejandro Castro, who rapped for the song, primarily worked with songwriter Mario “Tex” James. Castro, who is originally from El Salvador, moved to California four years ago and used music to help him make the transition.

Photos by Araceli Efigenio

“I started doing my own rap cause I missed the old [music] at home,” said Castro. “You get lonely [here] without knowing [English].”

The Lennon bus gives the next musical generation the opportunity to channel their talents and transcend all cultures and backgrounds.

“Music is kinda the thing that unifies people.

That is one of the things we can all agree on as a nation, as a world,” L’Esperance said.

As Sequoia’s population goes up, so do new buildings

By TY DEWES Staff Reporter Four new classrooms and a new fine arts room are being built in the Bquad to accommodate Sequoia’s growing student body.

During the past two years, the number of students at Sequoia has increased from 1,600 to 2,000 and Sequoia has added four portable buildings this year, to use as classrooms.

“They are pretty big classrooms,” English teacher Jane Woodman said.

“Most classes out there are close to 36 kids.”

Although the portable classes hold many students and help deal with the massive student body, they are not part of the main building. This has not affected their attendance to class yet.

“The students have had great punctuality,” Woodman said. “If anyone’s late it’s me.”

Woodman has to run from the “But you can’t count on it until next band room all the way to the portables Fall.”

Although the construction seems to begin teaching English between new, it’s been 10 years coming. classes.

“They had to wait a long time to Besides the portables, construction is being done to the old woodshop get the building approved since it was room in the B-wing. The old wood- an old building,” Sheehan said. “They shop classroom will be replaced with needed permission from the historical society.” five new Permission classrooms, from the hisincluding a “The students have had great torical society brand new, punctuality; if anyone’s late, it’s me.”

— English and band teacher was necessary huge fine arts Jane Woodman because the room. buildings at “ W e Sequoia were needed more built long ago, and permission is needclassrooms because we had more kids,” art teacher Kate Sheehan said. “[The ed to renovate or change them.

The new classrooms are being built district is] thinking this will help.”

The construction was supposed to to help accommodate for the kids be finished by last year but has been that will be coming to Sequoia in the next few years. In 2020, the propushed back.

“The new projection is this Febru- jected amount of students at Sequoia ary,” principal Bonnie Hansen said. is 2,556, which is 427 more students

than the current student body.

“What we are experiencing and preparing for is to deal with the projected growth,” assistant superintendent Enrique Navas said. “We need to look at Sequoia and look at the program needs first.”

The new classrooms will be able to hold about 150 students, averaging 30 students per classroom. Although the construction will cost around $5 million, the school has a separate budget for buildings and other activities, so other departments will not be affected.

“It’s important to understand that the money is coming from a bond from 10 years ago,” Hansen said. “The money has to be used for construction.”

But the question remains; will it be enough?

“I hope so,” Hansen said. “I really hope so.”

4

Feature

Teacher doubles as actress in Legally Blonde

By JARRETT CROWELL Page Editor Teachers at Sequoia can do more than just lecture and assign massive homework assignments. History teacher Lydia Cuffman starred in Redwood City Community Theater’s production of “Legally Blonde” here in front of a home crowd. Carrington Hall on two weekends this past August.

In the play, Cuffman plays Margot, a passionate sorority sister and protagonist Elle Woods’ cheerleader.

Margot’s ditsy lines and stereotypical sorority sister personality force Cuffman to play someone who is not representative of her actual personality.

“My character is different from my self, so at first I thought ‘Oh no are my students going to see this’ but now it is great and I enjoy playing the part,” said Cuffman.

Performing at Sequoia led to some familiar faces in the audience.

“It’s great to see people I know in the audience. My department came to see it, and I’ve seen some students in the audience as well as some actually in the production,” said Cuffman.

The production in Carrington Hall was not just about the entertainment, it was also about the community.

Dress code changed, limits pushed

By ANNA DAGUM News Editor

Photo courtesy of Robert Stronck

The cast of “Legally Blonde” gets down on the stage during the show held at Carrington Hall this past August. “[Acting] makes me feel like a part of the community. I am a teacher in the area, and now acting in this production, it’s a great feeling,” said Cuffman.

Cuffman got into acting at a young age, and it used to be a hobby of hers.

“I’ve been doing productions since middle school and throughout high school and I thought I would be cool to get back into it,” said Cuffman.

As Cuffman remembers the pro-

ductions that she was in during high school, she stresses the importance of balancing schoolwork.

Redwood City Community theater produces a play every summer at Sequoia, and has open tryouts for parts.

According to Cuffman, it is easy to just come and tryout for the plays, and is a great way to practice a new hobby in front of a large crowd.

She suggests that all students should tryout next year.

Administrative Vice Principal, Mike Kuliga, announced a change in Sequoia’s dress code policy at the campus control policy assembly for the 2012-2013 school year.

Previously, all shorts had to reach mid-thigh, but the new rule only requires that they cover the student’s buttocks.

However, a few days after the announcement, Ms. Hansen announced on the P.A. system that if violations of the new rule continued, the dress code change would be revoked.

“Frankly I was surprised at how short the shorts became,” Kuliga said. “I was shocked to actually have to enforce violations.”

According to Kuliga, an immense amount of dress cuts have been given out since the policy change, and the violations have been worse.

“It’s unfortunate that the nature of being a teenager is to push the limits,” said Kuliga. “And this one isn’t a limit that should be pushed, because the only place to go with it is hanging out of your shorts.”

Geremy Escolta knocks out competition to win gold medal

By HANNA BOLAÑOS Editor-in-Chief Some students spent their summer lounging around in the sun, carefree. Senior Geremy Escolta, however, spent his vacation battling to a gold medal at the Junior World Taekwondo Expo in South Korea. As a result, he is the best in the world for 1417 year-olds, in the 113 lb. weight class.

“It was a great experience,” Escolta said. “When you win, it feels good knowing that you worked so hard to get to that point and that all that hard work paid off.”

Escolta is a member of the California Unified Taekwondo Association Jr. Team (CUTA), which represented the United States in Korea this past August. Escolta received bronze at the nationals in August, which qualified him. However, an opponent kicked him in the face, and dislocated his jaw early in the qualifying tournament.

Escolta fought through the next four rounds, to win the bronze and earn a spot on the national team.

“I would have gotten silver for sure, if I had been healthy,” he said.

Escolta has always been in-

volved in martial arts; his older brother competed as well.

“I’ve always loved doing it.

I grew up with it and it’s been there my whole life,” he said.

Taekwondo is a full contact martial art that consists of kicking, and sometimes punching. Escolta trains at Powerhouse Gym with his coach, Ron Leong, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, for one to two hours.

He will train for three or four hours a session if he’s preparing for a fight. Escolta also has to make a certain weight class before each fight, which sometimes requires him to lose 10-15 lbs. by dieting.

“It’s tough, but it’s all mental,” Escolta said, “Your body can do it, but if you don’t think you can do it or you don’t have the mental strength, you’re not going to make it.”

Though he’s become accustomed to toughing it out, Escolta says he would not have made it this far without the help and support of his family.

“My parents have always been really supportive,” Escolta said. “My dad takes me to practice everyday; he drives me home, and when I’m cutting weight, my family diets with me. They’re not as hardcore, but it really helps.”

Escolta is also a vital part of the Sequoia Varsity Wrestling team. Escolta went twofor-two at CCS, and won the P.A.L wrestling championship for the 113lb. weight class, in his junior year.

Escolta likes both taekwondo and wrestling, because they require the same type of training. He intends to focus on taekwondo, however.

“I like taekwondo better, because I think I’ll be able to take it a lot further,” Escolta said. “I could poten tially ma ke t h e Olymp i c

team.”

That is Escolta’s ultimate goal, to compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Though that has always been his highest personal aspiration, Escolta would also love to go for his family.

“It would be the best feel-

ing to have my parents and brother watch me compete at the Olympics,” Escolta said.

“Having them watch me compete at the highest level possible would be like repaying them for everything they’ve done for me.”

Escolta will be moving up to the senior division and is aware that his competition will be much tougher. He says he is up to the challenge.

“I don’t really get

intimidated before fights,” Escolta said. “I wouldn’t be fighting at this level if I wasn’t good. I usually do most of the intimidating.”

Photo courtesy of Geremy Escolta

5

Feature year kicks off, new faces adorn the campus Librarian, As thein allschool different forms. The Raven Report talked with the to the 2012 -2013 Sequoia staff to find counselors, 13 additions out what makes them unique. and teachers oh my!

Tovah Skiles

—Compiled by Araceli Efigenio, Feature Editor

Clare Szydlowski

Originally from: Buffalo, NY Education: UC Santa Cruz, SF State Department: Art Fun Fact: She spent part of her summer working on an organic dairy farm milking goats in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Allison Stafford

Originally from: Seattle, WA Education: Stanford University Department: Science Fun Fact: She swum 1500 meters in a single day.

Ian Perdikomatis

Originally from: Ireland Education: SF State University Department: Math Fun Fact: He likes to surf, snowboard and spend time with his five-year-old twin girls.

Dy Nguyen

Originally from: San Jose, CA Education: SF State University Department: Special Education Fun Fact: She makes and sells terarriums, containers that display plants.

Originally from: San Leandro, CA Education: UC Davis, Sacramento State University Department: Spanish Fun Fact: She attended the Olympics over the summer and saw Gabby Douglas win her gold medal.

Erica Villalba

Originally from: San Jose, CA Education: San Jose State University Department: Counseling Fun Fact: Once she spent two months backpacking in Europe.

Demian Martens

Originally from: Mendocino, CA Education: CSU Humboldt Department: Math Fun Fact: At age seven, he was in the movie Cuba Crossing.

Tamesha Wise

Originally from: San Francisco, CA Education: SF State University Department: Counseling Fun Fact: She is all about the 49ers and the Lakers.

Beth Peters

Originally from: Atlanta, GA Education: Davidson College, Stanford University Department: Math Fun Fact: She played indoor soccer in a national championship tournament.

Shannon Schadler

Originally from: Palo Alto, CA Education: UC Santa Barbara Department: Library Fun Fact: She loves Disney and enjoys traveling.

Dylan Shelley

Originally from: Whittier, CA Education: SF State University Department: Math Fun Fact: He served as a White House Intern for Bill Clinton.

Sophie State

Kim Hansen

Originally from: San Francisco, CA Education: SF State University Department: Science Fun Fact: She lived in Guatemala for seven years teaching high school science.

Originally from: Napa, CA Education: Stanford University Department: Science Fun Fact: She was an audience member on The Price is Right.

6

Opinion

0 period, 0 problems

0 period reveals benefits and opportunities for student learning

By JARRETT CROWELL Page Editor BEEP BEEP BEEP. The deafening sound of my alarm at 6:30 a.m. I roll out of bed, against my will, leaving my sanctuary of warmth and dream-land. It’s Monday morning, and I love my 0 period!

During these first few weeks of school, waking up for zero period has actually been helping my sleep cycle.

With a 0 period, I force myself to go to sleep earlier and get even more sleep .

Even after a few weeks of the early wake up, I am already getting used to it and it is becoming a routine. And if I am tired after 6th, I can just come home and take a quick nap before starting my homework.

While I hear many kids whining about their early classes, I welcome the 6:30 a.m. wake up call. Having a 0 period allows me to have a free seventh and take seven classes.

In my free period, I can do dumb stuff with my friends and pretend like I am starting my homework early and

being productive. With the schedule but can easily find a spot in the senior changes from last year, not having a or junior lots.

Waking up at 6:30 a.m. every mornseventh is great because I actually get ing means that I am the first one up a chance to hang out with my friends.

Without a free seventh, the day is over in my house, therefore allowing me to at 3:40 p.m. and that basically kills the eat all of the Lucky Charms before my brother wakes up for school. A hearty whole afternoon. breakfast is important for school, and In the event having a 0 pethat I actuHaving a free seventh is also amazing riod assures that ally do need to start some because I get to leave school an hour I can eat whathomework, I early and watch all of the suckers reluc- ever I want for can go in and tantly trudging up to their never-ending breakfast withsee most of my seventh periods. This is one of the great- out sharing or teachers who est feelings in the world and makes my being scolded.

Lastly, during have seventh day all the time, especially on Fridays.

0 period, I find period preps. that the classHaving a room environfree seventh ment is a lot better than during other is also amazing because I get to leave school an hour early and watch all of periods. There are no noisy classes in the suckers reluctantly trudging up to the halls going to an assembly, or kids their never-ending seventh periods. working on their English projects just This is one of the greatest feelings in outside of our door. The school at 7:30 the world and makes my day all the a.m. is peaceful. This offers a perfect environment to learn, or go to sleep in time, especially on Fridays.

Another perk of the 0 period is 0 period. Just kidding, Ms. Banister.

Having a 0 period has really worked parking. These last couple of years at Sequoia, the parking situation has out great for me, and fits my schedule been ugly. But arriving here at 7:20 perfectly. Though it may sound unina.m. every day guarantees one a primo viting at first, I am pleased with getparking spot. That way, one is not ting up an hour earlier than normal stuck parking on Brewster or James and going to school at 7:30 a.m.

Staff Editorial

The 11th Commandment

Thou shalt not show thy butt cheeks Uncle Ben reminded Peter Parker, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” Truer words were never spoken. The Sequoia female student population has indeed received a great privilege, thanks to a recent change in the school dress code policy.

Dress codes are meant to create order in a school environment by keeping students appropriately dressed. This used to mean: “Girls, (and boys), please don’t show your legs, or people will become distracted and fail their classes.” As of this year, though, the announcement was made: shorts now only need to cover a student’s buttocks, instead of needing to reach mid-thigh. And so, we of the Raven Report Staff, present to you the 11th commandment: thou shalt not show thy butt cheeks.

This change in the dress code is a blessing and somewhat of a breakthrough for Sequoia’s Campus Control Policy. Students, particularly female students, have often been stopped in the hallways for wearing shorts and skirts that are possibly too short for school.

It was often joked that the rule was really knee-length and not mid-thigh due to the amounts of dress cuts being handed out like pink slips during

a recession. Things were getting out of hand.

To those students who still feel relatively unfamiliar with the seemingly harsh enforcement of the previous dress code, we would like to reinforce how critical it is that the new shorts rule not be abused.

Yes, you looked really cute in your size zero Hollister shorts at that random Jason Aldean or Toby Keith concert, but you wouldn’t wear them to Ms. Hansen’s house for a barbeque (assuming you actually want to look tasteful). We are completely capable of wearing cute, appropriate shorts to school.

So, be smart and respect the new dress code. When choosing shorts to wear on a hot day, think about the privilege we’ve been given. There is a large gap between shorts that reach your knees and booty-shorts. Please take the time to find the in-between.

This is not an opportunity to break out the latter -- it is an opportunity to finally wear normal shorts and not have severe paranoia every time we walk down the hallways.

Let’s be mature and display our ability to handle responsibility. The U.S. Secretary of Education did just visit us, afterall. We wouldn’t want to ruin his thoughts about us.

By The Numbers

277

Students have 0 periods

13.8%

of students have 0 periods

10

Subjects taught during 0 period

3

Subjects taught last year during 0 period

7:30

is when zero period starts

87

Spaces available in the senior parking lot

Sequoia High School

Raven Report 2012-2013

Editor-in-Chief Hanna Bolaños Online Editor Caroline Lempert Sports Editor Laurel Dearborn Feature Editors Lily Hartzell Araceli Efigenio News Editor Anna Dagum Page Editors Erick Castro Jarrett Crowell Ty Dewes Staff Reporters Angelica Calderon Anthony Dufour Ashley Hall Becca Melmon Brianna Escobdo Cam Rebosio Carlos Garcia Carmen Vescia Claire Bugos Dalia Jude Glenn Billman Jamie Guaspari Jenna Paliughi Kyle Shea Lorna Wake Matvari Maharaj Paul Kiraly Sabrina Villanueva-Avalos Simon Greenhill Adviser Kim Vinh Mission Statement The Raven Report strives to provide Sequoia High School with informative, engaging, and relevant news. The staff will exercise integrity and adaptability while promoting justice and transparency through professional reporting about the school, the community, and the world.

Letters to the Editor The Raven Report welcomes letters to the editor from students, parents, or community members, sent to Room 308 or by email to ravenreport09@gmail.com. Letters must include the writer’s full name and ID number, and the staff reserves the right to edit for space and style.

Find us on Twitter and Facebook.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ravenreport Twitter: @ravenreport

7

Feature

Teachers stay at school during summer... or do they?

Weyant spent time in the East Coast visiting family and friends, then came back and toured California where he Sequoia teachers hate summer, and so was visited by friends. He also went they choose to spend the vacation in the on a mountain bike trip in Utah.

“I just was able to discondark dungeons of their classrooms preparnect from one thing and mening for the upcoming year. tally take a break. So if you’re Or so able to disconnect, you come students back refreshed,” said Weyant. b el ie ve.

Jane Woodman, who teaches Howband and English, spent her e v e r , summer in New Mexico, Oklamany of homa City where she parS e q u o i a’s ticipated in a graduate proteachers gram, and in northern Texas. take ad“Getting time away from vantage of Sequoia absolutely re-enersummer to gized spend time m e away from t o Sequoia. Sevcome eral teachers back. tied the knot, Also, others travelled to Europe t w o and South America, and of the many found time to rething s charge before school began. that I English teacher Katie Kardid over lin helped with the planning the sumof her brother’s wedding and Photos c ourtesy mer were then travelled to Europe. o and Kat ie Karlin f Jane Woodman directly She spent time in Camrelated bridge, England and in the to creative Czech Republic and Hungary. writing, “I think any time I have the opportunity to just be alone and to especially be in which is something that I like to try another country and to read and immerse to bring into my English classes,” said myself in the culture of somewhere else, it Woodman, “So some of the things I impacts my teaching because it makes me learned for my own writing and reada more interesting person, so I have more ing, I’ll be bringing into the classroom.”

The trips and activities teachers parto share with my students,” said Karlin. ticipate in over the summer affect the Psychology teacher David Weyant defied student beliefs this summer. manner in which a class and their at“In terms of what I did over the sum- titudes for the rest of the school year.

“I think it’s always good for [students] mer, nothing too academic, just sort of rejuvenating and re-energizing,” said to see us as people who have families Weyant. “I did do a little work, collect- and friends and life experiences outside ing some things for my psychology class, of the classroom, so I think the more but the main thing is just coming back of that we can share, the better because rested and getting ready to tackle school.” we’re accessible that way,” said Karlin.

By ERICK CASTRO Page Editor

Sequoia Says

What do you think teachers do over the summer?

“They die then when school starts again.”

resurrect

Megan Day Sophomore

“Get together and play bingo.”

Dipaul Tandel Senior

“The teachers gather and mingle at a teacher ”

party.

Chris Ortiz Junior

“Let loose in an attempt to be again.”

young Alana Puerto Junior

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8

Sports

Jenkins ready to excell in his third varsity year back.

“This year he’s going to play a lot of offense and defense in Matt Jenkins is the only addition to doing some kickfreshman to ever play for ing. He’s kind of blossoming Coach Rob Poulos on varsity. in more than one area now,” He is a three year starter, has Poulos said. participated in three other While at Sequoia, he has sports, has a 4.15 GPA, and also been a part of the soccer never played football before team, baseball team, and the walking onto the Sequoia track and field squad. Footfield three years ago. ball is different though.

“I’ve been coaching for “Football is more of a com17 years and Matt is the first mitment and it feels a lot more freshman to ever play on the of a part of your life than other varsity team for me,” Poulos sports,” Jenkins said. “It feels said. “He had never played cool to be a part of something organized football before he that people think is such an walked onto the field fresh- important thing and it’s cool man year but he still made the to be a main contributor.” varsity team. That never hapBeing a three year varsity pens.” starter allows Jenkins to help Jenkins, now a junior, de- other players that might not veloped a passion for football have as much experience. when he was in seventh grade “I don’t feel like I’m above as he anyone watched “Every day I strive to be better [ b e his fa- in every possible way that I can.” cause vorite —Junior Matt Jenkins I have team, been on the Oregon Ducks, on TV varsity longer]. We are all one with his family and played team and the fact that I have pickup games with his friends. been playing since freshman Originally he was eyed by year just gives me the opporthe coaches for his natural tunity to help other people kicking ability which helped as much as I can and to help him land third highest scor- contribute as a team,” Jenkins ing kicker overall in CCS in said.

2010.

This can help him to be Now, however, he has more of a leader, even when moved to become the Chero- it’s hard. kees main force at running “It’s hard sometimes to be a

By LAUREL DEARBORN Sports Editor

Photo by alsace patrone

Junior running back, linebacker, and kicker Matt Jenkins (40) has proven to be versatile on offense, defense, and in special teams in his third year as a varsity starter. leader especially when you’re around your friends and you are expected to be an authority around them. It’s hard to have a balance between friendship and authority. To be a good leader you have to show that you have their best interests in mind and they have to realize that,” Jenkins said.

Life doesn’t exist all on the football field though.

If college football doesn’t work out, he hopes to focus on business and make school more of central priority.

“I’m really interested in business. I think that it would be really cool to be a CEO and start my own business. I think it would be cool to be in a position to be able to influence

people in positive ways while still making a good living.”

In his free time, Jenkins also is an avid musician.

“I play the piano and the guitar and the ukulele. That’s really important to me. I’ve been passionate about it since I was young,” Jenkins said.

Late night practices and hard workouts seem hard without goals in mind, but Jenkins knows what drives him forward every single day.

“Every day I strive to be better in every possible way that I can,” Jenkins said. “I try to keep my goals constantly in mind.”

As published onPrep2Prep.com

WIN

(continued from page 1) But before the Cherokees face the Wildcats and the Scots they must first go up against the rest of the PAL Ocean Division and make sure to like each day and experience in the moment.

“Being a senior is great,” Bertero said. “ I don’t really know how else to put it except that now it really stands out that every practice and every game matters.”

Prepare to cheer on your Cherokees at their next home game, Sept. 28 against Half Moon Bay.

Gatorade week: the reality of a commercialistic age

By ANNA DAGUM News Editor A three day week marked the beginning of the school year and also marked the beginning of Sequoia’s first ever Gatorade week.

But beneath the hype that is “GWeek”, there is an underlying controversy surrounding the idea behind commercialism in schools.

This new program featured free Gatorade for all fall sports athletes before, during, and after practice, debuting the company’s newest line of products called “The G series” to high school athletes.

“The G series” includes a range of products that are high in carbs, low in calories, and full of electrolytes to replenish the nutrients sweat out.

As the market for new products becomes increasingly more competi-

tive, companies have begun targeting schools as a new frontier for advertising.

“I don’t believe in selling out to corporate America,” said volleyball coach Jane Slater, whose opinion is shared among much of the faculty.

“I understand that we rely on taxpayer money, and California is not the most generous when it comes to supporting public education. I am not naive to that,” World Studies and Build teacher Eric Kobrick said. “So I understand that teachers are often compelled to use that method of funding.”

But at what cost will Sequoia be essentially bought out by companies?

With the state of the California Public School System budget, schools need all of the funding they can get.

“I can visualize down the line, are we as teachers going to be corporate sponsors?” Kobrick said.

“Like a race car driver, I’ll come to school in my suit with my decals, are my opinions going to be bought? It could happen if schools are so underfunded that teachers might be tempted to cross a line.”

Schools are supposed to be a place and the merchandise is free, high of learning, where one can concen- school students will tend to buy into trate on studies and not be distracted that product regardless of its effect. by commercialism.

We can all be bribed, and we are all However, if commercialism is nec- tempted by free products such as cigaessary to provide our school with rettes, or services such as the military items necessary to learning or enhanc- are also items that may be troubling to ing performance, then some teachers the administration. argue that advertising in justified.

“I see that sometimes [advertising] “The fact that Gatorade provided so could be dangerous to use in schools many products if the products free of charge were used in for all athletes “I don’t believe in selling the wrong way, to sample was out to corporate America.” or advertised really the best —Teacher Jane Slater as the wrong part for me,” thing,” Banister Sequoia Athsaid. letics Director and Football Coach Regardless of the controversy it Rob Poulos said. brought, Gatorade week truly resoBut will advertising marketed at nated with the athletes. high school students truly sway their “When we were doing stunts, our decisions and buying habits? group was full of energy and working “I think kids nowadays are so bom- at 110 percent,” cheerleader McKenna barded with all kinds of products,” IB Brown said.

History teacher Kathleen Banister Freshman quarterback Scudder said. “But at the same time I think Stockwell felt the same way. that they are savvy about what prod“I had a pretty good week of footucts they choose.” ball thanks to Gatorade week,” StockWhen obtaining a product is easy, well said.