MARCH 13, 2017
VOL. MMXVII, NO. I
RAM’S EAR R I O V I S TA H I G H S C H O O L
It’s Never Too Late for a Happy Ending
Young Staff Brings Back the Ram’s Ear Caitlyn Bowers, Jacob Kinser, Blaine Dart and Emma Wright dressed to impress at this year’s Vice-Versa Dance.
This year’s Vice Versa dance President, Breanna Bettencourt was held on Saturday, February and Class Treasurer, Kati Scned25th in the school’s cafeteria. The er added to the night by giving out ladies had a fun time free sweatshirts, a switching it up and yearbook, and prom asking the gentlemen tickets in a raffle. The to this dance. They students danced away thought of creative the night while some ways to ask them teacher/chaperones while making it fun. joined in. The cafeteria The Acts of was beautifully decRandom Kindness orated with stringed Club (ARK) PresiChristmas lights and Agan and Apple Crowned dent, Daryn Katsuki charming decorations Vice Princess & Prince and Vice President placed throughout by Brianna Summitt, the Leadership class, going along read off the compliments that fellow with the theme of Happily Ever Af- classmates wrote and placed in the ter. compliment box that the ARK Club Hunter Apple and Kiara Agan provided. The night ended with a had the honor of winning the posisong by Bruno Mars, That’s What I tions of Prince and Princess. ASB Like. By Daryn Katsuki
The Ram’s Ear staff may be small, but they are very determined to bring back the school newspaper. The co-editors are Jose Silva, Leslie Diaz and Robert Price. Jose is a 14-year-old freshman who is very talkative, “I’m mostly the weird one of the co-editor group,” he states. Jose enjoys staying in bed, playing Geometry Dash and watching YouTube videos. Leslie Diaz is a sophomore
who moved to Rio Vista this school year from San Antonio, Texas. She enjoys spending time with her nephew at home and with her goats. “I am glad to be a part of the Ram’s Ear staff.” Robert is a sophomore co-editor who enjoys spending time on his computer at home. His favorite classes are Essential Living Skills and Yearbook/Newspaper.
Mrs. Knisely Welcomes New Addition to Family
Mrs. Knisely has recently returned from her maternity leave after having a new baby boy named Parker Gene Wallace. Her husband gave him the name. Parker was born on December 22, 2017 at 2:30 a.m. Currenlty at 2 months old, Parker weighs 13 pounds. Mrs. Knisely said he wakes up every night around 2:00 and 4:00 a.m. Personally, Mrs. Knisely
thinks having two kids is an adventure and keeps her quite busy. The family has a babysitter they really trust so she doesn’t have to worry about her kids that much since her babysitter makes her feel comfortable. Mrs. Knisely sees her two kids learning how to ride dirt bikes in the future, just like their dad. By José Silva
3. Do you think the new cell phone policy is fair? Yes RAM’S EAR What would you change?
Page 2
No
March 13, 2017
Why You Should Consider Hosting an AFS Student
As a leader in international high school exchange for more than 65 years, American Field Service (AFS) differs from many other exchange organizations. Among the most important distinctions is that AFS has a network of thousands of volunteers in the US, many of whom have hosted themselves or studied abroad with AFS. These local volunteers support families, students, and schools in gaining the most from the hosting experience. Hosting an international student means more than providing a bed and meals. As an AFS Host Family, you’ll welcome a new member into your home, share your everyday lives, and grow as you get to know one another. “It’s a great
experience,” commented Zach Mingay, whose family has hosted students twice. “And it gets better the more you do it.” You’ll be surprised at how much you learn about yourself, your family and community by hosting a student from another culture. Have a life-changing experience in your own home. Rio Vista High School has continally hosted over 100 AFS students since 1960 and in 2015 received the presitgious national award of “Outstanding High School” (only 25 of these awards are given in the United States). The following are some biographies of international students who need placement in the United
ful 16 year old young woman from Japan who uses her outgoing personality to make new friends easily. Her favorite hobby is baton twirling. She practices six times a week with her group and has been competing for the past four years. Wakaba has also been playing the piano for the past 11 years. At home, Wakaba has an older sister and a younger sister. She often helps her younger sister with her homework. She also likes going to the coffee shop with her father or helping her mother bake. In the future, Wakaba hopes to go to university to become a cross-cultural mediator. Jun is a bright and lively 17 year old young man from Japan who
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Mr. Russell a Positive Addition to School
What is something you would like to see in the snack bar?
By: Jesús Rivas
CANDY ENERGY DRINKS BROWNIES COFFEE SODA ICE CREAM PROTEIN BARS HOT POCKETS NACHOS BURRITOS BETTER CHIPS
* OTHER
States. Maybe one will end up in your home? Pablo is a funny and outgoing 15 year old young man from Spain who loves to play many different sports and stay as active as possible. He enjoys playing soccer, doing judo and going skiing in the winter. The sport he is currently focusing on the most is paddle, which is similar to racquetball. He is very close to his family and enjoys playing sports with his younger brother. Pablo’s favorite subject in school is math because he wants to study economics and business at an American university. He is excited about the opportunity to live in the United States for a year and improve his English! Wakaba is a positive and cheer-
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*Some of the “Other” answers included: Fried hamsters, “real” food, Mexican food (tacos), sunflower seeds, goldfish, Pirate’s Booty, chicken strips, etc.
RAM’S EAR
In an online interview conducted with the new Woodshop/ Engineering teacher Mr. Russell, I took a peak into his youth and personal life. Mr. Russell grew up in a small town near Eureka where his mother still lives. Russell and his wife currently live in Lodi with her parents while they save up for house. They do not have children yet, but they do have a dog named Poppy who is obsessed with squirells. Mr. Russell studied engineering after taking a computerized career assessment, and decided to change his career to teaching after accidentally taking a “cubicle job”. Before teaching at Rio Vista High School, Russell taught at San Diego and Pasadena High Schools.
Introduction to Engineering students (Samuel Karoluissen, Guadlaupe Lopez, Jaydon Mamea and Diego Ortiz) test out their Introduction to Engineering boat challenge.
(Continued to Page 4)
Published by Rio Vista High School 410 South Fourth Street | Rio Vista, California 94571
Ram’s Ear Co-Editors....................................................Leslie Diaz Jose Silva Ram’s Ear Co-Editors.......................................Leslie Diaz Robert Price Price Robert Contributers: Ryan Mackey, Cassandra Steinbrook, JesusJose Rivas,Silva Carlin Cline, and Daryn Katsuki. Photoshop: Zach Mingay, Jimmy Giannini
Staff and Reporters: Ryan Mackey, Carlin Cline, Josie
Hamilton, Daryn Katsuki Adviser: Julie Griffin
Construction Technlogy student, Elias Elisea, uses the miter saw to cut a 2x4 board.
RAM’S EAR
March 13, 2017
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Smith Awarded Wrestling Athletes Honored at League Most Valuable Winter Sports Awards
The wrestling team at the Golden Empire/Sierra Delta Tournament: Jameson Torres, Kamren Robles, Liam Smith, Coach Chris Smith, Page Baldwin, Lane Eggers, and Javier Lopez.
Liam Smith was honored with the title of 2016/17 Sierra Delta League Most Valuable Player for wrestling. His dad (Coach Chris Smith) brought wrestling back to Rio Vista High three years ago and it seems to be slowly on the rise. “We had a very successful year with a lot of firsts,” commented Coach Smith. “We had our first ever League Champion. Liam Smith went undefeated in dual matches, and took first place at the league tournament.” Jameson Torres, Kamren Robles, and Page Baldwin joined Liam in qualifying for the SJS D5 Section Tournament by placing in the top 6 at the league tournament (which is made up of 15 teams). “We also had our first girl wrestler, Tabby Ott, who took second place at the Mt. Whitney High School girls tournament,” added Coach Smith. Javier Lopez and Lane Eggers also participated in their first year of wrestling, though both were unfortunately side-lined with injuries before they could complete the season.
Liam said his hardest opponent was by far Bradshaw Christian. He also mentioned that particular match had a pretty large crowd at home. Liam is still thinking about it, but he has put some time into the thought of wrestling in college. He is only a junior so he has a lot of time to think on it. Smith believes that as long as the Rams can get the numbers to have an entire roster, they could definitely make playoffs. Chances are great for Liam to pull off another league MVP his senior year. Congratulations to the entire team for a great season. By Ryan Mackey
“I’M SO GLAD I DIDN’T BUY A YEARBOOK”
Participating in sports and maintaining a GPA over 3.5 isn’t easy, but 32 winter athletes did just that.
On the evening of Tuesday, March 7, 2017, athletes participating in winter sports (wrestling, basketball and soccer) were honored in the theater. Besides individual awards for each sport, an impressive 32 athletes were also awarded Academic All League for having a 3.5 GPA or better. The following awards were given out by each sports’ respective coaching staff: Wresting: Kamren Robles, Most Outstanding; Jameson Torres, Most Improved; Page Baldwin, All League; and Liam Smith, League Champion and Most Outstanding. JV Girls Soccer: Kaitlyn O’Connor, Hustle Hard Award; Zoe White, Team Leadership Award. Varsity Girls Soccer: Brooke Okamura, Hustle Hard Award; Caitlin Bowers, Team Ethics Award; Kady Feliz, Player of the Year, Honorable Mention; Janet Tejeda, Lady Soccer, All League; Kiara Agan, All League; Hannah Burgess, Honor-
able Mention; and Khaenani Mamea, Honorable Mention. JV Girls Basketball: Kaylee Kitchens, Best All-Around Player; Symphony Weller, Best Offensive Player; Olivia Roberts, Best Defensive Player, and Anna Ramirez, Most Valuable Player. Varsity Girls Basketball: Holly Witcraft; Swiss Army Knife Award, Horable Mention; Ariana Mandujano, Best Offensive Player; Kyera Mackey, Coaches Award; and Daryn Katsuki, Most Valuable Player, All League. JV Boys Basketball: Robert Zamarripa, Defensive Player of the Year; Brady Bowers, Offensive Player of the Year; Jaden Lira, Most Valuable Player; and Darin Rasmussen, Most Improved. Varsity Boys Basketball: Bryce Swink, Coaches Award; Logan Booth, Most Inspirational Player; Blaine Dart, Best All-Around Player; and Conor Cline, Best Offensive Player, All League.
-said no one ever
Purchase your 2016-17 Netherlands Yearbook
TODAY.
We have ordered fewer copies than previous years, so quantities may be limited.
$120
Sierra Delta League Wrestling MVP, Liam Smith ,attempts to gain the upper hand.
(you may make NON-REFUNDABLE payments. Cash or check to office or Mrs. Griffin)
Girls varsity basketball coaches, Linda Katsuki and Siera McWilliams honor their player for a great season.
RAM’S EAR
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March 13, 2017
World History Scrambles for Land (Classes)
Ricky Ratola and Jesus Rivas practice their interview skills on the air with Ruben Silva and Saveion Elliott.
What’s Going On With Radio Club? Every 15 Minutes Returns to RVHS “Every 15 Minutes” is a two day event happening April 27 and 28 focusing on our high school junior and seniors; challenging them to think about drinking, driving, responsibility, and personal safety. It’s called “Every 15 minutes” because every 15 minutes someone dies in the United States of drugs, drinking, and taking a lot of prescription medication. Every 15 Minutes simulates an accident with fake blood and crashed cars, acting out what happens if you are drunk and you drive. Helicopters, the police and fire departments, and ambulances come to the crash site. The Rio Vista Police Department takes the people who are drunk to jail and the students who are injured go to the hospital. About 10 students are chosen to participate in the emotional reenactment, but the whole school is invited down to the football field to watch. The students don’t know who will be chosen to participate (it’s a secret). Some students may feel too uncomfortable to watch and they have the choice to go to class if they don’t want to see it. During class someone dresses as the Grim Reaper and takes a student from class every 15 minutes representing the lives lost by drinking and driving. By Leslie Diaz
A lot of students have been concerned about the radio club and if it’s coming back. According to Gordon Whiting, former Radio Club Advisor, it has not been decided yet whether the radio club is returning or not. Mr. Whiting is currently working on technical upgrades and internet streaming. Outside of the Radio Club, Mr. Whiting produces radio interview shows that broadcast around the country. Mr. Whiting thinks
the students were great and amazing when he last worked here. Mr. Whiting felt disappointed when he had to leave. After Mr. Whiting left, he focused his concentration on a professional radio show called, “In Deep Radio”. Mr. Whiting feels it would be great to return because he really likes the students and because the radio station has a high quality studio. By José Silva Mr. Russell (Continued from Page 2)
Artist of the Month
Mr. Miller created a game for his World History classes called “Scramble”. His 1st, 2nd, and 4th periods had to claim classes with flags which they made in class as if they were the Europeans between 1881 and 1914. Whichever team claimed the most classes would get a high class average on the test. This game was centered around claiming African land. Each of his classes where different colonies trying to find classes (land) that were open to claim, as if they were France, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, and Portugal. 1st period and 2nd period where in the lead (great example for how France and Great Britain were), 2nd period was ahead at the beginning, 1st period started to bring their game up, and 4th period only had a few step up. The classes found out who won after the day of the test. Congratulations to 1st period winning the scramble! By Leslie Diaz
Construction Tech class shows off their style: Andy Ventura, Elias Elisea, Homar Gutierrez, and Jose Antuñez.
KaleigH Ramirez
Senior AP-Art
This is Kaleigh’s 4th year in art and this particular watercolor painting is of an Old Sacramento record shop. How long did it take her to complete? 15 minutes!
Russell stated he has loved working at RVHS so far, and felt welcomed by all faculty, staff, and students. He plans on building on the engineering and construction programs at our school. I asked Mr. Russell an oddball question to end the interview. The question was “what was his biggest regret?” He says his biggest regret was not investing in Apple stock 20 years ago. I can honestly say that was a one-of-a-kind answer and an answer I was not expecting to receive. Rio Vista High School is glad you’re here, Mr. Russell.
Mr. Russell guiding Woodworking Careers student, Daniel Rasmussen, through the router tool.
RAM’S EAR
March 13, 2017
RAM’S EAR
Do you think the new cell phone policy is fair? If not, what would you change? Litzy Ramirez (12) “No. Not being able to use them indoors. Some people take T.A. classes for a break and don’t have things to do sometimes so they prefer to listen to music instead of sitting awkwardly.” Kati Scneder (12) “Yes. It didn’t change?? You were never allowed a phone in class.” Ben Whiting (10) “No. I would change the rule that if your phone is out once it goes to the office, it’s too harsh.” Jesus Garcia (12) “Yes. I think it is fair because we have warnings and like I said earlier: we came to learn, not play.” Angela Romero (10) “No, because we know when or when not to use and if we use on wrong times then that’s our fault.”
MOVIE REVIEW
Mrs. Montgomery’s
RECIPE
of the
MONTH
Shamrock Mug Cake
INGREDIENTS:
1 large egg 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon green food coloring
3 tablespoons buttermilk 1 drop peppermint extract 1/3 cup self-rising flour Pinch of salt
DIRECTIONS:
Lightly spray two microwave safe mugs with cooking spray and set aside. In a bowl, whisk together the egg and oil with a fork. Stir in the sugar, vanilla, food coloring, buttermilk, and peppermint. Add the flour and salt and beat with a fork until the batter is smooth. Divide the batter between the two mugs. Microwave each mug separately for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes, until the cake has risen and is firm. Cool for 1 minute and add topping or enjoy as is. Toppings: Cream cheese frosting, green crystal sugar, scoop of vanilla ice cream or shaved chocolate.
Amaya Frisbie (10) “Yes. Listening to music in classes like art should be allowed.” Melina Majors (11) “No. We should be able to have music for independent work.” River Billoups (9) “No. Being able to use it in the halls and gym and library.”
Maria Aguilar D. (12) “No. Phones until late bell, not banned from classrooms at all times.”
Richie Zamarripa (9) “Yes. I think the only thing I’d change is mandatory tech breaks.”
Masquerade Theme Chosen for This Year’s Senior Prom Rio Vista High School’s Prom will be held on April 22, 2016 at “The Golf Course At Rio Vista”. The theme for the special evening will be “Masquerade”. The event
Finals Schedule Block B (Term 1)
3/16 Finals Periods 1 & 3 8:10 – 10:10 Period 1 Final 10:15 – 10:20 Period 2 Roll 10:20 -10:55 Break 11:00 – 1:00 Period 3 Final 1:00 - 1:10 Period 4 Roll 3/17
Finals Periods 2 & 4 8:10 -8:15 Period 1 roll 8:20 – 10:20 Period 2 Final 10:20 - 10:55 Break 11:00 – 11:05 Period 3 roll 11:10 – 1:10 Period 4 Final
By: Cassandra Steinbrook
CC by annaca/Pixabay
OPINION POLL
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begins at 7:00 p.m. After appetizers, pictures and dinner, prom attendees will be treated to dancing, air brush tattoos, picture booth photos, and casino games. The cost of the bid will be released the week of 3/20. Tickets will on sale from March 21 through April 7 only in the school office before and after school and at lunch (price to be determined).
In the movie Split, Betty Buckley plays Dr. Karen Fletcher who was a therapist and James McAvoy as Kevin “Wendell” Crumb. Kevin has multiple split personalities that change him all throughout the movie. One of his personalities is a man who has extreme OCD and freaks outs over tiny messes. One of the best highlights I found in the movie is when Kevin becomes all of his personalities at once and becomes this indestructible monster. I would say this movie is a horror comedy. Although the movie is rated R, I would say it is more PG-13 despite the blood, guts, and gore. I noticed how James McAvoy acted extremely well in this movie. It takes a lot of skill to remember all those lines for all the different personalities. I recommend people go and see this movie because the amount of humor and horror (even though there isn’t anything really scary about the movie), is just enough to satisfy someone. I rate this movie 4 out of 5 stars.
Mr. T’s
Math Problem of the Month
4 Gallons
“You have a three gallon and a five gallon measuring device. You wish to measure out four gallons. How do you do it?” The first student who brings me a correct written solution wins a TEE BONE!
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RAM’S EAR
CALENDAR OF SCHOOL EVENTS
MARCH
March 3 - Golf vs. Forest Hill (@Davis) 3:30 p.m. March 9 - Golf vs. Golden Sierra (away) 3 p.m. March 14 - Golf vs. Vacaville Christian (away) 3 p.m. March 14 - Career Day at RVHS March 15 - Softball vs. Bradshaw Christian (home) 4 p.m. March 16-17 - Block B, Term 1 Finals March 16 - Swim “Center Meet” (home) 3:30 p.m. March 17 - Softball vs. Golden Sierra (home) 4 p.m. March 17-18 - Baseball Durham Tournament (away) March 20 - Block B, Term 2 Begins March 20 - FFA Dixon May Fair trailer space applications due in the fair office by 5:00 p.m. Lottery space drawing will take place on March 27. March 21 - Baseball vs. Bradshaw Christian (away) 4 p.m. March 22 - Softball vs. Encina (away) 4 p.m. March 23 - Swim vs. Vacaville Christian (home) 3:30 p.m. March 23 - Baseball vs. Bradshaw Christian (home) 4 p.m. March 24 - Golf vs. Bradshaw Christian (away) 3 p.m. March 25 - Baseball vs. Delta at Raley’s Field in Sac. 11 a.m. March 27 - Swim vs. Highlands (home) 3:30 p.m. March 27 - Golf SDL #1/Highlands (away) 9 a.m. March 28 - WASC Mid-Cycle Accreditation Visit March 28 - Baseball vs. Encina (away) 4 p.m. March 29 - Softball vs. Vacaville Christian (home) 4 p.m. March 30 - Swim vs. Golden Sierra (home) 3:30 p.m. March 30 - Baseball vs. Encina (home) 4 p.m. March 31 - Golf vs. Golden Sierra (home) 3 p.m. March 31 - Softball vs. Highlands (home) 4 p.m.
APRIL
April 3 - Swim “Center Meet” (away) 3:30 p.m. April 3 - Softball vs. Bradshaw Christian (away) 4 p.m. April 4 - Golf vs. Vacaville Christian (home) 3 p.m. April 4 - Baseball vs. Highlands (away) 4 p.m. April 5 - Softball vs. San Juan (home) 4 p.m. April 6 - Baseball vs. Highlands (home) 4 p.m. April 10-14 - Baseball Sutter Tournament (away) April 10-17 - SPRING VACATION! April 12 - Softball vs. Winters (home) 4 p.m. April 17-21 - 11th grade Smarter Balanced Assessments April 21-22 - Softball Jim Elliot Tournament (away) April 21 - Baseball vs. Woodland Christian (home) 4 p.m. April 22 - Masquerade Prom at the “Golf Course at Rio Vista” April 25 - Baseball vs. San Juan (home) 4 p.m. April 25 - Baseball vs. San Juan (away) 4 p.m. April 26 - Softball vs. Golden Sierra (away) 4 p.m. April 27-28 - “Every 15 Minutes” April 28 - Golf vs. Bradshaw Christian (home) 3 p.m. April 28 - Softball vs. Encina (home) 4 p.m.
MAY
May 5 - Rally: Elections and College Signing May 9 - 14 - Dixon May Fair (Good Luck FFA!) May 15-19 - SPRING RALLY WEEK!!! MAY 24-25 - Senior Disneyland Trip May 26 - Rally: Senior Send Off
AFS (Continued from Page 2)
is very well-rounded. For fun he enjoys listening to music, playing the piano, reading and doing shot put on his school team. He works very hard on his shot put and has won medals for his efforts. Jun enjoys nature and spending time with his family whom he is very close with. He also enjoys participating in school events and festivals. He worked as a director at his school drama festival where their play won the gold prize! Jun is looking forward to seeing nature in the US, and wants to learn and experience different cultures and values. Ilaria is a 17 year old girl from Italy. She is affectionate and loves to make new friends. She is an only child, but has had the same best friend since she was six and now they are like sisters. They are always together. She has a horse and has loved horseback riding, but has not been able to pursue this hobby lately because of school. She enjoys school and her favorite subjects are English, literature, and poetry. Ilaria loves watching movies and TV shows. Her current favorite is Teen Wolf. While she’s not sure what she wants to do in the future, though she’s considering studying either philosophy or psychology. If you are interested in hosting, would like to read more student bios or just want more information, please contact Natalie Crew at (707)374-2703 or ncrew@frontiernet.net.
Summer School
River Delta Unified School District will be hosting a credit recovery high school summer school from June 5 - 30 2017 to be held at Rio Vista High School. Students who have failed classes at RVHS will be notified by the vice principal and be given the paperwork to attend RVHS. Please remember the courses at RVHS are impacted and credit recovery can only occur at summer school
March 13, 2017
Scholarship Opportunities!
Though many scholarships had deadline of March 1st, there are still plenty of opportunities to apply. Check Ms. Abbott’s RVHS Counseling website (there’s a link on the RVHS home page) with all the details. Portuguese History and Cultural Society of Sacramento has several scholarships available to students of Portuguese descent. Must be postmarked by March 30 PG & E Scholarship Opportunities (for high school and college students) The Better Together STEM Scholarships of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years, to students pursuing science, technology or engineering studies in California schools. Deadline March 31. Locke Foundation Scholarship (for local students) deadline April 1. Lions Club Scholarship Three scholarships of $1,000 will be awarded to seniors of RVHS with a GPA of at least 2.5. Deadline April 14. Sacramento County Office Of Education This scholarship is for $500 and is open to both juniors and seniors attending schools in the SCOE districts (RVHS is included). Must be received by April 21. Women’s Improvement Club RVHS Class of 2017 graduates planning on attending Community College, Trade School or University full time are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Two $1000 this year. Deadline April 28. Rio Vista Rotary Club of Rio Vista Scholarship Several generous scholarships for students in the class of 2017 who plan to attend college. - Deadline May 1 Learning disability going to community college? There is a great scholarship (over $5,000) for a student with a documented learning disability and who wants to go to a California community college. Deadline May 1 Camillus #128 Young Ladies’ Institute (Local) - Two scholarships of $500 to young women on the basis of scholastic achievement, response to the essay and good citizenship in the community. Deadline May 6 Lira’s Supermarket Scholarships Awards are to be made on the basis of scholastic attainment, work ethic, financial need, character, and promise. To make it possible for students of ability and sincere purpose to secure university level studies (education at a trade school, community college or 4-year college) we will offer up to four scholarships. Deadline May 13 at noon.