The Catalyst, Volume 6, Issue 3: November/December 2019

OPINION | Page 4

the

ARTS & LIFE | Page 9

SPORTS | Page 11

CATALYST

How political should a whole school assembly be?

“Frozen 2”: Do you want to build another snowman?

The winter sports season is coming

T H E S T U D E N T N E WS PA P E R O F N OT R E DA M E H I G H S C H O O L

Volume 6, Issue 3

www.TheNDBCatalyst.com

Students stress over too much homework

by Zoe Spencer and Parker Daley Staff Writer and Editor in Chief

Homework. A near-universal component of education, proposed as a way to ensure students review and retain information taught during school hours.

Some consider it busy work, and some consider it essential to ensuring that students comprehend what they learn in class.

The Catalyst spoke with several students and faculty members about their opinions on the importance of homework and how it may impact the mental health of students.

Senior Kate Rose

Keighran says that, last year, she spent around five hours on homework per night. She says that teachers need to realize that every student has homework in every class they take.

“They don’t understand the concept of all teachers giving that homework, so they think that their class is the only class if they give an hour to us… Then, they think that’s a sufficient amount, but every other teacher is giving an hour of homework as well so it adds up to seven hours of homework.”

Math Department Chair Jennifer Walton believes that, if a homework assignment is too much

for a student to handle, teachers should be flexible in their willingness to adjust its length for the class.

“Usually, I listened to people; if they tell me it’s too long I cut it down because I tried to make it more applicable,” she said when asked if she has ever gotten complaints about homework being excessive.

Walton’s opinions demonstrate that, if a student ever thinks homework is too hard or too long, they should not be afraid to go to their teacher to tell them so.

Teachers, like Walton,

November/December 2019

New grading scale implemented by the Editorial Staff

Last week, NDB announced the school’s grading scale is changing immediately.

In an effort to positively impact “the interpretation of high school grade scales in the UC admissions process,” the school has revamped its grading system. The change will not apply retroactively to previous school years.

The new scale includes lower minimum percentages for each letter grade and the addition of an A+. This is despite the UC system’s policy that does not consider pluses or minuses in their review of student grades and GPA.

In order to implement this change, the online gradebook PowerSchool was shut down for maintenance from Thursday, December 5 at 3:30 p.m. through Monday, December 9 at 12:30 p.m. This caused concern for students as they neared finals week without being able to login and check their grades.

The new grading scale A+ 97.5 – 100 A 92.5 – 97.49 A- 89.5 – 92.49

B+ 87.5 – 89.49 B 82.5 – 87.49 B- 79.5 – 82.49 F

C+ 77.5 – 79.49 C 72.5 – 77.49 C- 69.5 – 72.49 D+ 67.5 – 69.49 D 62.5 – 67.49 D- 59.5 – 62.49

59.49 and below

See HOMEWORK | Page 6

Christmas season comes to campus English IV classes presents their as community heads into finals versions of the Scottish Play

by Annalee Wolfe Staff Writer

The NDB community is celebrating the Christmas season in several ways as it heads into the end of the semester, particularly final exams.

It started just before Thanksgiving Break with Advent prayer services lead by the spiritual life department. Students and teachers reflected on the four week long period leading up to Christmas through prayers and readings. The image of the Advent wreath and its four candles helped them get into the mindset of preparing and waiting for the birth of Jesus.

“The Advent sea-

by Editorial Staff

THE EDITORIAL STAFF / THE CATALYST

Juniors put up their holiday door decorations. son can be a time of much to take time for students to stress with finals, college reflect on the four themes applications and the hustle of Advent: hope, peace, joy and bustle of shopping for and love, and how they can the holidays,” Spiritual Life live out these themes more Department Chair Ynez Manalo said. “We wanted See CHRISTMAS | Page 3

Last Thursday, seniors from two English IV classes performed their versions of William Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth.”

The small gym was converted into a pop-up theater for the plays as students, faculty and staff, as well as family and friends filled a limited number of seats and even the floor to watch each approximately one hour-long play.

Block 1 performed “Mac Dance Moms,” an adaptation based on the reality TV show, “Dance Moms,” while Block 2 put on “Mac Chopped,” a version of the show “Chopped.”

In Shakespeare’s play, the general Macbeth

NATALIE BEIER/THE CATALYST

A student casts her vote for state propositions. is told by three witches that, in the future, he will become king of Scotland.

With the help of his overly ambitious and manipulative wife, he commits a series of crimes, including

murder, to become the king now. But, his crimes do not stop there as he struggles to keep his power by any means necessary, while See MACBETH | Page 12

page 2

NEWS

News in brief: What’s happening in the NDB community

Community celebrates annual father-daughter dance

by Clair Sapilewski Contributing Writer

PHOTO COURTESY OF NDB COMMUNICATIONS

Dads and daughters pose with “James Bond.”

On Friday, November 15, NDB hosted its annual father-daughter dance. This year’s theme was 007 and featured the secret agent James Bond himself in cardboard cutout form, black and white decorations, and a photo booth with spy gear props. There were also tables full of candies, cookies, and other treats for everyone to enjoy.

Throughout the evening, girls switched between dancing with their dads and dancing with their friends.

They also switched between taking pictures with their dads and their friends and were able to take home copies to remember the evening. Everyone had a good time between the music, dancing, and time with their dads and friends.

Juniors perform community service in the Tenderloin

by Kaitlyn Lopez Staff Writer

The junior service retreat took place over the course of three days during the week of November 18. On each day, a different group of juniors volunteered for the St. Anthony’s Foundation, getting a hands-on lesson on social justice and helping people who experience homelessness in the Tenderloin neighborhood of downtown San Francisco.

When they arrived at the foundation, students attended an orientation about the perceptions and history of the neighborhood, the various programs and services that

the foundation provide, and the different places that they were going to volunteer. Then, they were divided into four small groups to serve lunch, sort through donated clothes, or socialize with senior citizens.

In the dining room across the street, students served over 2,000 meals to guests, whether it was behind the counter in the kitchen or out on the floor in the dining room. They also had the opportunity to have lunch with them, learning about the community.

“The Notre Dame Belmont girls put on an impressive performance on a very busy day! I particularly appreciated the positive attitudes and good vibes that they provided for our guests in addition to the food,“ St. Antony’s Foundation Volunteer and Events Lead Keil Chase said.

Another group participated in the clothing program upstairs where they sorted through dozens of gar-

and impact that is important for us as privileged people to try and identify ways to give back,” Social Science teacher and Junior Class Coordinator Rebecca Fisher said.

Culture Club spends the evening with “Hamilton”

by Mia Herndsadt Staff Writer

PHOTO COURTESY OF @NDBTIGERS

The club get a musical lesson in history.

PHOTO COURTESY OF @NDBTIGERS

Juniors gather at the end of their retreat.

bage bags full of donated clothes. Some hung clothes on racks, stocking the storeroom, and others worked in the boutique, helping people choose clothing.

The last two groups interacted with senior citizens and other adults by participating in arts and crafts and exercises and talking with them.

A few faculty and staff members accompanied each group on each day.

“This is my third year going on it, and each year, I walk away feeling how meaningful it is as a retreat. We can sit in a classroom and talk about homelessnesss and analyze it. But, to be experiencing it firsthand and giving back to those who are experiencing, it is a different reality

On Thursday, November 21, the Culture Club attended an evening showing of the hit musical “Hamilton” at the Orpheum Theater in downtown San Francisco.

Students as well as faculty and staff and their significant others and family members met in the city, some taking BART, others finding their own way up there. Some walked down the street to SAMS American Eatery for dinner and back up to the Orpheum where the big group went in for the show.

The musical tells the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and the early history of the United States. The songs were catchy, using a lot of hip hop and other genres of music.

“‘Hamilton’ was a really cool production, and I am happy I got the chance to see it because I loved the show and had a great time,” said senior Kate Ragusa. “We had a great time with all of the teachers and had a chance to bond with them.”

Send your news story ideas to TheCatalystNDB@gmail.com

Q&A with Digital Arts teacher Abby Alger What is your role on campus?

I am the digital arts teacher. I teach photography, graphic design and video production.

What prompted the return of Tiger TV after an almost two year long absence?

From my understanding, they always wanted Tiger TV to come back.

They just never had someone who was able to teach it. The administration and a lot of the student body were really sad when it left, and they’ve been working ever since to bring it back.

What is new about Tiger TV? We have changed the name from Tiger TV to Tiger Studios because the name just implies a little bit of an older generation. No one really watches TV anymore. We watch all of our media online now. YouTube, Twitter, and anything social media is really where we get our news now.

What is the reason for making it biweekly instead of every other day?

We currently only have eleven students and to do a broadcast every homeroom would be just a very large amount of work.

So, we switched it to every two weeks for two reasons. One, to lessen the load on the students, and two because we wanted to do a higher quality, instead of putting it out more frequently.

Do you want to eventually go back to the old format in the TV studio or continue with YouTube videos?

I prefer the YouTube video personally. I think that it gives us more time to really solidify a good quality product, and it gives us more time to review past events and create good packages for them – packages are what we call the video clips. We had a lot of technical issues. We originally wanted to do a livestream during homeroom, but there just technically isn’t the possibility of doing it. We don’t have enough internet bandwidth, and the coax cable is getting older and isn’t as reliable.

What else is different about Tiger Studios?

We’re really trying to make it still fun, but more professional and engaging. We don’t want to just be goofy on camera. We wanted it to be more of a polished broadcast that would be taken seriously, so that

students who take this class can take these skills and turn them into careers, whether it be on YouTube or at ABC News.

Video production is a tri-school class.

What is it like working with Serra H.S. students?

Working with boys again was very interesting, of course, just because I’m so used to only teaching women now. But, I will say boys bring a different dynamic to the class, but also in a good way. So, the dynamic they bring is a different perspective, and they bring a lot of news from Serra, which is interesting. And, also just the contrast between how we can do comparisons of what is it like. Serra versus Notre Dame? So, I think it brings in a whole other level that is important to newscasting because you want to have a diverse group. If you have a homogenous group, and they’re the only ones producing news, then you’re not getting the whole story.

What are your hopes for Tiger Studios and video production in the future?

I would really like video production to be multiple years. I would like people who are very interested in video to be able to take it for three or more years and to build upon the skills to really create polished videos. I want it also to expand into not just broadcasting, but also doing other types of video. But, for right now it’s just news journalism.

NEWS page 3 New discipline policy includes campus beautification and study table

by Ally Lawrence Staff Writer

Campus beautification and study table: The newest additions to NDB’s discipline policy. The first is fairly obvious. A student has to beautify campus by cleaning up any trash. But, the second has a catch. It is a 6 to 8 a.m. study hall where electronics are strictly prohibited. It is also held during the school week or on a Saturday. It does the job of a detention which, as of the start of this school year, NDB does not do anymore.

Students can avoid both by staying in dress code and wearing their uniform, staying off their cellphones and not texting friends or making TikTok’s, and just following the guidelines, policies, and rules listed in the NDB parent/student handbook.

So far, only a handful of students have had to participate in study table, and only a few of them have had to come in on a Saturday morning.

Front Desk Receptionist and Senior Class Co-Moderator Mirna Yao is usually on-campus at 6 a.m. or before every morning, so she almost always monitors study table.

NATALIE BEIER / THE CATALYST

Empty study tables await students in the Student Activities office.

“I get here early and check people in, and the student has to do homework for two hours,” she said.

Some students do not like study table because that means they would have to wake up really early.

Some of them have had a late night of sports practice, work, and/or homework and have a hard time getting up and going to school so early.

Sophomore Car-

oline Lawrence has spent a weekend morning for study table.

“I had to come in at 8 a.m. on a Saturday, which, honestly, wasn’t that bad because I got a lot of my homework done that I had for the weekend,” Lawrence said.

“But, I know that, if I had to have come in on a school day at 6 a.m., I would have been a lot more upset than I was,” she added.

Assistant Dean of Student Relations Alisia Bergholm has a different opinion.

“I like the study tables. It gives more time for the students to do some work that they have to catch up on and to really understand what they did, as opposed to them just coming in after school for an hour detention and filing papers or something else,” she said.

Social Sciences

teacher Jonathan Tomczak is in favor of study table and believes that they are beneficial to the students.

“Study table serve two purposes. On the one hand, we want students to spend more time actively looking at their work. But, for others, it’s a form of reflection and an opportunity to realize what negative action they’ve taken to be saddled with a study table,” he said.

“So, I think, if stu-

dents are using that opportunity, genuinely, to reflect on their work and their past actions, then that can be incredibly beneficial,” he continued.

Spiritual Life Department Chair Ynez Manalo is against study table and prefers detention.

“I think that it was good for students to give back to the Notre Dame community when they were serving detention after school, rather than not getting sleep,” she says.

Students used to be able to do detention in one hour on a Tuesday or Thursday afternoon, helping faculty or staff with general office work.

“It’s less productive because no one wants to be there at six in the morning, and it sucks having to do work when you’re forced to,” senior Lakin Walsh said about study table.

Starting off a day so bright and early, it is a given that students will feel negatively about study table, but teachers will feel differently. Because campus beautification and study table are new additions, they are still in the process of being evaluated in consideration of detention.

Christmas season comes to campus Take care of yourself during finals ie Character Day, Wacky Sweather Day, Candy Cane Day, and Festive Free fully and be present to one Dress. Students get a break another during the weeks from wearing their unibefore Christmas.” forms and dressing up for

Last Monday, the holidays. students, faculty, and staff

The week is not returned to campus from meant for classes to earn the five day long break and spirit points, but for stufound the halls starting to dents to lessen their stress look a lot like Christmas in the days right before fiwith poinsettias, stockings, nal exams. and wreaths already up.

“StudySenior Venetia ing for their Prontzos, her tests is obvimother, Maria ously a priorProntzos, and ity, but a litDirector of tle Christmas Communicacheer never tions and Marhurt anybody,” keting George one ASB offiRetelas orgacer said. nized the dec O n orations.

W e d n e s d a y “I wanted and Thursday, these kids to the visual and go home for NATALIE BEIER / THE CATALYST performing ThanksgivThe Hegarty’s sport their wacky sweaters. arts departing, and then such as cookies, goldfish ment hosts two events.

The boom! When they got back and stationary. school chorus and music from Thanksgiving, it’s “I made a dessert ensemble hosts its annual Christmas. Let’s get in the for homework, and it was Christmas concert at Filoli spirit,” said Maria Prontreally fun because it is an Historic House and Garzos. annual French class tradi- den in Woodside at 7 p.m.,

Homerooms betion where we learn about while dance hosts its annugan planning for ASB’s the culture,” senior Jade al holiday showcase in the annual door decorating Costello said.

Moore Auditorium during contest throughout the

Starting on Moncollaboration. week. Prizes will be given day, ASB hosts its second

On Friday, both to homerooms for various annual Christmas spirit student council and faculty categories, including cutweek.

Over the course and staff will have their reest, most creative, and best of five days, the themes spective Christmas parties overall. include Hanukkah Colbefore final exams begin

Last Wednesday, ors Day, Christmas Movnext Tuesday. students from the French From CHRISTMAS | Page 1

classes and club celebrated their annual Noel party.

Students brought homemade traditional desserts, including a “buch de Noel” or yule log. Lead by French teachers Patricia Haddad and Marlene Kissell, they did caroling and making arts and crafts, including cloved oranges and gingerbread houses. They also did a raffle, giving items

Fall 2019 Final Exam Schedule Tuesday, December 17

Wednesday, December 18

Thursday, December 19

Friday, Decemer 20

Block 1 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Block 2 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Block 3 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Block 4 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Block 7

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Block 6

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

by Amelia Kyle Managing Editor

As the semester nears an end, the anticipation and excitement for winter break increases every day. Besides the seemingly-endless amount of essays, homework and projects assigned before the break, there is only one thing left standing in the way of our two-week long freedom: finals.

Finals are arguably the most stress inducing event of the whole semester, but there are many ways to help alleviate the anxiety that comes with them.

1. Self care is very important during the time

Block 5

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

approaching finals. When studying, make sure to take breaks to focus on yourself.

Do some face masks, watch a movie, or maybe even go to dinner with your family.

Studying 24/7 will make you lose brain power and motivation to keep going.

2. Keeping a stable study schedule is also highly important, because it makes it easier to stay on track and be super productive. Maybe study for an hour at a time, take a thirty-minute break, then study for another hour. Procrastination is toxic when studying for finals, so make sure to stick to this schedule.

3. Another great way to maximize your success in

finals season is beginning your study sessions early.

You should start studying for finals at least two weeks before they start so you are not forced to cram all the information in the night before.

4. Take advantage of your collaboration time. Use it to begin reviewing all the material you have learned throughout the semester and meet with a teacher or peer tutor to help you with anything you do not understand.

Overall, there are many ways to study productively during finals.

Just remember these tips to maximize your chances at acing them!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!

OPINION

page 4

Board Editorial: Politics should be discussed in moderation for the student learning environment

It’s been said that politics do not belong in the classroom. Students have their own political beliefs and, if they’re not sure what they believe in yet, they should be allowed to figure it out without a teacher forcing their own political beliefs on them or a classmate criticizing their intelligence or values for supporting a political figure or issue.

During last month’s whole school assembly, photojournalist Rucha Chitnis shared her photography of women from around the world, spoke about women’s empowerment and resistance, and showed her documentary film, “In the Land of My Ancestors.”

The student body seemed to find her message motivational, but, in the days after the assembly, some students were overheard saying it was too biased, too left, too liberal, while others said students should listen to what our guest speakers have to say, even if they

don’t agree with them. This just shows that politics should be discussed in moderation for the student learning environment.

The Catalyst spoke with a variety of students, both conservative, liberal, and undecided in their political beliefs, to understand their opinion of the speaker’s presentation.

Some conservative students thought Chitnis brought a positive message about diversity and women’s rights, but also thought she seemed to be extreme in her views, making some of them uncomfortable during and after the assembly. Maybe a conservative speaker should be brought in to balance the message and to help students form their own opinion.

Some liberal students said Chitnis’s presentation became less of a talk about her work and more of a lecture about her political beliefs. Students ex-

pressed feeling preached to about one’s personal beliefs, instead of being informed by her work and experience.

Some students said they felt the talk should have been optional, saying they had homework to do during collaboration or, since it was after the fact, saying what she talked about didn’t relate to what they were learning in their classes or to their own personal experiences.

Maybe there should have been more information provided to students before the assembly or a reflection afterward to help them understand the talk.

When asked if some speakers should or should not be allowed to speak at school, students said speakers just should not be allowed to place their political views on the whole student body.

A few students pointed out that Chitnis had students raise their fists when taking photos of them. The raised first is a symbol for solidarity and support. It also is a

symbol for defiance or resistance.

Although it is important to be exposed to a variety of perspectives and embrace the gift of diversity, like Notre Dame Hallmark #5, there have to be ways to do it without a political agenda.

Regardless of one’s feelings, whole school assemblies should be for the whole NDB community. Listening to students, faculty and staff, and other speakers with views of their own, even political ones, should be minimal because the learning environment should be either free from politics or allow several opinions to ensure the message is not a single story.

This is one of the reasons why it is important for teachers to be careful about letting politics into their classrooms and/or schools in general.

Frosh vs Senior: Is seniority really that big of a deal?

NO

Abigail Earnshaw Contributing Writer @TheNDBCatalyst

Seniority is not that big of a deal, but for some reason, it is presented as one at NDB. Want to know why? Food chains. There is a food chain for everything in life: animals, jobs, and even high schools. NDB prides itself on being a college preparatory school. Teachers and admin are continually working to prepare students for a college environment, so we know what to expect when we go to college. Seniority is unheard of in college. Students see each other as equals, everyone just as adults in the same environment, trying to learn.

At NDB, we are taught certain things as underclassmen that we are to follow. The unwritten rules of NDB. Underclassmen are not permitted to sit in the dining room. Why is that? Is lunchtime not supposed to be a shared environment to eat and socialize with your peers? During lunch, getting released last or third sucks, everyone knows that. You have to wait in long lines and are not supposed to cut anyone. When the underclassmen get released first, the upperclassmen are expected to wait in line to get their food, as anyone should be. At NDB, this is not the case. The upperclassmen expect their younger NDB sisters to move aside and allow them to cut without any conversation. We’re hungry too! Just because we may be younger and have not been at the school as long, does not make it fair.

Recently it was announced that the soda fountain is for seniors only! The seniors already have the dining room to sit in during lunch when it gets cold or to hang around and now they get the soda fountain as well. Where are the underclassmen supposed to go? It’s not always the warmest outside or at all comfortable. A lot of underclassmen spend their lunchtimes on the cold cement of the Father Downey garden because there are no open tables.

The class catalog is vast in options, but some classes are only available for upper level students. Freshmen and sophomores may want to take those classes, too, but are strictly not allowed. It is not always fair that just because we are younger means we have to wait a few years to be able to take them. What if we lose interest and do not want to take the class at all? If there is a chance to take a course as an upperclassman, then the same should be available for underclassmen as well. After all, this is a college preparatory school.

Another thing that seems always to be given quickly to the upperclassmen is spirit points. It might be because they are more coordinated and experienced, but the juniors and seniors tower over the underclassman by more than 200 points, a little fishy.

As typical high school rituals go, hating the freshman class may seem like it is supposed to happen, but as an all girls college preparatory school, we should be supportive of each class. We should be promoting a proud sisterhood, whether or not something happens between the other classes, not bringing hate and competitiveness.

NDB thinks seniority is a big deal, but it is not a big deal at all and should not be advertised as a big thing because, after high school, it won’t matter.

YES

Bianca Lopez Staff Writer @TheNDBCatalyst

August 2016, The Gators walked in on the first day petrified, not wanting to even get close to upper-level students, feeling inferior to them as they towered over with their intimidating faces and side-eyes. However, now, this is not the case.

The food chain of power occurs everywhere in life, but especially in high school. It is in every movie, TV show and book. At this point, it is common knowledge.

Even at jobs, those who have been there the longest get seniority over their schedule and other opportunities presented. It is a part of life, nothing to be surprised about.

In high school, the freshmen are at the bottom and the seniors are at the top.

The seniors are presented with more opportunities, leniency, and have a hold over the other classes. As seniors, the chance to be a role model for others finally appears.

The seniors at NDB have awaited this day where they could finally do what had been done for them in the past. To be that older sister: offer advice, guidance, and teach them the hidden rules of high school. However, they were frustrated to find that they would not be continuing on with past tradition. The underclassmen appear either to not need the guidance of their elders or to not want it.

Although it may be less work for the seniors, it is disappointing. The Gators were looking forward to this section of their responsibilities. Being on the bottom was annoying, but they had been blessed with amazing role models. Seniors were looking forward to taking on that character. Many have tried, but the advice and instruction has not been absorbed. Rather rejected.

The freshmen are a strong group of young girls, which the seniors are proud to claim as fellow Tigers. Their independence has led them to be seen as equals. As much as the seniors want this for the younger girls, as much as they want them to be confident and tough, it is hard. The Gators have worked so hard in climbing up the food chain. Only for it to crumble the moment they made it to the top. All their struggles at the bottom seemingly worthless.

Seniors flinch when they are cut in the lunch line, something they as freshman would not dare to even think about. They wait for the praise cheer to be done at rallies, but it never is.

Don’t get me wrong. We love underclassmen, but it’s different now. Upper level students feel as if they have patiently waited for their time to be respected, and they aren’t getting the respect that they once gave to others. Wait your turn; you will be a senior eventually and want the same respect that we hope for.

If the seniors could say one thing to the freshman about this. It would not be to tell them to stay in their lane. They would ask the freshmen to allow them their time on top. So, freshman, do not crumble under us. Stand tall and carry on strongly with your confidence, but understand that as seniors we are looking for respect. We deserve to be acknowledged for our climb to the top.

We’ve waited at the back of the lunch line for three years; you can do it too.

So, what do you think? Tell us at TheNDBCatalyst@gmail.com

OPINION

Back to the apps: One year after the app-free challenge Clair Sapilewski Contributing Writer @TheNDBCatalyst

It has been a year since a group of 13 freshmen participated in former Director of Student Life Denise Uhl’s app-free challenge. They had to delete all of their social media accounts and avoid using apps that weren’t for classes on their cellphones for a week. The goal was to minimize the time wasted on using our cellphones.

I was one of the students.

Looking back at the experiment just over twelve months later, I

found that the results have been somewhat diluted by all the time that has passed throughout the year.

Back in October 2018, it was exciting to find out what it would mean for my schedule to go for one week without social media. It does, at times, distract from work, so a week without it would be a bit more productive.

The effect was instantaneous. My classmates and I ended up cutting our cellphone usage in half.

Instagram was on Instagram, I took this social media account and most certainly the hard- time to get to know who- everything, including my est app to let go as I ever was in the car with me overall social media use, reopen and scroll through better. This was the biggest turned to what it was before. it many times daily. impact the experiment had.

A year later, I

During that week, It reminded me to take mo- wouldn’t hesitate to say there was an impact on the ments away from the cell- that the experiment did not amount of free time I had phone and give it to the make as big of a long term available, but it was much people and things that real- difference as I was hoping. smaller than predicted. I ly do deserve my attention.

I don’t regret bed i d ing a I don’t regret being a part of it. find part of n e w It was worth it to realize the impact that social it. It was ways worth it media has on one’s life, big or small. t o to realwaste ize the my new extra time though.

But now, I ask impact that social media has Art projects and online myself if it really did on one’s life, big or small. shopping were among the change anything in the long The app-free chalthings that filled my time term. Looking back at its lenge that we participated which should have been original goal, it seems as in one year ago has not afdevoted to my school work. though the real outcome fected my life as much as

During car rides, that was a habit change is I had hoped for, but redisI found the biggest differ- undetectable a year later. covering what social media ence in my usage of time.

After the experi- takes from me on a daily Instead of sitting in silence ment, I signed up for a new basis made it all worth it.

I heart Black Friday: A first How to talk to your relatives time shopper’s reflection during the holidays Victoria Giomi News Editor @TheNDBCatalyst

Caitlin Earnshaw Opinion Editor @TheNDBCatalyst

page 5

theCATALYST NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR IN CHIEF Parker Daley MANAGING EDITOR Amelia Kyle NEWS EDITOR Victoria Giomi OPINION EDITOR Caitlin Earnshaw ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Peyton Daley SPORTS EDITOR Paige Clarke PHOTO EDITOR Natalie Beier STAFF WRITERS Victoria Bartels Delaney Fox Mia Hernstadt Allyson Lawrence Bianca Lopez Kaitlyn Lopez Caroline McCoy Zoe Spencer Claire Tierney Emma Tsui Annalee Wolfe FACULTY ADVISOR Robert Rojas

ABOUT THE CATALYST

I have always loved shopping. It’s one of my favorite pastimes.

But, growing up, I was really only allowed to go to Tanforan and Serramonte, which we can all agree are not the best malls. Once I entered high school, Hillsdale was a much more convenient option because it was so close to NDB. Once I got my license I found myself going great distances to find the best shopping spots. I would go to San Jose, San Francisco, Gilroy, and occasionally Vacaville to find the best stores and best deals. I am not allowed to online shop, so going to malls was the only way I could get clothes, and sometimes I would have to go far to get to certain stores.

I was never allowed to Black Friday shopping, mainly because my parents thought it was crowded and dangerous, which was always hard because of how much I love shopping. This year, my parents finally said I could go, and I was ready to experience my first one.

Preparing for the day of supposedly great deals, I was not sure what to expect. My only prior knowledge of the holiday was from TV commercials and videos of people fighting in Best Buy. Despite my curiosity, I was ready to spend some money.

Prior to Black Friday, I had saved all of my paychecks and tips from my job to make sure I had more than enough to buy anything and everything my shopping addicted heart desired.

On November 29, I woke up, got in my most comfortable clothes, grabbed my money, and headed off to Westfield Valley Fair in San Jose, one of my favorite malls.

The drive was fairly quick, probably because I was fueled by the excitement, but once I arrived at the mall, I hit my only obstacle: parking.

This is partially my fault because I waited until noon to begin my shopping. Butm after what felt like years of driving around, I finally found a parking spot on the top floor of one of the parking structures.

As soon as I walked into the mall, I was overwhelmed by sale signs every which way, advertising some insane deals, and I got so excited. After about an hour, I still hadn’t bought anything, and I was not sure if I would.

After a few more hours had passed, I had bought makeup, clothes, lotion, and I had finished all of my Christmas shopping for my family. At this point, I was pretty tired because walking and dealing with difficult people can be exhausting.

At the end of the day, I was very pleased and, as crazy as the day was, I would gladly do it again. As an avid shopper, I believe that Black Friday really tested my overall shopping skills as well as my patience. I would say that the deals were generally pretty good, but I did find a few stores with exceptionally, one-in-a-lifetime sales, and you better believe I took advantage.

In summary, Black Friday is a new kind of shopping, that I believe people with only the utmost patience and determination can successfully endure. I am happy to share that it has taken the spot as my favorite holiday. In total, I spent about $400 dollars, which I believe is a pretty average amount, and I was very happy with the deals I found. I was really satisfied with all of my purchases, and it felt better knowing that I bought them with my own money. I would definitely recommend Black Friday to anyone who loves shopping and loves good deals!

The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and family gatherings. However, a lot of the times the two do not properly mix due to the atmosphere invoked by our elder family members. They all have plenty of questions, most of which have follow-up questions that more commonly than not begin with the word “why.” They also carry plenty of controversial topics up their sleeve which they are dying to just pull out. These questions are invasive, repeating, and just annoying. And the controversial topics always end in inescapable awkwardness. In order to best escape these encounters, you have to know what to look out for.

First, there are the invasive questions: What college are you going to? What do you plan on majoring in? Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend? What do you and your friends do on the weekend?

What happened to that one friend of yours? Are you still friends? We have heard them all and felt our eyes roll to the back of our heads.

Next, you have the annoying ones that typically come from that one Aunt or cousin you see once a year. They’ll say, “Oh my!

You’ve gotten so big. How old are you now anyway?” Or, they’ll call you by your sister’s name and then laugh as if they did it on purpose, claiming, “Oh, I know your name, silly. I was only teasing.”

They might even treat the family dinner as a trip to the Apple store with you as the technician: “Can you help me figure out my phone?”

Then, you have the topics set out to destroy. Politics, religion, sports, really anything opinion or belief-based. In bigger groups, there is more of an opportunity for differing views. So, when your Aunt Sally stupidly brings up the impeachment hearings as you are passing the green beans, beware of what is coming next.

In any of these scenarios, you have a few options. Most of which you can accomplish before anything even happens. It is better to be prepared. You may not be interested, but chances are there is a game on; escape conversation by watching football. It’s a perfect excuse that’ll lead you away from an intense conversation.

Most of us are at an age where we want so badly to leave the kids table and join the adults. Once you get to the grownup table, you may realize it is not the place you want to be. Spend some time with the kids. Yes, it may be annoying and go against everything you have worked for, but the questions coming from your younger cousins will be a lot easier to dodge.

The next suggestion will not only get you out of answering those invasive questions, but it will make you the favorite child: Help out in the kitchen and busy yourself with chores, but act like you are doing it in good spirits just to help out.

Similarly, you can also take the time to be a merited citizen and schedule yourself to volunteer at a shelter or soup kitchen to be able to escape the meal. No one can argue with good deeds.

When it is time to actually sit and eat, you may have the biggest struggle. Do not sit down first. Then, you have no control over who sits next to you. And, do not sit down last. The last seat is open for a reason.

So, plan your spot at the table wisely. It’ll be the best decision you’ve made.

If all else fails, there is always one thing you can do: run.

The Catalyst is a student-run newspaper that is published seven times a year in print and 24/7 online at www.TheNDBCatalyst.com for the Notre Dame High School community.

EDITORIAL POLICY The Catalyst accepts unsolicited letters from students, faculty, staff, and alumni as well as press releases from on and off-campus organizations, but cannot guarantee publication.

It reserves the right to edit or reject submissions. The views expressed in the Opinion section do not reflect the views of The Catalyst, NDB, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, or the Archdiocese of San Francisco, but are solely the views of the writer. Unsigned editorials reflect the opinion of The Catalyst.

CONTACT US The Catalyst Notre Dame High School 1540 Ralston Avenue Belmont, California 94002 Phone: (650) 595-1913 Email: TheCatalystNDB@ gmail.com Website: www.

TheNDBCatalyst.com Social Media / Instagram & Twitter: @TheNDBCatalyst

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FEATURE

Q&A with EdTech Specialist Rebecca Girard

by Paige Clarke Sports Editor The Catalyst sat down with Science teacher and Educational Technology Specialist Rebecca Girard and asked her about the role of technology, especially Schoology, in helping students and teachers manage homework assignments.

The Catalyst (TC): What does Educational Technology Specialist mean?

Rebecca Girard (RG): Here at Notre Dame, my main job has been to work with faculty, staff, students, and parents on integrating educational technology and helping to train and teach, but focusing on how we use it. Like, why do we want to use these tools? What are our goals and our outcomes? And, how do we find the right tool to fit? We just made up

a title – Silicon Valley people make up titles – and it’s kind of fun kind of a fun title, I think.

TC: How has homework and technology changed since you started working here?

RG: 22 years ago, we didn’t have technology… Now, we have laptops in our classroom. Every student has one… It’s part of our lives all the time, and we need to find ways to use technology appropriately and ways that really enhance learning and not just distract us.

TC: What is the Schoology homework calendar?

RG: When I post assignments or discussion boards, anything with a due date [on Schoology], that shows up in your personal calendar, and you can actually see what’s due when, to stay organized.

TC: How is the Schoology homework calendar supposed to be used?

RG: Well, teachers should be posting their assignments and things with due dates and stuff, so students have that access and that information. So, it’s all kind of in one hub. That’s the idea of using one place where students can go. Otherwise, it gets really confusing as a student right?... [It is] how can we, as a faculty, really support students and learn.

TC: What can teachers do to better use this tool for the benefit of the students and staff?

RG: So, there’s lots of resources for faculty. We have a professional learning group in Schoology that they can join.

They get that shared with them every week, and there’s lots of resources in there. I’m a resource for teachers as well From HOMEWORK | Page 1

want to be there and be flexible for their students. They recognize that students have outside of school commitments along with other assignments that they have to complete.

“I know that we do have certain guidelines in place [about how much homework students are given]. But, what I would like to know more about is the student experience of homework,” Associate Head of School, Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Linda Kern said.

“I do hear that students are tired.

if they ever have questions about how to use the platform. At the beginning of the school year, I offered trainings to help teachers get set up… If we have everything in one place that’s really organized that’s clear to the students, then that will hopefully help you guys [students] be more organized.

TC: What can students do to make sure these tools are being used for their benefit?

RG: I think it’s super important for students to share with their teachers what works well and what doesn’t… I always ask my students. I get feedback on those kinds of things.

I would say one of the things I really want to explore is given that we have a lot of students who might have other significant interests outside of school. I’d like to sit down and really put all of of our heads together around how to help everyone manage this time.”

Dr. Kern’s remarks reflect an openness to discussion with the student body about homework, its significance, and the amount of time that students can realistically devote to it while maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, pursuing extracurricular activities, and having good mental health.

An open letter to NDB faculty and staff about homework

by Parker Daley Editor in Chief

To be completely honest, I feel overwhelmed. I was looking forward to senior year. All throughout high school, I had heard that junior year is the worst in regards to workload. Beginning the year, I thought that I had already made it through the rough stretch of my grade school academic career. My friends who already graduated told me that teachers tend to go easy on seniors because they know we are working on college applications.

My experience as a first semester senior couldn’t be further from the truth.

I definitely acknowledge that I brought challenging coursework on myself. Taking two AP courses and a college class is a lot. However, last year I took three AP classes, and I have taken college courses before, and I still have never felt so overworked. Attempting to balance a full load of classes with college applications has been the greatest challenge that I have ever faced academically, and I feel that I am not being set up for success with my applications.

The issue isn’t the rigor of the courses I am taking. The issue is not poor time management on my part. The problem, at least in my experience, is the sheer amount of busy work being assigned to me and my peers. Understanding optimization problems in calculus?

Easy. Doing 20 of the same type of optimization problem? Not as easy.

I understand the demands of all courses at NDB, whether electives, college preparatory, honors, or AP classes. However, as a first semester senior, I feel that the amount of work from each could be reduced. This would not only support students’ academic success, college applications, and physical and mental health, but it would be beneficial for the school. Oftentimes, particularly in college admissions, high schools are judged based on the percentage of students they have admitted to top-tier schools annually.

It would help the admissions chances of NDB students as well as the reputation of the school, if they had more time to devote to their applications. Writing essays, studying for standardized tests, meeting with college counselors, and simply filling out applications requires an immense amount of time. When the proper amount of time is not allotted for these activities, it can result in mistakes or lack of thoroughness that may be a deciding factor in admissions decisions.

I believe that teachers are fully capable of maintaining the challenge of their classes while reducing the amount of time students must spend on homework or studying. In turn, they would help both the students and NDB as a whole… and they would have less to grade.

FEATURE

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Voices: Community perspectives on homework TC: Are NDB students assigned a reasonable amount?

MW: I think Notre Dame, in my opinion, has a pretty perfect amount of homework. I think one girl I met was doing three or four honors classes, so she had a lot of homework. But, I think that’s just her. Normally, I would ask most people what their homework was like, and they said 45 minutes to an hour or an hour 15, an hour and 30, which I think is pretty much about right.

Megan Worry Eighth Grader

TC: Do NDB students get less, more, or the same homework than students at other schools?

MW: I’ve only shadowed at Notre Dame and Mercy, but it seemed like Notre Dame had pretty much the same homework as most other schools, and it even seems like they had a little less than Mercy. It seemed like the homework was more at Mercy, but they had more time to do homework during class. Whereas at Notre Dame, the teachers were teaching until the end. At Mercy, I found that they do their prayer at the start, do their teaching, and then they have 10 or 15 minutes just to start on homework, which is good, because then you can ask questions.

TC: How do you feel about homework?

CM: I think it’s important. I feel like a lot of the time, especially with math homework, the more practice you do, then the better you’ll get at it. However, sometimes with classes like religion, there will be a lot of time doing projects that feel like busywork.

Caitlin Musich Sophomore

TC: Do NDB students get less, more, or the same homework than students at other schools?

JH: I think the same amount.

TC: How much time do they spend on it every night?

JH: An hour, maybe max of two hours.

Jennifer Huang Freshman

TC: How do you feel about homework?

KS: Homework is pretty crucial to getting good grades in school because you’re always practicing when you’re doing homework.

TC: Are NDB students assigned a reasonable amount?

KS:I think the amount of homework is reasonable for students who don’t do extracurriculars, but those who do have too much with their activities.

Kelly Shackel Junior

TC: How do you feel about homework?

WC: I think there is a place for homework, but it needs to be focused. It needs to be specific. It can’t just be busy work.

TC: How do you feel about homework?

QM: We should have homework in our classes... but I think there’s a point where it gets too extreme and is less helpful.

Senior

TC: Are NDB students assigned a reasonable amount?

WC: I don’t know, to be honest, what the policy is. I try and keep my homework to a reasonable amount.

Wendy Connolly Teacher

Allan Gargaritano

Counselor

TC: Are NDB students assigned a reasonable amount?

AG: I think that some students do have really heavy workloads. So, when you have someone with three AP classes or a student that takes any AP classes, I could see the difference in how much more some students have than others.

TC: How much time do they spend on it every night?

AG: I’d say no more than 2 hours and maybe 30 minutes to just review some of the materials.

TC: Do NDB students get less, more, or the same homework than students at other schools?

WC: If you’re talking about independent schools and comparing, I would say it’s similar, if not slightly less.

If you’re talking about public school, I would say we have more.

TC: How much time do they spend on it every night?

WC: It sounds like it’s three hours a night, sometimes four hours. The students tell me they’re going to bed at one in the morning.

TC: How much time do they spend on it every night?

QM: I spend about eight hours a night or so. Sometimes, it’s more. Sometimes, it’s less. On weekends, a lot more.

TC: How do you feel about homework?

AG: I do know that some classes, like math, you would have homework to practice some skills and things. But, I don’t think homework is always necessary. I think, in some cases, maybe if you are trying to study or to help you learn. But, if it is something for you to learn every day, I don’t really see why you should do it.

TC: Do NDB students get less, more, or the same homework than students at other schools?

KS:I think students at other schools don’t get as much as we do because I think our teachers really want to prepare us for testing exams.

TC: How much time do they spend on it every night?

KS: Probably, on average, three hours a night, and I probably spend like four, four and a half hours because either I’ll be tired from practice and my brain isn’t functioning.

TC: How much time do they spend on it every night?

CM: I would say three to four hours depending on whether or not you’re taking honors classes. But, whether or not I understand the content definitely adds or decreases the overall amount of time I spend on my homework.

Quinn Meinhardt

TC: How long does it take you to do your homework?

JH: About an hour.

TC: Do you get a lot during the week or on weekends?

JH: Just during the week normally.

TC: Are NDB students assigned a reasonable amount?

CM: I honestly think it depends on the courses that you have, like the schedule you have, overall. It’s hard for me a lot of times since I play volleyball. It’s not that each individual class is too much. It’s when all the teachers pile it on, and they think that their classes most important.

TC: Are NDB students assigned a reasonable amount?

QM: I think it depends on the classes that you take. I spend a lot of time doing homework, but I know friends who don’t spend as much time. .

TC: Do NDB students get less, more, or the same homework than students at other schools?

QM: Comparing with my friends, I think we get more homework than other schools. There is a lot of work we get that can be busy work... Definitely at other schools, at least with my friends, there is less homework.

TC: How much homework do you get per night?

JH: Just a little thing for each subject.

Dr. Linda Kern Administrator

TC: How do you feel about homework?

LK: I think that good homework can maybe serve roughly three purposes. One is that it’s a reinforcement of what you’ve learned in class… The second thing would be in a blended learning environment, which we don’t have so much here yet… But then, there’s a third one which gets done less just because people have a lot of work and they don’t have a lot of time to do this, which is doing your own homework, right? And I actually personally think that’s the best homework because that’s the one that’s geared towards what skills [you] need to pursue personal professional goals, but it’s not assigned, and it’s not something we usually talk about.

TC: Are NDB students assigned a reasonable amount?

LK: As someone who’s new to the community, I am still very much learning and exploring how homework is being implemented across the school. So, I would say that this is something which I can’t give you a final view on yet. I know that we do have certain guidelines in place.

Information compiled and visuals and photos designed by the Editorial Staff

ARTS & LIFE

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Social media influencer Olivia Jade is back on YouTube

by Bianca Lopez Staff Writer

Last Sunday, December 1, Olivia Jade Gianulli returned to YouTube with a video for the first time in almost nine months. Better known as Olivia Jade, she is famous for being the daughter of celebrity parents, a social media influencer, especially her lifestyle channel, and an ex-USC student connected to the college admissions scandal known as Operation Varsity Blues.

The disgraced celebrity began her two minute long video by explaining that she legally is unable

to comment on the situation that most of her subscribers were expecting mention of: The college admissions scandal. She continued by sharing that she debated for seven to eight months whether or not she should come back to YouTube since she could not give the audience what they wanted. She ultimately decided to return because she wanted to move on with her life.

“I’m not trying to make this about me or where I’ve been… Moral of the story is I missed you guys so much, and I’m just really excited to start filming again and uploading,” she said.

News reports said that she was given permission to post online by her lawyers and parents. She

posted two selfies on Instagram on Wednesday, December 4.

Her parents, actress Lori Loughlin and designer Mossimo Giannulli, were recently charged again with conspiring to commit federal programs bribery, after allegations arose that they had paid $500,000 to get their two daughters into USC, posing as rowing recruits. Loughlin and Gianulli plead not guilty to all charges.

As an avid Olivia Jade supporter since before the news of the scandal broke last March, I could not be more excited about her return, and I know others feel the same.

So, what does the Spiritual Life department think about Kanye West’s new album “Jesus is King”?

“The basic message is: Jesus is king. Yes, that is a representation of Christianity, but now what is meant by king becomes a whole other story. He’s doing what Christianity has done all along. And, that is Christianity comes into a culture... in order to convey the message.

For him to use rap music to deliver the message... that’s completely in keeping with the tradition of Christianity,” said Helen Ciernick, Spiritual Life teacher

“It’s a good start of a general message, but it would be nice if there was more context to what he was saying...

I think it depends on the motivation behind why people are listening to it... if they’re listening to it to try to grow in their faith, then yes [it can influence Catholicism]. But, if they’re just listening to it as music, but not really listening to like the messages, I don’t think it really impacts their faith,” said Kristen Kelly, Spiritual Life teacher

I would say no [it is not a good representation of Catholicism] because it focuses more on the power of God, the Almighty God. But, I think for us, as Catholics, we sort of look at a broader perspective.

I was a little bit disappointed that there was not the compassion of God in there... Maybe he’s just expressing where he’s at with God right now, and maybe he hasn’t gotten to that part yet where it’s very personal,” said Marie Lindemann, Spiritual Life teacher

“So, I love Kanye West. And, I have watched his Sunday services. But, I feel like the album is kind of gimmicky. It’s like it sounds like he’s trying too hard to make this new image for himself. And, it’s kind of annoying that like other artists have had that image since the beginning and now he’s like on this new bandwagon and marketing himself this way,” said Ynez Manalo, Spiritual Life Department Chair

“I like it. It’s like black coffee, kind of like an acquired taste with it...

I think we need to look at the example of what he’s trying to show: a change of heart coming from his past albums and then transitioning into this gospel album. So, I think the example is the change of heart and transition... It doesn’t really encompass the whole idea of morality, and Catholicism,” said Douglas Requillman, Spiritual Life teacher

Information compiled by Victoria Giomi, News Editor; Photos and visuals designed by Peyton Daley, Arts & Life Editor and Natalie Beier, Photo Editor

ARTS & LIFE

Review: Post Malone captivates Oracle

by Parker Daley Editor in Chief

After watching the wildly popular rap artist Post Malone’s recent Bay Area concert, I am amazed by his performance ability.

The concert was held at Oakland Arena, which seats approximately 20,000. That means that around 20,000 people filled this top-notch venue across the Bay for his November 14 concert.

Now, picture that massive crowd, people in floor seating and three layers of balcony. During Post Malone’s entire set – about an hour and a half – almost every person in this mass was standing up, dancing, and singing along with the solo artist.

How did one man gain so much power? Post Malone does not sing with backup singers or a band.

He doesn’t even have dancers onstage with him.

The only exception to this happened when the artist from the opening act, Swae Lee, made an appearance to sing their collaborative song, “Sunflower.”

However, Post Malone’s presence was so powerful that concertgoers of all ages were willing

Holiday by the bay If you’re looking for a place to go and get in the holiday spirit, here are five places in the Bay Area.

EUCALYPTUS AVENUE IN SAN CARLOS

San Carlos’ Eucalyptus Avenue homes put up elaborate holiday decorations. Each house goes all out with hundreds of lights, inflatable decor, and enormous trees and ornaments, along with speakers blasting your favorite Christmas tunes. Be prepared for crowds though. The streets are blocked off on weekend nights, so parking a few blocks away is ideal. It’s a great place to go with family and friends and have fun walking the streets.

SKYLINE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

PARKER DALEY / THE CATALYST

Post Malone’s show was captivating, even from the second level. to stand, dance, and sing along with him for over 90 minutes, even during slowpaced songs such as “Stay.”

This shows the impact of his music: What it means to listeners and the emotion it invokes. The effect of this man, standing alone on a stage and captivating a crowd of this magnitude, demonstrates his storytelling and musical power.

His set was a mix of songs from past albums, and from his latest, titled “Hollywood’s Bleeding.”

He had fans singing along to new, different tracks, such as “Allergic” as well as his classics, such as “White Iverson.”

He also pulled an atypical move on this particular audience, bringing out a guitar and playing “Stay,” one of the most emotional of his many tracks.

In addition to his musical prowess, the design of the stage effects capitalized on Post Malone’s unique brand. At times simplistic and almost

There are many places that you can go to get a Christmas tree, but at Skyline Ranch Tree Farm, you get to chop it down yourself! It is a fun place to go with family and/ or friends, and many families make it a tradition to return every year.

Trees are $68 each, no matter the size – the tallest trees are 15 feet high. Covering 63 acres of land, you’re sure to find the perfect tree.

Just be sure to wear shoes that can get dirty since its muddy there.

ethereal, and at times chaotic and powerful, the lighting and set complemented his songs perfectly.

Post Malone’s fame continues to increase, and it was easy to see why at the Oakland leg of his Runaway Tour.

@TheNDBCatalyst

“THE NUTCRACKER” AT THE S.F. BALLET This classic ballet has been running in San Francisco since 1944. Running from December 11-29 at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, the ballet follows a young girl’s dreams that her toy nutcracker has come to life on Christmas Eve. The show is two hours long, with two acts and an intermission.

Tickets start at $128 for balcony seating. With its iconic music and holiday-themed story, the performance is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Review: The Rise of “Frozen 2”

by Clair Sapilewski Contributing Writer

On Friday, November 22, the big moment finally arrived: the release of “Frozen 2.” Since its teaser last February, fans have been eagerly looking forward to this highly anticipated moment. But, one may wonder why.

In 2013, Disney released “Frozen” with record breaking results.

It was said to have been geared primarily towards kids, ages 5 to 10, but it really struck home with viewers of all ages. Its plot included themes of sisterly love and the importance of refusing to give up. And, its music was phenomenal and stuck in everyone’s head long after the credits rolled.

The movie made over $1 billion at the box office alone, making it one of the highest grossing animated films ever.

“Frozen” had taken the world by an icy storm, so when the news of the sequel went public, everyone was thrilled. The official trailer was viewed nearly 90 million times on YouTube, and ticket pre-sales were higher than any other animated movie. “Frozen 2” finally hit theaters after nine months of waiting after that teaser trailer.

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UNION SQUARE IN DOWNTOWN S.F.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WALT DISNEY STUDIOS

Anna and Elsa and friends return for another journey through Arendelle.

The plot of the sequel proved to be much more complicated than the first one. Younger kids won’t be able to understand it as thoroughly as they did the first as this one caters to older viewers. The story dives into Elsa and Anna’s past. Their parents’ background is explored with some depth, explaining the possible reasons for Elsa’s powers. The movie focuses on Elsa exploring her powers and finding herself.

Viewers will be delighted with Elsa and Anna’s journey to the enchanted forest, a realm filled

with magical spirits and a beautiful fall setting.

The movie contains a few similar points as its successor. The snowman Olaf had his own song. This one pertained to getting older, instead of the excitement that summer brings. Although nothing will ever surpass “In Summer,” the new song “When I’m Older” was a very welcome break from the action and conflict in the film.

Kristoff also sang his own full song for the first time. “Lost In The Woods” was an ‘80s style ballad that any fan of the

much loved reindeer-man duo will appreciate.

The music could not really compete with the “Let It Go”-level of the soundtrack heard in the original, but it was not too bad either.

Overall, “Frozen 2” is definitely worth a trip to the movies. Although the music might not be the same caliber as the original, the film makes up for it with the plot. Anybody who loved the original will enjoy seeing their beloved characters back on screen with the newest installment to this amazing series.

Downtown S.F.’s Union Square is a great place to go for holiday shopping with over 200 stores at the Westfield S.F. City Center and in the surrounding neighborhood. It also has multiple holiday displays and an ice rink open from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. until January 20.

Overall, Union Square’s variety of holiday activities make it the perfect place to enjoy the season.

THE GINGERBREAD HOUSE AT THE S.F. FAIRMONT

The Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco is home to a life-sized gingerbread house this winter. This two-story creation is in the lobby next to a 23-foot Christmas tree. Through December, visitors can walk around inside the edible structure comprised of over 6,000 homemade gingerbread bricks along with tons of icing and candy. You can also stay for holiday tea with friends. This sweet display is definitely worth stopping by if you are in the city!

Information and photos compiled by Peyton Daley, Arts & Life Editor

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SPORTS

Season on review: Fall sports qualify for CCS

Varsity cross country

Varsity water polo

by Annalee Wolfe Staff Writer

PHOTO COURTESY OF @NDBATHLETICS

Cross country competes in the CCS championship at the Crystal Springs course.

by Peyton Daley the finals, 10 runners got have so much support from Arts & Life Editor personal records and the our JV team, the parents,

varsity team placed sev- families, and some other

This season, the enth, finishing in seventh NDB girls and teachers,” varsity cross country team overall and earning a spot she continued. qualified for the Central in the championships.

CCS was MeinCoast Section Champion- “I’m so proud of hardt’s last high school race ships. The championship every girl running her best after four years on the varmeet was held on Saturday, race of the season at finals sity team and three years as November 16 at the Crys- in order to get us to CCS,” team captain. tal Springs cross country Coach Kristi Rossi said.

“I think my favorcourse in Belmont.

“They knew what ite memory would have to

Running in this they had to do, and they be when our team found out race were seniors Quinn came together to make it we qualified for CCS [this Meinhardt and Elizabeth happen. Hard work pays season].

McGuire, junior Chloe off,” she added.

“I knew that I had Powell, and sophomores Runners could made it individually, but Peyton Daley, Kayla also qualify individually since we were missing one George, Emma Nilsoft, for CCS at the league finals of our top runners at league and Clair Sapilewski, with by running the three mile finals, we all thought it’d freshman Mary Courtney long course in under 22:12 be a reach to qualify. It was Templeton as the team’s al- minutes. Daley, Meinhardt, just a rush of excitement ternate runner. and Powell all qualified in- when we all heard that the

To run at CCS, dividually as well as with whole team had made it.

NDB had to rank in the top their team.

It makes a huge difference seven teams in the league At the CCS cham- being able to have all seven based on three WBAL pionships, NDB placed runners at the starting line meets throughout the sea- seventh in their division, on race day!” said Meinson. moving up two places from hardt.

The WBAL last year.

Next season, the League Finals on Novem- “It was great to team hopes to continue to ber 8 counted for 50% of be able to run in CCS this improve and move up in the team’s final placement. year, even though I didn’t their league and in their diSo, it was the most import- race my best,” said Quinn. vision at CCS. ant race of the season. At “It was amazing to

The varsity water polo team made it to the first round of the Central Coast Section (CCS) for the first time in twenty years. This was a huge accomplishment for the program after finishing third in the PAL Bay Division with a record of 7-5.

The spirit on the pool deck was evident as the Tigers took on the St. Ignatius Wildcats in their first game. Unfortunately, NDB’s CCS appearance was cut short after a 5-10 loss, but they fought hard throughout their season to get there to CCS.

“Our team worked so hard for this, and I was so proud of us,” senior and varsity team member Alex Loos said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF @NDBATHLETICS

Varsity water polo seniors show team spirit.

Sometimes, when you play in intense games, such as CCS, it can become overwhelming.

Luckily, with the support that we all had for one another, we played as a team and did the best we could do,” she added.

“I initially thought about all of the teams that I coached during my time at

NDB, and how proud they must be. Then, I couldn’t help but think how proud I was of this team and what they accomplished,” Varsity Coach Mike Marques said.

“This team wanted to go to CCS and they did everything that they could to get there.”

Varsity volleyball

by Mia Hernstadt Staff Writer

The varsity volleyball team fought hard throughout their season, but it all came to an end on November 14 at Clovis West High School in Fresno, CA with a loss, 3-0.

The Tigers were undefeated throughout the regular season for league play, 12-0.

They qualified for CCS in the open division and entered the first round against St. Francis High School, losing all three sets.

The Tigers did qualify for Division I of NorCal’s. They won all three sets in the first round against Tracy High School, but it unfortunately came to an end when they lost in the second round to Clovis West High School.

The team persevered throughout their

PHOTO COURTESY OF @NDBATHLETICS

The team celebrates at its last regular season game. season after experiencing a brief losing streak early in the season and then finishing as league champions.

“We won league.

We went undefeated. But, we lost the first round of CCS in the open division so we dropped into the division under open,” senior and varsity team member Delaney Walsh said.

“Then, we played the first round of Nor Cals against Tracy [High School] and won. Last night was the second round and we lost, so we’re done.

The game was at the other team’s gym because they are seated higher than us, so they get home-court advantage,” said added.

Three athletes participate in fall signing day

by Caitlin Earnshaw Opinion Editor

On November 25, a group of students, faculty and staff, and family and friends gathered in the Moore Pavilion to support three seniors and student athletes: Lauren Harrison, Hannah Kawar and Taylor Russon. These students’ academic and athletic achievements have provided them with the opportunity to sign to their dream schools and play the sports they excel in at the collegiate level.

Harrison is excited to continue playing beach volleyball at USC, while Kawar prepares to at-

tend UC San Diego to play water polo. Russon will continue her gymnastics career at the University of Washington.

“This sport has helped to make me the person I am today. I am forever grateful to, not only my parents, but to all of my coaches who have helped me get where I am today,” Harrison said.

“This opportunity means so much to me because not only do I get to continue playing the sport I love, but I get to do it at a school I feel in love with,” she continued.

“I can’t wait to play [water] polo next year with such an amazing team.

I’ve met all the teammates and the coaches, and I can say, without a doubt, that there is not a more perfect team out there for me!”

Kawar said.

“My mom has always been there for me and she gives me so much support. I wouldn’t have made it through all these years without her,” Russon said.

“I have also been super lucky to have an amazing group of friends at school and the gym that constantly supports and encourages me. I am so thankful for everyone who has helped me get to where I am today,” she added.

PHOTO COURTESY OF @NDBATHLETICS

Taylor Russon, Hannah Kawar, and Lauren Harrison sign their letters of intent.

SPORTS

page 11

Preview: The winter sports season is coming

Basketball teams prepare to start off the season strong

Featured student athlete: Varsity soccer player Julia Roche

by Annalee Wolfe Staff Writer

PHOTO COURTESY OF @NDBATHLETICS

The varsity basketball team won its annual alumnae night game, 44-35.

by Ally Lawrence Staff Writer

This year’s 20192020 basketball teams have gotten off to an impressive start with junior varsity having 13 players and varsity having 12.

Varsity Coach Samantha Rossi and JV Coach Dennis O’Leary have been hard at work to motivate both their teams to work to the best of their abilities.

Rossi has been working with the varsity team for seven years, but this is only her second year as head coach. This is O’Leary’s second year coaching JV basketball.

“I’m looking forward to watching these girls improve week by week, so they can all go to the next varsity level,” says O’Leary.

NDB’s annual Alumnae Game kicked off the season on Wednesday, November 27.

“It brings everyone together before a tough season and makes the nervousness before all our other games go away,” junior and varsity team member Mia Adao said.

The final score for this year’s alumnae game was 44-35 with current students earning their win.

Freshman Molly Phan played especially hard during this game, taking and making almost all of her shots.

“It was fun to play against people who are so much older than me and really enjoyed being a part of the annual tradition of the alumnae game,” she said.

“Basketball is an amazing opportunity to

get to know my new teammates,” senior and varsity team member Olivia Miller said.

“As a second-year varsity player, I’m so excited to be a senior and play with younger girls. It allows me to become friends with girls who I would have never met. These new girls always become my best friends which is my ultimate favorite part of basketball,” she added.

The varsity team won 32-30 against Hillsdale HS in their Friendship Game on November 21.

But, it lost 57-28 against Mills HS two days later.

The team is looking forward to a tournament in Los Angeles at the beginning of December and to league play at the beginning of January.

The varsity soccer team is getting ready to start their season on a strong note. With tryouts and the final roster out of the way, conditioning and practice are becoming a daily ritual for the team.

The girls have played a few games already, including one against Mercy Burlingame at Avaya Stadium in San Jose as part of the Earthquakes High School Soccer Series. The Catalyst spoke with junior Julia Roche for an insight into the season.

The Catalyst (TC): How are you preparing for soccer?

Julia Roche (JR): I played club soccer, so I was kind of preparing that way and then I worked out a lot before to make sure I was in shape.

TC: What was the tryout process like for you?

JR: We basically just scrimmaged a lot, and then he moved people around to where he thought they would fit best, and then he made the teams.

TC: How long have you

PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIA ROCHE

Julia Roche (right) bonds with her teammates. been on the varsity team?

I really like the team this JR: I have been on the team year. since freshman year.

TC: How is your team preTC: What have practices paring for league? been like since the season JR: Definitely a lot of constarted? ditioning. We believe that, JR: It’s been a lot of run- if you’re fit, you can win. ning and conditioning, and Also, just bonding together, then scrimmaging. so we know everyone.

TC: What are you looking forward to this season?

JR: I am most excited for league and just like flying with everybody because

TC: What are your goals for this season?

JR: My goals are just to win as many games as we can.

Road to nationals: Cheer and pom recieve bids

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANCESSCA GOMES

The pom team is the reigning national champion.

by Paige Clarke Sports Editor

Since May, the spirit squad has been working hard to build the necessary skills for the year.

Consisting of the varsity and JV cheer teams and the varsity pom team, the squad formed their competition teams in August and continued to focus on growing their competitive skills.

Lots of hard work and “full outs” were ap-

plied to practices to ensure the competitive nature of each team.

“We practiced really hard and we all work as a team and we made sure that we were all hitting and doing everything to help each other out,” freshman and junior varsity cheer team member Hailey Hobson said.

Heading into the season, both the varsity cheer and pom teams went up from the novice division to the intermediate

PHOTO COURTESY OF NICOLE AMBAYEC

JV cheer wins their first USA regional. division, increasing the required skills and competition.

On November 9, the squad competed in their first regional competition of the season at Merrill West High School in Tracy, and all teams were able to secure bids to nationals in February 2020 in Anaheim.

“I felt nervous knowing it was my first year on varsity and, overall, us moving up a division,” junior and varsity cheer team member Mabrey Cliff

said.

Even though there were nerves from all teams, this did not affect the performances of the athletes.

Both cheer teams went home with a first place plaque, and pom received second place.

Everyone was very excited and cheered on the other members of the spirit squad who competed.

The following weekend on November 16, the competition teams em-

PHOTO COURTESY OF MABREY CLIFF

Varsity cheer wins first in the intermediate division. barked on another competition at Vista del Lago High School in Folsom. For the second week in a row, all three teams secured nationals bids, and each team placed first in their division.

“Winning on Saturday felt really good and I was super proud of what my team accomplished,” junior and varsity pom team member Isabella Alanjian said.

“We moved up to a more challenging division

this year and didn’t know what to expect. Winning gave us the confidence to know that we can compete in the new division,” she added.

The spirit squad is looking forward to their upcoming competitions and nationals and hopes to hang another banner in the Moore Pavillion this year.

@TheNDBCatalyst

page 12

NEWS

The Scottish play: “MacDance Moms” and “Mac Chopped” From MACBETH | Page 1

people seek justice and revenge against him.

What is now known as “The Macbeth Project” is a six-weeklong unit in which seniors study the play “Macbeth” and then, based on a certain theme, write their own version of the script and coordinate the advertising, music, props, wardrobe and other elements needed to adapt and perform the play.

“It was definitely a unique experience, especially for an English class, but it was certainly also a breath of fresh air,” senior Felicia Wei said. She was part of the “Mac Dance Moms” production.

The project makes students come out of their comfort zones and work with each other like no other class group project since the assignment ends with a play in front of an audience bigger than the class itself.

“There were ups and downs, but I am extremely proud of everyone for rising up to the challenge. It’s for sure one of the most memorable units

A day in the life of a Tiger

Just some of the things that have happened to our readers over the past months...

PHOTO COURTESY OF @NDBTIGERS

The junior ring ceremony took place on Sunday, November 3. The Knights, along with a few members from their sister class, the Wildcats, and their family and friends, celebrated receiving their new rings with liturgy at the NDNU chapel and a reception in the NDB dining room.

NATALIE BEIER / THE CATALYST AND AD COURTESY OF ENGLISH IV, BLOCK 2

Scenes from the Macbeth Project, including the ad for “Mac Chopped.”

of my high school career,” Wei added.

In the past, seniors have adapted the Scottish play to fit themes, such as “Grey’s Anatomy,” “iCarly,” and “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

The Macbeth Project is a lesson created

by English teachers Adam Currier and Robert Rojas, starting with the Class of 2016. It was their first

time working together on the senior English curriculum, and they wanted to do something big when they taught Shakespeare. It was opportunity to dive into one of Shakespeare’s classics and understand the deeper meaning behind this particular piece of work.

“We felt that the senior year was a great place to do this because..., as people get ready to go to college

and work with people that they’ve never met before, it would be a good way to get the senior class to have to work together on a project that would take all of them working in the same direction to pull it off successfully,” Currier said.

With contributions by Brianna Nunn

EDITORIAL STAFF / THE CATALYST

English teacher Clare Wadbrook (left) poses with Indian American author Chitra Divakaruni at a book talk at Kepler’s Books in Menlo Park. Several sophomores attended the talk to listen to the author of “Sister of My Heart,” a novel that they recently studied in their English class.

Tigers celebrate Friendsgiving

EDITORIAL STAFF / THE CATALYST

NDB alumna Caroline Smith (‘15) visited the journalism class to share stories about working as an editor for the Daily Californian, the independent student-run newspaper of the UC Berkeley community. She now works as an oncall producer for KQED’s radio program, “Forum.”

AMELIA KYLE / THE CATALYST

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NDB JUNIORS AND SENIORS

Scenes from Friendsgiving, including dinner with students from our brother school, Serra H.S.

The spiritual life department celebrated the beginning of the Advent season with prayer services for all students, focusing on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. They wrote their personal goals for each week of the season on sticky notes and shared them in the main hallway.

Poll: So, what are you doing during winter break?

Winter break begins at the end of finals on Friday, December 20.

The Spring 2020 semester begins for faculty and staff on Monday, January 6 and for students on Tuesday, January 7.

Information compiled by Emma Tsui, Staff Writer; Visuals designed by Victoria Giomi, News Editor

NATALIE BEIER / THE CATALYST

Students pick chocolate covered strawberries, cookies, and other desserts at the annual Noel party organized by French teachers Patricia Haddad and Marlene Kissell and their students from the French classes and club.