December 8, 2016

ORACLE Friday, December 8, 2016 // Vol 43 // Issue 4 Stratford High School 14555 Fern, Houston, Texas // shsoracle.com

Tackling First Semester Celebrating our teachers who help us succeed

@SpartanOracle @StratfordOracle

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Opinions The Oracle / Dec. 8, 2016

Losing the Art of Listening Society’s inability to listen

Just Read the Book Sparknotes is no substitute AN OPINION OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD Fahrenheit 451. Lord of the Flies. Quiet. Heart of Darkness. Nearly every student takes an English class each grade.

And every English class reads a few books each semester. Consistently reading is directly linked to richer vocabulary and a deeper understanding of language.

Not all students reap those benefits.

Most of the ones who read their assigned books do, but the ones who don’t read, who don’t pick up a page, don’t get anything.

They’ll read the Sparknotes right before a quiz or a timed writing and slide on by with OK grades.

There’s an argument to be made that Sparknotes and other summary/analyses sites like Shmoop help supplement a student’s readings. Some teachers even encourage their use.

With hyperactive schedules and rigorous coursework, sometimes students feel like these sites are their only option towards a good grade.

For some, it just isn’t possible to read 300 odd pages in a night or two.

However, these sites are NOT meant to replace real reading. The books taught in class are picked for a very specific reason, they are great books.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is both a compelling, fun story and a useful tool for learning about English. Skimming over the Sparknotes entry The Oracle newspaper is the official, schoolsponsored student media of Stratford High School, 14555 Fern, Houston, Texas 77079, 713-251-3454. The Oracle is published monthly by the Journalism Department, and is also available online at shsoracle.com.

The newspaper is a member of Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, and Interscholastic League Press Conference.

the readers. Readers may submit material via e-mail to info@shsoracle.com.

The Oracle serves as a public forum of student expression, and is open to contributions submitted by

The staff is responsible for the content of the publication, and strives maintain professional standards

All letters to the editor must be typed and contain the author’s full name, grade and signature. Submitted material is subject to editing based on space and/or content. The opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, the staff, the administration or the school district.

just doesn’t do it justice.

There is clearly a time management issue at hand when a large chunk of each grade just doesn’t do an assignment repeatedly.

Whether that’s a problem for teachers or students is another matter entirely, but both groups can take steps to improve the situation.

Students! You’re given two to three weeks to read this book, it’s 264 pages long.

Do some basic math and budget your reading out.

Read a chapter a day, or go over a large section each weekend. If you struggle with particular sections, grab a friend or ask your teacher.

There is no excuse, even with such speedy schedules, to wait until the last day to start.

Teachers! Stay on top of your students. Just mentioning that they should have “read through chapter 16 by now” is not enough. Go over difficult passages in class and ask students questions about the material outside of an impromptu quiz.

Be more aware of sites like Sparknotes and of students’ reasons for using it. Maybe move that timed writing to next class if there was a big football game the night before. Or give students time in class to read their novels.

Reading at school is supposed to be an enjoyable and enriching experience, but sometimes external influences can muddle with the process.

Teachers and students need to work together to overcome the obstacles presented by online summary sites.

of accuracy, objectivity and fairness. The editors reserve the right to determine whether submissions will be published.

The Oracle staff strives to produce a newspaper that covers the entire Stratford community, and welcomes freelance submissions.

Publication costs are covered through advertisements. For more information, contact thestratfordoracle@ gmail.com OR call at 713-251-3454

ORACLE

WRITTEN BY: RACHEL DIETERT With social media We think that and ways to connect with people at our fingertips, some may say that society is more connected than ever.

However, while we may have more opportunities than ever nobody wants to hear to connect with people, about us because no we are losing a vital part one is willing to listen. of human interaction: This leads to superlistening. ficial connections with Constant connection others. When someone with others is a great asks ‘How are you,’ part of social media, but with it, we have lost the art of listening.

When getting together with family members and friends, we are often so glued to our phones that we don’t interact and listen to those around us.

Social media was created to solve the problem of connecting with others, but now it people often respond has become the probwith ‘good’ or ‘fine,’ but lem. we aren’t always ‘fine.’

It is a distraction We have this fear that from the people that we no one will really care are surrounded by. what we reply because This leads to an even no one is truly listening bigger issue: not being to our response. able to get to know Another fault in our someone because you listening skills is that don’t listen to what they we are so eager to speak say about themselves. that we don’t listen to We live in a disconwhat others have to say. nected society.

With new technology,

“We live in a disconnected society.”

“We think that nobody wants to hear about us because no one is willing to listen.”

FRONT COVER PHOTO BY: RILEY TIMMRECK EDITED BY: ARTURO BENITEZ

Editors-in-Chief Cameron Henkel Olivia Siciliano

Culture Editors Charlotte Benes Rachel Dietert

Associate Editor

Sports Editors Jacqui Comparin Haley Grace Francis Nicole Whiteford Assistant Sports Editor Louis Nucette

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*Nazlee Khadjeheian *Emma Holland *Ellie Herrmann *Maddie McKenzie

Photo Editors Riley Timmreck Presley Graves Perry Shepard

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Opinions Editors Lauren Byram Sebastian Droz News Editors Taylor Morris Elizabeth Cole

we are given more opportunities to voice our thoughts and opinions.

Ideally, the internet would be a great place to express ourselves and listen to others.

The problem with that is we are too focused on voicing our own thoughts and opinions rather than listening to everyone else’s ideas.

When society no longer listens to each other, we lose the ability to connect with one another.

One of the best ways to start listening is to take a momentary break from your phone.

When you are no longer distracted by texts and social media, you are able to listen to the people that are with you in that moment.

The difference between merely hearing someone and actually listening to them is caring.

Put down your phone when you are with your friends and family and try listening, it will allow you to connect with and learn more about others.

Reporters Andrew Park Alex Parizot Photographers Arturo Benitez Jordyn Richards Kate McCord Grayson Hart

Cassie Wilson Mariana Rincon Tea Sharp Donovan Rixie Carol Gebhart Sam Wagner Claire Sanchez Zaina Ateyea Madison Harbison Allison Delgado Kaitlyn White Savanna Underwood Jamauri Bagby Ads Editors Katie Boatwright Lindell Lewis Alice Morse Ads Staff Maddie Rustam

Jackson Fass Erin Walsh Natalie Gaiser Lauren Perry Gigi Meredith Design Editor William Thiele Staff Artist Caroline Bucek Copy Editors Benjamin Burnham Maddie Suerth Building Principal Danny Gex Advisor Janice Cummons *Editorial Board Members

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Opinions The Oracle / Dec. 8, 2016

The People Have Spoken When does the Christmas season start?

The Early Holidays

Later Christmas

OPINION OF: ALEX PARIZOT

OPINION OF SEBASTIAN DROZ The Christmas season starts at 11:59 PM sharp on Halloween night.

A lot of people would disagree, and claim that skipping Thanksgiving is ridiculous, but Thanksgiving is part of the Christmas season.

Even malls and public parks start replacing spider webs and skeletons with snowflakes and pine trees by Nov. 1, if not earlier.

People shouldn’t be judged for celebrating Christmas too early. There is nothing wrong with making the jolliest of seasons last even longer.

It is actually better to celebrate it early, because Christmas would not sneak up on people like it’s been known to do. Once people grow out of the Santa Claus phase, then they’re a lot more prone to forget about Christmas.

Plus, the decorations put everyone in a good mood. The lights, snowflakes, and Christmas trees lighten up everyone’s day, and if they do not, something’s wrong.

It’s understandable why some might think it’s obnoxious or annoying to have Christmas lights up for nearly two months, but to plan good decorations, one must start early.

To clarify, a good Christmas is not just gifts, it’s the atmosphere. Something about waking up to beautiful decorations on that special day is magical.

The holidays are special for everyone and people shouldn’t be stripped from their right to celebrate as early as they want.

Which side are you on?

Sophomores Valeria Robayo, and Maddie Suerth illustrate how some people dress up, celebrate, or decorate their houses too early for Christmas, and how observers view them.

Every year, the instant Halloween ends, the Christmas decorations go up, stores start selling winter clothes, and worst of all, the Christmas music starts. Just because stores do it, does not mean that everyone should.

People begin to start celebrating Christmas earlier and earlier every year, and caring less and less for one of the best, most food filled holidays.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is considered by many to mark the start of Christmas.

It literally ends with Santa riding in on a sleigh.

It’s like people have just decided to forget one of the year’s six major holidays. And besides, if you start the celebration now, Christmas loses what’s special and you lose the Christmas hype train.

Christmas is a great holiday, don’t get me wrong, but celebrating a holiday that’s almost two months away, and even has another holiday in between, doesn’t make sense. Also in the case of Houston, the weather is not even remotely cold.

Stores’ early start to Christmas advertising makes people forget that the holiday is about giving. People see the holiday deals and forget about it’s true meaning.

The Christmas season is a fun, festive time, where you spend time with friends and family, but the earlier you start the celebrations, the less special it feels.

PHOTO BY: KAITLYN WHITE

WHEN DO YOU START CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS?

POLL RESULTS FROM STRATFORD ORACLE ONLINE

10 BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES TO WATCH THIS SEASON WRITTEN BY: VALERIA ROBAYO

Check out this list of Christmas movies! It includes chick-flicks, traditional movies, and even those memorable cartoons you used to watch, cuddled up at home.

1. The Family Man 2. The Nightmare Before Christmas 3. Elf 4. A Christmas Story 5. Saving Santa 6. Miracle on 34th Street 7. The Polar Express 8. Gremlins 9. Charlie Brown’s Christmas 10. The Holiday

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Opinions

Put on Your Yarmulke, It’s Time for Hanukkah Discover the truth about celebrating Hanukkah

The Oracle / Dec. 8, 2016

WRITTEN BY: BAYLE GOLDMAN PHOTOS BY: BAYLE GOLDMAN AND MARIANA RINCON Some people only know about Hanukkah from hearing Adam Sandler’s famous songs. However, the actual celebration of the holiday dates back thousands of years and commemorates a historic event in

the other Jews who took part in the rededication of the holy temple witnessed what they believed to be a miracle. Even though there was only enough olive oil to keep the menorah’s candles burning for one night, the flames continued flickering for eight nights, leaving them time to find a fresh supply. This wondrous event inspired the Jewish sages to proclaim a yearly eight-day festival.

In America, giving gifts on Hanukkah has become a tradition for many Jewish families. But just like Christmas, Hanukkah was not originally intended to be a gift giving holiday. Customarily, Jews give gelt, or money, to children on Hanukkah in order to teach them to give some Menorah Another candle on the menorah is lit each of it to charity, and just to keep things night of Hanukkah. The candles are placed in the festive and happy. But with their genmenorah from right to left, just like Hebrew text is tile friends receiving endless amounts read. of presents on Christmas, little Jewish Jewish history. children felt left out.

Around 200 B.C.E, a Greek-Syrian king by Jewish families began to give gifts to the name of Antiochus III took over control each other soon after. of Syria. During his reign, the Jews who Giving presents on Hanukkah has become lived there enjoyed freedom to practice a tradition due to the proximity to Christtheir religion in peace. However, when mas on the calendar. The festiveness of Antiochus’ son inherited the throne, he this holiday has led it to become the most revoked that freedom and forced the Jews celebrated Jewish holiday in America. to worship Greek gods. He had his soldiers Hanukkah has many traditions: there’s massacre thousands of Jews, destroy the yummy food to eat, games to play, and of holy temple, and sacrifice pigs within its course lighting the menorah. Jews have a walls. tradition of eating food fried in oil during A band of brave Jews, known as the MacHanukkah, to remember the miracle of the cabees, revolted against the king and his oil that lasted for eight days. Jews eat fried troops. Within two years, they had success- jelly donuts called sufganiyot and fried fully driven the Syrians out of Jerusalem potato pancakes called latkes. and began to rebuild the holy temple.

On Hanukkah, children, and even some When it came time to relight the menoadults, play the dreidel game. A dreidel is a rah (the gold candelabrum whose seven spinning top with a Hebrew letter embranches represented knowledge and crebossed or printed on each of the its four ation and were meant to be kept burning sides. These four letters form the acronym every night), there was not enough oil to of the phrase “A great miracle happened keep it burning for more than one night. there”; a reference to the Hanukkah miraAccording to the Talmud, one of Judaism’s cle that happened in Israel. Jews spin the most central texts, Judah Maccabee and dreidel and gamble chocolate coins called

gelt. Our most important Hanukkah tradifamilies light the menorah, sing songs, play tion is lighting the Hanukkah, or menorah dreidel, exchange funny gifts in a game of with eight branches and a ninth “helper” white elephant, and enjoy spending time candle. with one another. It is one of my favorite They light the candles each night to symtimes of year because just like Christmas, it bolize the menorah that burned in the holy is a time for family. temple after it was rebuilt.

It is rare to see Hanukkah decorations Hanukkah is an important holiday for anywhere in town. Most places like Town reasons that go beyond the history. Even and Country and Memorial City Mall though it is a less significant holiday on the decorate with big Christmas trees and glitJewish calendar, it brings other religions to tery red ribbons. When I was younger, not attention in a primarily Christian world.

Some gentile children’s first awareness of other religions is around the holiday season when Hanukkah is mentioned.

More Holiday Traditions imporThe Block-Goldman family displays a homemade menorah every winter. Ms. tantly, Block built the menorah and two large dreidels for the yard so that their house celebrating could be decorated too.

Hanukkah strengthens our identity as a Jewish peoseeing any Hanukkah hype made me feel ple. Everyone gathers around to remember left out but now, I’m okay with it. yet another time in our history when the Hanukkah wasn’t originally intended to Jews were nearly annihilated but rose up receive hype, as it is really just one of many and succeeded. holidays on the Jewish calendar. No matter They remember that they are a strong when on the calendar it falls, Hanukkah is body that will continue to survive. always a special time for me. After all, as Personally, celebrating Hanukkah means Adam Sandler sang, “it’s so much funukah being with family. My family gathers each to celebrate Hanukkah.” year for a Hanukkah party in which Jewish

How to Get Your Grades Up for the New Semester Advice and tips from counselors to help you succeed

WRITTEN BY: PAULINE YUN PHOTOS BY: MARIANA RINCON As the first semester slowly comes to an end, some students become frantic to raise their grades but acquiring wanted grades can prove to be a difficult task, especially if a student is unsure of how to do it. There are certain things a student must do to successfully end the second semester.

According to the freshman class counselor Carrie Bishop, organization is the key to improvement. “If you didn’t do well first semester, chances are you didn’t use your planner,” she said.

Questions? Junior class coun Using the provided planner could help a stuselor Erin Fuller emphasizes dent avoid wasting any time, allowing the student the importance of seeking help to become more efficient in finding assignments.

Recording test and quiz dates for each class is a and asking good questions. good start for the semester.

An agenda boosts organization, which plays an important role in a student’s life. Bishop states that being organized helps students do better in class. With organization comes responsibility.

Students must be responsible outside and inside of the classroom.

Junior class counselor Erin Fuller encourages students to ask questions in class. Fuller states that the biggest thing she wants students to do is to ask questions.

Asking questions in class provides information students need while instilling creativity into their minds and strengthening their learning capabilities.

“If you don’t understand something and it’s

not answered by the teacher, write those questions down and go to tutorials,” she says. A common fear among students is that asking questions will make them look ignorant and simple minded.

Tutorials offer time alone with the teacher, allowing the student to ask questions in a comfortable environment.

With the closing of the first semester comes the start of a new year and as cheesy as it might sound, with a new year comes a new you. For students, including these tips in New Year’s resolutions can ensure students of all ages improved scores for the second semester.

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News

The Oracle / Dec. 8, 2016

The Year In Review As 2016 comes to a close, we look back on the highlights of the year

WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH COLE & ALEX PARIZOT, GRAPHICS BY CAROLINE BUCEK, MOVIE POSTERS FROM IMdB

January

In the World: Outbreak of Zika virus is announced. El Chapo is captured again after his escape.

Iran dismantles nuclear program At Stratford: Students come back from winter break. Student Council goes on their annual retreat. Winter and Spring sports start their training.

Top Song: “Sorry”, Justin Bieber

February

In the World: Kanye West releases “Life of Pablo” album. Hover boards are declared unsafe by the U.S. government. Leonardo DiCaprio finally wins an Oscar at the Academy Awards At Stratford: Swimming makes it to 5-A State.

Top Song: “Pillowtalk”, Zayn Malik

Movies of the Year

1. Finding Dory

The past year has been filled with craziness and controversy, and that’s probably the only thing that we can all agree upon. From the Summer Olympics, to the clowns, to the Presidential Election, 2016 has been a year to remember. Here are some of important events that occurred this year to make note of.

March

In the World: President Obama becomes first president in 88 years to visit Cuba.

At Stratford: Memorial goes under major construction. Students have to find alternate methods of getting to school. The third Big Day is a success with a 750 student turnout.

Top Song: “Work”, Rihanna

April

In the World: Drake drops hit album Views.

“Hamilton” musical makes it to Broadway.

At Stratford: DeDric Moore wears a dress as a part of the “Mr. SHS” competition and wins. Mrs. Elaine Sorsby wins teacher of the year. Golf makes it to state.

Top Song: “Work From Home”, Fifth Harmony

Rio 2016

The Rio 2016 Olympics were held Aug. 5-21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Though there were concerns over the Zika virus, cleanliness, and overall safety of the city, the games went (mostly) without a hitch.

America came out on top with a total of 121 medals, way ahead of runners up China (70 medals) and Great Britain (67 medals).

The US received 46 gold, 37 silver and 38 bronze.

Olympic legend Michael

May

In the World: Harambe the gorilla is shot dead in Cincinnati Zoo. The Running Man Challenge becomes popular on social media.

At Stratford: Prom is held at the Chateau Cocomar. The school is officially moved into the 6-A competition level. Academy of Finance goes to New York.

Top Song: “One Dance”, Drake

2. Suicide Squad

3. Deadpool 1. “One Dance”, Drake 2. “Hello,” Adele 4. Zootopia 3. “Closer”, The Chainsmokers 4. “Stressed Out”, Twenty One Pilots 5. “Alexander Hamilton”, Lin-Manuel Miranda In the World: 6. “Sorry”, Justin Bieber Clowns begin to terrorize America. The iPhone 7 is 7. “7 Years”, Lucas Graham released.

In the World: 8. “Cake By the Ocean”, DNCE Kim Kardashian gets robbed At Stratford:

September

October

December

In the World: Michigan undergoes a recount of the votes from the election.

At Stratford: The Houston Zoo hosts is a lights show. Students are getting ready for finals and the winter break. See you next year!

Top Song: “Black Beatles”, Rae Sremmund

In the World: Donald Trump is elected the 45th President of the United States. On social media, the Mannequin challenge takes the world by storm. Fidel Castro dies at 90.

At Stratford: Cross country makes it to 6-A state.

Top Song: “Starboy”, The Weeknd

June

In the World: The United Kingdom votes to leave the European Union.

Colombian cease fire signed.

At Stratford: School is out for the summer!

Top Song: “Panda”, Desiigner

July

Our 2016 Playlist

November

Phelps ended his swimming career this Olympics, totaling 28 medals with 23 golds. This is the greatest amount in history and the most decorated Olympian at all time.

America won many other events in historic displays. Though some of these world-class athletes are retiring, new promising faces are abundent for the 2020 Olympics. Tokyo, here we come!

in Paris. The Presidential debate is held with Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

At Stratford: The football team beats Memorial High school for the second year in a row. Final score: 31-13 Top Song: “Broccoli”, D.R.A.M

Jalan Beck and Ronnie Johnson are Homecoming King and Queen.

Top Song: “Closer”, The Chainsmokers

August

In the World: The U.S. competes in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

At Stratford: School starts! The school gains 23 new faculty members.

Top Song: “Heathens”, Twenty One Pilots

Today in TV:

This year saw the rise of many new shows and great new seasons of others. New staple seasons of 2016 were from old shows like Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, House of Cards, Grey’s Anatomy, and the news seasons of The Bachelor/Bachelorette.

New shows included Atlanta, The Making of a Murder, and the Netflix sensation Stranger Things. Spin off shows like Gilmore Girls:

In the World: Pokemon Go becomes a global phenomenon.

Stranger Things is released on Netflix and becomes extremely popular.

At Stratford: Teams begin training for the 6-A season.

Top Song: “Cold Water”, Major Lazer

A Day in the Life, and Bachelor in Paradise also surfaced in 2016.

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The Changing School Calender

News

The Oracle / Dec. 8, 2016

SBISD Board drafts a new calendar for the school year

Concierto Finalists Announced

Senior violinist Isabella Bengochea and Freshman violinist Catherine Wu- have been selected for the prestigious Texas Music Educators Association All-State Orchestra. Stratford is the only school in all of SBISD and one of only two schools in all of Region 27 whose students have achieved this honor for 2016-2017!

Theatre students pose for a photo during rehearsal for the Musical Me and My Girl.

-Tuesday: Final 2, Period 4, A Lunch (B Lunch in 6th period), 6th Period for A Lunch (B Lunch), Final 8 -Wednesday: Finals 5 & 7

Playhouse is presenting the musical Me and My Girl Jan. 26-28 & Feb. 2-4 at 7:30.p.m. and Jan. 28 & Feb.4 at 2:30 p.m.

Final Exam Schedule

To Anyone Not Returning

If you will not be returning to Stratford in January 2017 after the winter break please stop by the Registrar’s Office.

You will need to pick up a withdrawal form.

WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH COLE PHOTOS BY CLAIRE SANCHEZ In recent SBISD board meetings, development. there has been talk of changing the As of right now, there are four calschool calendar as we know it. At endar options being tossed around the press Conference with SBISD for the 2017-2018 school year. The superintendent Dr. Scott Muri, key factor among all of these plans school scheduling for the 2017-2018 include the start date. Texas state year was a largely discussed issue. laws require that schools start on Mainly, how SBISD is now able to the fourth Monday in August, which manipulate the school calendar. would end up making school last How are we able to manipulate well into June. To combat this, the the calendar? Well, there are two board is considering using the benanswers to that. First of all, SBISD is efits of the District of Innovation to part of a the District of Innovation. start school earlier in August so that This gives us a little “wiggle room” SBISD will be out by Memorial Day to mess around with our schedule. in May. However, there are many While a state law may require school concerns about this plan; mainly districts to start or end at one time, camp schedule interference and the we get to exempt this law just by becost of having to run air conditioning part of this program. ing for a longer time period.

Secondly, school is now counted Another schedule change that by the minute, rather by the hour, may occur next year is having an enso this gives districts an ability to tire week off for Thanksgiving break. extend school by a few minutes In the Monday and Tuesday before every day, and then tally up the Thanksgiving break, absences are extra minutes and then use them at an all time high for both students for a half day. For example, Rumand teachers. Surrounding districts, mel Creek Elementary starts at 7:55 such as HISD, have already adopted rather than 8:00 and gets one extra this change. half day every semester. This is ben Finally, school itself may become eficial because these half days can longer. In cases like Rummel Creek, be used for conferences and teacher schools are adding on minutes to

Memorial Memorial & Dairy& Dairy AshfordAshford

their school day to “pay off” for extra half days. Right now, school districts are only permitted six half days, but the District of Innovation has extending this number under consideration.

District Superintendent Dr. Scott Muri answers a question during the press conference at Memorial High School on Nov. 9.

Thanks to the District of Innovation, we may finally be able to change school to suit students for the better. There are many more changes being discussed, so stay informed by checking the district website. What schedule changes would you like to see? Vote at our poll at shsoracle.com!

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News

The Oracle / Dec. 8, 2016

Service Throughout the Seasons WRITTEN BY NAZLEE KHADJEHEIAN GRAPHICS BY CAROLINE BUCEK

While the holiday season is a time to celebrate love and joy, there are some families within the Stratford community that face struggles you might not expect. In all 52 years of its existence, Stratford has never seen a day without some type of community service within its walls. Mrs. Mary Jackson, Student Council sponsor, can attest to that.

For many years, Stratford has come together to form the Spartan Share program, where several school organizations sponsor a family going through a rough time. Each organization contributes items like clothing, toys, and shoes for families who, if otherwise, wouldn’t be able to have a “normal” holiday season. As a long time faculty member, Jackson has contributed to Spartan Share for many holiday seasons, has seen it transform into what it is today.

“We talk to counselors from other schools and find families that feed into Stratford, like Thornwood and Meadow wood. Even if you think they’d be schools that generally may not need help, there’s still families there that possibly do. It could be situations where someone has lost their job, or the family is going through a divorce, anything where the kids wouldn’t have a normal holiday season” Jackson said. “We just ask them what they need. It’s interesting, because we might say we need to new iPad or cellphone, but their needs are a jacket or shoes. Stuff that a lot of us take for granted.”

While the process of buying the families their gifts for Christmas can be fun and exciting, the giving experience always prove to be more rewarding than anticipated.

“...tears rolling down our cheeks, all thinking the same thing: this is why we do it.” -Mary Jackson “Sometime during final exam week, we contact the family to see when we can drop it off. One of the best memories I have is when I went with some students to an apartment complex to drop off some gifts. We drive over there, we get out and unload the presents. As we walk away, everyone is thanking each other, all of a sudden, this kid runs and grabs me from behind. He left me, went and grabbed a couple of the other kids and brought us together to say, ‘thank you, now I do believe.’

Nobody said a word,” Jackson said. “We just got in the car, and when I turned around in my seat to see the students all I could see were tears rolling down our cheeks all thinking the same thing: this is why we do it.”

Since Stratford has always been a community of service, the beginning of the Spartan Share program is unclear. However, before it was started, another big service project by Stratford was called ‘Shoes for Kids’.

“Back then, we would also contact counselors of schools that feed into Stratford and just ask if there were any kids that needed shoes, a pick me up. We would go pick the kids up, around 5 or 7 to each school, and took them to Payless in the mall. We convinced Payless to do BOGO, and we would measure the student’s feet. We did this in January, because by this time in the school year the once new shoes that students had been worn and torn,” Jackson said.” So they’d get a pair of tennis shoes, sometimes socks, and then we’d go back to Stratford and give them a tour around the school.

It was also like a stay in school program- getting them excited about their future school. For the rest of the year, StuCo would write them a letter every couple of weeks. There was a lot of folds to this program- getting them a new pair of shoes, making the connection the Stratford, and being a pen pal. After that, we would go to CiCi’s pizza and drop them back off at School.”

This tradition started when a Student Council Executive member, Cedric Mayfield, wanted to reach out and do something for the community, and mentioned his

idea

with Mrs. Jackson, who had other service ideas.

I had been looking at Star of Hope and other organizations to help, but Cedric reminded me that there was a need within our community. He said, ‘Mrs. Jackson, there’s a need in this district.” It can be easy to think that Stratford is fine and that all the families are financially stable, when that’s not always the case. He told me he didn’t have shoes growing up, only his brothers hand me downs. So he started Shoes for Kids. We would pick kids from all of the schools in the district. And it’s not always because of financial need, sometimes it’s just someone to look up to.”

Stratford as a whole has such a giving heart. “Stratford really is its own community. If you say Stratford is going to Chili’s, or anywhere else, we bring it. Everybody comes and supports each other. We are Stratford America,” Jackson said.

In previous years, another service the Stratford has performed was a secret within its own halls.

“We would have kids donate non perishable food to the school, and we would keep it in the book room. It was like a food pantry. We would pack the food in backpacks, so that all a student had to do was swing by the book room and pick up a backpack if their family needed food for the week. A student didn’t have to be embarrassed about carrying a bag of food home. It became too difficult to keep the food here. Now we donate to St. John Vianney instead and direct parents over there, because it’s a branch of the Houston Food Bank.”

Something else conducted by Student Council during the holidays are the Custodian baskets, which was started around four or five years ago. StuCo would collect canned goods, a turkey, rolls- all of the makeups of a Thanksgiving meal, and then package it and deliver to the custodians.

“It might not feed their whole familybut we just want to give them something as a small token of appreciation,” Jackson said.

“Another project we do is ask students to bring cookies - tons and tons of cookies. We set them all up on platters, and give the cafeteria workers gallon size bags to fill up to take home to their families.”

Being apart of so many service programs throughout the years, Jackson has one goal in all of the projects.

“My goal is to appreciate every organization, or every adult group within our Spartan community in some way, shape or form”, said Jackson.

The need is here.

This holiday season, find a way to spread some joy and love through the community. In any way, shape or form, pay it forward. Everyone can use some love during this time of the year.

8 In Depth The Oracle / Dec. 8, 2016

TEACHER STAT Teachers who are Veterans:

SATs, Flipped Classroom, Active Board, Power Reviews, T-2-4, Conference Periods, and more! It seems like every day the district adds a dozen new methods of pushing students further in an effort to prepare us for college.

But for all their efforts, classroom success still largely hinges on one key area: teachers. And if there is one place where we really excel, it’s teachers.

“I remember how [my teachers] made me feel, how they valued me as a person, as someone growing up”

-Karl Poetzl From math to English to athletics, they’re always ready to walk through difficult concepts or go over that one problem from the homework.

For most, teaching has always been a dream of theirs or something they felt called to them.

Physics teacher April Glover, is one example. She took up teaching after one of her own teachers “completely turned” her away from science.

Glover wishes to teach in a way “so no students have to go through that horrible physics experience like [she] had.”

Others, like statistics extraordinaire Karl Poetzl, never imagined they’d go into teaching.

During college Poetzl was encouraged by some of his professors to take up a Teacher’s Assistant role, but still didn’t consider a career in education.

Poetzl went on towards a promising career at Petsmart, and as one of the first hires with a college background, was look-

Teacher Apprecia

A dedication to the adults who help make Stratford America a home f

SPREAD BY: OLIVIA SICILIANO AND CAMERON HENKEL PHOTOS BY: PERRY SHEPARD, CLAIRE SANCHEZ, KATE MCCORD, AND SAMANTHA W GRAPHICS BY: OLIVIA SICILIANO AND ARTURO BENITEZ ing at a fast track to the illustrious corporate office in Arizona before he realized pet sales wasn’t what he wanted to do.

Over the course of a dozen odd years Poetzl bounced around a couple of odd jobs, but kept coming back to teaching.

Through substituting and short term teacher positions, Poetzl finally decided to give education a real shot “even though I kept saying I didn’t want to be a teacher. I just [loved] it so much.”

Poetzl, a Stratford alumnus, looks back at “all of [his] teachers, and they were all really dang good,” and hopes he instills the same kind of love for learning that he received.

“I remember how they made me feel, how they valued me as a person, as someone growing up. And I don’t ever want to lose that, that [you

A.

students] have lives outside of stats or school” said Poetzl.

Both Glover and Poetzl highly praised the community, one that has in turn celebrated them and all the other teachers they represent.

“It’s true. Stratford America, they support everyone.”

-April Glover Before Glover was married, she went through a rough patch in life and Stratford America looked after her by hosting “Mrs. Crutcher Day” ,her maiden name.

Through the announcements, signs in her room, and random hugs of kindness, Stratford rained down the love for one of its most treasured teachers.

B.

C.

Glover “felt so loved and appreciated by the students and staff. It’s true. Stratford America, they support everyone.”

Meanwhile, Poetzl is a former Teacher of the Year recipient, which he feels honored by because “it was my colleagues, my fellow teachers” who nominated him for the award.

Appreciated teachers are loved for their skills in the classroom, but they also have a few secret tricks outside school.

Glover can sing, but hasn’t done so since she played Glenda in her high school’s version of The Wizard of Oz. In contrast, Poetzl takes part in bird counting out in the wilderness during some of his free time.

Take a second during your next class to ask your teacher what they’re hidden talent or favorite activity is,

the answer may just sho In addition to a whol home, teachers are also for their own homework “It takes longer to gra than what they think, an have lives at home. We d home and grade every s we probably should but cause we have lives outs So when it takes us a cou to get your test grades b not doing it on purpose a long process to grade p Glover commented on t Poetzl and Glover are shining examples indica role models manning th up and down these halls In that spirit, we’d lik teachers but especially t of this great school for a

Match the Teach

Test your teacher knowled 1. Who has a dog named Nico?

2. Who has a secret teacher twit

D.

E.

3. Who says this:

“It’s a great day to be alive

4. Who has a daughter named A

5. Which teacher is insta-famous A, 4.E, 5.B

Mr. Graham, Band Mrs. Autry, Bookroom Mr. Hall, Math Mrs. Moreno, Spanish Mr. Murphy, History Mr. Brillon, Science

In Depth 9 The Oracle / Dec. 8, 2016

TEACHER ST 13 -----> the n AT u

ation

mber of teachers and adm inis tors emp loyed her trae th are forme r SHS stu at dents

for students

Teachers recall the best (and worst) experiences with students What brings you the most joy as a teacher to see your students do?

“When students understand something they didn’t before, and the look “When students do demonstrations in their eyes when they get it.”

-Mrs. Wolf, English for the class in psychology.”

WAGNER

ock you. le life at responsible k, grading. ade a paper nd that we don’t go single night, t we don’t, beside of here. uple days back, we’re e, it is literally papers.” the process. e just two ative of the he classrooms s. ke to thank all the teachers, all they do.

Classroom Craziness

-Mrs. Henry, Psychology

The Math Squad Karl Poetzl, Christian Marquez, and Sam Nguyen are great friends as coworkers in the math department. They attend various athletic events all year together, and may go down as one of Stratford’s most iconic trios.

her

dge with this fact quiz

tter account?

e!”

Anaiya?

s?

A. Mr. Cozad B. Mrs. Mennes C. Mr. Poetzl D. Mr. Avis E. Mrs. Russo

What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever heard a student say?

“One of my students asked me who won the American Revolution.”

-Coach Schwartz, History “When a student said the line during the SHS production of the Spelling Bee: ‘Holy shift, look at that asymptote on that mother function.’”

-Mr. Nguyen, Math “[The] class was discussing the reproductive system and talking about how eggs and sperm were made, and how the scrotum was outside of the body. A kid asked if his was on the outside of his body and I said: ‘You’ll have to check for yourself.’”

-Mrs. Yonkin, Science

What is the worst thing a student has ever done in your classroom?

“[A] student chugged a Monster energy drink since he wasn’t allowed to have it in class, and a few minutes later he threw up in the corner of the class.”

-Mrs. Wolf, English

ANSWERS: 1.C, 2.D, 3

10

Features The Oracle / Dec. 8, 2016

MERRY & BRIGHT Houston’s most festive Christmas light displays WRITTEN BY: EMMA HOLLAND AND MADDIE MCKENZIE

Best Christmas Lights Displays

in the Houston Area

1 .

Zoo Lights

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Christmas is right around the corner, and people are following the tradition of decorating their house with Christmas lights. The lights first originated from Thomas Edison in 1880, who used lights to decorate his laboratory compound for Christmas. The string lights were then introduced by Edward Johnson, which were then sold to the public in 1890.

From there, the rest is history.

Many families put their own Christmas lights up every year.

Ta n g l e w o o d Hanging Christmas lights is not only a huge time commitRiver Oaks ment, but it also requires thoughtful planning and supplies in order to properly execute.

Woodland Heights The Outdoor Department Manager at Home Depot, Aaron P r e s t o n w o o d F o r e s t Jackson, says that the holiday season is Home Depot’s busiest time of the year, as people flood in trying to stock S a n t a ’ s W o n d e r l a n d up on lights. “We get over 2,000 customers each day, and I would say at least 200 of them spend over $50 on some sort Christmas Katy of Christmas decoration,” Jackson said. “The same type of large-bulbed lights are in demand every year, and roughly Post Oak Blvd 10,000 boxes priced at $36 are purchased over the course of Highland Village the season.”

Pecan Grove Jackson recalls an impressive returning customer, a Christmas lights company, that comes to buy the lights for their business.

Christmas Lights Around the Town PHOTOS BY: CARSON ALLRED

GRAPHICS BY: CAROLINE BUCEK

Though many people put up their own lights, some of the larger houses require a company to assemble the lights. Katy Outdoors is a Christmas light company that focuses its work in the Cypress and Katy area. According to business owner Victor Garcia, the company brings in about $50,000 - just from hanging and taking down lights from November to December.

“The average house takes about four to five hours to put up the lights,” Garcia said. “I also do commercial work, and have done Memorial City and Katy Mills Mall. Those are a lot of work and take a lot of time,” Garcia added.

Cypress is known for having an impressive display of lights.

One of Garcia’s largest private customers lives in the Cypress area, and their installation requires more than five hours.

Christmas lights are not just a tradition, it’s an opportunity to pause from the busyness of buying presents and planning vacations to admire the beauty of the holiday season.

Families and friends come together to view other’s marvelous Christmas lights displays. This holiday season, be sure to go out and enjoy all of the hard work put into the complex displays.

11

Features The Oracle / Dec. 8, 2016

Holiday Traditions PHOTOS BY: ALLISON DELGADO STORY BY RACHEL DIETERT, GRAPHICS BY CHARLOTTE BENES It’s that time of year again. Finals are right around the corner. Students are getting more and more stressed by the minute, but never fear. Your Oracle finals survival guide is here.

Before you even start studying, there are some crucial items that you need.

High lighters and multicolored pens are definitely a must. They help you to visually organize your notes and connect concepts together. You also need flashcards and a computer. Coffee and snacks are also essential to keep you awake and avoid mental breakdowns.

Now that you have your coffee in hand, you are ready to start the dreaded task of studying. Start by making a to-learn list for all of the classes you need to study for.

Make sure to prioritize and check things off the list as you go along. The amount of work and studying you have to do may seem daunting, but making this list will help you stay on task. Take another sip of your coffee, and begin studying by looking over all of your semester notes and highlighting key information. This focuses your eyes on the information that is important and will most likely be on the exam. Another way to review your notes is to create a study guide. Take all of your

notes and find what information and facts are important. Then, create a word document that contains all of this information. Make sure to include images to help you understand concepts. Flashcards are a great way to memorize vocabulary and formulas. You can make these

mation. Another great way to study is to look up videos about the topic on websites like Khan Academy and Shmoop. White boards are also a great way to visualize difficult concepts. Making acronyms and songs can help you remember facts you have to memorize. Experiment with different types of music and study spaces to see what works best for you.

After hours of studying, no matter how much coffee you’ve had, you’re probably exhausted. One of the most important things about studying is making sure you take breaks. Biking, dancing, watching Netflix, napping, or listening to music are all great ways to relax and refresh your mind.

At the end of the day, your grades, while important, do not define you. Don’t kill yourself over studying, and be sure to set aside some time to rest and do something for yourself. Different people learn in different ways, and the methods in this flashcards on apps as well, and that way they article are merely some suggestions to get you started. Make sure to get some sleep are always with you. If you study for a bit when you are bored or have nothing to do, it and remember: procrastination is the true will make studying a lot less daunting. Putting enemy here. Good luck with your finals, information on post it notes and placing them especially if you are reading this instead of studying. Happy studying Spartans and around your house is also a good idea. This way, you are always surrounded by the infor- may the curve be ever in your favor.

Senior Elena McInroe

“My favorite tradition is probably putting up my Christmas tree. My parents have a little ornament of a picture of them when they got married and we always put that on the tree” McInroe said.

Sophomores Lauren Dodds and Colter Ivey STORY AND GRAPHICS BY PRESLEY GRAVES PHOTO BY ALEX PARIZOT JANUARY: U.S. citizens will leave and move to Canada after President Elect Donald Trump is inaugurated.

FEBRUARY: It’s the month of love, and I predict that Angelina and Brad will get back together after realizing their mistakes and all will be forgiven and forgotten. VIRGINIA AND WEST VIRGINIA WILL MERGE IN ORDER TO FORM ONE HUGE VIRGINIA. MARCH: Rice University is destined to win this year’s March Madness. It is written in the stars that the Owls will go undefeated the entire year and will end up winning the season.

APRIL: This is the greatest month out of all twelve. Not only will One Direction make a comeback on April 1, but this is also the month that the greatest person in the world will turn 17.

MAY: It is seen that in the month of May, Michael Jackson will be discovered to have faked his own death back in 2009.

JUNE: The U.S. government will officially make contact with aliens, and will sign a peace treaty that will be violated later in the year.

JULY: Illuminati will be confirmed and Beyonce will overthrow the government. She will also admit that she and many celebrities are clones.

AUGUST: A huge sun flare will take place and will burn down all schools. School will officially be postponed until the year of 2020.

SEPTEMBER: Apple will release the new iPhone 8 and it will be able to grow a pair of arms and legs. This is only the beginning of the rise of the machines.

OCTOBER: The peace treaty between the U.S. government and the aliens will have been officially violated and chaos ensues.

NOVEMBER: Turkeys decide to fight back. They take a stand against all humans, teaming up with the aliens and iPhones that have overtaken earth.

Humans become enslaved.

DECEMBER: You no longer get the new iPhone as a gift, the iPhone’s get YOU as a gift. ALL HUMANS BECOME ENSLAVED TO TECHNOLOGY.

“One of my favorite traditions is that every year since we were little, my grandmother brings over these advent calendars and we eat little pieces of chocolate everyday” Dodds said.

Junior Caroline Evans “I like driving around and looking at all the Christmas lights with my family. I usually go to my grandparent’s house in Dallas and we have a big party” Evans said.

12

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The Oracle / Dec. 8, 2016

13

Sports The Oracle / Dec. 8, 2016

ONE ON ONE with...

Coach Hoskovec PHOTO BY: MARIANA RINCON

Q: What sport are you coaching this year?

A: Swim and Water Polo (club) Q: Why did you want to become a coach?

A: To shape a sport I love, to help/meet/ work with kids, and to have the chance to continue to compete.

Q: What experience do you have with the sports you’re coaching? Did you play them?

A: I swam on a club team, my high school team, and in college.

Q: What are you looking forward to about coaching theses sports?

A: Improving, and growing as a team.

Q: How do you balance teaching and coaching?

A: Don’t sweat the small stuff Q: If you could say anything to your athletes, what would it be?

A: Sports are great for learning life lessons.

Always try hard, but keep your priorities straight and plan accordingly.

Q: How has athletics changed you?

A: Improved confidence and shown the benefits of working hard versus showing up.

Highlights: Varsity Basketball

SHS vs. Alief Taylor

Boys:

Score: 59-80

SHS vs. Fort Bend Kempner

Girls:

THE

SCHEDULE

Score: 26-40

Boys: 12/16 Northbrook @ DCC 5:30 p.m.

12/29-30 Eric Medina Memorial Tournament @ Pasadena Memorial 1/3 Klein Collins @ Klein Collins 7 p.m.

1/6 Spring Woods @ DCC 5:30 p.m.

1/10 Memorial @ DCC 5:30 p.m.

Favorite Restaurant: Outback Steakhouse Toughest Competition: Klein Forest Favorite PreGame Meal: Subway Favorite Quote: “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”

Most Embarrassing Song on Phone: Work

by Rihanna

SHS vs. Westside Score: 24-67

Score: 64-69

SHS vs. Oak Ridge Score: 61-25

#20

Sanja Stojcic

Marcellus Freeman

Run Long, Run Strong, Run with Pride, Every Stride The girls Cross Country team runs their way to state STORY BY: RACHEL DIETERT PHOTOS BY: PARENTS AND RILEY TIMMRECK On Nov.12, the girls Cross Country team placed 12 at the state meet. With a young team made up of three freshman, two sophomores, and two juniors, they are proud of what they accomplished this year and are looking forward to the years to come.

Fay Gibb was one of the three freshmen who went to state for the first time.

“I think that going to state for the first time was such a memorable moment,

Score: 59-54

SHS vs.

College Station

PHOTOS BY: MARIANA RINCON AND TEA SHARP

Basketball:

Girls: 12/9 Klein Forest @ Klein Forest 7 p.m.

12/13 Klein @ Stratford 7 p.m.

12/16 Northbrook @ DCC 7 p.m.

12/30 Katy @ Stratford 12 p.m.

1/3 Klein Collins @ Stratford 7 p.m.

1/6 Spring Woods @ DCC 7 p.m.

1/10 Memorial @ DCC 5:30 p.m.

SHS vs. Cy- Ranch

especially as a freshman,” Gibb said. Freshman Hope Sage agreed. “It was a cool experience,” Sage said.

The girls knew that they were ready for the race. “I knew we were prepared mentally and physically. It was so comforting that I had the rest of the team with me every step of the way,” Gibb said.

After all the summer practices and early morning runs, it seems to have paid off at the state meet.

#33

Toughest Competition: Every competition is tough in its own way... you just have to know how to handle it.

Most embarrassing Song on Phone: I don’t know but my collection of literally every Jonas Brothers song to exist is rad #noshame Favorite Quote: “Sanja Stojaski” -Mr. Nguyen and Mr. Gex

Gibb qualifies for state

Sophomore Ella Gibb placed in the top 10 at the District Championship Meet, on Oct. 19. Gibb’s placing at the district meet qualified her for the UIL state meet, which she ended up placing 107 over all.

Seniors take their stance

Sage takes strides at state

Freshman Hope Sage, ran in the 5k race at the UIL state meet. Sage finished with a time of 19 minutes and 38 seconds, placing her at 96 overall in the 6A girls division.

Hannah Pruitt, Veronica Alvarez, Claire Lewis, Caroline Crawford dominate at the District Championship Meet on Oct. 19.

Placing first, these seniors were not playing games when it came to qualifying for state.

14

Sports

Football Seniors Leave Their Hearts on the Field

The Oracle / Dec. 8, 2016

Players celebrate their memories together as teammates

STORY BY: JACQUI COMPARIN PHOTO BY: CLAIRE SANCHEZ

The 2016 football season was filled with everything from the endless cheering of the crowd to the sound of the announcer saying “Touchdown Spartans!”

Although the sounds may be repetitive, they never grow old for all of the players. After the unforgettable Spartan victory against Memorial in 2015, defeating the Memorial Mustangs one more time with a score of 31 to 13 was a promise that the 2016 football season would be successful.

The team went to the playoffs for the 11th year in a row, and the seniors laced up their cleats and put on their Spartan jersey for one last game as a varsity football player.

Most of the seniors on the team have been playing together since middle school and took the loss against Westfield High School especially hard.

Not only are they saying goodbye to their team, they are also saying goodbye to their beloved coaches who have shaped them into who they are today.

Every senior on the team has dedicated themselves to playing their hearts out every game, and leaving it all out on the football field for their team and for their coaches.

Senior Luis Nucette would like to say “Thank you coach Hill for being a father figure and to all of us and for caring for us individually”.

Our record isn’t the only thing the coaches care about, each coach puts their own personal time and commitment into each player to bring the team together as a whole.

They also take the time to make an impact on each boy as if they we’re their own and to make sure they can be as successful as possible.

Senior Lionel Brown says “ Thank you coach Wig for caring and boosting up my confidence and never giving up on me.”

The 2017 senior class will never be forgotten and will always have a special place here.

Spartans Dance the Night Away

Junior Davis Jones celebrates on the field with his fellow teammates, sophomore Dalton Bradley and senior Dontre Searcy.

An “Above Par” Year

Let’s get this year into full swing GRAPHICS BY: PRESLEY GRAVES PHOTOS BY: DANIEL CANAS & ARTURO BENITEZ

May The Course Be With You

Bending her knees and precissing her angle on the ball, Riley Rominger, takes a practice swing before she decides to swing.

Eye On The Prize

Grace Looney focuses and lines up to putt.. Keeping her eye on the ball, she putts it into the hole.

15

Sports The Oracle / Dec. 8, 2016

Seniors Du rham Craig and Kendrick D oo celebrate a ley fter scoring a to uchdown at th e Klein Oak game .

on r Jays Senio son st Rober the s defend inst the a g ball a ylor on a Alief T 5.

Nov. 1

Freshman Hope Sage push es through th e crowd at the State cross country m eet on Nov. 12.

JV Hig hlig hts

Boys Basketball JV 12/8 - 12/10 Spring Tournament 12/16 Northbrook @DCC 4 p.m.

1/6 Spring Woods @DCC 4 p.m.

Girls Basketball JV 12/9 Klein Forest @Klein Forest 5:30 p.m.

1/3 Klein Collins @ Stratford 5:30 p.m.

1/10 Memorial @M emorial 4 p.m.

Senior D’Angelo Thomas is comforted by coach Cody Stiff at the final game of the season.

PHOTOS BY: JORDYN RICHARDS AND CLAIRE SANCHEZ

16

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