20:1 class ratios could be cut in 2013-2014 By Meghan Roche Staff Writer A recent SPUSD board meeting revealed that the expiration of funding for last year’s highly-debated parcel tax could lead to the expansion of certain classes to at least 30 students per teacher in 2013-14. Students in SPHS freshman English classes, as well as students in K-3 could be affected by an increase from the current 20:1 ratio. SPUSD Superintendent Mr. Joel Shapiro said, “If state funding improves over the next two years, that assumption can change. It’s an assumption based on the current funding level.” Given the current level of funding SPUSD receives from the state, the only way the reductions would be able to continue after 201213 is through an extension of the parcel tax. Nonetheless, some South Pasadena parents are not happy with the spectre of increased class size. “My son is pretty anti-social in his kindergarten class. I’m worried that he’ll become even more isolated if his teachers can’t give him as much attention in the future,” said one Marengo Elementary School parent. Not all parents are as worried, however. Some take into account that there has been what they consider little research that confirms smaller class size ratios to be better. Sophomore Evan Davis said, “I didn’t really think having a small English class last year was much better than this year’s class. It depends on how much supervision people need, I guess.”
Spring musical delights
By Kelsey Hess Staff Writer Eighty-one SPHS student actors, choral singers, stage crew workers and orchestra members were showcased in The Sound of Music, performed in the high school auditorium on May 19, 20 and 21. SPHS English teacher Mr. Daniel Enright directed the musical, and he considers it a great success. “I think it went fabulously. I had the most talented people in the school participating, and I’m so lucky that they had faith in me,” said Enright. Senior Jake Folsom starred as Captain Georg vonTrapp opposite junior Libby Rainey, who played Maria. Senior Elise Gabriel played the Mother Abbess, junior Meghan Roche acted as Elsa Schraeder, and senior Nick Primuth played Max Detweiler. Freshman Sophie Negrini and senior Jefferson Astle performed as Liesl and Rolf. Economics teacher Ms Melissa Muntz choreographed and costumed the show. The school choir and orchestra dedicated their time to the performance as well; Orchestra Director Mr. Howard Crawford and Assistant Director Mr. Albert Chung directed the 27 person orchestra each night, and Mr. Michael Gray conducted the Arroyo Seco Ensemble in the balcony. This year was also the first time in several years that open auditions were held for the spring play. The theater was filled near capacity every night. According to Enright, around 1800 tickets were sold. “Right before the show we were all nervous. But once you go onstage with your friends, it’s pretty fun,” said senior Sam Swayze, who played Franz. “It was a great experience, and I’m really glad I did it.”
Seniors and faculty members head to Yosemite this week By Amber Laird Staff Writer Sixty seniors and five teachers—Mr. Josh Whitney, Mr. Casey Shotwell, Mr. Don Wielenga, Mr. Shane Mills, and Ms Bethany Budde—are all absent from school this week for a common reason: they all left at 5:00 am on Sunday to embark on an adventure in Yosemite National Park They will have no access to technology, and will carry all their belongings on their backs. A longstanding tradition at SPHS, the senior Yosemite visit was founded by SPHS science teacher Mr. Greg Ring and two other teachers who have since retired. It involves one night in Yosemite Valley and a four-day, three-night backpacking trip through the wilderness with two guides for each group of twelve students.
Class elections result in many run-offs
The hills are alive:
The students write journals, reflect, and bond while backpacking in the wilderness. “This is not a ‘just hop on the bus’ sort of trip,” Whitney said, “It involves quite a bit of preparation.” Students who wish to participate are required to attend meetings, write a reflective paper, make payments, and even undergo five weeks of workouts so they will be able to handle the rigorous hiking schedule. The seniors will return from Yosemite on Friday, May 27.
wikipedia
The seniors will hike Half Dome in Yosemite on their trip.
By Kristin Gunther Copy Editor
Edmond Mandin-Lee
PROM 2011: Students take a break from dancing in the Globe Theater at Universal Studios during “A Star Studded Affair” on May 14. See Page 5 for more coverage.
Advanced dance to present ‘Gotta Dance’ end of the year recital By Jessica Moog Assoc. Feature Editor The Advanced Dance Class will present ‘Gotta Dance’ on May 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. The show will be the largest that the South Pasadena program has ever attempted to put together, with 24 numbers scheduled within the show’s two acts. The performance will feature a variety of group, couple, and solo works that will represent a range of all styles of dance. From musical theater to a Sri Lankan dance, this year’s pieces will go far beyond the typical hip-hop and ballet numbers students have seen in assemblies so far. The concert will also feature SPHS Dance alumni from the past three years, showcasing the best of combination movement and music that the high school has to offer. These alumni include Erica Ehrlich and Liz Stratton, performing a piece they choreographed themselves. “We have all invested so much more blood, sweat, and tears for this years spring show,” said current Advanced Dance captain senior Deziree Alvarez. The choreography for the show was imagined by both the
students and the current SPHS dance teacher Ms Maria Del Bagno, who along with the alumni, pooled their ideas and talents to take the show in a new direction. The group has been preparing for this spring concert for quite some time, starting the creative process as early as spring break. “My hopes for the show are that these kids have a lot of fun of course, but also that the show is entertaining and that other kids who are interested in dance are inspired. The show is going to be so diverse, we’re just hoping to help grow the dance community here,” said Del Bagno.
Class officer elections for the 2011-2012 school year were held on Friday. Speeches were given during school hours, and results of each grade’s student vote were announced later that day. This year yielded few clear position winners and many run-off elections. All sophomore elections resulted in run-offs. For the position of sophomore treasurer, Michael Ruan and Julius Lam will run this week. “There are two voices in my mind—one part says ‘Yes! You’re still in it!’. The other one says ‘Man, is this still going?’” said Lam. Luciana Ponce de Leon and Ted Kim are the finalists for sophomore secretary, as are Michael Chang and Nathan Lee for the position of sophomore vice president. In a three-way tie, Jason Wang, Rachel Newhall, and Josh Ma are in runoffs for sophomore class president. The current sophomore class proved more decisive in electing their future class officers. Shannon Zheng was voted to be the class secretary and Ashim Shrestha will be next year’s junior class president. Candidates for treasurer Emily Shon and Nathaniel Joseph are in run-offs, as are vice presidential candidates Nick O’Brien and Peter Seo. The 2012 class elected Phillip Kim as treasurer. After it had been determined that Harry Yadav and Christine Ching were in runoffs, Ching appealed a vote deduction she had received during election week. After deliberation, ASB determined that her deduction was invalid. Christine Ching was announced as the senior class secretary. Many were astonished by the number of run-off candidates for senior class vice president; Lillie Moffett, Dominic Frescura, Janelle Li, and Katie Whitworth are all in contention. The junior class elected Alex Park to be its president next year.
Sam Gurley
Seniors Michael Roquemore and dance captain Deziree Alvarez in rehearsal for Thursday’s ‘Gotta Dance’ performance.