SPHS 2013 National Merit semifinalists announced By Andrew Shults Staff Writer
Mike Hogan
College Board announces 2013 National Merit semifinalists. Front row L to R: Angela Zhao, Rhian Moore, Karinna Loo, Alison Farrar, Jenny Wang. Back row L to R: Principal Ms Janet Anderson, Ms Marylin Garcia, Ms Maria Long, Michael Chang, Samuel Chen, Jack Bishop, Michael Ruan, Jake Sim, Jason Wang, Jeffrey Xiong, Mrs. Olinda Cazares, Ms Tracy Ishimaru.
Board of Ed SPHS holds FBLA training discusses key agenda items By Madeline Hellwig Staff Writer
By Jason Wang Staff Writer Nearly fifty teachers crowded into the district office for the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday night in protest of the recent salary increase. The last district-wide raise occurred six years ago in 2008, causing many educators to object when the board offered a seemingly minimal 1% salary raise. Teacher’s Association of South Pasadena President Mr. David Miller led two dozen members in a verbal demonstration. Given the broad array of knowledge that teachers are required to understand in the 21st century – concepts ranging from technology and project management to common core standards – many of the TASP members felt that their salaries did not reflect their extra effort and dedication. Miller proposed that future negotiations occur for a greater increase in salary. Following visitor comments and designated reports from TASP and the South Pasadena Educational Foundation, the board approved a partnership with the Cosca Group. The educational consulting firm will facilitate the recruitment of a new superintendent set to take office following Mr. Joel Shapiro’s retirement in FebruSee “Board Meeting” on Page 2
The Future Business Leaders of America club at South Pasadena High School hosted its annual FBLA Officer and Advisor Training Day. On Saturday, September 14 at the Mary Ida Phair school library, over 100 delegates received training from SPHS students. Approximately twelve middle schools and high schools in the Mission Valley sent officers to the local section conference. Attendees participated in icebreaker activities and received individual position training for both sectional and state FBLA activities planned for the upcoming year. “The icebreaking activities were fun because I got to know a lot of people,” FBLA treasurer junior Joanna Wan said.
After a brief introduction of the Mission Valley officers subsequent to the icebreaker events, the attendees split up into their respective positions to receive further information about their duties. Secretaries learned the skills necessary for their role such as collecting minutes during each FBLA session, while presidents discovered more about their role as leaders. “My main priority [as chapter president] is leading my officer team so that my chapter is successful,” SPHS chapter president sophomore Jacob Benowitz said. “I also have to lead the goal setting for this year, one of which is to increase our membership.” 137 students signed up for FBLA during the first day of Club Rush, which is a huge improvement from last year’s forty or so active members, Benowitz said.
City council votes to raise water rates by 11% by 2014 By Jenna Giulioni Staff Writer The South Pasadena City Council Meeting on Wednesday concluded with a decision to raise water rates by 11%. This new increase will not be put into place until January 2014. The idea was presented at the regular September 18 meeting as a way to continue the repayment for a service debt of $4.9 million created in 2009. Because of the debts, the bank requires that 120% of the debt ratio be covered each year. The suggested rate increase covered that requirement, but a few board members had other ideas. City council member Mr. Philip Putnam suggested that instead of raising the price for water, the city borrow money from the general account and move it to the water fund to supplement the
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Siria Medina
Senior Michael Ruan leads a business workshop on Saturday, September 14. Ruan is the state vice president of the Future Business Leaders of America.
The National Merit Scholarship committee announced the 2014 National Merit semifinalists last Thursday, September 12. Seniors Jack Bishop, Michael Chang, Samuel Chen, Alison Farrar, Karinna Loo, Rhian Moore, Michael Ruan, Jake Sim, Jenny Wang, Jason Wang, Jeffrey Xiong, and Angela Zhao qualified for this academic honor based upon their Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test score from October 2012. Each National Merit semifinalist scored 223 or higher out of 240 on the PSAT to obtain the semifinalist title. This year’s cutoff score for California is the highest in recent years, and was three points higher than last See “National Merit” on Page 2
required ratio. “We could put the money [from the city’s general fund] there, but we would not be spending it. I’m sure we could find a way to transfer it back,” Council member Putnam said. Many of his fellow council members agreed with him at first, but after extended discussion and comments from the public, council member Ms Marina Khubesrian finally motioned, with Mr. Michael Caccioti as a second, to approve the suggested rate increase. The few city members who spoke disagreed with the exchange of funds and wanted to have a more “clean” approach to settling the debts, even if it required paying more for water. The council cast their votes with the final tally being four to one in favor of the rate increased with Putnam as the only member opposed.
in this issue: Opinion:
“Grinding Away at Consent.” Addressing the issue of grinding at school dances and evaluating social norms when the lights dim and the music begins to boom. Is grinding really appropriate?
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Feature:
Performance highlights of the 2013 iTunes Festival. Profiled artists include Rizzle Kicks, Lady Gaga, and Vampire Weekend; students who have seen the performers live comment on the concert series.
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Sports:
Varsity girls golf breaks school record vs. Gabrielino High School; Football bounces back in home opener to blow past Hoover To r n a d o e s 2 1 - 7 .