Granger high school
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SEPTEMBER 2013 LVI-1
New year, new team: high expectations
By Summer Judd WORKING hard day and night, the Granger football team is ready for a successful season. Before school started, things were shaky for the football team. Nine football players were taken to the hospital after passing out at practice due to dehydration. Luckily, they all were fine and could come back to practice the next day ready to work hard. “The guys just need to stay hydrated and eat before games and practices. If they do, passing out will be avoided,” Maile Lolohea (10) said. The season started rough with a first game loss to Riverton. In the second game of the season, the Lancers were back with an overtime win against Kearns. “We have solid defense,” said Lolohea. “We just need more heart and to come together for us
to have a great season.” Every season, there is always that one team in pre-season and regular season that will be the hardest competition. “Bingham will be out hardest pre-season and our hardest season game will be Hunter,” Coach Thomas said. “In region, it will come down to us and Hunter.” Bingham High School later defeated Granger High School 42-0. Last year, the football team made it to the playoffs but were knocked out in the first round by Northridge High School. Being in the playoffs last year sets high expectations for the team. This team wants to prove that they are better than last year’s team. “I believe we’ll do great this year. I know we will make it to playoffs again,” Zack Ashman (12) said. No matter the start to their sea-
son, the football boys believe in themselves and their team. It’s only pre-season, the regular season games are the ones that matter most. “Because of our tough preseason, it will make us more prepared for the actual season,” Anthony Amiker (12) said. Our football players aren’t only field-smart, they’re also book-smart. Many of the players’ grades have improved this year. “Thanks to morning practices, we have more time after school for homework,” Amiker said. Every team has goals for a season and so does every athlete. There is always something personal to work up to. A team always needs something that they can work together to achieve. “I want to be ranked in state for receiving yards,” Suliasi Tukumoeatu (11) said.
Every player interviewed said the same for their team’s goals. They agreed that taking region and taking state would be what they want to achieve. “The way coach pushes us will be the reason we reach our goals. He pushes us to do our best, because he can see what we can do,” Davion Jones (12) said. Jones’s personal goal is to get a scholarship, and he thinks he’ll receive one with the help of his coach. All he has to do is keep working hard and pushing to do his best. From morning practices, to focusing on schoolwork, to having plays executed, to receiving a win; Coach Thomas knows what he is doing when it comes to his players and their education. Cheer on the Granger Lancers football team as they push for a successful season.
Kylon Pierre leaps into the end zone to score on a two-point conversion. This last-minute play tied the Kearns game at 22-22, then the Lancers won in overtime.
Granger teachers have their own dress code By Samantha Lopez THIS IS the teachers’ first year with Granite District’s brand-new dress code. Granger teachers are no longer allowed to wear jeans or shorts, and male teachers now have to have collared shirts. “I wish it were more of a style code than a dress code,” Mr. Johansson said. “Sometimes a nice outfit can look more professional than even adding a tie.” A dress code for teachers may sound controversial, but there are many teachers who enjoy the new look. “It makes our environment more professional,” Mr. Hopkins said. It seems that most teachers
think this is an appropriate policy. The teachers’ dress code should also be enjoyable, so that the students aren’t affected by it. “The dress code should look professional, and shouldn’t scare students,” Mr. Babcock said. This dress code should be nice, but it shouldn’t interrupt the teachers while they are teaching. They should want to wear appropriate clothing and not feel like they are forced into discomfort. “Teachers should feel comfortable in what they are wearing,” Mr. Hopkins said. Some teachers think this dress code was something that they
should have been doing long before it had even been mentioned, while others had been surprised by it and had to totally change what they wore to school. “Some teachers haven’t dressed too professionally in the past,” Mr. Ketchum said. “We should dress the way did when we got our degrees.” The dress code can be also used so that the teachers stand out more from the students and not just blend in with many of the students. Many of our teachers look very young, and some may have been mistaken for students in the past. Having this dress code can help
show who the teachers are. “I like the dress code. Dressing well makes me feel important,” Mr. Pace said. Many of our teachers think that dress codes are good for the school, and that they will improve Granger. This is why many teachers now take it on themselves to dress well and change to a look more appropriate for a professional setting. “Teachers should enforce it themselves,” Mr. Pace said. Look around, and it’s easy to see. Teachers now look more professional to match this new Granger High School.
Tri-Color Times Staff The Tri-Color Times serves as a student forum for student opinion and student expression. The views expressed herein reflect neither the opinions of Adviser John Carlisle and Granger High School, nor those of Granite School District. The Tri-Color Times invites and publishes letters to its editorial board; all letters will be edited for taste, length and legality. Editor Kelly Sanmiguel Online Editor Kaitlin Cluff Copy Editor Summer Judd Photo Editor Misty Garlick Managing Editor Cassidy Hunter Reporters Brenda Aguilar Yamilex Apocada Maria Avila Daryan Bauer April Cabrera Jesus Cabrera Rosio Chacon Gavin Clark Yuriti De Leon Josh Duran Samantha English Victoria Espinoza Angel Figueroa Matthew Gamonal Fernando Garcia Shannon Garcia Juan Gomez Tina Huynh Aide Hurtado Halina Johnson Dominique Josphes Samantha Lopez Rigoberto Lopez Yaqueline Lopez Antonio Loredo Briana Martinez Jordyn McCluskey Taylor Molis Adilene Montelongo Brenda Nguy Jennifer Ochoa Yohnathan Rivas Mariana Rivera Melany Rivera Kaysi Rodriguez Garrett Rowe Beth Schramm Arielle Smith Kayla Steinmann Maria Tavares Marisol Torres Aaron Tuchawena Lucia Urcino Cesar Vera Gage Winters Lyndsey Xa Nicholas Yates
Granger High School 3690 South 3600 West West Valley, UT 84119 (385) 646-5320
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VOL. LVI Issue 1
September 2013, page 2
Interesting Teachers By Yaquie Lopez TEACHERS came from all over, and some came from the old Granger and some from nearby schools. Teachers have really interesting stories to tell – stories like coach Mills’s, a gym teacher and volleyball coach. She was a former student of coach Graziano’s at Hunter High school, and she graduated with the class of 1997. Coach Mills has wanted to teach since she was in seventh grade. She didn’t know what subject, but knew she wanted to become a teacher. She finally decided that P.E. teachers get to be outside and play sports a lot. “What would be more fun than that?” she said. Mills encourages students to get involved in school activities and sports. During her high school years, she was involved in many sports including volleyball, basketball, swimming and track. “She is fun and easy to talk to,” one of her former students Angie Mejia (9) said. “We all love to have her at Granger this year.” As the volleyball coach, Mills said that the girls have been working really hard. “Don’t miss the games -- you’ll miss out on so much fun,” she said. Teachers have many stories that have never been told. For example, Ms. Chalmers, the graphic communications teacher, has been teaching for ten years at Granger High. Both her parents are deaf, so she grew up speaking sign language, and her daughters also speak it. She has a sister who lives in Vietnam who is a teacher and has also travelled many places around the world. Students who don’t know her should visit her classroom some time – J-106. There are many more interesting things students probably don’t know about their teachers.
Lancers eat the breakfasts of champions By Gage Winters “The only reason I was successGRANGER students and staff ful in school, and I mean only reasee breakfast as a requirement, son, was because my mom took although not everyone always the time and fed me well every has the time for what some see morning before school,” assisas a luxury. The constant rush of tant principal Oaks said. Busy school and life schedules are a can leave a lot situation many of people forstudents find getful of breakthemselves in, fast, or they but “a piece of just plain don’t fruit in the mornthink it’s iming is a quick portant. Here’s solution to hunwhat some Lancger,” Mr. Oaks ers think about said. breakfast. Eating breakCoach Cecil Thomas “I usually eat fast is important every day. If I don’t, then I feel for everyone at Granger, but it’s exhausted when I get into class even more important for student or school,” Eduardo Mendoza athletes. (11) said. “Get a good start to “It’s important for athletes to your day, so that you can end it make nutritious choices, espethe same.” cially for playing football,” coach A good start is especially im- Thomas said. “I doubt many portant if you have any important of them actually eat what they core classes in the morning hours should, such as protein. And they of school. also need to realize that hydration
is important for your elasticity that, and breakfast is really imand muscle tone,” coach Thomas portant when I’m in school. It’s said. not just important for the morning “As captain of the girls soccer – it helps throughout the day and team, I think it’s important for us shapes my attitude for that day,” to eat breakfast for sports,” Jen- Tony Roussev (10) said. nifer Ochoa (12) A lot of people said. Ochoa said at Granger think that all athletes that it’s imporshould eat breaktant to eat breakfast, although fast to be sucshe feels like cessful in school. many of the girls Not only to be think “that eating successful in breakfast will class, but on and make you fat.” off the field, too. Some girls feel It can also be an Tony Roussev that their busy important part of schedules and morning routines sports, for instance. Many Olympic athletes eat often interfere with eating breakprotein-rich breakfasts of fish or fast. “I don’t usually have the time, grilled chicken, because it helps because I have to wake up early to spark the body’s metabolism for do my hair, wardrobe and make- the day. Although Lancers aren’t Olymup,” Kaylee Winters (10) said. “Eating breakfast is important pic athletes (yet), health is imto me. I do mountain biking and portant to many people here at balance schoolwork with all of Granger.
Black Box theatre energizes drama
Opinion by Cassidy Hunter AS AN ATHLETE, the very first place I checked out in the new Granger was the gymnasium. The floor is nice and polished giving my basketball shoes a grip that the old floor lacked. But everyone has seen the gym, and although it is a sight to see, there is one place that is more interesting to me than the gym: the Black Box theatre. A tiny little stage that belongs to the drama students is all that they ever needed. Any teacher can understand the perks of having his or her own without having to share it with another teacher. I feel that sense of ownership with the new Black Box. The set stays there. Many events pass through the
auditorium: orchestra, band, assemblies and dance performances, so not having to take down a set and put away props after every practice is a plus. Just like having practice on a real basketball court or on a football field can increase the level of a team’s performance, practicing in the Black Box feels professional. Instead of preforming to student in desks, I am preforming to an actual seated audience. It really changes a student’s mentality and focus. Having a real lighting and sound system is so much better than having Mr. Fuller stand by the light switch during the whole play. An addition to the Black Box, Granger High School now has an
outdoor amphitheater where the drama students will be able to have a Shakespeare Night under the stars. It’s outside between the auditorium and E-hall, and it includes a lighting system for evening shows. I know that getting a space that’s all drama all the time has given me more drive and focus as a drama student. Taking advanced drama in a real theatre makes me feel like I need to step it up a notch because it’s the real deal, now. Athletes know how it is…it sucks when another team is in the gym, so practice is pushed outside or into the tiny auxiliary gym. It’s the same for drama. Like last year, when practicing for a straight play or just coming in
after school to get help with a monologue, the space to perform wasn’t always available. There was the choir room, but it was madrigal turf; your little monologue had to wait until next time in class or you had to perform in the hallway for everyone else to see. With the Black Box, Ms. Anderson’s drama students always have room to practice, perform and critique. The Black Box is an amazing addition to the new Granger, and if you haven’t seen it, then it is time for you to go take a look. Although it may not affect everyone the way that the gym does, it is still a part of Granger, and it’s definitely filled with happy Lancers.
Fashionistas and Fashionistos of Granger High School
Aeropostale makes comfortable hoodies that are stylish, too. As it gets colder this month, be sure to stock up on some warm clothes with style.
By Tina Huynh FASHION, style, trends…the Lancers literally have it all! Granger has gone all out in and in a boom with it when it comes to clothes. Inspiration comes from many sources. “Rihanna would have to be my fashion icon,” April Cabrera (9) said. “She has this edgy look that I really like.” Fashion icons are key to how clothes are presented. Lancers obviously can’t afford red carpet looks or Chanel bags for everyday style. Still, that street style is a real head-turner that has girls running to the malls to recreate. Girls seem to idolize the way the Jenners dress. They also admire Ariana Grande’s, Vanessa Hudgens’s and even Miley Cyrus’s outfit choices. They’re all unique, and that’s what drives their style status. But style doesn’t have to be crazy expensive. “I like to shop at JC Penney and Ross because they’re cute clothes and they’re not too, too expensive,” Anahi Charmonate (9) said. “I can also get my clothes from Kmart and Rue 21.” But those who don’t really sweat
style go for a more anything-Ican-fit-in look and still look absolutely amazing; these girls can definitely pull it off. “My style is probably just a band tee, different types of skinny jeans, long sleeves, and coats. Anything pretty simple,” Maricela Flores (10) said. “I like sweats, big shirts… anything comfortable really,” Katie Gutierrez (11) said. Fashion-minded girls don’t forget the little details like makeup and fragrances. Even these details are really important and practically essential for some girls. “My favorite makeup brand is COVERGIRL because it stays on and lasts all day,” Victoria Espinoza (9) said. “My favorite perfume would have to be Viva La Juicy. It smells really, really good and different from all the other perfumes I buy,” Melany Rivera (9) said. After all that effort, girls must wonder if boys ever dress to impress girls. “I dress to impress girls only if I’m excited for one,” Rizwan Khan (10) said. Don’t let boys fool anyone! A
lot of them actually care about the way they dress. Yeezus himself is a biggie in the fashion world. And as for Russell Westbrook… he is very unique with his clothing choices. The guys here at Granger aren’t strangers to fashion. A lot of them actually dress really nice, but seem to care about brands more than style, especially when it comes to shoes. “My favorite clothing item would probably be a pair of Jordans,” Jaray Winston (10) said. “Nike is my favorite brand because their designs are better than other brands,” Sione Houma (9) said. “I don’t have a favorite brand for clothes, but for shoes, it would have to be Vans,” Manuel Flores (12) said. While guys have their favorite brands, or shoe brands rather, girls seem to have their favorite stores that they shop at. They prefer Forever 21 or Wet Seal. It’s like a reflexive skill now for girls. In the end, both boys and girls pay attention to style, and there are many ways to express it through clothing choices.
September 2013, page 3
VOL. LVI Issue 1
Granger drama students prepare for a trip to Neverland
By Kaitlin Cluff PICTURE this- a brand new stage, trap doors, and a fly system. This is what awaits the many students and family members that are attending the upcoming musical Peter Pan at Granger High. The cast will work under the direction of Ms. Anderson and Mr. Fuller to get everything in place for opening night, which is coming fast. Ms. Anderson, new to Granger High, will join Mr. Fuller, former drama teacher, to put on what is supposed to be the musical that shouldn’t be missed. “I am looking forward to working with Ms. Anderson,” Mr. Fuller said. “She is a very talented woman.” Well, the students and faculty are also excited to see their partnership blossom throughout the year. “I love working with both of them,” Ryan Fellows (12) said. Fellows wasn’t the only one who had something to say about working with these two teachers. “I love the opportunity of getting to work with both of them. They both bring such great ideas to the table,” Heidi Turner (12) said.
It’s safe to say that many students at Granger High can’t wait to see the outcome of this team. Many of the new students at Granger High have only had the opportunity to work with Ms. Anderson, so there will be many new faces for all the students, and also the faculty involved. “I think that they’re both amazing and that we’re lucky to be in a play where they are teaching
er to finishing up the last of our rehearsals as we begin to actually perform the play,” Sydney Ward (10) said. Hopefully, with the compliance of the cast and crew, no major bumps in the road will have to be crossed. “The students have a hard time focusing,” Pham said. No one is perfect, and struggles sometimes make the cast even closer than when everything started. “I would have to say the speed of how we go through everything is a struggle. Most of the time it’s nice to go quickly and still have the scenes be really good. Sometimes it becomes more of a rush than anything, and it’s really exhausting,” Parker Hughes (10) said. Of course, another important aspect to any club or project that is carried out at Granger High is goals, the meaning of all the effort and time going into everything. And drama students have lots of goals. “I’m hoping to learn how to sing better and dance better. I’d like to be on pitch more and become less shy about dancing in public,” Pham said.
“I love the opportunity of getting to work with both of them, they both bring such great ideas to the table.” us dance steps and songs,” June Pham (10) said. Looks like most of the feelings of admiration are mutual among the students here at Granger High. The show must go on. And with every show, there are always some struggles and complications along the way. “Since so many of us are involved in other things like sports, there are a lot of people missing rehearsals, which may cause some problems when we get clos-
Peter Pan and Wendy played by Ryan Fellows and Heidi Turner show their chemistry outside and inside of practice.
With all the help of the cast and crew, these drama-based goals can be reached. “I hope to increase my acting skills by a ton, and I’m almost certain that with Ms. Anderson and Mr. Fuller working with me,
it will happen,” Hughes said. It’s a theatrical experience no student should miss. Come watch all of the work, struggles, relationships and fun unfold in the upcoming musical Peter Pan running November 21-25.
Students have claimed their territory and found new hangout spots By Brenda Nguy WITH A new school, of course students are going to need new hang out spots. Whether it’s in one of the halls, the Courtyard, or in the Commons, there’s almost no way to go wrong. The new Granger High School includes lots of places to sit around and chat in a school exclusively made for the 3000 or so students attending. Many choose the Commons area near the front entrance because of how large it is and the many places for friends to sit and talk. Yovani Avila (10) went to Valley Junior High before he came to Granger. He would always hang around the cafeteria, but now being his first year at a Granger High School, he and his friends like to hang out in the front. “I just like being in the front by the doors because that’s where everyone can see you,” Avila said. Ben Robionette (11) or “Sarah” as his friends call him, always hangs out underneath the stairs right under the library because it is close to an outlet and has a nice place to sit while your phone is charging. Some other groups had tried to steal their spot but they overran it. At the old Granger High School
he would hang out in the hallway outside of the Stonehenge because it was close to the cafeteria. “Sarah goes to where the food is!” Robionette said. “Our spot is awesome.” Most of the football players like to hang out under the stairs -- players like Craig Gordon (12) and his group of friends. “We hang out there simply because that’s where we all hang out,” Gordon said. There would be times where the break dancing kids would take their spot, but they learned how to share it. Markus Newberry (12) likes to hang out anywhere around school. “Where ever my friends are you’ll find me,” Newberry said. He is usually walking around up and down the halls with his group of friends, but if he wants to find a spot to relax, he will be near the Commons area just hanging out or playing hacky sack. Students all over Granger High School are standing their ground and finding a spot to call their own. The Commons area located in the front seems to be where everyone’s hangout spot is, but don’t worry if the Commons doesn’t feel right -- there are many other chill spots to be all around the school.
Craig standing ground on his new spot.
The Commons stretches from the cafeteria to the auditorium and includes many seating options.
The benches under the media center always draw a crowd.
September 2013, page 4
VOL. LVI Issue 1
Parking permits required for auto classes
Impressions of the new Granger High School By Melany Rivera KNOCK, knock! Who’s there? Orange. Orange who? Orange you glad you come to Granger? “Oh my gosh, it’s so annoying!” Amy Casillas (12) said. “After being in school for almost two weeks, I still manage to get lost even though all my classes are in the same hall,” she said. Many Lancers feel the same way, Granger is confusing but don’t get frustrated – even seniors get lost around school. “I like it. I think it feels great to come to a school everyone is talking about,” Tina Huynh (10) said. Huynh is not the only enthusiastic Lancer who’s ready to make the most of a new school. “What do I think about Granger, huh?” Diana Dinh (9) said. “Hmm, I like it. It’s big and nice, and I get to meet lots of new
people,” she said. Many Lancers said the same as they were asked about the new school. “I think it’s cool, I like it a lot. I think it’s so cool how we are the first ninth graders to come to Granger High School,” Samuel Hernandez (9) said. Now something new that Granger offers ninth graders is that they can enjoy lunch off campus. “I think going off campus for lunch is a good way to eat our lunch,” Jorge Varjas (9) said. Lunch is very important to all students because without lunch, they would be complete monsters. They must eat food so they can focus on schoolwork while in class instead of thinking about food all day. When it comes to this new Granger High, there are as many opinions as there are students – almost 3000 of them.
By Yohnathan Rivas IN THE new auto shop, students will need to go to their shop class to get a parking permit the day before they work on their cars in class. This parking permit allows a student to park behind the school while waiting for class to begin. The reason for parking permits this year is to prevent a student from driving around the school and maybe getting in an accident. 3500 South can be a very dangerous street, and nobody knows who is driving on the road. Accidents can happen at any moment. It might not even be a student’s fault, but it is best not to take any chances. “It is district policy for a student to have a parking permit to work on a car,” Mr. Ballew said. And Mr. Ballew has no problem having a student come to class a day before to pick up a parking permit. “In fact it is safer for a student to use a parking permit, because it will protect the student and the school from any type of lawsuit,” Ballew said. Both auto shop teachers agree with the idea of having parking permits. “With parking permits, students will have an immediate spot to work on their cars. The parking permit will keep the students safe from any car accidents, because
their cars will be parked in the teachers’ parking lot,” Mr. Johnson said. On the other hand many students have said that they do not like having to get parking permits. Students disagree with the need for a parking permit policy. Even with all the explanations that the teachers have given the shop classes, students still ask, “Why do we need parking permits?” Students in both 2A auto shop classes said that they do not like having to get parking permits to work on their vehicles. They would rather drive their cars to the auto shop at the beginning of class and leave it inside the shop without a parking permit. During these interviews, one student in Mr. Ballew’s class yelled out, “Parking permits are stupid!” “Parking permits are lame,” Jorge Garcia (11) said. He’s a student in Mr. Johnson’s 2A class. “It would be much faster and easier to park our cars inside the shop before school starts,” Garcia said. Garcia would rather come to school 20 minutes early to park his car inside the shop than get a parking permit every time he wants to work on his car. Luis Arellano (11) in Mr. Johnson’s 2A class agreed that the permits are inconvenient. “Parking
permits are a stupid idea. I would be really mad and upset if I was absent the day before I had the class, because I would not be able to get a parking permit,” he said. “Another reason why I do not like the parking permit rule is because I do not want to deal with any teachers who may get mad at me because I take one of their parking spaces. If the auto classes get their own parking, then that part won’t be a problem for me,” Arellano said. “The shops were made to fit about 20 cars, so we should be able to bring our cars into the shop without a pass, because the cars will fit inside the shop,” Eyvin Mendoza (12) said. He’s in Mr. Ballew’s 2A class. Mendoza was surprised when he found out he had to use parking permits to work on his car. “I would be mad if a student took the last parking permit -which didn’t allow me to work on my car -- just to see that he is absent,” Mendoza said. As annoying as they seem to students right now, parking permits are good because they will keep Granger students safe from accidents. Students will get accustomed to this new rule. It may take some time, but they will see that these permits were a good idea for keeping auto shop students safe and their vehicles, too.
With a new school and more students, getting around takes time By Cassidy Hunter IN A SCHOOL with almost 3,000 kids, it’s bound to get a little crowded. Although the new Granger is big enough to get lost in, the halls start to feel pretty small when the bells ring. With all the pushing, shoving, and standing around, it’s difficult for everyone to get to class on time. Many students believe that more time is needed to get to class on time, considering how long a walk from G-hall down to K-hall can be with the student flow going in all different directions. And Lancers know what a hassle D-hall can be. Anyone could say that that is easily the most congested hall in the school. “You don’t even have to walk, you can just stand there and the crowd will just move you along,” Aiza Higley (10) said.
Higley is rarely late to class but she does mention how it is a struggle and how it gets a little claustrophobic pushing through to class. “Even though my classes are in the same hall, it’s still so crowded; it takes so long to get to there,” she said. Kyle Tolley (9) has classes all around the building, and admitted that it is a lot more of a challenge than it was at West Lake to get everywhere. However some students are doing just fine in the new building. Jeremy Gidney (12) has no problem getting around. “I’m big, so people flow around me. But small people will get caught in the mass of humanity and die.” He doesn’t think that it’s more time we need, but instead more direction. He said that people
don’t know where they are going and are too disorganized. Gidney said that there is one part of day that needs more time: the hike to seminary. For those that don’t know, seminary is still on the other side of the old Granger, and it is quite the walk. Students are starting to get the hang of it, though. Most have already figured out a set route to get around the school, knowing which spots are more backed up and maneuvering around them. Some had to learn the hard way. “One time, I went outside to get to another class, and there were no freaking door handles. I had to walk back to the front where I came from,” Gidney said. Others find little tricks that will get them where they need to go in half the time like cutting through the Commons, or for Vanessa
Clever shortcuts might help these students avoid the crush. Exiting the building and entering another door can help.
Perez (11), around the front to get to dance. Perez said that the main problem is when people stand around; it is hectic, but she offers an alternative to more transition time “Maybe if we went on different bells,” she said. The problem of a cramped hall-
way is not a new thing. It is just one of the joys of being in high school. “It’s probably more of a problem here than other schools, but it’s not too bad,” Perez said. So for students who are late to class, “It’s jam packed!” is not gonna cut it as an excuse.
As soon as the bell rings, D-hall loses any feeling of emptiness.
VOL. LVI Issue 1
September 2013, page 5
Five ways to get to school
By April Cabrera GETTING to school on time takes careful planning. Here are the five most common types of transportation used by Lancers to get to school. “I think mine would probably be walking,” Melany Rivera (9) said. “Because you don’t have to wait forever to get out of a car.” Stormy Cruz (9) rides the bus. “It’s all right. It’s not that bad,” she said. She likes riding the bus well enough, but busses can get really crowded. One nice thing about buses is that they’re usually on time. For those who ride, skateboards are a fun way to come to school. Granger has some rules. Follow the rules; don’t take a big risk, because administrators will take away skateboards when rules are broken.
Cars are mostly used here at Granger because this is a high school. Some students do drive themselves or get dropped off by parents. “Sure, cars are easy, but it can take longer depending on the traffic in the morning,” Samesi Arobinson (9) said. Because of the large number of people driving, everyone must pay attention and stay safe coming and getting to Granger High School. There are several people riding bikes to school. Bikes are probably the top transportation that gets here faster, easier, and probably the safest, but put on a helmet and other things to stay safe. Also remember that there are some rules based on these different types of transportation.
Lots of bikes are locked up in the racks at Granger High School. Long boards are stored in the counseling center.
Mentors help tardy students
By Aide Hurtado EVERY DAY the mentors are trying to keep students in class and get them there on time. But mentor Timote Houma said it is harder to keep them in class and on time than at the original Granger because there are a lot of students, which means a lot of crowded halls and more late students. Mentor Gina Togiai feels otherwise. She doesn’t find it hard, not yet at least. She said she doesn’t think that there are too many kids, because “it’s a big school, and there is enough room to accommodate them all.” She said that eventually, tardy students would be given tickets every day for every period. But she said it’s mostly couples in the halls saying ‘bye’ and stuff. “There will probably be more sloughing than last year,” she said. There are a lot of new mentors at Granger this year, like Trevor
Steffesen. This is his first year working as a mentor. Steffesen says it is extremely hard to keep students in class, because there are some teachers who are releasing them early. He doesn’t think it has to do with it being a new school. “It’s just kids who don’t want to go to class,” he said. He said that mentors are involving parents as well. Steffesen thinks that there aren’t too many students, because it’s a big enough school. For mentors Kristen Lusty and Talana Nahrwold, this is their very first year mentoring, but they only mentor 9th grade. “Students are using excuses like ‘the school’s too big’ or ‘there’s not enough time’, but these aren’t good excuses,” said Nahrwold. “At least the ninth graders shouldn’t use the excuse ‘the school’s too big’ because they are only in H-hall, J-hall and K-hall unless they have dance or gym.
Mostly their classes are in those halls,” Lusty said. Nahrwold and Lusty agreed that 15 minutes tardy is much too late. By then, students have missed a lot of class time. They aren’t taking advantage of the things high school offers. Another new mentor is Justin Thomas. He doesn’t have a specific grade to mentor. Justin thinks some classes are far away from each other, and most kids aren’t familiar with the halls yet. Since they’re not familiar with the halls, they don’t know the shortcuts to their classes yet. Granger also has a mentor who came from West Lake: Beth Petersen. She has been mentoring for six years. Petersen thinks it’s the getting from class to class that makes students late, because they spend too much time socializing first, then trying to get to class. She said that it’s harder than at West Lake.
Traffic problems trouble Granger High
By Yamilex Apodaca WITH THE new building being so big, and the parking lot being so small, it seems that the traffic jam is one of the main things everyone is trying to avoid. Students and faculty at Granger High all see a problem when it comes to the traffic that surrounds the new building. Scattering like disturbed ants, the cars in the parking lots swarm in the mornings and afternoons. “Traffic is really bad -- that’s why I come early. I’m late because of it. It’s crazy I’ve been close to crashing,” Kimberly Nateras (11) said. ‘Frustrating’ is one of the many words used to describe what it’s like to sit in traffic while trying to enter the school’s parking lot. “People suck at driving. They crash. They need to learn how to drive -- especially girls,” Hector Prieto (11) said. Traffic around the school doesn’t seem to be the only problem, and parking has also become an issue. “I generally avoid driving for lack of parking. I worry about being hit in the parking lot entrance.
Having lines painted for the sidewalks would help, but not much. People are only concerned about entering and exiting,” said Mr. Quist. “School traffic is very crowded. They should control it better; maybe freshmen have something to do with it. I also think that traffic depends on what day of the week it is,” Angel Valdez (11) said. “Traffic is pathetic, even at the crosswalk. The old building needs to be torn down. It’s funny to watch as people try to go through the traffic. It’s worse in the mornings, I think it may be a reason why kids are late,” Courtney Davis (12) said. “Traffic sucks; it takes too long to get into school. The streets should be wider; I think that this would help out with the problem,” Mele LASTNAME (11) said. “The new school is big, but this traffic definitely does not fit the parking lot. I think that removing the old Granger High building and expanding the parking lot as soon as possible would be very helpful. The traffic is out of con-
trol, because it takes me 20 minutes just to get out,” Jair Garcia (12) said. “Traffic at Granger is crazy; you have people trying to get to different destinations all at once, which makes everything harder.
If people were more organized, then we wouldn’t have the problem of students being late to class or having struggles when entering the parking lot,” Christian Avellaneda (12) said. “I think that the traffic is bad
because people get frustrated, and don’t know how to wait. It wouldn’t be as bad if we were more patient and more organized. I have been close to getting hit because everyone is trying to leave at the same time,” he said.
Morning traffic at Granger High brings cars, bikes, busses and pedestrians together in a massive jam.
September 2013, page 6
VOL. LVI Issue 1
Homecoming Now!
Granger High might be too clean By Rigo Lopez SOME RULES at Granger High School are stricter than ever before. Students in this new building see many differences between the old Granger and the new. There are even rules to keep the new school looking new. “There is just something missing,” Osvaldo Sanchez (12) said. “When you walk into a classroom, it’s like we lost something in the move to the new Granger High School. At first I thought this was just part of the move and that the rest of the stuff would get here after some time,” Sanchez said. Perhaps the most affected by these new policies are teachers and staff. Some teachers allowed food and drinks last year. This year that is strictly out of the question, since most teachers will say it’s not allowed. “No food or drink,” Ms. Atkin said when asked what had changed in her classroom. Students aren’t the only ones who must keep the school looking as clean as possible. New rules apply to teachers, too. Ms. Atkin said she has been strug-
gling with the recent policies on decorating classrooms. “The periodic table [which her classroom lacked at the time] is the most important thing in a chemistry class,” said Ms. Atkin. She currently projects the periodic table on a screen to solve that part of the problem. Many students feel the same way; they say maybe Granger is almost too clean or even boring. “I don’t like how the new classrooms look,” Orlando Sanchez (12) said. “They look boring, but they don’t affect me personally.” Other ways to solve the poster problem are available for teachers and staff to decorate their classrooms as they choose. “Teachers are able to hang things with something called Command Strips,” said Mr. Hopkins. Command Strips use a special kind of adhesive and retail around $15 for a medium-sized package. “I used two packs then everything fell off the wall,” said Ms. Atkin. Most teachers and staff are aware of Command Strips, but some lack the knowledge of Command Strips but are aware of the rules.
The career center has responded positively to the new rules and regulations. They have found creative ways to accommodate the new rules by using surfaces. “I think the rules are good. They encourage us to take care of this new building,” said Ms. Stagg. She was not aware of the option of using command strips to solve the issue of décor in her workspace. “I think it should be included in our budget,” said Ms. Stagg when told about how expensive they were. Teachers say, putting instructions up on the wall helps them teach and saves them time by putting up instructions for students to see. “You can’t enhance the learning environment as much as you want to,” said Mr. Hopkins when asked how the new rules might affect his classrooms and students. “Some teachers feel irritated,” said Hopkins. “It won’t last forever, but it is a new school and we should take care of it,” said Mr. Hopkins. Overall the new Granger High school is an $80 million building that should be used with care.
By Lyndsey Xa THE FIRST dance in the new Granger High School is quickly approaching, and students are on the lookout for potential dates. The homecoming theme this year is a 1920’s theme: “A Little Party Never Hurt Nobody”. One of the biggest parts of getting a date is the way that students ask. Whether it’s simple and sweet or all out and wild, there is a perfect way for everyone. For some students, this will be their very first or last dance at Granger High School. As the dance starts to draw closer, the thought on every student’s mind is who he or she is going to go with or how he or she is going to plan the perfect way to ask or answer his or her future date. When planning the perfect way to ask, consider: when, where and how. “Have it be unexpected, very creative and cute,” Bianca Gomez (12) said. “Cute is what girls like,” Another aspect to be considered is if ‘the ask’ should happen in front of a large crowd, just her friends or even alone. Last year, Kenny Son (12) put mixed up letters of his name into a bucket of ice. Try to keep a future date on his or her toes. “I like to keep it mysterious,” Son said. Make sure to do it when it’s least expected, and keep the secret hidden until the actual day arrives. “A pun is a must,” Colton Smith (12) said. Thinking of a clever pun can sometimes be difficult but could make asking that special person that much better. “Decorate with hearts and say,
‘I’d have heart attack if you go with me,’” Mr. Johansson said. This is Raul Garnica’s (10) first year in high school, and he is very excited for his first dance at Granger High. “You should cover her entire car with sticky notes that have homecoming with a question mark on every single one of them,” he said. “Just make sure you figure out where her car is, so you’re not spending a ton of time running around the parking lot.” Simple and sweet could also capture your potential date’s heart. “Just say, ‘I know this isn’t much, but will you go to homecoming with me?’” Khomsan Vongsengkeo (12) said. With all the dramatic ways to ask someone to a dance, people tend to forget the simple, straightto-the-point ways. If it’s simple just make sure it’s coming from the heart. “In front of her mom, ask ‘Can I take your daughter to homecoming?’” Yovani Avila (10) said. Or throw culinary skills into the mix by baking cookies that spell out “homecoming’ or spell it with icing on top of cupcakes. “Surprise her with a cake that says, ‘Homecoming?’” Erwin Contreras (12) said. Whether this is a first, second, or last dance, be sure to make this homecoming memorable from ‘the ask’ all the way to the actual night itself. It doesn’t matter how extravagant or not, just make sure homecoming is something to remember!
The Freshman Academy opens By Halina Johnson GRANGER is all new this year: new school and new students. The bigger the school, the more kids that fit; Granger has now officially added ninth grade. More kids means more stress for Granger High School, but being the first freshmen is probably even more stressful. “It is different in high school, there are thirty times the people, and it is a bigger school,” Janet Rodriguez (9) said. The responsibilities that come with high school are a greater challenge than junior high ever presented. “It is more exciting because you have more responsibility,” Bradon Knowlden (9) said. The school is pretty big, and older students can be harsh and intimidating, but not everyone is that way. “I am very excited to meet all the new people in Granger High,” Giselle Camachr (9) said. Lancers have heard about the freshman hall, but it is actually called the Freshman Academy. “We help the freshmen with all their grades,” para educator
Talana Nahrwold said. “We help keep them on top of their studies in classes such as social studies. The Freshman Academy is there for the ninth graders to get used to the surroundings and the work environment”. The thing that Granger is doing for the freshmen is a great opportunity to get started for their future careers. As for seniors, juniors and sophomores, ninth grade year might not have been taken seriously. It would have been more helpful to have teachers and students focused on graduation. These ninth graders will have four years of constant reminders to graduate from Granger. Some sophomores, juniors and seniors might have more credits if their ninth grade years had been spent in the Freshman Academy. As it is, they might have been less serious about school in ninth grade and therefore were not as prepared for high school. “I had issues with the junior high teachers; they were not as helpful as the teachers in high school, who are much better and very helpful,” Sara Begent (9)
said. At Valley Junior High and West Lake Junior High, students were not allowed to carry backpacks. They were forced to fit everything in their lockers. This year Granger has small lockers. All freshmen should have lockers, but not all do. “I put my demonic little pony in my locker, because that is all I can fit,” Sabrina Caery (9) said. The lockers are smaller this year because few Granger High students used their lockers in the past. High school can be exciting, but it also can be slightly frightening. It is almost like stepping into a new school as fresh transfer student, except it is just high school...a new chapter in life. “Ye,s it is a bit scary jumping up to high school, because it was unexpected,” Kaitlyn Candland (9) said. High school is a great experience and Granger is happy to welcome all the freshmen as they join the school. It is a great opportunity for serious education, but also a chance to begin building a future with fellow classmates.
September 2013, page 7
VOL. LVI Issue 1
It’s not too late to join the swim team for 2013-14
From a new coach to a new pool -- the Lancer swim team is ready for change this year.
By Shannon Garcia THE SWIM team starts October 7, 2013. Coach Ward leads the swim team in Granger’s new pool. Practices are scheduled early in the morning (MondayFriday 5:30 a.m. -- 7:00 a.m.) and after school (Monday-Friday 2:30 p.m. -- 4:30 p.m.). Team members must attend six swim practices a week. It’s a good sport to be involved in for students who have extra time on their hands and want to get more involved at Granger High School. Swim is great no matter if you have a bad back, hurt knees, pregnancy or are one of those of kinds of people who do not like exercising at the gym because of all the sweating. There’s no need to worry, because the water helps with making your pain feel better and helps you tone your body without sweating because you’ll be covered in water. Also many studies show that swimming is used for rehabilitation of injuries, because it is a low-impact form of active stretching and exercise – swimming will ensure a full-range of motion and movement for many different body parts. “I’m looking forward to it this year, because last year we had to share pools with Hunter High School and had very few people on the team,” Verenise Franco
(10) said. “It’s good that now we have our own pool and don’t have to drive to Hunter High’s pool anymore.” “I know there are some people out there who don’t want to join the swim team because people make fun of how we dress for swim. It’s OK, because you’re not the only one doing it in front of other people,” Franco said. “If you think you suck, it doesn’t matter because when you go to swim practices, you will eventually get better and won’t look bad for the team.” She hopes a lot of Granger students will join the swim team, because it’s a good sport to try out for. Then they’ll have a bigger team than last year, and a lot of people will come to support Granger’s swim team and their friends that are on it. “Swimming is good, and the swim team is going to be cooler this year. Students should get involved in swim even if they don’t know how to swim. The coach and the athletes will train anyone who’s willing to just show up on time ready to swim,” Jaylene Gutierrez (10) said. Come support Granger’s swim team, and tell everyone else to join or cheer. There’s no fee to pay, so it’s free. It really is exciting with new coaches and a new pool.
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FREE STUFF?
Students like a wide variety of classes By Antonio Loredo KIDS ARE settling into their classes; some faster than others and some are actually enjoying most of their classes. “I would have to say Basic Automotive is my favorite class, because it teaches a lot of skills for future jobs,” Raul Garnica (10) said. “English is my favorite academic class, because the teacher makes it easy,” he said. “My favorite class would have to be adult roles, because it describes how to strengthen relationships,” Diana Moreno (12) said. “I also like it because I have
most of my friends in that class with me.” Many Lancers said that they disliked math just because it was boring or it was hard or both. No one interviewed said math was his or her favorite subject. According to career advisors, more people should be interested in mathematics though, because future jobs are going to be dependent on mathematics and engineering skills. “Biology is one of favorite classes because it’s pretty cool, and the teacher is cool, too,” Marilin Marin (10) said.
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VOL. LVI Issue 1
September 2013, page 8
New lockers are too small By Angel G. Figueroa WHEN STUDENTS first stepped into the building, they weren’t expecting the small size of lockers and how little would fit in them. Some students don’t like that only the Excaliburs get bigger lockers and some students didn’t even get a locker. Many students dislike the lockers, saying things like: “It’s too small,” “It’s a downgrade from my old locker,” or “They’re too dusty,” etc. “I kind of like the lockers, but I feel that they would be better if they were just bigger,” Parker Hughes (10) said. Parker, a golf player at Granger, was the only person interviewed who liked anything about the lockers. He doesn’t mind that the drill team gets bigger lockers. “Yeah, I think that’s fair they have a lot of equipment. I don’t really mind, and plus I don’t really put my stuff or equipment for golf in a locker,” Hughes said. Other athletes are not as happy with their small lockers or the fact that the Excaliburs have bigger lockers. “It’s just unfair unless all the sports teams get the big lock-
ers,” Celina Bracamontes (10) said. Bracamontes has to carry a big bag of equipment, and her bag is bigger than the locker. “It would be awesome if they gave everybody a big locker, but they’d have to remodel the school to do that,” she said. The cheerleaders’ lockers are next to the Excaliburs’ lockers, and they aren’t happy about either. “I don’t like it. We should get bigger lockers,” Jade Crawford (9) said. But Crawford doesn’t think that every Lancer should have a big locker. “Only the cheerleaders and the football players,” she said. The Excaliburs appreciate their bigger lockers. “I just feel lucky. Seeing other people with the tiny lockers makes me sad,” Kayla M. Aguilar (10) said. Excaliburs have the bigger lockers, but they still have some problems. “Yeah I like having a big locker, but it’s not wide enough,” Aguilar said. “For me because most of my classes are close to my locker, but I don’t how...it’s just smaller than it looks,” she said.
New double-decker lockers are much smaller than lockers at old Granger High.
Hot hangout spots from the Commons to McDonald’s
By Victoria Espinoza WHEN IT comes to hanging out after football games or after school, there are several options. Many students don’t like to go straight home after school or after activities. They watch the swim team practice or go to McDonald’s or Fresh Market. In high school, students can go off campus for lunch. There are many choices. “I like to hang out at Little Caesars because of the pizza and break sticks; it’s always packed,” Shanlee Neilson (10) said. The freshmen and sophomores probably think it’s really cool to go off campus for the first time. It’s different than having to stay in the junior high cafeteria for the whole lunch period. “During lunch, I like to hang out at McDonald’s or Carl’s Jr. It’s crowded there sometimes with sophomores and juniors,” Luz Gonzales (11) said. Gonzales isn’t the only one who likes to hang out at McDonald’s. A lot of freshmen like to go there and hang out and eat. Other popu-
lar places are Carl’s Jr., Taco Bell, Subway and Little Caesars. Even though a lot of the places are crowded, students would rather go and wait in line than eat the school food here. It’s worth it to some people. They prefer offcampus food to school food, and kids can wait in line with friends while orders are taken. “I like to hang out at McDonald’s because it’s not always crowded. There are some juniors and seniors, but mostly freshman for third lunch,” Sadiq Hamadic (11) said. “I like hanging out at Fresh Market because I like to go buy food there for lunch, but it can get really packed there too,” Mya D. Pascua (9) said. Fresh Market is more packed than Carl’s Jr. or McDonald’s. Kids go there and buy Hot Cheetos, chicken, and Arizona brand drinks. Students obviously can’t get those things at McDonald’s and Carl’s Jr., so that’s a good place to go to buy a variety of foods. Some students like to eat at
Granger, too. “I like to hang out at the commons because all my friends are there and it mixes grades a lot -- football players, too,” Kobe Chase (10) said. “I like to hang out outside of the cafeteria because most of my friends hang out there, and the food is good,” Kyler Southern (9) said. A lot of students go to football games. They’re still pumped up after the game, so they like to go and hang out at the front of the school or at Big Daddy’s. When they can, they also go to a stomp to have fun and dance. But right after school, students like to hang out in the front also or go to GAAP. They go to GAAP to get their grades up and get help with their homework. It can help prepare them for graduation, so it’s a good place to go after school. There are a lot of places that students can hang out and a lot of places that people enjoy. Even though they’re crowded, they’re worth it.