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SEPTEMBER 2019 LXII-I
Lancers use many techniques to study for tests By Ivan Siete LANCERS all have their different ways of studying. Many Lancers hope to get that 4.0 GPA, but it is very hard to accomplish that without putting in any work outside school. Lancers use different techniques to get the most out of studying. Angel Galindo (10) tries to keep his grades up because of the basketball team. There is a GPA requirement that he has to meet to stay on the team. Galindo spends a minimum of 30 minutes a day doing homework. Galindo doesn’t study unless a test is coming up, and he loves using Quizlet. Many students keep their grades upfor sports eligibility. Although a season only lasts for a couple of months, student athletes need to maintain certain GPAs all year because coaches look at all quarters, not just the ones the student plays for the team. Plus, doing bad one quarter affects one’s
cumulative GPA, which if significantly bad, can prevent a student from playing on a team. Arleth Antonio (11) usually spends a few hours a day on homework. “A hack would be just to take very good notes,” Antonio said. Antonio also keeps a planner to help her keep track of all her work. When Antonio struggles, she tries to use the internet to help her. If she’s still struggling, she asks her teachers for help. Taking great notes has a great advantage when it comes to studying for a test. Cornell Notes is a popular note taking method that helps students organize notes so that ideas don’t get lost in a cluttered mess. Gloria Rodriguez (‘19) doesn’t spend that much time on homework because she usually finishes it at school. When it comes to taking a test, however, she puts more outside time into it. Rodriguez struggles with memorizing things,
so she creates physical flashcards to help her. “For some reason, it helps me memorize things better,” Rodriguez said. She wishes she would have learned such study techniques earlier in high school. Flashcards have been a ton of help for many students for a long time. There are apps that students can uses to make flashcards. One of the most popular apps is Quizlet because it offers flashcards, personalized tests, and other ways to study for a big test. Students can also just go the traditional way and make paper flashcards. Fernando Estrada (‘19) studies or does homework for 20 minutes and then takes a quick break before going back to work. Estrada likes having friends to study with because it makes it easier for him to concentrate. Estrada also keeps a planner in his backpack to stay up to date with his work. Having a planner will keep
students organized and up to date with everything. Students won’t miss due dates. Many students use planners in elementary and junior high—planners provided by the school, which also encouraged their use. It’s a technique that should be taken into high school and beyond since it’s very helpful. Rey Martinez (‘19) spends a lot of time on homework, especially on math because it is his most difficult subject. YouTube and Quizlet have been a big help for Rey, since he can’t always stay after school to get help. Rey doesn’t really have a study hack, but he does wish he had a study partner. Besides that, Martinez likes it to be quiet when he’s studying or doing homework. The internet has been a game changer when it comes to studying. Anything students are having trouble with they can look up how continued on page 4
A Lancer studys in preparation for an upcoming test.
Teachers are making lives better for students By Liliana Arreola HERE AT Granger there are many great teachers who want the students who come here to succeed. Many people are scared to talk to their teachers because they are afraid of what they might think of them, but teachers are helpful and can help in almost any way possible. Showing respect to the teachers at Granger is simple but may seem difficult. “Giving the teacher eye contact when talking is important because you are showing that you are paying attention to the things they are talking about,” Destiny Yanagui (11) said. They come every day to help students succeed and to find what they
want to do in the future. “Showing respect to your teacher isn’t difficult; give them respect, and they’ll respect you,” Yanagui said. Disrespecting anyone doesn’t make you cool like many people may believe, so just show respect and show you care. Just showing the teacher that you care and are participating in and outside the classroom is enough to signal that you respect them. When the teacher asks a question, raise your hand and answer. If they tell the students to get in a group, get in a group. Whatever they ask from the students, do it, even if it might not be what you want to do. The teachers come to work
and help their students succeed in life. “They help us get into college, so respect them for that,” Jackie Campos (11) said. Maybe college isn’t for everyone, but there are many other things someone can do, and the teachers help the students do it. Going to school and taking classes helps students find out what they want to do. The staff at Granger are always willing to help a student find out what they want to do. Teachers come with something to teach the class every day, and they want their students to truly take something out of those lessons. “It’s simple to get through the year; just be prepared, go to
class, and have an open mind,” Biancaflor Monreal (10) said. “It’s important that we respect teachers because they are doing their job; they are there to help you, not to make your life miserable,” Monzerrat Rodriguez (11) said. The work they give the students can be hard and can add up if one puts it aside for a while, but they are there when you are confused about something. Sometimes, teachers have bad days like anyone else and one never knows. “Greet them on your way in and ask how their day is going,” Rodriguez said. It isn’t difficult to ask someone about their day and asking them can make their day so much better.
Time for back to school shopping
By Angelica Dwight AS SUMMER ends, everyone starts getting ready to go back to school. People rush out to go shopping. This is very important because they get prepared for the school year by getting fresh supplies and new clothes. The right equipment and tools set students up for the school year. It’s pretty safe to say school supplies have a certain importance to them. For the upcoming school year, many sources recommend making a sort of back-to-school checklist. The realsimple.com website’s checklist includes binders, folders, notebooks, writing utensils, and of course a backpack. While those are great items to have, they are usually the bare minimum one needs to be prepared. The goodhousekeeping.com website offers an “Ultimate Back-to-School Shopping List” which consists of not only the essentials, but also the extras, like an extra pair of clothing in case of emergencies and snacks that students could possibly store in a locker, which could really come in handy. Here at Granger High School, we have a few tips for incoming freshman to be prepared and ready for high school. “The biggest thing freshman need to be prepared for is how big of a change moving to high school will be,” Mr. Timothy, a freshman success teacher, said. Just like students, he gets ready for the coming school year by reviewing his lesson plans, assignments, and materials for the new students. Not only freshmen, but all other grades need to mentally and physically prepare for the upcoming school year. Students here at Granger High School are typically prepared for school all year round. Jordan Allred (11) said he stays prepared by bringing his binder and writing utensils every day, along with his essentials which are earbuds and another pair of shoes. “Personally, I like to stay prepared for school all year long by always having the normal school essentials, as well as extras like snacks and clothes stored in my locker. I would advise everyone to do so, as well,” Allred said. Being prepared for school is crucial and important. One should make sure to choose supplies wisely and get everything they might need for the upcoming school year. One can prepare by going back to school shopping and picking up not only essentials like a backpack, binders, folders, etc., but also extras, like snacks and a pair of clothes to keep in a locker.
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September 2019, page 2
Tri-Color Times VOL. 62 Issue 1
While unpopular, lockers offer solutions By Stephanie Gutierrez LOCKERS are such an integral part of high school, yet very few Lancers use them. As the years go by, their popularity and use hasseemed to decrease. Although they do provide some benefits, these benefits do not outweigh the risks and advantages of other devices. Lockers will allow one to stash an extra set of clothing, emergency medication, and heavy books. It frees students from a back ache as students are not forced to carry everything all day long. However, even with these benefits, many Lancers don’t take advantage of their lockers. “I never use my locker; there is just no use for it. I always have a pencil and paper with me, so I have nothing to put in it,” Andrew Ramirez (12) said. Even so, lockers offer storage solutions for items beyond stationary preparation. ¨I would only use my locker for emergencies, such as if I am in need of medication or if I suddenly forget something,” Ramirez said. A gym bag would be great to put in there for student athletes. This would allow them to not have to carry around their duffle bag all day. ¨I would put my gym bag in my locker, but unfortunately they are too small, and nothing truly fits in them,” Esai Castaneda (12) said. Most things do not fit in the lockers, leaving Lancers to not use them in the first place. To add to the dilemma of using a locker, it is
their distance from classes and the time constraint students have to get to class that make it even less feasible to use them. Trackers and teachers are not forgiving when a student comes in late because they had to reach for something in their locker. For most students, spending time going to a locker to grab something is too big of a risk to take. ¨I would personally say use your locker if needed in emergencies,” Castaneda said. Some Lancers see lockers as a handy tool, while others think they are only a waste of time. “Lockers don’t catch my attention; I carry everything in my backpack, and I always double check it before leaving the house so that I don’t forget anything,” Victor Linares (10) said. Backpacks have become the main item students use to stash all of their books, papers, pens/pencils, etc. However, backpacks weren’t always a thing. A few decades back, lockers were popular spaces for storage, but, that was when schools weren’t as large as they are now. Even today, locker use is more common in schools where students have more time and less distance to reach them. “We didn’t have backpacks, so I would put my books in my locker and trade-them-in in between classes,” Mr. Timothy said. During that time backpacks were called nap sacks. “Nap sacks weren’t cool at all. People would look funny walking around with them. They were as huge as a duffle bag,” Mr. Timothy said.
Things they don’t tell students about Granger By Karla Landeros HIGH SCHOOL has its expectations like anything else. When in middle school, maybe the expectation of high school was getting shoved into a locker. Reality: nobody really uses their locker these days. Everyone is into their own small world that often it is ignored that high school isn’t like the movies. There is too much that movies don’t tell us about high school. “High School Musical”, “Bring It on”, and maybe even “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” are examples of what high school is not. These movies may have raised the expectations of what high school can be to students. Unfortunately, there will never be dancing on the table tops and singing after the bell rings. Nonetheless, school dances, spirit weeks, and fun sports games provide many opportunities for Granger to still be fun. In movies, it is typical to see a lot of high school spirit. Granger is great at school spirit, but it’s something that can definitely be improved. “Freshmen think that it is stupid to have school spirit,” Camille Pinilla (11) said. Granger holds spirit weeks and has fun
lunch activities. Diversity seems to speak louder than spirit. Granger houses a very diverse student population which makes it stand out from other schools. Cultures here at Granger can vary from Latin America to all corners of Asia and Africa. “In middle school, I felt there were only Latinos, but attending Granger shows how diverse students are,” Zuley Olivares (‘19) said. Diversity seems to say a lot about Granger, setting a great cultural reputation. Granger has quite the reputation as one of the most recent buildings in the district. Granger is quite big in size and has about 3,000 students attending the school. Ms. Timpson, Granger’s new theatre teacher, was amazed and excited to finally get to teach a school with a big population. “I went to a big high school, and I was really looking forward to getting back to a big high school culture after teaching at a small high school,” Timpson said. Some freshmen students have been told that high school isn’t a nice place to be playing around, so coming into Granger may have
been a bit terrifying. Granger, as well as any other high school, wants its students to accept responsibility as students and mature into adults. Although high school is an environment for young adults, high school isn’t as hard as some may have initially thought. “It was not very different from junior high; there were just more people here,” Isaac Lemus (10) said. One of the things that really stands out about Granger is its diversity, not only in its students, but in its classes. Unlike elementary and middle school, high school provides many more options. “The difference is that you get more choices like clubs and classes to take,” Elizabeth Ortiz (10) said. Granger has various classes that focus on careers that most students want to take. High school can be many things. It is a memorable time in everyone’s life. Regardless of what “High School Musical” did or didn’t show, high school is a common yet unique experience to everyone in this country. Granger is very diverse and is a big school, students should take advantage of it.
Camille thinks that Granger is great at school spirit, but it’s something that can definitely be improved.
Anna Ramirez says that dating can be beautiful, but school comes first.
High school dating challenges
By Analicia Montoya IN ADDITION to the stresses of social circles, assignments, and insecurities, teenagers also have to deal with romantic relationships. Most of the time, high school relationships do not last. However, this does not mean that they do not provide insightful lessons for future relationships and present and future commitments. Nevertheless, there are those who hesitate to involve themselves in romantic relationships, no matter the potential lessons or success of them. “I feel like having a relationship in high school is adding on responsibilities that you don’t need at this time,” Brian Haro (‘19) said. It is important to always think about one’s personal priorities and responsibilities during high school and even into adulthood. This means that if one is not ready to commit to a relationship, there is no shame in that. Setting these priorities is part of growing into mature adults, which is one of the goals of high school. Even so, there are those who do enter romantic relationships. It is very important to get to know that person in all aspects before seeking a future with them. It is unfair for both people involved if neither knows what and with whom they are getting themselves involved. Unfortunately, there are some negative repercussions of high school dating. Dating in high school increases the vulnerability and insecurities of teens. This, in part, is due to the stress of balancing school work with relationship
commitments. Responsibilities like homework, standardized test performances, and future plans are being sacrificed for a relationship, which can lead to poor academic performances and students feeling insecure in themselves. This can lead into a double failure when students begin to lose interest in class while experiencing problems in their relationship. “I think dating in high school is a beautiful thing only if those two are actually committed. It’s important for the couple to know that school comes first,” Anna Ramirez (12) said. Although dating in high school has downsides, there are also good outcomes. Dating exposes people to different personalities, different traits, and different ways of life, thus breaking down and making it clearer what that person is looking for in a partner. A positive aspect of teenage dating is it facilitates maturity. Together, partners decide what boundaries and balance need to exist in their relationship. “I think it’s important that the couple stays honest with each other. Communication is a must when going through tough times and also listening to what their partner is feeling and has to say, then helping them get through it. Growing together, not away from each other, is a pivotal lesson in a relationship,” Jair Hendrix (‘19) said. Overall, being in a relationship that one is truly committed to and willing to learn from, while maintaining academic priorities, is a beautiful thing.
September 2019, page 3
Tri-Color Times VOL. 62 Issue 1
Tips and tricks for high school Opinion by Erik Carranza HIGH SCHOOL can be the place where one learns the most about themselves. High school also tends to be the place where one wants to push passed their comfort zones and meet new people. Given that high school is such a complicated time in a teenager’s life, it sometimes becomes difficult to discern between what is right and what is wrong. Sometimes, high schoolers get caught up in inappropriate behaviors without realizing their mistakes. According to Germ Magazine, gossiping is a big ‘don’t’ in high school because gossiping is something that can hurt a lot of people. Being mean to other students is not cool. Students come to school with a mindset that they are going to be safe and not harassed, and that is how it should be. That is why being mean to teachers and administrators is another big don’t in high school. They come to teach and help students learn because that is their job. They can easily find other jobs if they wanted to. Instead, they stay because they care about the upcoming generations and want students to succeed in life. It is shameful to be disrespectful and rude to teachers who truly just want to see you succeed. Another ‘don’t’ in high school is dressing inappropriately. Don’t dress in a way that is going to
distract your peers or the teacher. Yes, there is a lot of controversy on what people think they should and shouldn’t be able to wear in school. However, there needs to be some objective truth when analyzing this argument. Coming dressed to school can be nice, but when a student is more concerned about appearance and not education, it is a problem— and it can distract others. There can be a balance between dressing appropriately and stylishly. Now, some things that one should focus on in high school is doing well in classes and on tests. It seems obvious, but very few students actually prioritize these investments. Instead, they prioritize friends and relationship, which can be good when balanced, but they can pose large distractions. Much of this failure to invest in academics comes from poor time management. Students will spend an entire semester goofing around in class, not paying attention. When it comes time to do an exam and prepare for it, they are ill-prepared. To top it off, procrastination can lead to cramming and burnout, leading to more stress and a lower chance that students will commit to their studies. It is a cycle. According to the verywellmind.com website, some ways to reduce stress in high school are to
prepare for your exams and study consistently, not at the last minute. Part of being able to do this is having good time management and organizational skills. To accomplish this, some students use a planner. They list out when and what they need to do. To increase the likelihood of them completing the task, they promise themselves a reward at the end. For example, one may reward a completed task with a dinner date with some friends if they finish their math homework. Having that sense of discipline and accomplishing a task can be rewarding in-and-ofitself. Another priority in high school is surrounding oneself with the correct group of people. This means that one’s circle should not consist of negative influences but people who force one to level up, strive to do better, and live well. Obviously, we should all be there to support one another in the struggles we go through, but never should that mean sacrificing one’s own values or ambitions. If a list had to be made on what one should focus on in high school, it would include time management, organization, discipline, academics, extracurriculars, and healthy friendships. Doing all of this will lead to a rewarding, memorable high school experience.
Success in school vs. the real world Opinion by Emma Pratt IN HIGH school, students are taught that if they succeed in school, they will succeed in the real world. However, this may not be true. Studies have found that students who succeed in school aren’t necessarily the students that go on to change the world. In fact, it’s the students who struggle in school that go on to change the world. A researcher at Boston College, Karen Arnold, performed a study that followed 81 valedictorians going from high school, to college, to career. In her study, she found that not one of these valedictorians went on to change the world, according to CNBC. They were very successful though, and most of them had high paying jobs. They were reliable, hardworking, and self-disciplined. They just didn’t end up making a big impact on the world. She found that, “...they typically settle into the system instead of shaking it up,” as stated in Money Magazine. The Valedictorians became successful, but they didn’t have an impact on the world. What is interesting, is that most of their classmates thought that the valedictorians were going to be the ones to change the world. Instead, it was the students that were overlooked and struggled that did so. “Their solid academic backgrounds and sheer work ethics are typically enough to keep them from failing courses. Unfortunately, what made these students shine in high school isn’t enough to lift them above mediocrity and up to their personal standards,” as stated in The Learnwell Projects. Arnold’s study found that students who love learning actually struggle in school. The reason they struggle is very interesting. In school, students are forced to take many classes at once, this then leads to students taking a “generalist approach.” Generalism is when someone knows a little bit about a lot of things, rather than specializing in one subject. For example, a student may be passionate about chemistry, but in order to pass their other classes as well, they have to focus less on chemistry and focus more on all their classes as a whole. Therefore, those students who struggle, are more often than not, passionate about just one subject. So, that subject will become the class they will focus on
most. In this case, students don’t take the generalist approach, and end up getting lower grades in the classes they aren’t passionate about. Many of the people that are idolized today were these students. “In fact, a study of 700 American millionaires found that their average GPA was just 2.9,” Entrepreneur said. Steve Jobs graduated high school with a 2.65. J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, graduated college with a C average. All of these people are extremely successful, yet their GPAs show otherwise. What happened, was that they ended up not taking the generalist approach. They were more focused on the classes they loved, were interested in, or challenged them. They had lower grades in the classes that were less interesting to them and higher grades in their more interesting classes. These students ended up changing the world. Steve Jobs is a co-founder of Apple. Apple products, such as iPhones and iPads, have affected millions of people around the world. J.K. Rowling has influenced many writers. Even though they didn’t reach the standards that were set for them in school, they rose above the standards of the world. They impacted the world in a great way. According to the New York Times, a study by psychologists, done in 1962, compared America’s most creative architects with other, less creative, architects. The psychologists had looked at their grades and found that the creative architects had earned about a B average in college. However, in classes that they were passionate about, they earned an A grade. In school, students believe that by succeeding in school, they will succeed in the real world. However, studies seem to prove this wrong. Students need to be taught that it’s okay to be excited about classes they love. If a student is passionate about history, then they should be encouraged to take more history classes. Rather than being a generalist, students need to be allowed to be passionate about the classes they’re taking. Success in school does not necessarily mean success in real life. However, by taking classes they are passionate about and that challenge them, students will be better prepared for the real world.
Handle stress at school Opinion by Nevaeh Chavez COMING back to school can be very stressful in numerous ways. Individuals deal with stress in different ways. Many kids are feeling mounting amounts of anxiety over the approach of a new school year. From last minute projects to hectic mornings and the many activities that make high school life so busy, it is no wonder why returning to school brings a lot of worry to students. Troubles with teachers and other students or a few classes are the things that keep kids from enjoying school. The main thing to remember in dealing with back to school jitters is to be mentally prepared. Know what to expect and have a plan to keep things manageable. If you show your enthusiasm for what the new school year brings, you are sure to pick up on the energy of excitement. Over the summer, most families take their cues from the sun and stay up later. While it may be tempting to keep the late nights and fun going up until the end, starting your school routine a few weeks early can help ease the transition back to school. Two weeks before the beginning of school, start going to bed and getting up earlier, and try to eat on a more regular schedule as well. While we’re on the topic of starting early, it’s a good idea to visit the school before the first day. For teens, specifically freshmen, this can help them feel more comfortable with the new place
and get a better idea of where to go once they’re there. Even for returning students, it doesn’t hurt to know where the classrooms are, say hello to whichever staff is there, and start getting excited about going back. If you think back on past transitions to school, you’ll recall that they were stressful, too. But they passed and likely made way to great new experiences. Reminiscing on those happy occasions will remind you of the things you like about school and shift your attention away from your concerns. Take a few moments to look at fun photos from last year, either alone or with friends. Spend some time looking at each picture, and recall what it felt like to be in those situations. Reflecting on these happy moments will help relieve anxiety in that moment. One of the best ways to relieve back to school anxiety and prepare for the coming year is to simply talk about the feelings you are having and the certain topics you are worried about. There can be a solution for everything and the only way to fix them is making them known. Remember to try to get yourself relaxed as much as possible. Back-to-school time can also be a hectic time for teens, so taking care of yourself by eating right and getting enough sleep and exercise is a good idea during this transitional phase back to school. Try to remind yourself that any stress is only temporary.
Tri-Color Times Staff Editor in Chief Jelena Dragicevic
Social Media Editor Jocelyn Roberts
Reporters Miguel Acosta Liliana Arreola Landon Burton Erik Carranza Nevaeh Chavez Tyler Danh Angelica Dwight Elena Flores Nia Johansson Stephanie Gutierrez Karla Landeros Alexis McArthur
Reporters Analicia Montoya Layla Moo-Itch Nancy Otuafi Ivan Padilla Lina Philip Emma Pratt Adan Puerta Carlos Salinas Ivan Siete Mosese Sonasi Leilani Tima Karina Zavala
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 liability.
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September 2019, page 4
Tri-Color Times VOL. 62 Issue 1
Jump into some sports at the start of school By Alexis McArthur COMING back to school can be hard, but it can also be very exciting. There are a few sports that start up right at the same time as school: cross country, football, boys golf, girls soccer, and girls tennis. Volleyball also starts up in the fall, but tryouts for volleyball are in the summer. Cross country is one of those sports that welcomes everyone, and the plus side is that there are no cuts. “To be on the cross country team, we would like the athletes to be able to run three miles without stopping,” Kelle Pace said. Pace has been the cross country coach for 13 years. “We do not turn anyone away on the cross country team. Even if you would just like to lose weight and workout with us, we are happy to take you,” Pace added. Pace loves to coach cross country and invites everyone to give it a try. Soccer also begins in the fall, but girls may not join the team after tryouts have taken place. “We generally look for girls that are technically skilled when it comes to trapping and passing the ball,” Hyrum Okeson said. “To be eligible to join the team, you need to meet the grade requirements, and you must be able to complete a two mile run,” Okeson said. There are two cuts, which means there were three days of tryouts: July 29-31, 2019.
Boys golf is definitely underrated, but nevertheless just as fun as every other sport. “Boys golf usually starts at the very end of July or the beginning of August,” Shawn Crowther said. Crowther has been the coach of the boys and girls golf teams for ten years and is very passionate about golf. “The only thing we require for the golf team is the desire to play golf,” Crowther said. There are golf clubs for athletes to use if they do not have their own, and the golf team is one of those sports that starts fresh every year with beginning instruction. “We would prefer the athletes to join at the beginning of the season, but we don’t turn anyone away, so if any incoming freshmen or sophomores want to join, they can come and talk to me and do so,” Crowther said. Just like a few of these other sports, girls tennis does not have cuts or tryouts either. Anyone can join throughout the duration of the season. “You don’t have to be a good athlete. All I ask is that you have the willingness to learn,” Cyle Sanada said. Sanada also added that they will be starting practice in May, so if anyone is interested in joining the girls tennis team next year talk to him for more information. “Tennis is a great sport to learn because it helps you in a lot of areas, and we teach you life lessons, as well as how to play tennis,” Sanada said.
Coach Crowther wants more boys to join the golf team.
There’s a new future for Granger’s football team By Adan Puerta COMING into the new year with a bright start, there’s a new football coach and coaching staff. Granger High School welcomes the new football season with many changes as Coach Morgan steps down as the head coach after five satisfying seasons. Although Morgan will continue to teach at Granger, Coach Vituu will be the new face of Granger football. Coming from Taylorsville High School, the Home of the Warriors, he will be the new head coach for Granger’s football team. “Building, strengthening, and igniting passion for the sport of football is what Coach Vituu holds and is bringing to the table,” Dr. Dunn said. Out of eight other people who wanted the job, this was what set him apart. Most coaches at Granger are also teachers at the school, but Coach Vituu will be a teacher aide in classes, helping students with their classwork. “He is a fantastic coach who knows what he is talking about,” Vita Finau (12) said. Finau feels
confident that this year will go great for the team. More people are walking into the program. Players who had given up on the previous football program are returning, excited for this new coach and staff. The new team has been hard at work during this off-season, doing morning drills and lifting to get in shape for the season. It is not just making sure that the players are in shape that is important. Running through plays and formations for the game is just as pivotal. “A new coach means new ideas and more opportunities,” Anthony Torres (12) said. The new coach is very friendly and a pleasure to be around. He is very positive and kind to each player. Everyone is welcomed with open doors. The new coaches and staff are planning on flipping Granger’s football team into a distinctive team of excellent players that will consist of returning players and new athletes. There will be some big transitions and changes. There will be a bigger roster this year than last
year’s team. Previously, Coach Morgan was very strict on players because he wanted the best performance out of them. However, there were a few players who could not keep up with him and decided to leave the program. Some of these players are returning, yet to find out if the new coach and coaching staff will be just as strict, if not more. However, strictness is also important to get players to view their roles and performance seriously. Although Granger’s football team is about to experience so many changes with this new coach and coaching staff, Coach Morgan leaves a legacy for the players and entire football program. He helped so many students learn and respect the game, instilling in them a discipline and pride for what they do and the school they represent. Every player now has the opportunity to start fresh with a new coach. Returning players have the possibility to step up as leaders for the younger players, carrying on Coach Morgan’s teachings as Vituu takes over as head coach.
Dr. Dunn expects Coach Vituu to bring strength and passion to Granger’s football team.
Lancers use many study techniques
continued from page 1 to do it in a matter of seconds. YouTube is a very popular website when it comes to studying. Students learn better in different environments. Some students like studying in a quiet room with no distractions and others like going to a park or library. Students should try different environments to see which they like best. Noah Rivas (‘19) spends an
average of 30 minutes to an hour on homework every day. Noah reads his notes outside of class just in case he has missed something. Rivas also uses Google and messages people in the class that might be able to help. Rivas takes advantage of many of the things he has like Google Calendar for organization, a desk to study on at home, and just writing down what’s due. Rivas uses the Pomo-
doro method to study. The Pomodoro method is a time management technique. It uses a timer to break down work into intervals. It consists of studying for 25 minutes and then resting for five minutes. There are many study hacks that students can use to achieve that 4.0 GPA. The only thing that is left, then, is trying many methods and seeing which work best.
Having school spirit makes for memorable high school experiences.
Lancer Pride makes school more fun
By Karina Zavala SCHOOL spirit is love for one’s school, whether by supporting a team or being a part of a club. “Having school spirit isn’t only going to games, it’s also academic performance and joining a club,” Ms. Brown said. As long as someone is involved, that is school spirit. “Having school spirit helps you be more connected to your school. It unites Granger, because we all get together for a common cause,” Ms. Brown said. When freshmen start high school, there is hardly any school spirit coming from the freshmen compared to the seniors. A lot of freshmen think school spirit is dumb, but as time goes by, that proves to be untrue. “I think they do want to show school spirit, but since no one else is cheering, they decide to just stay quiet. That’s how it was for me at least,” Natali Ramos (12) said. However, their lack of school spirit can be due to other reasons. Coming into a new school and not knowing anyone is hard, so of course the freshmen get shy and don’t want to be involved. Seniors have more school spirit than the rest of the school because they have been here for the longest time, so they have more to love. Seniors show more pride and because of this it can be intimidating to the other classes. “Upperclassmen influence other classes because they are looking up to them and will want to follow,” Brown said. Having school spirit will make school more fun because the classes get together and cheer on a team or make spirit bowls more fun and intense.
“I haven’t been here for a very long time, but I do have school spirit, and I plan to expand it, not only for me, but also for others,” Liliana Beltran (11) said. When going to a game, it makes it so much more fun taking friends who are willing to cheer on and have fun. Another big part of school spirit is spirit week, which can get really competitive because each class wants to be able to win. “I really enjoy being a part of spirit week, and I will try as best as I can to dress up, but there are times when I don’t have the right clothing for the certain days,” Ramos said. Sometimes the student officers do make some dress up days more challenging than others, but it shouldn’t stop students from participating and collecting the class spirit points. Having school spirit requires one to step out of their comfort zone, especially if one is shy. “Having school spirit is a good thing because you can easily make friends that already share something in common, which is school spirit,” Pablo Pando (‘19) said. Overall, school spirit is a good thing. All classes should cheer for their classes or the school’s teams. All students should be involved, whether through sports, academics, or simply going to games and spirit bowls. This also helps Granger appear talented and confident to other schools. Students are only in high school for so long, so there is nothing wrong with having school pride or going out to support one another. Having school spirit makes for memorable high school experiences that one will cherish forever.