Absences-Minded
Posted on October 31, 2014 by Kiyoshi Koiwai in News
Jocelyne Gutierrez
Angie Quintanilla
Crimson Chronicle Reporters
While at the college fair, Ms.Payne, the senior counselor, made an announcement regarding attendance. For seniors to be allowed to walk the stage at the Hollywood Bowl, they are allowed to miss only seven days of school year. For those who want to graduate in white cap and gown, they are only allowed at most five absences.This has caused much confusion among students because of the misunderstanding about what is considered an excused absence.
To clarify exactly what is classified as an absence, it is simply any period of time a student does not attend one or more classes. The confusion is, if a student was absent due to a class field trip or any class related event, would his absence be excused or unexcused? Excused absences are cleared when it is due to, but not limited to illness, attending a family funeral or jury duty. However, Ms. Torres, who is in charge of monitoring the students’ attendance, must have documentation that proves their participation in the activity or appointment to clear the absence. Parent notes are sometimes sufficient; however, a doctor’s note is preferred, especially if a student is out for more than two days consecutively. On the other hand, any absence for reasons other than listed before are not excused and will result in the student being truant after the third period of the whole day. Concerning absences, due to a field trip or a school activity, will only be cleared if a student or his teacher submits a list to the attendance office explaining the participation. This will be the only way to not count it as an unexcused absence.
When asked what they think of the policy, quite a few responded positively. “It is fair because it shows commitment from students”, says Josue Quinteros, SAS senior. TCA Senior Patty Castro says, “It is good because it keeps us in control and sets a boundary.” However, there were those who are completely opposed to it such as TCA Senior Leslie Chang who believe the “school should not limit the days we can miss” because “we have personal events”. Ms. Torres said, “Attendance is important…come to school everyday.” Do you agree or disagree with this policy?
New Wellness Center brings new opportunities
Posted on October 29, 2014 by Abril Chuvac in Op-Ed
Jimmy Vasquez
Chronicle Reporter
The assembly that took place on Friday was extremely helpful for many students who had no knowledge of the wellness center. Although some people think otherwise because they knew about it already or thought it was boring, but it helped those who needed to know the information.
Many students that have sexual relations for the first time without condoms always wonder if they were exposed to any STDs. Alas, maybe they didn’t know where or who to ask for free condoms, or they had questions about something related to sex. Now many students know where to go after that assembly or after learning that there is a wellness center not too far from here. Many people didn’t even know that there was a wellness center right around the corner that they can go to for free of charge. All they need to do is make an appointment and you are ready to go. People can do their sports physicals without having to miss school to go to the doctors. They can have a STDs test without having to tell their parents. The wellness center can prescribe any medicine that you possibly need. The fact is that this wellness center brings many benefits to our school that others do not have. So we should consider ourselves lucky for having the wellness center.
According to Dr. Phillix, you don’t need health insurance to make an appointment, however, they will help you get one because it is important. They also need a consent form sign by your parents for physical health services. The only exception for the form is the sexual health services, which is totally confidential making it important for many students that get tested for STDs. If students need or want to know more they can always got to the wellness center and just ask, or go to Mr. Santiago in the nurse office.
Students’ Opinion on the New Babies in town
Posted on October 29, 2014 by Abril Chuvac in Features, Uncategorized
Maria Montiel
Chronicle Reporter
~What is your baby’s name ?
“Axel Stanley Gomez” ( Erica Gomez ,PAM, Senior )
“Marley Castro Lemus” (Patricia Castro, TCA, Senior)
“ No name” (Alejandro Alas, TCA, Senior )
“Haru Ascencio” (Kim Urrutia, TCA, Sophomore)
“Natalie Flores ” (Leslie Flores SAS Senior)
~What are your thoughts on waking up so early and “checking up” on your baby?
“It is really tiring you are wasting minutes of the day, but you know, gotta take care of the baby.”
(Gomez)
“Moms go through it, I feel like it’s preparing us.”
(Castro)
“I don’t like it.” (Alas)
“It’s tiring but it’s for my grade, so yeah.” (Urrutia)
” it’s extra credit, but it teaches you how to become a parent.” (Flores)
~Have you gained parental feelings so far ?
“Maybe yeah, it feels like you are taking care of a real baby and it feels weird.”
(Gomez)
“ Yeah, i really like this kid he is my baby boy, his name is Marley and i love him.”
(Castro)
“ I never thought it was going to be so expensive”
(Alas)
“Kind of” (Urrutia)
“Sort of, um I feel like I have been realy carefull with the baby, it’s thought me a lot like having to take it everywhere to become responsible .”(Flores )
~Have you enjoyed your assignment ?
“Not really, I feel embarrassed because Ifeel like people are staring at me and think im crazy.”
(Gomez)
“Yes, I have very much.” (Castro)
“More or less” (Alas)
“Yeah, it feels like you are taking care of a real child.” (Urrutia)
“I have been enjoying it , it’s kinda fun carring a baby around, but it’s not fun when everyone stares at you on the bus. “(Flores )
~Do you think this will benefit you as a future parent?
“Yes, it will because I’m still learning.” (Gomez)
“ This will help me prepare for the real baby because Iget to carry it everywhere , but taking care of a real baby will be more of a responsibility.” (Castro)
“Yeah, its teaching me to be more responsible.” (Alas)
“Yes, a lot” (Urrutia)
“Yes , because you have to multitask to make sure everything is fine and babies are pritty hevy.” (Flores )
M.D.s and Ph.Ds for SLCs
Posted on October 27, 2014 by Estefania Valencia in News
Estefania Valencia
Chronicle Reporter
The Wellness Center hosted an assembly in the auditorium this past Friday, Oct. 24 where student speakers and trained professionals informed the student body about the various services this facility offers.
Wendy Siguenza, Leadership member, opened the assembly by explaining to the students how informed they are about the Wellness Center and health issues. One guest speaker, a pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente, spoke about some of the services offered at the Wellness Center and included quick facts about health. Located on the Orange gate side of campus, this facility offers physical, sexual, and mental health services to students free of cost and completely confidential. Students can obtain yearly physicals, immunization shots, dental and vision check-ups, and sports clearances.
One topic covered that concerns many teenagers is the passing of STD’s during sexual intercourse. This part of the presentation explained what they are, how to prevent them and how important it is to receive a test every year for those who are sexually active
A therapist who works in the Wellness Center introduced herself and explained that she is there to listen to any problems that might be troubling a student. Confidentiality is guaranteed and, addressing the doubts that many have about therapy, she said, “You don’t need to be crazy in order to need therapy.”
Statements were given by Leadership students describing the emotional problems other teenagers face. Some examples included alcoholic friends, violent relationships, and kids affected by fights between their parents.
The Wellness Center is open three days a week: Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Students are encouraged to go if they require any help, regardless of whether they have medical insurance or not.
Student Responses to Breakfast in the Classroom
Posted on October 24, 2014 by Sergio Espejo in Features
Sergio Espejo
Silas Samayoa
Jocelyne Gutierrez
Hovhannes Maghakyan
Crimsom Chronicle Reporters
- What do you prefer, food in class or food during nutrition?
I prefer food in class over food during nutrition because I do not have to wait in line and everyone gets an equal opportunity to receive nutrition unless you’re late. (Denis Beltran, SAS Senior)
I prefer food in class because everyone is able to get breakfast. (Joceline Valera, MET Senior)
I prefer food in class because some kids don’t eat breakfast at home and some wait until lunch time to eat. Some people end up starving themselves. Whether the food is good or not, students now have the opportunity to fuel their body for the most important meal of the day. (Jazlin Nava, TCA Freshman)
I prefer food in the classroom because some kids don’t have time to eat at home, so they can come to class and have breakfast before starting their day. (Jazliee Perez, TCA Freshman)
I prefer food in the classroom. (Danny Salvador, SAS Junior)
I prefer my breakfast in the classroom. (Grace Jhu, SAS Junior)
I like to have food during classroom time. (Juan Abarca, MET Sophomore)
I like food during class. (Renzo Pino, SAS Sophomore)
- Have you noticed an increase of a pest infestation in classrooms?
I have not noticed an increase with infestation problems in the classrooms, the infestation level has stayed the same, which is just the occasional bug here and there. (Beltran)
I haven’t noticed any infestations in the classrooms and I don’t think there will be an increase if students know how to clean up properly. (Valera)
No, I don’t think there will be problems with that, but then again it all depends on the students. (Nava)
Not as of now. (Perez)
I haven’t noticed an increase in bugs. (Salvador)
No I haven’t noticed an increase of infestation in the classrooms. (Jhu)
- How does breakfast in the classroom affect you mentally, physically, and academically?
Nutrition in the class hasn’t directly benefited me but it also hasn’t affected me to the point where it ruins my daily routine. I can still eat breakfast at my home in the morning and still eat nutrition in class. Let’s face it, the “breakfast in class” isn’t close to the portion of food in which high school students eat in breakfast. Nutrition in class has not proven to be academically or physically beneficial because I often neglect the nutrition the school provides. -(Beltran)
Breakfast in the classroom has affected me in a good way mentally, physically, and academically because whatever they’re giving out for breakfast is healthy and a good way to get energy before learning. (Valera)
It has helped me physically because i do not have to wait as long as I used to in order to get something to eat. (Nava)
It has affected me because when I have breakfast it helps me focus more in my courses . I can say that my diet has improved a bit, although i only eat the breakfast served to us when the food is good.- (Perez)
It gets me energized! (Salvador)
It helps me think better to do better on tests. (Jhu)
- Do you usually eat breakfast at home?
I grab a bite before I leave my house when I can, and when I can’t I hope they serve coffee cake at school. (Beltran)
Yes I eat breakfast at home but whenever I want some extra fruit or something, I eat at school. (Valera)
At times, but sometimes I only get to drink a glass of milk so I eat at school breakfast. Before breakfast in the classroom I used to wait until lunch to eat something. (Nava)
Yes, I usually eat cereal with cookies, a bagel, or a sandwich. (Perez)
I usually eat breakfast at school. (Salvador)
I eat at home and at school, I eat a lot. (Jhu)
No, I don’t eat breakfast at home. (Abarca and Pino)
Please Take My Blood
Posted on October 24, 2014 by Kiyoshi Koiwai in News
Casey Koiwai
Angie Quintanilla
Brandon Argueta
Crimson Chronicle Reporters
The Red Cross comes to our school twice a year to receive blood donations from students, staff, and visitors. They collect a pint of blood from each volunteer. Before the Blood Drive, leadership goes around asking students their preferred period to donate. The Red Cross requires volunteers to meet a certain height and weight category to be eligible to donate.
Melba Borgonia, an advisor at the Blood Drive, who has been volunteering for Red Cross for over 17 years, stated that after the blood is donated, it is transported to Pomona and is stored for three days while it is tested for various viruses and components that can be dangerous to the patient who receives the blood. It is then shipped to many hospitals, to be given to patients in need of the blood.
Several students were a little nervous to donate blood since it was their first time.There were also those who were ecstatic like Karen Estaquio and the Hollywood Lokas (includes Patty, Adriana, Wendy, and Hirana); they are examples of how excited people can get to donate blood. And then some were just calm about donating, like Jun Lee or Keion Rodriguez, who said they felt “normal” or “fine” while waiting. Before getting blood drawn, make sure to eat a balanced meal, like the Hollywood Lokas; they made sure to eat “plenty of good foods and drank a lot of water.” On the other hand, Tegria said he ate a “small breakfast which was not substantial” and made it difficult after he got his blood drawn.
Monica Martinez, the leadership coordinator of the blood drive, spoke with us about the Blood Drive and the achievements this can do for others. She said that the goal is “150 pints” and “collectively, students, staff,and visitors donated 117 pints [of blood].” This may seem close to the goal and volunteers should feel proud that their blood can make a difference. She also mentioned it is an important event because “it provides a source of blood to hospitals, which are currently low.”
Many people wonder why a person would donate blood. Borgonia said that it is good to donate blood because, “It is a gift of life, people should give because it is a way of loving people from your heart.” Karen Estaquio said she it is “cool to help people out” and to be “aware [of a situation] at this age.” Jennifer Fong and Lucia Alcalze said “to help people.” Keion Rodriguez said “the burgers” and “to help people” draws him to donate blood.
“There will be a spring drive in April.Donators will receive a free t-shirt and food!Alyxdonators will get a Double-Double.” -Monica Martinez
Photo Credit: Casey Koiwai
Dread-Fast in the Classroom
Posted on October 23, 2014 by Abril Chuvac in News
Maria Montiel
Chronicle Reporter
Breakfast in the classroom has just started and everyone has an opinion about it. The students like it, but have you ever considered how the teachers feel? Its a common misconception to think that teachers love the idea of breakfast in the classroom.
“It will be taken out of context, and the transition from eating to learning is a big jump, “said history teacher Frank Beruman. “There will be hyperactiveness.”
Another teacher, Abdoulaye Bah said, “A class is a temple of knowledge”. “To me its disrespectful.” “ We should not do it; we do not bring food into church then we shouldn’t be eating in class.”
Physical Education teacher Jesse Garcia has mixed feelings. ”Its beneficial for students in the morning, especially since a lot of students do not eat.” ” In our high activity days, students will be uncomfortable after they eat.” “One remedy is to eat at the end of the period when there done with their activities.”
Knowing that the teachers feel strongly about this activity, it is easy to jump to conclusions especially because breakfast in the classroom is still so new. Looks like a Breakfast in the classroom is here to stay.
The Dead will Overrun Again
Posted on October 22, 2014 by Peter Galindo in Entertainment
Peter Galindo
Chronicle Reporter
It is October and The Walking Dead’s new season has finally premiered. Many Walking Dead fans have been anticipating what would happen next, since the season ended on a major cliffhanger. This season’s premiere was quite impressive as it did not “beat around the bush” with flashbacks as some other shows do. *The show went straight to the situation at hand and only a day or so has passed since the last episode*. While I thought that the last season moved a bit slow, this season seems to have a better pacing as it does not really include side stories. The only thing that is slightly off putting is that the walkers are just a small nuisance in this world that has been ravaged by the dead.
The main issue from the last seasons was the conflict between the humans and their development as people. Carol for one is a character who over the other a course of time has changed greatly from being a submissive woman who gets beaten up by her husband daily, to a very strong woman and an integral part of the show. This last episode was packed with many explosions, gore, and troughs, anybody who has seen this episode knows exactly what I am talking about. The second episode, even though it moved a bit slower than than the first one, was pretty great as the characters dealt with some issues brought up in the last episode, but certain things came back to haunt them.
A new character named Father Gabriel Stokes was introduced. The question on everyone’s mind is whether or not the Father can be trusted as he claims to not have killed anyone or any walkers for he is a man of God. Introducing this storyline seems interesting as the father seems like a great person, but as we have seen before, the apocalypse has changed many people. Overall these two episodes were a great way to start the season, and I really hope that the show does not lose its momentum that it has gained, and hopefully, it may earn back my interest as a show worth willing to watch.
Senior Sheiks attend College Fair
Posted on October 20, 2014 by Jessica Acuna in News
Jessica Acuna
Chronicle Reporter
Seniors attended the college fair on Oct. 15 while freshmen, sophomores, and juniors took the PSAT. The college fair began with a presentation by Santa Monica college in the auditorium and from there on the seniors were guided into the big gym to find around 20 college visits. The following colleges were: Los Angeles City College, Cal State Northridge, Cal State Los Angeles, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Stanford University, Glendale Community College, Columbia College Hollywood, Mount St. Mary’s College, University of California Riverside, Academy of Arts, University San Francisco, Nevada University, Grand Canyon University, Santa Fe University of Design & Art, University of California Los Angeles, Berklee College of Music, Otis College of Art & Design, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College with special visits from the Navy and Armed Forces.
The college fair is a great opportunity for students to get a head start on choosing the right career path and going further into a higher education after high school. Whether it is a community college, or university, students can ask the college representatives for information of what the students are looking for a specific program, career, and description of their location. October and November are the busiest months for every senior with college application process, and what college to attend. Events such as the college fair allow the sheiks to see their future and prepare for adulthood. The fear of many students is not knowing what exactly colleges want from them so having a representative helps them find answers in person.The representatives took their time to volunteer and inform young adults about their experiences as a college student or as a college counselor. The Navy and Armed Force gave information about their training program and what they expect from those who are interested in joining and serving their country.
