Issue of October 10, 2003
Volume 87, No. 2
Click on the story title to view the story
News
Test scores rising!
When does a tardy become a truancy?
Where's Mr. Walters?Opinions
Freshmen are surveyed
Legalizing BUD
Are older teachers better for the job? YES!
Are older teachers better for the job? NO!
The Del Taco Guy
Overcrowding is getting oldFeatures
Sport Captains
Campus police patrol in style
College round up
Coming to America (column)
DECA prepares students
Download a song, go to jail?
Horoscopes by Madame Sandra
Final Fantasy video game review
This one time, at band camp....
Talent Show shows off talent (duh...)Sports
Cross country
Golf
Volleyball
Tennis
Football
Test scores rise; reverse downward trend
By Lauren Young
10/7/03Standardized test scores climbed remarkably for the first time in several years based on the most recent results of the STAR tests that were administered last spring. Increases were noted across the board, in both reading and Math, in all three grades that took the test. Biggest gains were realized in Junior Reading, in which scores more than doubled. Also in Sophomore Math there was a dramatic change, the test scores doubled within their selves, their reading scores also made a big change. Even though the Freshman Math scores stayed the same, their reading scores went way up.
How can we account for such a dramatic increase? According to Principal Jerry Almendarez, there are a number of reasons. The SAT's are all standard tests; the teachers put more work into teaching the material to the students. The test got more challenging, so that the students would have to put more work into passing them. And as some of you know if you attended Colton High School for the last two years we were in really bad academic trouble, our test scores were low and the District was really keeping an eye on our school, our grades, and especially our test scores. So by the test scores doubling last year we were able to get out of academic trouble.
So...tell us again...exactly when does a tardy become a truancy?
by Sean DurdleUsually a student would be considered truant if they came to class 10 minutes after the bell rings. The school district has extended this time to 30 minutes. The state allows 30 minutes to pass before a student is considered absent, last year we allowed 10 minutes to pass. Our district has decided that it is probably in the best interest of the school if they use all the time they can get. So now a person can show up to class 29 minutes late and not be considered truant.
Some people suggest that the only reason they have instated it is to get more money. As you may or may not already know, the school gets money for every person that shows up. This is one reason why teachers encourage students to show up to class (being there to learn is the main reason, of course). Principal Jerry Almendarez doesn't have high expectations for the change. "It's not going [to make] a change in attendance." he states. Almendarez says that it is only a "clerical change" and will have "minor effects." According to Almendarez, the absent marks will be written up in the attendance office and not by the teachers in the classroom.
Some people have a more positive outlook on it. Teacher Veronica Elder has hope that it will be effective. "I think it's beneficial for the school," she says, "every kid that's not here hurts us." If less people are written down as absent, then the school gets more money. Elder says, "Right now we have a limited budget, students shouldn't be afraid of coming in late."
Students have mixed views on the subject. "I don't think the plan will work too well for the school because if a kid decides not to come to school in 10 minutes, they're not going to come in 30 minutes," says junior Phillip Salamanca. "If a kid is gonna miss the first 30 minutes, what's the point of going?" he adds. Others, such as sophomore Don Fetes think that it might actually help the school. "I think that more students will be in class by the first 30 minutes, and the school will get more money." Only time will solce this debate.
If you were here last year, then you probably remember the paper shortage. Also, as of right now, the school only has one or two copy machines. If the 30-minute rule turns out to be effective, then the school might be able to buy more supplies. Many things could be dealt with if we had more money.
Where's Walters?
by Victoria TueyYou may be aware that our former Assistant Principal, David Walters, is no longer serving here at Colton High School. After three years here, and many more with the district, Walters accepted a new position at a different school. This proposes a problem for our remaining administrative staff. Walters was in charge of assessment and accountability for CHS. His job was to distribute data regarding any recent testing to the teachers. The other AP's are now burdened with the responsibility of his work. After speaking with Jerry Almenderez, our Principal, I learned that they are doing many interviews and hope to fill the position within a few weeks. The Principal from Bloomington High School and the Director of Personnel are also assisting him in the choosing of the new employee. When asked if this was a difficult job, he responded by saying that there were many applicants, but choosing someone right for CHS is what is important. "It is hard to see if someone has a high tolerance to stress through an interview," said Almenderez. Almenderez is looking for a new Assistant Principal that has an Administrative Credential from an accredited university and that they have many other specific qualities that they are looking for including being understanding, a team player, rational, and having support for the students as well as the teachers. Although they hope for the best, there is always the fear of having to replace someone after the first year's contract and going through this all over again. Receiving a new AP will only affect the school as a whole in a positive direction removing the distraction of Walters' absence from the other administrative staff allowing them to focus more on their own duties.
We will know if they have made a final decision by the next pep assembly, to be scheduled October 17, by a short introduction to the students. With a final word, Almenderez left me with this comment: "We are looking for the best match for Colton High School. A lot of people have the education and the certificate, but my concern is that we have someone who is sympathetic to the students and their needs. The number one question is how will they mix with our students."
FROSH SURVEY:
"What do you like about high school?"
by Victoria Tuey"All of the people that you get to meet."
~Amanda Leyva"There are a lot more people."
~Yaddi Garcia" It's way more diverse than Terrace Hills."
~Ralph Cornado"Teachers care more about the students."
~Lisa Reynolds"There are a lot more activities throughout the year"
~Kyle Lancing"Actually it kind of sucks because the work is harder and you have more homework."
~Jose Benne
Legalizing bud: just a pipe dream?
by Kyle McKnightMarijuana: is it what they call a "gateway" drug, or rather a portal to happiness? This I have pondered for some time now, the side effects of marijuana can be quite excellent…or so I'm told; however, the legality of marijuana is all too often called into question. This has caused problems for those looking for a quick fix to which most often is a semi-permanent problem. To tell the truth I don't care if marijuana is legal or not, however there seems to be a large population of die hard users who, if given the chance, would give their left foot to have marijuana legalized. Well that's one way of looking at it but what of those out there who would fight to have this drug completely eradicated and new laws put in to place to permanently deter those who crave this drug which has claimed so many? If marijuana were to be legalized it may not make those in favor of it too happy. The government would inevitably impose a tax on marijuana as is on cigarettes, which in the end would have you paying more for less. One theory states that if this drug were to become legal we would see a decline in its popularity. As the risk has been eliminated the fun is thus lost for those who crave a rush from conducting/participating in illegal affairs. Perhaps those of you seeking the legalization of marijuana should find an alternate means of getting "high", as it seems that marijuana will not soon be legalized for non-medicinal reasons perhaps you should maybe seek out pills for example.
So for those of you hoping and praying that marijuana will be legalized, all the while lighting up in the back room of your parent's house I wouldn't count on it becoming legal anytime soon. In the end though, it's all up to you the die-hard-do-anything-for-a-quick-fix stoners of America. So be sure to keep writing those letters to your governor, congressman, president, or whoever you can remember at that time. Also be sure to make your name and address real clear (it makes it a lot easier for the feds to find places to raid).
Older teachers are better for the job
By Sean DurdleWhen it comes to teaching, experience is almost essential. People who have been teachers longer know how to deal with the students better, as opposed to teachers with less experience who sometimes do not have control over their students. If you've had a first year teacher, then you know what I'm talking about. When thinking about both of those teachers, and which one I would want, I would choose the one who knows what they're doing.
Teaching is not an easy profession, even though it may look like it sometimes. They have to control students, try and get them to learn, and grade papers, which can be an exhausting process. New teachers are not always used to these circumstances. Teaching comes easier to teachers who have the "know how". Also, they would have some knowledge as to what types of students there are, which makes them more able to predict how some students learn certain ways.
It also seems that some students respect teachers more that have been around for a while. Teachers gain reputations that can interest students into getting specific classes. A lot of newer teachers are trying out their lesson plans for the first time, which can make learning hard and frustrating. Teachers with more experience tend to know how to connect with students better. This is good because if they can do that, then the students have a better chance of learning.
I think that older teachers are better in many ways. They have dealt with all types of students and have a set idea of what they are going to do for the year. Ultimately it comes down to how much the students learn.
If someone goes into a class not knowing anything, and comes out knowing at least something, then they have done their job.
Are younger or older teachers better for the job?
By Victoria TueyYounger teachers are better to have than older ones for many reasons. One of those reasons is that they are more up to date on what is going on in the world. A lot of elderly teachers are set in their ways, because of a viewpoint they established after some big thing that happened when they were teenagers. A lot of the things we do are because of things going on in our generation. Younger teachers are more apt to be educated in those areas and easier for the students to relate to. This helps the students feel more comfortable speaking with a teacher about a problem that they are having regarding schoolwork or otherwise.
Younger teachers also realize the fact that we have lives. They tend to be a little more lenient on homework and late work because they understand that although school is an important part of our lives, we also have other things going on. Older teachers still live by the idea that a child or teenagers' only activity should be their schoolwork and studies. This can create a problem when one of us doesn't get a chance to finish a homework assignment, because we had to work the day before. Most older teachers would give you a zero instead of an opportunity for half credit.
The most important reason that younger teachers are preferred over older teachers is because they have a more fresh love of teaching and their students. A new teacher on the first few years of teaching is like an employee at his first month of work. They give 110% of their effort into clear instructions. Younger teachers also seem to care more about seeing their students learn than labeling them as a basic pass or fail. Although there are many older teachers that could be called an exception to these noticed items, some of them even being my own, I still believe that a younger teacher is better to spend an hour a day with than an older one.
The Del Taco Guy: When do you help a homeless person?
by Julia ArenasA man in the sweltering heat, wearing a green jacket and green pants, almost like an army of one. His hair sticking out of the hat he wears, his jaw unshaven for very many weeks, or maybe even years from not having a razor. Eyes that are glazed and unfocused looking straight ahead as he shuffles along the sidewalk, going in no place particular. He does not say a word to any one, nor does he bother any one.
Some of you might recognize him as the homeless man that sits at the light post in front of Del Taco. Does he ever talk to you? From what I have seen he does not bother any one and he doesn't even ask for money. What does he think about while sitting there? Or does he just let himself go into oblivion of nothingness? Some say that he is a veteran who didn't get his benefits and is now out of a home and money.
Some ask if he should be allowed to sit there. It might drive business away from Del Taco; it would seem that the kids are bit intimidated by the man, and walk around him if he happens to be walking around. I have to admit I was a bit hesitant to go up to him, but he didn't say any curse words or tell me off, and to top it off he was very polite. But he also refused to comment or be interviewed.
I think that people should just leave him alone. Unlike any other homeless people, he doesn't ask for money, and he just sits there. What could he possibly do? Why make a big fuss about trying to get him off public property? I don't really care if he is there because he does not even talk to me and he does not approach me. Why would any one else be any different? Does it look bad for our school? I don't see how it would look bad for the school when he is not even in front of the school. Our school just happens to be at the corner of Del Taco and where the homeless man is. So why move him if he is content there?
This overcrowding is getting pretty darn old
by Sean DurdleTired of trying to walk through the campus without bumping into someone? Isn't it just the worst when you're walking and the person in front of you suddenly stops? What is being done to fix this problem? Right now the estimated population is somewhere around 3400 people. To get to where it is now, it has grown almost by three times from what it was almost five years ago. This issue seems to have become a serious problem.
If you've tried walking almost anywhere on campus during passing period you know how bad it can get. It can get pretty frustrating just trying to get from one spot to another on time, especially when the people in front of you suddenly stop. Some classes are overfull while others have too few students in them. Some classes are so full there is not enough chairs for everyone.
Some people joke about the situation while others think of it as a serious problem.
"I don't think it's overcrowded, I think it's not crowded enough." states Junior Eric Marshall. Students like Eric don't think of it as too serious of a problem, but preparations are made to build a new high school. Hopefully it won't be long until it is built and students can attend.
Talk about a new high school has been heard for quite a few years now, but it seems like it is now becoming a necessity. Personally I think that the school is a little overcrowded. I think a new high school would be very beneficial and should be built as soon as possible. There are too many people attending this school, and it is an issue we need to address.
AYE AYE, CAPTAIN: Sport Captains lead the way
by Lauren Young and Sarah HofmanWell here we are the start of a new school year and fall sports. So with the new season come new tasks for the captains of our fall sports. As most of you know our Colton High School football team is off and running. "Our season is going really good, the team is a more close, like a family; we know each other way better," said one of the captains, Adam Digby. He went on to further say that the team has all around talent. But the job of the captain isn't just to sit back and decide who has talent and who doesn't. The football captains have to make sure that the team is ready to play, on task and ready to play on game day.
When it comes to volleyball it's not all-serious business for captain Erin Hornbeck. Her responsibility as the captain is to always stay up and happy. "If players get down on themselves I have to be there to talk to them and get them up and forget about their mistakes," stated Erin. So as the captain it isn't all about the sport. The captains play an even bigger role as being a friend and confidant to their players. This is true for Rozz Rios and Davina Delgado, their job as the captain of girls' golf is to help the girls and encourage them as much as possible.
With the new tennis season there are new players and even a brand new coach. So this is when captain Monica Garcia steps in to help. Her responsibility is to make sure the girls get to practice on time. It seems like the work of a captain is never done. But after talking to all the captains of the different sports, it seems like they all have one big responsibility and goal and that is to be a team. So that this will be a winning season.
Campus police patrol with style in new "Cop Cart"
by Eric MarksYou've seen it out there on campus and probably wondered to yourself what is this? This sleek looking cart is the cop cart. I interviewed Officer Bob Drey, Colton police officer of 21 years, to find out more about this cop cart. The cop cart was a gift and did not cost the city anything. The Colton Police Department uses the cop cart for legitimate reasons. One of the many ways the cop cart is used is for getting from one place to another as quickly as possible. The cop cart doesn't necessarily stay on just this campus. It is used on the Colton Middle School campus as well.
Being it is street legal, the cop cart has many advantages to it than just having lights on the top. The cop cart doesn't have any bad flaws concerning fuel efficiency given it runs on electricity, and it provides a atmosphere of protection for the CPD. I think that the cop cart isn't a waste of what some people might think it is.
College Round Up: USC
By Ashley Ellison
Tuition: $23,664
Room and Board: $7,610
Required fees: $460
Type pf school: Four- year Private University, Coed, no religious affiliation.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Setting: The campus is located in a major city.
Total campus enrollment: 29194
Number of fraternities: 29 with 17% of enrolled men as members
Number of sororities: 17 with 18% of enrolled women as members.
Students participating in varsity sports: 4%
Students participating in intramural sports: 50%
Students living in university housing: 35%
Students living in university housing: 94%
Student/ faculty ratio: 11:1
High School diploma required: Yes
GED accepted: Yes
Average high school GPA of freshmen class on a 4.0 scale: 3.89Test Score Distribution
Sat scores Verbal Math
Below 500 2% 1%
500-599 24% 13%
600-700 53% 51%
Above 700 21% 35%ACT Composite Scores
Below 11 0%
12-17 0%
23-23 2%
29-29 51%
36-36 47%
Coming to America (Column)
a German Exchange student's tales of culture shock and awe
by Justine BoenkeHey guys.
I am Justine Boenke and 16 years old. I'm a exchange student from Germany and for 10 months I'll be here in Colton. I arrived on August 28 and this day changed me! I have realized how much I love my Mom! And this is good.
When I was home in Germany I would rarely say, "Oh, I love my Mom!" but think about it: if you were away from your mom and your friends for a long time and you would realize how much you really love her! Trust me, being homesick is very hard, but I recently called my Mom and she said to me "You're strong, you can make it." These few words from my Mom, I needed to hear that, and I felt better! If your mom tells you that, she must be right!
I must change my Host Family, because my Host Mom is sick and pregnant . It is to much stress for her, because she have another baby. The doctor tell her that I must go, but I see they every day. I like them, they are very nice and frindly to me, and I love my family. Now I live with my Host Mom's Family. They are very nice and friendly to me, too. They help me in every thing! And I will go back if my Host Mom feels better.
The first question that I ask myself is "Why am I here in Colton, so far away from my family?" I'm here to learn the language better and make friends and to learn more about the USA and your culture. Many things here, we have in Germany, too. That's very crazy. You sit in the car look out and you see for example Mc Donald's and you think "Wow, here they're so big and on every street!" Or the cars, we have for example Ford, Toyota, Mercedes, VW, too.
The first problem for me is the language, and I must often ask for a word or in school, you sit in the class and the teacher talks and you think, " What are they talking about?" That is very hard and I hope it will be better, maybe in December! I hope so. The first advice from my organization was, don't ask in the USA for a rubber! (Better to ask for a eraser.) Sometimes it is very funny, but I will make it. My next column will cover "The first school day!"
DECA club prepares students for the business world
by Sarah HofmanEveryday in second period we hear Colton High School's Daily bulletin. We hear about the up coming events and things going on with the many different clubs at Colton. One club mentioned a lot is Deca. Have you ever wondered what Deca really is? Well it is an association of marketing for students. Where students travel and compete in different areas of business and marketing. "Deca prepares students for a future in business." Says the Deca teacher Ms. Petersen. Not only do the students in Deca travel and compete they also do community services, on October 11 they will be volunteering at the Special Olympics.
Deca is not just here at Colton it is nationally known. And in the nationally organized Deca Week, Deca is publicized and students are recruited. Students must conduct 8 activities to publicize the club, such as: visiting student council, bringing in business people to speak, or various promotional activities around campus.
All of that may sound like a lot of work but it is a good learning experience, and the students in Deca get to travel to many different places and do a lot of things. Some of the upcoming Deca events are: an Officer Leadership conference in November; District at Knotts in January and the biggest thing is the Nationals in Nashville Tennessee. And during all those events students will meet other students from other schools and have a good time.
So now when you hear the announcements about Deca you will now know what it's all about. And if it sounds like something you would be interested in then you should go and speak to Ms. Petersen in room 251 and give Deca a try.
Download a song, go to prison?
by Julia ArenasAre you one of the major offenders that are illegally downloading and swapping music on the Internet? Well, you could be sued for some big bucks. Music corporations, such as RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) are suing all over America for as much as $150,000 per song. RIAA has said that in one week they have negotiated 3,000 settlements with less than 10 Internet users. They are mostly targeting those that have a very large library, ones with more than or 1,000 downloaded songs; and people that are using programs like Kazaa, Grokster, imesh, Morpheus, Bearshare, Blubster and many more.
And the music industry does not particularly care if you are five or ten years of age. They are cracking down on people. Robert Oppenheim of RIAA says, "As we have said from the beginning…. there is no free pass to engage in music piracy just because you haven't come of age." So mom, keep the little ones away from the computer. He goes on to say, "We're not surprised and we're not deterred." Even if you give the trembling lip bit, you might have to pay up to or more than $17, 000.
A twelve-year-old girl from New York, who was one of the first to be sued, paid up $2,000 and apologized; her mother admitted that her daughter had broken the law. But some have not agreed to so readily to this law. Some people saw that it violates the privacy of their computers. Is that true? CEO of BayTSP, Mark Ishikawa, disagrees. Ishikawa says, "We're only looking at parts of the computer that person has made publicly available. They're saying ' I have these files. Come and get them.' " People might not know that they are being watched and downloading files. Some don't even know that they are file sharing. With some programs, the files are automatically sharing your personal music without you knowing it. That is how companies know that you have been downloading; you either inadvertently make it public or you are downloading and sharing with other people.
Since piracy started in the nineties, CD sales have dropped 25 percent. The music industry has blamed all the drops on down-loaders and swappers. So when does it stop? People are stealing music and music artists are losing money. Not to mention the recording business. According to Gary Sherman, President of the RIAA, "Nobody likes playing the heavy and having to resort to litigation. But when your product is being regularly stolen, there comes a time when you have to take appropriate action." And there is action that you can take: it is called an amnesty program. This is for people that have not been sued or subpoenaed. You go to court and admit that you have been stealing copyrighted songs off the net. They have to sign a document saying that they have broken the law, and promising to delete all songs off your computer. RIAA is not going to check into the computer, hopeful that people will be honest about the deleting the music from the computers. Also, Spokesperson of RIAA, Amy Weiss urges people to come forward and admit their deeds. They might get a lesser punishment. But Fred von Lohmann, senior attorney for the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), which is a digital rights group, says that you have to think long and hard about going into the amnesty program. If you do confess then basically you sign a confession of guilt, and that could mean a more severe punishment than before. So think twice then you want that cool new song off the Internet; it may not be worth the trouble that is sure to coming knocking on your door.
Horoscopes by Madame Sandra
by Sandie Brown ....For entertainment purposes onlyAries (March 21-April 19)
Look for different aspects of your job where you can shine instead of trying to fill someone's shoes. A friend's big news is going to shock you.
Taurus (April 20 -May 20)
Going a little crazy helps you handle life. You can't expect yourself to be 100% responsible all of the time. Do try to get some paperwork out of the way.
Gemini (May 21 -June 21)
A fantastic idea strikes you. Even if your type of project has been done before, you're in a prime position to offer a unique take on it.
Cancer (June 22 -July 22)
Temptation strikes this afternoon. Whether it takes the form of a romantic encounter or time out in the open air, you can't keep your mind off your object of obsession.
Leo (July 23- Aug 22)
You're working at a fast speed today. It's great to be so busy, but stress causes your immune system to slow down. You're at your creative best tonight.
Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)
Powers of persuasion are potent. You come up with an idea for a new product or service that appeals to people across all ages and groups. Present it right away.
Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 23)
Your distinct star quality works wonders. People return your calls and invite you to important business meetings.
Scorpio (Oct. 24 -Nov. 21)
A new social circle brings you into the fold. The group takes you in an exciting personal direction involving entertainment and performing.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)
An admirer makes his or her affections known. The suitor reveals and tantalizing agenda to singles. Fun and profit merge together in beautiful harmony.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 -Jan. 19)
Energy is focused. Defy your own doubts- show the world how creative you can be. The more you create, the calmer you become.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 -Feb. 18)
Trivial matters come up, but you problem-solve your way out of them. Pursue an avocation involving electronics and computers.
Pisces (Feb. 19 -March 20)
Focus on your abilities rather than on how limited your resources may be. Influential sources reward you once you've shown what you can accomplish.
Tactically Advanced genius, Kupo
By Kyle McKnightRecently I picked up a copy of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance for the Game Boy Advance (well obviously), but I'm losing sight of the point so just kick back and read.
Well it's been a while since we've seen the word Nintendo followed by the Final Fantasy name but it seems a welcome change. Square Enix release of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance is an excellent example of how a strategy/RPG game should be made, not be down on other greats (Brigandine, Vanguard Bandits etc..), but this game is simply superb when it comes to combining all the great elements of an RPG with a strategy based game.
For those of you who are fans of the old Final Fantasy Tactics on Playstation its time to fall in love all over again. The game itself is visually pleasing with a soundtrack to match. Yes even the Moogles with their canstant uttering of kupo are back.Although the Job system has been slightly modified to include gender and race specifics it in the end makes for a much more engrossing game play experience, which will have you constantly coming back for more and more punishment.
Judgment passed, you get a red card go straight to jail. Yes that's right you can go to jail, it seems that even our world of Final Fantasy isn't safe from the long arm of the law. With the new law system the old "run around and kill things" is over. You must now prevent yourself from using certain commands or face the consequences handed down by that annoying judge, even sometimes losing your attack command, which in the end becomes an exercise in frustration. As you bail out your comrades you seek pardons for their "crimes" of which they were imprisoned.
The main character this time around is a boy named Marche (pictured at right) whose family has had a rough past, and have just moved to St. Ivalice. Also among the main characters are his classmates Mewt (a shy, timid, and passive boy who is often picked on by those around him); and then there's Ritz, a girl whose headstrong and outspoken, which has often caused her to be unliked by most of her classmates.
Together these three are unknowingly transported to the world of Final Fantasy and the Country of Invalice, this is their story.
The game's story line is that of being loosely based or rather resembling that of the NeverEnding Story. In the sense that it begins with Marche and his two classmates Mewt and Ritz reading a magical book after class written in an unknown language along with an unknown title. Later that night as they sleep the world changes from that of paper and pencils to one of swords and magic. Will they find a way home and if they do will they want to leave this Final Fantasy of which they are now a part of?
Over all I give this game an eight out of ten; definitely worth buying .So if you're a hard-core fan or a virgin to the series you should definitely get your grubby little hands on this game.
"This one time, at Band Camp . . ."
By Daniellle MorrowAs the dawn of a refreshed band commenced, the retuning band members met the new band members, the instruments made sound for the first time again, and the hot sun baked them all. Band camp took place for two weeks from July 29 until August 8 from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. As the band sat and played in the boiling sun they learned a whole field show in just two weeks.
As band camp progressed the many students in band began to know each other and became a band. According to senior Larissa Huff, band council president, "Band is a family to me, it is a place where I can truly be myself and talk to people who share my same interests." While the band got to know each other they also became a family.
Many people know that the band is a big part of Colton High and without band camp there would be no band. Pretty much all band camp is hard work and teamwork. Don't get me wrong, there is some fun involved too.
While band camp was in session the students were tired and stuffed with knowledge by band director, Dr. Luis Gonzalez. Even though band members were tired they still managed to get along and learn more. As the band marched on the girl's field (next to the Macintosh Gym) they had to march with no grass and mud. The field was flooded but it still didn't stop the band.
When the band was tired they got their rest. Of course, they had only five minutes to get water and cool off. Pretty much every band member treasured those few minutes they had to get to know each other and to memorize the next part of music.
The band had to memorize four pieces of music in just two weeks, working for about two hours in the band room with Gonzalez each day.
Even though the band had band camp the sections still had to do sectionals. A sectional in band land is when a section of the band (for example, the saxophones) gathers together and practices after the whole band has already practiced. When a section has a sectional they get to learn things at their own pace and try to put things together and show Gonzalez that they practiced. As the sun started to set it was then over and the band had to look forward to coming to school and practicing more and then putting it all together and performing.
Yellowjacket Talent is in the house
by Danielle MorrowWow so Colton really does have talent! On October 2 the first talent show in four years commenced. There were displays of rock music to pop to Frank Sinatra, and even a dance number performed by English teacher Heidi Wilson.
The host of the talent show was senior class president, Andrew Hernandez with his co-hosts, Lori Rodrigez, Leslie Delara, and Melissa Preciado.The combination of these four people caused laughter and energy in the crowd.
The opening act was performed by seniors, Monique Martinez and Sonia Valdez with a display of dancing to a medley of music from old to new. The talent show had and array of singing from Marilyn Monroe by Lexy Romano, to Mariah Carey by Jamie Flowers, to Mary Mary, sang by Kene Alexander, to Gerald Hernandez's rock. Melissa Ramirez had everyone in the crowd singing along with her to Ashanti, talk about crowd participation. Kiahna Dudley singing Aaliyah and Acting teacher Stacey Jay singing a song called "To Know You." Roberta Gonzales hit every note along with Whitney Houston and had the crowd howling. The along came Marcus Cole rappin' his freestyle and had the crowd jumpin'. The talent show also had a blast form the past with Delmy Diaz's fashion show with lovely ladies form the '80's.
The show had a variety of dancers from new age ballet with Nicole Brithinee, hip hop with Kenneth Palayo and Maday Vasquez, an act called CHS Fever with a little bit of tango. Even though their planned dance did not happen the CHS mascots pulled through with help by Frank Sinatra' song "Luck be a Lady Tonite." There was even group dancing performed by BSU and the CHS light show. Don't forget the show's very special guests, our local rock band Hand Picked, including junior Leo Kyle, senior Josh Johnson, and graduate Roman Ramirez. Their performance brought the show to an end.
According to Hernandez, "It takes guts to get up here[and perform]." He also stated, "The show went good, but the turnout wasn't as good as I expected." Over three hundred people attended, but Hernandez feels he can bring more people in to the show before the end of the year. Sounds like we can look forward to another show. So those of you that missed out this time get ready for next year.
Cross Country runs, runs, runs
by Eric MarksThis year the cross country team has been doing great. From a last place finish last year the boy's cross country team has moved upward to its current position to fourth place after Yucaipa, San Bernardino, and Cajon. That is a major accomplishment that should be noticed. The girl's team are placed in second after Yucaipa. The coaches are John Lunt and Ms Lazrus. Captains are Mario Alverez, Liliana Aguilar, Chad Bryant, Suzy Gentili, and Kyle Schoors. Mario Alvarez and JJ Ramirez lead the guys. Korina Zamudio, Lisa Montgomery, and Paulina Munoz are in lead for the girls. A League meet will be here at Colton on this coming Wednesday .
The first meet will be League teams for J.V. at 3:00p.m. Varsity will have their meet at 4:00p.m. "I hope that both boys and girls teams move up in the standings and make it to CIF," says Aguilar.
Golf team steps up to the tee
by Julia ArenasGolf team comes up on top, and playing hard. Kirk Mcvey says the team is coming along nicely. It seems this year's players are better than before. Could it be because of the only two seniors, Davina Delgado, and Rozz Rios, or hard grueling practice? It could be a little bit of both. Their last game against Yucaipa was 6-2 overall. It doesn't seem to have worried Mcvey much though; he has a lot of confidence in his players and feel that they have a shot against Yucaipa, maybe even coming up to 2nd place, when last year they were 3rd or 4th place. According to McVey, "Tom Mainez has done a good job in developing in not only the existing players but the old players. I think they have a very good shot." Delgado also agrees the players are better and they are playing harder and with more confidence. It has been a good year and they hope to have an even better one.
Serve, Set, Spike
by Lauren YoungColton Volleyball entering another season looking for that league title. This season started out kind of rough for the Varsity, but the JV has got off to a good start. The varsity squad got off to a bad start with a 25-20 loss in game one, 25-16 loss in game two, and a 25-11 loss in game three against Cajon. Coach Tanya Strauss has faith in her team saying, " I'm not going to give up on the team no matter how many games we lose." One of the captains , Erin Hornbeck, on the varsity team seems to be really fulfilling her duties keeping the team strong. Even though the team has lost some of their games she still has to keep her spirit up, so that the team doesn't get down.
Some out standing players are Meagan Carcloza because she is a great setter and Jennifer Lawrence who is a great hitter. The JV squad has a small team right now, but they really have a good team, they just need to come together and win some games. Both teams are coming togther and have improved on their game. The next game for varsity and JV are both home games on October 14, at 4:30 and 3:15 against San Gorgonio.
Tennis: the forgotten sport
by Kyle McknightWow-- tennis, bet you didn't know we had a team, yup we do, we've even got a girls tennis team. So when I found out the school had a girls tennis team I had to investigate. The team has a new coach this year. His name is Marlin Banegas, and he just took up the job at the beginning of this season. The captains currently are Monica Garcia and Renee Ramirez. Currently the team is 2-4 with 14 games left in the season, and although it's still early Banegas feels there's room for improvement.
When speaking with Banegas he expressed his feelings about the sport, "I enjoy the sport but I feel that the program has been neglected and funding lacks as well." I myself understand this from a student's point of view, as it seems that from what I've seen many programs have been neglected for the sake of others supposedly "more important" but I seem to have drifted, back to my point.
Although tennis seems to be one of the more mellow sports out there it's definitely worth checking out. I myself actually found it quite entertaining versus other sports' constant predictability, and we should never forget what the first videogame was based on, Pong anybody? So it seems that tennis has been around for a while and its not going anywhere, so check it out you won't be disappointed.
Yellow Jackets soar into league undefeated
by Sarah HofmanThe Colton Yellow Jackets broke out of the gate with a a four game winning streak, demolishing opponent after opponent with a potent running game led by the fabulous Wright brothers. The team capped the streak with its 52-7 victory over Pacific High Pirates last Friday. The game was a total blow out-- the Yellow Jackets lead throughout the entire game until the Pirates scored in the last minutes of the fourth quarter. This streak comes after last years team finished 6-4-1 and came in second in the San Andreas League. Coach Harold Strauss was a little skeptical going into the new season, because a lot of last year's good players graduated.
With a lot of upcoming players this season Strauss made new goals. "I don't really have any expectations as they are goals, which are: get more game experience, to fight for the league championship, and for the players to get better each week." And by looking at the scores from the last four games it is easy to see that the team is developing and getting better each week. The first game on Friday September 12th against Bloomington was a 24-7 Colton victory. In the second game held on September 19th the team was victorious over Victor Valley with a 34-7 win. In the game on Friday September 26th against Fontana High the Jackets won 44-20.
If the Yellow Jackets up and coming games are anything like what they are right now, they will be league champions at the end of the season. The team is strong and have their eyes set on bringing the title back to Colton. The next game is on Friday October 10 at Redlands East Valley.