Issue of October 10, 1997: Volume 81,
Number One
Click on a story title to see the text of the story
News
AP tests not mandatory
ASB card required
Assemblies moved
Band gears up
New Assistant Principal
New AVID teachers
New parking laws enforced
Wait Until Dark to open
Opinions
Dress Code Blues
Hey! Fix the tennis courts!
Lunch Price Hike
Want lunch today, in line til tomorrow
Features
Colton Cheerleaders
Colton PD Explorers
DFZ
Halloween origins
Diversions
Save Ferris CD review
U Turn CD review
En Español (Los Detalles)
Bilingual Program (Espanol)
Cheerleaders (En espanol)
Mexican Day (En Español)
Mrs. Villa (En Español)
Sports
Cross Country scores
Volleyball coaches
Water Polo!!
AP test not mandatory
by Anne Jones
10/17/97With rumors going around about A.P. tests being mandatory, many students are buzzing with fear. However, according to Pam Pike, Assistant Principal, such rumors are simply not true.
Mitzi Abbott, the English department chairwoman of sixteen years and teacher for 27 years, explains that the tests are “opportunities for students to challenge themselves”, not mandatory to take.
Abbott mentioned that at the school department chair meetings, no mention of the “counterproductive” mandatory testing was brought up. On the up side, she also believes that in the chance that the tests do become mandatory, the district should pay for them.
Pike believes that the students should not attempt to take more than three tests at a time, and because of the results of last years tests, A.P. teachers are recommended to strictly teach their students according to the possible test questions that may appear. She wants to remind students that if they receive a B or better in the A.P. class, the district will pay for half the cost of the designated test.
The science department has an altogether different outlook on the subject of mandatory testing. According to Larry Pearce, an A.P. Physics teacher, the tests are mandatory not only to take the class, but to get a grade. Pearce, a fourth year teacher at Colton High School, has been instructing the A.P. class for two years now, and says he was informed of this requirement from Claudia Harris, the science department chairwoman.
“If the district allows A.P. testing to be mandatory, then they should pay for it,” says Pearce.Back to top
ASB cards now required for activities participation
by Jeanine Medrano
10/17/97Colton High School students who want to participate in extra curricular activities at the school will now be required to purchase an ASB membership.
Last year, ASB required all sports teams to buy their ASB cards in order to play. Now all activities that are defined as "extra curricular" join the athletes in the requirement.
“It’s something to get everyone involved, to promote school spirit and unity,” said Junior Class Treasurer Sylvia Lopez, an ASB member.
Although the "help us help you" idea is now in effect, not all of the student body is behind this new requirement.
“It’s unfair, we’re already expected to pay for our uniforms, and now we are required to buy our ASB sticker too?” said junior Aaron Sharpe.
The ASB sticker will be placed for you on your new computerized ID. card. ASB is quick to point out the advantage of membership, such as the discounts available by using the card throughout the year.
Some of the discounts include “Discounts for prom, when buying your yearbook, and when getting into sporting events, as well as many more,” as Junior Class Officer, Linda Campos said.
Since the majority of the student body is involved in activities, this new requirement is bringing in the bucks. Where does this money go?
It is distributed to many different resources. Some of it is given back to these sports, clubs, or teams, and the rest goes into the ASB fund to help improve the school.
The ASB fund has already been put into effect early on this year by remodeling the restrooms on the 200 and 500 wings. Also, people with financial problems, who are unable to purchase P.E. clothes, will receive financial aid from this ASB fund.
If you are involved in an activity and are not sure whether you need to purchase a membership, check with your acitivity or club sponsor. But with the new policy now in effect, it's a good bet you'll need that little sticker.Back to top
Pep Assemblies moved; almost cancelled forever
by Ana Gonzalez
10/17/97Because of a fighting incident following the last pep assembly, school spirit will have to take a back seat to safety concerns here at Colton High. The administration has decided to cancel all assemblies during the day, and hold themThursdays after school at the Macintosh Gym.
According to Assistant Principal Dave Gomez, last assembly’s fight involved a knife, which was passed around from students to a non student. Fights first broke out among female students, and then male students, after the second assembly. Causes for the fighting, the exact number, and the identities of the students involved is not yet confirmed.
After this, the administration held an emergency meeting to discuss ways to prevent further incidents of this sort. Administrators have been concerned because there have been disruptions to assemblies in the past. This is when they decided to cancel assemblies during school time.
“The main reason this decision was made was to not interrupt the academic school day,” said Gomez. “School is for learning. Assemblies disrupt the entire school schedule.”
According to Gomez, another reason is the need to be “on task” in class. Safety is another objective. Transporting masses of students across the Rancho Avenue bridge is potentially dangerous. In addition, administrators hope this will prevent truancies and ditching. However, there has been a different response among the student population.
“It sucks that a few people had to ruin it for all of us,” said freshman Deanna Hernandez. “Like many people, I won't be able to go to the after school assemblies because I have water polo practice.”
Although there is concern that no one will attend the Thursday assemblies, administrators believe that this will eliminate those students who never wanted to go to the school assemblies in the first place, and bothered those students who did.
The assemblies will be supervised by the entire staff on a rotating basis. Only Colton High students will be able to attend these assemblies.
It is not certain that this method will be permanent. About 10 or 15 years ago, all school assemblies were after school. However, as Gomez said, administrators want to make this system work—it is only to the students’ benefit .
“Having them after school will be more safe for students,” said Joe Martinez, campus supervisor. “The fewer students, the better things will be. We will have more control over the students, and be more effective in keeping outsiders from coming in.”Back to top
Band gears up for hectic year
by Danielle Hunt
10/17/97The Colton Yellowjacket Jazz, Concert, and Marching Bands will be representing Colton at the annual Disneyland Christmas Parade down Main Street in December.
The bands, excited about a full slate of upcoming events, are also gearing up for the Invitational Band /Field Competition in Barstow coming up in October, and the Las Vegas Invitational coming up in November. Finals will be at Pacific High School after the bands play at San Bernardino High School. Fontana will also be visited in the bands' busy schedule. With so many events and activities the bands are more prepared to preform.
“Unity is our number one goal, all that hard work has paid off,” band director Luis Gonzalez said.
“I think the upcoming season is going to be fantastic,” said senior Alison Henery, drum major. “We are more prepared and their is a lot more energy on the field.”Back to top
Bilingual Program to end?
by Diana Sosa
10/17/97El Programa Bilingüe aquí en la escuela Colton High es llamado ELD o mejor conocido por los estudiantes como ESL. Este programa es ofrecido para aquellos alumnos que necesitan aprender y mejorar el inglés como segundo idioma. Pero recientemente a habido dudas acerca del beneficio que este programa ofrece a los estudiantes.
De acuerdo a medios de comunicación en el condado de Orange este programa ha sido eliminado totalmente después de que el distrito de dicho condado llegó a la conclución de que el programa es una desventaja para los alumnos que en el se envuelven. Según comentarios de algunos miembros del distrito de Orange, hay alumnos que desgraciadamente no aprovechan bién las oportunidades que este programa les ofrece. Después de analizar bién este problema y tomando en cuenta la controversia que iba a ocacionar el eliminarlo, decidieron hacerlo. Según ellos esto les va ayudar a los estudiantes para que dejen de atenerce a que tienen ayuda bilingüe. Con eliminar el programa le ayudara o los estudiantes a desenvolverse mejor y tratar de aprender inglés más rápido.
Pero aqui en la escuela ¿Qué piensan aquellos estudiantes que dependen de este programa para salir adelante? “ Yo pienso que el programa bilingüe ayuda mucho a los estudiantes que no hablan inglés, y yo no creo que tomen ventaja, al contrario es un buen beneficio”, nos dice Julio Cesar Figueroa, (grado10). Quén tiene un año de estar en el programa bilingue, y según a el le ayudado a comunicarse mejor y aprender más. Pero tambien existen quienes piensan que si hay estudiantes que se aprovechan, aunque no todos. Como nos dice Martha Alejandra García (grado 9), “Yo pienso que sí hay estudiantes que toman desventaja de este programa, lo usan como pretesto para no echarle ganas. Aunque no pienso que todos son iguales, pero si hay algunos. En lo personal no me gustaría que lo quitaran porque para mí es desesperante no saber inglés y este programa me esta ayudando mucho”. Ella tambien nos dijo que lo que deberían de hacer es dar sierto tiempo a los estudiantes para aprender y luego envolverse en clases regulares permanentemente.
Como hemos visto estan los dos lados de la moneda, pero la unica respuesta esta en quienes realmente se benefician de este programa. En quienes gracias a este programa han podido salir adelante, y el cual sín él se les hubiera hecho imposible y más dificil poder aprender inglés sín ninguna ayuda. Para aquellos que en realidad toman en serio todo lo que este programa les ofrece, solo nos queda decirles que le sigan hechando ganas para demostrar que sí pueden salir adelante. Ahora, para aquellos que desgraciadamente toman desventaja, solo nos queda decirles que se estan engañando así mismos, porque el no aprovechar los beneficios que este programa les ofrece es como cerrarse uno mismo las puertas de un futuro mejor.Back to top
Cheerleaders Latinas
by Claudia Perez, Marco Cid, and Ernesto Ramirez
10/17/97
El sueño de muchas jovenes, es entrar al equipo de porristas de la escuela. Esmeralda Pulido, Ana Flores y Cynthia Nuñez son un ejemplo de aquellas muchachas latinas que han logrado unas de sus metas. Después de muchas horas de práctica y esfuerzos, por fín han logrado tomar el lugar que querían.
“Tuvimos que aprender las técnicas básicas sobre nuestra voz y habilidades” nos dijo Pulido.
La puntuación del promedio de calificaciones es de 2.0 o más. Sus experiencias como porristas han sido buenas, han logrado conocer compañeras que no son de su misma cultura.
Tres porristas latinas más sobresalientes, cada una da sus diferentes puntos de vista.
“Pienso que ser porrista no es para creerse tanto cuando hay unas que no lo son y se creen demasiado,”comentó Flores. Las tres se sienten orgullosas de ser porristas en su último año. No importandoles tener que someterse a varias reglas como la de, participar todo el tiempo y nunca llegar tarde a las prácticas. Cynthia aconsejó, para aquellas que desean ser parte del equipo de porristas y nos indica que hay que “Tener el espiritu escolar y nunca ser negativos.”
Para Esmeralda, ser porrista es algo nuevo y algo que la gente no esperaba de ella, pués nadie esperaba que una joven dedicada a sus estudios fuera a convertirse en una porrista y aun cuando trabaja y tiene clases avanzadas. Ninguna de las tres había tenido la oportunidad de entrar como porrista.
“Ha sido una experiencia buena, he logrando conocer compañeras que no han sido de mi misma cultura, he logrado tener una amistad con ellas,” comentó Nuñez.
“Yo soy una porrista latina orgullosa de mi cultura” comentó Flores.
“Quisiera que hubieran más muchachas hispanas y se recomienda que no se apenen a participar en este evento. Luchen por lo que quieren.” Nos dijo Pulido.Back to top
Colton Cheerleaders lead the way
by Diane Simentel
10/17/97“ Come on, come on lets hear you yell- COL-TON, COL-TON.” Well the cheerleaders are going to be shouting a different chant come January. That’s right, they are going to be cheering in Hawaii at the Pro Bowl. Although it may seem like a lot of fun, these cheerleaders had to do a lot of hard work to get this opportunity.
They practiced four days a week for two- three hours a day during the summer. But why practice so much? Because they were preparing for cheer camp at the University of California San Diego. This hard work definitely paid off.
At camp they learned numerous dances, cheers, and routines.
“Camp was a good experience because we use a lot of what we learned from camp,” said Colton’s mascot, junior Aaron Sharpe. Once the squad learned these routines they were evaluated, on a scale from good to superior, by the U.S.A. cheerleaders. Colton’s squad was rated superior everytime.
As a result of these overall ratings of superior throughout the four days at camp Colton was awarded a plaque and asked to participate in the half- time show of the pro bowl.
“We worked so hard at camp and I think the girls did a good job in representing Colton,” said junior Ellen Cruz.
Aside from cheering in the Pro Bowl the cheerleaders will be staying at the Hyatt Regency in Waikiki, having lunch at Planet Hollywood and touring Pearl Harbor. But of course none of this is free. The expense per individual is about $1,100 and they will be holding many fund- raisers to achieve this amount.
Beyond just being invited to Hawaii as a squad there were many individual awards given out. The four varsity captains, Marisa Gerber, Monica Colunga, Lisa Sanchez and Leticia Martinez were invited to DisneyWorld to participate in the Merry, Merry Christmas parade. Juniors Sampaquita Holmes and Candace Moore and senior Marisa Gerber were chosen as all stars and will be going to Paris to cheer. The squad also had two individual superior dancers, sophomore Jennifer Smith and junior Renee Casarez.
“As you can see this years cheerleading squad is going to be something to watch and support,” said junior Candace Moore. “We represented Colton very positively and we amazed the other schools with our stunts.”Back to top
Colton PD works with students
by Allen Eley
10/17/97Colton Police Department is offering students the opportunity to join the force. Well, almost.
The Colton Police Academy is a program students who are interested in law enforcement can take. The program will teach the laws on codes, discipline, the proper use of weapons, as well as get trainees properly trained in fighting tecniques. Trainees must be between the ages of 15-18.
While in the Police Academy, you get a chance to work out and run while getting the opportunity to get more educated and shape up your attitude. The topics that are covered include traffic laws, patrol beats, S.W.A.T. K-9, Gangs/Taggers, the use of force, and investigations.
This is an eight week academy which is held Monday and Wednesday of each week from 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The academy is a chance for some to get away from gangs or gang influences. You can get a close up look at what police do and how they perform without getting in trouble. As junior Heather Gomeztrejo says “It's really cool how you get to ride in a police car and catch some bad guys.”
The Police Explorer program was started by a group of police officers and other individuals who thought it would be a good idea to start a program where young kids could join a gang without breaking the law or getting in trouble.
Interested? You can learn how to join the Academy by talking to the Assistant Principals or Counselors for information. Being a part of the police academy and taking the course can give a person pride, self esteem and character. And besides, you get to carry handcuffs, batons, a flashlight, and a Walkie-Talkie. What could be cooler? As Police Explorer and senior Paul Apodaca says, “Its a great learning experience, even at the age of 17.”Back to top
Cross Country laps the miles
by Anthony Coronado
10/17/97The girls cross country team, coming off an easy victory over Cajon High School on September 11, ran to another victory against A.B. Miller High School on October 1. The meet was a close one as Colton won 27-30. The two Colton victories were led by junior Mariana Vasquez, and sophmores Antoinette Duke and Julia Shulte. The girls team is 2-0 in the Citrus Belt League and 3-0 overall. The girls team took their undefeated record into their meet against Redlands and East Valley on the 15th of October. Results were not available at press time.
The boys team led by junior Erik Reyes and senior Keith Gatland, tried to recover from their narrow loss to Cajon High School, but failed to do so in their 34-23 loss to A.B. Miller High School. The Colton boys are 0-2 in the Citrus Belt League and 0-3 overall. The boys team tried again to get that much needed first victory against Redlands and East Valley on October 15th.
The Colton Swarm, a cross country tournament held at Colton High, went well, according to coach Bill Halley. The Colton team got a few medals at the Swarm tournament. Mariana Vasquez had the second fastest time, and took first place in the upper division. The tournament had 20 schools participate. “The tournament was a little bigger than last year,’’ said Halley.
Halley anticipates a C.I.F. playoff berth for the girls team, and a vast improvement for the boys team. Halley believes the girls team has improved since last year, and the boys team is similar to the team from last year. He expects a lot from both teams.Back to top
DFZ
by Diane Simental
10/17/97The Drug Free Zone is expanding it base of operations with its ultimate goal having all students at Colton High drug free.
The Drug Free Zone (or D.F.Z.) is a student-run program that attempts to make campus a real drug free zone. This is accomplished by posting flyers signifying the area as a drug free environment, holding assemblies and activities, and student-to-student contact.
The Drug Free Zone concept maintains that there are six different areas of life that should always remain drug free. Those sections are pregnancy, childhood, school, sports, work, and automobiles. This is what is trying to be enforced by the D.F.Z. to keep everyone out of harm from the abuse of drugs.
This program is headed by Dr. John Fisher. His job is to organize the expansion of the D.F.Z. This is done by sending D.F.Z. representatives to the elementary and junior high schools in the district.
In the past two years Fisher has sent packets to the schools explaining what the D.F.Z. is and how to develop one in their school. In this packet the schools are informed of the products that they can purchase for the students to make their lives drug free. If the school needs funding for these products then Colton High will become responsible for raising the money through sponsorships and fund-raisers.
When a school has shown interest in becoming a part of the D.F.Z, then volunteers are sent out to those schools to recruit members. This is accomplished by organizing games, assemblies, and even field trips. This shows the students how life is fun without drugs.
The D.F.Z. estimates that about 1800 students at Colton High will commit to participate in Red Ribbon Week. This means that those students participating will remain drug free for one week and try to expand it with their friends and family members.
Red Ribbon week has long been a prime focus of the DFZ's efforts here on campus. Judging by last year's numbers, the DFZ is looking for record pledges this year.
This program is to enforce a drug free life for all students. It presents how much fun life is without drugs and it tries to educate students about drugs. This program hopes that students will remain drug free and out of a drug infested area.Back to top
Dress Code Blues
by Emily and Jeremy Lemay
10/17/97Dress code, dress code, dress code.
Spaghetti straps, go-go boots, bare midriffs, open toed sandals and big, big pants . . . these things are just a few of the numerous clothing items in which the creators of the dress code said “no way, no how.”
Many students are left wondering why they can’t wear the clothes that they want.
“I think the dress code is rather unnecessary, most people dress fine to begin with,” says senior Shaun Augsberger.
The main objective of the dress code is safety. So, what’s so dangerous about those foam platform sandals that everyone are wearing? And do the clothes restricted by the dress code really form a threat?
“The dress code is sorry,” says Senior Gary Kronmiller. “I think that girls should be able to wear whatever they want, guys too. It's not like they are hurting anybody!”However, what most students don’t know is that last year at our sister school, Bloomington High, a student twisted her ankle during an evacuation. She was wearing those sandals. It is becoming more and more apparent that the moment something bad happens, a new rule is implemented. Which, when you think about it, is not such a bad thing. Why continue to allow something if it is blatantly a threat to safety?
``11and just about any other place on the body that anyone with an imagination could possibly think of.
Some students are also curious as to whether or not teachers and administrators are doing this merely for their personal enjoyment.
“It’s not fun,” reassures Assistant Principal Pam Pike. She also says that there is a lot of paperwork involved and that when parents are called they are cooperative for the most part. In fact many of the parents even say, "I told [her/him] not to wear that!”
So who are the major targets of the dress code? Everybody. Teachers and administrators are careful not to grant leniency to anybody. Take Maci Ponce, Senior Class President. She was suspended for her second dress code violation.
“The dress code is too strict. They expect us to come in sweats, all ghetto!” says Ponce.
It’s not just Ponce voicing that opinion either. Students all over the country are in protest of the dress code limitations and it’s a battle that has even been fought for decades.
Twenty eight years ago, three students named John, Jane and Sarah Tinker were sent home from school because they were wearing ribbons on their arms to protest the Vietnam War. The Tinker children sued the district over their suspension, claiming that by regulating their dress, the district was violating their right to freedom of expression. The case went all the way to the United States Supreme Court. The Tinker children won their case, affecting dress codes all over the nation for many years.
An opposite court viewpoint of dress code occurred in 1987, when a high school restricted its students from attending prom dressed as a person of the opposite sex. The students sued, saying that the ban violated their Tinker rights. A federal court did not see the school in any violation of the first amendment and in fact in the court's opinion, schools have the authority to litigate and enforce dress regulations that teach community values and promote school discipline.
In the Colton School district, a committee meets annually to discuss any additions or omissions to our district's dress code. Sometimes the committee even has a few students on it. If a student has serious problems with the dress code, they should speak to their representative to voice the opinions of their fellow peers.
In the mean time, it is important for students to follow the guidelines of the dress code to avoid any such consequence that might ruin their record. Consequences range from the first offense (a verbal warning and counseling, a written documentation of the incident, parent notification, and the student must change in to "acceptable" clothing) to the fourth offense (in which a parent conference is held, a fourth documentation of the incident is written, the student is suspended for five days and referred to the discipline panel.)
So what else are Yellowjackets prohibited from wearing to school? Bid adieu to "Buttweiser" and "Big Johnson" T-shirts.
In fact, any shirt advocating the use of alcohol, drugs (no more Bob Marley shirts!) or acts which are illegal or obscene (in other words, sex), or hazardous to one's health is considered dress code taboo.
Another no-no that comes under the auspices of the ever present dress code rules are the ubiquitous "electronic signaling devices." It can easily be seen that these pagers and cellular phones are a disruption to the learning process, but what if they are left in the vibrating mode?
"Pagers shouldn't be a distraction if the students would leave them on the vibrating mode. Teachers and classmates wouldn't even be able to hear it," says senior Elizabeth Nicks. But what if the student demands to be released from class to use the phone?
"The student doesn't have to be dismissed, they can wait until passing period," says Nicks. "The person should know that they are at school and give them more time to return their phone call. The phones could be locked while students were in class and unlocked during lunch, passing periods and before and after school."
The opinions of the dress code among students remain the same. Those who dislike it will only be satisfied when they (the students) get their way. Those who are indifferent couldn't care less. The chances of the dress code loosening up are highly unlikely. It will only get stricter. So strict, in fact, that someday students all over America will be wearing school uniforms.
“Forget the dress code, it's whack!” cries junior Rolen Garcia.
Professional and college sports apparel is against the dress code also. Apparently, apparel that promotes teams like The Los Angeles Raiders, The Chicago White Sox and The Georgetown Hoyas is considered “gang related.” Some students protest this because many of them are college bound and hope to show support in certain institutions by wearing apparel from them.
Not everybody likes the dress code. In fact, not everybody follows it. The more people that don't will eventually influence the decision to bring about uniforms.
Uniforms are already in place in a number of Colton School District campuses. Just in recently several of the middles schools went over to full uniforms. One of the largest school districts in the state, Long Beach Unified, (which is over three times the size of Colton)has had success with uniforms for several.years. Reports coming out of that distrcit seem to indicate that the level of violence has gone appreciaby down. Parents support uniforms, and with those kinds of statistics to back them up, it's no wonder why.
So it would appear that except for the possibiility of going full on into uniform land, the dress code is with us toBack to top
Halloween origins steeped in mystery
by Jason Durdle
10/17/97Halloween. It’s all about getting dressed up and receiving candy, right? Except it’s not. Not many people are aware of the origins of this ancient holiday, a holiday that today is full of monsters, ghouls, and trick or treaters. But it wasn’t always that way.
Halloween originated as a big harvest to celebrate those who have passed away. Some other cultures celebrate by wandering around at night either to welcome or frighten away roving spirits. Festivals include door to door begging to benefit children and the poor. Mexico’s “Day of the Dead” combines honoring the deceased by fixing up graveyards and offering food to ancestors. In the United States the celebration descends from the British Isles focusing on parties and nighttime mischief, which evolved into “Trick or Treating.”
Role playing and costumes started in the nineteenth century. Parties would include play acting, costumes, and fortune telling. Common party games included bobbing for apples and eating donuts that were suspended from a rope without using any hands.
Germanic pagan tradition was to collect taxes and wages in person. This practice later turned into playful door to door begging called guising. In England the ancient art of communing with the spirit world evolved into “Souling” where people would wander about at night in disguise, welcoming the ancestors back with lights held in carved out turnips.
By the turn of the century Halloween had become an even more destructive way to “let off steam.” Vandalism had once been limited to tipping over outhouses, but now serious destruction of property and cruelty to animals and people has taken over. The 1900’s through the mid 1960’s was Halloween’s golden age, in which everything was in harmless fun and children could run around town by themselves receiving home made treats without any worries.
Social changes in the last thirty years has diminished much of Halloween’s innocence. During the 1960’s with the rise in the cults, the Manson murders, and movies such as Rosemary’s Baby and The Exorcist fleshed out Satan’s vague biblical character. The act of loading brownies with pot or LSD by a few demented individuals insured that Halloween treats be pre-packaged and store bought. Scares of candy being loaded with pins and razor blades further lent a sinister possibility to Halloween. Now people are dressing as demonic characters filled with blood and gore, and the mystical spirits and ghosts seem to be unheard of.
Now in the 1990’s it seems parties, haunted houses, and festivals are what’s in. A main Halloween attraction for years now has been Knott’s Scary Farm.
Sophomore Joey Romero says “I like Knott’s Scary Farm, but this year I am going to try out Universal Studios.”
These festivals and parties are good, because it keeps kids out of trouble, but at the same time lets them have a good time.Back to top
Hey! Fix the tennis courts!
Donna Chavez
October 17, 1997Cracked courts with grass growing in various places, honks and hollers from speeding passerby’s, and nets that look like they’ve outlived their lives and many others. Hmmm, this sounds like a description of the Colton High School tennis courts, which the girls and boys tennis teams play on each year. At least we know what the C.I.F (California Interscholastic Federation) making to the administration-- SQUAT!
Last year was the last time Sandy Guidi, the tennis P.E. teacher, asked the district to fix the tennis courts because it is a major safety issue. However all they have done is use a blower on the courts to clear debris from the courts. With the help from the rain this isn’t to hard. But don’t get me wrong, the school, with the help from the city, did purchase eight nets for the courts about five years ago. This did help.
Many of the tennis players have thought about starting fund-raisers and wanted to get their parents involved in mending the atrocious playing ground, but think maybe all the district needs is another chance. For now the school repaves basketball courts that aren’t even used in league games, but only in P..
It’s astonishing to me, as a player, that only one team member has been injured, with a broken leg, about two years ago because of the fractured nets. However, the P.E. classes that also use the nets haven’t been so fortunate. They,ve have had three sprained ankles. Maybe that’s what it will take for the “authority’ figures to think,”Hmm, maybe we should fix the courts?”
To me it seems like what will happen when the sky turn smogless or, hey, when the school gets more money. It seems like the administration would rather spend money on sports that haven’t gone to C.I.F. in gosh knows how many years then on WINNING TEAMS! If this is the case then let us know and we’ll start LOSING!
Nevertheless, there is something in our minds, maybe it is spiritual, maybe even common sense (wow, what a concept) but we like to win.
I know it’s kind of far fetched idea, but give it a shot. I mean it’s something we’re sort of good at. Honestly, it’s something I think we should improve on, don’t you think?
Since it seems like it will take the school forever and a day to fix the courts, the tennis team will just keep on playing and trying to do our best to win on the disgusting courts.Back to top
Lunch Price Hike
by MollyRose Jones
10/17/97Students returning to school this September were surprised to see that the prices of their favorite lunch items had increased in cost. There were a few Colton High School students who just didn’t give a hoot, but many were haunted with ideas of an evil conspiracy.
Pricing of "a la carte" items (that is, items bought on the portable lunch carts in the quad) have risen this year simply because it has become more expensive for the Colton Joint Unified School District to provide this variety of food, according to Esther Caboda at the district Nutrition Services. She says students haven’t seen a raise in the cost of the "a la carte" food since 1992, and necessity within the district demanded another increase.
So, the big bosses in the district don’t have a hidden agenda? Several students aren’t so sure. “I think it stinks,” comments sophomore Jason Valenzuela “They should have left it the way it was. I get free lunch. I used to buy lunch, but now I don’t even bother.”
The thoughts of other students are similar. “I think it sucks, man,” says Senior Donna Chavez. “They know people have to eat, so they’re able to raise prices, and people still buy food.” She even jokes, “They’re evil. They’re conspirators with Satan.”
Some students remain unbothered by the price increase. “I don’t see any point,” says Junior Mike Rodriguez, who believes it is unnecessary for students to be upset. “It’s just ten cents, actually, on most items. I don’t care. They need it.” He says it does not affect his decision to purchase.
On the contrary, hauling a sack lunch to school at least once a week has started to look more appealing to some students. The increase on some a la carte items from before is as much as twenty five cents. This may seem like an insignificant amount, but it can add up, especially for the faithful a la carte consumers.
Cafeteria breakfast and lunch prices have remained the same.
At least for now.Back to top
Mexican Independence Day
by Floreli Torres
10/17/97Como Mexicanos es un orgullo celebrar el 16 de Septiembre. Esta fue la intención del Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanos de Aztlán conocido como M.E.Ch.A. Este grupo colocó posters y adornos en la escuela recordando la independencia de México. Desafortunadamente, se canceló esta celebración en el segundo almuerzo cuando todo ya se había colocado y solo por no haberse comunicado con la oficina a tiempo.
La significancia del 16 de Septiembre es de mucha importancia en la historia mexicana cuando los Españoles sometían a los nativos de la nueva España en trabajos forzados y que se apoderaban de las riquesas. En 1808 empezó la idea de la independización y el Padre Hidalgo fué uno de los heroes quien ayudo en este proceso de la liberación. El 16 de Septiembre, el Padre Hidalgo sonó las campanas llamando a la gente para el levantamiento de lucha por la libertad.
La mayoría de los estudiantes de la escuela preparatoria Colton son mexicanos o desendientes de familias mexicanas. Se podría decir que la población escolar rinde entre un setenta a ochenta porciento. Por lo mismo M.E.Ch.A. quiso hacer algo para el 16 de Septiembre. La intención de M.E.Ch.A. fué “Para hacerles recordar a los Mexico-Americanos cual es el día principal de México que es el 16 de Septiembre, y no el 5 de Mayo.” Nos comunicó el maestro José Treviño, consejero del grupo M.E.Ch.A. Este año no se pudo celebrar el 16 de Septiembre como se tenía pensado, por el hecho de no haberse comunicado de la intención de M.E.Ch.A. a tiempo. Esto causo que se cancelara dicha celebración y se quitaran los posters que se habían colocado.
¿Fué discriminación o no? Muchos diran que sí, pero no. ¿Por que? “Porque la escuela tiene sus reglas y leyes, nosotros no entregamos los planes a tiempo como ellos lo exigen. Ni modo, para el otro año tenemos que planear con más tiempo.” Nos comunicó, el maestro Treviño, quien opina que como Mexicanos debemos respetar a los demás y “..que podemos mejorar nuestras vidas atraves de la educación.” Tal vez muchos de nosotros hemos pasado por muchas cosas desagradables, pero si demostramos que no nos conocen muy bien podremos avansar y darnos a conocer como gente inteligente que somos.Back to top
New teacher Mrs. Villa
by Macy Garcia-Fuentes and Silvia Fernandez
10/17/97“Me siento féliz, contenta y orgullosa.” Son las palabras de la Sra. Avelina Villa, alguién que llegó alcanzar su meta y quién le tomo 8 años para realizar su sueño, tener su propia clase y ser ella quién enseñe. La Sra. Villa estuvo como ayudante bilingüe por 8 años y por aver llegado hasta donde está es un ejemplo a seguir y podemos ver que con ganas y deseos de superarse. Todo se puede lograr en esta vida.
La Sra. Villa, es una persona sobresaliente en su carrera como maestra. Una estudiante que duro 4 años en San Bernardino Valley College y después se traslado a Cal State University of San Bernardino
donde se graduó y sacó su diploma como maestra. La Sra. Villa es una persona que con mucho sacrificio sacó adelante su carrera. Su motivación a seguir su carrera fué, su niñez, porque fué difícil para ella no saber hablar inglés. Ahora ella sabe como se sienten los estudiantes que no hablan inglés. Con su experiencia, ahora ella tiene la capacidad para enseñar en clases bilingües y también en clases regulares. Ella se siente orgullosa de hablar los dos idiomas “El conocimiento que uno aprende en la vida es para enseñar de generación en generación”, el punto de vista de la Sra. Villa.
Pero el solo haber realizado su sueño, no es todo lo que ella ambiciona, pues sus planes a seguir, son que apartir del 29 de Septiembre continuará asistiendo a Cal State University of San Bernardino para obtener su maestría. ¡La felicitamos y le deseamos buena suerte!Back to top
New Assistant Principal
by Linnette Lee
10/17/97Colton High welcomed a new Assistant Principal, Bill Amrine, who just joined the staff.
Among some of the goals that Amrine has set for this year are an “improvement in dress code” and school attendance. He would also like to see a drop in tardies.
Amrine cites the fact that he sees students wearing clothes violating the dress code in the latter part of the day that previous people did not catch.
Before signing on as the new Assistant Principal, Amrine had worked in various positions in the education field. Previously, he was vice principal of discipline at Fountain Valley High School in Fountain Valley.
Locally, Amrine taught in the Victor Valley area for 15 years. He also taught English and history at Eisenhower High School from 1990 to 1996.
The importance of an education is echoed in Amrine’s life. He did his undergraduate work at Cal Poly Pomona where he earned his Bachelors of Science degree. Amrine did not stop there. He continued his formal education at Azusa Pacific and earned a Masters of Arts degree with a concentration in Education. Later he attended the San Francisco Theological Seminary and received a Masters in Divinity. He was a Presbyterian minister for a year.
“High School kids need to understand that a diploma is worth a quarter to a half a million dollars over a lifetime,” Amrine said when discussing the value of an education.Back to top
New AVID teachers come on board
by Jeanine Medrano
10/17/97
Holly Wiesmann and Shannon Rooney, Colton’s new AVID teachers, have plans to change for the better.
Among their list of improvements to be made are more field trips, a new room(s), and team teaching.
AVID juniors are looking forward to their road trip where they will take a charter bus to visit many college campuses. Junior Yvette Madueno anxiously awaits this trip.
“This will be a good experience for us because it enables us to explore some of our opportunities for the future,” she says.
The AVID sophomores will also tour two San Diego campuses, San Diego State and the University of California at San Diego. Fund-raisers such as the annual tail gate party on November 14, 1997 and booths at carnivals will be held to raise money for these trips.
Teaching in new rooms and team teaching will “give the students a better chance to get to know each other better,” says Wiesmann. Due to the overflow of the students, Rooney and Wiesmann were forced to team teach. Using rooms 305 and 306, which are connected by a curtain that can be pulled back to combine the rooms into one, the seniors and juniors are combined and taught by both Rooney and Wiesmann. The rooms will soon be repainted and begin to look more like the second home many AVID students have grown to know. “The students in AVID have grown close over the years and have become dependent on each other like a family,” AVID senior Leticia Martinez explains.
In order to become AVID teachers, Rooney and Wiesmann had to attend training. Over the summer, a five day conference in San Diego explained the basics of AVID such as S.A.T. and Financial Aid information.
Wiesmann recalls, “The AVID students in my classes would always take notes { a big part of AVID } and they all seemed to get good grades.” This was one of the reasons Wiesmann was attracted to the program.Back to top
New parking laws at school
by Rose Terracciano
10/17/97The Colton Police Department is now enforcing the law against illegal parking and jaywalking by ticketing students outside of Colton High School.
Although parking problems , such as parents stopping in the street to let their kids out, and jaywalking (people dashing across Valley Avenue outside of crosswalks) has been an ongoing problem for the past few years, it has only recently become a problem concerning the student body. According to Assistant Principal Dave Gomez, illegal parking by parents and jaywalking by students is more habitual now then it has ever been. “I don’t care to have people ticketed,” Gomez said, “but the fact is, it is a problem.” He also believes that stopping them in the act and speaking to them might be just as effective.
The problem with illegal parking and jaywalking is that it causes a back up in the traffic around the campus. “We need to keep the traffic moving, and either way, sooner or later, you're going to get caught anyway,” said Gomez.
So far the students being dropped off in the morning have been cooperative. Police stress that ticketing will continue if the problem does not clear up.Back to top
Save Ferris CD review
by Matt Penna
10/17/97Save Ferris? The Riverside-based ska band needs no help. This third wave band has just released their first full length album, It Means Everything.
The band started after guitarist Brian Mashburn and saxman Eric Zomora’s band Los Pantelones fell apart, so for fun they got bassist Bill Uechi and trumpeter Jose Castellanos and formed Save Ferris. . Within a month they acquired drummer Mark Harismendy, and all that was missing was a singer. So Brian and Bill got from an old school roster Monique Powell’s (trained pop and opera singer) number and called her, and that was the finishing touch they needed.
In 1995 they self- released an EP Introducing Save Ferris, which instantly became an overwhelming success for them around this area.
Their new album It Means Everything includes the catchy songs “The World is New” and “Spam”, with the mellow vibe of “Superspy” and the swing tone of “Goodbye” which are all found on their EP. They added the sounds of “Everything I Want To Be” and a rocking version of “Come On Eileen,” the Dexy’s Midnight Runners hit from 1983. All those plus the six other songs make this album great.Back to top
U Turn Movie Review
by Jason Meaney
10/17/97“U-Turn” is a sexually explicit, profane, movie directed by Oliver Stone all about human desires--lust, greed, betrayal, and murder.
The movie introduces its viewers to a not-so ordinary town when a tennis player by the name of Bobby Cooper (Sean Penn) blows a radiator hose in his classic Ford Mustang and is forced to pull off the highway to find a mechanics garage in the southwestern town of Superior, Arizona.
Once there, an unintelligent mechanic (Billy Bob Thorton) tells him the repair work is going to cost $150, which makes him crazy, because he owes $30,000 to gamblers, has very little money, and not enough time.
With nothing better to do, he walks into town looking for something to drink while thinking of a way to raise the $150. No sooner does he do this, when the sexy Grace McKenna (Jennifer Lopez) distracts him and takes him home with her.
Eventually she tries to talk him into killing her abusive older husband, Jake (Nick Nolte) which we learn later in the film is her father. All of a sudden Bobby finds himself in an insane town, a whole lot of debt, and with a lot of ways to make money. The only catch is that he has to commit murder.
Although this film has a list of top notch actors, it struggles to become anything more than another murder and betrayal flick. The story line is anything but moral and the plot is fast paced. Stone's techniques of odd film speeds, weird angles, and fast cuts overrun the film.
On a final note, I personally did not like this movie or any of the themes suggested in it. The film was offensive, ugly, and vulgar. To those of you who liked “Natural Born Killers” this is your kind of movie. If not, don’t waste your money on “U-Turn.”Back to top
Volley teams get new coaches
by Kara Bellinger
10/17/97This is going to be different year for both Junior Varsity and the Varsity Volleyball teams, who both are getting used to new coaches.
Varsity Coach Al Schwartz has had the experience of being involved with volleyball for 40 years, but this is his first year as a head coach for the Varsity team. Schwartz said, “Were gradually getting better, we have a lot of talent.” Schwartz’ goals for the team are to win and make it to playoffs.
“He knows what he’s talking about (about the game). He treats us like family,” said Senior Brenna Nunez.
Jr. Varsity Coach Vicki Macias has also been involved with volleyball. While she attended Colton High she played four years, she attended Valley College and played one year there.
“I like her,” said sophomore Emily Sorenson. “I think she coaches us well. She gives us a Positive Mental Attitude, PMA all the way.”
According to Macias she has a hot team and hopes to rebuild the season. Macias is willing to do her best as the Junior Varsity coach.Back to top
Wait Until Dark opens soon
by Jason Meaney
10/17/97Murderers, a doll full of drugs, and a rather resourceful blind women will be brought to stage this fall when “Wait Until Dark,” by Fredrick Knott opens on Thursday, November 6, at the Whitmer Auditorium. The annual fall drama, directed by Drama teacher Joey Mercado, is a suspense thriller that students may recall--a scary movie was made of it in 1967.
Set in a blind women’s apartment, the play holds its audience in a grip of suspense following a storyline in which killers make several repeated attempts to obtain a doll full of heroin that inadvertantly came into the women’s possession. Little does the women know that the valued contents of the doll may cost her life.
“This play is not for younger children. It is suspenseful and involves language that is not easily understood by children,” said Mercado. But high school students should find it thrilling.
Portraying the character of Susy, the blind woman, is junior Jenny Pearce.She feels challenged by the role that was first realized on the screen by the great Audrey Hepburn.
“The outcome of the play is very unpredictable,” says Pearce.”The cast as a whole has its ups and downs, but overall we think we’ll all work well together.” Rounding out the cast are senior Mike Penna as the sadistic killer Harry Rote, Jr. and junior Hillary Schmidt as the teenage Gloria, a next door girl who helps Susy outwit the killers..
The play will enjoy a three night run from November 6-8. Ticket prices are five dollars for adults and three dollars for those with ASB cards.Back to top
Want lunch today, in line until tomorrow
Linnette Lee
October 17, 1997The bell rings, and in my I hear angels singing. Finally lunch as arrived! All is right in the world until I reach the dreaded lunch lines. I breathe in a sigh of relief, I am the fourth person in line. As each second passes more and more people arrive. Soon I am literally fighting for my life.
Long lunch lines are a legacy at good ole’ Colton High. Each incoming freshman knows that they belong when they wait forever in line for food.
Lunch is only 30 minutes, the average person waits about 15 minutes to be served. Anybody recognize a problem?
The atmosphere of the lines is filled with hate. People argue, lunch ladies yell and others, namely me, fear for my life. The lines are not lines, but rather crowds of people readying for a riot. The root of the problem lies in the fact that everyone, including me, cannot wait. We have become a very impatient society.
Even though long lunch lines are here to stay, maybe we can find an ounce of patience inside of us and learn to cope. Lines do serve a purpose, the person in who arrives first should be served first. To all of the people who go to the sides of the lines, get a life. I am sick of you guys breaking the rules.
Someone needs to talk to the people who work behind the carts. First of all, they do not know how to add and subtract. Secondly, they too do not know what a line is. Until the people at Colton High realize what a line is and find some patience the lines will continually be dreaded. Can’t we all just eat along?Back to top
H2O polo!!
by Erik Luna
10/17/97Shoot he scores!
After losing a heartbreaker in the last parts of the game against East Valley by a score of 13-12, Colton’s Water Polo squad regained their composure for the next game against Eisenhower. In that game Colton’s starting squad came together and won their first league game of the season 20-7. Senior Matt Gomez had the game high and season high 11 goals. Senior John Silva added seven more.
“Although this team may be young, they have bonded quite nicely to where we can win the big games,” said Coach James Vickers. “I am very proud of this team’s accomplishment’s and work they put into practice and games, day in and day out.”
Hanging in there, through another tough season, the Colton Water Polo team plays against some of the toughest teams in the Inland Empire. These teams include Redlands and Fontana. Making it a challenge for these teams are returning players Silva, an All League starter ,and Gomez, Honorable Mention All League starter. Other starters include senior Liz Nicks, who has played on the team for four years, and junior Beth Meleczcko, who has also been on the team for only two years and has according to Vickers also been a great addition to the team. As for seniors Chris Mears and Rick Bonner, they have also been a helpful addition to this team, as they become better and better each day.
With all the hard work that Colton puts into practicing, they hope to reach acheivements, such as making the C.I.F Playoffs this years for the first time in a long time. The team calls that “Step One.”