Issue of May 7, 2004
Vol. LXXXVII, No. 11
Click on story link to view that story
News
Day of Silence
Every 15 minutes....
Senior Events
Opinions
Senioritis
Technology...who needs it?
Pledge of Allegiance."No under God"
Pledge of Allegiance."Yes, under God"
Paintballing...is it safe?
Too many tests!
Sara's Sentiment (column)
Features
Working at the Mall
Working for your parents
Working for the Fast Food Man
Working at the Hookah Bar
Shayne's World (column)
Best ways to beat the heat
Math club news
Librarian Mark Williams to retire
Hottest summer fashions
Janitors see grungy side of students
Day of Silence
Robert Campos
May 7, 2004On April 21 students and faculty participated in the Day Of Silence. The Day Of Silence is a student-led day in which all students, gay and straight, can take a day long vow of silence to represent and protest the silence that many gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and even straight students who support them, feel they have to keep in order to be accepted by their peers. "Colton High needs to realize that a fairly large amount of the student body is made up of homosexual students and straight allies," says Junior Mark Saldana "They deserve as much respect as any other group of students."
However not every one had that same point of view, even in the GSA (Gay Straight Alliance), "I was actually a little against the idea of the Day Of Silence," says sophomore Sebastian Irigoyen. "Don't get me wrong, being gay and having pride is awesome but from what I've seen, the views of the GSA are from a victim's point of view. All I'm saying is that people need to be realistic and realize that all something like the Day of Silence is going to accomplish is stares and a lot of gay jokes."
However, the Day Of Silence went fairly well. According to Junior Brandi Bayus, "The turn-out was amazing, a lot of people participated and it helped me realize who my real friends are. Since I couldn't stand up for myself when people made fun of me I got to see who would stand up for me." Students from both the GSA and anywhere around campus set up a table around the 500 wing with flyers and stickers for those who were interested in learning why these students chose to remain silent for the day. "I couldn't believe how many people came up for stickers and flyers, it was great," Bayus added. "Of course there were the usual idiots who just wanted to mess with us, but that's to be expected, so it's all good."
After school the students who participated in the silence met in front of the Library to "Break the Silence." The name is exactly what it implies, students screamed at the top of their lungs to represent that gay students shouldn't have to keep silence to be accepted by others and they shouldn't have to come to school in fear. "It was fun. I would definitely do it again next year!" said Bayus with a cheerful little grin.
Every 15 minutes program
Victor Valdez
May 7, 2004"On the way to and from prom drunk drivers killed several students from Colton High."
That sentence is not something you want to hear in the next issue of the newspaper. In an effort to get stop drunk drivers at Colton high, Renaissance put on the "Every 15 Minutes Program." On April 20, many students were taken by "Death." They were then taken to the ASB room and were not supposed to talk for the rest of the day. The students were given certificates of death, toe tags, the works. At lunch there were visuals with covered "dead bodies" lying on ground in the lunch area. During fifth period there was a fake accident on F street There were police cars, paramedics and even the jaws of life. This was meant to simulate what happens every 15 minutes. Every 15 minutes a drunk driver kills someone. If students drink at prom they may be one of those drivers.
The next day there was an assembly. A video was shown that contained the mock accident, the "death" of Senior Lori Rodriguez, and the trail of the driver, Senior Jesus Guillen. There where guest speakers. There was an officer with the Colton Police Department, who discussed the legal consequences of drunk driving. Then there was the speaker with the Group MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving. A drunken motorist had killed her son. She told of the consequences beyond legal. How drunk drivers affect other people besides those killed. What they do to families and friends. She had a PowerPoint presentation that had pictures of people killed in accidents that were gruesome.
The main message is to not drink and drive. Not just the day of prom, but all the time. The truth is kids will drink, but if you are going to drink give the keys to someone else.
Senior Events
Liliana Aguilar
May 7, 2004Attention all you seniors out there: Graduation is a few weeks away but it's not over yet. There are still things to take care of, things such as senior dues, buying a yearbook, and most of all finding out if you get to "walk" or not. Starting next week on the 11th seniors hear who qualifies to "try out" to give a speech at graduation as well as who can "try out" to sing the national anthem. On May 18 the CAR (ceremony at risk) list makes its debut. May 21 is the last day to pay senior dues with or without payments. The cost is $55 and this money pays for your cap and gown, reunion services, and for the senior gift. Graduation essays are also due and they must be typed. May 25 tryouts for the National Anthem begin, and graduation speech semi-finalists are notified. May 28 is the last day to buy Grad Nite tickets; the cost is $70.
June 1 yearbook prices go up, the cost is $75 with ASB and $85 without ASB. June 2 School Wide Recognition Night will be held at 6 pm. June 4 is the last day to buy Luau tickets the cost is $5. June 9 Senior Awards night will take place, graduation speakers will be announced. Also that day seniors will take their finals in periods 0,2, and 4. Caps and gowns will also be distributed after school. Remember in order to get a cap and gown you must have turned in your Graduation Behavior Agreement and Reunion services forms to the office, and your name must not be on the CAR list. June 10 seniors take finals in periods 1,3, and 7. Caps and gowns will continue to be distributed, and senior yearbook distribution begins after school. June 11 seniors take their last finals in periods 5 and 6. Senior Luau/BBQ takes place at 6 pm, to go you must have paid 5 dollars and bring your ID. During school there will be Graduation practice as well as the senior brunch. June 14 the last names are taken off the CAR list at noon. Graduation tickets are distributed you only get 10. June 15 Graduation practice and senior farewell. The last caps and gowns are distributed.
Finally Graduation will begin at 6:30 pm. June 16 will be Grad Nite.
Senioritis
Victor Valdez
May 7, 2004Are you a senior that misses a lot of school? Do you do just enough schoolwork to get yourself a passing grade? When you come to school do you want to go home or feel like you are wasting your time? Then you may be suffering from "senioritis."
"Senioritis" hits many seniors with out even realizing what is going on. There many things that can cause this infectious disease. One of the causes being that we are almost out of here, as if we don't have much to worry about so we start slacking off. Don't slack off for too long because before you know it, it is time to graduate and you don't have all your credits, because you decided to slack off in Foods.
Another cause of "senioritis" is vacation time. We have many "vacations" as our time in high school ends. One of the breaks is Spring Break. This week of leisure can give you a bad case of the disease; it can set you in the mood not to do work.
Another big break, for seniors only, is the testing that the underclassmen have to undergo, while we don't have to come to school till 11:30. Three weeks of waking up late or going out to breakfast and staying up late can set you off.
One of the biggest factors in my own perspective is the lack of any "real" classes. For a lot of seniors, schedules are made up of electives and home periods. Not a real reason for many students to come to school. Its just " I'll copy those lecture notes from someone else tomorrow," or " I'm ahead in my classes anyways so it doesn't matter." Not a great attitude to some but to lots of seniors it is the truth.
There isn't much you can do to get rid of this horrible epidemic is to ride it through. We only have about a month to go. So keep your head straight and try to make it to your classes, because it would really be depressing to mess up your last year of high school. If you make it through all of this then you get the greatest reward of all graduating high school and starting a real life.
Technology
Robert Campos
May 7, 2004Ok, Recently it seems as though technology is taking over. And I'm not talking about the action-packed cyber war you see in movies like The Terminator, I mean very subtly. People are losing jobs to machines that can do the same jobs but a lot quicker. With the growing population, this isn't helping any. Not only that but it seems that people can't live without technology, be it their computer or their freaking cell phone.
Now to yours truly, that's the most aggravating thing in the world; for instance, you're driving down the freeway or what have you and you get cut off by some idiot that's on their cell phone, then they have the complete idiocy to try and tell you something for their irresponsible behavior. All I'm saying is that lately people have to let go of that stupid cell phone for the time that they're driving, or maybe not take their car somewhere and walk instead. I personally have neither of the aforementioned "necessities", that can either be taken as, 1) I'm too poor to afford them ...or
2) I DON"T NEED THEM!!
Another example of how technology is taking over could be CD players. Now first of all let me say this: I love music and that's the reason that I take my CD player almost everywhere I go. But I also know when to quit, and it's not when I run out of batteries either, it's when I feel that I've had my daily dosage of music/ technology. Most people listen to their CD/ MP3 players obsessively and that needs to stop.
Ok, now for the mother of all technological advances that needs to be monitored, TELEVISION. (Scary, isn't it?) It's pretty easily overlooked though, especially when you're actually watching TV. Come on people, you seriously do not need to watch TV at all waking hours of the day. Cut back a little bit.
Now you're probably wondering what can be done to prevent this horror from ever coming true, am I right? Either I'm right or you're wondering when I'm going to shut up, now am I right? I thought so. Here's the harsh truth, children: it's already begun, and this means that it's going to get even harder for you to try and get a job. Use your voices like I am using mine, and get up, get out and do something. Don't sit around all day dabbling in technology. Okay, now I'll make the half of you that don't care happy. I'm shutting up.
Pledge of Allegiance
CON: Jessicka Flores
May 7, 2004"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…" reads the Bill of Rights, Amendment I. This means that congress will not make a law establishing an organized religion for all citizens of the US and that citizens will be allowed to practice any religion they wish.
So, why have the words "Under God," been put in the Pledge of Allegiance that all school children are forced to stand up with their right hand over their hearts and recite whether they believe in God or not? Is that not even a tiny bit contradictory ? I mean, come on now, that might as well be a prayer.
Obviously in elementary school most kids have not decided whether they believe in God or not but in high school the majority of teens have. I don't even like the pledge. I may not be forced to recite it, but I am told that I have to stand up and face our flag while the pledge is being recited .
Of course the whole pledge is not going to be changed just because a minority is offended, but why is that fair? Yes, "God's" name is used in more than just the pledge; but take into consideration: if that is fair too? Supposedly our country wants "equal rights" but let's just be honest and just say that is a crock of….Anyway.
How many religious people would be offended if we had to say "One Nation Under Satan"? I think just about every one of them out there. BUT HEY! Just don't say it, right? I'm not saying I'm not grateful to be living here. I mean this place is great. I think it's just a very confused on the whole religion issue. Sure, they'll say we can practice any religion and have all these rights but in reality they're giving atheists the finger by making our money have "In God we trust" on it. Tsk Tsk Tsk. So hey. Screw all this nonsense and let us "trust in God" and God Bless America our nation Under God! Yeah, right!
Pledge of Allegiance
PRO: Alyssa Isgett
May 7, 2004The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag has been around since 1892. There has been this argument whether to leave in or take out the "under God" part of the pledge. I think that there is no reason to change the pledge. If you don't want to say "under God," it's simple, just don't!
On June 14, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the Pledge of Allegiance to read "One Nation Under God." Now these thirty-one words express loyalty and devotion not only to a flag but also to life supporting your country.
At first the pledge did not have the words "under God." The government changed the pledge to include the phrase "under God." Now people want to change it again. What are we going to do, fight to change the pledge until everyone is happy, until there is no pledge of allegiance left? I think not!
Why change something that has been around since 1892? If reciting "under God" offends you, just don't say it.
The Pledge of Allegiance is something I know I have said since before I was in Kindergarten. It was the first thing I learned to memorize. Not saying "under God" should not be made into a big deal. Come on now, are we really going to make a big deal out of something that has been around for a long time and that most of us think should stay the same?
The pledge of allegiance was made to support our country, not necessarily God. Children all over America recite the pledge daily.
Think about it, people say " God Bless America" when terrorists attack our nation. Of course God's name is always present at funerals. People don't seem to have a problem with that, why is the pledge any different?
Paintballing
Shayne Robinson
May 7, 2004Is paintball safe? That’s not a fair question, you could ask that about any thing. Is driving a car safe? Thousands of people die every year due to car-related accidents. Rarely do people die because of paintball. I mean paintball is a sport where you shoot small balls of fish oil at each other in an attempt to mark a player from the opposite team, therefore eliminating them from the game. I guess the biggest thing about paintball is the fact that we use “paintball guns.” Guns alone carry a great deal of fear as far as people go. And then you shot each other with them. You shoot people with guns! That can’t be safe! Well it is. They make lots of protective gear for paintball players. That goes from masks, to gloves, to chest plates. I mean you could walk on the field looking like a tank if you felt like it. Most people choose not to, it cuts down your maneuverability. Another safety issue that comes up is the welts and bruises that you have after getting hit by a paintball. I mean it’s going to leave some kind of mark. The balls are flying at you at some were around 280 feet per second. That’s fast, real fast. The best way to keep paintball safe is to get the dumb players off the field, the people who drive around and shoot cars or houses. The guys who don’t wear their mask on the field. I guess it all goes back to this: paintball guns don’t hurt people and or seriously injure and/ or kill people, jackasses who don’t care about safety and just screw around seriously hurt, injure, or kill people. Peace out!
Too many tests
Elysa Arroyo
May 7, 2004For high school students today, stress is something that comes no matter what. Students have homework for six classes, sometimes seven. The very last thing a student needs to add to that is the stress of studying for half a million multiple choice tests. Especially when they all ask you the same stupid questions. You get to sit in a class room and fill in bubbles for an hour, and that is supposed to tell you if you're smart enough. It's clearly a very scientific procedure.
The worst part about it all is that these tests don't even really test how much you know, simply how well you can guess... and how lucky you are. Most tests have four possible answers, which gives any person who takes that test a 25% chance for each question to be answered right. One could ditch all year and still pass any final and even the CAT6's that we had to take in April. Of course, if you know the stuff, it will be much easier for you to pass these tests, but that isn't the point. These tests are not only unnecessary, but inaccurate.
In a nutshell, there are just too many of these freaking tests. Quarter Finals, Semester Finals, CAT6's, PSAT's, SAT's (and the SAT2's), ACT's…and God forbid you're in an AP class and have to take that test, too.
Oh yes, and the CAHSEE. The most ridiculous of them all. Where to start? In order to pass the California High School Exit Exam (note the stress on exit, as in you can leave), one merely must be able to pass a test consisting of rudimentary Algebra I and basic English…such subjects that one might learn in seventh grade. In fact, my younger brother (who is in sixth grade) could pass the California High School Exit Exam from his class in one of the district's elementary schools.
Seriously, though, if all it takes to graduate high school is Algebra I, why do you need that calculus class you're taking? If you pass the test, should you not be able to graduate? I mean, it is the Exit Exam.
I'm not saying that there should be different standards for different students, because people graduating from the same high school should have the same requirements. Perhaps the CAHSEE should be optional. For those that want to take the test, they should be able to and when they pass it, they should be able to get out of this hell hole they call high school. For those that don't want to take it, they could get all 230 credits and graduate high school without ever taking the test.
Not only are these tests ridiculous, inaccurate and unnecessary but the schedules the district gives the students for the days they have to take the tests are ridiculous as well. (For the CAT6's especially.) I mean, why is there a three hour period to take the test, followed by 4th period, then 1st, then 2nd, then 6th? These schedules are confusing and stupid. And why make someone go to one class for 76 minutes? No one needs to be in one class for more than 55 minutes, like normal. That's 21 more minutes that one has to spend in a class they probably hate. It's just wrong that our schedules get so messed up for something we don't even want to do. We don't want to spend an hour and half in spanish so that we can fill in bubbles for and hour and sit around doing nothing for another two hours. The teachers don't really appreciate it either.
There is no point in missing as much school as we did when the test is as ridiculous as it was. It took me a week to catch up after taking that test. There should be one final and perhaps the CAT6's and I suppose the SAT's are needed, but the rest should be optional. Especially the CAHSEE. And, you shouldn't have to pay for any of them, either.
Sara's Sentiment
Sara Robbin
May 7, 2004May is a very emotional month for many of us. First we had prom… which in my case really sucked! And now all the seniors are looking forward to graduation. May 1st for me was not only the night of prom, but it was the second anniversary of my uncle's death. My uncle was like a father, a friend, and a role model to me. Whenever I needed something or just really needed to talk to someone he would always be there for me. He would also be there to get me out of trouble, but now I can no longer depend on him to be there to comfort me. Prom was a very important event in my life and it would have been better if he had been there to see me for that particular occasion.
It took me a long to finally accept the fact that he is gone, even though I am still not over his loss, I figure my life has to go on. At first I did not want to go to Prom because it was supposed to be a day of mourning and remembrance, but I went because I know that he would have wanted me to take pleasure in this day. It was really hard for me to enjoy myself because in the back of my head I kept on thinking about all the memories that we once had together and how I have to go on knowing that he will only be there to guide me in spirit.
Graduation is also an important aspect of my life, but I think that I will be able to make it through because I know that there are many people out there that care about me and would want to be there for me regardless of the circumstances. Besides, there are many people who have it much worse than I do and are still surviving. Although I am an emotionally weak person, I know I have enough power to get through the tough times in my life.I'd like to dedicate this article to my uncle, ZUHAIR IBRAHIM ROBBIN. May you rest in peace!
For all the seniors, all I have to say is congratulations we made it through high school. Goodbye and good luck in your future goals. I wish all of you my best.
Working at the mall
Cassie Orona
May 7, 2004Around this time of year, you're probably looking for a job for the summer to buy new bathing suits, get your hair and nails done, or just to have some extra cash in your pocket. Well, have I got the place for you… the mall!! Yeah! Why not work at the mall? Especially in a store that you love? You get the discounts and get to work with people who have the same interests as you do.
So, you're looking for a job in the mall. It's a place where your friends hang out and a place that you feel comfortable in. So, which store to chose. Hmm... you have Hot Topic, Bath & Body Works, Vans, Wet Seal... wow! Loads of choices plus more. I would chose a store that I go to all the time to buy things from.
For instance, Junior Veronica Serna, has a job at Gottschalks. Let's see, she gets paid well, she works at a place that she likes, and a place where, I'm sure, some of her friends go to shop. So in this perspective, she gets discounts on her purchases. That's awesome!
When it comes down to looking at any job that you want make sure it has these qualities in it like we've seen with Serna. She gets discounts, good salary for a good day's work, not long hours because you're still in school ( if you work while you're in school) and with this money, she can save it up for college and get whatever she wants. Don't you want to buy things on your own instead of asking mom and dad for money? I know I do. That way they can't tell you what to do with your money because it's yours. You can do whatever you want with it. Hey, you earned it so why not? Go and make those bucks!
Working for your parents
Shayne Robinson
May 7, 2004Working with your parents, sounds like an easy slacker job. I mean your parents would go easy on you. And you could get an easy raise. Right? Wrong. Working with your parents is even harder then a normal job. Your parents know when you're sick or not. And they can be even harder on you then a normal non-related boss. Think about it having to do all your schoolwork, clean your house, do the dishes and what ever else your parents tell you. Then you go to work and have all that all over again. This is the case for one student here at Colton high school. Sophomore Jason Frick works at Extreme Paintball in Grand Terrace. His dad/boss is Shawn Smeary. Jason Frick says that it's just like any other job "but it gets personal." He adds, "there really are no special treatments just more and more work." A big downside to working with your parents is that are constantly on your butt. And you can't mess around at work, (which is good, right?) But this story has two sides. Jason's boss and dad Shawn said, "working with your kids is a bad idea." And added, "that his friends are always coming over and messing around." Well, no matter what you think or say, a job is a job, you have to be dedicated and determined to work.
Fast food jobs
Elysa Arroyo
May 7, 2004Everybody loves summer. No school, no homework, no teachers. Even though students get all of these perks, everyone knows that we get tired of having nothing to do after about a month. On of the best ways to beat that and gain something from it is to get a job. And one of the best jobs to get is at a fast food restaurant.
One of the most obvious reasons for getting a summer job is the money. Having your own paycheck would mean not having to ask your parents for money anymore. It is a good idea for people who hate borrowing. It means you have your own source of money to spend on pretty much whatever you want to spend it on. If you have good money management skills, it would mean that you would probably have money left over to start the school year with.
Another benefit is using someone else's air conditioner. If you work in a public place, like a fast food restaurant, the air conditioner will be on to keep the customers comfortable and happy. That also keeps you pretty comfortable and happy. Walking outside during summer in Southern California is like walking into an inferno. It makes people want to lie inside all day with the T.V on and the air conditioner down, but that means that your electric bill will be astronomical and, unless you're extremely well-off, that's a very, very bad thing. So, instead, you go to work, use their air conditioner, get paid and come home. How wonderful.
Sure there are bad things that associate with fast food restaurants, such as over-demanding customers and loud and messy customers, but there are pro's and con's with every job. You also have to remember that it allows you to be fairly social and meet new people, people you may never have metwithout this job. For those simple reasons, a job at a fast food restaurant is one of the best ways to beat the heat and stay cool all summer…and get paid to do it.
Working at a hookah bar
Sara Robbin
May 7, 2004I work at a hookah bar, which is a gathering place where people come and smoke flavored tobbaco out of a water pipe (hookah.)
Working at a hookah bar has its ups and downs. One of the advantages is that you get to meet a lot of different people. Some of these people may become your regulars or maybe even your good friend. Usually they are the people who tip you well, but anyway that's not the point. While you are working, you associate with so many people that time flies by and before you know it, your shift is over. Unfortunately for me, it is otherwise. I start work at 5:00 p.m. and get off around 2 or 3 a.m. depending on whether it was busy that night. By the end of the night when you have to clean, you start to get irritated and want to get out of there as fast as possible.
Which bring me to the disadvantages; cleaning and putting up with people (in general). Working at a hookah bar may seem like it is fun and really easy, but there are times when it gets rough. For example, many of your clientele may have a problem and sometimes make an exaggeration out of something so small, so you have to deal with it. Another disadvantage is closing. Before we close, we have to sweep, mop, and clean the bathrooms until they are all spotless.
The plus side of all this is that you get to test out all the flavors to see which ones are good and which ones are not likely to be ordered.
Shayne's World
Shayne Robinson
May 7, 2004Just so you all know, guns don't kill people, dangerous minorities do. Now it has recently come to my attention that they are phasing me out. Not just me but all the minorities in the very room where you are reading this. Oh my bob they are attempting to cut me in an effort to replace with a white guy named Neil, help me, HELP ME!!!! Hi this is Neil and I will now fill this column with thoughts about racist dolphins named James. James A.K.A. Flipper has been harassing people on the set of his show up until its cancellation. I remember how the show's producers used to bring him down to the city pool where we swam you all knew him as Flipper but when I saw him I would yell "run it's James the ethnic hatin' dolphin" and we would all run. I also have fond memories of the white folk who would treat my wounds. Often I would suffer from blowhole burns, bottle nosed bruises and flipper marks. This hole thing makes no sense; run for your life! This is my last column so I thought that I would make it make no sense at all just like this. Ahhhh! You see, this is my sweet good bye. In this, my last words of this year, I wish to leave you with something of deep meaning and importance; unfortunately for you yuppies I'm a shallow loser with no real inspiration and/or life you choose. If I don't come back next year, I leave you with this. Find life, do want you want, when you want, screw everyone else. Speak up or get the hell out of here. And I have my fair share of speaking so peace out! I will not be silenced!!!!!
Best ways to beat the heat
Michelle Choiselat
May 7, 2004It's only 9 a.m., and the temperature outside is already pushing 90 degrees. The impatient summer season is knocking on California's backdoor. We all anticipate it, the future carefree days of vacation haunt us while we test. Still, the heat can become seemingly unbearable. Fret not, fellow citizen. There are plenty of ways to keep cool (both mentally and physically) this warm season.
When someone mentions the word, "summer," the first thing probably to come in mind is the beach. The beach is the most popular place to go to during summer. So, my suggestion is this: get together with all of your buddies, find a ride, dig into your garage/attic for your sand bucket, and head to the sandy shores of Southern California.
No car? No problem. Remember when you were five and had that 10-inch deep wading pool adorned with the pictures of colorful fishes? Why not pull out your old friend, and fill it up? Sure, it's not Malibu, but it sure does beat the heat. Or, turn on the sprinklers and run through them. You might look like a freak, but at least you'll be a "cool" one. Here's a thought, why not do mom and pop a favor and wash their car? There are brownie points in it for you and you're still staying cool. There are so many things you can do in the privacy of your own backyard. Have a water balloon/water gun war with the little kids in your neighborhood or with your pals. I hear Toys R Us has some great deals on Super Soakers this time of year.
Okay, okay. You're done something water-related everyday, and either you're sunburned or just sick of being outside. As Paul Rodriguez (a comedian famous for his appearance in "Latin Kings of Comedy") says, "Get your ass to a supermarket." A supermarket isn't exactly a place known for it's "hang-out" potential, but you can always catch a flick at the almost freezing movie theaters. Or, if mom and pop don't mind, crank up the AC and watch TV all day long.
There you have it, folks, a couple of suggestions just to get your summer started. I offer a few last words of advice: drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day, don't forget your sunscreen, and above all have a good summer!
Math club
Michelle Choiselat
May 7, 2004The year seemed to have just come and gone, faster than you could say "diploma." Throughout this year, clubs from the GSA to National Honor Society have organized great fundraisers and projects. Yet, amidst the "big" clubs, there are the small clubs that, despite their efforts and projects, receive very little publicity. The Math Club, organized by Ellen Green, is one of those clubs.
From the "Paper-Folding Extravaganza" to a trip to Disneyland, the Math Club created their fair share of memories. According to Green, the most memorable was that trip to Disneyland. Junior Chi Ho's most memorable moment was at Splash Mountain. She says, "Alisa, Art, Siska, Emma, and I were walking out after going on Splash Mountain, and on the screen we saw the funniest pictures of us looking all ridiculous. We bought the picture!" Junior Emma Rolos agrees, "It was my first time being there since I was six, especially hanging out with my good friends. Good times, good times."
Those involved in the club each put forth a great amount of effort in raising money and just having an all around good time. Hopefully next year, new members will be recruited based on the entertaining stories from all the members. Green is sure that that the kids will keep coming as long as they keep having a good time. So, next year, if you're looking for an activity to keep you both happy and occupied, the Math Club is sure to offer you plenty of good times.
Mark Williams' retirement
Ilka Hernando
May 7, 2004It was in December of 1969, the winds were stirring, snow was frosting the mountains of California, and a young Mark Williams started his first year on the job in the Colton District. But it was 15 years ago that Mr. Williams (as he would now be named) set foot as librarian at Colton High School. And come June, after 35 years as an educator, Mark Williams will bid farewell as he retires from the teaching profession.
We see Mr. Williams greet us at the doorway, hold our sodas behind the counter, shelf books, as well as help students find and research through books and by computer. Okay, easy enough, the only thing librarian's do is scan the book, put a due date, slide it on that magnetic thingy, nothing to it… but Mr. Williams says otherwise.
To be a high school librarian, one must have a "bachelors degree in any field, a teaching credential which they must use for a minimum of two years, and a separate library services credential."
Williams graduated from UCLA with a Masters in Library Science. He is also a licensed teacher, he has been seen teaching World History, and Math among other things. Through his hard work and dedication, he is still being offered jobs in prestigious places such as the University of Redlands and California State University. But he is taking time off full time jobs, having worked all his life.
He has been working since his sophomore year in high school, and is finally taking a much needed break. He plans to take a "year off to do some traveling" with his wife. But his job doesn't end. He will continue to do workshops and attend conferences, whether to speak, or create ideas to make libraries easier and more accessible to the public.
Colton High has had drastic changes since Williams has started work here. One of the major changes was the size of the school, it is "more than [twice] the size." Unfortunately, the library has retained its same size, Williams wouldn't mind at all of they expanded the library, "We could use the space." A change that he is thankful for is air conditioning, he remembers how the sweat would drip off your body, creating a puddle around your feet in the month of September.
Technology is another major change. It has made things a lot easier to organize, and has been a great way for communication. It is being heavily practiced in all libraries. Through the internet librarians all over the world can "keep in touch" by "LM-net," which is an international lis-serve. It is an easier "way of exchanging information." The lis-serve houses over 6,000 members in over 87 countries! It has bulletin boards for harboring ideas, chat rooms for instant communication with several people, and even virtual conferences.
After 15 years surrounded by students, he says that he has "enjoyed working here [and] will miss the day to day contact with the students." He would like us to know that we're "inheriting a world in some ways more dangerous… and in some ways more hopeful… get any chance to further your education… it is important."
Hottest summer fashions
Liliana Aguilar
May 7, 2004Summer is approaching and so are the parties, nights out, and endless fun. This summer dress to impress with the hottest trends of the season. You don't always have to pa designer prices to look good, try stores like Forever 21, Papaya, and also try the little shops in the mall. This summer like others before it's all about color. Try grassy greens, cotton candy pink, and coral. Pink and blue are always classics, but why not mix it up with a bright white, or a floral print. Speaking of prints, this summer wear bold floral prints, to strong graphic prints. Other trends of the season include flowers, frills, ribbons, and bows. Layers are in as well, layered cami's, t-shirts, etc. Looks that remain classic over time are neutral colors, mini's, and cropped pants.
Now for the young men. Just because you're a guy it doesn't mean that you too can't look good. For you, worry about quality not quantity. Buy the classics, jeans, khaki pants, and t-shirts. You too can use color, to create new looks with the same basic pieces. For a subtle look try blue and green, khaki and gray, and orange and red. For a bolder look try black and white, navy and khaki, and denim and red. Also remember when dressing up your shoes and belt should be the same color. Don't mix up too much of one thing, experiment with different trends. For more tips on fashion go to: http://fashion.about.com.
Janitors
Cassie Orona
May 7, 2004You may recall a couple of issues ago when the Pepperbough and this reporter investigated the condition of bathrooms across campus. Now it's a month or so later and it's time to revisit the subject.
It's time to take stock in ourselves. Have we kept up the cleanliness of the bathrooms after the topic was addressed that it was clearly a health and safety issue? Have we all began to notice that yes, we are acting a little bit on the sloppy side when it comes to cleaning up after our own messes? Now to most of the students, this doesn't apply to you, but to the few students who do participate in trashing the bathrooms, and those that follow these few students, have you stopped or do you just not care about the health and safety of you as well as others? I have re-interviewed students, custodians, and staff alike to see if it has cleaned up or just got worse. Here's what they have to say.
Custodian Nolam Muhammad, who works evenings in the 500 wings, says that there are around 5% of students here that do this deliberately, 15% of students here who follow those other 5% and 80% of students who just have self discipline and do not take part in any of this. The bottom line is, as students of CHS, we need to have self-discipline and not do these things that are degrading to our school. "Here at Colton High, you have a great staff and students and I believe that if the vandalism stops or even decreases that the trash will also stop," says Muhammad. "It's just a matter of self discipline and understanding the issue on why students do this. I have never seen a bad kid in all my life."
As a janitor, you have to expect there to be trash and a mess to clean up, but we should be old enough to clean up after ourselves and be mature enough not to write our opinions on the walls of the bathrooms.
Junior Raquel Orona states that the bathroom issue is very disgusting. " I don't see how people can be so dirty and nasty. I think that having auto flush toilets will help out students who "forget" to flush them." A student, who wants to remain anonymous, says a similar argument. "I don't think the cleanliness from students has increased at all because the bathrooms are still the same, but I do think it would make a big difference if we had auto flush toilets and auto dryers. I think that with this, the bathrooms will not be as dirty." Junior Eric Olivas comments on the auto dryers as not making a whole lot of difference because the students will break them or do something to them. "I do think that it will be a good idea to have the auto flush toilets because then it wouldn't look all nasty!"
English teacher Lucas Drake says," Auto dryers would decrease trash under normal circumstances, however, a high school can hardly be described as 'normal circumstances'." He says that the increased vandalism would quickly render such dryers inoperable at a large cost to the school.
Well, I suppose that we can conclude that the vandalism needs to stop NOW! Drake also comments that as long as this act continues, no matter the technological advancements, the school will continue to close bathrooms throughout the day, and students will have to walk across campus just to use one.
It has been made clear that yes the vandalism needs to stop. It's just ridiculous all together. Some people being a little sloppy and not cleaning up after themselves is just ludicrous. We need to start being responsible and clean up our own messes and not make more of a mess. To keep up this cleanliness, this is what needs to happen and the only way this will happen is if we all pitch in together and make it happen. Remember that this is a health and safety issue and a matter of self-discipline. Let's all start to make a difference and be responsible.
Softball
Alyssa Isgett
May 7, 2004The Varsity softball team played Cajon for the second time this season April 29, 2004. Rozz Rios was the pitcher for the afternoon game. The game ended with the score of Cajon 4, Colton 1. Stacia Molina scored the only run when she hit a homerun. The Varsity record for the San Andres League is 6 wins, and 2 losses. After this game, they are currently tied with San G. for second place. If you haven't had a chance to come watch these girls play, their last home game is May 11th, at 3:15 versus San Bernardino High School. Their last game of the season is May 11th at San G. at 3:15.
For the J.V. softball team, it was also their second time playing Cajon. Cara Chavez pitched against the Cajon team. The end score was Cajon 3, and Colton 0. For the San Andres League, out of eight games, J.V. has won 6 and lost 2. There are only four games left this season. The last home game is May 11th versus San Bernardino High School at 3:15. The last game of the season is May 13th at San G. at 3:15.
Come out and support the Varsity and J.V. softball team for the last few games of the season.
Baseball
Elyssa Arroyo
May 7, 2004Up to the game on April 29th against Cajon, the varsity baseball team was playing strong, and will be heading into their next game with a league standing of 5-3.
At press time, there were four games left in the season. Two will have passed by the time the newspaper gets out, those being on May 4th and 6th .The other two of those games are next week, on the 11th, against SBHS and the 13th, against San Gorgonio. As for the end of the season, the varsity team plans to saty strong and keep getting stronger. "We may not be in first place, and we might not have the very best record, but we are going to championships", says sophomore Sean Daigle.
The J.V team, up until April 29th, had a league standing of 1-7, also with four games left in the season. "I think we'll play strong for the rest of the season", predicts sophomore Thomas Archuleta.
Tomorrow, Saturday, May 8, 2004, Varsity will play Yucaipa on the field of the Inland Empire 66ers. It's a perfect opportunity to go out, have fun and show your school spirit. Go watch a baseball game!