The Poly Optimist John H. Francis Polytechnic High School Vol. v 12431 Roscoe blvd. sun valley, california, 91352 May 2007 Polytechnic First High School in Students Send S.O.S To Presiden- Nation to Offer tial Candidates about Education Advantage Plus Students meet with to Freshmen MTV News on stu- Program of Academic dent issues. Rigor Presented By Julissa Delgado & Jennifer Ri- to Poly’s Incoming vera Staff Writers Freshmen. Retired school superinten- By Francisco Perez & Belle Tade- dent, Roy Romer met with stu- na dents from six San Fernando Staff Writers Valley schools in a townhall Beginning in the Fall mester, discussion to emphasize why 2007, the Advantage Plus education should be a prior- Program is being introduced to ity in the upcoming Presiden- the incoming freshmen class. tial campaigns. Leading the This new program enables discussion with Romer was students to advance in classes MTV News Correspondent and prepare themselves for SuChin Pak and State Super- the competitive universities intendent of Public Instruction they are to encounter. Selected Jack O’Connell. The filmed members of the Advantage discussion took place at Grant Plus program are provided High School on Wednesday, with a curriculum, giving them May 2. The students had the access to their full learning opportunity to voice out their opinions on education, the Photo by Jennifer Rivera capacity. A SELECT FEW: Students represent Poly at MTV forum. Left to Right: Aaron Sanchez, Mr. “The program gives good and bad. The campaign for education Leclair, Sergio Huizar, Michelle Aguila, Benito Gonzales,Joey Lemus, Julissa Delgado, AP Ge- non-magnet students the rardo Loera. opportunity to accelerate is called Ed in ’08. It is funded their classes to keep them by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. [Students cont. Page 7] from being held back from the classes they truly need,” proposed Patricia Flenner, ESL Students Celebrate Dreams Come True Assistant Principal, from the Gowns and tuxedos were the order of the Freshmen Center. Accomplishments Students are chosen based on night for Poly Parrots at Prom 2007. academic excellence, and for By Vilma Diego Korean, Thai, Tagalog, Viet- Staff Writer CST (California Standardized namese, and other languages By Ana Loera seated. Three male and seven Test) test scores. Freshman Students entering Poly- from India and Pakistan. The Staff Writer female contestants stood, Center staff looked at technic High School where program helps students with May 19, 2007 was an nervously awaiting the final students’ records to determine English is not their native English classes and includes unforgettable night for many, results. acceptable candidates for the language have additional all the A-G requirements. but especially for seniors Sanchez and Salvatierra program. An open house was obstacles to overcome. Af- The Small Learning Com- Ruby Sanchez w e r e munity of The Newcomers held to invite those who were ter many years of having an and Bryant announced as ESL program at Poly, the (ESL students) celebrated interested. Salvatierra. Poly’s 2007 first formal ESL awards cer- students moving to regular “Students who scored The two Prom Queen emony was held to celebrate English classes on April 27 ‘basic’ on their CST and have and King to the hard work and success of in the cafetorium. It wasn’t were crowned A’s and B’s on their report the students. just a celebration of complet- queen and king the cheering card have a higher chance of Mr. Fishman, the ESL ing a program, but also a cel- at this year’s crowd. being admitted to this program counselor said, “I think it ebration of the Newcomer’s Senior Prom, The new as opposed to students was very heartwarming.” group moving to the other held at the queen and who scored ‘proficient’ or The ESL program has stu- Small Learning Communities Omni Hotel in king took ‘advanced’ and have D’s and dents from a variety of native at Poly. “The feeling was of a Los Angeles. center stage as F’s in their academic classes. languages including, Spanish, As students junior council But the question is, do they [ESL cont. Page 7 ] and guests m e m b e r s have the drive to do it,” said arrived and did the Flenner. r e g i s t e r e d , Photo By Mildred Fuentes coronation. The program is for the they placed ROYALTY AT THE The couple students that feel held back their votes in PROM: Queen Ruby Sanchez c o m p l e t e d and are willing to be pushed the ballot for and King Bryant Salvatierra the traditional further. “Every student has their favorite share the traditional waltz at first waltz and access to the maximum of Prom court this year’s prom. then the crowd their ability,” Flenner said. contestants. partied on The beginning course will Everyone was then invited dressed in their formal gowns start with one month review to have dinner, take photos, and tuxedos.The DJ played a of Algebra 1B and continue and hit the dance floor. variety of music that ranged with Geometry and Foreign Hector Colon, 12th grade from 50s to techno to Spanish Language. Three years of council sponsor stopped the rock. The genre of the music English is still required. Photo by Tatiana Tejeda dancing to announce this played changed from one song AWARDS BY THE DOZEN: Left to Right: Rodrigo year’s Prom court. to the next and kept people [Advantage Plus cont. Page Rivas,Ada Nuñez,Elizabeth Peña,Gabriela Portillo,Laura Gon- The votes were counted and moving for the rest of the 5 ] zalez, Lervin Lopez and Ms. Slezak the crowd of appx. 600 was evening. Opinions The Poly Optimist The Poly Optimist EDITORIALS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR John H. Francis Math Coaches Give Thanks Polytechnic High School Hope Still Lies Ahead For 12431 Roscoe blvd. sun Dear Editor, valley, california, 91352 Undocumented Students We read your Optimist article on the Sudoku and were very Editor-In-Chief surprised, excited and pleased that the math finally got a spot Jennifer Rivera By Christian Faundez dents have fought so that il- light. Coming from the math people, we would love Sudoku Assistant Editor Staff Writer legal immigrants can have puzzles to be a frequent occurrence in our Poly Optimist. Thank Fernando Marquez the same opportuniy as any you. Photographers Everyone should have the other student. The laws have - Norma Grimaldo, Math Coach and Jenny Pacho, Efrain Rodriguez opportunity to go to college. changed and this is all for the Math Coach Tatiana Tejada For some students however Page Editors better. Four year colleges have even the application seems programs that make it easier Surveillance Cameras in Poly? Christian Faundez our of their reach. That has all Daniel Jimenez for undocumented students to Dear Editor, surveillance cameras by citing Camille Ocampo changed in California since the pay off student loans or sim- One of Polytechnic High a cleaner campus and saving Marcie Ulloa passing of CA State Assembly ply pay their tuition. Some School’s biggest problems is money. Two out of twenty or Cartoonist Bill 540 which allows illegal offer jobs and some have or- tagging. Have you seen tag- 10% of teachers said NO, cit- Raymond Carillo immigrants to pay “in-state” ganizations in support of their ging on campus? Most of the ing civil rights and privacy is- Optimist Advisor tuition. Not all undocumented daily needs whether it is with tagging happens on the week- sues. One teacher said maybe. Ethel Matlen students do not know that they a financial or a legal problem. end or at night. About 1,440 Twenty seven out of twen- Writers: really can afford to go to col- If you are undocumented work hours are spent between ty or 90% of the 30 students Eric Bejarano, Natalie lege in California today. Castaneda, Jane Cenon, you should not give up on pur- 3 custodians just to clean off surveyed said NO to video Some ask why go to college suing higher education. Many tagging each year at Polytech- camera surveillance. All of Vilma Diego, Evelyn if it is not going to change Escobar, Sergio Fajardo, parents who crossed the bor- nic HS. By using video sur- these students said that they Joseph Garcia, Osvin anything in my life? The truth der, worked on farms, fields veillance cameras we can pre- would have no privacy. Many Gonzales, Alejandra is that college, all over the and who suffered and endured vent tagging from happening. students didn’t want to go to Grimaldo, Evelyn Lemus, world, is a treasure that not so much, did so to open up op- We surveyed 10 adminis- the restroom and be watched. Jennifer Miranda, Fran- many people have because it portunities for their children. trators because we wanted to Video surveillance would be cisco Perez-Linares, Belle is either unaffordable or out of They wanted more for their know their opinion of video like prison for many students. Tadena, Tatiana Tejada, reach. A college education is children. Do not let their hard camera surveillance. Their Three out of thirty or 10% said Marcie Ulloa, Vianey Var- a recognized standard in this work and effort be in vane. unanimous 100% opinion was YES, citing a cleaner school. gas, Sergio Veliz, Michelle global economy and valued as Zamora Grab hold of all the educa- YES to video surveillance. Tagging is a serious prob- an intellectual asset. Students tional opportunities you can. Their reasons ranged from the lem at Poly and we need a should take advantage of what “The educated differ from obvious stopping tagging to solution. However, in a world our nation offers. There is the uneducated, as the living saving money by making the where everyone is watched Letters plenty of help within the Cali- from the dead” taggers clean off the tagging. from satellites, to traffic lights, Letters to the Editor fornia school system, all one are accepted and encour- - Aristotle Most surveys said that they to stores in the mall what dif- aged for topics relevant must do is ask. did not want a camera in a re- ference will one more camera to our readers. Submitted Teachers, parents and stu- make in your life, or is this letters must be typed or stroom. neatly printed in ink and Twenty teachers were one camera one to many? must have the signature Voicing Out on Violence surveyed and 17/20 or 85% - Cindy De La of the writer. Editors re- said YES to the surveillance Mora,Julio De La Mora and serve the right to deter- all demonstrate that using mine which issue the let- By Jennifer Rivera cameras. Most teachers were Veronica Gonzalez ter will published in, and Staff Writer guns, bombs, and violence comfortable with the idea of the right to edit the letter School shootings, fights, is the way to deal with prob- for grammar, length, and gang activity, all have one lems. Young people see this structure. Corrections published thing in common: Violence. as ‘cool’ and exciting and a The Virginia Tech tragedy clear cut way to deal with Immigration in the following issue of By Fernando Marquez that it is today. Immigration the newspaper. their problems, so they imi- that occurred in April shows Staff Writer infuses the United States with Send all letters to Rm.11 the outcome of someone’s tate it. These ‘solutions’ cost or leave in Ms.Matlen’s a plethora of cultures, lan- uncontrolled violent actions innocent lives and nobody is “Immigration.“ Defined as box. guages and ethnicities. and no one doing anything creating an alternative viable the action of entering and set- Editorial Policy Immigration as a whole about it. Innocent lives were to teach people about vio- tling in a country to which one The Poly Optimist ad- is not an issue limited to the heres to the responsibility lost and it could’ve been pre- lence. Everyone needs to be is not native. U.S., but a global issue. Im- of a Free Student Press. vented. Students at Virginia educated and understand that I believe that today’s world It serves as a voice for the migration has several causes Tech took notice of the event violence is never the answer leaders should come to agree- student body and the com- including war, poverty, and munity. This newspaper but the school did nothing no matter what that may be. ment on immigration policies; overpopulation. Oppressed accepts all the responsi- to keep them safe and away Schools teach students policies that are fair to the mi- bilities inherent in being a and impoverished people will from the danger. Violence is what they need to make grants and serve the country free press. The Optimist always seek a better life at staff strives to follow the an inevitable problem in any something of themselves and of destination. The movement any cost. Many people immi- Code of Ethics for the society and that needs to be becoming a violent person of individuals from one coun- Society of Professional grate to flee from the horrors reduced and taken care of. should never be an accept- try to another, has been and Journalists. Editorials are of war. the opinion of individual Violence in society and able goal. will be an issue that will con- Some immigrate in the staff writers, and not pre- schools continues to rise. A sad truth is that people tinue to plague the leaders of sented as news facts. hopes of acquiring a better life Students constantly worry seem to get away with vio- tomorrow for generations to or in search of better educa- about their safety and wonder lent acts. When someone gets come in America and around Corrections: tional, professional or finan- if anything will happen. With into fights, they get a day off the world. -In the April Edition the cial opportunities. the high increase of school from school and then return The controversy surround- Optimist incorrectly named Still others migrate be- violence students become and continue their angry ing this issue has been high- Mr. Hopkins as “Anthony” cause their home country is distracted and stray from ways. The students actions lighted by 2006’s May Day Hopkins. His name is David too overpopulated. All these their schoolwork. School of- are never really addressed nationwide marches; demon- Hopkins. causes have the same result: ficials need to take greater and those underlying causes. strating both the political and -In the April Edition the the collective movement of cautions about this problem Schools need to give more social conflict. Optimist incorrectly named attention on educating stu- people to different lands that because the students are de- Immigration should be an Aaron Sanchez as “Erin” dents to be civil and cope can better support their lives pending on them to keep asset for all countries. It al- Sanchez. with their problems in differ- and lifestyles. them safe while at school. lows for a mixture of cultures -In the story titled “Par- ent ways other than to fight The issue of immigration in The reality of this problem and ethnicities. It even is the rots Defeat Wolves,” the or be violent. the U.S. should be recognized is that young people are in- basis for the growth of one of Boy’s Varsity Volleyball team When you see someone and dealt with immediately fluenced by so much violence the most powerful countries in played against the North with the signs of violence, and just and humane solutions around them. This includes history, America. Without im- Hollywood Huskies and not it needs to be dealt with, not should be created for the ben- television shows, movies, migration our country would the Van Nuys Wolves. ignored. efit of not only migrants but of wars, and video games which not be the great diverse nation the rest of the people as well. The Poly Optimist Entertainment Spiderman Sudoku Time! Is Back in 2 8 6 5 7 1 Black 1 3 5 Raimy brings back Pe- ter Parker with a new 1 7 9 2 edge and graphics.
By Eric Bejarano 5 7 4 1 3 Staff Writer
Sony Pictures 3 1 7 2 4 New York’s all time favorite super hero has returned to (Topher Grace) and the evil acting like nothing happened. 6 5 3 save the city once again, extra terrestrial black goo. The Spiderman is an action from criminals and villains. Movie is rated PG-13 for mild packed film, which is full of 1 6 2 Sony Pictures and director violence and battle scenes. many visual effects. Spidey Sam Raimy presents the third Tobey Maguire plays engages in battle with his 6 4 3 7 1 sequel of the Spiderman Film Spiderman, also known as rival New Goblin, who later Franchise. Raimy is best known Peter Parker. Throughout becomes his ally after being for directing the classical cult the film Parker goes through hit on the head. Venom and 9 8 6 4 5 horror films “The Evil Dead.” many personalities from the The Sandman form an alliance Like all other Spiderman nerdy schoolboy to emotional against Spiderman, engage him movies, the film is based on depressed guy. Spidey is in the end.Spiderman 3 left off April Edition’s Sudoku answers: the entertaining and famous consumed by his feeling to take where the second one ended. Spiderman comic books. revenge on his uncle’s killer It was a good sequel Back by special request 3 9 7 4 8 6 1 5 2 Spiderman faces many new which is amplified by the black to the Spiderman trilogy. to all you sudoku fans out 2 5 4 3 7 1 8 6 9 villains including The Sandman goo. Parker does awkard things If you enjoyed seeing the there, we offer you another. 6 8 1 5 9 2 4 7 3 (Thomas Haden Church), New such as kissing his former love first two, then it’s well For all you “word-smiths” 5 4 2 7 1 8 9 3 6 Goblin (James Franco), Venom in front of Mary Jane and then worth watching the third. out there try to “Amass your 7 1 9 6 5 3 2 4 8 Ivy League Vocabulary 8 6 3 2 4 9 5 1 7 1 3 6 8 2 4 7 9 5 Skills.”Answering in edi- 4 7 8 9 3 5 6 2 1 Amass Your Ivy League Vocab tion. 9 2 5 1 6 7 3 8 4 By Joseph Garcia 1 2 3
California Crazy Laws 4 5 • Burlingame: It is illegal to spit, except on 7 8 baseball diamonds 6 9 • In California you may not set a mouse trap 10 11 12 without a hunting license. 13
• Pacific Grove: Molesting butterflies can result in 14 15 a $500 fine. 16 • In California it's against regulations to let phones ring more than nine times in state offices. 17 18 19
• In Los Angeles, years ago it was legal to cook in 21 your bedroom, but not to sleep in your kitchen. 20
• Community leaders passed an ordinance that 22 makes it illegal for anyone to try and stop a child from playfully jumping over puddles of water. crazylaws.com
TUXEDO TROUBLE By Raymond Carrillo freevocabulary.com
ACROSS 16. An open structure for 6. Absolute power abritrarily 3. An imaginary belt encircl- temporary shelter or unjustly administrated ing the heavens within which 17. A harmonious or agree- 8.Not possessed of resoning are larger planets able mingling of sounds powers or understanding 5. To deem worthy of notice 18.One who professes direct 11. A square shaft with pyra- or account divine illumination, or relies midal top, usually monumen- 7. Alert and intent mental upon meditation to acquire tal or commemorative watchfullness in guarding truth 13. That which contains and against danger 20.The head-harness of a gives shape or form to any- 9. To calculate arithmetically horse consisting of a head thing (also a noun meaning zero or stall, a bit, and the reins 14. adj.Corporeal nothing) 22. To wear away the surface 18. A labyrinth 10. One slightly skilled in or or some part of by friction 19. A slender, graceful young acquainted with any trade or woman or girl profession DOWN 20. To attack on all sides 12.The period of time during 1. A roguish,mischievous boy 21. To avoid by artifice which anything lasts 2. Foolish 15. Still existing and known 4. To regain Features The Poly Optimist AB540: Undocu- Stress, S i x Letter Killer mented Students By Jennifer Miranda Staff Writer Given Chance The clock is ticking, You Law gives students haven’t even started your ways to go to college. homework, college is just around the corner and you By Evelyn Escobar & Christian have no idea what you want Faundez to do with the rest of your life, Staff Writers and now your best friend is Are you an undocumented having “issues” with you. You junior or senior whose dream feel really stressed but what is slipping away because you exactly is stress and how does are unable to pay for college? it affect you? High schools all around Cali- Many people don’t realize fornia have undocumented how dangerous being con- students, otherwise known as tinually stressed out really California State AB540 stu- is. Stress is a normal physi- dents. Before January 2002 un- cal reaction that occurs when documented students thought you feel threatened or over- they could not afford to attend whelmed. You perceive a college because they had to situation as threatening or feel pay out-of-state tuition. overwhelmed because you are Currently out-of-state tu- dealing with too many respon- ition at UC’s, Cal States, and sibilities in school, home, or community colleges are triple everyday life and you don’t the fee for tuition. For UC know what to do next. Photo by Fernando Marquez universities it is six to seven Stress can lead to serious AP PROBELEMS?: Junior Jose Avendano stresses out over AP exams in May. thousand dollars extra for in- long-term physical damage ternational students. In Cal such as ulcers, stomach pain, dents have to be the best that at my church Mondays, Tues- my grades are going down be- State universities it is $339.00 or indigestion. they can be but now that school day, Wednesday, and Sun- cause I’m constantly tired at per unit and for community Physical signs stress in- has gotten more competitive, days!” says Junior Liliana Sil- school, and I sometimes go colleges it is $26.00 per unit. clude: headaches, digestive students find themselves run- vas, “That’s what colleges are to sleep in my classes,” Sil- Now, the California state As- problems, muscle tension and ning the extra mile by joining looking for.” vas said. “The world itself is sembly Bill 540 allows un- pain, sleep disturbances, or clubs, playing sports, and vol- When a teen fails to rise up a stressful place, with support- documented students to pay weight gain or loss. unteering almost all of their to meet their expectations, or ing family, jobs, and responsi- in-state tuition. Stress also affects your free time, because they think that of others, teenagers expe- bilities. Stress is much greater This law only applies to the mind in various ways such as this will make them “stand rience frustration, anger, and when you leave high school,” state of California and does memory problem. You may out.” When asked if school has depression. said Thatt. not provide financial aid to un- experience difficulty making gotten harder over the past five Students, like adults strug- According to the American documented students. FAFSA, decisions, an inability to con- years, Thatt said, “There are gle with time management. Academy of Pediatrics, Sui- grants and federal loans are not centrate, confusion, or desire definitely more requirements, Unable to find enough time of cide is the third leading cause an option for them. Students to escape or run away instead especially when a student their own, students often lose of death for 15 to 24 year-olds. can apply for scholarships if of dealing with the problem. wants to go to a four year col- interest in studies,drop-out, or Every hour and forty-five min- they are eligible. Teenagers have an assort- lege.” Students find it almost fail classes. They often feel utes another young person “All eligible students can ment of stresses in their lives impossible to have a life and stressed by being asked to do commits suicide. apply for scholarships. There and school is definitely one of relax once in a while. too much in too little a time. If you’re feeling stress, alco- are eligibility requirements, the biggest. “Not only do I come to “I come home exhausted and hol and drugs will not make it some are for specific eth- According to Counselor school everyday, I also go to I never have time to help my better. These remedies usually nicities, some are for specific Steve Thatt, Not only do stu- adult school, and I volunteer mom around the house, I think only create more problems. GPAs, etc. There is a scholar- ship for everyone. There are many scholarships for AB540 Students Learn To Stay Sober and Safe students. You won’t get a scholarship if you don’t ap- By Michelle Zamora in the L.A.U.S.D district. It Staff Writer promotes Sober Graduation ply,” said Leona Warman, col- at this time because this is the lege counselor. A car might not be the first season when seniors graduate To qualify you must: have thing that comes to your mind and have celebrations such as attended a California high when you think “dangerous” prom, grad night, and their cap school for three or more years, In reality a car is a deadly and gown ceremony. pass the California High weapon when used with alco- According to
Photo Provided By Ana Loera Photo By Tatiana Tejada DEVOTED DRILL TEAM: Despite having no formal coach, this year’s Drill Team succeeded PIGS CAN FLY: Ivonne Moreno’s school pig is on display as on their own and won 3rd Place at a competition held at Six Flags Magic Mountain. the first prize winner in the ceramics piggy bank contest.
By Tatiana Tejada we would have had less dis- of Poly’s senior student, Ser- Staff Writer agreements about discipline, gio Rodriguez and tabs of pre- Ceramic Contest routines and dress code. Moral vious routines. Poly’s Drill Team complet- By Sergio Fajardo & Tatiana Te- principal and staff members. support was a neglected neces- Lack of coaching affect- jada ed at Six Flags Magic Moun- Ivonne Moreno is this year’s sity, however the team man- ed the teams discipline that Staff Writers tain, taking third place in me- first prize winner for both the aged to work together and ac- started with 44 members and teapot and piggybank contest. dium military division out of Ceramics is not just a class complish a victory,” explained ended with 22 members. “The She received $150.00 reward seven schools Sunday, April for fun, but also an art form Loera. biggest support that the team and a Senior Award certifi- 29. Their success this year that can help relieve stress. To Mr. Isaacs agreed to be their had came from parents who let cate for ceramics. When asked can be attributed to the leader- many students working with official sponsor. Mr. LeClair, us participate in our events,” where her designs originated ship, of their captain Mericia clay, creating plates, cups, Ms. Heilbron, Mrs. Elias, Mr. said Alcaraz. she said, “I got my design for Alcaraz and co-captain Ana bowls and figurines from clay Schwal and Steve Nares pro- Alcaraz and Loera believed the teapot from a computer Loera, who persevered with- is the art of a sculpture. Mrs. vided much needed support they would have 1st if they had game named McGee’s Alice out any formal coach. Daneshvari, C track teacher from Poly’s faculty and staff. the benefit of a formal coach. In Wonderland. As for the pig- There were many obstacles holds a teapot and a piggy bank Etiquette uniforms were It’s a great accomplishment gybank I just tried to be cre- they had to overcome from the contest for her students during only worn once during football that both captains achieved. ative and have fun with it.” moment the team was formed; Spring season. All entries are season due to lack of funds. They had to deal with school- Ivonne’s winning teapot will these included delayed uni- welcome, with the best cre- Without supervised coaching, work, paperwork, the team and be displayed at CSUN later forms, fundraisers and struc- ative work chosen by Poly’s fundraisers are non-existent. a social life of their own. But ture. “We could have done this year in their art showcase. The dance routines were cre- in the end Poly’s drill team better with a coach because ated by Alcaraz with the help never gave up. Recognition for Poly’s Parrots Go Sing Band and Orchestra at By Alejandra Grimaldo & Vianey Vargas Heritage Festival Staff Writers Band and Orches- many points were given and What do Mickey Mouse, tra bring home the the range, gold plaque, silver Donald Duck, and Goofy have plaque or bronze plaque. Bronze from San The band’s performance in- in common? They all got to Francisco. hear Poly’s Choir sing their cluded “Danny Boy,” an Irish hearts out. Poly’s Choir trav- piece, “Americans We” and By Natalie Castaneda & Evelyn “Pageants of Glory.” eled to Orlando, Florida for Escobar competition and fun. They left Staff Writers The orchestra’s perfor- L.A. Thursday, April 26 and mance included “Touch of Ire- returned Sunday, April 29. Poly’s concert band and land,” a combination of “Con- They toured Disney World orchestra traveled to San certo #2,” “Brandenburg” and Epcot, Universal Studios, Is- Francisco, April 26 to com- “New World Symphony.” land of Adventure, and Down- pete against other high school “We did the best that we town Disney. Choir raised bands and orchestras in their could with the little warm-up their own money through ac- 3A division. time we had, but we did not Photo Provided By Belle Tadena tivities, which included: Poly This is their fourth year play to the best of our ability,” Idol, Valentine’s Day Dance, WORD HARD, PLAY HARD: Choir fundraised all year-long competing at the Heritage Fes- said Manny Alvarez, sopho- Singing Telegrams, and sell- to get to Orlando. They competed and won the silver plaque. tival. The band and orchestra more percussion player. returned from this four-day ing candy bars. “Even though song. The songs were “Can- “This is the most amazing The band and orchestra trip with a Bronze plaque. it was hot and humid, we still tate Domino” by Giuseppe trip that the Choir has ever students also went sight see- “The band overall had a sang awesome,” says Eric Pitoni and Linda Spevacek, participated in,” says Kevin ing. This included the famous good performance but we have Reyes, C-track Freshmen. “That Ever I Saw” by Darmon Patterson, Choir instructor. Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39 done better,” said Steven Isaa- “It has been the most mem- Meader and “Steady My Trem- The Choir members would and the Palace of the Fine cs, music director. orable trip that the Choir has bulin’ Soul” by Mark Hayes. like to thank Dr. Jan Fries- Arts. In the Palace of the Fine The band and orchestra taken, leaving many memories Choir took the Silver plaque. Martinez, Principal and Mrs. Arts at the Golden Gate Park, were ranked by overall points behind,” says Jennifer Ca- “We ignored the weather and Shery Lopez for all their help the students were able to see and received the bronze plaque brera, C-Track Senior. In the had the time of our lives,” says in making this trip possible. Greek sculptures, statues, col- based on performance. Deci- competition, they sang a love, Jonathan Ramirez, A-track umns and beautiful gardens. sions were made based on how gospel, and foreign language Sophomore. The Poly Optimist Campus Connection Lets all Scream for Ice Cream
By Marcie Ulloa their spirit in cooking,” said Staff Writer Higgins. The clubs main purpose The cooking club is selling is to eventually start a ice cream during lunch and scholarship fund. after school to raise money. “I want to do the scholarship Mr. Higgins is the sponsor of for a student that I feel the club and is open to anyone deserves to go to a culinary who has the excitement to school that doesn’t have the cook. means,” said Higgins. “I like to get people Cooking Club has twenty- together with the love of five active members that cooking like myself and to meet Thursdays at lunch in bring out the enthusiasm and room 62. Poly Booster Club Needs a Boost
By Eric Bejarano Students will setup booths Photo By Evelyn Lemus Staff Writer and sell food items. PARROTS FLY THE COOP: Students spent a day learning about aviation careers. The club is promoting itself The Poly Booster club, to obtain more members and Parrots Take to the Skies beginning next July, hopes to help the school with needs help students at Polytechnic of sports, clubs and school Students take a that relate to aviation, careers In addition, the National High school by raising funds supplies. day to view their including internships, and Aeronautic and Space Admin- for sports, clubs, music, and The Booster Club is headed scholarships. The National istration (NASA) provided in- academics. by Poly parent Maria Barnoya, future options in Transportation Safety Board formation about their program Their first fundraiser will who can be contacted through aviation careers. also offered information for and the required education to be a carnival. The Carnival Ms.Flenner’s office in the those who wish to pursue a ca- join the NASA team. will be held the weekend of Freshmen Center. By Evelyn Lemus & Belle Tadena reer in law enforcement within “The exhibits in the tour August 24,25 and 26. Staff Writers the Aviation industry. made me want to pursue my Poly Parrots joined hun- “The students’ behavior career as a pilot even more,” Students Voices Heard dreds of other students for the really did surprise me,” said said Colleen Tomsik, who at- Aviation Career Day, April Damonte. “They were very tended the trip. [Education from Page 1] obstacles to reach college. 20th. Its purpose was to intro- enthusiastic.” Students learned about the “A lot of people who are in duce students to the numerous Students were encour- differences between private Six students represented charge of our education, they career options relating to the aged to participate in activi- and commercial airlines. Pri- Poly at the discussion, who at- don’t expect us to do any- Aerospace industry. ties. Some were able to create vately owned planes include tended with Leadership spon- thing,” said Aaron Sanchez, High schools all over the model aircrafts, while others smaller aircrafts while larger sor, Mr. LeClair, Assistant from Poly. San Fernando Valley attended piloted airline models, and/or planes include government Principal, Gerardo Loera, and Hopefully presidential can- the fair hosted by Syncro Avi- wore pilot gear for visual real- owned, military, or commer- the Principal Jan Fries – Mar- didates will hear student voices ation Inc., Van Nuys Airport ity simulation. cial airlines. tinez. and find bypartisan solutions and in conjunction with the of- Many high school students Remember it takes more than Students discussed many for the benefit of students. fice of L.A. Councilman Tony may find their future education just pilots to keep on going; Cardenas. to be very expensive. The U.S. there is more to flying an air- Thursday Pia Damonte from the Coast Guard representative plane, from mechanics, engi- Club 10th Grade Council Dean’s Office said, “Expo- explained that training and neering or interior designs, to Ms.Calzada Rm. 115 sure. That’s what the tour was money for college is available flight attendants, and military all about.” making an aviation career pos- related careers including search Meetings 11th Grade Council Students were introduced to sible. Students are reminded to and rescue with the U.S. Coast Ms. Pak Rm. 98 many different opportunities ask for help in the college of- Guard and National Guard. Monday fice with Ms. Warman. 12th Grade Council No clubs Mr.Patterson Rm. M2 Optimist Learns Black Student Association ESL Triumphs from the Best Meet Ms. Terry Rm.29 [ESL from Page 1] By Sergio Veliz dents in the program. The Staff Writer Chess Club graduating students encour- Poly journalists paid a visit Tuesday Mr.Berkeley Rm. 73 small learning community, a aged the audience to keep to the L.A. Times downtown family, students, and adults working hard and to not be and learned all there is to know shy about being in ESL. “We Blue Ribbon Committe Cooking Club together,” said Fishman. about the paper’s coverage on Students were invited to used to be just like you,” said Ms.Pleitez Rm. 211 Mr. Higgins world news. participate in the ceremony the students as they explained “File. Click. Print. Click,” and recited their own poems. how they used to be uncom- Chess Club Latinos Unidos Ms. Hays’ English class per- fortable with English. the tour guide described the Mr.Berkeley Rm. 73 Ms.Bonar Rm. 27 formed their own original Since most of the students process of today’s newspa- plays, where they made fun are new to the country, they per output and compared it to Wednesday French Club of themselves constructively. also had a chance to visit dif- when it began. Ms. Vamosio Rm. 20 Guitar and piano players ac- ferent parts of Los Angeles. Photography has come a California Scholarship companied the presentations. This year’s students went on long way from the Times early Federation (CSF) Friday Ms. Espinoza presented a a field trip to the Santa Mon- beginning. slideshow to the audience, ica Pier. “Back then your film was Ms.Pleitez 9th Grade Council composed of students, teach- After the ceremony a glass plate,” stated the tour B Track-Rm. 115 Ms.Navarro Rm. 308 ers and staff from the ESL Ms.Slezak and Ms. Gonzales guide. “You had those flash A Track-Rm. Library program. from the Parent Center orga- bulbs that you had to change Purposed Centered Hu- Mr. Dechenes, a 3 and 4 nized a cookout for the stu- after each shot.” Chess Club manism (PCH) ESL class teacher said, “I dents. “It was very difficult to “Since December 4, 1881, feel very proud to be an ESL organize and all ESL teachers Mr. Berkeley Rm. 73 Mr.Cuevas Rm. 36 the L.A. Times has never teacher.” really embraced the opportu- missed an issue,that’s 126 nity to help them realize the During the ceremony, the years ,” said the tour guide. Gay Straight Alliance Teens For Christ ESL 3 and 4 students talked big step they have taken,” Mr.Bertz Rm. 338 Ms. Casillas Rm. 46 to the newcomers and stu- said Ms.Slezak. Sports The Poly Optimist Parrots Save the Best For Last Poly makes playoffs after defeating Van Nuys 28-1.
By Daniel Jimenez Staff Writer
Not only did the Parrots win the Sunset Six for the third year in a row on Friday, but they also made a statement. A big one at that. There was talk that the Verdugo Dons were the better team. Say that after beating the Parrots in two out of three games this season, the Dons would take the Sunset Six Title. What was the statement made? The Parrots are still the best team in the Sunset Six League. A Poly victory over Van Nuys by a score of 28-1 proved that. Coach Chuck Schwal and his team have not lost a series in over three years, with a record of 42 wins and 3 losses, and the possibility of not making the playoffs had never been considered until Verdugo posted a 12-3 league record this season. Two of those twelve victories coming Photo By Efrain Rodriguez versus Poly. “They were just the better HOW TO HIT A HOME RUN: Poly Parrot Juan Carlos Sanchez hits an incoming pitch. Sanchez scored a total of 8 runs in team in those two games, and the game against Van Nuys. we were a little worried down the standings, and then at the still a game, and the Parrots only run in the first inning. to get the win, striking out six the stretch, but we knew they’d schedule: Poly had a one game still had to go out, perform, Poly’s Juan Sanchez scored and allowing just one hit. lose one more game, and we lead over the Dons, and was and get themselves a ticket to six runs and batted in two more. The Parrots will face El were facing Van Nuys for the facing last place Van Nuys in the playoffs. That they did. Gustavo Garcia hit his fourth Camino Real on Wednesday last game,” said Schwal. the season finale. “We still had to take care of home run of the season and May 23rd in the Playoff opener A small sigh of relief was Poly had outscored the business, we did, and we put batted in a total of five runners. at Poly. The Conquistadors let out by the Poly baseball Wolves 34-0 in two previous up 20 plus runs,” said Schwal. Oscar Soriano had five RBI’s, finished the regular season team when they took a peak at games this season, but it was The Wolves scored their and stepped on to the mound with a 17-13 record. Running for Victory By Mildred Fuentes & Osvin Gon- the top schools for the league Hopes and Hurdles zales title. Staff Writers “Sylvia set the school record By Mildred Fuentes & Osvin Gon- Coached by Mario Rivera in the 100m hurdles with a zales and assistant coaches Rudy time of 15.88.” Cuevas says, “ Staff Writers Cuevas and Pedro Valencia, A 20 year old record.” Poly ended their regular season Athletes with individual Sylvia Alboniga has with five victories for the boys titles were, Victor Gamboa brought Track & Field up to new standards this year. and three for the girls out of in the 110 hurdles. Micheal When she came to Poly seven meets. Park in the 400 meter, Stallon the thought of running track They achieved seven league Watson in the 110 and 300 never crossed her mind. titles and 19 advanced to city hurdles. Sylvia Alboniga in However, she says, “Ms. semi-finals. Poly moved to the 100 hurdles and the boys Terry pushed me to do it.” preliminaries, competing with and girls 4x400 relay team. Many people in her life are an inspiration she says, “My SPORTS ROUNDUP mom because everything I do is for her, Ms. Terry and GIRLS Mrs. Brown because they’re always there to answer my SOFTBALL questions. Mr. Rivera and The Lady Parrots were eliminated from the playoffs after los- Mr. Cuevas for helping me Photo By Mildred Fuentes ing to the Palasades Dolphins by a score of 6-4. They ended the and the track team. Mr. STAYING STRONG: Sylvia Alboniga jumping hurdles and season with an 8-2 league record and made the playoffs for the Cuevas encouraged me to try breaking records for Poly’s Track and Field. second year in a row. the hurdles.” “Learning to jump hurdles 46.3. education comes first. wasn’t easy for me, I fell a “I have goals to break She will be attending a BOYS lot, but I love it and I am still my own records, on my 300 community college and VOLLEYBALL there,” Alboniga said, “I love meter hurdles. I would like to hopes to get scouted for her The Varsity Volleyball team, without star player Aaron San- track.” run a 44. and I would like to running. chez fell to Narbornne High School in the season finale by a Sylvia relates her running run a 15 flat on my 100meter When asked what she score of 25-10, 25-11 and 25-19. to her everyday life. She hurdles.” As she is on her thought about in those 46.3 says, “I see every hurdle way to preliminaries, she seconds she said, “A lot of as an obstacle I have to would like to drop a second things go through my head BASEBALL overcome and the finish line off of her time on the 300- like pumping my arms and The Varsity team won against Grant 5-1, improving their is my main goal.” meter hurdles. running as fast as I can. I league record to 13-2. Gustavo Garcia allowed just three hits Alboniga broke Poly’s Sylvia hopes to run for always try my best and do in the seven innings pitched. Two of the five runs scored by school record with a time of UCLA, but believes her my best.” Poly were due to errors commited by Grant.