EXTRA The Poly Optimist John H. Francis Polytechnic High School Vol. XIV 12431 Roscoe blvd. sun valley, california, 91352 September 2008 Vote ‘08 Making History Program By Angel Silva Staff Writer

Senator Barack Obama and Governor Sarah Palin made political history this year. With his nomination as the Democratic nominee for the presidency, Obama became Improved the first African-American to successfully be a candidate for a major party. By Karinina Cruz On the Republican side, Pa- Staff Writer lin is the second major-party vice presidential candidate he cloud has lifted, blue skies and the first woman on a GOP are back. ticket. Having now met Adequate Yearly Progress for two consec- GOP utive years, Poly is free at last veep ofT its Program Improvement status. Sarah “Teachers made it happen and administra- Palin tors moved barriers,” said Poly interim princi- pal Gerardo Loera. “I am proud to be part of a community that believes in kids and to be part Dem of a school that has come a long way.” choice Poly has been under Program Improvement Barack (PI) status since 2002. State officials have the Obama option of taking over the school if sufficient improvement does not take place within five years. Both political figures have “Poly is the only comprehensive high school been attacked, either for race, in the Los Angeles Unified School District gender or for political tactics. (LAUSD) to exit the Program Improvement Early in his campaign, Year Five (PI5) status this year,” said Loera. Obama was under fire from “Poly High School is one of two high schools several directions, from small in LAUSD to have achieved this,” said LAUSD things such as emails and vid- Superintendent David Brewer. Banning High Photo by Michael Obando eos on YouTube, to more pub- School exited PI5 status last year. lic attacks such as those of the Fifteen schools in California, including el- BY THE NUMBERS: (From left) LAUSD Superintendent David L. Brewer, State Reverend Jeremiah Wright in ementary and middle schools, exited PI5 status Superintendent Jack O’Connell, and Poly Interim Principal Gerardo Loera. March 2008. Obama has also this year. strategies for exiting Program Improvement.” been accused of “playing the “We have made remarkable progress for the Poly’s academic successes this year include O’Connell, race card” during his cam- last seven years,” said Interim Principal Ge- a six-year accreditation from the Western As- paign. rardo Loera. sociation of Schools and College (WASC) and Brewer at McCain drew criticism for The federal accountability system, Adequate a 66.4% completion rate for A-G requirements choosing Palin for his running Yearly Progress (AYP) focuses on whether or for 2007, the highest in LAUSD. Poly Press mate. Her youth, social con- not students are scoring at the proficient level “We project that more than 75% of Poly’s servatism, and appeal to disaf- or above on the state assessments. AYP is the 2008 class has completed the A-G require- Conference fected Hillary Clinton voters result of Congressional legislation known as ments,” said Loera. “If we’re right, we’ll couldn’t make up for her lack No Child Left Behind (NCLB). beat some of the highest performing charter By Angel Silva & of experience and short time “Since we’re meeting the AYP requirements, schools.” Karinina Cruz on the political stage. Palin’s we are also meeting NCLB requirements,” said Poly this year is ranked number one in the Staff Writers political positions, such as her Loera. “The AYP is defined by the NCLB.” district among non-charter schools. approval of oil development in Poly was recently named a school “On The “Having these successes gives us credibility Poly did better than protected wildlife areas, have Right Track” by the state of California, Loera within the district,” said Loera, “and shows that LAUSD and LAUSD did bet- been praised by Republicans said, and Parrot administrators and teachers improvement is possible in a large school like ter than the state of California and condemned by others. will present the school’s strategies at a meeting Poly.” on 2008’s high stakes testing. Controversy aside, both po- in Costa Mesa next month. Brewer frequently describes Poly as a model That was the news State litical figures have reconfig- “A team of Poly teachers will be at the sym- Superintendent of Schools [See AYP, Page 8] ured the face of politics. posium,” said Loera. “We will share our best [See API, Page 7] Friday Vegan In Ballet Night The Valley Folklorico Lights See Vegan | Page 3 See Culture | Pages 4 / 5 See Fest | Page 8 The Poly 2 September 2008 Comments Optimist L E T T E R S T O T H E E D I T O R Character Counts

Comments on our A decade ago, St. Genevieve High School in Pan- FEEDBACK September issue. orama City was in trouble. Crumbling facilities, de- My favorite article must be “Rollin’ administraters, and staff have their On Air.” I like the fact that information own family too. Also, it shows that clining enrollment, only 35% going on to college, all like this is shared to us so we can see they are like us too and need their how are world is changing for the own time for other things. better. were problems. Laura Sepulveda [10TH] In 1999, Daniel Horn joined the school as “When I first came and my brother dropped Stephanie Herrera [11TH] principal and instituted a character-building me off and said ‘Have a good day,’ I was I like the “Rollin’ On Air” article, I program. scared,” said 14-year old freshman. “It’s so dif- My favorite was the “Parrots Have really like it because you guys are Star Quality” article. It shows that covering not just Poly news but Daily attendance went up, enrollment went ferent than elementary school. But right away, Poly is not only awesome with their world news. I really like the people up, the number of students on the honor role all these new people, juniors and seniors, said grades, but also in the creativity and and you guys are doing a good job, went up, according to Horn. ‘hi’ and treated me like family. Right away I “Star Quality” as it says. keep it up! In 2003, St. Genevieve became the first Cath- felt like it was home.”

Karina Muniz [11TH] Brandon Perez [10TH] olic school in the nation to be named a National “But more important,” said Horn, “are things School of Character by the Character Educa- that are hard to put a measuring stick to, like I like every single article in this Well, my favorite is the front page tion Partnership based in Washington, D.C. students who look you in the eye and are con- awesome newspaper. But it wouldn’t because it is the most interesting. “Our students aspire to be men and women fident.” hurt if you guys would add a section They have great pictures that catch of character - trustworthy, respectful, respon- In some ways, Poly and St. Genevieve are where people out of the OPTIMIST my attention. Also they talk about could write articles too. It’s not fair anything. sible, fair, caring and good citizens,” says the similar. Both schools have made many improve- we don’t get to do that. There is school’s website. ments and can boast of major accomplishments. too many people who are awesome Diana Hernandez [10TH] “We provide opportunities for values clarifi- Both high schools are located in violence-prone writes and can’t prove it. Also add a cation and moral growth, a chance for students areas. They both survived school related prob- section of contest. My favorite part is the Cartoons. You should really put one page all about to be their moral best.” lems. But most importantly, Poly and St. Gen- Maria Sanchez [10TH] cartoons. At the entrance to St. Genevieve are six pil- evieve have improved and succeeded. lars that represent the traits that build character. If character building at a nearly-condemned Well, I like the Parrothood article. Sara Gomez [10TH] But can you put more activities like Students, teachers and administrators see these school made students better, could the same words as a reminder of the “moral code.” program improve Poly a little more? If we are skateboarding, biking, etc. Other My favorite article was “Faer’s than that it’s pretty cool. Sophomore Season” because he gives Every year, upper classmen welcome fresh- aiming to continue improving, we can adopt a his thoughts on what he is expecting men with open arms and pancakes in an all-day similar program of character building to pro- Anthony Gaitano [11TH] from his team for this year and is ceremony. mote academic success. going to do anything he can to make Each time I like to look at the Individualized classes in fitness instruction Poly could surpass its current attendance and them the best team. OPTIMIST I like to look at the sports from salsa to tai chi are offered to St. Gene- graduation rates, resulting in higher college section. Last time I checked it I was Jonathan Zaldanna [10TH] vieve’s students. The school also provides trips graduation rates. surprised to see Telemundo in our to foreign countries like China and France. St. Genevieve has already accomplished school. I never thought Telemundo My favorite article in this edition of could have visited us and be interested Cool, huh? Not to mention their graduation rate great things. They’ve proved that character The OPTIMIST is “She’s A California in Poly’s sports. last year: 100%. counts. Girl Now.” I thought that it was really interesting, and I found it really cool Gloria Tecum [10TH] how a foreign person could easily blend in with a whole new crowd. In my opinion my favorite article was the one of Parrothood because it Cheska Ramas [10TH] shows us that many of our teachers,

The OPTIMIST John H. Francis Polytechnic High School 12431 Roscoe Blvd. Sun Valley, CA, 91352 URL: http://www.polyhigh.org

Editor-In-Chief Jason Castro A Heartbeat from the Presidency? Editorial What’s up, John McCain? I heard about your “maladaptive behavior.” Page Editors Karinina Cruz Policy vice president, and I was wondering if you’ve In October 1996, she tried firing Wasilla po- gone insane. Well, more than usual. lice chief, librarian, public works director, and Belle Tadena The OPTIMIST is the Enter Sarah Palin. finance director, and instituted a policy requir- voice of the Poly com- Political Editor South Carolina Senator and close friend of ing department heads to get her approval before munity and accepts the Angel Silva yours Lindsey Graham noted in an interview talking to reporters. I wonder why? responsibilities of a free that Palin’s life story is one with which your In January 1997, Palin fired the police chief Sports Editors press. The OPTIMIST supporters can most closely identify, and that and tried to fire the town librarian because she Diana Jaurequi follows the Code of Eth- she will project a human, down-to-earth qual- believed the two did not fully support her poli- ics for the Society of Pro- Photo Editors ity. cies. fessional Journalists. Edi- Michael Obando Oh, really? Let’s look through her Anyone somewhat reminded of torials are the opinions of Cartoonist life, shall we? Guantanamo Bay? Ricky De Guzman the staff writers. She was born in Idaho forty- Oh, it gets worse. As Alaska’s Marina Turruelles four years ago, and later moved to governor, Palin strongly promoted Writers: Letters Alaska. As a teenager, she smoked oil and natural gas resource devel- Jocelyn Alas, Letters to the Editor marijuana during the time when opment in Alaska, including in the Adriana Amaya, must be typed or neatly possession was legal in Alaska. Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge Karinina Cruz, printed in ink and include Well, at least that’s something that (ANWR), a protected reserve of Diana Jauregui, the writer’s signature. The some young voters can relate to… 19,049,236 acres and home to en- Hazel Kasusky, OPTIMIST reserves the In 1984, she finished second in dangered species such as polar bears Lizette Lopez, right to edit submissions. the Miss Alaska pageant, at which and seals. Angel Silva, Send letters to Rm.11 or she won the "Miss Congeniality" But enough already. Here’s my Belle Tadena. Mr. Blau’s box. award. last question. With all those “great” Republi- Yeah, all of us can really relate to these can politicians out there, was Palin really the Optimist Advisor things. Great job, Johnny! best choice to (literally) be a heartbeat from the John Blau But let’s be civil-now we look at her career. presidency? As mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, Palin had some Hope you live long, ‘cause if you don’t, it’s episodes of what psychologists would call Palin that will lead the U.S. to it’s demise. The Poly Optimist Features September 2008 3 Vegan in the Valley

the meats are soy products, By Jocelyn Alas although most include non- Staff Writer vegan ingredients. “This quaint little I decided that I would go For those new to the veggie restaurant that I had scene, it can often be difficult with the “chicken” quesadilla to transition from meat-eater and “beef” tacos and the “very passed by so many to herbivore. Many who con- veggie” drink. The waitress times was surpris- explained to us that Leonor’s sider the lifestyle, decide not ingly delightful. I do to go through with it because dishes contain no MSG and so their social life will have to can sometimes taste bland. For recommend it great- change. In fact however, that that reason, every table has a ly. Especially the is not true at all. Even here in bottle of Spike seasoning as a the San Fernando Valley it is substitute for salt and MSG. I North Hollywood easy to find delicious veggie would recommend adding this location with origi- friendly restaurants. to most dishes. The waitress brought my nal manager and If you think good Mexican Internet Photo food can’t be vegetarian, Le- “very veggie” drink and I fell founder Leonor.” LEONOR’S: The place to go for frothy veggie drinks. onor’s Vegetarian Mexican in love with it. The frothy mix- Restaurant will change your ture contains carrots, celery, make it too thick. The spicy eggplant dish I or- mind. The closest location is spinach, beets, tomatoes, and even though I was already full, The Miso soup I ordered dered had a bountiful amount at 11403 Victory Blvd across cucumbers. The strongest fla- I desperately wanted a piece. with my lunch special had of eggplant. Unfortunately, it from the old El Cubano Mar- vor was the celery, but it was This quaint little restaurant the traditional taste that I had was very garlicky and once I ket. not overwhelming and actu- that I had passed by so many hoped for. My friend Estela was half done I could no lon- From the out side, the res- ally made it very refreshing. times was surprisingly de- Ramirez, who ordered the ger eat it. The fake fish I - or taurant looked old, dated, dirty The presentation of all lightful. While not a four star salad with her lunch special, dered only tasted like fish and not the type of place I the dishes is appealing. The restaurant, I do recommend it said that “it was really good, once I picked a piece out and would eat at, but inside it has a “chicken” quesadilla was deli- greatly. Especially the North but too sweet for my taste.” sucked on it. Other than that it totally different atmosphere. cious. The “chicken” in it had Hollywood location with orig- I tried it and disagreed, feel- was barely noticeable. The employees greeted us a baked taste and almost even inal manager and founder Le- ing the peanut taste overcame Each lunch special ($7.95) with smiles and were very a fried chicken taste. The gua- onor. the sweetness. However, we comes with a small spring roll friendly. Although small, its camole side was jam-packed For vegans who adore Thai both agreed it was sweet, so and a brown rice ball. Each seven tables have plenty of with tomatoes, onion, and cuisine, the Lotus Vegan res- it’s great for all those sweet- was good in its own way, but room. Despite its orange and spices. taurant is just the thing. Lo- toothed vegans. not that distinctive in com- white walls, the décor is not The beet salad that my sis- cated at 5038 Vineland Ave. in The lentil loaf had a very parison to the rest of the plate. overwhelmingly “authentic” ter ordered (she’s a meat eat- the heart of the NoHo art dis- odd look to it. It came in a The sauce for the egg rolls was Mexican. It feels very homey er) smelled sweet and tangy. trict, the Lotus Vegan is wel- simple, brown, baked, crusty tangy and sharp. Each of the in its Latino style, yet still When I asked her what she coming restaurant. While it block. I was a bit apprehensive, portions of these dishes has a clean and professional. thought of it she said “that just is extremely tiny and slightly but after I tried it, I couldn’t good amount of food, leaving From tacos to burritos, en- hits the spot” and then said, “I untidy, it does have some out- stop eating it. It was flaky and you neither hungry nor overly chiladas and tamales, the menu love the way it‘s sweet, but not door seating. Purely vegan, the scrumptious. The lentils were stuffed. is authentically Hispanic. The too much.” menu offers all the standard mashed in and the texture was Although some aspects of prices are also incredibly rea- The tacos were stuffed with Thai dishes. soft, almost like white rice. the Lotus Vegan were disap- sonable; the “Forever Young” beans, lettuce, “beef”, and pico The service is quick and The Pad Thai that my friend pointing, overall the restaurant beet salad goes for $4.50, Do- de gallo. The portions are gen- the waiters attentive. Before ordered was pretty good. The did well at “vegan-izing” Thai ry’s potato salad for $5.70, and erous for the prices. As I tried we knew it, our Thai Teas noodles were decent and had cuisine. The prices are all be- the “beef” burrito for $4.50. to finish off my last taco, the had come to the table. The tea plenty of fake chicken. How- low 10 dollars and well worth Every thing on the menu, waitress was taking the cus- was slightly watery, but both ever, my friend felt the fake it. I plan on returning soon. of course, is vegetarian. All tomers next to us an avocado my friend and I agreed that it chicken was too bland to pizza. It looked so good that was nice because other places taste.

Rise and shine seniors. the “average” line. “For a CSU, you need to have a mini- Your year is just about to get more I, for one, got 1490 on my first whack mum of 2.0 GPA to be eligible and 3.0 for chaotic than it already is. at the SAT Reasoning test, which is quite UC’s,” said college counselor Leona War- College Halting your habitual procrastination average. man. is essential now more than ever. “I got a ridiculously average score on Advance Placement classes just add There are too many things you need the Reasoning,” said senior Natalie Cas- to the heap of applications. Journal to get done before Mester 3 ends. taneda. Many Poly Parrots are taking their first “Senior year is supposed to be the The exams have quirks that test tak- steps towards the upcoming AP Tests. year when we can relax,” said Poly senior ers must pay close attention to. All ques- For some, these demanding and ex- As a service to our read- Ricky De Guzman. “Instead the pressure tions, easy and hard, have the same val- pectant classes began on September. ers, the OPTIMIST asked is even heavier.” ue when it comes to scoring. A portion For others, these classes won’t begin un- one Poly senior to tell us UC admissions will open for all appli- of a point is deducted with every wrong til November. about her senior year. cants giving seniors only two months to answer in the SATs. When asked what the most important Below is the third install- complete numerous applications forms, I still have chances to improve my skill seniors need to master, De Guzman ment of her story. write various personal essays, request scores until December, which is the said, “Two words: Time management.” several letter of recommendations. last time applicants can take a test. Of Seniors need to squeeze in all their Moreover, seniors planning to attend course, I’ll need to get the highest scores schoolwork, familial responsibilities and By Belle Tadena CSU’s and UC’s have stressful required I can get. I also need to make sure that I college application responsibilities with- Layout Editor standardized tests to take. answer questions wisely. out breaking under the pressure. Don’t be fooled by the big numbers Students’ Grade Point Average (GPA) “If you don’t learn how to manage the score report presents. Many may find also plays a big role in college applica- your time you’ll fall behind and it’ll be the tests easy but many hovers above tions. hard to get back,” said De Guzman. Culture The Poly 4 September 2008 Optimist

Ballet Folklorico All Photos by Michael Obando

juana Flores (11th) “My favorite song is ‘La Negra’.” “I would like to dance professionally after high school.” “The dresses of folklorico represent the histories of different states in Mexico.” “I’m interested in the club because I like to dance the music of my country.” “My brother also dances folklorico.” maria Martinez (9th)

Miriam Ramos (11th) “My first Folklorico dance was at the age of Rosalba Garcia five.” “What made me form the club was to save our culture, tell students about their culture and keep them doing something good.” “Each dance of folklorico has a history, each state of central America has their own dances and each dance tells what happened there. anahi gonzalez Almost all of them talk Ana Morales (9th) about romance.” The Poly Culture Optimist September 2008 5

Ballet Folklorico

“I have been dancing “My favorite folklorico gloria martin (9th) since when I was 3 years song is “La Chapaneca.” old. Dancing is my “I would like to dance passion.” professionally after high “I like to dance school.” folklorico to ‘El Toro “People usually dance Mambo’.” folklorico during “The Dance Club is celebrations.” all about dancing and “When there’s an enjoying what you love audience, I get nervous.” to do.” “I was born in Colima, “I was born in México and grew up in Guadalarjara, Jalisco, Tijuana.” Mexico and grew up here in California, but I never Ana Morales (9th) yahira Morales (11th) forget where I’m from.” 6 September 2008 Media The Poly Optimist Hooked On “Gossip Girl? By Lizette Lopez Staff Writer

What do you think of when you hear about a young, good- looking cast, designer fashion and provocative ad campaigns? The only thing that comes to mind is “Gossip Girl”. The show is centered in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where privileged teens from an elite private prep school attend debutante balls and sip martinis at scandalous parties. The formula may be tired, but it’s also tried and true and it makes this show a hit. Blake Lively plays Serena Van Der Woodsen, a bad girl in high-end designers by Ver- Internet Photo sace and Gucci. In the pilot NEW CREW: Fresh faces inhabit the old neighborhood. episode, Serena returns from boarding school to learn she is the subject of a mysterious Same Zip, blogger, the unseen and un- known Gossip Girl. Gossip Girl can be anybody. If that person uncovers any poten- New Residents tial scandal they send it as an By Adriana Amaya Navid (Michael Steger), the e-mail or as a text message to Staff Writer defiant chick Silver (Jessica Gossip Girl. Then it is seen by Stroup), the jerk jock George those who have access to the It’s the same old West Bev- (Kellan Lutz), the rich pretty infamous blog .The most juicy erly Hills High School; gor- boy, Ty (Adam Gregory) and and dirtiest secrets are exposed Internet Photo geous teens, lots of style, the worn-out addict/aspir- through Gossip Girl. So what raging hormones, and poten- ing actress Adrianna (Jessica is Serena really hiding? CATTY: The CW’s lastest glamour queen Leighton Meester tial for backstabbing, broken Lowndes). “Gossip Girl’s” shocking friend them or become them. So what will happen next in hearts and payback. With its images of palm secret was exposed during the One look at the ad cam- this perfect teen world? Who The parties are bigger, crazi- trees, bright-colored sports first season. Viewers knew she paign and it's not hard to see will be the talk of Gossip Girl? er and shot in real Hollywood cars and the Beverly Hills left town because she was hid- why “Gossip Girl” is raising What else can the show do to nightclubs; the girls are way sign, “90210” is typical of ing something, but they didn’t eyebrows. create a fantasy dream world skinnier and the rich kids obvi- post-millennial teenage soaps know what. Everything in Ser- “A nasty piece of work” for viewers? Tune to the CW ously more rich. And “90210,” like "The O.C.," "The Hills," ena’s life was upside down. says one racy billboard for the Mondays at 8 and see what the edgy remake of the 1990s and "Gossip Girl." She had made some bad choic- hit show. It shows two half- happens. Buzz is, the second series “Beverly Hills 90210,” So far, this teenage drama is es and needed to escape, hop- naked teenagers in a full out season will be hotter than the made an impressive debut last a mix up of school problems ing that when she came back, make-out session. first. week, with 4.9 million view- and social troubles, although everything would be forgotten. Another even more con- “Gossip Girl” has been de- ers. the sexual element has cer- But in a town where everyone troversial billboard is the scribed as trashy, daring and The story begins with the tainly been amped up since knows everything, thanks to “OMFG” billboard. “Gossip naughty, but that’s not the half Wilson family, like the Walsh the '90s. A rotten rich girl Gossip Girl, everybody found Girl” is aimed at teens, and of it. This show is like an ad- family 18 years before them, cheats on her English paper, out why Serena left. yet in the ad Nate Archibald diction: once you’re hooked, moving to Beverly Hills from an uncomprehending teen has Gossip Girl unveils se- (Chace Crawford) and Blake there is no turning back. Watch the Midwest. Instead of twin a drug problem, and lacrosse crets from the rest of the cast Lively are seen in an extremely it once and then watch out - children with alliterative first jocks pull pranks. They’ve all too. Leighton Meester plays erotic pose. The ad campaign, you might be a “Gossip Girl” names like Brandon and Bren- been seen before on other teen Blair Waldorf, the perfect, Ivy like the show, is edgy and con- junkie too. da, there’s Annie Wilson (She- soaps, and with more finesse, League-bound, white pearls troversial. nae Grimes) and her adopted too. kind of girl. Blair is, many be- African-American brother And, of course, there are lieve, the definition of perfec- Dixon (Tristan Wilds). risqué sexual displays, most tion. But Blair too has her dirty Old school cast members notably one involving oral sex secrets too. She had sex with Kelly Garth and Brenda Do- that probably would have been her boyfriend’s best friend the herty guest star. They both considered outrageous on a night that they broke up. played major roles in the origi- network teen series 10 years According to Gossip Girl, nal “Beverly Hills 90210” cast. ago. The scene is a desperate Blair’s best friend Serena was Kelly is now a single mother, cry for controversy and atten- seen buying a pregnancy test. working as a guidance coun- tion. Sometimes the truth is even selor and liked by the English Who knows - maybe the juicier than the gossip. With teacher Ryan Eggold. Brenda, show will find an audience and a single text message, people who has become a great actress survive after early curiosity- found out that little Ms. Per- of the London stage, is back in factor ratings. Maybe, despite fect was not so perfect after town to do a play. its lack of charm, "90210" all. Soon everybody began Most of the cast are the ste- will go on to be remembered questioning Blair’s perfection. reotypical, one-dimensional fondly by a new generation of The characters in “Gossip characters. There’s the typical viewers. In today’s world of Girl” seem perfect, untouch- mean girl Naomi (AnnaLynne television, the more sexual es- able, every teen’s fantasy. Internet Photo McCord), the troubled jock capades, problems, and raun- Their behavior is immoral and SO PERFECT: “Gossip Girl’s” cast leads the good life. Ethan (Dustin Milligan), the chy teenage angst, the more deceitful, yet many teens who quirky wannabe filmmaker ratings a network will receive. watch the show want to be- The Poly Optimist Entertainment September 2008 7 Technology September events

27 point API Boys Basketball Chrome Is Bright VISITOR LOCATION DATE F/S Verdugo Hills Poly Monday, 22nd 2: 30 / 4: 00 bump for Poly Poly Van Nuys Wednesday, 24th 2: 30 / 4: 00 By Jason Castro Cross Country Editor In-Chief Conference, from Page 1] OPPONENT LOCATION DATE TIME Verdugo Hills Pierce College Tuesday, 23rd 2: 30 Google may have struck Jack O’Connell and LAUSD Grant & Van Nuys Pierce College Tuesday, 30th 2: 30 gold with Chrome. Superintendent David Brewer Football The internet search engine announced last Thursday at a VISITOR LOCATION DATE VARSITY giant’s new internet browser is hastily-called press conference San Fernando Poly Friday, 19th 7: 00 faster and more efficient than in Poly’s Blue Gym. Marshall Poly Friday, 26th 7: 00 Microsoft’s Internet Explorer “Poly has one of the largest Girls Tennis or Mozilla Firefox. Surfing the Internet Photo API increases in the district VISITOR LOCATION DATE VARSITY web will never be the same. with 27 points,” said Brewer. SHINE ON: Chrome’s Inter- Verdugo Hills Poly Monday, 22nd 2: 30 Surfing the web is a breeze “That’s six points higher than Poly Van Nuys Wednesday, 24th 2: 30 using Chrome’s bookmarks and face is simple and easy to use. the LAUSD average.” Girls Volleyball the “Omnibox” search feature, ing malicious software from The Academic Performance VISITOR LOCATION DATE VARSITY a URL box that searches key Index (API) score for Los An- installing itself. Poly Verdugo Hills Monday, 22nd 3: 45 words as you type. Chrome’s Chrome periodically up- geles Unified schools rose by Van Nuys Poly Wednesday, 24th 3: 45 interface is sleeker and sim- dates security and warns us- 21 points in 2007-08 while the College Rep Visits pler than Microsoft’s Internet ers when they attempt to visit statewide score increased 14 DATE COLLEGE TIME PLACE Explorer, although it does take a harmful site. Google notifies points. 20th College + Career Fair 9: 00 a - 12: 00 p Woodbury University getting use to. LAUSD went from 662 last 25th UC San Diego 9 : 30 a Poly the owners of harmful sites Visit Ms. Warman in the College Office The magic behind who may not be aware year to 683 in 2008. The state Chrome is tab of the presence of average was 742 this year from Index (API) reflects growth in legislation known as No Child browsing, which the harmful soft- 728 in 2007. Poly’s API was student achievement from one Left Behind (NCLB). is significantly ware. 635 from last year’s 608. year to the next. It is largely Other education officials at- faster and safer. Chrome’s mi- The scores range from 200 determined by results on the tending the conference includ- Here’s how it nor drawback is to 1,000, with a performance California Standards Tests and ed District 2 director of sec- works. that add-ons and target of 800. the California High School ondary schools Maria Ochoa, Each tab is its own plugs-ins available “This is a good day for Exit Exam (CAHSEE). District 2 superintendent Alma separate browser. If the on other browsers, such LAUSD,” said O’Connell. The federal accountability Pena-Sanchez, school board tab freezes, for example, it will as Mozilla Firefox, are not Schools in LAUSD have system, Adequate Yearly Prog- member Julie Korenstein and not freeze the entire browser, compatible with Google’s new the highest improvement rates ress (AYP) focuses on whether Poly interim principal Gerardo but simply the malfunctioning browser. in the state of California. or not students are scoring at Loera. tab. Close the tab and problem Chrome is free to down- Two measures are used to the proficient level or above Local media at the press is solved. Each tab also works load and is available at www. determine test scores results. on the state assessments. AYP conference included KTLA, in a “sandbox style,” prevent- google.com/chrome. The Academic Performance is the result of Congressional KABC and the Daily News. Pencilhead Sudoku Time!

Glory to Poly by Marina Turruelles

Complete the grid so each row, column, and 3x3 box contains every digit 1 to 9. Good luck solving this month’s puzzle!

Solution to September’s puzzle The Poly 8 September 2008 Sports Optimist Poly Opener 61-8 Scoring Fest Manriquez, Ervin rush for four of Poly’s nine TD’s in decisive road win at Monroe.

By Diana Jauregui Staff Writer Ervin raced passed Vi- Parrot running backs lit up Monroe’s king players like they scoreboard for nine touchdowns Fri- day night in a dominating 61-8 season- were turnstiles on his opening win on the road. A 27-yard scramble by sophomore way to a 90-yard kick- running back Kevin Ervin on a double- off return. reverse seven minutes into the first quarter put Poly in the scoring column teams. for the first time in 2008. Senior quarter- Not surprisingly, Poly’s stats were ex- back Marco Manriquez followed with ceptional. Ervin had three touchdowns an 11-yard run to pick up another TD, in six carries. Anthony Manriquez led all capping a 51-yard drive. Poly was up by rushers with 120 yards and a touchdown 13 at the quarter and 33 at the half. on 10 carries. Marco Manriquez had an Meanwhile, the Vikings offense sput- MVP night, running the team with pre- tered and stumbled, unable to put to- cision while picking up 65 yards and gether a scoring drive on the ground or one TD on six carries and passing for Photo by Michael Obando in the air. 97 yards. CARRYING: Junior William Zelaya rolls left for a first down against Monroe. Ervin resumed his torrid pace as the For the game, the Parrots had 531 night yielded Monroe’s only score. OPTIMIST that Parrot assistant coach second half opened, racing past Viking yards, 434 of those on the ground. Poly is 1-0 and will play San Fernando Larry Ziehler knows more than a little players like they were turnstiles on his Viking quarterback Rodrigo Loredo at home on Friday. Monroe’s loss was bit about Viking head coach Ron Sayer. way to a 90-yard kickoff return and struggled, making 19 of 35 passes for their second of the new season. The two were classmates at Poly in the score. 153 yards. Loredo’s final pass of the It was that kind of night for both Athletic director Kim McEwen told the ‘70s. Poly Matthews Takes Tennis Slot Makes By Diana Jauregui I show them how to do it, they get in ta Clarita. Then I left to go to College Staff Writer line, practice, then we switch sides. of the Canyons. Now I’m back at AYP, API Sometimes we play for points. For Northridge finishing my masters. [Improved, from Page 1] Q. How is tennis different than the example, if it’s not done right, I make usual high school sports of football, them run a lap. Q. Did you play tennis in high school and gives recognition basketball and baseball? school or college? for the hard work and achieve- Q. Tell us about your players’ ten- ment of Poly students, espe- nis skills – good serve, good foot- No, I played it for fun but I never re- Well tennis is individual. Instead of cially the removal from the focusing on a team, I have to focus work, etc.? ally played it competitively. Only for on an individual. I have to put my at- fun. PI5. tention in one person only. The returners are the ones that have “He frequently refers to Poly the most skills. Some struggle with Q. Do you have any experience at meetings and cites some of Q. Are tennis players in better the back hand. Diana Olmedo has a coaching? our practices that work,” said really good forehand and Elizabeth shape than other athletes? Loera. Martinez is good at volleying. Well I coached kids in all kinds of I wouldn’t say better shape, I would sports. At Poly, I coached track for Loera credits recently re- say different shape. Tennis players Q. Your top three singles? two years and softball three years. I tired Poly Principal Dr. Janis- need to have a quick burst, hand- coached basketball for two years at Fries Martinez for much of eye coordination is fundamental, 1. Diana Olmedo, 2. Jessica Olmedo, Photo by Michael Obando Little Youth Services and soccer too. Poly’s success. the ability to sprint quickly. A player 3. Ada Nuñez COACH: Amy Matthews. needs to be powerful and in control Q. How often do you play tennis “Most people would agree of the game. Q. What are you doing to prepare How long have you been at Poly? now? Does a coach need to play that Jan’s the biggest change your team for the match? well to coach well? agent that made a difference at Q. How many players are on this It will be four years in January since Poly,” said Loera. year’s squad? Getting them used to how to keep I started at Poly. I’ve been teaching I play on weekends about four hours. their own score and to keep their ral- Well I think a coach definitely needs “Jan’s name in the District P.E. for five years, including a year at is legendary,” Brewer said at We have 14 players and want two ly going. Make them believe they can Granada Hills. to know how to play because you’ve more. We have four seniors, three win and also to keep teaching them got to know what you are doing. Ev- his Poly press conference. juniors, three sophomores and three the fundamentals. I’m a single mom, I’m working to ery coach needs to be in good shape. Poly’s use of a “four by freshmen. Ai-Ji Lee, Deborah get my Master’s Degree and I play four” schedule, in which stu- Q. In girl's high school tennis, Q. Tell us a bit about your coach- Chang, Jessica and Diana Oleo, Eliz- softball. dents have four classes per abeth Martinez and Alejandra Ortega what factor usually determines the ing style. mester instead of the usual six, all played for us last year. Half of the outcome of the match? Q. Where were you born and where players have never played before. did you grow up? Well, tennis is different than softball; has been a factor in the aca- The serve, because if you can’t serve, I have to focus on the strengths in demic success of the past few Q. Describe a typical practice. then you can’t really play. Also, to hit I was born in Pasadena, I moved to each individual. I just tell my players years, according to Loera. the opponent’s return, to be prepared that it’s mostly about working hard Northridge when I was one year old. “With the four by four sched- We start out with a warm up that’s for the opponent’s response. and having fun. And I’ve been living there ever since. ule, Parrots get four additional mostly stretching. Monday Wednes- Q. Did Poly win any of its matches I’ve been in Northridge practically day and Friday we start out with last year? What will be different all my life. classes,” he said, “making it rallying, then we play a full match. this year? Q. How will you turn this team into sixteen classes a year instead Tuesday and Thursday we are in the Q. Where did you attend college, winners? of the usual twelve” weight room. We’ve been practicing Unfortunately, we won two games what was your major? for a month and a half. out of 10, so not much luck. This sea- With hard work. I need the team to The Beyond the Bell pro- son I’m looking forward in winning a It will be easier if I tell you where be competitive, they need to want it. gram, Twilight Program and Q. Do you demonstrate how to least half of the games. I didn’t go. I went to Pierce College And most important, dedication. The intersession were also cited by serve, return, play net, etc? for two years. Then I got a softball players need to give all of their best Loera as important factors to Q. Tell us a little bit about you. to win. scholarship at Master College in San- Poly’s improvement.