Author: adviser

  • Humans of Poly: ASB Amelia

    Humans of Poly: ASB Amelia

    Photo by Lizette Fantanes

     

    “I am in ASB and what I do for the school is I help organize. I’m helping our organizations page. I’m also helping homecoming fair and homecoming week, I don’t know what else to say.” – Amelia

  • Monthly Mythology

    Monthly Mythology

    Amaterasu 

    The sun is a universal symbol of life, happiness, and energy. Due to its distance yet illuminating light, it often is associated with a celestial body and divine powers. In Japanese myth, Amaterasu-Ōmikami (天照大御神, 天照大神) is the celestial body that takes care of the sun and keeps its course in the sky. She was believed to live in a sacred cave and was one of the “three precious children” of the Japanese creator god (named Izanagi). She would spend most of her days weaving cloaks for the gods to wear, and the color of the cloaks would relate to the weather of the day: bright-colored clothes were associated with a sunny day, and dark-colored clothes were associated with a cloudy day. 

    Izangi declared that because Amaterasu was the brightest and the oldest, she would be in command. Eventually, her two other brothers would both leave heaven (that they remained on), while Amasteru would stay. Her younger brother, Susanoo, was furious: he tormented her, destroyed her fields, defecated in her palace, and flayed her prize horse. But it was when Susanoo killed one of the servants that Amasteru became consumed by sadness and secluded herself in a cave. Since Amaterasu was not there to bring daylight, the world was left in disarray and darkness. She would eventually step out when the gods lured her with a mirror (knowing that she would be enchanted by her beauty), making her inclined to step out of darkness and bring light back to the world. 

     

    Ra

    The sun is worshipped as a symbol of life because it has the power to ripen crops. Ra is known as the creator and king of all deities, patron of the sun. Ra was considered the King of Gods in Egypt, where pharaohs were considered as the sons of the sun god. According to Egyptian myth, darkness covered the waters of Nun before creation. The sun god is said to have risen from these waters as a benben stone or obelisk-like pillar, willing himself into existence. Ra then created the first gods: Shu, the god of dryness and air and the goddess of humidity, and Tefnut, who created other gods to complete the universe. Humans are said to be born of Ra’s tears and while polishing his creations, humanity rebelled against him. To stop the rebellion, Ra decided to exterminate humanity, where he sent his tear-giving eye to finish the task. The eye transformed herself into a fierce lioness to massacre the humans, but Ra stopped her when he witnessed the chaos. 

    After stopping the massacre, Ra went on a journey to the Otherworld. The world became illuminated when Ra sailed by the sky from the Eastern horizon to the West, which created 12 hours of the day with light. When he reached the Western horizon, he sailed the Underworld, leaving Earth in darkness for 12 hours. During this time, Ra associates with Osiris, the god of resurrection and the Underworld, in order to regenerate. Ra is able to combine with different deities: when he is associated with a creator deity known as Amun, Ra represents the universal, raw power of the sun. At dawn, Ra appears in the form of a falcon on the Eastern horizon, where he is known as Hor-akhty or Horus of the Horizon. He is also represented as a scarab beetle called Kheper, meaning “the one that comes into being.” Ra regained his form of Ra at midday and is currently represented by the sun disk. At sunset, he became Atum, an old man who was ready to vanish and be reborn for a new day.

  • Prom/Grad night 2021

    The class of 2021 officially had their senior prom at Poly High School. The theme of the dance was Enchanted Forest. Since the class of 2020 didnt get to have their prom because of Covid-19, I feel like they tried to do their best at throwing a prom during a pandemic. Usually, from what I know, prom is held at a different location, instead of school, but this year prom was held in the quad. They had different activities, such as arcade games, a 360 photo station, Karaoke and of course a DJ and dance floor. They also had Chick-fil-A boxes that came with a chicken sandwich, chips, a cookie, and sauce. For those who weren’t feeling the chicken sandwich, they also served burgers and a variety of drinks. Over all I think they had many different activities considering our current situation.

  • Movie Review : Cruella

    Movie Review : Cruella

    Cruella, the film, came out on May 28, 2021.The cast members in this film are Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser and more. The director of the film is Craig Gillespie. This movie is based off of the novel and movie 101 Dalmations. It came out on the 28th because it was a dedication to the actor Cameron Boyce because it would have been his 22nd birthday and in the Disney movie Descendants movie he played Carlos, Cruella De Vil’s son.

     

    Cruella is about the main character’s backstory and what she wanted to become when she was older. Cruella’s real name is Estella. Some drastic and sad things happen in Estella’s life so she runs away with her dog Buddy, all the way to London. That is where she meets her two best friends Jasper and Horace, who are thieves then later on Jasper helps Estella get her dream job as a fashion designer. There is a big plot twist in the movie, leaving you wanting more.

     

    The spirit, the energy, and the emotion the actors and actresses put in this movie is marvelous.This movie brings so many emotions. The emotions I felt in this movie were shock and joy. Hair and makeup is incredible especially when they did the Cruella makeup at the fashion show.

     

    I enjoyed watching Cruella, it was a fascinating movie to watch. The producers and the directors did an amazing job choosing actors and actresses. I am so glad they chose Emma Stone to play Estella / Cruella. Emma Stone did a great job playing this role. Her acting is phenomenal. I recommend watching this movie in the theater or at home on Disney plus for $29.99 or you can just wait to watch it for free as a Disney plus member. This movie made me laugh, made me feel sad, then happy. Cruella brings you so many emotions.

  • Does Your Sign Match Your Personality? High Life Roundtable

    Does Your Sign Match Your Personality? High Life Roundtable

    According to astrology, celestial incidents coincide with human activity, but is that really true? In western astrology, astrological signs or Zodiac signs are twelve 30 degree sectors that make up the 360 degree orbit the Earth does around the Sun. The signs are named after constellations the sun annually passes through. Each Zodiac sign spans about a month within the year. The first sign is Aries that begins in spring, then there’s Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Your zodiac sign is said to have a personality trait or character that relates with you. Do certain occurrences in the sky affect our character? Are we our Zodiac sign? The High Life staff weighs in with their thoughts:

     

    Sierra Brott-Hunter

    My sign is a Virgo. My daily horoscope today relates to who I am really well because it said, “In true Virgo fashion, you’re in the mood to be productive and get things out the door.” The way I feel about astrological signs and horoscopes in general is that I think they’re cool. I relate to my sign in general so much that people always tell me, “omg that is such the Virgo in you!” and my friends and my family always tell me I have the motherly traits and that I can be very truthful even if it does come out mean.

     

    Zinia Francis

    I am a Leo. My sign describes me almost completely. Leos are said to be creative, boastful, a pleasure to be around, and people who enjoy being celebrated. I would agree that I am creative. I tend to look at many things from an artistic point of view. I enjoy making art such as poetry, painting, drawing and even making clothes. I also can confirm my courageousness, with any obstacle put before me I always go into the situation with the confidence that I will overcome it. I don’t think I love attention very much but I do agree that I can be boastful by the way I change my hair styles frequently, but when my hair is not done I will have an attitude. Over the years I have noticed friends and family gravitating towards me because of my caring and warm demeanor. Lastly, as a Leo I do enjoy having the attention and time of my loved ones, I like to know that I am wanted around.

     

    Xandria Hines

    I am a Virgo. Usually, when I go on a curiosity-filled zodiac hunt for my sign and any information/predictions on it, the most common idea I can find about my sign is that we’re commonly task-oriented, over-analytical perfectionists. With this explanation, however, one much more detailed than others I’ve been able to find on the internet, resonated with me more than others I’ve seen. The idea that Virgos are mild-tempered and calm, their earth element keeping them humble and ‘down-to-earth’, and using their attention to detail to help others is something I believe describes the basis of my ideas well. They also bring in how their ideas and idealism can keep them mentally detached from the present, too caught up in the detail of the past or future to keep their head from the clouds and enjoy the moment, is something I’ve begun to struggle with, especially with the stress of the past year. I would never say any one person can describe a large group of people perfectly, but I would say this would describe some of my recent struggles and ideals very well. Would I ever say that my birthday alone has shaped me into the person I am today? Absolutely not.

     

    Caleb Dunomes

    My sign is a Gemini. The astrology.com website says that the personality of a Gemini is “active,” using words like loving, social, and lighthearted to their interactions with other people. The weaknesses of a Gemini make them seem “all over the place,” and describes them as being unable to commit to responsibilities and relationships while also having a noticeably short attention span. Hearing about this single description of a Gemini and many of the traits seem like they align with my personality. I can see myself aligning with the social side of being a Gemini since I enjoy social interactions and try my best to be lighthearted when socializing with others. But I don’t think I’d describe myself as “active” to a point where I am not “trustworthy.” My active attitude and personality doesn’t really interfere with my goals and passions.

     

    High Life Adviser Daryl Holmlund

    I generally think that any alignment between the signs and reality is coincidental. However, I’m an Aries, and I must admit that what people have told me about the fire sign characteristics seem to match up with me. I’m definitely passionate and impulsive, and I love starting projects but sometimes don’t finish them in a timely manner. I’m a charismatic leader but not great with organization and taking care of the little details. I love new things, new places, new experiences. I can sometimes be too direct or harsh when talking with people I care about, and don’t always realize that I’ve hurt their feelings. All of these are Aries characteristics. But… I also love learning and sharing information, a Gemini characteristic; I’m curious, like a Scorpio; and I have a lot of friends and acquaintances like an Aquarius. So, am I a true Aries? Kinda? Do I think it’s because I was born under a certain sign? No.

  • Movie Review: Cheaper by the Dozen

    Movie Review: Cheaper by the Dozen

    Cheaper by the Dozen, the film, came out on December 25, 2003. The cast members in this film are Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Piper Perabo,Tom Welling, Hilary Duff, Kevin G. Schimdt, Alyson Stoner, Jacob Smith, Forrest Landis, Lilinana Mumy, Morgan York, Blake Woodruff, Brent Kinsman and Shane Kinsman. The director of the film is Shawn Levy. The movie is based on the real life events of the Gilbreth family. 

     

    Cheaper by the Dozen is about how Tom Baker and his wife Kate Baker both want their dream jobs and their dream is to have a big family. Tom gets his dream job and they have to move to the suburbs but the kids hate their new home.  They have 12 kids  that is why It is called Cheaper by the Dozen.

     

    The spirit of the movie is amazing. The accuracy of depiction in this film is phenomenal. The hair and makeup and lighting is awesome. The performance of all the actors and actresses are wonderful. Set designs are great. 

     

    Cheaper by the Dozen is one of my go to movies when I am not feeling so good or when I just feel like watching a movie. This movie brings me so much laughter – it is one of my favorites. Hilary Duff’s scene when she comes out with her green face mask on makes me laugh every time because I know how it is to look like that in front of my family.This movie in my opinion is one of the best movies that has ever come out. My family and I love watching this movie. We have probably watched it more than 1000 times. If you ever need a good laugh or movie to watch I 100% recommend this.

     

  • High Life Roundtable: Covid Positives

    The High Life staff recently posted a column with thoughts about what we’ve been missing or felt like we missed out on during the past year. In this column, we share things that have been positive, or ways that we’ve grown in the past year.

     

    Caleb Dunomes

    Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, I have learned a lot about myself and my ambitions. Moreover, one thing that I have learned that to achieve my goals I have to both believe in my dreams and believe that my dreams will come true. I have learned this after a year of losses and failures followed by lessons and successes. All of my challenges during track practice, online schooling and just life in general has forced me to grow up, manage time and even take time off for myself when I need to. Especially track practice, with us seniors having so much pressure to perform and put our names out there, I’ve been forced to believe in myself and all of my hard work. Because of these challenges, I have become even more ambitious, hard working and confident. In fact, I don’t think I truly knew and felt the definitions of ambition, hard work and confidence until this year.

     

    Xandria Hines

    This past year, going through school during the pandemic has been one of the weirdest times of my life. It’s sucked in so many ways, but nothing good goes to anyone without hardship. When the pandemic started, I thought that Covid infection rate would cool off enough for schools to be open by fall. It didn’t. But I was surprised to find that the online classes, the work, and my attention, seemed much easier than usual. It was common for me to get a large barrage of A’s with a B or two mixed in, but now on the honor roll, I’ve been able to find my preferred, and more productive way, of taking classes, and will most likely test this out more in-depth in the future, though hopefully not in the same circumstance.

     

    Sierra Brott-Hunter

    The Covid-19 pandemic taught me not to take anything for granted, it showed who are my real friends. You should spend more time with loved ones and you should enjoy life. That time and life is very valuable and precious . It taught me that I can focus on my mental and physical health more, and also made me more mature. It has changed me in a positive way. Online school can be easy but hard and I have learned to find myself and become who I want to be. I have learned something new. I’ve  learned to play the keyboard, though I’m not that great at it yet. I can go in my backyard and do school work instead of  staying inside, I can take my dogs for a run. It taught me a lot of interior design and I also got better at painting. 

     

    Kelly Rodriguez

    The past year we have been in the pandemic I learned things about myself; self-love was the first important thing. I also went away for a month to Georgia. I started to appreciate nature. I went to Georgia with my two sisters and my cousin. We went to visit my mom’s sister and her kids. It was great. I got really close to my cousins. I also went hiking a lot. I learned that nature is so pretty – like, I couldn’t believe what my eyes were seeing. It was a way to keep me calm. It helps a lot just seeing nature. You get a lot of things out of your mind. I feel like I have grown. I want to be independent now without my mom doing it for me.

     

    Zinia Francis

    The Covid-19 pandemic has pushed me to become closer with myself. With not being able to see many of my loved ones and with many outdoor activities being cancelled, I was forced to be my own entertainment. To occupy myself, I explored my interest in many different areas, such as cooking, trying new foods, doing hair, working out, reading books, and writing. Doing these activities have brought me to feel comfort in my own company. During the pandemic I also realized that, like many people, I never used the time I had alone productively. I was constantly trying to avoid being alone and in the process I didn’t take advantage of being by myself. I have grown strong mentally in this past year. I thank the pandemic for my growth.

     

    Alex Phouma

    I think the pandemic helped people find out what they want out of life. Since we had to go into a lockdown in the beginning of the pandemic, it gave people time to think. For example I know people have had to rethink where they wanna work or what they want to do, and some students are thinking about college. For me, as a senior in high school, turning 18, it made me think about college and what I want to do as a career. I just think that helped people think about life.

  • Cleanliness and Safety as Lockdown Lifts

    Although cleanliness in most public spaces is kept up by janitorial staff or maid services, the CDC recommends that you also take preventative measures of your own.

    The Center for Disease and Control Prevention has created an extensive list of preventative measures for public places to consider when reopening to minimize contact and contamination. It’s quite extensive, so being able to quickly give a shorter list of quick behaviors to look out for both at home and out and about are important.

     

    1. Watch the staff at a restaurant.

    Keeping an eye on how they move around if they wear gloves or not, and how thoroughly they clean off surfaces could keep both yourself and others safe. Ensure that they space tables out carefully, are wiped down carefully if/when you have the chance. They should wear masks consistently, and there’s a possibility they were told to also wear gloves. While their individual cleaning habits cannot be tracked, making sure your server keeps to the guidelines can keep both yourself and others safe.

     

    2. See how they handle other customers.

    It’s not a restaurants’ responsibility to keep everyone happy, but it is their responsibility to keep everyone safe. If a customer is unwilling to wear their mask or follow the CDC guidelines for dining safely, that is their own fault. However, if the restaurant continues to cater to this individual, regardless of their dangerous behavior, the restaurant would be at fault. They are not only putting their own employees but other patrons in the restaurant in possible harm, regardless if they are dining inside or outside.

     

    3. Make sure Inside/outside dining areas are clean, and spaced out accordingly

    Inside dining has been recently allowed by Los Angeles County, but outside dining is still provided as an option. While outside dining was a way for restaurants to cope with the ban on inside dining, both are now open to the public in almost any restaurant you can think of. Some have welcomed inside dining with open arms, some less so. But the rules and needs of outside dining should still be followed in the restaurant to the best of the staff’s ability. Open windows and large/empty spaces between tables could still be upheld. Cleaning should still be done meticulously, and masks and gloves should still be worn.

    4. If you can, watch how they make food

    While some cooking is done in the background, or as passive entertainment with a small view, some diner-style restaurants have large openings where you can see into the kitchen area if you’re sitting at the right tables or booths. Get one of these, if you can, and while you wouldn’t be able to tell what each dish the workers in the kitchen are making, see if you can pick out how they make food if they’re wearing gloves while doing so, and how often they may or may not clean the counters or their hands, and if the chefs themselves wear masks. While kitchen cleanliness has always been an important part of restaurant hygiene, it’s even more important now.

     

    5. Don’t allow your own cleanliness habits to slip

    When in public, the first person you need to look out for is yourself, especially in restaurants, while keeping an eye on the environment around you, make sure you don’t put yourself or those around you in danger. Always wear a mask unless eating, ensure that you can stay a safe distance away from others, clean up after yourself, and ensure you’re touching as few surfaces as possible. 

     

     

    Now, however, there are dangers to having a less-than-suitable cleaning routine, either inside your home or out with others. Having a less than reliable cleaning staff could get your entire business shut down, and not cleaning your home properly, with parents and students now going back to work or school, could cause one or more people in the household to get sick, or worse. Weekly, routine cleaning is needed to keep everyone in a restaurant or at home safe. 

     

    1. Clean yourself off once you get home

    A quick and easy way to make sure possible hazards don’t enter your home is by tossing your clothes in the washer once you get home and putting on new, clean clothes. It’s possible that airborne and contact germs found their way onto your clothes and yourself, taking a shower and getting into clean clothes once you get home would be the best way to minimize germs entering your household.

     

    2. Make sure you have a regular cleaning schedule

    As entering and leaving your home becomes more commonplace, it’s important that you keep the spaces you frequent the cleanest. Having a reliable cleaning routine when you return home is a good thing, but germs can always enter your home, and cleaning your home often and with good disinfectant would be an easy way to keep your home and everyone in it safe.

     

    3. Make sure to clean any packages that come to your doorstep

    Home delivery before the quarantine was a common practice but became almost necessary when stuck at home and in need of quickly delivered, commonly used necessities. However, being able to know where exactly packages you order have been, or how well they’ve been handled is impossible. Along with yourself, and your home, clean the boxes that you bring into your home before opening them, and ensure anything your order is cleaned before being brought into your home. 

     

    4. Minimize the guests in your home

    Much like at the beginning of lockdown, being able to stay home and isolated with your roommates and family are the easiest ways to stay safe, but with the slowly loosening restrictions on dining, outings, and visitors, having a person or two in your home wouldn’t be a terrible idea. However, that doesn’t mean you allow them to easter through your home, forgo watching their hands, or minimizing the time they stay with you. It would be a safe bet to meet on your lawn, porch, or outside your home, and if you do allow them into your home, make sure to clean up after them, and any surfaces they touched.

     

    5. Always have cleaning supplies on standby

    Being able to keep yourself and your home clean isn’t a new idea, but with the dangers, we could still face, even with the slowly lifting precautions of the lockdown, having a small stock of cleaning supplies tucked away in a bathroom or closet could be necessary in case something worrying happens, and the harsher lockdown is put back into place. Cleaning supplies were a bit hard to come by in the beginning, and if there were to be a second lockdown, finding cleaning supplies would be near impossible.

  • My Pfizer Vaccine Experience

    My Pfizer Vaccine Experience

    With the pandemic changing lives drastically, the creation and distribution of a vaccine is crucial to the return of a “normal life.” As the various vaccines rolled out it has become a new controversial topic, with various conspiracies involving Bill Gates, microchips and the government all undermining the public’s trust in Covid-19 vaccines.

    Despite the controversy, misinformation and politics, I was determined for months to get the vaccine. As a student-athlete (in person), restaurant worker and volunteer at my local church, I felt as if it was necessary for me to get the vaccine. Recently on April 17th, I had finally got my second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Here’s how the vaccination process went.

    Luckily for me, the process was made easier since I had such ease scheduling appointments. With three members of my family being employees for the city alongside my job as a restaurant worker, I am considered to be a somewhat high priority individual for getting vaccinated.

    Despite this, it still took persistence. It took three appointments for me to get my first vaccine shot.

    The first attempt was at Dodger Stadium on March 12th for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Both my mom and I waited around an hour, in a line that looped around the hills of Los Angeles. Upon arrival, I was denied the vaccine shot since I am not old enough for the Johnson & Johnson shot specifically (you have to be 18 to get a one dose vaccination shot.) It was frustrating. After weeks of anticipation, waking up early in the morning and getting out of bed, only to be denied a vaccination shot.

    The second attempt was through my dad. My dad had signed me up for a vaccination appointment on March 22nd at a high school in Lynwood through his job within the school district. Once I arrived, the wait in line was quick. The volunteers at the vaccination site were on point, both taking my temperature and verifying my appointment in a matter of minutes. Through this appointment, I was scheduled to receive the  vaccine which was a two dose shot. But, once again, I was denied the vaccination shot. This time I was denied since the organization providing and funding the vaccinations did not allow Moderna vaccinations to anyone under 18 (even though all two dose vaccinations are allowed to anyone above 16). At this point I was not surprised but still disappointed, I understood the vaccination process was already long so these constant setbacks seemed like a waste of time. After this failed appointment, both my mom and dad made constant efforts toward my vaccination.

    These previous attempts lead up to my third and final attempt. My first dose of the Pfizer vaccine was scheduled for March 27th at a Kaiser hospital in Los Angeles. Once my final appointment was scheduled, I understood the requirements, age limits and even the side effects since my family members had received their vaccinations (and since I learned so much through the other attempts).

    Both Kaiser appointments were quick and seamless, with the workers giving simple and clear instructions. The entire process took under 25 minutes, including the time it took to find a parking space, wait in line and receive the shot. For those that are used to amusement parks, you could compare the Kaiser vaccine experience to the line to a popular ride, they gave clear instructions throughout the process, with railing and stickers on the cement to direct you in the proper direction.

    The process started with a 5 minute wait in line after confirming your information. Once finished filling out the paperwork and reading about the vaccine, you are led by a volunteer into the tent where people were getting their shots. You then wait until a spot opens up. Once you sit down in a seat, you are then introduced to the medical professional and confirm whichever dose and vaccination you’re getting. After this you receive your shot. From my experiences and everyone I’ve talked to about the shot the first shot itself was less painful than expected and quick while the second shot was the more painful one (but it didn’t still hurt all that much.) Immediately after you take your shot you’re instructed to wait 15 minutes in a waiting area in case of any side effects (nothing happened to anyone both time during times during the waiting period.)  

    The side effects after receiving the shot were tolerable. The first shot had only left my arm sore for around three days. The second shot was different, I was left with a fever the night of the shot and a headache three days following the shot. 

  • Roundtable: What We’ve Missed During the Pandemic

    Scenes from the last year…

     

    March 13, 2020, a date which will live in infamy. There are other dates that marked the beginning of the Covid-19 era for other groups of people – for NBA players, coaches, and fans it might be Rudy Gobert’s positive test on March 11, the same day the WHO also officially characterized the spread of coronavirus as a pandemic. But for teachers and students, that Freaky Friday the 13th was the last day in the classroom – and for many students, the last day with their friends – for over a year.

    This is a collection of thoughts from the High Life staff and adviser about what we have missed over the past 13 months – or what we feel we have missed out on.

     

    Xandria Hines, Staff Writer

    I feel like I missed out on an entire year of my life. My family and I were supposed to do some travelling and visiting family. Getting together and celebrating smaller achievements and happy moments. My friends and I, too, most of whom are other seniors, won’t be able to have a normal prom or graduation. We would be standing so far apart from one another, unable to dance like weirdos or mingle with other groups, that there would be no point in going. Most of the smaller things in life you look forward to aren’t possible, because they’re done outside, or with others. It kind of sucks all the emotions out of you, and I miss that as well.

     

    Sierra Brott-Hunter, Staff Writer

    I feel what I missed out is going to family gatherings. I missed out on seeing my best friend that lives an hour away and missed going to her birthday. I missed going to Disneyland, Knotts, going to the park. Missed going to concerts. I miss seeing my friends and going to movies with and just having fun. Just going outside. I miss going to the mall and just being able to chill. I miss going  bowling. Going on trips  with friends and family. 

     

    Kelly Rodriguez, Staff Writer

    I feel like I missed out on being a teenager. I am going to be 18 already and we’ve been in quarantine for a year. I didn’t get to be in school doing fun things, going to games, or hanging out with friends since it wasn’t safe. Also, my friend’s parents were scared to let their kids out because it wasn’t safe. Another thing is that I spend my time on the TV and on my phone. I think that my whole family can’t stand each other because we weren’t able to go out and it was all of us in a house, fighting most of the time because we didn’t have space. Till this day my friend can’t go out because her parents are still scared. I only have one friend now. I lost touch with everyone I use to hang out with a lot. 

     

    Alex Phouma, Staff Writer

    Something that I feel like I missed out on is my last year of high school. For seniors it’s our last year of high school, and after high school you have to become more independent and responsible. You gotta worry about college, for those who decided to go, while balancing working, and the little milestones like being leading and able to drive to get to those places. 

     

    Caleb Dunomes, Staff Writer

    Throughout the beginning of the pandemic everyone had lost access to so many experiences and activities. Things like access to loved ones and significant others, big sporting events and even once in a lifetime school experiences. Personally, I have missed out on the true teenager experience. With both my junior and senior year being taken away I’ve lost the opportunity to go to dances, go to big track meet invitationals (like Arcadia, Redondo, Arizona and more), and even events outside of school. It felt like I was on the top of the world, going to Disneyland during February (before Covid was seen as a threat) directly after three months filled with events like club events, track meets, Black college expos and fun memories with my friends. Now it feels like I won’t be able to experience that anymore. My life now has just been working, track practice and homework assignments. Covid has made me feel like I’m being forced into growing up without experiencing things that teenagers experience. Now all us seniors can do is grow and face the unpredictable future.

     

    Zinia Francis, Staff Writer

    The past year has felt like someone pressed fast forward. I feel like I have missed a significant part of my teenage years. Since I was younger I’ve always wanted to have a true high school/teenage experience like going out after school with friends, sleep overs, hanging out on the weekends, going to amusement parks and having parties. So far as a seventeen year old I haven’t experienced the fun I have been yearning for. The Covid pandemic started when I was sixteen and I will be eighteen in three months. Up until I was sixteen I hadn’t had many outings with friends or was very social in general . I had begun to come out of my shell shortly before the quarantine. I’ve missed out on being social and simply taking advantage of having no responsibility.

     

    Daryl Holmlund, Adviser

    Immediately after the home quarantine began, I realized that I wasn’t going to be able to visit my 99 year-old grandma over Spring Break in April – not just because flying to Chicago by plane seemed incredibly risky at the time, but also because she was in a retirement home that was locked down to keep the virus out. Grandma turned 100 in March, and while some family members visited her for her birthday, most of us didn’t feel safe or right flying in and potentially bringing the virus with us to infect other family members. We had a nice Zoom call with family, but it wasn’t the same, and I can’t help but think that if circumstances were different, we would have had a bit of a family reunion. I’m hopeful that I’ll get to see grandma and others this summer, but it won’t be the same as it would have been celebrating on her actual birthday.

  • Adventure Awaits, but First You Have to Graduate: Info for Seniors
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    Adventure Awaits, but First You Have to Graduate: Info for Seniors
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    As the school year comes to an end, Poly principal Bill Salas, head counselor Lolo Saldaña, yearbook Adviser Bretty Alexander, and Jostens’ representative Jack Nicholson recently gave some important updates for seniors! Here are some important things that the class of 2021 should keep in mind! 

     

    • Diploma Pickups! 

     

    Seniors will be able to pick up their diplomas starting on Monday, June 20th from 8am to noon at the 100 building. In order to pick up your diploma you must bring your student ID and it must be the student that picks it up. Parents are not allowed to come pick it up alone, the student MUST be there.

     

    • Final Transcripts! 

     

    You may request final transcripts via Parchment, which can be found on the Poly SchoolLoop website, on the right of the homepage and you will have to make a Parchment account, if not done yet . If done early before the end of the school year, you must place a hold on your request so it will not be sent out until the final transcripts are ready. Parchment is a free service for students while still in high school but will cost 10 dollars per transcript if you decide to do this after August. 

     

    Parchment link:

    https://www.parchment.com/u/registration/6253/account?CFID=121600781&CFTOKEN=de5174c5bcab930d-6122BEC5-FE65-D142-853FF827B8B69D4D

     

    • 2021 Yearbook Updates!

     

    Yearbooks will cost 100 dollars. You may purchase the yearbook at the banker’s office located at the 100 building, and it can also be found on the banker’s online store on SchoolLoop. According to teacher Brett Alexander, who is the adviser for yearbook, links will eventually be provided on Canvas. Mr. Alexander also mentioned that sales may be closing around April 25-May 1, although that is not final.

     

    Purchase your yearbook here :

     

    https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1004920/Long-Beach-Polytechnic-High-School/2021-Yearbook/2020092404215019354/CATALOG_SHOP/

     

    • Update on Purchasing Cap & Gowns from Jostens!

     

    If you decide to purchase a class of 2021 ring on Jostens.com, Jostens will pay for your cap and gown for you! You may set an appointment for ring sizing by calling the number (714) 751-0260. 

    You can make your purchases using this link: https://www.jostens.com/graduation/high-school/high-school-products-graduation

     

    • Celebrating Senior Accomplishments!

     

    Mr. and Mrs. Jackrabbit Pageant will be held on May 21! (Dates may change depending on LB health department) 

     

    Prom/ Grad Night – 

    A “senior celebration night” – a sort of Prom and Grad Night combined – is planned to be at Poly on June 5th starting at 6pm.

     

    Graduation Ceremony –

    Dates for graduation will be announced soon with locations, dates, and times. This should be finalized within a few weeks. It is still going to be be discussed with the health department in order to do it safely. The graduation ceremony is planned to be an IN-PERSON graduation with Covid safety protocol. You MUST be cleared  to participate in the ceremony and clearance will be provided via Canvas, School messenger, and Poly’s webpage. 

     

  • How much has online learning affected how students live in their rooms?

    How much has online learning affected how students live in their rooms?

    Due to students being stuck in their room for months on end, the condition of their workspace has taken a toll on them. It has been a drastic change, and students have been forced to transition from physical in-class schooling to online learning with virtual classrooms. How much has this change affected how students live in their rooms?
    Many students have reorganized the layout of their room in order to improve productivity. Joseph Diress, a senior at Long Beach Poly, had stated that he’s “in the process” of a room makeover. With Diress being involved with Poly’s drama team and other on-campus activities these changes have greatly influenced his creativity. So far he said that he’s done “a lot of rearranging,” learning how to manage space while making his room more “roomy.” Through this process he has added things like a rug, bookshelf, alarm clock and other “nicknacks to help [his] workflow.” Although he’s made little changes so far, he’s said that they’ve already “helped with the workflow and creative process.”

    This presents another relevant idea among students, many make their room more comfortable in order to accommodate for their time spent on their computers. Aasha McLyn, another senior at Long Beach Poly, rearranged her room by moving her desk to her wall near the windows in order to allow her to look out her windows during zoom calls. This change of furniture among other small changes such as candles and hanging lights has helped her “mentally” she said, making her “room feel like a more comfortable space to be in for more portions of the day.”

    Alongside both Joseph and Aasha, I have felt many of the same experiences. With my involvement with various on-campus activities such as leading Poly’s Black student union, devoting hours on the track at track practice and spending extra time in various teachers’ classrooms, the change to online school has taken a toll on my highschool experience. In order to both increase productivity and feel more comfortable, I have made big adjustments to my room. Ranging from buying Funko pops to getting a new desk and rearranging the layout of my room, I’ve spent a lot of time and effort toward making my room more suitable for online schooling and comfort. This is because I’ve learned that the condition of my room affects my mental state and that investing in my workspace is investing in myself.
    Students have made these accommodations, both big and small in order to succeed throughout online school. “It’s kind of a barrier,” Diress said concerning the challenges of learning at home. “physical school helps with mental health and many other things.” Making changes can help overcome that challenge, as McLyn said about her room, proclaiming that as a result of the changes in her workspace she has become happier while in it. These changes for students that are active socially and on campus have played a key role in their online schooling experience this year.