Author: adviser

  • Fall Inspired Fashion

    Bummy but Cute

    Sometimes it’s so cold in the mornings that we don’t want to get out of our pajamas and just go to school in sweats. Instead of being completely bummy, dress up your joggers by wearing a fitted long sleeve to pull the look together. If it’s too cold for just one layer, add a graphic T-shirt on top and tuck them into your pants.

    Matching the Leaves

    Dark colors are coming back in style since fall is here, so don’t be afraid to go bold. Even though seasons don’t really change in Southern California, there are ways to incorporate those fall oranges and dark greens into your attire. In this example, the medium wash jeans provide a perfect base to compliment any seasonal top or sweater. Small heel booties complete the look without going over the top for school.

    Don’t Forget to Layer Up

    In this time of year, we wake up freezing but end the day with 80 degree weather. Find something in your wardrobe that keeps you warm but won’t give you a heat stroke once the sun kicks in.  Any type of outerwear like denim jackets and cardigans can be a staple piece in your wardrobe but are still breezy enough to survive the day.

  • Fall Makeup Launches

    I’m sure a bunch of us are upset that summer is officially over, but fall is be the best season ever. We can finally wear makeup without sweating every minute, and the amount of new makeup products being released this fall is even better.

    This year Maybelline released new liquid lipsticks, SuperStay Matte Ink City Edition Liquid Lips, coming in ten different colors, such as moody shades like deep red, wine, and navy blue. They cost $7.94 and are available at the drug store – these are perfect for any fall occasion.

    Another new fall product is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Sultry Eyeshadow Palette. This palette costs $45.00 and is perfect for the holiday season.

    NYX Cosmetics also released a limited edition highlighter duo called the Machinist Highlighting Duo. This product costs $12.00 and is available at NYX Cosmetics.

    Lastly,  Milani released a palette, Soft and Sultry Eyeshadow Palette, and it features matte and metallic shades. This product costs $14.97 and is also available at any drug store.

    Fall makeup launches are perfect for the season and for makeup lovers.

  • Starbucks Fall Drinks

    These are seven best fall drinks you can ever get. They are satisfying and live up to your expectations. Ever get in line and just think what are you going to get ? Well now you can take my advice and go try one of these tasteful drinks so you can fulfill your needs.

    Salted Caramel Mocha

    Maple Pecan Latte (Hot Or Iced)

    Pumpkin Spice Latte (Hot Or Iced

    Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino

    Maple Pecan Frappuccino

    Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte

    Hot Chocolate

  • Senior Captain Christian Corrales

    Senior Captain Christian Corrales

    Senior and JV captain Christian Corrales has spent his life playing all kinds of sports before finally settling on Water Polo, “I wanted to try something new. My freshman year I was in wrestling.”

    Every sport and activity Corrales played, has helped him grow as a person in many different ways. “Water polo has really helped me socialize more with people, manage my time better, and challenge myself.”

    One big Challenge he has had to face this year was becoming JV captain, and although he has no intentions of playing after high school, Corrales encourages any underclassmen to at least give the sport a try. But it shouldn’t be taken lightly: “Water polo is a hard sport and there will be many challenges, but as long as you work hard and never quit, you’ll get through it.”

    Although Water Polo is a big part of Corrales’ life, it isn’t the only thing he enjoys. “I’m an outdoor person, so I like biking, hiking, and pretty much just going outside and hangout with friends.”

  • New Lock Blocks on Classroom Doors

    There was a new lock switch system called Lock Block installed into the Poly high school classroom doors, after a suspect went onto campus armed a few weeks ago, leaving students and teachers in classrooms on campus lockdown. The Lock Block is a stopper device that allows you to keep the door locked but ajar during the school day. Students are able to easily enter or exit the classroom without disturbing others. During an emergency, the door can be closed by simply moving the stopper and allowing the door latch to engage. The Lock Block also allows teachers to have the door locked but open with the lock block when they go do other things.

    This new Lock Block system can help the school be safer during emergencies like lockdowns, and it will also help with other things like coming into the classroom without the teacher or student having to get up and open the door causing disturbance. Different teachers had their own views on this new Lock Block system.

    Poly Pace Coordinator Samantha Lawrence liked the Lock Block. She said this about the Lock Block, “ It’s good because kids can come in while its locked, Also if there is a emergency such as a lockdown we can lock the door from the inside.” Counselor Samantha Lawrence liked the Lock Block and thinks that it’s a good investment for the school and that it will help us in emergencies.

    Poly Geometry teacher Mr. Ly said some things about the Lock Block and does not like the new Lock Block system, stating, “I think it’s stupid, worthless, and a waste of our money.”

    Others felt that the addition was a good idea. Teacher Janice Valentine, takes comfort in the new system. “I think it is awesome, I can go grab some coffee downstairs without me getting locked out but still have my door locked and open with the Lock Block. It prevents us to go outside of the room and lock or unlock the door,” she said.

  • Library Renamed after former Principal

    Library Renamed after former Principal

    Poly’s library has been named after Bob Ellis-July 26, 1924-February 6, 201-, a former student and principal, at a ceremony honoring him. The ceremony was held on September, 11 headed by Mr. Brett Alexander, a teacher here at Poly. Ellis graduated in 1941, a letterman of the debate team. After high school he attended Long Beach City College, Cal State Long Beach, and the University of Missouri. He also served in the navy in WWII and the Korean War. After his service he came back to Poly and became a teacher, counselor, and head counselor, until he became the principal from 1978-1980 to 1985-1986.

    As principal, he founded the Center for International Curriculum(CIC) program, was responsible for moving graduation from the crowded Terrace Theater to Veterans Stadium, built the rally stage, renamed 17th St to Jackrabbit Ln, and during his time here had a three year period where not a single teacher asking for a transfer to another school. At his time at LBCC he helped establish a program in which seniors could take classes at the college.

    He was also a principal at Jordan and Wilson High School, Hughes Middles School, and three elementary schools in the district.

  • 18k Homecoming Dance

    A tradition at high schools all over the country, the big homecoming game and the dance that usually follows is a source of excitement for many students. Despite this, one of the largest schools in the Long Beach school district, Poly High School, has not had a homecoming dance in 10-11 years – that is until Saturday, October 6, when Poly students flocked to the Big Gym to start the tradition up again.

    “It’s just not been something we’ve done in 10 to 11 years. The reason is that there was a low turnout in interest among the students, and I think that’s why we didn’t have one for a very long time,” said Vincent Puth, Poly’s Activities director. There was certainly interest this year.

    The dance theme, “18k Gold”, held a lot of significance for the organizers. “18k stands for eighteen-carat gold, and basically it’s gold and the year twenty eighteen combined,” Senior Senate homecoming dance organizer Dalavy Hak explained. Transforming the gym into the ultimate dance space, Senior Senate was able to snag a DJ, an ice cream truck, food, and of course, tons of people.

    Hak described the challenges of organizing the dance: “As it is our first homecoming dance in a really long time, and it was hard getting everything together. But it’s good preparation for us because the Senior Senate is going organizing prom later on in the year as well.” Hannah Samaniego, another member of Senior Senate, said that the hardest part was making the gym not look like the gym and make it look really pretty.

    “The gym was pitch black with lasers and a loud DJ. They had gold themed decorations such as streamers, gold balloons and a place to take pictures,” Poly freshman Samantha Victoria described.

    While the Senior Senate was preoccupied with planning, the talk around the entire school in the weeks leading up to the event was all about the dance, whether you had

    bought tickets yet, who were you going with, and what you were going to wear. During lunch almost every day leading up to the dance, you could hear the claps and cheers of fellow students as someone held up a poster asking another student to the dance. The line for the banker was long almost every day, as people were trying to buy tickets in advance.

    Samantha Victoria, who went to the dance, said that there were about six hundred or so people in attendance, and added, “Someone said that they sold 700 tickets, but most people showed up later.” Tickets sold out in advance, leaving some students disappointed and unable to attend.

    Poly freshman Sophia Graves said that while she would’ve loved to go because all of her friends went, she was unable. “The tickets sold out before I was able to get one, and I was also swamped with homework on the weekend,” she said, “but from what I heard, it sounded like a blast, and I’m disappointed I missed out.”

    The story was different for those who got their tickets early. Seniors seemed to be especially excited.

    “I was super excited for this years Homecoming Dance, Poly has never had one before so it feels great to be a senior and to experience this for the first time. The theme was also super cute!” Said PACE senior Sandra Berenice Rosas about the dance.

    “I’m happy that Poly finally had a Homecoming dance! I always wondered why we didn’t have one but I’m thrilled to go with my boyfriend. I had fun picking out my dress and getting ready with my friends,” said CIC senior Gladys Salamon Mora.

    “About time! Homecoming was like a breath of fresh air to Poly. It’s exciting to have something new brought to campus. I’ve been to all the dances at Poly and I was super ecstatic to learn that Homecoming was coming to Poly, and it just seems right since all other high schools have one,” said MEDS senior Ashley Salgado.

    It was a new experience for underclassmen, too.

    “I think that HOCO is a great way to bring school spirit, and it [would] probably be a really fun experience. I really liked the HOCO week, so I’m expecting to have fun at the dance too,” said CIC freshman Miya Yasumura before the dance.

    After the dance, Yasamura was somewhat disappointed but still kept a positive spirit. “I was bummed out because I had to pay for the ticket and pay for the food but nevertheless, I still had fun and I’m looking forward to going with my friends next year,” said Yasumura.

    Shafiq Amat, a freshman in PACE described his expectations before the dance: “I thought the HOCO dance was going to be like a regular Hughes dance where you just dance and stand in the corner after you get tired.”

    However, after the dance, he had some advice for those who would go next year. “When I actually went there it was kind of boring because I didn’t have a date. If you want to go to HOCO dance next year, make sure you have a date because you will feel left out. It was kind of fun though, the music was okay,” said Amat.

    Despite some students feeling less enthusiastic, when asked whether she thought the dance was a success, organizer Hannah Samaniego exclaimed with a huge grin on her face, ¨Yes, of course!¨

  • Clubs Sell Goods at Faire

    Clubs Sell Goods at Faire

    Students at Poly High School were dismissed from class 90 minutes early on Wednesday for this year’s Homecoming Faire.

    The faire was a great way for clubs to raise money as well as to boost morale in the students, who were all buzzing in anticipation and excitement for the school-wide event. Many clubs, such as Red Cross, color guard, Gender Sexuality Alliance, German, Chinese, and eSports showed up early to school to set up their booths and prepare for the upcoming event.

    Once the bell rang at 1:10

    Wednesday afternoon, students flooded into the quad, hurrying to get to the front of a line for a booth. A multitude of food, products, and games were offered: cookies, brownies (“sexually liberated brownies,” as the GSA club called them), ice cream, sodas, stickers, sausages, bean bag tosses, etc.

    Some groups had also prepared a dance performance to various rap, hip-hop, and pop songs. There were also two different photo booths available for students to use.

    “This is my 46th faire in a row; I’ve been selling cheesecake for years,” Mr. Brett Alexander, the administrator of the Speech and Debate club, said.

    One club, Model United Nations, had a very unusual service offered. The members had brought in corsages, a white flower bouquet, plastic gold rings, a veil, and fake marriage certificates to

    The event was huge, and many of the clubs were busy with all of the students wanting to participate. Business seemed to get even busier as time went on. The Red Cross club, which proved to serve a very popular booth, was struggling to keep up with

    supply. Team Pink+ reported having waves of students on and off. “It gets…sometimes packed and sometimes not,” Alejandra Nieto said. “I think [the faire is] too short – it’s like 30 minutes away from usual,” said Monse Nieto.

    Some clubs made signs to hold above the large crowd. Gabriel Elal stood next to the color guard booth and danced with a purple flag to advertise and draw in customers. “We’ve seen people have fun,” Yancy Roldan of the STATs club said. “They’re energetic…just having fun by playing the game.”

    “It always beats my expectations as far as, you know, how many people participating and how many people are interested,” said Mr. Puth, Poly’s activities director. “As an adult, you get to see…how creative the clubs are and how creative the students are. But you think you’ve seen it all, you think you’ve heard it all, and then all of a sudden, here they come, and they do something like a green tea boba…I’m excited because I see how the students have come together and put this together.”

    Poly’s commissioner of organization, Senior, Zoey DeYoung, played a huge role in the functionality and organization of the event, Puth says. “I don’t even want to make light of what I’m saying here…she’s spending like hours everyday for the past couple of weeks making sure that, you know, everybody’s needs are met, and then addressing issues that may arise. I’m just guiding her through the whole process.”

  • Lights Out

    The night before Halloween, the wind screeched with lashes and the whips of air were strong enough to move rocks. It was the middle of the night in a town named Billsberry, Kansas. A fresh new crop of yellow corn had sprouted up from the ground in significantly straight rows, but so did an evil spirit that haunted the townspeople every 53 years, the night before Halloween.

    The spirit wore a torn blue tuxedo and squeaky old black Italian leather dress shoes whose steps left a trail of blood stains. The spirit fed on the souls of the happy, with a wild yell right before feasting on its prey, but this night the spirit saw no one in sight, so he searched and searched scouring the town until he found his first meal.

    Little did he know, the townspeople were sheltered inside the sewers in a chamber made by the mayor. There was only one single exit sealed by an indestructible titanium metal door, or so they thought. As the spirit searched, he heard noises coming from the sewer stream, so he crept down and slithered towards the sound.

    His blood shot eyes never blinked and pulsed with a thirst of blood. He licked his dry lips with his long sinister tongue and crept closer and closer to the sound that echoed in the sewer.  Meanwhile the townspeople kept as quiet as possible, praying to survive the night. Suddenly, a baby exploded in tears, whaling and shouting.

    Outside, the spirit stopped, turned his head in a slow gleaming way and smirked with satisfaction. Then he flew towards the sound, he then found the titanium door that read “The Townspeople of Billsberry’s Hideout.” He transformed into a young, attractive lady and screamed for her life. “Help me, please someone help me! I’m a traveler and the spirit is after me. Help!”

    The mayor quickly tried to open the door but a bystander said, “Don’t you dare open that goddamn door. You don’t even know that woman. Why should we risk our lives to let her in?” He was right, but the mayor refused to listen and tried unlatching the seal, but failed.

    The bystander began to snicker and laugh uncontrollably. Everyone’s eyes started to glare at him. He cleared his throat and stood still; everyone still watching in confusion.

    His eyes start to bleed and the woman outside, now in the deep,, aggressive voice said, “Let. Me. In. You’ll regret it.”

    The bystander instantly fell to the floor and the lights in the room cut off. The townspeople start screaming in fear. After three seconds, no noise was heard except the sound of steps stepping. The room was splattered with red blood once the lights turned on again. The man with a wild smirk and a blue tuxedo in a hushed voice said, “Lights out.”

  • Trick-or-Treat

    Long Beach is home to some of the sweetest places to Trick or Treat. A few safe places to go and target the best and tastiest candies include Belmont Heights, Belmont Shore, California Heights, the Virginia Country Club neighborhood, and Naples Island. These homes and communities go all out with decorating and passing out the king sized candy bars. All these neighborhoods are not only a score for the kids; they are safe and family-friendly.

  • Drama Gives A Punch

    During the week of October 1, the beginner drama class of Linda Bon participated in a stage combat workshop by Doctor Stephen Grey. At his workshop, beginner students learned stage combat moves such as punches to the face, kicks to the stomach, and things you would usually see in Jackie Chan movies like Rush Hour or The Karate Kid.

    Stage combat also includes fight scenes in a live environment incorporating tools, weapons, or objects around the actors to make the scene even more realistic.

    One move Ms. Bon showed students personally was a punch across the cheek and a clap with her left hand to emulate the sound of the punch connecting to the face.

    To add on, Doctor Stephen Grey is qualified to teach these techniques as he has earned a Ph.D  from the Ohio State University and a Masters degree in at San Diego State, and a bachelor’s Degree from Cal State Long Beach. Not only that, but Dr. Stephen Grey taught stage combat workshops at La Jolla Playhouse, American Conservatory Theatre, and his home college Ohio State University.

    Bon hopes to use the workshop to potentially produce more action type plays for the people who are attracted to fight scenes in spring.

  • Evil Episodes

    1: “Halloween” – The Office, Season 2 Episode 5

    In this episode a Halloween party is planned and Michael has to fire someone by the end of the day but doesn’t exactly want to ruin the fun. With The Office you do not need to watch previous episodes in order to understand this episode, which is great to watch by itself.

    2: “It’s  the  Great  Pumpkin, Sam Winchester -” Supernatural, Season 4 Episode 7

    Although Supernatural mainly deals with all things horror and monsters, they  episode is dedicated to Halloween day only. Sam and Dean must stop witches from resurrecting Samhain, an infamous demon known for rising the dead on All Hallows Eve, before time runs out.

    3: “Halloween” – American Horror Story, Season 1 Episodes 4 & 5

    Yet another show known for its horror, literally stated in its title, introduces even more creepiness to the shows first season. This episode is one of the turning points in the season as Tate and Violet are being chased by a gang of teenagers with bullet holes and mutilated bodies, which leads Violet to a realization. The teenagers are not normal and in fact are actually ghosts.

    4: “Here Comes Treble” – The Office, Season 9 Episode 5

    We have yet another episode from The Office, in this episode the iconic Pumpkin-Head Dwight makes his appearance throughout the episode. In what started as an innocent prank lead into misery for Dwight.