Author: adviser

  • AP survival Guide

    AP study tips and stress relievers

    1. Eliminate factors such as watching TV and cell phones; it can speed up the studying process and help retain more information.

    2. Students who are taking multiple APs find it difficult choosing which to study for. In this situation, it helps to take one subject at a time. Studying for one exam one day and another the next day can relieve some of the stress that’s been built up. When focusing on a subject, spend at least 40 minutes to an hour reviewing notes, going over old homework problems, and reading AP practice study guides. Take a ten minute break, then review the subject once again.

    3. While studying, flashcards are your best friend!

    4. Stay organized. Do you expect to be relaxed if you have old papers and materials cluttering your desk? Start by outlining or creating a checklist for the items you want to accomplish. Then, organize your work space, removing all unneeded papers. Cleaning up the mess will make you question why you were lazy in the first place.

    5. As crazy as this may sound, study, but don’t over study to the point where your brain just ends up fried. Studying too much can become counterproductive. If you feel like you need a break, by all means, take it.

     

    What to expect on the day  of your AP
    AP Exams take place between Monday, May 2 and Friday, May 13. Check the apstudent.collegeboard.org site and the AP Calendar to find out when your exams are. Unless you are taking a small AP, you will take your exams at Grace Brethren Church (3590 Elm Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807). Students can consult the Advanced Placement link under the Academics tab on Schoolloop for verification on testing location. A map of Grace Brethren and instructions on where to go are on the website. Students can also arrive at the courtyard of the church to wait for instructions; the exams will be held in the Social Hall a Recreation Center.
    Students should arrive between 7:15 A.M. and 7:30 A.M. for morning APs and by 11:30 A.M. for afternoon APs. If a student is taking the bus to the Church, they should wait on Atlantic Avenue by the front entrance and the bus should arrive by 6:50 A.M. and will leave around 7:10 A.M. for the morning exams; for afternoon exams, the bus will arrive around 11:05 A.M. and leave by 11:20 A.M. I would suggest leaving yourself plenty of time to get to Poly or Grace Brethren.
    If you signed up for a school lunch, details are still being worked out. If you are taking a morning AP, pick up your lunch from the cafeteria and eat when you get back to Poly. If you are taking an afternoon exam, then pick up your lunch before boarding the bus, and if you have two exams that day, pick up your lunch before you leave in the morning. These plans could change, so keep an eye out for an email from Sam Koshy regarding the lunches.
    When you arrive at the Church, you will check in at a table where you will need to present your ID. You will be given a card with your room and seat assignment. Pay attention upper-classmen! That is a new procedure. Students can then go to their assigned seat, unless they have a backpack. If you brought a backpack, you need to leave it at the allocated area. Students can keep water and snacks, but out of their backpack.

     

    What to bring

    Several No. 2 wooden pencils with erasers

    Pens, black or dark blue ink only

    A watch with no alarm; a clock will be present, but students are responsible for keeping track of time.

    Valid photo ID (School ID or driver’s license) with one bar-coded sticker from the AP student pack placed on the back of ID.

    Snacks and water

    What not to bring

    CELL PHONES- leave them at home or in the car. If you bring them, they will need to be turned off and in your checked in backpack. If a student is caught with a cell phone, it will be confiscated and the student will be kicked out of the room. If a cell phone goes off or is being used, everyone’s scores are at risk of being thrown out and Poly can get into huge trouble, so DO NOT bring it.

    Any other electronic besides a calculator (for required APs) and a watch.

    Clothing with graphics related to the exam subject.

     

    Other healthy snacks we recommend:

    Apple slices

    Bananas

    Granola bars

    Blueberries

    Lots of water

  • Rabbits Stay On Track Of Winning

    On Saturday April 16, the Long Beach Poly Trackrabbits competed in the traditional Mt. SAC Relays. This year, the invitational was held at Cerritos College. Everyone had come with the goal to win.
    Once again, sophomore Ariyonna Augustine ran in the 100 meter dash, placing third overall, with a time of 12.83 seconds. Also, juniors Melissa Tanaka and Danielle Scott ran the 800 meters; Tanaka finished third in 2:13.17 minutes and Scott took eighth with 2:15.95 minutes.
    The girl Trackrabbits also placed second in the sprint medley run with 4:01.90 minutes, which consists of two people each running a 200 meter dash, one person running a 400 meter dash, and the anchor running an 800 meter.
    Another great performance came from junior Zion Bowens, who ran the men’s 200 meter dash. Bowens placed third overall in 21.76 seconds. Anthony Johnson placed first in the men’s 110 hurdles, with making his personal record with 14.68 seconds. “I have been setting a new record the past few meets,” said Johnson. “I am looking forward to doing even better and making it to state, and winning.”
    Last Saturday, April 23, Long Beach Poly competed in the Orange County Meet of Champions at University High School in Irvine.
    Senior Jaivion Cardinal ran in the open 300 meter hurdles last weekend, winning first place for Poly in 41.42 seconds. Again, Johnson ran the 110 hurdles, this time placing second overall in 14.69 seconds. Another Poly Trackrabbit, senior Jordan Peacock, ran the open 1600 meter, nabbing first plac, in 4:27 minutes.
    Junior Briana Olebode ran both the women’s 100 meter hurdles and 300 meter hurdles last Saturday. Olebode took sixth in 100 hurdles with 18.20 seconds, and second place in the 300 hurdles with 49.29 seconds.
    “I wasn’t necessarily nervous to run on Saturday, physically, but more so mentally,” said Olebode. “When I’m in the blocks waiting for the gun to go off, everything is zoned out. I don’t here anyone until that gun goes off.”
    Senior Madi Brown ran in the open 400 meter dash in 1:04.43 minutes. Two of Poly’s seniors, Lauryn Jones and Mandy Wainfan, raced in the 800 meters. Jones took fourth in 2:31.72 minutes and Wainfan placed fifth in 2:35.52 minutes.

  • Polyball Smashes The Lancers

    Poly Boys Volleyball had two intense matches of the Moore League season this previous week.
    On Tuesday, April 19, students and fans watched the Poly Jackrabbits go head-to-head with the Wilson Bruins with bated breath. Long rivals, the Jackrabbits and Bruins volleyed it out at Wilson High School to take the Moore League win. Much to the disappointment of Poly, Wilson swept the boys varsity volleyball team in all three sets (25-22, 27-25, 25-20).
    “We lost our team chemistry which affected our mind set heading into the game. I told the team that we needed to attack every team with no mercy,” says varsity coach, Justin Oleole.
    On Thursday, April 21, the boys varsity volleyball team stole hearts, inspired fans, and dominated the Lancers in the outstanding 5-set match victory (32-30, 10-25, 13-25, 25-17, 15-9). The Poly vs. Lakewood match took place at Lakewood High School. The win put Poly and Lakewood at a tie for the top standing in Moore League this season.
    “That was the craziest match ever!” exclaimed varsity middle blocker Sam Leiwis. “There was some volleyball, some Jerry Springer, and some WWE. It’s the LB baby,” Lewis says, referencing an emotional outburst that resulted from Kristain Tafao arguing with a chair official over a yellow card in the middle of the third set. After a misunderstanding with the coach, and then a brief argument between coach and assistant coach, the crowd was pulled intensly into the heat of the match.
    The incident did not phase the team but rather inspired them to push harder. “Tafao re-entered the match in the fourth set and played his best volleyball of the season, making inspired, crisp sets and chasing down balls on defense with abandon,” Gazette Sports reported.
    Thursday’s match definitely boosted the morale of the team. “Being able to overcome a huge deficit was probably the proudest moment as a coach. The team really came together after a tough 2 and 3 game fall,” says Oleole.
    The next match is away on Thursday, April 28 against Cabrillo.

  • In Memory of Chad Heng

    Poly Academy of Achievers and Learners (PAAL) senior Chad Hang passed away on Friday, April 1 and all of Poly has joined together in memory of his passing and in support of his family.
    Hang was shot while walking home from a friend’s house around midnight at the 1300 block of E. 11th Street, which was less than a mile from his home. He suffered gunshot wounds to the upper torso. Hang was moved to a local hospital and pronounced dead on Friday, April 1.
    The viewing will be on Friday, April 22, from four in the afternoon to eight in the evening at the Stricklin Snively Mortuary. The memorial service will be held on the following day, Saturday, April 23, from ten in the morning to two in the afternoon.
    Hang, a dedicated JROTC member, was the sixth of seven children in his family and loved skateboarding and running. His friends miss him dearly and speak fondly in his memory of his vibrant personality.
    Hang’s closest friend, senior Marlon Muk, remembers him, saying, “He was such an amazing kid. Had a really big gift of making people laugh and smile. He was encouraging, smart – in his own particular way – and incredibly funny. He had the biggest mouth I had ever met. There really is no mute button on that kid. He’ll just get louder and louder. He’s the most positive person out there, making people laugh until it hurts [and] smile until you can’t feel your cheeks, and showed love to others no matter who it was–friends or family.”
    Chad’s fellow senior Angel Munoz thinks of the wonderful times they had together. “Chad was a very cool person to get to know–making friends and family smile, made me smile and that’s a first. He was a brother to me and Leslie,” Munoz recalls. “[We] were very close to him; we were like the three musketeers till the end. Leslie was like our sister, Chad was reckless, [and] I was the serious one.”
    Senior Sebastian Perez struggled with words to describe the incredible person Chad was. “I don’t even know where to start with Chad; just words can’t explain who he is, but I’ll try my best.” Lovingly, Perez continued, “Chad was a very loud, outgoing, and funny guy. Everyone knew and loved Chad for that. When it came down to it, Chad always had everyone’s back. Didn’t matter what you did or how you got in the mess, he just helped you. That’s the kind [of] guy he was. My friends and I were deeply affected by Chad and these qualities that he shared and we continue to live through him and his words of advice.”
    Senior Joshua Young said of his dear companion, “Chad was a friend of mine from middle school. We got connected through mutual friends. We started really talking in high school when we had classes together. Our friendship peaked in Ms. Sanchez’s class when we’d always mess with her. Whether it’d be being out of our seats, watching videos on her computer, or finding ways to annoy her. He kind of brought out the silly side in me. As long as I’ve known him I’ve never seen him unhappy. Not sad or angry or anything, he was always happy and made everyone else happy around him… If you knew him, instantly [there was] a strong connection. In all honesty and belief he didn’t deserve what happened to him. He deserved a long and happy life and all the good things that’d come with it.”
    Friends like Senior Elizabeth Escatel will deeply miss his support.
    “Chad was like a brother to me. He always made sure there was a smile in my face. I often struggle with depression but if Chad ever saw me sad, he would hug me super tight and then make me laugh till my stomach hurt. His hugs could put…broken pieces back together. He was the best person, always happy,” said Escatel.
    Chad Hang and all the happiness he brought into this world will be sincerely missed by all; the world will still spin, but not a day will pass without a person remembering the wonderful person Hang was.

  • Jackrabbit News Brief: Panama Papers

    Quite possibly one of the largest data leaks in history occurred at the beginning of April. The Panama Papers included 11.5 million documents that contain sensitive information about how wealthy individuals hid their money through shell companies—companies that exist on paper, but hold no substance—in order to evade taxes. Such documents totaled to a massive 2.6 terabytes of data and pointed to many heads of state, government officials, and friends or relatives of such people involved.
    These papers have been an ongoing investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) since 2015, and the papers went public by Süddeutsche Zeitung, a German newspaper. In order to prevent another “Snowden” incident, a team of 400 journalists investigated this in secret.
    The company Mossack Fonseca is based in Panama. Many use this law firm as a means of distributing profits to synthetic companies in order to evade taxes or hide money for other reasons. This practice has been known for a long time―historically, the Cayman Islands have been used as a tax haven because they have no corporate tax policies.
    The papers date back to as far as the 1970s and politicians are already being forced out of power. On the same day that the Panama Papers leaked, the Iceland Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson was already under fire since his name was highlighted in the articles. A whopping 10% of the entire country’s population rioted and wanted him out of power immediately. He refused to resign on the first day, but after the second day, he resigned, though he remains politically active.
    These papers will be a major speaking point during the presidential election, as the records are showing that President Barack Obama and Secretary Hillary Clinton have supported trade agreements between Panama, while Senator Bernie Sanders spoke and voted against it due to the potential of tax evasion. So far, there are no American names that have leaked out, but the papers are still being investigated.

  • Cal Tech

    A group of Poly juniors from Pamela Amici’s AP Calculus class went on a private field trip to CalTech for a tour on Thursday, April 7.
    “We basically learned about campus life and the different types of classes offered, and the different ways you can set up your college experience,” said junior Stefana LoTempio. “I thought it was a lot of fun; before this I hadn’t even considered CalTech as an option, but after seeing the campus and everything, I’d like to apply.”
    The tour was not incredibly in depth academically, but it provided a window into the life of the students. The juniors went through the different housing areas, got a look at the scenery of the campus, and ended up at the cafeteria.
    “It was pretty cool. It was small but it was interesting because they have different areas based on different interests so you can choose which house based on which group you fit into best,” said LoTempio.
    Amici had organized the tour specifically for her junior students. Through her contacts to the college she was able to get them a private tour of the campus in order to introduce them to the university.

  • Uniforms, Rifles, and Hot Links: 100 Years of JROTC

    Friday, April 8, marked the centennial anniversary of the JROTC program here at Poly. And what better way to celebrate than cake! Everyone was welcome to a slice, and there was more than enough to go around. Their choice to share the celebration with anyone willing to show up is not surprising.
    JROTC members are well known for their kind, giving nature, with their contributions to many charity and community service events. Cadets from every team came out to celebrate, including the Dark Knights, Unarmed Color Guard, Riffle Team, Spartans, and Raiders.
    The JROTC program first came to Poly 100 years ago, and since then, the techniques and instructors have changed, but the goals of the program have not.
    “It really changes you for the better, it has always been about teaching students lifelong values, making them into better citizens, and just more outgoing,” said sophomore Jathaira Ribbs when asked about how the program has evolved over time. “It grows more and more; it isn’t just for people who are interested in joining the army, it’s for anyone.” The program is definitely getting more popular with people wanting to gain responsibility. Others join simply for fun.
    Although the majority of these students hope to join the military at some point, some are just in it for the experience.
    Freshman Xiomara Torres joined to learn valuable leadership skills. “I joined in tribute and to show people that I do have strength and am capable of leadership, which is exactly what the program teaches you, and you never forget it.”
    Many follow in the footsteps of family members who they look up to. Those who joined the military after high school still remember everything they learned and encourage younger generations to join.
    Many legacies started through Poly’s JROTC program. New legacies start every year, and those who do not plan on expanding their military training still advise their friends to join the program.
    “I first heard about it from my friend Natasha, and yeah, I would totally recommend joining, it’s really awesome,” said freshman cadet Sofia Amores.
    Though the event was largely a happy one, respects were paid in a moment of silence for two cadets lost in the past year. That Friday marked the one year anniversary since the death of cadet Jessie Yuth, who died while saving a friend from drowning. He is remembered as a leader and hero. The recent tragedy of 17-year-old cadet Chad Hang, who was shot and passed away on Friday, April 1, was also remembered. Hang was a member of the Color Guard Drill Team and will be dearly missed. In the past hundred years JROTC has impacted the lives of many, and will continue to do so in the future.

  • Who Needs TV Anyway?

    Who Needs TV Anyway?

    I am seventeen years old and I have never lived with a functional television set. But six months ago, my family bought a gorgeous flat screen and installed it on the wall in our living room.

    Most people, when they heard I did not have a TV, were shocked. Living without a magical box in the 21st century is a phenomenon equivalent to not owning a washing machine in the late 50s.

    Having a TV these past few months has not changed how I live from day to day. I still come home, do my homework, and for the most part, ignore the screen in the next room. I’ve watched a few John Oliver pieces and a Friends episode or two, but besides that, it is like my family never bought one.

    I do believe that growing up with a TV is poisonous for the child’s brain. The constant advertising being thrown at a fresh mind is damaging, and raises children to want everything they see. Studies show that some shows will cause Attention Deficit Disorder to develop in children who watch it.

    I appreciate the bar from Disney Chanel and Cartoon Network that my parents placed when I was very young. I appreciate having been told “no” whenever I asked for something I saw on billboards and other advertisements.

    A life without television is better for everyone. It leaves more time to do enjoyable activities and it prevents you from frying your brain when you are bored. So if you have a television, consider smashing it to pieces, and go out for a walk in the fresh air.

  • California Bans Teachers’ Assistants

    California Bans Teachers’ Assistants

    The controversy over the elimination of teachers’ assistants involves a series of issues, from where to best spend money to the activeness of teachers’ assistants to tax cuts.

    Unfortunately, California does not see this particular class as helpful for the students and not just the teacher. Assistants helping alongside the teacher provides valuable life lessons. The California Senate has been very skeptical about the worth of these teachers’ assistants. Their lack of confidence is based, in part, on studies, including a report that shows that immediate and secondary learners supported by teachers’ assistants made less of an average knowledge increase than those of similar ability and gender who do not receive help. Some say that the students tend to look upon the teachers’ assistants for a helping hand.

    The teachers’ assistants’ role is a success, giving them the opportunities to experience the real duty of an actual teacher and giving teachers extra help in the work that they do. On the other hand, teachers’ assistants should not be used to make up for the lack of teacher attention, but rather their support should allow teachers to spend more time with their students. They are trained and supported in understanding the teaching methods and how to apply them.

  • College Rejections

    March 25, 2016
    Ms. Andrea Garcia

    Dear Andrea,
    Thank you for applying to ____________. The Committee on Admissions has reviewed your application, and due to the large number of highly qualified applicants, we regret to inform you that we –.
    Thank you for applying to –.
    Thank you –.
    Tha – .

    It didn’t even matter anymore.

    What did I do wrong?  What could I have done better?

    It was as if door after door had been slammed in my face. Nine out of twelve doors, to be exact.

    As all my fellow seniors know, college season can be either the worst or best time of the school year. For me, the entire process, from testing to filling out applications to the actual moment of truth, was hell. I like to think that I am a person who would not be completely devastated by a college rejection, that I am someone better than the system. I know that neither a college acceptance nor a rejection defines me or my future. Yet, it is hard to feel confident about my accomplishments and myself and feel secure about my future when that goal I have been working towards these last four years becomes meaningless. Everything I have accomplished, all the hard work and late nights – meaningless.

    I tried to make sense of things and put everything into perspective.  However, the truth is that as much as I tried to put “things in perspective,” I really just could not. The college process always seems  so subjective and it makes me furious.

    WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT? I know one thing though: they did not want me. YOU WANT THEM, AND NOT ME? Are you serious? I know it sounds ugly, but do not even try to deny that you have not thought that way at least once. We all are entitled beings, and we all get somewhat bitter when we see someone succeed over us.

    I was disappointed in myself. My pain became my parents’ pain and that definitely was the worst part. I would lay awake thinking about what I could have done better: my test scores, grades, and essays, but no matter how hard I thought about it, the matter of the fact is that there is nothing I could do about it now but move on.

    “It all happens for a reason.”

    I would roll my eyes so hard every time I would hear that. But this time around, it seems to be the most comforting line. Even though that reason is not as clear right now, hopefully four years from now, I will be grateful for the ways things worked out.

    Let me tell you seniors, you are not alone and it is not just me. The first step is accepting the fact that even though we will not be where we imagined, we all must learn to be grateful for the opportunities we have. Take them and run. Berkeley was my dream school; however, I will be across the country for the next four years at American University in Washington, DC.

    We all must be excited for our futures, and if we are not, we must work towards something that excites us. With the college wave behind me, I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors. If a door was not opened for you, it was because there was not anything behind it for you, so find one that does. Get up, take a deep breath, and dust yourself off. Take advantage of all the opportunities presented to you, and work hard for those that are not. Be great wherever you go.

  • Boys are on the Road to State

    The boys basketball team is on a historic postseason run, competing in the Division II State Championship game on Saturday, March 26. This is after they won 61-54 win against J.W. North on Saturday, March 19 at the CSULB Pyramid. The teams had met at the CIF Championship two weeks before, where the Huskies won 61-58. However, the most recent game’s outcome was different and the Jackrabbits were victorious 61-54.
    The start of the game was very low-scoring, with both defenses playing strong and shots getting unfriendly bounces. After the first quarter, the Huskies led 9-8. Both teams were evenly matched in the first 16 minutes and neither team had big leads. The Huskies, however, gained momentum going into halftime, aided by a buzzer beating three-pointer, which gave J.W. North a 26-23 lead.
    Poly slowed down the Huskies in the second half and did not allow their opponent to score consecutive buckets. The Jackrabbits got more rebounds in the second half and maintained a sizable lead through the final minutes. Throughout the game, Poly was efficient in perimeter shooting, getting three-point shots from senior shooting guard Harrison Bonner, senior small forward Garrison Gowens, and sophomore point guard Daryl Polk. Senior small forward Drew Buggs was the star of the game, getting 20 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a steal for his team.
    “I just want to do whatever I can so my team can win,” said Buggs.
    On Tuesday, March 15, the boys also defeated the Los Alamitos Griffins in the state semifinal game. In front of energetic student sections from both sides, the teams were closely matched throughout the game. Going into halftime, the Jackrabbits trailed 26-28.
    The Griffins appeared strong coming out of the locker room, extending their lead to 33-26. However, the Griffins lost momentum, to the triumphant Jackrabbits.
    Poly’s lock-down defense allowed the Jackrabbits to go on 20-0 run in the third and fourth quarters, catching Los Al by surprise. The Jackrabbits allowed 8 points in the third quarter and a mere 3 points in the final quarter. Junior power forward Zafir Willams finished the night with 16 points and 16 rebounds, Buggs had 16 points, and Bonner had 12 points. Bonner’s underrated defensive skills and three-point shooting has helped the Jackrabbits in this postseason run.
    While the Jackrabbits have won many CIF championships in recent years, the state title has eluded them time and time again. The last boys team to win state was back in 1984, over thirty years ago.
    “It’s definitely a great feeling that we got the opportunity [to play at State]. It’s something we’ve all dreamed of,” said Buggs.
    The boys will face the Junipero Serra Padres at the Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento on Saturday, March 26. The Padres have an overall record of 25-5, compared to the Jackrabbit’s 24-10. Win or lose, this is the last game of the season, and the final time the seniors will suit up as Jackrabbits.

  • Girls Basketball Loses Heartbreaker

    Fresh off their 53-44 win against Clovis West in Fresno on Tuesday, March 15, the girls basketball team was ready for another title against Chaminade in the CIF State Open Division SoCal Regional championship at the Pyramid Saturday night.
    Before Saturday’s game, Coach Carl Buggs had hoped that “the girls come out and play hard and follow the game plan they had planned.”
    Things were starting out smooth for the Lady Jackrabbits as they tied with Chaminade 8-8 with 3:52 in the first quarter. However, even with pretty good defense, Poly still trailed 18-9 at the end of the first quarter. The girls started the second quarter with a rocky start, and it was hard for the Jackrabbits to execute all the way through, falling behind Chaminade 29-25, by halftime.
    The third quarter started off better, with Poly and Chaminade tied at 30 points. The Jackrabbits finally led 35-31, three minutes into the third quarter. Towards the end, Chaminade was up by one against Poly 38-37. Poly senior Da’Jah Jackson hit a huge three pointer that put Poly up again by 40-38, deep into the 4th quarter. It was back-to-back minutes before points were scored again.
    Action packed and intense, with only 49 seconds left in the game, Poly junior Ayanna Clark shot one free throw to tie up the game 47-47. A Chaminade turnover left Poly the ball to tie the game with only 27 seconds left. At that point, Coach Buggs called a timeout to regroup.
    Another outstanding shot by Jackson put Poly up 49-47 with 10 seconds left. This time, Chaminade called a timeout. With the clock ticking down, it was Chaminade’s Leonna Odom who made a shot that bounced off the rim, then bounced twice on the heel before falling through the hoop. That ended the game 50-49, with Chaminade winning the state title.
    Jackson stated after the game that “the shot bouncing 3 times before going in was heartbreaking, and it still feels like a dream and not reality.”
    All in all, the Lady Jackrabbits had a fantastic season, filled with hard work and memories to last a while. Great season, ladies!