Author: adviser

Since the age of Gutenberg, books have been a prominent part of the world’s history. Books have engaged us, educated us, and have enlarged our imaginations. However, with the arrival of highly popular e-books, kindles and iPads, words written on paper are now being classified as old and outdated.

Electronic books, or e-books, are defined as digital book-length manuscripts and are produced on a computer or other electronic devices. In 2007, a device called the Kindle was released in the United States and produced by Amazon, which launched a competitive movement to deliver e-books and other written materials in a convenient, inexpensive way that fits more comfortably into today’s modern digital age, as opposed to physical books.

“Device book viewing is inevitable. All or most paper written books will be replaced by reading via e-book,” said Pamela Oehlman, who is Poly’s librarian.

EBSCO, a company that provides an array of online text books and audio books, is now an option for students attending Huntington Beach High School. This company has created an alternative to the hassle of checking out library books. With the spread of EBSCO, many students and faculty members believe it is only a matter of time before E-books are integrated into the Poly system.

“Within ten years common library books will be substituted with devices that contain text reading material. The only problem is, some students will not have access to such device,” said Oehlman.

Although the use of reading devices might solve issues such as book damage, check out hassle, and an overall loss of interest, students who do not own any of these devices will be at a significant disadvantage. If reading devices are offered at libraries as opposed to books, students who do not have access to these devices will have to check one out, posing new costs and expensive fines.

iPads and Kindles include gaming apps and other forms of entertainment which uproots the question of whether or not integration into schools is actually beneficial.

“These reading devices will be a distraction and will add to problems with classroom retention,” said senior Chris Adams.

Times are changing and older resources are shifting into the new, digital age. Although reading via digital device is probably a part of our future, whether or not this idea will benefit schools seems to be strongly questioned.

Poly’s Marching Unit marched into second place on Saturday, October 4 at the 13th Annual Kennedy Field Tournament. Poly placed second out of the three bands in the 2A division. Twelve bands competed in the Tournament.

Poly’s score put them ahead of Marina High School’s Marching Unit, but behind Rancho Cucamonga’s.

The Jackrabbit auxiliary scored 3rd in the 2A division. The auxiliary, which includes the color guard, is also known as the Polyettes.
“I feel like this is a very good start,” said sophomore saxophonist Paul-Edward Johnson.

“We tried our hardest and prevailed” said sophomore mellaphone section leader Daniel Sagrera.

Poly’s field show this year is La Nouba, a compilation of Cirque du Soleil songs including; Distorted, Rêve Rouge, Urban, and A La Lune.
Poly’s Marching Unit is led by senior Drum Major James Donahue.

“At the beginning the pit was really rag tag. I myself started late, but we all put 100% in which is why I believe we are constantly improving each day and we will be ready for the next competition,” said pit member Truan Barkis.

Poly’s marching band, which performs their field show at every home game, will also perform their show at two more events, LBUSD’s Band Spectacular, and Huntington Beach High’s Field Tournament. LBUSD’s Band Spectacular will feature bands from all five of Long Beach’s high schools.

Poly and Jordan battled it out to rally up friendly competition for the Homecoming game last Thursday at the annual Homecoming Battle.

Student Commission organized another successful Battle, this time in the parking lot of the Baja Senora on Atlantic Avenue, to help raise funds and school spirit in anticipation for Poly’s Homecoming football game.

“I was the head of this event and there was a lot of work that went into it,” explained senior Girls’ Athletic Director Alexis De La Fuente. “Pep rally fundraisers are a great way to raise money for our school while showcasing the talent of our band and cheerleaders.”

Poly and Jordan faced off in the form of a combination battle of the bands and cheer off where they took turns to exhibit their expertise and muster up a spirit of competition and school pride. There was also a performance by the Jordan dance team and an appearance by some of the International Ambassadors who were formally showcased during the Homecoming game.

“It’s fantastic to have this friendly rivalry on and off the field,” said Poly’s co-Principal Principal, Joe Carlson. “Poly and Jordan have more in common than you think.”
The event served not only to bring together the two schools in a friendly competition, but also to raise money. Ten percent of all the proceeds Baja Senora made that night was split in half and given back to both Jordan and Poly.

“It was a really fun experience; it’s something I probably wouldn’t forget. It was really cool to see all these people come out to support the teams,” said junior songleader Sonita Tan.

Poly and Jordan faced off once again on the field last Friday at the homecoming game in which the Jackrabbits won 31-0.