Category: Feature

  • Available Jobs for Teens

    There are plenty of job opportunities scattered among the Long Beach community.

    Jamba Juice in Long Beach is hiring team members for part time and pay $10.50 an hour. They are looking for people who can take pride in their work, genuinely care about the customer and the experience you are providing them. If you get the job you get a 50% discount off all smoothies, juices and food products.

    PetSmart in Signal Hill is looking for part-time cashiers.

    The Vans store in Belmont Shore is looking for a part-time sales associate. This job is good if you enjoy interacting with people, have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and are very patient.

    Target in the Lakewood mall is looking for cashiers. To qualify you would need to have a helpful attitude towards guests and other workers, able to answer customers questions thoroughly and quickly, have a flexible schedule, and also willing to work in other areas of the store.

    Starbucks on 7th and Park is looking for a barista. To qualify you would not need any previous experience required although they require you to be able to learn quickly, be able work as a part of a team, help maintain a clean and organized workspace, and help produce products consistently for all customers by adhering to all recipe and presentation standards.

    And if none of that interests you but you still want a job, there are always people who are looking for babysitters. Depending on how many kids or how long the parents will be gone the pay can vary. If you want to babysit you can ask a family friend or parent to put out the word that you’ll babysit.

  • Interested in a Fashion Career?

    If you’re interested in pursuing a career in fashion or makeup check out this internship. The internship is called Freedom and Fashion and there are different programs you can join. Freedom and Fashion offers a fashion mentorship program that allows you to create your own fashion line. The program teaches important skills like leadership, self image, and the ability to make different decisions. At the end of the program they host the Freedom and Fashion Annual Fashion Show. the show displays the student’s hard work and achievements.

    They also offer the Freedom and Fashion Beauty Mentorship Program. In the program they don’t just teach beauty skills They teach self value, inner beauty, and the power of self expression. The students in this program leave with knowledge of the beauty industry and the experience needed. At the end of the program they provide students with on set experience with the Freedom and Fashion Pro Studio Day. They partner with professional photographers and a high end studio. Students are able to leave with professional photos to start their portfolio.

    Another program they offer is Freedom and Fashion Stylist Experience. Students have the opportunity to partner with professional stylist that mentor and teach the students new ways to communicate through fashion.

  • Life with a Job

    Out of 500 applications to the newest Chick-fil-a, located on PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), CIC junior, Gladys Mora got hired and is finding a way to juggle high school whilst working a job.

    “In all honesty, I don’t think this job has affected me to the point where my grades are suffering. Sure, I have a lot on my plate, but I don’t mind,” said Mora about her daily life. “I work part time, and I know what my priorities are. It’s just nice to receive some income I can spend selfishly on myself,” said Mora on the benefits to having a job on high school.

    “Nothing bothers me about having my job, I like it. Sometimes I work during school activities, like the football games, but it’s not worth quitting my job for,” Mora said light heartedly. she is excited about her new parttime job and looks forward to all the benefits that come with working within a network of people her age , that is the fast food industry.

  • Tips for Internships

    Internships help gain work experiences to help build up your resume, reach goals, improve team working, engagement, employability, communicating, and interpersonal skills, through trainings.

    First impressions are very important, so keep in mind that to be a professional you must dress like a professional, shake hands, make eye contact, smile, be friendly and confident. Don’t wait for the internships to come to you, besides the thousands on-line internship web sites and books, network through family, friends, friends’ family, and school contacts to find out about possible internships. While being an intern you will have a great opportunity to network with people working in your field.

    Treat your internship like its real job by showing up for work on-time and being prepared. Find a mentor in the same work field that will support you and provide you with advice. Establish good relationships with your coworkers.

    Stay off your phone and social media during shift hours, this will show others you are willing to learn, are motivated and have a genuine interest in your job, also ask questions when possible. Such internship programs, even volunteer opportunities, will provide you with real world experiences, and build a career foundation.

    Research shows that companies recruit about 85 percent of internships and similar experiential education programs participants to become full time workforces.

    So put all your effort in now and before you know it you will go from being an intern to an employee.

  • Time Management: Juggling Work and Homework

    Most people get their first job in high school, usually around the age of 16. There are many jobs that aren’t as demanding as a fast food restaurant. Junior, Natalie Magana, has recently experienced a few different part time jobs that any student can do, such as baby-sitting and tutoring.

    When asked what kind of qualities and skills are necessary to do these kinds of tasks, she claimed it involves a lot of patience and communication. She baby-sat over the summer and is currently tutoring.

    “It takes up a lot of time when you’re in a sport and still have school work to do, but if manage your time correctly and you know what you’re doing then… You’re good”, she said on time management.

    Time management is something Magana knows very well as she has practices most weekdays after school until 6 or 7. She tutors as often as she can when practice isn’t in the way. Juggling two important parts of her life may be a challenge, but Magana isn’t concerned as long as she has time to eat and do homework. Poly students can take advantage of our block schedule, Magana says that she if she does not finish her homework, she makes time to do it in the morning as she does not have a 2nd period, Magana only recommends this as a last resort. While Magana manages to keep her grades in tip-top shape, she often gets really tired and stressed but remembers this will all benefit her in the end. Although, some days she is moments away from a break down, she knows that one day, everything she did was worth it and the money she worked for can come into place.

  • First Job Hacks

    All teens are looking for jobs to make money, but some teens may not know how to work in a job setting. Some things teens should know when having a job is to be vulnerable, which means it’s okay to ask questions if you’re unsure or if you need advice.

    You also want to build great relationships with co-workers, bosses, and managers or people you’d like to work with. You might get a position you don’t want to work at, but just be patient. Do what you have to do and start at the bottom and make your way to the top in position of power.

    If you find a prospective job, research the company and people who work there before applying to make sure it’s the correct fit for you.

    Work on your body language, like posture and hand placement to show dedication and to exude confidence.

    Once you find a job, make sure you’re interested in it. Pick a career you love to do because when you’re working it won’t actually feel like work and you’ll be enjoying it more than feeling like you’re forced to doing something.

    Do it with a passion and put your all into it. Yes it will be stressful but worth it because not only are you helping yourself you’re helping others around you. Granted, sometimes you are just working to earn money and hate your job, but make sure the money is actually worth it.

    Moral of the story is to know what you want to do and actually do it with a passion while knowing the ins & outs of having a job.

  • What is the Ideal Date?

    My ideal date is anything that someone put their effort and creativity into. It doesn’t have to be expensive; it should just be enjoyable and fun.

    Some examples of some great first date ideas are active dates like going to one of those trampoline places or going go-kart racing or mountain climbing; pretty much any date where there won’t be any awkward quiet moments that I would have to fill in with boring conversation about school or lie about enjoying things. I also like the idea for a date that is something I could talk about for the rest of my life. I want to be old and decrepit talking about a date I had in high school with some guy who later cheated on me with my best friend, but that’s just me.

    Pretty much all I’m saying is a little effort goes a long way. Especially because we are all kids and are probably not gonna end up with who we are currently with.

  • Valentine’s Day

    Valentine’s Day

    Indie Films

    Indie films are not only better, but also cheaper. The Los Angeles Art Theatre charges about eight bucks a head, and seriously guys, you wouldn’t be paying 40 dollars at the movies if you didn’t see it in 3D and brought your own snacks. It’s not like they actually check bags. Besides, movies are the perfect first date– you get to spend time with your crush, without ever having to talk to them!

    Price Range: $16-$25 (if you do it right)

    Go on a picnic

    All you have to know is what kind of food your partner likes and to bring music, blankets, and pizza on a nice day outdoors to make a great date. It can be romantic or easily bromantic if you’re single and just want to spend time with your friends. Best of all, you only buy the food.

    Price Range= $5- $10

    Antique Shopping

    No lie, there are approximately three antique stores on every block out here, and it’s amazing. You and your date can glance around the store and buy each other one gift that you think the other would like, it’s great bonding, you get to see how much you really know each other, and who doesn’t love gifts?

    Price range: $7- $15 each

  • Solve the Valentine’s Day Riddles

    1. Where does Easter come before Valentine’s Day?
    2. You see me as one but I am made by two. What am I and what made me what I am?
    3. Where is this qoute from?
    “Love is heavy and light, bright and dark, hot and cold, sick and healthy, asleep and awake — its everything except what it is!”
    4. I represent love.
    I’m the daughter of Heaven and Sea.
    You may find me in the sky above,
    And many envy my beauty.
    My love belongs to fire,
    But if I said I was true to him
    I would be a liar,
    But I have no shame for my whims.
    My son taught many to love.
    To me the only earthly items of worth
    Are myrtle, sparrow, swan, and dove.
    And no one remembers my birth.
    Who am I?
    5. I am one of three who make you “fall in love” but I melt away around 121

    Win Two AMC Movie tickets

    Students who correctly complete the Valentine’s Day riddles will be entered in a drawing for free AMC movie tickets. Please return completed puzzles to Mr. Holmlund in room 202.

  • New Bunnies to the Bunch

    “I graduated from Poly, and I want to give back to the program that made me who I am.” Thanh Van, AP Physics

    “[I will help] students pass their classes by providing them with good teaching everyday and keeping the students busy.”
    Steven Goodman, Special Education

    “[A] safe haven where everyone feels comfortable and just express themselves for who they are and make it feel like a family in which no one is going to be judged.”

    “I hope to teach my students this year lifelong skills that they can take with them in the future.” Kristina Pfohl, Algebra

    “The great majority of the students are very open to learning. I am very excited to see what Poly has in store for me.”
    Anne Stuyvesant, Geometry

    “[I’m] looking forward to working with highly motivated students and helping them pass the AP exam in May, and will help support them and help them feel confident and ready to take the test.” Stacey Hess, AP Language

    “I plan to have students become active learners by having them research and relate their understanding of in-class materials to their community and current events. I must show students that I value what they do outside of the classroom so that they can value what I do inside the classroom.” Vincent Puth, History

    “I would like to help my senior English students improve their writing, take the High Life to an even higher level, and contribute to a member of the school community.” Daryl Holmlund, English/Journalism

    “I’m really glad to be back here at Poly. Students here and in the district seem a little more aware of what is going on in the outside world.” James Cooperider, English

    “I love Poly. My son is a Poly grad; my daughter is a junior. It’s almost like I am coming home when I teach here.” Steve Perrin, Algebra

    “I want to start a full-on robotics program and get involved in as many engineering projects as possible.” Scott Gaynor, Engineering

    COOPERIDER JAMES cTMl6fvXWlN9Vahj3BMWxjIq2VtE2FttQvQcTLEz1bQ H0kkH4GXBiIGVCJQVgo6ujSVaIqpx3Eu7EacDtYRv_4 HESS STACEY HHlucr5M4lpALanRVfEK5x5FCPxqdZBKriqFAP3o41I WEBB JENNA XAWKNapGu34Ir1vsWVI0Oa__lzwq16GLgBY3fsdokjY tPdO8I5Vt6jFX9Pewo5pGkv9Qio39_jwSygjaNLLuI4 B5nZjaHKom3iuRhHiGbGJNkD9qlb35cV9Bvj5b3XR40 D7QJKp771fTOQfvhdtK-SGkalDfSWTQ-lZpinupKY90 J38H20dwzeCKRt6dOlA72iCfhpQbX4MBTNeSIiTk0K8 VB31v--y_t2THzx2bCytOeHJMsDcCpArVngEC-rFvQA WG_mz8NUphISgUAYVr4sAvUjQW9lS0qubllTsTgm8M4 X_JdMk4-whmqr3pEbg7IcIoGYHXux47b-PfmGvjNWe4 zsamC3pPJk71zuuKWexwzt0EbZ3bRK1UJJJAyDKvuLY CQjah_tn-wmDPobWIVrmiTEBGkiUoU4IAqZC9JuHKDU K-CpJ3YkRuY8AC1Ef6RTngUzxjvZ0HK8gPd5NtriOfM m6VqESixawYBRWnLRAXzgIkoiRFOgcvsSwoY8yFH5vg Wnq_BXjTxa9X6FEXDL27iLZ4-sJrEPPasY6xXRkE5GU

    Photos courtesy of Sanford Studios.

    Photos for Thanh (Aaron) Van and Andrea Wright were unavailable.

  • Poly Royalty

    Poly Royalty

    Since its founding in 1895, Poly has set the standards for sports, academic, and music on a national scale. Built upon a unique history marked by academic achievement and athletic records, Poly has become a kingdom that dominates all other high schools in the nation. Many alumni have gone on to prove that Poly is the best starting point for success. Poly’s reign has lasted for over a century now, and these achievements prove that our empire is not falling any time soon. Add your name to the list of kings, queens, and pharaohs who made the right choice by starting here.

    NIMBLE NOBLES

    Jackrabbits are well-rounded students: with five small learning communities including Justice (law), BEACH (math and science) , MAPS (medical), PAC RIM (business), METS (media), and two college-prep magnet programs, PACE and CIC, Poly utilizes academies as personalized learning curricula for students to model their courses based on their interests. Academies were designed to imitate a more personal learning environment.

    MUSICAL MONARCHS

    Poly’s six-time, Grammy award- winning music program has trained many artists to carry on the legacy of excellence. One alum in particular, Ikey Owens, started off in our notable music program. He went on to become a famous, two- time Grammy-winning pianist , receiving the first in 2011 with his band, Mars Volta. Owens was awarded a second Grammy in 2015 for his work on Jack White’s most recent album, Lazaretto, but unfortunately, he did not live to receive it, as he passed away last October.

    DIVERSE DYNASTY

    According to the Los Angeles Times’ California School’s Guide, Poly has a perfect score of ten for its diversity. Poly has the most even distribution of minorities amongst its student body out of all other high schools in the district. The school consists of 32.2% Latino, 30% Asian, 10.6% Caucasian, and 25.4% black students. Royal Jackrabbits stem from all kinds of ethnic backgrounds, keeping the kingdom varied.

    THE PRINCE OF POWERADE

    Did you know that Poly had its own flavor of Powerade? “The Flavor of Champions” was created for Poly in 2011 in honor of being crowned as #1 on ESPN’s “Fab 50” list, recognizing the most talented high school athletics. It’s not surprising since Poly has sent more football players to the NFL than any other high school over the last century.

  • Thanks for everything, Poly.

    To Our Fellow Jackrabbits:

    We are so grateful to have spent the last four years here at Poly.  We could not have asked for a more welcoming and diverse group of people to call our peers and mentors.  The school is such a great environment to be a part of, one where school spirit and kindness are found in abundance. Walk around the school and you will see this manifested in all of the students. Even when we had to cope with unfortunate events this year, we bonded and  grew closer amid these tragedies. The emphasis on community and camaraderie is one of the many things that make this school such a remarkable institution: it has shown us that Poly is really a family.

    As seniors, we can confidently reaffirm the notion that Poly is the Home of Scholars and Champions.  We have worked on this newspaper for the past three years, and we can say that Poly consistently molds its students into educated and responsible individuals.  We have written articles about Poly students competing in academic and athletic events, winning various scholarships, and receiving widespread recognition for their achievements.  We have witnessed Jackrabbits claiming not only league titles, but also state records and national rankings. However, we have come to realize that calling Poly the Home of Scholars and Champions is limiting; the school is home to a multi-talented student body in all disciplines.

    We want to thank our classmates for such a great experience.  We would also like to thank all our teachers and counselors for guiding us along the turbulent journey of high school. Thank you to the fabulous High Life staff and our new advisor, Mr. Autz, for working hard to keep the High Life alive. We only wish the best for next year’s High Life staff, who will work hard to commemorate the 100 years of the newspaper’s existence. We are expecting great things with the guidance and leadership of the new Editors-in-Chief: Cooper Bahr, Andrea Garcia, and CJ Salapare.

    Lastly, we are extremely happy with how the newspaper has turned out this year. We have succeeded in upholding our duties as journalists: to document the school’s history and inform the student body. With our new website up and running, the newspaper has reached a wider audience and that fills us with a sense of pride. We sparked debate over important issues and we appreciated everyone who shared their own opinions with us. We hope to see all of you continue Poly’s storied legacy.   Thank you for giving us such a great school to call our alma mater.

    Sam & Amara