Category: News

  • What in the World?!?

    What in the World?!?

    Saturday, September 23- The World

    The end of humanity on Earth did not come to an end like research scientist David Meade said it would.

    Tuesday, September 26- Saudi Arabia

    The Saudi Foreign ministry announced that women over 18 years old will be able to drive this June 2018.

    Thursday, September 28- Bali and Vanuatu

    The two islands of Bali and Vanuatu each have a volcano threatening citizens with potential to bring havoc. Both the volcanoes are located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and are expected to erupt around the same time. Nearly 144,000 people from Bali and 11,000 people from Vanuatu have been evacuated and being taken to safety– as of October 2.

    Friday, September 29- Puerto Rico 

    San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz spoke at a press conference. She states, “If anyone is out there listening to us, we are dying, and you are killing us with the inefficiency and bureaucracy.”

    Saturday, September 30- United States

    President Donald Trump responded to Cruz’s statement. He tweeted, “Such poor leadership ability by the Mayor of San Juan, and others in Puerto Rico, who are not able to get their workers to help. They want everything to be done for them when it should be a community effort.”

    Sunday, October 1- Las Vegas, Nevada

    64-year-old Nevada native Stephen Paddock shot and killed 59 people– as of October 2– from his hotel room on the 32nd floor at the Mandalay Bay.

  • The Parking Fiasco

    The Parking Fiasco

    Poly’s baseball parking lot underwent a much needed makeover during the summer. The district’s call for this remodel was long overdue, according to assistant Activities Director Virginia Agredano-Perez, who stated that she couldn’t recall the last time the lot was worked on.

    The renovation included a new walkway along the baseball field, which provided an easier way for pedestrians to move across the lot if necessary and for drivers to get to their cars. However, what was not implemented in the new structure’s plan was a drop-off zone for parents.

    The amount of students that get dropped off outweighs those that can drive themselves. Each morning on Jackrabbit Lane, 15th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Street is a nightmare with these parents blocking the road. How are students expected to be on time to class when the traffic stops them from parking immediately when arriving at school?

    Senior Kayla Gibson states that, “in order to comfortably get a parking spot, [she] has to get to school early.” Gibson, who parks on M.L.K. Street everyday, was unable to get a parking permit, another downside to the lot’s “improvement”. The total amount of permits distributed this school year was 173, around eighteen less than the total available last year.

    “I don’t understand why they got rid of a whole row of spots,” senior Katie Pream pointed out, noticing the decrease in spots did not ease the difficulty faced when leaving school.

    With the decrease in spots, students have to resort to parking on M.L.K. Jr. Street, 15th Street, and even 17th Street. An issue with parking on the street is twice a week street sweeping eliminates parking spots.  Last school year, the times changed to 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

    Gibson explained that the change in street-sweeping days has been extremely inconvenient, and she has seen students running late to class from having trouble finding parking spots on those two days.

    Photo by David Moore
  • A Day of Remembrance: 9/11 Memorial

    A Day of Remembrance: 9/11 Memorial

    Photos by David Moore

  • Time for City Corps

    JROTC is preparing to start off strong this year with their City Corps competition coming up on October 4 at Cabrillo High School. City Corps is an event between four schools: Lakewood, Paramount, Cabrillo, and Long Beach Poly. At the event, the top four cadets will be interviewed by all the instructors from each school.

    The commanders have chosen their top four cadets to represent Poly, which will be senior Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Justeny Arias, senior Cadet Major Shaina Tudayan, senior Cadet Major Matthew Sann, and junior Cadet Command Sergeant Major Carina Ayala. These four cadets will be answering questions to see what position they will be able to hold on the Junior ROTC Staff.
    “This is nothing they can really study for,” Senior Army Instructor Sergeant Major Wright explained. “It’s just gonna be military knowledge on how they would handle certain scenarios.”
    As for cadets being chosen, they were carefully picked to represent Poly.

    “The cadets are very dedicated to the program of ROTC and the needs for Poly High School,” Wright said.

    Junior Cadet Carina Ayala explained how she is very excited to be attending and feels honored to be the only represented junior out of the four chosen. Ayala dedicated her 3 years at Poly to Junior ROTC and is looking forward to potentially hold a higher position for her senior year. “I love ROTC because it has pushed me to be the full potential version of myself, and as well, I know I will do great in the competition,” Ayala said.

    After this event passes, JROTC’s next event will be the Veteran’s Parade on November 11.

  • Recycle Now!

    Recycle Now!

    Facts are important, extremely important. When Intensive Studies teacher Tonia Schwichtenberg voiced the controversy surrounding Poly’s recycling program, it was apparent that there were many misunderstandings.

    During certain periods of the day, students with intellectual disabilities can be seen picking up and recycling bottles and cans.
    The point Schwichtenberg has been trying to get across is that the students participating in this program are choosing to participate.
    “It’s a school-wide program that is their choice to be a part of,” Schwichtenberg said. “It is NOT trash pick up. I need everybody to understand that.”
    To clear up any confusion and end the recycling program’s negative connotation, a list of facts was included and discussed by Schwichtenberg herself.

    Schwichtenberg’s List of Facts:
    1. The program is not a trash pick up. The students recycle cans and bottles, and it is called Recycle Now.
    2. Recycle Now was designed by and for students who have intellectual disabilities.
    3. Students involved in Recycle Now use the bottles and cans recycled each day to create reusable products, such as backpacks and rulers.
    4. Recycle Now is a paid job for students who are interested.
    5. Students that choose to be a part of the program have to go through an application process to be picked for the position. 6. Schwichtenberg and her students began Recycle Now around 19 years ago and have proven the success of the program each day. The students that have this job recycle around 3,000 pounds of bottles and cans on the Poly campus each year, and Recycle Now has been honored with various awards from the City.

    Recycle Now has been beneficial for students with disabilities, and the program will continue to thrive. There is always more than what meets the eye.

  • What in the World???

     

    Record-Breaking Earthquakes

      Hurricane Harvey and Irma have been all the talk in the United States press and media. Still today, residents of Florida and Texas are losing everything because of the natural disasters.

    However, Mexico has been dealing with two of its most destructive earthquakes in the country’s history.

    After the Category 1 hurricane, Katia, struck eastern Mexico, the southern coast felt the brunt of the strongest earthquake in 100 years for the country, according to Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto. The earthquake had a magnitude of 8.1, and ABC news announced on September 11 that 96 citizens have died.

    Chiapas and Oaxaca were the most affected states of Mexico by the quake because of how close the two states were to the earthquake’s epicenter. Around 5,000 homes were destroyed in Chiapas, and 11,000 homes were destroyed in Oaxaca.

    To make matters worse, a tsunami warning has been issued to citizens because of the increase in ocean-wave size.

    More recently, on September 19, Mexico City was struck with a 7.1 earthquake.

    Unfortunately, it was on Septe

    mber 19 that Mexico City was honoring those that died on that day in 1985. In 1985, an 8.1 earthquake struck Mexico City killing around 6,000 citizens. 32 years later, the 7.1 earthquake shook Mexico City for a second time.

    Citizens had to be evacuated from buildings and into the streets because of the endless destruction.  After a couple of hours, the City announced that the earthquake had already killed 100 people and destroyed multiple buildings.

    To help those affected by this earthquake in Mexico City, visit the Red Cross Mexico.

      *Information from ABC, CNN, and The LA Times was used for the creation of this article.*

    Hurricane Dogs

      Hurricane Harvey has been tormenting Houston citizens and their families for weeks now. What about the animals left behind?

    On September 5, Southwest Airlines created a system to fly homeless animals from the destruction and wreck Hurricane Harvey to safety.

    The animal shelters in Houston were overpopulated with homeless dogs and cats that were left behind during the hurricane.     Southwest Airlines came up with a plan to help.

    The airlines teamed with an animal shelter in San Diego, California to transport the homeless animals from Houston to the San Diego shelter.

    Around 60 cats and dogs were rescued and brought to safety in San Diego.

    The animals that were transported are now being taken care of at the San Diego shelter, Helen Woodland Animal Center.

      *Information from Today News was used for the creation of this article.*

    Cholera Outbreak in Northeast Nigeria

          Cholera is a disease that infects foods and drinking water, and once these are contaminated and consumed, the individual can be killed within a few hours without treatment.

    A cholera outbreak has contaminated and infected individuals near northeast Nigeria dwelling in camps run by the organization, Boko Haram.

    The Boko Haram is a militant Islamic group in Nigeria.

    Maiduguri, the capital of Borno, is where the outbreak began.     However, the disease has spread to neighboring towns such as Monguno and Dikwa.

    Professionals have been travelling to northeast Nigeria to help cure those infected by cholera and give vaccines to citizens to protect them from the disease.

    Already, 2,600 people have been infected by cholera, and 48 individuals have died.

    Professionals and workers from Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) have been campaigning to vaccinate the people of northeast Nigeria, and if carried through, the vaccine will be given to 900,000 people for this week.

         *Information from Thomson Reuters Foundation News was used for the creation of this article.*

  • Who Cares? Poly Peer Counselors Cares

    Do you ever feel like you need to talk to someone about something that’s bothering you or you just want to get it off your chest?

    Poly has a place where students can do exactly that, and it is called the CARE Center in room 205. Mr. Gray is the counselor, and the hours are from 7:30 AM to 1 PM Monday through Friday.

    Students can go there for personal concerns, family problems, academic problems, to improve relationships in school or at home, child abuse, sexual abuse, depression, self harm, suicidal thoughts, student-athlete issues, or anything they are struggling with.

    If students need help, they can tell their teacher during class, and get a pass to the CARE Center. The center is not an excuse to get out of class. Other options, besides going to the center during class, is to go during nutrition or lunch.

    Counseling groups consist of personal development, stress and anxiety, and grief and loss. It also has groups to help support parents and teachers.

    “If a student is ever scared to go to the CARE Center, you should know that everything you talk about in there is completely confidential,” Senior Lily Brossus said. “No one will know what you share, not your parents, friends, or teachers. It’s a safe environment, and if you have problems, I encourage people to go if they need help.”

    The CARE Center is a safe place, and Poly students are encouraged to go seek help. All of the counselors are supportive, and the center helps approximately 1,500 students each year.

    “Everyone should know that it’s okay to talk about your problems, because us peer counselors are students at Poly just like all the kids who come in,” Senior Zenita Leang stated. “We’ve experienced things like some of the people who come in.”

    “It’s a really safe place where you can meet new people who really care about you and want to help you with your problems or whatever you have going on in your life that’s bothering you,” senior Abby Rubin explained.

    The CARE Center has helped people with all kinds of problems, no matter how big or small. The counselors are there to listen, give advice, and guide students while they are struggling. They are also there to make students feel better and like they are cared about.

    “As a freshman and sophomore, I learned that the CARE Center was a place where you could go for help,” Leang said. “I realized that it’s a very useful and valuable resource to have and it was something I wanted to be part of to help fellow students out and make them feel better.”

  • Hit the Books at the Michelle Obama Public Library

    Hit the Books at the Michelle Obama Public Library

    The Michelle Obama Library celebrated its one-year anniversary on September 10th, 2017. The library is about 5.2 miles away down Atlantic Street from Poly.

    Ana Villalpando has been an assistant librarian at the Michelle Obama Library for over a year. She makes sure that “patrons have a satisfying experience” by tending to their library needs. Villalpando has her BA in philosophy and is currently enrolled at CSULB for her MA in social and cultural of education. Villalpando would like to inform the Poly community of the library’s vast resources.

    “The library has Mac computers equipped with Photoshop, Adobe, and Final Cut Pro (video editing software) programs. All computers have Excel and Microsoft Word,” Villalpando said. “Some computers have database software for any student looking to strengthen their SAT, ACT, or any standardized test skills. iPads are also available upon request for students.”

    The library provides many opportunities to win special prizes. The community can enter for the chance to win two movie tickets if they sign up for a library card. For the chance to win $100 dollars in movie tickets, dress up in a Teen Titan costume, upload the photo to Instagram and tag the Long Beach Public Library. These offers end in September.

    Villalpando explained the various study rooms in the library available for students.

    “There are two designated study and quiet rooms available to students upon reservation. These rooms are enclosed and have tables and chairs,” Villalpando said. “The study rooms have a TV available that can connect to the student’s device. Quiet rooms also contain white boards.”

    The rooms are the perfect place for a group project or study group to meet. Villalpando also explained that there are several comfortable “booth” like tables with outlets for students to use.

    Villalpando is very enthusiastic about the library’s homework help program for students.

    “Students who would like assistance with their homework can utilize the library’s Family Learning Program,” Villalpando said. “The program hours are the same as the library’s hours.”

    The library offers many events throughout the year. The library also hosts college talks for high school students every Wednesday in September starting at 4:30 PM. Kim Turrisi, initial producer of web series Pretty Little Liars and author of Just a Normal Day is holding a book talk on October 4th. Editor and publisher for Wannabe Press Russell Nohelty will be hosting a graphic novel workshop on October 11th at 4 PM.

    The library owns three 3D printers. Library cardholders are allowed one free print of their choice a month. If interested in learning how to use a 3D printer, ask a librarian.

  • Blood Drive Success

    On Thursday, June 1, Student Commission helped host this semester’s blood drives in Poly’s big gym. The blood donated went to Cedars-Sinai blood donor services for people in need of blood in hospitals.

    To be a donor, students needed to be 16 years old and 135 pounds or more with a signed consent form and a valid picture ID or 17 years or older and at least 110 pounds.

    Commissioner and junior Ha “Caitlin” Lam said usually 250 students donate, but this semester approximately 300 people each donated a pint of blood. Students who donated were rewarded with either a free shirt or a free pint of Baskin-Robbins ice cream.

    Lam said, “We contacted them a year in advance to let them know we wanted to donate. Poly loves community service.”

    Sophomore Aren Jacob Agoncillo, who donated blood, said, “I wanted to give blood because I was told that I have a blood type that’s very rare and I could give it to anyone and I just wanted to help the people who need it.”

    Sophomore donor Cohan Gifford Manzon said, “I donated because I was willing to do anything to help someone and it’s not that hard just to give back to whoever needs it… I wasn’t nervous at first but then I saw the blood coming out and my arm started getting tired but I kept going because I knew it was for a good cause.”

  • Letter to the Graduating Class

    Dear graduating Jackrabbits,

    It is finally here, the day we never thought would come. Graduation is just around the corner. Excuse me, life is just around the corner. After four years of no sleep, terribly crowded parties, and being surrounded by annoying and immature people and teachers you have to see everyday, you will now be moving on to fouryears of even less sleep, even more crowded and crazy parties, and at least somewhat mature and less annoying people. But this time, you don’t necessarily have to go to the classes with the annoying professors.

     

    Instead of stressing about what to wear for school the next day, you will start worrying about how you are going to pay for your next meal, or if you are going to be able to pay off your hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans. But not to worry little bunnies, we will get through it. After all, we are Jackrabbits. We are from Poly, the home of scholars and champions – that’s us!

    So cherish these last days of high school. Be extra nice to the teachers you cannot stand. Wish a beautiful life to that one girl in your fifth period English class that you have never talked to because why not?

    Now you can all start fresh in the next chapter of your lives. If you are truant in high school, make the extra effort to go to your Introduction to Biology class nearly every time. If you have never been to a high school football game, try to go to a college game of any kind; they are a lot more exciting. If you never made an effort to talk to high school guys, try with college  ones. They are supposed to be more sophisticated and accepting (yeah right).

    This is just the beginning – today high school graduation, tomorrow you are graduating from law school or medical school. Heck, you could be graduating from clown school if you really wanted to. Just remember to always do what you love, not necessarily what makes the most money.

    And do not be so stressed, puh-lease! If you find yourself having a mental breakdown because you are doing all your studying for a final the night before, first of all, you are crazy, and second, just calm down. In five years you will not remember that final. Just breathe, eat some chocolate, do some yoga, smell some roses. Everything will be fine in the end.  I know this is cliche, but never doubt yourself! We all are capable of amazing things, and if you ever need a reminder of that,  I am sure you can contact one of your fellow former Jackrabbits. Good luck to you all! WE DID IT!

  • Poly Students get the Chance to Visit Europe this Summer

    Poly Students get the Chance to Visit Europe this Summer

    As the year is coming to a close, summer vacation is already being planned out and organized for certain students taking French and German. Poly is fortunate enough to have multiple language departments embarking on cultural trips to allow students to embrace the language they have studied during their high school years. This summer, Poly’s French and German students have the opportunity to travel and stay with foreign exchange families to broaden their understandings with real, cultural experiences.

    For German students, the exchange has been occurring over this past school year. Poly junior and German student Ella Christensen explained, “German exchange students come around spring break to stay with American students and then during summer, American students go to stay with the same family in Germany from July to August.”

    While in Germany, Poly students have a variety of activities and places to go. Junior Aubrey Chapman said, “I am going to go to school for a week while I am there to see what schools in Germany are like and my German exchange student is taking me to Paris and Athens.”

    The French language department will travel to France and like Poly’s German department, French foreign exchange students had come to stay with Poly students during this school year. The French exchange students “attended cheer, swim, and cross country practice,” according to sophomore Matlynn Giles. Giles continued to explain that Poly students going to France to stay as foreign exchange students “was an option and one-third of Poly’s French students are doing the dual French-American program.”

    The foreign exchange program Poly has provided for its students studying French and German is continuing to inspire and influence students to learn more about different cultures.

  • Class Eliminations Expected In the Fall

    Home economics, creative writing, Black history, marine biology, foods and nutrition, and film analysis are all offered as electives and available to all students, but next year that will all change.

    These classes are a versatile group that teach students a unique set of skills.  Although Poly does provide the classes, they are not responsible for what happens to them. The Long Beach Unified School District decided that Poly offered too many electives, and needed to focus on academics.

    To make up for losing electives, Poly now offers a multitude of APs for students to take. Creative writing has been a class choice for 100 years and taught by Brett Alexander for four years. Alexander emphasizes  that having the ability to write well is vital, and that being able to compose something that has meaning is an important skill.

    “It’s sad that students won’t get to express themselves in [the] classroom; it’d be a bummer that future kids won’t have a good course like that,” said junior Ella Christensen.

    Alexander commented, “I’ve really enjoyed it because students come in [and] spill everything onto a piece of paper without a time limit. It’s been fun. I have students from every academy; it’s a great class to have.”  Alexander, along with other teachers at Poly, is very sad to see the class go.

    Anne Smith is a long-term substitute this semester, taking the place of Gayle Boone-Beegle who had taught home economics and foods and nutrition at Poly for over 20 years. Smith said, “What I like most about teaching this class is that students find something that they didn’t expect they could do is very interesting; it’s my favorite thing.”

    Students are exposed to real life skills, like learning the steps to forming a good and wholesome diet, or experimenting with a recipe or dish foreign to them. Many of the eliminated electives would have informed students on things they would have otherwise never gotten the chance to be educated on.