Vol 3 Issue 5

March 2016

Magnet attraction
McFamily Night
By Karen Araujo and Miriam Garcia

On Thursday, February 25, the Magnet

family gathered together for their annual fundraiser
at McDonalds. As the most favored event,
McDonalds night was a success yet again.
Students, their families, their friends, and Magnet
staff enjoyed these few hours in an almost entirely
private event, bringing Magnet together once again.
As one student
pointed, its great
to see all of Magnet,
and I enjoy being
with my friends
while raising money
for Magnet.
Thanks to
your support,
Magnet was able to
raise funds to better
support students.

Jennifer Rico
By Karan Araujo

Senior Honor Student and Long-Distance Runner

Take things seriously and take advantage of any
opportunities you get.
Jennifer Rico, a
senior at SFHS
Magnet and an
amazing runner
in both CrossCountry and
Track, has now
been recognized
as one of the top
ten students in
Magnet.

motivating myself to do well, Rico said. Selfmotivation has not

only helped her
achieve success in
school, but in her
extra-curricular
activities as well. She
started running
because she was
inspired to try it and
was eager to
compete. Upon
trying-out, she made it onto the Varsity for both
cross-country and distance track. I became
passionate about running, she explained. Soon,
these lengthy runs seemed too short, so Ricos
friends motivated her to join Students Run LA
(SRLA). The 2016 Los Angeles marathon was her
first time in participating in such a long event- one
that required so much training- but with
determination, proactive training, and selfmotivation Rico finished the marathon in ------ADD
HOURS.
Rico has worked very hard to get where she is.
Most of her determination is so that she can make
her mom proud. In ninth grade, she made the
conscious decision to be a part of Magnet, because
she felt that Magnet would help her to prepare for
college. The Magnet environment and teachers, she
feels, make it so that [we] feel [we] are working
towards a college level. Rico has high expectations
for her future, though she is unsure as to what she
wants to major in, she is confident she will be
successful because she was accepted to her dream
school, University of California, San Diego.

I am very excited to be in the top ten. I think part

of what got me here is being proactive and
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Vol 3 Issue 5

March 2016

Do Not Count on a Home Period Pass

By: Lizbeth Caro

LAUSD seniors will no

longer be allowed to
have free periods or
continue to be service
workers next year, due to
stricter rules. For many
years, seniors who have
completed the A-G
requirements and taken
enrichment classes or
college classes have had the option to enroll in
home period. Home period allows these students
to go home, to work, or to their college class rather
than enrolling in an elective that is not going to
count towards anything on their college transcript.
Some students recognize that having the free period
gives them an extra hour to get ahead or complete
their assignments. Furthermore, since having one
class less a day might help alleviate some of the
stresses that students go through as they transition
from high school into adulthood. Many individuals
are appealing to keep the home period an option
for future seniors, so they too can take advantage of
these benefits if they wish.
Although the schools themselves cannot do
anything to fix this policy, LAUSD should
reconsider how this decision affects the students
before seriously implementing it. If LAUSD does,
in fact, follow through with this stricter policy,
students can appeal to administration to have a
home period, assuming that their reasons are valid,
administrators are likely to permit.

Lati-No Vote
By Aracely Chavez

Many can agree that the Latino presence in the

United States is palpable: theyre a population of
55.4 million (Pew Research Center). As this
demographic continues to grow, so do their
significance in Americas social, economic, and
political aspects. This, especially, is the case for
Latinos who are able to participate in the political
system through voting. According to the Los

Angeles Times, these individuals are a group of

27.3 million. Unfortunately, they havent realized
that aside from rights like freedom of speech and
freedom of religion, the Constitution vests upon us
responsibilities that include to Participate in the
democratic process (uscis.gov).
But although the number of Latinos eligible to vote
is surging 40% higher than it was just eight years
ago and education levels are rising, a Pew
Research Center report finds, the percentage likely
to actually cast ballots in November continues to lag
behind (LA Times). By not voting, Latinos
influence is rendered obsolete. One reason why
voting turnout is predicted to be low is because
Millennial's, people between 18 and 35 who make
up about half of the 27.3 million eligible Latino
voters, dont vote as consistently as older people
do (LA Times). The excuse they purport, as do 28
percent of Americans who didnt vote in 2014, is
that theyre too busy (Washington Post).
Unfortunately for them, this poor excuse shouldnt
be used now that political campaigns have also
resorted to early, absentee or mail voting
(Washington Post).
In actuality, at least from personal experience, they
arent interested or dont want to register so they
wont be forced into jury duty. Additionally, others
will mention how they dont really elect the
president because there is no point in doing so since
thats the job of the Electoral College.
Unfortunately for them, this excuse isnt valid
either. Although they may not directly be voting for
the presidential hopefuls, they are voting for
electors for a certain candidate (History.com).
These electors are expected (few have ever done the
contrary) to vote for the presidential and vice
presidential candidates of the party that nominated
them (History.com).
This complaining and obliviousness that
accompanies their dissatisfaction with the
government are the most angering of all. All that I
hear from family and acquaintances are how
President Obama shouldnt have been allowed a
second term or how politicians lie to the public and
only look after selfish interests. They dont realize
that this is a result from their lack of action; they
never made the effort to try to change the way the
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Vol 3 Issue 5

government is run. Therefore, these negative

feelings should be used as motivation to make a
change. Another reason they need to use in a call to
action is Trumps candidacy. Moreover, he (and
others like him) is threatening to get rid of Latinos,
both undocumented and natural born. To avoid such
events, the Latinos should display their retaliation
by voting.

WASC Committee at SFHS

By Justin Esquivias and Amaya Lopez

During the first

week of March,
the Western
Associations of
Schools and
Colleges (WASC) committee visited the SFHS
campus to evaluate the school and classrooms.
These visitations took place because they wanted to
ensure that San Fernando provided adequate
learning opportunities for all students, and that all
students were graduation-bound. In the past, SFHS
has been successful in receiving a six-year
accreditation, but were recommended to make a few
changes. This year, SFHSs goal was to receive
more commendation rather than recommendation,
so we can work to improve the strong learning
community we have.
For months, SFHS teachers met by their
Department and in their SLCs to prepare and plan
for the WASC visitation. Magnet teachers did not
have to make many changes to their classroom,
because the must haves such as agenda, objective,
standards, word walls, data boards, and student
work are present and current. Newer teacher Ms.
Akopyan was excited to show off what her students
do daily, though she was anxious in being observed
by individuals who can determine what the future at
the school looks like: My mixed emotions seemed
unnecessary at the end, because they only came to
my room for a few minutes, snapped few photos,
and left.

March 2016

notes, and left, said an 11th grade Magnet student

who experienced a visit in her fourth period. They
wanted to know about our different academies at
school, stated Esmeralda Benitez, a Magnet junior
and ASB member who was interviewed by a WASC
representative.
Magnet family, students and staff, worked to
impress these individuals; the staff believes it was a
success. SFHS, however, has yet to be contacted
concerning their accreditation; they hope to receive
the report before the end of the school year.

SFHS Magnet Audit

By Raymundo Virgen

On March 17, Student

Integration Services
(SIS) evaluated the
staff, students, and
parents for Magnets
annual audit.
The audit was a
success as they
praised Magnet for
many things. For
example, SIS was proud of Magnets student
portfolios, the ongoing thematic units, and strong
mathematics program. They also praised Magnet for
our family-like environment and team building
activities. They were amazed at our recruitment
program and how we find only the best students
from middle schools nearby, said Mrs. Mardi,
Magnet Coordinator.
Though our school scored well and received much
commendation, they made a few suggestions to
make Magnet even better. One of these suggestions
is for Magnet to offer more electives geared towards
S.T.E.M, and make more classes purely Magnet.
The 2015-2016 audit was an overall success
because we didnt receive negative comments,
which further prove Magnets competence and
success here at San Fernando High School.

Magnet students were equipped and ready to show

off their school and campus, in hopes to receive a
six-year accreditation. I was expecting to answer
some questions. The lady just walked around, took
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Vol 3 Issue 5

March 2016

Nacho Day
By Justin Esquivias

To kick off Spring Break, during lunch on Friday,

March 18, 2016, Magnet students with 3.0 GPA or
higher were reward with nachos.
Recently, SFHS students on the resident side were
presented summons to join the nacho festivities.
Here students were presented with nachos for
receiving a 3.0GPA or higher, yet Magnet students
never received the summons nor were they allowed
to participate. After hearing quite a few objections,
Mrs. Mardi set out to get for Magnet what was
rightfully theirs. Organizers of Nacho event argued
that Magnet rewards their students in various ways,
so they did not see the need in allowing Magnet
students to participate. Upon learning this, Mardi
insisted that Magnet receives the ingredients and
with the support of Magnet staff, they distributed
the nachos to over 200 Magnet students.
Thanks to students voicing their opinions and Mrs.
Mardis eagerness to defend her students when they
have valid points, this event was quite a success.

North Cal Trip

By Joseph Lopez & Fabian Arroyo

From March
21, 2016 to
March 24,
2016, PGLA
students and
staff went for
a trip to
Northern California to view University campuses,
which included: San Jose State University, UC

Berkeley, Stanford, UC Santa Cruz, and CSU

Monterey Bay. The purpose for this trip was for
students to be exposed to unfamiliar campuses,
learn how to be accepted, and gain an understanding
of what life is like in Northern California.
On Tuesday, a student from San Jose State
informed PGLA students about college expenses,
cost of living, and how to be admitted. According to
the college student, living in dorms is a good idea
because it is safe and easy to make friends;
however, living in a dorm costs more than renting
an apartment with others. Additionally, he
explained how expensive it is to be a college
student, considering one must pay for tuition and
books, computers, and additional expenses. To cut
some of these costs, he clued students in on renting
books and computers. San Jose State admits, on
average, over 30,000 students annually, which is a
higher number in admittance in comparison to the
next school visited, UC Berkeley.
The drive to UC Berkeley was short, but here
students learned that only about 8,391 students get
accepted, making this a very
competitive university, and
one of the greatest universities
in California. UC Berkeley
had a beautiful campus with
old structures separating the
manors. Here, PGLA students
learned about the 4.0 ball and
its good luck, where on the
first day of school students are to touch the ball and
not touch it again until the day they graduate.
On Wednesday, PGLA students traveled to Stanford
University. Stanford is an excellent university
where only 5% of its thousands of applicants are
accepted. In order to even be considered, a student
must not only be a straight A student, but have
high test scores, and have participated in
extracurricular activities. Though students did not
have time to see the campus entirely, from what
they did see Stanford was green and beautiful. Next,
PGLA Students got to see the elaborate Google,
Apple, and Facebook headquarters.
After visiting UC Berkeley and Stanford, students
got the feel of the tranquility found at UC Santa
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Vol 3 Issue 5

March 2016

Cruz. With 2000 acres of grass and trees, UCSC is

quite a beautiful campus. Additionally, the
University student shared his experience for a
student and enrolling in classes like surfing. Similar
to Berkeley, each building differed according to
major. Finally, students headed out to Monterey
Bay, where they did not get a tour around the
school, but soon realized that this college was
unlike the rest.
In our opinion, this trip was extraordinary because
the PGLA scholars got a chance to visit and learn
about these universities. In an interview with
Miguel Cruz, he said, this trip was fun because not
only did we get to see our dream schools, but also
got a chance to learn new things. Miguel would
certainly go on this trip again and is looking
forward to future trips.

AP Testing

AP Exam Schedule is as follows:

Week 1
Monday
Tuesday

Wednesday

English Lit and

composition

Thursday
Friday

Calc AB/BC
US History

Week 2

8am
Biology

Monday
Tuesday

US government
and politics

Wednesday

English Lang
and
composition
World History

By Jennie Abarca

In the month of May,

Advanced Placement
(AP) testing will
begin for all students
with AP courses. This
is a stressful time for all students because they need
to be knowledgeable about the subject they are
studying in order to pass the exam. Some reasons
why students need to study to pass these tests with a
3 or higher are that theyll obtain course credit for
college (one less general education class to worry
about as a freshman); show college admissions
officers that one is serious about obtaining a postsecondary education; and obtain insight into how a
college course is run.

8am
Chemistry
Computer
Science A

Thursday

12 pm
Physics 1:
Algebrabased

12 pm
Physics C:
Mechanics
Spanish
Literature and
Culture

The exams components depend on which course

students are being tested on, but a multiple-choice
section and free responses are often included. A
computer scores the multiple-choice component,
while trained readers score the free response
portions. The test is then given an overall score
based on a 1 to 5 scale with 5 being extremely
qualified; 4 well qualified, 3 qualified, 2 possibly
qualified, and 1 no recommendation.

Vol 3 Issue 5

March 2016

Stress
By Amaya Lopez

The month of May is easily one of the most

stressful months for many high school students.
Between taking advanced placement classes,
Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC),
completing college applications, and maintaining
grades, it can be nearly impossible to have a stressfree lifestyle. Teenhelp.com states that 35 percent of
male students and 45 percent of female students are
actively trying to reduce their stress. By reducing
their stress levels, students may have an easier time
achieving their goals and successes in school.
Therefore, we would like to advise students to use
these techniques to help release this imminent
stress:

you can do to better your situation then and

there. Essentially, focus to work through
situations one step at a time!
5. Eat a Healthy Diet: Though a bag of Hot
Cheetos and coke pair well together- these will
not sustain you- especially when you feel
stressed. According to Stress.org, Stress and
nutrition have always been linked its a fact.
Someone with a healthy and balanced diet is
likely to be far less stressed than someone with
a poor diet. So, practice eating more proteins,
grains, fruits, vegetables, and drink lightly
sweetened tea and coffee to relieve stress.

Briannas Comics
By Brianna Villegas

1. Breathing Exercises: No matter when or where

stress finds you, this old standby can ease the
pain and all it takes is a few minutes and costs
nothing! According to Dailyburn.com, all you
need are a few deliberate deep breaths to lower
levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Simply
inhale for a count of four, and then exhale for
another count of four (all through the nose).
They suggest you do this until youve calm
down.
2. Laugh a little or a lot: Whether you chuckle,
snort or snicker, laughter has been shown to
reduce the psychological effects of stress. If
finding something that will make you laugh is
hard, call your funny friend and speak to them
for a few minutes, watch funny old recordings
you may have in your phone. It doesnt matter
how you do it- just make sure to laugh.
3. Get Enough Sleep: According to the National
Sleep Foundation, only 15 percent of students
get the average recommended eight-and-a-half
hours of sleep per night. Especially when you
are feeling stressed, sleep is critical, so practice
putting your phone across the room. If you are
still having trouble falling asleep, try listening to
relaxing music, this one has shown to work:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwLe50pR
nxE
4. Focus on Present: Many students build more
anxiety by thinking about the future, or
reflecting on the past. At times when you feel
stressed try to focus on that moment and what
6