A scientific breakthrough - Rancho Pico Junior High School

Vol. 7 No. 9
March 20, 2014
A scientific breakthrough
Rancho Pico’s Science Olympiad team headed to California regional finals in Anaheim
LAUREN LEE
RAYLENE FACTORA
LANCASTER–People say there’s a
first time for everything, and this year’s
Science Olympiad is proving to be no
different.
For the first time, Rancho Pico
is heading for the state regional finals,
finishing fourth out of 27 junior high
teams during this year’s Los Angeles
County preliminaries March 8 at Antelope
Valley College.
Pencils scribbled, helicopters
flew, and chemicals were stirred as the
competition commenced at 8:30 a.m.
A total of 42 teams from high schools
and junior highs competed, but only 27
of them were in the B division, which
included Rancho Pico.
“Because it’s the first time
Rancho Pico got a trophy, it shows that
if we work harder we can learn so many
new things about science,” said team
STAFF PHOTO
Rancho Pico’s Science Olympiad team is heading for the state regional
finals for the first time after a fourth-place finish in the preliminaries.
member Jennifer No. “I feel really happy
that we’re going to state regionals, and we
will try our best.”
Rancho Pico placed first in Rocks
and Minerals; second in Sounds of Music;
CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
FBLA has monumental showing at West Ranch
ERICA GILLESPIE
MEGAN CHANG
Another great day for Rancho
Pico.
On March 1, 10 students excelled
at the annual Gold Coast Section Future
Business Leaders of America competition
at West Ranch High School.
Every year, high school students
from all over southern California
compete in different business categories
such as business math, public speaking,
and marketing. Rancho Pico is the only
junior high that competes in FBLA, and
even against high school students, some
members had a great deal of success.
Seventh grader Christian Sim
placed first in reciting the FBLA Creed
and will be among those competing in the
state finals in Ontario from April 10-13.
“I was really surprised. It feels
really good to be representing our school,”
STAFF PHOTO
Going against high schools, three members of Rancho Pico’s FBLA
team still made the state finals next month in Ontario.
who will be joined by Hope Hahn (fourth
Christian said.
place in marketing along with Christine
Eighth grader Hannah Bushing
Hernandez) at the state finals.
also placed first in Public Speaking.
Adviser Mrs. Kim was beaming.
“After I won, I was really excited
“I was very proud of our students
because moving on to state is a huge
last year, but this year our FBLA members
deal, even in junior high. I’m excited to
blew me away. Three students qualified to
compete in Ontario, and I’m glad that all
go to the state level!” she said.
of my hard work paid off,” said Hannah,
PAGE 2
March 20, 2014
Seventh graders have a blast at Medieval Times
EMILY SPECTOR
ye!
BUENA PARK – Hear ye! Hear
Gather all nights, kings and
barons and let’s travel back in time to
medieval Europe.
On Feb. 13, the students of
Trailblazers, Discovery, and Explorers
departed for Medieval Times in six buses
from Rancho Pico. A total of 315 students
bought the $50 ticket. Students sat with
their team on the bus but where allowed to
change seats to be with friends. Many staff
members chaperoned the exciting trip.
The atmosphere of Medieval
Times created a great learning environment
for the students and matched a huge part
of the seventh grade history curriculum.
“Medieval Times is always fun. I
think people had a great time and the event
was great for the seventh grade history
standards,” said history teacher, Mrs.
Martin.
As soon as the students walked
in, they were given a crown and assigned
a color to display their loyalty their knight.
While the knights jousted, students feasted
Photo by
Jenna Polito
Over 300 seventh graders took a trip back through time when they
attended Medieval Times in Buena Park on Feb. 13.
on a meal of tomato soup, bread, chicken,
ribs, baked potatoes, and apple pie.
“It was a delightful cuisine of the
medieval times that brought us back to a
simpler era,” said seventh grader Alana
Pelaez.
Staff and students were either
seated in the blue, red, yellow, or green
knight’s section. The knights fought on
horses and in hand-in-hand combat with
swords, shields, and maces until only one
remained – the green knight. The king’s
champion knight then battled the evil Sir
Urlich and came out victorious.
“I enjoyed the joust because it
was very suspenseful and action packed,”
said seventh grader Ryan Philips. After a fun night of amazing
entertainment and delicious foods, students
once again boarded busses and arrived
home at around 10:30 p.m. Those lucky
enough to have bought a ticket to Medieval
Times, ended up having a remarkable time
and a fun learning experience.
Published 12 times annually by the
journalism students of Rancho Pico Junior
High School, Stevenson Ranch, Calif.
MANAGING EDITORS
Erica Gillespie, Minju Kang
NEWS EDITORS
Andrew Cho, Annie Christofferson, Raylene
Factora, Lauren Lee
CURRENT EVENTS EDITOR
Andy Song
OPINION COLUMNIST
Kiana Quick
FEATURES EDITOR
Megan Chang
SPORTS EDITOR
Sam Morici
PHOTO CHIEF
Tori Crews
SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER
Carly Magalski
ART EDITOR
Bryan Wong
TECHNICAL EDITOR
Garrett Bakoo
COPY EDITOR
Gokul Mohanty
NEWS REPORTERS – Ellie Barton, Ryan Ilan, Jaesung
Park, Nicole Park, Danielle Ryan, Emily Spector
FEATURES REPORTERS – Zoey Greenwald,
Samantha Hartung, Audrey Kim, Clara Masino,
Sophia Oreglia
SPORTS REPORTERS – Bryce Fenenbock, Tali
Skabelund
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS – Evan Bates, Sasha Carter,
Rachel Dyer, Jenna Polito
STAFF ARTIST
Siena Zarrell
ADVISER – Mr. Adam Bratt, Room 424
[email protected]
PAGE 3
March 20, 2014
L.A. Marathon includes Rancho Pico 8th grader
SAM MORICI
BRYCE FENENBOCK
The next time you have to run in P.E.,
consider what Jacob Lee did.
On March 9, the eighth grader became
Rancho Pico’s first-ever finisher in the Los Angeles
Marathon.
The Quest student has run 10 half-marathons
and trained for three long months in preparation for
this renowned event.
“I’ve been training for a long time and it was
an overall good experience, even though it was really
painful,” said Jacob.
He finished with an incredible time of four
hours, six minutes, and 43 seconds for the 26.2-mile
race. Overall, he placed 3,004 out of 21,494 racers and
was among the top in his age group. The heat (in the
80s) tested the racers and really pushed him to keep
running.
“I’m so proud of him and I think that he is a
role model to other students. He has a lot of courage
and drive to go out there and compete against adults,
something that a lot of kids would not even think of
doing,” said Mrs. Jolicoeur, Jacob’s P.E. teacher.
Remember to give Jacob a pat on the back
for his remarkable accomplishment.
PAGE 4
March 20, 2014
Annual testing schedule takes a new turn this year
NICOLE PARK
ELLIE BARTON
Remember those STAR tests that
you all probably took last year and the
year before that and so on?
Well, those tests are out the door
now, except for eighth grade science.
Due to the changing standards
of Common Core, seventh graders will
not be taking any form of STAR testing.
However, eighth graders will be taking the
science STAR test for one final year. The
science test will be just like a regular STAR
test, similar to the ones given in previous
years. Replacing the STAR test will be the
SBAC, which stands for Smarter Balanced
Assessment Consortium and aligns with
the Common Core standards. All students
will be taking trial versions of the math
and English SBAC tests using a computer.
Like the STAR test, there will be many
security precautions. The computers will
be monitored, websites will be blocked
off so that students cannot find answers
online, and the tests will be taken through
a security browser to ensure that there will
be no cheating of any kind.
With this new form of testing and
to allow students to complete their tests,
there is no longer a need for the minimum
days scheduled for April 22, 23 and
24. The minimum days were originally
made to accommodate the STAR testing
schedule, but since we are now doing
the SBAC, we no longer need them. The dates for these tests are as
follows: SBAC test will be given April
14-21 and STAR tests will be given on
April 22 and 23. For seventh and eighth
graders, the SBAC tests will be taken
during math classes, so instead of walking
in your class to for a math lesson, you will
take the SBAC test. For eighth graders
only, the STAR test will be given in the
science classes. Along with the absence
of certain minimum days, there may be a
few future changes in order to make this
transition smoother. The bell schedule will
also be slightly altered and there will be
no advisory.
Students and staff are having
mixed reactions about the changes.
“I don’t really like the idea of
Common Core testing because we’ve been
doing STAR testing for all of these years,”
said seventh grader, Sabrina Benjamin. Some staff member, however,
share a different view.
“I think the SBAC and the new
Common Core standards will be successful
because we are looking to be preparing
students for college and the workforce and
I think this will really do this for them,”
said Rancho Pico counselor, Mrs. Ford.
P.E.A.C.E. classes get lessons in human tolerance
LAUREN LEE
On Feb. 24, Rancho Pico’s
P.E.A.C.E. classes went to the
Museum of Tolerance in West Los
Angeles.
Mrs. Eisenberg, the P.E.A.C.E
adviser, and her students enjoyed
the trip. The Museum of Tolerance
educates people about the horrors of
the Holocaust during World War II
and its consequences for humanity.
“I have taught this class
many times since the school opened.
I feel that the Museum of Tolerance
is able to demonstrate and show
much of what I teach in my class,”
said Mrs. Eisenberg, who takes her
classes every year. “There are many
important lessons to be learned there
and it is able to make an impact on the
students. I have been to the Museum
of Tolerance many times yet each
time it affects me and I see how it
affects my students in a good way.
The
students
attending
seemed very moved by the museum’s
message. It is a great place to go to
learn how to respect your fellow
human beings.
STAFF PHOTO
Every year, Mrs. Eisenberg takes her P.E.A.C.E. classes to the
Museum of Tolerance to learn about the Holocaust.
PAGE 6
March 20, 2014
There is never an excuse for hitting a woman – ever
“Peace cannot be achieved
through violence, it can only be
attained through understanding.”
–Ralph Waldo Emerson
THE EDGE
Kiana
Quick
What is the point of physically
hurting someone that you supposedly care
a lot about?
Why would a man punch his own
fiancée?
Baltimore Ravens running back
Ray Rice was charged with a simple
assault-domestic violence charge against
his fiancée, Janay Palmer. A security
camera at the Revel Casino in Atlantic City,
N.J. captured Rice punching Palmer in the
head, knocking her out.
Atlantic City police told the
media that the surveillance video showed
both Rice and Palmer hitting each other
in the elevator. Let me remind you that
Rice has no history of off-the-field issues,
but a TMZ video shows Rice dragging his
unconscious fiancée out of the elevator
and dropping her face first onto the marble
floor. A few minutes later, a security guard
approached Rice and Palmer just as she
was regaining her consciousness. The two
refused medical attention after the incident
and did not report any injuries.
Rice’s
attorney,
Andrew
Alperstein, claimed it was just a “very
minor physical altercation,” but the videos
reveal it was much more serious. It was not
necessary to resort to violence. Although
Palmer was said to have thrown the first
punch, using physical conduct is not ethical.
Violence is not the answer.
Despite the many times we all
here this phrase, we still do not learn from
it. Even worse that Rice reacted violently
toward a woman. Every choice we make
has a consequence, an outcome. What does
it take for someone to realize this? Rice’s
arrest is being reviewed by the league under
the NFL’s personal conduct policy, which
could lead to a suspension for the running
back. After six successful years in the NFL,
he risks his career and reputation over one
little disagreement? He will most likely face
team or league discipline for his actions.
Lastly, he will be remembered as an abuser.
Wrongly undeterred by his actions, Rice is
expected to keep his position on the team.
Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith
acknowledged the harshness of Rice’s
situation, but as a close friend, he openly
shows his support for Rice. Smith claimed,
“It’s definitely a situation that’s nothing to
be proud of, for us or for him, and he knows
that.” Smith also said that Rice and Palmer
are trying to fix their relationship, and
Smith and his wife give them full support.
It is fortunate that the two would like to
move on with their lives together, but what
Rice did to her is still wrong. Think back
to when rap artist, Chris Brown, hit his
girlfriend, pop artist, Rihanna. Although
this happened in 2009, people everywhere
still remember this shocking incident.
Since when was it okay to do
something like this? Never, under any
circumstances, is it okay for a man to hit
a woman. No human being deserves to be
punched because they don’t agree with
someone of the opposite gender. Everyone
has their own opinions and viewpoints,
which should be respected. Respect and
common courtesy are becoming values that
in our generation are slowly fading away.
Everyone seems to forget that being kind is
free. In the end, one simple act of kindness
will make someone’s day and it will make
you a better person.
Recall how Michael Vick illegally
hosted dog fights and served almost two
years in prison after being convicted. To
be successful you have to work hard for
it. Even one slip up and you could ruin
everything you have worked for. Just like
how Florida State University Seminoles
quarterback Jameis Winston was accused
of assaulting a female student. An attorney
from FSU decided not to charge Winston,
after he had faced felony charges. What lead
these athletes to believe that they would not
be caught? Even worse, what made them
think it was completely okay to do these
things? Whether it was the money or fame,
people need to understand the value of their
careers and their lives. Our decisions affect
everything we do in life. Do not learn this
the hard way, it is not worth it.
If you have a problem with
someone, don’t lash out violently to try and
solve it. Punching someone will not solve
anything; it will just make the situation
worse. Using your words can do a lot more
than a punch ever could.
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PAGE 8
March 20, 2014
Be thankful you live in the U.S., because elsewhere... it’s a mess
ANDY SONG
For the past few weeks, riots have
been occurring in various places around the
world.
Major unrest has been taking place
in Venezuela, Ukraine and Bosnia.
The Venezuela riots were started
after three people were
killed. Demonstrators
and protesters rioted
against
President
Nicolas
Maduro,
further fueled by
economic and social
problems. The protestors fought for issues
such as better security, and end to food
storages, and protected freedom of speech.
At first, the protests and marches were made
up mainly of students. As the riots began to
grow, more of the population started to take
part, including some opposition politicians.
The student-led protests attracted global
attention.
Leopoldo Lopez was a major
opposition leader of demonstrations against
the government. Lopez rose to prominence
and gained many supporters. The riots
started to take a dramatic turn. Lopez
marched a crowd of thousands of protestors
and supporters before surrendering to
the guard troops. Even when Lopez was
accused and jailed for arson and conspiracy
counts, his supporters continued to riot for
improved security, a stop to scarcities, and
protected freedom of speech. Lopez was
eventually taken to a military prison, but
some supporters still continued to riot.
Outside of blaming the problems
itself on the riots and protests inside the
nation, Venezuela has accused the U.S.
of being part of the problem. Venezuelan
officials have accused the U.S. of trying
to destabilize the Venezuelan government.
The Venezuelan government gave U.S.
diplomats 48 hours to exit the country after
accusing them of attempting to bring down
the government. Many people in the U.S.
were unhappy with Venezuela accusing
the diplomats instead of trying to fix their
own governmental problems. In response
to the riots, the Venezuelan government has
blamed the rioters for the very problems
they are protesting against. However,
Venezuela isn’t the only nation with rioting
problems.
Currently in Ukraine, protests
have been occurring
for about three
months. The country
of Ukraine was
divided into a part
favoring
Europe,
and the other part
favoring
Russia.
The riots started in
November
when
President
Viktor
Yanukovych and his
government turned
down the European
trade agreement, an
accord that would provide Ukraine with
additional cash. Afterward, thousands
of people – outraged with the decision –
filled the central area of Kiev. At first, it
was a peaceful attempt, until police began
attacking student protestors, new laws
were passed to oppose the protests, and
opposition activists were abducted and
beaten. Many of the protestors are more
concerned with getting rid of the president
who they thought was holding power and
serving interests of his own rather than the
initial conflict of Europe.
Starting in mid-January, riots
began to turn into the seizure of government
buildings and protest clashes between
rioters and police. Riots have resulted in
numerous deaths and injuries, including
77 deaths and 600 injuries in two days.
In one of the riots, armed men showed up
unannounced at an airport which lead some
people to believe that Russia was trying to
interfere.
During the riots, the President
Viktor Yanukovych left the country and
arrived in Russia. Yanukovych stated that
he is still the president and he fled because
of people attempting to assassinate him.
This caused some to believe that he might
use Russian president Vladmir Putin to help
regain Ukraine and that Ukraine could be
split into a pro-European side and a proRussian side. Protestors have continued to
riot despite talks aimed at a truce.
Despite these two major riots,
there are still more riots globally.
In early February, protests began
in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The riots
were sparked when store closures left
hundreds or workers jobless in a country
already crushed by unemployment. Like
many protests, the Bosnia protests started
out peacefully until unemployed workers
started to clash with police near the area of a
government building in Tulza, the origin of
the riots. After factories had closed down,
hundreds of workers attempted to storm
a Tulza government building. Protestors
threw various items at buildings and set
tires on fire, which created a blockade
of traffic in the center of the city. A few
days afterward, protests began to spread
to various cities. Crowds clashed with
officers and continued to destroy buildings.
However, a unit of police raised some
enthusiasm from the crowds by lowering
their shields and taking off helmets. As
a result of that, some protests began to
return to a peaceful state. In various cities,
government officials were discussing a way
to fill the people’s demands.
It seems that globally, riots and
protests happen on a consistent basis. In the
U.S. however, rebellions rarely happen.
Why does this not happen here?
“It seems that our government,
whether we like everything that’s going on
or not, has a better way of dealing with our
financial debt, at least so far,” said seventh
grade history teacher Mrs. Flohr. “I’m not
real sure that the dollar will continue to hold
its value long enough to have an economic
recovery,”
In
many
nations,
people
seem to be very unhappy with their
governments. Some of the reasons stem
from economic uncertainty, unemployment,
corruption within their governments and a
widening gap between rich and poor. Hopefully, our government and
economy will be able to prevent these types
of situations from occurring within our
borders anytime soon.
PAGE 9
March 20, 2014
News Briefs
Mustang all-star musicians perform
An elite group of 60 junior high musicians
from the Hart District gathered at Hart High School
March 1 to perform their best.
Included were 12 Rancho Pico students, led
by Jennifer No, who received the Junior High District
Honor Band Award for her efforts and dedication.
Also selected to play were Olivia An, Joy Kim, Gamin
Kim, Yuxin Zhao, Chris Chong, David Chang, Shreyas Hariharan, Kevin
Sonheim, Wyatt Nelson, Tommy Weber, and Reid Adamick.
“It was a truly inspirational program that touched the audience’s
hearts,” said director Mrs. Stoffel.
–JAESUNG PARK
Rancho Pico hosts DFY-IT assembly
On Feb. 4 and 11, sixth graders from all of the different
elementary schools boarded buses and took a trip to Rancho Pico to
attend a DFY-IT assembly, which took place in
the MPR.
At the assembly, students were
introduced to DFY-IT through a series of fun
activities including games and magic tricks.
“The assembly was just a way to
introduce the sixth graders to DFY-IT,” said
member Sheila June. “We also had the sheriff talk to the students about
the consequences of drugs and what would happen if you did drugs.”
A few select DFY-IT members from Rancho Pico were chosen
to explain what the club was all about and to answer the sixth graders’
questions. The incoming seventh graders left Rancho Pico with yet
another piece of information to prepare them for junior high.
–RAYLENE FACTORA
Ne w eva cuation p la n gets h igh pra ise
If there were to be a scenario in which Rancho Pico had to be
evacuated, wouldn’t you want there to be a plan that was guaranteed to
get you home quickly and safely?
That is exactly why the staff decided that
evacuating to the blacktop instead of the grass
would be more efficient. The new route includes
each team evacuating to an assigned basketball
court. On March 4, the school ran a drill in
which it could watch and work out the kinks.
“The goal is so that we do not have so far to walk, so far away,
and still provide a safe area where it is easy for students to get to, easy
for teachers to leave and do their jobs,” said Mrs. Martin, who helped
formulate the plan.
The evacuation route has solved many of Rancho Pico’s
problems. One of them being that it has become much easier for the
school’s staff to reach students when parents come to pick them up.
“I did think it worked better. I thought that having everyone
a little closer allowed us to communicate with the teachers better. It
allowed us to anticipate problems and resolve them faster. to keep all of
the students as safe as possible,” said Assistant Principal Mr. Powell.
– DANIELLE RYAN & ELLIE BARTON
PAGE 10
March 20, 2014
Science Olympiad squad heading for Anaheim
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
third in Heredity, Disease Detectives,
Simple Machines, Road Scholar, and
Water Quality; fourth in Robocross; fifth in
Boomilever and Metric Mastery; and sixth
in Anatomy, Entomology, Wheeled Vehicle,
Solar System, and Helicopters.
To calculate the team places, all of
the event places were added up for a total of
157 points, which put Rancho Pico in fourth
place overall. The top five teams in each
division will compete at the state regionals
competition in Anaheim on April 5.
For the Mustangs, it was a day
to remember and a day to celebrate all the
extra time – including weekend – they put
in preparing for the annual event.
“I was so happy that day,” said cocoach Mrs. Goldberg “It was so wonderful
seeing the kids get rewarded for their hard
work and dedication.”
Congratulations to all of the
members on the team, and good luck at
state regionals.
Photo by
Raylene Factora
Rancho Pico students prepare to compete in the Anatomy
portion of the Science Olympiad March 8.
PAGE 11
March 20, 2014
Annual 6th grade orientation takes on a new twist
ERICA GILLESPIE
ANNIE CHRISTOFFERSON
On March 5, 11, and 13, students
from Rancho Pico’s special electives, along
with various staff members, went to the
main feeder elementary schools: Stevenson
Ranch, Oak Hills, and Pico Canyon.
It was the first year that Rancho
Pico went to the schools instead of the
schools coming to campus.
At the orientation, sixth graders
were first greeted by Principal Ms. Jones,
and then took part in a mini pep rally put on
by ASB. Select sixth graders participated in
fun activities, while others won prizes.
Sixth graders watched videos
about each of the special electives and were
introduced to members of each program.
For the students with questions, a sevenmember panel assembled to answer them.
“I think orientation went really
well. It seemed like we got the sixth graders
super excited,” said ASB director Ms.
Photo by
Jenna Polito
Monteleone. “All of the special elective
representatives did very well in explaining
their programs. The panel did a great job
answering questions sixth graders had as
well.”
The sixth graders all look
extremely excited to begin their new year at
Rancho Pico this August.
Students celebrate birthday of beloved author
RAYLENE FACTORA
On Feb. 28, the Rancho Pico
library hosted a birthday party to
commemorate one of America’s most
beloved children’s authors,
Dr. Seuss.
Dr. Seuss’ real
name was Theodor
Seuss Geisel, and he
wrote 44 short stories
which include The Cat in
the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and How
the Grinch Stole Christmas. This is the
library’s seventh year hosting this party.
“We host this party every year
because it kicks off Read
Across America Week, and
it reminds kids that reading
is fun, and it’s a great
activity,” said Rancho Pico
librarian, Mrs. Mellinger.
The students were invited to
attend the party if they had checked out a
book beforehand and signed up for a ticket.
They were allowed to eat their lunch in the
library while watching an assortment of
Dr. Seuss’ short films.
“I came because I used to read Dr.
Seuss stories as a kid,” said eighth grader
Elise Kim, “and I love all of his books.
At the end of the party, all students
received a cupcake. Everyone had a great
time celebrating Dr. Seuss’ 110th birthday.
PAGE 12
March 20, 2014
ASB holds entertaining Whiteout dance
MINJU KANG
KIANA QUICK
Neon lights, Shave It, and
supervisors dancing excitedly were some
highlights of the recent Whiteout Dance,
held by ASB on Feb. 21
Tickets
were
sold
for
approximately three weeks at a price of
$5 (with an ASB card). The dance started
after school hours, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30
p.m. Many students were eagerly waiting
in lines before they were allowed on the
dance premises.
“We reached our goal of selling
350 tickets,” said ASB Director, Ms.
Monteleone. “Also, we received many
compliments about the dance and everyone
seemed like they were having a great time.”
ASB sold drinks, candy, chips,
and pizza by the main office. Also, Shave
It was sold. Students could take pictures
with their friends at the free photo booth,
or enter the awesome black light MPR
and dance along to the DJ’s music. Black
lights were lined up on the walls, causing
all the white attire to glow. A glow stick
chandelier, made by ASB, and disco balls
were hung up as well.
“I loved how there was Shave It and
Photo by
Sasha Carter
Students had a blast glowing in the dark while dancing the afternoon
away at ASB’s Whiteout Dance Feb. 21 at Rancho Pico.
candy, and how the MPR was decorated
into a neon explosion,” said seventh grader
Angela Lee. “The dance was really exciting
for me, however, because in elementary
school, there were rarely any dances where
you could actually dance.”
Although the dance was entertaining,
there was a special purpose behind all the
fun.
“We had been planning this dance
for a long time, but we recently decided
to dedicate it to the memory of Kenn
(Oliva) because we know how much she
loved neon. We had some decorations to
commemorate her and we played a few of
her favorite songs,” added Ms. Monteleone.
“We even had goldfish (crackers) because
we heard that was her favorite snack.”
Overall, the event was a blast of
fun… and neon.
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TV REVIEW
This show will amaze.
During “Brain Games,” seen Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. on National
Geographic Channel, your mind is challenged to a slew of fun games
that test or trick your brain. You will see how other people react to the
games, and an explanation to how the games work. Be prepared! You
will be shocked at how your brain works. The host, Jason Silva, takes
you step-by-step through the careful planning behind the game.
This is not just another boring science show. Unlike most shows
about the brain, this one encourages people to be part of the show and
see it for themselves. Whether you want to test your brain, improve your
strategy, or just want to know about your brain, this show will please
everyone. There are several moments that leave viewers in shock. “Did
the TV just read my mind?” Each episode talks about a certain feature of
the brain, and it’s always entertaining. After all that fun, you just might learn a thing or two.
–ZOEY GREENWALD
INTEREST: B+ ORIGINALITY: A
Legend is the first book of the addicting trilogy written by
Marie Lu.
Most might assume that this book is just another addition to
the ever-growing list of dystopian novels and automatically decide not
BOO
K
REVIEW
to read it. However, cliché as it may sound, this is a book that should
not be judged by its cover. Legend stands out with its fast-paced plot,
unique characters, and the relatable setting of Los Angeles.
The story follows both a prodigy and a legend as they work
together to save the helpless, plague-infected citizens of L.A. from
the devious government of America. The two develop a strong bond,
as they travel through the streets, break into to government buildings,
and stop a public hanging. Legend is the perfect mix of science fiction
and action, and will keep you turning the pages until the very end.
Marie Lu creatively tells the story by switching the perspective
by AUDREY KIM of the book from the two main characters, Day and June. The characters
all have their own distinct personalities and abilities that, when combined, create an engaging twist to the
plot. The storyline itself is well-thought out, and it plays along well with every aspect of the book.
Legend is a must-read that will keep you captivated until the very end.
OVERALL: A-
OVERALL GRADE: A
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NEW!
Rancho Pico now has a pull-up bar!
This new machine increases upper
body strength. The machine will be
located in the equipment room next
door to the gym.
Photo by
Jenna Polito
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