Woman's march
From the January edition of Dragons Tale
By Lauren Smith
Instead of traveling to San Francisco to participate in the women’s march, I decided to stay close to home and attend the march that took place in the Sonoma Plaza. Thousands of people came, with almost a fifth of Sonoma in attendance.
This was a magical couple of hours for me, every time I turned around I ran into somebody I knew. It was a wonderful to see people I had grown up with and known from different chapters in my life to come together in the name of feminism. I was marching with a demisexual teen, people who immigrated to America from Mexico, Native Americans, transgender people, African Americans, elderly men and woman that make up Sonoma.
I saw old teachers, kids from the theatre camp I taught at last summer, people I had volunteered with, Broadway performers, teachers and students from my old schools, children who are still in preschool, people even brought their dogs!
Separate groups each have a voice and can speak their minds, but during the march the different voices joined together to one enormous cheer, celebrating our ability to be diverse and unified at the same time.
By Lauren Smith
Instead of traveling to San Francisco to participate in the women’s march, I decided to stay close to home and attend the march that took place in the Sonoma Plaza. Thousands of people came, with almost a fifth of Sonoma in attendance.
This was a magical couple of hours for me, every time I turned around I ran into somebody I knew. It was a wonderful to see people I had grown up with and known from different chapters in my life to come together in the name of feminism. I was marching with a demisexual teen, people who immigrated to America from Mexico, Native Americans, transgender people, African Americans, elderly men and woman that make up Sonoma.
I saw old teachers, kids from the theatre camp I taught at last summer, people I had volunteered with, Broadway performers, teachers and students from my old schools, children who are still in preschool, people even brought their dogs!
Separate groups each have a voice and can speak their minds, but during the march the different voices joined together to one enormous cheer, celebrating our ability to be diverse and unified at the same time.
Safe Haven Schools in Sonoma
From the January edition of Dragons Tale
By Mickey Abate, Raegan Cordero, & Lauren Smith
Prior to the presidential inauguration, Sonoma Valley Unified School District released a statement to the schools stating that Sonoma Schools will strive towards making their campuses safe and
free of discrimination.
Generally, safe haven policies instruct local or state government employees not to notify the federal government of the presence of illegal individuals living in or passing through their communities, counties, or states.
Many members of the SVUSD School Board are unsure if making Sonoma schools safe havens would impact federal funding.
Protection is provided to students from government efforts that may try to identify undocumented immigrants. However, SVHS is now known as a “safe haven” for every student, not just immigrants.
Louann Carlomagno, district superintendent, wrote “As we discuss these issues, it is important to remember this: prejudice, harassment, bullying and intimidation based on race, disability, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and immigration status will never be tolerated.”
This statement, and others, centered around equality, was read to all of SVHS during advisory on January 19.
Sonoma County joins San Francisco, Berkeley, Los Angeles, Sacramento and many other counties in California as a safe havens for all.
Carlomagno encourages students to “Stand up for others who may be the targets of bullying or discrimination. Speak up and report bullying, discrimination or prejudice against anyone in your school community.”
The SVUSD school board released a statement declaring the recognition of opposition to Betsy DeVos, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Education.
The Board “is committed to the success of all students irrespective of their ethnicity, race,religion, sexual orientation, physical and learning ability, sex and gender identity, socioeconomic status or beliefs.” The school board lists DeVos as “without any credentials or practice as an educator or in the administration and management of public schools.”
The statement read “the Sonoma Valley Unified School District School Board hereby, based on this record, opposes the confirmation of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education” and “invites the President, the nominee for Secretary of Education, or representatives of the President’s education team to meet with them to conduct a forthright and meaningful discussion about the future of public education.”
Nicole Abaté Ducarroz, a SVUSD School Board Trustee of 13 years, shared that “I’m committed to making our school district a safe haven for all students and families against any and all discrimination.”
By Mickey Abate, Raegan Cordero, & Lauren Smith
Prior to the presidential inauguration, Sonoma Valley Unified School District released a statement to the schools stating that Sonoma Schools will strive towards making their campuses safe and
free of discrimination.
Generally, safe haven policies instruct local or state government employees not to notify the federal government of the presence of illegal individuals living in or passing through their communities, counties, or states.
Many members of the SVUSD School Board are unsure if making Sonoma schools safe havens would impact federal funding.
Protection is provided to students from government efforts that may try to identify undocumented immigrants. However, SVHS is now known as a “safe haven” for every student, not just immigrants.
Louann Carlomagno, district superintendent, wrote “As we discuss these issues, it is important to remember this: prejudice, harassment, bullying and intimidation based on race, disability, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and immigration status will never be tolerated.”
This statement, and others, centered around equality, was read to all of SVHS during advisory on January 19.
Sonoma County joins San Francisco, Berkeley, Los Angeles, Sacramento and many other counties in California as a safe havens for all.
Carlomagno encourages students to “Stand up for others who may be the targets of bullying or discrimination. Speak up and report bullying, discrimination or prejudice against anyone in your school community.”
The SVUSD school board released a statement declaring the recognition of opposition to Betsy DeVos, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Education.
The Board “is committed to the success of all students irrespective of their ethnicity, race,religion, sexual orientation, physical and learning ability, sex and gender identity, socioeconomic status or beliefs.” The school board lists DeVos as “without any credentials or practice as an educator or in the administration and management of public schools.”
The statement read “the Sonoma Valley Unified School District School Board hereby, based on this record, opposes the confirmation of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education” and “invites the President, the nominee for Secretary of Education, or representatives of the President’s education team to meet with them to conduct a forthright and meaningful discussion about the future of public education.”
Nicole Abaté Ducarroz, a SVUSD School Board Trustee of 13 years, shared that “I’m committed to making our school district a safe haven for all students and families against any and all discrimination.”
Social media messages
From the February edition of Dragons Tale
By Raegan Cordero, Cristina Golubovich & Lauren Smith
It is no secret that social media impacts the current sentiment of younger generations. Increasing media exposure consumes teens’ minds, clouds their consciousness, and affects their independent thinking.
Super Bowl LI broadcasted several commercials which sparked conversation surrounding politics and focused specifically on the nation’s current debate over immigration.
Pennsylvania-based construction company, 84 Lumber, released a plug for their company featuring a young immigrant girl and her mother struggling to cross the border. Although the countries they are migrating to and from are never mentioned, many viewers, including CNN, assumed the ad was addressing President Trump’s contentious views.
The ad was criticized for its misleading and vague representation of immigration which had the power to sway uninformed viewers. This is only one instance where the media has deceived its watchers through a nebulous depiction.
It’s critical to remember that large media companies, including Fox News, only decided to air half of the 84 Lumber commercial. However, through this short commercial they were able to pick and choose which viewpoints the companies wanted advertised to their viewers.
According to Growing Wireless, more than half of social media users are ages 13 to 17. Children and teenagers become more susceptible to social media’s influence due to the fact they are in a current state of developmental vulnerability.
A survey conducted by Common Sense Media revealed that 75% of teenagers utilize social networking sites which serve as a hub for false ideas with bogus headlines.
Instead of establishing educated opinions, young people are basing their viewpoints on media messages that barely scratch the surface of complex worldly issues.
By Raegan Cordero, Cristina Golubovich & Lauren Smith
It is no secret that social media impacts the current sentiment of younger generations. Increasing media exposure consumes teens’ minds, clouds their consciousness, and affects their independent thinking.
Super Bowl LI broadcasted several commercials which sparked conversation surrounding politics and focused specifically on the nation’s current debate over immigration.
Pennsylvania-based construction company, 84 Lumber, released a plug for their company featuring a young immigrant girl and her mother struggling to cross the border. Although the countries they are migrating to and from are never mentioned, many viewers, including CNN, assumed the ad was addressing President Trump’s contentious views.
The ad was criticized for its misleading and vague representation of immigration which had the power to sway uninformed viewers. This is only one instance where the media has deceived its watchers through a nebulous depiction.
It’s critical to remember that large media companies, including Fox News, only decided to air half of the 84 Lumber commercial. However, through this short commercial they were able to pick and choose which viewpoints the companies wanted advertised to their viewers.
According to Growing Wireless, more than half of social media users are ages 13 to 17. Children and teenagers become more susceptible to social media’s influence due to the fact they are in a current state of developmental vulnerability.
A survey conducted by Common Sense Media revealed that 75% of teenagers utilize social networking sites which serve as a hub for false ideas with bogus headlines.
Instead of establishing educated opinions, young people are basing their viewpoints on media messages that barely scratch the surface of complex worldly issues.
Dragons rage the cage
From the February edition of Dragons Tale
By Raegan Cordero &
Lauren Smith
With shining lights and vibrant colors, the neon dance was an
illuminating experience.
Golton Hall, adorned with black lights and brightly colored posters, served as the host of this year’s annual neon dance.
Leadership student and senior, Bella Fanucchi, was happy to announce that, “in past years we’ve had to cancel the dance due to low ticket sales, but this year we sold 150 compared to last year’s total of 30.”
Leadership netted $200 to go towards future student events.
“It was just as enjoyable as homecoming, plus you didn’t have to dress up,” exclaimed sophomore, Logan Mak. Many students attended in neon tights, gym shorts and also sported glow in the dark face paint.
DJ Isaac Hernandez, junior,
spun the tunes.
Freshman, Gianna Bruton, credited her friends to improving the atmosphere of the dance even claiming that it was “better than homecoming.”
Despite having fewer attendees than homecoming, the dance was a success with students and an achievement in terms of raising money for this year’s Leadership committee.
By Raegan Cordero &
Lauren Smith
With shining lights and vibrant colors, the neon dance was an
illuminating experience.
Golton Hall, adorned with black lights and brightly colored posters, served as the host of this year’s annual neon dance.
Leadership student and senior, Bella Fanucchi, was happy to announce that, “in past years we’ve had to cancel the dance due to low ticket sales, but this year we sold 150 compared to last year’s total of 30.”
Leadership netted $200 to go towards future student events.
“It was just as enjoyable as homecoming, plus you didn’t have to dress up,” exclaimed sophomore, Logan Mak. Many students attended in neon tights, gym shorts and also sported glow in the dark face paint.
DJ Isaac Hernandez, junior,
spun the tunes.
Freshman, Gianna Bruton, credited her friends to improving the atmosphere of the dance even claiming that it was “better than homecoming.”
Despite having fewer attendees than homecoming, the dance was a success with students and an achievement in terms of raising money for this year’s Leadership committee.
Weird food debates
From the February edition of Dragons Tale
By Mickey Abate,
Cian Martin & Lauren Smith
The recent quarrels on the proper way to consume foods, such as pizza, bagels and toast, have single handedly ruined several friendships, with the status of hot dogs and cereal adding insult to injury.
“It really divided my life. When people took sides, I got really heated,” states Delia Rogers. “I’ll never look at some people the same way again. It’s really taken a toll on me.”
What caused this disruption? Rogers, like many on campus, found herself defending the way she ate bagels against some of her best friends. While she admits that she may be guilty of hyperbole , she adds that these debates have had real consequences on some of her relationships.
The issue at hand was the proper way to eat a bagel. She states that, when eating a bagel and cream cheese, one side ought to be cheesed while the other ought to be placed on top, creating a sandwich of sorts.
Many question the logic of eating a bagel like a sandwich, while others claim that both sides ought to be cheesed and eaten separately.
A similar debate has taken place over pizza toppings.
Emma Snyder, junior, believes that “pineapple on pizza is atrocious because you shouldn’t put fruit on pizza. Although tomato is a fruit, pineapple is a tropical fruit so it would be weird.”
Another junior, Nathaniel Silva, remarks that the way he tops his pizza “depends on the weather.”
There are several clashing ideas about whether or not cereal is a soup and the discussion over the status of cereal has puzzled many.
The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines a soup as “a liquid food especially with a meat, fish, or vegetable stock as a base and often containing pieces of solid food.” Although cereal lacks the meat, fish or vegetable associated with the dish, the subjectivity of the “especially” in the definition has led to much heated discourse. Rene Rodriguez, junior, states that “cereal is absolutely not a soup. Cereal is a dry oat that when combined with milk becomes a soft treat,” while Silva argues that “cereal is just a really sweet, cold soup.”
While others believe such arguments to be useless, the discussion over the status of cereal as a soup has puzzled many.
By Mickey Abate,
Cian Martin & Lauren Smith
The recent quarrels on the proper way to consume foods, such as pizza, bagels and toast, have single handedly ruined several friendships, with the status of hot dogs and cereal adding insult to injury.
“It really divided my life. When people took sides, I got really heated,” states Delia Rogers. “I’ll never look at some people the same way again. It’s really taken a toll on me.”
What caused this disruption? Rogers, like many on campus, found herself defending the way she ate bagels against some of her best friends. While she admits that she may be guilty of hyperbole , she adds that these debates have had real consequences on some of her relationships.
The issue at hand was the proper way to eat a bagel. She states that, when eating a bagel and cream cheese, one side ought to be cheesed while the other ought to be placed on top, creating a sandwich of sorts.
Many question the logic of eating a bagel like a sandwich, while others claim that both sides ought to be cheesed and eaten separately.
A similar debate has taken place over pizza toppings.
Emma Snyder, junior, believes that “pineapple on pizza is atrocious because you shouldn’t put fruit on pizza. Although tomato is a fruit, pineapple is a tropical fruit so it would be weird.”
Another junior, Nathaniel Silva, remarks that the way he tops his pizza “depends on the weather.”
There are several clashing ideas about whether or not cereal is a soup and the discussion over the status of cereal has puzzled many.
The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines a soup as “a liquid food especially with a meat, fish, or vegetable stock as a base and often containing pieces of solid food.” Although cereal lacks the meat, fish or vegetable associated with the dish, the subjectivity of the “especially” in the definition has led to much heated discourse. Rene Rodriguez, junior, states that “cereal is absolutely not a soup. Cereal is a dry oat that when combined with milk becomes a soft treat,” while Silva argues that “cereal is just a really sweet, cold soup.”
While others believe such arguments to be useless, the discussion over the status of cereal as a soup has puzzled many.
AP Testing
From the May edition of Dragons Tale
By Aliya Blinman,
Raegan Cordero, & Lauren Smith
With a growing number of students participating in AP testing each year, the struggle to find secure testing facilities becomes more difficult.
With a record number of 482 AP tests ordered this spring to give students the opportunity to earn college credit, SVHS was stretched to accommodate the rigorous testing demands.
AP tests are known for their strict rules and guidelines which exist to ensure the fairness and legitimacy of student’s scores.
The AP coordinator is in charge of training proctors to follow protocol in order to prevent violations against College Board’s regulations. Vice-Principal Hutchinson, who has been the AP Coordinator for four years, encountered new challenges involving the recording process for the AP Spanish Language exams.
Before the 2017 exams, students were using cassette tapes to record portions of their test. This outdated technology was replaced this year with Audacity mp3 recording software.
“Anytime any organization changes something for the first time, there is always something to improve upon,” Mrs. Hutchinson exclaims.
Students and proctors found this new testing procedure tricky to handle. Many of the students in the Spanish classes had to stay for a prolonged period of time in order to re-record their oral tests.
Because the Spanish students had to stay longer, the AP Physics students also started their tests later than planned; although Hutchinson states that they did manage to start within the required window of time.
Another concern with the tests this year was with the fire alarm that occurred during the AP English Literature and Composition Exam.
“Student’s started to get up and exit the room, as trained. However, we knew it was a false alarm so we moved students back to their seats,” Mrs. Hutchinson explained.
“Whenever we have anything in question we call, confer, and consult with College Board,” Hutchinson remarked.
Schools are required to report any disruption, or alterations in protocol with the school’s case number and type of violation. College Board will then review the report, and decide whether or not to cancel the scores.
Hutchinson reassures that there is “no question of scores being cancelled” and that the participation and flexibility of students played a large role in the AP testing procedure.
By Aliya Blinman,
Raegan Cordero, & Lauren Smith
With a growing number of students participating in AP testing each year, the struggle to find secure testing facilities becomes more difficult.
With a record number of 482 AP tests ordered this spring to give students the opportunity to earn college credit, SVHS was stretched to accommodate the rigorous testing demands.
AP tests are known for their strict rules and guidelines which exist to ensure the fairness and legitimacy of student’s scores.
The AP coordinator is in charge of training proctors to follow protocol in order to prevent violations against College Board’s regulations. Vice-Principal Hutchinson, who has been the AP Coordinator for four years, encountered new challenges involving the recording process for the AP Spanish Language exams.
Before the 2017 exams, students were using cassette tapes to record portions of their test. This outdated technology was replaced this year with Audacity mp3 recording software.
“Anytime any organization changes something for the first time, there is always something to improve upon,” Mrs. Hutchinson exclaims.
Students and proctors found this new testing procedure tricky to handle. Many of the students in the Spanish classes had to stay for a prolonged period of time in order to re-record their oral tests.
Because the Spanish students had to stay longer, the AP Physics students also started their tests later than planned; although Hutchinson states that they did manage to start within the required window of time.
Another concern with the tests this year was with the fire alarm that occurred during the AP English Literature and Composition Exam.
“Student’s started to get up and exit the room, as trained. However, we knew it was a false alarm so we moved students back to their seats,” Mrs. Hutchinson explained.
“Whenever we have anything in question we call, confer, and consult with College Board,” Hutchinson remarked.
Schools are required to report any disruption, or alterations in protocol with the school’s case number and type of violation. College Board will then review the report, and decide whether or not to cancel the scores.
Hutchinson reassures that there is “no question of scores being cancelled” and that the participation and flexibility of students played a large role in the AP testing procedure.
Art Show creates spectacle
From the May edition of Dragons Tale
By Lauren Smith &
Raegan Cordero
Art is a platform utilized by the public to express feelings and emotions surrounding personal and public issues. The SVHS Spring Art Show is an expression of artistic work stemming from the tense social and political atmosphere of 2017.
A collective art piece which conveyed a large display of barriers was constructed of wooden planks and pre-recorded voices telling personal stories about the different applications of metaphorical and physical barriers within society, such race and sexuality.
Senior, Parker Bacon, contributed to the wall, sharing “ I like how instead of a compilation of art there was a cohesive theme of overcoming barriers.”
Bacon, awarded for his black and white photography and best sculpture, was impressed by the display of symbolism he and his peers were able to create through 3-D design.
Sarah Skaggs, senior, who was awarded best of show for her watercolor piece, commented on the lengthy process of the barriers stating, “It took a few hours just to do the stencil which didn’t include the spray painting.”
Skaggs was also able to sell one of her pieces to substitute teacher, Mr. Jim Tonery for $100 and the funds were donated to the National Art Honors Society.
The Art Show was accompanied by beverages made by the culinary program and a performance from the SVHS band.
By Lauren Smith &
Raegan Cordero
Art is a platform utilized by the public to express feelings and emotions surrounding personal and public issues. The SVHS Spring Art Show is an expression of artistic work stemming from the tense social and political atmosphere of 2017.
A collective art piece which conveyed a large display of barriers was constructed of wooden planks and pre-recorded voices telling personal stories about the different applications of metaphorical and physical barriers within society, such race and sexuality.
Senior, Parker Bacon, contributed to the wall, sharing “ I like how instead of a compilation of art there was a cohesive theme of overcoming barriers.”
Bacon, awarded for his black and white photography and best sculpture, was impressed by the display of symbolism he and his peers were able to create through 3-D design.
Sarah Skaggs, senior, who was awarded best of show for her watercolor piece, commented on the lengthy process of the barriers stating, “It took a few hours just to do the stencil which didn’t include the spray painting.”
Skaggs was also able to sell one of her pieces to substitute teacher, Mr. Jim Tonery for $100 and the funds were donated to the National Art Honors Society.
The Art Show was accompanied by beverages made by the culinary program and a performance from the SVHS band.