November 6, 2023 Edition
November 6, 2023 Edition
This first edition of Puma Press features stories from our very own student reporters known as the News Crew. The early part of the fall was spent recruiting and training our team and we now proudly present to you our first slate of stories. We cover a wide range of hot topics and pressing issues related to our community, meant to inform and entertain you. As Puma Press evolves and grows, we welcome feedback. Happy reading, Pumas!
New Wellness Center to Open in Spring
By Joseph Adwani
An interview with Principal Castro reveals details of a new Wellness Center at NAHS. Castro got the inspiration for this Wellness Center from our academic counselor Ms. Giron and our PSW counselor Mr. Choi when visiting La Habra High School. After seeing their room and the effect on La Habra students, she decided it was important for Northridge Academy to do the same. After thorough research on the increasing anxiety in students, she knew that a place for self-regulation (a phrase coined by Albert Bandura to refer to “the ability for one to access one's own emotions”) and calming was a vital thing NAHS needed. Of course, she knew she couldn't just build a new room so she decided the best course would be to use the mostly unused Library Resource Center (also known as the Library Lab) and convert it into a charming, wellness center.
Castro plans to spend around eight thousand dollars and have the room prepared for use by next semester. When asked about delays ``There always is delays with LAUSD ''. The funds will be spent on the room to fill it with nice chairs, speakers for music and nature sounds, pleasant picture frames/paintings, stuffed animals, an essential oil diffuser, and many other items to make the students feel as relaxed as possible. The purpose of this room is to have a space to decompress, relax, and relieve anxiety, usually right before a test or presentation, students will be able to ask their teachers to go to the counselors at which point their counselor can advise them to go up to the Wellness Center. The room will have a four-student maximum assuring the room is quiet and relaxed, and will maintain a non-crowded environment. It will be open during school hours (8:30 AM-3:33 PM). Students will be able to send in suggestions for additions and ideas once it is complete.
The Fight Against School Fights
By Olivia Munoz
It’s no secret that as of the start of this school year, there has been an influx of student-related altercations across the Northridge Academy High School campus. So far, there have been more fights this semester than there were last school year combined, and this trend has made many students more than a little anxious to come to school. A few sophomores I spoke with voiced their concern for how these fights will affect them and their friends, and many other upperclassmen have noted the increase of altercations. What exactly is the cause of this rise, and how can we as a community overcome this?
In an interview with Assistant Principal Oh, in early October, I ask some of the most pressing questions students have about these fights and get insight from an administrator’s perspective:
Question: If you could tell students one thing to address their concerns about the recent fights, what would you say?
Answer: We take these events very seriously, and we exercise all of the authority that we have at our disposal. It’s better for us to be proactive than reactive so communication is key. While there have been, unfortunately, more fights this year than in the past we have also stopped many fights from occurring. We all need to do a better job of resolving our conflicts without resorting to physical violence.
Q: What can you say the administration is doing to address the fights?
A: We exercise all of the school and district policies at our disposal. We also want to work with the students to resolve any differences and incorporate restorative practices. Disciplinary actions have been taken to address and prevent future physical altercations. However, it is important that the details matter and every incident may require a different disciplinary response.
Q: What policies are in place to prevent fights from happening?
A: We don’t want to embarass or parade the actions we take in addressing our students for everyone to see, but all of the policies are of public record and part of our records and LAUSD student handbook and NAHS Code of Conduct which is reviewed yearly. Unfortunately sometimes students still break rules not caring about the consequences.
Q: In your opinion, what do you think is causing these student conflicts?
A: That’s a very complicated question and answer. One possible issue is that our main mode of communication is changing from being in person to digital. The problem with that is that unfortunately online/digital communication is much more aggressive, abrasive, and rude because the person you’re communicating with isn’t in front of you. The consequence is that a lot of the language is being translated into in person conversation; it’s carrying over. That is certainly a problem. This has made conflict resolution very difficult for not only students but everyone in general. In some sense, a lot of our disagreements literally don’t start in the real world.
Q: Are there any programs here to support students that may be struggling mentally?
A: We have a robust support system. We address every single student individually, we collaborate with our counselors, PSW (Psychiatric Social Worker), PSA (Pupil Services & Attendance), as well as outside resources. We are obviously very concerned with everyone's safety in how we deal with these matters; if individuals require the additional attention, the most important thing to stress is to not wait to tell an adult on campus if you’re having issues. It’s much better to prevent than to react.
Mr. Oh cited online conversation and cyberbullying as a large contributor to the recent fights. While these digital interactions can be a contributor to physical clashes, there are many factors that play into these incidents. Student behavior, school environment, and expected conduct at school can all affect how these fights happen. Many upperclassmen I’ve spoken with believe that the incoming freshman's behavior has been the cause of these altercations; however, it’s important to recognize these fights have involved people of all grades.
These fights also highlight an important issue that we as a school community may be facing, which is our lack of unity. Students may feel disconnected from their teachers and each other due to their smartphones and other technological barriers, which allows them to lessen the consequences of a fight in their mind. How can we mend this disconnect? It may be as simple as thinking twice before you speak and act. If every student that attended NAHS was conscientious and mindful of those around them, I think we could build a community that condemned violence rather than support it. It takes a group effort in order for there to be a significant change with anything in life, and that can be applied to the situation here too. Through our collective hardwork and conscious choices, I truly think that we can ensure a safer and more uplifting environment for years to come.
Two New Faculty Welcomed to NAHS
By Angie Lyng, for the Academics Beat
Northridge Academy High School is a hub for wonderful and caring staff. With the start of
2023’s school year, we welcome two accomplished women to become a part of NAHS’ faculty and staff. We welcome with open arms, our new L-Q counselor, Melissa Proctor and our new Spanish teacher, Sandra Flores.Ms. Proctor joins NAHS from Lawrence Middle School and was previously a dean for Patrick Henry Middle School for nearly a decade. Ms. Flores comes to us from Miguel Contreras Learning Complex. Flores also worked for the Los Angeles School of Global Studies Academy, which is located in the heart of Downtown LA.
Ms. Proctor began her journey in school counseling because she knew she wasn’t going to retire from teaching any time soon, but she knew her heart wasn’t set on going into administration. She wanted to work with kids and felt like counseling would be the quintessential job to accomplish that. She loves that NAHS is a small school and that the community and environment feels very personal. Proctor feels that the most important reason for becoming a counselor is helping students see their potential and help give them the tools they need to be
successful in life. In order to develop a positive relationship with students in individual counseling, she feels that finding a common interest/ground and finding some level you can
relate to them on is essential, along with letting them know you care and that you’re there for them. She feels that if you don’t know that she cares about you as a person, you’re not going to
listen to her. Being genuine and letting them know that they matter is key. She loves sports; when she’s not at work, she’s a soccer and basketball mom. In addition, she is a bookworm and she is very happy to be a part of the Puma family.
relate to them on is essential, along with letting them know you care and that you’re there for them. She feels that if you don’t know that she cares about you as a person, you’re not going to
listen to her. Being genuine and letting them know that they matter is key. She loves sports; when she’s not at work, she’s a soccer and basketball mom. In addition, she is a bookworm and she is very happy to be a part of the Puma family.
Say hola and cómo estás to our new Spanish teacher, Ms. Sandra Flores. Ms. Flores was supposed to join the NAHS family last year however she was stopped when LAUSD froze the jobs, not letting anyone transfer or quit. Better late than never. Flores joins the Puma familia from Miguel Contreras Learning Complex. Flores says that her mother influenced her to become a teacher; she always tells her students that her mother is illiterate—she cannot read or write in either Spanish or English. Growing up, she had to help her mom when it came to reading and writing. Much like Ms. Proctor, Flores likes that NAHS is a small school and from what she’s seen, she thinks that it is a tight knit community. Theres a parent involvement program (Friends of NAHS [aka FONAHS]) and she feels that the kids are seen as special. The students are very kind and helpful and the teachers work together, resulting in a sense of unity. Her son also attends NAHS so she loves that she can have her son here with her. She claims that her most important reason for becoming a teacher is her mother, as mentioned earlier. Her mother was a great inspiration and being able to see her navigate the world in her lenses, she realized the importance of education. Through her mother, she understood the significance of being educated. Ms. Flores helps sustain her organization by planners and compartmentalizing her life. At school, she’s a teacher and when she’s at home, she gives herself a bit of me-time to ground herself. She runs and walks and then she becomes a mom and a wife, and then it’s back to work. Ms. Flores believes that developing a positive relationship with students in individual teaching comes naturally. She has to listen to what her students say and ask questions; that’s how we get to know
people. Answering their questions about who she is as a person—she believes that’s how you
build worthwhile communication. She is happy to be here.
We hope that you get to know them within the time that they are here, working and caring for our brilliant Pumas.
Four Seniors Admitted to SAC and RNSSAC in Board District 3
By Sean Hunt
Four Northridge Academy High School seniors have been granted admission into two influential councils in Board District 3: the Student Advisory Council (SAC) and the Region North Superintendent Student Advisory Council (RNSSAC). Shenod Lasz, Alyssa Fernandez, Ellen Meroyan, and Sean Hunt, are each poised to make significant contributions to the educational discourse within their district. While Fernandez and Lasz have earned their seats in the SAC, Meroyan has secured her seat in RNSSAC. However, it's Hunt who has secured positions in both the SAC and RNSSAC.
The SAC, a pivotal platform in Board District 3, operates under the guidance of Board Member Scott Schmerelson. Its primary purpose is to provide students with a voice in shaping educational policies and experiences. Serving as a direct liaison between students and district decision-makers, the SAC wields substantial influence.
In contrast, the Region North Student Advisory Council (RNSSAC) is administered by Superintendent Dr. Baca and boasts a broader regional perspective. Composed of representatives from across the region, RNSSAC is tasked with advocating for students' interests and offering insights into regional educational policies.
Principal Castro, who leads the school community, expressed her immense pride in the accomplishments of these exceptional students. "I couldn't be prouder of our Puma babies," she said with a beaming smile. "Their dedication and commitment to their education and their peers have been exemplary. Their inclusion in these councils speaks volumes about their leadership qualities and their potential to effect positive change."
This achievement underscores the exceptional talent and dedication found within the student body of Board District 3. These four seniors have demonstrated not only their academic prowess but also their commitment to shaping the future of education in the region. Their contributions to both SAC and RNSSAC promise to be invaluable in ensuring that student voices are heard in the ongoing dialogue about educational policies and practices.
2023 Northridge Academy Girls Volleyball Season In Review
By Hannah Carlson
The 2023 Northridge Academy HS girl's volleyball season covered a variety of feelings. Some good, some bad.
These emotions dictated the 2023 season according to varsity captains Tiana Mareko and Audrey Custodio, who mentioned how their position as captains has affected and enhanced overall performance on the court. They summarized how their goal this season was to be confident in each other as well as build bonds that would strengthen their relationship on and off the court. They accomplished this by having each person work hard and put their full ability on the court, which did pay off in the end with placing #1 in Division 3 schools beating Reseda in their second round of playoffs.
With all this hard work and dedication to the sport, applause goes to them for all their success and wins against schools that could have taken the win. For instance, Mareko and Custodio both believed the game against Division 3, VAAS, was gonna be difficult since they have always been competitive in the past but were pleasantly surprised to see that NAHS was able to match and even do better.
Overall, the 2023 girls volleyball season was a rollercoaster of emotions that were shared among each of the players and coaches. We say amazing performance from all the girls this year whether it was a game they lost or a game they won. The effort in both the girls and coaches are greatly appreciated and will forever form a bond between them.
Fall Club Rush Generates 7 New Clubs and Groups
By Anaiah Greene
NAHS has a traditional Club Rush every year in the fall. This year brought six new clubs to Pumas: Cinema/Film Club, Model UN, Cinematography, STEM Club, Puma Podcast, Ti Coding Club, and Skills USA . News Crew also is a new leadership group which support Puma Press (what you are reading now). We are waiting for a faculty member to step us as a sponsor for the Class of 27 leadership group.
Reminder to all new clubs, get your constitutions/by-laws to Mr.Stewart.
Check out the full list of clubs and groups for this year here:
NAHS Bathroom Pass Policy Evolving
By Sean Hunt, for Safety Beat
Northridge Academy High School has recently implemented a revised restroom policy in response to concerns over security. The policy, initially introduced to address on-campus incidents of smoking and fighting, has faced challenges that include long lines and unhygienic practices pointed out by students and staff, predominantly during student nutrition breaks. Hall passes has been a topic during School Leadership Council meetings (SLC) that is being addressed and dealt with currently.
The former policy mandated students to carry clipboards into the restrooms to prevent vandalism and misconduct. While well-intentioned, this practice was perceived as inconvenient and unsanitary by a number of students, staff, and parents.
Ms. Goodman, a teacher at the school, recognized the need for a practical solution and introduced a new lanyard system. Under this system, students wear lanyards that serve as restroom passes. This innovative approach is designed to mitigate the inconveniences associated with the previous policy and enhance hygiene.
The use of lanyards, a straightforward and sanitary alternative, has been welcomed by students and staff. It eliminates the need for students to carry clipboards into the restroom, thereby streamlining the process and improving overall cleanliness.
The introduction of the lanyard system is a factual reflection of the school’s efforts to address security concerns while improving the restroom experience for students. Future adjustments to the policy are anticipated to maintain a safe and efficient restroom protocol. As the system continues to evolve, students and stakeholders can expect continued enhancements in restroom access at Northridge Academy High School.
In a most recent interview with the administration, the assistant principal Mr. Oh comments on the subject. “The lines at lunch are only long for a brief moment. And we have as many bathrooms open as we can.” This means we can expect to see as many bathrooms open as possible from now on.
REPORTING:
*Joseph Adwani, 12th
*Hannah Carlson, 11th
*Anaiah Greene, 11th
*Sean Hunt, 12th
*Angie Lyng, 12th
*Olivia Munoz, 10th
