Category: School

Students take i-Ready test in the spring

Students take i-Ready test in the spring

by Hector S. Students took the i-Ready test, the district-wide reading assessment, this spring for the second time and showed improvement, according to staff. Testing coordinator Mr. Mandujano said the test, “measures a wide variety of skills within math and English, that’s why it’s long and it’s pretty much a diagnostic of where the students skill set is.” He also added that it’s an adaptive test meaning that the questions come from elementary level math and English all the way up to high school. He explained that another reason the test is mandatory is because the

Two teachers leaving to pursue new professions

Two teachers leaving to pursue new professions

By Omar R. Spanish teacher Ms. Maria Dorantes and math teacher Ms. Martha Ramos have announced they will be leaving CATS by the next upcoming year to pursue their own respective careers. Each had their own reasons for wanting to leave, but both said part of it had to do with the challenges of teaching. The Algebra 2 and leadership teacher said that “being a teacher requires a lot and it requires a lot more than is in your control.” She commented on how looking over 25 to 30 students at a time isn’t as easy

Profile: Black Student Union Club 

Profile: Black Student Union Club 

By Salvador G. A few teachers created a club called the Black Student Union (BSU) Club for CATS students. This club is to understand more about the concept of why it is important to celebrate and to know more about African American people and the Black experience.  According to Mr. Wilson, a computer science and mathematics teacher, the BSU club provides opportunities for all races, meaning that not just Black students celebrate but all races here in school, too. He said, “all races are able to celebrate Black culture, Black lifestyle, and history.” He shares the importance

How low attendance impacts the school’s budget

How low attendance impacts the school’s budget

By Ernesto H. There have been many absences for the past years at CATS with seats waiting for students to occupy them. But few students know that when they miss class, that also means less money goes to the school in the future. So what is the connection between attendance and a school’s budget? On a random day, Ms. Nguyen, said, “We have 169 absences, so then we make phone calls home, but that’s like after the first period, so sometimes students come back later.” She explained that many students are counted absent at first because

Ms. Suarez given ‘Outstanding Teacher’ award and $10,000 prize

Ms. Suarez given ‘Outstanding Teacher’ award and $10,000 prize

By Gehenna N. “I feel so honored.” That’s what science teacher Ms. Michelle Suarez said when she was nominated for and given the award called “the Carlston Outstanding Teachers Of America” award. She was nominated by a former student of hers called Celeste G. who graduated back in 2018.  This award is only given to four teachers and Ms. Suarez was the youngest teacher to win it. “I feel so humbled and intimidated,” she shared. This is because teachers who have been nominated for the award have taught at least 20 to 30 years in their

Sports Update: Soccer at Diego Rivera

Sports Update: Soccer at Diego Rivera

By Axel G. What did the soccer team think about this year’s season and senior night? Josue C., a JV soccer player and senior at Green Design, said, “My senior night was good.” He shared that “I felt supported by my peers and how they made a nice poster for me. I did see a lot of people watching us play and it felt good.” Even though the team lost, he felt as if there was nothing they could have done differently.  Josue F., a varsity soccer player and senior at Green Design shared that he

Should students be drinking from the water fountains?

Should students be drinking from the water fountains?

By Heyli G. Do you know what’s lurking in the school’s water fountains? Well, students in Ms. Suarez’s Nanotechnology class took a hard look at the quality of the school’s water for one of their class experiments. “My intention was to have students learn how to use a water testing kit,” Ms. Suarez said. She explained that she wanted students to learn how to read directions and figure out how to follow through on an experiment, similar to how we take COVID tests. She added, “So that was one aspect and the other part was also

Seniors share their college and career plans

Seniors share their college and career plans

By Ernesto H. Senior year may be stressful, getting work done from different classes, trying to get good grades, applying to college, filling out applications, and preparing for their finals. However, some students share their thoughts about college, which college they are applying to, what they want to major in, and what they think of what’s to come by the time they arrive at college. Christopher C. said he applied to Cal States such as Cal State Northridge, Long Beach, Fullerton, and LA. “But the main campus I want to stay at is Northridge,” he said.

How was the “gas leak” handled?

How was the “gas leak” handled?

Teachers weigh in on the impact and outcome from the incident that happened on December 5, 2023 in which an overwhelming gas-like smell throughout campus (and in the surrounding neighborhood) led to an evacuation. Following the incident, the school administration released the following statement to teachers, students and parents: “The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain my top priority. Today, a strong odor coming from the community was noticed at our school. We have followed our Integrated Safe School Plan and have taken precautionary steps to prevent illness including having students and staff shelter in

How teachers and students are addressing the use of slurs

How teachers and students are addressing the use of slurs

By Hugo M. CATS is currently facing an issue that has not been resolved: the casual use of slurs used by students inside and outside the classroom. Every day these words, which are often based on race, ethnicity or perceived sexuality or gender, are thrown along casually like a baseball among packed hallways and classrooms. But the big question remains: What do students and teachers think of the use of slurs in school?  One teacher provided context as to why students use these words in the first place. Mr. Monteon, Graphic Design teacher, said that because

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