Category: School

Special feature: An unforgettable CATS poetry slam experience

Special feature: An unforgettable CATS poetry slam experience

Poetry is a timeless art and speak volumes in just a few verses. Students had the opportunity to express themselves in the CATS poetry slam, which took place on March 21 at the Diego Rivera library. The CATS slam, which comes from the “Get Lit” curriculum, showcased our school community’s diverse voices and talents.  Below, senior students shared what they enjoyed about the CATS slam hosted by English teacher Mr. Benny Martinez and the difficulties they overcame. Some students also provided the poems they wrote. Photos by Daniel Z. Students Responses Senior, Stephanie M. said, “I

Students take the lead in student-led conferences

Students take the lead in student-led conferences

By Hector S. CATS held student-led conferences the first week of March. Luis I., a 10th grader, said, “It was scary because you had to present to a parent and sometimes you don’t have good communication with the parent. It’s not that difficult if you have good communication with your parents and you explain to them what you do in class specifically, you are able to finish it in a few minutes and after that, you will be pretty well about it afterward.” Luis shared his view of whether it was a good idea. “Before I

Leadership students tour New York and Washington D.C. over spring break

Leadership students tour New York and Washington D.C. over spring break

By Heyli G. Ms. Ramos’ Leadership class went on a field trip to Washington D.C. and New York for Spring Break. Ms. Ramos, a Leadership and Algebra 2 teacher, shared that she planned this field trip because she likes to travel, and when she found out that the school had some available funds for the field trip and that the field trip could be far away. She found out around 8 days before the field trip was going to take place that the field trip was allowed in the first place. She said, “So for me

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

Traducir