Category: School

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

Can overcrowded classrooms be fixed?

Can overcrowded classrooms be fixed?

By Kimberly B. and Zech N, with additional reporting by Heyli G. Overcrowded classrooms have been a problem at CATS this year, according to several students and teachers. CATS lead and science teacher Ms. Sanchez said, “I think that they become a problem and they impede student’s learning because overcrowded classrooms means that I have to share my attention with students at the same time.”  Overcrowding is not a new problem to schools, but it is a problem that persists. According to academic counselor Ms. Rea, some classes have nearly 40 students. Those classes are Drawing

Is public transportation good for students and teachers?

Is public transportation good for students and teachers?

By Alexandra M. Public transportation, like taking the bus, is used everyday by students and teachers at CATS, but they often face a number of challenges and negative incidents on their way to and from school. Ms. Salcido, a Social Studies teacher, mentioned she was surprised by the substantial number of students taking the bus to and from school. “Sometimes students can’t get on the bus that is going to take them to school because it’s already full,” she said. It’s not just that buses fill up fast, but that often, they are delayed. Ms. Salcido

Student-athletes call for more academic support

Student-athletes call for more academic support

By Jade S. Student-athletes face many challenges, from missing out on important classes to the accumulation of stress. Can CATS offer them a better support system? During a student’s four years of high school, numerous students participate in extracurriculars such as sports, clubs, and after-school programs to make themselves stand out to universities or colleges. Student-athletes often have to leave class early to participate in their games, resulting in missing their classes. In addition, according to students, some teachers make it extra difficult by ignoring their struggles.  Jazmine G., an 11th grader, said, “This year’s academics

Students report Chromebook and other tech issues

Students report Chromebook and other tech issues

By Alexis Y-V. Students at CATS have reported experiencing technology problems after the dismissal of Mr. Angel, the former tech specialist, at the end of the previous school year. A key problem has been the malfunctioning of students’ Chromebooks. Cristopher Z. a 11th grader, said, “My Chromebook won’t connect to the wifi and at home, and my keys are missing.” Similarly, Daniel S. had problems getting a new Chromebook as, “there are a lot of kids who need Chromebooks and chargers as well.” But some think the problem partly lies with students. Assistant Principal Mr. Antonio

AP/Honors Society Club hosts successful fundraiser at Shakey’s

AP/Honors Society Club hosts successful fundraiser at Shakey’s

By Manuel V. The AP/Honors Society Club at CATS hosted a fundraiser at a Shakey’s Pizza Parlor and Restaurant in Huntington Park during the first week of December to raise money for student recognition. Math teacher and GATE Coordinator Ms. Nava said the fundraiser as a whole was a huge success. “I feel very happy and delighted that it turned out very very good,” she said, sharing that the event took a lot of effort and commitment from the AP/ Honors Society Club members. “There was a lot of back planning with [History teacher] Ms. Haagen

Mr. Monteon: Advisor for the Class of 2024

Mr. Monteon: Advisor for the Class of 2024

By Heyli G. Mr. Monteon is a graphic design teacher and most students will have him for at least one year out of their four years of high school. What most people don’t know, however, is that he is the senior advisor for the class of 2024 and it’s his first time being a class advisor.   Let’s take a look at his duties and responsibilities. Mr. Monteon goes with the flow when managing the senior class of 2024. He shared that, because there is no handbook or guide for how to do this, “This is

Special feature: The challenges emergent bilingual and undocumented students face when applying to college

Special feature: The challenges emergent bilingual and undocumented students face when applying to college

By Gehenna N. Editor’s Note: Some of the interviews below were conducted in Spanish and translated for uniformity What struggles do emergent bilingual and undocumented students who are applying to college face?Beyond the difficulty of coming to a new country, these students face additional challenges. Luis N., an emergent bilingual senior, shared his personal difficulties in speaking English confidently. “Sometimes I can’t put my thoughts together and speak the language correctly without stuttering,” he said. “This is why I opted to do community college first for two years to prepare myself better in the language and

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