Written by CATS Students for CATS Students
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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