WEST CONTRA COSTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

MATTHEW DUFFY, SUPERINTENDENT

April 15, 2018 Volume 3, Issue 4

VISTA HIGH SCHOOL SYLVIA GREENWOOD, Ed.D.

PRINCIPAL

Inside this issue:

Q3 Honor Roll 2-3

Chance 3

A Day in Sacramento 4-5

2018 Art Show Entries 6

Poem - Oasis 7

Upcoming Events 8

“It becomes imperative to

understand how to build

positive social relationships

that signal the brain a sense

of physical, psychological,

and social safety so that

learning is possible.”

—Zaretta Hammond

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Home of the Tigers!

On March 14, 2018, Vista High School stood in solidarity using an orange string to create a web to unite us all. We wanted to show our support to Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida and let them know that they are not alone in this horrible tragedy. We stand with you Parkland! #NationalWalkoutDay

Name Gr GPA Name Gr GPA

Abdulla, Maram Kaid 11 3.40 Hudson, SaMaria U 8 3.00

Abdulrashid Alqhadi, Massir Fuad 10 3.00 Hundal, Anastasia 9 3.00

Alammari, Amgad Sadik 11 3.00 Jimenez, Melissa 11 4.00

Alammari, Rawa 8 4.00 Kumar, Simran 11 4.00

Alegria Bravo, Fabian Ethan 8 3.20 Larry, Dorian Deandre 12 3.75

Ali, Naseem Tahar 11 3.17 Lee, Breanna Michelle 11 3.50

Allen, Dajonae Unique 12 4.00 Lozano, Yenifer Berenice 12 3.00

Alomari, Abdo Faisal 12 3.00 Lyons, Xylaia Janae 11 4.00

Alomari, Tahany F 7 4.00 Martinez, Jessica Mia 11 3.33

Andrade Martinez, Oscar 11 3.38 Martinez, Kimberly 10 4.20

Atia, Sanad Mohamed 10 4.00 Mason, Randee Alexandria 10 3.83

Atia, Sarah 12 4.00 Melendez Gonzales, Emiliana Lisette 11 3.75

Avalos, Christopher Giovanni 12 3.75 Mendoza, Isaiah Matteo 11 4.00

Ayala, Joshua Alexander 10 3.00 Mercado, Omar Enrique 11 3.07

Bernstine, Demartanae 10 3.00 Mireles, Jocelyn 8 3.20

Brown, Maciyah Lazure 10 3.40 Morales Barajas, Shasdell 9 3.60

Bui, Kevin Khang Nguyen 10 3.75 Morquecho, Madalina Lorena 7 4.00

Carballo, Liliana 9 3.43 Munoz Medina, Andrea Jazmin 12 4.00

Cardenas Castro, Sofia Micayla 10 3.50 Noble, Caytlyn Zuri Oni 11 3.83

Carranza, Lilia Joanna 12 3.63 Noyola Delao, Fernando 12 3.00

Carriere, Alexandria Wilma 11 4.00 Orantes Herrarte, Monica Izhary 10 3.00

Castillo, Kayla Seline 10 3.20 Parry, Leila Michelle 10 3.40

Chavarin, Raquel Noemi 11 4.00 Pedroza, Yoav Ivanhoe 11 3.00

Chavez, Noemi 10 3.00 Peregrina, Jonathon 11 3.00

Chavez, Stephanie Lizette 11 3.60 Planchon, Mia Faye 11 3.29

Cisneros, Luke 10 3.20 Politeau, Kai Joseph 10 3.60

Collins, Karl 10 4.00 Rabbi, Hasan G 9 3.60

Cordtz, Tasiana Precious 10 3.75 Richardson, Shania Lee 10 3.71

Endow, Kyle Masao 10 3.00 Robinson, Jerry Jerome 12 3.67

Fosado, Daisy Lizzet 10 3.86 Rosas, Lesly Noemy 11 3.60

Gamez, Alexander Michael 11 3.33 Samson, Elizabeth Lee 12 4.00

Garcia Jimenez, Dilza Gabriela 9 3.00 Sharay, AmtAlsalam Mohamed 12 3.20

Gomez, Sofia 11 3.86 Steeley, Nicholas Anthony 10 4.00

Gonzalez Fernandez, Vanessa Isel 11 4.00 Suchite, Camila Gisselle 10 3.17

Gutierrez, Gabriela Meschelle 11 3.89 Swanson, Raquel Alexis 11 3.50

3

CHANCE

Injustice and inequality are all around us, It happens every day. One can never truly get rid of it, so why do we try? Because it is worth fighting for. Feminists are people who fight against injustice against women and men. They fight for women’s and men’s rights. They fight for human rights. Feminists and man-haters are two different types of people. One type is for changing the social norms and inspiring people in America, and the other just blames the patriarchy and wants women to be the unstop-pable force of the world. What is the problem? The problem is stereotypical thinking. Women are seen as the meek caretakers of babies and children. It is not lady-like to speak one’s mind or live on one’s own. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Adichie goes more in depth about this stereotype. Social and cultur-al norms are the problem, and religion is preventing change. In most religions Muslim, Catholicism, Christi-anity, Ancient Egyptian, men have more power over women. Why Religion Opposes Female Rights by Nigel Barber also explains why religion is used as an excuse for sexism. “The official Church of Sweden has or-dained women since 1958 and the Lutheran state church of Denmark also ordains women and admits them as bishops.” Feminism is the advocacy of women's rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes. However, people have different views on what equality is. It is argued that men are also treated unfairly. Such stereotypes that men have to conform to being tough and muscular are explored by Delia Melody in her article: Are Women Innocent? “...misogyny, says that men are bigger and stronger than ‘weak, fragile, innocent women,’...” Anti-feminists claim the wage-gap is a myth. It is not only that women in certain industries are getting paid less. Rather, the bigger issue is the restrictive light that prevent women from getting better pay. Whether on the feminist side or the anti-feminist side, it is an ongoing debate as to how to solve this com-plicated situation. There are just as many anti-feminists as there are feminists. The same study by Pew Re-search also claims almost 40 percent of what causes the wage gap is due to “gender stereotypes, discrimi-nation, professional networks that are more robust for men than for women, and hesitancy on the part of women to aggressively negotiate for raises and promotions – exactly the inequalities feminism is trying to eliminate.” Anti-feminism: Why does it exist? by David Bubbins explains the facts and counter arguments used by feminists and anti-feminists.

Women in America may be less oppressed than women elsewhere in the world, but inequality is pervasive even in “The land of the brave and home of the free.” If we were to fix our situation, it would need to start with how we think of genders. It is more than giving women jobs traditionally reserved for men and vice versa. Jobs need to be given to the most qualified person. An office or factory doesn’t have to be 50% men and 50% for women to achieve equality. Women should not be treated in a subservient manner, but in so many settings that sadly is the norm. Where are the female CEOs? Where are the women in high govern-ment positions? Is it a lack of ambition or is it that every other industry and institution have traditionally been headed by men? If more women sat in seats of power, would we have to perpetually revisit the burn-ing questions about health care and reproductive rights? Fairness will only come about if gender roles are abolished, and children are raised in a more egalitarian fashion. Perhaps Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie said it best when acknowledging, “...a feminist is a man or a woman who says, ‘Yes, there’s a problem with gender as it is today and we must fix it, we must do better.’ All of us, women and men, must do better.” Everyone, women, included, needs a fair chance.

Written by Kevin Bui

Gutierrez, Victoria Mariana 10 3.00 Urtiz, Vanessa 12 3.40

Guzman, Jasper Alexxander 12 3.20 Valenzuela, Anahi 11 3.50

Hearn, Brelynn Jewell 11 4.00 Vasquez, Jose Daniel 12 3.00

Hernandez, Evelyn Eliana 9 3.00 Voto Bernales, Geovanna Angeline 9 4.00

Herrera, Stefani 10 3.60 Washington, Mayte Ruiz 12 4.00

Hoagland, Adrian 10 3.50 Webb, Imari Taja Brianne 9 3.20

Howell, Moises Wallace 10 3.20 Zepeda, Salomon Vicente 11 3.33

VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

A DAY IN SACRAMENTO As I walked through the entrance hallway into the beautiful rotunda, where the Carrara marble statue of Queen Isabel-la and Columbus rested in the center of the room since 1883, I felt drenched in over 160 years worth of our state’s his-tory. I looked all around me and couldn’t help but notice just how pink the walls are, which are surrounded in white decorative murals that feature design motifs of swirling foliage, urns, and stylized griffins. The entire Capitol itself ele-gantly combines Victorian era details with elements from the Classical Renaissance into every nook and cranny, every room and even on the floors. It was in these hallways, governors and assembly members strolled through, brainstorm-ing how to help our state, maybe our whole nation. Throughout our tour, our quirky, entertaining guide crammed so much knowledge in my brain, the day after my head is still spinning. Among hundreds of fascinating facts and knowledge she shared with us, I remember one fact the most.

Every state in America has their very own seal. California’s seal, if you don’t already know, shows Athena, or Minerva as the Romans renamed her, sitting with her spear and shield in hand, full armored, next to a small bear. In the back-ground behind her, you’ll see ships sailing through the ocean towards land, surrounded by lush green mountains, as a man chops wood. I know what you’re wondering, “What? Mineva? What’s she doing in our state’s seal?!” Or maybe you’re not interested at all. I don't know, I can’t read minds. Man that would be a cool power, though. Anyways! Minerva was born by quite literally bursting through her father’s head, who is Jupiter, with her sword and shield in hand, fully armored and ready for battle. Minerva is on our state’s seal because, like how she sprung whole through her own father’s head, California sprung as its own state without ever being a territory. This is the fact I re-member the most. I’m sure by now you can imagine why.

After climbing up and down two flights of stairs, peeking into our past governors’ offices, and observing both the as-sembly and senate sessions (which may I say was very fascinating), we returned to the Rotunda. This is where we met our Assembly member, Mr. Tony Thurmond. As soon as he walked into the room, coffee in hand, he instantly makes the room fifty percent brighter with his smile and natural illuminating presence. I was absolutely nervous because this was my first time meeting a politician, but after shaking his hand, my anxiety disappeared. I told him how I was aspiring to become a professional author, and he greatly encouraged me to give him a free copy so he could read it and fall in love with my writing. Afterwards, I couldn’t stop blushing and smiling. He was a sweet, kind, selfless, relatable man. I have met many men like this in my life. And I was very happy to meet another one. He is a hard worker, and he knows what it means, in his own words, “to be raised on the wrong side of the tracks.” To have him personally speak for our district makes me immensely happy. I am completely comfortable having him as our leader of education, and I can’t wait to see what he’ll do next.

After touring our State’s Capitol building, we toured Sacramento State University. The campus was absolutely beautiful; very healthy, clean, and safe. In fact, this university is both the fourth and fifth safest campus in our nation. Not only that, but it is equipped with a state-of-the-art gymnasium, a Green Building because of its environmental design. When you walk through the entrance doors, looking onto the floor, you’ll see that they are made entirely of recycled broken glass bottles. The running tracks are made of recycled shoe soles. They have indoor basketball, football, and soccer ball courts, rock walls, state-of-the-art workout machines, and you can also take classes like Pilates, kickboxing, and yoga. Students are engaged in their studies as we walk around, hustling to their next class, or grabbing a bite to eat from the many snack shops and restaurants scattered throughout the campus. And looking around, I can see myself attending this university. The air is positive and uplifting. It was a beautiful sunny day, and the day wasn’t over yet.

Our final stop was the California Museum. A non-profit institution educating its visitors on California’s rich history and its unique contributions to the world through our diverse culture and controversial, dazzling, bold artists. Just walking among the Hall of Fame, soaking in every exhibition’s artwork, I feel inspired to make my own mark on history. It is not shy to proudly emphasize many commonly overlooked stories, reflecting in each hallway our state’s diverse population and rich culture. The California Hall of Fame honors legendary Californians who embody our state’s innovative spirit. In a courtyard, towering six stories high above the ground, the Constitution Wall features gigantic words sculpted into the wall itself.

5

A DAY IN SACRAMENTO CON’T

These words were taken from the California Constitution and placed on this wall to inspire every visitor to reflect on the freedoms that they are guaranteed as a Californian.

As my class toured this museum, we saw a temporary exhibit that is traveling worldwide. This exhibit, called “And Still We Rise” is a journey through 400 years of U.S. History on 67 quilts handcrafted by the Women of Color Quilters Net-work. It is a must see for every person in our nation. See it A.S.A.P before it is moved to a different location!

In conclusion, I am proud to be a Californian. This state will always be my childhood and my home, and I am very lucky to have gone on such an engaging, educational field trip, and I hope to go on more like it soon.

Written by Alexandria Carriere

VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

6

VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

2018 ART SHOW ENTRIES Rainbow Picture “"Wisdom" by Anahi Valenzuela

Waterfall by Gabriela Gutierrez

Flower by Esmeralda Aguilar Espino

Feminist cartoon by Shasdell Morales

7

VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

POEM - OASIS

My Oasis, is music. I'm feeling lost,

or find myself in a difficult situation that can't seem to get

For example all the stuff going on the natural

the death And trump being in

and the inequality that us the minority are being treated

Music is always my go

It makes me feel so

You

It fills the emptiness to my heart and

It's the ying to my some don't

It's a cosmic force that brings me when don't what to see the

When everything just seems

The strength to my

When write my

And Start to

sink Into the like was

When I'm writing, I'm trapped in between the

escape when finish the

So age don't count in the

When your flow stay submerged in the fountain of

That's a quote from

When Close my eyes in front of the

like I'm

A lyrical prophet, a wizard of

in loops around this unstoppable

Writing witty rhymes with my magical pencil. beats and eating these

rappers like lentils. Whe time slows down

to a different

A place, a palace, a paradise of

Where I decide to reach ascension.

Now That's a wonderland.

It feels so real you can feel the tension.

Now tell me where you stand. Now don't get It mistaken, you need

comprehension. So pay attention.

I'm bout to take you to the fourth dimension.

It Is so peaceful. A room full of Freedom.

Where I'm a freeman.

Not a slave to no demon.

Yes. You can embrace the feeling and taste the freedom.

Replace the seedlings that we take from Eden.

I'm not a rapper I'm an MC. A Master of ceremony.

If you don't get the vision. I'll help you see.

You see.

Rappers spit rhymes that are mostly Illegal.

MC's spit rhymes to uplift their people. And that's a fact.

My name Is Jeaze & I'm bringing hip hop back.

Music Is my oasis so let's get back to that

Written by Juan

8

VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

Check us out @ www.wccusd.net/vista

COMMUNITY SERVICE

!!!SENIORS!!! Graduation Rehearsal

Thursday, June 9, 2018

12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Graduation Ceremony: Friday, June 10, 2018

7:00 p.m.

Community Service Lives On! Three Vista High graduates – Makhala DeLacy ’15, Christian Prior ’17 and Lyndsey Breksa ’16 spent a Saturday morning last month at the Richmond Greenway volunteering with The Watershed Project, pulling weeds and planting native plants. Their experience in the past volunteering there for their service learning credit has inspired them to keep up their good work. The Watershed Project is at the Richmond Green-way on the second Saturday of every month from 10 am-1 pm.

See Janet Kraus for more information!

End of the year Celebration

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

More information will

be coming!

Contact your

Supervising Teacher May 7-11, 2018