Who Or What Do You Love?

  

Compiled by Lauren Ahern and Nayeli Sanchez

In the past few days, Pueblo students and teachers expressed who they love the most in their lives.

Yamilex Garcia (12): “I love my dog because I consider him my best friend. When I get sad, he’s there to comfort me.”

Paula Fierros (10): “I love my family the most because no matter what, they’ll always support me. Even if I make a dumb decision or a wise decision, they’ll always have my back.”

Angelita Delcido (11): “I love the people who I have in my life as well as the opportunities I’m given because of their presence.”

Daniela Moreno (11): “I love a lot of people, but I’d like to acknowledge my dad and sister because they always push me and motivate me to do well in school.”

Ms. Rhesa Olsen, math teacher: “I love my parents for being there for me throughout my life! Oh, and I love my pets—the ones I have now, the ones in my past and the ones in my future. I also love my students. That’s who I love—not necessarily in that order.”

Ms. Tiffany Mendibles, English teacher: “I love the human connection that I share with every individual who is part of my life.”

Angel Faras (12): “I love baseball because it makes me happy.”

Luis Leyva (12): “I love my family because they’re there for me.”

Ana Verdugo (12): “I love Avae because she’s funny.”

Tais Jimenez (12): “I love my family, friends and pizza.”

Paola Vargas (12): “I love my friends, family and myself.”

Josselyn Rivera (12): “I love my family, friends and Dad.”

Roger Ruiz (12): “I love my family the most.”

Kimberly Gracia (12): “I love my mom, dogs and my boyfriend.”

Yazdel Enriquez (12): “I love Fernanda.”

Sara Noriego (12): “I love my family because they support me and my crazy ideas. I feel like they accept me just the way I am. I also love Joaquin, my boyfriend for more than a year, because he brings out the best in me.”

Pueblo Community Speaks Out About Trump Victory

paula-fierros-el-guerrero-pueblo-2016

Compiled by Paula Fierros

trump-hat

Elianna Martinez, senior:  “With a Trump presidency, our kids in this nation will learn his foul ways that truly hurt inside. A president isn’t supposed to make you afraid of the world; a president is supposed to bring us together.”

Bianca Valenzuela, senior: “I feel those who voted for Trump have brains that cannot comprehend intelligence.”

Alisa Gutierrez, senior: “Not only is Trump racist, he is also homophobic. All of the progress that America has made in social issues in the past eight years, including legalizing same-sex marriages, are now being jeopardized. We’re all doomed. Nobody is safe.”

Keila Robles, freshman: “I’m worried for all of the illegal immigrants in this country who have been threatened to be deported by Trump. This will divide many families in this nation.”

Mr. Steve Lopez, math teacher: “A Trump presidency means that things should be different. We’ll see what he does in office. When Hillary Clinton was in office, she didn’t make much of a difference.”

Mr. Patrick Peatrowsky, economics teacher: “The people have spoken. There is a group of people that we didn’t know existed. I hope for the best. There’s only one president, and we are only one nation.”

Shadie Grajeda, senior: “We Americans can either move forward or stay stuck and bitter.”

Ms. Sarah Sutton, drama/theater teacher: “The election results do not mean a whole lot to me. I still believe that women’s rights are human rights. I still believe that my LGBT brothers and sisters have a human right to love whoever they wish and moreover, that it is not my permission to give. I still believe that ‘All Lives Matter’ cannot happen unless we acknowledge that black lives matter. No results can take my opinions from me. I am an advocate and will continue to be one.”

Estevan Alvarez, senior: “If anyone were to ask me if I think that America is more or less racist than in the past, I would say, ‘Just look at Donald Trump and this election.’”

Maximiliano Roman, senior: “The Trump presidency means the following to me: Hell. Stupidity. The next four years will be a waste of time. America will move backwards and go back on the principals in which it was founded.”

Mr. William Richards, magnet program coordinator: “Our options for this presidency have forced the realization that our education system is broken in this country, until it is improved and  Americans can see through social media, rants, political correctness and political parties to the real issues we are stuck in a superficial landscape with no true options for triumph.”

Brianna Metzler, junior: “I equate a Trump presidency to doom and devastation. Throughout his campaign, Trump’s slogan was: ‘Make America Great Again’. However, it should be more like: ‘Make America Hate Again’.”

Cristian Carrillo, junior: “I can’t trust a man like Trump. He is a complete idiot. I’m totally surprised and appalled that he has become the 45th president. We can still hope for a future impeachment. Anyone who makes fun of the disabled should automatically be disqualified as a presidential candidate.”

Dr. Raul Gonzalez, social studies teacher: “There is a light at the end of the tunnel—and that is the 2018 election.”

Britsy Lozolla, freshman: “I think that it’s a sad day. After all of the inappropriate things that came out of his mouth, Americans still voted for him—which says to me that people are insensitive to others.”

Kanani Salazar, junior: “I think it’s a good thing that Trump won because Hillary Clinton wants to let in more Muslims, and it only took a few to take down the Twin Towers in 2001.”

Ms. Karen Rimmell, English teacher: “A Trump presidency means the gains that we have made in civil rights for all people are in danger.”

Ashley Cordova, junior: “The election results didn’t bother me too much because both candidates had ideas that everybody disagreed on.”

Mr. John Contreras, Mariachi Aztlán teacher: “This election decision was an eye-opener. It showed that the U.S. was able to overlook the fact that a candidate who ridiculed minorities, made rash and crude decisions, was full of hyperbole and hate speech, enticed and collaborated with foreign/enemy countries to interfere with our political system and treated women as sub-humans, all the while turning this election cycle into a ‘made for TV side show’, and elect him to the highest possible office of the land.”

Marissa Salinas, senior: “I don’t really think that it’s the end of the world.”

Sophia Shivers, freshman: “I feel that a Trump presidency will be a complete disaster. Even though he hasn’t been inaugurated, it feels like the end of the world.”

Andy Garcia, junior: “I’m very worried about the country’s and the world’s future.”

Ms. Jaylyn Wheatley, social studies teacher: “It’s eye-opening to see how much of the country accepts somebody who uses such hateful language.”

Corina Ballesteros, senior: “I’m not as appalled at Trump himself and his victory but rather the more than 50 million Americans who voted for him. Obviously, these voters are close-minded. It bothers me that we have so many people in this country who support a man who is ignorant and childish.”

Ms. Josephine Rincon, social studies teacher: “America’s selection has put fear especially into children, making them and their families feel targeted.” She paused and said, “I’m mourning our democracy.”

Mr. Rodrigo Cardenas, campus monitor: “Although I may not agree with outcome, I feel happy that Americans can choose who they want to become president. Freedom prevails.”

Summer Romero, junior: “Not everything that Trump has said is a bad idea. For example, I like his business sense which could be good for the country’s economy.”

Ms. Wilma Amaro, science teacher: “Life is not reality T.V.”

Gerardo Daniel Torres, senior: “Some children might be separated from their families when Trump becomes President next year. I am worried about my own family members.”

Mr. Gene Balsz, exceptional education teacher: “Bow down before the one you serve; you’re going to get what you deserve.” [From Head Like a Hole by Trent Reznor]

Carolina Korovokina, senior: “I don’t think it’s fair [that Trump won the election] because he hasn’t shown any political experience. Whenever he is asked questions, all he ends up doing is offending people.”

Alexander Ross, senior: “I’m not happy [about Trump winning the election]. We need to reassess if Trump does something stupid.”

Laura Conde, sophomore: “I’m so shocked that Trump won the election! I means that this country is going to experience more sexism. Hispanics have gone from high to low.”

Mr. Rana K. Medhi, journalism teacher: “Driving to work on Wednesday morning [the day after the election results], I felt almost the same sense of doom and frustration as the morning of 9/11 back in 2001—almost as if I were driving into another tunnel of thick fog. Somehow the country needs to find a way to the other side. Again.”

Mr. Iram Arce, junior: “Anyone who can’t handle a Twitter account shouldn’t be able to handle the country’s nuclear launch codes.”

Aliah Luna, junior: “I don’t think that it’s fair that somebody with absolutely zilch political experience or expertize should be allowed to even be considered to be America’s leader. Why should I earn and pay for a college degree in which I have no investment for in my future? Therefore, why should any politician buy his way into an American political campaign without knowing the backbone of politics.”

Ms. Kathryn Gunnels, English teacher: “[Following the Trump victory], be brave. Stay strong. Consume less. Talk louder. Educate yourself and those around you.”

Javier Menchaca, junior: “Not much will change in America with a Trump presidency. Actually, he has very little power.”

Victor Garcia, senior: “I voted for the first time on Election Day. I am very disappointed in our country’s choice for the next president. I feel that he is going to divide our nation even more than it already was.”

Genesis Alba, freshman: “No matter who won the election on Tuesday, America is doomed.”

Ms. Claire Brock, English teacher: “It means we need to step up in taking care of each other and protecting each other. Mass solidarity and struggle is the only way up. And education is your weapon, students, so please use it.”

Yoel Baca, sophomore: “There is no such thing as making America great again.”

Daniel Escobar, senior: “We’re screwed.”

Ms. Jeanette Rupel, English teacher: “A Trump presidency means that we have to stay vigilant and involved in politics, monitoring our federal, state, and local legislations. It means my job is crucial—tteaching students to read literature to develop empathy and multiple view points; to write to give them eloquent, persuasive voices; to research facts to develop strong arguments based on logical and reason; and to persevere through all types of challenges. I will empower, encourage, teach. We are equal and will not go gentle into that good night. We will rise, like dust, moons, suns, and air.

Ms. Kelly Crane, English teacher: “[Trump’s victory] makes me feel physically ill.”

Ms. Bonnie Stull, early childhood teacher: “My head hurts. Trump’s only one person. Pence scares me more.”

Ms. Rhesa Olsen, math teacher: “I moved to Tucson from Indianapolis/Carmel, Indiana. [Vice-President-elect] Pence is from Zionsville, which is just a short driving distance away from Carmel.  When he ran for governor, I did not vote for him because of his discriminatory views he tried to tie into his being a Christian.  My view of being a Christian is that we are to treat others as we would like to be treated. So, I am even more upset that Donald Trump won the electoral votes in the presidential race because I don’t like either man philosophically. The election is what it is, and all I can do now is move forward and hope that those who won realize that more people actually voted against them than for them. Perhaps this will enable the new officeholders to remember that what makes America great our diversity, that the poor and middle class deserve the same opportunities as the wealthy, that not everyone should have assault rifles, and since we all share this same planet, that we should do what is necessary to help protect it. Hopefully, they will have also learned that everything they have said and done has been recorded.”

Pueblo Administrators Limits Hall Passes

Iram Arce El Guerrero Pueblo 2015

By Iram Arce

A new rule effective at the beginning of November 2015 limited students’ hall passes. Students are no longer allowed to obtain passes from their teachers during first, fourth, and seventh periods. Students who do not follow this policy will receive a consequence, including ISA (In-School Suspension)—according to Assistant Principal Alma Carmona-Alday.

Carmona-Alday said that students wandering the halls became a serious problem earlier this semester, and many teachers complained about the noise levels in the halls. Many students were ditching their classes and talking to their friends during class time.

No Passes Sketch By Sela M

She explained that the three worst times for students being in the halls are first period, because it is the beginning of the school day; fourth period because of the confusion between students having class or lunch; and seventh period, because it’s the end of the school day, and some students do not have a final period and need to be off campus.

Mr. Frank Rosthenhausler, assistant principal at Pueblo, said that administrators are doing everything possible to limit the traffic in the hallways, especially due to the shortage of security staff—two away from fully staffed.

However, there are exceptions.

“We understand that some students have important needs,” Rosthenhausler said, “and some students will be allowed to leave their classes. However, what we administrators are trying to do is stop chronic offenders who are always asking for a pass with no legitimate reason.”

This policy will remain in effect for the rest of the school year in the hopes to better our educational life, Rosthenhausler said.

“If we [administrators] start something, it is our responsibility to finish it,” Carmona-Alday said. “Our primary job is to keep our students safe, followed by keeping our students in class, and help them to be successful.”

Pueblo Pride Day ~ October 27, 2015

Iram Arce El Guerrero Pueblo 2015

By Iram Arce

October 27 was Pueblo Pride Day, a time when our Warriors and other volunteers met after school in the cafeteria at 3:30 p.m., and for an hour, they cleaned and better our Pueblo community.

Pueblo Pride Day Warrior Volunteers
Volunteers participating in Pueblo Pride Clean-Up Day

This event, which was started by the Science Club (sponsored by Dr. Lolita Levine) was bigger and better this year. CCLC provided snacks and water for  participants who worked hard to beautify our campus.

Students and volunteers performed duties such as weeding the garden, picking up trash and painting the red drive way curve.

“Everybody is smiling, and that’s the best part,” Levine said. “It’s nice to see teachers and students working side by side.”

Students were separated into different groups in the cafeteria, which will each be led by their own leaders for different sections at school.

Pueblo Pride Day Elizabeth Raizk
Ms. Elizabeth Raizk hauling off some brush.

One of the group leaders is Ms. Elizabeth Raizk, one of Pueblo’s science teachers, and she was in charge of the garden group.

“This is how we show our Pueblo community that we are doing more things [community service] to make Pueblo a better place,” Raizk said. “Pueblo gets cleaner, and it shows our community how great we are. This event is a win-win scenario.”

“I really want to emphasize our school and nourish our soul,” Levine said. “This is not just a school—it is our home.”

Kenya’s Questions ~ What Would You Fix About Pueblo?

Kenya Acosta El Guerrero Pueblo

By Kenya Acosta

The title is self-explanatory. Every two weeks or so, I will ask students to respond to a particular question. Their answers will vary from simple to complex responses. Here is this edition’s question:

What would you fix about Pueblo?Pueblo El Guerrero Kenya's Questions Cartoon

“Students mistreat the school, and they really shouldn’t.” (Leslie Robles, senior)

“They [teachers] don’t care about their students’ feelings, they only care about their job.” (Daniella Contreras, senior)

“The air conditioning isn’t right. They want us to work in a proper environment, yet they don’t provide proper temperatures for class. A lot of teachers have to use their own money when the school should be providing the supplies. School trips aren’t handled efficiently. The athletics department and our academic programs don’t get the same amount of treatment or funding, and there really should be a balance.” (Jose C. Martinez, senior)

“The lunch lines are horrible in first lunch. By the time you get your lunch, it’s time to go.” (Frankie Verdugo, senior)

“The food has no flavor and I have no morale to keep going. Our staff here at Pueblo wants us to do our best, but we can’t do that by eating this quality of food. We also need more supplies for teachers; they shouldn’t have to pay for classroom supplies with money out of their own pockets.” (Hector Jimenez, senior)

“The food is nasty.” (Emilio Grijalva, senior)

“The sausage was literally hanging out of my corn dog during lunch because it was so soggy and wet. What type of corn dog is wet? I can’t stand the cheese here, too, it’s disgusting.” (Mina Van Garder, senior)

“We don’t get enough food.” (Payton Rios-Sanders, senior)

“The ratio between students and teachers should be way different. There should be fewer students in our classes; a class of 35 or more is ridiculous.” (Kimberly Lerma, junior)

“I think that we don’t have enough time in our classes.” (Eneida Flores, senior)

“I took credit recovery ‘Edgenuity’ during the summer. The site crashed the last few days, and once I finally got back on the site, all of my work was gone. I feel like our school should spend our money more wisely. I remember during my sophomore or junior year; we spent over $4,000 dollars on our Cyber Café that nobody uses. They’re planning on doing tutoring there, but we have a library for that.” (Roman Romero, senior)

“There’s almost never soap in the restroom, and that’s absolutely disgusting.” (Shaira Perez, senior)

“Sanitation is a super huge problem. There’s no toilet-paper, no paper towels. This is illegal, isn’t it?” (Aaron Andrade, senior)

Pueblo’s Magnet Status: To Be or Not to Be?

Sandra Iniguez El Guerrero Pueblo 2015

 

By Sandra Iniguez

 

On Monday, Sept. 28, a Town Hall meeting was held in Pueblo’s library in order to inform our community of the decisions being made regarding our school’s magnet status.

 

District officials were present, including TUSD Superintendent Dr. H. T. Sanchez, as well as a dozen Pueblo students, mostly from media classes, as well as several Pueblo teachers.

 

Pueblo Principal Augustine Romero Magnet Meeting
Dr. Augustine Romero explains the Magnet Program situation.

Dr. Augustine Romero, Pueblo’s principal, began this meeting by giving a brief history of Pueblo’s magnet status, which began back in 1992. The focus of this magnet school back then—as it is now—communications. The effort to transition to a magnet school was challenging, despite the effort to attract students from other regions of Tucson to make our student population more racially diverse.

 

Fast forward to 2015…

 

“Equality in our schools only shows what everyone deserves, but equity is what we need in this case,” said Dr. Romero. “The diversity of our student enrollment should not be a determining factor when they have [shown a considerable rise in academic success].”

 

This year, however, Pueblo was on the verge of having its magnet status removed, but our Native American student population helped meet the integration goal. Pueblo has become restless because of this standing question: What would happen if we lost our magnet status?

 

“We are already under-funded as it is,” added Romero. 

 

The removal of Pueblo’s magnet status would result in the loss of about $538,000 of funds. This being the money that pays for teachers, student field trips, additional staff, and programs. These magnet funds are generated through local taxes. 

 

“The reduction in funding would be detrimental to Pueblo,” said TUSD Superintendent H.T. Sanchez.

 

Sanchez added, “If you pay rent or mortgage you are [helping fund Pueblo], and these are local dollars.”

 

TUSD Superintendent HT Sanchez Magnet Meeting
TUSD Superintendent Dr. HT Sanchez answered many questions regarding future of Magnet Program.

Although Pueblo is gradually achieving racial integration, students must accomplish higher academic levels in order to improve our chances of keeping our magnet status.

 

“Higher grades, AP class enrollments, more scholarships, acceptance to institutions of higher learning, and higher scores on semester exams will help to support our efforts of keeping Pueblo’s magnet status,” explained Sanchez.

 

Romero echoed the same response.

 

Dr. Willis Hawley appointed by federal court judge Bury, referred to as the ‘Special Master’, who originally placed Pueblo on a list of schools to lose their magnet status has since removed us. However, our magnet status remains endangered and Dr. Hawley will return in about a year to raise the question once again. 

 

“Lots of advisement is taken into account when making a decision regarding a school’s magnet status, including the community’s and ex-administrators’ opinions,” said Sanchez. “But ultimately the ‘Special Master’ gives his own recommendation.”

 

“People just want to be a part of something positive, it’s going to be harder to achieve racial diversity with a lack of something positive [our magnet status] benefitting our school,” said Romero. 

 

Pueblo’s magnet coordinator Ms. Laura Gallego, said that if Pueblo were to lose its magnet status, it would result in more students in classrooms because there would be fewer teachers because there are several who are paid out of the magnet money budget.

 

“It worries me [losing Pueblo’s magnet status] because the communications program is what makes Pueblo unique,” said Skyblue Estrella, a senior at Pueblo, who attended this meeting. “If Pueblo loses its magnet status, we will not only lose what makes it special, but also a part of our community that we students hold dear [teachers and students].”

 

English teacher Ms. Constance Onsae said, “I think the parent meeting went well. A lot of information was shared about the current magnet status [dilemma] and how parents can work to get around the process and obtain the magnet money Pueblo deserves, even in our current financial state.”

 

She paused and added, “I do believe that Dr. Sanchez seems to be doing all he can to help the Pueblo magnet status.”

 

Pueblo will remain on the “Endangered” list regarding its magnet status, and in one year, the issue will be discussed once again. In essence, Pueblo’s magnet status is “safe” for now, but the evaluation process will resume next year to discuss the fate of the school’s magnet status for the 2017-18 school year.

 

 “I am hopeful that we will retain our magnet status after next year and years thereafter,” said Dr. Romero. “The criteria has been established for us and we must continue down a path towards greater integration and elevation of our levels of academic achievement.”