College Fair, Cohorts Give Students ‘Wake-Up Call’

   

by Analicia Bake & Brianna Metzler

The first College Fair of the school year took place during second period on Sept. 13, a treat for this year’s Class of 2018 seniors.

Alisa Verdugo, a senior, said, “We want to break the negative stigmas of how to apply to college, so if you [students] need any help applying, please come see us.”

Practically all of this year’s 300+ seniors had an opportunity to speak with various college representatives and military branches—a golden chance for them to explore their options for their future.

Many colleges were available to Pueblo seniors, including Arizona Christian University, Central Arizona College, New Mexico State College, Pima Community College, Universal Technical Institute and Prescott College along with the several military branches present.

Mr. Alejandro Menchaca, Pueblo’s new College and Career coordinator, said, “There are opportunities that students don’t know exist—until they come to events like this.”

“Seniors need to know all their options to find what their life purpose is in order to find their passion,” said senior counselor Ms. Teresa Toro. “This is the perfect time when seniors truly need to start applying for colleges and for scholarships. This Career Fair hopefully has given our seniors a wake-up call.”

An even earlier wake-up call occurred during the second week of this quarter, on Friday, Aug. 11. Principal Dr. Augustine Romero, counselor Ms. Rachel Bopp and College and Career Center Coordinator Mr. Alejandro Menchaca hosted a cohort meeting/assembly for all four grades, definitely giving our Warriors the reveille that many of them truly needed.

Senior Ernesto Estropellan said, “Sometimes these meetings are inspiration to me—they motivate me to take my school life very seriously. With a slight case of ‘senioritis’ already, I definitely need these meetings and career fairs.”

Pueblo’s Mariachi Atzlán performed for each class prior to each cohort meeting.

“The music was great,” said sophomore Ariella Andrews. “Overall, the cohort was interesting and very educational—a lot better than I thought. I also learned a lot of things about the school year.”

Bopp delivered students valuable information about appointments to counselors’ offices, credit recovery, and necessities for students—especially seniors—to graduate.

“These kinds of [cohorts] meetings really awaken our students,” Bopp said. “Seniors need to be reminded that time goes by quickly. It’s all about meeting deadlines and preparing for their futures.”

Menchaca gave mentioned information about the PSAT for underclassmen coming up this fall.

During the cohorts, a short video played for each class in hopes of informing students to be the best they possibly can in school and in life.

After the video, Dr. Romero said to students, “[Students,] believe in who you are, have a dream, and believe in it.”

He added, at the end of the cohorts, “I’m really excited about the 2017-18 school year. I’m also very happy with our new staff, and I hope that our students take advantage of all of the great opportunities that are available to them at Pueblo.”

Warriors Witness ’17 Solar Eclipse

by Paula Fierros

Principal Dr. Augustine Romero takes a moment to observe Eclipse 2017

On Monday, August 21, 2017, hundreds of our Pueblo Warriors witnessed their first significant solar eclipse. Although Tucson was able to view just a partial eclipse, for many it was a cosmic experience.

Arizona Partial Eclipse 2017

A solar eclipse an astronomical phenomenon that occurs when the moon passes between earth and the sun­­­­—thereby totally or partly obscuring the image of the sun for a viewer on earth. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon’s apparent diameter is larger than the sun’s, blocking all direct sunlight, turning day into darkness. Totality occurs in a narrow path across earth’s surface, with the partial solar eclipse visible over a surrounding region thousands of kilometers wide.

Eclipse Path 2017

This year’s total eclipse was visible to tens of millions of Americans—from Oregon to South Carolina.

Dr. Lolly Levine, one of Pueblo’s science teachers, was able to travel to Glendo State Park in Wyoming, to view the total eclipse.

“During the total eclipse moment, the sky became very dark, and the temperature drastically dropped down to 10 degrees!” Levine said. “The eclipse was heavenly—it gave me goose bumps. No clouds—the sky was perfect. The eclipse was definitely an experience of a lifetime.”

Back here at Pueblo, Tucsonans were able to view about 59% of the eclipse.

Partial Eclipse

Junior Andrew Romero said, “Only in [partial or total] darkness is when we can truly see the beauty outside our little blue planet that we call ‘home’.”

Ismael Altamirano, a senior, said that the eclipse was a “phenomenal” experience. “However, I really hated sharing my glasses with sweaty strangers.”

Another student, senior Riana Lara, said, “The eclipse was a beautiful sight to see—so amazing to have a total eclipse in this country after so many years.”

Science teacher, Ms. Wilma Amaro said “[The eclipse was] auspicious.”

Campus monitor Ms. Nellie Rivera said, “I thought [the eclipse] was more hyped than it was supposed to be, but at least it brought people together.”

Senior Calista Gonzales said, “The eclipse was lit!”

Unfortunately, not all Warriors were able to see the eclipse. Pueblo’s principal Dr. Augustine Romero announced to the school that unless students had parental permission—and had exclusive solar eclipse glasses that safely allowed students to view the eclipse—students were not permitted to leave their classrooms. Some teachers, too, did not release students during the peak time of the eclipse in Tucson—at 10:36 a.m.—which coincided with third period.

Senior Mercedes Sanchez said, “I was locked in a classroom during the eclipse.”

Vivi Cruz, another senior, was saddened that her teacher would not allow her to leave class to view the eclipse. “I heard that we were suppose to have permission slips in order to view the eclipse,” Cruz said, “and I didn’t have the special glasses. I heard that there will be another solar eclipse near Arizona [passing through Northern Mexico into Texas and beyond] in 2024, so maybe I can see that one.”

Math teacher Mr. Gregory Obregon said, “I missed the peak [of the eclipse]. I wasn’t able to go up to Nebraska to see the total—eclipse.”

Some Warriors are “old enough” to recall the February 26, 1979 eclipse, which was the last total eclipse in the United States prior to the 2017 event. Unfortunately, only the northwestern states experienced a total eclipse; Arizona, was able to view another partial 38 years ago.

Dr. Romero, principal, said, “This eclipse was not my first. I was in sixth grade back in 1979, and I think the first eclipse is always the most impressive and historical. Still, the eclipse [this year] was very interesting, and I got to view it with glasses—to see the crescent-shaped sun.”

Mr. Rana Medhi, English and journalism teacher, said, “I was a junior in high school during the big ’79 eclipse—still I remember my algebra class going outside to view it. In those days, nobody made a big deal out of wearing special glasses. Maybe that’s why everybody needed glasses before graduation day in 1980.” He paused and said, “I’ve never seen a total eclipse, but I’d like to before I die.”

Mr. Rana Medhi & Mrs. Kathryn Gunnels checking out the Eclipse 2017

Although there have been total eclipses in the United States in the past century, this was the first to coast-to-coast event in 99 years. The next U.S. coast-to-coast total eclipse won’t occur until August 12, 2045, according to NASA.

However, there will be total eclipses in the United States that won’t be bi-coastal, including the event on April 8, 2024, just seven years from now—visible from northern Mexico and extending into central Texas and stretching all of the way up to New England. Many Warriors are already saving their money for that event.

Eclipse Path 2024

“Texas isn’t that far from Arizona,” said senior Calista Gonzales, “and I plan to make a road trip with my friends to Austin or San Antonio to see the total eclipse! Heck yeah!”

Some students wanted the event to last longer.

Senior Alina Perez said, “I waited so long to watch something [that lasted] so short.”

Clothing Bank Offers Opportunities to CBI Students

  

By Yamilex Garcia and Omar Quintana

On Dec. 16, 2016, Pueblo Magnet High School held its grand opening to commemorate the school’s first clothing bank, in the former T-5 building, offering a enormous variety of shoes, clothes and accessories for boys and girls—as well as adults—in need of these items.

The clothing bank also teaches Pueblo’s CBI students special job skills including sewing, ironing, working with the cash register and stocking items regularly.

“It’s challenging for our CBI students to get jobs, so we’re offering opportunities to build on their resume of skills,” said Ms. Trevia Heath, who is Pueblo’s Exceptional Education Coordinator.

Everything in the community bank was donated by teachers, staff and students. All working items are then washed, ironed, and hung in the clothing bank racks.

“If it needs to be washed, vended or sewed, we teach our students how to fix it,” said Heath.

Health acknowledged many Pueblo individuals for making the clothing bank a reality—and especially the following: Ms. Rhonda Alexander, Mr. Derek Gunnels, Ms. Jamie Hogue and Mr. Miguel Sandoval.

Gunnels said, “The entire project was Ms. Heath’s idea, and slowly but surely, it became a reality. Our first period core class helped us a lot with getting the clothing bank looking the way it is today.”

Sophomore Celestina Mariñez, one of the many students who were instrumental in helping to make the clothing bank a reality, said, “I wish people could have seen this space a year ago! I was one of the first people to be in this room and wonder if we could really make it work. But, Ms. Heath never let us believe that we couldn’t achieve this dream. There were pigeons living in here! And, you can’t believe all of the [trash] that we found while cleaning this room!”

Mariñez said that she will be one of the workers in the clothing bank. She said that she is looking forward to her training—learning how to be a cashier, a stocker and anything else that needs to be done.

Heath said that many individuals made this clothing bank possible, including: Dr. Augustine Romero (principal) and the rest of the administrative team; TSW staff members; Tucson area businesses (Cathey’s Sew and Vac, Home Depot, Office Depot and Lowe’s Home Improvement) as well as the entire Pueblo community, including parents, who have been “beyond generous,” Heath said.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with people’s generosity,” Heath said. “Some of these donations have been individuals outside of the school, which means a lot to the Pueblo community.”

The clothing bank owes its existence to the WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), who approved the $10,000 grant which was used to buy racks, hangers and sewing machines—among other items necessary to making the clothing bank a reality.

Students in need of any sort of clothing item or accessory can simply talk to the teachers, who then refer them to the TWS staff.

Heath said, “Sometimes it’s hard for students to ask for help, so we make it a discreet process.”

She added that if a grant gets approved for next year, her plan is to open a greenhouse near the Science Club’s garden.

“This [garden] could definitely give students a chance to learn agricultural skills and add to their resumes,” Heath said.

Read report by Barbara Grijalva of Tucson News Now:
Tucson school struggling to cope with vandalism is giving back to the community

Warriors Show Respect At Flag Raising Ceremony

iram-arce-el-guerrero-pueblo-2016

By Iram Arce

pueblo-flag-raising-ceremony-automotive-club-2016

On the morning of the eve of Veterans Day, November 10, 2016, Ms. Marie Little’s Automotive SkillsUSA Club members, along with the Pride of Pueblo (band) and our cheerleading team performed a flag-raising ceremony to honor those who serve and have served our country.

Specifically, the following were honored: our Davis-Monthan airmen currently serving here in Tucson, and all of the veterans in our community. This event also paid homage to the Marine Corps’ 241st birthday.

Later that day, just before the end of seventh period, Ms. Marie Little’s Auto Club retired Pueblo’s flag back to her auto classroom. The old American flag will be placed into a box and attached will be the names of former auto students currently serving in the military.

Then, on Monday, Nov. 14, before first period, the new flags (U.S., Arizona and P.O.W.) were raised by students in the Pueblo Auto Club.

Little said, “After a few years of wear and tear, the flags desperately needed to be replaced to keep Pueblo to the highest standards of respect and dignity.” She paused and added, “I’m very proud of my students taking charge and conducting themselves with genuine care and the utmost respect for the people who were honoring.”

One of the students involved in this patriotic ritual, senior Gabriel Palomino, said, “It’s an honor to be part of the flag’s retirement, especially after knowing that it had been flying over Pueblo’s grounds for a long time. The flag means more than a piece of cloth to me; it represents our country and all of its glory, its struggles, triumphs and perseverance.”

Maria Servellon Accepted to Medical Workshop

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By Daniela Moreno

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Junior Maria Servellon (Class of 2018) was accepted to the Perry Initiative, a one-day program for young women interested in orthopedic surgery and biomechanical engineering.

Servellon is excited to be the first Pueblo applicant to be accepted to this program. Out of more than 200 applicants in Arizona, Servellon was among just 35 young women to be selected.

“I feel like being accepted has been a stepping stone for young women who are interested in this field,” she said.

On Saturday, September 17, 2016, Servellon attended the one-day program at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. Pueblo science teachers Dr. Andrew Lettes and Ms. Elaine Straub accompanied her to this event.

“I really learned a lot performing six mock surgeries,” Servellon said. “I learned how to repair fracture using plates as well as spinal repairs due to scoliosis. I even had a chance to learn how to perform knee ligament reconstruction and to perform surgeon stitching.”

The application process consisted of a paragraph on why she was interested in attending this event as well as stating her short- and long-term goals in life.

“When I learned that I was accepted, it was totally unreal,” Servellon said. “I didn’t feel that I was that worthy of acceptance.”

Her former teacher, Dr. Andrew Lettes, is extremely proud of Servellon’s accomplishment and hopes many more females will follow in her footsteps in the future.

“Dr. Lettes truly encouraged and inspired me when I had him for the first time last year in Biotech 1-2, and even though I don’t have him for a teacher this year, he still inspires me because he is my ‘Science Dad’.”

Lettes said that Servellon’s acceptance into this program is a validation that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and are motivated enough.

Straub echoed Lettes’ words and added, “I’m beyond proud of what Maria Servellon has accomplished this year. I hope that she inspires more female students to follow in her footsteps.”

maria-servellon-perry-initiative-pueblo-high-school-working-with-saw

Servellon is open to all sciences and hopes this experience will help guide her towards her future career. She said that she would like to help in the efforts to develop more effective plastic hearts to those who are in desperate need of heart transplant.

Servellon said that she is starting to investigate colleges and universities to pursue her medical education, and she is curious about the University of California at Berkeley, which is her original home.

“This [event] exposed me to even more science, and I’ve always been very passionate about science,” she added. “There are not many women devoting their careers to sciences these days, still, but more women are needed in sciences because I believe that women are more precise and meticulous than men.”

On Oct. 18, Servellon will be recognized and honored by T.U.S.D. Superintendent H. T. Sanchez during the Governing Board meeting. Servellon has been asked to invite her family to this special occasion.

Arizona Universities Visit Pueblo 2016

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By Lauren Ahern

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Tri Universities Presentation makes a stop at Pueblo

During sixth period on Tuesday, September 20, 2016, seniors were treated to presentations from Arizona’s three public universities: the University of Arizona (here in Tucson), Northern Arizona University (located in Flagstaff) and Arizona State University (located in Tempe). Of the nearly 385 seniors at Pueblo, more than 300 were able to attend.

Representatives from each of the three universities spoke for approximately 25 minutes each, promoting the positive qualities about each of their campuses as well as discussing financial aid information. Near the end of these presentations, seniors were encouraged to pick up brochures and other informational literature about one, two or all three of the universities.

College and Career counselor Ms. Mandy McTavish organized this event, which was deemed a success by the high number of seniors in attendance and by the comments of those seniors following the event.

One senior, Alejandro Carrazco, said, “This event couldn’t have come at a better time for us seniors because a lot of us were getting too comfortable about just being seniors. For me, hearing from these universities inspired me to start thinking about my future. I want to pursue a career that has something to do with math, and I’m thinking about attending N.A.U.”

pueblo-students-attendtri-universities-presentation
Class of 2017 Seniors taking advantage of presentation

Another senior, Griselda Miranda, said, “These presentations reminded me that I am really a senior and that I need to start preparing for college this semester and not waiting until the last minute. I thought the whole event was extremely well-organized and eye-opening to every senior in attendance.”

Senior Adnan Taleb said, “I’m not decided yet where I’m attending college next fall, but I’m starting to get information from the University of Arizona and Arizona State University regarding engineering and science-related degrees. Today’s visit from all three state universities is definitely a wake-up call for all of us seniors.”

Counselor McTavish said, “I was pleased by the number of seniors who showed up for the presentation today. But, seniors need to do more than just attend these events. They actually have to apply for colleges—and soon. They need to study for ACT tests as well as prepare to apply for FAFSA.”

McTavish added that she and the other counselors will be delighted to assist all seniors throughout the school year but adds that NOW is better than next April or May.