PuebloWarriors.org

Pueblo Congratulates The Class Of ‘2021.5’

By Dayanara Gonzalez & Isaiah Sotelo

Like every school year, students come in as freshmen and graduate as seniors.

This school year, a handful of last semester’s seniors needed an extra four months to finalize their credit requirements before heading off into their next chapters of life.

Pueblo High School congratulates the following five students for their dedication and tenacity to earn their last few credits: Brian Soto Flores, Jason Daniel Cantua Beltran, George Cavin Molina, Miguel Alberto Perez and Juliana Eleanor Norris.

These five seniors will graduate on Dec. 16 along with other graduates across the district at a formal ceremony at Santa Rita High School at 6 p.m.

“I’m excited about graduating,” said Flores. “I’m looking forward to graduating because there were a few times I wanted to give up. Through a lot of self-dedication and encouragement from awesome teachers, I will be holding my diploma soon. I can then start my new life.”

For each of these five students, their adventure and commitment to graduate was a different story. Each student had his or her own obstacles to overcome and conquer.

“I might be graduating later than I had hoped, but sometimes other events intervene,” said Juliana Norris. “I just want to say that COVID-19 impacted a lot of people—especially me.”

Having a little more time than most seniors to ponder the future, all five of these graduates have definite plans for their futures.

“I am committed to joining the Marines,” said George Molina. “I’m going to have a few months to prepare for this new adventure before heading off to bootcamp.” He added, “My plans are to eventually become an audio engineer.”

Flores said, “I hope to leave Tucson and head up to Phoenix and begin a new life there.”

As these five graduates are ready to venture out into their new worlds, they are not without gratitude for their teachers who pushed them to this golden moment.

“I want to thank Mr. Medhi for the last four years,” Flores said. “I’m glad I got to spend time in his classes, learning how to be a better writer. He allowed me to be myself, and he always supported my love of music and astrology.”

New Trend Alert: Cyberbullying?

By Marla Terminel

As we approach the end of an everlasting semester, the changing seasons are accompanied by an even greater conflict, which involves hundreds of Pueblo High School students as well as faculty being harassed on the internet.

Dozens of social media accounts have surfaced on platforms such as Instagram, where nonconsensual photos are being posted of students at school.

“It [posting nonconsensual images on the internet] isn’t new,” said assistant principal Ms. Kathryn Gunnels. “Since the beginning of social media, we have seen these forms of harassment, and to the students [making the accounts], it’s harmless, but they don’t know that what they’re doing is against the law.”

Although some of the accounts showcase images of vandalism and public property, others exclusively target students by posting photos of them asleep in class, eating or using the restroom.

“I heard that the accounts started with ‘fan pages’ of [Principal] Mr. Frank Rosthenhausler,” said music teacher, Mr. Jesus Jacquez. “There are so many of them now, and I don’t think this is a battle the school should have to fight.”

Many accounts have already vanished off the social media platforms per the request of administration, but some have remained active and continue to post photos of students and staff.

Senior Erycka Morales said, “As someone who has been posted on one of the accounts, I see how some people are uncomfortable being posted without their permission. I know that most of the accounts will delete a picture if you ask them to.”

Gunnels added that as of now, Tucson Police Department is being involved in the investigation. No student has been caught, but administration suspects that majority of the accounts are ran by the same group of underclassmen.

“We [administration] are starting by requesting the deletion of these accounts.” said Gunnels. “Normal efforts are not working, so we will contact Instagram if the issue persists—and punishment may go as far as expulsion.”

Many of the accounts are already starting to disappear from the platforms, but administration is actively working to find out who runs the accounts so they could be taken down as long as they are not being taken down anonymously.

“We live in a digital world where it is inevitable at this point where you’ll end up in a picture,” added Jacquez. “We have already seen the behavioral issues this year, especially coming from the freshman class. I’m just worried that if the school continues to fight this, more content than necessary will be taken down over the bad choices of others.”

Internet Challenge Causes Theft At Pueblo

By Marla Terminel

With social media becoming a major part of our everyday lives as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the whole world participates in social media trends, most of which are harmless; however, others have caused a major spike in theft of public property.

The trend, known as “Devious Licks”, first surfaced on TikTok in early September as most schools across the country returned to in-person learning. The internet challenge promotes theft in public schools of items such as soap and paper towel dispensers from restrooms, but at Pueblo, this theft has gone as far to include a restroom stall door and fire extinguishers.

“Kids are stealing stuff as a part of an online challenge and its only hurting themselves,” said band director and music teacher Mr. Jesus Jacquez. He added that school supplies are already difficult to replace, as it took the marching band 12 years to receive new uniforms from administration.

“Anything you [students] steal or damage has to come out of someone else’s pocket,” he added. “Studnets need to stop being disrespectful.”

The trend has disproportionately impacted all the boys’ restrooms—as they are all missing soap dispensers.

Custodian Mr. Albert Ochoa said, “It [these thefts at Pueblo] saddens me because it affects everyone. Most bathrooms will indefinitely be missing supplies because students are breaking or stealing them.”

Senior David Cañes said that he has resorted to bringing his own personal supplies such as hand soap to school because some are no longer being supplied in restrooms—more necessary now than ever to help the spread of COVID-19.

“The trend started while I was quarantined, so I was surprised to see it as an actual problem at our school,” said Cañez. “I don’t want to be in the restrooms anymore despite some teachers already not allowing students to go because I’m afraid of the association.”

Although some students have been caught with other forms of vandalism such as breaking fire exit signs, pulling fire alarms, and stealing fire extinguishers, none have been caught stealing from restrooms.

Administrator, David Montano said, “it’s difficult to find students who are stealing from restrooms because they could hide soap dispensers in their backpacks.”

25 soap dispensers have been ordered to replace the ones that are broken and stolen and despite some already being replaced in some restrooms, students have continued to break and steal them.

Students who are caught damaging property will be suspended and charged with the cost of the item through either pay or community service.

“It pains me to see,” Montano added. “The school puts so much money and effort into replacing these items just for them to be broken again. I hope these students could grow and learn to stay safe, healthy, and to respect the schools pride.”

Administration is actively monitoring social media for trends and will not be replacing any more items until theft and vandalism declines nationally and at school.

“I am disappointed to see this behavior from our students,” Jacquez said. “[At school] we don’t steal, lie, fight or be disrespectful. That is how it’s always been, and that’s how it should always be.”

Warriors Conquering First Semester—Mask & All

by Kevin Salazar

We all are still wearing masks as we head into the second half of this second quarter of the first semester of the school year…

However, at least we are all back.

A year ago, there was a lot of uncertainty about the future of our world, our country, and our schools. Some of that uncertainty may not have found permanent answers or solutions…

But we’re back.

Despite the chaos and disorder that began in March, 2020, when district schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a miracle vaccine helped us to resume normalcy, although with some hesitation and anxiety.

“I missed [being back in classrooms in] school,” said Alex Rodriguez, a junior. “I missed socializing and the feeling of being here and actually sitting in a classroom with a teacher educating us in person and not on a tiny screen online.”

Another junior, Leo Duarte, said, “Now that I’m back this year, I honestly don’t know how I ever survived last year on-line. I know that our teachers were frustrated about the technology, and I know that they really tried their hardest to teach us, but so many of us students feel like we were short-changed the education that we would normally receive in the classroom.”

Duarte added, “This is probably why all of us juniors feel behind and why we’re told by our teachers how much we have to learn to play ‘catch-up’.”

Natalia Arteaga, a junior, said, “I feel like my anxiety was diminished this school year. I’m learning more this school year than on-line instruction. I couldn’t imagine learning anatomy on-line!”

As we marched through this first quarter with determination and tenacity, most students were relieved that policies and standards for athletic sports have improved, even though players are still required to wear masks while practicing and playing.

Junior Victoria Cazares, a fervid basketball player, stated, “Last year we had to follow a lot of rules we were not used to. The mask was new, and for many of us, it was uncomfortable. Now, it’s normal, and we’ve adjusted to wearing them. We are resilient—we face challenges and overcome them, just like when we play sports.”

Many teachers shared their struggles to teach online. They missed teaching students in-person; returning to their classrooms was like being back home.

“I love being back!” English teacher Ms. Caroline Fioramanti said. “At first, teaching back in the classroom was tough—especially enforcing mask-wearing. However, I’m used to it now, and I believe that our students are, too. Wearing masks and getting the vaccine are symbols of caring for ourselves and for the community.”

Our administrative team is also happy to govern a school with students and teachers in person. Ms. Kathryn Gunnels, assistant principal, said that she is relieved that we are getting back on track.

“Sure, it [returning in person] is challenging,” Gunnels said, referring to the safety mandates that have been implemented this year. “However, I’m okay with these mandates. I feel comfortable and a little safer wearing masks.”

She paused and said, “I think a lot of people feel like I do—that you never know how good something is until it’s gone—and having students, faculty, staff and administration is definitely a good thing.”

Most students, teachers and administrators feel confident that we can endure the school year—and even make it thrive at times.

“I don’t think many of us could have survived another year on-line,” said senior Lisa Morales-Bonillas. “I feel sorry especially for the Class of 2020 who never had the chance to graduate on time with a formal ceremony. I hope that doesn’t happen to us. We’re all a little nervous about what’s going to happen next semester—if COVID-19 cases will escalate or decrease.”

She paused and added, “For now, everything is cool. I suppose we all just need to live from day to day and not get overwhelmed about the future. Everybody just needs to get vaccinated and to social distance as much as possible. That’s the only way we’re going to wipe out this [COVID-19] pandemic.”

Morales-Bonillas continued, “Those who don’t get vaccinated should realize how they are not only jeopardizing their own health but also risking others’ health. I think next year, the district should mandate vaccinations for all students who want to be learn in-person. For those who don’t or refuse to be vaccinated, they should learn on-line and stay away from others who are trying to get back to normal.”

Despite Challenges, Teachers Embrace Return To Classroom

by Israel Noriega

Students aren’t the only ones glad to be back in the classroom this first semester. Most educators are elated to have some sense of normalcy in their professional lives since the beginning of the school year on Aug.2, although they feel that this year’s return to Pueblo has been far from being totally “back to normal”.

Ms. Celisa Ramirez, one of Pueblo’s AVID teachers, said, “The number of students I had in the beginning [was challenging]! Students moving in and out of my classroom was crazy until their schedules were finalized. Then, technology was not working.” She paused and added, “However, things got better, but, yeah, it was a very difficult beginning.”

Another teacher, Ms. Sarah Wilson, Pueblo’s radio teacher, said, “In the beginning of the school year, students weren’t used to sitting so long. Many of them were returning to the classroom for the first time in nearly a year and a half. Getting students to stay off their phones was also challenging.”

Math teacher Mr. Gregory Obregon said, “The beginning of the school year was definitely difficult. I really had to be a lot more patient with students than usual. I had to reteach my students a lot of normal things, like how to behave properly in a classroom. Also, our students’ social skills suffered during online instruction, and that was difficult to deal with until they became more comfortable around a lot of people.”

Even as the semester progressed, many teachers’ days were not done after school hours. Teachers have had to adjust to staying extra hours helping students online who are quarantined. Some teachers reported that they were and currently are working as many as two or three hours beyond the school day to ensure students are receiving the work they need to earn good grades in their classes.

Pueblo’s other AVID teacher, Ms. Lyndsey Bojorquez, said,” I spend a lot of time during my planning periods and after school reading and responding to [quarantined] students’ emails in order to help them keep up-to-date with classroom work.”

Ms. Andrea Goodrich, a new social studies teacher at Pueblo, said that she also was challenged by some of the awkwardness of the school year’s beginning.

She said, “It’s been a hard transition for both the students and teachers because there have been a lot of new procedures to follow. It took a while for everybody to know the rules and teachers’ expectations.”

Despite all the challenges every teacher has been facing throughout this first semester, administrators have been doing their best, too, and working hard to make sure every teacher gets the help and the support they need.

Assistant Principal Kathryn Gunnels said, “We have been doing a lot of S.E.L. [Socially Emotional Learning] for the purpose of helping teachers to help their students to make the transition from online to in-person learning because this transition was enormous—whether or not those changes are obvious or not.”

Ms. Karla Martinez, who joined the Pueblo High School administrative team this school year, said, I speak with a lot of teachers—answering their questions and discussing their concerns. I want everybody to know that I’m here for them.”

Despite all the challenges to continue to overcome this first semester, teachers are glad to be back and happy to see their students and meet them in person. Teachers have missed their students and are grateful to be back.

Mr. Abel Escalante, a science teacher at Pueblo, said, “I missed to getting to know my students because last year all I saw were black screens.”

English teacher Ms. Lucero Ramirez said,” No matter what challenges I faced in the beginning of the school year, it’s still great to be back! Here we are, near the end of the first semester now. I really missed seeing kids’ faces and laughing with them the most.”

‘Ozzy’ To The Rescue: New Campus Monitor Hired At Pueblo

by Jenaiyah Molina

Pueblo High School has once again gained another monitor this school year. Mr. Oswaldo “Ozzy” Herrera has joined our community to help keep students safe and to ensure that these students are adhering to all the rules and policies.

Herrera said that he takes his new job very seriously and just wants to make sure all students are safe, in and out of their classrooms.

“It’s a never-ending job,” Herrera said, “keeping students in line and helping the other monitors with the huge task of getting students where they’re supposed to be: in class!”

Herrera, who might look like a high school student himself (he’s only 23!), said that he enjoyed his years as a high school student, and he wants to make sure that today’s high school students stay safe and out of trouble.

“I really wish that all of the students at Pueblo knew how important staying in class will help them in the long run,” Herrera said. “I realize that times are tough—nothing is easy—but earning high grades and eventually graduating on time should be in students’ best interest.”

Unfortunately, Herrera has had his share of “busting” students who have broken school rules—although he did add that he’s not as “busy” in recent weeks as he was earlier this school year.

“In the beginning weeks of this school year, I was busting about three students a day smoking pot in the bathrooms,” Herrera said. “Now, that number is down to about once a day and sometimes less.”

He said that having a few more male monitors could help him to do his job more thoroughly.

“We have awesome, smart, strict monitors who are definitely doing their jobs,” Herrera said, “but this school needs more male monitors to help with the male students who are breaking the rules in bathrooms.”

Herrera added that although he has had the unfortunate task of busting students, he also acknowledges that most of the students at Pueblo are respectful and talented.

As an avid fan of sports—specifically, volleyball, football and basketball—Herrera said that has observed that Pueblo High School is full of talented student athletes.

“As I monitor the gym, I see a lot of talented kids who really should be on the basketball team or in other sports teams,” said Herrera. “I encourage all students to belong to a club—whether or not it’s related to sports or not. Students who are engaged in high school motivates them to attend classes every day and to stay focused on what they love most.”

As much as Herrera loves the challenge of being security monitor at Pueblo, he said that his long-term goal is to become a recording engineer.

“I attended the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Tempe, Ariz., and I loved what I learned there,” Herrera said. “I want to save up some money and eventually move out to Los Angeles with my brother, who is already waiting for me there to join him in establishing ourselves as recording engineers.”

Until then, Herrera said that he wants to stay focused on keeping the Pueblo High School as safe as possible.

“I love working at Pueblo,” Herrera said. “I love the monitors here—they’re a great group of dedicated workers. As I love and respect this school, I expect to receive the same from them.”