Around Campus – Page 5 – Pueblo High School

‘Big Brother’ Keeping An Eye On Warriors

By Mariah Lopez & John Ruiz

“Big Brother” has made its way to Pueblo High School as 25 cameras, in virtually every corner of school, have been installed.

These cameras cost $150,000, which has been paid for by the district’s “special budget.”

Assistant principal Karla Martinez said, “I am very happy to have updated cameras because they produce much clearer images than the old cameras.”

Most staff members interviewed for this story approve of the cameras. However…some students have mixed opinions about the “eyes” around campus, which are inconspicuously smaller and harder to detect than the old cameras.

Emely Villanueva, a junior said, “The new cameras are a little creepy, but they will provide for a safer campus. With a shortage of monitors, these cameras might fill the void of campus security.”

Freshmen Marquis said, “I feel weird being watched all the time. It ruins my privacy.”

Senior Diego Ramirez said. “It’s also scary not knowing where all the cameras are… they could be anywhere.”

…Which is the whole point. Administration is confident that these cameras will aid in controlling discipline and inhibiting bad behavior.

Martinez said, “The cameras were installed in all areas around the school. It’s now possible to see virtually every inch of Pueblo’s campus.”

Security monitors are also optimistic about the new cameras helping keep order on campus.

Security monitor Ms. Nellie Rivera said, “No matter where a student is located, administration and school safety have access to cameras in any location, from phones and monitors in the office. These cameras won’t solve every problem, but they will certainly help.”

Warriors’ Christmas 2022 Wish List

Compiled by Victoria Cazares

Every year, El Guerrero asks the Warrior Family for their Christmas wish list; this is this season’s list—and, like most lists in recent years, most want clothes and/or electronics.

Juju Ballesteros (junior): “I’d like to have some Chicken McNuggets from McDonald’s.”

Ms. Claudia Valenzuela (Drop-Out Intervention Specialist): “I want health and prosperity in the New Year.”

Ms. Wilma Amaro (science teacher): “I would love better electricity for Pueblo and to rid the world of gun violence.”

Ms. Susie Ugalde-Vazquez (administrative secretary): “I want to pay all of my bills or some perfume.”

Illianna Valenzuela (senior): “I want money for college.”

Isaiah Sotelo (senior): “I want money to buy clothes.”

Eve Woods (senior): “I want a new car.”

Adrian Perez (senior): “I want new shoes.”

Alicia Santa Cruz (sophomore): “I want Gucci shoes, a GMC single cab—all black, leveled, 5% tint, with a pink interior.”

Natalie Salazar (sophomore): “The only thing I want for Christmas are Burberry shoes.”

Christopher Santa Cruz (junior): “I want Melo shoes.”

Haley Tarazon (sophomore): “I want Takis.”

David Hernandez (junior): “I want Yanis shoes.”

Beatriz Villalva (sophomore): “I want money for clothes.”

Virgio Roiles (sophomore): “I want beanies.”

Abelardo Tovar (junior): “I want money for video games.”

Eli Lopez (Business Office Manager): “I want items that will help me with my card collection.”

Jessica Navarrete (senior): “I want a new hat.”

Alexis Rivera (senior): “I want a cow.”

Leo Duarte (senior): “I want lots of Ramen.”

Goya Ruiz (Campus Monitor): “I want a Corvette.”

America Cazares (freshman): “I want new basketball shoes.”

Lariyah Jackson (senior): “I want a kiss from my crush.”

Ms. Meg Tully (Assistant Principal): “I want time with my family and my staff.”

Mr. Miguel Sandoval (Athletic Director): “I want Jordan 4s psg, size 13.”

Paul Lopaur (sophomore): “I want new shoes.”

Brianna Reyna (sophomore): “I want Dutch Bros.”

Nicole Martinez (senior): “I want a new phone.”

Carole Martinez (senior): “I want a bag and two boyfriends.”

Juan Luna (senior): “I want a 2018 RT Ram.”

Leslie Burgos (senior): “I want Jorge.”

Alan Munoz (junior): “I want Pokémon cards.”

Juan Valdez (junior): “I want a girlfriend.”

Luis Ramirez (junior): “I want 100 dollars.”

Andres Chavez (junior): “I want a computer for school.”

Alan Salazar (junior): “I want the Fortnite Battle Pass.”

Ms. Lacey Pratt (yearbook/psychology teacher): “I want my husband to give me free time from my kids.”

Mia Garcia (sophomore): “I want a new necklace.”

Ms. Laura Niverson (language arts teacher): “I want a new puppy.”

Victoria Cazares (senior): “I want money for the Europe trip.”

Ivana Vecerra (sophomore): “I want a new phone.”

Kamila Vazquez (freshman): “I want my family to be happy and new clothes as well.”

Zoey Rosthenhausler (junior): “I want black Nike 270s.”

Annah Gutierrez (junior): “I want makeup, new shoes/dunks, and air pods.”

Amaya Cortez-Guzman (freshman): “I want makeup, lightning McQueen crocs, and fuzzy socks.”

Alandra Montoya (sophomore): “I want new stuffed animals.”

Jazmin Ahumada (senior): “I want Jordan 4s.”

Milo Murphy (freshman): “I want new pencils.”

Mariana Gastelum (sophomore): “I want Jordan shoes.”

Joselynn Madrid (freshman): “I want a new iPhone.”

Ariana Romero (senior): “I want a new ring and a turtle.”

Katherine Durazo (senior): “For Christmas, I want to be healthy.”

Natalia Arteaga (senior): “I want a new puppy and to be with my family for Christmas.”

Esmeralda Macias (senior): “I want a charm for Christmas.”

Brianna Sierra (senior): “I want money for Christmas and more sleep.”

Yulissa Celaya (freshman): “I want new perfume.”

Brianna Portillo (freshman): “I want jewelry.”

Marco Hernandez (freshman): “I want a new phone.”

Nicole Corrales (senior): “I want a Chanel perfume.”

Elian Moreira (senior): “I want a new apple watch.”

Sadie Avalos (senior): “I want cute Uggs.”

Johnny Fuentes (senior): “I want an Apple watch.”

David Medina (senior): “I want Jordan 1’s.”

Favian Moreno (senior): “I want more clothes.”

Isabel Hernandez (senior): “I want money.”

Maria Garcia (senior): “I want shoes.”

Arianna Flores (senior): “I want more money.”

Alessa Lopez (senior): “I want new earbuds and a Waffle House gift card of $20.”

Ximena Arvizu (senior): “I want everyone to be happy.”

Jazmyne Garcia (senior): “I want more makeup.”

Sydney Grandberry (sunior): “I want Air pods.”

Robert Escalante (senior): “I want to go to an NBA game.”

Isaiah Coleman (senior): “I want for Santa to be real.”

Monica Martir (senior): “I want my first car.”

Prisilla Garcia (junior): “I want my mom to be happy.”

Giselle Beltran (sophomore): “I want a car.”

Ms. Karla Martinez (Assistant Principal): “I want students to go to class.”

Dr. Mario Reyes (In-School Intervention teacher): “I want a 2023 Dodge Ram.”

Monitors Go Mobile!

by Jose Nagore & Julian Tellez

Nora Monge, Nellie Rivera, Goya Ruiz & Vicky Bellay (L-R) with new security golf cart.

Our Pueblo High School security monitors received a golf car earlier this school year courtesy of the TUSD Pueblo Site Council, which our security team has been requesting for several years.

At one time, PHS had a few of these golf cars. One began to slowly need repairs until it became non-cost effective. Another golf car was stolen.

Security monitor Ms. Nellie Rivera said, “We were able to find a golf car that was discounted by hundreds of dollars, and with the help of Mr. Medhi’s persuasive written proposal regarding the necessities of this vehicle, the Council at last agreed to our request, and we were grateful for their decision.”

According to Pueblo High School security monitor Ms. Vicki Bellay, the golf car was normally priced at more than $4,000 by Golf Cars of Arizona, but a sale price was far less—which was a satisfactorily amount for the Site Council.

Now, the golf car allows monitors to quickly arrive at an emergency and to cover Pueblo’s sprawling campus much more efficiently and extremely quickly.

This battery-operated vehicle’s charge lasts about three days, according to Bellay.

“I can’t tell you what a relief it is to have this car,” she added. “We’re hoping that we monitors can have another second vehicle to double the coverage of our security zones—or to have an extra one in reserves.”

Security monitor Ms. Goya Ruiz said, “This golf car has allowed us to arrive at emergencies much quicker—including students who have been injured. It’s been a life saver!”

With a shortage of security monitors this school year, and having easy access to all corners around campus, the golf car has been even more necessary.

Ms. Nora Monge, another security monitor, said, “Having access to the golf car has been a real gift to us. We hope to enjoy it for a long time and continue to use it to help the Pueblo community.”

Another monitor, Ms. Joanna Medina, said, “I was very excited to get the golf car—like getting a new car—and it makes my job easier. Plus, it’s a lot of fun to drive.”

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.”

‘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.”