Woodside World 2014 Issue 1

W

Table of Contents

1. Cover

2. Table of Contents

3. The Wildcat Top 8/ Woodside’s Athletic Alumni

4. Editor’s Note

5. Best Dressed

6. Females In Videogames/ Robin Williams Tribute

7. Tips For Teachers/ Respect? What’s That?

8. Advice Column/ Comics

9. Student Recognition/Club Spotlight

10. High School and College Advice

11. ALS Ice-Bucket Challenge

12. Football Game Pictures

13. Spirit

14. Woodside Photos

15. First Year Of High School

Page:

The Wildcat Top 8Article by: Samantha Nodine(Top 8 Favorite things to do at Woodside. Data coming from approximately 33 Woodside students.)

1. Electives: 16% There are many elec-tives that are present at Woodside. With the many choices of electives there is a very big pos-sibility for one to find a class that they would really like to do.

2. Homecoming Week: 15% In a close second, the biggest spirit week in the school year is homecoming. During this week, the school partakes in many different days all end-ing in a football game where all of the classes get to show off their theme.

3. Sports Games: 14% Watching the different athletic games appears to please many of the students. Seeing fellow classmates attend the various sports throughout the school year really shows off school spirit. 4. Clubs: 13% Just like the electives, there are various clubs. Joining a club allows students to feel welcome in the school community and allows them to make new friends.

5. Rallies: 13% Occasionally, at lunch times, there will be a big assembly in the quad. During these students can watch the various spirit groups perform for the school and also get excited for the event that may be being shown later that day. 6. Sports Teams: 11% Joining a sports team is a very good way to show school spirit and also meet new people. There are many sports that are offered at Woodside that if you look one can find a sport thet they will enjoyjoy. 7. Musicals: 9% The Drama department puts on a musical here at Woodside. Whether you are watching it or in it, many say it is a fun experience.

8. Dances: 9% A few times a year, the school will have a few dances. There are dif-ferent themes to each dance and there is some-times a suggested dress code.

San Mateo Credit Union is a proud sponsor of Woodside High School

Go Wildcats!Mention this ad and receive $25 into a new San Mateo Credit Union checking account

Come visit our Redwood City branch!555 Marshall Street, Redwood City, CA

(650) 363-1725 | smcu.org

A $25 credit will be deposited into your new checking account upon opening. Funds will be placed on hold for 30 days. A membership fee of $10 ($1 for age 17 and under) will be waived. One coupon may be redeemed per student. Terms of promotion subject to change. Other restrictions may apply.

Last year, the journalism class was made up entirely of new members and a new teacher to com-plete the package. We had to learn as we went when it came to writing, editing, designing pages, and inter-viewing. Somehow, we were able to successfully get out two issues for the 2013-2014 school year, varying greatly from an expose on hate speech at the school, an album review of One Direction, and even an arti-cle on dating advice from teachers. This year, we have six returning members, and 13 new. We expect to be able to put out four is-sues this year, and hopefully increase our page count. In this issue, you will find an advice column, the top 5 most successful alumni, an opinion piece discussing the controversy of the over-sexualization of females in video games, and even a Q&A with Woodside’s best dressed. As you browse through these articles, I hope you enjoy what you read and know that criticism and compliments are welcome among our staff.

As your Woodside Journalism class, we know that the profession is becoming paperless. For your convenience, we also have a website where you can find updated articles year round. The content differs on the website and you can even make comments directly on the articles. We encourage you to visit our website (www.woodsideworld.com), “like” our Facebook page (Winnie Wildcat), and follow our Instagram account (@woodsideworld). I look forward to connecting with you all in the hallways, the class-room, and through my articles this year. I sincere-ly hope you enjoy this first issue and have a great year at Woodside. Go Wildcats!

Editor’s Note: Sophia Androlowicz, Editor-in-Chief

4 The Woodside World

Where do you shop? I shop literally anywhere. I thrift, I shop online—a lot

recently. Any chance I get to shop, I’m on it.

How would you describe your style? Literally anything that’s cute, I will wear. I always make

it quirky in some type of way, ‘cause it’s got to have that Bryana style, you know? But anything that just looks

good, in my opinion, I will wear. It doesn’t matter if it’s all black, all white. I will not mix too many prints, but I will

wear a fur jacket to school. I have a fur jacket and I will wear it to school. (It’s fake fur. I don’t kill animals.)

Who’s your style icon? I love Rihanna because I love pushing the envelope a

little bit. I just love anything and everyone. I saw Reese Witherspoon with a dress that I will buy. I found it and

I will buy it. If I see any celebrity who is wearing some-thing cute, it’s just a matter of time before I find some-

thing like it or that exact thing.

Where do you shop? I shop basically anywhere. I went to Europe this sum-mer and I bought a lot of clothes. Around here I go to Armani Exchange (despite how much it costs), Nord-strom—they have a huge selection of stuff.

How would you describe your style? Someone who is actually successful in the fashion in-dustry described my style as “British cuts with California ease” and I think that’s probably pretty accurate. I dress pretty preppy usually but I’m also a little bit laid back.

Who’s your style icon? I don’t really have one specific style icon; I draw inspi-ration from a lot of people. Tom Ford, I think his designs are fantastic and the way he markets them is really interesting. Yves Saint Laurent—I watched a documen-tary on him recently and his effortless cool thing has always been amazing. Anyone whose style I like I try to imitate and work into my own style.

WOODSIDE’S BEST DRESSEDInterview and Page by Yalda Saii Photo Taken by Karen Rutherford

At this point in gaming, I think it’s fact that most, if not all, women are represented in a fair-ly bias manner whether it be real life or fiction. Granted, most women aren’t as sexualized as Isa-bella “Ivy” Valentine from the Soul Calibur series in those video games respectively. Yes, I real-ize that these are video games, and yes I realize that to many, that it isn’t a big deal. However, just like music videos and movies, it sets women up on this pedestal of subjection, in even the best video games, women are seen as subjects of eye candy, only there to look pretty, essential-ly. The women who are designed to be realistic, relateble are barely on screen let alone being an essential part of the plot like their overl-lisexulized counterparts. I’m not trying to bash and I’m not trying to tell video game produces what to do. I’m just trying to say if you are trying to make a female character, make her re-alistic and let her actions speak more than her looks. That’s what makes a strong female charac-ter, not a curvy body and the ability to kick butt.


Female Representation in Video Games

Robin Williams’s acting carrer started once he got to Los Ange-les he was able to perform at the famous Comedy Club. He also performed at Improve shows and his influences were Jonathan Winters, Peter Sellers, Nicholas and May, Lenny Bruce and he also enjoyed Jay Leno.

Williams got his big break on the hit T.V. show Mork and Mindy which ran from (1978 to 1982). Williams always made an impression whenever he was on talk shows such as Johnny Carson and David Letterman. He won many awards, including an Academy Award for his movie Good Will Hunting, as best actor.

This however, wasn’t his only award he had won during his life, he has won, many awards including, People’s Choice, Golden Globe, an Emmy Award, Screen Actors Guild Award and an Academy Award.

On August 11th 2014, Williams passed away at the age of 63.

He was such an amazing actor and his legacy will live on.

Robin Williams Tribute

A DAy in the Life

of A high SchooL

StuDent

extrAcirricuLArS

homework

SchooL

SociALizing

eAting

SLeeping

SpeciAL projectS

trAveLing

It’seasyforateachertothrowthatextrawork-sheetinorplanforaprojecttobedueonlyafewdaysafterbeingassigned,butperhapsitmayslipnoticethatstudentstypicallytake6or7classes.Ontopofotherresponsibilities,classes,andhobbies,itseemstobeunre-alistictomaintainthesametreatmentforeveryclass.We

foundtimingtobeaproblem,ourselves,andsowedecidedtodelvein. Thelistofactivitiesyouseeabovedoesnotincludefamilyemergencies,collegepreparation,parttimeorfulltimejobs,doctor’sordentist’sappointments,orstandard-izedtesting.

Fromthemouthsoftwohighschoolseniors:

SophiaAndrolowiczandRachelBontempi

9.25 hourS

2.5 hourS

7 hourS

3 hourS

1 hour

1 hour

1/2 hour

3/4 hour

Teachers:Pleasetakeiteasyonyourstudentsandrememberthatweareallhu-manandcanonlytakesomuchpressure.

Students:Pleaseknowthatyourteachersaren’ttryingtobecruelandtochoosenottodoyourhomeworkisn’tthewaytogo.Berespectfulbuthaveopencommunication.Ifthehomeworkloadisunrealistic,letthemknow.

The Woodside World 4

Teachers have to:

• Wait at least 5~10 minutes• Stare quietly at the ceiling• Yell at us• Count down• Give students detention

FOR PEOPLE TO SIMPLY QUIET

DOWN!!!

Respect? What’s that?

What happen to the respect, Woodside High School?

• Talking back• Heads on desks• Sleeping in class• Asking rude questions • Not paying attention to the lesson• Inappropriate remarks about teachers

WHAT ON EARTH???

re·spect/ri’ spekt/ noun. 1. a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. verb. 1. admire (someone or something) deeply, as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements.

Why take out our frustration on the teachers? It is not their fault we have to sit in a classroom for an hour and a half, learning about the Renais-sance, linear equations, homoge-neous mixtures, and motifs that most people do not care about. They are only here to educate us the best they can.

“They don’t listen; they ignore me and walk away. They use profanity, and the ‘F word,’ either to-wards me or in my presence.” ~ Mr. Kaddoura

“They don’t learn it at home to respect the people in charge; their parents don’t teach them. They think there are no conse-quences and that they can get away with their behavior.” ~ Mr. Kaddoura

That’s none of my business...But you should ask Kermit! Have a question? Need advice? If you need help I am there! It’s nobody’s business, but it’s time that we have somebody who can actually understand what us as students go through daily. Need help talking to a girl in your math class? Don’t know how to approach her? Take the time outside of class to start a conversation. Ask for the Homework, even though you already know it. Bring up any-thing! Even their favorite basketball player, just to start a conversation. Don’t worry things said between you and Kermit STAYS between you and Kermit. Write down what you need help or a ques-tion about anything your heart desires. Write your problem down and slip it in the “ASK KERMIT” advice box that will be located in the M.U.R. This box is open for anyone! (Even teachers)

Anon: “ Help! My best friend just got into a new relationship with my classmate and now her & I barely hang out. When she comes to our class she says hi to me, but always leaves with him. Am I losing my best friend?”

Dear Anon,

Never assume you’re losing your best friend! A best friend is just as

good as they say they are. Even though she is in a new relationship

and she is really into this guy, try to respect her and let her be happy.

She’s with a guy who makes her happy and you should be proud for

the fact that she’s found someone to make a her feel that way. Figure

out a time. Let them have their moments; they just started dating

and sooner or later she’ll want to spend time with her best friend

again! A real best friend does anything to make the other one

happy. Love,

Kermit


Comic by Kris Contreras

GSA or Gay Straight Alliance is a progressive club that promotes both belonging and acceptance. They meet every Thursday at lunch and encourage anyone to show up and hang out. I spent a lunch with a small group of brave individuals and it was their first time meeting this year. They spent the first half of the lunch eating pizza and breaking ice through introductions and conversing. This club is equally diverse between genders, and I watched as they created post-ers advocating the GSA movement throughout the rest of lunch. Mr. Mueller, the teacher awesome enough to host the club, is an extremely relatable and accepting guy. I found myself in a conversation with him and asked, “are you gay yourself, or are you an advocate?” “I’m gay,” he replied, “I like to be honest with my stu-dents.” He believes that honesty can build understanding and teacher-student re-lationships. Overall, GSA is a great club that promotes equality and acceptance.

“I am a rock climber.” What do you do in your free time? Sleep, or

eat? Well, take a look at Kara Herson: She rock- climbs and has been for quite a long time about it. For five years now, Kara has been rock climbing and for three years, she has competed with a climbing team at Planet Granite.

“I got into rock climbing mostly because of my parents. They used to rock climb. Then I started rock climbing and I really liked it,” Kara explained.

This year, Kara was chosen to compete in New Caledonia, an island near New Zealand, to com-pete in the Youth World Climbing Championships, where she qualified for semi-finals and placed 22nd.

-- by Aurora Lopez

Student Recognition

Konur Brown


Freshmen

Juniors

Seniors

Sophomores

Practice good time

management.

Make a four year course

plan.

Set up a college savings ac-

count.

Develop strong study habits.

Set goals for your future

years in high school.

Keep up extra cur-ricular activities.

Begin researching the SAT and ACT tests.

Take necessary prep courses for AP classes junior year.

Challenge yourself academically.

Consider taking PSAT or PLAN test.

Focus on schoolwork- this year really counts towards college.

Schedule the SAT or ACT test during 2nd semester.

Compile a list of schools you’d like to attend.

Consider volunteering or geting a part time job.

Work on college esays over the summer.

Fill out college applications in the fall.

Take the SAT or ACT test.

Request letters of recommendation.

Research financial aid and scholar-ship options.

Maintain good grades and graduate in June!!

Kara Herson

At times, it can seem that high school is all about getting to college. All it takes to convince a high school student to do something is the magic words: “It looks good on applications”. No one needs to ask for clarification; everyone knows it’s the college application that they’re talking about. But what do you need to do to have a strong application? Here’s some grade specific advice about what you can do to improve your chances of getting into college.

Right now, this may seem like an overwhelming load. However, just take it one step at a time, and you’ll be fine. And remember, even though high schoolers should be actively preparing for college, don’t forget to have fun! High school is an exciting time of life, so make use of all the opportunities available to you. Go Wildcats!

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has been circling the Internet through-out July and August. In that time,

we have all enjoyed watching videos of our friends and our fave celebs

getting ice water dumped over their heads.

Why ice? And for those of us who would rather pay up than get soaked, where is our money going?

ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), or Lou Gherig’s Disease, is a degenerative disease of the brain. It affects the neurons connected to motion, leaving patients paralyzed, and eventually causes death. Prior to the now famous Ice Bucket Challenge, awareness of the disease was extremely limited. The rules of the challenge are simple. A person gets challenged, and has 24 hours to dump ice water over their head. People who complete the challenge are asked to donate ten dollars, and those who don’t donate one hundred.Common criticism of the challenge is that it is more of a game than a fundraiser. However, after the challenge went viral, public awareness and donations skyrocketed. In less than a month, the ALS Association received donations totaling over 100 million dollars. But why ice? Some say that it has little to do with ALS itself, and was an idea established for other fundraisers first. However, the numbness caused by extreme cold is similar to what many ALS patients suffer on a daily basis. While it is not by any means a perfect simulation, it is still a reminder of the suffering people diagnosed with this disease endure. Another common worry is that the donations to the ALS Association are not going towards research. Rumors spread as fast as the challenge did, saying that the funds were being put into administration, and that up to 92% of donations were not used for research. The Association released a finacial statement and added an option to direct donations, so that people can ensure that their money is spent in a way they approve of.

By Megan White


ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE

Perhaps the biggest issue people have with the challenge is the “waste” of water on the West Coast, where there is a relatively severe drought. To alleviate these

complaints, the ALS Association recommended donating one hundred dollars instead D of doing the challenge itself, or repurposing the water used. Many people have found imaginative ways to work around the drought, like using alternative water sources or making sure the water used is reused to water plants or the like. In all, the challenge has exceeded all expectations in terms of donations and awareness. The fun, playful nature of it turned it into a national phenomenon. In less than two weeks, there were more than 1.2 million videos shared on Facebook. So get out there, and challenge your friends!

7 % ADMINISTRATION 28% RESEARCH 19% PATIENT AND COMMUNITY SERVICES 32% PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION14% FUNDRAISING

Orange Shoes Accessories


Sunglasses

Students Guide To: School Spirit Your guide to dressing with School spirit without Compromising style

Orange Shirt

Hair Bows

12 The Woodside World Friday Night Lights By Karen Rutherford

Hair Ribbon

These photos were taken during the Varsity football games on Sept. 5th v. Dublin and Sept. 19th against Sequoia. The game on Sept. 5th ended with a score of 42-28 (loss). On Sept. 19th, the highly anticipated game ended in a win against rival Sequoia High School 42-15. The stands were fill with spirited student and families alike. It was a night to remember.

Photos By: Gabriela Montoya, Mededith Raynor, and Monica Orellana.Page by Rachel Bontempi


Transitioning from middle school to high school is a huge step for teenagers. High school is filled with exciting new experiences, interesting new people and it is a time to truly find yourself and your passions. After the first couple weeks of school the freshman of Woodside have started to settle in. Many of these fresh-men have different opinions and goals for the school. Every student has a different idea of WHS and we want-ed to get different opinions. We asked how the class of 2018 was liking their new high school. Although many kids already feel at home here at Woodside we all come from different schools and have unique backgrounds. Over the last few years many students have started to find their passions and begin the journey to adulthood. Our middle schools have allowed us to meet others, learn many things and help us find our true selves. We wanted to know how middle school is compared to high school. While some people shudder at the name of their middle school others miss it. We asked two students about how Woodside com-pared to their old schools. We asked freshman, Sophia Venturelli what she thought, “Woodside High School is definitely different from my middle school. I have found the workload similar but in general everything about high school is better.” We asked another freshman his opinion. Devin Dohrmann says, “I would say that Woodside kids are super nice. The teachers are great and it’s just a wonderful school compared to my old one.” Clearly Woodside has welcomed the newest class and is shaping up to be a great school year. Compared to middle school, high school has a larger variety of classes that cover more than just aca-demic topics. This includes arts, music, sports, technol-ogy, drama, and much more. These classes give us the opportunity to find our gifts and talents alongside with students who share similar interests. The endless num-ber of clubs and electives allows us students to pursue our interests and develop a passion for a certain activity while discovering our own potential and ability in the process. Woodside High School, for example, offers sports, fine arts, band, journalism, robotics, and much

more. Most middle schools, on the other hand, lack the support and money that is necessary for maintaining well organized activities and classes. This is the most probable explanation as to why middle school students have not fully developed their skills and talents yet. High school, however, is the perfect time to start. High school is evidently much different from middle school. Students can learn to adjust to the changes brought with this transition and discover the new opportunities high school brings. Although it may be tough, it seems like high school will end up being a fun and exciting experience for Woodside’s class of 2018 freshmen.

Freshmen At Woodside High School

By Amelia Esteverena and Allison Bhavsar


“Woodside High School is definitely different from my middle school. I have found the workload sim-ilar but in general every-thing about high school is better.”-Sophia Venturelli

“I would say that Wood-side kids are super nice. The teachers are great and it’s just a wonderful school compared to my old one.”-Devin Dohrmann

Documents

Woodside World 2014 Issue 1