The Valley Times

The Crescenta Valley High School Newspaper

[thefalcononline]

The Redesigned SAT

BY PAIGE KENYON

Co-Lifestyle Editor

 Scholastic Aptitude Test(SAT): is an exam that measures "academic skills, used for admission to [United States] colleges." The rigor of this test makes it feared by all high school students who eventually have to take this test to attend higher levels of education such as college. In recent years, the College Board and Education boards have changed the curriculum of these tests to prepare students for "real life situations." To implement this these institutions have altered these tests given to see how students can apply their knowledge rather than bubble in answers. These changes are seen in the new CAASP test juniors have to take and the redesigned SAT. 

With the implementation of a different curriculum there are numerous changes to the new SAT. One of these changes includes no penalty for wrong answers where the current SAT subtracts .25 of a point for each wrong answer. Also, no vocabulary words will be tested since this test will measure what is learned in high school and what is needed to succeed in college rather than testing memorization.  Furthermore, these questions are seen in the four different parts of the test, the reading, writing and language, and math portions in addition to the optional essay.  

In the reading portion of the test, students will be required to apply knowledge from various classes to answer questions from passages that range from classical work to science, economic or global passages. With these passages students are then required to describe relationships between these different articles in addition to understanding how the author uses certain words to provide a specific meaning or mood. According to the College Board's website on the SAT, the reading test is about "How you take in, think about, and use information."

In the writing section, these same skills are tested as students answer questions to read, find mistakes and then fix them, something students do normally when they proofread.  To do this, students are tested on using evidence to strengthen their argument, improve words in context, edit analysis and expression of ideas in these passages. 

For the math portion, everyday situations are applied to learned formulas. The math tested will be be the math that students "rely on most in all sorts of situations" according to the college board website. To do this, the math section will focus on algebra, problem solving and data analysis and advanced math which test the students ability to use equations and systems to solve complex applications and understanding. 

One of the major changes to the new SAT, is the essay which requires students to read a passage and use this passage to explain the authors argument. This differs from the current SAT which asks students to agree or disagree with a given topic. In addition this essay is completely optional for students but depending on certain college requirements this essay portion might be required. 

After taking the redesigned PSAT this October juniors and sophomores were exposed to the new testing format and it's changes compared to the current SAT. 

"A large difference that I saw between the two tests is that every time I answered a question in the critical reading section I would immediately have to justify the answer. Those questions would ask me where I found it and to cite it" junior Riya Sagar said. 

When asked what test she preferred better, the redesigned PSAT or the current SAT Sagar said, "I personally prefer the old sat because I feel like it worked with the strengths that I have."

Implemented in March, students who believe they will do better on the old SAT can test either on Dec.  5 or Jan.  23.  For additional resources or information and practice for the new designed SAT, the college board has partnered with Khan Academy for students to watch free videos and they have also published a review book for the redesigned SAT, Offical SAT STUDY GUIDE.

[thefalcononline]

Countries to Travel After High School

BY PAIGE GRANDE

STAFF WRITER

             After graduation, most La Crescenta residents get bit by the travel bug and have the urge to go travel out of Los Angeles. Here are some of the cheapest places to travel in the world, while not spending your college savings on plane tickets and allowing the travel bug within you to see the world.

The most economical place to travel now is Southeast Asia. With friendly people, delicious cuisine, and affordable housing, Southeast Asia is a great place to travel. Flights may be expensive but once you arrive you will spend very little on rooms and food.

Vietnam is booming in tourism and is a great place to visit. In the North there are bustling cities and beautiful mountains to climb. The South exudes a laid back atmosphere and pristine beaches. Vietnamese cuisine is inexpensive yet exquisite with a blend of traditional Asian elements fused with French influence. Hiking the Sopa mountains and boating down the Mekong Delta are fun inexpensive things to do in Vietnam.

If crossing the world's largest ocean scares you, South America has many affordable places to travel into. One of the most reasonably priced countries to visit is Costa Rica. Arguably the country most focused on environmental protection in the world, Costa Rica has pristine rainforests and spectacular beaches. Many activities popular for tourists in Costa Rica are hiking, surfing, and camping are affordable and fun to do. Beautiful flora and fauna fills this country and brings in ecologists from all over the world. If you love nature make sure to check out Costa Rica and it's virtually untouched rainforests and beaches.

Europe is one of the most expensive places to visit for an extended period of time yet; Eastern European countries like the Czech Republic are much more economical. The Czech Republic is full of history and culture inviting tourists from all across the world. If you plan to go for an extended period of time, with a Eurail pass you can travel all across Europe and come back to affordable Czech Republic to stay overnight. The capital, Prague, is a whimsical city home to the stories of the history of Europe.

No matter where you choose to visit, make sure to enjoy your time and stay as long as possible.

[thefalcononline]

NIHARAH SHILLINGFORD

Staff Writer

Screaming at the top of her lungs, she is thrust into a new world. Completely innocent, she cries in overwhelming confusion. The lights are bright, people are moving back and forth frantically. Everyone seems to be speaking loudly. The man carrying her says, “It’s a girl”, however she interprets this as meaningless babbling—she does not speak the language. She is carried to a bed and poked with a needle. It is painful and she screams louder, as she has never felt pain before. She is wrapped in a pale pink blanket and placed in the arms of a woman. The woman is smiling with tears running down her cheeks and there is something strangely familiar about her. She looks up to see another man standing by her side. His face is stretched into a bright smile and his eyes are wide as he stares at her. The girl loves them immediately. A few days later the man and woman carry her into small house, painted in pale yellow. They carry her through the house and into the backyard where a cherry blossom tree stood filled with pink petals.

Six years later and the girl is sitting on the playground with her best friend, Kira. She is screaming at Kira, claiming that since she is wearing a prettier dress, she should play the role of the princess. Kira, offended by this claim, screams back in disagreement. They argue back and forth, calling each other names, until Kira can stand it no longer. She grabs a lock of the girl’s curly, long brown hair and yanks it. The girl screams in pain, pushes Kira to the ground, and runs home crying. She has never gotten into a fight before. The girl’s father sits with her underneath the cherry blossom tree in the backyard and in an attempt to soothe her, tells her that even best friends fight too. He explains that human life comes with conflict, and there is plenty more conflict that she will encounter. The girl wipes her tears and looks up into tree. She notices that as the wind blows, a few pink petals begin to fall slowly and gently to the ground.

Eight years later, the girl is sitting in a hospital chair next to her mother. Her mother holds her against her chest, crying silently into her daughter’s wild mass of dark brown hair. The girl is having a much harder time staying quiet. She cries hysterically, pausing only for gasps of air between her sobs. She finally calms herself down enough to return to the room that her father is staying in. She sits down next to his bed, squeezes his hand, and kisses him on the cheek. He looks up at her with a faint smile and not a single word. A nurse walks in and the girl quickly gets up as she would rather not be a part of this conversation. She walks out of the room and shuts the door behind her, allowing her mother, father, and the nurse to discuss the chemotherapy plans. Her aunt drives her home silently. As she slows to a stop in front of the house, the girl jumps out of the car with a polite yet forced “thanks” before her aunt can say a word. She walks into the house, and it suddenly feels much larger as she stands alone in the living room. She walks to the large glass sliding door near the kitchen, sits down on the floor with her legs crossed and rests her head against the glass. She can hear the wind blowing loudly from the other side of the glass. She wipes the tears from her face and glances up to watch the cherry blossom petals whirling wildly through the air. Standing in front of the mirror, the girl wipes off the last of her makeup. The difficulty of the past few weeks is evident by the dark circles beneath her eyes. She has not slept very well at all, plagued every night by nightmares and restlessness. She removes her black dress and shoes, carelessly discarding them onto her bedroom floor. She does not climb into bed but rather walks, almost unconsciously through the house, past the kitchen and toward the sliding glass door. She stops for a moment to bend down and pet the Labrador-poodle mix she got for her sixteenth birthday just a month ago. He had not been asleep either and she knew why—No one had slept much since her father’s passing. She stands, opens the glass door, and walks outside. She walk barefoot in the grass and sits against the bark of the tree. She tucks her knees into her chest and hugs her legs. She looks up into the tree and back down, closing her eyes. The cherry blossom leaves fall silently, slowly, and almost painfully like her father and the tears on her face.

[thefalcononline]

Hiking Trails

Christine Kim

Copy Editor  

One great way to spend your summer is to go on hiking adventures with friends and family. Although hiking is not necessarily what first comes to mind when we hear “Los Angeles,” the city has numerous unique and interesting hiking spots with beautiful views. If driving out to Los Angeles is a hassle, there are also a few options that are only a several minutes away from La Crescenta.

Griffith Park Trails

Los Angeles is known for its famous Hollywood sign as well as its astonishing city lights. A great way to view the Hollywood sign up close is through the Griffith Observatory West Trail Loop. Hikers begin this course at the Fern Dell Picnic area near Los Feliz Blvd. This approximately 2.5 mile hike encompasses views of the Griffith observatory, the Hollywood sign, and the Los Angeles basin.

If this hike is a bit strenuous for you, there is a shorter option near Griffith park. This trail is called Bronson Canyon and is only less than a mile round trip. It is in the southwest section of Griffith Park and features a “batcave”.

Eaton Canyon

Eaton Canyon is located in the Altadena area and is known for its waterfall. This trail is opened from sunrise to sunset and runs through the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Visitors can enjoy equestrian trails in addition to the hiking trail. This hike is a little less than 4 miles and many are drawn to this trail due to its 40-foot waterfall. Thus, hikers enjoy this refreshing trail.

Deukmejian Wilderness Park

If the drive out to Los Angeles is a bit too far, there is an option that is very close to La Crescenta. Deukmejian Wilderness Park is located a bit above foothill and has a few hiking trails that provide scenic views. The main trail goes into Dunsmore Canyon and this begins at the parking lot, when you take a right at the first junction. This trail is known to become more quiet as hikers go into the trail, away from the 210 freeway. It also features a small creek, where hikers may enjoy a peaceful break before going back down.

These are only three of numerous hiking options in the Los Angeles and La Crescenta area.

Other trails include Runyon Canyon, Malibu Creek State Park, Monrovia Park, La Tuna Canyon, and much more.

Staying Fit/healthy during summer

During the summer, many strive to become healthier and more fit, a goal that seems to be easier said than done. However with conscious effort and time, this goal may be achieved.

During this approximately 3 month block of time, make it a goal to stay active.

Go hiking with friends and family (refer to the hiking trails articles) to get a good workout while spending quality time with your loved ones.

Since going hiking daily may not be feasible, get a gym membership and make an effort to go to the gym at least 3 to 4 times a week. Try to go with a workout buddy to keep each other accountable and motivated during this journey.

Besides regularly exercising, it is crucial to watch your diet. Summer can be a tempting time to indulge in junk food and delicious foods, but you must be conscious of what you are eating.

Try to avoid high calorie foods for most of the week and only indulge during special occasions. During this season, eat lots of fruits like watermelons, as they are low in calories but have high amounts of water.

[thefalcononline]

AP Calculus Review

 SAMANTHA GOULD

Co-Lifestyle Editor

 During my Freshman year, my algebra II teaching assistant (TA), then taking calculus, confidently assured me that algebra II is the hardest class I would take at Crescenta Valley High School. To this day, I have not decided if he was joking, or simply remembered algebra as much more traumatic than it actually is. Taking Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB this year with Dr. Tanahan has made me appreciate exactly how much work goes into understanding calculus, but also made me realize I would definitely recommend the class to my friends.

My algebra II TA said that calculus is easy because it only involves a few concepts, whereas algebra II involves dozens. I remember naively holding onto the hope he gave me that I actually would only be expected to remember a few concepts, right up until our first test when I realized how many different ways a few different concepts can be combined. Calculus is about remembering everything you learned in the years before, adding other concepts that fill in the gaps, and then putting five seemingly unrelated concepts together in one question.

I should mention that I enjoy math and that I actually love putting different half-remembered ideas together to get an answer. That being said, I know calculus is not for everyone. If you want a strict set of steps to follow for every problem type, you will be sorely disappointed by calculus. The frustration of not being able to just plug-and-chug a problem is something I have felt countless times this year.

Calculus is not a light-hearted, easy-to-pass class. It is a monstrous amount of work crammed into an AP pace with difficult tests in the middle.

However, Dr. Tanahan made my year interesting—or at least hopeful during the harder lessons. She never made me feel like I was dumb for asking a question or not understanding a concept. If you are worried about needing someone to walk you carefully from point A to point B in a problem, Dr. Tanahan is that person—making calculus seem so many times more manageable.

If you enjoy math, calculus is definitely worth your time; and if you get Dr. Tanahan as your teacher, you will at least be able to laugh through the pain of studying.

[thefalcononline]

Inspirational Techer: Derrel Furutani  

By JACKIE DALL

Staff Writer

By PAIGE KENYON

Co-Lifestlye Editor

              “You're in love with knowledge. And I think you'll find…you're going to start getting closer and closer…to the kind of information that will be very, very dear to your heart. …You'll learn from them—if you want to. Just as someday, if you have something to offer, someone will learn something from you. It's a beautiful reciprocal arrangement. And it isn't education. It's history. It's poetry." –J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

Just as Mr. Antolini showed Holden Caulfield that there is a world beyond his initial limited perception, Mr. Furutani constantly challenges his students to expand, not only their knowledge of American literature, but upon the possibility that each of us are more similar to these characters than we realize. In this way, we can learn more about ourselves in his class, and that is truly inspirational. English is not simply a subject limited to the black and white words of the novels to Mr. Furutani; it is a way of life and expression filled with a plethora of tints and shades of color to be explored. Everyday it is apparent that English is a poetic means for him to share what he loves and offer his students the chance to experience the novels that are very dear to his heart.

With a love not only for English Literature, but for fostering an environment in which others can learn and develop an unconditional love for literature, Mr. Furutani is a role model for his students both inside and outside his classroom.

           When prompted to select his favorite book that is read by juniors, Mr. Furutani replied, “You're asking me to chose a favorite child ... My favorite book to teach is Moby Dick. My favorite book to read though is The Great Gatsby, and my favorite book to reread is The Catcher in the Rye,” Furutani said.

For Mr. Furutani, it is through his lectures that he is able to express his passion for these pieces since each examine various aspects of the novels that he enjoys most. Nonetheless, in any text Mr. Furutani is able to enlighten his students by introducing a motif that not only highlights what is on the surface, but dissects a specific element and transforms its meaning.

From the first days of instruction, we discovered the dualities in today’s world as we read Moby Dick.

“Moby Dick is a novel that contains so much ... you get to explore a vast ocean of unknown things with Moby Dick, and I think it is one of those texts that opens the eyes of juniors for literature to be something completely different than [they’ve] seen before, and it’s such as old text and it reads so modern and connects with so many modern experiences that it's a nice kind of relationship,” Furutani said.

Exploring Moby Dick in class with Mr. Furutani was a surreal experience in which anyone could tell that his love for the text is completely volatile and at any moment his excitement could become infectious. It is from these books that Mr. Furutani discovers meaning and for his students it is from his influence that we are able to become inspired through his insight, thereby compelling us to fully understand these texts, which connect directly to our lives.

“In The Catcher in the Rye, … I think students are drawn to and they resonate with Holden Caulfield, or Holden Caulfield resonates with them and he encounters things that students I think are beginning to encounter and it opens their eyes to the world,” Furutani said.

Poetically, it is not just Holden Caulfield that open the eyes of juniors to the world, but it is Mr. Furutani’s passion and unbridled enthusiasm toward literature that opens our eyes to a world in which required reading is a possibility to explore other characters and worlds that possess strikingly similar qualities to our own. While Ahab inspires his crew to pursue the fateful white whale, it is Mr. Furutani that inspires his students to approach life knowing that they posses the attributes necessary to find themselves within the complexities of American Literature.

           Even if we do not remember the specific events that transpired within the novels we explored under the guidance of Mr. Furutani, we will always remember his love and enthusiasm for the literature that he inspired us with. Hopefully, one day we will be capable of inspiring another in the way that he has personally inspired us; in that way, it is a beautiful reciprocal arrangement.

[thefalcononline]

By KATE CASTELLANA Staff Writer      

Though still common in science fiction, robots are actually more likely to be found in the workforce. Today, robots are being put in place in day-to-day life, even if they remain unseen.     Due to their mechanical precision, robots are found most often in automobile factories or in other lines of manufacturing. They can cut, mold, assemble, and inspect product parts with a literally single-minded perfectionism. (Whatever their job is, they were made for it, after all.)     Though the concept of robots slowly replacing humans in factories might sound spooky and definitely has the downside of decreasing available jobs or people, working robots have their benefits as well. Since robots have been implemented in manufacturing, the remaining human employees have reported far less work-related injuries. Since the precision of robots is greater, people who use the products robots help create are also less likely to be injured by a mechanical piece malfunctioning. Robots are able to work quicker than humans, and therefore churn out products at a faster and more regular rate. Plus, the cost of making things is significantly cheaper for companies, since robots do not need to be paid on a semi-regular basis.     Robots are also being put to work in the military. These robots are the most advanced of our age and are often sent out to scope enemy territory, examine minefields, and work with explosives. Robots can take on dangerous missions without endangering soldiers. This makes them an invaluable resource.     Robots can go farther than humans can – whether that is on the battlefield, underwater, or even in space. Now more than ever, what humans know about the natural world is expanding thanks to improvements in robotic engineering. Robots are being implemented into ocean-floor exploration, diving deeper t staying underwater longer than people can. When equipped with high-definition cameras, the same robots provide their human controllers with up-close looks at marine life and environment that could not otherwise be so quickly reached.     When sent into space, robots can provide photographs and data of planets that could not be shared without them. Some outer-space robots simply orbit, but others (like the Mars rover) land on planets and journey on. When accompanying human astronauts on space missions, robots can help people perform difficult tasks onboard shuttles or ships that could endanger the astronauts without that precise help.     Thanks to robots, and now more than ever, the world is being stretched with possibilities.  As advances in engineering march quickly on, the scope of what robots can do is also stretched. The future of robots is open and waiting.

[thefalcononline]

Photo by: 

Jocelyn Gould 

A&E Editor 

[thefalcononline]

Historical Love Stories

BY PAIGE GRANDE

STAFF WRITER

The Taj Mahal is one of the most well known structures in the world exemplifying architectural achievement. However, lots of people do not know it was built in 1618 as a monument to Indian Prince Shah Jahan’s wife Mumtaz Mahal. The pair met in a street market when they were 14 and 15. The young couple married and were inseparable.

During this time, architectural achievement redefined India and the people of India entered a time of peace of prosperity. Tragically, nineteen years later Mumtaz Mahal died while giving birth to the couple’s fourteenth child. On her deathbed, Shah vowed never to remarry and promised to build her the greatest palace above her grave. Shah never recovered from the death of his wife and was later buried beside her inside the Taj Mahal.

King Edward VIII was set to rule the British Monarchy. He became King Edward in January 1936. A few months later Edward met the married yet charming Wallis Simpson. The pair fell madly in love and had an affair until Wallis divorced her husband and married King Edward. Since Wallis was an American, she was unable to become Queen and thus was unable to marry King Edward, so he gave up the throne to marry the women he loved. They remain a symbol of love conquering all.

Most children dream of one day becoming a prince or princess, and actress Grace Kelly is no different. Grace Kelly was a sucessful Hollywood actress until meeting Prince Rainier of Monaco. The pair met when Rainer went to see the set of the movie “To Catch a Thief” starring Grace Kelly.

“It wasn’t love at first sight but it was pretty close,” the couple said in a 1955 interview with TIME magazine. They married in April 1956 in Monaco.

The Prince went against royal tradition by marrying an American outsider, but she was permitted to marry the Prince because it was not specified in Monaco law. Now they began to rule Monaco into the country of economic dominance it holds today, saving the nation from an imminent depression. After Princess Grace tragically died in a car crash, Prince Rainier never remarried and the pair are buried next to each other today.

[thefalcononline]

Creative writing! Members of the journalism class, inspired by the photo above, wrote three different stories and poems. Photo credit: http://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/fleaingfrancecom-3715415/a-rose-is-a-rose-1278594507

Heart for a Heart

By Dani Kosger

Staff Writer

In a land of daydreams, he was a burst of golden energy. What we had was something special.

What we had was unbreakable, unable to be damaged by the sharp words thrown by the nonbelievers. Or

so I believed.

Day by day, we grew apart. It was subtle and went unnoticed at first, but as the weeks went by, the

divide grew greater than ever. It started with the hiding. Emotions hidden behind a persona similar to that of

a brick wall. No scaling it, no breaking it down, and certainly no responses from it. All at once, he became a

ghost to me.

As days passed, the lengths of time between our visits stretched on. Worrying, I began to obsess

and contact him more and more, and received less and less in return.

What I was given by him was not genuine. Every fake “I love you” and every empty kiss drove me

to madness. The hell in my head was solitary, and every time we saw each other put even more daggers

into my heart.

The last time we saw each other was the day I had decided I was through. Valentine's Day, a day

of love and affection, became a day of resentfulness and hatred. A single, pale rose was all I received, and

from it stemmed the idea for my scheme.

Trimming the stem and leaves with a pair of scissors as he watched, I felt a pull in my gut. I faced

him and drove the only weapon against him into that frozen heart of his. No tears left my eyes as I turned

away. Retrieving the scissors from their dark, cold abyss, I held the rose once more.

Several cuts I made to it. One on the stem, for the cursed day we met. One through each leaf, for

each time he fooled me with his lies of affection. Finally, one clean snap of the blades through the evil,

selfish flower for the worthless life that I took away with my own hands. The dreadful pieces of the petals

fluttered to the floor, stained with the darkness that once coursed through his veins.

To have every drop of life drained from your existence each day is the equivalent of a blade in your

chest. What is given shall be returned. Heart for heart, flower for flower.

“10”

By Sabina Zofcik

Online Editor

         As I looked into the mirror, I could see every little vein, crease, and scratch that was suddenly put on my body. How did it get here? Where did it come from? The others looked in the mirror too and they saw the same prints that had been left on them.

       “Ten  more minutes” they called. “Ten more minutes” the others whispered around me. I couldn’t take my eyes off of the stranger that was starring directly at me in the mirror. Who was that? What was she doing there?

       Ten minutes had already past. Where did this time go? Rose! They called my name. It is your turn to go, put a big smile on and get ready to the be new face of Belle Magazine!

       I followed the young man that was guiding me to the place where I was going to be exposed for the next couple hours. I no longer felt beautiful. I felt manipulated, sad, scratched, ripped, and cut. How did I get to this point in my life? This is not me. This is not Rose. The Rose I know is natural, effortless, confident, not broken. Its as if my thorns wanted to hurt everyone that could touch me and I no longer used them for protection.

       I stood on the stage, and a sudden flash of lights entered my sight as photographers and fans continued to take photos for about five minutes. Suddenly, all the flashes and the yelling and screaming came to a stop.

       Could they finally see what I see? The scars, the cuts and the bruises that have been engraved in my imagination. I never wanted to feel this way.

       How can a confidence so strong and a mind so beautiful become damaged by the words and insecurities of others? This was a major turning point in my career and I had the opportunity to change it for the better. Whenever I felt this way, I would always think of the words my mother used to repeat to me.

       “You are a Rose” my mother used to tell me. “You will always be Rose.”

Cuts

By Susie Kim

Staff Writer

I gave you a rose

To show you my love

But you cut my heart

Like the wings of a dove

Snip!

That was the first time you cut

me

You said you were joking

But the humor in the situation

I could not see

Snip! Snip!

The second time stung

The words I wanted to yell clung

On the tip of my tongue

But I was unable to say them

aloud

Snip! Snip!

Snip! Snip! Snip!

As time passed by

You cut my stem and leaves

Your words cut me deep

Yet you didn’t listen to my pleas

Finally, I could not stand still

If I stayed, I could have been

gone

From existence

From this world

Oh… I’m already done

[thefalcononline]

Article by Susie Kim

Staff Writer

Design by Jocelyn Gould

A&E Editor

[thefalcononline]

What is the Difference Between a Caucus and a Primary?

By Samantha Gould

Co-Lifestyle Editor

As the presidential election race of 2016 heats up, both political parties are facing the question of who will be their nominee for President. Though the political ramifications of the choice of nominees is fairly well broadcast, the actual process is surrounded in mystery. Simply, it boils down to whether a state holds a caucus or a primary.

To understand caucuses and primaries, one must first understand what they are trying to do. Through either caucuses or primaries, states elect delegates for the party’s national convention. Each delegate is assigned a candidate to vote for at the convention based on their state’s votes. At the convention, the delegates vote for their chosen candidate and the candidate with the most delegates wins the party’s nominations, generally.

Caucuses are less common than primaries and involve fewer people because they involve actually going to a meeting instead of filling in a ballot on election day. In caucuses, regular voters meet in gymnasiums across the state and physically divide themselves up into teams in favor of each candidate and then try to sway undecideds to their side. Imagine a room full of everyday political radicals yelling at each other in a high school gymnasium.

Republican caucuses often award all the delegates from the state to the candidate who wins the majority of votes. In contrast, Democratic caucuses often award delegate spots to multiple candidates, reflecting the percent they earned in the caucus.

This free-for-all system is geared toward people already heavily involved in the political process, meaning that fewer people participate than in primaries.

Primaries function more similarly to general elections. Registered voters for each party cast ballots in favor of their candidate for the party nomination. Delegates to the national convention are chosen based on these votes. Because the process is simpler, more people participate in primaries than in caucuses.

Making the process even more convoluted, some states, including Arizona, use a combination of the caucus and primary process. In any case, the most important aspect to understand is that, regardless of whether your state holds a caucus or a primary, eligible voters can make their voice heard and have a hand in choosing their party’s nominee for President of the United States.

[thefalcononline]

Ally Week at Crescenta Valley High School

By JULIA LAVARRO Co-Editor-In-Chief

For the first time, CVHS will be hosting its very own Ally Week from Nov. 2 to Nov. 6. Very few students are aware of what an ally is, let alone what the purpose of having an Ally Week is - which is the exact purpose of hosting this event. Ally Week was created by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) in 2005 with the purpose of informing the youth of today about issues faced by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer + (LGBTQ+) community. A main focal point of the event is the word “ally” - what it means, what it implies, and how one can change lives by being an ally. To be an ally is to be (typically) any non-LGBTQ+ person who supports and advocates for equality for these and other marginalized groups. Before, labeling oneself as an ally was somewhat of a taboo. For some reason, people believed that affiliating with this community would automatically make a person queer, yet another reason why Ally Week is so significant. Now, with the existence of the term “ally” in regards to the LGBTQ+ community, more people are allowed to take pride in a title that means something more than just believing in equality. The idea of hosting an Ally Week at CVHS first began with the officers of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Club, with strong support and advocacy from AP Government teacher Alicia Harris. GSA then reached out to ASB and the two on-campus organizations joined forces to host an event unique to CVHS. The groups then reached out to Cynthia Livingston, principal of Rosemont Middle School (RMS), so that a similar Ally Week may take place at the middle school. The middle school Ally Week is still currently in the works with CVHS’s ASB and GSA coordinating with staff from RMS. “I believe that it is important to have an Ally Week because it promotes respect for others regardless of their sexual identity, although the topic is very relevant and extremely important for people to understand. The basic ideals and values that this week develops around and work towards are kindness and respect towards those surrounding you, whether you agree with them or not. For our student body to devote an entire week to such ideas, although long overdue, it is a step in the right direction,” Ally Week committee member Isabel Wright said. The schedule of CVHS’s very first Ally Week is as follows: on Monday, ASB will be hosting a photoshoot on the rally platform with a rainbow backdrop, as well as selling rainbow bracelets. CVTV will also introduce Ally Week with a segment during second period. On Tuesday, choir will be performing on the rally platform, CVTV will release a second segment, and ASB and GSA officers will sell more wristbands, all at snack. On Wednesday, ASB and GSA will be hosting a “Chain of Kindness” activity at snack on the rally platform. On Thursday, pledges will be made to be an ally, and there will be a cheer rally at snack. Friday, the final day, will be a rainbow-themed spirit day, and students will have a chance to sign a banner that says, “I am an ally.”

[thefalcononline]

Boo! to the Societal Norm of Trick-Or-Treating By MAKAYLA RABAGO Creative Director

The exciting feeling of Trick-or-treating might slowly diminish for some as they start approaching the teen years. For others, they find joy in strangers’ candy up until they are told it is unacceptable at their age to Trick-or-Treat.

What is the magic age in which it is unacceptable to go door to door in a cute costume asking for candy? Unfortunately, this question has a very subjective answer to each individual. Some teens who look as if they are still in their elementary school days will get away with Trick-or-Treating much longer then the sophomore in high school who is already growing a beard. In a perfect world, Trick-or-Treating would be the norm for all children until they are a legal adult. It is safe to say that if you can go to jail, buy cigarettes and can vote, you should not be allowed Trick-or-Treating anymore. But until then, if a teenager has the courage to still dress-up and walk amongst the 12 year olds, I see no harm in granting teens everywhere the candy that they so rightfully deserve on Halloween night. There are some places around L.A in which all ages can still gather their sugary treats including some areas of Studio City as well as areas in Whiting Woods closer to CV. However, the majority of the adult world neglects to recognize the older end of us teens as acceptable Trick-or-Treaters. With this sad reality, we must find alternatives to our previous Halloween activities. We can purchase our own candy and plan a movie night with friends while we reminisce on the days of our childhood in which we tried to trade the box of raisins for the snickers bar. The upside to growing up is that we know longer have to put up with strangers who think dried fruit is an acceptable form of candy.

[thefalcononline]

Flash Flood Warnings in La Crescenta 

Jackie Dall 

Staff Writer 

During the wet seasons flooding occurs more often, albeit California is in a drought so it may seem irrelevant to prepare for floods this year. However, since El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) will occur this year, flash floods are an ever-present possibility. 

ENSO alters the movement of the trade winds so that normally high-pressure systems with dry climates, such as California, are altered. They experience an increase in rainfall, and the California ENSO climate mirrors that of rainy Indonesia during a regular year. During the season of flash floods, it is important to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Know the difference between a Watch and Warning. The National Weather Service (NWS) broadcasts information about hazardous weather in the form of either a watch or a warning. A NWS watch means that there is the possibility of hazardous weather occurring in one’s area. If a hazardous event is occurring or will occur in the next thirty minutes to one hour, a NWS warning will be distributed. Head for higher ground. Higher ground allows one to avoid the powerful sweeping nature of water. Additionally, during a flash flood, boulders, debris, and even cars can wash into the street and cause damage to property or people. By heading for higher ground, people are able to avoid the chance of debris hitting them. Be cautious around flowing water. If an intersection or street is flooded, do not drive into it. Instead, safely turn around and drive to higher ground. After a flood, throw away any food that has come into contact with the floodwater. Floodwater fosters bacteria growth that may cause sickness if consumed. During the season of floods, be cautious of water and always opt for the safest route to a destination. Knowing about the powerful potential of flash floods will allow one to  remain safe during flood season.

[thefalcononline]

DIY COSTUME IDEAS

Joanna Kim

Staff Writer 

Halloween is the only time of the year when you can dress up and still be socially acceptable. Whether you are dressing up with your group of friends or by yourself, it is smart to plan ahead. However, if you are invited last-minute to a Halloween party, you do not have the luxury or the time to think of clever costumes. Here are some of the cheap and easy Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Halloween costumes that

appear effortful. Dress up as Dunkin

Donuts. Wear your favorite basketball jersey, headband, long socks, and shorts. Buy a cheap white inflatable ring floatie from Target, Toys R Us, or Sport Chalet. Paint the frosting and sprinkles of a donut on the float and let it dry. After letting it dry, wear the float. Although this is optional, carry a small basketball. Now you are Dunkin Donuts.

You can also be a classic cereal killer. Dig up your used cereal boxes from the trash and duct tape or hot glue them onto your shirt. Stab some plastic knives into your boxes. If you want to go extreme, splash some fake blood or red paint on your

shirt. If you wore an animal

onesie last year, reuse the costume and become a party animal. Print out a template of

a party hat from online. Cut it out and make your own hat. Cut a string that you can wrap around your head. Tie the string around the holes on the side of the cones. Buy a party noise maker from the Dollar Store. Now, you are a party animal.

You can also dress up as a ceiling fan. Using duct tape, tape the word “Go Ceiling” on your shirt. Also,

carry a pom-pom. Other simple quick

costume ideas are dressing up as a nerd, Facebook, and the bedsheet ghost. To dress up as a nerd, you simply need a button-up shirt, some nerd glasses, and suspenders. To be Facebook, just write “book” on your face with face paint or eyeliner. In order to be a traditional ghost, cut two holes into your white bedsheet for your eyes and wear it.

Overall, Halloween is a rare chance to present oneself differently. Whether you wear an extravagant costume or simple cat ears, if you feel

confident, you are celebrating Halloween to its full potential.

[thefalcononline]

!!!ATTENTION FALCONS!!!

College Reminders By ALYCIA CHUNG Business Manager

College applications are undeniably one of the most stressful obstacles to overcome in high school. However, keeping up with the various forms and deadlines will help lessen the pain of going through these tedious applications. Compiling a list of colleges through an Excel spreadsheet is really helpful in seeing all the deadlines for your colleges all at once. Some important information to put on this spreadsheet is when the application for each respective school is due, what, if any, test scores and/or transcripts that are required, when SAT or ACT scores are due, when decisions come out, and really any information you believe will be helpful to you. Often, this is not the hard part about college applications. It is picking which colleges to apply to and where you stand in each college that is a struggle for most seniors. Be realistic, but also do not kill your self-esteem. Know where you stand in the pool of applicants for each school, but do not overestimate or underestimate yourself. It is often too easy to go on websites on College Confidential and compare your test scores, extracurriculars, and grades to others, but remember, you are not a number. It is hard to believe most times, but the only person who can believe it is yourself. Make sure to turn in your brag sheets to counselors in at least three weeks before your earliest deadline. Most teachers ask for a month in advance. However, it is only in your best interest to turn it into teachers and your counselor as soon as you can. It will not only remove the burden of having to finish it, but give your teachers and counselor more time to write a thoughtful letter of recommendation for you. Also, remember that these teachers are giving up their own time to write this letter for you. You are not entitled to a letter of recommendation. So, even when reminding teachers of deadlines, do it in the most nice and polite way possible. Once you give your teachers and counselor your brag sheet, make sure to invite them as recommenders on the Common Application. Turning in transcripts to different schools can also be stressful because they each have their own different deadline and different way of accepting them. Make sure to thoroughly research each way and add it to your college list spreadsheet if you believe you will need a reminder of it. Once you make your college list, decide if you want to apply Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED) for a school. ED is binding, while EA is non-binding; both allow you to know your decisions earlier, often in December. Each school has their own program, some only have an ED program, some only have an EA program, and some have neither. For example, Stanford has a restrictive EA program that requires you only apply to Stanford for EA. If you are dedicated to school and are sure you would want to go there, make sure to look into the school’s EA and ED program. Staying organized and focused is the key to surviving college applications. Good luck!