Knock, Knock!
by: Estefania Juarez



You have got to be kidding me! Every time a teacher is in the middle of a lecture, some random student comes in and hands them a bunch of different colored papers. The teacher then pauses and distributes the papers as quickly as he or she can, handing back the ones who are absent. While they're doing this everyone's mind starts to wander. "Who are those for?" "Will I get one?" "Is that one for me?" The classroom fills with suspense and whispers. Not only does this interrupt the class, but the student that delivers the papers actually takes his or her time to say "Hi!" to their friends who, it just so happens, to be in that class. This happens at least once or twice every class, every period. It's equally frustrating for the students and the teacher.


After the student leaves, the teacher has to restart his lesson. He starts off kind of slow, and from the beginning we start taking notes. Then we start getting it, more and more, and our hand can’t stop writing. Finally, we are all on the same page. We, as a class, are about to learn something mentally challenging when, of course, someone opens the door and we automatically forget whatever we were about to learn. The student or ,“mailman”, as I like to call them, walks slowly into the room waving their hand around like it's some kind of parade, the first thing that comes to my mind is “ We've got mail!” Even when we are just working individually when this happens, or when we are talking about previous lessons, the classroom gets really loud and everyone starts talking. Suddenly it’s like they forget the teacher is even there and magically he becomes a delivery man.


As a student I think this is really frustrating, and I definitely think that it's indeed disrespectful. The thing is, most of the time these little papers are USELESS. For example, I was told that I needed to take credit recovery in adult school. So, the next day I filled out and signed all the paper that was required. I went to school the next day and I got three little papers in three different classes, and they all said the same thing, "Don’t forget to go to credit recovery, room 409.” At first, I thought that it was OK because it was my first day, but this kept happening and happening and happening. I’ve been going to credit recovery for a while now and have never been absent, and to this day I still get these little papers and usually in more than one class. I know I’m not the only one in this situation, but all I can say is that I hope these reminders are made from recycled paper.


Sometimes, we get big quarter pieces of papers that say, “Please release this student to the Counseling Center, or Nurses Office at teacher's convenience." Do they ever think it's convenient for the student to be missing class? Really, is there a need to send papers to students from Monday to Friday in every period just to let them know they have Saturday school? Yes, we students who are irresponsible we know, but it is not the obligation of the school to remind us what we already know. Just like we don’t forget when a teacher tells us two weeks in advance that Friday we are watching a movie. These reminders are what makes it easier for us to procrastinate. We are so used to people telling us what to do that we depend on reminders to do what we need to do.


As a student, I propose that classes stop getting interrupted by unnecessary things. The teachers are not delivery guys. If the school is dirty it's because we don’t take care of it, if the test scores are low, it's because we didn't study enough. If the school puts these responsibilities on us, then why do we need to be reminded constantly to go to Saturday School? I know I’m not only talking for myself when I say that we are tired of getting interrupted as a daily routine. I mean were told every morning, "You have the power to be your best,”but how can we do that if teachers can't even finish their lesson.

The Last Step

by Omar Navarro

The time has come: it's been the moment we all have been waiting for- we’re all one step closer to receiving our high school diploma! Before we can walk and receive that diploma, shake the principal's hand, throw our caps in the air, start jumping with joy, and finally get out of high school, there is still one hurdle we have to jump over. Besides passing all ourclasses with a C or higher, we seniors are obligated to sign a Senior Contract. This contract assures that if you misbehave in any of the following ways: sexual harassment, getting in a fight, or even a referral you will lose your privilege to walk, to attend grad night, and prom. So like most contracts if you refuse to sign it or just simply forget to tell your parent to sign it, you will not be able to participate in any of the Senior activities. Take this contract seriously; if you do get a referral not even Mr.Carpizo will save you.

Many students think that this is unfair. We are not the only school doing this: some high schools make their Seniors sign a contract at the beginning of first semester. If you think about it ,we’re the lucky ones, we only have to stay in line for one semester. Once you turn this contract in to ASB, you can focus on more important things like Scholarships and FAFSA. You have come a long way, and you are almost done with high school and you deserve to enjoy it to the fullest. By not attending Grad Night, Prom, and Graduation, all your hard work would not have paid off. This isn't a joke, seniors. Take this seriously, turn in that contract ,and be a well behaved student! Well, at least until May 31.

You deserve to go to all Senior activities. enjoy your senior year because you only get to live it once and you don't want to regret not enjoying your last year of high school. So raiders turn in your senior contract and enjoy your final semester of high school because before you know it, it will be over. Don't get caught up in Senioritis and enjoy your last few months.

We Make Smiles Happen
by: Omar Navarro

Christmas is almost here, and while most of you are running around buying
presents for family and friend, there are children in hospitals hoping
Santa will remember them this year. We are currently holding our 21st
annual Teddy Bear Drive here at Southwest. If you have any bears laying
around bring them in.

The Teddy Bear Drive was started by a police officer in Coronado in 1990. Now
there are teddy bear drives throughout the U.S. The children receiving
these bears are in Rady's Children Hospital most with conditions that
require them to be there year around. You may think that these kids would
want more than just a bear to make them happy, but the truth is, it's
something they genuinely look forward to during the holiday season. The
parents of these kids struggle every year to pay the mountain of medical
bills that pile up year long. Your one teddy bear is not only a gift for a
child but a companion they can hold all year long.

Think about your favorite childhood toy. Maybe it was a teddy bear, Barbie
doll, or Hot Wheels. Whatever it was, your one special toy is something you will always remember. These kids haven't had a chance to feel that security of a teddy bear. So Raiders, you have until the end of this week to bring in your teddy bears. The only rule is, they must have a tag and be in "good" condition. Remember we make smiles happen, and a toy for a sick child will definitely make smile happen. You have the power to be your best and give your best.

The End Is Near
by: Omar Navarro


The end is near. No, not the end of the world, but the end of first semester. In about two weeks this semester will be over. Congratulations, Seniors, you're already half way to graduation. For some of you that means half way to leaving to college, for others it just means half way to no more school and working at a job. Whatever the case may be, the end of the semester is rapidly approaching and with Winter Break comes Finals. This 6-letter word either spells success or failure for both Seniors and Underclassmen. Of course, passing your Final may not seem like the MOST important thing, but remember in most classes it's the easiest way to improve your class average one whole letter grade. So because SOH Raiders' Digest wants you to pass, here are some tips to conquering your Final and going from that C to a B+:

1) De-stress: Go for a walk,breath some fresh air, anything but sitting in your house and studying for 6 hours straight. Trust me, you will not remember anything that way.

2)Get plenty of sleep: I know staying up all night on Facebook may be the coolest thing to do, but during Finals week you should have a kindergarten bed time. An average teenager needs 9 1/2 hours of sleep a night. Make sure you are getting plenty of rest to beat that final up the next day.

3)Eat Breakfast: You won't be able to focus on your Final if you're thinking about what you're going to eat. So wake up early, eat a nutritious breakfast and mentally prepare yourself to pass those finals.

4) Be ON TIME: Most importantly, get yourself to school! The only way to pass your Final is to take your Final. If you're not there, you won't pass, simple as that. Go to bed early, eat a good breakfast and be at school on time.


Lastly, remember you have the power to be your best! You can pass those Finals - no one can stop you! Follow those steps and surely you will improve your grade and come out on top. Study, Raiders. Finals are next week.

Nobody Likes to Lose a Friend
by: Austin Lopez

There have been a lot of drug influences around lately and it's good to remember the consequences and dangers you face when you take, or are near anyone who uses drugs. There are many types of drugs that are available to students such as tobacco, marijuana, and prescription drugs. The most statistically deadly out of all of these is tobacco, then prescription drugs, and lastly marijuana. Tobacco causes the deaths of almost 450,000 Americans every year including those who are exposed to second-hand smoke. Men are more susceptible to tobacco related death than women.

Some facts about tobacco and it's dangers include the following:

* More deaths are caused each year by tobacco use than by all deaths from HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol, motorcycle injuries, suicides, and murders put together.

* Smoking cigarettes, pipes, or cigars increases the risk of dying from lung cancer and other infectious diseases.

* Nicotine in smokeless tobacco may increase the risk for sudden death from a condition where the heart does not work right, then the heart pumps no blood at all to the body's organs.

Prescription drugs are also very harmful to those who are not careful with medication that they are not familiar with. There are many drugs that are abused by teens :


1. Opioids

* Examples: OxyContin, Vicodin, and Demerol used to treat pain, relieve coughs, and/or stop constant diarrhea. Opioids attach to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord), stopping your body from feeling any pain.


2. Depressants

* Examples: Nembutal, Xanax, and Valium. Depressants are used to treat anxiety, stress, panic attacks, and sleep disorders. Depressants slow down brain activity by increasing the activity of a neurotransmitter, which can make you drowsy or calm.


3. Stimulants

* Examples: Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrin. Stimulants can be used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and other illnesses. Stimulants increase the brains activity, making you more aware and full of energy.

Using these drugs abusively can result in dangerous side affects or even death.

Last but not least we have the most common drug that is available to teens, Marijuana. Marijuana or cannabis can be seen as a relaxant. It stimulates the nerves and sometimes leaves the subject paranoid. Americans that use marijuana illegally outnumber the population of those who have medical prescriptions. Since Marijuana has been so easy to obtain, more and more teenagers and young adults are being prosecuted and affected by the drug's effects. So remember guys if your friends are doing it and they pressure you into doing it just say no. You'll not only be doing yourself a favor, but you'll be helping to influence others that doing drugs is not an okay thing. So, stay safe Raiders, because nobody likes to lose a friend.

Southwest Shines!
By Cheyenne Alexander

From the beginning of the year, band and color guard have practiced for many long hours and many long days preparing for the 2011 Band Pageant. This year, band class decided to make a show revolving around the military. These students prepared for many competitions, which in the end, were canceled but that didn't stop the Royal Raider Regiment. Band, including color guard, practiced very hard and even added practices just to prepare for this first and last performance. On November 15, the Royal Raider Regiment lit up the field and made the crowd fall in love.





The big day was finally here for Band and Color Guard, and they were prepared but a little frightened. The pageant was at Southwestern College at 6:00 PM. No one was nervous until they were in line to go one field. In what felt like only a minute, they were announced to go on field. Then, the
Band and Color Guard went out on the field and did the best they ever did. They did so well that they were the only band who had everyone in the stands standing up, clapping, screaming, and crying. Plus they had actual sailors performing with them. Everyone did amazingly well. Band would like to thank the sailors who helped them out and also the school and fellow band mates for their support.


Congratulations to the Band and Color Guard members; that was a wonderful show you performed. It just goes to show you that you can be the best, if you put your heart and mind into something you truly love and want. Remember Raiders, you have the power to be your BEST!

Opinion: Occupy Everywhere
by: Sierra Holter


Occupy Wall Street. Occupy San Diego. Occupy Everywhere. I know many of you are thinking, "what does this mean"? Why is all over the news and Downtown?" Occupy Wall Street is where it all began. It was a people-powered movement against the power of major banks and multinational corporations over the democratic process, and the role of Wall Street in creating an economic collapse that has caused the greatest recession in generations. This one protest has fueled over 100 more in different cities across the U.S. Occupy San Francisco and San Diego are the biggest ones on the West Coast.

You may ask yourself, " Why San Diego? We're not overflowing with bank power?" The answer is simple, they are protesting the financial corruption and corporate greed of 1% of the population that negatively affects all aspects of our lives. Basically, they are protesting for the common people, not the 1% but the 99% that is affected by the 1%'s decisions. This protest is far from being over. Just look at their website.

On their website, http://occupysandiego.org/, there are many links on which to click on. One of them being their "Legal" link. This link gives you basic information on what to do if you are arrested for being a part of this protest. Nevertheless, protesting in San Diego is still legal; therefore, you have your right to voice your opinion, just be careful about posting videos and photos. Those who are already involved in this protest aren't going down without a fight.

A local man, John Kenney has been on a hunger strike for more than a week now, "because of the inaction of the City Council after nearly a hundred people have petitioned them by taking part in the Non-Agenda Public Comment in City Council session twice weekly, asking for OSD’s proposal or resolution to be considered." He says he will "Continue until the San Diego City Council puts Occupy San Diego’s resolution on the agenda." Until then he and many others will fight for this protest and stand up for the 99% affected by the greed of Wall Street.

OSD's main argument is to create a world for the 99% not just the wealthy 1%. If this is something you are interested in, drop by their website and find out how you can get involved. Or if not, just go Downtown. Chances are you'll see dozens of people protesting around the Civic Center. Don't worry, it's legal and you can do something to help the 99%. Remember, Occupy Everywhere, not just Wall Street.