Learning center: a school within a school

Learning Center splits from SOH
by Elma Gonzalez


This year there have been many changes to our school, from the new schedule to the soon to be brand new 'Senior Building'. However, there has been one change that many are not aware of: the conversion of the learning center to an 'Independent Studies High School'. Yes, the learning center will cease to be part of SOH, to become its own school; a campus within a campus.

"All SUHSD high schools are doing this," claims Maria Santana, the 'Independent Studies' coordinator. Every Learning Center in the district and even some in other districts have made this change. Yet, the overall structure of the program will not be undergoing any changes. It will remain as an accelerated credit recovery program, in which students with difficult, personal situations will be able to finish their high school education without attending a common high school. "They come two hours a day and receive 30 hours of homework per week," explains Ms. Santana.

Many believe that the 'learning center' -or independent studies high- is only for students who struggle with maintaining good grades. However, this isn't the case; it was actually created as an option for students who aren't able to keep up with the normal, high school schedule due to personal problems or situations at home. In fact, it was designed to motivate those students to continue their education and go to college afterward. While being part of this program, students have their own counselor and enjoy a 1:1 student-teacher ratio.

Overall, Independent Studies High has many things to offer to its students. Although it is an option offered to all students, it is up to the principal and school counselor to decide whether or not the student should enter this program. So, don't think you can just go, sign up, and start going to school two hours a day; it takes extraordinary circumstances to be able to do so. For those in such circumstances, an agreement has to be reached between all parties -including the student's parents. Despite the fact this is a great program, our principal, Dr. Armstrong says she would rather "keep the students at SOH" so that they can graduate with their class.

Band Insider

Former CPH band member helps out SOH
by Jasmine Straw

One of our band's coaches, Michael Estes, tells Raiders Digest what makes him tick. Okay, not really... But he does tell us what he thought at first and how he feels about this year's band.

RD: Why'd you decide to help Mrs. Clark with coaching our school instead of helping out with a band that's much closer to your heart?

MRE: I decided to help Mrs. Clark Because I had told her that I would help her with whatever band she worked with, and there is no longer another band close to my heart, because the band I marched with is no longer the same band.

RD: I understand that you at first didn't want to help us out, what made you change your mind?

MRE: You have to understand the reason I did not want to originally work with the band was because I had been determined to bring Mrs. Clark back to my old school, but once I met all the students, and saw all the determination that they had, I noticed that there is no chance I would want to work for another school.

RD:How has it been helping this school's band so far?

MRE: I love working with the band here! It' amazing how much everyone has learned, and the band is almost 6 times as big as when we started this year.

RD: What are your expectations for this band and their color guard?

MRE: If the band and color guard stay on the path they are on now, there is nothing that will stop them from winning whatever they decide to compete for. The one thing that decides if a band wins or loses in its members dedication and how much they want to win.

RD: Do you think this year would be difficult, knowing our past reputation?

MRE: This year will go by a lot easier then most people think as long as their idea of the band "sucking" disappears. The members all have faith in themselves, as well as the group they are in to push themselves to a higher level.

RD:What do you think of the field show choice and theme?

MRE: The field show theme this year fits the changing attitude that we feel will happen within the band, as well as the school. Titling our show as "A New Hope", is embodies the very faith that we have in the band and how we feel we are giving a chance for them to reach their potential.

RD: What things in your past give you the experience needed to coach a band?

MRE: My musical experience includes playing clarinet for 6 years now, and being in marching band for 5. I've also done many honor bands, including taking one of the 40 spots in the national honor band, beating out hundreds of other applicants. I've also had experience teaching from tutoring other students in music while I was in high school.

Water alert

Put a lid on it (Part 2)
by Martin Zazueta

Hello again my fellow Raiders! As I stated in my previous article on water conservation, we are facing a water shortage, and as of June 1, 2009 San Diego has been on a Level 2 drought warning.

The way Level 1 differs from Level 2 in that Level 1 suggest optional water saving tips, whereas Level 2 sets in place mandatory rules on water conservation. One of these rules states that you can only water your lawn or yard on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays if your address ends on an even number and Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays if your address ends with an odd number (for those of you old enough, does this remind you of energy crisis in the 1970's with the long gas lines?).

Although such rules may seem unfair and controlling we must first think outside of just our own homes. So as to think with a sense of community so we can make the best out of this growing predicament. We must all do our part to cap the problem before it gets to Level 3 or Level 4.

So always remember:

"If you like it then you should put a lid on it"

Size Matters

You know what they say about big classes: no desks
by Omar Arce


As school budget decreases class size increases. This inverse relationship seems to be another dogma in school administration. And the 9 billion budget cut in California is not helping either. As many other schools throughout California, SOH has closed down classes: as many as 7. The students from this classes have been transferred to other classes making classes more crowded.

Teachers do not agree in the expansion class sizes. "It's very difficult to pay attention to everyone," states Ms. Vargas, a social science teacher at SOH. She has encountered many problems from "...not having enough seats..." to "...students not being able to pay attention." After all, teachers are the ones in charge of the education of students. That is why they should be heard. But the only problem is the budget. The only problem is the budget.

There can be many other ways to solve this problem. Instead of building new classrooms, keeping teachers to teach those students that have been moved incessantly. If admistrators want test scores to rise, then the only possible way to do it is to make class sizes smaller.

Raiders Digest Staff.

Your 2009/2010 Raiders Digest staff:

Editor in chief: Martin Zazueta
Technical Editor: Robert Garcia
Staff Writers:
Dwayne Codding
Elma Gonzales
Omar Arce
Not pictured:
Jasmine Straw (staff writer)
Bob Chan (staff writer)
Mr. Isaacs (adviser)

Survey: Welcome Back to School

Survey question: How do you feel about coming back to school early?
By Martin Zazueta


Angel Lopez: "I feel like we got cheated, because we were traditional and we should have gotten a break for the traditional school year."





Ms. Vargas: "Love it! I worked in a year round school before so I'm used to it (plus I get more time to prepare my AP students)."





Ms. Brittain: "I don't like it, because in the summer I like to pretend that I don't work, and it's also very HOT!"





Mr. Jeffries: "I like it, especially because of all the new breaks."





Jason Codding: "It's horrible. I want to kick back more."





Anonymous: "Great [sarcastically], I personally think that it won't help..."





David Gomez: "It's sad because there's less summer, but good because I get to see my friends more often."





Deaurcy Williams: "It's OK - doesn't really make a difference to me."

Class Officers

Raiders run for class office

By Bob Chan

As high school progresses, students partake in extracurricular activities in order to capture all the experiences that high school has to offer. Among these activities are sports, music, AP classes, clubs, and the student government. Student government is an excellent extracurricular activity, which teaches students to be model students and be responsible not only for themselves, but for the school. For high school seniors, participating in student government is highly commended by colleges.

Students can choose to serve in positions such as class president, class vice president, class secretary and class treasurer in their respected grade. The duties of a president involve organizing ideas for events and working with students as well as controlling affairs in organizations. In addition, the president must lead and facilitate meetings among the staff. The senior class president is also in charge of arranging the 10^th year anniv-

ersary for alumni. The vice president takes over if the president dies, okay, maybe not in high school, but if called to, they assume the responsibilities of the president. The treasurer’s duties are to manage the money earned from events and to deposit money. Secretaries usually maintain the paperwork.

All in all, becoming part of student government leads to a positive attitude in school and a love for your school, the Southwest Raiders.