Seahawk Times8 PAGE TWO "Not Throwing Away Our Shot." by Jack Mayberry & Nelson Saldana
RIVIERA, TX ON A BUDGET
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Things You Can Do In The Area For Under $25!
2020-2021 GIRLS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE, Pg. 21
$1.00
“Our School, Our Voice”
JANUARY 2021
Not Throwing Away Our Shot W
by Jack Mayberry & Nelson Saldana
hat if the size of the school you went to was an irrelevant factor in your high school experience? What if the number of students in each class had no effect on how your school inspired its community and competed against other districts to be the best? Who says that it has to? Kaufer Early College High School proves that regardless of its size, its smaller roster of students will never hold back a top-notch experience, whether that be socially, academically, or athletically. Kaufer E.C.H.S. has gone to great lengths to ensure that every student, no matter their background, has an equal footing on the competition. Whether students join Kaufer with a background in public, private, or home-school, effort is made to incorporate them fully into the outstanding community and learning environment. The entire Kaufer family works together to build relationships and better each other, no matter the student. The strong relationships between students allow them to bond together to do great things. Kaufer E.C.H.S. boasts outstanding groups like FCCLA, Chess Club, Yearbook, and others, and provides challenging competitions through the Business Professionals of America, KEDT Challenge! Academic Decathlon, and more. No matter a student’s interests, Kaufer provides an organization or group to grow and build relationships with other like-minded peers. In addition to outstanding clubs and competitions, Kaufer’s athletics program allows students to better themselves and build long-lasting relationships with their friends and teammates. As part of a smaller athletics program, every athlete is given the opportunity to participate and is encouraged to perform to the best of their ability. No matter the game or competition, Riviera Kaufer’s student athletes bring all they have to the table and strive to be the best they can be. As an Early College High School, Kaufer aims to encourage students to take all of the opportunities available to them to reach their full potential. Dual-credit courses are a staple in every student’s coursework and allow anyone an opportunity to get a feel for college-level workloads and expectations. All students enrolled in the dual-credit program can obtain up to sixty hours of college credits, graduate with an Associate Degree, or become a Certified Nursing Assistant. These opportunities have allowed many students to carry on to their future with reduced worries for funds or time for college. Outside of the dual-credit program, Kaufer encourages students to prepare for the future by offering college entrance exams to all students willing to take them. This allows students to progress toward their future, all on the Kaufer campus, in Riviera. If a student is willing to put in the effort, they can obtain invaluable information and experience to shape their future. In a continuous aim to help their students, Kaufer ECHS employs capable teachers and staff members who are willing to help all students. The educators at Riviera Kaufer are top-notch in their fields. All of the teachers provide their students with the tools needed for success. For example, all of the students enrolled in the dual-credit program have an assigned mentor who guides students when needed. As well, Kaufer ECHS prioritizes special education teachers for students with special needs. It is noticeable that every teacher provides a unique environment for their students. All teachers bring different personalities and outlooks, and make every effort to help students feel comfortable, both inside and outside the classroom. Kaufer ECHS is not just an educational institution; it goes beyond that - Riviera Kaufer includes the students within its beliefs. Every year, a series of events that enrich the community takes place: the parade and burning of the "R," pep-rallies, and a Veterans day conference. Through these activities, the people of Rivera and surrounding areas bond together. In the parade and burning of the "R," the community gathers to celebrate homecoming week. Also, it serves as an act of freedom of speech; all the graduating seniors express their gratitude to the school. Following homecoming week, pep-rallies are held weekly. In all pep-rallies, students from Nanny Elementary to Kaufer High get to participate and engage with their classmates and friends. Similarly, on Veterans Day, November 11th, a conference organized by Arturo "Artie" De La Rosa commemorating and remembering the fallen veterans is held at Kaufer. In this televised conference, all students and people from surrounding areas can listen to first-hand experience of actual Veterans who have served in this Country. To finalize, Kaufer Early College High School provides the opportunity for its students to participate, engage, and compete in all school-related activities. The athletics program allows students to build long-lasting relationships and enjoy themselves. As an Early College campus, Kaufer's students can earn an Associate Degree for free, which can reduce expenses when pursuing a career later in their lives. The Associate Degree can be achieved with the help of an experienced team of educators who are always willing to help their students. Last but not least, Kaufer was founded among traditions that bring the community of Riviera and its surroundings together. Do not throw away your shot and join the Green and White Seahawk family.
Meet our Principal Patricia Thornton
by J’Lynn Resendez "Life isn't always rainbows and unicorns, but I do believe you can be un unhappy but still have joy deep down in your heart. There’re un unhappy times that come about in our so-called life, we walk through the storms but we know that in the end there will be a rainbow and that there is joy deep down in our hearts, it's just a fire we have to walk through to become a better version of ourselves. We don't ever want to become anyone else, we should be true to who we are and should always strive to be the better version of who we are." Prin Principle of Riviera Kaufer Early College High School, Patricia Thornton. Mrs. Thornton is believed to be very patient and also very optimistic, she would be someone that's going to see the glass half-full rather than half-empty in many situations. She "Believes everything happens for a reason and even when faced with challenges, takes the bull by the horns and is ready to face any obstacle or adversities head on because of her personality being optimistic and hopeful." Most people and students who know or have talked with Mrs. Thornton would be able to agree that she is a very optimistic person and definitely has an optimistic personality. Before coming to Riviera Kaufer Early College High school, Mrs. Thornton was working at the Education Service Center, she would travel to many schools in the region and train principals and teachers. When Mrs. Thorn Thornton found that the opening for the principal of Kaufer Early College High School came up, she said the job was, "One of those things for you just to know in your heart that you were supposed to apply for even though I wasn't looking to leave the job that I was at. I was truly enjoying
it and I think I was successful in what I was doing, but I felt the calling to come here and I knew exactly that this was the place I wanted to retire." Mrs. Thornton started as principal of Riviera Kaufer Early College High School, October 4th, 2019. Since day one, our principal works hard and dedicates most of her time to making our school better for the sake of the students and staff. Mrs. Thornton has felt "welcomed and at home here" in our high school and, "dedicates more effort and knowledge into what she does because of them." Mrs. Thornton works hard to make sure students and staff are happy and feel welcomed in the school, even when she doesn't need to... Our principal helps students to feel like they are all a family, especially in the way she treats us, talks to us, the things she does for us and so much more. Even though we may all be dif different in our own unique ways, she makes us feel like we belong and like we are equal to one another no matter our differences. Even though we may not all know one another personally, she brings us together so that we aren't strangers. Mrs. Thornton doesn't see someone because of their differences, she sees everyone as equals and as people who come together and work as a team to make our school the wonderful place it is today. "What I see in a lot of our students here that I didn't see in other schools I trained, is that at the end of the day our kids have huge hearts. Everyone has this aura about them that shows me the best of them. No matter who you are, you can come and be accepted here. Be who you are, you won't have to blend in and be someone else. You're going to find others that you can connect to because everyone is unique in their own way." - Mrs. Thornton, Principle of Riviera Kaufer Early College High School.
Our story Anonymous
My whole world came crashing down the day that you left But soon I realized that you were in a better place, you could finally rest Now let's go back a couple of months before your death Leaving that day was the biggest mistake I’d ever regret I did it in thought of everyone else There were too many people, everyone wanted to help I was only nine during the move so I didn't get to be involved I thought it was the best decision at the time, I couldn’t have been more wrong Taking off I remember looking back not wanting to leave A voice in my mind telling me something was wrong every time I tried to sleep Calling you everyday hearing the sickness progressing Just by the way you sounded I knew you were restless Living through that month felt like time was slowing down Coming back and seeing you like that was the hardest thing I had ever found I thought when I got back you would still be the same But you couldn’t move, couldn’t speak it’s like you were already six feet in your grave You were too far gone you couldn’t be saved One night with my dad by your side you peacefully slipped away No more sorrows, no more pain, and as much as I wanted to God wasn’t the one to blame Now that you're gone life is never gonna be the same You’ve lived your life and your journey is done But I still wish you were here to see how far I’ve come You were the glue that held our family together But since you’ve been gone the good times are hardly ever When you passed a part of me died that night And the sad thing is, I’m still tryna fill in that hole you left behind I used to love hearing people talking about you, keep the memory alive But now it's just a harsh reminder you aint coming back, makes me wanna shut down and cry I'll never be okay with the fact that you died. Here I am six years later writing this to get out my grief and pain Living through life, times so harsh I wish you could hold me and tell me it was all gonna be okay Why did you have to leave before my life started to begin… The one thing that keeps me through the day is knowing that one day i'll see you again.
The Coaches Whistle
Athletic Director Nathan Borden By: Madison Arredondo
First let me start by saying that teaching, coaching and being a student has totally changed in the year 2020. However, it is in times like these that we find that our attitude is extremely important moving forward. There are lots of challenges ahead of us concerning how we handle school and athletics in the roles I mentioned above. It would be easy to find ways to be negative and worry about things that we cannot control. But, with the right attitude and a concern for the things we can control, we can continue to learn, work and challenge ourselves just as we had before in class and in athletics.
you are going back face to face, or " Whether staying remote, conquering the challenges ahead of us with a positive attitude is paramount. "
Games will look different this year as far as the bleachers, fans and some of the protective equipment are concerned all across the state. It will be everywhere. The UIL which is our governing body over athletics in Texas, has placed many restrictions on gym and stadium capacities as well as how hosting games and competitions are handled. Granted, they are necessary restrictions, things will definitely feel and look different. Face coverings, stadium and gym capacity limits are in place and there will be Seahawk fans that will not be allowed in due to those restrictions. Clearly this is disappointing because as athletes and coaches, there is no better feeling than seeing the bleachers of Artie De La Rosa Field and the high school gym packed with Seahawk parents, family and friends supporting their team! In response to this, the UIL is allowing live streaming at varsity home games. Rio Sports live will be streaming our home varsity volleyball and football games so that fans can see the game live. So, you may wonder how you will support your team during 2020 if you are not allowed a ticket. Supporting team and program fundraising through Fancloth sales, mixed bagged sales, game program ads, concession, when are you there helps to supplement budgets. Other ways to show support are wearing your kelly green and white with pride on all game days and encouraging your classmates that are competing. Getting permission to paint windows of local businesses with kelly green and white words of encouragement would be a great way to show community pride. Making small signs to dot the side of the roadways when the Volleyball, Football or Cross-Country teams travel would show support and certainly show pride. There are many ways to show your support but asking an athlete about an upcoming game or simply how they did, and then listening, is a personal way of showing support. These are some things we can control to make things better in 2020. These are ways to remain positive and show support and promote community pride that will resonate within our community. We definitely look forward to things returning back to the way they were, but, challenges like this can help define what kind of school and community we have. Let’s overcome all of this together with positivity and some old-fashioned grit! Seahawk Pride!
T
he six month or so quarantine that shaped our new education model has definitely done a number on us all. In both my friends and myself, I have seen a frequent lack of motivation. The prolonged period of essentially nothing to do has put us all into a state of halfhearted efforts. Now, with the oncoming school year, most can imagine the difficulties we are bound to run into. However, we don’t have to face the unavoidable effects of this pandemic alone. Within a deep dive of news articles and scholarly essays, I have comprised and condensed a list of the five most helpful study tips that actually work for both online and in-school learning.
Pomodoro Technique -
Many of you cooking fanatics may know Pomodoro as the infamous “tomato timer” that gives the appearance of a tomato but is actually a timer. However, this first studying tip I’m going to share has little to nothing to do with the red vegetable. In the late 1980s, a man named Francesco Cirillo coined this name and developed an interesting time-management technique that is insanely helpful for those who have adapted to the consistent state of idling. This technique is performed by doing as much studying as possible in a 25-minute period, and following with a five to tenminute rest. So, I guess, you technically could use the Pomodoro timer if you have one. However, I, personally, use this method quite frequently on my phone timer as it isn’t limited to just studying. One can use the Pomodoro technique for a multitude of things ranging from doing your homework to mowing the lawn.
s p i T y d u t S y l l a u t c A t Tha Work
by Riana Trevino
Sleep Studying - You’ve probably heard that one tip of listening to recordings while you sleep
to ingrain the study material into your head; while this may work for some people, it doesn’t work for all. I can say, first hand from a heavy sleeper, that this does not help people like us. Studying right before sleep, however, is something that has recently been proven to aid in the retaining of information. A not perform as well as a group who did study done by PlosONE revealed that a group who participated in a 30-minute study at nine in the morning did a 30 minute study at nine at night when tested. As a result of the study, the conclusion of going over necessary information before bed is a way of telling the brain what to remember/what is important. It is recommended to go over each subject for 15 minutes before moving on to another.
Mnemonic Devices - A big word for such a simple concept. We all know the phrase, “PEMDAS” or “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally” as “Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction.” The words that we can seemingly never escape through every progressive year of high school within the subject of math, but this is just further proof of how well this tip works. To create a mnemonic device, you have to find things that are relative and can remind you of whatever you are trying to memorize. It can be a word, an arrangement of different words, a visual image, etc. For example, the spelling of the word “necessary”, can be remembered as the visual image of a t-shirt. By having one collar, you remember one “c”, by having two sleeves, you remember the double “s”. To figure out when to use “affect” or “effect”, a grammar structure that seemingly no one can figure out on the first try, can be remembered as the single word “raven”. Remember: Affect=Verb, Effect=Noun. To recall the order of taxonomy, you can use the arrangement of words, “Keep Ponds Clean, Or Fish Get Sick.”, that can be translated to “Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species” (To those taking biology, write that down!).
Google Unknown -
Information For the final tip, I am going to recommend that you use our greatest asset in online learning: The Internet. Do a quick search on anything you have even the slightest trouble on. “[Insert topic] simplified”, is my immediate go-to when it comes to searching difficult topics. If you are one that has trouble with larger words, look them up and sub in the synonyms. (However, if you do struggle with vocabulary, I recommend getting a “Word of the Day” app to not only expand your comprehension, but to also prepare for future SAT tests!)
Mental Teacher - This is probably the tip I use the most out of
this entire list. I recommend it to everyone I meet that has trouble going too fast while studying or doing an assignment, resulting in overlooking important information. To perform this method, you have to “become the teacher”. I like to imagine that I am explaining an intricate concept to a younger student (if you have a younger sibling, however, put them to good use and practice on them!). By slowly explaining every step and putting difficult subject matter into simple terms, one is able to comprehend the information at a more efficient rate. You can even go above and beyond and create a makeshift quiz for yourself. By putting yourself in the mindset of a teacher, you can get a better understanding and viewpoint of what might be on future tests. All in all, remember these concepts are for you to understand, and whatever aids in your own personal cognition is something that you should use to your advantage. There are hundreds of useful study tips out there… use them! Find what works best for you, from the environment down to the scent, and roll with it. Your education is a fundamental foundation for the rest of your life, take it seriously and invest time and effort into studying.
Riviera, Tx...on a Budget
Things You Can Do In The Area For Under $25!
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At Brown's shop in Riviera, Texas, they have fish bait thatÕs only aro do after that is go to the beach, set up your equipment, and enjoy some fishin friends!
1. Fishing at Baffin Bay
If you already own a fishing pole and a license, this one’s for you! At Brown's shop in Riviera, Texas, they have fish bait that’s only around 6 bucks. All you have to do after that is go to the beach, set up your equipment, and enjoy some fishing with some family and friends!
2. Taquiera Jalisco's
3. Bank 1910 Riviera Museum- As itÕs one of the oldest buildings in Riviera, it has served many different Jalisco’s is a pretty affordable Mexican purposes.
restaurant.
have youthey could It served as a bank for 20 years,They and as you visit almost it, you will everything see all of the supplies used inthink of. They have really nice banks in the 1910Õs. It also has bedrooms, and a and bathroom so again, you can what they looked like in it’s just going with a friend food, their service issee amazing. Whether that time period. ItÕs really such an amazing sight to see how they did things back in the day, and to see it’sa person still ainterested nice place to and/or be athow when what they used. I would suggest goingor heretwo, if youÕre in history, peopleyou want to have a nice dinner. used to live in the 1910Õs and on.
3. Bank 1910 Riviera Museum
1. The Pavilion- The pavilion is a really nice place to have fun with your frien Whether it be just chilling around, or havingHubert a good time, this is a really nice 4. Kaufer Park parkand has just manyhave thingsfun. you can do. These include to get things off yourThis mind,
area where you can have a picnic, and benches you can eat on. ItÕs a very nice place to be, hanging out at the beach, swimming, playing at the park amazing vibes that end up making you a very happy person! As it’s one of the oldest buildings in Riviera, it they have, and like hasBank served many different purposes. served as oldest a 3. 1910 Riviera MuseumAs itÕsItone of the buildings in Riviera, it has served many differentI mentioned earlier bank for 20 years, and as you visit it, you will see purposes. Theyisalso have affordable Mexican restaurant. 2. Taqueria JaliscoÕs-fishing. JaliscoÕs a pretty all of the supplies they used in banks in the 1910’s. a shaded area where It also has bedrooms, and afor bathroom again, It served as a bank 20 years,soand as you visit it, you will see all of the supplies they used in you can have a picnic, you can they looked in that time banks in see the what 1910Õs. It also has like bedrooms, and a bathroom so again, you can see what they looked likealmost in They have everything and benches you canyou eat could think of. They have really ni period. It’s really such an amazing sight to see how that time period. ItÕs really such an amazing sight to see how they did things amazing. back in the day, and to see Whether itÕson.just with a friend or two, itÕs still a nice place to It’s agoing very nice place they did in the day, going and tohere see what what theythings used. Iback would suggest if youÕre a person interested in history, and/or how people to be, and has overall they used. I would suggest going here if you’re a a nice dinner. used to live in the 1910Õs and on. amazing vibes that end person interested in history, and/or how people up making you a very used to live in the 1910’s and on. happy person!
5. The Pavilion
4. Kaufer Hubert Park- This park has many things you can do. These include hanging out at the beach, - The pavilion is a swimming, really nice place to have fun with your friends and go play some ball. Whether it be just chilling around, playing at the park they have, and like I mentioned earlier fishing. They also have a shaded or having a good time, this is a really nice place to be when you want to get things off your mind, and just have fun.
4. Kaufer Hubert Park- This park has many things you can do. These include hanging out at the beach, swimming, playing at the park they have, and like I mentioned earlier fishing. They also have a shaded
The Covid-19 effect of teaching What is it like teaching during this pandemic? When COVID-19 made an appearance, there were so many unanswered questions that came about. Regardless of your field of work, things were hectic. For school teachers, we were stepping in to unknown territory. From the very beginning of remote learning, it was apparent that there were going to be gaps that were going to be tough to fill. Firstly, this pandemic highlighted the inequities that partake in the education system. Kids with no internet access, although provided by the school a little later, immediately fell behind. When zooming with kids, the connection wasn’t always great, and the students immediately felt the frustration. Getting them the resources needed for their learning was difficult from the start. Regardless of how hard you worked, it always seemed like it wasn’t enough. There must be a bright side to all of this though, right? Truthfully, there is a group of students that has absolutely excelled during remote learning. It was a challenge that they needed and they have been able to gain independence and do their work without the teacher breathing down
their back. It has been quite rewarding to see these students adapt and run with their skills to the best of their abilities. It is giving them a glimpse at the world outside of high school, in particular college. Everyone is doing the best they can: teachers, students, administrators, parents, and the community as a whole. These times are frustrating, overwhelming, and outright a little scary. However, if we hold on to the notion that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, it makes things a little easier. For now, all we can do is teach and hope the students are taking with them the one thing that they can never be robbed of: knowledge.
by Jessenia King
HOW REMOTE LEARNERS CAN STAY SUCCESSFUL DURING ONLINE SCHOOL
As you all know, we’re currently undergoing a global pandemic. This meaning that everyone’s in quarantine, parents are working from home, and students are undergoing distance learning. For many kids, this is way out of their comfort zone, but unfortunately, it’s now a reality that we all have to go through together. Thankfully, at our school, we now have an option. Remote learning, or face to face. That being said, there are still many kids that unfortunately can’t come back to school due to their loved ones who are high at risk. Therefore, today I will be talking about how remote learners can stay successful during online school.
Give Yourself A Routine/Time Management
To me, this is very essential for your success. As we all know, online school does give us a more flexible schedule, but that does NOT mean you can slack off. Instead, take a couple of minutes off your day to plan. Example: Have a big project due soon? You usually get about a week or two to complete a project. Use that time! Divide your work into days, and make a section of it “due” by a certain date. This helps so you won’t catch yourself stressing about it hours before it’s due, making your life just a little bit easier. Also, having an established routine will help you stay on top of things. Do certain assignments at specific time periods, and as always, give yourself a little break. That way when you get back, you’ll be fresh and ready to succeed!
Work with A Buddy
At times, online classes may make you feel like you’re working on your own, but that’s not the case. This tip is aiming towards kids taking college courses online, but could help with high school courses too. There’s always a friend willing to help, I promise. Even if you’re not friends with the person, make friends with them. Who knows, you may find a lifelong best friend in the process! Besides the point, most college assignments are actually meant for collaboration between students. Your peers can be a valuable resource for asking what they think of your work, or if you just need a study buddy for the exam. You’ll be able to ask questions about some topics that you may not have understood, and they can help. Also, you may be able to listen to a new perspective of things. By discussing certain topics, and learning to debate each point may be very good for you now, and in the future. Resources like this help wonders, and in the end will be very beneficial towards your success.
Set Personal Goals
In order for good things to happen in your life, it’s important to set goals for yourself. Think about your short- and long-term goals. I personally have goals to get good grades in all of my classes. So, what do I do? I work hard in and out of the classroom to make sure all of my assignments are turned in on time, and done to their fullest potential. That right there should always be your mindset. Have a goal, then go out and work for it. If times ever get overwhelming, break some of your long-term goals into smaller, more manageable ones so you won’t catch yourself feeling discouraged. Another tip I would suggest is writing down your goals. You’ll have a constant reminder of what you’re working towards, and why you’re working for it.
To Conclude
Keeping your educational goals in sight is a very detrimental factor to your success. Having a routine, goals, and working with a buddy are all valuable sources for being an overall great student, as well as being proud of the outcome YOU created. Yes, being online may not be what up you ideally had in mind, but that just means you have to take on that challenge, I hope these tips helped so you can be the best student you can be!
by: Gianna Cantu
and roll with it. Your education is a fundam invest time and effort into studying.
ONLINE SCHOOL: A STUDENT'S PERSPECTIVE by Riana Trevino
As we know, online school has certainly been an interesting experience for many- teachers, parents, and most importantly: the students. I spoke with 3 of our sophomores, Gianna Cantu, ShaLyn Medrano, and Alex Jimenez, on their insight into online learning. Let’s hear what a few of Riviera’s own have to say about this technology-based education:
“What has your experience with online learning been like so far?”
Gianna Cantu: “As a student who’s attended face-to-face school her whole life, this was a bit out of my comfort zone... I felt I had to have a teacher physically there to be successful in my studies. I never truly felt like I was turning in my best work, as I was constantly stressed out about just getting it in on time. Yes, my teachers were doing their best, but I just didn’t feel like I was retaining the information I was learning... In the positive, it was a learning experience. It taught me self-discipline, time management, and how to adapt to new things... Overall, I’d say my experience was challenging, but it ended up being a life lesson... Being exposed to this type of environment just didn’t end up being for me and that’s okay.” ShaLyn Medrano: “My online experience is going really good so far. I really like the method they have for classes compared to last spring. Online learning kind of works for me more, I guess, since I’m more introverted and I take full responsibility for my work. The way they are handling things this year is completely fine with me since I watch the recorded zooms for the lessons, it’s the only way I’m able to understand and retain the information... I just don’t like the fact that some of us are in school and some of us aren’t. Some kids don’t want to do their work and, instead, make distractions during the zooms... Overall, however, I do enjoy the online learning environment now, since I’m a person who knows how to manage things appropriately and get things done for good grades. I just wish everyone else could take it maturely to make it easier on our teachers and peers.”
Alex Jimenez: “It’s alright. A bit different since I can’t get direct help from the teachers. In person, I can ask the teacher a question whenever I need help, but due to restrictions online and the teacher having other classes, I can’t get help whenever I need it.”
“What aspects of Online learning do you feel benefit you the most?"
Gianna Cantu: “The most beneficial part of online learning, for me, was that I could take it at my own pace.” ShaLyn Medrano: “I enjoy the zooms the most, since I learn by seeing and hearing things. I do like the fact that our teachers organize our lessons or assignments for us in our Google Classroom, so that we can go back to it immediately.” Alex Jimenez: “I can work on my own time as long as I turn in my assignments by the certain deadlines. I can go at my own pace. Usually classes will be too short to get the work done and I always end up with homework, but since there’s really nothing to do now, I can get it done before school’s over. There’s also a lot less distractions when it comes to learning and working. In face-to-face school, there’s a lot of talking and disturbance, so, I for one, can’t concentrate which affects my grade. However, at home, I usually work in a quiet environment where I can concentrate fully.”
“What aspects have been most challenging?
Gianna Cantu: “The most challenging part was the computer aspect. I’m already not a big fan of computers because they make my head pound after a certain amount of time just looking at them, so being forced to look at them all day while trying to do my best was not the greatest experience.” ShaLyn Medrano: “The most challenging part for me is what our teachers use for assignments really and our attendance. In some classes we use a certain program to grade the papers, well I don’t like the program because I can’t see what I got wrong and therefore, can’t see how to fix that for the future. I don’t want to change my answers if it was incorrect, I just want to see what I got wrong to understand it.” Alex Jimenez: “The fact that I can’t do sports. In Riviera, you have to go to school to play your sport, however, I don’t want to take the risk of me or my family getting sick, due to COVID-19. Also, UIL projects- although we can show them, we have to use our own places to house them if we don’t go to school. The school has a barn where we usually keep our pig, but, as I said before, I don’t want to take the risk. Finally, schoolwork. Half the time, I feel like I don’t know what I’m doing, and since I can’t reach the teachers due to distance, I am having to look up how to do certain tasks. I also feel like online learning gives the teachers disadvantages, they can’t do group projects like experiments or labs because we all have to be 6 feet apart.”
“If given the choice, health issues disregarded, would you continue an online education?" Gianna Cantu: “If I had the choice, I would not continue online learning. Why? Because being online was too much of a stretch for me. I personally just couldn’t handle the stress of it. Being in person allows me to be interactive, not get distracted, and apply myself. At home, there’s too many distractions, and for some reason, I just couldn’t get myself to do the work at my fullest potential. At school, I am turning in assignments that I’m confident about. I’m asking the teachers questions because they’re here now. On email, by the time I got a response, it’d either be too late, or I’d forgotten about it. That’s why I would continue face-to-face instruction, and not online.” ShaLyn Medrano: "If given the choice, I wouldn’t continue online learning. The reason being, I want to interact with people like my teachers and friends. I would be able to communicate much easier with my educators instead of waiting a while for a response. I may be introverted, but I would still like contact and social communication with people.” Alex Jimenez: “I would probably go back to face-to-face school. Yes, there are a lot of pros to online, but also very serious cons: sports, livestock, and teacher’s help when needed. Also, staying home and doing work is fine, but most of my friends are going to school, so I feel like I would want to be included instead of being like a hermit crab in its shell all the time.” In conclusion, from interviewing these three students, one can see that online learning is definitely a great form of education in the sense that it gives students the ability to time manage and self-pace. However, it does have its downsides- a lack of social interaction and quick help from teachers are aspects that one can only get through face-to-face contact. Through the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, we are given the difficult choice of continuing an education in the classroom environment that is clearly more academically beneficial than one through a screen, or continuing an education in an environment that is less mentally stimulating, but safe from the virus. Both options seem to have many risks and many benefits; it seems to be just a matter of personal perspective and preference.
community of Riviera and its surroundings together
Time Well Spent:
My experience with Riviera’s dual-credit program As a Sophomore student attending public school for the first time, my expectations for high school courses, let alone college courses, were not clear. I had been homeschooled for much of my academic career, and I had no experience with college-level expectations. After I passed my TSI exams before the beginning of my sophomore year, I knew that college-level courses awaited. While I was excited for what was to come, college-level course content was alien to me. Looking back as a Senior with over 30 credit hours to my name, making the decision to take the more difficult college-level courses was one the best decisions I would make in my high school career. Dual-credit courses have prepared me for college-level expectations, allowed me to grow academically, and have saved money and time that would have been spent during my Freshman and Sophomore years of college. Every student attending Kaufer ECHS has access to college courses free of charge, yet the value of obtaining a college education early is often overlooked. The only prerequisite to taking college courses is that a student passes the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSI) exams. While these tests do require knowledge of reading, writing, and math, passing them leads to incredible opportunities that allow a student to expand their academic horizons. Succeeding on these exams should be a priority for any student wanting to take advantage of dual-credit courses during their high school career. Regarding the program itself, my experience has been outstanding. My college professors have been perfectly equipped to teach both high school and college students, and for some of my courses, have instructed both at once. Whether classes are done on KECHS’s or TAMUK’s campus, the level of instruction is excellent. Factors other than exceptional by Jack Mayberry professors contribute to this learning environment as well. Riviera has an excellent staff of teachers and advisors willing to help any students in need. Any time that I have had trouble understanding or navigating a college course, reaching out to a teacher or advisor has always helped tremendously. No matter the course, organization and time management are key to succeeding in these classes. Deadlines are set in stone. Students must keep on top of their coursework if they aim to do well. While this stands true in high school courses, I feel it is of utmost importance to remember this when taking college courses: procrastination is your enemy. I struggle with this myself, especially with a busy schedule, but there are no excuses for turning in assignments late. The ironclad deadlines have helped me realize the importance of managing my time well and cooperating with instructors and students alike. Whether a student takes two dual-credit courses or twenty, getting a college level education while in high school is of immense value. Dual-credit courses transfer over to most universities in Texas with little to no trouble at all. Students can graduate from Riviera with up to sixty hours or an Associate degree, allowing them to effectively enter college as a Sophomore or Junior. KECHS provides the incredible resources and support to its dual-credit students that allows every student a leg up on the future. No matter the student, and no matter the academic goal, dual-credit courses are a way to bring the future nearer and prepare for what is to come.
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The 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage by RJ DeLaRosa
he 19th amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified on August 18, 1920, thus allowing women to do something they had never done before in this country: vote in an election. Women had long yearned for their opportunity to have their voices and opinions heard politically, even before the United States was the United States. Abigail Adams, an early proponent of women’s rights in the 1700s, went so far as to remind her husband, John, to “remember the ladies” as he and other founding fathers began drafting what would become the Declaration of Independence. The movement for women’s suffrage continued into the mid-1800’s, when Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott helped organize the first women’s rights convention, at Seneca Falls, New York. Another woman, Susan B. Anthony, would join this cause a few years later, and grow it into a powerful movement that could not be stopped without a solution. Women often protested in the streets, petitioned Congress to create an amendment granting suffrage, and would often call out President Woodrow Wilson (in office from 1913-1921), demanding he do something about it. Finally, towards the end of Wilson’s second term in office, Congress passed the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, stating that the right to vote shall not be denied on the basis of sex. Women rejoiced, as what was once a dream, now was reality. This victory in 1920 helped pave the way for women to not only vote in elections, but eventually gave them the chance to run for political offices as well; something they also had been excluded from. In recent years, we have seen women as vice-presidential and even as presidential candidates. Programs such as Affirmative Action and Title IX have been implemented for women over the years, as they continue their fight for equality and rights still to this day. But what happened 100 years ago in 1920, in gaining the right to vote, gave them the voice they needed politically to begin to accomplish their goals of gaining equality in this country. Photo from https://www.wesleyan.edu/mlk/posters/ https://www.wesleyan.edu/mlk/posters/suffrage.html
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9th Grade Historian Address By: Elizabeth Lugo
or those who don't know me I am Elizabeth Lugo. I am the ninth-grade historian. My job as a historian is to write down the activities that happened during the student council and the activities that will be happening later on this year. Even though I'm a historian it does not mean I do not have goals for my classmates and the student council. My goals for the student council and my classmates are to be understanding, to try to make studying and tutoring groups to help each other succeed, and to make an impact in our school. I also want to help our class president achieve his and the student council's goals as a team. The reason why I want to be understanding is because a lot of teachers and students have been caring for me and I want to understand what my fellow classmates need and how they feel. This is a way to make them feel safe and important in the decisions made by the student council. A big goal of mine is to make studying and tutoring groups the reason why is because we need to learn how to help each other and not to always rely on the adults there. We need to know that we will have each other's back no matter the cause. The reason why I want to make an impact in our school is because we are freshmen and usually freshman don't do anything to impact their school until later on in their Junior and Senior year. The impact that we make does not just impact our teachers and the 9th grade but 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. I am proud to be the 9th grade historian because I am a part of what represents the student council and the student body.
My Agricultural Experience By: Isa Hubert
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rom a girl who has spent 11 years in FFA and 4H, I can tell you that I have gotten a lot of happiness, experience, and responsibility out of my time. Initially I joined 4-H because my brother was doing it. I thought that it would just be a thing for him and I to do together. But I soon realized that I would create lifelong friendships that I still have with me today. The first year I raised pigs, I was four years old. I still remember my first show, I had no clue what I was doing and I zoned out amid the first five seconds in the ring. I got second to last place and I was distraught. All of my friends did way better than I did, and I was very embarrassed. After the show, my dad pulled me aside and explained to me that if you want to be good at something, it takes a lot of time and a lot of effort. He said that next year we will do double the time practicing and make sure that I have the best experience that I can. One of my best friends, Sarah Dupont, has been there for me since day one. The main reason that we became friends in the first place was because we immediately bonded over showing our pigs. Every time that we reunite during a stock show, it makes my month. It is so much fun to see all of my livestock show friends and to meet more new people and new faces every time. All in all, I would never change the long nights that I spent practicing, or the early mornings getting ready for the shows. I love every single bruise and scrape from the physical labor and every treasured memory that I have. I owe the person that I am today because of agriculture.
From High School to College by Sierra Solis Transitioning from high school to college can be difficult and hectic. Going to college is different for everyone. Some people won’t show that fear for their new chapter. But like you, they are just as afraid as you are. Your friends from high school might be going to different colleges. There are many differences between college and high school. College is a new environment where a lot of individuals will face many new challenges. So how does one have a successful transition from high school to college? There are many tips to ensure that you will have a successful transition. One of the first things to remember is that it is okay to be nervous. There are many challenges that you will have to face. It is normal to have self-doubt about college. It is a big change in your life. It is a lot of people’s first time being away from their families. There will be many students who will get homesick. Students need to know that it is okay to step out of their comfort zone. Once you step out of your comfort zone, the faster you will be adaptable to change. It is okay to make mistakes. No doubt, the first year of college will contain some mistakes. This is how you will learn to adapt to your new college life. Ask for some help with the transition. There will be many students scared to ask for help, there is no shame in asking for help. There are many services available on college campuses that specifically address students and their needs so don’t be intimidated. Those services and the employees that run them will be more than glad that you are asking for help, rather than not asking and then struggling. Colleges have services that will be happy to help you. Texas A&M in Kingsville offers many services that assist the students with overcoming obstacles that will prevent them from being successful. Remember that you are not the only one who is scared and new to college life. Managing your time will be a lifesaver in college. There will be many things going on that a college student will need to keep up with. Time management is a factor in being successful in college. The schedule for high school is nothing like the college schedule. Unlike high school, no one is making you go to college. Plan a schedule for assignments and events. Make a schedule to help determine flexibility. If a student does not keep track of assignments and exams, there will be many problems that the student will face. A student needs to always know what is going on in their class. The workload is different. The time in classes is different for colleges and high school. A successful college student needs to have a plan to prevent procrastination. If you need help finding the right classes, look at the school’s website to see if they have a course planning service. Their course planning program will help any student examine their strength to get them the classes that work the best for them. One of the biggest tips that will help any student going from high school to college is not giving up. Everyone knows how
hard it can be. Figuring out what you want to achieve, and working towards it is an important factor. Try to make a list of goals, so you know what you want to accomplish. Know that you are taking huge steps to your future. Do not be afraid to fail! Well, not classes. It is all right to get a couple of B’s, so don’t worry if you see you get a couple of them. It is your first year, nothing will come easy. There are many resources available to you to get assistance. Check the college websites to see if there are tutorials available. Some colleges have programs that provide student services programs. Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi provides a Center for Academic Student Achievement. This program offers tutoring face to face or online. They are committed to helping you with your academics. They also provide many different services for the student. No one expects the transition to be smooth, adapting to a new life can be scary and stressful. Just remember, you can do it; it will just take some time. No one’s transition is going to be the same. It can be harder or easier for some people. Make new friends at the college you are attending to make the transition easier. Remember, it is okay to be nervous. Everyone gets nervous when starting a new chapter in their life.
"SEAHAWK"
Dear High School, Thank you for all the valued lessons learned. Dear College, I AM READY!
The Seahawk Times is a student run organization and entity that serves Kaufer Early College Highschool and the Riviera community. The student articles are only the opinions of the student author and are not always representative of Kaufer Early College High School. Kaufer Early College High School supports the idea that all students have the ability and right to share ideas and engage in conversation through articles, photography, art, and other media. Kaufer Early College High School is proud of our student effort and supports the work they have done in this magazine. We encourage our readers to enjoy this first issue of the Seahawk Times and look forward to your continued support in the future.