semester newspaper - december 2015

8
By Vyveca Wiley Editor-in-Chief The expansion of Sam Houston High school has been talked about for many years, but the conversations became a reality when the AISD School Board approved funding for the construction of a ninth grade center and a new cafeteria for $18.5 million. The new addition will house about 500 students and remove the 18 portable classes in the parking lot. The project is slated for completion in the first quarter of 2017. The district plans to use leftover money from the 2009 bond program along with extra money from its general fund to finance the expansion. “The money they thought was appropriate for Sam Houston High School, what we call the ninth grade center project, was approved on Oct. 22,” Javier Fernandez, facility planning and construction director said. “The funds that were approved was roughly $18.5 million for construction.” As the year renews we are expected to see a slight rise in enrollment. The first two weeks from the winter break are usually the busiest. Students often move during the break. Sam Houston has steadily rose in it’s enrollment since Jan. 6. As of Dec. 1, there were 3,558 students enrolled in Sam Houston High School. The building was initially built to hold 3,225 students. “It’s very possible that we reach 4,000 in enrollment soon,” PEIMS clerk Alicia Garza said. “This year we were projected to reach close to 3,800 students for enrollment. We barely skated that number, we had a fall enrollment of 3,718.” The new construction project would create more classroom space in the building. Currently, there are 18 classrooms in portable buildings. The classes usually come into the building and sit in the cafeteria or the library when the weather is too cold or hot. “I really don’t have a problem going outside to deliver papers because I know that someone has to do it, but sometimes it’s really cold,” junior office aide Fernando Alda said. “I feel bad for the kids out there at this time of the year. The trailers need attention like the classrooms do. Like sometimes the air conditioning has problems or the speakers don’t work and they can’t hear important announcements.” Adding classrooms and new buildings might even increase classroom achievement and participation. According to National Education Policy Center (NEPC), smaller class sizes can lead to higher levels of student engagement, increased time on task and help teachers to tailor their instruction to students. “I’m excited for it for the kids. We definitely need more space here at Sam and it will help alleviate a lot of hall traffic for all of the students, not just the ninth grade kids,” freshmen English teacher Courtnie Boden said. “It will also benefit all teachers because the extra space will hopefully mean teachers no longer have to float.” A $663.1 million bond was approved by Arlington school district voters in 2014. The bond included the construction of six multipurpose activity centers for each of the district’s six high schools, as well as a district wide career and technical center. Those projects were also intended to relieve crowding at the six AISD high schools. Vyveca Wiley [email protected] By Vyveca Wiley Editor-in-Chief McClendon: I’m Jackie McClendon. I am the Associate Principal here at Sam Houston High School. Texans Talk: When were you called for this position? By who? McClendon: I decided I wanted to go back into administration. I wanted an additional challenge so I started looking for positions. Then I talked to Mr. Benavides about this one. Associate Principal is a new position for our dis- trict. We only have one. Me. At the time I didn’t know what that was. Well when I was talking to him I thought it sounded pretty interesting. I applied for the position. I was interviewed three different times, I was interviewed by Mr. Benavides and some other district person- nel, Mr. Benavides and his boss, then with our Superintendent. TT: What was your immediate reaction? McClendon: It was bittersweet because I had been at a campus that I loved. It’s like being in a family when you’re a teacher and everyone in the school is our family. So, I was really excited about the opportunity, but I was so sad to leave. My last week was so super hard. I was almost sad. The teachers become like your kids, but the end goal is for everyone to grow. I was really sad to leave there, but I was really excited about the new opportunity. And that’s really scary too because nobody has ever done it and doing a good job is important. It’s important to our school that we show a lot of progress with this position in order to keep it and in order to grow it to other campuses. TT: Describe your position here at SHHS as an Associate Principal? McClendon: You know what, we are still figuring that out. My job really is to help and work side by side with Mr. Benavides to make his vision for Sam come to fruition. He has a lot of passion for our school. My job is to ensure that vision comes a reality. Eventually, once we have a ninth grade center, my job will be to be the principal over that building of ninth grade. TT: Do you sometimes miss teaching in a classroom? McClendon: I miss it all the time. Really as an administrator you never ever stop teaching. The people you teach now are different because now I kind of work with teachers a lot in order to impact instruction we have to learn how to do things a little differently and so sometimes teachers are my students and I find that some- times parents are my students. So the student is different but I still have the opportunity to teach. East Village: Proposed site for new freshmen center that is projected to be completed by the first quarter of 2017. AISD SCHOOL BOARD APPROVED FUNDING FOR CONSTRUCTION WORTH $18.5 MILLION PRINCIPAL McCLENDON LEARNS WHILE TEACHING OTHERS PLANS FOR EXPANSION BITTERSWEET TRANSITION Texans Talk Sam Houston High School • 2000 Sam Houston Dr. • Arlington, TX 76014 • Vol. 52 Edition 2 • Fall Semester 2015 • www.TexansTalk.Weebly.com Associate principal Jacquelyn McClendon in her new office Dec. 10, 2015. Photo by: senior Jakera Williams-English See McClendon, page 3

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Page 1: Semester newspaper - December 2015

By Vyveca WileyEditor-in-Chief

The expansion of Sam Houston High school has been talked about for many years, but the conversations became a reality when the AISD School Board approved funding for the construction of a ninth grade center and a new cafeteria for $18.5 million.

The new addition will house about 500 students and remove the 18 portable classes in the parking lot.

The project is slated for completion in the first quarter of 2017.

The district plans to use leftover money from the 2009 bond program along with extra money from its general fund to finance the expansion.

“The money they thought was appropriate for Sam Houston High School, what we call the ninth grade center project, was approved on Oct. 22,” Javier Fernandez, facility planning and construction director said. “The funds that were approved was roughly $18.5 million for construction.”

As the year renews we are expected to see a slight rise in enrollment. The first two weeks from the winter break are usually the busiest. Students often move during the break. Sam Houston has steadily rose in it’s enrollment since Jan. 6.

As of Dec. 1, there were 3,558 students enrolled in Sam Houston High School. The building was initially built to hold 3,225

students. “It’s very possible that we reach

4,000 in enrollment soon,” PEIMS clerk Alicia Garza said. “This year we were projected to reach close to 3,800 students for enrollment. We barely skated that number, we had a fall enrollment of 3,718.”

The new construction project would create more classroom space in the building.

Currently, there are 18 classrooms in portable buildings. The classes usually come into the building and sit in the cafeteria or the library when the weather is too cold or hot.

“I really don’t have a problem going outside to deliver papers because I know that someone has to do it, but sometimes it’s really cold,” junior office aide Fernando Alda said. “I feel bad for the kids out there at this time of the year. The trailers need attention like the classrooms do. Like sometimes the air conditioning has problems or the speakers don’t work and they can’t hear important announcements.”

Adding classrooms and new buildings might even increase classroom achievement and participation.

According to National Education Policy Center (NEPC), smaller class sizes can lead to higher levels of student engagement, increased time on task and help teachers to tailor their instruction to students.

“I’m excited for it for the kids.We definitely need more space here at Sam and it will help alleviate a lot of hall traffic for all of the students, not just the ninth grade kids,” freshmen English teacher Courtnie Boden said. “It will also benefit all teachers because the extra space will hopefully mean teachers no longer have to float.”

A $663.1 million bond was approved by Arlington school

district voters in 2014. The bond included the

construction of six multipurpose activity centers for each of the

district’s six high schools, as well as a district wide career and technical center.

Those projects were also intended

to relieve crowding at the six AISD high schools.

Vyveca Wiley

[email protected]

By Vyveca WileyEditor-in-Chief

McClendon: I’m Jackie McClendon. I am the Associate Principal here at Sam Houston High School.

Texans Talk: When were you called for this position? By who?

McClendon: I decided I wanted to go back into administration. I wanted an additional challenge so I started looking for positions. Then I talked to Mr. Benavides about this one. Associate Principal is a new position for our dis-trict. We only have one. Me. At the time I didn’t know what that was. Well when I was talking to him I thought it sounded pretty interesting. I applied for the position. I was interviewed three different times, I was interviewed by Mr. Benavides and some other district person-nel, Mr. Benavides and his boss, then with our

Superintendent.TT: What was your immediate reaction?McClendon: It was bittersweet because I had

been at a campus that I loved. It’s like being in a family when you’re a teacher and everyone in the school is our family. So, I was really excited about the opportunity, but I was so sad to leave. My last week was so super hard. I was almost sad. The teachers become like your kids, but the end goal is for everyone to grow. I was really sad to leave there, but I was really excited about the new opportunity. And that’s really scary too because nobody has ever done it and doing a good job is important. It’s important to our school that we show a lot of progress with this position in order to keep it and in order to grow it to other campuses.

TT: Describe your position here at SHHS as an Associate Principal?

McClendon: You know what, we are still

figuring that out. My job really is to help and work side by side with Mr. Benavides to make his vision for Sam come to fruition. He has a lot of passion for our school. My job is to ensure that vision comes a reality. Eventually, once we have a ninth grade center, my job will be to be the principal over that building of ninth grade.

TT: Do you sometimes miss teaching in a classroom?

McClendon: I miss it all the time. Really as an administrator you never ever stop teaching. The people you teach now are different because now I kind of work with teachers a lot in order to impact instruction we have to learn how to do things a little differently and so sometimes teachers are my students and I find that some-times parents are my students. So the student is different but I still have the opportunity to teach.

East Village: Proposed site for new freshmen center that is projected to be completed by the first quarter of 2017.

AISD SCHOOL BOARD APPROVED FUNDING FOR CONSTRUCTION WORTH

$18.5 MILLION

PRINCIPAL McCLENDON LEARNS WHILE TEACHING OTHERS

PLANS FOR EXPANSION

BITTERSWEET TRANSITION

Texans TalkSam Houston High School • 2000 Sam Houston Dr. • Arlington, TX 76014 • Vol. 52 Edition 2 • Fall Semester 2015 • www.TexansTalk.Weebly.com

Associate principal Jacquelyn McClendon in her new office Dec. 10, 2015. Photo by: senior Jakera Williams-English

See McClendon, page 3

Page 2: Semester newspaper - December 2015

By Andrew MitchellOpinion Editor

Social media plays a big role in teenage insecurity and depression in our society. Schools and parents often see cases where kids become suicidal due to the images of “perfection” posted all over social media.

I believe social media contributes to teenage

depression and insecurity. Social media can lead to a negative

body image. Teens can look through their news feeds or timelines and see people that are “perfect” and it makes them look at themselves as a nobody or as if they are less than everyone else. I have friends that come to me on a regular basis asking things like “Why don’t I look like that?” or “What went wrong with my body?” I hate seeing all of my close friends hating themselves because they see people with the “perfect look.”

Teenagers use social media as a form of validation of who they are, but it is a horrible source of validation and this leads to insecurity. If a teen posts a picture and doesn’t get as many likes as they want, it hurts them. They want everyone to tell them that they are awesome and amazing by liking their pictures.

Social media is an opening for cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is a huge issue in America and it can lead to suicide and self harm. Many teens are exposed to cyberbullying on social media. Twenty-nine percent of teens admit to having posted mean info, embarrassing photos or spreading rumors about someone online. These actions lead to the ridicule and torment of others, which causes teens to be depressed.

Many teens say that they only use social media as a fun outlet and to relax, but they’re wrong because social media hinders teens more than it helps them.

To keep from being depressed by social media, students should pick up hobbies that will matter more to them than social media. Like, clubs, sports, community service and hanging out with friends.

Overall, social media greatly contributes to the insecurity and depression of teenagers.

Andrew [email protected]

Texans Talk is the student-run newspaper at Sam Houston High School. Publication began in 1963 under faculty supervision and transitioned to an online publication in 2012.

We publish weekly online except during holidays, summers and examinations. We serve over 3,600 Texan students, faculty, administration and the surrounding community.

Texan editors: Senior Vyveca Wiley, editor-in-chief, sophomore Andrew Mitchell, opinion editor, junior Carolina Ibarra, news editor. Texan reporters: sophomores Gloria Gatica, Daxjia Alford, Laura Perez I, Bithia Dantoumda, Jocelyn Escalona and Ruben Diaz, junior Latricia Ardison and senior Danielle Richards.

COLUMNIST: SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTES TEEN DEPRESSION

STAFF BOX

Texans TalkFall Semester 2015 Fall Semester 2015EDITORIALS EDITORIALS

By Gloria GaticaTexans Talk reporter

For many generations, men have been the “dominant” gender. In the past, many cultures and people’s beliefs have been about men being stronger. However, no matter how long ago that belief started, it continues today and many still think

men are better, stronger and more powerful. I am a feminist because I don’t think it’s

fair for women to have less rights or to have less opportunities. Feminism is the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social and economic equality to men. Many confuse feminism and misunderstand it, thinking women just want more power.

Many people still don’t understand the concept or the definition of feminism. They think feminism will raise women to power

and take power from men. If people would take a moment to research feminism, they’d know that women earn 78 cents for every dollar a man makes and even in the 10 top paying jobs they earn less.

A lot of people think all feminists are angry, or they all hate men. Well they don’t and they don’t all feel like the victim either. Some men are actually feminists too. And other men claim they feel “victimized” by feminists. I believe women have been in more situations where they were told they couldn’t do something or were forced to do something, by men.

Sexism has long existed, in big and small things. With ads, movies, tv shows, music, it has even been a tradition in many homes. This type of mentality has actually stuck on people, many still denying opportunities to women in jobs, education and even in what should be their personal choices. And some men still say they are, “not aware of a single area where women are disadvantaged relative to men,” like Mike Buchanan, leader

of Justice for Men and Boys. There are issues that only affect men,

there’s no doubt about that, but women continue to live at a disadvantage in most areas that men have made progress. The problem is that people ignore these differences.

For example, in many schools, girls are sent home for wearing skirts or “inappropriate” clothes that distract the learning environment. Many of those girls have claimed that the schools are giving more priority to the boys. Some girls in a Charleston County school have protested in hopes of establishing a fair dress code for them.

Female students, or anyone, shouldn’t give up on what they believe. If they want to wear a skirt at school without them being expelled or if they want to be paid as much as men then they should continue to stand up for themselves. They should not let anyone step on them and continue to fight for what they want.

Gloria [email protected]

FEMINISM STRIKES AGAINST MALE SEXISM

By Bithia DantoumdaTexans Talk reporter

I believe that students today, especially in the U.S. don’t know the true value of their education. Sure as a child you’re taught to stay in school, and read a lot of books, but rarely are you taught why you should be studying.

Most can remember kindergarten, the naps, the singing, the alphabet letters, and color worksheets, but it’s not commonly remembered that the teacher expresses to the students how blessed they are for the opportunity to come to school without being punished, threatened, or even killed for the attempt.

There are many reasons why all students should take their education seriously, but the three most important are their future, their role, and most importantly their overall privilege.

Without an education you still have a future, but a bright one is questionable. By disregarding or dropping out of school the chances of being hired or even taken seriously go out of the window. In rare cases people succeed, but it is very rare for one to start at the bottom with no need for education and not remain there.

In 2013, it was alarming to find that children, specifically coming out of fourth grade, from low-income backgrounds were 80 percent below reading level. Mathematically

alone, the U.S. has never greatly excelled in math leaving not much to be said.

Education should be valued not just because it brings knowledge, but because it keeps you from looking, or even worst, being ignorant. When America was first established, school did not even exist. Parents were obligated to teach their children at home, until certain individuals found education to be worthless and instead put their children straight to work. Sure that may have worked for a while, but they knew nothing, leading to zero growth. If a child goes through school thinking they’ll be successful, yet refuses to develop their unique giftings or ideas, they waste their time and lack experience for the field they hope to work in or even own in the future.

In 1642, an early law was established in the Massachusetts Bay Colony that stated it was the parental duty of teaching children “to read and understand the principles of religion and the capitol laws of this country.” It was noted that the law was not always enforced.

Overall, the type of education America has is a privilege. I can speak from experience that the technology provided, food served, and student rights far exceeds where I came from. Students here complain about what they can wear, what’s for lunch, and teachers being rude when in reality the student should be glad they even have the option.

In my opinion all privileges received here are much better than other nations. Rights like not having to wear uniforms, not having to buy practically everything to attend school let alone admission, and teachers having the right to humiliate you from pre-k all the

way up through high-school (and it’s not the simple calling you out when your hands not raised.)

I can’t speak for other nations, but I do know that in some parts of Africa if the teacher feels you have disrespected them they’ll often call you to the front of the class and ask you to do a series of humiliating tasks that get worse depending on whether the class is single gender or not.

Many say education is “a right” and that you don’t need it to be successful. To that I say no successful man or woman became a success through excuses. People need to grow some sense and realize that it’s better to sacrifice a decade studying what you want to do, then have a whole life to live ahead of them doing what they please. Making excuses now will only lead to regret and wasted years of experience.

United States students need to be thoroughly informed of the power they possess with an education. Even those who hate the U.S. or their ideas in general still send their kids to school because they know what their child can become in the future. Plus, compared to other nations, what they ask you to do in school is actually pretty simple and can be self taught.

Instead of making excuses, we should learn to sit down and create goals for our lives, whether that goal goes as far as owning a business or just being a stay at home parent. Education matters.

Bithia [email protected]

THE VALUE OF EDUCATION DIMINISHES IN AMERICA

“Continue to do your best in all things, your work doesn’t go unseen. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

Marcela Torres

SophomoreGloria Gatica

SophomoreAndrew Mitchell

SophomoreBithia Dantoumda

“Greatness awaits you; Attack the day!”Adrian Lacy

SOPHOMORE LAURA PEREZ I

SENIOR ERIC WARD

“This semester has been a ride! You’re halfway done with your senior year.

Keep up the good work and keep your heads up. Press through the work, it’s all worth it in the end.”

Makei Roberts

CLASS OF 2016!

“81 percent of online teens use

some kind of social media.”

Source: Pewinternet.org

Page 3: Semester newspaper - December 2015

By Daxjia AlfordTexans Talk reporter

The Texan cheerleaders competed in their first competition in 10 years Jan. 15 and 16.

The team practiced everyday after school to perfect their routine. They practiced on their motions and dance routine. The hardest exercise for the team to prefect was their motions because they had to focus on making sure they were all in sync and sharp.

“We did good, but I feel like we could’ve did better,” senior Andriana White said.

Senior Sade Woodard said the team overall did “pretty good.” The team placed 28th out of 89 teams. They hope to place higher next year.

“I learned that everyone knows how to come together and work well to perform and look good even under lots of pressure,” Woodard said. “I think if we would have went with a non-traditional fight song and used some signs and stunted, we may have ranked higher.”

Before the competition, senior Alejandra Escarzaja said this was her first competition prior to making the squad and she was nervous, but more excited.

“My biggest fear is dropping my flyer in

a stunt,” Escarzaja said.Woodard said she felt like all of the long

practices and hard work had finally paid-off.“I was fairly satisfied with our place

considering almost all the teams we went up against had lots of tumbling and fancy stunts in all of their routines,” Woodard said.

Coach Sherrill said they have to get better and stronger with their jump techniques.

“They performed very well for their first competition,” she said. “I was very proud of them.”

Daxjia [email protected]

By Jakera Williams-EnglishTexans Talk contributor

Given the loud sound of the crowd the Texans finish off a season of great ordeal.

Not being able to make it to the playoffs, the team has shown courage and strength after a hard season.

The season began with the Texans coming up short against the Manor Mustangs 46-28.

“The game was good we just didn’t execute all the plays we were suppose to execute,” senior Javonte George said.

Next, the Texans played their all time rival, the Bowie Volunteers, Sept. 24.

Unfortunately, the team didn’t take home the victory. The game ended 35-29. It has been 12 years since the Texans beat the Volunteers.

“I think it’s hard, but we still have to keep our head in the game, and keep pushing forward,” junior Damarcus Allen said.

The last game against the Lamar Vikings was a hard game to capture losing 6-41.

“It was tough, we had to play against Chris Owens,” junior Trevon Masson said. “I would like to change the outcome of the game.”

During the off-season they are planning to continue to practice in order to get into a

competitive spirit, so they could have open competition in spring.

“Right now we’re just working on getting the kids bigger, stronger, faster,” coach Ramon Stinson said.

Even though they suffered some defeats, they are very thankful for the support they

had at the games from the students and staff, the fans, especially when they played against Bowie.

Jakera [email protected]

Senior cheerleader Haide Gonzalez performing at North Crowley game in the AT&T Stadium.

CHEERLEADERS COMPETE AFTER 10 YEARS

By Bithia DantoumdaTexans Talk reporter

The boy’s varsity and junior varsity cross country teams fared well this season with varsity placing 2nd and junior varsity 4th in the district.

Coach Jaime Vasquez said the season was a big improvement for all runners.

As an athlete, especially a runner, conditioning the players is one of the most important issues the coach faces, and he believes it can only be improved through practice.

“We have prepared through the summer, and meet after school to practice almost every weekday, depending on the amount of meets we have that week,” coach Vasquez said.

He said going into meets each week and improving as a team also grows the expectation to be greater than before.

“I hope we improve on time, but we started off better than last year, ” junior runner Omar Herrera said.

Junior runner Ariel Alverez said he expected the team work hard and give it all they had.

“It was a great year,” Alverez said. “We learned a lot, like what to improve on for next year, and we went up against big schools.”

Bithia [email protected]

SEASON WELL DONE

Texans TalkFall Semester 2015 Fall Semester 2015SPORTS SPORTS

NEW AP LEARNS WHILE TEACHING OTHERSMcClendon, continued from page 1 TT: What subject did you teach? McClendon: I was a first grade teacher and I really only wanted to teach kinder-garten. I never got to do that. I was a first grade teacher and then I was an elementary counselor in Fort Worth. My first adminis-tration job was in Arlington at Shakleford and it was in junior high. So, I really thought that I would teach and then I saw some of the struggles that children and families had and I thought that counseling would be interesting. Now, it maybe one of my very favorite jobs and I thought that I would do that job all the way through. I thought that I would do elementary then junior high then high school, but it didn’t work out that way. When I got ready to move from elementary counseling to middle school counseling there where barriers every time. That’s when I decided to come to Arlington. I thought

well if I can’t become a middle school coun-selor in Fort Worth I’ll do it in Arlington. When I came over to Arlington there were lots of administrative positions available at the time. So, I ended up interviewing for As-sistant principal. By now I’ve done all levels in administration. TT: How long were you a teacher before you became a principal? McClendon: I was actually teaching for five years, which is not nearly long enough. There’s so much to know. So I’m just really learning all the time. I feel like my brain is growing now that I’m at Sam because it’s very different. So, I taught for five years, I was a counselor for four years, and I’ve been an administrator for 16. This is my sixteenth year as an administrator and I’ve been a learner that whole time. There’s so much to learn. I think that’s the best part of it all. TT: What were your first thoughts on becoming an associate principal? McClendon: You know what, I can’t

really answer that. I’m trying to think about that. I don’t think I can answer that because that has never been my true goal. I’m very people oriented and very results oriented. So, I always want to do what’s best for the kids all the time. I’m kind of like a ‘momma bear,’. I want to do what’s best for the kids at all time. So my question was “Where can I do the most work?” “Where can I make the most of a great impact on the kids in my community?” So, it wasn’t really about the principal piece for me. That was a really big decision for me, even when I came here, because I was an elementary principal and now I’m an associate principal, which is second in charge. So, going from first in charge to sec-ond in charge is a big change except for the fact that there’s still learning to do and work to be done. So it’s a good thing.

Vyveca [email protected]

Photos by alumnus Frank Sanchez

TEXANS REFLECT ON SEASON

Page 4: Semester newspaper - December 2015

“You are an AMAZING Teacher! Your ability to foster, mentor and develop great student leaders, debaters, and talent is a gift from God. Thank you for sharing your your many gifts with the students at Sam Houston.”

Mrs. Burch

MRS. CAROL LEA GROGAN

“Bernard, be blessed! God has given us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 15:57) Be the champion

He has ordained you to be! Proud of you,”Mrs. Burch

SENIOR BERNARD LEWIS

“Kaderra, God has created you with a great purpose! (Jeremiah 29:11). Work in your purpose and glorify

Him. Proud of you!”Mrs. Burch

SENIOR KADERRA HILTS

“Brittney, know that everyday God thinks of you. Every hour He looks after you. Every minute, He cares for you.

Because every second He loves you. I’m so very proud of you!”

Mrs. Burch

SENIOR BRITTNEY HORN

“Ty, you have grown into a great leader. Every word of God is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

(Prov. 30:5) You are destined for greatness!”Mrs. Burch

SENIOR TY MCPHERSON

“Vyveca, for you are God’s masterpiece, He created you in Christ Jesus, to do good things he has planned for you (Eph. 2:10). Work in His Plan! Proud of you,”

Mrs. Burch

SENIOR VYVECA WILEY

“To all my Spanish students...let’s finish the semester on a strong note! You all are awesome!”

Mrs. Weber

SPANISH STUDENTS

“Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven.

(Matt 5:16) Proud of you!”Mrs. Burch

SENIOR DANIELLE RICHARDS

“Noah, be fearless for God! If you seek the Lord, He will answer and deliver you!

Proud of the man God has grown you into,”Mrs. Burch

SENIOR NOAH NEWHOUSE

“To all of the AMAZING SHHS students!! Stay positive, keep working towards your goal(s)

and do the right thing. ALWAYS!!,”Love Ms. Vandergriff

SAM HOUSTON STUDENTS

“Miyah, no weapon formed against you shall prosper. You are God’s perfect daughter and he will use your life

for greatness! I’m super proud of you,”Mrs. Burch

SENIOR MIYAH FOLK

“Savannah, the Lord is with you. Do not be afraid. The Lord is with you. He is your helper! (Psalm 118: 6-7) Super proud of you!”

Mrs. Burch

JUNIOR SAVANNAH JACKSON

Texans TalkFall Semester 2015 Fall Semester 2015

SEMESTER SHOUT OUTS

Page 5: Semester newspaper - December 2015

Dear

Texan Readers,

We’re moving! Through a generous grant we

will move to a new web site this semester. Please

look out for more information as it comes.

For all the views and support Texans Talk

newspaper has recieved, we would like to say

thank you. Without your readerhip our online

newspaper would not have an audience.

This new web site will be bigger and better

than ever. It will allow us to post photo galleries,

student polls, entertainment news and TexanTV

videos. Please invite others to view our online

newpaper!

As always we want to hear from you!

Please submit story ideas or photos to us via

[email protected] need your help to keep

up with all the Texan news in our building!

Lastly, if you like to write stories, take

pictures, and be in the “know” about SHHS,

stop by room 1221 for an application to join the

newspaper staff next year.

Sincerely,

Texans Talk newspaper

Page 6: Semester newspaper - December 2015

TEXANS ON STAGE PRESENTS ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’

Texans TalkFall Semester 2015 Fall Semester 2015FINE ARTS FINE ARTS

Texans on Stage hosted its winter play ‘The Christmas Carol’ Dec. 5. “I want the audience to appreciate the actors time and talent,” theatre arts director Carol Lea Grogan said. “Also that the human race is more important because we have an obligation to help one another.” The play told students a classic tale and taught them the true meaning of Christmas. The play is based on the novel ‘The Christmas Carol’ that was written in the late 1800s by Charles Dickens. “I appreciate everything Carol Lea Grogan taught me and I will remember this experience forever,” junior Alfonso Zavala said. Returning actors included juniors Julie Tran and Jessie Matsumori. Junior Alfonso Zavala played the main character, Scrooge. “I want people to learn to help one another by giving other than receiving gifts,” Tran said. The crew created a backdrop with the help of IB art teacher Elizabeth Newman and drama teacher Maryanne Porter. Dr. Aletha Daniels, business teacher and soar director, and choir director Alexander Farr assisted with vocal instruction. The dean of instruction Dr. Chauncey Resse, assistant principals Pedro Cavazos and Dr. Angela Smith were actors. The play consisted of 34 students. After the play family engagement liaisons Roslyn Burch and Marcella Torres hosted a reception for the participants and the audience.

Page 7: Semester newspaper - December 2015

Texans TalkFall Semester 2015 Fall Semester 2015FINE ARTS FINE ARTS

Page 8: Semester newspaper - December 2015

FEBRUARY2 - Lady Texan basketball at 6 p.m.

2 - Boys basketball at 7:30 p.m.

2 - Boys soccer at 7:30 p.m.

5 - SAT Registration Deadline

9 - Baseball scrimmage at 6 p.m.

9 - Lady Texan basketball at 6 p.m.

9 - Boys basketball at 7:30 p.m.

9 - Boys soccer at 7:30 p.m.

12 - Sweetheart Dance at 8 p.m.

12 - Baseball scrimmage at 5 p.m.

12 - Lady Texan soccer at 6 p.m.

16 - Boys basketball at 7:30 p.m.

16 - Boys soccer at 7:30 p.m.

18 - Mardi Gras math night 5 p.m. Commons A

19 - Baseball scrimmage at 6 p.m.

19 - Boys Soccer at 7:45 p.m.

20- Texan Track meet at 7 a.m. at UTA

23 - Boys soccer at 7:30 p.m.

24 - Top 5 percent: Texas Christian University trip

26 - Lady Texan soccer at 5 p.m.

MARCH1 - Boys soccer at 7:30 p.m.

3 - Lady Texan track 7 a.m.

4 - ACT Registration Deadline

4 - Baseball game at 6 p.m.

4 - Lady Texan soccer at 6 p.m.

5 - SAT Test

7 - SHHS Open House at 6 p.m.

7 - SHHS Financial Aid Night TBA

8 - Boys soccer at 7:30 p.m.

10-12 - Baseball game 7 p.m.

11 - Lady Texan soccer at 6 p.m.

15 - Baseball game at 7 p.m.

18 - Baseball game at 7 p.m.

19 - Baseball game at noon

24 - Baseball game at 7 p.m.

APRIL1 - Top 15 percent: Freshmen University of Texas at Arlington trip

1 - Baseball game at 7 p.m.

4 - TOP 15 percent: Sophomore UTA college trip

6 - Step Show TBA

8 - SAT Registration Deadline

8 - Deadline to submit CEB requests

9 - ACT Test

15 - Baseball game at 7 p.m.

22 - Baseball game at 7 p.m.

29 - Baseball game at 7 p.m.

MAY1 - College Decision Day

5 - SAT Registration Deadline

6 - ACT Registration Deadline to submit CEB request

18 - Senior Awards Rehearsal at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Auditorium and cafeteria

19 - Senior Awards Ceremony TBA

28 - Texan Prom at 1010 Collins

JUNE2 - Graduation rehearsal at 10:30 a.m. TBA

5 - Graduation Day at 1 p.m. TBA

*All athletic events listed are home games

SPRING SEMESTER CALENDAR

Photos by Texan Student Media staffers

Texans TalkFall Semester 2015 Fall Semester 2015CALENDAR CALENDAR