By: Ezra Agabra, Chess Investigator

March 7th, 2023

32ND STREET USC MAE- Chess. It’s a game of strategy and critical thinking to win. Game play is easy to learn and any beginner can start learning to play at any time. What is difficult about chess is that you need to be five steps ahead of your opponent at all times. You need to know all the different paths your opponent can take against you, which moves will be to your advantage and which will be to your downfall, etc. Chess is easy to learn, yet it is difficult to master. No one would have ever thought that a game like this would become popular with high school students here at 32nd street. All of a sudden, Chess has become extremely popular over the past school year.

Students all around the high school area have been seen playing chess, whether it be on a physical board or playing on what is called Chess.com. Chess.com, described by Christoper D. Salas, is “a website that allows beginners to figure out chess at their own speed and at their own experience. With all the tools provided by Chess.com, it makes learning chess not only more accessible to beginners but just in general a lot more fun.” This makes it much easier for people to learn and play at their own will. Because Chess.com is accessible on many devices including but not limited to smartphones, personal computers, and district-provided laptops or computers, people have begun to play whenever they have downtime during class or on campus. Derek Zhang, Club President of the Gator Chess Club at the University of Florida had this to say about the popularity of Chess.com and the influx of new players, “Chess grew a lot during COVID because people had a lot of time at home and it’s very easy to open up a game online…” Wolpert, another member of the club added, “I think in this age of social media and TikTok, people are very big on seeing things and hopping on trends,” Wolpert said. “For myself, I saw one video on it, started playing it, all my friends started playing with me and it just became a big thing.” Both of these quotes come from wuft.org.

During the COVID pandemic, Chess.com became popular with streamers and the Twitch community. People enjoyed watching streamers play chess against other people and decided that they wanted to play as well. Now, people everywhere are playing Chess.com. This includes during class here at school. It seems like almost everyone is playing this game! This student, Oscar Morales, has never played chess, whether it be on a physical board or digitally, and just doesn’t understand the hype behind the game. He believes that the game is a distraction from work, saying this, “[students] are playing the game during class; they’re not even paying attention to what they’re supposed to be doing.” Oscar has no idea how the game of chess actually works. Yet, he believes that no student should be playing the game on chess.com at all here on campus. “They should not be playing at all here since it’s hindering the interaction between people and each other since they’re so focused on a screen playing a game. None of them are interacting with each physically.” He even says he’s noticed that people have been accumulating missing assignments due to playing chess.com.

Considering all this, we have a chess tournament coming up here at school run by Ms. Andrade. She noticed the popularity of chess early on and decided to run a tournament. Going back to what Oscar had said about how students should not be playing chess here at all, I believe that he specifically meant on chess.com and during class. Having a real tournament here being played on physical boards is a good thing. I think it also brings up another issue Oscar had. He says that students don’t interact with each other because they’re busy looking at their screens, well this solves that problem. Now they get to sit face to face and play with each other in a room with a real board. Ms. Ng also had some comments to make saying “it’s turned into an issue in regards to students playing it in class. I can’t even fathom, sometimes, the amount of students who are on chess.com playing during class.” I asked her how often she sees students playing and before I could even finish my question, she answered, “Every class, every day, multiple students per class.” She never would have thought that the game would become popular with high school students and she believes that because the website is not blocked by LAUSD, it has gained traction among students because it is something else they can do here. She says all this but she isn’t completely negative about the game. “I do think, as far as games go, that it would be a good game for students to play but there’s a time and a place. The amount of times students have chess.com opened up on their laptops while I’m lecturing or while they’re supposed to be working on other assignments is the problem. Chess in and of itself is not bad. I think it’s actually a pretty good game, as far as stretching your mental capabilities and whatnot. It’s just a matter of time and place.” I asked Ms. Ng if she thought things would be different if the site were blocked. She said very hesitant at first, “Yes, but I don’t think that continuing to take things away from students is the right avenue to go down…” “students need to learn how to exercise some self-control and responsibility…” “Taking it away only takes away a learning opportunity and also creates more tension between students and teachers, tension between students and school, class, etc.” 

Ms. Ng is torn between her two feelings on the subject. She does believe and see that it has become an issue in class, but she also does not believe that taking it away from students is the right and good idea. She brings up the fact that good things are coming out of it like the chess tournament I already briefly mentioned. However, she also says that the areas we should all be focusing on in this situation is teaching students accountability, responsibility, and that there is a time and a place for everything. She also notices a lack of interest in school in general from students and says that it’s “really unnerving because school is about the students and your learning, preparing for your future, creating something for yourselves to take with you…” “…the lack of acknowledgement of that is what I think we should be focusing on.”

So, chess. It’s become somewhat of an infestation in the school here, as well as many, many other schools around the country and probably in other countries too. Although it has become a problem in class, the game itself is good for students. Now they just need to learn some self-control because taking it away from students all together will create more anger, tension, and resentment among students toward teachers and the district, and no one wants that. So we should use this as a learning tool, as Ms. Ng had said. We should keep the ability to play, but we should use it wisely; play only when it is appropriate and especially not when our teachers are teaching us directly. If the chess tournament goes well, we should have more opportunities to play here at school like that.

By: Zoey Cathey, School News Reporter

February 16th, 2023

32ND STREET USC MAE - This season the girls' basketball team made school history! Since last season, the team has grown. The team consists of eleven, lovely, young ladies from various grade levels. They won thirteen games and lost three. Our team finished second in their league! 

The team does not rely on anyone; there is no I in team, and they always prove it on the court. Mr. Llamas and Mr. Coleman, their incredible coaches, were able to lead the team to victory. Valerie Garcia, Iliana Perez, and Kadlyn Giron are three players to keep an eye on. They are the best shooters on our team, averaging 10-15 points per game. The team made the playoffs once again this season, but they were eliminated in the first round, effectively ending the season for 22-23.

The girls’ basketball team defeated Central City, one of the toughest teams in their league, 30-15 points. It was one of the most challenging games yet, but they didn't stop there, they kept going. This was the first time our girls’ basketball team had ever defeated Central City. The team's goal this year was to beat Central City and Downtown Business Magnet, but they were unable to conquer both. They gave it their all and tried their hardest. Despite the fact that the season is over, the team had an incredible season. This has been their best year yet with having only one senior, four juniors, and five freshmen. Even though in the end they lost their senior that didn't stop them.

The team rose to the top of the league this season. They were so close to victory, but ultimately this was not the year. They look forward to taking on the competition next season. The coaches have helped them get to where they are now. Next year we all know that they will be able to accomplish all of their goals. We can't wait to see how good they will become. We are rooting for you!

By: Ashley Hernandez and Desiree Godinez, School News Reporters 

November 17th, 2022  

32ND STREET USC MAE -  The Trojan boys’ basketball season will begin with their first preseason game on November 17, 2022, at Salesian Family Center. This is an exciting start to their first season after taking a break from basketball for a whole year. The boys’ basketball team has a total of 13 boys plus Coach Ashley. Starting the season off strong with 3 preseason games that they will learn from in order to become a better team. This season will be one to remember so let's get a word from the captain and coach of the basketball team.

Coach Ashley plays a big part in the boys having a team this season. Stepping up to the plate after not finding a coach, they were able to have a team because of him. Let's see how the Coach feels about this year. We conducted an interview and asked him the following questions about the upcoming season. ¨How do you feel about being a coach for the first time?¨ to which he responded, “Honestly I was nervous and apprehensive about it, but over time I got used to being with the kids. I really enjoy working with my team because I have a good team. However, the first time I coached I was a bit nervous”. The next question we asked was, ¨Why were you interested in being the coach?¨ to which he responded, ¨I was interested in being the coach because I like basketball and it's also another avenue for the students. Not only through basketball but through mentorship as a coach to help them in their classes and keep them focused. This way they are determined to not only do good in school but also in basketball.¨ We also asked the question, ¨What do you expect from the boys in the upcoming season?¨ he responded by saying, ¨I think it's going to be a good season truthfully but they have to work through their doubts and immaturity. It should be a good season and I expect a lot from the boys.¨ The last question we asked was ¨Do you think the boys are ready for the season to start, why or why not?” to which he responded, ¨If they are not ready they need to get ready but I do think they are prepared. I think they are a bit nervous but they won't let me know but overall I think they're excited.¨

Before the season starts, let's take a look at how the basketball captain, Anthony Tobar feels about this season. We asked him about the team this year to which he responded ¨I feel excited about the boys having a basketball team this year because it will give our school another opportunity in winning something by letting our boys show their skills and have fun competing for it.¨ The next question we asked was, ``Why were you interested in being on the basketball team?” to which he responded, ``I was interested in being on the basketball team not only because I enjoy playing the sport. I am always willing to try new things and I’m excited to try high school basketball. Not only that but I wanted to be a part of the comeback year for our boys’ basketball team.¨ We also asked the question, ¨What do you expect from the boys in the upcoming season?¨ he responded by saying, ¨I expect this year's basketball team to be one of the best basketball teams the school has had. We will have our problems since the team is young but we do have the skill level to be one of the best.¨ The last question we asked was ¨Do you think the boys are ready for the seasons to start, why or why not?” To which he responded, ¨I think the team is ready to start the season but we will struggle in the first couple of games. The team will be nervous but we will see what we’re up against and we will learn and improve on our mistakes for when league games come around.¨

Now, let's get to know our Boys’ Basketball Team: #1 Luis Rubio (Sophomore), #4 Daylun Hernandez (Junior), #5 Mathew Ramirez (Junior), #10 Andrew Johnson (Freshman), #12 Adrion Gilbert (Freshman), #13  Juan Rosas (Junior), #14 Anthony Tobar (Junior), #15 Alexander Cortez (freshman), #20 Aiden Godinez (Freshman), #21 Myles Morrow (Junior), #23 Cody Cartier (Junior), #44 Andre Edwards (Sophomore) and Jeremiah Smith (Freshman).

We wish the boys the best of luck and hope that they make the school proud. Being their first year playing they have a lot of people doubting them. However, we hope they are able to prove them wrong by moving on to the playoffs. This will show their doubters the hard work and dedication the boys have put into improving their team. We anticipate a good season and that they will continue to show their best efforts on the court.

By: America Cabrales and Alexis Garcia, School News Reporters

November 17th, 2022

 32ND STREET USC MAE - Students at 32nd USC MAE take a closer look at the clubs for this year. We interviewed the leaders of each club. Our school has different lunch events every year but Club Rush Day always draws a crowd! Students walk around during lunch, and are able to look and learn about the different clubs that are available. During club rush, students can sign up for clubs where they learn to do specific things or just have fun or just to make new friends. Clubs are great if you're looking forward to any of those things. Today we are here to tell you about 3 different clubs and possibly what their future plans are. 

The Rock Club is a club that many people want to join, especially if they want to learn how to play instruments, build their friendships, or do performances during lunch. We interviewed Mr. Choi about the Rock Club. Rock Club was a former student's idea, 7 years ago. Mr. Choi had students who brought their guitars to class and play during lunch time. Mr. Choi suggested to the students that they should start a club and that’s how the club came to be. This club actually doesn’t have a future plan for the next couple of years. The students are the ones who take the lead and decide for themselves what they want to do throughout the time they are in the club and what they want it to look like. “Some years this might look like students have two performances every month. Other years I've had students where they do one performance every few months and that's fine, whatever the students want to do, it's just a matter of what direction students take,” stated Mr. Choi. In Rock Club, Mr. Choi wants the students to feel comfortable with the instrument that they are learning and wants them to contribute in some performances even if it’s just them performing solo, together as a band, or just helping to get equipment ready for performances as a team. “Most likely I would like to see the students perform because it would be a great experience to perform in front of an audience and to demonstrate what they learned and to know how it feels to get the appreciation of the audience.”

Coding Club is a club that’s been pretty publicized at the school, but not a lot of people seem to know what Coding Club is about. We had an interview with the president of the Coding Club, Mohamed Amin. The Coding Club is about teaching everyone at this school on how to build websites using HTML, CSS and Javascript (HTML provides the fundamental framework for websites, which other technologies like CSS and JavaScript then improve and alter. Layout, formatting, and presentation are all managed via CSS. Different elements can have their behavior changed using JavaScript.). There’s been low increase engagement in STEM. “Ever since last year we founded the Trojan Coding Club in order to help expose others to complete our science concepts and also team building schools in order to make a more collaborative environment. The club's upcoming plans is to hold a professional website… currently we’re learning CSS, we just got done learning about HTML so next what we’re going to do is actually build a professional website where people can showcase their different talents through coding websites,” said Amin. Next year, they have a competition with two other schools, where they are going to take the skills they learned, compete with them and win prizes. A question we asked was “What is something you wish for all students in this club to experience?”, Mohamed wished for all the students in the club to be able to work in teams of four and be able to learn all types of skills they can use in everyday life because coding is the future and computer science/programming is going be used everywhere in the next couple of years, “I’m hoping they’re going to use these skills to thrive in those environments.”

Book Club is a club where you read books and discuss your thoughts. It gives you the opportunity to get to know many people from different grades. In the club, they read a couple chapters of a book and discuss it as a big group in the school library. Then once they're done reading the book, they take suggestions from the club members, and vote on which book to read next. We interviewed the club leader, Paola Rosas, and asked what she enjoyed most about the club. She enjoys seeing everyone getting to know each other, and she has seen people who have never talked before, interact with each other and have a great time. She said “The atmosphere of the club is chill, and not so serious because everyone is laughing and having a good time and also eating snacks”. Paola states that “I wish for them to experience reading in general. Some of them are super into it and others kind of want to get into it. So I hope that they enjoy reading and discussing and, I like thinking deeper about the books that we do read.”. Upcoming plans for this club is that they are going to start reading “Six of Crows” and talk about it. Paola hopes that the students will keep the clubs a safe place for anyone because that’s the whole point of the club. “I hope that they will keep it like that and like to make it a place where everyone feels welcome even if they don’t like reading a book every week.”.

All of these clubs are absolutely fantastic. Now, even though we weren’t able to interview all the clubs at school, at least we were able to interview 3 clubs. We recommend you check these clubs if you're looking for new activities to do at school or to interact with people and make new friends. There are plenty of other clubs at the school too and we hope you can check them out when you're able too.

By: Breezeda Giastardo and Kevin Licona, School News Reporters

November 17th, 2022

Do you wonder what will happen once the school gets renovated? Where will you go to class during the construction? We were also curious about what would happen once the school gets renovated and how it would affect the students. We were given the opportunity to interview Mr. Kehrley about the school’s renovation. We have information about the reconstruction of our school that we think you’ll want to be informed of.

These are the questions we asked him and the answers we got. The first question we asked was “When are they going to renovate the school?” and Mr. Kehrely mentioned to us that in 2023 we will have a regular school schedule throughout the year. They’ll be relocating facilities that would possibly be more accommodating to our elementary students. Their objective is to have our middle school students and high school students stay at campus during construction.

The second question that we asked was “How long is the renovation going to take?”. He told us the deadline for how long the renovation would take is about 7 years, from start to finish. We were curious about how badly the students would be affected by the renovation. Mr. Kehrley told us that it’ll be unnecessary to relocate our elementary students at this point. Which is the information that they received on the other campus in order for them to begin the construction. The elementary students will stay on campus for now.

 What will be new to the school after the renovation is complete is that the existing high school which will be the only building remaining will be converted to a middle school and will have a brand new elementary and comprehensive high school building that will be located on 32nd street. Another important thing that led up to the renovation is that the majority of the buildings are bungalows and they think it is time for the students and staff to be provided a more dignified facility.

Lastly we asked, “Which buildings will be renovated?” The response was, the main office, the elementary building and all the bungalows will be removed. The only one remaining is the high school building which will be converted into a middle school building. That's all the information that we got from Mr.Kehrley about our school's renovation. In the end we won't be crowded anymore. So far this is the only information we were told but that's all the information that we have for now, if there's any information we will be sure to keep you guys updated.