When I sat down to take my math test last month, I stared at the first question a little longer than I should have. Around me, people had already started writing. And for a second, even though I had studied, it felt like I forgot everything. There have been times when I understood everything while studying, but during the test, I started second-guessing myself. Not because I did not know the subject but because suddenly, everything felt intense. And sometimes, that leads to small mistakes, the kind where you realize right after that you actually knew the answer. I am sure that happens to a lot of us.

There is a certain kind of pressure that comes with the word ‘test’. The kind where everyone feels a little more anxious than usual, checking answers again and again, staring at questions longer, wondering if they studied enough. Sometimes that pressure comes from things we can’t fully control like how a test is structured or how strictly it is graded. I feel it almost every time there is a test at school. At the same time, I have also seen people walk into tests so calm and confident. Different people handle the pressure differently. For me, it is usually the small things, a deep breath before I start, reminding myself I have prepared, or sometimes just talking it through with my parents or teachers beforehand.  

I remember one time we had a field trip, and the very next day was an important math test. One of my friends mentioned she was stressed because she did not understand a concept. So while we were standing in line for a ride, we just started explaining it using our hands, drawing it out in the air, kind of laughing while we figured it out together. It did not feel like studying. But somehow, it worked. She understood it. And honestly, I think we all remembered it better after that.

I also remember a friend who did not do well on a test, not because she didn’t understand it, but because she was sick. Afterward, she was really hard on herself, even though it was not completely in her control. That stuck with me. Because it made me realize how easy it is to look at a score and think it tells you everything about a person. But often, it does not. There is always more behind it, things people do not see. 

And I have realized something. Grades do matter. They can affect opportunities. But they do not measure everything. They do not show effort, growth, or the times you kept trying even when things did not go your way. And they definitely do not show who someone is outside of a classroom. 

At the end of the day, tests end. Scores come and go. But the effort you put in, how you handle things, and who you are, stays. And in those moments right before a test, when your mind goes blank for a second, you are probably not as alone as you think. A lot of people around you are feeling the same way. 

And maybe that’s something to remember not just about others, but about yourself too. Because sometimes, being a little more understanding matters. And being a little kinder to yourself matters even more.

At the recent SIMSEF Science Fair(San Bernadino, Inyo & Mono County Science Fair), Canyon Hills Jr. High was proudly represented by four students: Parthvi Naswa, Stephanie Lee, Shreyas Garg, and Janhavi Phirke. Competing alongside students from schools across the region, the group demonstrated impressive leadership, curiosity, and dedication while presenting their research projects. Each student explored a unique scientific challenge, with projects focused on environmental solutions and innovative technology.

Stephanie Lee presented her project, “Finding the Hidden Treasure Behind Green Waste – An Alternative Energy Source: Chlorophyll From Green Plant Waste.” Her research explored how chlorophyll extracted from plant waste could potentially be used as an alternative energy source. By looking at ways to repurpose organic waste that would otherwise be discarded, her project highlighted how everyday plant materials could play a role in more sustainable energy solutions.

Parthvi Naswa presented “Rebuilding Pyrogenic Soils; Evaluating Stress Impacts and Bioremediation Viability For Ecosystem Recovery” Her project focuses on how wildfires affect soil health and investigates ways to help damaged soil recover. By studying changes in soil properties and testing possible restoration methods, the research aims to support ecosystem recovery in wildfire-affected regions.

Shreyas Garg showcased his engineering project, “Electrostatic Cyclone, The Ultimate Indoor Pollution and Duster Buster” which functions as a specialized vacuum system designed to capture fine particles using electrostatic forces. His design combines principles of airflow and electrostatic attraction to improve particle collection, demonstrating how engineering concepts can be applied to help reduce airborne pollutants and improve air filtration.

Janhavi Phirke presented “Freedom From Microplastics,” a project focused on exploring different natural filtration methods to remove microplastics from water. By investigating materials and processes that could act as natural filters, her research highlights potential ways to reduce microplastic contamination and protect ecosystems.

Beyond their projects, the students represented Canyon Hills with professionalism and enthusiasm. They confidently explained their research to judges, answered questions thoughtfully, and demonstrated the hard work that goes into scientific inquiry.

Events like SIMSEF showcase the curiosity and determination of young scientists. Canyon Hills is proud of these students for representing the school and for pursuing research that aims to solve real-world environmental and technological challenges.

On March 4, students from Canyon Hills Jr. High’s LOTP (Leaders of the Pack) and AVID programs had the opportunity to take part in an exciting and memorable field trip to Disneyland. While the trip included plenty of fun and adventure, it was also an experience centered around leadership, teamwork, and learning outside the classroom.

Throughout the day, students explored the park in groups, experiencing some of Disneyland’s most well-known attractions while practicing the responsibility and independence that come with representing their school. The trip served as a reward for students who demonstrate commitment to their programs, while also encouraging them to build stronger connections with their peers.

LOTP students, who focus on leadership and service at Canyon Hills, had the chance to strengthen their teamwork skills while navigating the park together. Similarly, AVID students who are part of a program that prepares students for college readiness and academic success were able to enjoy a day that celebrated their hard work and dedication.

Beyond the rides and attractions, the trip also offered students the opportunity to develop important life skills such as communication, planning, and collaboration. Managing time, coordinating with friends, and making group decisions were all part of the experience.

Many students described the trip as one of the highlights of the school year. Sharing laughs on rides, enjoying favorite foods, and creating memories with friends made the day both exciting and meaningful.

Field trips like this remind students that learning does not only happen inside a classroom. Experiences that encourage teamwork, leadership, and responsibility help students grow in ways that go beyond academics.

The Disneyland trip was not just a day at a theme park, it was a celebration of the dedication and leadership shown by Canyon Hills students throughout the year. For everyone who attended, it was truly a magical day.

Coyotes Got Talent: Canyon Hills Students Shine on Stage

The auditorium at Canyon Hills Jr. High recently filled with excitement, music, and applause as students gathered for this year’s Coyotes Got Talent show. The event celebrated the incredible creativity and courage of students willing to step onto the stage and share their talents with the school community. From powerful singing to elegant instrumental performances and energetic dance routines, the night proved that Canyon Hills truly has talent.

One of the highlights of the evening was the variety of performances. Students demonstrated skills in singing, piano, violin, dance, and even original music, creating a program that kept the audience engaged from beginning to end.

The show opened with Ashley Esguerra, who delivered a beautiful vocal performance of “If Only.” Her strong voice set the tone for an evening full of impressive performances.

A standout collaborative act came from Stella Jeong and Kaylee Chu, who performed “Try Everything.” Their performance combined singing and dance, while Peyton Chen accompanied them on piano. The mix of choreography, vocals, and live piano made it one of the most dynamic acts of the night.

Another memorable instrumental performance came from Parthvi Naswa, who performed “Gavotte from Mignon” on the violin with piano accompaniment. The elegant classical piece demonstrated both technical skill and musical expression, adding a sophisticated moment to the program.

Dance also played a strong role in the show. Ceci Cao captivated the audience with a contemporary dance performance to “Do I Wanna Know?” Her choreography and expressive movement created a dramatic and artistic moment on stage.

Several vocal performances energized the audience as well. Kaylee Chu performed the well-known “Cup Song,” an entertaining act that combined rhythm and singing. Shreyas Garg brought nostalgia and enthusiasm to the stage with his performance of “I Want It That Way,” while Maddie Lee impressed the audience with her emotional rendition of “Hopelessly Devoted to You.”

Instrumentalists also shined during the event. Jolynne Fan performed a challenging Mozart piano piece, demonstrating impressive technique and precision. Olivia and Jonathan Chang performed “My Neighbor Totoro” as a four-hand piano duet, showing excellent coordination and musicality.

Another spectacular performance was by Valeria Castenada who sang and played the piano to “Rise Up” showcasing her perseverance and the our Coyote spirit of determination! 

Group performances added even more energy to the show. The K-Pop Club, featuring Lilly Su, Gail Sumethasorn, Hazel Win,  Alaina Hor, and Hailey Tran performed a dance to “Not Cute Anymore,” bringing excitement and strong choreography to the stage.

Later in the program, Stella Jeong returned to perform a beautiful vocal rendition of “How Far I’ll Go,” impressing the audience once again with her strong stage presence.

One of the most unique moments of the night came from Quetzalli Angulo, who performed an original song titled “Student’s Rhapsody.” Singing while accompanying herself on piano, she showcased not only musical talent but also creativity as a songwriter.

Events like Coyotes Got Talent remind us that talent is not just about skill, it is also about courage. Every student who stepped on stage demonstrated confidence, dedication, and the willingness to share something personal with the audience.

By the end of the night, one thing was clear: Canyon Hills students are not only talented, but also supportive of one another. The enthusiasm after each act showed the strong sense of community that makes our school special.

If this year’s talent show proved anything, it’s that the Coyotes truly do have talent and plenty of it.

Students from Canyon Hills Jr. High recently took meaningful action to support local wildlife through a Native Garden Planting initiative led by the Environmental Activists Club and Coyote Times. The project was completed in collaboration with Chino Hills Monarch Buddies, The Monarch Fellowship, and the City of Chino Hills, bringing together students, community organizations, and volunteers with a shared goal: protecting the critically endangered monarch butterfly.

As part of the project, students helped plant two native habitat gardens, one at Morningfield Park and another along the Madrugada Trail. Volunteers worked together to plant native plants and milkweed, which are essential for monarch butterflies. Milkweed plays a particularly important role because it is the only plant that monarch caterpillars feed on, making it crucial for the species’ survival.

By planting native species, the students are helping create habitats where monarch butterflies and other pollinators can find food and shelter. Native plants also support the broader ecosystem by conserving water, improving soil health, and providing resources for bees and other pollinators.

The planting events brought together students, families, and community members who worked side by side digging, planting, and preparing the garden spaces. Through this experience, students were able to learn more about environmental stewardship and how local actions can help address larger environmental challenges.

The group’s work has already received recognition in the community. Their efforts at Morningfield Park were recently featured in the Chino Valley Champion newspaper, highlighting the dedication of Canyon Hills students to protecting pollinators and improving local habitats.

Projects like these show how collaboration between students, community organizations, and the city can make a real difference. With these two gardens now planted, the hope is that they will grow into thriving habitats that support monarch butterflies and other pollinators for years to come while inspiring others to take action to protect the environment. 

If you would like to learn more about monarch butterflies and support us in these efforts, you can connect with the Chino Hills Nectar Buddies on Facebook or the Monarch Fellowship on Instagram.  The Monarch Fellowship

You can also take a look at the Chino Valley Champions for information about previous and future plantings. Resident on a quest to create Monarch path in Chino Hills | Community News | championnewspapers.com

Chino Hills Hotspots, by Gwen O’Dell (7)

Looking for a spot to enjoy traditional Vietnamese food? Then stop by Pho N Mor to enjoy delicious food by yourself or with your family!

Pho N Mor offers numerous types of traditional Vietnamese food such as pho, spring rolls, and other various types of Vietnamese food. Pho n Mor is my go to spot to eat dinner with my family since all the food is affordable and delicious. Since the weather is getting cooler, having a hot bowl of pho noodle soup can make you feel happy and warm inside and out throughout the day.

The hospitality at Pho n Mor is amazing since the servers are friendly and are willing to assist you. Once you order they serve the food quickly and efficiently while making sure the quality is still

Being able to eat out with my family is definitely a challenge, especially with my two younger brothers, but eating at Pho N Mor allows me to eat together with my family. Being a daughter in a busy family, it can be difficult for my family to enjoy a meal together, but with Pho N Mor, we are able to sit down and eat or pick up the food and bring it back home so everyone can enjoy a hot meal together. Pho N Mor is located at 3233 Grand Ave # A, near the Shopees so come on by to enjoy a meal. Pho N Mor is a great hotspot for Canyon Hills students and families to enjoy a heartwarming meal together.

School Dances: Nights of Memories, by Gwen O’Dell (7)

School dances are a tradition that have spanned from the late 19th century to our current day today! School dances are a fun way to spend time with your friends and connect with your fellow classmates. School dances may seem like a typical school get together on the surface, but when you go deeper into them they are so much more.

 At Canyon Hills the school dances have fun themes such as Howl-Ween Town in the Hills, and the upcoming Coyotes in Wonderland dance. These dances are held for students to dance and have fun, but if dancing is not your thing no need to worry. At Canyon Hill’s dances we offer many fun games and activities to participate in for candy and raffle tickets. Our school makes sure every student is involved whether you enjoy dancing on the dance floor or playing fun games to earn raffle tickets and candy!

School Dances raise funds for our school so we are able to create even more events for Canyon Hills to participate in! The tickets only cost five dollars, and for an evening of fun it is worth it! Contribute to Canyon Hills by attending Canyon Hill’s dances to have a fun evening full of cheerful memories!

The Health and Wellness of Canyon Hills Students, by Gwen O’Dell (7)

Junior High can be a rollercoaster of emotions for students. From seventh graders entering middle school, to eighth graders facing the struggles of applying to high school. The amount of stress middle school students face can greatly impact their mental health and performance in school. It is very important that you as the student take care of their mental health, but how do they do that? 

The students at Canyon Hills have many resources that they can look to whenever they need assistance or help. If there are any complications with grades then you can look to Mrs. Uhr who is available whenever you need her. She will talk to you and will give you great advice so you can improve your grades the best you can. If there are any complications with your mental health then you can look to Mr. Ramirez. He is our mental health counselor here at Canyon Hills and is always there for you. If you are feeling sad or need someone to talk to then you can always find Mr. Ramirez. These are our two counselors at Canyon Hills, but if you feel that you need to calm yourself down then there are tricks to do so.

There are multiple ways to calm yourself down, such as taking deep breaths, listening to music, and drinking water, but there are many other strategies to calm yourself down. One way is to count by twos so that your mind is focused on counting instead of the problem that could be stressing you out. A second way is by naming five things you see, four you feel, three you hear, two you smell, and one you taste. This will allow you to ground yourself and be aware of your surroundings. Finally, the third way you could calm yourself down is by box breathing, which is an inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, and hold for four seconds. This breathing technique will assist you in breathing in and out for extended periods of time to calm yourself down. 

Canyon Hills has many aids to help you as the student to navigate your mental health and to improve your wellness, but it is very important for you as the student to seek this help whenever it is needed. So, if you ever need help if it is very important you contact a guardian, parent, or teacher for help since they will always be there for you.

Mrs. Uhr’s Website

Mr. Ramirez’s Website

Poems about cats

I really like cats

I have two of my own

They like avocado

And are always meowing

They wake up too early

And scream when I am sleeping

But I still love my cats

I love them more than people

Tiptoeing through the hallways

Cats and their soft little paws

They make most worlds brighter

Like cherries on top

But not my world,

I am allergic

Maybe they just aren’t

My favorite topping

Cats are such cool creatures,

They sleep for so many hours

I am almost jealous

But I have better things to do

Every time I see one

It is always asleep

How come I can’t sleep that much

Honestly hypnotizing

Pink noses, sharp ears, and

Walks better than most models

The perfect companion 

In any mood, even the bad ones

It’s hard to think they’re not right for some

It’d be difficult to think 

That dogs are better than cats

Cats and their unique traits

So many of them

They can’t taste sweetness

Whiskers as sensitive as our own fingertips

Claws that retract

Did you know that

They have over a 100 sounds

To communicate?

They mostly use it to talk with us,

humans

1. Faker - Gordon Korman

The plan is -

Arrive in a new town.

Befriend everyone

Then, complete an operation.

Trey’s dad is a con man. A scammer. He’s stolen millions over the years. Travelling all over the States for new marks. His family moves from wealthy town to town, preparing the next greatest con. 

Trey’s responsibility is to befriend their kids. He goes to school everyday, to make fake friendships with everyone. 

Trey’s dad’s new scam is an EV, one supposedly capable of going hundreds of miles on one charge. It’s flashy and classy, meant to lure in the parents. His father poses as an important official from the fake EV business, selling fake stocks for hiked-up prices.

But, they may not be the only thieves in the town. The FBI starts digging around, and Trey has to really think if he wants the rest of his life just to play out like this. 

2. The Wild Robot - Peter Brown

Roz washes up onto an uninhabited island, barely understanding how she came here. She’s a robot, the only one who survived the rough landing onto this patch of land. The animals  are hostile, and she is overwhelmed by her new surroundings. 

The birds flock away from her, terrified. A bear chases her, causing damage to her outer shell and  accidentally kill a family of geese, except for one egg, that hatches quickly.

Roz decides to take care of this egg. 

3. Nicholas Nickleby - Charles Dickens

His father died years ago, and now it is time for Nicholas to find a job. His wealthy, and cold uncle, Ralph first offers him a teaching job in a boarding school, where the pupils are the unwanted children of busy parents.

  Nicholas meets a boy named Smike here, who has no idea who his parents are, and who has been stuck at the dreary place for the last few years. As Nicholas hates his job and Smike hates living there, they run away together. Nicholas finds employment at an office instead, and finally, he doesn’t have to worry anymore.

His uncle, however, is teaming up to steal a fortune away from a young woman and her deteriorating father, a plan that Nicholas’s acquaintances  are trying to stop. But Ralph has many resources, while Nicholas barely has a few cents to his name.

His uncle tracks him down soon, accompanied by an unfamiliar man claiming to be Smike’s father. 

4. Prisoner B-3087 - Alan Gratz

Yanek has lived in Poland all his life. He’s gone to the school everyday, surrounded by generations of his family.

Then the Nazis invade  in WW2. They separate him, placing him and some of his family members into ghettos, where there’s barely enough food to survive. His shattered family is forced to hide in a chicken coop, watching their neighbors get dragged away every day.

It’s not long until Yanek himself is boarded onto a train heading for a concentration camp.

Ten of them-Yanek goes between ten camps for several years, each day wondering if he’s going to survive. Even after an Allied victory is expected, he is forced on a death march, to walk miles every day, his only food coming from residents of other countries.

This novel is based on a true story.

The Festival of Arts, by Gwen O’Dell (7)

Art is the window into one’s mind. It allows humans to display what they cannot write or say.  For this reason you should attend the Festival of Arts Showcase. The Festival of Arts showcases the art of students from all the schools in the district. Anyone is welcome to attend the festival to admire amazing pieces of art made by students. This Festival is beautiful and displays all the student’s hard work and talent. The year I went I saw many pieces of artwork that bewitched me. The amount of time and energy that went into the artwork was seen and commended because of the showcase, and this is what makes the festival of arts worth visiting.

The art that is showcased at the festival is not only paintings but abstract pieces of art such as pottery and mosaics. The pottery and mosaic pieces are unique and tell a story with them. There was also a piece of art that stood out to me and it was creating art with pieces of food. There were pictures of the Mona Lisa made out of Jelly Beans, and even a picture of Lebron James made solely out of Pasta. There are so many unique styles of art, and they are all welcomed and showcased at the Festival of Arts showcase.

This is what the Festival of Arts is all about. Showcasing amazing students' art pieces for their hard work to be seen and admired. So, attend the Festival of Arts festival on February 23-25th to see the hard work and talent of the students of the Chino Valley Unified School District. 

The Festival of Arts Information

Our Coyotes’ Most Popular New Year’s Resolutions
- Parthvi Naswa

As the new year begins, students across campus have been sharing their goals, hopes, and intentions for the months ahead. During a recent lunchtime activity, students were invited to come up and write down their New Year’s resolutions, offering a  glimpse into what matters most to our Coyotes as we step into the new year.

From academics to athletics, mental health to personal growth, the resolutions reflected a desire to improve as well as take care of ourselves. Many students focused on building better habits, staying motivated in school, and finding balance between schoolwork and free time. Other resolutions shared goals focusing on confidence, kindness, and becoming the best version of themselves.

Some of the most common resolutions included getting taller, earning a 4.0, being kind, reading more, eating healthier, and being more physically active. Together, these responses show that although every student’s goals are unique, many of us are working toward similar aspirations.

The range of resolutions highlights the different passions and priorities within our school. Whether students are aiming for academic success, better health, or personal growth, these goals show a strong sense of motivation and optimism for the year ahead.

These resolutions serve as a reminder that a new year is not just about change, but about growth. As our Coyotes move forward, these goals represent determination, hope, and a shared commitment to making this year meaningful. What’s your New Year’s resolution?

This year will be better than the next,” is what I tend to say year after year. It’s hard to tell if it’s actually true, because it doesn’t seem like it. But 2025 was a different type of era–it represented my growth and progress. I expanded my musical skills and got into an orchestra as an extracurricular, got debate awards, and entered into writing competitions. Not every single one of these contests I would win an award, but it helped me realise that getting somewhere requires the need to start somewhere, even if that means under-performing or limiting my skills and abilities, I know I’ve improved in at least some sort of way because I made an effort. This year, 2026, my goal is to continue with a similar mindset. Hopefully this time my progress will be as clear as last year’s. One goal I have for this year would be reading a lot more. 2025 was a year where I discovered multiple authors who became my favorites. Some of my favorite authors include: Lynn Painter, and Ann Liang. My second goal is to excel in academics, and get the highest possible grades with my abilities. My third goal is to enter multiple writing competitions and grow effective in literature (poetry, fiction, essays, etc). I hope to create my own path in 2026, unique yet noticed by the people around me.

Ever wondered what it’s like to stand in front of an audience and make your case with confidence? The Debate Club gives students that chance, to speak, to persuade, and to be heard.

The Debate Club is where students come together to discuss ideas, sharpen their public speaking skills, and learn how to think on their feet. Members of the Debate Club meet regularly to prepare for tournaments, practice speeches, and refine their arguments. Each meeting is filled with energy, teamwork, and creative thinking as students work together to strengthen their speaking skills and confidence. Whether it’s researching evidence or rehearsing rebuttals, every Coyote learns how to think critically and communicate clearly.

“I love being part of debate club. Before I joined, I was very nervous about debate and in general speaking in front of people. Being in debate club has given me the confidence to speak up and put forward my arguments.” said Janhavi Phirke. 

“I love learning about what is going on in the world. Debate club is not just about learning how to argue but also about how to research and present your ideas in a structured way.” said one of the club members. 

Our teams proudly compete in the Inland Valley Debate League (IVDL), going head-to-head with other schools nearly every month. 

In our most recent competition, our Coyotes shone bright, earning six awards in total for their strong arguments and impressive teamwork.

In Debate Club, everyone has a voice, whether you’re the first speaker setting the stage, the second speaker backing it up with evidence, or the third speaker tying everything together in a powerful conclusion. Members learn leadership, confidence, and how to stay calm under pressure, skills that go far beyond the debate floor.

If you love discussions, public speaking, or even just arguing your point at the lunch table, the Debate Club is calling your name!

Come see why the Debate Club is one of the loudest groups on campus. Speak up, stand out, and lead the pack like a true Coyote! 🐾

Need a place to relax, catch up on homework, or just enjoy lunch with friends in a calmer space? That’s what Lunch Bunch is all about!

Every Tuesday and Thursday during lunch, students can head to Room 408 to eat, study, or simply hang out with friends while working on homework, all with the support of our amazing school counselor, Ms. Uhr! 

Lunch Bunch is open to all Coyotes,  no sign-ups, no pressure, just a friendly place to connect and recharge. It’s the perfect midweek break to help you feel refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your day!

📍 When: Tuesdays & Thursdays during lunch
📚 Where: Rincon’s room - 408
💬 Hosted by: Ms. Uhr

So grab your lunch, bring your friends, and join the Lunch Bunch! 🐾

Cafeteria Lunch By: Zoya Sharma (8)

Teachers may feel that students stare at the clock counting down the seconds for the end of the day; however, the majority of students are counting down the seconds to Lunch. Lunch is a time to relax, munch on food, sometimes a ton of snacks, or catch up with friends. Thanks to our “Lunch Bunch” supervisors, you can even catch up on homework.

Waiting in line for cafeteria lunch or making your own food, Canyon Hills lunchtime isn’t only a meal, it’s a break to catch up with friends, tell funny stories, dread doing your homework after school, and sometimes it’s a way to recharge before the next class and enjoy the rest of your day. 

At the World's Greatest Junior High, we have lots of options to choose from each day! From popcorn chicken bowls to pizza, our administration makes sure to provide an option for each student. 

Canyon Hills is known for its lunch games, as we always find a way to put a smile on our Coyotes' faces, thanks to our Leaders of the Pack students who plan and run our fun games. After a rough start to your day or maybe completing a 30-minute run, playing one of our games, such as musical chairs, with your friends will surely relieve some stress! Being stress-free can help you perform better academically and help your mental health, a win for everyone! 

So remember Coyotes, the next time the lunch bell rings, make sure to enjoy your time because our admin works hard to make it enjoyable, and we should do our duty by playing hard and making unforgettable memories! 

Yom Kippur and Diwali: A Season of Reflection and Light 🌟

With cooler weather, fall comes, and celebrations of rich themes of the season, personal reflection, and rejuvenation. The holidays of Yom Kippur and Diwali bring an opportunity to learn about religion and culture. 

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year in the Jewish calendar. It is the close of the "Days of Awe," which are ten days beginning with Rosh Hashanah, or the New Year. The day is about prayer, atonement, and a time for individual reflection. It is another new year, or new beginning. Most people will spend hours sitting in the synagogue for services, seeking forgiveness while also setting intentions for the next year. One of the traditions is a fast for 25 hours, abstaining from all food and drink. It is a challenging way but provides the opportunity to focus on the spirituality that comes into play on the holiday. It is also a heavily community-oriented holiday, and much of the holiday is about being in prayer together. The holiday ends dramatically with a loud blast of the shofar (ram's horn) signaling the end of the fast, followed by a wonderful meal with family and friends. 

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by the Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists. Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness, a symbolic way of "lighting" a new or better path to the future. Some attribute the holiday to personal victories of enlightenment and others use the holiday to celebrate new beginnings. Tradition usually includes making sweets with families and practicing selfless service, to name a few, as well as colorfully decorating with lights and traditional colors. Families also focus on pooja, or worship together, and are involved in meaningful acts of charity to help families or individuals in need in a community by fostering a spirit of shared celebrations. 

From the reflection and atonement of Yom Kippur to the vibrant lights and joyous victory celebrated during Diwali, we explore the deeply meaningful traditions that shape these distinct global communities.

April Fools’ is Always a Fun Time of the Year, but Sometimes, Things Get Out of Hand . . .

Five years ago, when I was a young, innocent, and honest-to-goodness really gullible little third grader, my older brother decided to play the worst prank in the history of pranks. And when I say it was bad, mark my words, you should believe me. My family loves to pull pranks on April Fools’ Day and they can get as hectic as  a spider in your breakfast, but this was a whole different level. No need to go into too much detail about what happened, but just know that the end result was me covered in gooey bug guts and a trip to the doctors.

But, now, I’m a smart thirteen year old and I’m NOT falling for those pranks again. This year is the year that I get back at my brother, and get revenge for my tiny, insecure little eight year old self.

So the grand day of the prank, of course April 1st, I woke up feeling as prepared as I could be. Getting ready, I wore my lucky red jacket and a devious smile, waltzing out of my room to prepare the prank, which I like to call THE GREAT AWAKENING. 

Trying to be stealthy, I crept out of my small, end-of-the-hallway room, and passed all my relative’s bedrooms, which means there was a looooooong hallway. Passing my grandfather’s room first, I heard a thundering snore that I was surprised didn’t wake the entire house up. Then, past my parents, a quiet oasis in the middle of the tornado next door. Past my little twin sisters’ room, but of course they weren’t sleeping. You could hear them playing tag from a mile away, their little shrieks echoing. And finally, I reached my destination, my brother’s room, which- not to my surprise- was filled with the early day noises of him trying to beat another level of.. what-ever game he was obsessed with. 

“Okay,” I whispered to myself, “The second the timer starts, you bolt back to your room and pretend that you were sleeping this entire time.” 

Quickly and quietly, I pulled a little plastic mechanism from my pocket. It was filled with green looking smoke, and whatever other stinky stuff I could shove in there. Kids, don’t try this at home. EVEN IF I DID!

“One, Two, THREE!” I quietly shouted, tossing the little smoke bomb through the small crack in the door and  sealing the BEST prank in April Fools history.

Or so I thought . . .

You see, I did get back to my tiny little bedroom, switch off the light of my bedside lamp, and bury myself under mounds of gray blankets. But that’s when the chaos started. 

“AHHHHHHH! WHO PUT A STINK BOMB IN MY ROOM!?” The bomb had done its job. Sweet revenge compl-

Just as I was celebrating my well deserved victory, a head-ringing BOOM came from down the hall. Something was beeping off the charts and the air reeked of burning metal. My grandpa was hollering something about the world ending and my sisters were having, honestly, way too much fun dancing around in the smoke.

Shocked, I emerged from my room to find absolute havoc. My mom was leading my grandpa and sisters out of the hall and into the dining room where the air was clear, while my dad was trying to shut off the smoke detector, which honestly was him aggressively banging some buttons. They seemed to have everything under control, so I just went along, pretending that I had NO idea what was happening. 

But of course, my angry, panicking, sharp-eyed brother caught the guilty look in my eyes. He called me out and I unwillingly confessed my crime. Apparently, the stink bomb had startled my brother so much that he knocked his glass of water onto his computer. The computer started smoking and now was a melted hunk of metal, glued to his desk. 

So of course I was scolded and grounded for a month. The laptop had to be pried off my brother’s desk and I had to refund him all the money for the computer. This prank didn’t go too well, but maybe next year. . . ?

We’ve all done it before. Whether it be a good ol’ cheeseburger or fresh roll of sushi, many of us have ordered take-out food before. It’s quick, inexpensive, and convenient if your dining experience is on the go. What could possibly be bad about it? In 2018, food-waste (prominently that of restaurants) made up 24% of all waste in landfills. And not only that, the excessive packaging of most restaurants that offer people take-out food adds only more. Paper, another one of the most common objects in landfills, is unsurprisingly what this excessive packaging is made of. But at least it's biodegradable, right?... Plastic, on the other hand, is also often used in to-go packaging, and it is anything but biodegradable. Landfill leaks only cause plastic to further harm the environment, and eventually, make its way back to our plates. What can we do? 

Home-cooked meals can definitely ease the load. If possible, we as students could refrain from eating pre-packaged foods and other portable meals to take on the go. While yes, it is quicker and more convenient (to us, not to the planet), it comes at a cost in the long run. In addition to this, we can also avoid take-out food unless absolutely necessary. If there is the option to eat something homemade rather than get take-out, the more environmentally friendly choice would be to enjoy a homemade meal. While both of these habits seem insignificant, if every student at school was to follow them, perhaps we could influence the full district, and after influencing the district, these actions will only become more and more impactful. So, coyotes, let's take the first step, and look towards a greener future! 

The Canyon Hills Coyotes basketball teams had an incredible season, finishing undefeated! Both the boys’ and girls’ teams dominated their last four games, taking down Townsend, Briggs, Woodrest, and Cal Aero with impressive wins.

From the first game to the last, the Coyotes played with skill, teamwork, and determination. Fans packed the stands, cheering them on as they made big plays, hustled for every point, and never backed down.

The girls’ team showed amazing teamwork, making quick passes, sinking tough shots, and playing strong defense. Their energy and focus kept them in control of every game.

The boys’ team played fast and aggressive, driving to the hoop, grabbing rebounds, and hitting clutch shots. Their intensity on both offense and defense made them tough to beat.

With every game, the Coyotes proved they were a force to be reckoned with. Their hard work and dedication led them to a perfect season!

Congrats to our Coyotes for an unforgettable season and for representing Canyon Hills with pride!

⛹️‍♀️⛹️🏀