During February’s Core Council meeting, Student Council amendments proposed by Alex Gough are set to undergo voting. These amendments aim to implement stricter regulations on club funding requests, including a mandatory fundraising threshold and limitations on holding multiple leadership positions within the school council. Additionally, the prohibition of Core Council members from simultaneously serving as Student Council representatives ensures fair representation and opportunities for all students. Core Council met with school board member Terese Jones. Some councilors say the meeting left more questions than it answered. 

Core Council is preparing to invite High School Coordinator, Nikki McFarland, to help answer their questions. In a recent school board meeting, the district's dire financial situation took center stage as officials disclosed a staggering $10.3 million deficit. To address this shortfall, decisions were made to cut the AVID program and increase class sizes, sparking concerns among students and faculty alike. The administration has aptly managed this deficit. The current proposal has the brunt of the cuts placed on the district office and not as much on student support staff and programs. While we will still see the effects of these changes at Crescent Valley, it is comforting to know the district is reevaluating top-heavy administration before student support.

During February’s Core Council meeting, Student Council amendments proposed by Alex Gough are set to undergo voting. These amendments aim to implement stricter regulations on club funding requests, including a mandatory fundraising threshold and limitations on holding multiple leadership positions within the school council. Additionally, the prohibition of Core Council members from simultaneously serving as Student Council representatives ensures fair representation and opportunities for all students. Core Council met with school board member Terese Jones. Some councilors say the meeting left more questions than it answered. 

Core Council is preparing to invite High School Coordinator, Nikki McFarland, to help answer their questions. In a recent school board meeting, the district's dire financial situation took center stage as officials disclosed a staggering $10.3 million deficit. To address this shortfall, decisions were made to cut the AVID program and increase class sizes, sparking concerns among students and faculty alike. The administration has aptly managed this deficit. The current proposal has the brunt of the cuts placed on the district office and not as much on student support staff and programs. While we will still see the effects of these changes at Crescent Valley, it is comforting to know the district is reevaluating top-heavy administration before student support.

Crescent Valley's student government has been busy planning events and tackling issues to enhance our school experience. At a recent meeting on January 19th, they discussed important matters like amending the constitution and organizing upcoming events such as basketball games and the talent show.

Despite facing communication challenges with their school board mentors, our student leaders are working diligently to address concerns and improve collaboration. Efforts to create a Core Council website and plan bonding events demonstrate their proactive approach to overcoming obstacles.

As we anticipate and host events like prom and the March Madness basketball tournament, it's clear that our student government is dedicated to making our school experience memorable. Their hard work and commitment to serving the student body deserve recognition. We eagerly look forward to the positive impact of their initiatives in the coming months.

In addition, two council positions have opened up. They are Spirit Commissioner(s) and Mental Health Coordinator. Both councilors in these positions will serve for second semester. Go to your school email to find the application and nomination details.

At the November Student Council meeting, Casa Musica secured $200 for an accompanist, while Robotics, aiming for $500, had their motion tabled due to budget constraints.

In other updates, winter events, like the December pep assembly, will focus on community building, featuring engaging activities and rising participation in the talent show auditions.

Efforts to boost meeting attendance were discussed, including roll call voting, while upcoming events like the Secret Snowman gift exchange and the successful Senior Flag Football reflected the school's vibrant spirit. The Student Council remains committed to supporting diverse student interests while fostering a unified school community, a sentiment echoed in their dedication and collaborative approach in these meetings.

The Republican Primary

By Clarence Fernando

About the Race

There is less than one year to go before the 2024 Presidential Election. Some argue that it could be the most influential election of the century. The winner will have the power to change America’s future. The two big parties, the Republicans and Democrats, have already started turning the gears of the campaigning process. Current President Joe Biden looks like the most likely Democratic Nominee. But on the right side, a fray of candidates have thrown themselves into the GOP primary race, hoping to win the hearts and minds of voters. This is important, as only 40% of Americans approve of Biden’s presidency. This gives a republican candidate a chance to take back the white house. But it is not an easy process. The Republican party has to choose one individual, to represent and lead their party into what could be the most tumultuous election ever. As voting for these candidates begins in some states, let’s look at the top candidates and where they stand. 

Donald Trump

He may easily be one of the most famous people alive in the US today. His potential involvement in the historic January 6th Riot and having 4 separate indictments, which no past president has ever had, has vaulted him to the top of American political coverage. But despite this, it hasn’t stopped republican voters from backing the former president, who promises to “Make America Great Again.” His base extends far and deep into the Republican bloc, as more than half of the Republican base supports him. His goal: is to lead our country back to Safety, Prosperity, and Peace. Trump’s extremist views on key republican issues have many Democrats worried. His loud rhetoric on “Crooked Joe Biden” has had many Republicans cheering his name. Trump’s stronghold on the republican party has never been more powerful, with even some people claiming that they’d sacrifice their lives for Trump. But not all Republicans like Trump. There’s a small group of Republicans that could manage to strip the former president of his power and glory.

Nikki Haley

Besides Trump, Nikki Haley is the only other candidate who has seen a boost in support. Nikki Haley has proven herself to be a formidable adversary and a strong leader. An Indian American and the only woman in the primary field, she has set herself apart from other candidates. But only polling around 15%, she has a long way to go to overtake Donald Trump. But her support is growing and gaining momentum. With solid debate performances under her belt, many Republicans have been expressing interest in her campaign. Her past experiences in the UN have given her a strong background in dealing with foreign affairs and her unique stance on abortion has appealed to many voters who don’t want Trump. Despite being behind the front-runner, Trump, she has refrained from directly criticizing him. Her background has appealed to many voters, especially women.

Ron Desantis

Once thought to be a potential challenger to Trump, Ron Desantis is slowly falling into the shadows. The Florida Governor has been trying to sell himself as a more modern version of Trump without the Trump drama. Unfortunately, his campaign has had a few stumbles as it tries to sway voters back to him. While his landslide win in the 2022 Florida governor’s race showed that he could get the job done, the chances of winning the nomination seem to be diminishing. Donors have been turning towards Nikki Haley. In his time as governor, he has signed controversial bills involving people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. Desantis has been part of Trump’s jokes, such as Trump referring to him as “Desanctimonius”.  But Desantis could win if he can break the barrier between him and the voters. 

Vivek Ramaswamy 

And there’s Vivek, the newcomer to the political world. Like Trump in 2016, Vivek hasn’t held a political office before his candidacy. Out of the candidates, Vivek is the youngest. He claims that he is the next generation of leaders. He’s running with an anti-woke focus and has advocated for more radical measures. Other candidates have shown their disapproval of the 38-year-old, with Haley being the most vocal. His cocky attitude has drawn voters in but has also caused some to leave. His policies mirror Trump and have even praised the former president. As president, he has promised to eradicate several federal agencies, including the Department of Education, build a wall on the US borders of Mexico and Canada, and end Ukrainian support. He also claims that the climate agenda is a hoax and it is the biggest threat to our country.