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Introducing Achieve & Receive: VVUHSD's Innovative Testing Incentive Program
Introducing Achieve & Receive: VVUHSD's Innovative Testing Incentive Program
02/21/24, Bryanna Villalpando
Victor Valley Unified High School District (VVUHSD) is thrilled to introduce Achieve & Receive, a fantastic program designed to reward students for doing well on their CAASPP state tests. This program offers great incentives to motivate students and recognize their hard work.
Starting from April 1 to May 29, 2024, Achieve & Receive will give students the chance to earn cool rewards based on how well they do in English or math.
Here's what students can earn:
- 11th graders can get up to $500 in credit ($250 for each subject) to use for their senior package.
- 8th graders can earn a $100 credit for each subject (up to $200) to spend at the school store when they start high school in 9th grade.
- 7th graders can look forward to a fun trip in their 8th-grade year for doing well on the tests.
To find out more about this exciting opportunity, students can talk to their counselor. They'll get all the details about how to qualify, when the tests are, and how to claim their rewards.
Achieve & Receive is all about celebrating students' achievements and encouraging them to do their best. It's a chance for students to be rewarded for their efforts and to feel proud of what they've accomplished.
As the testing dates approach, students should get ready to give it their all. With Achieve & Receive, their hard work will be recognized and rewarded in a big way!
Erick Estrade & Christopher Alvarez, Grade 11
Marching Band and Color Guard Take to Main Street USA
02/26/24, Joanna Vance
On Monday, February 26th 2024, the University Preparatory's Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and Color Guard Teams had their own individual parade at Disneyland, California! On this day the weather was not so sunny, and was raining, would that effect our teams' performances and overall enjoyment?
Some students play instruments that have the possibility to get rain inside, and alter the performance. Christopher Alvarez, Grade 11, and Erick Estrada, Grade 11, play the Baritone and the Alto Saxophone in Wind Ensemble. This instrument has an upward shape that allows the sound to come out through the top. Meaning if anything is small enough, it could possibly get stuck and clog the sound pipes, in this case, the rain. When asked about the overall performance and the effect of the rain, Christopher and Erick didn't seem to be to bothered by it until later on.
Christopher: "Luckily, while we were performing the rain had sort of calmed down in a way to where it wasn't so noticeable. For the most part, I was just too focused on not messing up that I didn't even focus on the rain. On our breaks I went to this place where I had the most amazing bread bowls that felt perfect to eat in the rain, I even put Erick on, he said they good."
Erick: "The rain wasn't too bad while performing, in fact the uniforms and the tension of doing good made me really nervous and really hot. Later on at night it got really cold because of all the rain, but that meant shorter lines, especially since it was a school day."
The evening overall was very enjoyable for performers as they got to reward their long months of practice with delicious treats and a night of dopamine boosters going on rides. Students still had a fun time at Disneyland and enjoyed the company around them, despite the weather conditions. Great job on your performance UP, we are very proud of your guys' hard work!
Tom Nook:
A Success Story
02/24/24,
Kayla Garcia
Animal Crossing is a simulation game where the user works towards building a community of prosperity and gathering money called “Bells”. It took off in popularity in the mid-2010s and surged again with the release of a new version, New Horizons, in 2020. It features you, a human, in a world with personified animals to accompany you.
Tom Nook is one of these human-like animal characters. He is a raccoon and the money man of the community, making financial and progressing decisions to develop the area. He runs real estate and materialistic shops across multiple games in the series. When working, it is common to see him dress professionally and talk to the player in a mature tone, unlike many other characters in the game.
In simulation games, such as Animal Crossing, the backstory of characters can be overlooked. Tom Nook has his own story to him, and why he controls so many of the properties and stores that he does.
According to the Animal Crossing Wiki, Tom Nook was a young raccoon with big dreams. He ventured on his way to success in the big city but was unsuccessful. In this process, he ends up losing his good friend, leading to further failure.
He decides to come back to the small town the player now runs, looking over the real estate and items shop. He may be the Rockefeller of the A.C. world, but he found his way to success with much determination and drive.
Tom was first introduced in 2001 on the A.C. game Dōbutsu no Mori and was not changed until 11 years later in the updated version, New Leaf. There he blossomed into the version of the character people recognize the most.
"Yes, yes," is a phrase heard often from him, especially during business deals he would like to complete. He attends regular town events and encourages the player to venture out more.
Although he is a highly regarded character, some do not see his morals. Ashley Melgoza calls him the "villain" of A.C. stating, "Cause he sends people off to an island (New Horizons) and he just charges you extra for everything. Over 300,000 for an upgrade and even more to make it ‘better’”. She does not believe he is fair in his work and overcharges for simple things. She still enjoys the game and it is one of her favorite after-school activities.
Even if he is not always appreciated, he is a beloved part of the game and one of their icons. He is a top-tier merchandising sale for the brand and can be seen as the face of Animal Crossing, possibly for many years to come.
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