March 11th - 15th
This Edition's Staff Spotlight is...
Mr. Colon!!
Coffee With the Principal
03/06/24, Joanna Vance
What's up Jags and Parents! Did you know our school hosts a monthly Coffee With The Principal meeting for parents from all grade levels to engage more with schools insights? These meetings occur every first Wednesday of the month. This month's informational meeting was on March 6. In case you missed it, here's what it covered!
Calendar Look-over
Distinguished School Award; We Got It!
Setting Up A Music Booster Organization
Things That Parents Can Do To Best Support Our School
How Let A Student Feel Comfortable To Speak Up When Something Is Wrong
Questions & Answers
Parents and students' voices matter around the school, so if you feel something is wrong or if you have any ideas, share them with us! These meetings are available for all parents to join and engage in. Even if you can't make it in person, Ms. Hatcher provides a virtual zoom meeting for parents who still want to be there! The meeting time is from 9:00 am to 10:30 am and parents from all grade levels are welcome to join!
Contact the front office for more details. Hope to see you there!
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U.P. Staff Writer Camryn Smith brings us this weeks
Weekly Announcements!
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RISE Club: U.P.'s Club for Everything College
Dani Jackman, 03/10/24
University Preparatory is known throughout the High Desert area for its pursuit of college readiness programs for its 7th - 12th grade students. Our school was recently awarded for its efforts as well as the student's academic achievements with a California Distinguished School title for 2024. With around 9,000 secondary schools in California's 977 school districts, around 5-10% of those schools (297 as of 2024) are awarded this title for their outstanding academic performances in every selection process.
U.P.'s RISE Club ensures that high school students with an interest in California's colleges, including CSU (Cal State University) and UC (University of California) systems, gain as much exposure and information as possible before making their final decisions as Seniors applying to their future colleges. Students will learn how to build resumes, fill out college and scholarship applications, and discover the pros and cons of every college they seek out to find their best fit.
RISE Club members have the option to take field trips to visit select California colleges and universities as part of RISE Club's immersive college readiness quota. So far, attending students have had the chance to visit such colleges as Pomona College, Claremont Mckenna College, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the University of La Verne, and the University of Southern California. Students get to experience a taste of campus life as they are led on tours through the colleges and universities by their current student tour guides. U.P. students will see classrooms, dorms, cafeterias, recreational areas, and the town in which the college sits to help picture themselves living in and attending those schools in the next few years. The tour guides offer fun advice and answer most questions the high school students may have regarding campus life and the woes of leaving home in pursuit of their next step.
Though Seniors have their required Senior Transition classes, taught by either Mr. Zimmerman or Mr. Czarnota, RISE Club can be a great opportunity to go into depth about topics briefly discussed in class. Younger high schoolers are not exempt from club participation, and Juniors looking to get a head start on their collegiate pursuits are more than welcome to any meeting.
For more information, contact Senior Kiara Escudero at: escuderok65606@vvstu.org
Daylight Savings: The Sun is Coming Up!
03/06/24, Joanna Vance
UP Jaguars are giving a warm welcome to the 2024 daylight savings! This years daylight saving is lasting from Sunday March 10th all the way to Sunday, November 3rd, lasting 240 days! Many students are excited for the season to start as it means summer is nearby!
The Evolution of Daylight Savings Time
Daylight saving "springs" the clock forwards an hour at 2 AM, meaning we lose an hour of sleep. During these next couple of months, the sun rises and sets around 7.
Daylight savings was first implemented in the United States in 1918 by the Standard Time Act. The purpose of this act was to make better use of the longer daytime, so people wouldn't waste a second. Many ancient societies adopted seasonal changes to their timekeeping to keep people hard-working. Another reason for the time change was for a wartime measure. During World War, it was implemented for seven months as an interest in adding more daylight hours to conserve energy resources. This technique has been observed for 115 years!
Fun Fact: Did you know that roughly only a third of the world participates in daylight savings?
Enjoy the next 9 months because once November approaches, winter will be back before you know it. But for now, the warmer days and shorter nights have greet us once more! Make sure to get your sleep and stay healthy as testing season approaches!
Choir Hosts Their First
Solo Concert
03/03/24, Morgan Rodriguez
Choir class of U.P. has hosted their very first Solofest on Thursday, February 29. The event was held in theMPR, between the hours five through seven pm.
Tickets to the Solofest were free, and were available through the Choir teacher, Ms. Reeff.
With that, the first song of the night was 'From the Start', by Laufey and performed by Nalei Martinez and Natalie Quezada. Both girls performed not only the first song, but the first duet of the night.
After their song and the applause that followed, the next performers went onto the stage.
Singing 'The Other Side' from the Greatest Showman, is Fatima C. Ortiz and Lyra Guerra.
The second duo's performance went off without a hitch. Both rocked matching roses.
Next, Adelilah Rodriguez, singing 'Runaway' by Aurora. Adelilah's performance ran smoothly, along with her singing.
'Gross' by Olivia Rodrigo was then performed by Ava Grioux.
Right after, Mia Hernandez, who sang 'All Too Well' by Taylor Swift, walked onto stage wearing a sparkly, western style sweater.
Fatima comes back to stage for her second performance, a solo, singing 'Lovefool' by The Cardigans.
'Sunday Best' by Surfaces sung by Maddie Seaton was performed and right after her performance the event takes a 10 minute break.
Snacks such as Costco pizza, sugar cookies, and chips were served; shout out to Mrs. Richardson and Kayla Garcia for their services.
After the break, the performances continue on with Victoria Chikezie, singing 'No Time to Die' by Billie Eilish.
Junior Guerrero, right after, sang 'You Say' by Lauren Daigle.
Followed by Celeste Alvarez, singing 'Manana voy a conquistarla' by Gerardo Ortiz.
Liliana Romero, sings 'Rises the Moon' by Liana Flores and 'No Me Queda Mas' by Selena, is then performed by Sabrina Jacobson.
'Valentine' by Laufey is then performed by Isobella Camacho.
Jimarr Whitaker, after Isobella's performance, takes to the stage not only singing 'Bebe Dame' by Grupo Frontera, but also dancing for the audience along with his two backup dancers. All three making the audience laugh and cheer.
Isabel Hidalgo then sings, 'Amor Eterno' by Rocio Durcal; along with her was a desk where pictures of her loved ones were placed.
Ending the event was none other than Ms. Reeff and Mr. Geary doing a duet to 'Valerie' by Amy Winehouse. Ms. Reeff taking the duet in song while Mr. Geary tuned in with his guitar.
With that, Solofest finally comes to an end.
-SHOUT OUTS-
Lets thank Mrs. Richardson along with Kayla G. for helping out Choir by managing snack sells.
Also a thank you to Mr. De La Ree for acting as door guard for the night and hope that your stay at U.P is swell.
The 2024
Baseball Season Begins
03/01/24, Allison Bolanos
The University Preparatory Jaguar baseball season has just begun. So far, the varsity baseball team has a 50 percent winning statistic. Having lost their first home game, the Jaguar boys kept their persistence up and secured a win in their second game. Sadly, however, they lost their third game but managed to secure the win again in their fourth game. So far, the boys have a win-lose win-lose streak, but with further analysis its looking like they are headed in the right direction. With only 4 games as of right now, the season is not decided.
February 16, 2024 started off the season against Bloomington High School. The game started off to an exciting start with Avery Pope (8) scoring the first run. The game got more intense with Bloomington then coming back with two runs. The game continued, with University Preparatory catching up and eventually having a leading score of 3-2. However, they ended up losing against Bloomington once Jordan Frogge scored the final home run that put Bloomington up at 8-3 .
February 22, 2024, University preparatory was ready to face Academy for Academic Excellence (AAE). At this game, University Preparatory managed to secure the win, with score of 9-0, not letting AAE score any points.
The two most recent games contained another win and loss, but no matter what, the Jaguar baseball team keeps their hopes high, especially with Ricardo Gonzalez hitting a home run at their most recent game. Overall, baseball has had a good start this 2024 season.
U.P. Varsity Softball Battle AVHS In a Close Game
03/08/24, Nathaly Garcia
The girl's softball team had a game on Wednesday, March 6th. The game started around 3:20, which is right after school for students to come and support their girl's softball team. This was a home game for University Preparatory. The team was up against Apple Valley High School.
Up to bat was U.P., and Apple Valley was in the outfield for the first inning of the game. U.P. girl's softball team established an amazing game and had the crowd on their feet with people cheering for the players. Unfortunately, U.P.'s team loses 7-12. There were some students from U.P. that had came out to the event, and even parents, who were bundled up avoiding the cold, there to support the girl's game.
Girls Middle School Basketball Roster 2024
03/05/24, Caleb Frederick
This month, the Middle school girls basketball team held tryouts and picked its players for the 23-24 season. This season begins on the first of April. Niya Jones, who is one of the managers for the team, and played for the high school basketball team, was chose to help pick the players on the team based on their performance at tryouts. The players that were picked for the team are Peace (1), Maia (3), Ahlayza (5), Isabella (6), Sellina (7), Celline (16), Bryn (18), Mozei (22), Mahraeil (23), Violy (24), and Kaniyah (27). Manager Niya Jones said these player were picked not just based on skill, but team work, work ethic, and attitude towards the game and fellow players.
Smile! It's Spring Pictures
03/05/24, Victor Eamphanich
On March 1, students had to take pictures during their PE or English periods. The students had a free dress day, in which they were able to dress as they pleased under the school dress code regulations. If the students were to be dress coded, they would have to go to Mrs. Warnett, where she would give the student a different pair of clothes to wear.
During your PE/English period, your teacher would lead you to the gym to take a seat and have your picture taken. When finished taking pictures, if you came from PE, you were to sit at the bleachers and wait till the period to end, otherwise, you would go back to your English class. Some students were doing their homework assignments while some of the students were playing card games, having a range of activities going on.
One of the students interviewed was Immanuel Buenaventura, who said, "The reason why I bought the Spring Picture is because my family wants to keep the picture as a precious memory."
To pay for pictures, money was to be placed in a paper envelope that included the information for the order being placed.
Those who could not make it during their PE/English period were called during period 7 to take their pictures, giving each students that day a chance.
Career Fair & Mini Gallery
02/29/24, Kayla Garcia
A College and Career Fair took place in the gym on February 29 for all University Prep students. It was held during both middle school and high school lunch where many took the opportunity to walk around the tables of different future schools or career paths.
From brochures, stickers, bags, pens, and other collectible items, there were plenty of things to engage within the event, and people in the field themselves to talk more about their experiences. The table set-ups were filled with décor and informational flyers relating to the trade or college, giving better insight into what they showcased.
The packed room of smiley and pointing middle school and high school students would count this event as another success for UP. Overall, those finding interest in STEM are very represented, as there were lots of engineering or medical opportunities. All students should look for Ms. Veronica, the career and college counselor if they have any further questions.
Band Festival: Rehearsals and Practices
03/11/24. Joseline Tanchez
As the festival at Redlands High School approaches, other concerts have been performed on the UP campus to practice before the big day. On March 9th, students for Wind Ensemble and Symphonic band came to play at the school's gym with two pieces conducted by Mr. Magee.
Since the start of 2nd semester, both bands have practiced often to be able to bring their performances to the school. These pieces needed to be prepared with accuracy, as the pieces performed by Wind Ensemble will also be performed for the festival on March 13th in front of judges.
Before the practice concert started, students began to arrive at 5 p.m. to warm up and get their final practices in. Others would gather around with their friends to show off the music they had. As the time passed, the Symphonic band students began to set up in the gym and the Wind Ensemble sat on the sides to listen and support the other band members.
On the pre-festival concert day, the Wind Ensemble students planned to go to In-n-Out to support their seniors. This will be one of the last concerts the seniors have and the underclassmen wished to provide another moment for the seniors to remember the good times they had together as a band.
Students afterwards are still practicing to be able to get the highest rating they can on the day of the festival. With experiences they gathered from the pre-festival, classes had time to prepare and adjust any mistakes that could be heard or noticed at judgement time.
Micro Biology Cooking Lab 03/13/24, Janni Rich White
Every year, Micro Biology (taught by Dr. Elder) does a cooking lab to go along with the unit of salmonella. The students group up and may cook whatever they want, on the conditions that each group has to cook a meat, bring their own grill, and bring their own items. Once the meat is cooked, the students check the temperature of their meat and are allowed to eat what they cooked.
On March 12, second period, Micro Bio. came to school early to start working on their breakfasts. Some popular items that morning were burgers and tacos.
The first period of Micro Bio. will have their cooking lab this upcoming Friday, March 15.
Exploring Paradise: Essential Travel Tips for Puerto Rico
3/12/2024, Bryanna Villalpando
Puerto Rico, often referred to as the "Island of Enchantment," is a mesmerizing destination that blends vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history. From the vibrant streets of San Juan to the lush rainforests of El Yunque, Puerto Rico offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a first-time visitor, here are some essential travel tips to make the most of your journey to this Caribbean gem.
1. Embrace the Culture
Puerto Rico is a melting pot of Spanish, African, and Taíno influences, reflected in its language, music, and cuisine. Take time to immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring historic sites such as Old San Juan, where colorful colonial buildings line cobblestone streets. Don't miss the vibrant rhythms of salsa and bomba music, which can be experienced at lively dance clubs or during street performances.
2. Sample the Cuisine
Puerto Rican cuisine is a tantalizing fusion of flavors, featuring dishes such as mofongo (a savory mash of plantains and garlic), tostones (fried green plantains), and lechón asado (slow-roasted pork). Be sure to visit local eateries known as "chinchorros" for authentic street food experiences. Don't forget to indulge in refreshing beverages.
3. Explore Natural Wonders
From pristine beaches to lush rainforests, Puerto Rico boasts an abundance of natural beauty. Visit Flamenco Beach on the island of Culebra, consistently ranked among the world's best beaches for its crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand. For adventure seekers, hiking in El Yunque National Forest offers the chance to discover cascading waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and panoramic views from its scenic trails.
4. Practice Responsible Tourism
As a responsible traveler, it's essential to respect Puerto Rico's environment and local communities. Support sustainable tourism initiatives by choosing eco-friendly accommodations, participating in beach cleanups, and minimizing your carbon footprint whenever possible. Additionally, be mindful of the island's delicate ecosystems, such as coral reefs and mangrove forests, by avoiding activities that could harm these fragile environments.
5. Learn Some Spanish Phrases
While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, knowing some basic Spanish phrases can enhance your travel experience and help you connect with locals on a deeper level. Learn simple greetings, expressions of gratitude, and how to ask for directions to navigate the island with ease. Locals will appreciate your efforts to communicate in their native language.
6. Stay Informed About Safety
Like any destination, it's essential to stay informed about safety concerns and travel advisories before and during your trip to Puerto Rico. While the island is generally considered safe for tourists, it's wise to exercise caution, especially in urban areas and at night. Stay updated on local news and follow any guidance provided by authorities to ensure a smooth and secure journey.
7. Pack Accordingly
Puerto Rico enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 70°F to 90°F. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Don't forget essentials like a hat, sunglasses, and sturdy walking shoes for exploring various terrains.
8. Experience Festivals and Events
Throughout the year, Puerto Rico hosts a variety of festivals and events celebrating its culture, heritage, and traditions. From the vibrant festivities of the San Sebastián Street Festival in January to the colorful parades of the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, there's always something exciting happening on the island. Check local event calendar visit these lively celebrations.
9. Be Flexible and Open-Minded
While planning is essential, it's also important to remain flexible and open-minded during your travels to Puerto Rico. Embrace unexpected adventures, try new experiences, and allow yourself to be swept away by the island's charm. Whether you're exploring hidden waterfalls, savoring local delicacies, or dancing the night away, let Puerto Rico's magic captivate your soul.
Puerto Rico is a captivating destination that offers something for every traveler, from its vibrant culture and culinary delights to its breathtaking natural landscapes. By following these essential travel tips and embracing the spirit of adventure, you're sure to create unforgettable memories on this enchanting island paradise. ¡Bienvenidos a Puerto Rico! (Welcome to Puerto Rico!)