Connections and Belonging: A Note from the Editor-in-Chief
To truly connect with others, we must listen to each other’s experiences, understand struggles, celebrate together, and reflect on how we want to contribute to each other's human experience.
To truly belong, we must find a “home” where we are welcomed, valued, respected, and can contribute in meaningful ways.
From teachers and club advisors, to coaches and administrators, to support staff, inside and outside of our buildings, to students and parents, each role gets the opportunity to build connections and create belonging every day.
Each classroom, office, club, sport, and activity that intentionally creates belonging, combats isolation. Through cultural responsiveness we ensure those underrepresented are seen. Through small recognitions we make others feel appreciated. Through our choice of language and interactions, we create unity and not divisiveness.
What is your contribution to unite our campus?
Featured In This Issue
Read our feature story on the Be The Change campaign. Learn its purpose and the teachers behind this school campaign. Journalism and Video Production are proud partners of this campaign.
The Advocate
In The Advocate, guest writer Savaan Tyler shares a powerful message in his op-ed piece on Black History Month and Evelyn Flores shadows two amazing teachers in our Functional Skills Program on campus. Read Ms. Monville’s updated message to PHS, at the bottom of her article When Breast Cancer Hits Home.
The Spotlight
The Spotlight features Ms. Moroyoqui, Ms. Ortiz, Mr. Chima, and Mr. Barnes.
​
Get to know your administrator; Mr. Corella, and his thoughts on discipline. Also new staff writer Janet Rodriguez writes a historical highlight for Black History Month. Growing your Circle by Viviana Marroquin and Madison McGarvey gives insight into teen connections, and finally a recap of the Motivational Day Event by Anna Roman highlights an important community event.
​
The Bench
The Bench highlights our BSU Club, Fashion Club, GSA Club, Debate Club, Design Club, and we wrap up our winter sports!
​
Arts & Media
In our Arts and Media Section, read Sterling Hubbell’s picture book on “kindness” and check out music release by a PHS student and alumni band, Beach Rat.
​​​​
​
This is one of our most engaging and important issues yet. We thank you for taking the time to read and look forward to connecting with you on campus!
​
Giselle Kendall
Editor-in-Chief
​​
Want to be a part of our team? Listen for announcements for our club’s meeting dates and times.
Why is Student Voice Important on Campus?
A message from the Presidents…
As a community at Patriot High School, we all have our differences. From student to staff, we uphold different perspectives, exhibit different personalities, and cultural beliefs. Journalism is important because it allows us to share these different parts of ourselves with each other. Furthermore, it puts to light pressing issues that aren't typically discussed in an academic setting. Student voices are important to our school community because we are what make up the campus. Through journalism, we can spread awareness and build connections, thus empowering our PHS campus.
At the end of the day, no teacher, staff member, or student can know exactly what each person’s struggles are, but if we are able to speak out about what affects us not only inside and outside the classroom, maybe we can get through each day easier. Through journalism, our staff will be able to read the issues that students may have questions about, and together, create a more comfortable learning environment. In a general sense, when students feel comfortable in an environment, they are more likely to express themselves. PHS can benefit from learning about students' opinions and viewpoints, and vice versa, because it would allow us as a school to adapt and overcome problems as a whole. Our goal overall is to uplift every student and staff member on this campus and to let them know that whatever they have experienced or what they are going through, their feelings are valid and they are not alone.
You are not alone at Patriot High School.
​
Evelyn Flores
Londyn Workman
Co-Presidents