On March 24, 2013, Arroyo Interact volunteered for the Oakland Marathon. Clement To, Ryan Yuen, Garrie Poon, Kit Wu, Calvin Mei, Julie Lien, Jerrid Curameng, Jacky Chen, Eileen Lui, Felix Siu, Christine Lee, Lanie Mae Esteban, Jennifer Tse, Cindy Tran, Jizelle Curameng, Jessi Li, Christopher Guan, Sharon Lenh, Salvina Gong, Vivian Siu, Yan Ping Liang, Sarah Deng, Yolanda La, Roma Patterson, Eric Su, and Calvin Ip arrived at the Bart station at 8:00 a.m. to go to West Oakland. They helped organize the refreshments and snacks stations, which consisted of water, Gatorade, bananas, granola bars, and miniature pretzels. As runners came by, the volunteers handed out the food to the runners. Some runners kept on running, some ran and grabbed the food simultaneously, and others took a small break to rejuvenate.

by Sharon Lenh

Spring sports have begun! All sports are working hard right now to display their strongest front and to present a fierce sense of competitiveness. Among all of these sports is boys’ tennis. With a new coach and new faces on the team, Arroyo’s boys’ tennis team is back and renewed. Recently, I was given the chance to interview their coach, Kevin Beal. Coach Beal says that his biggest goal is to teach the team different techniques, do well in competitions, and most importantly, make sure the team is having fun. He believes that coming out onto court with a positive attitude and strong mindset is the utmost important thing in a good tennis player. That is, aside from possessing the agility to move swiftly across the court. In short, mental toughness.

The boys kicked of the season with their very first home game on February 14th against Piedmont. Though the score was less than ideal, they are moving strongly against their goal.

To find out when tennis games are, please visit the athletics tab located on schoolloop. The boys’ tennis team schedule can be found in the “spring sports schedule” section. All home games are played at Mervin Morris Park across the street from Arroyo. Please do go out and support our team! Lets go Dons!

By Jessi Li

With a relatively larger team this year, Arroyo track and field is in full preparation mode for their very first meet on March 28th. This year’s team is lead by Coach Michael Gomez, Coach Maurice Johnson, and Coach Jerry Metcalf. With Coach Gomez as as the field events and head coach, Coach Johnson as the sprint coach, and Coach Metcalf as the distance coach, the team is hoping for a strong and competitive season. The track and field team welcomed many new and talented faces from all grade levels this year, all eagered and geared up to give it their best.

To find out when track meets are, please visit the athletics tab located on schoolloop. Track and Field meet schedule can be found in the “spring sports schedule” section. We will not be holding any meets at Arroyo this year as the track is being remodeled. However, a good amount of meets will be held at San Lorenzo High School, only about a mile down from Arroyo! Please come out and cheer for our track and field team. Lets go Dons!

By Jessi Li

Did you happen to miss Arrroyo’s Talent Show of 2013? Not to worry! We have got you covered! The class of 2104, our lovely Juniors hosted the annual talent show providing us with wonderful performances from sing, dance and so much more!

 ACT ONE consisted of:

Pamela OcampoOcegueda,a sophomore who sang Sweet Dreams by Beyonce

 Zihao Yuan, a Senior who captured the audience with his splendid   Yo-Yo skills

Athalia MoralesGiacoman, Junior  who sung Speechless by Lady Gaga while playing the piano

Project Reign with Darren Geronimo and Rhea Mallari  Seniors who amazed the crowd with their breakdancing stunts

Megan Ackers a Sophmore performing Goodbye My love by James blunt

Steven Salazar senior who moves the audience by his astonishing dancing

Jiaxing Li who shares his beautiful voice by performing a wonderful song in Cantonese

StaPh our lovely staff collaborates with students for the first time to rock the stage with song and bueatiful moments

ACT TWO consisted of:

Lion King with many of our sophomores: Simon Gee, Yolanda La, Lanie Mae Esteban, RJ Reynoso, Yan Ping Liang, Cindy Tran, Alejandra Espinoza, Erica Porter, Cynthia Melgoza, Citlalli Castellon, Vivian Siu, and Morgan Matichak . Their astonishing act brings many of your favorite animals to life with an exposition of energy.

Amanda Zupo senior singing A Team by Ed Sheeran

Bj HewLen senior signing Don’t Give Up by Josh Groban

Yarely Ortiz  senior performing her great ablility with belly dancing

Gio Geromino junior singing Fireflies by Owl City

Jacques Zhang junior with nun chucks

Princes Talavera and Megan Ramirez sophmores sing and guitar I knew you were trouble when you walked in by taylor swift

Thien Luong and Vanessa Xavier junior and senior performing a couple dance that moves the audience

 Davin Kiang Alumni for class of 2012 singing and playing the guitar Don’t You Worry Child by Swedish House Mafia

A word with the STARS of the night:

 What inspired you to take part in this talent show?

“I inspired myself to do the talent show” – Gio Geronimo

“We're all insane” – Erica Porter

“Well a lot of people were telling me that I should try out, so I thought "why not?" – Megan Ackers

“I just really like to dance” – Thien Luong

What advice do you have for others who possess talent?

“I would say that if you believe you have a talent, pursue it. You have to take a chance to find your true potential.” – Megan Ackers

“Don't give up, we've all had a lot of difficulty in putting this all together, but we've supported each other and worked together and pulled off a great show” – Erica Porter

““Believe in yourself and never give up!” –Gio Geronimo

What made you choose the song/act/dance of your choice?

“That's the one we really knew out of all the rest. Another reason is because of my ex boyfriend!” – Princess Talavera

“I chose that song because i like to sing slow songs and i thought that it went well with my voice.”- Megan Ackers

“Just the craziness of it all! It just seemed like a fun thing to do.” – Cindy Tran

“The meaning of the song” – Jiaxing Li

What did you think of auditions?

“The auditions were the scary because I've never auditioned for anything before so I thought I wasn't gonna make it. I loved the rehearsals because I was able to see all the amazing acts more than once! And because everyone is so loving, caring and funny. It was a really fun experience.” - Princess Talavera

“I think that the auditions went well since the judges were students and teachers i knew very well.” – Megan Ackers

“Auditions were terrifying. We were a little lost, doing things last minute. However, it was very illuminating, and we learned from it. We fixed it up a lot and made our performance a lot better.” – Erica Porter

What did you do to prepare for the performance?

“Well I’m usually nervous singing in front of people, so i always say things to motivate myself like, i can do this, these people came here for a good show and i'm gonna give it to them and i jump around like a maniac sometimes” – Princess Talavera

“All I did, just try to remember the lyric and not be nervous” – Jiaxing Li

“Before my performance, i was really nervous, but after i felt really accomplished and i was happy that i took the chance because it had a great outcome.”  -Megan Ackers

“What I did to prepare for the show was to always practice!” – Gio Geronimo

About “Lion King”

“It's actually really complicated. It involves Pretty Little Liars, death, and Hakuna Matata. Like I said, we're insane. Insane ideas come naturally to us.” –Erica Porter

Audience speaks up:

Describe the night in ONE word:

“Spectacular” – Kasey Pham

“Astounding” – Moanzelle Huevos

“Astonishing” – Taylor Dickey

“Memorizing” – Princess Talavera

“Fantastic” - Thien Luong

“Unforgettable” – Erica Porter

“Amazing” – Diana Garcia

Favorite act/ performances:

Thien Luong and Vanessa Xavier

Steven Salazar

Lion King

Project Reign

StaPh

Comments about the night:

“More performer, More StaPH” – Taylor Dickey

“We need more food” – Kasey Pham

“If only there was free food…” – Christine Lee

“I honestly wouldn't change anything, it was a perfect night for me!” – Princess Talavera

“Everyone did a fantastic job” – Cindy Tran

“It's not everyday that we get to chant "WE WANT STAPH! WE WANT STAPH!" – Kit Wu

“I genuinely loved and enjoyed every single performance. Arroyo has a lot of amazing talent.” – Erica Porter

“I thought that the talent show was great! It was really worth watching. I watched people, my friends to be specific, show their talents that I never knew they had.” – Diana Garcia

“It was great! It was different from other years but it was good. Mr. Grace singing though” –Levina Mack

By: Emily Cai

On February 8, 2013, a cold, Friday night, in Andrew Carnegie Hall in San Leandro’s Main Library, a highly selected group of 20 teen acts ended their two week journey on a lighted stage in front of a full theatre at the first San Leandro’s Got Talent. The group of young artists began with Jonathan Navarro, a sophomore at San Leandro High school, performing his imaginative break-dancing choreography.

The local celebrity judges--- “Mighty” Joe Kim, a Bay Area rapper, Natali Del Conte Morrie, a contributor to CNBC, C.J Omololu, an author, and Diana Souza, a San Leandro City Council member---commented with rave remarks at his performance and the 19 other acts following his.

The audience echoed the judge’s satisfaction. Caroline and Cameela, two 8 and 7 year olds respectively thought “the show was really good,” especially “the act with Dakota Linn, the guitar player,” whom they liked the “tune of his voice and guitar.” Julie DeBourbon and Thomas DeBourbon, mother and son residents of San Leandro raved that the show was “really good,” and “excellent, especially the music acts,” and claimed that one of the best parts of San Leandro’s Got Talent was being able “to see young talent.” Laquisha McGee, long time San Leandro resident, who’s first time it was at this show said “My favorite part [of the show] is that it gives the teenagers an outpour to show their talent.” Her favorite act was from Pablo Gonzalez, an energetic and robust singer who wore noticeable blue and white silk robes which blew like a movie star’s hair in front of his self-brought fans, and who also sang a strong rendition of Beyonce’s, “If I Were a Boy” full of zeal.

Other notable acts according to watchers were from Jacques Zhang, attendee of Arroyo High School, who practiced on stage his martial arts with nun-chucks; Nick Pugliese, an attendee of San Leandro High School, who charmed audience members with his vibrato-and-smile-sprinkled rendition of “Everything” by Michael Buble; Josh Hommon, who performed a comedy act that induced raucous laughter; Lisette Ramirez, attendee of San Leandro High School, who danced skillfully and contorted her body into hard floor and air splits; and Jennifer Benedict, Steven Salazar, and Rhea Mallari, attendees of Arroyo High School, who performed a highly-skilled dance number which “made use of their different dance forms” according to local celebrity judge, “Mighty” Joe Kim.

Young artists participating in the show shared their anticipations before the show, during their performances and after their performances. Serena Nguyen, a sophomore of San Leandro High School said before the performance she was “nervous, sweaty, and cold!” But Elie Erickson and Joseph Gloria, a junior and senior of San Leandro High School respectively said after their performance they felt “great,” and that they “loved the crowd’s reaction” and “the library!”

As the night grew dark and the acts dwindled to the last, and after a special performance by two local rappers, the scorers---made up by both members of San Leandro’s youth committees, TAG and YAC---tallied the remaining scores from the judges and the audience. Chris Ota, a librarian and host of San Leandro’s Got Talent, announced the winners: 3^rdplace prided Arroyo High School with Jennifer Benedict, Steven Salazar, and Rhea Mallari’s win with their dance routine; 2^ndplace was given to Nick Pugliese and his cover of “Everything” by Michael Buble; 1rst place was given to Dakota Linn, and his passionate singing performance with guitar. Dakota was very “surprised” at his win, and felt like the victory and the support of the audience members really “meant a lot to him.”

Talented teens next year are encouraged to join the show next year to be the next generation of art waiting to be revealed to the citizens of San Leandro!

By: Michelle Huang

Well, February came and went which means Black History Month also came to an end. Black History Month is the time to remember important African-Americans who have changed the world. We (The Untied States) celebrate it every February. Historian Carter G. Woodson created Black History Month hoping that when the time came that Black history becomes fundamental to American history, then Black History month can be eliminated.

 Here is a list of people who have become an important part in celebrating Black History Month:

 Barack Obama- He is the 44^thand current president of our country. He is the first African-American to hold the office.

Langston Hughes- He was an American poet best know for his work during the Harlem Renaissance.

Martin Luther King Jr.- He was a leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He is best known from his nonviolent ways and speeches to win the freedom all Americans should equally share.

Rosa Parks- She was an African-American civil rights activist best known for boldly refusing to give up her bus seat for another person. She was arrested that day but was later known to be “the first lady of civil rights.”

 Even though Black History month has come to an end that does not mean stop appreciating what these people have done. And not just these people but millions of African-Americans who have made a change to the world. It takes courage to bring change. After all, you can’t change the world if you play by the rules.

By: Dahlia Pimentel

Arroyo Interact held a book drive from February 25, 2013 to March 1, 2013. This was a contest during 2nd period. McGann's class of B5 won with a total of books donated. A wonderful prize will be rewarded to this class soon! Overall, Arroyo Interact was able to collect around 400 books. They would like to thank everyone who have helped out with this book drive.

By Sharon Lenh

Arroyo Night Rally is coming soon and fast. It’s on March 22 and it will be held in our gym. There will be performances and dancing and tons more fun things to see! At the Night Rally, classes will be competing to see who has the most spirit. Each class is assigned an exciting theme:

            Freshmen: Under the Sea

            Sophomores: Under the Bed

            Juniors: Under the Beat

            Seniors: Under the Spotlight

            Night Rally is known to be a very fun, exciting night and it’s more fun when more people come and participate! Show off your school spirit Dons, show those other classes who’s boss! This school seems a little down on spirit, but why?

            “I think that a lot of people are not really spirited because they just don’t want to put the extra effort in,” says 12^thgrader Rebecca Zinke.  Sophomore Mary Ibanez thinks of a different reason. “There is no decoration, first of all. This school is boring,” she stated glumly. The themes this year are an interesting choice, yet fun all the same. Rebecca Zinke (grade 12) says, “I think it’s pretty creative and I like how they have a new fresh idea.”

Even if each class has their own unique theme, the question is which class will prove to be most spirited. “I would think juniors have the most spirit. The Freshmen will lose," says Kara Tegge. “I think the juniors are most spirited. Freshmen will lose. Freshmen always lose,” chimed in Mary Ibanez.

Of course there are others who will argue that the seniors are going to win, even possibly the sophomores. No one will know for sure until Night Rally. Go to Night Rally, Dons and support your class—WIN!

By Dahlia Pimentel

1) What is your favorite romance movie?

2) Who is your favorite couple of all time (movie, book, real life, etc.)?

3) Do you believe in love at first sight?

Sonomi Nozawa

1) "10 Things I Hate About You"

2) "Jane Eyre + Mr. Rochester"

3) "No. Never ever. 'cause there's attraction at first sight, but true love takes time."

Joshua Wray

1) "The Notebook"

2) "Peanut butter and jelly"

3) "That is lust."

Hau Truong

1) "The Notebook"

2) "Justin Timberlake & Jessica Biel"

3) "I don't believe in lave at first sight. I think love doesn't just occur. It is just lust."

Katrina Figueroa

1) "A Walk to Remember"

2) "Elena & Stephen, Bella & Edward"

3) "Yeah. Because that's how I met my boyfriend."

Jerrid Curameng

1) "A Walk to Remember and 500 Days of Summer"

2) "Vanessa Hudgens & Zac Efron before they broke up"

3) "Yo ne se"

By Sharon Lenh

1) How is your experience as Arroyo Key Club's president?

"My experiences as Key Club President have been a rollercoaster ride. There are some downfalls as well as some accomplishments made. Because it is my first year, I am still learning through the process of being a president for this club and learning to guide the members. Being the president has been an overachieving goal for me because I've always wanted to be president and this club has given me that opportunity. I love Key Club and I will this club above and beyond."

2) Tell us about some upcoming events.

"There is the Wake-A-Thon. It is on February 16, 2013 (Saturday). It is an overnight event where Key Club members raise money for George Mark charity and The Eliminate Project (Key Club's annual project). This event is a chance for members to meet other people as well.

There is also the District Convention (DCON) coming up soon. It is where all Key Club members from NorCal, Hawaii, and Nevada meet up to learn about what Key Club has to offer and has achieved in the past year. There are workshops to learn more about Key Club and rallies for members to shop off their spirit and passion for Key Club."

3) What are you goals as the president of Key Club?

"My goal is to have more active members. My next goal is to provide more opportunities for members to show their passion for the community. My other goal is to have more community service events. Ultimately, I want to make Key Club the most well-known club at Arroyo."

By Sharon Lenh

 Spaghetti! Music! And an evening of fun! The perfect night for this is on February 22 at the cafeteria from 5pm to 9pm. The music program is hosting an event called Jazz n’ Rendezvous, or the Spaghetti feed.

It is a huge annual fundraiser for the music program. The night would be full of jazz, spaghetti, dance, entertainments such as the new audition hosted by each music class, and much more fun! So join and enjoy a night back into the jazz era!  

By Minnie Chu

The sky was clear, the sun was shining and the wind blew gently making the atmosphere chillier than it appeared. Our Arroyo DECA members arrived at the nice San Ramon Marriot where they stayed for the weekend. At the hotel, they received DECA wristbands, a lanyard and a DECA bible (handbook).

DECA went to San Ramon for a NorCal Career Development Conference where they were tested on their knowledge of marketing and had to do a role-play in front of a judge.

10^thgrader Beatrice Chan said, “[The Test is] not difficult to study for because it was about everything we learned in Ms. Charlton’s marketing class.”

On the role-play, judges handed the DECA members a scenario, which they had to respond to. Judges offered little help and were said to be “serious” and “intimidating”.  Performances were held on the same day of the role-plays: Saturday. “It was like a mini talent show,” Beatrice recalls. “There was dancing and a group that promoted their own clothing line.”

When Sunday came rolling around, DECA members went down to the ballroom in the early morning for the award ceremony. We have some Dons who were recognized at the ceremony: Mira Daya, Katrina Figueroa, Kristofer Deguzman, Alan Gouig, Jennifer Lau, Luz Yanez, Sharon Lenh and Bianca Munoz. They did a fantastic job working hard and doing well at the conference.

It seemed like a fun experience for those who went. Currently, DECA is preparing for state competition. Let’s wish them luck and hope they show off some Arroyo Don pride!

By Dahlia Pimentel

San Leandro’s most talented teenagers have auditioned on January 14 and 15 for a chance to be on the city-hosted first-time-ever show, San Leandro’s Got Talent. This NBC Primetime-inspired show will be on February 8, 2013 and will be in the Main Library, Andrew Carnegie Hall at 300 Estudillo Drive from 7-10PM. Currently, most talented from the auditions will be chosen by a small, talented group of audition judges from two San Leandro based organizations: YAC and TAG. After these discerning raters choose the winners, those acts will be among  the 20-30 acts chosen to perform exclusively on the Friday night show.

Currently, the tickets can be found through Chris Solis at the Main Library. Questions can be directed to either Chris Solis at the San Leandro Main Library, or on the San Leandro’s Got Talent Facebook page. The tickets range from $5 for San Leandroean teens and $10 for adults.

Remember to also purchase a San Leandro’s Got Talent raffle ticket for a chance to win a $100 Target Gift Card: they are only $1 and potential raffle-winners can purchase them from Bonnie Xu at Arroyo High School, or, at the Main Library from Chris Solis.
Above all, remember to buy tickets, tell your friends, and attend the first-ever San Leandro’s Got Talent to witness brilliant and entertaining variety acts.
 

By Michelle Huang

The winter ball of year 2012 was a great successful night that took place at San Leandro’s Senior Center. The entrance had lain out a “red carpet” with many balloons on the side, the hallway was full of people taking pictures and chatting, and the room was decorated beautifully with tables that had pretty lights, nicely created balloon décor above the dance floor, and a snack table completely filled with drinks and treat. Everyone looked absolutely stunning, it could make one feel as if they were in their own Hollywood move. With such nice decorations, beautiful gowns and vest, and a young night, what is there to a ball without dancing? Even though the songs were not as new and current, said some people, everyone still brought out their amazing dance moves onto the floor. Some people may be used to the dance setting while others had found themselves in an awkward position. Though, everyone can have fun just by blending in the crowd, escaping their comfort zone for a night, and just swaying with the music. “It was fun, took a while for me to get used to the setting since it was my first time to a dance,” said Brandon Cheng, “The beginning was weird because the DJ played songs I had no clue what they were. The food and drinks were fine. I had a nice time, so overall it was a nice experience and quiet amusing one as well.”

By Minnie Chu

On Thursday, December 13th, Arroyo senior Eric Escobedo, experienced an unfortunate robbery at the Greenhouse in San Leandro.  After the dismissal bell at 3:10PM, Escobedo loads his equipment into the backseat of his sister's 97 Grand Prix and rides with her to the Hawaiian Grill Express.  During their ten minute run to buy food, the sister's vehicle was broken into through the back window of the passenger's seat.  The criminal had stolen a wallet which contained a Chase debit card, a backpack with a school-owned book and $100 scientific calculator, a chain of Escobedo's house keys, and a $400 Les Paul guitar in a large case.  Upon the siblings return to the car at 3:30PM, they discover that the back window was pushed down, considering that it was broken in the first place, and that Escobedo's possessions have been taken.  Luckily, Chase was just around the corner and the pair frantically hurried over to cancel the debit card, yet it was too late-- the thief had already used $50 in a gas station in Oakland.  Police are still on the search for the criminal with information of the guitar's serial number and the investigation is to be continued.
 Escobedo's family at home was in deep shock.  Eric stated "My dad immediately added a lock to the front door.  My sister began to cry and she was worried about her care being easy to be broken into."  Regarding his family's history, he has had several cousins who have experience similar thefts.  Their items were found on sale online on Craig's list.  Escobedo hopes that the criminal would be irrational enough to sell it on the internet so that they may track down who had taken his possessions.  "I am fortune to find a replacement guitar for $280 off a man from Craig's List" says Escobedo who will be recording with the Mutilations band, the following Saturday of the day he was robbed. "It's really shocking because it happened so fast.  Why did it have to happen now?  What did I do to deserve this?"

If any of you have seen this Les Paul guitar being sold anywhere with "The Mutilations" logo on the guitar case, please report to the school, Eric Escobedo or the police as soon as possible!

Support "The Mutilations" on their Battle of the Bands finals in the DNA Lounge located in San Fransisco!  For more information about the performance, find Eric around school to discuss the event and ticket purchase.

By Rhea Mallari

The girl’s soccer season began in early November. Their first league game was on cold December 5 against Piedmont High School. Since then, the girls have been losing their games, but not without a good fight. “I think that we have a pretty good team, but we are having trouble connecting with each other. With hard work and dedication, I believe we can overcome anything, but we have to do it as a team,” says varsity player Amara Mitchell.

With the construction going on in the fields, field sports have been forced to practice and play on elsewhere. For soccer, home games have been played at the Pepsi Fields in Hayward. For the most part, the players are happy that they will soon have nice turf fields to play on. But with the change in playing locations, they have also stressed about getting rides to practice (at the Duck Pond) and far away home games. I asked Amara what she think of the field construction going on. She said, “I feel it’s a good choice, but it’s very challenging and difficult for us to have different practice and home game locations. Other than that, I wish that they’d just hurry up and get it over with already!”

By Dahlia Pimentel

On December 16, 2012 from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm, students from Arroyo Interact Club participate in the "Caroling for Cans" volunteering event. Jerrid Curameng, Lanie Mae Esteban, Christopher Guan, Yolanda La, Luigi Lantin, Sharon Lenh, Jessi Li, Richard Li, Julie Lien, Jimson Ma, Nicholas Rivera, Vivian Su, Stephanie Tam, Hau Truong, and Wei Jian Wu spent their Sunday mornings carrying heavy loads of cans. Walking from door to door in the Manor area, the Interactors asked people in these neighborhoods to donate cans to the Davis Street Community/Family Center.

Nearing Christmas, a lot of people were feeling generous, running back in their kitchens to see if they have any canned foods to donate. The results were impeccable: about 600 storable food were collected in just 2 1/2 hours!

By Sharon Lenh

Winter is coming up! And that does not only mean break and more food, it is also the season for new sports! Our incredible dons have been working in teams for the women’s basketball and soccer, and our men’s basketball and soccer, not to forget our amazing wrestling team! So come by and support them in their upcoming games. For women’s basketball, next pre-season game would be December 5, 2012 at 7:00 at St. Mary’s Berkeley. Soccer would be also on December 5, 2012 at 3:15-5:00 atCampolindo. For Men’s basketball (Frosh/ Soph), next game would be in Arroyo on December 18 at 5:30. Basketball (JV), their tournament would be December 11, 2012 in Arroyo at 6:00. Basketball (Varsity), their tournament would be December 11, 2012 in Arroyo at 7:00. Men’s soccer next game would be December 3, 2012 in Piedmont from 3:15-5:00. Wrestling for both men and women is taking place on December 8, 2012 all day but varsity men at Bay Area Inv. at Castro Valley, women varsity at Roger Brionnes at San Leandro, and men’s JV at the Falcon JV Tournament at Foothill.

By Minnie Chu and Emily Cai

As the wintry weather moves in and the days are getting shorter, a group of spring athletes are already starting their training. They’re the track athletes, and along with baseball players, they’ve been regularly visiting the weight room located near the Arroyo High School gym.

It’s only been a short off-season for most of the athletes, with a large amount coming from previous months in Cross Country. Michael Chiang, one of the sophomore runners in the fall sport, reports that the transition from Cross Country to the current training was “a complete change” and Kenneth Lee – a freshmen runner – agreed, mentioning that the off-season workouts are “a lot easier”. Calvin Ip, one of two captains, also stated that the workouts are “a great way to get runners to work on their weaker points, which, in this case, would be upper-body”. The Cross Country season officially ended on November 18^th, but these individuals – along with other athletes such as Simon Gee, Hau Truong and Toshiki Watanabe – are still working hard.

As the weeks move along, the Track team will have to find a new location to train, since the field is currently being renovated. The former track has already been removed, as with the surrounding bleachers, football field, and baseball field.

For now, though, the runners will be training in the weight room afterschool, along with occasional visits from Coach Metcalf.

The preconditioning takes place around 3:30, and those who would like to participate are encouraged to drop by on Tuesdays/Wednesday/Thursdays at that time for more info.

By Kit Wu

DECA had a recycling contest from November 29, 2012 to November 30, 2012. DECA and non-DECA members helped to collect the cans, bottles, and glass during 4th period. The class that raised the most was rewarded with a desserts party.

The results exceeded everyone's expectations. DECA received 690 cans/bottles/glass in just two days! The winner was Mrs. Rodrigues's Leadership Class with 94. Mr. Jorgensen's class was 2nd with 83 and Mr. Jaw was following closely behind with 81.

DECA is an international organization that is about financing, marketing, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Besides helping with George Mark, DECA is also focused in helping the Davis Street Community Center and the Children's Hospital in Oakland. Mrs. Charlton, Arroyo DECA's advisor, as well as a teacher at Arroyo, wants to communicate the following:

"DECA’s First Annual “Recycling for the rest of their Life”, fundraiser for George Mark Children’s Hospice in San Leandro. 

Arroyo DECA’s 30+ members coordinated a recycling effort of plastic bottles, glass and cans on the Arroyo High School Campus.  All monies raised are donated to our local George Mark Children Hospice. 

George Mark Children’s House is a home-like refuge for seriously or terminally ill children and their families.   Arroyo DECA cares about families in our community and the environment. 

By recycling we were able to raise money and help the environment without any additional cost to others.  It’s hard work and a little sticky at times but we were happy to help a charity that means so much to families with sick children in our community. 
Arroyo raised $96.00 in just two days of collections!!  The class with the most recycling and 1^st place winners was Mrs. Rodrigues’s Leadership Class, and our 2^nd place honorable mention was Mr. Jorgensen’s 4^th period class.  Thank you!!!"

By Sharon Lenh

 The annual Winter Concert is rapidly approaching! Our school’s musicians will be performing in this event on December 7. The concert is held in the cafeteria. Doors open at 6:30 and the performances begin at 7 P.M. The choir, Jazz Band, Concert Band, Vocal Ensembles and Orchestra will be showing off their amazing musical talent. Tickets are available from any music student for only $5.00. Students and parents are welcome to come to this event and support their school’s musicians. “I feel good [about performing] because it’s fun. But I wish concerts were on Fridays because I’m really tired the next day,” says 10^th grader Daisy Perez. People are encouraged to come to the concert to show their pride and support for their fellow classmates.

For the Arroyan musicians, the pieces going to be shown on Friday night are a product of constant practice during school and at home. Members of the men’s ensemble and the female ensemble in the choir have even dedicated several of their lunches over the past weeks to rehearse. The other music-related classes have been equally hard-working. Bethzaida Medrano, Betsy as her friends know her, a sophomore who plays the tuba and French horn in Concert Band and the trombone in Jazz Band, says “the music shows when we’re not taking [rehearsing] seriously […] Mr. M really makes us work to kick it up a notch.” Christian Gerardo, a sophomore who plays the flute and piccolo in Concert Band and the Tenor Sax in Jazz Band agreed when he said, “Most of us have been practicing […] you can tell by the way we play.”

 Bethzaida Medrano expresses the Arroyan musician ardor and perspective: “I’m excited [for the Winter Concert], but worried. Hopefully, we can live up to our name.”

By Dahlia Pimentel and Michelle Huang

Joe is a great and determined Arroyo guard instructor that has been teaching guard for the past 4 years. He was in guard during his sophomore year through his senior. Upon asking how he felt during his seasons in guard, Joe responded, “[It was] Intimidating at first, and it became one of the most rewarding experience in my life. It changed my life as well, I gained leadership and I started opening up to others.” Joe cares about each guard member, like Shawnda, as if they were his own children. So how does he feel teaching guard? “It is rewarding teaching students and watching them experience new things. It also makes me happy to see them having fun because having fun is very important.”

By Minnie Chu

Shawnda is the caring and hard-working Arroyo guard instructor that has been teaching for the past 6 years. She was once in the marching band during her junior year playing the saxophone than tried color guard her senior. During her season in color guard she felt unclose to those around her and no one got along in the group. After asking how she felt about guard, she thinks and replies, “I didn’t like it while I was there it because my instructor didn’t care about us. It actually felt like a joke. Though, I did make a best friend and she is still my best friend today.” After Shawnda’s experiences, she still decides to become a guard instructor because in the end she truly loves guard. “Guard has taught me dedication and commitment to stick with something I didn’t like, but because people needed me. Even though I feel stressful from teaching and the huge responsibility I have for taking care of so many my children, I have learned to become more responsible, patient, understanding of my children as well as myself. But what I’m really glad to have is seeing my ideas come to life and having my guard the way I wished it was when I was in it, drama-free where everyone is friends and having an instructor that truly cares. ”

By Minnie Chu

The "Oktoberfest" Halloween carnival is a collaboration between the music program, who hosts a Haunted House in the cafeteria and has the orchestra and concert band provide musical entertainment, and the clubs of Arroyo, who hold booths in the gym with games and prizes. This upcoming Tuesday, October 30, the Arroyo High School Instrumental Music Program will be hosting their annual carnival. The event opens to the public at 6:30, and runs until 8:30.
The music program is currently asking for volunteers to help set up and run the Haunted House. Community service hours will be provided. Sign up sheets are available in the band room, M-2.
Some clubs, such as CSF, are also asking for volunteers. If you would like to help, talk to the club president and ask if they are running a booth.
Wear your costume and enjoy a night of candy, music, and bone-chilling frights!

By Stephanie McHugh

Heard of the Key Club yet? Do not miss out! It is a new club on campus that may be of great interest to you, like it was to Jacques Z, a member of Key Club that joined because he “wanted to get more community service”. It is a club that “provides voluntary opportunities for high school students” explains the president of the new club, Ming Li. The Key Club with approximately sixty members in Arroyo and about 100,000 members around the district plan to have “great events like the FRN” a spring rally where all Key Club members of the district meet in 6 Flags.  Other event will focus in improving that community and providing students and service hours.  Ming describes Key Club future events like the Marina Park Clean Up, where they will beautify and “clean for the people that live around the neighborhood like us”; they will also be having a food bank in Lake Merritt, where they will be handing food to the needy families of Oakland on October 27. Key Club had their first meeting on October 18; members are eager for what this first year awaits for their club and are happy to welcome any new interested members. Vicky Gao, the Key Club’s treasurer, encourages students anyone looking for volunteering opportunities to join; she let us know, “Join Key Club! You get to venture and meet new people!”  For anyone interested to become a Key Club member, their next meeting will be this Monday 22nd during lunch and you can get your questions answers by contacting the Key Club to their E-mail: arroyokeyclub@gmail.com  , Facebook Ming Li, or calling him (no text) to (510) 303- 0051. Key Club will be waiting!

By Citlalli Castellon

The current construction near Main Hall, easily seen from the front of the school, has been going on since June 2012. Four modern science classrooms resembling the newer rooms in H-Hall and parts of S-Hall are expected to be built in that area. New offices will also be built along with those classrooms, but until they are built, the two assistant principals that used to work in that area will be relocated to P-3.

In accordance with the original schedule, the construction inside main hall is expected to be finished by December 2012/January 2013. The new classrooms will be available for use by the fall of 2013.

Asked for her opinion on the current project, Activity Director Ms. Rodriguez says that “In the end, I know it’s gonna be positive for the school, but it just makes a crazy year.” Ms. Rodriguez works as a PE teacher and is also in charge of various events around campus.

Two further projects are expected to take place this year, with the first project set for the softball field and the second project set for the track/football field. Both projects are scheduled to begin after the 2012 football season, and spring athletes using the track and softball field will have to do their training off campus. A brand new track and football field will be ready after construction, and a renovated softball field will be there as well.

All of these projects are funded by Measure O, an $83 million general obligation bond approved by San Lorenzo voters back in 2008.

Article by Kit Wu

Photography by Jennifer Lau

“I hope to really get my studying down and get into a good university.”

-Christian Casillas

"Learn percussion, get through 2 AP’s, and be more involved in clubs."

-Jessica Pham

"Don’t really have a goal. Already have good grades and I like myself the way I am."

-Tiarra Simon-Brown

"Pay more attention and to work hard. Pass all of my classes."

-Samantha Pulido

Meet Mr. Grangoff

William Grangoff is the new history teacher in room A-15. It is the first time he has had a class before. "I feel like I have a greater impact on students [than when I was a sub]" says he while arduously correcting student work. He is also a grandfather and an active bay swimmer in the CEA South End Rowing Club. With thirty years of public service experience, he advises with sound authority, “The future is now!”

                                                                                                                                      Meet Ms. Barrett

Barbara Barrett is teaching Algebra and Algebra Success in her first class this year in room D-3. “My classes are great. It’s a lot tougher and I have a lot to learn,” she modestly says. Ms. Barrett also loves to bike, boat, and especially, run. Teaching is not the mother of 2 UC students and a high school sophomore’s only talent; she is also interested in helping kids get into college. “Some kids just don’t know the options […] I want to help them succeed!”

Meet Mr. Lehton

Jeffrey Lehton teaches Social Science in room B-9 for all grade levels. He has taught for 3 years in a private school. “I’m looking forward to getting students more into the curriculum […] I want to get involved,” he says optimistically. In his spare time, Mr. Lehton enjoys watching the Padres play baseball and currently is training for a half-marathon. He graduated from UC Irvine because he “worked real hard,” and now lives by the motto, “The harder you work, the luckier you get!”

                                                                                                                                    Meet Ms. Bollinger

Sarah Bollinger teaches Special Ed English for all grades in room D-18. She is currently doing a paid internship at Arroyo and is finishing her credentials at Cal State East Bay. She says, “I love teaching English [and] I love being Ms. B! I always wanted to be a teacher.” In fact, she graduated from Arroyo herself in 2006 and humorously adds, “I want to chaperone a dance so I can get the ‘teacher’s point of view’!” In her free time, she enjoys reading comic books with the Watchmen and Wonder Woman as well as about Greek mythology.