Coronavirus changing my life
Posted on June 11, 2020 by Melisa Lovos in Op-Ed
Melisa Lovos
Crimson Chronicle Reporter
HHS sophomore tells her life story and wins third place
Posted on June 11, 2020 by Melisa Lovos in News
Melisa Lovos
Crimson Chronicle
The Rotary Club Speech Contest is a global leadership and service organization that is a part of the “Rotary Club Pageant of Arts.” It connects the world with the theme, “a positive solution to life’s challenges.” Khadija Habib, TCA sophomore, is the only student in Hollywood High who competed in the speech section of the contest and won third place, receiving an award and the cash price of $250.
The contest, which includes speech, dance, art and music, was originally scheduled on March 14 at Loyola Marymount University. It was rescheduled due to COVID 19 and took place through Zoom. In the near future, some of the speeches will be uploaded onto YouTube for a display of their hard work.
With the help of her English Language Development teacher, Casey Klein, Khadija wrote her speech, and together they edited, worked on eye contact, voice volume, and body language. She would stay after school, and due to the pandemic, had to adjust to the new virtual methods.
“I am so proud of Khadija. Her work ethic, drive, dedication, and commitment to her goals is inspiring,” said Klein. “She has an incredible story, and I feel fortunate that she was in my class this year. There is no doubt in my mind that she is going to make a positive impact on this world.” Klein, along with many other HHS teachers, counselors, and administrators joined the Zoom conference to support Khadija as she gave her speech.
Khadija received help from her family and with her hard work and growth in the English language, she became fearless reciting her speech. Although they weren’t focused on winning or losing, they all worked hard to show what she was capable of, focusing on her culture, the importance of education, and her life- all in one story. In her speech, she explains her life born and raised in Afghanistan, and the positive change that moving to the U.S brought her, academically, as she now has many more opportunities than she could dream of.
“I thank my father, my mother, my brother, and my teacher Ms. Casey Klein for helping me through this journey. I am so proud that I am a part of Habib’s family,” said Khadija.
Many online jobs are available for teens
Posted on May 19, 2020 by Melisa Lovos in Op-Ed
Melisa Lovos
Chronicle Reporter
As we are all staying at home during this pandemic, for our own safety and that of the people around us, we are becoming more and more tired and disappointed with not having much to look forward to for the summer, for the week, or even for the next day.
Summer break is coming in a couple of weeks, meaning we will be free of online classes, free of all the homework assigned to us by all of our teachers, and free of tests. Just as AP Exams are coming to an end, and final projects and exams are also a few weeks from being due, we will all have a bit more time on our hands to do more than homework all day.
There are many opportunities for adolescents, for those graduating high school and even those who still have a year or two left. For example, working from home, now that we are stuck at home, is a great way to earn and save some money, for whatever may happen in the future. Whether you want to help out your parents with the family costs or wish to use the money you earn by saving up for the future- college, or even moving out of your parent’s house, working from home is a great way to do something productive in your free time.
We all had to cancel plans, we lost opportunities, we had to find new ways to spend our time and continue working on school, our futures, our health, and our relationships. But it is important to continue thinking about the future, and a great way to do this is by saving up for the more opportunities that can come your way.
Some jobs available that can be easily found online are, writing articles online, completing online surveys, becoming a call reviewer, becoming an English tutor, working as a Customer Service Representative, creating and selling your own designs online, proofreading other people’s work, becoming a brand ambassador, and if you have a drivers license- becoming a food delivery driver. The best way to start is by creating a personalized resume to show the employers more about you.
This pandemic is affecting us all around the world
Posted on April 30, 2020 by Melisa Lovos in Op-Ed
Melisa Lovos
Chronicle Reporter
People all around the world are suffering from the Coronavirus pandemic. Not only due to the virus itself and the fact that it is causing so many deaths all around the world, but due to the economic situation in the households. This has not only become a struggle for people in third world countries, but everywhere.
Many people, especially those in middle or lower class financially , don’t have the access to necessary sources to continue with virtual classes as expected of them, as many others would. Many don’t have internet access, computers, the space or the time at home to attend every class. At home, many of us are expected to help out with the chores, our siblings, and other activities that take much of our time, making it difficult for us to do the extended amount of work- apart from the classes- daily.
If we are going through a lot, having better conditions than other countries around the world, it is clear that third world countries will have a harder living situation with school, and financial support. Everyday in the news, we see for example people from Latin America putting their best efforts to keep their families from starving, from losing the education opportunities they have worked so hard for, and even from losing their jobs. If it is difficult for us, it is also important to think about those who have lost their homes and are now living in the streets, or have one meal so the whole family gets at least something to eat.
In my opinion, although we have a right to complain and be frustrated with our conditions- as they are more complicated as each day passes, it is important to keep in mind that there are always others who have it worse than us. We have help being offered to us and it is important that we take advantage of this, as not everyone has these opportunities.
Ways to distract yourself during this quarantine
Posted on April 17, 2020 by Melisa Lovos in Features
Melisa Lovos
Crimson Chronicle
During this pandemic time, as everyone is asked to stay at home, and every form of entertainment outside of the home is closed or canceled, we come to dread the thought of the next day- as every day is the same as the last.
However, it doesn’t have to be that way. There are many ways to keep yourself entertained, while indoors and following the cautionary safety measures set without having to spend much- or any- money
Activities using technology:
Read a new book online, host a Netflix viewing party, take a digital museum/university/concert, find DIY ideas on social media (Pinterest), video chat or facetime with a friend, start an Instagram or Twitter with your favorite hobbies as feed, go window shopping online, take online quizzes on websites such as Buzzfeed, find free apps and games on your phone, and even create a blog or youtube channel.
Other activities:
Play your favorite music and dance, write a poem or story, draw something you like, cooking or baking, make a collage, learn to play an instrument, reorganize or clean your house/room, prat or meditate, try a new workout, catch up on quality sleep, and even dedicate some time on your beauty routine.
LAUSD is giving out free meals
Posted on March 27, 2020 by Melisa Lovos in News, Uncategorized
Melisa Lovos
Crimson Chronicle
After schools in Los Angeles and Orange County were closed to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, many families who depend on schools for meals and child care became negatively affected, with the lack of these essential services.
“Our schools provide a social safety net for children.” said Superintendent of the Los Angeles School District, Austin Beautner at a Friday press conference.
The only solution they could find, that would both help the families in need and follow the health regulations includes providing students ages 18 and younger with meals, in schools all around the district. They also planned on providing child care resources, however they could not guarantee a safe and appropriate environment for everyone during this pandemic, causing such to be reconsidered.
“Most people go to get meals for their kids, mostly in elementary and middle school. I have heard some complaints from families because they don’t think enough food is given to them, in order to have a healthy and reasonable diet. But I think it’s good that people are trying to help out those most in need, and the way they are doing it is causing a positive effect.” Said TCA Senior, Kevin Hernandez.
The district’s Grab- And- Go Meal provides 60 locations and are open every weekday. They began distributing food this past March 23 from 7 a.m to 11 a.m, with two meals per kid. Regulations may differ from school to school, and information will be provided to families from their local schools.
Locations providing food include: https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/heres-where-students-in-socal-can-get-free-meals-while-schools-are-closed/2329955/
Hollywood high’s pool has again become its crown jewel
Posted on March 20, 2020 by Melisa Lovos in Sports
Melisa Lovos
Chronicle Reporter
After about two years of refurbishing, piping, tiling, and reconstruction, the pool was cleared-and opened on March 6 of this year. The main policy so far is that students cannot use the pool unless a lifeguard, who comes on a regular basis, and a coach are present and supervising the students in the pool. The goal is to have the lifeguard come during P.E classes, in the future, so that P.E students have the opportunity of using the pool during class as well.
“The pool is seen as the crown jewel of Hollywood High School, it’s one of the best parts of our athletic program, that we have a world class pool like that. Not having it for two years affected us because we had to send our swim team to practice at Bernstein High School.” Said Assistant Principal, Pacino Furioso.
Due to not having a pool on campus, the swim team dealt with the struggle of having to practice in other schools, including Bernstein High School, and not allowing the P.E classes the access that students in previous years had, to the pool.
“Our major setback was not being able to practice inside the pool. Doing exercise on land can only get us so far. We have to be in the pool so that people who has little experience can hone their skills and master the real techniques they are going to need at competitions.” Said SAS Junior and captain of the swim team, Raquel Kaufman.
Dr. Reid has the vision to open up the pool for the community on certain days, and share it with other LAUSD schools. This not only to return the favor that was given to Hollywood High, when allowed access to the pool in other schools, but to provide accessibility for those around the neighborhood to the newly reconstructed pool.
Grant us accessibility for disability
Posted on February 27, 2020 by Melisa Lovos in Op-Ed
Melisa Lovos
Chronicle Reporter
Every now and then, students get physical injuries that affect their daily routine. As so, I recently had an accident in which I injured my left ankle-for which the doctors chose to put a cast covering the area.
I returned to school the next day with my cast, my crutches and my doctor’s note authorizing the school to allow me to use the elevator. I walked into the attendance office expecting them to give me the key and go about my day with elevator access to get to my classes. However, this was not the case, as I was told I had to get my parent’s signature before being granted an elevator key. Throughout the day, I struggled a lot to get to my classes, from the SAS building to the TCA building, and back. I was late to most of my classes, and although I was excused, it was still a hassle.
The next day that I returned with my parent’s signature, I was granted the key. It made me happy that I wouldn’t have to struggle as much to get to my classes, but I found that the key didn’t work in the TCA elevator.
I believe that this is a violation to the ADA Compliance and our student rights as we should have accessibility for people with disabilities- such as elevators and ramps.
If you are seen struggling or request access to an elevator key, such access should be granted immediately in order to be able to go on with your school day. Especially if it is a noticeable injury, such as a cast and crutches.
It is understandable that keys are necessary in order to keep a secure and healthy school environment, but clearly needs should be met.
Watch the new Netflix romcom this Valentine’s Day
Posted on February 14, 2020 by Melisa Lovos in Entertainment
Melisa Lovos
Chronicle Reporter
To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, the new sequel to the 2018 movie adaption To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, is now on Netflix, as a teen romantic comedy, a few days before Valentine’s Day.
Directed by Micheal Fimognari, this new movie adaptation, along with the previous one of the sequel, are based on the YA series by Jenny Han, portraying the life of a young Korean-American teenager who has a preppy style and is a romantic. This sequel shows the continuation of her life after the love letters she wrote as a child, are mailed to her former crushes. Such leads to her getting to know one of the main characters, Peter Kavinsky.
Throughout the movie, she begins experiencing her new ‘dating life’ with Peter, until another boy from her past, one of which she wrote a letter to, returns and as do her feelings. She becomes confused as to who she truly wants to be with, and whether it is possible to be in love with two boys- her boyfriend and her longtime crush.
“I like how she wrote her feeling toward her crushes, into a letter, and then it got leaked and yet got a good reaction in return until she was in a relationship with one of them.” Says SAS Junior, Julian Valencia, who watched the new movie and found it entertaining as well as heartwarming.
Hollywood Idol is coming
Posted on January 31, 2020 by Melisa Lovos in News
Melisa Lovos
Chronicle Reporter
The last registration auditions for Hollywood Idol this year are now closed. They took place Jan. 28 and 29.
Hollywood Idol is an opportunity that is given to students to be a part of a show and prove their showcase talent, run by the L.A.C.E.R Afterschool Programs. This show gives the Theatre Tech students an opportunity to put on an amazing show with lighting, sound, and high tech, as well as allows the performers to show their talent.
The show will take place on the 28 or 29 of May, however, due to some conflicts in scheduling, as there are some students unavailable to participate in the show in some dates, this date may be rescheduled.
About 15-20 students are taken into auditions, and 10 are kept. By the show, only 8 are able to perform. These students practice once a week with the L.A.C.E.R Program Director, Ramiro Segovia. The Tech Theatre students have class three days a week, Wed, Thurs, and Fri, and so prepare for the show 2 weeks prior to the performance, to practice their lighting and sounds in the auditorium.
TCA Senior, Justin Lubiano, who participated in the auditions says, “It was really fun, there is a lot of competition right now and they seem to want to bring it this year. I’m very excited.”
Judging for Hollywood Idol takes place during the event, after the performance by all the students participating, and based on the audition of each one. 4 students and 4 adults follow a rubric, and so pick the finalists according to the different SLC’s, in a non-biased way.
