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Leadership Academy The Voice Newspaper serving the Lincoln Heights community since 2008 Volume 6 Edition 1 Sept/Oct 2013 The Home of Lion Pride Top Story At It Again: Comerica Bank Gives Away Ipads President of bank returns to reward high achievers Inside is Issue... School Achievement API Score Page 2 Food Fit for Royalty? Royal Dining Page 4 L o s A n g e l e s “Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.”- Buddha Out with the Old, in with the New? Vending machine experiment over, Student Store back Since the 4th grade, Cornell Stephen- son began to run, and has not stopped. While in high school, he was a track star who became a 4-time state cham- pion in Maryland. Cornell was once an accoun- tant, but needed a change of scenery. He was energetic and decided to become a P.E. teacher. The inner track star in him was calling. Mr. Stephen- son competed a few times before and had much success, but recently he decided to compete in track again. In the summer, he decided to compete in the Torino 2013 World Masters Games. The man trained for many months by running at local parks and tracks and staying on a strict diet. In June, Cornell sprained his ankle and was unable to run for two weeks. But he kept on training returned to his impeccable shape. In Italy, Mr. Stephenson got a lot of support from people in Los Angeles. Stephenson says, “I felt wel- comed, appreciated, and admired.” His motivation was to do better than the last time. If he worked hard, he would be the best. “I didn’t want the U.S. title, I wanted the world title.” In the tourna- ment, Cornell won the 100m gold and the 400m silver medals. By Juan Espinoza Op-Ed Editor Go Speed Racer: Cornell Stephenson sprinting for gold in Torino, Italy Faster than a Speeding Bullet Popular P.E. teacher competes at international level By Jesus Duarte Staff Writer Last year, the school was vandal- ized, which affected the students of Los Angeles Leadership Academy High School. One of the most impor- tant things that was affected by the incident was the vending machines. Now students are not able to buy snacks, so ASB is looking to go old school by bring back the student store. Recently there was a meet- ing with the principle of the school to discuss issues concerning the vending machines. One of the questions that came up was the schools contract with the vending machine company. It was reveiled that the school and the com- pany still have a contract even though the machines are not in use. Student Body President Oscar Pena said“replacing or fixing the vending machines would not be the solution because the (cost to the school) would be to much, and we are already in debt.” The solution would be to bring back the student store not only because it is cheaper, but also be- cause it will bring in more profit then the vending machines. “There will be an increase in profit without the vending machines and with the installment of a student store. For every bag of chips sold in the vending machines, we only got a quarter of profit while the company kept 75%.” said Pena. Now the question is when will the student store be up and running. According to Pena the Leadership students are currently working on getting items approved for the student store. Pena says that it is taking time because Leadership must follow the strict food guidelines. During a surprise assembly, 16 of LALA’s seniors were given ipad minis from Comerica Bank president Mike Fulton for their personal growth and leadership. These seniors came from Mark, Phyllis, and Al’s advi- sories. This list of seniors included: Angelica Etienne, Anthony Roque, Aisli Valencia, Natalie Hernandez, Jose Hernandez, Richard Cruz, Jenny Students were excited when they received their ipad minis By:Jac Russell Staff Writer Day at the Park Exclusive Photos Page 6 Alvarez, Gerard Toledo, Kasey Sierra, Selenah Martin, Oscar Pena, Jesus Martinez, Steven Munoz, Lyric Colon, Evelyn Thomas, and Yareli Jimenez. Each advisor gave a speech about the senior before awarding them the ipad minis. Out of all of their speeches, Al really touched everyone’s heart with his speech about Anthony Roque. Al said he thinks of Anthony as a son to him. After the Ipads minis were given to the seniors there were 6 ipad minis remaining. These ipad minis were given to the students in lower grades: Juniors Irani Mendez and Oscar Isem from Ms. Ham’s advisory, Sophomores Sandra Sanchez and Maria Galarza from Marissa’s advi- sory, Freshmen Ismael Banda from Ms. Kathleen’s advisory and Michelle Gutierrez from Mr.B’s advisory.

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Page 1: Volume6 edition 1

Leadership AcademyThe Voice

Newspaper serving the Lincoln Heights community since 2008Volume 6 Edition 1 Sept/Oct 2013

The Home of Lion Pride

Top Story

At It Again: Comerica Bank Gives Away IpadsPresident of bank returns to reward high achievers

Inside This Issue...

School AchievementAPI Score

Page 2

Food Fit for Royalty?Royal Dining

Page 4

L o s A n g e l e s

“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.”- Buddha

Out with the Old, in with the New?Vending machine experiment

over, Student Store back

Since the 4th grade, Cornell Stephen-son began to run, and has not stopped. While in high school, he was a track star who became a 4-time state cham-pion in Maryland. Cornell was once an accoun-tant, but needed a change of scenery. He was energetic and decided to become a P.E. teacher. The inner track star in him was calling. Mr. Stephen-son competed a few times before

and had much success, but recently he decided to compete in track again. In the summer, he decided to compete in the Torino 2013 World Masters Games. The man trained for many months by running at local parks and tracks and staying on a strict diet. In June, Cornell sprained his ankle and was unable to run for two weeks. But he kept on training returned to his impeccable shape.

In Italy, Mr. Stephenson got a lot of support from people in Los Angeles. Stephenson says, “I felt wel-comed, appreciated, and admired.” His motivation was to do better than the last time. If he worked hard, he would be the best. “I didn’t want the U.S. title, I wanted the world title.” In the tourna-ment, Cornell won the 100m gold and the 400m silver medals.

By Juan EspinozaOp-Ed Editor Go Speed Racer: Cornell Stephenson sprinting for gold in Torino, Italy

Faster than a Speeding

BulletPopular P.E. teacher competes

at international level

By Jesus DuarteStaff Writer

Last year, the school was vandal-ized, which affected the students of Los Angeles Leadership Academy High School. One of the most impor-tant things that was affected by the incident was the vending machines. Now students are not able to buy snacks, so ASB is looking to go old school by bring back the student store. Recently there was a meet-ing with the principle of the school to discuss issues concerning the vending machines. One of the questions that came up was the schools contract with the vending machine company. It was reveiled that the school and the com-pany still have a contract even though the machines are not in use. Student Body President Oscar Pena said“replacing or fixing the vending machines would not be the solution because the (cost to the school) would be to much, and we are already in debt.” The solution would be to bring back the student store not only because it is cheaper, but also be-cause it will bring in more profit then the vending machines. “There will be an increase in profit without the vending machines and with the installment of a student store. For every bag of chips sold in the vending machines, we only got a quarter of profit while the company kept 75%.” said Pena. Now the question is when will the student store be up and running. According to Pena the Leadership students are currently working on getting items approved for the student store. Pena says that it is taking time because Leadership must follow the strict food guidelines.

During a surprise assembly, 16 of LALA’s seniors were given ipad minis from Comerica Bank president Mike Fulton for their personal growth and leadership. These seniors came from Mark, Phyllis, and Al’s advi-sories. This list of seniors included: Angelica Etienne, Anthony Roque, Aisli Valencia, Natalie Hernandez, Jose Hernandez, Richard Cruz, Jenny

Students were excited when they received their ipad minis By:Jac RussellStaff Writer

Day at the ParkExclusive Photos

Page 6

Alvarez, Gerard Toledo, Kasey Sierra, Selenah Martin, Oscar Pena, Jesus Martinez, Steven Munoz, Lyric Colon, Evelyn Thomas, and Yareli Jimenez. Each advisor gave a speech about the senior before awarding them the ipad minis. Out of all of their speeches, Al really touched everyone’s heart with his speech about Anthony Roque. Al said he thinks of Anthony as a son to him. After the Ipads minis were

given to the seniors there were 6 ipad minis remaining. These ipad minis were given to the students in lower grades: Juniors Irani Mendez and Oscar Isem from Ms. Ham’s advisory, Sophomores Sandra Sanchez and Maria Galarza from Marissa’s advi-sory, Freshmen Ismael Banda from Ms. Kathleen’s advisory and Michelle Gutierrez from Mr.B’s advisory.

Page 2: Volume6 edition 1

NEWS2 The Voice Sept/Oct 2013

www.laleadership.org

The VoiceSTAFF

Editors-In-Chief:

Oscar Isem

Managing Editor:

Sandra Sanchez

Photo Editor:

Esteban Cordova

Copy Editor:

Ashley Lelong

News Editor:

Vanessa Sanchez

Op-Ed Editor:

Carlos Castaneda

Juan Espinoza

Staff Writers:

Jonathan Arreola

Vanesa Arreola

Brian Cabrera

Jesus Duarte

Kevin Ferman

Joaquin Franco

Cecilia Guizar

Sofia Huang

Eric Platero

Jac Russell

Aimee Russell

Alanjon Yparraguirre

Faculty Advisor:

Ms. Uchemefuna

Printer:

Gardena Valley News

Publication PoliciesThe Voice is a student news-paper produced by students at L.A. Leadership Academy. This paper is published to in-form, educate and entertain the student body, faculty and members of the community of Lincoln Heights.

Students, faculty and com-munity members with strong opinions are highly encour-aged to write a guest com-mentary or a letter to the edi-tor, which may be published.

Send letters to the editor:

[email protected]

L.A. Leadership Academy High School

Attn: The Voice234 East Avenue 33

Los Angeles, CA 90031

hhhhhhThe Voice Ch-Ch-Ch Challenge hhhhhhOctober's Challenge

Banned Books Week

Name 5 books that have been banned or challenged in the U.S. in the last 50 yearsThe first student to speak to Ms. U with the correct answer will receive a Banned Books Week T-Shirt + The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

L.A.L.A Tested By Test Scores School’s API Scores Must Improve

Eric PlateroStaff Writer

The test scores of students attending Los Angeles Leadership Academy High and Middle School during the 2012-2013 school year took a steep drop, result-ing in low API scores that were not at the 800 mark of acceptable. Of a pos-sible score of 1,000 in 2010 LALA scored 720, 709 in 2011, and 699 in 2012. These test scores influence change at Los Angeles Leadership Acad-emy, because test score impact the funding a school receives. The acronym API stands for Academic Perfor-mance Index. This is a sys-tem by which the state ranks a school to measure student success. In order to compile this number the state looks at the CST scores, CAHSEE scores, and graduation rates. However, at LALA this year fewer scored proficient, and those are the numbers that matter. In order to improve our CAHSEE proficiency rates all sophomores will be pre-testing in English and math to see where they are having trouble. When administrators have the

By: Aimee RussellStaff Writer

When Decisions Seem ShadyIllogical thinking when it comes to window dressing

LALA used to be a maternity hospital. Hala and Rob’s rooms were used to view babies. Students feel uncomfortable when walking past the two classrooms, because they don’t have blinds covering the win-dows. “Those rooms were used for viewing babies, but what we don’t want is people viewing teenagers as a distraction”, said tenth grade English teacherAl Schleicher. Sophomore-Marielieth Banos said, “I feel weird because you can see what is happen-ing in the classrooms. They stare at me.” It is difficult for students inside the class to focus when students from outside the class are disruptive. Rob isn’t able to have his windows completely covered because the

results students will be placed in “boot-camps” in an attempt to improve their proficiency. The English and math test scores are what keep our A.P.I scores fluctuating. Teachers are very aware of the test scores, and are using the results in their everyday instruction. When 10th grade English teacher Al Schleicher was asked what he is doing in class to improve scores he said that he gives his students a CAHSEE folder where they put the lessons they are given every Friday. Some of the les-sons are on word and literary analysis. Al reviews with his students individually, and says, “I want each student to self-access, (because) every student is different.” He also mentioned that he teaches to the standards he always teaches to, but the fold-er makes sure that 100 percent of the students have received the information they need to pass the CAHSEE. He said that he is going to focus more closely on writing strategies in preparation for the essay por-tion of the exam. The average essay score was 2.4, whereas a score of 2.5 is proficient. An increase in theses numbers would cause the A.P.I score to

increase. The school had the lowest CST’s scores in math. As a result a math coach was brought in to observe, meet, and hold professional development with the math teachers once a week. In addition a new strategy was put into place called “blended learning”. This is a strategy where students work at different paces. This was implemented by LALA’s new Executive Direcor Dr. Tubbs who said, “when students are in math class, they sometimes have to listen to something they already know. Whereas another student doesn’t know the material or are being taught something they are not ready for. So we’ve had great success with that. The expectation or goal of this school year is to increase student engagement, and have everyone participating and thinking.”

administration said it was a safety hazard and that they wanted the ability to look into the two classrooms. The school was supposed to get Hala’s blinds before school started, but they never did. “I don’t understand the reasoning behind it. From my understand-ing somebody wanted to have the ability to look into the room. Everybody has a box in their door that you can look through. If the classes have that, then why do they need to look into huge panels,” said Al Schleicher. During the fifth week of school Hala was injured, and while she had a substitute teacher her class was disrupting Rob’s. “They were banging on the window,” said Rob. Rob tallies how many times his

students turn around in his room daily. On 9/17/13 the result was 25 times. Sophmore- Anel Torres said, “People are tempted to squat down to look into the classroom and say hey to their friends. That is so dumb. They should put the blinds back down.” On Thursday, September 19th, Rob covered his windows with paper. The following week students spent four hours covering Hala’s win-dows with paper. Two days later, Mr. Thomas told Hala that her paper was an inch and a half too high. He wanted the paper to be exactly at his eye level.

Page 3: Volume6 edition 1

News & Features3The VoiceSept/Oct 2013

The Home of Lion Pride

Science & English DepartmentsTwo departments see big changes

Radio Station Gets New Start1610AM tries to go online

By Sandra Sanchez and Alanjon YparraguirreStaff Writers

Rob Swart teaches 11th & 12th grade English. Martin Bacerra teaches biology and Anatomy.

There has been an addition to the LALA community, both in admin-istration and in staff. Martin Barrera, the new Biology teacher, said “I liked the social justice idea of the school, and I think I can really expand on the subject.” Robert Swart, the new Eng-lish teacher, and Mr. B are just two of the new teachers here at LALA. Robert Swart is the ELA CAHSEE, 11th and12th grade Eng-lish teacher. He graduated from San Jose University. After interacting with students, he liked it so much that he became a teacher. When asked how he felt about the new school year so far, he said he still needed to adjust to the paper load, and that he enjoys his students’ personalities. He wants his students not to be afraid to ask ques-tions, and he expects them to work hard and follow classroom norms.

By Cecilia GuizarStaff Writer

Los Angeles Leaderhsip Academy High School has had radio club for four years. Seniors Edwin Coro and Jonathan Arreola, and advi-sor Al Schleicher, have been making improvements. The people in charge of radio club this year are Edwin Coro, sta-tion manager, and Jonathan Arreola, co-manager. They are ones in charge of the changes that will happen or are happening. Edwin was asked how the club still going after four years and he stated, “In terms of origins, I don’t know what hoops the original found-ers had to jump through in order to get the club started. I don’t know the exact details, but from what I’ve heard a group of students started it with the help of a former teacher named Jill. In terms of its return this year, Al did a lot of work convincing the new administration to allow us to continue [to do] what we do.”

Video killed the radio star: Radio room ready for afterschool DJs

For the Love of Knowledge: Mandatory TutoringYouth Policy Institute offers homework help

Mandatory tutoring is an after school program run by Youth Policy Institute. Tutors from YPI come to the school and help students who are failing or need assistance by providing homework help, acting as a study-partner, and providing practice worksheets. If a student happens to be failing one or more classes they are required to take mandatory tutoring. Henry Mendez is the YPI staff member that is in charge of the mandatory tutoring. All the tutors are qualified to teach their subject; there will be tutors for any or all of the sub-jects a student might be failing. The schedule for mandatory tutoring classes is based on the subject. It has been posted on a couple of bulletin boards around the school. Students will remain in mandatory tutoring until they raise their grades to a 70 percent or above. The requirements for mandatory tutoring is doing three hours of mandatory tutoring for each class with an F. If students are not completing all of the required hours dur-ing the week, they must come in on Saturday to complete them.

Vanesa ArreolaStaff Writer

Day Subject Room Instructor Time Monday English-History-Speech-Chem Library Jose Hernandez 3:35-5:30pm Monday English-History-Speech-Chem 101 Helen Aldana 3:35-5:30pm Tuesday Geometry- Pre Calculus Library Jesus Romero 3:35-5:30pm Tuesday Algebra 1- Algebra 2 118 Helen Aldana 3:35-5:30pm Tuesday Apex BTOP Miguel Arriaga 3:35-5:30pm Wednesday English-History-Speech-Chem Library Jose Hernandez 2:15-4:30pm Wednesday English-History-Speech-Chem 101 Helen Aldana 2:15-4:30pm Wednesday Apex- Biology BTOP Ramisi Dilley 2:15-4:30pm Thursday Geometry- Pre Calculus Library Jesus Romero 3:35-5:30pm Thursday Algebra 1- Algebra 2 118 Helen Aldana 3:35-5:30pm Thursday Apex- Biology BTOP Ramisi Dilley 3:35-5:30pm Friday Geometry- Pre Calculus Library Jesus Romero 3:35-5:30pm Friday Algebra 1- Algebra 2 118 Helen Aldana 3:35-5:30pm Friday Apex BTOP Miguel Arriaga 3:35-5:30pm Saturday Any 118 Helen Aldana 9:00-12:00pm Saturday Any 117 Jose Hernandez 9:00-12:00pm  

Mr. Barrera is the new Biol-ogy and Anatomy teacher and he can relate to his students. He says, “I am less than a decade older than them, so I just recently participated in several of the same activities they just now are getting into which allows me to have insight into their interests as well as providing me with helpful feedback and constructive advice to give my students.” With new faces added to the LALA community, we hope to obtain a bonding relationship between teach-ers and students collaborating together towards the goal of success, as the journey of the school year begins. “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths” – Walt Disney

Edwin stated that the purpose of radio club is like any other school, to provide a service for the commu-nity. They also enjoy doing it. The members of radio club wish to accom-plish something meaningful for the community. Edwin says, “One goal we have accomplished is actually start the process of transitioning to Internet radio in order to reach a larger audi-ence.” Each DJ has the power of choosing what they like to play on air. Edwin also mentions that they pride themselves in having a large variety of music to play and appeal to all groups. They are not yet fully operational on the Internet, but are working very hard and staying within their budget to provide the best experience to the user. Senior Edwin Coro believes “The range of the station fluctuates, it ranges from the end of the street at Griffin Avenue to the next street over on Pasadena Avenue, maybe even more.”

Page 4: Volume6 edition 1

News & Features4 Sept/Oct 2013The Voice

www.laleadership.org

Road Trippin’ History Teacher Phyllis Rosen goes cross-country

By Vanessa SanchezNews Editor

What did you do on your Summer vacation? Phyllis goes on roadtrip with daughter

This year Los Angeles Leadership Acad-emy offers six periods of APEX.“The Online Learning Lab offers students credit recovery and original credit oppor-tunities, in addition to access to a variety of AP classes and classes not offered on the school schedule through the use of APEX, a UC- Approved content provider that promotes the same academic rigor as LALA core classes.” - Monica JaureguiShe also stated that the online learning classes at LALA are based on the funda-mental principle that students are able to work at their own pace, monitor their own process, and learn from the content that is made available online. Jauregui said that can provide students assistance, but states that “in math I am a little shaky.” Therefore, she sends students out of class, and to a math teacher when they need assistance. She helps student by answering question, and making sure they meet all expectations. This means that she checks students quiz, test, study guides, practices, and key terms.

College councler Erin Kim ex-plains that students high school transcripts don’t show APEX as a class, instead it read the class name. Classes offered through APEX are approved by A-G requirements. Students are not able to take science classes because a lab is needed. Kim said we have a lot of APEX classes this year because so many kids failed classes in previous years, and and now need to make them up. In addition, teachers have packed classes and can’t fit students who need to remediate, therefore, they need re-take the clas in APEX. A few students are taking APEX because they want to get ahead. Oscar Peña was interviewed and asked if he was learning in APEX. He stated, “I’m not really learning in APEX, but I (have) to try.” He thinks that APEX is a good option for some classes, but not math or science. Pena says, “I would rather be in a classroom, hands down.” Annette Diaz was asked if she learns in her APEX class, and she stated, “I do learn at times, but sometime I have a difficult time understanding the questions the study guide requires me to answer.” When asked what she thinks about the school using APEX she said, “I think it is a easier way to catch up or finish a class at your own pace, because I learn the same as I would in a classroom with the help of Ms. Jauregui guiding me and answering my question.”

APEX for All?Home schooling at school

Royal DiningA Battle Royale

By: Oscar IsemEditor In Chief

LALA News ASB: Upcoming Events:

Halloween Dance- November 1, 2013 Winter Formal- December 13, 2013

Next Monthly Assembly:

November 1, 2013 December 6, 2013

Speech and Debate:

Nov. 16 SCDL Novice Speech Tournament @ Gabrielino High School

Nov. 22/23 LAMDL Policy Debate Tournament #2 @ South East High School

College Visits:

Hope College, Oct 22, After School - Open to all. FYI, Hope is a Christian school

YPIDrivers Ed will start soon. If interested, there will be a meeting Wednesday, October

30 in Cafe 1 at 2:25. Admittance is on a first come first serve basis.

Requirements: A student must be at least 15 and a half to participate.

Gay Straight Alliancemeets every Monday and Wednesday @ 3:30

on the main floor

By Rosario Michel & Cecilia GuizarStaff Writers

“Molly is a terrible driver, so I did most of the driving,”Phyllis Rosen stated with a smile on her face. Phyllis went on a road trip with her daughter Molly. Phyllis started in Boston alone, and then drove to New York to pick up her daughter Molly. They traveled through dif-ferent places, doing some sightseeing, and stumbling across other things. She started her journey on June 30th and ended in San Francisco on July 11th. Her next destination was Gettys-burg, in which their timing could not have been better. Gettysburg was celebrating their 150th Anniversary of The Battle of Gettysburg. They then drove to Cincin-nati and while there they visited Molly’s friend. They went on the Purple People Bridge, which connects Ohio to Kentucky. Phyllis and Molly then drove to Chicago and visited the Modern Art Gal-lary for the first time. After Chicago they

In early second semester of the 2012-2013 school year Los Ange-les Leadership Academy High School Administration contacted Royal Dining with complaints. After months of students complaining about the quality and presen-tation of the food they were being served. Former Senior Zulema Guillermo decided to do something about it and make a change. Royal Dining was invited to a meeting with school administration, back then Brooke Soles and Judee Fernandez, and a newly formed Lunch Committee, which consisted of Zulema Guillermo, Oscar Peña, Karen Partida, and Jesus Martinez. As a result of that meeting, Royal Dining decided to have nutrition-ist Lucy Marini come in and work with the Lunch Committee every month. She helped them plan the menu based on the USDA guidelines Royal Dining must followUS-DA guidelines. Marini conducted food surveys and handed out food samples to students during lunch last year to get a “more in-depth understanding of whether or not the students liked or disliked cer-tain products.” The most important thing the Lunch committee had to learn was how to balance calories and give the students what they want.

drove to Matterson, Wisconsin, where Phyllis visited alumni Kevin Solis. After Matterson Wisconsin, Phyl-lis and Molly drove to four other places before reaching San Francisco. They drove to South Dakota where they visited Mt.Rushmore. “It was hot, we were planning on doing some hiking, but we didn’t do much of it. It was 104 degrees.” Phyllis explained as she recalled how hot that day was. They drove to Denver and then to Mobe, Utah, and then to Saltlake City. Finally arriving at San Francisco. When asked if they were any difficulties along the trip Phyllis replied, “Not at all, it drizzled once, but the only difficult part was parking in San Francisco.” “I have always wanted to do this my whole life, and everything just came together.”

Calorie Ranges for High Schools: Break-fast: 450-600 calories Lunch: 750-850 calories. Sodium Ranges for High Schools: Breakfast: <640 mg calories Lunch: <1420 mg. Saturated Fat & Trans Fat Ranges for High Schools: Limit saturated fat to <10 % of total calories and 0 transfat for both breakfast and lunch a day.”-Lucy Marini. As is implied, math has a central role in determining whether or not a specific meal can be given out on any specific school day. Not only are the requirements for each day, there are also requirements for each week. A meal may be on the border for the day (i.e. 550 breakfast, 840 lunch), but another day will have to be light to compensate for it (i.e. 500 breakfast, 760 lunch). Not only that, each meal must be served with starchy (Mondays), dark green (Tuesdays), red/orange (Wednesdays), beans/peas (le-gumes) (Thursdays), and other (Fridays) (as defined in 2010 Dietary Guidelines) vegetables each day. This school year, the LALA Lunch Committee, whose members include Chairwoman Rebecca Garcia, Co-Chair ASB President Oscar Peña, and members Oscar Isem, Sandra Sanchez, and Juan Espinoza, have already met with Marini to help set up September and Octo-ber’s lunch menus.

Page 5: Volume6 edition 1

News & Features5The VoiceSept/Oct 2013

The Home of Lion Pride

Detention The Best Time To Waste Time

Estaban CordovaPhoto Editor

LALA has had many changes this school year. One change in partic-ular happens to be the Student Policy Handbook. The handbook is a packet given to students at the begining of the school year to inform parents and students of the school rules, bell schedule, and uniform policy. Nor-maly, a policy handbook stays consis-tent throughout an entire school year, but that was not the case this school year. For many students it feels as if tons of changes have happened to the policy handbook,, however, principal Richard Thomas stated that the only changes made were those addressing the student uniform and free dress policy. After the student handbook was issued changes were made. In

Do you find detention a good use of your time? YPI coordinator Henry Mendez said, “students should utilize their time (while in detention).’’ Most stu-dents do in fact utilize their time, by doing homework or catching up on missed assignments. Students serving detention are in the cafeteria from 3:30 - 4:30 pm, and while there students have access to YPI tutors. Students can receive detention for various reasons: disobedience in the classroom or on campus, recurring tardiness, use of electronic devices. Detention is given to a student by administration.

While in detention students will be supervised by a member of the YPI staff. A member of the YPI staff picks students up during the last 10 minutes of 6th period. Students are picked-up and escorted to detention to make sure that they arrive. While students are serving detention there absolutely no tolerance

for electronics. Some students have receive a survey while in the YPI program. The survey was given by the YPI institute to gauge student feelings on important matters. The survey asks some of the following questions: Do you feel safe walking home? Do you feel the after school program has provided a safe place for you? Do you feel classes like reading comprehension should be added? When a YPI staff members ask students to sign in is to ensure that they keep track of how many students are attending the program. The program receives funding from the government, based on the amount of students that participate in the program. For the program to continue its existence, students will need to continue participating in the after school program, otherwise funding will die out.

The current copy of the Student Policy Handbook and parent signature page

Eric PlateroStaff Writer

The Middle School Moves InThe LALA family has a new home

Ch-Ch-ChangesMore Changes to the Student Handbook

On Monday, September 30th LALA middle school celebrated the grand opening of the new building. The building boasts 15 classrooms, a computer lab, and a cafeteria. It is all enclosed withing the three story build-ing. The new building was formerly the door building for the Salvation Army. With the move of the middle

Kids seem to be enjoing themselves while in detention

school comes a move for the primary academy. The primary teachers and students have moved into the rooms on the second floor of the front build-ing. When 8th grader Destiny Cordova was asked about her feelings toward the new building she said, “I like the new building, but I miss the old one.”

order for the students and parents to be aware of the changes an adden-dum was distributed. The addendum informed students of the changes and lets them know that they have already agreeded with the terms and condi-tions. Whan Thomas was asked if new handbooks will be issued if additional changes are made, he responded by saying, “no.”, He stated that making copies of new handbooks for each students would take up way too much paper, and parents have already signed an original copy. “If there are any new policy changes or edits the parents will be notified by sending a piece of paper home with (the student). When asked if the student handbook would change again Mr. Thomas stated it’s not changed, something is either be-ing edited or added.

Page 6: Volume6 edition 1

News & Features6 Sept/Oct 2013The Voice

www.laleadership.org

Day At The Parkstudents enjoy a day of bonding

Page 7: Volume6 edition 1

News & Features7 Sept/Oct 2013 The Voice

The Home of Lion Pride

McTeacher Night Happy Meals Make Seniors Really Happy

LALA Brings Home The GoldAward Winning Coach Leades His Team To Victory

The LALA community raises $600 for seniors!

Los Angeles Leadership Academy competed in the first tournament of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Debate League . Of the fifteen high schools, and 105 teams, only eight teams will advance into the single eliminatioon rounds. Of those eight, LALA had two teams advance and win. Those two teams were Lyric Colon, Amorette Colon, and team Anel Torress and Moses Gonzalez. Anoher competi-tor Kathy Umana competed moverick (she argued against two opponents in each round, alone). This tournament took two days. Two students against another two students in a 90-minute round. “ Al won the Best Coach Award at LAMPL”. -Jose Hernandez

Los Angeles Metropolitian Debate League Student Members

Lyric & Amorette Colon 4-1 Five Rounds: Won Quarterfinals Anel Torres & Moses Gonzales 4-1 Five Rounds: Won Quarterfinals Raul Ruelas & Juan Gomez 3-1 Four Rounds Angelica Etienne & Natalie Hernandez 2-2 Four Rounds Jose Hernandez & Richard Cruz 2-2 Four Rounds Ulysses Montes & Jose Roblero 0-4 Four Rounds Jose Guerrero & Brandon Garcia 0-4 Four Rounds

“Our students represented our community with dignity, and we are begining to make a name for ourselves.” - Al

Moses Gonzales and Anel Torres

Lyric and Amorette Colon

Young minds at work

Page 8: Volume6 edition 1

Arts & Entertainment 8 The Voice Sept/Oct 2013

www.laleadership.org

Brian CabreraStaff Writer

The new update changes everything the old Apple software had in past years. The new software called iOS 7 by Apple Co. is compatible with the fol-lowing products: iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 4s, the iPad 3rd and 4th generation, and the iPod 5th generation. Apple has made iOS 7 more interactive so that it can fit more user needs. One of the main is-sues with the old software was the flashlight. iPhone users had to download this app into their phones. Apple heard their users and integrated a flashlight in the iPhone. Apple added a new features to the iPhone. Now users can access their music, turn on or off the bluetooth, WiFi, portrait orientation

Grand Theft Auto V is the latest installment in the critically acclaimed Grand Theft Auto Series. The game features a satirically reimag-ined Los Angeles, which includes a vast countryside with a beautiful landscape as it’s setting. This is the first game in the franchise to feature 3 protagonists. Gamers have the ability to switch between characters during the game. The three main characters are: Michael, a former bank robber who faked his death and went into the witness protection program, Franklin, a street hustler trying to be-come someone, and Trevor. Plenty of new fea-

Carlos Castaneda and Jonathan ArreolaOp-Ed Editor and Staff Writer

New Iphone Grand Theft Auto V

On Wednesday, September 25th students from Phyllis’ U.S History class went on a field trip to the Gene Autry Museum of the West. It has always been a tradition for Phyllis to take her U.S History class there while studying the Western Expansion unit. This year marks the 7th year Phyllis took her class to the museum. Stu-dents left school at 9:30 and arrived there around 10. Once the students arrived they were split into 2 groups, group 1 was led to a room to sit on a carpet and discuss life in the West while group 2 went on to tour the museum. Group 1 which started on the carpet room discussed with a museum volunteer about how hard life was in the west and got to play small roles of people in that time. The volunteer also tested the students on their knowledge about the west. Group 2 was split up into even smaller groups of 3 and were guided by museum volunteers to see the exhibits. The many exhibits stu-dents were able to see were the differ-ent types of cultures that lived in the West, the type of clothes people wore there, the Gold Rush, the cowboy’s exhibits. There was also an exhibit showing the weapons westerners used and the way they traveled. One exhibit that many students enjoyed seeing was the Michael Jackson exhibit. There was also an exhibit where students were able to dress up as westerners and ride on a horse and act like if they were in a Western movie. After an hour the groups were able to switch. After finishing the activities students then went to eat lunch at the park next to the museum and got some time to relax. Soon students returned back to school just in time for 6th period. Overall, the trip was a success and there were no problems. It was a good trip for students to really understand life of Westerners in the 19th Century. The main organizer of this trip was Phyllis and many students appreciated what she did for them to make it happen. In a brief interview with Phyllis she stated, “I was super proud of the students on their behav-ior, I got many positive responses from the museum saying how smart the students were. Student interest was good and the trip was relaxed. I think that the lessons of the roles of the west helped a lot in preparing for the trip. I am also very appreciative of the chaperones including Rob and his fiancée Crystal for helping out.” When interviewing Junior, Daniela Alvara she said, “Overall the trip was good, I got to learn new things while also spending time with my classmates. I enjoyed learning how smart people in the west were and how they got to adapt to those harsh conditions.”

Kevin FermanStaff Writer

Autry Museum Visit

This is the latest version of software update GTAV is now out

Seniors:Smashed Faces

Jesus Barajas1. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?pistachio2. What three words describe you?smiles, smiling, and smiley3. If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be?a$ap Rocky4. What are three things you could not live without?Amorette, Amorette, Amorette5. If you had a movie about your life, who would you choose to play you? Fabio

Lyric Colon1. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?chocolate brownie2. What three words describe you?Goofy, sarcastic, royality3. If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be?Bow-Wow4. What are three things you could not live without?Amorette (sister), WiFi, and food5. If you had a movie about your life, who would you choose to play you?Will Ferrell

lock, airplane mode, and change the do not disturb feature. A fancy feature allows users to adjust the brightness by swiping their finger upward. Yes, the new update has a few cons, but the one that stands out the most is the cartoonish look. Once you are able to move past it you will not even notice it. When you have a chance update your software into iOS 7, you might just enjoy it.

tures are introduced, they include hunting, yoga, tennis, jet ski racing, the stock market. The fea-tures have made the game come to life. We gave GTA-V a 5-start rating because it had a vast world to explore, a compelling story, many side missions, and relatable protago-nists who we want to succeeded. The most important feature of all is the on-line component, which allows gamers to play on-line. Grand Theft Auto is a must buy. We would not be surprised if it receives a Game of the Year Award.