Pivot Expands With a New Elementary Program
By Ebony Davis
Pivot Charter School has expanded its elementary school this year to include a site based enrichment program in
order to support its existing homeschool program. We thought we should learn a little about the new, young
members of our community.
Christa Snyder, one of the elementary school Educational Coordinators as well as the head of the enrichment
program, said her favorite part about her job was “Since their curriculum is online, I get to do whatever I want with
them in class. So that’s my favorite part is just coming up with different, cool things to bring to class.” Snyder is very
enthusiastic about working with the students and excited to make their learning environment a fun place.
The elementary school program is structured very similarly to the middle school and high school students; they use
Brain Honey for their curriculum, which is the same as the Middle School program, and they do most of their work
online. Despite their age, these students still have to turn in a minimum of four assignments a day. When asked
about the difficulty level of the curriculum, elementary school student, Justice, age seven said “It’s too, too easy. I
can just do this with my eyes closed.” Each student agreed that their learning journeys have so far been a breeze.
We asked the students that one question to which the answer always changes with time; “What do you want to be when you
grow up?” In reply, through the small voices of their bold generation, we received a few very courageous answers. Mia, age
six said she wants to someday become a teacher. Zack, age six said he wants to be “a grown-up”. and Justice replied with “I
want to be a police officer and arrest all the bad guys”. These bright, young, soon-to-be-geniuses clearly stated that they
absolutely loved learning. They’re going full throttle and they’re not stopping, good luck trying to hold back this so anxious
generation attending pivot charter school.
The Exciting Future is Really Today!
by Emily Thompson
It turns out that Pivot has more than one campus. Who knew? Out of all four locations (Chico, San Diego, Riverside
and Pivot North Bay), Pivot Charter North Bay is by far the largest. Over the last few years, the North Bay campus
has grown at a steady rate due to it’s reputation and efficiency. This success means a lot more students are “rolling
in” and want to join the positive atmosphere here at Pivot.
While Pivot may be an online school, many students want to come to campus to get help from the teachers,
meaning they want to come to campus; but there’s only so much room. “A good problem to have,” says Jayna
Gaskell, Executive Director of all the Pivot campuses.
At the beginning of last December the decision makers decided this campus would need to be enlarged; but this
expansion comes with a process. Deciding to move into the suite next door, Suite C, Gaskell had to get permission
from the person who owns the building. Next, she had to get a change of use so the students could work in the
correct environment because “it’s clearly a business park”. After that, she had to apply for a building permit because
there are specific needs the room has to have to make it safe for the students.
Gaskell wants to add things to the new suite like a door at the back of the room in case of a fire emergency, and
even a separate bathroom for the younger kids so they are not exposed to “new language”. Before this can happen,
though, Gaskell has to get her plans approved by the city. She has turned them in, and now they are about ready to
come back so the expansion can finally begin.
Gaskell mentioned some of the things that she would like to see in the future here at Pivot. There are discussions
about having an Early College High School Program; which would help kids earn an associate degree by the time
they graduate highschool. They would do this by taking a certain amount of J.C classes each year in order to get
this degree.
While this exciting new idea is not set in stone, it is being discussed at “the board level” in January of 2016. When
asked about the qualifications for the possible Early College High School Program, Jayna stated that one does not
really need anything above the ordinary. “If somebody wants to do it, I’m gonna let them do it; but they have to have
the motivation.” All these new ideas and whispers about expansion and possibilities for the future are so exciting!
Hopefully the crewmen will work fast so more students can join the campus!
Fun Friday at the Redwood Empire Food Bank
By Garrett Lee
I never thought these words would ever leave my mouth, but I had the best darn time bagging food! It was one of
the most interesting and relaxing experiences I have had the privilege of experiencing in recent months. The day of
visiting the Redwood Empire Food Bank occurred on November 9th, with educational coordinators Kareen Poulsen
and Tim Mehew, chaperoning for the students, Leah, Justin, Hannah, myself, and a few others.
One of the main reasons I found this trip to be so interesting was that they like to take their volunteers on a tour of
the whole facility, before you start volunteering there. If you’ve ever received a tour of any factories, like the Jelly
Bean factory or even just a peanut factory the whole tour will feel surprisingly similar. With one catch, they tend to
blow your mind by saying they offer food services to around 82,000 people each month!
Learn More About SRJC Concurrent Enrollment
by Rayna Martin
Being a concurrent enrolled student at the Santa Rosa Junior College has many perks. For example, High School
Concurrent Enrollment Students enroll for free because the $46-per-unit registration fee is waived for high school
students enrolled in 11 units or fewer. Although, high school students still have to pay the student health fee and
purchase their own textbooks as recommended or required for their college courses. Every semester that a high
school student attends Santa Rosa Junior College, they are technically considered a New Student and so you have
to complete and submit the following to one of the SRJC admissions offices. Down below is how to enroll at the
SRJC and some more information about what High School Concurrent Enrollment can do.
(1)
You need to complete an SRJC Application online as a high school student (which they have if you go on
to their homepage and click apply underneath admissions). Next you need to fill out a Santa Rosa Junior College
High School Concurrent Enrollment Program Request form ( where you also can find if you click apply underneath
admissions). You need to complete the Santa Rosa Junior College Concurrent Enrollment Program Request with
your high school counselor (A.K.A your E.C) who will help select classes that meet their educational needs. You
will only be able to register for classes that your counselor approves. Both forms need to be signed by the high
school principal (A.K.A Kareen) and counselor in order to be accepted by SRJC Admissions Offices. The form must
also be signed by you and your parent. All application materials have to be submitted at least 48 hours before to
registering for classes.
(2)
Once your application materials are processed, you can register for classes by doing one of theses
methods.
1.
Online at http://www.santarosa.edu/portal and click on Student Login.
2.
In person with a registration card beginning the day that in person registration begins for the semester in
which the student is applying.
(3)
If you want to take a math or English class you need to take a placement Testing. Also many classes at the
college recommend English placement level at English 100, it is best to take the English placement test to help you
decide if you are ready to take college-level courses even if you are not planning to take math or English courses.
Go to the Schedule of Classes or the SRJC Web site for test dates and times, or you may call Assessment Services
at (707) 527-4661 in Santa Rosa, or (707) 778-3908 in Petaluma.
(4)
You are required to fulfill your course prerequisites. A prerequisite is a condition of enrollment that a student
is required to meet in order to demonstrate current readiness for enrollment in a course. It is the student’s
responsibility to ensure all course prerequisites are met and the Prerequisite Equivalency Form and high school
transcripts are filed (if needed) prior to enrollment. The SRJC Prerequisite Equivalency Form is provided on our
website at: http://admissions.santarosa.edu/forms.
(5)
You may enroll up to 11 units in the Fall and Spring semesters and only 6 units in the summer term. If you
want to take more than 6 units in the Summer term you must file a Petition for Waiver of College Regulations. The
petition should include the following documentation: A high school transcript, and a letter from their high school
counselor on high school letterhead indicating the student's ability to succeed in 6+ units in the Summer term.
(6)
There is limited enrollment in Kinesiology (A.K.A Physical Education) classes for high school concurrent
students. Only 10% of the total class seats available may be high school concurrent enrollment students. For
example if the total class seats is 40 high school concurrent enrollment total allowed are 4 students. This 10% limit
applies to all semesters at SRJC, including summer term.
(7)
You may not enroll in any English 300 level courses. However, you may enroll in English 100 through
English 1A, provided placement scores allow enrollment and pre-requisites have been met.
The Wonders Of Good Vibrations: A Music Club Review
By Emily Thompson
Need a place to relax? Have fun? Listen to new things? Come to Music Club on Tuesday afternoons from 12:00 to
1:00 and have a blast. It’s all about the music; learn about different artists, genres, and music from different time
periods! Tim Mehew, head of the club, says that it would be cool to put on a show and possibly go to some local
concerts, but “ultimately, [he’d] like to keep it student centered.”
Mehew mentioned that the club is about what the students want to do; if
they want to go to concerts, then the club will do some research and go to
concerts. And if they want to put on a show, so be it. He says that even if
the students want to just sit around and listen to music, that would be fine
because Mehew thinks it would be great “if the students are leading,
making the decisions for themselves, and taking charge of what they feel
we need to be doing.”
When asked about the club so far, the leader of the group says “At this
point it’s sort of a build-as-you-go sort of project.” So far in the club, they
have shared different types of music and have even been given the task
of sharing songs that express part of one’s personality and songs they
can not get out of their head. Although the club hasn’t decided what they
want to do, several of the members say they’re having a great time “chilling and listening to some good tunes.” So
come join the club; all are welcome, and have some fun listening to the beat!
Express Yourself: An Art club Review
By Ebony Davis
Our art club here at Northbay Pivot Charter school meets every Friday at 12 pm. Whether you have been creating
art all your life or you don’t have the first clue as to what being artistic means; our art club is for students to
experiment, explore, and expand their artistic ability. We use abstract and obscure ideas to open your mind to a
world of creativity and dig into the deepest parts of your imagination. So far we have sketched with graphite and
painted with watercolor; and without a doubt it does get messy at times. Coming soon in art club: we will be working
with acrylic paints, charcoal and sculpting with clay. Our mentor, Candace Althen, invites anyone to join our club
and
gain the
potential to
become
the next
Leonardo da
Vinci.
Know Your Presidential Potentials in 2016
By Melanie Langerman
November 8th, 2016 will be the day that the 58th President of the United States is elected. Whether you are
eighteen years old and able to vote on that date or not, the election will still affect you in many ways. Many of the
candidates in the running right now are running on platforms that affect education and student loan debt. Here is
quick overview of the top candidates in the running right now.
Democratic Party:
Hillary Clinton Status: Declared Candidacy on April 12, 2015
Age on Election Day: 69
Education: Wellesley College, Political
Science and Yale University Law School, J.D.
Religion: Methodist
Positions:
• Opposes the Trans-Pacific Partnership free
trade agreement.
• Opposes Keystone XL pipeline.
• Wants to raise taxes on capital gains held for
one to six years.
Website: https://www.hillaryclinton.com
Bernie Sanders Status: Declared Candidacy on April 30, 2015
Age on Election Day: 75
Education: University of Chicago, Political
Science
Religion: Judaism
Positions:
• Wants to enact a single-payer healthcare
system through Medicare for all.
• Wants to make college free for everyone by
taxing financial transactions.
• Wants to raise payroll, estate, and corporate
income taxes.
Website: https://secure.berniesanders.com/
Martin O'Malley Status: Declared Candidacy on May 30, 2015
Age on Election Day: 53
Education: Catholic University of America,
Political Science and University of Maryland ,
J.D.
Religion: Roman Catholic
Positions:
• Wants more gun control, through background
checks on every gun sale and the establishment
of a national firearms registry.
• Opposes new oil drilling permits both offshore
and in Alaska.
• Wants to expand student aid by increasing Pell
Grant payments and tripling participation in the
federal work-study program.
Website: https://martinomalley.com
Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton courtesy of
CNN.Com
Third Party
Jill Stein (Green) Status: Declared Candidacy on June 22, 2015
Age on Election Day: 66
Education: Harvard, Undergraduate Degree and Harvard
Medical School
Religion: Reform Judaism
Positions:
• Create renewable energy jobs and employ “every
American willing and able to work”
• 30% reduction in the US Military budget
•'complete streets' that safely encourage bike and
pedestrian traffic, and regional food systems based on
sustainable organic agriculture.
Website: http://www.jill2016.com/
Jill Stein courtesy of
nationofchange.org
Republican Party
There are currently 14 potential candidates for the Republican ticket. According to The Washington Post, these are
the top runners in the current polls.
Donald Trump Status: Declared Candidacy on June 16, 2015
Age on Election Day: 70
Education: Wharton School of the University of
Pennsylvania, Economics
Religion: Presbyterian
Positions:
• Wants to reform taxes into four brackets at zero,
10, 20, and 25 percent, while phasing out all
deductions except for the charitable and mortgage
interest deductions.
• In response to mass gun tragedies, wants to
expand treatment programs for people with
mental health problems.
• Wants to build a wall across the Mexican border,
and would increase fees on border crossing
cards, temporary visas and entry at border ports
to pay for it.
• Highly controversial and often offensive remarks
made i.e. this one about Mexican immigrants,
"They're bringing drugs, they're bringing crime,
they're rapists, and some, I assume, are good
people."
Website: https://www.donaldjtrump.com/
Jeb Bush - John Ellis Bush (his name "JEB" is actually
an acronym)
Status: Declared Candidacy on June 15, 2015
Age on Election Day: 63
Education: University of Texas, Latin american Studies
Religion: Roman Catholic
Positions:
• Has a healthcare plan that would repeal Obamacare
and replace it with new health insurance tax credits
• Would combine today's seven income tax brackets
into three, with a top rate of 28 percent, while
eliminating several tax credits and deductions
• Wants to provide more support for the Kurds in Iraq in
order to give them more power against the Islamic
State
Website: https://jeb2016.com
Marco Rubio Status: Declared Candidacy on April 13, 2015
Age on Election Day: 45
Education: University of Florida Political Science
and University of Miami School of Law, J.D.
Religion: Roman Catholic
Positions:
• Wants to reform the tax code into two brackets
at 15 percent and 35 percent. Would eliminate
many tax credits and deductions but create an
additional child tax credit of $2,500.
• Wants to repeal Obamacare and replace it with
refundable tax credits for purchasing health
insurance. Would let insurance be sold across
state lines.
• Wants to undo the sequestration budget cuts on
defense and use funds to "modernize our forces."
Website: https://marcorubio.com/
Donald Trump and Jeb Bush courtesy of CNN.com
Presidential
Candidate
Art
By Luke Moore
Internet Safety: The Rules to Live By
By Madeline Lawrence
Being safe on the internet is very important. There are dangerous things to stay away from that lurk on the World
Wide Web.
Here are some tips to keep safe on the internet
1. Don’t respond to emails, friend requests and texts from people you don’t
2. Never click on emails that have links to unknown websites.
3. Don’t lie about your age to sign up for things.
4. Never use your full name in a public social media page
5. Don’t ever send something you don’t want your future boss to see.
6. Turn your GPS LOCATOR off.
Some Apps NOT to download
Some apps are bad news here’s a couple to watch out for,
Snapchat- They own any photos you send using snapchat. They have complete ownership and can even sell the
photos.
Kik- Has absolute freedom so can easily help predators find teens.
The internet is a great tool but you must be safe
The Stitch on Teenage Fashion
By Melanie Langerman
Teenage fashion encompasses a lot more than just adorning oneself with fibers. The clothes you wear showcase
individuality and ambiguity. The origins of the clothes one wears and the styles one chooses all say something
about one's character. Clothing is used as an identifier, from it comes identity and gives one the chance to show the
world who they are, or want to be. Through the whirlwind of ever changing uncertainty and the relentless quest for
identity, emerges a sort of lost sense of belonging. With a cry of fleeing equivocality, a teenager clings to clothing
and the sense of reassurance and admittance it provides. In a confusing time full of persistent skepticism from
peers, it is often seen by teenagers as important to be able to express oneself in a way that either sets one apart
from another or includes them. Embellishing oneself with clothing can be an outlet allowing one to further portray
their image. A way to tell the world who you are. A belief system bound between each thread, showcasing
statements about music, politics, society, and even gender. Garments are an easy way to separate oneself or
provide common ground and means for inclusion. Something so simple and so easily obtainable is a media that can
be used to shock and used as an outlet for uncontrollable emotions. A costume that can give the shy kid a chance
to try on a feeling of boldness. Conjectures of the person you could be, or want to be, or are becoming. Fashion
provides a sense of nonconformity. The ability to take on whatever persona you could think of. How profound that
one is able to broadcast their sense of self so easily and dynamically. Apprehensive and inarticulate teens are able
flaunt the embodiment of teenage turmoil with just their everyday attire.
Emily Thompson flaunts her own personal
Ebony Davis is keeping it comfortable on campus
style.
It is hard to express how shocking it is to be acknowledged. Simple expressions can be met with looks of solidarity,
a feeling so affirming of the recognition received by standing out. Other teenagers remain content to be unambitious
with their portrayal, characterizing the reality that looks do not completely define who you are. The way one might
chose to portray themself might not alway match the knowledge others might ascribe to the way that they perceive
the said person. Although looking a certain way will tend to sway people’s perception, the way someone looks never
completely defines who they are. One’s presentation provides them with a sense of identity, but in no way defines
them. A person’s stances on things and personality are expressed within teenage fashion, but one’s clothes will
never be able to define something as complex as personality. Trend followers never less than trend setters, or trend
opponents. Sense of complex savviness and sophistication bursting through the seems of a garment. Something
some possess and others don’t, defining nothing but how simultaneously meaningless and important perception is
to a teenager.
Intricately tangled feelings of validation, sense of self, and meaninglessness are all fabricated into articles of
clothing. Subjective perceptions push stereotypes and simultaneously bring people together. Subcultures thrive on
identity and grow within the bounds of perception. Teenagers fit into the instinctive search for identity, adorning their
pursuit of self discovery with expressive clothing. The sense of confidence, individuality, or even validation clothing
gives the person wearing it is what is most important. Overall that is what most teenagers are looking for while
expressing themselves through fashion along with establishing individually. It shouldn’t matter what people think of
you because of your appearance but, how your appearance makes you feel. Clothing brands may seem important
to maintain an image, but no labels speak louder than what you say with the clothes themselves. The same level of
expression is reachable through anything from designer clothing to second hand treasures. Branding a sense of self
through clothing is achievable for every teenager and there are endless possibilities. In the end, it is important to
remember to never judge a book by it's cover, but that doesn’t mean the cover is not meaningful and should not be
appreciated.
To find inspiration to help you create a unique style you could try these places:
Plato’s Closet
Chain retailer buying & selling trendy
secondhand clothing for teens & young adults.
1914 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
(707) 566-8400
Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Goodwill - Redwood Empire
Thrift Store
2007 Sebastopol Rd
(707) 570-2392
Open until 9:00 PM
Goodwill - Redwood Empire
Thrift Store
1300 4th St
(707) 527-6463
Open until 8:00 PM
Couture Clothing & Finds
Clothing Store
631 4th St
(707) 526-2757
Hot Couture-Vintage Fashion
Vintage Clothing Store
101 3rd St
(707) 528-7247
Open until 6:00 PM
Cosmetology; Trade, College, Career Column
By Garrett Lee
Do you dream of owning your own little boutique or salon? Do you dream of styling the hair and makeup of the
stars? Do you want to add color to this world? Then the study of Cosmetology is for you and you are in the right
place. Santa Rosa has two school of Cosmetology: Maya Beauty Academy and Lytle’s Redwood Empire Beauty
College. Both colleges offer the following programs of study:
Cosmetology - professional skill or practice of beautifying the face, hair and skin
Within Cosmetology are other specialized areas of study: Esthetician, manicurist, colorist, waxing etc..
There are many other schools in California that have many of the same requirements and offer the same programs
of study. Marinello Schools of Beauty is another large school with many campuses around the North Bay.
Pivot Elective Options that apply to Cosmetology
Public Speaking
Electronic communication
skills
Introduction to accounting
Essential Career Skills
Intro to business
administration
Intro to fashion design
Intro to marketing
Intro to social media
Principles of art
Principles of business
marketing and finance
Principles of finance
Principles of marketing,
advertising and sales
promotions
Web design
Nutrition and wellness
Business applications
Media Literacy
Art appreciation
College and Career
Preparation A and B
Essential Career Skills
Trade School: Preparing for your career after high school
Trade School Comparison
Admission Requirements:
●
Visit and Tour School
●
Personal Interview
●
Application
●
High School Graduate or GED
●
250 word essay
●
Entrance Exam
●
Age to start
Cost:
●
●
Full Program
Financial Aid
Lytles
Maya
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
18
No
No
17
$22,700 total
Yes
$18,725
total
Yes
Both programs require classroom study and lab work - where you work with clients and practice your skills. Yes,
you will be cutting hair on real people. For the full cosmetology program you must complete 1600 clock hours of
study. There are full-time and part-time options available at both schools.
Once you have completed the required hours and graduated from the school you still need to pass the Barbering
and Cosmetology Board Examination with an overall average of 75%. Then you will be awarded a cosmetology
licence and be allowed to practice in the State of California.
Shop Projects: Build Your Own Holiday Gift!
by Jelani Hall
Construction on my newest locomotive is going well! Here is a picture of it on my workbench. A friend helped me
fabricate the wooden body on top from an old shipping crate. The roof will be a canvas roof made from old jeans
and oil based paint.
How to Make a Wreath
By Jelani Hall
I know what you are thinking, “Why make a Christmas wreath when you can buy one?”. Well, making a wreath is
not all that difficult.
Step 1: Gather flexible evergreen branches and wire.
Step 2: Bend the strongest branches into a circular shape to make the base and tie the ends together with wire.
Step 3: Keep adding branches and twigs until the wreath looks good.
Step 4: Make sure the wires holding the wreath together are strong and placed correctly. You may have to add
more ties to it but it should last through the holiday season.
Mark Your Calendars!
Upcoming Important Dates:
1.
Winter Break: December 19th-January 3rd: No Site time! Students may work from home on curriculum if
they wish. Check with your EC about your end of the semester schedule and whether or not you can check in with
them over break.
2.
Semester Ends!: January 22nd
All course work must be completed by January 22nd in order to receive credits in a course. Students should be
finishing 4-6 classes or 20-30 credits in order to be on track for a four year graduation
Upcoming Club Days
1.
Art Club: Meets every Friday at noon on campus
2.
Music Club: Meets every Tuesday at noon on campus. The Music Club plans on rocking out in the coming
year.
3.
Sports Activities Club: Meets every Friday at noon on campus. Permission slip required to join. New in
2016! Pivot Charter and the Sports Activity Club will be starting a Basketball team. Contact John Halderman to join.
4.
Journalism Club: Meets every Thursday at noon on campus
5.
Farms Club: Upcoming fieldtrip on January 15th to the Laguna Watershed.
Upcoming Fun Fridays and Events
1.
Cookies and Hot Cocoa: Onsite December 17th from 11:30-12:30
Kick start the holiday break by joining us for some treats on campus! We will serve up a warm drink and a sugary
sweet!
2.
Reptiles! Date and time to be announced. January 2016
Come join us on campus to learn about exotic reptiles. We will have reptiles on site for students to observe and
interact with!
3. SRJC visit and tour: February 9th and 24th
Join Nick Lawerence onsite February 9th as he discusses opportunities available for current students and
graduating students at the SRJC. His talk will be followed up with a tour of the campus February 24th. A great
opportunity for Juniors, Seniors and students seeking concurrent enrollment.
Hotlines and Help for Troubled Teens: By Luke Moore
Everybody at some point has had struggles in their lives and you never need to feel alone or without hope. Speak up and ask for
help. Don’t feel weak if you’re asking for help because it shows courage and bravery. Here are some numbers to call if you or
your loved one is struggling. Don’t be afraid to say what’s on your mind
because these people have heard it all and are here to help.
●
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1 (800) 784-2433
●
Crisis Call Center: 1 (800) 273-8255
●
North Bay Suicide Prevention: 1 (855) 587-6373
●
National Alcohol and Substance Abuse Info Center: 1 (800) 784-
6776
●
National Eating Disorders Association: 1 (800) 931-2237
●
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 (800) 799-SAFE (7233)
●
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network: 1 (800) 656-HOPE
(4673)
●
American Sexual Health Association: 1 (919) 316-8488
●
Trevor Lifeline (LGBT and suicidal youth): 1 (866) 488-7386