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THE TIGER’S ROAR
A Monthly Newsletter
Top Stories
A report on student
reactions to new
uniforms and Geometry
class.
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Issue No. 1 September 2011
Local Community News
The Sports Page
Sportsmanship and
boxing in Mayweather vs.
Ortiz, Mr. Davolt’s health
advice, and Coach Mario
talks football
Page 4
The Entertainment
Section
The Haunting of VMS
and the latest footwear
craze.
Page 5
Opinion/Editorial
Thougts on the new
schedule, wearing
colorful sweaters, and
opinions on cheating.
Page 6
Earthquake Preparedness,
tainted cantaloupes, and
the dangers of SpongeBob
Squarepants. Page 3
Cheating in
Virgil
by Michael Jimenez, Ilene Garcia, Irene Pineda, and
Martin Moncada with interviews by Kaitlin Reyes and
Prottasha Khan
Virgil Middle School appeared to be
one of LAUSD’s most promising
schools. Then, an Algebra teacher
was accused of scanning a California
Standardized Test sheet into the
computer and giving it out as a
review sheet for students. The
administration did not realize until
after the actual test that some of the
questions on the review sheet were
the same. Before this, Virgil was
doing really well, the school's API
score was 641. This year at Virgil, it
should have been 714, but after that
lapse in judgment, the score was
disqualified. Now, Virgil Middle
School’s reputation has been
tarnished. This teacher no longer
works at Virgil. She decided to retire
The Front Page
rather than have her teaching
credential removed.
Teachers at Virgil were informed
three months ago about the news. It
was reported that the problem had
begun years before the suspect
Virgil Middle School could lose $3.5 million
in state funds because of an Algebra teacher
accused of giving her students a review
sheet that contained actual CST questions.
created the LAUSD scandal.
Assistant Principal Gurr says, “I
would not call it a scandal, maybe
ethical difference, and it undermined
the hard work of students and
teachers. I believe that we won't have
an API score, but we still must be
very, very, very committed to
keeping our morale high and our
excellence even higher. Now, we
can't say whether this person really
cheated or not, but what we do know
is that it's very unfortunate that
because a few people didn't do their
share, everybody should be
affected."
The Algebra teacher, who chooses
to remain anonymous, claims to
have been pressured by the school
district to retire. The teacher used
the real CST questions on a practice
sheet for her 93 students. In her
defense, she claims that other
teachers gave her the worksheet to
copy. She says that she had no
previous knowledge about the sheet
and that she didn't realize it was the
real questions from the test. Many parents of Virgil students were
interview by the Tiger's Roar staff to
see what they thought of this. One parent said, “Yes, I still agree
with sending my child to Virgil
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because my child has been there for
two years and in those two years,
nothing bad has happened to my child
like cheating in CST tests, so I still
trust in Virgil and hope for a good
future.” We also asked a parent how
they felt about Virgil now. The parent
said, “I am feeling the same way as I
used to feel about Virgil.” Another
question we asked was if parents
thought Virgil was safe for their
child’s remaining education. A
different parent said, “I think Virgil is
still safe for my child, because if one
teacher cheats, it doesn’t mean all the
teachers cheat as well, so after hearing
this bad news about Virgil, I still trust
Virgil Middle School for my child’s
education.”
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forward. I know the school is not
going through the greatest moment
right now, but our students are bright
and we will forget about that, and we
will rise up and get a higher API this
year. Even though this happened our
students aren't cheaters."
“I’m in between,” said Karla
Henriquez about her blue uniform.
School Uniforms ...
Good and Bad
Students all have different opinions
about the uniforms, both positive and
negative, but most agree that they
would prefer free dress days to either
choice.
by Annie Yoo
Another year of Virgil has started
again…but some things look
different…the uniforms. This year
they are black with the same ash grey
pants and jackets from last year.
Since the start of school, students
have been either complaining about or
complimenting the uniforms.
On the other hand, Valary James
declared, “YESS!!! I LOVE IT. It’s
sexy, cool, and beautiful,” and her
friends agreed.
Geometry brings new
variable to math classes
by Chan Ho Choi
Geometry is a new class being offered
this year. It is only being offered to
students that were advanced in
We interviewed another parent and
Algebra 1 last year. Geometry
asked them two questions which were:
currently only consists of sixteen
“What was your opinion about the
Genesis Ramos said, “They’re not so students. Geometry is not as easy as
LA Times article?” and “Do you think bad. They’re different colors and I like
some students thought it would be.
we’re safe at school, after the
black.”
Geometry consists of many postulates
cheating?” She responded, “I think
and theorems and it is very difficult to
that the article is surprising, knowing A student who chooses to remain
understand. On the contrary, it might
the teacher cheated. She somewhat
anonymous said, “This sucks. When
be easy if a student good at
deserves punishment, because she
it’s hot, we are going to sweat like
memorization. People sometimes
tried saving her reputation by
crazy because of the color.”
think that Geometry and Algebra are
cheating. I think students are safe
two totally different subjects, but in
depending on how the teacher
For those wondering who made these reality, Geometry requires a lot of
behaves.”
uniforms, it was the design team of
algebraic concepts.
inLA. Mr. Sabin, Innovation Learning
The last parent we interviewed said,
Academy Coordinator, explained why Mr. Gurr says he feels, “Wonderful. I
"As a parent, I feel it gives our
they chose this color. “We wanted
love Geometry classes. During high
children's school a loaded reputation
colors that are distinctive and colors
school, for Algebra, I got a D and for
just because of the fault of one
that would stand out.”
Geometry, I got an A.” make Virgil
teacher. Only because of one teacher,
students more prepared for high
students shouldn't be looked down
A. G. L. A.’s (Advanced Global
school and college. If they get
upon as cheaters. I feel it's a bad
Learning Academy) uniforms are sky proficient or advanced in Geometry,
thing, because all the student's hard
blue with ash grey pants and sweaters. then they will be all set for high
work just goes as if nothing happened
school and will soon be in Calculus.
and they didn't have a great jump
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Top Stories - October 10, 2011
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Earthquakes and Preparedness
by Michael Jimenez and Jimena Escamilla
This past weekend, there has been an earthquake in India. It was a powerful 6.9 that led over so many deaths. If they look at the death tool, it is
rising more and more. Within the next few days, another earthquake can strike. This concerns Californian because it might hit here, so they
should wake up and be prepared for the unexpected. Earthquakes are strong to shake parks, and kill or injure so many people. This is why
people, who lived by the san Andrea fault, are having a second thought in being prepared.
If students were in school, they must drop to the ground and take cover. Get under a sturdy table and hold tight till the shaking stops. Students
must stay away from glass windows and/or anything that could fall on them. They should stay inside the classroom until the shaking stops and
they must wait for instructions before doing anything. If you try to move from one place to another or leave the classroom, it’s more likely for
them to get injured. Students have to keep calm after the earthquake, to avoid getting injured from broke objects.
Emergency Kit Should Include: Water, canned food, First Aid Kit, Manual Can Opener, Plates, Warm Clothes, Copy of Important Documents,
Phone Numbers, Utility Knife
Some Virgil students commented about the Earthquake preparedness. For examples: Abigail Zulueta said, “I feel safe around my school area.”
Jorge Turcios commented that, “I’m scared when it is Earthquake and somewhat prepared.” Debara Agustin said, “I feel happy because it brings
me back of memories during the Earthquake. I have been in three Earthquakes so far, I guess. Yes, I have gotten scared during those
Earthquakes. In the first Earthquake, I was eight and when the Earthquake started I felt scared and started screaming. I usually go under my bed
and stay there till the Earthquake is over.” Belen Perez said, “I kind of happy and nervous because we could die and happy because I like seeing
what happens. I have been 2-3 Earthquakes so far. During an Earthquake, I go out of my appointment and go outside and stay with my sister till
it’s over.” Reporter asked, “Have you ever gotten scared during an Earthquake?” Belen answered, “hmmm the truth….not really.” In my first
Earthquake, I ran outside because my dad made me.” Jose Luis Rodriguez said, “I felt normal like any other day. I think there have been many
Earthquakes so far in my life, but I felt only one. During my first Earthquake, I went under the table since we were in class and our teacher;
Ms.Earhart was going crazy about it. Actually, I didn’t get scare during that Earthquake.”
SpongeBob Bad For Kids by
Marybeth Rauls
Who would think that such a
worldwide loved cartoon
character like SpongeBob
Squarepants is bad for
children? Many people watch
Spongebob but never noticed
the harm it has done. Yes,
SpongeBob can damage your
brain, even watching just
nine minutes worth of
Spongebob, A research study
has proven that this causes
negative effects on
preschoolers. It’s harmless to
others, but can change a 1-6
year old brain. In the
experiment, researchers at the
University of Virginia asked
three groups of four year olds
to ether sit and draw, watch a
PBS kids show of a typical
preschool boy, or watch
SpongeBob. After a number
of tests, children who
watched SpongeBob scored
10% lower. One person said
that, “I think that it is terrible
because it is a fun and
creative show.” The reason
for this is because the
average cartoon show
changed scenes every 34
seconds while SpongeBob
changes every 11 seconds.
The September Issue - Local News
Tainted Cantaloupes
by Ryan Pizarro
Today the Tigers Roar news team discovered that over
4,000 newspaper articles, magazines, and TV broadcasts
have been talking about the same topic, tainted
cantaloupes. Therefore, cantaloupes could cause
illnesses and death. Research has proven that the original
15 deaths and 18 illnesses have increased to 100
illnesses in 20 states so far. The strain of Listeria found on cantaloupes was produced
at Jensen Farms in Holly, CO.
Listeria is a disease that has several symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, diarrhea,
and gas problems, but if it happens to an old person, it’s another story. The CDC
Director named Thomas Frieden said, “People who buy those cantaloupes from Jensen
Farms won’t change the fact that it is contaminated if you wash it." However Greg
Smith, a worker from Jensen Farms, said, “We’re still selling cantaloupes.”
People in the community nearby school had a strong reaction to the news of the tainted
cantaloupes. Lunch lady Zulma said, “The food here is good but (this fruit) has
something bad inside.” The reporter's own mother said, “WOW! I got to tell your dad
to not buy melons any more.” Odalys Ramos added, “I think it’s dangerous. Our
families like cantaloupes and they may get contaminated. Finally, the Journalism
teacher, Mr. Keiler, had the last word on the subject, “I don’t eat cantaloupes often, but
I worry about others who might get sick. The country needs a strong FDA (Food and
Drug Administration) to protect people from getting sick from the food they eat.”
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Who is the real
champion?
Mayweather vs. Ortiz
by Bonnie Parada, Jessica Chavez, Jorge Vasquez, and
Leonel Pivarral
Some say it was a fair fight and others
say it wasn’t fair at all. Which one is true?
On the day of the fight, people were
discussing about how Mayweather used
poor sportsmanship during the fight.
While Ortiz walked over to Mayweather
to apologize for head-butting him, he
received a powerful punch to the head by
Mayweather which knocked him out. At
the moment when Mayweather punched
Ortiz, the referee had just signaled for the
fight to begin again, but Ortiz had not
even put his gloves back up in fighting
position.
Students in Virgil Middle School also had
something to say about the fight. For
example, Elijah Azuela says, “It’s not fair,
because Mayweather got a cheap-shot on
Ortiz.” Briana Salinas also said, “It
should’ve been recounted, because if it
was a regular skilled fight, Ortiz
would’ve had a good chance.”
On Monday September 19, the news
media said, "Mayweather got a 4 million
dollar fine" for socking Ortiz in between
the neck and jaw. While many people are
still discussing about how the fight was
unfair, Mayweather is still the champion.
It remains to be seen whether there will
be a rematch.
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VMS Football Team
Holds Tryouts
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Mr. Davolt’s Advice
by Karen Ruiz, Christian Zaldana, and Belen Perez
P.E. teacher Mr. Davolt stands near
the student locker rooms. During the
interview with Mr. Davolt, he
Being involved in a group or team is a great
way to make friends and it is also a great way answered several questions of the
to stay active. The afterschool sports program Sports Page staff concerning his daily
here at Virgil provides many wonderful
exercise routine and his advice for
activities like Drill, Cheer, Hip-Hop,
Virgil students who want to get fit.
Basketball, Soccer, Football and many more.
Mr. Davolt said, ‘‘to exercise every
For those who have been in the afterschool
day he swims, bikes, and runs." He
program, they know what it’s like to be on a
eats mostly fruits and vegetables, but
team and of course they’ve had experience in
for people who don’t like vegetables,
trying out for that team. Hard work and
he says, "You can also eat fish and
determination are always what coaches are
healthy chicken." As he got older, he
looking for. What else might they be looking
had to get healthier, because, for a lot
for?
When asked about what he was looking for in of people, their bodies change and
they get fatter. Exercising can be
a good athlete, Coach Mario answered,
looked at as a sport, because a lot of
"Someone who has good sportsmanship and
someone who is a team player." As a coach,
people actually enjoy it. His advice
Mario has a calm and controlled style. He
for Virgil students is to, “throw away
said that he does not yell or raise his voice to
the hot Cheetos and eat an apple.” His
his players, although when he does raise his
last words of wisdom for students are,
voice, it’s only so that others can hear him.
"being healthy is a great way to find
When asked why he chose to become a
happiness in life."
by Samantha Kasingsing, Lloyd Abuelo, and Nicole
Cirineo
football coach, he replied by saying he, "Just
loves the sport and teaching kids how to play
it". He said that when he gets new students, he
gets overjoyed because they are new to the
sport and who knows, "We might have the
next greatest football player of this
generation." When asked about what he
would change from the past, he asked his own
question, “Why change something from the
past when you have already gotten this far?”
To those who are trying out for football,
students wish them good luck, and hopefully
next year more Tigers will get involved and
be active to have a healthier student body.
Sports - October 10, 2011
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Students flock to Halloween Horror Nights
Virgil students seem to be obsessed with the paranormal this year as the
Entertainment Section continues to review the scariest movies and attractions.
Is Virgil Haunted or Not
“In 2006, American traveler Blake
The website entitled "Haunted Places in
Mycoskie met children in Argentina and
California" also states that, "There have
found they had no shoes to cover their
also been sightings of a glowing, clownfeet. To help, he created TOMS, a
like apparition." A exhaustive search by
company that would match every pair of
the Tiger News Team revealed no
shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes
evidence to support these claims of a
given to a child in need. One for One.
suicide at Virgil in 1982.
Blake Mycoskie went back to Argentina
with a group of family, friends and staff
later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes
Tigers are Tom Fanatics
made possible by TOMS fans and
by Briana Salinas, Alondra Figueroa,
customers. Many children in less
Raphael
Lagsit,
and
Evelyn
Robles
fortunate countries grow up barefoot.
by Blanca Chavarria and Luz Perez
Virgil students claim to have heard and
Why are Toms so popular? Since the first Whether at play, doing chores or going to
school, these children are at risk. A cause
seen suspicious paranormal activity
day of school, reporters have seen many
around the campus. Virgil Middle
students with Toms around school. Briana of disease in these less fortunate countries
is soil-transmitted diseases, which can
School's auditorium and dressing rooms
penetrate the skin through bare feet.
are reportedly haunted by students who
Wearing shoes can help prevent these
once committed suicide there.
diseases, and the long-term physical and
cognitive harm they cause. Also, wearing
Doors in the school open and close on
these shoes will keep children from
their own, and students report hearing
getting sores or cuts. These injurious can
moans in empty rooms. Some students
be very painful and can cause sickness
have seen apparitions of a rope hanging
from infection. Many children that attend
from bathroom pipes in an area where a
school can’t because many of the schools
student supposedly hanged himself.
asked Jocelyn Portocarrero a couple of
have shoes as a requirement for the
question about why she enjoys Toms and
uniform,” says an exerpt from the Toms
Maria Sanchez, a staff member who
she said, "I own 6 pairs and wear them
website. started in the year 2000 working at Virgil
because they’re very comfortable and
says she has actually seen a ghost once in
stylish.” Toms aren’t just stylish and cool
Without education, children will not
the locker rooms and she even has heard
but also have a good story to the
move on further in life and be successful.
other noises in our gym. She said he was
company. The background for Toms is
Toms have been selling more and more
a young man around the age of 18, a
when you buy a pair they send a pair to
shoes everyday, have advanced their
janitor who worked night shift and died in
the less fortunate. They are not just good
company, and added more products to
1982. Also she has researched him and
to look at but help others around the
their sales lists. Virgil students will now
said that he hung himself in the far end
world.
know that when they buy some TOMS,
wall of the girl’s locker room near the
they help to save a child in need.
pipes.
Entertainment Section - The September Issue
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The Blocked Schedule
Sweaters!
Is Cheating Helpful?
by Mariella Munoz
by Josue Marroquin and Ivana Rivera
by Viviana Salto, Diana Zelaya, and Jenesis Hidalgo
In the past year Virgil Middle School
has made two academies.The first
academy is the Innovation Learning
Academy (InLA) and the other one is
the Advanced Global Learning
Academy (AGLA). But those two
academies still represent Virgil
Middle School. The school has been
changing the schedule as they do. The
new schedule is called the "Block
Schedule," but they only use Block
Schedule for Wednesday and
Thursday. Lots of people get confused
about the block schedule also they've
changed a lot of things like the
Monday and Friday schedule. It is not
the same as before. Sometimes a lot of
people follow their classmates
because they cannot find their classes
on their own.
Why doesn’t Virgil MS allow students
to wear any color of sweaters they
want? We think that we all should be
allowed to wear any type color
sweaters we want. By all of us using
gray sweaters we all look the same
and don’t get to express out own style.
The National Educational
Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:
88) was conducted and they showed
that the only positive result for
uniforms was, “a very slight
relationship between uniforms and
standardized achievement scores.” That means that wearing uniforms or
regular clothes doesn’t increase much
of standardized tests scores. In the
article, “Does High Self-Esteem
Cause Better Performance,
Interpersonal Success, Happiness, or
Healthier Lifestyles?” It says that
When they go to high school, students dressing in regular clothes makes your
are going to have a block schedules.
self-esteem go up and self-esteem has
For example, students at Belmont are a, “strong relation to happiness.” We
already using this schedule.
strongly believe that wearing colored
sweaters isn’t going to matter to
One good thing about the Block
wearing gray sweaters because its not
Schedule is that students can spend
going to increase one little bit our
more time learning in classes that they school (scores).
have trouble in. Each period has one
hour and fifty minutes, so students
have time to spend learning new
things and more time to ask questions
or get help. I like the Block Schedule. What do you think?
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Cheating brings us a lot of bad
consequences. People can succeed in
life if they cheat, but will always
know that they do not deserve credit
for what they have done and will
never have feelings of
accomplishment. Cheating happens
everywhere and at anytime. For
example at school, students cheat on
tests in many ways. However, teachers
cheat too. Do the students think that
cheating is good? Who knows… How do students feel about cheating? Students understand that no one learns
anything from cheating except how to
be better at cheating. Cheating might
affect our schoolwork in many ways
too. For example if teachers cheat, it
could affect our school's reputation
and people would not trust the school
anymore. Also, it would lower the
school's rank and will make the
students look bad.
Why do people cheat? “People cheat
because they give up easily on getting
good grades,” a student who wishes to
remain anonymous said. In addition,
people cheat because they don’t have
confidence in their learning and don’t
understand the lesson, according to a
former cheater. In conclusion,
cheating might help you succeed in
life, but that success will not make
you happy because you did not earn it.
Opinion/Editorial - October 10, 2011