Class of 2012: SBA testing required for graduation
By Amanda Otero
Jag News Staff
The Standards-Based Assessment (SBA) for juniors is now more important than ever. The SBAs, which will be given in April, are one of the requirements students must meet in order to graduate from high school.
Here are some of the specifics about this test:
It is designed to measure skills you should learn in 11th grade, which is why it is administered at the end of your junior year.
It is scheduled for April 5-7.
The SBAs used to only evaluate schools, but now scores are for individuals
You are tested in math, reading, writing, science and social studies.
Students who fail one or more subjects on the test will have two chances to retake those sections during senior year.
If you do not pass, you do not get a diploma.
You have up to five years after high school to pass the test.
AHA students have support of the colleagues and administration at the school when it comes to this new development with the SBA tests. This year, colleagues are working on developing an SBA plan of action to help students get prepared for the test. The SBA plan for student success will be rolled out next year, well before the April test dates, said teacher Leann Harrison, one of the teachers working on AHA’s test prep materials.
Harrison said that teachers across all classes developed PowerPoint presentations as a training. All teachers will be using the presentations in classes each Friday.
Career choices teachers, such as in P.E., chorus and drama, will be teaching basic test-taking skills to students.
The SBA now replaces the High School Competency Exam, which was used previously for students as an exit exam from high school.
Principal Dr. Karen Sanchez-Griego said AHA students should start now preparing to have all the skills they need to pass the test. “But all of our teachers are working very hard to make sure each student has the skills needed to take this test,” she said. “Students should begin taking every subject seriously as freshmen so that when they are juniors they are able to pass this test and graduate high school.”
Miss New Mexico: Domestic violence comes in many forms
By Mandy Otero, Brandon Arnold and Brittany Sedillo
Jag News Staff
“I finally figured out at the age of 15, that I was a victim of domestic abuse by my father.” These are the powerful words of Madison Tabet, the newly crowned Miss New Mexico. Tabet visited Atrisco Heritage Academy High School recently to speak to a group of AHA newspaper students.
Tabet, 19, has chosen domestic violence and dating violence as the issue she will talk about this year while representing New Mexico. She will compete for the title of Miss America in Las Vegas in January.Tabet grew up in Albuquerque and went to Hope Christian School from kindergarten through 12th grade. Her mother, Dianne, graduated from Rio Grande High School in 1980. Madison is a dancer, and has a college scholarship to a performing arts school in Pittsburg, Pa. Tabet has been dancing since she was 18 months old, she said.
“Dancing completely got time through the roughest times in my life,” Tabet said. “I want to use the power of words to talk about the signs of domestic violence and to help people realize they have to get out of this abuse before it gets verbal or physical.”
With domestic violence being something close to her heart, she decided to make that issue her platform. A platform is a cause that all the Miss America contestants choose to support during their year as a state winner. Choosing to inform people about domestic violence was easy for Tabet to choose.
“I was 17 when I just knew this wasn’t the family situation any of us needed to be in,” Tabet said.
When asked about pageant life and what it takes to get ready to compete, Tabet said it is a mix of physical fitness, poise and understanding current events well enough to handle the questioning of the judges in January.
“It’s very nerve wracking,” Tabet said. “The pressure is enormous. But I am doing all I can to be ready to answer any question, whether it be about politics, the war and education.”
Tabet was quick to thank her mother and her two younger brothers for helping her get to this point.
“My mom helped me though all of the hard work,” she said. “She gave me a sense of self-worth and self-confidence.”
Being in pageants “is not just about the glitz and glam. It’s about being positive and helping others and talking a stand to help the community and the world, if possible.”
AHA’s Community Garden Gets Growing on Campus
By Jag News Staff
Two Atrisco Heritage Academy High School Community Reference Learning classes are joining together to make the school a more beautiful and happy place.
The classes have created a community garden, which has been built on the southwest side of the campus. In the spring the two classes are going to grow flowers, such as tulips and daisies. Eventually the students want to grow vegetables. Students are going to work on their garden project until the spring of this year when they hope all the flowers bloom and the tulips can be sold to the student body at the school.
“This is an investment in the school and the community,” said Colin Priebe, a chemistry and geology teacher at AHA. “Eventually (the garden) will pay for itself.”
Priebe and Patrick Johnson are the teachers who have come up with the idea, and whose students are the ones getting their hands dirty and the ones taking on the responsibilities of growing the plants. About 25 students have participated so far in the garden. Come this spring, there will be many more opportunities to help in the garden, said Brea Barr, one of the students involved in the garden’s planning and planting.
“I like that a lot of us are doing this together,” said Barr, an AHA junior. “I hope to have lots and lots of flowers to sell and to also see this spring.”
The school paid $1,200 out of activities funds to help get the supplies needed for the construction of the garden itself. The students needed lots of top soil to cultivate the garden. They purchased about 400 bulbs and railroad ties to block off the 24-foot by 24-foot area where the garden is growing.
“I wanted for the students to have a business, which is part of resource learning,” said Johnson. “They will have the responsibility of running the business as well as watching the garden grow.”
Basketball heats up the Jags’ Den
By Jag News Staff
The Atrisco Heritage Academy boys/girls basketball teams, like other teams playing varsity for the first time, have had to go up against established programs. However, both coaches, Adrian Ortega (boys) and Joe Montoya (girls) say players are gaining experience and even over achieving at times.
The boys team is led by juniors Francisco Lopez and Gilberto Pacheco, as well as sophomore Larry Baca. Starting point guard Philip Lacour also is a sophomore. Freshmen who made the team this year include Joseph Brooks, Corbin Waqui and Adrian Ortega Jr.
“We are coming together as a team,” Coach Ortega said. “Varsity is tough, but we will be a better team after going through this season. I expect these guys to go out tough each time and expect to win.”
Varsity has defeated Valencia, Los Lunas, Silver City and swept South Valley rival Rio Grande in two games.
One of the most heartbreaking losses this year was a double-overtime loss to Portales in the Stu Clarke 57th Annual Tournament in Las Vegas,
Varsity competition: That which does not kill us makes us stronger!
Jag News Staff
Being a new school has its share of benefits. Our facilities our new and our school spirit is high. But for sports teams, being the new kids on the varsity block is not always easy.
All sports teams this far, with the possible exception of wrestling, are going into this year having to face established programs and teams heavy with senior players with experience. Wrestlers and cross country runners have faced varsity competition before, but they still go into meets as underdogs most of the time.
“We had to gain the experience sometime,” said Football coach Angel Castillo, whose varsity team did not win a game this season. “I look at this season as one that gave us an eye-opening experience. I know many other coaches who feel the same way.”
Boys soccer coach Jessica Villalobos agreed. Her boys were over-achievers in junior varsity and looked like the team to beat each time they went out last year. But the 2010 season was much more difficult.
“We saw a huge difference,” she said. “I think all of our student athletes understand what it takes to be good at the varsity level now. We will work harder and harder to make sure we not only compete at this level, but succeed.”
Varsity volleyball coach Vicki Meyer said her girls improved with each game. By the end of the season, they were playing at a high level, even winning the school’s first ever district tournament game. “No doubt about it, varsity competition is different from JV,” she said. “We don’t have that senior experience to bank on, but our girls came through the season better for having had to compete against older girls. They are ready for what ever comes their way next year.”
The key next year will be in seeing which seniors step up and become leaders, say the coaches. Next year will be very different, they say.
Volleyball Teams Make History
The AHA varsity girls volleyball team became the first in school history to win a post-season, district game. They defeated Albuquerque High in the district tournament’s first round.
“Our girls played better and better throughout the season,” said head coach Vickie Meyer. “As with all the teams this year, adjusting to a varsity level is tough on our young players. To do this well without seniors really is an accomplishment.”
The junior varsity and C-team players also improved significantly.
Run, Run, AHA ! Cross Country
Cross country runners over-achieved once again. Jesus Estrada made it to state for the third year in a row and continues to be among the elite high school runners in the state.
Girls cross country coach Jana Villegas said participation is at an all time high, spectators came out in droves and this year’s cross country teams showed they are ready to be part of the state’s best distance running teams.
This year’s girls team also showed progress. This year’s most improved runners were
Football Players Gain Knowledge
Atrisco Heritage Academy football teams worked tirelessly in their first year in varsity. The seasons for all our young players was difficult, but they gained experience and are ready to put what they have learned to the test next season, said head coach Angel Castillo.
Some of the players showing improved skills included Christian Tarbox, Matthew Lujan. Sophomore Jeremy Sanchez was selected to the all-district team.
“We didn’t win this season, I know all our young men played their hearts out,” Castillo said. “Experience is key in varisty.”
Grease Kicks Off Homegoing Events in 2010
By Jesse Robledo
Jag News Editor
Homegoing? Yes, this is confusing. AHA will not have a senior class until 2011-2012, which means Homecoming had to wait another year. But that didn’t stop the AHA Student Government, led by Activities Director, Sal Treppiedi, from keeping the home fires burining with a Homegoing event that included a royal court, crowning of our first queen and a dance. The football game also included a halftime show where dancers and cheer squads showcased their talents.
The theme for this year’s homegoing was GREASE, taken from the movie which was a 1970s classic about life in high school in the 50s. A great time was had by all as the gym was decorated in retro-style, complete with vinyl albums adorning the walls. The dance was semi-formal and hundreds of students turned out for the event to celebrate our school’s improving football team and our community spirit.
This year’s homegoing court included Queen Marissa Pohl and King Ricardo Nunez. Students voted during a week of homegoing events at school.
The others on this year’s court are Karina Wilson, Jasmyn Munoz, Evelyn Figueroa and Iris Rodriguez. They entire court was celebrated at a school assembly and at the football game and dance.
Cisco... I Love It! Students Earn Free Computer Training
By Jag News Staff
Nine AHA Business Academy students will get the opportunity to work, hands-on, in the computer field thanks to a program by Cisco Information Technology, sponsored by the Hispano Chamber of Commerce and Comcast.The Cisco program offers technology training to 17 high school students, and nine of those internships were awarded to Atrisco Heritage Academy students. AHA also had a 10th student selected to be an alternate. This was a big accomplishment for students, said Business Academy head, Clover George.
“The entire application process was quite rigorous,” George said. “But our students The student body here is amazing. Every one of them showed up for the interviews dressed professionally, they made eye contact
with interviewers and answered questions thoughtfully and
politely.”
The internship began in November and continues until the end of the school year. Student receive a certification of completion of Cisco IT Essentials PC Harware and Software. Participants also get free backpacks, t-shirts, flash drives and $500 digital flip camcorder.
The training will allow them to get jobs and internships at business while they are going to school, said George. In addition, this training also teaches students about the wide-world of IT careers that is possible if they want to pursue these fields in college after high school.
The student body here is amazing. Every one of them showed up
for the interviews dressed professionally, they made eye contact
with interviewers and answered questions thoughtfully and
politely.”
“I attribute a lot of their success to the opportunities provided by
our staff,” George said. “Every one of our students was able to give
examples of times they have helped other students or acted as leaders. Student Selected:Courtney Taylor,
Anthony Martinez,Courtney: best thing every…shows I’m smart.
Do you like computers? I love it…taking them apart I can halfway put them together.
People from APS.., Comcast, Hispano Chamber of Commerce (Business training organizations)
getting from here to Hispano.
“Even a simple question…will give insight into a person.” –they were looking at
Things…like YouTube..can have an educational purpose/
College Go Center:Start looking for college scholarships now
Jag News Staff
College Go Center coordinator Angelica Padilla announces these scholarships. Many more available by visiting the Go Center.
The Energy Solutions Foundation: Math, Science and Engineering Scholarship is awarded to one 10th grade student at each eligible high school. Scholarship recipients receive $2,000. in addition, the top 10% of recipients qualify to receive one of three National Distinguished Awards in the amount of $2,500, $5,000 or $25,000.
Applications may be downloaded or submitted online at http://energysolutionsfoundation.org/ Deadline January 31, 2011
Girls Going Places Entrepreneurship Awards: Open to girls aged 12-18! Awards from $1,000 to $10,000 to girls who have started their own businesses. To apply: must mail application form, along with 250-word personal statement AND at least one 750-word recommendation letter (max. of 5 letters) from an adult endorsing you as an accomplished young female entrepreneur. For application form, specific instructions (follow carefully) and mailing address, see: www.GirlsGoingPlaces.com
What’s Coming Up at AHA
A Calendar of Events for January
APS Metro Youth Art Exhibit: March 4 - Sunday, April 3, 2011. At the Fine Arts Gallery at Expo New Mexico on the state fairgrounds. AHA teacher Anndra McCorkle said she hopes to have as many as 100 art pieces from Atrisco Academy students to exhibit in this year’s show.
A IS FOR ART Auction: Students interested in having their artwork sold at the auction can see Mrs. McCorkle for more information.
Schoolwide Arts and Crafts Fair/Exhibit hosted by the Family Center April 13: Students are encouraged to participate. At this event the Advanced Placement Art students will be presenting their portfolios (24 pieces of art in each portfolio).
Family Center Events: Parent, Family and Community-School Partnerships Tuesday January 18, 2011, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Call Tony Watkins, 855-5271 for more information. Do you have ideas about how schools, parents and other family and community members can form stronger partnerships? Do you want to participate in developing parent engagement policy? Do you wonder what the candidates from Districts I and II for the APS School Board are thinking regarding parent engagement? Then join the Community Schools & Partnerships Department of Albuquerque Public Schools, ENLACE New Mexico, and Southwest Creations Collaborative at the Alamosa Community Center, 6900 Gonzales Road, SW on Jan. 18.
Incoming Freshmen Parent Night takes place on Thursday evening, January 27, from 6:30pm to 8pm. On this night, we want to be able to showcase our programs, including academics, athletics and activities.
Computer Lab Open After School: Attention Students and Parents: The computer lab in H-202 will be available after school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2:30 - 3:30PM for students who have an academic need to use them. This is the computer lab next to teh Family Center.
Fluttering Heart
By Robert DePalma
AHA Junior
Quickening within my intensely fluttering heart, the person who left an imprint of herself, is still there. My heart is bleeding out my emotions. You damaged me in a place that I was so vaguely vulnerable. Young love is a blossoming detail etched in my mind. And through our evolving years, I’ve matured enough to realize that what I long for are just fantasies of a dreamer’s dream, I can’t lose sight those inseparable ambitions, yet we can’t follow each other’s path, we are only two people with different wants and needs. I must shine in my light. We’ll just become strangers, but I know why you’re looking down, you don’t want to talk about breaking up. My dreams must shine my way, if we don’t give our hearts their wings, we’ll never fly, so let us give one last smile and say good-bye. I’ll be fine by myself, now that we’ve severed our chains that linked us to fighting. I’m on my way to pursue my dreams; my happiness, but it seems the closer you get to something, the tougher it is to see it, but if I stop chasing now, my efforts and sacrifices would be nothing but trash, never giving up, is my chain-shot! And I’m sure we’ll cross each other at the end of our separate roads.
Monitoring Grades Easy as SnapGrades
There’s an important connection between parental involvement and student success. Here at Atrisco Heritage Academy, parents and students can have updated grade information with the click of the mouse on a computer.
SnapGrades is the online grading system used here at AHA. To access the online system, visit www.snapgrades.net. Parents will be able to access their student’s classes and their current academic performance. There are also discipline logs and class assignment information.
Students can get their parent’s PIN number from a teacher. Also, parents can call Rita Perea at 243-1458 to request a PIN. The PIN numbers were mailed out several weeks ago, but if a parent has misplaced or never received one, it can be replaced.
History teacher Rafael Esparza said SnapGrades is an invaluable tool for parents and students.
“Students now have the tool they need to take responsibility for their own academic progress,” he said. “I would encourage all parents to get their PIN numbers and to start taking control of their student’s progress.”
