Perspectives by Juan Cerda, Roberto Orozco, and Andrew Louie
California’s Drought
Perspectives by Elaine Huang and Anna Wu
A Con View of School Uniforms
School uniforms limit self-expression and restrain our freedom to express our originality.They began in England, when upper class private and preparatory schools required students to wear uniforms. Without uniform codes, students will have less insecurities and fear on their appearances. The prices of school uniforms puts students at risk of embarrassment and bullying. I chose this issue because I want to learn if school uniform increase students’ academic performance.
School uniforms are inappropriate. Individualism is an important right that Americans cherish. The First Amendment states that the people have the freedom of speech and creativity, which we can voice our opinions (Martelle, “A Plea Against Uniformity, a Cry for Self-Expression: Will School…”). In 1222, England required students to wear robe-like outfits known as “cappa clausa.” Uniforms were worn in prestigious schools because they are considered formal. Their intentions are to give the school an identity and unity (Meleen, “School Uniforms Throughout History”). Although school uniforms provide equality among students, it does not solve the real issues of bullying. Wearing school uniforms does not decrease the percentage and likelihood of bullying. Often bullies will find another flaw in a student to criticize. Wearing the same clothes often lead to comparison between the students, in which creates drama and pressure (Martelle, “A Plea Against Uniformity, a Cry for Self-Expression: Will School…”). They force students to abide with the rules and does not provide equity.
Schools should not adopt dress codes for students. Individual appearances greatly influences one’s culture and traditions. It is difficult for school uniforms to compromise with all traditions and religions that exist around the world. Uniform rules are targeted at schools with a majority of low-income or minority students. This financial requirement places difficulties on low-income families, who cannot fully afford and support their children’s necessities and the replacement of new uniforms. David Brunsma, a Virginia Tech sociologist concluded through his research that school uniforms unsuccessfully refine a student’s confidence and education, thus proving to be ineffective at raising student’s academic performance (Murtha, “Debate Over School Uniforms Rages On”). Therefore, school uniforms should be prohibited because the definition of diversity fades away.
School uniforms can further damage the schools’ environment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a survey in 2000, which they concluded that 10% of high schools and 20% of elementary schools had mandatory uniform requirements (ProQuest, “At Issue: School Uniforms”). Since Wallenberg High School is a public school, our school board does not require uniforms. By removing uniform policies in San Francisco Unified School District schools, it give students the abilities to express their personalities and culture. With different cultures and religions at schools, students are able to educate themselves with different knowledge from their peers. Students are given the freedom to wear clothes that are suitable for their personality.
School uniforms unsuccessfully refine a student’s confidence and individuality. Uniform policies/rules are the ultimate source of limitation to self appearance and statement. Other schools should reconsider the diversities within school, they should be aware of the student’s ethnicities entering their school. Different religions have different clothing styles, it is the responsibility that schools respect the student’s’ religions. In conclusion, victims who wore school uniforms often experience bullying despite similar outfits, thus proving no positive outcomes from wearing uniforms.
Citations:
ProQuest Staff. “At Issue: School Uniforms.” ProQuest LLC. 2015: n.pag. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
Murtha, Jack. “Debate Over School Uniforms Rages On.” The Record. 07 Jun. 2015: L.3. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 08 Oct. 2015.
Martelle, Victor. “A Plea Against Uniformity, a Cry for Self-Expression: Will School…” University Wire. 09 Sep. 2014: n.p. SIRS Issues Researcher.Web. 08 Oct. 2015.
Meleen, Michele, M.S.Ed. “School Uniforms Throughout History.”LoveToKnow. LoveToKnow Corp., n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2015.
A perspective by Anna Wu
A Pro View of School Uniforms
Uniforms should be required in schools due to how much it can contribute to a student’s education. Uniforms were required many years ago some may say it was introduced around the 19th century. This issue is important because it can help students focus more on their education than their appearance. Uniforms were/are required in many schools. I chose this issue because it has been argued for years and years
Uniforms may seem restricting however, it can actually help one thrive in school. Uniforms formed from cliques.Uniforms were introduced in America somewhere around 1979. (buzzle.com) Each Clique has different styles in which lead to popularity and bullying. The bullying has escalated to the point in which schools decided to establish a new policy. Uniforms should be required in schools due to how clothing can escalate issues for students such as bullying, and being categorized due to their social class.
Uniforms allow students to become equals. Uniforms do not discriminate a student’s clothing choice. Uniforms creates equality and unity for all students. Uniforms help lowers the chances of bullying due to how all their clothing are the same. In certain cliques appearances are important this idea was emphasized by social media. This creates social pressure on certain individuals to think that, that is the norm of how society dresses. Everyone has a budget due to their home situation. Some maybe living in poverty, some may be upper middle class therefore, not everyone can afford certain types of clothing. ( Stocki, “School Uniform Policies Promote Acceptance, Inclusion for Students…” ) Everyone is different in their own way that is what makes them unique. School uniforms erases the tension that comes from fitting into the norms of society.
Uniforms help students focus on their education. School uniforms may seem restrictive but it can help reduce social pressure and allow students to thrive in school. School uniforms can help promote inclusion in certain groups of people. Bullying is also prevented due to how the chances of a student “standing out” will be lowered. “A bill, unanimously approved by a House education subcommittee, would allocate $10 million so school districts that adopted standardized dress codes could receive up to $10 per student. That could mean more than $1.4 million for Broward County and $1.1 million for Palm Beach County.” (Travis, “School Uniform Plan All Sewn Up? Bill Pays Districts to Adopt New Policy.”) Uniforms help the community be known as one. Uniforms do not separate people for what they wear. Uniforms make us all equal.
Uniforms impacts my life by how when my parents went to school they had to wear uniforms but nowadays things change. Now, uniforms have been dismissed due to one’s creative and unique self expression. This affects my community due to how everyone has their own personality in which has affected society and the social norms we follow. My community is in a constant battle with issues such as bullying, and/or harassment. However, uniforms can help eliminate those issues by making us all become equals.
Uniforms should be required in schools due to how much it can contribute to a student’s education. The issue that I chose is that uniforms should be required in schools. Uniforms help students more than we think it can. Uniforms help students and their education that is why it should be required in school. Uniforms may restrict self expression however it allows us to become equals and lower the amount of issues that can arise in schools. Therefore, Uniforms should be required in schools.
Works Cited:
Travis, Scott. “School Uniform Plan All Sewn Up? Bill Pays Districts to Adopt New Policy.” Sun Sentinel [Ft. Lauderdale] 9 Mar. 015, p. A.1 ed.: n. pag. Print.
Stocki, Rachel. “School Uniform Policies Promote Acceptance, Inclusion for Students…” University Wire. 20 Jan. 2015: n.p. SIRS Issues Researcher.Web. 08 Oct. 2015
“History of School Uniforms.” Buzzle. Buzzle.com, 26 July 2011. Web. 23 Oct. 2015.
Perspective By: Elaine Huang
Stress
Stress
It’s very hard to believe that stress is a huge aspect in everyone’s life. Stress can be used for the good and bad. Your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat, that impacts you is known as stress. “Under stress, your body releases chemicals that give you the added strength and energy you need to protect yourself, but it can also shut down your ability to think, feel and act upon your ability to repair itself”(MedicalNewsToday.com). This issue is important because it affects everyone in so many different ways. For example, you can stress about something major or minor, it just depends on your reaction. To someone else it can be something small but to you it’s something big that’s affecting you. I chose this issue because it’s so interesting to see the effects that stress places on everything.
Stress enters in your life when you are worried about something, or something big is happening that displeases you. Stress can also be used for the good. For example you have an upcoming exam and you’re stressing over it, some people need that stress and pressure to study harder for them to do good. People like to cram things in at the last minute because they think they work better and will understand it in a much better way than someone else can. I like to pace my work out and not get stressed out about cramming it at the last second. It’s up to you on how you want to use stress.
The issue of stress is important because it can affect someone’s life and the way you think. Stress can lead to different sicknesses, like suicide. Suicide results in when the person is feeling helpless, they have a difficult time coping with stress. They isolate themselves to a dark place of loneliness and unfortunately sometimes can’t get out. Stress can come from homework, family situations, jobs and anything that you worry about and think too much on.
“Stress can also help you rise to meet challenges. Stress is what keeps you on your toes during a presentation at work, it sharpens your concentration when you’re attempting anything”(MayoClinic.org). Some of the percentages of people affected by stress, “80 percent say they frequently or sometimes experience daily stress, 34 percent have felt depressed at some point in the past three months, 13 percent have been diagnosed with a mental health condition such as an anxiety disorder or depression, 9 percent have seriously considered suicide in the past year”(AnxietyAndDepression.org).
Stress is a big issue that can be described in many ways. It can be good or bad for you. I chose this topic because it is very interesting how it affects everyone instead of just a handful of people. As a conclusion, stress is not something to play around with and tease someone about. You never know how an individual’s reaction is going to be. To decrease your stress, find something that you really enjoy and take a break to do what you love. Taking breaks and doing other things can get your mind off all the stuff you are participating with and make you focus on the finer things in life.
Haylee Rose
Why Is Stress Important to Avoid
Stress is a relevant issue to me and my peers because many students struggle with stress throughout high school. Stress was actually a term that was used in physics to describe a force that puts a strain on a physical body. Not having stress can improve your mood, and allows you to be more productive during the day. Too much stress can affect teens development of the brain, and it also can be very harmful to your body. All the unwanted stress leads them to losing interest in school and their regular daily activities. Stress is also known to increase the suicide rate, or sometimes can lead to self-harm. Girls also tend to feel stress harder than male peers, and as a female I understand very well the stress that comes from school and home. I chose this topic because most students I know has gone under some form of stress, and by personal experience as well, I feel this issue needs to be stressed more.
Before, the term stress was used to describe how people felt, it was a issue between physicians if psychological stress like loss of loved ones or frustration can also be considered stressful situations. In the 1920’s a researcher named Hans Selye started using the term for some hospitalized patients who all seem to be under physical stress. John Mason, a physician, also conducted an experiment using monkeys as test subjects and showed Physiological stress was as powerful as physical stress. He tested what the monkeys reactions were when one group was left alone and another group watched other moneys receive food while they sat there. In one interesting experiment, researchers measured the stress hormone levels of experienced parachute jumpers mentioned in “What is Stress? History of Stress”. Even though diving can be a stressful experience the stress hormone levels were pretty normal. But then found a difference when testing diving students and their instructors. Students were calmer a day before but stressed on the next day before the jump while the instructors feelings were vice versa. In the end Stress is not always considered physical, it is also physiological, and that’s what I am going to trying to discuss about.
This issue is important because some people do not find healthy ways to deal with the issue. This affects my peers because it hinders them from progressing in school. It causes my peers to have premature white hairs, and other effects such as hair loss and loss of appetite. As growing teens we need to fully grow and develop. If they encounter too much stress, it can be bad for their brain development. Others might resort to do unhealthy things like smoking and drinking, which can cause other health risks. Overall my peers need to fully understand less stress is good for the development of the brain, and there are healthy ways to relieve stress like sports, being artistic, musical, reading and writing.
Many adolescents are affected by stress that can range from big too small. “More than a quarter (27%) of students say they experience extreme stress.” Many cases read that students take on too many extra curricular activities, or many advanced placement courses to be seen as a top student in their class. Sometimes tight schedules don’t work for everyone. “1 in 5 teens qualifies as clinically depressed”, says Michele Borba in her blog 15 Serious Facts About High School Stress. This relates to my community by how many students are overwhelmed with school and at home issues. Especially when students do extracurricular activities and advance placement courses they tend to have lots of homework and in the end don’t complete them and fall behind. During the teen years is when many of my peers are changing and developing, and sometimes parents are not able to catch up with their children, which can cause many arguments and problems. Overall students try to cram their schedules and hopping to get good results from it and that’s not always the case. It is a difficult transition age, where we get a taste of the real world.
Stress is a relevant issue to me and my peers because many students struggle with stress during high school. The issue I chose was stress because many high school students know the feeling of feeling stressed at the end of a long day. Stress can be resolved if students stopped cramming their schedules, and make time for themselves and go out and get fresh air. Take some time to meditate, go out with friends, be out in open nature. Time for yourself is very important, and no one should be deprived of their free time. No one should push themselves far and beyond to reach a goal like trying to enter a prestigious college, or make your family proud, I’m sure they will accept the best you can be. You don’t need stress like that to rule in your life, don’t bite off more than you can chew.
Work Cited:
- Hellmich, Nancy. ”Parents:Yelling,Swearing at Teens backfires Big Time.” Ganett News Service. 03 Sep. 2013: n.p.SIRS Issues Researcher Web. 08.Sep.2015
- Mundy. Liza. “High School Anxiety”. Washington Post Magazine. Oct.23 2005: 20+SIRS Issues Researcher.web.09 sep.2015
- Abeles, Vicki. “Students Without a Childhood.” USA Today. 26 Sep. 2014:A.10. SIRS Issues Researcher.Web. 09 Sep. 2015
- “What is Stress? The History of stress.” Centre for Studies on Human Stress. 23.Sep. 2015
Kali Garcia
The Unhealthy Truth About Junk Food
Junk food is an important issue to me and my peers because it affects our health, our lives and everything in between. Junk food is an important issue because of the amount of people it can hurt. This issue affects my peers’ health and education because they can become too distracted by the food that is brought and consumed during that school day to focus on the lesson that is being taught in class. This issue affects my peers due to the fact that last year our school had a Starbucks issue in which was about our Wallenberg students going to Starbucks before school and thought of it as breakfast. Our School felt as if this was not healthy and disruptive towards the class. Therefore, Some Students and Administrators came together to come up with a solution to this issue.
Food is one of the most talked about issues in schools today. Junk food affects my community because of the amount of students who eat it. This affects their health and everyone around them. Junk food began with food and people. People create junk food by frying and developing new ways to make money by creating something that will last a more than a lifetime: junk food. People start it and people get affected. People develop certain things to gain certain things. In this case it was Junk food for money. The manufacturing of food and beverage started in the 19th century. It started with simple canned foods in which developed into bread, biscuits and sweets which then eventually lead to what we all know and love today: Junk food (www.teara.govnt.nz).
My Issue: Junk Food is important because of the amount of people it affects. It affects more than we realize. Junk food affects everyone because it’s a constant cycle where they buy junk food, bring it to school, eat it, share it and goes around in a never ending loop. My peers are constantly surrounded by the massive amount of manufactured goods that it lures them to buying it without a second thought. Junk food is a craved food all around the world and that affects everyone’s health including my peers. My peers do not recognize the amount of fats, calories and sugars junk food has in it. “One recent study among middle and high school students in California found that students with nearby fast food restaurants consumed fewer servings of fruit and vegetables more servings of soda” (www.preventioninstitue.org). They do not realize the amount of lives junk food has killed. Most of which are due to obesity and heart attacks. Most of the students don’t know that obesity actually leads to heart attacks and is the most common in teens. “In 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released an updated version of its Dietary Guidelines for Americans—featuring a new graphic dubbed “MyPlate”—advising that a healthy diet should typically consist of about 50 percent fruits and vegetables” (www.ucsusa.org). Therefore, students should maintain a healthy diet.
Junk food has been manufactured for years and mostly directs its attention towards teens.“Food manufacturers still have access to students through vending machines, a la carte lines, and school stores. Nearly half of elementary school students can buy junk food at school, and a 2005 study found that 68% of students drank sugary beverages during the school day. Not only that, the food industry views schools as prime advertising real estates – making use of walls, scoreboards, and even yearbooks to market their brands” (http://www.preventioninstitute.org). This issue relates to my community because of how many of my peers eat and bring junk food to school. This issue also dates back to the Starbucks issue we had. Junk food has an impact on my world/life/community by the amount of it that is being consumed by my peers each day without them knowing what can happen to them of they eat too much of it. This issue is important to me because I have family members who are obese and are developing diseases because of it. They are expected to eat healthy, eat medicine and change their diets. I know that my peers will not want something like this to happen to them. Therefore, Junk food is harmful to our bodies and change is needed to keep it strong and healthy.
Junk food is an important issue to me and my peers because it affects our health, lives and everything in between.The issue I choose is junk food.This issue can be solved by spreading knowledge about the harmful affects junk food has on the human body. Junk food may be a craved snack but you can always change what you eat. It may seem like a hard thing to do but who knows maybe you might find something you like to eat that’s healthy for you. Even though you may crave junk food it’s good to just let that roll off your back and go for something else. Just remember that instead of biting on that chocolate bar try something else like a carrot or a banana.
Works Cited:
“Feelings Key to Junk Food Temptation.” › News in Science (ABC Science). Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
“To Eat Unhealthy, or Not At All – Is Junk Food Better Than No Food?” 19 Mar. 2014. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
“Prevention Institute: Strategic Alliance.” QuickFacts: The Impact of Food Environment on Diet. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.
“Unhealthy Food Policy.” Union of Concerned Scientists. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
“Front of Package Fail: Labels Tout Healthier Foods for Kids, 84% Studied Flunk Nutrition Standards.” Prevention Institute. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
“Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand.” Food and Beverage Manufacturing –. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2015.
Perspective By: Elaine Huang
How Bullying Affects High School Students Today
Bullying is the ultimate source of physical and emotional violence, therefore, it is the destruction in society. Although bullying was rare in the 1970s, it has occurred in the U.K. and Japan, victims took forms of harassment and isolation. It is an important issue in our society today because thousands of teens are afraid to attend school. At school, many teens are abused emotionally and physically by their peers; victims will develop depression, thoughts about suicide, and the effects can escalate to adulthood. I chose to write about this issue because it occurs throughout high schools across the nation.
Bullying is a form of aggressive and violent behavior among children and teens that involves unequal distribution of power (stopbullying.gov/). Both guys and girls may try to manipulate other people by damaging one’s reputation. They often tend to dominate others and focus on themselves with no empathy (kidshealth.org/teen/school_jobs/bullying/bullies.html). Bullies withhold their influences on bullying figures in their past. There are three forms of bullying; verbal, social, and physical. Verbal bullying includes cyberbullying, cruel text messages and posts on social networks. Social bullying includes gossiping and exclusion. Physical bullying includes shoving, punching, and hitting (kidshealth.org/teen/school_jobs/ bullying/bullies.html). Bullying occurred during the 18th and 19th century. In the U.K., victims with external characteristics were often targeted compared to Japan, whereas they take form of psychological bullying (group isolation) (files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ768971.pdf). Some risk factors that affect students include: overweight or underweight, physical appearance, popularity, and social status (stopbullying.gov/). As noted above, the existence of bullying symbolizes society’s faults and flaws.
No doubt that many teens and children have experienced or witnessed bullying for their appearance, personality, sexuality, etc. Despite the prevention of bullying, individuals should learn the importances and effects of bullying. Victims of bullying often develop health issues. For example, signs of depression/anxiety, health complaints, and decrease in academic achievements (stopbullying .gov/). Thus, bullying is an important issue in society that is difficult to cope with alone.
Although joking and fooling around are forms of amusements, the presence can ultimately lead to physical and emotional violence. Bullying statistics show that about 77 percent of students have admitted to being the victim of bullying (bullyingstatistics.org/content/school-bullying.html). Research shows that bullying have been increasing in schools and online. The leading cause is the increase of domestic violence influenced at home. Impacts includes chat rooms in social networking websites. Many students are forced to see hurtful comments and rumors on the internet (kidshealth.org/teen/school_jobs/bullying/bullies.html). Bullying represents the demolition of civilization, in which cruelty leads to the forms of violence.
Ultimately, the resemblance of physical and emotional violence indicates the corruption and destruction in the humanity. Bullying often leads to more violent behaviors and no successful career or relationships. To prevent further bullying issues, victims should notify adults in positions of authority (parents, teachers, coaches, etc), avoid being alone, or ignore the bully and walk away (kidshealth.org/teen/ school_jobs/bullying/bullies.html). In addition, schools in America have established policies in order to prevent bullying and teachers are educated to identify signs of bullying. Therefore, bullying is an unforgettable issue in society and the unhealthy lifestyle of violence.
Citations:
Koo, Hyojin. “Bullying in Different Contexts.” A Time Line of the Evolution of School Bullying in Differing Social Contexts 8.1 (2007): n. pag. Asia Pacific Education Review. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
“Bullying Statistics.” Bullying Statistics. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
“Bullying Definition.” Bullying Definition. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, S.W. – Washington, D.C. 20201, n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
“Dealing With Bullying.” KidsHealth – the Web’s Most Visited Site about Children’s Health. Ed. Arcy Lyness. The Nemours Foundation, 01 July 2013. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
Pictures:
Lunch Time: Threatening a student for their lunch money.
Give me your money: Stealing money from other students.
Move out of my way: Hitting/punching classmates.
A perspective by Anna Wu
Journalism News Cast By Johnny Aradoum, Dane Bradley, Alfredo comayagua!
Is Homework helpful or harmful?
Excessive amounts of homework can be harmful or pupils both mentally and physically. “In the mid-1970s, homework was viewed as an example of the excessive pressure on students to achieve. It is important because students have a lot of homework every day and it causes stress.” (1). “According to a 2004 study published in “Current Issues in Education”, homework can greatly increase family stress.” (2). “Denise Pope, a senior lecturer at the Stanford University School of Education and a co-author of a study published in the Journal of Experimental Education, has found that too much homework has negative effects on well-being and behavior.”(3). Researchers had clearly suggested that placing too much homework can lower grades and can even lead pupils to begin suffering from depression. The reason I chose this topic is because I see myself and my peers are stressing out from doing an excessive amounts of homework.
In the mid-1970s, homework was seen as an example of the extreme weight on students to attain. Having an excessive amount of school assignment can lead to stress, negative behaviors, and even depression. Teachers started assigning more and more homework to students after the “No Child Left Behind Act” in 2002. Homework brought a load of issues for students since the 1970s.
Homework leads to depression,stress, and negative behaviors. It is essential to me because I see my peers and I stressing out from doing a massive amount of homework. Having a huge amount of homework prevents me and other students from doing chores, spending time with our loved ones, and we used time to relax, play and pursue sports and hobbies. As a result, homework is harmful to students both mentally and physically.
Studied have shown that homework does no good to pupils besides leading them to depressions and stress. For example, 4,317 students were chosen from 10 high-performing high schools in California to take a survey about how they feel towards homework. The outcome of it was 56% thinks tat homework is the primary source of stress. (4). From what I gathered from researches, homework does not benefit pupils.
A massive amount of homework can be harmful to pupils in many ways. My issue is homework can be harmful to students. To solve the problem, teachers shouldn’t assign an excessive amount of homework to students. In conclusion, students deserve happiness not sadness.
Sources:
(1): “What Researchers Says about the Value of Homework”: Http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/Main-Menu/Instruction/What-research-says-about-the-value-of-homework-At-a-glance/What-research-says. N.p.,5 Feb 2007. Web. 23 Oct. 2014
(2): Thompson, Van. ” What negative Effects Does Homework Have on a Student’s social & Family Life?” Everyday Life. Demand Media., n.d. Web. 20 Oct. 2014
(3&4): PARKER, CLIFTON B.”Stanford Research Shows Pitfalls of Homework.” Stanford University. Stanford Report, 10 Mar.2014. Web. 21 Oct. 2014.
A perspective by Carrie Shek.
Raoul Wallenberg High School 