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All together for the last time

atam — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:52:48 +0000

Thursday, April 5th was filled with cheers and screams as Desert Vista’s class of 2012 celebrated their last pep assembly with the rest of the school.
They kicked off the assembly by checking up with the boys and girls varsity tennis teams.
After listening to tennis captains talk about their outstanding season so far, the class of 2011-2012 Valedictorians were introduced. The four seniors, including Jennifer Wu and Kevin Zheng, were introduced with the prestigious honor of being Valedictorians for their class.
Track, baseball, and softball captains also talked about their winning seasons so far, and kept us updated on their latest games and activities.
Following the sports teams was the presentation of the coveted the Diablo Award, won by Dr. Linda Peairs, the honored english teacher.
Than, the new student body officers were introduced! The 2012-2013 president will be junior Mitchell Hammer, the new spirit director will be junior Joey Steigerwald, the vice president position will be shared by juniors Carly Contract and Shannon Gilpin, and the treasurer spot will be occupied by sophomore Rachel Clark.
After a round of applause for the newly appointed officers, some of the seniors boys and security guards took the dance floor. The boys danced a dance choreographed by a senior company dancer and got a standing ovation.
“The dance was so funny! I was probably one of my favorite things about all the assemblies this year. It was cool to see the guys dressed in spandex and their jerseys, being goofy and funny, especially with the security guards who always seems so serious!” says Megan Fisher
The assembly closed out with a smashing number by the DV Dance company, consisting of many seniors who will be dancing in front of the school for the last time.
From the silly dances to the awards, what were the student’s favorite part about the last assembly of the year?
“I definitely felt like we went out with a huge bang!” says Brittany Ly, ‘I loved the seniors dance with Snow and Walt and I had so much fun watching the senior company dance also.”
This may come as a surprise but some seniors might even miss high school already.
“ Being at the assembly brought back a bunch of memories from I was a freshman. It’s hard to believe things have ended so fast and I’m already out of here!” says proud senior Sydney Dale

Delicious donuts cause disdain among the masses

Rfedasiuk — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:02:42 +0000

: Students chow down on the savory and sweet offerings of Renaissance club, as a celebration of their academic success.

By Ryan Fedasiuk, Reporter

In a perfect world, fairness is optimal. Utopian societies provide equal benefits to everybody within, and all are treated as one entity. However, as the saying goes, “Life’s not fair.” Unfortunately, this seems true for some students here at Desert Vista High School and false entirely for others. Last Thursday, Renaissance gold or silver card members received a free donut before school at 8:00 am in the courtyard. Not only this, but added benefits are also still existent through the option to exempt final exams, receive discounts at various stores across the valley, and park at discounted costs during the school year. So the question arises in the minds of students across the campus: “Why can’t I have one?”

The Gold and Silver Renaissance Cards are obtained through maintaining a high grade point average throughout specific quarters. A 3.833 to 4.0 GPA must be achieved to receive a gold card, and a silver card requires a 3.677 to 3.833 GPA. Only gold card members can exempt one final, but students feel deprived of advantages they could have had if they aren’t receiving a card.

“I’m not sure why I didn’t receive a card, but I feel as though I should have,” said freshman Allen Crowder. “My GPA is certainly high enough and I’ve been working hard for my high grades. The donut factor doesn’t bother me, but I would have liked one. I just want to exempt a final exam.”

In fact, some students are angry that a higher GPA means that you get one of these cards at all. They envy the benefits and feel that those successful enough to receive a card don’t even need to reap the rewards.

“I don’t know why people with that high of a GPA need to be able to exempt a final,” said freshman Jackson Clithero. “They’re already earning high grades and are probably in honors classes where they don’t even accept gold cards. I’ve been working hard, too, even if my grades aren’t perfect. In fact, I’m just under the limit, but I am the type of person that would actually use the card for my benefit if I had one, because my grades would skyrocket.”

However, students that have received these cards have certainly put a lot of time and effort into preserving their grades and valuing them holistically. Completing honors courses and turning in all assignments, even those rigorous ones, has caused the students to feel entitled to at least some benefits, and rightfully so.

“It only seems fair that hard-working students reap the rewards,” said senior Katie Giel. “It doesn’t make sense to just let anybody who slacks exempt a final exam. I work hard to achieve a high GPA, just like I know others do, and they definitely deserve what they are currently getting as rewards, if not more.”

Passionate Spanish teacher blazes up the Diablo Awards

MBorbon — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:54:41 +0000

Last weekend, foreign language teacher Dr. Linda Peairs received the Acheivement Award at the Annual Diablo Teacher Awards.

Peairs has taught Honors Spanish 5-6, AP Spanish Language, and AP Spanish Literature for 10 years at Desert Vista and an additional 10 years at the college level.

The prestigious award is presented only to “an individual who produces exceptional growth in student achievement that is demonstrated by measurable data over a three year timeframe.”

According to her students, Peairs is just that teacher.

“Dr. Peairs is amazing.” said sophomore Kailyn Revenew who is in Peairs’ Honors Spanish 5-6 class. “That’s the only class I have that I don’t fall asleep in. I think she definitely deserved it.”

Back when Desert Vista was still working on its AP Spanish program, Peairs was hired to bring it up to pace. She has led the way and carved the path for the third year spanish curriculum, and made the AP Spanish Language and AP Spanish Literature programs one of the greatest in the state.

“It is a lovely recognition of the many hours of thought and energy I have put into our department’s curriculum, into my teaching, and into the education of my students,” said Peairs. “I feel so appreciated by my colleagues, my administration, my district, and my community.”

Beyond making the Spanish program at DV fantastic, “Doctora” has expanded her reach as AP Consultant for the new AP Spanish Literature and Culture course next year. Under this position, Peairs helps other AP Spanish teachers across the district improve the learning and critical thinking of their students.

“I try to prepare my seniors for college, graduate school, and the workplace by sharing my experiences in academic and the corporate world,” said Peairs. “Students are motivated, hard-working, and very bright. I love teaching them. My students challenge me to think deeply, to be creative, and to have a sense of humor.”

Peair’s dedication to her students sets her apart, but it isn’t the only thing that makes her unique. She has a huge passion for what she teaches: Spanish.

“I fell in love with languages in junior high school.” said Peairs. “As a teenager there was nothing more awesome than being able to speak a language my parents didn’t speak.”

“Doctora” Peairs has also studied French, German, Latin, and Portuguese.

”I teach Spanish because it is the language that speaks to my heart. It is so beautiful and so expressive as a language that I want others to appreciate the special view of the world that it communicates ” said Peairs. “I also adore Spanish and Spanish American literature—especially the poetry. I love introducing the beauty and power of this literature and culture to my students, knowing their lives will be enriched by this contact.”

“She is hilarious, I love hearing her stories.” said Revenew. “I feel like I can relate to her, and I learn so much because she makes the material so interesting.”

Change is in the air

atam — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:05:57 +0000

By Amitty Tam

It looks like current juniors, sophomores, and freshmen are going to have full schedules until they graduate due to the new graduation requirements in the state of Arizona. Luckily for seniors this year, they have not changed for them.

Starting with the class of 2013, juniors, 23 credits are required to graduate high school. The class of 2012, the seniors, only needs 21 to get the diploma.

Science credits were increased from only needing 2 credits of graduating to a total of 3 science credits. It is required that you have one year of physical science, one year of life science, and one year of another type of science to your choice.

The number of Mathematics credits also changed, from three to four, so it is required that you take four math classes during high school.

Students all over campus re-acted differently to the two-credit change. The majority of students thinks that this is a bad change and should be changed back.

“ It really sucks to be a freshmen or sophomore because your schedule is pretty much jammed pack all four years. I’ve always really wanted to TA and stuff but I guess I won’t get the opportunity to,” says freshman Alex Chung.

Other students think that this is a positive way to stop being lazy during school hours.

“ I actually think it’s really great to we pretty much have to have a full schedule now because a lot of kids slack during school and skip periods. I like to be busy and I like to always have something to do,” says sophomore Gabby Trasser

Another change for seniors after 2012 seniors is that you are not allowed to leave school during school hours like you are now. You are now required to stay at school for all school hours until the dismissal bell.

“I hate the new rule,” says junior Kylie Butler, “ I was really looking forward to the perks of being senior and now it looks like there aren’t any.”

So why do they impose these new rules if many students are against it?

“We have these rules because we want to make sure students are safe,” says long- time security guard Snow.

“I don’t think it’s really a security issue because it’s not really a problem right now,” says Butler.

For more information about graduation requirements, you can visit http://www.azed.gov/state-board-education/high-school-graduation-requirements/

The Return of Hoopcoming

atam — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:02:04 +0000

Students all over DV thought that Hoopcoming and Prom were going to be the only dances we would have this year. Little did they know, Student Council, led by student body president Julia Thatcher, believed that they could make another dance happen.

Hoopcoming is back due efforts of Student Council asking and fighting administration.

“We really wanted to have another all school dance because the underclassmen can’t go to prom,” said Student body president Julia Thatcher

The dance will be space jammed theme but the attire is a basketball jersey!

“Student Council really wanted to make the theme fun and exciting. I don’t think we’ve ever had a space jam themed dance before,” said Thatcher.

Many students all over campus was very excited and anxious for the game and couldn’t wait for the Friday madness.

“I’m so excited! I’ve heard so much about how much fun Hoopcoming was and I can’t wait to go and dance my butt off,” said Freshmen Laina Goldwin.

Tickets were ten dollars but were only five dollars if you attend the Boys basketball game vs. Chandler High School before the dance. The freshmen boys’ game began at 4pm, JV played at 5:30pm and Varsity tip-ed off at 7pm.

It was a tough fight but the Thunder topped the CHS Wolves, 66-66. After the exciting win, students in the arena hyped and ready to dance. The small gym quickly filled with students, not only with fans that just came from the game but students that just arrived ready to dance.

“The atmosphere was great and I had so much fun, I wish there was more casual dances like this,” said Sophomore Amber Gregory.

With many students asking for more, it’s safe the say that Hoopcoming was a hit.

Latin club gives back

atam — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:46:27 +0000

It’s that time of the year again! The Latin Club is holding their annual Gift Wrap for Adopt a Family this December. This has been a project the Latin Club has been taking on since the holidays of 2006.

The club has partnered with AZ Adoption and Foster Care to bring Christmas gifts to less fortunate families. Visit http://www.childcrisis.org/aafc/index.html to learn more about their organization and their movement.

“We hope to give a family in need an amazing holiday.’ said Latin Club sponsor and Latin teacher Sarah Palumbo.

Everyone can participate in this project, not only the Latin Club. Anyone can donate gifts, and anyone can offer to help with the gift-wrapping. Gifts that have been donated in the past has been from anywhere from gift cards to bikes that look like motorcycles.

After all the gifts have been donated than Latin Club has a huge wrapping party at one of their meetings than they deliver it to the organization.

“Many have been blessed with a house, jobs and clothes. It only makes sense that we try to help those in need,” said Palumbo.

Homecoming Week in Wonderland

atam — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:03:14 +0000

The week we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! Homecoming week has been the hot topic on campus ever since school started in August. And to go along with all the talk about dresses, dates and dancing are spirit days. To celebrate homecoming week, Student Council has come up with some fun and simple ways to show school spirit leading up to Homcoming in Wonderland on Saturday.

Monday is Mix Match Day, fall down the rabbit hole and see all of the things that mix match in Wonderland. Tuesday is Hat Day; meet your first friend in Wonderland the Mad Hatter.

Wednesday is Decades Day! Run into the rabbit that reminds everyone of their own favorite decades. Thursday is Twin Day, team up with a friend and match like Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. Finally, Friday is the day to wear homecoming shirts. Homecoming shirts will be available for $10 in the bookstore starting Wednesday.

Dressing up for homecoming week is not only a fun and fashionable way to show school spirit, but a pizza may be involved! A random name is selected and if that person is dressed up for that day’s theme, you win a free Barros pizza for you and your friends.

DVTV 4/08/11

ccrowe — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:30:41 +0000

ELENA: Good Morning DV, I’m Elena Mendoza Thanks for joining us…this is DVTV.

CASSIE: I’m Cassie Frederickson. Today is Friday, April 8, 2011.

ELENA: Prom is getting very close, and tickets are going on sale soon. I hope everyone is excited for “Once Upon a Prom.” Scotty G. sure is. Lets take a look at his latest rap about prom night 2011.

(PKG)

ELENA: Does anyone really know where prom is? Is this a just a rumor? I’m so confused.

CASSIE: Elena, relax, the prom committee has given DVTV another very special update on prom night 2011. Maybe this will help set the facts straight.
(PKG)

ELENA: Prom 2011 is definitely going to be a night to remember. But there are still many things happening before prom to get excited about. All next week is Spring Fling! To celebrate how sweet DV is, the theme of spring fling is candy. Monday is Baby Ruth, so come decked out in your sports wear. Check out this quick video so you can stay updated on the rest of the themes for spring fling.
(PKG)

CASSIE: Speaking of school spirit It’s that time of year again where politics takes center stage on campus.

(ELECTION BUMP: view slide until fade to black)

CASSIE: Students interested in being class officers are learning what they have to do to become school leaders. The candidates got information from student council sponsor Miguel Marrero and learned what they have to do to be able to run for office. Some of you may have already signed petitions for the candidates. Next on the schedule for them is to tape their election speeches to be aired on DVTV.

ELENA: Also coming up soon is Relay For Life. Here is a look at the awesome bands that will be providing the entertainment all night.
(PKG)

CASSIE: Relay isn’t the only opportunity to give back. The Key Club once again is sponsoring the “Spring” blood drive. The club is dedicating this drive to Mrs. Jean Kennedy, our school nurse. Because of the support from heroes like you here at DV, Mrs. Kennedy is living proof that you are saving lives. Look for the “information and sign up” table in the cafeteria through Friday the 22nd. If you are 16 years or older please consider giving the “gift of life”, donate in honor of our nurse and caregiver!

ELENA: Support Grad Night by eating at Rumbi’s Island Grill until Sunday April 10th. Just put your receipt in the clear box that says “DV GRAD NIGHT” at Rumbi. Seniors, the more money you raise, the more prizes for the raffle at Grad Night!!!!

CASIE: Seniors and juniors who are interested in obtaining a parking permit for the 2011-2012 school year listen up. Applications are available through the DV Bookstore webpage. Next year’s Seniors can purchase their permits the week of April 18th and next year’s juniors can purchase their permits the week of April 25th. Parking is assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Seniors and juniors who want to secure a space should do so prior to the school year ending in May.

ELENA: All FBLA members attending state competition need to finish testing by today. Please see Mrs. Haynes in C279 after school on Friday to finish testing. Also see Mrs. Haynes for permission slips and grade checks.

CASSIE: Congratulate Brandon Djaja and Jay Min because these outstanding students earned the top two scores in the Local Chemistry Olympiad. They will go on to compete in the National Chemistry Olympiad on Saturday, April 16 against students across the country. Good luck!

ELENA and CASSIE: Now its time for Flocab!

(PKG)

ELENA: There are many ways to stay connected here on campus. If you miss any announcements or want to find more news, you can always go online to the DV School Fusion site, DVThunderMedia.com or on Facebook! Just search DVThunderMedia!

CASSIE: Have a great day and an even better weekend Thunder! Now please stay tuned for the Pledge

DVTV 4/01/11

ccrowe — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:30:56 +0000

COURTNEY: Good Morning DV, I’m Courtney Flogel Thanks for joining us…this is DVTV. Very sadly, Cassie Fredrickson will not be joining us today because she was seriously injured last night. Around 11pm she was hit by a train.
From desert vista to Cassie, we hope that you rest in peace.

CASSIE: Hey DV!

COURTNEY: AHHHH! She’s alive!!!!! (confetti everywhere)

CASSIE: Just kidding! I was never really injured guys!

BOTH: APRIL FOOLS!

CASSIE: We hope you enjoyed our little April fools joke, but now for some news.
Seniors, graduation is almost here. Be sure to give big congratulations to Timothy Lee, Destiny Ly, and Rudy Chen as these outstanding students have been chosen as your Class of 2011valedictiorians.

COURTNEY: Also, Seniors, Don’t forget the F-1 Raceway Car will be in the Courtyard today at lunch. You can turn in your Grad Night Forms during that time. If you forgot them today, just mail them in using the address at the top of your form.

CASSIE: Juniors, I know you are excited to be seniors next year, and your time has almost come. Class of 2012 Student Council has been chosen. Here is a quick message from next year’s leaders.
(PKG)

COURTNEY: Juniors, be sure to congratulate your class council. Lets make next year awesome… In other news, MORP is finally here! Come to ‘Beauty and the Geek’ Tomorrow, April 2nd from 8pm to 11pm. Here’s a look at what is to come.
(PKG)

COURTNEY: Tickets are $7 in the bookstore, or $10 at the door. Dress as a beauty or a geek. This will be a dance you won’t want to miss!

CASSIE: I’m excited for MORP and all, but I really can’t wait for more updates on Prom.

COURTNEY: Well you’re in luck because DVTV has been given a very special update on Prom. Take a look.
(PKG)

CASSIE: Wow, what a great location! Prom 2011 is going to be a dance to remember. Be sure to thank the prom committee for all their hard work on making Prom special.

COURTNEY: Intermediate and advanced dance classes had their awesome spring show last night. If you missed it, be sure to come tonight as 7 pm, tickets are 5 dollars.

CASSIE: On Wednesday the 30th of March, 29 Desert Vista business students traveled to the Arizona Biltmore Resort to compete in Junior Achievement’s annual “Your Hired Challenge”. Over 400 students from the valley assembled to challenge each other in business skills and learn key concepts from business professional in seminars designed to teach global employment skills. The Thunder team had great success winning four major awards.

CASSIE: Relay for Life is almost here! Be sure to come support Relay teams at their annual Garage Sale, Tomorrow, April 2nd. They will be in the DV office parking lot starting at 6 A.M.

COURTNEY: Please come to Yoasis and show them a HOSA flyer this week, Sunday April 3rd to Saturday April 9th! Go to the Yoasis on Chandler Boulevard and get some yummy Fro-Yo while benefiting DV HOSA at the same time! Take advantage of your AIMS late start to hang out with your friends and donate to a worthy cause!

CASSIE: The GSA, Gay-Straight Alliance, will meet Monday, April 4th, at 3:15 in room C-211. Be there to discuss some exciting upcoming events. All are welcome.

COURTNEY: Students, get ready for round two of AIMS testing. Be sure to look out for your room assignments in the next week. They will be posted near the C building. Math testing will occur on Tuesday, April 5th, and science testing on Wednesday, April 6th. Schedules will also be different for those not testing, so make sure to check testing schedules. Good luck on your tests.

CASSIE: I know that AIMS announcement probably made you a little depressed. So here is new rap from Scotty G. to raise your spirits.

(PKG)

CASSIE: Band of the Week is back and ready to rock. This week’s band is My Chemical Romance. Gaby Newell and Annessa Blanco have the story on this awesome band.

(PKG)

COURTNEY: Remember, if you want to see your favorite bands on DVTV, then keep voting.

CASSIE: Now its time for Flocab!

(PKG)

COURTNEY: There are many ways to stay connected here on campus. If you miss any announcements or want to find more news, you can always go online to the DV School Fusion site, DVThunderMedia.com or on Facebook! Just search DVThunderMedia!

CASSIE: Have a great April Fools Day and an even better weekend Thunder! Now please stay tuned for the Pledge

DVTV 3/30/11

ccrowe — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:30:00 +0000

DARBY: Good Morning DV! I’m Darby Bates

BROOKE: I’m Brooke Serack…Thanks for joining us…this is DVTV.

DARBY: Today is Wednesday, March 30th, 2011.

If you have been paying attention in class you have probably heard of the mass school wide paper shortage going on. This has teachers and students in a tizzy trying to find other ways to print and turn in papers. Jordan Young has more on this paper crisis.

(PKG)

BROOKE: Thank you Jordan…stay tuned for more developments on what DV is going to do to deal with this problem.

Congratulations to Rudy Chen, Timothy Lee and Destiny Ly as theses smart seniors have been announced as the Desert Vista’s Class of 2011 Valedictorians! Great job guys!

BROOKE: DV also has two brilliant Flinn “Scholar Designates”! Cody Frear and Yiling Luo have until April 15 to notify The Foundation if they are accepting the award. This is a huge honor so if you see these two around school…congratulate them.

DARBY: And if you want a chance to become as smart as these fabulous students then you should consider getting ahead on high school credits in summer school! Enrollment is going on now so go to your counselor to sign up for classes! PE and health are still available so don’t miss out on this opportunity!

BROOKE: It’s time again for more testing! Next week Desert Vista will be administering Stanford 10 testing for all freshmen on Tuesday, April 5^th as well as the math AIMS for sophomores, juniors and seniors. For you freshmen and sophomores in enrolled in Biology, Honors Biology and Living World…the AIMS Science will be administered to you on Wednesday. Please look for your room assignment in the next week that will be posted near the C building. Don’t forget these important dates!

DARBY: For all of you juniors and seniors not participating in next week’s testing…go check out the Grad Night Fundraising Week at Rumbi Island Grill before coming to class on Tuesday and Wednesday! Enjoy lunch or dinner during the entire week to help support this year’s senior grand night fun! Just put your receipt in the clear fundraising box that is opposite the cash registers at Rumbi

BROOKE: Also in fundraising…in case you missed the other reminders…this Saturday, April 2nd is the annual relay for life garage sale in the dv office parking lot. Teams have until Friday to sign up with Mr. Honaker in the ceramics room. There is a ten dollar registration fee that will be turned in on the day of the event. Teams will be given a table and a parking spot to sell as much as possible so come out and bring all of your friends and family!

DARBY: And to all of you seniors getting ready to graduate this year…are you missing a few things before the big ceremony? Have you picked up your cap and gown? We have a message from the bookstore to those of you who still have yet to get your stuff.

(PKG)

BROOKE: A message to those of you in stand club! There will be an important Club meeting tomorrow after school in Room C-229. If you are interested in being an officer or if you want to be a club member next year, go check out their meeting this Thursday.

DARBY: There are so many ways to stay connected at DV. If you miss any announcements, you can always go online to the DV school fusion site. Also check out DVThunderMedia.com for all things going on around campus, and you can find us on Facebook! Just search DVThundermedia!

BROOKE: Have a great day Thunder, Pledge is next.