AUSD Approves Master Plan
By Miguel Gamalinda
From the March 2010 edition of the Island High School Tiki Times
After months of deliberation, planning, and community input, the Final Draft of the AUSD Master Plan was approved by the Alameda Board of Education on February 23.
The Master Plan is the result of nearly a years worth of effort by the Alameda Unified School District to help curtail spending in the light of the financial situation that has hit the State of California. California has sunk into a $20 Billion budget deficit in recent years, with that number expected to continue to grow. In an effort to close the ever-growing budget gap, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has resorted to drastically reducing spending throughout the state, including funding in all of California’s school districts. The proposed 2010-11 Governor’s budget currently show no significant increase in educational funding within the next few years, forcing Alameda and many other school districts in the State of California to reduce spending in order to stay afloat.
Included in these cuts are the possible closures of one traditional high school, one middle school, and three or more elementary schools, and cuts to arts and other extracurricular programs. According to the AUSD, this would, “severely undermine the quality of our district, the education our students receive and the economy and culture of the Alameda community at large.”
However, there is a light of hope that no cuts will be implemented. Currently, Alameda’s education is not only supported through Federal and State funding, but also through local Measures A and H parcel taxes which impose a small tax on homeowners and businesses to keep the quality of Alameda’s schools as high as possible. Measures A and H, however, are set to expire this year, and a replacement Parcel Tax Measure has been put on the ballot for this June. What occurs in AUSD schools depends on whether or not this Parcel Tax measure passes. To address the uncertainty of this issue, the Master Plan has included two scenarios based on whether or not the Parcel Tax Measure passes.
Scenario A of the Master Plan will be implemented in the event that the Parcel Tax Measure passes at the polls, and will not result in any negative effects on the District. In this scenario, the District will not close any schools or make any cuts to arts and extracurricular programs, and will redesign the District’s Central Office to ensure quality customer service to all students in the District. Scenario A will also raise the bar for academic achievement in the District, and would provide a system of attractive school options in order to better serve the students of the AUSD.
Scenario B of the Master Plan will, however, result in negative affects to the District. These include closing one of the two traditional high schools in the District (Most likely Encinal), one of the two remaining regular middle schools, and three or more elementary schools, re-assigning grade levels in order to maximize capacity to District Schools, and making cuts to arts and other extracurricular activities. Scenario B will also reduce the Central Office to the bare minimum, laying off numerous District Employees in the process. Class sizes will increase to a student-teacher ratio of 32:1 for grades K-6 and 35:1 for grades 7-12. Elementary school would be reassigned Grades K-6, Middle school 7-9, and High school 10-12, and inter-district transfers would be severely reduced to only “even out” class sizes. Up to five instructional days would also be removed from the school year and programs funded through Measures A and H would be eliminated.
Alamedans as a whole are increasingly skeptical of a new tax in the midst of a collapse in the world economy. Many citizens of Alameda are highly against approving any new tax, citing already worsening financial situations as the main root of their platform. The parcel tax will charge $669 a year for a single-family home, $189 a year for apartments and 13 cents per square foot for commercial or vacant buildings, however businesses would not have to pay more than $9,500 a year. Senior citizens will still be eligible for an exemption from the tax. In compliance with California Proposition 13, however, a 66% or 2/3 ‘Yes’ vote supermajority would be required to implement a Parcel Tax, something that will be very hard to achieve in this faltering economy.
At this point, the future of this District boils down to what the voters decide on at the polls this June. Any additional questions or comments regarding the Master Plan or the Parcel Tax can be directed to the Alameda Board of Education. Contact information for all Board Members can be found on the AUSD’s website (http://www.alameda.k12.ca.us).
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Alameda Education Depends on Measure E
Alameda Education Depends on Measure E
By Miguel Gamalinda
The City of Alameda has always been unique among cities in the East Bay for it’s “small town”-like atmosphere. Alamedans have always taken pride in this fact, their small population having made many things in this town excellent. One prime example of this is the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD), known for it’s small class sizes, neighborhood elementary schools, and quality education for all of it’s students.
Unfortunately in recent years, funding from the State of California has steadily diminished to it’s current state, rendering the AUSD unable to continue to have provided the level of education that it had provided for many years before. In 2006, due to lack of available funding, three of the AUSD’s West End elementary schools, Longfellow, Woodstock, and Miller, were consolidated into one new elementary school known as Ruby Bridges. This left the AUSD with the eleven functioning elementary schools that are currently serving Alameda students in grades K through 5, along with the three remaining middle schools (To be reduced to two next school year) and the two traditional high schools. State funding, however, is continuing to shrink every year and as a result, Alamedans have turned to local Parcel Tax measures to keep the current AUSD schools open. Measures A and H, both previously approved by Alameda voters, are parcel tax measures that tax residents and businesses in Alameda in order to keep funding for AUSD schools. Both of these parcel tax measures are set to expire in June of 2012, and members of the community have proposed a new parcel tax measure, known as Measure E, in order to keep our schools open. If approved, Measure E would immediately replace both Measures A and H and would continue to fund our increasingly underfunded education system. In order to pass, Measure E would require a 66.6% ‘Yes’ supermajority in compliance with California Proposition 13, which was passed by California voters in 1978 in order to limit property taxation in the State of California. Measure E would tax residential property owners $659 per parcel in Alameda, and would tax $0.13 per square foot for Alameda Businesses, however, those who cannot afford to pay the parcel tax for reasons such as living on Social Security or Fixed Income are permitted to apply for an exemption. According to the AUSD’s website (http://www.alameda.k12.ca.us), exemptions may be granted for property, “(a) owned by one or more persons aged 65 years or older, and (b) which is the owner’s principal place of residence,” known as the Senior Citizen Exemption. Exemptions may also be granted for property, “(a) owned by one or more persons receiving Supplemental Security Income for a disability, regardless of age, and (b) which is the owner’s principal place of residence,” known as an SSI Exemption. Without Measure E’s passing, the AUSD is faced with the closure of most elementary schools, at least one middle school, and one high school.
Measure E will not be polled at designated polling places. Instead, orange ballots will be mailed to registered Alameda voters at their homes in the last week of May. These ballots will be primarily mail-in; however a drop-off box will be available at City Hall. (2263 Santa Clara Ave. at Oak St.) The deadline to mail in or drop off your ballot is June 22, 2010.
By Miguel Gamalinda
The City of Alameda has always been unique among cities in the East Bay for it’s “small town”-like atmosphere. Alamedans have always taken pride in this fact, their small population having made many things in this town excellent. One prime example of this is the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD), known for it’s small class sizes, neighborhood elementary schools, and quality education for all of it’s students.
Unfortunately in recent years, funding from the State of California has steadily diminished to it’s current state, rendering the AUSD unable to continue to have provided the level of education that it had provided for many years before. In 2006, due to lack of available funding, three of the AUSD’s West End elementary schools, Longfellow, Woodstock, and Miller, were consolidated into one new elementary school known as Ruby Bridges. This left the AUSD with the eleven functioning elementary schools that are currently serving Alameda students in grades K through 5, along with the three remaining middle schools (To be reduced to two next school year) and the two traditional high schools. State funding, however, is continuing to shrink every year and as a result, Alamedans have turned to local Parcel Tax measures to keep the current AUSD schools open. Measures A and H, both previously approved by Alameda voters, are parcel tax measures that tax residents and businesses in Alameda in order to keep funding for AUSD schools. Both of these parcel tax measures are set to expire in June of 2012, and members of the community have proposed a new parcel tax measure, known as Measure E, in order to keep our schools open. If approved, Measure E would immediately replace both Measures A and H and would continue to fund our increasingly underfunded education system. In order to pass, Measure E would require a 66.6% ‘Yes’ supermajority in compliance with California Proposition 13, which was passed by California voters in 1978 in order to limit property taxation in the State of California. Measure E would tax residential property owners $659 per parcel in Alameda, and would tax $0.13 per square foot for Alameda Businesses, however, those who cannot afford to pay the parcel tax for reasons such as living on Social Security or Fixed Income are permitted to apply for an exemption. According to the AUSD’s website (http://www.alameda.k12.ca.us), exemptions may be granted for property, “(a) owned by one or more persons aged 65 years or older, and (b) which is the owner’s principal place of residence,” known as the Senior Citizen Exemption. Exemptions may also be granted for property, “(a) owned by one or more persons receiving Supplemental Security Income for a disability, regardless of age, and (b) which is the owner’s principal place of residence,” known as an SSI Exemption. Without Measure E’s passing, the AUSD is faced with the closure of most elementary schools, at least one middle school, and one high school.
Measure E will not be polled at designated polling places. Instead, orange ballots will be mailed to registered Alameda voters at their homes in the last week of May. These ballots will be primarily mail-in; however a drop-off box will be available at City Hall. (2263 Santa Clara Ave. at Oak St.) The deadline to mail in or drop off your ballot is June 22, 2010.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
A Classic Children's Book Takes to the Stage
Photo 1: Ramona is presented with a check for One Million Dollars
Photo 2: The Quimby Family
Photos courtesy Alameda Children's Musical Theatre
A Classic Children's Book Takes to the Stage
ACMT's Ramona Quimby Touches Audiences with Truth and Humor
By Miguel Gamalinda
Enter the lobby, buy a ticket (If you haven't done so already), grab a seat, and get ready to be transported back to the year 1982, as if you had just stepped into some sort of dramatic time machine. It was a time when President Reagan had just entered his second year in office, Johnny Carson had celebrated his twentieth year as host of NBC's Tonight Show, Billy Joel was topping the charts with his album The Nylon Curtain, the Cold War between the United States and the now-disbanded Soviet Union had entered it's thirty-fifth straight year, and a small family of four living on Klickitat Street was about to face some problems of their own.
This is all in reference to Alameda Children's Musical Theatre's most recent production of Ramona Quimby, which opened April 16 at the Altarena Playhouse. Ramona Quimby details an entire year in the life of the Quimby family, a traditional nuclear family consisting of eight year old Ramona, her teenage sister Beatrice or “Beezus” as Ramona calls her; Mr. Quimby, their blue-collar father; and their homemaker mother, Mrs. Quimby. Also featured in the show are Ramona's best friend Howie, his Uncle Hobart, and Ramona's Aunt Bea, and many other amazing performers that help bring this show to life in front of everyone's eyes.
As stated above, the show takes place in 1982 and details a very eventful year in the life of the Quimby family. This series of significant events begins when Mr. Quimby is laid off from his blue-collar job as a result of the recession that hit the United States in the early 1980s, very similar to the one that currently affects us. The Quimby Family, now needing to stretch their limited resources as much as possible, resort to cutting back on almost every aspect of their lives, going so far as to even have to eat tongue because, according to Mr. and Mrs. Quimby, “it's economical and nutritional.” Needing money to continue to get by, Mrs. Quimby gives up her homemaker lifestyle and acquires a job at a local doctor's office. Meanwhile, Mr. Quimby's smoking habit, which he had kicked to the curb two weeks prior to the beginning of the show, returns, much to the dismay of Ramona and Beezus. Furthermore, Ramona's Aunt Bea falls through on a promise to take her on a trip to the zoo, preferring to spend her time with Howie's Uncle Hobart, who she seemed to have fallen in love with. All of these stresses start to take their toll on the Quimby family, particularly Ramona, who seems to have to endure the brunt of everything from her teacher Mrs. Griggs who hates her, and her classmate Susan, who constantly victimizes her. What may seem to be nothing in an adult's mindset could mean the world to an eight year old girl, such as copycats and mean teachers.
This show relates and connects to both children and adults on so many levels, something that many shows don't have the ability to do. For children, it understands their mindset and their makes a big deal out of things that those with an adult mindset would normally (But not always) brush-off as nothing. The show reflects on how a typical eight year-old child would react when learning that their favorite aunt is moving far away and marrying someone she doesn't exactly admire. For adults, it relates to the everyday pressure of having to live paycheck-to-paycheck and making ends meet. All in all, it's an exceptional show that the entire family will enjoy.
Ramona Quimby is based off the classic children's book series of the same name by Beverly Cleary. The show was adapted for the stage by Len Jenkin. ACMT's production of Quimby is directed by Julia Bruce and produced by Marna Mitchell and Bridget Terry.
“A talented and dedicated cast has come together for this show, and in a sense I truly feel that we've become our own family as we've gone through the rehearsal process together, combining hard work and great fun – something that Ramona, Beverly Cleary, my mother-in-law, and all of our loved ones should be proud of,” says Bruce.
Cast members include Jessica Lundy-Paine and Tatum Anderson as Ramona, Zaria Zinn as Beezus, Connor Christiansen as Mr. Quimby, Kelsey Ansderson as Mrs. Quimby, Ani Lowe and Diego Sanchez as Howie, Gabby Fasano and Tyler Barnes as Aunt Bea and Mrs. Kemp, Brooke Anderson and Emerald Lugtu as Uncle Hobart, and many others. The show opened Friday, April 16 and runs through Saturday April 24 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30. Matinee performances, which will begin at 2 PM, will be performed on Sunday, April 18 and Saturday April 24 at the Altarena Playhouse (1409 High Street, Alameda, CA). Tickets are $13 for Adults and $7 for Students, Senior Citizens, and active Military personnel.
Miguel Gamalinda is a musical theatre actor who has performed such roles as Danny Zuko in "Grease" and Mark Cohen in "RENT." He is currently scheduled to be performing in Stage Door Conservatory's production of "Chicago" this July and is a Senior at Island High School in Alameda.
ACMT's Ramona Quimby Touches Audiences with Truth and Humor
By Miguel Gamalinda
Enter the lobby, buy a ticket (If you haven't done so already), grab a seat, and get ready to be transported back to the year 1982, as if you had just stepped into some sort of dramatic time machine. It was a time when President Reagan had just entered his second year in office, Johnny Carson had celebrated his twentieth year as host of NBC's Tonight Show, Billy Joel was topping the charts with his album The Nylon Curtain, the Cold War between the United States and the now-disbanded Soviet Union had entered it's thirty-fifth straight year, and a small family of four living on Klickitat Street was about to face some problems of their own.
This is all in reference to Alameda Children's Musical Theatre's most recent production of Ramona Quimby, which opened April 16 at the Altarena Playhouse. Ramona Quimby details an entire year in the life of the Quimby family, a traditional nuclear family consisting of eight year old Ramona, her teenage sister Beatrice or “Beezus” as Ramona calls her; Mr. Quimby, their blue-collar father; and their homemaker mother, Mrs. Quimby. Also featured in the show are Ramona's best friend Howie, his Uncle Hobart, and Ramona's Aunt Bea, and many other amazing performers that help bring this show to life in front of everyone's eyes.
As stated above, the show takes place in 1982 and details a very eventful year in the life of the Quimby family. This series of significant events begins when Mr. Quimby is laid off from his blue-collar job as a result of the recession that hit the United States in the early 1980s, very similar to the one that currently affects us. The Quimby Family, now needing to stretch their limited resources as much as possible, resort to cutting back on almost every aspect of their lives, going so far as to even have to eat tongue because, according to Mr. and Mrs. Quimby, “it's economical and nutritional.” Needing money to continue to get by, Mrs. Quimby gives up her homemaker lifestyle and acquires a job at a local doctor's office. Meanwhile, Mr. Quimby's smoking habit, which he had kicked to the curb two weeks prior to the beginning of the show, returns, much to the dismay of Ramona and Beezus. Furthermore, Ramona's Aunt Bea falls through on a promise to take her on a trip to the zoo, preferring to spend her time with Howie's Uncle Hobart, who she seemed to have fallen in love with. All of these stresses start to take their toll on the Quimby family, particularly Ramona, who seems to have to endure the brunt of everything from her teacher Mrs. Griggs who hates her, and her classmate Susan, who constantly victimizes her. What may seem to be nothing in an adult's mindset could mean the world to an eight year old girl, such as copycats and mean teachers.
This show relates and connects to both children and adults on so many levels, something that many shows don't have the ability to do. For children, it understands their mindset and their makes a big deal out of things that those with an adult mindset would normally (But not always) brush-off as nothing. The show reflects on how a typical eight year-old child would react when learning that their favorite aunt is moving far away and marrying someone she doesn't exactly admire. For adults, it relates to the everyday pressure of having to live paycheck-to-paycheck and making ends meet. All in all, it's an exceptional show that the entire family will enjoy.
Ramona Quimby is based off the classic children's book series of the same name by Beverly Cleary. The show was adapted for the stage by Len Jenkin. ACMT's production of Quimby is directed by Julia Bruce and produced by Marna Mitchell and Bridget Terry.
“A talented and dedicated cast has come together for this show, and in a sense I truly feel that we've become our own family as we've gone through the rehearsal process together, combining hard work and great fun – something that Ramona, Beverly Cleary, my mother-in-law, and all of our loved ones should be proud of,” says Bruce.
Cast members include Jessica Lundy-Paine and Tatum Anderson as Ramona, Zaria Zinn as Beezus, Connor Christiansen as Mr. Quimby, Kelsey Ansderson as Mrs. Quimby, Ani Lowe and Diego Sanchez as Howie, Gabby Fasano and Tyler Barnes as Aunt Bea and Mrs. Kemp, Brooke Anderson and Emerald Lugtu as Uncle Hobart, and many others. The show opened Friday, April 16 and runs through Saturday April 24 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30. Matinee performances, which will begin at 2 PM, will be performed on Sunday, April 18 and Saturday April 24 at the Altarena Playhouse (1409 High Street, Alameda, CA). Tickets are $13 for Adults and $7 for Students, Senior Citizens, and active Military personnel.
Miguel Gamalinda is a musical theatre actor who has performed such roles as Danny Zuko in "Grease" and Mark Cohen in "RENT." He is currently scheduled to be performing in Stage Door Conservatory's production of "Chicago" this July and is a Senior at Island High School in Alameda.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Oh A Show You Should See
Oh A Show You Should See
SOTA's Seussical enchants audiences
By Miguel Gamalinda
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – You've probably seen the Cat in the Hat many times on a page, however, did you ever think you'd have the chance to see him onstage? As if the Cat already had so much life in the iconic books by Dr. Seuss, being able to see him, and many other landmark Dr. Seuss characters moving around live in front of your eyes brings so much more life and vibrancy into their characters.
I'm of course talking about the musical Seussical, which I had the wonderful opportunity to see at School of the Arts (SOTA) in San Francisco. The show features many of the popular characters from the Dr. Seuss books coming together into one amazing and mindblowing musical which seems to have both children and adults on the edge of their seats, absorbed by the highly energetic characters that make the show what it is. Most noteworthy of these characters are The Cat in the Hat and Horton the Elephant, played by SOTA Seniors Adam Maggio and Zach Padlo, respectively. Maggio brings much life, an enormous amount of energy, and a slight amount of flamboyance into The Cat, who serves as both a character and the narrator of the show, breaking the fourth wall and interacting with audience and orchestra members quite frequently, even once going so far as to conduct the band, much to Music Director and Conductor Sean Bart's annoyance. Other actions of the Cat include making insulting remarks about orchestra members's outfits during intermission, hugging random audience members (And Conductor Sean) while crying very melodramatically; and taking on smaller roles in the show, similar to that of the Stage Manager in Thorton Wilder's Our Town.
Padlo, while not as flamboyant, still pours an equal amount of energy and character into his role as Horton, an elephant who in rather intent on making sure that the Whos, tiny people only heard by Horton and unseen to the naked eye, remain safe on the one flower that they live on. Throughout the whole show, Horton repeatedly reminds the audience that, “A person's a person no matter how small.” As a result of being very adamant in protecting the Whos, Horton ends up facing much ridicule by many others that live around him. The only person who believes Horton is his friend and next-door-neighbor Gertrude McFuzz (Played by Senior Chloe Miller), in unrequited love with Horton and very self-conscious about her one-feathered tail, going so far as to acquire pills from a doctor with a Russian accent (Another role played by the Cat) in an attempt to get Horton to notice her. This proves unsuccessful, as Horton still doesn't notice her and her tail ends up being too heavy for her to fly.
Meanwhile, in Whoville, a young girl by the name of JoJo (Played by Sophomore Ixchel Cuellar) is repeatedly getting herself into trouble at school and at home because of her tendency to seem to “think too much.” In reality, this is because she is repeatedly visited by the Cat, who, despite her initial objections, convinces her to think using her imagination, such as imagining that her bath is not only a bath, but a pool connected to a river. As a result, JoJo ends up overfilling the bathtub, causing the water to spill into the whole bathroom and parts of their house. This proves to be the final straw with JoJo's parents, the Mayor and Mrs. Mayor of Whoville, (Played by Nick Kempen and Cassie Grilley, respectively) resorting to sending JoJo to a Military School for “troubled” youth run by General Ghengus Khan Schmitz. (Played by Junior Rafael Molina) Students have been sent to this school for various “problems” which vary from not coloring within the lines to actually having an opinion.
Other cast members include Kelsey Lauritano as Sour Kangaroo, Iva Dixon as Baby Kangaroo, Montana Mirandilla as Mayzie La Bird, Aaron Rhodes as the Grinch and Yertle the Turtle, Joe Burke-May as Elephant Bird, Havel Weidner as the Ringmaster; and Jeffrey Hyche, Nico Sanchez, Harrison Baer, Max Colter, and Ryan Doyle as the Wickersham Brothers.
The show includes a large ensemble ranging from SOTA students to students from various elementary and middle schools throughout San Francisco who do an amazing job at supporting the show through acting, song, and dance. The show also features a twenty-three member orchestra, led by Music Director Sean Bart. The orchestra sounded less like a high school and more as if they were a professional band, never once sounding out of tune.
Seussical originally opened at Broadway's Richard Rogers Theatre on November 30, 2000, where it played 198 performances before closing on May 20, 2001. After the original Broadway run, two National Tours were launched, one in 2002 and 2003 starring Cathy Rigby, and the other in 2003 and 2004. It also played one scaled-down Off-Broadway performance on July 19, 2007. It has since been performed in numerous schools and community and regional theatres.
The music for Seussical was written by Stephen Flaherty with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens; who both wrote the book for the show. The SOTA production was conceptualized, designed, and directed by SOTA Drama teacher Dan Kryston, with Music and Vocal direction by Sean Bart, choreography by Katie Kerwin, and circus training by Trapeze Arts. Seussical opened on Friday, March 5 and runs through March 21. It plays Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 PM and Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2 PM. Depending on which show you attend, tickets are $18-$25 for adults and $15-$20 for Students and Senior Citizens. Seussical is presented through special arrangements with Music Theatre International (MTI).
SOTA's Seussical enchants audiences
By Miguel Gamalinda
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – You've probably seen the Cat in the Hat many times on a page, however, did you ever think you'd have the chance to see him onstage? As if the Cat already had so much life in the iconic books by Dr. Seuss, being able to see him, and many other landmark Dr. Seuss characters moving around live in front of your eyes brings so much more life and vibrancy into their characters.
I'm of course talking about the musical Seussical, which I had the wonderful opportunity to see at School of the Arts (SOTA) in San Francisco. The show features many of the popular characters from the Dr. Seuss books coming together into one amazing and mindblowing musical which seems to have both children and adults on the edge of their seats, absorbed by the highly energetic characters that make the show what it is. Most noteworthy of these characters are The Cat in the Hat and Horton the Elephant, played by SOTA Seniors Adam Maggio and Zach Padlo, respectively. Maggio brings much life, an enormous amount of energy, and a slight amount of flamboyance into The Cat, who serves as both a character and the narrator of the show, breaking the fourth wall and interacting with audience and orchestra members quite frequently, even once going so far as to conduct the band, much to Music Director and Conductor Sean Bart's annoyance. Other actions of the Cat include making insulting remarks about orchestra members's outfits during intermission, hugging random audience members (And Conductor Sean) while crying very melodramatically; and taking on smaller roles in the show, similar to that of the Stage Manager in Thorton Wilder's Our Town.
Padlo, while not as flamboyant, still pours an equal amount of energy and character into his role as Horton, an elephant who in rather intent on making sure that the Whos, tiny people only heard by Horton and unseen to the naked eye, remain safe on the one flower that they live on. Throughout the whole show, Horton repeatedly reminds the audience that, “A person's a person no matter how small.” As a result of being very adamant in protecting the Whos, Horton ends up facing much ridicule by many others that live around him. The only person who believes Horton is his friend and next-door-neighbor Gertrude McFuzz (Played by Senior Chloe Miller), in unrequited love with Horton and very self-conscious about her one-feathered tail, going so far as to acquire pills from a doctor with a Russian accent (Another role played by the Cat) in an attempt to get Horton to notice her. This proves unsuccessful, as Horton still doesn't notice her and her tail ends up being too heavy for her to fly.
Meanwhile, in Whoville, a young girl by the name of JoJo (Played by Sophomore Ixchel Cuellar) is repeatedly getting herself into trouble at school and at home because of her tendency to seem to “think too much.” In reality, this is because she is repeatedly visited by the Cat, who, despite her initial objections, convinces her to think using her imagination, such as imagining that her bath is not only a bath, but a pool connected to a river. As a result, JoJo ends up overfilling the bathtub, causing the water to spill into the whole bathroom and parts of their house. This proves to be the final straw with JoJo's parents, the Mayor and Mrs. Mayor of Whoville, (Played by Nick Kempen and Cassie Grilley, respectively) resorting to sending JoJo to a Military School for “troubled” youth run by General Ghengus Khan Schmitz. (Played by Junior Rafael Molina) Students have been sent to this school for various “problems” which vary from not coloring within the lines to actually having an opinion.
Other cast members include Kelsey Lauritano as Sour Kangaroo, Iva Dixon as Baby Kangaroo, Montana Mirandilla as Mayzie La Bird, Aaron Rhodes as the Grinch and Yertle the Turtle, Joe Burke-May as Elephant Bird, Havel Weidner as the Ringmaster; and Jeffrey Hyche, Nico Sanchez, Harrison Baer, Max Colter, and Ryan Doyle as the Wickersham Brothers.
The show includes a large ensemble ranging from SOTA students to students from various elementary and middle schools throughout San Francisco who do an amazing job at supporting the show through acting, song, and dance. The show also features a twenty-three member orchestra, led by Music Director Sean Bart. The orchestra sounded less like a high school and more as if they were a professional band, never once sounding out of tune.
Seussical originally opened at Broadway's Richard Rogers Theatre on November 30, 2000, where it played 198 performances before closing on May 20, 2001. After the original Broadway run, two National Tours were launched, one in 2002 and 2003 starring Cathy Rigby, and the other in 2003 and 2004. It also played one scaled-down Off-Broadway performance on July 19, 2007. It has since been performed in numerous schools and community and regional theatres.
The music for Seussical was written by Stephen Flaherty with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens; who both wrote the book for the show. The SOTA production was conceptualized, designed, and directed by SOTA Drama teacher Dan Kryston, with Music and Vocal direction by Sean Bart, choreography by Katie Kerwin, and circus training by Trapeze Arts. Seussical opened on Friday, March 5 and runs through March 21. It plays Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 PM and Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2 PM. Depending on which show you attend, tickets are $18-$25 for adults and $15-$20 for Students and Senior Citizens. Seussical is presented through special arrangements with Music Theatre International (MTI).
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
AC TRANSIT SERVICE CHANGES AFFECTING ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL
SERVICE CHANGES AFFECTING ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL
Effective March 28, 2010; multiple AC Transit service changes will be taking effect. Among these changes is the complete elimination of Route 63. New Route 663 will serve Main & Singleton only before and after school. At all other times, the closest bus serving Island High will be new Route 31. The closest stop to Island High on Route 31 is Main & W. Midway/Stargell.
Route 51 will be split into Routes 51A and 51B. 51A will run between Fruitvale and Rockridge BART stations. 51B will run between Rockridge BART and Berkeley Amtrak.
Transbay Route O will be extended along Encinal Ave. to operate via High St., Fernside Blvd., and Tilden Way to Fruitvale BART, assuming this portion of discontinued Route 63. Local passengers are permitted on Route O.
Visit http://www.actransit.org or call 511 for more information.
Effective March 28, 2010; multiple AC Transit service changes will be taking effect. Among these changes is the complete elimination of Route 63. New Route 663 will serve Main & Singleton only before and after school. At all other times, the closest bus serving Island High will be new Route 31. The closest stop to Island High on Route 31 is Main & W. Midway/Stargell.
Route 51 will be split into Routes 51A and 51B. 51A will run between Fruitvale and Rockridge BART stations. 51B will run between Rockridge BART and Berkeley Amtrak.
Transbay Route O will be extended along Encinal Ave. to operate via High St., Fernside Blvd., and Tilden Way to Fruitvale BART, assuming this portion of discontinued Route 63. Local passengers are permitted on Route O.
Visit http://www.actransit.org or call 511 for more information.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Alameda: One High School?
Alameda: One High School?
By Miguel Gamalinda
From the February 2010 Edition of the Island High School Tiki Times
The long-standing rivalry between the Alameda Hornets and the Encinal Jets has been a staple of Alameda life since Encinal High School's inception in 1952. The Hornets and the Jets have long battled over sports, music, and many other high school activities, reinforcing a strong rivalry and sense of competition.
However, due to the recent financial issues of the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD), the nearly sixty year-long rivalry might soon come to an abrupt end as the AUSD is currently considering closing one of the two traditional high schools in Alameda. Chances are that Encinal will be that unlucky school.
In the years since the Naval Air Station (NAS) Alameda was decommissioned in 1997, enrollment at Encinal High School has been sub-standard, causing Encinal to resort to open-enrollment in attempts to boost student population. Currently, Encinal accepts students living in all of Alameda and from outside the AUSD, however this practice has done little to help Encinal from stagnating enrollment. This, along with worsening financial woes, has the AUSD looking to close Encinal as well as some other schools in the District in attempts to save money. Currently, Encinal's enrollment is only a 1,077 students, with that number expected to decrease by every school year. By 2015, Encinal's enrollment is estimated to be only at 803 students, far below the approximate 1,600 estimate for Alameda High in that same year. According to the AUSD's own estimates, closing a high school would save approximately $1 Million in funds, and would force all students to attend Alameda High.
To ease the strain on Alameda High's student population, the AUSD would rearrange grade levels for elementary, middle, and high schools. Elementary Schools would accommodate Grades one through six, Lincoln and Wood Middle Schools would accommodate Grades seven through nine (Chipman Middle School will reopen as Acamedy of Alameda Charter School in September of 2010, and it is assumed that they will accommodate the same.), and Alameda High School would accommodate Grades ten through twelve. The property that Encinal is currently on would possibly be converted to a middle school (Closing Wood or Lincoln, perhaps both, in the process), be used for other District purposes, or be sold off as surplus property. Due to Encinal's prime location on the San Francisco Bay, demolishing the current structures and selling the land would provide an opportunity for the District to acquire a great amount of badly-needed dollars. Alameda Community Learning Center, a grade six through twelve charter school that shares a campus with Encinal, is also very likely to move locations.
Students, of course, are not happy about this change. Many students have begun speaking out over the closure of Encinal, pleading with the District to save their school. A Facebook group titled "Save Encinal High School Jets" has garnered over 2,400 members, including students and alumni from both Encinal and Alameda High Schools. Numerous wall posts show immeasurable support Encinal's student body, with positive messages from students across Alameda and beyond.
"There are lots of 'alternatives' to closing EHS, first and foremost is passing the parcel tax so that none of the cuts are carried out," says William Mooney, a Senior at Encinal High and also the Encinal High School Student Board Member to the District Board of Education.
The District Master Plan, which is set to be decided on at the AUSD Board of Education meeting on February 9*, will decide the fate of Encinal High School. The meeting will be at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers on the third floor at Alameda City Hall. (2263 Santa Clara Ave. at Oak. St)
*CORRECTION: Master Plan Final Recommendations were held on February 9. The approval of the Master Plan is set to be at the District BOE Meeting on February 23 at 6:30 PM at the same location as listed in the article.
By Miguel Gamalinda
From the February 2010 Edition of the Island High School Tiki Times
The long-standing rivalry between the Alameda Hornets and the Encinal Jets has been a staple of Alameda life since Encinal High School's inception in 1952. The Hornets and the Jets have long battled over sports, music, and many other high school activities, reinforcing a strong rivalry and sense of competition.
However, due to the recent financial issues of the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD), the nearly sixty year-long rivalry might soon come to an abrupt end as the AUSD is currently considering closing one of the two traditional high schools in Alameda. Chances are that Encinal will be that unlucky school.
In the years since the Naval Air Station (NAS) Alameda was decommissioned in 1997, enrollment at Encinal High School has been sub-standard, causing Encinal to resort to open-enrollment in attempts to boost student population. Currently, Encinal accepts students living in all of Alameda and from outside the AUSD, however this practice has done little to help Encinal from stagnating enrollment. This, along with worsening financial woes, has the AUSD looking to close Encinal as well as some other schools in the District in attempts to save money. Currently, Encinal's enrollment is only a 1,077 students, with that number expected to decrease by every school year. By 2015, Encinal's enrollment is estimated to be only at 803 students, far below the approximate 1,600 estimate for Alameda High in that same year. According to the AUSD's own estimates, closing a high school would save approximately $1 Million in funds, and would force all students to attend Alameda High.
To ease the strain on Alameda High's student population, the AUSD would rearrange grade levels for elementary, middle, and high schools. Elementary Schools would accommodate Grades one through six, Lincoln and Wood Middle Schools would accommodate Grades seven through nine (Chipman Middle School will reopen as Acamedy of Alameda Charter School in September of 2010, and it is assumed that they will accommodate the same.), and Alameda High School would accommodate Grades ten through twelve. The property that Encinal is currently on would possibly be converted to a middle school (Closing Wood or Lincoln, perhaps both, in the process), be used for other District purposes, or be sold off as surplus property. Due to Encinal's prime location on the San Francisco Bay, demolishing the current structures and selling the land would provide an opportunity for the District to acquire a great amount of badly-needed dollars. Alameda Community Learning Center, a grade six through twelve charter school that shares a campus with Encinal, is also very likely to move locations.
Students, of course, are not happy about this change. Many students have begun speaking out over the closure of Encinal, pleading with the District to save their school. A Facebook group titled "Save Encinal High School Jets" has garnered over 2,400 members, including students and alumni from both Encinal and Alameda High Schools. Numerous wall posts show immeasurable support Encinal's student body, with positive messages from students across Alameda and beyond.
"There are lots of 'alternatives' to closing EHS, first and foremost is passing the parcel tax so that none of the cuts are carried out," says William Mooney, a Senior at Encinal High and also the Encinal High School Student Board Member to the District Board of Education.
The District Master Plan, which is set to be decided on at the AUSD Board of Education meeting on February 9*, will decide the fate of Encinal High School. The meeting will be at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers on the third floor at Alameda City Hall. (2263 Santa Clara Ave. at Oak. St)
*CORRECTION: Master Plan Final Recommendations were held on February 9. The approval of the Master Plan is set to be at the District BOE Meeting on February 23 at 6:30 PM at the same location as listed in the article.
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