Owl Hoots is on YouTube

Ms. Bender

Owl Hoots is excited to announce a new Owl Hoots YouTube channel!  Our first set of videos can be found here and is comprised of our awesome students reciting poetry.

Check us out by clicking here!

Interview with Mr. Espinoza

By Nathan Abarca

Staff Writer

I had an appointment to interview Mr. Espinoza, so I went to the attendance office during period three and waited until he was done handling a student who had been sent from a teacher.  Then I watched him handle a parent who came in to drop something off for their child.  Then, the phone rang and, because it was his job, he had to answer it.  Finally, when the attendance office had quieted down, we could begin our interview.  I asked him questions about himself because I really wanted to get to know him better.

Q: Do you like working with kids?

A: I like working with kids because I can help them.

Q: Would you like this school to be your permanent job?

A: Yes, because I like working with the kids here.

Q: Do you like working here at Webster? Why?

A: I do because I enjoy working with the staff and I think all the students are good.

Q: Do you have a degree?

A: I am currently working on one in psychology.

Q: What college do you attend?

A: Cal State Northridge.

Q: Do you like working in the attendance office?

A: I do

Q: What kind of person are you?

A: A fair person I believe that we should follow rules, respect each other, and listen to each other.

Q: Do you like sports? What is your favorite team?

A: I like college football and my team is the Bruins.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: Reading, listening to all kind of music, watching movies, and I can cook.

Q: Do you have any favorite quotes, or a favorite poem?

A: “Take it one day at a time in the end you will see its worth the effort.”

Q: What other school did you work at before Webster?

A: Special Education Center in East LA.

From this experience, I learned that the person who works in the attendance office is really busy.  It’s a tough job and you have to work with a lot of documents and you have to handle parents, students, faculty, and staff, and you have to be friendly at the same time.

 

I am sad to report that Mr. Espinoza’s last day at our school was the Friday before Thanksgiving break.    I didn't even get the opportunity to take his picture!  I don’t think anyone wanted Mr. Espinoza to leave our school.  He is missed by all the staff and students already.

I Am Grateful for Many Things

By Nathan Abarca
Staff Writer

I am grateful for many things, especially what my parents give me and what my teachers give me. My teachers want to give me good education for my future. My parents think I am smart and that I can go to college.  I am grateful for their support.

I am grateful for all the school supplies my mom gives me, like pencils, pens, and paper. She tries to prepare me for school, so I try to use all the materials. I like to use a lot of the paper I have in my binder.

My dad helps me out, too. I don’t live with my dad so when I go to his house I take my backpack. He gives me information on how to do my homework. He tells me to work hard and if I do, I will pass middle school and get a better job then he has. I listen to him and I do try to work hard.

My teachers tell me to be positive because they seem to know that I’m always negative to myself.  I often do not act positive because of this. They also tell me not be late to class.  I think teachers think that I am a bad student because I am late a lot. I told one of my teachers that I wont be late anymore.  I don’t want to be tardy to all my classes anymore.  I want to be successful in school, so I do what I am supposed to do. I have to do my work to get a good grade because my grades have to be good to play any sport in high school and college.

I think everybody is right when they say to do your work and be on time. It is easy when you do your work when you are supposed to because the information is still in your head. My current grades are pretty bad right now. I need to do my work in class.  I am grateful that my teachers are helping me.

Overworked, Underpaid, and Incredibly Stressed

Malik Ayuso
Staff Writer

Today in one of my classes, a teacher calmly asked a student to move a drink away from a table that had computers on it and put it in his backpack.  It is a well-known rule that we cannot eat or drink in the computer lab because the computers can be damaged by liquid.  Another student had already taken a waterfall from it –which is drinking without letting your lips touch it by pouring it in to your mouth—during class and she wanted it to be put away.

In response, the student got really angry really fast and verbally threatened the teacher. The teacher told him that if he did not calm down that she would have to report the threat.   The student continued his defiance by saying that if she did report him, bad things would happen to her. The student then walked out of the class.  The teacher asked him to come back inside but he refused.  The student came in when he felt like it and then the student yelled at the teacher for some time. Finally the student calmed down because the teacher stayed calm, but he kept on talking and being defiant.

This event interfered with my education.  This teacher is a good one, who cares about her students.  Other students should take a stand and behave better in all their classes.  If they did, life would be so much easier in school for teachers and students who want to learn.  I am so tired of students who misbehave and distract the class.  I love Webster and think the teachers here are great.  If other students behaved better, they would be able to teach and we, the students, would be able to be even more successful.  

Work Cited

 "The Usual." The GW Patriot. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2012. <http://www.gwpatriot.com/2011/09/12/commence-commencement-checklist/bad_students2/>.

Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations

Lorenzo Cromwell

Staff Writer

The goal in the game is to finish all of the character’s story lines in story mode and you get more characters, to play as. When you play more stories and to unlock new stories you have to complete a story about their life (aka) their fights they went through until a different part of their life or until they die.

It’s quite simple to play.  On the xbox 360 you use the B button to punch and move the left analog stick with the B button to do different combos. Each character has different jutsu.  To do a jutsu, press the Y button and then the B button.  A jutsu is like a super power that every body in the game can do.

But in order to do a jutsu you need a certain amount of chakra  (A chakra is an  amount of energy that your character has.). You can keep track of your chakra in the game by looking at the blue gauge in the picture below. There are jutsu that require more chakra then the normal jutsu, these are called ultimate jutsus and they do way more damage then a normal jutsu and you can see a little slash on the blue gauge that tells you that you can do one.

There are also team ultimate jutsus when your team gauge is filled up with red flames that surround the gauge. Your teammates help you by attacking your opponent and then you can use your own ultimate jutsu.

This picture shows a team battle with Saskue Uchiha and Kimmemaru, (Saskue is the one on the left in blue and white) versus Naruto Uzumaki and Rock Lee and Garra of the Dessert. (Naruto is the one on the right in orange). In the picture, Naruto is using his ninjutsu called the rasengan and Saskue is using the chidori

Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations is rated T for teens because of the cartoon violence and fighting, and this game is based on the popular Naruto Shippuden series in English and Japanese. You can buy this game at Target, Gamestop, Walmart, and Best Buy.

I think this game is great because of the new and old character game play. I would give it 5 out of 5 stars because it’s a really fun game, and the action is really cool and graphic.

Work Cited

Wood, Richard. Untitled. 2012. Photograph. Rivaltide.net. Richard Wood, 27 Mar. 2012. Web. 27 Sept. 2012. <http://mytide.net/naruto-shippuden-ultimate-ninja-storm-generations-review

Paul Rodriguez

Kevin Sosa
Staff Writer

Paul Rodriguez

I love skating, and one of my favorite skaters, Paul Rodriguez, Jr. is one of the best.  He has many nicknames.  One of them is P-Rod. 

P-Rod was born on December 31, 1984. At the age of 11, Paul’s dad, the famous comedian Paul Rodriguez,  bought him his first skateboard for only $30.   He has a goofy personality, just like his dad.  P-Rod’s height is 5 feet 8.5 inches and he  weighs about 158 pounds.  P-Rod currently lives with his chihuahua, Uma, in Los Angeles, California. 

P-Rod began competing in 1996, still when he was only twelve years old.  His favorite places to skate are in the street or in a park. His favorite things to skate on are ledges, rails, and stairs. P-Rod rarely falls down.  He became a Pro Skater in 2002 by being sponsored by Girl Skateboards.  He became a sponsored skateboarder at the age of 16 for City Stars.   He is currently  sponsored by Plan B, Nike SB, Venture, FKD Bearings, Grizzly Grip, Primitive, Nixon, Mountain Dew, Diamond, Incase, Markisa Wallets, Target, and AT&T.  P-Rod is the first Pro Skater to be sponsored by Nike.

People say that P-Rod was born for skating.  He is the star of skating.  He also starred in movies.  The first movie he was in was called Movie Grind, which came out in  2003. He also starred in one called Street Dreams in 2009, where he was interviewed about his skating. It is an awesome movie.  Paul Rodriguez is also seen in many video games, for example Tony Hawk’s Underground, Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland, Tony Hawk’s Project 8, Skate, and Skate 2. 

P-Rod won a gold medal in 2004 in the X Games.  He also took third in the Dew Tour in 2005. In that same year he won another gold medal in the X Games.   He has won a total of six medals at the X Games since he has been competing.

Paul believes that he has achieved his dreams. He is Christian and very religious.  He has a tattoo of Jesus on his arm that says, “ God’s not waiting for me to be perfect.” I think P-Rod may not be perfect at many things but, i know that he is perfect for skating. I think he is a perfect skater because he rarely falls down and if he wasn’t perfect at skating he wouldn’t be sponsored by so many companies and clothes brands.

Work Cited

"Paul Rodriguez Profile." About.com Skateboarding. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2012.  <http://skateboard.about.com/od/proskaterbios/p/ProPaulRodrigue.htm>.

Paul Rodriguez Nike SB." SPoT Skate Shop at Skatepark of Tampa. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Oct. 2012. <http://skateparkoftampa.com/product/56190/Nike_Black_Swan_Paul_Rodriguez_5_LR_Shoes/>.  

"Paul Rodriguez (skateboarder)."Foundation, 25 Oct. 2012. Web. 02 Nov. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Rodriguez_(skateboarder)>.  

The Democratic Party Platform

Alexis Childs & Ella Beebe

Staff Writers 

"America, this is our moment. This is our time. Our time to turn the pages of the politics of the past,” That quote was delivered by our president, Barack Obama during a Democratic presidential nomination victory during June 2008. President Obama is a runner in the current presidential campaign. These are his stances on important issues presented in the race and by the public.

Fighting For Education
Currently President Obama has a program for families that cannot afford to pay for school/education. President Obama has a program, “Race to The Top” that helps improve students education. Just with this program, President Obama has made a difference to dozens of states. President Obama has helped approximately nine million students get an education with his programs.

Plans for Jobs and Economy
Seven hundred thousand jobs were diminishing each month, until President Obama started stabilizing the financial system, preventing a second Great Depression. Now, plenty of jobs are being filled. President Obama is trying to lower taxes so even more jobs will be available to more fellow Americans. One of his goals is to end all tax loopholes and strengthen the economy.

Civil Rights

Democrats have been fighting towards a discrimination free nation. They stand up for all Americans that encounter everyday discrimination. Democrats believe in same sex marriages. Approving a platform for marriage equality is a step towards their goal.

Energy Independence

President Obama is working towards developing all of America’s natural resources like domestic oil, gas, wind, solar and biofuels and encouraging fuel efficiency. The President has cut net oil and petroleum imports expanded domestic oil production. He is also working on doubling fuel efficiency and renewable wind, solar and geothermal energy.

Environment

President Obama is currently addressing environmental issues, like protecting endangered animals and ecosystems. This is part of the reason why he is investing in clean-energy. During President Obama’s last position in office the Department of Transportation had a new fuel efficiency standard. People have started regulating carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired factories. For the first time the U.S will catalog green house gas emissions.

Health Care

Democrats have passed a comprehensive health reform so that by 2014 discrimination can be eliminated entirely. It has started to expand health coverage to thirty-two million more Americans and provide the largest middle class health care tax cut in history. The Affordable Care Act is trying to stop the worst companies’ abuses to the public in need of health care and policies about applying for and retrieving health care, while making tax cuts to small businesses. Tax credits that are given to families, businesses, and the federal government will reduce deficit by at least one trillion dollars in the next two decades and reduce fraud.

Immigration Reform 

The Democrats have been working toward hard about our immigration system. They have been trying to secure borders to reduce the flow of illegal traffic. They are also looking into unscrupulous businesses that exploit undocumented workers. And they think that those who are living in the US illegally will should admit it, pay taxes, and learn English before becoming an American citizen.

National Security

The Democrats believe national security is important so they are ensuring that troops have training and equipment. They also ensure that support for themselves and their families are provided. The Democrats are also trying to prevent terrorism across the globe. They are also keeping biological and nuclear weapons away from terrorists. Democrats have also been promoting and investing in intelligence and information sharing among allies. While rebuilding strategic allies with countries that share a common value and threat.

Open Government

The Democratic Party supports an open, transparent, and responsive government. They have implemented the most sweeping ethics and transparency requirements in history. They are also trying to limit the influence of special interest groups and to ensure the government is accountable and to provide information for citizens about the government and their actions. They are also interested in bringing accountability to federal spending and to rein the influence of lobbyists and shutting down the “Revolving Door” (allowed lobbyists to move freely from the government back to special interests). President Obama wants to open communication to the public and to increase cooperation with non-profit organizations, businesses and different levels of the government.

Science and Technology

The Democrats have been investing in technology and jobs of the future and increasing support for more advanced research, labs and classrooms. They believe that scientific research plays an important role in advancing science and technology in classrooms and labs. And to equip the next generation with the tools and skills that lead to technological innovations and scientific breakthroughs. For this reason Democrats have taken steps to expand educational opportunities and make college more affordable for all Americans. They have been working on improving the quality of schools and teachers. Democrats have lifted federal restrictions on stem cell research and new sources for doctors.

Retirement Security

President Obama is fighting to protect social security and fighting against privatizing social security. The Democrats have been working on strengthening Medicare. The health reform has strengthened the Medicare trust fund and expanding its life by more than a decade. President Obama and the Democrats have been helping Americans save for retirement.

Voting Rights

For a long time Democrats have been fighting for equal and just voting rights. They are fighting for voting rights because people are still having trouble voting, the minority, young, elderly, disabled, military members and veterans. They are having trouble voting because of lack of polling places, outdated voting machines and unnecessary complicated laws. They have been working on the progress that needs to be made for a system that is easily accessible, open and fair.

Works Cited

 Barack Obama on Education." Education.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Oct. 2012. <http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Barack_Obama/>.

Democracy 2012 Your Voice Your Vote. 2012. Photograph. Http://logos.wikia.com/wiki/File:WXYZ-<TV's_7_Action_News'_Democracy_2012,_Your_Voice,_Your_Vote_Video_Open_From_Late_2012.jpg, n.p.>

"Democrats.org." Democrats.org. Democratic National Committee, 2012. Web. 01 Nov. 2012. <http://www.democrats.org/>.

So You Want To Be A Wizard

Renae Paraiso
Editor in Chief

One of my favorite books of all time, So You Want to be a Wizard by Diane Duane is the kind of book that will pull you into its pages and make you feel the magic that’s at work. It is also the first book in the Young Wizard series.

The story begins with our protagonist, Nita, who is being chased by neighborhood bullies after the ringleader, Joanne, shows off the new bike she got, the same one that Nita had wanted for her birthday. Just as it seems like she would get caught, Nita finds sanctuary in the public library, taking refuge in the children’s section which used to be a basement.

As she waits out the antagonizers upstairs, she begins to browse through books she has read plenty of times in her youth.  She finds one book she has never noticed before, it was titled So You Want to be a Wizard. Fascinated by it, she picks it up and begins to read. The book is actually a manuel for those brave enough to take the Oath and become a wizard. At first, Nita believes it’s a joke, being curious about it, she checks it out.

Unfortunately, on her way home Nita gets jumped by her bullies and in the aftermath she finds that her favorite space pen has gone missing - or stolen as she later finds out. Once in the safety of her bedroom, she takes the Oath in hopes to cast a spell to find the pen, and if possible make Joanne disappear.

However, greater Powers have something else in mind as the search for her pen turns into an all out adventure as she must try to find The Book of Night with Moon, a powerful book that describes everything in the Universe and beyond, before something horrible happens. She, along with a fellow wizard, Kit and a white hole named Fred take on the quest to a shady version of Manhattan to find the Bright Book.

A fantastic story filled with the science and art of wizardry that will most likely keep you interested, this book is perfect for fantasy and science-fiction lovers.  I’m giving it five stars because I still love it and reading it is still enjoyable for me.  

Works Cited

"Online Catalog: Mid-Continent Public Library." Online Catalog: Mid-Continent Public Library. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Nov. 2012. <http://opac.mymcpl.org/uhtbin/cgisirsi/?ps=N6xmfAbPJC/HEADQTRS/234050201/9>.

"So You Want to Be a Wizard: The New Millennium Edition." DianeDuane.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Nov. 2012. <http://www.dianeduane.com/diane-duane-so-you-want-to-be-a-wizard-new-millennium-edition-out-now>.

The Republican Party Platform

Ella Beebe & Alexis Childs  

Staff Writers

The Republican Party’s Mitt Romney is a runner in the current presidential race. These are his stances of issues presented by the public.

Economy
Mitt Romney wants to promote confidence in the public about the economy. He is pro-businesses and he supports America’s free-market economy.

National Defense
Mitt Romney and the Republican Party support President Ronald Reagan's stance on national defense, which is peace through strength. They believe in protecting America’s homeland and confronting global terrorism. They will maintain defense against threats from nuclear proliferation.

Health Care
Romney and Republicans support reforms that will lower costs of of healthcare, ensure quality healthcare and lawsuit abuse. He also opposes government run healthcare providers.

Education
Romney supports a world-class system of of primary and secondary schools. This system has high standards and encourages all students to meet their full potential. They also believe parents should choose where to put their kids in the school system.

Energy
Romney  and the Republicans believe in energy independence. They support nuclear, clean coal, solar wind, geothermal, hydropower, drilling for oil and natural gases for power. Romney is against the cap-and-trade legislation. The cap-and-trade legislation will cause people to pay national energy taxes and it might kill jobs and raise utility prices.

Court
The Republicans believe that judges shouldn’t make the law, only interpret it. Romney wants to demonstrate fidelity to the US Constitution by trusting the judicial system to base rulings on law and only law.

Gay Rights
Romney is strongly against gay marriage. If elected he will write into the constitution that marriage is between a man and a women only. Romney opposes gay marriage but is also opposed to unjust discrimination, such as racial, religious and sexual discrimination. Romney wants to recognize domestic partnerships by giving them shared health benefits and rights of survivorship. He also believes that every child deserves a mother and father.

Abortion
Romney supports a law that will prevent women from getting abortions if she becomes pregnant. Todd Akin, a republican Congressman, also says that when a woman or girl is raped then her body shuts down and prevents her from becoming pregnant. This is part of the reason they support this law and thinks it should be legalized.

Works Cited

"Our Party." GOP. Republican National Committee, 2012. Web. 31 Oct. 2012. <http://www.gop.com/our-party/>

Republican Party Platform Has a Lot to Say About Science. 2012. Photograph. Http://news.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2012/08/republican-party-platform-has-a-.html?ref=hp, N.p., n.p.