SPHS Squirrel!

While walking back to my classroom through the courtyard this morning I noticed a fairly large (at least well fed) tree squirrel sitting on the edge of the fountain. I've worked here about 15 years and this was the first squirrel I've seen on campus (we most likely have ninja squirrels...). As I got closer he ran away a bit, but then returned to the fountain's edge. I think he was trying to get some water. He looked like he wasn't going to go anywhere soon, so I went to get the camera from my classroom. But by the time I returned, he had left the fountain (some students were sitting near it) and was scuttling across the walkway to the big tree near room 128. I did manage to get a couple shots of him up in the tree peering down at me.

SPHS Cardinal: December 9, 1977

The Santa Paula High School Cardinal newspaper for December 9, 1977 is now online! The lead story talks about the standardized test of that era, the California Assessment Program, which all seniors needed to take. SPHS scored above average on the test. The test apparently wasn't very popular and the then vice principal stated, "The only reason the California Assessment Program Test is given is because the law requires it."

A yearbook sale was held in November and the yearbooks sold for the grand total of $9.50 each! The then superintendent, Mr. Scuitto was retiring and the search was on for a new district leader. The newspaper editors complained about student apathy, and an Aerosmith concert was reviewed - they've been playing for a while! Basketball and track stories rounded out this somewhat thinner than usual (only four pages) issue of the Cardinal along with the usual comics and photos.

SPHS Music Department Fundraiser

The Santa Paula High School Music Department is participating in the Pepsi Refresh project to raise money for musical instruments and help with the band's travel expenses. It's easy to participate - sign up at Pepsi's Refresh Project and vote for the school. Signing up is free, and you can vote 10 times a day!

The SPHS Music Program has been an important part of the high school community for decades and provides many of our students' opportunities to explore music that they would otherwise not have. Participating in public performances gives our students the opportunity to work as a team and an experience that gives them the confidence that will serve them well throughout their life. Historically, over 75% of music students have been on the school's Honor Roll, and nearly all of our Valedictorians and Salutatorians have participated in the Santa Paula High School music program.

If SPHS succeeds in raising money from the Pepsi Refresh project, the school will use the money to purchase a variety of instruments that would otherwise be impossible to obtain. The funds will also be used to allow our students to travel to performances and competitions throughout the state.