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.

Two Time CIF Champion: Joe Camacho!

Joseph Camacho, a Senior at Santa Paula High School won his second CIF Wrestling Championship in as many years. This year, Camacho was undefeated in five matches and recorded three first-period wins, defending his 215-pound title at the CIF Inland Division Individual finals at Fountain Valley High School.

In the championship match, Camacho defeated Sola Hala of St. John Bosco for a second time this season, 5-1 in a rematch of their Best in the Valley Tournament.

Thanks to Michael Torres, Cardinal Wrestling coach, for the information and photo for this post.

Spring Fling: Myths & Legends Day

Friday, March 12th was the final day of Spring Fling week and the theme was Myths and Legends. Fewer students and staff turned out in costumes than during the previous days, but the ones that did were classic.

Mait Raio, Master of Technology, came dressed as Hermes. Hermes is one of the twelve Olympian gods and a child of Zeus. He was the messenger god and also the patron of travelers, merchants and thieves. Mr. Raio stated that he chose Hermes because he was "just the messenger."

Gabe Enriquez, Guiding Light of the SPHS Associated Student Body, came dressed as Thor. Thor is from Norse mythology and is the god of thunder and lightning. Thor was known for his quick temper and fought giants and monsters with his famous hammer, Mjollnir. Mr. Enriquez said he chose Thor so that he could "put the hammer down on my class."

Karen Soble, Mistress of all that is Legendary and Mythological, came dressed as Gwynevere (or Guinevere) because her Myths and Legends classes are currently studying King Arthur. Gwynevere is from Arthurian mythology and was King Arthur's queen when he ruled Camelot. "The dress was flashy and elaborate, the dress of a queen," said Ms. Soble. "I loved the long sleeves but they were difficult to wear, they knocked everything off my desk. I thought a crown was a bit too much so I wore the head band with ribbons."

Ms. Sobles' Mythology and Legends class is an exciting class in which students have the opportunity to study a variety of legends ranging from thousands of years ago to near the present day. These include Greek, Viking and Egyptian mythology as well as King Arthur, El Cid and even Robin Hood and Pecos Bill. A field trip in May to Medieval Times is a favorite event that students look forward to all year. Mythology and Legends is a college prep. Level class and is open to any senior.

Spring Sports Rally!

Santa Paula High School held it's Spring Sports Rally Thursday, March 11th in the McMahan Gym at the end of the school day. The rally was organized by ASB and highlighted the achievements of Santa Paula High School's athletic teams. All the winter teams were honored, including Basketball, Soccer, Track and Wrestling. Our wrestling team deserves special mention as they were league champs for the fourth year in a row. Joe Camacho won CIF and Katie Black placed 8th in the state for girls.

The rally began with the Star Spangled Banner sung by Mariana B. Being as the theme of the day was Gender Power (part of Spring Fling week), contests were held between teams of boys and girls. The first contest was a "Bachelorette" competition. Nathaniel Z. emerged victorious and won a date with Katelyn C. The second contest was a quiz game between male and female teams, and was won by the girls. Lastly a huge tug-of-war between boys and girls took place, with the girls winning that one also.

In between the contests, Santa Paula High School's flag team demonstrated their skills with brightly colored flags. As the rally wrapped up, students were encouraged to attend the Glow Dance next Friday.

Spring Fling Week

It's Santa Paula High School's annual Spring Fling Week again! Starting the week is Signal Status Day - Wear red if you're taken, yellow if you're talking and green if you're single. Tuesday is Fake Injury Day. This potentially grisly day was filled with crunches and blood stained bandages. Wednesday is "Er" day, where students will be dress as anything (within reasonably good taste) that ends in an "er", teacher, doctor, chiropractor, astronomer, and as evidenced in the photo to the right, punker. Thursday is the more sedate Gender Power day with girls wearing pink and boys wearing blue. Thursday will also include the Spring Sports Rally! Wrapping up the week will be Myth and Legend day - dress as Thor, Aphrodite, Hercules, Zeus, Odin, Hera, or the legendary character of your choice! Friday will also be a legendary day of rejoicing as it is a minimum day (end of the third quarter)!