SEC survey biased against Guidance Department

The Gunn Guidance Department is troubled by the recent SEC report and the unfavorable light in which our office was portrayed and question the validity of the information presented as "fact." We are greatly concerned about the statistical integrity of data from the SEC Focus Group reported in The Oracle last month. The SEC Focus Group surveyed 70 students and it was not a random sample. In 2006, a random sample of seniors (16 percent or 65 students) was surveyed by our office. Overwhelmingly, students reported that they knew their counselors, received adequate post-high school planning guidance and indicated that they preferred one-on-one meetings with counselors. In the future, we hope that there will be a more collaborative and statistically sound effort in collecting student data.

We understand that this is a first attempt at doing an SEC focus group and producing research data. However, the inaccuracies indicate a need for more guidelines on future projects and an awareness of how misrepresented data can have a negative effect. We also hope that if there are concerns or complaints about how we do our job, that groups or individuals will come to us directly so we can work on issues that need to be addressed. Even with the total obligations of time and financial resources, we do our best to meet the needs of all our students. We are here to serve many different populations especially when post-high school plans and needs are more varied than ever.

–The Gunn High School Guidance Department

African aid article off base, oversimplified

I was skeptical of Alex Lee's "Giving foreign aid hurts U.S., Africa," but then came a relevation: "In the United States, we are all Americans." This shrewd logic blossoms in the rest of his piece; I only wish that Mr. Lee extended his argument.

He asserts that "every dollar of aid we spent on the African people is another dollar out of the mouths of hungry Americans." First, I was thankful that someone explained federal finances so succinctly; I was unaware of the ease with which we can shift our resources. In the process, though, Mr. Lee may have inadvertently discovered the answer to all of America's problems. He claims–convincingly–that aid has hurt Africa, and more money will lead to, yes, more problems. But Africa shouldn't be the only beneficiary of Mr. Lee's logic. Perhaps the answer to the military and homeless problems Mr. Lee references to cut off all aid and funding–make the soldiers and homeless "step up and take their lives into their own hands." If we continue to help them, how will they "learn to deal with [their] problems on their own"? The solution to suffering and oppression is not more (or better) help, but less.

Perhaps teachers should withdraw aid to students–let them improve their own living conditions. At the very least, my fellow teachers should not point out student errors or logical fallacies. As Mr. Lee points out, teachers "already have enough problems... we don't need to burden ourselves with more."

–Mark Hernandez, English teacher

Health office provides service, information to students

It has come to our attention that some students need clarification concerning services provided by the Gunn Health Office. The Student Handbook has a brief description of these services, but we would like to highlight a few points to help students better understand what is available and frequency of student visits.

The role of the Health Technician is to provide first aid and assist with any health issues that can be remedied so that students can remain in school. We provide a safe environment for students to rest so they can then go back to class. Sometimes, we make the decision to send students home, thereby protecting the safety and health of the Gunn community.

We enthusiastically provide any assistance needed for students to have a productive school experience. Toward that end, we also collaborate with teachers, parents, school administrators, attendance secretaries, guidance counselors and the district nurse to make sure all the necessary actions are taken to keep any student safe at school, whether it involves medical or emotional assistance. Many students with stress related issues are referred to our school psychologist, our guidance counselors or Adolescent Counseling Services. Additionally, we provide an abundant supply of free health information and provide clarification as needed. We keep all information confidential and personal records private.

As of this date we have had over 3,000 logged visits by students and staff, not counting "drop ins" or parent visits. We hope to be of continued assistance.

–Mrs. Rose McGinnis and Mrs. Lee Gregg, Health Technicians; Ms. Kimberley Cowell, Assistant Principal