[News] On Oct. 13, the original Gunn Titans of 1966, ’67 and ’68 held a reunion at Gunn, participating in a student-led tour of the campus as well as meeting current students in a small panel.—Andrea Yung
[News] In a benchmarking study evaluating Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) against other districts conducted by Partners in Education (PiE), volunteers discovered PAUSD’s performance rated with mixed results. —Vivien Tsao
[News] The Titan Broadcast Network (TBN) hit the airwaves mid-September with their first professionally made episode of the Early Morning Update (EMU).—Alex Tom
[News] The Spanish Civilization and Culture class became part of the classes offered at Gunn this year. Created by Spanish teacher Carol Stroud and other language teachers, the class offers students a chance to learn about traditions and unique aspects of different Spanish-speaking countries and acts as a middle ground between the Advanced Placement and lower classes.—Michelle Fang
[News] The Turkey Feast is coming back to the Bat Cave on Nov. 19. The food will consist of traditional Thanksgiving treats such as turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. One can partake in the festivities by purchasing a ticket for $4, or bringing $1 along with three canned goods, or other necessities such as toothbrushes. All proceeds will go to the Ecumenical Hunger Program, a Palo Alto group that supports families in need. This event has been organized since 1980 by the SAC and PTA in order to give back to the community. “I think it is a really good way to give back to the community during the holiday,” Student Activities Director Lisa Hall said. —
[News] A tentative contract passed on Oct. 30 ensured Palo Alto Educators Association (PAEA) administrators and teachers of a five percent raise from the Palo Alto School District (PAUSD). —
[News] Ten heat sensors installed during the first week of October have replaced the smoke detector system in the science building. —
[News] The Pink Ribbon Club held a fundraiser on the quad during lunch on Oct. 30, to raise awareness for breast cancer. Two tables were set up at the event selling balloons and breast cancer goodie bags. The balloons were for people to write down memories they had of a breast cancer survivor. Originally, the balloons were supposed to be released at the same time, but because it posed an environmental hazard, they were popped instead. “During this week, we will hopefully let everyone know that breast cancer exists,” senior Jennifer Lien said. “In our goodie bags, we want to add little facts about breast cancer so everyone can learn something new.”—
[News] Despite the recent spread of school violence around the nation, Gunn students, faculty and administration still believe the school is secure. —Alex Lee
[News] Despite the wave of violence sweeping in schools across the country, the administration will keep Gunn security at the status quo. In other words, students and teachers will continue to follow Code Yellow lock-down procedures in any violent situation or emergency.—Alex Lee
[News] On April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School in Littleton, CO, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 12 students and teachers and wounded 24 others before killing themselves. On March 21, 2005 in Red Lake, MN, Jeff Weise killed his grandfather and his grandfather’s girlfriend and then killed seven and wounded six at Red Lake High School before killing himself. The shooters all had their own reasons for committing their violent acts, but perhaps they were influenced by outside factors.—Nathaniel Eisen
[News] On Oct. 20, the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) club hosted a blood drive in the Student Activities Center (SAC). The SAC was closed to students for the day to make room for the blood drive.—Boris Burkov
[News] After a year of hard work, the yearbook staff has been rewarded for its effort. In early October the yearbook staff received recognition for their work in the 2006 yearbook from Taylor Publishing, making them semifinalists in Taylor’s “Yearbook Yearbook” annual yearbook. On Oct. 31, the yearbook staff sent in their request for their materials to be published in the yearbook.—Shiv Kachru
[News] This year, Homecoming was about more than class rivalry and school spirit—it was about giving back to the community.—Nina Nielepko
[News] Palo Alto will begin its first Student Police Academy in February 2007. The program is 13 weeks long and meets every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. There are 24 available spaces for high school students. In order to apply, students must have a 2.0 GPA, a letter of recommendation, parental approval and no previous misdemeanors or felonies. The Palo Alto Police Department is hoping to run the academy for free, but aid at any cost will be provided.—Fi Kazi
[Forum] The goal of a high school community service program should be to encourage students to move beyond their comfort zones and make lasting contributions. But community service at Gunn currently amounts to little more than a frenetic race to rack up as many hours as possible, often for the sole purpose of getting an “edge” in the colleges admissions process. —
[Forum] Both students and parents alike dread the SATs and ACTs, mainly because they play a large role in the college admissions process. However, not only are standardized tests a huge money drainer and a source of stress, they are an inadequate measure of a student’s academic capabilities. Colleges therefore need to eliminate standardized tests scores as a requirement on their applications. —Ana Kostioukova
[Forum] With the announcement of a successful underground nuclear test on Oct. 9, North Korea has dangerously tipped the balance of nuclear power in the world. The Korean Central News Agency affirmed the completion of a secured and complete nuclear test in the Hwaderi province near Kilju City. The nuclear test affirmation has caused a storm of protest among the global powers. North Korea’s recent actions threaten to destroy nuclear stability and international relations. —Michelle Fang
[Forum] Today, more than 90 percent of the 80 million Americans voters will either cast their vote on a computer or have it tabulated electronically. While electronic voting is more efficient than traditional paper tallying, it jeopardizes fair election results. These machines can be easily manipulated by party officials and do not ensure that votes are tabulated in accordance with a voter’s intent. —Sasha Guttentag
[Forum] One of Howard Dean’s primary goals in Congress is to raise the national minimum wage so it is easier for the least skilled workers to feed their families. While the idea sounds appealing, increasing the minimum wage to reduce poverty is an ineffective response. A rise in the minimum wage would only exacerbate the nation’s problems with illegal immigration and outsourcing.—Eric Johnston
[Forum] Given Gunn’s academic rigor, it is understandable that many tests in Advanced Placement (AP) and honors classes are extremely time-pressured. These upper-level classes are designed to challenge students by cramming enormous amounts of material into limited class time and moving at a very rapid pace. Consequently, it is no surprise that the exams in these classes also cover a large amount of material and are often quite lengthy. —Caroline Hodge
[Forum] On Aug. 24, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved emergency contraception (EC) as an over-the-counter medication. The drug is currently available to those 18 years of age and older. The FDA should be praised for its decision which is predicted to greatly reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and abortions in the United States. However, EC should be available for all people, regardless of their age. —Adrienne Nguyen
[Forum] Campus Quandaries—Caroline Hodge
[Forum] For most students, homework is at best a nuisance, and at worst, another time investment shoved into an already busy schedule. Though it can be peeving at times, homework is a critical part of the learning process and must be retained at all costs. —Boris Burkov
[Forum] The last time I checked, there were still only 24 hours in a high school student’s day. Into this amount of time must be crammed school, homework, piano lessons, talking on the phone, tennis practice, a volunteer job and a bare minimum of sleep. Some would insist that homework should get first priority, and that extra-curricular activities and everything else should fill any gaps in the day. Those people are dead wrong.—Alex Lee
[Features] People may know Chandara Vinoukkun as the mastermind behind the colorful gardens appearing around campus. —Libby Craig
[Features] Junior Andrew Post always strives to do his best, and his unrelenting dedication was made apparent in his scholarship win.—Sasha Guttentag
[Features] The Oracle interviews Dan Shepperson. —Lucy Li
[Features] Imagine a time where dancers decked in jewels and gold entertained kings in their lavish courts. Take that vision, and move it to present day. The surroundings have become a concert hall with many more seats for a large expectant audience. The dance itself is the only thing that remains unchanged—the dancers stand draped in silk, their hands and feet painted and their hair elaborately braided. Every single movement is perfectly coordinated and in harmony with the music. This is what junior Sameera Mokkarala and senior Ambika Rustagi have been aspiring to since they were young.—Andrea Yung
[Features] Teenagers find time to stay calm, centered—Caroline Hodge
[Features] While most high school classes are selling shirts to raise money, the junior class is breaking the trend with its third annual pie fundraiser. Made fresh in the farm kitchen of Gizdich Ranch of Watsonville, students can choose from apple, olallieberry, pumpkin and raspberry flavors.—Alex Lee
[Features] The Oracle staff offers suggestions on how to help people in need this Thanksgiving.—Vivien Tsao
[Centerfold] Vote for Senator Dianne Feinstein and reelect an experienced moderate who works for global safety and government involvement in improving lives.—Nathaniel Eisen
[Centerfold] Republican Dick Mountjoy will positively affect California students’ everyday lives if he is elected to the Senate. High school students who work after-school jobs, are active in their community or want to avoid terrorist attacks will all benefit from the reforms Mountjoy has in mind. His focus on immigration and government spending make him a powerful candidate.—Eric Johnston
[Centerfold] California’s propositions 83 through 90—one reporter’s opinion—Alex Lee
[Centerfold] The Oracle staff takes a look at some of the current debate topics for the upcoming election. —Adrienne Nguyen & Andrea Yung
[Entertainment] The Little Theatre is dimly lit. It is only four o’clock, but inside the theater time is dictated by the stage. Right now, the stage says it is nighttime, and we are at the opening of a Hollywood movie premier. Women in beautiful nightgowns and men in suits walk through the aisles to my right. One man even shakes my hand.—Thomas Bao
[Entertainment] A lot of musicians break away from their bands and release their own singles. Paul Stanley, the songwriter for Kiss, decided to follow the trend by releasing Live to Win Oct. 24.—Fi Kazi
[Entertainment] The Oracle takes a sample bite out of local taquerias—Stéphanie Keller-Busque
[Entertainment] The Oracle presents student suggestions for this year’s best turkey table treats.—
[Sports] For most high school students, grades, homework and parents are what are on their minds. But for junior Brandon Sanders, it is a rough neighborhood where drugs and gang violence are everyday issues. Although he has moved away, Sanders proved to be a valuable player to the varsity football team.—Shiv Kachru
[Sports] When the Titans lost to their rivals, the Palo Alto High School (Paly) Vikings, 55-12, it was not unexpected. The Titans knew going into the game that it would probably be their most difficult game of the season. —Thomas Bao
[Sports] A plethora of factors encompass the true value of a team. Whether it is a star player, an avid coaching staff or devoted fans, all of these contribute to a team’s overall spirit and morale, but they especially affect its performance. —Stephen Salazar
[Sports] Winter Sports Preview—Boris Burkov & Vivien Tsao
[Sports] On Nov. 1, the varsity girls’ volleyball team suffered a tough Senior Night loss against Palo Alto High School (Paly). Gunn lost three games to none, but put up a stiff fight in the third set. —Boris Burkov
[Sports] Put me in, coach! Students mentor, guide middle school athletes—Adrienne Nguyen & Stéphanie Keller-Busque