“Our Oakland” Poetry – Edition #1

This fall, the Oakland City Council debated adopting a new anti-graffiti law. The proposed law would make graffiti a misdemeanor, require property owners to remove graffiti on their proper within a certain time frame and hold the parents of minors fiscally responsible for the cost of graffiti removal. Inspired by Our America and Anna Deavere Smith’s Twilight Los Angeles, 1992, Life Academy freshman investigated the issue by conducting interviews and surveys throughout Oakland. Once the students gathered their data, they wrote assertion paragraphs for or against the proposed law. Below, please enjoy the strongest two assertions and several exemplary poems from each of the three sections of 9^th grade English.

— Jill E. Thomas and Kyle Halle-Erby 

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For the Anti-Graffiti Law

The proposed anti-graffiti law should be passed by the City of Oakland because some graffiti brings violence. To begin with, there has been a lot of violence in Oakland with teenagers because of graffiti. Teens nowadays tag gang-related messages to claim their territories. For example, when we interviewed a random sampling of people, fifty-six percent of Oakland residents thought there would be less violence without graffiti. Less graffiti means less violence because people won’t be able to claim their territories by writing on the walls. Similarly, Brallan Munguia, a student at Life Academy, believes violence comes with graffiti. He said, “Yes, because if somebody crosses them out then he’ll be mad because he wasted a lot of time like drawing for somebody just to cross it out” (Munguia, 11/15/12). Graffiti creates anger among people, which can lead to violence. In addition, the city should pass the law because graffiti really does bring a lot of problems in this world. Rey Medina, a local tagger states that taggers start drama by doing graffiti. He states that “Yes, it’s called ‘funk’ because some people that tag get crossed out by some one else and the person gets mad and starts to want to fight them” (Medina, 11/23/12). Many of us connect to all of this because we have friends who tag and then someone who dislikes them cross it out, which brings even more anger and fights happen. We feel like without graffiti there will be less violence, but also it will be cleaner. If the law passes, youth would stop tagging on walls and books, so it would be less violence in schools too. Many people think Oakland is dirty and it must be because they see graffiti everywhere, even on trash cans. But, if the law passes, there will be less violence here in Oakland and more people will start liking it or will start coming to Oakland. Oakland is a unique place where people are proud to say they live, and not only live but were born and raised here. Forget what you heard and realize what you see.

— Cindy Montalvo (Student in 1st Period English)

Against the Anti-Graffiti Law

The proposed anti-graffiti law should not be passed because graffiti is one more type or art, not a sign of violence. To begin with, students at Life Academy surveyed Oakland residents and sixty-three percent of the people interviewed believe that there won’t be less violence with less graffiti. This shows that by decreasing the amount of graffiti in Oakland, we won’t be doing anything to decrease violence. Even though graffiti can be offensive to some people it doesn’t influence youth to be violent. To some people graffiti may be something that teens do because they’re bored and have nothing better to do. But to other people graffiti is art expressed through words. For example, a ninth grade students at Life Academy named Jacky Tril said, “I think it’s art, just that I don’t think it’s right where they do it” (Tril, 15 Nov. 2012). People in Oakland may see graffiti as vandalism because it is done on private property, but if we gave teens a place to do graffiti they wouldn’t do it on people’s property and people would see it more as art than vandalism. In addition, people in Oakland see graffiti as inappropriate and as a bad influence on children and youth. According to Carina Isidro, “I think they should pass this law because graffiti can be inappropriate…and the children see these things everywhere and I don’t think it’s right” (Isidro, 21 Nov. 2012).  This law should only penalize people do offensive graffiti; instead it is penalizing everyone who does graffiti even if it’s not offensive. It would be hard to decide what type of graffiti is offensive because people have different opinions. But penalizing all graffiti artists would not be fair either. In conclusion, we can help our youth by giving them a place to do graffiti instead of taking it away from them. Taking away graffiti would be like taking away the voice of the unheard.

— Alondra Diaz (Student from 1st Period)

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Art Doesn’t Kill

Anonymous, College student

(The interviewee, who wishes to remain anonymous, is wearing a black sweater and a black beanie. He speaks in a quiet voice, and changes speed as he talks. It is a Monday afternoon and it’s raining outside. We are sitting in the living room, it’s a beautiful house. All of the walls are painted sky blue and there is a painting of an angel on one of them.)

Graffiti:

Art or street art

That expresses who you are.

It expresses feelings

and some of it is

beautiful…

(Stands up and walks around)

It ain’t always just a bunch of words

and gang signs.

You know some of it,

Some of it is really creative

and its way different from what famous people do.

(sits down and takes out his phone)

You say they wanna take graffiti

away?

Why?

Graffiti ain’t violent

or nothing like that.

Is art and

art doesn’t kill.

Yeah they might think Oakland’s

gonna be cleaner

(Looks down and laughs)

That ain’t gonna happen…

You know why?

(Looks up)

‘Cuz Oakland ain’t dirty

violence is what makes it look bad.

–Alondra Diaz

Stupid

Fany Aguilera, Student at Arise High school

(sounds kind of sick, a lot of background noise, interview through phone)

It’s gonna be a boring city

Can you imagine San Francisco without its graffiti?

Yes

Imagine San Francisco without its graffiti

It would look like a hideous place

Like any other city in the world

…same with Oakland

(Coughs)

You’re going to get rid of

People who fuckin do graffiti and create

Monsters

Why the fuck would you wanna do that?

(Coughs)

It’s stupid

It’s stupid and unnecessary

There are things out there

That are far worse than graffiti and vandalizing

Like there are people getting

Killed

And they want to spend their money on stupid laws like that

Stupid

–Andrea Sigala

Hard To Say You’re Against Some Thing If You Fit In That Category 

Edgar Rentira, Graffiti Artist Oakland Resident

(Age 17, Deep voice 9:30 Pm, interview done over the phone on 11/22/12)

As been a graffiti artist

I don’t see it as

Vandalism

I see as art just like painting,

music, dancing and etc is

Art

It’s like my first love

My first love

My first love

And my wife my first love

Ain’t nothing ever going

To change that!

My first love

(Starts to laugh)

Yes, I do beside I’m one of those

It’s just a life style I choose

I’ve done  it for like a few

years now I gotta admit I’m like

in love with it!

unless it’s gang related

then it’s no art

it’s hard to say you’re against some thing if you

fit in that category!

that category!

— Hilda Chavez

Favor to the Law

Maria Tril, a former banker and a single mother of one

(Hair slick back, with a pale silky face. She’s sitting on the brown big couch with her legs crossed. Phone in on hand and she asks a lot of questions.)

Yeah,

When I was younger you say?

Sure

Of course I tagged. (she laughs)

Yes its art but it shouldn’t be used illegally.

What do you think?

No one should vandalize no ones property,

It should be made with someone’s permission.

Not everyone can do graffiti,

Some people know how to and some people don’t.

So no,

There’s no age limit.

I admire it.

It expresses people.

Not exactly to express themselves,

But to express something.

It should be known.

Know what I mean J?

I admire it.

But,

A favor to the law.

Law one point, graffiti zero.

So yes,

And expression

I could be pics, letters, or even some offensive shit.

But a favor to the law.

— Jacki Tril

Oakland is not a wall to graffiti!

Ms.Tie Ho, student life director of college track Oakland

(She in Asian. she has long black hair ,she is very short ,has a white polo shirt and wears blue genes she is very laidback and cam in her dig chair. has an old small watch  she talks very fast)

Graffiti on the wall

the law should be pass you mostly see under

Bart, highways, old buildings,and stores

It may not affect you but it may associate with crime .

the citizens do not feel safe

Yes it art but it matters where you put

to compare Oakland and Hayward

Hayward is more respect and clean

when Oakland has graffiti

wherever

mostly everywhere

(moving her hands to one part of a table)

well ,it will be a good idea

Oakland is broke it a good way to get back

money that Oakland has lost

it should  be pass the citizens do not want to see this

on their walls .

it a good idea

so pass it

to get money to the government

so

Oakland is not a wall to graffiti

— Jose J. Martinez

Trashy Neighborhood

Ana Luna, worker at WCC, mother of two

(Wearing white pajamas with black flowers print ,wrist watch on left hand, laying down in bed covered in blue sheets, T.V on the back ground, cell phone on her right side, we are in her bed room, there’s multiple clean clothes on a khaki couch.)

No,

I don’t like it when it’s not artistic

Oh, no

(mugs, scratches stomach.)

No.

The law? My opinion?

Well, yeah

I think the law should pass

Prevents vandalism

It looks…with a lot of graffiti

(thinks)

It makes it look like,

A trashy neighborhood

(takes a glimpse at her watch)

No

Because if they use graffiti in an artistic way,

It won’t affect them

Nice murals I businesses

It’s their job

It would only affect them those who use it

As vandalism

Vandalism

(yawns)

They would have to be more cautious

No

(cell phone rings, looks at cell phone awkwardly, ignores call)

(thinks)

Only with the condition

Of using it in an artistic way

No, they shouldn’t be able to

(shrugs, pretends to be sleep)

— Joselin Roque

Born To Do This

Gabriel De Leon, A young graffiti artist

(He is sitting on our couch in our living room. He wears a black sweater and beanie along with red shorts. He watches a movie, Friday, and plays around with our puppy. Laughs about movie and says quotes about the movie during the interview.)

I don’t see it as vandalizing

I see it as beautifying

The community

A structure of letters

Being expanded

With colors

And details

It’s a way of expression

I don’t see it as vandalizing

I see it as beautifying

The community

I feel like

I don’t know

It just feels good

It’s a way to release

My stress

I feel

Like I was born

To do this

I’m accomplishing

Something

I’m accomplishing

A talent

I’m going to keep

Doing

What I do

No

Matter

What

The law

Is

I don’t see it as vandalizing

I see it as beautifying

The community

— Karina De Leon

I Don’t Support the Law

Mr. Halle-Erby, Student teacher

(Wearing a grey sweater, Levi jeans, Brown boots, In Ms. Thomas’ classroom, Students talking in the background)

I don’t support the law

I don’t think the police need more reasons to bother people in Oakland

People who do graffiti

Like Latinos and Blacks

I think they wouldn’t go after white kids

Or hipsters that are doing graffiti

I don’t mind seeing graffiti

I like graffiti

Simple stuff

I like the ones that are drawings

Or simple pictures of people

I don’t like graffiti

That is just text all bubbly

I hate graffiti that is just sharpie

I think that makes things look junky

I like simple graffiti

That are just drawings

Or pictures of people

I think they do it because

They have something

They want to share

— Luis Zarate

Graffiti Is Not Appropriate

Yeni Prieto, Works for children with disabilities.

(A woman with black hair, she has her hair braided. She’s wearing sun glasses. She’s wearing pink earrings and a black jacket. We are at the park setting down on a picnic table.)

Yes, it could be art

when it’s performed at places

allow by the government.

Is okay as long you leave

a good positive message.

(She smiles)

But no, I don’t like graffiti

because it gives a bad

aspect to the city.

It mostly has inappropriate

figures or words

that makes the city

look dirty.

I guess… I guess that,

the gangs and teens

who have no adult

supervision and guidance

of good advice are doing this.

— Nayely Espinoza

Graffiti Everywhere

Ryneisha Culverson, 11^th grader at Oakland Technical High school

(She is 16 years of age. She’s wearing a grey sweater with some Levi jeans, some chucks, and she’s laughing on the phone. She’s a very nice outgoing person. Her eyes light up like a light bulb when she’s happy! She does her own business in Downtown Oakland by making rings and selling them, her and her partner Briana made $171 dollars from the rings. She’s a very smart, intelligent leader.)

Sometimes,

It could be pretty

But

At the same time

You have to look pass the stupid
Stuff

If it has a meaning to it

Then yeah

It’s meaningful

And symbolizes something

It’s both ‘cause

Some people use it as artistic

Expression and other use it

To be ignorant I really don’t pay any attention to

It

It

Does bother me when I see

Businesses, malls, etc that people go to

And it has a lot of graffiti on it

Sometimes I be like

Why they do it?

It doesn’t matter to me

Because I don’t really care about graffiti

Everywhere

You turn your head you see

Graffiti

People use it for

Negativity!

— Rodriana Tillery

You Know

Anonymous, College Student

(Tall guy with long hair and dark sunglasses. Have a tattoo in his neck. White t-shirt with khaki short and black shoes. He’s Puerto Rican mix with black raise by grandmother. Has leave in Oakland more than 10 years. His on his 20’s.)

They try’na stop graffiti

Would since along ass time but

You know people don’t listen

(Laughing)

You know they try’na be

Cool

Would

There’s a lot of answers

You know its goanna be dad

For us

But for other people I think it’s going to be good.

You know

(Opens a beer but doesn’t drink it leave’s it in stairs)

Mmm…

Nope cause

You know how people is

They don’t listen

Eeeh

(Pointing at me)

And maybe would do it more often

You know

To feel that they bad

And that 50 (police) is nothing

(Shaking because it was getting cold)

Well cause

You see I’m more into what is now

I don’t think graffiti is a problem is

The people don’t really see what’s

The massage is for some of the graffiti

(Start moving around)

Well I think that graffiti make’s

Oakland looks UNIQUE

And

I LOVE it

You know

— Sindy Cox Perez

It’s Gonna Cause More Trouble

Anonymous, resident of Oakland

(We’re in her kitchen. It’s warm inside and she’s sitting on her couch while scrolling down on her iPod. I am sitting on a chair in front of her. There’s a Christmas tree in the left of me and a stove behind me)

Because they want to make it look

nicer

and they think graffiti is

bad

basically for the looks.

It’s a way of art

haven’t heard about it

it’s gonna cause more

trouble

kids underage will still

buy spray cans

you never see graffiti

in Alameda

or the Hills

but like,

definitely in poor places

it actually makes some places look

with color

with color

— Veronica Lopez

Third Edition: “Our Oakland” — The Power of Writing

By: Yuvitza Rivera, Sophomore 

Going into high school, I never expected to make decisions on how to solve problems within my community. I always thought adults would be the ones to make decisions for my community and not me. But, adults aren’t the only ones to be affected by the violence and problems in Oakland; adolescents too are affected. We, the adolescents, often don’t get a voice as to what should be done. Not until last year during the “Our Oakland” Project, did our class of 2014 get the chance to voice out what we thought was the biggest problem in Oakland and offer our a solution. Three big problems were voted on, and they were gangs, trash, and violence. I wanted to and got the chance to research and go in-depth about gangs being a big problem in our community. To do this, my group and I went out into the community and interviewed many people about why they thought gangs were a problem in Oakland. We also asked their opinion on what solutions might be effective. We came up with a few on our own too. The experience I had was great and exciting because it was new to me, and my ideas where expressed. However, as the project went on I found it less interesting because my group members didn’t really help me. Most of the work came from me, and I wanted their input. Without it, I got bored.  Sadly, in the end, I just wanted to get it over with as soon as possible, and mistakes were made. Overall, though it is an amazing project in which high school freshman get an amazing opportunity for our often-silenced voices to be heard.

Recently I got the opportunity to interview Ms. Thomas, the one who made this project possible.

Question 1: What inspired you to come up with the Our Oakland Project?

Answer: When I was in graduate school, I read Our America [and I] really loved [it]. Lloyd and Le Allen inspired me. The fact that they were only thirteen years old and interviewed their neighborhood shed light on their situation. I felt that our students could be heard and give voice to the issues that they worried about [in] our community too.

Question 2: Please summarize the purpose and goal of Our Oakland Project.

Answer: From my point of view as an English Teacher [the goal is] for students to recognize that writing has power. And, the skills they learn: interviewing, taking notes, and summarizing – these skills actually have real world applications.

Question 3: How has the Our Oakland Project changed over the years?

Answer: It started out as a project in Math and English only. Then became science focused over many years. And, now it came back to its artistic roots of poetry, photography, and the creative process of making a book.

Question 4: What do you learn from the Our Oakland Project each year?

Answer: I learn every year that violence is the number one issue that students worry about in Oakland. [And,] there is poetry in simple everyday conversation.

Question 5: Each year, what do you hope the Our Oakland Project accomplishes?

Answer: I hope more than anything else that the project will hook students who don’t feel connected to school yet.

Question 6: Do you think it’s a successful project? Why?

Answer: Successful some years more than others because it depends on a lot of adult facilitation and coordination in order to get off campus, conduct interviews, surveys and line everything up. But, when I see students receive their published books, then it feels successful.

From the interview with Ms. Thomas, I have learned that writing truly is powerful because it has a way to influence what others will do. Truly, what we do here at Life Academy will change something one day. I’ve also learned that doing this project is teamwork between the students and teachers. The teachers organize the project, but the students make the project become real and successful. One can say that after going through this project one is changed because there will always be that thought of what am I doing in my community to change all those malignant things that I face and hear every day that is not only affecting me and my family but everyone else around me. And, as this question follows me, I can say that slowly change is happening; we may not see it right away, but soon it will manifest. Lastly, thanks to Ms. Thomas for the project. Or, better said, thanks to Lloyd and Le Allen for inspiring Ms. Thomas and to Ms. Thomas’ teacher who asked her to read Our America. But, it goes deeper than that, so as I like to say: The domino affect caused the change from the “Our Oakland’ Project and maybe more.

Edited By: Eva Oliver, Digital Journalism Teacher

Second Edition: “Our Oakland” — Teaching Us All Something New

By: Makayla Tarango, Sophomore 

Our Oakland was a great experience for me in my freshman year. I got to learn a lot of information about the city I was born and raised in. I was so used to my community that I didn’t see anything wrong with it even though I had heard of so many bad stories and had lost family and friends here in Oakland due to crime. Our Oakland made me more knowledgeable of what my community should look like. I realized that where I live should be cleaner than what it is and safer for my family and me to make a quick trip to the store. Most importantly, I learned that all of the people in my community and I should respect each other more since we all have a similar struggle. I would do the Our Oakland project again if I could.

Recently I interviewed a freshman, Alexis Pruitt, about her experience with the “Our Oakland” project:

Me: What activities did you do for the Our Oakland project?

Alexis: Well we first we found an adult or family member to practice interviewing. Later on we went to Laney College to interview people on their opinion.

Me: What was your group’s topic? What interesting information did you find on your topic?

Alexis: My topic was gangs. Something interesting I heard was a lady told me that she thinks gangs are doing a lot of unconstructive things and they need to start doing more constructive things for our community.

Me: What was your most enjoyable moment during Our Oakland?

Alexis: Interviewing people and actually being able to understand others ideas on things.

Me: Were you prepared for this project? What preparation did you receive?

Alexis: Yes, I was prepared and I got everything done on time. Ms.Thomas helped us a lot by giving us a rubric and a recorder. She also gave us good ideas on what type of questions what could ask in interviews.

Me: Has participating in Our Oakland changed your outlook on Oakland or showed you something new?

Alexis: It showed me that people think young kids are the cause of Oakland’s problems.

This year’s “Our Oakland” project seems to have taught the freshmen a lot about their surroundings. I believe they have a better idea of what they could do to help themselves and others to be more positive. I hope each and every one of them gained something positive to use in their future. In conclusion, I like to think Ms.Thomas for all her hard work on this year’s “Our Oakland” and last year’s as well. You’re a brilliant woman, Ms.Thomas.

Edited By: Eva Oliver, Digital Journalism Teacher

First Edition: Giving a Voice to the Voiceless – “Our Oakland” Then and Now

By: Raynetta Van, Sophomore 

The “Our Oakland” Project was a fun and challenging experience for me. The project is still fresh in my mind because I did it last year as a high school freshman. It was fun for the most part because I learned a lot about my topic, which was trash. My group interviewed people in Downtown Oakland. I learned that most people usually pick up after other people and try to make Oakland look nice. It wasn’t hard for me to go up to people and interview them because I’m not shy. I actually really loved the interview process because I’m very outgoing and I have good communication skills. However, it was also a hard experience because a lot of people wouldn’t stop to talk to us; it was hard getting information when people weren’t talking to us. But overall, it was a very fun experience.

I interviewed Kathleen Fong, class of 2015, to better understand her experience with the “Our Oakland” Project.

Question 1: What was your group’s topic? What interesting research information did you find on your topic?

Answer: My group’s topic was gangs; we found out that there are a lot of more Caucasian people in gangs than any other races.

Question 2: How was your experience interviewing people?

Answer: It was scary at first because I’m shy, and I didn’t know any of them.

Question 3: What was the most challenging part of this project and why?

Answer: The most challenging part of this project was finding people to interview because I got rejected many times, I was behind, and I was really frustrated.

Question 4: What did you learn from the “Our Oakland” Project?

Answer: I learned that there was more violence in Oakland than I thought.

Question 5: How do you think we can reduce the poverty and violence in Oakland, after doing this project?

Answer: Well, people don’t listen. So, I don’t know if they can make a change but the people who do can come together.

In conclusion, the “Our Oakland” project is an amazing project that I was fortunate enough to be able to do. This year’s project is the same from last year. They had all the same topics and went to the same places. This year freshman’s also had the opportunity to do the project, and from interviewing Kathleen, I feel like some teenagers understand Oakland a little better. They realize that Oakland has the potential to come together as one, if we all get on the same page. They now realize if they want change, they have to CREATE it.

Edited By: Eva Oliver, Digital Journalism Teacher

Student Reflection — Martin Luther King Jr. “Day of Service”

The community working together to build benches on the MLK Jr. Day of Service (1/16/12)

By: An Tran, Senior

My experience on Monday was absolutely memorable. I came when everybody had already gathered up around the table in a circle. Even though I was late, I was able to read the Peace Pledge out loud. I felt very honored! After that, I volunteered to help create the mural in the gym. However, there were a lot of people there so I changed my mind and helped Julio Magana instead. I drew my definition of peace, which came out so much better than I though it would!

The event was also nice because I had the chance to create a social network with everybody who was there. I met people who already graduated from college and volunteered because they saw our “advertisement” online.

After attending this event, I am now more informed about our Season of Peace-Building. I am proud to be a part of RAW and this plan because it shows that there are people who care! I hope that the good deeds that we are doing will help change those who are ignorant. I really enjoyed participating in the event!

 

Edited by: Eva Oliver, Digital Journalism Teacher

10th Graders at Life Academy: Our Thoughts on Oakland Violence

Five year old Gabriel Martinez was shot and killed on December 30th, 2011 near 54 Ave. in Oakland, California. The boy was helping his father to clean up the front of their taco truck when this terrible event happened.

How we feel

1. I’m really mad at this situation because he wasn’t doing anything wrong and even if he was, he was a baby who just started to live his life! People these days are so stupid for thinking they can own a gun and shoot whoever the hell they want! What’s wrong with them?
2. I feel bad because the man that killed him is still on the run and has no feelings to say sorry to the family.
3. I feel scared for my little brother and sisters.
4. It’s weird that I don’t feel anything. I feel numb.

Questions

1. Why did they shoot the boy? What did they boy do to them? What do they win by doing this? What did the police do about it?
2. Why would someone kill a boy without knowing him? Why hasn’t he turned himself in?
3. Why is there a lot of violence going on in Oakland? Why do people like using weapons in a negative way? What makes humans kill humans? Why would you kill a little kid?
4. What’s wrong with society?

The extent of violence in Oakland

1. Gabriel wasn’t the first kid that was shot and died. He was the third kid that died recently in Oakland and that shows a lot of violence.
2. There is a lot of violence in Oakland. Gangs are a huge part of the violence and I think authorities are tired of trying to make Oakland a safe place.
3. Violence does happen a lot. Almost everyday someone dies. Sometimes there aren’t any reasons. Cops shouldn’t be trusted with guns either.
4. There are so many killings in Oakland I have lost count. Someone got killed by my house.
5. When I was a child a man was shot outside my house in the middle of the night.
6. Oakland is a city where there  are different kinds of violence. Normal teenagers and infants are being affected even by the cops.
7. I think violence in Oakland is getting way off board. There are people getting shot, killed, etc. It’s the worst thing going on in Oakland.
8. I think there’s violence because people don’t know how to hold in their anger. Sometimes they feel like revenge is a good answer to their problems.

Why is there violence and what can we do?

1. There is violence in Oakland because people are stuck in problems. You never know when you’ll get the gun shot. A lot of people become drug dealers once they drop out of school and have nothing to do or don’t have a job.
2. I think they choose violence because it’s the easy way to make money fast.
3. They want to feel powerful. They want to destroy lives.
4. Many people are poor and their families are messed up so they join gangs and gangs are trouble.
5. Give everyone jobs so that they stay out of the streets.
6. I think we can solve this by making this country rich and pressuring the president to make more jobs for everybody.
7. There is violence in Oakland because people have problems. They want to get money and they feel powerful when they kill someone.
8. No matter what we do about it there is always going to be violence.
9. We can all get educated and get a life. Education is the future.
10. Provide jobs for people.
11. The mayor of Oakland needs to do something about violence in the streets.

By Ms. Woodard’s Students: Pablo Cox, Alexandra Guajardo, Hannah Dobashi, Natalia Espinosa Ortiz, Aydet Bernal, Ahoud Dobashi, Byron Mendoza, Servando Gastelum, Autumn Criss, James Monroe, Jaime Sakr, Ariana Luna-Floriano, and Flor Osores

Student Controversy Over Middle School Expansion

Perspective #1

Excited About the Controversial Middle School Expansion

By: Raynetta Van, Sophomore 

Have you heard the great news about what’s going to happen to Life Academy? Aren’t you excited to have wonderful and amazing 6th graders on our campus? I don’t understand why people are all upset about having 6th graders at our campus. I do understand that we are already equally sharing the campus with United For Success Academy. But, having 6th graders, Life Academy students will be able to be role models, mentors, and we get more money for expanding our school.

Having 6th graders at Life Academy is a good thing because the 6th graders will have someone to look up to. Most of the students at Life are mature and are leaders. In my opinion, the students at Life will be role models to the incoming 6th graders. And, by Life students being a role models, the 6th graders will not be your average 6th graders. Instead, they will be more mature, and they will be more prepared for high school if they have positive, resilient, and mature role models near them.

Lastly, having 6th graders at Life Academy will give the school more money. With more money, the school can do more things. The upcoming students of Life Academy will be able to experience great trips like Point Reyes, Yosemite, and the senior trip. Also, the upcoming students of Life Academy might get to have awesome proms. Also, with money we could possibly have a cleaner and nicer school.

Perspective #2

Changing Our School’s Culture 

By: Felicia Martinez, Junior 

There will be 6-12 grade students as Life Academy. What? Why?

This will really kills Life Academy students’ high school culture. It will take away the chance for us (high school students) to “grow up.” If we are sticking around with the immature vibe of little kids, then it won’t help us to mature as dramatically because we will have little munchkins running around. If anything, I think we shouldn’t expand into 6^th-12^th because it won’t teach us how to “grow up,” and it will change everything about Life.

If it were up to me, I would try and get this school to expand into a bigger high school. Bring kids from different schools beside UFSA to tour our school. More 8^th graders will consider coming here. If they don’t, it gives them the chance to tell family or friends about this great school.

Also, expanding to a 6^th – 12^th grade school would mean that Life Academy wouldn’t be as much of a science based school because the middle school will probably not be as involved with our HEALTH AND BIOSCIENCE part. And, that is what Life is all about! I mean if they change our school’s culture, they might as well change the name.

Perspective #3

We Don’t Need This

By: Makayla Tarango, Sophomore 

Are there really going to be 6^th graders in our high school? Why?

I don’t see any reason why they would make our school into a middle/high school. Why not just have the middle school kids go to a regular middle school (for example United For Success right down the hall)? I’m all for kids going to a good school and getting a good learning experience, but I feel like that’s not up to high schools to deal with. I don’t understand why they want to make this change.

If they put middle school kids with us (the high school students), then that will take the focus off of us and will make our school even more hectic. It will be more challenging to get individual time and counseling for each student.

I think that middle school students would find it more helpful to be in a middle school environment rather than a high school environment because it will cause them to not focus on middle school duties and make them more distracted.

In the end, I feel that expanding to a 6^th – 12^th grade school is too much of a drastic change. They should of asked the students who currently attend Life Academy if we felt comfortable with the change and if we felt it would affect our learning experience.

Perspective #4

This Is Not a Kindergarten!

By: Natalia Espinoza, Sophomore 

I don’t think Life Academy should expand to middle school because it won’t feel like we’re in high school. It’s pretty much going to feel like a kindergarten on our campus. Having middle school students and high school students at the same campus is going to be awkward because the older students need quiet spaces to concentrate and have their work done. On the other hand, younger students are going to be really noisy, and they’re not going to have respect for other people while they are working.

I also have the feeling that there is going to be a lot of drama. As a matter of fact, Life Academy has been involved in drama along with UFSA’s 6^th grade students. And, someone from the Life Academy community got hurt. I feel like the children are not going to be as respectful and mature with everyone around them because they are going to feel cool around older students and because they are going to try to fit in.

Another reason of why I’m against this idea is because teachers are going to make us be role models for the kids coming to our school. I don’t think that there is enough people who are willing to change the ways they talk, dress and act.

In conclusion, I’m not really exited about the expansion because younger students at a high school campus are going to create trouble between the older students and the younger ones. Middle school students are not mature enough to respect everyone around them; children make too much noise for people to really concentrate on their work. I want to point out that are a lot of people in the Life Academy community are not going to change their ways. Most importantly, we already have a lot of pressure on us, and this expansion is going to make things even more stressful. This is not a kindergarten!

Perspective #5

Can It Work Out for Both Groups of Students?

By: Brenda Sanchez, Senior 

Life Academy has been a small school that consists of 9^th-12^th grade students – why change it now?

I think that making Life Academy a middle school may change the effects on how they younger kids grow. Yes, they may become mature, but they need to have their fun being kids at a normal school that does not involve a high school. These young kids should have their own space. It’s already bad enough that we have to share the campus with a middle school…Why can’t the 6^th grade students just go there?

The whole point of Life Academy is to be a small school, not a huge one. I came to Life Academy because it was a small school. I really liked that it was a small school because the classes or hallways were never crowded. I am glad that I won’t be here when the school expands because I would not want to have interacting with younger kids as a part of my high school experience.

However, some young 5^th graders at my internship placement are very excited to be able to go to Life Academy next year. They ask me a lot of questions about the work they give us and about our other internships in hospitals. Many of these young girls are interested in learning about the medical field and working there in the future.

Basically, I just want the decision to work out for both the new 6^th grade kids and the high school students.

 

Edited By: Eva Oliver, Digital Journalism Teacher

Life Academy: United Against the Normalization of Violence in Oakland

By: Eva Oliver, Digital Journalism Teacher 

On Wednesday, November 16, I witnessed an incredible event.

In a town hall event, organized by the thoughtful and committed hearts of Julio Magana, Venus Mesui, Preston Thomas, Alejandra Vila, and Kimberly Young, Life Academy High School of Health and Bioscience recognized the lives and senseless deaths of five former students: Nancy Nyugen, Marco Casillas, Jose Rocha, Raymen Justice, and Luis Garibay (the most recent victim of gun violence in Oakland).

Together, as a school community, we decided to stand up for change and stand up against the normalization (and perhaps glorification) of violence in Oakland.

My school’s principal, Preston Thomas, began his speech with some poignant and thought-provoking words – words that stung my heart and took my breath away.

“In other communities, when a teenagers dies, the world stops,” Thomas said, “In Oakland, it just keeps going.”

I reflected on my experience of losing adolescents and young adults in Murphys, CA (my hometown). A young man died of cancer; the world stopped. A young man died in a tragic car accident; the world stopped, and his face was plastered on every newspaper I remember seeing. A young man died in a drunk driving accident; the world stopped, and the flowers at the place of his death continue to be replaced even three years later.

But, this does not happen in Oakland.

I found out about Luis Garibay’s death on Monday, November 7. On Wednesday, November 9, I frantically checked all of the local online newspapers because I refused to believe my colleagues when they said that his death remained unannounced – invisible. I was jolted into the reality of how the death of young men and women is treated in Oakland when I found that they were right. My palms sweat and shook with an unrestrained rage as I continued to refine my search phrases even though I knew I would never find anything about the young man because it just wasn’t there. His death didn’t seem to matter outside of the grieving hearts of his family, my students (his friends), and my colleagues (his teachers and supporters).

Our town hall forced the people in the greater Oakland community to make his death matter. Our microphones, applause, tears, drums, songs, poems, candles, and posters made his death (and the senseless deaths of so many other young men and women) tangible, real, incapable of being ignored.

Our school community invited the families of the young men and women who have been taken from us – the families of the young men and women who were at the wrong place at the wrong time – in order to give them an opportunity to share their grief. We invited reporters in order to hold them accountable for telling these untold and ignored stories. We invited policy makers, government officials, and community activists in order to hold them accountable for helping us to make change.

For over an hour, the hearts in our community beat as one, both comforting each other and challenging each other to ignite a real change. It was the definition of solidarity – of beauty.

As the tears streamed down my face for the trauma my community has had to deal with, I felt myself healing – I felt our community healing.

Furthermore, I felt myself reclaiming the power that I thought the acts of violence in Oakland took away from me. I re-realized my ability to be a part of and the strength I bring to the collective force of youth developers that is committed to educating underserved youth and enabling these young men and women to reach their dreams (or simply TO dream) through the equitable distribution of resources, skills, tools, and knowledge.

Mr. Justice, the father of the late Raymen Justice, reminded us, “The ones who are committing this violence are not educated.”

Then, that must continue to be my mission – to educate.

An Exploration in Political Cartoons

For the last two weeks, our Digital Journalism class has explored the world of political satire. After our exploration of political cartoons, we created our own based on our understanding of the “Occupy Movement.”

Enjoy!

By: Natalia Espinoza, Sophomore

 

By: Eva Oliver, Digital Journalism Teacher

 

By: Alexandra Perry, Guest Lecturer

 

By: Raynetta Van, Sophomore

 

By: Eva Oliver, Digital Journalism Teacher

Real Ambitious Women

By: Makayla Tarango, Sophomore 

The women’s group that I participate in at school named RAW (which stands for Real Ambitious Women) has been having wonderful sessions lately.

Just last week, my fellow RAW ladies and I were watching a movie called Real Women Have Curves, which told a story of a young Hispanic woman’s struggle of having to follow her families traditions, but wanting to make decisions on her own. I thought the movie was very relevant and gave good examples on how to deal with my parents opinions on how my life should be and also how to understand my own opinions.

Today in RAW we had a delicious potluck during lunch time in which most of the girls came and brought some type of food to share. We talked and had a great time. After our meal, we got together in groups of two or three to work on posters about how the media perceives and shows women. Everyone in the class cut out pictures and articles from magazines, expressing how a woman should look like, act like, and dress like according to the media. I thought the experience was fun and made it even more apparent that those “ super model expectations ” do not apply at all.

I look forward to attending future sessions for RAW and to continuing to be informed about how beautiful and powerful woman are. We are all REAL AMBITIOUS WOMEN!!!

Edited By: Eva Oliver, Digital Journalism Teacher