Arts

3D Art Update

by Skye Finnestad

This week, 3D Art has been focusing on creating stabiles out of wood. First they did some research on the man who first created the stabiles. They found out how they were made, what they were made of, where they were placed. Next, they drew their own shapes, 15 geometric, 15 organic, and 15 shadows. From these shapes, they colored in their three favorite from each group. Then they redrew them onto bigger pieces of paper, cut them out, and began to shape them together, each stabile including three shapes. Out of the three stabiles created, they then picked their favorite one! They then were given a flat piece of wood and supplies they need, and were sent to work. From there, the students drew their designs on the piece of wood and began to saw them out.  Once all the pieces are cut out, the students will sand them down, paint them, and connect them.

Featured

Life of and ASB Student: Nicole

By Chloe Yeager

Name,Grade?

“Nicole Nacauili, Senior”

How long have you been in ASB?

“I was in ASB for two years, Sophomore year as a member at large, and Junior year as a Commissioner of Student Affairs.”

Pro & Cons?

“Pros: I liked how busy it kept me and I loved being involved in planning activities and events for school. Being ‘behind the scenes’ in all the planning and work was super fun and it made me work hard and appreciate my school.

Cons: I was at school ALL THE TIME. I also procrastinate a lot so many times I always had to rush to finish things. In the class, sometimes we didn’t get along and our ideas would clash, but in the end we would always compromise. One of the biggest things is criticism from our fellow students and maintaining the status as an ASB member. It’s hard to overhear our students not appreciate the stuff we put on because we all work really hard and spend countless hours to plan events. We also have to make sure we look good as a whole. We have to be careful about the things we post or say and set an example for our class.”

What is your favorite part, why?

“My favorite part of ASB is watching the event we have planned and worked for play out successfully and to watch students enjoy themselves. I love knowing that I contributed to fun events and especially the moment it’s all over and we can finally take a break.”

Do you take the class?

“This year I did not take the class. I miss being busy with it, but I told myself if I didn’t win the election for ASB President last year I didn’t want to go down the hierarchy of class and I would use my time to find a job or volunteer more.”

Do you regret anything about your experience?

‘I don’t regret anything really. The class taught me much and I  made  memories and friends in that class.”

Do you recommend it?

“I recommend ASB if you’re willing to give 100% and like being involved in your school and if you’re willing to make time for it as well.”

If you could change anything about your experience what would it be?

“I think my biggest thing  I would change would be to be open to meeting more people in the class. I didn’t realize how close I could end up being with some of my fellow ASB member until around the end of the year and I was bummed out that most of them would be graduating Seniors. If ASB has taught me anything; it’s that sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone can lead you into some of the best memories.”

On a scale of 1-10 how much do you enjoy it?

“I think sometimes the scale would vary everyday but most days I’d rate it about a 7.”

Is there any struggle with keeping your grades up?

“ I always knew that my grades would always come before anything, so with that mindset, I always knew to prioritize my homework rather than ASB work. I had to learn to plan things ahead of time and do a little each day with my ASB work so I did not find myself overwhelmed with school work and ASB.”

Featured

App Review: Bath and Body Works

by Carly Ana Bockstahler

Today I am reviewing the Bath and Body Works app. The app was released in the Apple store on August 29th, 2017. Basically when using the  Bath and Body works app you are given the availability to  earn rewards, access offers, find a store locations near you, scan and save, and appreciate member’s only exclusive. The app version is 1.0. This app is free when purchasing in the Apple store. The platforms that the app requires is ios 9.0 or later, and compatible with iPhone, iPod, and iPod touch. The appropriate audience that is suggested to use the app is aged 4+. The visual layout of the app is quite appealing. The red, white and blue color scheme looks very exceptional when brought together. This app has no sound. An unfortunate downside to the app is it is currently only available in LA and Chicago. Although, until you are able to sign up for the bath and body works emails to be notified when the app is useable where you desire. Also, the app is only available in English.

There are some upsides. This app keeps history to ensure that you will receive your rewards once you earn them. You can save products that you would rather purchase later in your wishlist. If the app is having some technical difficulties, you can contact the customer care at the bath and body works email or by calling 1-800-869-0158. The app is recommended to women who travel an abundant amount of times and come across a Bath and Body Works often. You help save the environment when using the app because the app My Bath and Body Works is digital and the coupons given out after you make your purchase are made from paper. The app has a notification settings to alert you when something significant in the store, online, and on the app occurs.  

Admin, Counseling, & Library

Administration and Counseling staff bios

by Gianna Creighton

Mrs. Baker is the Vice Principal at school, meaning she works with students whose last names end in A-G. She also oversees different responsibilities like attendance, the Learning Center, state and district testing, and Unity Days. Outside of the learning environment, Mrs. Baker enjoys reading Epic Fantasy and Sci-Fi novels, but also appreciates reading the classics. A general day in the office consists of meeting with students, working on upcoming events, responding to emails, talking to parents, supervising at break and lunch, and helping students and staff. Mrs. Baker states, “ I really enjoy interacting with students. I know APs deal with discipline, but we do interact with the kids all the time in positive ways. That is the best part of my job.”

Mrs. Bean has been working at West Hills for 16 years. Before she became a counselor she was a math teacher for 8 years so this will be her 8th year being a West Hills counselor. One of her favorite things to do outside of school is have fun and hangout with her little boys. Mrs. Bean’s favorite memory is from working with the women’s volleyball program as a coach and being able to interact with the girls from the various teams. Mrs. Bean explained, “I love getting to know students and helping them navigate through the sometimes tumultuous high school years. I also love helping students with college applications.”

Featured

Homecoming

By Anna Parrott

I wanted to know what my fellow students thought about the weekend of Homecoming so I asked one senior lady in particular about her experiences:

Q: Did you go to the Homecoming game?

A: Yes. I went with a few of my friends and sat in the Spirit Section.

Q: What was your favorite part of the game?

A: My favorite part of the game was afterwards when the King and Queen were announced.

Q: Who did you vote for for King and Queen?

A: I voted for Jacob Henderson and Brittany Woods.

Q: Were you at all shocked by who won?

A: I was a little shocked when Cam won because I had really thought Jacob would and everyone else I talked to also voted for Jacob.

Q: Did you go to the Homecoming dance on Saturday?

A: Yes and it was really fun!

Q: Did you have a date or did you go with friends?

A: I went with my boyfriend as well as my other friend.

Q: What was your least favorite part of the dance?

A: The DJ at every dance is never any good and this was no exception.

Q: Are there any improvements that you think could be made to make the dance more fun?

A: I really hate having to take my shoes off but I understand why we do it. Also, I different DJ would be nice for a change.
Q: Did you enjoy getting dressed up?

A: Yes! I went out and bought a brand new dress and shoes.

 

Featured

AJ App Review

My overall outtake, as a two year use of this app was positive. The only major complaint I had was in regards to the difficulties presented when entering the app. That said, there were a few glitches that carried on from the 2016 version of the app. For example, I always lose points when driving through the red light, with no control of the car at that moment in time. Another issue I had was the prices. It is expensive. It’s hard to not see their reasoning for making prices the way they are when keeping in mind the profit that they aim for to create a better game. The game also gets slower when in high quality due to poor connection.

Now focusing on the many positive aspects of this game. This game is very fun and addicting. It has many different maps and options to go with for whatever your desire. It also has many different cars to chose from, which can appeal to different types of people based on what cars they like. This game also helps new drivers get a handle on what to and not to do when driving. Ultimately, I have spent many hours on this game and plan to spend  more thanks to the way they designed it. This game is far from perfect, but there is reason to be optimistic.

Admin, Counseling, & Library

Counseling Information

Anna Parrott

The job of counselors is to assist students with anything they need. Whether that is switching out classes or asking for advice on college, counselors are there to help. They offer guidance and can answer any question that is thrown at them. The counselors are located in the offices above the library and are available throughout the school day so their assistance is easily accessible.
One of the main responsibilities of the counselors is to take care of class schedules. Also, if a student is in a class they do not like, the counselors will do everything they can to switch the class out. Secondly, the counselors have guidelines and suggestions for each grade to help students do what they need to do and to get through the year successfully. Specifically for seniors, the counselors provide resources on financial aid and scholarships for college as well as internship opportunities to help seniors find their passion. A major aspect of the counseling department is providing information about testing such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and even AP tests; so that students can easily have access to details. Counselors also check in on students who may not be completing all of the required courses for graduation or college to make sure that they are on the right track.

clubs

Key Club

By Avila Ashland

West Hills does much to help out in the community, making sure we’re doing our part to give back. Many different clubs are run across campus providing all different kinds of opportunities for students. Key Club is one of the most popular as it is a community service and volunteer based club that works towards helping the community. Not only does it help the community, it helps students because it shows they’re involved in their school and the volunteer work looks good for college and job applications.

In Key Club students learn how to lead and stand for what’s right through service and volunteering. Students gain a lot of experience and knowledge through participating in Key Club. They’ll pick up leadership skills by running meetings and planning projects and different things they can do around the community. Not only is this club modeled around serving and helping others, but it is designed to help the students as well. It’s supposed to force and train them into positions where they are always leading and always in charge of what’s best to do for the community and choosing how they can help others, so they’re also taking away from these experiences. There are Key Clubs all across the United States pushing students to try new things and help out. All making differences in their areas. It’s an awesome opportunity that West Hills is a school that is a part of this program and that students here work together to make a difference in their community, school, and themselves.

Uncategorized

Movie review: Moana

By Chloe Yeager

 

Claimed to be one of the best Disney Movies, Moana, casts an amazing twist on the traditional princess story. Within the whirlwind of events that takes place, Disney gives a compelling insight on the struggles that Moana(Auli’i Cravalho) faces, with obeying her parents but also fighting for what she believes in. Along the way she meets an overly confident demi god named Maui (Dwayne Johnson) who helps guide her on her journey to return the heart of Te Fiti and restore her island’s health.

Directors Ron Clements, John Musker, and Don Hall did a wonderful job with this creation of a Family film, filled with a mixture of Adventure and Fantasy that entered theaters in 2016.  Personally I have taken a strong liking toward this movie and believe that it is a refreshing change to the overused idea of stereotypical princess movies. The movie takes place on the fictional island, Motunui, and begins with the storytelling of Maui and the legend of Te Fiti. Unlike the other children, Moana is thoroughly intrigued and longs to learn more. Moana is being raised to be the chief which conflicts with her attachment to the ocean and its forbidden elements. This Disney movies is packed with catchy songs, one specifically mentioning Moana’s struggles and her draw to the ocean.

Moana learns that she is still the only hope this island has, but the pressure her parents put on her to become a great and honorable chief overwhelms her in more ways than one. Struggling to find a a solution to their problems; when the island’s coconuts become rotten and a lack of fish occurs, she mentions fishing past the reef. Her father quickly disapproves. She is not quite sure of the reason.

Toward the middle of the movie Moana’s grandmother, Tala (Rachel House) tips her off about her family’s background and their past as voyagers. This makes Moana more intrigued and she sets off on her journey past the reef. When Moana finally reaches the open ocean she gets caught up in the harsh waves and due to her lack of sailing experience she finds herself trapped on an island where she finds Maui. After a while of persuading, Maui finally agrees to accompany Moana along her journey. While on their journey, the two face obstacles and Maui threatens to leave Moana. When Moana realizes she will have to fight Te Kah and restore the heart of Te Fiti on her own, she heads off to do so.  Moana eventually comes full circle and and ends on a happy note. This movie is definitely one I recommend for all ages.

Uncategorized, West Hills & the community

Movie review: Tangled

By Anna Parrott

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have 70 feet of magical hair? Probably not but the movie Tangled will make you wish that you had such lusciously, long locks. Tangled, a movie directed by Byron Howard and Nathan Greno, follows the story of an 18 year-old named Rapunzel as she journeys to see the floating lanterns that are dedicated to the Lost Princess and befriends some dynamic people along her way. She is faced with danger, action, fun, and romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Rapunzel, having been kept in a tower all of her life by her malevolent mother, yearns to see the floating lanterns that appear in the distance every year on her birthday. By a fortunate series of events, she encounters Flynn Rider whom she then uses as her guide to see the lanterns. During their journey, her mother discovers that Rapunzel has escaped and she starts to chase after her. Rapunzel and Flynn make friends who help them later in the movie like Maximus the Palace horse and the ruffians from the Snuggly Duckling. As Maximus, Flynn, Rapunzel, and her chameleon named Pascal finally reach the kingdom, they participate in the exciting events of the ongoing festival. After the festival, all the townspeople head to the boats to release the lanterns for the Lost Princess. While the lanterns are floating in the air, Flynn and Rapunzel realize that they love each other; but, their romantic bliss is interrupted by Rapunzel’s evil mother who takes her back to the tower. Rapunzel realizes that she is the Lost Princess and Flynn tries to save her. When he gets to the tower, Rapunzel’s “mother” stabs Flynn and before Rapunzel can heal him with her hair, Flynn cuts it all off, consequently ripping it of all its magic and killing him. But to Rapunzel’s surprise, the tears she shed over the loss of Flynn still contained magic so she was able to bring him back. She was reunited with her real family and they all lived happily ever after.

One of my favorite scenes in Tangled is when Flynn and Rapunzel are out on the water as the floating lanterns are released. What makes this scene so captivating is the fantastic animation of the characters and the background. The animators perfecting capture the reflection of the hundreds of lights on the water and in the nighttime sky. Also in this scene, Rapunzel and Flynn sing “I See the Light” together which is a beautiful and emotional song where they are finally realizing that they love each other. My favorite character in the movie Tangled probably had to be Maximus. Although he is just a horse and doesn’t have any actual lines in the movie, he provides comic relief through his feud with Flynn. Maximus is sweet and an extremely likeable character in the film.

Overall, I would give this movie 5 out of 5 stars. Tangled is the perfect family movie that is great for children and Disney fans of all ages, like myself. The characters were casted superbly and the soundtrack is beautifully composed and is so much fun to sing along to. In terms of the animation, I have never seen such complicated and gorgeous graphics. The plot is exciting as it takes the viewer through both heart-whelming and intense scenes but also end happily. Tangled is my absolute favorite movie and is definitely worth the watch.