Featured Pet: Meet Sierra

by Jules, 7th grade

Sierra is a friendly Siberian husky searching for her forever owner and home. A social butterfly, Sierra always greets humans and other dogs with a wagging tail and playful energy. Enjoying time outside and swimming in the pool, Sierra would be the perfect companion to any family who frequently spends time outdoors. Being a love bug at heart, Sierra enjoys winding down and giving cuddles after a long day of play.

If Sierra’s enthusiastic personality and caring attributes sound like the perfect canine companion for you, please reach out to OC Animal Care. If you’re interested in adopting or meeting Sierra, please contact OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and reference animal ID: A1866883 or visit their website at ocpetinfo.org.

Health: Love Medicine

by Tegan, 7th grade

Valentine’s Day is inching near, landing on Friday, February 14. With this date in sight, there is much commotion about buying chocolates, assembling flowers, crafting cards and shopping for gifts. However, it must not be forgotten that the most important aspect is spreading love. While we typically associate this holiday with presents and romantic gestures, there is growing evidence that love can maintain our physical and mental health.

When humans connect with their loved ones– their spouse, partner, friend, or family member– their brain releases oxytocin, often called the “love hormone.” According to an article released by Harvard Health in 2023, this hormone reduces stress, promotes relaxation and even helps lower blood pressure. The mere act of hugging, holding hands, or being close to someone we love activates these beneficial chemicals.

This love potion goes beyond physical health as well. Love nurtures one’s mental health and provides a sense of belonging and security. Studies from APN show that people in supportive, loving relationships are more resilient in the face of challenges, with lower rates of anxiety and depression. Thus, this Valentine’s Day, remember that love does far more than warm the heart.

National Observance: National Public Science Day

February 17

by Mateo, 11th grade

The principles of science play significant parts in just about every aspect of our daily lives. Each of the activities we partake in on a day-to-day basis, from entering a deep sleep to powering on your vehicle to enjoying a delicious meal, can be attributed to and explained by some sort of scientific process. Foundational understandings of these processes and how they impact our lives can help us view our surroundings through a different lens and is paramount to our comprehension of the world around us. National Public Science Day, celebrated annually on the 17th of February, works to inspire curiosity in the hearts and minds of the public by shedding light upon the vast amount of natural procedures that allow our world to function the way it does.

National Public Science Day was established in 1989 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). With the organizational goal to “advance science, engineering and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all” in mind, the event provides students from kindergarten to 12th grade with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the hidden world of science that exists all around them. Through workshops, seminars and projects run by local scientists and engineers within the community, National Public Science Day educates these children about the many processes that make the world go round to kindle a lasting passion for science and technology.

Overall, the event enables the AAAS to get involved in the education of local communities around the globe by teaching children and adults alike to appreciate the often undervalued impact these fields have in our daily lives. The main portion of the AAAS-sponsored event will take place in Boston this year. But there are still many ways you can participate in the festivities from the comfort of your hometown. The best way to honor National Public Science Day is to educate yourself on scientific topics. You can watch a science documentary, read about the extensive history of science, or visit local exhibitions such as the Fullerton Museum Center or the Discovery Cube.

No matter how you do it, absorbing yourself in science can spark a feeling of wonder that will surely last you a lifetime. Alternatively, if you consider yourself somewhat of a science buff, feel free to spread your knowledge to others by hosting a class for the people of your community to enjoy. All in all, National Public Science Day reminds all people of the crucial role science plays in society as we know it today, and it gives everybody an opportunity to unleash their innate urge to continue the search for a more elaborate understanding of the giant rock we live upon. Take some time today to let your curiosity free and engage in the wonders of science on this special occasion.

History: Valentine’s Day

by YoYo, 7th grade

Every year, February 14 promises romantic dinners, heart-shaped chocolates, and grand declarations of love. Love is a universal emotion experienced by many people in different ways, and Valentine’s Day offers an opportunity to celebrate and express it. However, people in the past have found different ways to honor Valentine’s Day, and February 14 has a rich history of saints, rituals, and gods. The story of St. Valentine is cloaked in obscurity.

One version of the legend tells that Valentine was a priest who served in Rome in the third century. During this time, Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, and he outlawed marriage for soldiers. Valentine disagreed, so he performed marriages secretly. When Claudius discovered Valentine’s actions, he ordered him to be put to death. Valentine’s Day is often thought to celebrate the anniversary of Saint Valentine’s death, but some believe it might be connected to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which took place on February 15.

Lupercalia was a fertility festival honoring the god Faunus and the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. It started with the sacrifice of an animal, and the priests would cut its hide into strips, believed to boost women’s fertility. In addition to these fertility rituals, love was represented by Cupid, the Roman god of love, who was inspired by the Greek god Eros.

Eros was known as a handsome immortal who shot golden arrows to create love. It wasn’t until later that Cupid became the playful, winged baby we see on Valentine’s cards today. Valentine’s Day, originally tied to saints and ancient rituals, has evolved over time. While traditions may change, the essence of celebrating love endures through both grand gestures and simple acts of gratitude.

The Ultimate Debate: Pizza vs. Burger

by Alicia, 7th grade

It’s dinner time, and you’re faced with a tough choice: pizza or burger? Both are delicious and loved by many! Pizza has great variety, from classic cheese and pepperoni to unique toppings like BBQ chicken. With options like thin crust and deep dish, there’s something for everyone. Burgers are also customizable. A basic burger starts with a grilled patty, but you can add cheese, bacon, lettuce, and more. There are different types, including beef, chicken, turkey, and plant-based options.

Pizza is perfect for sharing at parties and gatherings, while burgers are great for on-the-go eating as they’re easy to hold and enjoy. Health-wise, both have their pros and cons. Pizza can be high in carbs and cheese, but healthier versions exist. Burgers can be a good protein source, especially with lean meat or plant patties, but can become unhealthy with too many toppings. In the end, the choice depends on personal preference. Pizza is ideal for sharing and variety, while burgers offer a satisfying and easy meal. Both are tasty, and the best option is whatever you’re craving at the moment!

Legal Insights: Plyler v. Doe

by Kathryn, 8th grade

In the 1982 case Plyler v. Doe, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on a case involving the public education of children who were not legally admitted into the United States. In May 1975, the Texas Legislature revised its education laws to withhold state funds from local school districts for the education of children who were not “legally admitted” into the United States.

The law also denied public school enrollment for these children. Attorneys representing schoolchildren in Texas who were not legally admitted into the U.S. and risked losing their education sued their Texas school district and won their case. Texas appealed to the Supreme Court, leaving the Supreme Court to consider if the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment allowed Texas to deny undocumented school-age children the free public education it provided to children who were citizens of the U.S. and legally admitted immigrants.

The Court acknowledged that immigration laws created criminal violations for those who chose to enter the country illegally, but those laws did not apply with the same force on minor children. Those children were not responsible for their circumstances, and it was unjust to hold a child responsible for the actions of their parents.  The Court recognized the challenges illegal immigration poses to public schools but held that these challenges did not justify withholding education from innocent children. The Court emphasized the importance of public education in American society.

Public schools are “one of our most vital civic institutions for preserving democracy.” Education is vital for individuals to contribute to society and the nation. Denying education also risks creating a class divide, which is against the principles of equal protection. The Supreme Court reasoned that when the state provides education to some children and denies it to others, it creates class distinctions that violate the Equal Protection Clause.

The Court ruled that Texas could not withhold funding and admissions for children who were in the U.S. illegally. The Court acknowledged that education is essential for participating in society and contributing to the nation’s progress. Despite ongoing challenges related to immigration, this case serves as an important safeguard against denying educational opportunities based on a child’s legal status.