Hillsdale Sports are The District discusses

back in swing! See the return to in-person

Page 2! learning. See Page 3.

thehillsdalescroll@gmail.com
February 28, 2021
The Winter Concert Closes out the first Semester
News In Brief Lucas Chan a solo part. After an introduction from he remarked, “I was shocked with
Staff Writer Madeline Senasac, Concert Band played how well everything fit together and
their tune, “Arabian Dances”. Wind everything just meshed together really
The College Board The HHS Music Department Ensemble kept the concert running with well. I am excited for our mass piece
had the first ever virtual Winter Concert “In the Center Ring” with an intro to that we will perform for the upcoming
cancelled SAT Subject tests to get everyone in the holiday spirit as Spring Concert!” Mr.
and eliminated the Essay they prepared for their Galea also explained
portion of the SAT! See winter break and a why all the ensembles
page 3 for updates. break from the stress did Polar Express as the
from their final grades final song of that night.
for the first semester. “It was a holiday tune
The Hillsdale music It also featured some and familiar enough to
program’s Virtual Pops unexpected surprises for most of the audience,”
Concert is on March 12th the audience. he explained, “that we
The Virtual thought it would be the
at 7pm! See this link to Concert took place on perfect end to a unique
join and support Hillsdale December 18th, 2020. semester!”
Music! At 7:00pm, the concert Students also shared
bit.ly/hhspopsconcert was kicked off with Mr. their opinions about
Galea and Mr. Yowell, Hillsdale’s music program performs “Polar Express” as the concert. Junior
Chamber String Orchestra and their mass piece for the Winter Concert Sabrina Gansen remarked though
The Sophomore Class Choir teacher, greeting everyone as Image Credit: Lucas Chan
music students didn’t rehearse together
is holding a See’s candy the audience came into the seminar. but still managed to pull it together,
fundraiser! If you want A representative of the Women Choir, the song by Brooke Vaysberg. The final
especially with the Mass piece, as part
Erika Wenceslao, introduced their ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, presented
candy delivered to your “Foo Birds of a Feather” with Alejandro
of the payoff for all the hard work
tune, “A La Nanita Nana” with piano they’ve done. Junior Alex McLouth
house, see this link: accompanist, Jennifer Lee. Afterwards, Cruz giving a short description of the
and Freshman Rachel Fekete agreed
https://bit.ly/3qldc2B Chamber Singer’s representative, Karen piece. with her and also appreciated the effort
Young, presented their melodious tune, Finally for the first time
that staff put into making the concert
“Candlelight Canon”, which was also ever, all students from each ensemble
Auditions for Intermediate presented “Selections from the Polar
possible.
accompanied by Jennifer Lee. Before Besides the representatives
and Advanced drama have the String Orchestra performed, HHS Express” as a wrap up to the Winter
from each ensemble, Mr. Galea also
begun! Visit their website, Music Boosters president, Laura Concert. Afterwards, Mr. Galea thanked
thanked all HHS staff, especially to Ms.
Hillsdaledrama.com for Duncan, praised students and staff for everyone for coming and the end credits
Prensky-Pomeranz for assistance with
more info on how to all their hard work for the first semester. rolled on. Not long afterwards, the the webinar account and Ms. Lauderdale
Afterwards, Declan Holmes, concert ended with the audience on a
audition. for all tech support, as well as families,
representative from the String Orchestra, high note to kick off their winter break. and the wonderful Music booster
presented their piece, “Archaic Voices”. Mr. Galea had comments on
team for all the support in organizing
The Dreamers Unite Following afterwards, Jennifer Kao how the concert ran, especially learning
donations and keeping everyone in the
and the Chamber String Orchestra how to make a piece with a mass of
conference, hosted by musicians for the very first time. “I
loop. After the winter break, all music
took their turn with “Of Glorious students are preparing their piece(s) for
Sequoia High School, is Plumage” with Suzuka Wada playing think the mass piece was a highlight
the Virtual Pops Concert on March 12th.
happening on March 20th. for all students and it was for me, too.”
To register, please visit:
bit.ly/dreamersunite Bay Area Schools Work to Reopen for In-person
Olivia Murray program involving a combination of turn in a negative COVID-19 test the
Don’t forget to check out Staff Writer learning from home, in-person classes, week before on campus days.
and students on Zoom calls with each An article by NBC Bay Area
the newest counseling The reopening of schools is other from different areas of the campus. entitled “East Bay Private School
newsletter for info on one of the most controversial topics Nueva freshman Christine Zhao says Reopens, Keeps Students Safe From
being debated right now, and there are
internships and scholarships! a few main points of consideration
she finds “[...]tremendous value to COVID-19” explains that Carondelet
http://bit.ly/HHS_Vol_12_ going back to school in person[…]” High School, a private Catholic school,
officials are thinking about. These She describes how it is easier to pay has been doing in-person learning for
Newsletter include the mental and social wellbeing attention and learn at school, away about two months. One third of the
of students, the academic challenges from distractions like phones and pets. students are still learning virtually, and
provided by online learning, and the
11th Graders: She says, “Group work is so much fun the ones who are on campus abide by
physical safety of students and staff. now that people can’t turn off their a series of COVID safety protocols.
Check your canvas for new Around the world, schools have been cameras and mute themselves and I In total, these measures have cost the
visiting colleges during the discussing this since lockdown first feel like I’m actually getting to know school tens of thousands of dollars to
Spring Semester! began in March of 2020. There is no people. This aspect of being able to implement. Carondelet teachers and
one right answer, as proven by the talk to people casually in the hallways, students say they feel safe at school, and
different solutions that school districts during lunch, is something remote that the benefits of in person instruction
have presented across the Bay Area. learning can never replicate.” However, far outweigh the cost.
Schools in the SMUHSD District have there is a downside for some people. These are just two of the hundreds of
Do you have comments, stayed online since the beginning of The majority of freshman students are different hybrid and in person learning
the pandemic and are poised to start learning on campus, but some are still plans implemented in school across the
feedback, letters to the editors, reopening in March, while private at home. Christine describes somewhat country. Hillsdale High and the San
or want to buy an ad? schools like the Nueva School have of a barrier between the two groups of Mateo Union High School District have
Contact us at: introduced a hybrid program and students. Although there is always a been working on reopening plans of
already have students back on campus.
thehillsdalescroll@gmail.com According to their website,
risk of going back to in person learning, their own, and it will only be a matter of
Nueva has put many safety measures in time before we see firsthand how they
nuevaschool.org, the Nueva Upper place. Masks and social distancing are play out.
School has developed a unique hybrid enforced, and students are required to
2February 28, 2021 thehillsdalescroll@gmail.com

Students Return to School- CollegeBoard eliminates SAT

Proctored Hillsdale Sports Subject tests and essays from
Lizzie Manis new benefits, athletes still face several
Standardized Tests
Editor-in-chief restrictions. For one, students are not Zoe Greenspan relevant opportunities to show they can
allowed to play/condition for multiple Page Editor and Senior Staff Writer write an essay as part of the work they’re
As most Hillsdale athletes now sports at once because of safety concerns.
already doing on their path to college.”
know, the first series of school-based The county is worried that having students This year has brought many
While many schools had already started
conditioning practices began earlier in contact with each other for extended changes to our normal lives and the
to make the essay optional, some schools
in January, with cross country, tennis, periods of time when they are also role of standardized tests has been no
like all nine of the University of California
swimming and golf beginning on the spending time with members from another exception. In 2020 colleges were forced
and one California State University
19th. Students are naturally excited about sport will create a hotspot because of the to adopt the policy of “test optional”
schools previously required the essay
this, as they can get back to the practice variety of exposures. Athletes are allowed for the fall college application process,
portion. This decision will most affect
sessions that were abandoned towards to practice as long as the conditioning and with the lack of changes regarding
students who planned on standing out with
the start of the school year because of the doesn’t occur at the same time, and as long the pandemic, the College Board
the use of a high SAT essay score, and will
change in safety levels of the pandemic. as they only play with one team at a time. along with universities are required
also cause some schools to make changes
Other sports began later in the month of Originally, student athletes to re-assess the situation once again.
to their application process. Although, for
January, with cheer, girl’s volleyball, and weren’t allowed to condition for both On January 19th, the College
those who plan on applying to schools
football beginning practice on the 25th of their school and club teams, meaning Board announced that they would be
who didn’t require the essay or didn’t plan
of January, and all season two sports that they could only practice for one or eliminating the SAT Subject Tests in
on using a score to set themselves apart
beginning in the month of February. another. This forced athletes to choose the US immediately. The reason for this
from other applicants this change will
Many close contact sports had between teams, which was necessary decision is, as stated from the College
most likely have very little effect on them.
previously been banned because of San for safety. Just as with the dual-sport Board’s website, “We’re reducing
Along with these changes regarding the
demands on students. The expanded
SAT, schools are also starting to make
reach of AP and its widespread availability
decisions on whether or not they would
means the Subject Tests are no longer
require the SAT/ACT for current juniors
necessary for students to show what they
(class of 2022). The California State
know.” Now what does this mean? For
University System (CSU) has already
some, the elimination of Subject Tests will
announced that they will “temporarily
benefit their college admission process,
suspend the use of SAT/ACT examination
because for students who are unaware of
eligibility for all CSU campuses for the
some schools Subject Tests requirements
2022-2023 academic year.”. At this time
they will now have the opportunity to
the University of California System (UC)
apply. However, for some this means the
will be test-optional, meaning applicants
AP Tests will hold more weight because
can decide to submit a score or not, and
in order for students to demonstrate
individual schools have the option to
their knowledge in subjects like history,
be “test blind” the UC system has also
language, and advanced math, they will
announced it will not accept SAT Essay
have to have the right support from
or ACT Writing test scores. This means
teachers and perform well on AP Tests.
that students’ GPA will be very important
In addition to the College Board
Hillsdale teams were forced to practice outside until when applying to a UC or CSU because
announcing the cancelation of Subject
indoor practice was once again allowed in San Mateo they won’t have everyone’s standardized
Tests they also announced after June
county 2021 they would no longer administer the
test scored like in previous years.
Image Credit: Lizzie Manis In summary, there have been many
optional essay part of the test. The College
changes to the college admissions process
Board states they made this decision
Mateo’s lockdown. Fortunately, sports practices, club practices also could regarding standardized testing and it is
because “We’re adapting to respond to the
such as basketball and football have promote more exposure and chance of important to do research on the schools
changing needs of students and colleges.
been approved to condition outdoors infection. However,, more recently the you plan on applying to before deciding
This change simply streamlines the
because of the recent lifting of restrictions. tier levels have changed and made it whether or not you will take the SAT.
process for students who have other, more
The restrictions place each sport in an possible for players to play for multiple
individual tier, with the highest contact teams, so long as they fill out a form
indoor sports requiring a yellow- confirming the safety of their practicies.
tier(lowest level) in order to play, and
low-contact outdoor sports requiring
Students are even allowed to participate
in multiple sports at Hillsdale, which
Hillsdale Scroll Staff
a purple tier to play. This means that, provides opportunities to play in 2
depending on the level of safety that we Season 1 Sports, or 2 Season 2 sports.
Editor-in-Chief
are in, certain sports can occur. Currently, As stated earlier, the tier levels
Lizzie Manis
we are in purple-tier, which means that are very important in gaging safety of Page Editors
the spread of COVID-19 is quite rampant. each sport. These levels can determine if Isabella Murray
This means that only low-contact outdoor people can practice, but not necessarily if Anisha Jaiswal
sports can play, like tennis and golf. they can participate in games. . For each Production Team
Terms like yellow and purple-tier sport to be able to practice with specific Jada Pisani
are often confusing because people don’t equipment, the threat tier must also Zoe Greenspan
know what they refer to. In speaking decrease. Indoor sports will likely not be
about the color tiers, it is important to able to participate in games unless we are
Staff Writers
understand what they mean. Each color in the yellow tier with very few infections Fiona Lu
tier represents the spread of COVID in per 100 thousand people, making it less Lucas Chan
the county, based on both the COVID likely that sport-specific practices can Ereni Delis
tests that return positive or the number of begin for each sport in a time closer to the Joyce Jin
new cases daily based on a population of normal season date. However, we should Sophia Makarewycz
100 thousand people. For us to be in the continue to look up for sports, as it would Olivia Murray
yellow tier, the lowest tier, there has to appear that they are beginning to re-open Nicole Valenzuela
be only 1 case per 100k people, and the with COVID safety guidelines in place! Maya Musselman
county positive-test rate has to be less than In the event that you have general
2%. In contrast, the purple tier, which is questions, you can contact Mr. Madison
Teacher Advisor
the highest, means that there are more at his email, jmadison@smuhsd.org.
Ms. Mylan
than 7 new cases daily per 100 thousand If you would like to join an individual
people, and the test positive rate has to sport and want to check in with a coach,
be more than 8%. Currently, San Mateo check your canvas announcements to Want to help with the production of this Newspaper? Email us at
County is in the Purple tier, preventing see the sport-specific coach emails. The thehillsdalescroll@gmail.com
the practice of many contact-based sports. announcement also includes the start
However, even with these dates for practices for each sport season.
3 February 28, 2021 Thehillsdalescroll@gmail.com
s o p h o m o r e s t a k e ?
The District Discusses Reopening AP/Elective Fair AP World Languages: if they are at the level
AP Computer Science: finished
Procedures and Proctols Provides Options Intro to Computer Science and
Fiona Lu
Senior Staff Writer
behind a protective plexiglass screen, and to Check Out New will be enrolled in Pre Calculus
A P A r t : Te a c h e r ’s p e r m i s s i o n
with the appropriate protective equipment.
As distance learning drags on, In terms of protective equipment, all Classes In general, what kind of electives/
AP courses should a student take?
more and more people have become students are required to wear a mask. Joyce Jin Definitely subjects they are interested
concerned about our school’s reopening, Students who don’t put on their masks, Senior Staff Writer in and/or plan on pursuing in the future.
myself included. Many different or violate other distance learning safety
The annual AP/Elective fair was Or some classes they would like to
questions such as when school would measures, such as not staying six feet
held on 2/9, and we interviewed Ms. Kelly, move to a higher level class (Art→
reopen, what it would look like after apart or bringing food or drinks inside
who’s in charge of the fair, with some Advanced Art→ AP Art). Other than that,
reopening, and whether in-person school a classroom, will face disciplinary
common questions and her suggestions students need to make sure to meet the
would be safe were being asked. To measures ranging from a warning
for students during the elective fair. The requirement to graduate (VPA, CTE, etc.)
find out more information, I spoke for a first offense to being removed
AP/Elective fair is the process where What’s the steps of
to some Hillsdale students and staff from school and being placed in full
distance learning for repeated violations. students can educate themselves about choosing classes next year?
regarding the answers to these questions.
different electives before the course Starting with the elective fair, students will
According to Superintendent In the classroom, desks will also
selection process begins. They will have have a general idea of what classes they
Skelly, the SMUHSD school district be spaced six feet apart. Each student will
opportunities to learn about 4 different want to take next year. Then counselors
was(up until late February) in California’s have assigned desks, as well as assigned
electives that they are interested in. It can will come into class to do an orientation
“Purple Tier,” or “Tier 1” of COVID areas in which to eat lunch. Bathrooms
also help students sign up for alternative about what classes they generally need
cases. This means that there are over 7 would have to be socially distanced, with
classes since some classes may conflict to take next year and something they
new COVID cases for every 100,000 no more than two people inside at a time.
with others, especially for science. should pay attention to. After that,
people. Once the district starts moving Monitors will also be stationed in each
What is some general advice you have during another class, counselors will
into the “Red Tier,” in which there are only bathroom, as well as placed in the halls
for students about the AP/Elective fair? come and teach students how to sign
4-7 new cases for every 100,000 people, and around the school during lunch, to
Firstly, don’t just go to the classes up classes on Aeries. After everyone
certain groups with special circumstances make sure that everyone is complying
your friends are going to. Secondly, is done signing class, counselors will
will start to be moved back into school. with social distancing guidelines.
make sure you can find the balance, come into class for the last time to have
Two weeks after the district Students will also have to go
being challenged but not overwhelmed. 1 to 1 meetings with students and over
moves into the Red Tier, they will start through COVID tests every 2 weeks.
And lastly just pay attention and even the classes they selected. For juniors,
reopening special education classes. If any person on campus tests positive
come up with questions prior to the fair. during the 1 to 1 meeting, counselors
Two weeks after that, students in Middle for COVID-19, staff will most likely
will also go over their CSF memberships,
College and the Peninsula Bridge Program follow a contact tracing protocol to What should students
summer plans, and drafting college essays.
will start going back to school. It’s only determine who was in close contact expect during the fair?
when the district moves into the Orange or indirect with the infected person. They should expect to go into different
In most cases, these people will also zoom meetings and learn about different
What class do you suggest
Tier, with 1-3.9 cases for every 100,000
be ordered to quarantine for 14 days. classes. This would be crucial to sign up students check during the fair?
people, will the majority of Hillsdale
for alternatives especially for AP sciences, Freshman:
students and faculty be allowed to return.
Main Concerns given that some classes might not have • Different electives you would
Currently, at of the time of writing,
Mr. Childress says that one of spots for sophomores and some classes like to take that you might
the San Mateo country is experiencing
his biggest concerns with the reopening might conflict with other classes’ schedules. want to move to a higher level
around 9.6 new cases per 100,000 people,
is safety: “So as a teacher and a parent, class in junior and senior years.
according to Covid19.ca.gov. Dr. Skelly How is this done differently this year?
safety is important. And I don’t mean Sophomore:
remains hopeful that we will return: “For This year prior to the fair, students will
safety just for me, I truly mean safety. • Check out differences between
me, I have students who will come back. be given a description about different
When I think of safety in my classroom, AP/CP English and AP/CP history
If it was my kid I would send him or classes that can help them to decide what
and kids coming back in, you know, I • Regular physics and an AP
her back. It’s a safe environment. We’ll fair they want to attend. On 2/9, students
have an obligation as the teacher in the science you might want to take
make sure that it is. We have not had any will first check in with their advisors and
classroom to maintain a safe learning • An alternative for an AP science
COVID spread that we’re responsible for. their advisors will give them zoom links to
environment. And without it, if it’s if it conflicts with your schedule
Even though COVID is going on in our different classes. They will then spend the
not safe, then kids shouldn’t be back.” • Dual enrollment classes: gives
community. The numbers are going down. next hour at different fairs. At the end they
Kaitlyn Snailer, a sophomore at both college and high school
I’m hopeful that teachers will have the will return to their advisory zoom and fill
Hillsdale High School, also stresses safety credits, some classes students
vaccine by the time we start up school.” out a Google Form. Each teacher will do
as one of their main concerns: “Personally can take are like criminal justice,
the presentation in a different format, some
I don’t want to go back to physical school psychology, communication, etc.
What will School Look like? might bring in some seniors and alumni.
because I feel the environment is unsafe Junior:
According to Mr. Childress, What’s the recommended amount of
in terms of the pandemic. If we were Meet the graduation requirement!
the president of SMUHSD Teachers’ APs to take in junior and senior year?
to go back later rather than sooner, all • Complete CTE credit
Association, the district is currently T h e r e ’s n o t a s e t n u m b e r o f
proper precautions can be taken for safety • Concurrent enrollment to take more
planning a hybrid model. In this model, there r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s , i t d i ff e r s b y
of students and staff. Personally I prefer classes from community colleges
would be two randomly assigned groups individuals. When signing up for
in person school, but distance learning • Check out with Ms.
of students, an “A” group and a “B” group. classes, students need to take account
is the safer option at the moment.” Burtness about the benefits
A survey of students shows that of their extracurriculars such as sports,
Childress also stresses the • Dual enrollment classes: gives
approximately 35-40% of all students volunteering, etc. They need to figure
importance of effectiveness, or the both college and high school
will return to school in the third phase, out how long they have to do homework
quality of education, as students come credits, some classes students
since students have the option to opt- and make sure to be able to balance
back to school: “If coming back to can take are criminal justice,
out entirely from returning to school between their school and personal life.
school in the environment that will psychology, communication, etc.
and join a “C” group that continues What APs can/ should
with complete distance learning. exist because of safety parameters-
In the hybrid model, one if that is a detriment to the learning
group would join a zoom call in their process then that’s not a wise choice.”
teachers’ classrooms, while the other On the other hand, Dr. Skelly
would stay home and be in the same states that his main concern is the
call, just online instead of in person. transition that students and teachers will
In the hybrid model, both groups have to make, but takes a more optimistic
of students would be listening to the same view of our current situation: “You’ll have
zoom lecture. The only difference would be to follow a bunch of safety protocols … I
that one group would be in their teacher’s mean, the case count is going way down.
classroom, while the other would be You know I’m hopeful that by then, we’ve
learning at home. The motivation behind at least begun the process of vaccinating.
making students listen to the same zoom Here’s hoping that we were in a position
lecture in a classroom is the belief that in which not only are we safe, but the
being in a classroom environment would macro environment is a healthy one.”
help students learn and stay focused.
In both models, each teacher The Hillsdale Dance Ensemble, an Elective option
would give lessons in their classroom Photo Credit:
Hillsdale High School Dance
4 February 28, 2021 thehillsdalescroll@gmail.com

Movie Review: Pixar’s Soul Book Review: The Invisible Life of Addie
Isabella Murray
LaRue
film truly memorable. The animation
Page Editor and Staff Writer Maya Musselman a character into a person. More of
style changes as Joe is catapulted into
Staff Writer an idea than a person, but a good
different realms of the afterlife, which
Pixar’s late-December release idea nonetheless. Addie and Henry
are further contrasted by the more If you had the choice to live
Soul is a film featuring an aspiring realistically had a challenging
“realistic” animation style used when forever, would you? What if it meant
jazz pianist who learns important relationship, but it was worth it in the
he is on Earth. There is one part of the everyone you had ever known and met
lessons about end.
afterlife, forgot you as soon as you left them?
existence Addie herself was pretty realistic. She’s
where new Now it’s not as easy to decide.
after his own a main character you can get behind
souls reside, In V.E. Schwab’s 2020 novel
life takes an and root for, because as
that Joe “The Invisible Life of
unexpected good as immortality
spends a Addie LaRue,” Addie is
turn. The story sounds, her life has
significant tricked into choosing this
follows Joe been anything but easy.
amount of pale imitation of eternal
Gardner, a Addie gets by on her
time in. The life. The non-linear style
Black middle wits and grit alone,
animation of the book flips between
school band which makes it easy to
used to style present-day Addie living
teacher in respect her.
this place in New York to her earlier
New York Secondly, the writing
made use of life spanning nearly three
City. Kicking was fantastic. I
a pastel plate, centuries. Addie dedicates
off with highlighted half the
blending her whole life to trying to
the highly- book because of
soft shapes be remembered: posing
relatable phrases like this:
with clear for paintings, writing
discordant “Outside, the white
Joe Gardener Playing the Piano during his lines. This music and song lyrics,
cacophony of a marble sky has cracked,
test gig. created the and leaving behind
middle school letting through thin
Image Credit: New York Times slightly terrifying objects for people to The front page of the Novel.
band rehearsal, bands of blue.”And
“counselors” find. For, as she asks, Image Credit:
Soul introduces somewhat more
(all named what is a person if Amazon.com
the viewer to Joe’s current situation in profoundly,“Being
Jerry) that patrolled this area as two not what they leave
life - though he has just been offered a forgotten, she thinks,
dimensional glowing outlines evocative behind? In New York, she runs into
full time position at the school where is a bit like going mad. You begin to
of contemporary art. Voiced by a set of a man named Henry who somehow,
he teaches, he does not want to be a wonder what is real, if you are real.
actors with calming tones and accents inexplicably, remembers her. Henry has
teacher forever. He is unfulfilled by that After all, how can a thing be real if it is
necessary for beings nurturing new secrets of his own, but they inevitably
role, and instead is chasing the dream of not remembered? ... If a person cannot
souls, these Jerrys added to the bizarre start a romantic relationship. If that
being a professional jazz musician like leave a mark, do they exist?”
but atmospheric feeling essential to concept hooks you in like it did to me,
his father was. That last quote shows the more
Soul. you’ll be even happier to discover that
Just when things start to look philosophical side of this book, which I
Soul added in a sprinkling the book is excellently written.
up for Joe - he has been asked to play thought made sense. If you’re going to
of cultural references of interest to Nominated for a Goodreads
piano with a prominent saxophonist write a book about memory and history,
older viewers. Some of 22’s mentors Choice Award for best Fantasy book
- an unexpected fall lands Joe’s body you better be prepared to have some
(distinguished dead people who help of 2020, “The Invisible Life” is one
lying in the bottom of a New York deep thoughts in there. That’s probably
new souls learn about life) included of those books that make you forget
sewer and his soul a one-way ticket to what I like most about this book: I
Mother Theresa, who became so about the page count until you blink
the mysterious Great Beyond. The rest didn’t feel like I was reading philosophy
irritated she lost her temper, and Carl and you’ve finished it. Why is it so
of the film follows Joe as he tries and by any means, but it made me think that
Jung, who gave up trying to understand good? First of all, the side characters
fails to get back to Earth and his body the really central themes of this book
22’s motivations. There was also a nod in the story are great. Even from a few
in time to play with the aforementioned centered around identity. What happens
to Doctors Without Borders in a group sentences, they each have their own
jazz group. Along the way, he ends if you’re the only person who knows
calling themselves “mystics without distinct personalities, which is rare in a
up entangled with the pugnacious and you exist?
borders.” In general, this contributed book. The eclectic and diverse group of
rebellious soul called 22. The two Whether that question keeps
to the idea that there was a whole other people feel like … well, actual people.
originally have an abrasive relationship, you up at night or you just like well-
world existing in this universe, beyond There’s no stereotypical gay friend or
irritate each other immensely, and want written Young Adult books, I would
just what was happening in the plot. token Black friend that books are so
nothing more than to achieve their highly recommend this book. I would
Overall, the themes and lessons desperate to have these days, and the
somewhat narrow minded goals. rate it as 4 ½ stars out of 5: there were
learned by Joe and 22 at the end of Soul absence is refreshing.
This being a Pixar movie, the some unanswered questions, but in my
meshed very well with its stylistic and As for the main characters:
end of Soul sees Joe and 22 revise their opinion, it really was one of the best
musical choices. I give Soul four out of Henry was sweet, but he felt a little
aspirations and gain fresh insight into books of last year. For a year that had so
five stars for its characters, animation, underdeveloped. He didn’t have the
what life is all about. few good things come of it, that’s saying
and themes. kind of idiosyncrasies that make
The eye-catching and varied something.
stylistic choices in Soul made the
Advice Column
Spiderman
Staff Writer and your doubts!
What songs should I listen to if I’m sad?
Should I still take the SAT even though This also depends on each person.
most colleges don’t require it anymore? Personally, when I’m sad, I like to listen
This is a question that really depends on to upbeat music so that I won’t be sad. I
each person. It depends on where you have playlists of uplifting, happy music
want to go, your career path, what college that I listen to, and that makes me happy.
you want to get admitted into, and more. However, some people like to listen to
However, in my opinion, you should take sad music when they’re sad. If that’s what
the SAT. Even though some colleges don’t helps you, by all means! There are many
require it anymore, they’ll still look at playlists of sad songs all over Spotify;
scores if you do send them. Also, it’s a test search one up, play it, and cry it all out!
that can show you your abilities, so maybe Above all, remember that whatever you’re
it’d be cool to see what’s the highest score going through is temporary, and things
In the whimsical afterlife that Joe is catapulted into, he meets a variety of beings on his you can get. However, it really depends will always get better! You got this!
journey back, including the rebellious “22”, and two “Jerrys”, characters that exist only in on each individual. Any streamers or youtubers that I can
this afterlife.. How do I maintain an online watch?
Image Credit:Syfy Wire relationship? Don’t get me started on streamers!
That’s a difficult question. Communication RanbooLive, Quackity, Technoblade,
is key, especially if the person is far away! Nihachu, basically just anyone who’s in
Make sure you communicate your feelings the Dream smp- they’re all so funny!!!
5February 28, 2021 thehillsdalescroll@gmail.com

Robotics Team Club Spotlight Hillsdale’s February Polls

These students are later interviewed, Lizzie Manis
Lizzie Manis and some are chosen to join the team. Editor-in-chief This means that over 8% of the county in
Editor-in-chief total was testing positive for COVID-19.
Hillsdale Robotics has been highly This month, Hillsdale students However, during recent times, this level
President: Chris Monzon
successful over the past couple of years, weighed in on a variety of topics, has thankfully dropped and San Mateo
Vice President: Allison Chan
winning 5th place in the international ranging from Superbowl activities to County has slowly begun the reopening
Secretary: Tianna Waring
Botball competition. While adapting the their comfort in returning to school. As process. This color level system appears
Advisor: Mr. Tsao
team and club to an online habitat has been San Mateo County has recently decided to be the most important judge for Hilldale
difficult, the passion for building robots and to allow the opening of SMUHSD high students, as over 28% stated that color
The Hillsdale Robotics team
a hope for future competitions motivates schools after a certain point, school re- levels were very important when it came
is a competitive group of students that
the team to continue strengthening their opening has become even more relevant. to feeling safe in the return to school.
participate in regional and global robotics
skills. They’ve been holding zoom To begin, students first chose how These results are visible in the left-side
competitions. The team has existed for
meetings where students are given the comfortable they felt returning to school pie chart that is second from the bottom.
over 20 years, and aims to teach other
pieces to build small crafts that give given the guidelines that the county has Secondly, on the more fun side
students about the intricacies of robot
new students the opportunity to learn the chosen to put in place. On a Scale from of things, Hillsdale students have spent
building and coding. Students who want
mechanics and coding aspects of robotics. 1(Awful) to 5(Excited) when gaging time recently enjoying the virtual online
to join robotics almost always participate
their feelings on the return to school, events that television and holidays have
in the Robotics Club prior to joining
Contact: 22monzonc01@stu.smuhsd.org the overwhelming majority selected “2”, given us. While Valentine’s Day might
the team, where current Robotics Team
22waringt37@stu.smuhsd.org meaning that they weren’t feeling awful not be the same as Christmas, many
members cultivate a learning environment
22inouye09@stu.smuhsd.org about going back to school, but really students still expressed interest in the
that teaches the beginnings of robotics
weren’t excited for the return either. Holiday, and participated in a variety
and inspires students to join the team.
The first graph listed below shows these of activities to celebrate the occasion.
numbers, with around 130 responses. Students did everything from going
Many expressed anger at returning to an skiing to meeting new people on Omegle
entirely zoom-based program that was in , including those who spent time with
person, and a few were also worried about their families. Even while we have
the safety precautions that the county put been distant, these small holidays and
in place in order to protect its students. celebrations are what pull us back together!
Students were asked what it would take Additionally, many Hillsdale
for them to feel safe returning to school, students watched the Superbowl. While
to which they answered for the most part the reasons for watching the Superbowl
that the need California’s color level vary quite a bit between students, many
system to say that we are safe. For those still enjoyed it even for the commercials
that are unsure what the “color system” or halftime show, and named a number
is, it was a method of detecting the safety of their favorite snacks to eat during
of our county at certain points in time. It the superbowl. While 20% of students
is based off of the COVID-test positivity don’t enjoy eating while watching the
rates, and the adjusted case rate(the daily superbowl, the overwhelming winner for
Botball, the competition that Hillsdale Robotics snacks was Chicken Wings, with over
participates in. new cases per 100,000 residents of a
Photo Credit: USC given county). For most of the duration 23% of students naming it as their favorite.
of February, San Mateo County was in the Check out the three pie charts
How are you feeling about the potential return-to-school plan? purple color tier, meaning that the county beneath this column to see numbers
had more than 7 cases per day(per 100k for yourself! Thank you to all who
residents), and there was a positive rate responded to this month’s polls!
of more than 8% for the entire county.
How did you spend Valentine’s Day?

What will it take for you to feel safe returning to school?

Did you watch the Superbowl?

How do you feel about Valentine’s Day?

Favorite Super Bowl Snacks?