Category Archives: Info & Updates

What is ASB Camp?

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The Associated Student Body (ASB) is a group of roughly 40 students who, each year, make decisions about a variety of school events. The dances, such as the Hello Dance, Homecoming, Winter Formal, and Prom are great examples of this, but ASB students also play a crucial role in hosting an annual leadership conference at LHHS. At this conference, the ASBs from each high school in SVUSD create and run their own workshops for 7th and 8th graders, teaching them what it means to be a leader and how they can strengthen their leadership skills. On top of this, ASB is in charge of maintaining a positive, inclusive environment in the day-to-day life of their school. With all of this responsibility comes a high requirement of experience and dedication– but where do they learn to be leaders? The answer is the Orange County Leadership Camp (OCL). 

OCL is a 4-day summer camp for rising high school students who were accepted to be part of their school’s ASB. Students attend the program with their high school and for many incoming freshmen, this is their first exposure to the new freedoms (and responsibilities) that high school leadership entails. Students are immersed in several workshops taught by public speakers and learn about how to bring the most to their school through their position in ASB. Since each student in ASB has a specific job title such as Commissioner of Campus Awareness, or Class President, they attend classes that are best suited to their duties. In these workshops, students collaborate with others from a variety of backgrounds and learn how to take on different perspectives to incorporate back at home.

Not only does OCL bring in renowned speakers to train our students, but each school’s ASB chooses two people to lead a mini lesson on a specific event or tradition that their school specializes in. In this activity, known as “Meet the Pros,” every student rotates to a different mini lesson after 5-10 minutes. This process allows students to be exposed to a plethora of creative ideas, such as a senior-only talent show at the end of the year, or a student mental health week,  which can be adapted back at their school. Having small groups of students rather than one or two large ones allows for the audience to ask questions and take in-depth notes, even coming up with ways to improve the event being described. Previously, LHHS taught a mini lesson on our Staff Appreciation Week, in which ASB makes candy necklaces for the staff, writes personalized cards to each of them, and makes them elaborate posters. 

Being such an integral part of their school, it is essential for ASB leaders to establish a community where people can feel like their voices are heard. While much of their learning comes from trial and error, OCL provides these students with a head start to making the school year as successful and enjoyable as possible. 

Summer Solstice of 2024: The Longest and Hottest Day of the Year

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As we enter the peak of summer in 2024, nature gifts us with the Summer Solstice. This celestial event marks the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This astronomical phenomenon holds significant and natural importance in many cultures and various civilizations. This year, on Thursday, June 20th, at 1:50, we experienced the Sun at its zenith, casting the Earth in abundant daylight and warmth.

The summer solstice results from the Earth’s axial tilting a certain degree, 23.5 north to be exact; this tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year. However, during the solstice, the North Pole is tilted closest to the Sun; hence, the duration of daylight hours and amount of heat from the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere is more intense. As a result, we have longer daytime and shorter nighttime on this day, and it’s also the hottest day of the year.

The term “solstice” itself originates from the Latin words “sol” (sun) and “sistere” (to stand still), reflecting the apparent pause in the Sun’s movement across the sky as it reaches its highest point. This event has been observed and celebrated by cultures worldwide throughout history. Ancient monuments such as Stonehenge in England and Machu Picchu in Peru are believed to have been constructed in alignment with the solstices, highlighting their importance in early societies’ calendars and agricultural cycles.

The cultural significance of the summer solstice is shown in various traditions and celebrations. In many cultures, it’s a time for feasting, bonfires, and rituals celebrating to celebrate the power of the Sun and the abundance of summer. For example, the festival of Midsummer in Scandinavia and Baltic countries and the ancient festival of Litha, celebrated by modern pagans, are all rooted in honoring the solstice and its symbolic meanings of renewal, fertility, and the triumph of light over darkness.

The extended daylight during the summer solstice also affects ecosystem and wildlife behaviors. It’s the best time for growth and harvest because plants utilize prolonged sunlight for photosynthesis, promoting growth and vitality. All living things taking advantage of the extended daylight also adjust their behaviors.

In summary, the summer solstice is the Earth’s natural cycle and the interplay between our planet and the Sun. It’s a scientific event that also intertwines in a cultural and human celebration throughout history, reminding us of our connection to the rhythms of nature and the enduring significance of light as human beings.

Happy Summer Solstice!

Bella H.

Tips For Getting Through High School As A Freshman

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According to studies, it is reported that 60-70% of students feel nervous or anxious for a new school year. It is normal to feel scared or worried about a new school year since there are new classes, teachers, and maybe a new environment for some, especially if you are going into your freshman year. Here are some tips from a previous freshman to get you through your freshman year of high school and to help ease your worries. 

Making new friends is essential in school, and freshman year has got to be the most important year for a few reasons. Freshman year is when most people start forming their friend groups, so after freshman year, it might be more challenging to try and find your crowd because people have already found their people. However, that is only sometimes the case and you can still be in a friend group after freshman year, but it is best to make new friends during freshman year. Furthermore, if you enter your freshman year of high school with a group of friends, there is a high chance that you will not end your high school with the same group of friends. People change, and it’s a reason why many friend groups that enter high school together don’t last, and this was the case for my friend group. So don’t worry if your friend group is falling apart!

Academics are also as important as making friends in my freshman year of high school! Unlike middle school, in high school, your grades matter, so the way you manage your grades is important. To get a good grade and keep it there, there are a few things you should do, but the most important one is paying attention in class. If you pay attention in class, you will actually learn things and it will make it very easy for you when doing your assignments or tests. Of course, you can have fun during class too, but try to keep it so that you pay attention when you need to pay attention. Another major tip for keeping your grades high is to turn in your work on time! As a student who has procrastinated multiple times before, I learned the hard way that if you postpone your homework or your assignments, it will stress you so much when you have to do it late at night. You do not want to be up at 11 pm in the night rushing an assignment that takes a week to do, but you’re rushing to turn it in at 12 pm because you didn’t do it. However, academics don’t define who you are and you shouldn’t be over-exerting your body and brain if you can not handle the workload. Your well-being is more important.

Getting enough sleep will help you out with so many things in school, especially academics, so getting enough sleep is extremely crucial. If you lack sleep, you can’t focus during class because you are so tired, so your grade might plummet. So, set up a sleep routine that allows you to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.

Finally, there are lots of people in high school that are judgemental and they might make your high school experience not as fun. However, if you just stop caring about what people think about you, then it will make your high school life so much easier! Don’t let others ruin your high school experience! 

Hopefully, these will help you make your high school years worthwhile or at least ease your worries about starting high school. Your life as a student is not forever, so make it worthwhile by enjoying your high school years.

Response to Current Events: The 2024 Election

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If you’ve been keeping up with the news, I’m sure you have noticed that Colorado has banned former President Trump from being on the ballot. Despite your political stance, one must question if this is Constitutional. Is this action silencing the voices of voters from Colorado? If so, would that be against the First Amendment, which writes, “Congress shall make no law […] prohibiting the freedom of speech […]” (US Constitution). Are citizens forced to vote a certain way by removing a president from the ballot? Is the election being rigged by not having a fair amount of voting in each state?

Colorado stands on the 14th Amendment and argues that this allows them to disregard Trump on the ballot. The 14th Amendment Section 3 reads:

“No person shall be a […] elector of President and Vice-President, […] having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, […] or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may, by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability” (US Constitution).

From my understanding, Colorado is using this Amendment to claim that President Trump engaged in insurrection in the 2020 Election and on Jan. 6, 2021, a protest at the U.S. Capitol. One must question whether the 2020 election was a hoax; if Trump was doing shifty business, wouldn’t that mean he would have won rather than Biden? Despite claims that Trump cheated in the election, President Biden won in a landslide with 306 Electoral College votes, while Trump had 232. 

Another topic that has been vigorously discussed is the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6. Many have argued that Trump was behind these ‘attacks,’ which may be true (who knows). However, political commentator Tucker Carlson brought suspicious footage of police officers escorting rioters through the building to light. Democrats were seen to manipulate the information about the death of police officer Brian Sicknick. Video Linked Here. With this knowledge in mind, can President Trump be prosecuted for these ‘rebellions,’ or is he innocent? If he is clear, it would not be Constitutional for any state to prohibit his ballot.

Although you may see this situation in a completely different way, you must look out for the future of our country. Democracy is being lost with the power of the states increasing while our voices are being quieted. We, the country’s future, must protect democracy, free speech, and the Constitution.

Books about presidential elections are available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. They are also available to download for free from Libby.

A Guide to Discovering New Books

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Sometimes you get stuck in a reading slump. Maybe the last book you read was so good nothing seems to match it. Maybe it was so bad you’re starting to lose hope. Instead of pulling random books off the shelves, use these tips to strategically find books you’ll love.

(Tip 1: Preferences?)

A good start is identify what your preferences in books are. Instead of just randomly selecting books, try to think about stories you’ve liked before. What connects them? 

  • Genre. It can sometimes be deeper than just fantasy or realism. Maybe you love sci-fi romances, or you’re a sucker for slice-of-life.
  • Length. Some people think a book isn’t worth it if it’s under 70,000 words, and some people think that’s too much. Finding where you lie on this spectrum is a good way to make sure books aren’t too over- or underwhelming!

    (Tip Two: Authors)

Keeping up with the theme of looking back, tapping into an author of your favorite work is a consistently reliable way to find books you’ll enjoy!

  • Many authors have websites that list their complete bibliography. Explore their other works, paying attention to blurbs and reader reviews.
  • If you loved a particular series, see if the author has written other series in a similar genre or style.

(Tip Three: Recommendations!)

Lastly, a good way to find new favorites is to tap into your fellow readers! Ask some bookish friends, family, and others for recommendations. Sometimes you’ll find out you have a lot in common genre-wise, and sometimes you’ll end up reading something completely new. 

Actually, a good place to start is on this very blog! Check out some of the reviews people have posted to see if any seem to match your interests.

Feeling lost in the vast sea of books is a common experience. But hopefully, if you identify your reading preferences, explore the works of authors you enjoy, and tap into the recommendations of fellow bookworms, you’ll remember, the joy of reading lies in the journey of discovery. Happy reading!

From Playful Pups to Loyal Companions: Why Frenchies are good pets

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Have you ever seen a French Bulldog and felt an instant connection with its adorable wrinkled face and bat-like ears? These tiny pups pack a punch of personality, making them the perfect addition to any family looking for a child-friendly pet that’s loyal and loving. Known for their affectionate nature and playful demeanor, Frenchies are not just any ordinary breed; they bring joy, laughter, and endless cuddles into your home. My sister has 3 Frenchies, and I can attest to their loving and playful nature. They are also very considerate of your feelings, and they all have their unique personality, just like children. There are so many reasons Frenchies are so popular as pets and why they’re stealing the hearts of so many across the globe.

They’re the perfect furry companion for your kids because of their playful and affectionate nature; that’s why they make excellent pets for households with children. Their compact size and sturdy build make them well-suited to handle rough play and active children. At the same time, their friendly demeanor ensures a loving bond with the whole family. I still remember my sisters Frenchie Dexie, Chloe, and Winston when they were pups and I was three. They were my companions while my mom and sister were busy or when my play day didn’t come. We would play chasing around the house for hours or just sit and listen to my audiobooks. They know when I’m tired and just want to sit and not run anymore. 

Beyond being great playmates, French Bulldogs are also known for their adaptability to various living situations. Whether you live in a spacious home or a cozy apartment, these tiny-sized pups will happily adjust to their environment. My sister moved a couple of times because of her job, from a large home to a smaller condo, and the Frenchies are still happy with that. They are so easygoing, which makes them ideal companions for busy families, as they require minimal grooming and exercise compared to other breeds. My sister’s Frenchies are hiking every weekend with her and their sibling Koda, a British shorthair cat; they can have more endurance than most people on the hike. They can hike for a couple of hours with minimal problems. French Bulldog is suitable for your family if you have a very active lifestyle. My sister’s Frenchies have been hiking in almost all the state parks in the US, and they are still going strong. We were on a couple of hikes together in Mammoth and some in California state parks.

Frenchies are charming and adorable. However, being aware of these dogs’ potential health problems is essential. One common issue is brachycephalic airway syndrome, which can cause breathing difficulties due to their flat faces. This makes it necessary for owners to provide a relaxed environment and avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather. So far, my sister’s French hasn’t experienced this problem, so I’m grateful for that as they are part of my family. 

Another health concern with French Bulldogs is spinal issues such as intervertebral disc disease. Their compact bodies and short legs put them at a higher risk for back problems that can lead to pain and mobility issues. Dexie and Winston experienced this problem and underwent surgery to correct it. Dexie passed away due to this very problem and complication in his surgery, but Winston is still with us, and he has had no problem since the surgery; he can still hike and is very active.

It’s essential to have regular vet check-ups, and monitoring their weight can help prevent these issues from escalating. Despite these health challenges, the love and loyalty that French Bulldogs bring into our lives make them truly irreplaceable companions.

Frenchies are a delightful breed known for their unique appearance, playful personality, and affectionate nature. Their compact size and low exercise needs make them ideal companions for smaller spaces or large homes and families with children. With their charming bat-like ears and expressive eyes, Frenchies never fail to capture hearts wherever they go. If you’re considering adding a pet to your family, why not consider the lovable French Bulldog? They will surely bring joy and laughter into your home like no other!

More research about pets and French bulldogs? Please check out the selection of books about them in the Mission Viejo library.

Frenchie Lover,

Bella H.

AI video and art generator Pros and Cons

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When I was in sixth grade I discovered AI art and I thought it was awesome. My history teacher in seventh grade showed me some amazing AI tools to use.

Leonardo AI Pros:

Makes really cool art. Allows you to make animations. Has different styles of art you can use. Has the ability to generate really good random prompts and improve the given prompt with great imagery. You can delete unwanted or failed image generations. You can use other images as references.

Leonardo AI Cons:

Makes you use tokens. If you generate an image of the same person multiple times every single person looks like the first person you generated.

Adobe Firefly AI Pros:

There is no tokens necessary. Generative fill and expand is available. You can use other images as references. Can remove unwanted objects from images. Always is getting updated. Suggestions when you type.

Adobe Firefly AI Cons:

You can’t see your past generations. Not very smart so you have to be very specific with what you want.

OTHER AI TOOLS:

Runway: Generates videos really well.

Pika: Allows an image to look like it’s talking, but it looks weird.

Temp Mail: Gives a temporary email address that can be used.

Pixa Motion: Lets you add motion to images

D-ID: Makes a person image look like it’s talking. Has a water mark though.

Microsoft AI: It’s a really good image generator but you can’t use it with a school account or on a school issued computer.

Heat Warnings!

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Now that it’s summer, we have to be more observant of the temperature outside as well as the heat warnings that the government sends out. It can be hazardous for everyone, especially for student-athletes who are participating in summer sports.

There are two types of heat strokes. One is exertional heat stroke and the other is classical heat stroke. Exertional heat stroke is one of the top 3 killers of athletes and soldiers in the U.S.

An exertional heat stroke is a sunstroke that is caused by intense exercise in the heat. In contrast, classical heat stroke is caused by prolonged exposure to hot weather and is most common in more vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, infants, and individuals with chronic illnesses.

The reason why extreme heat is so dangerous to your body is because it denatures your cells, causing them to leak their contents out into your blood. When the contents leak, it may cause liver/kidney damage and even failure of vital organs.

Some ways to identify exertional heat stroke are increased heart rate, confusion/disorientation, low blood pressure, and if your core body temperature measures above 40 degrees Celsius. Here is a little infographic below for more information:

The best method for cooling someone is to first remove any athletic or protective gear from the victim if any. Then, place them in an ice water tub while stirring the water and monitoring vitals continuously.

Besides cold water immersion, another way to cool an individual with exertional heat stroke is by dousing them in ice water and applying wet towels over their entire body, aiming to cool as much surface area as possible.

Stay safe and cool out there everyone!

Knott’s Berry Farm Review

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Recently, me and my family went to Knott’s Berry Farm over the spring break. I had a very good experience visiting there, so here are a few tips and ride suggestions for anyone planning to visit there.

There were many rides and attractions throughout the park, and many rides are roller coasters but there were still a variety of types of rides as well, including rapids and a train ride. Here are some of my personal favorite rides to go on at the park.

Calico River Rapids: One of my favorite rides at Knott’s is Calico River Rapids. This ride uses inner tubes which go down a long stream of rapids. This ride is fairly mild but is still very fun and is one of my favorite rides at the park. This ride also can get you wet as well so it is great for the hottest part of the day.

Ghostrider: Another one of my personal favorite rides at Knott’s Berry Farm is Ghostrider. This ride first goes up a large hill giving you a good view of the entire park, and it then goes down several drops and through many turns, so even though it has no loops, it was still a very thrilling and exciting ride. It is also a longer ride at over 3 minutes long, so despite the usually long wait times, it is still one of the best rides to go on at Knott’s Berry Farm.

Jaguar: Another great ride to go on is Jaguar. This ride is a longer ride compared to many other of the other roller coasters there, as it is over 2 minutes. It also is good for people of all experiences and ages as it was very fun but not too intense as it did not have very steep drops or inversions but still remained very thrilling.

Overall, I had a great time visiting Knott’s Berry Farm, but I also learned many new things about the park when I visited, so here are some tips for anyone visiting there for the first time.

  1. Go to your favorite rides first.

One thing that you can do to get the most out of your day at Knott’s Berry Farm is go on your favorite rides and the ones you want to go on first. Wait times can be very long for many of the more popular rides, especially on weekends and later in the day, so if you want to go on a specific ride, be sure to go on that ride first earlier in the day, and try to go on rides with lower wait times later in the day.

2. Get to the park early.

Another useful tip for visiting Knott’s Berry Farm is to arrive early at the park. Try to arrive slightly before the park opens, as the line to enter the park and the lines for the individual rides often get longer later in the day, and I personally found this very helpful in avoiding having to wait in long lines.

3. Pack a lunch.

Another tip that I found helpful was to pack a snack or lunch to bring to the park. This allows you to wait in more lines so you can go on more rides while you are there. Lines are also often shorter during lunchtime, so you can eat lunch while waiting in line so you can make the most of your time and not wait in lines for as long as you would otherwise.

Overall, I thought that Knott’s Berry Farm was a great theme park! I would recommend this park to people of all ages since there is such a variety of activities and events to do there.

Family Event and Volunteer Opportunity for this weekend!

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Looking for a new volunteer opportunity? Come help with the very first MV Pride event!

We are looking for help with setup, managing activities, or providing support throughout the day. Bring your family and friends and come celebrate with us at this fun and family-friendly event! Sign up to volunteer here.

If you can’t volunteer, please attend to help support this community event. You can find more information here: https://cityofmissionviejo.org/departments/recreation/mv-pride