President's Speech

President Obama addresses students
By Bob Chan


On September 8, 2009, President Barrack Obama attempted to speak directly to the nation's students. Schoolchildren from coast to coast watched on classroom TVs and computer screens. However, some did not hear the message at all, either because their parents pulled them from class or their schools refused to carry the speech over complaints from conservative groups and others that it smacked of political indoctrination.
In his speech, which aired on C-SPAN and the White House Web site, the President used examples from his own life to urge students to study hard. He told them to stop chasing dreams of being athletes or reality TV stars

The Department of Education was also criticized for proposed lesson plans distributed to accompany the speech, including a section — later changed — that asked students to write about how they could help the President.

"The truth is, being successful is hard. You won't love every subject you study. You won't click with every teacher. Not every homework assignment will seem completely relevant to your life right this minute. And you won't necessarily succeed at everything the first time you try," Obama stated.

SEA on the move at SOH

SOH teachers march for justice
By Elma Gonzalez


Almost half an hour before the first bell rings, Mr. Loper and Mr. Jourdain, along with many other teachers head out to the front of the school. With fliers in one hand and signs in the other, they begin their quest of communicating the current struggles faced by all teachers of the Sweetwater Union High School District to parents and anyone willing to listen. This routine started last week on Tuesday, September 8 and will continue "until the new contract is put together," assures Mr. Loper.

SUHSD teachers have been waiting for a new contract since June 30, 2008, when the old contract expired. After more than 440 days without a contract, the SEA organized educators around the district and decided to take the matter into their own hands and attempt to get other members of the community involved in the issue. This is why you have probably seen teachers outside handing fliers to your mom. Although they are in front of the school, 'holding signs' and 'marching', it does not mean they are on strike. However, because there has been very little progress with the contract they may soon be. When asked if it was likely that they would go on strike, Mr. Loper simply answered, "I don't know."

But why is this taking so long? Well, the reasons remain the same. Teachers insist class sizes shouldn't be modified, while the district is firm in its decision to change them from 28:1 to 30:1. Educators argue that having larger classes decreases the amount of 1:1 time a teacher has with each student, which lessens the quality of education given to the students. "Students need to realize this affects them directly," affirms Mr. Higgins. Still, the main reason teachers are marching outside the school is because they are displeased with the moves the district has made this year. According to the rules of collective bargaining the old contract must be enforced until the two teams sign on a new agreement. However, " [the district] is not respecting the contract", informs Mr. Higgins. Among many other things, the old contract declares the student:teacher ratio to be 28:1; yet this year the district has imposed a 30:1 ratio. According to the SEA this change ultimately harms students. Ms. Stretcher the AP US History teacher has faced many problems this year due to the increase in class sizes. Because she has more than 40 students, who take almost all the space in the classroom, she wasn't left any choice but to dispose of her own desk.

Teachers often stay long after the last bell to help students with homework and provide extra help to those who need it. However, it is because of the difficult situation they are facing that they have decided to no longer work these extra hours, and simply "work to the rule" (meaning they will only work their contractual hours.) On September 8 at 2:51, several teachers grabbed their keys and headed home leaving many students without the extra assistance they needed, but hoping that doing this will 'ultimately be beneficial to the students in the long run.' For many teachers like Ms. Stretcher the students are the number one priority; "I've been teaching for a long time -before there were contracts- and for me the most important thing is the students; we can't forget why we teach."

Hopefully, both parties will soon come to an agreement so that teachers can continue helping students thrive.

There is always a next time

Raiders' second game shows promise

by Omar Arce

After their defeat against San Diego High on their first game, the Raiders faced the Mountain Empire Red Hawks from Pine Valley on their second game of the season and their first home match.The evening started with impressive fireworks that illuminated the stadium. Although the attendance was not as plentiful as expected, the Pep Club, the band, and the cheerleaders all played their part in supporting the team.
The game was tough. With the 17 players that missed the first game due to grade ineligibility, 12 of them in the field and 5 of them in the bench, the Raiders had a decent first half. The offensive line did not allow the QB to have any space to throw, ending in sacks and incomplete passes. With a deficit of 6 points, starting QB Lamar Weston was benched by Mark Sandoval at the end of the 3rd quarter. The offensive line gave more cover to Sandoval allowing him to have more time and space to throw the ball deeper. The Red Hawks increased their lead to 22-0. At the end of the third quarter a 50 yard interception by senior LB Juan Padilla gave the Raiders a hope. The score was 22-7 now. Coming to the fore, the Raiders scored their second touchdown of the night with a great catch and run by WR Maris Boldridge. In addition to a 2 point conversion the score was 22-15. The Raider defense could not stop the running game of the Red Hawks in the fourth quarter, and so the game ended with the final score of 22-15.
With the loss, Southwest moves to 0-2 on the season. Next, SOH hosts San Marcos, to face the Knights in a non-league bout on Friday, September 18. Just another opportunity for the Raiders to give their fans the victory they deserve.