The Media Arts Pathway, what used to be called AOIT, is now a separate academy which incorporates computer programming and computer science. This three year program deals with designs using computer functions and students learn how to approach computer applications, how to use design, and creatively communicate ideas

By taking this class, students connect to art, get a chance to express their talent for creating websites or videos, and learn work place skills by taking responsibility for projects and deadlines. Media Arts Pathway teacher, Mr. Henry Machtay states, “The main idea is to work in teams to gain experience, responsibility, and solve problems.”

Environmental Science

By Sandy Wong, Staff Writer

The Environmental Science pathway, which started nine years ago, opened up for students that were interested in understanding, preserving, and protecting the environment. Students who are enrolled in the class are exposed to classroom lectures and discussion, along with weekly field trips to the Presidio National Park, which is something that is not traditionally found in most science classes.

The goals of the pathway are for the students to develop stewardship, to understand interconnections between humans and the environment, and gain exposure to environmental careers. In addition, Environmental Science teacher, Lisa Franzen states, “The objective is to lead students into raising their environmentally friendly awareness for whatever career they plan to go into.”

AoIT

By YanHong Zhang, Staff Writer

AOIT, the Academy of Information Technology, is an academy that focuses on how computers work. In AOIT, students are able to use programs such as C++ or Java to make their own simple programs (such as being able to doodle on the computer screen with different shapes) on the computer in order to have a better understanding of the mechanics of computers.

Mr. Ben Chun, head of AOIT, first started the program 3 years ago to help students who want to gain knowledge about computers, something he did not have the opportunity to do as a student. “One of my previous students who was in AOIT was able to get into Berkeley partially because he had a better insight on computers, “ stated Mr. Chun.

Health Academy

By Molly Smith, Staff Writer

For the past 8 years, Mr. Richard McDowell has been the coordinator for the Health Academy, an academy at Galileo that involves exploring careers in health care. “The purpose is to get those entering the medical field excited about learning and prepared for college,”

Mr. McDowell said. The academy includes partnerships with the California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC), City College of San Francisco, and Community Educational Service.

By the end of the 2-year program, students will have access to 20-25 paid internships and volunteer opportunities, have received 10.5 units of college credit and double high school science credit, know how to save lives and perform CPR, and fulfilled most of the requirements for becoming an EMT.

Biotechnology

By Christina Sit, Staff Writer

Since 2001, the Biotech Academy, an optional 2-year program, has helped students gain skills in laboratory and genetic engineering techniques with the help of science teachers, Mr. Chinn and Mr. DeBella.

Students often join because they are interested in Biology or anything that pertains to it. “I joined Biotech because I’m thinking about studying to become a pharmacist and I heard biotech was a good way to start,” says Senior, Cicily Chen, first year student. Senior Steven Lei, second year Biotech student added, “I decided to continue Biotech because I want to major in biology.”

Biotech teachers, Mr. Chinn and Mr. DeBella, are both very proud of the students who joined their class. “I think it’s a good opportunity and I wish I had this opportunity when I was in high school, because now, they get to use technology that I didn’t get to use,” says, Mr. Chinn. “I really encourage them to join,” adds Mr. DeBella.

AoHT

By Molly Smith, Staff Writer

AoHT, the Academy of Hospitality and tourism, focuses on business management, marketing, travel planning, the hotel industry, and more. Students are able to gain real world experience in this field through visiting colleges and their hospitality and culinary programs, working with hotel managers and industry partners, and participating in paid internships with various hotels.

“Students are given access to career opportunities in hospitality and tourism in addition to gaining professional skills, preparing for college, and providing service to the community through the Convention and Visitors Bureau,” said Ms. Karen Field, AoHT coordinator. “Galileo is centered around many popular tourism sites which makes it a perfect location for AoHT.”

Because of the economic crisis, throughout the country, there have been many budget cuts from the educational system to the health field. The budget cuts have been felt by people throughout the country, and specifically in the state of California. Most of the cuts in California have been made by Arnold Schwarzenegger, the governor of California, who made the University of California systems agree to cut $637 million out of their budget, to make up for California’s $26 billion short fall. Because of these cuts student’s fees have been increased by 32%, which is a lot out of anyone who is planning to go to college, and already in college pockets. The budget cuts are huge, and as a senior who is planning to go to college and eventually end up in medical school, those plans of payment have been changed because of these budget cuts.

When I heard about the big budget cuts, it felt like I had lost all hope about being on a UC campus, riding my bike to go to classes, and having study groups in the library, or out on the grassy parts of the school. Hearing about how the state is out of money made me re-think about solely depending on financial-aid to help with my payments, but because of the budget cuts I have to rely on more ways of paying my way through college.

Before these budget cuts ever happened I was going to rely on finical-aid provided by the government to help me with the expenses that college comes with; dorms, books, and other expenses included. But now since the state is in debt, I really have to focus on trying to find a part-time job while being a full-time student at a UC, or CSU schools. I don’t want to focus on finding a job or internship, I would rather focus on studying and doing well in my classes so I don’t end up dropping out, and graduate late.

The budget cuts changed my plans for college by thinking about the cheapest alternative schools that I can think of. The State schools were my limit, I didn’t want to go any lower, but when I heard that private schools are technically affordable for low income families, I am now even thinking about private schools. Even though they are more expensive than the public universities, and community colleges; private schools will provide scholarships if I need it. I think private schools would be a better option for me instead of going to the public universities, because I will know that I will have scholarships provided, and I know I will definitely be able to meet with the professor, and have the chance to know him/her better as a person, not only as a professor. For now, I am going to hunt down as many scholarships as possible, while keeping up with my school work. I am also going to still apply for finical-aid, just to see if I may have loans to help me pay for the expenses to come. I am also applying to all three different types of universities/colleges out there; UCs, CSUs, and private schools. I have started to apply for CSUs already but I need to start for UCs also because they have timed sessions online, and I know it will take me a while just to fill it out, I need to organize my information soon, or now because the deadlines will come rushing at me before I know it.

Year after year, different trends emerge in high school from shoes to clothing. This year, it seems that tattoos have became the latest trend at Galileo with many students coming back to school fresh from summer, showing off their new tattoos.

Although there are those who think that tattoos are ugly and don’t belong on bodies of students who are still in High School, however; I see tattoos as artwork that seem to always have a story or importance behind them. Tattoos are not just started becoming a trend this year also not something that was just created this millennium but, in fact has been around for centuries.

The purpose of tattooing varies from culture to culture. It originated from Egypt and made it’s way through Europe, Middle East, Asia and the Islands until it practically populated the world.

Tattoos serve all kinds of purposes in different cultures some even believed it served as protection. Polynesian tattoos were on people’s body to guard their health, and some to protect them, for example a fisherman would get a tattoo of a shark to keep them safe from sharks. In fact the word ‘tattoo’ came from the Polynesian language. The Polynesian word ‘ta’ which means striking something and the tahitian word ‘tatau’ which means ‘to mark something’.

Although, they just couldn’t tattoo themselves anywhere, the men were allowed to get it on their legs, torso, arms, and face while women only could get them on hands, fingers, wrists and sometimes their tongues. Eventually, they changed that rule so men and women could get tattoos wherever they pleased.

One of the joys of tattoos are that they are all diversified in some way from designs to stories. All the people I know when I ask them about their tattoos there are always something interesting behind it which makes you look at the tattoo in a completely different way.

I think it’s perfectly fine for people, and teenagers to get tattoos. It’s not as if they’re hurting anyone doing it, or doing anything that could seriously mess up their future like drugs or drinking. I’ve actually heard from a couple of people that getting tattoos is a great way for them to release their anger or pain that they feel inside. It’s as if all that emotion is bottled into themselves and the second they get a tattoo it’s like all that emotion is coming out. It’s definitely a better route to take than doing drugs.

It’s not a crime when people try to accessorize themselves with jewelry or make up, so why create a fuss when people want to decorate themselves with tattoos. It’s just another way for them to express themselves, a special work of art on their body that the meaning is their own.

From a young age, I have wanted to travel the world and see everything there is to see. I decided one day I would go from the slums of India to the deserts of Egypt, and take in everything I could. Some people might say this isn’t realistic or it would be too expensive, but with programs available in schools such as Galileo’s SummerFund or the UC Education Abroad Program, in which students can pick from 35 countries to study in, I think it has become an essential part of education.

Seniors in high school are just setting out into the world where everything is suddenly in their control and their future is completely undecided, which makes it an ideal age in which to begin accomplishing these goals. I have begun to realize more and more this year that the point is coming when everything is up to you and my goals for the next couple of years are finally starting to come into focus.

Traveling is something that is really important to me and I think that through exposure to different ways of life and broadening your horizons, you get a more realistic view of the world and are not living in your own bubble the rest of your life. I think that so many students live completely sheltered lives and don’t even know it because they stay in the same place their whole life and don’t acknowledge that other countries and less fortunate people need their help more than corporate businesses in the United Sates.

Many third world countries receive funding from the United States, but a lot of this money doesn’t go to directly towards helping people who don’t have food or proper homes to raise their families in. I think people should take the time to go directly to the source and get hands on experience working with and providing for these people, because many non-profit organizations or businesses that
say they are donating to the needy are unreliable or just don’t have the resources available to follow through with it. Even if you are unable to help, traveling has a huge impact on your education by taking you out of your comfort zone and giving you experiences you never would have had at home.

Programs such as our own SummerFund at Galileo, which takes students on trips around the world even if they don’t have a lot of money, encourage the younger generations to start making a difference early and promote the idea that you are never too young to help. These programs are there to help you reach your highest potential, despite things that may normally hold you back such as not working for an influential business.

Whether you are going to different countries and building homes from rock bottom, or just going on an adventure like rock climbing, you are doing something that will impact the rest of your life and that will give you incredible experiences.

Education is not limited to the classroom and your textbooks, it is about taking the initiative and opening yourself up to other cultures, environments, and people that you know nothing about. This is the only way to truly learn about the world we live in and get the most out of it that you can.

Despite the amount of time spent by Galileo staff members planning the Back to School Night on Monday, September 21, 2009, there wasn’t a big turnout, possibly because of last minute change of the dates. However, the parents that did show up felt that they got a lot of out of the event.

Although Back to School night is usually held on Tuesdays, this year, it was moved up to Monday because of conflicting teacher schedules. Originally, it was suppose to be held on the 23rd, but since Wednesday is a block day, some teachers don’t have classes and it would be hard for them to be available to stay so the staff made the decision to switch the dates.

Ms. Karin Lau, the parent support coordinator at Galileo, has been in charge of the event for many years, so it only took her about two weeks to get the event planned and organized. However, she felt that the number of parents that showed up wasn’t enough. Even though many teachers offered extra credit to students who brought their parents, there wasn’t much to show for it. She states, “Every year it is a challenge to get more parents to attend. This year we only had 300-400 parents that showed up which is only about 15% of the student population.”

Of the parents that did attend, Ms. Lau feels that they got a lot out of it and learned a lot more about what Galileo has to offer. The difference this year was the school loop training, which is a way for parents to keep track of their child’s progress on the internet.

Many of the parents who attended the training felt that it was easy to use and agood way for them to keep track of their child’s progress. Kamron Beikzadeh, father of freshmen Armand Beikzadeh, states, “School Loop is very helpful. It helps me keep track of my son’s progress, attendance, grades – everything.”

The administration also felt that the school loop training was very useful and informative. Ms. Pringle, the assistant principal adds, “It gives the parents an opportunity to get involved. I would recommend that we have more training in the future.”

Parents were also given a chance during the evening to visit and meet teachers in order to get a sense of what the class is learning as well as their child’s progress in that class. Many parents found the information very informative and helpful in understanding what their child’s classes are about. Sandra Lee, mother of senior, Patricia Lee, states, “It’s great how parents get to know what is going on with their child as well as with the school.”

Overall, the staff was happy with the success of the event. However, there are things they would change for next year. Ms. Lau felt that many volunteers that signed up to help with the event didn’t show up and it made for a last minute scramble to get everything set up in time. She states, “Next year, I would like to make sure that the volunteers that sign up actually come because they cannot just leave us without any help like that. I was lucky to have the counselors and JROTC there to bail me out and lend a hand.”

Galileo has several new clubs this year, including the Stage Crew Club led by Mr. Joseph Taylor, the Visual and Performing Arts department chair. The club consists of about 12 students who work behind the scenes to assist the students and staff whenever there is a performance, setting up numerous items like microphones, the sound system, and projectors. If something is not working, the students will use the skills they have learned to fix it, which allows performances to run more smoothly by having less technical problems. 

The Galileo Stage Crew was thought up by Mr. Taylor because during performances last year, there would be a variety of things to set up and Mr. Taylor was the only one who really knew how to fix and set up everything. Before the start of stage crew, Mr. Taylor felt like all the responsibility was on him to get everything set up. With the new stage crew, he has an opportunity to relax and the students have an opportunity to learn valuable technical skills.

Stage Crew helps in many events such as Song & Yell, Chinese Karaoke, and school assemblies. Mr. Taylor feels that this is a great opportunity for the students. He states, “I think it is fantastic because the students get a chance to learn and provide for the Galileo community as well.”

Students who are involved in the club really enjoy what Stage Crew has to offer. It not only gives them an opportunity to make new friends, but also a chance to make a difference in the school. Kevin Lee, a sophomore at Galileo and club president states, “Whenever there is an event on the stage, the audience may only see one successful event, but with the stage crew, it is a combination of big and little efforts that we put together. I really enjoy being a part of it. It’s really a group effort.” Jasen Arada, a member of stage crew adds, “The reason I joined stage crew was to make new friends and this club helped me do that. During meetings, we have a lot of fun talking and hanging out with each other.”

Students also believe that being a part of this club will benefit not only them, but others in the future. Many see themselves working with something technology related when they grow up. The club meets every Monday and also plans to recruit more members as the year goes on. Kevin adds, “I do hope that we can get more members in the future. Hopefully, we will attract more members when students see the kind of excellent activities we, as a group, are engaged in.”

San Francisco District Attorney Kamala D. Harris came to Galileo on October 1 to give a small press conference to highlight domestic violence among teenagers—dating violence in particular—and acknowledge the work the Wellness Center has done for those teens, having served 6,600 district wide last year.

DA Harris announced the start of several new initiatives to combat domestic violence, including a partnership between La Casa de las Madres, an organization that offers services for victims of domestic violence, to campaign for public awareness and education. “[Domestic violence] is much more prevalent than we’d like to think,” said DA Harris.

DA Harris also announced new campaign where three different posters, created with the help of teenagers, are to be put up in high schools around the city. “We like to see ourselves as youthful,” said DA Harris, “but it’s probably best to go to the real source.” The posters, one of them showing a cellphone screen with a list of text messages, some reading “answer ME” and “f u,” are meant to educate students on dating violence.

Galileo was chosen for the promotion because of its reputable Wellness Center, one of the oldest and most comprehensive programs in SFUSD. School nurse Debra Byrant, who has worked with the Wellness Center since it’s start in 2000, says, “ My experience is that many of these teenagers are in [abusive] relationships and don’t even know it.”

One in four women will be a victim to domestic violence, and in teens, one in five. Men make up approximately 15% of the victims who reported partner violence. Every year, over 5.8 billion dollars are spent nationwide on health related costs associated with dating violence.

Nurse Bryant has seen both female and male victims of dating violence but believe that many do not come forward because they do not recognize the signs, believing their relationship to be normal. “I think that there is a misconception that abuse is physical but it is also emotional,” she said. Some of the signs indicating an abusive relationship are isolation—not allowing someone to see friends—and name calling. All eventually lead to violence.

Sam Janeway, a new teacher at Galileo, decided he wanted to teach special education children when he was very young. As a child, he was in special education himself because of dyslexia, and inspired by his resource teacher in the third grade, decided he wanted to help other children with special needs.

Having been in special education, Mr. Janeway feels that he can better understand his students. “I think [I’m strong in] profiling students; finding their behavioral and academic needs so I can help them in a way they can accept.” he says.

Mr. Janeway also acknowledges the challenges of teaching students with special needs. “They are good kids, but they sell themselves short,” he says, “I want to help them succeed”.

Mr. Janeway earned a Bachelors degree at Bucknell University with a major in English and a minor in Psychology, and has a teaching career of fifteen years, including teaching at George Washington High School as well as other schools for the district.

Mr. Janeway has worked at many different schools to earn many different types of experience, including Edgewood, a kindergarden through eighth grade school, and JMC academy for students expelled from the district. He was also a behavioral specialist for the district for three years.

Mr. Janeway believes that he can aid his students. Teaching special needs students is not his only aspiration, though; he also wishes to someday become a dean, so he can help other student achieve success as well, and take his career to a new level.

After spending a year as a counselor at an East Bay high school that was closer to her home, Ms. Liana Wong has come back to Galileo and taken a job as dean. Wong first worked here as an academic counselor in 2004 to 2008, and decided to come back because she missed working here.

Wong, who studied at UC Davis and Columbia Teachers College, found that there were no positions open as a counselor but one for a dean, which she took with support from friends and staff at Galileo. Working as a dean and counselor are very different, according to Ms. Wong, because as a counselor, she dealt with academics and grades, but similar because they both involve students, which she says is the “best part”

Being a dean is always a constant challenge and part of Ms. Wong’s job description as dean is to deal with discipline and she also talks to parents. So far, Ms. Wong is enjoying her new job saying, “It’s helping me grow as an educator.”

Many of the staff members at Galileo are happy to see Ms. Wong here again. Mr. Paul Robertson, the other dean, works with Ms. Wong, who he’s known for a long time and says he shares an “excellent working relationship” with her. Ms. Cecilia Chan, the senior counselor, is glad to have Wong back but she said, “We are sad that she’s not coming back in the counseling office” and predicts that Ms. Wong will “make an excellent dean.”

Although she is starting her first year as assistant principal at Galileo, this will be Ms. Zoe Duskin’s third year working here. For the previous two years, she worked as Instructional Reform Facilitator, also known as “school improvement coach”, supporting teachers at Galileo for the last two years. She became assistant principal because she wanted to get more hands on at helping out the school and working directly with teachers more.

As Instructional Reform Facilitator, she worked with the administration to design plans to help Galileo and also support school improvement initiatives. Before getting this position, she had to take what is known as the School Leadership Licensure Assessment writing exam.

Now, as the assistant principal, she works with department chairs to help them reach department goals, worked with community and national organizations to manage school, involved with Professional Development- managing time with teachers, and strategic planning management, known as the balance score card for Galileo. Ms. Duskin says that, “The balance score card is a strategic planning and management system of how we can continue to strive to make Galileo a better school, it ensures that we are focused on a few common goals designed to improve student achievements.”

Ms. Duskin believes she is ready to handle the Assistant Principal role, but she knows she still has a lot to learn. Ms.Duskin says that,”Mr. Van Court (previous assistant principal) left, and I felt like I was ready to be in a leadership role. I have a lot to learn, learn how district/teachers/students works. I’m lucky, because Mrs. Pesek is a good mentor for me and so is Mrs. Lambert. Sometimes, I seek the leadership team for help,” said Ms. Duskin.

As a first year assistant principal, Ms. Duskin knows that it’s a hard job, but she loves it. She thinks that Galileo has great teachers to help students, as she says, “It’s a hard job but I love it. Galileo has fantastic teachers design ways to help students be successful,” she said.

Many staff members are happy and look forward to work with Ms.Duskin, as being the new assistant principal. Ms. Wade, Secretary of Galileo says,” She’s wonderful; I enjoy working with her, I’m very happy.” Dean Robertson says, “I think it’s great.”