Authors
Sherlyn De Haro
Shawnee Hofstad-Collins
Julianna Pilkerton
Melissa Gonzalez
Jeffery Harper
Zictlaly Castro
Choosing College Classes
Did you know choosing college classes in an Early College High School can be compared to London fashion week? Just like London fashion week, choosing college classes takes a lot of time, it's stressful, it's quick in the moment, precise, and has many things going on behind the scenes. It is not just as easy as 1,2,3, although there are a couple of steps. Most importantly, there are many things to consider before making a choice.
When I started to choose my classes, I didn’t know where to go or how to start, so I made sure to ask Ms. Sautter this. She said first, you have to log in to iStar, which is sometimes a problem for some people, but whenever you can log in, you have to go to the ‘Student Page’ and then the tab for ‘Manage Classes.’ “Anything we have to do with managing college classes, that’s where you start.” Once you know which classes you want to take, you search them up and it gives you the options of time, date, location, and professor for you to choose from. “Always take some notes,” says Ms. Sautter. “When you come for your Lone Star meeting, that’s when you get enrolled.” Always remember, even if your college classes are here at the High School you still have to meet with them because it is still a college class; the only difference is the location. Ms. Roberts had a different response but it’s also really good. She said, “Students should spend some time researching information to determine the educational requirements for their desired career, which will help students determine which degree plan will prepare them for their future career goals.”
After the clarification of the process, I asked what the specifics were as to what happens when whether or not you’ve passed the TSI, and according to Ms. Roberts if you have passed TSI, “Ms. Sautter just gave each grade-level (9th - 11th) a presentation about degree plans letting students know which courses they needed to choose for the Fall Semester. Some classes/courses are requirements to graduate high school and some classes/courses have to be taken in a certain order. When earning an Associate's degree, there are also requirements for that degree.” I talked with Ms. Sautter too and this is what she told me, “We have meetings every semester and then you need to start looking for schools, and their degree plans because that will guide us on what classes you need to take. Then we use a Google form process to get the information ready for when the Lone Star advisors come; whenever they come y'all are gonna have an individual meeting with them and they actually enroll you in the classes.” All of this information is also just based on whether or not you’ve passed the TSI and the information above explains what you do at first when you have passed it.
I know there are some students who haven’t passed TSI, and I didn’t want to leave them unforgotten, so I asked both Ms. Sautter and Ms. Roberts what happens if someone hasn’t passed it yet and this is what they said: “If students haven't passed any parts of the TSI, then they cannot take college courses at LSC, with the exception of a few courses like EDUC, PHED, BUSI, Computer Science, and Environmental. If students pass the Reading and Writing portions of TSI, then they can at least begin taking some more college courses, but they will not be able to take the college math course until they pass the Math TSI.” This is what Ms. Roberts told me and Ms. Sautter confirmed its accuracy. Afterward, I asked Ms. Sautter the same thing and she said that even if you haven’t passed you still have to choose classes because you still need your Math, English, or Science credit. Basically, you still take the course but you just don’t get the college credit, you’re only able to complete the high school side of things. You still have to go through the same process though of filling out the Google form, which has options for people who haven’t passed TSI. You still have to come up to her so she can check your stuff but you don’t meet a college advisor since you can’t enroll for the college course.
Finally, I asked both Ms. Sautter and Ms. Roberts what smart tips they suggest when searching for your classes and this is what they said: “This isn’t about it being easier for me, this is about y'all getting what you need so it helps after you graduate. So to have information on where you’re going and that degree plan is helpful to you. Your time spent researching and figuring out what type of school and where you wanna be is very helpful to guide you to which classes to choose,” Ms.Sautter said. “Information is a big thing.” Ms. Roberts stated, “Students should pay attention to their emails from the counselor and they should also pay close attention to the counselor's presentations when she visits their classrooms each semester because each student is on a different path, so they need to carefully choose the courses that will benefit them the most. Students should research the 4-year university that he/she is interested in to see which college credits will transfer and which ones will not. Students should also look into "Transfer Equivalency'' to see which courses from LSC are the same or will be accepted as equivalent when they transfer to their future 4-year university.”
I hope this has helped you since we are now choosing our college classes and are ready or getting ready for the next step.
STAAR Testing for Freshman
STAAR testing season is coming up, and many students are ready for the upcoming state test. Ever since the 3rd grade, every student has been taking this test, so nothing new, right? Well, it seems there’s a few new changes this year for everyone, especially freshmen. The class of 2026 has opinions on the 9th grade testing that’s right around the corner. Many freshmen in the class of 2026 have some strong opinions on the STAAR testing, whether it be fear, excitement, or even just a simple nonchalant attitude towards this coming trial. Watch the video below!
Students' Opinion Video
After going around to get some words from my peers and assembling them into a video, I got tons of valuable information from the freshmen. Many have expressed a dislike and attribute much of their “end of the year stress” to the test. Most seem to appreciate the way their teacher has prepared them throughout the year, even with busy work. Despite the mixed results and differing opinions, this group of freshmen are ready for the upcoming STAAR tests, and all the challenges that come with it..
Students' Opinion Video
After going around to get some words from my peers and assembling them into a video, I got tons of valuable information from the freshmen. Many have expressed a dislike and attribute much of their “end of the year stress” to the test. Most seem to appreciate the way their teacher has prepared them throughout the year, even with busy work. Despite the mixed results and differing opinions, this group of freshmen are ready for the upcoming STAAR tests, and all the challenges that come with it..
How the Seeds Were Planted: The Origins of Easter
Although many people understand Easter to be a holiday surrounding the resurrection of Jesus, few understand the origins of the holiday and the meaning of the recurring symbols that pop up around the holiday. I conducted a study asking 10 Infinity students two questions: “Do you know the origins of Easter?” and “Do you know what bunnies and other spring animals represent during this holiday?”. 60% of students felt confident to answer that they understood the origins of Easter but only 10% answered yes when asked about the significance of the symbols. Understanding the origins of the holiday and its many motifs shines a whole new light on this Spring holiday.
Although Easter in terms of Jesus’ resurrection is a Christian holiday, the holiday was originally a Pagan holiday that celebrated the arrival of Spring. Easter is celebrated in April which in fourteenth-century England was called “Eosturmonath” in honor of the goddess Eostre, who is the goddess of fertility in terms of humans and crops, and this is where the holiday gets its name. These Spring festivals coincided with the celebration of the resurrection, and thus the themes of Spring and new life became associated with the resurrection, and the two celebrations blended.
The symbolism of eggs and rabbits have been around since the Middle Ages. During the Middle Ages, people would decorate eggs and eat them after Easter Mass as a treat after fasting through Lent, in which eating eggs was forbidden. Thus, the practice of dying eggs has been sustained and is still a tradition today. The hare was a symbol often associated with the goddess of Eostre and is often associated with fertility due to this. The actual Easter Bunny has German origins and was supposedly brought to America during the 1700s when Germans settled in Pennsylvania. It was called “Osterhase” and the rabbit would lay colorful eggs for children to find around their homes and gardens on Easter morning. With the boom of the greeting card industry in the 19th-century, rabbits became even more popular around Easter time and seem to be here to stay,
The traditions of egg hunts and the Easter Bunny visiting have been around for centuries, but not many people can say they fully understand the context from which they came. Understanding the origins of these traditions can allow people to express a new appreciation for the holiday and to find unique ways to celebrate.
Sources
Magazine, Smithsonian, “The Ancient Origins of the Easter Bunny.” Smithsonian Magazine, www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-ancient-origins-of-the-easter-bunny-180979915/.
Travers, Penny. “Origin of Easter: From Pagan Rituals to Bunnies and Chocolate Eggs.” ABC News, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 14 Apr. 2017, www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-15/the-origins-of-easter-from-pagan-roots-to-chocolate-eggs/8440134.
Although Easter in terms of Jesus’ resurrection is a Christian holiday, the holiday was originally a Pagan holiday that celebrated the arrival of Spring. Easter is celebrated in April which in fourteenth-century England was called “Eosturmonath” in honor of the goddess Eostre, who is the goddess of fertility in terms of humans and crops, and this is where the holiday gets its name. These Spring festivals coincided with the celebration of the resurrection, and thus the themes of Spring and new life became associated with the resurrection, and the two celebrations blended.
The symbolism of eggs and rabbits have been around since the Middle Ages. During the Middle Ages, people would decorate eggs and eat them after Easter Mass as a treat after fasting through Lent, in which eating eggs was forbidden. Thus, the practice of dying eggs has been sustained and is still a tradition today. The hare was a symbol often associated with the goddess of Eostre and is often associated with fertility due to this. The actual Easter Bunny has German origins and was supposedly brought to America during the 1700s when Germans settled in Pennsylvania. It was called “Osterhase” and the rabbit would lay colorful eggs for children to find around their homes and gardens on Easter morning. With the boom of the greeting card industry in the 19th-century, rabbits became even more popular around Easter time and seem to be here to stay,
The traditions of egg hunts and the Easter Bunny visiting have been around for centuries, but not many people can say they fully understand the context from which they came. Understanding the origins of these traditions can allow people to express a new appreciation for the holiday and to find unique ways to celebrate.
Sources
Magazine, Smithsonian, “The Ancient Origins of the Easter Bunny.” Smithsonian Magazine, www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-ancient-origins-of-the-easter-bunny-180979915/.
Travers, Penny. “Origin of Easter: From Pagan Rituals to Bunnies and Chocolate Eggs.” ABC News, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 14 Apr. 2017, www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-15/the-origins-of-easter-from-pagan-roots-to-chocolate-eggs/8440134.
Student Drivers
Many IECHS students are starting to get their Permit and Driver's License and many of them want to bring in their cars to school but don’t know how to get a parking spot at school. Well you are in luck today!
To save you guys the hustle you will first have to go onto the school’s website and find the online google form which will ask you to upload your Valid Driver’s License or Permit and your insurance that has to be under your name or your parents. I have asked Ms. Bolanos why do you need to have insurance? She said, “A student here at Infinity accidently hit another student’s car which caused the student to call their insurance company.” Please look at your mirrors when making any move in the parking lot because accidents like this will happen. Another question that many students may ask is “How much is a parking lot space here at school?” I have looked into the price and it will be a charge of $40 per school year. Having a parking lot space here at Infinity Early College High School is a privilege. As a student you have to be responsible enough to maintain this privilege and not violate any of the rules that are set for you.
In conclusion, having a parking space at IECHS is a privilege not a right! Be responsible and do not violate any of the rules that are set because there will be consequences. If you or a friend are ready to start driving and taking it to school do not forget to ask Ms.Bolanos for any questions regarding parking at school! Drive safe.
To save you guys the hustle you will first have to go onto the school’s website and find the online google form which will ask you to upload your Valid Driver’s License or Permit and your insurance that has to be under your name or your parents. I have asked Ms. Bolanos why do you need to have insurance? She said, “A student here at Infinity accidently hit another student’s car which caused the student to call their insurance company.” Please look at your mirrors when making any move in the parking lot because accidents like this will happen. Another question that many students may ask is “How much is a parking lot space here at school?” I have looked into the price and it will be a charge of $40 per school year. Having a parking lot space here at Infinity Early College High School is a privilege. As a student you have to be responsible enough to maintain this privilege and not violate any of the rules that are set for you.
In conclusion, having a parking space at IECHS is a privilege not a right! Be responsible and do not violate any of the rules that are set because there will be consequences. If you or a friend are ready to start driving and taking it to school do not forget to ask Ms.Bolanos for any questions regarding parking at school! Drive safe.
Readiness for Junior Year
Are the Sophomores ready for Junior year?
Most sophomores know what they need and what they are going to take during their junior year. However, there are a select few who don’t know or may have forgotten.
When I asked students if they knew what classes they were going to take, most of them knew. However, quite a few students didn’t know. Even though Ms.Roberts went over it in class, they still didn’t know and when I asked them why, the two most common responses were “I don’t remember.” and “I wasn’t paying attention.” These students need this information in order to continue onto junior year and not get lost or confused.
There are 2 different types of associates that a student must base their college classes around, according to what their career path best matches with. The 2 associates include the Associates of Arts and the Associates of Science. The Associates of Arts requires 1 math class, 2 science classes, and 18 hours of electives, whilst the Associates of Science requires 2 math classes, 4 science classes, and 7 hours of electives. You need 60 credit hours for both associates. Students must pick from classes based on what math, science and elective matches their career path. The class options are of the following:
Many schools like to see it on your transcript. ESPECIALLY if you are doing anything in a Science, Medical, STEM field!!
The sophomores must be prepared for junior year. They must know what math, science, and electives they will be taking. Without this knowledge they will be lost.
Most sophomores know what they need and what they are going to take during their junior year. However, there are a select few who don’t know or may have forgotten.
When I asked students if they knew what classes they were going to take, most of them knew. However, quite a few students didn’t know. Even though Ms.Roberts went over it in class, they still didn’t know and when I asked them why, the two most common responses were “I don’t remember.” and “I wasn’t paying attention.” These students need this information in order to continue onto junior year and not get lost or confused.
There are 2 different types of associates that a student must base their college classes around, according to what their career path best matches with. The 2 associates include the Associates of Arts and the Associates of Science. The Associates of Arts requires 1 math class, 2 science classes, and 18 hours of electives, whilst the Associates of Science requires 2 math classes, 4 science classes, and 7 hours of electives. You need 60 credit hours for both associates. Students must pick from classes based on what math, science and elective matches their career path. The class options are of the following:
- Math 1314 - College Algebra
- Math 1342 - Statistics
- Math 1316 - Trig (must pass 1314 first)
- Math 2412 - Pre-Cal (must pass 1316 first)
- Math 1324 - Business Math
- Math 2413 - Calculus 1
- Biol 1406 - College Biology 1 - Carnahan - here at IECHS
- Envr 1401 - Environmental Science - Siel - here at IECHS
- Geol 1403 - Physical Geology - at LSC
- Phys 1403 - Stars and Galaxies - at LSC
Many schools like to see it on your transcript. ESPECIALLY if you are doing anything in a Science, Medical, STEM field!!
The sophomores must be prepared for junior year. They must know what math, science, and electives they will be taking. Without this knowledge they will be lost.
Prom 2023
Prom: one of the most significant events in a high school student’s life. Prom is a formal dance and a celebration that represents the end of high school which always has a unique theme that allows the kids to have an idea how to dress. Prom is also a day in which the students get to have fun and have one last dance with their friends.
The theme of this year's IECHS prom is “Masquerade.” The masquerade theme has a long history; it is one of the most traditional themes. A masquerade ball is usually where the people wear masks and costumes to make the atmosphere feel mysterious. This is a very good theme because the kids get to have fun with their costumes and masks. I have talked to a senior and he said, “I’m very excited to have fun with my peers and make this night last forever.”
Prom is the event where the students can say goodbye to their peers before leaving high school. The prom is a very important night for every senior because they know it is the main event they have as seniors not including graduation. I asked another senior if they were ready to have the last event and this is what they said: “Well you know, it is bittersweet because you are leaving your friends and the support system that you built, but you know it's all going to be worth it in the end.” I imagine this is how every senior is feeling at this moment, especially so close to the end of the school year.
In conclusion, prom is one of the most significant events, other than graduation, because seniors get to have fun and say their goodbyes to everyone they have spent four years of their lives with before going their separate ways.
The theme of this year's IECHS prom is “Masquerade.” The masquerade theme has a long history; it is one of the most traditional themes. A masquerade ball is usually where the people wear masks and costumes to make the atmosphere feel mysterious. This is a very good theme because the kids get to have fun with their costumes and masks. I have talked to a senior and he said, “I’m very excited to have fun with my peers and make this night last forever.”
Prom is the event where the students can say goodbye to their peers before leaving high school. The prom is a very important night for every senior because they know it is the main event they have as seniors not including graduation. I asked another senior if they were ready to have the last event and this is what they said: “Well you know, it is bittersweet because you are leaving your friends and the support system that you built, but you know it's all going to be worth it in the end.” I imagine this is how every senior is feeling at this moment, especially so close to the end of the school year.
In conclusion, prom is one of the most significant events, other than graduation, because seniors get to have fun and say their goodbyes to everyone they have spent four years of their lives with before going their separate ways.