By Sandy Jiang
Staff Writer
Ethnic Studies
In response to Bill AB-101, passed in 2021 by the California State Legislature requiring an Ethnic Studies credit for graduation starting the Class of 2030, TCHS will integrate Ethnic Studies into U.S. History and AP U.S. History.
Although the new Ethnic Studies curriculum will be included in U.S. History classes starting next year, it will not yet be a requirement for graduation at TCHS.
The model-curriculum of Ethnic Studies focuses on four core disciplines: African American, Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x, Native American and Asian American and Pacific Islander studies.
The Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum published by the California Department of Education states, “the focus on the experiences of these four disciplines provides an opportunity for students to learn the histories, cultures, struggles and contributions to American society of these historically marginalized peoples.”
“As a whole, I personally feel like this curriculum is necessary,” AP U.S. History teacher Brandon Rivas said. “I’m psyched to be one of the Ethnic Studies teachers since it includes a lot of the stuff I already cover and talk about. The bigger issue is how much needs to be left out to accommodate the AP students in order to make sure all of the content is covered leading up to the AP test.”
The class of 2030, the first group required to take Ethnic Studies to graduate, can fulfill both Ethnic Studies and U.S. History requirements from one course at TCSF. However, other programs like Options For Youth require completing each course separately.
HelioTech NBC Army Commercial
In collaboration with the U.S. Army, NBC featured HelioTech, a second-year student-run solar car program, in a commercial showcasing STEM opportunities in the Army.
Shot on campus in the HelioTech shed and at the Acura Grand Prix at Long Beach, the minute-long commercial displayed how innovative high school programs can lead to STEM careers in the army.
“It was super exciting to know that we’d get the chance to share what our program encompasses with others outside of our community,” senior HelioTech Operations Lead Kacey Ly said. “The commercial is to show viewers that what they do in high school can relate to and transition to a career in the US Army. It made me realize that HelioTech isn’t just a small project, but rather a program that is so unique that we are getting the recognition we deserve.”
At the Grand Prix, HelioTech watched the car race and received special access to army VR experiences, combat vehicles and “Spot,” a robot dog from Boston Dynamics.
“I’m really lucky to have been considered for the role,” junior Leilany Garcia said. “It’s an honor to represent such an awesome program. I had never been on TV, and having my first experience with something I’m truly passionate about was so special to me.”