Pueblo High School has added three ACT Prep classes as an elective to better prepare about 100 juniors for the ACT in April.
With the help of Ms. Mary Anne Kelly, Mr. Johnathan McLeod and Mr. Rana Medhi, juniors taking ACT for the first time in a few months will utilize their test-taking strategies and apply their academic preparation.
“I hope this class is a successful program for our Pueblo students,” said Dr. Rosario Hutchings.
She has organized a meticulous schedule for the ACT Prep teachers, who will be boosting students’ skills in three categories: reading, English (grammar) and mathematics.
Medhi, one of the ACT-Prep teachers, hopes to make a positive impact with his students’ test scores.
“I wholeheartedly want students to value the ACT and to help boost students’ confidence when taking a test,” said Medhi. “If it were up to me, I’d start this program when students were freshmen and give them a two-year head start on the ACT.”
By Julian Tellez, Shenail Arvicio & Desire Noriega
Last quarter, students and faculty were treated to a new look to the six main office doors—Pueblo’s emblem and colors—adding to the aesthetics to the campus that has been a trend for the past few years.
The idea originated from Pueblo High School Principal Mr. Frank Rosthenhausler, whose commitment to beautify PHS is definitely apparent and appreciated by the entire Pueblo community.
Several months ago, Rosthenhausler asked the staff to choose among 10 design ideas, and money was used from vending machine profits.
“The door design cost more than $3,000 dollars, and it’s money well spent,” Rosthenhausler. He added that more doors may be decorated in the coming months.
Assistant Principal Karla Martinez said, “I love the new designs on our new office doors, and it exemplifies how much we all care about the look at Pueblo.”
Ms. Jeniffer Mayersohn, Assistant Principal, said, “I think the doors look beautiful because it makes our school modern.”
Pueblo High School senior Leanna Payan has been selected as a semifinalist in a prestigious Arizona state scholarship.
The Flinn Scholarship offers full tuition for any of the three main in-state universities. Just 80 of 1,000 high school senior applicants are selected as semifinalists for two rounds of interviews, which narrows to only 20 Flinn scholars.
Leanna Payan said, “What drew me to applying was the fact that it was so supportive, and I knew people who received this award including Samuel Gonzalez last year.”
This is the 39th generation of Flinn Scholars. Students are offered over $130,000 dollars for tuition, housing, meals, and opportunities to study abroad.
Payan is one of six students from Tucson who made it to the finalist round.
She said, “For me, becoming a Flinn Scholar would mean being in a community with people who actually want to do school and want a better future for themselves.”
Payan will learn in April if she is officially a Flinn Scholar.
“Just to make it this far is an honor,” Payan said.
By Priscila Borquez, Jose Jovel & Emely Villanueva
Dr. Manuel Avila
On Dec. 31, 2023, the Free Application for Student Federal Aid opened. FAFSA opened initially with a period called “Soft Launch”—periodically FAFSA would open and close to prevent shutdowns within the system.
In the pursuit of higher education, completing the FAFSA is a gateway to financial assistance that can make the difference between attending college or not. Moreover, with the implementation of new changes in the 2024 FAFSA, the process has become more accessible and inclusive, further shaping students’ academic futures.
“FAFSA is subject to change because we know that FAFSA is taking longer to process. As of right now it’s due May 3, 2024,” said Dr. Manuel Ávila, Pueblo’s College and Career Coordinator.
Completing the FAFSA opens doors to many financial aid opportunities including grants, loans, and work study programs. These resources are lifelines for students from all walks of life, providing the means to afford tuition, books, and living expenses associated with collegiate success.
“Be mindful of the opportunities offered by FAFSA and consider attending workshops for help with creating and FSA ID and completing FAFSA,” said Avila.
The changes introduced to the FAFSA in 2024 represent a significant step forward in making the financial aid process more accessible. The application process and simplified questions reduce barriers for students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Also, the inclusion of questions to identify students struggling with homelessness, those in foster care, and those with incarcerated parents makes sure that the unique circumstances of students are seen and assessed for financial aid.
Avila added, “FAFSA determines eligibility for financial aid and I 100% recommend students apply to make sure they have access to different financial aid opportunities.”
Currently, FAFSA can only be completed by students who have a social security number, although students without one should not be discouraged in applying for financial aid. Counselors advise to use the CSS profile for undocumented students as more colleges and universities are accepting this type of financial aid.
In addition, the CSS communicates to colleges of those who meet a certain financial burden, and some colleges are willing to meet full financial need to students accepted into those colleges.
“There are exceptions that I still need to approve, but I will highly suggest making appointments and talking to me if you have any questions or concerns,” said Dr. Avila.
Seniors: Time is running out; don’t procrastinate!
Despite all the work that was completed to Pueblo High School’s cafeteria last summer, there were some residual remodeling projects; during winter break, the final details were added, including new tables and chairs.
In his continued efforts to improve archaic infrastructure at Pueblo, Principal Frank Rosthenhausler had applied for a grant and was awarded $225,000 and thought it would be the perfect opportunity to direct the funds to the cafeteria renovation project.
Rosthenhausler stated, “The idea of the renovation came about last year, I saw that there were areas that needed improvement.”
Rosthenhausler said, “We wanted to make the cafeteria look truly artistic, and the shades of orange chosen on the soft seating in the cafeteria also affect mood.”
Mr. Rosthenhausler found a West Coast designer, Ella, to come up with models for the new look.
“There are plans for a big TV to go in the cafeteria that was donated to us by Lapan Foundation, a generous organization that provides students with scholarships and mentorships, but other than that, the project is pretty much done,” Rosthenhausler stated.
Cafeteria employee Mr. Rafael Garcia thinks the cafeteria looks nice, but it is also harder to clean because of all the chairs because a lot of the kids move the chairs to other tables.
One cafeteria employee, Ms. Sonia Lopez, said, “I love the renovation, I think it looks beautiful.”
Ms. Taylor Cleland is back at Pueblo High School to take over math classes for Ms. Rhesa Olsen who retired at the end of last semester.
She should look familiar to many students—as Cleland taught here at Pueblo from 2018 until 2022 to pursue her passion in writing (and to avoid COVID-19).
“I’m a writer, and I wanted some more time to work on my writing,” she said, explaining why she left two years ago.
“I also got long-term COVID-19, so I couldn’t work full time. However, I’m much better,” said Cleland.
She also substituted many times before this semester, but Cleland adds that she likes having her own students a lot more.
She said that she is focusing on getting the students back on track.
“When students have substitute teachers, they end up doing little or nothing,” Cleland said.
Her main goal is trying to create a positive learning environment for students, allowing students to listen to music while they do their work and frequently monitors all her new students’ work.
“I think if students have a positive environment in which to learn and work, they will have much better chances of academic success,” Cleland said.
She added, “I also have students working on projects as well as having some students teaching their peers. This creates an exciting learning environment.”
