The School Newspaper of West High School

West Signals
The School Newspaper of West High School

West Signals
The School Newspaper of West High School

West Signals
West High’s Summer Workshops will offer five different enrichment opportunities on campus for students between mid-June and early August. Theater Director Ms. Orabuena encourages students to give her workshop a try “if you think you might want to be involved or you just want to come back to school and have fun for a couple weeks.”

West Teachers Offer Free Summer Workshops

Lauren Ng, Staff Writer • May 25, 2021
As finals week approaches, it’s crucial to take time to take care of yourself. Co-Vice President of Tutorial club Michelle Fong (12) notes how she recharges during this stressful time: “Whether [it be] self-care stuff like just making yourself something nice to drink [or] doing a face mask, I find that that really helps me relax for a bit and find my motivation again to just power through with that last assignment or whatever I have to get done.”

A Stress-Free Finals Week

Alexssa Takeda, Staff Writer • May 25, 2021
Following a TUSD board meeting discussing the full reopening of Torrance campuses, disdain from teachers and students for the district’s decision-making process grows louder.

TUSD Board Democracy

Alexssa Takeda, Staff Writer • May 11, 2021
As a month of AP testing continues, students prepare for online exams by taking practice tests. Riyana Roy (10) notes how she plans to study for her AP World History exam: “Since world history is about remembering facts, I’m [going to] use active recall where I ask myself questions about important topics to see if I can remember them. I’ll probably create notes for every unit too, and sort them into various world history themes which would be useful on the DBQ (Document Based Question) portion.”

Conquering AP Anxiety

Westley Kim, Staff Writer • May 11, 2021
Since the gradual lifting of lockdown restrictions in California, businesses such as movie theaters are slowly beginning to reopen. But after Governor Gavin Newsom announced the elimination of capacity limits in these theaters, some movie-goers wonder if it will remain safe.

It’s Showtime! But Is It Safe?

Alexssa Takeda, Staff Writer • April 30, 2021
Netflix Documentary “Seaspiracy” tackles the controversial fish market and the impact it has on the world’s oceans. The fishing industry is accused of wiping out fish in the sea, destroying habitats, and illegally hunting for whales. The filmmakers have expressed a desire to save the oceans from the fishing industry, but they have also come under fire for presenting a sensationalized version of the truth.

On Demand: Seaspiracy Takeaways

Shrutika Ezhil, Staff Writer • April 30, 2021
On April 12th-14th, tryouts for West High’s Speech and Debate team were held. Team captain Jana Abulaban (11) expresses what she got out of being a part of the team: “Once I joined, I understood the broader concept of Speech and Debate and really understood what I wanted to gain [from] it: that feeling of being part of a really supportive team...I have learned to publicly speak more and be more confident with it.”

Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to this Debate

Alexssa Takeda, Staff Writer • April 27, 2021
Students returned to West High’s campus for the first time in months as COVID restrictions were loosened in Los Angeles County. Hallways decorated with posters and signs remind students to wear a mask and socially-distance. Blended student Gaby Nieraeth (10) notes how “staircases only go one direction...when walking around campus, some pathways point a certain way, so I had to find alternate paths to get to my classes.”

A Day in the Life of a Blended Student

Lauren Ng, Staff Writer • April 2, 2021
At the beginning of the year, the COVID-19 pandemic prohibited most sports and performing arts classes from meeting in person. However, as the situation with the pandemic improved over time, some teams were able to meet in-person again, including, on March 1st of this year, West High’s marching band. Practicing in-person is an important part of the marching band, and Monday night practices were just one aspect, but returning to in-person practices have signalled the beginning of a return to normalcy. Shreshta Kumar (12), the drum major for West’s marching band, defined her experience as “really nostalgic. Especially as a senior, this being my last year in band, I was really sad to not have my final season (being the drum major too), so seeing other people was super refreshing.” Being apart was definitely harder for some more than others, but practicing in-person provided a taste of what students love about band.

West High Entertainment Unit’s Return to In-Person Practice

Westley Kim, Staff Writer • March 30, 2021
West High’s ASB threw themed events for each class using the GooseChase scavenger hunt app. Anika Agarwal (10) participated in the St. Patrick’s Day themed event, noting how one event included collecting as many green items as she could find to photograph: “it was pretty fun, especially [when] asking my family to [help].”

The Hunt Is On!

Alexssa Takeda, Staff Writer • March 25, 2021
Elementary Schoolers have been returning to school. To minimize danger to students and staff, meetings are only twice a week. In addition to this, the students are distanced in the classroom.

What Returning to School Looks Like for Elementary Schools

Shrutika Ezhil, Staff Writer • March 25, 2021
As stricter COVID-19 restrictions are eased out and vaccinations become more widely available, more schools around the country are beginning to open up. Teachers at West are preparing their classrooms, stocked with COVID precautions, alongside normal supplies, to ensure the safety of students and fellow staff.

Teachers Prepare For School As Reopening Approaches

Lauren Ng, Staff Writer • March 17, 2021
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20401 Victor St.
Torrance, CA
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