Alex Carr's The Jaguars' Spot column for Wed., Mar. 10, 2010

Don’t take this one for granted

          The time is upon us where every sophomore in California will be taking the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE). Pretty much every student who has ever existed since the dawn of time or will ever exist has taken or will take the CAHSEE to ensure that they have paid attention in class. If you don’t pass this test don’t worry ... you’ll get to take it every year you’re held back at VCHS until you do! (Yes, that was supposed to be a little scary.)

          Now the good news: I’ve heard from teachers and students who’ve already taken the CAHSEE that the test is really quite easy. The test is divided into two sections: math and English. The math questions are at roughly a sixth or seventh grade level, so every VCHS sophomore should be able to pass no matter how many times you’ve taken Algebra 1! The English section is composed of some reading comprehension, some vocab, and one or two in-class timed essays.

          Teachers have been readying us for months now to make sure we are prepared for this test. English teachers are doing timed essays to get students used to the pressure and feel of writing while timed. Math teachers are giving practice problems that will undoubtedly help students with what they will be expected to know for the CAHSEE.

          On Tuesday, March 16, all the sophomores at VCHS will gather in the gym to take the CAHSEE. So, all you Jags, make sure you study for this test. It might not be as hard as an AP test, but wouldn’t you rather over-study than have to stay in high school another year -- our, er, wonderful, wonderful high school (in case principal McCowan is reading this!)

Tell me about it!:

          I’ve had a lot of kids and parents tell me they are wondering how my new movie, “Boy on the Moon,” is going, so a quick progress report: It’s going great!

          We’re almost done shooting and we’re well into editing. I’d just thank some of the cast and crew: Jessie Thompson and Jesse Polancic (sophomores), who are the leads; Jeremy Halligan (a sophomore as well), is helping to edit and create some really cool green screen effects. I’ve also got a bunch of adults in the movie like VCHS English teacher Linda Saffiote, Neha Curtiss, Joe Johnson, John Norwood, and even Roadrunner editor David Ross (who plays a curmudgeon!). Special thanks to my English teacher, Mr. Dolan, who encouraged me to turn a script I wrote as an extra credit assignment into this movie.

          Got a great item for this column? Tell me about it! Catch me on campus or go to my web page and shoot me an e-mail (www.carrfamily.com/alex).