Month: October 2021

By Jackson Wedel, Staff Writer

On October 12 the Sacramento City Unified School District officially passed a resolution requiring all staff members and students over 12 years old in the district to get the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by November 30. According to the district’s official press release, the decision was made primarily to “best ensure the health and safety of all students, staff, and community”.

Students and faculty members who are not fully vaccinated by that date because of medical exemptions must submit to “regular routine” COVID-19 testing at a rate subject to change based on current testing capabilities and public health guidelines. Meanwhile, those without valid exemptions must enroll in the district’s Independent Study program.

SCUSD Superintendent Jorge Aguilar defended the decision in a press release of his own. “For so many of our students, schools are a safe haven and I recognize that the Board’s consideration of this item is based on our collective commitment to meeting those student needs,” he asserted. “By considering a vaccination mandate for students, we are taking a bold stand to protect public health.”

However, Aguilar acknowledged that the resolution was flawed, most notably in its reliance on the Independent Study program. “A statewide staffing shortage has been exacerbated by the pandemic, and Sac City Unified, like most districts across the state, has been struggling to fill positions so we can meet current demand for Independent Study,” he observed. He feared that the vaccine mandate may drive students away from the district, saying “Families that refuse to get vaccinated may transfer to neighboring districts that do not yet have a vaccine mandate, and students may choose to pursue Independent Study in other districts that have been able to develop more robust remote learning opportunities.”

Despite his concern about its effects, Aguilar emphasized that the resolution would still bring about a positive impact on the SCUSD population. “If in the future we and others in our community look back at this moment and ask why we didn’t take steps to prevent the losses in enrollment, it’ll be because we took action to minimize the threat of COVID to our schools so that we could continue serving our students.”

This SCUSD vaccine mandate came just weeks after the California legislature announced its intention to make the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for in-person learning as soon as the Food and Drug Administration approved the vaccine for middle schoolers and high schoolers. When he officially announced the plan, Governor Gavin Newsom commented, “Vaccines work. It’s why California leads the country in preventing school closures and has the lowest case rates. We encourage other states to follow our lead to keep our kids safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

In response to both the SCUSD mandate and the state-wide proposal, a group of protestors gathered at the Capitol building on Tuesday, October 18. The protest, known as “Our Children, Our Choice!”, brought in over one thousand people.

The common sentiment during the protest was that it took away people’s right to choose whether or not to get vaccinated. “We both trust you to protect your children. We are here because you deserve that right. If you choose the vaccine, we stand with you. If you choose not to vaccinate, we stand with you,” asserted event organizer Tess Van Dusen in her speech at the Capitol protest, referring to herself and fellow organizer Amber Faddis.

Despite the protest, SCUSD has not changed its plans to mandate vaccines as of now.

By Kenedi Patin, Staff Writer

The McClatchy homecoming football game is open to all spectators! 

On October 22, McClatchy will be having its much awaited homecoming game against River City at Hughes Stadium. Students, family, and alumni may attend and tickets are being sold for cash or card at the student store or in athletic director Mr. Rob Feickert’s office during lunch. After school, students can also purchase tickets at the auditorium ticket window. There is no limit to the amount of tickets being sold for the game, unlike the homecoming dance which is limited to 1,500 students. 

Attendance at this game is an exception since most other sporting events are still only allowing household members of athletes. This game is different because Principal Andrea Egan, ASB advisor Ms. Christine Latino, and Feickert agreed it was important for students to be able to attend their homecoming game. As for future sporting events, current restrictions will remain in place until further notice. 

This is the only football game that will be held at Hughes stadium this year due to cost challenges. Since all other games are only allowing a limited amount of spectators, there is not enough revenue to cover the cost of renting the stadium regularly. 

“There is a cost factor to renting Hughes Stadium. If household members are only allowed at the game we will not make enough money to cover our costs,” Feickert explained. 

At games, players, musicians, cheerleaders, and dance team members are not required to wear masks as long as it is outside. The same goes for attendees. However at indoor events, masks are required at all times. 

Official guidelines for those attending are that they must either show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test result within 72 hours of the game. Students can upload their proof of vaccination on the Google Form or they can access the form on the McClatchy website.

Attendees choosing to provide test results instead of proof of vaccination must show negative results at the stadium before entering. 

On top of the game and the dance, students can look forward to homecoming spirit days! Students can participate and dress up to show their school spirit during the week of October 18. Monday is “jammies and jerseys” day, Tuesday is “anything but a backpack” day, Wednesday is “western Wednesday,” Thursday is “throwback” day, and Friday is class colors day. 

McClatchy staff are excited for students to be able to attend their homecoming game and hope that they enjoy the week.  

By Taryn Yee, Staff Writer

Homecoming is on! Concluding spirit week, the homecoming game will take place at Hughes Stadium on October 22. On October 23, ASB plans to host homecoming on campus at C.K. McClatchy High School from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. 

The C.K. McClatchy Lions will be playing the River City Raiders. JV starts at 5:30 p.m. and Varsity starts at 7 p.m. Legion, the McClatchy student section, has decided that it is a white-out game. Students are encouraged to wear white and bring the ruckus! Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Attendees must show proof of vaccination or submit a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of the event. It is mandatory for all attendees to fill out the Google form prior to attending, which can be found on the McClatchy website, in the Nightly Roar email announcements, or linked in the official McClatchy Instagram account (@officialckmlion).

Contrary to the traditional homecoming dance, this outdoor event will include a silent disco, a live DJ, and food trucks. Tickets for both the dance and game will be sold starting October 7 at lunch and after school, and will be sold until October 21. At lunch, tickets will be sold at the student store, and from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m, afterschool tickets can be purchased at the auditorium ticket window. 

Homecoming football game tickets are $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for McClatchy students and senior citizens (60+ years). Parents/guardians may attend the game but must show a valid ID and proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours of the event. 

Due to COVID concerns, all tickets must be purchased before both events. Tickets will not be sold at the door and students from other schools are not allowed to attend. Students must be prepared to present a valid student ID or Infinite Campus profile to purchase tickets and enter the facility. 

Students, parents, and faculty members can get tested for COVID in McClatchy’s pool room, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This community resource is free and offers rapid tests, which produce same-day results. Register online or through the QR code posted outside of the testing site. The pool room can be accessed through the student parking lot, the blacktop by the back of the boys’ and girls’ locker rooms, or through the hallway by the Yoga room.

Tickets will have each individual’s name on it. The color of their ticket will indicate the vaccination status of the ticket holder. There will also be separate stadium entrances—one for those who are vaccinated and one for those who are not. Once inside the stadium, people can sit wherever they choose.

Masks are mandatory and standard protocol will be followed. At the dance, temperature checks will be conducted upon entrance, sanitizing stations will be provided throughout campus, and there will be a limited number of people allowed in each quad. 

There will be four DJs at the silent disco, each playing a different genre of music. Students will wear headphones that light up with corresponding colors associated with each DJ, and are able to choose which set they would like to listen to. 

In the lunch quad will be a more traditional dance, with a live DJ and dance floor. Aside from being outside and on campus, ASB advisor Ms. Christine Latino thinks that “it should be pretty much the same—kids dancing to music.” 

Students must bring additional money if they want to purchase food from food trucks. Masks can be removed when eating, but must be put back on after finishing the meal. Social distancing and crowd control will be enforced.

This event will conclude this year’s homecoming week, which will include spirit days and the homecoming game. Due to the district’s COVID protocols, the parade and rally will not be part of the week’s festivities. “As of right now we are not allowed. We’re hoping that’ll change” said Latino.

Despite the restrictions, Latino hopes to host an event that will draw all students, both new and returning. “I’d like to build some trust first. I’d like people to see things changing in a positive direction, see how much we care,” she said.

ASB encourages students to participate in this year’s homecoming and asks that everyone experience it with an open mindset.

To stay updated on information regarding homecoming, look for announcements in the weekly Roar, McClatchy website, or official Instagram account (@officialckmlion). All information is subject to change. 

By Jackson Wedel, Staff Writer

C.K. McClatchy High School held its annual Club Rush event on October 1. During the event, various clubs set up booths in the lunch quad to motivate students to join clubs and share important club information. 

Before the event, ASB leaders expressed an interest in using Club Rush as a way to develop a more inclusive school community. 

“I think the most important function of Club Rush is for students of various backgrounds to find something that fits them,” said ASB Treasurer Ema Dang (‘22). Vice President Leevi Symister (‘22) agreed, saying, “New students and old ones are able to come together and see what the school has to offer.”

COVID restrictions made planning the event somewhat difficult. Dang explained she originally wanted it to be in a larger setting so it could be more open. While last-minute changes to the plan forced organizers to move the event from the basketball courts to the lunch quad, leaders were optimistic about their ability to comply with distancing requirements. Ultimately, tables were organized and spaced out enough for students and club leaders alike to feel safe.

53 clubs participated in the event, representing an incredibly diverse range of interests, hobbies, and causes. Students working at each of the booths involved were given passes to leave their fourth-period classes early so that setup was completely finished by the time lunch started. Then, students of all grades and interests spilled into the lunch quad to examine the various clubs.

Club leaders reported a significantly different experience this year as compared to previous years. “It was more organized,” observed CSF Vice President Ryan Tang (‘22). “It was actually more tame this year than previous years — maybe more well-organized, maybe there were more teachers around so people weren’t as crazy.”

Students also thought the event was more well-run than in previous years. “It was really easy to find all the places, and it seemed like everything was well put-together,” commented Livian Hui (‘22).

Moreover, ASB’s initial intent in sharing a sense of community throughout McClatchy seems to have been fulfilled. “I think overall, Club Rush is a really good experience for school spirit. It just really helps everyone find extracurriculars and things that they might find interesting in the future career-wise,” said Hui. In particular, the event served as a way to help encourage underclassmen to truly join the overall McClatchy community for the first time. Tang noted a significant freshman presence at the event, remarking, “I enjoyed seeing the lively new students come to McClatchy and participate!” 

Overall, the primary purpose of Club Rush as an event has always been to allow students to enjoy their time at school as much as they can. Dang said, “I just want Club Rush to be the most fun for everybody. I know people haven’t been able to meet new people during COVID, but now, with all the new clubs, there are so many great ideas out there that I just want everyone to find something that they like and have a chance to meet new people that they don’t encounter on a day-to-day basis.”