Features – Portola Pilot

With the new hybrid model, teachers and students are changing their learning habits to adapt to the struggles of distance learning.

Teachers and Students Share Struggles with The Hybrid Model

September 23, 2020

Despite many of the negative effects, quarantine has also provided an opportunity for students to explore their artistic and creative abilities on a deeper level. “I really like to focus on the quality of my notes … with [IVA and] the lectures, we get to click pause and go back or do whatever we need to do [to fit] our personal needs without having to feel like we’re disrupting the class,” sophomore Katherine Chang said.

Students Reflect on their Selected Learning Model

September 23, 2020

IUSD communicates with parents, teachers and staff primarily through Instagram posts and emails.

Parents, Students and Faculty Weigh In On District Communication

September 21, 2020

A Student’s Guide to Staying Safe at School

Celine Lee, Staff Writer

September 21, 2020

On the left, instrumental music director Kyle Traska holds his pet chicken, Elsa, for whom he assembled a coop out of a neighbor’s old kitchen cabinet. On the right, junior Safah Faraz spends time with her four-month-old calico, Pepper, who is a clumsy yet lovable fool.

Feathers, Fur and Fins: Facing Quarantine with Newfound Friends

September 18, 2020

Because of COVID-19, many of the new teachers have unconventionally introduced themselves to their students through Zoom. As September 24 approaches, the teachers have been preparing to teach on campus for the first time and fully immerse themselves in Portola’s atmosphere.

Welcoming New Teachers to the Bulldog Staff for the 2020-21 School Year

September 17, 2020

In addition to her typical boba shop employee duties, senior Kayla Espiritu has taken on photography, graphic design and publicity management for her store’s social media. Despite the dangers of COVID-19, the pandemic has brought opportunities and challenges to student workers in unexpected ways.

Student Workers Adapt to COVID-19

September 16, 2020

Like most others who teach via IVA, English teacher Madeline Greenwood works from home. “I have a hallway where I have a desk setup. I have a pretty nice setup — I have two monitors,” Greenwood said. Greenwood’s husband who teaches math also chose IVA for the same health reasons and works alongside Greenwood during the day.

IVA vs. Hybrid Teaching: What’s the Difference?

September 16, 2020

Sophomore Ellie Lian and junior Chris Stocks hang out together in a local park. Many students opted to spend more time outdoors over break, especially since open spaces make social distancing easier.

Students Enjoy a Different Summer Break

September 15, 2020

Junior Justin Choi studied video essays and free YouTube lessons to learn about cinematography. Currently, he takes Video Production to learn more about camera work and filmmaking.
See more on his Instagram account, @justinc.review.

Self-taught Critic Justin Choi Rates Movies, TV Shows and Games

September 14, 2020

Juniors Alejandra Guio-Perez, Sriragavi Ukeshkumar and Mariam Arafa surprise their friend with a virtual Red Carpet themed birthday party.

Taking a Break: Students Celebrate Their Labor Day Weekend While Social Distancing

September 11, 2020

Junior Rachel Abalos interviews junior Sofia Fidel about her thoughts on seeing people going out despite the stay-at-home orders. Throughout the podcast, she answered questions focusing on her daily emotions with both of her parents returning home after diligently working at a local hospital.

A Human Face Podcast Amplifies Voices Amid Global Pandemic

June 4, 2020

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