The Student News Site of Foothill Technology High School

The Foothill Dragon Press

Navigate Left
  • The charming exterior of Butter and Fold attracts many customers at all hours of business. From the elegant teal and gold color scheme to the waft of freshly baked breads, it’s impossible to simply pass by without taking a peek inside.

    A&E

    Butter and Fold: The perfect place to satisfy your pastry cravings this fall

  • At the Olivas Links Golf Course, on Sept. 21, 2023, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls golf team faced off in a league match against Bishop Diego. The Dragons played well and won the match with an overall score of 249-303. Pictured above, Maddie Wicks 26 concentrates as she putts her ball toward the pin, finishing hole five with three over par.

    Latest

    Recap: Girls’ golf takes Bishop Diego 249-303

  • On Sept. 22, 2023, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) competed in their first Tri-County Athletic (TCAA) league meet. Foothill Tech races with five girls on varsity, including Danika Swanson-Rico 25, Bennett Rodman 26, Kalea Eggertsen 26, Emma Anderson 26 and Isabella Efner 25. They warm-up on the start line, exchanging words of encouragement and waiting for the queue to begin the race.

    Cross Country

    Cross country starts off strong at first league meet of the 2023 season

  • With beloved melodies and nostalgic anthems dating back over a decade, fans and general audience members alike enjoy singing along to her award-winning album, Fearless, from 2008.

    A&E

    The Eras Tour: an adventure spanning 17 years of music 

  • On Sept. 21, 2023, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys water polo hosted a home game against their opponent Malibu High School (Malibu). With lots of splashing, Ethan Ortiz 24 attempts to find an open teammate to give Foothill Tech an advantage to win their league match.

    Boys' Water Polo

    Recap: Boys’ water polo bested by Malibu

  • Students of Foothill Tech try to make button pins of their own design at Back to School Night. This college and career class provides an opportunity to learn life skills and creativity.

    Latest

    Foothill Tech welcomes parents and guardians at Back to School Night 2023

  • In the teen show “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” an adaption of the popular Young Adult novel, protagonist Belly Conklin navigates her love life in a triangle between brothers Jeremiah and Conrad Fisher.

    A&E

    “The Summer I Turned Pretty”: In Defense of the Fisher Boys

  • During F.I.R.E and lunch, members of the Associated Student Body worked hard to prepare an assembly line of delicious In-N-Out for the Class of 2024.

    Latest

    Class of 2024 connects through In-N-Out Burger and festivities

  • On the sunny afternoon of Sept. 19, 2023 girls tennis played against the Villanova Preparatory (Villanova) School Wildcats. The tennis team huddles together and chants in a pregame ritual before beginning their matches.

    Girls' Tennis

    Girls’ tennis triumphs over Villanova in first league match

  • The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the much anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed and beloved video game The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Announced in 2019 by Nintendo at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, Tears of the Kingdom was released on May 12, 2023 after nearly four years of waiting. Since its release, the game has been met with widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. The game directly follows the events of its predecessor, building upon them and expanding an already immense world. Writer Kelly Quinn shares his thoughts.

    A&E

    “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” is victory for gaming

  • The three cakes that were reviewed were Lemon, Pumpkin Spice and Red Velvet all topped with a generous amount of cream cheese frosting.

    A&E

    A dive into Nothing Bundt Cakes: America’s largest specialty cake company

  • Comprising of 12 songs, Olivia Rodrigos new album GUTS is her second studio album and was released on Sept. 8, 2023. Rodrigos first studio album, SOUR, released in 2021, was critically acclaimed and beloved by fans, making her second album long anticipated. Writer Isheeta Pal takes on the task of listening to GUTS and reviewing it, delving into its key themes and messaging.

    A&E

    Album Anatomy: “GUTS”

  • A sign displayed in the store highlights the unique vendors in the store as well as promoting shopping from local artists.

    A&E

    Hey! Friends shows Ventura why shopping locally matters

  • Christopher Nolan hits it out of the park once again with his brilliantly done biopic about the man who invented the atom bomb, Oppenheimer.

    A&E

    “Oppenheimer” is a mind-blowingly impactful film

  • In Laufey’s latest album “Bewitched,” released on Sept. 8, 2023, she brings a jazzy and soothing take on the journey of love. Following the success of her previous album, “Everything I Know About Love,” her sophomore album comprises 14 songs, each bringing their own unique spin that is sure to bewitch the listener. Join writer Lily Toreja as she reviews each song and delves into their individual meanings.

    A&E

    Album Anatomy: “Bewitched” by Laufey

  • On the eventful evening of Sept. 14, 2023, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) Dragons faced off against Cate in their third league match. The matchup was very even and came down to the fifth and final set in which the Dragons were unable to secure the win. After bouncing and hitting the ball to set her rhythm, Malia Gray ‘24 (number 9) goes to serve, as her teammates and her alike hope for the best.

    Girls' Volleyball

    Girls’ volleyball endures a hard loss against Cate

  • Jackson Basurto ‘24 and Alfred “Mason” Borkowski ‘24 are in full recruitment mode as students pass by their table. The club offered a fun way to engage with other students while doing something they all enjoy.

    Events

    Dragons find their connection at Club Rush 2023

  • On the afternoon of Sept. 14, 2023, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls golf faced off against La Reina at the Olivas Links Golf Course. Maddie Wicks ‘26 tees it up with hopes of sticking it close to pin and hopefully having a birdie opportunity. Wicks finished hole six with a double bogey and finished the entire course with a 56.

    Girls' Golf

    Foothill Tech defeats La Reina in league match

  • Isabella De La Rosa 24 (number 3) and Charlis Swezy 27 (number 1) block from the net, while Malia Gray 24 (number 9) and Morgan Houston 25 (number 2) stay behind to cover any unexpected plays from the other team.

    Girls' Volleyball

    Girls’ volleyball spiked on by St. Bonaventure

  • Students hit the ground running as the 2023-2024 school year picks up its pace. With this years You Belong Week taking place Sept. 11-15, 2023, as well as Club Rush on Sept. 15, 2023, Dragons are busy keeping up with all the events.

    FDP-TV

    FDP-TV: Season 2, Episode 2

Navigate Right
The Student News Site of Foothill Technology High School

The Foothill Dragon Press

The Student News Site of Foothill Technology High School

The Foothill Dragon Press

Follow Us On Instagram!

Ventura Unified launches new cell phone and earbud policy aimed at enhancing classroom focus

Ventura+Unified+School+District+%28Ventura+Unified%29+launched+a+new+cell+phone+policy+for+middle+and+high+school+students+for+the+2023-2024+school+year.+The+policy+states+that+students+must+have+their+phones+and+earbuds+tucked+away+during+all+instructional+minutes+of+the+school+day.+Failure+to+follow+the+new+cell+phone+policy+can+result+in+repercussions+as+serious+as+suspension.
Claire Hadley
Ventura Unified School District (Ventura Unified) launched a new cell phone policy for middle and high school students for the 2023-2024 school year. The policy states that students must have their phones and earbuds tucked away during all instructional minutes of the school day. Failure to follow the new cell phone policy can result in repercussions as serious as suspension.

On Aug. 23, 2023, with the start of the school year, a new cell phone policy was implemented for grades six through 12 across Ventura Unified School District (Ventura Unified). The policy prohibits students from using their cellular devices during class, with its purpose to promote respectful learning environments and minimize distractions during class time.

While a different policy has existed prior to this school year, new advances towards disciplining students for having their phones out is being pushed by the district, in an initiative to prevent the use of cellphones in classrooms. The policy is heavily advertised with posters in classrooms and around campus, as teachers are encouraged to remind students to put away their phones and take out their ear buds at the start of class.

Along with the posters and reminders, the new policy brought updated disciplinary protocol for students caught using their cell phones during class.

The protocol includes four offenses, with the first offense including a warning and parent notification of the offense. The second offense includes possible confiscation of the device for the day and a non-suspension correction.

Posters are plastered in every classroom at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) to serve as a constant reminder for students to stay off of their electronic devices. (Claire Hadley)

The third offense includes confiscation by administration and suspension the day of the infraction. The fourth offense includes confiscation by administration until a parent/guardian meets in person with administration, suspension and possible apprehensions to privileges such as off-campus passes, dances, school events and extracurricular activities. Each offense is documented in the students record and as the infractions increase, the consequences for the infraction get more serious.

Rick Villano, a well-known math teacher on campus, said the new initiative has had positive improvements in regard to engagement in his classroom. He explained how the policy was affecting teachers, “I think we’ve seen a lot more engagement and attention in class and since we’re all consistent it seems to be somewhat positive actually.”

Though the policy has had positive effects, it has also presented some challenges in the classroom. Villano expressed, “I think my biggest challenge is when the student has a legitimate reason to use a phone … but we want to be consistent so we’ll try to find other alternatives.”

Many students at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) stand in opposition to the new policy. Some argue that the use of cell phones and earbuds did not create a distraction to the learning environment.

Celeste Nevarez ‘25 conveyed her feelings toward the new policy by stating, “Cell phones were very helpful to use in class and I did not see them as a disruption.”

Others are taking a bit longer to adjust to the set of rules. According to Natalie Shirotov ‘25, “I understand why the district implemented the new policy and violations, but it still feels like many have lost a privilege.”

While this policy may not be a popular one, the school district hopes to provide a classroom environment with less distractions and more time focused on learning. Many new policies come with opposition. Foothill Tech, along with all six-12 grade students in Ventura Unified will have to silence their urges to check that buzzing notification and follow the story of what is happening directly in front of them.

What do you think?
Leave a Comment
More to Discover
About the Contributors
Maggie Lay, Reporter
I am a junior news writer who enjoys spending time with family, baking and going to petting zoos.
Ella Asher, Reporter
A junior who loves the ocean and chai lattes.
Kathleen Cheng, Videographer
Videographer that loves Sanrio and re-watching the same show 10 times.
Claire Hadley, Photographer
Short girl who is addicted to the beach, chugging tea, watching "Grey's Anatomy" and manufacturing random concoctions in the kitchen.

Comments (0)

Comments on articles are screened and those determined by editors to be crude, overly mean-spirited or that serve primarily as personal attacks will not be approved. The Editorial Review Board, made up of 11 student editors and a faculty adviser, make decisions on content.
All The Foothill Dragon Press Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *