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
The Student News Site of Foothill Technology High School

The Foothill Dragon Press
The switch from middle school to high school can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t know what to expect. From keeping up with schoolwork to getting enough sleep, guidance from someone who’s already been through it can be reassuring. Seniors know the challenges that come with adjusting to high school, and their advice can help freshmen avoid common mistakes and feel more confident as they settle into a new environment. Their insight helps to build a strong community where students support one another.
In the 21st century, it seems like getting a white-collar job isn’t always the best choice for employment. The increased implementation of AI and automation in the workforce is resulting in layoffs, as technology takes over routine and complex tasks traditionally done by humans. Paired with a new hyper-competitive job market, stemming from growing inflation, those entering the workforce face a developing and new career climate. Because of these relatively recent developments, job opportunities are opening up in the trades. These jobs offer both resilience to automation and higher-paying wages. Because of this, more people are going into trade school rather than the traditional college route. It seems that these jobs are the key to future stability, but there are still drawbacks to these careers.
Throughout a student’s career at school, they’ll have done hundreds of tests, exams and quizzes, all for the sole purpose of evaluating their proficiency with the topics in their class. But is this really the best way to accurately measure skill? A student’s grade in class relies greatly on a few exams spaced throughout the school year, but these tests don’t take into account the many other factors that go into producing a successful student. Things like critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity are hard to quantify in exact numbers or grades, but these skills are often what shape someone to truly succeed in and out of school.
Employers are seeking future employees with both well-developed soft skills and strong technical abilities. With the ever-increasing integration of automation and AI into the workforce, simply teaching hard skills like math, English, science and social studies in school doesn’t seem to cut it. By placing greater emphasis on developing soft skills, a person can rise above the competition. These skills are transferable across fields and communities and play a vital role in navigating work and home life.
On May 15, 2026, a DIY house show in Ventura, Calif., featured six local youth rock bands. With entry free for anyone interested, the show opened its doors at 5 p.m. and lasted from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Shows like these are always a great chance to support local talent, helping youth bands find a stronger foothold in their community and boosting the reach and spread of their music.
Ollieing over the ocean: The Jackalope Block Party drops in to Ventura
Ollieing over the ocean: The Jackalope Block Party drops in to Ventura

Kalista Samples, Writer | May 13, 2026

Music blaring, crowds cheering, boards dropping. Coming for the first time ever to the West Coast, the Jackalope Block Party skated its way to Ventura, Calif., on May 1-3, 2026.  In the early afternoon...

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EcoFest: “Good, green fun”
EcoFest: “Good, green fun”

Oliver Kelley, Writer | May 5, 2026

Ventura Charter School of Arts and Global Education, an elementary through middle school, held its annual EcoFest on April 26, 2026. Eco Fest has been VCS’s main fundraiser since 2007, and is meant to...

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Over 500 signatures for student-ran petition: Prioritizing education and equalities for the staff that make it happen
Over 500 signatures for student-ran petition: Prioritizing education and equalities for the staff that make it happen

Bari Davis, Writer | April 13, 2026

As of mid-April 2026, support is mounting for the “Protect Ventura’s Kids: Fair Pay and Health Care for the Staff Who Keep Schools Running” petition that has garnered over 500 signatures and counting....

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Senior Shoutouts: Erika Peoples
Senior Shoutouts: Erika Peoples

Allison Fossati, Writer | April 6, 2026

Erika Peoples ‘26 was raised here in Ventura County and was a Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) Dragon from the start. Peoples is a natural leader, and Foothill Tech has given her a prime...

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Burning out before first period: How sleep deprivation affects student performance
Burning out before first period: How sleep deprivation affects student performance

Bari Davis, Writer | April 5, 2026

Seventy-seven percent of high school students are sleep-deprived and do not receive the recommended eight to 10 hours of rest per day (CDC). Dragons at Foothill Technology High School are among those whose...

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How Ventura Land Trust got its acres: The story of the Mariano Rancho acquisition
How Ventura Land Trust got its acres: The story of the Mariano Rancho acquisition

Oliver Kelley, Writer | April 1, 2026

Read this prior article to read about controversies on Ventura's hillside properties.  The Mariano Rancho property serves as the backdrop for Ventura High School and the rest of downtown Ventura. The...

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