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
Shown above is Wayne Powers' room, in this moment shrouded in darkness as it had been during the on and off power outages from Jan. 13-17, 2025. The environment shows the conditions Powers, and many others, had to learn and teach in during the week of power outages.

Dry Santa Ana winds bring high fire risk and mass power outages to Foothill Tech

Viggo Bortolin, Reporter • January 22, 2025

On Jan. 9, 2025, only days after their warm welcome back to school following winter break, students at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) were met with an unwelcome, yet warm, series of...

On Jan. 14 and Jan. 15, 2025, program leaders, students and teachers alike welcomed underclassmen into their classrooms, providing information about their program through demonstrations and presentations. In the Bioscience Academy classroom, students in the program were spread throughout multiple classrooms, demonstrating skills and showing off equipment to the students touring. Many of the demos were interactive, encouraging students to engage and acquire a sneak peak at what they would be learning if they decided to apply for the program.

Dragons explore new opportunities at elective open houses

Bailey Basurto, Reporter • January 16, 2025

On Jan. 14 and 15, 2025, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) Dragons explored the variety of programs and classes offered on campus during the open houses following the Program Faire. In darkness...

On the sunny afternoon of Jan. 10, 2025, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) is hosting an exciting Program Faire in the quad, designed to showcase the elective opportunities available for underclassmen. This event features clubs and programs, inclduing the D-Tech pathway where students are taught to design, master technology as well as learn entrepreneurship. D-Tech's objective is to be able to produce a self-made product and sell it to consumers whether it is in school or around the city. Whether it be for this pathway, or the numerous others that are highlighted through the event, students are encouraged to pick up brochures and chat with the leaders of each to learn more about what is offered.

Foothill Tech students explore elective options at annual Program Faire

Ella Asher, Reporter • January 12, 2025

As Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) dives into 2025, preparation for student electives and academic programs for the 2025-2026 school year are already underway. On Jan. 10, 2025, Foothill...

The IDEA Academy is a three year math and science pathway at DATA, described by many to be reliant on aspects like coring and block schedule. On Nov. 26, the student site council at DeAnza voted to keep block schedule, a win for IDEA and its supporters.

New schedule changes at DATA have left VUSD and families divided

Viggo Bortolin, Oliver Kelley, and Kellen Spears • January 2, 2025

The principal at De Anza Academy of Technology and the Arts (DATA), Clara Ortiz, recently made the decision to un-core classes at DATA Middle School. This was prompted after warnings from the Ventura...

The week of Dec. 16, through Dec. 20, 2024 marks the end of the first semester for Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) students. With this week comes the pressure of finals, last-minute studying, completing projects and reviewing months of material. Despite the stress, students persevere, looking forward to a well-earned two-week winter break after their rigorous exams.

Foothill Tech students wrap up finals with a bang before holiday break

Aubrey Alderman and Bailey Basurto • December 22, 2024

From Dec. 16, through Dec. 20, 2024, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) students begin semester one finals to conclude the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year. Along with the new yearly...

At the winter holidays approach, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) held its annual candy cane drive. Candy canes, the perfect holiday treat, were dispersed in decorated jars in every science classroom, from Mrs. Anderson to Mr. Weldele. Students in these classes were encouraged to donate a dollar and receive one of these treats in return, a donation that goes to the National Marrow Donor Program, formerly known as Be The Match.

Sweet with a twist: The annual candy cane drive at Foothill Tech

Shea Stevenson, Reporter • December 17, 2024

On Nov. 22, 2024, the Bioscience Academy began its annual candy cane drive at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech), a fundraiser dedicated to raising money for the National Marrow Donor...

During Winter Week at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech), seniors smile in their coziest sleepwear for Pajama Day. This year Foothill Tech's own Associated Student Body (ASB) organized a spirit week which includes holiday accessories, ugly sweater day, pajama day, and Santa's workshop.

Foothill Tech gets in the holiday spirit with Winter Week

Ella Asher, Reporter • December 16, 2024

As winter break approaches, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) put on a winter week from Dec. 9 to Dec. 13, 2024, to get students and faculty in the holiday mood. The spirit week was hosted...

The San Buenaventura Mission, a staple of the Ventura community, serves as the stage for music performances and pictures. As crowds gather, the countdown starts. The tall Norfolk Christmas trees lit up the sky as the streets of downtown Ventura filled with holiday cheer on the night of Friday, Dec. 6. Guests enjoyed warm food and drinks on this eventful evening.

Celebrate the season: Ventura’s annual Christmas tree lighting

Natalie St. Pierre, Reporter • December 13, 2024

Ventura, Calif.’s annual tree lighting ceremony is a lasting tradition, dating back 75 years, and on Dec. 6, 2024, residents and visitors alike enjoyed this commencement of the holiday season. Two Norfolk...

The annual Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) Winter Formal took place in the Ventura Music Hall on Dec. 7, 2024, with the theme of Winter Wonderland. The space was decorated with tinsel garlands and assortments of snacks for the students at the seating area. Loral Karian '25 commmented, "the location was really good. I think it's probably the best we've had so far." Many deemed this dance as a great success with the venue choice and pictured in the photo, students rushed to the dance floor with a date or friend for the slow song "Die With A Smile" by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.

Dragons dance through a wonderland at Winter Formal 2024

Viggo Bortolin, Reporter • December 8, 2024

On Dec. 7, 2024, with the sun fading into twilight, and the bracing wintry air setting the atmosphere, students from across the district and beyond found their way into the Ventura Music Hall. There,...

After the long-awaited 2024 U.S. presidential election held on Nov. 5, 2024, the race has been called following months of hard-fought campaigning. While some Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) students express excitement for future President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance's term, others voice concern. Regardless of political affiliation, this comprehensive coverage offers insight into each candidate, their policies and students' opinions.

2024 U.S. Presidential Election: The closing act

Jane Kim, Writer • November 18, 2024

This article is a continuation of the 2024 Presidential Election series that delves into all facets of the 2024 Presidential Election, held on Nov. 5, 2024. If you are curious about student opinions at...

With an influx of canceled scores, the College Board decided to shift many Advanced Placement (AP) Exams to either hybrid or completely digital tests in May 2025. With 16 AP exams going digital and 12 becoming hybrid, the College Board hopes to combat academic dishonesty.

AP exams expected to go digital May 2025

Shea Stevenson, Writer • November 9, 2024

As of May 2025, 28 Advanced Placement (AP) exams will be going digital, an alternative to the typical standard paper testing. This switch has been taken as a precaution against academic dishonesty,...

The Mountain Fire ignited in the Somis area on Nov. 6, 2024. First responders rush to the scene as the fire blazes across Santa Paula causing mandatory evacuation orders. Just hours later, the fire was headed towards the Santa Clara River and over the South Mountains outside of Somis. This unexpected tragic event has left Ventura County in shock and rushing to support those who were affected by The Mountain Fire. The photo above was taken by Jancilyn Pettit from the top of Ridgecrest Dr. in west Santa Paula.

Ventura County “The Mountain Fire” burns over 14,000 acres

Natalie St. Pierre, Reporter • November 7, 2024

As the Santa Ana winds pick up throughout November 2024 and California recovers from five months of dry air, Ventura County is considered a “hot spot” for brush fires.  On the morning of Nov. 6,...

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