TJ Ford

Benefits of the new Common Core curriculum are outweighed by significant implementation and training issues

February 27, 2015 La Vista 0

Beginning in September of 2014, the Manhattan Beach Unified School District began implementing the new Common Core curriculum for specific grades in elementary, middle and high schools. While the new curriculum may have many potential benefits for students, inconsistencies and controversy over teacher training and new teaching methods, as well as late implementation at the high school level, are all issues that need to be addressed.
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Golden Girls

February 27, 2015 La Vista 0

High school students could do a lot with 80 hours of time; however, not many would choose to devote such a substantial chunk of time to addressing a problem area in their community and completing a project to solve it. However, for juniors Brooke Gleason and Meera and Pooja Nagpal, their Girl Scout Gold Award projects became significantly more important and personal than normal philanthropic opportunities. […]

They’re Soaring, Flying…

February 27, 2015 La Vista 0

Demonstrating leadership and commitment, seniors Scott Miketa, Ryan Cosner, and brothers Matthew and Jake Faustgen have all flown above and beyond requirements, reaching the Boy Scout ranking of an Eagle Scout. The designation of Eagle Scout is the highest possible rank in the Boy Scouts.
To receive this prestigious award, a Boy Scout must earn 21 merit badges and complete a service project to better his community, on top of being an active member of his troop. In addition, he must abide by the principles of the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life.
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Keeping it in the Community

January 30, 2015 La Vista 0

According to Mira Costa’s College and Career Center, the majority of graduating Costa students attend a four-year university. However, the prevalence of four-year universities means that many students overlook the option of attending a community college.
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Pro at Production

January 30, 2015 La Vista 0

With the help of Mira Costa’s new internship program, senior Trace Demarest began an internship this past fall with Gurney Production, a television production company based in Los Angeles.
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Trading Lecture Halls for Hands-on Experience

January 30, 2015 La Vista 0

While most Costa students plan to attend a four-year college, certain high school students favor the idea of attending a trade school for a more career-specific educational experience after high school. […]

On the Air with Erin

January 30, 2015 La Vista 0

Most people dream of going to Coachella to discover new music, but senior Erin Clifford has created her own Coachella in the South Bay through her internship at Static Beach in Hermosa Beach. […]

Mira Costa Meals

December 17, 2014 La Vista 0

With posts depicting meals that range from classic grilled cheeses to eclectic dim sum, Costa seniors Sarah Kennedy, Carson Hart and Miles Kluth’s “foodstagram” accounts have joined the latest trend of posting photos of food on individual Instagram accounts.
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Securing our Safety: Security Heightened after Threats

December 17, 2014 La Vista 0

On Nov. 20, Mira Costa students and staff returned to campus after the school closures on Nov. 18 and Nov. 19 due to threats posted on the app Yik Yak. During the two days that school was cancelled, the Manhattan Beach Police Department, the Manhattan Beach Unified School District and the Costa administration formulated a document detailing the school’s re-opening policies. […]

Kill ‘em with Kindness

December 17, 2014 La Vista 0

The phrase “be kind” may seem like a simple expression; however, according to junior Quin Severo, these two words have an incredibly powerful effect on the daily lives of human beings. […]