The student news site of Whitney High School in Rocklin, Calif.

Whitney Update
The student news site of Whitney High School in Rocklin, Calif.

Whitney Update
The student news site of Whitney High School in Rocklin, Calif.

Whitney Update
All content by Alyssa Folmer
Standing outside, students wear outfits considered outside of the RUSD dress code. Photo illustration by Alyssa Folmer

All eyes on me: Students wear lighter clothing as spring rolls in; dress code enforcement draws scrutiny

Alyssa Folmer, editor-in-chief
April 25, 2024
Flipping a homemade corn tortilla, Chef Brian Cramer shows Sam Marques, Samira Jackson and Elijah Lua what their taco shell should look like after sitting in the pan. After school Feb. 1, the Latin American team, “Los Frijoles,” practiced their recipe in order to prepare for the ProStart Cup. They prepared a three-course meal consisting of ceviche tostadas, steak tacos and buñuelos with fruit topping. Photo by Alyssa Folmer

Student chefs prepare for 2024 California ProStart Cup at Long Beach, competition alongside schools across the state

Alyssa Folmer
February 2, 2024
Before beginning their guided meditation in Mrs. Emilie Cavolt’s sixth period mindfulness class, Tiffani Vegaalban and Ryan Bollenbach play with Play-Doh as their “arrival” activity. The “arrival,” 10 minutes at the beginning of each class, is reserved for students to focus on themselves and their creative outlet by participating in a meaningful mindfulness activity of their choice. Photo by Alyssa Folmer.

Mindfulness class teaches importance of being aware in the present

Alyssa Folmer
October 17, 2023
After finishing her lesson in her sixth period Language Arts I class Aug. 25, Ms. Tori Schlenz paces around the classroom. Following through with a job opportunity in the English department, Schlenz returned to her alma mater to pursue a career in education. Photo by Julia Leveron Hidalgo.

Alumni Ms. Tori Schlenz returns to campus to teach language arts

Grace Boyd, Alyssa Folmer, Sydney Hadfield, Julia Leveron Hidalgo, and Rhaymark Nazareno
September 2, 2023
During zero period jazz band, Gabrielle Clouard, Jess Vicuna, Zachary Taylor and Mr. Kris Harper reminisce about their band experiences in one of the final classes taught by Harper. Harper is leaving to teach in an elementary school music program, as part of the passing of Proposition 28 to reshape performing arts programs in public schools. After 18 years of service, Harper’s position is being filled by a new music teacher, leaving many students both with questions and thoughts about Harper’s impact. “From a band teacher to student, the teacher will still be there, but there's definitely a connection the students have [that] won't be the same with another teacher. I think students will have to help other students adjust and adapt to a new teacher,” Mansour Brame said. Photo by Emerson Kibby

Original staff member Mr. Kris Harper to depart for elementary performing arts program

Alyssa Folmer, Emerson Kibby, and Isabella Tomasini
May 28, 2023
As he waits with his peers Walker and Cash on child-sized chairs, Tiny Cats student Beckett smiles as his parent takes a photo. The Tiny Cats lined up in rows before walking across the stage as part of their graduation ceremony from the mock-preschool program. The teacher prepared by gathering facts and favorite items of their students to share with the audience as they walked the stage. “Last minute, Aiden decided he wanted Captain America and not The Hulk, which we had already written down,” Shainker said. “He started crying because he said he actually wanted to Captain America when he grows up.” Photo by Alyssa Folmer

Child Development II hosts Tiny Cats Graduation Ceremony

Alyssa Folmer and Maya Gomez
May 27, 2023
Dressed in a pink drag costume, a performer poses for a photo during a parade. The term “drag” refers to the act of extravagantly dressing and acting as a gender different than one’s own, often in a performance-based environment. Drag may include the impersonation of a famous individual, or dancing or singing as part of an act. Although drag has been linked to Ancient Greece and William Shakepspeare’s work and has been a historic place of community for queer folks, it is currently under surveillance as state lawmakers across the nation continue to push bans and regulations. Photo by Quito Al via Unsplash.

Amidst growing national bans, regulation of drag performances affects greater Sacramento region

Alyssa Folmer and Maya Gomez
April 17, 2023
Rehearsing Jan. 18 for “Grease,” Kai la Pont, Armaan Sharma and Adriano Bracamontes pull each other into an embrace as part of the scene they were blocking. Photo by Alyssa Folmer.

Spring musical cast rehearses for “Grease,” scene blocking during after school hours

Julia Cuyos, Alyssa Folmer, and Reese Moracco
January 23, 2023
During government/economics, Emma Silva redirects her attention to Kokomo, her service dog in-training, before resuming her curriculars. Photo by Reese Moracco.

Service dog in-training accompanies Emma Silva on campus

Alyssa Folmer and Reese Moracco
September 23, 2022
In C4 Aug. 23, computer science teacher Mr. Thomas Graham guides his third period Computer Science II students through a note-taking and visual learning session on data types. Photo by Alyssa Folmer.

Computer science teacher Mr. Thomas Graham enters profession after 19 years in IT

Wynette Calunsag, Alexis Dashnyam, Natalie Deeble, Rose Derby, Alyssa Folmer, and Reilynn Roux
August 29, 2022
With just two chairs left in their game of musical chairs, students sprint around the chairs to bring in an extra challenge. Photo by Alyssa Folmer.

End of the Year rally honors Class of 2022

Zoe Cloud, Alyssa Folmer, and Katie Lacy
May 29, 2022
Child development students prepare for the return of their Tiny Cats program. Photo illustration by Alyssa Folmer.

Child development program prepares to open Tiny Cats Preschool

Racxel Domingo, Alyssa Folmer, and Ayla Su
October 23, 2021
CharacterStrong, an SEL curriculum, will now be implemented in the Rocklin Unified School District.

CharacterStrong implemented into monthly schedule to promote student relationships, learning

Alyssa Folmer, Sofia McMaster, and Polina Sokolova
September 14, 2021
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