Sexual harassment procedures at FUHSD and Bay Area high schools
Examining rape culture and sexual harassment policies, including Title IX, at FUHSD and Bay Area high schools
![Snapshots](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Screen-Shot-2021-05-23-at-9.36.38-PM-900x537.png)
Snapshots
Seniors share impactful people, moments and lessons learned from high school
Snapshots
Seniors share impactful people, moments, and lessons learned from high school
![The Class of 2021](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Screen-Shot-2021-05-23-at-5.52.38-PM-900x799.png)
The Class of 2021
Seniors reflect back on their high school experiences
![Sophomore Ryan Tang jumps to catch the ball](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/anushka-900x650.jpeg)
Boys Water Polo loses to Milpitas HS 13-16
Team loses despite nearly tied scores throughout the first three quarters
![Photo courtesy of Jeff Mueller // Used with permission](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Image-from-iOS-1.jpg)
Jeff Mueller
Business teacher Jeff Mueller retires after 19 years at MVHS
![Math teacher Martin Jenning retires after 39 years of teaching, 23 of which were at MVHS](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Martin-Jennings-900x617.jpg)
Martin Jennings
Math teacher Martin Jenning retires after 39 years of teaching, 23 of which were at MVHS
![Reflecting on an abnormal senior year and our hopes for an in-person graduation](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Untitled_Artwork-9-900x625.png)
Dear Class of 2021
Reflecting on an abnormal senior year and our hopes for an in-person graduation
![Students, staff and administrators engage in and promote ways to support survivors after the recent surge in sexual misconduct allegations](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Untitled_Artwork-7-900x625.png)
The MVHS community works on sexual harassment and assault awareness and prevention initiatives
Students, staff and administrators engage in and promote ways to support survivors after the recent surge in sexual misconduct allegations
![Discovering the myriad of things we learned this year despite claims of a year of lost learning](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/a-year-of-zoom-5-900x643.png)
The year we didn’t lose
Discovering the myriad of things we learned this year
![Examining the internalized misogyny behind using “bitch” to denote empowerment](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screen-Shot-2021-04-01-at-9.55.51-PM-e1617339858952.png)
“Bitch”
Examining the internalized misogyny behind using “bitch” to denote empowerment
![A year of Zoom](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/9298821E-523E-490F-A151-C3E997FA68A5_1_105_c-1-900x602.jpeg)
A year of Zoom
Exploring how the MVHS community’s feelings toward the pandemic have shifted an entire year later
![A column that analyzes why constantly looking toward the future is detrimental](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/a-year-of-zoom-4-900x643.png)
A year of waiting
Analyzing why constantly looking toward the future is detrimental
![Live coverage of MVHS’ shift from distance learning to hybrid, in-person instruction](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Untitled-design-900x643.png)
Live coverage of MVHS’ shift from distance learning to hybrid, in-person instruction
Updates on FUHSD decisions about returning to in-person school
![On March 8, FUHSD hosted a Parent & Community webinar to provide updates about a potential return to in-person school during the 2020-21 school year, in light of recent events at the district, county, state and national levels.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screen-Shot-2021-03-09-at-4.32.13-PM-900x506.png)
FUHSD panel hosts community webinar to offer distance learning updates
FUHSD community receives information about a potential return to in-person school, including testing, vaccines and safety protocols
![French teacher Sarah Finck received the California Language Teacher Association (CLTA) 2021 Outstanding Teacher Award at a virtual award ceremony called Celebrating the Best of Us on Feb. 28. Photo courtesy of Sarah Finck // Used with permission](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/4F892E7E-3B4D-46EA-A0AA-7E3E1D4E40E6_1_201_a.jpeg)
French teacher Sarah Finck receives the California Language Teacher Association’s 2021 Outstanding Teacher Award
Examining the impact of Finck’s teaching for her colleagues and students
![Analyzing meaningful forms of anti-racist work and how we can improve](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Black-History-Month-900x643.png)
Reflecting on Black History Month
Analyzing meaningful forms of anti-racist work and how we can improve
![A Zoom meeting screenshot of Paly Responsive Inclusive Safe Environment (RISE, @palyrise), a student task force committed to the goals of sexual violence education, prevention and justice, is displayed.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/07AAE03F-0013-4B2E-9D79-E1159FABF082.jpg)
Palo Alto High School community expresses outrage and takes action after alleged sexual assault incidents
Investigating recent alleged Palo Alto High School sexual assaults and the advocacy of the student-run Paly RISE task force and club
![In a spinoff from the New York Times Tiny Love Stories series, these stories are pockets of love within our community](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-design-900x643.png)
Tiny Love Stories
Finding pockets of love within our community
![Exploring the stories of Cupertino residents, students and teachers](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/amycover2-600x900.jpg)
Humans of Cupertino
Discovering the stories that populate Cupertino
![Sexual assault](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Copy-of-sexual-assault-package-visuals-1-900x506.png)
Sexual assault
Examining sexual assault in Bay Area high schools
![MVHS cafeteria manager Debbie Herrera is currently working at Cupertino HS to implement the FUHSD Free Meal Policy.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/i-Rpj4qZ9-X3-900x600.jpg)
Behind the scenes on the MVHS campus
Investigating how the roles of the cafeteria manager, site technician and day custodian have shifted during a distance learning school year
![The hyperfocus on political correctness among the MVHS community hinders productive discussion.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/fi-900x643.png)
Intellectual elitism
The hyperfocus on political correctness among the MVHS community hinders productive discussion
![Examining how sex education curriculum neglects to discuss female masturbation](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/va-mine-a-e1608168266557-900x618.png)
Va-MINE-a
Examining how sex education curriculum neglects to discuss female masturbation
![Advocating to use more meaningful rhetoric as opposed to inflammatory phrases such as “Kill All Men”](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/kam-900x643.png)
Let’s denounce KAM
Advocating to use more meaningful rhetoric as opposed to inflammatory phrases such as “Kill All Men”
![Yes, she can.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/yesshecan-701x900.jpeg)
Yes, she can.
Exploring different facets of feminism and how they impact students, staff and alumni
![MVHS social science teacher Hilary Barron poses with her two-year-old son in this photo. Photo courtesy of Hilary Barron](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/barron-900x675.jpg)
Access to childcare in the midst of COVID-19
FUHSD teachers utilize the FUHSD-Action Day partnership and childcare facilities
![Taken in May of 2020, this is Avaneesh Athuluri at the age of 14. Photo used with permission of Murali Athuluri](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_4021-e1605662744144-900x790.jpeg)
Remembering Avaneesh Athuluri
Celebrating the life of former MVHS sophomore Avaneesh Athuluri
![What’s at stake: U.S. 2020 presidential election](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2-5-900x643.png)
What’s at stake: U.S. 2020 presidential election
Exploring the contentious issues of November's election
![Reproductive rights under threat](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/1-5-900x643.png)
Reproductive rights under threat
Examining the declining access and restrictions to reproductive healthcare and instances of misogyny at MVHS
![Alumni Class of 2020 take on college dorms](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/4-1-900x643.png)
Alumni Class of 2020 take on college dorms
Exploring the circumstances of living on college campuses in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic
![College in COVID-19](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/college-package-featured-image-900x643.png)
College in COVID-19
Exploring the various ways the pandemic affects colleges and the application process
![A heartfelt letter to the double-edged sword that has been the year 2020.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_0285-2-720x900.jpg)
Dear 2020,
Reflecting on how a bizarre year made me reevaluate my self-worth
![Analyzing the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has led to deteriorating mental health](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/mh-900x506.png)
Confronting mental health
Analyzing the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has led to deteriorating mental health
![This map indicate Spanish-speaking regions of the world, where Spanish is the official language. Graphic credit | Map Handbook](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/spanish.png)
MVHS Spanish and French teachers implement a stereotype unit
Delving into aspects of anti-racist work through Spanish and French 4 Honors curriculum
![The front of the Standard Liquor store located in Los Altos.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/SL-900x675.jpeg)
Five juvenile females rob Standard Liquor in Los Altos
Examining the actions of LHS and MVHS seniors and teen alcohol usage in our school community
![The dichotomy of social media activism](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/phone-900x643.png)
The dichotomy of social media activism
Comparing active versus passive forms of activism on social media platforms
![Lessons and legacies of Ruth Bader Ginsburg](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/rbg-900x506.png)
Lessons and legacies of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
We need to embrace the urgency to eliminate today’s rampant cynicism and idealism
![Zoom School: MVHS Edition](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/package-900x506.png)
Zoom School: MVHS Edition
MVHS community devises ways around the challenges of distance learning
![Productivity during online distance learning](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/productivity-900x506.png)
Productivity during online distance learning
How to fight lower levels of productivity due to Zoom fatigue
![This image from the NASA Earth Observatory demonstrates the extent of Californias 2020 wildfires and the burn scars left on the state. Used with permission | NASA](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/brun-900x807.jpg)
The California wildfires impact the FUHSD community
Students and staff receive evacuation notices due to spreading wildfires
![A Discourse: Black Lives Matter at FUHSD](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/EE-Website-BLM-Design-900x775.png)
A Discourse: Black Lives Matter at FUHSD
Community discusses the impacts of the movement in local schools
![Photo used with permission | Kristen Hsieh](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Kristen_Hsieh__9-675x900.png)
When life felt normal: MVHS edition
Inspired by The New York Times, MVHS students reminisce on moments before COVID-19 cancellations
![Graphic by Oishee Misra](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Blnews-900x506.jpg)
Finding balance: Navigating COVID-19 media consumption
How to stay informed during the pandemic without feeling overwhelmed
![Introversion and Extraversion](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/cover-900x506.jpg)
Introversion and Extraversion
Exploring the different aspects of introversion and extraversion in high school.
![Embracing my introversion](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/oishee-900x506.jpg)
Embracing my introversion
Growing out of resenting being an introvert
![Embracing my introversion](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/oishee-900x506.jpg)
Embracing my introversion
Growing out of resenting being an introvert
![Positivity Podcast Ep. 5: Quarantine Edition](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Positivity-podcast-900x643.jpg)
Positivity Podcast Ep. 5: Quarantine Edition
Discussing the silver linings of the COVID-19 quarantine
![MV Bhangra after performing at Tashan, one of their earlier shows this semester, that took place during February. It will likely be their last show of the season. Photo used with permission of Janani Pandurangan](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/bhangra-900x675.jpg)
MV Bhangra deals with numerous cancelled and possibly postponed shows
COVID-19 concerns lead to the cancellation of upcoming dance showcases
![The cover for Lauvs debut album ~how im feeling~ featuring Lauv with six miniature Lauvs](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/publicist-900x900.jpeg)
How I’m feeling about ~how i’m feeling~
Lauv captures the difficulty of coping with emotions in this era
Apathy at MVHS
Exploring students' views on the definitions of apathy and what it means to be apathetic.
![Graphic](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/INTELLIGENC-900x506.png)
Expanding definitions of intelligence
Critiquing the MVHS community’s focus on solely academic intelligence
![Lessons From Around the World](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/sjk-900x600.jpg)
Lessons From Around the World
Exploring the differences in policies and systems between the U.S. and foreign countries
![Working hard: worth it?](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/hats-off-900x643.png)
Working hard: worth it?
Refuting my previous belief that hard work doesn’t always equate success
https://soundcloud.com/user-707923726/positivitypodcastep3
Positivity Podcast Ep. 3: Thanksgiving Edition
Displaying appreciation during the season of giving thanks
![Meet the 2020 democratic candidates](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2020-democratic-candidates.jpeg)
Meet the 2020 democratic candidates
Exploring the nuances behind the policies and backgrounds of the five leading democratic candidates
![Immigration in the United States: A broken system](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/statue-of-liberty-landmark-close-new-york-900x675.jpg)
Immigration in the United States: A broken system
Reflecting on our experiences with America’s legal immigration system
![Imposter Syndrome: Exploring the Nuances](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/image01-900x506.jpg)
Imposter Syndrome: Exploring the Nuances
Uncovering the different facets of imposter syndrome at MVHS
![Positivity Podcast Ep. 2: PG&E Shutdown](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Positivity-Podcast.jpg)
Positivity Podcast Ep. 2: PG&E Shutdown
Exploring the positives of the recent scheduled PG&E shutdown
![“I thought this Homecoming Rally was better [than the Welcome Back Rally],” freshman Arushi Shah said. “There were more activities, they were more fun, and then it was decorated better. I just thought it was a really nice experience to be a part of.”](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC_1258-900x598.jpg)
Homecoming Rally 2019
Despite scheduling changes the Homecoming Rally successfully kicks off Homecoming Week
![During March of 2018, MVHS students hosted a school walk-out in order to protest against gun violence in America.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Screen-Shot-2019-09-25-at-10.39.54-PM-900x598.png)
Meaningful Protesting
Refuting my previous belief that protesting is ineffective
![Graphic | Oishee Misra](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/70556968_478958876285762_1741033154564587520_n.png)
Positivity Podcast Ep. 1: Democratic debates
Exploring the positives in the democratic debates
![After senior Divya Suresh was treated for her injury, players from both teams commended each other for playing a good game. Photo by Justine Ha](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/JMH02746-900x600.jpg)
Girls Volleyball: Matadors win against Prospect HS in three sets
Team secures a blowout win, but loses a key player due to injury in the process
![A NASA Earth Observatory image taken in August 2019 that captures the Amazon rainforests burning fires. Photo Credit: NASA Earth Observatory images by Joshua Stevens, using MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS/LANCE and GIBS/Worldview, Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) data from NASA EOSDIS, and data from the Global Fire Emissions Database (GFED)](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/fullsizeoutput_2-900x759.jpeg)
Addressing the sparse media coverage of the Amazon fires
Uncovering the drawbacks of social media activism
![The graduating class of 2020 stands in line during Running of the Bulls. Photo Credit | Lakshanyaa Ganesh](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_3106-900x675.jpeg)
FUHSD projections predict lower enrollment in coming years
MVHS population of 2019-20 is smaller than previous years
![Silver linings of the Notre Dame fire](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Untitled_Artwork-2-e1581138348895.jpg)
Silver linings of the Notre Dame fire
Combatting our society’s aversion of silver linings
![Shifting perspectives owing to Model UN](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Untitled_Artwork-900x675.jpg)
Shifting perspectives owing to Model UN
Model UN training officer Nelson Mu shares insights about his past two years in the club
![Constant Change: As I overcame my fear of farewells](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Every-time-I-say-goodbye-I’m-left-with-a-bitter-taste-in-my-mouth.-copy-5-900x450.jpg)
Constant Change: As I overcame my fear of farewells
A confession about my reluctance to say goodbye
![Dear Heartbeat Bill](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/debby-hudson-543573-unsplash-900x505.jpg)
Dear Heartbeat Bill
A hate letter to Alabama’s anti-abortion bill
![Our society’s obsession with labels](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Screen-Shot-2019-05-05-at-1.14.03-PM.png)
Our society’s obsession with labels
The dangers of placing people in boxes
![Constant Change: As I discovered a liking for solitude](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Because-there-is-this-tendency-to-equate-happiness-to-social-life.-copy-4-900x450.jpg)
Constant Change: As I discovered a liking for solitude
Learning how to keep myself company
![Model UN hosts conference at MVHS](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Screen-Shot-2019-04-12-at-10.39.17-PM-900x602.png)
Model UN hosts conference at MVHS
Behind the scenes of how South Bay Model UN (SBMUN) came together
![Constant Change: As I look toward the future](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/They-resemble-the-thoughts-and-feelings-that-flood-through-me-when-I-am-asked-this-dreaded-question_-“What-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up_”-copy-3-900x450.jpg)
Constant Change: As I look toward the future
My struggle with uncertainty about what lies ahead
![Response to New Zealand shooting sets precedent for U.S.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_1661-900x675.png)
Response to New Zealand shooting sets precedent for U.S.
Our country's inclination towards thoughts and prayers
![Warming Up: Examining the Consequences of Climate Change](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Screen-Shot-2019-03-08-at-4.26.32-PM-900x600.png)
Warming Up: Examining the Consequences of Climate Change
Recent events spark conversations about climate change
![Constant Change: As I opposed beauty](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/mirror2-900x675.jpeg)
Constant Change: As I opposed beauty
Discovering the real meaning of “beautiful”
![The prospects of Middle College](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/52320357_360676761191155_7031110155043340288_n-900x675.jpg)
The prospects of Middle College
Applications for Middle College spark discussion about learning environments
![Athlete of the Month](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Screen-Shot-2019-02-08-at-1.35.50-PM-710x900.png)
Athlete of the Month
Skylar Ploshay
![Model UN season picks up the pace](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/architecture-backlit-dawn-261093-900x600.jpg)
Model UN season picks up the pace
The club anticipates large and competitive upcoming tournaments
![Girls basketball: Team overpowers Milpitas HS](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/46863611581_be7e1c5465_o-1-900x600.jpg)
Girls basketball: Team overpowers Milpitas HS
Strong all-around performance secures 53-43 win