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The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

Jason Chu

Jason Chu, Features Editor

Jason Chu is a senior and Features Editor for El Estoque. Previously, he served as a News Editor. He has enjoyed writing since a young age and also loves to play volleyball and guitar.

All content by Jason Chu
Junior Nirvika Choudhury guides students through an activity and discussion during the workshop. photo | Subin Ko

Cyber For Youth holds its first education workshop for freshmen

The cyber education organization educates students on digital safety through presentations and hands-on activities
Jason Chu and Subin Ko
November 19, 2024
A unique friend

A unique friend

MVHS students share about their unconventional pets and relationships with them
Jason Chu and Niveda Hari
November 3, 2024
Junior Ria Sethi, founder of Cyber For Youth, hangs "Safety Online" posters in a classroom. Photo courtesy of Ria Sethi | Used with permission

Formerly cyberbullied teen starts anti-cyberbullying initiative

MVHS student-founded Cyber For Youth to combat online hate
Jason Chu and Subin Ko
October 26, 2024
Photo illustration | Sophia D'Sa

50 fresh faces

The Class of 2028 shares its thoughts on MVHS
Global Friendship Club officers Luna Endo and Nanako Takamatsu gather during the first meeting of the school year. Photo | Alan Tai

The ELD transition

ELD students share their experiences transitioning out of the program
Jason Chu and Alan Tai
September 28, 2024
Sophomores cheer after they tie for first place with the seniors.

Raising the rally bar

ASB Leadership revamps the class themes to unite student body in the Welcome Back Rally
Jason Chu and Katrina Lin
September 2, 2024
SEL Curriculum Wayfinder, promotes the skills Purpose, Self-awareness, Empathy, Adaptability, Collaboration and Agency throughout the FUHSD school district through interactive activities and informative videos.

Finding the way

FUHSD implements Wayfinder to promote Social Emotional Learning
Life ready?

Life ready?

MVHS seniors share life skills they aspire to build for college and beyond
Jason Chu and Kalyani Puthenpurayil
May 23, 2024
EE-SPN Ep. 6: NBA Playoff Predictions 2024

EE-SPN Ep. 6: NBA Playoff Predictions 2024

Predicting the 2024 NBA Conference Semifinals
Samika Bhatkar and Jason Chu
May 18, 2024
The state of California increased its minimum wage to $20.00 for fast food workers, beginning on April 1. The large restaurant chain Panera Bread was initially exempt from this change until a clarification from California Governor Gavin Newsom. Courtesy of Dave Stone

The bare minimum

California’s minimum wage raises for workers and fast food jobs have mixed effects on businesses and employees
Isabelle Kok and Jason Chu
April 24, 2024
Tick. Tock. TikTok...

Tick. Tock. TikTok…

House of Representatives passes a bill to restrict connections between TikTok and the Chinese Communist Party
Jason Chu and Dylan Nguyen
April 10, 2024
Pop sensation Taylor Swift debuted as a country artist in 2005, and has grown astronomically since then. Photos courtesy of Kiana Mark.

Taylor takeover

Various colleges newly establish Taylor Swift-focused courses
Ananya Chaudhary and Jason Chu
April 8, 2024
Trustees Rosa Kim and Jeff Moe answer questions from the audience regarding FUHSD’s transition to By-Trustee-Area elections at the Feb. 12 MVHS Informational Session.

Understanding the Trustee transition

FUHSD hosts information and feedback sessions as the transition to By-Trustee-Area elections continues
Jason Chu and Alyssa Yang
March 18, 2024
Graphic | Sonia Verma

Integrating Artificial Intelligence

FUHSD takes several approaches to addressing AI in classrooms
Raj Thapliyal and Jason Chu
March 9, 2024
Staff work to clear items and sweep the water out of the room with a machine.

MVHS Drama buildings flood during winter storm

Rainwater floods the Drama room and auditorium
Jason Chu and Alyssa Yang
January 24, 2024
Batchu and Kulkarni hold their poster board, depicting their various clean energy initiatives.

Grants for good

IRPD students receive monetary grants for their projects
Jason Chu, Taryn Lam, and Varun Singh
January 24, 2024
Protestors gather at Harry Bridges Plaza, San Francisco in a demonstration against the APEC convention.

On the streets of SF

San Francisco reflects on the 2023 APEC summit’s impacts on community issues
APEC: A business perspective

APEC: A business perspective

Looking into the convention’s impacts on local businesses and organizations
The procession moves down Market St., protesting against the APEC 2023 summit in San Francisco.

The voices against APEC

Demonstrators hit the streets in San Francisco to protest APEC 2023
Jason Chu, Lillian Wang, and Alyssa Yang
December 4, 2023
MVHS received a US News & World Report Scorecard rating of 99.41 measured from aspects such as academics proficiency, graduation rate, and AP Exams.

Educational heights

Examining MVHS’ placement in national school rankings
Jason Chu and Lauren Chuu
November 3, 2023
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Searles Valley, California ruptured the road on Jul. 5, 2019. | Photo United States Geological Survey

MVHS takes cover on International ShakeOut Day

Exploring local participation in earthquake preparedness
Jason Chu and Alyssa Yang
October 30, 2023
The FUHSD Board of Trustees holds a public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

Balanced voices

Examining the effects of FUHSD election system changes on MVHS
Jason Chu, Lauren Chuu, and Stella Petzova
September 28, 2023
CAL Fire's department utilizes its Grant Ranch Vegetation Management Project (VMP) for vegetation management and mitigation. Photo courtesy of Kara Capaldo | Used with Permission

Through the haze and the flames

Examining the national wildfire crisis
Jason Chu and Shannon Yu
September 24, 2023
Principal Ben Clausnitzer responds to a student’s question at FUHSD Journalism Camp.

Principal Ben Clausnitzer named JEA 2023 administrator of the year

Journalism Education Association recognizes Clausnitzer’s support for journalism
Jason Chu and Giljoon Lee
August 24, 2023
MVHS is set to lose the Japanese language program in the coming years as a result of declining enrollment in the course.

FUHSD World Languages to face upcoming changes

MVHS will begin phasing out Japanese language courses in 2024-25
Jason Chu and Lauren Chuu
June 1, 2023
A concerning surge of underage vaping has occurred in recent years, resulting in heavy pressure for companies such as Juul that create these devices to remove flavors targeting minors. Photo courtesy of Jamie Chung | Used with permission.

Investigating the vaping crackdown

Rise in teen vaping sparks a $462 million settlement from Juul Labs
Jason Chu
May 26, 2023
Canvas paper bark painting of General Ignacio Zaragoza, who led Mexican troops to victory in the Battle of Puebla

Spanish classes celebrate Cinco de Mayo

MVHS Spanish classes participate in activities such as bark paintings and Mexican songs
Jason Chu and Lauren Chuu
May 5, 2023
Adviser Julia Satterthwaite accepts the Pacemaker Award at the JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention in San Francisco on April 22.

El Estoque and El Valedor win NSPA Pacemaker awards

MVHS online student publication and yearbook recognized with national honors
Jason Chu and Sameer Maheshwari
April 25, 2023
Graphic | Sonia Verma

One nation, under guns

Examining the different perspectives on gun policies and ownership in relation to gun violence in America
Do all Monta Vista students think the same? | Gun Control

Do all Monta Vista students think the same? | Gun Control

Monta Vista students and staff share their opinions on gun control
Jason Chu, Arjun Dhruv, and Lily Jiang
April 15, 2023
Laura Utile was caught in the middle of a robbery scene four years ago in the Tanforan Mall in San Bruno.

A closer look at gun control

Staff and experts provide their opinions and perspectives on gun control
Jason Chu
April 14, 2023
Striking a chord in the heart

Striking a chord in the heart

How playing guitar changed my life
Jason Chu, Staff Writer
April 12, 2023
Freshman Monisha Preetham passes the ball to her teammate across the field.

Differences between club and school athletes

Exploring what athletes like and dislike about on a club or school sports teams
Jason Chu and Manas Kottakota
February 13, 2023
Clubs in Sports

Clubs in Sports

Exploring the similarities and differences between club and school sports
Sophomore Stanley Du lays up the ball past a defender.

Photo by Manas Kottakota

Boys Basketball defeats Basis Independent Silicon Valley 71-46

Matadors outclass BHS in a must win game
Manas Kottakota, Jason Chu, and Jiya Singh
February 6, 2023
Junior Varsity Sports

Junior Varsity Sports

Exploring the experiences of JV players, teams and coaches at MVHS
Sophomore and point guard Stanley Du protects the ball from the opponent.

Transitioning from Junior Varsity to Varsity

Athletes share about the differences between JV and Varsity teams
Manas Kottakota and Jason Chu
December 9, 2022
Sophomore Clara Fan protects the ball from an SCHS defender as she attempts to score points in the third quarter. Photo by Manas Kottakota

Girls Basketball defeats Santa Clara 51-33 to kick off the season

Matadors win the sportsmanship game, the first game of the season
Jason Chu, Manas Kottakota, and Michelle Zheng
November 19, 2022
Making a change

Making a change

Exploring community involvement in the 2022 midterm elections
AP African-American Studies and AP Precalculus are set to join the 38 AP exams currently offered by College Board.

The College Board announces two new AP courses

Staff share their thoughts on AP African American Studies and AP Precalculus
Jason Chu and Krish Dev
November 4, 2022
Protecting our privacy

Protecting our privacy

Taking a look at challenges to privacy within our community
Graphic | Lauren Chuu

Deconstructing Securly

Investigating the incentives and impacts behind implementing the web filter at FUHSD
Mira Wagner, Jason Chu, and Minjae Kang
October 7, 2022
Assistant Principal Sydney Fernandez stands with a group of sheriffs.

BREAKING: MVHS students and staff evacuated following second bomb threat

Law enforcement has declared the campus “clear of danger”
Jason Chu and Lauren Chuu
September 23, 2022
Unvaccinated staff no longer required to undergo COVID-19 testing

Unvaccinated staff no longer required to undergo COVID-19 testing

At-home antigen tests and testing sites will still be available
Jason Chu and Lillian Wang
September 17, 2022
Over recent years. there has been a growing discussion about law enforcement and their role in American society.

Shifting opinions around SROs

Recent Student Resource Officer contract renewal sparks controversy
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