January 2024 - Cypress High School Special Youth Basketball Tournament - New Class Focuses on Energy and Environment

Aug 25, 2026

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January 2024 Cypress High School student publication highlights two campus-focused stories. The report describes how AUHSD’s annual Special Youth Service Basketball Tournament moved to Cypress High after renovations at Loara High were accelerated, detailing the supportive staff and student-led activities including performances and face painting. It also announces a new course, Innovations in Green Technology (Energy, Environment and Utilities 1), emphasizing hands-on learning about electricity, wiring, electrical grids, and building a self-sustaining solar grid.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLifestyle

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Student Activities

Cypress Hosts Special Youth Basketball Tournament

New Class Will Focus On Energy and Environment

Mayoffs Shine Through Bad Winter Weather

VOLUME XXIV, ISSUE 5 // CYPRESS HIGH SCHOOL // January 2024 // 9801 VALLEY VIEW ST, CYPRESS, CA 90630 ~~ ~~ Student Activities ~~ ~~ Cypress Hosts Special Youth Basketball Tournament ~~ ~~By Rehansa Kulatilleke ~~ ~~ Cypress proudly welcomed students from all over the district for the SYS Basketball Tournament.(Photo by AUHSD Twitter) On January 19th, AUHSD held its annual Special Youth Service Basketball Tournament at Cypress High once word got around that the original host of the occasion (Loara High) would have to go under some renovations earlier than expected. Schools from all over the district gathered for the annual tournament where Special Education students played basketball against each other. Special guests The Laker Girls even made an appearance on campus during the event. There were also special performances from Cypress’ Band, Cheer, and Advanced Dance on the blacktop near the gym. Activities ranging from face painting to dancing were made available for students. Before the sudden change of venue, the event was going to take place at Loara High School–up until the school got notice that construction for their new black tops was initiated earlier than planned. Because of this unscheduled occurrence, there were two options: completely postpone the event itself, or have it hosted at another school. Luckily, Cypress was able to volunteer and come forward with a plan to help. Cypress’Principal Mrs. Brown, the Athletic Directors, and the field crew dove into the event and lent a helping hand. Freshman PE Teacher–Mrs. Armstrong said,“We have a great crew, and we all just kind of came together–saw the importance of the event itself, and what it would do to those athletes if we changed it…and to change it on them would be devastating.” Seeing how important the event would be for students, led not only the school but the entire district to assist with the matter. The function itself is usually held yearly along with the annual Special Youth Soccer Tournament. However, this year, new activities arose, such as face painting provided by Ms. Stewart’s Stagecraft Class. Students from classes ranging from ASB to Theater Stagecraft helped set up activities for the others. Yearbook and Journalism staff took photos and interviewed participants. Apart from the new activities that were offered, students also got a chance to socialize with students from all over the district. Students were filled with joy when it came to meeting new faces from other districts. Special Education teacher Ms. Jackson said the “junior highs were all here, which is very nice for our students since they got to see classmates that went to other schools, they get to see teachers and aides that they knew from their previous years; so it’s nice for them to have that part so they could all get together.” As a result of the united front that Cypress staff and students helped provide, the event was successful and students were full of excitement. The next Special Youth Services will be held at Hope High School. Some schools brought cheerleaders in addition to athletes. (Photo by Rehansa Kulatilleke) Games were played in tournament style, with students as referees. (Photo by Rehansa Kulatilleke) Activities in addition to basketball included face painting, provided by CHS theatre and Ms. Stewart. (Photo by Rehansa Kulatilleke) New Class Will Focus On Energy and Environment ~~ ~~By Cara Karpan~~ ~~ Mr. Gartner is debuting a new course next year called Innovations In Green Technology. (Photo by Cara Karpan) Cypress High School is at the front of educational innovation, offering students an opportunity to join a new course next year which is unique to Cypress. Allowing students to dive into the realm of green technology. Cypress High School is committed to providing diverse course options for students, giving a wide range of options including a new class coming next year, Innovations in Green Technology or Energy, Environme

FAQs

Why did the SYS Basketball Tournament change venues to Cypress High?

The original host, Loara High, had renovations for new blacktops begin earlier than expected, prompting the event to be postponed or relocated. Cypress volunteered to host it at Cypress High.

What activities and performances were available during the tournament?

Students could enjoy face painting and watch campus performances from the Band, Cheer, and Advanced Dance. The event also included social time with students from across the district.

What is the new class Innovations in Green Technology (Energy, Environment and Utilities 1) about?

The course is a hands-on introduction to electricity, wiring, and practical preparation for real-world tasks. Students will explore electrical grids in the first semester and work toward building a self-sustaining solar grid in the second semester.

Aug 25, 2026

Upload by Miles