April / May 2009 The Machinist’s Pencil Vol. 9.1

On A Rollercoaster Life

How It Seems So Fast That The Year Is Over

Hollywood-Wow, that was quick. Didn't the year just begin? Well it seems so fast that the year is over. Things happen so fast we have not had time to savor the good news or the historical happenings.

Hollywood High celebrates its first Latino principal: Mr. Jaime Morales and the United States elected its first African-American president Barack Obama. What a year, what a year, what a year. And these are the kind of events that make it so interesting to be students at Hollywood High School.

Of course, Hollywood returned to the tradition school year with a side of Advisory classes to go. It is good to be back to what works and with high hopes that students will be able to improve their scores. The need for continuous classes rather than the breaks given on the track system can add to their ability to stay current. Only time will tell.

Awl The Story

Sheet Metal Tools: Pliers

Used to hold and grip small articles pliers are widely and commonly used hand tools. They are not substitutes for wrenches and should never be used as such. They are useful for cutting small wire and for holding, twisting, turning, pulling, and pushing.

The combination or slip-joint pliers are the most commonly used. They can are used for gripping; they can also cut small gauge wire. The slip-joint makes it possible to grip large parts.

The diagonal pliers are also a widely used hand tool. The cutting edge is at an angle to permit the pliers to cut flush with the work surface.

Next month: Pliers - part 2

Changes Changes Changes

Room 100-As you know there have been changes at Hollywood High, in the school district, the school calendars, the opening of a new school (Helen Bernstein High School) and with our students.

Starting next issue The Scratch Awl will have a new feature called Room 100. This section will share with you the going on of the metal shop at Hollywood High School. Projects, classwork, how to; student helping others, pictures or any other functions that classes in Room 100 has have to offer. It will be sweet.

the 2nd Column:

Should We Dance...

Opinion-just a minute sir, where is all that money for education. Oh, oh, the Lottery...last time I same something like that was so long ago Ronald Reagan was president and George Deukmejian was governor of ol' Cali.

Now that the economic crisis has hit, good old education has taken yet another hit. LAYOFFS, reduction of staff and of course no money for this, for that, for...you get the picture. It is the easiest system to deny and take money from than any other political arm. Has anyone every paid any attention to 'why Johnny cannot read?' Keep taking the items away that makes Johnny the student of the month and he'll continue to be 'bum of the month.' The Scratch Awl believes that every precious young mind in this state will be those leaders and workers that will continue to take us into this century. Thus money will be needed to make this machine work and make it work efficiently. And don't think that our students have no idea what's is going on about the money. It's their education.

Meet The Student:

This issue student is a teacher assistant name Mercy Molina ( you go girl). You could say that I have known Mercy as long as the The Scratch Awl has been around the metal shop for the last four year. But she has never taken the Metals class, but has been some good work on her projects. I first met the senior in a Life Skills class in the 9th grade and found that of all things, she is a bright and sensitive person. Her girl friend, Jasmine Torres, has helped her with her school work getting her caught up with credits to graduate on time.

She has a talent in art and would like to major in architecture, starting at Pasadena Community College. Mercy's other interest is “...to help as much as I can, kids that are in the group home system. Kids who’s parents don’t care about them and try to guide them toward the right way and a better life.

“After all of my high school years I would want to thank my favorite teacher who has always been there for me. Even if he didn’t feel good he would always want to make make you feel better in any way he could and that is ‘THE GREAT CHAPPLE’.

Meet The ProJects:

Made by Anthony Freire

Made by Francisco Martinez

These are some foundry projects that were made using styrofoam as the molds.

Important Dates:

Apr 27-May 1...Book Fair

May 7...Open House

May 23...Senior Prom

May 25...Memorial Day

Last Words:

Anon

“It is impossible to soar

like an eagle if you are

surrounded by turkeys.”

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©2009

Oct  2008   The Machinist’s Pencil    Vol. 8.3

 It’s Halloween and Time toVote

Students You Have A part To Play In The Elections

Hollywood-This year, if you are of voting age, you or your parents should vote. The election this year has been quoted as the most important election the United States has had. For the first time a black man is the Democratic presidential nominee along with the oldest Republican nominee has made this the most important election in the history of the United States. 

   This is a great time for students of history or in general any students to watch our political machine in action. And to view this historical event as sometime that is happening in their lifetime. 

Awl The Story  

Sheet Metal Tools: Screwdrivers

There are two types of screwdrivers, who only operation is to screw and unscrew. The standard blade screwdriver has a flattened wedge shaped end that fits into the slot in the screw head. This tool comes in lengths of 3 to 12 inches with the diameter of the shank and width and thickness of the tip being proportional with the blade tip to the handle.

   The blade is heat treated to give it the necessary hardness and toughness to withstand the pressures put upon it.

The phillips or crossed point screwdriver has an x-shaped point used for phillips recessed head screws. They come in four sizes: #1, #2, #3, and #4. They handle the full range of this type screw and are manufactured in the same styles as the standard blade screwdrivers. 

   Always select the correct side screwdriver for the screw head. A poor fit damages the screw slot and the tip of the screwdriver.

   Remember, the screwdriver is not a substitute for a chisel; nor it made to be hammered on or used as a scraper, door or car key or a pry bar. 

 Next month: Pliers

the 2nd Column:

 This MIGHT Be The Most Important vote...EVER! 

Opinion-Yeah this is it...We are going to have the first...and part..tey. Okay so this election is important and it will be a first for many things. So many things that voting this year will be very, very important to consider the ramification this election will hold. 

     The Scratch Awl would like those who can or should vote. It should not take time out of your day or life to add your voice. If not you have nothing to say to that which will happen in the next four years. 

    This is your country and you have been given the privilege to have a say. And you know what is said, 'use it or lose it'. It has been a long primary period and at times you wish it were something that didn't take place. Some surprises along the way and some things you really did understand with a black candidate running could only show that this country has a long way to go. But the way it started out and you thought has somewhat lighten up. It only proves to show you that we have to continue to look over our shoulders.

Meet The Person:

Hello, my name is Kamilah Flint, a senior at Hollywood High School...Woof Woof! My favorite color is yellow and my birthday is February 11...Aquarius [YES]. This out going and down to earth student always carries a smile when you see her. She works hard on her education working to pass with the highest grade. For her graduation is right around the corner, well in June '09. She wants to continue her education as either a successful x-ray technologist or a psychologist. “I always enjoyed helping people for some reason I feel that's why I am here. It makes me feel good.”

   A Christian, she who attends Parks Chapel AME, in the city of Pacoima. She part of the 'Praise Dance Team' and president of YPD (Young People Department). She is also a member of the choir. In her spare time she like to participate in various dance studios to 'keep in shape and to stay busy.” 

 Note:

The midterm grading period is upon us next month.

Important Dates: 

Oct  16...Back to School  Night

Oct 24...Homecoming Day

Oct 31...Halloween

Nov  4...Vote Day

Last Words:

 Marty McFly:

 “Yeah, well, history is gonna change.”

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Sep 2008The Machinist’s Pencil  Vol. 8.2

The  New  School  Year  -  The  New  School :   

Small Learning Communities

Hollywood High Starts Small

 Learning Communities 

Hollywood-As the new semester begins the metal program entered into a new era. To be effective in handling changes in our school system and our students, small learning communities were developed. From LAUSD description of SLCs:

   When LAUSD began its efforts to define and create effective Small Learning Communities (SLCs), it looked within its borders for evidence of where students were attending, learning and prospering in smaller, more personalized learning environments.   The criteria for an LAUSD Small Learning Community. Career Academies contain the following attributes of SLCs:

· Individualized learning environments within larger school settings

· Themed instruction to engage youth and give them a context for academic learning

· "Cored” classes where the same students spend most of their school days together and provide and  

   receive peer support

· Teachers who plan together and integrate the instruction and provide coordinated adult support

· Business partners whose involvement expands the students' world to include the whole community.

   This reform measure is an effort to stop certain factors or other government bodies from breaking up the district or using take over maneuvers to their own likings. The SLCs have worked at other schools and there is really no reason why it will not work at Hollywood High. The Metal Shop is in the Media and Technology SLC, which is designed for student interested in developing their skills through comprehensive programs with an n emphasis on communications and computers.  

 

 The New Guys: 

Hollywood-There is a new sheriff in town and he brought a new deputy. New principal Jamie Morales and assistant principal Joseph Nacorda will help turn Hollywood High around as the new school year is ushered in. We,  The Scratch Awl look forward for to a new begin as they begin a new year.   

Awl The Story 

Sheet Metal Tools: Chisels

    The work to be cut will determine how the chisel should be sharpened. The diamond-point chisel is ground with a square end and a cutting-edge at one corner. It is used for cleaning a sharp bottom groove. The roundnose-end chisel is used for cutting grooves or for moving a drilled hole that was started wrong. 

     The cutting edge of a chisel is grounded at an angle of 60 to 70 degrees, with the edge at a slight arc. The body of the chisel is softer than the cutting edge and the head will therefore flatten or mushroom after it is used for awhile. This mushroom is dangerous and mush be grounded off to prevent chips from it flying off.

Next month: Screwdrivers

the 2nd Column:

 And Now The News...

(The Political Football Game)

Opinion-Oh here they go again. The education system is being use as that weary old political football again. (Well...it is football season.) Those that we have given charge of the state by way of our vote have not figure out a better system on how to better issue and spend money to educate our children. After all these years of tossing the students to and flow, those who we voted for from president to city councilperson can not let budget overruns or pork barrels have our children used in high stake poker games The Scratch Awl would like to our government to use the 'this is why we voted them into office pledge' to regulate our monies for education and give all the students a fighting chance to succeed. If you are running for office or you feel like you want to run for office, you should not (again…should not) campaign for what you want to do for education and fall flat on your promise. Please don't use education to get you into office. Why? Because education is your pork barrel. From the old WHO song: “meet the new boss...same as the old boss."

Meet The ProJects:

a) Foundry castings

b) Vertical Mill Project (Top left)

Important Dates:

Sep  3...Semester Begins 

Sep  22...I.D. Pictures

Sep  30...Unassigned Day

Last Words:

 Azaduhi Tulakyan: 

Wow...is that thing real?

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Jan 2008The Machinist’s Pencil  Vol. 8.1


What A Year To Leave And New One To Begin

Hollywood-Wow, this is great: a new year's resolution. Many new things will be happening this year with a new semester, new teachers, and later in the year, a new school opening.  New? Well, I hope so. Welcome back 'B' track. A new semester this time of the year means a closing of the high school careers for the senior students. And everyone else, well you got to put in your time.

   Expectations are always high each school year particularly this year as Hollywood High starts making its move in raising achievement scores. We hope to finish this school year on a well-improved note. And this can be done with everyone doing his or her part to reach the goal. 

   Well, what so new about this year that is not the same as last year? Good question and only the students of Hollywood High will make the difference in class, at home and on the tests and exams they take this semester. 

 Awl The Story  

Sheet Metal Tools: 

Chisels

   Cutting with force are tools used to cut cold metal and for that reason these tools are called 'cold' chisels. They are made of tough alloy tool steel and are available in a number of sizes and shapes. Other chisels in this category are of variations or combinations of these four chisels. These chisels are known by the shapes of their cutting edges. Two of these are the flat chisel and cape chisel.

   The most commonly used chisel is the flat chisel. It has a wide cutting edge and may be used for cutting flat surfaces, sheet metal, metal bars, rivets, and other cutting jobs. 

   The cape chisel has a narrow cutting edge and is used for cutting narrow grooves. Its cutting edge is wider than the rest of the chisel to keep it from sticking in the groove. 

Next month: Chisels continue.

the 2nd Column:

Fast Food Education

Opinion-Please forgive me for using Education in the title again (it was used last month), but it seemed appropriate to start off this year with it. Is it something I ate? Well, McDonald's, Burger King and the rest have nothing over our current plight of academia.

   This is not ‘what has happen’, this is more or less ‘what's going to happen’. If we continue to feed our children this under cooked meal, their systems are going to pay for it and yes we will too later on down that ‘as we get older road’. Quotes are good...realizing and doing something now is better. I fear that this so call-meal with all the nutrients missing is a failure to our real problems and feeding less and less will continue the problem. 

   Why not real food? Prove that the tests and exams that you give are those numbers you wish to make. Not only do we feed them a good meal of education, but also we should make sure that they chew it and digest it in such a manner that it means something and will be fun to learn.

   And I don't want to hear the world's saddest story on the nature of our kids or the education system. FIX IT!! Tomorrow is not an option and too far away. We at The Scratch Awl   know that time is precious and as that clock ticks, so does that child's life.

Metal Shop Projects:

a)Wishing Well Planter

b)Portable Bar-B-Que Grill

Important Dates: 

Jan 2...Semester Begins 

Jan  21...MLK Jr. Holiday

Jan  24- 31...1st Grading Period

Last Words:

 Dr. Friedrich von Frankenstein: For what we are about to see next, we must enter quietly into the realm of genius!

_______________________

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 ©2008