Pisces [ Feb 19 - Mar 20 ]
Your in serious crush mode and you want everyone to know! The thing is, not everyone wants to hear you talk about it 24/7! Definitely enjoy the great feeling. But remember that other people like to talk about the stuff going on in their lives too.

Aries [ Mar 21 - Apr 19 ]
This whole month has been nothing but family, family, and more family. You may need to be extra-patient with family members this week. No worries, you haven’t done anything wrong, so dont take it personally.
They may be going through some tough times right now, so your love and support are really appreciated.

Taurus [ Apr 20 - May 20 ]
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself hanging out with young kids this week, its summer fun ! You might be  babysitting or at a family party, but children love being with you.  You know how to get children laughing, and having fun. So make the best of your day, and enjoy the moment.

Gemini [ May 21 - Jun 21 ]
You’re really accepting of other people. This week your crush may let you know how much they appreciate you. If you’re not in a crush, don’t be surprised if you hear from someone in your past.

Cancer [ Jun 22 - Jul 22 ]
It may be an up and down week, just like a roller coaster, but don’t give up hope. Try not to be too pushy though ! By the end of the week, things will settle down and it should be smooth sailing for you and that special someone.

Leo [ Jul 23 - Aug 22 ]
It’s a great week for doing active things with your friends like hiking or going dancing somewhere fun. It doesn’t have to be somewhere really fancy, anything that fits in your budget goes. The important thing is getting people together, and having a great time while doing it.

Virgo [ Aug 23 - Sep 22 ]
You may be tempted to spend a little more than you have this week. Even if you think buying something new will make you feel better, it really isn’t the answer to the problems you’re having right now. Try having a heart-to-heart talk to clear the air and you’ll feel a lot better!

Libra [ Sep 23 - Oct 22 ]
Have you been kind of demanding on your crush lately? Maybe you just need some time away from the lovey dovey business. Take your time with them this weekend. It will be a lot more fun if you’re both not so stressed and just hanging out.

Scorpio [ Oct 23 - Nov 21 ]
No matter how much you want them to be yours, they may not be ready to step into the role of the perfect lover. Don’t drive yourself crazy trying to make it work. Being friends, instead of being in a relationship, with them can be a good thing too!

Sagittarius [ Nov 22 - Dec 21 ]
Having this entire week devoted to you sounds like a great idea. You love to party but also need time to think about your dreams/goals. Go to the park for a jog to clear your mind of any troubles. Its a great way to recharge yourself. If that doesnt work, you can always go to your friends for their support.

Capricorn [ Dec 22 - Jan 19 ]
Even if you and your crush have some problems at the beginning of the week, be patient. And totally apologize if it was your fault! Keeping the drama under control will help both of you get back on track.

Several singles from Drake’s upcoming debut album “Thank Me Later” have already hit the web and radio stations around the US.  “Over” which was the first single off “Thank Me Later” released, (March 4th) reflects the Toronto rappers reaction to where he is at in this point in his music career.

Other tracks confirmed to be on “Thank Me Later” so far are: “Find Your Love”, “Fireworks ft. Kings of Leon”, “Shut It Down ft. The Dream”, and “Light Up ft. Jay-Z”. Multi-talented Drake shows off his R&B side in “Shut It Down ft. The Dream” and “Find Your Love”  produced by Kanye West, making it Mr.West’s third collaboration with Drake. R&B album by Drake? In “Find Your Love” a smooth catchy tune captures Drake putting himself out to that special someone.

In comparison to Drake’s previous mixtape “So Far Gone” Drake stated in an interview at the Sprite Step Off show in Atlanta, ” It’s gonna be bigger, its gonna sound happier” also “More victories, cause thats where Im at in my life.”

Darkie who designed the cover art for “Thank Me Later” and “So Far Gone” features the actor turned rapper in a 3-D like image looking beyond the camera.  The highly-anticipated album is set to release this summer, June 15.

 Here are some great inexpensive gifts for mother’s day.

-          Breakfast in Bed – is always a favorite one.  Wake up just a tad bit early on Sunday morning and make a special breakfast for mom. Serve her in bed with her favorite breakfast treats and top it off with a small vase of fresh flowers.

-          Make a homemade CD- gospel, classic, jazz, rock – whatever type of music your dear mother listens to.

-          Do extra chores – Moms love help around the house especially if you rarely offer it. Surprise her by doing something unpredictable for once.

-          Family Photo Album – It doesn’t have to be big, just be sure to include special family pictures that capture the most memorable of moments. The handwritten notes are the best part – tell her exactly how much she means to you.  

-          Memory Jar – Get a nice inexpensive jar from the dollar store and decorate it nicely. In it put nice notepaper that has the things you love about mom on them.

-          Apron – If mom’s a great cook – decorate a white apron for her with fabric paint.

-          ABC Mom – Tell her all the things that remind you of her beginning with that letter (A – always there for me, B – beautiful, C- cares about everyone, etc)

-          Small Indulgence ­– Figure out what little luxury your mother has been denying herself of and get it for her, like her favorite magazine or chocolate.

-          Take her out­ - Save up your allowance or other money and take mom out to her favorite restaurant or even in the evening for some ice cream.

-          Give her some quiet time – A day at the spa is always appreciated.

-          Personalize a Hallmark Card

-          Get her Flowers

-          Customize Bracelets

-          Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate

-          Recipe Book

-          Write her a poem

Though these are cheap, inexpensive ideas – they are priceless gifts that make for a memorable Mother’s Day.

Check out these sites for more idea:

http://www.betterbudgeting.com/articles/holidays/giftsformothersday.htm

http://frugalliving.about.com/od/specialoccasions/tp/Mothers_Day.htm

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Breakfast/story?id=7500685&page=1

THE PRO’S OF FURLOUGH

It was said that one of the things included in the long list of cut-backs were counselors. Due to the state’s ongoing economic crisis, $60.5 million will be required to be cut from the district’s budget for the 2010-11 school year. It just so happened that counselors were one of the things deemed unnecessary for a school to function. Luckily, after the math was done, the 29 counseling positions that were set to be cut will be saved for another school year if two days are cut from the present school year at each of the Elk Grove Unified schools, both primary and secondary education schools. So, we get to keep the counselors, and even get a couple of days off to celebrate it. Win-win? I think not (though I will admit that the two days off will be pretty sweet).

THE CON’S OF FURLOUGH

Though the two furlough days this school year will indeed help keep our counselors for another year, it will still require the district to cut $60.5 million from the budget. So say goodbye to sports, several of your favorite teachers, librarians, and fun electives (as if you didn’t already know). Teachers will also be forced to shorten lesson plans, or remove lessons completely from their carefully planned schooldays. If you ask me, this won’t be helping the decline in education (but we’ll save that for another article).

So what is left to do during this downward spiraling economy? For now, all we can do is hope and pray that the budget comes together and will eventually get to keep our favorite things at school. Make the best out of the rest of the school year while we still have everything we’ve got. While you’re at it, enjoy a movie or a cup of coffee at the local Starbucks (because they’re oh so hard to find) on April 30 and May 14 as you mark off the final days of the school year. We dodged a bullet this time. Just barely.

When one thinks of an R&B CD, the immediate things that come to mind are random hook-ups, rock star partying, and some profanity sprinkled here and there. Jaicko easily breaks this mold by writing about his true feelings, about things and true events that have actually happened on his long journey to fame. These experiences give the artist a wholesome, dignified image, and also shows he will not permit himself to conform to the typical R&B star character.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

The album starts out strong with a couple of insanely catchy tunes entitled Oh Yeah, and Fast Forward, both setting the mood for the entire rest of the album. Lyrically, the album starts out on a lighter note, having the first several tracks being written light-heartedly. Several tracks later, the title track, Can I, cuts into a more serious core, having been written from a dark place. However  dim it may be, the song still gives off a hint of hope noting that no matter how hard times may get, there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel. After repeating the words “Can I get around this?” during the climax of the chorus, he ends it with “I know I can./I can get around this.” Another track, Perfect, is merely a love song, as opposed to an arrogant tune praising himself on over exaggerated traits he does not possess. The artist sings, “I’ll never be perfect/I’ll never be cool/I’ll always be nothing/Unless I’m with you.” These humbling lyrics also help build up the singer’s image as wholesome. The final track, Will You Be There, could not have finished up the entire record any more perfectly. It provides closure, and ensures that he is not going anywhere, that he is here to stay.

Pair up infectiously catchy tracks with the combined voices of Chris Brown (though maybe not the same personality) and Iyaz, and you get a well-produced album given by a true artist. Jaicko has worked hard for his climb to fame and has earned everything that will soon come his way. My final rating: A-.

Aquarius [ Jan 20 - Feb 18 ]
You may reexamine family issues today, especially if a current situation reminds you of something from your childhood. You aren’t clear about what happened then and you might not be so sure of what’s happening now. But as you continue to think about the dynamics, you begin to understand how the present events are very different from the past. Don’t be afraid to take a radical approach once you see things in a new light.

Pisces [ Feb 19 - Mar 20 ]
The Moon’s entry into your 7th House of Partners can rekindle a recurring relationship dilemma as you try to balance your need for security with your desire for individual freedom. You don’t want to be alone, yet you can be obstinate now in your unwillingness to acquiesce on a seemingly petty issue. Choose your battles carefully so you don’t lose what’s most important to you.

Aries [ Mar 21 - Apr 19 ]
You look like you are ready to take a risk now in order to get something you have wanted for a while. But beneath your cavalier appearance, you’re probably doing more calculations than anyone might realize. When you finally do climb out on a limb, you optimistically believe that you won’t fall. To be safe, just make sure you’ve built your strategy on facts and not false assumptions based on unrealistic fantasies.

Taurus [ Apr 20 - May 20 ]
You aren’t as sure that you know exactly what you want even though the Moon’s entry into your playful 5th House today boosts your desire for pleasure. Paradoxically, while you have a practical approach to the concept of satisfaction, it becomes more elusive now as you attempt to reach it. But don’t give up just because you don’t have the clarity you want; your sheer determination will win out in the end.

Gemini [ May 21 - Jun 21 ]
You might feel a bit anxious now because there are too many conflicting thoughts running around inside your head. Normally, you are able to handle the lack of resolution, but today you could make an impulsive decision in order to bring finality to a situation. Unfortunately, you might still be missing a critical piece of information needed to make the best choice. Hold off as long as possible before giving your final answer.

Cancer [ Jun 22 - Jul 22 ]
You have an extra large supply of will power today and would be wise to put it to good use. Although your communication skills are heightened now, you still could get yourself into a bit of trouble by mixing up your favorite fantasy with the actual truth. Don’t trust your perceptions because they may bend reality in your favor. Instead, check out your assumptions by asking a close friend for his or her perspective. You’ll have a better sense of what’s happening once you have another point of view.

Leo [ Jul 23 - Aug 22 ]
There is nothing wrong with your decision-making process now, especially if you trust logic over your impulsive feelings. If you are enamored with something or someone, remember that it’s a good idea to hold yourself back while you think about the consequences of immediately pursuing your desires. If, after serious consideration, it still seems like a good idea, then go for it. Waiting a while won’t hurt your chances for finding satisfaction if your plan makes sense

Virgo [ Aug 23 - Sep 22 ]
The Moon’s return to your sign today is a reminder that you do best when you filter out extraneous data before making any important decisions. But your current problem stems from the difficulty of knowing which information is valid and which originates within your imagination. Once you realize that your fantasies can now seem real, you are able to seek out the details that allow you to distinguish fact from fiction.

Libra [ Sep 23 - Oct 22 ]
It’s another intense day because your desire for pleasure can lead you into a complicated situation. But you have no reason to avoid the complexity because the sweet possibilities are so enticing. Nevertheless, you could find yourself in deeper water than you expected. For now, err on the side of common sense rather than being disappointed by the lack of gold in the pot at the end of the rainbow.

Scorpio [ Oct 23 - Nov 21 ]
You are driven by the idea of accomplishing something very concrete today. However, it’s challenging to keep your mind from wandering into the distracting realms of sensual pleasure. As lovely as your fantasies may be now, it’s really up to you whether or not to encourage them with your attention. You’ll enjoy the present moment more if it contributes to the enduring satisfaction of reaching your goals.

Sagittarius [ Nov 22 - Dec 21 ]
It’s important to follow through with your promises at work today, for others are counting on your performance. Although you take your job quite seriously now, it’s easy to misinterpret what’s expected of you by getting the details mixed up. Listen to your instructions extra carefully, write them down and then double check that you heard them correctly. This might seem like overkill, but it can save you from needlessly wasting time and energy.

Capricorn [ Dec 22 - Jan 19 ]
You have an abundance of creative energy now, yet it’s challenging to find an outlet for even the most practical of your ideas. Your actions may not have the positive impact you want, turning your enthusiasm to discouragement. Don’t give up, for the clouds of illusion can dissipate suddenly, leaving you with clear vision. If you know what you want, your determination and hard work will eventually pay off.

It is saddening that our great teachers, counselors, and librarians will be laid off. With this, our resources will be depleted, and our school’s programs like ROP courses, after school sports, and our summer school will be gone. Recently I interviewed many staff members to get their take on this dilemma as well as a student to see how she felt about these drastic cuts. Our principal, Derk Garcia pleasantly agreed to my interview. How do you feel about the pink slip and budget cuts in general? “It’s depressing and it goes against every thing we say we value as a society to be provided for children.” The worse part of it as he states is that “Monterey Trail has a lot of younger staff member so we have more than most high schools in other districts, which is concerning for two  reasons 1) I know the personal stories of the teachers, and [how the cuts] affect them 2) we have great teachers here at MTHS, and I am worried how the student would be impacted without great teachers, counselors, and librarians.” In our insightful interview we went over a few scenarios that would more than likely play out. As of now there is a potential of only having two counselors, how would that work out? “Actually there is a potential of having NO counselors at all,” Principal Garcia states sullenly. Surprised, as I am sure everyone would be to hear that, again I asked, how would that work out with all of students MTHS currently has enrolled? “If we only had two, we would split into priority, where seniors and juniors would be at the top, since they are the ones closer to graduating.” Principal Garcia had these final words to say “I would like the students at MTHS to understand that we all have the same goal and that is to maintain our current staff.” I, personally, would like our peers to understand that Mr. Garcia or any principal for that matter is not the one who chooses which teacher, counselor, or after school activity stays or goes; it is our state legislators who decide what department should be priorities.

As we can see, many of our resources will be limited or gone completely. How can we be told that we are the future doctors, lawyers, or scientist of tomorrow, when we won’t be able to get there with the help we need?  “Reach for the stars”, will no longer have the same meaning it use to. It is important that not only the present, but the future students at school have the choice to take advantage of the sources our high schools provide. I got a chance to speak to Ms. Tran, an English teacher, working her seventh year at MTHS. What was your reaction when you received your pink slip? “I was not surprised; I had a sense of humor for it.” Ms. Tran was one of thirty teachers to open up the school on its first day; it doesn’t make her happy to receive one, but she’s not really sure what to do about it. In addition, I got to talk to Mr. Jacobson, one of the counselors at MTHS. How do you feel about the pink slip and budget cuts our state legislators are making? “It’s a tragedy in the making for the entire district; we are already one of the states spending less money on each student, while we have one of the biggest economies. I then asked Ms. Jacobson what he would like students to know on getting involved and spreading the word “The more awareness there is the more work that can be done. Students and parents should write letters not just too local officials, but to our state legislator as well.” As with many others planning for their future, Ms. Tran plans to take some time off and do some community service and Mr. Jacobson plans to get a special education teaching credential.

As students we need to take a stand; our MTHS Budget Funeral was a great success, but we can do so much more! We ARE the politicians of our own lives and of our futures, we can make many things happen, we influence people on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, whichever it maybe, and we don’t even know it. The opportunity to raise our voices has come again, let’s take that chance and go all out.

What YOU can do:

• Register to Vote on this year’s 2010 census
• Vote at the polls on important issues
• Send a letter to your legislator (attached to this page is a downloadable sample letter and how to find information for your legislators)
• Get Involved with your school
• Volunteer in cut areas to reduce the impact these cuts will have on students
• Organize a fundraiser, or donate money, supplies and/or time to help save programs
• Organize a rally to bring more public attention to stop the cuts to education
• Circulate a petition to stop budget cuts, collect signatures from registered voters, and submit it to your legislators. For more information, go to www.supportcakids.org
• SPREAD THE WORD!

Remember it only takes one person to make a difference; will the next leader be you?

Mandatory Parent Meeting: Students will NOT be allowed to tryout if a parent/guardian does not attend this meeting; Thurday, April 29th 7pm-8pm, Cafeteria

Mandatory Tryout Meeting Agenda:

• Tryout Procedures
• Cheerleading 2010-11 Expenses
• Uniforms, Cheer Camp and Parent Participation

Cheer Tryouts:

Attendance at all three days of tryouts is mandatory

• Tuesday     May 4th 5:30-7:30  Sign in at 5:15
• Thursday   May 6th 5:30-7:30
• Friday          May 7th 5:30-7:30

Location: Small Gym

Attire:  Shorts, T-Shirt, Athletic Shoes

Falling hard for someone who’s fallen on someone else? Reality check! You don’t need to prove anything to anyone just for them to notice you. If your love is together with someone else, let them go and focus on better things. You don’t need anyone to tell you how amazingly fantastic you are.

Pisces [ Feb 19 - Mar 20 ]

Hmmmmm, so your really going to let someone’s looks keep you from getting to know them? Crazy no! Your way to smart to know that looks don’t matter, all that matters is the inside.Being good looking is not everything. You deserve to be with someone who loves you from the heart. Many go off looks and end up with heartaches, this time; you might want to try the opposite.

Aries [ Mar 21 - Apr 19 ]

Your love smiles at you, teases you, sits next to you only, and the next week they won’t come near you. Confusing, right? Keep your hopes up, they might just be trying to get a response from you. Like a love test, they love me, or they love me not. You can enjoy talking to them, but don’t think bad if they don’t talk the next day. Some people are just confusing and hard to figure out. But its okay, a hi every now and then couldn’t hurt.

Taurus [ Apr 20 - May 20 ]

Worried that your love is going to break up with you and its becoming hard to have a good time with them. If this goes on any longer, your going to start convincing yourself that something is going on. You need to face your fears and find a way to talk to them. Find a nice place where you guys could talk things out, and solve things out. Most likely your hyperventilating, and assuming things for no reason. Just calm down, and take it easy, things will be perfectly fine.

Gemini [ May 21 - Jun 21 ]

Fearlessness – finally asked your lover out and the said “want to get to know you better first.” You had your expectations set real high, and instead shot up the embarrassment. It’s perfectly okay, don’t stress. Getting a chance to become friends with your crush is huge! It’s the start to a new beginning, plus that means you have more time to hang out and talk.

Cancer [ Jun 22 - Jul 22 ]

Gosh, your love is flawless, so amazing, cute, talented, intelligent, humorous, and absolutely perfect. You daydream about them most of the time, and assume you have no chances with them. Comparing one to another isn’t going to get you anywhere in life. Set your self free and give it a shot! You never know, like they say opposites always attract.

Leo [ Jul 23 - Aug 22 ]

Finding yourself attracted to your friends love? Oh no, this can be a pretty bad situation to be in. But it all comes down to one question, is your friendship important or does your love hold more importance? If you choose friendship, the best thing to do is forget about your crush. I understand its really hard to do, but if it doesn’t work out you need to tell your bffl about your feelings.  Warning – things might get ugly, so just watch out for that.

Virgo [ Aug 23 - Sep 22 ]

Everything is going bueno, but your “lover” (totally obsessed) wont stop annoying you into doing something bad. Show them that you’re a strong individual and your have the will power to say no. High school is full of drama, and peer pressure, but the best thing to do is walk away. You don’t need anything, or anyone pressuring you to do something you don’t want to do. Say no, because you know your better than that, you can’t just give into someone like that!

Libra [ Sep 23 - Oct 22 ]

Relationships = insanity! The ups, the downs, the romance, the breakups, and the makeup. But if your love is true, it will never die. Love is the root of everything! Stay with your love, you apparently need to go through true love, experience the blessing of love. Love is beautiful, undying but not always perfect, its always there for you. 

Scorpio [ Oct 23 - Nov 21 ]

When your lover first asked you out, you just said yes just to mess around. As time went by, you guys started to develop an understanding between each other. Now you actually do love him, and can’t think of anything else but them. But, your love has lost all feelings for you! What to do? The best solution is to tell your love the truth, it’s the only possible way to get them back.

Sagittarius [ Nov 22 - Dec 21 ]

Ever since you and your love have been together things have been perfect. When you least expect it, rumors start, and your love wants to break up? Not cool. Tell your love whatever they’ve heard is a lie, tell the story behind the rumors. If you guys are meant to be, your love will know that you are telling them the truth. If they don’t end up believing you, then they were never the right one. A relationship’s base if built off trust, if the trust isn’t there, then the relationship isn’t there either.

Capricorn [ Dec 22 - Jan 19 ]

If you’re in a relationship with another, it is always good to be honest and truthful. If you be faithful and become open with your partner you guys will go a long way. When lies are floating in the air, there is drama to occur for sure. It is better to be disappointed with a lie, rather then ending such a strong relationship.