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The Student News Site of Granite Bay High School

Granite Bay Today

The Student News Site of Granite Bay High School

Granite Bay Today

The Student News Site of Granite Bay High School

Granite Bay Today

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Mareesa Islam, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Mareesa, a senior, is one of the editors-in-chief, and this is her second year on the Gazette staff.

All content by Mareesa Islam
For many years, studies have shown that the presence of teachers of color has greatly improved student success rates, including high school graduation rates.

The lasting impact of teachers of color on campus

Mareesa Islam, Co-Editor-in-Chief
April 6, 2021

As a child growing up in a multicultural environment, Lisa Goldsmith, a biology teacher at Granite Bay High School, never felt apart from those around...

Vaccine distribution is currently occurring at multiple locations including the Grounds in Roseville, shown above.

COVID-19 vaccine rollout ramps up across Placer County

Mareesa Islam, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 16, 2021

Placer County is currently administering COVID-19 vaccines to health care personnel in Phase 1a, as well as residents over the age of 65 and workers in...

On January 5, schools across the RJUHSD district reopened with a five day schedule, marking the first time in nearly a year where students were able to return to campus fulltime. Yet, with this comes obstacles as well.

Reopening: RJUHSD employees reflect

Ali Juell and Mareesa Islam
January 31, 2021

On December 14, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously in favor of five days a week of in person instruction with 70 minute class periods despite the...

Despite maintaining a white majority presence, Granite Bay High School's demographics have diversified over the last decade.

2010 vs. 2020: Demographic differences within a decade

Mareesa Islam and Sophia Harimoto
January 10, 2021

Over the last decade, the demographics of GBHS have become more diverse with a growing minority population.  According to the GBHS 2009-10 School Accountability...

The name of the student cheering section at Granite Bay High School, the "Tribe", is soon to be rebranded.

Trouble with Tribe: Changing the name, not the tradition

Mareesa Islam and Sophia Harimoto
October 30, 2020

A place of inclusion – the student cheering section at Granite Bay High School was designed to be a place where students could gather for a common purpose...

Ding Tea's Signature Milk Tea with 50% ice and 50% sweetness and black boba pearls, for only $3.75.

Food Review: Ding Tea

Mareesa Islam, Co-Editor-In-Chief
September 29, 2020

   With just the right balance of sweetness and creaminess, it’s the only treat that seems to truly brighten my mood, or catch the attention of my...

On Instagram, @diversifyournarrativerjuhsd posts infographics, petitions, and testimonials to help educate the community on injustices.

RJUHSD students advocate for social equality on campuses

Mareesa Islam, Co-Editor-in-Chief
September 24, 2020

Amidst the “resurfacing” of  racial tensions, many students have begun to express their voice on fragile issues through social media and other activism...

With barber shops and hair salons closed, hair dyeing and cutting seems to be a popular activity for those stuck at home.

Quarantine prompts students to switch up their hairstyles

Mareesa Islam, assistant editor
May 18, 2020

With people unable to leave their homes due to the shelter-in-place mandate, many have found themselves feeling adventurous and experimental when it comes...

[Video] Extended school closure due to coronavirus: ‘Bearly News’ podcast

April 3, 2020

UPDATE: April 3, 2020 It was announced on Friday, April 3 that all schools under the Roseville Joint Union High School District will be closed for the...

Junior Ali Juell puts together a shopping list for her family during the coronavirus shelter in place in Placer County. Throughout the region, county and state authorities have limited movement and closed most businesses to try to help slow the pandemic.

Distance learning due to COVID-19 proves challenging

Mareesa Islam, assistant editor
March 23, 2020

Never before has Granite Bay High seen its profound educational system shift to a delivery of content online. That is, until now. After the discovery...

A GBHS student's schedule displays the typical Granite Bay High 4x4 block schedule, which includes four classes per semester and eight per year. An alternative would include six classes.

GBHS contemplates a major transition

Mareesa Islam, assistant editor
March 16, 2020

After more than two decades on a 4x4 block schedule, Granite Bay High teachers and administrators are at least having conversations about making a change. “Discussions...

Religious tensions between Iran and the U.S. greatly affect GBHS students.

Iranian-Americans conflicted between nationalities

Mareesa Islam, assistant editor
February 10, 2020

Political tensions between the U.S. and Iran have generated controversy for many years.  Yet, even brighter sparks have begun to fly after the recent...

Bagel Bites are a frozen food, commonly found in grocery stores.

Food Review: Bagel Bites

Mareesa Islam, Staff Writer
January 31, 2020

Store: Safeway Food: Three-cheese Bagel Bites Price: $2.50 Quick Take: Bagel Bites are an easy and quick snack when you crave a cheesy delight. Rating:...

ACT changes are a hot topic on the GBHS campus.

ACT changes starting next school year

Mareesa Islam, staff writer
January 23, 2020

Standardized tests play an exceedingly important role for students in the college acceptance process. Both the American College Testing exam  and the...

Commentary: Dedication is for the strong

Commentary: Dedication is for the strong

Mareesa Islam, Staff Writer
January 17, 2020

   In recent years, we have grown accustomed to a mindset that solely focuses on the end result, and have failed to acknowledge the lengthy road it...

Speech and debate students gather after competing at Ponderosa High School.

Speech and debate teams kicks off successful year

Mareesa Islam, staff writer
December 10, 2019

Granite Bay High School’s speech and debate program has made many notable successes as its competition season sparks into action. The team consists...

Assistant principal Jessup McGregor finishes the year off strong before leaving GBHS to the dismay of staff and students.

Jessup McGregor set to leave for a position at West Park

Mareesa Islam, staff writer
December 5, 2019

Jessup McGregor, an assistant principal at Granite Bay High School, recently announced his upcoming in-district transfer to West Park High at the end of...

Fruity and coconut-y, this acai bowl was a delight.

Food Review: Cielo Acai Cafe

Mareesa Islam, staff writer
November 4, 2019

Acai bowls are a great way to feel fulfilled and healthy at the same time. Located in Roseville, Cielo Acai Cafe did just that. As soon as I entered...

Commentary: Muslim America

Commentary: Muslim America

Mareesa Islam, Staff Writer
October 25, 2019

I’ve felt it too many times, the deep stares during attendance, the turning of heads at the mention of my last name. It all seems too familiar to me. For...

A common theme in the survey responses was the community's desire for the school to try and curb the vaping problem on campus.

District survey results from last year spur administrative action

Mareesa Islam, staff writer
October 18, 2019

Last school year, the Roseville Joint Union High School District began to take part in a school-wide survey organized by the Continuous School Improvement...

The Granite Bay Emerald Brigade performed with multiple, large props this season.

Granite Bay Emerald Brigade competes at Oakmont High School

Sophia Harimoto and Mareesa Islam
October 14, 2019

On Saturday October 12th, the Granite Bay Emerald Brigade took the field in their first competition of the season held at Oakmont High School.     Many...

Commentary: Saving the Environment

Commentary: Saving the Environment

Mareesa Islam, Staff Writer
September 24, 2019

Perhaps human nature is to blame for the destruction we have brought upon our planet. However, excuses will not erase the horrors that continue to test...

IB Chemistry-HL has only seven students, a startlingly low number in comparison to AP US History, which has upwards of 35 students.

IB class sizes remain significantly smaller than AP classes

Mareesa Islam, staff writer
September 23, 2019

Granite Bay High School students have branched out into different academic paths since the beginning of Grizzly history – however, in recent  years,...

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Mareesa Islam