School:
ASB Spirit hosted its first-ever St. Patrick’s Day event in the quad on March 17. At the wish-writing event, students could write down their hopes and wishes on paper four-leaf clovers in exchange for chocolate gold coins. Turnout was strong despite the heat and the timing of Tuesday lunch, when many students without a 7th period leave campus. The commission plans to return with the event in future years.
“This affected the student body positively since it allowed people to introspect as to what they wanted to do and their goals,” junior and ASB Spirit commissioner Rohin Saharoy said.
Community:
On March 12, the San José Unified School District’s Schools of Tomorrow Committee voted to recommend closing five elementary schools — Canoas, Empire Gardens, Gardner, Lowell and Terrell — and relocating Hammer Montessori School at Galarza Elementary to Gardner, pivoting from their initial plan to shutter nine schools. The 23-member committee was formed to address an enrollment drop of more than 6,000 students since the 2017-18 school year. On March 26, the board of trustees will decide whether to close all nine schools as initially planned or follow the committee’s recommendation.
National:
Hawaii Island’s Kilauea volcano erupted on March 10, launching lava 1,000 feet high in its 43rd episode since December 2024. The eruption prompted temporary closures at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and portions of Highway 11. The spread of volcanic tephra — glassy fragments that can irritate eyes, skin and respiratory systems — prompted Hawaii County to open an emergency shelter for affected residents and tourists. The National Weather Service warned of ash accumulation exceeding a quarter of an inch across the park. The molten rock remained confined within Kilauea’s summit crater and posed no threat to nearby homes, according to the United States Geological Survey.
International:
The People’s Republic of China approved a sweeping “ethnic unity” law on March 12, requiring all children to learn Mandarin from pre-kindergarten through high school. Passed by the National People’s Congress, the law also allows the prosecution of parents who instill views deemed harmful to ethnic harmony. While the Chinese government argues the policy will improve job prospects for minority groups, scholars warn the legislation cements a push to assimilate China’s 56 recognized minority ethnic groups into dominant Han culture.
