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The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News

The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News

The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News

Taisiia Yakovenko

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer

Taisiia Yakovenko is a senior at Carlmont High School who is involved in journalism because she wants to be a more active member in her community. To check out her portfolio, click here.

Twitter: @TayaYakovenko

All content by Taisiia Yakovenko
During Teacher Appreciation Week, parents and students acknowledge teachers' efforts throughout the school year.

Quarantine Things: The importance of Teacher Appreciation Week

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer May 6, 2020

What is Teacher Appreciation Week?  Just like the name implies, Teacher Appreciation Week is a week when students and parents take some time to acknowledge the work and effort of teachers. In the U.S.,...

Some people decorate rooms in their house to create a more celebratory setting.

Quarantine Things: Birthdays during quarantine

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer April 29, 2020

Although opinions on birthdays differ across the board, most people prefer to celebrate with their family and friends and make long-lasting memories. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, it is a little harder...

Students often struggle to stay motivated and organized during distance learning.

Quarantine Things: How to stay motivated during distance learning

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer April 22, 2020

It has been 40 days since students set foot on Carlmont’s campus or into one of their favorite classrooms.  The majority of schools have transitioned to distance learning; while the switch allows...

Emma Lee, vice president of Bring Change to Mind, and Mackenzi Rauls, president of the club, work on their most recent project "Jars of Positivity". 

"We want people to have some positive affirmation throughout the day. Writing all kinds of positive message would help with that but it would also make our presence more known on campus," Lee said.

Bring Change to Mind changes the conversation about mental health

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer November 13, 2019

With an increase in academic pressure, more and more student organizations are focusing on mental health issues.  Carlmont students have combated these issues by establishing student-led clubs that...

Sophomore Biotechnology I/II for BTI class works on one of their labs. "In this lab we learned how to use pipettes properly so that we can measure really small amounts of liquid for the next lab work." said Lucas Eden, a sophomore.

BTI pathway offers students more academic options

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer October 1, 2019

Every sophomore at Carlmont has an opportunity to become a part of the Biotechnology Institute (BTI) program curriculum, but not many know what BTI actually is.  BTI is a three-year program offered...

Sophomore class officers talk about the upcoming school spirit events in their presentation.

[Photo] Sophomores bond over events in class meeting

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer September 9, 2019

Sophomore class officers talk about the upcoming school spirit events in their presentation.

Club officers making milk tea for their first meeting on Aug. 24.

Chinese Culture Club creates community through food

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer August 27, 2019

Although there are many clubs on campus, the Chinese Culture Club stands out amongst them because of its unique and friendly community. “Our club is different because we are so welcoming. We want...

Documentary Club during their last meeting when they watched "Bad Rap," a documentary on Asian-Americans in the rap industry.

Documentary Club promotes general education

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer May 16, 2019

Walking into the Belmont Library, patrons can access a variety of resources, get any questions answered, or enjoy a quiet afternoon reading a book. In addition, the Belmont library host a number of...

The police officer leading the Cherry Blossom Festival parade toward Tokyotown.

Cherry Blossom Festival promotes Japanese culture

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer April 23, 2019

All across the globe, Harumi, a Cherry Blossom Festival, signals the beginning of spring and the end of winter colds. Harumi is a traditional Japanese holiday that is meant to represent the end of winter...

The instructor teaching one his students how to deal with various forms of harassment.

Women’s self-defense class teaches safety

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer March 27, 2019

March, the women’s history month, saw the popularization of events that made the public more aware of the daily problems that women have to face. One of the main problems women face is fear of assault,...

The volunteers sent by AARP help locals ensure their taxes are filed correctly.

Belmont Library provides free tax services

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer February 28, 2019

The beginning of spring brings a sense of anxiety as Tax Day approaches and many individuals become stressed out by their tax reports. In order to aid taxpayers, the Belmont Library provided a free...

Friedrich Edelmann and Rebecca Rust performing a ragtime piece for their audience.

Music performance captures audience’s attention

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer February 11, 2019

The Belmont Library hosted yet another musical performance in an attempt to spread knowledge about different music styles and engage the audience in a unique performance.  "From Baroque, Classic to...

An audience member feeds cabbage to the lion to represent new luck in the new year.

San Francisco performers strive to preserve Chinese New Year traditions

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer February 11, 2019

During the Chinese New Year performance, the Lion Dancers swept through the streets of San Francisco to bring the holiday and its traditions to the residents and visitors. “We have been doing this...

Indigenous women lead the Women's March San Francisco 2019.

[Photo] The Women’s March calls for action

Nihal Karim, Staff Writer January 24, 2019

Participants of the march walk down Market Street with their posters.

Adam Miller playing traditional Irish songs in the Belmont Library during his last concert.

Folk songs bring holiday spirit into the community

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer December 12, 2018

As the holiday season reaches its peak, songs such as “Frosty the Snowman” and “Jingle Bells” can be heard almost everywhere. However, tunes that are popular today are nothing like the traditional...

Volunteers at the latest event sorted apples for families for the holiday season.

Food banks prepare for the holidays

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer November 25, 2018

Over 22,000 pounds of apples were sorted and boxed at the Second Harvest Food Bank as part of preparations for the upcoming holiday season on Nov. 14. Apples, along with other many foods, will be given...

A student voicing the ideas of the table group at the end of discussion.

School district asks for personal input on school curriculum

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer October 5, 2018

In an attempt to gain more input from the community, the Sequoia Union High School District (SUHSD) organized a Community Engagement event on Oct. 2. Superintendent Mary Streshly said, "We wanted...

Organizers made announcements and invited everyone to sit down and watch the movie.

Belmont movie night shows off a local sense of community

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer September 26, 2018

The annual Belmont movie night allows people from nearby cities to connect with one another while watching the amusing movie “Trolls.” The City of Belmont planned the event for the people of local...

Students buy Juniorfest tickets during lunch.

[Photo] Juniorfest tickets go on sale

Nihal Karim, Staff Writer September 27, 2018

Students buy Juniorfest tickets during lunch.

Organizers make sure that visitors can come back to the festival and continue enjoying all that they have to offer.

The annual celebration of Greek culture brings people together

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer September 7, 2018

Church of the Holy Cross invited families to enjoy food, drama, dancing, music, and shops on the 48th Greek Festival. The annual festival in Belmont marked yet another celebration of Greek culture and...

During their latest meeting in D22, the Investment Club discussed loans and insurance.

Investment Club teaches students to invest in their future

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer May 10, 2018

High school students often complain that they were taught that mitochondria is the power house of the cell but not taught how to do taxes. Carlmont students took initiative in promoting financial literacy...

The GSA Club after their latest meeting where they discussed the events of the Day of Silence that would take place on May 7, 2018

GSA Club encourages students to take part in the Day of Silence

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer April 25, 2018

Day of Silence is an annual event during which high school students choose to not speak throughout the duration of the day in order to address the issue that queer teens are often silenced when it comes...

Freshmen learned about the opportunities that they can get during an AVID informational meeting that was held in C14.

AVID Club hosts an informational meeting for freshmen

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer April 5, 2018

Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) is a non-profit organization that was founded to help AVID students overcome obstacles and achieve success. Carlmont High School is one of many schools...

Tin Pot Creamery is well known for a variety of unique flavors. They recently opened a new shop in San Mateo.

[Photo] Tin Pot Creamery serves special sweet treats

Taya Yakovenko, Staff Writer October 30, 2017

Tin Pot Creamery is well known for a variety of unique flavors. They recently opened a new shop in San Mateo.

Some of Starbucks' not-so-secret seasonal drinks: the Christmas in a Cup Latte, the Cherry Blossom Frappuccino, the Passion Tea Latte, and the Coconut Milk Pumpkin Macchiato.

Starbucks never fails to surprise with countless seasonal options

Taisiia Yakovenko, Staff Writer October 16, 2017

Starbucks: the ultimate place for people of all ages to get their daily dose of caffeine and sugar while enjoying free Wi-Fi and the pleasant smell of coffee. Starbucks's creativity in making new products...

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