Many people believe we use our phones simply because we are bored, want to text friends, or enjoy scrolling. While those reasons are common, phone use goes deeper than simple entertainment. Outside of necessity, phones have become a constant source of instant pleasure that can actually make it harder for us to feel happy in everyday life.

Tardiness is a major issue on campus, and student accountability plays a large role in why it happens. According to Assistant Principal Mr. Lark, the school averages 212 tardies on Wednesdays, making it the worst day for on-time attendance during the first semester. This leads to an important question: are tardies caused by a lack of student responsibility, or are they the result of circumstances students cannot control?

ETap has become an important part of the school day at Estancia High School, but students and staff don’t all see it the same way. Some students think ETap is helpful because it gives them time to finish homework or get extra help, while others believe it is mostly wasted time spent on phones or talking with friends. This has led many people to question what ETap is really meant for.

Concerns over school safety, bathroom conditions, and unequal resources took center stage at the Jan. 20, 2026 Newport Mesa Unified School District meeting, where students and families spoke openly about problems they face every day on campus.

Estancia Raises Test Scores from Last Year!

Hundreds of teachers rallied outside the NMUSD board meeting on November 18, pushing back against a 2% salary offer while speakers inside questioned a trustee’s involvement in an alleged hit-and-run.

What’s really happening when you’re gone from school? Learn all about how your teachers collaborate to give you the education you deserve.

The All Eagles Soar Campaign at Estancia High School was launched at the start of last school year by Mr. Shelby to change the school’s culture and habits. The campaign’s main goal is to reset Estancia’s culture, increase student involvement within the community, help students succeed academically, and prepare them for life after high school.

Two campus political clubs, Changing Hearts And Minds of Youth (CHAMOY) and Action In Motion (AIM), have recently sparked meaningful discussions about why two clubs are addressing similar topics. While their focuses may differ, both share a goal of understanding the challenges within America’s multicultural identity.

After years of silence, The Talon is rising again. With a devoted team and student body, this newspaper aims to capture true student stories and their voices. Through interviews with editors, staff, and students, such as Mr. Abuel, Annika Knox, Marc Rodig, and Karely Prado, we discovered the truth behind The Talon’s return.