Texas Shooting Raises Controversy over ‘Good Guys with Guns’

by Lucy Kuchma ‘18 The national conversation about gun control intensified after the November 5th shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas. After gunman Devin Kelley opened fire on nearly 50 congregants of First Baptist Church, a local resident, Stephen Willeford, ran barefoot from his home holding only his semi-automatic rifle. Willeford shot Kelley and hit Kelley twice, prompting the perpetrator to … Read More

School Faculty Troubled by Increase in Vaping

by Owen Steffan ‘18 Vaping has become a problem at Sherwood in the past year and the administration is trying to cut down on its use by students on school grounds. Although vaping has been popular among students in years past, it has skyrocketed in 2017. Due to the sudden rise of vape use at Sherwood, teachers are becoming increasingly … Read More

Is Vaping a Gateway Drug?

by Lexi Matthews ‘18 Despite the claim of their creation being to deter further cigarette use by weaning smokers off of nicotine dependency, fears have grown that e-cigarettes are actually contributing to a growing drug culture among teens. The concept of a substance being a gateway drug was first popularized in the 1980s; the theory suggested that those who smoked … Read More

Vaping Accessibility and Cost

by Leah Peloff ‘18 As the number of Sherwood students who vape on a regular basis has increased enormously, the question arises of how so many teens can both acquire products that are illegal to adolescents under the age of 18, and, even for those who meet the age requirement, how they afford a potentially very expensive habit. For students … Read More

MCPS Approves Calendar for 2018-2019

by Mallory Carlson ‘19 After Governor Larry Hogan passed legislation requiring Maryland public schools to start after Labor Day, finish by June 15, and include 180 days of instruction, MCPS took the school calendar structure into consideration. On November 14, the Board of Education made a final decision; the 2018-2019 school year will begin on September 4 and end on … Read More

MCPS Plans New Infrastructure Projects

by Isabella Pilot ‘18 Due to massive growth throughout the county, Superintendent Jack Smith recently recommended a 1.8 billion dollar infrastructure plan for the next six years. MCPS has gained nearly 22,000 students over the past years with 3,000 new students last year alone, so the county is responding with proposals for two new high schools, three new elementary schools, … Read More

County Launches ‘BTheOne’ Program

by Lexi Matthews ‘18 County Executive Ike Leggett launched the public awareness campaign “BTheOne” this October in partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, MCPS, and local mental health organizations EveryMind and Family Services, Inc. The campaign, which aims to “reach teens in the community with important messages about preventing suicide and drug abuse,” kicked off … Read More

New Minimum Wage is Approved

by Mallory Carlson ‘19 In early November, Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett signed the legislation that makes the minimum wage in Montgomery County $15, a significant increase from the current 10.75. The new law will begin to be enforced in 2021, but only for businesses with 51 employees or more, while smaller business will be given more time to implement … Read More

Multiple Olney Businesses Replaced

by Sydney Henry ‘20 If you grew up in Olney, you might have experienced the well-known tradition of going to Sakura for someone’s birthday. You can remember the impossible competition to catch a piece of meat in your mouth, or the iconic slice of cheesecake with the umbrella and the cherry on top. But those traditions will no longer take … Read More

English 12 Helps Students Find Their Wings

by Journalism Class Days before Thanksgiving, origami butterflies fluttered throughout Sherwood’s halls. Those butterflies symbolize the struggles of women around the world, and the need to take a stand against violence. The English Department brought attention to the issues presented in “In the Time of the Butterflies,” a book new to the 12th grade curriculum about the sisters who fought … Read More