Despite Promise, Vaccine Unlikely To Jumpstart In-Person School This Spring

by Solaiman Hassanin ‘23 At the start of November, Pfizer, one of the many companies working on a coronavirus vaccine, came out with news that trials showed that its vaccine was 95-percent successful. In mid-November, Moderna reported that its vaccine was 94-percent successful and Pfizer has asked for an emergency authorization for the use of their vaccine. Shipments have begun … Read More

MCPS Tweaks Health Metrics for Reopening Plan

 by Jay Joseph ‘22 MCPS announced its altered plans for partial in-person learning after working to closer align its metrics with those of the CDC, Gov. Larry Hogan, and state and local health officials. MCPS simplified its metrics to reduce confusion, mainly relying upon the 14-Day Average New Case Rate by the MD Calculation model. MCPS also decided to allow … Read More

Ways to Whisk the Winter Blues Away

by Hannah Lee ’21 As the temperature drops and nightfall approaches faster, many people find themselves dealing with worsened mental health while also struggling to find the motivation to complete everyday tasks. There is indeed a scientific reason for this phenomenon.  Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, is a type of depression which typically occurs at the beginning of … Read More

Going Solo on the Driver’s Test

by Riley Sandoval ‘22 Like most things during the pandemic, the way teens receive their driver’s licenses has also changed. The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) has modified the drivers test for a provisional license in order to follow the guidelines laid out by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).  With the modified exam, the driving … Read More

MCPS Will Likely Not Reopen for In-Person Instruction

by Jay Joseph ‘22 MCPS evaluated and approved a provisional plan to prepare for a partial in-person reopening. However, based on the tentative criteria given for in-person learning, it seems unlikely that more than a few students will return for in-person instruction during this school year.  The Parent Preference Survey MCPS emailed to parents will play a major role in … Read More

Covid-19 Could Change College Admissions Forever

by Seth Kauffman ‘21 At a time of year when high school seniors are ordinarily overwhelmed with meeting college application deadlines, taking the SAT, and balancing rigorous academics, the coronavirus pandemic has further exacerbated these anxieties. The spring and summer seasons leading up to fall application deadlines are a time for students to visit campuses, raise their standardized test scores, … Read More

Montgomery County and Maryland Officials Update Covid-19 Restrictions after Rising Cases

by Emily Siansky ‘22 On November 10, the Montgomery County Council conducted an oversight meeting to adjust Covid-19 restrictions after a third wave of cases. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich issued Executive Order 122-20 that changes the capacity limits of businesses throughout the county.  Fitness centers, indoor restaurants, museums and art galleries, and religious facilities all must reduce to 25 … Read More

The Chances You’ll Receive a Stimulus Payment

by Solaiman Hassanin ‘23 As talks for a Covid stimulus deal continue (and fade away), many wonder the impact that a second stimulus will have on their life. Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Speaker of the House, has put pressure on President Donald Trump to get Republicans to pass a new stimulus.  “We could be very close.  So, as I say … Read More

Trick or Treating: Not Cancelled but Cautioned

by Riley Sandoval ‘22 Halloween falls on a Saturday and a full blue moon this year. Although trick or treating is not off of the table completely, the perfect Halloween will have to be celebrated a little differently. Montgomery County officials are recommending that families find new approaches for this Halloween to stay safe.  Traditional ways of celebrating pose the … Read More

New Vice Principal Ready to Help Students

by Brenna Henderson ‘21 As one of many administrative changes at the start of this school year, Sherwood welcomes Belinda Penn as a new assistant principal. She mostly recently worked at Roberto Clemente Middle School in MCPS as a Resource Counselor.  At Sherwood, Penn plans to support students in their journey and help them achieve their goals. “It has always … Read More