by Emily Siansky ‘22 Starting on November 30, MCPS adjusted the grading policy after finding students, especially those who are from a disadvantaged community, have higher failing rates than normal. These adjustments include alterations to the Progress Checks, a reduction to the number of graded assignments in both the Assessments and the Practice/Preparation categories, extending due dates to accommodate late … Read More
by Jenna Bloom ‘21 As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, millions of people nationwide are still figuring out ways to socialize with their family and friends, whether that means following CDC guidelines or not. In a survey sent out to Sherwood students last month before national and local cases spiked and new restrictions were announced, results showed an uneven response on … Read More
by Seth Kauffman ‘21 For high school seniors applying to college, the application process has looked a little different this year. Universities across the country have adjusted their policies to account for the academic challenges posed by the pandemic, but many students are still quite unsure about how their applications are being assessed. Often thought to be the quintessential piece … Read More
by Bryan Kim ‘23 The MCPS Board of Education has recently assessed and approved a plan to start a hybrid model of learning for the second semester. Once certain health metrics are met, MCPS will begin a phased-in return to in-person instruction. MCPS will start by integrating students who are in specific special education and Career and Technical Education (CTE) … Read More
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
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
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
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
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
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