by Sudha Sudhaker ‘21 The MCPS Board of Education voted unanimously to return students to in-person learning, beginning with special populations of students as early as March 1. During the live-streamed Board meeting on February 9, a number of parents spoke in favor of reopening schools. For the past few months, many parents have been increasingly vocal on Facebook and … Read More
by Emily Siansky ‘22 Governor Larry Hogan announced January 5 that public school teachers and other school staff are in the next phase to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. Currently, Maryland is still in Phase 1A with health care providers, law enforcements, nursing home residents and staff getting vaccinated first. Teachers and all Marylanders over the age of 75 in Phase … Read More
by Jay Joseph ‘22 The MCPS Board of Education voted 7-1 to push back the previous start date of February 1 to March 15 for school reopening, almost exactly a year after schools closed, and will meet again February 23 to vote on the date. The board reviewed the metrics of January 11, where the 14-day average of new cases … Read More
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