by Ayana Antoine ‘20 The school dress code designates appropriate attire for students, which is an important concept that is ineffectively being carried out. Many enforced rules are open to interpretation or simply not stated in our agenda books, and what’s most troubling is many students feel unfairly targeted as to how the restrictive rules are currently enforced. One problem … Read More
by Brandon Alter ‘17 The comparisons made of Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler need to stop. Not only are they unrealistic, to suggest that Trump can do in present day what Hitler did in the 1930s and 1940s, but more importantly, they reduce the historic significance of the Holocaust. Last year, I went on March of The Living, a two-week … Read More
by Leah Peloff ‘18 The number of times I have heard people say “she wears too much makeup, it’s false advertisement,” or, “maybe she would be pretty if she wore some makeup” is absurd. Wear too much and people think you’re fake, wear none at all and people judge you for not trying hard enough. Although I agree completely that … Read More
by Maya Koeppen ‘17 After spending 12 years in the public education system, I have learned quite a few things about myself and the world around me. But probably one of the most important would have to be: read the book. Be it an assigned novel in your English class or some supplementary reading for your AP class, whatever you … Read More
by Matt Post ‘18 On March 3rd, Watkins Mill’s Je’Nan Hayes was barred from participating in her regional final basketball game. The reason? Her headscarf. The main referee pulled Watkins Mill’s coach aside ahead of the game and demanded a waiver allowing for Hayes’ “decoration or headwear,” something required by the National Federation of State High School Associations. When the … Read More
by Serena Mlawsky ‘17 While being accepted into college is exciting and well deserved, there is a fine line between being proud and being obnoxious when it comes to bragging. It’s understandable that seniors want to share their positive news; however, is it necessary to share it at every single possible opportunity? At some point, the accomplishments of students as … Read More
by Leah Peloff ‘18 Since the time we could walk, we have been trained to prepare for the “next step” in life. Pre-K got us ready for us for kindergarten, which prepared us for elementary school, then middle school, high school, and now, the culmination of our 13-year-long school careers, applying to college. According to The New York Times, only … Read More
by Lucy Kuchma ‘18 With the emergence of Sherwood’s new feminist club, EmpowHer, students have begun discussing things they notice in school and home life that might disadvantage young women. A couple of club members called attention to the fact that girls who frequently visit the nurse’s office in need of feminine hygiene products are asked to pay a quarter … Read More
by Dinah Aguilar ’19
MCPS has done away with semester and final exams. Instead, each quarter is now punctuated with a Required Quarterly Assessment (RQA), and final grades are configured using the two quarterly grades and “averaging” them. While eliminating exams may relieve stress for some, it may do more harm than good. Under the old grade configuration system, exams would often make or … Read More