CHS, reevaluate make-up work policy
May 9, 2018
Filed under Observer Opinion, Opinions
Have you ever missed one day of school and felt like you have to spend the next week making up all the quizzes, tests and worksheets you missed? The CHS makeup policy is supposed to help students handle this extra work, while still balancing their current school work. The current policy is that a...
Parkland brings out Gen Z’s activism
March 7, 2018
Filed under Observer Opinion, Opinions, Top Stories
We’ve heard it all before. Regardless of the era, the youth generation always ends up garnering the same stereotypes -- lazy, ignorant and apathetic. Back in the 60’s, the hippies were regarded as jobless and out of touch with reality. Since then, there has been Generation X, angsty 90’s teens,...
MCPS must mend mental health
January 10, 2018
Filed under Observer Opinion, Opinions, Top Stories
“I don't wanna be alive, I don't wanna be alive, I just wanna die today, I just wanna die.” These words, written by Grammy-nominated rapper and MCPS native Logic, have tragically proven to ring true for many MCPS students. In light of the tragic suicides at Walter Johnson and Walt Whitman High...
MCPS, give students, staff a break
November 21, 2017
Filed under Observer Opinion, Opinions, Top Stories
Once again, the MCPS school board is altering the school year schedule. For the 2018-19 year, election day and Jewish holidays cut into the schedule. In response, there were five schedule proposals created. The chosen model only has two professional days and shortens spring break to a mere four days...
CHS, stop undermining mental illness
October 24, 2017
Filed under Observer Opinion, Opinions
Mental illnesses: serious, yet stigmatized conditions that impact countless members of the CHS community. But when those conditions are stereotyped or referenced in casual context, it completely undermines the severity of mental health disorders. Despite the rise of mental health issues in America,...
MCPS grading changes prove overwhelming and confusing for students and parents
October 4, 2017
Filed under Observer Opinion, Online Exclusives, Opinions, Top Stories
The idea that change is a good thing is a well known concept, however MCPS really took that saying to heart. Ending the use of Edline as a way for students to check grades is only the most recent of many changes that MCPS has sprung on the students and staff, leaving us bewildered and overwhelmed. The...
Activities: Quality Over Quantity
June 13, 2017
Filed under Observer Opinion, Opinions, Top Stories
Captain of a varsity sports team, a position on the student government, president of several clubs, skilled artist, member of numerous honor societies, over 200 hours of volunteer work, a multi-AP class course load and straight A’s. It seems impossible, but this is the goal of many CHS students who...
Say Yes: Teach Affirmative Consent
May 26, 2017
Filed under Observer Opinion, Opinions
Recently, Montgomery County made headlines for a rape that occurred at Rockville High School. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), one out of every five American women have been victims of rape or attempted rape in their lifetime. Furthermore, on college campuses, one...
Why MCPS Should Teach Everyone to Code
By Julia Lescht, Online Opinions Editor
April 19, 2017
Filed under Observer Opinion, Online Exclusives, Opinions
Technology. It's the wave pushing future progress. Infinite sources of information--both credible and incredible--are available at the click of a button. Robots are taking over the jobs of people everywhere you turn. Americans no longer need to leave their homes in order to get dinner. It makes somewhat...
Pre-College Costs Hinder Students
March 29, 2017
Filed under Observer Opinion, Opinions
College is an expensive investment into a student’s future. At CHS, most of students’ daily lives and choices revolve around earning amazing grades and outstanding test scores so they receive admittance to their dream school. But as college tuitions continue to rise, the cost of the college application...
Responsibility to Report All News
February 21, 2017
Filed under Observer Opinion, Opinions
As staff members of a hyperlocal student publication, some may wonder if we are sticking our heads where they don’t belong when we tackle national and political issues. There is not a clear consensus about whether the purpose of a school newspaper is to simply cover what’s happening inside the hallways,...
Good Communication is Necessary
January 11, 2017
Filed under Observer Opinion, Opinions
We think of CHS as place where all are welcome and as a place where students have the support they need. But time and time again, this ideal has unfortunately been proven incorrect. Over the past year, CHS has been through an extraordinary number of emotional stressors. As a community, we look towards...