The School Newspaper of Winston Churchill High School.

The Observer

The School Newspaper of Winston Churchill High School.

The Observer

The School Newspaper of Winston Churchill High School.

The Observer

This is how people grow marijuana in their homes.

Marijuana legalization in D.C. poses no threat

By Katherine Michael, Staff Writer December 9, 2014

Voters in D.C. recently passed Initiative 71, which allows for adults over the age of 21 to cultivate at most six marijuana plants and possess up to two ounces of marijuana in their home for personal use. Other...

Students should be given a reading period

Students should be given a reading period

By Balbina Yang, Advertising Manager December 8, 2014

Since starting high school, many students have opened countless books but have read none. With quizzes, tests and homework constantly on their minds, it’s not a surprise that students are not reading...

Buying products from vending machines is banned during school hours and only available before and after school.

Vending machines can provide benefits to students

By Arjun Swaminathan, Online Arts Editor November 24, 2014

Students often have sudden cravings during the school day for a nice, tasty snack or a cold, refreshing drink. Imagine students’ surprise when they discover that their favorite snacks and drinks are...

School calendar should recognize religious holidays

Superintendent Joshua Starr recommended that the MCPS Board of Education remove the names of all religious holidays from the calendar. On Starr’s proposed 2015-2016 school calendar, all religious holiday...

White oppression doesn’t exist but white privilege does

With college application season upon us, students channel their frustration at the perceived roots of their strife. Recently, Affirmative Action has become one for some white students who feel cheated...

Understanding the Bible is necessary for English classes

Understanding the Bible is necessary for English classes

November 20, 2014

When I first heard about the use of biblical allusions in AP Literature, I was incensed. I would need to read the Bible to pass? I’m not Christian, so why should I have to? Why should anyone have to? Students...

Voting is a responsibility, not just a right

By Ana Faguy, News Editor November 20, 2014

It is the first Tuesday of November; people line up inside schools, churches and community centers to cast their vote in the midterm election. Election day comes around every two years, and allows American...

Clubs not always started for wrong reason

Clubs not always started for wrong reason

By Fiona Asbury, Opinions Editor November 20, 2014

Seventy-five SSL hours is a burdensome requirement for many MCPS students, but an easy enough feat to accomplish. Although nowhere in the graduation requirements does it call for a student to start his...

Snapcash is extremely user-friendly and enables people to send money instantly to friends. But, its ease of access is also a major risk to users.

Snapchat’s new feature Snapcash has its risks

By Madison Hurr, Arts Editor November 19, 2014

Earlier this week on Nov. 17, popular photo messaging app Snapchat partnered up with start-up company Square to release a new feature called “Snapcash.” Snapcash allows users who are 18 and over and...

Monthly fire drills lead to apathy, safety concerns

Monthly fire drills lead to apathy, safety concerns

By Arjun Swaminathan, Online Arts Editor October 27, 2014

As the practice fire alarm began ringing Sept. 23, students, knowing they would be missing class due to the drill, chatted amiably with one another and meandered outside until they located their classmates...

Colleges not using Common App are missing out

Colleges not using Common App are missing out

By Yash Nigam, Online Opinions Editor October 27, 2014

The "Common Application" is a deceptive name because it is, in fact, uncommon to many colleges. While hundreds of colleges have transitioned to using the Common App as their main admissions portal, there...

Weighted grades do more harm than good

By Arielle Gordon, Contest Manager October 27, 2014

"I HAVE to do well on this next math test! It is 70 percent of my grade!" This is not an uncommon statement to hear in CHS hallways. Weighted grades are beginning to take over the CHS gradebooks, with...

Load More Stories
Activate Search
Opinions