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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

Senior Alison Kaiser started swimming on her summer pool's team. Now as a senior, she was recruited to Emory for swimming!

Athlete of the Month: Alison Kaiser

By Melissa Redlich, Sports Editor November 9, 2020

Some say that swimming is an individual sport, since it involves just the athlete and the water and success is determined by one’s personal speed. However, to senior Alison Kaiser, captain of the WCHS...

A copy of the official SAT study guide for 2020. Seniors in Montgomery County, Md. can take the test for free in November and December.

Free SAT offerings ensure seniors are given the opportunity to test during COVID-19

By Jeremy Fredricks, Copy Editor and New Staff Liaison November 5, 2020

When the Scholastic Assessment Test was canceled in the spring and summer due to COVID-19, many high school seniors were left with few options. Some had not even taken the test, while others were looking...

Many teachers are stressed about the possibility of returning to in-person learning. MCPS stated the new 45-day warning does not mean school will return in person in 45 days.

45-day notice requirement eases the teachers unions fear of returning back to school

By Jeremy Fredricks, Copy Editor and New Staff Liaison November 5, 2020

Bedrooms became classrooms when COVID-19 forced schools to close last spring. Now, more than six months into virtual-learning, there may be a light at the end of the tunnel. Returning to in-person school...

Junior Bridget Kelly (right) walks into the Potomac Community Center on Oct. 28 for her assignment as a poll worker. Kelly's shift runs from 6 am until 11 pm and consists of setting up the precinct, checking voters in and helping them vote.

Student volunteers gear up for 2020 presidential election

By Maya Bhattiprolu, Online Editor November 1, 2020

As Nov. 3 gets closer, it's not a surprise that this year has provided more challenges than past presidential election years. Election workers, a key but often undervalued group on Election Day, has also...

An offical drop box from the state of Maryland for the 2020 election sits outside the main enterance at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Md. on Oct. 18.

Drop boxes provide safe alternative to in-person voting

By Jeremy Fredricks, Copy Editor November 1, 2020

When COVID-19 struck during an election year, the question raised was how would people vote safely. Drop boxes became the answer. These boxes have turned community centers and local high schools, including...

WCHS Senior, Caitlyn McCabe, poses after completing a 60-minute JABS workout class. She punches the air, holding 3 lb weights, a move that she uses during the JABS classes.

Jabs by Gina creates a close community during its virtual workout classes

By Charley Hutton, Advertisements and Subscriptions Manager October 29, 2020

The internet community has gone through its fair share of fitness trends — whether it be taking cycling classes at Soul Cycle, following along as YouTuber Chloe Ting does a 10-minute ab workout or participating...

Solidarity Mask team members and students Meredith Eby, Lily Geshelin, Sofía Noguera and Carolina Noguera have all been working together to run the non-profit since May of 2020.

Solidarity Masks promotes safety and social justice

By Olivia Yasharoff, Arts Editor October 28, 2020

For those tired of wearing blue surgical masks and looking for a more sustainable, impactful and trendy option, Solidarity Masks is the answer. Solidarity Masks, co-founded by WCHS junior Carolina Noguera,...

Gym classes are still a great way for students to get moving after long class periods of sitting down. Through videos and demonstrations, students have been able to get some of the gym experience during this period of distance learning.

Virtual art and gym classes adopt new techniques

By Emily Zhang, Features Editor October 28, 2020

With in-person school closed, art and gym teachers especially have had to adapt and adjust this school year. From curriculum changes and connections issues, it has been a whirlwind of new experiences....

Due to the sudden switch to distance learning, teachers have had to adjust how to teach their lessons during the pandemic.

WCHS teachers battle anxiety during virtual learning

By Sylvia Thomson, Assistant Social Media Manager October 28, 2020

No one was prepared for the extreme set of obstacles that the pandemic hurled at us. Teachers were especially taken aback in the spring by the switch to distance-learning, scrambling to modify their classes...

Before the pandemic, teachers used Google Classroom as the main platform for online teaching and resources. Now educators use Canvas which students and teachers are beginning to get used to.

WCHS teachers switch from Google Classroom to myMCPS

By Nur Yavuz, Features Editor October 28, 2020

Last year during the fourth quarter, teachers were frantically trying to instruct classes using Zoom and Google Classroom. Eventually, it was decided that the first semester of the next school year would...

Josh Heimlich sits at his workspace in his house after a day of online school and works on his new assignments.  “I enjoy having the freedom to choose where I want to work based on how productive I will be,” said Josh.  Josh has been working in this office for the past few months because he has been productive here.

WCHS students have different opinions on virtual learning

By Jack Gans, Photo Manager October 28, 2020

A deadly virus has hit the world, putting countries into lockdown. Schools have been shut down and learning has changed, which has brought up the controversy of which learning method students thrive with...

Mr. Gherman keeps his classes interested by cracking an occassional joke. This takes some of the stress off his students and allows them to feel more relaxed in his class.

TOTM: Gregory Gherman

By Ryan Weiner, Assistant News Editor October 28, 2020

An avid reader, painter, and role model, Mr. Gregory Gherman is a key factor in the success of over 100 students at WCHS. Gherman, who is a member of WCHS’s math department, teaches Honors Pre-Calculus...

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