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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

A detailed scheduling board outlines the various classes for students at a high school implementing an innovative school schedule, showcasing the complexity of organizing learning pathways under innovative calendar models.

Beyond the bell: innovating school schedules for better learning

By Isaac Ban, Staff Writer January 26, 2025

The MCPS Board of Education (BOE) stands at a pivotal crossroads in shaping the future of the classroom for its students. As students' academic and personal needs evolve, so must the system designed to...

The MCPS Board of Education (BOE) held a general meeting on October 22, 2024, where they revealed that for the Charles W. Woodward High School Project MCPS had lost $39 million in funding from the state for the project.

Show me the money: MCPS budget questioned

By Amari Suissa, Sports Editor December 19, 2024

MCPS is known for its high-quality programs, elite staff and top students. The many components of a functioning school system require enough funding to make them possible, which is designated by the Board...

Speech therapy is a widely used and relied on resource for students who are in school. Now, with the MCPS speech therapist and pathologist shortage, it is harder for students to get personal attention concerning their speech which can hinder their learning and prevent them from reaching their full potential.

Words left unspoken: tackling the speech therapist shortage in MCPS

By Isabel Vorabhanda, Opinions Editor December 13, 2024

Speech is a part of everyday life. It is used to communicate with one another and even now with the rise of technology, speech is a crucial part of clear communication. Without being able to clearly communicate,...

Antisemitic graffiti found on the marquee of Bethesda Elementary School was parent of a string of hate incidents targeting Jewish communities

WCHS hate bias incident challenges county protocols

By Isar Uslu and Maximus Wang December 10, 2024

On Oct. 7, 2024, five WCHS seniors were caught sharing racist and antisemitic content on a school document, containing numerous references to the “N-Word,” “K-Slur” and Nazi symbolism. The response:...

An electric bus drops off Herbert Hoover Middle School (HHMS) students on Nov. 8, 2024. MCPS has prioritized converting its vehicle fleet to electric as part of climate initiatives.

MCPS slams the brakes on electric bus program

By Ava Van Vuren, Assistant News Editor December 10, 2024

On July 25, 2024, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigated MCPS’ management of a multi-million dollar contract to acquire and operate 326 electric school buses. The investigation concluded...

WCHS junior Bradley Levinson shows frustration as he attempts to use the new StudentVue home screen user interface

WCHS community confused over latest Synergy update

By Maximus Wang, Opinions Editor June 10, 2024

Towards the end of the third quarter, MCPS students, teachers and parents alike were caught off guard by a sudden overhaul in Synergy, the system that serves as the center for students’ most important...

MCPS Board of Education members are in the discussion of revamping the 50% rule. It was first initiated during the COVID-19 era but we are in post-COVID times now so its effects may not longer be applicable.

MCPS kicks 50% rule to the curb in grading revamp

By Clara Young, Copy Editor June 4, 2024

It is no secret that WCHS is known for its rigorous courses and strong academics. While students strive to do well, they are given something to fall back on—the 50% rule. With MCPS’ 50% rule, students...

WCHS sophomore Isabel Vorabhanda was  disappointed when she learned that Grade Melon shut down at the end of the third quarter.

Another one bites the dust: Grade Melon gets shut down

By Lily Chadwick, As. Sports Editor & Photo Manager May 30, 2024

“What do I need to get on my next test to keep an A?” This is a question that WCHS students are heard saying daily. Although other programs had served a similar purpose, Tinu Vanapamula’s "Grade...

The MCPS Total Operating Budget has seen both increases and decreases since 2005, but has been sharply increasing since FY2022

Budget outrage: A call to action for civic engagement

By Maximus Wang, Opinions Editor May 30, 2024

On May 23, 2024, the Montgomery County Council approved a $7.1 billion budget for Montgomery County’s fiscal year 2025, which is higher than the gross domestic product (GDP) of at least 42 countries,...

WCHS Girls Tennis Varsity Captain Sasha Stupak, left, and Ingrid Yang, right, smile after a win against Walter Johnson High School.

Spring into action: Why the spring sports season is racing by faster than ever

By Amari Suissa, Sports Editor April 30, 2024

Sports are extremely competitive and a huge part in MCPS, especially at WCHS. Every school year, fall sports are given around 18 weeks for the regular season and winter sports 20 weeks. In stark contrast,...

MCPS Board of Education members held a town meeting to discuss plans to hire a new MCPS superintendent.

On the hunt for transparency: MCPS on a quest to find a new superintendent

By Kate Edwards, Social Media Manager April 25, 2024

Wherever you search, former MCPS superintendent, Monifa McKnight, receives a lot of criticism. Whether it be regarding her misconduct with former Farquhar Middle School principal Joel Beidleman, or school...

"To the Point" host Aisha Mbowe discusses the operating budget on the first episode of the show post COVID-19. Many MCPS-TV programs went on hiatus during the pandemic and are now being brought back.

MCPS rolls out new methods of public outreach

By Isar Uslu, Assistant News Editor March 1, 2024

From emails to live streams, phone calls to social media posts, MCPS has many methods of communicating with students, families and staff. But after several policy changes, controversies and school closures,...

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