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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

Taking AP Exams have many benefits for students such as receiving college credit and standing out to colleges. However, the early registration deadline places unnecessary limitations on students' abilities to take exams.

Observer Opinion: An Advanced Placement inconvenience

By Caitlin Murphy, Copy Editor December 2, 2022

Every fall, high school students across the country are forced to make a choice: whether or not to register for AP Exams. Along with it being the start of a new month and an early action college application...

Most colleges and universities use the 4.0 scale where earning zeros will not hurt one’s grade nearly as much as the standard high school grading system

“50% Rule” for assignments: dope or nope?

By Julia Levi, Assistant Observations Manager December 2, 2022

A student shakes their head in disbelief as they anxiously stare at the test in front of them, puzzled by the questions. Having mistakenly read the wrong chapter of a textbook, the student anticipates...

On October 12, 2022, high school juniors across the U.S. took the PSAT. Many question the necessity of the test and whether it will be useful for college admissions.

Is taking the PSAT essential?

By Ha-Yeon Jeon, Features Editor October 28, 2022

More often than not, standardized testing ranks high on lists of student grievances. From state standardized testing to College Board exams, high school students are relentlessly hit with a train of testing...

The WCHS Philosophy and Ethics club holds their first meeting on September 26, 2022.

WCHS should limit club total, focus on quality

By Tafa Nukator, Advertising & Subscriptions Manager October 20, 2022

Seconds after the lunch bell rings, students flood the halls. With the school year now in full swing, many of them are headed to club meetings. From activism to speech and debate, the number of choices...

WCHS students sitting on the bleachers during PE class on September 30th.

Observer Opinion: Credit for school sports is a slam-dunk

By Collin Chen, Online Editor October 20, 2022

Currently, one of the high school graduation requirements in Maryland is one full year of physical education. However, is it necessary to spend a whole school year learning to be physically active? Could...

Students in Ms. Dinu's English classes keep their computers open. Some work on classwork but some do their college applications during that time instead.

Best use of English class: To apply or not to apply?

By Rachel Mattison, Online Editor-in-Chief October 20, 2022

WCHS prides themself on their elite academics alongside its positive student culture. They boast an impressive 98% college attendance rate post graduation and emphasize the need to prioritize mental health...

For the 2021 election, many first time voters have decided to vote using a mail-in ballot, instead of the traditional in-person polling method. Although there are concerns about the accuracy of mail-in ballots, they are an effective way to stay safe and avoid contracting COVID-19.

WCHS seniors register to vote in the 2020 presidential election

By Ava Freeman, Online Editor-in-Chief October 14, 2020

Voting for the first time is an exciting milestone in any 18-years-old’s life. It is an opportunity to voice one's opinion in politics and be a part of a decision that will affect the future of the U....

Feminine products should be free...period.

Feminine products should be free…period.

By Ela Jalil, Assistant News Editor March 3, 2020

An average woman will have over 500 periods in her lifetime, each one lasting between three to seven days according to a Feb. 2020 Netdoctor article. Each day she should use between three to seven pads...

With WCHS's new attendance policy in place, students will need to make sure to arrive on time to class. This especially means, no ignoring your alarm clock and sleeping in during first period.

Students hit snooze on the new attendance policy

By Anna Kronthal, Opinions Editor March 3, 2020

There are countless reasons students may not be within their classroom’s door frame at the second the bell rings commencing the beginning of a period. Whether they have to use the bathroom before class,...

Snap Maps is a feature on Snapchat where locations can be shared with friends while using the app. This technological feature can hurt teens' mental health as they can see when they are being left out from an event which can lead to the feelings of isolation, depression or anxiety.

Location tracking apps are not the right snap

By Riley Hurr, Editor-in-Chief March 3, 2020

To what lengths will parents go to express their love for their children? As we ride into this new technological era, social media tracking apps are becoming more and more popular. With features such as...

The increase in acceptance rates for Early Decision applications puts pressure on students and families to apply somewhere ED. This can pose a heavy financial burden on families, as ED doesn't allow students to see the different financial aid packages they could be offered.

Early Decision: a binding commitment worth rejecting

By Emma Chen, Observations Editor February 3, 2020

In today’s incredibly accomplishment-driven society, a college degree is vital to succeed in life. Most jobs require at least graduation from an undergraduate college, while many also require additional...

The Walgreens in Potomac Woods Plaza has begun stocking the iconic chocolate heart boxes of Valentine's Day. Most of this chocolate will not be bought or eaten, and as displayed by the pile of boxes on the cart, creates waste. The quantity of candy available in early January also prompts thought on the fossil fuels necessary to make all of these products and transport all of them to thousands of stores throughout the country.

Valentine’s Day: not so sweet for the environment

By Victoria Park, Opinions Editor February 3, 2020

There is no better way to show how much you love someone than  presenting them with a bouquet of roses, a heart shaped box of chocolates and a plush teddy bear. But these flowers die in a week or so,...

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