The best stories being published on the SNO Sites network

Best of SNO

The best stories being published on the SNO Sites network

Best of SNO

The best stories being published on the SNO Sites network

Best of SNO

The growing commonality in the use of artificial intelligence among students and corporations alike is raising the discussion of whether or not the use of AI is ethical. Staff writer Deepika Kumar discusses whether AI use presents an opportunity for more effective journalism or an easy escape for plagiarism.

From headlines to code lines: AI redefining journalism

By Deepika Kumar, Coppell High School January 2, 2024

“Oh yeah I just used ChatGPT on that. It took me like two minutes,” my friend flexes as I’m frantic about the 85 I’m about to get on an overdue assignment. Countless are the times I've listened...

At the Belles 2023 Spring Show, senior Belle Alex Alleyne performs in a group routine to True Colors. She has been taking dance lessons since she was five and is now on the Belles Honor Corps.

An underdog in the world of sports

By Serena Li, Bellaire High School January 2, 2024

Step after step, time and time again, dancers pour their life into perfecting their craft. Yet, some people still never acknowledge it as a sport. When people think of sports, they think of football,...

Opinion: Private and Public School Sports Must be Separated

By Avery Nicholson, Wadsworth High School December 21, 2023

Throughout high school sports history, there has been a long-standing rivalry between parochial schools and public schools. Parochial schools and public schools should not be allowed to compete against...

If state officials, administration, teachers and parents are uncomfortable teaching students about topics that are much more relevant than precalculus homework and science projects, they are failing to recognize what students actually need.

An investigation into sex education

By Marley Helfer, Ballard High School December 18, 2023

Most students that have attended a Seattle public school have taken a class that teaches sex education. For many students, these experiences have become a mere couple of insignificant days every few years.  ...

Co-Editors-in-Chief Nadya Chase and Talia Macchi address the community response to WSPN’s recent coverage on the Israel-Hamas war.

Letter from the editors: Addressing the community response to Israel-Hamas war coverage

By Talia Macchi and Nadya Chase December 12, 2023

Dear Wayland community, As the Co-Editors-in-Chief of the Wayland Student Press Network, we would like to address the community response to our recent coverage of the Israel-Hamas war. Since Oct. 7,...

Should legacy admissions still exist?

Should legacy admissions still exist?

By Maya Gjelhaug and Sidharth Sharma December 8, 2023

This story contains an alternate format that can only be viewed on the original site. View this story on Viewer. It was originally published on November 13, 2023.

Murders and missing cases of indigenous women are left ignored and lacking investigation. Jurisdictional confusion and other causes lead to these cases ending up cold.

Missing and murdered indigenous women is a crisis in need of more awareness and investigation

By Andie Korenge, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School December 7, 2023

Missing and murdered indigenous women is an epidemic so large it has been given an acronym: MMIW. However, it utterly lacks the awareness it needs and deserves. The crisis has even inspired a movement...

This graphic illustration of a magnifying glass with an exclamation point being held up to text represents the importance of critically thinking about your news consumption to combat the spread of misinformation. The rapid spread of information facilitated by social media further underscores the importance of responsibly reporting and consuming news. (Graphic Illustration by Audrey Chang)

Editorial: Dangers of misinformation and how to combat it as a news consumer

By 23-24 Editorial Board, Archer School for Girls December 6, 2023

For almost two months since terrorist organization Hamas attacked Israel Oct. 7, social media pages, televisions and news feeds alike have been flooded with videos, images and information about the war.  ...

For the past 50 years, the Open Choice program has offered Hartford students the opportunity to attend public schools in suburban towns and suburban students the opportunity to attend public schools in Hartford.

Making the Right Choice

By Tatiana Walton, Aasrith Veerapaneni, and Max Schwartzman December 6, 2023

For half a century, the Open Choice program has been creating an opportunity, allowing Hartford and surrounding suburban students to break educational barriers. South Windsor Public Schools proudly participates...

In a world where Instagram-worthy salads often overshadow childhood classics, diet culture has reshaped the snacks that once fueled our youthful spirits.

The bitter aftertaste of diet culture

By Jessica Wang, The Harker Upper School December 5, 2023

In place of goldfish are air-fried croutons, instead of Minute Maid is lemon-lime sparkling water turned still. In a world where "Instagram-worthy" salads often overshadow childhood classics, diet culture...

Everyday that those with power and agency do not attempt to address this issue is an active acceptance that this is normal. The simple truth is this-children fearing for their lives in school is not normal.

Students are too apathetic about school violence

By Andrew Staser, Downers Grove South High School December 1, 2023

“Qui tacet consentire videtur,” an old Latin phrase, means roughly that those who are silent show consent. The proverb illustrates that someone needs to speak out against what they see as unacceptable...

Editorial: What the Israel-Hamas war means for journalism

By Celeste Eckstein, Edina High School December 1, 2023

Social media and smartphones have granted us infinite accessibility. Finding information on any imaginable topic only requires the click of a button; broadcasting your life is as easy as tapping a screen....

Three Messenger staffers collected their college mail for less than one week and it filled a recycling bin.

Colleges Disregard Environment

By Aubrey Lacavich, Marquette High School December 1, 2023

My house is full of glossy brochures. They are stacked on my counter, in my room and in my mailbox. And they are all from colleges begging me to send in an application, despite half not having either of...

WSPNs Ryan Chase shares his thoughts on the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7 and how it has impacted Jews around the world.

Opinion: Hamas’ effect on Jews everywhere

By Ryan Chase, Wayland High School December 1, 2023

Note from the editors: WSPN prides itself on being an unbiased, open forum for students to express themselves and their opinions. While WSPN aims to represent all voices, the student opinion articles expressed...

Anti-trans legislation targets transgender individuals and forces them to survive in a world that constantly challenges their existence and well-being.

Opinion: “Let Them Die” and Other Anti-Trans Legislation

By Sydney Nguyen, Rock Ridge High School November 30, 2023

At The Blaze, we aim to cover issues of identity with a great deal of sensitivity and respect for our student body. As such, the pronouns and identities of the students in this piece have been published...

Cursive writing, once taught in schools, seems to be disappearing from the minds of many in the next generation. Is this a tragic loss or a long overdue goodbye to the well-known form of penmanship?

Opinion: Cursive: A dying art or good riddance?

By Beatrice Barnes, Foothill Technology High School November 30, 2023

To enter a classroom at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) is to be immersed in the distinct “click-clack” of vigorous typing, as students chip away at online essays, science labs and...

Bulletproof ignorance: America’s disturbing numbness to gun violence

By Jae Jepsen, Pleasant Valley High School - IA November 30, 2023

The Project Pink flip-flops, an AR-15 rifle, and spatterings of dried blood. These are the first things readers see when they open The Washington Post’s newest project. Next, they see an editor’s...

Junior Andres Bravo Garza works on his assignments under 30 flags in the PVHS cafeteria that represent the nationalities of international PV students.

Forgotten: America’s immigration system alienates international students

By Ashwin Parab and Reetham Gubba November 28, 2023

As the bells ring across hundreds of high schools in Iowa, students line up in their physical education classes to choose teams for kickball. One by one, the captains select classmates for their teams...

The reaction of the public, especially those in power, amplifies a serious message in today’s public forum: Speak at your own risk.

Editorial: Division reveals First Amendment’s fragility

By Editorial Board, The Harker Upper School November 27, 2023

The opportunity to engage in civil, respectful discourse is a privilege we share at Harker. The Israel-Hamas conflict has made it clear that this privilege is not prevalent outside of Harker, and that...

While there are no solid plans set in stone yet, its important for the district to look more into alternatives before making a final decision.

Editorial: District should consider alternatives to turf

By Epic Staff, Lynbrook High School - CA November 20, 2023

At Lynbrook, both the stadium and Stober field are due for renewal. Among the district’s other plans for renovation, replacing turf fields with new artificial turf has raised concerns in the community...

Opinion: The Republican party is failing to engage Gen-Z voters

By Josie Morrow, Rutherford B. Hayes High School November 20, 2023

Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican presidential candidate, galivants across an Iowa State Fair stage mumbling the lyrics of Eminem's "Lose Yourself" with a rictus grin across his face. Such an exhibition is...

AI has seemingly changed all aspects of life from education, socializing, and rather worryingly, job prospects.

Let’s Talk About the AI Elephant in the Room

By John Pham, La Salle Catholic Preparatory High School November 17, 2023

What can’t AI do?  This question has become crucial to answer as artificial intelligence occupies a larger part of our lives every passing day, evolving at breakneck speed. From something as seemingly...

Cognitive effects of weightlifting improve students’ mental health and academic performance

By Johnny Ziegelbein, Pleasant Valley High School - IA November 17, 2023

Weightlifting, whether inside or outside of school, is modernly recognized for its array of physical benefits, helping athletes to improve their muscular strength, endurance and overall performance. ...

a soap dispenser not responding to darker skin colors

What “racist” soap dispensers reveal about the inequities in the public health tech industry

By Lynn-Clara Tun, Edina High School November 16, 2023

When washing their hands after using the restroom, some people face a seemingly trivial experience that is the amalgamation of decades of technology developing with one major flaw—racial bias. Oftentimes,...

As students walk through the hall, they are bombarded with  slurs, leading to harmful mindsets. While this happens many teachers hide in their classrooms protecting themselves rather than the students.

Our Solution To Hallway Slurs: Admin Intervention

By Jude Gorden, Cherry Creek High School November 16, 2023

Sticks and stones may break some bones, but words can kill. Hallway talk has become dangerously vulgar, making those whose identities connect to the slurs extremely uncomfortable. The movement to...

It is not uncommon for people to refer to perfectionism as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. What people don’t realize is the fact that OCD is not necessarily perfectionism, but a much more complex disorder. The Sidekick editorial page editor Aliza Abidi explains how these terms are rather far from being synonyms. Sohalia Reddy.

OCD isn’t a pretty title for perfectionism

By Aliza Abidi, Coppell High School November 15, 2023

He put ketchup on his burger.  He did it slowly and carefully, stopping every few seconds to ensure that the lines were straight. I watch him out of curiosity along with the rest of the lunch table,...

Jacket Journal Appeals for Recognition: Calls for Credit on Photos and Graphics Featured in the Mount Vernon News

Jacket Journal Appeals for Recognition: Calls for Credit on Photos and Graphics Featured in the Mount Vernon News

By Logan Eggert Editor and Aryana Radtke Illustrator November 15, 2023

Simply, plagiarism is taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as your own. The Jacket Journal does not condone plagiarism, and recently, the Mount Vernon News has been using photographs...

Freshman Jack Belby brushes up on his photography knowledge before attending PV Media Team’s weekly meeting where he can explore his passion for photography and filmography.

American education system forgets the middle class

By Ashwin Parab, Pleasant Valley High School - IA November 14, 2023

Lack of funding in Iowa’s secondary schools fuels educational inequity As secondary education continues to be a topic of concern among Iowa legislators, elementary and middle school students are facing...

Cultural and socioeconomic barriers prevent many Asian Americans from seeking help for mental health issues. Alumna and emeritus Mental Health Awareness Club President Rachel Bhagat, who has worked with many Asian immigrants and refugees, notices clear benefits of mental health care in daily life. “Seeking out mental health care is extremely important for everyone. Regularly seeing someone to talk to about your mental health helps prevent or makes it easier to navigate mentally stressful [or] harmful situations,” Bhagat said.

Silent pandemic

By Serena Liu, Parkway West High School November 14, 2023

Be strong. Act perfect. Stay silent.  These are all stereotypes that Asian Americans are commonly held to. While everyone has a unique experience with mental health, studies have shown that Asian...

Many students find themselves stressed by homework when it interferes with extracurricular and outside-of-school responsibilities.

EDITORIAL: 22-year-old homework policy needs revision

By Editorial Board, Strath Haven High School November 10, 2023

Homework is a valuable tool, but that doesn’t mean it should continue to cause as much stress as it does now. How many students, or teachers for that matter, know that there is an actual school board...

The 46 American and Israeli teens of Yallah Israel! Bus 2 hug before saying goodbye to our Israeli friends for the last time. Leaving Israel this summer was one of the hardest things Ive had to do. Even after only knowing my Israeli friends for one week, nothing upsets me more than seeing their beautiful country being destroyed.

Commentary: War in Israel, through the eyes of Israeli teenagers

By Ella Schwartz, Archer School for Girls November 10, 2023

After six drafts, three mental breakdowns and many Jewish Student Union Board meetings, I am finally publishing my first commentary of the school year.  Each time I sat down to write this piece, I...

Colleges look at many factors to decide if they should admit each student. Interviews should give an admissions officer a view into a students personal identity.

More colleges need to offer student interviews: here’s why

By Hannah Kilian, Wakefield High School - NC November 10, 2023

With college application season in full swing, many high school seniors are working diligently to complete their applications before the first round of deadlines. As students work hard to fully explain...

COLUMN: Sleepless nights and random tears

COLUMN: Sleepless nights and random tears

By Temma Kirshbaum, Shalhevet High School November 9, 2023

Over the past week, I have found myself struggling to put emotions into words. Trying to find logic in a situation where you cannot rationalize another side and their motives.  Motzei Simchat Torah,...

More students must pursue careers in agriculture to address environmental, economic, and nutritional challenges.

Cultivating student passion in the field of agriculture

By Avery Kim, Sacred Heart Greenwich November 9, 2023

The bell rings: time for lunch.  In the Sacred Heart Greenwich Upper School hallway, students walk from their classrooms to the cafeteria.  As they fill their plates with salads and make sandwiches,...

When people of Middle Eastern descent arent seen on official documents,  communities can’t understand their needs and reflect what resources they require.

‘I’m Middle Eastern but I’m white on paper’

By Natasha Torkzaban, Lawrence High School November 8, 2023

“Get out of here, sand n*****.”  That’s what an elderly man yelled at me while I was hunched over in excruciating pain, walking into the Lawrence Memorial Hospital emergency room.  I walked...

The increasing amount of antisemitism on campus is hurtful to Jewish students. Offensive comments and jokes can no longer be tolerated.

Antisemitism is no laughing matter

By Lia Miller, Hagerty High School November 8, 2023

I have overheard many conversations in the hallways, quite a few of which have astounded me, but there is one I can never forget: “Bro, did you see her?” “Yeah, she didn’t say anything, but she’s...

Generation A(pathetic)

By Sofia Rodriguez, Brea Olinda High School November 8, 2023

"This is the way that it is / This is the way that it always will be / This is the way and it makes me sick," sings 23-year-old Peter McPoland in his 2023 song "Digital Silence," a frustration-laced tune...

Climate change is a horrible problem, one that will eventually affect almost everyone and destroy the health of the planet. It’s far too nuanced of an issue to put all of the blame on one specific person, but some people are acting irresponsibly and with no regard for the environment. Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift is one of these people. “I think a lot of students may not realize the negative impacts that Swift may have on things like the environment. Really, I think its about awareness. People may not be aware of how much fuel it takes to travel for tours like the Eras tour. Or, how many people travel on the tour? Still, I dont know if even being aware of those numbers would change the minds of dedicated Swift fans,” Convergence Journalism teacher Lindsey Katz said.

We can’t shake off climate change

By Lauren Holcomb, Parkway West High School November 7, 2023

At only 33, singer-songwriter Taylor Swift is already a veteran of the music industry, and the awards she’s won for it reflect this. She claims the title of most-streamed female artist on Spotify in...

Photo Courtesy of Emily Witte.

Extinguished Flame: Passion for Sports Dies when Pressure Exceeds Fun

By Emily Witte, Lake Forest High School November 7, 2023

As a sophomore, Isabella Marsico finished 6th at the cross-country State meet. Yet, a season later would be her final cross-country season ever. Growing up, Marsico would frequently run with her mom...

Digital art by Willow Barry depicts the barrage of misinformation social media users encounter.

People are relying on celebrities to form their political beliefs. Here’s why that’s a problem.

By AURELIA HARRISON, Gloucester High School - MA November 7, 2023

Presently, most Americans are aware of the conflict happening in Israel-Palestine. However, due to the complicated nature of the issue, many are unclear as to what’s going on, or who to side with, or...

תִּיקּוּן עוֹלָם (Tikkun Olam)

תִּיקּוּן עוֹלָם (Tikkun Olam)

By Naomi Gross, Francis W. Parker School November 7, 2023

As a Jewish student, this past week has been incredibly difficult for me. I sit in my classes and go about my day as my Israeli friends, my neighbors, my relatives, are in bomb shelters fearing for their...

Many students and teachers are unaware of where the animals they use in dissection labs actually come from.

Dissecting the dark truth behind dissection labs

By David Zhu, Lynbrook High School - CA November 1, 2023

Every year, millions of preserved specimens ranging from frogs to cats are brought into science classrooms for students to learn more about animal anatomy. However, behind all the eager faces of teachers...

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, in the United States, 90% of teenagers have used social media. In an increasingly digitized world, it can be difficult to figure out where to draw the line between your personal life and what you post. “The most influential people, your parents or your principal, would they be alright with what you were doing if they [were] sitting right next to you?” physical education and health teacher Jessica Wheeler said.

To post or not to post: Online lives have offline consequences

By Pathfinder Editorial Board, Parkway West High School November 1, 2023

In St. Clair, Missouri, high school English teacher Brianna Coppage was put on academic leave when her personal OnlyFans account was anonymously leaked to school administrators in September. Less than...

Color blindness can often be overlooked in educational settings, but students should not be afraid to speak up about any learning accommodations they need.

Editorial: Opening students’ eyes to colorblindness

By Epic Staff, Lynbrook High School - CA November 1, 2023

Picture an American history class full of eager students learning about the 13 original colonies of the United States. The teacher tasks them with color coding the different regions on a map using a set...

Hateful speech at school events harms us all

Hateful speech at school events harms us all

By Maya Smith, Lawrence High School November 1, 2023

Hearing a Lawrence High student say the words “burn them at the stake” about an LGBTQ+ student was not even the most shocking example of things I have heard in the student section, but it is definitely...

Rise in School Violence Leaves Me and Other Students Feeling Unsafe

Rise in School Violence Leaves Me and Other Students Feeling Unsafe

By Kelsey Bumbaco, Lake Forest High School November 1, 2023

The 4th of July is a day that celebrates our country’s freedom. It has always been a day I’ve looked forward to - up until now. July 4, 2022, started as a normal celebration of the holiday- a day full...

The U-High Midway Editorial Board argues that rather than strictly following guidelines of the outdated Kalven report, the University of Chicago must reinterpret the report so that its institutions, like Lab, are not prohibited from acknowledging important historical realities, such as the prior inhabitants of the university’s land.

Acknowledging history isn’t politics

By Editorial Board, University of Chicago Laboratory High School October 31, 2023

The University of Chicago and the Laboratory Schools are well-known for their historical landmarks, beautiful architecture and location within the city. As students of all ages walk through the picturesque...

Maya Ortiz

Cultural stigmas create motivation to become changemaker

By Maya Ortiz, Kingwood Park High School October 31, 2023

I was sitting in my fifth grade class when my teacher called my name for reading groups. I sat quietly listening to the others read. It didn’t take long to realize my love of reading was not shared by...

On Sept. 22, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that four private schools, including Park Maitland, would no longer receive state-funded scholarships due to communist ties. This accusation is unfounded and has tarnished Park Maitlands prestigious reputation, and will likely tarnish their enrollment numbers

Fired Up: DeSantis’ communist label of Park Maitland—another political power play

By Nadia Knoblauch, Hagerty High School October 26, 2023

Imagine you’ve attended one school your entire life. As a K-8 program, you’ve grown a love and appreciation for your school and community—a sense of pride. Now imagine the school you hold so near...

Taylor Swift has taken over all of ESPNs feeds, making it difficult to tell if ESPN is an entertainment news platform or a sports platform.

ESPN, You need to calm down

By Gourav Pany, Center Grove High School October 26, 2023

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” I couldn’t contain my frustration as I refreshed my Instagram feed for the tenth time, unable to believe what I was seeing. I saw countless ESPN posts, normal for...

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