Serious News
Are you interested in the world around you? What’s going on in America today? What trends have influenced the international media? Read these articles to find out more!
Social Media
By Natalie Pennington, April 3, 2025
Social media has become a huge part of our lives, especially for teenagers like me. Whether it’s scrolling through Instagram, watching TikToks, or chatting on Snapchat, we spend a lot of time on these apps. But while social media can be fun, it also comes with its ups and downs. Let’s talk about both sides.
First off, social media helps us stay connected. It’s a great way to talk to our friends, especially when we can’t hang out in person. You can send a quick text, share a funny meme, or have a video call with someone who lives far away. It’s like bringing the world right to your phone!
However, social media also has its negatives. One big issue is how much time we spend on it. It’s easy to get lost in scrolling through posts, and before you know it, hours have passed! This can make it hard to focus on homework, sleep, or spending time with family.
Finally, there’s the ugly side of social media: privacy and safety. It’s easy to forget that when we post something online, it can stay there forever. Even if you delete a photo or video, someone might have saved it. It’s important to think twice before sharing anything that could come back to haunt you later.
In the end, social media can be a fun way to connect with friends, express yourself, and learn new things, but it’s important to be aware of the downsides. Spending too much time on it, comparing yourself to others, and being careful about privacy are all things to keep in mind. Just like anything else, social media is best when used in moderation and with caution. So, if you’re scrolling through your feed, remember to always be kind, stay safe, and don’t let it take over your life.
Does Online Learning Actually Help Us Learn?
Olivia Remolde March 12, 2025
In the last five years, online learning and the use of technology in our education has had a major impact on our school. During the 2019-2020 school year, schools around the world had to shut down due to COVID-19, which led to the switch from in-school to online learning. Since then, schools have continued to use technology for their education, such as using laptops or iPads to complete assignments with.
I asked a group of students, ranging from 9th-12th grade, if they agree or disagree with the question: Does online learning actually help us learn?
Their opinions were very mixed, as the older students, two juniors and senior, believed that online learning wasn’t as helpful to them. “For me personally, online learning just seemed to be too much of a distraction. If I wasn’t in a classroom being watched by a teacher, I could do whatever I wanted. I would play video games instead of work which definitely lowered my grades then,” says a junior. These students were in 7th and 8th grade during the COVID pandemic (2020-2021).
I asked three freshmen and two sophomores as well, and they had very similar responses but some different ones too. They were in 5th and 6th grade during this time, so they had access to it at a younger age. They believed that online learning actually made their lives much easier. “Everything is in one place, which makes it much easier, especially for an unorganized person,” says a sophomore.
After reviewing their responses, there seems to be very mixed answers about whether online learning has helped or not. It depends on the age, and their personal experiences. While some may find online learning helpful and easy access, some find it hard to keep up with and easily distracting. Overall the question, does online learning actually help us, is very diverse, but most find that online learning helped them during the pandemic and even today.
Best Study Apps and Methods for Upcoming Exams
By Gianna Michio, March 23, 2025
Before everyone knows it, exams will be right around the corner. Whether an AP exam or a regular class exam, studying is vital to ensure a good grade! In this article there will be numerous apps to help with things like focusing and organization, and study methods that I personally find the most effective!
First off, my favorite app is Flora when it comes to limiting distractions. This app is designed to help you stay off your phone, which is really needed when it comes to focusing and studying. Starting off as planting a seed, as time goes on and you start to work it will progress into a tree. If you leave the app then the tree will die, which helps you not end up going and scrolling on TikTok. Another app to help focus is Study Bunny. It helps time your studying, and also has more features such as a To Do list, flash cards, and a study tracker.
An app more so focused on helping you learn new material is Khan Academy. This is a good app for those studying for the SATs. Providing a practice test, students will be able to figure out what they need to work on before the test. This next app uses AI to help study for any course you will need. Knowunity provides gamified practice quizzes and flashcards that help make studying more enjoyable. Not only this, but you can access 16M students’ notes from all sorts of subjects, which is something I really love about this app.
Study methods can really help you get better grades, so finding the best one for you is crucial! Two of my favorite methods are the Feynman method and mind mapping. The Feynman method makes you really think about the topic. You teach it as if you are the teacher, and this helps you really realize if you fully understand the concepts. You then read again what you couldn’t manage to explain. The mind mapping method is when you visualize relationships between ideas using diagrams or mind maps, which is really good before a big exam!
Job Shadowing
By Evelyn Wright, March 24, 2025
Are you interested in an opportunity to experience a day at your dream job? If so, you might want to consider job shadowing. Any grade can participate and indulge themselves in job shadowing. Doing so gives you insight into what the job looks like, and can even lead to internships.
You can choose the occupation you would like to shadow, as long as the host is willing to accommodate you. Shadows can be completed in various career pathways which can help students explore their interests. During a shadow, students can learn about education requirements, job specifics and salary potential.
You must have your own transportation, and you have to be eligible to be able to start shadowing. Your grades, and your communication skills are something your school counselor will consider while completing your screening. You also must arrange your schedule to the hosts schedule. Finding the right date to complete your shadow can be difficult, especially considering you have school 5 days a week. That’s why you can always shadow on a school day. To do so, you have to make sure you are aware of all the work you may be missing.
But the process of applying for the shadow is worth all of the work and time you put into it. Job shadowing helps you see what a day in the life looks like at your specific job. Being educated about your future career can help you in the long run when applying or working at the job itself. Whether you only do it once, or you do it multiple times, it is really important to be respectful and open minded to the host. Making a good Impression can open up other opportunities for jobs or internships.
Highschool Struggles
By Natalie Pennington, March 18, 2025
High school is often portrayed as the best years of one’s life, a time of carefree fun and exciting discoveries, you often see this in movies. However, this image often clashes with the reality of intense academic pressure, social anxieties, and the overwhelming task of school work and tests. Many teens give up halfway through. I have interviewed teens on challenges faced by high school students. I examined the academic pressures, social dynamics, and emotional toll inherent in this crucial period of high school.
Many kids struggle with many problems in high school.I interviewed some students and here is what they said. Devon Lopez says, “Keeping your grades up and focusing on home problems” is what is hard for him. Scott Martin says, “Turning in your work on time when you don’t even understand it.” Chase Hoch says, “Grades are the hardest to maintain.” Eddie Showel says, “Balancing work and sports at the same time is the hardest struggle in high school.” But I’d say that maintaining mental health problems with the amount of tests and school work is my struggle.
Beyond academics and social dynamics, high school students grapple with significant personal development. They are navigating identity formation, exploring their interests and values, and making crucial decisions about their future. This period of self-discovery can be both exciting and overwhelming, requiring resilience and self-awareness.
The high school experience is a multifaceted journey filled with both triumphs and struggles. Academic pressure, social complexities, and personal growth all contribute to the unique challenges faced by high school students. Understanding and addressing these struggles is crucial for fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for adolescents.
Pennsylvania On Fire!
By Paige Link, November 20, 2024
On November 9th, 2024 Reading, PA Neversink mountain was caught on fire. The mountain is approximately seven miles away from the Daniel Boone Highschool and three miles away from the Pagoda. Even though where we are located we could not see the fire, but you could see the smoke and smell the lingering burning smell throughout the day. Due to the dry weather
onditions and wind the fire spread rapidly. Citizens in the general area were told to evacuate till the fire was contained. Fortunately the following day there was rain which helped control and take down the nasty fire.
Making School Easier: Tips for Success
By Laylah Wicker, October 21, 2024
School can be challenging and sometimes stressful, but with the right strategies, it can become more manageable or enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you reach your goals:
Stay Organized: Using planners or calendars to keep track of assignments, tests or other important dates. This can help with procrastination or forgetting about things you need to do. By knowing what is coming up, it can help you use your time wisely and avoid procrastination.
Setting Goals: Say you have a big project due, instead of thinking about the entire project, set smaller goals on parts you want to get done. You can set deadlines for yourself to stay on track and feel less overwhelmed.
Study Schedules: Studying is an important part of school and oftentimes students can feel unmotivated. A good way to improve the way you study is to create a schedule. Set specific times to study for specific classes or tests and stick to it. Consistency can help you build a routine, making it easier to be productive.
Taking Breaks: If you begin to feel overwhelmed or stressed, this can interfere with how focused you are. Taking breaks when doing tasks is a good way to keep your mind fresh. Go for a walk, eat / drink something, listen to music, or anything that helps you feel calm and ready to complete tasks.
Asking For Help: When you are unsure about a topic, ask classmates, teachers or other resources you have available to help. Asking questions can help clarify confusion. Some students hesitate to ask questions because of embarrassment, but just remember that it will always benefit you in the long run when you ask for help.
Staying Healthy: Your physical health has an impact on your academic performance. It is important to make sure you’re getting enough sleep and fueling your body in a healthy way.
Stay Positive: Keep a positive attitude and remind yourself of your progress. A positive mindset can help keep you motivated.
Benefits of phones/ airpods in school when used correctly.
By Ava Gambone, October 10, 2024
In today’s world, the use of technology has increased by large numbers. Technology, such as electronic devices are most commonly seen being used by students. AirPods and phones, for example, can offer numerous benefits that can help student’s learning abilities. These devices, when used responsibly, can be powerful tools for learning. It is, however, very important that you use these devices only for the purpose of learning and to help you focus. They should not be out when they are not supposed to and especially when a teacher instructs you to put them away. If you don’t follow these rules and don’t use your devices accordingly, then it gives a higher chance of schools banning these devices. If you do use these devices accordingly and for the sole purpose of learning, then these devices in school are a great privilege to have.
Phones provide quick access to information. Students can use their phones to look up facts, conduct research, and access educational apps that can help with their studies. This access to information can make learning more efficient and help students stay up to date with the latest knowledge. Phones are also a great way to communicate in school. Students can use messaging apps to work on group projects, share resources, and stay connected with friends and family in school. They are also very important to have in case of emergencies.
AirPods on the other hand, offer a more personalized learning experience. With features like noise canceling, students can concentrate easier in noisy environments, making it easier to focus. AirPods are also great for listening to educational podcasts, audiobooks, and language lessons. For some people, listening to music actually helps them focus better and the use of listening to music through AirPods can help them to understand their work easier.
In conclusion, while the use of AirPods and phones may present challenges, the benefits they offer can help with the child’s learning. It is however, important to make sure you are using these devices responsively and keep in mind they are a privilege that can easily get taken away. But if you do use these devices accordingly, they are a great way to increase a student’s learning experience.