Print Edition 7.1 - Fall 2023

May 2023 October 2023 Special Print Edition www.meridianlasso.org Meridian High School 121 Mustang Alley Fa l l s C h u r c h , VA 2 2 0 4 3

The Official Student Newspaper of Meridian High School

From Fauquier to Falls Church Welcoming Dr. Jeck to the Secondary Campus

Kaylah Curley & Molly Moore

“After 15 years of being superintendent, it’s like a breath of fresh air,” said Dr. David Jeck, the new Interim Head of Secondary Schools replacing Ms. Valerie Hardy after she resigned last month. Dr. Jeck, the former Superintendent of Fauquier County Public Schools, grew up in Southern California and, as justified by his Dodgers logo tattoo, is a major Dodgers baseball fan.

After attending the University of Southern Mississippi, he began his career in education as a coach and quickly realized he felt drawn to the classroom. While he was teaching AP Government and Politics, a student’s mother, who happened to be

Photo left: Dr. David Jeck poses for a headshot photo. (Photo via FCCPS Communications). Photo top right: Dr. Jeck makes sandwhiches for Hands to Hunger in the Mustang Cafe. (Photo via @HandtoHunger). Photo bottom left: Dr. Jeck meets teachers and staff at Henderson. (Photo via FCCPS Communication).

Principal of another school, asked him if he would occupy the vacant Assistant Principal position at her school. Dr. Jeck agreed, and the rest is history.

“I think sometimes leadership positions find people. Not the other way around. And I guess it was just destiny.”

After being an Assistant Principal for eight years, he became a Principal, and later accepted the role of Superintendent of Greene County and then Fauquier County Public Schools (FCPS). He retired from FCPS after 11 years, in July of this year.

Upon his retirement and Ms.

Hardy’s departure, he was “humbled” to receive the opportunity to temporarily fill the role. Dr. Jeck reflected on his previous positions, and realized that the polarizing environment he was immersed in as superintendent, that kept him “sitting in an office dealing with problems,” removed him from the joys of the job.

After being separated from authentic student interactions for many years, Dr. Jeck feels his new position will allow him to return to his roots: connections with students like he formed as a teacher and coach.

“I miss teaching and I miss

coaching. Those were really great days of education for me.”

Dr. Jeck’s journey to this interim position reflects a desire to reconnect with the essence of education – the students. During his time at Meridian, he aims to provide positive support and be a guiding influence, prioritizing the needs of the school and its community, rather than a major policy shake-up.

“I’m not coming in with a slate of changes.”

Dr. Jeck’s leadership style is marked by humility, with a genuine focus on connections, and a commitment to supporting the existing system. He strives to emphasize the

needs of the community, rather than his own reputation. Dr. Jeck attributed that idea to former president Harry Truman, who said, “it’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.”

In line with this principle, students may have already seen him participating in school activities, such as sandwich making for Hands with Hunger and enthusiastically cheering at homecoming festivities.

Dr. Jeck hopes his actions contribute to the inclusive and thriving educational environment Meridian’s reputation upholds.

“I see [my job as a way] to support [students] and to support the teachers. If I can help in any way I certainly can.”

Inside this issue

News

3

Mrs. Hardy Says Farewell

Profile 4

New Teachers at Meridian

Music 6

For the Record: Fall Favorites

Games 7

@LassoMeridian

Fallin’ for Crosswords Falls Church Fall Themed Crossword 1

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The Lasso (Meridian)

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Created using the Crossword Maker on TheTeachersCorner.net

Across 1. First day of autumn 4. A Falls Church tradition famous for decorating local businesses to drum up Halloween spirit.

5. A Jewish holiday, celebrating the Jewish New Year, that takes place every fall.

8. Fall Starbucks drink that skyrockets in popularity every autumn.

9. Day of the week that the Falls Church Farmer’s

Down 2. A popular festival big in Maryland that runs from late August to October, known for its medieval fall appeal.

3. This year’s November Daylight Savings date.

6. An autumn month known for having more birthdays than any other time in the year.

7. Last official day of Fall.

10. An animal often associated with fall due to

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Editor-in-Chief Abigail Crespin

The Lasso Meridian High School 121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church, VA 22043 703-248-5500 www.meridianlasso.org Special Print Edition October 2023

Mission Statement: The Lasso and its staff strive to inform their readers through accurate and factual reports, where information has been thoroughly gathered and verified; serve as an educational laboratory experience for those on staff; be accurate, fair, and impartial in its coverage of issues that affect the school community; not avoid publishing a story solely on the basis of possible dissent or controversy; cover the total school population as effectively and accurately as possible; report all issues in a legal, objective, accurate and ethical manner, in accordance with the Canons of Professional Journalism developed by the Society for Professional Journalists.

Managing Editors Kaylah Curley Molly Moore Sophia Borghesani News Editors Rachel Grooms Anna Goldenburg Features Editors Victor Kidwell Opinions Editor Tessa Kassoff Staff Writers & Contributors Sofia Braverman Ben Behr Madison Keelen Dino Simcox Ryan Degnan Luke Russell Monica Duran Binyamin Hassan Sophia Turley Samantha Gabrl

Alba Selle Umer Sohail Arianna Vargas Sesh Sudarshan Tessa Dunn Monroe Duff Faaz Tahir Evy Shamber Ben Mossburg

October 2023

Editor’s Note Spring is often proclaimed as the season of new beginnings, but as school starts, new administrators join the FCCPS team, construction continues, and Falls Church develops, Meridian high school experiences some of the most impactful shifts to date in this fall season of renewal.

Students watch as construction workers assemble the mysterious complex outside the front entrance and complain in anguish as their parking spots are stripped from them and they are overloaded with boisterous noises of the new property. But between the not so delightful sounds of construction and the battle for student parking, we can’t help but find a little excitement in the possibility of all this new development - not just around the school but all across Falls Church.

Inside the hallways, students and staff engage with clubs around Meridian (2), new technology guidelines (3) and major shifts in the administrative team, including the recent departure of our beloved Head of Secondary Schools, Ms Valarie Hardy (2). But despite the uncertainty of a changing school, students find comfort and continuity in the Meridian community. Personally, I’ve found joy in cheering alongside my classmates as the ju-

niors demolish the seniors in flag-tag at the HOCO pep-rally, hope in the blooming artwork and greenery that embellishes our hallways, and pride in the Lasso team as we’ve banded together to create our debut print edition of 2023 and first ever Fall Newspaper.

Abigail Crespin

All Eyes on Meridian’s Clubs Madison Keelen and Arianna Vargas Meridian High School is Sean Lewin. Our Minds Matter conducts fundraisers like Vice hunger, and gets our community Sustainability in Action: filled with new and exciting has truly brightened the halls of The Sustainability in Action is President Elbetel Kiros’ clothing involved with the goal to make clubs that all students can par- Meridian and continues to credrive for the country of Ethiothe world a safer place. “We run a very hands-on club around ticipate in. Each club is unique ate a community for all students. Meridian. They work in the pia. Along with these fundraislots of drives and fundraisers in its own way and helps to Science Olympiad: Sciers, BSU invites guest speakers benefiting a variety of organizaschools vivarium, vegetable and create a community that every ence Olympiad is a new club at flower gardens, and the aquarto Meridian High School and tions,” GIVE Day Ambassador student can feel welcome in. The Meridian. The Science Olymvolunteering opportunities for Carloine Carmody said. GIVE ium. They focus on making various different clubs are all piad team competes in regional the school more environmenboth members and the student Day is the perfect club to get run by students for students and and statewide competitions, and tally mindful and help to create body. “BSU strives to get stuinvolved with if helping the help to bring creativity back into works as a team to compete in dents to interact with each other community and those around us more sustainable alternatives to the halls of Meridian. But what different science related chaland communities in need,” BSU is something that you are intereveryday activities. “Our club’s are Meridian’s most high-profile lenges like Disease Detectives.

Representative Rosa Sims said. ested in. For more information main goal is to connect the clubs, and why do students enjoy “Science Olympiad may sound GIVE Day: GIVE Day join the Schoology group using school through growing them so much? the code: W79CNour environmental values.

Our Minds MatSFGP9.

We want to connect all the ter: Our Minds Matter Hand to Hunclubs and extracurricuis a relatively new club ger: Hand to Hunger lar activities together to to Meridan, but has works to empower benefit the school’s comalready accomplished students of Meridian munity and environmena lot towards building to take action towards tal impact,” club advisor a safe and welcome meaningful change.

Carey Pollack stated. The community for students The club raises awareSustainability in Action Last year, the club ness of food insecurity club strives to create a hosted a multitude of and works to help community at Meridian events including “Colorthose who lack the that focuses on improving ing and Cocoa” as well resources we have. our schools carbon footas an opportunity for “We began with a few print. This year, they are The Our Minds Matter leadership board The Science Olympiad’s 2023 awards ceremony students taking exams student volunteers focusing on improving our to work with service dogs. consists of senior President Sean Lewin, school’s waste system and guid- where they medaled in over ten events and came and by the end of the Senior Madison Keelen, Lexi Ries, Marien in 4th place in their regional competition. (Via year, we were able to “People should join Our Brody, junior Joyce Tadesse, and Char- ing the students to mindfully Science Olympiad) Minds Matter because it is lotte Rice. (Via Our Minds Matter) pack over 1,000 meals recycle. The Sustainability club a student-centered club that at the holmes shelters aims to introduce students to carries various different values. intimidating, but the club is su- environmentally friendly values (which stands for “Get Involved, at Martha’s Table and New It is geared towards empowering per friendly and fun!” states Sci- and habits throughout their day Value Everyone”), strives to Hope Housing.” said Hand to and training teens in order to ence Olympiad President Abby to day lives. make a difference both in our Hunger Founder Elbetel Kiros. promote wellness school wide.

Lindly. If you are interested in community and beyond.

The Joining Hand to Hunger would BSU: The Black Student Our club aims to instill holistic joining a community centered club began when the class of add you to a team that works to Union is a student-lead club growth among students and the around science and teamwork, 2023 was in elementary school make positive impacts on lives of that works to bring awareness school wide community,” said then this club is definitely for and works together to bring those who are food scarce within to racism occurring both in our Our Minds Matter President you. awareness to issues like world Northern Virginia. community and beyond. BSU

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October 2023

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Mrs. Hardy Says Farewell from Falls Church Secondary Schools Anna Goldenberg and Binyamin Hassan

On September 26, 2023, Meridan students received a Schoology message announcing that Head of Secondary Schools Valerie Hardy would be leaving her position the following Friday after serving the Falls Church City Secondary Schools for six years. A similar email was sent to Falls Church City middle and high school parents.

During her time at Falls Church City Secondary Schools, Mrs. Hardy was the principal of Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, and later, the first Head of Secondary Schools. As Head of Secondary Schools, it was Mrs. Hardy’s job to oversee and assist in the running of both Mary Ellen Henderson (MEH) and Meridian at an adminis-

trative level.

Now, Mrs. Hardy has accepted a position as Management Support Director of Elementary Schools in Prince William County. “This position gives me an opportunity to work more closely with school leaders,” she said. “I can [help] other principals, and make more students’ lives in school better and more authentic… it just felt like a really good opportunity.”

Mrs. Hardy expressed in her announcement that her decision was motivated by “the opportunity to do work that produces better student outcomes,” explaining that it is “the right next step for [her] path.”

She also expressed confidence in the remaining leader-

Mrs. Hardy giving a speech celebrating the purchase of new electric school buses in 2021. (Photo via LinkedIn)

ship to run the school, stating in her email to parents, “I am confident in the two phenomenal Associate Principals, Steve Pickering and Peter Laub, who will continue to lead the campus.”

The decision to take her new role was not an easy one, and Mrs. Hardy spent a long time deliberating on whether or not she should accept the new position.

“It was the most gut wrenching decision I’ve Mrs. Hardy standing next to school and city officials to celebrate made in my career,” she said. her hiring as the principal of Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School “This transition has hap- in June of 2017. (Photo courtesy of FCCPS) pened incredibly fast… and it did delay the ability to no- in me over the years. Your stu- ondary Schools.

Mrs. Hardy has long been tify the community. That is a dents are a part of my life, and I will forever be rooting for a beloved presence at FCCPS, regret I have - how fast this them and their success, as I and students and teachers is taking place,” Mrs. Hardy know the impact they are desalike will miss her in the comadmitted. ing years.

Mrs. Hardy is grateful to tined to have in this world.”

But with all of these chang“Valerie has been a beacon everyone who has worked es, there is still one major of dedication, leadership, and with her throughout her years question: What will happen passion in our community. at Falls Church Secondary next?

Her unwavering commitment Schools.

As of now, Superintendent to educational excellence and “It has been a privilege Peter Noonan has selected equity has left an indelible to work alongside the leadDr. Jeck to serve as head of mark on FCCPS,” said Nooners of the Secondary Leadership team,” she stated in her secondary schools. While he an.

In the end, Mrs. Hardy has email. “They are a dynamic has never worked at FCCPS schools before, he served as one thing to say to the students team that, individually and Superintendent of Fauquier she has spent the past six years collectively, are equipped to County Public Schools, and of helping: “Keep being brilnavigate the work ahead.” liant.”

She also expressed her Greene Public Schools.

This summer, FCCPS will gratitude to Falls Church parents, saying; “You all placed begin the process of hiring a a tremendous amount of trust new, permanent, Head of Sec-

Too Much or not Enough?

Molly Moore and Ryan Degnan

When students sign the Meridian handbook, they agree that “no right of privacy exists in the use of FCCPS Computer System.” With the introduction of Dyknow, students now have tangible understanding of their technology rights in school.

At the start of this school year, teachers were given the option to install Dyknow, a student computer screen monitoring software.

Teachers who chose to install Dyknow are now able to view their students’ computers screens from their computer, message students during class and block

websites to refocus students who appear to be off task. The Technology Department installed Dyknow onto all students’ computers either last spring or over the summer when students were asked to return their laptops for “refreshments.”

While the software has sparked conversation across the student body and has many potential benefits, Dyknow is not in every classroom. A couple teachers (who requested anonymity) chose to not download the software because they believe students should learn to self-

Dyknow blocks a teacher from viewing a student’s screen outside of school hours. (Photo courtesy of Holly Garcia)

regulate their technology usage, rather than being micromanaged by a teacher.

Susan Rotherham, a senior on the SCA Executive board, reiterated a similar theme as teachers hesitant to install Dyknow. “In college, it’s ultimately up to the student to manage themselves and make the right choices during class.”

Mr. Jared Peet, an individuals and societies teacher, is supportive of managing student’s screen time, conceptually, because it helps students not be “off task.”

However, Mr. Peet wouldn’t give Dyknow an A+. Compared to other regulatory software Mr. Peet utilized at previous schools, he finds Dyknow “clunky and not super user friendly.” He believes it chains teachers to their desks rather than working with students face-to-face. “[It has] been a disappointment…[Dyknow] kind of lends itself to a teacher sitting at a desk, as opposed to being more active in the classroom.”

Mr. Peet breaks free from the chains by minimizing computer usage during the class and only allowing students to have their laptops when necessary. In other words, rather than using technology to regulate technology, he controls technology by

Student is notified that a teacher is viewing their screen through Dyknow. (Photo by Molly Moore) strictly limiting students’ access.

Contrastingly, Spanish teacher Sra. Holly Garcia uses Dyknow to help students stay on task and rely on their knowledge, rather than technological resources.

“My concern as a language teacher is that they’re using online AI tools or translation tools that are not going to help them be better in my class. They only help them temporarily.”

Sra. Garcia emphasized that computers pose a great distraction for students, and she wants to help them combat their distractions.

“There’s so much cool stuff on there and they get distracted. Or if they’re continuing something from another class and they don’t want to stop doing that thing.”

Rotherham, on the other hand, pointed out that to manage a heavy course load and time-con-

suming extracurriculars, she uses free moments in class to finish up other assignments.

Other students at Meridian have mixed opinions. Sam Ettinger, a Junior, spoke positively about Dyknow but recognized that some students feel over-supervised.

“I would say it helps students stay on task which is positive, but I’m sure some students don’t like how much control the teachers have over them.”

Similarly, sophomore Alex Barwig believes that it has enhanced his learning, but isn’t “necessarily good.”

With the rise of A.I. and other online resources, both helpful and harmful, Meridian needs to consider the role of technology in the classroom and determine who should be responsible for regulating its usage. The teacher? The student? Or both?

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Saying Hello Rachel Grooms

Getting to know new teachers at Meridian Individuals & Societies

Ms. Roe

Nikki Roe, a new Individuals & Societies teacher at Meridian, smiles while working in the library. (Photo courtesy of Nikki Roe)

When talking to new teachers who recently completed their student teaching, it’s rare to find someone with so much experience.

Nikki Roe, a new World History teacher here at Meridian, has a unique perspective on the U.S. learning environment.

After receiving a degree in Political Science at UC Berkeley, she tested out many other careers including: real estate business development, digital marketing, and nonprofit work. “None of those opportunities felt challenging or rewarding to me,” Ms. Roe said.

Due to this lack of challenge, she moved to South Korea and began teaching English. This experience was out of her comfort zone and very different from the school environment in the U.S. “I think living abroad and my interest in languages and culture had a big impact on my desire to become a World History teacher.”

The intensity and competitiveness of education in Korea pushed her to become a more experienced and well rounded teacher that applies her knowledge daily in the classroom. The guidance that she gives to students to take on challenging material replaces what she lacked in high school. Her love for being a teacher is evident in her constant goals and expectations for her students to be pushed out of their comfort zones, and find what they are capable of.

Teaching at Meridian has been a supportive environment for her and her transition has been fairly easy. The global perspective of many students in the Northern VA and DC area has been a huge learning experience for her. “It’s nice to be able to learn and draw from my students’ global experiences in a world history class.”

Through her variety of educational and career experiences, she has developed a variety of hobbies, such as beach volleyball, squash, trivia, basketball, true crime, art, and playing classic video games.

October 2023

Language & Literature

Ms. Leimenstoll Kathryn Leimenstoll, a new Language & Literature teacher at Meridian, smiles in the library. (Photo courtesy of Kathryn Leimenstoll)

“It’s been very surprising how welcoming everybody from students, to the admin, to parents have been so far,” said Kathryn Leimenstoll, a new 10th grade English teacher at Meridian this year.

Ms. Leimenstoll has always loved the school environment – as both a student and a teacher. This fueled her passion for teaching and her love of English. Growing up in Maryland, she finds the Falls Church community to be new and different.

She attended the University of Maryland College Park and worked at the University of Maryland’s writing center. From there, she learned that her current path of speech pathology was not what she loved. Working with students, however, was her passion. She found that the reading and writing side of English was–and had always been–meant for her.

“I realized I like teaching English and I do like teaching it to people who’ve had really negative experiences with it in the past, trying to make it accessible.”

She discovered her skill in teaching students who haven’t always loved English the way she did. In Maryland, she worked with students who plagiarized, students forced to come as a punishment, or athletes who had failed. Her strengths are making English accessible and helping students figure out how their skills can be applied in a classroom.

The credits her teaching style to her high school AP Language teacher, who changed her view of the English classroom.

“I found that I hadn’t seen a teacher like that before where it wasn’t just sit down, write essays, and do stuff on paper.”

She tries to implement the more fun side of being in the classroom and make students feel more comfortable with reading, writing, and analyzing text. She is hoping to plan creative projects that relate to the subject, but stray away from the typical research essay structure.

Josh Wattle

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Foreign Language

Mr. Clark

Kye Clark, a new French teacher at Meridian, smiles in the greenery. (Photo courtesy of Kye Clark)

“It is very welcoming and I think that’s appreciated as a first year teacher coming in and just feeling like you’re welcomed right away and you have all the support you need.” Kye Clark, a new French teacher at Meridian this year said.

He pursued his undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia and got his graduate degree at William and Mary.

Teaching French was not always his idea of the ideal future.

Throughout high school, he learned that teaching and helping others was something he was good at. Originally, he applied this skill in the theater department. He has taught acting, singing, dancing, musical theater, and screenwriting skills in theater camps and his previous school.

It wasn’t until college at UVA that he started learning French and immediately fell in love with the language.

“People have asked me what I love so much about French, I can’t really put a finger on it either, I just kind of love it.”

After university, he taught for one year in France. This learning experience and cultural immersion helped him in the classroom becoming a more passionate teacher. His main goal is to be a welcoming and supportive teacher to all of his students.

As a teacher in a smaller school, he will be able to connect more with the students and build supportive relationships in a new and different way.

His hobbies include watching movies, reading, “anything artistic,” crochet, and archery.

October 2023

Mr. Soles Science

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David Soles, a new Chemistry teacher and frisbee coach at Meridian, smiles while working in the tech center. (Photo by Rachel Grooms)

“This is awesome. I get to set things on fire. I get to have explosions sometimes. And I get to surprise kids with how it makes sense,” said David Soles, a new chemistry teacher at Meridian this year.

Mr. Soles hasn’t alway been set on the path of teaching chemistry.

After growing up in the Northern VA area and attending William & Mary, he was supposed to go to Nepal and do the Peace Corps.

Instead, he ended up taking a job as a part-time chemistry teacher at his former high school. He soon fell in love with teaching, and went on to pursue a graduate degree in teaching.

“Ten years later, I had a wife and a cat and a mortgage and I was like, clearly not going to go [to Nepal] anymore.”

Mr. Soles has taught many other things in addition to chemistry.

Working at smaller schools, he picked up new classes like forensics, biology, physics, PE, history, and math.

At each of these schools, with all different subjects, different environments, and different areas, he has stuck to one common theme.

Ultimate Frisbee. Beginning in college, his passion for ultimate frisbee has only grown. He is credited for starting frisbee teams at previous schools, and is currently starting a team here at Meridian.

“Give it a try. Come to a couple of practices. See if you like it, that’s my main message.”

His love for frisbee is not only due to the enjoyability of the sport, but its accessibility throughout life. Frisbee teams only grow as you get older, especially with niche opportunities to play in college that one wouldn’t receive playing a more common sport.

Frisbee is a “lifetime sport” and clearly very enjoyable for middle schoolers through 30-year-olds.

Mr. Soles believes that youth sports have become too pressurized, prioritizing college scholarships over childhood joy. Through ultimate frisbee teams, he strives to bring the joy of casually playing with your friends into a high school level sport.

His success with the frisbee team at Meridian is growing daily, more students are participating as the weather gets cooler.

“Most kids that try it find it to be pretty fun, and that’s kind of why I’m here.”

Fighting for a better environment for your future

Spell-a-Thon How many words can you create with these 7 letters?

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October 2023

For the Record: Fall Favorites Victor Kidwell

There’s something particular about fall that I haven’t been able to put my finger on yet. It’s not the leaves falling, nor the pumpkin spice—not even the seasonal sweaters you can see everywhere, but there’s something that makes fall so special. Autumn is a time of preparation; it’s the last hurrah before a long, cold winter.

It’s a season that celebrates the dead, with holidays like Dios De La Muertos and Halloween. But most importantly, it’s a time of reflection. It’s when we look back as the year slowly comes to a close, and celebrate what’s gone before us. Nothing encapsulates this feeling better than returning to the jazz classics for fall. I hope they grow to become as special to you as they are to me.

Not to be mistaken for the movie with the same name, “Autumn in New York” by Billie Holiday is a fall classic. Holiday’s voice is lush and the piano is perfect—the song sounds so warm and quintessentially fall.

“Autumn in New York… It’s

good to live it again.” It really is.

Another New York musician is pioneering Jazz pianist Thelonious Monk whose track “I’m Confessing (That I Love You)” is perfect for October. It’s warm, playful, and heartfelt. This album is perfect for a very autumnal study session.

“Sweet Lorraine” sounds like a walk in the park. Try it the next time you meander on a brisk autumn afternoon stroll, because Nat King Cole put his all into this track. His voice is beautiful and like most of the songs on the playlist, the lyrics were written far before Cole’s time. Frank Sinatra did a rendition of this song too, but I don’t think it fits as well as this one.

“Solitude” by Eartha Kitt is a beautiful track that sways back and forth. The higher, swelling strings and Kitt’s lush, lower vocals fit together so well. The violin motif is gentle and compliments Kitt as she croons softly.

“Dear Lord above… Send back my love,” has the best delivery

I have ever heard on a track. It is such a gorgeous and melancholy moment, and Kitt hits it just right!

“Lullaby of the Leaves” by Ella Fitzgerald is just a beautiful track. Fitzgerald is one of my favorite vocalists of all time, and it’s easy to see why once you’ve listened to one of her songs. Her voice is the standout on this tapestry of a song and her low and husky voice can snap up to a high note with the flip of a switch. Her range is incredibly impressive and textured. Fitzgerald is from the same Harlem, New York scene that many other musicians here came out of, and her influence can be heard everywhere. Honestly, it’s hard to find one musician who hasn’t been impacted by Fitzgerald’s legacy.

Joining Fitzgerald on the track “Love Is Here To Stay” is Louis Armstrong, who’s gravelly bass is a refreshing contrast to the light instrumentals. It’s a heartfelt romp of a track, and the piano is beautiful and sweet.

I love the vocals Fitzgerald brings here too.

“September In The Rain’’ by Dinah Wa s h i n g t o n will make you wish September didn’t pass so quickly. The picked string section sounds like soft droplets of rain petering out. But if you’re looking for more Wa s h i n g t o n , her song “The Sun Forgot To Spotify auto-generated playlist collage, (via Spotify) Shine” is also featured on this sung by Ernestine Anderson, and playlist. Willie Nelson additionit has the warmest guitar tone ally covered this track, and it’s I’ve ever heard on a track. I adore so good. His album “Stardust” the song, and her voice just enis full of acoustic covers of jazz hances it. It’s so peaceful, and songs. It’s surprisingly solid, and Anderson’s arrangement of it is I come back to it periodically. perfect.

“Moonlight In Vermont” is

College Considerations Deciding between college applications Tessa Kassoff As the new school year prospers, so does the constant strain on seniors applying to colleges and universities. The process is comprehensive: visiting campuses, obtaining recommendations and scholarships, the cost, the application, and most importantly, what application a student will choose. Not only are seniors choosing their future school, but they also have to consider the application type and when they apply to their schools. Regular decision, early decision, and early action are the three main ways a student may choose to apply.

Most students are familiar with regular decision applications, which is the main type

most schools offer. According to the College Foundation of North Carolina, if a student applies as a regular decision, they have a later deadline, and may not hear back from a school for several months. This is usually beneficial so a student can have time to finalize their application and take or take the SAT and ACT. Most schools have regular decision deadlines that fall in the midst of January and send out the acceptance letters sometime in March.

Contrary to early decision applications, students are not obligated to attend the school upon acceptance, so they can have the opportunity to choose among multiple schools from which they

University of Virginia, one of the most sought after schools in Virginia, offers all three main application types (Photo via Flickr)

have been accepted.

Early decision and early action are the most similar to each other, however, they have a very important distinction: one is a binding decision. According to CollegeBoard, early decision is when a student applies to their first choice school in November.

The student should then expect to receive the admission usually

by December. They then must agree to attend the college, and should withdraw from all other applications if accepted to the school.

Early action applicants are also generally required to submit their application in October and November, and should expect their admission decision in around December through February, which is still relatively early in the admission cycle. The one difference is that early action is not a commitment, so upon acceptance, students are not obligated to attend that school.

Meridian High school guidance counselor, Brad McAdam, discusses some of the qualities of an early decision process.

“Statistics show that you most likely have a better chance of being accepted early decision because it helps the colleges. It helps them build their class, because they know if a student is being accepted early decision, that means they’re coming to our school,” said McAdam.“But it’s

also, of course, an advantage for the students, because once they get in, they know that’s where they’re going.”

He continues by discussing that if students feel their application isn’t prepared enough by the early action/early decision deadline in November, then maybe they should pursue regular decision applications. However, students who want to know their college acceptances sooner, may want to consider applying earlier.

It is largely based upon the individual student’s preferences and situation, whether it be financial or academic.

“Probably in the last ten years or so [at Meridian], it’s become much more popular to apply early action to schools,” replied McAdam.

A recent survey conducted showed regular decision and early action gain the most traction among current seniors at Meridian. Multiple students explained they want to apply early action to get it out of the way first semester before the senior stress marinates. Other students wanted to apply early action to have a better chance of being accepted.

The surveyed students who chose the regular decision application wanted more time to pick the school of their choice, study for the SAT and ACT, and plan ahead in the event they are waitlisted from a school.

For most students, early decision is not the ideal choice of applying to schools. This consensus largely stems from the financial implications and obligation of having to commit to a school upon acceptance.

“You’re not going to know what your financial aid package might look like, most likely, until after you’ve already got an admissions decision from an ED [early decision] school. So, we always tell kids: if financially you’re concerned whether or not you could afford to go to this school, you probably shouldn’t apply early decision,” said McAdam.

One of the very first tasks a student should accomplish in their college process is choose how they are going to apply. After choosing a school to apply to, it is crucial that the student sees their application options and chooses the one of best fit. Financial situations, test scores, and uncertainty could all be factors that are inflicted upon seniors.

Therefore, weighing your options, and consulting with a college counselor could be what is needed in order to successfully apply.

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7

Mustang Mug: A Mug for the Mustangs Abby Crespin and Molly Moore All students pass the Mustang Mug on their way to class, many occasionally peruse the menu, while some are loyal regulars.

However no one knows the inner workings of Meridian’s staple cafe and how it came to be. So the Lasso decided to investigate the internal operations of our cornerstone cafe.

The Mustang Mug was established with the opening of a new Meridian campus at the beginning of 2021. The Food Services Department wanted to expand students’ options beyond the cafeteria to delicacies of the outside world, like coffee and breakfast sandwiches.

“We wanted to make sure that we had something to offer to all the students that you didn’t have to leave campus to get,” said Food Services Director Mr. The high school recently unveiled the Mustang Mug, a school-run café Richard Kane. He oversees all located on the second floor of the new building. (Tucker Ward) food service operations for FCCPS. Not only does the Mustang Mug provide an expanded array

of goods for students, it also helps fund the Food Services Department as a whole. According to federal and state regulation, all profits from the school food service department must be used to fund the department in the future. When students spend money at the Mustang Mug, the profit is directed to the Food Services Department and allows them to provide high quality food and name brands, like La Croix or Naked smoothie drinks.

Moreover, FCCPS is not primarily funded by federal and state food service programs due to our low poverty rates, so they rely on profits to continue providing students with healthy and delicious options.

Regardless of their reliance on profits, the Food Service Department works to ensure that prices remain consistent and do not fluctuate with inflation or changing

prices from vendors to assure accessibility for all students.

“When you compare the Mustang Mug to Starbucks, our prices are cheaper [...] if you’re going on price alone, that will beat them every single time.”

While the Mustang Mug does prevail against Starbucks regarding prices, it does not provide students with caffeinated coffee, but for an imperative reason. Under federal and state guidelines, schools are not allowed to sell students food or drinks with significant levels of caffeine. So, to confirm student speculation, yes, the coffee is decaffeinated.

However, the Food Service Department is committed to listening to student perspectives while adhering to required health guidelines. They encourage students to offer suggestions via email or through the myschoolbucks survey feature. Assistant Director Sindy Morel emphasized her desire to hear from students.

“We are here to serve you guys.”

Fallin’ for Crosswords in Falls Church Compiled by Sophia Borghesani

Falls Church Fall Themed Crossword 1

DOWN:

2

2. A popular festival in Maryland known for its medieval fall appeal.

3. This year’s Daylight Savings date.

6. An autumn month known for having more birthdays than any other month.

7. Last official day of Fall.

10. An animal often associated with fall.

3 4

5

6

ACROSS: 7 8

9

10

11

1. First day of autumn 4. A Falls Church tradition famous for decorating local businesses 5. A Jewish holiday celebrating the Jewish New Year.

8. Fall Starbucks drink that skyrockets in popularity every autumn.

9. Falls Church Farmer’s Market.

10. A classic 2000s show about a mother and daughter pair.

11. A type of tree common to North America that produces syrup and a autumnal aroma.

KEY

Across 1. First day of autumn 4. A Falls Church tradition famous for decorating

Down 2. A popular festival big in Maryland that runs from late August to October, known for its

1-September 23 2-Renaissance Fair 3-Fifth 4-Window Painting 5-Rosh Hashanah 6-September 7-December 21 8-Pumkin Spiced Latte 9-Saturday 10 (down) -Geese 10(across)- Gilmore Girls 11- Maple

Created using the Crossword Maker on TheTeachersCorner.net

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8

October 2023

One School, Many Faiths Promoting Religious Holidays Off Umer Sohail Meridian seniors have endured quite a journey during our time here, adjusting to every schedule change the administration has implemented. As our time at this school draws to a close, it’s essential that we reflect on the inclusive nature of our educational institution. School is a place where hundreds of students come together to learn, regardless of the religion they practice.

In this spirit, I’d like to advocate for the administration to create and abide by a schedule that accommodates the needs of all religious minorities.

All religious minorities that are present within the school, should be given at least one day off for necessary religious holidays. It would aid all minorities from having to go through the process of requesting an excused

Giving religious holidays off has always been a problem in Meridian High School. We need to foster inclusivity by embracing diversity and recognizing minority religious holidays (Graphic by Umer Sohail)

absence. There is only one major religion throughout Meridian that actively gets holidays off, which is Christianity. Granting religious minorities a day off for celebration would demonstrate a sincere commitment from the Meridian administration toward inclusivity.

I remember having to email my teachers the night before Eid ul Fitr, an Islamic holiday that comes after Ramadan and the spotting of the full moon, to inform them that I would be missing school. It was a hectic process because I didn’t want to miss school, but I had no choice.

Eid is a vital part of my religion.

Freshman year, the administration decided not to give religious holidays off. During my sophomore year, we had just started classes in the new school - masks were on, and vaccines were just coming out. As we moved closer to our AP Government exam, Eid ul Fitr was also moving towards the date.

The school had decided that we would be given the day off because the College Board moved the exam from May 2nd to May 20th due to Eid. Closing

my high school career these past two years I was not and will not be given Eid off.

“The elimination of days off on important religious holidays of non-Christian religions is oppressive. Why is there no day off for Eid and two whole weeks off for Christmas break?” senior Jeremy Mclnerney said. “These egregious actions by the school make the minority of non-Christian students feel unsafe and unimportant.”

It’s true, and I can speak for many minorities when I say that it really isn’t inclusive and it only sets back what the administration has done for “diversity” in this school.

However, many students do not find this a problem.

“Well, as much as I feel everyone should be included, canceling the whole day of school would cause problems for the ninety-five percent of people who don’t celebrate these holidays,” senior Carter Williams stated. “I think a better solution would be to allow excused absences and have no tests on holidays.”

However, people don’t understand the severity of the situation.

Why is winter break placed right at the convenience of Christmas?

It could be placed anywhere from the beginning of December to the end of February.

Ultimately, it’s just a single day that holds significance for individuals from various backgrounds such as Muslims, Jewish people, Hindus, and more. Christianity is a dominating majority of Meridian, but people need to start looking from the perspective(s) of the students/individuals who make this community diverse-and consider their religious requirements. If someone needs the day off, why shouldn’t they be allowed to take it?

It is imperative that our educational institutions serve as places of tolerance, understanding, and respect for all faiths. The narrative of inclusivity must not remain unfinished; it is a story yet to be told in its entirety. As we reflect upon the present chapter, where certain religions still await the acknowledgment of their sacred days, let us pledge to rewrite the ending together.

We didn’t make Falls Church the way it is today, but we have the power make it better for ALL of us tomorrow.

VOTE: What would you like to see more of in Falls Church?

Vote &

Walking & biking routes to school see results Environmental sustainability School funding and programs Housing affordability Diversity and inclusion Support for local business

JustineUnderhill.Org/poll

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A hoco proposal anyone else would say “neigh” to... (Justin Tomljanovich)

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