Volume 88 Issue 4 by The Jackson-Reed Beacon

The

Farewell, Mr. Bargeman!

‘Life of the building’ did it all during his long career at JR

Isadora Groves Editor-in-Chief

The current Jackson-Reed student body has only heard the legend of DJ Barge.

Every Friday during lunch, Assistant Principal Gregory Bargeman, equipped with a record player and some old vinyls, filled the atrium with sounds of pop, R&B and blues.

For more than 20 years, Bargeman has done it all— lunchtime DJ, library and media specialist, head JV football coach, assistant principal, and twice, interim principal. Now he is beginning a new chapter.

Bargeman officially retired from JR this month

and will be joining his wife in North Carolina. He will be remembered fondly by students, staff, and the community.

“He is probably one of the most professional, nicest gentlemen that I have come across here in DC Public Schools,” 12th-grade counselor Patrice Maites said.

Bargeman arrived in DC in 1988, and served as an elementary school librarian and a public library manager before arriving at JR, then known as Wilson. “I had the opportunity to apply to come to Wilson. And so I applied for the library media specialist position and I got it in 2001,” he said.

see RETIRE on page 2

Some students lose service hours amid administrative mixup

Rohini Kieffer

Edith Corrigan Conaty Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor

DCPS Central Office removed community service hours on many high school students’ Aspen accounts earlier this month due to what JacksonReed counselors described as a documentation error.

During a district-wide evaluation of community service forms, Central Office found that many uploaded hours lacked proper documentation. “If there’s not any documentation, it did not happen,” said Shyra Gregory, the Director of Scheduling, Transcripts, and Academic Records Support.

For students to regain their removed hours, they must recreate or resubmit their community service forms. This includes re-obtaining a supervisor’s signature from the location of service. Senior Francesca Krevat expressed frustration, especially because she was “not made aware of the situation.”

“I don’t remember my community service hours from

three years ago,” she said. Krevat added that she didn’t know which hours she had lost, posing an obstacle when choosing which hours to resubmit. Krevat reported that her total hours dropped from 68 to 44.

However, sophomore Silas Groves, whose hours were also erased, said he hoped he would not be as heavily impacted because he “took pictures before submitting them so they wouldn’t get lost.”

This is the first time that hours have been removed from Aspen. Before COVID, forms were physically brought to the Central Office rather than digitized. Since COVID, DCPS has gradually returned to requiring students to complete community service hours. As a result, the process for monitoring forms was briefly halted.

“We noticed there was a huge issue last year when we began to do verification,” Gregory said. She said the problem prompted Central Office to begin the process earlier this year. “Rather than waiting until the end, we [have]

see SERVICE on page 2

Are you smarter than a Santa Claus?

Javier Thompson

Sarah Wiesenfelder

Opinions Editor

Section Copy Editor

Welcome to “Are You Smarter than Santa Claus?” In this game, we take one random teacher and put them head-to-head with Santa Claus!

contestants are physics teacher Maria Delos Santos and Santa Claus himself, who we strangely found on the side of the highway, hitchhiking a ride to the North Pole. Each contestant

answers a set of 10 questions about holiday and winter-related subjects. They are also provided with one lifeline of their choice. Without further ado, let's find out who’s smarter!

see SANTA on page 4

Boys’ basketball finds success

After a 5-1 start, boys' varsity to play in local tournaments over the break

Justin Glenn Sports Editor

When playing shorthanded, it takes contributions from everyone to win. After two weeks with only nine players, the boys’ varsity basketball team holds a 6-1 record as of December 17, and are in position to be near full strength come January.

“After the season opening loss to St John’s, we turned around our season,” said senior forward JJ Massaquoi. “We reset, bought into Coach [Tee’s] plan of humility and grace through each moment, and began to win.”

When the season began, the roster was down by four players: two players due to non-academic eligibility reasons after transferring, and two due to injury. Coming off of the opening loss to the Cadets, the Tigers went on a six game win streak. They beat St. Albans, won three conference games, and became 2024 Xaverian Classic champions after beating Glenelg Country

see BOYS on page 6

Girls' basketball looks to regroup

Landon Green Contributor

The varsity girls’ basketball team has officially kicked off their season, fluctuating on a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs.

“I think as a team we’re growing and learning how to play together,” said freshman guard Afia Hunt.

As of December 16, the Tigers are 2-3. To start the season, the team suffered back-to-back losses to out-of-conference

private powers Bishop O'Connell, 60-41, and Georgetown Visitation, 56-30.

However, since opening conference play, JR has secured

see GIRLS on page 6

GRAPHIC BY FRANCES LEIBOVICH

PHOTO BY IDA STEINBERG

SLAM DUNK - Senior JJ Massaquoi dunks during the varsity boys' basketball home opener vs. St. Albans.

PHOTO BY JADEN JONES

SAYING GOODBYE - Assistant Principal Gregory Bargeman poses in front of his office door.

DCPS enrollment at an all-time high for 2024-25

Gil Leifman News Editor

Total enrollment in DCPS for 2024-25 is the highest ever recorded. The recently released data from DCPS showed 99,770 students enrolled in district public and charter schools, an increase of 1,121 from last school year.

DCPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Antoinette Mitchell told FOX 5 that the rising numbers show that families are confident in public schools. Additionally, she added that many of the new students appear to be high schoolers, "which is very exciting to us because our high schools are in the midst of a renaissance in some ways. With career and technical education, we have new standards,” said Mitchell.

However, the final enrollment numbers and data are expected in the spring, so DCPS currently doesn’t know exactly at which schools the student populations are increasing.

As enrollment rises, Mayor Muriel Bowser has invested roughly $350 million dollars in education for the 2025 budget, a 12% increase since last fiscal year. “An investment in schools is an investment in the city. It really speaks to families finding the opportunities that we have in the DC school system attractive," commented Mitchell.

SERVICE

Mitchell said that the data also points to a downward trend in chronic absenteeism and chronic truancy, which has been a significant obstacle for DCPS in the past.

Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President of the Washington Teachers’ Union, told FOX 5 that public school enrollment in other big cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles have been down post-pandemic, thus DC's numbers are a positive sign and a testament to the quality of our educators.

While enrollment in DCPS dropped for the 2020-21 school year, this year is the third straight year of increases, with the current enrollment surpassing 2020’s by almost 6,000 students.

Director of the Education Policy Initiative at the nonprofit think tank DC Policy Center Chelsea Coffin agreed that the enrollment increase is great news for both the school district and the city as a whole. However, Coffin explained that increases in specific grade levels could mean implications for school budgets later on. For example, "high schools may see higher levels of funding if enrollments are higher at the high school level and that elementary schools may start to have more of a pinch if indeed that is where enrollment is decreasing," said Coffin. •

RETIRE

Soon after, Bargeman created the Academic Athletic Achievement Academy, and assumed the position of academy coordinator. “I was also the head JV football coach. I’ve done a whole bunch of stuff,” he added. In 2008, Bargeman became assistant principal.

Kimberly Martin, who was principal from 2015-21, reminisced that Bargeman would recommend ridiculous recipes to cure any sort of ailment, a joke among her admin team.

“Even if you sprained your ankle, he would be like, I know what you need to do: you need to take some fish skins, wrap it around your ankle, do ten sit-ups, and I promise you by tomorrow it's gonna be fine,” said Martin, now DCPS instructional superintendent for JR and other high schools.

On a more serious note, Martin said Bargeman "loved this school so much that his love was infectious. Students around him—especially when he was supervising the senior class—would just automatically gravitate toward him.”

Senior Henry Brylawski agreed, noting that Bargeman was “always the nicest guy around. He really treated kids with the same respect he did with adults.”

Maites, the 12th-grade counselor, said she first met

from page 1 from page 1

started doing a massive cleanup so everyone is clear about the status of students,” Gregory said.

In the first few years following COVID, specific JR administrators were assigned the job of filing community service hours, not counselors. During those years, hours were uploaded that did not have the attached documentation file. When DCPS Central Office then reviewed those hours this year in early December, they discovered the incomplete submissions, which then caused them to remove hours from students’ Aspen.

Aspen’s infrastructure allowed JR administrators to submit hours without attaching the file, enabling submissions that lacked evidence. “Moving forward there will not be the option to enter community service hours without documentation; it will not save in the Aspen student information system,” Gregory said.

This year, the task falls under counselors’ responsibilities. Each form must be manually entered from the physical document into Aspen, which takes up to 15 minutes. “It is painstaking,” 12thgrade counselor Patrice Maites said.

The counselors are now sorting through each student’s folder to ensure all forms in their

possession are uploaded. Due to the large number of forms, some have been lost in the past four years. Maites said she believes there should be a different process for uploading hours, such as having students electronically submit their hours. “Aspen has that opportunity but it’s not been further investigated,” she said. Gregory noted that this removal is the first step of a longer process, where Central Office will review all documentation to ensure that the forms uploaded align with the hours entered in Aspen and are properly filled out. •

Bargeman when she arrived at JR as a graduate school intern. And, at the end of that year, when a position for a counselor opened up, Bargeman hired her. Maites said that she and Bargeman had a great friendship over the years.

Maites also praised Bargeman’s talent for interior design. “In every office I’ve been in, he’s come in and told me some suggestions for colors, types of pictures, and style,” she said. “I think the best thing about Mr. Bargeman is he’s always positive.”

“He has been the life of the building over the years that I’ve been here, and I know for myself,” Maites added. “I will absolutely miss him.”

In North Carolina, Bargeman’s home state, he plans to take some time off before looking for a new job. “I don’t know if it’s gonna be in public education, but I want to use my skill set and find something interesting,” he said.

But Bargeman said there is so much about JR that he will remember.

liked about Jackson-Reed, this is what everybody says, is diversity.” He said that JR is a stark comparison to the small town he’s from. “I feel like I am part of the world when I am here,” he said.

Bargeman said he will never forget the community that he was a part of for so many years. “Students and staff bring me joy, which is why I’m motivated to come to work every day,” he said.

Senior Danye Dunston Irving said that Bargeman’s presence in the building will be missed. “He was a leader for our senior class, and it is sad that we won’t see him around in the hallways anymore.”

Principal Sah Brown said that Bargeman has “demonstrated unwavering commitment, a collaborative spirit and a passion for education. He has influenced the lives of many students, staff and families and has worked countless hours to fulfill our mission.”

As a parting message, Brown added: “We extend our gratitude for his tireless effort and wish him

Freshman advisory class is a hit

Grace Harscheid Contributor

Last year, Jackson-Reed introduced a mandatory freshman advisory class with the goal of providing freshmen additional time and guidance to adjust to high school. According to Principal Sah Brown, the advisory classes played a major role in the class of 2027’s successful promotion rate of 95% from freshman to sophomore year.

To plan the advisory class, the selected teachers are given a basic curriculum, while also having the flexibility to incorporate their own content based on their goals for the class. “We support our teachers with supplementing material that they feel like is something that resonates with the class or the topic they want to cover,” said

For math teacher Nicole Bellerice, advisory class works to advance students’ social and developmental needs. Students in her class start with a mini lesson, then they complete a graded check-in, where they can talk to Bellerice about missing assignments or their grades. The rest of class is used for completing individual work, with the encouragement to help others. “If you don’t have anything to do, I like [it] if you’re

helping someone else,” Bellerice explained.

“We have time for everything, work and socializing with our friends, it’s perfect for the last period because you get work done and get more free time at home,” said freshman Curial Sala Espachs. Freshman Caiden Dohawk shared that “since Ms. Bellerice is also a math teacher, she helps with my math homework. She’ll break down anything that’s difficult.”

Araceli Lobato Darias, ESOL teacher who leads two advisory classes, focuses on enhancing students’ responsibility and ownership of their own learning. To do this, she has weekly check-ins where she goes over their grades and asks the freshmen “what can you do to make it up?” and “do you want me to help you write an email to your teacher?” So far this year, Lobato’s classes have been exploring study habits, professionalism, and money management, after students filled out a survey on their interests.

best for herself and her students. “I’m constantly thinking about how to teach it.”

The differences in the advisory classes have raised conflicted feelings between freshmen. Some want more freedom in how they spend their time, while others believe that stricter course plans would improve the class. Freshman Madasyn Harris said the class is “a waste of time. I feel like advisory should [only] be about you doing work from other classes, so basically like a study hall.” Other freshmen like Julian Durbin feel that “a consistent curriculum would make the class better” and the lack of structure makes it a “hard class for both the teacher and students.” The material also widely varies between every class. Freshman Nora Freed shared, “[my advisory teacher's one of] the JROTC teachers and he gives us the work he gives to his cadets. We had to do a CER that he gave to the cyber security kids.”

Freshman Reese Erdman said, “While we still have to do the required work, [Lobato] also lets us have time to do our [other] work and usually makes the lessons we do have engaging.”

As the year goes on, Lobato will continue to improve the class, finding methods that work

Despite their diverse approaches to the class, advisory teachers share something in common: “teachers who are great at connecting with students [and] building relationships tend to excel. So, I think all of our advisory teachers can do extremely well in that class and are doing well in that class,” said Brown. •

GRAPHIC BY FRANCES LEIBOVICH

Jackson-Reed High School 3950 Chesapeake St. NW, Washington DC, 20016 https://jrbeacon.com/ beaconchiefeditor@gmail.com

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The Beacon is published monthly by students of Jackson-Reed High School. Unsigned editorials and cartoons are the views of the staff; personal commentaries reflect the opinions of the writers. Our mission is to provide an accurate representation of the diverse views, opinions, and concerns of the students of Jackson-Reed High School. Advertising and subscription rates are available by emailing beaconchiefeditor@gmail.com. The Beacon welcomes all student and guest contributions; articles, photographs, art, commentary, and letters to the editor. All submissions can be sent to beaconchiefeditor@gmail.com, and become property of The Beacon. Advised by James Kelly.

Lofthouse: overrated?

Alex Oh Contributor

Oh, the holidays, the most wonderful time of the year. Colorful lights, Mariah Carey, and low-budget Hallmark movies. But with good comes bad, and with bad comes overrated desserts. There are many (guys… don’t even get me started on cheesecake), but one ultimately takes the cake for most overhyped, which I'm sure will be on every table this winter. Lofthouse cookies. As I'm sure you’re familiar, these cakey, frosted sugar cookies seem to have everybody’s heart. But do they live up to the hype?

Contrary to popular opinion, these cookies are trash. Picture this: you’ve never had a lofthouse cookie before, and someone offers you one. You bite into

it, and the first thing you notice is the consistency. It’s way too soft and cakey, and it catches you off guard because cookies have no right to be so soft. It’s a cookie. The next thing you notice is how insanely sweet it is. A vanilla cookie under vanilla frosting with nothing else to balance it out (with almost 16g of sugar, but who’s counting?). Well, you manage to swallow the cookie, and the last thing you notice is the aftertaste. It leaves a seemingly chemical flavor in your mouth that tastes somehow worse than the actual dessert.

Seems pretty bad, right? I will admit, though, that these cookies are fairly cheap and convenient. At Whole Foods, you can buy 10 for only five dollars. But still! We have Wawa, Whole Foods, CVS, and Target, so we have so many better cookie options! Don’t settle for lofthouse! •

Gift giving is not a gift to the environment

Maria Joyce-Johnson Junior Editor

Picture this: it's 3:00 AM and you're lying in bed, doomscrolling through TikTok. Suddenly, your mindless trance is interrupted by a white woman “packing her Stanley” for her ten minute walk, complete with $15 hand sanitizer and a mini deodorant. You are finally motivated to go to bed but, alas, it's too late. Now, you’re forced to stare at your ceiling and try to forget the fact that someone actually invented a backpack for a water bottle (not even, it literally leaks) and even worse, people are actually buying it.

Humans have always been massive consumers, and the technology we have today has only amplified this this dangerous practice. Material consumption peaks every year from late November to early January. America's holiday consumption has increased annually for over a decade, and it is predicted that holiday retail sales could reach up to $989 billion in 2024. While Americans’ driving need for material goods is concerning enough on its own, holiday consumption has an enormous negative impact on our planet, further expediting the climate crisis we are in. Online shopping, travel, and mass production of goods have huge CO2 emissions that heavily contribute to global warming.

However, today's gift-giving culture is far from the worst part. With the holidays come parties, and with the parties come useless inflatable decorations on people's lawns and plastic silverware at Christmas parties. These and many more single-use products cause the 30% increase we see in household waste during the holiday season. Nevertheless, it is difficult to combat these problems when much of what is trending encourages wasteful shopping habits; for example the “burr baskets” that went viral last winter seemed sweet but largely consisted of cheap plastic items that will be forgotten within the week.

None of this is to discourage giftgiving or celebrating the holidays, but rather to urge you to be more mindful when doing so. This year, focus on buying second hand gifts, giving experiences instead of material goods, and reusing decorations and party supplies from last

Abraza el invierno

Alex Frommer Editora junior

En años anteriores, siempre odié el invierno: manos secas, nariz que moquea, electricidad estática en el aire, y, por supuesto, el clima frío. Recuerdo una ocasión, hace unos años, cuando necesitaba atarme los zapatos durante mi camino a la escuela. Me arrodillé y ya qué mis manos estaban tan secas y frías, apenas podía agarrar los cordones. Cuando finalmente terminé de atarme los zapatos, noté que mis pantalones se pegaban a mis piernas debido a la estática y no pude quitárselos. Ya estaba enojado porque iba a ir a la escuela, por lo tanto, estas condiciones simplemente me pusieron furiosa.

Pero creo que lo que realmente me molestaba era la ropa extra. Yo odio usar chaquetas. No sé exactamente por qué, pero casi siempre que uso una, simplemente no me siento yo mismo.

Este año decidí hacer algo diferente. Si no hace bastante frío afuera qué mis manos se congelen, simplemente salgo con una camiseta. ¿Tengo frío? Sí. Pero, ¿soy feliz? También sí.

En mi opinión, cuando empiezas a abrigarte mucho, estás tratando de esconderte del frío, temblando con los brazos cruzados. Intentar evitar el frío sólo lo empeora. Así que lo que he hecho es intentar abrazarlo.

Cuando salgo por la mañana, claro que al principio tengo frío. Pero, después que unos minutos, me acostumbro y me doy cuenta de algo importante: es el mismo mundo. Recuerdo el verano, cuando nunca bajaba de 80 grados y jamás considerarías usar una chaqueta. Estás caminando por las mismas verdaderas y calles donde hace solo unos meses estabas en camiseta. Lo único que ha cambiado es la estación del año. Es el mismo mundo.

No estoy diciendo que el invierno sea la mejor estación, ni tampoco que no sea la peor. Mi mensaje es qué si odias los elementos que el invierno te trae, te sugiero que, en lugar de esperar a que pasen y quedarse enojado por ellos, los enfrentes y abrazarlos. Y una vez que haces eso, ¿qué te queda? Días de nieve, vacaciones de invierno, la temporada navideña. Tal vez el invierno no sea tan malo después

The holiday gift no one asks for (but everyone wants)

Ben O’Toole Miles Green Contributors

Ah, the holidays are upon us; a time for giving, receiving, and pretending you will read all those books your grandparents gave you. But this year, forget the car, Airpod Pros, or new phone — give the gift of Snapchat Plus! Nothing says "I care" like a subscription to a premium version of an already free app.

Snapchat Plus is the knight in

shining armor of unnecessary app upgrades. For just $3.99 a month (lowkey adds up), your loved ones can unlock features like… seeing how many times their stories were rewatched. So, no more guessing if your ex is lurking or if your best friend genuinely found your snap funny. It’s the detective you didn’t know you needed. This extension will help you filter out those fake friends. You will now see who your best friend really is by viewing your ranking on other best friends lists. Now, you can surround yourselves with those who spend their screen time on

you. Still not sold? When your situationship half-swipes you, they will be caught lacking. Snapchat Plus is the gift that keeps on giving. Litawaly. You’re locking your loved ones into a monthly subscription. It’s like a gym membership but for selfies, streaks, and questionable filters.

So, this holiday season, forget traditional gifts and embrace the future. With Snapchat Plus, you’re not just giving a subscription. You’re asserting someone as a digital alpha. And isn’t that what the holidays are all about? •

1. Name three of Santa’s reindeer

Delos Santos: Rudolph

Santa Claus: Donner, Blizten, Rudolph

2. What did Frosty the Snowman do when a magic hat was placed on his head?

Delos Santos: Melt

Santa Claus: Came alive

3. How many nights of Hanukkah are there?

Delos Santos: Oh my god…I need ChatGPT for that question…Eight (Used three lifelines.)

Santa Claus: Eight

4. In the 12 Days of Christmas, what was the gift on day five?

Delos Santos: Counted her fingers and, with some hints, concluded: gold rings

Santa Claus: Gold rings

5. What is the candle holder in Kwanzaa called?

Delos Santos: Takes a sip of water and shakes her head no

Santa Claus: A Menorah

6. What is Santa Claus’s real name?

Delos Santos: Lord Jesus Christ

Santa Claus: St. Nicholas Claus

7. What is the traditional game played during Hanukkah involving a spinning top?

Delos Santos: Is it…a Beyblade?

Santa Claus: Dreidel

8. What is the name of the Grinch’s dog?

Delos Santos: Dipsy…Tipsy?

Santa Claus: Santa’s Little Helper?

9. When is the Winter solstice?

Delos Santos: It’s near Winter, of course, around November?

Santa Claus: December 21

Delos Santos: The hoo hoo hoo…? Entering the…chimney? The hoo hoo hoo!

Santa Claus: The chimney! The winner of “Are You Smarter than Santa Claus?” is…Santa Claus!! With a score of eight, he came out on top with more correct answers than physics teacher Ms. Delos Santos. Keep up with your facts. Who knows, you may be the next contestant! See answer below. •

Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolph (any 3 of these 9) - 2. Came to life - 3. Eight - 4. Five gold rings – also acceptable five golden rings.5. A Kinara - 6. St. Nicholas - 7. Dreidel - 8. Max9. December 2110. The chimney

There’s more than just Christmas!

Norah Caplan Director of New Staff

Within the first few seconds of December, holiday cheer is in full swing. As the temperature drops even further, people get swept up in holiday music, food, and family tradition, and are blind to the many other holidays December has to offer. During this time, it’s important to recognize and celebrate other, often overlooked, cultural traditions. Let’s learn about all the holidays that this season brings.

Bohdi Day : Celebrated by Buddhists, Bohdi Day celebrates the moment “Historic Buddha” (aka Siddharta Guatama) achieved enlightenment. As legend has it, the Historic Buddha was a privileged prince who was sheltered from the injustices of the world until he ventured out into his kingdom. Much to his shock, Buddha encountered the sufferings of his people and realized something had to be done. To find an answer, Buddha meditated for weeks and, when he awoke, he was enlightened to the root of human suffering. This momentous occasion is celebrated through prayer, meditation, and decorations of colorful lights and beads.

through many families’ tradition of serving a wood shaped cake on Christmas.

Saturnalia: One of the most popular Roman festivals, Saturnalia celebrates the Roman god of farming and harvest, Saturn. The god is honored by the suspension of work and the making of wax candles, fruit, and statues. The week-long festival originally began on December 17 and directly contributed to the creation of two distinct holidays: Christmas and New Years. Additionally, the custom of hanging Christmas wreaths began from the Saturnalia tradition of decorating one’s house with nature and greenery.

Las Posadas: Observed throughout Mexico and Guatemala, Las Posadas is a Christmas celebration deeply rooted in Latin culture. The festivities span nine days, where groups of people go door to door, singing songs and asking for lodging that is refused each night. Then, on Christmas Eve (the last night of the festival), the group reaches the designated house. There, the travelers finally enter to an evening of prayer and song that ends with a star-shaped pinata.

10. What is Santa’s most famous way of entering a house to

Yule: As one of the oldest winter solstice festivals, Yule has been celebrated long before Germans practiced Christianity. The festival uses light, fire, and feasting to celebrate the winter solstice—the shortest day of the year. Traditionally, the holiday was marked by a large log that burned throughout the multi-day festival,

The winter months bring more Christmas trees and Chanukah candles. Holidays and festivities are celebrated across the globe that you may not be familiar with. So this holiday season, take time to acknowledge different cultures while keeping true to your own

traditions.

SANTA VS. SANTOS - Santa Claus poses in his suit on the side of a highway with a bell in hand and science teacher Maria De Los Santos smiles in the halls of JR. Santa knows when you’re awake

The best (and worst) holiday specials from our childhood

Jordana Sloane Peyton Shum Junior Editors

As the temperature begins its steady descent into freezing, the desire to snuggle into the couch with a soft blanket and hot chocolate in hand increases. While watching Hot Frosty is great, binging prime Disney Channel era holiday episodes is even better. Here are some great (and some awful) Disney and Nickelodeon episodes to bring on the nostalgia this holiday season.

Austin & Ally and Jessie: “Austin & Jessie & Ally All Star New Year”

This two episode crossover was a bit peculiar. The first episode was just an Austin & Ally episode with Jessie slapped on it for promotion purposes. It starts with Austin and friends’ lengthy journey to perform at Times Square on New Year’s Eve, while the second episode features a fully grown woman stealing a song from an eight year old. Overall, this was a flop and a waste of time.

Hannah Montana: “It’s the End of the Jake As We Know it” (Season 4, Ep 5)

Another flop, Hannah’s season 3 holiday episode could be described as a regular episode with a dash of Christmas spirit. However, we couldn’t give up on our favorite teen pop sensation, so we tried a different season. The season 4 episode “It’s the End of the Jake As We Know it,” was like we were transported to a different planet, one that actually recognized that Christmas was a holiday. Hannah’s Christmas is stomped on repeatedly when she learns that her boyfriend is cheating on her. Why, Jake, why?

Hannah beats him up on live TV, while her dad steals Jake’s clothes.

#GOALS

A MAN” and where can I get one? Can my Secret Santa please get me a good grade like the one Tori gave to André? And if so, can they give it to me in Biomed?

Victorious: “A Christmas Tori” (Season 2, Ep 13)

Featuring a Secret Santa and Cat’s brother’s Christmas beef, this Victorious episode was pure gold. However, we did experience some brain cloudiness with all the presents gifted between the cast. How did Robbie rent a cotton candy machine that came “WITH

KC Undercover: “Holly Holly Not So Jolly” (Season 2, Ep 22) Featuring our queen Zendaya, this episode tackled some serious topics. KC hides that she is going to therapy from her family. She feels like she doesn’t know who she is anymore and reflects back on her glory days in the spy industry. If you’re feeling a bit lonely and sad over the holidays, or perhaps missing your days as a spy, this episode is a great way to feel acknowledged, but also get in a good laugh.

Elmo’s World: Happy Holidays To end our trip down memory lane, we have to end with the show of our childhood: Sesame Street. We had high hopes for the hour long Elmo’s World special, which said it was going to teach kids about Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Yay education! Sadly, it was very Christmas centric and the quality was fuzzy, to say the least. Plus it featured some “odd moments”, like when Elmo kept making out with a door under the mistletoe or doing a very suggestive dance. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable watch that should keep your little cousins entertained, and make you go “did he just do that?” when you have to babysit over the holidays.

¡Corteza de Menta deliciosa!

If you still have a concerning obsession with Disney Channel and Nickelodeon shows like us, turn on your TV, and snuggle up because “You’re watching Disney Channel!”•

How to give back during the holidays

‘Tis the season to be jolly and there is no shortage of ways to spread holiday cheer in the nation’s capital. From donating coats, to wrapping gifts, to planning caroling at elderly homes, DC has a wide variety of ways to give back to those in need! Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas…

J. Crew Coat Drive: Already doing holiday shopping in Georgetown? Donate a new or gently used coat to J. Crew and get $25 off your next purchase. J. Crew, located in Georgetown, has partnered with One Warm Coat, a non-profit organization that provides coats to children and adults. The aim of this drive is to collect winter and distribute them around the city to ensure everyone stays warm during the holiday season. Donations last from now until December 31st!

Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program:

individuals to sponsor a child and purchase new toys, clothes, shoes, or gift cards on their wishlist. All across the US, families struggle with holiday gift expenses, so this program makes sure every kid has something to unwrap under the Christmas tree. Sponsor “elves” can either bag items directly and bring them to the Angel Tree warehouse, or purchase online and ship them to that location!

Good Karma Holiday Program:

Ya ha llegado el invierno, y debido a la bajas temperaturas, estamos pasando todo nuestro tiempo dentro de casa. Esto nos ha dado la oportunidad perfecta para experimentar con nuevas recetas. Después de un día largo y difícil, nos encontramos con una receta fácil de preparar y absolutamente deliciosa: Corteza de Menta. Aunque el proceso fue largo, valió la pena completamente. Al comerlo, el calor refrescante de la menta se extendió por nuestro cuerpo, haciéndonos sentir un calorcito muy agradable. ¡Nos quedamos más que satisfechos y definitivamente te lo recomendamos!

Ingredientes :

• Chocolate blanco

• Chocolate semi dulce

• Aceite neutro. Bastones de caramelo triturados. Necesitarás entre 2 y 3 bastones de caramelo Processo:

Cubre el fondo y los lados de un molde para hornear con papel pergamino o papel de aluminio, alisando las arrugas para facilitar el desmolde. Resérvalo.

carols at homes and hospitals for the elderly, serve meals, donate blood, and so much more. It costs $20 to volunteer, and all funds go toward holiday gifts for those in need! Edlavitch DCJCC’s goal is to make each holiday season extra special. •

Capa inferior: Derrite 6 onzas de chocolate blanco en una taza medidora de líquidos. Agrega 1/4 de cucharadita de extracto de menta. Vierte el chocolate blanco derretido en el molde preparado y utiliza una espátula o cuchara para esparcirlo en una capa fina. Coloca el molde en el refrigerador durante 10 a 15 minutos o hasta que esté casi firme.

The Angel Tree holiday assistance program through the Salvation Army allows

A Wider Circle is well known as a donation center in Silver Spring, but during the holiday season, their donation drives expand to cover many different areas. Throughout December, A Wider Circle is hosting a drive where individuals can drop off unwrapped toys, books, educational games, and gift cards as a way to help families during the holidays, giving children something special to enjoy this holiday season. A Wider Circle is also collecting non-perishable foods, as well as grocery store gift cards so every family can have a nice holiday meal!

Capa intermedia: Coloca el chocolate semidulce en un recipiente pequeño resistente al calor o en una taza medidora de líquidos. Agrega 1/2 cucharadita de aceite. Derrite.. Una vez derretido, agregue el 1/4 de cucharadita restante de extracto de menta. Vierte todo el chocolate semidulce sobre la capa de chocolate blanco y extiéndalo suavemente con una espátula.. Devuelve a colocar la bandeja en el refrigerador durante otros 10 a 15 minutos.

Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center:

Capa superior: Coloca el chocolate blanco que queda en un tazón pequeño o en una taza medidora de líquidos. Agregue la última 1/2 cucharadita de aceite. Derrita. Vierte sobre las capas de corteza y extiéndalo hasta formar una capa suave. Espolvorea con bastones de caramelo triturados. Congela la corteza, aproximadamente 1 hora. Una vez endurecida, quita el papel de aluminio o el papel pergamino y rompelo en trozos. •

Maddie Nusbaum Junior Editor

Noa Gordon Kalpana Shipler Editora de deportes Editora junior

GRAPHIC BY LINH NGUYEN

JR athletics take on Bermuda

Dani Wallace Managing Editor

Much like many collegiate athletic programs, Jackson-Reed athletics has made it a priority for student-athletes to experience culture, community, and their respective sports outside of the United States. This year, members of the cross country team and varsity volleyball team traveled to Bermuda from December 5 to December 9.

“Bermuda was amazing. The opportunity to travel to a warmer place during winter and go to the beach felt unreal,” said senior cross country captain Alvaro Orlove Rodriguez. “It was a culture shock to us; they drive on the left and have strange traditions like tea time at 3:30 since it is a British colony.”

The JR athletic department is experienced in travel: varsity baseball makes a yearly trip to the Dominican Republic for friendly competition and community service.

“Traveling overseas enhances a sports team’s athletic development, cultural understanding, and sense of camaraderie, preparing athletes for challenges both in sport and life,” said Athletic Director Patrice Arrington.

For a second year in a row, the cross country team competed in the third annual Bermuda XC Challenge. The course spanned a traditional 5k race, where athletes took three laps through Bermuda’s Botanical Gardens. JR was one of three mainland teams that competed.

GIRLS

from page 1

wins over Ballou and School Without Walls, while losing to Eastern.

Although facing some adversity to start the winter, the team is attempting to find its footing.

“The girls have bought into what we’ve talked about: development, play and work hard, making sure that we’re disciplined, and giving 110 percent in everything that we do,” said head coach Stephon Seraile. “I’m very pleased with the corrections that the girls have made in practice and in games. I just want them to continue their winning habits, but overall, I’m very proud of them.”

BOYS

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and Iona Prep just over a week ago.

Although seven new faces joined the program this year, the team feels they are building steps toward contending for city and state championships.

“We have a fight first mentality,” head coach David “Tee” Johnson said. “I tell the players all the time [that] no matter who’s on the floor, if Jackson-Reed loses, nobody cares. No matter the condition, at the end of the day JR still lost. If we have guys out

However, the race did impose challenges for the Tigers. “The course was made up of steep hills,” noted Orlove Rodriguez. “The competition was very solid and definitely pushed the pace.”

Early one morning, the volleyball team chartered to one of the island’s high schools and returned victorious, defeating the 16U and 18U Bermudian national teams in straight sets.

“We didn’t know what to expect going into it but it was definitely some great competition [and] really interesting to see how international teams play,” junior captain defensive specialist Blake Gessert said. “The trip was also amazing and a great way to end our season.”

JR’s team and their level of competition “inspired and solidified the organizers to add a volleyball component to the competition moving forward,” said varsity volleyball head coach Perette

“I think we’re just trying to build our momentum as a team and figure out our strengths and weaknesses,” said junior guard Lucia Nawar. “It’s been up and down as of recently, but we’re trying to get right for the rest of the season.”

In practice, the Tigers have worked on communicating better with each other on the court. Players said they hope that will feed into later success.

“We’ve been able to correct our mishaps by going harder in practice. We’re instilling a positive mentality and being 100 percent locked in going into each game,” added Nawar. “Communication has also been a huge thing for us, just talking out our issues and knowing where everyone is mentally, so we can all be on the same page.”

of the lineup, it’s a next man up mentality. That’s our motto we preach in our program.”

That mentality has come from the help of younger players stepping up.

“Coach Tee preaches that nobody's minutes are guaranteed, so guys are working hard which helps us be ready whether we are down a couple guys or not,” said junior guard Dawit Abraham, who stepped into a starting role.

“We are starting to find out what our identity is as a team and play better together.”

That identity is defense. In five contests, no team has scored over 60 points against the Tigers since

Sledding spots in DC

Idan Kumin Contributor

Arrington.

Out of uniform, the teams made the most of their time on the the island. Both teams enjoyed a ferry tour, cliff jumping, and eating delicious food.

The teams made sure to support one another during the trip. “It was nice to have another JR team with us, to be able to support them while they were there,” said cross country head coach Tia Clemmons. She joined the volleyball team and showed serious Tiger pride during their games, while the girls took to the course to cheer on the runners a few hours later.

“With the ocean in sight, it is easy to get carried away and think about Bermuda as just a vacation,” noted Orlove Rodriguez. “But with Coach TC watching and the volleyball team coming out to support, we were quickly reminded that we were athletes there to compete. No matter the race, you always gotta sprint at the end!” •

Along with Nawar, the team is built around their junior class core of Ava Piotrowski, Aminyah Muhammad, and The Beacon’s very own Noa Gordon. Blended in are newcomers senior center Arisemma Okrah, junior forward Jordan McClusky, and Hunt.

The team understands it will take time to reach their full potential after losing key graduates. However, with a blend of new and old players, the Tigers are looking to gel so they can contend for the DCIAA championship and make a run in states. That starts with their games during the holiday break.

On December 20, the Tigers will play against Friendship Collegiate High School at home. Following that, JR will compete at Frederick Community College for the IAABO Holiday tournament

opening night at St John’s.

“Coach Tee harps on defense, finishing possessions, boxing out for rebounds, playing as a team and communicating with one another,” said guard Amir Brutley, the team’s lone freshman who has seen significant playing time. “I try to do my best to help my team through defense, energy, and playmaking by getting my shooters open.”

The team hopes to carry these sentiments on the road to conclude the month.

“We are very confident about our team right now,” said sophomore guard Lane Mahan, another young player who’s started

Every winter, thousands of people go sledding across DC; the bitter wind rushing toward your face and the snow getting inside your jacket is every kid's dream. This winter we are expecting more than one foot of snow, which will make sledding conditions excellent! There are many sledding spots throughout DC, but only some deserve elite recognition.

Fort Reno Park

Just a five-minute walk from Jackson-Reed, Fort Reno Park offers excellent sledding. The steep slope next to the tennis courts offers an exhilarating rush while sledding speedily down the hill.

US Capitol

The US Capitol Lawn is another one of DC’s amazing sledding hills. It is a very popular spot and will be a great hill to visit this winter. While sledding, you also get a lovely scenic view of the Capitol Building.

Battery Kemble

The next location, Battery Kemble, is one of DC’s hidden

gems. From its steep hills to its nice hikes, Battery Kemble provides a wide range of winter activities, namely sledding. The large park, found in Northwest DC near the Palisades, is full of greenery and nature which allows for a nice experience when sledding.

Fort Dupont Park

Our last location is Fort Dupont Park. This sledding hill is very great for all ages and will be very accessible this winter. Situated near the Anacostia River, this unique spot is perfect for your different sledding related interests. Fort Dupont is a very large park, with great trails and hills, making it great for all activities this winter.

To conclude, Washington DC

with opponents to be announced. The team is looking to piece together quality wins, hoping to

games. “Coach Tee preaches that guys just need to continue to play their roles and don’t do anything extra and unnecessary to hurt the team.”

During the holiday break, the Tigers will play both regional and national teams. On December 21, they will play William Penn Charter High School in the Capital Hoops Champions Classic in Reston, Virginia.

Then, they will participate in the 42nd annual Governor's Challenge. This tournament, held in Salisbury, Maryland, hosts over 140 teams and is billed as the country’s largest holiday tournament. There, the Tigers

continue to build when DCIAA conference play resumes in the new year. •

will play Neumann-Goretti and Southern California Academy.

To begin 2025, on January 4, JR will play in the Behan Strong Invitational at St John’s for the second consecutive year. The team will play Bullis in a rematch of a testing overtime win for the Tigers last season at the same tournament.

“We worked real hard together in the summer. Everyone knows we lost [key graduates] and people are doubting us,” said senior guard Pete Newman. “So being the underdogs and playing with each other is something we embrace. We believe in ourselves and know we can win.” •

GRAPHIC BY FRANCES LEIBOVICH

PHOTO BY JANE WALLACE

BERMUDA BADDIES - The cross country and varsity volleyball team traveled to Bermuda during the first week of December.

PHOTO BY MALIK MURRAY

IN THE SPOTLIGHT - The girls basketball team poses during media day. The Tigers hope to build momentum for the rest of the season.