Paxton
Liam
Ichan
Jack
C O N T R I B U T O R S
SCHHAPPENINGS
by 5
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PHONE BAN
In contrast, SCH 8th-grade student Alexis DeBose feels that the phone ban should not be instituted She shares her reaction when she first heard of the phone ban explaining, “The ban kind of made no sense, because I feel like students should express themselves through their phones, and I think the ban should've been maybe reduced to a limit, not just a whole entire ban.” Her classmate Ava Raby had a similar answer, explaining that she looked forward to the “rite of passage” of being a high schooler with phone access. “I didn't have my phone all these school years in the middle school, and then when I get to high school, I can't have it? And then I'm thinking to myself, like, "Oh my God, what if there's, like, some type of emergency and then I can't even get my phone?"
s the nation are currently starting to ll-to-bell bans on cell phones because kids ed horrible addictions and bad habits around gy.
across the U.S. have very different opinions ew adjustment with phones is good or bad d to hear all of those opinions at SCH. Many k this is going to be very helpful in the future, ds don't like the idea of it
ed upper school teacher and advisor at SCH, at students are concerned about the change, thinks it will yield positive results. She says, k back on it four years from now, I think we'll more relaxed. But I think four years from now we will hopefully really have reexamined our relationship with technology.” Her co-worker, Dr. Richards, agrees “I think it's going to be overwhelmingly positive. I even think some students will say it's positive down the road ”
Photos: Canva Stock
These nationwide bans aim, in the words of New York Times journalist Dana Goldstein, to “improve many of the problems ailing American education, including distraction, bullying, declining te absenteeism.” But h limit access to cell p had a positive effect Recently, the New Y reported on a study National Bureau of E Research. While the showed that teache less distracted stud students reported b the impact on acade performance and te wasn’t measurable.
Sidebar
The average high school teen spends about 7.5 to 8.5 hours a day on screens (excluding schoolwork), which is nearly half their waking hours. Social media takes up the bulk of this, with teens averaging roughly 5 hours daily on apps like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
Whether or not these results around cell phones, happiness, and student performance will be the same at SCH remains to be seen in the 2026-27 school year.
Photos: Canva Stock
EQUAL EVENTS?
LOOKING AT THE DIFFERENCES
BETWEEN BLUE & BLUE AND BLUE & GOLD DAY
BY: JACK, LIAM,
AND DASHEL
Photos: Courtesy of SCH
year. Somegirlsmaywanttohave moreevents,oradifferentevent.With theboys,therearerunningevents,tug ofwar,andlessactiveeventslikechess andMarioKart.Ava’sperspective showsthatsomegirlswishtherewere morevariedevents.
JamesOwens,anSCH8thgrade studentsaid“IlikehowBlueandBlue dayissetup,andIthinkBlueandGold daycouldbeimproved.”Jameshasa 9thgradesisterandsharesthathe “wouldstartaddingmoreeventsto BlueandGolddaytomakeitmorefair andequal.”Hethinksit'salittleunfair, andthatthegirlsshouldgetmore eventsfortheirday.
Intheend,thesearetwodistinctevents withdifferenthistories,soitwouldbe hardtotreatthemthesame.Whilewe don'tneedtochangetheentire program,wecouldaddsomechanges soeveryonehasthesamechancesfor oldtraditionsandnewexperiences. https://www.sch.org/spirit-day
BY:ICHANKIM
KOREA / U.S. EDUCATION
After school life
Intro
South Korea is known for having one of the most competitive education systems in the world. Students spend long hours studying both in school and at private academies called “hagwons,” especially because college entrance exams are considered extremely important. Although both the United States and South Korea value education, the two countries have very different school cultures and systems
The first difference is after-school activities. In the United States, many students join school sports teams or travel teams after school. Others spend time finishing homework at home or participating in clubs and social activities However, in South Korea, many students have busy schedules filled with private tutoring and hagwons after school, often studying until late at night Because of this, it is common to see buildings in Korean cities that contain more than 20 different academies in a single building.
(Credit:PhotobyWooJaeCho)
- Student Interview
Ji Woo Hwang, an 9 grade student in DKU middle school, said “I sometimes have academies till 01:00 a.m.” Ji Woo also added,
PhotoofSeoulcity (Credit:Canvastock)
Photoofabuildingwithover10academies
“I have seen people study later then me.”
PhotoofaStudyCafe
Pathways to Higher Education
The final difference is the college admission system. In the United States, interviews, school behavior, extracurricular activities, and competition achievements can all help students get into college. Even students with very high SAT scores may be rejected because of a poor interview, showing how important interviews can be However, in South Korea, almost everything depends on the CSAT, a national exam taken every year on the third Thursday of November Although there is also an admissions system similar to holistic applications in the U.S., where interviews and school records are considered, far fewer students enter college this way In fact, some private academies even specialize in teaching students how to solve the hardest “killer questions” on the CSAT
Career path
The second difference is students’ goals and career paths. In the United States, many students often choose careers based on their personal interests and dreams. Even in college, students often do not need to decide their future career immediately However, in South Korea, many students aim for high-paying professions such as doctors or lawyers unless they have exceptional talent in another field In other words, students are often expected to achieve very high scores on the CSAT in order to enter medical or law school. There are even special private academy programs called “medical school classes” that provide extremely intensive education to help students get accepted into medical school
(Credit:PhotoofWooJaeCho) PhotoofaDaechidongacademybuilding
BEYONDCAMPUS
Learning Through Global Cinema
Films are powerful tools that shape how we see the world. When we watch a movie, we get a special peek into the lives, traditions, and struggles of people from different countries and backgrounds. These stories have a unique way of teaching us empathy by letting us walk in someone else's shoes for a couple of hours.
Movies can also spark big changes in our culture by speaking up about important issues like fairness, teamwork, and kindness. They also act like a time capsule, capturing what people cared about and dreamed of during the year the movie was made. Ultimately, films connect us all by showing that no matter where we live, we all share the same human emotions.
INTERVIEWEE: Profe Toledo
Profe’s favorite movie is The Little Mermaid because she loves the plot and the character She also talked about some of her favorite cult classics, like White Chic. She said this is a hilarious comedy about two FBI agents who go undercover as high-society women to solve a kidnapping mystery. It is filled with silly jokes, physical humor, and funny disguises that make people laugh out loud She also talked about Collateral Beauty, a serious drama that explores deep feelings like love, time, and grief In this film, a grieving father writes letters to three abstract concepts after a terrible loss. While one movie wants to make you laugh until your stomach hurts, the other tries to touch your heart and make you think about life
INTERVIEWEE: MR. B.W.
Mr B W does not have a favortie movie but he did share with us about films he recently watched He talked about how Birdman is an exciting and unique movie about a former superhero actor named Riggan Thomson. He used to be incredibly famous for playing an iconic masked hero, but now he wants to be taken seriously as a Broadway theater director Throughout the film, Riggan struggles with a loud, mocking voice in his head that sounds exactly like his old movie character To make things even more interesting, the entire movie is filmed to look like one continuous, unbroken shot without any cuts As the stressful opening night of his play gets closer, Riggan has to deal with difficult actors, his family, and his own wild imagination The film blends drama and comedy together perfectly as it explores fame and second chances Ultimately, Birdman won the Best Picture award at the Oscars because of its amazing acting and incredible camera work.
OPINION: MODERN DAY POLITICS ARE DESTROYING AND DIVIDING FRIENDSHIPS.
Sawyer Sutton
CAMPBELL GOODWIN
How can one deal with the damaging polarization of American politics? The divide between the Republican Party and the Democratic Party has not been more split since the American Civil War. According to Syracuse University, 72% of Republicans and 63% of Democrats viewed the opposing party as more immoral than other Americans. The big problem is finding similarities between the two opposing parties. One can listen to the opposing party to understand their viewpoints. A person with multiple perspectives is usually the one that can understand all.
UPPERSCHOOLCAMPUSLANTERNREPORTERBENJEWHITMAN,WHOHASALONG-STANDING INTERESTINPOLITICS,EXPLAINSHOWHE’SOBSERVEDTHISREALITYINHISFAMILY.
BENJESHARESTHATWITHINHISFAMILYHISFATHERAND HISUNCLEHAVEHADPOLITICALARGUMENTSATFAMILY
GATHERINGS,“WEAKENINGTHEMOODOFTHE GATHERING.”
This shows that political divides don't just come from random interactions or political debate Feelings of division can come inside your closest circle. As Benje explains, it shocked him that his dad’s best friend could be split because of differing views; two people he thought were so close just cut ties.
Why are people so polarized? What is behind this political tension? Political affiliation is becoming a core part of people's identity in modern times Social media and biasist news sources lead to people naturally processing new information in ways that protect their existing beliefs while discrediting opposing views. Once your algorithm finds your side it's nearly impossible to receive information that differs from what you believe, that's what makes political tension.
Finally, we challenge men and women from all ages to take time to observe and listen to the other perspective Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; most people listen with the intent to reply.
WORLD CUP SONGS: THE SOUNDTRACK OF THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR SPORTING EVENT
The favorites:
Intro on World Cup and Events of 2026
a World Cup year, which ne in every four years. I wed five people on the the World Cup to find orite song from previous up events, as well as how res to the new 2026
Waving Flag - K’NAAN, 2009
What he likes about it: “Waving flag is such a fun song, and it shows culture as well as bringing people together.”
Ellis Campbell
Waka Waka - Shakira, 2010
What he likes about it: “I mostly liked World Cup songs in the 21st century that I have heard. I think that when you hear these songs, you feel a sense of pride for the country that you live in.”
Lighter - Jelly Roll 2026 World Cup Song QR so you can go ahead and listen to it!
Photo credit: Canva
Jennifer & Stephan
Waka Waka - Shakira, 2010
What Jennifer liked about this song: “I heard a snippet of the song on the radio and it’s one of the few World Cup songs that I know. I liked the song. The new song sounds like it doesn’t have anything to do with soccer.
Ava Benzekri
Waka Waka - Shakira, 2010
What she likes about it: “I liked this song because I used to hear it a lot and I heard it off of social media. That song was much better but the new song is ahh.”
While the World Cup started in 1930, FIFA did not commission an official anthem until 1990, when the event was held in Italy.
List of the most popular World Cup Songs, according to ESPN
PHONES IN SCHOOLS
THE ROAD TO THE JUNIOR OLYMPICS
BYLINE
This summer, thousands of elite young athletes from across the United States will be in Des Moines, Iowa, to compete in the AAU Junior Olympics. There, they will push their bodies to the absolute limit to prove they are the fastest in the nation.
Photo credit
BYLINE - MEHKI ROSE, LANDON FREUND, EDDIE BRASWELL
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRISTINE EVANS AND MEHKI ROSE
The AAU Junior Olympics represents the pinnacle of youth sports. It serves as a massive national stage where over 15,000 young athletes to test their years of training against the best of the best in the United States.
Seventh grader Mason McFadden, a longtime participant in the event, explains its significance. McFadden comments, “It’s important because it brings all of the competition into 1 place to see who’s really the fastest.” Beyond the spectacle of the national stage, the Junior Olympics serve as a testament to discipline and personal sacrifice which requires young athletes to miss out vacations because of a six day training for getting ready to go to the Junior Olympics. Eighth Grader Mehki Rose shares, “It takes a lot more to get to the AAU Junior Olympics than what you think, which is mostly done by sacrifices and determination to get to that stage.” One athlete who competed in the AAU Junior Olympics that went to SCH that now goes to Texas A&M is Stefon Dodoo who has 4 gold medals from competing at the AAU Junior Olympics in his High school and Middle School days. Finally, the Junior Olympics act as a gateway to future success: providing young athletes with an opportunity to build a network of elite peers This also helps athletes to gain visibility from college scouts.
2025 SCH graduate Stefon Dodoo has 4 gold medals from competing at the AAU Junior Olympics in his high school and middle school days. He now runs for Texas A&M.
Photo courtesy of: Mehki Rose
Where to Eat (Locally) NOW!
The Dandelion
124 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
If you ever want to dine at a hidden gem, visit The Dandelion, a high quality British pub located in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square. Chefdriven, the menu features updated takes on classic U K dishes, with surprises and a focus on local ingredients. The ambience/atmosphere is perfect for date nights and family outings, it is located in a town house with 4 floors, and each floor has its own bar and fire places During Christmas it thrives, decorating the entire restaurant with reefs and lights There is a strict no TV and phone use inside the restaurant The food and service is great. The food doesn't take too long and the drinks are amazing It is an amazing place and I hope it continues to thrive - Campbell G
Lazaro’s Pizza
1743 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Lazaro’s is a great place The pizza slices are very big, and they are cheap; the wings are even better The service treats you like family, and they are nice. The place is small, but you can still sit and enjoy food with your family there - Eddie
Photo: gassandmain com
Photo: thedandelionpub com
Photo: lazarospizzeriagrill com Photo:
& Main
7 Kings Ct, Haddonfield, NJ 08033
Gass & Main is a New American experience crafted by Chef Dane DeMarco The maximum reservation is 6 people, and the lunch and dinner menu are divided The services are mostly wonderful and the servers were also kind. The food was also wonderful However, the only problem was it was too loud to have a conversation - Ichan
Middle Child Clubhouse
1232 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
The Middle Child Clubhouse has a wide variety of breakfast foods, anything from their Classic Breakfast Sandwich and their "Latke'd" Hash Brown and their pancakes Almost everything on their menu can be made gluten-free, and many things can be made vegan Their service is polite but the food, because it's such high quality, takes longer to make Middle Child is a relatively big restaurant, well-lit throughout, with a constant theme of a cammo green. It is a very homey type of restaurant - James O
Huda Burger
1603 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
There’s a little burger spot located in Fishtown, Philadelphia, called Huda Burger. Huda Burger is rated very highly and specializes in smash burgers and makes some impressive milkshakes Other than burgers and milkshakes, they use their own soft Japanese-style milk buns, chicken sandwiches, curly fries, and feature many other great options for mains and apps A reporter once stated, “I remember dropping by here late after a semi-disappointing meal elsewhere, grabbing a double-smashed burger on a sweet milk bread bun I ate it, liked it, and that was that But then I thought about that burger the next day And again the day after that ” This shows the impact of the burger and illustrates the reason it’s rated almost four and a half stars. - Landon F.
“The Huda Burger in Fishtown is awesome because the double-patty burgers have super crispy edges and are served on the softest house-made milk bread buns I've ever had. Even though the service was a little slow since it was crowded, the workers were really cool and made sure our order was exactly right The ambience is great, with a bright blue and white design and big windows that make it a fun place to hang out with friends It's definitely a step up from a regular fast-food spot and feels like a modern neighborhood hangout ” - Mehki
Photo: Hudaburger.com
Photo: middlechildphilly.com