The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

The Oracle
Students and faculty cheer as 12th grade dancers finish their final Spirit Week performance. The senior class placed first in the annual dance competition, which took place on Thursday during Spirit Week.
Spirit Week fosters schoolwide joy, adjusts to rain
A group of seventh graders gather together for a picture in the dining hall during the seventh grade social Friday, Jan. 27. The social had an Old Hollywood theme, and students and dance committee members provided pizza, snacks and games for attending students.
7th grade bonds with night of pizza, paparazzi
Paramount Global’s Executive Vice President of Entertainment Diversity and Inclusion Tiffany Smith Anoa’i, advocate for justice and equality Sofia Shield and Education Director at the Anti-Defamation League in Southern California Megan Nevels speak on the Anti-Bias Panel in the Zeller Student Center. The panelists gave suggestions for navigating difficult conversations surrounding bias Feb. 24.
EBAD hosts panel on anti-bias, presenters advise on having difficult conversations
Senior Stella Lyne presents “The Gaze vs. Gays: Understanding the Subject-Object Relationship Within Lesbian Film,” a presentation under the theme of works examining identity. Archer’s 15th annual Lit &… Conference was held in the library Friday, March 10, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Annual Literature &… Conference spotlights student passions, connections, love for writing
Administrative Leader of InvenTeam Karen Garcia (23) presents their team, invention and progress at the mid-grant review. InvenTeam members went to Singleton Classics in Costa Mesa Saturday, Feb. 25, for their presentation and received live feedback on their ideas.
InvenTeam members further entrepreneurship, present invention, progress at Lemelson-MIT mid-grant review
Two girls are split into two and each represent the two sides of a reporter: the human side and the inner reporter. Student-journalists across the country reflected on how they report on difficult topics and their experience.
Reporter vs. human: Student-journalists discuss approach to reporting on difficult topics
Freshmen Sydney Curry, Simonne McDavid, Eden Sinclair and junior Laila Charles serve Himbasha, an Ethiopian celebration bread, during Archers Taste of Soul food festival. Griffin said food was an informal, unique activity to effectively immerse students into Black culture.
From soul food to rhythm and blues: BSU hosts cultural festivities for Black History Month
Stephanie Nicolard works with junior Danika Jhawar and her family on Zoom to discuss their college process. Nicolard was chosen to temporarily fill the position of college guidance counselor in December.
Stephanie Nicolard assumes temporary position as college guidance counselor
The row of the 5:30 late buses to take students home after sports practice or extracurriculars. As students, faculty and staff come from over 76 zip codes around Los Angeles County, long morning commuting through busing and driving has become a lifestyle for many.
Long commutes to campus challenge student, faculty timeliness, affects productivity
Office Assistant Sarah Boehm and librarian Denise Hernandez work together at their desk. Lately, they have been working on planning new displays and developing collections to promote student representation.
Librarians support student interests, promote diversity through library’s book selections
Advanced Study dancers pose on stage wearing sparkly mesh tops and baggy pants during their dance, The Great Gatsby, which opened Night of Dance at the Broad Stage. The dance was choreographed by Jezebel Melara and based on the book by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This year is the first year that Night of Dance has been held at a theater since 2020. The theme of this years show was Timeless, with each dance representing a book and a different stage in the coming of age cycle.
Behind the wings: Dancers, crew reflect on bringing ‘Timeless’ to life
The dark title of Jennette McCurdys memoir, Im Glad My Mom Died, contrasts with the books bright cover. The memoir was published Aug. 9, and has since sold over 200,000 copies.
Review: I’m glad I read ‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’
Stevie Nicks performs her hit song Edge of Seventeen. Nicks and Joel headlined their joint concert March 10.
Review: Billy Joel, Stevie Nicks concert lives up to its name
I hold my dessert from Pinkberry: a large pomegranate and tart swirl with cookies and cream and chocolate chips on top. Upon the first bite I knew this would be my new favorite dessert place.
Review: Pinkberry’s frozen yogurt is personalizable, delicious
Amy Chua’s book, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, is displayed on my iPad. Chuas novel forms an impact on the reader that is equally as powerful in its digital format as it is in its physical format.
Review: ‘Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother’ is a tale of a tiger mother’s transformation
Advanced Study dancers pose on stage wearing sparkly mesh tops and baggy pants during their dance, The Great Gatsby, which opened Night of Dance at the Broad Stage. The dance was choreographed by Jezebel Melara and based on the book by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This year is the first year that Night of Dance has been held at a theater since 2020. The theme of this years show was Timeless, with each dance representing a book and a different stage in the coming of age cycle.
Behind the wings: Dancers, crew reflect on bringing ‘Timeless’ to life
The dark title of Jennette McCurdys memoir, Im Glad My Mom Died, contrasts with the books bright cover. The memoir was published Aug. 9, and has since sold over 200,000 copies.
Review: I’m glad I read ‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’
Stevie Nicks performs her hit song Edge of Seventeen. Nicks and Joel headlined their joint concert March 10.
Review: Billy Joel, Stevie Nicks concert lives up to its name
Amy Chua’s book, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, is displayed on my iPad. Chuas novel forms an impact on the reader that is equally as powerful in its digital format as it is in its physical format.
Review: ‘Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother’ is a tale of a tiger mother’s transformation
Maggie Rogers starts off her concert belting Overdrive from her newest album Surrender. This was Rogers 11th night on the Feral Joy Tour.
Review: Maggie Rogers radiates joy for her 11th night on the ‘Feral Joy Tour’
I hold my dessert from Pinkberry: a large pomegranate and tart swirl with cookies and cream and chocolate chips on top. Upon the first bite I knew this would be my new favorite dessert place.
Review: Pinkberry’s frozen yogurt is personalizable, delicious
The açaí bowl, margarita pizza and curry bowl are pictured at Gratitude Cafe. One of my favorites on the menu was the pizza as it replicated a traditional pizza, while adding new flavors and expanding my tastebuds. The cafe offers a wide range of vegan cuisine, such as an entirely plant-based cheese made from cashews.
Review: Cafe Gratitude offers wide variety of quality vegan dishes
My meal included pancakes and a side of bacon and scrambled eggs. After one bite, I was immediately hooked. I knew that the Good Neighbor Diner would forever be one of my all-time favorite restaurants.
Review: Studio City’s Good Neighbor Restaurant is the perfect small town spot
This year, we cooked up and untraditional Thanksgiving table at my grandmothers house consisting of Oysters Rockefeller, lobster bisque and debuting sweet potato Christmas trees. Experiment with new holiday dishes this winter to spice up your seasonal routine and impress friends and family.
A cozy, untraditional winter food adventure
The falafel pita, served with perfectly fried falafel, red cabbage, tomatoes, pickles, cucumbers, tahini, and hummus. A deliciously classic falafel pita.
Column: A Meating Point and an ending point
The beach volleyball team practices at Edinburgh beach. The team started practicing in the beginning of February and has played Palisades Charter, Notre Dame and Viewpoint.
Beach volleyball reaches midpoint in season, athletes reflect on team enviroment
Seventh grader Andrea Fuentes runs through a human tunnel during the pep rally. Students gather in the courtyard on Mar. 3 to celebrate student athletes winter sports accomplishments.
Winter pep rally celebrates sports accomplishments, features performance from dance company
Seventh grader Kaia Soni holds her ice skates in the Moxie Elite Training gym. This was taken after her Wednesday figure skating practice.
7th grader Kaia Soni ranks 12th in the nation for figure skating
Lucine Stephan, Quinn Evans-Agard and Claire Doyle lift weights during varsity swim practice in the training center. The team practices five to six days a week, focusing on various skills and mindsets. This year, were focusing on standing tall, Head Coach Wilma Wong said. 
Varsity swim team aims for new records, gains endurance through dryland workouts
Seventh grader Andrea Fuentes passes the basketball to her teammate. The purple team competed against New Roads Jan. 17 and won the game 28-15.
Communication is key: middle school purple basketball team reflects on season
Snow heavily covers trees in Mammoth Lakes, CA. This winter season has seen an increase in harrowing snow storms around the globe as climate change increases the intensity of weather events. The Willow Project will add to climate change and thus weather patterns are only going to get worse.
Column: The Willow Project is the beginning of the end
Letter to the Editor: See the whole person
Letter to the Editor: See the whole person
A womans silhouette faces the words National Womens History Month. As we roll through the month of March, we celebrate the incredible achievements of women throughout history. This year, the National Women’s History Alliance honors the theme of “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” (Graphic Illustration by Azel Al-Kadiri)
Column: National Women’s History Month
Depicted in this illustration is a futuristic, cyberpunk city. In media, aesthetics like this one often use Asian culture in harmful ways, something that is known as techno-orientalism.
Column: How do you imagine the future?
This image depicts characters Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie Williams (Bella Ramsey) from the live-action The Last of Us series. I am an avid watcher and enjoyer of post-apocalyptic media, and I bonded with my cousin over the genre. 
Zombodie that I used to know
Snow heavily covers trees in Mammoth Lakes, CA. This winter season has seen an increase in harrowing snow storms around the globe as climate change increases the intensity of weather events. The Willow Project will add to climate change and thus weather patterns are only going to get worse.
Column: The Willow Project is the beginning of the end
A womans silhouette faces the words National Womens History Month. As we roll through the month of March, we celebrate the incredible achievements of women throughout history. This year, the National Women’s History Alliance honors the theme of “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” (Graphic Illustration by Azel Al-Kadiri)
Column: National Women’s History Month
Depicted in this illustration is a futuristic, cyberpunk city. In media, aesthetics like this one often use Asian culture in harmful ways, something that is known as techno-orientalism.
Column: How do you imagine the future?
My old outdoor cat, Bertie, explores a rooftop. In the video game “Stray, you play as an adventurous young cat who traverses a post-apocalyptic world to uncover clues and liberate civilizations.
Column: The future is feline
Chat GPTs home-screen illuminates the dangers and capabilities of the software. Among the more dangerous limitations are the spread of misinformation and lies.
Column: “Democracy: The Gift That Keeps on Giving (Threats)”
My opa and I stand together in front of his childhood home in Dresden, Germany. He and his family moved to this condo after the bombing of Dresden in 1945.
Commentary: Stories live forever
A variety of produce from a Community Supported Agriculture delivery box is pictured. CSA boxes were a staple in my family’s life a year ago, as they provided fresh produce from farms directly to customers’ homes.
Op-Ed: The difference of a day
My nanny plays Santa Claus in the living room with me and my siblings. Her favorite holiday was Christmas, and she was with us for 14 years. We recently lost her to breast cancer, and I want to bring awareness to how the disease impacts lives.
Op-Ed: Importance of breast cancer awareness, understanding how it affects lives
My older siblings and I play a game called “Spy.” I cherished these moments because we solidified out unconventional friendship. 
Commentary: I’m always going to be 10 years old
Depicted is the flag representing transgender pride with an athlete in the middle. There was no way to tell whether the athlete was male or female to show that no matter the gender, anyone can play sports. (Graphic illustration by Sydney Tilles)
Op-Ed: Transgender athletes should compete with their gender, not sex
This image depicts characters Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie Williams (Bella Ramsey) from the live-action The Last of Us series. I am an avid watcher and enjoyer of post-apocalyptic media, and I bonded with my cousin over the genre. 
Zombodie that I used to know
This graphic depicts promotional album covers of the songs that I chose for this rainy day list. These songs range from lo-fi R & B to confidence-boosting and dance-worthy indie pop. I hope these songs get you through these unusually rainy days.
Singing in the rain: Six songs to get you through the rainy, cloudy days
Gift Guide: Last-minute, winter-themed, for the girls
Gift Guide: Last-minute, winter-themed, for the girls
Flour Shops location in Beverly Hills, CA, displays their colorful merch wall, including clothes and baking supplies. The store originated in New York and expanded to Los Angeles in 2020.
My 5 favorite bakeries in Los Angeles
This graphic depicts posters for several documentaries and films that I chose, exploring various topics highlighting influential women. I hope you find inspiration from this selection of films and engaging content. Graphic illustration curated with promotional film, tv show and documentary images.
Spirited six: Feminist films to empower, inspire over summer
Letter to the Editor: See the whole person
Letter to the Editor: See the whole person
Conversation with Shirin Pakfar, head of private sector partnerships for United Nations Refugee Agency
Conversation with Shirin Pakfar, head of private sector partnerships for United Nations Refugee Agency
Letter to the Editor: Sun, sand and scrumptious
Letter to the Editor: Sun, sand and scrumptious
Letter to the Editor: Food deserts
Letter to the Editor: Food deserts
Letter to Editor: Mental Health Club: 8 Ways to stay occupied & healthy during social distancing
Letter to Editor: Mental Health Club: 8 Ways to stay occupied & healthy during social distancing
Freshmen Sydney Curry, Simonne McDavid, Eden Sinclair and junior Laila Charles serve Himbasha, an Ethiopian celebration bread, during Archers Taste of Soul food festival. Griffin said food was an informal, unique activity to effectively immerse students into Black culture.
From soul food to rhythm and blues: BSU hosts cultural festivities for Black History Month
World language teacher Talia Geffen displays a large bracket on her classroom whiteboard that presents the different songs competing against each other to win this year’s Locura De Marzo. Geffen started incorporating Locura De Marzo into her curriculum in 2020 to make online learning more exciting and interactive for students.
Locura De Marzo musically motivates Spanish teachers, students at Archer, around world
The row of the 5:30 late buses to take students home after sports practice or extracurriculars. As students, faculty and staff come from over 76 zip codes around Los Angeles County, long morning commuting through busing and driving has become a lifestyle for many.
Long commutes to campus challenge student, faculty timeliness, affects productivity
The road of Archers back parking lot is slick and covered with large puddles. This past week, Los Angeles has experienced rain, hail and a drop in temperature.
Icy, wet weather conditions hit Archer, appropriate safety precautions follow
The Scoop S3 Ep2 – The Scoop on Growing Up Archer: Alumni Lauren Finkelstein
The Scoop S3 Ep2 – The Scoop on Growing Up Archer: Alumni Lauren Finkelstein
The Scoop S3 Ep2 – The Scoop on Growing Up Archer: Alumni Lauren Finkelstein
The Scoop S3 Ep2 – The Scoop on Growing Up Archer: Alumni Lauren Finkelstein
The Scoop S3 Ep2 – The Scoop on Antisemitism in Los Angeles
The Scoop S3 Ep2 – The Scoop on Antisemitism in Los Angeles
The Scoop S3 Ep1 –The Scoop on Growing Up Archer: Sydney Curry
The Scoop S3 Ep1 –The Scoop on Growing Up Archer: Sydney Curry
The Scoop S2 Ep3 - The Scoop on Hestias Flame, Archers Yearbook
The Scoop S2 Ep3 – The Scoop on Hestia’s Flame, Archer’s Yearbook
The Scoop S2 Ep 2 - The Scoop on Division Disconnection
The Scoop S2 Ep 2 – The Scoop on Division Disconnection
The Latest
  • March 20Grandparents and special friends visits will take place Thursday, March 23, and Friday, March 24.
  • March 20The French Day celebration will take place Friday, March 24, during lunch in the courtyard.
  • March 20Subscribe to our weekly newsletter by clicking here.
The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

The Oracle
The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

The Oracle
Charlotte Tragos, staff photo 2022

Charlotte Tragos, Columnist

Charlotte Tragos became an Oracle columnist in 2020. Her column focuses on politics during and after Trump and Trumpism. She has a liberal bent and writes about the evolving political landscape and is interested in the shared values that can bring Americans back together.

All content by Charlotte Tragos
Advanced Study dancers, wearing bright red dresses, reach out their arms and point their feet as they look down on stage. Pachinko, the dance, was based on the novel of the same name and featured the song Run by Joji.

[Photo]

Seniors Ava Cherniss, Penelope Bisley, wearing white dresses, and Daisy Marmur, wearing a black dress, look at each other smiling and holding hands as they dance. The trio was based on the novel, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and was choreographed by Bisley and Cherniss.

[Photo]

Dancers in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings hold each other in a group as they lean in different poses. The dance was choreographed by Roni Blak during a Dance Troupe class, Archers after school dance program. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was based on the book of the same name by Maya Angelou.

[Photo] Behind the wings: Dancers, crew reflect on bringing ‘Timeless’ to life

17 hours ago
Chat GPTs home-screen illuminates the dangers and capabilities of the software. Among the more dangerous limitations are the spread of misinformation and lies.

Column: “Democracy: The Gift That Keeps on Giving (Threats)”

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
March 14, 2023
Justices pose on June 30, 2022 after Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson joined the high Court. The justices nominated by conservatives have recently dealt with controversy involving corruption.

Column: Impeach the corrupted court

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
February 7, 2023
The American flag flies above the US capitol on a windy afternoon. The United States congress has been sworn in and will begin governance in January.

Column: Political violence and de threats to democracy

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
January 9, 2023
Trees sway in the wind at Archer on a windy day. The Archer School for Girls is one of several Los Angeles all-girls schools making an effort to include transgender kids in the educational environment.

Column: Transgender girls at Los Angeles girls schools

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
November 28, 2022
Sophomore Dylan Evans-Robinson hugs senior Uma Bajaj after giving her a speech during the varsity volleyball senior night celebration. The celebration occurred 10/13 following a home game against Pacifica Christian School.

[Photo] A fan-tastic game: Community members swarm to varsity volleyball senior night

October 25, 2022
Activists protest outside of the Supreme Court ahead of the decision to overturn Roe V. Wade. The Supreme Courts precedent prompted many states to restrict and ban abortion access.

Column: Escape the conservative revolution

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
October 4, 2022
Thousands gather in Downtown Los Angeles May 14th to protest the preliminary decision to overturn Roe V. Wade, a set precedent. The choice by the Supreme Court is evidence of dangerous continued attacks on the most vulnerable.

Column: Speak out, speak now

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
June 4, 2022
Stickers line the outside of my kitchen window promoting pride and transgender visibility. There are many ways to uplift transgender show your support for the transgender community following March 31.

Column: Transgender visibility: A continual effort

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
May 2, 2022
Juniors Dani Fenster and Uma Bajaj hold up a sign while marching at the Youth Climate Strike Los Angeles. The strike took place March 25 in Downtown Los Angeles, and Archer students were granted excused absences for attending.

[Photo] Editorial: The immeasurable value of administrative support for climate activism

April 24, 2022
Ukrainians protest against Russias invasion and attack on their sovereign nation. The world has responded to the insane agression by the Russian dictator.

Column: Banning oil from the oligarchy: Necessary damage

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
March 22, 2022
In the Archer library a pillar reading honesty is placed above shelves of books. Libraries and schools have been forced to ban books that local boards disapprove of.

Column: They’re burning books, let’s buy them

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
March 1, 2022
Lady justice holds an even scale. Criminal justice inequalities show how the scale of justice is not equal.

Column: Restorative justice: A service-oriented healing response to harm

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
January 26, 2022
Pro-choice advocates gather outside of Missouris one Planned Parenthood. If Roe V. Wade is overturned, more than half of states will criminally prosecute abortion.

Column: After Roe, Griswold?

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
December 14, 2021
Netflix workers and members of the entertainment industry gather to protest Netflixs protection of Dave Chappelle. The media giant has chosen to side with the comedian following backlash about anti-transgender comments he makes in his special.

Column: Tell a joke, Dave Chapelle

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
November 15, 2021
The congressional building is quiet months after Jan. 6. The insurrection occurred after Trump supporters stormed the capitol.

Column: The people versus Trumpism

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
October 10, 2021
A truck sponsored by Plan C drives around rural Texas before the abortion ban. Plan C has been providing telemedicine resources for women to access abortions.

Column: Plan B failed; what’s Plan C?

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
September 23, 2021
The California sample voter ballot provides a sample of the September ballot question. The California recall election is being described as unconstitutional by legal scholars under the US Constitution and California State Constitution.

Column: Vote no; Constitutional corruption in California election

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
September 6, 2021
Joe Biden smiles for his official White House Portrait. The Biden administration has been in office for more than 100 days.

Column: 100 days later

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
May 27, 2021
Lieutenant Donald Glenn Droz (right) poses with his crew on board his Navy ship in Vietnam. Droz was killed in battle on Apr 12, 1969, at 25 years old, leaving behind a wife, Judith Droz Keyes, and three-month-old daughter, Tracy Droz Tragos, whom he only met once.

Column: We need to ban military assault weapons

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
May 6, 2021
A computer screen lights up with news articles surrounding New York Governor Andrew Cuomos sexual misconduct allegations. Cuomo currently has seven accusers.

Column: Resign, Governor Cuomo

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
March 14, 2021
The United States Capitol building stands after a violent insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, that killed 5 and injured more than 140. Donald Trump has been impeached for his role in inciting the insurrection.

Column: ‘Cancel Culture’ to the rescue: A response to the president’s exoneration

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
February 21, 2021
Over 159,000,000 votes were cast in the 2020 election. This tally marks a record-high number of ballots cast in a presidential election and the highest voter turnout since the 1900s.

Column: My experience as a poll-watcher

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
January 6, 2021
After hours of volunteering as a poll observer on election day, Nov. 3rd, Charlotte Tragos captures a photo of the voting site in Las Vegas, Nevada. “[Dani and I] were eating marshmallows in the trunk of the car while watching the voters outside the site,” Tragos said while recalling the moment she took the photo.

[Photo] Sophomores Charlotte Tragos, Dani Fenster volunteer as poll observers in 2020 presidential election

December 10, 2020
Donald Trump and Mike Pence take the stage at an event in Washington D.C. Trump was previously diagnosed with COVID-19 and therefore cancelled the second debate on Oct. 15.

Column: The unpresidential debate

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
October 18, 2020
The statue of sixteenth president Abraham Lincoln sits in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Lincoln Project was founded by eight individuals including a Washington Post contributing columnist, George Conway and New York Times best selling author, Rick Wilson.

Column: How a diehard Democrat joined a Republican group

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
August 25, 2020
Seventh grade Arrow Week photo competition.

[Photo] 7th grade Arrow Week photo competition winner announced

May 3, 2018
Load More Stories

The Oracle

The student news site of The Archer School for Girls
© 2023 • FLEX Pro WordPress Theme by SNO • Log in