The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

The Oracle
  • November 17There will be a bus emergency drill Thursday, Nov. 21, and there is no late bus.
  • November 17The Amphitheater will be closed Monday, Nov. 18 for the removal of the US Musical set.
  • November 17School will be closed Friday, Nov. 22 for virtual parent-teacher conferences.
The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

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

The Oracle
Greta Irvine

Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief

Greta Irvine joined the Oracle as a staff reporter in 2020 and became the News Editor in 2021. In 2022, she became the Editor-in-Chief. She graduated in 2023.

 

 

All content by Greta Irvine
The Archer administration and the Jewish Student Union organized affinity spaces Tuesday, Oct. 10, for students to process the attacks in Israel, which began Saturday, Oct. 7. The JSU Executive Board and school administrators will continue organizing additional presentations and discussions in the coming week.

[Photo] Adminstration, JSU organize affinity spaces, meetings following attacks in Israel

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
October 13, 2023
The front cover of the National's new album, "First Two Pages of Frankenstein," features a photograph of a young boy holding a mannequin's head. The ninth album in their catalog finds the rock band examining sadness with a newfound softness.

Review: The National re-examines their sadness in ‘First Two Pages of Frankenstein’

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
May 17, 2023
Senior Sydney Frank films seniors Margaret Morris and Letizia Oetker in ski gear at the beach for a lip-syncing video. The students in the French Senior Seminar class went to the beach March 8 to film their submission for the inaugural ARCHERVISION competition.

World Language Department launches music video contest: ARCHERVISION

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
April 30, 2023
Dr. Lisa Damour speaks to the upper school March 6 in the Zeller Student Center. Damour gave presentations to the entire student body, faculty and parents on her research specializing in the development of teenage girls and young women.

Dr. Lisa Damour presents to students, faculty, parents on research on development of teenage girls, young women

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
March 9, 2023
Senior Alyssa Ponrartana presents her research project at Archer’s annual Student STEM Symposium May 14, 2022. Ponrartana was named a scholar in the 82nd Regeneron Science Talent Search for her research intersecting neurodevelopment and environment.

Senior Alyssa Ponrartana named Regeneron Scholar for neurodevelopmental research

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
January 31, 2023
Senior Ella Poon receives a COVID-19 booster shot in the Lantern Room. Archer hosted a COVID-19 booster clinic Dec. 9 with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Archer hosts voluntary COVID-19 booster clinic with LACDPH

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
December 10, 2022
The New York Times tracks the 2022 midterm election results. Democrats have secured control over the Senate, and Republicans have secured control over the House of Representatives elections with six seats still not called. 

[Photo] ‘Young people will decide this election’: Archer students learn about their impact on 2022 midterm elections

By Rose Sarner, Culture Editor
November 29, 2022
Protestors march down a street in Downtown, Los Angeles near Pershing Square. The protest, responding to the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran, took place mid October, and senior Delara Tehranchi took part in the demonstration with her family.

Iranian students respond to women’s revolution in Iran, implore community to take action

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
November 6, 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.

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

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
October 25, 2022
Censorship has been raging in the United States, threatening classrooms and beyond. This nation-wide issue should be at the forefront of more minds.

[Photo] Editorial: Censorship is on our minds, it should be on yours

By 22-23 Editorial Board
September 30, 2022
Archer leadership announced the Health and Safety Protocols for this school year. The main changes in the protocols compared to last year are that masking is optional and there is no surveillance testing. 

[Photo] Hurricane Hilary delays orientation, causes remote College Jumpstart

August 19, 2023
News headlines of three school shootings, including the mass shooting last week at Robb Elementary school. In a nation frequently grieving from school shootings, is time we, the students, answer the question, What makes us feel safe?

[Photo] Editorial: What makes us feel safe?

By 21-22 Oracle Editorial Board
May 31, 2022
Members of the junior class pose for a photo during their Arrow Week trip in Wyoming. The expenses for this excursion are included within the Flexible Tuition program.

Flexible Tuition program reduces barriers to entry, students hope for servery coverage in future

By Vaughan Anoa'i and Greta Irvine
May 23, 2022
Junior Dani Fenster works on a homework sheet while wearing a mask in math teacher Matthew Bartha's classroom. On May 4, the indoor mask mandate took effect once again due to the rising cases on campus.

Mask from the past: Indoor mask mandate reinstated until further notice

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
May 4, 2022
Multiple seniors tested positive for COVID-19 Wednesday, April 27, on rapid home tests. Campus PCR testing from April 25 reported a 0% positivity rate.

COVID-19 campus update: Multiple seniors test positive on rapid tests

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
April 28, 2022
A still from senior Bess Frierson’s film, “Mush Room,” is pictured above. Frierson opened her senior show in the Eastern Star Gallery March 14, where visitors watched the five minute film projected on a wall.

When English and art collide: Senior Bess Frierson opens ‘The MUSH Room’

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
March 31, 2022
Math teacher Matthew Bartha explains classwork to juniors Dani Fenster and Sophie Wallack. Community members could decide whether or not to wear a mask in indoor spaces beginning March 14.

Student masking behavior, reactions following lift of indoor mask mandate

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
March 19, 2022
#DemocracyInAction: Community members share thoughts on freedom of press

#DemocracyInAction: Community members share thoughts on freedom of press

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
February 25, 2022
Junior Maya Bajaj works in the library courtyard with her mask on. Archer removed its outdoor mask mandate Feb. 16 for vaccinated students and employees. "It's just an instinct to wear a mask," Bajaj said. "I don't really notice it anymore."

Outdoor mask policy updated following declining COVID-19 cases

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
February 25, 2022
Sophomore Lacey Thompson sits visits the Eastern Star Gallery exhibit 'Drunk Tank Pink.' Junior Olivia Torrington spearheaded the show that explores a shade of pink and its calming effects.

‘A little experiment on color’: Eastern Star Gallery opens interactive exhibit ‘Drunk Tank Pink’

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
January 31, 2022
Multiple seniors tested positive for COVID-19 Wednesday, April 27, on rapid home tests. Campus PCR testing from April 25 reported a 0% positivity rate.

Course offerings updated for 2022-2023 school year

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
January 31, 2022
After each week of testing, community members receive an email detailing the positivity rate on campus as shown in the paper above. As the school year carries on and so does the pandemic, the transparency of our administration concerning COVID-19 developments on campus is vital in quelling the stress and fear of the community.

[Photo] Editorial: COVID-19 transparency is the vital vaccine

By 21-22 Oracle Editorial Board
February 3, 2022
Junior Rose Sarner gets tested for COVID-19 in the library courtyard on Wednesday, Oct. 20. All community members participate in a weekly testing program with Laboratory Services of America. Archer leaders are notified of any positive cases each week allowing them to take necessary action to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Friday test results delayed as in-person learning begins, students share concerns

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
January 11, 2022
Multiple seniors tested positive for COVID-19 Wednesday, April 27, on rapid home tests. Campus PCR testing from April 25 reported a 0% positivity rate.

Campus incident occurs Dec. 15, Archer leaders respond

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
December 28, 2021
A window of a bathroom is defaced with wet toilet paper. This is the second bathroom whose ceilings, walls and windows were vandalized this week with wet toilet paper and paper towels.

Students vandalize school bathrooms, Archer leaders respond

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
December 5, 2021
uniors Letizia Oetker, Azel Al-Kadiri and Margaret Morris sit in a hallway before class studying for an upcoming biology test.

Commentary: My first full year of in-person high school 

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
December 1, 2021

Clark Street

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
November 29, 2021
This image posted by the CDC is a magnified picture of the Covid-19 virus. The CDC has officially approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for individuals five to 11 years old prompting Archer leaders to expand the vaccination requirements to all students.

Administration expands vaccination requirements following CDC approval

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
November 7, 2021
Junior Rose Sarner gets tested for COVID-19 in the library courtyard on Wednesday, Oct. 20. All community members participate in a weekly testing program with Laboratory Services of America. Archer leaders are notified of any positive cases each week allowing them to take necessary action to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Two students test positive for COVID-19, protocols followed

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
October 20, 2021
Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) board member Remi Cannon ('24) poses for a photo in front of a rainbow flag and GSA informational poster during the National Coming out Day and Queer History Month celebration on Oct. 14. The entire community was invited to attend the celebration in the courtyard which featured music from queer artists and a variety of activites.

GSA hosts celebration for National Coming Out Day and Queer History Month

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
October 19, 2021
A student waits to get her PCR COVID-19 test in the library courtyard on The testing program, previously done with Laboratory Services of America and now with Innovative Health Diagnostics, is one measure taken to limit community exposure to COVID-19. On Oct. 6, the community will be transitioning to weekly COVID-19 testing for all students, faculty and staff as opposed to the biweekly testing for vaccinated community members.

Safety first: COVID-19 protocols and policies implemented for the 2021-2022 school year

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
October 2, 2021
A sign reminding community members to obey masking protocols is displayed on the door of the library. Other signs like this instructing students, faculty, staff and visitors to follow health and safety protocols in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are displayed around campus.

Two members of Archer community test positive for COVID-19

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
September 9, 2021
A group of sophomore students converse at lunch during the first week of school. As new cell phone practices were introduced to the upper school during a virtual meeting, students look to engage with one another during free time while minimizing technology use.

Connection protection: New cell phone practices introduced to the upper school

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
September 7, 2021
Seniors and their families listen to the welcome speech delivered by Head of School Elizabeth English at the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2021. Situated in the Eastern Star courtyard on the Archer campus, the seniors, dressed in the traditional white attire with flower wreaths on top of their heads, sat socially distanced to watch the ceremony live as well as on two projected screens featuring videos from Oprah, Brandi Carlile, and the grade themselves. "The in-person graduation had this collective energy. There was a lot of heightened emotion — a lot of tears flowing but also great compassion for one another," student body president Francesca Cappello said. 

‘A love-filled ceremony:’ Senior class partakes in an in-person graduation

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
June 4, 2021
The Class of 2021 poses in front of the fountain in the Eastern Star courtyard after squirting one another with water for the adapted tradition, the fountain jump, on their last day of classes. After getting drenched in water, senior Ava Salomon described the event as "the best kind of hectic."

[Photo] Splashing into summer: Seniors share perspectives on refashioned fountain jump

May 26, 2021
The Class of 2021 poses in front of the fountain in the Eastern Star courtyard after squirting one another with water for the adapted tradition, the fountain jump, on their last day of classes. After getting drenched in water, senior Ava Salomon described the event as "the best kind of hectic."

[Photo] Splashing into summer: Seniors share perspectives on refashioned fountain jump

By Chloe Fidler, Voices Editor
May 26, 2021
Upper school students watch a performance from the musical, "The Drowsy Chaperone," on May 6 via Zoom. The students had the chance to preview the upper school musical and purchase tickets for streaming the following night at 7 p.m. “I was really, really impressed with how the whole production came together…and I am proud of the hard work put into it as well,” Isabelle Verdery (’23), who was cast as Janet, said.

‘A fruitful endeavor:’ The upper school puts on virtual performance of ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
May 24, 2021
The conversation around pronouns has evolved with great speed in recent years. As there is a growing visibility of the transgender community and individuals beyond the binary, the topic of pronouns has gained an increased focus in school and work environments as well as on social media.

‘One small gesture that goes a long way:’ The evolving topic of pronouns

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
May 20, 2021
Seniors Mackenzie Turner, Lola Lamberg, Amelia Stone and Ava Salomon pose for a photo at the rose backdropped photo booth on May 1 during the evening senior prom celebration. The booth, set-up at Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, "created a really fun atmosphere that everyone was enjoying.. and it was a place to connect," fitness and wellness teacher Dani LeNoir said.

Mamma Mia, it’s prom again! Senior class attends ‘unconventional’ prom celebration

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
May 16, 2021
The counter at Bianca displays the day's pastries, ranging from banana bread to olive oil cake by the slice. Located at Platform LA, Bianca serves as both a bakery and restaurant for the Culver City area.

Review: Bianca Bakery brings Europe to your plate

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
May 7, 2021
The Executive Board next year will be comprised entirely of seniors. The position of Student Body President goes to Langdon Janos, as she received the most votes from the rising upper schoolers. The Executive Board will be comprised of Nyah Fernandez, Marissa Gendy and Bess Frierson.

[Photo] BREAKING: Student Council Executive Board election results announced

By Oracle Staff
May 7, 2021
In most forms of writing, exclamation points are used sparingly for emphasis of certain words or phrases. However, exclamation points seem to have taken on another purpose for women when communicating.

Op-Ed: Why do women communicate with so many exclamation points!?

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
March 21, 2021
The front of Archer on March 13, 2020, the last day of on-campus school activity. On March 8, 2021, in-person learning will officially begin again as the sixth graders arrive to attend class on the Archer campus for the first time.

‘Second first day of school:’ Sixth grade class returns to campus for in-person learning orientation

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
March 7, 2021
Members of the Speech and Debate team join together on Zoom after a successful league tournament the last weekend in January. Five members collectively placed in six different categories leaving the team "excited for future tournaments," as Admin Captain Rachel Azrialy wrote in an instagram caption on the Archer Speech and Debate Instagram account. 

‘Some challenges, some triumphs:’ Speech and Debate team adjust virtually

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
March 5, 2021
Wednesday of the 2021 Scholastic Journalism Week highlights the significance of local journalism. The Oracle takes a closer look by asking community members to reflect on the impact of local journalism on the Archer campus.

Local journalism matters: Q&A with community members on importance of local journalism

By Thea Leimone and Greta Irvine
February 24, 2021
Executive Board members await the announcement for the winners of the first ever Archer Ted Talk Competition in the all-school assembly. This Zoom assembly took place Friday, Feb. 5 to celebrate and conclude the first ever virtual Color Wars.

Pinks, purples, reds and yellows: Annual Color Wars event transforms to fit the online setting

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
February 14, 2021
The middle school Orchestra performs a song during the Winter Concert. The musicians recorded two videos, one for audio and one for visual, which were then edited together and added to virtual background and streamed on Vimeo.

Musical magic: Winter Concert adapts to virtual setting

By Thea Leimone and Greta Irvine
February 11, 2021
As the pandemic continues to have devastating impacts, adhering to public safety guidelines remains a necessary task. However, social media posts featuring social engagements that violate these guidelines cause expansive harm by encouraging risky behavior and spreading misinformation.

Op-Ed: The harmful effects of posting on social media while violating COVID-19 guidelines

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
February 6, 2021
German film, "Run Lola Run," released in 1998, follows Lola on her attempt to save her criminal boyfriend. The upbeat plot, clever cinematography, and captivating protagonists make the foreign film a 'must watch'.

Review: ‘Run Lola Run’ is the change of pace you need right now

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
February 6, 2021
Sophomore, Isabelle Verdery, performs a song over Zoom during an audition for the upper school musical, 'The Drowsy Chaperone'. The live singing auditions were designed to "simulate what we would have done in person," director Reed Farley said. The live auditions were accompanied by self recorded monologues and group readings. 

Break a leg! …virtually: Upper school musical auditions begin

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
January 31, 2021
Juliet, played by eighth-grader Sienna Schlesinger, stabs herself with a Minecraft sword during the performance of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ streamed on Vimeo, Friday, Dec. 11. The choice to use a Minecraft sword as the dagger reflects the decision to not provide props (or costumes), "created a sense of ownership and joy in the process that might not have been there otherwise," Director Reed Farley said. 

Unmute, cameras on, action!: Middle school puts on a virtual production of ‘Romeo and Juliet’

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
January 8, 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.

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

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
December 10, 2020
Middle School President Rachel Chung leads the newly elected sixth and seventh grade representatives along with the eighth grade representatives through their first virtual meeting of the school year. During the Zoom, the young leaders planned for future middle school gatherings. “I love these meetings so much [...] because all of us work together to do the best for our grade,” Rachel said.

Rachel Chung leads middle school through pandemic

By Greta Irvine, Editor in Chief
November 16, 2020
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