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Hazell-OBrien presents on the restorative justice plan during an all school meeting. This was the first of many meetings towards restorative accountability.
‘Approach with the intention to understand’: Administration organizes affinity groups following campus incident
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
On Dec. 15, a unknown individual wrote the N-word on a sticky note on a bathroom mirror. Archer leaders are conducting an investigation into the incident.
Campus incident occurs Dec. 15, Archer leaders respond
On Dec. 9. Archers Executive Board of Advocacy and Diversity presented a video showcasing members of the community and their winter holiday celebrations. The video was presented in the form of a news broadcast and featured both students and faculty.
Community celebrations: EBAD presents on various winter holiday celebrations
A board displayed outside the library on Wednesday, Dec. 15, the first day of finals. Since middle school students still follow the regular schedule, the board reminds them to please be quiet around campus. The first day of upper school exams is on Dec. 15 and continues through the rest of the week.
Balancing act: Students discuss how to prioritize mental health, manage studying for finals
A group of middle school students participate in the PAW-Some Pup Run Club, working on dog agility and helping Boo go over a hurdle. “[The dogs have] actually improved a lot,” sixth grader Josephine Hatton said. “At the beginning, some of them did not know how to do anything at all, and the students have trained them to be really attentive and do the agility courses.”
PAW-Some Pup Run Club empowers students, inspires ‘joy,’ ‘confidence’
Junior Samantha Garibaldi and her mother, Marizabel Garibaldi, look at college resources that are in Spanish. Archer’s college guidance team offers these resources to students from Spanish-speaking families as part of their curriculum.
‘Language shouldn’t be a barrier’: Support to students from Spanish-speaking families in college process
The logo for the 2021 People of Color conference and Student Diversity Leadership conference with this years theme. Students and faculty attendees of the conference come back with new perspectives and ideas for change. Personally, it provided me an opportunity to really see much of the latest conversation around how to support equity and inclusion, Pavliscak said. A sense of belonging for students in independent schools.
‘Unfied all of us’: Students, faculty participate in Annual Diversity Conference
Three syringes are stacked on top of one another. The Archer community reflects on their opinions about the booster and how new protocols will impact campus life. Its really a multi-layered approach to keeping our community safe, Science Teacher Huff said.
‘Extra level of protection’: Archer community shares perspectives on Pfizer-BioNTech booster
Maggie Hamilton records an episode of Brain Breakdown Podcast. She took her passion for leaning about the brain and turned it into a podcast. Its accessible to a lot of people because you can find it on Spotify, Hamilton said. You can listen to it when youre in the car or doing just regular tasks, and it doesnt require sitting down and reading articles.
Brainstorm: Q&A with Maggie Hamilton on neuroscience podcast
The American Girl burgers stacked on top of each other. This burger is the most classic one on the menu and the closest you will find to an original cheeseburger.
Column: Baby’s Badass Burgers
At the VOXLunch performance, detailed programs were passed out to the audience highlighting the various performers. I think there was a moment where we both had this passion, Bahedry said. The event took place in the on campus garden, at lunch, on Dec. 3.
LunchVOX performance: Rose Morris hosts Archer’s first open mic event
On May. 2, 2017, Netflix released the first season of Money Heist. Since then, five seasons have been released for the general public to enjoy. “Money Heist” is a Spanish series that depicts the lives of a robbery while also showing sympathetic aspects to the heists characters.
Review: ‘Money Heist’ is not just a show, it’s a phenomenon
Netflixs newest blockbuster Dont Look Up creates an eerily similar world to our own filled with disaster-denying politicians, exploitative businessmen and scientists fighting to save the world; all while a comet is set to destroy the planet.
Review: ‘Don’t Look Up’ at the screen
Maria Hinojosas memoir Once I Was You, sits on a book shelf in Barnes and Nobles. Hinojosas memoir touches on her personal journey as a journalist and emphasizes the importance of reporting on difficult topics, such as the immigration crisis.
Review: Maria Hinojosa’s memoir ‘Once I Was You’ highlights importance of diverse journalism
At the VOXLunch performance, detailed programs were passed out to the audience highlighting the various performers. I think there was a moment where we both had this passion, Bahedry said. The event took place in the on campus garden, at lunch, on Dec. 3.
LunchVOX performance: Rose Morris hosts Archer’s first open mic event
On May. 2, 2017, Netflix released the first season of Money Heist. Since then, five seasons have been released for the general public to enjoy. “Money Heist” is a Spanish series that depicts the lives of a robbery while also showing sympathetic aspects to the heists characters.
Review: ‘Money Heist’ is not just a show, it’s a phenomenon
Netflixs newest blockbuster Dont Look Up creates an eerily similar world to our own filled with disaster-denying politicians, exploitative businessmen and scientists fighting to save the world; all while a comet is set to destroy the planet.
Review: ‘Don’t Look Up’ at the screen
Maria Hinojosas memoir Once I Was You, sits on a book shelf in Barnes and Nobles. Hinojosas memoir touches on her personal journey as a journalist and emphasizes the importance of reporting on difficult topics, such as the immigration crisis.
Review: Maria Hinojosa’s memoir ‘Once I Was You’ highlights importance of diverse journalism
Leah Abazari (22) poses for Presley Sacavitchs (22) projection project for her Advanced Photography class. So far, Sacavitch said she is most proud of the work she has produced for this project because of the various steps it included. ”The idea behind that project is that students were photographing images first and then they used a digital projector,” Alford said. “They can move the projector and angle it onto the body or the face of a person or an object, and then create photographs from that projection.”
Seniors begin photography classes with ‘experimental,’ ‘classic’ projects
The American Girl burgers stacked on top of each other. This burger is the most classic one on the menu and the closest you will find to an original cheeseburger.
Column: Baby’s Badass Burgers
The bottom two delicacies are shrimp tacos and the top is an order of Rickys Special: a mix of shrimp and fish. Topped with slaw, chopped vegetables and crema, the tacos are beautifully crafted and absolutely delicious.
Column: A fish taco sent from heaven
How do you take your morning cup? Whether its a holiday latte with waffles or a straight black coffee on the go, take the time to embrace this morning ritual. This fall, Im on the hunt to find the best pumpkin spice latte.
Commentary: Pumpkin spice and everything nice
The delicious Kimchi Quesadilla with spicy Korean hot sauce. I perfect blend of the cheesy Mexican classic, and the refreshing Korean household staple.
Column: Down to Kogi town
The Word of Mouth vegan truck located at the Vegan Exchange LA. This truck is my new favorite vegan spot in LA, Olivia Miro said.
Column: V is for vegan
Members of varsity basketball pose for a picture after practice. As athletics started off the first week of the semester with virtual training, upper school varsity soccer and varsity basketball were able to train on campus on Thursday and Friday. At the beginning of the year we opened up and, so, those remote possibilities were ones that were really explored and dug into prior to that. So we had those solutions available. Director of Athletics Kim Smith said.
Deja vu: Athletics participate in hybrid training during virtual week
In 2018, Specchierla plays with her club teammates in a scrimmage. Specchierla said that she enjoys playing with her teammates because it is fun to have great friendships and play a sport that she loves. I enjoy the competitive nature within my club team, Specchierla said. It helps me stay motivated to improve continuously.
Through the eyes of Isabella Specchierla: Archer Girl, athlete, activist and artist
Senior and co-captain Marissa Gendy dribbles in a game against Heritage High School. The team has worked together to support one another as friends and as teammates as they work to improve their skills and scores.
Basketball bonds: Varsity basketball grows together
Sixth grader Bella Hansen shoots a ball at the teams last game. They played Windward last Friday, Dec. 10, where they lost 8-38. We learned the importance of having a good balance between having a strong defense and being aggressive, seventh grader, Paloma Lebenzon said.
‘An exciting atmosphere’: Middle school basketball bounces into start of season
Athlete Leadership Council members sit at a table in the Lantern Room during their meeting. The ALC meets every Tuesday at lunch to discuss and coordinate their responsibilities. We are currently, as a group, we brainstormed ... who wed like to hear and whats needed, Director of Athletics Kim Smith said. And so we have a list and so we have some potential speakers for March 8.
Athlete leadership council embraces ‘hands-on’ role within Archer Athletics
This image, photographed by Marley Mills, showcases the performance we put as to mask our true emotions. It is within our human nature to create walls that hide us when we are at our most vulnerable.
Column: Pain doesn’t have the power to silence me
The nostalgic children’s show, “Sesame Street” has introduced its first ever Asian-American puppet. Meet 7-year-old Ji-Young, as she learns about her identity as an Asian-American girl.
Column: Welcome to the neighborhood, Ji-Young
An array of sweet treats and desserts cover the kitchen table in preparation for Christmas dinner. This holiday season, I hope young women everywhere eat as much cake, pie and cookies as they please.
Column: A slice of skinny
Happy holidays with this gift guide that comes straight from The Oracle editorial board. A curated list of what they are gifting this holiday season and hope to receive.
Gift Guide: The Oracle editors share items from holiday season wish list
Happy holidays with this cheerful gift guide. Celebrate the merry season with a gift for everyone on your list, without breaking the bank. This guide feature 40 gifts all under 50 dollars.
Gift Guide: 40 gifts under $50 for the holidays
This image, photographed by Marley Mills, showcases the performance we put as to mask our true emotions. It is within our human nature to create walls that hide us when we are at our most vulnerable.
Column: Pain doesn’t have the power to silence me
The American Girl burgers stacked on top of each other. This burger is the most classic one on the menu and the closest you will find to an original cheeseburger.
Column: Baby’s Badass Burgers
The nostalgic children’s show, “Sesame Street” has introduced its first ever Asian-American puppet. Meet 7-year-old Ji-Young, as she learns about her identity as an Asian-American girl.
Column: Welcome to the neighborhood, Ji-Young
An array of sweet treats and desserts cover the kitchen table in preparation for Christmas dinner. This holiday season, I hope young women everywhere eat as much cake, pie and cookies as they please.
Column: A slice of skinny
The bottom two delicacies are shrimp tacos and the top is an order of Rickys Special: a mix of shrimp and fish. Topped with slaw, chopped vegetables and crema, the tacos are beautifully crafted and absolutely delicious.
Column: A fish taco sent from heaven
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 
A delicious bowl of mac and cheese sits on the kitchen counter. The meal isnt homemade, but it is a close second to the mac and cheese my mother makes for my family every Thanksgiving.
Commentary: A love letter to mac and cheese
As Thanksgiving approaches, its important that we acknowledge and and learn about the stolen land and Native culture that was lost amidst colonization of America.
Editorial: Giving thanks on stolen land
This picture is a literal, illustrative metaphor of my parents unconditional support and love that pushes me through any obstacle. The pressures of being a first-generation student and being the oldest sibling in the family can be hard sometimes, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Op-Ed: What being first-generation means to me
Archer seniors dress up in extravagant doll costumes for the annual haunted house. As soon as I walked into the haunted house, I could feel the spirit and joy that filled the senior class, Junior, Noor Afshar said. Students were encouraged to walked through the Haunted House celebrating Halloween.
Editorial: Embrace the weird
Happy holidays with this gift guide that comes straight from The Oracle editorial board. A curated list of what they are gifting this holiday season and hope to receive.
Gift Guide: The Oracle editors share items from holiday season wish list
Happy holidays with this cheerful gift guide. Celebrate the merry season with a gift for everyone on your list, without breaking the bank. This guide feature 40 gifts all under 50 dollars.
Gift Guide: 40 gifts under $50 for the holidays
Parker Keston lights the menorah as she celebrates Chanukah with her family. Keston shared how lighting the menorah is an important aspect of the holiday.
Photo Gallery: What is your favorite holiday tradition?
The left image shows Rose Sarner posing in front of Belwood Bakery in the cul de sac across from Archer where customers can order food from an outside widow. The right image shows Greta Irvine drinking an iced matcha in front of the storefront of Clark Street, a new addition to Brentwood that offers indoor and outdoor seating. 
Clark Street vs. Belwood
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, here is a helpful list of gifts to get for your loved ones this holiday season.
Gift guide: What to bring to the Thanksgiving table
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
Letter to the Editor: Inspirational advocates have advice for you
Letter to the Editor: Inspirational advocates have advice for you
Letter to the Editor: Grin yourself a good day
Letter to the Editor: Grin yourself a good day
Letter to the Editor: Elementary, My Dear
Letter to the Editor: Elementary, My Dear
At the VOXLunch performance, detailed programs were passed out to the audience highlighting the various performers. I think there was a moment where we both had this passion, Bahedry said. The event took place in the on campus garden, at lunch, on Dec. 3.
LunchVOX performance: Rose Morris hosts Archer’s first open mic event
During mentorship on Dec. 9, seniors and board members of EBAD, Mikaela Foronda-Zanipatin, Evan Bowman, Lexi Tooley, Layla Huber-Verjan and Chidimma Nwafor, presented a broadcast showing students and facultys winter celebrations. “I truly love EBAD; being able to educate and inform the Archer community on various issues all revolving around the idea of advocacy and inclusivity and brings me a sense of happiness, Nwafor said.
Executive Board of Advocacy and Diversity establishes goals for school year
The cast of the upper school musical Leader of the Pack performs two songs from their repertoire in front of students and faculty in the amphitheater. Since being online last year, this was the first musical to go into production in front of a live audience rather than on Zoom. This allowed students to get “back in the groove of things,” according to sophomore cast member Anaiya Asomugha.
Photo Essay: Upper school musical ‘Leader of the Pack’
Season 2, Ep 1: Inside the Walls of Archer with Samantha Hazell-OBrien
Season 2, Ep 1: Inside the Walls of Archer with Samantha Hazell-O’Brien
Rising seniors Chidimma Nwafor, Anny Rodriguez, Marley Mills and Andrea Ramirez pose for a photo together in the courtyard wearing their blue accessories. Ramirez holds blue bucket hats, which class reps bought for the entire rising senior class and senior mentors. On June 4, rising seniors spent Moving Up Day at school, commemorating their final hours as juniors.
‘A day to remember’: Rising seniors celebrate Moving Up Day
Season 2, Ep 1: Inside the Walls of Archer with Samantha Hazell-OBrien
Season 2, Ep 1: Inside the Walls of Archer with Samantha Hazell-O’Brien
The Scoop S1 Ep 6 – Colonialism, Capitalism and Carbon Emissions
The Scoop S1 Ep 5 - #COVID19: Archer teen volunteers for adolescent Pfizer trial
The Scoop S1 Ep 5 – #COVID19: Archer teen volunteers for adolescent Pfizer trial
The Scoop S1 Ep 4 – Transition of Power: Conversations about Democracy Part 2
The Scoop S1 Ep 4 – Transition of Power: Conversations about Democracy Part 2
The Scoop S1 Ep 3 –Transition of Power: Conversations about Democracy — Part 1
The Scoop S1 Ep 3 –Transition of Power: Conversations about Democracy — Part 1
The Latest
  • January 19 As of Jan. 12, Archer reported a COVID-19 positivity percentage of 2.45%
  • January 11 As of Jan. 10, Archer reported 21 active Covid cases and 98% of the community fully vaccinated.
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The Oracle
The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

The Oracle
All content by Kim Smith
Specchierla and her teammates take a picture after playing against Brentwood High School, where they won 9-0. “I love the family that I have found through Archer soccer,” Specchierla said. “Every single one of the girls on the team means so much to me.”

[Photo] Through the eyes of Isabella Specchierla: Archer Girl, athlete, activist and artist

January 13, 2022
Middle school swimmers huddle together in the pool before an event. The Middle school swim team participated in and won the 2021 Pacific Basin League Championship, which was held on Nov. 7 at The Culver City Municipal Plunge pool. The meet started at 4 p.m. and ended at 6:39 p.m.

[Photo] Prevailing in the pool: Middle school swim team wins Pacific Basin League Championship

November 15, 2021
The middle school cross country team poses with their championship plaque after their win. In a history making season, the team remained undefeated in their league meets and finished the season with a championship win. “It was fun sixth grader Camille Chi said. It was challenging, but I think it was really, really worth it.”

[Photo] Middle school cross county ends undefeated season with championship win

November 10, 2021
The sixth grade team huddles during one of their home games. When sixth grader Caroline Banabin had to discibe her excpienshe she said it was awesome. Because everyone on the team is really nice and really fun. And the coach is really nice and practices are really fun. Benebib said.

[Photo] Three’s a party: Middle school volleyball hosts range of skill levels amongst teams

November 4, 2021
Members of the middle school cross country team take their first stride at a Pacific Basin League (PBL) meet in Cheviot Hills. The running squad has earned first place finishes in both of their September meets, which marks the first time in Archer history for the middle school cross country team.

[Photo] Middle school cross country sprints through season, makes history

October 12, 2021
From soccer to swimming, basketball to softball and tennis to track, Archer Athletics are culminating their seasons that were met with metal fortitude and joy according to Director of Athletics Kim Smith. COVID-19 didnt stop teams from training, practicing and competing in the 2020-2021 seasons.

[Photo] A year of ‘silver linings’: Looking back at 2020-2021 season for Archer Athletics

June 3, 2021
Athletes Lauren Robson (22) and Kate Hanney (25) run on the Archer field during an Archer cross country practice. COVID-19 regulations have changed in L.A. county, allowing for Archer athletics to return to sports practices and some competitions.

[Photo] Archer sports teams return to practices; athletes ‘reconnected,’ ‘excited’

April 15, 2021
The 2021 Archer softball team gathers during the month of March after not playing for a year with each other. This softball season, junior Cristina Fuentes-Alva said communication and motivation are key within in a team. Yes, and I feel because its a sport where were so spread out on the field, were always communicating and then we just made a group chat recently so we can all talk about stuff, and were all coming to practices and were all very motivated. Fuentes-Alva said.

[Photo] Archer softball players reflect on motivation towards ‘exciting’ season

March 28, 2021
Cross County athletes Katherine Lee (21), Keera Levell (23), Nicole Farmer (21), Alessandra Aragon(22) and Lauren Robson (22) stand on the field next to Coach Leufroy during a practice on Nov. 19. As the fall sports season came to a close, senior athletes reflected on their last season. From cross country to volleyball athletes has to adapt to a Covid-19-plagued fall.

[Photo] Final fall: Senior fall athletes reflect on their ‘non-traditional,’ ‘chaotic’ season

April 12, 2021
The volleyball team wears masks to practice on campus to maintain COVID-19 guidelines. Both the upper school volleyball and cross country teams have the opportunity to practice on campus as they started on Nov. 8 with their COVID-19 friendly training.

[Photo] On-campus sports practices structured with new framework, allows athletes to refine ‘basics’

December 20, 2020
The Panther Board is a supplemental portion of the Panther Challenge. The squares within it provide some examples of challenges athletes are asked to complete in order to earn points and win prizes.

[Photo] New challenges arise from cancellation of traditional spring sports season

May 21, 2020
One of Coach Smiths daily workouts, posted on the Archer Athletics instagram. Smith and other coaches are working to support athletes with conditioning during the spread of the novel coronavirus.

[Photo] Athletes, coaches adjust to remote learning during outbreak of COVID-19

April 9, 2020
The middle school soccer team plays a game against Crossroads on Jan. 14. The game took place on campus and the team lost.

[Photo] ‘Spirited’, ‘enthusiastic’ middle school soccer team worked on teamwork and goals during their season

February 13, 2020
Captain Eden Oje (25) dribbles the basketball toward the hoop during the match against Westside Neighborhood School on December 16, 2019. Archer lost the match with a score of 14-21.

[Photo] Q&A with middle school basketball captains: Kate Beckerman, Eden Oje

January 27, 2020
Junior Ariel Heimanson attempts a shot in the first varsity basketball game of the season against Vistamar School on Nov. 19. The team won with the score of 30-21.

[Photo] Q&A with varsity basketball captains: Nadia Charles, Ariel Heimanson

December 4, 2019
The varsity cross country runners take their marks at the league final meet. The runners collectively came in second place and beat their league rival, Pacifica Christian school. Throughout the season, every member of the team set a personal record.

[Photo] Varsity cross country sprints through season, reflects on triumphs, challenges

December 13, 2019
Head Coach Stephanie Ferri advises the Middle School swimmers. The swim team was undefeated this season. Photo courtesy of Archer Athletics Instagram.

[Photo] (Pre)Teen Spirit: Middle school volleyball, cross country, swim teams wrap up fall seasons

December 10, 2019
Junior Lexie Ben-Meir at a varsity tennis match. Ben-Meir has been named the Liberty League Most Valuable Player #1 singles. This is the first time an Archer tennis player has received this status.

[Photo] Getty fire impacts athletes’ practice, game schedules

November 14, 2019
The varsity cross country team, including senior Sophie Larbalestier, runs during an on campus practice. Larbalestier has been running cross country since the tenth grade and is team captain this year.

[Photo] Q&A with varsity cross country captain: Sophie Larbalestier

October 24, 2019
The purple volleyball team, led by sixth grader Juliette Hoeber and seventh grader Callie Wicklander, gathers in a huddle on Archers Sport Court. The team is composed mainly of new Archer students, and a sense of unity was a main goal for both Hoeber and Wicklander.

[Photo] Q&A with MS Volleyball captains: Chloe Chu, Gemma Larbalestier, Callie Wicklander, Juliette Hoeber

October 24, 2019
Chelsea FC, Twiggy, and Mr. Hubble pose in front of Smith and Tait Coffee Shop. This year for Halloween, owner Kim Smith dressed them as rufferees.

[Photo] Paws-itively perfect: Dogs bring joy, calm to community

January 19, 2019
The team poses in shirts showcasing the teams 2016-2017 motto. The motto, Stronger Together, was selected by coach Kim Smith.

[Photo] Varsity soccer wins Liberty League, falls to Anaheim in playoffs

March 2, 2017
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