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The Oracle
Buses arrive promptly at 3:00 p.m. to pick up students at the end of the school day. Archer has been working with Tumbleweed Transportation for over 10 years to provide buses to all of its students.
Students readjust to bus routes, reflect on ‘sense of community’
Jewish Student Union Board members and co-adviser Talia Geffen speak to middle school students about Rosh Hashanah. JSU members presented Sept. 22 and discussed different ways people celebrate the holiday.
Cultivating cultural awareness: Jewish Student Union presents to students about Rosh Hashanah
Student Body President Rose Chuck (23) dances with seniors Eliza Tiles, Georgia Ehrlich and Azel Al-Kadiri in the courtyard on the kickoff First Friday event of the year. Many students, from sixth graders to seniors, ran around, ate candy and taped magazines to Student Council’s Archer vision board.
Dance parties and visions: Student Council kicks off First Fridays event, celebrates community
Students arrive to campus on their first day of the new school year September 6. Prior to the start of school, students from a variety of grade levels experienced outdoor education programs, orientation or a College Jumpstart Meeting.
Fall Outing, orientation and College Jumpstart: Archer leadership welcomes students back to campus
Junior Kayla Bruce uses Canvas to look at their English assignments. Sophomores, juniors and seniors accessed the Canvas technology training asynchronously on the first day of school.
Students, teachers switch to new learning management system, adjust to Canvas
Pictured is the entrance of The Archer School for Girls. This school year, Archer enrolled 500 students in both divisions, and 95 new students overall.
New students adjust to Archer, learning structure, support systems
Sara Gil Sáiz, Monique Sim and Agustin Pacheco pose for pictures in their classrooms by books, games, posters and equipment for their classes. The Oracle sat down with the three new faculty members to discuss their first weeks at Archer.
Q&A with new teachers, Agustin Pacheco, Monique Sim, Sara Gil Sáiz
Sisters and founders of non-profit organization, Cocos Angels, are advocating for foster children in Los Angeles through their events. Delara and Layla Tehranchi organize events to connect with foster children and provide them with resources they gathered through drives.
‘We knew that we needed to take action’: Delara, Layla Tehranchi expand ‘Coco’s Angels’
Senior Daisy Marmur performs in the Maccabiah Games in Israel. Over the summer, Marmur represented the United States in the Olympic sanctioned event in rhythmic gymnastics.
Summer spotlights: Students pursue passions over break
The journey of Archers Maypole, Moving Up Day tradition
The journey of Archer’s Maypole, Moving Up Day tradition
The music room is a creative space for students to explore their own compositions and creative skills. Advance Study classes have started working with other Archer musicians to incorporate into their final projects.
Advanced study music courses offer new opportunities for Archer musicians
Four books written by Latina writers are displayed above. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I recommend checking out these books that depict the stories and history of Latines in the United States.
Five books written by Latina authors to read right now
Eighth grade dancers perform their student choreographed dance in the historic courtyard during lunch. Student choreographers had creative freedom as they choose their costumes, music and dancers.
Movement, music and memories: Archer presents Festival of Dance 
Seniors Emily Cadenas and Naobi Benjamin pose with their flowers to commence the opening of their art gallery. “Character Development” opened Wednesday, March 30, at the Eastern Star Gallery and highlighted their joint artwork about their growth as POC women. “Working with Emily  — she’s one of my best friends, so it’s cool to have a best friend who will encourage you and help you,” Benjamin said. “Our gallery was really successful because we have that trust and connection as well.”
‘Character Development’ in progress: Senior art show explores ‘space of transformation’
Junior Georgia Ehrlich sits with many hands around her face, which highlights the experiences and feelings humans share. Ehrlich’s show “Sentinent” will be shown Wednesday, June 8, at the Electric Lodge Theater. 
Q & A with dancer, writer, producer Georgia Ehrlich
The music room is a creative space for students to explore their own compositions and creative skills. Advance Study classes have started working with other Archer musicians to incorporate into their final projects.
Advanced study music courses offer new opportunities for Archer musicians
Four books written by Latina writers are displayed above. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I recommend checking out these books that depict the stories and history of Latines in the United States.
Five books written by Latina authors to read right now
Eighth grade dancers perform their student choreographed dance in the historic courtyard during lunch. Student choreographers had creative freedom as they choose their costumes, music and dancers.
Movement, music and memories: Archer presents Festival of Dance 
Seniors Emily Cadenas and Naobi Benjamin pose with their flowers to commence the opening of their art gallery. “Character Development” opened Wednesday, March 30, at the Eastern Star Gallery and highlighted their joint artwork about their growth as POC women. “Working with Emily  — she’s one of my best friends, so it’s cool to have a best friend who will encourage you and help you,” Benjamin said. “Our gallery was really successful because we have that trust and connection as well.”
‘Character Development’ in progress: Senior art show explores ‘space of transformation’
Junior Georgia Ehrlich sits with many hands around her face, which highlights the experiences and feelings humans share. Ehrlich’s show “Sentinent” will be shown Wednesday, June 8, at the Electric Lodge Theater. 
Q & A with dancer, writer, producer Georgia Ehrlich
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
11 Madison Parks summer salad highlights all different types, colors and shapes of tomatoes. This was one of my favorite dishes at 11 Madison Park because of how fresh each ingredient included is.
Review: 11 Madison Park’s new plant-based menu has transformed fine dining
The pork (left), chicken (middle) and brisket (right) tacos in all of their glory. They are served with a charred green pepper that gives each taco a nice kick of spice.
Column: Gochu Gang: A Korean-Mexican fusion dream
The Surf and Turf burger is topped with a whole fried lobster tail, crispy onions, lettuce and a perfectly toasted bun. This was definitely the star of the menu and worth every penny.
Column: Surf and turf, burger style
Claire Leimone poses will a Trader Joes reusable bag filled with grocery items. On top of their fantastic food and welcoming stores, Trader Joes provides recyclable and reusable bags.
An ode to Trader Joe’s
Junior Malia Apor lifts the bar and two additional ten pound weights during A-train Sept. 22. A-train takes place from 4:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Learning to lift: Upper school students join A-train, Barbell Club
Track and field team members Coco Takessian (28), Nissara Shah (28) and Mia Goldberg (28), get in their positions to start running in a track event at Brentwood School April 20. It is a really tiring sport, but I love the team so much, Farah Sandoval (28) said. We all were equally exhausted and worn out, so [the team] all had fun and joked about it after.
Pride and progress: Middle school track and field team reflects on season
The middle school purple tennis team celebrates after finishing as runner-ups at the Pacific Basin League Finals with Head Coach Paula Feignbaum and Assistant Coach Sydney Streimer.  “Wanting to see your teammates succeed, you’re not really focused on yourself,” Sepalla said. “There was a little bit of anxiety surrounding going into the finals because I don’t think anyone had ever done anything like that before. But, when we got there, we knew that our nerves would settle because we were there together. We weren’t on our own.” 
Swings and wins: Middle school tennis runner-up in PBL finals and Individuals Championships 
Junior Treasure Brown throws the shot put as she competes in the event. Varsity track and field went to Harvard Westlake Wednesday, March 23, to compete in this league meet. The team consistently placed top three in their league meets and are the 2022 Liberty League Champions.
Trophies and triumphs: Varsity track and field finishes spring season
Elle Vandewhege (26) serves a ball at a beach volleyball scrimmage against Windward School. Her partner, Similce Diesel (26), was prepared to return the opponents ball.
Pilot beach volleyball program engages middle school athletes post-pandemic
Censorship has been raging in the United States, threatening classrooms and beyond. This nation-wide issue should be at the forefront of more minds.
Editorial: Censorship in on our minds, it should be on yours
Every number of a death toll generates the same image for a person: a dead body. Stopping to consider the lives and suffering of each person in that number will create the empathy we need to act as a community.
Op-Ed: There are lives behind the death toll
Pictured above is the loading screen from Before Your Eyes. Created by GoodbyeWorld Games, the game takes players through the memories of the main character as he navigates the afterlife.
Column: One blink at a time
Jackson Wang performs at Head in the Clouds. Located at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, the annual music festival celebrates Asian and Asian American artists and culture.
Column: Head over heels for Head in the Clouds
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
Pictured above is the loading screen from Before Your Eyes. Created by GoodbyeWorld Games, the game takes players through the memories of the main character as he navigates the afterlife.
Column: One blink at a time
Jackson Wang performs at Head in the Clouds. Located at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, the annual music festival celebrates Asian and Asian American artists and culture.
Column: Head over heels for Head in the Clouds
As Scotland becomes the first country in the world to make period products free to everyone, the milestone reminds me of how much work still needs to be done in the period poverty movement in the United States, and beyond.
Column: The price of a period
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
The class of 2022 stands in front of their grade door during Color Wars. The hardest goodbye I will ever have to say is to those I call my family. The past four years have been nothing short of a roller coaster, and I could not imagine my life without each and every person in my grade.
Column: My final farewell
Censorship has been raging in the United States, threatening classrooms and beyond. This nation-wide issue should be at the forefront of more minds.
Editorial: Censorship in on our minds, it should be on yours
Every number of a death toll generates the same image for a person: a dead body. Stopping to consider the lives and suffering of each person in that number will create the empathy we need to act as a community.
Op-Ed: There are lives behind the death toll
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?
Editorial: What makes us feel safe?
My first photo from the 2018-2019 Oracle staff. This photo was on the lanyard I wore when I reported. Since my first year writing for The Oracle, I have held positions as a Staff Reporter, Cultures Editor and Features Editor. 
Commentary: So long, Pub Lab
On Friday, April 30, seniors gathered on the stairs of the veranda to celebrate their accomplishments and acceptances to college. This day, for me, was filled with so much joy and excitement for each one of my classmates because it really showed off all the hard work that we put into our years at Archer.
Op-Ed: A letter to juniors
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
I frequently find myself searching for summer playlists but none are ever perfect. I have attempted to curate the ultimate summer playlist full of joyful music.
Magnetic music: Dance-worthy playlist perfect for summer
After a busier shift than normal, my apron would be covered with splatters of various creams, caramels and syrups. Throughout my time working at Starbucks, I have experimented with numerous ingredients and have discovered some of the best matcha-incorporated beverages.
Best matcha drinks, flavor combinations from a Starbucks barista
A group of seventh grade students sit in the sun on the front lawn during lunch. The group originally began sitting there when one of them decided to use the drain cover as a makeshift table. 
Lunch time opinions: Students share favorite spots around campus
Claire Leimone poses will a Trader Joes reusable bag filled with grocery items. On top of their fantastic food and welcoming stores, Trader Joes provides recyclable and reusable bags.
An ode to Trader Joe’s
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
Letter to the Editor: Inspirational advocates have advice for you
Letter to the Editor: Inspirational advocates have advice for you
The journey of Archers Maypole, Moving Up Day tradition
The journey of Archer’s Maypole, Moving Up Day tradition
The Scoop S2 Ep3 - The Scoop on Hestias Flame, Archers Yearbook
The Scoop S2 Ep3 – The Scoop on Hestia’s Flame, Archer’s Yearbook
Planaria and Parkinsons Disease: Four student scientists place at California State Science Fair
Planaria and Parkinson’s Disease: Four student scientists place at California State Science Fair
Graduating seniors from the Oracle Staff, Sports Editor Gracie Doyle, Editor-in-Chief Vaughan Anoai and Features Editor Thea Leimone, show off their college spirit together. I think from here on, its only exciting things, Doyle said. We have a really, really fun end of the year. We get to participate in all these traditions. Then we have summer, which is always fun, and then freshman year [of college], which is so exciting and new. But Im really ready for the next chapter.
Pennants, pizza, photos: Seniors celebrate National College Decision Day
The Scoop S2 Ep 2 - The Scoop on Division Disconnection
The Scoop S2 Ep 2 – The Scoop on Division Disconnection
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 Scoop S2 Ep 1: Inside the Walls of Archer with Samantha Hazell-OBrien
The Scoop S2 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
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The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

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

The Oracle
All content by Kim Smith
Junior Malia Apor lifts the bar and two additional ten pound weights during A-train Sept. 22. A-train takes place from 4:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

[Photo] Learning to lift: Upper school students join A-train, Barbell Club

September 28, 2022
Varsity track and field advancing from Liberty League compete at the CIF Prelims. Seven athletes qualified for CIF Prelims. After the CIF Prelims, junior Treasure Brown qualified for CIF Finals and has now advanced to CIF Masters.

[Photo] Trophies and triumphs: Varsity track and field finishes spring season

May 30, 2022
Swimmers Thea Leimone (’22), Chloe Resnick (’24), Amelia Hines (’24) and Lacey Thompson (’24) compete in the CIF Division 2 finals in Mission Viejo May 6. This was the team’s first time competing in the event. “Even though it was about results — and that’s what you’ll see in the weekly emails — the biggest part of the swim season is being together and being a part of a team,” Hines said.

[Photo] Archer swimmers compete in CIF Division 2 finals, place 10th out of 50 schools

May 22, 2022
The varsity softball team poses for a team photo after their game against Marymount. The team won with a score of 16-6. I love our team because of how supportive everyone is of each other, Apor said. We always pick each other up after a loss because softball is a big game of mistakes, and it’s the only way we will get better.

[Photo] Varsity softball ends season with ‘sense of togetherness’

May 8, 2022
The middle school softball team poses for a photo with assistant coach Dani LeNoir (left) and head coach Natalie Chambers (right). The team is comprised of sixth and seventh graders. At some point, the middle school team diminished because the interest wasnt there, Chambers said. It has been a while, so the fact that we had a lot of girls sign up and really want to commit themselves — I couldnt ask for anything more.

[Photo] ‘They push me to do better’: Q&A with middle school softball coach, Natalie Chambers

May 12, 2022
Kim Smith, Director of Athletics, poses with the 2020-2021 varsity soccer team. Along with her posistion, she is also the coach of varsity scocer. It takes effort, Smith said. You know, it does. But its so worth it because you never know the support youll need or the inspiration that youll be able to give to your teammates later on down the road.

[Photo] Q&A with Kim Smith: Director of Athletics inducted into North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame

February 9, 2022
A group of middle school soccer players warm up for practice on the back field. Everybody is really brought together by soccer, Walker said. Its super easy for us to connect about one thing which branches into fun and interesting conversations.

[Photo] ‘Back on the field’: Middle school soccer embarks on season, sets goals

January 29, 2022
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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