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Broadcast: Annual Spirit Week brings excitement, creativity before spring break
Broadcast: Annual Spirit Week brings excitement, creativity before spring break
Hollyn Alpert (’28) runs while tossing blue powder into the air March 22. Students celebrated Holi on the back field and threw colored powder at each other at commemorate the new spring.  
A vibrant Holi-day: Holi celebration marks beginning of spring
Broadcast: GEG hosts International Womens Day event, honors theme of Inspiring Inclusion
Broadcast: GEG hosts International Women’s Day event, honors theme of ‘Inspiring Inclusion’
Seniors Lacey Thompson and Laila Charles pour smoothies into cups for the “Guess the Smoothie” activity. The activity took place March 20 for the “Wild West vs. West Coast” Spirit Week theme day.
Spirit Week incorporates new, old themes during major assessment week
Freshman Milan Earl and sophomore Lucy Kaplan sit with their grandparents at Archer’s annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day Friday, March 15. The event took place over three 75-minute sessions.  “[I hope my grandparents] gain an understanding about what I do, Kaplan said, because I know they ask a lot of questions and can sort of see what I do in school and what the experience is like to be here.
Archer hosts annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day, students share school culture with loved ones
Associate Director of College Guidance Shalyn Tharayil works in her office in preparation for rising seniors college application season. Tharayil has worked with schools all over the world and reflected on her first year at Archer. I think the culture fit at Archer — the students, the teachers, our team — I just think I really fit well with the ethos of how we approach college counseling here, which is very holistic and very student-centered, Tharayil said.
Q&A with college guidance counselor on supporting students through journey of self-discovery
Four stuffed animals and one stuffed avocado are clustered on a bed. A New York Times article stated that stuffed animals help people cope with stress because of the comfort they provide.
More than toys: Stuffed animals’ calming effects on mental health
Maia Alvarez (’24), Allie Yang (’25) and Shae Killam (’27) pose with an award after their Western Bay Forensic League tournament. Their tournament took place at Harvard-Westlake School March 2. Photo provided by Maia Alvarez.
Q&A with speech and debate team captains on promoting positivity, friendship within team
Gabrielle Cain stands at her graduation in Naval Academy outfit. She graduated from flight school and became a Naval Aviator in 2023. Photo provided by Gabrielle Cain.
‘Unicorn’ in her field: Life in the military as a Black woman
A graphic illustration displays an individual speaking a world language with a native speaker via an online conversation platform. Upper school French and Spanish classes incorporated Boomalang, and upper school Chinese classes switched student groups at the National Taiwan University to help students practice their communication skills in the target language. (Graphic Illustration by Emily Paschall).
Beyond the classroom: World language classes utilize tutoring platforms, students become ‘open-minded citizens of the world’
Chappell Roan stands in front of a vanity with a full face of makeup on and prom-like outfit for her album cover. Roan described her look in a Rolling Stone article as her own version of drag. Photo Source: Image from Official Chappell Roan site.
Review: Chappell Roan’s ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’ is an instant queer pop classic
Upon a backdrop of lush greenery, Kacey Musgraves holds a flower to her face, creating the album cover for Deeper Well. The album, released March 15, details Musgraves internal rhetoric of peace, whimsy and everything in between. Photo credit: “Deeper Well” album cover courtesy of Interscope Records .
Review: Kacey Musgraves heals, embraces peace on ‘Deeper Well’
There are sea anemones for days at Broad Beach, and, for some reason, the child in me cant help but get a closer look. This is just one of my favorite beaches in LA County that offers fun amenities and beautiful scenery you wont want to miss. Photo by Kate Hanney (25).
Review: My favorite beaches on LA County coast
Serenity Jones (26) and Alice Rifenbark (28) interact with senior Sadie Longs artwork. Long and Chloe Resnick (24) opened their senior show, Roots & Reflections: A Surreal Look at Beginnings, in the Eastern Star Gallery Wednesday, April 10.
Senior show ‘Roots & Reflections: A Surreal Look at Beginnings’ displays introspection, reflection on senior year
A man works at the counter at The Bread Lounge. Loaves of bread lined the shelves at this bakery that prides itself on its bountiful offerings.
Review: Bread Lounge delivers delicious, doughy treats, unique experience
Chappell Roan stands in front of a vanity with a full face of makeup on and prom-like outfit for her album cover. Roan described her look in a Rolling Stone article as her own version of drag. Photo Source: Image from Official Chappell Roan site.
Review: Chappell Roan’s ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’ is an instant queer pop classic
Upon a backdrop of lush greenery, Kacey Musgraves holds a flower to her face, creating the album cover for Deeper Well. The album, released March 15, details Musgraves internal rhetoric of peace, whimsy and everything in between. Photo credit: “Deeper Well” album cover courtesy of Interscope Records .
Review: Kacey Musgraves heals, embraces peace on ‘Deeper Well’
Serenity Jones (26) and Alice Rifenbark (28) interact with senior Sadie Longs artwork. Long and Chloe Resnick (24) opened their senior show, Roots & Reflections: A Surreal Look at Beginnings, in the Eastern Star Gallery Wednesday, April 10.
Senior show ‘Roots & Reflections: A Surreal Look at Beginnings’ displays introspection, reflection on senior year
Various reality TV shows that are available for streaming on Hulu are shown. There are several genres within reality TV, such as makeover and romance, which makes reality TV appealing to different audiences.
From ‘The Bachelor’ to ‘Love is Blind,’ reality TV is ‘entertaining,’ ‘comforting’ despite inherent artificiality
Broadcast: Senior dance captain celebrates annual Night of Dance, reflects on Archer dance community
Broadcast: Senior dance captain celebrates annual Night of Dance, reflects on Archer dance community
A man works at the counter at The Bread Lounge. Loaves of bread lined the shelves at this bakery that prides itself on its bountiful offerings.
Review: Bread Lounge delivers delicious, doughy treats, unique experience
The bag customers at Sockerbit, a Swedish candy store, use to hold their delicious sweets is displayed. My favorites included their sour coke and lemon skulls and strawberry gummies.
Review: Sockerbit provides sweet escape into world of Swedish candy
Sweet Rose Creamery is shown above with its vibrant logo on display. The parlor makes a vast array of delicious flavors. 
Review: Sweet Rose Creamery has wonderfully versatile, delicious ice cream
Pastries and baked goods rest in the display case at Modern Bread & Bagel. Modern Bread & Bagel is a 100% gluten-free bakery that offers dishes and flavors from across the globe.
Review: Modern Bread & Bagel: Gluten-free has never tasted this good
The Apple Pan has a classic look and feel, with their slogan outlined on all of their signs: Quality Forever. Their classic Hickoryburger has a unique, smoky flavor that Ive never tasted before.
Review: The Apple Pan is an LA classic
A pickleball ball lays still on the sport court on Archers back field. As a part of their fitness curriculum, 10th graders have a pickleball unit, where they practice drills and participate in round-robin style play. 
What’s the dill: Exploring the popularity of pickleball
Freshmen Snow Zhou and Nicole Svendsen play against Pacifica Christian at Annenberg Beach Club on a day with sunny weather. During their season, the team had to adjust to the ever-changing weather in Los Angeles this year. Were very consistent with our serves, Zhou said. So even if its raining, we still put effort into the serves and all the practices.  Photo by Long Tom Zhou.
You’re hot then you’re cold: Varsity beach volleyball team perseveres despite weather challenges
The middle school softball team huddles together with head coach Bre Brown. The team has won all four of their games so far. Photo by Archer Athletics.
‘They all have their own superpower’: Middle school softball team slides through beginning of season
A March Madness set-up displays multiple games and different teams merchandise. This years womens March Madness tournament, which started March 22 and concluded April 8, marked record-breaking viewership. Photo by Rebecca Lazarus.
March Madness: Students, athletic director discuss record-breaking viewership of NCAA women’s basketball
Eighth grader Andrea Fuentes pitches for the Archer middle school softball team at a home game against Brentwood School. Fuentes began playing softball when she was 4 and has pitched for the Archer team for the past three years.
Q&A with eighth grade pitcher of middle school softball team
These are promotional posters of films I want to rewatch before graduation. The films range from introspective, yet humorous, to nostalgic and lighthearted. Photo credits: Lady Bird poster courtesy of A24. Booksmart poster courtesy of Annapurna Pictures. 10 Things I Hate About You poster courtesy of
Witty, whimsical, wise: 6 films to watch before graduating
Ten-year-old me holds a beet in one hand in the middle of a farm. Ive been vegetarian since I was 5 — a decision I promised myself Id stay true to. Photo by Jacoba Smulders.
Op-Ed: More people should consider a vegetarian diet
This collage features a book that showcases many of the Dior collections from 1947-2017. I hand selected a couple looks from collections dating back to the 80s all the way to 2015 that incorporate the trends I discuss in this column.
Column: 2024 in fashion: What to look forward to in this year’s style
The words Advanced Placement and Advanced Study rest on opposite sides of a scale. In the 2022-2023 school year, Archer removed Advanced Placement courses, replacing them with advanced study. The editorial board reflected on this transition and shared their insights on the new courses. (Graphic Illustration by Oona Seppala and Francie Wallack) 
Editorial: Advanced study courses benefit student engagement, growth
These quotes give you a peek into Dolly Aldertons chaotic world and brilliant mind through her memoir, Everything I Know About Parties, Dates, Friends, Jobs, Life, Love. As my first memoir, I enjoyed witnessing the highs and lows of her lifetime, which lead to my subsequent existential crisis.
Column: Everything I didn’t know about memoirs
This collage features a book that showcases many of the Dior collections from 1947-2017. I hand selected a couple looks from collections dating back to the 80s all the way to 2015 that incorporate the trends I discuss in this column.
Column: 2024 in fashion: What to look forward to in this year’s style
These quotes give you a peek into Dolly Aldertons chaotic world and brilliant mind through her memoir, Everything I Know About Parties, Dates, Friends, Jobs, Life, Love. As my first memoir, I enjoyed witnessing the highs and lows of her lifetime, which lead to my subsequent existential crisis.
Column: Everything I didn’t know about memoirs
The candy aisle of a Target store represents the abundance of choices people have in our society on a day-to-day level, which can ultimately lead to decision fatigue. Decision fatigue is when you make poorer decisions due the exhaustion that comes from making a lot of previous decisions; I suggest combating it by decreasing the number of decisions you make per day, which leaves more mental energy for important choices.
Column: This or that? The problem of decision fatigue.
This image features a video of Andrew Tate’s entitled, “Outwork Everyone Else.” This photo represents how one might be sucked into his content, believing it to be empowering and motivational rather than the hateful rhetoric it truly is. It also illustrates how Tate markets his videos in an unassuming manner to draw in and indoctrinate new viewers.
Column: ‘Alpha Male Podcast Bros’ and the epidemic of misogyny
Celebrity names are connected by arrows to 4chan and Telegram logos. These are just some of the public figures who have been explicitly disfigured by AI on social platforms. (Graphic Illustration by Allie Yang)
Column: AI deepfakes denote deep consequences for all
Ten-year-old me holds a beet in one hand in the middle of a farm. Ive been vegetarian since I was 5 — a decision I promised myself Id stay true to. Photo by Jacoba Smulders.
Op-Ed: More people should consider a vegetarian diet
The words Advanced Placement and Advanced Study rest on opposite sides of a scale. In the 2022-2023 school year, Archer removed Advanced Placement courses, replacing them with advanced study. The editorial board reflected on this transition and shared their insights on the new courses. (Graphic Illustration by Oona Seppala and Francie Wallack) 
Editorial: Advanced study courses benefit student engagement, growth
The graphic illustration portrays a hand holding a heart, symbolizing a charitable nonprofit, next to a question mark. I have noticed a recent increase in youth-led nonprofit organizations, and I feel it is now more important than ever to consider the intentions behind their founding, which can affect the sustainability of such organizations in the long run. (Graphic Illustration by Melinda Wang)
Op-Ed: Passion should be the real foundation for student-led nonprofits
Freshmen Phoebe Gustafson and Lena Sakhnini look at their phones during lunch. Teens often find it hard to live without their phones on a daily basis. According to a Pew Research study, About three-quarters of teens (77%) say they use YouTube daily, while a smaller majority of teens (58%) say the same about TikTok.
Op-Ed: Charging your own battery
This photo was taken when my mom Tracy legally adopted me. We were surrounded by family and friends. Photo by Angelica Hernández.
Commentary: Growing up with an anonymous father
These are promotional posters of films I want to rewatch before graduation. The films range from introspective, yet humorous, to nostalgic and lighthearted. Photo credits: Lady Bird poster courtesy of A24. Booksmart poster courtesy of Annapurna Pictures. 10 Things I Hate About You poster courtesy of
Witty, whimsical, wise: 6 films to watch before graduating
My sister and I went to the Aquarium of the Pacific when we were younger. Entering an aquarium can feel like entering a new world. With the wondrous sea creatures and the unique habitats, there’s always more to explore. Photo by Lara Burnap.
Fun and fulfilling: 4 places to release your inner child
This image features four album covers from the highlighted, lesser-known artists I absolutely love. Covers include “Revealer” by Madison Cunningham and “Going Through It” by Eliza McLamb. Photo credits: “Revealer” album cover courtesy of Verve Label Group. “Going Through It” album cover courtesy of Royal Mountain Records. “Vienna (In Memoriam)” album cover courtesy of New Gold Medal. “Drunk on a Flight” album cover courtesy of AWAL Recordings.
4 favorites: Smaller, alternative musicians I can’t stop listening to
A collection of cut avocados rest on a cutting board. Using these avocados, I made a giant batch of guacamole for the Super Bowl Feb. 11.
The 4 best ways to eat an avocado (besides your basic avocado toast)
TV Throwbacks: My 10 favorite 2000s shows
TV Throwbacks: My 10 favorite 2000s shows
Letter to the Editor: Archers insufficient communication about Israel
Letter to the Editor: Archer’s insufficient communication about Israel
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
Broadcast: Annual Spirit Week brings excitement, creativity before spring break
Broadcast: Annual Spirit Week brings excitement, creativity before spring break
Lets Go to the Movies S1E3 - Cheating on the Oscars: What is category fraud and how is it changing?
Let’s Go to the Movies S1E3 – Cheating on the Oscars: What is category fraud and how is it changing?
Broadcast: GEG hosts International Womens Day event, honors theme of Inspiring Inclusion
Broadcast: GEG hosts International Women’s Day event, honors theme of ‘Inspiring Inclusion’
The BLACKCAST S1E4 - And the award goes to: Black creatives and award shows
The BLACKCAST S1E4 – And the award goes to: Black creatives and award shows
Broadcast: Senior dance captain celebrates annual Night of Dance, reflects on Archer dance community
Broadcast: Senior dance captain celebrates annual Night of Dance, reflects on Archer dance community
Lets Go to the Movies S1E3 - Cheating on the Oscars: What is category fraud and how is it changing?
Let’s Go to the Movies S1E3 – Cheating on the Oscars: What is category fraud and how is it changing?
The BLACKCAST S1E4 - And the award goes to: Black creatives and award shows
The BLACKCAST S1E4 – And the award goes to: Black creatives and award shows
S4E9 - The Scoop on Archer’s English curriculum, impact of certain novels
S4E9 – The Scoop on Archer’s English curriculum, impact of certain novels
S4E8 - The Scoop on student journalist Lisa, her perspective on student censorship
S4E8 – The Scoop on student journalist Lisa, her perspective on student censorship
S4E7 - The Scoop on students’ passion-led service projects
S4E7 – The Scoop on students’ passion-led service projects
The Latest
The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

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

The Oracle
Maia Alvarez

Maia Alvarez, Features Editor

Maia Alvarez joined The Oracle as a staff reporter in 2021 and became the Multimedia Editor in 2022. In 2023, she became the Features Editor. She is on the leadership board for InvenTeam, leads the Best Buddies club, and is a member of the Speech and Debate team. Outside of classes, she practices taekwondo as a second-degree black belt and volunteers as a tutor.

All content by Maia Alvarez

[Video] #StudentPressFreedomDay: Archer wins 9th FAFPA, Oracle staff discusses value of press freedom

By Lola Thomas and Maia Alvarez
February 22, 2024
Lucia Macy (29) and Dealer, Macy’s trainer’s horse, show their winning ribbons after a horse show. As the equestrian team practices year-round, riders have trained at their respective barns and participated in other horse shows to prepare for the upcoming Interscholastic Equestrian Show in March. Photo courtesy of Lucia Macy.

Saddle up: Equestrian team reigns in new year practicing for March show

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
February 18, 2024
Bastien Beaufort, the director of Guyapi Paris and specialist in fair trade and indigenous plants, explains the history of the slow food movement and the organizations efforts to bring indigenous knowledge and plant-based nutrients to French consumers. This past summer, French students traveled to France and Belgium for a sustainability-focused Archer Abroad trip June 3-10. Photo by Travis Nesbitt.

Archer Abroad trip to France, Belgium engages French students in environmental studies, language, culture

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
December 6, 2023
AJRs fifth studio album, The Maybe Man, was released Nov. 9. The album follows band members Adam, Jack and Ryans re-examination of life in their most authentic album to date. Photo Source: Image from The Maybe Man on Apple Music.

Review: ‘The Maybe Man’ by AJR calls for authenticity in the music industry

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
December 6, 2023
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.

Adminstration, JSU organize affinity spaces, meetings following attacks in Israel

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
October 13, 2023
Sophomore Meredith Ho edits an interview transcription on Otter.ai. With the addition of AI guidelines to the student handbook, our editorial board has been questioning how AI technology can impact journalism.

[Photo] Editorial: AI is a tool, not the future of journalism

By 23-24 Editorial Board
September 30, 2023
Sophomores Emerson Cohen, Emily Paschall and Meredith Ho gather together for a picture at Leo Carrillo Beach. To commence the school year, sixth through 10th grade students participated in Archer’s annual Fall Outing, where they connected through outdoor activities including ropes courses, games and swimming. “I think it was definitely my favorite fall outing that we’ve done so far,” sophomore Darian Weiss said. “It’s nice that was our last one. It was a good way to end it off.”

Fall Outings for grades 6-10 promote team building, leadership

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
September 10, 2023
Juniors Emma Winkler and Rachel Michiel practice giving and receiving feedback at the publications leadership retreat. From Aug. 14-18, student leaders of the Honor Education Council, Ambassador Leadership Team and Student Council also gathered on campus to learn about leadership, set goals and plan upcoming programs.

Student leaders of HEC, ALT, Student Council team build, set goals for school year at summer retreats

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
August 21, 2023

The Scoop on the History of the Senior Fountain Jump

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
June 1, 2023
Sophomore Sophia Calne wrote an opinion piece for her 10th grade English class about how height should be included in the body positivity movement, and people should be more sensitive to differences in height. (Graphic Illustration by Maia Alvarez)

[Photo] Op-Ed: The weather down here

May 27, 2023
Sophomore Mia Vosicher wrote an opinion piece for her 10th grade English class about the meaning of true activism and how people should approach making change today. (Graphic Illustration by Maia Alvarez)

[Photo] Op-Ed: What is true activism?

May 27, 2023
Sophomore Natalie Huang wrote an opinion piece for her 10th grade English class about how personality tests can capitalize off of and further insecurities. (Graphic Illustration by Maia Alvarez)

[Photo] Op-Ed: This essay will tell you how insecure you are

May 27, 2023
Sophomore Sydney Curry wrote an opinion piece for her 10th grade English class about her experience being Black at a predominantly white school and the importance of affirming Black students value in their existence. (Graphic Illustration by Maia Alvarez)

[Photo] Op-Ed: Is it because I’m Black?

By Sydney Curry, Podcaster
May 27, 2023
Senior Ella Poon recounts the power of theater for Latine Americans by highlighting everyday life in Washington Heights from the musical “In the Heights.” Archer’s annual Advanced Study Humanities Symposium was held in the library and Media Space Friday, May 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.

Annual Advanced Study Humanities Symposium highlights seniors’ passions through presentations, writing

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
May 24, 2023
While 20% of students at Archer recieve some form of Flexible Tuition, the schools term for financial aid, none of these students receive meal stipends for breakfast or lunch. Within this piece, students share their concerns with the lack of meal stipends, while administration explains the complexities of the schools budgeting system. (Graphic Illustration: Maia Alvarez)

Students raise concerns about lack of food stipends, administration shares complexities behind school’s budgeting

By Lizette Gonzalez and Maia Alvarez
May 7, 2023
While 20% of students at Archer recieve some form of Flexible Tuition, the schools term of financial aid, none of these students recieve meal stipends for breakfast or lunch. Within this piece, students share their concerns with the lack of meal stipends while adminstration explains the complexities of the schools budgeting system.

[Photo]

The position of middle school president goes to Asha Parry (’28), as she received the most votes from the rising seventh and eighth graders.

[Photo] BREAKING: 2023-2024 middle school election results announced

May 5, 2023
The position of Student Body President goes to Anaiya Asomugha (’24), as she received the most votes from the rising upper schoolers. The Executive Board will be comprised of Tess Hubbard (’24), Amelia Hines (’24) and Laila Charles (’24).

[Photo] BREAKING: 2023-2024 Student Council Executive Board results announced

May 2, 2023
A row of cardboard boxes lines the front hallway wall where students can donate items. Between Monday, April 10, and Monday, April 17, students donated to the American Red Cross Drive for refugees fleeing unsafe conditions.

American Red Cross Club hosts refugee drive, motivates community towards service work

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
April 18, 2023
Senior Lily Prokop cheers on her teammate at the first swim meet of the season. As club and non-club athletes on the swim team do not practice together, meets are a unique time to build connections within Archers swim community.

To club or not to club: Varsity, JV Swim find community between small practices, scattered meets

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
April 11, 2023
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

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
March 6, 2023
Graphic Ilustration by Maia Alvarez.

[Photo]

Oracle staff members discuss and edit articles. Layout and Design Editor of Archer’s yearbook Lucia Ponti (’24) and Sports Editor Surya Patil (’25) said they ensure every story has three sources, follows AP-Style rules and includes fact-checked information.

#InclusiveReporting: The Oracle diversity audit reveals how unique perspectives ‘highlight stories hidden in the everyday’

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
February 22, 2023
My speech and debate teammates lift me up for a photo. Even if I do not perform my best at a tournament, I never feel the need to compare myself to other competitors. My enjoyment of the activity is my primary focus.

[Photo] Commentary: My ongoing relationship with comparison

By Allie Yang, Columnist
February 12, 2023
A student views his computer which alerts him of the recents mass shootings in the U.S.

[Photo] Low turnout at Monterey Park reflection spaces worries community members about desensitization to gun violence

By Surya Patil, Sports Editor
January 31, 2023
Like the student pictured above, students often experience stress during finals week and in the weeks leading up to it. As a community, we should work together to reduce our stress, especially towards the end of semesters. Graphic Design by Maia Alvarez

[Photo] Editorial: Why administration efforts matter, additional support strategies are vital

By 22-23 Editorial Board
February 11, 2023
The illustration shows books and a laptop signifying the research students in the new advanced study curriculum delve into. Seniors who decided to take the advanced class equivalent of either their history or English course completed an individually designed semester-long project.

[Photo] Seniors develop research skills, explore own interests through humanities advanced study curriculum

By Lizette Gonzalez, Features Editor
January 19, 2023
Chair of Honor Education Council Rachel Heyman (23) discusses her perspective a scenario during the HEC general session Friday, Jan. 13. At the biweekly general sessions, upper school students have been joining HEC members to discuss real-world ethical dilemmas, learn about the honor code and get advice on moral situations of their own.

HEC hosts upper school general sessions, discusses ethical decision-making before finals week

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
January 18, 2023
This illustration shows me listening to music through my headphones. While Ive been hard of hearing most of my life, music has been a constant and Im grateful to have it in my life.

Commentary: Music’s importance to me

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
January 7, 2023
A reporters notebook and recording device is a must for each individual on The Oracle. As a editorial board however, we hold the responsibility of not only editing each piece on The Oracle, but also deciding what we wish to cover.

[Photo] Editorial: An editorial board’s purpose

By 22-23 Editorial Board
December 15, 2022
Sophia Altemus, Azel Al-Kadiri and Noor Afshar wave their white roses as the Unaccompained Minors, Archer’s upper school a cappella group, performs the school’s song “Within the Walls of Archer.” The annual Founder’s Day and the Senior Recognition Ceremony celebrated the women who established Archer and the women who will soon step into the world beyond Archer’s walls.

Founder’s Day, senior recognition ceremony honor founders, alumna, seniors

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
December 9, 2022
Live on the fright side: Halloween celebration encourages joy on campus

Live on the fright side: Halloween celebration encourages joy on campus

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
November 16, 2022
Dani Fenster (23) and Uma Bajaj (23) defend a strike by Coach Stephanie Ferri. Members of the faculty and class of 2023 faced off in a volleyball match Friday Oct. 21.

‘What Archer spirit really looks like’: Color clash encourages school spirit, seniors edge out faculty in volleyball game

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
November 1, 2022
Serenity Jones (26) preparing to serve to begin the next set during their game against Buckley Sept. 24. The JV varsity volleyball teams overall record so far this season is 7-6.

Bringing the ‘best game energy’: JV Volleyball celebrates new skills, strengthen team dynamic

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
October 29, 2022
Caption: The graphic showcases the bakeries and shops students can visit when traveling to the Brentwood village. Starting Oct.3, seniors, juniors and sophomores could travel off-campus to the Brentwood Village to purchase anything from the stores available including coffee, tea, pastries and lunch during the school day.

Off-campus privileges resume for sophomores, juniors, seniors

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
October 23, 2022
Students play a game where teams catch as many balls as they can in their nets. “It’s similar to basketball, it’s a similar look to soccer, so it’s not completely foreign to something that someone may have done before,” Lacrosse Coach Megan Toomey said. “It’s just a perfect spring sport for anyone that’s looking to do more athletics.”

Student’s initiative launches pilot lacrosse clinics during fall season

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
October 19, 2022
Meera Mahidhara (23) presents the Home Screen Club to sixth grader Samaira Modgil. HomeScreens plans on garnering more volunteers and spreading more awareness about the mental health crisis in the homeless population, Mahidhara said.

[Photo] Club Fair showcases diverse range of students interests

By Surya Patil, Sports Editor
October 22, 2022
In this broadcast, students from within and outside Archer share their opinions on the hardening versus softening of schools in response to gun violence. These disparate approaches to school safety are of great discussion around the country following multiple school shootings in 2022.

Hardening versus softening: Student opinions on school gun safety precautions

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
October 14, 2022
Students gather in the courtyard on the first day of classes to eat lunch and take their yearbook photos while trying to stay in the shade as much as possible. At the start of the new school year, the Los Angeles community experienced Californias hottest and longest heatwave in its history. It takes a lot of effort for you to do the tasks that you need to do when its too hot, facilities staff member Enrique Montoya said. You need to keep drinking water and make sure you stay cool throughout the day.”

Record-setting heat wave challenges community’s first week back

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
September 15, 2022
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.

[Photo] Fall Outing, orientation and College Jumpstart: Archer leadership welcomes students back to campus

September 20, 2022

[Video] The journey of Archer’s Maypole, Moving Up Day tradition

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
June 10, 2022

[Video] The Scoop S2 Ep3 – The Scoop on Hestia’s Flame, Archer’s Yearbook

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
June 3, 2022
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’

By Maia Alvarez and Jullie Cach
June 2, 2022
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 

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
May 31, 2022
Sophomore Camila Blank sprays seventh grader Nicole Svendsen after moving during a game of Red LIght, Green Light. To commence Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, APSU hosted a celebration on May 16 where students could participate in games and enjoy food from different Asian cultures. Its no small thing to consume Asian and Asian American media and make an Asian presence in the media more common and more mainstream, Fester said. Whether thats music or movies or books, its a really big thing to increase exposure.

‘Not just one Asian tradition’: APSU hosts game-filled celebration for AAPI Month 

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
May 29, 2022
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

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
May 28, 2022
letterstotheeditor-2

[Photo] Letter to the Editor: Sun, sand and scrumptious

By Carolina Benabib
May 23, 2022
The position of Student Body President goes to Rose Chuck, as she received the most votes from the rising upper schoolers. The Executive Board will be comprised of Tess Hubbard, Alyssa Ponrartana and Meera Mahidhara.

[Photo] BREAKING: 2022-2023 Student Council Executive Board results announced

By Lucy Williams, Voices Editor
May 13, 2022
Election Template Question Mark

[Photo] Executive Board Candidates 2022

By Oracle Staff
May 11, 2022
22-23 Alyssa Ponratana (1)

[Photo] Meet the Candidate: Alyssa Ponrartana

May 11, 2022
22-23 Paulina

[Photo] Meet the Candidate: Mia Makower

May 11, 2022
Chelsea Austin explains the inspiration for her book at her book talk. Austin held a book talk for the Archer community April 1 to discuss her new memoir, “Inexplicably Me.” “I just want everybody to walk away feeling as loved as possible because a lot of people don’t feel that love, at home, at school, wherever it is,” Austin said. “So my hope is that I can exude this aura of love and that they can take away that they feel loved, even if it’s not conscious.”

Alumni Chelsea Austin’s book talk teaches attendees ‘self worth, self acceptance’

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
May 1, 2022
Fourth grader Daniel Cortez, who has down syndrome learning about a sunflower from his mother, Marisol Cortez at Avila Farm during quarantine. Dr. Douglas said through exposure and intentional education, different kinds of diversity can be explored. Neurodiversity is just one of the dimensions of diversity, that we can experience, Vanderbilt said. Its another diversity element that people should be thinking about and how do we learn more about that in addition to ethnicity and culture and gender and sexual orientation.

‘Another dimension of diversity’: Special-Education students engage in school communities

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
April 24, 2022

The Scoop S2 Ep 2 – The Scoop on Division Disconnection

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
April 1, 2022
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