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
Siena Ferraro

Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief

Siena Ferraro joined the Oracle as a staff reporter in 2022 and became news editor in 2023. In 2024, she became the assistant editor-in-chief overseeing the news, sports and multimedia sections. Outside of reporting for The Oracle, Siena leads the annual used book fair and popup events, volunteers for For Goodness Cakes and tutors students in writing, history and executive functioning skills after school through Power Hour. She also teaches English reading and writing skills to Ukrainian students through ENGin and is on the leadership board for Archer’s annual Literature&… conference.

All content by Siena Ferraro
Students draw in the courtyard to unwind following the announcement of President Donald J. Trump's reelection Wednesday, Nov. 6. Illustrations included drawings in support of Vice President Kamala Harris and an array of colorful doodles.

‘Everybody is just trying to process it’: Community reacts to Trump’s presidential election victory

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
November 17, 2024
Members of the seventh grade Improv Team Sofia Micelli, Ellie Epstein, Delainy Lloyd and Elle Brutocao improvise a scene during their lunchtime performance Monday, Oct. 27. Their scenes were randomly selected by audience participants, and were all Halloween-themed.

Spooky scenes: Seventh grade improv team hosts Halloween-themed performance

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
November 3, 2024
Liam Payne is illustrated with a halo above his head, following the news of his death Wednesday, Oct. 16. He rose to fame at age 14 upon joining One Direction, a prominent boyband of the 2010's. (Graphic illustration by Emma Winkler)

Former One Direction member Liam Payne dead at 31: Community grieves, honors his musical legacy

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
October 18, 2024
A student analyzes the most recent edition of the national polling average, provided by the "New York Times," which depicts Kamala Harris and Donald Trump's individual likelihood of winning the presidency. Many students have voiced their concerns and frustration over the closeness of the polls, given the polar oppositeness of each presidential candidate.

‘Its very upsetting to look at’: Students voice concerns over closeness of presidential election polls

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
October 17, 2024
Karen Pavilscak leaves Archer after 25 years serving as an English Teacher, Middle School Director, and Associate Head of School for Teaching and Learning.

[Photo] Associate Head for Teaching and Learning departs from Archer during 25th year, community reflects on legacy

By Phoebe Measer, Senior Reporter
October 18, 2024
clairo performs second nature

Democratic presidential and vice presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Tim Walz's campaign tagline is rendered in the style of Charli xcx's iconic "Brat" album cover. By incorporating the pop culture behemoth that is "Brat" into their campaign, Harris and Wall have moved themselves one step closer to the White House. (Photo credit: Graphic illustration by Siena Ferraro)

Op-ed: The sociopolitical influence of Brat Summer

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
September 7, 2024
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’

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
April 23, 2024
Riley Keston (’29) defends a goal during practice. She has been playing soccer since her early childhood and said she has become closer with her teammates this past season. Photo by Catalina López-Sánchez.

7th grade shutout: Middle school goalkeeper deepens friendships, improves skills

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
February 26, 2024
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

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
February 26, 2024
A portion of the Archer Student Media Instagram grid showcases happenings in the community. Oracle and Hestia’s Flame staff members have aimed to use social media to ethically convey events in a timely manner.

#JournalismNow: Oracle, Hestia’s Flame staffs navigate social media, reporting in age of misinformation

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
February 21, 2024
A laptop screen displays the Checkology “Harm and Distrust” module. The Oracle staff recently completed this module, new for this school year, to further equip them to report ethically and truthfully. The module focused on some of the historical biases and lack of equal representation in American journalism, as well as how news organizations have been working towards greater inclusivity and equality.

#JournalismThen: Sensationalized media acts as ‘regrettable hallmark’ for dramatized reporting

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
February 20, 2024
Packages of seasonal, peppermint-flavored brownie brittle remain on the servery’s shelves into the new year. According to 11th grade Dean of Culture, Community and Belonging Casey Huff, considering the negative environmental impact of festive treats and traditions was particularly imperative during the holiday season.

Not changing with the seasons: Effects of heightened consumerism during holiday season linger into new year

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
February 17, 2024
Campus is closed, and classes are taking place remotely today due to a category five atmospheric river impacting Southern California. The Archer community was notified of the campus closure in an email from Head of School Elizabeth English Sunday, Feb. 4, following increasing intensity of weather conditions.

Category 5 atmospheric river slams Southern California, causes campus closure, asynchronous learning to take effect

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
February 5, 2024
Seniors Maddie Lundberg and Laila Charles dash across the courtyard during the annual Senior Hunt. Sophie Sackett (’24) said the excitement and chaos from the game have brought her grade closer together, even amidst fierce competition.

Clip it to win it: Senior class, faculty compete in annual Senior Hunt

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
January 19, 2024
Eleventh grade history teacher Kathleen Niles leads her class through a lesson on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Israel and Gaza. In her classes, Niles held a brief council for processing thoughts and emotions surrounding the crisis and followed with a lesson providing current and historical context for it. Each history teacher's lesson plan surrounding the crisis varied based on grade-level and curriculum-specific needs. 

‘We’re as human as everybody else’: History department responds to ongoing crisis in Israel, Gaza, implements Code Red

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
November 28, 2023
FULL CIRCLE singer Jagger Moon sings to the crowd during a lunchtime performance Wednesday, Oct. 25. Moon was joined in the courtyard by fellow bandmates Jason Peters, Sean Garrity and James Herron. According to Student Services Administrative Assistant Cori Morris, the performance was an extension of iHeart Radio's campus "lunchtime takeovers."

Circling back: Let’s talk about that FULL CIRCLE performance

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
November 25, 2023
Hands hold halloween candies packaged in non-recyclable wrappers. Opting to purchase candies packaged in compostable or recyclable wrappers is one method of making a beloved Halloween tradition more sustainable.

[Photo] Editorial: Candy and composting: Incorporating sustainability into Halloween traditions

By 23-24 Editorial Board
October 30, 2023
Superior Court Judge Bobbi Tillmon addresses panel attendees Thursday, Oct. 5. The Artemis Center hosted the panel to inspire students to become more active and engaged citizens. Photo by Emma Winkler.

Channeling strength through adversity: California Superior Court Judge Bobbi Tillmon speaks on panel

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
October 16, 2023
This image features a few album covers of certain tracks on my perfect autumn playlist. Covers include Fiona Apple's classic, "Tidal," and Ethel Cain's "Preacher's Daughter." Photo credits: “Bewitched” album cover courtesy of Warner Chappell Music. “Tidal” album cover courtesy of Columbia Records. “Preacher’s Daughter” album cover courtesy of Daughters of Cain Records.“Stick Season: We’ll All Be Here Forever” album cover courtesy of Mercury Records.

The perfect autumn playlist to maximize coziness all season long

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
September 29, 2023
Hestia’s Flame Photo Editor Parker Keston (’25) concentrates on material for the upcoming edition of the yearbook during the publications retreat Aug. 14 and 15. Both Hestia’s Flame and The Oracle editorial boards attended the retreat, each board planning for the 2023-24 school year.

‘Strive for success’: Hestia’s Flame editorial board plans for new school year, next edition on retreat

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
August 19, 2023
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. 

Hurricane Hilary delays orientation, causes remote College Jumpstart

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
August 19, 2023
A volleyball rests on the Archer logo, which is painted on the sports court. The court can function as a playing space for volleyball, pickle ball and basketball and hosts Archer fitness classes.

From classroom to carpool: Student athletes, athletics department reflect on campus sports facilities, transportation

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
May 28, 2023
Azel Al-Kadiri ('23), portraying Elinor Dashwood, and Ella Gray ('24), portraying Marianne Dashwood, hold hands during a technical rehearsal of "Sense and Sensibility." Rehearsals for the upper school play began in January and spanned over three months.

From script to stage: Making ‘Sense and Sensibility’

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
May 22, 2023
Students and faculty listen to Ukrainian students Kateryna Kischynska and Sofia Turanska speak about their altered lifestyles due to the war with Russia. The Q&A session took place Tuesday, May 9, in history teacher and Director of the Artemis Center Beth Gold's classroom.

Empathy around the world: Ukrainian students engage in virtual Q&A, inspire awareness surrounding ongoing crisis

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
May 12, 2023
Ella Gray ('24) smiles her largest for the camera. Today, many women (myself included) experience societal pressure to smile more, to be pleasant and to be a typical "good girl."

Op-Ed: Smile more

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
May 8, 2023
Two age-preventing creams are displayed, illuminated by bathroom light. Through the means of social media, the promotion of age-prevention and appearance-enhancement has the potential to leave harmful impacts on social media users, especially those who identify as female.

Social media perpetuates beauty industry’s focus on anti-aging, has potentially ‘harmful’ impact

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
April 27, 2023
Students, grandparents and special friends mingle in the amphitheater courtyard for Archer's annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day celebration. The event took place March 23 and 24 over the course of six brief sessions.

Annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day event creates connectivity, celebrates campus culture

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
April 12, 2023
My opa and I stand together in front of his childhood home in Dresden, Germany. He and his family moved to this condo after the bombing of Dresden in 1945.

Commentary: Stories live forever

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
March 10, 2023
Sophomores Bryce Collis and Hayden Said perform "Star Pants Waiting In The Sky," which was written by Collis. This scene highlighted coming-of-age themes as they explore their identities.

[Photo] Drama Queens’ student-written performances tackle female-centered themes

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
March 9, 2023
Paramount Global’s Executive Vice President of Entertainment Diversity and Inclusion Tiffany Smith Anoa’i, advocate for justice and equality Sofia Shield and Education Director at the Anti-Defamation League in Southern California Megan Nevels speak on the Anti-Bias Panel in the Zeller Student Center. The panelists gave suggestions for navigating difficult conversations surrounding bias Feb. 24.

[Photo] EBAD hosts panel on anti-bias, presenters advise on having difficult conversations

By Lola Thomas, Culture Editor
March 12, 2023
The Ukrainian flag is raised into the air following a year of Russian attacks. Russia's initial invasion along Ukraine's eastern border escalated one year ago Feb. 24, 2022. Graphic design by Maia Alvarez

Students, faculty express concerns, share opinions on anniversary of Ukraine conflict

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
February 24, 2023
Platinum and purple banners, along with a sliver crest reading "Disney 100," adorn Sleeping Beauty Castle while fountains spray out of its moat. The decor is displayed in honor of the Walt Disney Company's 100th anniversary celebration, which began Jan. 27.

Review: Disney100 celebration pays glittering homage to company’s legacy

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
February 3, 2023
Micaela Boxer Wachler (’24) presents a slideshow on the importance of sun protection for the homeless community to an audience of middle school students. She urged students to donate sunglasses, hats and other means of sun protection to her drive, which will take place from Jan. 23-27.

Micaela Boxer Wachler presents on sun protection for homeless population, urges students to get involved

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
January 16, 2023
Ella Poon (’23) takes a breath outside the Zeller Student Center while the middle school choir rehearses behind her. Moments before, Poon had been taping up the windows behind her with black paper in preparation for "Kaleidoscope," the 2022 Winter Concert. "This is my arm workout for the day," Poon said.

Bringing it backstage: Ella Poon shares experience stage managing upper school productions

By Siena Ferraro, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
January 7, 2023
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