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A decorative scarecrow is perched on the top of a tent looking out onto the courtyard. The festival closed after lunch, and students went off to their last to classes before Thanksgiving Break. “It’s fun, and everyone really got into it,” Meadows said. Its a nice, friendly competition and a great way to kick off Thanksgiving Break.
Photo Essay: Faux Final Friday Fall Fest inspires spirit, competition, raises money for junior, senior prom
Hermanas Unidas Board members present to families at Archers annual Spanish-Speaking Families Night Tuesday, Nov. 28. Their presentation included campus news and information about the college application process, as well as resources for Spanish-speaking families at Archer.
A space to ‘feel seen’: Annual Spanish-Speaking Families Night promotes connection, highlights diversity within community
Beyla Patil (’27) and Shanti Seth (’27) pass out chai to Lucy Kaplan (’26) in the courtyard during lunch. The Diwali celebration took place Nov. 14, and it included music, food and games.
‘Feel proud of where you come from’: Students plan, reflect on Diwali celebration
Service Squad member Avery Greene (26) donates food to the Service Squads annual Thanksgiving food drive Nov. 12-17. They created posters and set up bins for food in the front hallway, and at the end of the week, Greene sorted the food to be ready for donation. 
‘Accessible form of giving back’: Service Squad hosts annual Thanksgiving food drive
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 Radios campus lunchtime takeovers.
Circling back: Let’s talk about that FULL CIRCLE performance
In the 2023 haunted houses opening scene, it was senior Alex Martins birthday slumber party, where they are watching Scream. The theme was a birthday slumber party mixed with classic horror movies. 
Slumber party turned horror nightmare: Behind the scenes of the 2023 senior haunted house
A student waits inside of Starbucks, holding a matcha drink and strawberry refresher. Starbucks is a popular destination across Los Angeles and the U.S. that enables students easy access to caffeine. Teenagers caffeine consumption has greatly increased over the past few years.
More than a cup of coffee: Rise in caffeinated drink consumption, advertisements negatively affects teenagers
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 teachers 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
A graphic illustration depicts two students at school; one is actively engaging in class after a getting full night of sleep, and the other is slumped over while scrolling on their phone, exhausted and sleep deprived. Sleeping for at least eight hours every 24 hours is essential for students, however, many of them are sleep deprived due to poor sleep hygiene, stress or trouble falling asleep. (Graphic Illustration by Emily Paschall)
Sleepy students: Effects of sleep deprivation, importance of healthy sleep schedules for adolescents
InvenTeam members assemble Hydra’s 3D printed case to present at Lemelson-MITs Eurekafest. They went to Boston as an alumni team and won the Golden Beaver Award for best use of technology. “It was such a great experience because it was a great culminating experience of my senior year and overall my time at Archer, Garcia said.
Think big, dream big: Journey of Hydra comes to an end
Lauryn Hill, touring as Ms. Lauryn Hill and the Fugees, sings Killing Me Softly With His Song alongside former band member Pras Michel Nov. 5. The engaging visuals, the performers and the crowds energy and the raw vocals made this concert unforgettable.
Review: Lauryn Hill reestablishes her greatness in The Ms. Lauryn Hill & Fugees: Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour
Dishes of dim sum from Maximum are presented in bamboo baskets. The dim sums are steamed, and they have a range of textures and tastes.
Cantonese culture’s culinary gem: Dim sum delights
I went with my friend to see Arctic Monkeys perform live at the Kia Forum Sept. 29. It was one of the best nights of my life, and I cannot recommend this band enough.
Review: Arctic Monkeys’ The Car Tour was best night of my life
Broadcast: Top 3 Disneyland rides that are worth the wait
Broadcast: Top 3 Disneyland rides that are worth the wait
INCAPTIVITY is an exhibit in the Eastern Star Gallery that features the work of Fulton Leroy Washington. Washington began his career in jail and created all of the oil-paintings exhibited in the gallery while serving a wrongful life sentence. 
‘Do it your way’: ‘INCAPTIVITY’ exhibit in Eastern Star Gallery inspires students with story of dedication
Lauryn Hill, touring as Ms. Lauryn Hill and the Fugees, sings Killing Me Softly With His Song alongside former band member Pras Michel Nov. 5. The engaging visuals, the performers and the crowds energy and the raw vocals made this concert unforgettable.
Review: Lauryn Hill reestablishes her greatness in The Ms. Lauryn Hill & Fugees: Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour
I went with my friend to see Arctic Monkeys perform live at the Kia Forum Sept. 29. It was one of the best nights of my life, and I cannot recommend this band enough.
Review: Arctic Monkeys’ The Car Tour was best night of my life
INCAPTIVITY is an exhibit in the Eastern Star Gallery that features the work of Fulton Leroy Washington. Washington began his career in jail and created all of the oil-paintings exhibited in the gallery while serving a wrongful life sentence. 
‘Do it your way’: ‘INCAPTIVITY’ exhibit in Eastern Star Gallery inspires students with story of dedication
Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran strums his guitar and instructs the audience to sing along to his hit song, “Sing.” Sheeran requested the audience sing background vocals for him a few times during the show, including during this song. The audience was captivated and engaged the entire concert.
Review: Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour is a testament to his musicianship, versatility
Senior Megan Kelley performs a scene from Yoga Play. The Drama Queens held their first performance of the school year Thursday, Oct. 19, during lunch in the Blackbox, and featured a collection of scenes and monologues from contemporary plays.
Drama Queens steal the show in first performance of year, present contemporary monologues, scenes
Dishes of dim sum from Maximum are presented in bamboo baskets. The dim sums are steamed, and they have a range of textures and tastes.
Cantonese culture’s culinary gem: Dim sum delights
Pictured are the tater tots, fries, Caesar salad, “Single Burg’r” and “Deluxe Crispy Chick’n” from Hart House. The fast food restaurant is completely plant-based and has four locations across L.A.
Review: Hart House transforms fast food dining with delicious plant-based menu
Pictured is Katsu Bar’s original katsu sandwich with waffle fries. The restaurant opened its sixth location May 1 in Santa Monica, and I reviewed four items on its menu.
Review: Katsu Bar brings delicious Japanese cuisine to Santa Monica
The birthday cake cookies I made using the Momofuku Milk Bar cookbook sit on top of the recipe. The recipe was straightforward and made the most delicious cookies.
Review: ‘Momofuku Milk Bar’ is delicious but complicated
This is the table set up at Haidilao Hot Pot that my extended family and I had when we went for dinner. We ordered many items, including egg noodles, spinach, corn, fried bean curd rolls and chicken fried rice. I highly recommend this restaurant for a unique dining experience that exposes you to a part of Chinese culture.
Review: Haidilao Hot Pot allows diners to not only enjoy a meal, but an experience
Sophomores Alex Laffitte and Oona Seppala high-five after winning a doubles match on Archer’s home courts, Barrington courts. The team is moving into the Gold Coast league next year, which means players will play different schools, including Brentwood, Crossroads and Viewpoint.
Going for gold: Varsity tennis moves up to Gold Coast League alongside new assistant coach
Mindset Performance Coach Pamela Kalinoski speaks to around 20 upper school students about the importance of being self-aware as an athlete. The event took place Tuesday, Nov. 14 in the library during US FLX Block.
Mindset Coach Pamela Kalinoski’s key to a successful underdog sports performance: self-awareness
Archer varsity tennis player Surya Patil (’25) high-fives her uncle during a match against her sister, Beyla Patil (’27), and her dad at the annual Parent-Daughter Round-Robin. Teams played doubles, the winners received prizes and at the end of the day, the Archer tennis community celebrated senior night.
Annual Parent-Daughter Round-Robin bonds tennis community, showcases athletic development
Team captains Stephanie Harrison (24) and Emi Marmol (24) chat as they come off the court. The JV tennis team had a final record of 8-1.
JV tennis coaches promote mental strength, in-person connection
Senior Sophie Sackett and her rowing crew wait for their coaches boat to launch from the dock before practice. Sackett practices Monday to Friday from 4:15-6:45 p.m. at Marina Aquatic Center in Marina Del Ray.
In the same boat: Rowing inspires, empowers seniors
This graphic illustration of a magnifying glass with an exclamation point being held up to text represents the importance of critically thinking about your news consumption to combat the spread of misinformation. The rapid spread of information facilitated by social media further underscores the importance of responsibly reporting and consuming news. (Graphic Illustration by Audrey Chang)
Editorial: Dangers of misinformation and how to combat it as a news consumer
Signs are displayed featuring phrases in favor of abortion protections and affirming a woman’s right to an abortion. Although Ohio’s passing of Issue 1 is important in re-securing reproductive freedoms across the U.S., it is hard to not feel disappointed that we must re-secure these protections in the first place.
Column: The small victory we never should have needed
The Barnes and Noble Banned Books Week display encourages readers to consume challenging reads and learn about current censorship. This article explores the negative effects of censorship on developing readers.
Column: Trigger warning (banned books)
My first out of 15 haikus about Charles Darwin is in quotes. Compared to when I had no prior knowledge about poetry and didnt understand why it mattered, I now feel a deeper appreciation for how poetry evokes different feelings for each reader. (Graphic Illustration by Melinda Wang)
Op-Ed: To each their own: The importance of personal poetic interpretations
A person feels overwhelmed and burned out by the abundance of news in her life. I believe it is important to set boundaries with the news to protect personal well-being and interest in keeping up with global affairs. (Graphic Illustration by Lila Paschall)
Column: Setting boundaries with the news
Signs are displayed featuring phrases in favor of abortion protections and affirming a woman’s right to an abortion. Although Ohio’s passing of Issue 1 is important in re-securing reproductive freedoms across the U.S., it is hard to not feel disappointed that we must re-secure these protections in the first place.
Column: The small victory we never should have needed
The Barnes and Noble Banned Books Week display encourages readers to consume challenging reads and learn about current censorship. This article explores the negative effects of censorship on developing readers.
Column: Trigger warning (banned books)
A person feels overwhelmed and burned out by the abundance of news in her life. I believe it is important to set boundaries with the news to protect personal well-being and interest in keeping up with global affairs. (Graphic Illustration by Lila Paschall)
Column: Setting boundaries with the news
This is one of of the Jordans I have been lucky enough to own; it is called the Nike Dunk Low Championship red. From the NBA court in the 80s to my closet, the Jordan 1s will follow you everywhere.
Column: The NBA couldn’t stop them: The Jordan 1’s imperishable legacy 
Duolingo, Dictionary.com, TED and The Washington Post respectively show a learning exercise, “Word of the Day,” motivational speech and an opinion article. Users are able to browse and practice language skills on these sites to maintain independence in human voice with the rise of AI deepfakes. (Graphic Illustration by Allie Yang)
Column: AI voice deepfakes signal deep trouble
This graphic illustration of a magnifying glass with an exclamation point being held up to text represents the importance of critically thinking about your news consumption to combat the spread of misinformation. The rapid spread of information facilitated by social media further underscores the importance of responsibly reporting and consuming news. (Graphic Illustration by Audrey Chang)
Editorial: Dangers of misinformation and how to combat it as a news consumer
My first out of 15 haikus about Charles Darwin is in quotes. Compared to when I had no prior knowledge about poetry and didnt understand why it mattered, I now feel a deeper appreciation for how poetry evokes different feelings for each reader. (Graphic Illustration by Melinda Wang)
Op-Ed: To each their own: The importance of personal poetic interpretations
The 46 American and Israeli teens of Yallah Israel! Bus 2 hug before saying goodbye to our Israeli friends for the last time. Leaving Israel this summer was one of the hardest things Ive had to do. Even after only knowing my Israeli friends for one week, nothing upsets me more than seeing their beautiful country being destroyed.
Commentary: War in Israel, through the eyes of Israeli teenagers
This is a group photo of my journalism class, a mix of freshman through seniors. I appreciate how Archer supports our press freedom and educational autonomy.
Op-Ed: Freedom is a right, not a privilege
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.
Editorial: Candy and composting: Incorporating sustainability into Halloween traditions
This quiz is a fun, light hearted, relatable Archer student quiz. Each question will highlight a relatable Archer experience. Complete the quiz, press finish to see your score and refer to the key to see what your score means.
Relatable Archer student quiz
My jack-o’-lantern is lit up in the dark. Jack-o’-lantern faces can be silly, scary or even sad. Along with carving pumpkins, baking fun treats, watching scary movies and picking apples are some of my favorite activities to in the fall. 
Spook-tacular festivities: 5 fun activities to do for fall
This image features a few album covers of certain tracks on my perfect autumn playlist. Covers include Fiona Apples classic, Tidal, and Ethel Cains Preachers Daughter. (Graphic Illustration by Siena Ferraro).
The perfect autumn playlist to maximize coziness all season long
My parents assemble all the ingredients necessary to make which dumpling filling. This particular dinner, my mom tried to step out of her comfort zone by making a pork and mushroom dumpling, which she had never attempted before.
My top 5 favorite Chinese foods
This graphic image contains promotional posters for five journalism films I believe are inspiring and powerful. These films range from the classic All the Presidents Men, which was revolutionary for the way it depicted journalism, to Bad Education, which emphasizes the power of student journalism in schools. (Graphic Illustration by Nina Sperling)
From ‘Shattered Glass’ to shattered glass ceilings: 5 films that capture the power of journalism
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
S4E2 - The Scoop on Archer’s holiday spirit: Diversity in holiday celebrations among students, faculty lights up campus
S4E2 – The Scoop on Archer’s holiday spirit: Diversity in holiday celebrations among students, faculty lights up campus
What’s the difference between news and opinion journalism? Oracle editors explain
What’s the difference between news and opinion journalism? Oracle editors explain
Broadcast: Top 3 Disneyland rides that are worth the wait
Broadcast: Top 3 Disneyland rides that are worth the wait
Sexplained S1E1 - Vulva 101: Understanding external female genitalia
Sexplained S1E1 – Vulva 101: Understanding external female genitalia
Lets Go to the Movies S1E1 - Barbenheimer: Why did it work and why did we love it?
Let’s Go to the Movies S1E1 – Barbenheimer: Why did it work and why did we love it?
S4E2 - The Scoop on Archer’s holiday spirit: Diversity in holiday celebrations among students, faculty lights up campus
S4E2 – The Scoop on Archer’s holiday spirit: Diversity in holiday celebrations among students, faculty lights up campus
Sexplained S1E1 - Vulva 101: Understanding external female genitalia
Sexplained S1E1 – Vulva 101: Understanding external female genitalia
Lets Go to the Movies S1E1 - Barbenheimer: Why did it work and why did we love it?
Let’s Go to the Movies S1E1 – Barbenheimer: Why did it work and why did we love it?
S4E1 - The Scoop on senior Amelia Hines commitment to swim at Brown University
S4E1 – The Scoop on senior Amelia Hines’ commitment to swim at Brown University
Self-Love Isnt Selfish S1E1 - The problem with perfectionism as we start the new year
Self-Love Isn’t Selfish S1E1 – The problem with perfectionism as we start the new year
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
Thea Leimone

Thea Leimone, Features Editor

Thea Leimone joined The Oracle in 2018 and became the Features Editor in 2021. She loves swimming and was on Archer's varsity swim team for three years. She graduated in 2022.

All content by Thea Leimone
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

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
May 22, 2022
Promotional poster for ABC News podcast The Dropout, reported by Rebecca Jarvis and produced by Taylor Dunn and Victoria Thompson. The two season podcast follows former entrepreneur of the biotech industry Elizabeth Holmes path to being convicted of criminal charges.

Review: Dropping out of fame, ‘The Dropout’ tells story of Theranos scam

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
May 20, 2022

Post-prom: Students reflect on celebration with peers

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
May 11, 2022
011C87C3-4B4D-43C4-853C-B46C58F9EA57

[Photo] Local small business: Seniors share their love for Belwood Bakery

May 8, 2022
Senior Faith Sorianos prom dress and shoes are laid out prior to the event. The prom will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23.

Prepping for prom: Seniors and juniors share thoughts prior to event

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
April 26, 2022
IMG_3389 2

[Photo] ‘Young people are less institutionally minded’: How youth participation in politics has increased

May 18, 2022
Freshman Alina Williams greek amphora pottery piece is placed for a submission photo. The piece won a blank award for the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. The piece was a project for her Introduction to Ceramics class that her teacher Olivia Moon urged her to submit for judging.

Awards and accomplishments: Students sweep in art and writing awards

By Thea Leimone , Features Editor
March 31, 2022
Archer students and faculty pose, making Xs with their arms for International Womens Day theme: Break the Bias. The day took place Monday, March 8, 2022, in the first full week of Womens History Month.

‘Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope’: Students share thoughts on Women’s History Month

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
March 14, 2022
Archers varsity track and field team poses at their first Liberty League meet of the season, located at Birmingham High School. The 18 member team will continue competing through May.

Ready, set, sprint: Varsity track and field kicks off season

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
March 13, 2022
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

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
March 1, 2022
Junior Eliza Tiles and a friend pose with one of the hundreds of carrots they farmed. Farming, hiking and field labs were part of Tiles daily life during her semester abroad in Chewonki, ME

Through the eyes of Eliza Tiles: A semester abroad in Chewonki

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
February 16, 2022
An AP Calculus AB and BC course and exam description binder sits on the desk of math teacher Monica Barragán. The binder details the specific standards and way in which to teach the AP course. Phasing out AP classes will allow teachers to choose their curriculums and teaching pace.

‘It allows teachers to teach’: Archer phases out of advanced placement, honors courses for 2022-2023 school year

By Thea Leimone and Vaughan Anoa'i
February 15, 2022
A female agent from the FBI demonstrates how bulletproof vests are worn. Students who participated in the assembly had the opportunity to try on gear following the presentation.

[Photo] Feminism in the FBI: Female agents visit campus, discuss career paths

January 28, 2022
Students observe artwork on display at the first Visual Arts Fair held in the courtyard at lunch. Two rows of clotheslines were pinned with student art ranging from photography to felt artwork for the community to look at. Senior Bess Frierson created this event to showcase all of the artwork that fellow students have created, whether they are in an art elective or not.

‘Art unites people’: First ever Visual Arts Fair celebrated in courtyard

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
January 24, 2022
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

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
January 9, 2022
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

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
January 9, 2022
Poster for the upcoming middle school play titled Bright. Young. Things. The play follows a group of young geniuses in a televised competition for the title of the brightest child of Britain. The story shares the kids journey of competition, self-reflection and coming together.

Theater togetherness: Middle school play brings cast together

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
December 7, 2021
Seniors sit in the Blackbox Theatre as they wait for a video of college advice from Archer graduates during a surprise celebration. The celebration during US-FLX block also included Sprinkles cupcakes donated by the Archer Parent’s Association.

Words of wisdom: Seniors celebrate first wave of application deadlines

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
November 18, 2021
Dune was released Oct. 2021, after a years delay in release due to COVID-19. The film is an adaptation of the novel by Frank Herbert and follows a young boy in his predestined journey to power over the galaxy.

Review: “Dune” introduces a new world to cinema, treads the line of good and bad

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
November 9, 2021
Janet Lyon and Jane Davis celebrate Lyons retirement at an after school faculty and staff party. She deserves to retire because she’s worked so hard at this point over these years, but it’s like I feel like I’m losing a piece of myself,”  Davis said. Lyon is retiring from her role as Director of Operations after 22 years at Archer.

Into the limelight: Director of Operations Janet Lyon retires after 22 years at Archer

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
October 31, 2021
Lawn decorations in celebration of upcoming Halloween. Some other fun ways to celebrate the season are baking or watching shows and movies for the season.

The ultimate list of frightful films and shows for this Halloween season

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
October 21, 2021
Freshman August Kohn sells seniors Ruby Williams and Lexi Tooley baked goods for the GEG bake sale fundraiser in support of the LÍde foundation. The bake sale was one of multiple stations in the courtyard for the International Day of the Girl celebration on Oct. 11.

GEG fills courtyard with festivities for International Day of the Girl celebration

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
October 15, 2021
Being a teenage girl thats also an athlete is challenging for body image. Expectations of strength and performance in one part of life, and societal pressures of thin bodies and skipped meals in the other. We must learn to love our bodies and appreciate the fuel we give them.

Op-Ed: Food for thought, fuel for your body

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
October 3, 2021

Eleventh grade Arrow Week: A photo journey through Wyoming

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
September 22, 2021
The new 2021-2022 schedule template features the new rotation systems, class timing and additional periods. A document with the template was sent out to the student body so they could plan out their classes and plans for the new FLX Block and 8-day rotation.

A, B, C…G Block? Planning and overview of the 2021-2022 schedule

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
September 7, 2021
Senior Kaitlyn Kim presents to her classmates and faculty on An Analysis of the Failures of the American Medical System for Women of Color. Kims presentation was given in the dining hall and was based on the research from her semester-long Gender Studies seminar.

‘Thinking and learning made visible’: Seniors share semester research journeys at annual Humanities Honors Symposium

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
May 29, 2021
Dancers Cara Banks, Chloe Terani and Daisy Marmur perform in doorways in an edited piece streamed during the remote Festival of Dance. The doorways were used as framing to represent the isolation people have faced this past year.

Annual Festival of Dance: Overcoming obstacles and finding hope

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
May 26, 2021
Chairs placed outside of the Dining Hall with signs to notify others to be quiet while AP Exams take place. The first AP Exams took place at Archer this week, and the rest will follow with some subjects in-person and others online.

Perseverance and preparation: AP Exams administered in-person following year of remote learning

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
May 16, 2021
Juniors sit in socially distanced seats in the amphitheater during the Junior Prom Movie Night. In place of the typical junior-senior prom, Archer hosted a movie night where the 2012 movie Pitch Perfect was projected for students.

A pandemic prom: Junior class participates in movie night, replacing traditional prom celebration

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
May 2, 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.

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

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
April 15, 2021
Lana Del Rey released her seventh studio album Chemtrails Over the Country Club, produced alongside Jack Antonoff and Rick Nowels, on March 19, 2021. The album cover captures Del Rey amongst her closest friends inher most authentic album yet, captioning its release with These are my friends, this is my life. We are all a beautiful mix of everything, which is visible and celebrated in everything I do.”

Review: Lana Del Rey’s ‘Chemtrails Over the Country Club’ is authentic and enchanting

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
April 15, 2021
This illustration depicts a love letter among the various aspects of the busy lives of student athletes. The love letter recognizes all the hard work and sacrifice student athletes make to do what they love.

Op-Ed: A love letter to student-athletes everywhere

By Vaughan Anoa'i and Thea Leimone
April 15, 2021
Cover for Taylor Swifts most recent song release: a re-recording of her 2009 song Love Story, which she now has the full rights to. Taylor Swift made her debut into the world of music in 2004, at age 14. Since then, Swift has released nine studio albums and set multiple of records for music sales and awards, but is still met with intense criticism of her talent and success.

Op-Ed: What do you mean you ‘don’t like Taylor Swift’?

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
March 18, 2021
The administration announced return-to-campus plans in a series of emails which includes specific dates for each grades with a combination of social/emotional learning and academic learning. More information and updates to follow.

Archer administration announces school-wide return-to-campus plans

By Vaughan Anoa'i and Thea Leimone
February 28, 2021
Wednesday of the 2021 Scholastic Journalism Week highlights the significance of local journalism. The Oracle takes a closer look by asking community members to reflect on the impact of local journalism on the Archer campus.

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

By Thea Leimone and Greta Irvine
February 24, 2021
Virtual sophomore self-defense class, led by IMPACT instructor Danielle Joy, practices kicking an attacker in their homes. Self-defense is a required part of the sophomore physical education curriculum, but classes have been conducted virtually due to COVID restrictions.

Learning to fight back…at home?: Self defense classes adapt to virtual setting

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
February 21, 2021
The middle school Orchestra performs a song during the Winter Concert. The musicians recorded two videos, one for audio and one for visual, which were then edited together and added to virtual background and streamed on Vimeo.

Musical magic: Winter Concert adapts to virtual setting

By Thea Leimone and Greta Irvine
February 11, 2021
On Monday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki announced that the Biden Administration would be continuing the Obama initiative, paused under President Donald Trump, to add American Abolitionist Harriet Tubman to the $20 bill.

Treasury Department to resume process of adding Harriett Tubman to $20 bill

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
January 31, 2021
Award-winning playwright Karen Zacarías (top right) joins junior english class and advanced theater students, along with other members of the archer community, on a Zoom to answer questions about her play Native Gardens and her career as a playwright. Zacarías is from Mexico and has won awards for her work, including the National Latino Playwriting Award.

Playwright Karen Zacarías joins Archer community for Q&A

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
December 19, 2020
Netflix Original, The Queens Gambit, is a story of a female chess prodigy living int he 1960s. The series highlights the endless capabilities of a woman who is confident in herself, and never sees gender as a barrier.

Review of ‘The Queen’s Gambit:’ An unusual feminist tale

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
December 17, 2020
Amy Coney Barrett addresses the crowd after President Donald Trump announced his nomination of her for a Supreme Court Justice. The nomination event took place at the White House.

Students express ‘frustration,’ ‘worry’ at Amy Coney Barrett Supreme Court appointment

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
December 11, 2020
Pictured is a scene from the first showing of the upper school play entitled Radium Girls. Justine Moore 22, Bess Frierson 22 and Ruby Horton 21 are shown on a pre-recording stream on Vimeo.

‘Radium Girls’: Fighting for rights amidst a pandemic

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
December 6, 2020
On the television screen, CNN anchors discuss the continuation of counting votes and possible outcomes. The 2020 Presidential Election commenced on Nov. 3 and continues today as ballots are still being counted in states such as Georgia, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Red, white and youth: 2020 Presidential Election attracts conversation among young voters

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
November 4, 2020
The Wall Street Journal cover page of Amy Coney Barretts SCOTUS confirmation hearing. The Wall Street Journal is owned by Robert Murdoch, who also owns The New York Post and The Times of London and was the previous CEO of Fox News.

Op-Ed: Can journalism truly be objective?

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
October 25, 2020
Senator Kamala Harris speaking during the BBC News coverage of the vice presidential debate. The debate took place at the University of Utah on Oct. 7, 2020.

Let the chaos fly away: Vice presidential debate recognized as more ‘civil,’ ‘professional’ according to students

By Thea Leimone and Vaughan Anoa'i
October 18, 2020
In the virtual space, members of Archers dance program have had to readjust and readapt their usual rehearsals for this semester. In preparation for the annual Night of Dance performance in the winter, all members of the program have been collectively rehearsing their respective dances via Zoom.

Dance like nobody’s watching: Archer’s dance program adjusts rehearsals due to remote learning

By Vaughan Anoa'i and Thea Leimone
October 14, 2020
Freshman Piper Porters desk and computer setup for remote learning. Porter and her twin Paige are both new to Archer, and have been adjusting to starting a new school remotely.

New students adjust, connect through online learning

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
October 3, 2020
Lauren Robson with a leader from the Meals on Wheels organization who helped Robson launch her senior outreach program. Robsons outreach projects is one of the unique service opportunities that COVID-19 has created.

Students adapt service learning projects amid pandemic

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
September 25, 2020
The Lighthouse, released in 2019, starred British actor Robert Pattison and American actor Willem Dafoe as they played two lighthouse keepers attempting to maintain sanity. The film garnered 118 nominations including an Academy Award for cinematography.

Review: Pattinson and Dafoe make for a twisted, maddening duo in film ‘The Lighthouse’

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
September 18, 2020
On December 3 2019, the Black Student Union (BSU) and Hermanas Unidas Club came together for a joint club meeting held in the HD room. This meeting was hosted by both clubs student-leaders as well as faculty advisers.

Goal-setting and reflection: Archer club leaders ‘excited’ to explore remote learning space

By Vaughan Anoa'i and Thea Leimone
September 15, 2020
Seniors Gracey Wyles and Norah Adler socially distance while spending Labor Day at the beach in Santa Monica. Los Angeles County reached a record high temperature of 121 degrees over Labor Day weekend.

COVID-19 restrictions and heatwave burns up Labor Day weekend plans for Angelenos

By Vaughan Anoa'i and Thea Leimone
September 15, 2020
Archer sent the class of 2026 materials to make mini Maypoles in place of the famous Archer Maypole positioned in the front lawn on campus. In some ways, each individual strand of the Maypole, whether it be the real or miniature one, is like an aspect of Archer, and when woven together, emulates connection and substantial bonds, sixth grader Saskia Sommer said.

Archer hosts first virtual Moving Up Day

By London Sinclair and Thea Leimone
June 8, 2020
In an anonymous survey conducted by the Oracle, students at Archer shared their opinions on vaccines; 74.3% of the responses answered that they strongly support vaccines. I feel that, for the most part...the Archer community is generally believes in vaccines, Ava Rothenberg 22 said. Graphic Illustration by Amanda Greene

‘Important’ and ‘safe’: Students share thoughts on vaccines

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
June 8, 2019
Middle schoolers in the ALTeachers X-Block follow sophomore Ambassador Leadership Team member Jessica Tuchin 21. The X-Block focused on teaching students how to be ambassadors for the school.

Ambassador Leadership Team reflects on school year

By Thea Leimone and Amelia Stone
June 7, 2019
A sign in front of the Dining Hall, which was lined with chairs and individual desks for students taking the AP Exams. The exams were held in other places such as the library and lighting studio.

Archer students complete AP exams

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
June 2, 2019
One wall of the village bridge, filled with extra boxes from the classrooms. Honor Education Council organized an activity where students could write reflections about the village and the new building on the walls of the bridge.

Students say goodbye to classroom village, transition into Academic Center

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
May 30, 2019
Student Council members sell Diddy Riese cookies in a Galentines Day sale benefitting Planned Parenthood. This was one of 10 fundraisers during Philanthropy February, which was organized by the Community Service Leadership Board.

Philanthropy February ‘educates the community’

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
March 30, 2019
For the Pi day festivities, math students decorated each link of a paper chain with a digit of Pi. In addition to creating the chain, students participated in scavenger hunts and fundraisers related to math.

Archer celebrates Pi Day with week of math challenges

By Thea Leimone, Emma London, and Liz Haltrecht
March 21, 2019
Freshmen London Sinclair and Chloe Fidler sit in the shade in the courtyard during x-block. The lavender grey color of the jacket really compliments our uniform colors. Sinclair said.

Rain on: New grey puffy jacket keeps students warm

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
February 24, 2019
The Journalism Education Association scheduled this years Scholastic Journalism Week from Feb. 18 to Feb. 24. Scholastic Journalism Week is intended to nationally support scholastic journalism. Graphic designed by Lola Lamberg 21.

#EverydayJournalism: Impactful Oracle stories through the years

By Lola Lamberg, Thea Leimone, and Chloe Richards
February 22, 2019
The sophomore dancers perform fellow sophomore Sydney Banks choreography. The dance was based off of Medusa, a mythical monster. Medusas snakes literally kill with looks, so I based this dance off that, Banks said.

Dancers preview upcoming Night of Dance, ‘highlight unsung heroes’

By Lola Lamberg, Thea Leimone, and Chloe Richards
February 11, 2019
Billie Eilish performs at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles on March 9, 2018. Eilish often sings while playing the ukulele.

Billie Eilish’s music, persona ‘inspiring’ for students

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
February 5, 2019
Black Student Union senior-leader Madison Tyler reads the poem Wont You Celebrate With Me by Lucille Clifton to the upper school, staff and faculty in the dining hall. Tyler and her co-senior-leader MaeLea Williams said supporting black businesses is one way to celebrate Black History Month.

Black Student Union leaders preview Black History Month

By Lola Lamberg, Thea Leimone, and Chloe Richards
February 3, 2019
Middle School Director Karen Pavliscak speaks to the middle school on the importance of a growth mindset. Pavliscak frequently ties in pictures of animals, such as sloths, as an aspect of her presentations.

Middle School Director Karen Pavliscak teaches middle school about growth mindset, sloths

By Lola Lamberg, Chloe Richards, and Thea Leimone
January 26, 2019
Graham stands in front of a world map in his classroom. Graham previously taught in England.

Faculty Spotlight: Q&A with history teacher Nick Graham

By Lola Lamberg, Chloe Richards, and Thea Leimone
January 11, 2019
The drawn out plans for the construction of the new kitchen at Archer. The kitchen will be located behind the dining hall and will be divided into a servery and a kitchen.

New kitchen to emphasize nutrition, offer variety of dining options

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
December 19, 2018
The Upper School varsity soccer team huddles up before todays game. The team won 3-0 against Pacifica Christian High School.

#Ourtime: Archer varsity soccer team ‘work[s] together,’ wins first league game

By Amelia Stone and Thea Leimone
December 15, 2018
Two swimmers get ready to push off the wall and begin to swim at the PBL championships. Seventh grader Amelia Hines was named MVP of middle school swim.

Amelia Hines named middle school swim MVP

By Thea Leimone, Features Editor
December 11, 2018
Ask Archer: What are your favorite holiday traditions?

Ask Archer: What are your favorite holiday traditions?

By Lola Lamberg, Thea Leimone, and Chloe Richards
December 6, 2018
The musical cast sings a song to the upper school in the Dining Hall. The show will make its debut Dec. 8.

Buzzing, buzzy, singing bees: Upper school musical cast gives preview of ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’

By Lola Lamberg, Chloe Richards, and Thea Leimone
November 29, 2018
Archers middle school swim team celebrates after winning the PBL championships at Brentwood school. The team won the PBL championship with 242 points. I know I practice fairly frequently so it feels good to have it pay off, eight grader Lily Prokop said.

Swimmers make a splash: Middle school swim team wins PBL championship in short season

By Liz Haltrecht and Thea Leimone
November 26, 2018
Archer students work in the hallway outside the library. The library has been closed for the past few days because a pipe burst.

Burst pipe dampens mood: Library closed temporarily due to flooding

By Liz Haltrecht, Thea Leimone, and Chloe Richards
November 15, 2018
Meehan delivers a speech to the students, parents and faculty. Meehan founded the school in 1995 with Shorr and Callaway.

Annual Founders Day ceremony ‘put[s] women back in the story’

By Lola Lamberg, Chloe Richards, and Thea Leimone
November 7, 2018
Students play feel what is in the box. If students guess correctly they receive a ticket which will eventually become a spirit point.

Creeping it real: Community celebrates Halloween, embraces atmosphere of ‘joy’

By Allie Worchell , Chloe Richards , and Thea Leimone
November 1, 2018
Sophomore Ava Salomon blocks a hit from Heritage. The team will play Beaumont High School this Saturday.

Varsity volleyball defeats Heritage High School 3-2 in CIF-SS Division 6 quarter-finals

By Lola Lamberg, Chloe Richards, and Thea Leimone
October 24, 2018
A graphic depicts the LGBTQ+ pride flag. Two seniors are leading GSA, an affinity and alliance club that aims to provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ community members and allies. Photo illustration by Anna Brodsky

Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club holds first meeting

By Lola Lamberg, Chloe Richards, and Thea Leimone
October 17, 2018
The varsity girls anticipate the opposing teams serve. The team will play Buckley on Oct. 11 as they continue to work towards a CIF victory.

Varsity volleyball team defeats Glendale Adventist Academy 3-0

By Lola Lamberg, Chloe Richards, and Thea Leimone
October 10, 2018
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