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The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News

The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News

The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News

Editorial Staff

Editorial Staff

The Scot Scoop Editorial Staff strives to maintain reliable reporting while covering the hard-hitting topics that interest our community. Content on Scot Scoop is managed, reviewed, and maintained by the editorial staff using various tools and methods to produce, edit, and publish content daily. Editorial Staff members are Naomi Hsu, Emi PajarilloLinda Reeder, Jayden Breite, Daniela Cuadros, Emi Sim, Gregoire Scherrer, Skylin Lui, Erick Cheng, Andrew Liang, Caitlin Stehr, Anna Ypodimatopoulou, Ziya Myneni, Chloe Chu, Madilyn Shoop-Gardner, Lia Frazita, Michelle Chen, and Ashlyn Wong.

All content by Editorial Staff
An athlete gets scolded by their coach for placing third, rather than first or second. This sort of criticism can have varying effects on young athletes, both positive and negative. Some people perform better under pressure, rising to the challenge of proving themselves, while others develop self-confidence issues and fall short of success.

Editorial: Tough love coaching styles do not justify verbal abuse

Editorial Staff November 2, 2025

The phrase “tough love” is often thrown around by parents, teachers, or even friends, but few really pause to think about its true meaning, especially in sports. Coming from coaches, tough love can...

Students are seen peacefully working in class on an assignment. Favored students may receive more leniency for assignments compared to others. These attitudes and behaviors teachers exhibit directly influence the cognitive, affective, and social development
of students, according to the Journal of Pedagogical Research.

Editorial: Favoritism runs rampant within high schools

Editorial Staff November 2, 2025

Two students are in class, eagerly raising their hands to answer a question. The class is heavily weighted on participation points, so naturally, both want to get in some speaking points before the bell...

A student looks up at the word "cheater" appearing on their forehead, a visualization demonstrating the effects of labeling theory. Negative labels can significantly impact the way others perceive and interact with the individual labeled, leading to a decline in self-esteem and ultimately affecting performance and mood, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Editorial: Rules and labels meant to enforce order actually create harm

Editorial Staff October 19, 2025

A student sits down on their first day of school and is immediately handed a syllabus. The rules are listed in bullet points in bold black letters under the large section discussing grade weighting. As...

Most of the bathrooms of Carlmont High School are equipped with both hand dryers and paper towels. A review in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that paper towels are hygienically “superior” to electric dryers, even in the face of the “little agreement” on the hygienic efficacy of electric air dryers.

Editorial: Hand dryers are glorified bacteria blasters

Editorial Staff October 11, 2025

You finish washing your hands, which drip as you turn around to dry them. When you see the empty paper towel dispenser, slight disappointment washes over you. But rather than using the hand dryer, thereby...

A person walks away while another is left hurt and calling out, illustrating the cost of turning away from someone in need. Mel Robbin's "Let Them Theory"  explains how letting people walk away, act out, or show their true selves is the ultimate act of self-respect.

Editorial: Mel Robbins’ ‘Let Them’ theory mistakes silence for strength

Editorial Staff October 6, 2025

A student opens her phone to find her peers mocking her appearance over social media, tagging her in posts that humiliate her. Tears welling, she swipes past each notification without replying. “Let...

Grocery stores often reject perfectly edible produce merely because it fails to meet appearance standards, often due to small blemishes or imperfections. The production of wasted food in the U.S. generates the equivalent of the greenhouse emissions of 32.6 million cars, according to the World Wildlife Federation.

Editorial: Grocery stores are failing the planet

Editorial Staff October 4, 2025

A shopper pushes their cart down the aisle. Brightly packaged items line every shelf, offering an abundance of options. For many of us, this weekly routine feels ordinary. However, in reality, this convenience...

Two hands holding microphones go head to head, battering a pillar and causing it to crack and break. Biased reporting and disproportionate coverage of certain stories contribute to growing distrust in the media, ultimately straining the pillars of democracy and furthering political polarization.

Editorial: Media bias erodes American democracy

Editorial Staff September 26, 2025

While freedom of the press is a constitutional right in America, in the modern age, it is often used to push a political agenda rather than serve as a facilitator of information. This is extremely harmful...

Gavin Newsom attends the signing ceremony to reestablish the Committee of the Californias. Newsom was elected as the California state governor in 2018 and reelected in 2022. As governor, Newsom has focused on and implemented policy solutions for issues including climate change, homelessness, and healthcare.

Editorial: Voters need to pay more attention to state and local governments

Editorial Staff September 18, 2025

In 2024, 16,140,044 California residents voted in the general election; however, in 2022, only 11,146,620 voted.  In 2024, nearly 44.79% more California residents voted, despite population levels...

Carlmont’s assignment policy aims to reduce student stress by requiring all Canvas deadlines to fall between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on school days. However, inconsistent enforcement continues to burden students with late-night deadlines that interfere with rest, extracurriculars, and overall well-being.

Editorial: Teachers need to uphold Carlmont’s deadline policy

Editorial Staff May 29, 2025

As more teachers assign homework online, the practice of physically turning in homework has diminished, with the easy click of the “Submit” button taking its place.  Similar to teachers at other...

AP exams are a business, not an accurate measure of intelligence.

Editorial: AP exams don’t measure intelligence; they monetize it

Editorial Staff May 20, 2025

Advanced Placement (AP) exams are administered internationally in May to assess students’ learning throughout the year in various AP courses. These tests are seen as necessary in a student's academic...

As senioritis hits Carlmont seniors, it is important to remember that it's fine to take some time to enjoy the rest of high school.

Editorial: Senioritis is OK

Editorial Staff May 15, 2025

Senioritis has struck many Carlmont seniors in different ways. It has manifested itself in the form of excessive absences, countered by teachers offering extra credit points or deductions based on attendance....

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is sworn in as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services at the White House, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. Through the Trump administration, Kennedy has since made several changes to the department, including prioritizing chronic conditions and imposing regulations on keywords in medicine-related research articles.

Editorial: US Department of Health’s censorship of medicine threatens America’s future

Editorial Staff April 28, 2025

Recent reports indicate that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have directed researchers to avoid using specific “controversial” terms,...

Food delivery services like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats provide quick and easy access to countless restaurants. However, this convenience comes with costly effects on our health, the cultural significance of food, and the environment.

Editorial: Food delivery is eating away at our society

Editorial Staff April 15, 2025

A hungry teen opens his phone. A few taps later, he places an order. Within just a few moments, a meal arrives at his doorstep.  In the past decade, food delivery services such as DoorDash, Grubhub,...

Members of the North Carolina State University (NCSU) chapter of the sorority Delta Zeta serve meals at their Hot Dogs for Hearing event, where all funds raised go towards their philanthropy, the Starkey Hearing Organization. Service events like these not only raise money for lifesaving non-profit organizations, but instill work ethic and strong moral beliefs in young women.

Editorial: It’s time for America to take sororities seriously

Editorial Staff April 1, 2025

When asked to picture a sorority girl, most people tend to conjure the same mental image: a blonde, sun-tanned 19-year-old party animal spending exorbitant amounts of daddy’s money at college bars and...

The humanities and social sciences are undervalued as a result of society's overemphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) departments. The systemic bias towards STEM can be seen in wage disparities, less support for the humanities, and a cultural belief that STEM careers are the only possible paths to success. The humanities and social sciences must be recognized as equally important for societal advancement as they promote creativity and a greater understanding of identity.

Editorial: Humanities and social sciences are undervalued

Editorial Staff March 26, 2025

A parent beams with joy as their child pursues computer science, a field with promise and countless opportunities. Meanwhile, another parent questions their children’s interest in literature, doubting...

The financial motivations driving college sports conference realignments have resulted in longer travel schedules for student-athletes, significantly reducing their time on campus and creating challenges in balancing academics and other responsibilities.

Editorial: Conference realignment puts profits over student-athletes

Editorial Staff March 18, 2025

Picture a University of California (UC), Berkeley student-athlete forfeiting academics and social life on a random Tuesday to fly cross-country to North Carolina, adjust to a three-hour time change, play...

A student reads "Beowulf" as part of their English class curriculum. Literature such as this one has been standardized in many high school classes over other diverse literary options.

Editorial: High school English curriculums needs to diversify

Editorial Staff March 12, 2025

“To Kill a Mockingbird,” “The Great Gatsby,” and “Of Mice and Men.” These titles ring a bell for many people in the U.S. and even across the globe. In addition to being regarded as some of...

President Trump sits at his desk amongst stacks of executive orders he signed in the first two days of his second term.

Editorial: Donald Trump is abusing his executive power

Editorial Staff March 4, 2025

President Donald Trump has signed 81 executive orders since the start of his second term on Jan. 20 just over a month ago. The overwhelming amount of orders has sparked debate over Trump’s abuse of power,...

Meta's decision to end its fact-checking program risks undermining the trust of millions of users. With social media being a primary source of news for many, this change could make Meta's platforms more vulnerable to misinformation.

Editorial: Meta’s fact-checking ban turns it into a misinformation hub

Editorial Staff February 25, 2025

Misinformation -- a concept that has only been amplified by social media – is likely to spread even further with Meta’s decision to end fact-checking across all its platforms, including Instagram,...

Many Americans hold a deep national and patriotic pride for their country. In recent years however, this pride has been declining.

Editorial: The US is overrated

Editorial Staff February 11, 2025

In 2023, 20% of adults said that the U.S. is the greatest country in the world.  Another 52% said that the U.S. is at least one of the greatest countries. However, I would argue that it doesn’t even...

Donald Trump signs orders to green-light the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines.

Editorial: The Trump Administration will make no economic impact

Editorial Staff February 4, 2025

Over 93% of President Donald Trump’s supporters listed his economic policies as the most crucial factor in their voting decision. My question is, did everyone just forget what his economic plans accomplished...

Despite an ever-growing health and wellness industry, the United States still has the 20th-highest obesity rate in the world. With factors like exercise out of institutions' control, re-evaluating the nutritional labeling system toward more transparency is imperative for a more health-conscious future.

Editorial: The United States needs an overhaul of its nutritional labels

Editorial Staff January 28, 2025

One hundred and twenty-two million adults; 41.9% of the total population.  Despite ever-increasing health discoveries and the heightened prevalence of a health food market, the United States nevertheless...

The W.A. Parish Generation Station is the largest coal-fired power plant in the United States. It is located in Texas and produces 3.65 gigawatts of energy every day.

Editorial: Artificial intelligence fuels massive energy consumption

Editorial Staff January 21, 2025

A ChatGPT search consumes 10 times more energy on average than a Google search, according to Goldman Sachs. According to Joule, OpenAI’s GPT-3 model took 1,287 MWh of energy to train, the rough equivalent...

The practice of students focusing their college essays on personal trauma has been referred to as “trauma dumping.” As college admissions continue to become more competitive, the pressure to trauma dump rises, for students feel the need to offer a narrative that is dramatic and evocative to admissions officers.

Editorial: Students need to stop exploiting their trauma in college applications

Editorial Staff December 11, 2024

In 2021, admitted Harvard student Abigail Mack's personal statement went viral, accumulating over 28 million views on TikTok.  In the essay, Mack writes about her resentment of the letter "S" because...

Radio executives often put money first before listeners' enjoyment. This leads to significant misdirection that could lead to the death of radio

Editorial: Radio stations’ signals aren’t fading, they’re just being misdirected

Editorial Staff November 27, 2024

Recent layoffs and departures in the radio industry — most notably from significant conglomerates like iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media — have sparked questions about the medium's future. However,...

With high shares of the market, industry giants monopolize content, forcing viewers to pay the price for exclusive media. Because the streaming industry has little to no regulation in subscription pricing, consumers are at the mercy of corporations.

Editorial: Streaming services cannot monopolize the entertainment industry

Editorial Staff November 19, 2024

Entertainment should be accessible to everyone, not a costly luxury with a growing price tag.  Streaming was supposed to simplify entertainment consumption, an industry built on accessibility that...

Sizing across numerous brands often uses varying measurements and makes it harder for customers to find their 
"perfect" size. Some sizes use general numbers, names, or waist sizes. Even so, sizes under the same title across different stores are often mismatched.

Editorial: Sizing should be consistent across stores

Editorial Staff November 19, 2024

One size fits all is possibly one of the most universally disagreed with statements. But what about one size is not the same? Over time, the average size of an American has increased, yet sizing has...

An American Airlines Airbus A321neo taxis towards the runway at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Taxiing and takeoff of a plane takes up more than 10% of its fuel, leading to excess emissions. Planes must shift towards alternative power sources to lead to a sustainable future.

Editorial: Aviation should shift towards sustainability

Editorial Staff November 13, 2024

Air travel is the most fundamental mode of travel -- connecting people, businesses, and cultures worldwide. However, despite its various benefits, aviation is one of the most significant contributors to...

Although elections are left to the states in Article I of the Constitution, Congress has nevertheless implemented certain regulations on them. In 1845, Election Day officially was mandated as the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Thus, making Election Day a federal holiday would not be impossible, promoting higher voter turnout, lessening election stress, and flipping negative narratives around the day overall.

Editorial: Election Day should become a federal holiday

Editorial Staff November 13, 2024

The United States had a turnout rate of 63.25% of its voter-eligible population in the 2024 general election, a dip from 2020’s 69.9%, the highest recorded turnout in the nation’s history, according...

Students continue to aspire towards an Ivy League education, despite the high tuition costs and low acceptance rates.

Editorial: An Ivy League education is worth the costs

Editorial Staff November 5, 2024

Many students aspire to attend an Ivy League University, but low acceptance rates and high tuition costs often discourage students. Yet, achieving an Ivy League education is worth the challenge. Receiving...

Belmont's streets are windy and have uneven sidewalks, leading to low pedestrian activity. The city's Comprehensive Pedestrian & Bicycle Plan has long aimed to address the issue, yet little action has been taken since the plan's approval in 2014.

Editorial: Belmont’s layout needs to promote community development

Editorial Staff November 5, 2024

In a society where heavy reliance on vehicular transport has become the new standard, it is more important than ever for cities to promote alternative ways to get around by making walking, biking, and...

Concerts are meant to be events full of spirit and excitement to celebrate a shared love for music. Instead, they are venues for tragedy.

Editorial: Concert etiquette needs to change

Editorial Staff October 29, 2024

Fans shouldn’t need to worry about their safety when going to their favorite concerts, yet poor concert behavior continues to persist, resulting in what should have been avoidable fatalities and injuries...

Rather than covering global conflicts or pushing advocacy for climate change, the U.S. seems content to glamorize the lives of criminals, setting a dangerous precedent for what kind of person becomes famous.

Editorial: We need to stop idolizing criminals

Editorial Staff October 22, 2024

America’s obsession with turning a high-profile criminal case into a TV series that boosts the original felon into a future of fame needs to stop. The latest examples of this phenomenon are Anna Delvey...

Some teachers don’t allow students to leave at the beginning of passing periods, repeating the mantra, “The bell does not dismiss you, I do.” But the major flaw in Carlmont’s tardiness policies is that it assumes that the bell reigns supreme.

Editorial: Carlmont tardy policies need to be standardized

Editorial Staff October 16, 2024

Many students have been late to class at least once this year. However, most students are unaware that the tardy policy at Carlmont is different this year -- what they do know is that the administration...

The limited number of test centers in the Bay Area forces students to travel long distances to take the SAT, creating inequities in terms of both time and cost. This inconvenience puts additional stress on students who want to take the test to strengthen their college applications.

Editorial: Bay Area students need more SAT test centers

Editorial Staff October 8, 2024

“No seats available.”  These seem to be the only words flashing on the screen when trying to find a test center in the Bay Area to take the infamous Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). According...

Customers are forced to pay extra for non-dairy milk, despite dietary restrictions and its often lower environmental impact compared to dairy. By charging extra, businesses may unintentionally discourage customers from choosing more sustainable options while promoting inequitable pricing.

Editorial: It’s time to moo-ve away from non-dairy upcharges

Editorial Staff October 2, 2024

If you are vegan, lactose intolerant, seeking to lower your carbon footprint, or prefer the taste of plant-based milk, expect to pay around $0.75 more for your coffee than those opting for dairy milk. Coffee...

Meta is creating a safer space for young people with their new instagram for teens. Other social media companies should follow their example.

Editorial: Tech giants must do more to protect teens

Editorial Staff September 24, 2024

In the age where social media has become an integral part of everyday life, it becomes ever more important to safeguard young users. Instagram has started rolling out its new teen policy, and it shouldn’t...

Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah chases running back Nick Chubb in practice. In 2022, linebackers were required to wear Guardian Caps in preseason practices, but running backs were not. The Guardian Cap mandate during preseason practice has since been expanded to include all positions

Editorial: NFL players need to improve as role models

Editorial Staff September 17, 2024

Concussions only account for 5% of football-related injuries in the U.S., according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM). Still, they produce some of the most severe and life-changing effects. The...

For every student proudly posting their college decision, there are plenty more students disappointed by their college rejections.

Editorial: College decision accounts do more harm than good

Editorial Staff and Charlotte Gordon May 28, 2024

Imagine you just got rejected from your dream college only to log onto Instagram to see all of your classmates who got in. This scenario is all too familiar for many Carlmont students as they watch post...

The negotiations displayed in the image represent global politics — a topic that many young Americans need to become more familiar with.

Editorial: High schools should teach current events

Editorial Staff May 28, 2024

America's youth is severely undereducated on the current state of politics in the United States (US) and across the globe. The problem lies in American high schools' insufficient modern political education. While...

Teachers at Carlmont High School offer fundamentally different curricula and teaching styles for the same courses, resulting in poorly prepared students and student mistrust and stress associated with education.

Editorial: Achieving education equity requires course and instructor improvement

Editorial Staff May 16, 2024

The role of teachers in high school education is monumental. They can be student mentors, wisdom couriers, and role models.  Yet, within Carlmont High School, the variance of course content, grading...

Students stay up all night completing work for their advanced courses that they chose the year before, not caring how much work it would be for them. They often choose classes for the GPA boost or just because they feel like it, and then aren't able to keep up with their workload.

Editorial: Students should stop overloading AP courses

Editorial Staff May 6, 2024

As Carlmont students and staff start to prepare for the 2024-2025 school year, it is easy to miss the new changes made to the Carlmont Course Catalog. The most controversial change? New allowances for...

Among other chains in California with over 60 locations nationwide, McDonald's has raised its employees' starting wages to $20 in accordance with AB 1228. While the bill can be celebrated as an accomplishment for fast-food workers, the industry specificity opens debate for delegating wages to certain jobs, and we should rather set a standard wage across all jobs.

Editorial: Minimum wage needs consistency across industries

Editorial Staff April 25, 2024

With its implementation on April 1, California’s Assembly Bill 1228 raised fast-food workers’ minimum wages to $20 per hour, $4 higher than the state’s minimum wage of $16 per hour and $12.75 higher...

Given the amount of political issues that the American public faces, it is very easy for teenagers to dismiss politics altogether. However, it is essential that Gen Z stays in the loop, whether it is by reading local news, following political accounts on social media, or joining advocacy organizations.

Editorial: Gen Z must resist disengagement in the face of political issues

Editorial Staff April 21, 2024

As Generation Z teenagers, we know that politics can feel like a lost cause.  We've heard many of our peers complain about the people in power --  they're often either really old or really corrupt,...

Easter egg hunts are now a quintessential aspect of the holiday, which was just celebrated on Sunday, March 31. However, it is just one example of the consumerist traditions of modern holiday celebrations.

Editorial: Holiday traditions have fallen to consumerism

Editorial Staff April 6, 2024

As every major holiday approaches, it’s impossible to miss the symbols that adorn our homes, supermarkets, and streets: pumpkins for Halloween, eggs for Easter, and turkeys for Thanksgiving. While...

While attempting to remove TikTok from U.S. phones, the government is inadvertently hurting small businesses and free speech – key pillars of society.

Editorial: TikTok ban impinges First Amendment rights

Editorial Staff March 27, 2024

The fate of the popular social media app TikTok is now in the hands of the U.S. Senate as on March 14, the House of Representatives voted 352 to 65 to advance a bill that could ban the app nationwide.  If...

Roughly 43 million Americans have outstanding student loan debt, according to census data. It's important for current seniors to exercise caution before taking out hefty student loans.

Editorial: Graduating seniors must confront soaring student debt with caution

Editorial Staff March 25, 2024

For many graduating high school seniors, the step into higher education is coupled with one of the most crucial financial decisions they will ever make. With attending a four-year university being a target...

The "open science" movement has gained popularity as scientists begin to recognize the importance of communication. With UNESCO's official outline of what open science should look like, there is much hope for a future where science is accessible for all.

Editorial: Opening science is vital for global progress

Editorial Staff March 21, 2024

Question, hypothesize, experiment, analyze, and conclude — the five fundamental steps of the scientific method. Designed to help scientists produce accurate results, the scientific method is considered...

Carlmont should return to its old bell schedule.

Editorial: We should revert to the old bell schedule

Editorial Staff March 6, 2024

In the 2021-2022 school year, Carlmont students without a seventh period started at 8:57 a.m., and students with a seventh period began at 8 a.m. No one left school at 3:45 p.m.; everyone would end simultaneously...

Stanford University is a prestigious university located in the Bay Area. The prospect of earning a spot this institution is a factor which exacerbates the competitive nature of Bay Area high schools.

Editorial: Student discourse surrounding college decisions is toxic

Editorial Staff March 6, 2024

Throughout March and April, seniors will receive most of their decisions from the colleges they applied to. Theoretically, everyone should be excited and supportive of each other as we are all ready to...

The rise of artificial intelligence has many questioning the viability it has in the journalism industry. While it can streamline the reporting process, some worry about the effects it has on the livelihood of staff and the ethical dilemmas that it can create.

Editorial: Modern journalism must ethically utilize AI

Editorial Staff February 28, 2024

Artificial intelligence must be carefully integrated into journalism to keep up with the modern world.  Dating back thousands of years, reporting the latest information is nothing new to humans. From...

While there seem to be endless amounts of Valentine's Day cards geared towards heterosexual couples, same-sex couples struggle to be represented.

Editorial: Profit-hungry corporations are to blame for Valentine’s Day’s heteronormative nature

Editorial Staff and Ben Romanowsky February 7, 2024

“Buy her roses.” “Buy her jewelry." What about him or them? According to Brittanica, the initial origins of Valentine’s Day begin with Valentinus receiving a death sentence and being imprisoned...

The 2016 presidential election is the most recent example of when the electoral vote winner did not garner the most popular votes. This election saw Donald Trump win with 304 electoral votes and 46.1% of the popular vote, according to the Cable News Network (CNN). (Electoral college map for the 2016 United States presidential election / Gage / 2012 Electoral College map / CC BY-SA 4.0)

Editorial: We need to abolish the Electoral College

Editorial Staff December 9, 2023

The Electoral College is over 235 years old, and a makeover is long overdue. Shortly after gaining independence from Great Britain, politicians in the United States realized the Articles of Confederation,...

With rising prices on everything, college seems like the only option to survive in California. Yet, success comes in many forms and there is no definitive path of life.

Editorial: College is not the only option

Editorial Staff November 30, 2023

There will always be a set of guidelines we are presupposed to follow, whether from parents, peers, or society. Don’t wear that, don’t flaunt wealth, don’t smoke, and smile when you talk, to name...

Euthanasia and Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) spark many debates among medical ethicists. Although many argue against it, for terminally ill patients, having the right to choose when and how they die is important and should be supported.

Editorial: Defending the right to die with dignity

Editorial Staff November 30, 2023

“It’s murder.” “They’re just giving up.” “Doctors are helping them commit suicide.” Euthanasia, the practice of ending a patient’s life to limit their suffering, is a widely...

Land acknowledgements, which have gained popularity in recent years as they are increasingly used by institutions and at public events, aim to pay respect and honor the heritage of Indigenous peoples. However, beyond the acknowledgement, institutions often neglect taking concrete and effective action to support the Indigenous peoples they are acknowledging.

Editorial: We need to take action beyond land acknowledgements

Editorial Staff November 22, 2023

"Land Acknowledgement: We acknowledge that Carlmont High School sits on the traditional lands of the Ramaytush Ohlone People... and honor and respect the many diverse indigenous people connected to this...

Currently, athletes are given graduation credit for their participation in school sports, while thespians are not recognized for their participation in school productions. To value equity, the Sequoia Union High School District (SUHSD) must even the playing field and credit the time and effort actors put into their work.

Editorial: Equity for extracurriculars

Editorial Staff November 22, 2023

After a long day of school, a student has a few moments to shove food in their mouth before heading off to warmups. Despite the immense time and energy, practice is rewarding. It's dark outside when they...

Candidates for the 2024 presidential election appear monolithic, preventing diverse options from being available to voters.

Editorial: Homogeneity in politics is a cry for diverse representation

Editorial Staff November 15, 2023

In the upcoming presidential election, Americans find themselves navigating a political landscape that seems eerily homogeneous. The lack of diverse options for voters raises questions about the authenticity...

The Israel-Hamas war has resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians. As the Israeli government continues to combat Hamas militants, support for humanitarian aid continues to grow, along with calls for peace.

Editorial: There should only be one focus in Gaza

Editorial Staff November 9, 2023

Hamas executed a sudden insurrection of Israel on Oct. 7, with militants storming blockaded areas of the Gaza Strip as they shot people in small towns and communities. The attack culminated in more than...

Teens on average spend about nine hours using electronic devices per day, reducing the hours they have to develop social skills and go outside. With short-form video content on the rise, it is becoming easier for teens to spend more and more time scrolling through social media.

Editorial: We should stop ignoring the side effects of screen time

Editorial Staff October 25, 2023

Sure, we’ve all heard that we should reduce the amount of time we spend on TikTok and Instagram. Parents try to intervene often or have already given up on telling us to put our phones away, arguing...

A school bus cement truck attempts to pave the way to success but leaves cracks in its wake.

Editorial: Unhappiness paves the road to educational success

Editorial Staff and Charlotte Gordon October 21, 2023

In the Bay Area, there's an unmistakable fervor surrounding education. While there's no denying the importance of education, the extreme emphasis on being a high-achieving student often comes at a significant...

President Joe Biden approaches former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy before the 2023 State of the Union Address. Many have questioned Biden's ability to serve as president due to his age, while the House of Representatives just voted to oust McCarthy as Speaker on Oct. 3.

Editorial: America needs younger, more compatible politicians

Editorial Staff October 12, 2023

The American government is amid significant political turmoil, with Senator Dianne Feinstein’s death and Kevin McCarthy’s ouster as Speaker of the House shaking up Congress. These events and the upcoming...

Most people don't pay attention to the caffeine level of their drink. The majority of caffeinated drinks have more than the recommended amount for teenagers, but we drink them anyway.

Editorial: We need to be conscious about our caffeine consumption

Editorial Staff October 4, 2023

“I need caffeine to get through my day” is a sentence uttered by students all over the globe. No one's surprised when you walk around campus and see a cup of coffee in someone’s hand or an energy...

On Sept. 21, the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 150, according to the PurpleAir sensor near Carlmont – a level that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies as "unhealthy."

Editorial: Poor air quality is a call to action against climate change

Editorial Staff September 26, 2023

It was not just the stress of tests or the excitement for the upcoming weekend that filled Carlmont’s atmosphere last week; it was the poor air quality. As confirmed by the Bay Area Air Quality Management...

Writers stand in unity on a strike in New York City. Outside on location of the Marvel Studios Disney+ TV show, they demand basic compensation and rights to their creative property from studios.

Editorial: We need to stand in solidarity with writers

Editorial Staff September 19, 2023

When prompted to generate a movie script, ChatGPT produced the following: "Title: 'Marshmallow Mayhem' INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT SUSAN screams as marshmallows grow and giggle menacingly. EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD...

Instead of setting the example for how the judicial system should be run, the Supreme Court is pushing a conservative agenda, sparking controversy and protests across the nation.

Editorial: The Supreme Court is abusing its power

Editorial Staff September 13, 2023

The Supreme Court, in the case Marbury v. Madison, gave itself the power to conduct judicial review or to declare certain legislation unconstitutional. Recently, however, the court has used this power...

With the release of smart home appliances such as Samsung's "Family Hub" refrigerators that can connect to the internet, we must proceed with caution to ensure these appliances do not rule our lives.

Editorial: Smart homes make us unintelligent

Editorial Staff September 13, 2023

Further integrating the internet into our homes robs our human autonomy. The internet has become a basic necessity for our daily lives. Since its birth in the 1980s, it has become a valuable resource...

Students from low-income families do not have an equal opportunity to succeed in college admissions because of the high cost of things like AP tests, college counselors, and research programs.

Editorial: Affirmative action should be based on socioeconomic status

Editorial Staff and Myles Hu April 25, 2023

Affirmative action's future is in jeopardy, as the Supreme Court is expected to rule on its legality in the coming months. While race-based affirmative action has proven controversial among the American...

Schools need to adapt to ChatGPT instead of shoving it aside.

Editorial: Carlmont shouldn’t pull the plug on ChatGPT

Editorial Staff April 18, 2023

Capable of writing essays, solving complex math problems, producing computer code, and more, ChatGPT is truly a renaissance… bot. While powerful, the chatbot is highly polarizing, especially in educational...

A Carlmont student completes work for in-person learning at home.

Editorial: California should re-mandate districts to offer independent study

Editorial Staff and Kiana Hinkson April 9, 2023

COVID-19 forced innovation in many aspects of our educational system. From teachers figuring out the potential of Zoom for lesson plans to students doing what they could to focus while their parents talked...

Considering how little recycling actually gets recycled, many don't know the real environmental impact of recycling.

Editorial: Recycling is a farce, the real problem is overconsumption

Editorial Staff March 30, 2023

Recycling has long been touted as a solution to our planet's growing waste problem, but as markets for used paper and plastics have dried up, overconsumption looms as something problematic. According to...

In the United States, around 6.3 million pets enter animal shelters every year and about 4.1 million of them are adopted.

Editorial: You should adopt, not shop for your pets

Editorial Staff and Soleil Dam March 22, 2023

The term “pandemic pet” may sound familiar to many people who have recently brought an animal into their home. According to a Rover survey conducted in January 2021, almost half of Americans said they...

Kids should have access to digital literacy classes to gain crucial skills necessary to become mindful internet consumers.

Editorial: We need to implement digital literacy classes

Editorial Staff and Annabel Chia March 15, 2023

The internet is always right.  Most people have heard this phrase tossed around before in their lives. The speaker might have jokingly tossed this remark around, but a certain danger arises when the...

Teen vaping has popularized over the last decade, reaching epidemic proportions.

Editorial: We need to clear the air on teen vaping

Editorial Staff February 3, 2023

Vaping, while initially developed to deter adults from conventional smoking, has become an accessory of teenage life. Since 2014, vape pens have been the most commonly used tobacco product among middle...

As local news sources are declining in number, it has become more important than ever before to support local sources.

Editorial: Local news is worth saving

Editorial Staff December 15, 2022

Recently, the town I live in, San Mateo, was left without a mayor. I discovered this almost by accident when, while scrolling on Instagram, I saw a post from a local politician I follow demanding that...

People gather to vote in the elections, though prisoners cannot do the same in a majority of states.

Editorial: Give back voting rights

Editorial Staff and Sophie Gurdus December 5, 2022

The United States is a proud beacon of freedom, of justice, of democracy. We wave our flag high and proud, especially come election time. And when you’ve walked out of that poll booth, donning your “I...

A press conference is one of the many ways a journalist can get information, but the person being interviewed should not be the only source of information.

Editorial: Journalists need to do better

Editorial Staff November 29, 2022

Warning: Article contains links to vulgar content that may be distressing for some readers. Fake news is everywhere. It is the disappointing reality of our society.  Not every news outlet spreads...

Large news publications like the New York Times often publish discriminatory things that would be unacceptable for smaller, less influential news outlets to publish. It is time they were all held to the same standard and larger publications were held accountable for the ways in which they use their power and influence.

Editorial: Big news publications need to be criticized fairly

Editorial Staff and Ujala Chauhan November 28, 2022

You’re asked, “Hey, did you read the news?” as you’re taking a sip of your morning coffee. “Yeah,” you respond because you have. You briefly skimmed through the New York Times’ front-page...

Relying on a credit card and living paycheck to paycheck are two ways younger adults quickly fall into substantial debt.

Editorial: High schoolers aren’t prepared for financial freedom after graduation

Editorial Staff November 18, 2022

While reaching adulthood, often synonymous with graduating high school, comes with new freedoms, it also comes with new responsibilities, especially financially. Having financial freedom, and freedom...

Students should have a voice in the discussion of what books are assigned for class.

Editorial: We need to turn the page on assigned readings

Gabrielle Shore and Editorial Staff November 9, 2022

Books are portals to fictional worlds. In flipping through their pages, one can traverse the galaxy with The Little Prince, gaze out to sea alongside Santiago, or enjoy breakfast with the March sisters.  For...

A member of the public researches online sources at a local library.

Editorial: There should be a government organization responsible for streamlining academia

Editorial Staff November 1, 2022

The internet has become a hub for all types of information as 46% of Americans use internet searches to inform their decisions. However, since not all internet sources are created equal, information inequity...

Anxiety continues to be a topic of concern for health agencies nationwide.

Editorial: Screening kids for anxiety is not enough

Editorial Staff and Marrisa Chow October 19, 2022

Earlier this week, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, a government-appointed health panel, posted their final recommendation that kids ages eight and up should be screened for anxiety. While...

Voting is available through mail or many choose to visit polling stations.

Editorial: We need to engage in local elections

Editorial Staff and Annabel Chia October 11, 2022

Casting a voice is a demonstration of democracy– a practice utilized by Americans for centuries. Although the notion of democracy has faltered a couple of times in history, the system is still essential...

The tipping screen at a local boba shop that is takeout only.

Editorial: Tipping on takeout needs to become the norm

Editorial Staff October 6, 2022

Tipping when ordering takeout or getting a coffee was considered a perhaps unnecessary nicety prior to COVID-19; now employees rely on takeout tips. While it has long been the case that diners tip on a...

A student-created poster recognizes Suicide Prevention Awareness Month near the quad.

Editorial: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month deserves greater recognition

Editorial Staff September 27, 2022

Outside of Carlmont High School, a flashing message has appeared on the electronic announcement board for almost a month: "September is Attendance Awareness Month." But there has been no mention of...

Many high school seniors are left with many questions about where to attend school.

Editorial: We need to destigmatize getting an associate’s degree

Editorial Staff September 20, 2022

When many students graduate from high school, they are often already committed to a 4-year college or university that they plan to attend. A lot of high school graduates don't consider attending a community...

People protest for their safety in school.

Editorial: Lives of United States citizens are worth more than a gun

Editorial Staff and Julia Roseborough May 31, 2022

Today is day 148 of 2022. In 148 days, the United States has experienced 214 mass shootings. A mass shooting occurs when four or more people are shot, not including the shooter. With more than half of...

Amber Heard accompanies Johnny Depp to the Black Mass premiere while they were married.

Editorial: The narrative needs to change

Editorial Staff and Lindsay Augustine May 24, 2022

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. Once a glamorous couple driving around in a red, vintage car, they are now fighting in court over allegations of domestic abuse. The court case began in 2016, when Heard...

A fentanyl patch lays opened on the pavement and serves as a reminder of the prevalence of the substance in cities across the U.S.

Editorial: We can be the solution to the fentanyl crisis

Editorial Staff and Hudson Fox May 18, 2022

Almost a week ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a preliminary report that revealed a sobering statistic: 107,622 deaths in 2021 were the result of drug overdoses. This...

The United States ranks third in countries with the highest yearly food waste.

Editorial: We need to stop wasting so much produce

Editorial Staff April 28, 2022

Every year, 60 million tons of produce in the United States is thrown away. That’s $160 billion worth of fresh fruits and vegetables that end up in landfills, wasted.  Do you ever wonder why almost...

Students participate in the 2018 National School Walkout, two months after the Parkland shooting, to protest gun violence and call for federal action.

Editorial: Gun violence is still an issue

Editorial Staff April 20, 2022

Twenty-three years ago, Columbine High School became a global name. Twenty-three years ago, 12 students and one teacher were killed. Twenty-three years ago, school shootings became a national reality. And...

Students are constantly exhausted due to copious amounts of homework.

Editorial: Teachers should implement work periods

Editorial Staff April 11, 2022

High school students are chronically stressed, and it doesn’t take a genius to see why.  Students sprint through jam-packed schedules stocked to the brim with homework, sports practices, test prep,...

Protests for changing the way education funding works have become commonplace in American society.

Editorial: Funding for education in California favors the wealthy

Editorial Staff and Andrew Tolu April 4, 2022

Schools in California are chronically underfunded. As of the 2016 -17 school year, California’s yearly amount spent per student was $2,410 below the national average once adjusted for the cost of...

Employees working in a Carlmont Village Shopping Center restaurant wear masks while they take orders and prepare food.

Editorial: Food service workers should continue wearing masks

Editorial Staff March 21, 2022

When we go out for a snack, a drink, or for a meal- there’s an expectation of cleanliness. We expect our food to not only be well-made but to be free of any bad bacteria, mold, flies, and hair. Restaurants...

Damian Lillard, a point guard for the Portland Trailblazers, chose to wear “How Many More” while playing in the NBA Bubble.

Editorial: The NFL and NBA aren’t doing enough for racial equality

Editorial Staff and Soleil Dam March 8, 2022

Colin Kaepernick kneeled in solidarity with police brutality victims. Soon after, he lost his job as an NFL quarterback. As Black Lives Matter became a national movement in June 2020, the NFL apologized to...

While Ukraine has been attacked by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his army, numerous insensitive memes, TikToks, and tweets have surfaced.  Image Credit: A Ukrainian Army [...] during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM / LCPL Andrew Williams, USMC / National Archives Catalog / Public Domain

Editorial: We need to be wary of what we post during world crises

Editorial Staff March 1, 2022

The eyes of the world are on Ukraine after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an attack on the nation. People are constantly glued to their news feeds and TV screens, watching for updates as missiles...

Fewer students are getting to appreciate the fun in childhood. They are instead being forced to focus on education, especially in the Bay Area.

Editorial: Students need a childhood

Editorial Staff and Lindsay Augustine February 28, 2022

Columbia. Harvard. Yale.  Household names, and names needed to get a household.  Education now defines a person’s worth and success. This is especially true in the Bay Area, where high costs...

Sha'Carri Richardson was unable to compete in the Tokyo Games alongside her competitors.

Editorial: Athletic drug regulations need reform

Editorial Staff February 21, 2022

She was known throughout the skating world as "Miss Perfect," due to her flawless routines and gravity-defying jumps. At only 15 years old, Kamila Valieva, a Russian figure skater, had solidified herself...

Pedestrians and bicyclists utilize the walking paths in front of the U.S. Capitol building.

Editorial: Democracy ‘trumps’ partisanship

Editorial Staff February 15, 2022

Glass shatters as representatives quickly evacuate the House. Ushered away, the same people that represent the pinnacle of American democracy hide from a mob of insurrectionists who sought to “stop the...

Black patients often  experience disproportionate health care in comparison to their white counterparts.

Editorial: We need to address inequality in our healthcare system

Editorial Staff February 9, 2022

Racism permeates every aspect of our society. May 2020 saw an explosion of protests, riots, and anger towards the injustice that individuals like George Floyd experienced because they were a shade darker...

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