The Beacon

Are you smarter than a Santa Claus?

Javier Thompson and Sarah Wiesenfelder • December 20, 2024

Welcome to “Are You Smarter than Santa Claus?” In this game, we take one random teacher and put them head-to-head with Santa Claus! Today, our contestants are physics teacher Maria Delos Santos...

The heart behind the stone; discovering Mr. Geremia’s past

Peyton Shum and Jordana Sloane • November 25, 2024

On November 3rd, twenty-one years ago, a teacher walked into a classroom for the first time hoping to make a difference. This teacher was Robert Geremia, who still graces our classrooms today. Mean, tyrant,...

Despite flaws, we should be grateful for our security system

Natalia Weinstein, Contributor • November 25, 2024

Metal detectors, x-ray machines, and security officers are some of the safety features that Jackson-Reed uses to ensure students get in and out of school safely. Not all schools are lucky enough to have...

Are you smarter than a freshman?

Sarah Rose Wiesenfelder and Javier Thompson • November 25, 2024

Welcome to “Are You Smarter than a Freshman?” Today, our contestants are English teacher Elsie Palmieri and freshman Ansel Kripke. In this game, we take one random teacher or senior and put them head-to-head...

Celebration of art and culture at Uptown Theater’s reopening

Adler Amolsch, Director of New Staff • November 25, 2024

After closing in March 2020, the historic Washington DC Uptown Theater is finally on track to reopen. Sandro Kereslidze and Tatiana Pastukhova, who recently purchased the Uptown, hope to continue the theater's...

Academy Spotlight: Engineering

Eli Herr, Contributor • November 25, 2024

High school academies have become increasingly popular in the past decade, as they push students to explore specific areas of interest. Although being in an academy isn’t mandatory, many students at...

A hidden secret: Trick-or-treating at the embassies

Cecelia Grant, Junior Editor • November 25, 2024

Living in the nation’s capital in October allows for a number of spooky season festivities! One of DC’s unique Halloween activities takes place on Embassy Row. Here, by Massachusetts Avenue, visitors...

Dean Boone is #TigerPride

Maya Roskes, Spread Editor • November 25, 2024

When walking through the halls of Jackson-Reed, one often hears the sound of a high-five “clap!” and catches glimpses of an arm raised high amongst the sea of students. The person this infamous right...

It’s not a wish, it’s a need: top gifts this holiday season

Padget Bowers-Shreve, Junior Editor • November 25, 2024

Are you excited for the holiday season? I know I am! Despite the never-ending list of products available to be consumed, you might have some trouble deciding what you want for the holidays. To help you...

APES boat trip: real life exposure to climate change

Frances Leibovich and Rohini Kieffer • November 25, 2024

Picture a classic boat day. It is 80 degrees and you put on your life vest to catch some fish and watch the birds fly by. Now, stop imagining your casual lake day because this is no summer vacation. Instead,...

Our fulfilling experience working at the polls

Noa Gordon and Kalpana Shipler • November 25, 2024

Leading up to the election, like many, we could feel anxiety and a pit in our stomachs, not knowing what was to come. Instead of sitting on our butts all day doing nothing, we decided to distract ourselves...

Best jobs for students

Padget Bowers-Shreve and Cecelia Grant • October 27, 2024

Going to a school in a city like DC, jobs are a common extracurricular amongst students with the extensive range offered at every corner. From working at a restaurant to babysitting, jobs are a great way...