The Beacon

100 word rants: Idioms, grades, weather

Caroline Reilly, Jessica McCallum, and Eva Solomon • February 7, 2025

Idioms Recently, I overheard a person use the phrase "Who died and made you king?" mid-argument and I was reminded how much I love English idioms. Can we appreciate the awesomeness that is an idiom? A...

Black History is world history

Lilia Choice, Contributor • February 7, 2025

In late August 1619, 20 to 30 enslaved Africans arrived in Hampton, Virginia. These Africans were the first of many to arrive in America and build the foundation of a new country. Today's society simply...

Top 10 better things to do than watch the Super Bowl (R.I.P. Commanders)

The Beacon Staff • February 7, 2025

Rewatch Super Bowl XXVI Take a nap until the halftime show Watch the Puppy Bowl Stress about your future Valentine Only watch the commercials Lurk by the snack...

Grade deflation should not impact your class selection

Miles Greenberger and Andrew Dellabella • February 7, 2025

When choosing classes, many factors influence students' decisions. While some prioritize increasing their GPA, others enroll in courses that genuinely interest them. However, there is another, less obvious...

Is Valentine’s Day overrated?

Landon Green, Contributor • February 7, 2025

As we approach another February, Valentine’s Day is quickly upon us, and the lingering debate over whether or not the annual holiday dedicated to lovers is truly worth the hype or if it’s just another...

Should seniors do dual enrollment?

Devan Mehta, News Editor • February 7, 2025

Going into my senior year of high school, I was repeatedly told that one thing would look amazing on my resume for college: dual enrollment at a college or university. Believing this, I applied and was...

Where to hit the slopes in the DMV

Will Pfaffenroth, Contributor • February 7, 2025

While the DMV is not known for its mountains that attract tons of skiers, it still offers a variety of options that are just a short drive away. After considering the pros and cons of each resort, this...

Who is JR’s biggest rival?

Maria Joyce-Johnson, Junior Editor • January 23, 2025

Ok, let's be real. Jackson-Reed severely lacks school spirit. Whether people are complaining about the rat they saw running across their classroom or the leak in the atrium roof, students never really...

The Dos and Don’ts of the College Process

Giacomo Tomaino, Contributor • January 23, 2025

“It’s too late.” That’s what many students believe when rolling into their senior year of high school. As due dates for various applications are right around the corner, the pressure to stand out...

Students should be able to chose between AP and honors Precalc

Elsa McIntyre, Junior Editor • January 23, 2025

Jackson-Reed has decided to make an adjustment to the math curriculum. We’ve eliminated honors Precalc, and now only offer AP Precalc. I was one of the last few students able to take honors precalculus,...

How to succeed for all 8 nights of Hanukkah

Eva Solomon and Josephine Caplan • December 23, 2024

Hanukkah is filled with eight wonderful nights of holiday magic. Although a holiday is always fun, eight days is a long time to keep up the thrill. So, to help you out, we made a day-to-day plan on how...

Elf on the Shelf is outdated

Landon Green, Contributor • December 23, 2024

I recently came across a TikTok that featured popular Instagram comedian Druski singing the iconic “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole in his typical, satirical but humorous, Druski fashion… Of...