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The Student Newspaper of Jackson-Reed High School

The Beacon

The Student Newspaper of Jackson-Reed High School

The Beacon

The Student Newspaper of Jackson-Reed High School

The Beacon

Josephine Caplan, Spread Editor

All content by Josephine Caplan

JR Survival Guide

Norah Caplan and Josephine Caplan June 11, 2024

Dear underclassmen, As AP season comes to a close and summer is finally here, we have some thoughts. As two juniors who have seen it all, we’re here to help you uncover the do’s and don'ts of Jackson-Reed. 1....

GAZA WALKOUT - DMV Students gathered at 11am in McPherson Square on May 24. The event rallied for Gaza.

Students strike for Gaza

Josephine Caplan and Eva Solomon June 11, 2024

On Friday, May 24, the DMV School Strike For Gaza held a student-led march during the school day that started at McPherson Square and ended at the White House. Students protested for two main demands at...

How to wow your mother this Mother’s Day

Josephine Caplan, Spread Editor May 3, 2024

The most complicated and exhausting day is coming up once again: Mother’s Day. Most of them work hard to help us live our best lives, but they are undoubtedly the worst people to go gift shopping for....

MAGNIFICENT MANAGER - Team manager Ida Steinberg poses with baseball players. Steinberg provides a balanced and organized energy to keep the keep running smoothly.

Behind the scenes of the baseball manager, Ida Steinberg

Josephine Caplan, Spread Editor May 3, 2024

The spring season for sports has come, bringing updated rosters, game schedules, and most importantly, new managers! The role managers play to help our teams is severely underappreciated, so I decided...

DYNAMIC DUNHAM - Mr. Dunham gives a TEDx talk at WIS, detailing his life journey and lessons, in and out of athletics.

The road to success: Coach Dunham’s version

Josephine Caplan and Rohini Kieffer May 3, 2024

Health and Fitness teacher Desmond Dunham has been a staple teacher at JR for 11 years. His magnetic energy, wisdom, and badminton games are an integral part of the JR community. However, beyond his role...

Community service: daunting yet instrumental

Josephine Caplan, Spread Editor February 13, 2024

If you go to Jackson-Reed, you know about the mandatory 100-hour community service requirement that hangs over students’ heads every year. Though the hours have been cut for upperclassmen due to COVID-19,...

A hate letter to Christmas

Norah Caplan and Josephine Caplan December 19, 2023

Dear Christmas, We always knew this letter would happen. As children born on your eve, it has been utter chaos to disclose our birthday to anyone on the street. Who else has to endure a stranger screaming...

School responds to state of emergency over juvenile crime

Devan Mehta and Josephine Caplan December 18, 2023

Last month, Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a public state of emergency over the increase in juvenile crime and the opioid crisis in DC.  In the six-page order, Bowser described how the lingering effects...

Why seniority doesn’t work

Josephine Caplan, Spread Editor November 21, 2023

The brand new underclassmen coming into this incredibly large school deserve to have a variety of clubs as an outlet to meet people and become a part of a bigger community. However, if all the big responsibilities...

Volleyball team looks to take DCSAA title

Josephine Caplan, Spread Editor October 12, 2023

With an impressive winning streak, the Jackson-Reed girls volleyball team is ready to make their mark on the upcoming season. With an excruciating loss against St. Johns in the state semi-finals last year,...

Concerts this summer you don’t want to miss

Concerts this summer you don’t want to miss

Josephine Caplan, Spread Editor July 27, 2023

Bummed you didn’t get tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour? Going into a deep depressive spiral because of it? Well, don’t fret because there are several opportunities to see live music this summer!...

U.S. Women’s National Team earns 2-1 win against the Nigeran National Team

Josephine Caplan, Spread Editor May 23, 2023

The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, or the USWNT has made history yet again. On Tuesday, September 6th, the USWNT played a non-league game at Audi Field, marking the first time they have ever played...

Did COVID kill school spirit?

Josephine Caplan and Willa Marks March 23, 2023

After years of sports titles and academic achievements, you’d think that our school would be more spirited than it is. As a high school that dominates in pretty much every field, where is our enthusiasm? Before...

Book Review: The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama

Book Review: The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama

Josephine Caplan, Spread Editor March 6, 2023

Michelle Obama just released a second autobiography, The Light We Carry, that is just as outstanding and remarkable as the first. A perfect pick-me-up for any reader, the novel highlights some stories...

Trekking with Thompson

Devan Mehta, Josephine Caplan, and Norah Caplan January 24, 2023

    Junior Editors   Last year, as puny little freshmen, the three of us would eat lunch outside, gazing up at the clocktower that sat atop the school. Devan thought it was where...

One student’s run ins with JR’s unenforced hallsweeps

Josephine Caplan, Spread Editor January 23, 2023

The bell rings, and the chase is on. Your adrenaline kicks in as you speed out of class, dodging hundreds of people in an attempt to get to your next period on time. You get to a stairwell, but to your...

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