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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

Rohini Kieffer

Rohini Kieffer, Editor-in-Chief

  • 2021-22: Junior Editor
  • 2022-23: Section Copy Editor
  • 2023-24: Features Editor
All content by Rohini Kieffer

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,...

After lawsuit, Christian athletes chapter returns to JR

Rohini Kieffer and Gil Leifman October 15, 2024

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a 70-year-old international religious group that was barred from Jackson-Reed in 2022 following accusations of LGBTQ+ discrimination, has returned to the school after...

LEFT TO THEIR OWN DEVICES - JR phone policy leaves students responsible for monitoring their technology usage.

Phone ban? Not here.

Isadora Groves and Rohini Kieffer October 15, 2024

At the first senior town hall of the year in August, Principal Sah Brown addressed a packed auditorium. He emphasized Jackson-Reed’s position on a current trend across the DMV: phone bans.  “You...

Changes in school budget force 30 staff cuts

Despite a budget increase, Jackson-Reed is cutting more than 30 staff positions next school year. Reductions include eight full-time teachers, social-emotional and classroom support, administrative officers,...

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...

Israel-Gaza War rallies and divides community

Israel-Gaza War rallies and divides community

Simon Holland, Isadora Groves, and Rohini Kieffer February 13, 2024

Jackson-Reed students and staff are dealing with controversy surrounding discussion of the current Israel-Gaza War with accusations of censorship, threats of litigation, and complaints about curriculum. In...

Arab Student Union attempt to show documentary halted

Simon Holland, Isadora Groves, and Rohini Kieffer January 9, 2024

Editor’s Note: To read more about the current climate surrounding the Israel-Hamas War at Jackson-Reed, go here to read an article from our November edition. Jackson-Reed administration halted an...

Juniors should get excused absences for visiting prospective college campuses

Juniors should get excused absences for visiting prospective college campuses

Rohini Kieffer, Editor-in-Chief December 18, 2023

At Jackson-Reed, there are seven reasons for an absence to be excused, one of those being college visits. Yet, they are only excused for seniors. As a junior, I believe this sets students up for avoidable...

“This is my personal nightmare”: a week of Mr. B’s outfits

Rohini Kieffer and Javier Thompson December 18, 2023

Beloved social studies teacher Matthew Burgoyne has been at Jackson-Reed for seven years. Yet this year, when you look at him, he has a new glow… but how? All year long, people have been talking. And...

One year in: Artificial Intelligence’s effect on education

Rohini Kieffer, Editor-in-Chief December 18, 2023

When OpenAI launched AI chatbot ChatGPT in November 2022, the effect was immediate. The initial temptation and concern that emerged was student cheating. DCPS, like other school districts, elected not...

DC residents have a skewed perception of the JR community

Rebecca Green and Rohini Kieffer November 21, 2023

After a football game last month, police dispersed students from Jackson-Reed and Dunbar High School outside of the Tenleytown Wawa. Within days, local listservs and chat rooms buzzed with Tenleytown residents...

Students, teachers struggle to discuss Israel-Hamas war

Simon Holland, Norah Caplan, and Rohini Kieffer November 21, 2023

College campuses across the country are embroiled in debate over the Israel-Hamas war. But at Jackson-Reed, many students and teachers report that they are uncomfortable even engaging in conversations...

ON THE MARKET - Former Intelsat building sits empty on Connecticut Avenue. Ward 3 Councilmember Matt Frumin several ideas of how to utilize the space.

Proposal calls for moving MacArthur HS to Van Ness

Natalie Gordon and Rohini Kieffer November 21, 2023

On October 10, Ward 3 Councilmember Matt Frumin announced a proposal to purchase the former Intelsat Headquarters, which is located at 4000 Connecticut Avenue NW, is currently on the market. Frumin’s...

WE LOVE SOLOVE - Ms. Solove moves from BCC to DC to begin her journey as a JR english teacher.

Tonga to tango: new English teacher brings a diverse perspective to JR

Rohini Kieffer, Editor-in-Chief October 12, 2023

With the beginning of the school year comes the gift of new teachers. Joining the Jackson-Reed English Department is our newest hire, Jennifer Solove.  Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, teaching...

WISP looks to reestablish itself as a prominent academy at JR

WISP looks to reestablish itself as a prominent academy at JR

Rohini Kieffer, Editor-in-Chief June 28, 2023

Jackson-Reed is home to seven academic academies. Wilson’s International Studies Program (WISP) is the only social studies academy. The academy has faced and overcome several obstacles in recent years;...

BELOVED BESSER - Aaron Besser holds up a bag of his chemo. He posts updates on his social media every round of his treatment.

Sitting down with Mr. Besser

Becca Green and Rohini Kieffer June 21, 2023

Social studies teacher Aaron Besser left on medical leave 3 months ago, yet when we met with him recently, he walked into room 205 with a white T-shirt, khaki shorts, and his cheerful familiar presence.  Besser...

A look into the secret lives of the Jackson-Reed staff

Norah Caplan and Rohini Kieffer May 3, 2023

As students, we interact with teachers in one setting. Week after week, we see them at the same time, the same day, and the same place. We almost never catch a glimpse of their outside lives, except for...

Asian Student Union revived at Jackson-Reed

Rohini Kieffer, Editor-in-Chief March 25, 2023

Watching movies, eating dim sum, going to museums, and having potlucks. What more does anyone need? Jackson-Reed’s new Asian Student Union envisions all of this in its future. Founded by juniors Lila...

Photo by Margot Nissen

Lesser-known clubs

Norah Caplan and Rohini Kieffer March 25, 2023

It’s 8:57 a.m. (if you’re on time). As you ascend the stairs from the atrium, something catches your eye. A pop of color to your left. You look over to find a bulletin board filled with all the clubs...

Required community service hours reduced to 12

Rohini Kieffer, Editor-in-Chief March 10, 2023

The mandated number of community service hours for current DCPS seniors was reduced from 100 to 12. The decision was made by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) and also involved...

Onboarding delays continue

Rohini Kieffer, Editor-in-Chief November 13, 2022

This year, two biology classes have undergone 5 temporary substitutes. Toniann Maniscalco, a special education teacher, was forced to step in permanently.  Maniscalco explained the entire onboarding...

Overturning Roe v. Wade affects school decisions

Rohini Kieffer, Editor-in-Chief October 16, 2022

When choosing where they want to go to college, high school seniors typically consider academics, campus life, location, cost, and more. This year, many are adding a new factor to the list: abortion access....

Jackson-Reed teachers join nationwide union movement

Rohini Kieffer, Editor-in-Chief June 24, 2022

Across the country, there has been a teachers movement under the name of ‘Red for Ed.’ This past month, it came to Jackson-Reed.  On May 20th at Jackson-Reed High School, teachers came to school...

Behind the scenes: custodians adjust to in person learning

Behind the scenes: custodians adjust to in person learning

Rohini Kieffer and Ava Serafino March 29, 2022

Demetrius Denson arrives at Jackson-Reed at 5:30 a.m., before anyone else is there. He walks the halls, making sure the building is empty and nothing is amiss. He checks the cafeteria and the loading dock...

Administration rolls out digital hall pass system

Administration rolls out digital hall pass system

Ava Serafino, Benjamin Chait, and Rohini Kieffer December 17, 2021

The Wilson administration has started using online hall passes to replace standard paper passes. CTE teacher Anthony Evans and PE/Health teacher Tia Clemmons are piloting the program. Instructional...

SGA organizes Indigenous Peoples’ Month celebrations

Rohini Kieffer, Editor-in-Chief December 16, 2021

Beginning with indigenous peoples' month in November, Wilson SGA is doing its best to integrate the recognition of cultural months into Wilson students' everyday lives.  The SGA’s objective for Indigenous...

Understaffing and COVID-19 protocols cause longer entry lines

Understaffing and COVID-19 protocols cause longer entry lines

Rohini Kieffer, Editor-in-Chief November 6, 2021

Due to understaffed security personnel and COVID-19 protocols, lines to enter Wilson have become extremely long. This year, there are two new grades learning how to enter the building. Furthermore,...

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