Almost every student on campus owns a cell phone and other devices such as headphones and smartwatches. Electronic devices, when used inappropriately in classrooms without permission, lead to disruption of the learning environment and cause distractions. Therefore, teachers should have the ability to confiscate electronic devices when necessary. If studentsContinue Reading
Recommendation letters written by teachers are an integral part of applying to college for most seniors. According to The Atlantic, the practice of using artificial intelligence (AI) to write recommendation letters has become more common among teachers all over the world, sparking debates among the global academic community. While manyContinue Reading
Many students rely on teachers recommendation letters, a requirement for the application of many colleges and universities. The letter vouches for the applicant ’s positive qualities and characteristics, including their academics and personality, to show colleges the positive contributions the student wouldmake to their campuses. Recently, some teachers have beenContinue Reading
When I attended Rancho Milpitas Middle School, students would eagerly check out books and interact with our designated librarian, Mr. Chiu, who, ironically, was a math teacher but a big advocate of reading. Students would look forward to round-table discussions at monthly book club meetings and the potluck that accompaniedContinue Reading
In a time where people around the globe are connected through the internet and social media, fandoms have played a part in connecting people even further. Whether it be uniting over a love for a certain show, a basketball player, or Taylor Swift, fandoms have become a place for peopleContinue Reading
CORRECTION: In the November 2023 edition of The Union, in an opinion story called “End the occupation—Palestinians have suffered enough,” reporter Maryam Mohamed misattributed a statement from the Geneva Convention to the Times of Israel, stating, “According to the Times of Israel, Israel is imposing collective punishment—an international war crime—onContinue Reading
For many teenagers, learning to drive is an important rite of passage into adulthood; a driver’s license is a symbol of independence, competence, and maturity. However, this perceived importance can influence some teens, who may be unprepared to drive, to learn out of social pressure or expectation, not actual desire.Continue Reading
As juniors and seniors step into their final years of high school, they are met with an influx of deadlines, exams, and stress about college and future careers. Taking advantage of a senior open or TA (teacher assistant) period can help alleviate that stress and provide a range of benefits,Continue Reading
Whether or not students should be able to keep their tests after they’ve been graded is a somewhat controversial subject. Teachers often pass back graded tests with comments and markings and promptly take them back, but students would benefit from these corrections if they could keep their tests and studyContinue Reading
It’s common to see students have a free period in their schedule instead of a standard class. Whether it be teacher’s assistant (TA) periods or senior opens, the value and need for free periods is up for debate. While free periods can be helpful for some students, the ease atContinue Reading
Every Wednesday, students are required to be in their fifth-period classes for an extra 19 minutes for homeroom. During this time, there are either videos that students often do not pay attention to, or students are using their phones scrolling social media or playing games. Homeroom is not effective andContinue Reading
The Oct. 7 Hamas attack has led Western countries to send billions in military aid to Israel and express unequivocal solidarity with Israel and its right to self-defense, as they have been for decades. To be clear, Hamas’ killing of innocent, noncombatant people is horrible. However, in the words ofContinue Reading