silverchips A public forum for student expression since 1937 Montgomery Blair High School
October 28, 2021
VOL. 85 NO. 1
SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND
Blair’s last Powder Puff
This year’s homecoming pep rally marks the last Powder Puff game, during which the cheerleading and football teams swap sports. Criticism from students and staff following the event led SGA sponsor Kevin Shindel to announce the change and apologize for any harm caused to students in an email to school staff.
“Staff and students have raised concerns that the game is a relic of a past that reinforced gender roles and makes a mockery of gender identity. It’s not where we are in 2021,” he wrote. FIONA BONDAREV
Blazers are back CAL TOBIAS
After almost two years in lockdown, Blair students are back and celebrating their school pride.
Read about the return to school on page D4.
Counselor shortage plagues schools
A lack of an adequate amount of MCPS counselors leaves some Jake Funk goes pro students feeling lost. Read more on page B2. Damascus alum and Blair administrator’s son COURTESY OF JAKE FUNK
D1 Features
Mes de Herenca Hispana
Farms adjusting to climate change
E1 Culture
In conversation with Erik Agard
F3
Should Blair bring back check-ins?
C1 La Esquina Latina
E6
B1 Opinions
C2
Staff shortage in MCPS
A2 News
B2
A4
insidechips
D3
was recently drafted to the Los Angeles Rams. Read more on page F5. F1 Sports Mental health in sports