Vol. 52 » Issue 2

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volume 52, Issue 2 October 23, 2013

Walt whitman High school

7100 whittier boulevard

Bethesda, maryland 20817

theblackandwhite.net

Superintendent supports later high school start times Health, safety, mental well-being cited as reasons by Rebecca Meron

photo by ABBY CUTLER

The possibility of high school students sleeping an extra 50 minutes each morning is one step closer to reality, as superintendent Joshua Starr endorsed later start times for MCPS high schools in an announcement Oct 1. The reform would move high schools’ start times from 7:25 to 8:15 a.m., pushing the end of the day 50 minutes later to 3:00 p.m. Last December, Starr created a Bell Times Work Group to study the consequences of shifting the high school start times. The group examined research on teen sleep and the effect of sleep deprivation on adolescents. The group’s report convinced Starr to endorse the change. In their review of research and scientific studies the Work Group did not find any conclusive evidence that later start times impact academic achievement. However, multiple non-academic benefits influenced Starr’s recommendation, according to the Group’s leader, John Matthews, a former MCPS director of transportation. These benefits include fewer car accidents, less teenage depression and better eating habits.

Senior Cole Hinga rock climbs at Earth Treks climbing gym in Rockville. He along with several students develop their ability and confidence here and at other climbing sites at events organized by the rock-climbing club.

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Freshman golfer shows talent at state level

Pedestrian collisions raise safety concern

by Roger Champagne

INSIDE

LOOK

The End of the Cappie Awards (At Whitman) Page 3

By Samantha zambri

photo courtesy GRAHAM HUTCHINSON

Freshman Graham Hutchinson has swung, chipped and putted his way to the top of Whitman’s golf team and the MCPS golf leaderboards. The freshman phenom is currently the top high school golfer in Montgomery County, with a shot average of 35.50 strokes in the first six matches of the season. In the 14-year-old age group, he is the highest ranked golfer in Maryland, and 50th in the United States. Hutchinson has played a major role in the Vikings’ success this year, helping propel the team to an 11-5 record. Captain Andrew Barth said Graham possesses a level of talent rare for a golfer his age. “Graham has been an essential addition to the team,” Barth said. “He is by far the most talented golfer I have seen at his age.” Hutchinson’s shot average is top in the country, despite his having to adjust to playing nine holes rather than 18. “Since matches are nine holes, I have had to stay in the mindset of trying to get off to a good start because there aren’t many more holes to recover from a few bad ones,” Hutchinson said. With Barth graduates this year, Hutchinson stands to be a key team member for the next three years. Whitman Coach Karl O’Donoghue said he appreciates the attitude and leadership Hutchinson brings to the team.

Freshman Grahm Hutchinson tees up his shot on the practice course. Hutchinson has helped propel the golf squad to an 11-5 record

“Graham is also a pleasure to be around because he is so willing to help others on the team with their game,” O’Donoghue said. Hutchinson has been heavily involved in golf for most of his life. His father, David Hutchinson, has tended the golf courses at Congressional Country Club since 1999 as the superintendent, providing Hutchinson with access to high quality courses and instruction.

The torturous bumper-to-bumper traffic stretching down Whittier Blvd., along with the chaos of random drop-offs and parents wild with road rage, is enough to drive any student crazy. Parents and students are becoming increasingly concerned by the risk of accidents in school areas. Two accidents have already occurred this year at Whitman; one involving a student and the other a school bus. Parents at Bethesda Elementary School started an online petition requesting greater safety improvements in the wake of a collision between a motorist and a mother with her 3-month old child. “The pedestrians are more the problem than the drivers,” security team leader Cherise Milliner said. “Students are on their phones or listening to their iPods, but they’re not paying attention to the cars or using the crosswalks.” An accident occurred in early September, when a parent driver hit a student on his bike in the crosswalk. The student had no lasting injuries, and he went to class immediately after. The driver’s consequence: a ticket and fine issued by resource officer Steve Pascali.

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Service in Carderock with New Cell Tower

Do we Need the Pledge of Allegiance?

Fall Running Events For Everyone

Soccer Players Commit to Colleges

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