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Since the pandemic started, many adolescents have spent more time on social media — and more time looking at images of unrealistic and unhealthy body sizes.

Opinion: Don’t fall for social media’s unrealistic body expectations

Alayna Trimingham, Copy Editor • May 6, 2021

A student sits in their room alone with their phone lighting their face. They see all these very thin people looking stunning. The student automatically feels very insecure about themself. They don’t...

As people have come forward to share their trauma, many immediately blame the victim. But it is never the victim's fault that they survived an assault — and society should start placing the blame on the perpetrator of the crime instead.

Opinion: It is never the victim’s fault

Alayna Majkrzak, Staff Writer • April 30, 2021

“What were you wearing?” “You shouldn’t have had that much to drink.” “Obviously they asked for it.” “Men can’t be assaulted.” This is what many survivors, especially of sexual assault,...

Social media can connect people together, but it can also tear people apart. In addition to bullying and aggression, social media can sow doubt, anxiety, and low-self esteem if users choose to spread negativity instead of positivity.

Opinion: Spread positivity on social media, not shame

Kiera Loewe, Social Media Director • April 29, 2021

Social media is one of the best ways to show creativity and interact with friends and family. While that is the intention, it can be more harmful than good.  As kids gain access at a younger age every...

Many students are feeling a little extra anxious returning to school after spending th last year hiding behind a camera.

Behind the mute button

Kiera Loewe, Social Media Director • April 22, 2021

It is March of 2020. A student sits in class, writing down some notes, when it’s announced that classes will be cancelled for two weeks. The student is so relieved, but then they find out it’s not...

With the diverse content that can be found on the internet, there comes an increasing need for Trigger warnings to warn viewers of content that may trigger bad reactions.

Opinion: Including trigger warnings don’t hurt — and always help

Alayna Majkrzak, Staff Writer • April 19, 2021

TW: Mentions of self harm and suicidal thoughts Scrolling through TikTok at 3 a.m., a student goes from laughing to terror in the span of seconds. Their hands shake, but they are not able to scroll...

A note on a locker in the hallways at West Campus promotes Start With Hello Week, an initiative promoted by Student Council to spread positivity during the week of April 5.

Student Council hosts Start with Hello Week

Emma Snyder, News Editor • April 9, 2021

On April 5, West Campus’s Student Council kicked off Start with Hello Week, an initiative to promote positivity at MCHS.  “The main goal of Start with Hello Week is to ensure that all students...

Counselor Sarah Sadler works at her computer in her office in West Campus. She and counseling intern Jenna McLaughlin have launched a workshop series to offer support to students with anxiety.

Weekly anxiety workshops meet on Zoom

Joe Ndu, Staff Writer • February 23, 2021

Among all of the chaos of the pandemic, remote learning and the hybrid schedule, the importance of mental health often gets lost. West Campus counselor Sarah Sadler and counseling intern Jenna McLaughlin...

When life gets heavy and things feel out of control, mental health professionals recommend putting time in to that which you can control — such as creating a clean, organized living space.

Opinion: A clean room can improve your life

Josie Cable, Opinions Editor • February 16, 2021

You step into your bedroom almost tripping over things littering the ground. Trash and empty water bottles clutter the nightstand and your bed is lost under a sea of clothes. Your mind feels scattered...

Colleen Eddy prepares for Mental Health Friday on February 10 in the dance room at West Campus.

Better help

Alayna Trimingham, Copy Editor • February 12, 2021

A student sits in class, overwhelmed and unsure what to do. They have tons of homework and just need a period to rest. Days are stressful, especially with lots of homework and the current pandemic. Many...

Students often use art as a way to express their emotions, so when they create something concerning, adults should be more understanding and less judgemental.

Opinion: Don’t punish artists for expressing themselves

Alayna Trimingham, Staff Writer • February 4, 2021

A student sits in class drawing grotesque drawings in their notebook. They suddenly heard their name on the loudspeaker. They go down to the office and are lectured on their art style, and told it isn’t...

Though many are concerned about COVID-19 and their physical health, MCHS's social services department has created the Virtual Calming Room to support the mental health East and West students — even if they're not in the building.

Virtual Calming Room available for everyone

Josie Cable, Opinions Editor • February 1, 2021

Experiencing a different type of learning throughout this school year has affected students' anxiety and stress levels. To offer relaxing solutions during these uncertain times, MCHS’s Virtual Calming...

Elle is MCHS’s advice columnist. Email her at mchs.ask.elle@gmail.com.

Ask Elle: Confronting the new

Elle Smith, Staff Writer • January 26, 2021

Dear Elle: I'm so nervous to go back to school. This year, I have been doing school in my pajamas, in my bed, almost every day. I like my house. I learn better being home with my dog, and my little brother....

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