McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger

McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger

McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger

Students and teachers at MCHS must first complete their Flex Certification before partaking in blended learning.

Opinion | Blended is beneficial

Michalina Sotka, Print Managing Editor November 30, 2023

A student walks into their math class, excited because it is now labeled as "blended." They expect that they will be able to set their own pace in the class, making it easier for them to learn. They know...

At the Upper Campus, when the clock hits 1:46 on Wednesdays, students get to leave early. However, the schedule has drawbacks.

Opinion | Early release Wednesdays prevent students from getting work done

Lola Cassidy, Online Managing Editor November 7, 2023

For some students early release Wednesdays are the best part of the week, but for others, it is the dreaded day with no AIM and less time to get the much needed help from teachers. With no AIM, there is...

Minecraft has received lots of continuous updates, but the most recent mob vote in the game has riled up the internet. Players voted the armadillo mob to be added to the game last week.

The vote that took over the internet

Sam Bodden, Staff Writer October 25, 2023

The open-world sandbox game "Minecraft" was earlier this month when the game's developer Mojang Studios asked fans to choose a new mob to be added to the game. Players have gone crazy trying to get other...

The state of Illinois requires students to undergo fitness testing in their P.E. classes. Though the idea is to keep students physically healthy, some students may feel it takes a toll on them socially and emotionally.

Opinion: Fitness testing is unnecessary

Freedom Tomasello, Opinions Editor January 31, 2023

The fitnessgram pacer test is a test most students dread, and it's only one of the 4 required assessments in the physical education curriculum. The tests consist of a 60 second curl up test, a pushup test,...

Fans were disappointed by the way Twitchcon was organized this year.  Organizers botched basic logistical and safety decisions and ruined special meet and greets with famous social media influencers.

Opinion: Twitchcon was poorly planned and executed

Claire Guzman, Staff Writer November 3, 2022

Twitchcon returned to San Diego for the first time since 2019 where favorite content creators got to meet up with their fans. But it didn't liv Recently, (previously faceless) Minecraft YouTuber Dream...

Though digital apps like My Homework and Minga are designed to help students and staff, many have found the transition confusing and unhelpful — and a possible breach of privacy.

Opinion: Mingapocolypse

Gabe Santos, Staff Writer September 9, 2022

It's the first day back to school at MCHS and students are going into lunch. There are students on a staircase, shoulder to shoulder. It’s stressful, cramped, and loud.  Later, a student in class realizes...

Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy yells at an official in the fourth quarter against the Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Oct. 14, 2018.

Opinion: Chanting against Nagy is wrong

Mackenzie Sroka, Sports Editor December 13, 2021

Imagine you are at your child's high school football game, rooting for them to win their semi-final game. Your two sons are both on the field, when you notice that they are both extremely distracted. All...

Candles, flowers and letters are placed at a memorial outside of the canceled Astroworld festival at NRG Park on Nov. 7 in Houston.

Opinion: Astroworld tragedy was preventable

Kylie Chisamore, Staff Writer December 3, 2021

Standing in the crowd with music blasting, everyone in the crowd had fun enjoying the music until tragedy strikes. Screaming began with people begging for help, everyone fearing for their lives, wondering...

Opinion: No blind eye to climate change

Opinion: No blind eye to climate change

Leylah Moreno, Staff Writer January 14, 2021

In the Arctic, the sea ice recedes into the land, melting, with temperatures on the rise. In the Amazon, deforestation threatens millions of species by cutting down their habitats. In the Pacific Ocean,...

Working towards elective credit, students throughout MCHS adhere to Common Core standards.

Opinion: Common Core doesn’t set students up for success

Madison Harvey, Staff Writer December 27, 2020

A student sits in her school counselor’s office. She is planning out next year’s schedule, and sighs after her counselor shares the upsetting news. There’s no time for her to do homework after school...

Opinion: MCHS needs to implement ASL classes

Opinion: MCHS needs to implement ASL classes

Mackenzie Sroka, Staff Writer December 23, 2020

Imagine there’s a member of your family who is deaf or hard of hearing. You watch them at every family gathering, rarely talking to anyone because no one in your family knows American Sign Language (ASL)....

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