As students, we tend to be overwhelmed with work, whether it be studying for a physics exam, completing complex projects, doing research papers, and more.…
Posts published in “Opinion”
A Reason To Stop Overusing Plastic
April, or “Earth Month,” is a good time to think about the habits we have that affect the planet, especially how much plastic we use…
How Effective are Planners?
Planners—how effective are these things? Planners are little notebooks designed to help people remember tasks, distribute their time effectively, keep them organized, and more. Planners…
It’s Time to Reconsider the Merit of Meritocracies
Where to even begin with meritocracies? The problems that meritocracy has created in America alone are nearly boundless—ranging from the straightforward repercussions of high-pressure environments…
Letter to the Editor: English Classes, or We Implore You to Read, Write, Listen, Speak, and Think
Note: The Tattlerreceived this letter from Lauren Norkus, IHS English Department Leader, in response to Julia Kleinberg’s ’27 article “English Classes, or How to Do…
IHS Students are Tire…d
The issues of Ithaca High School’s parking lot are obvious and pervasive, but also solvable. Arriving and leaving the school become dreaded parts of parents’,…
Controversial Takes: Nepotism Babies
Just a small glance at the title probably made you think of a person or two who falls under this category. In case you didn’t…
Eating junk food has long been considered a middle ground between health and a standard activity. But it’s time to reconsider the moniker of junk…
English Classes, or How to Do What You’re Told
It seems to me as though math teachers constantly have to prove why you should be in their class. For the past several years, I’ve…
Rescheduling the Schedule: IHS Must Fix the Master Schedule System
Every year in early September, the nearly 1,500 students who attend IHS eagerly open up SchoolTool to take a first glance at their schedule. For…
Controversial Takes: Skinny or Baggy Jeans?
Skinny and baggy jeans; two very different styles of jeans, of two very different decades. Skinny jeans peaked around the mid-2000s to early 2010s, while…
Where the Problems with Social Media Truly Lie
There are many downsides and problems with social media, with just as many reasons to back them up. However, the real problems lie much deeper,…
An Argument for the Preservation of Marriage Equality in the United States
Approximately half of today’s adolescents who claim an LGBTQ+ identity report being estranged from at least one family member, according to a study done in…
A Guide to Managing Your Busy Schedule
As a high school student, your schedule is probably packed with tons of activities you tend to do on a daily basis. One goal you…
Why You Should Stop Underestimating Sleep
Staying up late to do homework might be seen as dedication or discipline, but it is likely undermining your productivity and performance. Many students often…
Don’t Slip Up: Why Snow Tires Matter More Than You Think
Snow tires are more important than many people realize, especially during winter. When the roads are icy or covered in snow, regular or all-season tires…
Education Without Representation
Since the school board’s decisions most directly and profoundly shape students’ daily lives, it is highly suitable to give students a voice in their governance,…
Bathroom Monitoring is Shit
“It’s demoralizing. Literally a ‘shitty’ duty. I used to be able to meet with my colleagues like a professional. Now I’m a babysitter. For bathrooming.…
ICSD Must Go Back to Listening to its Students
Over recent years, student influence on ICSD decisions has decreased substantially. The opportunities for student advocacy are seemingly endless, from activism clubs, to Student Council,…
Controversial Takes: A Gingerbread House Showdown
What’s a better way to get into the holiday spirit than by crafting a good old gingerbread house? No matter the topping, decoration, architectural, and…
Dear IHS Students
Dear IHS Students, A few of you may know me as your current or former US History teacher, but to most of you, I am…
What Are the Best Holiday Foods?
It’s December, and thus, the holidays are approaching. Stockings are starting to be hung up, hardware stores are selling themed decorations of all sorts, and…
Why Showing Work on Math Problems Should Be Optional
Since we started doing math in kindergarten, we’ve been taught to show our line of reasoning, whether it’s moving blocks from one pile to another,…
Why You Should Stop Procrastinating
Have you ever found yourself intentionally putting off doing your homework or assignments because you didn’t have the motivation to complete them? Or, have you…
Negative Effects of Extreme Class Sizes
Recent budget cuts to ICSD, compiled with staffing shortages and low teacher retention, have forced the implementation of minimum class size requirements which have led…
Controversial Takes: The Impacts of Caffeine on High School Students
“In this world, nothing can be certain, except death and taxes.” These are two inevitabilities noted by none other than Benjamin Franklin. However, for approximately…
Why You Should Stop Doomscrolling
Have you ever found yourself scrolling for hours on your phone, while you could’ve been using that time more productively? This is known as doomscrolling,…
