Woodrow Sophomores are preparing for their first major test, the PSAT. What is the PSAT?

The PSAT is the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, a standardized test that serves as a practice run for the SAT and can qualify students for scholarships while testing their reading, writing, and math skills. As the test approaches, many students are balancing nerves and excitement while figuring out the best ways to study. Sophomore Elizabeth Casanova said she has been practicing “10–20 minutes a day using online questions and reviewing class material,” adding that time management has been the hardest part because she wants to “understand each question but still move quickly.” She shared that she feels both nervous and excited for test day and that her main goal is to become familiar with the SAT format so she can feel more confident in the future. Another sophomore, Ciara Lewis-Armstrong, explained that the PSAT can feel stressful, but she is trying to stay positive and sees it as valuable preparation for college admissions tests. Ciara said she uses Khan Academy and studies with friends after school because “practicing together makes it less intimidating.” She believes the PSAT is important not only for building skills but also because it “could help with scholarships later, which is a big deal,” and her best advice for other students is to avoid last-minute cramming and ask teachers for help when needed. Although it may feel like a huge milestone, the PSAT is ultimately a learning experience that will help Woodrow sophomores gain confidence and prepare for their academic futures.

The Woodrow Wilson Swimming program is entering a new era led by a recently hired coach Thibodaux who brings both decades of experience and is passionate toward building a student centered team. 

 Thibodaux previously coached The Bryan Adams Swim program from 1997-2005, said she was drawn to Woodrow because of “It’s rich history and success in the pool.” “I’d like to rebuild the program.”

Thibodaux says the rebuilding process will come through; “creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.” Her coaching philosophy reflects fond memories of earlier teams functioning like a family. “Back in the day, we didn’t have many club swimmers. Our team was made up of students who wanted to be a part of our program,” said Thibodaux" We were like family, kids who had grown up together.” Thibodaux says she will welcome any and all Woodrow  students who want to join. 

She believes the team already has a great foundation, with a group of proficient returning swimmers, but her main focus has been on developing new swimmers and building the roster. She emphasized being open to “working around your schedules, and around clubs and organization commitments and giving you the opportunity to be a part of our team.”

Her message inspires swimmers on the team with junior Nikko Perdue saying “you can tell she's passionate about rebuilding the tradition of Woodrow Swimming and that motivates us to work hard during practice.” He also added “I’ve noticed her giving tips to less experienced swimmers and perfecting their technique.” 

As practices have just started, the Wildcats swim team looks ahead with excitement. With this new coach dedicated to tradition and a team of swimmers eager to improve, the program is one step closer to rebuilding its community and competitive spirit.

Woodrow administration worked together to issue a new school-wide non-transparent water bottle policy on September 2nd. Due to the misuse of non-transparent cups, students are now only allowed to bring clear plastic water bottles. Students are recommended to buy water from the vending machines, and drink out of the campus’ frequently tested water fountains.

This policy was enforced after students were caught sneaking in banned items such as vape pens and cellphones into the Woodrow Wilson building which is against school policy and state law.

Students were informed about this policy via facebook post, and emails. Some students wish that they had gotten informed prior to the morning of. Sophomore Zowie Keijers Koning said ”When I was entering the school, they told me to empty out my water bottle, and turn my water bottle in with a sticky note with my name and id number on it.” Another student thought it unfair that this led them to spend more money on water bottles, “People have to purchase water that's two dollars, leading us to pay for water at the vending machine since we can’t bring our personal water.” said junior Gabrielle Bowens. 

The assistant principal Trenton McColly said the ban had been an idea since the beginning of the school year but was put in place when students took advantage of the water bottles. McColly thinks the ban will  be permanent “I don’t believe there is a chance of removal because it's for the safety of students and staff.” 

 Even though students are not allowed thermal water bottles, students are allowed to bring thermal lunchboxes and insulated food jars, as long as they aren't breaking any of the school’s rules.