The Student News Site of Saratoga High School

The Saratoga Falcon
SHS students, faculty, and alumni pose after their final performance with BDB.
Students participate in prestigious Blue Devils Drums Corps over the summer
September 18, 2024
Sophomore Alma Garniek begins her shift at TEAZENTEA.
New bubble tea store opens in downtown Saratoga
September 15, 2024
Amanda Lupoli fills out a Venn diagram with input from students in her 6th period AP U.S. History class.
New history teacher emphasizes instilling critical thinking skills
September 15, 2024
English teacher Amy Keys makes masks as part of a Día de los Muertos workshop in Oaxaca.
Veteran teachers return to the classroom after taking leaves last year
September 15, 2024
Junior Nolan Woo introduces his club, League of Programmers, to junior Jack Dong.
This year’s Club Rush features off-beat new clubs and traditional old ones
September 14, 2024
The album cover for “Bando Stone and The New World,” where Donald Glover plays the titular character in the accompanying movie with the same name.
Bando Stone and The New World is an exhilarating sendoff to the Childish Gambino persona
September 18, 2024
The new installment in the “Quiet Place” series originally hinted at an emotionally impactful story about the tragedies of the apocalypse, increasing fan expectations.
‘A Quiet Place: Day One’: not worth all the noise
September 18, 2024
Olivia Rodrigo engages with the audience while singing “enough for you” during her concert.
Buying last-minute Olivia Rodrigo tickets is a good idea, right?
September 17, 2024
Absolutely hooked, I can’t stop myself from watching true crime, such as the Slenderman case.
The allure of true crime documentaries
September 17, 2024
Ao3 reigns supreme as the #1 fanfiction site.
A review of popular fanfiction sites — are they worth the read?
September 17, 2024
The 2024 F1 season has already crowned 7 Grand Prix winners — the most since 2012.
The rise and appeal of Formula 1 racing
September 18, 2024
Junior Millie Wang hits a 54-degree wedge out of a bunker at Saratoga Country Club.
With only 7 players, girls’ golf hopes to ace its season
September 17, 2024
Awaiting the inquiry results, Jordan Chiles looks at the screen anxiously.
A devastating — and unfair — loss of a medal for gymnast Jordan Chiles
September 16, 2024
The Niner’s chaotic offseason has been interesting to watch mainly due to the recently-resolved contract situation of wide-receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
After a heartbreaking Super Bowl loss, the 49ers are ready to move on
September 14, 2024
In March 2024, freshmen Kayley Ren placed seventh out of 94 fencers at the Fortune Fencing Super Youth Circuit in Ontario, Calif.
Blade and balance: Freshman excels at competitive fencing
September 13, 2024
I say my line during my annual spring program.
From private school to public school, the benefits and downsides I experienced
September 15, 2024
Too often, students instinctively reach for the calculator.
Stop and think: Do you really need that calculator?
September 15, 2024
Six ants crawl on bathroom sink.
Clean up after yourself before the ants take over the school
September 12, 2024
The skibidi toilet horrors that popped up in our Instagram reels less than a year ago.
Gen Alpha has a word for that — but you probably won’t know what it means
September 12, 2024
Glasses and Contacts
Contacts vs. glasses: Which one works better?
September 12, 2024
One of the three vending machines on the school campus.
Top 10: vending machine items on campus
September 17, 2024
My teachers are fast asleep while I rush to submit the assignment.
100-word rant: Homework should always be due at the start of class, not midnight of the night before
September 17, 2024
I carry an 8-month-old baby Io.
Never again: a girl, her dog and her keyboard
September 17, 2024
Moments before we (unfortunately) tasted our least favorite boba.
Our sweet adventure: uncovering the hidden boba gems in the Bay
September 16, 2024
Some productive and unproductive ways to combat after-school slump.
A guide to productivity: How to combat the after-school slump
September 16, 2024

The Saratoga Falcon

The Saratoga Falcon
All content by Christina Chang

Senior Mag 2023: Taking the untraditional path: Seniors pursue gap years before resuming academic studies

Christina Chang
August 30, 2023
Hong and Leung pose for a photo in the music building — the place they spend most of their tutorials and lunches.

Senior Mag 2023: Melodies of friendship: from elementary school piano buddies to college roommates

Christina Chang and Martin Xu
July 1, 2023
Carolyn (left) and Christina (right) in their newly-purchased Target T-shirts.

No drive, no life: Second-semester seniors go to Target on a $15 budget

Christina Chang and Carolyn Wang
April 25, 2023
The job listing for a new assistant principal was posted March 1.

School seeks new assistant principal for next year

Christina Chang and Carolyn Wang
March 28, 2023
Fallen tree branches litter the ramp in front of the library.

Atmospheric river brings heavy winds, fallen trees and destruction to campus facilities

Christina Chang
March 14, 2023
A young eighth grade Christina brings the ball down the court against a press during a Tri City PA-PAP Squad game against Tri City Shoyu Sisters in 2018.

An athlete’s journey: learning to quit

Christina Chang
February 27, 2023
The Prosecution team poses with glee for a celebratory photo during a team debrief following a victorious competition on Jan. 26.

Mock Trial caps most successful season in recent history, but fails to advance

Christina Chang and Sanjoli Gupta
February 16, 2023
Co-captains junior Zinneerah Ahmed and senior Tanya Ghai command the court during the Lynbrook game.

Girls’ basketball faces tough losses, CCS prospects unlikely

Christina Chang, Meher Bhatnagar, and Ariel Zhou
January 31, 2023
Many submissions revolved around the theme of mental health. Among them was senior Christina Chang’s artwork “Burnout,” a mixed media self portrait which comments on the academic culture at Saratoga High. 

Photo or Graphic for: Winter Soundings issue to be published online in late January

Amy Luo and Kathy Wang
January 24, 2023
Kellen Browning, who was raised in Davis, has been working at The Times for two years.

Photo or Graphic for: Journalism program holds speaker event with New York Times

Saachi Jain
December 15, 2022
A duck puts up a superficial facade of calmness as it floats peacefully along the surface of the water; beneath the surface, it paddles frantically to stay afloat.

Stanford professor’s findings help explain why so many young people feel so miserable

Christina Chang
November 20, 2022
Every year, Algebra 2 Honors tends to have a large number of students who drop to Algebra 2 after the start of the year. Unequal movement contributes to unbalanced class sizes.

Too big or too small — class size issues emerge this year

Christina Chang
November 9, 2022
Ask someone out with these easy, fool-proof methods.

Top 10 ways to ask someone out

Christina Chang and Sam Bai
October 19, 2022
Top 10: ways to fake having friends

Top 10: ways to fake having friends

Christina Chang
June 5, 2022
73 questions: conversations with the school community

73 questions: conversations with the school community

Lena Aribi, Meher Bhatnagar, Christina Chang, Lynn Dai, Victoria Hu, Hannah Lee, Jonny Luo, Shannon Ma, Nikhil Mathihalli, and Sarah Zhou
May 30, 2022
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School should offer more humanities courses

Christina Chang
May 18, 2022
District to review plan for solar panel farms in mid-June

District to review plan for solar panel farms in mid-June

Christina Chang
May 22, 2022
Mayor Tina Walia introduces the Blossom Festival to residents in the gazebo.

Saratoga Historical Foundation hosts Blossom Festival following 2-year hiatus

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
May 15, 2022
Junior Kayla Steele gains territory running with the ball during the Falconpuff championship game. The juniors were matched up against the seniors, who ultimately won 14-0.

Leadership hosts first Spring Fling spirit week since 2019; dance nixed for low ticket sales

Christina Chang
May 15, 2022
Saratoga’s varied neighborhood feature diverse lifestyles

Saratoga’s varied neighborhood feature diverse lifestyles

Anamika Anand, Vicky Bai, and Christina Chang
May 10, 2022
PSA: It’s OK to take a break

PSA: It’s OK to take a break

Christina Chang
April 28, 2022
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Photo or Graphic for: Timing was right to lift mask mandate, but caution still important

Ethan Lin
March 20, 2022
Senior reflects on year as Santa Clara County’s first Youth Poet Laureate

Senior reflects on year as Santa Clara County’s first Youth Poet Laureate

Christina Chang
March 18, 2022
As mask mandate expires, most students and staff still choose to wear them

As mask mandate expires, most students and staff still choose to wear them

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
March 18, 2022

Benefit Fashion committee plans Retro show this year

Christina Chang
January 31, 2022
Community mourns death of 23-year veteran teacher Todd Dwyer

Community mourns death of 23-year veteran teacher Todd Dwyer

Christina Chang and Atrey Desai
January 23, 2022

Teachers reach 3-year agreement with district

Christina Chang and Martin Xu
January 22, 2022
The Outreach Commission announces this year’s Speak Up For Change theme: Stepping Forward.

Speak Up For Change reveals this year’s theme: Stepping Forward

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
January 21, 2022
English teacher Amy Keys browses the books on her classroom library shelves.  

English teachers host elaborate mini-libraries in their classrooms

Christina Chang
January 20, 2022
Senior Cary Chen took this sunset photo at a friend’s house on Dec. 23.

Senior delves into new-found interest in photography

Christina Chang
January 18, 2022
Class of 2021: Alumni reflect on their transition to various colleges

Class of 2021: Alumni reflect on their transition to various colleges

Christina Chang and Arnav Swamy
December 18, 2021
The field hockey team runs onto the field at the beginning of their game against Homestead.

Fall recap: Successful seasons were rare, but athletes were happy to be back in the game

Christina Chang and Ethan Lin
December 6, 2021

All recycling products at the school have been trashed in the past six months because students keep contaminating recycling bins with improper waste such as food

Christina Chang and Cici Xu
December 2, 2021

Bell schedule change advances for second semester

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
November 22, 2021
The LGSUHSD board, Curriculum Alignment Course Pathway Committee, teachers, parents and students convene to discuss the issues at hand at the Nov. 16 board meeting.

Board preliminarily supports alignment of graduation requirements between SHS and LG, leaves door open for considering full alignment

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
November 19, 2021
Freshmen Timothy Leung and Beverly Xu collaborate to work on a yearbook spread.

Journalism 1 students combined with yearbook staff due to smaller class size

Christina Chang
October 21, 2021

Chess champion Andrew Hong earns elite grandmaster title

Christina Chang and Jonathan Si
October 19, 2021
Ranking popular water bottles from first to worst

Ranking popular water bottles from first to worst

Christina Chang and Shannon Ma
October 8, 2021
Jensen penned a public email on Aug. 30 blaming the 40.1 percent of foreigners in Saratoga for wasting the city’s water supply.

Member of city Planning Commission resigns over comments widely seen as xenophobic

Lynn Dai and Christina Chang
October 8, 2021
Newsom on a roll: vaccine mandate incites majority approval from students

Newsom on a roll: vaccine mandate incites majority approval from students

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
October 8, 2021
Library and lab technician Cynthia Cheng works to prepare labs for AP Biology students in the science building.

Cynthia Cheng takes on new role as library technician

Christina Chang and Martin Xu
October 7, 2021
 Santa Clara County Fire recently deployed routine use of tactical water tenders, which quickly deliver additional water at vegetation fires where fire hydrants may be unavailable.

Fall means fire season — and preparation for potential emergencies

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
October 6, 2021
Semicolon Saratoga is scheduled to sell t-shirts designed by senior Isabel Lee in October to fundraise for Project Semicolon.

Junior creates platform for students to share mental health experiences

Christina Chang and Shreya Rallabandi
September 20, 2021
Students engage in games at the Back to School Social on August 13.

Students discuss excitement, challenges of being back in-person school

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
September 10, 2021
Teachers implement course modifications to combat learning gaps

Teachers implement course modifications to combat learning gaps

Christina Chang and Martin Xu
September 10, 2021
sports

Falcon athletes experience the ups and downs of Season 2 sports

Christina Chang
May 17, 2021
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SCVAL teams forced to forgo CCS playoffs

Christina Chang and Anjali Pai
May 11, 2021
book club photo courtesy of Avani Kongetira

Book Club aims to spread the love of literature

Christina Chang
May 8, 2021
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In a race between good intentions and procrastination, guess who wins?

Christina Chang
May 3, 2021
teacher friendships photo

Teacher friendships continue to thrive despite the pandemic

Christina Chang
April 28, 2021
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Girls’ basketball: New coach faces challenges posed by pandemic

Christina Chang and Nilay Mishra
April 25, 2021
health and cooking class photo courtesy of Wendy Lewis

Students enjoy health and cooking class both in-person and at home

Christina Chang and Anjali Pai
April 25, 2021
West Valley College photo courtesy of QUADRIGA

Students discuss appeals and challenges of Middle College

Christina Chang
April 23, 2021
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Updated CDC social distancing guidelines prompt mixed reactions from SHS community

Christina Chang and Martin Xu
April 15, 2021
Free Speech Graphic-01

Photo or Graphic for: What is the extent of the First Amendment in schools?

Stephanie Sun and Martin Xu
April 2, 2021
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Reporters maintain friendship through animal nicknames

Christina Chang, Anjali Pai, and Carolyn Wang
March 23, 2021
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District plans to begin reopening schools with Phase 3A and Phase 3B

Christina Chang and Tiffany Wang
March 9, 2021
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City and community support local historical Japanese garden during COVID-19

Christina Chang and Carolyn Wang
March 8, 2021
alex yang campaign photo

Candidates express difficulty of campaigning on social media for ASB elections

Christina Chang and Lihi Shoshani
March 6, 2021
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Return of sports: Students share excitement and navigate new guidelines

Christina Chang
March 1, 2021
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For coaches, the return of sports has been a long journey

Christina Chang and Minsui Tang
March 1, 2021
CC podcast

2019 alumna leads guided meditation with ‘Chaotic Calm’ podcast

Christina Chang and Marisa Kingsley
February 21, 2021
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Spring musical planned to be online film version of ‘The Addams Family’

Christina Chang
February 6, 2021
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Student athletes in college balance sports and studies

Christina Chang and Preston Fu
January 27, 2021
Dear 2021 Graphic

Photo or Graphic for: Dear 2021 … it can only get better

Martin Xu
January 13, 2021
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Photo or Graphic for: Does hybrid learning really work?

Martin Xu
December 9, 2020
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Photo or Graphic for: Masks are not necklaces; wear them properly

Harshini Velchamy
December 1, 2020
school

With conditions worsening, district will not move forward with Phase 3 to start second semester

Christina Chang and Anjali Pai
December 4, 2020
multiple sports in a season photo

Playing on two teams more likely in condensed sports seasons

Christina Chang
December 3, 2020
private schools graphic

Private schools pave the way for returning to in-person schooling

Christina Chang and Chris Chen
December 3, 2020
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As movie theaters struggle during the pandemic, drive-in movies stage a comeback

Christina Chang and Lihi Shoshani
November 27, 2020
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‘Over the Moon’ brings more Asian representation to Western animation

Christina Chang
November 20, 2020
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Alumni reflect on experiences after leaving Saratoga bubble

Christina Chang and Carolyn Wang
November 2, 2020
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Recurring internet outages irk students and staff

Christina Chang and Anjali Pai
October 31, 2020
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Sports should not have practices at this time due to safety concerns

Christina Chang and Anjali Pai
October 20, 2020
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Break-in at administration building continues string of unusual crimes on campus lately

Christina Chang and Shreya Rallabandi
October 10, 2020
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Spider Apocalypse

Christina Chang
September 12, 2020
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