The Student News Site of Saratoga High School

The Saratoga Falcon
One of the school’s top-of-the-line AEDs
School ramps up AED count on campus
November 20, 2024
Students listen to Natasha Schatzman’s presentation in the student center on Nov. 15.
NASA aerospace engineer shares research in aeromechanics and aeroacoustics
November 20, 2024
Acting superintendent Heath Rocha speaks during the Nov. 12 board meeting.
New concerns arise over former superintendent Sanderson’s 2022 hiring
November 20, 2024
The flyer for this year’s Winter Formal hangs up around school and is posted on social media.
Tickets for Winter Formal sell out before purchase window closes
November 20, 2024
Saratoga Team 1, senior Alan Lu, junior Lawson Wang, sophomores Andy Lu and Seabert Mao, senior Skyler Mao and sophomore Vivian Zhong (left to right), hold their 3rd place trophy.
Math club places third at Berkeley tournament
November 17, 2024
Actress Naomi Scott playing Skye Riley brings to life a terrifying transformation through subtle changes.
‘Smile 2’ mixes traditional jump scare and psychological horror
November 20, 2024
BASIC officers at a boba fundraiser on Oct. 2.
BASIC club emphasizes youth action on humanitarian aid
November 18, 2024
The U.S., China and Taiwan, among other nations, are engaged in one of the fastest-growing tech races in history to develop and produce the best semiconductors and AI.
The U.S. is playing catchup in the semiconductor race. Is it too late to win?
November 12, 2024
Highlights of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors dances during Homecoming week from Oct. 14-19.
Behind the scenes: Meet the choreographers who brought the Homecoming dance to life
November 2, 2024
Students gather around the table at the top of the quad steps during the voter registration drive on Sept. 25.
Revived Democracy Matters club kicks off the school year with successful election events
October 30, 2024
Senior Saira Ramakrishnan pitches for the Saratoga Falcons.
Senior softball player commits to University of Rochester
November 20, 2024
The team gathered around a fire during their retreat to enjoy s’mores and build team chemistry.
Girls’ basketball team aims to build winning culture in pre-season after eye-opening retreat
November 20, 2024
Recap of fall sports.
Fall Sports Recap: Toga teams fight hard to the end
November 16, 2024
The girls’ tennis team poses for a group photo.
Girls’ tennis finishes the regular season with a solid victory
November 16, 2024
Mascots and volunteers cheering runners on as they cross the finish line.
Saratoga 5K Fun Run: a blend of community and competition
November 13, 2024
Cigarette packaging should depict frightening images on the front and sides, clearly communicating the consequences of smoking.
Cigarette packaging needs to be more graphic in its dire warnings
November 15, 2024
Journalism labor unions have firmly opposed the bill, calling it a “shakedown.”
‘Undemocratic’ deal reached between Google and California news outlets
November 7, 2024
Test dates make or break our vacation
The bliss and benefits of having tests before breaks
October 31, 2024
Here’s why you should vote against Prop 34.
Prop 34’s devious methods target non-profits
October 30, 2024
Please let me understand my mistakes.
100-word rant: Let me use the answer key to check my work
October 28, 2024
Personally, I really need some noodle slippers.
My 8-year-old self would be sad to see ‘5-Minute Crafts’ go — but I’m not
November 20, 2024
A hearty stew such as a beef bourguignon is perfect for a cold winter day.
Winter break bucket list: cooking galore
November 18, 2024
Don’t hate until you try it.
Top 10: weirdly good food combos that might get you flamed
November 16, 2024
A girl cries as she realizes her wallet is empty.
Resisting the urge to splurge: regulating money spent on lunchtime outings
November 11, 2024
The seating chart is often like a game of Russian Roulette, you either sit next to your best friend or next to your ex.
Top 10: Reasons to request a seat change
November 5, 2024

The Saratoga Falcon

The Saratoga Falcon
All content by Atrey Desai
Strategizing alongside Jason Cheng, Ryan Jain battles it out in the midgame against the computer.

Senior Mag 2023: Parking Lot Pawns

Jason Cheng and Atrey Desai
August 30, 2023
Hemmerich helps a group of students edit a project. 

Photo or Graphic for: MAP teachers Hemmerich and Muñoz to leave SHS

Anamika Anand
May 27, 2023
In a sprint event against Wilcox High on March 24, senior sprinter Yuvraj Singh speeds ahead of his competitors.

Track ramps up training, prepares for mid-season invitationals

Atrey Desai and George Hu
April 3, 2023
Journalism Deadline Night

Photo or Graphic for: Here’s some electives advice from a junior who’s taken a bunch of them

Victoria Lin
March 3, 2023
The inner workings of Journalism: deadline night

The inner workings of Journalism: deadline night

Neal Malhotra and Atrey Desai
February 15, 2023
During a practice on Feb. 3, the sprinters do warm up drills.

Photo or Graphic for: Season preview: Track attempts to shake rust off athletes through easy early season training schedule

George Hu
February 15, 2023
Yearbook staffers crowd around as senior EIC Ritisha Byri copy-edits a layout.

Yearbook works to meet deadlines with young staff

Atrey Desai and Stephanie Sun
December 14, 2022
Senior Mateusz Palusinski dribbles the ball down the court in the Thursday game against Aptos High School. 

Photo or Graphic for: Season preview: Boys’ basketball returns strong lineup for upper league

George Huang and Zack Zhang
November 18, 2022
Saratoga downtown Starbucks closing down.

Downtown Starbucks closes its doors

Atrey Desai, Jonathan Si, and Andy Zhu
October 21, 2022
Students can expect nothing more than a generic response from college representatives that they had to compete for space to attend. 

College visits don’t live up to expectations

Atrey Desai and Minsui Tang
October 20, 2022
Students in science teacher Kristen Thomson’s class use their own computers during an activity.

New district bring your own device policy elicits mixed reactions

Atrey Desai
September 25, 2022
New English teacher Mary Palisoul teaching English 10

New English teacher joins school with 11 years of teaching experience

Atrey Desai, Zack Zhang, and Andy Zhu
September 24, 2022
The Heritage Orchard blooms in spring.

Changes to Heritage Orchard stir mild controversy

Atrey Desai and Kevin Yang
September 21, 2022
Japanese 3 Honors teacher Yumiko Muneishi helping a student with their homework.

New Japanese 3 Honors teacher uses previous experiences to build connections with students

Atrey Desai and Nidhi Mathihalli
September 17, 2022
Junior Isha Jagadish sprints in a relay event as she competes against Monta Vista High School

Photo or Graphic for: Track ends strong at late-season meets

Martin Xu and Viraaj Reddi
May 22, 2022
The Tamasha dance team performs at their BnB performance on Feb. 19

Photo or Graphic for: Tamasha highlights Bollywood culture at the school

Lynn Dai and Nikhil Mathihalli
April 1, 2022
Top 10 fonts

Top 10 fonts

Andrew Lin and Atrey Desai
March 23, 2022
Warriors starting lineup stands before game.

Warriors’ early success gives hope for championship run

Atrey Desai and Howard Shu
February 22, 2022

Robotics team wins qualifier, advance to regionals

Atrey Desai and Martin Xu
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
Omicron variant may displace students’ travel plans

Omicron variant may displace students’ travel plans

Selina Chen and Atrey Desai
December 3, 2021
‘Clash Royale’: the pinnacle of mobile gaming

‘Clash Royale’: the pinnacle of mobile gaming

Atrey Desai and Arnav Swamy
December 1, 2021
Outreach’s unofficial commission started publicizing their hallmark event in a Nov. 8 post. 

New outreach commission plans Speak Up for Change ‘Stepping Forward’

Avani Kongetira and Atrey Desai
December 1, 2021
Sophomore Bettafish members Kai Otsuka and Rishab Melkote work on their robot in preparation for the scrimmage. 

Photo or Graphic for: Robotics team holds first in-house scrimmage in two years

Alexander Kan and Allen Luo
December 1, 2021
An Indian Thanksgiving: reworking America’s most famous meal

An Indian Thanksgiving: reworking America’s most famous meal

Atrey Desai
November 22, 2021
The football team practices at the field on Oct. 21

Photo or Graphic for: Football season cut short by lack of healthy players

Jonny Luo and Nikhil Mathihalli
November 18, 2021
Bootcamp: the best of both worlds

Bootcamp: the best of both worlds

Atrey Desai
November 16, 2021
We hate baseball.

We hate baseball.

Atrey Desai and Viraaj Reddi
November 9, 2021
Junior middle blocker Lisa Fung hits the ball as the other team’s players prepare to block.

Girls’ volleyball closes out their season with disappointing losses

Sarah Zhou and Atrey Desai
November 4, 2021
vaccine-graphic-blue

Photo or Graphic for: Being unvaccinated amid a push for vaccination

Jonny Luo and Nikhil Mathihalli
November 4, 2021
The football team practices for upcoming games on Oct. 21

Photo or Graphic for: Injury forces football team to forfeit at half in painful 28-0 home loss to Los Altos

Shaan Sridhar
October 22, 2021
Chewing gum in class — a menace or blessing?

Chewing gum in class — a menace or blessing?

Atrey Desai
October 17, 2021
When users interact with the bots on Discord, the bots explain what will occur next regarding their future.

YouTube shuts down popular Discord music bots

Atrey Desai and Arnav Swamy
September 30, 2021

Beijing’s grip on Chinese gaming and media tightens

Atrey Desai and Andrew Lin
October 9, 2021
Ethics In Technology club aims to educate students on its namesake

Ethics In Technology club aims to educate students on its namesake

Atrey Desai and Aiden Ye
October 8, 2021
We hate astrology

We hate astrology

Atrey Desai and Viraaj Reddi
October 7, 2021

Young girls’ volleyball team endures rough start

Atrey Desai and Sarah Zhou
October 6, 2021

@artby_apoorva: a documented journey for an aspiring artist

Atrey Desai and Hannah Lee
October 6, 2021
The main 2021-22 Premier League contenders — Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City — will compete in a potentially historical title race.

Revamped Premier League sparks excitement

Jason Cheng, Atrey Desai, and Vinay Gollamudi
October 2, 2021
Falcon Family Peer Tutoring Program offers student guidance for maneuvering tough classes

Falcon Family Peer Tutoring Program offers student guidance for maneuvering tough classes

Sarah Zhou and Atrey Desai
September 30, 2021
zoom-academy-graphic

Photo or Graphic for: As promised, district offers online program for ‘21-‘22

Howard Shu and Nikhil Mathihalli
September 10, 2021
KQED report: Former El Gato editor-in-chief claims newspaper adviser blocked multiple stories

KQED report: Former El Gato editor-in-chief claims newspaper adviser blocked multiple stories

Meher Bhatnagar, Atrey Desai, and Anouk Yeh
September 10, 2021
Robotics members excited by new facilities funded by Measure E

Robotics members excited by new facilities funded by Measure E

Atrey Desai and Hannah Lee
September 9, 2021
Top 5 soccer transfers of the 2021 summer window

Top 5 soccer transfers of the 2021 summer window

Jason Cheng, Atrey Desai, and Vinay Gollamudi
September 8, 2021
windowsmacvsbanner

The age-old debate: Macs vs. Windows

Nilay Mishra and Atrey Desai
May 24, 2021
top-10-movie

Top 10 movies to watch over summer

Atrey Desai
May 19, 2021
School-Board-Image

School board’s 4A decision raises questions

Atrey Desai and Michael Fok
May 13, 2021
_118189507_gettyimages-1232494972

Super League scare raises questions about ownership models in soccer

Jason Cheng, Vinay Gollamudi, and Atrey Desai
May 13, 2021

Top 10 books to read over summer

Atrey Desai and Nidhi Mathihalli
May 11, 2021
final-robotics

MSET 649 submits robot videos, capping off their online season

Nidhi Mathihalli and Atrey Desai
May 6, 2021
wilson-fung-vaccine

Some students begin receiving COVID-19 vaccine

Atrey Desai
April 1, 2021
Screen Shot 2021-03-12 at 10

Parents’ reopening reactions range from rage to reservation

Atrey Desai and Nilay Mishra
March 12, 2021

Americans are dying as the government looks on

Atrey Desai
February 13, 2021
SHS_Reopening_Infographic_Vertical_infographic

District lays out plans for Phase 3A in community town hall

Atrey Desai and Manasi Garg
February 7, 2021
gatekeeping

The problem with cultural gatekeeping

Atrey Desai and Anjali Pai
December 1, 2020

Politically active students lead the way

Atrey Desai
November 24, 2020

Monopoly in sports video games causes unease in the player base

Atrey Desai
October 31, 2020
Screen Shot 2020-10-31 at 2

If breakout rooms do not start talking I will take action

Atrey Desai
October 31, 2020

Boba is the superior drink that deserves its fans

Atrey Desai
October 22, 2020
AMY-CONEY-BARRET-CREDIT (CAROLINE BREHMAN_POOL VIA AP)

Amy Coney Barrett: qualified but conflicted

Atrey Desai
October 22, 2020
Screen Shot 2020-10-08 at 7

Photo or Graphic for: The perfect tools and practices to build your ideal online learning environment

Jason Cheng
October 8, 2020
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