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 Shaan Sridhar
District staff presented a comparison of graduation requirement differences between Saratoga High and Los Gatos High at the special board meeting on Feb. 13.

District to reconvene alignment work groups, implement ethnic studies graduation requirement

Avani Kongetira and Shaan Sridhar
March 30, 2023
Members of the Females for Finance Club meet during lunch on March 28.

Females for Finance plans magazine with Design Club

Shaan Sridhar and Sarah Zhou
March 30, 2023
Ke Huy Quan won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Everything Everywhere All At Once.”

A Hollywood ending: Low-drama ceremony caps exciting and historic Oscar season

Shaan Sridhar
March 24, 2023
“Everything Everywhere All At Once” is nominated for 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

The Academy is out of excuses for the 95th Oscars

Shaan Sridhar
March 10, 2023
The Prosecution team poses with glee for a celebratory photo during a team debrief following a victorious competition on Jan. 26.

Photo or Graphic for: Mock Trial caps most successful season in recent history, but fails to advance

Christina Chang and Sanjoli Gupta
February 16, 2023
Class of ‘65 alumnus Steven Spielberg’s new movie, “The Fabelmans,” covers much of his experience at the school.

‘The Fabelmans’ puts spotlight on antisemitic abuse directed at school’s most famous alumnus

Shreya Rallabandi and Shaan Sridhar
December 11, 2022
The Common Application counts em dashes in word count differently than other word processors.

The Common Application has an em dash dilemma

Shaan Sridhar
December 8, 2022
A Black doll was found hanging from a noose in the main quad on the morning of Nov. 13.

Staff editorial: Racist incident a reminder of the work we need to do

Shaan Sridhar
November 20, 2022
Superintendent Bill Sanderson, board trustees Cynthia Chang, David Guidry, Katherine Tseng and Theresa Bond and a community member (on behalf of board trustee Peter Hertan) honor retiring and outgoing board trustees Chang, Guidry and Hertan at the Nov. 15 board meeting.

2 retired teachers and Saratoga parent win seats on school board

Shaan Sridhar
November 20, 2022
A portrait of school board candidate Misty Davies.

School board candidate Q&A: active parent and project manager Misty Davies

Shaan Sridhar
October 19, 2022
School board candidate Alex Shultz poses for a photo.

School board candidate Q&A: former Los Gatos science teacher Alex Shultz

Shaan Sridhar
October 17, 2022
School board candidate Chris Miller’s campaign logo.

School board candidate Q&A: former LGUSD board member Chris Miller

Shaan Sridhar
October 17, 2022
School board candidate David Guidry at a campaign event in 2018.

School board candidate Q&A: incumbent David Guidry

Shaan Sridhar
October 17, 2022
School board candidate Steve Chen’s campaign logo.

School board candidate Q&A: former Los Gatos math teacher Steve Chen

Shaan Sridhar
October 17, 2022
Expanded Homecoming court celebrated at football game

Expanded Homecoming court celebrated at football game

Anirudh Iyer and Shaan Sridhar
October 1, 2022
State and county voter information guides sent ahead of California’s June 7 primary election.

Top 10: Most absurd candidate statements on the actual primary election ballot

Shaan Sridhar
May 30, 2022
 The Board of Trustees debates the implementation of a new bell schedule at the meeting on May 10.

Staff editorial: A vote of no confidence in the school board

Shaan Sridhar
May 22, 2022
Laws allowed adults to go maskless at bars but not students at schools.

Looking back, the school and county mask mandates made zero sense

Shaan Sridhar
April 28, 2022

Track: While losing meets, individuals set their own PRs

Tara Natarajan and Shaan Sridhar
April 9, 2022

Summer math courses should not be accepted for course credit

Shaan Sridhar
April 1, 2022

SHS and LGHS have an AP European History issue

Shaan Sridhar
April 1, 2022
Future me: Am I tripping for no reason?

Future me: Am I tripping for no reason?

Shaan Sridhar
April 1, 2022
Ye posted a rant about Pete Davidson and Disney to Instagram on Feb. 12.  

How to understand Ye’s rants with QPA analysis

Apurva Chakravarthy and Shaan Sridhar
March 31, 2022
The Batman stands in the rain as red light from a vehicle shines on.  

‘The Batman’: Matt Reeves’ new take continues gritty, dark themes

Shaan Sridhar
March 31, 2022

Will it ever end? COVID-19 strains mental health and personal relationships

Selina Chen, Lihi Shoshani, and Shaan Sridhar
February 4, 2022
Students, parents and staff indicate schedule preferences in a district-wide survey.

Reactions to 3 possible spring semester bell schedules favored by board

Apurva Chakravarthy and Shaan Sridhar
December 3, 2021

24 hours in the life of a student

Shaan Sridhar
December 3, 2021
TikTok influencer @texasbrownie posts about her academic schedule, waking up tips and dating advice.

‘Life influencers’ are only influencing people to think badly about themselves

Shaan Sridhar
December 3, 2021
“Draft A” is one of three bell schedule proposals created by the district that the board preferred.

Keep our bell schedule simple: 85-minute classes and daily tutorials

Shaan Sridhar
November 29, 2021
The district aligned valedictorian and salutatorian GPA calculation.

District aligns GPA policies between both school sites

Tara Natarajan and Shaan Sridhar
November 18, 2021
Junior Shreya Rallabandi unsends a joke in response to my message on Facebook Messenger

Apple, please help: I want to delete my texts

Shaan Sridhar
November 12, 2021

I love baseball, but the MLB needs to change the game for viewers at home

Shaan Sridhar
October 27, 2021
The football team practices for upcoming games on Oct. 21

Injury forces football team to forfeit at half in painful 28-0 home loss to Los Altos

Shaan Sridhar
October 22, 2021
Fearful Halloween Haunt visitors run for cover following reports of an active shooter.

Gunshots and tasers: my haunting experience at Great America

Shaan Sridhar
October 21, 2021
The many different ways to say and spell Shaan

An earnest appeal to get my name right

Shaan Sridhar
October 12, 2021
Junior running back Paolo Navarro runs the ball as senior lineman Parker Smith blocks Monta Vista’s defense.

Falcons kick off league season with a win and a loss

Andy Chen, Jonny Luo, Nikhil Mathihalli, and Shaan Sridhar
October 7, 2021
Nan Ying (Michelle Yeoh) teaches Shang-Chi Xu (Simu Liu) to fight in a magical land.

‘Shang-Chi’ is the first Asian Marvel superhero — and one of the year’s best movies

Shaan Sridhar
September 30, 2021
An unlucky Porsche finds itself stuck in the Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road and Herriman Avenue intersection.

No right turn on red: Prevent blocked intersections on Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road

Shaan Sridhar
September 9, 2021
The team lines up defensively against San Mateo at the line of scrimmage.

Football team starts season with disappointment

Nilay Mishra and Shaan Sridhar
September 6, 2021
Students and staff walk by the student center during Phase 3A in March. 

School outlines COVID-19 protocols and expectations

Lynn Dai and Shaan Sridhar
September 5, 2021
93rd-oscars

The Academy Award for Best Picture goes to … who were the nominees again?

Shaan Sridhar
May 24, 2021
stuffed-animal-box

Saying goodbye to my stuffed animals after 16 years together

Shaan Sridhar
May 19, 2021
Shaan_AP

Staff editorial: Take bold action on academic pressure — drop AP classes and remove the weighted GPA

Shaan Sridhar
May 17, 2021
college athletes - michelle lim

Years of training prepares seniors for collegiate sports

Shaan Sridhar
May 17, 2021
95f9047997c7ae07d18260b9bb001f6f

Baseball team celebrates a return to games and friendships

Shaan Sridhar
May 14, 2021
IMG_1659

Student productions: transforming Zoom into a stage

Shaan Sridhar, Apurva Chakravarthy, and Anjali Nuggehali
May 6, 2021
baseball

Play ball: baseball season readies to start again

Shaan Sridhar
May 6, 2021
bookmark-screenshot

LGSUHSD, tear down this bookmark!

Shaan Sridhar
May 4, 2021
texting slang

Top 10 worst texting slang

Shaan Sridhar and Shreya Rallabandi
April 21, 2021
cancel-culture-rowling

If an artist transgresses, should their work be canceled?

Shaan Sridhar
March 29, 2021
investigating-pathways

Sophomore Arnav Garg creates podcast to advance drone-kit business

Shaan Sridhar and Shreya Rallabandi
March 27, 2021
lrc-meeting

Living Room Conversations effort struggles to get student participation

Shaan Sridhar and Vicky Bai
March 26, 2021
biden-trump-stress

The Biden administration has lifted my morale and calmed the news cycle

Shaan Sridhar
March 18, 2021
emmett-ball

Review: an indoor dog ball that doesn’t go under furniture

Shaan Sridhar
March 18, 2021
great-gatsby (anjali n)

Photo or Graphic for: ‘The Great Gatsby’: juniors debate the excesses of pursuing the American Dream

Anjali Nuggehalli
March 18, 2021
golden-globes

Golden Globes: Three Hours of Damage Control

Shaan Sridhar
March 11, 2021
subject-sat

Saratoga reacts to cancellation of Subject SATs and SAT Essays

Shaan Sridhar
February 6, 2021
capitol-riots

Democracy runs on truth; lies must be kicked out

Shaan Sridhar
January 21, 2021
toga-medical

Students create alternative to on-campus medical clubs

Shaan Sridhar
January 19, 2021
fake-news

Students struggle to identify fake news

Shaan Sridhar
January 18, 2021
exodus

If California doesn’t address the exodus, the state will never be the same

Shaan Sridhar
January 13, 2021
bailout-sign

The entertainment industry is dying, and the government must save it

Shaan Sridhar
January 13, 2021
Screen Shot 2021-01-11 at 8

After months of threats and negotiation, TikTok’s future lies in uncertainty

Shaan Sridhar
January 11, 2021
Screen Shot 2021-01-11 at 8

Donald Trump should have been Time’s Person of the Year

Shaan Sridhar
January 11, 2021
statue-liberty-vaccine-vertical

When the vaccines arrive, just take them

Shaan Sridhar and Shreya Rallabandi
January 6, 2021
academic-divide-cartoon

SHS unfairly caters too much to STEM students

Andy Chen and Shaan Sridhar
December 2, 2020
instagram-copying-features

Instagram has lost its way

Shaan Sridhar
December 1, 2020
iphone12pro

iPhone 12 Pro: a refreshing design change and features for the future

Shaan Sridhar
November 27, 2020

‘Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm’ weaves drama onto a tight line between comedy and horror

Shaan Sridhar
November 24, 2020
outdoor-theater-projection

How I turned my cousins’ backyard into a outdoor movie theater

Shaan Sridhar
November 24, 2020
burning-whitehouse-cartoon

More adults need to join social movements for positive change

Shaan Sridhar
November 21, 2020
mandalorian-premier

Season 2 premiere of ‘The Mandalorian’ meanders but also entices

Shaan Sridhar and Michael Fok
November 19, 2020
Screen Shot 2020-11-02 at 8

Doing activities ‘for college apps’ isn’t bad

Shaan Sridhar
November 2, 2020
Screen Shot 2020-09-17 at 6

Chadwick Boseman: the hero we never deserved

Shaan Sridhar and Jonathan Si
September 17, 2020
metoo

Photo or Graphic for: In light of the #MeToo Movement, it’s the students who should be driving change

Nicole Lu
September 10, 2020
Screen Shot 2020-09-10 at 9

Distance learning takes the fun out of school

Shaan Sridhar
September 10, 2020
Screen Shot 2020-09-03 at 8

Disney faces potential challenges with streaming ‘Mulan’

Shaan Sridhar
September 3, 2020
Load More Stories
Donate to The Saratoga Falcon