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The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

The Oracle

The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

The Oracle

The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

The Oracle

Foreign Faces: From left to right, senior Omar Haddad from Jordan, senior Anitta Reji from India and senior Odysseas Lazarou from Greece represent a small portion of South students from foreign countries. Not included in the above photo is junior Debbie Kim, originally from North Korea and attending her first year at South. These four students make up a small sampling of South’s international student population. Photo illustration by Yoon Kim

Foreign students adjust to South, American lifestyle

John Schurer and Augie Mikell
March 21, 2017

The uncertainty associated with the first day of school kindles delight for some. But for others, such as South’s many students from foreign countries, entering a new school environment sparks a source...

Illustration by Ala Jankowski

Text-A-Tip provides emotional support

John Schurer, co-news editor
March 21, 2017

District 225 has partnered with Linking Efforts Against Drugs (LEAD) to provide a 24/7 anonymous text hotline called Text-A-Tip for students at the Glenbrooks. According to Andy Duran, the executive...

Prevalence, availability of e-cigarettes presents security concern

Prevalence, availability of e-cigarettes presents security concern

John Schurer and Cassidy Foronda
February 10, 2017

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) at South has increased among the student population this school year, according to Dean Ronald Bean. The cause of the increase in e-cigarette use is currently...

AWARD WINNIN’ GRIN:   Holding her son, the late Paula Hess, former Titan Poms choreographer, sports her letterman jacket, decorated with patches from previous competitions she participated in. Photo courtesy of Julie Smith

IHSA names Hess Competitive Dance Official of the Year

John Schurer, co-news editor
February 10, 2017

On Jan. 12, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) announced the late Paula Hess as the 2016-2017 Competitive Dance Official of the Year for her work as the Titan Poms choreographer and other achievements. In...

South designates private bathroom facilities for student wellness

South designates private bathroom facilities for student wellness

John Schurer, news editor
September 30, 2016

In response to the petition organized by Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) in the spring, South has designated two gender-neutral restrooms this school year. Due to the recent nationwide discourse regarding...

HAPPY   HIPPIES: Decked out in costume attire, Paula Hess, Titan Poms coach, poses with her sons Otto (left) and Nelson (right) for a themed family reunion. She was beloved by both family and friends, having a positive impact on their lives. Photo courtesy of Julie Smith

South says ‘thanks’: Looking back on the life and memory of Paula Hess

John Schurer, co-news editor
September 30, 2016

In a sea of blue and gold, one confident dancer, Paula Hess, shone through the crowd. Her every movement was synchronized with the rest of her Poms team, but her genuine smile formed a spotlight on her....

South designates private bathroom facilities for student wellness

South designates private bathroom facilities for student wellness

John Schurer, co-news editor
September 30, 2016

In response to the petition organized by Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) in the spring, South has designated two gender-neutral restrooms this school year. Due to the recent nationwide discourse regarding...

PANDEMIC PATIENTS: Aiding a patient at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C., a nurse helps combat the influenza pandemic of 1918.  Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Old News: Influenza Pandemic

John Schurer, co-news editor
March 11, 2016

On the morning of March 11, 1918, soldiers at Fort Riley, Kansas, suffered from high fevers, muscle aches and sore throats. Within days, thousands of American soldiers reported similar symptoms. Dirty...

New Year, New Laws

John Schurer, co-news editor
February 5, 2016

As 2016 begins, here are three of the 237 new Illinois state laws everyone should be aware of. PET PROTECTION PROGRAM The state’s Humane Care for Animals Act was recently amended to provide that “no...

South pilots student growth component of teacher evaluation

South pilots student growth component of teacher evaluation

John Schurer and Grace Shin
February 5, 2016

After the Illinois State Board of Education formally mandated the Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA) in February 2014, public schools began preparations for a “student growth component” as part...

Illustration by Grace O'Malley

Explicit material distorts reality, influences minors

John Schurer and Anne Marie Yurik
December 18, 2015

Eyes fixed on the glowing LEDs of a computer screen, pictures, posts and comments blur away as the mouse scrolls farther into updated statuses. Just as one’s eyes glaze over from the familiarity of it...

CONTEMPLATING THE CONFLICT: Despite living miles away from the heart of the Syrian conflict, GBS custodians Sahar Barkho and her husband Stewart Adam are affected just the same by the issue through familial connection in the country. The Assyrian population (symbol below) represents the minority of Christians in northern Syria, Iraq, Turkey and western Iran.

Syria faces uncertain future: GBS Assyrians contemplate ongoing conflict in region, urge renewed outlook on controversy

John Schurer and Alex Sharp
November 6, 2015

Refugee camps, forced migrations and displaced persons have transformed the international conversation, creating a heated discussion on the next step towards ending the Syrian refugee crisis. According...

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