EDITORIAL
NOVEMBER 2, 2020
Social media is not the final word in political discussion
By The Editorial Board Over the past several months, something has shifted on the social media platform Instagram. The app has become an increasingly popular site for activism...Read More
JUNE 12, 2020
How to be a white ally without smothering black voices
By The Editorial BoardIn the past couple weeks, white people have had an amazing realization; police do a lot of bad things. The frequent murder of unarmed black people, the police brutality, and the overt displays of white supremacy by police officers are finally dominating the public eye. And with a wave of protests has...Read More
MARCH 11, 2020
Coronavirus leads to widespread fearBy the Editorial BoardFears of the coronavirus have been spreading across both the nation and the entire world. The virus seems to be infecting new populations at an unstoppable rate, leading to rippling effects across the world’s collective economy and psyche. A wave of hysteria seems to be spreading even quicker than the virus itself, with terrible...Read More
FEBRUARY 7, 2020
Students must work towards an increased positive relationship to technologyBy Isabelle Spence, Editor-in-ChiefThe current generation has been struck by a new plague. The disease takes over their every thought, consumes all of their free time, and cripples their mental and emotional health At least, this is how some older generations have come to describe teens’ current reliance on phones and technology. A great deal of fear surrounds these relatively new...Read More
DECEMBER 20, 2019
Administration does a good job with sex educationBy Isabelle Spence, Editor-in-ChiefAcross America, the occurrence of STIs is increasing, even as the rates of teenage sex go down. The root of this issue stems from a systemic lack of support throughout the country for teenagers as they begin sexual activities. This is seen through continuing stigmas around using birth control and a lack of comprehensive sexual...Read More
NOVEMBER 15, 2019
Absence policy fails to address the root issueBy Isabelle Spence, Editor-in-ChiefIn recent years, the high school has struggled with student attendance. Many students often feel as though they can skip class and not face...Read More
OCTOBER 18, 2019
Implementation of standards-based grading falls shortBy Isabelle Spence, Editor-in-ChiefIn 2019, the Vashon Island school district mandated that by the 2020-21 school year, the entire district would switch to a new system of grading: standards-based. This new system is designed to address equity issues and “even the playing field out” for students who...Read More
JUNE 7, 2019
Values affirmed as the staff enters a period of transitionBy The Editorial BoardFifty-five years ago, the Riptide began as modest publication with only a few pages per issue. Since then, the publication has grown significantly in size and expertise, as well as received national recognition by the National Scholastic Press Association (First Class) and Columbia Scholastic Press Association (Gold Medalist)...Read More
APRIL. 26, 2019
Rigor in classes should be held to higher standardBy the Editorial BoardThroughout the state of Washington, Vashon High School is well-known for its reputation as a competitive school, especially when it comes to getting into college. Our above-average state test scores speak for themselves: Vashon does an excellent job of teaching its students at a high level of education...Read More
MAR. 8, 2019
Grade inflation sets students up for an uncertain futureBy the Editorial BoardToday, teens in America face an ever-growing wave of problems. From rising depression rates to the constant political unrest, modern generations are growing up with a completely different set of issues from their parents. As a result of these broader issues, the American education system is evolving for the worse...Read More
FEB. 1, 2019
More is needed to prepare students for college application processBY THE EDITORIAL BOARDGoing through the college application process is one of the hallmarks of senior year. The process is exhaustive and involves a great deal of organization, money, and above all, time. For many students, this comes with a lot of difficult unknowns. To help with this stressful process, many students turn to college counselors...Read More
DEC. 22, 2018
School administration must clearly outline internet policyBY THE EDITORIAL BOARDHistorically, interactions between the administration and students have always been a topic of contention. At the high school, this divide has recently been amplified through the district’s internet restriction policies. It has become increasingly clear that this is an issue for which the school...Read More
NOV. 21, 2018
AIDS should not be forgottenBY THE EDITORIAL STAFFThe HIV and AIDS epidemic was at its worst in the ‘80s and ‘90s. However, it’s important to remember that the effects of AIDS are not a thing of the past. The disease continues to affect certain groups disproportionately - such as the...Read More
OCT. 19, 2018
VHS sex education needs to encompass LGBTQ+ topicsBY THE EDITORIAL BOARD | OCT. 19, 2018Sex education is a crucial part of the high school academic system. Without it, many students would graduate unaware of issues concerning their physical and mental health. However, the way in which the current course is taught fails to provide relevant information for all groups of people. The health classes at the high school should be as extensive for LGBTQ+ students as it is for their cisgender heterosexual peers...Read More