By Snigdha Chakravarti

Every other year, the WEHS Music Department takes a field trip to a tourist destination in the US. On Friday, March 28th, 97 students from the music department along with 7 teacher chaperons boarded a bus onto this year’s destination: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. From an outside perspective, Pittsburgh seems somewhat random. It’s not a “famous city”  like Chicago, or New York City, or even Boston for that matter.  Once you go in and start to sight see Pittsburgh, however, it no longer seems random. With a variety of activities ranging from cruises  along the Pittsburgh River and the Heinz History Museum, to old-fashioned cable cars and a historic strip-district, Pittsburgh has a lot of history, beauty, and fun to offer for its visitors. Mrs. Ieda, the orchestra teacher at East, explained how upon asking her students what their favorite part of the trip was,  she would get different answers. There was no popular answer as such; some students loved the diverse plants at the Phipps Botanical garden, while others were awed by the musical energy of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and the list of favorites just goes on from there. For some of the students, like junior Selena Han, the congenial vibe of the trip was the best part. When  Selena was asked what her favorite part of the trip was, she said “ definitely enjoyed  the scenic dinner cruise along the Pittsburgh River on Friday evening,”  but more importantly, she “really liked  hanging out with friends in general.”

The three days in Pittsburgh were packed with fun-filled days with new places to see and activities to do. On Friday morning, students visited Carnegie Mellon University for music masterclasses and tours of the university’s music department. The positive, collaborative atmosphere at the university allowed the students to inquire and learn about the programs offered in music as well as meet and even interact with some of the professors and students attending music school. Two quartets along with a solo flutist from East presented their group’s piece to some of the faculty committee at Carnegie Mellon and spent time refining and building new techniques, elements, and expressions to add to their music. Following the visit to Carnegie Mellon, students spent the afternoon at the Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History. The unique exhibits, including a minerals exhibit with glow-in-the-dark minerals, a dinosaur exhibit containing life-size skeletons, and aesthetic architecture scattered throughout the halls. Culminating the already eventful day, students boarded a fancy cruise ship for a 3-hour long scenic ride along the Pittsburgh River. The serenity of the river combined with the liveliness of the city and Pittsburgh’s distinctive bridges  provided multiple picture-perfect backdrops during the entirety of the ride.  

The next day, the students were split into 2 groups, one of which went to the Duquesne Incline and the other to Point State Park. At Duquesne Incline, students had a once-in-a-lifetime experience of using cable cars to climb up to the top of the incline. With a rough jerk at the beginning, the cable car slowly chugged its way up the steep incline while the students inside it relished the spectacular birds-eye view of the city. Meanwhile, students at Point State Park took walks and pictures with their friends as they explored the trails and relaxed beside the Pittsburgh River, almost an arm’s-length away from touching the crystal-clear water body.  At around midmorning, both groups of students reunited at the Andy Warhol Pop Art Museum, which contained a variety of exhibits exploring the many aspects of Warhol’s artwork, including his famous soup cans. After the museum, the students went to the PNC Baseball Park.  They  were split into smaller groups, each with their own tour guide who provided sneak-peeks into places in the stadium that spectators usually don’t get to see, like the expansive  dug-outs and beautiful aerial view of the park at the edge of the Pittsburgh River from the top. The day ended on a “high note” after the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concert. The PSO enthralled the students with the virtuosic Liszt Piano Concerto No. 2 performed by Francesco Piemontesi and the premier of Hannah Eisendle’s “Heliosis” in the first half, and in the second, the orchestra performed the famous Beethoven’s 6th Symphony and the premier of Iman Habibi’s “Jeder Baum Spricht.” The theme of the concert, the natural world, was featured in many of the performed pieces; Beethoven’s 6th expressed joy and connection with the countryside, while Eisendle’s “Heliosis” displayed the scorching, blistering, yet twinkling character of the sun. After the concert, there was even more music to enjoy with the post-concert Brahms piano quintet performance, which awed its listeners with the intricacies and emotions of the music. Senior Reilin Lyu remarked that her favorite part of the concert was the post-concert performance. “I loved the Brahms piano quintet. I’ve actually played the second movement as a pianist, and it was just a lot of fun to hear that  piece that I love so much get played professionally and live. And it was fun to see the players interact with the music and with each other,” Reilin said after she was  asked what the best part of the trip was. 

On the last day of the trip, the students went to the Heinz History Museum. Aside from the famous “Heinz Ketchup”, the museum contained the entirety of American history, ranging from the practices of Native Americans, to the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing. The morning concluded with  a shopping-spree at the historic strip district, where students traveled in their friend groups to different restaurants, shops, and artisans, trying new foods, buying gifts for friends and family, and relishing the walk around the city. The final part of the trip was a visit to the Phipps Botanical Garden. Containing various plant species arranged in large gardens, the botanical garden encompassed the vibrancy and enchantment of nature. 

Truly, the Pittsburgh trip was a life-changing experience for many of the students who traveled, allowing them to try new things and spend quality time with their friends. Thinking ahead to 2027, who’s excited for another WEHS music trip?

By Darshini Dayanidhi 

With May just around the corner, AP exams are fast approaching — and here at WEHS, students are no strangers to the challenge. Known for academic excellence, WEHS students consistently outperform the national average on AP exams. In fact, over 75% of WEHS AP test-takers score a 3 or higher, compared to the national average of about 60%. Additionally, more than half of WEHS students who take APs earn scores of 4s and 5s, showcasing the school’s strong AP program and hard-working student body.

If you’re feeling the pressure, you’re not alone. To help you navigate the coming weeks, here are some tips and tricks to maximize your performance on test day:

1. Create a Study Schedule

Break down each AP subject into manageable topics and assign them to different days. Consistency beats cramming. For example, if you’re preparing for AP World History, you could dedicate specific days to focus on time periods like 1200–1450 (Networks of Exchange), 1450–1750 (Transoceanic Interactions), and 1750–1900 (Revolutions). Spreading out your studying like this ensures you fully cover the material without getting overwhelmed.

2. Prioritize Practice Exams

Nothing prepares you better than the real thing. Practice with official College Board exams to get comfortable with the timing, pacing, and question styles. Full-length practice tests also help build your stamina for test day and show you what types of questions you still need to review.

3. Focus on Weak Areas

It’s tempting to keep reviewing topics you already know, but your biggest score gains will come from strengthening your weaknesses. For example, if you’re struggling with memory terms or research methods in AP Psychology, it’s smarter to target those areas directly with extra practice or flashcards rather than just reviewing easier material.

4. Use Review Books and Online Resources

Trusted AP review books, like the Princeton Review, and free online tools like AP Classroom videos can help you revisit key concepts quickly and efficiently. AP Classroom offers topic-specific videos and progress checks that help you identify gaps and solidify your understanding across all units.

5. Master the Rubrics

For exams with essays, like AP Lang or AP World, knowing exactly what the graders are looking for can greatly boost your score. Studying the rubrics for Free Response Questions (FRQs), Synthesis Essays, and Argument Essays shows you exactly how to earn points for thesis statements, evidence, reasoning, and complexity. Practicing with the rubric in mind helps you hit all the key parts graders expect — and can easily mean the difference between scoring a 3 or a 4, or a 4 and a 5.

6. Take Care of Yourself

Sleep, nutrition, and mental breaks are just as important as studying. A clear, rested mind will always perform better. Try to get at least 7–8 hours of sleep, eat balanced meals, and take short breaks during study sessions to keep your mind sharp and focused.

7. Stay Positive

Confidence goes a long way. Remember all the hard work you’ve already put in — you’re more prepared than you think. Visualizing success and keeping a positive mindset can calm nerves and set you up for a strong performance on test day.

Good luck to all our AP students! You’ve got this! As always, WEHS will be cheering you on. 

By Manha Masood

WEHS’s “Coffeehouse” is a vibrant and exciting event that brings together food, talent, and community for a truly unforgettable evening. This year’s theme, “Brinner,” offers a playful twist on the classic combination of breakfast and dinner, served up in the evening. The menu will feature a delightful mix of sweet and savory options. Enjoy comforting breakfast favorites like fluffy pancakes or crispy waffles, topped with whipped cream and some pastries. And for those craving something savory, there will be hearty sausages and golden breakfast potatoes to round out the meal. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory dishes, offering something to satisfy every craving, whether you’re in the mood for breakfast or dinner.

Coffeehouse isn’t just about the food—it’s an evening of talent and creativity, as the event serves as an open mic for anyone eager to perform. Whether you want to belt out your favorite karaoke song, play an instrument, tell jokes, or recite a poem, the stage is yours. The atmosphere is laid-back and supportive, encouraging everyone to step up and have fun, no matter the performance. It’s not about perfection; it’s about enjoying the moment and cheering on others. Whether you’re performing or simply enjoying the show, it’s all about celebrating creativity and connecting with the community.

Throughout the evening, students will be running food stations in front of the cafeteria, serving snacks, drinks, and hot meals to keep everyone fueled and satisfied. The combination of delicious food, entertaining performances, and a fun, welcoming atmosphere will make the night even more special. It’s an event that brings people together, providing the perfect chance to relax, connect, and enjoy good company.

Join us on March 21st from 7-9 PM for an evening packed with food, entertainment, and creativity. Whether you’re there to show off your talents, enjoy the performances, or just indulge in some tasty food, Coffeehouse promises to be an event you won’t want to miss. It’s a celebration of creativity, friendship, and great times, all coming together for a night of fun and memories.

By Mariam Abd- Elhamid

On February 13th, Williamsville East Future Business Leaders of America  and Hands Around the World members made kits for those seeking refuge in a rapid rehousing program. However, this would not have been possible without the gracious donation from the Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Company! Because of their help, the club was able to make 36 “Welcome kits”. These kits are filled with necessities that help families by giving them one less thing to worry about in a difficult situation. Qamaria is located on Main Street and serves hot and cold drinks, a variety of desserts, and, of course, their popular Yemeni Coffee. Their coffee beans are sourced from Yemen’s highlands and many customers note that their coffee and lattes are “the best they’ve ever had” and describe the croissants as “out of this world”. Their shop has a welcoming environment perfect for settling in with friends, studying, or relaxing with a book. Furthermore, their kindness didn’t end with the donation; the staff at Qamaria are devoted to excellent service, as reflected by their 4.9-star Google rating. Unlike most coffee shops in the area, Qamaria is open from 7:00 am to 2:30 am. Now is a great time to check out their shop and support!

By Hank Bartholomew

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a plan that would completely ban cell phone use during school hours. The plan has yet to be approved by legislators, but if successful it will be implemented at the beginning of the 2025-2026 academic year. Although schools have some discretion with regards to how the ban is carried out, the measure would affect all New York public schools, including, of course, Williamsville East. 

Hochul has been a long-time advocate for measures that limit phone use in schools, arguing that the prevalence of such devices is responsible for New York students struggling to learn at prior rates. Although reverberations and aftershocks from the COVID-19 pandemic may play a partial role to blame, Hochul has been adamant that there is a causal relationship between higher cell phone use and lower test scores. At a news conference in Albany, Hochul voiced her complaints, arguing that “We’re not developing the skills we need because kids are distracted with the cellphones,” and that it is difficult to pay attention to “the subject at hand when this is going on.” 

While the logistics are still not entirely clear, Hochul’s administration has provided a few details for the plan. The plan would limit not only cell phones, but also smart watches and tablets. As part of her budget plan, Hochul has allocated $13.5 million to help schools enforce the ban, although the schools can choose how to utilize that money. The $13.5 million is part of an overall $37.4 billion Hochul proposed to provide schools with in her latest budget proposal, a 4.7% overall increase over the previous year.

The plan is part of an overall movement throughout the country to limit smartphone usage in schools. The trend has its origins in Florida, the first state to crack down, at least in a significant manner, on phone use in schools, about a year ago. Since then, a variety of schools have followed suit, with Oklahoma, Vermont, and Kansas having imposed similar legislation. At a federal level, U.S. Senators Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Tim Kaine of Virginia proposed legislation demanding a study on the effects of cellphone use on students’ academic performance and mental health. It’s a bipartisan effort that appears to be continuing to gain support.

Critics of the phone ban proposal raise a variety of concerns, chief among them is the argument that a phone ban would be incredibly troublesome to enforce. With potentially thousands of students in every school, it would be extremely difficult to account for every single smartphone or piece of technology. Others allege that banning phones severs a crucial connection between children and family members, who may need to communicate throughout the day. Some simply contend that phones are, in fact, not the problem; the COVID-19 pandemic and new methods of teaching are, in the eyes of some, the main culprits for poorer test scores.

The ban, even if successful, wouldn’t take effect until fall 2025, meaning there is plenty of time for the proposal to be modified or even scrapped. If it is enforced, it’s still unclear what effect it will have at East, as the methods with which a ban would be enforced would differ from school to school. Still, if implemented, Hochul’s proposal could have major effects on the student body.

By: Jessica A. Dennehy

After months of discussion and debate, the Williamsville Central School District has officially decided not to alter school start and end times. This decision was confirmed at the February school board meeting when the proposal failed to gain enough support for a vote.

The proposed changes had been in the works for the past few years and, if implemented, would have adjusted school starting and ending times across the district. Elementary schools like Dodge, Forest, Heim, and Maple East would have started at 7:50 a.m. and ended at 2:00 p.m., while Maple West and Country Parkway would have run from 8:20 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All the middle schools—Casey, Heim, Mill, and Transit—would have started at 8:20 a.m. and ended at 3:00 p.m. On the high school level, school hours would have shifted to 8:50 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. These significant adjustments to school schedules received mixed reactions.

Back in the fall of 2023, the Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Darren Brown-Hall, and the District Leadership Team collaborated to establish a school start time committee. Their goal was to examine available research and determine whether the district should pursue a change in their daily schedule. Under the direction of Keith Boardman, the principal of Williamsville South, the School Start Time (STT) Committee spent the following months examining the possible impacts of modified school start times, concentrating primarily on research that demonstrated the advantages of later start times for high school students. The STT Committee’s proposal to stagger school start hours, particularly at the high school level, was based on this research, which linked better sleep to improved academic achievement, mental health, and overall well-being. However, more local concerns regarding transportation, potential disruptions to extracurricular activities, and general opposition from parents and students influenced the Board’s decision to reject the proposal.

Parents and students voiced their disapproval of the suggested schedule modifications throughout the discussion. “Let’s try not to fix something that isn’t broken,” one concerned parent said, while another stressed, “This is not a change that is wanted or needed, and you need to put it to bed.” A major concern was the effect on younger students, particularly regarding their sleep and daily routines. Another concern brought up by high school students was how sports, extracurricular activities, and part-time employment would be hampered by the later dismissal hour. With this feedback, the Board’s decision was a reflection of the significant portion  of the Williamsville Central population who vocally opposed this proposal. 

“Although I am a bit surprised at the ruling, I’m also not,” says an East senior, “there was major pushback from every party involved–parents, students, teachers—very few were content with the proposal and the science wasn’t adding up either. It’s good to see that the district prioritized public opinion over the amount of time, funding, and effort that went into researching this initiative.”

  The district now has no plans to reexamine the now-failed initiative, reflecting the community’s strong opposition. For now, Williamsville students and parents can celebrate their victory as the school schedule remains unchanged.