The Student News Site of Northwood High School

The Northwood Howler
LEE-DING THE WAY: Editor-in-Chief senior Courtney Lee previews her last Back-to-School issue and prepares to lead The Northwood Howler through the 2025-26 school year.
Got three minutes? Get to know Howler’s editor-in-chief
A HEARTFELT GOODBYE: President Timby, Dash Bolt and other beloved Humor page characters bid their last farewells.
Saying goodbye to The Howler’s Humor page
RESPONSIBLE TOOL USE: With correct boundaries, AI can be used to enhance students’ academic succe
Boundaries Over Bans: Keep AI in classrooms
CALLING THE SHOTS: Freshman Jocelyn Lee plays quarterback during a mixed summer practice.
Time to get ready for the fall 2025 sports season
Teacher Speak: Where did staff go over summer break?
Teacher Speak: Where did staff go over summer break?
REGAL RECREATION: The iconic castle design of Northwood Community Park may see more structures, themed equipment and terraced landscaping.
City begins planning Northwood Community Park renovations
Portola Parkway - Orchard Hills Drive intersection
Irvine City Council approves extending bus service to Northwood
Sophomore Ella Yu sells a matcha brownie to a friend as a part of the Seeds Club at Sophomore Movie Night.
Sophomore Movie Night returns
Senior and CSF Club President Hannah Cho receives formal apparel at the CSF donation drive, preparing to send the contribution to Working Wardrobes.
CSF’s Donation Drive
Mindful Moments: Freshman Raegan Ivanista focuses on decorating her rock with acrylic markers at the Oak during Sleep for Success Week.
From School Spirit to Self Care: Sleep for Success Week advocates for mental health
THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE: Senior Winnie Wei visits Bowdoin College’s marine laboratory during her college visit.
Senior Winnie Wei is winn-ing in her STEM research
PRESERVING THE PAST: A preserved glimpse into Orange County history, Old Town Tustin stands as a gateway into early California architecture and history.
Historic spots in OC
RADIANT ROBOTICS: Northwood Robotics Club President and Technodream 50881A Team Manager Jia Dave works alongside her fellow board members on their VEX robot, configuring the controller and debugging errors.
Technodream 50881A: First all-Northwood VEX robotics team
PAWS FOR INCLUSION: Two young attendees share a moment with the school mascot during Irvine’s Disability Awareness Day, highlighting the district’s ongoing efforts to foster belonging from the earliest years.
Acknowledging differences in IUSD’s Annual Abilities Awareness Event
SHARING EDUCATION: Senior Winnie Wei, president and founder of MORB, leads one of their weekly lunch meetings as members prepare to hear speeches from leadership candidates looking to continue the club’s mission to share educational resources.
Northwood’s Mexico Outreach Buddy creates special connections
PLAYING PERCUSSION: junior Yun Wen strikes the bars with four mallets during percussion ensemble’s performance at Jazz at the Oak.
Percussion ensemble lights up the night at Jazz at the Oak
PLANK PARTY: Junior Alice Baik (left) and senior Caleigh Nystrom (right) hold plank during warmup in preparation for the first Spring Show rehearsal.
Behind the Scenes: Northwood’s dance show
More Than Meets the Eye: Northwood artists paint their way to District Honors
More Than Meets the Eye: Northwood artists paint their way to District Honors
TINY TERROR ON TWO LEGS: The infamous Chicken Jockey from The Minecraft Movie
“A Minecraft Movie” crumbles at its craft
ROTTEN TO THE CORE: The new “Snow White” movie brings the beloved Disney princess and her evil stepmother to life.
The new live action “Snow White” is apple-solutely disastrous
Welcome to Northwood: Comprehensive Campus Guide
Welcome to Northwood: Comprehensive Campus Guide
Senior highlights
Senior highlights
Etiquette in the age of distraction
Etiquette in the age of distraction
Northwood Q&A
Northwood Q&A
Eating Disorder Awareness Week
Eating Disorder Awareness Week
SAFETY, NOT STARES: Gym policies must be reformed to protect the safety of all people, including female-presenting individuals who dress for comfort, not attention.
Beyond Fear of Falling Weights: Women’s reality in fitness
A MEANINGFUL GIFT: Sometimes even cleaning up desks can make a teacher feel appreciated.
Recognizing and appreciating teachers year-round
OPEN UP: Experimental discussion among peers is crucial to ensure an environment full of diverse perspectives and speech.
Experimental thought in school is the point
GIRL POWER: Women don’t have to achieve in every field to measure up.
Redefining feminism
PROTECTION MATTERS: Get vaccinated now to keep our community safe.
The dangers of antivax
TOE TO TOE-CHDOWN: The Northwood football team prepares an offensive play against Woodbridge.
Varsity boys football scores first W of the season
Legacy of the Pack: Athletes give back
Legacy of the Pack: Athletes give back
Fast Splash: Northwood swim surges at PCC finals
BEHIND EVERY KILL: Varsity boys volleyball setter Jonathan Tan performs a jump set, positioning the ball high up in order to execute a quick attack with his teammate.
Varsity boys volleyball served wins at their face-off against Sage Hill
Ready for More: Senior Austin Diaz back on the track after breaking school records.
Austin Diaz is gaining speed
BRAINROT TO THE MAXX: Attention Based Learning techniques prove to be anything but beta.
Northwood implements Attention Based Learning on campus
Comic: Birthdays during testing season
Comic: Birthdays during testing season
TERRIFIC THEMES: The Met Gala will never fail to amaze audiences with outfits in accordance to these themes.
Majestic Met Gala theme ideas
FROM BURN BOOKS TO TEXTBOOKS: Teens tackle trigonometric equations instead of tribulations, chasing career aspirations, not devious schemes.
Beyond the Cliché: Exposing Hollywood’s high school myths
CRIES ALL AROUND: Charger conveys their utter misery owing to the departure of their one and only true love.
Devastated charger sends a tearful goodbye
August Howler Volume XXVII - Issue I, August 2, 2025
August Howler Volume XXVII – Issue I, August 2, 2025
June Howler Volume XXVI - Issue VIII, June 2, 2025
June Howler Volume XXVI – Issue VIII, June 2, 2025
April Howler Volume XVI – Issue VII, April 21, 2025
March Howler Volume XXVII – Issue VI, March 19, 2025
Jan/Feb Howler Volume XXVI - Issue V, February 24, 2025
Jan/Feb Howler Volume XXVI – Issue V, February 24, 2025
PLANK PARTY: Junior Alice Baik (left) and senior Caleigh Nystrom (right) hold plank during warmup in preparation for the first Spring Show rehearsal.
Behind the Scenes: Northwood’s dance show
A look inside Winter Guard’s season
Passions of the Pack: Leadership on Campus
From Sunrise to Sunset: A day in the life of students in Ramadan
Northwood through Timby’s eyes
Passions of the Pack: Leadership on Campus
FOSTERING DIALOGUE: AP Government teacher Steven Plete engages with a student students
Teaching AP Government during an election year
BACK IN THE ACT: Northwood alum Katherine Paladichuk performed "Shrek" at Northwood during her high school career.
Katherine Paladichuk: Former Northwood acting star to Broadway performer
Take it from us: Senior gives advice
Make Your World Better: an interview with Sandy Banks
Make Your World Better: an interview with Sandy Banks
PLANK PARTY: Junior Alice Baik (left) and senior Caleigh Nystrom (right) hold plank during warmup in preparation for the first Spring Show rehearsal.
Behind the Scenes: Northwood’s dance show
From Sunrise to Sunset: A day in the life of students in Ramadan
SETTING THE STAND: Freshman Class Council members Carson Lv, Bella Shim, Abbie Kim and Mischka Rajula set up their Cake Pop Stand during lunch.
Class councils celebrate the holidays
IN THE DEEP END: Varsity water polo goalkeeper junior Sidney Francisco De Paula Junior contests against El Toro High School as he lines up for a strategic throw.
Northwood’s fall sports in full swing
STAY IN THE LOOP: Senior Valentina Nguyen works on intently her next crochet piece, a red hat, which she is making as a commission from her Instagram account @valentinacrochets
Unique hobbies at Northwood
A look inside Winter Guard’s season
Introducing California Colleges
Introducing new staff at Northwood
Introducing new staff at Northwood
Inside T-wolf Thank Yous
The Northwood Howler presents Northwood beauty secrets
The Northwood Howler presents Northwood beauty secrets
The Student News Site of Northwood High School

The Northwood Howler
The Student News Site of Northwood High School

The Northwood Howler

Courtney Lee, Editor-in-Chief

Editor-In-Chief Courtney Lee is probably drinking a black coffee and is actively balancing her life through Google Calendar, Slack messages and Remind texts. As a lover of memoirs and podcasts she is spending her whole paycheck on her Spotify Premium account.

All content by Courtney Lee
LEE-DING THE WAY: Editor-in-Chief senior Courtney Lee previews her last Back-to-School issue and prepares to lead The Northwood Howler through the 2025-26 school year.

Got three minutes? Get to know Howler’s editor-in-chief

Courtney Lee, Editor-in-Chief
August 22, 2025
A HEARTFELT GOODBYE: President Timby, Dash Bolt and other beloved Humor page characters bid their last farewells.

Saying goodbye to The Howler’s Humor page

Courtney Lee and Luna Bouhairi
August 22, 2025

Passions of the Pack: Leadership on Campus

Courtney Lee and Anna Cao
April 22, 2025
LASTING LEGACY: Principal Leslie Roach is an inspiring leader, mentor and supporter who works hard to make Northwood a positive place for all. She transitions to a new role at the district office next school year.

Principal Leslie Roach to become IUSD Executive Director of Student Support Services

Lauryn Chew and Courtney Lee
March 21, 2025
FOSTERING DIALOGUE: AP Government teacher Steven Plete engages with a student students

Teaching AP Government during an election year

Alyssa Quintana, Raelle Tiong, and Courtney Lee
February 24, 2025
SIMPLE SCANNING: Students will eventually be able to scan into a club meeting with their digital ID card on 5-Star Students.

Howler Investigates: What happened to Integral?

Raelle Tiong and Courtney Lee
September 9, 2024
Learning to let go

Learning to let go

Courtney Lee and Madeleine Pham
August 20, 2024
The Northwood Howler presents Northwood beauty secrets

The Northwood Howler presents Northwood beauty secrets

Courtney Lee, Editor-in-Chief
May 20, 2024
IGNITING PASSION: Sophomore Lauren Low passionately delivers her speech for the position of Vice President in Odyssey of the Mind

Club Elections: Democracy or demise?

Courtney Lee and Raelle Tiong
May 2, 2024
FRIENDLY COMPETITION: Lily Ye (left) and Hannah Cho (right) share a moment in the SAC, before election results on Friday. In their election videos, each show their dedication, humor and a commitment to uplifting the Northwood community.

To Cook or to be Cooked: ASB President speech analysis

Courtney Lee, Editor-in-Chief
March 28, 2024

Northwood Lookbook: A look at aesthetics at Northwood

Courtney Lee, Editor-in-Chief
March 28, 2024
SPRINGTIME SYMPHONIES: The flutes fill the stage with notes that signal the start of a new season

What your favorite Spring Concert piece says about you

Courtney Lee, Editor-in-Chief
March 20, 2024
March 2024 Centerspread

March 2024 Centerspread

Rikkie Gunawan and Courtney Lee
March 15, 2024
THE GOGGLES STAY ON: No one is safe from the deadly hydrating bullets of the senior class.

SATIRE: Northwood High School senior murdered amidst terror

Courtney Lee and Raelle Tiong
February 21, 2024
ALMOST THERE: Small improvements can make school dances far more enjoyable for students.

Is the price right for dances? Almost.

Courtney Lee, Editor-in-Chief
February 15, 2024
LOVE ON THE BRAIN: Bold teen relationship hot takes you need to hear

Howler hot-takes on teen relationships

Rhea Gupta and Courtney Lee
February 14, 2024
DIGITAL DOPPELGÄNGER: Bella Hadid is a recent victim of AI deepfake, which used her image to express views that were not her own.

The deceptive danger of deepfake AI

Aishwarya Ramasubramanian and Courtney Lee
December 23, 2023
Five ways to spend winter break

Five ways to spend winter break

Courtney Lee, Editor-in-Chief
December 18, 2023
EUSTRESS IS GOOD FOR YOU: Maintaining stress in a healthy manner can serve as a motivator for students to take on challenges.

Can stress be channeled in a healthy manner?

Courtney Lee, Editor-in-Chief
December 15, 2023
WAVES OF CHANGE: The Northwood pool takes a plunge into a long-anticipated reconstruction and renovation.

Howler Investigates: Pool under renovation

Courtney Lee, Editor-in-Chief
December 13, 2023
Junior Kenny Zhang and freshman Tony Wen use effective study methods, such as the Pomodoro method and spaced repetition, to solve problems during tutorial.

Fact-checked techniques to ace your finals

Courtney Lee, Editor-in-Chief
December 11, 2023
DWELL ON THE DEN: After graduating, Northwood alumni wade through life drawing experiences from their high school years.

Beyond the Rolling Hills and Majestic Oak: Alumni speak

Courtney Lee, Editor-in-Chief
November 13, 2023
DON’T MOVE, DON’T BREATHE, DON’T RELIEVE: Students panic in fear of accidentally airing out their business in the girls’ bathrooms.

A survival guide to keeping the bathroom doors locked

Courtney Lee and Aishwarya Ramasubramanian
November 5, 2023
HOMIE HOPPER BUSTER: Candid paparazzi shots reveal the dirty truth behind Buster and Vaqy’s picture perfect coupling...

Buster’s dirty affair with a surprising mascot

Courtney Lee, Editor-in-Chief
November 5, 2023
GOING PRO: New NIL laws are a “score” for college athletics.

What does NIL mean?

Courtney Lee, Editor-in-Chief
November 4, 2023
f(x) = Oddly specific book recs

f(x) = Oddly specific book recs

Courtney Lee, Editor-in-Chief
October 9, 2023
AN APPRECATION OF THE ARTS: Dance students enjoy the class as they perfect their choreography, exploring the beauty of the arts through their movement.

Prop 28 ignites a renaissance in education

Courtney Lee, Editor-in-Chief
September 30, 2023
Load More Stories