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
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
COMMANDING THE MOUND: Senior Carter Liu winds up and delivers a pitch in baseball’s opening league game against Irvine High.
Varsity boys baseball batters up for the season
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

Lian Le, News Editor

Lian Le is a senior and News Editor for the Howler. When she’s not in the news room (or playing card games with the rest of the staffers near the end of the issue), you can find her out and about by the park, praying that her fortune cookie finally gives her some good luck.

All content by Lian Le
AP-SOLUTELY READY: Junior Elijah Perez enjoys snacks while chatting with his friends about their upcoming classes during AP/Honors Headstart Camp.

Jumpstarting success with AP/Honors Headstart Camp

Lian Le, News Editor
August 19, 2025
NEW LEADERSHIP, FAMILIAR ROOTS: Assistant principal Alissa Changala returns to her alma mater after two decades.

Meet Northwood’s new assistant principal: Alissa Changala

Lian Le, News Editor
August 19, 2025
Senior highlights

Senior highlights

Lian Le, News Editor
June 2, 2025
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

Lian Le, News Editor
May 7, 2025
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

Lian Le, News Editor
April 1, 2025
Northwood Q&A

Northwood Q&A

Lian Le, News Editor
March 21, 2025
THE ONES THAT GOT AWAY: Because love stories can’t all end in happily-ever-after

Missed Matches: Couples that should have been endgame

Lian Le, News Editor
February 14, 2025
BAKING LESSONS, HISTORY AND BITES: Senior and Global Baking Club President Joyce Zhang shares a lesson on the recipe and rich history of cornbread while handing out fresh samples during this month’s meeting.

Global Baking Club’s sweet influence on culinary delights

Lian Le, News Editor
November 21, 2024
PROTECTING THE PETS: ASPCA board members junior Emily Tamura (left), junior Emily Huang (middle) and senior Urika Tandiono (right) announce upcoming volunteer opportunities at animal shelters in a club meeting.

ASPCA’s pawsitive impact on animal rights

Lian Le and Anna Cao
November 10, 2024
ENGAGING EXPERIMENTS: During a Biotechnology IVC class held on Northwood campus each Tuesday, students prepare for their weekly labs by carefully reading the lab instructions, putting on safety goggles and gloves and collecting the necessary materials with precision.

Beyond High School: Unlocking potential with dual enrollment

Lian Le, News Editor
October 23, 2024
AGATHA ALONGSIDE WANDAVISION: Episodes of "Agatha: All Along," a sequel to the beloved "Wandavision," will have new episodes every Wednesday on Disney+ for fans of magic and mystery.

A promising start to “Agatha All Along”

Lian Le, News Editor
September 23, 2024
ThE PACK IS BACK: (From left to right) Sophomores Cole Kuang, Ian Moon, Arsh Verna and Ryan Koo catch up on their summer stories while waiting in line for Kick-Off Day.

Welcome Back T-wolves: Latest campus updates

Lian Le, News Editor
August 20, 2024
Champions of change: The Congresional Award Gold Medal Class of 2024 stands at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. after being recognized at the Gold Medal Summit.

Northwood students awarded Congressional Award Gold Medal

Lian Le, News Editor
August 20, 2024
GIFTS OF GRATITUDE: Surprise Mom with sentimental surprises, expressing appreciation for the woman who means the world.

Mother’s Day gift ideas

Lian Le, News Editor
May 9, 2024
NATIONAL GRILLED CHEESE DAY: With brand new recipes and fusions, the five grilled cheese rulers will forever reign supreme over the Sandwich Kingdom.

Grilled Cheese Recipes: A gouda time is just across your kitchen

Lian Le, News Editor
April 12, 2024
HIKING TOWARDS HAPPINESS: Junior Jonathan Zhu finds fresh air and peace by exploring the San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Hiking spots for spring

Lian Le, News Editor
March 19, 2024
YIP YIP: The newest adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” has fans and Team Avatar soaring into a new chapter of wondrous enchantment.

“Avatar: The Last Airbender”: A spellbinding journey through water, earth, fire and air

Lian Le, News Editor
March 18, 2024
SHUTTLE SAFETY: The Irvine CONNECT shuttle goes for a test drive around all its shuttle stops before its official launch.

Irvine CONNECT: Free city shuttle service to be launched April 1

Lian Le, News Editor
March 15, 2024
Repurposing with a Purpose: The green recycling cans seen around The Oak are easily distinguishable from regular trash cans.

New green recycling bins appear around The Oak

Lian Le, News Editor
February 14, 2024
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