Editor’s Note

tid·al

/ˈtīdl/

adjective

1. relating to or affected by tides.

Much like the teenage experience, the push and pull of tides is a complex dance of gravity. On the turn from child to early adult, we adolescents are both bound by the choices made for us and teeming with the desire to shape our futures. We are constantly experiencing highs and lows, and simultaneously trying to grasp it all. 

As artists, we succumb to natural changes in energy, inspiration, and periods of distance from our work. It is almost like an invisible push and pull, always changing why and what we make. From school shootings to antisemitism and racism, we navigate the sea of troubles teenagers face today through creative expression. 

But just like the tides surrender to the sun and the moon, we surrender to the choiceless nature of reality. In mid March, our 2019-2020 school year ended abruptly due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. In times like these, we adjust to our new normal, count our blessings, and continue using creative expression as a way to move forward. As you read through these online pages, I challenge you to go with the tides. Let them push you. You never know what might happen. 

-Anna Roberson, Editor-in-Chief

Mission Statement

 In 1937, a group of students decided that Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School needed its own literary arts magazine. They adopted the name Chips, as they broke away from the yearbook, The Pinetree. Since then it has been a tradition to vote for a theme for the magazine. Based on the theme, the staff chooses a title for each issue, begins the issue with a quote, and ends the issue with a piece from a past edition of Chips.

Chips is an annual publication produced by students at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in a class that meets every day. Student editors instruct the class in critiquing procedures, layout techniques, and oversee all evaluating sessions, fundraising activities, and marketing. The class reviews all submissions anonymously and a majority vote is needed for inclusion in the magazine. Staff members reserve the right to omit offensive material and correct spelling and grammar errors.

Editorial Policy

Chips accepted writing and art submissions from all B-CC students through February 1, 2020 with no regard given to the theme of the magazine. The theme “Tides” and title “Tidal” were chosen by the staff by majority vote for this issue.            

Chips tries to encourage writing and art at B-CC. Pieces that are not accepted for publication are returned with suggestions for revision that are generated during our class critiques. Students are encouraged to revise and resubmit. Each year Chips co-sponsors a writing contest with the English Department, the Writer’s Center, and the B-CC Educational Foundation. Submissions in four categories—short story, poetry, play, and personal essay—are reviewed by the Chips staff and members of the English Department, and select pieces are then judged by professional writers at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, MD. All winners appear in the magazine. 

Contact:

Chips

Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School

4301 East-West Hwy

Bethesda, MD 20814

SubmitToChips@gmail.com

Or contact the sponsor: Dawn_Charles@mcpsmd.org

Chips Staff

Ms. Charles, Faculty Sponsor, enjoys the creative oasis that Chips provides each day. Outside of school she reads and attends as many plays as she can.

Ashley Byrnes, Promotions Editor, is a photographer who enjoyed the creative process in Chips.

Ryan Carr joined second semester. He enjoyed art review and is excited to return senior year

Anna-Louise Cobau loved working on Chips for the first time this year. She also enjoys reading and writing.

Emma Corcoran is a photographer whose work is included in Chips.

Jacob Danegger enjoyed the class and looked forward to the weekly art critiques.

Ferris Enright is an artist who is always drawing. She enjoyed working on the magazine throughout the year.

Nick Fellner, Creative Writing Editor, is a passionate storyteller. He has been writing fiction for a few years now, and has taken quite the liking to poetry as of late. He loved being in Chips this past year, and can’t wait to return next year. 

Laura Julia Fleischmann is writer who enjoyed participating in the art and writing weekly critiques.

Jessica Katz is an inexperienced writer who has enjoyed getting in touch with her artistic side through Chips. She has loved hearing the unique voices of her fellow students.

Chloe Kirk enjoyed the process of creating a magazine and has photographs in this year’s edition.

Eleni Kontos is always reading in class. She enjoys the relaxed environment in Chips and hopes to return her senior year. 

Jonah Kuhl is an enthusiastic participant in our weekly critiques and enjoyed interacting with other creative students.

Sean Loughlin enjoyed participating in the class and meeting new students.

Chiara Moran enjoys reading and participating in the weekly writing critiques.

Emily Niman is a writer who wanted to get in touch with her artistic side through Chips and loved learning and hearing about all the ideas from her creative peers in the class.

Bela Omoeva is an artist who enjoys hearing the comments of her fellow classmates during critiques.

Anna Roberson, Editor-in-Chief, is passionate about art and writing and writes poetry in her free time. She has loved being a part of Chips for the past two years. 

Elisabeth Schmeissner, Creative Writing Editor, is a poet and sometimes artist; she loves creativity of any kind. Chips is her haven, and she can’t wait to return for her final year at B-CC.

Sarah Spain, Art Editor, enjoys the creative outlet that Chips offers and is often inspired by the talent of her classmate’s submissions. She is sad to leave after two years and will miss the class a lot.

Nadia Strauss enjoyed her first year working on Chips.

Isaiah Sullivan, Layout Editor, has taken Chips for two years now, and has continued tomfoolery and shenanigans throughout his time. This year, Isaiah especially enjoyed art review and getting to meet the new students.

Jack Thibault: Staff Photographer, enjoyed working with people in the class on a creative project.

Elliott Wagner-Smith, Creative Writing Editor, really loved working on Chips this year and enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of making something.