For each assignment, there are two excerpts of essays that were written and submitted by real FSS students for real assignments. One excerpt was written by ChatGPT, given the exact same prompts that students...

25 students from Journalism and The Falcon voice their opinions on the use of AI at Friends Select. Paloma Puig, Grade 12 I don’t think students should be able to use AI unless appropriate...

New York may be notorious for its bodega cats, but did you know that Philadelphia has its fair share of employed felines as well? From bookstores to pet supply retailers to music shops, encountering...

Duc Tran ‘26  I was a member of the Healthcare track. In SJW, I learned a lot of interesting things like how to perform CPR and first aid correctly from Rae Asbridge. I also had a crazy time at the...

Last month, two major safety incidents concerning FSS students were reported within three days of each other: on January 11th, 2025, and January 14th, 2025. No students were seriously physically harmed,...

Disclaimers:  This article discusses potentially sensitive topics, including murder, sexual assault, and domestic violence. Please use discretion while reading.  This article should not be used...

It’s normal to be a little disappointed by your Spotify Wrapped, especially if you find out your top track is “White Noise For Sleep 10 Hours Loopable No Fade.” But this year, Spotify users were...

This infographic is a statistical display of student stress levels and mental health at Friends Select School. The data comes from an anonymous survey sent to the student body, out of which 45 students...

Blue fluorescent lights, murals on the walls, and an eclectic 2010s pop playlist bumping through the speakers. Am I describing a South Street nightclub? Not quite. It’s Fat Salmon, a tucked-away, hidden...

Kit Kat: Jessica Li ‘27 and Abby Davenport ‘27 “Have a break, have a Kit Kat!” This catchy slogan was first invented in 1958, twenty-three years after the candy was created. The British company...

Just in time for the start of the 2024-25 school year, at least 13 U.S. states, including Pennsylvania, have passed laws or policies restricting phone usage in schools. Pennsylvania allocated millions...

A renovation of the Friends Select gymnasium, with an estimated completion date of October 28th, 2024, will make the school’s second-largest community space (second to the rooftop field) both more versatile...

Dear Friends Select,  The Falcon is back, and it’s better than ever. We hope to act as a valuable, exciting, and trustworthy news source for Friends Select and its community. This year, The Falcon...

What are some movies/music/books/TV shows (ideally summer-themed, summer vibes) that you’d recommend people check out over the summer? Sam Goldwert I’ll admit I am still making my way through...

What have been some of the best moments or classes this school year? Sam Goldwert A highlight of mine has been my history classes this year. I’ve really enjoyed U.S. History a lot more than...

The 23-24 school year was only the second year under the updated Upper School service program, rehauled by Sarah Kelly, the Upper School Service Coordinator. Writers for The Falcon reflect on the most...

Listen to Cheo's music under the name “Lord Cheo” on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, and all other streaming platforms.  

What’s fun, productive, and perfect for FSS students and families of all ages and interests? The Spring Fair!  The annual Spring Fair is an exciting day of fun for students, families, and those considering...

Every year, many families show up to Friends Select’s auction to support the school, and possibly with hopes of winning a unique experience within the city or a coveted treat. But what exactly is the...

Spring break is approaching, and students have lots of time to fill. The Falcon has recommendations for nicer days and not-so-nice days. We hope you enjoy these ideas from our staff!   Lila: While...

Have you ever given someone unsolicited grammar advice? Do you have strong opinions about the Oxford comma? Do you cringe internally when someone uses “it’s” when they really mean “its”, or “further”...

You can listen to Olukayode's music on his YouTube channel or his SoundCloud.

Sarah Gorenstein “Platinum blonde hair dye. Extra strong. Oil of Violets hair tonic. For men,” a pinch of naughtiness, and a miracle… the perfect recipe for Archmere Academy’s Matilda! The company...

Will Perkins: In Lab Band, we are learning about how to cover songs properly and how to write song charts for our instruments. It is interesting to me because I've wanted to learn how to write song...

Sarah Gorenstein: Don’t miss Phoenixville Area High School’s stunning production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, for “It doth shine that night!” The company excellently captured the passion...

Note: Non-traditional text is the request of the interviewee

Sarah Gorenstien: This article was chosen for Publication on the Philadelphia Inquirer WordPress Site. The cast and crew at Cardinal O’Hara High School will certainly be making the “nice list”...

Lila Ash: Calling all Barbz! On December 8th, Nicki Minaj released her powerhouse follow-up album Pink Friday 2. Minaj's "Barbz" fan base has been waiting for a new album since her double platinum album...

An oddly glimmering, almost metallic-looking circular blob dripping in chunky, light brown sauce sat on my plate the first Thanksgiving I was a vegetarian. Needless to say, I did not eat or even taste...

Niamh Williams I love cool weather. Above 40 degrees and below 70 is the perfect range. The first step outside of the house, when the temperature has finally dropped, is a moment of pure joy. I love the...

Lily Brin '23: Even though the winter holidays are rapidly approaching, the weather is cold and unpredictable, there is no snow, shorter days, and still not a ton of decorations. I frequently find...

Friends Select’s Winter Concert has been an iconic part of any FSS winter for as long as most of the FSS community can remember. The 2021-2022 Winter Concert, affectionately referred to as the “Sprinter...

Lily Brin '23: This year’s schedule has received a lot of justified flak. With so many unpredictable four-day weeks there are always full-day schedules missed. Since classes already meet so scarcely,...

Lily Brin '23: I am glad that the service block is currently being used as an extended office hours. I’m sure it is helpful for students who have had to quarantine or are otherwise needing to meet with...