ilhouette S
COLUMBUS SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
VOL. 60
ISSUE 1
October 2020
Wellness Wednesday: Featured In This Issue: How Do Students Feel? • Silhouette's New Advice Column Allie Salamon, IX
Wellness Wednesday was knowing what day it is or feeling the an idea introduced to the CSG com- day is going by slowly.” With a break
munity while Franklin County is at a Level 3 or above to help students, faculty, and staff have one day away from campus and the new normal CSG schedule, so one can get school work done, meet with teachers and students, and take time to attend personal needs. Kayla Carpenter, XII, believes that Wellness Wednesday is an effective addition to the schedule. Like most, she finds it is a great time to get done school work, catch up on sleep that has been previously missed in the school week, and participate in sports without feeling that she has a lot of school work waiting at home. Kayla explains, “I schedule appointments so I don’t have to miss school.” Scheduling appointments during Wellness Wednesday is a great use of time and a way to not worry about missing school in the week. Although Kayla feels Wellness Wednesday is effective, she also notes, “It does make the school week feel longer and I find myself not
in the middle of the school week, it can tend to feel on that Thursday that a new week is starting. This can make it difficult for students to know when assignments are due. Kayla concluded, “Overall, I find myself on top of my assignments and getting good sleep.” Ruthie Saar, XI, agrees with Kayla, but also makes important points about the health benefits of Wellness Wednesday. She explains “the school [building] also gets a break, since it gets time to be cleaned and aired-out.” Ruthie also makes the observation that “it gives [her] a break from wearing a mask, which is surprisingly exhausting.” Bethany Spangler, IX, says that Wellness Wednesday is effective, and agrees with Kayla’s and Ruthie’s points in their statements. Bethany says, “I like to join a club, or if it’s not a club day I like to enjoy my breakfast.” On Wellness Wednesday CSG students have the opportunity to host a
club meeting for a club of their choice. Previously clubs were held in school during advisory time. Having clubs on Wellness Wednesday is something new for everyone, and it gives advisories more time to spend together. After talking with Kayla, Ruthie, and Bethany, it is clear that they believe that Wellness Wednesday is effective. Although they believe that Wellness Wednesday is effective, not everyone might. Recently, CSG sent out a community survey to explore the opinions that everyone has about Wellness Wednesday and what their personal experience has been like. After collecting the data stating that 80% of the CSG community were in favor of Wellness Wednesday, CSG administrators have decided that Wellness Wednesday will continue at least until the second semester starts in January. Regarding that decision, we’ll know more about Wellness Wednesday in late November and whether or not Wellness Wednesday is here to stay.
• Interview with CSG Alum • Flaunting the Haunts of CSG • Senior Feature: Via Barry-Wilson • A look at the 2020 Presidential Candidates from the Upper School Political Science class • VERBATIM
Behind the Screens: A Week With Weintraub Ruthie Saar, XI
This year, school is clearly different. At CSG, many teachers and students are working via Zoom, and the school experience has changed. As a student learning in-person, I was curious about the daily experiences for faculty at home: what goes on behind the screens? Ms. Weintraub, an Upper School math teacher, has a busy schedule. You might think that since she’s working from home, she sleeps in. This isn’t the case! Every weekday (except Wellness Wednesdays), Ms. Weintraub wakes up at 5:30 a.m. for an hour-long walk with her husband. If the pair doesn’t end up walking, she’ll use her weights and yoga mat for thirty minutes. Afterwards, she showers and gets dressed. By the time she’s done, it’s already 7:30 a.m. She gets straight to business: she grades papers and creates lesson plans or tests. Somedays, she’ll have appointments with students or faculty at 8 a.m.
Then, school begins promptly at 9. On ACE days, Ms. Weintraub first teaches Honors Algebra II. During second period, she’s virtually in charge of the math center. Next, she joins her advisory on Zoom to spend time with them. At last, it’s lunchtime! She eats with her husband, which she fondly remarks is “one of the perks of working from home.” If it’s a lovely day, they’ll enjoy their meal outside. Eventually, she’s back “in” school. She doesn’t teach during third period, so students reach out to meet with her. To end her school day, she has another Honors Algebra II class. On BDF days, her schedule is similar. Ms. Weintraub teaches PreCalc Calc A first and second period. Advisory continues like usual, but Ms. Weintraub confesses that her hybrid advisory is difficult. She reveals, “Part of the point of advisory is to just hang out together, and to get to know each other casually. This is very hard to do when we’re not all together.” After
lunch, she still meets with students and works during third period, but tops everything off with AP Calculus. Although Ms. Weintraub agrees that OWL cameras have immensely improved her classes, she emphasizes the fact that “nothing can replace [...] being in the same place, though!” I think we all miss being on campus together. When the actual school day is over, her work is far from done.
She perseveres until dinnertime, about 6 p.m. She prepares supper, where she gets a break from her screen. Though she might run errands or relax at some point, she almost always works until 10 o’clock at night. Difficulties arise with teaching online. She admits, “It takes more energy, and I’ve had to modify things that I’ve done in the past…
Ms. Weintraub working away! Photo courtesy of Ms. Weintraub.
We have less time with our students this semester, so we have to figure out ways to teach the same material in less time.” Another concern is making sure her students understand the information. She explains, “it’s even more important for students to meet with teachers under the current circumstances.” She is so dedicated! For Ms. Weintraub, Wellness Wednesdays are productive. She focuses on work or schedules appointments with students. She sleeps in a little, and takes a walk in the afternoon. She even catches up with other teachers we know and love! She exclaims, “I met with Ms. Gullett and we took a walk together… Ms. Abell and I got together and talked for an hour.” She misses her students and colleagues. Ultimately, being online is more challenging, yet we are all still a community. It’s important that those in-person don’t lose their connection with those at home. Ms. Weintraub sets a wonderful example!
2 School
Cracking Angelina Kofman, XI
Without our daily announcements and with the addition of face covering masks, it has been harder for the student body to get to know our new head of upper school, Dr. Graham. Obviously, we have lots of burning questions to ask, like what’s his third favorite color (orange) and Hogwarts house (he’s actually never read the series), but more importantly: why does he always look so happy to see us in the morning? Firstly, I asked him about high school. I asked what his least favorite thing had been and he mentioned his 7:20 am class start time, saying he couldn’t tell “how many days passed [him] by and [he] was just exhausted.” It was actually Dr. Graham’s suggestion that
the
we have a later start for high school, with the intention for students to get more sleep; I, for one, am thankful. I also simply had to ask him the standard ‘what clique were you a part of’ and found Dr. Graham was a “super dedicated athlete.” He made varsity every season and constantly worked out. He played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track instead of baseball senior year to “prepare to play football in college,” where he was an outside linebacker. He said, “had you known me in high school, you would’ve identified me as an athlete first.” However, he also described himself as a “kid who was really interested in intellectualism” and “loved books and reading,” with one of his favorite reads being The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain.
Graham
Now onto the part you’ve been waiting for: Trivia time! Favorite TV show? Dr. Graham and his wife love The West Wing, with his favorite character being C.J. Cregg, a woman in a “male-dominated field who manages the hectic world of the White House with integrity, good humor, and courage.” Favorite genre of music? Dr. Graham grew up listening to classic rock, and now loves jazz, specifically the album At Ease with Coleman Hawkins released in 1960. Pet peeve? Dr. Graham describes himself as a morning person and can forget that “not everyone is at their best before the sun comes up.” He is also a “clean freak” and does not like it when things are cluttered, be-
cause according to him a “clear desk, [equals] clear thoughts.” My final q uestion w as submitted by an anonymous teacher: “Why don’t you wear socks in meetings?” After a very awkward laugh from Dr. Graham, he explained he had “boat shoes,” like our Sperrys, with which he doesn’t wear socks. He also said during the school day you can typically find him “rocking socks.” Finding out that Dr. Graham is a morning person explains why he doesn’t seem on the verge of falling asleep like the rest of us in the morning and why he’s so animated in the carline. Even if we don’t see Dr. Graham as often as we might like, it’s comforting knowing that at least one person in the morning is awake and happy to see us. Until the next case...
Different School, S e n i o r F e a t u r e : S a m e A p p ro a c h Vi a B a r r y - Wi l s o n Alysa Li, IX
Coronavirus messes up everyone’s routine. You can only see half of everyone’s face most of the day, some of your teachers and classmates are on a screen instead of in class, and you have to make sure your personal space bubble isn’t being popped at all times. In Columbus, CSG was one of few schools that was able to bring students back in (with some restrictions, of course). But what about the other schools around? How are they coping? Gahanna Lincoln High School is currently doing online schooling. Freshman student Kate Laub says that school is going well and that they were scheduled to begin hybrid learning on October 13th. “We’re… going to be doing a freshman day… to get to know the school and we’re split into blue and gold groups,” she says. “Blue group will be in school Wednesdays and Fridays and… gold group will be in school Tuesdays and Thursdays.” She was excited that they would be back in school soon because she expressed how “it [was] kind of hard to get to know [her] teachers virtually” and how she’d rather interact with her teachers in person. Watkins Memorial High School is a school located in Pataskala. According to Sophia Locard, a ninth grader, they are in school for all five days. However, she says that
learning is not very kinesthetic “and for hands-on learners [that’s] a challenge.” Although Sophia would not consider herself a hands-on learner, she’d prefer to interact more. Additionally, she adds that “[they] can’t work together with [their] peers.” So she feels like they “don’t get as much… learning experience which [she] thinks is crucial for students.” Finally, Reynoldsburg High School (Livingston Campus) is online but will be going into a hybrid learning system once the second quarter starts. Araceli Gaver, a freshman student there, believes that “[they] are going on different days by last name. For example, A-M will go to school on Monday and Tuesday and work online for the rest of the week.” But Araceli doesn’t know if she wants to go back yet. She has “moments where [she] wants to go back because it’s kind of lonely not seeing [her] friends and joking in class” and she wishes to get closer to her teachers. However, she “knows it’s better to stay out of school and make sure [her] family and friends are all safe.” In conclusion, schools from all over Columbus are experiencing similar problems to CSG, but it’s reassuring to know that everyone is going through the same thing. We’re all going through this pandemic adventure together, and may everyone learn and grow greatly from their experiences.
Kesley anderson, X
It was overtime in Via’s freshman year. She was the goalie for field hockey and it was all up to her. The first team that scored would win the game, but she was determined to not let the other team win. The other team shot. Via anticipated this, diving for the ball and catching it right underneath her. The ball didn’t move, causing a stroke which is similar to a penalty shot. The other team had yet another opportunity to score. As the anticipation built up, not a single person dared to breathe. The ball flew at the goal and Via, the left-handed freshman, deflected it. She had saved their Senior Night, ending it in a tie. Via has never forgotten this moment and has considered it one of her favorite sports memories. Although Via BarryWilson has no lucky number, she has managed to earn eleven varsity letters, from a variety of sports, in her high school career. At first, she “didn’t quite realize it was such a big deal,” but when she earned three in her freshman year, Via knew she could dominate the sports world at CSG. Participating in sports has helped her stay on top of the hardcore academic standards at CSG because, without time constraints, she would tend to procrastinate. Despite having enjoyed her time here, Via is looking for-
ward to her future at college where she can “go see the world on [her] own and be able to have unique life experiences to share with others.” While in college, she wants to focus on ways to help the environment and to teach others ways to respect the earth. Based on her goals and what she has done in high school alone, Via Barry-Wilson will accomplish even more impressive feats in her future. She has already achieved so much in just seventeen years. So if you’re ever eating strawberry Sour Patch Kids, make sure to give some to Via; they’re her favorite, and she’s definitely earned it.
Above: Dr. Graham pictured by his office. Photo Courtesy of McKenna Merriman, XII
Advisor Dr. Hattaway Editor-In-Chief McKenna Merriman, XII Junior Editors Ruthie Saar, XI Kiera Rennick, XI Club Coordinators Gabi Yuan, X Isabella Luckage, X Staff Ciara Latham, X Allie Salamon, IX Ava Kessler, IX
Above: Via Barry Wilson, XII, pictured holding a butterfly. Photo Courtesy of Via Barry Wilson, XII
Sports &Health 1 The New Coaches Of CSG Volleyball
Isabella Luckage, X
As the 2020 season of high school volleyball began, CSG's team faced new Covid-19 restrictions, gained new players, and encountered a last minute change in the coaching staff. Bringing excitement to many, Dr. Krichbaum and Señor Pryor were announced as the new varsity volleyball coaches in mid-August. Coach K, as she is known during volleyball, is the head coach, with Pryor as her assistant. They both double as CSG teachers, with Coach K being an Upper School history teacher and Pryor as a cross-divisional Spanish teacher. The coaching changes have been received well; Kelsey Anderson, X, a varsity player, said: “I like Coach K’s positivity and Pryor’s
competitiveness because they flow well with the attitude of the team.” Coach K played volleyball at Malone College and has coached other volleyball teams. Her experience, joyful attitude, and connection to CSG made her the perfect choice. Coach Pryor has played volleyball since the beginning of college and still plays sand volleyball today. Coach K’s favorite part of the season has been “having more time with [her] students… and seeing an entirely different side” of them. While Coach K has loved the season, she has also been challenged. She explains that “stepping into the head position, [she] wanted to be prepared for the team. Initially the greatest chal-
Ask-It! Hello Reader! This year, the Silhouette staff thought it would be fun to include an anonymous advice column in each of our issues. This is an attempt to connect more with our community and to have some unhinged fun in writing responses. So ask us what you wouldn’t ask others: the silly things or the serious! Wondering what books to read, or podcasts to download? How about how to stop killing your houseplants? Maybe you have some issues within your friend group and you need an outside opinion! What should you do with your steadily growing vinyl collection? And what are some actually good horror movies? Ask-It has the answers to all these questions and more! We now have a Google Form, so send in your most ridiculous questions and we’ll write up our most ridiculous answers. In the meantime, please enjoy some starter questions! Dear Ask-It, I'm in quite a pickle. You see, my family was arguing over which bagel flavor is superior. And later, I'm supposed to drive to Panera and pick up a batch of bagels. I personally love blueberry, my mom likes everything bagels, my dad likes cinnamon sugar, and my sister loves chocolate chip. What should I pick up? Help!! -Confused Bagel Obtainer Hello Confused Bagel Obtainer! Your situation does seem quite dire, but have no fear, for there is a simple solution. In cases like this, where you are doing most of the work, pick something that you would enjoy! Since you are driving all the way to your Panera, you are the one who ultimately should get the bagel you want. However, if you are being tasked
with picking up multiple bagels to snack on over a course of time, then why not pick one or two of each favored flavor for everyone? You could also just pick plain bagels and let everyone be equally sad. ☺ Hope this helps! –Ask-It Dear Ask-It, My neighbor collects lawn gnomes and recently has been stealing my lawn gnomes and replacing them with theirs. This is very distressing because the lawn gnomes look exactly the same, but every time they swap out a gnome I can feel it in my bones. See, my gnomes were given to me by my grandmother and are very, very important family heirlooms. How do I ask them to give me back my gnomes without them questioning how I can tell the difference? I'm not crazy; the gnomes are different! -I Need My Gnomes
Hello I Need My Gnomes! This situation is something that might require a bit more legwork. I would recommend going to your neighbor and asking them about their gnomes; just have a simple conversation about them. Build up a trusting relationship between two gnome enthusiasts and insist, if they question why, that you are simply trying to discuss common interests. Once you are positive that you’ve gained their trust and no suspicion lies on you, it's time to strike. Seeing as you can recognize your gnomes in your bones, stage a high action gnome heist and take back your righteous heirlooms! Good Luck, I have faith in you! –Ask-It
lenge was the learning curve [as head coach].” Though it has been difficult, Coach K wouldn’t change it because it's been an awesome experience. Pryor is excited for the rest of the season, hoping to see “[the players] learn from [their] mistakes, and learn to overcome adversity.” Coach K has big goals for the future of the volleyball program, where she feels “a responsibility to make it better.” She hopes to have a feeder program, where younger students will be exposed to volleyball before high school, creating a love and passion for volleyball. It is also her goal to help her players better understand the meaning of “team” and to become better human beings. Though
Coach K has many goals for the future, she has already made an impact on her current players, with the “Circle of Love”. This is a time where one player is chosen to have everyone share something about them that they appreciate, which makes the players feel confident and realize the positive impact they have on their teammates. Coach K started the Circle of Love because she believes in life we “don't tell one another that we appreciate one another enough.” The Circle of Love has brought joy to all who have been recognized so far, and has been a great addition to the team’s game day routine. Coach K and Pryor are both very excited to see the team continue to grow this season, and
are happy to be part of the program. Their players are thankful to have them as their coaches as well.
Teachers by day, coaches at night! Photo courtesy of Isabella Luckage, X.
COVID-19 vs Fall Sports
Gabi Yuan, X
CSG is not only known for its scrumptious lunches and rigorous academics, but it’s also known as a place with great school spirit. I’m sure you could hear our “Go Unies!” chant all the way to Dayton. However, this year’s sports seasons may look a little different than usual. Fall sports are in action and I had the privilege of speaking to one of the captains from the volleyball team, Isabella Luckage, Form X, as well as one of the captains from the soccer team, Sydney Horner, Form XII. Isabella Luckage has been playing volleyball both at CSG as well as on her club team since 4th grade. As one out of three volleyball captains this year, she explains how the court looks a little different this season: “Except the times when we’re playing on the court, all masks are on. We maintain six feet distance from each other, as well as having the coaches sanitize the balls after practice.” CSG volleyball is taking heavy precautions during this unprecedented time, both on and off the court. “On the other hand, we can’t do a lot of team bonding,” Isabella continues. “It’s harder this year for us to get closer but we’re always finding new ways to get to know each other.” She emphasizes that the whole team is making the best of this year, giving seniors the best senior night they could possibly have, while also staying safe. After talking to Isabella, I spoke to Sydney Horner, who has been playing soccer for CSG since fifth grade. As she plays for CSG one last time, she tells us how COVID-19 has affected the team on the field. “Besides wearing a mask
off the soccer field and maintaining our safety precautions, only two spectators for each player are allowed to come watch the game.” Although Sydney is disappointed that her grandparents aren’t always able to come watch her play, she says that even during a tough season like this year’s, they were able to train harder, play with 100% effort, and beat their rival, Columbus Academy, 2-0. “That moment of victory was one of my favorite memories that I hope to keep with me for a long time,” Sydney says. While talking about her recent victory, Sydney also brings up the sentimental memories she’s been able to make with the team. “I also loved the team bonding activities that came outside of soccer,” Sydney explains. “My freshman year, we went canoeing and really got to talk to everyone on the team, whereas this year, we weren’t able to have another chance to become a stronger team than we already are.” Though changes have been made to this season, she says that her senior night was greater than she could have ever imagined; the sophomores did an outstanding job. With the fall sports coming to an end, all the teams have continued to come together and work even harder as a whole, supporting one another when needed, as well as making the most of getting to know each other six feet apart. Though there aren’t as many fall sports games that you can watch in person, the home volleyball games were posted on CSG’s Youtube, and that’s a great place to start channeling your inner school spirit!
The Upper School field hockey team poses for a post-game selfie. Photo courtesy of Summer Williams, IX.
The Upper School tennis team is excited after a fun practice. Photo courtesy of Annahita Riazi, X.
The Upper School soccer team gathered for their official team photo. Photo courtesy of Sydney Horner, XII.
Around Town3 Busyness in Businesses Ava Kessler, IX So far we have seen how Covid-19 has been impacting our communities. Schools have switched to online learning, people are unable to visit family, and sports are being canceled. Businesses in our communities are also coping with Covid-19. Some small businesses have already shut down, while even some large businesses continue to struggle. In order to learn more about this issue, I interviewed a small business owner, who also happens to be my father, about how his business is dealing with Covid-19. Philip Kessler is one of the two owners of SWS Partners, which is an investment and asset management company in Columbus. He gave me his insight into how Covid has impacted his business. He said that it wasn’t exactly scary at first but that there was a lot of uncertainty. He elaborated, “No one knew what was going to happen. We didn’t know what the virus was capable of. We didn’t know how dangerous it was. States were shutting down their economies, with no real plan with how to reopen or how it was going to start back up.” Mr. Kessler said, “Because of the business that we’re in we actually have a disaster plan in place,” though these plans are required they are usually put in place for natural disasters. He also made a point to talk about how they were lucky that his business could be run completely online if needed. When asked to talk about how Covid was impacting his employees, Kessler explained how he and his business partner, Frank Parker, decided it would be smart
Sustainable and Attainable Fashion Ciara Latham, X
to allow each employee the choice to work from home or to be in the office. They eventually decided to have their three employees work from home while Mr. Kessler and Mr. Parker took turns being at the office. Even though many people have focused on small businesses through the pandemic, even large businesses are struggling. Explore any large company's website and you will find that some employees may have been sent home to work while others are working in smaller groups. Many have emergency response plans in place to ensure the safety of workers, but these have to be constantly updated as the state of the pandemic changes. After talking with Mr. Kessler and taking a look at some of the larger businesses, I saw how the larger businesses had many more difficulties with their employees rather than with the financial impact of the virus. They struggled more with what to do with their employees because of how many there are and because they didn’t have a plan for working remotely. Meanwhile, the smaller business already had a plan for working from home (part of this is because SWS Partners had a disaster plan), but they also had fewer employees. Take a look at how businesses in your area, large or small, are dealing with Covid-19. You could even find ways to help. You could donate money, volunteer, use social media as a way to get the word about a struggling business, and more. Now is a great time to get involved in helping out your community!
Think of your favorite clothing store. Easy, right? Now, could you say that 100% of the pieces are ethically sourced and produced? Recently, the phrase “fast fashion” has been increasing in popularity. Merrriam-Webster defines fast fashion as “an approach to the design, creation, and marketing of clothing fashions that emphasizes making fashion trends quickly and cheaply available to customers.” If you’re familiar with the issue, you probably heard how terrible it was, and have been discouraged from participating. Ethical brands are typically out of reach for the working class. So, what are solutions that work for everyone? I spent a day in the city (following CDC safety precautions, of course!) exploring the vast world of apparel in a search to find the best solutions to beating fast fashion. Secondhand I was hesitant to shop secondhand, especially in the era of coronavirus. Eventually, I built up enough courage to try it out. Everything was fair game. Shopping without worrying about price tags felt like I was a paintbrush and Goodwill was my canvas. Don’t be mistaken! Goodwill is not the only place to shop. Places like Clothes Mentor, Uptown Cheapskate, and Plato’s Closet sell gently-used clothing, and are great starting points. It’s important to not think of the pieces as pre-owned rather precious artifacts. Each item has a story and has lived a colorful life of its own.
Sewing
If you have been thinking about learning how to sew, this is your sign. Whether you’re wanting to learn how to do a quick stitch to fix your favorite pants, or you want to try your hand at a sewing machine, it is worth it. Head to your local fabric store and pick from their finest (most sustainable) textiles. I went to Joann Fabrics and found some beautiful prints. With long aisles richly stocked with smooth silks, lovely linens, comfy cottons, and warm wools, there is much to choose from. You may be unsure and that’s okay. Sometimes it’s best to start small by upcycling old clothes. Small businesses Avoid giant corporations that may take advantage of con-
sumers and laborers. Instead, support local small businesses. Small businesses often sell handmade products which fight against mass manufacturing. According to Business Insider, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of humanity’s carbon emissions. Locally sourced and produced items do not heavily contribute to such air pollution. However, many small businesses buy from unethically produced vendors. Make sure you find out the truth about brands before giving them your business. It’s not easy to escape the wrath of big apparel companies but it is possible. You have the power to build a better future for generations to come. You can save the planet and look stylish while doing it. The choice is yours.
Some pieces of clothing that are cute and sustainable! Photo courtesy of Ciara Latham, X.
Keeping Up With Our Connections Frances LefkowitzPizzuti, X As we are all getting used to the new and challenging definition of normal that 2020 has presented, communication and connection have been limited. Amidst the craziness and uncertainty this summer, students at CSG found time to meet with friends and stay in contact despite social distancing regulations. Here are some ways students stayed in touch. Sarah Alexander, IX, found fun and safe ways to spend time with her friends this summer in what she describes as “activities together without actually being together.” She explains, “Although it was hard to connect with friends, I still found ways through technology, using Facetime and things like
Game Pigeon and online games that allow us to connect with each other without physically being with each other.” In the era of high speed and advanced technology, the world feels smaller and more connected than ever, especially this year. Jolien Kusi, XII, was able to Facetime with friends and participate in socially distanced activities as well. She says, “As for the summer, I had two family trips planned and also some internships lined up that were cancelled as well. I wasn’t able to hang out with friends as much and when I did it was very hard.” After frustrating cancellations and delays of fun things to do this summer, students
turned to friends, family, the beginnings of fall sports seasons, and fun at home activities to brighten their summers just a bit after having so many challenges in their schedules. Gia Noel, XI, says she was able to hang out with her friends in outdoor areas like parks while social distancing. Gia says, “Obviously it was a lot harder this year to hang out in person because of everything [...] We've been so used to hanging out and not worrying about wearing a mask or sitting too close to someone, but we made the most of the situation.” Making the most of the situation is how we all stay connected through what life throws at us.
As we are trying to find the positives in our situation through this fall season, everyone is making an effort to stay connected and engaged in whatever way possible. Whether you’re learning online or in-person this year, Zoom is a great way to connect with someone you might not otherwise see often. With trips cancelled, camps closed, social distancing guidelines enforced, and the opportunities students had looked forward to doing this summer taken, they looked to others to find mutual support and experience things together. In a similar way this fall season, we can elude the difficulties of cancellations by keeping up this same attitude and
connecting with others.
Many students trained for fall sports, such as cross country, to keep them preoccupied! Photo courtesy of Lane Sharfin, XI.
4 CSG Voices
From School to Screen: CSG Alum Edition
McKenna Merriman, XII
At CSG, students are given endless opportunities to be successful in their interests. You can lead the robotics team to states, triple-letter as a freshman, or even win a mini-corndog eating competition against your friends during lunch, but it is not every day that you are asked to write the fall play. For Yael Zinkow, class of ‘08 and professional screenwriter for shows such as Bones (NBC/ Hulu/Amazon Prime) and In The Dark (The CW/Netflix), the opportunity to do so has led her to a career of creativity and success in the entertainment industry. In the summer of
her junior year, Yael Zinkow went to a Jewish summer camp where she began to question her own relationship with her faith. Recalling feeling confused and alone in her thoughts, she asked some of her friends at the camp if they felt the same, and found they did. She began to express her thoughts about this camp and her religion through playwriting, a new medium to her. When she returned to school that year, she shared her work with one of her favorite teachers, Janetta Davis, who eventually chose her short play to be performed as one of the three in the 2008 theater lineup. While Zinkow at first was both
The "Tech" in "Teach" Ruthie Saar, XI Last year at CSG, many used Google Classroom as a learning management system. Although Google Classroom was popular, some Upper School teachers chose to use Moodle, a different network. As of this fall, however, the entire school has switched to the learning management system Canvas. All three have similarities, and are used for the same purpose, but which of these mediums is preferred? Dr. Danielewicz, the Upper School Latin teacher, had much to say about the topic. He has used all three programs so far. His current favorite is Google Classroom because of its simplicity and ease. Although he shares that he isn’t as familiar with Canvas yet, “the Canvas layout has so many bells and whistles so it… [seems] daunting at first.” In his eyes, the problem is that “we are still tied to My Backpack,” which does not correspond with Canvas when it comes to attendance and grades. He believes that if everything was on the same program rather than two different ones, things would be a lot more accessible. It was obvious which of the platforms he was least interested in: “Moodle was okay in terms of just putting files there [but it was] slow and clunky to edit and format, while Google Classroom [seemed] so intuitive and quick.” He loves the liveedit feature, and how Google Classroom allows students to see his most recent posts. Ms. Pfeiffer, teaching
shocked that she was given this opportunity and nervous about how people would react, she is now beyond grateful to have been able to sit in the audience and watch her own work come to life. Where before she had been lost in her feelings, she found new ones of pride and validation that led her to her current career. When I asked Zinkow about how CSG prepared her for a now successful career as a screenwriter, she hit on two key notes. First, she cites the study habits she learned: she says that the work ethic she learned at CSG prepared her not only for college, but even now she
credits her 3 a.m. submissions to her boss to her late nights finishing difficult assignments at CSG. The second important aspect she noted were the people at CSG. When developing characters, she often recalls students she met because “everyone in my class was so cool.” Not only did the peers she had inspire her today, but she also emphasizes the impact of her teachers. Ms. J. Davis and Ms. Patricia Miranda were the most important teachers to her in her high school career, as Zinkow explains,“They instilled a confidence and drive in me. I credit those two with
Yael Zinkow, class of '08, is put in the hot seat! Photo courtesy of Yael Zinkow.
what I am now.” And finally, when asked if she could give any advice to her high school self, she said two things: “Relax and come out of the closet; it's going to be fine.”
Opinion: Is Technology Humane?
Sofia Feinberg, XII History and Political Science in the Upper School, has only recently been introduced to her preferred program: “When we went home in the spring [last school year], I switched [from Moodle] to Google Classroom, which was a godsend during online learning, particularly because of the ability to grade and give feedback electronically, especially for my students taking AP tests.” Comparing Google Classroom to Canvas, she explained that “Canvas has more layers to it. As I use it more, I become better at it.” When asked about Moodle, Ms. Pfeiffer hesitated. “I thought it was time to get a new learning management system. I used Moodle for ten years… It didn’t have the grading capability.” On Canvas however, she believes that the “To-Do List” feature will help her students stay on top of their assignments. She thinks that Canvas will be wonderful once she’s comfortable with it. On the other hand, Inaya Hussain, XI, actually prefers Canvas out of the three options. She believes that Canvas reigns supreme because of the “Grades” section: “Having grades on [Canvas] is better than My Backpack because you don’t have to worry about waiting until the next grade check.” Additionally, she admires the Discussion Boards. It seems that many people prefer Google Classroom over Moodle or Canvas, but everyone is willing to give Canvas, the newbie, a shot.
“If you’re not paying for the product, then you are the product.” This is what Tristan Harris of Netflix’s 2020 documentary-drama The Social Dilemma has to say about the social media industry. The documentary features past executives from Google, Twitter, and more speaking on what concerns them about the state of social media. The Social Dilemma argues that social media platforms make money from changing how you think and who you are and that our attention is the actual product sold to advertisers. To sell certainty to advertisers you need a lot of data, which is why Internet companies are the richest companies in the history of humanity. They market on the “gradual, slight, imperceptible change in your own behavior,” which is really the product. The Social Dilemma explains that everything you’re doing online is carefully monitored and recorded: for how long you look at an image,
what your personality type is like, etc. The algorithm focuses on growth to keep you coming back but also on advertising. Computer scientist Jaron Lanier explains the very meaning of our culture is now manipulation, since now “any time two people connect is through a third person,” this person being your social media. When you pull down and refresh your feed, you receive something called a positive intermittent reinforcement. Whenever you look over at your phone and think it might have something for you, you are being programmed at a deeper level. My take towards large media platforms like Google, Facebook, or Twitter is very similar to the documentary. Technology is changing faster than we can keep up, so we must demand products be designed humanely. I love my fair share of Tiktok and Instagram, but it’s so easy to get addicted to these platforms. As a society we must be aware of the threat
of technology, not eliminate it. Technology can be super helpful, but also has the ability to bring out the worst in us. One example is algorithms spreading fake news. Since Twitter or Google can’t tell what’s true or fake, fake news spreads quicker than true news, and people are easily manipulated. The algorithm gives you a false belief that everyone agrees with you because their feed looks like yours. The Social Dilemma emphasizes that platforms should be held accountable when they “take over election advertising, they are responsible for protecting elections.” This identifies a problem we have as a society: we have almost no laws around digital privacy, and with no regulation and competition, companies can’t regulate themselves. As a 17-year-old addicted to her phone, the last thing I want is to eliminate social media, but we have the responsibility to place checks on these giant companies in order to make them more humane.
These photos are un-be-leaf-able! Photo courtesy of Frances Lefkowitz-Pizzuti, X.
Autumn 5 Faculty Fall Favorites Olivia Shuff, XII It’s safe to say that almost everyone loves fall. The trees start changing color, the weather is comfortable (for about 3 weeks), and suddenly, everything is pumpkinspice flavored. We all have different activities and traditions we love about fall, including our very own Upper School teachers! Almost every teacher I interviewed said they loved Halloween. Dr. Nelson says that Halloween is “[her] jam” and loves it so much that she had a masquerade-themed wedding as close to Halloween as possible! Mr. Hartshorne also loves Halloween and believes his best costume was when his dad made him a dinosaur costume as a kid. Ms. Gullett looks forward to decorating her house for Halloween each year, and Ms. Miranda tries not to roll her eyes when her husband puts a paper mache skull and green skeleton lights around the mantle. Many of our teachers also have fall traditions with their families. Dr. Krichbaum’s parents come to visit for her birthday and decorate her porch. Ms. Abell loves visiting Lynd’s Fruit Farm! Dr. Sweeney enjoys taking his kids to a pumpkin farm in Wayne County to pick pumpkins and doing other fun activities with his brother’s children. Whether you adore getting dressed up for Halloween, drinking Pumpkin Spice Lattes or finally be-
Flaunting the Haunts of CSG Ciara Latham, X Whether you are a believer or not, there’s no denying that the spooky season is upon us. Since exploring the halls of CSG after dark is not necessarily an option right now, take an imaginary walk through the haunted halls of Columbus School for Girls to explore the most paranormal areas on campus. The Mansion Acquired in 1952 by Headmistress Marvin, the mansion is the oldest structure on campus. Sightings of apparitions in the mansion are far from rare. Its historic background makes it the ideal spot for spirits to linger. There was one observance of laughter in the senior commons, only for the student to find out… not a living soul was there. The Basement You may have never yet
braved the depths of the basement. If this rings true, consider your-self lucky. If for whatever reason a teacher told you to enter, there is a high possibility you were unsettled by the mystic nature. Maybe it’s the ghastly chill air, or perhaps it’s the cobwebs that cover almost every corner. There is definitely something lurking in the depths of the basement. The Attic To the naked eye the attic is simply a place you visit when you forget your official uniform. Behind the clothing racks are mementos from years past: discontinued board games, weathered Mary Janes, and papers yellowing with age. This seems to be an area of high paranormal activity. Strange noises and sudden gusts of wind are just some of the things you may encounter.
Tori Johnson, XI: "I never lose in my dreams, only in real life."
Lanie Klatt, X: "Alaska IS a continent."
Mr. Niemi: "If I ever got a Mini Cooper, I would call it Miniemi."
Maddie Keglewitsch, X: "My brother is a sheep."
Ms. Pfeiffer: "Refrain from telling anyone their work is a dumpster fire."
Laila Netus, X: "The economy isn't good enough to buy an ostrich in."
Sienna Basso-Schricker, XI: "When the fork gets really close to my forehead, I can feel its energy."
Señor Pryor: "Twinkies are made of plastic. Toxic plastic. It's delicious though."
ing able to wear warm clothes, fall is special for everyone. I encourage you all to find something you love about fall, whether it’s watching horror movies, carving pumpkins, or perfecting the perfect fall iced coffee and make it your own tradition! Happy fall everyone!
Ms. Miranda's magnificent mantle! Photo courtesy of Chris O'Leary.
The Unicorn Theater While you may recognize this as a gathering space for announcements, it is subject to preternatural happenings. There’s something eerie about theaters and this one in particular. Have you ever been in the Unicorn Theater alone? The answer is no. The girl of stone stands idle above everyone and she sees everything. It is said she comes alive at night. Sometimes you may even see a quivering seat occupied by her spirit. Scared yet? You haven’t even begun to experience the spine-chilling peculiarities of CSG. The time is now when the days are duller and the nights grow longer. Proceed with caution and know you’re never truly alone.
Verbatim
Mr. Hartshorne: "If you ever happen to be chased by international spies, jumping into a river isn't a bad idea."
Do you see the girl of stone lurking in the shadows? Look closely! Photo courtesy of Ruthie Saar, XI
Seasonal Socially-Distanced Activities Caroline Caskey, XI Although things may be a bit different this year, COVID-19 doesn’t have to stop you from having fun this fall and winter. Here are some activities that you can take part in while staying safe! 1. Go apple picking Luckily, going to your favorite apple orchard is one tradition that doesn’t change too much with social distancing. Many farms even have sign-up slots in order to limit the number of people present, so you can still fulfill your fresh apple pie dreams. 2. Take a hike or a drive to check out the changing leaves Fall is the perfect time to take in the vibrant scenery and feel the cool air. Many Metro Parks and State Parks have trails you can easily follow. For example, Clear Creek Metro Park has a spectacular 0.9-mile Lake Trail that winds through the woods and leads to an observation desk where you can
view Lake Ramona. Other popular locations include Alum Creek State Park and The Dawes Arboretum, which stretches over 2,000 acres, has 12 miles of trails, and includes a Japanese Garden. 3. Throw a virtual costume contest/ party Staying at home doesn’t mean your wishes for a fun Halloween party won’t come true. You can still have a blast by inviting friends and family to a virtual party. You can decorate your surroundings or even use a Zoom background, play a spooky playlist, coordinate recipes, and of course wear amazing costumes. For a costume contest, make rules, choose a theme, designate judges, and prepare prizes for the lucky winners. There are many other virtual party activities you can experiment with as well. This includes a virtual dance party, carving pumpkins, and watching a
movie together. 4. Have a marathon of holiday movies With options like Netflix, Disney+, and the countless marathons being displayed on TV, there’s plenty of films to binge. Whether you celebrate Halloween, Christmas, Hanukkah, or various other holidays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You can even use tools, such as Netflix Party, that allow you to simultaneously watch movies online with others. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown, Home Alone, and Elf are just a handful of the highest ranked holiday films. 5. Take a drive and look at Christmas lights Whether it be in your neighborhood or elsewhere, taking a drive to see some dazzling Christmas lights is one tradition that doesn’t have to change. You
can even deck out your own house with sparkling lights! 6. Watch performances virtually Performance companies and groups have been unable to host their performances in a typical fashion, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still show your support. A great deal of online and virtual shows are available to stream, such as those from BalletMet and Dublin Dance Centre and Gymnastics. The latter will be hosting a virtual performance of the Nutcracker on November 14th-15th, and you can stream the show from their Youtube channel or find other information regarding the show on their website. 7. Learn to knit and create your own cozy winter gear Learning to knit can be as simple as watching a Youtube tutorial, consulting a friend or family member, or reading a few how-to’s online. B. Hooked Crochet & Knit-
ting is one such Youtube channel that offers lessons for beginners, as well as tutorials for making gear to keep you warm. 8. Make holiday cards to send to friends and family Staying in touch with loved ones is more important now than ever. Whether it be creating personalized cards with supplies at home, printing family photos, or sending a virtual season's greetings, it all counts towards staying connected. If there’s one thing this pandemic has taught us, it’s how to accept change. These changes to our usual traditions and everyday lives doesn’t have to be a bad thing! How we celebrate may be different this year, but we have a chance to experience new ideas, places, and activities. Stay safe, and don’t be afraid to experiment with some of these fun holiday activities!
6 Debate
President Donald Trump
VS.
Sarah Long, XI “Promises Made, Promises Kept”: Trump’s 2016 campaign was built on a string of promises that he swore would define his presidency. As the 2020 election approaches, Republicans and Democrats alike ask themselves, “Has he delivered on these promises?” Arguments can be made both ways, but to support these claims, we must look at the data. One of Trump’s promises was that he would lower corporate taxes and bring about significant tax cuts for working class Americans. He did, in fact, come through in regards to this promise by passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the first major tax reform signed in 30 years. This act provided tax relief for 82% of working class American families and cut taxes on small businesses by 20%, providing nearly $415 billion in relief for small business owners across the country. Along with alleviating the tax burden on over 500 companies, this bill spurred new investments, totalling about $482 billion, into the economy. Another significant part of Trump’s platform was his promise to exit the Paris Climate Accords, a decision he confirmed in a statement made on June 1, 2017. The president stated, “It is time to exit the Paris Accord and time to pursue
a new deal that protects the environment, our companies, our citizens, and our country.” This decision will become effective on November 4th, 2020, one day after the presidential election. The last, and possibly most notable, promise made by Trump was his determination to strengthen national security and defense. Almost immediately after taking office, Trump began planning for the rebuilding of the US military. The Trump Administration has been working vigorously over the last 3 and a half years to fortify the military and has poured close to 1.8 trillion dollars into the 2019 and 2020 National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA). A prominent act of Trump’s first presidential term was his decision to create the US Space Force, as well as working to advance the country’s cybersecurity and cyberspace technology to keep up with the demanding technological needs of the country in the 21st century. Though there are many people of both parties who disagree with Trump and his actions, there is no denying that he has followed through on many of the promises he made in 2016, that not only set the standard for his first term, but for his re-election platform in 2020, potentially the most defining election in American history.
Photo credits to Ally Werstler, XII
Photo credits to Sydney Horner, XII
Photo credits to Frances L.P., X
Vice President Joe Biden Grace Edic, XI
Now more than ever, unity in our country is critical. Political party lines have hindered forward progress during an exceptionally challenging year. With a strong and fairminded leader, this political disconnect can finally be settled. Vice President Biden will be a president for all Americans, and act for the good of the country. Joe Biden’s vision of unity, compassion, and transparency for the United States make him the clear choice for the next president of the United States. As a senator for 36 years, Biden has what it takes to make informed decisions for the nation. His public record speaks for itself, advocating for climate change prevention, healthcare reform, tax reform, and much more. The 2009 Recovery Act, endorsed by Joe Biden, sought to create clean energy and set up the United States as a world leader for preventing climate change for years to come. A Biden presidency will build upon these previous steps taken to prevent climate change. In addition, the issue of police
reform is one that Biden has dedicated much of his platform. By allocating funds towards community policing, increasing government oversight of local police, and funding youth community programs, he aims to improve equity and hold the justice system accountable. By electing Joe Biden, issues that have previously gone unaddressed will not only be resolved, but provided with innovative solutions. The future of the United States is at stake in this upcoming November election. However, many students at CSG will not be eligible to vote. To practice all things politics, the political science classes are hosting a mock election, where students from middle and upper school can have their voices heard. Including town halls, campaign posters, political ads and articles, the CSG election will engage in the major parts of a real election. Tune into the Republican and Democratic town halls on the 27th and 29th, and look out for how to participate in the CSG election on November 3rd to make your vote count!
Students in Dr. Krichbaum’s and Ms. Pfeiffer’s political science courses spent the month of October preparing for mock Town Halls and an Election. Students appeared as republican and democratic party representatives, party campaign teams, and pressure groups in order to spotlight key policy issues and platforms for their respective parties and presidential candidates. These op-eds and infographics were created as part of this exciting educational project.
(Only The Best) Ice Ice Baby! Eva Krupovlyanskiy, XII and Lauren Sloan, XII
Whether you’re stressed, bored, or craving a nice chewing sensation, the act of munching on ice provides a nice comfort throughout the busy day. Although the sound is not always pleasing to nearby classmates, or your dentists for that matter, a nice crunch always quenches your thirst and can momentarily occupy your mind. The challenge, however, is determining which ice is right for you! First, and most accessible, the school’s ice is a great choice to fulfill your munching needs. The small cube shape provides the perfect texture for crunching, as it easily breaks down in your mouth. Due to the size, the ice does melt quickly, which saves your teeth from gnawing on the frozen cube. This could also be seen as a
drawback, however, because the ice will also melt quickly in your water bottle. The overall rating for CSG’s ice would total to an 8/10, taking into consideration the rate that the ice melts. Secondly, Wendy’s square-shaped ice is a classic. Although you usually stop at Wendy’s for their delectable spicy nuggets, along with that comes with a fountain drink and ice. Their ice is particularly thin, resulting in a crisp, clean-cut crunch. Similar to CSG’s ice, these scrumptious squares melt fairly fast which tends to water down your drink. Therefore, it deserves 6/10, above average! Last, a fan-favorite is Cane’s cylindrical ice, which fits nicely in between your chompers. The temperature makes for a perfect in-between frozen and slushie-like consistency. Their ice stays frozen for a consid-
erably large amount of time, preserving the quality of the drink of your choice. Due to these qualities, Cane’s ice tallies in at a whopping 9/10, beating out both Wendy’s and CSG. Although, you might not have previously noticed the different types of ice available, hopefully, now you will take note of the variety and give it a “good ol’ crunch,” maybe you will like it! Ice serves for a perfect zero-calorie snack and without it, your drink just is not the same.
Wendy's Ice, Photo credits to Eva Krupovlyanskiy, XII and Lauren Sloan, XII
School ice, Photo credits to Eva Krupovlyanskiy, XII and Lauren Sloan, XII
Canes ice, gaurunteed to satisfy your "chompers." Photo credits to Eva Krupovlyanskiy, XII and Lauren Sloan, XII
How to Have a Fang-Tastic Halloween Costume Fabi Corso, IX *Make sure to have a Covid-19 friendly Halloween! Stay socially distanced and wear a mask!* T i p s F o r a n E c o - Friendly Costume: • Use items you already have around your house! • Try to not use plastic props that will get thrown away right after using them. • If you are buying a costume or various pieces of clothing, try to buy things you will use again. B a s i c D I Y Costumes: Are you going to a sociallydistanced Halloween party but you have no idea what to wear? Then, you are in the
right place! Eliminate that outfit stress and have an easy, affordable, and eco-friendly fang-tastic halloween costume! M & M’s: This is a super easy costume to recreate if you are looking for a less high maintenance look. To go as these classic candies, you and your friends could wear assorted color shirts with an “M” on them, tutus, knee high socks, and converse (optional). Lifeguards: You have most of these items already. To go as lifeguards, choose any combination of red and white shirts, shorts, and hats and pair them with whistles, and sunglasses. Add the word "Lifeguard" to your shirt with fabric markers or paint for an extra touch.
Movie/T.V Character Costumes: Outer Banks: “Outerbanks” is a show that became popular during the stay-at-home order. It is about the “Pogues” vs the “Kooks,” two groups living at Outer Banks, North Carolina. To dress up like the “Pogues,” you could wear any combination of swim shorts, t-shirts, dresst-shirts, scruffy jeans, and Hawaiian shirts. Accessorize with baseball hats and Kiara’s iconic necklace (Google if you aren’t sure what I’m talking about). To go as a “Kook,” you could wear an assortment of polos, swim shorts, dresses, and khaki shorts, and accessorize with belts, Sperrys, and sunglasses. Clueless: Now before
you say “As if,” consider this throwback group costume! You and your friends can dress up as Cher, Tai, Dionne, and others. To channel your inner Cher, I recommend wearing her iconic yellow striped suit outfit! If you choose to make your own costume, you can wear any combination of sweaters, polos, skirts, fake furs, knee-high socks, heels, and boots. Influential Women Costumes: Rosie the Riveter: While Rosie was a fictitious character, inspired by different women, she represented the women who worked during WWII for the war effort. She has become a lasting women empowerment icon! To dress up as
Cookies for the Season! Abigail Falk, XI With all of our busy schedules, juggling between extracurriculars and studies may make it seem impossible to reserve room for Halloween festivities. While not all of us will be able to make it to a pumpkin patch this fall, this quick Halloween recipe is sure to get anyone in the holiday spirit!
• • • • • •
You will need: A cup of white chocolate candy melts A handful of Oreos A few Milano cookies Candy eye decorations Black piping icing Food coloring
You will first begin by melting your white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1.5 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Once melted, coat the Milano cookies in the chocolate until fully covered. Tip: Be sure to move quickly during this process as the chocolate inside the Milanos can begin to melt. Once covered in chocolate, set the cookies aside to cool on a baking tray. Next, separate the rest of your white chocolate into two bowls. Mix orange food color-ing into one of the bowls and
proceed to dip your oreos into the orange chocolate until fully coated. Set aside. Using the black piping icing, place a small dot of icing on the upper half of each chocolate covered milano cookie. Then, place a candy eye decoration on top. With the remainder of your white chocolate, drizzle over the cookies and mimic the wrappings of a mummy. Finally, for your Oreos, be creative! Design a jack-olantern face on each Oreo with your black piping icing. I went the more traditional route for my cookies, but if you are feeling more artistic, try something new! Not only are these treats unbelievably easy to make, they are also adorable, and most importantly, delicious!
Above: The delicious final product of this Halloween Recipe! Photo Courtesy of Abigail Falk, XI
Ciara Latham, X
her, you could wear a blue short sleeve polo, jeans, and a red and white polka-dotted headband or bandanna. Make sure to flex those muscles! Ruth Bader Ginsburg: To honor the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a Supreme Court justice who fought for equal rights, you could wear a black dress or cloak, a white necklace, and glasses. She will forever be remembered as an advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and equality for all. For example, she led the ruling decision that state-funded schools must allow women in the same program as men. Say thank you to RBG by dressing the part this Halloween!