Octagon 2019-20 Issue 3

THE

OCTAGON

Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Sacramento, CA Permit No. 1668 2636 Latham Drive, Sacramento, CA

VOL.43 NO.3 • Sacramento Country Day School • www.scdsoctagon.com • @scdsoctagon • November 12, 2019

SING IT LOUD Choir director Felecia Keys conducts the high school group in the music room, which would be replaced by a new arts center. PHOTO BY HERMIONE XIAN

School plans to increase enrollment, replace Multipurpose Room, middle school building

I

BY NIHAL GULATI

t would take many years, but Country Day hopes to replace the Multipurpose Room and middle school building built in 1977 and 1980, respectively.

SCDS filed plans in the first week of September to change its conditional use agreement with the city of Sacramento, which limits the school’s square footage and enrollment.

According to head of school Lee Thomsen, the goal of the first phase is to tear down the MP Room and construct a new two-story performing arts/community space in its place.

“In order to do that,” said Thomsen, ”we have to get permission from the city of Sacramento so we can make the new building bigger than what the MP Room is now.”

SCDS seeks permission to increase the allowed building space by 10,000 square feet, Thomsen said. The application has been marked as complete by the city of Sacramento and will be reviewed by city officials, which could take up to a year.

The school also plans to construct a new two-story middle school building.

Of the two, the MP Room is the greatest priority, Thomsen said. The new middle school building would replace the current L-shaped building where the art room is located and would include arts facilities,

INSIDE the ISSUE

classrooms, a faculty lounge include separate practice rooms and offices. for the band.

Replacing the two buildings Events with more than 75 would cost $4 million to $6 mil- people must be held in the gym, lion each, Thomsen said.

Thomsen said.

“Optimistically, we could However, according to Thombuild (the performing arts/com- sen, none of the proposed munity space) in three years, changes will happen soon. “All but it would probably be many we’ve done more,” Thomsen so far is work said. with archi“I would have a tects to look The secclassroom to call at the ground ond phase, plan of the replacing the my own.” campus,” said middle school — Bob Ratcliff Thomsen. building, is six to 15 years According to away, accordThomsen, many things need ing to the application. to happen before building can The application also requests begin. The conditional use peran increase in the maximum mit application needs to be apstudent enrollment by 9%, from proved, which could take up to 544 to 594 students. The lim- the end of this school year, and it increase will give the school a feasibility study, wherein the more room to grow, Thomsen school meets with donors to detold the Sacramento Business termine if the necessary funds can be raised, needs to occur.

Journal in September.

The Board of Trustees then The MP Room is constantly in use, according to Thomsen, needs to decide whether to go as the practice room for the jazz through with the plan, as well as band and drama department launch a fundraising campaign, and the lunch pickup location which could take several years. for the middle school. It is also The building would also need to commonly used for events such be designed and blueprinted, as as middle school dances and all current plans are theoretical. speaker events.

Thomsen said the new build“Our multipurpose room is ing would benefit all the projust a dinosaur of a building,” grams and electives that use it.

Thomsen told the Sacramento “We want it just to be bigBusiness Journal. ger and have a bigger stage, The MP Room doesn’t have with better lighting and sound seating besides foldable plastic equipment,” Thomsen said. “We chairs, according to band direc- want it to seat about 256 peotor Bob Ratcliff, and it doesn’t ple, so we could bring the whole

NEWS 2 Country Day students now have free access to Sacramento’s public transportation through the “Ryde Free RT” program.

SPORTS 4 Senior All-American swimmer Rebecca Waterson verbally commits to Brown University of the Division I Ivy League.

high school or the whole middle school or even two divisions in to have a community gathering space. We’re looking at retractable seating so it would be more comfortable and layered rows (for better) sightlines. It would be a huge improvement over what we currently have.”

The new MP Room would also have a separate band practice room, which would make a big difference, according to Ratcliff.

“Any teacher needs two fundamental things. One, the students; two, the classroom,” Ratcliff said, “I would have a classroom that I could call my own.”

Ratcliff has had problems with the frequent use of the MP Room, he said.

“We use a lot of equipment (which) has to be torn down all the time when other events occurs,” Ratcliff said, “I’ve had parents tell their kids to go play with the instruments while they are busy talking. It’s not toys.”

Sophomore Craig Bolman agreed. “It’s difficult some days to find a place to practice, and it puts a lot more stress on the teachers. We’ve got so many different groups in only three rooms,” he said.

For these reasons, Ratcliff said, the personalization of the classroom would be a significant improvement.

“Our equipment wouldn’t have to be moved for every class period,” Ratcliff said, “I could put my own posters, pictures, and charts on the walls.”

FEATURE 9 After participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee three times, freshman Samhita Kumar ages out of the competition.

Fan Club expands membership, spurs spirit on campus

BY ARIJIT TRIVEDI Nearly every morning meeting, senior Charles Thomas bellows a familiar phrase: “Fan Club!” Thomas and senior Jackson Margolis are reminding students to show up at the club’s meeting, where they can participate in creating decorations for school events.

The club, created by math teacher Patricia Jacobsen and Margolis in January, has grown to 28 members, making it the largest active club on campus. It spans the high school, with participation from all four grades.

“Our goal is to provide students an outlet to help spread spirit on campus and get people to attend events,” said Margolis, the club’s “CEO.” The club has put out multiple posters and decorated athletes’ lockers, and members attend sports events, according to Margolis.

Club members usually meet at flex period on Tuesdays and Thursdays to brainstorm ideas for posters and decorations, according to junior co-president Lili Brush. “(Junior co-president Sydney Turner) and I get all the supplies necessary to create decorations,” Brush said. “We get goody bags, posters, candy, decorative glitter and streamers. Then the (club members) organize and assemble those components during club

FAN CLUB page 3

OPINION 11 Music aficionado Sarina Rye dives into Lana del Rey’s “Norman F------ Rockwell,” critiquing every song on the album.

2

News • November 12, 2019

The Octagon

Program gives all K-12 students access to free Sacramento regional transport

S

WAITING PATIENTLY Sophomore Jesus Aispuro waits for the bus at the stop on Munroe Street. Aispuro said he regularly uses public transport. PHOTO BY HERMIONE XIAN

BY SICILY SCHROEDER

acramento Regional Transport (SacRT), the city of Sacramento and other areas within SacRT’s reach have partnered to give free regional transport to all students from kindergarten to 12th grade.

The program, “Ryde Free RT,” began Oct. 10 and will last at least until Sept.

30, 2020.

Its goal is to increase attendance in schools by offering reliable and affordable transportation, according to SacRT’s website.

The website says SacRT wants public transit use to become habitu for high school students, even after they have graduated. More use of public transport would take cars off the road, helping the environment and reducing traffic.

The city has given SacRT $1 million for lost revenue. The basic one-way fare is $2.50.

Students use the program by placing a sticker on their ID card. Stickers are available in Country Day’s high school office, regional public libraries or SacRT’s customer service and sales center downtown (1225 R St.).

In an Oct. 22 Octagon poll of 118 high school students, only two said they regularly use public transport. Almost 18% said they use it on occasion, and 80.5% said they never use public transporta-

tion. Just over 91% said the Ryde Free the light rail when needed, which won’t program will not affect them. change due to the new program.

Sophomore Jesus Aispuro, one of the “It was difficult at first, but not anytwo students who use public transport more,” Dumisani said. “You get used to regularly, said he rides the bus in the it as you memorize your route and times. morning because both his parents go to It is definitely inconvenient in some rework. gards. You’re running on someone else’s “(My house) is about 11 miles away schedule, (and) if you miss a bus or train from school,” said Aispuro, who lives in you’re stuck.”

South Sacramento. “It takes me about an Freshman hour to get to school Savanna Karby bus, and by car, mue, who lives “I’ve never actually it takes me 20 minthree miles from used public transport. I utes.”

Country Day on Aispuro said the might start using it in the Cottage Way, program won’t af- future to go to school said she might start fect his use. Before using public transbecause my parents Ryde Free RT, he port to commute to don’t have to pay for it school. used a connect card paid for by “I’ve never actual— it’s more efficient.”

Country Day. ly used public trans— Savanna Karmue A student port,” said Karmue. who spoke on “I might start using the condition of it in the future to go to school because anonymity and who also uses it to get to my parents don’t have to pay for it — it’s school, said they ride the bus when their more efficient.” parents can’t drive them. It takes the stuMany students said they don’t need to dent about 30 minutes to get to school by use public transport because they have car and two hours by bus. They said the someone who can take them by car, and program won’t affect their transporta- other students said they carpool. tion habits.

Juniors Avi Krishna and Pragathi ViJunior Kenyatta Dumisani, who lives in vaik, both of whom live in Folsom, carNorth Natomas, said he used the bus to pool to school. Krishna takes turns with get to school this summer for an intern- one other person and Vivaik with three ship at Country Day. other people. They both said they do it He still uses public buses, trains and every day.

New Run to Feed the Hungry student leader coordinates with parents, faculty for Thanksgiving day race

BY MING ZHU Country Day has participated in the Run to Feed the Hungry for the past 13 years and has consistently placed as the top fundraiser. Last year, the team raised $11,350, placing first for the 11th time.

After former student team leader Luca Procida graduated in June, junior Ashwin Rohatgi replaced him.

The run takes place on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 28, near California State University, Sacramento, and consists of either a 10-kilometer run or a 5K run/walk. The 10K starts at 8:15 a.m., and the 5K starts at 9 a.m.

According to assistant head of school Tucker Foehl, the adviser of the Run to Feed the Hungry team since 2014, community members can participate in Run to Feed the Hungry either by running or by donating.

Donations are collected by the school and go to the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. In addition, every dollar donated will be matched with $10 of corporate support.

As of Nov. 7, Country Day had raised almost $3,200. The team hopes to raise $10,000 by the day of the run and already has 83 participants.

In previous years, Procida and his parents, Christy and John Procida, organized Country Day’s participation along with Foehl. The Procidas’ efforts were instrumental to the success of the team, according to Foehl.

After Procida graduated, Rohatgi informed Foehl that he was interested in the position.

“I decided to become (the student leader) because it helps someone in need,” Rohatgi said. “I did (Run to Feed the Hungry) last year, so I might

as well do it again this year. I don’t hall meetings, (which go by a differmind if I have a bit of extra organiz- ent schedule) and make it harder for ing to do.” me to make an announcement.”

Rohatgi is responsible for organizRohatgi said he plans to distribute ing the team shirts, giving out flyers, flyers to the lower and middle schools persuading people to donate and re- earlier next year. cruiting participants and volunteers “Everybody knows about (Run to to help organize the event.

Feed the Hungry) in high school, but Of these tasks, Rohatgi said the I’m not so sure for middle school and hardest is to persuade people to par- lower school,” Rohatgi said. “When ticipate in the run. you take a “Most people look at the want to keep race ros“What’s most importtheir Thanksgivter, you see ings family-re- ant is making sure we mostly high lated,” Rohatgi go through this transischoolers. said.

“Many tion and still maintain Rohatgi has don’t want to begun to corun unless they a healthy team and a ordinate with do it as a family strong commitment to head of lower tradition.” the run and the Sacraschool Christy Rohatgi Vail about permento Food Bank.” plans to uti— Tucker Foehl suading those lize parents students to parto gain participate. In additicipants and tion, Rohatgi plans to pass out flyers raise funds to parents in the parking lot. by coordinating with the Parents’ AsRohatgi said he also planned to sociation.

Rohatgi said he enjoys organizing host a bake sale to raise funds but didn’t have enough time. students to participate in the race.

“Next year, I’ll definitely have “As the student leader, I’m more directly helping the homeless as time for a bake sale, which would be opposed to just being on the team,” a great way to raise money for the Rohatgi said. “Now I’m trying to get team,” he said. others to also join the team so we can Foehl said he hopes the team rehelp more.” mains stable through the transition.

As the new team captain, Rohatgi “The Procida family was so insaid he plans to make some improve- volved and so instrumental in the ments. success of Country Day’s Run to “Luca didn’t really use flyers last Feed the Hungry team,” Foehl said. year, so I think using (them) will “What’s most important is making make it easier for people to join,” Ro- sure that we go through this transihatgi said. “Lower school and middle tion and still maintain a healthy team school don’t have Monday morning and a strong commitment to the run meetings. Instead, they have town and the Sacramento Food Bank.”

GIVING BACK Junior Ashwin Rohatgi manages the Run to Feed the Hungry table at Open House. PHOTO BY HERMIONE XIAN

The Octagon

November 12, 2019 • News

3

Fan Club: Students make goody bags, posters to cheer on teams (Continued from page 1) meetings.”

Margolis said the club’s next goal is to hold a shooting contest with a teddy bear prize at halftime of basketball games.

Margolis said he noticed a decrease in school spirit on campus and began thinking about a way to spread enthusiasm.

“I noticed that with more and more students playing sports and (participating) in intense extracurricular activities, there were way fewer students going to school events and games,” Margolis said. “It just seemed as though people weren’t getting as excited about events because there were no posters up, and no one was getting any goody bags.

There was no energy.”

The club started when Jacobsen approached Margolis about this problem.

“She proposed the idea to start a fan club where we would spread the word about school events such as Mock Trial scrimmages, sports games and band performances,” he said. “So we started making posters and announcements. It’s really not that much work — just a way to put more cheer on campus.”

Jacobsen said she wanted to get students “pumped up” about events. “(Last year) was the first year that I didn’t do Student Council, and I really missed it,” Jacobsen said. “I had a little bit of extra time.”

Sophomore soccer player Jor-

dan Lindsay said she appreciates the Fan Club’s efforts.

“A lot of the time sports games go unrecognized,” Lindsay said.

“But this year, I noticed more students (and parents) showing up. It makes the players feel more supported, and that way, it’s more fun to play.”

Margolis attributes the growth of the club — which had four members (Jacobsen, Margolis, Brush and Turner) last year — to his and Thomas’ recruitment efforts during this year’s morning meetings.

“Charles joined this year and told me that we should make more announcements at morning BE THERE OR BE SQUARE! Sophomore midfielder Nihal Gulati watches as the Fan Club CEO, senior meeting,” Margolis said. “Once Jackson Margolis, leads members and students in the soccer team’s send-off for its first-round we started going up there, people playoff match. PHOTO BY EMMA BOERSMA got more and more excited, and the club grew to 15 and then 20. ficult to do everything with only have a way to show it. Fan Club applications or anything. It’s for “But the main way I recruit stu- four members. provides any student with the fun. That’s what makes it such dents is by just talking to them “We didn’t have enough time to opportunity to help out, in some an appealing club. Nothing is reduring lunch. I tell them there make all the posters and decorate way, with school events.” quired.” are free snacks and that you don’t the lockers,” she said. “It became Jacobsen said another reason Jacobsen said she lets the stuhave to do work. You can just sit a chore, but for the club’s popularity is its dents run everything. there and laugh at our jokes and we still want- openness.

“I don’t do much,” she said. you’re in (the ed to spread “Since there is no standard “Last year, I would go to the store club) 100%.”

“I knew people were spirit. So we meeting time,” she said, “we have and get all the goody bags and Fan Club also actually passionate tried again some meetings with 12 members snacks. But this year, it’s totally has a social methis year, and and some with 20. Whoever is student-run. I try not to talk as and excited about dia presence on now a lot of free at that time can attend. It’s a much during meetings, and I just the school. They just Instagram people are in the lot more manageable for the stu- let them do all the shopping and (@scdsfandidn’t have a way to club, helping us dents that way.” work.” club). out.”

Margolis agreed.

Margolis is optimistic about the show it.”

“We pass Margolis said “Occasionally, (members) will club’s future.

— Jackson Margolis our informaFan Club is pop- say they can’t come in that day, “Even though I’m graduating, tion through ular because of and it’s not that big of a deal,” along with all the other seniors in our social what it allows students to do. he said. “It’s all voluntary; ev- the club, there are so many people media; our “I knew people were actually eryone is there because they care in it who care about it and want it Instagram account already has passionate and excited about the and are passionate about what we to become a great club,” he said. over 80 followers,” Margolis said. school,” he said. “They just didn’t do. No one is doing it for college According to Brush, it was dif-

BEHIND THE SCENES LEFT: Chief of spirit Rod Azghadi, a freshman, designs a poster. TOP RIGHT: Assistant marketing director Jacob Chand, a freshman, inflates a balloon. BOTTOM: Chief brainstormer Felix Wu, a freshman, and co-president Sydney Turner, a junior, organize goody bags. PHOTOS BY EMMA BOERSMA

4

Sports • November 12, 2019

The Octagon

SWIFT SWIMMER Senior Rebecca Waterson practices her backstroke. Waterson swims for the Davis Arden Racing Team (DART) daily from 4-6 p.m. at the Manor pool in Davis. PHOTO COURTESY OF WATERSON

Brown commit on swimming: ‘I don’t know what I would do without it’

BY SANJANA ANAND

O

n Oct. 9, senior All-American swimmer Rebecca Waterson verbally committed to Brown University, located in Providence, Rhode Island, in the Division I Ivy League.

Waterson committed after receiving Brown’s likely letter (from a college showing interest in an applicant).

Waterson said she originally wanted to swim at a Division III school to focus on academics with less pressure than at a Division I program. Reflecting more, she realized that she wanted to take the sport as seriously as her classes.

“Swim is a huge part of my life, and I don’t know what I would do without it,” Waterson said.

“I’ve dedicated so much time (to) swimming, and I’ve seen so many good results, I would never want to stop.”

According to Waterson, the team atmosphere she perceived upon visiting campus on an official recruitment tour last year was

one reason she chose Brown.

“The coaches were super encouraging, and the team was very welcoming,” Waterson said.

Waterson, who said she plans to study creative writing and computer science, said swimmers there told her that Brown’s open curriculum would accommodate both her academic and swim schedules.

Waterson said she is proudest of her performance in the 2018 Winter Junior Nationals in Austin, Texas. Out of 173 swimmers, she finished 16th in the 100-yard butterfly with a personal record of 54.25 seconds. She also finished 53rd in the 100-yard backstroke out of 172 in 56.04 seconds. Her fastest time in the 100-yard backstroke is 55.33 seconds, which she reached in July.

She also competed in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III Championships on May 2-4 at Tokay High School in Lodi, winning the 100-yard butterfly in 54.25 seconds and placing sixth in the 100-yard backstroke in 56.95 seconds.

At the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Swimming

and Diving Championships on May 11-12 at Clovis West High School in the Fresno area, Waterson finished seventh in the 100yard butterfly in 54.47 seconds and ninth in the 100-yard backstroke in 55.83 seconds.

Waterson said she looks up to her first coach, Debbie Meyer, who won three individual gold medals in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City as a 16-year-old student at Rio Americano High School. Meyer coached Waterson when she was 8 on the Truckee Tahoe Swim Team.

“She’s super passionate about swimming and drives that passion into the entire team,” Waterson said.

Waterson said her motivation also comes from her swim team, the Davis Arden Racing Team (DART), in Davis.

“My team encourages me to do better. When the team improves, the individual improves,” Waterson said.

Junior Sydney Turner, who has swum with Waterson for seven years, said Waterson’s strong kicks makes her a great swimmer.

“She’s probably the most

skilled kicker I’ve ever seen,” Turner said. “Ever since we were 8 years old, she’s carried that ability with her and continues to beat everyone in kicking drills.”

Outside the pool, Turner said she admires Waterson’s time management.

“She somehow manages to attend (every) practice possible each week,” Turner said. “Being able to maintain amazing grades in hard classes and (performing) well in swim is extremely difficult. Only a few elite swimmers can do that, so I’m not surprised that she’s going to an Ivy League school.”

Country Day swim coach Brian Nabeta, who has coached Waterson for over two years, said he admires her dedication to the sport. “(Waterson) has been working on being tough when it comes to longer races,” Nabeta said. “It has helped her expand her event choices.”

Waterson also credited her success to her diet. She said she eats mostly soup and salads, limiting junk food to once every two months.

At meets, she eats peanut but-

ter and jelly sandwiches, honey and apple slices.

Right before she begins races, she shakes her body to calm her nerves.

“I’ve seen a lot of Olympic swimmers do that on TV,” Waterson said with a laugh.

During the race itself, she said she doesn’t think at all, entering a flow state.

“It’s strange because once you get into a race situation, you just let your training take over,” Waterson said.

Waterson added that training all year is challenging because many swimmers train only in the summer, so they don’t have to balance school workload and a hectic swim schedule.

Nevertheless, she said, “Country Day teachers have been great about being flexible and managing my absences.”

Turner emphasized the positive energy Waterson brings to practices.

“I’m going to miss her so much next year, and I can’t wait to see all that she accomplishes in the future,” Turner said.

Ski and snowboard team optimistic despite loss of league champion due to graduation

BY ARJIN CLAIRE

SLALOM SEASON Head of high school Brooke Wells, Luca Procida, ’19, and ski and snowboard coach Jason Kreps pose after Procida’s final regular-season race as a Cavalier. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTY PROCIDA

After losing four-time allleague first-team star Luca Procida, ’19, and others, the ski and snowboard team lacks seniors and much experience.

Procida bookended his Cavalier skiing career with league MVP campaigns in his freshman and senior years. At the 2019 California Interscholastic Federation state championships, Procida placed 11th and 21st in the boys giant slalom and slalom, respectively.

“Luca brought lots of experience to the team, and he took racing very seriously,” coach Jason Kreps said. “But he was more like a coach rather than a racer to a lot of skiers on the team.”

Junior snowboarder Ming Zhu said Procida was a mentor, always answering questions and helping out in any way he could.

The Cavs also lost Nate Jakobs and Tori Van Vleck to graduation.

“All the seniors we had last year were really good, so their loss will be felt,” Zhu said. “I think it will be a little tough, but I think that we will be able to recover really soon.”

As the sole snowboarder on the team so far, Zhu said Kreps is always helpful with course strategy, preparing him for the races.

“Kreps is also a snowboarder, so his help is crucial for every race,” Zhu said. “During course inspections, he would point out icy parts of the run and give me technique advice.”

Kreps added that the team is hoping to get a lot of new members, including more snowboarders and female racers.

“Racing on your own is pretty hard, so if we can get some more snowboarders to help out Ming (Zhu), that would be great,” Kreps said.

“And I think we are going to have more than two girls on the team, so they can actually race as

a team instead of individually.”

Last season, the boys finished 17th and the girls 18th in the state.

“Although losing the experience and skill of the (graduates) will suck, we have some great racers on the team,” Zhu said.

Sophomore Hailey Fesai agreed.

“Although we are losing some really good skiers, I hope that we gain some pretty good (teammates). Everyone else on the team has only gotten better since last year,” Fesai said.

Returning skiers also include juniors Bri Davies and Colin Usrey. Both raced in the CIF championships last year. Davies placed 37th in both the girls slalom and GS, and Usrey placed 65th in the GS. Zhu said he’s optimistic about the season.

“I’m excited to get back on the snow,” he said.

The team schedule will be released on Nov. 22, Kreps said.

The Octagon

November 12, 2019 • Sports

Boys basketball team loses top two scorers, but not due to graduation Country Day with four returning players. Twelve new players signed up, raising the possibility he boys varsity basketball of the first junior varsity in five team, which finished 2-12 in years. the league and 5-15 overall Small forward Wilson (4.7 ppg, last season, is losing its two 4.8 rpg), senior center Aaron leading scorers for the upcoming Graves (3.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg), junior season: seniors Ted Zhou and point guard Avinash Krishna ( 1.8 Jackson Crawford. ppg, 1.6 rpg) and junior power Zhou, a point guard who averforward Martin Cao ( 2.8 ppg, 4.3 aged 16.8 points and 5.8 rebounds rpg) will be returning this season. last season, is ineligible to play Wilson said he’s optimistic this year. According to the Caliabout the new season. fornia Interscholastic Federation, “I’m looking forward to hava player can not compete for more ing a lot of new talent and more than four years or eight semesters people on the team,” Wilson said. of high school.

“I’m also excited to see how Zhou said he played in ninth returning players improved, grade in China, which is conincluding myself.” sidered middle school there.

“It’s tough, but somebody Wilson added that he is Zhou then transferred to Counexcited about the opportuwill emerge.

That’s usualtry Day, starting in ninth grade, nity to have a bigger role on and played on the school’s bas- ly how it works; a guy will the team. ketball team for three years. (step up). Sometimes it’s “(With Crawford and Zhou Despite his ineligibility, someone that you didn’t leaving), we’re going to have to Zhou said he still wants to step up and take that role,” he think had it in him.” be involved in the team. He is taking online courses to — David Ancrum said.

Krishna agreed. “When I first become an assistant coach heard about (Zhou) not playing, this season, Zhou said.

“The joy I felt can’t be I was like, ‘That sucks,’” he said.

“I’m allowed to practice described, so I will definitely miss “And then I heard about (Crawwith the team,” Zhou said. “So I’ll try to improve their skills, very that feeling of being cheered on ford) not returning, and I was by (Ancrum and the crowd).” like, ‘That really sucks,’ because much like a coach or trainer.”

Senior Chris Wilson echoed we were losing the bedrock of our Crawford, who averaged 15.3 points and 6.7 rebounds last sea- Zhou and Crawford’s statements team. Losing the two most talented players on any roster is devasson, is also leaving after three about Ancrum’s coaching style.

“I like that (Ancrum) knows tating. However, I’m hoping we’ll years on the team. Crawford said his growing interest in golf drew what he’s talking about,” Wilson (add) some fresh talent.” said. “He’s got a lot of experience Ancrum said he’s certain the him away from basketball. in basketball, and been on the team will overcome losing Zhou “Due to the combination of other side of things, so he knows and Crawford. pressure from my college applica“It’s tough, but somebody will tions and the first semester of se- what the players are thinking.

Also, he tells you what he’s thinkemerge,” Ancrum said. “That’s nior year, I decided that I’d rather ing.

He doesn’t hold back.

He reusually how it works; a guy will focus on school and playing in (step up). Sometimes it’s somegolf tournaments than commit- ally cares about your game.”

Junior guard Max Wu also de- one you didn’t think had it in ting my time to basketball,” he cided not to come back, leaving him.” said.

T

BY ARIJIT TRIVEDI

5

Crawford said he will miss the competitiveness of playing.

“I’ll miss playing in the gym and having the home game atmosphere,” he said. “(David Ancrum) is a player’s coach and fun to be around. He pushes everyone to maximize their potential. I’ll definitely miss being on a team and seeing everyone get better together. ” Zhou agreed, adding that he has a filial respect for Ancrum.

“I remember one time I was dribbling down the court and I made this really good jump shot, and I remember (Ancrum) standing up and cheering me on.

SLICE AND DICE Ted Zhou, now a senior, led boys basketball with 16.8 points per game last season. PHOTO BY JAQUELINE CHAO According to Ancrum, most of the new members will be freshmen, some who have never played on a basketball team.

Freshman Tonye Jack, for example, said he joined because he wanted to improve his skills.

“I’m looking forward to improving my dribbling and bonding with the team,” Jack said.

Freshman Rod Azghadi, who played on the middle school team, is also looking forward to the season.

“In eighth grade, I was the biggest guy on the court,” the 6-foot-

1-inch Azghadi said. “But now, I’m going to be playing against seniors and juniors. I’m excited for that challenge.”

However, Azghadi said the lack of seniors is going to be detrimental to the team.

“We are all young,” he said.

“The other teams are going to be loaded with seniors, and we barely have any upperclassmen.”

The Cavaliers will open the season on Friday, Nov. 22, at 7 p.m. against Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning at Nevada Union High School in Grass Valley.

Girls basketball team needs players to ‘step up’ following graduation of MVP

BY ARIKTA TRIVEDI

BREAKAWAY Heidi Johnson, ‘19, who averaged 20.9 points per game last season for girls basketball, “could do a little bit of everything,” according to coach Latonia Pitts. PHOTO BY CHAO

In the wake of point guard Heidi Johnson’s graduation last June, the girls basketball team is going into the next season without its star player.

Johnson averaged 20.9 points per game last season. “(Johnson) was a key player,” coach Latonia Pitts said. “She could do a little bit of everything, and she had lots of responsibilities, so it will be difficult to fill her shoes. Her athleticism, basketball IQ and hard work ethic will be missed. She always filled the responsibilities put on her by herself and others.”

The Cavs finished seventh in the Sacramento Metropolitan Athletic League last season at 2-12 (3-14 overall), missing the playoffs.

Returning players are junior center Anna Fluetsch, junior forward Joanne Tsai, sophomore guard Viv-

ian Conner and sophomore small Nevada. forward Daisy Zhou. “(Burback) was one of the other Pitts said the team is now “re- ballhandlers on our team last year,” building.”

Fluetsch said. “She stepped in for “I will see what expectations I (Johnson) anytime she needed a have after the first few practices. break. With the loss, our team will However, I expect the girls to give need to step up.”

100% effort,” Pitts said.

Freshman wing Sage Spradlin, Fluetsch said she’s optimistic who has played about the season basketball for despite the difficul- “Her athleticism, four years, said ty of replacing Johnshe is excited basketball IQ and son. about the uphard work ethic “(Johnson) coming season. will be missed.” was our most “I think (the sea— Latonia Pitts son) will be great,” promising ballhandler, so it Spradlin said. “We will definitely be have a great lineup of girls who are difficult (without great to play with.” her), but I think the season will be The Cavaliers will open the seafun!” Fluetsch said. son on Friday, Nov. 22, at 5:30 p.m.

Along with Johnson, the Cavs against Sierra Academy of Expedilost their second-highest scorer, tionary Learning at Nevada Union junior small forward Lindsay Bur- High School in Grass Valley. back (4.6 ppg), who moved to Reno,

The ball is in YOUR COURT to get in FOR FREE Join the SCDS Sports Boosters before the basketball season begins this winter.

Sign up on CAVNet under “Parent Quick Links” or at any home game.

Centerpoint

Limit on M&M man c announcements spa on admissions, awar

m m

m m

m

m

m

m

m

m

m

m

m

m

m

m

m “It definitely will (increase competition), but there is something to be said about how competition is beneficial and pushes students to work harder and achieve good grades,” Graves said. “ T h e high school should celebrate what students have achieved, and the M&M man is a great way to get the news out there in a fun manner that takes off some of the stress associated with the college application process.”

Senior Jewel Turner agreed.

“I don’t think it will add any more competition than

GRAPHICS

BY HÉLOÏSE SCHEP AND MING ZHU

m

m

T

m

m

announced and forms, but you can make an argument that people would clap, but you could also have a student is under no obligation to tell the a much less selective college and people wo small, round objects lie in director school what their acceptances are.” of college counseling Jane Bauman’s While Country Day needs to send official would clap,” Fels said. “There was never this cabinet drawer. One is green and filled records, such as a complete transcript, to idea (that) if you got into Harvard, everybody with M&Ms; the second is smaller, red students’ final choice, they can add schools went crazy, but if you got into Sac State evand stuffed with Skittles. to their Common Application account with- erybody would just halfheartedly clap.”

A student who requested anonymity disThey are the M&M men, whose hands se- out notifying their college counselors, and niors shake and whose candy they choose most colleges don’t notify counselors about agreed.

“People have different views on colleges,” when Bauman announces college acceptance acceptances. the student said. “If someone got into Sac during morning meetings.

However, Kuipers and Bauman said stuState, some people might not find it as speStudents email Bauman to let her know dents are encouraged to tell them about their cial.” of acceptances and if they want them to be acceptances.

Bauman said the majority of last year’s announced. If Bauman replies on her phone, Kuipers said he seniors chose to announce their acceptancshe’ll even send a concan further inform es, but two students announced no schools. gratulatory bitmoji. students about their “(The accepted student) Ever since the tradioptions if he knows Others wanted to announce only their final tion began under former goes up there and has their acceptances, choice.

“I really support and respect their choice,” college counselor Patri- that honor, but to what and Bauman added she said. “If you don’t report, that’s perfectly cia Fels in the midthat the information extent does that rub it in OK.” 1990, students could can be very useful to for somebody else?”

Fels said during her 18 years as a college submit as many acthe college counseling counselor, only one student asked her not to — Chris Kuipers office. ceptances as they wanted.

“It’s important to see announce any acceptances.

In a Sept. 25 poll of 31 seniors, 12.9% said On Oct. 22, what type of student was admitted to what they would choose not to announce any acthough, Bauman antype of school, what the colleges are looking ceptances, and 61.3% said they would announced to seniors at C-day meeting for and where we meet the mark,” she said. that M&M man announcements will be limFurthermore, if students are rejected, the nounce only some acceptances.

However, Fels said the exclusion of certain ited this school year to one acceptance be- college counselors can advocate for them fore January and four acceptances thereafter. and help them appeal or get on or off waiting students could impact the tradition.

“I felt bad because that made it less of a According to an Oct. 22 poll of 31 seniors, lists, Bauman said. group, less of an ‘Everybody’s in this togeth33% said the M&M man causes them stress.

Bauman said no students have contacted er, and we’re all excited about the places peoFels said the M&M man tradition began her about issues with the M&M man. when her twin daughters, Francie and Kelly However, while Kuipers said he wasn’t sure ple get in,’” she said.

Bauman said she sees the M&M man as “a Neukom, ’04, received an M&M man for their if students ever contacted him specifically celebratory thing — a rite of passage — and birthday. about the M&M man, it has come up in consomething very positive that would encour“We weren’t going to be buying them versations.

M&Ms every week so that they could put Furthermore, Kuipers said he’s concerned age other people,” she said.

Fels agreed, saying that she was “sorry” them in the M&M man, so he just sat on their about “ silent voices.” about the change and viewed college accepshelf,” she said.

“I can imagine someone who is uncomforttance as a “positive thing.”

Fels said she thought it would be fun to able about not having as many ‘prestigious’ “It didn’t seem as though, in the audience, honor students for getting into college. schools,” he said. “If you’re feeling that, it The M&M man provided a quick ceremony would be a challenge to come and voice that people were keeping score about how many with a nearly universally liked candy. Later, (the policy) is unfair because it draws atten- times this person has gotten into someplace,” she said. “Everybody knew where evFels said a student advocated for a second, tion to (your schools). smaller M&M man with peanut M&Ms to “In our role as decision-makers, you look eryone else had gotten in.

“I never thought that there were hurt feelprovide students with a choice. out for the quieter and minority voice.” ings or people who felt left out or as though Both M&M men remain at Country Day, A teacher who requested anonymity they were not as honored as much as other but the smaller one now holds Skittles as a agreed. non-chocolate option.

“This whole process is very stressful and people, but I wasn’t in the audience and in According to Chris Kuipers, associate di- painful for some students, but they are not their situation.”

Bauman added rector of college counseling, the M&M man going to come forward and say that, and that the M&M man has been on the department’s radar “for a we’re letting them sufalso introduces stuwhile.” fer and not protecting “The high school should dents to a broad Kuipers and Bauman are members of the them,” the teacher said. range of schools. celebrate what students Bay Area Independent School College CounIn light of conversa“A student at selors (BAISCC). During meetings about best tions with other coun- have achieved, and the morning meeting practices and other issues, Kuipers said the selors, Kuipers said he M&M man is a great way may think, ‘That (actradition of acceptance-related announce- did not consider the to get the news out there cepted) student shares ments — such as the Country Day M&M man M&M man to be best some of my interests in a fun manner.” or a rejection letter “wall of shame” — have practice within the recently been questioned more frequently.

National Associa— Aaron Graves and was admitted to that school — maybe I “A lot of schools will not even publish tion for College Adshould look into that where you’re going to matriculate in end-of- mission Counseling school,’” she said. year reports or at graduation,” he said.

(NACAC), and the Fels agreed.

Bauman said, “Nobody (does) anything policy was changed.

“It gives students exposure to a lot of diflike the M&M man,” adding that she was “A strict reading of (the M&M man) makes ferent schools,” she said. “surprised” because other honors, such as it a way of sharing this acceptance Senior Aaron Graves disagreed, saying stuNational Merit finalists or signing day for information,” he said. college athletes, are frequently announced He added that the new policy is the “per- dents need more information during the anby BAISCC schools. fect” compromise between students going nouncements.

“I think it would be cool if Mrs. Bauman Fels said that when she mentioned the up for all their schools and the elimination attached a footnote (after announcing an M&M man tradition to BAISCC mem- of the M&M man. bers about 12 years ago, counselors were “We want to celebrate you, but we don’t acceptance) about where a school is and a “shocked.” need to celebrate you every single week,” fun factoid,” he said. “Just saying the name “By that time, all the kids were already Kuipers said. “If you got in early somewhere, doesn’t quite introduce people.”

However, Kuipers said there is a competivery secretive about where they were apply- awesome; we’ll take a moment to note that. tive aspect to the tradition. ing to college and which colleges they got If you need to walk up three more times in “Some kids are more attuned to it than into,” she said. the spring to get your M&Ms or Skittles, we’ll others, but there are certainly cases of kids Kuipers said this is consistent with current honor that.” viewpoints on student privacy.

Fels said she most enjoyed that students keeping score of who’s getting into where,” “Ultimately, (acceptances) are a student’s were applauded regardless of the college he said.

Graves said that is not such a bad thing personal business,” he said. “The school has they announced. and students should have unlimited ana responsibility to support you and fill out “You could have a very selective college nouncements.

BY HÉLOÏSE SCHEP

m

m

Celebration or competition?

The Oc

m

6

m

m

m

m m

Nov. 12, 2019

ctagon

7

college arks debate rd traditions m

m

m

m

m

m

m

m

CHOCOLATE CELEBRATION Senior Rebecca Waterson shakes the M&M man’s hand during Open House on Oct. 26 to honor her commitment to Brown University. PHOTO BY HERMOINE XIAN

m

m

m

m

m m

m

m

m m

m

m

m

m

m

m there already is,” she said.

“If Suzie gets into five schools and Joe gets into one, we should congradulate them both,” she said. “Suzie worked hard, so she should get recognition.”

Kuipers added that the M&M man may impact the counselors’ mission to find the colleges that are the best fit for students and to encourage students to compile a list of schools that fit them and are “semi-limited” in length.

“If a kid really listens to that and applies to three schools that are the best fit, but another kid applies to 15 schools, knowing they will get into some and collect the trophies, the M&M man celebrates that second student far more than the first, and I’m not sure that is celebrating the right thing,” he said.

Senior Maddie Woo

m

m

m m

m

agreed. like one school is more important than an- announce college decisions at graduation.

“Right now, students apply to 10 colleges, other.”

Head of high school Brooke Wells said at least, and I don’t want to listen to this long Furthermore, if multiple students applying students have contacted him requesting list of names in the morning,” she said. to the same school receive different admis- changes in the awards ceremony, at which “I’m happy for my friends, but some of sions results, the M&M man may make those students are presented with awards for their them are just safety schools, so it’s not nec- disparities more obvious, according to Kui- performance in academic subjects or overall essary.” pers. character.

A student who requested anonymity said “(The accepted student) goes up there and Wells said the school wants to allow as submitting many acceptances may become has that honor, but to what extent does that many people to receive honors as possible “bragging.” rub it in for somebody else?” Kuipers said, while ensuring that the value of each honor “People are just clapping for you over and adding that those conflicts are one of the will not go down. over again,” the student said. primary reasons college counselors encourBauman said the school has made Kuipers added that this effect may be amage students to keep “thoughtful” adjustments to every part of plified by the involvetheir list of schools honoring students. For example, the number ment of all grades in the private. and variety of awards has been expanded, “A student at morning ceremony.

Senior Emme Bo- Wells said.

“If the freshmen are meeting may think, ‘That getich said the M&M Turner, however, said Country Day can seeing somebody get (accepted) student shares man contradicts, grow in awarding honors to a more diverse up there a dozen times, some of my interests and rather than comple- group of students. then when it’s their ments, the counselors’ “The school should distribute awards more was admitted to that turn, it doesn’t matemphasis on confidenevenly and recognize that all of us work school — maybe I should ter what Mrs. Bautiality. hard,” she said. “It might not be reflected man and I say about “They stress to us so look into that school.” in having the highest grades, but everyone having a smaller — Jane Bauman much to keep things is involved in numerous organizations and list,” he said. “All confidential, but now, puts time and effort into this school.” these other kids igwe’re supposed to anSenior David Situ, though, said students nored it, and they nounce everything,” she said. should not rely on the awards ceremony for a were successful.”

Bogetich added that certain students used validation of their work or effort. Situ added However, Fels said that when students re- the M&M man almost every week. that any stress inflicted by the awards cereceived many acceptances on the same date, “Then, if other students get up for one mony lies with the students. student reception was positive. (college), it makes them look bad,” she said.

“Most of the time, I think the people who “If there was a particular deadline by which A student who requested anonymity said feel bad about it have some kind of low a lot of UC acceptances came out, somebody it could also cause students to feel left out. sometimes got into four places at the same “That doesn’t mean they aren’t happy for self-esteem,” he said. “The reason you would morning meeting,” she said. the students that do get accepted, but they be upset about (an award) is either you think you deserved it or you don’t think (the recipFels would give such students a Dixie cup might feel some self-doubt.” ient) deserved it.” to hold all their M&Ms, and students viewed Graves disagreed.

Although Situ said he does see the awards it as a “funny” tradition, she said.

“It might put some people down if they ceremony as a competition with winners and “They would laugh in a friendly way,” she don’t get into a good school, but I know all losers, it’s a “friendsaid. the people at (Country Day) are smart and ly” one and mostly a Fels added that not all students are pushed will accomplish somecelebration, regardby the M&M man to apply to as many schools thing great,” he said.

“They stress to us so much less of how students as possible.

Kuipers said the effeel about the award She recalled one student, ‘04, who applied fect of the M&M man to keep things confidenrecipients. early decision to one school and got in. policy change remains tial, but now, we’re supBauman said that “That was the end of it,” Fels said. “I nev- to be seen. He sees posed to announce every- while students have er thought, ‘Oh, my God, she must just feel the discussion of the thing.” chosen not to be in the terrible because she got into the school she M&M man continu— Emme Bogetich May 1 college decision wanted to get into.’” ing. ceremony and phoFels added that she asked the student if “It’s a really beto due to absences or she ever regretted her decision. loved tradition, and privacy concerns, no student has requested “She said, ‘No!’” Fels said. “It was so great student feedback their college choice not to be announced at for her to fill out one application. She knew was pretty positive about it, but in graduation since she became director of colthat was where she wanted to go, and she was polls, the conservative voice ususo happy to get in. (Applying early) made ab- ally wins out, and something being popular lege counseling in 2012.

Nevertheless, she said the school would solutely no difference.” doesn’t mean it’s the best option,” he said. accommodate students who choose not to The M&M man might also place more However, Woo said the M&M man should announce their college decision. “In any of emphasis on the prestige or selectivity of a not be eliminated. school, Kuipers said, adding that it is a “terri“It’s nice to applaud our classmates, and the places we typically announce, I would reble” measure of a college’s worth. getting into college is no easy feat,” she said. spect (students’) choices,” she said.

However, Fels said that the M&M man re- “It adds to our community.”

Graves, though, said that at graduation the duces the importance of universities’ rank accomplishments students choose to have While a third of seniors said the M&M man because all schools are rewarded with M&Ms. causes them stress, 38% said the high school announced may be overshadowed by which “Everybody is aware of which schools are awards ceremony held at the end of the year college they attend. really selective and prestigious and which does. Furthermore, 23% said Country Day “The (May 1) sweatshirt photo is enough schools are less selective and prestigious,” should not announce college decisions on to tell where students are going,” he said. she said. “Treating all of the schools the May 1 and 23% said the school should not same way by honoring people makes it less

8

Feature • November 12, 2019

The Octagon

Alumna swaps ‘antisocial’ apartment building for house with 25 residents house is full.

“We’re kind of hitting critical hen searching for a place mass,” she said.

Harlan described the group as a to live, Helen Harlan, ’98, did the last thing anyone cross-section of people from around expected: answer a Craig- the world. She compared it to a “sitslist ad for a one-story, five-bedroom, com dream team,” with a variety of two-bathroom house with 24 other racial groups, ethnicities, sexual orientations and gender identities. residents.

“It’s less like ‘Friends’ and more Harlan has resided in Los Angeles for 20 years in a variety of living sit- like ‘Orange is the New Black,’” Harlan said. “Everyone has a story as to uations.

Her current house, located in High- why they landed here, from the kids land Park in Northeast Los Angeles, from Europe who are coming out here became available for rent in August in their early 20s to check out Cali2018, and Harlan moved in the fol- fornia to kids that claim to be runlowing month. She was one of the aways.”

Harlan, who first two-thirds of the people to move works as a barin. tender and “When I saw (the “It’s not the space waitress while ad) on Craigslist, (that’s an issue) — it’s pursuing writone of the things the noise level. It can go ing and acting I wondered was from really quiet to sucarriers, said she’s (whether) I’d be per loud with the flick of found jobs for able to put up roughly half the with so many a switch.” people in the house. people to live — Helen Harlan “If I’m not workin this neighing, I’m hiking,” she borhood,” Harsaid. “We live right by a mountain. Or lan said.

She said she was initially scared I’ll just sit in my top bunk and read or listen to music until eight or nine about the transition. (residents) get back from (nightclubs) “It sounded cult-y,” she admitted.

But having three siblings helped and it gets loud.

“It’s not the space (that’s an issue) prepare her to live with multiple peo— it’s the noise level. It can go from ple, she said.

“I’m used to finding my own really quiet to super loud with the space,” she said. “If I need quiet time, flick of a switch.”

Besides the noise, Harlan said I will take it, versus some people who the biggest challenge has been the stew about no privacy.”

Each occupant of the 2,000-square- removal of one of the house’s two foot house gets a bunk bed and a clos- kitchens.

“Some family in the neighborhood et for $580 per month. called the house inspector on us,” she A one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles averages $2,500 a month, ac- said. “I have no idea why, but he made cording to a kcrw.com article on the us get rid of (one of the kitchens).

“I want to cook, but it’s hard when house Harlan shares. (The average one-bedroom apartment rent nation- you have all four burners going with ally is $960, according to apartment ramen.”

Harlan added that unwashed dishlist.com.)

Harlan said she doesn’t mind the es have also become an issue. In fact, small spaces, as it reminds her of according to the kcrw.com article, a summer camp. Still, she said the whiteboard of shame was created to

BY ETHAN MONASA

W

HOMEY The house that Helen Harlan shares with 24 other residents is 2,000 square feet, including five bedrooms, a kitchen and two bathrooms. PHOTO COURTESY OF HARLAN call out anyone who didn’t do their dishes.

Some of her roommates plan social activities, Harlan said. One in particular acts as an activities coordinator.

“She decorated the house for Halloween; she’ll decorate it for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Valentine’s Day; and she organized a movie night,” Harlan said. “Recently, we’ve watched ‘Clue’ and ‘Ghostbusters.’

“You can either go watch the movie or stay (in the house) and do your own thing. I like (the social aspect), especially since I came from living by myself in Hollywood for two years in an apartment building that was really antisocial.”

The Hollywood apartment rented for about $850 a month. She said the lower rent in her current house was a big attraction, along with a more social life.

While she’s not particularly close

to any of her roommates, she said be able to read at,” Harlan said. she “gets along pretty well with most With 14 months in a bustling house people.” behind her, Harlan said she’s looking Still, Harlan said some of the for a potential younger roommates new place. don’t like being told “I don’t see “Everyone has a story what to do. this as feasible “I’m the one who as to why they landed past the end of will tell people to this year,” she here, from the kids shut up at 3 a.m., said. “But I’m really from Europe ... to kids and they don’t glad I did it. I have that are runaways.” like that,” she no regrets. There said. “But I’ve — Harlan are a lot of nice always been a people here.” polarizing presHarlan said she ence in every doesn’t want to leave the neighborsituation because I will speak my hood. mind.”

She added that she enjoys the diHarlan said she is also annoyed versity, variety of bars and cafes, and when people use the communal space nearby libraries, recreational centers as if they are the only ones there. and hiking.

She noted, for example, that some“It’s the best neighborhood in LA. I times people sleep on couches. love it out here.”

“That’s an area somebody should

The Octagon

November 12, 2019 • Feature

‘Self-driven’ freshman reaches three national spelling bees

C

BY MILES MORROW

ompeting against millions of other students nationwide for three straight years, freshman Samhita Kumar advanced to three Scripps national spelling bees from 2017 to 2019.

“Making it to nationals is always terrifying, but also really exciting,” Kumar said. “I got to travel to Washington, D.C., and perform live on national TV — it made me feel like a mini-celebrity! Being on TV was really exciting but also really intimidating. Over the years, I made a lot of new friends, and the experience was always fantastic.”

The path to the Scripps National Spelling Bee starts in November with a classroom spelling bee. Teachers register their schools with Scripps and decide how they want to run their class bees. Participants range from kindergarten to eighth grade and have to be under 15 years old. Each classroom winner advances to the school-wide bee, and the subsequent victor progresses to a regional bee.

In Sacramento, a written test narrows the school winners to 60 to compete in the regional bee. Its winner advances to the Central Valley Spelling Bee among 13 counties, whose winner moves on to nationals.

Each year, 11 million students participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, according to CNN. At nationals, Kumar’s highest placement was in 2017, when she reached the semifinals with 40 to 50 others and placed 18th.

“It was probably one of my most memorable moments,” Kumar said.

“Making it to the semifinals was really exciting.”

Not only did Kumar develop her spelling skills through the experience, she also made new friends, which she said was one of her favorite parts of making it to nationals.

“Everyone I met was always so nice, and

I even keep in touch with some of them today!” she said.

Kumar fell under the spell of these competitions by watching her older brother compete when she was younger.

Her brother, who is five years older than Samhita, never made it to nationals.

“I really enjoyed them, and I started getting good at them, so I just kept going,” she said.

Kumar’s father, Nandakumar Natarajan, said that both she and her brother’s love for spelling came from reading at a young age.

“We read a lot to Samhita and her brother when they were toddlers,” he said.

“Samhita’s brother, Nikhilesh, started reading around age 3 and would read multiple books per week. One day, we saw flyers for a local spelling bee competition.

He signed up for the competition and won! He participated in spelling bees from (that) point all the way up through middle school.”

He said that Samhita used to follow him and her brother to the library and the spelling bees.

“Samhita signed up the first year she was eligible and did very well,” he said.

“When Samhita and her brother were in elementary school, they competed in spelling bees with minimal amounts of preparation.”

However, as Samhita and Nikhilesh reached middle school, their parents encouraged them to invest time in preparing for the bees, according to her father.

“They really started enjoying competing, and this was a significant extracurricular activity for them,” Natarajan said. “We would quiz them on words prior to the competition, but it was mostly self-driven, especially with Samhita.”

According to Kumar, the intensity of the Scripps National Spelling Bee can cause some participants to change their lives in the pursuit of higher placements.

Some parents even withdraw their children from school to focus on spelling.

9

SPELLING SUPERSTAR Freshman Samhita Kumar waits for her word at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2018 in Washington, D.C. PHOTO COURTESY OF KUMAR However, Kumar’s parents “never considered taking them out of school,” Natarajan said.

Kumar said she took a different approach.

“I ended up having to do lots of work over summers,” Kumar said. “My teachers were also always really flexible, and they helped me reschedule any conflicting events.”

For Kumar, nationals were usually during her finals week, but her teachers allowed her to schedule her finals either before or after the spelling bee, she said.

Kumar didn’t spell just to make it to nationals; Kumar said she enjoys studying words.

“Words are extremely fascinating,” Kumar said. “When you look at why they’re there and why they’re the way they are, it’s really interesting. There are so many languages that have influenced English, and they all make the words fit together

and work the way they do. It’s fascinating that we talk the way we do.”

Although Kumar aged out of spelling bees this year, she said attending nationals gave her essential academic skills.

“Spelling really teaches you how to study efficiently,” she said. “It helps with long-term studying; otherwise, it’s just memorizing really boring things. It helped me learn a large amount of information in a short amount of time, even when it wasn’t the most interesting.”

Still, aging out of spelling bees has left a hole in her life.

“It was always so much fun,” she said.

“Now I don’t have as much to do with my time. I miss studying for spelling because I actually really enjoyed it.”

Kumar recently started a Country Day quiz bowl team and hopes that it fills the void.

Black belt, who started martial arts at 2, teaches for 150 hours during summer

BY ETHAN MONASA

KICKIN’ IT Freshman Rod Azghadi demonstrates a jump front fall for his students this past summer. PHOTO COURTESY OF AZGHADI

While other students spent their summer relaxing on vacation or lying low at home, freshman Rod Azghadi taught martial arts at KSMY Martial Arts (3200 Riverside Blvd., Suite A).

KSMY teaches Kuk Sool, a systematic study of Korea’s traditional martial arts. It focuses on body conditioning, mental development and traditional weapons training.

Azghadi said the school’s master, My Callison, decides when someone becomes a leader. Students who become black belts automatically become leaders. Listed as an assistant on KSMY’s website, Azghadi holds the 1st Dan rank (the lowest for black belts).

This summer, Azghadi ran the Dojang (training hall) with other black belts because Callison was pregnant.

Azghadi received his first black belt in Los Angeles at age 7 in Hwa Rang Do (a comprehensive system of self-defense and combative techniques) and another at KSMY at age 14 in Kuk Sool.

Azghadi said he became recognized under the South Korean government when earning his black belt at KSMY. When Azghadi was 2 1/2 years

old, his parents signed him up for martial arts.

According to Rod’s mother, Soheila Azghadi, his father, Sharam, always wanted his children involved in martial arts, because it “teaches self-discipline, self-control, connection with the inner self, physical strength and self defense.”

Sharam Azghadi holds black belts in two martial arts styles: He’s a 2nd Dan in Tae Kwon Do and a 1st Dan in Moo Yea Do. “The process I went through involved rigorous stamina training and being able to perform any technique my master tells me to do,” Rod said. “There are over 200 techniques that I needed to be able to do out of order.”

Azghadi said the most challenging part was the physical training, which tested his discipline.

“There were several points during the test where I wanted to stop or felt like throwing up, but I had to push through it,” he said.

Teaching for the first time on his own, Azghadi spent 150 hours — two hours a day, five or six days per week — instructing younger students.

He worked with students as young as 3 years old to adults. He said the biggest class he taught had about 30 students.

Holding the attention of young-

er students for the entire class proved a challenge, he said.

Azghadi said he enjoyed seeing students apply what he demonstrated, whether they were minor concepts or large ones. “I liked putting my own twist on the class,” he said. “You have to adjust your teaching based on rank, skill level or age,” Azghadi said. “I learned I’m pretty good at seeing what level (students are at) and adjusting my teaching to their level.”

Holding a fifth-degree black belt under the Korea Kuk Sool Association, Callison has dedicated over 26 years of her life to Kuk Sool, according to KSMY’s website.

Callison said Rod continues to impress her with his “discipline, focus and meticulous attention to detail.” She attributed his success in martial arts to his perseverance.

Callison noted that his patience and ability to work with students at a variety of skill levels make him a strong teacher. “(He) breaks down movements and takes his time explaining concepts in terms the students can comprehend,” Callison said.

According to Azghadi, “(Martial arts has) always been a part of my life. I want to pass on all the things I’ve learned to the next generation.”

10

Opinion • November 12, 2019

The Octagon

“The message is in the M&Ms” by Emma Boersma

STAFF PRINT EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Anna Frankel Héloïse Schep

By Sarina Rye

ONLINE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Larkin Barnard-Bahn Jackson Crawford

Stop celebrating Thanksgiving!

NEWS EDITOR Sarina Rye SPORTS EDITOR Jackson Crawford FEATURE EDITOR Larkin Barnard-Bahn A&E/OPINION EDITOR Emma Boersma BUSINESS STAFF Larkin Barnard-Bahn, manager Arijn Claire, assistant PAGE EDITORS Sanjana Anand Larkin Barnard-Bahn Emma Boersma Jackson Crawford Anna Frankel Ethan Monasa Sarina Rye Héloïse Schep Arijit Trivedi Ming Zhu SENIOR REPORTERS Dylan Margolis Miles Morrow Arikta Trivedi REPORTERS Sicily Schroeder Nihal Gulati SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Sarina Rye PHOTO EDITORS Emma Boersma Shimin Zhang PHOTOGRAPHERS Emma Boersma Elise Sommerhaug Arikta Trivedi Hermione Xian Shimin Zhang GRAPHIC EDITOR Emma Boersma GRAPHIC ARTISTS Brynne Barnard-Bahn Eric Lechpammer MULTIMEDIA STAFF David Situ, editor Ming Zhu, assistant Miles Morrow, staffer ADVISER Paul Bauman The Octagon is Sacramento Country Day’s student-run high school newspaper. Its purpose is to provide reliable information on events concerning the high school in order to inform and entertain the entire school community. The staff strives for accuracy and objectivity. The Octagon aims to always represent both sides of an issue. Errors will be noted and corrected.

The Octagon shall publish material that the staff deems in the best interest of the school community. The staff recognizes the importance of providing accurate and reliable information to readers. The Octagon does not represent the views of the administration, nor does it act as publicity for the school as a whole.

The Octagon will publish all timely and relevant news, subject to the following exceptions: obscenity; slanderous or libelous material; or material contrary to the best interests of the school community, as judged by the guidrelines among the newspaper staff, adviser and school administration. Editorials are approved by an editorial board.

Columns/commentaries shall be labeled as such and represent only the opinion of the author.

In the interest of representing all points of view, letters to the editor shall be published, space permitting, unless otherwise requested.

All letters must be signed and conform to the above restrictions. The staff may change grammar and made on our website to address all stories run.

My Angle

EDITORIAL: New M&M man policy insufficient; save it for National College Decision Day

A

lthough the new policy regarding the M&M man is a step in the right direction, the most effective way to reduce the pressure it puts on students is to save the ceremony for May 1, National College Decision Day. Not only do students with many college acceptances use their admittance announcements to peacock, it can feel like the twist of a dagger for others who were rejected or deferred from the same colleges. “(The accepted student) goes up there and has that honor, but to what extent does that rub it in for somebody else?” said Chris Kuipers, associate director of college counseling.

According to Kuipers, the M&M man also emphasizes the prestige of a school, which is a “terrible” measure of a college’s worth. The most important aspect of a college — as any well-meaning college counselor or admissions officer will say — is fit, so underscoring reputation, as the M&M man does, is unnecessary.

For example, hearing that a student got into their top choice might be exciting, but continuing to hear acceptance after acceptance from schools they know they won’t be attending only boosts said student’s ego.

While some faculty members argue that announcing acceptances celebrates students’ accomplishments, is this necessary when students

attend only one school?

This tradition, no matter how well-meaning, puts a spotlight on the number of acceptances, which is not what matters.

So announcing a multitude of relatively unimportant acceptances only undermines the goal. The change alleviates this issue by establishing a ceiling of five announcements but keeps the door open to stress.

Early in the college application process, students are told to keep their lists private, but announcing schools to the entire high school defeats that purpose and encourages boasting.

This blatant showing off also directly contradicts our school’s message of community. Rather than encouraging students to support each other through this inherently stressful process, they are pitted against each other as they try to collect the most acceptances from prestigious schools.

Although some may argue that the M&M man tradition helps familiarize underclassmen with colleges, hearing a school’s name hardly gives students relevant information.

For example, hearing that a student got into X University does not offer any information about its core curriculum, selectivity or study abroad opportunities. The only way a student could become more informed is to take the initiative to look up the school or approach said senior — something underclassmen can do with or without the M&M man.

While a poll released on Oct. 22 of 31 seniors revealed that 66% of the class thinks the tradition should not be altered, 33% of seniors agreed it causes stress. This demonstrates that many seniors don’t see the M&M man as the “celebratory” and “positive” icon it is promoted as.

Furthermore, Country Day is the only member of the Bay Area Independent School College Counselors with a tradition of this nature. Clearly, the M&M man contradicts the philosophy of the school and organization to “act compassionately.”

The new policy attempts to reconcile this issue of gloating while still maintaining tradition, but announcing four schools that a student won’t attend can still lead to heartbreak, and the competitive culture remains. This is not the “perfect compromise” the college counselors contend.

Rather, the “perfect compromise” is to put away the M&M man for college acceptances and restrict its use to college decision announcements. This would eliminate the stress and extra competition already felt during the college season while keeping this two-decade-old tradition alive.

If students want to celebrate their impressive accomplishment of getting into college, they can and will do so with their friends and family.

But announcing acceptances high school-wide turns that innocent celebration into a competition.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR KEEPING US IN THE BLACK! Anand family, Barnard-Bahn Coaching and Consulting, Crawford family, Frankel family, Intel Foundation, Monasa family, Rye family, Schep-Smit family, Situ family, Trivedi family

For most, Thanksgiving is a happy holiday. After all, aren’t you giving thanks for everything you appreciate, celebrating with family and getting time off?

It’s no surprise that the holiday is deeply ingrained in American culture, especially with Country Day’s own annual celebration and extended break. But let’s take a step back and look at its history.

In most schools, children learn a romanticized story of the “discovery” of America, complete with Columbus and the splendid feast shared by the Pilgrims and Native Americans. By now, hopefully all of us know that’s not what happened.

It’s not my place to recount Thanksgiving from a Native American’s point of view, but it certainly wasn’t a fairy-tale picnic. If you haven’t done your own research, you have no excuse. Google is free, people!

As Californians, we’ve already officially swapped Columbus Day for Indigenous Peoples Day, which is great. Not celebrating a genocidal historical figure should have been done a long time ago.

Thanksgiving, on the other hand, is more important to non-indigenous Americans. There are so many traditions: turkey, pumpkin pie, football, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — the list goes on and on.

But by celebrating Thanksgiving, you are being a terrible person.

From a place of privilege, it’s easy to remain detached from the bad things happening in the world. And because of this detachment, we act as if Thanksgiving is solely a happy holiday and ignore its repercussions for one of the most important groups in American history.

The reason we can pretend is simple: out of sight, out of mind. This has been the policy in this country for a while, stemming from the origin of reservations, the Trail of Tears and, you guessed it, Thanksgiving.

So frankly, I could not care less if you like Thanksgiving. It’s time to stop being complicit and to take responsibility — and please don’t give me that nonsense about not actually being the one who needs to repent because it wasn’t you who killed Native Americans. Yes, it was technically our ancestors who did unspeakable things to all kinds of minorities, but using that to justify your ignorance is incredibly close-minded. The impacts of genocide and racial discrimination still snowball today, and white people are enforcing these standards.

Don’t tell me Thanksgiving is a humble holiday. But wait! Doesn’t giving thanks fit in with Country Day’s mission statement and our community?

Sure, our school tradition for Thanksgiving is cute. We all get together, bring side dishes and make an event out of it.

But this isn’t a time when you can pick and choose one origin story and conveniently forget the other.

It is abhorrent to focus only on yourself and people who look like you. Native Americans are trying to recover from centuries of oppression by our ancestors and government.

If we absolutely cannot do without our high school Thanksgiving celebration, let’s take the day to actively learn about and honor Native Americans. We all can take time to learn about Native American history, find a book by a Native American author or look in the news for current issues.

These issues include Native Americans still not having control over sacred land yet fighting to protect our planet without recognition. We all needed to do our part in fighting the Dakota Access pipeline, and now we need to stand with Native Americans against the construction of a telescope on Mauna Kea, a sacred site.

We owe it to them not to celebrate their genocide. When I’m an adult, I’ll spend the day paying my respects to Native Americans with self-education, advocacy, donations and the promise to continue doing so throughout the year.

I urge everyone to make the same choice — the right choice.

The Octagon

November 12, 2019 • Opinion

11

‘Norman Rockwell!’ album blends sultry synthetic beats and sweet string backing tracks for soft rock sound

By Sarina Rye Review • 2019 ခ DOWNLOADED

•••

F

or me, music has four levels: the lyrics, production, beat and feelings it evokes. After hearing an album once, I listen to it multiple times through reaction videos on YouTube to hear other people’s insight. Lana Del Rey’s newest album, “Norman F------ Rockwell!” (parental advisory for explicit lyrics), released on Aug. 30, is one of my favorites due to Del Rey’s voice and the continuous messages of the album. The production of the album also amazed me, so I decided it was time to do a reaction of my own.

SONGS AT SEA Singer and songwriter Lana Del Rey released the cover art for her sixth studio album, “Norman F------ Rockwell!” on July 31. It features Del Rey and Duke Nickolson posing on a sailboat and was taken by photographer Caroline Grant, Del Rey’s sister. PHOTO COURTESY OF ITUNES

1

2

3

4

5

▶

Norman f------- Rockwell: This title track sets the mood and vibe for

the rest of the album. Sweet orchestral sounds are joined by strong piano, then Del Rey’s voice comes in. Even without the lyrics, the tone of her voice conveys the love she feels for the subject of this song. At the same time, she criticizes his behavior, which is standard for the rest of the album — sweet songs about how love impacts you and your partner.

Favorite line: “Why wait for the best when I could have you?”

How to disappear: This is quickly becoming another favorite despite my ini-

9

California: This track had to grow on me. It starts out too slowly for my taste,

10

The Next Best American Record: The word that comes to mind when

11

The greatest: This song indeed evokes a sense of greatness — but of a bygone

12

Bartender: This is the first song on the album I fell in love with. It starts with

13

Happiness is a butterfly: While “Bartender” was my first love, this is my

14

hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me to have - but I have it

Venice B----: This song’s carelessness fits well with the last. Del Rey’s

voice sounds like feathers floating in the wind or an underwater recording.

It is a calm, relaxing song, and a long one at that, finishing at 9:37 minutes.

I usually skip the last five minutes because it’s just instrumentals, but when I have the time on a car ride or reading a book, I like to appreciate the full length.

Favorite line: “And as the summer fades away, nothing gold can stay.”

F--- it I love you: The changing pace of Del Rey’s singing and the way she murmurs the lyrics as if in a haze pull me into this song. It is a sweeping experience and is over in the blink of an eye because it fully immerses you.

Favorite line: “I moved to California, but it’s just a state of mind. It turns out everywhere you go, you take yourself, that’s not a lie.”

Doin’ Time: This song is very different from the previous ones. First of

all, it’s a cover (originally released in 1997 by Sublime), and I really appreciate Del Rey’s choice not to change the she/her pronouns in the lyrics. “Doin’ Time” uses techno beats and synthetic instruments, creating an upbeat, sultry song. This is a song I listen to for its backing music and the beat as much Del Rey’s voice.

Favorite line: “Oh, take this veil from off my eyes. My burning sun will, some day, rise. So, what am I gonna be doin’ for a while?”

6

Love song: “Love song” brings us back to the sweet ballads Del Rey is

7

Cinnamon Girl: This is one of my favorite songs of the album. It conveys

known for and away from the starkly techno “Doin’ Time.” You primarily hear her voice simply accompanied by piano and string accents. Due to the understated instrumentals, her voice remains the focus without any fancy vibrato or high notes. The song is merely a pure, melodic piece about two people facing insecurities.

Favorite line: “Is it safe, is it safe to just be who we are?”

a sense of pain that comes from isolation and the romanticizing of relationships. The piano backing during the verses is simply two notes repeated four times each throughout the song, which amazes me because it shows the musicality of Del Rey’s voice on its own. It would probably be my favorite song if not for the instrumental stretch at the end where a synthetic beat comes out of nowhere. However, if I listen to the album in order, I do like listening through the end because the change in feeling ties into the next song.

Favorite line: “You try to push me out. But I just find my way back in. Violet, blue, green, red to keep me out, I win.”

Shuffle

8

Mariners Apartment Complex: A piano’s strong, melancholy theme

and acoustic guitar star in this song reminiscent of a folk ballad. Del Rey’s voice is laid-back until the passion hits in the chorus. This song has a more sorrowful feel than the last, providing a nice juxtaposition. You’ll feel misunderstood yet empowered to stay true to yourself. The song ends with techno beats that repeat throughout the album.

Favorite line: “They mistook my kindness for weakness. I f----- up, I know that, but Jesus, can’t a girl just do the best she can?”

Play

tial discombobulation due to the synthetic drums and brass that give a very different tone. The backing music and Del Rey’s voice combine to create a schmaltzy and jazzy tune. It’s like the soundtrack to a tragic story you watch from afar. As in “Doin’ Time,” I appreciate the beat and instrumentals as well Del Rey’s breathy vocals. Although this is a sad song with many stark minor chords, it ends on a hopeful note with a simple major triad.

Favorite line: “He moves mountains and pounds them to ground again.”

but I really like the rich chorus that builds up then crashes over you like a wave.

The chorus redeems the song for me, and the second verse is more engaging than the first as the music gets stronger. However, I still fight the temptation to press “skip” when this track comes on, which is disappointing because I like the lyrics’ message of taking initiative.

Favorite line: “I wanted to reach out, but I never said a thing.”

listening to this is “hopeful.” The verses, pre-chorus and chorus each build upon the previous to create a feeling of whirlwind romance.

Favorite line: “Whatever’s on tonight, I just wanna party with you. Topanga’s hot tonight, I’m taking off my bathing suit.”

era. The lyrics suggest a fall from grace, but the song itself is fantastic to listen to with flowy vocals accompanying strong instrumentals. I imagine Del Rey saying goodbye to a past life, looking back with wistfulness and longing but still finality.

Favorite line: “If this is it, I had a ball. I guess that I’m burned out after all.

strong, rich vocals in the verses, but the chorus is what really got me. The piano in the background creates a cascading waterfall of tension with descending notes, emphasizing the importance of haste in the story being told. An interesting facet of this song is the purposeful stuttering of the word “bartender,” which takes crisp vocals to a new level.

Favorite line: “The poetry inside of me is warm like a gun.”

all-time favorite from this album. The feeling I get from it is frustration: being tired, angry and sad with yourself and others. It has no faults for me, which is an impressive feat. There are four distinct melodies to this song, and I love all of them. The song transitions from self-pity and acceptance of trauma to picking yourself up and demanding more.

Favorite line: “If he’s a serial killer, then what’s the worst that could happen to a girl who’s already hurt?”

Raw and all-telling, this song highlights Del Rey’s unfettered voice and emotions by limiting the accompaniment to a piano. The song discusses holding onto hope, yet conveys a sense of hopelessness. Hope bursts through only in the final moments of the song, when the words “but I have it” are sung, a fitting end to the album.

Favorite line: “They write that I’m happy, they know that I’m not. But at best, you can see I’m not sad.”

12

Endpoint • November 12, 2019

The Octagon

STORY AND GRAPHICS BY LARKIN BARNARD-BAHN

R

educe. Reuse. Recycle. This mantra permeates classrooms and popular culture, but many students don’t learn — or they forget — what belongs in the recycling bin, according to Jay Holman, director of the physical plant.

“I don’t think it’s common for young people to know anything (about recycling),” he said. “It all comes through teaching and learning, so it should be taught (from) a young age. It could be taught in all divisions because some people still don’t do it.

“I don’t know where along the line that education fails. I don’t know if it’s because we don’t have enough adults or students that are taking charge to help keep it going.”

While various Country Day clubs — such as the 2015 Environmental Awareness Club — and former garden coordinator Michael Covey have started recycling initiatives in the past, Holman said he “doesn’t really know how successful (those efforts) have been.” “(Recycling clubs) start off with everyone wanting to do it, (but) it has just never seemed to continue throughout the whole

Were you taught in school which items are recyclable?

47%

Which of these items can you recycle?

year and then carry on the following year,” Holman said. “There always seems to be a reset.”

A sustainable recycling club requires “committed” leadership, such as a student who runs the club from freshman to senior year, he said. “(This way), at the end of the year, it’s not handed off to someone else or just dropped until someone else decides, ‘Hey, this is important, we need to do something.’

However, in order to inspire a “culture of change,” Holman said everyone needs to be involved.

“It’s not just on adults or students — it’s on everyone,” Holman said. “I’ve taken steps, but I’m limited in what I can do. I can’t police people to make sure they’re throwing things in the correct bins, and (SCDS) doesn’t have the manpower to sort the recycling (from the trash).

“You have to hold people accountable.

That peer pressure to make people do the right thing is probably more useful that me implementing policies and shiny receptacles.”

97%

Empty plastic water bottle

96%

Cardboard box

87%

Empty plastic milk jug Plastic bag

63%

Envelope

62%

Used paper plate Half-empty soda can

18% 13% Item can be recycled

Data from a Nov. 7 Octagon poll of 98 students. Dark colors represent student responses.

Item cannot be recycled

SOURCE: REPUBLICSERVICES.COM

When SCDS custodians notice that a recycling bin is contaminated with trash, they are required to throw away the bin’s contents, according to Holman. Of Country Day’s 15 recycling cans, the contents of one or two are thrown in the trash daily. “(The custodians) are not digging through it and looking to see if it’s contaminated,” he said. “But if they open it up, and they see food all over it and a mix of trash, then it gets bagged up and thrown in the trash.”

✓

Empty plastic bottles and aluminum cans ARE recyclable.

Food and food-stained items ARE NOT recyclable.

✓

Paper and cardboard ARE recyclable.

53%

Yes

No

Where do you put an item when you’re unsure if it can be recycled?

11%

89%

Recycling

Trash

Data from a Nov. 7 Octagon poll of 98 students.

Clear recycling bags replaced black ones, distinguishing them from the black trash bags. Before this, confusion caused custodians to throw away “a lot” of the school’s recycling, according to Jay Holman, director of the physical plant.

PHOTOS BY EMMA BOERSMA

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NORAMCOBAG.COM

About three years ago ...

RECYCLING DOS AND DON’TS These two recycling bins from the middle school quad are contaminated with trash. PHOTOS BY EMMA BOERSMA

Every trash can was paired with a recycling can to give people a convenient choice, according to Holman.

“If all you see is the trash container, you’ll throw that recycling in a trash container,” he said.

M

T

W Th F

Because of these changes, the amount of recycling SCDS produced doubled, so Country Day switched its recycling pick-up days from Wednesday to Tuesday and Thursday, according to Holman.

Republic Services, which also collects SCDS’s recycling, picks up the school’s trash on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.