Hornet's Nest | May 15, 2020| Vol. 5 | Issue 7

HORNET’S NEST Proctor Academy | May 15, 2020| Vol. 5 | Issue 7

NYTimes. © Getty Images

Call of Duty

By Sean Slick

A candid story of one nurse’s experience during COVID-19.

“It’s eerily quiet when I walk in, I can’t enter without proper personal protective equipment, and the perpetual questions ‘Do you have a cough, headache, fever symptoms? Let’s take your temperature.’”

I recently had the pleasure and privilege to discuss the current situation with a nurse providing hospital healthcare. At her request, due to the location of her job, I am going to refrain from personal identification and just share her experience on the front lines battling the coronavirus.

The day to day routine has changed drastically, normally hospitals are bustling with frantic civilians in search of medical treatment, but that flow has diminished and now most of those who occupy the beds within hospitals are those in need of coronavirus treatment.

Every day she suits up, strapping on her N95 mask, putting on the protective gown, taping down her gloves, and putting on her face shield. Friends in other hospitals had been talking about how heavily strained their resources were. It was only a brief period of time before she too began tending to a patient suspected of having the virus.

“Opening the door to a patient’s room and stepping into the room invokes some fear (did I put on everything correctly? Does this mask fit me ok?) Constantly hearing about the pandemic on the news makes the virus seem like a monster. But in the room, one on one, you simply feel human. There is an unspoken bond that we (the patient & myself) are both trying to get through this together. The compassionate and humane side of providing care during these times easily (and quickly) comes through.”

The procedures are extremely important when treating such a contagious disease. Mitigation techniques within hospitals are key to slowing the spread. “During the shift, my biggest concern is exiting a patient’s room. In my opinion, that’s my biggest risk of exposure. Taking off PPE that has been exposed requires a thoughtful, methodical approach, and if time & staffing allow, a

second set of eyes to watch you take it off correctly.”

Currently, the life of most nurses comes with constant stresses and strains on life. Once her shift is over the next task is exiting the hospital doors, distancing herself from everyone, and again methodically entering and sanitizing her way into her house where she faces another challenge. Avoiding contact with her newlywed.

“When I get home I leave my other set of shoes outside and walk on a towel to the bathroom where I place all my clothes from traveling to/from the hospital on the towel and throw directly in the washer.

Of course, then I take a shower. I’d assume this is what causes most healthcare workers a lot of angst. The idea of bringing home the virus to their families. It is unnerving to think you could bring an illness home to people that you love.”

She noted that this is not regularly her job, she was called to serve in a hospital as part of an ‘all hands on deck’ in preparation for the outbreak. I ask her about nurses who are in other parts of the country and in other hospitals.

“I do reflect on the socioeconomic disparities this virus highlights. I recognize I am fortunate to drive my own car to and from work (no need to rely on public transportation to get to the hospital) and I have access to enough space inside my home to separate myself from my husband so I don’t potentially get him sick! A lot of workers and families in densely populated areas don’t have that luxury.”

After our conversation, I reflect on the issues. I am not a person that the CDC would consider vulnerable or at risk.

My own biased opinion is that we should be getting the economy on track again and that this country needs to reopen because as I am writing this a news alert slides across my screen that 30 million jobless claims have been filed.

However, there is no simple solution with a variety of unknowns looming over this decision.

So for now, I will continue to do my part to slow the spread and help front line workers get through this. As we wrapped up our conversation she observed, “Your personal actions DO make a difference, it may not appear that way now, but the more time we have for mitigation efforts and a controllable hospital situation, the better we will be in the end.”

Quarantine Diets: Better or Worse?

By Rio Hashimoto

For the past two months, the quarantine has changed every aspect of our lives. One such factor that has been forced to morph has been what we eat. Are the changes good or bad?

I sent out a diet survey to the Proctor community and of the 43 responses, 44% said the quarantine made their diet better, while 30% said it made it worse, and about one quarter said it didn’t affect their diets.

Some noted improvements as they couldn’t “make impulse purchases of junk food” and some noted, “their diet worsened, because they snack way more.”

As a ‘go to’ snack, a full ten percent of the Proctor community expressed their love of nachos. Who would think that nachos would be the most popular snack food during the “end of the world?”

To get more personal information about diets during the quarantine, I interviewed two seniors and classmates, Mackenzie Timbrell and Steve Jensen. Mackenzie is a four year senior who loves olives, Steve is also a four year senior who has quarantined in San Francisco, California.

Mackenzie, quarantined locally, stated, “At first it was harder because I don’t usually eat that much at home; I usually eat at school. Trying to think of new things to eat so I didn’t get bored was kinda difficult, but now I’ve gotten more into a rhythm.” She cooks more now because of the quarantine.

She observed, “Right now I’m eating, strangely, better than I would have, because every time I cook I’m thinking about what I’m going to put in my food and I’m always thinking about what I’m eating. I like what I’m eating, but sometimes I wish that I could go out and buy food from somewhere.” Mackenzie noted, “My favorite quarantine snack food are vegetable spring rolls.”

Steve stated that “The quarantine hasn’t really changed my diet at home. It’s definitely changed from what I eat at school because I pay way more attention to what I eat at school than at home. I have been helping to make a lot more of my food and am helping my family cook meals.” In addition, Steve shared that “Mangos

and pancakes are my favorite quarantine snacks.” We all have our quirks.

It seems as though the quarantine has improved diets in the Proctor community and has spurred some new food selections.

Whether it’s nachos or a plate of tofu and vegetables, I hope you find your happy diet.

ed another level of complexity to my racing and travels. It didn’t come without a lot of hard work, and prioritizing my work over my social life. Putting this much time and effort into one endeavor is a large sacrifice if you are willing to take a risk for the reward. I sacrifice a “normal” social life and typical Proctor student’s life in order to reach my goals in cycling.

During my time at Proctor, I have become a 3-time national cycling champion, a US record holder, a Pro Cycling Champion, and a member of the USA Cycling Junior Team. I achieved this all by having the willpower, determination, discipline, and dedication to succeed in cycling.

Muhammad Ali once said: “Champions are made from something they have deep inside them - a desire, a dream, a vision.

They have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.” This means that to be a champion, you must sacrifice yourself to a sport. The difference between being good or being the best is up to you.

My Cycling Endeavors

By Kaia Schmid

The pain hits me as my heart rate spikes to nearly 200 beats per minute and I want to scream in agony. The doubt hits me like a wave: “I can’t do it, I am going to get dropped, I can’t suffer any longer.”

I am a cyclist who often travels nationally and internationally to race my bike. I have been traveling for much of the last three years as I balanced my cycling development with my academic pursuits. All of this work has taken place as I skipped a grade and will complete high school in three years. Because of this I often get asked; “Do you even go to school?”, “How did you graduate in three years if you are traveling so much?”, and “Is it difficult to manage your work if you’re missing a lot of classroom time?”

Does Online School Deliver?

By Michael Gilerman

Seven weeks ago we introduced an online learning platform and the effectiveness of online school is still up for debate.

How are we really doing with this new model?

As you’d guess, it definitely is difficult to manage my work while away from school but it is possible. While away, I usually take advantage of all my free time by doing my work in airports, in the car, between bike sessions, and late at night in my hotel room. I also communicate with my teachers at least once every few days. Trying to finish my work while traveling can be very stressful, but when I communicate with my teachers and finish my work with accuracy, it proves to me and my teachers that I can balance my pursuits while away.

Experts have lots to say. Susan Dynarski of The New York Times writes, “After all, taking a class without a teacher requires high levels of self-motivation, self-regulation, and organization. Yet in high schools across the country, students who are struggling in traditional classrooms are increasingly steered into online courses.” Americaninno.com cites an MIT study that finds online schooling to be effective, “Massive open online courses are not only effective, researchers have discovered, they are as effective as what’s being traditionally taught in the classroom — regardless of how prepared or in the know students are. The article concludes, “Online learning outcomes are equal, or even better than, those produced in a traditional classroom.”

Graduating Proctor in three years definitely add-

What does the Proctor community think? I sent out a survey asking if online education was effective this spring, and 33%

of the forty respondents rated online education as “ineffective,” and 14% rated online education as “effective.” What’s behind these answers?

One student noted, “You can sit and listen to teachers lecture in front of your computer and not take in a single word that is being said.” Conversely, a respondent who rated online as somewhat effective stated, “ I think if kids engage in the material, it can be effective. There are fewer ways for teachers to hold kids accountable and class discussion is more difficult, as is testing. However, kids can certainly learn if they keep up with the assignments and reading and engage in class every day.”A teacher in support of our new online model said, “The key to this is the student being motivated/engaged, and the teacher willing to change their delivery of the information. My students who are engaged are learning wonderful things!”

Ellis observed, “Considering everything that is happening, I believe that we are lucky that we still are able to connect online for classes. That being said, I do not believe in the effectiveness of online school.

Proctor is built from personal connection and support, and I believe that the lack of these in today’s learning world is extremely worrisome.”

After the introduction of online schooling at Proctor, most people are reluctant to say the new system is effective. It may be awhile before we know how online classes impact the amount of learning in our community.

I spoke to two key members of our community, McKenzie Sudolnik and Jane Ellis.

Patty Pond: The Teacher, The Advisor McKenzie, a three year junior, peer writing tutor, and girls varsity hockey player, (pictured middle) commented, “Alright, I think based on all of the efforts from the faculty and staff, online school is mostly effective. The only problem I personally have with it is I don’t feel like I’m learning anything while I’m actually in school. I think a lot of my classes are really trying to replicate what school would be like if we were still on campus, and I personally think that focusing on the basic understanding of the content in our classes is more important than trying to make being stuck at home feel like Proctor, because it doesn’t and it won’t.”

Four year senior and School Leader Jane

By: Alex Hotz

Recently I received a package with no note. Just a quesadilla maker. I was unsure who the package was from at first, but with a little bit of time I realized it was my advisor, Patty Pond. Every Tuesday during advisory this year we made quesadillas and now we could continue our advisory tradition.

Patty is not just someone who brings our advisory quesadillas on Tuesday, but is a big part of our entire Proctor experience.

Sam Liddle explains, “Having Patty as an advisor is essentially the equivalent to having a parent on campus. In times when I struggled with my math class, she was ready to spend part of her evening

tutoring me. When we did Secret Santa as an advisory, luckily Patty picked me and I got an amazing gift basket that showed effort and care. Even while we’ve been away, Patty has displayed kindness by ordering quesadilla makers for each member of our advisory. I feel very lucky to have been given such a wonderful advisor.”

Patty works hard all the time to make sure to help out her students and advisees. Another one of her advisees, Ani Mclntyre, commented on Patty’s kindness. “Quesadillas are an advisory tradition and she wanted to keep it going even though our advisory is very far away from each other. She has made my first year at Proctor a very memorable one, and hopefully, there are more to come.”

We are planning for the next advisory to have a quesadilla competition. Of course it’s not the same as all being together.

Gathering for Saturday breakfasts at the Blackwater Junction, advisory dinners trying on wigs, or eating the snacks Patty brings to assembly (even gluten and dairy free for Aurora), she looks out for us.

Freshman Elliott Norris shared, “I am so excited to come back next year and have our first real advisory meeting in a very long time.” Even though we all miss our regular advisory activities even during this time of uncertainty and stress, Patty keeps us connected. If it’s the small things like checking up on us during advisory or the bigger things like sending an unmarked quesadilla maker with no notice, Patty brightens up our days and makes us miss our Proctor experience.

Grades: Tell us How you Really Feel

By Hannah Stowe

Do Proctor students feel the shift to a Pass/Fail grading system is the right choice or is it more stressful and confusing?

Proctor students are used to seeing a number when we look at our grades and many use them as motivation, but others find it too stressful.

In a survey sent out in April, 77% of the forty Proctor students that answered said that they liked the new system of grading.

12% of students said that they did not like the switch. Many students noted their opposition had to do with the amount of stress and worry about the grade you see when you log into MyProctor. Others said that it feels like doing well doesn’t mean as much.

One student explained, “The most motivating factor for me before [were] grades, and although unhealthy, it was specifically the number tied to the class and my overall GPA. Yet I also think trying to have an actual grade with online school, which is new and tricky (time zones, connection issues, etc) would not be smart.”

Although numerical grades are not being used for a cumulative grade, some teachers still post them so students can monitor how they are doing. 55% of students wished that all of their teachers would post their numerical grades so they can see their performance on assignments. Students noted that although it won’t affect their GPA, they still want to know how they are doing and if they need to work harder.

When it comes to our Pass/Fail grading system, there is no way to please everyone. The majority of Proctor students say that it has not affected their hunger to do well, and most students are happier with less stress.

Sophie’s Suggestions!

By Sophie Lyras

Everyone needs advice at some point in their life. During this unprecedented time, some people might need advice more than ever. Sometimes you don’t know where to turn, so here I am ready to offer help to the Proctor community. Welcome to Sophie’s Suggestions!

Netflix or reading? I KNOW I need to be reading every day, but lately my mind is so scattered that only Netflix series can keep my attention.

I’m starting to feel like a loser. Why am I not more disciplined? Help!

- Jen Fleming

Students’ opinions range widely on the subject of grade reporting, and junior Alex Hotz expressed mixed feelings. “Instead of getting an A, you are only getting a pass and it’s not as rewarding. In harder classes instead of getting a B, you get a pass which is nice and less stressful.” The lack of reward makes students put less effort into achieving their very best grades when some teachers don’t even show you your grade. When asked if pass-fail grades took away from her drive to work hard in certain classes, Alex responded with “Mostly no, because of effort grades. I am most motivated to do well in Physics because the teacher still expects the same caliber of work and I have to work hard to understand it.” Alex was happy with the Pass/Fail decision.

Dear Jen, I completely get where you’re coming from! During this quarantine when I’m not doing classes or homework I’m watching Netflix. I was a really big reader when I was younger, but now I’m much more into watching the movie then reading the book. With classes being online by the end of the day my eyes are tired, so I can imagine after teaching you’d be feeling the same way. During the school year I never have time to read for fun, but now especially on the weekends I have more time.

I think right now your goal of reading everyday is a good one to work toward, but maybe the reason you’re feeling like a loser or not disciplined enough is because right now the goal is too big. I’d suggest starting by making a goal to read once or twice a week and then from there gradually start trying to read more.

By starting with a smaller, more attainable goal you’ll feel good when you succeed. One other thing that might help is finding a book that you don’t want to put down. Finding a story that you’re invested in can make all the difference. I’m sure if you reached out to Heidi Thoma, the librarian, she’ll provide some great book suggestions. Happy reading and Netflix binging!

Should I dye my hair purple? Or maybe another color? My hair is currently dirty blonde. - Anonymous ‘21

Dear Anonymous, I think this is a great time to try something new with your hair! Considering it sounds like your hair is pretty light right now, it would make it easier to dye because you wouldn’t necessarily have to bleach it. If you’re not quite sure if you’ll like it, make sure to get a temporary dye that will wash out in a month or two. One bonus to being home is that if it doesn’t turn out well or you just don’t like it, there are ways you can hide it while on online classes. Once I found out that we weren’t going back to school I decided to try and dye the ends of my hair. I was surprised by how easy it was and how well it worked. I used Punky Colors temporary hair dye. It’s also vegan and cruelty free. If you need help deciding what color to go with I suggest an advisory vote! I hoped this helps and if you decide to go for it, I would love to see some pictures, good luck!

ing a different way of coping besides lying in bed. Finding that person you can contact any time of day is a really important step. Both the counselors Robin Mayer and Kara Kidder are great resources and are still available for talking during this spring. I’m always available to talk if you need more tips and tricks. I hope some of these ideas helped and good luck!

Do you have ideas on how I can manage my anxiety? A.B. ‘23

By Jonah MacAloon

Dear A.B., I’ve been dealing with anxiety for years and have learned ways to manage mine. Of course some of my tricks might not work for you, but I found when it was really bad for me I was willing to try anything. Listening to music is a huge way I relieve anxiety. Before a ski race, crew regatta or even a test, I put on my pump up playlist and jam out until I start to feel better. I try to let myself get lost in the music and only focus on the song.

Another thing I do is suck on a peppermint or chew a piece of gum. I learned that most of the time when we are eating we’re not normally in an anxious state.

You can bet I have a peppermint on me almost anywhere I am. It also helps with nausea which is one side effect of my anxiety. The last thing I suggest is talking to someone. It can be a professional or a friend or family member, anyone you trust and will listen to your concerns. I find that when I talk about what’s bothering me I end up feeling better or find-

The Man Behind P.A.S.S A lot of people know Tristan from his colorful emails or energetic announcements about movies, but not many people know just how passionate he really is about movies and why he decided to start his weekly film watching sessions.

Tristian Auyang, the man behind Proctor Academy Screening Sessions, is a threeyear senior. In his free time, he watches movies, writes reviews, takes online scriptwriting classes, and even makes some films of his own. Tristan had been fascinated with storytelling and creating imagery, so when he discovered the world of cinema he was immediately hooked.

“I’ve always loved storytelling, especially writing. So I got started with writing and reading a lot of short stories, especially horror literature… but there’s something really visual that I adored about cinema...

I like how elements of storytelling are combined with observation, so in a way, the visual storytelling is what I really love and adore, and that’s why I love movies.”

Tristan draws on inspiration from Akira Kurosawa and Ingmar Bergman, some of his favorite directors.

“There’s something I love about storytelling in movies, there are things that you can show but can’t tell.”

Proctor is limited in film making and scriptwriting classes, we have school musicals and some cameras available for student use, but no classes offered for students to learn about topics like cinematic history or scriptwriting. Tristan finds his motivation through teaching other people about this craft. He teaches people about films he loves with P.A.S.S and even teaches some classes on film editing with Adam Jones. Tristan saw an opportunity to share his knowledge and love for cinema with the school by creating P.A.S.S. Once a week Tristan plays a movie in Maxwell or the coffee house and invites anyone to enjoy the movie as a social experience. “Cinema can be a lonely thing but most of the time it’s meant to be an event, it’s a gathering, oftentimes film is intended to be a very social thing. I wanted to capture the social essence of cinema and have everyone come together to watch a good movie. I wanted to find people who are interested in movies, people who want to watch movies, and people who want to make movies.”

A lot of people wonder what is the future for P.A.S.S with Tristan graduating. For the past two years that P.A.S.S has been running, Tristan has offered more historical or obscure movies with the occasional cult classic. Because his offerings are not mainstream, Tristan gets varying amounts of people showing up to each of his screening sessions, sometimes there might be two people and sometimes there can be twenty. “P.A.S.S is so varying with different genres that some people come for certain movies and others don’t. This variable of unpredictability sadly gives P.A.S.S. a really uncertain future at the moment.”

Whether or not Proctor Academy

Screening Sessions continue, future students can look at it as an example of the benefit of sharing a passion.

ing and controlling students who misbehave as spectators.

Proctor faculty holds their students to a high bar making sure that all feel safe when competing at a sporting event. Proctor believes in making the atmosphere of games very exciting and positive. A great example of that would be the ‘keeper of the spirit’ at Holderness Weekend. Proctor as a community decides on one person who will be keeper of the spirit to spread loud and enthusiastic cheers through our community.

It’s Hard to Be A Hornet On The Sidelines

By Cooper Rice

Proctor’s four core values of honesty, compassion, respect, and responsibility are clear and rarely debated. However, being a Proctor fan at athletic games and adhering to Proctor’s core values and being respectful in a world of trash talk and putdowns feels impossible.

The Lakes Region has some of the most competitive sports in private schools, and Proctor’s sportsmanship has traditionally made it stand out more than other schools in the league. High School sports are a huge part of high school for a way to represent your school. Throughout my high school career, I have always been told to be a good sport and always respect the other team whether or not you are playing or spectating. I have definitely had my ups and downs with that, being on both the good side of spectating and being a bad spectator.

On the Proctor athletics page are our school’s as well as the NEPSAC (NE Prep School Athletic Conference) guidelines on sportsmanship. From my own experience, many schools that Proctor competes with (and we aren’t perfect) do not comply with these guidelines.

GUIDELINES FOR SPECTATORS 1. Spectators - whether students, faculty, parents, alumni or friends - bear important responsibilities to the school for the atmosphere and conduct of games, whether home or away.

2. Spectators should watch games from those areas defined by each school as spectator areas. They must not run up and down sidelines, call to players, coaches or officials in an unsportsmanlike manner, go onto the field of play, or deface property. Any action that detracts from the ability of coaches, players and officials to do their best is not acceptable.

3. Faculty members should remember that their responsibilities for student discipline and behavior extend to disciplin-

Even though the keeper of the spirit is only present at Holderness Weekend, we are still expected to be loud and positive towards our community members in athletic events, which is more fun than criticizing teams from other schools. A great example of a time Proctor demonstrated the core values was at a nighttime soccer game against a Lakes Region opponent this past fall.

A few faculty members from the opponent’s school “reached out to members of our faculty and shared how embarrassed they were by their own fans’ behavior at the boys’ soccer game, and were very impressed with how our students, the players in particular, handled themselves.” (KUA teacher). This is why we are always urged to be the bigger person and respectful - for moments like this soccer game.

It is fun to go to games and when some Proctor fans ‘push the buttons’ of the other team, our faculty keep us in check and remind us that we are better and that we need to hold ourselves to higher standards. Sometimes it might feel like it is hard to be a Hornet, but together, we can take the right path.

Student Faculty Trust

By Michael Gilerman

Proctor prides and markets itself as a place that has great relationships and trust among students and faculty. Is that really true here on campus?

Recently, I sent a survey out and talked to people on the issue of trust between faculty and students. There were 35 responses showing the trust in our community is strong.

Out of a 1 to 5 scale on the

state of trust here at Proctor, 14% rated it a 1 (the lowest), 32% rated it a three, 29% rated it a four, and 18% scored it as a five (the highest).

On teachforall.org, a website that discusses student and teacher relationships, Dr. LaKimbre Brown says, “ An essential component of meaningful relationships is trust. Trust is safety. Trust is comfort.

Trust is feeling that someone has your back. Trust is an environment where individuals can be their best selves.”

Lakimbre explains, “Trust is the most essential element in building relationships and improving learning. And once trust is embedded in the school culture, you can have more powerful conversations to help everyone grow and improve.”

Upon examination, the state of trust at this school isn’t as perfect as it advertises. Students and faculty were asked what builds trust between the two groups.

Two responses stated: “Shared experiences that nurture responsibility and honesty often build relationships of trust. Shared experiences - and observed interactions on the field or classroom help build those relationships.” Another interviewee stated, “Giving students freedom allows for trust to be built.”

There is plenty that erodes trust between the two groups. One response noted, “Dishonesty, hypocrisy, and sneakiness.

Students who try to ‘get one over’ on a teacher/coach or ‘get away with’ something hurts trust, but as I noted earlier, I don’t think that’s the majority of students - unfortunately, those behaviors often get amplified and so are seen as being more impactful than they might otherwise be. I think faculty who say one thing but do another lowers trust with students.” Another community member observes, “Discipline strains trust as we are reminded that we all must live by rules and there are consequences if someone doesn’t. When this happens, faculty become parent/police figures who can bring consequences.”

Jane Ellis, our student leader, and a four year senior commented on the situation. “ From being a Student Leader (no

big deal) I’ve learned that the faculty does in fact have a lot of trust towards the students.

From being a student, especially at Proctor, I think the trust of the faculty by the students is extremely less.

I believe this is because the faculty give out points or kick people out and they are automatically bad. I think this can be improved by simply forming more faculty-student relationships through more school-wide activities. I also want to say that I think the relationships between faculty and students are stronger at Proctor than other schools.”

Four year senior Jonah McAloon shared his observations.

“I’ve been here for four years, and I think at this point at Proctor trust is at its strongest right now.

I think in the past, just because there have been a lot more Majors and when I came here there was a sense that teachers were always trying to get you. Now it feels more like they’re trying to help you. Obviously there’s still a little bit of that sense, but I think it’s gotten better. I think communication is key. When Mike makes announcements about Majors that opens up communication which helps build trust. Just communication about new rules or possible rules is key.”

is strong, we keep those groups small.

There are small classes, small dorms.

Off-campus programs help people really get connected with a teacher or instructor. I think there’s a lot of opportunity for real relationships at this school. The first name basis helps to know each other and builds that trust. I like when we mix up things for orientation, for project period, even like kids going to polar swim.

The more we could do to create small experiences on campus that are kind of more similar to what’s happened off-campus, the more we could build trust.”

Some students say they don’t trust faculty on campus. The real question is are you making any effort to build that trust or mend a broken relationship? If you aren’t, you’re missing out on a lot of opportunities.

Quarantine Shows Birgit Preuss

If you have Netflix and are bored at home, it is likely that you have watched either “Tiger King” or “Outer Banks,” maybe even both. These two Netflix series have come out during this Covid-19 pandemic and are taking over social media. You need to know about Carol Baskin killing her husband or John B. finding the gold.

Karin Clough the Assistant Head Of School shared a faculty view.

On March 20th, when the pandemic started in the US and schools began to shut down, Netflix released the docu series about a crazy mulleted man who opens a wild big cat zoo in the middle of Oklahoma. The Harvard Crimson called it, “Exactly what viewers are looking for: an immersive world that, despite being nonfiction, is even more unbelievable than the one we live in.”

“ I think in general there is a very good sense of trust between faculty and students. Usually, the advisory relationship

The series takes you deep in the life of several wild cat owners, rescuers and zoo workers who are straight out weird.

However the centerpiece of it all is Joe Maldonado-Passage (aka. Joe Exotic). There is no way to describe him, but it is clear that Carole Baskin, an animal rights activist, is his one true enemy. But then again who doesn’t hate her, since she obviously killed her husband. As funny and chaotic this show is, it does portray the mistreatment of exotic animals and brings awareness to people about wildlife trafficking in the United States. However, as fellow junior Sophie Lyras reported, “When I started watching it I realized it was a complete train wreck and had to see how it was gonna end.” So if you have not watched it yet, maybe it is time to start doing quarantine right.

A show on most teens minds the last few weeks is the mystery series that has you dreaming about summer and the beach, “Outer Banks.” According to an Odyssey article, “The characters go on a ‘Goonies’ meets ‘The O.C.’ type of adventure that takes your mind off of coronavirus and quarantine, if even just for a little bit.” A group of teens are in search of treasure and a constant feud with the wealthier side of the island during the summer months in Outer Banks, NC. Between romances and fist fights, the only thing on these teen’s minds is the gold and their friendship. I’ve had many people recommend it to me in the last week, and although I feel I have seen better series, it still is a worthy quarantine distraction.

Most Proctor students I have talked to have watched at least one of these during the boredom of social distancing. Although made for different audiences, both series deserve a look. So far we know Joe Exotic is in jail and the Outer Banks could be a place worth visiting once the pandemic is over.

What will Netflix come out with next?

Mike’s White Space

By Jack Fedele

Mike Henriques’ plan to retire from Proctor was a surprise to many of us. This is Mike’s 15th year at Proctor Academy, and this winter I spoke with Mike about what the school has given him, and what he hopes it offers to others.

As we sat down in his office, I noticed paintings and pictures around the room, such as visiting European Classroom. It was a warm room, and as Mike settled across from me, I asked, “What do you love about Proctor?” Mike replied, “There are so many opportunities on and off-campus, so what do I love about it? I love the forge, I love the woodshop, I love the fact

that we have thousands of acres. Whether it’s an off-campus program or something on campus, there are so many opportunities for everyone to take advantage of. Where does that happen? That just doesn’t happen at other schools.”

I wondered about the next step. ”Out of all the great things at Proctor, what would he miss the most?” Turns out it’s the community.

“There are amazing adults in this community, there are amazing students in this community, and I know I will miss that.”

Mike recalled the benefits of living in a school, “When I walk into Slocumb and see some of the artwork that is happening there, I’m learning from students.”

Now the school is not perfect, and I wanted to know about something he’s happy to leave behind. While Mike absolutely loves Proctor, everyone has to have one negative. “One thing that I won’t miss, there’s a lot of worry that comes with this job… there are 370 students and there are 190 employees, and we’re spread across this country… There’s always the possibility that something could go sideways.” Most students and faculty will never have to worry about so many people, but to have all that to manage would be extremely challenging and Mike does incredibly well.

What’s part of Mike’s guide to Proctor? I wondered what Mike recommends students should take advantage of while here.

Mike said, “I think it’s going to be different for every student, but every student should push out of their comfort zone. I believe the best way to do that is an off-campus program.” I think of the photo of Mike visiting our students in France.

This leads to something everyone is eager to know: what will he do after Proctor? “I’m not exactly sure what I’m going to be doing. I have art that I want to work on; I’ve discovered painting, drawing, and sketching while visiting European Art Classroom, and I feel there’s a ton of things I can learn there and I want to keep growing.” As we’ve heard in some assemblies, his art is a real passion.

Many people wonder where Mike will be after Proctor, and I asked if he’d like to work at another school. “I can’t see going to work at another school; it’s not going to resonate the way Proctor does for me.” But this isn’t to say it’s the end, he might take a year and want to go back to teaching, possibly overseas.

Will we see Mike after he retires? “The first thing is, whoever comes in as Head of School, I need to give that person space.

The last thing that a new Head is going to want is the old Head looking over his or her shoulder… but I will definitely stay connected with the school. I did promise Lyric that I would come back for his graduation.”

Mike has done a terrific job as Head of School, and I think everyone can agree on that. We’re looking forward to seeing what Mike will do, and although it’s uncertain, we’ll be sad to see him go next spring.