September 2018 Issue by SPA Publications

the

the student newspaper of St. Paul Academy and Summit School 1712 Randolph Ave - St. Paul, MN 55105 Volume 46. Issue 1. September 25, 2018.

IN DEPTH P. 8-9 Escapism: imagination or procrastination?

NEWS P. 2 SAC announces “out of this world” homecoming dance

IN THIS ISSUE: 1 // Cover 2-3 // News 4-5 // Opinions 6 // Sci-Tech 7 // Health 8-9 // In Depth 10-11 // Feature 12-13 // A&E 14-15 // Sports 16 // Photo Story www.rubiconline.com Facebook Instagram

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the student newspaper of St. Paul Academy and Summit School 1712 Randolph Ave - St. Paul, MN 55105 Volume 45. Issue 8. May 30, 2018.

FROM THE COVER:

IN DEPTH P. 8-9

Students share their experiences with escapism

Sophomore Fiona Rucker draws when she wants to unwind after doing her schoolwork. “Usually, I try to do artwork after my homework... it feels like five minutes is thirty seconds when I’m doing art,” Rucker said.

NEWS P. 2

COVER DESIGN: Quinn Christensen

SAC announces “out of this world” homecoming

IN THIS ISSUE: 1 // Cover 2-3 // News 4-5 // Opinions 6 // Sci-Tech 7 // Health 8-9 // In Depth 10-11 // Feature 12-13 // A&E 14-15 // Sports 16 // Photo Story

NEWS

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Read the full story, IN DEPTH 8-9

Students engage with interactive global refugee exhibit

IMMERSE. “It was informative to be able to engage in the journey many refugees undertake,” senior Kenzie Giese said.

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RUBICONLINE PHOTO: Mimi Geller

THE RUBICON - SEPTEMBER 2018

Homecoming plans shoot for the stars EVELYN LILLEMOE THE RUBICON EDITOR Homecoming only comes once a year, and SAC has put in a lot of time and effort to make homecoming the best it can be. This homecoming will have the same basic format as other years, but there will be some important differences. Co-Presidents of SAC, seniors Max Moen and Ethan Asis explain the ins and outs of homecoming this year. Activities during this year’s homecoming week will include a ping pong tournament, a dodgeball game, and the classic lip sync competition. “The lip sync is going to be better this year because last year what happened was a lot of people signed up but then

they canceled... So what we’re doing this year is we are adding a wait list, so if people cancel, then we’re going to try to get people who are in the waitlist performing,” Moen said. Dress up days are an important part of homecoming and a fun way to make a regular day special and to connect to other students over their costumes or outfits. The traditional USA dress up day is not returning this year. “The nature of USA day … is currently, given the political atmosphere, contentious,” Asis explained, “...USA day naturally is political and politics tend to divide us, and homecoming is all about coming together...I think [homecoming] is a time when we should get excited for the school year and we should feel like a really united community.”

After last year’s dance, many students requested a semi formal dance; however, the dance will be similar to past years. Though the formality of the dance won’t be changing this year, something else might be. “We’re also trying to change the location... just because the lunch room isn’t always the best place to dance, and we think that there’s a lot of other spaces in the school that would be a lot more fun.” Asis explained. The theme for homecoming this year is “Out of This World,” or space themed. In past years, SAC has rushed some things or not been able to thoroughly think through ideas, simply because of how little time they have before homecoming starts. To counter that, the SAC co-presidents got started earlier:

“I think we’ve been able to kind of plan ahead and give ourselves more time,” Asis said,SAC has also been putting in a lot of extra time outside of x-periods. “We have a really dedicated committee this year.” Asis said. Moen added: “We’re getting a good sense of teamwork and cooperation on SAC,” “You can check off boxes but you’re not going to get as much done until you have everybody putting forward their ideas and having a conversation about them,” Asis explained further. This is Moen and Asis’s first big event at co-presidents. “Obviously how well pep fest does is reflective of Max and my work,” Asis said, “...I think that homecoming and pep fest, knock on wood, will be a success.”

Monday: Class Color Day Tuesday: Twin Day Wednesday: Relaxed Flannel Day Thursday: Yacht Day Friday: Blue and Gold day

IT MADE ME “REALIZE THAT

2018-2019 Clubs A Cappella Club Adopted Female-Identifying Students of Color (AFISC) African American Boys Asian Student Alliance Black and Brown Girls (BBG) Business Club Check Other Common Ground Community Action and Service Film Club Gender and Sexuality Acceptance Club Girls in Tech HerSpace Intercultural Club Iris: Art & Lit Latinos Unidos Math Team Mispacha Meditation and Mental Awareness Club Musical Cinematography Club Muslim Student Alliance Outdoors Club People for Environmental Protection (PEP) PLAY Quizbowl Rainbow Connection RPGs Club Spartans Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Science Alliance Science Olympiad Ski Club Spartan Boosters Student Political Union Students for Social Justice Video Game Design Club Weightlifting Club

Dress up days: September 24-28

THERE ARE MANY MORE CLUBS AT SPA THAN I THOUGHT.

”

- Charlie Johnson

RUBICONLINE PHOTO: @therubiconspa on Instagram SCIENCE IN ACTION. Upper School Physics teacher Steve Heilig relaxes on a bed of nails.

Clubs fair aims to entice new members TOMMY STOPLESTAD THE RUBICON EDITOR The Clubs Fair marks the start of student clubs for the year. It took place during x-period on Sept. 6, where ninth graders learned about different clubs they could join. Ninth graders walked around the gym, eating candy, and deciding which three clubs they wanted to try out. Although the Clubs Fair is nothing new to the student body, many clubs are changing up how they are going to be run and what they plan to do throughout the year. SADD, or Students Against Destructive Decisions, is a prime example of a club that is

making some changes. “Our new approach this year is considering changing our name to a more positive acronym so that it feels like a happier and more inclusive club,” senior and president of the club Jane Brunell said. Although some clubs are changing, many clubs still carry the same goals from previous years into this one. “This year SADD wants to continue to educate the community on sexual consent, safe driving, and how to avoid making destructive decisions when you may be peer pressured to,” Brunell said. The Clubs Fair is the perfect time for clubs to recruit new members, and SADD uses this

time to give a pitch to all ninth graders who pass by their stand. “Our club is always open to new people. We love new opinions and would value [ninth grade members],” Brunell explained. While this is an important time of the year for every grade level, ninth graders get their first taste of upper school life and are able to incorporate themselves into the community even more. Ninth Grader Charlie Johnson was eager to see what clubs interested him and was looking forward to the clubs fair. “I thought that the clubs fair was a good experience and it made me realize that there are many more clubs at SPA than I thought,”

Johnson explained. With ninth graders being required to sign up for three clubs to try out, Johnson picked out a variety of different clubs. “I signed up for weightlifting club, SADD, and business club because they were all appealing to me and were all different,” explained Johnson. With the Clubs Fair being a great time to meet new people from the community, Johnson said, “I thought the best part of the clubs fair was how each person in the clubs really wanted the ninth graders to join and become a part of their club.”

Students explore creative outlets with Schilling design labs SEWING, WOOD CUTS AND LASERS. Students and faculty learn how to use the drill press in the design lab.

ISABEL GISSER PRODUCTION MGR.

RUBICONLINE PHOTO: Isabel Gisser

Upper School Design and Innovation Specialist Kirsten Hoogenakker aims to familiarize the SPA community with the new technology the Schilling Center offers. “We are ready to train students in on using the MakerBot 3D Printers and the Laser Cutter. We also have sewing machines and other crafting and soldering

equipment ready to go. In the coming weeks, I anticipate getting students started in the Wood Shop, which includes drill presses, a variety of saws, and a CNC Router, as well as creating designs for the Vinyl Printer and Cutter we have in the space as well,” she said.

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NEWS THE RUBICON - SEPTEMBER 2018

Voter registration a priority for seniors CLAIRE HALLAWAY THE RUBICON EDITOR For volunteer work to be truly rewarding and worthwhile, it needs be fueled by a passion and an interest first. With the midterm Congressional, state and local elections just around the corner, many students have taken advantage of the opportunities to get more involved in politics, both in and out of classrooms. Senior William Welsh works in Mankato with Dan Feehan who is running for Congress in Southern Minnesota. Welsh started his work over the summer and has been able to track the progression of the campaign as the election nears. “It hasn’t changed a whole lot, but I guess it was more focused on getting people to vote in the primary in the summer and now it’s more focused on the general election. It’s going to be a very close race so [Feehan] wants everyone he can to get out and vote for him,” Welsh said. For Senior Elea Besse, getting involved in volunteer work, specifically in politics, was just the opportunity that she was looking for. Besse had searched

for volunteer work without much success in finding something that she truly enjoyed. However, once she got involved in organizing voter registration drives, she found her passion. Besse first got involved last year at one of the anti-gun rallies at the Capitol. It started when she was asked to register to vote and transitioned into being the one asking others. “This woman came up to me and asked if I was registered to vote or if I wanted to be, but I said I wasn’t going to be 18 by the election,” Besse said. “She offered me some volunteer information and I told her that sounded really cool. We followed up later and I did some voter registration work over the summer. We’re going to plan to continue to do that in the fall before the election,” Besse said. Besse started volunteer work in the summer. This gave her the opportunity to get out into the community to encourage people to register to vote. Besse plans to continue her volunteering and hopes that marginalized groups can be more represented in government and that their needs are being met this fall.

“

WHAT WE’RE TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH FOR THE FALL IS GETTING PEOPLE OF COLOR... TO VOTE.

”

- Elea Besse

THE RUBICON PHOTO: Claire Hallaway VOTE. Senior Elea Besse holds voter registration papers. “What we’re trying to accomplish for the fall is getting people of color and marginalized groups to vote because I feel like their needs are really unrepresented right now and have been in politics and in government in general. I feel like the profile that is represented

in government is very white, straight and male-dominated. I feel like if we can get more marginalized groups’ voices out there, their needs can be better met,” Besse said. As part of the Political Actions Club, Besse will also be working on organizing a voter registration drive at school for any students who are going to be 18 before the election. This will make the process a lot easier for students so they don’t have to go out of their way to register. US History teacher Aaron Shulow has also incorporated real life experience into his Government and Citizenship class with political volunteering.

His goal is for students to learn more through their experience about how government really works. “A requirement of the class is to volunteer or attend government in action for at least 10 contact hours. So some students could choose to work for a campaign in Minnesota, anyone running for state or local office, so governor, senator, or house rep. Or, they can just watch government in action,” Shulow said. “I understand that people have a varying interest in government and politics, but I think it’s important for people to at least know how government works and why it works in a certain way, so if they don’t like it, they can change it,” He added. Taking advantage of what is around you is a great way to learn about how the system of government works and to see everything from a whole new perspective. “I’ve really learned how hard running a campaign is, there are about 5 full-time staff members and like around 20 interns, so it’s just a lot of people doing a lot of fund-raising and behind the scenes work that I never realized or appreciated,” Welsh said.

US Renovations mean out with the Old, in with the “new” Main LUCY BENSON THE RUBICON EDITOR As students navigate around blocked off construction zones in Old Main, the question comes to mind: what’s going on behind the closed doors? Well, as Upper School Principal Mr. Delgado puts it: “Refreshing and expanding.” The four stories of Old Main will get a new look to make room for the humanities. History and English classrooms will be expanded, adding tables for breakout groups, in addition to the traditional Harkness table so that students will no longer need to move into the hallway for group work. More space is not the only change coming to Old Main classrooms. Like those in the Schilling Center, Old Main classrooms will also now host lockers. While there has been some pushback from the student body regarding this change, Delgado explains that the free hallway space will be put to use as study spaces.

Both Debate and Wellness will resume their locations in Old Main after construction, both with expanded spaces. On the second floor, former administrative offices will be replaced with classrooms and will share the level with the Head and Assistant Head of School’s offices. History classrooms will occupy parts of both the second and third stories. The fourth floor will become the Center for Learning and Teaching, and Wellness and Debate will relocate to the first floor, accompanied by the infirmary. Delgado explains that the changes are not just cosmetic. “The shift that’s been happening over the last several generations is that we’re moving more and more intentionally in creating classroom spaces where we can really encourage students to collaborate, to discuss, and to work on projects together,” Delgado said. The renovations help to achieve this, but it is not possible without help from the teachers. “As far as teaching is concerned we’ve been in a really good place

Reprinted with permission from Mark Dickinson, Dir. of Operations ENGAGE. An artistic rendering of a renovated Old Main history classroom. and we continue to be in a really good place...I think what the renovations of the building are doing is helping us, helping our space catch up with our teaching practices,” Delgado said. He explains that the changes will help the school continue

to evolve and align with SPA’s values. “I think one of the things that’s really exciting about where we’re at as a school community right now is that our classes have changed enough over the years and teachers are have adapted

their courses to the point where more space is helpful,” Delgado said. If all goes smoothly, Old Main is set to open by MEA weekend, ending Oct. 22.

EDITORIAL THE RUBICON - SEPTEMBER 2018

MINI EDS

EDITORIAL

smartboard EDITORIAL THE RUBICON STAFF

chool is not a playground. But fun and learning can coexist in the same building. The opening of the new Hugh K. Schilling Center gave students access to new tools and spaces. Right away, students acclimated to the new facilities and began exploring their possibilities. Problems eventually arose because of a lack of direct communication between the administration and students in determining how these new spaces and tools are used. Many expectations involving the Schilling Center were unclear: Can the blinds be closed? Can the doors be closed? What can the SMART Boards be used for? What places are for socializing or studying? Oftentimes the administration expected one thing, and the students expected something different, which resulted in frustration for both parties.

A prominent example of this disparity is the new abundance of SMART Boards in the Schilling Center. The school chose to spend a significant amount of money on SMART Boards for the common areas, but they are currently being used solely as glorified whiteboards. As it stands right now, the administration’s solution is strict guidelines outlining a very limited use of the SMART Boards. The part of the Student Handbook the administration will point to, in this case, is the “Technology Acceptable Use Guidelines.”

“

THE BALANCE BETWEEN STUDY AND SOCIAL STATEMENTS HAS NOT YET BEEN REACHED.

”

The problem with this policy is not the text itself, but with the implementation and execution of the policies listed. When the administration presumes

that students are violating a policy, there is no dialogue, no conversation about what it means to use technology in an engaging and educational way. The expectations have not been clear and student input has not been considered, and as a result, many students have mixed feelings concerning these SMART Boards. Many of the things students have been doing that does not align with the current policies (e.g. playing video games) results from a lack of clear expectations. There exists a middle ground where students have freedom while respecting the values of the school. The same could be said for the execution of the “Common Areas” policy in the Student Handbook. At the time of writing, the handbook does not include explicit policies for the use of space in the Schilling Center. It includes policies for other spaces in the school, such as the library, but there is nothing concerning the new common spaces. The balance between social and study spaces has not yet been reached.

EDITORIAL CARTOON: Quinn Christensen

Schilling Center guidelines lack clarity

Quiet places to study were scarce before the arrival of the Schilling Center. However, now there exists ample space for both quiet and social areas. That means that this is the ideal opportunity for students and administrators to work together and find a middle ground they are both content with and confident in. In the past, there was a time for an updated dress code. After that, the need for an updated electronics policy was met. Now, at the point of monumental change to the structure of the building, the time has come for the administration to review the “Common Areas” and “Technology Acceptable Use Guidelines” sections of the handbook taking into account student voice. There are a couple ways to make this happen. USC could hold a forum where students advocate for what they expect from the new spaces. Additionally, the newly founded Student Technology Committee could hold an equivalent discussion to discuss appropriate use of the new SMART Boards.

THE RUBICON

Political issues “trend” on social media The internet has changed the way that we as a world work, live, and play. It has reshaped the way that we live our lives by allowing faster communication and access to information. It comes as no surprise then that the internet has also changed the way people get involved in politics. Issues like the Flint Water Crisis, Net Neutrality, and Gun Control to name a few all have “gone viral”, with thousands of people sharing the same few posts in the span of a few days calling others to take action. While this kind of activism is important, it seems that after a short period of time everyone forgets about the issues that previously dominated their timelines. This trend is problematic because even though the posts may go away once they lose virality, the issue most likely did not get solved in real life. Online political action is the first step, drawing people in and spreading awareness, but it is useless if those who are participating don’t actually come out and physically advocate and get involved. The power of political actions is only as strong as those who show up.

Compost bins in Schilling support environment The new Schilling Math and Science center has brought much needed change to the classrooms at St. Paul Academy and Summit Sch. A smaller, subtler change has also occurred. Walking through Schilling, students and faculty will see new green compost bins in addition to the usual recycling and garbage bins. Previously, compost bins only existed in the lunch room, with no other compost options in the rest of the building. Now, with the new compost bins, composting is made a lot easier for everyone to do, regardless of their proximity to the lunch room. While this may seem like an insignificant change, it is a small step that will further advance SPA’s attempts to being a more eco-friendly campus. In order to maximize the impact of the bins, students and faculty should take advantage of the copious amounts of bins to discard their compost in.

St. Paul Academy and Summit School • 1712 Randolph Ave St. Paul, MN 55105 • rubicon.spa@gmail.com • www.RubicOnline.com • @TheRubiconSPA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CHIEF VISUAL EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR STORY EDITOR NEWS EDITORS OPINIONS EDITORS FEATURE EDITORS IN DEPTH EDITOR ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS SPORTS EDITORS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR HEALTH EDITOR PHOTO STORY EDITOR

Jack Benson Quinn Christensen Chloe Morse Andrew Johnson Maren Ostrem, Lucy Sandeen Lizzie Kristal, Kat St. MartinNorburg Lucy Benson, Meagan Massie Jasper Green Eloise Duncan, Evelyn Lillemoe Julia Baron, Tommy Stoplestad Sharee Roman Jenny Ries Claire Hallaway

DIRECTOR OF RUBICONLINE CREATIVE DESIGN MANAGER PRODUCTION MANAGER SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER NEWS EDITORS OPINIONS EDITORS COLUMNIST FEATURE EDITORS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS ARTS CRITIC SPORTS EDITORS RUBICON T V PRODUCER INTERACTIVE STORYTELLING TEAM

Mimi Geller Noah Raaum Isabel Gisser Annie Bottern Martha Sanchez, Kelby Wittenberg Will Rinkoff, Isabel Saavedra-Weis Kieran Singh Sam Hanson, Melissa Nie Koji Gutzmann, Lynn Reynolds Michael Forsgren Emma Sampson, Bobby Verhey Ellie Nowakowski Tristan Hitchens-Brookins (Lead), Rylan Hefner, Liv Larsen, Tana Ososki

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Salah Abdulkarim, Eric Bottern, Sara Browne, Henry Burkhardt, El Chen, Noor Christava, Ganga Corsaro, Duncan Fleming, Adrienne Gaylord, Tessah Green, Josh Harrison, Addie Morrisette, Sarah Oppenheim, Anna Perleberg, Annika Rock, Elizabeth Trevathan ADVISER

Kathryn Campbell

PUBLICATIONS ASSISTANT

Kate Glassman

OPINIONS THE RUBICON - SEPTEMBER 2018

Civic duties must be accessible to students LUCY SANDEEN THE RUBICON EDITOR Helping tenants vote An effective democracy relies on its citizens’ civic participation, especially that of its young population. Voter participation primarily relies on registration rates. On Aug. 8, the St. Paul City Council confirmed 5-1 an ordinance that requires landlords to supply information to their tenants about how to register to vote at the time of lease signing or occupancy. The majority of the council believes that the ordinance is a minor burden whose beneficial results far outweigh its inconvenience. The ordinance was passed to increase voter turnout in local elections: in the November mayoral elections, only 27 percent of St. Paul’s voting-age population voted, according to the Pioneer Press. This ordinance is a good beginning in the effort to increase voter turnout. However, to truly reap the benefits of an active democracy, schools and colleges must also be required to distribute registration information to their students. The need for young voters Young voters ages 18-35 make up 31 percent of the voting-age population, yet account for only 19 percent of actual voters, according to Pew Research Center. According to that same study, baby boomers—citizens

Voter Turnout by Generation in 2016 51%

63%

69%

70%

vote consistently throughout their lives. By reaching out through high schools and colleges, we ensure young voters a lifetime of engagement and voting and increase their parents’ participation as well. While there are many arguments for lowering the voting age, we can start by making sure that those 18-yearolds who are eligible to vote act upon their civil rights. Increased Participation

Millienial

Gen X

Boomer

Silent/Greatest

Data courtesy of Pew Research Center Infographic Design: Kat St. Martin-Norburg SHOWING UP. Data gathered from the 2016 presidential election shows that only half of the Millenials, the youngest voting block, show up to vote. According between the ages of 52 and 70— Information and Research on representation. comprise the same percentage Civic Learning and Engagement, to a study published in the of the voting-age population, in the 2008 elections, 84 percent Cambridge University Press by yet represent 38 percent of of youth who were registered Jens Olav Dahlgaard, assistant actual voters. As a result, to vote actually voted. If access professor in political science at baby boomers have twice the to registration is made easier by the Copenhagen Business School, representation that young voters distributing information about which studied the voting patterns have in elections. In an age with registration, our democracy of various Danish municipalities, an ever-increasing presence of will move towards being a more parents with children who live youth activism and participation, accurate representation of its at home are more likely to vote when their children vote. The voter turnout for young people people, starting with the youth. same study finds that voters who is disproportionately low. Greater voter representation begin voting at a young age, Data points to registration as Increasing youth civic when still living at home, are the greatest impediment to doesn’t only more likely to develop habitual young voters. According to participation Tufts University’s Center for result in better generational voting patterns and continue to

Requiring schools to provide voter registration information to students is an easy way to ensure lifelong democratic participation and a pool of voters that is a better representative of our nation as a whole. Implementing programs similar to that of the new landlord ordinance in high schools and colleges is simple: schools can bring in representatives from political organizations such as Minnesota Voice to inform students as to how they can register to vote, or they can provide the needed materials for voter registration at their front office. The actions you can take to make this a reality are even more straightforward: call your local representatives and tell them to introduce a bill to require schools to inform their students of their civic duties. In the meantime, take matters into your own hands: volunteer with political organizations, go doorto-door, and register to vote yourself.

Semi-formal or forever casual? Homecoming dance dress requires a conclusion MEAGAN MASSIE THE RUBICON EDITOR The homecoming dance stands as a unique pride of the St. Paul Academy community. The ever-changing themes and the vibrantly-lit cafeteria are a certain draw for the event. The music jives upbeat and playful, and sure to get the students moving. The annual dance brings together the school in the cafeteria with a different theme each year. The school should focus on creating an upscale environment with semi-formal attire so that the students can have a classy dance to start off their year. Discussion has thrived in the school community about whether

the Students Activities Committee (SAC) should change homecoming into a semi formal like all other schools do. When asked what was going to change this year for the homecoming dance, vice president of SAC, junior Pia Schultz said, “We’ve been hearing a lot from the students that they wanted homecoming to be semi formal this year, but we took a vote and majority ruled for keeping it the same as in previous years.” Schultz went on to say that majority of the students on the SAC are seniors and since seniority rules for the most part, they decided to keep homecoming casual. Sometimes, the SPA community likes to incorporate change so the homecoming dance

“

WE TOOK A VOTE AND MAJORITY RULED FOR KEEPING IT[HOMECOMING] THE SAME AS PREVIOUS YEARS. - Pia Schultz

”

would be the perfect opportunity to mix it up a little. SPA is missing the mark on living up to their potential to create a classy and uniting environment by doing something new and exciting. There might be a quick fix for the student body

to get what they wanted if SPA hosted an additional dance in the fall, a “Back to School Dance.” That was casual. Then the actual homecoming dance, like other schools (Minnehaha Academy, The Blake School, and Breck), could be used as a semi formal dance with dresses and an upscaled venue such as decorating the gym with lights, cute decor, and potentially a photo booth. Upgrading the venue for homecoming has been a possible idea for SAC, but they are unsure of where and how it could happen. When asked about hosting the dance in the gym, Schultz said, “The gym is our main goal, but we have a couple issues because maintenance just

replaced the floor so they don’t want any high heels scuffing it or any food or drinks to spill.” By eliminating the issue of high heels, Schultz went on to say, “We were thinking about having a sock hop where no one would wear shoes which would really help girls so that they don’t get their feet stepped on.” If the dance became semi-formal, but everyone wore socks instead of dress shoes, SPA would keep their image of a unique and fun homecoming as well as changing to meet the community’s needs. The SPA community needs to start having a more widespread discussion about possible solutions for homecoming to become a semi-formal dance.

UPDATES AND CORRECTIONS

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SCI-TECH THE RUBICON - SEPTEMBER 2018

2 SIDES, 1 ISSUE: The straw debate Plastic Straw Ban is a step in the right direction JASPER GREEN THE RUBICON EDITOR A plastic straw ban would not completely solve the problem of pollution in America, but it is a public step in the right direction, with the hope of promoting more environmentally conscious lifestyle choices. The United States makes up five percent of the world’s population, consumes 30 percent of the world’s resources, and creates 30 percent of the world’s waste according to The Last Plastic Straw. In order to combat this country’s plastic gluttony, there needs to be plastic reform beginning with straws and eventually with all plastic that poses a threat to the environment.

“

START SMALL WITH THE TWIN CITIES AND SEE WHERE IT GOES. MAYBE IT WOULD GET MORE ATTENTION.

- Seth Grewe

”

From a study conducted by Australian scientists, Denise Hardesty and Chris Wilcox,

THE RUBICON PHOTO: Sharee Roman ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS. Not all compostable straws turn soggy like paper. Senior Jennifer Sogin said, “the bamboo straw feels just like a plastic straw.” there could be approximately 8.3 billion plastic straws around the coastlines of the world, a large portion of which coming from the United States. According to One Green Planet, over 1,000,000 marine birds and around 100,000 other marine animals, such as fish and sea turtles, die from plastic consumption every year. While this is only 4 percent of the 9 million tons of plastic that are added to the oceans every year, straws are especially harmful because of their size and shape. Because of how long straws are, they can get stuck in a

bird’s esophagus and restrict the airway, causing the bird to choke. The consumption of plastic is a major issue because once it gets in, it never gets out. According to One Green Planet, the petroleum bi-product polypropylene, which straws are made out of, does not naturally decompose in the environment. Instead, it photo decomposes into smaller and smaller pieces, and accumulates into large quantities making it easier to get into the food chain. Although fish consume relatively small the pieces of plastic, through biomagnification, it can

accumulate quickly up the food chain as each secondary and tertiary consumer is consuming all of the plastic that was inside the previous. Humans are not immune to the consumption of microplastics either, and according to thelastplasticstraw. org, microplastics can be found in the body of every human especially in fat cells and breast milk. According to Plastic Pollution Coalition, the chemicals that leach into the body from plastics are linked to causing cancers, birth defects, and other health issues. Moreover, these chemicals get into the groundwater and then into all of the lakes and rivers. Is holding onto the freedom of the straw worth destroying the natural order to the environment? Some say that the abolition of plastic straws would detrimentally affect disabled people, however reusable straws are not that overly expensive. Yes, even after the ban of plastic straws, we will still be hurting the environment almost as badly, but the point is not to solve the issue through one law. If it were that simple, it would have been done already. The point is to create many many laws that will chip away at our plastic gluttony and make the world a safer place one step at a time. Which side of history are you on?

Limiting straw options causes more harm than good ANDREW JOHNSON THE RUBICON EDITOR Recently, the use of plastic straws has been a hotly contested topic among environmentalists and concerned Americans. In the spirit of eliminating waste, plastic straws appeared to be a way to further the cause: straws aren’t essential to the dining experience, and by banning them, oceans, streets, and general society would theoretically benefit. The cause of improving the environment is an easy one to get behind, but beneath the surface, restricting plastic straws from the American public does more harm than good. First and foremost, the source of how many straws Americans used per day is, simply put, unreliable. According to the New York Times, the frequently-cited figure that 500 million straws are used every day in America comes from “a survey conducted by a 9 year old” in 2011. Objectively, this is problematic. Even if true, the fact that data used as reasoning to remove such a heavily-used piece of the dining experience comes from a child yet to reach the fifth grade is a major red flag. Instead, a more accurate figure would be that Americans use roughly 390 million straws a day, as reported by, the Freedonia Group. Not only is the number of straws used significantly smaller than

problem by furthering another. Moreover, outlawing straws would take them away from people who rely on them, like disabled people. Some disabilities force Americans to use straws to drink, and without them, they cannot do so. By not considering disabled people, advocates for banning straws lose credibility and add yet another reason why straws should be here to stay.

THE RUBICON PHOTO: Sharee Roman COSTLY CHOICE. Plastic straws cost 5 times less than compostables, part of why junior Ellie Hoppe questions a ban. the previous inaccurate number, but the fact that Americans are being misled by faulty numbers undermines the integrity of the argument to remove straws in the first place. Starting the conversation of protecting the environment is important, but starting it strong by attacking a major pollutant instead of a minor one is the right first step, so instead, attention should be focused on getting rid of bottle caps. As reported by NPR, straws account for roughly 7 percent of plastics in America per unit. By comparison, bottle caps make up more than 17 percent making straws a far inferior pollutant by weight, according to NPR. Furthermore, the proposed

replacement of plastic straws is not viable. According to the New York Post, the more environmentfriendly replacement straw made from plant-based materials take “forever” to decompose. Once they inevitably enter the ocean, they are “just as likely” to be harmful to sea animals and plant life as regular straws. The straws would have a paper-like texture, which would become soggy, resulting in the average user using more than one per sitting. Even though paper is a renewable source, the amount of time needed to make up for the amount of trees that would be inevitably lost would be unproportional. Environmentalists should not try to fix one environmental

“

IF EVERYWHERE HAD REUSABLE STRAWS THAT WOULD BE MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE AND... JUST AS WASTEFUL. - Ellie Hoppe

”

There is room for change. The anti-straw movement is picking up steam, but it is up to ablebodied people to make sure straws are available to all who need them. Talk to friends, representatives, and environmentalists. Refocus the passion for change towards a more environmentally detrimental material, such as bottle caps. Otherwise, they may be gone before it’s too late.

Should there be a ban on plastic straws at the: National Level 48% yes

52% no

State Level 64% yes

36% no

Twin Cities Level 66.7% yes

33.3% no

Based on a poll sent out to 100 students in grades 9-12 with a 50% response rate. INFOGRAPHIC: Sharee Roman

A BRIEF HISTORY JULIA BARON THE RUBICON EDITOR Plastic straws have sparked much controversy in recent months because of the amount of waste that they are bring into the environment especially the ocean. Many brands and even some cities have decided to ban plastic straws: Seattle is currently the largest city that has banned plastic straws and companies like Starbucks “pledged to phase out the use of plastic straws”. While the plastic straw pollunts earth’s environment, plastic straw companies provide jobs that keep the unemployment rate down said CNN. Futhermore, according to CNN, plastic straws cost 5 to 6 times less than paper straws and are considered more hygienic because they are disposable. The paper straws however are less durable, and get soggy, are biodegrable said Ocean Conservancy. Yet, plastic straws continue to be more widely used than paper straws. Environmentalists debate whether plastic straws are the most important thing to focus on. Plastic straws only account for 0.025% of the plastic that is ending up in our oceans. Contrarily, 8 million tons of plastic flows into the ocean every day. The plastic straw production forces companies to do more oil and gas extraction and use more electricity to power the plastic plant production. Environmentalists are putting their focus on plastic straws because, for most people, they are a unnecessary luxury that could be done without. The discussion around plastic straws continues to be an important one as politicians and scientists analyze the pros and cons of their usage.

HEALTH

When self-care turns careless

THE RUBICON - SEPTEMBER 2018

Thinking of following a self-care Instagram?

Ask yourself a few questions first.

The rise of self-care Instagram accounts may cause more harm than good

Does the account have any sponsors? Are the posts “diagnosing” medical conditions? What sources are used to validate the suggestions?

THE RUBICON PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: Jennifer Ries WHICH IS TRUE SELF-CARE? Sophomore Lucia Granja relaxes with a face mask while sophomore Gabriella Thompson looks stressed while looking at a self-care Instagram account on her phone. after the presidential election. thousands of self-care posts “How to grow your boobs,” and LUCY SANDEEN THE RUBICON EDITOR Countless articles and blog posts from four different accounts, “How to have an hourglass body” began appearing, urging readers a clear pattern emerged: flood nearly every “self-care” to take care of themselves. On almost every self-care post Instagram feed. Some of these History of self-care Nov. 9, just one day after the falls under the category of posts are factually incorrect: As society becomes ever election, Bustle online magazine dieting/food, workouts/body there is no way to increase one’s more aware of the importance recommended its readers to improvement, makeup/skincare, breast size through exercises like of mental health, we have make to-do lists, practice saying fashion advice, study habits/ push-ups, or by eating more tofu, also devoted our attention to “no” to others’ demands, drink school advice, personality/ and the shape of one’s legs, or the importance of self-care. more water, and do yoga in the social habits, and mental health. their ability to obtain a “thigh Relatively self-explanatory, “self- morning, among others, in an Every single category focuses gap” is dependent not on fitness care” is the act of consciously article titled “15 Little Ways To not on supporting one’s well- but genetics and bone structure. and deliberately focusing on Practice Self-Care And Improve being but in different areas of By giving girls the unrealistic one’s well-being to support one’s Your Mood.” self-improvement. While some notion that they can change mental health. It originated forms of self-improvement are aspects of their body that are as a medical term for those Instagram and self-care benign or even beneficial, such as fixed, these “self-care” Instagram who required a higher level of Over the past couple of years, helpful study tips, others either accounts are potentially setting personal care, such as the elderly and especially this past summer, encourage unhealthy thinking or girls up for an unhealthy body and those with mental illness. another definition of “self-care” promote unrealistic expectations. image and a feeling of failure and According to Slate magazine, has emerged through hundreds inadequacy. the term became political in of self-care Instagram accounts Body image and selfSome accounts preface these the 1960s and the 1970s when run primarily by teenage girls posts with a disclaimer: “first women and people of color used and rooted in insecurities care on Instagram [sic] of all,” Instagram account self-care as an act of resistance coupled with a wish for selfBy far the most concerning, @slfcarebabe writes, “depending against the white and patriarchal betterment. This new definition and among the most frequent, on your body type & genes it medical system that ignored of self-care as self-betterment posts are those that fall under the might be harder for your boobs their needs. is dangerous and heartbreaking “workouts/body improvement” to get bigger. so [sic] you should Self-care saw another and ultimately reveals some of category. Hundreds of posts with learn to love yourself regardless, resurgence in 2001 after the the standards that we place on titles such as, “7 day flat stomach also I’m [sic] not telling you that 9/11 attacks as an antidote to the teenage girls and how deeply challenge,” “How to get a bigger you need big boobs. there’s [sic] a collective trauma that America girls internalize them. butt in 2 weeks,” “How to get pros & cons to big & small [sic].” experienced, and again in 2016 After scrolling through slimmer thighs/a thigh gap,” These disclaimers, however, are

from the GOOD FOR YOU blog JENNIFER RIES THE RUBICON EDITOR Beep beep beep! The blaring of your alarm shocks you awake. You look around your room, see your notes for today’s quiz strewn over the floor, where you left them when you collapsed into bed at 12:30 last night. You have to get ready now, or you’ll be late. If only you could con-

How does looking at the account’s posts make you feel?

empty and disingenuous. Writing a lackluster “disclaimer” does not remedy the fact that these accounts are posting factually incorrect threads encouraging girls to “improve” their body so that they fit society’s standards of beauty and worth—all under the masquerade of “self-care.”

Self-hate vs. self care While some posts can provide helpful outfit inspiration or study tips, the vast majority perpetuate insecurity and impossible standards in teenage girls. Even those posts which are benign or helpful do not qualify as self care. These Instagram accounts, much like many forms of influential media, profit off of girls’ insecurity and false hope, all while claiming that they are promoting “self-care.” By doing so, they not only reinforce society’s impossible standards but convince girls that hating their bodies (or their personalities, or their skin, or any other aspect of their beings that these posts target) is a form of self-care.

How much sleep should you be getting? vince your eyes to stay open… The school routine resumes, and you may find yourself cutting back on sleep in order to accommodate the rigor of a new schedule. Between academics, sports, and other extracurriculars, sleep is often not made a priority, after all, being well-rested won’t get you an A on that math test, right? Not exactly.

According to the Harvard Women’s Health Watch, while people sleep, their brains are doing memory consolidation, allowing them to remember what they learned while they were awake. Additionally, according to the HWHW, not getting enough rest can make concentrating difficult. Beyond academic achievement, being well-rested lowers

the probability of your drifting off at inopportune moments, such as behind the wheel of a car, according to the HWHW. According to the National Sleep Foundation website, each year over 100,000 car crashes occur as the result of drivers drifting off or driving in a drowsy state. Finally, according to the Harvard Women’s Health Watch, not getting enough sleep in the

long term may have negative effects on your heart and immune system. So how much sleep should you be getting? According to the National Sleep Foundation website, people between the ages of 13 and 19 should sleep for between 8 to 10 hours per night in order to operate the most effectively. So put down the textbook, and go to bed.

IN DE

THE RUBICON - S

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What is Escapism? LIZZIE KRISTAL The Rub con Ed tor

FEEL MORE “ IRELAXED AND

JENNY RIES The Rub con Ed tor

TO THE MAINTINENCE OF THE NATIONAL MORALE...

[MUSIC] KIND OF HELPS ME DEAL WITH THE SITUATION... MORE ACCEPTING, RATHER THAN TO GO AND ATTACK.

- William Hays

- Rashmi Raveendran

It can be challenging for humans to always live in the moment when faced with stressors or if they are not satisfied with life. Escapism is a way to break away from this by using distractions such as watching television, reading books, and listening to music to leave one’s problems behind and be transported into a positive feeling.

MEDIUM HAS CONTRIBUTED “NO MORE GREATLY THAN THE FILM

”

Sociological Escapism Sociological escapism is a bad occurrence of events, such as a stressful day at school, or political issues. During the Great Depression, every business Sowas in trouble but the movie theaters. Families who could barely afford to put food on the table still paid to go to the movies in order to escape from their realities. Life was rough with little money, but going to a movie helped Americans to feel better. By using escapism, people are able to get away from their life problems and spend some time in an alternate world. “No medium has contributed more greatly than the film to the maintenance of the national morale during a period featured by revolution, riot and political turmoil in other countries,” William Hays, head of the Hays Commission, said.

THE RUBICON PHOTO: Quinn Christenson JAMMING. Sophomore Rashmi Raveendran listens to music as a relaxing form of escapism.

GETS ME THROUGH MY EXAMS, “ [ESCAPISM] MY WEEKENDS, MY WEEKNIGHTS... PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING, AS THERE’S ALWAYS A STRESSFUL EVENT ON THE HORIZON.

”

- Zeke Lam

Social-Psychological Escapism

I “USUALLY, TRY TO DO

Social-psychological escpaism is when people have troublesome social interactions with others, such as an awkward conversation with a teacher, a confrontation with a friend, or the main culprit: loneliness. Because, some part of one’s social life is absent from their reality to create loneliness, it leads to a downward spiral of sadness and anxiety that makes many turn to escapism.

ARTWORK AFTER MY HOMEWORK... IT FEELS LIKE FIVE MINUTES IS THIRTY SECONDS WHEN I’M DOING ART.

Individual-Psychological Escapism Individual-psychological escapism relates to how a person feels when they have nothing to do but to explore their own thoughts. If a student feels any type of negative emotion, such as neglect or boredom, there is a higher chance that they will invest their time escaping from it. A study done in 1986 by RW Kuber showed that assembly line workers who had free time watched more television than non-assembly line workers because of how badly they had felt during their work day. Similarly, when students are drowning in work, they often turn to different types of escapism. Other contextual factors greatly contribute to the amount of escapism a students consumes, like constant access to the media, a higher family income, and what life is like at home. Have they been taught to use escapism as a coping mechanism from their parents?

THE RUBICON PHOTO Qu nn Chr stenson DRAWING Sophomore F ona Rucker s transported to another wor d through her artwork

- Fiona Rucker

”

EPTH

SEPTEMBER 2018

HEADLINE ILLUSTRATION: Jasper Green

How does escapism play a role in student life? In order to manage their schoolwork, students often use escapism as a way to find joy in the midst of their work. “[Escapism] gets me through my exams, my weekends, my weeknights...pretty much everything, as there’s always a stressful event on the horizon. It not only helps relieve stress by escaping reality but invigorates me to prepare more directly for whatever is causing my stress by digging me out of ruts in writing, math, etc.” Senior Zeke Lam said. Students often take some time to escape and give their

VIDEOS “ THE I WATCH ARE

ABOUT TEN MINUTES LONG, SO I WATCH A COUPLE THEN GET BACK TO MY HOMEWORK. - Spencer Bubula

”

brain a chance to recharge and revitalize before diving into their homework. Spencer Bubula watches some Youtube after school because it allows him to relax after a long day. “The videos I watch are about ten minutes long, so I watch a couple of those then get to my homework,” said Bubula. Nowadays, escapism outlets are more easily accessible through the use of technology at school, which would only naturally increase its prevalence in society. “Usually, I try do artwork after I do homework… it feels

like five minutes is thirty seconds when I’m doing art.” Sophomore Fiona Rucker said while drawing a detailed eye on the smartboards in Schilling. But, because escapism is such an enjoyable activity, it is common to slip into spending hours of time escapism that may be otherwise needed for schoolwork. “[Listening to music] definitely improves my mood because it just kind of helps me get into the zone or whatever kind of emotion the music is implying… Sometimes it can be distracting during homework,

but if I find the right songs to listen to then, overall, it’s a positive thing,” sophomore Rashmi Raveendran said. Students also spend time during school escaping, playing video games in the library or listening to music in the hallways. “I feel more relaxed and [music] kind of helps me deal with the situation... more accepting, rather than to go and attack and try to change stuff about it... I listen to music 24/7... at school, like even sometimes in the hallways when I just don’t feel like dealing with people.” Raveendran said.

Why do students choose certain types of escapism? According to Scott Rigby, Ph.D. in clinical and social psychology, video games are chosen for the needs of competence (authority over a situation), autonomy (a desire for independence) , and connection. People play video games so that they can escape from reality into a place where they can fulfill these needs. People read books, especially fiction, so that their problems do not seem that big anymore.

Instead of having to defeat a dragon to save the world, one simply has to do well on a test. Readers are also driven by loneliness. A book can be a good companion that helps a reader experience new things or helps them to better understand themselves. Listening to music can change or at least decrease the amount of negative emotions a person feels. Ai Kawakami, a researcher of emotions, said,

VIDEO GAMES ARE CHOSEN FOR COMPETENCE, AUTONOMY, AND CONNECTION. - Scott Rigby Ph.D.

“Sad music was perceived to be more tragic, whereas the actual experiences of listening to the sad music induced them to feel more romantic, more blithe, and less tragic emotions.” Happy music can also increase hope and confidence. Emotional eating, gambling, and substance disorders are the most hazardous forms of escapism. The attitude of using these as a coping mechanism to escape from life represents how

dangerous the usage of escapism can become in one’s life. If one is using substances to help embrace and enjoy life, it is less dangerous, however if they are using substances purely as a form of escaping, then the relationship is abusive and can compound to cause permanent damage to the reward center of the brain and affect their ability to deal with adversity.

Overall, is escapism helpful or dangerous? Lam argues that escapism is an integral part of life because it provides an amazing release from society. “A culture of constant stress and confrontation of one’s current mental state is unhealthy. The vast majority of people lack the ability to spend the entirety of their free time dealing with schoolwork and other responsibilities, so escapism is and should be considered perfectly normal and a positive way to cope with the stress of day-to-day life. It’s okay to say that you need to do something else.” Lam said. But, escapism can also be a dangerous addiction. It is easy to get lost and spend hours in a land far away from life

struggles. “I think escapism is bad because it makes homework take up so much more time than it should. In other words, I would be able to finish homework much faster if I weren’t distracted by video games or Youtube,” junior Abdelrahman Mokbel said. By constantly escaping these problems, students may be weakening their resolve to deal with adversity. Using escapism is a sign that people do not want to spend time with themselves, and by numbing themselves to reality, they are risking an addiction that may result in avoiding situations that need confronting. Individuals who overuse escapism or use it for the wrong

reasons have a much higher risk of developing depression because escapism decreases one’s self-acceptance and doesn’t allow them to take responsibility for any decisions or mistakes that were made. Escapism has a complicated relationship with students and how it plays a role in their lives. If used incorrectly, it can evolve into the development of depressive tendencies, but when used safely, such as breaks from life in moderation, it remains a wonderful tool for a healthy lifestyle. “Escapism isn’t necessarily good or bad. It’s helpful to not constantly have to work against your emotions and to have peace while doing things.

“

WE CAN’T CONSTANTLY RUN AWAY FROM OURSELVES, BUT WE NEED TO DETATCH SOMETIMES.

”

- Adrienne Gaylord

But it’s important to confront your emotions or boredom and develop a healthy relationship. We can’t constantly run away from ourselves, but we need to detach sometimes,” 9th grader Adrienne Gaylord said. It is a balancing act: too little can strain mental health, but too much can easily distract from required tasks. Reality is a challenging thing to face and escapism can be a helpful tool used to cope, but it never solves the real issue of what is causing one’s problems in life. In order to make meaningful progress in this field, one must face their problems head on.

FEATURE

THE RUBICON - SEPTEMBER 2018

Larsen connects with voters as a congressional candidate intern CHLOE MORSE THE RUBICON EDITOR

What combines a competitive congressional race, personal connections, and advocating for what you believe in? For senior Kaia Larsen, the answer is an internship with the Angie Craig campaign. At the end of her junior year, Larsen was looking for a political internship to continue her previous work in political action. “I volunteered for the Hillary Clinton campaign, doing Get out the vote, and then two summers ago, going into junior year, I worked on a city council campaign for Barb Johnson,” Larsen said. Democratic candidate Craig is running against Republican incumbent Jason Lewis in the 2nd congressional district. “The [Barb Johnson campaign] I worked on last year was democrats vs. democrats, so the stakes weren’t very high. I was excited to work in [the Angie Craig campaign] because it’s a campaign where it really matters, and if you put in the work there’s a real possibility of flipping the district,” Larsen said. “This is a really exciting race because it’s one of the most competitive races in the nation.” Larsen’s job centers on reaching out to voters to encourage them to vote for Craig, often through phone-banking and

door-knocking. “Most of what I do is … constituent outreach to make sure people are familiar with Angie Craig, and if they’re going to vote for her in November. A big part of the Angie Craig campaign is getting people to vote by mail so their votes are guaranteed,” Larsen said. Besides the excitement of this congressional campaign, Larsen also appreciates her ability to connect with voters and other people more than she’s been able to in the past. Voter outreach requires her to talk to constituents one-on-one, but her previous experience has helped her connect more with voters than in previous campaigns. “When I worked for Barb Johnson, I was given a script… and I followed the script exactly. But then this [campaign] … I’ve been able to take on a bigger role by talking more personally to the voters, talking to them about volunteering and organizing… And talking to them, [about] what’s important to them, and really just having a conversation with the voters,” Larsen said. However, part of connecting more with voters also involves explaining the issues Larsen cares about, and why she personally supports Craig. “That’s something to show why I’m personally investing, [and] to show not just that you should vote for her, but … why,”

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: Kaia Larsen VOTE. Kaia Larsen holds a sign pointing to Angie Craig at a parade this summer Larsen said. “[Craig] supports gun violence prevention measures that are really important to me … she’s not for getting rid of guns, she just wants comprehensive background checks so people who have them are safe and they’ll use them properly… Another reason I support her is she supports a K-14 education, where the first two years of college are free,” Larsen said. Larsen also supports Craig because her stance on issues is not synonymous with the stance of the democratic party. “[Craig is] trying to step across party lines and speak for

what she believes in. She’s not 100% worried about aligning with the DFL, which really helps her because she can reach out to more voters,” Larsen said. Looking ahead, Larsen plans to continue her work in political action. However, she wants to make more of an impact through personally connecting with voters. “I hope in the future I can take more of a role than door-knocking and phone-banking, because sometimes that does get a little boring and disheartening when people don’t answer, and you’re dialing your phone all day for

hours. I would like to continue with events, or something that’s more involved with being face to face with people,” Larsen said. Larsen encourages everyone to vote this fall and to take action for what they believe in. “Tell people to get out to vote on November 6. Register to vote, that’s really important, [and don’t forget to vote and] use your voice,” Larsen said. The election is on Nov. 6th, and polling locations will typically be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.— be sure to check when your location is open.

Deans prioitize authenticity in their new positions ACADEMIC DEAN The Academic Dean’s responsibilities include overseeing student academic accommodations, such as for extended absences, medical circumstances that require academic accommodation, or learning disabilities (in coordination with Center for Learning and Teaching). The Academic Dean also manages student academic schedules and approves all schedule changes, independent studies, and other academic requests.

DEAN OF STUDENTS The Dean of Students is responsible for all nonacademic and non-athletic services for Upper School students. The Dean works directly with students and faculty in addressing issues of citizenship, leadership, and school climate. The dean is responsible for the Advisory program, class retreats, overseeing student organizations and discipline. As a member of the Upper School Administration, the Dean of Students collaborates with the Upper School Principal, the Upper School Counselor, the Academic Dean, and the Director of College Counseling and Academic Planning.

MIMI GELLER DIR. of RUBICONLINE As Upper School Principal Max Delgado announced on the first day of school, Aug. 27, this school year largely concerns the word “new.” The Schilling Center most visibly embodies St. Paul Academy and Summit School’s alterations; however, the administrative restructure with two dean positions — Dean of Students and Academic Dean — is another layer of new.

WILL BE “ WE WORKING

RUBICONLINE PHOTO: Mimi Geller

TOGETHER TO MAKE SURE THAT STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCE[S] ARE ALIGNING WELL.

”

- Chantel Thornberry Academic Dean Tom Anderson moved with his family to Minnesota from North Carolina where he was Head Teacher at Carolina Friends School. He teaches a section of World History II to sophomores, in addition to his administrative role. “We were surprised at how good Minnesota looked for the things we need. We made the

LEADERSHIP. Change in administration brings two new deans to Saint Paul Academy and Summit School choice to look closely at SPA when we knew we would move here. I had the chance to meet Principal Delgado and a number of people here and got more excited as time went on,” Anderson said. Dean of Students Chantal Thornberry has a background in Education and English and has worked at Breck and Cincinnati Country Day School. Just like Anderson, Thornberry has been in the building for the past months preparing for the school year; however, she now mostly looks forward to building relationships with students: The summer month “…was kind of lonely,” she said. “I am excited to shape the social programs. I take the students

part of the Dean of Students pretty seriously. I work for the students and on behalf of the students to shape their community and their high school experience, that’s my priority.” US Principal Max Delgado, former Dean of Students, explained that the division of the dean’s responsibilities recognizes that students are both scholars and members of the community. “A lot of schools like SPA have a more robust administrative structure. Now, I think we served our students and faculty under the old model really well, but there was an acknowledgment that we could deepen that work if we had more hands on deck [with the new model],” Delgado said.

Unsurprisingly, Anderson describes his academic life in high school as a place where he learned to be “good at the game of school.” Still, he urges students to steer away from viewing school as a means of competition. “As a teacher, one of the things I’ve been trying to do is make school seem less like a game and more like an authentic growing experience.” Thornberry describes her high school self as a “pain.” “I was a good student. At that time it was very competitive for students in the honors and AP tracks, down to the point where they included your ranking in your grade reports. I was academically minded, but I also got into a little bit of trouble with the dress code,” she said. Although located in the old chemistry room, both Anderson and Thornberry affirm that their doors are always open for students seeking help. “If it’s an emergency, you can always knock,” Thornberry said. “The office looks pretty scary right now, but students are always welcome to come in. It might not be something I can help you with, but I certainly find the person who can. We [Anderson and I] will be working together to make sure that students’ experience here socially and emotionally and academically are aligning well.”

FEATURE THE RUBICON - SEPTEMBER 2018 FOR SOPHOMORE KATYA SJAASTAD, VOLUNTEERING IS

Child’s Play

Atmore brings RPG club to Harkness tabletop

the MN CHILDREN’S MUSEUM offers ongoing opportunities to work with children and set up exhibits.

“ SERVICE. Sophomore Katya Sjaastad used her summer to volunteer at the Children’s Museum.

WANT TO VOLUNTEER AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM? Go to MCM.org/ teen-volunteeropportunities/ Fill out an application for joining the “Play Team” Visit the museum Sept. 29th for “Play Team for a Day” to meet current play team members and learn about the program. Reserve your spot online.

EVELYN LILLEMOE THE RUBICON EDITOR Service is a central part of the sophomore experience at SPA: whether talking about long-term volunteering experiences or starting to volunteer this year. Over the summer, sophomore Katya Sjaastad volunteered at the Children’s Museum. Sjaastad was part of the “Play Team,” a group of high schoolers who volunteer at the museum. She usually stayed in a gallery for about an hour preparing new exhibits, which are big rooms in the museum, each with its own theme. It also included playing with the kids and making sure no one was getting into trouble. She volunteered for two weeks this summer. “It was really meaningful because they required two full weeks of volunteering, which was a lot,” Sjaastad said, “but it was easier then to get to know the

THERE WAS JUST SO MUCH DISCOVERY GOING ON. -Katya Sjaastad

”

people I was volunteering with and forming a little community each week.” Sjaastad signed up to volunteer with her friend from gymnastics. She chose to volunteer at the Children’s Museum because she enjoys babysitting and needed the service hours. To volunteer there, Sjaastad had to fill out a short application and went to a group interview where they asked her some questions. Though part of Sjaastad’s motivation was the requirement for service hours for sophomores at school, she enjoyed her time volunteering. “A lot of the really fun parts of being in the museum is talking to the little kids,” Sjaastad said, “Their explanations for things are really funny.” She also had a good time connecting with the friend whom she signed up.

“It was something that we both enjoyed, and a lot of the time we were able to talk to younger kids but also talk to each other,” Sjaastad said. Sjaastad also developed her communication skills while volunteering. “It helped me a lot with communication, specifically with adults, and giving information in a clear way,” Sjaastad explained. The Children’s Museum tries to make volunteering during the school year more manageable for students by having shorter shifts. Sjaastad plans on volunteering at the Children’s Museum during the school year. This time with a new title. “At the end of the summer I got an offer to be a play team leader,” Said Sjaastad. Sjaastad had a good experience volunteering at the Children’s Museum and would recommend it to others. “There was just so much discovery going on in the Children’s Museum,” Sjaastad said.

Rassmussen joins MS/US administrative team as Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning SHAREE ROMAN THE RUBICON EDITOR After many years of supporting students with learning disabilities, Sarah Davies retired as the Director of Center for Learning and Teaching. Following her departure, Karen Rassmussen, the now Director of Center for Learning and Teaching (CLT). Rassmussen worked at St. Thomas Academy for 12 years as a learning specialist before coming to SPA, but decided to leave when given the opportunity to challenge herself and experience a new environment. “My friend saw the job opening and told me that I would be a good candidate... I researched the school and what the job would ask of me,” she said. Rassmussen noted that it was“a good opportunity to move up in the field.” Rassmussen was the chosen candidate for the job and is planning to run the Center the same as Davies did during her years at SPA. “My thoughts are not about changing what she built, but rather looking to the future

to grow the CLT in a manner that provides additional programming and support for the students, faculty, and families at St. Paul Academy and Summit School,” Rassmussen said.

THOUGHTS “MY ARE NOT ABOUT

CHANGING WHAT SHE BUILT, BUT RATHER LOOKING TO THE FUTURE TO GROW THE CLT. - Karen Rassmussen

”

While the CLT already provides support for students with a myriad of learning differences, Rassmussen plans to continue to build on the support system for students, parents, and faculty alike. She will try to create the best learning environment for each individual student. “I work with the other administrators and learning specialists at each of the divisions to review and develop policies

supporting students with various learning differences” Rassmussen said. “I also write a learning plan to support a student in the classroom and help students, parents, teachers, and advisors understand and implement appropriate recommendations from a learning plan,” she said. Rassmussen also makes recommendations to concerned parents regarding their children’s learning differences. Although the movement for early identification and early intervention has been successful in identifying many children with learning differences at the preschool level, some students’ needs may not become apparent until sometime after they begin to experience challenge and higher academic rigor. Rassmussen helps refer parents to testing agencies and aid the family through the process. As a new member of SPA’s community, Rassmussen said, “Everyone has been so warm and welcoming in my few short weeks here and I look forward to getting to know all of the students, parents, and the SPA community as a whole.”

LEADING FOR GROWTH. Karen Rasmussen believes that her role is one of partnership with... “other administrators and learning specialists at each of the divisions to review and develop policies supporting students with various learning differences” Rassmussen said. “I also write a learning plan to support a student in the classroom and help students, parents, teachers, and advisors understand and implement appropriate recommendations from a learning plan,” she said.

THE RUBICON PHOTO: Maren Ostrem IMAGINATION. Atmore talks to members of the Role Playing Games (RPG) Club at its first official meeting.

MAREN OSTREM THE RUBICON EDITOR

Dwarves, halflings, gnomes, orcs, and of course, dungeons and dragons. Dungeons and Dragons is a popular fantasy roleplaying game that began to sweep the nation in 1974. The game was especially popular among kids and teenagers. However, it takes a sizable amount of time to complete a game and most teenagers have trouble fitting it into their busy schedules. Senior Ben Atmore has struggled with this problem throughout his high school years, and decided to take matters into his own hands this fall. “After talking to several kids last year about their desire to play Dungeons and Dragons in particular, I realized: what better way to facilitate that than to bring it into the school setting and allow for a greater range of people to join and to learn how to play and to actually get to play,” Atmore said. He is aware of the main demographic of the game and hopes to change this by gaining members. “I’ve hoped to expand the attendance of the club from a bunch of scrawny white male kids and already I’ve done that,” Atmore said. “There are students of color and female-identifying students have shown significant interest in it, which means a lot to me, because since its birth in the 80s, Dungeons and Dragons, and roleplaying games in general, have been associated with nerdy white boys who live in their mothers’ basements far after the age of 30.” Dungeons and Dragons is not only a fun, and entertaining way to spend a couple hours, Atmore explained. “I guess just if you have any interest in pretending, or dress up or the world of imagination and the limitless possibilities of your mind, this is an amazing platform in which you can explore that and have legitimate meaningful experiences and learn new lessons through experiencing it by playing another character or person.” For those who are already committed to a club, it is possible to participate in both. The Role Playing Game Club will meet outside of school hours for the most part, making it convenient for busy students.

ALBUM REVIEW

Grande empowers women with new music

MEAGAN MASSIE THE RUBICON EDITOR

ARIANA GRANDE ON VEVO

Ariana Grande released her newest album Sweetener on Aug. 17. The star had most success and controversy over the song, “God is a Woman” which brought to light many of the social issues affecting women in the era of the “Me Too” movement. The song is

supposed to express womanhood, sexuality, and the strength that all women possess. Grande focuses much of her attention on becoming a strong role model for her fans through female empowerment. In an interview by Billboard Magazine, Grande said, “I feel like I graduated almost. I feel like for a long time the songs [in previous albums] were great,

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

but they weren’t songs that made me feel something the way these songs do.” Hip-hop/pop artists have always used their music as a way to express themselves without any concern for their critics. Grande has never shied away from showing her true self. read the complete REVIEW at

RUBICON online

THE RUBICON - SEPTEMBER 2018

HOPE TO “ [IGIVE] SPACE TO

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: MARA DUVRA LOOK UP, LOOK DOWN. MS/US Fine Arts teacher Mara Duvra places artistic objects within an installation space to challenge the viewer to move. “I put things on the ground so that you’ll have to bend over and look at them, or I put something up higher that you have to read so have to sort of peer into it,” she said.

CREATE A NEW, POETIC IMAGE OF WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A PERSON OF COLOR.

”

- MARA DUVRA

ARTIST PROFILE

Duvra mixes mediums to redefine racial concepts LUCY BENSON THE RUBICON EDITOR Whether she is teaching painting, drawing, or printmaking, Mara Duvra, the new MS/US Fine Art teacher, finds her rhythm in multiple mediums. Duvra primarily works in photography: “I like the fidelity of photography—that it’s very clear for me,” she said. Although she aims to capture atmosphere as well as portraiture in her photos, she does not limit herself to them: “It makes you more fluid and makes you able to think about what each thing can do for what you’re trying to say,” Duvra explained. She knows the benefit of being a multimedia artist. She will combine sculpture and photography with text, the art coming together in the form of

GLASS, PAINT, MAPS

Alumni gallery offers eclectic mix of work RUBICONLINE PHOTO: NITYA THAKKAR

instillation, or a series of works in concert in a three-dimensional space. Often, installations are site-specific. “An installation will surround a certain concept,” Duvra defines, “I’ll start thinking about that concept and how I could translate it visually and poetically.” She focuses on how objects balance off of each other and their relationship to the viewer. She illustrates the scene of one of her instillations: “Stillness is an important part, quiet also,” Duvra said. Duvra aims to cause the viewer to reorient their body in the space. “I put things on the ground so that you’ll have to bend over and look at them, or I put something up higher that you have to read so have to sort of peer into it,” she said.

“

[ART ] ALWAYS CHANGES, ALWAYS EVOLVING, AND IT’S ALWAYS ADDING TO ITSELF.

”

- Mara Duvra Duvra’s current project, entitled “Tending,” highlights “thinking about softness and inferiority of women of color,” she said. The project will be an installation and a follow up to her previous installation “To Allow for Breath.” With “Tending,” she will give “space to create another new, poetic, image of what it is to be a

person of color rather than what we typically see,” what is often seen in the media, she said. Duvra added that the installation will explore “the difference between the private and the public, the interior and what people anticipate that you feel about things.” The piece will be an anthology of photos of women of color, but not as portraits but instead “a way to get at the softness of what it is to be a woman of color that you don’t really get to see.” Unlike her photographs, what Duvra most likes about art is its lack of fidelity: “That it always changes, that it’s always evolving, that it’s always adding to itself, that there’s always more that can be done,” Duvra said. A large part of her work is research. As an artist Duvra knows what is helpful for personal achievement.

“Just listening to what you’re interested in and focusing on that, making work, and talking to your peers, getting advice, being comfortable with failure and realizing that someone not liking something doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a failure.” She also acknowledges that personal achievement isn’t just a show or a piece in an art museum: “I feel successful when I’ve been able to visually translate all of the things that I’ve been reading, photographing, and researching...translate in a way that produces curiosity in other people. When I’ve been able to get at all the nuances—all the small parts I’ve been thinking about —and represent them visually.” Duvra is currently working on an installation that will open in October of 2019.

NITYA THAKKAR AUREUS EIC

copy of the original game board for Dungeon, a 1974 RPG akin to Dungeons and Dragons. The exhibit runs through Oct. 19 and features work by Lynn Brown ’73, Henry Nahurski ’08, Frank Brittain ’08, Fred Kaemmer ’88, Phil Stringer ’78, David Megarry ’68, and Peter Zelle ’83. read the PHOTO STORY at

The wall to the right is dotted with brightly colored photography. On the left, a painting pays tribute to a student who has passed away. Look through the bright glass panels framed in brass to see a unique vision of Lilly Courtyard. The Drake Gallery alumni/ ae exhibit even offers a framed

RUBICON online

TANA OSOSKI RUBICONLINE

ARTIST PROFILE

Alm finds the edge of painting PAINTING BY ISOBEL ALM

For minutes, hours, days, and weeks, Isobel Alm spends her time focusing in the art studio. The St. Paul Academy and Summit School art wing is a place where creativity, expression, and

the use of the imagination come together. The bright lights of the outdoor sun, crawl through the windows; into the open space of the studio. Artists of different ages, levels of knowledge, and interest; come to the wing to spend quiet time exploring their artwork. Hidden from the

stress-inducing and competitive nature of the SPA academic environment, students can take a step away from schoolwork, and work on something that they are passionate about. Read the complete story at

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT THE RUBICON - SEPTEMBER 2018

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Rose Street Patisserie hosts a decadent experience JENNY RIES THE RUBICON EDITOR

Lucia

Chocolate Croissant

Ham & Gruyere Croissant

Located at 171 Snelling Ave N., is the St. Paul location of Rose Street Patisserie, which opened its doors this past summer. The owner John Kraus also owns Patisserie 46, which opened in 2010, and the Minneapolis location of Rose Street Patisserie, which opened in 2016. At 12:15 on a Saturday Rose Street Patisserie (St. Paul) draws plenty of young families. “Authentically French Minus The Airfare” according to its website, Rose Street was so crowded that it had to be good, but the wait in line was less than five minutes. The bakery was full of instagrammable shots, from a prominent display of pastries, to a case full of colorful desserts. The service was good, and Rose Street was clean, with lots of windows and plenty of natural light. There was a wide selection, ranging from pastries to cookies

to desserts to bread to sorbet and ice cream, as well as a “Savory Menu,” of salads and sandwiches, and a “Confections Menu.”

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THERE WAS A WIDE SELECTION RANGING FROM PASTRIES TO COOKIES TO DESSERTS TO BREAD TO SORBET AND ICE CREAM.

”

In terms of the food, one of their desserts the “Lucia,” advertised as “dark chocolate mousse, vanilla cream, flourless chocolate cake & hazelnut crunch,” should be a go-to for any chocoholic. Spongy flourless chocolate cake on the bottom, along with hazelnut, with vanilla cream, reminiscent of the cream inside of éclairs, inside of creamy chocolate, all covered in an addictive chocolate ganache

THE RUBICON PHOTO: Jenny Ries CORNER SHOP. Rose Street Patisserie is situated on the corner of Selby and Snelling and has a diverse menu of items. outside. All of the flavors complemented each other well, with the hazelnut giving the dessert a slightly nutty, Nutellaesque flavor. To top it off, literally, a chocolate decoration elevated the dessert, while also managing to taste good. This was on the expensive side, at $6. For those without a sweet tooth, the ham and gruyere

croissant, featuring flaky, buttery croissant, with high quality ham and gruyere, is a good option. If neither of those resonate, the Rose Street Patisserie also does a good chocolate croissant. If you are looking for great, high quality food, and plenty of variety, give Rose Street Patisserie a try at their Snelling location.

Fall play Everyman explores concepts of life, death, and religion

KAT ST. MARTINNORBURG THE RUBICON EDITOR Would you like to play God? Or Death? Knowledge? or Strength? These are the roles students auditioned for in Every(man), a classic fifteenth century morality tale with a modern twist. US Theater Director Eric Severson selected a modern adaptation of Every(man) for a multitude of reasons, but it’s largely due to the self-reflection that Carol Ann Duffy’s play induces in its audience. Every(man) deals with themes of life and death, as well as looking at how humans treat each other and treat the world.

“The premise is that Death is following everyman, and everyman is attempting to find anyone to go with them to make their reckoning before god. The kind of overarching theme is getting us to look at our lives, and ideally to look at our lives before we get to the end of life and think about the choices that we’ve made,” Severson said. The adaptation is unique: “What was once church propaganda and incredibly religious, [Duffy] has, in this new adaptation, created a really poetic work about something that is a lot more secular,” Severson said, “that is looking

at and exploring the myopic materialism that we have as a world right now: how we treat mistreat ourselves and others as well as the environment.” Every(man) characters do not take the form of regular humans; instead, the actors will embody specific traits. “All of the characters are allegorical,” Severson said, “so the characters are ‘everyman’ and ‘everyman’ doesn’t have to be gendered as a man. God, Death, Knowledge, Good Deeds, Beauty, Strength...all of these things are different characters.”

“To me it’s going to be a really exciting and fun way to approach it with the student performers... how do you create a character out of an idea?” Severson said. Another reason for choosing to the play was how well it fits with past Fall Play selections. Severson attempts to create a mix of different types of theater, and Every(man) is unique in that it is both classic and contemporary. “I think of where we are as a world right now and the students that I actively work with in the theater department are often very vocal about things that they are frustrated about in our world,” Severson said, “and the connection to how we treat the environment and how we treat each o t h e r. . . I think [the actors and audience] will rally around that.” Severson hopes

that the compelling content of the play will draw a big audience. The Fall Play performs Nov. 1617 in the Huss Center for the Performing Arts.

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IT’S GOING TO BE A REALLY EXCITING AND FUN WAY TO APPROACH IT WITH THE STUDENT PERFORMERS ...HOW DO YOU CREATE A CHARACTER OUT OF AN IDEA?

”

- US Theater Director Eric Severson

SPORTS THE RUBICON - SEPTEMBER 2018

Minter has high hopes for CC team ELOISE DUNCAN THE RUBICON EDITOR This fall has a lot in store for the St. Paul Academy and Summit School Cross Country team. Kellan Minter has taken up the position of head coach, and hopes for a good season. “Everyone’s having a good time and we are not losing members but we keep gaining members, which is a positive,” Minter said. Minter coached track and field at SPA last spring. He is excited to take on a different sport.

“Cross Country is different in the sense that everybody’s doing the same event... and we also have a wider range of ages because we’ve got the middle school all the way through the upper school, and everyone pretty much competes together,” Minter said. “It’s a lot more unified just by the nature of the sport.” It is also a great year for improvement. Each new meet represents an opportunity for a runner to set a new personal record. “We have [improved], at least from the first meet this year compared to the first meet last

year,” Minter said. “I think half the team improved on their first race time.” Due to the wider range of ages, the team has to work even harder to get closer. The older students have to take on a leadership role to set an example for the younger middle schoolers. “[the older runners] tend to make an effort to always do the right thing.” Minter said. Overall, this cross country season will be a time for learning and overcoming the change of bringing in new runners along with a new coach in order to grow into being a whole family.

HEADER. Senior captain Eric Lagos dribbles the ball. This year, the Boys Varsity Soccer team will train hard to reach its potential. “I think our team has a lot of talent this year and it’s all just up to whether we apply ourselves and want to win enough,” senior captain Eric Lagos said.

HARD WORK. The Cross Country Team jogs down the track. “Everyone’s having a good time and we are not losing members but we keep gaining members, which is a positive,” Minter said.

BVS trains to reach their potential JASPER GREEN THE RUBICON EDITOR

THE RUBICON PHOTO: Isabel Saavedra-Weis

THE RUBICON PHOTO: Eloise Duncan

Drill. Train. Compete. Senior captain Eric Lagos of the Boys Varsity Soccer team shares how the season began, and the team’s stance on working hard in order to reach their goals. “The season has been going pretty well. We had a tough loss on our first game against Holy Angels, which is a big section rival of ours, but we bounced back well, winning our next two games,” Lagos said. “I think our team has a lot of talent this year and it’s all just up to whether we apply ourselves and want to win enough.” Throughout games, the two main problems the team has faced is their ability to finish offensive drives and their defense. “We’ve had some problems

with finishing, and I think that it’s beneficial to have practices with a lot of repetition in front of the net. If we practice what we want to do, then we can make it happen in the game. We also need to work on our defense, so we’ve been practicing our defensive plays with [our coach] Buzz,” Lagos said. An integral part of the team is the goal oriented approach coach Max Lipset brings, with goals ranging from the whole season to what the team will focus on during the first five minutes of the game. “Max facilitates meetings about what we want our team values to be and how we want to upkeep those team values, and that helps the team stay focused and go all in during the season. We have rituals that we do before games like heavy and patterned

breathing to open up our lungs and we listen to ‘The Prayer’ by Kid Cudi in the lecture room or on the bus,” Lagos said. Competitive scrimmage drills are a staple for the Boys Soccer team according to Lagos because it drives teammates to work harder in order to win. “Our favorite team drill is ‘cut-throat’, which is teams that scrimmage and the winner stays on. There is a lot of rapid shooting and it gets intense,” Lagos said. Lagos shares how the team hopes to reach their goals. “The hopes for the season are to perform well in Conference and Sections and to qualify, play in, and win the state tournament. As a team, we’re going to train hard every day in order to be the best team we can be,” Lagos said.

GVS learns to adapt to and overcome coaching change CLAIRE HALLAWAY THE RUBICON EDITOR If there’s one thing for sure about this season, it’s that the Girls Varsity Soccer team knows how to adjust to any changes thrown their way. From shifting players and coaches, to even changing their own pre-game and practice routines, the players have managed to be extremely flexible while never losing sight of their goals. Although their recent records have fallen, their scores don’t tell the full story. The team graduated a lot of starters last year, so there are now quite a few younger players on the team. Senior captain Lauren Osteraas hopes that the team is able to gain back their drive, focus on improving and trying their hardest, in both games and practices. “This is more of our rebuilding and transition year. We graduated a lot of starters so our team has a lot of new members. So our biggest goal for this season is probably just making sure we give it our all and that we make some improvement. I feel like we’ve had a little bit of a lack of intensity compared to last year, so just making sure that we pick that up,” Osteraas said.

Even though there have been so many changes to the way the team is used to operating, they have made sure to keep their long-going traditions alive. Osteraas and senior captain Tessah Green estimate that the traditions have been around for more than 30 years.

“

OUR BIGGEST GOAL FOR THIS SEASON IS PROBABLY JUST MAKING SURE WE GIVE IT OUR ALL - Lauren Osteraas

”

“We always read laffy taffy jokes on the bus together as well as singing our victory cheer and and our thunderation song,” Green said. “For home games, we instead eat air head extremes and stand in the athletic hallway and sing the spongebob squarepants song” Having two new coaches has also changed the way the team is structured and how they are led. “We have two new coaches this

THE RUBICON PHOTO: Claire Hallaway DEFENSE. Senior captain Lauren Osteraas guards an opposing player. The young team is faced with a change in head coaches, “We have two new coaches this year, one was part of the soccer program two years ago when she was the assistant coach for the JV team. Now she’s our assistant coach and we have a new head coach Pablo,” Osteraas said. year, one was part of the soccer about it. BDan would usually sit The team will continue to program two years ago when she us down to talk right after the push towards their goals and was the assistant coach for the game happened so it’s a little appreciates any support from JV team. Now she’s our assistant different,” Osteraas said. students at their games. Their coach and we have a new head The new head coach has also next home game is Sept. 25 coach Pablo,” Osteraas said. suggested that the team talks against Minnehaha Academy. “It’s a bit of an adjustment just about each of the goals they have “We love having fans at our because [our old coach] BDan prior to each game. games because I think it’s really was used to our traditions and “For the away games we’ve had, important to show school spirit they both have different coaching we always get in a circle and talk and support the team. It’s also styles. We’ve had a bit of a losing about our personal and team important to show support for streak and Pablo seems to take a goals before we do our warmup each other and if we have a lot of more calm approach and give the so that we can all focus in on the fans at our games it motivates us game some time before we talk game,” Osteraas said. to play our hardest,” Green said.

SPORTS THE RUBICON - SEPTEMBER 2018

SMB Wolfpack builds family and tradition MAREN OSTREM THE RUBICON EDITOR

On the surface, it would appear that every sports team would have traditions and rituals, however, the Wolfpack team is unique. Due to the Wolfpack being a co-op team between multiple schools, a lot of players aren’t familiar with each other before the season starts. While this could cause the team to be less connected, the Wolfpack goes on a retreat every year to counteract this and inspire bonding. “Every year we go up to Lake Beauty. We don’t practice there it’s just purely team building, we play a lot of games and competitions with each other. This year we got a giant Slip ‘n Slide going. And we just bond. It’s just purely bonding.

We get to know each other a lot better,” sophomore Gabriel Ramirez said. For ninth grader Isaiah Eby, the family dynamic is one of his favorite parts about football. “You really get close with the people on your team in a way that I don’t think you get with other sports,” Eby said. The whole team is supportive of each other, and their coach is no exception. “He has a good vision for the team, he’s a good leader, he gets us excited for games, he’s enthusiastic, so I think he really helps us,” Eby said. While the team is competitive, they also provide a safe and supportive environment for all players. During practices, the

players don’t fully tackle each other, instead using a method called “thug” where players are never tackled into the ground. “We leave [full tackles] for the enemy,” Ramirez said. When asked how he got into football, Ramirez explained, “I guess I had grown up watching the Vikings, and we have season tickets for them, we go to a lot of games so it’s just been a big part of my life for a long time.” For both Ramirez and Eby, the Wolfpack provides a fun and stress relieving after school activity. The Wolfpack is open to all players of all different backgrounds and hopes to be a source of character building and community to anyone interested.

THE RUBICON PHOTO: Maren Ostrem FAMILY. The Wolfpack warming up during practice. One of the most important values to the team is family. “You really get close with the people on your team in a way that I don’t think you get with other sports,” ninth grader Isaiah Eby said.

Volleyball puts emphasis on entire program

Swim and Dive balance work and fun

THE RUBICON PHOTO: Lizzie Kristal SPLASH. Jasmine White prepares to swim a lap.

RUBICONLINE PHOTO: Koji Gutzmann BLOCKED. Junior Audrey Egly and junior captain Kathleen Bishop block the ball against Blake than one team. Some playing on trying to build more community LUCY BENSON THE RUBICON EDITOR both JV and Varsity or C team and than in previous years. JV. But they also hope to dissolve “Spending time outside of The 2018 Spartan Volleyball previous social barriers that stood practices and games and outside season is focused on the between the three separate teams. of the gym is really important just importance of each part of the “We put an emphasis on the to get to know your teammates.” program. This year, the three program… not just [having] one Bishop said. She also added that it separate sections, varsity, junior individual team, [but] having the is not only team unity that leads varsity(JV), and C, are more whole program kind of united.” to success. interconnected than ever. In past Bishop said. To bond the program, “Staying positive would be the the program has been divided the teams host events and try to biggest [factor], and just having up by team in both in and out find time to get the whole team fun because that’s the reason we of practice. This years captains together. Before every game, the all play volleyball, because of look to bond the entire Volleyball program eats a meal together. the love for the sport and having program. “[We] push the tables together fun together.” Bishop said. As the The team is connected in a and eat around the tables as a volleyball season continues into tangible way this year through whole program.” Bishop said. the school year Bishop hopes players that have roles on more Bishop also explains that they are to carry on the team bonding

outside of school. “Finding times that work for most people, especially as we have more games and more homework and schoolwork.” Bishop said. “[It’s] a matter of figuring out when works best for the most people.” Bishop summarizes the season in one word, “exciting.” “I think it’s going to be a pretty exciting season...It will be pretty fun.” she added. Volleyball’s annual breast cancer research fundraiser, Dig Pink, is October 8th.

Intense schedule keeps tennis team busy QUINN CHRISTENSEN CHIEF VISUAL EDITOR

THE RUBICON PHOTO: Quinn Christensen SERVED. Junior Amelia Batson serves the tennis ball. “We’ve had matches since a week before school started,” junior Amelia Batson said.

The sun beats down on the court. Competition is in the air. A drumroll begins, followed by a loud “Spartans!” It’s the girls tennis team beginning another match with their opening cheer, and unlike most fall sports, it’s not even close to their first of the season. “We’ve had matches since a week before school started,” junior Amelia Batson said. The season goes until the end of September, making it short and intense. During 4 day school weeks, the team sometimes has

matches 3 out of the 4 days. “It’s been busy,” ninth grader Maggie Fields said. With such a rigorous schedule, the team makes sure to find time to bond. “We actually had a team sleepover a couple weeks ago before school started, which was a really good bonding activity. A lot of girls came and we just hung out and made decorations for our little shed in the middle of the tennis courts and watched a movie.” sophomore Annika Rock said. Read the full story at

RUBICON online

LIZZIE KRISTAL THE RUBICON EDITOR The heat of the humid air is only thickened by the constant splashing of bullet-like divers shooting through the water. The tiled floor is covered in a puddles several inches deep. The swim and dive teams are lined up and anxious to get warmed up for the races ahead of them. The swim and dive teams practice everyday at Highland Park High School. The swim team is separate from the dive team, but even with that division, they all support each other as if it were one team. They ride the bus together, and they cheer each other on at meets. They even shuffle the people they swim with during practice to get to know their teammates better. “The captains and the coaches have worked really hard to make our team more unified,” sophomore Mina Mandic said. The season so far has only had a few meets, but their future is looking bright. “We have a lot of strong swimmers and divers this year, and we are just going to improve throughout the season the season,” Senior captain Abby Lanz said. While the teams are competitive, they also value fun over everything else. “We do a lot of cheers that we learned at the beginning of the season. We also sing a lot of songs,” Mandic said.

PHOTO STORY THE RUBICON - SEPTEMBER 2018

A dozen reasons to love the Schilling Center JULIA BARON THE RUBICON EDITOR MICHAEL FORSGREN ARTS CRITIC

Well into the first the first quarter, the new Hugh K. Schilling Math and Science Center has become an essential wing in the community. With a much more modern architectural style, students of all grades flood in during free periods, utilizing every space possible for a number

of purposes: instead of solely being used as a study area, Schilling offers a chance to interact with peers. This new math and science center has created new spaces in a way that’s never existed before at the Upper School.

3 1. STUDY BUDS. “It’s way easier to focus in class because you’re not stuck in a dark room,” sophomore Thomas Reinhart said. 2. GROUP WORK. Sophomores Rashmi Raveendran, Lara Cayci, and Mimi Longe work in one of the new study spaces of the second floor. “I like the Shilling Center because it has a lot of space for studying and socializing; there’s a good mix,” Raveendran said. 3. PUT YOUR FEET UP. Sophomores Ruby Hoeschen and Maxanne Millerhaller study math in Schilling. “I love the Schilling Center personally: it’s a great addition to the school and has great places to hang out,” Millerhaller said. 4. SOME QUIET BROWSING. The new Schilling Center offers study rooms for groups of one to three. Senior Muriel Lang favors this spot for privacy, “I like that I can be alone and I can shut the door,” Lang said.

6 5. LIGHT UP MY LIFE. Sophomore Patrick Hooley uses the Schilling Center for studying because of the natural light. “It helps me be productive with the windows,” Hooley said. “It’s just nice to study in here; the light makes it cool.” 6. STUDY SPACES. 9th graders Sevy Hayes and Nafisa Hagi Aden study in science class. “I like the Schilling Center; it’s nice.” Hayes said. 7. PLACES TO SIT. Juniors Audrey Egly and Henry Cheney utilize the new math area in the Schilling Center to study. “It’s new, it’s nice. I think it’s a great place to sit,” Cheney said. 8. NEW SMARTBOARDS. A number of electronic whiteboards were acquired for students to use in the Schilling Center. Seniors Ryan Moore and Sawyer Johnson enjoy using the new boards: “I like how you can color on the boards. I also like the community feeling out here,” Moore said.

8 10

9 9. MODERN ARCHITECTURE. The Schilling Center features a much more unique and modern architectural style, which senior Jennie Verhey likes. “I like the open spaces and the modern architecture,” Verhey said. 10. NO DISTURBANCES. Juniors Eric Bottern and Andy Ellis favor working together in the study rooms. “It’s quiet and nobody’s intruding on you. If you’re in the room people know you want to study,” Bottern said. Ellis added, “It’s private and you can get some work done.” 11. STATE OF THE ART LABS. Sophomores Jasmine White and Maddie St. Marie work with US science teacher Rachel Yost-Dubrow in a new biology classroom. 12. LARGE WINDOWS. A big part of the new architecture of the Schilling Center includes walls of windows. Sophomore Will Schavee appreciates this new study area for that reason. “I like the windows a lot. Overall I like the new building a lot,” he said.

THE RUBICON PHOTOS (1-6, 11): Julia Baron

12 RUBICONLINE PHOTOS (7-10, 12): Michael Forsgren

See more photos of Schilling and added student perspectives at RUBICON online