April 2020 Issue

the

RUBICON

the student newspaper of St. Paul Academy and Summit School 1712 Randolph Ave St. Paul, MN 55105 Volume 46. Issue 10.

April 28, 2020

www.rubiconline.com

School year to be finished learning online MELISSA NIE

SCHEDULE

In January, the world first began to feel the impact of COVID-19. By February, the situation continued to worsen.

By early March, schools around the country were closing, one after another. On Mar. 6, Upper School Principal Max Delgado sent out an email to the community notifying them that there would be two additional late start days to give teachers time to gather and flesh out a plan for distance learning.

“The COVID-19 outbreak is proving to be a spectacularly fluid situation requiring patience and flexibility from all community members,” he wrote.

Over the course of that week, with more and more somber news coming in every day about rising infection rates and death tolls, it seemed increasingly likely that students would not be coming back to school after spring break. As the community worried, teachers were hard at work brainstorming how to address virtual learning, coming to Driscoll at 7:30 a.m. to gather in teams and carry out idea-forming sessions.

On Mar. 12, Delgado gave a speech at an Upper School assembly addressing the growing pandemic, sharing the basic plans for the possibility of distance learning, including workload expectations and technology that could be used.

US Day 1 All School Assembly: 8:00-8:45 Period 1: 9:00-9:30 Period 2: 11:00-11:30 Period 3: 1-1:30 Period 4: 2:00-2:30

RUBICONLINE

US Day 2 Period 5: 9:00-9:30 Period 6: 11:00-11:30 Period 7: 1-1:30 Period 8: 2:00-2:30

PHOTO: Kathryn Campbell MAKING A PLAN. Upper School Principal Max Delgado talks about what SPA would look like in a distance learning format Nothing was official yet, but still, on Friday, Mar. 13, as the school day drew to a close at 3:00 p.m., students hugged each other and said goodbyes before people departed for spring break, filled with uncertainty.

The verdict came on Mar. 24. Faculty members had been developing the distance learning plan over break. Head of School Bryn Roberts sent an email notifying the community that students would not be returning to campus, and distance learning was to be put in place.

“The care and thought that our faculty and academic lead-

ership have invested in this work in the last few weeks is a testament to what makes SPA an exceptional place to learn and teach. I have no doubt that our community will meet this challenge with all the talent, curiosity, intellect, and good cheer that has always defined us as a school,” he wrote.

Thus, for seniors, Mar. 13 truly was their last day of high school.

Distance learning has relied on a combination of Google Hangouts Meet, Google Classroom, Veracross, and extensive emailing to work. Classes have synchronous sessions over Hangouts Meet once a week,

giving teachers and students the opportunity to see each other face-to-face for thirty minutes.

The school initially set out to do distance learning tentatively until the beginning of May, but Roberts wrote an email to families on Apr. 17 that school would be canceled for the rest of the year too.

“We are operating under the assumption that students will not return to school for the balance of the 2019-20 academic year, and that they will complete their studies through our Distance Learning programs in each division,” he wrote.

Wednesday Elected/Selected: 12:00-12:45 Health and Wellness: 12:45-1:30 Affinity Groups: 1:30-2:15 Athletic Challenge/Clubs: 2:15-3:00 US Day 3 Period 2: 9:00-9:30 Period 4: 11:00-11:30 Period 3: 1-1:30 Period 1: 2:00-2:30 US Day 4 Class Meetings: 8:00-8:45 Period 6: 9:00-9:30 Period 8: 11:00-11:30 Period 7: 1-1:30 Period 2: 2:00-2:30

Senior Speeches move to virtual form SALAH ABDULKARIM THE RUBICON

Whether funny or serious, senior speeches bring a lot to the SPA community. They constantly provide lessons for students in a memorable fashion, and give seniors platform to share their stories. Although SPA is currently using a Distance Learning Plan, senior speeches will continue weekly with just a few minor changes.

Upper school faculty and staff has worked hard to ensure that senior speeches remain as normal as possible.

US History and Social Studies teacher Aaron Shulow shares how speeches will operate via the DLP, “We will have four assemblies...the first will

be this Monday [April 13th], then the next Monday which is the 20th, then Friday the 24th and then Monday the 27th.

They will all begin at 8:00am.

It will be the same as usual assemblies with four speakers per assembly with the exception of the last one which will be the last two seniors of the year...

Most of it will be the same, the speakers will write an original speech of the same five to seven minute length, the videos will have the speakers reading their speech and there could be some moments of creativity in terms of where the speech is recorded...There will be a welcoming message by the [USC] presidents, there will be announcements, there will be

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: Peter Michel Senior Peter Michel took advantage of this new situation by giving his senior speech in his bathtub. main the same as if we were in the Huss Center, of course monitoring that will be different because students will be at home. We ask that everyone gives their undivided attention as a sign of respect and solidar-

ity to create as much community as we can even though we are not literally together...we ask everyone to tune in and to watch and to think about the speeches.

SHOW GRATITUDE

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OPINIONS pg. 4 ISSUE INDEX

intros as well for the speakers that are obviously prerecorded but were going to try to keep as much as possible the same.

My understanding is that Matt Edens and Chris White are going to run it the way they did our initial assembly on Monday, in which you were sent a link that you click on and get a stream of all the different videos put together for that assembly.”.

Additionally, Shulow shares the expectations that students are expected to follow, “I believe there is a record kept that records who joined the live stream, if you’re signed in to your SPA google account it will automatically record your name. Expectations are to re-

ISSUES pg. 7

8-9 ... In-Depth 1-3 ... News 4 ... Editorial 5-6 ... Opinions 7 ... Issues 14-15 ... Sports 16 ... Photo Story 10-11 ... Feature 12-13 ... A&E

A&E pg. 12 @TheRubiconSPA

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NEWS THE RUBICON - APRIL 2020

COVID-19 changes college admission process COLLEGES PLANNING ON GOING TEST OPTIONAL SHORT TERM Amherst College for Class of 2021

Babson College for Class of 2021

Boston University for Class of 2021

Colgate University for Class of 2021

Cornell University for Class of 2021

Davidson College for Class of 2021-23

Hamilton College for Class of 2021

Haverford College for Class of 2021-23

Middlebury College for Class of 2021 INFOGRAPHIC: Elizabeth Trevathan DROPPING NUMBERS. In recent years, less and less students have taken standardized tests. Due to COVID-19, many SAT and ACT test dates have been cancelled, leading to many colleges opting to go test optional for the class of 2021. This means that the percent of students taking the ACT, the SAT or both will drop drastically this coming year.

ELIZABETH TREVATHAN RUBICONLINE

With the outbreak of COVID-19, most of students’ lives have been left in a state of insecurity. Day to day classes have been moved online, video-chats became the new normal, and no one really knows what tomorrow, or the next month, or the next school year has in store. While testing has been stalled, and visits have been canceled, students have been left unsure of how the college application process will continue.

More and more colleges are becoming “Test Optional” as SAT and ACTs are being postponed and canceled around the country. St. Paul Academy and Summit School are hosting the June 6 SAT, June 13 ACT, August 29 SAT, and the September 12 ACT to increase the number of testing dates for applying students. “Test Optional” indicates that the college either does not require an ACT or SAT or they offer an alternative test. Director of College Counseling and Academic Planning Mary Hill noted that around two-thirds of SPA’s juniors have already taken an ACT and, or an SAT and are waiting for a date to retest. Hill also said that the number of colleges that rapidly became test-optional was strik-

“

Northeastern University for Class of 2021

Pomona College for Class of 2021

[THERE IS] MORE FOCUS ON WHO THE STUDENT IS AND NOT THE NUMBERS ON A PAPER. Mary Hill

”

ing. She said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if, well, half of them will stick to [test-optional].

AP Exam formats have also shifted amid the crisis. Exams will occur in May 2020, be 45 minutes, at home, open-book, and each question will be free-response. More updates will be released in the near future, including an At Home Guide to Online Testing in April by the College Board.

Since the exams are online, security will be increased, and test takers should expect to answer validating questions prior to accessing their exam. It is recommended that seniors request their scores be sent directly to the colleges they’re applying to when scores are released in July to ensure timely consideration. Colleges are being flexible and may also offer on-campus placement exams or one-on-one conversations with professors to ensure an

adequate fit for classes.

The act of experiencing a college first hand is, for many students, a critical factor in their decision. Especially for seniors as they narrow down the colleges that accepted them to the one they will attend. Virtual is the only option that is left for colleges to offer, so many college visits and fairs will be moved to a new virtual format.

On Apr. 14, there will be an AIRR-NA Virtual College Fair.

Individual colleges will begin an online program for admitted students in an attempt to make up for the activities they would usually offer.

Other adjustments some colleges are making to their applications include pushing the reply date back from May 1 to Jun. 1 to allow students and their families more time to decide what college will look like for them in terms of online classes and financial situations.

The pandemic has caused stress on every student following the college admissions process. Due to the stress and the rapid changes in admissions, more seniors are expected to take a gap year, and while this is usually encouraged by college counselors, there’s a slight concern this year. Hill noted that the more students who wait a year to attend colleges,

Rhodes College for Class of 2021-23

Santa Clara University for Class of 2021-22

Swarthmore College IBID PHOTO: Griffin Thissen Junior John Becker stresses out while studying for standardized testi.

for Class of 2021-22

Texas Christian Univ. for Class of 2021

Trinity University for Class of 2021-23

Tufts University for Class of 2021-23

Tulane University for Class of 2021 IBID PHOTO: Griffin Thissen Senior Ethan Richman looks at a practice book to prepare for testing. the fewer spots that are open for juniors to attend the next year. This could potentially become an issue for upcoming seniors.

There is a silver lining to the revised admission process many colleges have adopted.

Hill said, “[There is] more focus on who the student is and not the numbers on a paper.”

Univ. of California system for Class of 2021

Univ. of Richmond for Class of 2021

Vassar College for Class of 2021

Wellesley College for Class of 2021

Williams College for Class of 2021 INFORMATION: Fairtest

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NEWS THE RUBICON - APRIL 2020

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: Steve Heilig The 2020 class poses for a photo at their Junior retreat.

Junior Retreat postponed until Fall 2020 ADRIENNE GAYLORD ILLUSTRATOR

For the first time in SPA history the event that has come to define junior year is happening

during the class of 2021’s senior year. The junior retreat is an SPA staple. Alums recall fond memories, seniors are tighter knit than ever, and juniors spend most of their year wait-

ing for the renowned retreat.

This year the three day retreat has been postponed due to the COVID-19. The class of 2021 is in situation no class has ever been in before.

The junior retreat was scheduled to occur Apr 29 to May 1.

It has now been postponed to fall of 2020. The decision was made with both consideration towards the health and safety of the students and maintaining as much as the typical junior retreat experience as possible. “Our hope in moving it to the fall is to sustain the same program we would have ran in the spring of this year,” Dean Thornberry said.

Even with as much effort put into the preservation of the annual retreat possible, there are still things that will be different. At the end of the retreat each year there is a fireside drawing of senior speech dates

“

IT’S UNIQUE, YOU’LL BE THE FIRST CLASS IN THE HISTORY OF SPA TO BE HAVING YOUR JUNIOR RETREAT YOUR SENIOR YEAR.

”

Chantal Thornberry by the junior class that determines the order for the next year’s senior speeches. Due to the change the class of 2021 is participating in a digital draw during their class meeting on May 1. The class of 2021 is going to be in a very different

place going into the retreat this fall than they would have this spring.

The class of 2021 now has a lot more time to reflect on what they want from the retreat, and to make their voice heard. Dean Thornberry encourages juniors to offer their insights, so that this retreat, that will happen as close to the beginning of next school year as possible, has the opportunity to be an even greater experience than if it happened this school year. “It’s unique, you’ll be the first class in the history of SPA to be having your junior retreat your senior year,” Dean Thornberry said. This school year can feel strange to be living through, but in a few years when SPA historians are recounting the 2019-2020 school year, they are also likely going to think it’s really strange.

Senior project made more flexible considering pandemic QUINN CHRISTENSEN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The annual senior project has long been a chance for seniors to experience working in a field of their interest as a capstone to their high school experience. Traditionally, this has taken the form of an internship, supplemented by another activity as well as volunteer work. However, during the COVID-19 outbreak, the usual senior project has been disrupted. Faculty and students have come together to find a way to replace this rite of passage for seniors.

Once it became clear that the usual May plans would not be possible, the senior project committee, led by Dr. Heilig and Mr. Fones, began reimagining senior project. The result seeks to accomplish the same goals as the original, but in a form that is able to safely be completed at home. It includes a reduced number of hours

and more flexibility with the distribution of the hours across the three components.

“I’m definitely stressed out about the three different components given the state of the world, but I think this version is about as smooth as possible,” senior Anna Snider said.

Seniors have multiple options for their focus. For a few seniors, they are able to continue with their project as planned, working with the organization that they had contacted before the stay-at-home order.

Senior Anjali Tadavarthy falls into this category.

“I’m working with the Human Rights organization at the U of M. We haven’t quite figured out what exactly I will be doing for them but it will probably be some research and some data organization. I also hope to sit in on virtual meetings and stuff,” Tadavarthy said.

For many seniors, however,

COVID-19 has meant a significant disruption in their plans.

Snider had planned on pursuing an internship with either The Loft Literary Center or TruArtSpeaks, two local literary organizations.

THINK THIS “ IVERSION IS ABOUT AS SMOOTH AS POSSIBLE. Anna Snider

”

“Now I’m going to write a children’s book with my grandma,” Snider said. In addition, she plans on engaging younger students with the project.

“I’m thinking about using the book to make a curriculum for the lower school talking about body image and healthy friendships,” she said, although she added that she is still work-

ing out the details.

Another aspect of the senior project is volunteer work.

This year, seniors are swapping out their usual plans, such as volunteering at the humane society or for other local organizations, and rallying around the coronavirus cause instead.

While students are welcome to find their own volunteer opportunity, SPA is offering three school-supported volunteer opportunities: producing personal protective equipment, designing apps and websites to help educate the community about the virus, or interviewing an elder in the community and transcribing their stories to create a community narrative project.

Tadavarthy plans on volunteering with the Como Planetarium.

“For the planetarium I am helping to make virtual field trips for elementary school students,” Tadavarthy said.

3 PART PROJECT Focus Activity Engage in deep learning of a field that interests you.

Community Service Investigate a need, assess what you can offer, identify what you need to learn so you are in a position to help, and engage across difference.

Activity/SPA Community Engage in personal enrichment and/or to leave SPA better than you found it; to express gratitude for the community by giving today to those who will give tomorrow.

Chalk art is the chalk of the town ANNIKA ROCK RUBICONLINE

Although the coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on the world, there is still some light shining in the distance as good things in Minnesota happen everyday. Chalk art has always been a fun activity to do when you’re bored or just want to be outside, but as people are stuck at home and uneasy about this situation, many people have used chalk art to communicate with others.

Children and families have been using their artistic skills to share hopeful messages with everyone in their neighborhood by drawing and writing motivational phrases on the street or no their driveways.

Some have also just drawn

“

WE WROTE MESSAGES ON THE SIDEWALK FOR PEOPLE TO SEE BECAUSE WE WANTED TO SPREAD POSITIVITY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. Olivia Lagos

”

with colorful chalk on their streets to pass the time away.

“My neighbor and I decided to do some chalk art in our neigh-

borhood because we saw some around our houses and it was a really nice day out. We wrote some messages on the sidewalk for people to see because we wanted to spread positivity during this difficult time. We wrote nice messages and drew some fun pictures for people to see while walking or driving by,” junior Olivia Lagos said.

Especially as the days are getting warmer, people are spending more and more time outside in their yards or on walks and they use that time to draw on their sidewalks or driveways so that everyone can see and appreciate their art and encouraging messages.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: Olivia Lagos People write words of encouragement to their neighbors during this difficult time.

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EDITORIAL THE RUBICON - APRIL 2020

Show gratitude towards faculty and staff EDITORIAL

THE RUBICON STAFF

These are frightening, unprecedented times. Trying to protect loved ones and stay healthy. Caring for family members. Managing personal mental health. Staying in touch with friends and family.

Adjusting to a new way of doing school. Keeping communication alive and the school community together. Spending more time online.

While this sounds familiar to students, it can be easy to forget that this is also the experience of educators across the country. Even as students face personal and community-wide challenges and frustrations while adjusting to distance learning, it is important to keep in mind that teachers are adapting to changes in their own lives to set up distance learning programs for students.

For each inconvenience faced by a student, numerous others were avoided because of the faculty’s hard work behind the scenes. Gratitude for teachers should not disappear within the distance learning model. Now is a great time to remember that teachers are people, too, and are likely just as frustrated, disoriented, and worried as the students. These challenges make it more important than ever to thank our teachers for their tenacity and innovativeness, and for the care that they show the student body.

Students are encountering technology that they are not used to working with, glitches that they do not know how to iron out, and difficulty adjusting emotionally to an online education. Sometimes it may be tempting to take out frustrations on the people who seem responsible for these problems, teachers. Instead of doing so,

keep the situation in perspective, and lead with gratitude.

Teachers are facing the same challenges and more, and are no more responsible for them than students.

Confused and frustrated about how to submit an assignment? Your teacher is likely confused and frustrated that students are having trouble with the program they are using, which is likely as new to them as it is to their students.

GRATITUDE FOR TEACHERS SHOULD NOT DISAPPEAR WITHIN THE DISTANCE LEARNING MODEL. Re frame frustrations, and appreciate the devotion that teachers have shown to adapting to the current circumstances. In a matter of weeks, teachers who were trained to teach in person have become teachers of 100% online classes.

Teachers rose to the occasion.

They have not only learned to use Google Classroom, Hangouts, and Meets, but have considered how to use those tools to keep the community connected. They have worked hard to maintain the depth of their courses, despite not being able to teach in person.

The faculty is putting so much time and effort into improving students’ lives, even at a time when their lives are also being profoundly impacted.

Teachers have gone above and beyond to support students’ wellbeing as well as academic growth during this time. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone, with no exceptions.

Teachers have families that

EDITORIAL CARTOON: Adrienne Gaylord GRATITUDE IS KEY. Teachers are facing the same, if not more, challenges as students, and are still going above and beyond to continue providing education and connection for students. they are worrying about, immunocompromised or elderly relatives. Many are parents to young children, who they are now caring for full time. They are feeling the impacts of living during a global pandemic, just as keenly as students are. But teachers have worked to shelter students, engaging them in community-building activities to stave off feelings of isolation, sharing detailed, organized plans for classwork to address concerns about academic progress, and been understanding about the effect that mental health has on academic performance. The fact that they have maintained such a prominent presence in the SPA community speaks to their devotion to their students and the work that they do.

There are many ways to show our gratitude to teachers. A simple way to start is by remembering to thank them before leaving synchronous classes, tutorials, and one-onone meetings. Before distance learning, this was an important part of the culture at SPA, but it has fallen by the wayside in the weeks of distance learning.

In a Google Hangout with everyone muted to keep classes from getting too chaotic, it makes sense that this tradition has been phased out for the sake of efficiency, but that does not stop it from feeling symbolic: with everyone just trying to get through, we have stopped showing gratitude to people trying to make things a little bit smoother for us.

However, we have more cause than ever to thank teachers, who are showing the same dedication that they always have, and the best way to get through this time is to remember what we’re grateful for.

Another is to be respectful in interactions with teachers. Online communication is notorious for making it easy to forget to be kind. Say ‘thank you’ at the end of emails, and be considerate of the person reading them. Also, respect teachers’ time. With the community in self-isolation, the hours of the school day are blurred, but that is not an excuse for expecting teachers to always be available.

They need a break sometimes, too.

Finally, we are in a position

where it is possible to benefit from our teachers’ dedication, which some students are not able to do right now because of circumstances beyond their control. The Pioneer Press reported that, in the first week of distance learning, 17 percent of students in St. Paul Public Schools did not log into the online learning program a single time. And about 1/3 of the students in Minneapolis Public Schools either could not do their assignments or could not join online classes due to lack of accessible supplies.

Public school districts nationally have been considering instituting teacher pay cuts and furloughs in anticipation of the loss of education funding that will be a result of the current economic standstill. We should be grateful to SPA for protecting teachers’ salaries, while also acknowledging that the school is in a position where it is possible to do so.

So, we are thankful to our teachers, and for the circumstances that allow us to benefit from all that they do. We have to make sure that we are expressing that gratitude.

THE RUBICON 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 NEWS EDITORS OPINIONS EDITOR ISSUES EDITOR IN DEPTH EDITOR FEATURE EDITOR ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR SPORTS EDITORS PHOTO STORY EDITOR ILLUSTRATOR

Quinn Christensen Evelyn Lillemoe Lucy Benson Julia Baron, Charlie Johnson Maren Ostrem Meagan Massie Lizzie Kristal Sharee Roman Jenny Ries Salah Abdulkarim, Tommy Stolpestad Eloise Duncan Adrienne Gaylord

DIRECTOR OF RUBICONLINE PRODUCTION MANAGER SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER NEWS EDITORS OPINIONS EDITORS FEATURE EDITORS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS AUREUS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SPORTS EDITOR VIDEO EDITOR ADVISER PUBLICATIONS ASSISTANT

Melissa Nie Lynn Reynolds Bobby Verhey

CONTRIBUTOR Asa Zirps

Liv Larsen, Elizabeth Trevathan Lara Cayci, Tana Ososki Elle Chen, Annika Rock Lucia Granja, Zekiah Juliusson Sam Hanson Martha Sanchez, Will Schavee Henry Burkhardt

John Becker, Jonas Bray, Alexandra Cardwell, Maddy Fisher, Noa Gross, Catherine Hooley, Mimi Huelster, Lily Malloy, Johnna MelkJohnson, Aryun Nemani, Anna Nowakowski, Leni Nowakowski, Ivy Raya, Thomas Reinhart, Evelyn Sampsell-Jones, Tommy Verhey, Hazel Waltenbaugh, Colin Will

Kathryn Campbell, CJE Megan Erickson

STAFF WRITERS

OPINIONS THE RUBICON - APRIL 2020

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Grieve the simple things, recognize privilege live in Minnesota, which is one of the safest states to be located during this pandemic - a sense of guilt often accompanies this grief. Is it okay to grieve the loss of a senior prom when others are grappling with financial struggles or even grieving the death of a loved one?

IT’S OKAY TO MOURN WHEN THINGS DON’T GO AS PLANNED, AND WHEN WE ARE FACED WITH DISAPPOINTMENT...

ILLUSTRATION: Adrienne Gaylord Although guilt can often accompany feelings of grief, grieving is normal and healthy in a time of great loss and uncertainty.

QUINN CHRISTENSEN EDITOR IN CHIEF

COVID-19 has meant a lot of loss. For seniors especially, but for the entire upper school, traditions and memories that

could have been made - from prom to seeing friends in the hallways - in the last few months of the school year are disappearing. As the entire school is in a position of privilege - at the very least, we all

In a word, yes. And not only is it okay, but it’s important to accept this grief, to name it. Emotions don’t need to be attached to the severity of an event. We talk about joy lying in the simple things - sunsets,

flowers, a text from a friend.

We would never think to say to someone that they are not truly happy after a nice walk because someone else is happier, so why do we treat grief this way? It’s okay to mourn when things don’t go as planned, and when we are faced with disappointment.

Additionally, it’s okay to use the time spent in quarantine to grieve. With an increasing rhetoric on social media that this time should be used “productively” - working out, learning new skills, getting ahead on schoolwork - it’s easy to feel guilty for spending time on sadness. Grief takes time and energy to process, and it’s okay to merely sustain productivity levels, or even to see them dip, while the world is so turbulent.

It’s acceptable to spend time taking care of mental health any other time, and just because COVID-19 is happening to the whole world does not

mean that the ways it impacts individuals’ mental health is any less valid or real.

Often, the purpose of shaming people for mourning the loss of these end-of-year traditions is asking them to recognize their privilege. Recognizing privilege is important right now because there are limited materials to respond to the current crisis, and it’s important now for those who can afford to think outside their own wellbeing to rally around the people who are in the most danger physically and economically. However, as long as you are recognizing your privilege and taking the actions you can to help, there is nothing wrong with being sad about the ways that the pandemic is affecting you personally.

Recognizing humanity’s good side is vital during pandemic TOMMY STOLPESTAD THE RUBICON

Despite this unprecedented time of uncertainty, it is vitally important to recognize the ways humans have been able to connect with each other during this pandemic, regardless of the adversity and hardship. With basic human connection more important than ever, it is easy to look in hindsight and realize the face to face connections we often took for granted.

In the age of smartphones, instant virtual connection is at our fingertips, often times leaving face to face interactions in the peripherals. But with stay at home orders across the country, how have people been able to connect and appreciate their interactions with friends and family, and why is connection and support so important in a time like this?

It is easy to get caught up focusing on all the negatives

and being overwhelmed by the flood of news surrounding COVID- 19, but it is important to take a step back and interact with loved ones. Whether it is reaching out to check on a new friend every day, or starting a zoom call with your extended family, people have done a good job utilizing technology to bring out the good in humanity.

While one might not be able to see their friends in person, using this time to check back in with and old friend is a positive use of time.

Taking a step back, communities, such as St. Paul Academy, have done a good job as a whole maintaining this connection and being kind to each other. Students at SPA have great resources like Ms. Short, Ms. Barbie, and advisors and the staff as whole has done a fantastic job making the schedule and routine of school feel

as normal as possible during distance learning. Whether it is keeping the same Wednesday advisory routine, or making modifications to senior speeches and class retreats, all of these efforts make for a connected community in a time where interaction is increasingly significant.

IN THE AGE OF SMARTPHONES, INSTANT VIRTUAL CONNECTION IS AT OUR FINGERTIPS. Connection is important, whether it is one on one or a class google hangout, because it is an easy way to alleviate the stress of these chaotic times.

There is plenty of evidence of people helping each other through virtual connection,

ILLUSTRATION: Evelyn Lillemoe Social distancing has forced people to become more creative with how they connect. and it is a testament to the good in humanity. Everyone should continue to strengthen their relationships and reach out to their loved ones instead of always dwelling on the bleak news that is every where on

the internet and social media.

Above all, it is important to recognize the connections humans have made amidst this pandemic.

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OPINIONS THE RUBICON - APRIL 2020

Small businesses suffering with shutdowns Support crucial to economy MEAGAN MASSIE THE RUBICON

With the heavy impact of COVID-19 affecting each person individually, it can be difficult to understand the hardships that owners of small businesses are feeling financially. Even before the pandemic, small businesses felt the ever impending presence of large corporations like Amazon, Microsoft, and Target. Now that we’re living in such unstable times, the unknown becomes even greater: how can small businesses survive?

As members of the community, students need to support their local shops by ordering online from them whenever possible, buying gift certificates, and donating to them via funding sites. If not considered to be an essential company such as the medical or food industry, then many small businesses have been forced to shut their doors for the quarantine effort.

Although it may not be pos-

sible for everyone to support the businesses financially, students can also spread awareness for these stores and owners by asking community members and private corporations to

LOANS CAN TAKE A WHILE TO ACQUIRE AND THUS, SMALL BUSINESSES STILL MAY STRUGGLE. lend a helping hand.

The government has been helping businesses as much as possible. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, President Trump signed the CARES Act which gives $376 billion to American workers and small businesses.

The government is currently suspending debt for smaller businesses and granting them up to $25,000 if a relationship has already been formed with the SBA, or $10,000 if no relationship is present. The Pay-

check Protection Program is another way that the government is trying to protect the small businesses of the U.S. by ensuring that workers are given payment during this instability.

The government may be providing substantial federal assistance, but according to Go Fund Me, these loans can take a while to acquire and thus, small businesses still may struggle. Businesses like farmer’s markets throughout the Twin Cities have closed putting a lot of small street vendors out of commission for the time being.

Although shutting down nonessential companies is vital to stopping the spread of disease, many people are finding themselves unable to support their families. It is important to help these parts of the community through crowdfunding which is ultimately a fundraiser that allows emergency assistance to be immediately sent to these companies.

Some small businesses like restaurants have had to drastically change their business model in order to accommodate in this trying time. Restaurants like Boca Chica and Beirut Restaurant, both in St. Paul, have reopened with shorter hours and for curbside pick up only. Although stay at home orders are put in place, if you order from these restaurants and take necessarily safety measures (sterilizing the bag, washing your hands, etc.), then businesses like these are able to remain open.

PHOTO: Kathryn Campbell Small business shutdowns leave streets abandoned. Without the necessary support of locals, many small businesses are likely to shutdown permanently .

Some companies have decided to take an unconventional, yet very essential route to help keep the community safe. For example, Birchwood Cafe and Joynoelle have teamed up to create face masks using furnace filters for $20. The Birchwood Cafe also has limited curbside pick up hours and they have recently started to charge a 15 percent service charge to help pay for their laid off workers groceries and meals. They intend to use this money to also rehire every laid off employee as soon as possible. If for any

reason you don’t want to pay the service charge, no worries they’ll remove it for you, but it will extremely help them to get back on their feet.

One of the most important ways to help small businesses is to stay home to prevent the spread of disease. Students should support these stores by doing so online through online purchases, donations, and fundraisers, but should not leave the house to shop in person. Small businesses across the country will greatly appreciate any help they can get.

Trump’s response worsened COVID-19 outbreak curity and Bio-defense, a team to lead preparation for future disease control, and coordinate the federal response.

TRUMP HAS BEEN DOWNPLAYING COVID-19 SINCE HE FIRST HEARD ABOUT IT. ILLUSTRATION: Lucia Granja Trump tweeted, “We have it totally under control. It’s one person coming in from China, and we have it under control. It’s going to be just fine,” the day after the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the US, despite WHO’s high-risk warning for the virus.

LUCIA GRANJA RUBICONLINE

A run to the grocery looks a lot different now than it did a month ago. Everyone sports face masks and stressed expressions. Don’t even try to find toilet paper. COVID-19 has changed everything, with more than 16 million Americans filing for unemployment since mid-March, more than 40,000 deaths in the US, and more than 165,000 worldwide. Although the last outbreak that

threatened the US happened a century ago, the government has procedures to plan for outbreaks when they do happen. Unfortunately, Trump has been ignoring these procedures, if not downright dismantling them, which has undeniably furthered the spread of COVID-19 and the US and endangers lives.

After the Ebola outbreak of 2014-2016, President Obama set up the White House National Security Council’s Directorate for Global Health Se-

Trump’s national security advisor, John Bolton, disbanded this team in 2018, and fired several big players in disease control, including head of pandemic attacks, Rear Adm. Timothy Ziemer and his team, and the then homeland security advisor, Tom Bossert, who had called for a strategy for pandemics. Bolton’s actions left a large hole in the government’s field of vision, which has come back to bite during the current COVID-19 epidemic.

However, Trump has defended his administration’s actions: he said during a White House briefing on Feb 27, “I’m a businessperson. I don’t like having thousands of people around when you don’t need them.

When we need them, we can get them back very quickly.”

The lack of preparedness un-

deniably worsened the government’s response to COVID-19.

The virus was first discovered in late Dec 2019 in Wuhan China, and the first case of COVID-19 in the US was detected on Jan 19 in Washington. Despite the known extreme contagiousness of the virus, the CDC administered less than 500 tests in February. The lack of federal push for testing due to the disorganization within the government made the national reaction to the virus much slower than other countries. South Korea tested more than 66,000 people within the week after community spread started within the country. In comparison, it took 3 weeks for the US to administer the same amount of tests. The lack of initial testing put the US on track for a much more serious outbreak, as testing is one of the only resources available to track and isolate the virus.

To pile it on, Trump has been downplaying COVID-19 since he first heard about it.

On February 27, the same time that California and Oregon reported the start of community transmission, Trump tweeted, “It’s going to disappear. One day, it’s like a miracle, it will disappear.” Trump has also

compared the virus to the common flu in an effort to downplay its severity, which experts say is a dangerous and inaccurate comparison. Because of his immense influence as the president, Trump inevitably worsened the spread just by downplaying COVID-19.

During times of crisis, people often turn to the president and follow what they say, regardless of whether or not it is accurate.

By continuously arguing that the virus, “is very much under control in the USA,” and making claims that social distancing would be over very soon, Trump inevitably influenced a portion of the population to not take the virus seriously, undermining efforts to contain the disease.

Now, more than 40,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the US, and the number will continue to grow. The administration has been working against the virus, but Trump’s actions have unquestionably led to COVID-19 taking more of a toll than what could have been.

In order to counteract this, make sure to get information from the CDC, and continue to social distance to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

7

ISSUES THE RUBICON -APRIL 2020

COVID-19

CASES IN MINNESOTA OVER TIME INFORMATION: Star Tribune as of April 27.

in Minnesota

SHAREE ROMAN THE RUBICON

As the Minnesota state governor continues public restrictions and postpones opening the economy, the sound of coughs and sniffles will send anyone scurrying off.

COVID-19 affects everyone and has symptoms similar to the cold and flu: a dry cough, muscle aches, and a fever. What happens when someone can’t symptomatically tell the difference between flu, common cold, and COVID-19? Fear.

While some are at higher risk, everyone is involved in this pandemic and must do their part in prevention.

“

erty trying to just part of social distancing stay at home order obviously. When it comes to masks we do go outside. When we go outside, we go inside with something like covering our mouth. And for me, I also go outside of sunglasses just so my eyes are covered as well,” Shaker-Check said.

Shaker-Check family went so far to change their routines inside the house as well.

“Inside the house, we’ve definitely been more stringent.

Like we don’t share towels as much. Normally one of us will like the table but like this time, we all kind of set up our own spot and just kind of stuff that and we’d like clean down

WHEN WE GO OUTSIDE, WE GO OUTSIDE WITH SOMETHING COVERING OUR MOUTH. Luka Shaker-Check

Many people have started to wear surgical masks in a means to protect themselves. Certain masks work to prevent the spread of infection, while others help prevent the contraction of the virus. The best kind of masks are N-95 masks because they limit the amount of particles allowed into the body.

The N-95 masks are in high demand for healthcare workers and anyone who has them are encouraged to donate them to the hospital. Any other kind of mask will only help to contain the virus, not prevent it.

Junior Luka Shaker-Check talks about his lifestyle changes to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

“We only go outside for either like walking the dog exercise or like getting groceries otherwise we stay in our prop-

”

surfaces more often just generally stuff that reduces the likelihood of a potential spread,” Shaker Check said.

ECONOMY According to the World’s Health Organization, as of April 21, there are 3,816 cases confirmed in Minnesota alone with 286 deaths. The state has recorded nearly 61,268 tests so far as of April 21. Case count by county can be found in a table on the state’s Department of Health’s website.

The state government issued a stay at home order that began on Mar. 14 and has been extended until May 4. In order to curb the spread of COVID-19, all schools, theaters, museums, and any place of public gathering have been temporarily shut down until further notice. Restaurants are allowed to remain open, but

CASES IN MINNESOTA BY AGE 0-5 6-19

1% 3%

20-49

43%

45-64

43%

65+

25%

150 100 50 March 29

April 5

April 12

April 19 INFOGRAPHICS: Maren Ostrem

only for takeout and delivery.

Other essential businesses that have remained open include vet clinics, food banks, money banks, day care centers, grocery stores, and transportation.

Oddly enough, lawn services recently petitioned to become essential services in Minnesota and deemed essential. Other business are also in the process of petition to be essential like pet grooming.

Many individuals are tired of being pent up inside the house, but Shaker-Check stresses the importance of staying at home to prevent a second wave.

“But I would say really, I mean, stay at home besides like getting groceries or exercise like follow what like the governor is saying because he has got like Minnesota interests in mind. So he’ll give the best, most accurate most Minnesota specific information. In general just like even if there’s a even if there’s a downturn cases, we’ll keep staying at home a little longer, just because otherwise, we really don’t need a second wave,” Shaker-Check said.

PROJECTION The Minnesota Department of Health released projections of the severity of the disease outbreak in the state based on different mitigation scenarios.

In a scenario where people are ordered to stay at home until May 8, health care system demand would peak in mid July and the projected mortalities would be around 22,000 for Minnesota alone Although the current death toll in Minnesota is 160 deaths, the projected mortality is significantly higher at 22,000.

Right now, if someone dies of flu-like symptoms whether it is COVID-19 or influenza, it is classified as COVID-19 because they aren’t deciphering which is which right now.

PREVENTION People are increasingly worried about anything they touch. But how long can this virus really last on surfaces?

A new study, Aerosol and surface stability of HCoV-19, found that the virus can remain viable in the air for up to 3 hours, on copper for up to 4 hours, on cardboard up to 24 hours and on plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours.

Since COVID-19 can live on many surfaces, the CDC has wrote in a set of recommendations for sanitation. They use a bleach solution that can be prepared by mixing 5 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. The bleach can kill the virus on any hard surface and will keep the surface clear of it. This can be used in the bathroom, kitchen, and the floors.

Since COVID-19 spreads so quickly and easily, it is important to wear a mask especially if you have the virus. It is also necessary to clean surfaces with soap and water. Some people like elderly and immuno-compromised people have a higher chance of contracting the virus so it is essential that the community works to protect them.

Many people might be tired of staying at home doing the same things over and over, but it is for the greater good. The stay at home order in Minnesota is being lifted May 3 at 11:59pm and the economy looks like it set to open back up in late May. Until then, minimize contact with others and extend a thank you to those keeping the community safe.

Fair Use Image: CDC website

FAST FACTS Deaths: 286 Hospitalizations: 861 Confirmed cases: 3,816 Tests administrated: 61, 268 Patients recovered: 1,160 18 % of cases are due to exposure while traveling 36% of deaths have been people between the age of 80 and 89 Hennepin county has the most cases at 1,416, and 188 deaths.

8

IN DE

THE RUBICON

IN THE FACE OF A

PANDEMIC

Marginalized groups are at risk EVELYN LILLEMOE

CHIEF VISUAL EDITOR

COVID-19 has thrown the United States into a crisis, but many of the problems Americans are facing in the wake of COVID-19 are not new; they have been around for decades.

American systems are and have been failing, and the COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted it.

Many of the problems Americans are facing with COVID-19 expose the systematic problems within how the United States operates. It has taken a crisis to show many Americans that our systems are failing marginalized communities every day.

VOTING ACCESSIBILITY (OR LACK THEREOF) In Wisconsin, a supreme court election was held on Apr 7 despite many calling for the election to be postponed due to health concerns in the midst of the intensifying pandemic.

Voters had to choose whether to risk getting themselves and others infected to vote or to not vote at all. This was just one way it is clear a pattern emerges; voting, a fundamental right for American citizens, is systematically denied to large populations in indirect ways.

Voting has never been accessible to all, it has been purposely denied certain groups of people. In 2018, a law was passed in North Dakota that required documentation of a street address in order to vote. This prevented thousands of Native Americans from voting as there are often not street addresses on reservations. This also prevented people who were homeless from voting. Among other groups that have been disenfranchised are incarcerated Americans, and Americans with disabilities. COVID-19 has given us another way that this is happening and shows us that something needs to be done to ensure all citizens of the United States have access to their fundamental right as an American.

IT HAS TAKEN A CRISIS TO SHOW MANY AMERICANS THAT OUR SYSTEMS ARE FAILING MARGINALIZED COMUNITITES EVERY DAY. HOMELESSNESS

While Americans across the country are being told to ‘shelter in place,’ some people don’t have anywhere to stay. On a single night in 2018, 552,830 people were experiencing homlessness according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

America’s homeless are among the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. People who are homeless are usually living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. They also often depend upon public resources such as libraries, public bathrooms, and public transportation, as well as programs and services that provide basic needs like shelter and food.

Even when these resources are open and running, it is hard for many homeless people to access these services and many people go hungry or without shelter every night.

PRISON AND ICE DETENTION CENTER CONDITIONS The many outbreaks of COVID-19 in prisons, jails, and ICE detention centers throughout the country show the lack of safe and sanitary conditions for prisoners and detainees in the United States. Information about COVID-19 in prisons, jails and detention centers is not abundant because most institutions are not releasing much data and because testing is not very accessible or widespread yet, but there is some data. According to The New York City Department of Correction, as of Apr 5, 273 inmates at Rikers Island have tested

positive for COVID-19, and at least one inmate has died due to the virus. Many inmates at Rikers Island and other prisons and jails across the nation have spoken out about the lack of ability to social distance, lack of access to things like soap and masks, and lack of access to adequate healthcare. The unsanitary and unsafe conditions for inmates is not just an issue now that coronavirus is spreading.

Inhumane living conditions in prisons have been a constant issue throughout the history of the United States. According to the Center for Prisoner Health and Human Rights, essentially all chronic illnesses are more common in incarcerated people than the general public with an estimated 40% of all inmates having a chronic disease.

According to the Bureau of Justice, found that from 2015 to 2016, death rates went up with the leading cause of death being chronic illnesses. Prisoners should not be forced into unsanitary conditions nor should they then be denied suitable healthcare.

Numb cases as of

The outbreak is worst around the Twin Cities, with Hennepin county havi

HEALTH DISPARITIES purple over 1,000 cases BETWEEN RACES red 100-400

care.10-100 There are many factors yellow As the United States is still that create those obstacles inbluecluding less than 10 cases in the midst of the pandemic, disproportionate povthe statistics about the virus erty, lack of education, food aren’t complete, but based on deserts and red-lining. These the numbers that have been factors contribute to chronic taken, it is clear that race plays conditions that put them at a a part in the mortality rate of higher risk in general, but this COVID-19. APM Research Lab is especially true in relation to gathered mortality statistics COVID-19. According to the from 12 states and four local- Center for American Progress, ities, with only some reports Black people, Native Ameridetailing race or ethnicity. Also, cans, Alaska Natives, Native Native American mortality rate Hawaiians and Hispanic peowas not covered in this report. ple have higher rates of chronic Looking at all the data gath- illnesses, and are often more ered by the APM Research Lab, likely to die from those illnessBlack people have made up es than white people. These 32% of the deaths despite mak- health disparities show that ing up only 13% of the popula- not everyone gets equal access tion. This means Black people to healthcare, some groups are are dying 2.4 times what would at a much higher risk than othbe expected. This is a reflection ers. This is represented in the on health disparities between COVID-19 mortality data, but races and possibly health care it is a problem that has existed discrimination. Health dispar- for a long time, and it will take ities between races come from a lot of work to fix it. systematic obstacles to health-

THE HEALTHCARE ISSUE One of the most obvious problems contributing to the COVID-19 pandemic is the lack of access to affordable healthcare in the United States. Now more than ever, people should not worried about going to the doctor because they cannot afford it. Healthcare is something that too many Americans struggle with. Many have to choose between their health and their financial stability every day. According to the Commonwealth fund, 41% of working age people, or 72 million people, have problems paying medical bills or are in debt due to medical bills.The Commonwealth Fund also found that nearly two thirds of adults under the age of 65 in the United States struggled to pay medical bills or had medical debt, were at some uninsured or underinsured for a period of time, or went

9

EPTH

N - APRIL 2020

Organizations take action to help the communities most affected by virus Want to help those who are disproportionately affected by COVID-19?

CONSIDER DONATING TO...

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ing the most cases by far.

LEGEND >1000 cases 100-400 cases 10-100 cases <10 cases INFOGRPAHIC AND ILLUSTRATION:

QUINN CHRISTENSEN

without the medical care they needed because they couldn’t afford it. COVID-19 has made it clear how vital healthcare is for every single person in the United States and the country as a whole. Healthcare must be accessible to all.

The Immigrant Worker Safety Net Fund collects donations for immigrant workers who already have COVID-19 as well as undocumented immigrant workers who are at heightened risk of contracting COVID-19 due to their age or pre-existing health conditions.

COVID Bailout NYC is raising money to pay for the bail of incarcerated people at Rikers Island Jail in New York City, where thousands of people are being held for nonviolent crimes because they cannot afford bail. COVID-19 is tearing through prisons because social distancing is impossible inside the facilities, making it imperative that money for bail is raised.

The First Nations Development Institute is collecting donations for response and relief efforts in Indigenous communities. Indigenous populations are at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19 partly because Indigenous people are more likely to have chronic illnesses that make them more susceptible to the virus.

ORGANIZATIONS AROUND THE The COVID-19 pandemic affects everybody across the WORLD ARE globe. However, things such as TAKING ACTION TO economic status and housing conditions differ people’s abil- MITIGATE THESE ity to take care of themselves and their surroundings. Some INEQUALITIES AND people and organizations HELP THE PEOPLE around the world are taking action to mitigate these inequal- WHO ARE AT A ities and help the people who are at a disadvantage during DISADVANAGE the pandemic.

DURING THE HELPING THE HOMELESS PANDEMIC. ELOISE DUNCAN THE RUBICON

POPULATION

According to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Annual Homeless Assessment Report, as of 2018 there were around 553,000 homeless people in the USA per night. People without shelter are unable to follow the stay at home guidelines because they don’t have a consistent place of shelter, leading to them being disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 virus and the protocols being rolled out to combat it. Shirley Raines, founder of Beauty 2 The Streetz, a nonprofit organization committed to helping the homeless population of Los Angeles, is continuing to provide them aid as the pandemic adds on another challenge to their lives. Wearing masks and gloves, she and her volunteers pass out supplies such as blankets, tents, face masks, water, hand sanitizer, and food to those in need. The state of California gave $150 million to help protect their homeless population from the spread of the virus. On Mar. 26, the Minnesota House passed a bill for COVID-19 response that included $26.5 million given to helping the homeless, with the money going to shelters and supplies. This is not enough for full aid, but community members can lend their hand by donating supplies in addition. Avivo, a Min-

nesota agency that helps with homelessness, employment, and mental health concerns, compiled a list of items that are most needed from donations.

This list includes: milk, sandwich supplies, grocery store gift cards, toilet paper, and sanitizing wipes.

THE INACCESSIBILITY OF MEDICAL AID The homeless population is in need of extra help during this time, and so are those who do not have access to medical aid or health insurance. Millions of U.S. citizens do not have health insurance, along with undocumented immigrants who aren’t eligible. This creates a large risk during COVID-19, as many are not able to pay for medical screening, testing, or treatment, dangering both themselves and the public. In order to combat this, according to PBS, hospitals will take in patients, no matter if they have health insurance or not, if they fear they might have the virus.

“Hospitals are going to treat uninsured patients the same way they would treat any other patient. Their ability to pay is not going to be taken into account,” said Molly Smith, vice president of the coverage and state issues forum at the American Hospital Association. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, passed by Congress,

requires most health plans to cover COVID-19 testing, and it increased Medicaid funding.

Many families depend on

DONATING MEALS school meals and food banks, but with school closures and the decrease in employment has left people struggling to feed themselves. Many organizations are attempting at changing this and encourage donations from the community to supply emergency food aid to those in need. No Kid Hungry, a national campaign working towards making sure all children across the country have access to food they need, is encouraging donations to help them feed kids around the country. According to Second Harvest Heartland, a Minnesota food bank and hunger relief organization, the need for meals has more than doubled since COVID-19. To respond to this demand, Second Harvest Heartland is shipping emergency food boxes to food shelves, working to make sure those eligible for food stamps benefits are able to get them, working with elected officials in the region, and asking for donations from individuals and companies who are able to help.

Many problems have been

GETTING INVOLVED exposed or heightened during the pandemic, but the government and some other organizations are working to help those majorly affected. Individuals can get involved as well by donating to certain organizations or causes, showing how despite these hardships, communities are coming together to mitigate the negative impacts.

10

&

Q

FEATURE THE RUBICON - APRIL 2020

A

SPA’S COVID-19 STORIES Thomas stays isolated in Florida

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PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: Judah Thomas CHARLIE JOHNSON THE RUBICON

When sophomore Judah Thomas left for Florida, it was supposed to be a regular spring break trip. Weeks later, his family is still there, waiting out a pandemic far from home.

Q: What did you plan as your vacation and what has happened now?

A: The first day, it was supposed to be a week long trip.

Then the flight got canceled.

We waited another, another three days. Then that flight got cancelled, we waited another three days, we just decided, you know what, it’s better to stay here, there’s no reason to go home... we’re not going to school. We’re going into the fourth week, tomorrow, which is insane. But we have, like all my school stuff mailed out here. I got my little office area set up. And I’m just going with the flow.

Q: Are you in like a hotel or a house?

A: My grandpa has a has a condo out here. It’s pretty spacious it’s able to accomodate all four of my family members.

Q: What has been hard about this time for you?

A: For me, I’d say just being stuck with the same people, like, I like it. But... it’s tough to be around the same people for every day, all the time. I want some variation in my life.

Q: How are you staying mentally strong?

A: I was doing some yoga.

And then also, I’m doing active things like running, biking and working out and stuff like that is able to keep me going.

I THINK IT WOULD BE HARDER IF WE WERE AT HOME BECAUSE OF THE TEMPTATION TO GO OUT WITH FRIENDS.

”

Judah Thomas

Q: Do you think you’re gonna like continue doing or stuff like that when you get home?

A: Yeah, I feel like I was all this time I realized that my free time I can spend it doing something more useful than just going on my phone the whole time so I can actually use it to be productive.

Q: Has your family had any freak-out moments?

A: I think we’ve all just been mostly just going with the flow like taking it in stride. I think it would be a lot harder if we were at home because of the temptation to go out with friends and stuff like that. I would be real mad if my parents wouldn’t let me go out with friends, but since I’m here there’s nowhere to go out to so we’ve all just been taking it in stride.

Q: After you heard that like you won’t come back, how did your perspective change on being in Florida?

A: At first I was kind of mad because I wanted to go home to see my friends but now that no one can go out it’s been nice. It’s very, like, relaxing all the time... [it’s] really helpful to be able to go outside rather than just be stuck inside.

Q: If you had to say for another three weeks, how do you think that would affect your mental health?

A: Okay, I feel like I would definitely start to go a little crazy because I need to talk to people. I need like real human connections outside of my family.

But, I mean, the weather would still be nice but I’m missing my ps4 and I miss my bed.

Hoeschen works in family pharmacy

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PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: Ruby Hoeschen ELOISE DUNCAN THE RUBICON

While most students are shut up at home, junior Ruby Hoeschen is still working in her family’s pharmacy.

Q: Your family owns a pharmacy, so what’s it like working there during the pandemic?

A: It’s kind of strange because we are supposed to be practicing social distancing and everything, but I’m still working closely around a lot of different people throughout the week. While a lot of people at the pharmacy are talking about [Covid-19], it’s still kind of easy to forget because I’m working next to people and am so caught up in tasks, so it’s kind of like an escape from all of the craziness even though it’s still really crazy at the pharmacy.

It’s also interesting, because it’s a hard time but we still have to be open for people. We’ve had to make a lot of changes within the pharmacy to insure the health of our employees and our customers, which has been kind of crazy and has been a lot harder because we need a lot more help on staff.

Q: How are you and your family adapting at the pharmacy to keep everybody, workers and customers, safe?

A: It’s been a little over a week since we shut our doors, so no customers can come inside the store. Instead, we only offer delivery or curbside pickup. People can call in with orders and stuff they want, whether it’s prescriptions or over the counter items, and we will ring them up ahead of time and bring them out to their car when they get to the store.

So that’s one thing that we’ve done, and now this week we are starting to implement a mask policy. We are just making all of our workers wear masks because if one of us gets sick we want to lessen the chance of it spreading to another one of our workers, and because, realistically, if any of us got the virus, we would have to close the pharmacy, which would be a really big deal because a lot of other pharmacies are already having to close, so a lot of people are relying on us to get some of their medications and stuff. We’ve been implementing masks, washing our hands a lot, we have hand sanitizer for the staff, and we are just being

IT’S IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE ALL OF THE BUSINESS THAT ARE... WORKING HARD TO BE OPEN.

”

Ruby Hoeschen really cautious and careful. We drew a line outside of our door and we ask people not to cross the line to make sure we maintain our distance while talking to customers through the door.

Q: About the masks that you mentioned, I know that you and your family have been making some masks at home.

Could you talk about that?

A: My mom got tight-knit cotton fabric, and we decided to try and make some of our own [masks] because we can’t really get any anywhere else.

We made some out of cotton, and they’re the ones that you tie behind your head. We also wanted to make them reusable so we can reuse them instead of trying to get new ones a lot. We are also making extras to donate to medical staff right now.

I like them, there’s a lot of different patterns. I think its just important that we are making them because they’re really necessary. It’s kind of a tedious process, but once you get going it’s fine. My mom made around 10 the other day, which is kind of a lot based on the time it takes to cut the fabric, fold the masks over, and sew them. It’s been an interesting process, I’ve been helping my mom cut fabric and have been watching her to try to learn how to do the sewing.

Q: What is the importance or significance of you working at the pharmacy, and of you, your family, and the pharmacy right now?

A: It’s super important. I’m really happy and proud to be able to work at a place during this time and to help people out because I feel really useful and that we are actually helping people. I think it’s especially important that independent businesses like ours are still open and staying open because not everybody wants to walk into a lot of larger-name brand stores at a time like this since they’re very popular stores. We are offering curb-side pickup, delivery, or just an alternative option that allows people to stay more safe, so it is also very important that we are offering things like that. I know some other pharmacies are offering things like curbside pickup as well, but I think it’s important to have those options in times like this. We are still offering all of the same services we did before, we just have to do it a

little differently. It’s important that we are taking action early on as a business to prevent closing so that we can be there for our customers, and that we are trying to get and stay ahead. It’s important fr a lot of essential businesses trying to stay open right now to be open and I think it’s really cool that we are able to stay open and I really enjoy working at the pharmacy during this time.

Q: Besides the pharmacy, what else have you been doing to keep yourself busy and at home for the past few weeks?

R: I’ve been doing a lot of crafty things. I have painted, I did tie-dye with my sister which was fun, I’ve done chalk, etc.

A lot of the kids in my neighborhood are writing messages in chalk to each other, and they started writing messages outside my house so I decided to write some back because they’re super adorable. Me and my mom have been cooking and baking everyday, and have been making lunch to bring to the pharmacy for the staff. I’ve been watching some Netflix, Love is Blind for example, and other shows to occupy my time.

Q: How are you staying connected to everybody even though you can’t be inthe physical presence of others?

A: I’ve been Facetiming my friends and family. I called my grandpa the other day because none of us have been able to see him for while. I watched Love is Blind with some friends using Netflix party which is fun because you can watch a show together while typing and talking to each other. Some of our neighbors and us will just stand across the alley from each other and chat for a bit while maintaining appropriate distance from each other, so that’s been nice to talk to other people more in person. Mostly I’ve been just using Facetime, phone calls, and text messages.

Q: Do you have anything else to add about the pharmacy or just about how life has been lately?

A: Life has been really weird because working at a time like this, I’m working because of the circumstances, but I don’t always realize. You kind of feel normal, but then are suddenly like well this isn’t normal, so it’s an interesting thing to be doing. Overall, I’m really happy that I’m able to help and am still working at my pharmacy and we are still open. I think it’s important to recognize all of the businesses that are struggling and working hard to be open at this time.

Find related coverage at RUBICON online Social distancing looks different for every student

by Elle Chen

FEATURE THE RUBICON - APRIL 2020

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: Libby Cohen Senior Libby Cohen’s table was set for festivities. “It really represents a time with family and being together,” she said.

Cohen celebrates Passover virtually via Zoom call JENNY RIES

THE RUBICON

Every April, Jewish families around the world gather for a Passover Seder to remember the story of the Jews’ liberation from Egypt. The holiday symbolizes many things, from the liberation of Jews’ escape

from persecution, to their tenacity, to an acknowledgment and remembrance of the pain and suffering that Jews and others have faced throughout history, and continue to face.

Beyond this, it is a holiday that many families come together for, sometimes travelling across

the country or farther to be together. However, in the context of COVID-19, which some Jews have deemed the ‘11th plague’ in addition to the 10 from the traditional Passover story, many families have had to get creative in order to keep the holiday alive. One common course of action has been the ‘Zoom Seder.’ Senior Libby Cohen’s family held a ‘Zoom Seder’ in early April with extended family.

For Cohen, the holiday is primarily about being with family. “While the meaning of the holiday is very important, it’s less of that for me. It’s more just family time and getting to see those kind of people in my life,” she said.

Passover is usually a time when Cohen’s family comes into town to celebrate together. “My mom has two sisters, they each have a family, and so they always fly in town to Minnesota for it, so for me it really represents a time with family and being together,” she said. “It’s one of my favorite holidays, because it’s one of the

Kristal spends a day unplugged LIZZIE KRISTAL THE RUBICON

In a time when I’m stuck in my house 24/7, screens have become my life. I’ve become fearful to even glance at the tracked settings of screen time on my phone which doesn’t even include my laptop’s screen time.

The second I get bored (which is dreadfully often), my instinct is to open my phone to social media or binge Gossip Girl on Netflix. After what has felt like months of quarantine, I’m not even sure I’m enjoying screen time because I’ve exhausted it so much. Not only does staring at a screen all day physically damage my health (such as the many nights I’ve gone to bed with a headache from screens), but it has separated me from realizing the many other activities I could be occupying my time with that are infinitely more engaging than my phone.

On April 11, a beautiful 60 degree day, I decided to go screen free.

After waking up at a leisurely hour, I chose to get a workout in right away because I knew I’d never get to it if I pushed it off until later. After researching home workouts the night before, I compiled a list of exercises to complete in my basement gym that would take a little over an hour. Not only did this workout clarify that I don’t need a gym to break a massive sweat, but I questioned my well-being as I finished because my face was so red. Desperately needing a shower, I got ready for the rest of my day.

My older sister drove with me for a curbside coffee run.

Normally, this task wouldn’t take much time, but considering Dunkin’ Donuts didn’t

see her online order, we went through a shameful number of Jonas Brother songs sitting at the curb. Finally we made it home with coffee and I began the most exciting part of the day: homework. I saved my paper-oriented assignments to do such as reading and worksheets.

AFTER WHAT HAS FELT LIKE MONTHS OF QUARANTINE, I’M NOT EVEN SURE I’M ENJOYING SCREEN TIME... I’VE EXHAUSTED IT SO MUCH. Once that had been checked off, my stomach was begging me for a meal. I cooked some white rice with soy sauce (super advanced, I know) and a tofu and spinach stir-fry. Being that this was the most involved dish I’ve made in quarantine, both my family and I were shocked to not hear the smoke alarms by the end. I was ready for my next task.

Since nail salons had closed, I was stuck with old dip polish (basically a cement equivalent) on my nails. I chose to waste some time trying to pry it off since I had watch a video of someone doing it to themselves. Unexpectedly, it worked pretty well despite having accidentally inhaling an unhealthy amount of acetone nail polish remover. To finish the job, I painted them the color of a highlighter. Since those would take some time to dry, I figured it would be a perfect time to go for a walk. The sun

felt amazing as I walked along the river, entertaining myself with a crime podcast. Even the immense amount of other walkers, runners, and bikers who refused to keep a six foot gap between us didn’t ruin the peace of the walk. The three and a half miles worked up an appetite which was timed perfectly because my mom had made a delicious dinner right when I got home.

As a post-dinner activity, my mom and I threw around a mini-football for a bit. Despite my convincing attempts, she forced me to do it in the front yard instead of the back so that the whole population of Minnesota would see my sad attempts at throwing and catching. Luckily I wasn’t as bad as I thought I was; I only threw it into the street twice, I caught about three of her throws total, and maybe one of my throws went directly towards her. Besides my mad football skills, it was fun to catch the air from the end of the evening outside.

Not having much time left before I went to bed, I baked some brownies which turned out amazingly. Sadly they disappeared within a day due to a massive sweet tooth in our house. To finish off then night, my sister and I tie dyed some cheap sweatpants. Finally, I was ready for bed.

Not only did I sleep much better than I had the past couple of weeks, but that day was the most fun I’ve had in quarantine. It didn’t seem like it at first, but there was always something I could do that didn’t involve a screen. While stepping away from screens is unrealistic to do every day, I’m going to limit my screen time going forward.

only times of the year I get to see my cousins and be with my whole family.”

However, in light of the pandemic, they, like many Jewish families, have had to alter the way that they celebrate Passover this year.

In order to mimic the feel of an in-person seder, Cohen’s family carried out a Passover Seder over Zoom. “The word ‘seder’ means order, and you go through different steps of a meal and… basically, it’s very orderly, and takes many hours, and we usually do that in person when they’re in town, and so we did it over Zoom, which a lot of families did,” she said. “I definitely think it changed the tone of it.”

In order to facilitate the ‘Zoom Seder,’ her family sent their copies of the book used in a Seder, called a Haggadah, out to their extended family. “We hadn’t really planned or prepared this year for the changes that we had to make,” she said.

Overall, Cohen reported that the ceremony was success-

11

ful, but different. “It was so fun to see everyone. And it went pretty well, but it was something different and none of us were used to it, obviously.”

But the uncertainty around how to celebrate the holiday represents all the more reason to observe it. “I think it’s just really important to come together, while that obviously isn’t physically coming together, it’s virtual. I think it’s more important now than ever because the climate of the world… you can’t prepare for it… So I think now it’s gotten really important to really be grateful for what you have and celebrate the time [you have]with people that you love.”

It is customary to end a Seder by saying “Next year in Jerusalem!,” a statement that carries many meanings within the Jewish community. This year, it has taken on a more literal meaning with most families’ self-isolation at home, though its aspirations remain the same: may the world be in a better place next Passover.

FIRST PERSON FEATURE

1

THE RUBICON PHOTOS: Lizzie Kristal I began my day with a workout compiled from at-home workouts found on the internet.

2

For lunch, I made a tofu stir fry with rice and spinach.

3

Another activity of the day was removing my nails.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT THE RUBICON - APRIL 2020

LISTEN UP 25 podcasts to pass the time MEAGAN MASSIE THE RUBICON

It always starts with the unassuming, the innocent, until you realize they will some day go on to murder people in the dozens - but this is just one genre of some of the most popular podcasts - true crime and horror. There are many different genres of podcasts including, but not limited to, true crime, politics, comedy, business, society & culture, and health. During quarantine, people across the nation have been experiencing a greater amount of time on their hands. Podcasts provide entertainment, education, and engagement for their audiences.

Below are some of the top podcasts from a variety of subjects.

NEWS & POLITICS

FAIR USE IMAGE: politico. com/podcasts/nerdcast These types of podcasts report on current events and information, similar to a news radio show. They range from satirical talk shows like the Ben Shapiro Show to daily updates on political events, relevant crimes, and health updates like the Daily.

The Ben Shapiro Show: Updated daily, this podcast features politics and information about the United States from a conservative’s point of view.

The Daily: Like the name states, The Daily is a 20 minute podcast 5 days a week, telling some of the biggest stories by the New York Times and hosted by Michael Barbaro.

NPR Politics Podcast: Focusing on the current politics of America, NPR reports on the going ons of the White House and Washington.

NPR has many other podcasts on their website economy tips, 3 biggest stories

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: Evelyn Lillemoe LISTEN UP. Podcasts can be used for distraction or information during this uncertain time.

of the day, and Code Switch are just a few.

Pod Save America: This podcast considers themselves to be a no nonsense political discussion. It is hosted by former Obama staff.

POLITICO’s Nerdcast: A left leaning podcast that prides itself on “geeking out on Trump and the new politics of Washington.”

TRUE CRIME & HORROR

FAIR USE IMAGE: myfavoritemurder.com True Crime and Horror are widely considered some of the most entertaining and terrifyingly delightful podcasts due to their “wow” factor. They feature stories of everything from serial killers and their motives to ingenious bank heists. They never fail to keep the audience in suspense, but they usually are not for the faint-hearted.

Many of these podcasts are rated M for mature.

My Favorite Murder: This true crime comedy is hosted

by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark who talk about horrific crimes in a relaxed, conservative setting. They are enthusiastic crime story junkies, but tend to always remain respectful.

Crimetown: Featuring a myriad of crimes, Crimetown concentrates on how organized crime has shaped

some American cities.

Serial Killers: Hosted by Greg Polcyn and Vanessa Richardson, this podcast on the Parcast network discusses the psychology, methods, and madness of serial killers throughout American history.

Dirty John: As well as being a TV show, this podcast tells the heinous crimes of John Michael Meehan, a criminal, con artist, and master manipulator.

Cults: The exploration of cults and what truly goes on in a cult. More specifically, what the psychology is behind each act.

SOCIETY & CULTURE

FAIR USE IMAGE: ted.com/ podcasts/ted-interview This genre is vast and wide.

Some feature “how to’s” like parenting and growing up with siblings. Others focus on social stigmas and provide education from a multitude of perspectives. Sports also tend to fall under this category and there are numerous religious podcasts that give listeners a chance to ponder their own existence.

TED Interview: This series delves deeper into renowned speakers about their ideas and innovations, hosted by Chris Anderson.

Joe Exotic: The Tiger King: Lover of big cats and breeder of exotic animals, Joe Exotic is quite the character. This podcast discusses the scandalous relationship between Joe Exotic and his arch nemesis Carol Baskin.

Why Won’t You Date Me? With Nicole Byer: Nicole Byer and a guest host a comedy podcast about life, sex, and relationships.

Sports Wars: Focusing on the rivalries among

sports, Sports Wars will take the audience on an adventure of tantrums in sport history and let’s the listener decide what’s right and wrong.

Tell Them, I Am: Retelling the moments of human existence, this podcast considers how we are not alone in what we’re feeling.

and philosophy and approaches deep conversations such as time and morality.

Techathlon: Auditory games used to test the listener’s tech smarts and teach them new information about the technology.

COMEDY

HEALTH & SCIENCE

FAIR USE IMAGE: crooked. com/podcast-series/america-dissected/ Perhaps this section may be the most relevant, but definitely not the most fun during a period of quarantine… unless, the audience loves the science behind the virus, then this is the place for them. Health & Science can be very similar to news, but this genre tends to also include case studies, research, and some of the most bizarre information about the world as we know it.

America Dissected: Coronavirus: A physician and former city health commissioner keep the listener updated every Tuesday and Friday about how COVID19 became such a huge threat so quickly.

60 Second Science: Just like the name says, scientific information on a wide array of subjects will be recited in 60 seconds every week.

StarTalk: Space, science, and popular culture, StarTalk is out of this world.

RadioLab: This show focuses on science

FAIR USE IMAGE: www.earwolf.com/show/best-friendswith-nicole-byer-and-sasheerzamata/ Everyone loves to laugh, right? Why not laugh without all the human interaction?

This genre is for anyone needing a smile or a chuckle during their day. These podcasts feature comedians and hilarious stories that are sure to have audiences coming back for more.

The Joe Rogan Experience: This podcast doesn’t have a specific topic, but instead discusses a multitude of worldly experiences with special guests.

No two episodes are the same.

Best Friends: Nicole Byer and Sasheer Zamata chat about experiences as best friends and the giggles and gaggles of friendship.

WTF with Marc Maron: Marc Maron welcomes a variety of celebrities, regular ole joes, and artists into his home for a new podcast every week.

How Did This Get Made: Each episode criticizes and mocks movies and asks the question “how did this get made?”

Dough Boys: Two guys review chain restaurants and argue about food and well, everything else for that matter.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT THE RUBICON - APRIL 2020

13

ARTIST PROFILE

Priede finds escapism and connection through her art CHARLIE JOHNSON THE RUBICON

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY: Lulu Priede Lulu Priede began painting when a cousin asked her to do a portrait of them. “I made it for my cousin for like 10 bucks, and then I was like wait it’s kind of fun and she posted it on her Instagram and then a bunch more [people]asked me,” Priede said.

Priede has grown up in an artistic family. “[My dad’s] an artist…he makes jewelry…and he actually paints a lot,” Priede said.

While she previously mainly worked in drawing and sketching, over break Priede has begun to explore paint as a medium more.

Covid-19 has caused all of us to shelter in place for the time being. For sophomore Lulu Priede, the best way to supplement her entertainment with all this free time is to paint.

Priede had always had a passion for painting but it has had a strong comeback in these last few weeks. She has devoted her free time to painting for her friends and family, and wishes she would’ve started sooner.

“It’s super calming for me.

So, when I’m stressed about stuff… I can take my mind off of it, and it just kind of distracts me… it… kind of calms me down and makes me happy,” Priede said.

Priede has been around art and artists for her whole life and she feels this is where the passion for her art comes from.

Her father is an artist himself she suspects he got this gene passed down from his mother, who also enjoys painting and other forms of art. Priede’s grandmother gave her a new set of acrylics to use during quarantine to create her paintings

“My household is really artistic, especially on my dad’s [side], because he’s an artist… he makes jewelry… and he actually paints a lot, too,” she said.

“I’ve always been more into drawing and sketching, but I decided to kind of try some stuff out with paint,” she said.

Priede worked at a local Minneapolis restaurant during the year, but because of the pandemic she hasn’t been able to make money. In hopes of making a little extra cash, Priede started by painting a portrait of her cousin. She didn’t expect to be getting calls from other friends and family, but now has a waiting list of customers. “ I made it for my cousin for like 10 bucks, and then I was like ‘wait it’s kind of fun,’ and she posted it on her Instagram and then a bunch more [people]asked me. I just started doing a bunch of them, and I’ve done like 15 paintings I think, at least, over this break,” she said. “The fact that it just makes me happy makes me want to paint more and more people.”

If you are interested in a portrait you can contact Priede via her Instagram @lulupriede.

Priede’s artistic advice

1. Find the right environment “[It’s] different for everyone. Mine is being in my room with music playing and incense going,” Priede said.

2. Take advantage of inspiration

“Whenever you get that, like, art energy you just have to take advantage of it. Like if you have the urge to paint or draw or whatever just do it.”

3. Take a break

“It’s a great thing to do when your emotions feel off the charts, or if you’re stressed.”

Art Seminar looks for creative solutions to loss of showcase LUCY BENSON

MANAGING EDITOR

The transition into distance learning has brought trial and error with Google Classroom assignments and student attempts to learn from home.

While academically the transition is online and heavily screen dependent, what about the arts?

For senior art seminar, challenges have arisen in moving out of the classroom. US art teacher Mara Duvra approaches this move with openness.

“We’re asking the seniors to be thinking about personal practice, and to be working on individual projects that feel exciting and generative for them,” Duvra said. “We’re opening up the floor for them to work in new mediums to try out different things, we’re open to someone that’s in photography working on painting or someone that’s, you know, really gotten into cooking to maybe photograph what they’re cooking everyday, things like that.”

This transition has been difficult for the students as well.

“I think the hardest part is adapting and finding new ways to create art, especially since a lot of the materials I use are from the school or things that I would need to go buy, but I can’t,” senior Ashley Su said.

However this challenge has opened new doors for Su in her work.

“With the distance sort of pressing the pause button on the projects I was doing at school, I’ve actually found myself pursuing things I wouldn’t consider doing and things that I never had time for. And I think it’s great, since our teachers, as well, are very supportive of the ways we approach the class during distance learning,” Su said.

Duvra is trying to adapt to this new way of learning with creative solutions, one of which is inviting artists to talk with the students.

“We’re planning on… having studio visits over Google Meets Hangout, and I’m inviting local artists, but also artists that I just know, to talk to the students, that don’t live here and so wouldn’t necessarily be able to visit,” Duvra said. “It feels like a great way to supplement our conversations with them that feel like, ‘Oh look, this is something I’ve been working on for so long and now I get to get feedback from another artist, that’s working in a field similar to me or in a field that I would like to be working in.’”

Duvra also hopes that learning from home will help students develop skills that will help them in the future.

“Let’s say that you do work from home and you leave school and you end up going to a college that doesn’t have

a robust art program, how do you continue making art, if that’s your interest? I feel like this is an opportunity for them to really think about, ‘okay, if I’m not making art for a specific [purpose], what does my art look like when it’s just for me?”

WANT THIS TIME “ IAND SITUATION TO BE A PART OF MY ART NOT JUST AN INFLUENCE TO IT...LIKE I’M DOCUMENTING HISTORY THROUGH ART. Ashley Su

”

What has been especially difficult for Su is the cancellation of the school’s annual endof-year showcase.

“The most disappointing thing about distance learning is not being able to have the final exhibition. The whole class consists of people who really care about art and we’ve all worked really hard on our personal projects all year and it’s really disappointing to not be able to show our work to the community,” Su said.

What the program will do in

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: Ashley Su Senior Ashley Su adapts to Senior Art Seminar in distance learning. “I think the hardest part is adapting and finding new ways to create art, especially since a lot of the materials I use are from the school,” Su said. place of the showcase, Duvra is not yet sure.

“We’ve asked for [students’] proposals, and so far some ideas are: setting up their own artwork in their houses, and then we have our group talk and we can critique each other over Google meets, and then another idea is to create a website where they can all put their artwork and share it with the school.”

Going forward, Su has hopes for the future of the program this year, but also her personal work.

“I would really like for our projects to be able to reach

the community through some sort of exhibition. We’ve been talking about having one online, but I think that not only takes away, but also changes the original meanings and intentions of the artist, and I don’t think that would be fair to us,” Su said. “But in all honesty, I’m not sure that would happen. For myself, I want this time and situation to be a part of my art not just an influence to it. I think of it like I’m documenting history through art, and I think that everyone in the class and I are already doing that in our own ways.”

14

SPORTS THE RUBICON - APRIL 2020

Bishop is a Spartan, a Tiger and now an Athena ELLE CHEN

RUBICONLINE

Whether on the softball field, volleyball court, or hockey rink, senior Kathleen Bishop has never failed to impress her family and friends, teammates, or coaches. Her hard work, talent, and determination haven’t gone under the radar either.

Just to name a few of her many accomplishments, Bishop committed to playing D1 volleyball at Princeton earlier this year and was also named the volleyball Athletic Conference Player of the Year, Most Valuable Player (MVP); softball three-time MVP, two-time captain, etc. To add to that list, Bishop was just recently awarded the 2020 St. Paul Area Athena Award.

Like the Greek mythology goddess Athena, the St. Paul Athena Award is given to honor outstanding high school female athletes in grade 12 all throughout St. Paul area schools, who like Bishop, carry characteristics of wisdom, courage, skills, and most importantly, are an inspiration to others.

Bishop, who has only been surrounding herself with the best of the best was not new to the Athena Awards. She said, “I knew about Athena just from other assemblies and hearing from my team members who had won in previous years.

There’s like so many amazing people who filled in for what the Athena Award exemplifies that I was just excited that people had voted for me in the first place so it was just nice to have other people and my other students see me as someone who could be the Athena.”

Sophomore Esther Allen is one of the many people who can affirm for Bishop’s inner Athena. After picking up volleyball for the first time since quitting in 5th grade, Allen decided to rejoin the team- in part because of Bishop.

Allen said, “ I went to a captain’s practice this summer and I was really nervous and had absolutely no idea what I was doing. But Kathleen helped me learn how to pass, serve, hit and it was amazing. I’m so thankful she was there because now I’m in love with my volleyball community and girls… I’m for sure going to continue doing it until the end [graduation].”

WAS JUST SO “ ITNICE TO HAVE

OTHER PEOPLE...

SEE ME AS...THE ATHENA.

”

Kathleen Bishop

RUBICONLINE PHOTO: Liv Larson TEAMWORK. Kathleen Bishop high fives a teammate after scoring a run. “As you grow up in a sport, your passion increases along with your teammates. It’s just really fun,” she said.

Besides her teammates, winning the Athena Awards was also quite meaningful to Bishop because her love of sports and inspiration came from other Athena athletes like her.

Bishop said, “I definitely think the team aspect was what I was drawn into when I was younger and I think that was a big part of why I continued playing. Of course, I love the athletic parts of it [sports] but its something about sharing the passion of the game with other people who love it just as much as you do. And also as you grow up in a sport, your passion increases along with your teammates. It’s just really fun.”

The 2020 St. Paul Area Athena Award luncheon has been canceled due to concerns regarding COVID-19. To compensate for the loss, the Athena Committee has taken the time to make each recipient a special acknowledgment. And not just the luncheon, many of Bishop’s other athletic plans for the rest of this season, like club volleyball; and the rest of

the year, like college volleyball, have become unclear.

Bishop said, “Our season is mostly from winter and through the summer so our season right now has been postponed or at least canceled due to the stay at home orders so we’re kind of just waiting it out to see how long it will be canceled. I’m not sure if the season in its entirety is over with but they’re trying to push back some tournaments. The future is so uncertain so I’m not quite sure if we’ll get the rest of our season so that’s definitely been a bummer because this could have been a good year for my field development going into college. I’m still so grateful for the few months that I did get to play with them and work with my coaches. As far as next year, they’re still kind of working out plans so we haven’t heard anything definite. It’s all up in the air.”

Bishop hasn’t let COVID-19 get to her- physically or mentally.

“I do a workout every day,”

SCREENSHOT: @twins on Instagram

the Lynx and Timberwolves’s owner has pledged a million dollar relief fund to their many part time workers, and Timberwolves’s center Karl-Anthony Town is donating $100,000 to the Mayo Clinic, according to Minneapolis St Paul Magazine.

Twins players have also personally donated, with all 30 players on the team giving money to employees affected by their season’s delay. The Twins team as a whole has also committed to donate a million dollars to their part-time game day staff, which consists of 500700 employees each game, and 1,400 in total.

With the Minnesota Wild’s season being cut short, owner Craig Leipold has also assured that the workers scheduled for there last games will receive compensation. Even during their off-season, the Vikings are

she said, “I try to get them done in the morning. Just like core, arms, legs, kind of the basics.

I do it with my sister which is nice cause it’s hard to do a workout by yourself and I don’t like to run so I go on bike rides.

That’s a good way to stay in shape but also just a nice way to get outside and just enjoy the weather since it’s finally getting nice out and it’s more enjoyable than other workouts I found.”

Bishop also added, “I’m not exactly sure what everything will look like but I’m excited.

Oh my gosh, I’m so looking forward to everything that is to come. I’m just excited to get to know my teammates and just get into the gym with them, learn from new coaches. I’m really excited to experience a game day where I’m a member of the team, going on the road, I’m pretty much excited for all of it.”

Bishop is the second SPA athlete to receive an Athena Award.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: Kathleen Bishop Bishop will go on to play D1 volleyball at Princeton this fall.

RUBICONLINE ARCHIVE PHOTO: Koji Gutzmann Bishop is a three sport athlete playing volleyball, hockey, and softball.

Minnesota teams give back to supporters, keep employees on

Minnesota teams are trying to support stadium workers and fans, as they expressed in this video they put out for #oneMN. JULIA BARON THE RUBICON

With the world seemingly in chaos, and many spring and summer seasons being canceled or postponed, sports teams, from professional to little leagues, are stepping up to help with the pandemic.

Because thousands of workers are being laid off, without many options for reemployment, multiple of Minnesota’s professional teams and individual players are taking steps to help their employees or others that have been negatively effected by the virus.

In the world of basketball,

also taking steps to aid the vulnerable during this pandemic.

DEALING “[WE’RE] WITH A FAMILY HERE. ” Rocco Baldelli

According to the NFL, the Vikings Table food truck will continue to run during the pandemic, and provide free food for Minnesotans, and employment for recently laid off hospitality employees.

In addition to this team effort, individual Viking players and their families have provided donations to organization helping through the pandemic.

According to Minnesota Vikings, Adam Theilen and his family have donated $25,000 to Second Harvest Heartland,

which provides meals to children, and Anthony Barr is donating $500 emergency grants to people in his Raise the Barr foundation, which helps single parents receive education.

Sports teams are stepping up together, revealing their teamwork and using their platforms to help those in need.

For many involved in sports, the community they gain through their team has helped them through the pandemic.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli told ESPN, “It’s a little less personal interacting over the phone...But we’re dealing with a family here, and we have great quality relationships with all of our guys. Our guys are comfortable with our staff, and that’s what helps us trust each other. That helps us get through a situation like this in the best possible way.”

SPORTS THE RUBICON - APRIL 2020

School closure doesn’t slow student workouts LIZZIE KRISTAL THE RUBICON

Plenty of spare time has come with sheltering in place, so many students are utilizing that to stay active and move around. While media has been flooded with negativity surrounding COVID-19, students have found it useful to work out as a time-filler, mood-booster, and a healthy way to occupy themselves.

Plenty of online resources for workouts have been released as an easy-access for a quick work out. Programs like Zoom are being utilized by fitness instructors and coaches.

“I have stayed active by staying in communication with my high school [track] and club coaches. They have provided me with lots of workouts and have hosted Zooms, so I was able to work out with my teammates. I have also watched YouTube videos with my favorite yoga instructors from my local studio in downtown Hudson.

They have provided amazing at-home workouts to follow and keep up with,” junior Jasmine White said.

Technology and the social media, while can be unhealthy, is proving itself to be useful in inspiring physical activity.

“

EXERCISE CAN HELP IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH, EVEN...A SHORT WALK. Lindsay Browne

”

“The media has positively impacted my mindset on staying active because seeing other people continuing to get exercise has helped remind me that exercise is one of the few things that I am still able to do outside,” 9th grader Lindsay Browne said.

Even after classes began, the adjusted schedule at St. Paul Academy has allowed for additional times for physical activity without commutes or continuous classes.

“My workout routine has increased more because, for classes, I can work out in between or wake up early to complete

a circuit. On a typical week of school, I can not wake up early since I live in Hudson, WI and have to get up very early to arrive at school on time,” White said.

Additionally, school and club sports teams have been placed on hold. Not all teams have come to a complete stop though; the SPA track coach Kellan Minter has been sending workouts to the track team to complete outdoors at a distance from peers. While not all teams are doing something similar, athletes are continuing to work on their skills.

“Before the lockdown, I played tennis for several hours a week in preparation for the varsity tennis season, where practices are often over two hours, five days a week... At some point we will return to sports as usual and I want to be in shape for that when it happens,” sophomore Alex Moore said.

In addition to being a simple way to fill time, getting physical activity improves mood which is necessary in a time like this.

“Exercise can help improve your mental health, even if it’s just taking a short walk. It’s really easy to think about all the things you can’t do right now, but exercise can help you clear your mind and enjoy the weather as it continues to improve,” Browne said.

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LOCAL GYMS PROVIDING FREE AT HOME WORKOUTS Alchemy 365:

Website: alchemy365.com Instagram: @alchemy356 Alchemy 365 streams workouts on Instagram Live and they are also available on their Youtube channel and website.

SCREENSHOT: Alchemy 365 on YouTube

Basecamp Fitness:

Website: basecampfitness. com Contact Basecamp Fitness to learn ways to workout from home or visit their Instagram to find workout live streams.

SCREENSHOT: Basecamp Fitness on Facebook

Skybox:

Website: skyboxgym.com Instagram: @skyboxgym Skybox gym offers paid memberships on their website but hosts free classes on Facebook.

SCREENSHOT: Skybox on Facebook

Urban Cycle:

Website: myurbancycle. com Instagram: @myurbancyclempls Register for a Zoom class on Urban cycle’s website.

FAIR USE IMAGE: @myurbancyclempls on Instagram

Long term future of stadium sports remains uncertain

WIKIMEDIA CC: jpellgen CHS Field, once packed like in this photo, is now one of Minnesota’s closed sports stadiums.

HENRY BURKHARDT RUBICONLINE

The Coronavirus pandemic has affected nearly every sector of life as we know it and sports and the sports industry is not exempt.

Sophomore Jack Bogdan went into more depth about how the stadium closures are affecting fans.

“I’m upset the sports are canceled, especially the NBA because the playoffs were sup-

posed to start last week. The playoffs are always an exciting time even if your team isn’t in,” Bogdan said.

While it’s too early to predict with certainty what will happen in the future, the world of sports will see long lasting impacts from the pandemic.

For starters, stadium sports have an obvious weakness to a pandemic of any kind. Many people crowded together in tight spaces, touching many

surfaces provides all the factors needed for widespread community transmission of a disease to spread. This has presented huge challenges to the sports industry during the pandemic.

All major sporting venues have had to close, and major sporting events (including the 2020 Olympics) have been canceled or indefinitely postponed. This has caused huge losses in revenue in the industry.

Another area of the economy tied to sports is the hospitality industry. With almost all games and events canceled, businesses who get many customers coming from games or rent rooms to people going to see games have suffered as well.

Lastly, a main source of income for many has to do with media reporting on games.

Whether this is streaming live game coverage or creating highlight reels, media production makes up a significant amount of sports team’s income.

With the emergence of the pandemic, almost all sports have been forced to focus almost exclusively on their media production; it is the only side of their business that stands a chance at turning a profit in the current situation.

Predictions can be hard to

make on the spot in times like these, but there are a few possible likely outcomes. One is that the culture of stadium sports (going to a stadium to watch a game) will be forever upended. Similar to how we may not shake hands after the pandemic has passed, people may not want to return to the community transmission center that is a sports game.

JUST HOPE “ IEVERYTHING CAN START AGAIN SOON.

”

Jack Bogdan

This leads to the next outcome, which is that game coverage will be moved totally online, and that the only way to watch games will be at home.

While culture will be changed in a disappointing way for those who love going to watch a game live, one of the benefits to this possible change will be more affordable pricing for sports streaming services. If franchises like ESPN and NBC Sports are forced to move coverage online, they will also be forced to provide economic

pricing in order to stay in business.

While most things are up in the air when it comes to stadium sports, there are a few certainties to expect in Minnesota sports. As is the case with many other teams, the Twins are considering playing games in an empty arena, streaming the games live. Although he is optimistic about the baseball season continuing in some form this year, Twins manager Dave St. Peter remains wary.

“There’s really no playbook for [pandemics] in sports,” St. Peter said in an interview with CBS. The future of sports in the coming year is uncertain, but many teams plan to continue playing as soon as possible, even if it’s in an empty stadium.

Bogdan commented again on the cultural changes in stadium sports, commending them for cooperating with the government and ending games in the interest of public health.

“It was definitely the right call canceling everything,” Bogdan said, “I just hope everything can start again soon.”

PHOTO STORY THE RUBICON - APRIL 2020

Stay at Home Order

ESSENTIALS

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Here’s what the Rubicon staff needs to get through this long period of social distancing in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

LIZZIE KRISTAL

I’ve definitely been spending a lot of time on my co outer doing schoolwork, watching tv, and listening to the Jonas Brothers with my airpods. I’ve also been playing a lot of music on my flute from sheet music.

My highlighters, stapler, and scissors have been essential in completing schoolwork and of course some DIYs. For self care purposes, I’ve invested a lot of time in doing my makeup for fun, playing with my hair using fun scrunches, applying face masks, and experimenting with nail polish designs. Lastly, I’ve spent a lot of time outside in the sun, making sure to wear my sunglasses to make it easier on my eyes.

Read the full story at RUBICON online for the rest of the staff’s at-home essentials

JENNY RIES I have used some of my spare time in quarantine to get back to things that I usually don’t have time for during the school year, like reading, art projects, and practicing the violin. I have also tried to stay healthy by running and drinking a lot of water!

EVELYN LILLEMOE My quarantine essentials include flowers, my blue face mask for the grocery store, Fenty lipgloss, my pink scrunchie, an overnight face mask, gold earrings, the book “Purple Hibiscus,” my photos, earbuids and my phone. My phone is playing the album “Because of the Internet” by Childish Gambino, which I have been listening to a lot while at home. My earrings are my grandma’s from the 70’s and I just like to wear them around the house to feel put together. The photos are from my family’s trip to LA. All of my items are in the sunlight which is also an essential because it makes me happy.

QUINN CHRISTENSEN My most obvious at-home essentials are earbuds and a good book - I’m currently reading The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr in preparation for my senior project. I’ve been journaling a lot since we left school, just trying to document the day-to-day things. I’ve been doodling a lot in that journal, too, so the bright sharpies are a must. Putting on my earrings before online class every day gives me some sense of getting ready while still wearing pajama pants.

Finally, I always keep these two photos on my nightstand, but they’ve been extra special to me during all this craziness. I miss photo booths. Simpler times.

MEAGAN MASSIE Chocolate, cars, and games: the ultimate trio of this quarantine. My sister and I have developed an addiction to legos since the shelter in place began. Next up: chocolate. We all know that chocolate is a girl’s best friend, so what better friend to have during quarantine than some of Lindt’s greatest masterpieces. The Nintendo Switch has been a great way to cross off my spare time.

TOMMY STOLPESTAD My computer has allowed me to not only do school work, but watch lots of Netflix and Hulu. I have used my AirPods to listen to music and podcasts whenever I get bored and my Xbox as well. I have been lifting weights in my basement and playing lacrosse with my brother. Last but not least, I have gotten really into Franks hot sauce, and I end up putting it on a lot of meals I eat.

MAREN OSTREM I’ve been baking a lot of cookies, along with other things, and these are the peanut butter chocolate chip cookies that I made most recently.

I’ve also been reading a lot and this is one of the best books I’ve read so far. Lastly, I’ve been coloring the coloring sheets that have been coming out for every Saturday while listening to podcasts which has been very relaxing.