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Whittier Miscellany OCTOBER 2019 • WILMINGTON FRIENDS SCHOOL’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER • WILMINGTON, DELAWARE
TO IB OR NOT TO IB : THE FATE OF ACADEMICS AT FRIENDS In 2002, Friends became the first Delaware high school authorized to teach the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The Baccalaureate program is an internationally accepted standard of learning “aimed to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect,” according to their website. The IB manifests itself at WFS as a second diploma along with the high school diploma each student receives. Many students choose to do the IB diploma in order to challenge themselves with a rigorous and fulfilling curriculum. Luke Munch ’21, felt this way, saying: “I was inspired to join the IB Diploma Program in order to push myself mentally and academically. I wanted a course load that would be challenging and rewarding at the same time. I also believe that the diploma offers a global curriculum that I desire in my education. I am also very fond of the Theory of Knowledge course which can only be taken in conjunction with the diploma.” Mr Benner, the Assistant Head of School for Academics, had the following to say about the value of the International Baccalaureate program. “The IB offers both breadth and depth in learning. The breadth comes with the course requirements that require one to take a class in 5 of the 6 subject areas. The depth comes from the four two year courses each student must take. The extended essay gives a college level research experience in high school, and TOK urges you to question the truth of the knowledge around you.” Another benefit of getting the full IB diploma is the weight it gives to college admissions. Many colleges like to see that students take the most rigorous curriculum possible, and here at WFS, that is the IB diploma. The college guidance office
recently reported that of the students who have gotten into the “most selective colleges” in past years, 79% of them have done the full IB diploma. Even if a student is not particularly interested in the IB program, it has undeniable worth in college admissions. Yet, despite these benefits that attracted Luke Munch and 12 of his classmates to the program, more and more students are opting not to do the IB. Diploma participation peaked in 2010 when around 40% of the Junior class were diploma candidates. In the last three years, participation has ranged from 15-20% of each Junior class. Bennet Ross ’21 is one of this year’s juniors who decided IB was not a curriculum that was suitable for
many students appreciate the rigour without the IB structure. Ryan Evans’20 is an IB diploma candidate who is reevaluating his decision. “If I could do it again, I think I would not do IB and instead pick up a sixth major”. Ryan felt forced into certain classes in order to complete the diploma. Another path some high schoolers take to find more variety in their course load is the Malone Schools Online Network (MSON) classes, which are classes that can be taken online after school hours. Students who participate like that they provide many unique topics that cannot be covered by the curriculum here at Friends. Given that many students have been moving away from IB in the past few years, Mr. Benner is attempting to expand the curriculum of diploma courses. Last year marked the first year the IB computer science major was implemented, and Mr. Benner shows that he is still looking to add to the IB program at WFS, saying: “We have not modernized the IB program since it was first introduced. Are we missing courses? There are many more course options offered by IB, such as environmental science or global politics.” Mr. Benner plans to survey all upper school Juniors and Seniors this fall on why they did or did not choose to do IB in order to get a sense of what classes be added to improve rates of participation. Overall, while many students may not feel that the International Baccalaureate Program is right for them, lots of students also have a great experience in IB. Annabel Teague, ‘20 says, “IB has pushed me to my limits as a learner and been very fulfilling for me. ” Ultimately, it is up to each student to decide what is right for their learning experience at Friends, and the administration is working to open up as many options as possible for students both in and out of the International Baccalaureate program. The future of the International Baccalaureate curriculum at WFS is yet to be decided, but it appears to be a bright one.
Photo taken by Lilia Machado
Liam Hudgings ’20 COmmunity Writer
A Wilmington Friends Student admires the logo of the International Baccalaureate program.
him. When asked about his reasons for opting against IB, it seemed that Ross found the diploma too limiting in terms of course choices. “I wanted to be challenged, yet I could not take all the classes I wanted, and do the diploma.” Instead, in order to still have a challenge in high school, Ross opted to take a sixth major this year. The sixth major track is a fairly common alternative to IB for students who are seeking challenge in their curriculum, yet feel that the diploma does not speak to them for whatever reason. The sixth major allows for more flexibility in courses, and
COMMUNITY
the trials and tribulations of impeachment Nate Rashkind ’21 Columnist On August 12th, 2019, an unspecified Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agent filed a whistleblower complaint with Michael Atkinson against President Donald Trump. Atkinson immediately looked into the matter and determined that the complaint was “credible and of urgent concern.” The complaint stated that on the afternoon of July 25th, 2019, Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had a phone conversation that broke numerous laws. The complaint said that Trump encouraged the Ukrainian president to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden’s activities. This suggestion was due in part to Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, who has worked for a large Ukrainian Gas Company called ‘Burisma’ for the last five years. This immediately raised red flags in Congress, when the report was released to the public on September 18th by The Washington Post. It was then determined that the phone call may have violated the federal campaign finance laws, which prohibit the solicitation of donations from other countries. This controversy has ultimately resulted in impeachment proceedings, and marks the first time top Democrats like Nancy Pelosi have been on board with them. The ordeal was not
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taken lightly by Republicans as well, with former vice presidential candidate Mitt Romney calling the reports “very troubling.” In addition, it was found that Trump’s personal attorney and former New York City mayor Rudy Guiliani had encouraged and pressured Ukraine to dig up dirt on Former vice president and Presidential nominee, Joe Biden. With new information coming out about the proceedings every day, students and teachers alike were asked if they were paying attention to all of the chaos. What was found was that a large majority of the student body was paying some sort of attention to the news, but didn’t understand the back story of what is currently going on. A survey conducted by Whittier staff showed that seventy-eight percent of Wilmington Friends Students and teachers were paying attention to the news regarding Trump’s potential impeachment. However, only sixty-one percent of those polled understood what had taken place between Trump and Zelinskiy. In a conversation about the current news, computer science teacher Jenks Wittenberg commented that it is something that he is watching closely. “Every time I have a break, or a few minutes I’m scanning through headlines. It feels like in the last few days there has been so much new information to read through.” He elaborated on his interest, commenting that, “this is the farthest they’ve gotten so far, with Pelosi on board, so this could be a serious possibility of impeachment.”Students and teachers alike are paying attention. When asked about his opinion on the news, Manny Adebi ’20 commented on the nature of the situation, stating: “The gravity of this situation is monumental...if Trump is impeached it will send shock waves through our country.”
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With something as imperative to all United States citizens, it makes sense that students and teachers Annabel Teague ’20 also expressed her recognition of the situation’s importance. Teague commented: “I’m paying close attention to this because it’s the closest we’ve gotten to the notion of Trump’s impeachment.” However, while some students are very much involved, others aren’t paying attention at all. One anonymous student commented on the lack of attention they have chosen to give to the situation. This was expressed through the following comment: “quite frankly, I don’t care much about Trump and this whole thing, I haven’t stayed up to date and I don’t plan on it.” Contrarily, many faculty members have continued to express their concerns on this situation. History teacher Javier Ergueta commented on the lack of attention given to this situation: “This is highly concerning,” he commented. “Kids need to understand whats going on in the world because it will belong to them in the future.” One other idea that Mr. Ergueta brought up was the idea that all of the issues surrounding Trump seem to detract the public’s attention from other equally important news. Mr. Ergueta expressed this when he commented: “It seems like President Trump is always in the news, and things like climate change and the environment take a back seat.” Clearly, the situation is controversial as a whole and has drawn a variety of opinions throughout the Wilmington Friends community. Since January of 2017, there have been more than thirty investigations into the Presidency of Donald Trump. Relative to the currently pending impeachment proceedings, none of the other issues have been talked about to this extent, nor have they gone much further. Little is known yet, but one thing is for sure: if something happens, it will affect the United States.
Miscellany stress and timeliness: the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Nicolas Urick ’20 NEWS EDITOR: Henry Wieman ’21 SPORTS EDITOR: Dylan Roskovensky ’20 ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR: Lilia Machado ’20 SCIENCE & TECH EDITOR: Elise Johnson ’21 PHOTO EDITOR: Lilia Machado ’20 COLUMNISTS: Olivia Ivins ’20 & Nate Rashkind ’21 SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: Carter Gramiak ’21 FACULTY ADVISOR: Daniel Scott
WRITING STAFF
Liam Hudgings ’20
Nick Redd ’20
Brooke Harrison ’23
Craig Lyttleton ’20
Carter Gramiak ’21
Pier-Paolo Ergueta ’22
Becca Hartwick ’21
Sam Boulos ’21
Jace Boland ’23
Oliver Gooderham ’20
Sameer Vidwans ’23
Bella Adjei-Owusu ’22
Kyle Nisbet ’21 Stay alert for Whittier Miscellany social media postings, @wfswhittier
The Whittier Miscellany is published six times during the school year by the upper school journalism staff of Wilmington Friends School, 101 School Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. To access the Whittier Miscellany online, go to www.wfswhittier.net. Check Whittier Miscellany online for Weekly Updates! The Whittier Miscellany welcomes responses in the form of letters to the articles, editorials, and features of this paper. Contact: wfswhittiermiscellany@gmail.com ‘Like’ Whittier on Facebook at ‘WFS Whittier’!
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story of school parking Brooke Harrison ‘23 Community writer Every year, there are more drivers taking up parking spots. Some of the drivers are more experienced while others aren’t, which puts parking at a premium. Add in sports games and different events throughout the year, and it can be very hard to find a place to park. The parking lot and the neighborhood surrounding WFS has a lot of traffic in the mornings. With people driving in and out, it can be a little difficult to find a spot. When asked if they leave their house earlier to be able to find a place to park, Kiera Patterson ’20 answered, “Yes, when I was first driving, I didn’t like having to pull into a hard spot, so I’d wake up extra early to be able to pull into an easy spot.” It meant she had to change part of her morning routine. Evidently, the parking issues at Friends had a significant impact on her experience at school. One problem that significantly contributes to the parking problem is that some students have parents that teach or are faculty members here at WFS “,
yet they still” travel in separate cars to get to school. When asked about it, Samantha Shipp ’20 responded, “It’s annoying when some people’s parents work at the school and have siblings, but they all take separate cars. One possible solution is to make siblings and parents drive together.” Shipp clearly has a developed opinion regarding the issue, and offers a unique solution. However, while suggesting siblings and parents drive together would open up some parking spots, it won’t be able to solve the problem completely. Doing little things can help improve the parking situation without making a big financial impact. When asked about some possible solutions to this issue, math teacher Ms. Childs suggested the following ideas:, “People carpooling with either relatives or people that go to the school that live nearby. Biking and walking is probably not the easiest thing where our school is located, but there is a possibility for people who can do that safely. Other than that, I don’t think there is much else we can do that requires a big financial commitment.” Another possible solution could be changing some vacant spots into available parking for the school. “Well, there are a few spots I know, that are reserved for people that just don’t use them, so maybe getting rid of those first. Also, they added a new crosswalk that took away a spot next to the field hockey field and if we are already short on spots, then we need all of the spots possible,” quoted by Kiera Patterson ’20. So, besides expanding the parking lot, which is unlikely, is there actually a solution that can make everyone happy? Little things can help, but they won’t fix the problem as a whole. So for now, we will have to deal with the conditions and hope for improvement.
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Problems in the U.S. ImmigrATion System On May 10th, Yazmin Juárez walked out of New Jersey hospital, a sheet of paper clutched in her fingers. Twin handprints in pink paint decorated the surface -- all she had left of her 19-month-old daughter, Mariee. Juárez left her home in Guatemala out of fear for her and Mariee’s lives, making the 1,500-mile journey across the US border, and was detained at an ICE facility in Dilley, Texas. They were locked in a cage and had to sleep on the concrete floor with over 25 other detainees. According to Juárez, the medical care at the various detention centers they were placed in was understaffed, crowded, and drastically irresponsible with the lives and well-being of both the adults and children in the center. Soon after they arrived, Mariee began experiencing a violent fever, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea. Adequate medical care was not provided, and six weeks after being transferred to a hospital in New Jersey, though she was not in any condition to travel, Mariee Juárez died before her second birthday. According to research conducted by the Cato Institute regarding Texas, in 2015 illegal immigrants are convicted of crime 50% less than American-born citizens, and legal immigrants convicted 66% less. If immigrants are not driving up the crime rate, legal or illegal, why is there so much fear among Americans? Javier Ergueta, a teacher at Wilmington Friends and an immigrant from Bolivia in his childhood, says, “Recently, there’s been a resurgence of a mentality that was unexpected and rather shocking, that if you were naturalized, it turned out that the government was looking to actually undo naturalization, even going back decades. So, all of a sudden, [your] status is no longer the permanent status that you thought it was.” The Pew Research Center found that, as of 2017, the
United States harbors one-fifth of the world’s immigrant population. 13.6% of the US is foreign-born. If so much of the country already are tax-paying immigrants, should the US be so hesitant to let more of them in? Since October of 2018, the US Border Patrol has apprehended over 811,000 migrants on the Southwest
Picture by Pxabay
Jace Boland ’23 NEws Writer
border, 72,000 of those unaccompanied children, in addition to the 11 million illegal immigrants estimated by the Migration Policy Institute to already be living in the US. What could cause so many people to leave their homes to face the complicated US immigration system? Mr. Ergueta says that “some years of failed crops” and “radically changed environmental conditions” can cause many Latin American farmers and workers to flee. In addition to agricultural struggle, many face the threat of violence and seek safety for themselves and their families. According to the Washington Post, “Latin America is home to just 8 percent of the world’s population, but 33 percent of its homicides.” Surprisingly, however, the majority of Latin American immigrants come for work or education, with only a small percentage of refugees. Without a doubt, immigrants cost the government. Social work and border control funding, edu-
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cation, and other services can take billions out of the national bank each year. However, economists agree President Donald Trump’s claim that illegal immigration was costing “250 billion dollars a year” was exaggerated and unfounded. In a 2016 study by the National Academy of Sciences, it was found that immigrants actually benefit the economy. WFS freshman Matthew Malone thinks that immigration in moderation is a wise investment for the US: “I do think they do good for some communities. They might do jobs that other people don’t want to do… in the long term, long run, the kids of immigrants will be more likely to get good jobs and help the government out.” Unidos US estimates that each immigrant, over their lifetime, will put ~$80,000 more into the United States government than the cost of services used, contributing to the 11.64 billion dollars undocumented immigrants pay in taxes every year. The US is torn between solutions for what some are calling the “border crisis” of the time. Between President Trump’s border wall and numerous other proposals, those who fear people from other countries would harm our economy and those who would welcome them with open arms, the country cannot agree on a correct course of action for the situation. Much of the media coverage concerning foreigners are horror stories - terrorists in smoking cities, “thugs”, “animals”, “criminals”, and “rapists”. “It’s disrespectful, to be honest,” says WFS junior Meenatchi Ganeshkumar. “There are good people in this world… There are good immigrants out there, and you shouldn’t just discriminate because there have been immigrants that have been terrorists. I get the propaganda, but you shouldn’t always use the propaganda. You should be open-minded, in a way, because not everyone has an evil side. Everyone’s not born evil, if that makes sense. Or good.”
Basics of the 2020 Presidential Election Kyle Nisbet ’21 News Writer The 2020 Presidential elections are set to be foretelling and intense regardless of your point of view, and various biases. Currently, in the Republican primaries, Trump seems to be the front runner for The President, but there are many other candidates that have chosen to run against him, but to no avail. The reason for some resistance in his own party is due to his policies straying from the classic conservative ones at times, and many controversial comments. There have been a couple candidates who have taken the challenge to run against a sitting president of the same party. For example, former representative Joe Walsh and former governor Bill Weld both have chosen to run, but many state governments declared that they will not be holding a Republican primary or caucus, and have already accepted Trump as the Republican Candidate. In order to continue for his second term in the office, Trump must first remain for his entire first term, which due to some of the more recent news, like an impeachment inquiry starting in The House of Representatives, may not be certain to happen. Currently, Trump’s approval rating sits at around 46%, and 53% of Americans believe that at least an inquiry into impeachment, while only 6% believe that no action is warranted. Overall, the public perception of Trump’s presiden-
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cy varies by who you may ask. When an anonymous Junior at Friends was asked, they stated, “Economically, I believe he has done great things in improving our GDP, lowering unemployment, and reducing taxes for the middle class, however, some of the things he says and does are questionable.” One important part of that quote to address is the idea that Trump has been doing great things for the economy. While the fact that the S&P 500 is up about 45% since he took office, many economists and analysts would argue that is because of his huge rate cuts, while in the short-term boost the economy, but exhaust possible options should we fall into a recession, which could then lead America to possible negative interest rates. Also Trump’s trade war with China has hurt many average americans, and industries like trade and steel in the process. So, while Trump may have boosted the economy in some factors, it may be at the cost of long-term growth. While Trump has done various controversial things, what set many Americans off was telling The Ukranian Government to investigate his political opponent, and front-runner for the democratic primary, Joe Biden, or else Trump would withhold hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid. The American people have been outraged that Trump would directly ask a foreign state to interfere in our elections, and many believe it should warrant at least impeachment. It is also important to note that impeachment does not mean that the President must leave office, just that they will be sent to the Supreme Court for the decision, and it would be decided by the justices. When Mr. Ergueta,
a history teacher at WFS, was asked about the election, he said, “I think that the election on the past record highly favors Mr. Trump, a strong advantage for current president it also favors a president whose term has been characterized by low inflation and low unemployment. And then, the electoral map favors him due to gerrymandering done by Republican controlled legislatures.” Joe Biden has been leading the Democratic Primary’s polling with an estimated 33% of the party supporting him, while Bernie Sanders, follows with 21%, and Elizabeth Warren with 16%. As it has seemed during debates, and due to similar policies, Warren and Sanders seem to be having a temporary “alliance” of sorts, while they have much more liberal policies, on platforms like universal healthcare, than Joe Biden, who has stated before that he does not truly want to fundamentally change most people’s lives, unlike his more radically liberal candidates such as Sanders and Warren, who have both proposed large wealth taxes. Many of their critics cite a similar tax in Sweden that caused most of their industry to leave. There have been many other candidates who have not polled as highly, like Andrew Yang, who propose revolutionary ideas, like a “Freedom Dividend” ($1,000/month to every adult), but he only polls around 3% lately. For whatever candidate one might support, in the end, this will be an important election, to help decide the future American heads in. New student, Siba Sharaf ’21 said, “I am not really sure what will happen, but it will be a close one!”
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Hurricanes increase in number and strength with Madeline Rowland ’22, the student expressed worry over the extensive damage that hurricanes cause, and with even more category 4’s and 5’s, the This past summer, some may have damage left behind is all the more distressing. CBS spent hot days at some amusement cites that Dorian is now one of the 35 category-5 hurpark. Before too long they’d start ricanes that have occurred in the Atlantic. Kaitlyn to feel the sweat dripping down Norton, who teaches Biology 2 and Environmental their necks, and the hot sun blazing Science at WFS, “The proportion of hurricanes that against their face. To alleviate the are the strongest, categories 4 and 5, are increasing. heat, they might look to a hurricane simulator. For $5, It is unclear whether the frequency of these storms a customer gets stands in a windy, loud, will increase but the potential damage plastic container, supposedly recreating from these high-intensity storms can a hurricane. But nothing truly simulates be devastating.” She continued, saying the chaos that these natural disasters that these storms destroy communities, bring, and the wreckage they leave in so much so that they may not be able to their wake. No simple simulator can even prepare in time for the next hurreplicate neither the terror they bring ricane. There is becoming a noticeable nor the trauma they leave. Already, increase of category 4 and 5 hurricanes there have been four hurricanes so far over the years and the damage they this season: Hurricanes Barry, Humberleave in their wake is a stark reminder to, Jerry, and Dorian, each of which has that something needs to be done about had lasting effects. them. Hurricane Barry formed in the Gulf The relief efforts after Hurricane of Mexico and hit just at the bottom of Dorian have been very positive. The Louisiana, weakening into a tropical U.S. government has been working with storm soon after. Hurricane Dorian the Bahamas government to deliver developed near the Lesser Antilles beemergency aid. Much humanitarian astween the Caribbean Sea and the Atsistance and aid has been given to those An Image of a Hurricane on Earth from outside of the Atmosphere lantic Ocean, quickly escalating into affected in America, and taking more a category-5 hurricane (the strongest provisions to anyone impacted by this category), sweeping through the Bahamas and weak- there have also been plenty of people ready to help out hurricane. Other American nations have added furening into a category-1 hurricane as it hit Cape Hat- in any way they can, whether it be donating or going ther support. teras and Nova Scotia, Canada. Hurricane Humberto and aiding first hand. Yet there is always more that can be done; as Carformed near the Bahamas, reaching a category of 3 Barry, on the other hand, has resulted in only one oline Vanderloo ’22 says, “While I think that islands before dwindling, and going past Bermuda before dy- fatality, but still over $600 million of damage. Barry are becoming more prepared, we could be doing a lot ing out. Hurricane Jerry started as a tropical storm, seemed to hover over the Southeast of the US, partic- more to help the islands further prepare for the fubecoming more powerful and developing into an ac- ularly Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Humberto ture.” Hannah Blackwell ’20 agreed; “Hurricanes usutual hurricane, and then weakened at sea, according was also fairly minor, reaching the same death toll of ally reveal socioeconomic differences in the commuto CNN’s 2019 Atlantic Hurricane season list. one, but also causing one missing person, the damage nities because they are not able to recover as quickly Dorian originated as a tropical storm. It began east and hence cost of it, it still undetermined. Jerry only due to lack of insurance and other resources. Vulnerof the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean and quickly reached category 3 before nearly dissipating. able communities need nationwide intervention to moved Northwest. Although Dorian impacted many The intensity and level of hurricanes quickly are shorten the recovery process.” While hurricane season places, all the way up to Canada, none of it compared becoming a topic of confusion and concern for many may be coming to a close, there is much to be done to to the damage it left behind in the Bahamas. It demol- climate scientists and meteorologists. In an interview prepare for next year.
ished the Bahamas, claiming the title of the worst hurricane the country has ever experienced, and has taken the lives of at least 56, and quite possibly hundreds more, according to the weather news. It has caused up to $7.5 billion in damage and created 1.5 billion pounds of debris on the island of only a mere 400,000 people, many of whom have fled or are still missing. Many suspect that the Bahamas will never fully recover. However, through this time of desperation and what seems like hopelessness to some of the people,
http://www.k12academics.com
Becca Hartwick ’23 news writer
MEET THE NEW Teachers IN UPPER SCHOOL! Sameer VidWANS ’23 news writer
As the new school year begins, Wilmington Friends is welcoming two new faculty members to the upper school; Soledad Moras, a Spanish 2 and 3 teacher, and Susan Poppiti, an Integrated Math 3
teacher. Soledad Moras is originally from Uruguay, and was most recently working at an elementary school in Washington, D.C., before coming to Friends. At the elementary school in D.C., she worked in a full immersion school, which was a school system where all the classes were taught by her; Math, Science, History, etc. The only twist was that she was teaching them all in Spanish! Before she taught in D.C., she taught at another high school, and moved to the elementary school as she wanted to know which was the best grade for her to teach. She continues to fondly remember her time there. As she put it, “They [younger students] express their emotions a lot more forward, so it was really hard at the end of the year when I had to say goodbye [to them].” She really likes high school because “at that age you can go really deep into a lot of topics that you can’t talk about with
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elementary schoolers.” When asked what he thinks of Mrs. Moras, Marcel Stewart ‘22 says, “I think that she’s very nice and very helpful. In class, she always answers any questions [that] I have. She is also available for extra help whenever I need it, and even though it is early in the school year, I’ve already learned a lot.” Mrs. Moras does miss her colleagues from her old school, as well as her students there. Her favorite thing about Friends is the sense of community that we have here. “You guys do stuff together, and are perceived as a community rather than a sum of individuals,” she says. Currently, Mrs. Moras teaches Spanish 2 and 3, with grades Nine, Ten and Eleven. Since she was in high school, Mrs. Moras’s favorite subjects had always focused on language. She also liked History, but her favorites were an Intro to Law course, Literature, and Philosophy. She really likes teaching at Friends so far, and hopes to continue teaching for much longer! The other new faculty in Upper School this year is Susan Poppiti, who’s teaching Integrated Math 3. Mrs. Poppiti was originally trained as an attorney, and has practiced law in Delaware, working in family law and general litigation. She knew that she liked math from the beginning, and pursued Math as a major in her first two years of college. It was only in her third year that she was advised by some of her family
members (who were lawyers) to pursue law as well. So she incorporated both math and legal thinking into her studies and aimed to be a tax lawyer. She later decided to be a family lawyer, before finally moving to teaching. She has been teaching for 12 years, first at Ursuline Academy and then at Padua Academy, before she finally came to Friends. “She’s a really nice teacher, and she explains difficult problems really well.” says Nathaniel Huxtable ‘22, one of her students. She switched to teaching because although she liked being in the courtroom, the day-to-day work as a lawyer wasn’t exciting for her. “I decided to follow my original passion, and started teaching Math,” she says. Currently, Mrs. Poppiti teaches Integrated Math 3 for tenth grade. What she likes most about Friends are the students; they are “very enthusiastic, and engaged, very inquisitive.” For a math problem with a very straightforward answer, her students not only tried to figure out the answer, but also wanted to know what caused the answer to be so. What she misses most from her old schools are her colleagues and friends. So far, she is enjoying teaching at Friends, and she hopes to continue teaching here for much longer! Have you met the new teachers yet? Stop by to say hello or introduce yourself; it’ll be good to know these teachers, even if they’re not teaching you yet!
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sports
WIlmington Friends’ Sports Homecoming Games Craig Lyttleton ’20 Sports writer Wilmington Friends’ homecoming is on October 26th, and with the date fast approaching Quakers sports teams are excited to take the court, turf, and gridiron on this momentous, annual occasion. Although the excitement is felt throughout the Friends community, none may be more enthused than those in the class of 2020, who will be playing in their last Friends homecoming games. It is bittersweet to see them go, but as we celebrate their accomplishments and support them in their final competitions this year, we give recognition to their hard work and wish them luck in the future. Here is what you can expect from Friends’ athletics on homecoming weekend. Homecoming day will begin with the boys soccer team taking on St. Andrews at 11:00am. The soccer team has picked up right where they left off last season, as they currently hold an undefeated record of 7-0-2. The Quakers previously beat St. Andrews earlier last season, but were defeated in the last game of their regular schedule. In their first game this season, the two tied. With that in mind, the Quakers are highly motivated to break the stalemate in what should be a highly competitive and entertaining game. The Quaker cross country team will be active homecoming weekend at the DISC tournament at St. Andrew’s on Friday the 25th. The team is optimistic heading into the tournament as they have had a fun and successful season thus far. Among division 2 schools, the Quaker cross country team is ranked 1st in the state, and hopes to maintain momentum as they head into the last leg of the season. When asked about the
team’s success this season, Aine Grubb ’21 stated: “I think the biggest key to our success has been our team chemistry. The fact that we’re all supportive, driven, and enjoy running together, makes working to accomplish our goals that much easier. Our team has been doing as well as we thought we were going to do and we’re excited for our big meets coming up.” The girls field hockey team will take the field at noon against St. Andrews. As they are approaching inner-conference play, the team has kicked off the
that time has gone by this quick. I never thought I’d be the senior saying goodbye, but seeing how much our team has progressed brings back so many good memories. I’m really excited to play St. Andrews and look forward to finishing the season strong.” The independent conference is considered to be one of, if not the toughest field hockey conference in the state. The Quakers hope for a homecoming victory, as they look confidently towards the home stretch of the season. The second to last game of the day will be played by the girls volleyball team at 12:30pm against St. Thomas More. Although they currently hold a record of 3-6, the team remains optimistic for a successful homecoming. This season has not been easy, but by keeping high spirits and an unwavering work ethic, the Quakers look to finish the season strong. The Friends football team will finish the day against St. Andrews at 2:30pm. This will be their second of three conference games to conclude the regular season. With only 9 total games in what has been one of the toughest schedules in the team’s history, the Quakers currently hold a record of 3-2. Adversity is nothing new to Friends football. With all of their goals within reach, the Quakers remain driven towards their last few games. Senior Manny Adebi had this to say about this season: “As a team, we’ve done well thus far but we aren’t done yet. There is still work to be done to accomplish what we want to accomplish this season. As seniors, we all know that the end of high school football is coming Olivia Billitto ‘20 reacting to a play during a field hockey game fast, so we’re all I’m determined to leave it all out on the field, and finish every game without any fall season with a commanding 6-2 record. Similar regrets.” to the cross country team, the field hockey team Overall it is looking to be great final homecomcredits their success to their team chemistry and ing for all the seniors as they give it one last try. hardworking atmosphere. When asked how she felt All the different the teams will be competing a high about playing in her last Friends homecoming, se- level, and it should be a great way to end the month nior Katrina Winfield 20’ said: “It’s hard to believe of October. Let’s all support Friends athletics!
Sports and its role in Social Life at Friends Nick Redd ’20 Sports writer Sports at Wilmington Friends School is one of the most important aspects of our community. Everyone is required to play at least 1 sport a year, and a gym class during our freshman and sophomore years. Sports provides that extra time after school to bond with your classmates, learn new things, and excel on the field. Socially, sports is something that is a part of your identity, everywhere you go. The relationships that you create on the field, essentially become some of the best relationships you have off the field. As well as the specific relationships that you can create through the sports teams at Friends, a lot of friend groups are shaped by each sport. For example, Field hockey players hang out with field hockey players, and football players hang out with football players. This is due to the close bonds that are made during workouts, practices, and games. Soccer, one of the most dominant sports at the school, has one of the most infamous friend groups in our friends community. They are known
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for being obsessed with every aspect of the sport, as they spend most of their time watching or arguing over European soccer. Oryem Kilima ’20 a captain of the soccer team, had this to say about sports, and its role in social life at friends, “Sports at WFS creates a strong community within the teams we participate in. There are groups within our school that bond over their shared interest in the sport participate in such as the so called “soccer jocks.” Long before I arrived at Friends the group had created a strong friendship that stemmed from their shared love for soccer. Sports here at WFS give you a group of friends that you can laugh with, argue with, play with, and just have a good time with. Sports are a very important part in the social life at Friends as they create a strong bond with your friends.” Another sports team that has quite a reputation for having an interesting friend group is the cross country team. Hannah Blackwell ’20, the varsity captain, had this to say. “I’ve been running xc and track since my freshman year, and I’ve met some of my closest friends through the team. The running teams have been referred to as a “cult”; I think this just goes to show how close we all are. Sports offer a unique community within the larger Friends community, so a lot of people are able to find their
niche through shared common interests. I know I have.” This just comes to show you how important sports are in our community, even faculty agree. Mr. Rashkind, the head coach for the men’s varsity lacrosse team had this to say, “I am always struck at the final Senior Meeting for Worship by how often students associate their most important memories with athletics. Rarely, do they talk about the wins, the losses, the post-season awards. What they share are memories of being on a team, of coming to practice each day and having another tight-knit community within the larger school community. I am aware that students can find other examples through clubs and activities, but I think athletics provides a unique opportunity for kids to learn to work together, to blow off some much needed steam after a long day of school, to share some laughs, and maybe even some tears. I think one of the biggest reasons to join a team at WFS is the social component. Teammates often become lifelong friends here at WFS, sharing memories they will have for a lifetime. “ It seems as if the friends and relationships that you make on the field transfer to the classroom and beyond. This has been a common and appreciated aspect of Friends for years!
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Science and Technology
WFS Students Strike Against Climate Crisis September this year. Some WFS students and faculty heard of this and wanted to partake in a similar event. With faculty permission, Fridays For the Future WFS began their campaign. The event was announced and Everyone knows about the resoon the hallways were filled with posters and leafcent action taken lets. On the Internet, the official by WFS students Instagram account of FridaysForagainst the cliFutureWFS posted a couple of the mate crisis, but leaflets electronically and people did you know that similar actions started reposting. “It was beautiful are being taken all over the world to see it all come together,” says orright now? ganizer and upper school history In the 1950s, total production teacher, Javier Ergueta. shot up both in the US and all On the 20th of September, 400 around the world. Along with this WFS students joined the total 4 upswing in production came the million strikers that day. There was rise of the global temperature. The a teach-in at the nearby Salesianum CO2 output of the world grew inschool which made sure our stucreasingly unstable and unsupportdent body learned something from able. the experience. Gianna Martinelli Warnings were given. Scientists ’22 commented, “I think it went exran tests and realized that this was a tremely well, it really raised awarehuge problem that might eventually ness in our school community and develop into a global crisis. In the the communities of other schools. 2000s, it became very apparent that I have been a lot more conscious this was the case. The melting of about what I’m doing and how that the polar ice caps became evident, impacts the Earth.” and our global CO2 emissions were But the event wasn’t just attendinsanely high and rapidly increased by WFS students. Students from ing. This, in part, is owed to the exnearby schools Tatnall, Ursuline, WFS students participate in the global climate strike on September 20, 2019 traction of fossil fuels, most promCharter, Padua, and Salesianum inently coal and oil, from the Earth’s interior. Entire themselves: France plans to ban all petrol and diesel took part in both the march and the teach-in. “I think industries and livelihoods are built around these ex- vehicles in France by 2040 and Norway will ban the the climate strike was a very good use of time. It was tremely harmful natural materials. Around 94 million sale of them by 2025. Additionally, what has also been great to see not only our school get involved, but barrels of oil are used by the world on a DAILY basis. happening across the world among the younger popu- neighboring schools as well,” says Lyle Knudsen ’21. 1,876,000 tons of coal are used a day, and the US con- lation is also astonishing. A post-climate strike survey was conducted by one sumes around 14% of that number for the generation Lead by a young 16-year-old schoolgirl named of our students and when presented with the question: of electricity. These numbers continue to rise. Greta Thunberg, 1.4 million students and youth across “When should climate change be addressed?” 97.8% In 2016, the United Nations Framework Con- 112 countries stepped out in March of 2018 to pro- of respondents said “Right now.” vention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) met from test. Their mission: to relay the message of urgency The world is changing. We, the children, are doing November 30th to December 11th in Paris to discuss to the ones in power. Since then, Thunberg has given more than our part against the climate crisis. Those in the climate crisis. Representatives of 196 state parties multiple speeches at many UN and EU events across power, however, are still not really listening. Until they agreed on the Paris Agreement’s long term goal; to Europe. She is now seen as one of the most impactful do, we must be the ones to act. It is up to us to change keep the increase in global average temperature to climate activists in the world. their minds. How can students do this, you may be well below 2 °C and to limit the increase to °1.5 C Another event organized by Greta Thunberg was asking? Well, a great way to start is by signing up for to substantially reduce the risks and effects of climate a global climate strike that happened on the 20th of the school club, Fridays For the Future WFS!
change. Since then, 195 UNFCCC members have signed the agreement. Under the Paris Agreement, each country must actively take steps towards mitigating global warming. Multiple countries’ governments have set goals for
Photo by LLilia Machado ’20
Pier Paolo Ergueta ’22 Science and Tech Writer
Climate Change: What We Can Do About It? Sam Boulos ’21 Science and Tech Writer
The world is in danger. The planet’s surface temperature has risen 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit since the 19th century, the ocean is heating up, sea levels are rising and more. Humanity has not treated our planet kindly in the past, however it is not too late. There has been a lot of damage done, but we all have the power to help avert this crisis before it is too late. There are many reports written about the grave danger that we are in and the negative impacts of humanity on the environment, but this article will examine the positive things that people are doing around the world to fix this problem and the things we all can do. Many businesses and people are starting to do their part in creating change and becoming more environmentally friendly. An example of this is finding better and more healthy farming techniques. In the past, farmers tilled the soil using tractors to prepare the soil for planting season. However, this is bad because it erodes the soil and uses fossil fuels. Businesses like
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Exapta are taking initiative in finding greener ways to complete this process, creating instruments that puncture the ground and plant seeds without eroding the soil and using fossil fuels. Another thing that people have started around the world is the online trend of #MeatlessMondays, promoting veganism. Veganism is an important part of maintaining the future of our planet as experts have determined that a vegan diet could cut global greenhouse gas emissions by up to seventy percent. When asked about this problem John Roskovensky, upper school math teacher said, “It is important to energize our national will. This is a global problem and it is in the hands of the next generation.” While the problem has been identified globally, not enough people are taking action. Roskovensky believes that students at WFS can take action themselves in small ways and contribute to the solution of the problem saying, “Individually we should try to do better. This means changing your lifestyle only slightly, I don’t expect people to live in tree houses without electricity but we can make minor changes to how we live. For example, can we walk more? Can we choose better electricity sources, specifically solar or wind?” Roskovensky pointed out that you can choose better energy sources
“through Delmarva. They give the choice to increase the number of renewables that bring energy to your house.” While these options are probably a bit more expensive, it is clear that it is worth it in the long run. Roskovensky also suggests,“Next car purchase consider a hybrid or electric vehicle. This choice would certainly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” On the political side of things, Roskovensky pointed out that young people at Friends should try to get involved by talking to politicians, paying attention, listening, basing your vote on these factors. Many seniors will be voting for the first time in the 2020 election. “The next generation has a new wave of political power,” Roskovensky points out. With this power comes a newfound responsibility. Many students at WFS are taking up this responsibility. When asked what he does to stay green, junior Theodore “Teddy” Devoll ’21said, “My family and I recycle and compost. I use a metal straw and my family and I use reusable bags rather than plastic grocery bags. I have a reusable water bottle instead of plastic bottles.” It is not difficult to help the environment in a small way. The world is in our hands. Now the question is, what will we do with it?
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The State of the arts Livingston zug ’22 Entertainment writer “The secret to doing anything is believing that you can do it.” Bob Ross, American painter and host of the television show “The Joy of Painting,” is experiencing a renaissance. He is the focus of a new art club at Friends, the Bob Ross Club, clerked by students Zoë Wishengrad and Manon Magnan de Bellevue. “The club is supposed to be an inclusive place,” said Magnan, “where people can come to relax and have a good time, and to admire Bob Ross.” This is just one of the many ways in which the arts at Friends affects the vibrant community at Friends. In conjunction with the newly formed club, the visual arts at Wilmington Friends continues to impact the community and curriculum of the Middle and Upper Schools. Students in all divisions explore their ideas, emotions, and themes from other classes. Through various projects, they enrich their understanding of the visual arts across multiple disciplines. Indeed, this year alone, one hundred and ten upper school students will take some form of visual arts class, like the required Visual Arts Foundations course for freshman, in-depth courses on 3D art, the Visual Arts Major course, and the IB art course. These classes each reflect a distinct approach and encourage active dynamism and innovation in the world of the visual arts. In the Middle School, the visual arts classes are comprised of fundamental keystones of the academic curriculum, such as earth science and English. All students participate in the obligatory Visual Arts ‘encore’ class, guided by the Middle School visual arts teacher, Paulo Machado, the chair of the Visual Arts Department at Friends. “Arts promote a form of outward thinking—the projects and processes are inspired by real-world connections,” said Machado. “The threeyear course attempts to investigate the unique roles of visual arts in today’s society.” Projects include the sustainable housing unit, wherein students learn about the theories of sustainable architecture and design 2D
and 3D models of environmentally-friendly homes. These model homes are complete with gardens, solar panels, and wind turbines. The seventh graders complete a digital “uplifting public message project,” wherein they each come up with an inspiring, motivational sentence or phrase and display it against a related backdrop. These are then displayed by the main entrance of the school, where they warm all of our hearts while catching our attention. “The public message project is not about technique,” Machado said. “It’s about ideas. Art is conceived in the heart, in the mind. It is propelled by emotion into physical form.” Such concepts are evident in the intensely personal projects like the “This Is Me Now” animation, where students have a chance to explore their own experience and personality and come up with a minute-long PowerPoint animation about it. “It’s really
Upper School student works on a sketch.
meaningful to them,” Machado said. “They get an opportunity to explore themselves and communicate it to others.” This concept of mindfulness is prevalent across multiple fields in the Middle School visual arts classes. In the Upper School, the visual arts classes continue to promote the personal awareness of one’s life experience, or “schema,” as well as a multimedia approach. Cynthia Stan Mellow, easily the longest-tenured teacher at Friends with an impressive forty-two years of experience, teaches several visual arts classes for all four grades of high school. “Ninth
Entertainment graders take the Visual Arts Foundations course, which allows them to demonstrate creativity in multiple forms, across various mediums.” This course lays the foundations, which is evident in the name, for the higher-level classes, principally the Visual Arts Major and IB Higher-Level Art. In fact, Violet’s Lobby has, just this past month, served as a gallery to a collection of posters from the IB HL and VAM art courses. The assignment was to “demonstrate the effects of climate change using a lava lamp.” The results were stunning and inquisitive, both visually and mentally. The Earth engulfed in flames, melting, or surrounded by various climate change-related headlines, were some common themes. “One of the objectives was to show media literacy,” Mellow said. “How do we understand what we’re seeing? Projects like these can help to raise awareness for a larger issue.” “Look at how many math, science, and English teachers we have,” Machado said. “How many art teachers do we have? One per division.” But why? “Visual Arts is one of the most applicable courses at Friends; having these visual skills is critical in today’s society, and in many careers,” Mellow said. “And for many ninth-graders, VAF is the last art class they’ll ever take.” In the past, the required arts credit for graduation used to be two. Now, it’s only one and a half. Theoretically, that’s two years of visual arts courses that students are no longer required to take. “Art class enrollment is declining in the Upper School,” Mellow said. “Our culture tells them that it’s less important than, say, science or math.” And not just in the wider world, where “artist” is not commonly seen as a viable career. “Our competitor schools all have more art teachers than us,” Mellow said. Machado agreed. “What message does that about our values send to our students, our faculty, and the wider world?” How can we continue to advocate for the Visual Arts program at Friends so that students will remain engaged and excited about the visual arts for years to come? As Bob Ross said, “I can’t think of anything more rewarding than being able to express yourself to others through painting. Exercising the imagination, experimenting with talents, being creative; these things, to me, are truly the windows to your soul.”
Concerts in the Greater wilmington Area Lilia Machado ‘20 Entertainment and Photo editor
Nothing beats live, local music, right? Heavy bass exploding throughout your chest, rowdy strangers swaying too far into your personal space, and unrighteously overpriced band t-shirts all blending into an unforgettable experience that often goes way past your bedtime. Throw in all of the grainy videos you take while shamelessly crooning along to your favorite artist, and I’m sure that you can relate to one of these aspects of concert-going. Concerts and live music can have an adrenaline producing and stress reducing effect on the body. Sure, if you aren’t a crowd person, it’s understandable. The more laid-back Philly venues like The Fillmore or Union Transfer have much to offer to those with alternative, indie, and all out niche music tastes with a hatred for ear crushing tunes. If you prefer larger settings, check out the MET Philadelphia or the Wells Fargo Center for some heart-racing, sweat-inducing shows. With the “City of Brotherly Love” being only 50 minutes away, Philadelphia offers easily accessible
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live music to the greater Wilmington area and music lovers alike. According to our most recent Instagram poll, 32% of Friends students reported that they have or will attend a concert at the MET Philadelphia. The MET Philadelphia hosts well known names spanning the reaches of the music industry in bustling Center City. Tomas Vebulinas ’20 noted that “it made sense to go to Philly because it was relatively close. I would go to another concert in Philly!” and when asked why he would go again, he responded with, “I guess [its] just the energy. Obviously the music, the people.” Similarly, Lucy Taylor ’21 noted that she had “great experience[s] at the Franklin Music Hall, The Foundry, and Union Transfer” and that “ticket [prices] depend on [the artist] but [its] relatively inexpensive.” So why not check out the local concert scene? Spare time, friends, and some spending money is all you need. Search no further, music lovers, because Philly and Wilmington’s late October to mid November concert lineup is sure to satisfy ever music taste. No, you have not been excluded you rap, country, pop, indie, and metal lovers. Here is just a sampling of what’s to come to venues near us:
Who?
When?
Where?
$
Bad Bunny
Oct 27th at 7pm
Prudential Center, NJ
~$66
Cheif Keef
Oct 28th at 8pm
The Fillmore, PA
Starting at $25
Logic
Oct 29th at 7:30pm
The MET, PA
Starting at $50
Jay Som
Oct 29th at 8pm
The Foundry, PA
$15
Angel Olsen
Oct 30th at 8pm
Asbury Lanes, NJ
Starting at $33
Melanie Martinez
Oct 30th at 8pm
The Fillmore, PA
~$56
X Ambassadors
Nov 2nd at 7:30pm
Franklin Music Hall, PA
Starting at $32
Erykah Badu
Nov 5th at 8pm
The MET, PA
Starting at $60
Elton John
Nov 8th at 8pm
Wells Fargo Center, PA
Starting at $55
AJR
Nov 14th at 7:30pm
The MET, PA
Starting at $35
Gus Dapperton
Nov 13th at 8:30pm
Union Transfer, PA
$20
Matt and Kim
Nov 19th at 8pm
Franklin Music Hall, PA
Starting at $30
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Community
Has the food at Friends finally been fixed? long lunch line snaking all around the cafeteria, and which can become both an organizational problem and a safety hazard.” Here, Stewart clearly expresses The school Cafeteria has been a a similar viewpoint to Terranova, concluding that the consistent topic of great discussion efficiency of the lunch line is something still needing over the past few years improvement. at Friends. Last year, However, the overwhelming writer Kyle Nisbet majority of opinions regarding examined the issues the new cafeteria are positive, regarding our café, and when he polled with both students and faculty students around the school, he received appreciating new options and overall negative responses. Many stubetter quality. Chemistry teachdents expressed the cafeteria was very er Sarah O’Brien also noted how, overpriced and not very quality. This “students have been talking posyear, however, both the management of itively about the new café in her the cafeteria and the student opinions class and around the halls.” Leah surrounding it have changed. This has Agne ’21 noted the same thing, resulted due to the school’s contractsaying, “lots of my friends have ing with a new food service company, mentioned how good the new cafCulinart. eteria is, and I have heard really In a poll that was recently conducted positive reviews.” Another facet of by members of the WFS Whittier, 100% the Culinart cafeteria is the estabof student respondents agreed that the lishment of a menu that is placed cafeteria had improved since Culinart on an easy to use and effective took over. When asked to elaborate on website accessible by all students. her rating, Abby Vandenbrul ’20 menRemy Stewart ’20 mentioned that tioned how Culinart provides “better she loves, “being able to easily acfood with many more options for the cess what’s for lunch on a given student body” This comment was a comday and be able to choose whether mon theme among those interviewed. In or not to get lunch.” Therefore, it’s accordance with the Vandenbruhl’s stateclear that even those experiencing ment, Chemistry teacher Sarah O’Brien some dissent regarding the cafeteThe new Friends School cafeteria, including new and improved market snacks, as well as mentioned how she really enjoys the new ria understand its improvements a ‘cool-zone.’ options for lunch and the new options as well. on the salad bar. This praise is warranted, as Cullinart The other issue that was noted was about the lines Overall, with new options that are much higher has provided many new lunch options for faculty and for lunch each day. This idea was first introduced by quality, a renovated cafeteria, and a well-organized students. They regularly provide ten diverse options Grace Terranova ’21 . Terranova commented on how website, Culinart is off to a great start in the Friends during each lunch period, which is a lot more than the line in the cafeteria reminded her of, “the chaos community. Hopefully, as time goes on, Culinart will were provided daily last year. Overall, many students of rush hour.” Furthermore, she mentioned how she work through the aforementioned kinks and even and faculty have thus far expressed their content with wishes that, “when the café was renovated they also more effectively provide high quality and delicious the new improvements of the cafeteria. made a more efficient line system.” Remy Stewart ’20 foods to the greater friends community! However, while members of the Friends commu- also commented on her issues with the cafeteria line. nity have expressed their appreciation for the new caf- In a conversation, Stewart noted that, one can “see the eteria, some students are not yet completely satisfied. In a conversation regarding the cafeteria, Leah Agne ’21 noted that “many options are the same day-to-day and can become a bit boring over time.” Several students expressed this same issue, as well as one other.
Photo taken by Lilia Machado
Carter Gramiak ’20 COmmunity writer
the future of phone usage at friends Olivia Ivins ’19 Columnist Over this past summer, WFS students were shocked to see the changes made regarding the policy on phone usage in school. In reality, when I say usage, I really mean the presence of phones in any form. A lengthy message was sent to all students and parents by Mrs. Zug, that stated phones were not to be kept on our person, and rather would need to be turned off and left in our lockers for the entire duration of the school day. This includes free periods, breaks, and lunch. These adjustments to the handbook were not discussed at all with students. In fact, it was explicitly stated in the message that this change in policy was a faculty made decision that had been extensively discussed. The only purpose of the rule’s sudden implementation that was expressed to students in the letter was the hope that this would support the cultivation of a better community. Personally, I believe that the biggest issue currently is not the prohibition of phone use, but rather the intentional exclusion of student input regarding the abrupt decision. Many students at Friends have shared this opinion as the year has progressed and the new policy
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Last school year, our S.P.I.C.E of focus was community. As a longtime member of the community, I’ve recognized that we generally bring changes such as the new phone rule to student life in Business Meeting. For example, last year changes to the rules regulating where we can eat were discussed at length in more than one meeting. This allowed for valuable student input that the faculty could then take into account during their own consultation about how they could make the most fit modifications for our community as a whole. If this rule was meant to improve our community, its creation was unfortunately in direct opposition to that principal. At first, I know many students were shocked and upset by the new rule, but most of us have grown accustomed to its implications on our lives. The biggest consequence of not having my phone for me is not being able to use the reminders application. Like many, I used this application to organize my task list as well as my calendar. It allowed me to set reminders for myself about assignments, meetings, and even trivial obligations I had. I would set the notification for when I knew it would be most convenient for me to do whatever I needed to do, or simply needed a reminder of a certain task at hand. I am not the only student that has previously relied on their phones as a
tool for school. Eden Groum ‘20 expressed her frustration with being unable to photograph important material. “When I had my phone I could take pictures of the board, so I had it later to work with.” Grievances like Eden’s are echoed by our fellow classmates, in many different forms. Simple applications in addition to the camera, such as the calculator, notes, music, safari, messages, etc. are also available to us on our computers, and I am aware of this. However, not having a phone on your person can truly become a problem, when denied the ability to use them constructively as a tool. This is especially due to the fact that students at Friends have been allowed to use them for years. Therefore, many students have structured their school lives around this convenience. Overall, cellular devices allow students the convenience to quickly write a note down, make a small calculation, check their schedule, snap a picture of helpful study materials, the list goes on. Overall, in my opinion, this policy does not seem to improve or enhance our community in any way. It will be interesting to see whether this rule is adjusted in years to come, or if Friends will forever be a place without phones. Regardless, all students hope that their voices will be expressed in these decisions soon.
homecoming issue 2019 WFSWHITTIER.NET