October 1, 2023 The Student Newspaper of the Holton-Arms School
Volume 60, Issue #1
Library Goes Under Construction BY HANNAH ORDAN
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he construction on the Susanna A. Jones Learning Commons began over the summer and is expected to reach completion in the 2024-2025 school year.
Photo by Britt Nordquist
Montana skies hazy from wildfire smoke.
Summer Wildfires Cause Great Damage BY SCARLET ROGERS
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he summer of 2023 debuted with raging wildfires, scorching temperatures and impregnable smoke.
Unsurprisingly, the blame for drastic temperature increases and surging wildfires falls squarely on humans. “The New York Times” reports that the “hot, dry and gusty conditions” feeding the flames that burned across more than 59,000 square miles of Canada this summer were likely exacerbated by climate change. An unfortunately similar situation ravaged Lahaina, a town in Maui, Hawaii, in August. The quick, vast destruction razed homes and businesses alike. Giuseppe Torri, a professor of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Hawaii, broke down some of the causes with NPR. He said, “We are in a dry season, … [and] the Pacific Ocean is warmer, … [which] typically brings drier conditions in Hawaii.” He also described the high-strong pressure systems of winds created by low pressure from the tropical cyclone on the south of the island
Inside this edition...
and high pressure in the north. These produced “great acceleration,” Torri said, by spreading the fires much faster than they might have otherwise. The wildfires had a devastating impact on Lahaina and the Maui community. At least 115 people have been found dead and 2,000 community buildings and homes have been destroyed. In the midst of destruction and chaos, however, the Hawaii community has come together to provide support for survivors through food, clothes and toiletry donations. The more intense a fire, the more dangerous its flames are as hot air sucks moisture from trees and brush to cause taller flames. The World Weather Attribution Group credits the hot, dry wind that stoked eastern Canada’s fires as 20% more intense because of human-caused climate change. This variation, however, comes as wildfires have increased in frequency throughout North America. “The New York Times” reports that “this year, fires have ravaged 37 million acres across nearly every Canadian province and territory.”
The intensity and magnitude of the Canadian wildfires have placed “around 70 million U.S. residents under air quality alerts” according to CNN. This condition puts vulnerable citizens at risk for serious illness and death. It is clear that this situation directly correlates to man-made disasters such as climate change and global warming. The Natural Resource Defense Council urges students and adults alike to advocate for sustainability and the reduction of waste. Even hundreds of miles away from the fires, Holton events felt the impact of the smoke. Eliza Dorton ’25 recalled, “When I walked outside the morning of graduation, I immediately smelled and saw the intense smoke. Many people were wearing masks in the amphitheater.” Creative Summer also experienced several Code Red air days, which moved activities inside. The wildfires continued throughout the summer and into the fall. There aren’t signs signaling an end, as reports claim wildfires could burn all winter.
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Q&A with Ms. Evins New Upper School Faculty Is Trimester One the Best or the Worst? “Mamma Mia!”
The Boys on “Barbie” SAG and WGA On Strike
The Learning Commons will contain collaborative work spaces and even feature a coffee bar for students and teachers to socialize and grab a drink during the school day. Students can expect many changes to the Upper School with the new construction--most importantly, a year without a library. It’s only temporary, but many Upper Schoolers think of the library as a safe and somewhat quiet space to get work done, socialize and relax. Leni Glassman ‘24, although excited for the new Learning Commons “will miss the library. It was pretty quiet, and [she]thinks the Learning Commons will be a lot louder.” The transformation of the Library to the brand new Learning Commons comes with obstacles in addition to reduced work space for students. Upper School students and teachers have one fewer stairwell to use for transitioning between periods and have to navigate a parking lot with nearly 60 fewer spaces. While there are many moving parts, there is a lot to look forward to. Sadie Schulman ’25 is “very excited for the coffee bar.” She added that she thinks “it will help keep students energized throughout the long school day.” The construction of the new Learning Commons presents questions, concerns and excitement. As always, Holton students will find a way or make one.
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features
Scribbler • October 1, 2023
Mamma Mia! Takes the Stage BY ISABELLE APPLEBAUM
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eptember marks something particularly exciting and daunting for the theater community: the beginning of a new production.
Student actors and actresses begin the mad rush of learning audition materials, dances, songs and monologues. This year the Drama Department is bringing out the flared overalls, boas, and sundresses for the fall musical “Mamma Mia!” This upbeat and hilarious musical centers around a young woman’s search for her father before her wedding. In a gorgeous Greek paradise, a daughter and mother explore their relationship and life through song and dance. “Mamma Mia!” is set to the popular music of ABBA, including fan-favorite songs such as “Danc-
ing Queen,” Super Trouper” and, of course, “Mamma Mia.” Director of Theatrical Arts Mark Robinson remarked, “This is the first time that I am aware that we have done a ‘jukebox’ musical at Holton… It is a slightly different type of musical theater, however, but still a ton of fun!” “Mamma Mia!” was not the initial choice of the Drama Department. Robinson admitted, “We chose to do “Mean Girls” but since MTI, the company that owns the rights to both shows, denied us the producing rights for ‘Mean Girls’ over the summer, I moved directly to apply for the rights to “Mamma Mia!” and thankfully we were able to secure those rights.” Drama Club Vice President Morgen Thompson ‘25 said, “I’m excited about all the possibilities this musical brings. I can’t wait to watch the set
come together.” “Mamma Mia!” provides a stage for singers, dancers and actors to showcase their talents. Additionally, the ensemble-centered show encourages opportunities for teamwork and collaboration within the cast and crew. Drama Club Co-Secretary Kennedy Hall ‘25 stated, “Every show will be disliked for whatever reason, but by the end of the show, everyone has grown closer and the show is better than we could have imagined.” Additionally, “Mamma Mia!” serves as the directorial debut of the newest addition to the Holton Performing Arts Department, Stephanie Miller. Mark your calendars for November 9th to be transported to the sun-soaked paradise of “Mamma Mia!” You will likely leave saying, “Thank you for the music!”
Scribbler Welcomes Penny Evins with a Q&A INTERVIEW BY ELIZA DORTON
Holton recently welcomed its new head of school, Penny Evins. Students have gotten to know Evins, her husband, and their puppy GiGi around campus at sporting events and community activities. Q: If you could have dinner with any person, real/fictional/living/ dead, who would it be and why? What would you talk about? A: “I’d have family dinner with my grandparents, my mother, my stepfather, my father, my great aunts, all of my relatives who I remember having Sunday dinners and holidays with, and I’d ask them questions about their childhood and the world, things I didn’t listen to as well when I was younger. I might invite Mrs. Holton and Ms. Arms. Maybe I’d have dessert with them.” Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? A: “Be perfect with imperfections. To take healthy risks, go for it and not be afraid to make mistakes.” Q: What’s your favorite thing you’ve done in the area so far? A: “I love running and walking on
the trails that I’ve found so far, and just having the accessibility for them is wonderful. I can’t wait to go to the National Mall and the museums [...] We’re going to a Nationals game in a couple of weeks, which will be fun!”
Q: What is your preferred dinner table conversation? A: “High point and low point of the day. We really tried, no matter our working hours as parents who took turns working and working from home with more part-time jobs, to have family dinner most evenings. We wanted our children to learn and practice manners and company behavior when young. Being sent away from the table, even for me, was a learning opportunity and one we felt was ours as parents to teach. We always wondered if our kids appreciated family dinner, and indeed, now that they are in college, they both look forward to our familiar and sometimes chaotic table times.” Q: What is something you have always wanted to learn/try? A: “Needlepointing. Both of my grandmothers did beautiful needlepoint work, and I have some pillows that they did. I want to finish some of the pieces they started or learn so I can feel this connection and create.”
Q: If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be and why? A: “I think I’d want to live in Greece for a year. First of all I love water, and the blue hues I’ve seen represent the Greek Isles. It’s not because of “Mamma Mia,” which I am looking forward to seeing at Holton! People have asked me if I’m Greek my whole life. When they see me and hear my name is Penny, they wonder, ‘What nationality are you? Are you Greek?’ I think I’d like to be from Greece, but no is my usual response. Early on in their marriage, my mom and dad went, and they said it was beautiful. I adore anything I’ve had that is considered to be traditional Greek cuisine, and when speaking with those who’ve traveled there, they speak of the natural beauty and culture with such delight, so yes, Greece it is!
Q: What was the last book you read? A: “Other than the Holton summer reading, what comes to mind is “It. Goes. So. Fast.: The Year of No Do-Overs,” by Mary Louise Kelly. I highly recommend it, especially for anyone with children who is feeling the pressure of time as we make life choices or those interested in gaining empathy for those wondering about
October 1, 2023 •
Scribbler C.S.P.A. Gold Medalist • 2017 C.S.P.A. Silver Medalist • 2018 C.S.P.A Silver Medalist • 2019 C.S.P.A Silver Medalist • 2020
The Holton-Arms School 7303 River Road Bethesda, MD 20817 www.holton-arms.edu 301.365.5300 Letters to the Editor and opinion columns are the expressed opinion of the author and not of Scribbler and its editorial board or advisor. Scribbler welcomes letters, which should be e-mailed to the Editors-in-Chief at: aria.didden.2023@ holton-arms.edu or amy.lu.2023@holton-arms. edu Scribbler cannot publish anonymous letters, or anything deemed libelous, obscene, or in poor taste. Rights are reserved to postpone, edit, or withhold from publication anything that does not meet specifications. The opinions conveyed in Scribbler are not those of the Holton-Arms faculty or administration. Executive Board
Editors-in-Chief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leni Glassman Margaret Sussmann Managing Editors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eliza Dorton Mira Wissman Lead Layout Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jincheng Zhao
Is Trimester 1 the Best or Worst One of the Year? BY SOA ANDRIAMANANJARA
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ew backpack. New shoes. No eyebags. After a summer without the intense academics of Holton, both students and teachers returned to 7303 with smiles on their faces.
During the summer, Holton exists throughout the minds of the entire community; juniors may wonder why they have to read “Wuthering Heights,” teachers make lesson plans, and parents might count down the days until their kids are out of the house again. And when that day comes, students arrive crying “Yippee!” or crying tears. The beginning of the school year is a topic that divides the community: Is it the best time or the worst time of year?
Art Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ellie Bahador Editorial Staff
News Editors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Isabelle Applebaum Taylor Schwer
Spread Editors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ella Moore Hannah Ordan A&E Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sophia Burton Soa Andriamananjara Sports Editors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sophie Famili Sophie Katz Advisor.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Maggie Spak
parenting, working, juggling the roles we have and decisions we make with our time allocation.”
Q: What is something people/Holton students would be surprised to learn about you? A: “I wear bright colors to bring about cheer in the morning because I’m really not a morning person, but everyone thinks I am. That’s something that may be surprising because I’m very loud and energetic in the morning, but I’m a sleep hound, my way of saying I am an ardent supporter of sleep and guard it for myself and others.” Q: What is something you always have in your purse? A: “I always have a real handkerchief. A linen or cotton handkerchief. Because when someone’s crying, I like to invite them into that feeling. It was just something my grandparents always had. It’s probably a bit old fashioned, Eliza; I can see your surprise!”
Balancing homework and getting enough sleep can be a challenge; the CDC writes that teenagers should get a minimum of eight hours a night. In a study by NYU, 60% of female students said they felt “a great deal of stress on a daily basis.” Elise Gledhill ’25 isn’t a fan of the first trimester. Gledhill declared, “You have to make the adjustment from summer joy to school misery while figuring out each of your teachers and trying to be friends with everyone and trying to do all your work and doing your sport stuff.” Students not only have to learn new material but also have to navigate Holton’s social environment, a group of 400-something people. Some people love that big environment. After only interacting with a
small number of Holton students over the summer, Zara Shamim ’25 said, “You’re seeing all your friends and teachers again, going on grade retreats/bonding activities. Fall is also my favorite season, so that adds to it.” People also love the structure of a daily schedule filled with classes and after-school activities. Peyton Austin ’25 said “I find that I am a lot more productive when I have a set routine.” For those students, the routine of school provides motivation to do their work. Students become more productive, as they feel that they can conquer this school year. This trimester, students enjoy the usual school traditions such as spirit week. The introduction of new traditions brings excitement, too. For example, there is a new buddy program
between seniors and third graders. Students must also adjust to a school day without free periods spent in the quiet library as it undergoes renovation. Whether you are a fan of the first trimester or not, everyone can agree that this year Holton’s halls look different with the construction.
Art by Ellie Bahador
Upper School Welcomes New Faculty
Photography Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . Britt Nordquist
Features Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Claire Buchanan Claire Dohr
features
Scribbler
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BY MIRA WISSMAN
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he school community welcomes new faces for this 2023-2024 school year.
“I am so excited to see so many new faculty members coming to Holton,” said Caitlyn Glaser ’25. “The teachers are what make Holton so special.” New to the Science Department, Bella Juzenas is thrilled to be teaching Biology in Upper School. Coming from the University of Maryland, Juzenas spent this past summer as a camp instructor for UMD’s Physics Department. The Performing Arts Department welcomes Felicia Swoope as its new director. Coming from the New York/ New Jersey area, Swoope said that what she first noticed about Holton was its beauty. After she was greeted by Holton’s “open door,” something within [her] knew almost instantly that all roads in [her] career had led [her] to Holton.” Additionally, Stephanie Miller is joining the Performing Arts Department as a theater teacher who holds two degrees from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University. Miller said that “[her] favorite part of teaching drama is that it is one of the only fields where a student is forced to engage both their brains and their bodies while also making
real and lasting connections with a group of peers. There is nothing else like it.” Lastly, Yee Von Ng will be coming into a new position as the upper school choral director. The World Language Department additionally has two new Spanish teachers. Brian Reilly joins the Upper School with teaching experience overseas, which gives support to what initially drew Reilly to Holton’s campus: the Global Education Program.
Sarah Andersen also joins the Upper School to teach Spanish and has a range of experience with various cultures. In fact, when asked for a fun fact about herself, Andersen replied, “I once bought a one-way ticket to Mexico and ended up backpacking for eight months throughout every Spanish-speaking country in Central and South America!” The Upper School History Department welcomes Chelsea Berry. Aside from loving history (sur-
prise!), Berry has many particular interests. For example, “[she] once jumped out of an airplane (with a parachute) for fun,” and although “it’s not much of a secret, [she] love[s] playing Dungeons and Dragons.” Additionally, former teaching fellow Julia Cronin becomes a full time member of the History department. Finally, the Math Department gains John Assoko, who comes from San Francisco.
Photo Courtesy of Holton Communications
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Scribbler • October 1, 2023
OPINION: Why Men Should See “Barbie” BY SOPHIA BURTON
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lthough its release made blockbuster history, some men still haven’t watched the “Barbie” movie. But why?
Greta Gerwig’s film “crossed the $1.2 billion mark globally after hitting the $1 billion milestone less than two weeks ago — a feat achieved only by about 50 films in history,” according to CNN Business. Regardless of its popularity, the film’s audience was largely female. My 19-year-old brother Sam Burton went to the film appropriately wearing a pink polo. When asked why it’s important for men to see the film, he responded, “So they can realize how corny they are and they shouldn’t mansplain or serenade their girlfriends with guitars.” Some men may not have watched the movie because they don’t have time while others have misconceptions about what the movie is really about.
My father explained of why he hadn’t seen the movie, “I don’t think I would find it interesting… I like spy movies and action movies. I don’t really want to see a movie about dolls.” He struggled to articulate why a movie about female agency didn’t appeal to him even though he has a teenage daughter. He said it seemed like the “Taylor Swift concert of
movies.” Surprisingly, Upper School Director Chris Lynch also hadn’t watched “Barbie.” Lynch said that he hadn’t had time to see it. I replied, “As the upper school director of an all girls school, don’t you think you should see it?” Lynch responded, “No, I don’t go to Taylor Swift concerts; I couldn’t tell you a song that she sings, and everyone loves Taylor Swift…I care about you guys; I don’t have to do everything you do.”
Apparently, it may be common for certain men to categorize “Barbie” and Taylor Swift together. Contrary to my father’s idea that the movie is simply “about dolls,” the movie is so much more. The film features pronounced messages about feminine power and struggles while laced with humor, an amazing wardrobe and sets, and a fantastic soundtrack. I laughed and cried all three times I watched it. It is important for all demographics to watch this movie because of how much societal commentary it contains. Leni Glassman ’24 reflected on the movie’s many takeaways and concluded, “I think the most important message that the ‘Barbie’ movie successfully gets across isn’t just how each hardship women face affects us but how the culmination of all of those hardships create a powerful force that we struggle to deal with every day.”
SAG and WGA Demand Fair Compensation and Protection from AI
BY CLAIRE BUCHANAN
Nearly every performer and writer in Hollywood was on strike for the first time since 1960. In early May, 11,000 members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) walked off set. On July 14, they were joined by 160,000 performers in the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) union. This double strike forced nearly every major Hollywood production to halt, according to “The Washington Post.” The writers and performers were striking over similar issues that stem from the rise of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. In particular, writers and performers reported unfair compensation and shrinking residuals. Residuals, or the profit writers and performers earn when their work is re-aired or licensed, are generally far lower on streaming platforms than on network TV. The rise of AI also affects unions,
particularly as it relates to writing television scripts. The WGA is worried about the use of AI-produced scripts, which could place a large number of writers out of work. In addition to these concerns, the WGA demands that original scripts should not be used to train AI systems. While this practice would improve AI-produced scripts, it would also put even more writers out of work. The WGA made progress in its negotiations with studios, which promised to ensure that AI produced scripts will not be passed off as human work. According to Upper School English teacher Melinda Salata, “the elephant in the room is AI.” Salata wonders if “ChatGPT-4 and other Large Language Model programs [will] replace human artists, writers and even actors” and says that to her, “the strike seems profoundly important not only to the writers and actors on strike but also to our collective future as we define the nature and role of humanity in the midst of the
vast technological revolution we are undergoing.” Months into the strike, Strikers’ concerns remained about residuals and AI; however, people brgan to feel the financial burden of being out of work for such a long period of time. An anonymous union member told NBC News that she had been “subsidizing this strike with [her] savings in a way that’s starting to get scary” and had to turn to multiple stopgap jobs, savings and food assistance. Fellow SAG-AFTRA member Dana Morgan reported, however, “The pain that we are suffering financially is a short-term sacrifice for something that’s going to help us in the long run” and believes that “we’ll survive.” The strikes will likely cause studios to invest more money in international filming. Avi Selk of “The Washington Post” predicted that South Korea and India’s “already powerful entertainment industries” will seek to fill the strike-created vacuum. The WGA formally resumed its negotiations with the Alliance of Motion
Picture and Television Producers on August 11. On September 26, the WGA voted to lift the strike, which allowed union members to begin work again. Between Oct. 2 and Oct 9, “union members [voted] to ratify the new language in the 94-page contract,” according “TIME.” In an email to its members on Sept. 24, the WGA wrote, “We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional - with meaningful gains in protections for writers in every sector of the membership....What we have won in this contract - most particularly, everything we have gained since May 2nd - is due to the willingness of this membership to exercise its power, to demonstrate its solidarity, to walk side-by-side, to endure the pain and uncertainty of the past 146 days.”
Art by Eliza Dorton