October 1, 2023 The Student Newspaper of the Holton-Arms School
Volume 60, Issue #1
Library Goes Under Construction BY HANNAH ORDAN
T
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
T
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.