The Spectrum Newspaper September 2022

the

SPECTRUM

“Your Voice in Print”

blakespectrum.org

Issue II

Thursday | September 29 | 2022

The Blake School

Legacy Day Serves As Time To Connect Together Lisa Sackreiter clarifies misconceptions Amelia Bush | Managing Editor

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n its sixteenth year, Legacy Day offers a time to be a part of the larger school community. This year, the theme is Come to the Table: Belonging, Contributing, & Thriving.

L isa Sackreiter, Director of Community Service, described the service activities stating, “Our service activities are connected to food and organizations that provide food in the community. Two of our four color groups are packing food in the ice arena. It’s a fortified, flavored oatmeal that will be distributed to kids through Every Meal…

two of the other groups will be packing matter snack packs.” Despite common misconceptions, Legacy Day isn’t about just service. Sackreiter commented that “It’s both [community service and community bonding] it’s very much about building community within Blake… one portion of that is this service action that we take together but that’s

45 minutes of the day and we are together for 6 hours. It’s about building connection and belonging at Blake and one of the ways we do that is by serving together.” The community rarely gets the opportunity to get together across all campuses, so it’s important to take advantage of the relationships that are built through Legacy Day.

Charlotte Opp

Jim Arnold and Sally Countryman ‘23 place ketchup, oatmeal and other goods into the Legacy Day donation bins.

2022 SPIRIT WEEK THEMES:

Faith Zhao | Contributing Writer

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WED

Blake Day! Wear Blake Bear T-shirts, sweaters, hats, etc.

The Blake colors are green, blue, white, and brown. Let’s all look like Cyrus the bear!

business! Let’s see how well we can look like the lawyers that we are expected to be.

TUES

TWIN day! Partner up with a friend; this is your opportunity to match! Or better yet, find two friends (triplets) or three (quadruplets)!

FRI

HOMECOMING NIght and it’s a white out! Wear white shirts, face paint, pants, skirts, TRY TO look like a fun piece of paper.

Thur

Jersey day! Wear your favorite team’s jersey, hat, etc. or even better, wear Blake’s!

Rowan Wallin

Julia Everett

sweetgreen, a new salad chain, is put to the test when compared to its similar counterpart Crisp & Green.

Learn more about the environmentally friendly rain garden out by the west entrance and science wing.

See how Gunnar Johnson ‘23 and Charlie Weyerhaeuser ‘23 are coming along with building their own car.

Food: Pg. 5

Science & Technology: Pg. 11

Student Spotlght: Pg. 16

STAFF

The Blake School 511 Kenwood Pkwy Issue II September 29 2022 Editor-In-Chief: Rowan Wallin Managing Editors: Amelia Bush | Zoey Ueland Creative Director: Charlotte Opp Photo Editor: Cleo Kilpatrick News Editor: Sam Tomczik Arts & Culture Editor: Gabi Marmet Sports Editors: Jason Rotenberg | Yoni Zacks In-Depth Editor: Allyson Jay Sci-Tech Editor: Sofia Perlman Opinions Editor: Oscar Walsh | Ali Hecker Business Manager: Julia Zhang Online Editor: James Prince Faculty Adviser: Anna Reid

STAFF WRITERS: Lilly Anderson, Uma Bhardwaj, Kevin Bizily, Kaylee Chen, Ahan Devgun, Ainsley Pflaum, Kate Rekas, Andrew Richardson, Eva Stegic, and Max Yousha

STAFF ARTISTS: Julia Everett and Melody Lee BECOME A STAFF MEMBER: Contribute to the paper three times consecutively to be promoted to a staff writer!

JOIN SPECTRUM: Spectrum meets in Room 351 during both lunches every Friday. Please come if you are interested in writing, drawing, designing, podcasting or taking pictures for the newspaper.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Disagree with something that’s in the paper? Have an opinion you want to share? Like to draw editorial cartoons? Take a stand and speak out. E-mail letters or editorial cartoons to spectrum@blakeschool.org or deliver them to room 351.

Please limit letters to 400 words.

MISSION STATEMENT: The primary purpose of the Blake School Spectrum is to report news and to explain its meaning and significance to our readers and the community. We hope to inform, entertain and provide a school forum for the unrestricted exchange of ideas and opinions.

STYLE STATEMENT: Spectrum uses Associated Press (AP) Style as of the February 2020 issue.

QR code to blakespectrum.org

NEWS | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 | 2

Grade Retreats Aim To Connect Students, Provide Fun Twelfth graders bond at camp in Wisconsin

Tenth graders explore Minneapolis landmarks

Kate Rekas | Staff Writer

Georgia Wilson | Contributing Writer

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ccording to Jim Mahoney, former grade dean and current college counselor, the senior retreat used to be a weekend long affair.

Despite this overnight tradition ending this year’s retreat proved to be a success. While attendance is “mandatory,” the retreat was on a Sunday and while most of the class attended, not all seniors participated.

At noon the class bussed out to Camp St. Croix in Hudson, WI, for a day of phone-free fun and distraction free communication. Senior advisor David Zalk was a fan of the policy, saying, “that [the phone-free policy] is incredibly valuable, to get people paying attention to who and what is going on around them.” “I thought it was fun, quite successful, . . . there was a really good vibe among the class.”

Once arriving on the campgrounds, students participated in conversation dyads. For these dyads, students were randomly paired and given a list of reflective and deep questions to ask each other.

Next, students returned to their advisories and went to different stations around the campground. Advisories were grouped at each station to compete in various academic and sporting events. Then students had freetime and a pasta dinner.

Advisories were then given time to practice skits that would be performed at a lakeside campfire. The spirit as the sun set and the skits were definitely the highlight of the retreat. The night ended with smores and a class rendition of “Wonderwall” and “Sweet Caroline”.

The retreat was a success and further integrated the class of 2023 for their final year as high school students.

Cleo Kilpatrick

McManus-Graham advisory pose for a photo at Como Zoo.

Eleventh graders see animals at Como Zoo Mackenzie Higgins | Food Editor

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arlier this September the class of 2025 headed out on their annual retreat and ventured around Minneapolis on foot. The sophomore class was dropped off at Stone Arch bridge and from there set out to see important Minneapolis landmarks chosen due to their roots in Minneapolis’ culture.

Kirsten Holm’s advisory made their way to the Guthrie, the sculpture garden and, the Prince Mural all on foot to inform themselves about the history and art of Minneapolis.

Mackenzie Mcilmail’s advisory made their way to First Avenue and then to the Bob Dylan Mural. Each advisory had the liberty to go to any location off a list the school gave them. According to Michelle Jiang ‘25, “it was nice to be with my advisory all day and getting to bond with them and getting to learn more about the people around me.” And for Meri Harkins ‘25, “It was very fun and it was really nice to be able to get out in the sunshine in the last good month in the year. I got to get closer with new people in my advisory.”

In the future, Jiang would prefer to, “choose from a set of different places we wanted to go to. It would be nice if they gave us a list but not make any requirements to go to [specific locations] to see what you can do around town.”

In all, the sophomore grade retreat was a fun and connective experience for the 10th graders to get a grasp of the city they live in.

he Class of 2024 started their retreat day on campus in advisory with competitions organized by the grade’s Forum reps: Uma Bhardwaj ‘24, Karn Kaura ‘24, and Sam Hardy ‘24. The advisories all participated in a Kahoot and answered trivia questions about the 11th grade advisors.

Next, there was an “Amazing Race” style scavenger hunt that had juniors running around the Upper School looking for clues. The main event of the day, however, was a trip to Como Zoo. After the morning events, juniors picked up their bagged lunches and loaded the buses. At the zoo, advisories spent time walking around and visiting the different animals while also completing a different zoo themed scavenger hunt. Most advisories gathered at the Como Harbor to watch the “Sparky Sea Lion Show.”

The show featured some of the zoo’s sea lions, none of which were named “Sparky,” and their many impressive tricks.

Aveline Carroll ‘24 adds, “I liked the sea lion show. It was very good and the sea lions are nice.” Overall, she enjoyed the day explaining, “it was just fun to hang out with people.” After the show, the juniors had lunch at the zoo and did some goal setting before heading back to the Upper School.

To end their fun day of bonding, juniors joined the rest of the grades at the carGeorgia Wilson Rowan Wallin nival where they dunked deans Class of 2023 sings “Sweet Caroline” Tenth grade Colburn and Molter enjoyed popcorn, ice advisories walk together, along the and “Wonderwall” around the fire pit and cream, and cotton candy. to end their retreat in Wisconsin. banks of the Mississippi River.

Claire Cao

Class of 2026 assembles in the courtyard before their carnival.

Ninth graders stay on campus, enjoy carnival Claire Cao | Contributing Writer

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he class of 2026 started the day by reflecting on the values that they valued the most.

Next, they went outside for a community building bingo, encouraging the class to interact with new classmates to fill their bingo sheet, while letting others discover new traits about them.

Then, they went back to advisory to choose a value each advisory preferred the most, writing it on a small paper bear. Together, the class put all their bears together to create a mural of a bear. Nova Stay ‘26 found this part very enjoyable, “writing things on the bears was really fun.”

After, students were spread out on the field to create the numbers “2026” with their bodies for a photo. Later on, the other classes joined them on the field and enjoyed a variety of sports such as frisbee and soccer. To finish off the day, a carnival was offered to the school. “My favorite part was the food trucks,” Logan O’Connell ’26 explained.

These food food trucks included cotton candy, popcorn, and ice cream and were stationed around the parking lot. Despite all of this, many found the lack of beverage options to be disappointing.

O’Connell suggested “[providing] actual drinks, even if it was just water.”

Finally, students were given the opportunity to dunk their grade deans by throwing a ball at a target, causing the deans to fall into the pool of water below them. Although the day was incredibly fun, all things have to come to an end. By 2:30, the grade retreat was over, and everyone headed home.

New Substitute Coordinator, Shares Passions, Hobbies, Pets Zach Dotray hopes to connect, help students Mackenzie Higgins | Food Editor riginally from Loving, Texas, new reserve teacher and substitute coordinator Zach Dotray first came to Minnesota for college where he attended Macalester and met his partner. He spent some time away from Minnesota for more school, but swiftly returned because of his love for the Twin Cities. Dotray comes to Blake from St. Paul’s Creative Arts Secondary School where he ran a program that provided tutoring and classes before and after school to communities that were traditionally underserved, and before that, he worked as a teaching fellow for a college.

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Outside of teaching, Dotray enjoys reading about historical philosophy and theory and collecting records- his most recent additions include Nora Brown’s “Long Time to Be Gone” and Marisa Anderson’s “Still.” For a long time, Dotray pursued his other passions of gardening and cooking professionally at different farm to table establishments like Red Table in Northeast Minneapolis.

While he’s since left the food industry, Dotray still enjoys cooking and food production as a hobby.

These hobbies have “all been on pause for the last 10 months.” He continues, “I have a 10 month old daughter… so that’s my main hobby currently.”

Nowadays, Dotray’s free

time is typically spent outside, whether with his family or biking the greenway. He remarks, “I live right by Powderhorn Park so we go for a lot of walks and spend a lot of time around the lake.”

In addition to their daughter, Dotray and his partner also have a cat, Penelope, who recently turned three. He classifies her as a pandemic cat because “she lived a normal life for six months and then she didn’t see anyone for two and a half years, so now that we have a daughter and people want to come visit us, she’s a little feisty because she’s not used to it.”

Dotray explains that he will most likely be the person to step in when a class needs a sub. He adds, “Half the job is that I’m

ins igg H e i Mackenz

New Substitute Coordinator, Mr. Dotray poses outside his office, Room 120, near Brain Sago’s room.

the first one off of the bench and the other half is figuring out who is next.” By having one consistant substitute, Dotray hopes to create a stronger relationship with the student body when teachers are absent.

STUDENT LIFE | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 | 3

Participate in Spirit Week Minoff Room Redecorated

Lilly Anderson

Beach day theme was well represented at the SMB football game on September 16. Participants wore leis and pool floaties!

Enthusiasm depends upon accessibility, friends Rhea Balachandran, Ava Mittra & Klarissa Yu | Contributing Writers

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ctober 3 marks the start of Spirit Week in anticipation of the upcoming Homecoming football game on Friday (October 7) and dance on Saturday (October 8). Spirit Week themes are decided by the SIACs, which this year includes twin day, Blake day, white-out day, business (formal) day, and jersey day.

Through interviews, students expressed their opinions on participation in Spirit Week.

It seems that the majority

of students have decided that they will participate in Spirit Week. Shoumili Tarafder ‘26 says, “Of course, why wouldn’t I?” For other students, however, participation in Spirit day can be tricky due to the clothing items and accessories required.

SIAC member Rishabh Balachandran ‘23 plans to make themes easier to participate in by “generally having things that would be available to me and others so I don’t have to go buy stuff.” Dominic Bollettieri ‘25 agreed with this, saying that the thing that would impact his engagement level the most would be “how accessible the themes are. Like if I can actually wear it.”

Things that generally seem to impact students’ participation in Spirit Week

is the heard mentality. Lily Erlandson ‘23 says that the thing that would impact her participation in Homecoming the most would be if other people don’t engage with it.

She explains, “If other people don’t do it, why would I?” Finn Woerner ‘25 says that the themes of the week are “always pretty good, and it makes it better when all the students engage.” Michelle Elliot ‘25 explains how she would like to change some of the chosen themes. She says, “Jersey day is especially bad, but the rest are ok, but I feel like we’ve had them before.” Sam Leslie ‘24 agreed that the themes aren’t “really interesting… But I see how someone might find them interesting.”

From the students interviewed, ranging from freshmen to seniors, almost all are going to attend the Homecoming football game as well as the following Homecoming dance. Raiden Chen ‘26 says he won’t be attending the dance because “none of [his] friends are going.” Unlike Chen, Zoe Gustafson ‘26 says that she will definitely participate because she doesn’t “want to be the one person who doesn’t go.” Balachandran states he will be attending the dance and football game because they are a “part of homecoming. The whole weekend is homecoming.”

Rania Abdullahi ‘25 explained that Spirit Week, “also gets everyone really excited for the event that’s coming, like for homecoming stuff. Everyone’s in a happy mood.”

Rowan Wallin | Editor-in-Chief

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Rowan Wallin

Amanda Minoff, English teacher for juniors and seniors, revitalized her classroom this year. After moving just one room away from her previous room, “[The new] space is much more comfortable than where [she] taught last year.” Minoff elaborates, “Last year as a new faculty member, I felt like I was just flying by the seat of my pants a little bit; I didn’t really have time to really settle in. It was nice this year having a little more breathing room and having a nice work space is really important to me, and I know it’s important to the students.” Minoff describes her room as “comfortable, eclectic, and hopefully inspiring.”

Rowan Wallin

Above her desk hangs, in Minoff’s words, “a painting that is actually very important to me. It’s Virginia Wolf painted by her sister Vanessa Bell. I’ve always been interested in their sister relationship. Vanessa Bell was a painter and her sister was a writer. They had an interesting creative partnership. They were part of a larger group called the Bloomsbury group. It’s a very juicy community to research; It feels like you’re gossiping. I can sense Vanessa Bell’s presence behind it. I hope students aren’t creeped out by it.”

Objective-based Grading Incentivises Student Achievement Learning growth exhibited categorically, not numerically Amelia Bush | Managing Editor

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bjective based grading is a system that is getting incorporated into more classes. It uses a four category scale to assess and track students’ progress and learning in the class.

The lowest being “beginning” and the highest being the “advanced” categories.

The AP Computer Science Principles class’s syllabus describes the beginning category as being able to “use primitive data structures in my program” whereas the advanced category is described as “I consistently use data structures efficiently and elegantly in my programs.”

Within each unit, there are different objectives.

The objectives a student masters, the higher their grade will be. For example, in Calculus AB there are 15 different objectives, being proficient in all 15 is equivalent to an A whereas being proficient in nine objectives is a B. Madeline Burton, computer science teacher and Head of the Computer Science Department, has been using objective based grading for five years in her classes. The previous computer science teacher, Sean Hickey, also used this system.

Burton chose to stick with this unique grading system because “I find that it brings more clarity to the thing that I am assigning and grading.”

Another important factor that Burton addressed was how “over time, it has helped me identify the skills that are important to my course.”

Burton went on to describe the transition between regular grading and objective based

grading stating that, “For each teacher, it is a transition and a progress.

My first year, I worked really hard to have standards, but I didn’t do a great job of filling out the whole rubric…I was really only talking about skills so like ‘Can I do this problem? Can I do that thing?’” Burton also placed an emphasis on being able to “articulate thinking” stating that “learn[ing] to learn is more important than ‘Can you add these two numbers?’”

Maggie Molter used this system at previous schools and has begun to use it at Blake. Molter comments, “It incorporates a lot of embedded retakes…I think that’s good also for the learning process to have multiple retakes.”

As for the transition between grading, Molter adds, “It’s definitely a team decision.

The whole department didn’t decide to do it the same year but I think all of us are inter-

Sally Countryman

Molter teaches AP Calculus AB during block 2. For each assignment, students are assessed through the object-based grading system with multiple retakes to earn a “proficient” status.

ested in thinking about what the best way is for us to communicate student learning.”

The teachers that are using the system are working together to create similar expectations for the students so that there is consistency.

Molter also puts emphasis on the history of point based grading and used her job as a com-

parison point stating, “If you look at the history of traditional points based grading, the history of it was used to sort people for factory jobs. Earn points so you could get letter grades to find out if you were compliant to work in a factory. For my job… I never get assessed using points and I don’t get a letter grade…the feed-

back I get in my job is more aligned with objectives.”

Molter adds, “I believe in my professional heart that this grading system helps students learn better. First of all, this type of grading exists in colleges… certainly you’re not going to see a lot of point based grading in the real world.”

ARTS & CULTURE | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 | 4

Treble and Dozen Take on New Year Short Story Reviews Student bonding and performances ramp up

idel, “Usually if we have something that we have to work on or if it’s just reviewing we will go into sectionalls, meaning we will split up depending on if you’re bass or tenor, and just run through whatever parts we need to…then we’ll come back together and run through the song, check on any parts that we may be getting confused on.”

Right now, the clubs are focusing on perfecting “The Star Spangled Banner,” which will be singing during the home-

singing an all group song.

Last year for our winter concert we sang a song all together but in the spring concert we didn’t. It just depends, Amelia Bush | we’ll even connect with Managing Editor all of the other choirs he student-led Treble and listen to each other and Dozen choirs and give each other some have been an integral part feedback. Normally we of Blake’s choir commuare kind of separated.” nity for years. Felix ReThe choir’s also have idel ‘24 has been a memjoint traditions, for exber of Dozen for the past ample, they go around two years and commented the school singing songs “It’s really fun, it’s a on Valentine’s Day. tight knit group. We have Dozen and Treble inside jokes…it feels a lot has two concerts throughcloser and out the year, you get a winter and to know spring conthe peocert, as well ple in the as a tour in group and Chicago. Reit’s a way idel added to conthat their leadnect singers “are going to the ing to choose commua couple of nity that’s and Bristol Pann songs o v e r a l l Declan O’Connell ‘23 singing in Dozen and practicing for run it through fun.

It’s “The Star Spangled Banner” for the Homecoming game. the rest of the never a bad group and we’ll experience.” probably vote coming football game.

The two clubs meet Treble and Dozen are on it and see which ones twice a week before currently practicing to- we like the best.” That’s school to work on many gether, however, this is not all, the leaders also different aspects of sing- not common. Reidel stat- have to make sure there ing. According to Re- ed “Sometimes we’ll be is sheet music or an ar-

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rangement that works for A Capella singing.

There are many advantages to a student led choir. Reidel voiced his experience with the choir stating, “It’s a mix of both [individual and group growth]... most people are required to do choir to be in Dozen’s so it’s kind of about individual growth and a lot about reading music and participating in a one gender choir. It’s also about being able to be student led and still succeed.” According to Reidel, a direct advantage is that “it takes a little bit of stress [off], in the sense that you’re not worried about your choir teacher always checking in on you and really nitpicking. You’re kind of able to choose….not only what your singing, we do get to pick what we sing in choir, we get to choose modern or old songs. It really changes the dynamics.” Reidel also mentioned that he “was originally not gonna [join dozen] but [he] just said “why the heck not” and it was super fun” and attested to the positive fun environment the clubs provide.

Finding ‘Perfect’ Homecoming Outfit Reveals Style Clothing and accessories are a major statement Eva Stegic | Columnist As October nears, so does the first dance of the school year, Homecoming!

School is starting to find a rhythm and the idea of finding the perfect dress for Hoco suddenly appears. Maybe you have been planning your dress since the summer, maybe you already have it, or maybe, if you’re like me, you are waiting until

the last minute to find a dress you like. The anticipation of seeing the dresses your friends chose, the shoes they chose to go with them, and the jewelry they paired with it can be exciting, but how will you know you chose the right dress?

Maybe you have asked your friends where they got their dresses, maybe you go to Nordstrom or Macy’s, maybe you thrift it, but overall shopping for dresses should be a fun experience. When asked if her friends influenced her choice of dress, Julia Rasmussen ‘23 said, “Actually no, it didn’t.” Ras-

mussen was more excited to try on and test different styles of her choice than to buy a dress from the same shop as her friends.

Julia went to Ridgedale

Julia Rasmussen

Julia Rasmussen ‘23 picked her outfit and went to Edina’s homecoming dance.

Quick, Easy Halloween Costumes Recent TV shows inspire outfits Georgia Wilson | Contributing Writer

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October approaches with its spooky activities, the need for Halloween costumes rises. Over the course of the year, more tv shows and trends come out sparking new ideas for costumes. Whether you’re trick or treating, out all night, or merely watching a scary movie, here are some halloween costume ideas that will surely satisfy your halloween necessities.

If you’re a fan of Squid Game, an easy costume to create would be

one of the players. Simple, just buy a cheap blue track suit from Target and cut out the number/player you want to be, allowing for an effortless costume at a low cost. Although, if you’re into the recent TV show, the Stranger Things school cheerleader/basketball player is right up your alley.

You can get an easy Party City costume just at $35.

Jahnvi Chopra ‘25, was The Rock last year for Hal-

like something more creative”. Aiming for a more classic halloween look, you could go as the iconic Cher from the movie Clueless, with a yellow plaid skirt and blazer. But, if you’re thinking of a more horrorlike look, possibly Michael Myers would be for you.

This includes an easy all black look with the mask from even Amazon. When asked about if she would use a costume from a TV show, Chopra explained, “I was going to be Velma cause I have bangs and I could get glasses”. Halloween is the best time of the year to express your creCleo Kilpatrick ativity and really go full loween and made the costume by herself. out, and these Halloween Chopra claimed, “I like costume ideas will surely more of an original look, allow you to do so.

Mall and found many great choices at Macy’s, which she described, “has a lot of options for everyone.” As for shoes, wearing sneakers or tennis shoes with a homecoming dress has been a major trend for the past few years because they’re easier to walk around in, and are less of a statement. When you really want your dress to pop, try dressing down the rest of the outfit to accentuate the unique dress you found.

Different collections build strong emotions Uma Bhardwaj | Columist

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hort story collections to make you feel…

Sad: Jumpa Lahiri’s Interpreter of Maladies is truly one of the most heartwrenching collections I have ever read. Telling about a variety of Indian people in a variety of places, it opens a window into the painful aspects of everyday life, highlighting Indian culture without exoticizing it.

authors, Nicola Yoon and Angie Thomas.

Each of them imbues the stories with a different tone as we watch the sometimes surprising effects of a city-wide blackout on the bustling city of New York. Focusing on a central storyline of Black joy and connection, this book will make you think that maybe things aren’t so bad after all.

Weird: The Shell Collector by AnthoUma Bhardwaj ny Doer might make you want to Uma bought this book about a year ago from Barnes and Noble. Her crawl out of your favorite short story from the novel skin.

But de- is called, “The Door that Wasn’t spite the fact that There.” some parts are genuinely disturbing, something about the Goosebump-y: descriptive storytelling Melissa Albert wrote kept me hooked. Most two novels based in a of these stories feature world of twisted fairyrelationships with natales – and finally, she’s ture, making us question given us those fairytales. not just our place in the Tales from the Hinterworld, but the world in land is amazing, creepy and of itself. and full of evil, doors and creatures that lure Hopeful: you out in the night. SaWhile it’s technically a distic and beautiful, this novel, Blackout is writbook will scare you in ten as a series of inthe best way possible. tertwined stories by the

Fall Play ‘Clue’ Coming Soon The board game has come to life Raiden Chen & Tara Reddy | Contributing Writers

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n 1949, the first version of the murder mystery game Clue was released.

The game was so popular that it became a film in 1985, and now, Clue is coming to Blake! Taous Khazem, the upper school theater teacher said, “Clue is the most produced play right now in high schools in the United States.” This play provides an intriguing mystery leading the audience to wonder, “why were the guests invited to the mansion?” and “who murdered the chef?!” Declan O’Connell ‘23, who has performed in countless Upper School theater productions, says that “Clue

seems like one of the best picks for a show we’ve had recently” as well as, “if you’re wanting to try out theater, this show would be a great starting point.

If you have any interest in auditioning or being on crew or anything I would absolutely recommend trying it now, because a better chance to start Yoni Zacks might not come for Signups for cast and crew of Clue were published and cast list is on a while.” O’Connell’s the bulletin board! love for theater This play is available comes from the comto all grades and all levmunity and the reward of els of commitment whether the final product coming you decide to work behind together from months of the scenes or have the light work, and he is really exon you.

Come watch the cited to see how this years show!

And see the expeplay turns out. Auditions were on September 22 and rience through the actors September 23 from 3:30 of “the thrill [of] actually putting on a show!” to 5:30.

FOOD | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 | 5

Battle of the Salads: Crisp & Green vs. Sweetgreen In an effort to determine which restaurant was best, we tested out both in a salad marathon. To make it even, we sampled identical salads from both restaurants: the Caesar. Both salads Sam Tomczik & Zoey Ueland | contained romaine, tomatoes, parmesan News Editor & Managing Editor crisps, shaved parmesan, and roasted risp & Green, the popular and ex- chicken (which we swapped out for panding Wayzata based salad chain roasted tofu). Sweetgreen also which first opened in 2016, is facing added shredded kale and a lime squeeze, whereas its first big competition: Sweetgreen.

Crisp & Green inSweetgreen, which first opened corporated baby in Washington, D.C. in kale, a lemon 2007, has restaurants that squeeze, and dot across the east and sunflower seeds. west coasts. Sweetgreen We also asked for a just opened its first loslice of bread with the cation in Minnesota at salad, complimentary at the Galleria in Edina. both restaurants.

Sweetgreen’s emphasis on Sweetgreen prides itquality ingredients is apparent self on using lots of locally in their salads and bowls, like the d lan kale used in their Caesar salad. sourced ingredients which was Z oey Ue

National, local chains compete over ingredients, price, ambiance

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Crisp & Green currently owns 13 evident in the salad. The kale locations across Minnesota was delicious and perfectly with plans to expand even chopped and the tofu further in coming years. was flavorful and had a Additionally this salad slight kick. The dresswas slightly more exing had a heavy “hint” pensive. However, they of lime which made it mix the salad up in a slightly acidic for us separate bowl which but it was also fully coats all the ingredia nice way to ents in the dressing. break up the flak c zi S a m To m While it’s best to support vors. Sweetgreen’s local businesses (a branding which Crisp complimentary bread was a generous slice of sourdough, & Green heavily leans into), Sweetgreen which tasted fresh and would proved to be the winner of our salad competition. The ambiance was more pair well with any salad.

Comparatively, Crisp & Green’s lively, the ingredients were much more salad just didn’t match the quality of fresh, there was an abundance of fun Sweetgreen’s. They use baby kale rath- toppings, all of the accoutrements were er than mature kale and the pumpkin compostable, and it was cheaper. Beseeds are not a welcomed addition. The tween the two, the competition is fierce bread provided was a half slice of dry and it will take some time to see which bread which did not improve the salad. company comes out on top.

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Popular, New Drinks Embrace Fall Alternative Burgers Provide Options Seasonal drinks from Starbucks, Caribou capture fall flavors Gabi Marmet | Arts & Culture Editor

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s fall is approaching, coffee chains have begun serving their popular fall drinks. Many recommendations of these drinks are available online, and can mainly be found at Starbucks and Caribou.

The popular fall drinks from Starbucks include the Pumpkin Spice Latte, Apple Crisp Oat Milk Macchiato, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino, as well as a Matcha Tea Latte with Pumpkin Spice topping. Other popular fall drinks from Caribou are the Pumpkin Latte, Pumpkin Chai, as well as the Apple Blast.

After school and before my fall sport, I went to Starbucks with Molly Anderson ‘25 to try some of their new fall drinks. The first beverage I tried was an Iced Chai Tea Latte with the Pumpkin Cold Foam. It was very refreshing and tasty. I highly recommend it. I am

a big chai tea drinker, and the Pumpkin Cold Foam really added a nice touch. Another day, I tried the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino.

Aside from being a little sweet, I really enjoyed this drink. Anderson remarked after trying a sip of this drink, “It’s like a slap across the face with fall.”

Gabi Marmet

Fans of fall drinks often create new combinations that aren’t on the official menu, like this blended Pumpkin Chai Latte from Starbucks.

Impossible, Beyond burgers cater to unique diets Yoni Zacks | Sports Editor

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s someone who keeps kosher, I used to get jealous when I would go out to eat with my friends and they would get hamburgers while I would be stuck with still great, but less desirable options.

However, that all changed with the rise of Impossible Burgers and Beyond Burgers, which are plant-based burgers that taste very similar to real hamburgers.

There are tons of places across the Twin Cities where you can get impossible burgers. I chose to try three. The first one I tried was Burger King’s Impossible Whopper.

Having had this before, I expected similar results. However, the burger that I received was burnt, and tasted that way, even when masked with ketchup. The burnt taste was disappointing as it made the food less enjoyable. The fries were amazing, super crispy, and the best by a mile.

Next, I tried Red Robin, which

Yoni Zacks

Fast-casual chain Wahlburgers partners with Impossible Foods Inc. to serve the Impossible Burger at their restaurants.

is one of my favorite restaurants.

I had to order takeout due to time restraints and it was still good. The burger itself was very good, however, the fries were varied between lukewarm, soggy, and fresh fries.

The final place I tried was Wahlburgers. This was by far the best burger. The plain pickles on the burger added another layer of flavor. However, the fries were unfortunately soggy. The fried pickles, which I ordered by recommendation, were also delicious.

Chicken Fight: Chick-Fil-A Competes with Raising Cane’s ating an irritatingly long wait. If you are really in a hurry I would suggest that you park and go inside to order at both restaurants.

At Cane’s, I ordered chicken strips Ethan Klaiman & Jason Rotenberg | and at Chick-Fil-A, I ordered chicken Contributing Writer & Sports Editor nuggets. I prefer chicken nuggets over any students love eating fried chicken strips because they’re easy chicken, but which restau- to dip into sauce and can be enrant does it best? There are many joyed in minimal bites. Both good options, but Raising Cane’s and restaurants made the chicken very crispy, adding to Chick-Fil-A rise to the top posthe overall expeing the question, which is rience. In my better? opinion, the First off, the service sauce you at both restaurants was dip your chickmediocre. There were en into is crucial. At crowds of people at Chick-Fil-A, I got both restaurants, crebuffalo sauce, and Some of Chick-Fil-A’s most at Cane’s, I got the popular menu items include Cane’s sauce. The buftheir chicken nuggets, waffle falo sauce was undoubtfries, Chick-Fil-A Sauce, and erg J a s o n R ot e n b edly better than the Cane’s lemonade.

Food quality, wait times, business morals all affect dining experience

M

For $8.69, Cane’s box combo sauce because its spice comes will get you three chickadded more flavor to the en strips, crinkle fries, a piece chicken and the Cane’s of toast, and a 22 ounce was too thick. drink.

Now onto drinks generous, that they and sides. I got contributed three millemonade and fries lion dollars to homoat both restaurants. phobic organizations Both fries were from 2003-2009. Not very good, but only this, but they even Chick-Fil-A’s g r thought to donate two mile J a s o n R ot e n b were better belion dollars to homophobic orcause of their superior ganizations in 2010 alone! This prosalt-to-fry ratio. The Cane’s poses the question, is the flavor worth fries were still good, but it? Is it worth it to actively support not all the fries were crispy. an organization that has such a heavy For the lemonade, Chick-Fil-A faith in radical beliefs that they achas a bigger cup size but lacks the tively try to set back a group of peoflavor that Cane’s has. ple that have been fighting for rights Chick-Fil-A, however, is an orgasince the 20th century? This dilemma nization that is not only known for its would not even be in the consumers’ waffle fries and chicken sandwiches thoughts if they were ending their but is also known for being incredhunger at the debatably worse restauibly generous. They are in fact so rant, Raising Cane’s.

VS.

SPORTS | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 | 6

Injury Hinders Wolfpack, Team Now Ready For Anything Team starts season not according to plan Ali Hecker | Opinions Editor

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his year, the SMB Wolfpack has experienced a number of setbacks, from broken collarbones to the common cold.

The Wolfpack’s running back, Zach Weiner ‘23, says, “I broke my collarbone [September 9] against North Saint Paul in the third quarter. I took a handoff, and we ran right up the middle and then a guy fell on me and I broke my collarbone.

Because of the adrenaline, I didn’t feel it at the time, so I played the rest of the game and it was in the fourth quarter I started to notice I couldn’t lift my left arm up, so I went over to coach who noticed my collarbone sticking out of my skin.

“Then I went to the hospital and I just kind of sat there in the ER.

I got a lot of time to write my college essays, though.”

Weiner isn’t the only football player with an injury. Other injured members of the SMB Wolfpack include Romelio Love with a dislocated shoulder, Ro-

land Bentley ‘25 with two broken collarbones, and Aiden Wilson ‘26 with a broken wrist.

Not only is the team suffering from physical injuries, they are also suffering from various illnesses. “Peyton Lange, [team cap-

tain], had pneumonia last week so he missed the first two weeks and [Tyler Vandersall ‘24]—I think he’s sick right now. There’s a lot of sickness going around,” says Landon Dillon ‘24.

These obstacles

have put a lot of pressure on the team to perform as well as they normally would. The team has recruited Warren Strootman ‘23, who had never played football previously, to take on the position of running back.

Jason Rotenberg

The Wolfpack prepare for their epic Firday night matchup against DeLaSalle. As the starting lineup is announced, the team readies itself for any challenges that present themselves. The Wolfpack ended up winning this game with a whopping score of 44-0.

The Wolfpack looks forward to the return of Peyton Lange. Weiner says, “[The return of] one of our star offensive lineman, Peyton, who has had pneumonia for the last two weeks, should prevent injuries, because you have a big guy blocking for all us smaller guys so that should prevent a lot more injury.”

Dillon adds, “With Peyton back, there’s definitely some more winnable games, like our first one. Definitely would have been winnable with Peyton.”

Weiner also brings up the coaches’ shift in strategy, explaining that they are leaning towards a more pass-heavy offense that should help prevent injury.

Despite these misfortunes, members of the Wolfpack continue to maintain a positive attitude. As Dillon states, “Going forward, I think it’s only going to get better. Only ups from here. I think we’ve already had the lowest we’ve been at, so I think sky’s the limit.”

Revamped Training Progam at XC Fantasy Football Finally Kicks Off With loss of star, cross country is rebuilding

Leagues builds community, strengthens relationships

Zoey Ueland | Managing Editor

Max Yousha | Staff Writer

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his is the first year the cross country team is competing without their star runner of the past few years, Shef West ‘22. Despite rebuilding with a “young” team, they are persevering and gearing up for what looks to be a competitive and exciting season.

Captain Will Eckes ‘24 explains, “[During the summer] we had two school run practices and two captains practices a week and we tried to get enough kids going there so that everyone was ready for the season.”

This work has continued throughout the fall as Eckes furthers, “Right now practices are Monday through Friday. They start at 3:45 and they end, I don’t know when, or just to be determined.

“We have captains’ practices on Saturday morning, if there’s not a meet, and those start at 9 a.m. Then on those captains’ practices, we do a long run so we try and run far, and then most of the other practices are a mix between easy runs and recovery runs and then workouts.”

The workouts, which shape how the season will

A Submitted by Cleo Kilpatrick

Both girls and boys Cross Country teams huddle together after their muddy race in Decorah IA at Luther College.

go for many runners, have changed from past years.

Eckes notes, “We really changed up our training style this year and, like I said, we’re doing a lot of longer workouts earlier in the season so we haven’t really touched anything faster yet which is just different than what we’ve done.

“The results are kind of speaking for themselves, a lot of people are running fast early in the season which is usually not what happens so that’s good.”

Assistant Coach Patrick Barry explains, “Had we spread out meets throughout the season leading right up until Conference, you know and I think my sense is that this is what maybe happened last year, the team was fatigued and flat. This model is with the aim of yeah still getting races in but having a break.”

Despite losing West,

Captain Zoe Edinburgh ‘23 notes, “I think people have a different connotation towards cross country that it’s an individual sport but it is very much a team sport. Seven people race but only Five people score so you need all five people to do well.”

Thus the team is looking for an abundance of talented athletes. Eckes adds that so far the girl’s team has been performing well, they are currently in the running for winning their conference meet.

Barry notes, “We had a meet last Wednesday [9/14] but now we have, I want to say, a 3-week gap before Conference, Sections, and State, and that’s by design so we can cut back on the racing so we can really develop our fitness through training so that when we do get to Conference and Sections we’re really fresh.”

s the National Football League kicks off for a lengthy season, so do fantasy football leagues. The NFL regular season lasts four months through December, creating 17 weeks of

fantasy team. This creates a competitive environment between friends and family who play against each other. At Blake, many people play fantasy football. There are a variety of leagues using different platforms, different rules, and different punishments.

These punishments for losing insinuates friendly competition at school, where students can converse among their friends about the crazy events of football

Max Yousha

After an eventful Sunday full of football, the team on the left has a 43% chance of winning, projected to lose by four points.

fun, engaging, and competitive fantasy football.

Each week, fantasy football team owners will set their lineups, with real pro football players to try and beat another

from the previous weekend. Every Monday, conversations can be heard throughout the hallways of students, and sometimes teachers, discussing what happened in

the football games and their fantasy leagues over the weekend.

One student who is an avid fantasy football player is Josiah March ‘24. March is a member of six fantasy leagues, three of which are with family and friends. He expresses the importance of creating community through fantasy football.

He started playing “in 2016 with a group of four friends.” He continues, “Before 2016 I had thought about playing but the opportunity had never presented itself.”

Another student who participates in a fantasy football league is Michael Hackett ‘24. Hackett is currently playing fantasy for his second year, and he really appreciates the community that it builds. Hackett expresses that fantasy football, “gives people something to talk about” and, “it’s something everyone can relate to.”

Teacher Ben Cady also loves the community fantasy football builds as “[he’s] been in the same league with people since [he] was in highschool and it’s the best way for [him] to keep in touch with them” With all of the leagues going around Blake, it creates a sense of community and common interest that anyone can talk about at any time anywhere.

SPORTS | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 | 7

Boys’ Soccer Finds New Goalie Mid-Season as Captain Steps Up Injury to starting goalie forces team to adapt Faith Zhao | Contributing Writer

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ecently, the varsity boys soccer team’s goalie, Roland Bentley ‘25, broke both of his collar bones during a match on September 9.

Marcus Hedlund ‘23 said, “None of us actually had thought he was injured that badly.” His injury was a big shock to everyone.

After the fact, Liam Coley ‘25 sent his well wishes to Bentley: “We miss you and wish that you were here. I hope that you’re feeling better.”

Head Coach Tamba Johnson, said, “It’s never easy losing the starting

goalie you were counting on.” The entire process of finding a temporary goalie was asking people from Varsity to step up, asking JV players, and even people who were athletic, but did not play soccer. After Captain and defender Aidan Krush ‘23 sends a free kick accross the field, showing Fox Bentley got injured, the ers trying out for goalie. together a lot more…we team had two practices just It was evident that Ben have more younger people, dedicated to shooting balls Fox ‘24, a captain usu- so it’s kind of just us getat people who could fill ally in the center mid ting to know each other in Roland’s spot. Hedlund defense position, was the better,” Johnson explained, said that “[we] probably best. Fox wasn’t forced “I feel like the guys over had like half the team try to make this switch by there realize that they gotta The willing- step up and do more. Play out playing goalie at some coaches. point during practice.” ness to switch shows his a little bit harder, knowing Eventually, after constantly dedication to the team. that we gotta take a little “Our team is coming less chances in the back… kicking balls at the play-

matches against Providence Academy (2-1) and St. Paul Academy (1-0).

Johnson said, “We always worked hard, but I do think people are more mindful, making that extra little run. These guys compete very hard.”

Nick Witzke has the support that he needs.

so the guys just had to step up the effort defensively.”

Hedlund, a center back, said that, “We can step up and kind of help him [Fox] out like that.” The team has a strong midfield and their defense has been great.

The soccer team won both of their conference

Nick Witzke

Fox, a captain and former midfielder, shows his commitment to his team by volunteering to play goalie for the rest of the season.

Girls’ Tennis Aims to Continue Legacy Mystery Soccer Athlete of the Month Team has sights set on facing Minnetonka

Captain leaves positive impact on freshmen

Jack Ulland | Contributing Writer

Steven Cao and Tarun Gopalakrishnan | Contributing Writers

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irls tennis is off to a great start this year, beginning the season by winning some key matchups. Most recently, the team beat the Breck Mustangs in a close finish. Led by Nana Vang ‘24, Ellie Nixon ‘23, and Allyson Jay ‘23, they are looking to make a promising run this year.

After having a great season and unfortunately losing in the state tournament last year to Minnetonka, they are looking better than ever.

Despite some changes in coaching, with a new assistant coach, the team is ready, and according to Aletta Bartok ‘23, they have “set [their] sights on Benilde and Edina!” From start to finish, matches typically take two to three hours, and there is a lot of action going on the whole time. There are singles, doubles, and exhibition matches during

Annika Johnson The team has started off strong, currently ranking eighth in the state coming off of last year’s loss in the finals.

the time, and when players aren’t on the court, the players cheer each other on. The team has big shoes to fill from last year, as the team as a whole placed second last year in the state tournament. In addition they had top players reaching spots as high as 13th in singles, and eighth in doubles!

Nixon comments on the change in the team from last year to this year, “we aren’t as good as they were last year,” mostly due to graduat-

ing some key players, but while not being hopeful about the Minnetonka match, she does hold out hope in other areas, saying that they are most likely “not going to win, because Minnetonka is so good, but everyone else we can beat.” While Minnetonka is quite the daunting challenge, Nixon also says that they “normally do really well towards the end, we take the whole season getting up to it and in the end we are a lot better.”

his month’s mystery athlete is competing on the Varsity girls soccer team. She is a captain and a great leader on and off the field.

Teammate Jane Stanchfield ‘26 acknowledged, “She is always playing very hard and she shows a lot of effort every game. She’s always participating in gameday activities and always drives people to excel.” This athlete plays as a defender.

The athlete noted, “I will definitely miss all of my friends on the team, and our team is all really close, so it’s gonna be sad leaving them behind, especially the underclassmen.” This athlete has shown her versatility this season by racking up a goal.

This athlete is spectacu-

lar given the fact she enjoys playing the sport more than watching. It is impressive how well she performs day in and day out. Her play style is unique, she doesn’t compare herself to a specific player but builds her play style herself and motivates the rest of the team.

Charley Bowles ‘26

said, “I’m gonna miss her encouragement and her jokes a lot.” Bowles also went on to say that she is very fast, and her speed is a big part of her game.

Her team will miss her, but the positive impact she left will never leave Blake Girls Soccer. Can you guess this month’s mystery athlete? Find out on blakespectrum.org!

Elena Gill & Rowan Wallin

Kicking a free kick, part of the athlete’s job as a defender.

Athletes Spend Offseason Competing, Enjoy Relaxed Environment Summer sports allow for practice and fun Lilly Anderson | Staff Writer

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s many students know, the school offers countless sports and has countless athletes.

Summer time is often spent preparing for school seasons or other leagues.

David Carlson ‘23

mentions that he skates “seven times a week” and describes that “the summer is the best time to work on individual skills because the regular season is focused on the team.” In addition, Carlson adds that “Blake has [its] own 4v4 league that plays once a week just for fun,” which he participated in regularly.

Payton Smith ‘24 also enjoys school sponsored sports teams with “most

of [her] practice for hockey during the summer is through STP.” Smith says that playing in the sum-

and I don’t have school going on so it’s not stressful to go to practice and be worrying about

“I prefer the summer because it is more relaxed and fun but also you are still trying to win.”

- Soren Reyes ‘26 mer is much “less pressure than during the formal season.” She goes on to add that “it’s flexible,

how I’m not going to get any sleep that night.”

Regan Brass ‘24 also mentions that her sum-

mer sport of lacrosse is much less stressful but it still prepares her for the school season. Brass also notes that she especially enjoys summer lacrosse with her classmate Jada Chenitz ‘24.

Soren Reyes ‘26 also states that “I prefer the summer because it is more relaxed and fun but also you are still trying to win.” Reyes enjoys soccer and tennis in the summer and looks

forward to the friendly summer competition.

While Smith, Brass, and Reyes have all said that they enjoy summer seasons more than school season, Carlson adds “I prefer playing in the formal season, the summer is developing to be ready for the next season.”

Clearly, our classmates are dedicated athletes who enjoy and compete in the summer just as much as in the school year!

INDEPTH | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 | 8

PETS: RELATIONSH

DOGS!HELP!WITH!DYNAMICS,!HAPPINESS ed by: Sa bmitt ll Su

Playful, entertaining pets bring joy, amusement to families

yC tryman oun

Mirah Lukis | Contributing Writer

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You know, he’s like everything … If we go to the park, he’ll come with us. If we go on a walk, he’ll come with us.”

This is not to say that there are no downsides to owning a dog. It can be tiring to deal with all your dogs’ accidents, or aggressive behavior. Jayla Ferguson ‘26 explains some drawbacks of owning a dog: “Sometimes they can bark really, really loud or they could be jumpy and aggressive.”

Dogs can be a lot of work, but for many, the advantages of owning a dog heavily outweigh the disadvantages.

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Jack Griffin ‘23 an Grace Griffin ‘21 ha states, “My experien has been awesome. to see them go from full sized and gettin

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ue, “He’s a cute fluffy boy who be there when…cry.”

In addition, many dogs contribute massively to the family dynamic. Many dogs have very complex, fun, and not to mention dignified personalities.

Pann reflects about his dog’s role in their family, stating, “He’s the youngest but also very protective at the same time.

Like, he barks at anything that comes relatively near our door and he also has a lot of [social] anxiety.”

Chopra’s dog also has a specific place in her family. She continues, “He’s kind of like my best friend, my brother, my child, my uncle.

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e’s always there.

Always really cheery, ready to give you a hug, or take your mind off things,” says Jahnvi Chopra ‘25 about her well-loved Goldendoodle, Ozzie.

Dogs play a big role in many people’s lives, whether it’s as a playmate, a reason to go outside to get some exercise, or someone who is there when times are tough.

In fact, dogs are extremely lovable and kind-hearted creatures.

As Bristol Pann ‘26 mentions about his dog, Fozzy Bear, “He’s soft and he’s cute and he’s just… dog.” They contin-

From left to right on the bottom: Ferguson’s dog Wizard, Chopra’s dog Ozzie, and Pann’s dog Fozzy Bear. From top to bottom on the right: Sally Countryman ‘23’s two dogs, Jim (on top) and Dwight (on the bottom). Countryman states, “My dogs are named Jim and Dwight after the show “The Office” and they’re both golden retrievers. They’re both really cute although Dwight can be a little weird sometimes, he always has to have this stuffed animal or something in his mouth, otherwise he’ll go crazy. Jim can be really annnoying to Dwight sometimes and he doesn’t really let people pet Dwight because he’ll just start jumping on Dwight because he wants the attention. Jim is almost two years old and Dwight is almost four.”

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Khan

BIRDS!IMPROVE!RESpONSIBILITY Australian zebra finches prove to be messy, difficult to watch for with abundance of eggs Rowan Wallin | Editor-in-Chief

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Khan’s three Australian zebra finches rest in their cage. Zebra finches are the most popular cage bird to own, as they don’t require too much time.

more unusual pet is a bird. Birds contain about 14,000 different species, but only a fraction of those species have been domesticated.

For AJ Khan ‘23, he has grown up with birds for the entirety of his life. Khan’s mother has “kept birds since before [Khan] was born.” His mother takes complete

care of them. She cleans their cages weekly, feeds and waters them daily, and sweeps the floor beneath their cage biweekly as well. Khan confides, “I call them my mom’s birds because I don’t like them. They always go ‘chirp chirp chirp.’”

These birds, Australian zebra finches, “chirp” incessantly, ac-

cording to Khan. They also live for a whopping (in Khan’s opinion) five to seven years.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, these birds can multiply if the owner doesn’t keep a stern watch on their behavior and status of their cage, “Usually, my mom cleans out the eggs [from the cage], but one time she for-

got to and they turned into birds” says Khan.

For anyone contemplating a bird purchase, Khan warns, “It’s a waste of money. They make a mess. Although they don’t smell, their food does smell.” Khan’s final message for anyone seeking a bird is to “commit to getting a ‘fun’ bird.

Don’t get a ‘lame’ bird.”

BRINGING!DOGS!TO!SCHOOL:!SHOULD!BLAKE!INVEST? Pets to school provide stress relief during finals week, would help many students and community in general Julia Enebo | Contributing Writer

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omething many people here at Blake can relate to is test anxiety. Blake can actually incorporate pets into campus life just as University of Wisconsin - Madison and many others already have. One way is to bring in dogs during test packed weeks such as finals week. While it doesn’t have to be a dog in particular, studies have shown that petting an animal can reduce blood pressure, heart rate, cortisone levels, and tension. Universities have even brought in bunnies, chickens, and minnie horses on some occasions. I asked around the student body to see if this is something that would help the community or provide yet another reason to procrastinate.

Ethan Edinburgh ‘26 says, “Blake would be so much better with dogs for finals week. I think people would get a lot less stressed with dogs to help cheer people up.

The only possible negative is it could be a little distracting.” Since anxiety is increasing across the nation at alarming rates it is inevitable that programs like these will become the new normal. Do you think Blake should get ahead of the curve?

INDEPTH | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 | 9

HIPS AND BENEFITS Julia Zhang

SMALL!REPTILES!MAKE!FOR!NI",!LOVING!PETS Submitted by: Jack Griffin

Submitted by: Jack Griffin

Geckos may seem scary, intimidating, yet they’re surprisingly caring

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ing them really special and unique pets. Chester states, “[Clyde’ll] fall asleep on my knee while I’m doing homework or watching a video or something. And sometimes if like a loud noise goes off on what I’m watching, he’ll just jump.

And it’s really funny.”

Chester continues, “I love all animals, but I think I really like reptiles because I feel like they’re very misunderstood... and I feel like they’re actually giant sweethearts.” But not everybody sees them that way. Chester elaborates, “My mom actually is kind of terrified of them.”

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ent, in the best way. Chester explains, “I already had a dog and I really wanted a smaller, like, reptile. I fell in love with reptiles cause they’re just so cool. And, like, they’re different.”

When asked about a favorite memory with each of her geckos, Chester reminisces, “I have a photo of Rex. My gecko I’ve had for the longest sitting on my head when he was a baby. And then we retook that photo a couple years later and to see how both of us had grown so much was crazy.” Just like dogs or cats, you can develop relationships with them, mak-

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ots of people have dogs or cats and some have rabbits or hamsters. But few have reptiles-- geckos, frogs, or toads-- and most people wouldn’t even see them as pets. Many reptile owners feel they’re overlooked and that they actually make amazing pets, maybe even as good as cats or dogs.

Ella Chester ‘24 recently got her second gecko, Clyde just before the summer, but has had her other, Rex, since she was 11.

She’s had a dog for even longer, and has even had fish and turtles, but says that geckos are just differ-

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Chloe Ursu | Contributing Writer

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nd his older sister, ave pet chickens. He nce raising chickens . It has been so cool little chicks to being ng eggs everyday.”

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The two above pictures depict Rex (on top) and Clyde (on the bottom), both Chester’s pets. Clyde crawls around in his enclosure that mimicks geckos’ natural habitats, which are typically warm and rocky.

CATS!PROVIDE!NEEDED!COMFORT,!DAILY!RELIEF! Calmer pets, less commitment provide benefits for stress, easy to care for Sonia Lerner | Contributing Writer

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s one of the most popular domesticated animals, cats clearly hold qualities of a good pet.

Despite being hated by die-hard dog lovers, cats are indeed great pets to have, according to Genevieve Gellerman

‘24 and Hakuto Higuchi ‘24. From being chill housemates to relieving stress and helping support mental health struggles, cats are overall a great choice for a pet if you’re looking for a mellow companion.

First and fore-

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orating, “When I need a study break for like five minutes, I’ll just go and sit with my cats and hangout with them.”

Overall, cats are a great option for anyone who wants a loving pet, but dreads the high commitment.

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and can support mental health struggles. Higuchi adds that “just being able to pet them helps a lot with mental health and stress.”

Furthermore, Gellerman notes that her cats help her when in need of a quick reset, elab-

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easier to coexist with than dogs, for example. Higuchi, who’s cat is named Zero, agreed, stating, “they aren’t as clingy or as active as dogs,” making them a lot easier to take care of.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, cats help soothe stress

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most, cats are great pets if you’re looking for a more lowkey animal that is still larger in size.

Gellerman, who has two cats named Marco and Polo, says that “cats can be left alone more, they’re more independent,” making them

From left to right: Higuchi’s cat Zero, Gellerman’s cat Marco, and Gellerman’s second cat Polo. Hakuto Higuchi’s older sister, Suzy Higuchi ‘23, remarks, “My cat is really cute and he’s five years old. He’s a king.”

GAMES & ADS | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | September 29, 2022 | 10

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Oscar Walsh | Opinions Editor

There are 4 differences!

WUZZLES Allyson Jay | In-Depth Editor

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WORDS OF ADVICE: HOMECOMING Charlotte Opp | Creative Director

“Live it up!” - Will Mairs ‘23

“Bring different shoes for the Homecoming dance.” - Lilly Anderson ‘23

“Don’t feel like you need everything to be perfect homecoming night. Just enjoy it.”

-Maggie Bowman “Look at the weather before hand for the game and bring layers .”- Sophie Chester ‘26

“Wear deoderant!” - Tia Gnanapragasam ‘25

“Dress up and participate in themes at games and during spirit week.” - Caroline Pollack ‘23

SCI-TECH | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 | 11

Be Real App Changes Purpose, Attitude of Social Media Mixed opinions regarding unique new app Charlee Jones | Contributing Writer

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eReal has very quickly gained traction among young people, currently topping the social networking charts in the apple store. BeReal is a new social media app that was released in 2020 but started gaining popularity early this year, and has since been downloaded over 25 million times worldwide. BeReal encourages its users to show their authentic selves online. At a random time everyday a notification is sent out informing you that “It’s time to BeReal.” You will then have two minutes to capture a photo from both your

front and back camera that showcases what you are doing in that moment.

Despite its popularity, many people seem to have mixed feelings about the app. Charley Bowles ‘26 said that she appreciated the idea of showing your true self online but that “it doesn’t really matter because people don’t post on time anyways.”

This refers to how it has become commonplace for people to wait until they are doing something interesting to post their BeReal instead of just posting themselves watching netflix or studying.

Shoumili Tarafder ‘25 claims that she thinks BeReal feels “unique” from other social media, and that she “like[s] being able to see what [her] friends are doing even if it is something boring.”

While people may have

differing opinions about BeReal, there is no denying its prevalence in pop culture today.

A main contributing factor to BeReal’s success is its promotion of “being real,” hence the

Amelia Bush

Lauren Mohan ‘25, Tia Gnanapragasam ‘25, and Anna Tao ‘25 pause in the hallway to take their daily Be Real. Similar occurences have become a common sight throughout school.

Complex Rain Garden Often Overlooked Environmental benefits, complicated ecosystem go unseen by student body

ing out pollutants and it provides food and shelter to insects and other wildlife.” This rain gar-

name of the app. There seem to be two main stances that students take on this online realness. A

ful and natural garden that requires very low maintenance.

For the class, Watt-

rain garden by saying, “I want to make the rain garden a more interpretive place for

Climate Change Affects Autumn Colorful leaves fall sooner, before season begins

Charlotte Opp | Creative Director

Ahan Devgun | Staff Writer

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ust outside of the West Entrance is a beautiful rain garden full of colorful flowers and plants. Although not many students may know about its environmental importance, students who took Environmental Science know it inside out.

Greta Wattson ‘23 states, “The purpose of a rain garden is that it reduces runoff by filter-

large portion support the movement towards making social media feel more genuine. Sinclar Christie ‘26 believes the overly edited, filtered highlight reels that traditional social media provides can be “damaging” and can lead users to compare themselves in negative ways.

However some people believe that social media is fine the way it is and that oversharing online is the real problem at hand.

Everything that is posted on the internet is permanent, and some people believe that it is better to be safe than sorry. Meaning that they prefer to keep their personal life to themselves and not post their day to day life on social media. So, whether you love it or hate it, it is clear that BeReal has made its mark on all of us.

rom the seasonal drinks to the colorful leaves that explode in shades of orange and red, autumn has always brought much needed variety to the change of seasons. However, because of climate change, fall has gotten warmer

only 0-10% of trees that have changed colors.

However, it’s not just temperature that is causing this change in fall foliage. A lack of precipitation and increased infestations also play a role, but climate change heavily exacerbates these issues. In addition, delays in fall weather also interrupt cycles of growth that trees go through, and they are not able to store carbon at the same rate.

As warm temperatures stay longer and spring begins earlier, tree foliage are experiencing long

Charlotte Opp

Though the plants in the rain garden may seem uncoordinated at first glance, they each play an important role in the ecosystem.

Charlotte Opp

By venturing out to the West Entrance and observing the rain garden you can immerse yourself in a diverse and rich environment of plants. Further information is also available on the placard the garden.

den has proven to be useful as well as aesthetically pleasing. Insects and bees are always busy pollinating these colorful flowers outside of the science wing.

Ella Chester ‘24 brings forward a special feature of rain gardens by explaining, “There’s almost like a back river behind the rain garden so that when it rains, it collects the water and keeps the soil moist for the plants.”

The best part about this feature is that the flowers don’t need to be watered and even in long periods of time without rain the plants will stay hydrated.

This allows for a beauti-

son and her classmates planted a total of twenty one plants in the rain garden, all of which are native to Minnesota.

Some of these plants include the coneflowers, milkweed, prairie sunflowers, along with many others. The class then created signs next to the different kinds of plants which include a QR code that you can scan with your phone to learn more about the plant. Not many students know about the rain garden so this is a perfect tool for students and faculty to use to investigate these wild landscapes.

Will Bohrnsen explains his hopes for the

people where they can learn about the plants by using the signs and the QR codes.”

Chester also expresses her hopes for the rain garden by stating, “I feel like it looks really messy and it doesn’t look like normal landscaping. I mean, I think that it would be easy to walk past and just think that there are a bunch of weeds and untamed plants, but in reality all those plants have a purpose by supporting local pollinators and saving water.

They do a lot more good than the average plant would.”

Melody Lee

over the years. Because of this warmth, the changing of the leaves has been behind, and the leaves have been changing later and later. According to a study done

by George Mason University, the appearance of fall colors has been pushed back by over a month since the 19th century. In Minnesota, two weeks before this article was published, most of the state has

growing periods wwith shorter times between the cold months and warm months, making fall shorter. Climate change affecting trees also then affects the environment in turn, as forests absorb 30% of all carbon emissions, and as the trees are getting less and less time to absorb the nutrients from the leaves, this may decrease the ability of forests to absorb carbon dioxide.

OPINIONS | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 | 12

‘Where The Crawdads Sing’ Soars, Excites Audience Newman combines mystery and romance in movie Sonia Lerner | Contributing Writer

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he movie adaptation of “Where The Crawdads Sing,” starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Taylor John Smith, hit theaters mid-July. Critics say that Edgar-Jones fell short in terms of doing justice to main character Kya, and I agree, but would still highly recommend the film nonetheless.

The movie opens with Catherine Danielle

Clark, more commonly known as Kya, being named as the top suspect for the murder of her ex-boyfriend, Chase Andrews. As she awaits trial after being arrested, the movie reveals her difficult upbringing in the marshlands of North Carolina through flashbacks. After watching her family slowly abandon her, she takes up spending time in the marsh, and while doing so befriends and eventually dates Tate Walker, a friend of her older brother.

However, her happiness doesn’t last long as Tate goes off to college, leaving Kya with only a

list of publishers, urging her to publish her drawings and studies of the marsh.

Kya later engages in a romantic relationship with Chase Andrews, but after going on a trip to meet her publisher, she returns to find Chase dead and her at the top of the suspect list. Kya is put through trial and is found not guilty. She gets back together with Tate and the two grow old together.

The movie ends with Tate looking through Kya’s things following her death, and finds Chase’s shell necklace, a missing piece of evidence from the crime

scene, proving that she killed him after all.

I read the book “Where The Crawdads Sing,” by Deliah Owens, and was overall impressed with the film’s take on it. The book took more care in proving Kya’s innocence and making the viewer root for her not guilty verdict so that the reveal of her guilt is an even bigger surprise. The lack of such in the movie weakened the plot twist for me, taking away from the overall impression of Kya’s character. However, the movie was so visually appealing that I almost couldn’t be mad about the plot’s decline,

as I was mesmerized by the set with every new scene.

Throughout the movie, I loved watching Kya and Tate’s relationship unfold, and felt that them ending up together was the happy ending I needed after finding out that Kya got away with murder.

Their friendship begins as they exchange feathers from various birds over the course of a few weeks without ever seeing each other, which I felt added to the genuinity of their relationship, as they didn’t even need to know what the other looked like to develop a bond. Additionally,

Tate doesn’t resent Kya after learning that she murdered Chase, adding to the strength of their relationship. I really appreciated how the writers kept their relationship as central and important to the film as they did, because it was one of my favorite parts of the book and I was so happy to see it play out on screen.

I highly recommend “Where The Crawdads Sing” to anyone. It was such a beautiful representation of an abandoned life turned meaningful, an adorable love story, and a attentiongrasping murder case all in one.

Melody Lee

Legacy Day: Created for Community The Gym: Opportunity for Activity Day of service unites lower, upper school students Steven Cao & Tarun Gopalakrishnan | Contributing Writers

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ith Legacy Day around the corner, its return has sparked many mixed emotions around the community.

This year’s Legacy Day feels different than most years, due to the fact that last year’s Legacy Day occurred just last spring. Since we had Legacy Day so recently, the novelty of

seeing the other people in your group isn’t the same, since it has not been very long.

Among upperclassmen, there are many negative emotions around Legacy Day. Some students express the concern of the boredom of the day, thinking that the activities are not very engaging. Many students seem to think the activities of Legacy Day are repetitive and boring.

Some upperclassmen believe that Legacy Day is not a productive use of their time, as they would rather spend their time doing other things, whether it is school work or extracurricular activities.

On the other hand, a main attraction for the day for many students is being able to hang out with students of the other age groups, learning about the others and seeing them change every year. Many students also think that the activities are a great way to spread positivity while actively helping the community.

Legacy Day is a great way for students of younger ages to interact with older students.

Lower schoolers have never or rarely interacted with upperclassmen before, so Legacy Day is a great opportunity to meet new people.

Sofia Perlman

While upperclassmen remain frustrated considering Legacy Day just occured last sprirng, the day offers an opportunity for connection across age groups in the community.

Open gym would allow students to be active Kaining Zhang | Contributing Writer

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he gym is off-limits during lunch blocks and there have been questions about why this is the case and whether it will open. Some people may think that the gym is unavailable to students because of some big reason. However, Upper School Director, Joe Ruggerio, claims that if students could find an adult who is willing to be down there, the gym could be open during the school day. If supervision really is the only issue, how come it hasn’t been acted upon yet?

Colorado University says that any sort of movement during the day helps to reduce stress and gives us a break from the challenges we face during the day. This can be very beneficial, especially for high school students who have to sit in a classroom for long periods of time throughout

the day.

According to Ruggerio, a few years ago when the gym was available, there was an incident where there wasn’t an adult in the gym and some students went in and damaged the property. Thus, the gym was made unavailable. We definitely don’t want something like this to happen ever again, but if we can make it so that there’s always an adult in the gym, then students can come and go freely. There should be at least a few teachers and staff willing to stay and watch during the lunch block.

Our lunch block is

35 minutes long, which is more than enough time to eat lunch and do something productive after that. Sure, a lot of times this block is useful for studying, but there’s already plenty of time for that during free blocks. Also, it is possible that students won’t have anything to work on and will need something to do with their friends. With the gym open, there will be another option for students to move around instead of staying on their phones or studying in the library, especially in the winter, where the courtyard won’t be a choice anymore.

Ali Hecker

This sign on the door of the gym prohibits students from making using of the space. Many students feel that utilizing the gym would be benificial as there is free time during the day.

OPINIONS | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 | 13

VOICE OF THE STAFF

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t’s time to BeReal!

There’s a new social media app that teens and young adults are obsessed with. This app was designed for people to show an authentic unedited photo from their everyday life. BeReal sends one notification at a different time everyday and people have two minutes to post their photo in time, otherwise their BeReal is late. There are people who will wait to post their BeReal until they’re doing something fun or hanging out with friends to make themselves seem super cool.

On the app there is an expectation to post because otherwise you can’t see your other friends’ posts.

As a staff, we believe that there is a sense of camaraderie on the app. For example, BeReal went off recently at around 8:00 p.m. on a school night, and many people were doing the same thing that night, at home working on homework. The app in a way has brought people together and made people feel less alone because it makes you realize your

BeReal Provides Less Toxic Social Media typical week night is not much different then someone else that is your age. Thus, the app is low pressure. However, BeReal has the capacity to become inauthentic with some waiting for fun moments to post.

The late notice that your friends get helps prevent this. Be Real does however, make the pictures themselves more authentic because there are no filters. The amount of retakes taken is also visible, which helps eliminate the toxicity some apps like Instagram have. Instagram allows the user to sort through countless pictures to find the one perfect one, with BeReal, this isn’t an option. The intention and execution of the app is what makes it so special, there isn’t an endless scroll and there are no “likes”, this gets rid of the addictive parts most other social medias have.

The nice thing about BeReal is you don’t leave a digital footprint, which is partly why this app, according to the staff, doesn’t feel very much like social media. While you can look through

your old memories, you won’t be held to them for the entire world to see.

BeReal is something that you can’t be famous for, your posts are only shared with you and your friends. Our advice to the community is, If you’re not on the train don’t even bother.

This means if you don’t have BeReal don’t feel pressure to download it, you’re not missing out on anything. This is an app where you can post a picture at a random time of the day and see your friends and their posts of what they’re doing.

BeReal provides a form of social media very different from Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and other popular social media. The user is unable to view their friends BeReal posts until they post their own.

BeReal doesn’t use algorithms or advertisements to try and keep it’s users on the app. BeReal is what you make of it. If you want to use it you can, but there is little pressure to join the media platform.

Room For Service Encouragement Lacking service goals, engage more students in their commuWill Mairs | Contributing Writer

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s the school year starts up and everyone settles into their classes and new hectic schedules, it seems like the topic of volunteer work should be at the back of our minds. I hope that as you read this article, you can understand not only the value of volunteering but also why Blake should help students get into volunteering by requiring volunteering hours.

While Blake as a school provides opportunities to give back to the community, there is no requirement for service work. There are actually some really great clubs and programs at Blake that are primarily focused on service such as Habitat for Humanity which helps provide homes for families in need and the Unified School Committee which helps provide athletic and social events for

students with or without disabilities while creating a more inclusive environment inside and outside of Blake. Participation in these clubs is completely voluntary and on the surface there does not seem to be that much of an incentive to join other than putting it on your college app. However, I believe (and I feel that many other people share this sentiment) that the experience of volunteering is incredibly fulfilling and valuable as what we do as volunteers goes far beyond just the Blake campus.

Other private schools seem to share this belief as schools like Breck have a service requirement of

20 hours over a 4 year period. While this may seem like a very small amount, I believe that this is a perfect amount for any prospective student.

Having a small requirement allows students to get their foot in the door in volunteer work and find out for themselves why volunteering is such an important experience.

While this may seem like a relatively small issue, I encourage everyone to strongly consider how volunteering not only affects them but also the world around them. The more people we have volunteering, the better not only Blake will be, but also the community around us.

Hold Qatar Accountable, Unfit to Host Fifa World Cup Corrupt Fifa World Cup hosts, unvieled with repeated Qatar incidents Ethan Klaiman | Contributing Writer atar, the world’s third richest country, is a beautiful tourist destination filled with extravagant lighting and gorgeous architecture. A country known for its Souq Waqif, a market which is made of various traditional goods. A country known for its beautiful Villagio Mall, which serves as an incredible place for a leisurely hangout. A country known for being incredibly accepting, as evident by being made up of over 85% non-Qatari people. A country which has, according to The Guardian, “hundreds of thousands of [migrant] workers”making “$1.25 or less” an hour is unfit to host the consistently record-breaking televised event this coming November, the Fifa World Cup. The Fifa World Cup, an event that is traditionally held in June and

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Julia Zhang

July, cannot be due to a scandal that involves Qatar bribing Fifa with an absurd amount of money.

The scandal provides the necessity of changing the time due to the fact that in Qatar, summers would provide dangerous levels of heat. The temperature levels(anywhere from 95115°F) during the summer would jeopardize the safety of the players. This breaking of the traditional timing creates a dilemma for an average fan. The World Cup, an event that continues to have record-breaking viewers (whether through being televised or viewership in person) due to it being summer, is ex-

pected to drop in viewership. Since the world cup is traditionally held in summer, many more people can watch it or attend it due to availability from school. Not only this, but since the event is in November, it would also interfere with club season, so leagues had to reshape their schedules so their players could represent their country in the World Cup. All because of a country’s selfish method in acquiring an internationally massive event.

Qatar is currently under the limelight for evidence supporting the fact that they bribed Fifa with anywhere from $1

million - $15 million. Not only is it bad that Qatar wrongfully was voted to host the world cup, but the country is unfit for three major reasons. First off the issues due to the changing of the timing of the event from summer to November. Second, there are many allegations made against Qatar’s Kafala system that it allows migrant workers to be systematically abused. Even though the Kafala system has since been abolished, a contract system has since been put in place that still does not protect their workers.

Workers cannot change jobs or leave the country without permission from

their sponsors, which makes it impossible for migrant workers to attempt to make their own lives, especially by being paid as little as they are.

These workers have been crucial in the construction of hotels, stadiums

and other things necessary for a World Cup, so the World Cup happening in quitar is only possible because of migrant workers that have been working in conditions that violate Human Rights laws. Finally, the country of Qatar has laws in place that provide jail time for members of the LGBTQIA+ community that would require members to serve seven years of jail time, thus preventing soccer fans who belong to the LGBTQIA+ community from attending the event, let alone living or even thinking about ever going to the country.

All of these things combine to construct a country that is extremely unfit for hosting the internationally record breaking event, the Fifa World Cup.

Julia Zhang

PERSPECTIVES | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 | 14

Academic Honesty in the Classroom Academic Honesty Policy Serves Students, Focus of the Future Administrators make plans, better inform frustrated students

best independent work. It lists possible violations of academic honesty as, “plagiarism, giving or receiving assistance during a test, inappropriate collaborations on a report, project or homework and giving details of a Sam Tomczick | test to another student before News Editor that student has taken it.”

Reinforcing this, Gourav cademic honesty re- Kumar ‘24 defines academmains one of Blake’s ic honesty as, “abiding with core values, however, many the rules that Blake posts in students believe that ad- their handbook, such as no herence is often lacking. plagiarism in any cases and Blake’s Family Handbook, just truthfulness in general promotes academic honesty when it comes to assignas students submitting their ments.” Kumar is a member

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of the CJB, Blake’s Community Judiciary Board, which is tasked with responding to violations of academic honesty. Though he believes that, “almost every Blake student here has a deep understanding of academic honesty.” Kumar still recognizes how often the CJB has to review cases of academic dishonesty. However, Kumar doesn’t blame this on a misunderstanding of what academic honesty is as he notes, “it just depends on how serious you want to take it. Quickly going to SparkNotes or whatever, that

is a big violation to a lot of teachers. If you told your teacher they would be like, ‘Woah you can’t do that,’ but students are a lot more passive about it especially when they can get away with it often.” Nora Ibrani ‘26, agrees, adding that, “It’s a lot easier to ‘cheat’ [at Blake], but I would definitely say that they’re testing you with that.”

Sarah Warren, the new Upper School Assistant Director and head of the CJB, is hoping to combat academic dishonesty. She explains, “Studies

Spectrum sent out a survey regarding student’s views on academic honesty, here are

The Results:

1. Do you believe teachers clearly convey 2. Do you think students do a good their expectations regarding academic job of following the expectations honesty to students? when it comes to academic honesty?

have shown that academic integrity is a value that needs to be taught. [Many students] don’t think it’s a big deal because there’s no one enforcing it.” However, many teachers already aim to teach academic honesty as well as examine their students work for academic dishonesty. As Pachao Yajcherthao describes, “I explain to the students any work they have to do has to be their own. When students hand in work I can see if there is academic dishonesty or not. If there is, I would go over it with the student,

and provide more guidance about how to remain academically honest.”

In addition, Warren wants to continue themes of academic honesty by focusing on it during assembly and advisory time. “If we help you to understand why it’s important to keep your academic integrity, and then enforce that, I think you all would take it more seriously.” Warren hopes that with these extra reminders, “students can be able to demonstrate their learning, so teachers can provide the appropriate feedback.”

If you could change one thing about the Academic Honesty Policy what would you change?

“I wish the punishments for academic dishonesty were more clear. I know that if there are issues they are sent to CJB, but it seems to be situational and I wish I knew more.”

NO: 23% NO: 45%

YES: 54%

YES: 76%

101 responses were collected from the student body For complete results go to blakespectrum.org

“More clear guidelines on what and what isn’t academic honesty. What’s the line between working on homework with friends, having them read over a paper, and asking them to edit your mistakes. I don’t think there’s clear communication between what is allowed and what’s not.”

“Collaborating with other students on formative assignments shouldn’t be considered academic dishonesty.”

Honesty Policy Sets Clear Guidelines Policy Creates Unclear Guidelines Policies set clear boundaries, contribute to learning environment Allyson Jay | In-Depth Editor

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lake’s academic policies have long been integrated into our four core values: respect, love of learning, integrity, and courage. The academic honesty policies are the foundation of our mission and values - they’re clearly conveyed through teachers, administrators, and The Family Handbook yet have undeniably sparked controversy among the student body.

Many students believe that these policies are confusing, but with all the resources and access to them, they’re pretty straightforward. Daphne Dresner ‘24 says, “I think the way that they’re outlined in The Blake Family Handbook and then the way teachers define their own rules, they’re made pretty clear to the students.”

At the beginning of each year, teachers typically

assign students to read their syllabus, where their policies can be found. Steve Kaback adds, “I do think there’s a lot of variation [about academic policies] in departments, classes within departments, and even among teachers that teach the same class…It often times isn’t ever going to be uniform everywhere.”

Although there may be slight differences in these policies within various classrooms, in my experience, they’ve always been clear-cut and simple enough to understand.

Dresner mentions, “I think most kids understand what cheating is or isn’t, it’s pretty self explanatory.”

All classes have the clear expectation that

Melody Lee

students are being academically honest throughout the entire year, although many students become gradually forgetful of these policies.

Kaback explains, “I think [honesty policies are] conveyed in the syllabus which no one looks at, or a teacher makes an announcement at the beginning of the year, and then we kind of forget about it.” The main issue is not the clarity of the rules; it’s the matter of enforcing and retaining these policies when students become more and more lenient with them.

Teachers play a huge role in enforcement, and as Dresner puts it, students should “keep [the policies] in mind throughout the whole year, not just at the beginning when they read the syllabus for a homework assignment.”

Despite the claims that the academic honesty policies are ambiguous or unclear, there is an evident implication and expectation that students remain honest with their work and in their classes. The tacit understanding is distinct - students may just need to be reminded of it more often.

Unclear rules, harsh punishment create confusion Cleo Kilpatrick | Photo Editor

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all marks when teachers review their syllabi and expectations for the year, including the Academic Honesty Policy. The Blake Family Handbook states, “Students should not rely inappropriately on the help of tutors, parents, classmates or commercially prepared study aids. Reading SparkNotes, Cliff Notes or other summaries of literature instead of the texts assigned for class is a significant breach of our academic honesty expectations.” The referenced text is unclear. Dom Cornforth ‘24 agrees saying, “there was a blurb [that said] something like students should be submitting their own work and not receive help from adults because it’s all about fairness to the students… in my mind it’s saying you can’t use tutors or any other adults

which is kinda flawed… let’s say you can’t meet with a teacher or understand something at home and a teacher won’t respond to emails right away…what [the policy is] saying to me is if you don’t understand something to be fair to others you should not receive outside help.” A question that arises is: does the policy change depending on the subject or level of work? Certain subjects use different resources, so how do we decide which resources aren’t okay?

For many students, including myself, there’s been a point when I’ve been working on a homework question that I couldn’t figure out and used a resource

Melody Lee

to help. I think utilizing resources is more beneficial than being confused. Social studies teacher Dana Specht furthers, “For me the biggest priority is, as a teacher, to teach and …if there is an incident to take it as a learning opportunity.”

Furthermore, there is a distinction between being lazy and lacking knowledge.

Specht gives an example, “If a brand new freshman comes in and they write a paper and they plagiarize something in it, they have no idea what they were supposed to cite. That’s really different from a junior or senior that got lazy.”

The honesty policy is important and should be respected. Conversely, if you disobey the policy it should be a learning experience. For example, if you are doing research for a paper or an essay that requires citation and you get lazy or lack citation knowledge and don’t ask for help, instead of being punished, there should be a conversation with your teacher to reflect and talk about what to do differently in the future.

FEATURES | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 | 15

Class of 2026 Experiences Upper School New school year means new faces walking the halls Maddie Newhouse & Payton Smith | Contributing Writers

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hen the 2022 school year began, The Upper School gained a brand new group of kids into the building: the freshmen.

The change can be frustrating, and people usually don’t want to make adjustments.

Sometimes the freshmen are standing in the middle of the hallway, or walking on the wrong side as they get to know their way around.

Until they are adjusted, which can take years, the freshmen cause a commotion. We spent some time getting to know a few of the freshmen and inquired about how their high school beginnings have been, their relationships with upperclassmen, favorite teachers and classes, and fun facts about themselves.

We spoke with Hayden Wert ‘26, Nora Ibrani ‘26, Soren Reyes ‘26, Hamza Banatwala ‘26, Svara Arimilli ‘26, and James Lewis ‘26.

In conversation about how she’s felt about the upper school so far, Wert responded saying, “it’s a lot different than the middle school.” The other freshmen agreed and added on to how it was different.

Arimilli stated “I’ve learned a lot more than I think I had in the middle school…

There’s more freedom and less oversight, which is good as we’re becoming more responsible.”

Lewis had a similar reason noting, the biggest differences have been “freedom, and it’s

not as strict, and it’s up to you, and just more responsibility.”

When asked about their favorite teachers and classes, biology and Will Bohrnsen was the answer for four out of the six freshmen.

Ibrani stated that she likes [biology] “even though it’s hard,” and that her favorite teacher is a tie between “either [Patrick] Barry or Mr. Bohrnsen.”

Lewis said “I have a really good class, and I have a lot of friends in it, and I like what we’re learning.”

Arimilli added, “it just makes sense” and that Bohrnsen is a great teacher because, “he’s pretty engaging.”

When Reyes spoke of his favorite teacher and class, he said, “I like printmaking and the printmaking guy, [Brian] Sago,” while Wert said “probably World History with [Amanda] Pomerleau.”

School lunch is often a topic of conversation, so we inquired about a couple of the f r e s h m e n’ s favorite lunches thus far. Arimilli responded, “it was very memorable actually...chicken tenders, Caesar salad, and whatever

the cake was with the cream cheese frosting.”

Chicken tenders have been a fan favorite for a while now, so we weren’t too surprised to hear this difference from Arimilli. Lewis said his favorite lunch was “the chicken pesto.” Aware of his

really liked it.”

Each of the freshmen had similar things to say about experiences with the upperclassmen, most of which have been positive. Wert, Arimilli, and Lewis all correlated their posit i v e expe-

Ibrani shared that her experience with upperclassmen has also been positive adding to Lewis’ comment with “they’ve been personally nice to me,” but also “[I]can’t speak for the rest

Hayden Wert '26 Cleo Kilpatrick

Hamza Banatwala '26 Cleo Kilpatrick

Soren Reyes '26 Cleo Kilpatrick

Nora Ibrani '26

Cleo Kilpatrick

Svara Arimilli '26 Cleo Kilpatrick

riences with upperclassmen to their relationship Cleo Kilpatrick with them in sports; differing opinion, he Lewis said specifiadded, “it might not cally “I know a lot have been a really of them, so they’re popular one, but I nice to me.”

James Lewis '26

of [my] grade.” We were glad to hear that the upperclassmen have been welcoming the freshmen as well.

Just like other students in the upper school, the freshmen have lives outside of

school. When speaking with Reyes about his free time, he said, “[I] probably go to Lifetime.”

Banatwala agreed with this and added, “[I like to] play basketball.”

Ibrani, Lewis and Arimilli both said they prefer to spend their free time “hanging out with friends.”

In addition to this, Lewis added that he also likes to spend his free time playing soccer, similar to the response of Wert who says that she, “[doesn’t] have any free time” due to her commitment to sports during both the on and off season.

Keeping up with the theme of getting to know the freshmen outside of school, we were able to get some interesting facts from them.

Banatwala shared that he’s lived in a lot of different countries such as Switzerland, Pakistan, Czech Republic, the U.S., and the U.A.E. He said his favorite was, “probably Switzerland, but then there’s the U.S. cause it’s you know, the U.S.” Lewis described his music taste, sharing that he’s “a lover of jazz.”

The Class of 2026 is 135 students which is an average class size, but it feels as though they are everywhere because of it. Through getting to know some of them a bit better, we realized that they aren’t all that bad.

We encourage you to start a conversation with a freshmen if and when the opportunity arises. Who knows, you might find that you enjoy their company. That is, after all, how great friendships start.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 | 16

Seniors Construct k it Car Oscar Walsh

Unique summer project, lifelong accomplishment Sofia Perlman | Sci-Tech Editor

L

ast spring, Charlie Weyerhaeuser ‘23 and Gunnar Johnson ‘23 decided to take on a colossal project: building a car. Using a kit containing the frame for the car, and some parts from an old car, they embarked on a long journey. They jumped into the project head-first, ordering the kit before having a complete plan for building the car. The main goal of the project is simply to learn, and have fun.

Weyerhaeuser states, “We just want it to be as fun as possible. The point of this wasn’t to make the fastest or most incredible looking [car] or any of that, it was more just the fun factor.”

Weyerhaeuser explains that he has always been drawn to projects like this, stating, “I kind of came up with the idea

Layout of Steps 1. Order kit 2. Buy donor car 3. Disassemble donor car 4. Receive kit 5. Paint it 6. Build 7. Get engine running 8: Wheel suspension 9. Body panels

in about May last spring.

I had just recently gotten into cars… I’ve always been a hobbyist. I like hobbies and putting a lot of effort and time into something and diving into something even if it doesn’t benefit me in

of the car is broken up into three different parts: getting the engine running, wheel suspension (connecting the wheel system to the car), then assembling the body panels and making final touches to the car. As of

ble. Recalling this struggle, Weyerhaeuser says, “We had to drill out probably a dozen different bolts…We just spent hours getting one piece out sometimes, because it was seized there. But, we got through it.”

“The point of this wasn’t to make the fastest or most incredible looking [car] or any of that, it was more just the fun factor.” - Charlie Weyerhaeuser ‘23 any way besides fun…

I have definitely always been interested in machines and cars in general–I want to do engineering of some sort for my career–I like adrenaline, and combine those two together, well, you get a really cool car that you can build that’s also really fast.”

The official name of the car is a DF Goblin two frame mid engine rear wheel drive. After ordering the kit for the car, the next step was to find their donor car.

Weyerhaeuser says that “pretty much everything was new to us. None of us had ever bought a car. None of us had really ever searched for a car to buy.”

After looking at a vast number of different options, Weyerhaeuser and Johnson selected a Chevy Cobalt SS as their donor car. Johnson drove to Wisconsin to pick up the car. The entire process took around four weeks. They would use the transmission, engine, and drivetrain from the Chevy, and a new frame and chassis from the kit to build the final car.

Currently, the two have completely disassembled the donor car, and recently painted the kit using a unique method called powdercoating.

This entails negatively charging the part being painted, and positively charging the paint so that the pigment attracts to the metal and lays flat. Next, they will begin to build the car. The actual building

pen that add a lot of time.” However, the two feel well prepared to work through any future challenges that may come their way.

Weyerhaeuser points out one in particular, saying, “Being overly ambitious. It’s not a bad thing, but we originally thought we could probably get it done within the summer. One of the biggest things with large projects especially is you’ve got to account for things to go wrong or you’re never going to even come close to meeting deadlines.”

Overall, the experience of building the car has been greatly positive, teaching them countless life lessons, as well as being a fun project with a useful outcome.

Weyerhaeuser says, “I thought that [the car] is cool, it’s really fast, a fun project, and it teaches me and my partners everything.” The two continue to work hard to meet their goal, while still keeping their priority of having fun in sight.

Fun Facts About Gunnar

Favorite color: Illusion blue Favorite

breakfast food:

Bagels

Best go-kart

finishing posi-

now, the two are about Searching for the tion: 1st to begin the first stage right donor car also of the building process. posed a challenge, as Top speed on Once the car is com- neither of them had expleted, Weyerhaeuser and perience with buying a racetrack: Johnson plan to make it car. The supply chain has street legal and able to also put a delay in their 140mph drive on a track. progress, causing the kit Regarding their time- to take multiple months Curbs hit: 1 line for the project, Wey- to arrive. Weyerhaeuser erhaeuser says, “We’re notes, “Building the kit, Favorite car: hoping we can get it done we could run into an inwithin about a month to finite number of issues, Blue 2019 a month and a half, at the engine could be bad, least before winter. An transmission…things like Honda Civic ambitious goal, very am- that where we don’t exbitious, would be around pect but they could haphatchback October 11, because that’s the last track day of the year.”

The process has not been without its challenges.

The donor car, in particular, has Oscar Walsh proved difficult since the rust that had built up on the car made it hard to disassemble.

Weyerhaeuser explains, “We live in one of Oscar Walsh the rust belt areas of the United States, with all of the salt during the winter, it builds up on cars.”

The most affected area Oscar Walsh Oscar Walsh was the susTOP: The blue car frame is a component of the kit car. It’s made of a fiberglass tubing to provide adequate pension parts, since these structure and shape. MIDDLE: The countless packages filling up the living room depict the amount of pieces are closest to that got shipped in. LOWER LEFT: The tires and car seat show a more specific example of how many parts are the ground going to be incorporated into the car, specifically tires, car mats, and a car seat. LOWER RIGHT: The red car is and therefore the antique that was purchased in order to gain parts. Most of the antique car has already been taken apart to more vulnera- use in the new car.