Spectrum Newspaper February 2022

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SPECTRUM

“Your Voice in Print”

blakespectrum.org

Thursday | Feb 3 | 2022

Issue IV

The Blake School

Masking Inconsistencies Unsettle Student Body Firmer masking rules, punishments unless in cafeteria Ali Hecker | Staff Writer

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hould faculty, staff or administrators see anyone either not wearing a mask or wearing it inappropriately… You will be asked to immediately report to your grade dean or another administrator. It is very likely that you will be sent home, especially if it is not your first time being reminded of this behavior, and repeated mask issues could incur more significant disciplinary consequences, including suspension from school,” wrote Upper School Director, Joe Ruggiero, in an email sent out on Jan. 2 following the return to school from winter break. The consequences for improper mask wearing have recently been a large topic of discussion in the community, raising questions about the COVID-19 protocols at school during the surge of the Omicron variant.

The COVID protocols in the lunchroom, in comparison to the rest of the school, are questioned by many students. Maia Schifman ‘22 says, “It’s nice to have lunch with everyone, but it definitely doesn’t feel safe with how crowded it is. It’s also kind of weird how different protocols are stricter everywhere else, but like

in the lunchroom, it just goes away.” Students also challenge the protocols surrounding eating in common areas. Habon Samatar ‘22 describes, “I’m at least four feet away from somebody drinking my water in the senior lounge but I’m one inch away from somebody eating my lunch.” Samatar, among many other students, finds these COVID protocols to be troubling and inconsistent. Many students wonder whether the lunchroom protocols from last year’s hybrid schedule will make a return.

Ruggiero states, “Now that we have everyone in the building, to do plexiglass dividers, we wouldn’t have enough room for everybody to eat, is the problem... what we’ve been relying on instead is just people masking up as soon as possible when they’re not eating, maintaining as much distance as they can, and then also noting who they’re eating with.” In response to this dilemma, the gym has been opened up for ninth graders to eat in.

Although the lunchroom is a place where COVID spread mitigation is not ideal, some look forward to lunch as the only time in the school day where students can take their masks off. Jonah Yousha ‘24 shares, “I like having my mask off since I have glasses and they fog up all the time… [The lunchroom] is probably the easiest place to get exposed,

but it’s also the only place we’re allowed to have our masks off.”

In mid-January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that KN95 and N95 masks are the most effective against the Omicron variant, and that the cloth masks worn by the majority of students offer very little protection. Nevertheless, the mask policy stands which, according to the CDC, is ineffective unless wearing one of the aforementioned masks.

As Omicron cases surge, only a small number of students wear KN95 and N95 masks, which questions whether changing the lunchroom protocols would really make an impact on limiting Omicron spread.

Aside from the lunchroom, students voiced concerns about the consequences for incorrect mask wearing. Jay Bowles ‘24 says, “I feel like [the punishments are] pretty extreme… if teachers gave more of a warning before dealing out the consequences, the rules would be more fair.” Anne Graybeal, Associate Head of School, explains, “It can feel in the moment like it’s a battle for control or compliance.

What it really is, is a lesson in just collective ethical responsibility for the community… and if people aren’t coming correct on that, we’ve got to start tightening the laces.”

Graybeal explains that

Rowan Wallin

Above, students in French I study in class. Students wear masks, maintain distance, expressions hidden due to their masks. Below, a typical day in the lunchroom where students eat lunch, maskless, close together, and engage in conversation. In both of these photos, all students are abiding by current masking policies.

Rowan Wallin

although some students may find the punishments for incorrect mask-wearing unnecessarily harsh, the reinforcement of COVID protocols is necessary to keep students learning inperson. “What we’ve really focused on doing is just maximizing as many mitigation strategies as we can, ergo, the exhortations about mask-wearing... The upshot of all of it is that we really want to make as

much of this year as rich as possible, as typical as possible, as full as possible for Blake, and that’s staying in person.” Some students feel that excessive punishments are no longer necessary. Lola Palestrini ‘24 states, “When we’ve already reached herd immunity and a lot of our community already has natural antibodies, I think the harsher punishments are a little bit irrational, but

I understand getting reprimanded.”

With the recent enforcements of masking, the masking policies in school are blatantly inconsistent.

Community members only seek consistency. Lilly Anderson ‘23 explains, “I’m not saying I want the rules to be stricter or less strict...

I just wish the mask rules were more consistent rather than erratic based on where you are in school.”

Elizabeth Rush Visits Symposium, Recounts Documenting Climate Change Journalist Rush bonds with victims of climate change Noor Naseer | Editor Emeritus

T Oscar Walsh Oscar Walsh Rush’s symposium on Jan. 18 enlightened students about her research regarding climate change and rising sea levels.

his year’s Otis Environmental Speaker, Elizabeth Rush, visited all three campuses during her four-day visit in midJanuary. Rush was originally supposed to come in 2020, but couldn’t because of the pandemic.

Skylar Wang ‘22, a member of the Otis Committee

who chose Rush, recalls, “We thought that she would be accessible to both Lower School students and Upper School students because of her narrative style.”

This narrative style is present in Rush’s book, Rising. Rush uses interview transcripts to tell the stories of individuals who have been affected firsthand by flooding and rising sea levels. She speaks on this experience saying, “I thought I was going to write about wealthy, sec-

After the past two seasons getting cut short due to COVID-19, the team has a very bright season ahead and a lot to look forward to.

Sam Hardy ‘24 says, “[Abortion is] really not a political issue but a human issue... and not whether you are a Democrat or Republican.”

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ond home owners, and I was surprised that a lot of the communities that were feeling the crunch in the present tense were Black and brown communities or low income communities... I had an idea of who lived there [alongside the ocean] and it was different from what I imagined.”

Rush reflects on the two years between her scheduled visit and her actual arrival saying, “Pre-COVID… I tried to really think about climate

change as both a threat and an opportunity multiplier—that there were ways to think about how it exposes this incredible shared vulnerability at the heart of our society with the hope that shared vulnerability would bring people together and produce large scale, structural change... [I’m] a little bit less willfully attached to the optimistic narrative around climate change.”

Despite this, Rush acknowledges the heavy impact that climate change Jonah Yousha ‘24 says, “I would say based on the weather it’s usually about five minutes longer [in the winter] because… you want to drive slower because you want more control over the car.”

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can have on young people.

She has “a desire to be open and honest with you guys that climate change is really hard to live with and is overwhelming and does cause, certainly me, feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.” She continues to say, “My hope for you guys is not to turn off those feelings or turn off those emotions, but to have space for them and then from living inside that space, moving towards action and acknowledgment.”

STAFF

STUDENT NEWS | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | FEBURARY 3, 2022 | 2

Blake Introduces Recovery Time Mask Policies See Results Missed class time prompts return of detention

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Rowan Wallin | Managing Editor

The Blake School 511 Kenwood Pkwy Issue 4 Febuary 3 2022 Editor-In-Chief: Bernadette Whitely Managing Editors: Rowan Wallin | Allyson Jay Front Page Editor: Rowan Wallin Student-News Editor: Zoey Ueland Arts and Culture Editor: Amelia Bush Sports Editor: Cleo Kilpatrick Food Editor: Charlotte Opp In-depth Editor: Bernadette Whitely Science and Technology Editor: Sofia Perlman Perspectives Editor: Sofia Pearlman Opinions Editors: Evan Vezmar Features Editor: Allyson Jay Online Editor: James Prince Buisness Manager: Julia Zhang Adviser: Anna Reid Editor Emeriti: Sage Marmet, Noor Naseer, Emily Rotenburg, Maggie Seidel, WIll Rosenblum

STAFF WRITERS: Ahan Devgun, Ali Hecker, Mackenzie Higgins, Mallika Malaviya, Gabi Marmet, Kate Rekas, Jason Rotenburg, Max Yousha, Yoni Zacks STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Elena Gill, Oscar Walsh

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n Jan. 5, the Upper School had a schoolwide meeting in the Juliet Nelson Auditorium (JNA) to address concerns about attendance. Many students prior to the meeting were speculating as to what the meeting would be about.

Nick Emptage ‘23 says, “I heard people thought the grade meeting would be about people getting the virus.” In actuality, grade deans held the meeting to introduce a concept which many Blake students had been unfamiliar with -- learning recovery time. Many students have pointed out that Learning Recovery Time is almost identical to a traditional detention system. David Carlson ‘23 explains, “I thought we already had detention for missing a class. I didn’t know we got rid of it until now.” Jen Vance, ninth-grade dean, rather sees Learning Recovery Time as “accountability” rather than detention.

Traditionally, Blake has had a detention system. But

During Learning Recovery Time Students are Expected to complete missing work.

because of the pandemic over the last two years, this system was not enforced to decrease time in the school building thereby lessening the spread of COVID-19.

Learning Recovery Time meetings will be proctored by a grade dean and provide time for students who have been absent from classes to make a plan to improve their attendance in their classes unlike a traditional detention system.

Vance explains that learning recovery time is “a more active rather than passive approach to check-in on students who have missed class.”

The Learning Recovery Time system is not in re-

sponse to more students cutting class. Vance says, “We are not seeing a dramatic increase in students cutting class. Kids have always cut class.

But now we have a system in place for those students.”

Vance also related Learning Recovery Time to a place for students who miss class because of their mental health.

Vance says, “[Grade deans] don’t want a kid who’s in distress to be wandering the building. We want them to find a dean or counselor.”

However, Jill Rabinovitz, guidance counselor, explains, “I don’t think of recovery time as a plan for students who are struggling with their mental health. It’s for students who miss class and therefore are making up for missed time to do schoolwork.” Rabinovitz was also “not a part of the plan to create the [learning recovery plan].”

The Learning Recovery plan is a system for students who receive an unexcused absence in any class to catch-up on work and check in with their grade deans for any aid or assistance they may need.

Makerspace Unveiled in Library Student share mixed feelings over the changed space Mackenzie Higgins | Staff Writer

STAFF ARTISTS: Julia Everett, Melody Lee, Zoe Florida

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 Thursday. Please come if you are interested in writing, drawing, designing, 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) Styles as of the February 2020 issue.

Corrections for Dec. Issue Page 1: Mallika Malaviya’s name spelled wrong Page 7: Evan Vezmar’s last name spelled wrong on photo caption

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s part of a grow- as well. The study rooms somewhat mixed, but many ing movement across were chosen to be replaced share similar confusions schools in the U.S., Blake primarily because of building about the change. has recently put in a Maker- codes. In order for the techMichelle Elliot ‘25 exspace in the library, providing nologies to operate properly, plained that she doesn’t know students with space to work the Makerspace needed to be much about the Makerspace on physical projects. Nat in a room that has newer nor does she plan on using Gilsdorf, the Upper School’s power as well as better ven- it. Kelly Deng ‘25 who utistudent innovation coordina- tilation. Gilsdorf and the lized the study rooms adds, tor, explains, “the idea [of Makerspace team had hoped “I’m a little annoyed because the Makerspace] is to allow to put it near the robotics I don’t think many people teachers to feel more com- room or woodshop, but were will use the Makerspace and fortable assigning projects in- forced to find a space in the not many people did to bestead of papers or tests and science wing as it fulfills gin with.” Josh Smith ‘23 reto make it more mains pretty equitable for stuneutral in dents to work on regards to those projects.” the change.

While Gilsdorf He explains, is the main per“I can’t say son that runs the that I used Makerspace day [the study to day, there is rooms] a team consistenough that ing of Gilsdorf, I’d be realLiz Buchanan, The Makerspace was expanded to fit both study ly frustrated Brian Sago, Will rooms as opposed to the previous one. by [their reBohrnsen, and Oscar Walsh moval], but these requirements. Another Kali Olson who I also feel collectively make decisions large influence on this deci- that people did use those about the space, like what sion was Forum, who voted spaces in an effective way kinds of technology they in favor of the study room for studying. I’m not sure [if want. Currently, the Mak- option when presented with I’ll use the Makerspace]. erspace has two Glowforge possible locations last year.

Once the Makerspace As for the lost study is running, easy projects that laser cutters, which can cut various different materials, spaces, Gilsdorf adds, “We students can do during a free a die cutter, which can cut also recognize that there is block will be provided as stickers or large pieces of pa- definitely a desire for the well as space and resources per, and two Ultimaker 3D students to have a space that to complete personal projects printers. They plan on intro- they can own like that… or projects for classes. Gilsducing more resources in the There have been conversa- dorf adds, “If folks have any tions [about replacing the idea of what they want to coming months.

During first semester, the study rooms], but there aren’t make, they are welcome to Makerspace was located in any definitive plans at the come in here and talk about the front study room in the moment.” Students’ opinions it and we are happy to do library but has since expand- about the new Makerspace everything we can to try to ed into the back study room and the lost study rooms are make it happen.”

Faculty elaborate on new policies Sage Marmet | Editor Emeritus

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pper School Director Joe Ruggiero an-

a written announcement to Upper School students and families, there are firmer, clearer measures established for students who decide to defy the policies. Bowman

Betsy Fries Students Alana Foster-Smith ’22 and Rabi Michael-Crushshon ‘22 sit in the senior-lounge where eating is discouraged.

nounced that eating and drinking would no longer be allowed in common areas outside of the cafeteria on Jan. 2, upon the arrival back at Northrop for the second semester’s commencement.

While this baffled students, as concerns over lunchroom protocols and school-wide gatherings seemed much more likely to promote the spread of COVID-19, administrators clarified the initial statement, explaining that it can be used as a fallback policy if students are not appropriately following mask protocols.

Senior Dean Maggie Bowman explains, “I think we’re in a place as a school and community that’s a little unprecedented. We’ve never been in a school like this when there’s a global pandemic, and I think it’s really important that students understand that we as a community of a school are very serious about the mask policies. So, I think all of the communication from the school has to be that ‘masks are important; this is why we’re masking; the only way we can be in school is to have masks.’

So, it doesn’t surprise me that the language that comes out in communication is very strict about masking.

It has to be. At the same time, you can’t deny that students have to eat and drink.” The policy was not created to deprive students of water or food throughout the school day; rather, it provides written guidelines that faculty can fall back on if students are not properly wearing their mask for an extended period of time.

She further explains that the policies intend to “protect students, [and] faculty; we’re at a place where it’s really hard because people interpret those policies differently.” By having

adds that the policy offers grounds for “repeat offenders who are consistently, and it seems like intentionally, not wearing their mask [to be held accountable… I don’t think the policy was created for students who are taking a sip of their water bottle in class… I trust that a faculty member would be able to see the difference between those two.”

Ninth Grade Dean Jen Vance adds what she’s seen with the freshman and sophomore classes, explaining that “One of the things that was most concerning was students walking through the hallways, you know, eating and drinking. Or kids who just keep their mask down, pointing to a cup, [saying] ‘I’m drinking.’ It made sense that we needed to do something in that aspect.” Vance explains how she clarified the policy to freshmen during a grade meeting regarding their new once-a-week free blocks, saying “What’s not okay is a mask hanging down [on your chin], walking down the hallway.”

Her announcement clarified confusions that ninth grade students had regarding the new policy.

Vance is hopeful and has already seen the positive impacts that having a stricter policy in place has created.

She shares, “When I walked through the senior and junior lounges I used to constantly [motion for students to pull up their masks], and I don’t see it like that anymore. I feel like that’s been better.”

By having new policies in place, proper masking practices can be much more firmly enforced and a recent increase of COVID cases school, state, and nationwide incentivizes to follow the policies more closely. Vance explains, “The reality with omicron is that no [students] want to miss out.”

ARTS & CULTURE | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | FEBUARY 3, 2022 | 3

Don’t Look Up Movie Review

The Theory of Relativity

New Netflix movie, surprisingly thoughtful plot, high budget cast

An update on the school production of The Theory of Relativity

he recent Netflix movie Don’t Look Up forces its viewers to examine our society and future consequences of our current lifestyle. Despite the movie’s mixed reviews with many either loving it or hating it, Don’t Look Up is a clever way to

lows astronomers, beginning with the discovery of a comet headed directly for earth that will result in complete extinction.

They expect that everyone will want to take action to stop this imminent disaster from occurring, yet the entire world cares more about other, meaningless and arbitrary things like money or the scientists that discovered the comet.

The president of the U.S. cares more about her position in politics than the comet, and tries to alter the situation in order to save her popularity. She

the parody of our world that Don’t Look Up is creating is not very obvious, but as the movie continues, it becomes more visible. This aspect of the movie draws viewers in and allows for a very real and current topic to be discussed.

Don’t Look Up puts our society into a different perspective, exposing how flawed our world truly is. It evokes thought and discussion about what we deem as important and what is most valued. It especially focuses on the climate

expose the true nature of our world and how egocentric it can be. The cast includes many popular actors, such as Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo Dicaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Ariana Grande, and Meryl Streep.

Those who disliked the movie argue that it was badly done, and unfunny, with unlikable characters.

However, I believe Don’t Look Up is a movie everyone should watch.

The movie fol-

also chooses to ignore the scientific proof that the comet will result in the end of the world. The rest of the country is more concerned with what is happening with celebrities than a comet with a 99% chance of impact on earth.

Because of this disorganized system of priorities, it is extremely difficult to create a plan to stop the comet. Though the plot follows a very depressing story line, Don’t Look Up is still a comedy. At first,

change crisis, and how it is often pushed aside and ignored, or even outright denied. In Don’t Look Up, profits are prioritized over the safety of the entire world. This is a direct parallel to what occurs today, with money held as more important than our environment. More than anything, Don’t Look Up raises the necessary question of will we meet a similar fate if we don’t reevaluate our values and systems?

Sofia Perlman | Perspectives Editor

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Shireen Dalton | Contributing Writer

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ehearsals for the spring musical, The Theory of Relativity, are just getting started, and the cast and crew are looking forward to a return to the on stage musical after having to do a musical movie last year. “I haven’t done [group singing] for a long time,” attests cast member Riley Carroll ‘24; the show’s musical numbers are sure to be one of the most exciting aspects of the performance. “I know many people are looking forward to singing,” says Ezra Grommesh ‘24.

“Some of the songs are pretty popular on social media apps, so they’re excited to sing those.” Choir teacher Christiana Howell added that “One of my favorite melodies of the show is the opening number...Its called “Relativity” and it kind of comes back throughout the musical.

Another one of my favorites is also called “I’m Allergic to Cats.”” One of the early hurdles the production had to overcome was coordination.

“For a while, half of us weren’t even on the emailing list, but as of recently, everything’s been put together,” shares Grommesh.

“Practices are going to start shaping together now … hopefully this production process is going to run really smoothly with all that’s being dedicated.”

Additionally, the show is unique in that it has a smaller cast, which Grommesh hopes will help optimism the production. “We have a really good crew to actor ratio right now, especially since our musical … acting-wise is smaller than most musicals.”

The show also boasts a unique plot. “It’s set in a college where a bunch of kids are taking physics tests, and they are all having a collective mental breakdown,” describes Carroll. Howell added that “Its about how maybe we feel isolated but we are all sort of interconnected in some way. That’s why its called The Theory of

Relativity.” There are many other unique parts of the show besides the plot, like its unique setting, theme and how the music was written. Each song was taken from testimonies of real college students and the writers turned real student’s college experience into songs. “I always enjoy sewing everyday clothes, since this musical takes place in a modern setting, so that’s what I’m looking forward to as head of costume crew,” says Grommesh. Carroll shares, “My favorite part that I’m in is my song with Ava [Carroll],” noting the song’s “fun and upbeat” nature.

According to Howell, choosing the musical for this year was a very collaborative decision between all of the administrators. The collaborative decision making process also attests to the wonderful community that theater has.

There will be two 7:30 shows. One will be on Friday, Mar. 11. and the other on Saturday, March 12. There will also be and a 2:30 matinee on Sunday the 13th.

Collaborative Art Creates Connections Ishan Khurana ‘22 and Zoë Nutsford ‘22 have been exchanging art since winter break after seeing Tik Toks of people doing similar things. The process of doing collaborative art has evolved a lot, starting with sitting down and each person working on the piece for five minutes and then switching. Now, they work on the art on their own and then hand it off to the other person to see what they can each add to make something amazing. Khurana commented that “we submitted some of the art to Flash, but most of the work is just for us.” Pictured to the left is Khurana with a piece of his collaborative art work with Nutsford.

Amelia Bush

Truman Morsman ‘23 and Macaella Sikhoya ‘25 practicing the song “Great Expectations” with choir teacher Christina Howell during FLEX time on Thursday.

Students’ Take on Kim Kardashian, Pete Davidson The couple’s unexpected relationship has left many lost Charlotte Opp | Food Editor

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lthough Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson aren’t officially dating and claim they’re just having fun together. There is still a lot of talk about their relationship.

This unusual couple started seeing each

other more frequently over November and have been inseparable since then. Many people are shocked by this relationship. Molly Seidel ‘24 says, “Upon first hearing about their relationship I thought it was a publicity stunt but now after seeing them together I think it may be real which is a little concerning because I don’t see them being compatible at all.”

After Kanye West and Kim Kardashian parted ways, they both started seeing new people, which has left many

“I wouldn’t be suprised if it was just a publicity stunt”

people shocked by their pettiness to move on so quickly from each other.

Kanye has started dating Julia Fox, who had modeled with Pete Davidson.

It seems like a big coincidence that Kanye is dating Julia Fox just be-

cause of her connections to Pete Davidson and it seems like he could be trying to get under Kim’s skin. Lucky Lillygreen ‘23 says, “It’s in Kanye’s character to be petty and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s just try-

ing to annoy Kim.” Rumors also indicate that Kanye bought a house across the street from where Kim lives just to mess with her a little.

Some people like Lillygreen think that the act of purchasing a house could simply be for their kids, and the news could be blowing up the situation to get a bigger audience. Lillygreen states, “I’m more concerned for the kids because it’s hard enough as it is growing up in the spotlight and adding this divorce to the equation would be tough at

such a young age.” If it is truly a marketing tactic to cause more commotion, then it is clearly working.

Many followers of the Kardashian family are heartbroken by Kim and Kanye’s divorce as Seidel said, “I totally thought they were endgame,” but in the end it’s their lives and after all it could just be a publicity stunt.

As Annika Johnson ‘23 puts it, “It’s definitely an unusual couple but if it works out for them that’s great. Live your life!”

SPORTS | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | FEBUARY 3, 2022 | 4

Strong Chemistry Leads to Success of Boys Basketball Team Teammates reflect on achievements so far Jason Rotenberg | Staff Writer

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he Boys’ Varsity Basketball team is off to a hot start this season with a record of 5-2 so far. Assisting the team to their five wins are two of their highest scorers, Grayson Okoronkwo ‘24 and captain Theo Liu ‘22.

One of Okoronkwo’s most memorable performances so far this year is scoring 35 points against Cristo Rey. Okoronkwo expresses, “I feel like our team plays well together,” proving that the great success of the team this season is their stupendous chemistry on the court. Okoronkwo also mentions that his high scoring is thanks to “my teammates getting me open, for like threes and stuff.” This adds on to the fact that the team works incredibly well together, meaning high scoring is produced from an astounding effort from everyone on the court.

Liu’s most memorable performance this season is scoring 37 points against Hill-Murray. Liu says that his high scoring “is a product of what our team does. It is a lot of just moving the ball well, and we [Okoronkwo and Liu] are just the ones

Cleo Kilpatrick ‘24

Top Left, Liu makes a 3 point shot. Top Center, Dane Borene ‘24 is congradulated by team as he walks off the court towards the end of the game. Top Right, Okoronkwo makes a jump shot over Breck opponent. Center, Coach Tyler Biwan talking to players on the court after a timeout during first half. Bottom, teammates stand anxiously waiting for a shot to be made.

who get recognized for it on the stat sheet.”

Liu continues, “I don’t think a ton during my games, sometimes I go

to my teammates and talk about simple plays and strategy things, but for the most part, I kind of just play. I wouldn’t

say there’s a ton going on in my mind.” By keeping his mind clear, Liu is able to focus on the task at hand.

Young Nordic Team Makes Fresh Tracks Team’s still finding ways to bond and create connection this season

For other ways of team bonding to compensate for the trips, on Fridays and sometimes at the end of practices, the team gets to play fun games. There aren’t many high school students on the team.

It mainly consists of Gabi Marmet | middle schoolers, but Staff Writer everyone, especially the high schoolers, mainhe Nordic team tain good connections. has experienced The team pracchallenges this seatices at Theodore Wirth son including the cold Park every weekday weather and COVID-19. after school, right near Catherine Lin ‘25 menBlake.

Lin explains tions, “The meets are how practices work, definitely a challenge. noting that “during We practice, we have usually warm to like up like a wear a couple laps, bunch short ones.” of Lin continues, layers, “Then, the so we coach tells get like skills to really work on and hot technique.” in the Practices are middle Oscar Walsh ’23 always fun of the Thursday January 27th, nordic team had a meet vs multiple and everyone schools at Hiawatha Golf Course.

Pictured: memebers of race.” team getting ready to race on a “warm” Minneasota day. enjoys hanging

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Due to COVID, the team is unable to keep all of their ski bags in the chalet, so they have to keep everything inside their coaches’ cars. Another challenge this year is, in past years for team bonding, Nordic would go to a place called Maple Log, which is a couple hours away in northern Minnesota.

This trip was a large part of their team bonding and a fun, different environment to ski at. Unfortunately, they couldn’t go this year because of Covid.

out with their teammates. When it is too cold to ski outside, Nordic goes to the middle school to do indoor workouts. At practices and meets, many people keep their goals in mind. Alyssa Krig ‘25 mentions her goal for the season, explaining, “For now I’m just trying to beat my personal best…I’m just trying to keep up my endurance and get better technique during practice.’’

During meets, the goal is to have the fastest time getting around the course. As stressful as races can be, the Nordic coach reminds the team not to worry too much and to just do their best and have fun. So far Nordic has had 3 races, but there are many more to come. In the past Nordic has gone to state, but it hasn’t happened in a little while. Hopefully that will change this year!

After the past two seasons getting cut short due to COVID-19, the team has a very bright season ahead and a lot

to look forward to.

The team has amazing chemistry and are producing high scorers. The team also has many more successful seasons ahead because there are, as Liu says, the team has “a lot of young players who play on the team.”

This means there is a lot of young talent for the bears in future seasons, giving them even more to be excited for.

Another factor that has been helping the bears to their many wins this season is their high amount of energy coming from the players and the bench. Liu states, “when the bench has some energy, everyone on the floor has some energy, and it translates to us playing well.” This means that the bears will continue to be a winning team with their high spirits, which will undoubtedly be the case for them in the future due to their outstanding chemistry.

Additionally, teammate Kunga ShidheChokra ‘22, agrees that the team’s success comes down to “our great chemistry.

Everyone in the locker room, we all trust each other to make the right play, to be the best in your role.

With that trust, I feel we can win state, we can do anything we want.”

Mystery Athlete Kate Rekas | Staff Writer

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his month’s mystery athlete is a member of the Bearstangs swim team. He has been swimming for 5 years and quickly fell in love with the sport after his first year on the Blake team in 7th grade. He joined the team in an “impulse decision,” and hasn’t looked back since. His favorite events are distance swims such as the 200M and 500M freestyle and the club event of the mile long freestyle. This athlete is not only a strong swimmer for himself, but is also a valuable asset to the Bearstangs team, both in and out of the pool.

His fellow teammate, Lucio Bollettieri ‘22, expresses, “We go through a lot of the painful distance sets together.” Bollettieri also speaks highly of this athletes team spirit and leadership, as he elaborates, “He brings a lot of team spirit to the team, he’s always behind someone’s lane cheering them on.” Bollet-

tieri continues, “He’s got the right combination of seriousness and confidence but also just a bit of a goofball that we all love.” This athlete’s favorite aspect of the sport is the timing. He says, “The thing that most appeals to me about swimming is the very linear improvement. It’s just time, it’s very rewarding to be able to so clearly see your improvement.” He has high hopes for the season, stating, “as a team I think this is our best season yet. We’ve been winning state in single A, but this year something is different, it’s all coming together, we’re really able to kick it up a notch.”

Find the answer on blakespectrum.org!

Submitted by: Donovan Schall

FOOD | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | 5

Winter Soups Provide Health Benefits, Comfort, Warmth An easy curry soup to prepare in the microwave Maggie Seidel | Editor Emeritus

F rigid temperatures call for warming foods; one of my personal favorite types of dishes happens to be soup.

In particular, soups that incorporate seasonal produce, such as butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin.

It comes as no surprise that Whole Foods’ Pumpkin Curry Soup delights

Maggie Seidel The healthy key ingredients like pumpkin, squash and carrots make it a fun and vibrant soup!

me. The ingredients of the soup in-

clude pumpkin puree, coconut milk, sweet potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, and an assortment of spices (namely turmeric, salt, and garlic). This seasonal product has been a staple in my family this winter, providing the ultimate comfort as an appetizer or side to our dinners.

My preferred method of preparation is heating the soup on the stovetop for nearly ten minutes, serving the soup in a small bowl, and topping the soup with roasted pumpkin seeds and bread, such as a baguette of toasted sourdough. The pumpkin seeds balance the creamy soup blend with a crunchy and salty taste. Not only are these winter flavors comforting, but they are also nutritious. According to Healthline, soups that are based in water (which the pumpkin curry soup is) are an ideal solution to dehydration in the cooler months. Moreover, according to EatingWell, soups with natural ingredients provide a plethora of vitamins and minerals, such as fiber, vitamin A, magnesium, potassium, and iron. The Pumpkin Curry soup con-

Maggie Seidel This close up image of the soup shows the creamy texture of the bright orange dish. Roasted pumpkin seeds are placed on top of the soup to compliment the tumeric spices.

tains all these healthy dietary supplements in the form of a delicious, warming dish. Additionally, pumpkin seeds increase the protein of the dish substantially which makes the soup more filling.

Soups such as this can also be made from scratch at home, provid-

ing a simple way to add vegetables to your diet in the winter and also put leftovers (such as roasted vegetables) to use. The next time you see a soup in a store that contains seasonal vegetables, do not underestimate its delicious taste and all the health benefits it will offer.

Comparing Coffee Shop Chains: Caribou vs. Starbucks Face-off Hot chocolate, iced black coffee ratings Allyson Jay & Lilly Anderson | Managing Editor & Contributing Writer

The

ongoing famous debate: Caribou vs Starbucks. Which is better? We ventured out to Edina where we compared two different drinks: hot chocolate and iced black coffee. For each of the drinks, we purchased the smallest sizes they offered. Caribou drinks also appear to be slightly larger but that could be due to the cup design. Overall the Caribou atmosphere was much friendlier than Starbucks.

First, we tried the Starbucks hot chocolate. The drink, size “short,” came

Allyson Jay Size small drinks are compared from left to right: hot chocolate, iced black coffee, green tea lemonade, and iced chai latte.

with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles on top of the drink. Despite this illusion of a delicious topping, the drink itself could be described as a waste of space. The below average rating of 4/10 is due to its bitter flavor, obvious use of

Trader Joe’s Delicious Favorites Unique, well rated purchases found easily for you Emily Rotenberg & Sage Marmet | Editor Emeriti

Everything

but the bagel sesame seasoning blend is a mixture of both white and black sesame seeds, garlic, onion, sea salt, and poppy seeds. It can be added to anything and everything and has been a popular Trader Joe’s staple ever since its launch in 2017. It became so popular that Trader Joe’s came out with additional food items with the seasoning blend such as salmon and mixed nuts. I am a big fan of everything bagels and would highly recommend this seasoning if you’re into them too. Although it can be a bit garlicky at times, I love adding it to my avocado toast and salads. Give it a try, I’m sure it would taste fantastic

Sage Marmet The well known “Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend” is empty from heavy use!

on almost anything.

Chocolate Brooklyn Babka is a fan favorite in my family. Babka is considered a sweet bread or cake which originated from Jewish communities in Poland. It is a doughy bread/cake consistency with a variety of flavors of filling.

My family loves this because it’s not too sweet and it’s not too dry. It also has the perfect ratio of filling to dough and is then topped with chocolate chips. In addition to their chocolate filled babka, Trader Joe’s also sells cinnamon babka and seasonal pumpkin spice babka which I’m sure are also amazing. Whether you have tried babka before or this is your first time hearing of it, I would for sure give the Trader Joe’s babka a try!

I was introduced to the Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread Mix by one of my good friends. One day I heard her talking about how much she loved the mix so I knew I had to try it. I have always loved pumpkin bread so this was the perfect recipe for my pumpkin bread cravings. Like any good pumpkin bread, this mix turned out very moist and had the perfect pumpkin flavor. There was a fantastic combination of spices and sweetness. Additionally, it’s very easy to make with the only ingredients being the packaged mix, 2 eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Even though it might not seem like the pumpkin season, I would highly recommend this pumpkin bread mix, you won’t regret it. See full story online.

hot water instead of milk, and high price point of $3.15.

On the other hand, the Caribou hot chocolate, which came with the same decadent topping, received a 9/10 at $3.19. This high rating is due to the

drinks flavor and use of milk providing the perfect ratio of chocolate to warm milk. Thus, the hot chocolate at Caribou was significantly better while only 4 cents more.

Next we tried the black coffee. The Starbucks iced black coffee, which was $3.25, received a 6/10. While this drink was bitter (as is any unsweetened black coffee), watered down, and offered an undesirable aftertaste, it was significantly lighter and better than Caribou’s black coffee. Caribou’s coffee was extremely bitter, awfully sour, watered down, and had a very unpleasant aftertaste that polluted our taste buds for the rest of the day. We rated it a 2.5/10. Even though the Caribou coffee was only $2.39, we do not recommend buying it nor would we get it again. See full story online.

Relaxing Turkish Winter Drink New flavors expand tastebud horizons Daria Haner | Contributing Writer

You

have just arrived home after a long day at school and extracurriculars, dreading your upcoming evening of homework and that essay that you completely forgot about. Rather than directly sitting down to your work,

cold winter months. I often find that a hot cup of peppermint tea or salep, a Turkish drink made from ground orchid tubers, gives me a boost in mood and energy, even if they aren’t caffeinated.

I recently stumbled upon an article about teh tarik, a milky tea drink from Malaysia. Made up of condensed milk, black tea, and sometimes sugar, the specialty of teh tarik is in the name: meaning “pulled tea.” It is poured from a high angle between the pot and the serving glass multiple times before serving. This aerates the drink and gives it a light, airy consistency.

Salep Recipe

Daria Haner The frothy top of the drink is its signature feature which happens from the high pouring angle technique.

you take the time to make yourself a delicious cup of your favorite hot chocolate, or perhaps some tea with a spot of honey. Suddenly, you find yourself much happier and cozier, ready to take on your mountain of work. This is the situation I often find myself in, especially in these blustery,

3 tsp ceylon tea (if you don’t have ceylon, any strong black tea will work) 2 tsp sweetened condensed milk 1 cup water 1. Boil the water.

2. In a mug, steep the tea in the water for 3 minutes.

3. Add the condensed milk, stirring well to ensure it is dissolved.

4. Pour the tea between two separate mugs about 3-4 times.

5. If you are feeling brave, try raising the mug while pouring.

6. Enjoy while warm!

ABORTION RIG

INDEPTH | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | 6

To Say What the Law Is

- John Marshall

Extensive constitutional analysis of ‘Roe v. Wade’ Kevin Bizily | Columnist

A

bortion is one of the most contentious subjects in American society.

For 49 years, abortion policy has been dictated by the Supreme Court, not the people’s legislative representatives. In Roe v.

Wade, the Supreme Court established a controversial right to abortion which will be reconsidered this year in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health.

Roe v. Wade began when Norma McCorvey, a Texas woman using the pseudonym Jane Roe, sued district attorney Henry Wade over an abortion ban. In 1973, the case was brought to the Supreme Court. Writing for the Court, Justice Harry Blackmun asserted the

Fourteenth Amendment protects a generic “concept of personal liberty,” including marital privacy.

Since an unwanted pregnancy could cause distress, Justice Blackmun reasoned that privacy must include a right to abortion.

Justice Blackmun’s rationale used substantive due process, a doctrine espousing that “fundamental rights” such as the “concept of personal liberty” are protected under the Fourteenth Amendment’s due process clause. The clause’s text reads, “Nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” It does not mention “fundamental rights,” and permits protected liberty to be taken with due process.

Justice Blackmun then created a trimester framework to balance abortion rights against other interests. Only restrictions presented by basic medical rules were allowed in the first trimester. In the second, regulations had to be “narrowly tailored” to protect the woman’s health, and abortions could be banned in the third trimester.

Justice Blackmun’s trimester framework is nowhere in the Constitution and may be con-

sidered judicial legislation, a violation of separation of powers.

In Planned Parenthood v.

Casey, abortion providers sued over Pennsylvania’s spousal notification and parental consent requirements. Upon reaching the Supreme Court in 1993, the state requested Roe be overturned and the restrictions upheld. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s plurality opinion upheld Roe out of respect for precedent, but changed the enforcement structure: before a fetus could survive out of the womb, no “undue burden” on abortion could be imposed.

Today, the Court is ready to reconsider Roe. When Mississippi prohibited abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy in 2018, abortion clinic Jackson Women’s Health sued and asked courts to strike down the law. Last year, the Supreme Court decided to review the case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, hearing oral arguments in December 2021. Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s remark, “Our Constitution is neither pro-life nor pro-choice,” foreshadows the eventual ruling: given that a majority of our Justices use literalist interpretation, Roe will probably be

reversed.

Justice Antonin Scalia’s dissent in Casey explains the question before the Court, “not whether the power of a woman to abort her unborn child is a ‘liberty’ in the absolute sense, or even whether it is a liberty of great importance to many women… The issue is whether it is a liberty protected by the Constitution of the United States.” Since “the Constitution says absolutely nothing about it,” I expect the Court to, in the words of Justice Scalia, “get out of this area, where we have no right to be, and where we do neither ourselves nor the country any good by remaining.”

This year, the Supreme Court will likely return to original principles of interpretation and overrule Roe v. Wade.

The judiciary, holding only the power to interpret law, has no role in crafting policy. For the first time in almost 50 years, the people would dictate abortion policy through their elected representatives. Your author asks two things: first, research the issue and decide whether you support or oppose legal access to abortion. Second, vote for federal and state politicians with similar views.

are no longer under the control of their parents. Once they are able to obtain an abortion, patients are also required to undergo counseling that discourages abortion

Although it may seem like an issue that does not affect us, abortion has a lasting impact on many communities. Chad Woerner ‘22 observed that “[Abortion]

it more at school with Supreme Court cases. I don’t think a single one of my classes has mentioned it.”

Abortion has tangible effects on our community and despite the controversy, the issue should be addressed more often. Whether in classroom discussions, equity labs, or other productive environments, it is essential to have conversations surrounding abortion.

Student Survey Reve Bernadette Whitely | Editor-in-Chief

In a survey sent to all four grades at the upper school, 216 recent news surrounding the topic.

What are your opinion

87%

PRO-CHOICE

6.9% PRO-LIFE

“I feel like the rights of women need to be respected, but there is also a fine line between a lifeless being and an alive being.”

Should the topic of about in sch

62% 31.5% YES

NO OPINION

“This is a very sensitive topic and shouldn’t be a rushed discussion done over 10 minutes in advisory.”

“Yes, I think in a pro-choice mindset.”

Community Voices Opinions, Creates Discussions Do you feel comfortab ions on aborti rated, “We should talk about Students share emancipated, meaning they lican.” opinions abortions

on

Julia Zhang | Business Manager

A

bortion is an international issue, and with the potential overturning of Roe v. Wade, abortion restrictions throughout the country continue to challenge peoples’ rights to abortions. Though the issue is typically viewed through a wider scope, as the new generation of people rises, it is also an issue that affects those in our community.

In Minnesota, the right to an abortion is protected by the 1995 Doe v. Gomez ruling. However, in 2019, a bill to fully ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, except for in the case of near death or serious injury, advanced in the Minnesota Senate and almost through the Minnesota House of Representatives. Though the bill did not pass, its proposal served as a reminder that historical precedents can always change.

Current Minnesota law states that teens under 18 years old are not allowed to get an abortion unless they receive parental consent or have a judge rule that they are allowed to bypass the requirement. They can get an abortion if they are

“It’s the future...if it doesn’t affect you right now, it will in the future, whether directly or indirectly.”

- Sam Hardy ‘24 before their operations.

When asked about their opinion on abortion in general, Graham Heathcote ‘22 observed that, “The ways in which we have political battles over abortion is pretty inefficient. Regardless of whether you are pro-choice or pro-life, passing policies to shut down abortion clinics for arbitrary reasons as a means to stop abortions is not a good use of funds.”

Specifically pertaining to discussion within the student body, Sam Hardy ‘24 noted that “[Students] get caught up that it’s a political thing [abortion rights] because of other political issues that they get grouped together, when it’s really not a political issue but a human issue... and not whether you are a Democrat or Repub-

affects every generation and more mothers and parents, but it has implications that go on to all families. Surely many people in the Blake community have had to be confronted with making these decisions.” Similarly, Grace Flikke ‘24 pointed out that abortion can “Affect anyone’s future, [and] can still affect you even if you are not able to get pregnant.”

When asked about why our generation as a whole should care about abortion, Hardy stated, “It’s the future. Every issue, whether political or not, is the future of this world. If it doesn’t affect you right now, it will in the future, whether directly or indirectly. Everyone needs to be aware of it.”

Additionally, Flikke elabo-

87%

YES (Combined percentage, depends on the setting) “Yes. But I also feel like it’s not my place to voice my opinion as it doesn’t affect me, and me talking would take up space in a conversation between people who can give birth. (Not to say I won’t use my voice to agree and support others).”

GHTS AT RISK

INDEPTH | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | 7

eals Differing Ideals New Abortion Bans Threaten Reproductive Rights respondents shared their opinions on abortion rights and the

ns on abortion rights?

3.3% 2.8% OTHER

NO OPINION

“I think that it could go either way depending on the situation, but more pro-life than pro-choice.”

“I think that it is the woman’s choice until the baby can feel the pain.”

abortion be talked chool more?

3.7% 2.8% NO

Recent abortion restrictions limit personal choice, bodily autonomy, freedom Cleo Kilpatrick | Sports Editor

T

he past couple months the topic of abortions has been popping up in the news more regularly.

after six weeks with no exception to rape or incest. At six weeks, cardiac activity is detectable in the fetus but many women do not know they are pregnant at six weeks.

This controversy brings up questions of if this law is ethical or fair to people.

Do women have control over their personal health with this law?

Mackenzie Mcilmail, Social Studies teacher,

esting thing is in Mississippi, they’ve moved back the point of viability. The Supreme Court set this standard after Roe v. Wade that abortions can be allowed up to the point of viability which they determined is 24 weeks.”

If Roe v. Wade is overturned, this could cause 12 states to ban abortions after the first trimester of a pregnancy.

These 12 states are called

women it doesn’t just become you [the patient] can’t get an abortion, it’s forcing women to give birth and in a lot of these situations, there are certain jobs you can’t do if you are pregnant, you might have to take maternity leave which means you are not getting paid because we don’t have paid maternity leave in this country.” When considering this issue, it is

Which one Will Texas regulate?

OTHER

“Politics need to be taught in school but in an unbiased manner where all perspectives can be heard. That can be difficult to achieive.”

ble voicing your opinion at school?

In light of the abortion ban in Texas, many have been troubled with the lack of consistency from the Texas government. Activists have found it confusing that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced an executive order in Aug. 2021 banning government COVID-19 vaccination mandates in the state. However, after signing the new abortion law, Abbott tweeted that every “unborn child with a heartbeat will be saved from the ravages of abortion.”This political cartoon aims to call attention to the hypocrisy, and even irony, within Texas laws.

Bernadette Whitely

6.5% 4.6% NO OPINION NO

“I don’t want to lose friends because of it.”

“Yes. Because that perspective goes with the majority.”

In Sept. 2021, The Texas said, “[The] Texas case Heartbeat Bill was passed. essentially deputizes evThis law bans abortions eryday citizens to be able to sue anyone who helps provide an abortion. So that could be the abortion doctor or it could be the guy who drives you [the patient] in an Uber to an abortion clinic.”

The Texas law is causing women to have less rights and individual citizens in Texas to have more over a pregnant woman’s body.

This interaction is strictly just between citizens of Texas. The government doesn’t have any power in this, they can’t control who brings lawsuits forward and who sues who.

This is not the only abortion law that has brought up controversy.

Mississippi is challenging Roe v. Wade which protects a woman’s right to get an abortion without excessive government restriction. If the Mississippi law is found to be constitutional then this would overturn Roe v. Wade.

Melody Lee Mcilmail said, “The inter-

trigger states which have trigger laws, meaning that they have an unenforceable law that could be enforced if a key change in circumstances occurs. In this case, the key change would be overturning Roe v. Wade. The Mississippi case is still being argued in the Supreme Court right now. Mcilmail says there are two possible ways the court could rule this case: “The court could either say ‘that’s the new term of viability, 15 weeks and that’s going to allow abortion bans across the country at 15 weeks. Or, they could just overturn Roe v. Wade all together.’” However, we probably won’t hear the results of this case until the end of June 2022.

When thinking about these abortion bans it’s important to think about women who are pregnant and have to carry this child for over nine months. Mcilmail said, “When we think about taking abortion rights for

important to think about all the factors which include the process women have to go through when pregnant. They aren’t just supporting themselves but also another life. These abortion bans give women limited freedom to chose if being pregnant and having a child is the right thing for them.

The silver lining to this issue, if there is one, would be that more people are talking about it, especially young women.

Mcilmail states, “I think a lot of younger women are more tuned into this issue. Technically [they’re] the ones that will be most impacted.” Mcilmail continued, “It galvanizes women to get out and vote, the vast majority of Americans support abortion rights and when you start polling women the numbers are even higher.”

This issue could encourage more women to vote and stand up for rights.

This is not an issue that should be ignored.

SCI-TECH & GAMES | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | 8

Journaling Relieves Stress, Anxiety Computer Sciences Remain Underrated Different ways to journal have specific benefits Amelia Bush | Arts & Culture Editor

J

ournaling can have many positive effects on mental health, like calming nerves, dealing with stress and anxiety, creating plans for homework, identifying problems, and combating negative thoughts.

Personally, I have tried

University of Rochester Medical Center, journaling “helps you create order when your world feels like it’s in chaos.

You get to know yourself by revealing your most private fears, thoughts, and feelings. Look at your writing time as personal relaxation time. It’s a time when you can destress and wind down.”

The next type of journaling is bullet journaling. Bullet journaling is a more creative ap-

colors and relax in ways I can’t during school or sports.

The final method of journaling I have tried is fill-in journals.

These are journals that have different prompts to get you to think more about. I currently have two one entitled “Calm the Chaos” where it asks a few questions a day about what I did to take care of myself, my most memorable moment of my day, and some ques-

Amelia Bush Bullet journaling includes creatively planning, organizing, and expressing ideas. Pages can be broken down into years, months, weeks, and days. three different types of journaling and all have worked well for me.

The first type is freehand journaling. This consists of writing down how my day went, how I’m feeling, what I’m stressed about, and any other random thoughts I want to add. According to an article by the

proach to normal journaling. It’s a mix of planning, doodling and writing. For this type, you use a bulleted journal and create different monthly spreads. The result is a planner-like journal. Personally, I like bullet journaling because it can be a creative outlet where I can use fun

tions about what I want to do tomorrow. The other fill-in journal I have is called “One Question a Day, a 5 Year Journal.” This journal asks you one random question a day. This goes on for five years with the same question being asked each year to see how your answers changed.

Courses mostly unheard of, yet provide important skills, learning opportunities

collaborative environment that it encouraged, and it made him want to do more coding in the future.

Kelly Deng’ 25 shared that while she

to change, as Blake is implementing more computer science classes in the middle school. Interim computer science teacher Katie O’Bryan hopes that “from there

Ahan Devgun | Staff Writer

A

ccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of computer science is growing much faster than other jobs at an average of 16% per year. However, according to an NAEP transcript study, while the amount of students who are taking STEM classes are increasing, the amount of students taking computer science classes are decreasing.

Blake offers multiple computer science classes: AP Comp Sci A and Principles and Game Development.

Yet, they seem to not be as popular as other classes.

Chas Sabre ‘24 says that “there’s eight or nine people in [Game Development], it seems less popular than other classes because coding feels off to the side, but I think that you don’t need any prior skills and you can just go in and learn.” Sabre shares that he enjoyed game development after he learned about the course from one of his friends and he was a fan of the

Zoe Florida hasn’t taken a computer science class through Blake, she’s heard about the difficulty of coding at Blake. Deng shares that she’s heard that “it can be a difficult class, [but] after getting into it, they’ve really liked it and they like the opportunity to take a different science class rather than the ‘basics’ like biology, chemistry, and physics.”

Deng adds to this by saying that “for a lot of people [who don’t take computer science] it’s a scheduling problem, and they would rather take other classes.”

However, this lack of promotion is seeming

we will see a change in how many people are taking these classes, since the earlier you get exposed the earlier you can get an interest in it.”

She adds to this by saying that “[your] exposure to computer science in general comes from family members or friends, but I think that it’s never too late to take a computer science class, since I originally discovered computer science when taking it for my math major.” Encouraging everyone to stay open to computer science courses, and new oportunities.

Wuzzles Allyson Jay | Managing Editor

Find the answers on blakespectrum.org!

PERSPECTIVES | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | 9

What Is The COVID-19 Booster Vaccine?

Booster Protects From Sickness Yet Does Not Provide Complete Immunity Third shots developed to combat Omicron, variants Evan Vezmar | Opinions Editor

A

s the COVID-19 pandemic rages on and new variants become more and more contagious, booster shots of the COVID vaccine are now recommended for people ages 12 and up.

The CDC denotes the reason for boosters as, “public health experts are starting to see reduced protection over time against mild and moderate disease, especially among certain populations.” The booster shot increases the immune response a person has if they have COVID, meaning that the vaccine does not reduce the likelihood of getting the virus but it reduces the chance of getting very sick or dying. In addition, because the Omicron variant is

much more contagious than previous variants of COVID, the CDC explains that, “COVID-19 boosters help broaden and strengthen protection against Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants.”

Currently, the entire Upper School student body and faculty is eligible for the vaccine.

PK-12 Blake School Nurse, Carissa Osterud, mentions that “everybody who’s had the booster has an extra layer of protection… Early stud-

ies show that the boosters are really effective at helping people prevent disease and more importantly, preventing serious illness and hospitalization.”

Research about COVID has only begun a year ago so scientific information about the virus is still very new, but even so, Osterud explains, “I think that the more people that get the booster, the better we’ll be as a community, not just at Blake, but as a state, as a nation, as a

world. I think the more immunity we can provide to people, the more protection the better.”

While as of January 28th, there are 70 recorded cases throughout all grade levels, case numbers have begun to decline, potentially indicating there has been a peak in the Omicron variant’s wave. Nevertheless, masking rules are still being enforced as uncertainty looms over students and faculty. In addition, misinformation continues to be detrimental to the fight against the pandemic.

Osterud emphasizes that, “I think that there’s a misconception that, ‘if I get all of my doses of the vaccine, I shouldn’t get COVID or I won’t get COVID and I don’t think that’s true and I don’t think that’s the goal. Again, the goal is really to prevent that serious illness and hospitalization for everyone.

You’re less likely to get it if you’re up to date on your vaccinations which means including that booster if you’re more than five months out from your primary series.”

“COVID booster shots remain safer than contracting COVID when community infection is widespread.”

-Dr. David Estrin Pediatrician at South Lake Pediatrics

“Ever ybody “One must still take precautions who’s had the and adhere to CDC recommen- booster has an extra layer of dations and state and local protection.” requirements.”

Julia Everett

- Dr. David Estrin

- Carissa Osterud

Reporting by Yoni Zacks | Staff Writer

Blake School PK-12 Nurse

Students Should Receive Booster Shot Immediately as Necessary Protection Being ‘fully vaccinated’ includes third shot, important against variants Oscar Walsh | Staff Photographer

T

he recent rises in COVID-19 cases make it more important than ever to do everything possible to stay in school and avoid getting sick. The booster shot offers one of the best

methods to avoid getting COVID. With rising cases, more and more students are missing school and sports during the 10-day quarantine. While it may seem there is little more that can be done to avoid COVID, the booster is one of the best measures available.

The booster shot helps prevent contracting new COVID variants, as well as lessen the severity of symptoms. The booster’s antibodies react faster than the original vaccine which provides

more protection against new variants such as Omicron. The booster is available 6 months after receiving the second vaccine and adds fasteracting protection against COVID. The original vaccine doses are less successful against new variants such as Delta and Omicron.

The vaccine by itself is an effective way to keep yourself and others safe, however, new variants and a rise in cases lower the effectiveness of the vaccine alone.

With new variants, an extra shot boosts the effectiveness of vaccines.

The shot reduces both the spread and contraction of the virus. COVID outbreaks inside and outside of school can be diminished considerably if everyone receives the booster shot.

An extra shot can significantly decrease the possibly dangerous symptoms of the Delta or Omicron variants. Although it may be difficult to find an appointment for the booster shot, it

can pay off greatly later on. Not only does the booster act much faster than the original vaccine, but it also covers the imperfections of the original vaccine against new variants.

The booster has been approved recently for students under 18. It may prove more difficult to find an appointment for the shot, however, the benefits far outweigh any cons. When asked about the booster shot, Aidan Schmidt ‘24 says, “I do not have the

booster, but I plan to get it soon … I also think people should get it as soon as they can.” The pros of the booster far outweigh the possible downsides. While the side-effects of the booster may vary, often the reaction to the booster is similar to that from the original vaccines. AJ Khan ‘23 explains his symptoms of the shot, noting, “I had a sore arm and a little bit of a fever … I expected my reaction to be similar to the first shot.”

OPINIONS | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | FEBRUARY 3 , 2022 | 10

How to navigate school amid contradictory, controversial rules !"#$%&"'& ()%&*(+''

A

s new masking protocols and rules regarding COVID-19 arise, concerns over the spread of the new Omicron variant heighten. The most prominent being a lack of consistency between guidelines being communicated through emails, and the reality of what rules are enforced.

For example, students eat close together and unmasked in the lunchroom, creating a dangerous environment for the spread of COVID. Outside of eating lunch students are required to keep their masks on at all times, a necessary safety measure that is seemingly disregarded during lunch time.

During lunch, people act as though COVID doesn’t

exist. Additionally, the recent rule prohibiting students from taking their masks off to eat or drink outside of the lunchroom is rarely enforced. Similarly with wearing masks correctly, it seems that only sometimes this rule is followed or enforced.

This lack of consistency can lead to students assuming that these protocols don’t need to be followed exactly and aren’t important. However rules surrounding masking are necessary to minimize the spread of COVID, especially with the Omicron variant.

We recognize the difficulty of the current situation in terms of how to enforce masking and social distancing, specifically amidst the current rapid increase of COVID cases and spread that is occurring. The responsibility lies also with stu-

dents to be aware of the importance of these protocols and why they are in place, as well as making sure others are following these rules, instead of relying solely on teachers. We also believe that more communication regarding COVID cases in the school would lead to a better understanding of what is happening and a more secure feeling.

Overall, we as a staff acknowledge and appreciate the clarity from the administration surrounding COVID protocols. Yet, there remains to be some contradicting rules and overall uncertainty about whether or not the newly made rules are hard and fast. We call on students and teachers to maintain awareness of and respect the safety measures that slow the spread of COVID, and keep school inperson.

New Year’s Resolutions Still Serve Purpose Goals provide sense of purpose, motivation Will Rosenblum | Editor Emeritus

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our thousand years ago, the Babylonians became the first people to make new years resolutions, making promises to the gods. Much later, the Romans, too, followed a similar practice. The modern version of New Years Resolutions can be traced back to 1740 when John Wesely, the father of Methodism, created the “Covenant Renewal Service,”

which offered a replacement for the typical rowdy New Year’s celebrations.

In the 21st century, New Years resolutions are largely secular, but their prevalence has not subsided, with around 45% of adults making New Years resolutions annually. The idea has become synonymous with packed gyms for one month, unfilled promises, and overall futility. However, it’s still important to set New Years resolutions. Resolutions lay out a clear path to something you desire, and establishes a clear intention you can build on even if

you don’t go through with your resolution.

Additionally, the date of January 1st causes the “fresh start effect” which increases motivation to accomplish ones goals. So, around the beginning of the new year is the best time to set a goal. In other words, simply trying to go for a New Year’s resolution can help even if you fail the goal itself.

Despite the innate feebleness in simply stating one’s goal, these abstract ideas can often result in concrete effects; and after all, it doesn’t hurt to try.

ALICE Drills Pose Risk to Students Various flaws within each step of process create confusion Winnie Ulland | Staff Writer

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ith more reports of school shootings every year, Blake has decided to implement federally endorsed lockdown drills in the hopes of ensuring the safety of their students should anything happen.

ALICE, which is a series of protacles, stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform,

all know how to handle our personal safety. Still, the program is being enforced, which is problematic because the only training or information that the school has provided about the process was a fifteen minute video with a target audience younger than highschoolers.

The program starts with an alert, stating that there is an intruder and to begin the ALICE protocol.

Doors are locked, students are counted and lights are turned off. Although this is safer than being out in the

Julia Everett Counter, Evacuate, and containes some of the original lockdown, but new layers as well. Even though the school believes that the ALICE procedures have our best interests at heart, the plan is flawed, and creates unsafe conditions for everyone involved.

For starters, why do high school students need a lockdown procedure?

Presumably at this point we

open, the Lockdown procedure leaves for vulnerable students because the locks in the school can be easily broken. Another issue is if an intruder gets into a classroom, there is no way for students to escape.

Inform is not a step, but a plan. Instant communication and updates of the intruder is one of the better aspects of the program, allowing for less pan-

ic and better planning for safe escape routes. However, the Counter protocol leaves a lot to be desired.

Asking students and faculty to fight back against an intruder is risky, especially in classrooms with less materials. Is asking students to fight against dangerous assailants safe?

Finally in the ALICE protocol is Evacuation. In the Evacuate procedure, real time information is used to help teachers make the best decision on when and how to get their students out of the building safely. After evacuation, students are expected to meet at a designated spot, leaving them exposed to further attacks, confused as to what is going on, and panicked all together.

Although all lockdown procedures procedures have their flaws - unsafe conditions, disorientation, unnecessary panic for drills - the ALICE procedure offers up even more. Although both the Alert and Inform steps of the protocol are well planned out, the rest of the procedure is questionable at best. Asking high school students to attack an assailant is foolish and dangerous.

Lockdowns in classrooms, especially in areas with fewer materials and/or more windows, are unsustainable and put students at risk no matter how well executed they are. And evacuation, especially from upper level floors, is idiotic. Asking students to plan an escape route from their school creates a sense of unrest for an unlikely tragedy. Although it is a good idea to have a plan in place, the ALICE procedure is not the right one for Blake.

Spectrum Staff Blake faculty and students shared their New Year’s Resolutions for 2022. Goals ranged from exercising and eating healthier to finishing TV shows.

Why Being ‘That Girl’ Is Bad For You Unrealistic body and productivity standards leads to toxic lifestyle Bernadette Whitely | Editor-in-Chief

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he “that girl” trend has been exploding in popularity over the last few months on TikTok and Youtube. Usually taking the format of a “day in the life,” viewers are able to see everything someone does in a day. People have even created instructional videos that provide steps to become “that girl.” Videos that look like they came from a Pinterest board feature a horrifyingly toxic blend of classic social media wellness tropes like avocado toast and early morning yoga with self-optimization taking the form of toxic productivity.

“That girl” has her life together. She is professional, wakes up at 5:30 in the morning, works out, eats a perfectly aesthetically pleasing breakfast, and writes out her goals for the day all before 7:00. From the outside, these videos appear to be helpful as they can motivate viewers to be the best version of themselves.

However, this hyper-productive and unrealistic lifestyle trap people in a cycle of

never-ending work without actually taking time to rest.

Additionally, the creators of these videos are often conventionally attractive, thin white women that represent a non-diverse image of health. The extreme lack of diversity in this trend is detrimental to viewers because when we hold one privileged image of health as the ultimate example and goal, those who do not fit within those categories can

set unrealistic depictions of what “healthy” actually looks like. This trend places aesthetics above all else when in reality, we should focus on how we feel in our daily lives. It promotes an unrealistic version of perfection and sets viewers up for failure.

There are better ways to live a healthy and holistic lifestyle that does not include promoting toxic productivity and diet culture.

Amelia Bush Journaling is a creative outlet to remain organized and create goals. While the “that girl” trend has become more focused on aesthetics rather than actual health, journaling provides a blend of both art and organization to better one’s health.

feel a diminished sense of self-worth.

Similarly, under-eating is common in this trend as aesthetic standards and pressures of diet culture

Focusing on how you feel rather than how aesthetically pleasing your life is and productive you are will allow you to obtain healthier goals.

OPINIONS | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | 11

Pro Athletes Influence Billionaire Space Race Avoids Facing Consequences Illegal activity results in setting a bad example Yoni Zacks | Staff Writer

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thletes. They are role models, people that are looked up to, people’s heroes, part of our lives. They are supposed to be good examples. They aren’t supposed to commit crimes or do other illegal activities. But there are so many athletes that do. A very recent example is when Henry Ruggs murdered a woman in a car accident where he was speeding at 156 miles per hour. Athletes are held to a higher standard for a reason, and when they (at least pub-

er students, and they’ve said the same thing. The person that they love and care about is no longer living due to a professional athlete, a role model, driving drunk.

This is not the example athletes are supposed to be.

However, I am not saying all athletes are bad. Kirk Cousins, the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings is very involved in the local community. He recently donated $500,000 to the Vikings’ social justice committee. In 2020, he visited the People Serving People’s shelter and provided gifts. He also has a charity foundation called The Kirk and Julie (his wife) Cousins Foundation. This sets a really

Athletes. They are role models, people that are looked up to, people’s heroes, part of our lives.

They are supposed to be good examples. licly) do not meet that standard, it sets a really bad example for kids and people who look up to them. However, there are more good athletes than bad athletes.

Henry Ruggs was someone that I really liked as a football player, however, after learning about the crash, I felt really bad for the victim’s (Tina Tintor) family. I’ve discussed this with oth-

good example because he is getting involved in the local community, which shows that he cares about causes and is not just here for money.

So many athletes have committed crimes, and that can really impact your view of them and how you look up to them. Nevertheless, most athletes are good people who are involved in their communities.

Space colonization distracts from global warming crisis Samantha Singh | Contributing Writer

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n Dec. 19, 2021, the Falcon 9 rocket, a private vehicle owned by SpaceX, was launched, alleviating sustainability concerns regarding space exploration with the end goal of colonizing Mars.

Suddenly, the idea of space exploration has become startlingly close, and less of a trope from a sci-fi movie.

However, the romanticism surrounding the terraformation of Mars, and the space tourism industry as a whole, is not only idealistic–it’s incredibly dangerous.

Space capitalists like Elon Musk, owner and founder of SpaceX, have released concerning statements that acknowledge Mars as having “no Earth-based government” that carries “authority or sovereignty over Martian activities” and that ‘“SpaceX will move to impose our own legal regime” to provide authority over Mars. This capitalist trick to curtail government involvement is particularly concerning, as the US government has no agency to instill any pre-existing labor or human rights protections on the planet. SpaceX is known for prioritizing profit over the well-being of their workers – many infamous lawsuits have detailed a toxic work cul-

ture rampant with sexual harassment and lack of workplace safety regulations, all swept under the rug by the company.

There is no doubt that they will enforce similar exploitative labor practices on Mars. Mars colonization and similar endeavors are simply a

ural resources. The entitlement American private enterprises possess when it comes to exploring the frontier of space skirts dangerously into Manifest Destiny ideology, that we have the obligation to colonize space despite the ruthless exploitation of land and minority groups

way for the bourgeoisie to maximize profit while escaping government regulations needed to maintain healthy working conditions.

The reality of space travel is ugly in more ways than one. For one, space exploration propagates Western colonization and imperialism. Institutions of oppression are inevitably bound to seep into space endeavors, specifically when it comes to claims over nat-

that will inevitably follow.

This harmful ideology, a main motivating factor for space exploration, spins stories of ultra-nationalistic white men justifying exploitation to secure existence for the future generations, a notable white nationalistic dog whistle.

Manifest Destiny during early American history did guarantee existence for future generations, however they were exclusively white generations.

To make matters

Julia Everett

worse, the rise in space tourism–an industry that sends civilians to space for leisurely reasons– holds deadly consequences for the environment.

Wildfires, record heat waves, increased floods, among other rapid shifts in weather conditions, are just a few of the many climate disasters currently endangering all life on Earth. As flights to space double and triple in numbers in the next decade, in addition to the rockets, so too will carbon emissions and burning fuels, advancing the destruction of the ozone layer.

The irony is not lost on anyone; billionaires push space-age Manifest Destiny and utopian daydreams on Mars as a way to escape the climate change that they largely accelerated, while continuing to fund the destruction of the atmosphere. However, many climate scientists acknowledge that it is not too late to rectify the situation on Earth.

The facts are simple: Mars colonization is a form of utopianism, providing an escape for the bourgeoisie rather than a haven for all people. Conversely, climate change is a very real and devastating threat that requires immediate attention. Instead of shuttling money and precious resources into inhospitable planets like Mars, billionaires should reinvest in the Earth to ensure the safety of future generations. As countless climate activists and organizations have echoed throughout the years, there is no Planet B.

Girls’ Sports Denied Same Respect as Boys’ Sports Current culture values boys’ sports over girls’ Amelia Bush | Arts and Culture Editor

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he amount of respect girls’ sports receive at Blake is horrendously low. The lack of respect ranges from low attendance rates to simply not getting the same attention as boys’ sports at Blake. There are countless examples of this; if you compare the attendance rates for girls state tournaments and boys state tournaments, the difference is so vast. This is partially due to some sports having less sufficient facilities. For sports like swimming and tennis it can be hard to find locations where there are enough seats for the

entire school, but centers in the University of Minnesota work great for boys’ sports.

Another important bias to acknowledge is how sports in general are perceived even without a gender component.

For example, it is a common misconception that cheering in tennis is not allowed when it actually is. Smaller details like those listed do account for some of the discrepancies with attendance of certain sports, but the bigger issue is a lack of respect. It is up to the students to support each other and hold each other accountable.

It is completely understandable if going to sports isn’t your thing or if you prefer one sport over another, but it is very disheartening when girls sports have extremely low atten-

dance rates but the male counterparts have people showing up.

This is a cultural issue within Blake and it is one that we have the power to change.

On more occasions than one, I have heard that

people’s sports have been laughed at, or people tell me that others laugh at them and don’t understand the work they put into their sport because they are girls.

There should not be a large disparity between

the attendance rates of sports that are the same but one is girls and the other is boys.

These differences are also seen in the amount of followers Instagram accounts have, for example, Blake

Julia Everett

Girls Basketball’s Instagram account only has 140 followers whereas Blake Boys Basketball has 460 followers. Even the girls sports with higher follower counts don’t match their male counterparts. An example of this is hockey.

Blake Girls Hockey has a follower count of 549 but Blake Boys Hockey has a follower count of 779. Girls sports are not seen in the same way as boys’ sports by the students at Blake.

Sports have a large impact on school spirit and as students we need to support all sports.

This will help keep players motivated and encouraged when playing and will result in sports being more fun for the people watching and playing which is what sports are all about.

FEATURES | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | FEBUARY 3, 2022 | 12

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Rowan Wallin

Driving to school and long, cold commutes aren’t just relevant to those who are licensed. Underclassmen, like Geneva Stockton ‘25, are often driven to school by their siblings. Stockton shares,“I fall asleep in the car, so I like the fact that I’m not the one driving.”

Morning Commutes

A Rise in Accidents

Students speak on changes in driving to school, road conditions

Icy roads lead to more risk for new drivers in student parking lot

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inter is good for a lot of things: it provides the perfect climate for winter activities such as skiing and skating, it cools us off after hot and humid Minnesota summers, and it gives us all an excuse to curl up and watch movies all day. One thing it is not good for, however, is driving. Every winter, morning commutes to school seem to drag on, the traffic is annoying and the roads are usually slippery. But is this extended commute time a real reflection of the season or is it just perception?

Science teacher Will Bohrnsen lives around 45 minutes from school in the Delano area and has two different ways to get to school. He explains that unless there is ice and snow his winter commute isn’t too much longer than in other seasons but crucially when there is a heavy snowfall his commute can double.

Daphne Dresner ‘24, lives extremely close to school. However, she similarly experiences varying conditions depending on the season. Whether it’s snow, rain or shine she drives down a big hill to get to school and explains that it still is more dangerous to drive in the winter.

She describes, “The hills in this neighborhood are really really steep and windy and they get really icy in the wintertime because the plows don’t always come through. It can be really

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Zoey Ueland | Student News Editor

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Zoey Ueland | Student News Editor

dangerous to go up and down those I mean I’ve slid, I think we’ve all slid on those hills my parents slide all the time so it’s definitely more dangerous to drive in the winter.”

While Bohrnsen and Dresner have drastically different commute times, most students fall somewhere in the middle. While they usually have to take the freeway which can expose them to additional dangers, it typically takes less than 45 minutes. One such student is Jonah Yousha ‘24 who lives in the Minnetonka/Hopkins area about 10-15 minutes away from the Northrup campus.

He details, “ I would say based on the weather it’s usually about five minutes longer [in the winter] because…well one, traffic is worse and two, you want to drive slower because you want more control over the car.”

He furthers that in total his commute is longer because he warms up the car before school for around ten minutes, something his dad aptly titled, “waking up the car” and tries to get to school earlier to avoid any collisions and traffic in the student parking lot. He explains, “My brother and I switch off who drives and I always tell him ‘lets try and get there early so the parking lot isn’t crowded when we get there’ because I feel like that’s where a lot of accidents happen.” No matter the distance from one’s house to school, winter’s gift of snow and ice seems to add additional time and some stress onto everyone’s commutes so staying aware of surroundings and road conditions is vital until the snow starts to melt again.

inter roads prove treacherous when coupled with the influx of new drivers as they make for a rather risky student parking situation. Eloise Walsh ‘24 experienced this first hand at the beginning of Jan. 2022. Although she was not in the driver’s seat, she was rearended by another student as she sat waiting to pull into the parking lot on a snowy morning.

While it was a rearend rather than a full-on crash she explains how easily it happened, saying, “It was just due to the icy roads that day cause it was pretty slick and so [the other person] pressed the brakes just slowing down because we were stopped and they just skidded into us.” The crash can be attributed to the wet road conditions as Walsh elaborates, “I’d say it was definitely the fault of the roads in this situation because they were in control until the ice made [the other driver] skid.”

Even though comparatively rear-ends are usually less impactful than other car crashes, Walsh still notes, “It was kind of surprising I guess, obviously. I didn’t know exactly what happened at first cause I just never experienced anything like that, we

just got jolted forward.

Luckily it wasn’t that big of a ‘crash’ we were stopped, we were just kind of moved. I was just kind of surprised I was like ‘what was that?’ And then realized that the car behind us had just bumped in.

But from there, we were kinda just in shock but then calmed down, you know it’s fine.” She continues that this experience causes somewhat of a “reality check” and has reminded her to be extra cautious in snowy conditions.

The student parking lot has been cause for concern in such scenarios. As Walsh describes it, “a lot of students who just learned how to drive all in one parking lot.”

However, not all students experience fears of crashing, in such an area. While Daphne Dresner ‘24 agrees that driving in a fully student controlled area is somewhat worrying she also notes, “I think [the parking lot is] generally pretty safe, I’ve heard about a couple of accidents but I think as long as kids are looking in their mirrors, in their backup cameras for pedestrians...Just as long as people are looking at the road and aren’t focused on honking at their friends, that’s probably a good way to be safer.” However, as winter conditions prove, it is especially important to participate in these safety measures by constantly keeping an eye out and looking for spots of ice.