restriction.SPSis
Lidia Zur Muhlen '24 Rebecca Barnard '24
Furniture Policy
'24
When Covid hit, St. Paul’s School students struggled to regain the community feel that they all loved. With masks and strict social distancing rules, many deemed it almost impossible to make new friends and reconnect with old ones. Not being allowed to use the Dining Hall in the middle of winter was definitely a challenge! Traditions that make SPS so unique—like daily Chapel—were reduced to weekly Zoom sessions that failed to facilitate a community feel.
Having extra furniture has been a fun way for students to make their dorm rooms feel more comfortable and personal based on their needs. In the past, students at St. Paul’s School were allowed to have an extra piece of furniture in their rooms, such as a couch or a comfy chair. When COVID-19 swept the country, social distancing and less clutter became the key for ensuring the health of the SPS community. This meant that students could no longer bring extra furniture. Some students thought this new regulation on furniture was only due to COVID-19, so they were surprised when they found out that the furniture restriction from last year is still in effect this school year. There has been much curiosity in the reasoning behind this rule, and students are interested in the future of the furniture guideline at SPS.
April, May, and June” for them to pack everything up. Not only did it take an especially long time to clean everything out, but SPS became aware of how much students had been keeping in their dorm rooms. When Mrs. Ellinwood saw everything in one space, she was truly in awe of all the different things she saw. She said that much of the furniture “was broken, dirty, and most importantly, not up to fire code.” Due to fire code restrictions, it became especially clear how dangerous some of the furniture was. Much of this leftover furniture also had to be thrown away, causing a large amount of waste to come out of this situation. Mrs. Ellinwood said that she did not realize the “magnitude of this issue, until it was all in one place.”
When students were unable to return to campus in March 2020, SPS was left with an endless amount of “stuff” that students couldn’t bring home. Dean of Students Mrs. Suzanne Ellinwood described the situation: “The entire rink was filled to the ceiling with stuff that came from students’ rooms.” The SPS staff were exceptionally overwhelmed, and Mrs. Ellinwood said it took “March,
But as the new school year opened, the administration worked hard to bring back the tight-knit community everyone was missing. Students returned to new rules. After a short two-week quarantine, masks were“Myremoved.favorite thing that returned after Covid for me was Chapel because that is the only time that both faculty and students are together in one space, under one roof,” says Annette Chun ’22. The return of Chapel four times a week is something that more than half the school had not been able to participate
After Covid Skylar Christoffersen
The deans also had a “new awakening to some issues of equity” in dorm rooms. It became clear that some students could afford to order anything they wanted, but other students did not have this option. While some students were decking their rooms out with various different pieces of furniture and decorations, other students' rooms were sparse without extra furnishings. Mrs. Ellinwood said that it seemed like “dorm rooms were another place where inequity
was very obvious.” Although there are other aspects of SPS that are inequitable, dorm rooms are one of the aspects of SPS life that the deans can regulate. In order to improve the equity in student life, they needed to act accordingly and introduce the furniture
Additionally,in. Saturday nights have seen the return of Rectory open houses. “Everyone comes together. People play the piano, the sheer amount of shoes, and the dogs?” says Morgan Boone ’23.
The Pelican Vol. LXXII, No. 1 November 14, 2021 Hungry Pelican P. 2 SPSP.Lingo3 New Faculty Profiles P. 4/7 The Mystery Skeleton P. 2 EditorialP.8
Both of these new community spaces in the wake of Covid have brought new friends together. Without the barrier of masks, people are able to finally feel like a community. “We weren’t able to gather as a group. We were really lacking our energy and momentum,” says Eden Wright ’22, “I really missed going to games, screaming on the bleachers, going to dances, and Chapel. It was really just being together.” Simple acts like these make SPS the close community that it is and the reason so many new students “Say Yes” to SPS. Our communal resilience and strength allowed us to thrive in the middle of a pandemic, adhering to health and safety guidelines while still maintaining the rich culture that makes SPS home.
not the only school that has furniture regulations. Mrs. Ellinwood reached out to the deans of multiple other schools. Schools such as St. George’s School and Deerfield Academy have similar rules that allow students to only bring a desk chair. The only school we heard from that allowed extra furniture was Brooks, which still had a long list of restrictions. If there is a rule that the deans need to look at because it is not suiting the students at SPS, they are willing to discuss it. Regarding the furniture policy, they may be willing to add a few things back, but they are unsure how to safely and fairly carry it out. As far as equity goes, there are certain aspects of SPS life they can oversee, and other aspects that they cannot watch as closely. The deans want to act accordingly to make the student experience at SPS the best that it can be.
½1112Ingredients:cookiesripebananas,mashed¼cupoatstspcinnamon(optional)tspvanillaextract(optional)cupadd-ins(chocolatechips, nuts,
The Current “Mystery” Skeleton:
The Hungry Pelican is back! Here you will find dorm-friendly recipes that require few ingredients and can be made in no time! Cooking is one of my favorite pastimes, and it is a great way to unwind from our busy lives on campus. All of my recipes are quick, simple, and require no cooking experience. Are you a salad-bar whiz? Barely able to make a piece of toast? Sick of Flik? Look no further!
Mix all ingredients together until well combined. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, or until the oats are beginning to turn golden brown. Enjoy before your dorm does!
Xoxo, @onehungryballerina
Currently standing in Dr. Theresa Gerardo-Gettens’ (Dr. G) classroom is a human skeleton of unknown origins. The skeleton did indeed belong to a soul once, but who it exactly belonged to remains a mystery. In an interview conducted with Dr. G, she explained that her assumption is that the skeleton was brought to St. Paul’s School in the 1920s-30s. She believes that a prior science teacher “called up” a prestigious medical school, such as Dartmouth or Harvard, and asked to have the skeleton sent to SPS. “Back in the day,” she elaborates, “you could do that.” SPS is currently preparing to acquire another human skeleton, but the school, as Dr. G explains, is unable to receive human remains directly nowadays.
The Hungry Pelican
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The late Christopher Gray ’68, in return for the everlasting impact SPS had on him, emailed SPS in 2016 requesting that his skeleton be kept there in Dr. G’s classroom. As reported by Lizzie Widdicombe in The New Yorker in 2017, he lightheartedly asked to leave it on display for ten years or “until it gets stolen by the Sixth Form.” (Let’s hope they don’t get any ideas!) Although SPS is not allowed to receive human remains as a gift,
As of 2017, the remains of Gray were being sent to the University of Tennessee to be cleaned, which was estimated to be completed within 18 months. The plan from there was to transport the skeleton to the Smithsonian to be “rearticulated.” As of now, SPS has yet to receive the new skeleton, but hopes are high that it won’t be long before Gray joins us on campus!
Recipe
Madison Rosato '23
Yield: 4-5 raisins)
TheSkeletonMystery
they have decided to accept it in the form of a loan from the Smithsonian Institution.
In order to preserve the bones, and prevent decay and bacteria in the future, a skeleton must be cleaned before placing it on display. So, Gray’s family, hoping to fulfill his wishes, contacted multiple skull-cleaning associations. However, everyone declined since there was no medical reasoning for this procedure. Determined to satisfy his father’s dream, Gray’s son discovered a loophole when the Forensic Anthropology Center at the University of Tennessee declared they could “skeletonize” the remains of a human to send to establishments, including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of History. Thus, Gray’s son arranged to have his father’s skeleton sent to the Smithsonian, which will in turn loan the skeleton to SPS.
Audrey Biles '21
These are what I like to call the “desperate dorm cookie”. They satisfy that sweet tooth without the headache of a grocery store trip and a pile of dirty dishes. The bananas, nuts, raisins, and (on Sundays) chocolate chips can be secured in the Upper, while the oatmeal is delivered to your dorm each week (pro tip: figure out when your food delivery day is, that way you can get the goods before your dorm-mates do).
The Quad - A group of four dorms: Simpson, Manville, Brewster, and Ford, located roughly between Friedman and the AFC, opposite Admissions.
IT and Safety also talked to the students about technology and general safety rules. The goal of orientation was to supply a digestible amount of information while building a connection with community and friends. Mr. Gregston said, “The whole idea was to be light on info and heavy on fun.” New students returned to their dorms later that evening to spend their first night with the Sixth Formers and prefects. Orientation continued the next day when there was the big house meeting with all students, further introducing the new students to the returners. With the entire school finally together, it was a successful end to orientation.
A Journey Adversityof
SPS Lingo
The Upper dining room, also known as the Upper Upper, is the room with tall vaulted ceilings located immediately to the right of the common room.
New OrientationStudent
Katie Allen '23
Thelawn.deans, Living In Community (LinC) leaders, prefects, and entire Sixth Form welcomed all new students to campus, then led different presentations and games to connect everyone the day before classes. At 9 a.m. the Sixth Form rushed into Memorial Hall to greet everyone and have a dance party. Associate Dean of Students Mr. Thomas Gregston said, “The energy was very high.” For the new students, the message was clear: upper and lower formers are equal, and SPS is one big community. LinC leaders and prefects played name games and “Minute to Win It,” which consisted of contests such as getting a cookie from your eye into your mouth. There were three groups that participated in these activities during 30 minute rotations. Elizabeth Johnson ’25 said, “Overall I got good vibes, especially from the upper formers.”
On the second day of Independent Student Group Expedition (ISGE), I hiked
The Lower - The small dining room to the left of the main eating area (the Middle) - just past the utensil station.
The Upper - The building which includes Coit Wing, Center, and North, as well as the dining hall.
The Lowest - The closed-off room at the end of the Lower, usually reserved for faculty and family.
Seated Meal - A monthly event where the whole school has dinner together in the dining hall, wearing formal attire. Tables are randomly assigned with one faculty member at each table, and food is served by students (usually Fourth Formers).
Bag - To not attend a mandatory event, such as a class, afternoon activity, chapel, etc. Each student has three bags (or three commitments they can skip) a term, without serious consequences. Be careful though, four bags can indeed result in consequences!
Stepping off the only marked trail of the day, I glanced in front of me, not yet aware of the hours of hiking we still had left to do. Only a month before, I was in the comfort of my own home, picturing myself backpacking through beautiful fields and mountain tops. What I did not expect were the scratches on my legs and the mosquito bites, making each one of us look diseased with red lumps all over our arms, legs, and face. My toes numb from the countinious pressure from the front of my boots. The progressing sock tan and sweat marks on my trekking poles, and my hair, pulled back into a matted bun. Yet there I was. Two days away from civilization and left behind by our instructors, with only a compass, map, and GPS to guide us.
Team Brek/Din - Breakfast with your team, before or after games and practices!
with four other NOLS students, and we had to bushwalk for six miles to reach a trail that took us to the beginning of a drainage. We had to go off the trail for half a mile and follow the drainage to Lake Ethel, our “x.” We left an X on the map to show our destination; it was normally adjacent to a grassy open area where we could set up tents easily. Leaving behind our sense of comfort from the trail, we headed west and immediately had to scramble through fallen trees and bushes that scratched our legs raw. As my group slowly made their way along the drainage, we got closer to the water, with hills forming on either side. We were getting cliffed out. We pressed onward and scaled a mix of dirt, trees, and rock. It became evident that the only option was up. Tripp, one of the core navigators, climbed up a rock first, and then helped the others up. When it was my turn, he grabbed me with one hand and hoisted me up. My backpack got stuck on one of the rocks, and he swung me to the left and then pulled me up the rest of the way. If he had dropped me, I would have fallen into the drainage. Falling off of a rock ten feet up and into rushing water with a 50lb backpack on would have resulted in me getting seriously injured, or possibly dying. Once I realized what had been at stake, it was hard to recover from that for the rest of the trip. Everything that happened that day on our way to Lake Ethel made me realize that we were truly at the will of nature. Five teenagers there to protect each other, left powerless to what the woods held in store.
The Middle -The Middle is the biggest dining room that feeds directly into the cafeteria. (Not to be confused with “Middle”, which is a boy’s dorm.)
On September 1, new students to St. Paul’s School participated in orientation to strengthen their sense of community on campus through a series of games and presentations in Memorial Hall and on the Chapel
My group’s solo trip for three days in the Wind River Range, Wyoming, had many false promises. It would be an easy, 20 mile expedition on marked trails down from the mountains and into the frontcountry. Our month-long journey as a group of hikers with the National Outdoor Leadership school (NOLS) had led up to this moment—the final few days before getting out of the woods. We learned how to cook our own food, use a compass, perform the most essential forms of wilderness medicine, and call an emergency helicopter. If only we had known what the last days had in store.
Raffini - The large room to the right of the main entrance on the top floor of the Friedman Community Center.
For all the new students (and some of the returners too)
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Dirty Dining - Going to a meal right after sports, without showering.
Katie Allen '23
SkylarDarrenChristoffersen'24Lou'23
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Millville. “We are really a community here,” Mr. Berry remarked. “On the weekends, we seem to focus a lot more on what’s going on here instead of what’s going on in the city.”
Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Ms. Vicinanzo studied both in Florida and Illinois specializing in the field of marriage and family therapy. In an interview with her, she claimed that she took interest and pursued this field of study in order to “understand people’s relationships”, and because she just “wanted to work with people.” She notes that growing up in a large family helped her understand the importance of relationships not only with family but also with other people as well.
Faculty Profile: Mrs. Vicinanzo
Because of this, it has really been a joy for Mr. Berry to get to know people here. Serving in Kittredge I, the new location of the all-gender house this year, Mr. Berry is impressed by the kindness and inclusiveness of the dorm.
career began right after college. She worked as an English teacher in a high school with 45% international students from 25 different countries, then moved on to work in admissions at Proctor Academy. Now, she works in the Dean of Students office at SPS as the Director of Global Engagement. Mrs. Bernier’s role in supporting community engagement and incorporating international students is especially important in a 100% residential school like ours, and the student body is one of the main aspects of SPS that attracted her. Amid the busy and hectic SPS schedule, Mrs. Bernier loves to play and coach basketball, go for walks, read historical fiction, listen to podcasts, and walk her dogs around campus. Welcome, Mrs. Bernier!
Ms. Lauren Lamb grew up in Connecticut and is a teaching fellow fresh out of Amherst College, a liberal arts college located in Amherst, Massachusetts. Here, she lives in Kitt II, teaches a Humanities III class and will be coaching JV Girls’ Basketball and Track.“I’m really looking forward to watching my Humanities III students grow in the unique interdisciplinary humanities course at SPS,” Ms. Lamb stated. “It’s great that here at St. Paul's students have the opportunity to do things outside of academics, and I really hope that everyone utilizes the opportunities they are given.” Having attended boarding school herself at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Connecticut, Ms. Lamb has experienced boarding school life. She applied to be a teaching fellow at the School because she believes the community at a 100% residential boarding school is very tightly knit, and for the beauty of our New HampshireOutsidecampus.ofschool, Ms. Lamb loves camping and baking all sorts of cookies, cakes, and tarts.
Mrs. Victoria Bernier’s first time living the “boarding school lifestyle” was the summer of 2012, when she was a teaching intern at St. Paul’s School’s Advanced Studies Program. She co-taught a literature and film class and got a taste of coaching, teaching, and living.Mrs.Bernier’s
I recently had the opportunity to meet with Mrs. Vicinanzo, a new member of the SPS community. She works in Clark House as a therapist/counselor for students. So far, she is enjoying her time here and she mentions that diversity in the student body is what makes her job so much more interesting.
In her free time, Mrs. Vicinanzo enjoys interior design/‘flipping houses’, and is currently working on redesigning her office. In addition, some of her favorite authors are Charles Dickens, an American author, and Virginia Satir, a psychotherapist, who both studied and wrote about the field of family reconstruction therapy. She confessed that for a long time, her favorite book was Great
“I’m actually planning to go on a camping trip during Family Weekend!” Ms. Lamb chuckles on the subject of plans for the
Expectations by Dickens. When she is not reading, Mrs. Vicinanzo’s go-to director in film is Taika Waititi (director of Jojo Rabbit, Thor Ragnarok, etc.), her go-to actress is Scarlett Johansson, and go-to film is Good Will Q:Hunting.Sowhat are you looking forward to during your time at SPS? What are your goals?
“People will check in and genuinely ask you about your day”, said Mr. Berry. “That is rare to find.”Mr. Berry is very excited to be joining the SPS community. We look forward to seeing him on the wrestling court and the lacrosse field!
Faculty Profile: Ms. Lamb
comingYou’revacation.likely
"Mrs. Victoria Bernier’s first time living the 'boarding school lifestyle' was the summer of 2012, when she was a teaching intern at St. Paul’s School’s AdvancedProgram."Studies
“I’m really looking forward to watching my Humanities III students grow in the humanitiesinterdisciplinaryuniquecourseatSPS"
Jay Park '24
Faculty Profile: Mrs. Bernier
Faculty Profile: Mr. Berry
Kelly Sung '25 and Miya Zhang '25
Kelly Sung '25
to see Ms. Lamb petting the dogs around campus, or ducking under a bush to cuddle with one of the campus cats.
A:Ambitions?“I'dlove to help with integrating mental health awareness more as a preventative measure...of course maintenance is important, but I think that SPS can benefit from more integration of mental health within all areas: so like in Chapel, classes and sports to have that balance ... I think mental health is a very foundational piece where you have your physical health and your spiritual,emotional health, and this really all ties to one, so I want to tie it within the community.”Welcome to SPS!
Angel Hu '24
Only a few weeks into his SPS career, Mr. Berry already feels enchanted by vibrant
Out of all the beautiful places on campus, the bench near the boat docks has been Mr. Thomas Berry’s favorite spot to relax on Sunday afternoons so far. “If you walk around the pond to where the docks are and follow the trail for a bit, there is a bench offering an amazing view of the [Ohrstrom] Library”, said Mr. Berry. “There’s not a lot to do there, but you can sit down and enjoy nature.” Indeed, the boat docks offer quite a different view from where Mr. Berry is usually present: Lindsay 224, where he teaches the Calculus 2 Honors and Statistics courses.Before joining St. Paul’s School, Mr. Berry had taught math for the last 20 years at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia. There, he also served as a faculty adviser to the school newspaper and coached wrestling, soccer, rock climbing, and lacrosse. Now, Mr. Berry and his fiancée Diane live in Kittredge I, along with their two kittens. In addition to teaching math, Mr. Berry also coaches the Wrestling and JV Boys’ Lacrosse teams. He enjoys hiking, playing the piano, and knitting in his free time.
Beyond running, he has also hiked in the White Mountains of northern New Hampshire with fellow Penn Fellows Ms. Lamb and Mr. Plaisir.
Mr. Gannon Leech’s first few weeks as a new Penn Fellow at St. Paul’s School have been busy. Between teaching his first class ever (he just graduated from Bowdoin College last year) and acclimating to this new community, Mr. Leech has found—like many members of St. Paul’s—it is difficult to find free time on campus. But when he isn’t designing lesson plans for his geometry class or attending meetings for new teachers, you can find him in the squash courts.
P .5November 14, 2021 The Pelican
Ms. Molina has never turned back. Following that first job as a substitute teacher, she worked for a number of years in Honduras, teaching business and English. Then, in 2006, she moved to the United States and began teaching Spanish, the subject she’s taught ever since.
community at SPS.
William Mao '23 Mao
'23
Ms. Eblin Molina never planned on being a teacher. While she has taught for more than 15 years now, when she was in college, teaching was the one career she was confident she would never pursue.
“There’s so many questions,” said Ms. Molina. “But every time, I find someone I can go to and ask those questions. It's one of my favorite parts of SPS community: how
In the time since he graduated, Mr. Leech has continued to play often. He is the assistant squash coach this year, and has already played with a few members of the team. When he isn’t playing squash, he can be found in the gym or running on the trails.
But in 1991 in the middle of the school year, as she pursued a business degree in her native Honduras, her life changed forever. Her friend was a principal at a nearby high school, and his school desperately needed an English as a second language teacher. Since it was the middle of the school year, there was no one available—no one, that is, besides Ms. Molina. Hesitant to teach but willing to help out a good friend, Ms. Molina decided to substitute as an interim teacher for a month or two. To her surprise, Ms. Molina loved it.
Before she joined the St. Paul’s School faculty, Ms. Molina worked at a halfboarding, half-day high school named John Bapst Memorial Highschool in Bangor, Maine, for 11 years. Ms. Molina’s favorite part about the school was always the boarding program. It allowed her to get to know her students better—not only as students, but also as athletes, artists, and people. For Ms. Molina, SPS, as a completely residential boarding school, was the obvious next step in her career.“Having kids out of the classroom, you get to know them as an individual, a person,” explained Ms. Molina. “Here I’m able to do that—not only with a few kids, but with everyone.”Italso helped that her youngest son lives in Boston attending Boston University, which is significantly closer to SPS in Concord than John Bapst in the north of Maine.At
SPS, Ms. Molina teaches four classes: two Spanish 1 classes, one Spanish 1 Honors class, and one Spanish 2 class. Like most teachers new to the SPS community, Ms. Molina has found it difficult teaching so many classes while also attending to all the duties of a new community member: learning names, figuring out common practices on campus, and attending new-teacher meetings. Despite these challenges, Ms. Molina has found solace in the welcoming
Faculty Profile: Ms. Molina
For Mr. Leech, sports aren’t just a hobby; they also serve as a guide for how he approaches his work as a teacher. “For me, teaching in some senses can be a lot like coaching,” explained Mr. Leech. “If I'm just telling you how to hit a squash ball, it's not gonna work. You have to listen to what I'm saying, but you should also get to experience it forIndeed,yourself.”while some teachers may resort to long lectures, Mr. Leech favors more interactive forms of teaching—letting students “experience” concepts for themselves. Perhaps this is because he is a student himself .(Penn Fellows still attend online graduate classes) and therefore works especially hard to make his class engaging. When asked about his experience thus far, Mr. Leech said, “It's been a lot of fun. I've really enjoyed meeting a bunch of students and faculty and becoming a part of this community. I'm excited for the rest of the year.”
William
This is where I met with him last Tuesday, stringing his bright green squash racket in the wood-panelled Captain’s Room of the squash courts. Mr. Leech is quite the athlete; he ran cross country and track in high school, but after dealing with various sports-related injuries for a number of years, he decided to switch to squash in college.
"Ms. Molina has never turned back. Following that first job as a substitute teacher, she worked for a number of years in teachingHonduras,businessandEnglish."
Faculty Profile: Mr. Leech
“I was like, 'Oh my goodness'!” Ms. Molina exclaimed, reenacting her reaction to that first class she ever taught. “'This is fun!'”
Mr. Hermano has taught practically every branch of science throughout his career: general science, chemistry, and even math classes. However, as he states, the fact that physics is the most tangible science drew
P.6 November 14, 2021The Pelican
Faculty Profile: Mrs. Finch
Pet Profile: Bean
Ms. Meredith Finch was born in Massachusetts but grew up in Meriden, New Hampshire. She started her career as a substitute teacher in rural Michigan, but a graduate program in Hispanic studies solidified her love for teaching. Here at St. Paul’s School, Ms. Finch teaches Spanish 2, Spanish 3, and Spanish 3 Honors and is excited to help students discover their passion for the language. She loves the tightknit community and the beautiful scenery at SPS, as she enjoys being outside. In her free time, you can find Ms. Finch running, hiking, or reading books with her adorable daughter. She is looking forward to meeting new people and sharing her love for Spanish and rowing with the community. We’re so glad you’re here with us, Ms. Finch!
since his last school was an all-girls school. He claims that things are certainly “different with boys [with] different energy,” but he is having a great time being able to connect with boys. Also, he spoke of the vast amount of resources that SPS provides, cultivating growth in teachers and students. This fulfills the missing piece that Mr. Hermano so desired at his previous school.
“She’s definitely been getting happier as the weather gets cooler; the cooler it gets the happier she is!” Ms. Corcoran says as Bean tugs at her leash, eyes locked onto a squirrel a little distance away. You may see Ms. Corcoran in her bright yellow Birkenstocks in the mornings, walking with Bean from the Upper around campus. Bean is always ready to greet passersby with a big smile, tail wagging from side to side as she leans into Ms. Corcoran’s
When asked what he is most looking forward to this year, Mr. Hermano responded that he is “really just enjoying the present right now.” He is trying to live in the moment and live in this reality in which he and his family have envisioned themselves for a long time.
“Wheneverside.I am not teaching or coaching, I am walking my dog,” laughs Ms. Corcoran.
Frances Bean is a five-and-a-half-yearold Irish setter coming to St. Paul’s School to accompany her life-partner Ms. Alyssa Corcoran, who teaches mathematics and coaches cross country. Previous to this year, Bean lived at The Peddie School, a college preparatory school in Hightstown, New Jersey. Bean is adjusting to her first move nicely: chasing squirrels, barking at cats, and enjoying the cool fall weather.
him in: “All science is great, but physics, especially at the high school level, is the most successful [...] because you can see it and you can touch it.” Physics can easily be spotted everywhere in life, and for this reason, Mr. Hermano “likes making [his] students see the science around them.”
Faculty Profile: Mr. Hermano
'24Isabella Martinez '24
Mr. Hermano feels as though the SPS community has warmly welcomed him and his family. He deeply appreciates the “friendliness of everybody, from the students to all the other teachers and the families.” In fact, you may happen to cross paths with him and his family around campus soon. You may see him alongside his wife, Ms. Karolina Mostowa, with their two children, Alex and Loreli, and German shepherd-boxer mix “fur baby,” Dash. When he is not spending time with his family, he enjoys running and taking
photos.Joining
"Frances Bean is a St.setterfive-and-a-half-year-oldIrishcomingtoPaul’sSchooltoaccompanyherlife-partner:Ms.AlyssaCorcoran" Miya Zhang '25
Bean is affectionately known as “Little Bean'' to many, and is always up for affectionate cuddles. When you see Bean on the paths, come say hello. She's cute, friendly, and never says no to free pets!
With open arms, the St. Paul’s School community welcomes yet another new faculty member: Mr. Mark Hermano, who will be an addition to our science department this year, specializing in physics.
the SPS community has presented Mr. Hermano with a lot of change, since the community differs so greatly from his previous school. He explains the beginning of the school year has “been a nice, energetic boost, especially after such a tiring COVID year.” The energy is enchanced by the ability to see everyone’s faces, especially in the classroom, and much of it is on display to Simpson House, where he currently resides. Living in a dorm is not a new experience for him, but living with boys is,
Not only is he being introduced to our school, but to the state of New Hampshire as well. Mr. Hermano was born in Manila, Philippines, but spent his childhood in the suburbs of Chicago. For college, he did not stray far from the Chicago area, as he attended the University of Illinois, receiving a bachelor’s degree in science; here, he gained a background in physics and engineering. In 2001, not long after he graduated, he became a teacher this year which marks the beginning of his twenty-first year of teaching. Early on in his career, he found himself working at private schools located on the West Coast, specifically in the San Francisco area; but in more recent years, he has made his way back to the East, as prior to his arrival at SPS he taught at a school located in Maryland.
Miru Namu
Ms. Lina Feuerstein … really doesn’t like … when students use ... ellipsis incorrectly. But as a new Humanities teacher, it’s not surprising she has at least one grammatical pet peeve. What may be more surprising is her appreciation of the smell of ripening Concord grapes during walks in the woods and the fact that she thinks the dog versus cat question is an oversimplification. For those who are wondering, if she had to pick one pet, she “would go with a dog.”
experience for me. I can see it as a new adventure.”Clearly, Dr.Baazaoui is a very accomplished individual with a wide variety of interesting life experiences: teaching on four continents and visiting so many places in the world. Let us give him a warm welcome to our faculty and to the SPS community.
Faculty Profile: Ms. Feuerstein
Faculty Profile: Ms. Ruane
Ruane moved to SPS with her husband Mr. Yinger from The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. They also have a dog named Sophie whose friendly, peopleloving nature has earned her the title of “dorm dog.” Mr. Yinger works in communications at Sant Bani School in Sanbornton, New Hampshire and also coaches a stellar 5th and 6th grade soccer team. Despite their ongoing struggle to find dining room chairs, the moving-in process has been relatively smooth as Ms. Ruane explained that the support they have received during these times has made them feel incredibly welcomed into this new community. Their apartment is on the third floor of Coit Center where Ms. Ruane hosts her fabulous advisory dinners; I can personally attest that not only does she bake a killer gluten-free brownie, she also is a phenomenal advisor.
As a new teacher, coach, and advisor, Ms. Erin Ruane has certainly had her hands full. Ms. Ruane came to SPS as a new physics and chemistry teacher as well as one of the coaches for the girls’ cross-country team. However, come spring term, you can find her tearing up the field coaching girls’ JV lacrosse.Ms.
Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Greenidge likes to listen to music, travel the world, and experience new cultures. You can
Faculty Profile: Dr. Baazaoui
P .7November 14, 2021 The Pelican
"When she is not teaching, she is co-head of the Hillel Society, assistant JV girls’ soccer coach, and a member of the LGBTQIA+ affinity and residential life caught my attention, because I never did this before. In my country—in Tunisia—we do not have fully residential schools, so it is a new experience for me. I can see it as a new adventure.”
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Cora Partridge '24
Faculty Profile: Mrs. Greenidge
Natalie Thayer
All roads for Ms. Feuerstein lead to Center House. She explained, “I was a teaching fellow from 2012-2014 and am now living in the exact same apartment I lived in then!”When she is not teaching, she is co-head of the Hillel Society, assistant JV girls’ soccer coach, and a member of the LBGTQIA+ affinityMs.group.Feuerstein practices yoga and meditation, loves to cook, and takes long walks or runs in the woods. Her best sighting so far in the New Hampshire woods? Two
The most recent addition to the French program at SPS, Dr. Baazaoui is from Tunisia and has been teaching since almost 2010. He has a masters degree and PhD, focusing in Education, as well as Francophone Studies and Gender Studies. While Dr.Baazaoui has been teaching in American private colleges for the past six years, prior to his arrival in the states he taught in Tunisia, France and Dubai for one year in each country.
When asked about her favorite part of her day, her immediate response was naps (which, on this campus, is truly understandable). Upon further reflection, she updated her favorite part of her day as the moments when she sees kids she knows. “I love when their faces light up as they say, ‘Hi, Ms. Ruane!’” She explains. So, quick tip: if you happen to pass by her in the hallways of Lindsay or on the paths, you already know the best way to make her day. And, if you ever find yourself on the trail around the Lower School Pond, by the bridge over the creek, you should know that you are indeed walking along her favorite part of campus.
Fun facts about Ms. Feuerstein: She is a native of Chicago, Illinois, and an avid White Sox fan
Mrs. Greenidge is from Brooklyn, NYC, and recently joined the St. Paul’s community along with her husband, daughter, 15-yearold Puggle Georgie, and 12-year-old St. Bernard Weezie. Currently, Mrs. Greenidge teaches LinC to 3rd and 4th form as well as seminars to 5th and 6th form. Before coming to SPS, she worked at Allendale Columbia School and taught photography at Deerfield Academy, in addition to being the Director of Multicultural Affairs and the Associate Director of Admission. In our interview, she passionately expressed how excited she was to “help foster a greater and stronger campus community” here at SPS through her LinC classes.Ever since the end of graduate school, Mrs. Greenidge has focused on multicultural affairs and admissions. But as she embarks on her time at SPS, she has two major goals: to help students from all backgrounds gain access to elite colleges and universities and to experience the many traditions and events that bring the community together.
Matt Letourneau '23
On the subject of SPS, he reflected: “The boarding aspect and residential life caught my attention, because I never did this before. In my country—in Tunisia—we do not have fully residential schools, so it is a new
Some of his interests and hobbies include cooking (especially Mediterranean food), creative writing, going out into nature, and occasionally watching a TV series. At the moment, he recommends The Chair. In addition, he enjoys traveling often, fondly recounting one of his first experiences abroad in Australia. “I was very young and it was one of my first times away from home, so I stayed with a host family… it was very much a learning experience culturally, socially and linguistically speaking.”
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Anna Liu '25
find her gazing at the water behind the chapel, sitting in the comfy chairs in the library, or spending time at Friedman. She is excited to see all of the various games and events that take place on campus and is looking forward to seeing the community come together and support one another. Mrs. Greenidge and her family are thrilled to be back on a boarding school campus and are excited to be a part of our residential community. Please give her a warm welcome if you see her around campus!
mourning doves and a snowy owl. Ms. Feuerstein seems just as happy to be at SPS as we are happy to have her. “My students are the best!” she said.
first 2021-2022 issue of The Pelican! We are so excited to share with you what all of us—writers, editors, illustrators, photographers, layout designers—have been working on for the past couple of weeks.
ASSISTANT PRINT EDITORS
I’dissue!also
Audrey Biles Isabelle SkylarLAYOUTMadisonEhringlerRosatoEDITORSChristoffersenLidiaZurMuhlenJayPark
On behalf of everyone at The Pelican, thank you for offering us your support by giving us a read. We also have a website: pelican.sps.edu. For those of you interested in joining our team, we gladly welcome new members, so email me (jacqueline.chen@sps.edu) or stop by one of our weekly Monday meetings at 7pm in the Publications Room of downstairs Friedman. We can’t wait to keep bringing you all interesting, insightful content!
P.8 November 14, 2021The Pelican
EDITOR IN CHIEF
like to give a special shout-out and thank you to Mr. Murphy’s History of American Journalism class. Several students have submitted articles written in that class to include in The Pelican, and they are fantastic additions to our issue.
There’s lots of excitement and curiosity at this time during the school year, with everyone wondering what the rest of the year will look like. We’re able to do many activities that COVID prevented us from doing for the past two years, and we’re also still waiting to discover whether some activities will end up returning at all. The Pelican’s enthusiastic reporters will cover these changes, rules, and events to bring greater clarity to the larger SPS community.
Happy reading, Jackie 2021-2022ChenEditor-in-Chief
The first Pelican issue of every new year is my favorite, since I love reading new faculty profiles and introductions for new students. My goal for The Pelican is to weave our community closer together through teaching about our campus and the wonderful people who reside in it. This first issue allows you to get to know our new faculty members’ backgrounds and hobbies, the details behind new rules on campus like furniture regulations (Page 1), and stories straight from students’ voices. I hope you’ll feel like you know someone better after reading this
- THE VOL I EDITORIAL BOARD -
Letter from the editor:
Hello Welcomereader,tothe
Jacqueline Chen