The Pelican Vol. LXXI, No. 3
October 12, 2019
Changes in Drug and Alcohol Testing Policies Anna Solzhenitsyn '21 St. Paul’s School will no longer require students who have been found to have abused substances to submit to random drug and alcohol testing. In the past, students who have gone through the Disciplinary Committee or had a Sanctuary for substance abuse were placed on a list, and each week a random generator would select three names from this list for testing. From this point forward, however, drug and
alcohol testing will only be used when there is a suspicion that a student is currently under the influence of drugs or alcohol or there is a concern about a student’s health and well-being. This change was discussed and decided upon by Dr. Theresa Ferns, the Vice Rector for School life, the current Student Council Officers, new Rector Mrs. Kathy Giles, the Health Center, and the Dean
of Students. Dr. Ferns gave two main reasons for the elimination of random testing. The more important reason for the change was that students who had undergone the random drug testing felt a great deal of shame and humiliation when they were called in to get tested. The experience also “got in the way of moving on from the incident… and so kids felt like it was always trailing behind them for an extended period
of time,'' said Dr. Ferns. The other reason is that they believed “some students with substance abuse issues were seeking different substances to use that they felt would not be detected on our testing, and sometimes those substances were more dangerous,” so the new policy will hopefully help keep students safer in the future. Not everyone is on board with the change, though, and stu-
dents have conflicting opinions. Three current prefects spoke to The Pelican under the condition of anonymity because they wanted to give their honest opinion. One of the prefects defended the old policy, claiming that “I don’t think kids were moving to harder substances because of [random] drug testing. I think it was a very effective technique. Continued on page 2
Changes in Touch Base and Check Margaret MacMillan '21
Graphic by Virginia Lawrence '21 Meeting Mr. Briante P. 2-3
Fifth Form Reps P. 3
One of the most prominent policy changes in daily student life instituted this fall has been the change in the touch base process and check times. Touch base had previously been a fairly unstructured tool for Third Formers to map out their homework load for the night with an adult on duty in their dorm. This year, however, when Third Formers come and touch base on Sunday through Friday nights at 8 p.m., they must also bring their academic calendars and have all of their homework written down for the next day, copied from Canvas. After 8 p.m., they have the option to study in the dorm in the study pod, in their rooms, in the Fine Arts Building, the Music
Building, the library (if they are working on a group project), or at office hours with a teacher, wherever these may be held. In previous years, in contrast, no such guidelines as to study locations were given to students at touch base. Check for Fourth Formers has also been moved from 9:30 to 9 p.m., while check for all other forms, at 9, 9:30, and 10 p.m. respectively, has remained the same. Many students were surprised by these changes at the beginning of the year and don’t recognize that the planning that has gone into their institution has been years in the making. Parents and faculty alike constantly hear about students’ lack of sleep, and it was
this issue that was at the root of the changes to check and touch base policy. Last year a committee met specifically to discuss these modifications, looking at how best to support students in their study and sleep habits. “The committee last year was made up of a parent, faculty members, and staff members. They were selected because of their expertise in child development,” said Dr. Theresa Ferns, Vice Rector for School Life and a member of this committee. Parents, faculty, and staff wanted to establish more support for younger students in their study habits from the beginning, developing the habits of getting work done early so that students don’t stretch
Continued on page 3 Healthy Eating P. 4
Family Weekend Issue P. 6-8
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The Vol. lxxi Editorial Board Editor in Chief Isabel Maney '21 Assistant Print Editors Daniel Choi '20 Alexander Rowley '21 Assistant Online Editor Khuan-yu Hall '21 Copy Editors Victoria Chen'21 Ellie LaVoie'21 Nina Parker '20 Photo & Graphics Editor Isabella Pargiolas '21 Layout & Design Editor Nikhil Vootkur '21
Update from The Pelican
The Pelican was planning on publishing an article on inter-visitation in this issue. However, the Deans required us to postpone it.
Correction: An article in the 2nd issue of The Pelican did not attribute Audrey Biles ’22 for co-writing the Young Democrats blurb
October 12, 2019
Changes in Drug and Alcohol Testing Policies Anna Solzhenitsyn '21 Continued from page 1 And it served as a consequence for a Sanctuary— even though it wasn’t a disciplinary consequence.” Another prefect noted the following: “While I admire the school looking out for the kids’ best interests and trying to prevent the paranoia and keep them from constantly being hounded by this experience, people are going to use that as an opportunity to keep doing drugs.” Yet a third prefect said that “the way that I think of it, it’s just a way for
kids to get away with doing drugs a little more easily, because there are kids who will take advantage of this,” but they also maintained, “I think the administration is right about getting rid of the shaming part of it. I think that’s perfectly fair.” Dr. Ferns hopes SPS students will be smart with their choices in order to keep their place at the school. “I want [students] to understand that if they are struggling with a substance-based issue… we have health-based support
[systems] and responses at Clark House and they can access those resources without it having to come to a discipline issue,” she said. However, students have proven that they don’t always make the right decisions concerning substance abuse, so it remains to be seen whether the policy will be effective. The hope is that students will not abuse the new change and that the SPS community will become a safer place, both physically and mentally, as a result of it.
Meeting Mr. Briante Eva Ye '21
This Fall, St. Paul’s School welcomed Mr. Christopher Briante as the new director of the Theatre Program. Mr. Briante, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting and a Masters in Educational Theater, is not only a professional actor, but also an experienced teacher. This year, Mr. Briante will be advising in North and living in Armour. His wife Mrs. Kate Briante is also a theater teacher, currently teaching at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in New York City. Mr. Briante’s first union film, a film that employs crew members from unions, as a professional New York actor was Ghostbusters. After a decade in professional acting, Mr. Briante says that he “was jettisoned into the educational arena with the arrival of his son Bennett.” His “selfabsorbed lifestyle” as an ac-
tor subsequently transformed fully under imaginary circuminto care for his family and his stances of the play.” students. His first teaching Mr. Briante will also bring an jobs were at New York Univer- exciting addition to the thesity and Marymount Manhat- ater program: musicals. The tan College. Over the almost last musical at SPS was in 30 years of his teaching career, 2015 with the production of Mr. Briante has also worked Pippin. Mr. Briante believes in many other independent “it’s time to bring the joy of schools, going from the musical theater back to the Portsmouth Abbey School in community.” He comments Rhode Island, to The St. Paul's that musicals not only “are Schools in Brooklandville, larger than life experiences MD, The Peck School in Mor- that provide performers the ristown, NJ, and The Masters chance to sing, dance and act,” School in Dobbs Ferry, NY. but also bring to the audience Mr. Briante enjoys teaching “high energy and memorable a variety of acting techniques songs.” He himself recounted and encourages a sound foun- the incredible joy of working dation in stage acting for all on two high school musicals, starting actors. He also trains My Fair Lady and Fiddler on primarily with the Stanislav- the Roof. Setting the goal of ski system, which aims to help a musical production next actors live through the experi- fall, Mr. Briante has already ence of a character. Through received exciting responses this method, he hopes to cre- from the community, which ate actors who can “live truthContinued on page 3
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October 12, 2019 Continued from page 2 include a recommendation for the musical Be More Chill from a boy in North. For those interested in musicals, Mr. Briante is planning on having preliminary auditions before the end of the coming Spring Term to check out the school’s “musical theater talent pool.” The overall goal for the Theatre
Program this year is to “reel more students into this creative, risk-taking, diverse and joyful world,” says Mr. Briante. He hopes that the Theatre Program will not only fulfill the needs of dedicated theater and film students, but also offer opportunities for curious students to try something new. Together with theater teach-
ers Mr. Kenneth Kilfara and Mr. Bill Potter, Mr. Briante is looking forward to creating an “inclusive, supportive and uplifting place” through combining their areas of expertise. In his own words, Mr. Briante is “thrilled to be here and ready to embrace this great opportunity!”
Graphic by Anna Solzhenitsyn '21 This year’s elected Fifth Form StudCo representatives are Seth Mckenzie’21 (left) and Margaret Pirizzolo’21 (right). They both hail from Massachusetts and are busy students on campus. “advocating for the well being of [the] form” is one of their goals this year. While the Third and Fourth Formers checked in for the night and called their parents, Lindsay became a zoo. Like untamed animals, students pushed, shoved and roared to bring themselves attention. Outnumbered and overworked, the few adults in supervision were negligible. Disobedient, sweaty bodies did what they wanted. However, that Sunday evening was not a zoo animal revolution, it was a St. Paul’s School student election, where dozens of Fifth Formers gathered to exercise civic engagement and their democratic values. They set upon the task of choosing their
Student Council form representatives for the year (form reps for short) and refused to be shushed. After all, the fate of the school’s present, past, and future were in their very hands. Being a form representative is an honor that many seek, but it is awarded to few. The Pelican conducted exclusive research on the race. Twenty-six candidates foreshadowed a competitive election. At SPS, where each student is unique and special, future leaders and CEOs, insightful in their own ways and unapologetically true to themselves, The Pelican was
Changes in Touch Base and Check Margaret MacMillan '21 Continued from page 1
themselves too thin by sacrificing sleep. Ms. KC Hambleton, the head of house in Kitt III, said, “I know it can feel like we are restricting freedom, but that’s not the point. It’s not to be more controlling.It’s to be helpful and supportive of prepared to witness an all-time the development that is imporgreat race. Each campaign tant. Advisers are there to help statement given by the nomi- structure study hours and help nees promised endless joy. with the concept that there is a Reading the campaign state- difference between doing your ments was like discovering homework and doing your homeThe Communist Manifesto as work well, and then there’s also a a farmer in the 1900s. While difference between doing your some candidates promised “to homework and studying. You can get awesome form wear” and do your homework assignment, “design the sexiest form wear but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have ever seen,” others set that you would be test ready for their focus on “stylish cloth- that topic. It’s more than just doing” and “scrumptious form ing your homework and checking wear.” In fact, all twelve stu- off the worksheet.” dents mentioned form wear in In addition to changes in check their statements. Meanwhile, and touch base, faculty and staff form feeds were another topic must be on duty for longer and be of great disagreement. The more involved to provide more clash ultimately came down to structured oversight, giving up quantity versus quality. Each an even greater amount of their voter had to decide between free time for the students of the “as many form feeds as possible” St. Paul’s community. Ms. Hamand “swag form feeds.” Choos- bleton, when asked how this ing the best candidates was like change made her feel, responded, picking a favorite child. Form “That half an hour can feel a little feeds or formwear, formwear or bit early. I think it affects people form feeds, the ideas were bril- with families more, particularly liant and the candidates were those with young kids because too. It’s moments like these that is bedtime and bathtime, but that remind us of the SPS meri- it is only once a week. It’s half tocratic excellence. Truly then, an hour earlier that one night. It this was an election character- feels a little more crunched afized by political, principled and ter dinner, but I believe that the ideological divides. structure is really important. *Note: The above is intended as If you think about it, a month a work of humorous commen- ago these Third Formers were tary. The Pelican sincerely con- at home with their parents, and gratulates the new Fifth Form now they are in a new place with representatives.* a lot of new things, and they don’t have a mom or dad sitting there
The Most Exciting Election of all Time Rishi Basu '21
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saying ‘have you done your homework?’ [The new touch base policy] is just meant to give a little more of that structure.” When asked to describe the reasons behind the change to Fourth Form check, Mr. Thomas Gregston, a member of the Dean of Students Office, said, “A lot of thought [has been put into the policy change] around how to support younger students in developing good study habits. It fits in[to] a developmental model that as you get older, you are able to manage your own time better. When you think of Fifth and Sixth Form, [the later check times] recognize that as you get older, you actually are more mature and more able to manage your own time. Having [checks] at the same time [for Fourth and Fifth Form] might not actually recognize that. The fact that Fourth Formers don’t have to complete touch base begins to show their development.” Faculty, staff, and parents want to ensure that school policy is both developmentally accurate and supportive for students of all forms and recognize that, as best stated by Mr. Gregston, “more sleep makes for a happier community.” It is for this reason that touch base will be extended until at least the end of Fall Term this year, and potentially through Spring Term (though it may be individualized) to make sure students are supported in their study habits and can develop all the skills necessary to be successful, happy, and healthy in their day-today lives at SPS and beyond.
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October 12, 2019
Craving Caffeine? We Are Too Ananya Mangal '22 and Amanda Sudnik '21
Graphic by Alex Li '21 So, here’s the tea on coffee. Academics at St. Paul’s School are rigorous and sometimes students need an extra espresso boost after staying awake until 3 a.m. doing homework, and the Upper provides the perfect caffeine kick at their coffee station, located conveniently by the silverware. You simply can’t miss it. When the temptation for a pick-meup is too great, someone may find themselves with a fork in hand, and a cup of coffee in the other. Soon, they’re caught in a vicious cycle of caffeine addiction. Biology teacher Ms. Katherine Hambleton, who reports that she has never had coffee or soda, says, “You perform better when you have more sleep. You also retain things
better with sleep. That’s why it’s really important to sleep the night before [a test]. Even if you study, you reinforce those pathways, those memories of learning that you have just studied.” The caffeine some students consume after noon prevents them from having a restful night of sleep, indirectly impeding their academic performance. Neural connections form during sleep and this is especially important for teenagers, who are at the height of their brain development. There is also an addiction component to it: “It is addictive; when you don’t have it, you get headaches and need coffee...if you drink coffee then you need to drink it every day,” explains Ms. Hambleton. Jean Fuentes ‘22 and Finn Goss ‘22, the heads of the Tea and
Coffee Club, began regularly drinking coffee at ages 11 and 12, respectively. When asked to comment on the culture around drinking it at St. Paul’s, Goss observes, “Everyone’s tired and relies on coffee,” to which Fuentes adds, “It’s also polar opposites...either you don’t drink coffee on campus ever or you drink four cups a day.” Fuentes drinks “three to four cups of coffee a day, usually two at breakfast and two at dinner,” her favorite being “a Mexican coffee company called New Mexico Piñon Coffee.” However, drinking coffee on campus is not as simple as it would be in a small café back home with ample time to enjoy it. Fuentes and Goss say their consumption lessens when they come back
to campus. Fuentes does not “have enough time to get it” and Goss expresses a similar sentiment. Among the caffeine-fueled kids on campus, there are those that frown upon the beloved beverage, and Emmy Ekstrand ‘21 is within their ranks. Her stance on coffee is reasoned by taste, as opposed to the negative impacts it may have on teenagers. “It’s just gross...bitter,” she says. As long as students don’t get hooked to the caffeine buzz, however, Ekstrand doesn’t believe coffee is an issue for them. Perhaps the greater problem is the motivation for some to drink caffeine solely for the perk, which she claims to ultimately be the struggle to juggle school work and friends. When asked
for a quick solution to this balancing act, Ekstrand laughed and said, “Drink coffee.” Fuentes says, “If someone enjoys their coffee with half creamer or if somebody just likes frappuccinos, that’s fine. We all enjoy coffee in some form. Coffee’s great, coffee’s wonderful, no matter who you are, you have every right to enjoy coffee and enjoy coffee the way you want to enjoy coffee.”
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SPS on a Sugar-High Linda Pang '21
The goal of the Upper and Kwok at St. Paul’s School is to provide healthy and tasty food. However, as a result of the American style of eating, sugar options are made readily available in both locations. In order to foster a healthy eating culture in the SPS community, it is important to get to know what the available options are. When talking about nutrition at SPS, there are many resources that students can consult and plenty of opportunities for making positive changes. Mrs. Erica Mumford, the school dietitian, is available to answer any nutrition-related questions by appointment or by email. Mrs. Mumford advocates for a balanced diet that makes space for healthy food as well as treats. “Most people who maintain a
healthy weight eat about 80% of healthy food and 10-20% of fun foods,” says Mrs. Mumford. Many may think that a healthy diet eliminates all the options that are normally considered a treat, but according to Mrs. Mumford, fun foods like desserts, chips, and other treats can also be part of a healthy diet as long as they are consumed with moderation. For example, at Kwok, half sizes for menu items like french fries and mozzarella sticks are offered, according to Mrs. Lisa Hall, Manager of the Kwok Cafe. Mrs. Mumford also suggests that other healthier options to sweets at the Upper include fruit, sweetened yogurt or yogurt with honey and cereals like Cheerios and Kashi. In addition to limiting the daily intake of foods that are high
in processed sugar, “consuming fibrous carbohydrates and protein-rich foods when eating sugar can help offset the effects of sugar because they help to blunt the effect on blood sugar,” says Mrs. Mumford. In recent years, the Upper and Food Services have also made many changes to better accommodate the needs of the community while providing healthier options at the dining hall. Executive Chef Steven A. Stinnett has worked with SPS Food Services for four years now. He recalls when he first came to SPS in 2015, “the Upper offered a lot more baked breakfast pastries and desserts.” In response to the community survey in the spring of 2016, Chef Steven answered the many requests for more fresh fruit
and healthier choices for breakfast. As an effort to respond to these requests, “I created an enhanced fruit and yogurt presentation, and offered an enhanced smoothie bar every morning,” says Chef Steven, who was glad these changes were received very positively in the 2017 survey results. Still, he estimates based on the amount of consumption that about 25% of students take dessert after a meal, and about half of those students eat ice cream. According to the Upper staff’s estimation, the Upper uses about 150 pounds of sugar and 4 gallons of syrup per week. In general, there are a wide range of food options at SPS and students have the freedom and responsibility to decide what kind of eating style they
want to choose. Students can reach out to make suggestions through the Food Committee. Food Committee is the link for communication between students and Food Services staff. The goal of the committee is to “make students more satisfied with the food provided,'' says Clara Lu ‘21, a member of the Food Committee. Whether it’s consulting with Mrs. Mumford, getting to know the Upper staff, contributing to the Kwok suggestion box, or connecting with Food Committee members, the SPS community and student body have many opportunities to create an eating culture that satisfies both their needs and their cravings.
Dr. Morse's Puzzles — Isthmian Edition Continent that’s home to Guyana and Suriname S ___ ___ T H ___ M ___ ___ ___ ◻︎ ___ A type of body tissue used in organs under involuntary control S ___ ___ ___ T H M ___ ___ ___ ◻︎ ___ Published after the death of an author ___ ___ S T H ◻︎ M ___ ___ ___ The more common name of the B-2 US military aircraft S ___ ___ ___ ___ T H ◻︎ ___ M ___ ___ ___ An SPS student in their last year S ◻︎ ___ T H ___ ___ ___ M ___ ___ An edible fungus named after a sea creature ___ ___ S ◻︎ ___ ___ ___ ___ ◻︎ H ___ ___ ___ M Action-movie actor Jason of “Snatch” and “The Expendables” S ◻︎ ___ T H ___ M Full, new, or gibbous, e.g. ___ ◻︎ ___ S ___ ___ ___ T H ___ M ___ ___ ___ An ornamental flower with a large roundish composite flower head ___ ___ ___ ___ S ___ ___ T H ___ M ___ ◻︎
Member of a comedy team who sets up the humorous lines of the other S T ___ ___ ◻︎ ___ H ___ M ___ ___ A lung condition with labored breathing ___ S T H M ◻︎ The half of the planet with Asia, Europe, Africa and Oceania ___ ___ S T ___ ___ ◻︎ H ___ M ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ A place to retire to ◻︎ ___ S T H ___ M ___ A device to remove undesired contents of the digestive system S T ◻︎ ___ ___ ___ H ___ ___ M ___ A long rentable vehicle to go to prom in S T ___ ___ ___ ◻︎ H ___ ___ M ___ The capital of Sweden S T ___ ___ ◻︎ H ___ ___ M One of the U.S. Virgin Islands S ___ ___ ___ T ___ H ___ M ___ ◻︎ —————————————— Put letters of blank boxes here.
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October 12, 2019
—The Family Weekend Issue — The SPS Orchestra
Jessica Lee '21 and William James Desrosiers '21 Music is one of the core arts at St. Paul’s School, and one of its many branches is represented in the orchestra. The group is led by Mr. Pandolfi, director of the music program, who has more than forty years of experience under his belt. For the past seven years, Mr. Pandolfi has seen many fluctuations in the strength of the orchestra group. In previous years, there have been as many as seventy musicians in the orchestra. Mr. Pandolfi says, “This year’s group is an exceptionally young one, where we only have five seniors as opposed to prior years, where our average was about 15.” This year’s Family Weekend performance will be on October 11th at 8 pm in the Memorial Hall, nearly a week and a half earlier than last year. Bob Hu ‘21, a violinist, believes that the orchestra is working efficiently for the Family Weekend performance, as rehearsals generally consist of focusing on specific instruments. Of the approximated seventy musicians, around forty-five to
fifty of them will be performing in the Family Weekend performance. The orchestra will be playing a piece called “Academic Festival Overture” by composer Johannes Brahms. Mr. Pandolfi explains, “The piece ‘Academic Festival Overture’ is really one of the classical warhorses, which [the orchestra] will fully utilize to impress the crow of parents.” He also said, “It’s in the best interest of [the] group to play pieces that will highlight the strengths of our orchestra.” The orchestra is leaning toward a building year which makes their primary focus to build a good foundation and then later work from that. All in all, the current group for orchestra seems to be one with a lot of potential, and its upcoming performance will be a time to show off their talent.
Club Soccer Jamboree Leila Prado '21 and Daniel Cho '21
The Club Soccer Jamboree is where the three school teams, Old Hundred, Isthmian, and Delphian, come together to play it out in the ultimate soccer showdown. The team with the most winning games at the end of the afternoon’s activity is deemed the Club Soccer champion. The Pelican sat down with club soccer coach Mr. Mark Bozek. He relayed that the jamboree, “adds a little bit of feeling, more special than a normal day in club soccer.” Dubby Ugha ’21 is playing Club Soccer this term. Not only did he state that he “runs to the soccer field excited to start every practice” but also how “the amount of exercise from
the daily games is surprising.” Who knew Club Soccer would be so fun and intense at the same time? When asked about how he thinks this year's jamboree is going to go, Ugha stated that “we definitely get way too excited about a club sport... Everyone gets so into it as if it’s a varsity sport.” With all the fun and competition already brewing between the Club Soccer players on the field every day, it is clear that this year's jamboree is going to be a nail biter. The Club Soccer team really hopes to see all of your pumped-up selves out on the sunny fields on October 11!
SPS Ballet Company Performance Elizabeth Stone '21 and Ellie LaVoie '21
Graphic provided by SPS BC The Ballet Company performance is on Friday, October 11 at 8 pm for the Parents Weekend Dance and Music Performances in Memorial Hall. They will be performing excerpts from La Bayadere, which they have been rehearsing since preseason in early September. La Bayadere is a classical ballet choreographed by Marius Petipa. According to the American Ballet Theater, La Bayadere is a story of “eternal love, mystery, fate, vengeance, and justice.” Marco Lorenzo-Giguere ‘21 and Madison Mangin ‘20 will be performing the Gamzatti variation together. Something to look for in this year’s performance is “the energy from the dancers and the amount of stamina that the pieces take,'' says AnnaClare Sung ‘21. Jessica Lee ‘21 says that the dancers are excited because “It’s our first time we’ll be performing as the new SPSBC ‘19-20.” Lee says that The Ballet Com-
pany “is such a tight-knit community and everyone supports each other. We have such a great connection!” The ballet company is the only year-long sport on campus. “The dance world itself can be very cut-throat and competitive, but when you come here, you find a completely different environment in the best way” says Lorenzo-Giguere.
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What to look for at the observatory Bristol Fales-Hill '21 & Lynn Kang '22 Graphic by Caroline O'Connor '21
Students say astronomy is one of the most interesting classes on campus. Sixth Former Ashley Davidson ’20 says that “taking astronomy was one of the best decisions of [her] life.” With the impressive facilities for observation here at St. Paul’s School, it’s hard to disagree. There are three astronomy classes at SPS. Each program gets progressively harder as students move through the course. Introduction to Astronomy, offered in the Fall and Spring, teaches students the basics of astronomy and allows students to explore different aspects of our solar system. Stellar Astronomy is a Winter course that focuses on the physics behind stars. Finally, Galactic Astronomy is offered in the Spring and, as the name suggests, goes into great detail about the galaxies. Though these courses might seem quite different in their nature, they all have one thing in common: observation. Students are required to observe in each of the astronomy courses as seeing the phenomena first hand is considered a large component of astronomical sciences.
section between Rectory Road and Sawmill Road. There, one can find the chart house, which contains a variety of star charts and resources for budding astronomers to find various objects in the sky. Farther up the road, there are multiple telescopes. A large 27-inch reflector and a 6-inch refractor for looking at planets are housed in large white domes. Additionally, smaller, portable 8-inch Dobsonian telescopes, brand new 12inch, portable reflectors and a few 8-inch telescopes designed for astrophotography can also be found at the observatory.
ing on what the students are interested in studying. “By the end, [of the three astronomy courses], you kind of have this full arc [of the history of the universe], which is pretty cool,” says Mr. Darik Velez, another astronomy teacher. When asked what inspired her to take the course, astronomy student Davidson says that: “I have always been really fascinated by space… And I also knew that our school has a really special observatory that is really not common among high schools. I definitely want to take advantage of that during my time here, so I signed up for all three terms [of the astronomy course] and it was probably the best decision I’ve ever made.” Indeed, those who take the astronomy course here at SPS are able to gain a special perspective of the school that others might never have the opportunity to experience. The process of getting to know the observatory, learning how to make observations, and being part of a cohesive study group creates a true unique experience for all who choose to participate.
“To me, [the most interesting thing about the fall astronomy course is] getting to learn the night sky and getting to learn how to use a telescope to see things [that] your eyes could never see. Some of [those things] are millions of light years away so that means you’re looking back in time millions of years,” says Mr. Rick Pacelli, one of the astronomy teachers. Additionally, both Mr. Pacelli and Dr. Seth Cohen, another astronomy teacher, explain that Introduction to Astronomy is a The observatory is located on class that is catered to what the the southwest side of campus, students want. In other words, behind the Upper, at the inter- each class is different depend- The typical night at the observa-
tory goes as follows: It is 8:00 pm on a late September night. The field gets darker and darker as street lights disappear from view and students approach the observatory. Soon it is pitch black and suddenly, students are surrounded by constellations. At this point, were they to tilt their heads back, the Big Dipper, the Little Dipper, Hercules, M56, and so many more diamond specks unfold in the black celestial fabric. A sophisticated astronomer can name everything. But in order to observe and learn more about the universe as amateurs, students first meet their classmates in the chart house to discuss assignments and goals before heading out to the observatories again to begin their experience. In the process of preparing and conducting observations, cell phone flashlights or any kind of bright light sources are strongly discouraged to minimize light pollution in areas surrounding the observatories. Instead, night vision flashlights make fluttering red circles on the pitch black ground as students head out from the chart house and into the darkness, constellation card and worksheet in hand. Their eyes will take a few
minutes to adjust to the darkness, but soon the dome-like outlines of three white observatories standing in the fields will be seen. On a typical night, students will head behind these domes to the shed, where they will find hand-held telescopes that resemble cylinders about three and a half feet tall. These will be brought out and set up on the clearing of the field, facing the general direction of the subject. Once these preparations are done, students are ready to go for the night. Observations can be long but full of fun, communication, collaboration, and mindfulness. Mr. Pacelli, Dr. Cohen and Mr. Velez encourage those who don’t take astronomy to come out during the observatory open houses, especially during Parent’s Weekend. Additionally, for those interested in astronomy but not taking the classes, there is an astronomy club that allows students to discuss subjects covered in the classes and use the observatory. Both the teachers and students urge others to take the courses, even if they don’t consider themselves STEM oriented. Astronomy, according to Mr. Pacelli, is truly a class for everyone.
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October 12, 2019
Where to Eat While at SPS Graphic by Alex Li '21
Dos Amigos Audrey Biles '22 Dos Amigos Burritos is a local taqueria with an emphasis on serving fresh and delicious Mexican food. They have three locations, including one in Concord that is a 10-minute drive from campus. Their menu boasts a large array of burritos, tacos, nachos, salads, and bowls, with vegan and glutenfree options. The ambiance is casual and most entrees are under $10. “It’s wonderful. My chips are always very salty, and I appreciate that,” says Madi Mangin ‘20. It is typically busiest at 6 p.m.
The Work's Cafe Audrey Biles '22 The Works Café, a New England breakfast chain, is best known for their bagel sandwiches and macaroni and cheese. The restaurant also offers smoothies, power bowls, wraps, and coffee, with most options under $10. They are busy around brunch time, so be sure to call your order in ahead of time if you don’t like to wait. “The salmon cream cheese bagel is to die for!” reports AnnaClare Sung ‘21. She adds, “Poppy seeds... literally bomb.” While the bagels are the shining star here, their other menu items are equally delicious.
Siam Orchid Rahul Kavuru '22 Siam Orchid is a casual Thai Bistro that was founded in 1995 by the Sanktanset family right here in Concord, NH. Menu options include bubble tea, gyoza dumplings, noodles, rice, and even a specialty fried banana for dessert. The restaurant is at the top of the list when it comes to St. Paul’s School favorites.
Vibes
Moritomo
Rahul Kavuru '22
Hannah Pappas '23
Vibes is a fast-serving, corner stop burger restaurant that is popular in the Concord area. The staff works to provide the tastiest burger experience, which includes natural Angus beef, brioche buns from the local Bread & Chocolate Bakery, as well as freshly made sauces. Vibes offers four kinds of protein, specialty fries, and delicious shakes. They are also affiliated with the Buza Dairy Bar, which offers several kinds of authentic Italian gelato.
Tucker's Rahul Kavuru '22 Tucker’s is a modern breakfast and lunch eatery which opened in 2014 in four different locations: Concord, Hookset, New London, and Dover. The dedicated team follows the belief “Good Eats, Good People.” Tuckers' menu choices include the Tucker’s Classic, French Toast, omelets, and a variety of sides.
Moritomo is a Japanese influenced restaurant that is known for its sushi. Many St. Paul’s School students spend their Sundays in Concord digging into the menu. Andrew Fleischner ’22 said, “I had never tried eel before going to Moritomo, and now it is my favorite option on the menu. It is a little pricey, but totally worth it.” Sterling Cathey ‘23 said, “The food was exceptional. The service was five stars. The location was not the best place in town, but it is still a great place to spend quality time with your family.” She would highly recommend the banana ice cream for dessert. Moritomo is rated four stars online, but many SPS students say it is their favorite restaurant in town.