THE POSTSCRIPT June 9, 2021 THE PARK SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE | 2425 Old Court Road, Baltimore MD, 2120 Volume 78 Issue No. 8 Mock trial wins national competition On Saturday, May 15, at 8PM, by VIVIE ETEME ’21 the nail-biting announcement The day we won the State Championship was made: members of the Mock was filled with immense happiness. Our Trial team were national cham- coaches beamed with pride as the satis- pions! The 2021 National High fying feeling of exceeding expectations School Mock Trial Champion- and the warm sensation of finality seeped through our screens. Tears were shed and ship, which took place entirely grateful words were said as yet another on Zoom and spanned from May Park School Mock Trial Team took the title 12-15, consisted of four match- of State Champion. But this year was sur- es that became more difficult prisingly different. After more than thirty years, the state of Maryland was invited as they progressed. A YouTube to send its reigning champion to the Na- livestream announced the team’s tional Mock Trial Competition. It seemed victory a few hours after the last almost destined that after an abrupt end match ended. Vivie Eteme ’21, a to our competition in 2020, we should be provided the opportunity to do what no member of the team, describes team from this state has done before. But her experience winning States the question still remained: Should we do and Nationals. it? After all, we had no prior experience, no Image courtesy A. Connors See MOCK TRIAL P. 4

Spring sports teams take home the gold by LEAH PICKUS ’22 “Champions!” This word has been used to describe various teams in the Park Upper School, causing celebration throughout the community. Among these teams is Boys’ Var- sity Tennis, which recently claimed their hard-earned victory in the championship against Indian Creek. Despite the many changes this year has seen, the team persevered and had an incredibly successful season. The senior doubles team of Aaron and Jacob Hirschhorn helped lead the younger team to this years's tennis victory. “While Covid definitely impacted the logistics of our season, we brought the same spirit as always,” Harrison Schapiro ’22, Varsity member said. Participating in sports during Covid has proved to be a challenge, but not taken away from the enthusiasm of the team. In addition to positivity and team spirit, the tennis team claimed many exciting victories, See BOYS' TENNIS P. 12

Images courtesy Communications by WILL PERES ’23 There's 5 and one half seconds left on the clock, Captain Becca Frank ’21 with the ball dodges from center hash, fakes low, and shoots high, scoring the game winning goal. On May 14 2021, the Girls’ Varsity lacrosse team won their first championship since 2013, bringing home the hardware and a banner to proudly raise in the Athletic Center. At 7:00 p.m. that Friday, the girls played their rival team, undefeated reigning champi- ons, Mercy High School. Mercy had a slogan coming into the playoffs: “Banner Mentality,” a phrase dating from the last three championships won in a row by Mercy. The teams See GIRLS' LACROSSE P. 12

COMMENTARY Penny Celtnieks ’22 FEATURES Noah Bender ’22 explores Kwabe Osei ’23 reviews Laura Schlitz's Will Peres ’23 recaps Girls' Varsity and Eric Smith ’22 the challenges that faced the A&C creative work Amber and Clay and Margot SPORTS Lacrosse championship win against battle it out in a Head to Head on vaccine mandates at History and Science Deparment due to the pandemic P.9 Kohn ’23 reflects upon Oscar-Winning filmMy Octopus Mercy in a heated game and Leah Pickus ’22 cover the Park P.6 Teacher P.10 tennis championship P.12 EDITORIAL Perseverance. This year has taught us to never a week in person. take for granted the simple pleasures Since Covid shut down in-person of school life. Rather than walking learning nearly 15 months ago, (March THE through the Upper School hallways 2020), the Upper School has only had to see the smiling faces of teachers one case of Covid. The diligence of POSTSCRIPT and friends, we now stare at each students, parents, and faculty has led to other from behind a mask. Instead of this unbelievable feat. The Park School of Baltimore attending packed assemblies full of When May Day was cancelled, we 2425 Old Court Road, Baltimore, MD 21208 energy and hubbub, we now watch rallied and held a celebration outside Tel. 410-339-7070 Parkschool.net/news/postscript through a lifeless screen. of school. When plays and musicals June 23, 2020 Yet as this year – tumultuous as it seemed impossible, we filmed mov- Volume 78 | Issue No. 1 was – comes to a close, we must take ies and created outdoor productions. Editors-in-Chief a step back and reflect on how much When it seemed as if no one was there Samantha Solomon, Alina Glass progress we have made. Park’s ad- to hear us, we found new ways to speak ministration has worked as hard as up. When it seemed that no joy could News Features Commentary humanly possible for the student possibly be found, we willed it into ex- John Apostolo Cate Cochran Zara Cheek body to make the most of their high istence. Leah Pickus Zoë Pickard Oliver Mack school years in the midst of a pan- As we reflect on how far we have Tomer Nusinov Arielle Adler Margot Kohn demic, providing everything from come, we must also reflect on how far in-person learning to an outdoor we have to go. This year brought great- Sports Faculty Advisers Arts and Culture Will Peres Shannon Long prom. er attention to issues such as Park’s dis- Jon Acheson Penny Celtnieks Leela Chantrelle Lucia Keleman Recall the beginning of the year, ciplinary system, sexism in our class- Josh Solomon when we were left without a fall rooms, a faulty Diversity, Equity, and Creative Director: Alex Norbrook sports season. Yet, we persisted as Inclusion program, and an enormous Managing Editor: Eric Smith a community; this spring, we tri- loss of faculty. As we celebrate the umphed in two championships. Re- progress we have made as a commu- School Population: Students—829; Employees—210 Distributed to Mailboxes of Upper School Students and Employees, call when we sat through lunch pe- nity, it is necessary to formulate a plan and Lower and Middle School Students by Faculty Request Mailed to Current Parents by Letter Perfect riods in our assigned seats spaced for the future. Copies Printed—1200 six feet apart. Yet, we pressed on, When we want change, we must Member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Assn and that six-foot distance has now work for it. When we see a problem, POLICIES WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, UNSOLICITED OP-ED PIECES, AND OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS. PLEASE been split in half. Recall when we we must speak up. And – even in the SEND WORK TO [email protected]. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT ALL SUBMISSIONS FOR LAN- took every class from our comput- midst of a pandemic – we must always GUAGE AND LENGTH. SUBMISSIONS ARE PUBLISHED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE EDITORS. er screens. Yet, we pushed through, persevere. and now spend four out of five days After 33 years, John Trout takes a final bow by SAMANTHA SOLOMON ’22 Theater is an integral these different things going one of them,” Trout said. school, while the win for part of the Park commu- on…. It was great,” Trout He is the magic behind the me is finally relaxing.” nity; we use it to tell sto- reflected. scenes. “John has made his After many years spend- ries, express creativity, and Trout spent many years shop a home for so many ing late evenings at school transport ourselves into teaching stage design and people,” Isabella Otterbein and stressful days before a another world. John Trout mentoring the tech crew, ’22 explained. “He wel- play working on sets, Trout has loved theater and set and also taught history comes anyone and is truly is ready to retire. He hopes design ever since he was in courses. Trout enjoyed his the magic behind the The- his replacement will be able high school, and followed time at Park watching his ater Department.” to bring fresh energy to the this career path to further students learn, grow, and Though he was responsi- position, and is excited to explore his passion. work through tough chal- ble for making sure the set “sneak” back into school to For several years, Trout lenges. Image courtesy I. Otterbein design was completed and watch future shows. worked at a relatively small “John has always put stu- was high-quality, his main Trout’s days will now 2019 set for fall musical Guys and Dolls in role was to teach his stu- consist of spending time Quaker school in New Jer- dent’s interests first no mat- the process of construction. Trout built sets sey and later decided it was ter what. He will do what- for countless shows over the course of his 33 dents how to do the same. with his wife, travelling time for a change. Through ever he can to make sure years at Park. He has appreciated each set (pandemic-permitting), a placement agency, Trout everyone feels welcomed constructed especially of reading, working on a found the Park school of and safe in his space,” Ty each show, and noted with wooden ship model and Baltimore and began work- Miller ’21, a member of the a smile, “It’s like children: sketching. ing as a history teacher and Tech Crewsaid. you can’t pick a favorite Trout feels ready for advisor of the tech crew Trout notes students in set.” this change in his life, and in the fall of 1988. He has his elective classes always Trout looks forward to while he recalls it was a nearly finished his thir- wanted to be there, and they watching the Arts Depart- difficult transition to enter ty-third year at the school, love doing the work. “With ment growing in the future. Park’s unique culture, he and cherishes the opportu- theater, the students are all “I am self-taught in this has grown to love every bit nities that Park has given there because they want to field....What I want for the of it. “I truly wouldn’t have him. be there, just like I do.” program and what I want wanted to be anywhere “Park has provided so Trout als o spoke of his for the school is someone else,” he confessed. many experiences, so much fellow teachers, “All of my who is trained in the field The community will miss fun and so much variety colleagues are full of ener- so they can take it to the Trout dearly, and wishes next level,” Trout said. him the best for the future. for me. I had the theater, I gy and drive. I enjoy work- Image courtesy J. Trout had history and I had all of ing with each and every “That is a win for the NEWS 3 Jan Brant, backbone of community health, departs by ALINA GLASS ’22 dren at school every day. ic,” she said. to move to New Jersey, but After 25 years of watch- “Especially students that Brant described how over- Brant didn’t want to leave ing over the Park commu- have, for example, Type 1 whelming COVID was, her community at Park, and nity and ensuring the well- diabetes, and they might saying, “It’s 24/7. I have no she wanted to complete her being of its students and be in kindergarten or first time off.” Brant not only Master’s program. She will faculty, Director of Nurs- grade. They really can’t came in every Saturday for be traveling back and forth ing Services Jan Brant bids handle that on their own,” COVID testing, but also until she moves to New Jer- farewell. Brant said. had to do all tracking if sey in 2022. When Brant first came “I’m going to take care of someone tested positive for Brant plans to retire after across Park, she was work- them like I’m going to take COVID. She was constantly Park, but she is also con- ing in pediatrics and med- care of my own children.” checking her email, and felt sidering using her Master’s ical-surgical nursing at Park has truly been a sec- as if she couldn’t take even degree work in a different Johns Hopkins. At the same ond home for Brant. “My a 24 hour break from her field. “I know I couldn’t be time, she was a part-time husband is a physician, so phone. a school nurse again,” she school nurse, and was tak- he’s never home. Working Image courtesy J. Brant “In previous years, you said. She feels as though ing care of her young chil- here kept me busy,” Brant still had to answer emails any future school nursing dren. At that time she met chuckled. With all three Brant was named the Li- Health Administration and and all that, but no one was endeavor wouldn’t mea- a friend who had graduated of her children graduating aison of the Year by the School Health. “I’ve just going to potentially die if sure up to her experience from Park. “She was like from the school Brant was National Board for Certi- immersed myself in school I didn’t see an email,” she at Park. ‘you’ve got to work at Park completely engaged in the fication of School Nurses nursing,” Brant said. said. She did appreciate the Above all, Brant is ex- School,’” Brant laughed. Park community. (NBCSN), which acknowl- Brant has always felt as support the administration tremely grateful for her The timing was perfect, Not only was Brant an edged Brant’s enthusiasm though the lives of over 800 offered her. “I could not time at Park. “I don’t think and things fell into place upstanding member of the for promoting school nurse students and 200 faculty have done it without that I could be a school nurse for Brant in the summer of Park community, but she certification. members are in her hands, help,” Brant remarked. anywhere else,” she said. 1995, when she was offered also brought her passion for But perhaps her most im- and with COVID, this sense Brant’s decision to leave She will forever cherish the the opportunity to be Park’s school nursing into com- portant award of all is her of responsibility was only Park was a hard one. The relationships she made in school nurse. She readily munities beyond Park. pristine attendance record: amplified. The pandemic pandemic made her realize the Park community, in- accepted the offer. In 2018, Brant won the Brant never once took a made this year an especial- the need to make lifestyle cluding students, parents, For Brant, school nursing Outstanding Private and sick day in her 25 years at ly tough one to be a school changes such as spending and colleagues. “The rela- meant teaching students Parochial School Nurse of the school. nurse. The job didn’t feel as more time with family and tionships that I build with how to take care of them- the Year Award, given to Brant is also Chair of the hands-on to Brant. taking care of herself. “It’s the kids are monumental to selves. She not only taught her by the National Asso- National Private, Parochial, With the pandemic came a balance. It’s who are you me,” she said. healthy habits, but also ciation of Nurses (NASN), and Independent School administrative meetings going to take care of...your When asked what she will stressed the importance of which recognized her Nurses special interest and difficult decisions,family and you, or what you miss the most about Park, mental health. leadership in creating a group of the National As- which almost entirely over- love to do?” she said. Brant laughed. “Every- Brant’s main priority as supportive community for sociation of School Nurs- took Brant’s day-to-day Additionally, Brant’s hus- thing,” she said. The com- school nurse was making school nurses across Mary- es. She recently graduated work. “I wish I could be band has lived and worked munity will certainly miss sure parents were wor- land. from Towson University here another year to finish in New Jersey for the last 3 everything about her. ry-free leaving their chil- One year later, in 2019, with a Master’s degree in out the end of this pandem- years. He had wanted Brant Middle School Science teacher Sarah Howell moves on by JOSH SOLOMON ’23 After seven years of teaching at Park, sixth grade science Past students remember Howell and her class fondly. “Ms. teacher Sarah Howell will depart after this school year. Howell was a great teacher. She made science fun and cre- Howell joined the Park community in 2014. Known for her ated a positive environment for her students,” Abby Kaplan love of teaching environmental science, Howell encourages ’23 said. her students to go beyond what is being learned in school and “She opened my eyes to so many different factors when think about equity, access, and environmental justice. She en- considering the effects of climate change – and more im- joys teaching at Park, but believes there is more that she can do portantly drove home how valuable the ecosystems around to pursue her interests and make a bigger impact. “I’m looking us really are,” Alex Norbrook ’22 said. for more ways to grow as a leader and ways to involve myself To sum up her experience, Howell used three words: in environmental change and sustainability from an organiza- ‘growth,’ ‘celebratory,’ and ‘bold.’ Explaining these choices, tional aspect,” Howell said. “It’s hard because I’ve loved being she said, “Growth because I’ve been challenged and given here, but I also know that in my heart there is more for me to the room to grow as a teacher and a human. There’s also do. It’s a hard step, but it’s the right step to take.” been a lot of joy and celebration. For boldness, giving not Since Howell started teaching seven years ago, the Middle just students but myself the boldness to step out and feel School science curriculum has evolved and undergone many confident in what we can do.” changes. “There has been a bigger emphasis on the incor- Although Howell doesn’t have a specific plan for the poration of climate change and sustainability along with the future, she is considering many options such as working connections of science and society,” Howell explained. She be- for a museum or an environmental organization. As she lieves that the Middle School experience has the opportunity moves on to the next chapter, she reflects on how she wants to be more interdisciplinary. to be remembered: “As a teacher who loves and celebrates Throughout her years of teaching, Howell most enjoyed students, and encourages them to find their own passions taking on challenges with students on camping trips and and pathways. Obviously a champion for the environment working with the Middle Grades Partnership to break down and leaving the world a better place than you found it,” she barriers of education. She also loved seeing students dive into said as she teared up. “If I were to say one last thing to the mock climate summits, where they represent a country or re- Park community, it would be thank you, and I hope that gion and negotiate with others according to what resources we continue to work together to make Baltimore and the Image courtesy S. Howell and funding they need to mitigate the worst effects of our im- world a better place.” minent climate catastrophe. This project not only introduces Howell’s impact on the community will be forever re- sixth graders to the ways in which countries negotiate and ad- membered. We wish her the best in all of her future en- dress potential problems, but also gives them the opportunity deavors. to practice public speaking and communication skills. NEWS 4 Emissions report reveals path to carbon neutrality by ALEX NORBROOK ’22

As the school year comes to a close, the members of the Climate Change Collec- Graph showing amount of carbon dioxide emit- tive (CCC) have been busy ted over the past school year. cranking out a graph show- ing how much electricity and natural gas the school has used over the past year and therefore roughly how much carbon dioxide it emitted. At long last, the emissions report is com- plete. Matthew Tabrisky ’22, who worked on the report, joined the project to see Images courtesy A. Norbrook how Park’s energy and heat- ing production affected its emissions. “I was pretty cu- Report generated by the Climate Change Collective rious about what Park was showing fluctuations in energy and natural gas use. actually doing,” Tabrisky said. “It’s this wealth of un- tapped information,” said Rainer Becker ’22, the other co-author of the report. mately 1,200 metric tons of switched to online learn- Facilities helps to save each of the Middle School and where Park sources its Compiling all the data for CO2 – the same amount of ing because of the Covid year through sustainability Upper School building, energy. It will consider the re port required tenac- carbon dioxide emitted by pandemic. “When we were measures does not always whose temperatures are reducing the school’s ity. “The actual work itself 145 homes over one year. In closed, we only used the go directly toward further currently regulated by an reliance on fossil fu- wasn’t all that difficult, it that same time frame, the area lighting that we need- green projects. “Facilities HVAC system that is over els by using greener was just extremely tedious,” school used nearly 60,000 ed,” Dino Profili, Assistant has not turned down any 25 years old, according to alternatives, such as Becker said. therms (a heating unit). A Director of Facilities, said. sustainability measures that Profili. That system will be on-campus solar in- Becker and Tabrisky tran- therm is the energy equiv- “We definitely saved on en- I am aware of,” Profili said. replaced during the reno- stallations or electricity scribed information giv- alent of burning 100 cubic e r g y.” “If we did, it was because it vation project. partnerships with so- en by each energy meter feet of natural gas, so using During online school, was not feasible or reason- The administration will lar farms elsewhere in around the school. After 60,000 therms is equivalent Facilities had the opportu- able to meet the initiatives.” soon move to the de- Maryland, in addition recording the meters’ data, to burning 6 million cubic nity to start some limited While Park has not taken sign-build phase of the to implementing many Becker and Tabrisky in- feet of gas. When burned, building efficiency modifi- advantage of the pandemic project, where it will efficiency upgrades. “I putted all the data in one this gas emits 316 metric cations. Profili and two of to make drastic, perma- make “fundamental” de- won’t say anything is large spreadsheet. “When tons of CO2. his colleagues in the Facili- nent, and emissions-cutting cisions about energy use off the table right now,” you’re taking it down, you Despite these alarming ties Department were busy decisions, the school has and sustainability, accord- Paradis said. don’t really absorb any of it statistics, Park actually replacing old fluorescent planned two large projects ing to Paradis. “Up until The building projects until it’s a nice clean graph,” burned less gas and used lights with far more effi- in the coming years that now it’s primarily ‘how do give Park an opportuni- Tabrisky said. “Now you re- less electricity than in the cient, longer lasting, and will open the door for larg- we get the most out of the ty to make serious re- ally get to see how all that previous year. brighter LED fixtures. This er sustainability efforts. systems we have,’” he said. ductions in emissions, data adds up.” One of the most startling reflects Profili’s broader The first will be an addi- “This is more of a com- reductions which may From June 2019 to June trends in the data was the mission of gradually in- tion to the Athletic Center prehensive moment.” be just what Park needs 2020, Park used over 1.6 large drop in electricity use creasing the building’s effi- to provide space for science As part of the de- to change course and million kWhs. Burning fos- between March and April ciency in order to “cut back and technology classrooms. sign-build phase, the head toward a safer car- sil fuels to create this much 2020. This happened as [and] save – if it makes The second will be a com- administration plans to bon-neutral future. electricity emitted approxi- Park closed its doors and things easier.” The money plete overhaul of the inside make decisions about Mock Trial wins national competition MOCK TRIAL from P.1

“inside scoop,” no under- hours of practice, quiet petition when it comes to witnesses and the odd phe- we did it together and un- Now of course, victory standing of how the “game” reading and thought that preparation time. nomenon of competing vir- afraid. didn’t feel so bad. The day should be played. All we often bleeds into time that Teams competing in tually. But we did it. Each match was fought we won the national cham- had was ourselves, our some might use for other Maryland receive one case- Our coaches and captains with grace, quick-thinking, pionship was also filled work ethic, and our insatia- more relaxing activities. book and have a little over advised us to approach this and wit, that seemed to with immense happiness ble desire to question, prac- But there is an organic joy two months to prepare be- competition with the same just get better every time. that resonated deeply with- tice, think and grow. and camaraderie that being fore matches begin. Teams flexibility, curiosity and We encountered incredible in every single one of us. It Naturally our coaches on this team provides for competing in Nationals re- passion that we brought teams that challenged us at felt surreal, as these things left the decision to us. And its members. It is because ceive a brand new casebook to States, scrimmages, and every step of the way, forc- tend to do, but also well-de- in what I believe to be pure of that joy and camaraderie and have only six weeks to run-throughs. We stuck to- ing us to get uncomfortable served. This achievement Park fashion, we voted. that we all came together, craft a well thought out and gether and worked togeth- and perform at new levels. felt overwhelmingly satis- When the results of the vote one last time, to compete in compelling defense/prose- er. The experience was so ex- fying not because we won, were released, I don’t think the national competition. cution case theory, learn af- Everyone was encour- hilarating that in the end but because everyone put anyone was surprised. Sure, The National High School fidavits, and develop cross/ aged to ask questions, of- it really didn’t matter if we in the work and followed there were some groans and Mock Trial Competition is direct examinations. Not to fer suggestions, and attend won or lost, we’d given our through to the very end. moans. To perform well in nothing like the Maryland mention reassigning team practices and when it was all and spared no intellectu- And that is what truly de- this competition demands State High school com- members to play different time to enter the unknown al expense. fines our team. COMMENTARY 5 Core program evolves over three years by SHANNON LONG ’23 teacher, said. work given. Sometimes it can be overwhelming,” The Core Program approach to Upper School This is also highlighted in the Upper School Harris said. science education is one of the most distinctive “Program of Studies” section on the school’s web- Kowalski ’22 agreed, “For my final [Core 9] proj- aspects of the entire Upper School curriculum. site, which states, “In our classrooms, we empha- ect we had to come in at every single free block While the Core Program was created with the size processes of inquiry and thoughtful analysis and still barely finished on time.” To assign such best of intentions, after three years of execution, over rote recitation.” The second objective of the rigorous projects to students some of whom feel it is unclear if this approach delivers hoped for Core Program was to allow flexibility in course unprepared is simply a recipe for unnecessary advantages over a traditional high school science scheduling. “We ended up having a three-year stress. It is difficult to feel enthusiasm for any- curriculum. requirement in the past...it didn’t allow students thing after stressing out over it for weeks. The Core Program was introduced in the to access the elective program as much as we Of the two goals highlighted in this discussion 2018-19 school year as a replacement to the would like,” Elliott Huntsman, science teacher of the Core Program, there has been one success. Upper School’s previous science curriculum. who concentrates on Core 10, observed. By paring down to only two required classes, Throughout the past three years, some student The Core Program, at its heart, is aiming to many students have found new learning oppor- opinion has reflected, and continues to reflect, provide a better learning experience for Park tunities. “The current junior class has the most frustration and disappointment with the pro- students. However, it has received mixed reviews choice for their studies than any class that’s ever gram. Nevertheless, faculty is adamant that the from students. The program’s independent struc- come through Park,” Huntsman said. This has Core Program approach is here to stay and that ture combined with its fast pace has left some also been most positively received by students. “I its evolution over time will allow students to de- students feeling unsupported. “They didn’t help like it… I’d rather take one year with computer velop and embrace science education. Teachers us, or if they did, it wasn’t very helpful. They science and physics so I can do an extra year of who were here to witness the change in curricula gave us beginner coding stuff and then threw us biology,” Mallory Gordon ’24 said. over time claim that the change to Core was nec- into a crazy project,” Ava Kowalski ’22 said when The Core Program is a work in progress. Stu- essary. speaking about Core 9 projects in 2019. dents should not be left to feel like they are teach- The Core Program was conceived with two While this quick pace can be helpful in allow- ing themselves. Nor should they have to spend primary goals in mind. The first goal was to cre- ing students to better interact with material, it every free block on a project to complete it on ate an interactive and hands-on learning experi- can also make for a shallow learning experience. time. ence for the student body. While the traditional “The way it’s done now, everything feels real- Fortunately, fixing these issues is not incom- high school science curriculum isolates physics, ly fast and as though I’m not really learning the patible with the mission of the Core Program, chemistry, biology, and computer science into subject… I’ve forgotten everything I learned in and faculty are aware of the issues. “In no way are separate courses, the Core Program is structured ninth grade,” Jamison Harris ’23 commented. we done improving this course,” said Huntsman. to make these domains more integrated and fo- Luckily, teachers are aware of this issue with It will take continuing improvement before all cused on solving multi-disciplinary problems. the program. “I think a lot of students interpret of the issues are resolved, but students and fac- For example, the game design project in Core it to be like, ‘oh, I’m teaching myself,’ but I think ulty alike are ready to embrace that change as it 9 allows students to combine their knowledge of we have to strike the right balance,” Osquist said. comes. physics with a knowledge of computer science to Another issue is the sheer amount of work As Osquist said, “That’s why we collect so much create a functioning computer game. “You learn Core can demand of students. “I don’t think it student feedback, because it’s supposed to evolve better when you have to wrestle with the material puts confidence or enthusiasm into many stu- an d g row.” in some way,” Melissa Osquist, Core 10 science dents. Half of that is because of the amount of Demanding Action for DEI by AIDAN CONNORS’22 Park launched its Upper School Diversity, Eq- portunities for concrete learning. In coming down to the why: why has Park taken this step? uity, and Inclusion (DEI) program in the fall of years the discussions should be extended to year- What is our goal with these sessions? Is it to un- 2020. Juniors and seniors met in small groups long programming, or the DEI groups should be derstand systemic racism by means of studying on Wednesdays for about 45 minutes, as well as allotted longer sessions. Additionally, while there history? To confront our own experiences with weekly seminars for freshmen and sophomores. may be plans in place of which I am unaware, if race? To further examine how race shows up in The sessions for the upperclassmen aimed to cov- teachers will be leading the sessions they should the classroom? To look at race and racism in our er and discuss a variety of topics including each be provided opportunities for learning them- city? Or something else entirely? student’s first experience of race, the demograph- selves. I am glad Park has begun the work to structure ics of our neighborhoods, and how race affects Park needs to make the goal of its DEI curric- anti-racist work into our regular schoolweek, and Park’s foundation. ula clear. It can do this by answering a few key I recognize that that takes time. But Park needs The DEI programming was a good first step questions: Are we structuring this as anti-racist to finalize the structure and goal of the DEI pro- towards racial justice, though it was by no means discussion? Anti-racism training led by teachers? gramming, and make those plans clear to the stu- a perfect one. In my experience, the difficulty Diversity, equity, and inclusion in regards to op- dent body. involved student engagement. Each time I have pression? If students can clearly understand the goals, opened my Instagram account for the past year, Solidified answers to the questions above, com- expectations and structure of the programming, I have swiped through dozens of colorful info- municated directly with students, will help the they may be more inclined to engage. Park has graphics discussing heated social issues such as curricula moving forward. I can see a future in a tendency to fall into the “discussion without politics and race. But when it came to actual dis- which the first few weeks of meetings are simple progress” trap. We can avoid it here with clarity cussion, my DEI group was nearly silent. and introductory, but quickly move into deeper about goals, structure, and expectations for stu- A slight restructuring of the program could discussions, perhaps with light reading assign- dents. both help students engage and lead to more op- ments as well. At the end of the day, it comes COMMENTARY 6 Head to Head: vaccine requirement for 2021-2022 school Park should be hesitant to mandate viders are required to report specific adverse sidered to be significantly underreported. A by ERIC SMITH ’22 rently only approved for people 18 or older, events such as death, birth defects and life CDC study fifteen years after it established When the previous White House ad- many countries recalled or paused the use of threatening medical events after vaccination. VAERS revealed 17% of healthcare providers ministration partnered with private corpo- the J&J vaccine due to the rare but potentially The CDC only encourages reporting of other aware of adverse effects of vaccines ever re- rations and mobilized the full resources of fatal blood clots they were causing. The body clinically significant adverse events. Patients ported to VAERS. Ten years later that num- its government to advance development of stops developing adequate platelets leading and caregivers can also report to this system. ber only increased to 34%. Most recently an Covid-19 vaccines under Operation Warp to uncontrollable clotting and bleeding. The As of May 14, there were 269,309 reports investigation in February 2021 revealed the Speed, many experts did not believe Ameri- U.S. approved the J&J vaccine on February of complications, including 4,201 deaths protocol for VAERS use varies in Maine’s ca would possess a viable vaccine until 2022. 27, paused it on April 13, and then recom- and 18,528 serious injuries. Deaths, though healthcare system. Although adverse events This was disproved when a New York City mended use resume 10 days later. The CDC small, were still present in teenagers, with 3 after vaccination were identified at one hos- nurse received the first dose of the Pfizer-Bi- confirmed in May that 28 people developed dying shortly after receiving their vaccina- pital, not all were eventually reported to oNTech vaccine in December, 2020. A tri- this blood clotting condition, 19 of which tions. No preexisting conditions are linked VAERS. umph in the field of medical science, this vac- affected their brain, with 10 of those suffer- as contributing factors to their deaths. In ad- The purpose of this article is not to detract cine along with Moderna and Johnson and ing from a cerebral hemorrhage. Three died. dition, 2,275 cases of Bell’s Palsy (facial pa- from the importance of vaccination. With Johnson (J&J), have given safety and security On May 24, the number of confirmed cases ralysis) were reported. According to a study expansive data and evidence based results, to those of us with a potential for a high risk increased to 32. Thus, it is critical to under- in The Lancetthat analyzed data from Pfizer vaccines have managed to nearly eliminate of mortality and a vulnerability to Covid-19. stand that an EUA vaccine is under investi- and Moderna clinical trials, the incidence of thoughts of diseases like smallpox and polio However, an ominous trend has aris- gational status and requires continuous col- Bell’s Palsy in vaccinated participants was up from our common consciousness. Howev- en. Even though approximately .04% of lection of data. to seven times more likely than the general er, these vaccines have been in existence for Covid-19 deaths are attributed to children Anecdotally, women are reporting issues population. Unfortunately, the media has decades, and we can guard against adverse between the ages of 0-17, teachers and ad- with menstruation after taking the Covid-19 been reporting this epidemiological data in- effects. The Covid-19 vaccines have not un- ministrators have increasingly encouraged vaccine. Katharine Lee, a research fellow at correctly when it states the incidence rates dergone the thorough testing required for or assumed children will be getting the vac- Washington University School of Medicine are relatively the same. approval beyond its current EUA state. More cine. “We are aware that many of our Upper noted an early period shortly after receiving Most recently, the CDC reported it is in- years of research is needed for this to occur. School students have received the Covid vac- the vaccine. She reported this observation vestigating several dozen reports of teenagers Perhaps that is why on May 25th the direc- cine—and we strongly recommend that stu- to a fellow researcher who studies the men- developing myocarditis, or inflammation of tors of the CDC, FDA and NIAID admitted dents get vaccinated when eligible,” a recent strual cycle at the University of Illinois. This the heart muscle, after receiving Moderna only a little more than 50% of its own em- Park community email read. fellow researcher also noted strange interfer- and Pfizer vaccines. A severe case of myocar- ployees were currently vaccinated. Any Covid-19 vaccine in the U.S. has only ences with her menstruation cycle so the two ditis can weaken the heart, leading to heart Children, who already possess a high sur- been approved by the FDA for Emergency launched a formal study for women to report failure, abnormal heartbeat, and sudden vival rate and extremely low incidence of hos- Use Authorization (EUA). When a medical these adverse reactions. As of late April, they death. The CDC states that the cases appear pitalization, should not be subjected to mass product is authorized with a EUA, it can only received over 25,000 responses with women to be mild but an emergency medicine phy- vaccination with unintended and unknown be used to “diagnose, treat, or prevent serious reporting longer, shorter, heavier, lighter, sician out of Washington State recently re- consequences of adverse effects. The benefits or life-threatening diseases or conditions.” early and late periods. Since it is not a side ported treating a teenager with myocarditis do not outweigh the risks at this time. Dr. Jay EUA products go through significantly less effect clinical trials explored (perhaps reveal- after vaccination with what he believed to be Bhattacharya, Stanford University Professor testing than full authorization. We should be ing bias as to what is important to consider as mild inflammation. He released the patient of Medicine and Epidemiology, explains, “I concerned that young people, who are in an a side effect), nor is it included in the CDC’s only to have that patient return for care with don’t think there’s any good reason to vacci- extremely low risk cohort, are being included vaccine health check-in, further research is a decrease in his heart’s output. nate kids… they face a vanishingly small risk in a temporary authorization, which is not necessary to determine potential long term While detractors might claim VAERS is from Covid itself, near zero from mortality. subject to the same rigorous review of safety effects both on menstruation and fertility. a passive system and that its use alone can … it doesn’t actually help with reducing the and efficacy as a full vaccine approval. Hopefully, the public is aware the CDC not definitively determine causal links, it is risk of disease for the rest of the population To put it simply, we know little about long collects national data for adverse vaccine still a vital tool for identifying potential vac- given that we vaccinated the vulnerable. It’s term effects resulting from receiving any of responses called the Vaccine Adverse Event cine safety concerns that need further study. not necessary to vaccinate kids to end the the Covid-19 vaccines. Though usage is cur- Reporting System, (VAERS). Healthcare pro- Furthermore, the data from VAERS is con- pandemic. That is a false idea.” Park must require vaccination by PENNY CELTNIEKS ’22 health of the entire student body to get Understandably, people are skeptical; clots, as opposed to the aforementioned We wore masks. vaccinated as a whole [with the exception this is a new vaccine developed quick- 6 out of 6.8 million J&J vaccine recipients We followed social distancing. of those who are not eligible],” she stated. ly. There have also been reports of health studied before the pause of the vaccine in We zoomed into our classes. Taneya Dove ’22 agreed: “[The] more people complications after receiving the vaccine. April. Moreover, the J&J vaccine is current- We missed so many opportunities. vaccinated, the safer our community will be.” Women have talked about experienc- ly approved for people 18 years and older, Ever since Covid-19 shut down our “nor- Clearly, safety is important to faculty and ing irregular menstrual cycles and symp- as it has not been authorized for children. mal” lives, we spent countless weeks hoping the student body at this school. While teenag- toms. However, according to Dr. Mar- Hearing the frustration from students and praying for a vaccine. Anything to re- ers are a low-risk age group for actually con- garet Polaneczky, a gynecologist at Weill and teachers as they indignantly cry, turn us to those ordinary days spent mask- tracting the virus, they can spread it to family Cornell Medicine in New York, most of “why not require vaccines?” reminds us less with mere inches separating us. When members who are not. Students feel a respon- this data has been anecdotal as vaccine of the way Park teaches facts over fears. it did not seem like there would ever be sibility to make sure that their family mem- studies do not test effects on menstruation. Arguments based on one person’s testi- light at the end of the tunnel, the Food and bers stay safe, whether it be a sibling or par- Furthermore, changes in menstruation mony (however qualified that person may Drug Administration authorized vaccines ent with an underlying medical condition, or have been associated with elevated stress be) and other anecdotal evidence are not for use. No one believed we would have a someone at an age that puts them at high risk. levels. With our global pandemic in full good enough to determine whether or not vaccine even in four years, let alone one. It By vaccinating the whole Upper School, swing, there has certainly been an anecdot- we make the community safer by mandat- was an incredible feat. Today, we are finally we could substantially reduce risks of bring- al abundance of stress all around, which ing vaccines. It is one thing to report inci- in reach of resuming life as we knew it. All ing the virus to Park students who then trans- makes it harder still to prove that Covid dents of medical abnormalities. It is quite that is left to do is get everyone vaccinated. mit it to those high risk family members. vaccines seriously affect menstruation. another to prove them in controlled trials. Therefore, it comes as a tremendous sur- Park already requires many other vac- The most notable medical abnormality We (students and families) agreed to Park’s prise to see that Park has decided not to re- cinations for enrollment. As part of the potentially associated with a Covid vaccine Community Agreement when Covid re- quire the Covid vaccine for Park’s eligible school’s contract for enrollment, all fami- was blood clots. Upon reports that 6 John- quirements were imposed in order to stay in students (age 12 and older) next fall. This lies agree to the Immunization Policy for son and Johnson (J&J) vaccine recipients school and keep the community safe. In this decision has rattled many students and fac- Students. This document declares students developed blood clots in April (out of over document it states: “All community members ulty who do not understand why Park is must be immunized “according to the Mary- 6.8 million people vaccinated by the vaccine must commit to… Receiving the seasonal flu not fully committed to trying to maximize land State Immunization Requirements as of mid-April), the vaccine was paused. vaccine and future vaccination for Covid-19 the benefit of the vaccine. If Park mandated and the guidelines” provided by the CDC, Yet, even if causation is proved between the when available.” vaccines, we would be much closer towards and is in fact stricter than those guidelines. J&J vaccine and the onset of blood clots We all signed this document, so why not what we consider normal next school year. The only valid exemption from vaccina- (causal link is currently being studied by the follow through on it. “It [full vaccination] just makes sense to tions is a doctor-signed medical contraindi- CDC), the chance of developing blood clots We have seen some of the most incredible continue with the most effective strate- cation (unlike in the state’s guidelines, there from Covid is far higher than chances of get- work at the frontlines of this field as this vac- gy to get us back to normal,” Upper School are no religious exemptions). The threat of ting those clots after receiving the vaccine. cine was created and released. English teacher Angela Balcita said. Covid is serious enough to close our school The former is eight to ten times more like- We have seen first-hand how dangerous Feeling alarmed by Park’s decision, Claire and disrupt every aspect of our educational ly to cause blood clots in the brain than the Covid-19 is. The next step is crystal clear: Inglesby ’24 remarked that this choice puts lives, so it is unbelievably hard to understand latter, according to a University of Oxford Park must require the vaccine for enrollment people at risk. “It’s within the safety and why Park would not apply the same high study. In a separate Florida study, 20 percent next fall. standards for enforcing the Covid vaccine. of Covid patients in the ICU developed blood FEATURES 7

by PAUL HUDES ’23 ‘Senate snacks’ raises cash Treasurerfor G. Sachs clubsand stu- Since the beginning of May, Senate Snacks dent government President has been ramping up business to a whole new J. Apostolo handle sales of level. They now have new selections of snacks, snacks at the end of the Upper School hallway. “We’ve raised drinks, candy, and even a loyalty program. The more than we initially expect- Student Senate has invested a lot of time and ed,” Apostolo said. effort into this fundraiser, and they mean busi- ness. try to balance the two when pricing The purpose of Senate Snacks is to raise our products.” money for clubs to use. Clubs, or even just In light of the school store open- groups of students, can apply for a grant by ing back up next year, there has been submitting what is called an SFAF. After the speculation surrounding the continu- SFAF is submitted the request is reviewed and ation of Senate Snacks. voted on by the Student Senate. Grants can be When asked about the matter, Aposto- photo by J. Acheson given for anything from pizza to day trips as lo replied, “First of all, we do not have long as the Student Senate approves. cess to exclusive deals and discounts, as well as any concrete plans. We recognize that the school The interim Student President, John Aposto- certain items free of charge. All you need to do is store is a major income source for the school, and lo ’23, is leading the new drive for engaging stu- sign up for the email list. Gabe Sachs ’24 is cur- are not interested in taking any of that business.” dents in the Senate Snacks program. “The point rently the interim Student Treasurer and has also “That being said,” Apostolo remarked, “Senate of Senate Snacks is to benefit the community,” been heavily involved with running the snack Snacks has a completely different business model Apostolo said. stand. Sachs said, “Senate Circle is our answer and item selection than the school store has had Greg Mann ’24, another member of Student to the constant request for a rewards program... in the past. I think the world is definitely wide Senate, is often working the table. He added, It was very important to us that the loyalty pro- enough for Senate Snacks and the School Store. “Working at Senate Snacks is great, it helps pro- gram we created was inclusive to all…we basi- It will really depend on who is in the Senate next vide for the student body and gives everyone cally just give out free items that don’t sell well or year, they make the ultimate decision.” something to look forward to during a break.” things that some people need like bottled water.” Apostolo was adamant on the benefit of the Stock is constantly being upgraded. Apostolo When asked about pricing, Sachs explained, initiative, “Senate’s unwavering commitment to says, “I go to Sam's Club and Costco every cou- “We have two conflicting goals with Senate providing services to students and raising money ple of days and buy things people want to eat. It's Snacks. The first is to provide a service to the for student activities will continue next year, and that simple: give the people what they want.” community. The second is to maximize margins for many years to come, with or without Sen- A new loyalty system called Senate Circle has in order to raise the maximum dollar amount ate snacks.” As the school year comes to a close, also been created. Being a member gives you ac- possible for student led clubs and initiatives. We make sure to visit your senators Senate Snacks.

Admissions & student ambassadors interview, recruit new students for 2021-22 by CATE COCHRAN ’23 looking at it online, or having to to be able to get a sense of Park’s job Park had done with admis- Excitement fills the Upper School travel a long way for a single shad- community. sions this year compared to the as we prepare to welcome all the ow day. Nusinov and Sheehy praise other schools they had visited. newly accepted students into the According to two of the student Kalvar for all her hard work this This is, in part, thanks to the won- Park community next fall. Covid leaders of admissions this year, Ge- year to make everything possible. derful student ambassadors that has affected many things, including fen Nusinov ’21 and Liza Sheehy “Our [Park’s] shadow days are su- helped with admissions events school admission numbers. ’21, Zoom is very useful when meet- per interactive with kids, and are this year. “The Admission Team had to ing with teachers or the admissions probably one of the best online “Every single student who came pivot this year - as everyone did - in More than two on Zoom sessions to help this year, response to the pandemic,” Head of dozen new stu- whether they came every week, or dents from other Admissions Ruthie Kalvar said. “We schools will join the only once or twice, I think just did had to reimagine our admission new ninth grade, such a great job,” Sheehy said. “surpass[ing] our events and design new ones while enrollment goal,” “I think in general we’ve done prioritizing the need to connect Head of Admissions, a great job at engaging on Zoom R. Kalvar said. Below with prospective Park families and are five of the lead- at Park, and I think it definitely tell the Park story.” ers of the Admis- translated into meeting those vis- sions Ambassadors Zoom admissions meetings have club, who welcome iting students as well.” many downsides. New and prospec- new students to Somewhat due to Covid, and Photo courtesy Admissions Office Park. tive students could not meet teach- to our amazing admissions team ers and peers in person, could not team for interviews or Q&A ses- shadow days you are going to ex- whose hard work has paid off, see Park’s beautiful campus, and sions, but are much more difficult in perience in this area, including Park is excited to welcome a large could not experience classes in a an actual class setting because it is among our competitor schools,” number of new students next year, ‘normal’ setting. Despite this, Zoom hard for visiting students to receive Nusinov said. “They’re very well a number that has “surpassed our admissions meetings do have their the true class experience. Although organized, our kids are super im- enrollment goal by a significant perks. Meetings over Zoom are all shadow days are online, the ad- pressive, and we are so excited to amount,” says Kalvar. much more flexible than meetings missions team has been able to plan meet each and every one of them. Although this has been a crazy in person. For students looking at multiple in-person events for the I think that’s why we got so many school year, we are so excited to Park from out of state, Zoom meet- kids to get to be together, outside, new students for next year.” welcome the new students to Park ings are extremely helpful to get an at Park. These in-person visits are Sheehy was surprised that shad- in the fall. idea of the school, instead of just extremely helpful for the students ows privately told her what a great FEATURES 8 Sports fashion to NASA mission data analysis: Senior Projects offer varied work experiences by WILL PERES ’23 chose this project because I want to go into med- On April 23rd, the senior class walked out of ical research, but I’ve always heard it’s important class for the last time as high school students and On June 1 NASA to get experience with patients too, so I figured announced two new now would be the perfect time [to get that ex- said their goodbyes. For over 20 years, six weeks missions to Venus, before the school year ends, seniors get to select The first probe sent perience],” she said. Glasser is lucky enough to to the "evening work in person, and feels this has fueled her pas- a project to work on for the rest of the second star" planet was semester. There is a wide variety of projects that in 1962. This sion for the subject. photo was taken seniors can choose from or design on their own, by Mariner 10 in but most projects connect to the possibility of February, 1974. Antietam battlefield, Maryland. The battle fought here in September 1862 lasted about 12 hours what a student’s future could look like. with over 23,000 casulalties. The following selection of four projects pro- Image Courtesy JPL/Nasa.gov vides a range of applied learning opportunities seniors have engaged in, showcasing the wide ar- Rachel Kaplan: ray of topics the senior class pursued. “My work mostly consists of analyzing data from the Pioneer Venus mission to determine the com- Justin Alperstein position of Venus’s atmosphere,” Rachael Kaplan Choosing to work at Under Armour (UA) to said. Kaplan decided to spend her second semes- explore his interest in fashion and sports, Justin ter as a planetary sciences intern at NASA. Ka- Alperstein says, was the right decision. “I specif- plan explained the work she’s completing, which Image Courtesy National Park Service (nps.gov) ically wanted to work at UA because I thought it includes analyzing data from previous interplan- Aaron Zaiman, Griffin Angel and was a great mix of my hobbies from out of school etary missions. She explained how this work is Jonah Friedman: and my academic interests,” Alperstein said. allowing her to get real-world experience in sci- Seniors Aaron Zaiman, Jonah Friedman, and He hoped to use the experience to begin ence and analytics before she goes to college. Griffin Angel are working together on research- learning about what he plans to do in college Kaplan has long had an interest in astro-phys- ing civil war locations. and beyond. “I like sports and fashion and I am ics, space and astronomy, and the senior proj- After the Civil Rights trip was canceled this also studying business next year in college, so I ects provided her with an outlet to embrace her year, the three thought this senior project would thought this was a great opportunity,” Alperstein passion for these sciences. “I chose this project allow them to make up the information, expe- said. Commuting to the Inner Harbor each day, because I have always been interested in space, riences and sense of community they had lost Alperstein explained how grateful he is to have and working with NASA provides me exposure during quarantine. “We all really enjoy history worked at UA, especially as a high school student. to astronomy and the fields that stem from it,” and we thought that spending our time visiting Kaplan said. national battlefields would be not only fun but Rachael Kaplan: we would also learn a lot,” Zaiman said. Under Armour, founded in Molly Glasser: The group has been recording their findings Baltimore in Glasser is pursuing work with Dr. Jeffrey Gaber in journals as they visited five different locations: 1996 by Kevin Plank, has and associates, as she shadows doctors and ad- Antietam National Battlefield, Mercersburg, the grown into a ministrators to understand what goes on behind Battle of Monocacy, the Battle of Gettysburg, and multi-billion dollar compa- the scenes of a geriatrics and legal cases doctors’ the Manassas National Battlefield. ny. This track office. “I’m shadowing doctors and adminis- By visiting battlefield locations and reflecting suit is from their 2020 trators and learning how to do patient intake,” upon their experiences, they believe this project collection. Glasser said. She explained that she’s always had is beneficial to their knowledge of civil war his- an interest in medical research but never had the tory. Image Courtesy Underarmour.com chance to truly get any meaningful experience. “I Minimum social distancing relaxed to three feet by ARIELLE ADLER ’24 adding, “I was excited to get to be in one room scious about social distancing considering three Halfway there! With the CDC’s latest recom- with my classmates and teacher.” This sentiment feet has a more normal feel than six,” Weinberg mendations that physical distancing can be more is common amongst students. said. relaxed in schools, the Park student body stands “I was concerned about whether or not stu- These recent changes have increased Park’s closer to one another than we have all year. By dents would be able to maintain six feet while students’ anticipation for positive differences in changing the physical distancing regulations eating, and if the hallways would be more crowd- the upcoming school year. “If the CDC allows, minimum from six feet to three, classrooms ed,” Sara Weinberg ’23 said. Given the lengths I would love to see everyone back in school all accommodate more students at once, and thus Park’s administration has gone to in order to plan 5 days, hopefully with no masks,” Ehrhardt said. come close to a more typical experience. When for this change, Ehrhardt does confirm that he Weinberg and Kaufman agreed, hoping that in asked about his initial reaction to the change, feels safe with this new rule. Ehrhardt added, “I the 2021-2022 school year it will be safe to return new student Greg Ehrhardt ’24 said, “I am much get to be in one room with my whole class, and to normal. happier with in-person school than I was earlier I’ve grown closer with my classmates. There are Regardless of the challenges over these past in the year and I find it easier to engage with my many more opportunities for partnership.” fifteen months, there is no question that the class.” Weinberg also feels she has been able to engage COVID-19 pandemic has increased the resilien- More directly interacting with their peers and in class more, and unlike online school, in-per- cy of the student body and has proven the value access their teacher, results in a better learning son classes allow her to receive direct help from of the Park School experience. experience overall. Caroline Kaufman ’24 agreed, teachers. “It’s also nice not having to be as con- FEATURES 9 End of Year Projects for Ninth and Tenth by NOAH BENDER ’24 riculum rebuild, Dr. Katherine Arner stepped As the school year comes to a close, Upper in as chair of the department, as this is former School science and history classes have begun chair Daniel Jacoby’s final year. their final lessons and projects. From students in “A lot of teachers had to make changes to their Elizabeth de la Reguera’s Ecology class studying expectations for this year,” Arner said. “This was cicada populations to students in ninth grade certainly due to COVID-19, but it was equally if writing Reconstruction history term papers, the not more due to what was happening politically. Upper School is buzzing with new activities and Talking about the election and the riots in DC projects. With three grades on campus, hallways was really important for our students.” More- are filled with energy and excitement for learn- over, John Kessinger’s termination required a ing. new teacher, Steve Goldberg, to be brought in at Core 9 and Core 10 students are working the last minute. on end of the year projects. Freshmen are work- “He [Goldberg] really turned out to own the ing with coding software Arduino to build their class, and taught a new Holocaust elective,” models of real-life items. Sophomores have more Arner added. “We were really lucky.” options: some are working with Arduino, while For freshmen, the class is winding down this others are working with aspects of the environ- year’s study of the foundations of American ment to collect data on soil or water quality. history with a research paper about the Recon- “The final project in Core 9 is extremely open. struction era. This project creates a space for stu- It’s centered around taking a ton of inputs and dents to find a topic of interest, create an outline, photo by Zoë Pickard develop a thesis, and form an argument. Gabe The Black Messiah, a 36’’ x 68’’ oil painting by outputs and creating something of your choice. Josie Eteme ’22 It’s really cool because we had a coding unit be- Sachs ’24, a student in Grace Gahagan’s class is fore this semester that taught us the basics, and researching territorial expansion after the Civ- now this project adds on another layer of engi- il War for his research paper. “It [the project] J-Port reveals artistry neering,” Margot Kohn ’24 said. provides a unique opportunity to delve a little by GABBY GOLDSTEIN ’22 Kohn and her partner are creating a book deeper into a topic you want to explore further,” with LED lights for this project. Sachs explains. If you have passed through the library hallway The project enables students to be inventive in For many sophomores, the concluding unit within the last few weeks, you have likely been their thinking, helping them explore their inter- of the year will be a study of Ethiopia. The His- amazed by the array of artwork installed on the ests in STEM. At the end of the year, ninth grade tory 10 curriculum centers around the study of wall. For the past semester, Janna Rice’s Junior students showcase their work for the entire Up- Imperialism, and how Ethiopia was a country Portfolio class has been creating a variety of art- per School. Students develop essential skills that attempted to defy the imperialistic ways work, from three-foot oil paintings to miniature and learn how to apply them to everyday life, that were ruling the African continent. Before realistic sculptures. which is something that remains very important this unit, tenth grade students also had to write Junior Portfolio (known to many as J-port) throughout one’s high school experience. a term paper that helped culminate their histor- is an intensive art class offered in the spring se- Covid-19 and the virtual start of this year ical studies. mester where artists in their junior year can pur- sue their artistic talents through various media of strongly affected the Science Department. “The History class, as many students will attest, is their choice. The ultimate goal of the course is for Science Department made a tough decision ear- very centered around meaningful discussions students to create a portfolio of several pieces that ly in the year that our main goal was to have kids between teachers and students. are unique to their personal style and aesthetic. engage with science and see themselves as able Due to virtual school and the use of Zoom for Unlike the traditional AP art class offered at classes, this had to be limited. But, there were to be scientists. some schools, this accelerated course allows stu- some unexpected positive outcomes. “It helped The connection between students and teach- dents to create essentially anything they wish, ers, and students and students was our top prior- us all get more creative and imaginative with without restrictions limiting their true creativity. ity, and that connection needed to be positive,” how we teach, with activities and technology for “Each of you is making work that is totally Julie Rogers, Head of Science Department, said. now and for the future,” Arner passionately ex- unique to you. When I walk through the hall and Rogers feels that this year has taught her several plained. I see the variety of subject matter—what the work valuable lessons. The pandemic has spotlighted what the core is about—it’s all very different,” Rice said. “There is nothing equivalent to learning in a part of history is. “Because of the shortened While Covid has certainly led all classes to oper- classroom environment. And I think we’ve taken amount of classes, we have been forced to hon- ate differently one way or another, Rice says that that for granted in the past. So now, the mindset estly choose what we want to teach students. We the pandemic has not been a major issue for the is that while we’re together, we are going to get understand now in a different sense what the Junior Portfolio class. The class has been able to stuff done,” Rogers explains. goal of this class [history] is. It’s really powerful.” accommodate distance learning days throughout Though a rollercoaster year, collaboration and With so many changes this year, our com- the semester, whether that be shipping supplies to teamwork have motivated teachers and students munity has remained tenacious and dedicated. students’ homes, having virtual progress-report to continue working hard. In both history and science, students have col- sessions, or utilizing at-home supplies. laborated thoughtfully with each other, with There is the downside, however, for a handful This year, the History Department has had teachers, and have gained not only knowledge, of students who must learn and create remotely a substantial renovation of its ninth grade cur- but important lessons about themselves and the all the way to the end of the year. “I have students riculum, incorporating diverse perspectives and broader world. who I won’t ever get to see, just because they are at working to teach history aimed at anti-racism. With summer just around the corner and a distance,” Rice adds. The aforementioned coincides with Park’s ef- hope that we can return to five days a week next Despite this setback, the Junior Portfolio stu- forts of DEI, in a year where racial inequity has school year, students at Park will strive on with dents, whether virtual or in person, continue to become abundantly clear. In addition to the cur- as much optimism as possible. work towards assembling their final art portfolios and creating impressive pieces of work. ARTS & CULTURE 10 Ying Ma’s Memoir Informs Our Present by ERIC SMITH ’22 Where Black-on-Asian violence was con- dia will allow to examine the imperfections in ship over her parents as they speak limited En- cerned, however, America’s fear of confronting American society and the hardships of our inner glish. Ma’s classmates seek to demean, humiliate painful truths beyond the bounds of political cities. The origins of Asian hostility and discrim- and bully her, or sympathize little with her chal- correctness became all too clear,” author Ying ination cannot simply be attributed to the past lenges. As a result, Ma throws herself into her Ma frankly discusses in her introduction to Chi- year, four years, or decade. People of varied race, studies, focusing on educational achievement as nese Girl in the Ghetto. Originally published in ethnicity and political affiliation represent those opposed to the limited opportunities in a city ex- 2011 this memoir conveys the story of a young who have committed hate crimes, so to assign periencing the effects of urban decay. girl who moves from southern China to Oak- absolute blame to one specific group of people Fortunately, an enthusiastic Black teacher recog- land, California in the 1980s. Reading Ma now or idea should be met with skepticism and a de- nizes Ma’s potential to thrive in the “gifted” pro- helps us contextualize the current moment of an- sire to learn a more realistic truth. Chinese Girl gram. This along with her own fierce persistence, ti-Asian hate crime. in the Ghetto exposes Ma’s struggles, both before propels her forward. Ma’s understanding of the The media today often ascribes the vaguely -de and after she immigrated to America, and how important values that contributed to her success fined but constantly repeated phrase she persevered to achieve a life germinated in her high school philosophy classes “White Supremacy” as the root of purpose and satisfaction. when discovering “the triumph of individualism” cause of these vicious attacks. Addi- Ma’s memoir begins with her on her path to self-improvement. She attends tionally, the Trump administration’s early childhood in Guangzhou. Cornell University, graduates from Stanford Law use of the words “China Virus”, is Even at a young age, Ma under- and eventually achieves her dream of moving her attributed to a massive uptick of stood the confines of her author- parents out of their troubled neighborhood. crimes against Asians in primarily itarian society. Her teachers de- Ma offers an alternative lens to view her expe- Democratic cities. mand that she stop wearing nail rience with racism in America. Ma specifically Last month, Asian American Coa- polish to school lest she inspire highlights the discrimination many immigrants lition for Education (AACE) Pres- jealousy in classmates. They in- experience from other minorities. Interminority ident Yukong Zhao sent a letter to sist she turn in reports of either racism is rarely discussed in mainstream media. the Attorney General Merrick Gar- her own wrongdoings or those The racial narrative is often viewed through the land, urging the U.S. Department of a family member. lens of White people in contrast to other racial of Justice to take a non-partisan, She slowly begins to dream of an groups. Ma opens your eyes to the dysfunction of holistic approach to effectively ad- idyllic America, spurred on by oversimplification and how it can distract from dress the root causes behind ris- Image Courtesy goodreads.com Western films, and an aunt who the most pressing issues facing our people, local ing violence, hate crimes and systemic racism exposes to her a variety of Western products. communities, inner cities and nations. against the Asian-American community. Mr. This hope for America is soon realized in the I highly recommend the unique Chinese Girl in Zhao expressed grave concerns that the Biden third grade, when Ma and her family take up res- the Ghetto, whether you want to enjoy a touching administration’s hyper-focus on “Chinese Virus” idence in the inner city of Oakland, California. personal memoir, understand the struggles of a and “White Supremacy” would deflect the public Harsh realities emerge, forcing her parents to first-generation immigrant living in a disadvan- from paying much-needed attention to the major trade in their respectable jobs in China for poor- taged urban area, or celebrate an insistence that problems that are increasingly harming them. ly paid work. Ma struggles with assimilation to we each have triumphant power over our own We must dive deeper than our mainstream me- American culture, and feels the burden of ward- lives. Jupiter’s Legacy is Forgettable by BRANDON ZAYON ’22 ent, as the viewer follows the disjointed charac- converging. ters’ children. There is no real aim or transition Speaking of characters, they are a real mixed ‘Jupiter’s Legacy’ was one of the most forget- between the two time periods. In one moment bag of quality. Some are incredibly interesting table Netflix shows I have seen in a while. What we are just learning about a character, and then and fun to watch, while I forgot the existence of a way to end the year! Netflix’s adaptation of the BOOM we are dropped into Middle America some entirely. famous comic fails to capture any of the intrigue during the 1930s learning about a mysterious is- There are some highlights of the show though, present in the comic or create any new intrigue it- land. Within two minutes, we are in the present including the stunning visuals. In addition, the self. This show is another superhero deconstruc- day at a photo-shoot. actors are clearly giv- tion like Invincible or The Boys, but the twist is As soon as you are in- ing it their all, the that we do not focus on that deconstruction for vested in the characters costume design is 90% of the show. and the plot, the setting great, and there are The biggest moral question that ‘Jupiter’s suddenly changes be- both interesting and Legacy’ poses is whether or not killing is good. tween the two stories. awesome moments However, this question is rarely explored because The story set in the for about fifteen there is simply too much else going on. I don’t past is better because it minutes of each ep- plan on spoiling anything in this review, but let is more focused. Un- isode. The question me just say that episode one is far superior com- fortunately, it is ruined Image Courtesy denofgreek.com is, are you willing to pared to the rest of the show. by a lack of stakes, due to the fact that the view- slog through nothingness for 45 minutes in order Half of the show takes place in the past, where er knows what happens to everyone by the sec- to get there? I would not be. we learn how the characters obtained each of ond episode. The story set in the present is like ‘Jupiter’s Legacy’ is a bland attempt at an adult their powers. What was explained in only five spinning a roulette wheel for which character superhero show, and prefers to have little vi- pages in the comic dominates every aspect of the the audience is going to follow, and there is very gnettes of cool in a sea of bland. RATING: 5/10- show. little connection between them. There is also no -Just look up the cool scenes on Youtube and The other half of the show takes place in the pres- overarching story that leads to the characters re- watch Invincible or The Boys instead. ARTS AND CULTURE 11 Oscar-Winning My Octopus Teacher review by MARGOT KOHN ’24 In the third episode of the Austra- son” or new behaviour the octo- dearingly, Wikipedia states that the self, and ultimately it seemed, for lian mermaid show, H2O: Just Add pus exhibits is never mentioned as Octopus and the Pyjama Shark ap- the viewer, was to be a part of the Water, two of the protagonists have a lesson. These behaviours rather pear as themselves. One thing that forest. As a documentarian, he had to save a turtle from a boat in illegal feed into the culminating message: I do wish was shown more was how made a movie about game trackers waters. the octopus brought him into an- it was filmed. Foster is very open in Africa, and saw how close the However, the boat turns out to be other world, which allowed him to about how he is a filmmaker and people were to the environment, one of their good mermaid friends. connect with his son and emotions he’s turning the camera on himself, and he aimed to become like them. The main point of this episode is to more closely. but the whole time I was wonder- Throughout the film, Foster is try- show the mesmerizing mermaids My Octopus Teacher depicts Fos- ing who else was there helping him ing to be as close to being part of swimming in the beautiful ocean, ter’s relationship with the octopus as film. The octopus must have trusted the kelp forest as possible. He swims and to have the characters care for intimate, but I found this message a those people, as well. without a wetsuit or an oxygen tank animals. I think this is also the point little hypocritical. He bonds with to feel more vulnerable and like a of My Octopus Teacher (subtract- this octopus, but also sticks an in- fish, as well as make the animals feel ing the mystical mermaid power). truding camera into their relation- more comfortable around him. My Octopus Teacher follows doc- ship. Simultaneously, I cannot say I After Foster made this movie, umentarian Craig Foster as he cre- am disappointed as I truly enjoyed he created the Sea Change Project. ates a connection with a common the relationship the octopus formed His connection with the octopus octopus in a kelp forest in False Bay, with Foster. and the kelp forest environment South Africa. The movie runs for 90 My favorite character was defi- inspired him to take further action minutes and streams on Netflix. nitely the octopus. Foster never Image Courtesy latimes.com to protect this crucial part of our From the name, I expected the names her, just saying “she” or “the ecosystem. According to the Sea movie to serve as a list of lessons octopus”, which gives her mystique. The kelp forest was absolutely Change website, “The Sea Change that the octopus “teaches” Foster. She was a creature I enjoyed watch- beautiful. Each creature is shown Project hopes to convey this mes- Instead, each new scene is a differ- ing and learning about. As Foster in their full glory. The close-ups of sage through storytelling based on ent day of foster’s relationship with made discoveries about her, so did the octopus delicately wrapping its science and direct, immersive expe- an octopus. We experience, with I. The first moment I saw the octo- tentacles around the camera, the riences in the Great African Seafor- Foster, a variety of unique octopus pus, she looked like a mere pile of texture of aquatic plants, and the est.” Foster wants his story to make behaviours. These new behaviours rocks. She plays with fish, and uses piercing eyes of fish are able to make the audience feel as close to the for- become the lesson, but the take- quick thinking to escape a deadly me feel as if I were in the ocean, as est as he did. I felt that. aways are not thrown in your face. Pyjama Shark. The octopus also re- Foster wanted. Overall, I would rate the film a Foster narrates, but each little “les- grows tentacles and gives birth. En- One of Foster’s main goals for him- 9/10. Amber and Clay: A Creative Masterpiece by KWABE OSEI ’21 The titleAmber and Clay greets any reader alworking, and the like). alludes to sexual assault. Certain deaths are un- who picks up the incredible and at times comedic When the book opens, Hermes starts off by expected but powerful in the book, and yet blend read by Laura Amy Schlitz, Park School’s Lower greeting the reader, “Hermes here. The Greek in well with the storyline. “I just like the story, School librarian and Newberry award-winning god - No. Don’t put down the book- I’m talking these two young characters are kind of like the children’s author. The cover of Amber and Clay, to you. If the lines look like poetry, relax. This same being, male and female versions, but split Schlitz’s latest work, is a splash of faded yellow book is shorter than it looks.” in two,” Acheson said. ink across an orange red background in which Shortly after Rhaskos The book also does a marvelous job of visually black paint depicts a girl with wings dragging a is described: “A Thra- bringing the reader into Greece; the descriptive boy towards a temple on a hill. cian boy… redhead- words which cover everything from the smells At 544 pages long, Amber and Clay is written ed, nervy, neglected. to little details in buildings or people, bring the in a very creative style. Some chapters are written A clever boy who was setting to life. Each piece of the story feels very traditionally, some are written in free verse. This taught he was stupid. carefully constructed. It has “A lot of interesting affords many voices: gods like Hermes, heroes A beautiful boy whose sub-characters,” Kimberly Hilsee, Assistant Li- like Akibiades, and the two main children-pro- mother scarred him brarian, said. “The book has voices that carry you tagonists. Consequently, it reads quickly. The with a knife.” Melistos along; it’s a page turner.” book itself is set in ancient Greece and follows is then juxtaposed with Another large highlight of the book is the pres- the tale of, to quote Schlitz, “A girl as precious as Rhaskos. She is de- ence of exhibitions between chapters. Between amber and a boy as common as clay.” Image Courtesy amazon.com scribed as “a rich man’s every major switch in narrative, there is an “Ex- Melisto, the daughter of a wealthy Athenian daughter, and a proper Greek. Owl-eyed Melis- hibition” explaining an ancient Greek artifact. “I general who lives in the heart of Athens in a to: a born fighter, prone to tantrums, hating the like the way [Schlitz] reimagines Greece in the small estate, lives a pampered life. She is tended loom. A wild girl, chosen by Artemis, and lucky, 5th century B.C. Really entertaining plotlines to by slaves and her mother, who she detests and as I said before.” and historical details,” Acheson said. who treats her cruelly. The other main charac- Although it may sound complex, the structure The Exhibitions in the book are linked to ter is Rhaskos, a slave from the region of Thra- complements the story perfectly. It brings out the what comes next and include a detailed explana- ce. Rhaskos comes from Thracian royalty, but best of the characters, draws complex yet intrigu- tion and illustration of the object. Exhibition 2; in a cruel twist of fate, finds himself in Athens, ing storylines, and adds another level of depth to “Necklace of twelve gold palm leaves with amber Greece. On top of this, there is a third support- the story. “I very much like the form of the book head of sphinx(?) or goddess, circa 450 400 BCE,” ing perspective which comes in the form of two as it oscillates between the voices,” Jon Acheson, gives us an almost tactile sense of this ancient Greek gods, Hermes, and Hephestus (Hermes is Upper School Librarian and history teacher, said. world. Amber and Clay is fascinating; it’s funny, the god of messages and is pretty much a jack of Amber and Clay also touches on some more se- interesting, serious, thought provoking, and in all trades, and Hephestus is the god of fire, met- rious topics such as war, torture, slavery, and it general is a great read. SPORTS Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Permit #1262 SPRING SPORTS SEASONS Baltimore, MD END IN TRIUMPH Girls’ Lacrosse beats rival in nail-biter Baseball reaches final GIRLS’ LACROSSE from P.1 by WILL PERES ’23

played against each other under the lights at Tierney Field After a ground ball battle, Kitchen ‘24 came up with On Tuesday, May 18, the #7 seed Varsity Boys’ Baseball at US Lacrosse Headquarters, going late into the night in the first and final draw of overtime. Park passed the ball team faced their final opponent after defeating Beth Tfiloh, overtime. around, waiting for the best opportunity to snatch the final reaching the championship for the first time since 2010. Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse ended the season 10-2, their only goal. As the clock began to tick down, Park felt the pressure, After ending the season 3 wins to 9 losses, the team en- losses were Mercy. “We won because our two losses to Mer- with the knowledge they needed to shoot before the clock tered the playoffs as the #7 seed, expecting to lose. “We cy in the regular season helped us come in with nothing to reached zero. Frank herself was relaxed. She possessed no came into the playoffs with something to prove. We had lose. We knew what we needed to do to beat them and we worries about who was coming out on top. “Once the ball that underdog mentality and we had no interest in having executed it almost perfectly,” Frank ’21 said. was in my stick at the free position, I knew I was going to our season end with a long bus ride back from Annapolis,” The game went back and forth, Frank dominating on the make the shot,” Frank said. Mittelman said. draws with Cassandra Kitchen ‘24 and Rebecca Himelfarb Back when the playoffs started, Lowe gave an empow- Park played the top three teams, winning the first two ’21 backing her up. Both teams kept up with the others’ ering speech to the team emphasizing the importance of against Key School and then #3 seed Beth Tfiloh, send- relentless shots. “During the game I knew the momentum the journey they were on. “They [the team] were a driven ing them into the championship against #1 seed Concor- could have changed in favor of either team at any moment group who set out on a mission a year ago when our season dia. Even after losing the final game and falling short, the and it did,” Frank said. was taken from us. They need to remember the journey, team came out knowing the fight they had in the playoffs. By halftime, Park was up by two. The volley of shots not just the destination,” Lowe said. She handed out playoff All-Conference shortstop Paul Rogers ’23 spoke about kept up as the second half started, goals coming from both shirts which had the word “Quest” highlighted across the what it was like coming out of the last game. “The cham- teams. In the second half, Mercy pushed ahead to lead the back as well as the team’s hashtag. pionship run just reminded me that hard work pays off,” game 10-8. Park began the comeback, bringing the score Captains Gefen Nusinov ’21 and Becca Frank ’21 decid- Rogers said. up ten to nine. With 72 seconds left on the clock, and down ed early on in the season how their team would look. “We Looking into the future, the team is excited about the by one point, Frank scored her third of the day. With under never stopped working. Even last year, the team continued fact that what they achieved during their playoff run is cer- ten seconds to go Mercy was awarded a free position hop- to prepare, first virtually and then through small group tainly doable again. “I hope that reaching the champion- ing to score and shut the door on Park. The whistle blew workouts. We also participated in a winter league to build ship showed the underclassmen that when you work hard and with a check from Cassandra Kitchen ’24 and a save chemistry. “Nobody cared if it was 30 degrees out; collec- and play as a team, anything is possible,” Captain Quinn from Bianca Nolan ’23, Park denied Mercy their 11th goal tively, we were on a mission,” Nusinov said. That’s where Seidenman ‘21 said. of the game, sending the teams into sudden-death over- their hashtag came from, #OAM, on a mission. time. The ‘quest’ mentality for the entirety of the season paid As overtime began, Coach Robin Lowe ’84 was very re- off as the team patiently waited for the winning goal. As the laxed, having faith in her team as well as the strategies put ball hit the top of the net, screams erupted from the crowd, into place. “The game plan was one: get out on them higher every member of the team running towards the mass hud- up than we usually play defensively to prevent them from dle of brown and white uniforms. Cries were heard as getting early shots. Two: offensively, control and value the sticks hammered against the ground and were tossed into Captain ball. We changed our offense to create more movement, the air for celebration. Lowe came into an emotional em- Becca Frank ’21 dom- to have more unpredictability. Three: win the draw battle. brace of her players. The 11-10 scoreboard lit up Tierney inated at Four: slow their transition with our zone ride. Bottom line: Field as the Park School Girls Varsity reached their final the cen- we needed to limit their possessions,” Lowe said. destination and capturing the title. ter circle, helping to ensure the success and subsequent Boys’ Tennis secures first victory of the team. BOYS’ TENNIS from P.1 and the team went undefeated. great to pull through at the end and win the en- Another noteworthy addition to this year’s tire tournament.” team was the two talented freshman players on The championship also created a strong sense Varsity. Josh Solomon ’24 and Noah Bender ’24 of community among the team, as they used both played singles, with Solomon at #1 and their positivity and hard work to their advantage. Bender at #2. Although it was a new experience, “It was a great team win, everyone put their all the players quickly adapted and enjoyed their in because we knew no matter what it was the first year on the team. “Not only did I really like last match of the season. And we had a great time building my fundamentals of tennis, I also loved cheering each other on, as we always do,” Aaron Captains being able to come together as a team and devel- Hirschorn ’21 explained. Aaron Hir- schorn ’21 op a sense of comradery,” Bender said. Bender shared the same opinion, saying that and Jacob He also mentioned that they received imme- “It was a close match for me, and for our team Hirschorn ’21 after the diate support from their older teammates. “The — but our dedication, tenacity, and collaboration final match amazing seniors and juniors were such great brought us to victory.” of their undefeat- mentors, who showed just how important and Thanks to the many talented players from all ed senior special it is to be a Park athlete.” Solomon expe- four grades, the tennis team had a rewarding sea- season. rienced the same welcome and encouragement. son from start to finish. The dedication and pos- “I couldn’t have wished for a better first year on itivity of the team members and coaches even- the team even considering the Covid protocols,” tually led them to their well-deserved victory in he said. the championship. The tennis team, as well as the Out of all of their triumphs, the most mem- entire Park community, looks forward to taking orable was their win against Indian Creek in the next step and having even more success with- Images courtesy Communications the championship. Schapiro commented on the out the challenges of Covid. match, saying that it “had ups and downs – it felt