THE

March 12, 2021 POSTSCRIPTTHE PARK SCHOOL OF | 2425 Old Court Road, Baltimore MD 21208 Volume 78 Issue No. 6 Weekly on campus testing begins by JACOB HIRSCHHORN ’21 In an email to the community on Feb- p.m. each Saturday in the Athletic Center, ruary 25, Head of School Dan Paradis and community members will sign up for announced information regarding the 15-minute time slots. school’s plans surrounding spring break The testing will continue throughout the and Covid-19 safety. The plans include spring, but extra measures will be put in testing protocols and quarantine regimens, place after break, as well as over Passover ensuring that students are able to quickly and Easter. and safely return to campus after spring Similar to the end of the Thanksgiving break and stay in person throughout the and winter breaks, after spring break ends spring. there will be a few days of virtual school In his communication, Paradis notified for all students. the community that Park was going to con- There are two different plans, one for tinue with the surveillance testing that had students who travel over break and one for been introduced over the last month in or- those who do not. der to ensure the safety of in-person learn- According to Paradis, “Thursday, ing throughout the rest of the year. March 25 and Friday, March 26 will be vir- Starting February 27, students began tual days for all students,” but those who conducting the surveillance tests at school travel will be online for the following week on Saturdays, instead of at home over the as well. week. Psomagen, a laboratory located in In addition, students who are celebrat- Rockville, will be analyzing the tests. ing Passover or Easter in person with oth- “Surveillance testing will include all ers outside their immediate family will spring Upper School athletes each week, as have to quarantine after the holiday. well as a rotating sample of students from Passover begins March 27 and Easter is Image courtesy S. Renbaum ’21 across the three divisions, and employees,” on April 4, so these students will be able to Paradis wrote. “Approximately 400 mem- return to in-person learning on April 6 and Weekly testing has allowed spring sports teams to begin a full contact season. Girls’ bers of the school population will typically April 12, respectively. Lacrosse played their first game of the season on March 10. It was the first interscholastic be tested.” These precautionary and testing mea- match up Park Athletics has participated in since the spring of 2020, nearly a full year ago. The testing will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 sures will allow students to stay in school

Acheson to depart after 26 years Jacoby to leave history department by AARON HIRSCHHORN ’21 by LUCY DEMSKY ’21 After 26 years at Park, Upper School After 19 years teaching at Park, Upper think outside of the box and to question history teacher and librarian Jon Acheson School history teacher Daniel Jacoby an- their beliefs. “Daniel has been one of my will be leaving at the end of this academic nounced that he will depart at the end of favorite people to argue with. We’ve had year. this school year. these amazing discussions, and the respect Acheson first considered retiring in A beloved member of the Upper School he shows is immense,” Upper School his- 2015 after his youngest son, Baird, grad- community, Jacoby’s presence will be tory teacher Peter Warren said. uated from Upper School. However, Su- missed, especially in the history depart- Many teachers throughout the Upper san Weintraub, former Director or Library ment. Known for his critical thinking, School–Warren included–admire Jacoby’s Services, asked him to become a faculty Jacoby constantly pushes his students to dedication to his students. “For [Jacoby], adviser for the Postscript, and then later to it wasn’t enough to just give an assign- become part-time Upper School Librarian ment or an essay out, but he had to figure as well. “I was refreshed at work, learn- out how he was going to use it to engage ing new skills and enjoying Park’s Upper the students,” Warren said. “He spends so School again,” he said, so he decided to much time outside of the classroom think- stay. With 35 years of teaching under his ing about how he can help the students.” belt, he feels the time is right to move on to Image courtesy J. Acheson Jacoby taught many history electives new adventures. throughout his time at Park, but his favor- “When Jon and I started working together as He announced his departure in October, co-advisers for Postscript in 2015, I discov- ite classes to teach were “The Ottoman 2020, “In the fall, I am visiting friends in ered that he is brilliant, truly progressive, Empire,” “Ethics,” “Modern Brazil,” and Ireland and the , and tak- deeply committed to research, reading, and “Research and Writing.” teaching, a tireless worker, and historian to ing a 192 mile hike from the Irish Sea to the core,” former Director of Library Services “Many of those electives were gener- the North Sea,” Acheson said. “After that, Susan Weintraub said. ated by events at the time or student in- I have some building projects back in Bal- es to teach were his electives, which have terests,” Jacoby said. “Ethics is always timore and possibly in New Mexico, too, ranged from courses on the Middle East fun because it’s so immediate, but when I that will take several months.” and Modern China, to a study of Italian taught Modern Brazil it was the year of the In addition to these exciting new oppor- Fascism, History by Hollywood, and the Image courtesy D. Jacoby Olympics and the World Cup in Brazil, or tunities, Acheson wants to take more time History of Park School. “Co-teaching and Chesapeake with Jeff Jennings, when there writing to complete three manuscripts he traveling with Kirk Wulf was also really Daniel Jacoby has been an active mem- was a lot of interest in the environment.” ber of the Upper School community for has in the works. wonderful,” Acheson said. 19 years, coaching Boys’ Cross Country, One of the aspects of Park that Jacoby Over the course of his two and a half In the early 2000s Acheson served as advising the Debate Team, and running the enjoyed the most was Upper School clubs decades at Park, Acheson’s favorite cours- See ACHESON P.3 Park Journal. See JACOBY P.3 EDITORIAL Community. A year ago today Park shut down. None we can feel it starting to return. THE of us knew it then, but it would be the be- Spring sports are in full swing, with ginning of six months away from campus. varsity teams practicing five days a week Through this time, our school community in hopes for a competitive season. Final- POSTSCRIPT has found many ways to be resilient, but ly, upper and underclassmen are able to has also lost so much of what tied us to- be and play together, an interaction both The Park School of Baltimore gether. Celebrations, games, performanc- groups have been longing for. 2425 Old Court Road, Baltimore, MD 21208 es, assemblies, and school traditions uni- Ninth and tenth graders are looking Tel. 410-339-7070 fied us more than we knew. Without them, forward to the option of being on campus Parkschool.net/news/postscript the distance between us widened. Faculty three days a week, attending meetings and March 12, 2021 have departed at record rates, student en- assemblies from the building on Wednes- Volume 78 | Issue No. 6 gagement has plummeted, and so has our days. willingness to engage as a community. Seniors are planning for their six week Editors-in-Chief It has been a tough year. Walking into senior projects, now less than two months Addie Fleming, Callie Krosin, Liza Sheehy school feels empty and strange. We are away. Prom, graduation, and even summer drained and plagued by the past year. We vacation are on the horizon. can, and want to, move forward, but the With all of this said, students have tak- News Features Commentary weight of our community’s forced distance en advantage of the opportunities we do Sr. Jacob Hirschhorn Sr. Aaron Hirschhorn Sr. Ethan Adler has been hard to overcome. have. We are finding ways to build com- Sr. Lilah Lichtman Sr. Jesse Feller-Kopman Sylvie WolFF We recognize all that administrators munity again, restoring the feeling of unity John Apostolo Samantha Solomon and faculty have done to bring us back to through these activities. Alex Norbrook school. It has not gone unnoticed. We need to continue to find ways to en- But no amount of work can bring us gage with each other now. If this doesn’t Sports Faculty Advisers Arts and Culture fully back to normal, until our communi- happen, the sense of community that Sr. Lucy Demsky Jon Acheson Sr. Darya Zarfeshan ty’s connection is also restored. Really, we makes this school what it is will complete- Sr. Quinn Seidenman Leela Chantrelle Alina Glass are longing for what life was like a year ly disappear. We have to hold onto what Will Peres Eric Smith ago. Although normalcy is a long way off, makes Park, Park.

School Population: Students—806; Employees—200 Distributed to Mailboxes of Upper School Students and Employees, and Lower and Middle School Students by Faculty Request Clarification Member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Assn. A clarification was made to the February 12 article “Misconduct Roils Upper School.” A question was raised about the wording of the final paragraph of the article, regarding the agency of the school in the investigation into the actions of John Kessinger. The POLICIES final paragraph now reads: “In December 2020, a credible source came forward to WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, UNSOLICITED OP-ED PIECES, AND OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS. PLEASE SEND share information about Kessinger’s past misconduct. T&M, working with school WORK TO [email protected]. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT ALL SUBMISSIONS FOR LANGUAGE AND administrators, uncovered ‘highly inappropriate communications.’ By early Janu- LENGTH. SUBMISSIONS ARE PUBLISHED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE EDITORS. ary, Kessinger was dismissed.” Race should be central in U.S. history curriculum by AIDAN CONNORS ’22 Race is the most effective gauge by which we can mea- history. Race provides the lens through which we must American history through Reconstruction is taught in sure the progress of the American experiment, so deeply strive to understand American history. freshman year history. The way the curriculum is designed embedded and ingrained in our history and democracy that So what if it was the center of the history curriculum? allows for a degree of flexibility and teacher autonomy be- it permeates all aspects of our experiences in this country. “[Historically], Black people have been teachers as to tween classes. In my experience, the class focused nearly Virtually no discussion of American history can be had what the underpinnings of democracy really are,” Branch, entirely on the American Revolution with little reference without examining the impact of race and racism upon the best known for his trilogy on Martin Luther King Jr., told to race, briefly delving into Reconstruction as the class event. When Park has taught me about race, it’s been tied me. He recounted an anecdote about a heated argument be- came to a close. It’s clear that focus has begun to change. to an explicit event such as the Civil Right Movement or tween abolitionists Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Gabriel Sachs ’24, a student in Upper School history the Dredd Scott decision. What I’ve come to see is that Garrison. Garrison and Douglass were thrown into conflict teacher Grace Gahagan’s class, as well as the Student Sen- race is the thread that runs through every American histor- when Douglass found Garrison burning the Constitution. ate representative in the history department, sensed that ical event. That’s why race needs to be a thread throughout Garrison, a white man, became so incensed with Doug- the department is “experimenting and innovating when our American history curriculum. lass that he lashed out and called him a “renegade son,” a teaching topics like the history of racism and slavery.” His I’ve had to teach myself about most American racial racially coded word. He called the document a “contract experience seems to stand in contrast to that of Jamison history. Pulitzer-prize winning American historian Taylor with death,” while Douglass believed that it was possible Harris ’23, who said “race in general wasn’t a big part Branch, not an American history course, taught me that to amend the Constitution to outlaw slavery. Douglass of the curriculum [of my History 9 class], other than two the two groups who joined forces at the Constitution- pointed out to Garrison that if Garrison got his way and weeks about Native Americans and a little about slavery.” al Convention and pushed for revision were small states the Union just “let” the South secede, they would be aban- All three History 9 teachers: Grace Gahagan, Kather- advocating for states’ rights and states with large popu- doning millions of enslaved people to a cruel land they had ine Arner and Liz Proctor, along with two other members lations of enslaved people. States rights and racism have refused to fight for. of the history department, worked on a series of Faculty been intertwined quite literally since our constitution was Racism has always been ingrained in our country, even and Curricular Advancement programs (FACAs) this past written–why didn’t I learn that when I read our founding in white abolitionists like Garrison. Sexism, class oppres- summer focused on revising the American history curric- documents? sion, homophobia and all kinds of oppression and disen- ulum to better reflect what they believe is most important Over the past few months, reading Ibram X. Kendi’s franchisement function in the similarly to for freshmen to learn about American history. All three say Stamped From the Beginning, I’ve been struck by how the way they function across the world. Racism, however, the Choices curriculum from Brown University, advertised little I knew about racism even within the American Rev- is unique in its pervasion and infiltration of our history; it by the university as including and highlighting “frequent- olution. I learned on my own that the first documentation is at the center of American oppression. What if, upon ex- ly untold perspectives,” has been a helpful guide in this of the concept that race is only skin-deep was written by a amining a historical event, we always questioned how race work. Other changes include examining the first draft of man who promoted the idea that whiteness was the ideal and racism played a part? What if we taught American his- the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson’s role beauty standard. Anti-racist and racist thoughts have been tory entirely through the lens of race? What if we used a as an oppressor, and spending a greater portion of time connected throughout history; feminist and racist thoughts book about the history of racism, like Ibram X. Kendi’s than previous years on Reconstruction. It inspires hope to have been connected throughout history; anti-racist and Stamped From the Beginning as a major portion of our see that the work has begun, but there is still a long way misogynistic thoughts have been connected throughout Primary Source Readers? to go. NEWS 3 Lower School begins new recycling initiative by ALEX NORBROOK ’22

The Lower School is now helping to initiative has caught on so hugely for the Trex turn plastic waste into outdoor decking. Lower School,” Hoistsma said, “People Recycling Early in the school year, they committed to are so eager to dump off their [plastic for bins are scattered yet another new environmental program: recycling].” Many students are thrilled at throughout Trex, a nation-wide company that accepts the simplicity of the process, and how it the Lower recycled plastic and uses it to produce reduces plastic pollution. and Middle decking. The program was started by Ellen “Trex is a fun way to protect the envi- School for students Hoitsma, third grade teacher, nearly five ronment with my friends,” Morrison said. and months ago, and is a way for Park families The collection bins are overflowing by the families to to reduce plastic in the landfill. end of each week, a testament to the pro- particpate Hoitsma started the Trex recycling pro- gram’s popularity. In total, Park has col- in the collection of gram after hearing about it from one of lected more than 214 pounds of plastic for items. her students’ fathers. “I hopped right on Trex. board,” she said. Hoistma signed up to par- After Hurley brought up the program to ticipate, set up three plastic collection box- her family, they all began to hunt for eli- es sent by Trex around the Lower School, gible plastic to drop off. “We’ve probably and encouraged students and parents alike given 15 pounds to Trex,” Hurley said. The Image courtesy M. Seifu ’23 to bring in their recyclable plastic. Partner- third graders are Park’s most avid Trex re- ing with Sarah Howell, Middle School sci- cyclers, in part due to Hoitsma’s encour- most importantly) low-maintenance. recy- and safe way for Park families to get rid ence teacher, Hoitsma introduced Trex to agement and promotion. cled decks. In fact, roughly 40 percent of of their plastic. However, Hoitsma stressed the slightly older student body too. Despite Trex’s popularity, Park stu- each deck is recycled plastic. One of Trex’s the goal was to use less plastic in the first From there, a few third graders collect dents do not exclusively use it for their 500 square foot decks contains the material place, which would require companies all the recycling accumulated in the collec- recycling; Park’s own recycling service from roughly 140,000 plastic products. opting for less “overwrap” from the get go. tion boxes. “When Ms. Hoitsma is ready, is still very much in use. “We’re trying to Trex’s main focus is on using plastic “I’d like to see increased action on the part she [asks] me and my friend Adair to come put plastic in the Trex bin,” Morrison said. and wood that would otherwise end up of corporations to find more creative ways and get it,” Mackenzie Morrison ’30 said. “But cardboard is really supposed to go in in the landfill; it has not yet taken drastic of eliminating plastic from their shipping Morrison and Hurley both help to weigh the [regular] recycling.” action on other much-needed environmen- and packaging,” Hoitsma said. all of the plastic items on a scale. “I’ll add Trex is the leading company in turning tal measures such as significantly reduc- In the future, the Climate Change Col- [them] up on paper,” Adair Hurley ’30 said. recyclable plastic into a product that can ing emissions from plastic collection and lective in the Upper School might create This final weight is recorded and sub- be sold, a notoriously difficult process. deck production. Moreover, Trex has not Trex opportunities in the Upper School. mitted on Trex’s website. “Then we take Plastic collected at certain retail stores is committed to a carbon neutral future–one Hoistma might also need some extra as- [the plastic] out to [Hoitsma’s] car and ba- packaged and transported to one of two where Trex would balance its emissions sistance when plastic needs to be driven to sically stuff it into her trunk,” Hurley con- Trex facilities. “The plastic is then mixed output with removal (e.g. planting trees), Trex bins. While she is able to make the tinued. Once a week, Hoitsma goes on a with hardwood scrap sawdust, heated up, a process involving severely reducing car- trip as is, it can be a laborious effort. journey to her local food store and drops and extruded out through a dye,” Stephanie bon dioxide emissions. “Recycling is what “I’d really like to have some help from off the trove of plastic in her car at a Trex Hicks, Trex Materials Account Manager, we do,” Hicks said. “I’m not aware of any parents (or students who drive) delivering bin there. explained. [environmental goals] outside of that.” the plastic,” Hoitsma said. Even so, for the Overall, the Trex program at Park has The end result? Decks that are extreme- Trex is important to Park’s families be- foreseeable future, Trex at Park is here to been a resounding success. “This new ly durable, realistic-looking and (perhaps cause it provides a responsible, effective, stay. Acheson and Jacoby depart at end of school year Acheson looking forward to new adventures ACHESON from P.1 JACOBY from P.1 chair of the Upper School history department for seven years, undertaking the first major and activities. Jacoby has spent much of his time coaching the Cross Country team, the redesign of the history curriculum since the 1970s. Debate Team, and running the Park Journal. “Of course, I loved the big teams, like De- Acheson has also been involved in quite a few extracurricular activities during his bate and Cross Country, but also clubs which have only a few students, like the Park time at Park. He coached Middle School Baseball, advised the Model UN team for 20 Journal. There have been lots of one-off clubs over the years that I really enjoyed too,” years, supervised all five Chinese Exchange trips, and more recently has been a faculty Jacoby said. “One year there was an Indonesian music club that I advised, or a co-ed a adviser to the Postscript. “These last five years with Postscript were probably where I saw capella group that we created. We even had an opera club, until the Baltimore Opera some of our students at their very best,” he said. “Park is a great community; with both died.” my sons being ‘lifers’ I will always be obliged to Park for the education it gave them.” Students have loved working with Jacoby in and out of the classroom. “Working with When he departs this summer, Acheson will miss most the connections he has made Mr. Jacoby through the Park Journal has been a wonderful experience,” Parrish André while at Park with students, teachers, and parents. The feeling is mutual. “[Acheson] was ’21 said. “His dedication to student voice and collaboration in Park Journal has made it somebody I could go to if I needed anything and someone who I looked up to,” Zach Mit- a rapidly adapting publication with a strong backbone. We have been very very lucky to telman ’21, a student and advisee of Acheson’s, said. “What I love most [about Acheson] have him.” is how willing he is to help his students… Jon always made time in his busy schedule to On the Debate Team, students felt that Jacoby was a reliable coach and brought the meet with me.” whole team together. “It has been a tremendous pleasure to work with Mr. Jacoby on the Allie Doyle-Hines ’22, another advisee, echoed Mittelman’s sentiments. “Jon always Debate Team for the past three years,” Jesse Feller-Kopman ’21 said. “He is a coach that has his advisees’ backs and he’s always ready to help [us] out,” she said. “He would al- consistently pushes you to do your best, and he is always there for us.” ways try to check in with [us] to make sure things were okay.” Mittelman, Doyle-Hines, Former students and current advisees of Jacoby can attest to the fact that he has pushed and other advisees fondly remember being greeted by the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls them to become critical thinkers and to question things they believed were true. “Daniel and other baked treats for advisory snack, receiving letters in the mail over the summer Jacoby shows genuine interest in people and their beliefs,” Samantha Saunders ’21 said. written with Acheson’s distinctive fountain pen, taking group field trips, and laughing to- “He is a planner, a positive realist, and a person who strives to make fair and just deci- gether over silly stories. “It’s hard to say goodbye to many colleagues and students, espe- sions. I am really grateful to have had him in my corner.” cially in the Upper School, of course, but I’ll still be around town in the future,” Acheson As Jacoby moves onto the next chapter, he reflected on what Park means to him. said. The Park community wishes Acheson the best in all of his future endeavors. His “Park is quite literally my family, because they are here, but also it’s a broader presence in the halls and in the classrooms will be greatly missed. community that I am a part of daily,” Jacoby said. “That’s what I’ll miss.” Jacoby moving on after 19 years in US COMMENTARY 4

Adler’s Studentsby LEILA VERGARA deserve ’24 snow days; now and in the future As winter draws to a close, many people are left upset “ Addition about the lack of snow days this year. After much disappoint- by ETHAN ADLER ’21 ment and anger when the Lower and Middle School students The answer is a resounding YES; snow It wasn’t that long ago when the health crisis were given a snow day while the Upper School learned vir- days are alive and well at The Park School. dominating the email correspondences from Park tually on Monday, February 1, Head of School Dan Paradis “ was head lice. Many urgent emails flew between promised the Upper School a day off the next time snow fell. - Head of School Dan Paradis the administration, Park parents, and students, This promise was fulfilled on Thursday, February 18, and it December 15, 2020 strongly urging social distancing (although we couldn’t have come fast enough. However, the snowy Thurs- had no idea that’s what it was called back then). day will be the one and only snow day this year for the Up- then have to complete homework, not to mention personal Arguably, the emotional reaction to mites and lar- per School. If it snows again, students will switch to virtual time spent on screens. Snow days are a great time to get vae leaping between student heads was as strong, learning. away from the computer and focus on something other if not stronger, than the thought of viral contagion. Although the Upper School will not have another snow than school. And, arguably, the symptomatic consequences of day this year, there are many arguments as to why we should, A day off also allows students to catch up on sleep, head lice in healthy teenagers was greater than many of which are related to the mental health and well-being which is crucial for students to maintain their attention, that of coronavirus in the same population. Who of our school community. think clearly, and do their best academically. Lack of sleep doesn’t get itchy from even the mere thought of The pandemic has put a large amount of stress on students, can also affect the moods of students, increasing the possi- easily spread insects strolling across our scalp? teachers, faculty, and administrators. Teachers have had to bility of irritability and emotional reactions. Sleep affects It also wasn’t that long ago when we focused work even harder to make virtual classes engaging and inter- every part of the body, from the regulation of hormones to on fire safety. To the best of my knowledge, the esting while having little connection with students, who have muscle and tissue recovery, and is essential for physical Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has not con- had to put more time and energy into learning online. Faculty and mental growth. cluded that social distancing and hybrid sched- and administrators have had to establish new protocols and Snow days also allow for family time, an important part ules reduce the risk of school fires. Combustion work harder to keep campus open. A snow day is a great way of everyone’s life. While a day off of school can be made cares not if you are a Monday-Friday or a Tues- to relieve stress and unwind, either through enjoying the out- up, a snowy day with family is an opportunity that cannot day-Thursday student. No fire bells have rung in a doors or relaxing inside. be missed. One day of virtual learning does not compare to year. No exit strategies have been reviewed. The According to Time Magazine, depression rates among the memories made with family on a snow day. only good news, I guess, is that coronavirus does Americans have tripled during the pandemic. Huffpost re- While this winter season is almost over, many fear that not survive flames. ports that seven out of 10 teenagers said they have recently schools will choose to use virtual learning instead of hav- Yes, alongside graduations and proms, lice struggled with their mental health. ing snow days in the coming years, now that they know checks and fire drills have been casualties of the Huffpost studies have also shown that increased screen how to use technology for remote learning. My sincere crusade against coronavirus. Oftentimes we try to time during the pandemic has only made mental health is- hope is that the Park administration will take these import- rationalize our difficult choices with the old ad- sues worse. On a virtual day, students spend hours on Zoom, ant arguments to heart and make a good decision. age “it could be worse.” After all, you might not know what to do if there is a fire in the classroom, but your saliva indicates you do not have coro- D.E.I. programming needs restructuring navirus. by SYLVIE WOLFF ’21 But does it really matter if something could be worse? Sure, things could be worse. But that im- The first round of newly implemented Upper School Di- enough time was allotted to carry it out. plies that present concerns are not equally valid or versity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) courses concluded at the Many students reported that the first two to three class- important, even if they could be worse. This way end of the first semester, leaving many students unsatisfied. es were spent on icebreaker games and introductions and of thinking is characterized by a well-known log- The courses were created as part of Park’s response to greater the course ended as soon as groups began to dig deeper ical fallacy known as “relative privation.” It’s the national attention being brought to systemic racism, in the into discussions. Subsequent classes felt disorganized, dis- logically-invalid idea that just because something wake of several high profile cases of police brutality over the cussions were often shallow, and topics were kept abstract. could be better or something could be worse, its summer. There was little time spent on past or current racism at inherent present value is somehow offset. In a June 2020 letter to the administration, three members Park, how to recognize and combat internal biases, or how I remember my father attempting to reassure of the Class of 2020 (backed by signatures from students, fac- to confront prejudice in our daily lives. my grandmother who, at the time of the Park lice ulty, staff, alumni, and parents) laid out concrete steps for the One of the main rationales for having a mandatory, infestation, was living at our home and contracted school to take to support Black students at Park and the Black standardized DEI curriculum was to make all students lice from exposure to me and my sister. “Look, Lives Matter Movement. The first measure was to establish actively engage in anti-racist work in an attempt to end Grandma. It could be worse,” he said. “Most a mandatory K-12 anti-racism curriculum. “[Currently,] stu- the cycle of willful ignorance that many Park students fall people your age are developing heart disease and dents must opt into nearly every opportunity to learn about into. Attendance, while technically mandatory, was not cancer. You got lice.” racial justice,” the letter said. enforced, and some students stopped logging on partway True. But lice still sucks. So, too, does not Talia Kolodkin ’20, Becky Scott ’20, and Bella Palum- through the course. knowing the proper safety protocols in the event bi ’20 went on to detail how Park’s race-related offerings– I write this not to undermine the importance of DEI of a fire. Equally fallacious is the assertion that Courtney Rollins’ Social Justice Identity Development class, training, something that the Park community definitely it could be better. So what if it could be better? the Civil Rights Trip, the Race at Park class, the Student Di- needs, but this doesn’t feel like the right way to do it. I Sometimes, we need to celebrate things that are versity Leadership Conference, even active engagement in understand that there wasn’t much time to put this course just good. Imagine a parent looking at his child’s W.O.K.E. day—are only pursued by a fraction of the student together, but it feels like an unfortunate continuance of straight-A report card and commenting, “These body, allowing others to easily ignore these topics. shallow discussion without change that is seen repeatedly A’s could have been A+’s.” Technically, the par- Park’s Anti-Racist Action Plan, unveiled on September 9, at this school. The course has a lot of potential, and I hope ent may be right, but what a horrible thing to say! 2020, addressed this call for mandatory anti-racism program- that it will be re-examined and re-structured with student Likewise, imagine a full-school viral screen- ming with the promise to “implement foundational curricula input. ing, kindergarten through 12th grade, turning up that center the diverse experiences of the BIPOC (Black, In- I believe I am joined by much of the student body in not a single case of coronavirus––three times. digenous, and People of Color) community.” the desire for an update on the Anti-Racist Action Plan. Again, it could be better. The screening could be Wednesday small-group DEI programming began in Sep- Since its release in September, students have not received negative a fourth time or even a fifth. But let’s tember for ninth and tenth graders and in mid-November for much more information about what is being done to fulfill not overlook the amazing present value in what eleventh and twelfth graders. In total, upperclassmen only the promises made in the plan. While I can assume that the is, and focus less on what could be. We deserve met seven times, with no more than two consecutive weeks administration is taking steps beyond DEI courses to im- to give ourselves a pat-on-the-back for having no of class; meetings were interrupted by snow days, Thanks- plement the plan, students are not being kept in the loop. recent positive cases of coronavirus. Perhaps we giving and winter breaks, and for some groups, leaders some- Finally, I hope for increased clarity. Anti-racism is a also deserve to be a little embarrassed that, de- times not showing up. long road for an institution like Park to travel, and it cer- spite that record, we have deferred so much of our Based on the administration’s multiple communications tainly can’t be achieved in a semester. The main issue I in-person education. regarding their new Anti-Racist Action Plan, it seemed rea- take with how DEI was executed is that there was little Fire drills and head lice––sure, it could be bet- sonable to expect a fairly thorough approach to the new DEI communication with the students it was intended to serve. ter or it could be worse. I, for one, miss the sim- course, with clear communication and student input. It should be clear to both the students and the administra- plicity of the older versions of that which could There was a significant dissonance between each student’s tion that this formatting was not ideal; while that can be be better, that which could be worse. But you’ll experience according to the group they were placed in. Be- expected for a first run and activism is inherently imper- have to excuse me now, my face mask has sud- yond differences in personalities and discussion styles, it felt fect, activism without acknowledgement of its shortcom- denly become itchy. as though there was no uniform curriculum—if there was, not ings comes off as performative. FEATURES 5 Goldberg teaches through acquaintance by TOMER NUSINOV ’24

Steve Goldberg joined done two programs at Duke Although virtually, Steve times. the Park faculty in mid University and one for a has done such a good job Goldberg has a line-up January in response to John local Jewish Community connecting with our class,” of speakers from around Kessinger’s departure in the Center to commemorate Rebecca Himelfarb ’21 the world scheduled for history department. Having International Holocaust said. his classes, including taken over two courses, Remembrance Day,” He considers Holocaust Yehuda Bauer, a renowned Goldberg is teaching Goldberg exaplained. studies a form of social Holocaust scholar; Laurel both 20th Century World He has also launched jusice education. Leff, a Northeastern History and the Holocaust a beta-website, www. “The Holocaust is a University professor; and elective from his home in MyFriendAbe.com, which warning about what can David Greenberg, a Rutgers North Carolina. He brings is one way Goldberg is happen when hate and professor who is writing a with him many years of keeping his promise. dehumanizaton are met book about John Lewis. experience as a teacher, As a history teacher with indifference rather “The Holocaust class attorney, and Holocaust at Park, Goldberg aims than active opposition,” raises bigger questions educator. “What is so to show students the Goldberg said. about our world and its engaging about Steve’s connection between current Students’ understanding history. Our guest speaker, class is that he provides events and world history. of humanity, according to the world renowned additional informaiton for Image courtesy Steve Goldberg “Steve has brought Goldberg, relies on their Holocaust historian, us to explore. There is no Abe Piasek was separated from his family at the age 13 numerous resources to ability to appreciate and Yehuda Bauer, helped bring limit to what we can learn and never saw his parents or younger sister again. He Park. Retelling Abe’s story empathize with people these questions to light,” in this class,” Hailey Fried worked as a slave laborer in three camps, and when he was is so valuable to our class. from other cultures and Sarah Renbaum ’21 said. ’21, who has studied the liberated in 1945, he was 16 years old and weighed just 80 After only a few weeks, pounds. Holocaust extensively, Goldberg is very impressed said. was just a child, Hilter’s bring Piasek back to his with Park’s student body. “ Goldberg’s interests in SS officers invaded his school. The students are strong Holocaust studies sparked hometown in Poland. However, due to some writers and ask great in 2018 after meeting During this invasion, complications from an questions–both of me and Abe Piasek, a 90 year-old Piasek was separated from unfortunate fall, Piasek of our guest speakers,” he Holocuast survivor. his family; he would never passed away in January said. Piasek was invited see them again. He labored 2020. Prior to his death, Fried and Goldberg will to speak at the school in four camps and was Piasek asked Goldberg to be planning an event for where Goldberg was then finally liberated in 1945 as make him a promise: to Yom Hashoah, Holocaust teaching. an 80-pound 16 year old. keep his story alive. Taking Remembrance Day, on The two forged a According to Goldberg’s this promise very seriously, Wednesday, April 14. friendship and ultimately website, “He did not talk Goldberg took a break While building a co-led a trip to the United about the Holocaust for 50 from teaching and made it community entirely over States Holocuast Memorial years (1945-1995) and then his mission to share Abe’s Image courtesy Steve Goldberg Zoom can be hard, Goldberg Museum in Washington is up for the challenge and he slowly started to tell his story. In April 2019, Steve led his history class on a trip to the D.C., which was even story.” “So far, I’ve told Abe’s Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. where looks forward to getting to covered by local media. Goldberg and Piasek story to a group of 80 high Abe and his family joined them. Abe had never visited the know his students better According to ABC remained in close contact. school students in North museum before. Steve has told Abe’s story to over 300 and bringing his expertise News, in 1940 when Piasek people already from high school to college aged to the Park community. Goldberg even planned to Carolina, and I’ve also students. Looking back on the last cicada infestation by LILAH LICHTMAN ’21

This May, people might find There will be up to 1.5 million cicadas per of the Postscript themselves hiding out inside their homes, acre, 40,000 perched on each tree, and 34 group ran the reluctant to venture into the outside world within a single square foot. that article: because this year we won’t just have They are clumsy fliers, so if you do will be “Cicadas Force the pandemic to avoid, but the cicada decide to venture outside during the emerging this May Day Inside.” infestation, which occurs every 17 years. “storm,” be prepared for one to knock into year, and— Most of the current Whether you call it the “cicada- you (cicadas are not familiar with social lucky for us— student body hadn’t palooza” the “swarmageddon” or the distancing). will be been born yet. “cicada apocalypse,” for five to six weeks Besides the occasional brush with at its epicenter. This 17 year cycle this spring, we’ll all be a part of it. The a human, cicadas are not poisonous or Besides a fascinating also serves as a glimpse into the last major swarm was in 2004, so here is a harmful (they are edible, and supposedly and perhaps horrifying look into future. By the next time these insects quick refresher. taste like shrimp), though the eggs they the life of cicadas, this 17 year cycle venture aboveground, many in this year’s Cicadas live underground for the lay can damage small trees. They feed functions as nature’s own kind of time graduating class will be 35 years old. majority of the time, but they emerge in on tree sap, and those that perch in capsule. When the cicadas last visited, K1 students will be graduating from hordes every 17 years. higher branches are known to pee on what was going on in our world? college. What could The Park School look With their bulging red eyes and unsuspecting people. Things were quite different: George like by then? What kind of world do we two-inch-long bodies, these bugs One of the cicadas’ most distinctive W. Bush served as President of the United want the cicadas to see by the year 2038? seem like something straight out of an features is their mating call, which can States, and Massachusetts became the first This already unprecedented year is insectophobe’s nightmare. be heard all day and all night long. Their state to legalize same sex marriage. about to get even stranger, but if Park Here’s an idea of what’s in store for sounds resemble the buzz of a lawnmower Facebook launched, Friends aired its students can make it through one plague, us: billions of cicadas and their molted or a revving motorcycle, and can reach series finale, and Tom Brady won the we can get through another. Get ready to exoskeletons will blanket the ground, the decibels higher than the sound of a Super Bowl for just the second time in welcome a few million more guests to trees, and even the sides of buildings. passing jet plane. Brood X is the name his career. On May 28 of that year, The Park’s campus. FEATURES 6

Seniors pursue independent studies in science, podcasting by ARIELLE ADLER ’24

It is well known among students that the 11th and 12th surprisingly challenging.” graders have many interesting elective courses avail- In spite of this, he anticipates submitting his research able for selection, but few take advantage of the unique to a scientific journal at the end of his independent study. opportunity to pursue an independent study. This year, His papers contain data collected in International Stu- a number of students spent their first-semester engaging dent-Led Arctic Monitoring and Research (ISAMR), a in innovative research, fostering an academic interest, or club focused on researching climate change and microbi- pursuing creative endeavors. omes in the subarctic. Gefen Nusinov ’21 collaborated with science teacher- With the help of both his personal experience and Melissa Osquist to design an observational study inves- objective research from the Arctic, he was able to write a tigating the influence of gender in Zoom and in-person rich and comprehensive research paper. classroom behaviors and interactions. Sarah Renbaum ’21 set out to create a podcast inter- Prior to observing classrooms firsthand, she re- viewing students about their lives outside of school. She searched labs and papers about gender differences in a was surprised by her podcast guests’ gravitation towards variety of courses, with a focus on science classes. one topic in particular. She directly observed a total of 11 classes, quantita- “It transformed into more of a mental health podcast tively evaluating the interactions between students and and talking about those topics,” Renbaum said. teachers to determine if gender influenced classroom Podcasting became one of Renbaum’s passions last dynamic. spring after indulging in many during her free time. It Although more data is needed, Nusinov’s initial con- was a perfect fit for her independent study. clusion came as a surprise to her. Creating online content was a unique and enjoyable “With my data, my conclusion was that there is no experience for Renbaum, and if given the opportunity she gender difference, and no gender seems to be favored or would gladly pursue podcasting further. treated differently in Park’s science classes.” These three students follow a tradition of creative and Image courtesy G. Nusinov ’21 Sam Ferraro ’21 utilized his 2019 trip to the Arctic as innovative academic pursuits at Park. a springboard for his independent study. Nusinov created her own Brophy-Good instrument to track Independent studies are underway this semester too. Ferraro focused on mastering professional publication data from Park science classes. She attended 11 different They remain a novel, if perhaps underutilized, option to techniques and processes in hopes of getting his work classes to collect data. enrich the educational experience and to prepare students published–a process which, as Ferarro emphasized, “is for future academic endeavors.

US examines potential Parrish André’s art published rewards for mask and safety in The Times by SAMANTHA SOLOMON ’22 The administration is constantly “An idea we have is to acknowledge trying to improve upon their disciplinary students who are following the protocols strategies during a time when rules simply by giving them tokens. Whichever grade cannot be broken. has the most tokens will receive a reward As stated in Head of School Dan or treat...though saying thank you feels Paradis’s email to the Upper School like reward enough,” Porcarelli said. from January 29, “We must think beyond They want to emphasize that the ourselves, and act with the understanding administration would much rather im- that our choices and actions can have a plement positive affirmations than scold profound effect on others in the immedi- students. ate community and beyond…” Student Body President Lance Green- This message has been clearly con- berg ’21 agreed. “We’ve been doing well veyed to the Upper School. Students are with distancing, and I plan to discuss how now given the “one-warning policy”: if students can encourage one another to a member of the Park community breaks distance, though this may not take form as a rule (such as not wearing a mask on a ‘reward.’ I’m hoping the administration campus and not maintaining their distance can continue to make students feel com- from peers) more than once, they will be fortable,” Greenberg said. immediately sent home. Lunchtime is becoming an easier situ- As Upper School Principal Patti Por- ation for the Upper School as well. As the carelli reports, this method has been very “assigned seating” has been removed from effective with the student body thus far. our safety measures, students find them- Porcarelli encourages students to look selves feeling more comfortable without a out for the safety of their classmates, mask on campus. published an drew this series in mid-April while sitting families, teachers and friends, but also “It feels safer when you eat with the article on March 7 titled “The Year That silently on many Zoom calls. In quaran- recognizes the difficulty of the situation. same group of friends each week. Since Changed Everything” featuring art tine, my interactions with other people “We recognize that it is really hard to Park stopped enforcing strict rules about created by teenagers around the country were all fit neatly into little rectangles maintain distance. Our natural inclination seating, we’ve been able to create a dis- in response to the question: “What has it on my screen,” André wrote in her artist is to be close to one another. To have this tanced, comfortable and safe environment been like to be a teenager during the first statement. artificial but necessary separation has when eating,” Julia Baran ’22 said. year of a historic pandemic?” The Times “Being young is about stretching and been hard for everyone,” she said. Thankfully, students on campus have received more than 5,500 responses. The growing. We pull away from our parents, Porcarelli and Dean of Students Traci been able to feel safe in their learning article comes one year after the World our homes, our schools, but as Covid-19 Wright continue to check that students environment and comply with the rules Health Organization declared Covid-19 a struck our communities we were reined are maintaining their physical distance necessary to protect the health of our pandemic. in to all the situations that youth is about throughout the day. community. Parrish André ’21 submitted a nine diverging from. For some, it was a time of Porcarelli and Wright are focusing It is vital that we continue to follow panel illustration that was chosen as one reflection. For many, it was a dark period on new methods to motivate students to safety precautions as we head into spring of a handful of entries made to show what of isolation. For a generation, it was a distance. break. teenagers have lost and found this year. “I defining collective experience.” ARTS & CULTURE 7 Dear future Park School history students: by PENNY CELTNIEKS ’22

Since you all have decided to enroll in this course, “The of the town. Front line workers in were Halloween, the holi- Park School 2020-2021: A Cultural History of Covid-19,” applauded every night from apartment building windows day of scary and fancy you should acquaint yourselves with this guideline for and in Italy people went out on their balconies and sang masks looked differ- your upcoming test on Monday. Now I must warn you, together to pass the lonely nights. ent this year. Surgical masks replaced the there are events you may not believe are true, but I prom- May came, and the idea of summer maybe being not so common “Scream” mask ise, they are. So beware, as you read of the monstrosities bad had long drifted away. Cases were rising and people in halloween parades and feats of the first year of Covid-19. had accepted that this “2 week break” was much worse and parties. It all started March 12...well, not really. The first coro- than anticipated. However, the weather was continuously navirus outbreak was reported on December 31, 2019, getting more and more beautiful and the end of school was in Wuhan, China. By February, cases were popping up nearing. Online AP’s were taken in 45 minutes! Can you Images courtesy Communications There was a strong push around the U.S. And by mid March, all 50 states had at believe it? 45 minutes! Daily walks were a godsend after for younger voters to cast least one case. The exchange trips at Park were all can- sitting all day in Zoom classes. Baking banana bread was their ballot since a lot of the time the younger population celled around this time. The impending visit of Chinese a necessity and Animal Crossing was the next big thing. is the least likely to vote. students from Beijing School No. 9 was the first to go, but In contrast to these superficial matters, tragedy struck “Every vote matters, every vote counts,” became the the other trips were cancelled quickly after. An email sent on May 25 in Minnesota. George Floyd, a Black man, ar- slogan. Halloween came and went, quite anticlimactically. out on March 10 notifyied Park students that school would rested by police was murdered. Handcuffed and pushed to The usual full sidewalks were sparsely filled with kids in be closed that Friday, March 13. This happened to be the the ground, a police officer held his knee against Floyd’s costumes, it was sad to see a once exhilarating night be so day before spring break, so as far as the students were con- neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. A video was taken mundane. cerned, they just gained an extra 24 hours of break. where you can hear Floyd say, “I can’t breathe” multiple Ah, sweet November! The first week of the month was As the students went home on Wednesday March 11, times before tragically passing away. This injustice, and full of nail-biting. Since the day when the election results they unknowingly left campus mask-less for the last time all the ones that preceded it, motivated people all across would be released was unknown, the news was on full that year. School was cancelled the next day as well–a the United States, and in other countries too, to take action time in many households. After many of the blue states whole 48 extra hours of break! against police brutality and racism. went blue, and the red states went red, the swing states People were excited, tests were cancelled, homework June was a month of protests. People peacefully pro- were really what would determine the outcome. By No- was cut short, and they didn’t have school! But the excite- tested, marched, stood in silence and demanded change. vember 7 the whole world was informed that Joe Biden ment didn’t last long. Park students and teachers took part in many of these pro- and Kamala Harris had won. Thanksgiving rolled around On March 12, Park students had their first Zoom meet- tests around Baltimore and DC, as well as signing and ad- as just another holiday spent without family. ing ever (can you believe it?) for a quick advisory meeting vertising petitions for justice and change. Finally we reached December, the last month of 2020. before leaving for spring break. As more and more people gathered outside to stand for As much as we wished that the virus would magically dis- Then, the first case in Maryland popped up and people equity, the popularity of face masks grew as well. Soon appear with the change of the calendar, we knew there was began to realize that this was serious. Family trips, mov- everyone was wearing them everywhere, N-95’s, surgical a lot more ahead of us. ie theaters, concerts, and driving tests all cancelled and masks, gaiters, homemade masks, etc. Along with all this, The holiday season was less jolly than usual, Park’s closed. (You get the idea.) people realized that there was going to be a lot of time normal winter assembly before break was very different All over the world people began stocking up on goods spent at home over the summer, so a whole generation of from what the students are used to. The break was spent at as if the apocalypse were coming. Stores in Baltimore “pandemic puppies” was formed. home for most people, driving by family just to get a “hel- were selling out of toilet paper and hand sanitizer, shelves And finally, inJuly , president Donald Trump held a ral- lo,” an “I love you,” and to drop off gifts or food before the fully cleared of both items. Popular trends took off on Tik- ly in Tulsa, Oklahoma for his re-election campaign. With year fully disappeared. Taylor Swift dropped a new album Tok and Netflix. the help of TikTok, passionate teenagers reserved seats at as the year finally came to a close. In case you need a refresher, TikTok is an app where the rally, though many were “unable” to make it. As the Happy New Year! Not even a week into January 2021, you can create videos up to a minute long. While dancing, event was live streamed, rows and rows of empty seats Trump supporters violently rioted in the U.S. Capitol in lip syncing, baking, and little comedy skits mainly domi- could be seen. protest of the new President-Elect. Even before his loss, nate on TikTok, Netflix saw quarantine as an opportunity In August, the summer came to a close and students re- former president Trump was claiming that many of the to step up their game and give the bored, stuck-at-home alized that they would not be returning to school normally. mail in ballots were frauds, being sold by mailmen, he al- people what they wanted. The Class of 2021 soon came to the conclusion that they leged, or were dumped in creeks and rivers. So in a rage, Apparently what the people wanted was a true crime were going to have to apply to colleges whose campuses Trump had a public rally where he told his supporters documentary series about a crazy man with two boy- they had never stepped foot in. Virtual visits were the big to march to the Capitol saying, “and I will be there with friends and a low key illegal zoo. Some people also took thing for many rising seniors in order to try to choose the [you].” up the hobby of journaling to document all of this for fu- right college fit for them. Government officials hid and ran for their lives as ture generations. September came and so did school! For the first few Trump supporters ran freely throughout the building. Loot- Image courtesy R. Himelfarb ’21 weeks of September, Park was completely virtual. Then ing, stealing, and destruction were behaviors exhibited in Groups of friends the hybrid schedule went into effect and many students this infamous storming. Police response to peaceful Black gathered socially stepped into Park for the first time in six months. In order Lives Matter protests back in the summer was horrific distant and outdoors for birthday drive bys. to come into school, people had to get a negative Covid-19 to say the least. Peace was met with violence, protestors These celebrations test. Along with in-person classes, preseason and regular were shot at and gassed. However during the Capitol riot, attempted to replace season sports started up. Field hockey players, cross coun- some police were kind, and others not so much. After this traditional birthday try runners, and soccer players could all be seen around incredibly terrifying affair, not only was Trump banned events. In times of isolation, small campus after school, a comforting sight that gave hope from Twitter and Facebook–not long before his second gatherings like a drive that things could really feel somewhat normal. impeachment–but a gorgeous and uplifting inauguration by were comforting. The leaves changed as October brought chilly days. happened, and if you weren’t watching the inauguration, It also brought the debate of pass/fail classes or regular you were watching Bridgerton. As March came to a close, online school started. Zoom grades at Park. As many students and faculty were torn, During February, the last month before we hit Covid- became the new “thing” and many teachers struggled with the final decision was that the Upper School would stick 19’s “birthday,” Park students were well into their second it. After the first few Zoom’s though, the faculty got a hold with regular grades, but the message was to be patient and semester and there was snow on the ground. Speaking of on everything. lenient since everyone was struggling. snow, this month many students and faculty advocated for Students enjoyed their time at home, and added time As November neared, so did the election. October was previously promised snow days without virtual classes. for relaxation. Seeing each other’s faces even on a screen full of campaigning and early mail-in ballots. After many attempts, the student body reigned victorious made everything feel a little bit better. As the weather and gladly took a snow day to rest. started to warm up, you would find people sitting on their Many students stepped This year has been quite a learning experience to say porches, patios, or lawns during class. on campus for the the least. As we learned to appreciate the simple things in first time in sever- Outside of class, students were doing anything and ev- al months when the life, like family walks, we also learned to appreciate our erything to fill the long April days as summer approached. hybrid schedule began privilege. Covid-19 has hit us all hard in different ways, Families were essentially forced to spend every waking in October. This year’s some more severe than others. minute together which led to walks, game nights, cooking, first day looked dif- We send our love to all those who have been affected ferent: classroom set and Zooming extended family members. Birthday drive ups shifted, peers were by any losses in their family and we hope for freedom and bys (once thought eccentric) became a common way to masked, and distance happiness to come soon. celebrate each other from a distance. Online, personal bin- was mandated. Now make sure you review this cultural study guide go, NYU quarantine meals, and Outer Banks were the talk very carefully, there’s quite a lot to unpack here. ARTS & CULTURE 8 March Reviews A Night to Remember & Willy’s Wonderland by ERIC SMITH ’22 I suppose that makes for a peculiar along with stokers in the boiler rooms fleeing be- comfort movie. Most people would prefer the fore the watertight doors trap them in flooding witty yet endearing The Princess Bride, or per- compartments. haps an animated family classic such as The Lion The most thought-provoking and particularly King. However, I have seen the James Cameron amazing aspect of this novel is how Walter Lord 1997 Titanic so many times that it has ground manages to connect narratives so flawlessly. The an alleviating rut through my brain. I can watch Countess of Rothes, Second Officer Charles any scene and tell you nearly verbatim what has Lightoller, trimmer (a person who handles coal) occurred, and what is left to come. I have been George Cavell, Colonel Archibald Gracie, and watching and rewatching the movie since the Norwegian immigrant Olaus Abelseth are just a third grade: I can barely remember a time when I few of the dozens of names that weave the fab- did not contemplate one of its legendary scenes. ric of the story of the sinking. Lord’s distinctive Image courtesy IMDb What initially inspired my interest in the writing style helps you understand the impor- by BRANDON ZAYON ’22 was picture books. Early tance of the sheer humanity to this disaster. He on, my mother purchased a variety of massive wants you to focus on people from all walks of Tell me if you have heard this prequel movie about. Nicolas Cage hardcover books that albeit informative, mostly life: immigrants, stewards, priests and the crew one before: a silent protagonist goes also gives a strange, yet superb per- granted superb visuals into staterooms, engine who get as much of a mention as the wealthi- to work at a Chuck-E-Cheese-esque formance, despite the fact that he has rooms, dining halls, and even the first class spa est of socialites. This disaster not only changed location that happens to be haunted no lines. The other actors, despite (known as the Turkish Baths). With age, such the lives of thousands of people, but was also a and must survive the killer anima- playing overblown stereotypes, also books left me wanting a more human narrative. crucial event marking the end of wide-eyed opti- tronics. seem to be giving it their all and say- I wanted to know the accounts of the survivors mism that mankind could conquer and transcend This premise was fun and origi- ing everything with maximum effort. on that fateful night, and vicariously experience nature. This book is one of the few chronicles nal at first, but over the years slow- The biggest selling point to me, the harrowing two hours and forty minutes that it that properly represents this rendering. ly grew to a boring cliche. Willy’s but also the biggest downfall to took for the Titanic to sink. Saying you want to A Night to Remember remains one of the Wonderland, on the other hand, is a a casual watcher, is the movie’s consume such information, however, is far easier leading accounts of the sinking of Titanic, and a sheer shot of adrenaline and insanity weirdness. This is absolute B-movie than actually combing through hundreds of ar- must read for anyone who wishes to learn more that I absolutely loved. schlock and insanity, but it relishes ticles, interviews, and hours of testimony given about this disaster, fascinating in its macabre na- Nicolas Cage plays a drifter with in it. The supporting characters are by survivors. It would be far more efficient to ture. Walter Lord’s detailed compilation of notes no name (or lines) whose car breaks all extremely stereotypical, but you simply read Walter Lord’s A Night to Remember. from the survivors together with the factual ac- down right outside of a small town. can tell that the actors are aware of Written in 1955, A Night to Remember is count of this historic night inextricably connects He does not have the money to pay it. The cinematography and editing considered the paramount account of the fateful you to this beautiful tragedy. the repairman, so he is told that he feels like the crew was on drugs the night of April 15, 1912. Walter Lord undertook can work it off by cleaning up a kid’s whole time. The story and script the challenging work of interviewing 63 of the pizza place known as Willy’s Won- takes itself super seriously, so it does remaining survivors as well as combing through derland. The animatronics try to kill not feel too goofy, yet not so serious any articles, interviews and testimonials that had him but he fights back. There also that it becomes boring. The score been written to produce a 146 page manuscript. seem to be a few college kids who is this techno and rock mix that fits Lord published his book two years after a popu- are made to look like they want to perfectly but at the same time does lar 1953 Titanic film by Jean Negulesco. burn Willy’s down but are really just not fit at all. This movie is a perfect Lord’s book skips the majority of the voyage there to raise the film’s body count. contradiction. and begins the wonderfully detailed account with For me, the highlight of this mov- When watching Willy’s Wonder- the night of the sinking. He presents the look- ie is the animatronics. The puppet land, you will either love it or want out, Frederick Fleet, reporting “Iceberg right work is incredible, as the animatron- to turn it off within the first ten min- ahead” on the second page, and the Quartermas- ics cause both the scariest and funni- utes. I absolutely loved the insanity ter George Rowe’s failed attempt to steer the est scenes in the movie. Each anima- of it all, and hope to get a sequel (and ship to safety. A variety of different passengers tronic has a distinct personality that or prequel) one day. then comment on their experience of the crash, differentiates them beyond just what The film is a brisk 88 minutes, but ranging from stewards thinking that Titanic had animal they are. feels even shorter than that. It never dropped a propeller, to passengers describing the The backstory behind the loca- overstayed its welcome. I would rate ship as having rolled over “a thousand marbles,” Image courtesy Macmillan Publishers tion is definitely something I want a it an 8/10. Fresh-Soph production to be performed outdoors by ALINA GLASS ’22

This year’s Fresh-Soph Production, The Heart of Rob- sword fighting and silly, comic-book-style acting. away some staging possibilities. “A lot of the blocking has in Hood, is conquering the constraints of the pandemic to King thinks of the outdoor setting as an important tool to be changed to accommodate for distance,” Fox said. create a unique theatrical experience. The play will be per- rather than a limitation. “It’s really exciting to deal with King noted that the pandemic has also generally damp- formed outside on a stage in the woods in order to make a production where the set is the reality of the trees and ened the energy. “Everything feels as if it’s underwater,” the experience safer for actors and theatergoers alike. the undergrowth,” King said. “It becomes a very powerful he said. “We’re just swimming as best we can.” When Peter King, Upper School Drama Chair and The- thing.” Even so, the prospect of rehearsing outdoors is thrilling ater Director, was choosing the play, he knew it would Shannon Long ’23, a member of the cast, agreed. “I for King. “I’m finally getting to combine my two great need to be performed outside. He also knew that stream- think [performing outdoors] is an exciting way to make the loves: the outdoors and theater,” he said glowingly. ing rights would be necessary in case the play needed to setting of the show come alive,” she said. Cast members are enjoying the experience as well. “We be filmed rather than performed live. The Heart of Robin King even compares the circumstances of The Heart have a nice group and Peter knows what he’s doing. He Hood fits both criteria. of Robin Hood to Shakespearean plays, which were per- has a good vision,” Fox said. The Heart of Robin Hood is a comedic twist on the orig- formed outside and without stage lighting. “It’s kind of The play will be performed in a part of the woods near inal story. Robin Hood begins the play as a villain. Marian, pure, essential, and really wonderful in that way,” he said. the Athletic Center. Around 40-50 audience members will the heroine, disguises herself as a man named Martin to Although the outdoor set brings a new set of possibil- be able to attend each show in socially distanced pods. rob the rich and give to the poor. “It’s a healthy balance of ities to the show, it also brings challenges. “We have to They will be asked to bring their own lawn chairs or blan- comedy and drama,” cast member Eli Fox ’23 said. figure out what set and props we can use outside, how to kets for “picnic” style seating. In case of inclement weath- King has opted to take a more informal approach than change costumes, and how to make the audience feel like er, the play will be rescheduled. in past productions, calling it ‘theater out of a trunk.’ “It’s they’re in Sherwood Forest rather than the Park woods,” Between its wooded set and childlike whimsy, The much more as if a bunch of kids decided they were going Fox said. Heart of Robin Hood is sure to be an unforgettable pro- to put on a play and dragged some trunks full of costumes The show will not only have to be performed outside, duction. It will be staged May 21-23, fake sword fighting out to the woods,” King explained. This includes fake but will also have to honor social distancing, which takes and all. SPORTS 9 On the Interscholastic play resumes Seidlines Teams are gearing up for a competitive March Madness spring sports season returns by WILL PERES ’23 by QUINN SEIDENMAN ’21 There is no time like March. The old As Park heads into the last season of sports for meteorology claim states that the month the school year, the school has announced that teams can enter like a lion or a lamb, but different will be participating in competitive seasons against animals define March for some of us. other schools for the first time this year. The University of Maryland Baltimore “This is the last chance most seniors have to Boys’ Varsity County (UMBC) Retrievers, Loyola-Chi- play,” Aaron Zaiman ’21. “We’ve waited for four Tennis senior cago Ramblers, and the Common- A. Hirschhorn years to lead our teams and now we have an oppor- in a previous wealth University Rams make the third tunity to.” season. month of the calendar the most important Zaiman has been playing lacrosse for all four for sports fans. years he has been in Upper School. The National Collegiate Athletic Asso- In order for teams to be able to compete this ciation (NCAA) Men’s Basketball tourna- spring, this season will have extra safety precautions ment is a sacred event for sports fans of all that Park and other schools have added for another allegiances and interests. The games are level of safety. Image courtesy Communications equally intense, whether you obsessively The two main differences between this upcoming follow every game leading up to the big season and the past two seasons are both vaccina- dance or if you only begin to watch after tions, and the amount of testing that will be done. Selection Sunday. Most teachers and administrators have received Boys’ Varsity Baseball The euphoria of buzzer-beaters and practicing at Park’s both vaccine shots for Covid-19 with more doses Sugar Campus Cinderella stories is the most contagious being administered to community members weekly. feeling at this time of year, especially giv- Additionally, all spring athletes will be taking en the cancellation of the tournament last weekly Covid-19 tests. This will help Park stay up year. to date with their internal metrics. Even my dog Klondike gets in on the Dia Clark ’06, Director of Athletics – Boys’ Pro- action. Every year he fills out a bracket, grams, spoke about comparing this upcoming sea- Image courtesy L. Sheehy based on his opinion, as a canine, of the son to the fall and winter seasons this year. schools’ mascots. “We’ve learned a lot and we’re in a different For example, the Gonzaga Bulldogs are place than we were [in previous seasons]. We had heavily preferred over the Louisiana State different priorities in the fall. We were trying to just Tigers. Boo cats! His bracket occasionally open the doors to the school,” Clark said. enjoys moderate success, but his participa- Girls’ Varsity “The model that the league is choosing to use for Lacrosse played tion in the tournament is a testament to the the winter season will have aspects that will be bor- in their first openness of the big dance. rowed from, that going forward, will be used for the scrimmage against Every year there is a stunning upset in spring season.” Gerstell Academy. the Round of 64 that turns into a deep tour- Robin Lowe ’84, Director of Athletics – Girls’ nament run. The aforementioned Ramblers Programs, broke down the plan of what the spring reaching the final four might be the best season looks like. recent example. “We are planning a competitive, league spon- Skeptics continue to wonder when the sored schedule with different challenges in terms of clock will strike midnight on the Cinderel- masks and spectators,” Lowe said. Image courtesy S. Renbaum la story, and yet they continue to evade the “Each school is dictating what they need to do. seemingly inevitable. We love the sticklers We as a school will not compete against another that refuse to be written off. school if they do not follow our protocols. We can As Park Bruins, we can relate to the feel comfortable and confident that we will be keep- Four year Boys’ Varsity underdogs. Often vastly physically out- ing everybody as safe as we can and still allowing Lacrosse starter J. Friedman matched, lower seeds in the NCAA tour- some competitive play.” ’21 in a previous season. nament often have to use their craftiness, The girls’ league, the Interscholastic Athletic As- grit, and attention to detail to upset the sociation of Maryland (IAAM), as well as the boys blue-blooded college basketball power- league, the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Asso- houses. ciation (MIAA), have decided to work independent- We can use these teams as a lesson for ly on league protocols. This means that planning our own teams; it’s crucial to understand for one team could be different than another sole- Image courtesy G. Nusinov that ultimately games are won by strong ly based on the league they play in. However, both collective teams, not strong individual leagues have decided against instituting a mask players. mandate, meaning that teams do not have to wear We will never get the chance to go masks to participate in the games. against Duke and solidify ourselves as leg- With the rules and precautions that the school has Sophomore Pitcher ends of March. At Park, however, we have in place, Bruin teams will not play against the teams T. Garbarino copious opportunities to catch schools who who do not follow the school’s same protocols. practices with overlook us off-guard, and secure big wins. Girls’ Varsity Softball “We are trying to get as many games in as we on Sugar Campus. I hope that other schools look at us like can. Any school that comes to Park to play will be Virginia looked at UMBC, as that may be fully masked the entire time,” Lowe explained. “If our greatest weapon. we travel to a school that does not mandate masks, As the tournament begins for the first we will not play them. Those games will go down as time since the pandemic started, we mainly a no contest, not as a forfeit.” pray for a safe tournament. Schedules and rules are still being set, however The shocking upsets, buzzer-beaters, with all this new information out, gameplay will be- Image courtesy L. Sheehy and Cinderella stories will come. gin soon, giving a boost of joy to the players and Lastly, for Klondike’s sake, I hope the their families as this school year comes to an end. Gonzaga Bulldogs remain undefeated.