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The Bilingual cookbook is full of family recipes and stories produced by SPA StartUp Club, Faculty Mollie Ward, and Harry LaVercombe and the Christel House México students to raise money for Christel House México.
Comida Unida: SPA and Christel House México students work together on bilingual cookbook
October 23, 2021
THANKS FOR THE RIDE. Freshman Deling Chen stands in front of a school bus as she waits for the doors to open. Although there has been a bus driver shortage devastating school schedules throughout the nation, Saint Paul Academy hasn’t had to cancel any bus routes. “[Having to cancel bus routes] hasn’t been too difficult for SPA,” Director of Transportation Melissa Douden said, “For other schools it’s been a very big challenge.”
Bus driver shortage causes problems in and out of SPA community
October 22, 2021
View from Randolph Avenue of the front lawn of the upper school campus.
Ottley selected as new Head of School
October 20, 2021
Many teachers wear pronoun badges to allow for easy identification and to encourage the sharing of pronouns among students and other staff.
Pronoun practice reflects intent of gender inclusion
October 19, 2021
INDIGENOUS PRIDE. Native Americans come together for a pow-wow circa 1930 in Grand Marais, MN. Indigenous peoples contributions to America cannot go unnoticed, and Indigenous Peoples day is one time to recognize them.
MN celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ day
October 19, 2021
Although necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, test optional admissions still have some flaws to be ironed out.
Test optional admissions needs improvement to compensate for rising student debt
October 17, 2021
Older students should advocate for more opportunities to show younger students the ropes, to be like their superheroes. It is our job to step up and take on that role, and in doing so, experience the joy of connection.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Superheroes needed: be an active mentor for lower school students
October 13, 2021
While CRISPR does sound like a safe and well-rounded idea, as there have been over 30 years since it was first introduced, many details and specifics are left uncontrolled.
Step aside CRISPR, the world isn’t ready for you yet
October 12, 2021
SPA is heavily focused on community-building, but how it builds it may be subpar.
Are school-based community building efforts effective?
October 7, 2021
People in the community need help from representatives t guide different processes and help them show the importance of the issue.
US Representatives racial imbalances impact representation
October 2, 2021
Older students should advocate for more opportunities to show younger students the ropes, to be like their superheroes. It is our job to step up and take on that role, and in doing so, experience the joy of connection.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Superheroes needed: be an active mentor for lower school students
October 13, 2021
Mindfulness activities, though well intentioned, can do more harm than good to students.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Classroom meditation activities not as helpful as intended
September 23, 2021
Head of school candidates should have frequent interactions with as many students as possible during the search process, not be kept at a distance from most.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Students need time with Head of School candidates
September 10, 2021
GO FOR A RIDE. Biking is an excellent way to relieve stress and get outside.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Get into gear for summer
May 25, 2021
A person’s purpose in life is not to be small. The goal should be happiness and true health.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Live a perfectly sized life and allow others to do the same
May 17, 2021
Minnesota Matters is a monthly column written by Colin Will about political issues that impact the state.
Eviction or aid? Congress must find the compromise.
June 2, 2021
Minnesota Matters is a monthly column written by Colin Will about political issues that impact the state.
Senators, don’t close parks
May 26, 2021
Thinking Out Loud is a monthly column by Opinions Editor Jenny Ries.
[COLUMN] Thinking Out Loud: Find your shoes
April 27, 2021
Thinking Out Loud is a monthly column by Opinions Editor Jenny Ries.
[COLUMN] Thinking Out Loud: Redefine what art means to you
March 8, 2021
Thinking Out Loud is a monthly column by Opinions Editor Jenny Ries.
[COLUMN] Thinking Out Loud: Who’s your Valentine?
February 14, 2021
[LETTER] Feel racial discomfort rather than pushing it away
[LETTER] Feel racial discomfort rather than pushing it away
March 5, 2021
LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY: Aaron Datta
LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY: Aaron Datta
November 26, 2017
Letter to the Editor: Reasons for Service Day truncation
March 2, 2016
Letter to the Editor: Sports coverage should include all teams
September 16, 2015
Girl’s teams find a lack of support from the student body
May 8, 2014
TOGETHER, WE SUCCEED. Captain Solvej Eversol encourages the team as they face a tough game ahead. “Spartans on 3; 1,2, 3 Spartans” they chant as the time sounds, and the set continues. The team, after encouragement and water, will go on to the court with a new mindset.
Team captains focus on improving their leadership
October 25, 2021
Senior Naci Konar-Steenberg finished in 35th place. He said, It was a breakthrough race for the team: we had five people on varsity under twenty minutes (four boys and one girl), and six out of the seven people on boys varsity got a personal best time. Thats significant because the course we ran on, which was at Battle Creek, is generally considered to be rather difficult, but we had plenty of personal and season bests.
[PHOTO STORY] Varsity Cross Country crosses the finish line for the IMAC Conference Championship
October 18, 2021
SPA Senior Charlie Johnson under center before an important snap.
Wolfpack dominate Bloomington Kennedy, improve to 5-2 on season
October 17, 2021
Defender Aurelia Meza prepares to send a ball into the box, hoping to inspire an offensive attack towards the goal.
GVS falls to Minnehaha in section semi-finals
October 17, 2021
Senior Marie Schumacher swims her first inidividual event of the night which is the 200 freestyle.
SPARKS flipturn to the end of their season with last conference meet
October 15, 2021
Senior Naci Konar-Steenberg finished in 35th place. He said, It was a breakthrough race for the team: we had five people on varsity under twenty minutes (four boys and one girl), and six out of the seven people on boys varsity got a personal best time. Thats significant because the course we ran on, which was at Battle Creek, is generally considered to be rather difficult, but we had plenty of personal and season bests.
[PHOTO STORY] Varsity Cross Country crosses the finish line for the IMAC Conference Championship
October 18, 2021
SPA Senior Charlie Johnson under center before an important snap.
Wolfpack dominate Bloomington Kennedy, improve to 5-2 on season
October 17, 2021
Defender Aurelia Meza prepares to send a ball into the box, hoping to inspire an offensive attack towards the goal.
GVS falls to Minnehaha in section semi-finals
October 17, 2021
Senior Marie Schumacher swims her first inidividual event of the night which is the 200 freestyle.
SPARKS flipturn to the end of their season with last conference meet
October 15, 2021
The vinyl cover of 4 of the different songs featured on the playlist.
Volleyball serves up a high-energy, warmup playlist
October 10, 2021
8th grader Igna Wing skis during the section tournament.
Alpine skiers; girls Nordic prepare for state tournament
March 12, 2021
Skiiers take the lift up to the top of the hill at Buck Hill ski area in Burnsville during the meet.
Culture of Alpine Ski built on co-ed community
March 9, 2021
Players on boys varsity basketball, hockey test positive for COVID-19
Players on boys varsity basketball, hockey test positive for COVID-19
March 6, 2021
Seniors Adam Holod, Noah Lindeman, Ivan Starchook, Patrick Hooley, Levi Mellin, Evan Reynolds and Ahmed Umer were all celebrated during a senior night ceremony right after the game.
Boys basketball fights for overtime victory on senior night
March 4, 2021
Lucie Bond prepared to take the face-off while her team anxiously watched, waiting for her to make the next move.
Girls hockey faces challenges through team bonding, mask wearing
February 26, 2021
O’Brien plays on both the JV and varsity lacrosse teams, two quarters on JV and four on varsity. “ I enjoy getting to play for both teams since more playing time equals more time to improve and better your technique along with meet[ing] people from both of the teams,” O’Brien said.
Jack O’Brien talks Blackhawks wins and losses
June 3, 2021
Moore shifts into a lunge to get ready for a backhand volley.
[PHOTO GALLERY] Spartan tennis plays in 4A tournament
June 2, 2021
Ninth-grader John Christakos slides onto home base as dust flies around him. Christakos has stepped up for the team, even as a new player, having played in nine games so far this season.
[PHOTO GALLERY] Spartan baseball defeats Minnehaha
June 2, 2021
The Visitation team defends their goal as St. Croix Prep prepares to score their 3rd goal.
Girls varsity lacrosse wins 16-6 against St. Croix Prep
May 14, 2021
“My favorite songs on the playlist are Sunset by A-Sho and Lucky Rose, and Cold Ain’t for me by Oceans,” said freshman Henry Choi.
[SPORTS SPOTIFY] Boys Varsity Tennis ‘aces’ playlist
May 12, 2021
LOVE OUR BODIES. HerSpace president and longtime member Sevy Hayes points out example statements to inspire students to come up with their own proclamations of self-love. After lots of hard work and planning, Hayes was grateful that the celebration came together successfully with a lot of participation from the community.
Bagnoli reflects on Love Your Body Day and HerSpace’s values
October 23, 2021
Besse is using handmade sheets of colorful tissue paper taped and folded together to build the dress.
Besse steps out of her comfort zone with latest art endeavor
October 20, 2021
[WHATS ON MY DESK?] Larson mixes schoolwork, necessities, and gaming
[WHATS ON MY DESK?] Larson mixes schoolwork, necessities, and gaming
October 19, 2021
All around town, neighbors lawns are getting decorated with Halloween decorations, horror movies are being advertised and haunted houses are being visited. But nothing seems just as horrific as these hair stories.
Horror lover? Wait until you hear these hair stories.
October 16, 2021
Senior Sophie Cullen delivers her speech in the Huss Center Auditorium. As she is among the few first speakers of the year, Cullen was determined to send an impactful message to the audience about the academic culture at SPA.
[Q&A] Sophie Cullen gives insight into the senior speech process
October 13, 2021
Its Scholastic Journalism Week: What does scholastic journalism mean to me?
QUIZ: [HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW]… the RubicOnline?
March 11, 2020
Members hop over the bench to get on the ice and play.
QUIZ: Have you been paying attention to the sports section?
January 16, 2020
Take this quiz to see some study tips just for you.
QUIZ: Which study tip should you try this Midterm?
December 9, 2019
Turkey is a traditional Thanksgiving food. But was it at the first Thanksgiving celebration?
QUIZ: Do you know Thanksgiving?
November 25, 2019
QUIZ: Which song from Kanyes Jesus is King should you be listening to?
QUIZ: Which song from Kanye’s “Jesus is King” should you be listening to?
November 11, 2019
SHOWSTOPPER. Finneas OConnell performs his music at the Austin City Limits music festival. While his younger sister Billie Eilish has stepped into the spotlight in the music industry, OConnell has made a name for himself as well.
[ALBUM REVIEW] O’Connell’s hit debut album Optimist highlights his identity as a solo artist
October 21, 2021
Cho Sang-Woo, Seong Gi-Hun, and Kang Sae-byeok band together to protect themselves from possible attacks during the night.
[TV REVIEW] Squid Game sparks interest, becomes most-viewed Netflix show of all time
October 17, 2021
Five must-watch spooky movies for the fall season
Five must-watch spooky movies for the fall season
October 10, 2021
Dancing with the Star(chook)s: the return to the ballroom
Dancing with the Star(chook)s: the return to the ballroom
October 5, 2021
The exhibit isn’t creating new material (the music and paintings predate the show), but the artful combination of the two into a truly immersive physical experience is admirable.
Van Gogh exhibit amazes with immersive experience
October 4, 2021
SHOWSTOPPER. Finneas OConnell performs his music at the Austin City Limits music festival. While his younger sister Billie Eilish has stepped into the spotlight in the music industry, OConnell has made a name for himself as well.
[ALBUM REVIEW] O’Connell’s hit debut album Optimist highlights his identity as a solo artist
October 21, 2021
Cho Sang-Woo, Seong Gi-Hun, and Kang Sae-byeok band together to protect themselves from possible attacks during the night.
[TV REVIEW] Squid Game sparks interest, becomes most-viewed Netflix show of all time
October 17, 2021
Five must-watch spooky movies for the fall season
Five must-watch spooky movies for the fall season
October 10, 2021
The exhibit isn’t creating new material (the music and paintings predate the show), but the artful combination of the two into a truly immersive physical experience is admirable.
Van Gogh exhibit amazes with immersive experience
October 4, 2021
Shang Chi and the Legend of the Seven Rings hit theaters on Sept. 3. In its second weekend, it grossed 38.5 million, holding onto the top spot for box office.
[MOVIE REVIEW] Marvel combines martial arts, superheroes in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
September 11, 2021
[THE STYLE EDIT] Ramirez shares her style inspiration
October 6, 2021
Looking forward to Homecoming 2021
Looking forward to Homecoming 2021
September 27, 2021
Day in the life of a student athlete
September 26, 2021
Club fair returns—an inside peek into student-led organizations
September 20, 2021
Remembering the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with SPA families, faculty and students.
Remembering 9/11 with SPA students
September 11, 2021
Do specific types of dreams have different meanings? How often do most people remember their dreams? Allen, Leatham and Hayes discuss with McKoy.
Dreaming: the brain doesn’t sleep when you do
October 11, 2021
[MUSIC PODCAST] Sih plays the Baroque-n strings of the violin
[MUSIC PODCAST] Sih plays the Baroque-n strings of the violin
September 25, 2021
Seniors learn from their 9-12 experience and use We have been in your shoes to impart the wisdom theyve gained.
[CLASS OF 22] Seniors give advice on making the grade
September 15, 2021
[CROSSING THE RUBICON] Ep.7: Whoso List to Hunt, I Know Where is an Hind with Maddy Fisher
[CROSSING THE RUBICON] Ep.7: Whoso List to Hunt, I Know Where is an Hind with Maddy Fisher
May 30, 2021
Crossing the Rubicon is a monthly podcast where Maddy Fisher interviews people about their poetry related interests and projects.
[CROSSING THE RUBICON] Ep. 6: Sidewalk Poetry with Jordy Breslau
May 16, 2021
September 2021 Issue
September 28, 2021
May 2021 Issue
May 25, 2021
April 2021 Issue
April 26, 2021
March 2021 Issue
March 2, 2021
February 2021 Issue
February 2, 2021
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
Elle Chen

Elle Chen, co-Director of RubicOnline

Elle Chen (she/her) is a co-Director of RubicOnline. This is her fourth year on staff. Over the summer, Elle interned at NSPA to help plan journalism conventions, create a book and learn about yearbook spreads. Recently, Elle has found a new passion for playing cards and spending more time with her family and friends. Elle can be reached at [email protected]

All content by Elle Chen
All around town, neighbors lawns are getting decorated with Halloween decorations, horror movies are being advertised and haunted houses are being visited. But nothing seems just as horrific as these hair stories.

Horror lover? Wait until you hear these hair stories.

October 16, 2021
Senior Marie Schumacher swims her first inidividual event of the night which is the 200 freestyle.

SPARKS flipturn to the end of their season with last conference meet

October 15, 2021
Senior Ellie Sandeen prepares to get on the blocks for her first individual event, the 200 IM.

[Photo]

October 15, 2021
During the first relay of the night, the SPARKS had a strong swim but were unfortunately disqualified.

[Photo]

October 15, 2021
Seniors Divya Bhargava, Eleanor Smith and Marie Schumacher purple out during the school day for their meet.

[Photo]

October 15, 2021
On the deck, the SPARKS cheer on their teamates as they race.

[Photo]

October 15, 2021
From head to toe, seniors Divya Bhargava, Eleanor Smith and Marie Schumacher purple out.

[Photo]

October 15, 2021
Senior Divya Bhargave even tie-dyed her socks the Sparks colors for the special occasion.

[Photo]

October 15, 2021
The varsity girls prepare for their first relay of the night, the 200 Medley.

[Photo]

October 15, 2021
Senior Marie Schumacher keeps her head down as she heads for the last turn of her race.

[Photo]

October 15, 2021
The SPARKS gather around their coach to carefully inspect the swim schdule, making sure they dont miss their event.

[Photo]

October 15, 2021
Before the meet starts, the Sparks get together to do their cheer. The SPARKS are a co-op swim and dive team with Highland Park.

[Photo]

October 15, 2021
In honor of the seniors last meet, SPARKS coach prepared small gifts and flowers for each of the seniors.

[Photo]

October 15, 2021
The relay begins. The backstrokers dive into the water and begin not only the first leg of the race but also swim the first lap of the meet.

[Photo]

October 15, 2021
Unique from the three other strokes, backstrokers start their race in the pool instead of on the blocks.

[Photo]

October 15, 2021
Senior Ellie Sandeen stands on the block, getting ready to jump in.

[Photo]

October 15, 2021
During the relay, swimmers must time themselves perfectly. Just as the previous swimmer touches the wall, the next swimmer jumps in.

[Photo]

October 15, 2021
Senior Ellie Sandeen has a little over 50 yards left of her 200 IM left as she swims breaststroke to the wall.

[Photo]

October 15, 2021
The SPARKS are a co-op swim and dive team with Highland Park.

[Photo]

October 15, 2021
Every year, the seniors wear overalls and blue and gold Spartan gear to celebrate Homecoming.

It’s blue and it’s gold; the Homecoming spirit is back and alive

October 1, 2021
The senior overalls came in all different designs. Some with bandanas, others with flowers.

Seniors create overalls and foster the Spartan spirit

October 1, 2021
Every year, the senior class designs overalls for Homecoming. This year, the class of 2022 did not dissapoint.

[Photo]

October 1, 2021
Pictured from left to right, seniors Lily Ellis, Mia Hofmann, James Montague and Lucie Bond.

[Photo]

October 1, 2021
From left to right: seniors Henry Burkhardt, Levi Smetana, Divya Bhargava and Esther Allen.

[Photo]

October 1, 2021
With the influence of George Floyd’s death in 2020, the argument of defunding the police has never risen so high before.

[Photo] Minnesota Supreme Court overturns lower judge: Police Department Amendment is officially added to the state ballot

September 28, 2021
[MUSIC PODCAST] Sih plays the Baroque-n strings of the violin

[MUSIC PODCAST] Sih plays the Baroque-n strings of the violin

September 25, 2021
Not wanting such a horrible person to take possession of the xiandan, Chang’e gulped down both of the xiandan and ascended to the moon where she became a deity.

[CULTURES @SPA] Students celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with a moonful of food

September 20, 2021
The 2021 Alumni/ae Art Show, which is running from Sep. 10 through Oct. 29, and features four artists: Angela Carr 66, Ben Freyinger 96, Katherine Parfet 66, and Valerie Sands 81.

Passionate alumni/ae showcase work in art exhibit

September 18, 2021
Seniors Nina Starchook and Kat Bragg get ready to design their respective club boards.

[Photo] Bulletin Board Contest initiates friendly club rivalries

September 17, 2021

Remembering 9/11 with SPA families

September 11, 2021
Locally in Minnesota, which had record-breaking droughts this summer, there have also been many large-scale wildfires around and in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) that left the area closed for the first time in 45 years.

BWCA wildfires intensify through dry summer; closed for the first time in 45 years

September 10, 2021
Thus from then on, Hou Yi mourned for his wife who was forever stuck on the moon. And because she liked mooncakes, Hou Yi set them up for her every year on lunar Aug. 15.

[Photo]

September 10, 2021
As a reward, Guanyin pusa (a buddha) rewarded Hou Yi with two xiandan (elixirs) which would turn whoever ate them into a deity. Then, on Aug. 15, when Hou Yi went hunting, one of his apprentices, who knew about these xiandan, entered Hou Yi’s house and threatened his wife, Chang’e, to hand them over.

[Photo]

September 10, 2021
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[Photo] New Faculty Features: STEM

September 3, 2021
Meet incoming Upper School World Language faculty members Chris Godas, Sandra Nelson and Rachel Ruddick.

[Photo] New Faculty Features: World Languages

August 30, 2021
Though he’s a Midwesterner by birth (hailing from Missouri), Godas has visited five other countries worldwide- Canada, China, Greece, Serbia and Thailand.

Chinese teacher Chris Godas shares his love for language, comedy, drawing and more

August 26, 2021
Dean of Students Chantal Thornberry made sure to keep the event a surprise for Principal Delgado. Its safe to say that it was a success.

Upper School screams goodbye to Principal Delgado

June 1, 2021
Teachers also gathered in the North Lawn to tell him goodbye.

[Photo]

June 1, 2021
Short said, From the deepest bottoms of our hearts, go with love, to Denver, but know that you will always, always have a home here.

[Photo]

June 1, 2021
Senior Gracie Tilney-Kaemmer and alumni Ananya Narayan sang For Good by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth.

[Photo]

June 1, 2021
Teachers also gathered in the North Lawn to tell him goodbye.

[Photo]

June 1, 2021
Implicit bias: a subconscious association of characteristics and feelings towards a person, action, or thing.

Implicit biases? Me too.

May 23, 2021
Government official, nurse, figure skater, American. What is the first image or type of person that pops into mind when you hear each of those words?

[Photo]

May 23, 2021

Mentor program wraps for the year, mentee connections last

May 13, 2021
To raise awareness and learn more about racial disparities within the U.S. healthcare system, junior Kat Braggs sat down to talk with her cousin Jesus Barrera who works in the medical field.

[ILLUSTRATED PODCAST] A healthy society is a better society; Barrera talks representation and disparities in healthcare

May 10, 2021
Junior Ceci Watson participated in the Memory Project. During X-period, she wrote her postcard in the Redleaf Commons.

Memory Project honors student voices during a historic time

April 30, 2021
On the internet, information spreads like wildfire. Its important to be careful and genuine with what you post, and not think about posting about important issues as part of a checklist. Post because you care.

[Photo] [STAFF EDITORIAL] Inform and educate before posting

April 24, 2021
On the internet, information spreads like wildfire. Its important to be careful and genuine with what you post, and not think about posting about important issues as part of a checklist. Post because you care.

[Photo] [STAFF EDITORIAL] Inform and educate before posting

April 24, 2021
Senior Elaina Parsons holds an ACAB sign has students march around campus to the main green area.

[Photo] Student protest organizers dissatisfied with admin response

April 19, 2021
If an internal voice is constantly sending messages of perfectionism, use spring break to step back and find a healthier inner voice.

[Photo] [STAFF EDITORIAL] Spring into a break from perfectionism

March 22, 2021
Sharon Day is an Ojibwe leader, Native American activist, artist and writer from Minnesota.

Speaker Day brings together different perspectives on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

April 16, 2021
Try Sitati Munenes exercise that shows how unconscious bias affects us as a whole below. What were your results?

[Photo] Nelima Sitati Munene

April 16, 2021
Sharon Day is an Ojibwe leader, Native American activist, artist and writer from Minnesota.

Sharon Day

April 16, 2021
A day in the life of junior Gregory Forsbergs spring break.

[Photo] [ILLUSTRATED INTERVIEW] It’s all downhill: Gregory Forsberg’s spring break

April 11, 2021
Head of School Bryn Roberts sits in his office. “What’s very different from today was that it was one size fits all,” he said about his high school experience.

Head of School Bryn Roberts announces retirement after 2021-2022 school year

April 5, 2021
Two Excel trucks were called to the scene in front of the Davern entrance of the Randolph Campus to remove the tree and repair the line.

Power outage on Randolph Campus, students released for the day

March 15, 2021
Is it better to be fairly good at one sport or be a well-rounded athlete who participates in multiple sports?

[Photo] [SPORTS OPINION] Is it better to play one or multiple sports?

March 12, 2021
This is Collins channeling Kamala Harris on Inaguration Day. Collins 2 year old Standard Poodle, Otto, is sitting next to her.

Incoming US Principal Theresa Collins talks goals and inspirations

March 11, 2021
A meeting with Committee took place today during the asychorous Wednesday flex day.

[Photo] USC and C3’s joint proposal for Committee on Racism passes and are set to work

March 10, 2021
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