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senior speech advisors. Among many changes this year, seniors are able to discuss their ideas and writing with fellow cohort members, which is meant to create a stronger network and provide support from classmates.
The Class of ’24 will deliver shorter speeches written with cohort support
October 1, 2023
INTELLISPARK. Administrators made the choice to begin implementing Intellispark this year, a digital platform that stores data about the students at SPA for faculty to access. The goal is for student needs to be easily taken care of due to the ease and organization of using this platform.
New implementation of Intellispark aids management of student information
September 30, 2023
SCHEDULE SHIFT. The main change to the schedule is the switch between X-period and tutorial. “When we have crossover between middle and upper school teachers and middle and upper school students, [the new schedule] would work more fluidly,” Dean of Academics Tom Anderson said.
Schedule change does not diminish complaints
September 29, 2023
[NEWS IN BRIEF] UPDATE: Homecoming dress-up days revised
[NEWS IN BRIEF] UPDATE: Homecoming dress-up days revised
September 28, 2023
SAFETY ALL MONTH LONG. C3 co-Chairs Andy Allen and Clara Ann Bagnoli introduce Community Partnership Month during an X-period assembly in Huss on Sept. 18. The topics discussed and practiced each week will range from fire safety to active shooter protocol. Allen said, “Some topics will be more sensitive to some individuals.”
Community Partnership Month seeks to build awareness instead of practicing drills
September 27, 2023
PARTNERS. Sophomore Elle Williams taps rackets with her doubles partner after a good point. Despite her strong desire to, Williams has never had the opportunity to play competitive doubles with her brother, Aidan Williams. “We’ve never competed in a tournament together because tournaments rarely offer mixed doubles,” she said.
Game, set, bond: Tennis deepens sibling connection
October 2, 2023
Ultimate has some Sunday morning fun
Ultimate has some Sunday morning fun
October 1, 2023
STAYING COOL. Girls junior varsity soccer cools off and stays hydrated after their game against Breck Sept. 5. Boys soccer faced similar struggles with high temperatures in a game against St. Croix Lutheran. “We were all super tired and dehydrated by the second half [of the ... game],” defender Lucas Granja said.
Teams persevere through record heat and air quality conditions
September 28, 2023
CIRCLE UP. The boats warm up by doing the circle up drill. “[The drill] just helps with bow handling and helps us get warmed up,” Adi Narayan said.
Sailing club knows how to circle, capsize, and compete
September 23, 2023
STREAMLINED. Coleman soars into the water with her technical reverse dive tuck. Her inward dive pike earned the highest score of the six she competed, with a net score of 18.5. She left the meet reminding herself that “I’ll have on and off days,” she said.
Coleman battles through Laker Invitational, determined to turn the season around
September 21, 2023
PARTNERS. Sophomore Elle Williams taps rackets with her doubles partner after a good point. Despite her strong desire to, Williams has never had the opportunity to play competitive doubles with her brother, Aidan Williams. “We’ve never competed in a tournament together because tournaments rarely offer mixed doubles,” she said.
Game, set, bond: Tennis deepens sibling connection
October 2, 2023
STAYING COOL. Girls junior varsity soccer cools off and stays hydrated after their game against Breck Sept. 5. Boys soccer faced similar struggles with high temperatures in a game against St. Croix Lutheran. “We were all super tired and dehydrated by the second half [of the ... game],” defender Lucas Granja said.
Teams persevere through record heat and air quality conditions
September 28, 2023
STREAMLINED. Coleman soars into the water with her technical reverse dive tuck. Her inward dive pike earned the highest score of the six she competed, with a net score of 18.5. She left the meet reminding herself that “I’ll have on and off days,” she said.
Coleman battles through Laker Invitational, determined to turn the season around
September 21, 2023
A tense game against Rochester Lourdes ends in stalemate for boys soccer
A tense game against Rochester Lourdes ends in stalemate for boys soccer
September 20, 2023
HERE WE COME. Both teams charge at each other either trying to make their way through or stop the other team from moving forward.
SMB Wolfpack comes up short to South St. Paul’s comeback win
September 11, 2023
LETS GO SPARTANS. Students gather to cheer on the SPA boys hockey team as they face off against Highland Park in the first round of the section tournament. The Spartans went on to win the game 5-2.
Co-op sports provide connectivity, relationships between fans
February 26, 2023
SNOWY SLOPES. Burns has been passionate about alpine skiing from a young age. The sport is very challenging, with steep terrain, sharp turns, injuries, and countless hours of practice. But nevertheless, Burns continues to foster a deep love for the slopes.
Burns dominates on the slopes
February 23, 2023
ICE TIME. Greta Magnuson in goal boasts six wins, and a 0.894 save percentage this season.
Pregame Coverage: Metro-South Phoenix hopes to keep season alive
February 7, 2023
Spartans fail to beat Breck in second match-up, lose in overtime
Spartans fail to beat Breck in second match-up, lose in overtime
January 25, 2023
Metro-South falls to Apple Valley in anticipated rematch
Metro-South falls to Apple Valley in anticipated rematch
January 23, 2023
ONE IN THE CHAMBER. Captain Max Shaffer reloads his shotgun during a weekly practice. A normal round of trapshooting uses 25 shells.
Trap shooting captain Max Shaffer rises under pressure
June 2, 2023
UNEQUAL VISIBILTY. The captains wall is the center of the fight for visibilty. Club captains are currently not recognized on the captains wall. Athletic Director Taylor Tvedt said, “We just want to make sure the leadership that’s up there is all going through the same process.”
MSHSL sports prioritized over clubs
May 31, 2023
ASSEFA ASSISTS, CHEN SCORES. Got my guy Aaron Lindeman throwing it to me, and Ben Chen in the end zone. I know they are two guys I could trust whenever they have the disk, so its great to get some momentum, senior Simon Assefa said.
Spartan ultimate confronts the Edina hornets
May 26, 2023
BE READY. Ezra Cunningham prepares to throw a pitch to Minnehaha at the beginning of the game. He was the Spartan pitcher for a large amount of the game.
Baseball takes a rough loss at CHS Field
May 24, 2023
LOOK OUT. A Mound Westonka player struggles to stay on his feet with the Blackhawks defense applying pressure.
[PHOTO STORY] Boys lacrosse topples Mound Westonka in decisive win
May 14, 2023
Read news: staying updated on Russia-Ukraine war is more important than ever
Read news: staying updated on Russia-Ukraine war is more important than ever
October 1, 2023
Overturning affirmative action spells danger for university diversity
Overturning affirmative action spells danger for university diversity
September 30, 2023
ACADEMIC AID. Artificial intelligence is here to stay and can be a helpful academic tool when used ethically.
AI programs in schools aren’t always used for cheating, there are ways to use AI responsibly
September 29, 2023
STAYING SAFE. Community Partnership Month aims to inform students about the many safety risks that exist at school. Since there have been student concerns about a lack of safety awareness, this month will be the perfect time to dial in and have those important conversations.
Let’s take partnership seriously this month
September 28, 2023
FACE TO FACE. Affinity groups are not only a good way to meet people that share the same identity, but also a good way to discover how different those people can be. Additionally, by engaging in a space where it’s not necessary to explain the nuances of identity, it’s possible to make connections based on a deep mutual understanding.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Affinity groups create safe spaces for inclusion and empowerment
September 28, 2023
FACE TO FACE. Affinity groups are not only a good way to meet people that share the same identity, but also a good way to discover how different those people can be. Additionally, by engaging in a space where it’s not necessary to explain the nuances of identity, it’s possible to make connections based on a deep mutual understanding.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Affinity groups create safe spaces for inclusion and empowerment
September 28, 2023
As the Spanish exchange program resumes for the first time since pre-covid, the SPA community should welcome visiting students with intention and warmth.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Welcome Colegio Malvar students with open hearts and minds
September 14, 2023
LIAR LIAR. Politicians need to be held to a higher standard. They currently take advantage of the political system by flaunting their money and power. This shouldn’t be the basis of our democracy; instead, it’s crucial for politicians to take accountability for their actions in order to make the United States a safer place to live in.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Hold the privileged accountable for an ethical political environment
May 30, 2023
Break the stereotypes dictating how all Asians should behave and appear. Its important to recognize diverse Asian cultures and celebrate all AANHPI members.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Include all Asian Americans in the nation’s story
May 19, 2023
FACE TO FACE. Although it can be easier to tell uninvolved people about a hurtful situation, discussing the issue directly with the person involved will help resolve the issue in a more timely manner. Communication is a crucial part of both maintaing relationships and educating others about their actions, even if they’re aren’t a close friend.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Embracing confrontation leads to positive change and growth
April 28, 2023
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] The benefits of thinking about death
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] The benefits of thinking about death
April 28, 2023
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] What is self-awareness?
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] What is self-awareness?
January 31, 2023
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] What is beauty?
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] What is beauty?
December 5, 2022
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] Is life easy or hard?
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] Is life easy or hard?
October 18, 2022
Some believers in this theory think that reality is only simulated where humans are looking. This would mean that reality would cease to exist anywhere humans were not perceiving.
Play or be played: are humans living in a simulation?
May 21, 2022
An adjunct to an adjunct professors disjunction
An adjunct to an adjunct professor’s disjunction
February 18, 2023
These artists actions are not mistakes that deserve forgiveness
These artist’s actions are not mistakes that deserve forgiveness
December 8, 2022
DEI Plan needs to account for neurodivergent learning
DEI Plan needs to account for neurodivergent learning
May 12, 2022
Feel racial discomfort rather than pushing it away
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
AN INTRO TO AMERICAN CULTURE. The exchange students went to a Spartans football game in their first couple of days of arriving in America. The center of the photo is Irene, she gives two thumbs up while waiting for the game to start.
Reflecting on time spent with the Spanish exchange students
October 1, 2023
SHINING STARS. This year’s homecoming shirt design features a glow-in-the-dark logo with stars and bokeh-inspired circles. “It’s fun to do something kind of artsy, ... but still sticking with the theme,” Sofia Rivera said. Submitted by Sophia Rivera
Got a shirt?
October 1, 2023
DAY OF ATONEMENT. Yom Kippur, though referred to as a holiday, is a difficult day of atonement and self-reflection rather than celebration. Ross urged those who do not practice Judaism: Be respectful and more so mindful of your Jewish friends on this day because they are not eating, not drinking, and that is harder than it sounds. (Screen capture from Mount Zion service livestream)
Ross leads religious community in prayer on Yom Kippur
September 27, 2023
INCLUSIVE. Science Alliance has previously been a predominantly-male student group. Vice-captain Shefali Meagher said, Im hoping this year we will have an even more diverse group of people [...] at least one girl please!
Science Alliance sets hefty goals for the new year
September 26, 2023
COACHING CONNECTIONS. Emily King works in the hub for academic coaching on the fourth floor. “The Center for Learning and Teaching (CLT) is available for all students with documented learning disabilities or concussions which in turn prevent them from accessing materials the same way other students do,” King said.
Fourth floor houses space that welcomes all learners
September 26, 2023
SHOUT OUT. Spartans Henry Hilton and Lukas Hembre plan to use their Spartan voices not just at homecoming, but also at other school events throughout the year. (Photo Illustration)
Homecoming Cheer
September 29, 2023
ALL SMILES. Senior Bridget Keel smiles wide in her senior photos done by the student run photography business Starlight Portraiture run by students Taylor Barkwell and Elliot Sjaastad. (Starlight Portraiture)
Picture this: Sjaastad and Barkwell capture the community
September 28, 2023
Pho Mai : The Dinkytown resturant features a wide array of menu options
Around Town: Pho Mai
September 22, 2023
Sense & Sensibility cast announced
Sense & Sensibility cast announced
September 22, 2023
DISAPPOINTMENT. Despite its solid box office performance, The Equalizer 3 did not offer much in terms of cinematic quality, and felt as though it was cheaply made. The acting and line delivery were often poor, and the plot was boring and unengaging, leaving much to be desired.
[MOVIE REVIEW] The Equalizer 3: A disappointing end to a great franchise
September 20, 2023
DISAPPOINTMENT. Despite its solid box office performance, The Equalizer 3 did not offer much in terms of cinematic quality, and felt as though it was cheaply made. The acting and line delivery were often poor, and the plot was boring and unengaging, leaving much to be desired.
[MOVIE REVIEW] The Equalizer 3: A disappointing end to a great franchise
September 20, 2023
YOU CAN WEAR THE MASK. Miles always believed that there was only ONE Spider-Man, but it turned out that there were 5 other Spider-People from 5 other universes; and now they have ended up in Miles’s universe. (Screencapture from Sony Pictures Official Trailer)
[MOVIE REVIEW] Crawling “Into the Spider-Verse” is spectacular
August 25, 2023
START WITH A BANG. In the opening musical number of Urinetown, everyone sings in different tones and timings, creating a chaotic tone from the start of the show.
[THEATER REVIEW] Urinetown pays homage to classic musical theater
May 30, 2023
ORDER UP: The pickup counter at SimpliciTea gives customers a sneak peak into the tea-making process.
[FOOD REVIEW] Try out boba tea for a refreshing spring drink
May 19, 2023
DEADLY DENMARK. Hamlet takes place on a bare, gray stage with three levels and a balcony, and the actors occasionally appear at floor level with the audience. The blandness of the backdrops allowed for complete focus on the acting and costume design, which were far more interesting.
Guthrie’s 60 years started with Hamlet. Revival continues that success.
May 12, 2023
[QUIZ] Which Urinetown character are you?
[QUIZ] Which Urinetown character are you?
May 23, 2023
LOOK HERE. Creative Design Manager Rita Li knows that the best camera is the one you have with you. Here, she takes a photo after the Latinos Unidos Cinco de Mayo celebration May 5.
[TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE] What do you know about photography?
May 15, 2023
[QUIZ] Let it snow? Maybe tomorrow.
[QUIZ] Let it snow? Maybe tomorrow.
November 28, 2022
SHINING STAR. Swift released the video to Bejeweled Oct. 24 and it has garnered nearly 9 million views. Swift will perform in Minneapolis Aug. 23-24, 2023.
Swift Announces the Eras Tour, new dates in Minneapolis
November 15, 2022
Its Scholastic Journalism Week: What does scholastic journalism mean to me?
QUIZ: [HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW]… the RubicOnline?
March 11, 2020
Ultimate has some Sunday morning fun
Ultimate has some Sunday morning fun
October 1, 2023
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 1 Atari Ernst is tearing up the dance floor
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 1 Atari Ernst is tearing up the dance floor
September 27, 2023
[SPARTANS MICD UP] Fall scrimmage with girls tennis
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Fall scrimmage with girls tennis
September 20, 2023
History teacher Ben Bollinger Danielson teaches around a Harkness table in 2020, the last time they were in classrooms before this year.
More than a piece of furniture
September 15, 2023
Introducing upper school principal Minnie Lee
Introducing upper school principal Minnie Lee
September 14, 2023
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 1 Atari Ernst is tearing up the dance floor
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 1 Atari Ernst is tearing up the dance floor
September 27, 2023
[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.2 The Vending Machines
[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.2 The Vending Machines
June 8, 2023
[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.1 Language Wing Display
[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.1 Language Wing Display
June 1, 2023
[THROUGH THEIR EYES] Ep. 7 Does life have to have a specific purpose?
[THROUGH THEIR EYES] Ep. 7 Does life have to have a specific purpose?
May 30, 2023
EXPECTING INAUTHENTICITY. England and Liljedhal argue that social media users must understand the inauthentic nature of the apps.
Liljedahl and England discuss how social media impacts their authenticity and risk-taking
May 1, 2023
[SPARTANS MICD UP] Fall scrimmage with girls tennis
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Fall scrimmage with girls tennis
September 20, 2023
73 Questions Vogue style Spartan edition: departing faculty Nan Dreher
73 Questions Vogue style Spartan edition: departing faculty Nan Dreher
June 1, 2023
Freedom of speech, press, religion, and...pee? Welcome to URINETOWN
Freedom of speech, press, religion, and…pee? Welcome to URINETOWN
May 24, 2023
Senior Tommy Verhey gives an update on this week’s current events.
[60 SECOND NEWS] Joe Biden, MN sports, SPA spring sports
April 25, 2023
Seniors leave a legacy with their art
Seniors leave a legacy with their art
April 25, 2023
May 2023 Issue
May 30, 2023
April 2023 Issue
April 25, 2023
March 2023 Issue
March 7, 2023
January 2023 Issue
January 31, 2023
December 2022 Issue
December 6, 2022
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

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

The Rubicon
Johanna Pierach

Johanna Pierach, Good Question Editor

Hi, I'm Johanna Pierach (she/her), The Rubicon's Good Question editor for the 22-23 school year. This is my second year on staff, and last year I worked as a Staff Writer both semesters. Outside of SPA publications, I am on the cross country, Nordic and track teams, as well as Sophomore Class Leadership Council and Community Action and Service Club. When I have time, I enjoy watching scary movies, journaling, listening to music, seeing my friends and finding new places to shop. You can reach me at [email protected].

All content by Johanna Pierach
DAY OF ATONEMENT. Yom Kippur, though referred to as a holiday, is a difficult day of atonement and self-reflection rather than celebration. Ross urged those who do not practice Judaism: Be respectful and more so mindful of your Jewish friends on this day because they are not eating, not drinking, and that is harder than it sounds. (Screen capture from Mount Zion service livestream)

Ross leads religious community in prayer on Yom Kippur

Johanna Pierach, The Rubicon
September 27, 2023
HELPING HAND. Film & Frolic counselor Andy Allen supervises three students as they film a movie. “[I’m] looking forward to another great three weeks this year,” he said.

From campers to counselors: opportunities arise at summer camps

Johanna Pierach, The Rubicon
May 31, 2023
LAB RAT. Junior McKinley Garner examines a fungus. Garner has worked with Baker through the Advanced Science Reseach class. “When I first discovered that my fungus was pathogenic, I was mildly concerned,” he said. “Ms. Baker gave me the resources required to protect myself from infection in the lab.”

Baker recognized with Seagate Excellence in Science Mentoring Award

Johanna Pierach, The Rubicon
May 1, 2023
Coffee Chats expand LGBTQ+ home to school connection

Coffee Chats expand LGBTQ+ home to school connection

Johanna Pierach, The Rubicon
March 15, 2023

[BOOKSTORE REVIEW] Birchbark Books offers a cozy, creative way to learn about Indigeneity

Johanna Pierach, The Rubicon
December 14, 2022
BALLOTS IN. Seniors have taken up a new responsibility as each of them becomes eighteen.

What elections mean to me: seniors cast a vote in the upcoming midterm

Johanna Pierach, The Rubicon
November 8, 2022
Runner prepare themselves. Members of the girls cross country team get into position before their race begins.

[Photo] Cross Country wins IMAC conference

October 24, 2022
TEAM SPIRIT. Tennis players Audrey Senaratna and Anna Nowakowski show team spirit by dressing up in tropical button-down on the day of their match.

Beach day and bonding: how sports teams stay connected

Johanna Pierach, The Rubicon
October 12, 2022
STUDENT LIFE. With 47 student clubs and affinity groups this year, students work hard to promote their organizations.

Student club life fundamental to SPA culture

Johanna Pierach, The Rubicon
October 1, 2022
SETTING SAIL. Last fall, sailing club members Lorenzo Good and Wyatt Tait traveled to Madison, Wisconsin, and participated in the University of Wisconsin Advanced Sailing Clinic. Here, they are practicing for a race on a doublehanded sailboat.

Sailing team gets back on the water

Johanna Pierach, Staff Writer
April 28, 2022
SMILE FOR THE CAMERA: Linnet Ridgeway and Jaqueline de Bellefort pose for a photo in a London nightclub shortly before tragedy strikes.

[MOVIE REVIEW] Death on the Nile puts a fresh spin on an old classic

Johanna Pierach, Staff Writer
March 28, 2022
PERSONAL CHOICE. Don’t expect everyone to be ready or willing to not wear a mask. Masking can still be a personally sensible option. Regardless of one’s decision, everyone should be paying attention to case numbers.

[Photo]

[MIND OVER MATTER] Ep. 2: The benefits of risk-taking

Johanna Pierach, Staff Writer
March 7, 2022
Starting today, students, faculty and staff will be allowed to do something they havent done in nearly two years at school: show the bottom half of their face.

To mask or not to mask? That’s a personal question.

Johanna Pierach, Staff Writer
February 28, 2022
Starting today, students, faculty and staff will be allowed to do something they havent done in nearly two years at school: show the bottom half of their face.

[Photo] Spring break in space? It depends.

March 17, 2022
They weren’t Pahs first choice, as he wanted the low blazers, but he still thinks they “look pretty nice.”

[Photo] Walk a day in our shoes

December 14, 2021
Decreasing student debt is an essential step in reversing systemic racism

Decreasing student debt is an essential step in reversing systemic racism

Johanna Pierach, Staff Writer
December 10, 2021
“I stole this from my sister’s closet after she went to college,” said sophomore Oliver Zhu. “It caught my eye and I couldn’t help but do a little thieving.” And although he’s never listened to the band on the sweatshirt, he still appreciates the size and comfort of the sweatshirt, as well as the color scheme.

[Photo] Go-round inspired dress up day brought cozy to campus

November 19, 2021
SMASH. That’s the word written on the sign for the Southeast Steam Plant in Minneapolis, a power plant owned by the University of Minnesota. Across the country, students have fought for greener colleges, and the U of M took a long-awaited step in September by announcing its divestment from fossil fuels. Senior Sarina Charpentier said “It’s nice to know that a highly reputable college in my community is doing that.”

Potential college students value environmental action, universities respond

Johanna Pierach, Staff Writer
October 29, 2021
Sophia Bietz is practicing her bass guitar before class starts.

Beginning strings practices for upcoming concert

Johanna Pierach, MS RubiMini
May 28, 2019
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