The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
GIVING BACK. Upper School Council meets Jan. 13 to finalize communications for the Jan. 31 Service Day. “Service has received less emphasis in the SPA community, especially after the service requirement was removed for the current juniors,” USC co-Vice President Carys Hsiung said. Hsiung (second from front) led the planning efforts around bringing the event to campus this month.
Project: Service Day
January 22, 2025
[The 5] State fair ticket costs, the Tiktok ban, South Korean President and more
[The 5] State fair ticket costs, the Tiktok ban, South Korean President and more
January 21, 2025
OFF TO D.C. Juniors Trevor Hou and Zain Kizilbash will leave for D.C. next week.
Trevor Hou and Zain Kizilbash prepare for semester away in D.C.
January 20, 2025
SPECULATORY SCROLLING. Out of the Meta services, Devriese primarily uses Instagram; with the shift away from fact checking, though, he believes that the potential increase in misinformation will make enjoying the app harder: "I feel like it's going to be pretty frustrating to use," he said.
Meta platforms to rid of fact checking in search of free speech
January 19, 2025
TRUMP RETURNS. Donald Trump speaks to supporters in a campaign stop in Minnesota in 2019. The violence that ensued after his loss in 2020 had some on edge ahead of his Jan. 20 inauguration.(PHOTO: Nicholas Liepins (taken 2019) NSPA Campaign Photo Exchange)
Peaceful transition of power a key focus ahead of inauguration
January 17, 2025
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
No, the Hollywood Sign was NOT on fire
January 23, 2025
INCOME IGNORANCE. Socioeconomic status is overlooked in conversations about diversity. Avoiding these discussions can lead to assumptions about opportunities and access that are unhelpful at best, and damaging at times.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Ignored identity: socioeconomic diversity is worth a conversation
January 22, 2025
INTEREST SPARKS. Stand up comedy has recently spiked in popularity.
Stand-up comedy pushing boundaries
January 20, 2025
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
CES 2025: Recapped
January 17, 2025
Top five opinion stories of 2024
Top five opinion stories of 2024
January 10, 2025
INCOME IGNORANCE. Socioeconomic status is overlooked in conversations about diversity. Avoiding these discussions can lead to assumptions about opportunities and access that are unhelpful at best, and damaging at times.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Ignored identity: socioeconomic diversity is worth a conversation
January 22, 2025
GOTCHA. Rage bait content spreads hate and profits off of angry reactions. Understand rage bait so one can recognize and avoid it.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Don’t let rage bait poison your mindset
December 14, 2024
INPUT IGNORED. The implementation of the new phone-free policy, despite overwhelmingly negative feedback from students, has contributed to a loss of trust in the administration. In order to repair this relationship, the administration must show that they value student voices and use the data collected in surveys when considering policies.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Phone policy reveals disregard of student input, lack of trust in admin
November 30, 2024
ANALYSIS WITH AN AGENDA. In the midst of No-phone-vember and following an assembly where students were presented slideshows of data, many feel the graphs misrepresented the student survey responses.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Clear as mud: a call for data transparency
November 16, 2024
LOOK AROUND. Attending cultural events means living the value of community and is an opportunity to learn about your peers.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Create time to show up for cultural events
October 31, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
No, the Hollywood Sign was NOT on fire
January 23, 2025
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
CES 2025: Recapped
January 17, 2025
“The Sift” is a weekly opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Hey Siri. Do you spy on people?
January 9, 2025
Chronically Online is a monthly column to help readers develop media literacy skills. (Image created in Adobe Express)
Don’t fall into the “illusion of choice” trap
December 19, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
ChatGPT search: the dangers of AI hallucinations
December 13, 2024
New phone policy ignores student perspectives
New phone policy ignores student perspectives
October 3, 2024
There are healthier ways to find value in life than thinking about death
There are healthier ways to find value in life than thinking about death
December 5, 2023
No longer a bystander
No longer a bystander
November 29, 2023
Bring more awareness to seasonal depression
Bring more awareness to seasonal depression
November 4, 2023
Community time worth more than passing time
Community time worth more than passing time
October 5, 2023
Deling Chen named 2025 Regeneron STS Scholar
Deling Chen named 2025 Regeneron STS Scholar
January 20, 2025
KNITTING KNOWLEDGE. A young Ella England knits sweaters with her grandmother. SUBMITTED PHOTO: Ella England
Familial wisdom informs England’s outlook on life
January 20, 2025
Gilats reflects on cherished memories shaped by faith
Gilats reflects on cherished memories shaped by faith
January 19, 2025
MAINTAINING MOMENTUM. A younger Kharbanda poses for a photo in a park. Kharband said, “I would like to continue to become more open to trying new things and having unique experiences.” SUBMITTED PHOTO: Rohan Kharbanda
Kharbanda reflects on full-circle kindergarten dreams
January 18, 2025
POWERFUL PERFORMANCE. Sophomore Johnson performs with the choir at the MS and US joint choral performance. Johnson said. “I tried all the activities ... like, every sport under the sun ... theater just stuck out. (SPA Smugmug, Scott Streble)
Johnson maintains childhood passion over the years
January 17, 2025
AERIAL. This image provides the visual overview of the winter wonderland-transformed TCO Vikings Stadium. Igloos and fire pits are closest to the entrance and the ice maze is in the middle of the field.
Minnesota Ice Festival provides chill winter fun
January 22, 2025
ELECTRIC EXTERIOR. The building exterior is a relatively classic design, but still manages to draw customers in.
The High Hat offers a variety of favorites
January 20, 2025
CAUGHT IN THE MIDST. While voting for whether or not to keep playing the deadly games, player 456, Seong Gi-hun, finds himself standing in the midst of his fellow players fighting and arguing for their own decisions. Everyone is trying to convince each other of their own opinions, but Seong, who knows the lethal nature of the game, is lost in his mind thinking of ways to stop the chaos. (Screen capture from “The Red Light Green Light Game Returns | Squid Game: Season 2 | Netflix” by Still Watching Netflix on YouTube.)
[TV REVIEW] New season, new commentary: “Squid Game” continues to impress
January 17, 2025
(Screen capture from “First Love's Name” by Rock Melon on YouTube.)
[WHAT’S IN A NAME] Elzie Bieganek explores the art and emotion behind naming her songs
January 15, 2025
Top five A&E stories of 2024
Top five A&E stories of 2024
January 9, 2025
CAUGHT IN THE MIDST. While voting for whether or not to keep playing the deadly games, player 456, Seong Gi-hun, finds himself standing in the midst of his fellow players fighting and arguing for their own decisions. Everyone is trying to convince each other of their own opinions, but Seong, who knows the lethal nature of the game, is lost in his mind thinking of ways to stop the chaos. (Screen capture from “The Red Light Green Light Game Returns | Squid Game: Season 2 | Netflix” by Still Watching Netflix on YouTube.)
[TV REVIEW] New season, new commentary: “Squid Game” continues to impress
January 17, 2025
NEW CINEMA. A wave of movies this fall-winter season hopes to compensate for the disappointing cinema earlier this year. (Press release images from various studios, credited later in each individual chapter)
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] The good and not-so-good of recent cinema
December 17, 2024
FRIENDSHIP: Star player of the Chuska warriors gets in a mental funk when a reporter asked him about his dead family members. Best friend Jimmy Holiday steps in and helps his friend. (Photo taken by Lewis Clark, released by Netflix)
[MOVIE REVIEW] Rez Ball inspirationally melds basketball and Native American representation
December 12, 2024
GRAVY FEST. Yung Gravy sold out The Armory, which has a maximum capacity of of 8,400, for his first Gravy Fest
[CONCERT REVIEW] Yung Gravy’s hometown tour stop disappoints and disgusts
December 10, 2024
MUSICAL HISTORY. The 2025 GRAMMYs will be the 67th ceremony, with the first having been held on May 4, 1959. The first Album of the Year award was given to Henry Mancini for his soundtrack to the TV series "Peter Gunn."
Ranking the 2025 GRAMMY album of the year nominees
December 6, 2024
BATTLE READY. Bond uses her long history on the ice to get ready to battle it out on the rink for the Blake Bears Girls Hockey team. Photo Submitted by Ella Bond
Oldest? Youngest? On hockey team, Bond is both
January 20, 2025
HUDDLE OF CELEBRATION. Blake players come together to celebrate and congratulate junior Ella Bond for tying up the game, making the score 1-1.
Girls hockey battles into overtime in an intense match versus Breck
January 19, 2025
SNAP IN. Sophomore Isla Collins snaps into her skis before starting to slip the course with her team.
Boys and girls alpine teams win third at second conference scoring race
January 17, 2025
BRIGHT FUTURE. Drake Arena manager Dave Olund was a rink assistant manager for five years before taking on the role of manager at St. Thomas Academy ice arena. Olund is excited to be apart of the SPA community working with SPA Athletics.
Olund’s hockey roots help in new manager role
January 17, 2025
HUDDLE. The varsity starters gather together before the first whistle of the rematch.
Boys basketball asserts dominance in second consecutive Target Center victory against MPA
January 13, 2025
WINGS OUT. Gjerde flies through the water, completing the first 25 yards out of 100 in her event.
Adele Gjerde shines at state for her final high school swim meet
November 17, 2024
ITS OFFICIAL. Sawyer Bollinger Danielson signs her National Letter of Intent to play Division One soccer at the University of Minnesota.
Signing Day: Sawyer Bollinger Danielson commits to the University of Minnesota
November 15, 2024
STATE BOUND. Avi Coleman dives into the water and secures her place on and the state competition.
Sparks athletes swim to state in the 6AA section meet
November 10, 2024
KEEP ON GOING. Spark Swimmers compete to beat their competitors.
Sparks swim and dive dominates at final regular season meet
November 7, 2024
SYNC. All of the swimmers dive in sync into the water.
Sparks boast PR bonanza at conference
November 4, 2024
BATTLE READY. Bond uses her long history on the ice to get ready to battle it out on the rink for the Blake Bears Girls Hockey team. Photo Submitted by Ella Bond
Oldest? Youngest? On hockey team, Bond is both
January 20, 2025
HUDDLE OF CELEBRATION. Blake players come together to celebrate and congratulate junior Ella Bond for tying up the game, making the score 1-1.
Girls hockey battles into overtime in an intense match versus Breck
January 19, 2025
SNAP IN. Sophomore Isla Collins snaps into her skis before starting to slip the course with her team.
Boys and girls alpine teams win third at second conference scoring race
January 17, 2025
BRIGHT FUTURE. Drake Arena manager Dave Olund was a rink assistant manager for five years before taking on the role of manager at St. Thomas Academy ice arena. Olund is excited to be apart of the SPA community working with SPA Athletics.
Olund’s hockey roots help in new manager role
January 17, 2025
HUDDLE. The varsity starters gather together before the first whistle of the rematch.
Boys basketball asserts dominance in second consecutive Target Center victory against MPA
January 13, 2025
GAME TIME. The game's first faceoff, with sophomore Dia Chaney, after gaining possession for the Spartans.
Girls lacrosse falls 17-4 to Breck, aims to turn season around
May 20, 2024
Freshman Adem Rivers, practicing his short game at University of Minnesota Driving Range.
Golf Captain Peltier brings leadership, pride to growing team
May 14, 2024
IN PURSUIT. A Roseville player chases after a Blackhawks player trying to get the ball.
JV Blackhawks Lacrosse loses close game to Roseville
May 13, 2024
THE PRESSURE IS ON. Mckinley Garner guards Kieran Monahan, forcing one direction as he counts down the seconds Monahan has left to throw.
Spartan Ultimate glides through season with exceptional spirit
May 7, 2024
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Elizabeth Tuttle practices for her next meet by leaping over the hurdles. Last year, Elizabeth qualified for state after she finished in second place in the 100m and the 300m hurdles.
There is no “I” in Track
May 6, 2024
[UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIPS] Ep. 4 Postsecondary pals
[UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIPS] Ep. 4 Postsecondary pals
January 23, 2025
[RUNNING ON EMPTY] Ep. 4 The nighttime dilemma
[RUNNING ON EMPTY] Ep. 4 The nighttime dilemma
January 21, 2025
Want to learn more about video games? Tune in to The Game On Podcast.
[GAME ON] Ep. 3 The fall of Fall Guys
January 17, 2025
TAKEN DOWN in this TRENDING podcast we will discuss the potential banning of the platform.
[TRENDING] Ep. 3 Ali Manzoor and Victor Valdez are ready to migrate from TikTok
January 17, 2025
[UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIPS] Ep. 3 Physics and phriendships
[UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIPS] Ep. 3 Physics and phriendships
January 16, 2025
[UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIPS] Ep. 4 Postsecondary pals
[UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIPS] Ep. 4 Postsecondary pals
January 23, 2025
[RUNNING ON EMPTY] Ep. 4 The nighttime dilemma
[RUNNING ON EMPTY] Ep. 4 The nighttime dilemma
January 21, 2025
Want to learn more about video games? Tune in to The Game On Podcast.
[GAME ON] Ep. 3 The fall of Fall Guys
January 17, 2025
TAKEN DOWN in this TRENDING podcast we will discuss the potential banning of the platform.
[TRENDING] Ep. 3 Ali Manzoor and Victor Valdez are ready to migrate from TikTok
January 17, 2025
[UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIPS] Ep. 3 Physics and phriendships
[UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIPS] Ep. 3 Physics and phriendships
January 16, 2025
[MIC'D UP] Adem Rivers laces up to beat negativity and find comraderie
[MIC’D UP] Adem Rivers laces up to beat negativity and find comraderie
January 13, 2025
Yasmin Khan room tour
Yasmin Khan room tour
December 14, 2024
[MIC'D UP] Adele Gjerde glides through the season
[MIC’D UP] Adele Gjerde glides through the season
November 19, 2024
Girls basketball channels unity and positivity at captains practice
Girls basketball channels unity and positivity at captains practice
November 11, 2024
Lucy Lowman shares her journey on the girls varsity soccer team
Lucy Lowman shares her journey on the girls varsity soccer team
November 2, 2024
January 2025 Issue
January 16, 2025
November 2024 Issue
November 21, 2024
October 2024 Issue
October 29, 2024
September 2024 Issue
September 24, 2024
May 2024 Issue
May 28, 2024
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

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

The Rubicon
All content by Leah Passe
POINTS PANIC. While the official policy on gradebooks is to keep them closed, some teachers choose to make students’ scores always available on Google Classroom. These inconsistencies have contributed to student support for completely open gradebooks, while others argue that constant access to grades would increase anxiety.

To see or not to see: the gradebook debate

Zack Berchencko, Zain Kizilbash, and Leah Passe
December 2, 2024
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