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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
All content by The Rubicon Staff
Fall season snapshot: A-Z

Fall season snapshot: A-Z

September 28, 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
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
Students should find points of entry into social movements that fit with their skills and what they are able to contribute.

[STAFF EDITORIAL] Find productive ways to make social change

April 28, 2021
While there are many fish in the sea, having a few close friends helps fight loneliness and has a positive effect on overall health.

[STAFF EDITORIAL] Seek quality over quantity

March 4, 2021
With the emphasis on applying and gaining admission to four year colleges at SPA, other post-high school options such as community college and military service may be overlooked or invalidated.

[STAFF EDITORIAL] Don’t limit your path beyond SPA

February 2, 2021
Mindful donation of clothing, toys, and other products that still have use in them benefits the environment, declutters our space, and can support others in building their own spaces.

[STAFF EDITORIAL] Mindfully declutter

December 16, 2020
The rising use and acceptance of gender neutral pronouns has evolved over time.

Gender neutrality and the rise of nonbinary pronouns

November 29, 2020
Increased state restrictions and national recommendations from the CDC send the consistent message to stay home. Each of us plays a role in keeping the community, in and outside of SPA, safe.

[STAFF EDITORIAL] Validate emotions and losses, stay accountable

November 24, 2020
The Vice Presidential debate Oct. 7 addressed complicated issues: health care, racial injustice, economic security, gender equality, Roe v. Wade, and more. But all most people remember is the fly that landed on Mike Pence’s head.

[STAFF EDITORIAL] Laugh, yes. But look for truth, too.

October 27, 2020
GEN Z. Teenagers are taking on climate change in order to ensure a future for themselves and the planet.

[STAFF EDITORIAL] Understand climate change in context

October 7, 2020
Keep looking for alternative options for social time. Set up a Netflix party and watch something together; go to a park with masks and stay six feet apart.

[STAFF EDITORIAL] Honor social distancing protocols this summer

May 26, 2020
Heres what the print staff needs to get through this long period of social distancing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

[PHOTO GALLERY] Stay at home order essentials

April 30, 2020
POLLY WANTS... A POLITICAL STANCE? Students often repeat their family members political beliefs, but this is counterproductive -- especially in a discussion-based learning environment. Students should allow their own morals to shape their opinions.

[STAFF EDITORIAL] Resist parroting parents’ opinions

February 5, 2020
It’s vital that warning signs of depression are recognized early on, before escalation.

[STAFF EDITORIAL] Suicide prevention starts with education

January 14, 2020
YOUR CLASSMATE: STEREOTYPE EDITION. Even when stereotypes are occasionally accurate, they are limited, and they can lead to unfair judgments made on appearances alone.

[STAFF EDITORIAL] Stereotypes discourage connection

November 18, 2019
SO SORRY. We cannot treat the shooting deaths of black citizens as isolated incidents.

[STAFF EDITORIAL] Don’t let police brutality dialogue die

September 26, 2019
Susanna Short gets assistance in the health department from new nurse, counselor and more.

[STAFF EDITORIAL] Health department expansions provide much needed resource reinforcement

March 5, 2019
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Verifying news sources vital to combating misinformation

[STAFF EDITORIAL] Verifying news sources vital to combating misinformation

February 14, 2019
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Students need to show appreciation of teachers through respect

[STAFF EDITORIAL] Students need to show appreciation of teachers through respect

November 20, 2018
[STAFF EDITORIAL] SPA needs to create a clearer, more detailed sexual assault policy

[STAFF EDITORIAL] SPA needs to create a clearer, more detailed sexual assault policy

October 28, 2018
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Schilling Center guidelines lack clarity

[STAFF EDITORIAL] Schilling Center guidelines lack clarity

September 30, 2018
CUTTING CLUBS. The administration needs to protect club meeting times on Thursday X-periods so clubs can perform the meaningful role they are designed to for students, the school, and the community.

STAFF EDITORIAL: Truth in advertising: prioritize student clubs

May 7, 2018
EXPLORE. Break out of your typical routine and experience personal growth to promote an open mindset and encourage curiosity.

STAFF EDITORIAL: Seek discomfort to expand your horizons

March 2, 2018
ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM. SPA needs to address what is missing from its curriculum: meaningful conversations about race.

STAFF EDITORIAL: We need to change how SPA talks about race

February 17, 2018
Negativity can overshadow all the great opportunities we have at a school like SPA.

STAFF EDITORIAL: Curb complaints and appreciate SPA’s merits

December 12, 2017
STAFF EDITORIAL: Mentor program needs attention

STAFF EDITORIAL: Mentor program needs attention

November 22, 2017
STAFF EDITORIAL: Step toward a brighter future with green choices

STAFF EDITORIAL: Step toward a brighter future with green choices

September 28, 2017
Make an impact in both local and national government by participating in local government opportunities.

STAFF EDITORIAL: It’s time to get political

June 8, 2017
St. Paul Academy and Summit School offers dozens of interesting, diverse groups that provide outlets for students to accomplish amazing things. Options arise for every student, from Spartan Boosters to Film Club to Spartan Beats to Quiz Bowl to Intercultural Club. Plus, its incredibly simple to start a new group when theres interest.

Student groups empower on a range of issues

May 4, 2016
Beverly Cleary turns 100

Beverly Cleary turns 100

April 12, 2016
ARE YOU ATTENDING A GAME TONIGHT? Now’s the time to fill the stands with student support.

Fill the stands and cheer (louder!): build school spirit

February 14, 2016

January/ February 2016

January 30, 2016
One plate overfills with creative contributions to lunch table conversation; the other features a bland assortment of food-based comments. This editorial argues that a variety of lunch table conversation topics can be more important than overanalyzing whether youve eaten a variety of food groups.

Clear the lunch table of food conversations

January 8, 2016
RATHER THAN PROTECTING US, OUR FEAR keeps us from connecting with others around the world and those in need.

Global isolation not the cure for terror

December 16, 2015

December 2015

December 12, 2015

November 2015

November 24, 2015

October 2015

November 9, 2015
What roles does safety play in learning? The editorial asserts that protection leads to hypersensitivity and overreaction.

Staff Editorial: Too much safety limits perspective

October 1, 2015

Safety provided at school essential for empowerment

October 1, 2015

September 2015

September 28, 2015

May 2015

May 26, 2015

April 2015

April 25, 2015
Change in gender inequity is voters responsibility

Change in gender inequity is voters’ responsibility

April 19, 2015

March 2015

April 14, 2015

In Review: Speaker Day 2015 stays true to theme

March 11, 2015
Students are constantly wrapped up in trying to find intellecual, philosophical, and policy-based solutions to major problems in classes; as a result, they fail to recognize the change they could make with hands on volunteering in the larger communnity

Higher volunteering expectations needed to build student buy-in

February 12, 2015

January/February 2015

February 4, 2015
It may seem difficult to avoid sounding ignorant or prejudiced, but try asking open-ended questions. Ask someone what their ethnicity is. Then ask them about their culture or sexuality. Ask someone what their religion is. Ask about their family. Ask them about their experiences. But most of all, ask them about what has made them the person they are today.

Asking the messy question is essential

January 1, 2015

November 2014

November 25, 2014
Teachers are passionate about helping their students gain a deeper understanding of the material. Taking into account everything that teachers do for students at SPA, it is important to stop by and thank them for their generous drive to help students succeed in all their endeavors.

Teachers build positive learning community

November 25, 2014

October 2014

October 22, 2014

September 2014

September 28, 2014
Students at SPA often forget to see the beauty in their academic studies because of pressure to achieve stellar grades.

Staff Editorial: Seek a schedule filled with joyful challenge

May 29, 2014
There are many paths to success but, no matter what, there will be detours and pit-stops along the way.

Staff Editorial: Success requires ability to cope with failure

May 1, 2014

April 2014

April 28, 2014
For students afflicted with chronic disinterest, well-meant advice to apply oneself often falls on deaf ears. Nonetheless, we all have an obligation to actively participate in our own education.

Staff Editorial: Indifference threatens students’ well-being

March 25, 2014

March 2014

March 6, 2014
No matter what you call it, we have to talk about it.

Staff Editorial: We need to re-examine racial discourse

February 21, 2014

January/February 2014

February 12, 2014

December 2013

December 17, 2013
Offensive and misused terms such as “ratchet” have had an increasing presence in social media, music, television and clothing.

Staff Editorial: It’s time to re-examine trendy vocabulary

November 20, 2013

November 2013

November 19, 2013

October 2013

October 26, 2013
Juniors raise their hands in support of their class.

Gallery: School spirit rises high during Homecoming Pepfest

September 27, 2013

September 2013

September 24, 2013
Freshmen Mary Grant and Barbara Bathke admire their new water bottles, which were given out during freshman orientation. It is way too hot, but were having fun! Grant said.

Welcome back to school!

August 27, 2013
Students and teachers socialize with ice cream and popsicles in the Lilly Courtyard after the first day of school.

Photos of the Week Gallery

August 1, 2013
Schools out and Rubiconline will limit the updates

School’s out and Rubiconline will limit the updates

June 3, 2013

May 2013

May 24, 2013

March 2013

May 7, 2013

January/February 2013

May 7, 2013

December 2012

May 7, 2013

November 2012

May 7, 2013

October 2012

May 7, 2013

September 2012

May 7, 2013

Staff Editorial: Just how prepared are we?

May 2, 2013
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