The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
Q-QUEST. Students participating in Q-Quest pose for a group photo under a rainbow arch (Photo submitted by Jack Bettenburg).
Students attend Q-Quest
December 2, 2024
[The 5] Minnesota Vikings win, Snow storms in New York and Pennsylvania, National Dog Show history and more
[The 5] Minnesota Vikings win, Snow storms in New York and Pennsylvania, National Dog Show history and more
December 1, 2024
YOUR MOVE. Chess Club leader and second board Theo Su contemplates his next play at a non-club tournament. (Photo submitted by Theo Su)
Wipe the board: Chess Club kicks off season with competitive mindset
November 26, 2024
[The 5] The Northstar Railroad, Fluoride in Florida's water, Conflict in U.A.E and more
[The 5] The Northstar Railroad, Fluoride in Florida’s water, Conflict in U.A.E and more
November 24, 2024
EMAIL SECOND. Principal Minnie Lee sent out a school-wide email detailing pertussis symptoms and encouraging families to stay alert by contacting their health professionals if needed.
Whooping cough outbreak prompts immediate admin action
November 21, 2024
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
December 2, 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
SALUTE OUR TROOPS. Celebrate the Veterans of SPA and beyond.
Never Forget: A Call to Honor Our Veterans
November 22, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Elon Musk wants your health data. Seriously.
November 22, 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
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
ACCOMMODATIONS, NOT ADVANTAGES. Neurodivergence is often misunderstood in the learning environment. Students may contribute intentionally or unintentionally to this culture by stigmatizing students who use extended time or other arrangements.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Misunderstood, stigmatized: more neurodivergence awareness needed
October 29, 2024
COMMUNITY VALUES. Administrators, teachers and students should put in the work to reflect the new five school values: community, purpose, kindness, excellence and belonging.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Let the new values shape your heart and mind
September 25, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Elon Musk wants your health data. Seriously.
November 22, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Oasis: AI generated Minecraft?
November 15, 2024
ANXIETY. Many feel anxious about the election because the outcome could impact their lives significantly. However, it is important to remember you can take steps to care for your well-being.
[POLITICAL PULSE] Be mindful of mental health this election season
November 1, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Hearing Health: Apple’s AirPods become clinical hearing aids and… concert earplugs?
November 1, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Big brother is always watching… your television?
October 25, 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
SMILING. Fox and Sander's discuss their passions in a flash feature.
Everyone has a story. What’s yours?
November 29, 2024
SEARCHING FOR SEEDS. Wild turkeys are active during the day but will roost in trees overnight. They wander in the daytime foraging for insects, grubs, and seeds. Orchestra director Almut Engelhardt took this beautifully composed photo of turkeys in Eagan.
Urban turkeys cross the road (and the yard and hide in trees, too…)
November 27, 2024
SMILE TOGETHER. A small compliment can go a long way.
Should I say something positive? Yes.
November 25, 2024
BALL TOSS. People at the Hmong New Year celebration at RiverCentre in downtown Saint Paul play pov pob, a game that involves tossing a ball back and forth. Traditionally, it is a game of courtship.
Combining new and old: Ngonethong celebrates Noj Peb Caug – Hmong New Year
November 24, 2024
SHARING A SMILE. St.Pierre laughs with his father. Photo submitted by Eugene St. Pierre.
St. Pierre brings craftsmanship to school community
November 21, 2024
BEHIND THE SCENES. Mark Ronson played a pivotal role in the production of Bruno Mars's hit album Uptown Special (Images taken from Mars's and Ronson's press passes).
Appreciating the unsung heroes of modern music: producers
November 26, 2024
ICE CREAM SODA. After a misunderstanding between Emily Webb and George Gibbs, George takes her out for some ice cream soda.
[PLAY REVIEW] Finding life, love and grief in Our Town
November 25, 2024
Listeners swim through the tumultuous waves of adulthood with Tyler on his eighth studio album. Fair use image by Colombia Records.
[ALBUM REVIEW] Top tracks from Tyler, The Creator’s ‘Chromakopia’
November 22, 2024
BRILLIANT BLOCKING. The Our Town cast demonstrates their blocking process early in the first act to the onlooking SPA donors.
Donor event invites theater fans to behind the scenes experience
November 21, 2024
WHERE'S WILLY? Mickey's Diner by Willy, the sister to the well-known downtown St. Paul location, is conveniently situated a mere 6-minute drive from school and right across from Crosby Farm Regional Park.
[AROUND TOWN] Mickey’s Diner by Willy serves up retro food and feels
November 19, 2024
ICE CREAM SODA. After a misunderstanding between Emily Webb and George Gibbs, George takes her out for some ice cream soda.
[PLAY REVIEW] Finding life, love and grief in Our Town
November 25, 2024
Listeners swim through the tumultuous waves of adulthood with Tyler on his eighth studio album. Fair use image by Colombia Records.
[ALBUM REVIEW] Top tracks from Tyler, The Creator’s ‘Chromakopia’
November 22, 2024
CHRISTMAS SCARES. Art the Clown embraces the Christmas theme of the third Terrifier film, donning a Santa suit and hat for most of the movie. (Screen capture from “TERRIFIER 3 Official Trailer (2024) Red band” by Movie Trailers Source on YouTube.)
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] “Terrifier 3:” shocking gore and shockingly bad filmmaking
November 7, 2024
ONSTAGE VILLAIN. The creator and star actor of All The Devils are Here, Patrick Page, takes the stage in his exploration of Shakespeares protrayal of the villain. Page monologues in a scene of Hamlet where Claudius griefs that he murders his brother and whether he can be forgiven or not. All the Devils Are Here runs at the Guthrie until Nov. 17. (Press Release Photo: The Guthrie Theater)
[THEATER REVIEW] Devils offers a veracious exploration of villiany
October 31, 2024
EIC'S BIRB. The Rubicon Editor-in-chief Annie Zhang uses Finch daily. Her birb revels in the abundance of accessories Zhang has collected.
[APP REVIEW] Stop scrolling; Finch makes self-care fun, easy and cute
October 27, 2024
EN-GARDE. Junior Rowan Moore competes in fencing match and strikes their opponent.
Fencing 101: putting on whites with Rowan Moore
November 19, 2024
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
GO LONG. Jesse Wussler throws a side arm throw past the rushing Juan Miguel Adams.
Ultimate Frisbee Club keeps passion alive in the off-season
November 14, 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
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
EN-GARDE. Junior Rowan Moore competes in fencing match and strikes their opponent.
Fencing 101: putting on whites with Rowan Moore
November 19, 2024
GOOD JOB. Captain Mikkel Rawdon goes in for a hug after freshman John Grimsrud makes his first basket of the game. “It felt good for this one to go in with everyone cheering” Grimsrud said.
Spartans win section semi final, compete in finals tonight
March 15, 2024
EN GARDE. Senior Maik Nguyen gets into position to fence his first round in Junior Men's Épée in the large gym as his friends watches from the sidelines.
SPA hosts fencing state tournament
March 10, 2024
SHARP SHOOTER. Captain Mikkel Rawdon prepares to pass during a game at the Target Center. Rawdon has tallied a high number of points during his two years playing for varsity.
The “trifecta” is completed: Mikkel Rawdon reaches 1,000 points
March 6, 2024
How do winter athletes stay healthy?
How do winter athletes stay healthy?
March 5, 2024
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
[MIC'D UP] Adele Gjerde glides through the season
[MIC’D UP] Adele Gjerde glides through the season
November 19, 2024
Winter sports: pumped and ready
Winter sports: pumped and ready
November 13, 2024
Girls basketball channels unity and positivity at captains practice
Girls basketball channels unity and positivity at captains practice
November 11, 2024
[TRENDING] Ep. 2 Students reflect on Trump's victory
[TRENDING] Ep. 2 Students reflect on Trump’s victory
November 6, 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
[TRENDING] Ep. 2 Students reflect on Trump's victory
[TRENDING] Ep. 2 Students reflect on Trump’s victory
November 6, 2024
BEHIND THE MOVIES. The Rubicon A&E editor, Peter Ostrem, has been writing monthly movie reviews for his beat since last September. Now, he's leveling up his trademark "Off-screen With Ostrem," expanding from one review per month to two. This year, he’ll dive into both a nostalgic classic and a fresh release each month.
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] The Off-screen experience of “Off-Screen With Ostrem”
October 22, 2024
SECURITY SEAMUS. Security Account Manager Seamus Glewwe works on his laptop in the Huss security office. This is his sixth year on the job. He believes the community doesn't know how much time security spends protecting people's cars. "We're noticing people parked in a no parking zone and [that] they're going to get towed. We're noticing that on a snow emergency day, they parked on the wrong side of the road, and we're sending emails and letting people know," Glewwe said.
Behind the desks: Glewwe gives a behind-the-scenes look into the security team
October 11, 2024
[TRENDING] Ep. 1 Fantasy football with Jacob Colton
[TRENDING] Ep. 1 Fantasy football with Jacob Colton
October 10, 2024
INVOLVED CITIZEN. Junior William Hanna poses with with their "Vote Betty!" sign. Hanna spent this summer volunteering for the Congresswoman Betty McCollum's campaign.
Students get involved this election season and share their opinions
September 30, 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
Junior Zahra Wiedmann and senior Veronica Dixon share their knowledge and opinions on the Electoral College.
What do students know about the Electoral College?
November 1, 2024
Q&A with German exchange students
Q&A with German exchange students
October 20, 2024
November 2024 Issue
November 21, 2024
October 2024 Issue
October 29, 2024
September 2024 Issue
September 24, 2024
May 2024 Issue
May 28, 2024
April 2024 Issue
April 30, 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 Zain Kizilbash
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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