The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
[The 5] Beaver season, Minnesota's lack of mental healthcare, Valencia flooding and more
[The 5] Beaver season, Minnesota’s lack of mental healthcare, Valencia flooding and more
November 3, 2024
Embracing Indigenous culture: a month of learning
Embracing Indigenous culture: a month of learning
November 1, 2024
[NEWS IN BRIEF] USC's annual blood drive cancelled
[NEWS IN BRIEF] USC’s annual blood drive cancelled
October 31, 2024
FIREWORKS. Traditional Diwali fireworks explode at night to honor light over darkness as the celebration commences.
Asian Student Alliance hosts inaugural Diwali celebration in the Upper School
October 30, 2024
HOMEWORK. Zack Berchenko does Adv. Mechanics with Calculus homework in his living room. Submitted photo: Tara Berchenko
Student perspectives on mid-semester academics
October 30, 2024
POLITICAL RELATIONS. Politics is dividing the nation, but should it divide friendships?
[2 SIDES, 1 ISSUE] Are politics a dealbreaker in friendships?
November 2, 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
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
IN PERSON, TELEHEALTH. The Planned Parenthood clinic on Vandalia Ave. in Saint Paul offers a number of low to no cost services. PP is the largest provider of sex education, according to their website
Election threatens teens access to reproductive healthcare
October 30, 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
INSPIRE ACTION. Land Acknowledgments serve to spread awareness about the Indigenous communities that inhabited this land and remind listeners of Indigenous peoples’ ongoing presence. Students have a responsibility to take these Land Acknowledgments seriously and advocate for further restorative actions.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Land Acknowledgments are more than just empty words
September 24, 2024
VALUES REIMAGINED. The school’s six core values are: achievement, accountability, community, resilience, inventiveness, and passion. These can remain important guiding principles for current students and alumni/ae of the school; they take on new meaning but are still applicable for graduates’ next journeys.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Packing up the school’s greatest gifts doesn’t require a backpack
May 28, 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
Chronically Online is a monthly column to help readers develop media literacy skills. (Image created in Adobe Express)
The shocking way clickbait manipulates you
October 21, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
AI’s latest target: Cinema?
October 11, 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
The metamorphosis of style
The metamorphosis of style
November 4, 2024
CARPOOL CONVERSATIONS. Juniors Leah Passe and Nyx Wells commute to school everyday in the morning. Their time carpooling together has lead to many conversations and has fostered their connection. (Photo submitted by Leah Passe)
Nyx Wells and Leah Passe find more than just convenience in carpooling
November 2, 2024
FAMILY FIRST. Reuniting during the holiday season, senior Serene Kalugdan’s extended family gather around a Christmas tree for a photo.
AWAY FROM HOME: Immigration woven into family histories
October 30, 2024
WORK HARD, ACHEIVE GOALS. Ninth-grader Kate Tuttle finds a balance between her social, personal, and academic life, juggling soccer, school, voice lessons, and viola through finding methods that incorporate each aspect. (PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: Annie Zhang)
How do you balance academics, extracurriculars, and a social life?
October 29, 2024
THROUGH THE MAP. Chen's favorite branch of geography is human geography. He finds it as a way to learn about all the different cultures and cuisines of the world.
De-An Chen unlocks the world through geography
October 27, 2024
WELCOME TO OUR TOWN. Coda Wilson reads a piece of his Stage Manager narration at an Our Town practice in Redleaf Commons. The show includes a minimalist set and no props, so much of what the audience will visualize comes from Wilson's lines.
Our Town focuses on old times while speaking to modern times
November 4, 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
TIME FOR A THROWBACK. Junior Eli Henretta relaxes at home surrounded by records old and new alike. Submitted photo: Eli Henretta
Beyond streaming: students find new connection in old-school music media
October 30, 2024
CLASSIC. Silence fills the room as students are captivated by the the classic 1960 horror mystery film, Psycho.
Frights and flicks: film club hosts Halloween movie night
October 30, 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
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
WHERE ARE YOU? The climax of Halloween features Michael Myers (Nick Castle) and Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) engaged in a cat-and-mouse chase (image from Compass International Pictures).
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] Halloween (1978): The Horror Standard
October 26, 2024
UP FRONT. The "Black on Both Sides" album cover features a portrait of Bey looking into the camera. The direct nature of the cover is reflected in the album's powerful lyrics (photographed by Alvaro Gonzalez-Campo, released by Rawkus Records in 1999).
“Black on Both Sides” remains the pinnacle of hip-hop
October 24, 2024
WELCOME BACK. English alt-rock group, bôa, releases their first album in twenty years. The album, titled "Whiplash," features incredible instrumentals and highlights Jasmine Rodgers' unique vocals (Screenshot from "Bôa - Whiplash (Official Music Video)" by Bôa on YouTube).
[ALBUM REVIEW] Two decades later, bôa’s still got it on Whiplash
October 21, 2024
SYNC. All of the swimmers dive in sync into the water.
Sparks have PR bonanza at conference
November 4, 2024
TRIPLE CROWN. BVS celebrates their third consecutive state tournament win. Some players hold up three fingers and bite their medals in celebration.
BVS completes ‘three-peat’ after decisive victory over Lourdes High School
November 3, 2024
BVS advances to state final after defeating Pine Island/Zumbrota-Mazeppa in penalty kicks
BVS advances to state final after defeating Pine Island/Zumbrota-Mazeppa in penalty kicks
October 31, 2024
BVS headed to US Bank after penalty shootout drama
Spartan boys soccer headed to US Bank after penalty shootout drama
October 30, 2024
IN POSITION. The Wolfpack puts the ball back in play after halftime.
SMB falls to Delano in last regular-season game
October 28, 2024
SYNC. All of the swimmers dive in sync into the water.
Sparks have PR bonanza at conference
November 4, 2024
TRIPLE CROWN. BVS celebrates their third consecutive state tournament win. Some players hold up three fingers and bite their medals in celebration.
BVS completes ‘three-peat’ after decisive victory over Lourdes High School
November 3, 2024
BVS advances to state final after defeating Pine Island/Zumbrota-Mazeppa in penalty kicks
BVS advances to state final after defeating Pine Island/Zumbrota-Mazeppa in penalty kicks
October 31, 2024
BVS headed to US Bank after penalty shootout drama
Spartan boys soccer headed to US Bank after penalty shootout drama
October 30, 2024
IN POSITION. The Wolfpack puts the ball back in play after halftime.
SMB falls to Delano in last regular-season game
October 28, 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
RELAY. Senior Connor Overgaard begins the first leg of the 200 medley relay with backstroke. "I'm proud of this relay," he said.
Bhargava and Overgaard compete at state following a record-breaking performance at sections
March 3, 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
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
VARIATION. “DRIP” numbers 6-8 focus on shades and hues rather than patterns, as in the earlier works of the series.
[DRAKE GALLERY] hosts new alumni exhibit “Spreading Ashes”
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
Life expectancy around the world
Life expectancy around the world
October 29, 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
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
BEHIND THE SCENES. Sonia Kharbanda interviewed five new teachers: Librarian assistant, Tina Tsui; math teacher, Jack Kinseth; english teacher, Meghan Joyce; councelor, Jake Turnbloom; and math teacher Rane Bice.
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] Sonia Kharbanda’s “Two truths and one lie,” teachers edition
September 18, 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
Senior superlatives for the Class of 2024
Senior superlatives for the Class of 2024
June 9, 2024
[HOW TO] Got time? Make slime.
[HOW TO] Got time? Make slime.
May 30, 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
March 2024 Issue
March 5, 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
Behind the books

Behind the books

Ali Browne, RubicOnline • March 5, 2023
The SPA library contains a book for nearly everyone, yet remains an underutilized resource.
Book Club turns the page to 2022 with new reads and recommendations

Book Club turns the page to 2022 with new reads and recommendations

Rita Li, RubicOnline • January 15, 2022
Looking for something to add to your To Be Read list? US students and faculty discuss book recommendations and quick tips for those looking to get into reading in 2022.
Books placed out to celebrate Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month contain countless different stories and informative resources within them.

Library displays books to commemorate Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month

Annie Bai, The Rubicon • September 13, 2021

Latinx and Hispanic Heritage month kick off Sept. 15 and the Randolph Campus library has a plan to celebrate great literature by authors who reflect this culture. SPA’s upper school library puts up these...

The Highland Park Library is a staple in the Highland Park community. The staff has been working hard to ensure that all book-related needs can be met during the pandemic while still enforcing COVID-19 precautions.

[PHOTO STORY] Saint Paul Public Libraries develop new safety precautions

Ali Browne, Staff Writer • April 19, 2021
SPPL adjusts to more COVID-19 policies and fewer guests.
The upper library, where study halls used to be held, is left deserted as ninth graders find other places to study.

Ninth graders successfully petition for study hall release

Mason Brooks, Staff Writer • May 9, 2019
Ninth graders Sophie Cullen and Olivia Szaj petititioned for free study halls, and the class is grateful.
Sophomore Raffi Barocas stands in front of the library's LGBTQ+ book display.

Library showcases LGBTQ+ history month through diverse literature

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor • October 31, 2018
The library highlights LGBTQ+ diversity in its October book display.
Senior Isabel Saavedra-Weis and Sophomores Pilar Saavedra-Weis and Aman Rahman put the final touches on the offrenda.

Día de Los Muertos honors Latin American tradition

Evelyn Lillemoe, The Rubicon Editor • October 30, 2018
The members of Latinos Unidos bring Día de Los Muertos traditions to the Upper School.
Some of the Huss Center tables should be moved into the Upper Library

With finals coming up, quiet study spaces will be essential

Eli Goldman, Staff Writer • June 1, 2017
Moving some of the 4 person tables into the upper library would help create spaces for quiet collaboration.
"My friends all gather here [in the library] for some reason." - Husaam Qureishy said.

PHOTO STORY: Faces In Spaces

Kelby Wittenberg, Photojournalist • April 11, 2017
Why do students use the spaces they do?
The first floor of Minneapolis Central Library

Local libraries remain prevalent for student research

Kat St. Martin-Norburg, Staff Writer • February 2, 2017
The resources of three different Twin Cities libraries offer students an alternative to online research.
NOT ENOUGH SPACE. The library spaces at St. Paul Academy and Summit School lack the space necessary to be productive. "The tables are way too small for productive work," junior Erik Quillopa said.

Library spaces too small, impractical

Web Lehmann, Videographer • September 27, 2016
The library, traditionally a popular study space, is losing students due to a lack of space.
Sophomores wonder which space is better to hang out and study.

Are the benches an upgrade for sophomores?

Javier Whitaker-Castaneda, Cover Story Editor • October 13, 2014

Every year in school brings new responsibilities as well as new privileges . With sophomore year comes the switch from congregating in library to the benches, but is it an upgrade or a discomfort? Some...

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