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The Student News Site of Menlo School

The Coat of Arms

The Student News Site of Menlo School

The Coat of Arms

The Student News Site of Menlo School

The Coat of Arms

All content by Sophie Fang
The Class of 2023 approaches final classes and graduation, but great uncertainty about the future looms. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang

Editorial Cartoon: Seniors Fear Uncertainty After Graduation

Sophie Fang, Creative Director
March 13, 2023

The Class of 2023 approaches final classes and graduation, but great uncertainty about the future looms. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang

Seniors prepare to celebrate their calm second semester, but, for many, college decisions still loom large.

Editorial Cartoon: The Lurking Variable

Sophie Fang, Creative Director
December 2, 2022

Asian Americans find themselves profiled and misnamed in repeated microaggressions. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang

Editorial Cartoon: “Not My Name”

Sophie Fang, Creative Director
October 31, 2022

Williams is an impressive example of someone with love and respect for her sport. Staff Illustration: Sophie Fang

[Photo] Thank You Serena Williams: A Woman Who Redefined Being a Female Athlete

Annie Stent, Copy Editor
October 16, 2022

Williams is an impressive example of someone with love and respect for her sport. Staff Illustration: Sophie Fang

Staff Illustration: Sophie Fang

Editorial Cartoon: College Acceptance Exhibit

Sophie Fang, Creative Director
October 8, 2022

Staff Illustration: Sophie Fang

Students who are motivated by college ambition need to step back and review their summer plans before plunging into something they might come to regret. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang

[Photo] From 48.5 Print: Students Overcommit Their Summers and Overwork Themselves

Sophie Stone, Social Media Director
May 25, 2022

Students who are motivated by college ambition need to step back and review their summer plans before plunging into something they might come to regret....

Spread from 48.5 Print covered technology usage at Menlo. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang

[Photo] From 48.5 Print: “Are You Using Tech or is Tech Using You?” Menlo Faces the Addictive Nature of Technology

Lizzie Freehill and Chase Hurwitz
May 22, 2022

Spread from 48.5 Print covered technology usage at Menlo. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang

The crushing ruling on Roe v. Wade has began to revoke many abortion protections in conservative states. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang

[Photo] Californians Need to Care About Roe v. Wade Being Overturned

Penelope Stinson, Opinions Editor
May 17, 2022

The crushing ruling on Roe v. Wade has began to revoke many abortion protections in conservative states. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang

Illustration from 48.5 Print Edition front page. The cover showcased stories on the Global Expo and unconventional college paths. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang

[Photo] From 48.5 Print: Menlo Seniors and Alumni Pursue Unconventional Paths after Graduating

Erica Fenyo, Head Copy Editor
May 12, 2022

Illustration from 48.5 Print Edition front page. The cover showcased stories on the Global Expo and unconventional college paths. Staff illustration: Sophie...

A variety of Menlo faculty are departing at the conclusion of the school year. Staff graphic: Sophie Fang

[Photo] From 48.5 Print: Departing Teachers Share Favorite Memories Continued

A variety of Menlo faculty are departing at the conclusion of the school year. Staff graphic: Sophie Fang

Menlo teachers Ryan Dean and Peter Brown have both been at Menlo for over a decade, and they've noticed various changes within the community throughout their careers. Staff Illustration: Sophie Fang.

[Photo] Ryan Dean and Peter Brown: Two Teachers That Have Taught at Menlo for Over a Decade

Jake Lieberman, Staff Writer
January 28, 2022

Menlo teachers Ryan Dean and Peter Brown have both been at Menlo for over a decade, and they've noticed various changes within the community throughout...

In this new Coat of Arms column, News Editor Alex Levitt and Opinions Editor Penelope Stinson will discuss a controversial issue relevant to the Menlo community or the world as a whole. In this edition, the discussion centers around the college admissions process. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang.

[Photo] Discussion: The College Admissions Process

Penelope Stinson and Alex Levitt, Opinions Editor and News Editor
January 27, 2022

In this new Coat of Arms column, News Editor Alex Levitt and Opinions Editor Penelope Stinson will discuss a controversial issue relevant to the Menlo...

Push weeks come in 2-3 week cycles, where students have weeks with little work and then weeks with an overload of work. These push weeks increase students’ stress levels and workload at the end of each cycle, due to similar unit lengths across multiple departments. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang.

[Photo] Menlo Should Minimize “Push Weeks” to Alleviate Students’ Stress

Abby Becker, Assistant News Editor
December 9, 2021

Push weeks come in 2-3 week cycles, where students have weeks with little work and then weeks with an overload of work. These push weeks increase students’...

With the COVID-19 pandemic normalizing masks, they might be a permanent part of future daily life. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang.

[Photo] What is the Future of Masks?

Annie Stent, Assistant Opinions Editor
November 30, 2021

With the COVID-19 pandemic normalizing masks, they might be a permanent part of future daily life. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang.

Video: Girls Basketball Team Reflects On Quarantine Experience

Video: Girls Basketball Team Reflects On Quarantine Experience

Sophie Fang, Creative Director
May 29, 2021

https://youtu.be/LxIZ7WPdI8c  

Hansen sport climbs, which involves a rope and harness and climbing anywhere from 50 to 200 feet above the ground. “It's kind of like solving a problem. You're working out where your hands and feet go, how you should be positioning and where you should be moving,” Hansen said. Photo courtesy of Linus Hansen.

Sophomore Linus Hansen Rock Climbs Through the Pandemic

Sophie Fang, Staff Writer
May 8, 2021

2021 marks the first year that rock climbing will be an Olympic sport. In the last decade, rock climbing has surged in popularity, according to the Climbing...

A year after the pandemic started, some students are beginning to feel like they are escaping from the cage of COVID-19. Still, others feel lasting effects that continue to impact their lives. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang.

[Photo] Menlo Students Reflect on How the Pandemic Changed Their Lives

Alea Marks, Staff Writer
May 4, 2021

A year after the pandemic started, some students are beginning to feel like they are escaping from the cage of COVID-19. Still, others feel lasting effects...

Many teachers are excited to welcome all of the student body onto campus. Previously, students attended school virtually or in person with their Blue and Gold cohorts. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang.

[Photo] Teachers Are Excited to Welcome All Students Back and Ready to Make Adjustments

Annie Stent, Staff Writer
April 19, 2021

Many teachers are excited to welcome all of the student body onto campus. Previously, students attended school virtually or in person with their Blue and...

Members of the Menlo community have watched various shows during the pandemic, including new releases and older, timeless ones. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang.

[Photo] Menlo Students and Staff Identify Favorite Shows During the Pandemic

Jake Lieberman, Staff Writer
April 16, 2021

Members of the Menlo community have watched various shows during the pandemic, including new releases and older, timeless ones. Staff illustration: Sophie...

“People who have received the J&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider,” the CDC and FDA recommended. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang.

[Photo] Cases of Rare Blood Clots Arise in Receivers of Johnson and Johnson’s COVID-19 Vaccine

Sutton Inouye, Staff Writer
April 15, 2021

“People who have received the J&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination...

During the pandemic, sophomore Chloe Appel started working at Chick-fil-A as her first job ever. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang.

[Photo] Sophomore’s First Ever Job at Chick-fil-A Impacted by COVID-19

Kaylie Wu, Staff Writer
April 2, 2021

During the pandemic, sophomore Chloe Appel started working at Chick-fil-A as her first job ever. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang.

Anti-Asian hate crimes have increased by 150% over the past year, according to California State University’s Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang.

[Photo] Top Picks From Print: Let’s Put an End to Asian American Discrimination

Charlotte Palmer, Staff Writer
March 26, 2021

Anti-Asian hate crimes have increased by 150% over the past year, according to California State University’s Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism....

AP tests in 2021 are offered both on paper and digitally, as well as supervised and unsupervised. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang.

[Photo] Teachers and Students Are Optimistic About 2021 AP Exams

Charlotte Palmer, Staff Writer
March 14, 2021

AP tests in 2021 are offered both on paper and digitally, as well as supervised and unsupervised. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang.

In 1965, Karen was the third most popular baby name in the United States, according to The New York Times. In 2018, the last year for data available, it was ranked in 635th place for baby names. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang.

[Photo] Unpacking the Karen Stereotype

Penelope Stinson, Assistant Opinions Editor
March 9, 2021

In 1965, Karen was the third most popular baby name in the United States, according to The New York Times. In 2018, the last year for data available, it...

HIT RESET focuses on helping students reduce stress through exercise, meditation and creativity. “We're going to really encourage folks to do one of these three things during that time and we're going to really discourage folks from working,” Dean of Student Life Programs Eve Kulbieda said. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang.

[Photo] Students Have Time to Destress With New HIT RESET Program

Abby Becker, Staff Writer
March 3, 2021

HIT RESET focuses on helping students reduce stress through exercise, meditation and creativity. “We're going to really encourage folks to do one of...

Republicans and Democrats are greatly split today. President Joe Biden has the ability to change these circumstances. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang

[Photo] Trump’s Actions Led to Today’s Political Polarization, and Biden Must Limit It

Jake Lieberman, Staff Writer
February 23, 2021

Republicans and Democrats are greatly split today. President Joe Biden has the ability to change these circumstances. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang

Teachers have had to take into consideration both the 26% decrease in class time as well as the 240% increase in tutorial time due to scheduling changes. “If you're going to understand something, either on Zoom or in class, it has to be to a certain level,” math and computer science teacher Zachary Blickensderfer said. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang.

Pandemic Forces School Schedule Changes, Teachers Reflect on Curricula

Sophie Fang, Staff Writer
February 6, 2021

This school year, students will spend 26% less time in their normal classes. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang.

While bitcoins are not a physical currency, it is involved in digital transactions by services similar to Acacia Trading, a company created by three Menlo alumni. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang.

[Photo] Menlo Alumni Coded Bitcoin Trading Company Before Current Crypto Hysteria

Ari Krane, Staff Writer
February 5, 2021

While bitcoins are not a physical currency, it is involved in digital transactions by services similar to Acacia Trading, a company created by three Menlo...

Many theater programs have had to make adaptations for COVID-19, including taking safety precautions such as wearing masks. “I think that, like in any kind of program [Menlo has], [theater is] learning how to be much safer with larger crowds than we had in the past,” Director of Creative Arts Steven Minning said. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang.

[Photo] Theater Companies and Menlo Drama Adapt to the Pandemic

Abby Becker, Staff Writer
January 27, 2021

Many theater programs have had to make adaptations for COVID-19, including taking safety precautions such as wearing masks. “I think that, like in any...

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be the highest-ranking African American woman in U.S. history, and she has the opportunity to pave the way for more female politicians. Staff illustration: Sophie Fang.

[Photo] The Road For Women in Politics is Difficult; Kamala Harris is Just Getting Started

Penelope Stinson, Assistant Opinions Editor
January 13, 2021

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be the highest-ranking African American woman in U.S. history, and she has the opportunity to pave the way for...

Distance learning has resulted in changes to how many Menlo teachers assess their students. More tests are now open note, meaning that students can refer to their class notes during assessments. Illustration courtesy of Sophie Fang.

[Photo] Online Learning Creates New Opportunities for Cheating on Assessments

Penelope Stinson, Assistant Opinions Editor
December 8, 2020

Distance learning has resulted in changes to how many Menlo teachers assess their students. More tests are now open note, meaning that students can refer...

Instagram and other social media platforms have been increasingly used as advertising platforms. Influencers can make millions of dollars by posting sponsored content. Illustration courtesy of Sophie Fang.

[Photo] Influencer Sponsored Social Media Content is the New Generation of Marketing

Penelope Stinson, Assistant Opinions Editor
October 2, 2020

Instagram and other social media platforms have been increasingly used as advertising platforms. Influencers can make millions of dollars by posting sponsored...

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