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

Staff Photo: Bella Guel.

Ella Hartmanis, A&L Editor

 

Fun fact: Ella has skied in three different countries: New Zealand, Chile, and the U.S.!

Interests outside of school: Lacrosse, skiing.

Favorite fictional character: Gru (from Despicable Me).

Grade: 11.

All content by Ella Hartmanis
Students are able to use available lab tools while on campus, something that was difficult during virtual learning. Photo courtesy of Marc Allard.

The Cost of At-Home Science Kits Goes Beyond Money

Ella Hartmanis, A&L Editor
May 13, 2021

Virtual learning challenged multiple Menlo departments that rely on hands-on activities. For science courses, conducting experiments can be a critical...

Students are now able to interact with their peers and teachers more easily while all being in the same classroom. Photo courtesy of Pete Zivkov.

Students Share Opinions on the 100% Return to Campus

Ella Hartmanis, A&L Editor
April 30, 2021

As 100% of students return to campus, there is a sense of excitement but also multiple anticipated changes. Waking up earlier, getting dressed for school...

It is projected that global revenue from online food delivery will reach $200 billion by 2025. Staff image: Ella Hartmanis.

An Environmentally Friendly Food Delivery Service Emerges: DeliveryZero

Ella Hartmanis, A&L Editor
March 29, 2021

Third-party delivery services, such as DoorDash and UberEats, provide an easy option for people to get their meals hassle-free. The usage of such services...

Menlo students attended a climate strike in San Francisco in September 2019 to demand legislative action in reducing climate change. Photo courtesy of Alix Borton.

President Biden Quickly Takes Action to Help Preserve the Environment

Ella Hartmanis, A&L Editor
February 1, 2021

Within the first three days of his presidency, President Joe Biden issued 30 executive orders. A third of these executive orders reversed orders issued...

Dance teacherAngela Curotto-Pierson teaches choreography to in-person and online students during Menlo’s trial hybrid learning model. Photo courtesy of Pete Zivkov.

Teachers’ Plans Vary for Second Hybrid Learning Session

Ella Hartmanis, A&L Editor
January 18, 2021

After four weeks of hybrid learning prior to Thanksgiving, Menlo teachers reflected on what needs to be modified and on what teaching strategies will work...

While masks have helped to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, they have also created a harmful impact on the planet. Staff photo: Ella Hartmanis.

Money is Not the Only Cost of Masks

Ella Hartmanis, A&L Editor
December 9, 2020

During the pandemic, it has become apparent that masks and other forms of personal protective equipment (PPE) are necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19....

While Menlo has paused its normal bus system during the pandemic, it still offers a limited shuttle program. Passengers on Menlo shuttles are required to display a green badge on the One Medical app. Staff photo: Ella Hartmanis.

Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions During Pandemic Are Inconsequential Long-Term

Ella Hartmanis, A&L Editor
November 10, 2020

Despite reduced greenhouse gas emissions during the early months of the pandemic, current emission levels are nearly back to pre-pandemic levels, according...

During the coronavirus pandemic, plastic use has increased, and many bans on single-use-plastics have been temporarily repealed. Illustration courtesy of Marissa Li.

Single-Use-Plastics Surge During COVID-19 Pandemic

Ella Hartmanis, A&L Editor
October 8, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a tidal wave of increased plastic usage. From the need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to rollbacks on single-use-plastic...

Participants with the most creative photos won prizes from sponsors including Sugar Shack and Topo Athletic. Photo courtesy of Page Curtin.

Peninsula Bridge Virtual Fun Run Breaks Participation Record

Ella Hartmanis, A&L Editor
October 1, 2020

Throughout the week of Sept. 13, Menlo co-hosted the eighth annual Peninsula Bridge Fun Run, but this year the event was held virtually. While Menlo intended...

Freshman Alea Marks and her four siblings have spent a lot of time outside together and often go on hikes during shelter-in-place. Photo courtesy of Alea Marks.

Shelter-in-Place Affects Family Dynamics

Ella Hartmanis, A&L Editor
May 26, 2020

The shelter-in-place order in San Mateo County, which began March 16, has forced most families to spend far more time together than usual. For some families,...

Due to the shelter-in-place and lack of social interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to prioritize your mental health. Staff photo: Ella Hartmanis.

How to Cope With Stress and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Ella Hartmanis, Staff Writer
April 5, 2020

Due to the shelter-in-place and lack of social interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to prioritize your mental health. Staff photo:...

 In March 2020, most households will receive a letter inviting them to complete the census online. Every household is asked to complete one form, accounting for every person living in the residence in order to get an accurate count of the population. Creative Commons photo: US Census Bureau on Flickr.

Changes in the 2020 Census and the Effect on Minorities

Ella Hartmanis, Staff Writer
March 2, 2020

This year will mark the 23rd census in the United States and the first time that citizens will be able to fill out the census online. Every ten years since...

The fires in Australia started in November of 2019 and have killed 28 people, destroyed 3,000 homes and forced thousands of families to evacuate their homes. Photo courtesy of Chelsey Comor.

Fires in Australia Burn Land 80 Times the Size of 2019 California Wildfires

Ella Hartmanis, Staff Writer
January 22, 2020

Recent fires in Australia have killed 28 people, destroyed 3,000 homes and forced thousands of families to evacuate their homes, according to CNN. The...

Juniors Langley Ward and Annabelle Marenghi, sophomore Uma Misha and Senior Declan Stanton practicing one of their dance numbers at rehearsal. Ward, Marenghi and Misha are cast as Kit Kat Girls and Stanton is the MC. Photo courtesy of Sammie Dostart-Meers.

Menlo Drama Program Premieres ‘Cabaret’ Next Weekend; How Will They Avoid the Promiscuity?

Ashley Grady and Ella Hartmanis
October 26, 2019

“If someone is coming to see ‘Cabaret’ expecting it to be something particularly scandalous or racy, then they are going to be disappointed,” Director...

Sophomore Tricia Zhang hits a forehand in the Tyler Nii Memorial Tournament. Staff Photo: Bella Guel.

Girls Tennis Kicks Off the Season with a Win

Ella Hartmanis, Staff Writer
September 3, 2019

On Aug. 29, the Menlo Girls Varsity tennis team kicked off their season with a win in the first Tyler Nii Memorial Tournament hosted by Menlo. Nii was...

Dr. Bridgett Longust works to find the perfect teaching candidate. Staff Photo: Ella Hartmanis.

Insight on Menlo’s Hiring Process

Ella Hartmanis, Staff Writer
May 28, 2019

A lot of behind-the-scenes work goes into hiring every teacher at Menlo, a process that can last three to four months. The process begins when a teacher...

UCLA Powell Library. Creative Commons Photo: Ithmus on Flickr.

Changes in College Admissions Following the Scandal

Ella Hartmanis, Staff Writer
May 3, 2019

The recent college admissions scandal has raised questions concerning the future of the college admissions process. Although nothing is certain, many schools,...

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