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Questions about school? Space? Life in general? Ask Askolotl! Askolotl is a very old, very wise axolotl who knows many many things. Go to Askolotl for questions! Askolotl (they/them) was once an eldritch god, now reincarnated into the lovable pink … Continue reading What is Askolotl?
By Ryan Man On September 20th, 2024, Shanghai American School (SAS) bore witness to the impending threat of Typhoon Bebinca. With China issuing a red typhoon warning, airplane flights were canceled, making SAS college counselor Mr. O’Brien anxious that he would not be able to catch his flight to the U.S. On top of that, the typhoon was so strong that teachers were forced to stay home, conducting their teacher meetings online. Not everyone liked it—current high school social studies teacher Mr. Gross mentioned how it reminded him of the distance learning days during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike the other … Continue reading Weather Hysteria: Shanghai American School Hit by Its Strongest Typhoon in 75 Years
Presented by the service club ForHer An eagle since 2016, Ms. Molly Zhou has been an avid leader of the PTSA and Boosters. From the annual Relay for Life to the much-awaited PTSA Carnival, her efforts enrich the lives of students and teachers — providing food and fun at nearly every schoolwide activity. Together with her husband Mark and her two daughters, the Zhou family’s engagement in the SAS community is truly remarkable, and their educational journey is an inspiration to see. In this interview, Ms. Zhou walks us through her multicultural upbringing, the balance between motherhood and leadership responsibilities, … Continue reading Molly Zhou | Her Story
Presented by the service club ForHer In an inconspicuous corner at SAS Pudong, the Security Office bustles with activity. From ensuring safety for the student body to supervising summer renovations that reinvigorate our school, Ms. Shirley Liu, SAS’s current Head of Security, is no stranger to the behind-the-scenes functioning of the Pudong campus. In this interview, Ms. Liu takes us through her journey, diving deep into how she reached her current position, transitioning from being a landscape designer to the field of security, and words of advice she would give to young girls today. Let’s hear her story… Q1: Can … Continue reading Shirley Liu | Her Story
By Gavin Chen At the beginning of this school year, we welcomed Ms. Merissa Corrigan to our school as a new member of the P.E. department, where she teaches 9th grade physical education. Ms. Corrigan brings a wealth of experience, having taught in two different countries and lived in three. She also has a variety of hobbies outside of school that reflect her passion for sports and outdoor activities. Join us for an interview that explores Ms. Corrigan’s experiences before arriving at SAS, her time at SAS, and her life in Shanghai. 1. Can you describe your teaching experiences as … Continue reading Teacher Profiles: Merissa Corrigan
By Angel Yang & Mimi Yao School cafeteria food has always been a debate among students, with the overall attitude of students toward cafeteria food being slightly negative. As many people struggle to choose a meal, they often resort to “the only consistent option” — the burrito bowl. But the ever-growing burrito line is just one manifestation of students’ grievances. This semester, new changes have been made to the school cafeteria. You may have noticed the introduction of the new food company in charge of the food, Sodexo, instead of last years’ Chartwells. In addition, the variety of meals has … Continue reading A Taste of Change at SAS
From starring as Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet on a live stage to working on the screen for film The Martian, directed by Ridley Scott, Mr. O’Brien once immersed himself in stories that had already been written. As the grandson … Continue reading How does one transition from bringing stories to life on stage to helping students craft their own real-life narratives?
The rise of technology and social media in the 21st century has given unnatural body images a new form of power against young, impressionable teenagers. Influencers and celebrities often set unrealistic benchmarks through deceptive practices. The media teenagers consume is … Continue reading Unrealistic Ideals: The Impact of Social Media on Body Image for SASPD High Schoolers
In recent years, the Shanghai American School (SAS) has introduced gender-neutral changing rooms in its swimming facilities, moving away from the traditional model of gender-segregated spaces. This change allows students of all genders to share a common area for showers, bathroom stalls, and changing rooms, featuring numerous private cubicles within a communal space. Despite the good intentions, there have been negative opinions regarding the safety and privacy of this new design. Historically, SASPD has provided separate changing areas for boys and girls, with open spaces dedicated to one gender. However, in an effort to increase inclusivity, the school has introduced … Continue reading Gender Neutral Bathrooms: Does Inclusivity Undermine Privacy?
By Katelyn Lu and Charlotte Lai Original Publishing Date: April 12, 2024 When recalling their leadership experience at SAS, many students may remember the JUMP! Leadership Retreat as a core memory. To some, this three-day event brought lasting friendships and lifelong lessons, but to many others, it felt unpolished — “a school bonding event instead of a leadership conference” — as an anonymous student quoted. To learn more about the much-disputed success of the JUMP! initiative, we sat down with Ms. Grace, SAS’s Global Citizenship Coordinator, and Mr. Ian Standard, the head facilitator of the JUMP! Leadership Retreat. Together, these … Continue reading Assessing the Controversial Success of the JUMP! Leadership Retreat
Mr. Kevin Spachuk was a new addition to the English department last year! From teaching English in Manila to directing APAC Forensics at SAS, Mr. Spachuk’s teaching career has been nothing short of impressive. Currently, he serves as an 9th and 10th grade teacher, along with the coach of Forensics and JV Boys Soccer. Known for his Shakespearean acting sessions and unfaltering enthusiasm for a great read, Mr. Spachuk has truly enlivened the SAS hallways with his presence. In this interview, we explore his experience as he and his family transition between distinct cultures, navigate the alleys of Shanghai, and welcome … Continue reading Teacher Profiles: Kevin Spachuk