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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 Kaylee Huang Artificial Intelligence (AI) is among the most disruptive developments of the twenty-first century. While presenting the opportunity to automate and streamline systems, it also brings in the question of mass unemployment. Notably, recent advances in AI have already raised concerns about job displacement, particularly in industries such as customer service and the creative arts, as artificial intelligence begins performing tasks once thought to be exclusively human. Current trends underpin these fears: the technology industry, which has been one of the liveliest labor markets, is shrinking in employment as AI takes over around 30 percent of code on projects. Other types of jobs under threat include clerical support positions. The International Labor Organization estimates that 2.3 percent (75 million) … Continue reading AI and Unemployment: The Case Study of MENA
By Mimi Yao From November 12 to 16, Brent International School Manila hosted APAC Orchestra, where months of rehearsals and hours of individual practice culminated in a final showcase of versatility and collaboration. Led by conductor Lori Buonamici, the concert repertoire included a selection of baroque suites, cinematic scores by the acclaimed Sunhee Newbold, and a finale featuring lively dances and traditional Filipino ballads. While all members contributed greatly to the ensemble’s success, standout performers include seniors Charlotte Lai (violinist), Allison Wang (violinist), and William Chen (double-bassist). Even in the midst of college applications, they made time to attend rehearsals and acted as role models for younger peers. Freshman Oliver Wang also demonstrated his virtuoso and dedication by securing first desk in the second violin section. For returning APAC Orchestra … Continue reading APAC Orchestra 2025: A Reflection on Music, Culture, and Community
By Katelyn Lu Recent weeks have been PET-icularly rough for SAS students. Some are battling spring allergies while others are FELINE the stress of exam season setting in. PURR-haps, it’s time for a bit of de-stressing to untangle the chaos. PURR-haps, it’s time to meet some Teacher’s pets! The Teacher: Mr. HarrisThe Cat: Gatuno (cat in Spanish)/ catCat’s age: 8Cat’s birthday: “No idea”Cat-BTI Personality: INTJCat’s Hobbies: “Annoying my wife” Fun Facts: The Teacher: Ms. TrnkaThe Cat: Chairman Meow (we love a good pun)Cat’s age: 10Cat’s birthday: May 21st, 2016Cat-BTI Personality: INFJ (very organized—once opened up the KFC bag to get … Continue reading The Real Teacher’s Pets: Cat Edition
By Gavin Chen What makes a school American? Is it the nationality of its students? The languages spoken in the hallways? Cultural identities? These are questions that some students—and perhaps even faculty members—have wondered about privately. SAS has experienced major demographic changes over the past decades. A growing proportion of students have spent most of their lives in China, and the student body today is more diverse than ever before. At the same time, fewer students hold U.S. citizenship than in previous decades. Yet having an American passport doesn’t automatically make someone more “American” than anyone else. Increasing diversity does … Continue reading SAS: Are we still an American school?
By Jeffrey Du The Gaokao (高考), China’s college entrance exam, is one of the most notorious tests in the world, known for its rigor and importance for Chinese public school students’ futures. A good Gaokao score opens doors to top schools, while a poor Gaokao score gives students few choices beyond entering vocational school. For student athletes, however, this journey is very different: while some take the Gaokao anyway, they must also participate in the Tikao (体考), a test where four years of blood, sweat, and tears depend on a single race, a single jump, or a single throw. Despite … Continue reading The Meaning of Track
By Mimi Yao In light of the Trump Administration’s recent capture of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, this article explores SAS Social Studies teacher Maria Maldonado’s perspective on the Venezuelan community in Miami. Each year, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans attempt to cross the infamously hazardous Darien Gap in hopes of establishing a better future outside of their home country. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees describes Venezuela’s refugee crisis as one of the largest in the world, estimating that, today, there are nearly 7.9 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants around the world. These displaced individuals left Venezuela as a result of extreme poverty, high crime, and a … Continue reading Doral: The Venezuelan-American Perspective
By Arielle Wang At the end of 2025, SASPD announced that grades will now come with descriptors, moving away from the precise numerical system students and teachers had long relied on. For those used to calculating down to two decimal points, the change quickly permeated hallway conversations…and sometimes debate. Grades have always carried enormous weight at SAS, and now the school suggests they should carry “clearer and more specific” meaning. But will adding words like meeting or approaching actually make performance easier to understand, or does it just complicate a long-established system? In this interview, we sit down with our … Continue reading Grades in Words
By Daisy Zhang and Angelina Bian February 11, 2026 As the Lunar New Year holidays approach, our school is buzzing with excitement! The PE department is bringing the festivities to life with fervent lion dancers, impressive Kung Fu masters, and … Continue reading Behind The Scenes: Lunar New Year Preparations
By Nicole Lu The 2025 school year has been, to say the least, very eventful—but not quite in the way one might expect. There has been a multitude of interesting decisions and changes made to the schedule, club rotations, the length of review week, and, of course, the ever-rising cafeteria prices. Aside from these administrative “edits,” there have been changes introduced by teachers, most notably the very welcome and appreciated modifications allowing juniors to take AP Physics C, among other courses. However, not every course has been as popular—or at least as well known. Literature Through Film is a new … Continue reading Student Collectives: An Exploration of Literature Through Film
By Katelyn Lu After months of investigation, Pudong Press and the Cuddles Intelligence Agency (CIA) have made a breakthrough discovery. Teachers across SASPD share a common weakness: their attachment to their pets. The following are profiles of the 5 furry suspects, containing data from various observational studies, MBTI personality tests, and surveys. Caution ⚠️ The following photos may contain dangerous levels of adorableness. Suspect #1. Pancake Owner: Ms. Peggy Age: 6 years Birthday: August 6, 2020 MBTI Personality: Includes SF (Sensing and Feeling) Hobbies: Being around people Fun Facts: She likes only 1 type of toy—her fabric crocodile with a … Continue reading Who are the Real Teachers’ Pets?