Darning Cultures: Esther Baumann

By Mimi Yao This year, the newly established history club (RKNHS) hopes to spotlight members of the SAS community with unique cultural stories. In this interview, Esther Baumann shares the challenges and rewards of being part of three different cultures.  SAS is a proud host of bilingual speakers, multi-cultural families, and students and faculty from around the world. Esther Baumann, a new member of the SAS community who runs the academic support program at Flex, is a representative for all three of these identities.   Ms. Baumann was born and raised in Hungary, which she jokingly refers to as “the depressed … Continue reading Darning Cultures: Esther Baumann

Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle: Farewell to Ms. Litushko  

By Katelyn Lu and Charlotte Lai As the 24-25 school year draws to an end, the SAS community prepares to say goodbye to Ms. Litushko, a beloved English teacher who has been with the school for four years. From teaching Innovation Institute and AP Language, to performing self-written songs at Relay for Life, she has adorned the school with her talents and invigorated not only the classroom but the entire community.   Ms. Litushko’s time at SAS has been marked by unforgettable moments and profound lessons. One of her most cherished memories, surprisingly, comes from the difficult COVID-19 pandemic. She shared. … Continue reading Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle: Farewell to Ms. Litushko  

Teacher Profiles: Kyle Gallagher

By Chun Yuan Ong and Jeffrey Du Meet Mr. Gallagher, our physical trainer here at SASPD. He enjoys staying active through running, golfing, and playing softball. He’s also found a balance between work and personal life—keeping up with the latest recovery techniques and hanging out with his dog Sage.  From a young age, Mr. Gallagher had a keenness for sports. He enjoyed playing soccer, baseball, football, and golf. However, after an injury in his freshman year of high school, Mr. Gallagher realized he wouldn’t be around sports forever. However, he soon discovered an alternative to staying close with sports—becoming an … Continue reading Teacher Profiles: Kyle Gallagher

Mr. Gertzfield on “The Great Gatsby,” Stephen King, and more 

By Mimi Yao and Ivy Li From its meticulous symbolism to its shrewd criticism of the American Dream, The Great Gatsby is regarded by many to be one of the finest works of modern literature. Its critical denunciation of empty promises and corrupted dreams has cemented it as a favorite among readers worldwide, including SASPD high school’s co-head of English—Jeremy Gertzfield.   Mr. Gertzfield embarked on his teaching career 20 years ago and has been teaching at SAS for more than 10 years. He currently teaches English 10, AP Literature and Composition, and IB Literature. Join us on an interview with … Continue reading Mr. Gertzfield on “The Great Gatsby,” Stephen King, and more 

Molly Zhou | Her Story

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

Shirley Liu | 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

Teacher Profiles: Merissa Corrigan

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

How does one transition from bringing stories to life on stage to helping students craft their own real-life narratives? 

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? 

Teacher Profiles: Kevin Spachuk

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

Melodies in Motion: Pudong Rocks and the Dance of Collaboration

On March 22, 2024, the Shanghai American School Pudong community was swept away by a wave of musical talent during the annual Pudong Rocks concert, a showcase hosted by the Tri-M Music Honor Society and buoyed by the support of the Tech Crew. In 2008, Pudong Rocks was born as a fundraising initiative led by the Student Council. Created in collaboration with the Theater Tech Club, its inception aimed at achieving dual objectives: raising funds for charitable causes and fostering artistic expression and entertainment. Over time, the reins of event organization transitioned from the Student Council to the Tri-M Music … Continue reading Melodies in Motion: Pudong Rocks and the Dance of Collaboration