News, Uncategorized

Assessing the Controversial Success of the JUMP! Leadership Retreat 

Charlotte Lai

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 

Features, Teacher Profiles

Teacher Profiles: Kevin Spachuk

Charlotte Lai

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

Opinion

Top 3 Underrated Chinese Street Food (in my Humble Opinion)

Katelyn Lu

When it comes to street food, the varieties we have in China could fill an encyclopedia. Nation wide, and even world wide, we are known for our various dumplings, pancakes, steamed rolls (baozi) and more. However, there many dishes or snacks that also deserve this fame and acclaim. Below, you will be introduced to 3 of my favorite underrated Chinese street foods. What is it? Although it may sound intimidating, duck’s blood vermicelli soup is exactly what it is. That is, with the addition of duck intestines, duck liver, duck gizzard, tofu and cilantro. But don’t worry, I’ve eaten it … Continue reading Top 3 Underrated Chinese Street Food (in my Humble Opinion)

News

Rating Popular Kpop Comebacks

Angel Yang

By Angel Yang and Katelyn Jiang EASY – LESSERAFIM 8/10   On first thoughts, “Easy” by Lesserafim was different compared to their previous comebacks: the instrumental is based off a trap beat and sounds like American pop music. I was definitely shocked upon hearing “Easy” for the first time, but as I listened to it more, it started to grow on me. The melody is memorable, and the chorus is catchy. Other than Kpop, I usually listen to r&b and hip-hop, so this song was immediately added to my playlist.   However, I only gave this song 8/10, because the vocals had … Continue reading Rating Popular Kpop Comebacks

Features

Melodies in Motion: Pudong Rocks and the Dance of Collaboration

cindydchen

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

Features

NAHS X Pudong Press: Isn’t it Lovely?

Assorted Authors

Every month, NAHS and Pudong Press come together to present a theme to members, who contribute artwork and writing based on each month’s topic. February’s theme was “Lovely”. Enjoy the works presented below. Poem by Anonymous Together we filled the hallways with laughterShe was the map that guided me through the daysI laid my bricks using the blueprint she leftEvery move I made was in hopes of her praiseNow she has left our house colourless and dimMost days we don’t speak, not a single sentencePart of me is gone, like I’ve misplaced a limbThe hallways are silent without her presence … Continue reading NAHS X Pudong Press: Isn’t it Lovely?

Opinion

Experiences at Studio Architanz, a Melting Pot of Talented Dancers

Katelyn Lu

Studio Architanz is a large ballet studio in Tokyo offering a range of classes from beginner ballet, to advanced pointe, to contemporary classes. During my short trip to Tokyo, I had the pleasure of attending a Sunday free level ballet class. I went in expecting a chill 1.5 hour class and came out too stunned to speak. Coming in around ten minutes early, I realized I was already late. Most people had already arrived and were warming up when I peeked through the window. At the same time, I was immediately impressed by the size of the classroom: it could … Continue reading Experiences at Studio Architanz, a Melting Pot of Talented Dancers

Opinion

The Shifting Landscape of SAS Rugby and the Uncertain Path Ahead

cindydchen

In a controversial development for the SAS rugby program, the past year has seen not only a shift in playing style from contact to touch rugby but also the departure of a seasoned coach, Mr. Pardy. However, Mr. Pardy has made it clear that his decision to step away from coaching isn’t directly linked to the program’s transition to touch rugby. Mr. Pardy clarified his stance, stating, “It’s not a touch thing.” He shares, “You got to buy in that on the surface rugby’s changed, but it’s still the game. And a true lover of playing isn’t going to complain … Continue reading The Shifting Landscape of SAS Rugby and the Uncertain Path Ahead

Features

NAHS X Pudong Press: A Thing Anew

Assorted Authors

Every month, NAHS and Pudong Press come together to present a theme to members, who contribute artwork and writing based on each month’s topic. January’s theme was “Anew”. Enjoy the works presented below. Creative Prose A Thing Anew by Ethan Jiang ’26: Anew, meaning in a new or different and typically more positive way. But ignore its rigid, literary, and insipid meaning. What does the word really mean to you and me? The season begins anew, with autumn exhaling the cool but still subtly warm air from its lungs and inhaling the new winter winds within its incorporeal nose. The … Continue reading NAHS X Pudong Press: A Thing Anew