CON: We cannot tolerate zero tolerance
Nora Fellas, Opinion Lead Editor
December 4, 2019
This academic year, as of Oct. 25, just two months into the year, six upper school students had been expelled for violating the school’s zero tolerance substance abuse policy. Sixteen others faced the possibility of expulsion for their involvement in substance use on campus, but were diverted into Sanct...
PRO: Zero tolerance keeps us safe
Annie Rubinson, News Lead Editor
December 4, 2019
In 2008, students witnessed a classmate suffer a seizure in the middle of Mandarin class. When his belongings were searched, it was determined that he overdosed on illegal drugs dealt to him by an upperclassman. In response, Masters implemented a zero tolerance drugs and alcohol policy. Recently, how...
Bring back flex lunch!
Ethan Schlapp, Staff Writer
December 4, 2019
When I first received a copy of the new schedule, I was concerned. No flex lunch, school ending later, the introduction of Masters Hour, and an eight-day rotation were some of the changes I noticed immediately. New goals were outlined by the administration, such as a more consistent class schedule, reduced stre...
Newcomb takes on new role in the community
Lexi Wachen, Contributing Writer
December 3, 2019
There is a new but familiar face in the Head of the Upper School’s office. Peter Newcomb, the dean of students since the fall of 2016, took on a new role as interim head of Upper School for the 2019-2020 school year. As the dean of students, Newcomb’s previous position demanded him to be an accessible...
Counseling center welcomes Katya Ostor
Carolyn Hohl, Contributing Writer
December 3, 2019
Katya Ostor, the new Upper School Wellness counselor, believes that acceptance and awareness are the keys to approaching mental health issues. As a mental health advocate, Ostor takes a holistic approach. “If you aren’t taking care of yourself physically, you can’t take care of yourself mentally...
Mae Jan brings the beauty of Mandarin to Masters
Sabrina Wolfson, Contributing Writer
December 3, 2019
After teaching at various institutions, Mae Jan feels overjoyed to be in an environment where she truly belongs. Newly arrived this September, Jan turned her passion for teaching her native language, Mandarin, into a reality. Growing up in Shān Dōng, China, Jan has always had a love for ...
Education on donations to Masters receives mixed reviews
Nora Fellas, Opinion Lead Editor
December 2, 2019
Every year in Ninth Grade Seminar classes, first-year students are taught about charitable giving and the administration of nonprofits. While the benefits of donating to charity seem straightforward, the decision to include a lesson on donations to Masters in the curriculum has had mixed reviews....
EFFECT hosts first Fall Festival
Kate Sibery, Features Lead Editor
November 25, 2019
This year marks the first annual Fall Festival, hosted by EFFECT, Masters’ sustainability initiative. In the midst of a national movement to encourage discussions surrounding climate change and environmental action, EFFECT is organizing a week of community-wide activities to promote environmental awaren...
Girls’ varsity tennis courts winning season
Owen Strier, Features Editor
November 25, 2019
After several down years, the Masters' girls’ varsity tennis team has recently finished one of their best seasons in a long time. The team ended the year with a 10-5 record. Their success can be attributed to the addition of new players and strong leadership from senior captains Sofia Benson and Alex ...
Letter to the Editor
November 23, 2019
Following the publication of Tower Volume 76, Issue 2 on Thursday, Nov. 21, a number of members of the Masters community expressed concern with an image on the front page that depicted the flag of the People’s Republic of China with the logo of TikTok, a social media platform, in the upper left han...
An advanced assessment: weighing the place of APs at Masters and beyond
Logan Schiciano, Editor-in-Chief
November 23, 2019
What are APs? The Masters School is currently engaging in talks about Advanced Placement (AP) courses and their role within the realm of the school’s academic identity; additionally, many members of the Masters community and beyond have grappled with the benefits and potential downsides of an AP cu...
Dance Company Fall performance brings audience to its feet
Yasmine Pascal, Features Editor
November 22, 2019
Marked by jazz, contemporary, pop and hip hop, with an array of colors and storylines, Dance Company performed their fall show last Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the Claudia Boettcher Theatre. Their show attracted both day and boarding students, as well as parents and faculty members. The perform...