The High School Student News Site of The American School in London

The Standard

The High School Student News Site of The American School in London

The Standard

Students and faculty returned to in person classes March 8, following the government and ASL’s decision to reopen. Students and faculty were also provided with lateral flow tests prior to the reopening.

Students, faculty return to in-person school

Nick Zirinis, Staff Writer March 8, 2021

The school returned to in-person learning March 8 for the first time since Dec. 18, 2020. According to Head of School Robin Appleby, the decision to return to in-person school was made by the administration...

The new Director of Institutional Equity Dr. Mirangela Buggs was announced March 5. Buggs will begin July 1 as part of the school’s plan to manifest the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement.

Dr. Mirangela Buggs to fill new administrative DIE position

Sajah Ali, News Editor: Online March 8, 2021

The school is introducing a new senior leadership role at the school, the Director of Institutional Equity, to work towards the goals highlighted in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement. The new...

While the U.K. is slowly running out of landfill space, Sweden has designed an efficient recycling policy that enables 99% of waste to be recycled or reused. By recycling, we can help to improve London’s ecological footprint.

Environment, explained: recycling, how to really make a difference

Eden Leavey, Staff Writer March 8, 2021

Hello readers! My name is Eden. Let me introduce to you my environmental awareness column. Once a month, I am going to investigate an environmental issue that impacts either the ASL community or is a cause...

Photographer Lynsey Addario stands near the frontline during a pause in the fighting while covering the popular uprising for The New York Times, March 11, 2011 in Ras Lanuf, Libya.

Lynsey Addario: I have been kidnapped. Twice.

Eden Leavey, Staff Writer March 8, 2021

Lynsey Addario’s (P'30) work often takes her to the frontlines of war. She explores international relations behind the lens of her camera, with a special focus on the role of women in more conservative...

Casey Johnston (’23) dribbles down the field after receiving a pass from Kyle Kettler (’23) October 2020 at Regents Park. Both Johnston and Kettler played JV Soccer last season.

Sports to return March 15

Elena Alexander, Staff Writer March 4, 2021

Almost a full year after the abrupt end to the athletics program in March 2020, the Athletics Department announced via email March 2 a plan to reintroduce sports the week after students return to campus...

Arhan Sarma (’22) plays games with school children from the Sonkheda Village in 2019. He said he made many Meaningful connections with the children he worked with.

Arhan Sarma utilizes technology to support education in India

Sophia Bassi, Staff Writer March 4, 2021

After visiting the only school in Janata Vashat village in India, Arhan Sarma (’22) realized the importance of education and how essential it is for all children. This has led to his pursuit of providing...

Plotner conducts at Yale University. After he graduated from university, he moved to Los Angeles to start a career in film and video composing.

Jordan Plotner’s brain damage cured his fear of darkness

Cameron Spurr, Lead News Editor March 4, 2021

When Jordan Plotner (’12) was young, he slept with the lights on. For him, the unknown was just too terrifying. “I could create many monsters in my head very quickly,” he said. “Being alone...

The standardized testing system has been a key measure of student academic performance in the U.S for decades. However, it poses numerous disadvantages for students from low-income families, making test reform more of a necessity.

Standardized testing poses numerous disadvantages

Polina Dashevsky, Opinions Editor: Print March 1, 2021

When I heard that standardized testing, which was previously mandatory for a chance of admission to most U.S. colleges, would no longer be a requisite, I was beyond thrilled. Although these exams are a...

Micaella Lavi (21) gives Olivia Benjamin-MacDonald (21) a tarot reading in the Mellon Library. Lavi began teaching herself how to read tarot in November 2020 after being gifted a pack by a friend.

Members of community involve spiritual practices in everyday routine

Jasmin Taylor, Sports Editor: Online February 25, 2021

Across the High School, students and staff partake in alternative, or spiritual, hobbies and interests, which they incorporate into their daily lives. Spiritual passions come in a variety of forms, and...

As decided by the administration, spring Alternative Trips will no longer be going forward. Instead, High School students will participate in grade-level “bonding” activities throughout the week, per Director of Student Life James Perry.

Campus to reopen March 8

Nick Zirinis, Media Team February 22, 2021

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Feb. 22 that the first phase of England’s reopening will take place March 8. Phase one includes the return of schools and colleges throughout England to in-person...

17 year old Olivia Rodrigo’s debut single “drivers license” has surpassed all other songs on Spotify and has remained at No. 1 on the charts since its second day of release on Jan. 8. The popularity of the song can be traced back to the widespread impact of social media and surrounding drama.

Community debates validity of Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘drivers license’

Rudi Chamria and Clara Martinez February 22, 2021

As TikTok users across the globe scrolled through the app during the second week of January, one song flooded the For You page. 17-year-old Olivia Rodrigo’s single “drivers license” was released...

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