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The News of The Blake School Since 1916

The Spectrum

The News of The Blake School Since 1916

The Spectrum

The News of The Blake School Since 1916

The Spectrum

Printers Wreak Havoc

Printers Wreak Havoc

Tarun Gopalakrishnan, Sports Editor November 3, 2025

During the first quarter, Senior Program Manager Jennifer Mehra decided to transition from colored printing to grayscale as the default setting for the printers. The switch had been trialed at the Middle...

As such a small school, class rank could easily foster resentment, an emotion contradictory to progress.

Curious Bear Wonders: Why No Class Rank?

Charlie Dean, Opinions Editor November 3, 2025

The School does not have a class rank because, as Nora Main, the Associate Director of College Counseling, said, “as a small school, and as an independent school, a class rank isn’t a meaningful measurement…...

Minneapolis Reaches Pivotal Mayoral Election

Minneapolis Reaches Pivotal Mayoral Election

Eva Gleason, Staff Writer November 3, 2025

Minneapolis is at a turning point. While 16 candidates are running to secure the mayorship, the race is ultimately a face-off between incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey and Senator Omar Fateh. As Frey seeks a...

Winners of a game of Simon Says gather for a victorious picture. Seniors bonded over games and activities throughout the day.

Retreat Connects Class

Steven Cao September 27, 2025

The Class of 2026 gathered at Camp St. Croix in Hudson, Wisconsin, on Sept. 7 for an eventful day of bonding and reflection. The day was free of phones. Seniors started the day participating in various...

Parent volunteers helped distribute branded clothing during a BearWear sale on Sept. 17. BearWear sale profits help fill the Build Better Blake Fund, which has been used to purchase things such as pipe-and-drape curtains in the Middle School theater room.

Homecoming Funding Multifaceted Build

Charlie Dean, Opinions Editor September 26, 2025

Homecoming and all its festivities constitute a memorable time in the year for many students, faculty, staff, and alumni. However, these things require money, which comes from many different funds.  Tuition...

Stockwell noticed, "There's a really heavy workload especially for student athletes or people with extracurriculars that don't get home until like nine at night, yet still have hours and hours of homework."

Freshmen Elect Representitives

Lilah Johnson, Managing Editor September 26, 2025

On Sep. 10, ninth graders elected their Forum representatives for this school year. The election had seven candidates. Marian Stockwell ‘29 was voted as Class President, and Sienna Szerda ‘29 and Julian...

Wagner grew up in Houston, Texas, before coming to the Midwest for college. She loves hiking, fiber arts, and “doing nothing.” She has a cat, a dog, a crested gecko, and 5 chickens.

Dora Wagner Joins the Upper School

Faith Zhao, Creative Director September 25, 2025

Dora Wagner (Dora) is this year’s new PK-12 Library & Institutional Technology Dept Chair, a role formerly held by Lizz Buchanan.  Wagner’s former role was the Upper School Teaching Librarian...

The sun setting on Annunciation Catholic Church, 35 hours after the mass shooting.

Community Reacts to Annunciation Catholic Church Shooting

Ben Aviles, Co-Editor-in-Chief August 30, 2025

On Wednesday, August 27, 18 people were injured, and two children were killed at Annunciation Church during mass, according to the Associated Press (AP). Kristin Moertem, Annunciation parent and parishioner...

Jack Harlan (left) and Julie Stein (right)

New Grade Deans Hired to Start 2025-26 School Year

Caitlin Strauss, Page Editor August 25, 2025

As Jen Vance transitions to teaching more science classes, Julie Stein will become the new Freshman Dean. Stein is currently freshman dean at the Georgetown Day School (GDS) in Washington, D.C., and earned...

Williams celebrating her birthday with a cake and flowers alongside science colleague Jen Vance.

Chemistry Veteran Hangs Up Goggles

Izzie Miller, News Editor May 27, 2025

In 49 years of teaching, retiring chemistry teacher Janet Williams has created a community among students and teachers. From teaching mathematics and the sciences, Williams has experienced working with...

Coley (middle) alongside co-workers Stephanie Johnson (left) and Cathy Lynch (right) during the school day.

Coley Departs Front Office

Caitlin Strauss, Student Life Editor May 23, 2025

As the community transitions to the summer, Margaret Coley, the Upper School receptionist and administrative assistant, shares her plans for the future. Coley plans to move out of state somewhere in the...

Bowman celebrates with track team relay runners Maggie Souvignier '26 and 
Anna Melloh '29 (L-R).

Bowman’s Coaching in the Upper School

Faith Zhao, Creative Director May 23, 2025

After 8 years at the Upper School, Maggie Bowman, SIAC advisor, Track Coach, Cross-Country Head Coach, class of 2025 Grade Dean, World History Teacher, and constant presence will leave the Upper School.  For...

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