Gabriel Pucha, Grade 11, Staff Writer For many growing up, snow days were always an impromptu break from school and for many, something to look forward to. Matthew Pollicar(‘26) shares this view “snow days are something that felt special as a kid growing up.” Common Sense looks at the state of snow days. Ever since COVID, we now face a dilemma between either having traditional snow days or having remote learning. Common Sense gathered the general opinions on this topic to see

Ashby Morin, Grade 12, Staff Writer With our recent weather plagued by snowstorms and strong winds, you could not turn a corner in New York City without seeing a lot of snow. Common Sense takes a look at how this blanket of snow affects the students who attend the High School of American Studies. For many, teachers and students alike, the snow has been an annoyance when commuting to work or school. This hindrance can show itself when driving, taking the bus, or riding the sub

Mariam Krasinski, Grade 10, Staff Writer It’s morning, and your first period is physical education. You lay your notebooks down in your locker and head over to the college campus. You enter class and are immediately made to do a fairly grueling workout and then play an even more strenuous game. During this time, you become fatigued, drained, and sweaty. You have a stitch in your side, you cannot catch your breath, and your muscles ache. And you ask yourself: “Why would someon

Ela Oksoy, Grade 11, News Editor In Executive Order 14253, Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History , the Trump administration launched a new initiative in history education. The administration began to remove references to slavery, climate change, and LGBTQ history in national parks and monuments. While some applaud the attempt to create a more “positive” American narrative, others denounce the whitewashing of history. Common Sense investigates what HSAS (High School o

Malcolm Shealy, Grade 12, Staff Writer and Max Blodgett, Grade 11, Staff Writer Art comes in many forms, and the Photography Club at the High School of American Studies (HSAS) is proof that creativity doesn’t need a paintbrush. Common Sense takes a look at new opportunities at HSAS in many forms, including the pursuit of new art forms. From the basics of working a camera, photo shooting modes, and lighting to more experimental works like light painting and collages, Photograp

Saja Amrati, Grade 10, Staff Writer At the High School of American Studies (HSAS) learning does not stop in the classroom. Common Sense takes a look at our classmates’ field trip experiences so far. According to Votes for Schools , over 90 percent of primary and secondary students agreed that schools should provide field trips. At HSAS, students have one to two grade-wide field trips per year, and some clubs offer additional field trips. Frosh students go to St

Mirabelle Medwed, Grade 11, News Editor and Lior Austrian-Jacobs, Grade 11, Staff Writer Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as Mayor of New York City on January 1st, 2026 following his historic election two months prior in November. Mamdani is the first Muslim American to hold the office, and a self-proclaimed Democratic-Socialist. Common Sense takes a look at the reactions among our students to this historic vote. Mamdani’s campaign was unprecedented, with the former assemb

Ela Oksoy, Grade 11, News Editor National Honors Society (NHS) is a nationwide organization dedicated to student leadership and service. However, too often, a local chapter is merely a surface-level confirmation of strong academics and some volunteer hours. Common Sense investigates the recent NHS chapter revival at the High School of American Studies (HSAS). The fresh renewal has steered the club in the direction it was pointed at for many years. Mr. Elinson, facult

Camille Dillon-Eirich, Grade 10, Staff Writer and Veronica Mollod, Grade 11, Current Events Editor The New York Times has reported that 500,000 individuals have been deported by President Donald Trump in his second term. United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity has been a concern for many, such as immigrant individuals from the High School of American Studies (HSAS) community, this past year. Tsulaneyah Himes (‘28) says she does not believe T

Azad Antia, Grade 12, Staff Writer On November 25, 2025, the High School of American Studies Girls’ Varsity Basketball team travelled to Marie Curie High School for their season opener. On that same day, the HSAS Boys’ Varsity Basketball team traveled to the Academy for Language and Technology in their season opener. Both teams emerged victorious, beginning their seasons with a road win. Following a 13-1 regular season record and a trip to the Public School Athletic