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