On December 11, PPS Technology Workers filed a petition to create a union to the New Jersey Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) with OPEIU Local 32 following the Board of Education’s refusal to voluntarily recognize their union.
The ten members of PPS’ Technology department and union organizer Max Bienstock initially sought voluntary recognition from the Board on October 23. 
The PPS technology workers primarily seek to unionize as Princeton Public Schools Technology Association (PPSTA) because of their struggles to service PPS students and staff. The petition cited budgetary constraints, low staffing levels, and workplace conditions, specifically citing how there is only one technician for 1550 students and 300 staff members at PHS.
“There just weren't enough of them to be able to do as good a job as they wanted to, especially now that technology has become such an important part of education,” said Bienstock. “They wanted to have more people in the tech department so that it wasn't each one of them having to work insane hours all the time.”
Although Bienstock said that the technology workers have been disputing these issues for years, BOE President Dafna Kendal claimed otherwise. 
“We had not heard the concerns from this group of employees before,” Kendal said. “They brought up the idea of creating the union and then provided the reasons, but it was the first time the board was aware.”
PPS Technology workers could not be contacted for an interview.
Despite this discrepancy, the biggest reason the Board could not approve the union was a concern that both supervisors and non-supervisors were present in the union, as different types of employees are not able to collectively negotiate.
“We believe that the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) —an independent third party with the experience and authority to determine the composition of negotiations units, conduct representation elections, and certify exclusive representatives —should make those determinations,” stated a Board press release on December 11. 
The press release also acknowledged that the Board values and strives to treat all their employees fairly, whether or not they’re part of a union.
If the PPSTA succeeds in being recognized under PERC, the technology workers can negotiate a contract with the BOE. 
“This is an issue that personally [affects] these workers; it has nothing to do with interpersonal griping,” said Bienstock. “It's really all about wanting to better serve the students. We wanted to show that this affects more than just the 10 people.”


The ten members of PPS’ Technology department and union organizer Max Bienstock initially sought voluntary recognition from the Board on October 23.  
Board Statement:
"The Princeton Public Schools Board of Education received notice today that the newly-formed Princeton Public Schools Technology Association (PPSTA) filed a petition for certification with the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC), although we have yet to receive a copy of the petition itself.
“As the Board had previously advised the PPSTA several weeks ago, we believe that PERC —an independent third party with the experience and authority to determine the composition of negotiations units, conduct representation elections, and certify exclusive representatives —should make those determinations. That is particularly important when there are questions about the makeup of the union, since the Employer-Employee Relations Act generally prohibits supervisors and non-supervisors from being represented in the same collective negotiations unit.
“We value the collaborative working relationships we have with all three unions that already exist in the Princeton Public Schools and we look forward to PERC resolving and deciding this issue. We know that the employment of caring, dedicated, and skilled employees is critical to the Board’s mission of preparing all students to lead lives of joy and purpose as knowledgeable, creative, and compassionate citizens of a global society.  We value all our employees, whether they are in a union or not, and we always strive to treat our employees fairly."

PPS technology workers petition to unionize public schools

As the PHS boys varsity soccer team warmed up for their game on September 26, the regular blue jerseys of the team were nowhere to be found. Instead, #IStandWithEvan was plastered in bold letters across their white T-shirts.
This was one of many tributes to Evan Gershkovich ’10, the imprisoned Wall Street Journal reporter and former PHS soccer captain, that took place during a pre-game ceremony, where former PHS soccer coach Wayne Sutcliffe, Wall Street Journal financial enterprise editor Ken Brown, and former teammates of Evan all made speeches to spread awareness about his ongoing detention.
The ceremony began with lead event organizer Brown, speaking about the efforts the Wall Street Journal is taking to raise awareness about Gershkovich’s situation.
“We [the Wall Street Journalists] have hired lawyers in Russia and have been working with the Biden administration, who’s trying to negotiate to get him out,” said Brown. “We’ve [also] done a lot to try to spread the word about the situation … so that people know what is happening and that he’s being unjustly held. He’s not a spy. He was doing his job. Journalism is not a crime.”
After Brown spoke, Sutcliffe made a speech about Gershkovich’s abilities as a soccer player, his leadership, and his humor. The ceremony culminated with former teammates, Max Reid ’10 and Thatcher Foster ’10, speaking about their relationships with Gershkovich both as a friend and a teammate.
“I think his superpower is the ability to connect with all different types of people. It made him a really good captain, but also makes him a really good friend, teammate, and reporter,” Foster said.
Brown reached out to boys soccer Head Coach Ryan Walsh, Assistant Principal Rashone Johnson, and Principal Cecilia Birge to organize the event. Since this was one of the biggest games of the season, Walsh felt it was best to schedule the ceremony on that date. He highlighted how the biggest impact can be had by just keeping Evan’s name in the news.
“The best way to get Evan back safely is to continue to put pressure on the United States government to get him home. They’re the ones who can get him home,” said Walsh. “If [Evan] is forgotten, then the U.S. won’t feel the pressure and they’ll stop fighting.”
When the boys’ soccer team found out about Gershkovich’s situation, they immediately extended their support and demonstrated collective solidarity for the former player.
“It’s important that we send a message to the world saying that we have not forgotten Evan … He’s an alumn[us], which means a lot. This program has been built on a tradition of creating strong teams [and] strong brotherhood,” said PHS varsity soccer player James Reynolds ’24.
Even with constant press coverage, Gershkovich’s freedom in the near future is still far from being guaranteed. However, Caitlin Ostroff, a reporter at the Wall Street Journal who worked closely with Gershkovich in the Journal’s London office, believes that there are still reasons to be optimistic.
“I’m honestly mostly hopeful based on the people we meet at random, who asked me about my “Free Evan” button. I’m inspired by the people who’ve all come out to the soccer game. I’m inspired by random people who messaged me and say ‘I heard about Evan, what can I do?’” said Ostroff. “It’s just a matter of keeping pressure.”

Pre-game ceremony pays tribute to detained PHS alumnus Evan Gershkovich

On Friday, March 17th at 5:30 p.m., Superintendent Carol Kelley and the Board of Education sent an email to all PPS community members stating that PHS was to undergo a leadership transition and Assistant Principals Cecilia Birge and Rashone Johnson were to temporarily assume the responsibilities of the PHS principal as of that afternoon. Former Principal Frank Chmiel was not mentioned within the email, nor was there any rationale articulated by the administration for his suspected dismissal.

Immediately following the announcement, Student Body President Ashley Chen ’23 created a petition on Change.org titled “Chmiel Has Been Fired. We demand transparency and that the Board rescind his termination.” In the petition—which has now garnered nearly 3,000 signatures—Chen and other officers of the club Cultural and Racial Equity (C.A.R.E) voiced their disappointment and anger that the process and reasoning for the decision was not shared.

“Well, I think that was a really good way to get people’s frustration and sentiments out… With the C.A.R.E. leaders, we all agreed that we should do something about the sudden abruptness of it, and I think a lot of people agree because a lot of people did sign the petition,” Chen said. Aside from just PHS students, Chmiel’s termination received backlash from hundreds of parents at PPS, who expressed concerns about the futures of their children.

“I was shaking, and I was traumatized,” said Sasha Weinstein, parent and PTO officer. “To lose him after a year and a half, I think that’s a tragedy, when he would have been able to transform this place academically.” 

More significantly, none of the staff or administration at PHS knew until shortly prior to the decision.

“Everything was happening so fast… literally Friday at three o’clock I got a phone call, so there was no time… to anticipate,” Birge said.

On Sunday, March 19, The Board of Education followed-up on their previous email, responding to the inquiries and concerns of those in the district. However, while students and parents were digging for more answers, New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act, N.J.S.A. 47:1A-10, and the privacy rights held by public employees prevented the Board of Education from revealing any more information on the termination, unless a public employee provided the Board with a written waiver of his privacy rights. The email further stated that “the Board unanimously supported, and supports the Superintendent and the difficult decisions” and that the first hour of the Board meeting on Tuesday, March 23, would be used for public comment.

“The Board reviewed [the statement] quickly…I think we knew that there would be some people that we upset, including students,” said Board of Education President Dafna Kendal in response to inquiry about prior anticipation of reaction. “The Board followed up with a statement on Sunday because we realized the one on Friday wasn’t adequate.”

Kendal also said a forewarning was impossible since the Board cannot comment on an employee’s job status. Dr. Kelley and the Board want to clarify that their inability to comment has been a source of frustration for them.

“The information shared with the press only provides one side of the situation. We respect an individual’s right to share their perspective. The law prevents me from sharing the other side and the Board of Education is also constrained. Any recommendations made to the Board of Education are based on careful consideration and data,” wrote Dr. Kelley in an email response. “It is frustrating that the district could not share any data or context with the public. Employees can waive privacy rights and make information public and if that happened, we would welcome that opportunity to publicly share more information.”

In response to the controversy, Chmiel issued a statement on March 21, stating that he was “condemned” by some at Valley Road as a “rabble-rouser” and “bullied into a decision [he] wasn’t ready to make.” Chmiel also wrote that this “pretext was not based on performance or substantively anything else” and that he was in consultation with a legal attorney. The Board of Education could not comment on the statement.

In a subsequent email on Monday, March 20, Dr. Kelley introduced her recommendation of former Robbinsivlle School District Superintendent and former PPS interim Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kathie Foster as interim principal of PHS, citing her “confidence that under her leadership, Princeton High School students will continue to thrive.” After Board of Education approval this week, Dr. Foster began her time as principal at PHS.

“Dr. Foster is a very experienced school leader. She’s not a stranger so she knows us. When she was here last year, we enjoyed working for her in her role as the assistant superintendent then. We both felt that she really understood our buildings, especially the unique part of this building,” said Birge. “She knows this community, so we’re not expecting surprises at all. Just knowing how she worked in the past, the care she has on the kids really comes through.”

Since the unfolding of this situation, PHS has offered resources and outlets for the mental distress that this may have caused to students. However, PHS staff are assuring all community members of their role in providing stability through classroom instruction.

“As I thought over the weekend about my role as a teacher, I think that it is to provide as much continuity and consistency for students as possible,” said History and Sociology Teacher Elizabeth Taylor. “There’s a lot going on, but we need to focus on teaching and learning and that’s what I can do … as a teacher.”

As PHS undergoes this transition to an interim principal and eventually a permanent principal, Birge and Johnson urge community members to remember that a well-run school is a result of a myriad of factors.

“A school is not well-run because of one person. A good school has multiple legs, if you will. A school district or a school building stands on a strong leadership team, committed, engaged families, kids who are interested in learning, caring adults, [and] fabulous teachers. If you miss one part, it’s not gonna work right, but every part has its volatility,” Birge said. “And the way to mitigate that is to engage with a team approach, and that’s what we do. We’ve seen this building go through a lot. We have done a lot for the building and continue to do so.”

Looking forward, Birge hopes simply for normalcy and fun as PHS enters the last stretch of the 2022-2023 school year.

“The ideal situation is that our seniors will have a fabulous graduation and prom. We’ll continue to watch out for senior pranks,” Birge said. “We educators live for those sorts of things. We like you kids doing those sorts of things. Our ideal situation is to celebrate the normalcy of school life.”

PPS Dismisses Frank Chmiel

Women’s History Month crossword


DEAD POETS SOCIETY(1984)

Made in 1989 but set in an affluent 1950s boarding school, "Dead Poets Society" is a raw, uplifting, and unsettling film that's bound to tug at your heartstrings every time you watch it. At first glance, the setting and atmosphere of the historical-looking building in New England seemed to be quite distant from my own experiences. It was traditional, consisting of only boys in uniforms, so naturally I assumed that the message of the film would be outdated as well. This feeling could not be farther from the truth. Protagonist John Keating, portrayed by Robin Williams, assumes the role of the new English teacher at Welton, a prestigious school intended to preserve tradition and yield excellence in its students. Keating's philosophy is well-represented in his quote, "Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive tor." In a world of extreme pressure, poetry serves as a safe haven for students to express their emotions and unleash their imaginations. Although our lives may not seem as outwardly harsh as the ones on-screen, kids today bear the burdens of the ever-intensifying pressure to excel socially and academically in preparation for college. The film is brilliant because of the way it provokes the minds of viewers, making us wonder how we should go about living our lives. While the movie touches upon the importance of being pragmatic, its core message is that life is meaningless without aspirations that motivate us to become better. The film's optimistic worldview seems to dissipate when Keating gets fired for being a poor influence. One by one, the boys rise up onto their desks, an attribute to Keating before he departs. The ending is bittersweet, but you will ultimately be satisfied knowing that Keating fulfilled his purpose in igniting the passion inside his pupils.

10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU(1999)

I had to include at least one iconic high school film on this list that is guaranteed to not make you cry. "10 Things I Hate About You" is a movie that never gets old. Its been 21 years since its release date, and people are still watching and rewatching this lighthearted film. Refreshingly funny and entertaining, this is a modern take on Shakespeare's comedy "The Taming of the Shrew, set against a classic 1990s backdrop. Similar to the 16th century play, the movie tells the story of two very different sisters, the shrewish and foul-tempered Katarina, and the popular and admired Bianca. Unfortunately for the boys who wish to woo Bianca, her father does not allow her to date until her older sister does, which is an unlikely event. The spite and bitterness of Kat's personality are what give her a hilariously dry sense of humor and made me favor her over her sister (although Bianca did show some character development by the end). Bianca's desperate suitors bribe teenage rebel Patrick Verona to pursue Kat. Already, this doesn't feel like a dreamy romance, given that one party is being paid off to date the other and take her to prom. Of course, the two discover how much they really like each other and the arrangement transforms into a heartfelt attachment. Aside from this 1960s standard, the movie features count- less nineties hits, perfect for the days when you want to transport yourself back 20 years. This movie is also one of the first of its kind- a movie portraying the female lead as headstrong, independent, and somewhat apathetic towards the way others perceive her. Nowadays, we see many more films following suit, from "Ladybird" to "Easy A. The bottom line is, this movie will boost your mood, make you laugh, and to top it oft, it features an 18-year-old Joseph Gordon-Levitt!

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER(2012)

Watching "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" may strike a chord inside you, as it grapples with issues that we often find uncomfortable to talk about. The ingenuity of this film lies in the way it presents these issues, with subtlety and profound emotional depth. Charlie, who was diagnosed with severe depression at a young age, is newly discharged from a mental health institution. As a freshman, he feels tense about fitting in until he finds sanctuary in two eccentric seniors: Sam and Patrick. Immediately, I was able to draw some parallels-I have seen with my own eyes the discomfort that confronts new students when they are suddenly dropped into utterly foreign crowds. Once his new guides take him under their wing, he observes what goes on behind the scenes of nearly all high schools, whether it be substance use at parties or the constant spread of rumors. Charlie is no stranger to tragedy, which we first find out when he confesses that his best friend committed suicide. As it turns out, he isn't the only one to keep his struggles buried underneath a deceptive exterior. Sam, who appears fearless, is secretly insecure and ends up being used in each of her relationships. Patrick is involved with a closeted football star and is torn apart from him once their secret is exposed. The film seamlessly weaves indie and alternative aesthetics into the scenes to represent the quest for self-identity. Perhaps what struck audiences most about this film was its sincerity and how openly it depicted the trials and tribulations that so many adolescents face today. A key difference that sets it apart from other popular teen movies is the complexity and quirkiness of the central characters. Unlike most examples, these students have exceptionally unique personalities, which in my experience is reflective of how we all are in reality.



Throwback High School Movie Reviews (contains spoilers)


“The Help”: 2011

At the height of segregation in the Jim Crow south, 11 African maids need convincing to come forward and tell their unheard stories to the public. Aspiring journalist “Skeeter,” portrayed by Emma Stone, is deeply disturbed by the mistreatment of “the help” by their white employers, who are in her circle of childhood friends. The difference that sets Skeeter apart from them is the fact that she does not prioritize social status. Instead, she is determined to take a dangerous risk in society: exposing the harsh reality of working for white families in Mississippi. This film is inspiring because it demonstrates the strong will and courage of women to confront the blatant cruelty of the socialites toward their maids. Seeing them protect each other to ensure that their narratives remained anonymous instilled a sense of warmth and admiration inside me. The character I respected most was undoubtedly Aibileen, who had suffered the most yet still acted with dignity and kindness towards everyone. The one questionable aspect brought out in the story was that the maids were too meek to stand up for themselves on their own and relied on Skeeter to help save the day. It had an element of “white saviorism,” where the development of the white character was the main focus of the movie. However, their strength and fearlessness did come to light when they admitted the extent of hardship they had to endure. The movie did a brilliant job of showing the varying points of view of the different women. Minny Jackson, Aibileen’s best friend, sought revenge as often as she could and had a much more audacious personality than the brave yet reserved Aibileen. Both the heroines and villains in the tale were portrayed by inspiring actresses, weaving humor and sadness together to craft a powerful story teaching lessons of resistance and assertion. Watch this film, and witness how exposing the truth makes a difference in society.

“Radioactive”: 2019

One of the most remarkable scientists in our history, Marie Curie has not only become the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, but the first person in history to win two of these prestigious awards. “Radioactive” follows Marie Curie who, driven by her obsession with science and fierce determination, makes pioneering discoveries in both chemistry and physics, forever changing the worlds of medicine and warfare. The film begins with an elderly Curie being wheeled into the hospital where she reminisces about her journey that led to her becoming the trailblazer she is today. Her journey starts in 1893 when she crosses paths with future lab partner and husband Pierre Curie. The two end up conducting research together despite her insisting that she came to Paris from Poland to study. After their famous discovery of radium and polonium, a montage of mysterious scenes from the future foreshadow the dangers of radioactivity, and a dancer who wishes to use radium for special effects is given a particular focus. The director clearly tries to marry the science with a more artistic kind of creativity, but at some points it seems as if the story goes off in different directions aimlessly. I would have liked to see more of the positive impacts of Curie’s work as opposed to the overarching cynical perspective: A major focus was on the development of the atomic bomb and how her discovery led to events such as the Chernobyl disaster in the 80s. While the film offered insight into her life’s tragedies, such as the graphic death of Pierre, and her imperfections as a person, the sequence made the story feel too dark rather than uplifting. At the end of the day, it was an engaging account of Curie’s life and showed what it meant to be a female genius at that point in history. The theme I took away from the film was that science can either be glorious or disastrous, depending on whose hands it is in. 

“Million Dollar Baby”: 2004

This poignant and tragic film is a must-watch if you’re looking for a simple yet touching experience. I am generally not one for boxing movies, but this one far exceeded my expectations. Frankie Dunn, a cantankerous old man with a painful past, is initially reluctant to train Maggie Fitzgerald, rejecting her because of her gender, race, and lack of experience. In spite of his repeated refusals, Maggie persists, showing up at the gym every day from dawn to dusk until his best friend convinces him to take her on. It is here that the story begins — and where Frankie and Maggie’s father-daughter bond starts to form. As she trains, the story continues to be told through the eyes of Frankie’s best friend “Scrap,” who sheds light on Frankie and Maggie’s own sorrows. Morgan Freeman tenderly narrates the film as it develops each of the characters, showing me the true nature of life without any sugar coating. Frankie Dunn has a tough exterior but conceals his sadness from being separated from his daughter. For 23 years he goes to church and sends her letters, praying that some miracle will arrive. Clint Eastwood brings real soul to his character Dunn who seems rough around the edges but is truly devoted to the things he loves. Maggie Fitzgerald, who is said to be from “somewhere between nowhere and goodbye” in Missouri, had spent the last fifteen years waitressing to look after her dysfunctional family. Boxing gives her life direction and purpose, and with Frankie at her side, she rises to stardom. Watching Maggie emerge victorious time and time again and hearing the crowd chant her nickname macushla made it seem as if I was sharing her success. Her matches around the world built up to her fight against the most formidable opponent she would ever face, Billie “The Blue Bear,” notorious for playing dirty. The scene ended with a fatal blow to Maggie’s head when she wasn’t looking, sending her straight to the hospital. It was heartbreaking to watch Maggie regress until finally, she asked Frankie to end her life. This tragic ending made many question the movie’s feminist themes and whether it was hinting that Maggie really should have steered away from boxing. My view is that Maggie was strong and passionate enough to fulfill her dreams and make life worthwhile.

“Bend it like Beckham”: 2002

In contrast to the more serious dramas included on this list, this is the ultimate “feel-good” movie whose relatable characters and humorous dialogue will, without a doubt, put you in a good mood. Set in West London, “Bend it like Beckham” follows an Indian-American teenager deprived of her dream to play professional soccer by her strict parents. Being a girl, she is told that her transition to maturity should just be towards marriage— when in fact, she outshines the boys in her neighborhood as an athlete when she sneaks out to practice. While this is a recurrent storyline in several films, I, along with my family, consider it to be refreshingly unique and well rounded in the ways that it incorporates all of the elements of life during a girl’s impressionable years. As a member of the Indian community myself, I found the demands forced onto Jess, the protagonist, to learn how to cook traditional dishes hilarious, and I was able to closely connect with the overall setting of the movie for similar reasons. However, the movie is something to be enjoyed by all, as it deals with what everyone goes through at some point in their lives, whether it be friendship, cultural identity, romance, or future aspirations. Personally, the charm and appeal from this movie lay in the characters’ quirks: how Jess’s confidant was her massive David Beckham poster on the ceiling, how her best friend, Jules, tried hard to disguise herself as a tomboy, and how Pinky, despite her superficial tendencies, constantly supported her sister. Jess’s resolve and athletic prowess as a woman is a real inspiration for young girls around the world who are interested in sports but are under the impression that the role of an athlete is not meant for them. Some may say that the ending is too dreamy and unrealistic, but it effectively conveys that gender and background should never prevent the fulfillment of someone’s true potential. 

Explore female representation in films during Women’s History Month

Perched high on her father’s shoulders as a toddler, Sofia Schreiber marveled at the floating orange drapes displayed at Central Park’s famous art exhibit, “The Gates.” Little did she know that admiring this exhibit would be the first of many experiences throughout her entire artistic journey.

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Schreiber spent her early childhood years in Hoboken, New Jersey — an urban environment where art flooded the streets, walls, buildings, and parks. From that point onwards, creativity has been a part of her very being. Primarily focused on the art of theater, Sofia has helped assemble the sets for many high school productions and plans to continue cultivating her passion in The Boston University College of Fine Arts. Despite having a clear career path in mind, she has never restricted herself to one art form.

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When did you find your passion for art? 

Well, I mostly started out with visual art. [Art] has always been ingrained in me since birth. I remember, specifically, I got this easel for my third birthday, and there were so many pictures of me standing on a little red stool scribbling on the easel. I did a lot of drawing. But I really got serious about art when I started taking ceramics classes at the Arts Council. I enjoyed 3D and started exploring sculpture and creating spaces with art, which was really cool. [After that] I started doing tech crew.

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Who is your inspiration for art as well as your favorite artists? 
[I’ve had] two teachers who are also professional artists. One is Barbara de Lorenzo, an illustrator. She’s been so sweet, and she's helped me put together my portfolio. [Another is] my ceramics teacher, Rebecca Graham. She makes these awesome sculptures [out of clay] like puppets. [Ms. Graham] puts them together with objects [she finds] and wire. [Ultimately,] she inspired me to start doing mixed media work, which is really fun. [My] favorite artists [are] Maya Lin, Andy Goldsworthy, and Ai Weiwei. There’s a piece at Storm King [Art Center,] a sculpture garden in upstate New York, by Andy Goldsworthy. It’s basically a stone wall that goes through the whole park, made out of the stones he found in the park. When my mom was pregnant with me, she took a picture standing next to the wall, and I’ve always loved that picture. During sophomore year, we went on a field trip there and I found the exact spot that she stood at and recreated the picture.

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What childhood experiences shaped you as an artist? 
Until I was three, I lived in Hoboken, New Jersey. It was really fun living in a more city environment, really close to New York City, and it’s shaped my love for cities because there was always so much art around. Specifically, I remember the artists Christo and Jeanne Claude who did an installation at Central Park called “The Gates.” There were all these orange gates throughout Central Park, probably 1000 of them. My parents took me there when I was three, and I remember loving it so much. I would sit on my dad’s shoulders and touch all of them as we went by. Just being surrounded by art from a really young age made me fall in love with it even more.

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Have you tried experimenting with different art mediums? 
I love experimenting all the time! I’ve tried everything from knitting to wire work. My favorites are probably watercolor, clay, and drawing. I’m always up for trying new things, so I’ve experimented with paper, yarn, and textile collages. There’s one piece that just makes me smile and it’s a fun piece that I did. It was [a] fabric paper collage. I made this chicken, named Patricia, and she’s a very eccentric chicken. She’s just fun and I hung [her] up on the wall.. Every time I walk by, it makes me smile!

How do you stay motivated during the pandemic? 
I guess it is kind of hard to stay motivated when there’s nothing to do, especially when there’s no real in-person theater productions happening right now at the school. [However,] the technical director, Jeff Van Velsor, made me his design assistant this year. I’ve been working on different aspects of theater, [such as] digital posters for all the shows, and how we can make a Zoom show more interesting, design wise. I also try to keep a sketchbook [to] draw something each day, even if it’s five minutes each day [or] drawing a pencil on my table. 

Shumona Bhattacharjya's Work