The Blotter; Faculty Feature and Hallway Changes
The Berkeley Carroll Blotter is proud to present its 22nd weekly Newsletter with the Upper School! In this week’s main item, Senior Spotlight Writer Maggie G. 25’ provides a deep dive into the winding career of BC’s reputed admissions officer Ms Brown. Later, Opinion Editor Dylan A. 26’ posits that the New York Times games are America’s most beguiling pastime, and Student Life Editor Genevieve E. 26’ provides both pro and con opinions on the new “no eating in the atrium hallway” mandate. This week in “The Lion’s Den,” Senior Sports Editor James K. ‘26 debriefs the highly controversial Dončić-Davis trade, detailing its far-reaching impacts on the sports world. Scroll down for The Blotter’s 10-Item Global News column, as well as student life updates, community-time details, and game recaps/postings. We urge everyone to submit pieces at this link, and/or advertise interscholastic events here. Happy reading!
Editor-in-Chief, Kaya Costom
Faculty Spotlight: Ms. Brown
Maggie Graham
We all know Ms. Brown for her optimistic and outgoing attitude, however, not all of us have gotten to work closely with our hardworking and charismatic admissions officer. You may not know that Ms. Brown grew up in a bedroom community in Milburn, New Jersey, and was engrossed in the theater program at her high school. Her biggest and most memorable role was playing lead Fanny Bryce in Funny Girl. Ms. Brown then went on to attend Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts where she majored in theater and psychology.
After finishing college, Ms. Brown immediately moved to New York City, where she worked in the hotel business. She was living in an apartment on 22nd Street until it suddenly burnt down, leaving her with no place to stay. Denied by American businesswoman, Leona Helmsley, from living in the current hotel she worked at, she moved back to her parent's house and couch surfed for around six months until she moved to Stuyvesant Town until they rebuilt her building. Ten years later, a lawsuit from the fire settled at a perfect time, allowing them to pay off their apartment.
Ms. Brown worked the bulk of her career in the hotel business, which she highly recommends. Working as a concierge at highly regarded hotels in New York City was all about making connections and meeting the guests at these hotels; she would recommend activities, restaurants, and areas of the city to them. Ms. Brown raves about the camaraderie, community, and fun of the hotel business. Although it may seem highly different from her career now in admissions, it makes sense that Ms. Brown is using her charismatic skills to accurately demonstrate the great aspects of restaurants, services in the city, and now our school.
Ms. Brown accredits the hotel business to thank for her marriage, as she met her current husband Vincent while working at the Westbury Hotel; she was concierge while he was the office manager. Ms. Brown tells me that they actually had to hide their relationship from their fellow co-workers for two years until after they left their jobs at the Westbury, as to not create drama in the industry. Eventually, they left the hotel business when a new director of personnel arrived at the hotel and fired everyone. Though they lost their jobs, the couple was at last, able to unite in public. While Vincent went on to work in restaurants, Ms. Brown went on to host events at a pharmaceutical company for a former guest at a hotel she worked at. She then worked at a two-person managing director financial company in Connecticut where she tells me that she once threw a party for eight hundred guests.
Right after 9/11, Ms. Brown took a few years off of work before resuming her career path at Poly Prep where she worked in admissions. In 2013, Ms. Brown came to work at Berkeley Carroll and has been here ever since. We are so grateful she decided to come here after her fruitful career earlier in life, as she has been a huge asset since arriving.
Ms. Brown usually walks to school from Cobble Hill, recommending the walk for any that has the time and ease, saying it is a relaxing and refreshing way to start the day. A usual day for her differs whether in the fall, winter, or spring. Often in the fall, her days consist of interviewing prospective middle school students. In winter once admissions season ends, Ms. Brown is hard at work with her colleagues to decide who our admitted students will be.
Ms. Brown has remained working at Berkeley Carroll because she remains happy and eager to be at work. Her favorite part of Berkeley Carroll is the students. When asked what her first answer is when a prospective student asks why they should come to Berkeley Carroll she answers, “The community, Berkeley Carroll harbors such an accepting and loving community.” Although Ms. Brown has weaved her way through many different career paths, she loves working in admissions because she is finding her way to accurately present the amazing aspects of Berkeley Carroll, and as well prospective students are doing the same for themselves.
You may also not know that Ms. Brown has a 26-year-old son named Sebastian who attended Dickinson University and spent a year abroad in Greece. He now lives nearby, in Greenpoint with his girlfriend he met in college. Ms. Brown has led a rich and experience-filled life and is full of advice and book recommendations. I highly recommend stopping by to chat, and I know she would love to offer some of her amazing insight to fellow students at Berkeley Carroll.
Are NYT Games America’s New Pastime?
Dylan Angel
In late 2021, a new game swept the nation. Not Candy Crush. Not Subway Surfers. It was a game of sophistication—Wordle. The New York Times acquired Wordle from a Brooklyn based engineer, Josh Wardle. With just six guesses to guess a five-letter word, the game unexpectedly sparked a craze unlike any other. Scores were posted, and words were spoiled—everybody was on the trend. As Wordle dominated screens, other New York Times games rode this wave of popularity. Although the Mini Crossword launched in 2014, it didn’t reach its current heights until Wordle took center stage. The release of Connections in 2023 was also a huge hit, attracting many of the same users that fell victim to the sensation that was–and still is–Wordle.
But what makes these games so addicting? It combines the addictive frustration of mobile gaming with the illusion of productivity. I can rage quit the Mini, re-open it an hour later, quit again, open it back up, quit again—and still feel as though I’m expanding my mental capacity. Magic. Beyond that, Wordle only allows for one round of each game per day, preventing burnout.
Nowadays most media is binge-able. But instead of binging Connections for three days straight and then getting sick of it, players return like clockwork each day eager for a new challenge. Not only is this limited-access model refreshing, but it also keeps people engaged. After eagerly waiting for 24 hours, using your six guesses to land on the word “brief” is all the more satisfying.
These games also create a daily sense of competition against yourself and your previous scores, as well as against your peers. Each day your Wordle guess count, Mini time, or whether or not you found success in Connections, all become points of comparison. Sharing scores with the friend sitting next to you in class as you both procrastinate work has become a daily ritual, and one that doesn’t seem to be fading anytime soon.
10-Item News
Cleo Logan
1/27/25
On February 4th, President Trump introduced a 10% tariff on all Chinese goods imported into the US. This was the first tariff Trump imposed. China responded to the tariff by imposing a 15% tax on US coal and on some US cars, machinery, and crude oil. Trump also threatened to impose tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico but has paused the effort for 30 days, during which both Canada and Mexico agreed to strengthen border security.
On January 29th, more than 60 people were killed when a commercial American Airlines flight collided with a US Army training helicopter and crashed into DC’s Potomac River. The flight was expected to land at the Reagan National Airport and air traffic control staffing was reportedly lower than usual when the crash occurred.
On Tuesday, February 4th, the Senate Finance Committee voted 14 to 13 in Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 's favor for him to become the US Health Secretary. The vote forwarded Kennedy’s nomination to the full Senate with “a recommendation of approval” (NY Times). RFK’s nomination is highly controversial due to his skepticism surrounding certain vaccines, and potential financial conflicts of interests.
Federal employees have faced much uncertainty in the weeks following President Trump’s inauguration. On January 20th, Trump announced a federal hiring freeze; he then announced an end to remote federal work and redesignated thousands of civil servant positions. Most recently, on February 4th, Trump announced a "deferred resignation program", giving employees until February 6th to leave their jobs and get paid through September.
On February 4th, ten people died in a school shooting in Sweden, the worst school shooting to ever happen in the country. The shooting took place at a school for adults in the city of Orebro, and the gunman is believed to be dead.
In a meeting between President Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu on February 4th, Trump declared that all Palestinians should leave Gaza and endorsed a permanent relocation of Gazans to other countries. In addition, he proposed that the United States should take over the Gaza Strip.
As part of his anti-DEI agenda, President Trump said on January 30th that there will be a freeze on celebrating MLK Day, Black History Month, Pride Month, and eight other holidays.
On Tuesday evening, February 4, the first group of migrants arrived at Guantánamo Bay, a US military base in Cuba infamous for inhumane treatment of detainees. The base was used to detain members of Al Qaeda after the events of September 11th, 2001.
At the Grammy Awards on Sunday the 2nd, Beyoncé won album of the year and best country album for “Cowboy Carter”. Other top winners included Kendrick Lamar winning both Song and Record of the Year for “Not Like Us” and Chappell Roan winning the Grammy for Best New Artist.
Many LA residents are ready to begin rebuilding their homes after the devastating wildfires that swept across California in the past weeks. However, before any rebuilding efforts can be carried out, toxic materials and debris need to be completely cleared out from the area; officials say that it could take more than a year for some parts of the state to be ready for rebuilding.
Berkeley Carroll Hallway Eating Ban Sparks Debate
Genevive E. ‘25
Last week, Upper School Director Jane Moore announced a ban on eating/snacking outside the cafeteria and designated classrooms. This decision, outlined in an email to the Upper School, was prompted by recent sightings of mice throughout the building.
Mixed opinions have arisen as a result of this new rule. Linus R. ‘26 shared, “If you’re eating lunch, it’s reasonable to have to eat in the cafeteria. However, this seems like a short-term problem. Once we get the mice problem under control, we should get the privilege back.” However, despite some opposition, most people I talked to supported the ban—after all, no one really wants to see mice running around the hallways during the school day.
Faculty members, especially those working on the first floor, have had a more personal experience with the issue. Director of Admissions Vannessa Prescott didn’t see a mouse itself, but found droppings and the chewed-up office supplies it left behind. She expressed firm support for the ban saying: “We didn’t have the issues of mice prior to the new rule of students being allowed to eat in the hallways. The fact is that it was a lovely privilege given to the students, but unfortunately, not all have the maturity to remember to consistently clean up after themselves. We need to understand that we live in New York City. Every home has rodents no matter what you do, but here’s the key: they don’t come into the buildings unless there’s a reason to come in.”
While some students remain hopeful that the privilege to enjoy lunch throughout the building will be reinstated eventually, this issue isn’t entirely about rodents–it’s about responsibility. Until students can prove they can maintain a cleaner environment, the hallway eating ban is likely here to stay.
Community Time 2/10 - 2/14
Monday: Co Curriculars
Tuesday: Affinity Groups
Wednesday: Advising
Thursday: Grade Meeting
Friday: Senior Speakers
Mavericks to Lakers
James Kirven
The NBA landscape was left stunned on Sunday, February 2, after one of the most shocking trades in sports history: the Los Angeles Lakers acquired generational superstar Luka Dončić, as well as Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris from the Dallas Mavericks, trading for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round draft pick.
Many fans were quick to question why the Mavericks would trade Dončić, who was widely regarded as the franchise’s cornerstone and future. Luka Dončić is a five time All-NBA selection, last season’s scoring champion, and led the Mavericks to the NBA finals last year. The Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison justified his decision by citing concerns about Donicic’s durability and lack of defense. The entire Mavericks organization was caught by surprise, as Nico Harrison didn’t even let Mavericks coach Jason Kidd know about the trade. Dončić himself was of course caught by surprise, reportedly buying a 15 million dollar house in Dallas just a week prior.
As for the Lakers, however, Dončić could become their next franchise superstar for years to come. Pairing Dončić with LeBron James could create a dominant duo that makes a run to the Finals in the Western Conference. Dončić made his Lakers debut on Monday night in a 132-113 victory against the Utah Jazz.
Many questions are still left unanswered as to what caused this blockbuster deal. Did the Mavericks just seal their championship fate?
Game Results from the Week of 2/03 - 2/07:
Monday 2/03:
Girls and NB Varsity Basketball 70-76 loss against The Stony Brook School
Wednesday 2/05:
Girls and NB Varsity Basketball 28-40 loss against Trevor Day
Boys and NB Varsity Basketball loss against Columbia Prep
Thursday 2/06:
Girls and NB Varsity Basketball 33-50 loss against Avenues
Friday 2/07:
Boys and NB JV Basketball loss against Avenues
Boys and NB Varsity Basketball 58-57 win against Avenues
Saturday 2/08:
Boys and NB Varsity Basketball 47-49 loss against Packer
Monday 2/10:
Girls and NB Varsity Basketball 37-30 win against Dwight
Boys and NB Varsity Basketball win against Dwight
Upcoming Games for the Week of 2/11 - 2/14:
Tuesday 2/11:
Girls and NB JV Basketball
ISAL - Semifinal
Wednesday 2/12:
Boys and NB JV Basketball vs. ACIS - Athletic League Semi Finals
TBD
Girls and NB Varsity Basketball vs. ACIS - Athletic League Semi Finals
TBD
Boys and NB Varsity Basketball vs. ACIS - Athletic League Semi Finals
TBD
Thursday 2/13:
Girls and NB JV Basketball
ISAL - Final
Friday 2/14:
Girls and NB Varsity Basketball vs. ACIS - Athletic League Finals
TBD
Boys and NB JV Basketball vs. ACIS - Athletic League Finals
TBD
Boys and NB Varsity Basketball vs. ACIS - Athletic League Finals
TBD