The student news site of Brookline High School

The Cypress
The student news site of Brookline High School

The Cypress
The student news site of Brookline High School

The Cypress
Luca Kelley Nielsen

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Editor-in-Chief

Luca is currently a senior at Brookline High School and has been on the Sagamore’s staff since 2019. In addition to working for the paper, he enjoys running, swimming and hiking in the White Mountains. He especially likes watching his favorite soccer team, Arsenal, always underperform in the Premier League.

All content by Luca Kelley Nielsen
The Brookline School Committee (BSC) convened virtually via Zoom on March 24 at 6 p.m. to discuss recent efforts throughout the district, listen to community members on raised issues and discuss new potential policies that could be adopted soon.

Brookline School Committee highlights efforts throughout community and introduces policies

Luca Kelley Nielsen and Nate Parry Luff
March 26, 2022
BSC members Mariah Nobrega and Steven Ehrenberg presented a draft of a statement by the BSC displaying their reactions to recent racial incidents and actions they are taking to combat discrimination and improve the schools as a whole.

Brookline School Committee listens to problems regarding racist incidents and plans course of action

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Editor-in-Chief
March 23, 2022
Students walked out on March 16 at 11 a.m. to protest responses by school administration towards recent racist events. Jaelyn Onuoha addressed the crowd of students, teachers and staff.

Students walk out to protest racist events at the high school

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Anika Mayar, and Taj Horowitz
March 16, 2022
The Brookline School Committee (BSC) convened virtually on Jan. 20 at 6:15 p.m. to show appreciation for all nurses in Public Schools of Brookline and to discuss potential plans for next year's budget.

Brookline School Committee honors groups and discusses 2023 budget

Luca Kelley Nielsen and Zoe Brooks
January 22, 2022
Expert Advisory Panel 4: Public Health, Safety and Logistics convened virtually via Zoom on Jan. 7 at 3 p.m. to review COVID-19 public guidelines amidst a rise in cases and the Omicron variant.

Expert Advisory Panel 4 re-evaluates safety policies amidst COVID-19 Omicron variant surge

Luca Kelley Nielsen and Anya Rao
January 8, 2022
The Brookline School Committee (BSC) convened virtually on Jan. 6 at 6:15 p.m. to hear community members and their concerns throughout the district through their public comment session.

Brookline School Committee honors organizations and listens to problems in community

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Editor-in-Chief
January 8, 2022
This year, teachers have been forced to juggle their personal and professional lives as the transition through the pandemic continues.

You aren’t alone; teachers are stressed too

Anya Rao and Luca Kelley Nielsen
January 6, 2022
Head of School Anthony Meyer called for a homework-free weekend this weekend amidst higher levels of student stress.

Administration attempts to ease student stress with homework-free weekend

Anya Rao and Luca Kelley Nielsen
October 13, 2021
The Brookline Educators Union (BEU) postponed the high school's Back to School Night in light of failed contract negotiations and lack of transparency with the Brookline School Committee (BSC).

Brookline Educators Union postpones Back to School Night

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Editor-in-Chief
October 9, 2021
The School Policy Review Subcommittee convened virtually on Sep. 13 at 6 p.m. to discuss the possibility of incorporating a student COVID-19 vaccine mandate into policy.

School Policy Review Subcommittee considers student vaccine mandate

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Editor-in-Chief
September 16, 2021
The Brookline School Committee convened virtually on Sep. 9 at 6 p.m. to discuss the new COVID-19 vaccination for all PSB staff and the reopening of schools for the new school year.

Brookline School Committee mandates COVID-19 vaccination for staff with full in-person learning

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Editor-in-Chief
September 11, 2021
After nearly a year and a half of previews, leaks and listening parties, Kanye West's 10th studio album, Donda, was finally released on Sunday, Aug. 29.

Album Review: Donda

Luca Kelley Nielsen and Taj Horowitz
September 11, 2021
The School Policy Review Subcommittee convened virtually via Zoom on Jun. 14 at 4:30 p.m. to finalize their recommendation to the Brookline School Committee and Select Board to end the School Resource Officer (SRO) program.

School Policy Review Subcommittee finalizes recommendation to end SRO program

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Editor-in-Chief
June 16, 2021
The Brookline School Committee (BSC) convened virtually via Zoom on Jun. 14 at 6 p.m. to discuss plans for staffing next year, concluding works of the subcommittees and panels and thanking individuals for their work throughout the past year.

Brookline School Committee prepares for next year and recognizes help from outside experts

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Editor-in-Chief
June 15, 2021
The Brookline School Committee (BSC) discussed new warrant articles presented by community members and plans to finalize the FY22 budget

Brookline School Committee addresses logistics of new warrant articles

Luca Kelley Nielsen
April 15, 2021
The Brookline School Committee (BSC) discussed upcoming plans for returning students to PSB buildings for in-person learning and details regarding the next fiscal year budget

Brookline School Committee addresses return to in-person learning and town budget

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
March 26, 2021
The Brookline High School Speech and Debate Club meets via Zoom every Wednesday evening to prepare for upcoming tournaments and events

Speech and Debate Club thrives in student-run environment

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
March 25, 2021
The Brookline School Committee (BSC) met on Wednesday, Feb. 23 to hold a public forum for comments and opinions from community members about students potentially returning to school.

Brookline School Committee holds open forum to discuss students returning to school

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
February 25, 2021
Area residents waiting in line at the St. Paul Street Church location of the Brookline Food Pantry. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the food pantry has seen more visitors as the problem of food insecurity grows. According to Barbara Trevisan of Pine Street Inn, food insecurity and homelessness are often linked to one another.

Homeless support networks combat challenges of COVID-19

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
February 18, 2021
Located in Roslindale, Mass., The Thrift Shop of Boston offers affordable clothing and accessories to support a beneficial cause for the local community.

The Thrift Shop of Boston offers affordable essentials to support a good cause

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
February 13, 2021
The Somerville Winter Farmers Market offers a wide variety of foods from local vendors the community can support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Somerville Winter Farmer’s Market connects small businesses to local community

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
December 23, 2020
With the 2020 holiday season approaching near us, we have gathered a list of potential gifts to give to someone you love.

2020 Holiday Gift Ideas from The Sagamore

Charlotte Foote and Luca Kelley Nielsen
December 8, 2020
Middle Ground Initiative researches stigmas about voting and involvement in politics within the Asian-American community.

Middle Ground Initiative encourages Asian-Americans to become more involved in voting

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
November 21, 2020
The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) offers a diverse set of artwork that helps disconnect from the stresses of everyday life.

Museum of Fine Arts connects today’s culture with past works

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
November 16, 2020
The Brookline School Committee (BSC) convened virtually to discuss issues with the Brookline Educators Union (BEU) and anxiety around students and teachers transitioning to the hybrid model

Brookline School Committee addresses transparencies with community

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
November 7, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a variety of successes and failures in global and domestic affairs. With some countries ignoring lockdown procedures and others shutting down virtually every aspect of their economy, comparing them provides insight towards what has helped.

Diplomatic Immunity: COVID-19

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
October 30, 2020
This year's freshman play, "Check Please" went through the mixed experiences of online dating. Hosted by the BHS Drama Society, the play was presented via Zoom.

“Check Please” takes advantage of virtual format to show struggles of online dating

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
October 30, 2020
Former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an advocate for women's rights and protecting minorities through legislation. Through her work and constant effort to create change, she left a legacy that Brookline students and teachers hold close by.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg inspires activism for Brookline

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
October 18, 2020
The Brookline School Committee convened virtually at 6 p.m. on August 4 to discuss plans for the upcoming 2020 - 2021 school year. For the high school, the student body would be separated into 2 cohorts, with both of them having two and a half days of in-person learning. Wednesday would have a two hour transitional period where faculty would sanitize the buildings and students would enter and exit.

Brookline School Committee presents reopening plans for 2020 – 2021 school year

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
August 5, 2020
The Expert Advisory Panel 2 met on June 30 to discuss the role of physical education amidst the plans of school re-openings. Panel members emphasized the benefits of physical education on students mental health.

Expert Advisory Panel 2 focuses on ties between physical education and student mental health

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
July 1, 2020
School Curriculum Subcommittee members met on June 23 to discuss a new mathematics curriculum to accommodate the struggles of remote learning, specifically the METCO and Steps To Success Programs

School Curriculum Subcommittee meeting accommodates struggles with remote learning

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
June 25, 2020
The Expert Advisory Panel 2 met on June 23 to discuss methods of student support and incorporating wellness into the fall semester.

Expert Advisory Panel 2 discusses wellness initiatives and supports for returning students

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
June 25, 2020
The School Committee Finance Subcommittee met on June 23 to discuss plans for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and department fees for the 2020-21 school year.

Finance Subcommittee holds meeting to discuss summer programs and fees

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
June 25, 2020
John Mande shared some of his experiences with institutional racism and police brutality at the Humanize Black Voices event on June 20.

Humanize Black Voices offers a platform for discussion on racial biases

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
June 24, 2020
Protestors march down Harvard Street on June 19, 2020 in a demonstration against police brutality and racism. Over 4,500 people attended the event.

Local activists call for police reform during Juneteenth protest

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
June 21, 2020
THe Expert Advisory Panel 4 met on June 20 to discuss different plans for COVID-19 testing for when schools re-open in September.

Expert Advisory Panel 4 discusses COVID-19 testing plans for schools

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
June 20, 2020
The four panels of the Remote Learning Task Force met June 19 to discuss plans for the reopening of schools in September. Education equity, student experience and health protocols were all reviewed in the meeting.

Remote Learning Task Force meets to discuss potential plans for Brookline schools in September

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
June 19, 2020
Finance Subcommittee members met Tuesday to discuss the budget for the coming school year. Interim Superintendent Ben Lummis reviewed budget uncertainty in regards to programs to the Brookline Early Education Program (BEEP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).

Finance Subcommittee holds meeting to discuss 2020-2021 budget

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
June 16, 2020
Members of the Brookline School Committee (BSC) convened over Zoom on June 15 at 6 pm to discuss policy issues, specifically as they pertained to the Hancock Village construction project.

School committee meeting addresses longstanding policy issues

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
June 16, 2020
Members of the BEU, BSC and BPO met over Zoom on June 7 to discuss the coming school year and the issuing of RIFs to paraprofessionals in the district.

Teachers union responds to beginning of layoff recalls

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Staff Writer
June 8, 2020
Residents honored the life of George Floyd with a mural in Minneapolis, the city where Floyd lived and was murdered.

Timeline of George Floyd and national protests

Luca Kelley Nielsen, News Editor
June 7, 2020
Students and educators gather together to support the over 300 teachers who were issued pink slips in the last few days.

Community rallies in public support of laid off teachers

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Staff Writer
June 2, 2020
Troy Polamalu

Troy Polamalu

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Staff Writer
June 1, 2020
Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Staff Writer
June 1, 2020
Chloe Kim

Chloe Kim

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Staff Writer
June 1, 2020
Vera Wang

Vera Wang

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Staff Writer
June 1, 2020
George Takei

George Takei

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Staff Writer
June 1, 2020
Located in Washington D.C., the United States Capitol is home to the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Timeline of federal actions to end COVID-19

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Staff Writer
May 21, 2020
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recently held a virtual meeting to discuss COVID-19. During this meeting, public health leaders in the state addressed safety precautions that should be taken and common misconceptions about the virus.

Department of Public Health holds discussion on COVID-19

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Staff Writer
May 6, 2020
This graph depicts the annual GDP, CO2 and CO2/GDP changes since 1990.

COVID-19 leads to decrease in global carbon emissions

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Staff Writer
April 29, 2020
COVID-19 has impacted 210 countries as of April 26. Some of these countries are Canada, South Korea, Germany, South Africa, Russia, Brazil, Italy, Sweden and Singapore. The darker the red on the map, the more cases the country has.

International Efforts To End COVID-19

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Staff Writer
April 27, 2020
The boys and girls crew team goes to Texas every year during February break to start practicing on the water for the spring season. The trip allows for the rowers to get to know one another on a deeper level.

Texas rowing trip allows teammates to come together on and off the water

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Staff Writer
April 12, 2020
Michael's Deli

Michael’s Deli

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Staff Writer
April 4, 2020
Sanela Salon

Sanela Salon

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Staff Writer
April 4, 2020
Senior Hannah Ernst works on a painting in AP portfolio. Through the curriculum, many skills they have developed through previous art classes have shone through in their assignments.

Advanced Placement art fosters independence

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Staff Writer
March 3, 2020
Even with her busy class schedule, social studies teacher Kate Leslie makes it a priority to connect with her students and organize events like Day of Dialogue.

Leslie uses past experience to enrich teaching

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Staff Writer
February 27, 2020
Deborah Miller

Deborah Miller

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Staff Writer
January 9, 2020
Clubs plan events and reach out for fundraising

Clubs plan events and reach out for fundraising

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Staff Writer
December 3, 2019

Native American Heritage Month: Deb Haaland

Luca Kelley Nielsen, Staff Writer
November 1, 2019
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The student news site of Brookline High School
Luca Kelley Nielsen