Features

Plans Subject to Change

A student reflects on the culture surrounding planning at Stuyvesant and what happens when careful plans don’t work out.

Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna

Putting mehndi (henna) on one’s nails isn’t very common for people within my age group, but it has become an important reminder of growth and commitment in my personal life.

Swara and Solfa: How Music Has Shaped My Bicultural Identity

Finding my voice in the intersection of my Indian and American cultures.

When Should You Take the SAT?

Students share the numerous pros and cons of different SAT testing dates, explaining their decisions and providing insight into the significance of the date that a student takes the exam.

What Is It Like to Be a Koi Fish Owner?

How I resonate with and pity these fragile Koi fish, despite them representing good luck and fortune.

Coming Back Different

Students explore what a glow-up truly is, and why summer is its favorite season.

Deconstructing Discovery

Uncovering the Discovery program's controversies.

Practicing Sincerity

A student reflects on the complication of authenticity.

Assistant Principal of English and Secret Guitarist: Mr. Grossman

Assistant Principal of English Eric Grossman explains his journey in joining the Stuyvesant community and reflects on his English teachings.

A Surreal Experience: Oratorio’s Magical Performance at Lincoln Center

Stuyvesant’s Oratorio Choir recently performed at Lincoln Center, a unique opportunity that brought the choir together through an incredible amount of hard work to create an amazing experience.

Noa Salas Adam's Closing Comment

Noa Salas Adam's closing comment.

More Than the Shape of My Lip

Being born with a cleft lip inevitably exposed me to judgmental stares and unwanted attention, but the journey shaped my understanding to embrace my differences as strengths, not abnormalities.

Students Open Up About the “Tiger Parent” Stereotype

How effective is “tiger parenting?” Stuyvesant students express their thoughts regarding an infamous parenting style, tiger parenting, an authoritative approach that emphasizes the importance of high academic performance and obedience.

“Back in My Day, We Took More Than a Train to School”

A deep-dive into the experiences of students commuting to Stuyvesant.

Where in the School is Geography?

Schools’ lack of priority in subjects like geography has contributed to gaps in knowledge among future generations of students.

Dealt a New Hand: How Students Filled the Phone Ban Gap

As Stuyvesant’s phone ban comes to the end of its first year, students are increasingly using card games as a primary form of social interaction during free periods, reshaping the atmosphere of lunchrooms and hallways and sparking broader debate.

Empanadas, Franglais, and Names

A reflection on being multicultural and how it influences my identity.

2026-2027 Student Union Endorsements

Endorsements for the 2026-2027 Student Union.

Reflecting on the Phone Ban

Months after its implementation, Stuyvesant’s phone ban has produced mixed results—boosting focus for some students while disturbing schoolwork and time management for others.

Red Light, Green Light: Our Thoughts on the DOE’s New AI Guidelines

The Spectator's editorial piece on the DOE's new AI guidelines.

Fight Child Marriage: Ending the Cycle of Systemic Oppression

Child marriage is a societal issue that should not be ignored. The lack of awareness about child marriage and action against it inspired the start of the club Fight Child Marriage at Stuyvesant High School.

The Unsung Educators: Tutoring at Stuyvesant

A deep dive into the tutoring ecosystem in Stuyvesant.

Zucker’s, the Business That Keeps Students Coming Back

Both Zucker’s customers and manager share what makes the bagel shop such a popular spot.

Imagining InterSING!

The Stuyvesant Spectator's editorial piece for issue 11, volume 116.

Finding Connection Through Connections: The Rise of Daily Puzzle Culture

The rise in popularity of The New York Times games, as well as puzzle culture in general, reflects how our generation seeks quick and daily mental challenges that shape habits and build communities.

The Perfect Summer Treat: 16 Handles or Downtown Yogurt?

Through interviews and firsthand experiences, students and employees compare 16 Handles and Downtown Yogurt, evaluating everything from toppings to texture to determine which shop comes out on top.

Away from the AP: Advanced Studies U.S. History

A look at the new pilot course: Advanced Studies US History.

“Seeing the Light Bulb Glow”: Mr. Lu, an Educator and Gamer

Mathematics teacher Simon Lu shares his hobbies and what he values within his ethos for teaching.

Stuyvesant’s Student Library Monitors on Duty!

Let’s explore what the library monitors do, what they enjoy about it, and why they choose to volunteer!

StuyAviators Hosts Guest Speaker Air Force Pilot First Lieutenant Cabrera

StuyAviators guest speaker.

A Profile on the Stuyvesant Environmental Club

A profile on Stuy Environmental Club to raise awareness about their causes, what the club does, and to highlight their new plans for the new school year.

Micah Lasher Reflects on His Time at Stuyvesant

The Spectator's interview with Micah Lasher.

Deconstructing Discovery

Uncovering the Discovery program's controversies.

Practicing Sincerity

A student reflects on the complication of authenticity.

Tunes in Turmoil: The Proposed Band Cuts

An exploration of the proposed cuts to Stuyvesant’s band program.

Assistant Principal of English and Secret Guitarist: Mr. Grossman

Assistant Principal of English Eric Grossman explains his journey in joining the Stuyvesant community and reflects on his English teachings.

A Surreal Experience: Oratorio’s Magical Performance at Lincoln Center

Stuyvesant’s Oratorio Choir recently performed at Lincoln Center, a unique opportunity that brought the choir together through an incredible amount of hard work to create an amazing experience.

Noa Salas Adam's Closing Comment

Noa Salas Adam's closing comment.

More Than the Shape of My Lip

Being born with a cleft lip inevitably exposed me to judgmental stares and unwanted attention, but the journey shaped my understanding to embrace my differences as strengths, not abnormalities.

Sharing Stories: Farewell to Ms. Fletcher

Ms. Fletcher reflects on her time at Stuy, what makes it so special, and what she plans to do in retirement.

Students Open Up About the “Tiger Parent” Stereotype

How effective is “tiger parenting?” Stuyvesant students express their thoughts regarding an infamous parenting style, tiger parenting, an authoritative approach that emphasizes the importance of high academic performance and obedience.

More Than Just a Prom Invite: Promposal Culture at Stuyvesant

Promposals are one of the most exciting high school traditions, turning an otherwise ordinary invitation to prom into an extraordinary and memorable experience. What is promposal culture like at Stuyvesant?

“Back in My Day, We Took More Than a Train to School”

A deep-dive into the experiences of students commuting to Stuyvesant.

Reading Between the Lines: Stuzin’s New Media Literacy Class

Stuzin’s new Media Literacy elective is an exciting English elective that is imperative in navigating the growing media landscape of memes, artificial intelligence, and algorithmic filters.

Where in the School is Geography?

Schools’ lack of priority in subjects like geography has contributed to gaps in knowledge among future generations of students.

Proofs, Patterns, Circles, and Sines: Mrs. Sterr

A profile on mathematics teacher May Sterr and the experiences that shaped her journey to teaching Geometry and AP Precalculus at Stuyvesant.

Substituting: Substantive or Sub-optimal?

When students discover their teacher is absent for the day, high expectations and excitement often follow, but the reality of effectiveness in substitute teaching unravels a far more complex story.

Dealt a New Hand: How Students Filled the Phone Ban Gap

As Stuyvesant’s phone ban comes to the end of its first year, students are increasingly using card games as a primary form of social interaction during free periods, reshaping the atmosphere of lunchrooms and hallways and sparking broader debate.

2026 Student Union Endorsements

The Spectator's student union endorsements.

Where Does Robotics’ Money Come From?

An inside look into the business machine powering Stuvesant’s largest student-run organization—and the team of teenagers behind it.

Empanadas, Franglais, and Names

A reflection on being multicultural and how it influences my identity.

2026-2027 Student Union Endorsements

Endorsements for the 2026-2027 Student Union.

Finding Connection Through Connections: The Rise of Daily Puzzle Culture

The rise in popularity of The New York Times games, as well as puzzle culture in general, reflects how our generation seeks quick and daily mental challenges that shape habits and build communities.

The Perfect Summer Treat: 16 Handles or Downtown Yogurt?

Through interviews and firsthand experiences, students and employees compare 16 Handles and Downtown Yogurt, evaluating everything from toppings to texture to determine which shop comes out on top.

Away from the AP: Advanced Studies U.S. History

A look at the new pilot course: Advanced Studies US History.

Reflecting on the Phone Ban

Months after its implementation, Stuyvesant’s phone ban has produced mixed results—boosting focus for some students while disturbing schoolwork and time management for others.

“Seeing the Light Bulb Glow”: Mr. Lu, an Educator and Gamer

Mathematics teacher Simon Lu shares his hobbies and what he values within his ethos for teaching.

Stuyvesant’s Student Library Monitors on Duty!

Let’s explore what the library monitors do, what they enjoy about it, and why they choose to volunteer!

Red Light, Green Light: Our Thoughts on the DOE’s New AI Guidelines

The Spectator's editorial piece on the DOE's new AI guidelines.

Fight Child Marriage: Ending the Cycle of Systemic Oppression

Child marriage is a societal issue that should not be ignored. The lack of awareness about child marriage and action against it inspired the start of the club Fight Child Marriage at Stuyvesant High School.

StuyAviators Hosts Guest Speaker Air Force Pilot First Lieutenant Cabrera

StuyAviators guest speaker.

The Unsung Educators: Tutoring at Stuyvesant

A deep dive into the tutoring ecosystem in Stuyvesant.

Zucker’s, the Business That Keeps Students Coming Back

Both Zucker’s customers and manager share what makes the bagel shop such a popular spot.

Imagining InterSING!

The Stuyvesant Spectator's editorial piece for issue 11, volume 116.

Plans Subject to Change

A student reflects on the culture surrounding planning at Stuyvesant and what happens when careful plans don’t work out.

Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna

Putting mehndi (henna) on one’s nails isn’t very common for people within my age group, but it has become an important reminder of growth and commitment in my personal life.

Swara and Solfa: How Music Has Shaped My Bicultural Identity

Finding my voice in the intersection of my Indian and American cultures.

Is Productivity the Only Way to Spend the Summer?

Productivity in the summer, in terms of programs, internships, and volunteering, has recently become the norm for Stuyvesant students trying to build a competitive college application—but at what cost?

When Should You Take the SAT?

Students share the numerous pros and cons of different SAT testing dates, explaining their decisions and providing insight into the significance of the date that a student takes the exam.

What Is It Like to Be a Koi Fish Owner?

How I resonate with and pity these fragile Koi fish, despite them representing good luck and fortune.

Reclaiming My Passive Summer, Without a Passport

This summer, and many of my previous ones—not that I can remember them—were spent watching people live their lives through a screen, yearning for the adventures I couldn’t experience, until I learned the true meaning of the grand adventures the summer promises.

Coming Back Different

Students explore what a glow-up truly is, and why summer is its favorite season.