When your mug full of hot tea gets taken by security in the morning and you’re left with nothing to wake you up, Jackson-Reed’s new Tea Club has your back. Every Tuesday, about 20 students gather in room W210 during lunch to relax, spend time with friends, and enjoy a steaming cup of tea. 

Social studies teacher Michele Bollinger came up with the idea last year, along with current seniors Oscar Stomberg, Maeve Lopez, and Sofia Londono. She has held meetings every week  since this year’s activities fair. “Given all of the stress that all of us are under, I thought it would be a nice contribution to the school,” said Bollinger. “I think a lot of clubs are great, but a lot of them reinforce competition, so it’s nice to have something that’s just about community,” she added.

Math teacher Dale Glasspiegel, now a co-teacher sponsor with Bollinger, heard about the club from the Jackson-Reed school website. Being a major tea drinker himself, he started showing up to the meetings. Glasspiegel knows all things tea, understanding which teas provide calmness, soothingness, and clarity, all feelings that help one complete a school day. “There are a lot of health benefits from plants that we don’t really take advantage of,” he said. 

Glasspiegel also got a grant for the club from the Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO), and the money will now be going towards the tea, cups, and cookies.

Glasspiegel encourages members of Tea Club to briefly research the teas that they are drinking to learn about their history and effects. He wants students to discover which teas work for them. Glasspiegel has a running list of his extensive pallet of teas.

Bollinger and Glasspiegel have many plans for the club, including swapping the compostable paper cups to real teacups to add to the ambiance. Making salves and candles are also possible future activities. 

Junior Alia Rihani felt very welcomed when she showed up to the club. “It’s a good time  to be with your friends, get some work done, and drink some tea,” Rihani said. •