Want to send your friend a spooky gift for Halloween? We’re selling Candy Bags ($3) and Pumpkin Surprises ($2) until this Friday, October 18. To order, find us in the lobby before school or use the link down below to pay via Cash App or Venmo. We will be sending out the orders on Wednesday, October 30. Happy Haunting!

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnwXlkzJnYpSWmW77GitGWExxsgboLSJfNpeo_QjA1xZYiyg/viewform

The 8th annual Business Oriented Leadership Development (BOLD) Conference hosted by Harvard Undergraduate Women in Business (HUWIB) will occur Saturday, November 9 – Sunday, November 10 on Harvard’s Campus. In-person attendance is highly encouraged, but a virtual option is available. The conference includes a lineup of diverse speakers, opportunities for attendees to cultivate a network of mentors and peers, and hands-on engagement through unique skills workshops. Registration is now open and available at THIS LINK! Information about reduced group pricing and scholarships can be found by contacting theboldconferenceoutreach@gmail.com. Visit wib-bold.com or huwib.com for more details.

www.eventbrite.com/e/harvard-women-in-business-2024-bold-conference-tickets-894586601607?aff=oddtdtcreator

Do you have winter coats and gently worn clothes you no longer wear?

SASMC (Students Advocating for Solutions for Mass and Cass) is committed to helping our neighbors build confidence, dignity, and a sense of belonging! We are working with Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia and the Community Builders to collect clothing for a pop-up shop for all of our neighbors in the city.

To help Councilor Mejia with this amazing initiative, please donate clothes (new or gently used clothes in all sizes) by Friday, October 18.

Please drop your clothing donations in the boxes in front of the office or front of room 307. Any donation of clothes will be worth 1 hour of community service.

If you are interested in sorting clothes or helping out on 10/28, community service hours will be awarded as well. Please contact Brennan Berkson (bberkson@bostonk12.org) to help out!

Interested in sending your friends a bag of spooky goodies for Halloween? Buy a Trick or Treat bag from the BLS National Honor Society for $3! Trick bags include small goodies and toys, while Treat bags contain a variety of candies. All bags come with a slip where you can write a message to your friends! Slips can be bought from any NHS officer or during lunch in the front lobby. Slips will be sold from Monday, October 14th to Thursday, October 24th. Stay spooky!

SEL Tip of the Week

October SEL Focus: Time Management

This October, our SEL focus is on time management. This week there is a special emphasis on sleep hygiene. We all know that it’s challenging to perform at our best when we’re tired. Prioritizing healthy sleep habits is essential for effective time management and optimal performance.

The Connection Between Time Management and Sleep Hygiene

Sleep hygiene refers to the practices that promote a good night’s rest, and it plays a vital role in staying organized. Just as we organize our daily tasks, maintaining healthy sleep patterns requires a balance of priorities. While getting enough sleep each night may not seem urgent, it is crucial for long-term health, focus, and productivity.

When evaluating your priorities, consider sleep as a key item to include. Although you might feel pressured to stay up late to complete last-minute tasks, consistently sacrificing sleep can lead to burnout and reduced efficiency, ultimately impacting your grades. By including adequate sleep in your schedule, you’re setting yourself up for greater success both now and in the future.

On Monday, Oct. 28, students in AP European History will be visiting the MFA to view the Salvador Dali exhibit. Students will leave BLS after the first lunch and miss R5 – R7. See attached attendance list.

docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fwIwagobH3_QEzeVf6ZqL8ZBaex8vcf6lg59MmxTia0/edit?usp=sharing

🌟 Food Drive Alert! 🌟

Join Unity Provisions (BLS FEEDS) from October 7th to 11th!

Help us combat food insecurity by donating non-perishable food items at our community food drive!

📅 Dates: October 7th – 11th

📍 Drop-off Locations: BLS Main Entrance Your contributions will support local food banks and help those in need.

Together, we can make a significant impact!

Sign up for updates: forms.gle/b5wkWPnGsxypWLeLA

Thank you for helping create a stronger, healthier community!

Have you always wanted to learn about jazz, join a band, and have some fun? All three?! The BLS Jazz Standards is the place to be! This non-audition ensemble is open to all musicians, including pianists and guitarists who may not be in an ensemble during the school day. Rehearsals begin Thursday, October 10th, in the Band Room 418 from 2:30-4:30. Questions? Contact Mr. Lee (slee7@bostonpublicschools.org), Ms. McKenna (mmckenna5@bostonpublicschools.org), or Mr. Salerno (nsalerno@bostonpublicschools.org).

drive.google.com/file/d/1ER4oDilM1nwr1f7RRwL1fahxp4k5MTUa/view?usp=sharing

Here is the list of 30 service organizations that attended the BLS Community Service Fair last week with their contact information.

docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12-ZSQLgpahzr_hS_gsotidfpK4_JOt9EY7oQd26WddA/edit?usp=sharing

Want to send your friend a spooky gift for Halloween? We’re selling Candy Bags ($3) and Pumpkin Surprises ($2) till October 18. To order, find us in the lobby before school or use the link down below to pay via Cash App or Venmo. We will be sending out the orders on Wednesday, October 30. Happy Haunting!

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnwXlkzJnYpSWmW77GitGWExxsgboLSJfNpeo_QjA1xZYiyg/viewform

As part of PAW Day (10/11), check out and explore our Student Mental Health Toolkit at sites.google.com/bostonpublicschools.org/bls-mental-health-toolkit

Students who complete the online scavenger hunt by Monday, 10/14 will be entered into a raffle for some fun prizes!

forms.gle/ePFy8VfNZtNQL6tT9

We will hold workshops on two topics this month: college interviews and the self-reported academic record. Please note – we are offering each workshop twice, but you only need to attend once.

Self-Reported Academic Record Workshop:

-October 16 W Block, October 17 after school

Some colleges require students to complete this additional application element after completing the core application. UMass Amherst, UConn, and NYU use it (along with many others). Join us for a workshop where we can complete it together.

College Interview Workshop: What to Expect and How to Prepare -October 23 W Block, October 30 W Block

The BLS History Club is sending teams to the History Bowl! If you want to participate in this fun competition and win medals, feel free to sign up. The event will be on November 9th or December 14th, depending on which event has more interest.

forms.gle/juHpmtNfBLkVsQj99

Discord link:

discord.gg/DSQ7ZKsU

The photography studio has asked us to postpone picture day from the original date of Wednesday, October 2 to Wednesday, October 30. On the rescheduled date, Classes VI, IV-B, and III will have their photos taken for identification purposes; all others who wish to have their pictures taken for paid packages will have the opportunity to do so.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Join us in making a difference! BLS FEEDS, a branch of Unity Provisions, is a student-led organization dedicated to alleviating food insecurity in our community. We are collecting donations of:

Canned goods

Candy

Water Sodas

Pet food

Any non-perishable foods that won’t spoil without refrigeration Your contributions will help us support those in need. Thank you for your generosity! To stay updated on our initiatives and future events, please sign up for our mailing list: Email List Signup.

forms.gle/YjHm8X9xtgf3xNUT9

Thank you for your support!

Please complete a PIC intake form to join the newsletter! This newsletter will have all of the current job opportunities on it. It will go out every week!

Even if you filled one out last year you have to do a new one 🙂

docs.google.com/forms/d/1GYa5zw8CLf_E5psoGSD7srZtr2d2KnNZyqE1m8sTUJY/edit

Attention, knitters, crocheters, and those who want to learn! Fiber Arts in the Library is back during W blocks. Our first meeting of the year will be on Wednesday, October 9. Please come to the library before W to get a pass!

As was done last academic year, the BLS clinical team composed of 1 school-based psychologist (Dr. Prosper), 3 social workers (Ms. Abrha, Ms. Vasquez, and Ms. Wang), and 3 school psychologists (Ms. Clougher, Mr. Lo, and Ms. Miller) are continuing a mental health initiative to help raise mental health awareness, increase knowledge about how to increase socio-emotional wellness and decrease emotional turmoil, and promote overall wellness. This mental health initiative will consist of sharing a SEL (socio-emotional learning and wellness) tip every week on Mondays.

Here is this week’s tip:

Asking for help is a superpower! 💥 Asking for help is a critical life skill that we all need to embrace. It involves recognizing when we need assistance, identifying the right person to approach, and articulating our request clearly. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a strength.

How do you approach asking for help at school? Some ideas are: Talk to a trusted adult, guidance counselor, mental health staff, or teacher Ask a classmate a clarifying question Go to the tutoring center/library Join/Form a study group

Cascade is a free opportunity for local Greater Boston 9th-12th grade students! Over five weeks, you will take classes and receive mentoring from MIT undergraduate and graduate students (and students from nearby schools). You can pick two topics that interest you from a catalog of engaging courses: Mechanical Design for Egg Drop, Critter Quest: Exploring Animal Research, and A Primer in Quantum Computing.

Cascade takes place in person on Saturdays from October 19th to November 16th, from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.

The program is entirely free, and the application is open until Wednesday, October 9! If students apply by Friday, October 4, they will get priority admission.

Visit the program website for more info: esp.mit.edu/learn/Cascade/index.html Apply to Cascade at esp.mit.edu/jellyapply by October 9th! (~5-10 min) Application link: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYBIoymmQnxFzKJ7biuXe0ho6XJggWPd2g66BG4BaZDf3ytA/viewform

Please email cascade@mit.edu if you have any questions.

This is a 2.5-year cancer research internship for high school sophomores/juniors. Students are placed in labs at institutions like Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital to conduct supervised research and receive mentorship from leading scientists. No previous research experience is required, and it is a paid internship during the summer. Applications open October 1st with a deadline of November 18th.

drive.google.com/file/d/1Mzx3ZGuE3yXtMTZc8GQS18uW00sRg2hq/view AND www.dfhcc.harvard.edu/research/cancer-disparities/students/student-overview

Are you interested in the healthcare industry? Want to know how a commercial lab works? Find out at BLS Science Team’s tour of the Sanofi Pharmaceutical Field Trip! Sanofi is a global healthcare company chasing the miracles of science to improve people’s lives by discovering, developing, and delivering medicines and vaccines for millions of people around the world. The tour will include 2-3 short presentations, hands-on activities, and a lab tour. Special thanks to Ms. Xiaoying Jin, a parent of a BLS alumna for making this possible!

Tour Date: Monday 11/11/2025 from 1-4 PM. (Veteran’s Day, No School)

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, 10/30/2024

Location: On Google form

Register here at the link below (20 spots, first come first served). This is a binding form, so if you register you must attend.

forms.gle/SUmpt8dqirWSm7CW7

Need help proofreading an essay? Not sure how to write a thesis? Want some assistance with your outline? The Writing Center begins next week for *ALL STUDENTS*! When: Mon-Thurs, 2:30-3:30 Where: Room 228 Bring a piece of writing that you’re working on and get some one-on-one help from an English faculty member. Sign up on SIS to guarantee a spot or drop in if we are not at capacity!

You want to know what it generally looks like to learn a Modern Language at BLS, or perhaps, you always wanted to know what learning German and its culture looks like. No matter what your interest is, come and join us and catch the SPARK! The course will be taught by current and recent graduates (Class I & II students) of the BLS German program.

Please complete the Google form so the BLS SPARK crew knows when to offer the course.

forms.gle/havqwtqP6aY7UudX9

The Keefe Library Media Center will be closed after school on Tuesday, 10/8, for professional development. Professional development is held on the second Tuesday of every month throughout the school year.

Candidates to lead the daily Pledge of Allegiance will meet in the auditorium during W block on Wednesday, Oct 9. You will need a pass from Mr. Jackson. For any 7th or 8th graders who want to participate in the pledge of allegiance, but did not receive a pass, see Mr. Jackson in 229 for a pass.

Calling all climate enthusiasts! Are you frustrated with the amount of litter around our school? Come help us clean it up on Friday, October 4th from 2:20-3:20 PM!

This is a team competition to pick up as much trash as possible. Winners get treats! No rsvp is required. Just show up outside behind the dining hall by the stone benches in the yard.

Community service hours are available. Bring your friends (and enemies)! See you there! Questions? Email youthcanbls@gmail.com

Study hall in the Keefe Library is now open for 7th-grade students. To reserve a spot, you must create an account in Oculus first (check the spam folder if you do not see an email during the setup process). On the day of your reservation, come directly to the library and check in at the front desk with your I.D.. We will review important details with you about visiting the Keefe Library on your first day.

Your Chromebook works best when running the most recent version of Chrome. To check for updates:

1) Press the Search key on your keyboard (between Tab and Shift)

2)Type Updates and choose “Check for update – About ChromeOS”

3) Click Check for Updates

Allow 5-10 minutes for your Chromebook to check for and install updates.

Calling all BLS Students! Support BLS athletics and the senior class in style by purchasing a Foam Paw in the lobby during all lunches on Friday. Foam Paws are selling for only $5, and all proceeds will be used to support senior class activities.

To preorder use the link here by R2 October 4th: forms.gle/yXSSDXEv8gyiKC5UA or buy in person on Friday.

Friendly and spirited students in Classes I-III are needed as tour guides for prospective students and families. Tours are offered on select Saturdays, Wednesday evenings, and Friday afternoons, from late October to February. Guides who speak a language other than English are needed and encouraged to sign up. Interested students must attend the Tour Guide Training and Information session during W Block, Wednesday, October 9, in the Dining Hall. To register as a tour guide and secure a pass for the training, you must complete this form by Monday, October 7. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Pierce (mpierce5@bostonpublicschools.org) or Clara Ryan (cryan6@bostonk12.org) or stop by the Main Office.

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3gxIScvNHA55Pv1eG_8_z4Sy3AdJ7XD-oHhQ5gVFXFTvuBg/viewform

You want to know what it generally looks like to learn a Modern Language at BLS, or perhaps, you always wanted to know what learning German and its culture looks like. No matter what your interest is, come and join us and catch the SPARK! The course will be taught by current and recent graduates (Class I & II students) of the BLS German program.

Please complete the Google form so the BLS SPARK crew knows when to offer the course.

forms.gle/havqwtqP6aY7UudX9

Interested in science, journalism, or both? Catapulta Science magazine is looking for article submissions for our fall issue, and we invite you to write about any topic or issue of STEM that interests you! Refer to past articles for example topics here (drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IoAgAMOndkYDHOgU6Ni5DE1eC_nPKdkS?usp=sharing). Submissions should be at least 150 words (they will be cut to be within the ranges of 150-200, 300-400, or 500-650 words during production week) and are due by Friday, October 25th through this Google Form: forms.gle/Jte1XWqq347qmE7u7.

Email us with any questions at catapultasciencebls@gmail.com — we look forward to publishing your work!

The BLS High School Quiz Show Team is looking for new players for the two-time state championship team. Students in grades 9-12 are eligible, and those with prior quiz-bowl experience are especially encouraged to try out (though all are welcome!). If you’re interested in participating, please attend the first tryout session which will be held after school on Friday, October 4th, in room 119. Please email blsscientia@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. Hope to see you there!

Sharpen your public speaking skills with BLS Speech & Debate’s Public Forum Debate Bootcamp! Join us every evening Monday – Friday, October 7th – 11th, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM on Zoom for an engaging and comprehensive virtual training experience. This boot camp will cover the fundamentals and strategies you need to excel, taught by varsity debaters. Public forum (PF) debate is a debate format where two teams of two debaters present and refute prepared arguments on a topic related to current events and public policy. No experience is required. Please be prepared to attend all 5 days of the camp & engage actively! Bring a friend to partner with! (optional)

Register here: forms.gle/1ZxFxDFz4f5Lb7zg9

In recognition of Rosh Hashanah which begins at sunset on Wednesday, October 2, and continues through sunset on Friday, October 4, there will be no tests or assessments administered in class on Thursday. Students who also observe the second day of Rosh Hashanah on Friday will be excused with full makeup privileges. Rosh Hashanah is considered among the holiest days of the year by those of the Jewish faith and marks the start of the Jewish New Year. For their students to be excused, families should have submitted the absence request form.

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMW2oeV3RxIYAcmxRID0IvrUgsk8hdnAzT_657EjgbY8n36w/viewform

Bring your fully charged Chromebook to school EVERY DAY. If you can remember your phone, you can remember your Chromebook. The tech department cannot issue daily loaners to students who forget their Chromebooks.

Starting Monday 10/7, the Fitness Center will be open from 7:00-7:25 daily. You MUST SIGN UP ON OCULUS and YOU MUST HAVE YOUR OneCard to sign in (no ONeCard, no admittance).

Are you looking for a job? Looking to find different opportunities within the city? Please complete a PIC intake form!

This form provides me with your contact information as opportunities arise you will be notified via the PIC newsletter.

docs.google.com/forms/d/1GYa5zw8CLf_E5psoGSD7srZtr2d2KnNZyqE1m8sTUJY/edit

Junior Interview Lab will launch the first week of October. All members of Class II are required to attend one workshop, facilitated during a study block. Led by Mr. Levesque (Deitch Leadership) and Ms. Laverty (PIC), students will learn professional interviewing skills in preparation for summer internships and college interviews. Students will complete an online form to self-select into an open study block of their choosing. If a conflict arises, the student can reschedule to another time, since many slots exist. Passes will be emailed once the student is scheduled. Email questions to jlevesque@bostonpublicschools.org or erin.laverty@bostonpic.org.

Need Community Service? Come to the dining hall on Tuesday immediately after school to meet with representatives from 20+ community service organizations.

The Writing Center is open this week for SENIORS ONLY who would like help with their College Essays. Seniors, please sign up on SIS to guarantee a time slot that works for you. You may also drop in but will only be helped if we are not already at capacity!

Days: Mon-Thurs

Times: 2:30-3:30 (10 min appointment slots)

Where: Room 228

The Writing Center will open to ALL STUDENTS beginning next week. More info to come!

Attention students classes I-IV: Interested in volunteering as a peer tutor before, during, or after school? Complete this form: forms.gle/vVZTSK9aCR5jJS8f8 and a member of the student support team will contact if you there is a student in need. Have questions? See Ms. Sweeney in 107.