Family gatherings usually happen during this season. Meaningful memories are created with our loved ones. Wishing everyone a Happy Holidays filled with health, laughter, and happiness.

Open to all grades! Tryouts will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 21st in the auditorium between 2:30-4:00 pm. You may declaim a passage or abridged version of a poem, speech, book, essay, or play. The duration of the text may not exceed 2 minutes and 30 seconds. If interested and for more information, please complete this GOOGLE FORM. Submissions are due on Tuesday, Jan. 14th by 11:59 pm. The assembly is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 4th R1-R2, and the audience will be Class IV.

forms.gle/Qw4CEK3j7ZnweGmv6

I am extending the following deadlines to ensure we have the best Yearbook yet! Please do your part by completing the following tasks:

1) Complete your Senior Profile information on the attached Google Form ASAP!! The deadline was 12/20, but I am extending it until January 17th. This is the information that goes next to your photo in the yearbook! This is a LAST CALL!

2) Be sure to book your Senior Portrait with Smile-Pro. There are some sessions still available for January and February. February is the LAST CALL and FINAL ROUND of photos!

3) Upload your baby photos to the appropriate section of the Class of 2025 Yearbook Google Classroom page. The more, the better!

4) Continue to upload photos for the “Through the Years” section on Google Classroom to make our Yearbook photos show a wide range of student friends, groups, and activities!

5) Start saving up to purchase your Class of 2025 Yearbook! The cost is $100. More information about paying for your yearbook is forthcoming!

forms.gle/f5agsJrTVRTXY59MA

BLS V.O.T.E (voices of the empowered) has recently published its Winter edition of the Veracium, the social-political newspaper. Copies are available in classrooms, on SIS, and online here: drive.google.com/file/d/1n14NToVrihwW8eSqMkPrxzo_E2KoqTC9/view?usp=sharing

**Attend a Free Debate Class With National Champions – Spots Limited (VI, V)

** On December 21st and 28th, attend a free debate class taught by top national debaters. This is organized by a previous BLS alum and coordinated with a 2022 National Debate Champion. If you haven’t tried public speaking or debate, this is a perfect opportunity to get started.

Spots are limited & we’re only hosting a few classes. You can register here: forms.gle/3vggUPKmza8yQugw9

Do you know any students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds who are bright, curious, and passionate about STEM? Would they be interested in a no-cost, nationally recognized pre-college STEM program for rising high school seniors? We hope you’ll encourage them to apply to our FREE learning opportunities with MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science, or MITES. These programs are open only to 11th graders who are US citizens or permanent residents, the deadline for the student app: is 2/1/25 MITES Summer (Formerly MITES): 6 weeks in person, from mid-June to late July or early August. MITES Semester (Formerly MOSTEC): 6 months virtual, including 5 weeks of intensive coursework starting in June, followed by 5 months of community engagement in the fall semester of senior year.

mites.mit.edu

On Thursday, December 19, after completing the survey in the homeroom, all seniors are invited to the dining hall for Common App Cafe. We will provide morning snacks, and school counselors will be available to help students with college applications and financial aid. Students may come at any point during extended homeroom but must sign in and remain in the dining hall for the remainder of the period.

BLS Model UN had a great time competing at Natick High School’s inaugural conference. All members did a great job in their committees. Special accolades go out to the following delegates for winning awards in their committees:

Roan Wilcox (I) Best Delegate in Kennedy’s cabinet 1962 Cleo Barowsky (III) Best Delegate in the Soviet Select Committee 1964 Sebastian Inezian (I) Outstanding Delegate in the Soviet Select Committee 1964 Brian XU (IV): Outstanding Delegate in 87th Senate of the US

Congratulations again! Model UN meets on Mondays in room 207.

BLS Flower Power is running a Holiday Toy Drive for homeless families at La Casita Shelter in Chelsea and the children of low-income client families of Greater Boston Legal Services!

Donate to the toy drive box outside of the front office or contact us (cathanasopoulo@bostonk12.org and dathanasopoulo@bostonk12.org) and get one hour of service for each donation!

BLS Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Art and Essay Contest Information This year we have three MLK contests: Art, Essay, and Poetry, focused on the following theme: “I Am Possibility: Embracing Freedom, Justice, and Democracy”

The Prompt: “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed in the power of people to create positive change through freedom, justice, and democracy. Reflecting on the theme ‘I Am Possibility,’ how can Dr. King’s vision about justice and equality continue to motivate young people today to make a difference in the BLS community?”

ART FORMAT: Black and white or color drawing, painting, sketching, charcoal, digital media, or other appropriate media capturing the theme of young people making an impact on the future of our world. Electronic submissions to blsmlkcelebration@gmail.com (take a quality photo of the hard copy if needed). Due Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 2:30 pm. Selected artwork will be featured at the MLK event. Prize: $100 to first place winner ESSAY and POETRY CONTEST FORMAT: Times New Roman, 12 pt, double spaced, (essays: 300-400 words), name and homeroom at top. Essays should respond to the prompt, but there is flexibility to approach this question in myriad ways. Strong writings educate, inspire, and capture your authentic voice. Submit to blsmlkcelebration@gmail.com as a Google Doc by Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 2:30 pm. An excerpt of the winning essay will be shared at the MLK event in January. Prize: $100. The winning poem will be shared at the MLK event as well. Prize: $100.

Start your week by setting one small, achievable goal. Whether finishing a homework assignment, getting outside for 10 minutes, or trying something new, breaking tasks into smaller steps can help reduce stress and boost confidence.

Here’s how to get started: 1. Pick a goal that feels manageable (e.g., “I’ll read 10 pages of my book today” or “I’ll finish one math problem set”).

2. Break it down into tiny steps. Instead of focusing on the whole task, consider the next small action (e.g., open your textbook, and read the first paragraph).

3. Set a time limit—even 10-15 minutes can help you get started.

4. Celebrate progress! No matter how small, give yourself credit for taking a step toward your goal.

One small goal today can lead to big wins tomorrow!

Join BLS A.S.I.A. in the Black Box Theater on December 20th at 6 pm to watch some chilling performances by your talented peers. Tickets are now on sale and available from any A.S.I.A. officer (Lena Thai, Andrew Lai, Ava Vu, Catherine Zee, Jacky Li, Tiffany Do, Terance Wang, Aaron Liu, Gabby Huynh, Amity Ali, Melania Yee, Angela Deng, Victoria Liu, Tate Lam, and Sarah Cao) for $5. The remaining tickets will be sold at the door for $7. Doors to the Black Box Theater will open at 5 pm. The theme is up to snow good so join us in some frosty mischief and dress up in your snow good comfy clothes. We can’t wait to see you there!

Join BLSJCL in our annual Saturnalia celebration next Wednesday (12/18) in Rm 115 (Mr. Howard’s Room) after school! We will have street ceremonies, karaoke, cookie decorating, board games, and a photo booth. Bring a few dollars for some delicious cookies and picturesque photos. Bring your friends along to kickstart a great Winter Break!

Do you love to bake? Are you interested in leading a club? Then apply to become a BLS Bakes officer! Help plan, run, and participate in fun baking-related events and workshops throughout the year all while building a community in BLS through creativity, fun, and teamwork.

Selected applicants will be interviewed after Winter Break.

Please note that applications are due Sunday, December 22 at 11:59 PM, on the first weekend of December break.

forms.gle/HkVhU8pdQNtZwdLB8

On Thursday, December 19 at 2:30, BLS Red Cross will be hosting a holiday movie night in room 307. Admission is free, but bring some money to spend at the hot chocolate bar or on popcorn/baked goods. All funds will go towards our end-of-year donation. Those who are looking for volunteer opportunities can bring in food/snacks in exchange for 1 hour of community service.

Cash prizes are available for the essay contest!

drive.google.com/file/d/1ZsUc1bzhZZuSBo9QKpaekvIZG9U-cBQh/view?usp=sharing

‘Tis the season for Tết Festival auditions! BLS Vietnamese Student Society is hosting our annual Tết Festival to celebrate the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, which will be held on Friday, February 14th, 2025.

We are looking for performers/MCs to make this year’s show portion very special! If you’re interested in performing at Tết, from singing and dancing to displaying your talents or MCing the event, please fill out the form below by Friday, January 3rd, at 11:59 PM. NO EXCEPTIONS!

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSftavDtcBilLYVbDZBaGhBvCRAq-MZmqSVl0dhnHDGoXY8PGQ/viewform

If you have any questions please feel free to email bostonlatin.vss@gmail.com with questions. Happy auditioning!

We will run an Extended Homeroom Schedule on Dec 19th and 20th for MAP testing for students in Classes IV, V, and VI.

Testing will be conducted in HR, and students should remember to bring their charged Chromebooks.

Congratulations to 77 students across Class I-IV who worked incredibly hard to compete this week in Boxboro, MA against 1,800 competitors across the region. Students wrote papers, sat exams, made presentations, and responded to business case studies in real-time. The following students linked below will advance to States at the end of February. Congratulations to everyone.

drive.google.com/file/d/1_Vh2KOCdYYueYUXzPpMo5097KLaa8_lk/view?usp=sharing

Need community service hours? Novasta runs a winter food drive to donate to the community meals at the First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain. We are looking for non-perishable food that can be prepared into meals or care packages for people to take home.

Saturday 14th, 12:30 PM

Donate to the donation box near the front office or back entrance of the school! Each donation will receive an hour of service.

For more information, reach out to us at novastagreaterboston@gmail.com

During BLS International Education Week (Nov. 18-23) students had the opportunity to learn about BLS partner organizations global learning opportunities. A list of global opportunities that BLS students have participated in can be found here.

docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fIekDiAse_plvI1PPJft9ApgujgTjPN2O–xtn2cffM/edit?usp=sharing

AP Exam fees are due. All students currently enrolled in AP exams must pay for their exams unless they have been approved for the Zero Fee. (Zero Fee students were notified by email in October.) Payments may be made online using the secure BLS AP payment site or by check or money order made out to BLS and delivered to Mr. Kennelly.

www.bls.org/apps/s/store/index.jsp?ech=www.bls.org&sID=BLS1224&scREC_ID=3198

This week, we’re focusing on embracing imperfection – accepting that mistakes and setbacks are part of life. No one is perfect, and that’s okay! What matters is how we grow and learn from our experiences.

Here are some ways to embrace imperfection:

Let go of perfectionism – It’s okay not to have everything “perfect.” Focus on progress, not perfection. Learn from mistakes – See challenges as opportunities to grow and improve. Be patient with yourself – Growth takes time, and it’s okay to take things one step at a time. Remember, your worth isn’t defined by your mistakes – it’s how you bounce back that counts!

#EmbraceImperfection #ProgressNotPerfection #SELTip

futureBOS has work opportunities for youth ages 14 – 18 and young adults ages 19 – 24 living in Boston. School-year applications are now open! Visit Boston.gov/FutureBOS

drive.google.com/file/d/13wUMWKyUzx_NF4zMWtdA4mIvF3DG5VVX/view?usp=sharing

We have partnered with The Salvation Army to host a toy drive this holiday season. We are collecting toys for kids between the ages of 6 months to 13 years of age from now until December 18. If you would like to donate, please drop off the toys in the box outside of the main office labeled “Toy Drive”, and email us a picture of you dropping them off to receive up to one hour of community service. We will also be giving a gift basket to whichever family donates the most toys. Email: blsfunraisers@gmail.com

Are you passionate about architecture and design?

Wentworth’s SummerFAB program is a free grant-funded opportunity exclusively for rising juniors & seniors attending Boston Public Schools and/or residing in the city of Boston.

This hands-on, project-based program allows students to work alongside Wentworth faculty and current architecture students to explore the built environment. Over four weeks, they’ll gain valuable skills in design, construction, and problem-solving – all while working on real-world, community-driven projects!

Why SummerFAB?

• Gain hands-on experience in architecture and design
• Collaborate on real-world projects that impact our community
• Learn from Wentworth faculty and architecture students

Date July 7 – August 1, 2025 (Commuter/Day Program)

More information here: wit.edu/admissions/pre-college/summer-fab?utm_campaign=SummerFAB&utm_medium=Slate&utm_source=email

if interested, please contact your school counselor.

My name is Alexandra Lee and for my Capstone project, I’m studying the evolution of female coming-of-age stories in literature and film. If you are a female-identifying book or movie lover (teacher or student!) interested in being featured in my final project, please fill out this form to be interviewed!

forms.gle/UDADwUgfFrmd6vgc8

Responsible volunteers looking to fulfill community service hours needed to work at local collegiate track meets to help run, i.e. distribute bib numbers, rake the long jump pit, move hurdles on and off the track, etc.

Dates & Locations: Mini Meet at BU on Saturday, December 14th, at Boston University from 9 am to 2 pm; GBTC Invitational at Harvard University on Sunday, January 19th, 8 am to 5 pm, lunch included; Last Chance Qualifier for NCAA Div. I Championships @ BU on Sunday, March 2nd, 10 am to 6 pm, lunch included.

To register to volunteer, please complete the attached Google form. If you have questions, see Coach Callum in room 235.

forms.gle/v9bR99tdPBCT5vfP8

BLS B.L.A.C.K. is hosting a Kwanzaa Extravaganza on Thursday, December 19 from 2:30 – 3:30 PM in the Dining Hall. We are looking for student entrepreneurs and business owners to join our celebration to honor the 4th principle of Kwanzaa Ujamaa meaning “cooperative economics” in Swahili. Ujamaa emphasizes the economic togetherness of the African-American community and is traditionally celebrated on the fourth day of Kwanzaa, December 29. The goal is to build and maintain a community through economic self-reliance, supporting each other’s businesses, sharing economic success, and supporting entrepreneurship.

Student leaders and entrepreneurs are invited to set up a display table during the event to showcase their businesses or services. All current and future entrepreneurs are welcome. If you would like to reserve a table for your business or service at our Kwanzaa event, please complete the form by Wednesday, December 18. If you have any questions, please email blackatbls@gmail.com or stop by Room 114.

forms.gle/43Pa4boz5BzBtTFM7

Support the Senior Class with a Popcorn Fundraiser!

The Senior Class is excited to announce a popcorn fundraiser running from December 9th to December 12th! This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to contribute and help us raise funds for senior prom. Seniors are encouraged to make their pop-up stores to sell popcorn, following the instructions sent out to students and families last week.

If every senior sells just $20 worth of popcorn, we could earn $4,000 for our class! If you’d like to support our popcorn fundraiser but don’t know a senior, starting Monday 12/9 until Thursday 12/12 you can make your purchase here (popup.doublegood.com/s/x66g09uw) . Not buying for yourself? Donate popcorn to healthcare workers and educators while still supporting our class (we earn 50% of sales).

This is a low-effort, high-impact way to support the senior class, so let’s work together to make it a success!

Are you interested in medicine or research? Want to visit a world-class Cryo-EM facility? Find out at BLS’s tour of Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine field trip. The tour will include a facility, lab, and campus tour, presentations, and Q&A with researchers and PhD/medical students. The field trip is free for all BLS students.

Date: Thursday, 1/2/2025 (after school) 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Registration Deadline: Thursday 12/12/2024 (20 spots, first come, first served).

This is a binding form, so if you register you must attend: forms.gle/JsEKCS3PYwpwo4W5A

Interested in science, journalism, or both? Catapulta Science magazine is looking for article submissions for our winter 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, January 10th through this Google Form: forms.gle/Jte1XWqq347qmE7u7.

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

Come audition for Wojtek: The Happy Warrior, a play about a literal, historical bear who was in the Polish Army during World War II.

This is our submission to the Massachusetts High School Drama Festival, a state-wide competition.

Auditions are on December 10 and 11 after school in the black box. Sign-ups are on the bulletin board across from the black box. Please reach out to Mr. Gels with any questions. jgels@bostonpublicschools.org

🎄🎁 Christmas Food Drive Alert! 🎁🎄 ‘Tis the season of giving! Unity Provisions (BLS FEEDS) invites you to join our Christmas Food Drive throughout the entire month of December!

Help us spread holiday cheer and combat food insecurity by donating non-perishable food items. Each donation can be logged into Innerview for an hour!

📅 Dates: December 1st – 20th

Drop-off Locations:

BLS Main Entrance (Front & Back) Your generosity will help support local food banks and bring warmth to those in need this holiday season. Together, we can make this a season of giving and hope!

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScgvehZwgmWHzwVgY6xDkc476yb7xT-Eyahn8gfH1PMc8Q2Ww/viewform

The Keefe Library is closing at 2:15 p.m. on Tues. 12/10 for professional development.

PAWse Space is a place where students can go during their study hall to take a pause, destress, and participate in activities related to positivity and wellness. For December, we will be doing winter crafts, listening to music, playing board games, and enjoying some treats.

Students must sign up in advance and will receive a pass and directions through their email. Signs ups available for study halls ONLY and you must stay for the full period.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Wang (wwang@bostonpublicschools.org) or Dr. Prosper (vprosper@bostonpublicschools.org).

forms.gle/Z5jEbu6n8egoYDKU6

Congratulations to these award winners: first place, Olivia Huynh, Class I; second place, Abigail Becker Cocks, Class V; and 3rd place, Joseph McFarlene, Class VI. You will see their incredible artwork displayed in this year’s Winter Concert Program.

Thank you to all who participated!

Interested in sending your friends a kit full of some winter love for the Holidays? Buy a Loco for the Cocoa kit from the BLS National Honor Society for $3! Kits include all the materials necessary to make some delicious hot chocolate (even the cup and spoon), plus some other fun items! All kits 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 Wednesday, December 4th to Wednesday, December 11th. Warm wishes!

Please sign up here to decorate a gingerbread house with your friends on Tuesday, December 10 after school in room 307…all for a good cause!

The Topol Fellows and Cookies for a Cause are fundraising for holiday food baskets for our peers in a Boston Public Schools Alternative Program. We ask that you pay 20.00 when attending the event (cash only). You can work with your friends and split the cost. Only one person from each group should reserve the gingerbread house kit. Cookies for a Cause will also be selling homemade cookies at the event. We only have twenty kits, so please reserve yours soon!

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf7IFyEewQDiAvhlXKkBfmdmnQ-fmXXP4QgIVEWXIElHqsniw/viewform?usp=sf_link

PRIMES Circle is an amazing program that dives into math concepts taught by MIT and Harvard students. Our students participated in this program last year and enjoyed it a lot. It was an amazing opportunity for them to learn more math concepts and applications. I recommend this to anyone interested in math. Application link: www.mathprograms.org/db/programs/1673 Website: math.mit.edu/research/highschool/primes/circle/ Link to flyer: drive.google.com/file/d/1Zf1dCgvwp0tl9fQOf8_PwWasMkCyKgzB/view?usp=sharing

Junior Forum begins on December 12!

Junior Forum is a required course for Class II students that provides a comprehensive overview of the college search and application process.

Students will attend the Junior Forum during one study/student leadership period per six-day cycle. The course will run from December 12 – May 1, with possible adjustments for snow days. Students will receive their assigned Junior Forum section and their passes in homeroom early next week.

For your first junior forum lesson (12/12 – 12/19), please report to their study first.

For all following classes, students will report directly to the Schawbel Center.

Please contact Ms. Frank if you have any questions.

As Science Olympiad tournaments start up again, the BLS Science Team is looking for more members to join our B Team (Grades 7-9) for the upcoming Brown University Science Olympiad Tournament! This tournament is a great opportunity to participate in a fun competition while also expanding and testing your science knowledge! The B Team competition will be held this Saturday, December 7th (12/7) in person at Brown University. We encourage you to sign up, regardless of experience or previous knowledge! If you’re interested in signing up for this tournament, please fill out this commitment form (forms.gle/UzrRCzh8Ecv2ntiH7).

We hold meetings every Wednesday at 2:30 PM in Room 334. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, December 4th (12/4). Feel free to stop by or email us with any questions!

forms.gle/UzrRCzh8Ecv2ntiH7

Ethical Leadership in Today’s World Learn about Emir Abdelkader, an Islamic scholar from Algeria who resisted French colonialism in the mid-19th century. The Emir’s commitment to human rights won him global admiration from the likes of President James Buchanan, Queen Victoria, Pope Pius IX, Tsar Alexander II, and the presidents of France, Greece, and Turkey. During challenging times, the past can provide valuable insights for the present. Consider the life of Emir Abdelkader (1808-1883) whose moral character, statesmanship, and defense of human rights inspired people across the globe.

Prompt: How does the Emir’s approach to leadership remain relevant and meaningful today? This flyer has more information.

drive.google.com/file/d/1XSQ6ORXE4c91ATMAZOLQfDedrPweAnRr/view?usp=sharing

BLS CARE is hosting a fundraiser that will last the entire school year raising money for Dana-Farber and The Jimmy Fund. On Tuesday 12/3, in honor of Giving Tuesday, Arbella Insurance will triple match all donations up to $50k total and $5k per person made to the BLS CARE fundraising page (link below). All donations of $50 or more will receive a Jimmy Fund hat (while supplies last)/

Donations can be made to support certain teams or clubs in a competition to see which BLS donation team can raise the most (feel free to make a new donation team for your club or sports team). Otherwise, simply donate under BLS CARE.

charity.pledgeit.org/blscare

Coat Boston was established in 2009 by the City Mission Society of Boston. There is an Annual coat drive collecting new winter clothing to be distributed to different organizations across Boston, most notably, BPS schools. A box near the main office will collect winter accessories until Monday, December 9th.

drive.google.com/file/d/1ESVmS6UM5fEGzNCvAvKDKV8dE0L0Oyxs/view?usp=sharing

Come see BLS Theatre’s Production of Sheila and Moby

Inspired by Calvin and Hobbes

When Sheila, a successful young businesswoman, returns to her hometown for the weekend, she is immediately swept up in a tale of intrigue, suspicion, and adventure. A young neighborhood girl has come seeking help tracking down her missing best friend, a recently kidnapped stuffed Koala.

• Thursday, December 5 at 7 pm
• Frida,y December 6 at 3 pm and 7 pm
• Saturday, December 7 at 7 pm

Tickets are $5 for students and $8 for adults

Tickets are available online at our. show/moby

All shows are in the Black Box Theater

Click Here to learn more about the Bill of Rights Essay Contest.

content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFEDCOURTS/bulletins/3c3771f

To be featured in the yearbook, you must take your senior portraits with Smile-Pro. Smile-Pro will be coming to BLS on December 16th, 17th, and 18th for photo sessions. Please see the attached flyer for important booking information. If you do NOT take a photo with Smile-Pro, you will be featured under the “Camera Shy” section of the yearbook with no photo or senior profile information – just your name. Smile-Pro will return for two more rounds of sessions, but book ASAP for the December sessions to ensure that you are featured in the Class of 2025 Yearbook!

drive.google.com/file/d/17229GCFoOsElB2PXoOQvyahGAeoW7VCw/view?usp=sharing