We’re happy to announce that this year, BLS A.S.I.A. will be hosting the Kwong Kow Chinese School (KKCS) Lion Dance Team for a performance on Friday, January 31st, at 2:30 pm in the Dining Hall to celebrate the Lunar New Year. We also invite you all to dress in your traditional clothing that day!

All students are welcome to enjoy the celebration and are encouraged to bring friends as we usher in the year of the snake 🐍. Admission is free and light refreshments will be provided to attendees. We hope to see you all glammed up there!

Are you a class V or VI spelling expert? Then you must enter the BLS’ Spelling Bee Competition! BLS will host its annual Spelling Bee Competition on Wednesday, February 26, 202,5 for classes V and VI. To enter the competition, you must complete the Registration Form by Thursday, January 31st.

Registration Form Link: docs.google.com/forms/d/1UHH2T1OC-RjC-Zm2dA1Sd6wu1BM73FhtINqAH-e3VsE/edit

If you’re interested in learning more about 3D Ceramics, Visual Art, or just need help with an art project, then we have the program for you. The after school Ceramics & Visual Art program “The Thursday Club” will meet on Thursdays and Tuesdays in room 518 from 2:15 – 4:00 pm. All skill levels are welcome. Hope to see you there! (Mr. Harris)

Feeling stressed about the end of the term? Come to the dining hall for Cru Relaxation Day! There will be plenty of relaxing activities, a raffle, and FREE SNACKS! Stop by after school with your friends. Everyone is welcome!

BLS will conduct a required Safe Mode Drill on Wednesday, January 29th during R6. Information and more specific instructions will be shared via the school intercom.

With fellowship applications due soon and summer employment applications on the horizon, Ms. Laverty and Mr. Levesque will offer a Resume Lab on Wednesday, Jan 29 (W-Block) and an Interview Lab on Monday, Feb 3 (after school). If you want to attend, please sign up below for our planning purposes.

forms.gle/zwA1ozQnMDJNb95Z7

Juniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.7+ from 9th and 10th grade have been invited to apply for membership in the National Honor Society. All such students received an invite to a Google Classroom where they will find the application and important information for filling it out. These are due no later than 3 pm on Thursday 1/30. Late applications are not accepted.

As we move into the second half of the year, we have a few reminders to ensure the library runs smoothly:

*** Students come directly to the library.

If you are coming to the library during study, tutoring, or student leadership, come to the library directly instead of checking in at your original location.

*** 5-minute passes

We’ve noticed an uptick in students staying longer than 5 minutes. Please stay on task and ask a praefect if you are having trouble printing.

*** Student leaders

Please check in with a librarian to be added to Oculus when you need to report to the library.

Looking for an exciting global learning opportunity for this summer? Check out GCI Scotland. BLS studnets have participated in the program at Harvard, in Tokyo, and Scotland. Applications are due soon. Contact Mr. Kennelly with questions. More information and the application here.

In recognition of the Lunar New Year, there will be no tests or assessments administered in classes on Wednesday, January 29. The Lunar New Year is celebrated by Asian communities around the world and begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar. This year, the Lunar New Year celebration begins on January 29 and recognizes the Year of the Snake. Students who observe the holiday will be marked excused absent upon completion of the Student Absence Form, and allowed full makeup privileges. We wish all who celebrate the Lunar New Year a healthy, prosperous, and joyous Year of the Snake

DOCS

Are you interested in a career in STEM? Join BLS LAB, Monday the 27th, at 2:30 in room 329, to talk to the Senior Manager of Analytical Sciences at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about what a career in biotech is like!

Thank you to the students who participated in Wednesday’s BLS POL Competition. Your participation helped to make the event a fun and memorable homage to the beauty of poetry.

Now, it is my pleasure to announce that the winner for the 2025 BLS Poetry Out Loud Competition is:

WINNER: Ailin Sha (Class I)

RUNNER UP: Iris Cabot (Class II) Congratulations, Ailin!!!

Ailin will advance to the Massachusetts regional finals. Ms. Thompson

The MLK Planning committee would like to personally thank the BLS community for participating in the Annual School wide MLK Celebration on Friday, January 17, 2025. We hope everyone got something out of it and was able to have an engaging, thought provoking, and inspired day centered on the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We want to hear your feedback so we can keep improving for next year’s celebration in January 2026. Please fill this quick survey and let us know your thoughts.

Roses are red, violets are blue, and we recycle passion into flowers just for you! Join BLS Recycling in celebrating a sustainable Valentine’s Day <3! We are selling paper flowers and crochet lavenders, which will all be handcrafted and available here (bit.ly/rc25vday). Order form closes on February 5th at 11:59 PM. Additionally, 50% of the sales will be donated to The Greenway to support local community spaces and activities! If you have any questions, please check out the FAQ doc linked on the Google form and email us with additional inquiries!

bit.ly/rc25vday

Are you a rising junior or senior who is interested in taking an upper level modern language class in addition to the language you are studying for your four year graduation requirement? If you are a heritage speaker of one of the languages we teach and want to try an AP class in that language, please fill out the Google form by January 31 indicating your interest. Testing will take place February 3, 4 or 5 after school in room 216. You only need to come one of those days. Once sign ups are complete, you’ll receive more information about what is on the placement test. See Mrs. Kelley in 256 (across from 219) if you have any questions about your options, and check out the bulletin board next to 164 for information.

FORM

The testing rotation per department for the Second Term will be:

1/24 (Friday) = Science and Modern Languages

1/27 (Monday) = English, Classics, and Health/PE

1/28 (Tuesday) = Math, History, and Music/Art If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with your teacher(s).

The colder months and shorter days can sometimes bring extra stress or feelings of being stuck in a routine. Taking small, intentional steps to balance your responsibilities with moments of rest and joy can keep your energy and mood steady throughout the winter season. Why It Matters: When we focus on balance, we reduce stress, stay motivated, and maintain emotional well-being. Winter can feel heavy, but creating small, positive habits can make it a time of growth and renewal. Try This to Find Your Winter Balance: Move Your Body: Physical activity is a great way to stay energized and lift your mood. Even in the winter, you can stretch at home, try a yoga video, or bundle up for a short walk outside. Fresh air and movement help reset your mind and body. Stay Connected: It’s easy to hibernate in winter, but staying connected to others is key. Schedule time to chat with a friend, join a group activity, or check in with family. Social support keeps you grounded and helps beat the winter blues. Create Cozy Rituals: Build moments of comfort into your day. Sip hot cocoa while journaling, light a favorite candle while you study, or create a playlist of songs that make you happy. These small, mindful habits can help you feel calm and grounded. Prioritize Rest and Sleep: Winter is the perfect time to lean into rest. Aim for consistent sleep and take time to relax, whether it’s reading, meditating, or simply unplugging from screens. Set Realistic Goals: Winter is a great time to focus on small, manageable goals. Whether it’s completing school assignments, organizing your space, or improving a skill, celebrate each step forward to stay motivated without feeling overwhelmed. By balancing activity, connection, and rest, you can embrace the winter season as a time to recharge and grow.

If you are a member of Class VI with previous background in one of the languages we teach at BLS, you can sign up to take a placement test in that language to see if you can skip level 1 and start in level 2. Fill out the Google form indicating your interest and return by Friday, January 31. Once sign ups are complete, you’ll get an email with information about the test. Testing will take place February 3, 4, or 5 after school in room 216, and you only need to come on one of those days. See Mrs. Kelley in 256 (across from 219), and check out the bulletin board across from Ms. Moses’ office for more information.

Form

Boston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is proud to offer a $2,500 renewable scholarship to support your academic dreams to a graduating senior.

Eligibility Requirements:

Minimum 2.75 GPA

Demonstrated commitment to community service

Scholarship applications will be open until February 23, 2025, at 11:59 PM. For questions contact bac.delta1913@gmail.com or Ms. Pinchem in Room 114.

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhVUTBO5exhm1gZdL32QnEthYNpM80eRHN_qM0DTBspaxb0w/viewform?pli=1

The Boston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is hosting a Scholarship Writing Workshop designed specifically for high school students! Join us on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 from 12-2 pm at Boston University Center for Computing & Data Sciences to learn valuable tips and tricks on how to craft a winning scholarship essay.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting, this workshop will provide the tools to stand out in your scholarship applications. Don’t miss this opportunity to boost your chances of securing financial aid for your college education. Reserve your spot today!

www.eventbrite.com/e/scholarship-writing-workshop-for-high-school-students-tickets-1091399227469?aff=erelpanelorg

Are you a rising 7th or 8th grader who enjoys spending time outside, exploring nature and science?

Arboretum Young Scientists (AYS) is a free four-week summer program in July for rising 7th and 8th grade Boston Public School students run by and held at the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain. Using the Arboretum’s landscape to guide their learning, a diverse group of 24 students participate in hands-on, place-based activities focused on environmental education and the natural sciences.

Click the link below to view full program information, and 2025 details, and to access the digital application. arboretum.harvard.edu/education/arboretum-young-scientists/

BLS students are encouraged to enter the Evacuation Day Essay Contest with CASH prizes for the top essays in the middle grades and high school categories. More information here.

Belle of the Ball in partnership with Anton’s Cleaners cleans and distributes prom dresses and provides related accessories at no charge to high school juniors and seniors who would otherwise not have the opportunity to attend their school’s prom.

If you are interested in learning more, PLEASE REACH OUT TO YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR to inquire about this opportunity. DEADLINE: Friday, March 14th.

Early Referral Incentive: Students who are referred before February 7th have the opportunity to choose between the following time preferences: Morning, Midday, and Afternoon. Appointments are based on availability, and they are unable to consider time slot preferences after February 7th.

Here’s a video description of the program:

youtu.be/u9JPKJ78Hfc?si=j2NQ4-80ZlXlY37a

More information can be found here: antons.com/belle/

drive.google.com/file/d/1LzAW71FUhtIK4CbdMpWsk4qv0nWTUY_o/view?usp=sharing

The PIC application will be live in mid-February (think February vacation). In the meantime, you can prepare for the application by doing the following

1. Finding your ID

2. Double checking your summer schedule to see if you are available to work a full-time job

3. Check in with an adult to make sure your resume is good to go!

4. Take a look at our website studentjobs.bostonpic.org/ to see what organizations we have worked with in the past.

5. Stay alert by checking your emails from me regarding our PIC preview days. These are great chances to hear from prospective employers in various industries offered within the PIC.

I am more than happy to review your resume, please email it to me at erin.laverty@bostonpic.org

studentjobs.bostonpic.org/

Are you interested in learning more about the Cape Verdean culture? Are you interested in connecting with other Cape Verdean students? If so, please complete this short survey to indicate your interest. The club is open to all students regardless of background.

forms.gle/23ymEYfbsWYhg9Yr8

The School Counseling Department plans to engage Class III students in a career interest workshop next Wednesday, January 22 during W block over Zoom. Students should remain in their homerooms to log on to this program. Please be sure that you have a charged Chromebook and headphones in W block on that day to participate.

We will get you thinking about possible career paths and resources you can take advantage of to explore these including summer employment, community service, and course selections. You will take a Career Interest Inventory on Naviance and have the results of this inventory for future exploration. We will also reintroduce you to Naviance, a resource you will use throughout the college exploration and application process. Please keep an eye out for an email that includes a Zoom link. You’ll be asked to log on after attendance is taken in homeroom on that day. We look forward to engaging you in this workshop!

We are looking for more voices to perform our Spring repertoire. You don’t need to be in a school choir, but it would help if you were in one of the BLS school ensembles. This could be your opportunity to sing outside the day when you’re already in an instrumental ensemble during the day, or it could be your first go at performing in a BLS ensemble.

Whether you’re ready to jump right in or you’d just like to check it out to see what a rehearsal is like, please reach out to Mr Snyder, Olivia Pappas, or Olivia Ryan for information at rsnyder@bostonpublicschools.org, opappas2@bostonk12.org, or oryan2@bostonk12.org

Love to sing? Want to gain experience in singing a capella? Are you hoping to live your Pitch Perfect dreams? Join the Wolfettes, Boston Latin School’s girls a cappella group, for auditions on January 21, 2025, at 2:30 PM.

Location: Room 421, Music Wing.

Fill out the form below to let us know you’re coming! docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/1NrDUnGDFsrk-1nDVQs5wiClNuRLwhyQz8Lelms54Mtk/edit?usp=forms_home&ths=true

Two different programs are below:

1) Future Chefs, a youth development organization that uses culinary as a medium to teach essential skills, is recruiting for their second session of FC Explores (primarily for 15-year-olds), an after-school enrichment program that serves both as an introduction and a continuation of their life skills and knife skills.

FC Explores:

Mondays and Wednesdays

Monday sessions will run from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Wednesday sessions will run from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

For additional information, please reference the FC Explores application: www.tfaforms.com/5152155

2) They are also recruiting for FCD Foundations, a similar program that is a paid opportunity for 16 and 17-year-olds (Sophomores and Juniors in High School). FC Delivers – Foundations is the beginner cohort of their traditional paid programming. Programming for Foundations will begin on January 27, 2025, and will run on Mondays and Tuesdays, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Applicants must be 16 and up to be eligible, and they are accepting new applications.

The FC Delivers – Foundations can be found at www.tfaforms.com/5141788

Every year the Harvard Art Museums offer two week-long paid internships, each for a cohort of eight students at public high schools in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville. In 2025, these internships will run from April 21-25 (April Break) and August 4-8. Students MUST be able to commit to both weeks.

The application for the 2025 High School Internship Program can be found at this link: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScHs9kcdNH6YNQDw8QC3P9aW4P_XnF4MHalCLbWu8aHR6RynA/viewform

See flyer for more information: drive.google.com/file/d/1Pt7Brrl7ezv1zvYSJUuvQkZOfMeVaYFg/view?usp=sharing

Applications are due by Monday, February 24th at 5 pm EST.

The school store will be closed this Friday 1/17 and will reopen next week on January 24 th

DO YOU LIKE DAVE’S HOT CHICKEN? PACK DAVE’S DOWNTOWN @ 4 PM THIS FRIDAY! All classes can participate to support the Senior Class this Friday (01/17) during our Dave’s Hot Chicken Fundraiser at the Boylston Dave’s Hot Chicken (123 Stuart Street, 02116). For every purchase, the senior class will receive 20% of the proceeds. You’re benefiting the senior class AND getting a good meal, how much better can it get? Tell a friend to tell a friend. Please make sure you bring the flyer in person or use the code when ordering online for us to receive your contribution

drive.google.com/file/d/1GurSOjuA6-nxKuwM6GzMd__YJs92hb-4/view?usp=sharing

Interested in engineering? Join us for a field trip to the University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Francis College of Engineering on Thursday, February 6, 2025. We’ll tour the campus, learn about different engineering pathways, and enjoy lunch on campus. Please fill out this Google form no later than Thursday, January 16 to get your name on our list!

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJydR3aIpRktlxYWNCTCWsVwOrOT0co-wijZvahj-dC1hBgg/viewform?usp=header

BLS Amnesty International is participating in Amnesty’s ‘Write for Rights’ campaign. You can join the campaign and earn up to two hours of community service by learning about a person whose human rights are currently under threat and writing a letter that demands justice for them. Please visit the drop box outside of room 307 to learn more and to drop off your letter. You can also read about this campaign and find letter-writing suggestions at www.amnesty.org/en/get-involved/write-for-rights/ or by joining us at our Wednesday meeting after school in room 307!

AP Exam payments are due. Students who are currently enrolled in AP classes and have not paid for their exams should do so asap. The online payment link is found here.

www.bls.org/apps/s/index.jsp?s=1224

The John William Ward Public Service Fellowship is a summer employment opportunity for current juniors or seniors to work in the office of an elected or appointed public servant in the executive, legislative, or judicial branches of Boston’s city, state, or federal government. Application is available at wardfellowship.org and is due January 30. Contact Ms. Laverty with questions (Erin.Laverty@bostonpic.org).

The Deitch Leadership Institute Summer Fellowship is a leadership opportunity in which current seniors, juniors, or sophomores work full-time at a prominent Boston organization from industries that include finance, law, marketing, education, and the nonprofit sector. Application is available at deitchleadership.org/fellowship and is due February 3. Contact Mr. Levesque with questions (jlevesque@bostonpublicschools.org).

Information sessions for both fellowships will occur on Monday, January 13 (2:30-3:30) in the Library Electronic Classroom, Wednesday,y January 15 (W-Block) in the Library Fiction Room, and Wednesday, January 22 (W-Block) in the Library Fiction Room. Attendance is optional.

The Topol Fellows are starting a bi-weekly Interfaith Reading and Listening Group called “Key of P(eace) Major!”

When: Every other Monday, beginning January 13th

Where: Room 307

What: Every two weeks we will be doing a mix of reading religious texts, reading about music’s role in religion or interfaith movements, listening to the music of different religions, and discussing spirituality in general. This will be a great way to get to know about new religions and their music, and your classmates’ spirituality. There will also be an opportunity to help collaborate on an interfaith prayer and song that will be shared later in the year with the whole school.

For the first meeting, we will be diving into the Dao de Jing (道德經), the main text of Daoism. Snacks will be provided. Hope to see you there!

SEL Tip of the Week: Reflect and Reset January is the perfect time to pause and reflect on how far you’ve come and where you want to go. Self-reflection can help strengthen your social and emotional well-being by helping you identify patterns in how you respond to stress, connect with others, and handle setbacks, so you can make meaningful changes that improve your relationships and resilience.

Take a moment to think about the things you’re proud of from the past year—big and small—and the challenges you’ve overcome. Then, consider one area where you’d like to grow or improve this year. Remember, self-reflection isn’t about being perfect; it’s about learning and making intentional choices to be your best self AND celebrating all your work thus far.

TRY IT OUT: This week, write down three accomplishments from 2024 and one goal you want to focus on in 2025. Reflect on one small step you can take toward that goal.

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 January, we will be creating vision boards and goal-setting for 2025. As always, we will have music and small treats to share.

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

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

forms.gle/BRQJnvN1jnrixYbV8

The Playbook Initiative, a groundbreaking partnership between Project 351 and the Boston Celtics, empowers young leaders like YOU to stand against racism, bias, and discrimination. Together, we can create a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse future. This year, we are happy to say that Boston Latin School will be joining in on the fun! If you are interested please complete the Google form. We have limited spots.

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfm3d6VyyO8OsJTaRCBHKpMNXr2J3AKq2dqIE3b5endvxx0hg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Have a love of poetry? Then the English Department is pleased to announce that “Poetry Out Loud” is designed just for you!

What is Poetry Out Loud (POL) you ask? POL is a competition in which participants will recite a selection of poems for a panel of judges. The winner at BLS will then move on to the regional – and perhaps national – levels.

BLS is hosting its own Poetry Out Loud Competition on Wednesday, January 22nd in the Seevak Room but you must register by Wednesday, January 15th. The winners of the BLS Poetry Out Loud Contest will advance to the regional semi-finals, and the Massachusetts winner will move on to the national competition in the spring.

Once you have registered using the link provided, you will be given additional information. Should you have any follow-up questions, please email Ms. Thompson at athompson4@bostonpublicschools.org.

docs.google.com/forms/d/12YfmvTymhkDODZR3ywFcWA7RekyoBNb9oaOjZGjbFsw/edit

Join the Topol Fellows after school on Monday 13th and 21st in Room 307 for a discussion of the Tao de Ching, the primary text of Taoism! We will be diving into the deep wisdom of this short yet extremely powerful text and looking at how Taoism uses mediation and music to seek peace.

Snacks will be provided.

MATHCOUNTS is a prestigious math competition for middle schoolers (class VI and class V) which BLS students have historically done well at. The BLS Math Team is holding tryouts for MATHCOUNTS on Monday, January 13 at 2:30 in room 206. The tryouts will include both the sprint and target rounds, and students will be competing for 12 spots, with the top 4 scorers participating in the team round.

If interested, please email bostonlatinmath@gmail.com with your name, grade, and email!

Interested in global travel and learning this summer? Have you already started your Global Navigator application? The BLS Global Learning Club is holding two application workshops, this Wednesday during W in the library, and next Tuesday after school in room 121. BLS Global Navigator alumni will be available to help you start and finish your Global Navigator application. Attend one or both sessions. No rsvp is required.

It is the season for myth exam registration! 7th & 8th grade: Pegasus (Ancient Beginnings) on Wednesday 2/26 during W block. 9th-12th: Medusa (Charting a Heroic Course) on Wednesday 4/2 during W block. Please fill out the google form to register! Cost is $7. See Ms. Foley in 237 or email cfoley@bostonpublicschools.org. Deadline to register via Google form AND pay: Friday, January 17 by 2:30 pm.

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeR0i2Lusy2_tFYTY4I3S3Q1aSRfNm-fk0OvqM5YUCQN1nPbA/viewform?usp=sf_link

You’ve never seen Mr. Gels in a skirt like this…… Okay, you guys, we know that this new generation has been slacking, but we’ve put aside the Skibidi toilets and sacrificed our rizz to create some real, respectable, profitable art: an improv comedy show. The first of this year, in fact :flushed::scream: When RuPaul premieres, so do we. So vogue your way down to the Black Box this Friday to lip-sync and laugh with us. We’ve been missing you!

Friday 3 pm and 7 pm

• $3 for students and
• $5 for adults In the Black Box Theater

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

Please join the Jewish Culture Club for its annual Hanukkah party on Wednesday, January 8 after school in the Schawbel Center. There will be Hanukkah snacks and games and all-around fun. All are welcome. The Schawbel Center is located right behind the alma mater statue, to the right of the library doors.

The library will be closed after school on Tuesday, January 7th for teacher professional development. No students will be allowed to come to the library.

See you on Wednesday!