Dear Classes V and VI, are you a class V or VI spelling expert? Then you must enter the BLS’s Spelling Bee Competition! BLS will host its annual Spelling Bee Competition on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, for classes V and VI.

To enter the competition, you must complete the Registration Form below by Friday, February 13th. Ms. Thompson will follow up with the next steps once you are registered.

BLS 2026 Spelling Bee Registration Form Link:

docs.google.com/forms/d/1BRUgnk5jVs8MaOwAZeN3VSOVTjvD_WL3DuPzgpRPJGY/edit

If you are finished with your library book please return it before break. Not sure where it is? Check your locker, backpack, and around your home (under furniture, on bookshelves, in your car). You can drop it in the hallway or front desk book returns. Avoid getting an overdue notice in January.

Thank you!

The Keefe Library will close at 2:15 p.m. on Fri. 12/19 for winter break. Happy holidays!

Congratulations to Sarah Cardoso from Class VI for winning the lottery among the many participants in the match the names to the inventions in our “Deutsche Erfinder” contest !

Please pick up your gift card from Ms. Floerke in room 136.

Glückwunsch !

We look forward to a most welcome winter break starting on Friday, December 19 and returning on Monday, January 5 (Day 2). As a reminder, no homework will be assigned over the holiday break, nor will any assignments be due or assessments administered on Monday, January 5. Tuesday, January 6 is also a “no test day” in observance of Three Kings Day. On behalf of the faculty and staff, we wish all students a healthy and joyous winter break with opportunity for rest and rejuvenation.

Mr. Nils Martin presented the Goethe Institute “study bridge program” during today’s W block. He kindly made his slides available and mentioned that he is available over email for all and any questions pertaining to studying in Germany. Mr. Nils Martin is available at: Nils.Martin@goethe.de

docs.google.com/presentation/d/1QXPj_9wpF7MmGYv3fm5vAOsDrWz798L0/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109259286098627818037&rtpof=true&sd=true

The BLS Speech & Debate team had a huge Saturday at Arlington High School, celebrating both major competitive success and our annual Holiday party. Congratulations to our Congress team for earning 3 of the top 5 spots overall, and to our Lincoln-Douglas debaters for an outstanding showing across the board. We were especially excited to welcome four novice debaters to their first tournament and watch them compete with confidence and enthusiasm.

It is not too late to join the team. New members are always welcome. Fill out the interest form here: forms.gle/dJpMNnqiDtov1ogEA and come check out our Tuesday practices in Room 032. Whether you are brand new or looking to sharpen your skills, there is a place for you on the team. We hope to see you there.

We are seeing an uptick of flu like illness. Please help keep our BLS community healthy. Please review the attached guidelines for when to stay home hen sick.

docs.google.com/document/d/12CweTR4adwH60xIqtH1Eno6xtb3xWhWNdU7GMYqRvBI/edit?usp=sharing

The applications for the Center for STEM Education’s 2026 Young Scholars’ Program (YSP) have now opened. The Young Scholars’ Program at Northeastern University offers future scientists and engineers a unique opportunity for a hands-on research experience while still in high school. This free program is open to Massachusetts residents who [will] have completed their junior year of high school (i.e. current juniors as of Jan 2026) and is a 6-week summer research opportunity taking place on Northeastern University’s Boston Campus, running M-Th, 8:30-4:30, June 22 – July 30, 2026. Applications are now open and close March 2nd.

Young Scholars Program (YSP)

We have received and installed two new black and white printers and one new color printer for students in the library. We are using PaperCut again for both the black and white printers and the color printer‼️

In order to make printing in the library run more smoothly, we are making some changes. Please read the information below about printing and how you can help.

➡️ We will be implementing a new process for color printing. Color printing is for CLASS ASSIGNMENTS ONLY‼️ Students will fill out a printing slip and give it to the front desk praefect, who will release the print.

➡️ Check with your teacher on whether or not printing in color is required for the assignment.

➡️ Remember that printing in color before school on the day the assignment is due is risky. Study hall or lunch is a better time to print in color. We have only one color printer and there is often a line.

The New Year is a great opportunity to have a full reset emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Take some time and choose one or a couple of words that represent what you want more of in the coming year. It can be anything from courage to patience to curiosity. Keep these words in a place you visit frequently as a reminder to keep evolving, and to remember that there is much more to life than being statistics on a piece of paper.

Mr. Nils Martin presented the Goethe Institute “study bridge program” during today’s W block. He kindly made his slides available and mentioned that he is available over email for all and any questions pertaining to studying in Germany.

Mr. Nils Martin is available at: Nils.Martin@goethe.de

docs.google.com/presentation/d/1QXPj_9wpF7MmGYv3fm5vAOsDrWz798L0/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109259286098627818037&rtpof=true&sd=true

Seniors — Please complete the to-dos outlined on the Class of ’26 Yearbook page. There are multiple deadlines before we go on break: please upload your Through the Years photos, and be sure to turn in your votes for Superlatives! Use any extra time you may have during the week, “W,” or extended homeroom on Thursday and Friday to get these done!! Thank you!!

Go to the bulletin board right outside of room 136, where you will learn all about German inventors (Erfinder) and their inventions/findings (Erfindungen), and more.

Scan the QR code at the bulletin board and guess which German invented what and when. The WINNER will be drawn from the correct entries on December 15th.

Viel Glück!

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKOf_1uPr9aMMBtE_nwh1eylv7ETOmzeY5agXlAycKsSB_RA/viewform?usp=header

The library will be closed after school on Tuesday, December 16th for teacher professional development. See you tomorrow!

Complete the ‘Attend a SMHA Event’ square on your community challenge bingo board by attending the PAWse Space this Wednesday (12/17) afterschool in the Seevak Room. Holiday coloring sheets, activities, and board games will be offered. Stop by with your friends to relax and enjoy snacks before winter break!

This W Block (12/17) come hear Mr. Nils Martin from the Goethe Institute Washington DC present the “Study Bridge” program over Zoom in the electronic classroom. Complete the Google form as part of this announcement in order to receive a pass.

Guardians are invited to join the presentation via the Zoom. Please email : hfloerke@bostonpublicschools.org to receive the link

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4NAEnXdSISKh5UR_f7rTL8Qn-azXTlkVGChLu-AC1NcAi0g/viewform?usp=header

Get ready for our next cozy event (drumroll)…COOKIE DECORATING!

On Wednesday, December 17th from 2:30-3:30pm, we will be hosting this event in Room 225 (Ms. Moguel’s room)! There is an entrance fee of $6 before the event and $8 at the door (this includes everything you need for decorating and hot chocolate!). Please give your cash payments to Ms. Moguel (Room 225) or send them to @blsbakes via Venmo.

We will be teaching y’all how to use a piping bag, how to use flood and edge icing techniques, and how to create different patterns. There will also be sprinkles to decorate with!

RSVP using this form by Monday 12/15 at 11:59 pm. If you do not RSVP, you are welcome to participate day-of while supplies last. N.B. – Doors will open at 2:30, not 2:15!

Let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We can’t wait to see y’all’s beautiful creations!

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3x3MwPh_p-eL5Rc1cwM7pPjcQhP-5948a7xXJC4pgkmydSg/viewform

Please join the Jewish Culture Club for its annual Hanukkah party on Wednesday, December 17th 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 on the first floor.

Do you have an interest in STEM or economic science, and would like to earn a degree abroad? Consider combining German-language learning with academic and intercultural preparation for university study in Germany. Nils Martin, Project Manager of Study Bridge at the Goethe-Institut Washington, will be attending W Block on December 17, 2025, via Zoom in the electronic classroom to talk to anyone interested in attending tuition-free university in Germany. The Study Bridge program provides direct access to study at a German partner university with comprehensive preparation through language courses, specialized subjects, and intercultural training. Immerse yourself in another language, and take advantage of tuition-free studies in Germany. Join us for a presentation about the Goethe-Institut’s Study Bridge to learn more about a unique university opportunity. Students are asked to attend in person on Wednesday, December 17, in the electronic classroom.

A Google form for sign up can be found here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4NAEnXdSISKh5UR_f7rTL8Qn-azXTlkVGChLu-AC1NcAi0g/viewform?usp=publish-editor

You will receive a pass in the form of an email in order to attend. What is Study Bridge: www.goethe.de/ins/us/en/spr/unt/efd/stb.html

On Monday, December 15th, come to room 125 from 2:30-3:30 if you are interested in getting involved with climate action organizations! We are so excited to welcome Jeffrey Lan, a leader at Spring Forward, a climate education organization run by high school to empower students with knowledge about the intersectionality of the climate crisis. Jeffrey will talk about the organization’s mission to teach students about climate change, the consequences of the issue beyond sustainability, and how to take real actions to make a change. The event will also be a great opportunity to gain knowledge about activism, build leadership skills, and network with others who are passionate about advocacy.

docs.google.com/forms/d/1GN8zK9sLGMzHe8S_sQqoCLl6bOw30XOfgiOwKnmEJDI/viewform?edit_requested=true

The Boston Latin School Service Collective, in association with Crafts for Causes, will be hosting a game night in the lower gym on Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 from 2:30-4:00 in the Seevak Room. You can enjoy fun activities like basketball, arm wrestling, trivia, chess, cornhole, and much more. Entry is $4 dollars before the event and $6 at the event. You can purchase tickets at Mr. Fogel’s room (125). All proceeds will go to the charitable causes of the BLSSC or CFC.

As we’re nearing the end of 2025, let’s take the time to enjoy our last few days together before we see each other again in January!

Join us in our school-wide Winter Spirit Week:

• Wednesday (12/17): Ugly Sweater Day ⛄
• Thursday (12/18): Winter
• White-out ❄️🧤 Friday (12/19): Pajama Day 💤

We hope to see everyone dressed up in their BEST holiday spirit!

The design team is meeting after school on 12/16 in 202 to create the winter issue. Stop by if you are interested in joining this creative team.

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. The referral deadline is 3/20/26, but be sure to sign up well in advance so that you may have priority on date and time.

Here’s a video description of the program:

The Student Mental Health Advisory is hosting our first COMMUNITY CHALLENGE! The theme for December is MOVEMENT.

Homerooms in each grade will compete against each other to complete activities that better support mental health. Each activity rewards 1 point and a fully completed activity board will receive an extra 5 points. One homeroom per grade will receive a prize for having the most points! Please visit the Canva link for the activity board and submission instructions.

www.canva.com/design/DAG5jociCPw/1feBiAMqmX2h4Yo1VIRUNA/edit

💪 Ever notice how your brain sometimes says, “Ugh, I can’t do this” before you’ve even tried? That’s your mindset talking – and good news, you can train it to work for you instead of against you. ➡️ Try this: Next time something feels hard, a test, a group project, or a new skill, pause and switch the script.

• Instead of “I’m so bad at this,” try “I’m still learning this.”
• Instead of “I have to finish this,” try “I get to prove to myself I can do it.”
• Instead of “This is too much,” try “I’ll tackle one part at a time.”

Your words and thoughts shape your mindset, and your mindset shapes your confidence. This week, be intentional about talking to yourself like you’d talk to a friend: encouraging, patient, and proud.

Makeup Photo Day, Monday, December 15, 1:30-2:15 p.m.

On Monday, December 15, Smile-Pro-Portraits will return to take photos of students who might have been absent for the original picture day on October 1, may need a retake, or who missed the opportunity to take and order photo packages. The photographers will be onsite on Monday, December 15 during R7 (1:30-2:15). Photos will be taken in the Faculty Dining Hall at the back end of the Dining Hall. Students who would like to have their pictures taken will need a pass which they can secure through this form by Thursday, December 11 at 6:00 p.m. Students should only be out of the classroom for less than 15 minutes.

docs.google.com/forms/d/1b3U8jNCZg0N1i2e_btbwRLmyl64TRDOsZNolgS7-f0U/preview

Decorate a gingerbread house with your friends on Friday, December 12 after school in room 307 in support of the Congo Peace School!

Join the Topol Fellows in fundraising for a school in The Democratic Republic of the Congo. While you decorate you will learn about the current crisis in the DRC. We ask that you pay $10 when attending the event (cash/venmo only). Only one person from each group should reserve the gingerbread house kit here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSei9XmxyBcdqZAiHtUqdb2aKQjLixAQ-qSuiKQTUGRybe5cpw/viewform?usp=dialog

Open to all classes! The submission form for the 3rd Public Declamation is due by Thursday, 1/15, by 11:59 pm. Please read the Declaration Criteria carefully before signing up for a selection. Tryouts are after school, starting at 2:15 pm on 1/20. You should memorize at least 1 minute of your piece (no introduction) in time for tryouts. The Third Public Declamation performance is scheduled for Thursday, 2/5 R1-R2, and the audience will be Class IV. Please email Mx. Amico or Mr. Kerpan with questions!

forms.gle/X3mAbqBfu7QRLzSPA

Go to the bulletin board right outside of room 136, where you will learn all about German inventors (Erfinder) and their inventions/findings (Erfindungen), and more.

Scan the QR code at the bulletin board and guess which German invented what and when. The WINNER will be drawn from the correct entries on December 15th.

Viel Glück!

Congratulations to BLS Model UN, who won the Outstanding Delegation award this weekend at Natick’s Model UN Conference. All delegates did an amazing job collaborating and engaging in diplomacy. Special shoutout to the following students for their individual achievements

Geneva Conference 1954

• Soleil Desai (IV): honorable mention
• Orson Giblin (II): honorable mention

Arendelle’s Eternal War

• Juan Diego Martin Valenzuela (IV): honorable mention

Qatar World Cup

• Bridget Blair (II): honorable mention

Alcatraz: Prisoners

• Cleo Barowsky (II): Best

Alcatraz: Authorities

• Alex Jaffe (I): Best Backroom

Model UN meets MUNdays in 207!

The BLS Pre-Law Society is hosting Mr. Segal, a practicing attorney and partner at Lawson & Weitzen, in the library’s electronic classroom after school on Wednesday (12/10). He will address topics such as a lawyer’s daily work, the law school admissions process, legal research, and trial preparation/settlement negotiations. There will also be a Q&A at the end. Capacity is limited, and seats will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Interested in more opportunities like this? Sign up for the BLS Pre-Law Society here:

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdocmeFD-osj1e4QYalvvBawOKdQ17PbUiIuI5mKqwvkkx86g/viewform?usp=dialog

Ambassadors from Project 351 are working with Harvest on the Vine, a food pantry in Charlestown, to collect donations to help combat food insecurity in our community. Help their mission by donating non-perishables (canned goods, beans, cereal, snacks) to their drive. Drop off donations in the bin right in front of the main office. One hour of community service available for people who donate!

On Tuesday, Dec 9, 2025, the homeroom period will be extended by five minutes to allow ALL BLS students time to take a very brief survey from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The filing bell for R1 will ring at 8:00.

All students will be sent a link to the survey to take on their Chromebook, and we’re asking that every BLS student complete it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to speak to Ms. Lewis-da Ponte or email me at slewis2@bostonpublicschools.org.

As part of my Capstone class, I (Latyr Karnes-Salas, Class I) am teaching a mini-course on Indigenous American History. The class will be taught during W from January 14 – March 8. If you are interested in learning more about the course and attending classes, please complete this form by December 8.

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMat1H834IA7_0RWljnU4UZMXjkeqXxDqLS9tNZSRCvZWuJQ/viewform

Hello seniors! A few friendly (but timely!) reminders:

– Please book your senior portraits ASAP for the December session. Slots are now filling quickly! – Keep adding your “Through the Years” photos to the Classroom assignments. Submissions will close December 17th. If only a few students submit, the Yearbook will only feature the same few faces and friend groups over and over. Help us out by submitting photos of current seniors and yourselves from sixie year onwards (plus your baby photo!)

– Think about your senior profile / senior quote, due January 9th!

– Superlative voting (round 1) is now open! Please complete the form by Friday, 12/18.

Salvēte, Omnēs!

BLSJCL is collecting books during the weeks leading up to Winter Break! If you have any books (in good condition), please feel free to drop them off in the box across from Room 225 ( Ms. Moguel’s room)!

All donations will be given to the Used Book Superstore in Burlington after December 19th.

Want to be eligible to win a prize? Join Fortune Avenue for our Challenge!

Interested in winning a cash prize? Fortune Avenue is hosting our last 2 weeks of programming on December 2nd and 9th, where students will learn entrepreneurial skills to develop a 5-10 minute Shark Tank-style business pitch. Students will be split into teams to brainstorm and create an investment proposal, and the judges (our undergraduate mentors) will decide the winner. If you’re interested, please go to room 014 from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm (FOOD AND SNACKS PROVIDED). See you there!

But you must admit that “Basket Workshop” caught your attention.:) Please find the information for the Saturday, 12/06 BAKING WORKSHOP with German pastry chef Mark Floerke HERE.

The recipes and ingredient lists can be found here: docs.google.com/document/d/1e5Zo1QTERHWAhTE1S5254IECBrVmk-LBDvXbb9UnXcM/edit?usp=sharing

Mark is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Meeting ID: 836 0746 0192

Passcode: 648950

Please email: hfloerke@bostonpublicschools.org with any questions.

Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python, and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre!

In the Black Box Theater

• December 4 at 7 pm
• December 5 at 3 pm and 7 pm
• December 6 at 7 pm

$5 for students and $8 for adults. Tickets available at our show/bls39steps or with cash at the door

Are you interested in learning about Islam, eating snacks, and connecting with other Muslim students? Join MSA! Muslim Students’ Association is interested in finding new members who share these interests! Come join us in room 103, 2:30-3:30 – We have snacks every week!

Thank you for all the beautiful submissions for this year’s Winter Concert Program Cover Contest! The winners are:

• Blythe Currier (IV)-winner
• Joseph McFarlane (V)-second place
• Abigail Becker Cocks (IV)-third place
• Congratulations!!

🌻 As we return from a long weekend & approach the mid-point of the term, it’s easy to feel like everything needs your attention at once – projects, friends, family, and rest. Finding balance doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly; it means noticing what you need and making space for it. ➡️ Tip: Try doing a quick “balance check” midweek:

🎒 What’s one responsibility I need to focus on right now?

What’s one thing that helps me recharge?

Who can I reach out to if I feel overwhelmed?

Write your answers down or talk them out with someone you trust. Small check-ins like this help you stay grounded, manage stress, and end the term feeling proud – not burned out.

Coat Boston is a nonprofit organization that collects winter clothes and donates them to those in need in the Greater Boston area, including to BPS students. They are looking for new unused items such as hats and gloves to help keep young people warm this winter! Donated items can be dropped off in the big blue box outside of the main office! Community service hours are available for people who donate.

mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=7bf92b1b9a&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1849785717504209386&th=19abc24f3a6df1ea&view=att&disp=inline&realattid=f_m46a32je0&zw

IT’S TIIIIIIIIME… FOR TẾT FESTIVAL AUDITIONS! BLS Vietnamese Students Society will be hosting our annual Tết Festival to celebrate the Vietnamese Lunar New Year on Friday, February 6th, 2026.

But what’s a show without its performers!? We are looking for performers and MCs from the student body to compile the perfect show portion for our festival! If you are interested in showing up on the big stage at Tết Festival, either to serenade the audience with your singing, to display your dance skills, to hype up the audience as an MC, or anything else of the sort, please fill out the form below by Sunday, December 7th, at 11:59 P.M. NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED, so be sure to apply as soon as you can!

forms.gle/Mad2TMg28yhgcrQz6

Please note that the lunch schedule will rotate on the day we return from Thanksgiving break. Effective December 1 through March 13, the schedule will be:

• First Lunch: Math, History
• Second Lunch: Classics, Arts and Music, Science
• Third Lunch: Modern Languages, English (Capstone)

As the weather may limit the days we can have lunch out of doors, there could be larger crowds in the Dining Hall. We want to remind young people of the importance of clearing tables completely at the conclusion of their lunch period.