South Boston Community Health Center (SBCHC) Youth Ambassadors program is open to any youth in Boston (ages 12-18) who are looking to make a difference in themselves and their community. The weekly group focuses on leadership development, health education (physical, mental and social) and service to the community. This is a great opportunity for youth who are looking for a meaningful way to engage with their peers. Food is served at each meeting, and youth receive a small stipend ($15 gift card) for each meeting.

The program meets weekly on Tuesdays from 4:30- 6:00 PM in the Community Room at SBCHC and is open to new students at any time.

drive.google.com/file/d/1TxV4yxFlPdP9bEJnqYZVlHO88Fi1uL38/view?usp=sharing

Recently, ICE has been deployed in crackdown operations (most notably Minneapolis) and has increased their presence nationwide (including in Maine). These crackdowns have been extremely controversial because of issues including immigrant family separation, federal action vs. state and local policies, the violation of the rights of protesters and aggressive tactics of federal agents (including the killing of two protestors).

The BLS Topol Fellows will be presenting about the crackdown and the upcoming U.S. Senate votes which will impact the future of ICE. All are welcome and we hope you will join us if you’re interested in learning about what you can do to impact this legislation and help those affected.

We will have snacks to help everyone get through their last day of exams!

The John William Ward Public Service Fellowship is a competitive summer program for BLS juniors and seniors to work alongside elected or appointed officials in government, the courts, or major media. Fellows gain hands-on experience while learning directly from leaders in public service.

Applications are due February 5 at 4:00 p.m. and can be found at wardfellowship.org/application/. Please review the checklist carefully to ensure all requirements are met.

docs.google.com/document/d/1XLrX7U52g0Nvk3a2BHEwYUShe8bTj85enR9HqmUroBc/edit?usp=sharing

Earthwatch’s Girls in Science Program 2026 Application is officially open! Girls in Science is a fully-funded student fellowship program, providing young female and non-binary identifying students with the opportunity to expand their interest in science and technology and to build confidence through hands-on environmental research. Fellows will work alongside researchers in Acadia National Park to collect data on forests, intertidal organisms, and climate refugia on the expedition Climate Change: Sea to Trees at Acadia National Park.

Second Term will close on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Report cards will be issued the next day.

Term Exam dates are:

• Math, History, and Art/Music: January 29th
• Science and Modern Language: January 30th
• English, Classics, and PE/Health: February 2nd

Please see your teachers if you have any Q’s/concerns.

Interested in law, journalism, or both? Come to write for The IUSTITIAE.

The IUSTITIAE is a new BLS student-run journal focused on exploring current events and daily life under the lens of rules, laws, and legal systems. If you are interested in writing for this journal, please fill out the form below:

forms.gle/Hr3VGdnAC9vZ4BKa9

Dear BLS School Community,

HUGE thank you to every single one of you who bought popcorn for the Class of 2026’s fundraiser! We raised a total of $13,672—the most money raised from this fundraiser ever before. We are so grateful to all of the school community that supported us.

Your popcorn should be arriving soon!

Best,

Ms. Encarnacao and the Senior Class Officers

On February 10, 2026, the Boston Latin School Service Collective will be holding the first ever Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament. Come to 125 to have fun, compete against others, and prove to the school that you are the ultimate Smash Bros champion!

There will be a Course Selection presentation in the assembly hall for Classes III and II during W Block on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Students should report to homeroom at the start of W, and then will be escorted to the assembly hall by their homeroom teacher for the remainder of the period.

Dear BLS community:

Please join me in congratulating the following BLS students whose creative pieces were recognized by Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for their original: fiction, poem or narrative:

• Thao Nguyen (Class II)
• Meilin Sha (Class III)
• Vivienne Watson (Class V)
• Arianna Cooper (Class V)

Please be aware that we will run a Safe Mode drill during R6 on Friday, January 23, 2026.

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:

youtu.be/u9JPKJ78Hfc?si=tkIzB-EF9onC3fbg

There will be no W Block on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 due to the end-of-term testing days. It will be a “traditional” Day 6.

Let’s try walking backwards together. Anxiety can build up in all of us, and everyone has their own ways of dealing with it—some work better than others. Walking backwards is another tool you can use! Walking backwards can help lower anxiety by breaking up thought patterns, helping you focus on the present, and using different parts of your brain for balance and movement. This change in brain activity can help your body move from a “fight or flight” state to a calmer, “rest and digest” state.

Disclaimer: Please have a walking buddy while walking backwards. If you need a buddy in school, I am located in room 165!

Are you interested in learning more about Indigenous American Histories? Attend the student led Capstone class in the library this Wednesday and the next 6 Wednesdays during W. For more information complete this Google Form.

This weekend, members of the Boston Latin School Speech and Debate competed at the New England Congress District tournament, in an attempt to qualify for the National Tournament hosted in June. BLS continued their streak of four consecutive years of qualifying. Here are highlights from this weekend!

Ikra Abbasi, (II) placed second in Congressional Senate finals, qualifying to compete in Richmond.

David Wang, (III) placed first in Congressional House finals, qualifying to compete in Richmond

Congratulations to everyone who competed!

Are you interested in a summer travel and learning program in Scotland? Join other BLS students and faculty who have participated in the Global Citizens Initiative.

More information here.

gci.smapply.io/prog/2026_gci_fellowship/

The Student Mental Health Advisory will be hosting a PAWse Space next Wednesday, 1/21 during W-block in the Dining Hall. Come relax and have some fun before the end of the term. We will have art activities, board games, music and hot chocolate! Sign up at the following link to attend!

forms.gle/zVwn2MgXxrTg1YSy9

On Monday, 1/12, Keefe Library overdue notices will be distributed in homeroom. Please note:

– If you have any questions about what you owe, please come see a librarian.

-If you need to keep your book for an assignment (JRP, for example), that is fine! We recommend re-checking out your book to avoid receiving overdue notices, but no late fees are ever charged on Keefe Library books.

-If you have lost your book, come $10 to the library and see a librarian. Thank you!

The Senior Class is selling delicious popcorn and would LOVE your support. Friday, January 16th at 5pm is the end of our sale, so get your popcorn TODAY! Please see one of our fabulous seniors and donate at their pop-up store or donate on my page (It all goes to the senior class): popup.doublegood.com/s/91pr47lf .Thank you for your support in making our senior activities more affordable for all!

High school students in Louisiana and Massachusetts are invited to submit projects for the Quiz story Podcast Award—a chance to win a fully funded spot in the Summer 2026 Camino de Santiago Program, a ten-day cultural and historical journey through northern Spain.

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 Declamation Criteria carefully before signing up with 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/muGXRaVrXcFG2k3aA

Congratulations to the winning homeroom of the first SMHA Community Challenge…. HR 314!! And a special shout-out to Class III student Gabrielle Shepard for most points earned. The winning homeroom will receive a prize of fidgets and stress balls. Thank you to all who participated!

The Deitch Leadership Institute will once again partner with Junior Achievement to offer a 7-topic workshop series on personal financial literacy – earning, budgeting, saving, credit, debt, and investment basics. Workshops will last 60 minutes, after school, through June. Every month one topic will be offered 2-3 times for students’ scheduling ease. The kickoff meeting will occur Thursday, Jan 15 after school in the Library Electronic Classroom. Workshop attendance is optional, but perfect attendance will earn students an official Certificate of Completion from Junior Achievement.

Sign up here:

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZ1dywVZb9HXnit76xEn1sRu8WVAiinrSosJ03iqKkiVwveA/viewform?usp=share_link&ouid=104661622107224627125

The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) invites highly motivated high school students with a strong interest in science to spend six weeks at six weeks at the Broad Institute. We match students with Broad scientists to conduct original, cutting-edge research projects in areas such as: cancer biology, psychiatric disease, chemical biology, computational biology, infectious disease, and more. ($3,600 stipend) To be eligible to apply to BSSP, applicants must: be a rising senior in high school (i.e. students can apply their junior year), commuting distance to the Broad, earned a B or better in science and math classes Demonstrate excitement for science!​

• Application deadline: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
• Notifications: mid-March 2026
• Program dates: June 29 – August 7, 2026

Want to show off your MYTHTASTIC knowledge? Registration for the Pegasus Myth Exam (7-8 grade, theme: underworld) and the Medusa Myth Exam (9-12 grades, theme: Game of Thrones Olympian Edition) is now LIVE! Deadline to register and make your $7 payment is Friday, January 23. BOTH exams will take place during W block in the library on Wednesday, March 4th. Charged BLS-issued Chromebooks are required. Earn some recognition!!!

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfsGiCeyqxiAFlbImCN2xqV14GuM6B6-3cS3Q9h9fEIPbPXvg/viewform?usp=header

Harvard Medical School’s Project Success: Opening the Door to Biomedical Careers is a paid summer research internship for high school juniors and seniors who reside in Boston or Cambridge, MA. Applications are now open, and the deadline is February 4, 2026.

• Location: Harvard Medical School (HMS) and HMS-Affiliated Research Labs
• Dates: June 29 – August 14, 2026
• Application Deadline: Tuesday, February 4, 2026

Placements are in research labs at HMS or HMS-affiliated hospitals. Mentorship from science and healthcare professionals and group learning experiences. Opportunity to gain hands-on biomedical research experience.

occe.hms.harvard.edu/paths-opportunity/project-success

This Feelings Wheel will help you learn how to pair movements to the emotions you want to release or move toward. This can be a valuable resource for learning more about yourself and what your body needs. That being said, traditional Feelings Wheels are great. They help you learn to become more emotionally fluent and to name what you’re experiencing. If you want to be an awkward turtle like me and add movement into the equation, try adding movements! For more information, you can visit: www.embodiedmovement.co/

drive.google.com/file/d/1bqmL0YMfbt_x8yrq1HAOdKmfsiugVRkE/view?usp=sharing

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 the city, state, or federal government in Boston. Application is available at wardfellowship.org and is due Thursday, February 5, 2026. Email questions to Ms. Andrade.

The Deitch Leadership Institute Summer Fellowship is a summer employment opportunity for current sophomores, juniors, and seniors to work at a prominent Boston organization representing a variety of industries including finance, law, marketing, education, and the nonprofit sector. Application is available at www.deitchleadership.org/fellowship and is due Monday, February 9, 2026. Email questions to Mr. Levesque.

Information sessions will occur on Monday, January 12 (2:30, Seevak), Wednesday January 14 (W-Block, Seevak), and Wednesday January 21 (2:30, Library Electronic Classroom). Email Mr. Levesque for a pass to the information session on Jan 14 during W-Block, if you wish to attend.

NoVasta, a global organization founded by seniors Arianna Sun and Sofia Hennessy, was recently featured in the Boston Globe on December 26. NoVasta works to empower students through advocacy, community service, and real-world impact across Boston communities and throughout the world. Students interested in getting involved can visit novastaboston.org or reach out at asun3@bostonk12.org or shennessy@bostonk12.org with questions.

A link to the article is included below for anyone who would like to learn more! www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/26/metro/how-two-boston-teens-fight-food-waste-crisis/

The Sawyer Business School at Suffolk University is excited to once again offer their summer programs for students interested in entrepreneurship and sports management.

This July, students can select from one of their daytime, three-week summer courses: The Entrepreneurial Mindset OR Titletown to Sneaker Town: An Inside Look at Boston’s Sports Industry. Students will get an early look at college life by learning on Suffolk’s downtown campus, using their academic buildings, libraries, and collective learning spaces. Best of all, this course is at no cost to students, and completion of the course will count for three Suffolk credits. See the links below for more details and how to apply:

www.suffolk.edu/business/degrees-programs/management-entrepreneurship/summer-high-school-program

www.suffolk.edu/business/degrees-programs/sports-management/sports-management-summer-program

Please note that students may only apply to one program, and both are non-residential (requires commuting to and from campus)

These summer programs includes daily lunches, and will cover a subway/bus pass for students’ commute to and from campus (commuter rail and/or parking costs are not included). Though priority will be given to rising high school seniors, rising juniors will also be considered and are welcome to apply.

Space in these programs is limited, and applications must be submitted by March 13.

Looking for something to do? Boston Latin School is proud to host the New England Congressional Debate District Qualifier at BLS on Saturday, January 17, as well as on Friday, January 16th, after school. Volunteer roles include assisting with registration, concessions, auditorium operations, and awards. Community service hours will be provided, and food will be available throughout the day for all volunteers and staff. If interested, please sign up here. Only sign up if you’re sure you can make it; all signups are due by Thursday, January 15.

Link:docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DYtnkVK8PaoKBB4sn0374REl6AHNXR6TcsezGhiCJRg/edit?gid=1057009953#gid=1057009953

Calling all BLS chess players! We at BLSChess hope you all had a restful break and are ready for some chess to kick off the new year. This is an event for all skill levels and is completely free. Sign up and find more information on the Google Form here: forms.gle/orrWVSe5dQXguz3x5

Phishing scams are real, and anyone can fall for a scam. We encourage you to treat any email from an unknown sender, even from a BPS address, with extreme skepticism. Do not feel compelled to fill out any kind of form from an unknown sender before confirming the form’s legitimacy. Please reach out to a trusted adult if you have any suspicions or questions about the legitimacy of an unfamiliar email, and use Google’s Spam and Phishing Alert reporting tools to report scams and spam.

There are two changes to the Keefe Library’s hours the week of 1/12/26:

•  Tues. 1/13 – The library will be closed after school for professional development.
•  Fri. 1/16 – The library is hosting MLK Jr. Day programming R1-R4, so it will be closed for study hall sign-up.

Looking for good music, chill vibes, and community after school? Join BLS Cru, Young Women of Color & BLS CREED for a Student-Led Christian Worship Night—an optional, after-school gathering with music, reflection, and connection. This event is voluntary and open to all BLS students who want to attend, listen, or enjoy the atmosphere.

📍 Location: Auditorium

📅 Date: January 28, 2026

⏰ Time: 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Come through, bring a friend, and enjoy a respectful space to unwind.

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 Declamation Criteria carefully before signing up with 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/muGXRaVrXcFG2k3aA

The South Boston Civic Assoc. is soliciting entries for its annual essay contest. Several BLS students have won in the past. This year could be your turn. Here are the prompts. HS Essay Question: Essay competition is open to all students in grades 9-12

-Explain the impact of British taxation policies on the relationship between the British government and the 13 colonies.

-7th – 8th grade Essay Questions: South Boston residents only for grades 7-8

– What was Abigail Adams role in the American Revolution?

– Cash Prizes along with gifts from Rev250, Ft. Ticonderoga and the freedom Trail will be awarded to winners placing 1st,2nd, and 3rd respectively.

– All entries should bear, in an attached envelope, the contestant’s name, school and email, and should be submitted by Friday, February 16th, 2026, At 5 PM.

ASPIRE, is a Boston-based, volunteer-run, non-profit organization that strives to build and empower a community of Asian American women leaders through identity development, mentorship, and education. We are now accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of our Youth Leadership Program (YLP).

YLP is a leadership development program for Asian American females currently in their sophomore or junior year of high school. The program supports participants’ growth as rising leaders in their social, academic, and future professional communities by focusing on building identity, encouraging self-confidence, and developing leadership skills.

The application and more details can be found on our website: www.girlsaspire.org/apply-ylp. Applications close January 31, 2026.

drive.google.com/file/d/1QfURwIRAg5a_gbYYBm2Tl3r43BEShJwR/view?usp=sharing

The second (of three!) round of senior portraits are scheduled for January 27th, 28th, and 29th at BLS! Please see the link to schedule an appointment. Remember: you MUST be photographed BY SMILE-PRO in order to be featured in the yearbook — no exceptions! Book ASAP to secure a spot. There will only be one more round of dates after these, so do not delay!

bookme.name/smileproportraits/boston-latin-class-of-2026

MATHCOUNTS is a prestigious math competition for middle schoolers (class VI and class V) taking place on January 31th, 2026. The BLS Math Team is holding tryouts for MATHCOUNTS on Monday, January 12 at 2:30 in room 337. 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!

Last call for the BLS Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Art, Essay and Poetry Contest. This year we have three MLK contests: Art, Essay, and Poetry, focused on the following theme: “Centuries of Boston Latin School history and decades of MLK history have given us a blueprint for standing for justice. However, it is the everyday acts that continue to move the hands of justice and democracy. ”

Prompt: How do Boston Latin School’s THRIVE core values—respect, unity, excellence, and global citizenship—connect to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? In what ways can you, as a BLS student, put these values into your everyday actions?

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 Thursday, January 8, 2026, 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 8, 2026, 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

New Year – New Who?

Coming back to school after a long break can be rough on all of us, students and staff alike. Here are some tips to get through the first couple of weeks. One thing to emphasize is tapping into your community, who and whatever it may be.

* Name your feelings: It’s normal to feel excited, nervous, tired, or all three. Naming feelings helps manage them.

* Start small: Focus on getting through the first day or first class, not the whole week.

* Use calming strategies: Deep breathing, stretching, or quiet music can help reset your mind.

* Reconnect with peers: Say hi to at least one person each day—even small interactions matter.

* Practice self-kindness: You might feel “rusty” at first, and that’s okay.

Come write for the Argo. No experience is necessary–we can teach you the basics of journalism. The Writer’s meeting for the next issue of the Argo is Wednesday, January 7, 2026 in 207 at 2:30.

On Wednesday January 7 during the W-Block, Student Council will host its next Town Hall meeting in the Library Fiction Room. All students are welcome; please sign up here to receive a pass: forms.gle/k9g7T8vGC8Xcn1Gw8. The topic will be an academic check-in designed to capture the student academic experience this current year, a topic that Student Council has facilitated since 2020. For those who cannot attend but wish to share their perspective, you can complete the Academic Check-In Survey here: forms.gle/GGfVWoi4iMPvJqMv9. Data will be aggregated and presented to the Head of School. Email jlevesque@bostonpublicschools.org with questions. Thank you.

Dear Classes V and VI, 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 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 next steps once you are registered.

BLS 2026 Spelling Bee Registration Form Link: docs.google.com/forms/d/1BRUgnk5jVs8MaOwAZeN3VSOVTjvD_WL3DuPzgpRPJGY/edit Ms. Thompson

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!!