Eighth graders took part in the annual Advisory Buzz Competition. The math game asks students to use multiples to BUZZ out certain numbers as they count rapidly in a circle. It requires focus, memory, and quick wits. The winner was Vivian Claire, who earned points for Ms. Stephens’ advisory while runners up Molly Parker and Abu Bockarie both earned points for Ms. Haywood’s advisory, pushing them from the bottom to the second place in the year-long advisory competition. Students earn points throughout the year by participating in various events, culminating in the spring with the advisory Olympics. Ms. Coppola-Klein’s advisory garnered extra spirit points Friday by creating a wave of bright yellow by blanketing themselves in the color for their attire.
Students in the middle and upper schools are participating in the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project Toy Drive. The charity event is organized by Ms. Foster, who coordinates community service opportunities for the school. Students donated toys of all size to homeless children for the holidays.
On Tuesday, WLPCS parent Diana Bruce addressed the faculty about the issues for schools surrounding the LGBTQ community. Bruce is the Director of Health and Wellness for DCPS and has over 20 years of experience in working with adolescents. She spoke about language and identity and changes that can be put into place to make schools more welcoming and inclusive of all students. Bruce is also the ninth grade parent rep on our school’s PFA.
Eight Latin middle school students participated in the George Washington University Model United Nations Conference Saturday. Eighth grader Sheridan Easterling was recognized at the Closing Awards ceremony for his participation in the Government of the British Raj on the topic of the rebellion by the people of India against the British government. Easterling also served with sixth grader Tommy Portilla-Marchiori on the Crisis Committees. Portilla-Marchiori served on the New York Police Department committee and debated the topic of pandemics and its effect on the security of the citizens of New York City and the bordering states. Meanwhile, eighth grader Henry Cohen and seventh grader Liam Murphy served on the Disarmament and International Security Council (DISEC) debating the topic, “North Korean Escalation” with sixth grader Ganesh Bhojwani and seventh grader Oliver Anderson. Seventh grader Isabelle Charles and sixth grader Annika Jobanputra served on the UN Women committee debating the topic, “Advancing the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda,” which was the focus of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
On Tuesday, several juniors visited the Aspen Institute with Mr. Hagerty to listen to Robert Dallek talk about his new biography of Franklin Roosevelt. The trip was organized with help from English teacher Ms. Collins. The Aspen Institute is a nonpartisan forum for values based leadership and education. Dallek is a historian specializing in Presidential History.
