By Sr. Vazquez
​It’s the Three Kings, or Reyes Magos (Melchior, Gaspar and Baltazar), who bring children their gifts in Spain, not Santa Claus (although he is becoming more popular now, too) on January 6, not Christmas Day. On the night of January 5, the Kings parade through the towns across the country with their entourage of helpers, animals and elaborate floats, throwing sweets out for the children. When the kids return home, they leave out their shoes for the Kings to fill with presents overnight.
At the National Spanish Honor Society, we created a tradition in which students leave their shoes and if they were good members, they will receive candies (if they didn’t participate over the year, they will get coal). We are also aware of the Secret Santa so students brought a secret present for a friend. It was a nice way to finish the year.

This week at LOLHS has been truly a festive one. Between the daily holiday wear, our first ever  Winter Carnival, the caroling around school, and the return of the "Holiday Assembly", it has been a crazy, fun and special week.

Today, after our short classes,  the Wind Ensemble and the Select Singers book-ended our holiday assembly prepared for us by the Student Council. Both groups were absolutely AMAZING! And in between, the students and teachers  participated in various minute-to-win it activities which included Ornament on a Spoon, Unwrap a Gift...with mittens, Jingle Bell Hop, Snowball Toss, Santa Limbo and Gift Wrap an Advisor. We had lots of laughs and spread lots of holiday cheer. Take a look at some of the events and performances below:

While we had our Select Singers tour the district spreading joy and holiday cheer through song  (see above), we also had some science students spreading their version on some holiday cheer in the halls of LOLHS. Take a listen:

Last week and this week, our Music Department held their respective winter concerts. Each night was a wonderful event full of holiday music. The performances were amazing. ​If you were not able to attend, check out the links below to access the recordings.

By: Sr. Vazquez

On Wednesday, December 13th, Science teacher Richard Fisler gave a presentation to the Spanish Honor Society about the time he spent living in Germany. Mr. Fisler discussed the importance of learning languages as it pertains to cultural understanding and global citizenship, and he answered questions that students had regarding what it was like to live in a foreign country. Mr. Fisler shared how, before living in Germany, he had never traveled very far from his home state. Spanish Honor Society students were inspired by his account of the challenges and gains of living in a new country and learning a new language, and they greatly appreciated him taking the time to share those experiences. As Mr. Fisler taught us, learning a language is not just about personal advantage, it’s about establishing worldly connections. Thank you Mr. Fisler!

The holidays and breaks can be a stressful time for families as life slows down and stress and worry may increase causing mental health distress. If your child is experiencing suicidal or homicidal thoughts, feelings of depression, anxiety, or hopelessness, out-of-control behaviors, self-injurious behaviors, or any mental health crisis, CFA's Urgent Crisis Center (UCC) is open throughout break to support you and your child. At the UCC, your child will be seen by a Registered Nurse to assess medical well-being, a Masters-level Mental Health Clinician, and a Community Navigator. A psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner will consult with the team and be available for an evaluation if needed.  Parents are included in the process every step of the way and families will leave with a comprehensive assessment, safety plan, and connection to on-going support. The team will facilitate scheduling appointments and stay connected until that first session is held with your permanent treater. 
Hours: 
      Monday through Friday 8 AM to 10 PM
      Saturday  10 AM to 10 PM (Sundays beginning 1/14/24)
Location: 255 Hempstead St, New London, CT 
 
Contact us via our direct line for questions or to let the team know you're coming (walk-ins are okay): 860-440-7182.
 
Caitlyn E. Ogilvie, LCSW (She/Her/Hers)
Director of Urgent Crisis Center and Evidence Based Practices

By: Juanjo Vazquez- Caballero
During our last unit, students learned about Spain after the death of Francisco Franco.  He was a dictator for almost 40 years. He closed Spain for any cultural, political or social influence from the outside world.  Spain was frozen in the past. Spain was a fossil until 1975.  In 1977, Spain had democratic elections and became a democracy, but Spanish people, especially young ones, were thirsty for more than just democracy; they wanted self- expression, an identity, experimentation, etc.  In Madrid, around 1980, a counterculture called the Movida Madrilena movement started to grow rapidly.  It expanded all around Spain, giving the young people an opportunity to express themselves.  The movement reshaped Spain and its views.  Students did a great project comparing and contrasting the Movida Madrilena and the Hippie Movement.
 
Here are a few examples:

The Environmental Community Organization of Stewards (ECOS) held a work party on Sunday at Watch Rock /Elizabeth P. Karter Preserve. They beat the rain, but just barely! Edie Twining and Mary Devins from OLLT were present to give instructions on the project, talk about the land, some of the trees we were cleaning up after, and the indigenous people's use of the land as a summer fishing camp. They then lead us on a brief hike/walk that was cut short by rain. Hot cocoa and donuts were enjoyed at the end. 

On Friday, December 8th, Student Council hosted PJ Day for the Kids. Students wore pajamas in honor of the brave kids fighting cancer at Connecticut Children's Hospital. Since 2011, hundreds of thousands of children in Connecticut and Massachusetts have worn their PJs to school, and simultaneously, have raised more than $1,400,000 in support of kids at Connecticut Children's. LOLHS was able to raise $448.65 and donated it to the Connecticut Children's Hospital. We want to thank everyone that participated in this event and donated. We look forward to continuing this fundraiser each year at LOLHS.
 

Congratulations to our Mock Trial team! They competed last week and this week winning both trials and advancing to States! The students were amazing - demonstrating poise, polish and true team spirit. 

​The Chinese Honor Society held a fundraiser by showing the movie Mulan Friday night.  Members organized the event and provided snacks and drinks for a great Friday gathering.  We had over thirty students who came to enjoy the movie, relax, and learn about the Chinese culture and history. Students were very helpful in setting up the furniture and clean up after the event. Money raised will go to a worthy cause. 

​On Wednesday, Dr. Jungkeit and Professor Booker joined the students of the African American Black and Puerto Rican Latino Studies class for a compelling presentation. Dr. Jungkeit shared local history giving students a geographical perspective and the historical background of our very own Lyme Street and Old Lyme.  While sharing the dark history that took place in our town, he also shared some very important people of conscience who were able to stand up for what was right and made a difference. Professor Booker shared a more global perspective including the fact that out of 169 towns in Connecticut there are only 16 towns of color - Connecticut being the fifth most segregated state in the US. 
The presenters left students thinking about the importance of becoming voices of conscience, to notice, keep learning, and to speak up against something that is not just. Professor Booker encouraged students to never stop being truth-seekers, leaving them with the words of Jimi Hendrix "knowledge speaks, wisdom listens."