Semester Two Begins

Finals are over (finally)! Because of our drastic schedule changes from all the snow days, students and faculty did not get a day off to prepare for semester two, we just started right away. The last day of finals we had, however, gave us most of the day to relax. I myself went home and spent the day redecorating the walls in my room with photos of inspiring and empowered women, and spent time with my family. Now we are two days into second semester, many of us with several new classes. It is always exciting to have a fresh start and some new classes to catch my interest, and I'm thoroughly looking forward to the new teachers I have this semester. Let's hope this semester goes smoothly with less interruption from weather!

Winter Break Part Two

This January, we got record breaking snowfalls and had to miss over a week of school altogether. Finals usually take place the third week of January and the week before is called "dead week" because it is meant to be a time for studying and review. This year, dead week was more dead than we all anticipated! While we were all at home becauuse school was cancelled, we had what was called "digital learning" days where students were to communicate with teachers online at scheduled times. Work was assigned and we were expected to finish it just the same as we do when we're at school. After returning to school some students said digital learning days were very effective and helped them study even more than being at shcool, while others found the entire experience a bit isolating. In general, the consensus was that the first few days of snow were exciting and very fun, but after a bit, our lives were disrupted and many people missed normalcy and routine. Thankfully, finals are over and we have begun second semester. Let's see what third quarter has in store for us!

SMA Christmas Concert

Every winter, SMA's three choirs performs a winter concert, mainly focussed on Christmas music, that serves as an exciting reminder that break is approaching and the holiday season is upon us. This year, SMA's concert choir, entirely made of Freshman, sang their music beautifully and charmed the audience, earning a standing ovation. Next came Rose Choir, which is open to all Sophomore's, Juniors, and Seniors (myself included) and we performed a selection of songs. Two were Christmas songs while the other two were previously performed songs. One was in Hebrew and the other was in Russian. As Rose Choir left the stage, our Marian Singers organized themselves on the stage. Their music, as always, was beautifully executed. Soloist, Fiona a senior in the Marians, rocked "I'll I Want for Christmas Is You" ad stunned the audience with her powerful voice. To finish off the wonderful concert, our principal confirmed that the school would have a snow day the next day due to weather and students cheered gleefullly. This concert was so much fun and festive, and I cannot wait for next year's!