The Arrow Post

seven arrows elementary

december 15, 2021

The Arrow Post 22nd Annual Winterfest ready to bring holiday cheer

By Harley Nichols

Tomorrow is Winterfest! For those of you new to Seven Arrows, Winterfest celebrates the beginning of Winter, and multiple holidays. The school wants everyone to feel included, and if your family doesn't celebrate a particular holiday, you get to learn more about it. For those of you who have been at the school for a long time, I hope that you are excited!

And good news: unlike at Dia de los Muertos, performances will happen in the Kuyam area. And we’ll look good too! All students will wear white clothes with an accessory like a hat or scarf. Every grade performs a song about the winter holidays and often accompanies themselves with an instrument.

Art Workshop will be repurposing the arches that were made for Dia de los Muertos, painting them like candy canes.

“It is important for us to show that whenever possible, repurposing is a good idea,” says Andres Ospina. “It is good for the environment, and good for all our resources."

Grades can't be in the same space together this year due Photo: Zoe Gleiberman

Continued on Page 10

Third grade practicing their xylophones

Photo: Jill Lipsky

First grade will ring in Winterfest

Nature, pranks highlight Yosemite trip

Seven Arrows Embraces Covid Vaccine for Kids

By Drake Zander

By Harry Weinstock

The 6th graders recently went on an amazing field trip to Yosemite! Yosemite is an incredible place mostly known for its breathtaking views, rock climbing, majestic trees, and waterfalls (Yosemite has the biggest waterfalls of any national park.)

The entire class went and had a great time. They slept in cabins with all the boys in one cabin and all the

Continued on Page 9

Holiday Happiness Page 10

Last month the FDA gave final approval to the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11, affecting about 28 million children in the Harley Nichols and Walker Wyard get vaccinated United States. The dosage for kids is only one-third of the dosage for adults, after researchers found that amount offers children the same protection as their parents but with fewer side effects.

I think having vaccinated kids makes our school much safer than just relying on Covid testing each week. The FDA agrees, Photo: Walker Wyard

Food Bank Frenzy Page 3

Continued on Page 6

School Art Contest Page 8

page 2

december 15, 2021

Letter From the Editor

Abigail Morrison

Hey Seven Arrows Welcome to the second edition of The Arrow Post! We really hope you liked our first edition, and we hope you like this one even more.

It's Winterfest tomorrow, and winter break is coming fast, which means it’s a great time to stop and think about what the holidays we’re all celebrating really mean.

For me, it’s family, food, music and getting to give and get presents. I love most of all that my family gets to be a family, and have time together, without the normal pressure of school or work. My siblings and I don't even yell at each other (as much).

My mom’s side of the family comes over to our house, and we have a big holiday party with delicious food.

Recipes from my grandma and my great-great-grandma are all passed down.

My favorite is latkes with sour cream, but then again I like sour cream with everything, including black beans. Really.

My mom makes homemade applesauce, which is really amazing and hard to make from scratch, and my grandma’s latke recipe was created by her mom. This year, I helped in the kitchen, although I had to get my science kit goggles out because of the onions.

I also love the songs we sing like Oh Hanukkah, and the Dreidel song. The presents are pretty great too and I like testing out ahead of time which presents are shakeable and which ones aren't.

The only problem with our gifts is that we all order them on my mom's Amazon account, and we have to be careful that no one opens the wrong box and ruins our own surprise. This year, my mom and I were worried that our presents for each other came in the same Amazon box, so my brother, Daniel, had to open the box for us.

It turned out it was for him!

I look forward to Hanukkah all year, but all the holidays are so much fun. I hope that you have a great winter break, and a happy new year.

Editor-In--Chief

The Post Poll

Staff

Emma Lerner

Editor-in-Chief.....Abigail Morrison Deputy Editor............Emilia Passeri News Editor..........................Eli Serota Sports Editor..............Drake Zander Features Editor...........Juliet Nichols Photo Editor..............Nate Rothman Operations Editor.....Ariel Adelson Staff Writer.................Harley Nichols Staff Writer............Harry Weinstock Staff Writer.................Blake Comisar Staff Writer...........Caroline Connon Critter Corner...................Lucia Macy Botany Blog....................Zoya Abyzov Comics................................Greer Frank Polls..................................Emma Lerner Recipe.......................Harry Weinstock DIY......................................Juliet Nichols Photographer.............Ripley Ehrlich Photographer............Walker Wyard Executive Editor.............Julie Resua Parent Advisor.........Rachel Nichols

What's your favorite holiday?

page 3

december 15, 2021

Kinders, Fifth Grade Lead Deluge of Giving

By Juliet Nichols

Last month, things got a little crazy at Seven Arrows when the Kinders hosted a Food Drive and challenged the rest of the school to beat them for the most donations. Many boxes of food followed.

Many boxes.

“Kinder wanted to do a good deed for Thanksgiving,” said Brenda Cowdrey, Aldersgate Director of Operations.

“We wanted to raise money and food for people that are hungry,” said kindergartner Braxton Bodnar. One in every four kids in America does not have the proper amount of food, a fact that is not widely recognized enough, and the Westside Food Bank plays a huge role in helping people who need it.

Over the past 19 months, the Westside Food Bank has distributed almost twice as much food as in previous years. They are responsible for supplying food to one-tenth of LA County, and about 50% of their food donations come during the holiday season.

“I really feel good knowing that we are helping people,” said kindergartner Reed Hershberg.

At Seven Arrows, the teachers make a point to teach kids to help people less fortunate than them. This is a really strong part of our school. Of course, the competitive part also helped. Many people would not have donated as much if there was not a contest. It being a contest gave people motivation to put in the food and effort.

Two grades in particular got extra crazy. Kinder and 5th grade got locked in a battle to donate the most food. Each grade put in a lot of effort and donated an insane amount - so much food that the boxes were not big enough and the Kuyam area was completely covered in cereal, juice, and pasta.

“The spirit of competition brings out the best in everyone,” said Coach Colin, who spoke about the food drive at Kuyam that week. “It is important for all of us, it allows us to push ourselves to be and do better, which in turn does the same for others. I love seeing the

Photo: Brenda Cowdrey

SAE sent two U-Haul loads and a packed car to the food bank.

competition as long as it is in a safe and friendly environment. I was proud of what Seven Arrows was able to accomplish, not only amongst ourselves, but also what we were able to do for our community, together.”

But, alas, only one grade could win, and that grade was 5th grade. However, because the 5th graders and Kinders donated so much food, everybody agreed that it was only right for the Kinder class to also get a pizza party.

I personally think that everyone should be incredibly proud about what the school did. We collected 10,792 items and that's a lot. It was so much in fact, that it took two trips in the U-Haul and Brenda’s car.

“That's a lot of food,” said one of the Westside Food Bank food workers. “Seven Arrows kicks major blessings our way. Thank you.”

The kinders celebrate a food drive that collected (wow) 10,792 items.

Photo: Brenda Cowdrey

page 4

december 15, 2021

Sixth Graders Prepare for Life After Seven Arrows Have questions about applying out to middle school? So did we.

Every year, the sixth graders leaving Seven Arrows have to apply to middle school, unless they will be homeschooled. Most people apply to a couple of different ones. Well, here to tell you what the experience is actually like, is my sister and current 6th grader, Isabella.

- Emilia Passeri

Mily: When did you start looking at schools?

Bella: I started looking right before school started, like in early September.

Mily: What are the applications like?

Bella: Some have lots of questions and some have little to none, but every year there is one "common question" all the independent schools have to have. This year it was: “What is your favorite part of the week and why?”

Mily: Do you have to do or write anything special for the schools?

Bella: Some schools require in-person essays.

They will usually give you 30 minutes and an assigned topic that you have to write on.

Mily: Do you go on tours? What are they like?

Bella: Yes! Even though I was a little nervous, it was exciting to see the schools and picture myself going there.

Mily: What are things that stood out to you?

Bella: At Harvard Westlake, their robotics lab blew my mind. There were giant robots who were all made by students, in a rink with

obstacles. The students were preparing for a tournament against other school's robots.

Mily: What tests do some schools require?

Bella: Almost all schools used to require a test called the ISEE, but a surprising amount are now actually declining to see it.

Mily: What is the hardest part of all this?

Bella: Just managing everything. It does help that the sixth grade teachers assign less than what the usual amount of homework and give

you time to work on your homework during class. Even though it might get a little stressful throughout the process, our school does a great job taking that stress away.

Mily: Are you and your friends trying to go to middle school together?

Arrow Eats: Chocolate Candy Cane Cupcakes Harry Weinstock

Ingredients:

Bella: I am applying to some schools where my friends are applying to, but not just because of them. Your friends might tell you that you shouldn’t apply to a school because they aren’t going to it, or the opposite. All I’ve got to say is that you shouldn't go to a school just because of your friends. Make sure you're applying to schools for the right reasons.

Mily: What does it feel like to know you’re going to be leaving Seven Arrows?

Bella: Even though it is sad and a little bit scary to be leaving, moving to a new school is a great opportunity to help you find your passions and discover more about yourself.

But more important than staying at the school is the memories that you made here. Although it may feel like you are gone, you will always have those memories to remember this school by… and who said leaving schools meant saying goodbye to your friends?

Head of School Margarita Pagliai Ms. Pagliai: I talk to the kids about what I like about them. I think many times children are humble and don’t want to say what they're good at. I also prepare them for the interviews they'll have at these schools, and show them the importance of asking questions. In the end, kids always find the right school. It’s a process for kids to learn who they are, and how lucky schools are to have them.

1 c. (2 sticks) butter1/4 tsp. salt 1 1/2 c. granulated sugar 2/3 c. unsweetened cocoa powder 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda Cream Cheese Frosting

Directions

1/4 tsp. salt 2 large eggs 1 c. milk 2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour 1 bag of candy canes

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.

2. Beat butter, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt with a mixer on low speed for 1 minute or until well blended.

3. Add eggs; beat 2 minutes or until fluffy. Beat in milk and vanilla (batter may look curdled), then flour just until blended.

4. Divide batter among muffin-pan cups (about scant 1⁄4 cup each), filling each about 2⁄3 full. Bake until wooden pick inserted in the center of each cupcake comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes.

5. Cool in pan on a wire rack 5 minutes before removing from pan to rack to let cool completely before frosting and decorating.

6. You can either gently fold the crushed candy canes into the frosting, or use them more as a garnish on top after the cupcakes are frosted. If you are feeling extra festive, do both!

Page 5

december 15, 2021

Meet The Coaches

By Eli Serota

We all see our P.E. teachers every week, but how much do you really know about them? In this article I will give you all the information you need about your dear coaches, and I mean ALL the information!

Both Coach Colin and Coach Mathias were ranked 4-S.T.A.R. athletes in high school, which probably doesn't come as much of a surprise based on how good both of them are at sports. Both of our amazing coaches are among the best of the best.

Coach Colin played basketball, football & baseball as a kid.

Coach Mati grew up playing soccer, basketball and football.

Colin Thomas

Mathias Testi

Coach Colin grew up playing a wide variety of sports but when got to high school, he decided that he should choose between the three. He decided on basketball and I think that we all see that it paid off in his favor when we see him out on the basketball court.

“When I was a kid, we did not have P.E. until Middle School.

We did not have the variety of games that we have at SAE because of the lack of equipment at our school. Wednesdays were "Mile Wednesdays," in which we spent the entire class running around the track trying to beat our personal best one mile times.

Coaches were a lot more strict, we had to change in locker rooms into P.E. appropriate clothes, and if you were late, you were locked out and could not participate,” Coach Colin said.

Now, the moment you've all been waiting for but didn't know was coming… the answer to why Coach Colin became the great coach he is today.

“I decided to become a teacher and coach because all of my role models growing up were teachers and coaches. My father was a teacher and all the kids in our community loved him. He was a mentor to a lot of kids and I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” he said. “I love working with elementary students because it is an opportunity to show them at a young age all the incredible things they are capable of - plus, elementary students are a lot more fun than middle or high school students.”

I think that Colin has definitely followed in his father’s footsteps, and as Seven Arrows' Athletic Director, he has become one of the most beloved people in the school community.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. At least that’s the case for our very own Mathias Testi and his journey to us here at Seven Arrows. His school had "Fun Fridays" where they had the opportunity to play Capture the Flag, Dodgeball, Soccer and Basketball. Something interesting that probably doesn't come to much of a surprise to most of you is that Mati always wanted to be a coach.

“I have always had a passion for coaching and working with kids. I enjoy it very much. When I had the opportunity to become a coach here at Seven Arrows I thought it would be a great fit for me,” he said.

I believe we all agree that this position was, in fact, a great fit for him and we all hope that he stays for a long time at SAE. Both of our coaches care very much about their students' health, as well as their own, and Coach Mati’s favorite part of coaching is keeping us all healthy and happy. ”PE is an important class because it teaches the value of staying active and the importance of physical development, health, and proper nutrition,” Mathias said.

Now, I’m sure that some of you are wondering what sports both Colin and Mathias play now, and Mati has an answer.

“Both Coach Colin and I are currently playing in an adult soccer league with some of the fathers here at Seven Arrows. Our team name is Arrows FC. We play our games on Friday nights in Santa Monica.” If you want to learn more about Arrows FC, or if you want to go and watch sometime, you can ask either Coach Colin or Mati. We love our awesome coaches!

Page 6

december 15, 2021

How Covid Vaccines for Kids Are Affecting Seven Arrows From Page 1

recommending that all people who are eligible, and who can safely receive the vaccine without having an allergic reaction, get it.

When I received my first vaccine dose, it didn't hurt at all but I think they grazed a vein because blood was spilling down my arm.

Now I am fully vaccinated, and so are many of my classmates. I am hoping by the time winter break is over, everyone at school who can get vaccinated, will get vaccinated.

We talked to people in our community about what it is like to get or give the vaccine shot, and what changes we can expect at Seven Arrows once more students are vaccinated.

Jasmine Delijeni, a nurse at CVS Pharmacy: Q: How is vaccinating elementary school kids different from vaccinating adults and teenagers?

A: It’s a bit of a challenge because some of the kids are scared to get the shot so I have

e d a r G d n o c Se tlight Spo

to be really patient. But I love seeing the parents so happy to have their kids vaccinated; I have seen parents cry with joy.

Q: How much more busy has the CVS been since the vaccine was allowed for 5-11?

A: It has been very busy. One day a bunch of kids came in together and that was really fun.

It’s awesome making a difference like this.

Q: How many kids did you vaccinate today?

A: I’d say around 30.

Greer Frank, 5th grade: Q: How did it feel getting vaccinated?

A: I feel like it didn't really hurt but afterwards my arm felt really sore.

Q: Did you have any side effects after?

A: I had minor side effects. I could still go to school but my arm was super sore and I was very tired.

Dean of Students, Darren Nakasuji: Q: Will there ever be a rule at Seven Arrows

that only Covid-vaccinated kids can attend classes, like the rules about kids needing to have had other vaccines in order to be on school property?

A: Yes, this very well may happen. It is likely that one day (as early as next school year), the state of California will mandate vaccines for school kids age 5 and over, with just a few exceptions. Once the state mandates it, we will need to enforce that rule.

Q: Why do you think it is so important for everyone to get vaccinated?

A: We know that being vaccinated against Covid helps to prevent severe illness that can put people into the hospital, some research suggests up to 90%! There are also some people whose doctors tell them that they cannot get vaccinated, so those people are more vulnerable to infection. If everyone around them gets vaccinated, it will help protect those vulnerable people. In other words, the vaccine can help protect you, AND it will also help others! Getting vaccinated is a huge step towards a Covid-free earth.

By Caroline Connon

The second graders have been talking about gratitude, and what they are most thankful for in life. So as a project for the class, every student picked something that stood out to them that they were grateful for, along with a reason why they chose it, and then they wrote it down on a leaf.

The leaves were then decorated with beautiful watercolors, and shared with our fellow students at Kuyam, before being hung on a “gratitude tree.” Then the 2nd graders challenged the entire school community to do the same. Soon, everyone was writing something they were grateful for on a leaf.

The leaves were hung from ribbons on the tree at Aldersgate, before leaving for Thanksgiving break. There were so many that additional trees were created in the yard at the Aldersgate campus.

“At Seven Arrows, we are always aware of how grateful we are to be in our special school, and to have all the opportunities we have for our students,” said 2nd grade teacher Tara Connon. “The 2nd graders know how fortunate they are, and we decided to inspire gratitudes throughout our Seven Arrows community.”

Here are some examples of what the 2nd grade wrote about: Chase Nelson said, “I am grateful for my class because they are helpful and kind. They are always by my side. Thank you, 2nd grade.” Lila Schafer wrote, “I am grateful for pets because I like

The gratitude tree at Aldersgate. photo: Tara Connon rescuing them, and they are cute and snuggly.” Calvin Yang wrote, “I am grateful for my family because they will support me and I can support them.” And finally, Samara Bode wrote, “I am grateful for the love inside of us all.”

When we are aware of all the goodness in our lives, we feel more positive emotions. This can even improve one’s health and help to face challenges. We are lucky to be able to go to Seven Arrows.

page 7

december 15, 2021

Critter Corner

Polar Bear

By Lucia Macy

Reindeer

The polar bear is the beautiful, white queen of the Arctic. Did you know that they’re actually classified as marine mammals? That’s how much time they spend in the water! And not just any warter - the cold Arctic Ocean, too. Their skin is actually black, which makes them even cooler. These dangerous animals are fast on land as in the water, so watch out! Though they’re very strong, less than 2% of hunts are successful. When hunts aren’t successful, they scavenge bird eggs and vegetation.

Yep! They're omnivores! However, when hunts are successful, they love to eat arctic fox and seals. These powerful bears can live from 25 to 30 years. Including their tail, they can be 8’ 5” in length and can weigh up to 1,600 pounds! Their scientific name is Ursus Maritimus. While these guys are really awesome, poachers hunt them and the estimated number of polar bears is only 25,000 individuals left. The hunting of this magnificent species needs to stop. Polar bears are commonly known animals that are highly intelligent and underestimated.

The reindeer is a majestic creature of many different habitats.

Both male and female reindeer grow antlers, which is unlike most deers. These cute ungulates are native to many different places including the arctic, tundra, boreal, and more! And, their noses don’t just guide Santa’s slay at night! Their sniffers are especially designed to heat up the air before it gets to their lungs; like an automatic heater. Some reindeer have knees that click when they walk so they can hear each other and stay together in a storm.

Their hooves shrink in winter when the ground is hard, and expand in the summer when the ground is soft. Reindeer are awesome, curious creatures.

Guess: Why is polar bear fur white? What is a reindeer calf’s most common predator?

Answers are in the answer key on Page 9

Botany Blog

By Zoya Abyzov

Forget-me-nots are flowers that are native to places with shady, moist, and woody forests in Australia, Asia, Europe, New Zealand, and North and South America. They have blue, pink, white or purple petals, with long, thin stems and stubby leaves.

When new flowers come, the buds grow all over the stem.

It takes about a year or so for a Forget-Me-Not to fully mature and be able to bloom. In some folklore, Forget-Me-Nots mean there are fairies near you, and in other folklore they are given to people leaving or going away for a long time. Apparently, the smell of Forget Me-Nots make the person remember you.

Word Search

By Abby Morrison

cold snowflake winter hotchocolate snowmen whimsical presents snow

Page 8

december 15, 2021

Arrow Art Contest

Every month The Arrow Post will hold an art contest open to all students, with our editors publishing a winner in every grade we have submissions for. This issue's theme was "Winter Wonderland." Next issue's art contest? Draw your favorite animal and where it lives!, Submissions are due Jan. 19., so get drawing!

Scarlett Bash (4th Grade)

diy Juliet Nichols

Supplies Big white sock 3 rubber bands Scissors

Buttons Ribbon or fabric Rice Beads

1. Cut sock at the heel,. You're going to use the top part first.

2. Tie one end of the sock with a rubber band, then turn the sock inside out.

3. Fill it with rice, and tie it with another rubber band at the top.

4. Tie a rubber band around the sock about three-quarters of the way up to make the head.

5. Put beads on in the shape of a snowman face 6. Put lower part of the sock on the head as a hat 7. Decorate with the buttons and fabric

Isabella Passeri (6th grade)

page 9

december 15, 2021

Sixth-graders bond over bear caves, rock scrambling girls in the other. Bowen Jacobs and Matteo Correa de Toledo from 6th grade both said, “My favorite part was the prank wars between the boys and girls.”

Like they do every year, the 6th grade class had the opportunity to travel together on a bus there. The bus ride itself is loads of fun. Being together on the bus without technology gives everyone the opportunity to make deeper connections with friends.

The 6th graders also overcame a lot of fears at Yosemite. Some of them were uncomfortable being away from home overnight, and some of them were afraid to climb on the rocky terrain. But they managed to put those fears aside as they went into bear caves, did rock scrambling, and went hiking.

“I loved hanging out with my friends and getting closer with the kids I didn't know as well,” shared Katie Culp.

Some things the 6th graders did in their downtime was chatting with friends, playing games, and they also started a prank war.

Yosemite National Park is in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Along with everything this park already has, it’s famous for its ancient sequoia trees, which are said to be over 3,000 years old! Located in central California, the park's diverse landscape supports more than 400 species, and is roughly the size of Rhode Island.

One of the games the 6th graders liked

From Page 1

Sixth grade in the shadow of Yosemite's famous El Captain. to play was called Camouflage. In the game, the students would hide in the woods while one of their classmates tried to find them by searching for them. They played the game at night, and I heard it was really fun. Hearing all of the 6th graders’ experiences made me

very excited for the field trip in 6th grade. If any student feels nervous about being away from home, this is normal. Using a portapotty, being in the wilderness, or eating unfamiliar foods, may seem scary, but I can guarantee you will be happy you went.

Answer Key Critter Corner What is a reindeer calf’s most common predator?

Golden eagles are the number one predator of young reindeer calves.

Why is polar bear fur white?

Polar bear fur is actually clear, but the way light reflects off of it, it makes the fur look white!

Page 10

december 15, 2021

Holiday Cheer is Here

A look at some of the winter holidays celebrated in our community

By Blake Comisar

Christmas is America’s most popular winter holiday.

It is celebrated to mark the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th. Christmas is celebrated in almost every country in the world, even among people who don’t follow very religious customs.

Christmas can also be very fun, especially for children! People give and receive gifts and some also have a feast and go to midnight mass on Christmas Eve. There is very good food on Christmas such as goose, duck, and turkey, along with with Christmas cookies and eggnog.

People also tell children the story of Santa, who lives at the North Pole and bring gifts down the chimney. Kids will lay out cookies and milk for Santa, and lay out carrots or lettuce for Santa’s reindeer. On Christmas morning, the children wake up to a bunch of presents under the Christmas tree.

The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is mostly celebrated in North America, Europe, some parts of the Middle East and South Africa. The story behind the holiday is about a battle between the Greeks and the Jewish people, where the Jews only had enough oil for one night, but it lasted them eight nights instead, enough to fight back and win the right to keep practicing their religion.

To celebrate, families light candles of a menorah for eight nights, and many give gifts for every night too.

The food on Hanukkah is fried with oil to represent the oil of the temple: fried jelly donuts, gelt (which are chocolate coins), challah bread, kugel (which is a casserole), and latkes (which are potato pancakes).

During Hanukkah you play dreidel (a game with a spinner top), and trade gelt.

It's Christmas in Palisades Village; the Chabad Center spreads Hannukah cheer.

Photos: Ripley Ehrlich

During Kwanzaa, families light the Kinara, while Ōmisoka is often celebrated at a shrine or temple at midnight. misoka kicks off Japan's biggest holiday of the year.: New Year's. Celebrants gather the evening of December 31 for a giant feast of traditional food, then make their way to Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples, which ring their bells at midnight and hand out a drink called Amazake.

Millions of people around Japan attend these midnight celebrations and pray for a successful year ahead of them.

Kwanzaa is a non-religious African-American holiday mainly observed in the United States, celebrating heritage and unity.

Each night, candles are lit in the Kinara. There are seven candles, one for each of the holiday's seven principles. On Day 6, there is a giant feast, and on Day 7, gifts are exchanged, sometimes including traditional handmade crafts.

Ō

Songs, Art and Instruments all to come at Winterfest From Page 1

to Covid, so the festival will work similarly to the way we’ve been doing Kuyam: 3rd & 4th grades will start at 1 p.m., Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades will start at 1:45 p.m., and lastly, 5th & 6th will go at 2:30 p.m.

Students have been practicing for Winterfest since before Thanksgiving break.

“Our practices are great and we are working hard!” says first grader Tyler Weinstock. “ I think Winterfest is exciting because everyone gets to sing and perform and be together.”

Each grade will sing a song: kindergarten will sing "Hanukkah" and play tambourines. First Grade is singing "Ring The

Holiday Bells" while playing hand bells.

Second Grade will perform "Solitary Snowflake" while holding cool snowflake cards. Third Grade will play xylophone and glockenspiel instruments to accompany their song, "A Holiday Winter Song." Fourth Grade will also be playing xylophone-type instruments along with their piece, "Winter Sings Its Song." Fifth Grade has learned “Walking in a Winter Wonderland.” Lastly two different Sixth Grade rock bands will be performing - one will play "8 Days of Hanukkah" and the other will play "Do You Hear What I Hear?"

Seven Arrows has held Winterfest for 22 years as a way to bring the community together in celebration and kick off the holidays before we all take a two-week break.

“We hope performing in this year's winter festival will be fun as well as a great opportunity for students to hone their musical and performance skills,” says music teacher Colin Simson, who along with Ms. Norma teaches the songs, instruments and movements. “This year we've tried to find holiday repertoire that is a bit off the beaten path... Something new for students and audiences alike.”

Page 11

december 15, 2021

Animals Among Us

A photo essay of some of the animals in and around Pacific Palisades

By Nate Rothman

A squirrel eats an avocado (really) on the tree outside the Kuyam Area. The Polo Fields are for horses, but also for the birds. Deer hang out in the Heart Pasture, and a bunny plays peekaboo.

Page 12

december 15, 2021

Larry and Sam

By Greer Frank