1 . Fine Arts Students Deliver Magical Performances
As the winter holidays approach,Brookhaven School students presented an array of extraordinary performances showcasing immense talent within our fine arts community. From the band concert to the choral concerts, each event highlighted the dedication and exceptional gifts of our students.
The December 12 Eagles Band Concert filled Woodruff Auditorium with melodies that captured the festive spirit.On December 14, the Foundations Christmas Choral Concert featured spirited performances by our 7th graders. The finale of seasonal fine arts showcases occurred on December 18 in Brady Theater with the Senior Chior Concert,spotlighting high school singers.
A highly anticipated tradition,the school-wide Holiday Assembly on December 19, hosted by esteemed Fine Arts Department Chair Mr.Kaminer, embodied the true essence of the holiday season. Angelic songs filled Young Gym, followed by joyous laughter and cheers as the “best costume” winners received their awards. Even the youngest War Eagles,the children in the Brookhaven Early Learning Center, attended the celebrations.Following the event, students merrily left school for the holiday break.
Looking toward 2024, anticipation builds for the Brookhaven theater spring productions. “Something Rotten!” promises high-energy comedic performances by theater students, while “Tuck Everlasting” assures a moving portrayal by talented Foundations students. Furthermore,the Brookhaven Dance Company will hold their showcase April 11-12 in Woodruff Auditorium. Tickets will soon be available for purchase.
1. What did the students at Brookhaven School do before the winter holidays?| A．They performed magic tricks. | B．They participated in community service. |
| C．They gave holiday concerts. | D．They presented new theatre productions. |
| A．It was a large celebration within the school. | B．It was an award presentation for best students. |
| C．It featured various fun music and sports events. | D．It was held on the first day of the winter holiday. |
| A．A fine arts brochure. | B．A school announcement. |
| C．A school newsletter. | D．A concert advertisement. |
2 . A project called “I Am A Scientist” is giving middle and high school students the opportunity to interact with modern-day researchers. Below are stories from some of the scientists who are involved in the program.
Noor Al-Alusi, Epidemiologist (流行病学家)“I have a black belt in Taekwondo (跆拳道). I am driven by a deep desire to help others. I believe that all people have a fundamental right to health care.”
Her work: During the Zika epidemic, Al-Alusi met with the communities that had been hardest hit by the virus, using data and mathematical models to keep them safe and healthy.
Background: Al-Alusi was born in California but her parents emigrated from Iraq. This experience provided her with an understanding of the health needs of the immigrant community.
Ryoji Amamoto, Neurobiologist (神经生物学家)“I’m a huge sports fan. I’ve traveled to more than 40 countries. I’m a licensed scuba diver but a terrible swimmer. I hated science in high school.”
His work: Amamoto studies the tiny but amazing brains of animals that have a superpower — the ability to regenerate. He learns what factors help these special brains regrow, so that we can try to treat diseases like Parkinson’s.
Background: Amamoto lived in Japan until the age of eight, when his family moved to Chicago. He had to overcome major language barriers which saw him shift between speaking English at school and Japanese at home.
Yamicia Connor, Physician Scientist“I once competed in a robot competition. I love Beyonce. I love cooking. I’m a doctor who studies ways to improve women’s health.”
Her work: Connor is a doctor at a hospital in Boston where she studies cancer cells in a lab using microscopes and computers, but she also works directly with patients who are undergoing tests for new cancer treatments.
Background: Growing up in Florida, Connor was a serious kid who stressed about the little things. She was into her schoolwork and loved to put on plays with her friends in which she would organize the whole thing and assign everyone a role.
1. What can the students know about the scientists through the program?| A．Their education experience. | B．Their gender and religion. |
| C．Their personal interests. | D．Their career planning. |
| A．Studying amazing brains which can regrow. |
| B．Using data and mathematical models to fight against viruses. |
| C．Understanding the health needs of the immigrant community. |
| D．Working with patients who are undergoing tests for new cancer treatments. |
| A．A magazine. | B．Award words. |
| C．A science paper. | D．A health website. |
3 . 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival Student Art Competition
To celebrate the 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival, National Mall and Memorial Parks is hosting a youth art competition. We need your artistic help to inspire visitors to become Cherry Blossom Protectors! The blooming of the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin has come to symbolize the natural beauty of our nation’s capital city. Thousands of people come every year to see the cherry trees and enjoy the festival.
ParticipantsThe contest is open to all Washington, D.C. students, K-6. One submission per student please.
ThemeArtworks should focus on the theme “Cherry Blossom Protector.” Draw or paint a picture that shows what you appreciate about the cherry blossoms, how we can take care of them, and why we should. Submissions must include the words “Cherry Blossom Protector”.
DeadlineArtworks will be accepted starting December 13, 2023. All submissions must be postmarked by February 25, 2024.
Submission requirementsA valid submission will contain the following information:
1. An original copy of the artwork. Each piece must be original, authentic (真实的), unpublished, the sole property of the entrant (参赛者), and not previously submitted in any other contest.
2. Your personal information, printed on either the back of your artwork or on a separate sheet attached to your physical artwork or provided with the e-mail for your digital entry: First and last name, grade/age.
3. A completed and signed entry form. Print out the entry form and send it to us when you send your artwork. Entries cannot be accepted without a signed entry form by a parent or guardian.
Delivery addressMailed submissions must be sent to:
National Mall and Memorial Parks
c/o 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival Student Art Competition
1100 Ohio Drive, SWWashington, DC 20242
1. Why do National Mall and Memorial Parks host the art competition?| A．To honor the national heroes. | B．To improve students’ art skills. |
| C．To protect the cherry blossom. | D．To attract more visitors to the parks. |
| A．Volunteer as a cherry blossom protector. | B．Choose your own theme for the contest. |
| C．Email all your artworks to your school. | D．Summit artworks before February 25, 2024. |
| A．Personal information. | B．A previous submitted copy. |
| C．A guardian’s recommendation. | D．An electronic application form. |
4 . Here comes 5 most popular clubs in our school! Join us, and we will help you to find your own shining points, lead you to find beauty and to create beauty, and make your campus life as fulfilling and happy as a dream.
Yoga Club
Yoga not only improves balance, flexibility, and joint stability, but also serves as a peaceful escape from the stress of daily life. Our students will have the chance to physically exercise while reducing some stress from their life. The club will be available to 10-16 members from grades 7 to 12, and will meet once weekly (Tuesday).
Basketball Club
Students will be able to develop their basketball skills further and have the opportunity to compete in basketball games with members from other international schools in Beijing. The club will be available to 10-16 members from grades 5 to 8, and will practice twice weekly.
Public Speaking Club
The Public Speaking Club will be centered around the personal development of students along with developing public speaking skills. The club will be interested in focusing on all skills in delivering better speeches and improving communication skills. The club will be available to 10-12 members from grades 7 to 12, and will meet once weekly (Wednesday).
Media Club
The Media Club teaches students the basics of journalism. The club engages in a wide range of activities like interviewing teachers and students, writing about big events on campus, and operating the weekly school radio broadcasts. The club will be available to 8-12 members from grades 6-12 and will meet once weekly (Monday).
Book Club
The Book Club invites students grades 6-12 who enjoy literature and reading. It’s a platform for meaningful discussions, comprehension enhancement, and good reading habits. Open to 8-15 students it gathers every Friday to make reading enjoyable and broaden horizons. It aims to nurture a deep love for literature in a welcoming environment.
1. What is the aim of the clubs?| A．Teach new languages. | B．Organize sports events |
| C．Help students find their strong points. | D．Focus on farming knowledge. |
| A．Grade 7 to Grade 12. | B．Grade 5 to Grade 8. |
| C．Grade 7 to Grade 12. | D．Grade 6 to Grade 12. |
| A．Book Club. | B．Yoga Club. |
| C．Public Speaking Club. | D．Media Club. |
My students and I were ready for a challenge — a trip to Costa Rica. As we were waiting at the airport, we talked about our hopes and fears for our ten — day trip. My students worried about homesickness and felt uneasy with their homestay families. But strange foods or meeting new people didn’t concern me. What terrified me was the best part of the trip — a zip lining(滑缆绳) flight over the jungle valley bordering Arenal Volcano. I made a secret pact(协议) with myself to find an excuse to get out of it at the last minute.
When the fateful day arrived, we got to the peak to enjoy the breathtaking view of the volcano. When seeing the activity, my students raised a cheerful shout. How I wished I had had the same feeling as them. However, I was afraid of heights.
My student Eileen sidled up to me. Her face was pale. “I’m scared,” she whispered. “Will you stay back with me?” Here was my chance! I could get out of zip lining and still save face!
“I’m scared, too,” I said quietly.
“Yeah,” she said. “I thought you would be the right person to ask because you are really white, and you are sweating.” Her words woke me up, and something clicked into place. If I couldn’t step outside of my comfort zone, how could I ask the kids to do so?
“Maybe we should give it a try,” I said. I felt a little sick, but I couldn’t believe my body was actually moving toward the launch point.
“Come on,” I said. “OK,” she agreed.
Eileen zipped past me, screaming with fear or delight, which I was not sure of. Once she was across, I followed. The attempt was not as terrible as I had thought. From that moment on, I knew there was nothing to fear as long as I walked out of my comfort zone and had a try.
1. What worried the author’s students about the trip?（No more than 10 words）2. What did the author’s students think of the activity of a zip lining fight?（No more than 15 words）
3. What’s the meaning of the underlined word?（One word）
4. Why did Eileen come up to the author on the day of the activity?（No more than 10 words）
5. What do you think of the author’s attempt? Give your reasons?（No more than 20 words）
6 . Here are four writing contests available for high school students.
Skipping Stones Youth Honor Awards
Skipping Stones magazine recognizes high school students that are working to promote multicultural and environmental awareness. The written submissions can include short stories, poems, and essays. Winners will receive an honor award certificate, and a year-long subscription to the magazine.
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Noteworthy former winners include John Updike, Truman Capote, and Joyce Carol Oates. Each submission is judged on technical skill, originality, and the presence of a clear vision and voice. Regional and national award winners are qualified for a variety of different monetary awards in addition to publication in the National Catalog.
Bennington Young Writers Awards
Submissions are accepted in the fiction category. Students in 10th through 12th grade can submit a one-act play or a short story, recommended by a high school teacher. The first-place fiction winner receives $500 and the second-place winner receives $ 250.
The Claremont Review Writing Contest
The Claremont Review holds an annual contest in fiction and poetry writing. Submissions are welcome from writers aged 13 to 18 and must be previously unpublished. Winners and those receiving honorable mentions will be published in the autumn issue of The Claremont Review and will receive a year-long subscription to the magazine.
1. Which contest did Truman Capote once win?| A．Skipping Stones Youth Honor Awards. |
| B．Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. |
| C．Bennington Young Writers Awards. |
| D．The Claremont Review Writing Contest. |
| A．Being a local. | B．Paying the entry fee. |
| C．Handing in an unpublished entry. | D．Having a teacher's recommendation. |
| A．Different cash prizes. | B．An honor award certificate. |
| C．Free magazines for 12 months. | D．An opportunity to visit a college. |
7 . Every year, thousands of K-12 students visit the University of Georgia (UGA) through the Experience UGA program. Hosting these students is made possible by the Experience UGA ambassadors (大使), a team of UGA students trained to support the program. They help create and support the field trips and introduce school children to college with interactive and educational visits that are grade-level specific. For example, every second grade group tours the Ramsey Student Center to learn about health-related topics, and all seventh graders explore UGArden to learn about nutrition and agriculture.
“Each year I realize the impact I’m making on students,” said Leslie Oroyemi, who is beginning her third year as an Experience UGA ambassador. “I love reaching younger populations and engaging with them. It’s nice to see them grow and discover different interests.”
This was the first year that Oroyemi has been an ambassador for second grade trips, and she said it has become her favorite. Her favorite part of the day is teaching second graders how easily germs (病菌) spread through a game of tag (捉人游戏) — those with “germs” have chalk on their hands and go around trying to touch and “infect” others. The kids then learn how important hand washing is to prevent the spread of germs.
Camille Holcomb is beginning her second year as an ambassador. She said working with different ages means connecting with them differently. The second graders are excited about everything, while the seventh graders are more reserved (保守的). Holcomb learned that connecting with the older students works best in between the activities — being personable and asking questions while walking around campus. Holcomb also learned that some friendly competition helps engage the more reserved students.
“Each ambassador is very fervent about giving back to the community and holds a special skill that contributes to creating a wonderful experience for students during each grade level trip,” said Aiyana Egins, coordinator of Experience UGA. “I look forward to seeing the impact they will have on students this year.”
1. What do the ambassadors do for K-12 students?| A．Convince them to join the UGA program. | B．Organize educational visits for them. |
| C．Show them around famous colleges. | D．Encourage them to apply to UGA. |
| A．The kids’ interest in health-related topics. | B．The wide variety of field trips. |
| C．The kids’ rich knowledge about germs. | D．The interactive game of tag. |
| A．No pains, no gains. | B．Every little helps. |
| C．Different methods matter. | D．Easier said than done. |
| A．Enthusiastic. | B．Sensitive. | C．Curious. | D．Concerned. |
8 . ▶Western Sydney University
The university undertakes ranges of sustainability-related research, including sustainable agriculture, soil biology and food security. It has a range of living labs on its campus to aid with teaching and research in areas such as renewable energy, water recycling and natural and cultural heritages.
▶University of Reading
The university offers a range of modules on environmental and social issues to all undergraduate students, regardless of which faculty they are studying in. There is also a free online two-week course where you can investigate the impact of climate change and the research being done into it. The university has a range of sustainability projects, including the Research Woodland and the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme.
▶University of Manchester
The university has a range of sustainability measures on campus to reduce waste. The Want Not, Waste Not shop on campus sells a selection of zero-waste products including spices, pulses, cleaning products and beauty products. The university is also working to reduce plastic at all its events, by replacing balloons with paper bunting, using potato-based tokens instead of plastic ones and eliminating plastic water bottles and printed flyers.
▶Manchester Metropolitan University
In April 2021, the university launched the Give It, Don’t Bin It” campaign, which encourages students to donate unwanted items and leftover food to charity partners, including the British Heart Foundation and Manchester Central Food Bank. Donation banks and boxes are situated all over campus. Students wishing to get involved in sustainability can choose from a range of initiatives across campus, including the Sustainability Ambassador scheme and Climate and Social Action Week. Students also run a clothing swap shop and MetMUnch, a student network that focuses on training and pop-ups all around food, nutrition and sustainability.
1. Which university focuses on global climate?| A．University of Reading. | B．University of Manchester. |
| C．Western Sydney University. | D．Manchester Metropolitan University. |
| A．It aims to find more renewable energy. |
| B．MetMUnch focuses on air improvement. |
| C．It has earned a reputation in controlling poverty. |
| D．Its “Give It, Don’t Bin It” helps those in need. |
| A．Development and improvement. | B．Recycling and sustainability. |
| C．Kindness and generosity. | D．Science and technology. |
9 . Turning soil, pulling weeds, and harvesting cabbage sound like tough work for middle and high school kids. And at first it is, says Abby Jaramillo, who with another teacher started Urban Sprouts, a school garden program at four low-income schools. The program aims to help students develop science skills, environmental awareness, and healthy lifestyles.
Jaramillo’s students live in neighborhoods where fresh food and green space are not easy to find and fast food restaurants outnumber grocery stores. “The kids literally come to school with bags of snacks and large bottles of soft drinks,” she says. “They come to us thinking vegetables are awful, dirt is awful, insects are awful.” Though some are initially scared of the insects and turned off by the dirt, most are eager to try something new.
Urban Sprouts’ classes, at two middle schools and two high schools, include hands-on experiments such as soil testing, flower-and-seed dissection, tastings of fresh or dried produce, and work in the garden. Several times a year, students cook the vegetables they grow, and they occasionally make salads for their entire schools.
Program evaluations show that kids eat more vegetables as a result of the classes. “We have students who say they went home and talked to their parents and now they’re eating differently,” Jaramillo says.
She adds that the program’s benefits go beyond nutrition. Some students get so interested in gardening that they bring home seeds to start their own vegetable gardens. Besides, working in the garden seems to have a calming effect on Jaramillo’s special education students, many of whom have emotional control issues. “They get outside,” she says, “and they feel successful.”
1. What was a problem facing Jaramillo at the start of the program?| A．The kids’ parents distrusted her. |
| B．Students had little time for her classes. |
| C．Some kids disliked garden work. |
| D．There was no space for school gardens. |
| A．Far-reaching. |
| B．Predictable. |
| C．Short-lived. |
| D．Unidentifiable. |
10 . Elite Summer School Program for High School Students
Harvard’s Elite Program for high school students is an intensive two-week summer program designed to give you a glimpse of college life. You will live on the Harvard campus during your two-week session while taking a college-level course with other Elite Program students.
The application for Summer 2024 is now open.Cost: $5,550+$75 application fee
2024 Session Ⅰ: June 23-July 5, 2024
2024 Session Ⅱ: July 7-19, 2024
2024 Session Ⅲ: July 21-August 2, 2024
Who Can Participate in the Elite Program?Harvard’s Elite Program is designed for mature, academically motivated students who are interested in exploring a potential major or simply finding out what college is really like.
Our Elite Program is open to rising juniors and seniors. To be qualified for Summer 2024, you must meet both of the following criteria:
●Will graduate from high school and enter college in 2025 or 2026.
●Are at least 16 years old by June 22, 2024, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2024.
Important Deadlines:●Early Application and Priority Financial Aid Deadline — January 10, 2024
●Regular Application and Financial Aid Deadline — February 14, 2024
●Late Application Deadline — April 10, 2024
See the Elite Program Calendar for all important dates and deadlines.1. Who can be the applicant for the Elite Program 2024?
| A．Lucy, 14, with excellent academic performance. |
| B．Jerry, 16, expected to enter college in 2025. |
| C．Tina, 17, a college student with broad interests. |
| D．Tim, 19, an office worker with motivation to learn. |
| A．April 10, 2024. | B．February 14, 2024. |
| C．January 9, 2024. | D．July23, 2024. |
| A．A news report. | B．A travel brochure. |
| C．An academic paper. | D．A college website. |
