German Trip Begins
German teacher Ms. Judy Graunke and 41 students, 30 seniors and 11 juniors, took off for a 12-day trip to Germany to immerse themselves in the language and culture and will return on Dec. 23. The group will travel to cities such as Weimar, Buchenwald and Dresden, as well as visit composer Johann Sebastian Bach’s house in Eisenach.
Lights on TC
Temple City Park transformed into a winter wonderland on Dec. 6 from 5-9 p.m. Families could ride on snow sleds, dance around in a snow play area with a snowman and take pictures with not only Santa Claus, but also with a few of Santa’s elves.
Children created a variety holiday crafts, such as stockings, and played in Christmas-themed bouncers. The event also featured face painting, balloon animal makers and a magic show. In addition to browsing food booths that sold hot chocolate, tamales and popcorn, families also could also watch a performance from the Brighter Side Singers at the Temple City Park’s gazebo.
The parade ended with Santa Claus making his way to the park for the grand finale where he performed the traditional tree lighting ceremony on a 100-foot redwood tree decked with vibrant lights that illuminated the night.
Superintendent’s Contract Not Renewed
The Board of Education voted four to one on Nov. 28 not to renew Superintendent Ms. Chelsea Kang-Smith’s contract, which will end on June 30. Board Member Mr. Matt Smith voted to extend Ms. Kang-Smith’s contract for another year, opposing Board Members Mr. Kenneth Knollenberg, Mr. Bob Ridley, Mr. Kien Tiet and Mr. Joe Walker, who chose not to extend the contract.
Holiday Strings Concert
The gym was alive with the sound of music on Dec. 3 during the annual Holiday Strings Concert featuring the 9th grade Orchestra, Advanced Orchestra and Honors Orchestra. Band and Orchestra directors Phil Bailey and Bert Ferntheil and their respective ensembles performed arrangements of popular tunes from the “The Wizard of Oz,” “Wicked” and “Glee” and holiday medleys such as “The Yuletide Rag” and “Wish Liszt.”
Honors Orchestra ended the night with a fast-paced instrumental of Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way,” in contrast to the comforting holiday themes. Honors Orchestra will perform next on Dec. 17 at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse in the TCHS Holiday Concert.