By Bo Lee and Lara Sokoloff

The annual Winterfest, which was planned this year by the Prefect Council and the Winterfest Committee, has been taking place throughout the week.

The committee hopes that the festivities will help the community to celebrate the holiday season.

“I think it is something really fun. It is a good thing that the Prefect Council is doing this. It was exciting to hear the choir during break on Monday, and I am looking forward to Friday,” Carla Sneider ’13 said.

Students were invited to wear their favorite holiday attire to school, such as Santa hats and Rudolph noses, on Monday in order to create a holiday atmosphere.

The school hosted the Activities for Retarded Children Bell Choir, which performed a few holiday songs during break on Monday in the Lounge, followed by performances by the Jazz Singers and Kathryn Gallagher ’11. Harry Salamandra, head of the Upper School, said the school has worked with the Activities for Retarded Children for about 30 years.

The Jewish Student Union, Christian Club, and Amnesty International, set up tables in an effort to encourage students to sign up for their clubs during Monday’s event.

Free hot chocolate and apple cider were available on Monday in the lounge. The Prefect Council also sold candy grams on Monday in the Lounge for one dollar each.

“It’s fun, as we’re getting ready for winter, to start getting ready for the holidays a little early and plan cool, different events and performances that the student body can enjoy,” Prefect Council member Michael Wagmeister ’13 said. Wacky Sweater Wednesday” takes place today, with students invited to wear the most outrageous holiday sweaters that they can find.

“Fuzzy Flannel Friday” will both conclude Winterfest and initiate winter break on Friday. Students are asked to wear scarves, hats, mittens, earmuffs, and other clothing items along with a flannel shirt.