Celebrations
Dear Families,
The Friday before Winter Break, the High School took the time to celebrate History Instructor Bill Bailey’s 50th year of teaching. Bill has not been with us for the 50, but in his four and a half years here, he has truly made a lasting impression on our students. They rallied together to plan the celebration; 50 students, 50 red roses and 50 adjectives or stories that demonstrate Bill’s important impact on the community.
After our assembly, Bill took the time to write me a letter expressing his feelings about the honor. In it, he said, “Perhaps one indication of my appreciation is that after reflecting on 2009 as we approach the new year is my sense, without a doubt, that the tribute you, Phil, the faculty, and most importantly, the students offered me was the highlight of the year and perhaps of my entire teaching career. I found it all so overwhelming and so gratifying…Wednesday night, I went to dinner with four other history teachers [from prestigious schools in the Northeast] who have become very close friends…I told them about Friday…they reflected on the reputations that exclusive private schools have, citing Exeter in particular. [With all in agreement], they determined Little Red must be a truly extraordinary place with far more emphasis on community and the well-being of all who are a part of it…” Bill went on to say how happy, rewarded, and fulfilled he has been here. Thank you, Bill!
On Tuesday, in observance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we welcomed Larry Jay Tish and Ron Jones, and their show,“The Black/Jew Dialogues.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. worked tirelessly, through dialogue and other non-violence methods to encourage remarkable change: open housing opportunities, voting rights, job equality, and the end of segregation, and to oppose the Vietnam war and racial and economic injustice. It is our duty, and every citizen’s duty to continue in Dr. King’s footsteps as often as we can and bridge the divides that separate us from one another. Tuesday’s program encouraged bridge crossing, conversation and dialogue through laughter and thoughtful reflection on the history of prejudice and racism. Taking the time, paying attention and participating in the assembly was truly honoring Dr. King’s legacy and remarkable life.
As we also begin to hear the horrible news from Haiti and the devastating effects of the earthquake this week, we must reflect on what else we can do to help one another, especially the people of Haiti. Today, students gathered in class meetings to begin to plan to support relief efforts. As a community, we have decided to change the theme of the next coffeehouse on Saturday, February 6, from a community service roundtable event to a benefit for Haiti. Monday, a day off from school is, as you know, a National Day of Service, a “Day On,” honoring Dr. King’s work. There is much to do in our local community and for others outside of it.
What are you doing on Monday?
From Phil: I write with a reminder from the Parents Association Community Service Committee and from me to consider spending part of this weekend honoring the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through participation in a community service project. Click here to read the committee’s list of suggested projects. If you have ideas for other projects that will be available to LREI families during the coming weekend, please email them to me at pkassen@lrei.org. Thank you.
All the best,
Ruth
Updates and Announcements:
Speaking of Service…Attention LREI High School Students of Color! Participate in a Research Study and help improve your LREI community by sharing your experiences and stories in a candid, confidential setting. Not to mention…
- It will look great on your resume and college applications!
- Counts for community service credit!
- Can be made into a Senior Project!
Starting Thursday, Jan. 21 during Clubs period, 2:10-3:00 PM. Commitment of 8 sessions between Jan-May. To sign up or for more information, contact Ruth.
Please find a letter and permission form to participate here.
Research is being done by a graduate student through ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE OF YESHIVA UNIVERSITY , FERKAUF GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY
- Congrats to two of our students whose works were selected for the Fourth Annual “Gifted Show” at Synchronicity Fine Arts. Jane Kovich ’11 and Kelly Otterness ’10 will have their works displayed from February 9 through March 6, 2010.
- Congrats to Kelly Otterness ’10 who also won a YoungARTS Award in Creative Writing!
- Save the Date for Karamu! Friday January 22nd!… Karamu! is LREI’s annual multicultural event of music, dance, and food celebrating the diversity of our school and community. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, January 19th.…Karamu! always sells out; get your tickets early (discounted tickets available – contact Juliet Burrows: julietburrows-at-mac.com. We need food and volunteers!..Sign up boards will be in the 6th Ave. lobby – please volunteer and join this wonderful community building event.
- Visibility is going up in February! Now is the perfect time to find your photographs for this wonderful exhibit. Please consider participating and click here for more information.
- New LREI Event–Many of you have asked about the yellow “Stir the Pot” postcards that you received in recent days. We wanted to whet your appetite and to be sure that you mark your calendars for LREI’s Spring tasting event called “Stir the Pot: Taste of the Future.” You won’t want to miss the chance to meet and mingle with other parents and enjoy great food–Thursday, May 13th in the Charlton Street campus. For further information, please contact Maude Kebbon in the Office of Advancement at 212-477-5316, ext. 232.
- New event added to the calendar: Freedom Institute will offer drug and alcohol education and answer questions about how to talk with your teen about substance issues on Thursday, January 28, 2010, at 6:30 PM, Charlton Street Cafeteria.