LREI Benefit Coffeehouse
Guest blog from Phil–
Dear LREI Community,
I write with a quick update on this coming weekend’s Benefit Coffeehouse. On Saturday, February 6th, at 6:30 PM, LREI’s high school students will host a benefit open mike night to raise money to support relief work in Haiti. Tickets prices are $20 for adults and $10 for students. We have a full lineup of performers and the makings of a delectable bake sale.
From MicahDove Gottlieb, HS Assistant Principal, “This Coffee House will be an entertaining event in support of a worthy cause. We already have a great line-up of high school, middle school, faculty, and community members set to perform. If you are interested in performing or helping out in any way, please contact Micah a MDGottlieb@LREI.org. Mark your calendar now!”
The Coffeehouses are always fun events. In addition to having a good time, this month’s Coffeehouse will support relief efforts in Haiti. All money raised during the Coffeehouse will support the work of two organizations. One, Partners in Health, has been involved in healthcare efforts in Haiti for many years. Learn more about them at www.pih.org. The second, The Harris Rosen Foundation, was founded by LREI alum, Harris Rosen, ’57. The Rosen Foundation is working with Haitian communities in Florida to send money and supplies to Haiti. The Foundation is also beginning to plan for rebuilding efforts including funding the development of earthquake and hurricane resistant housing. Coffeehouse proceeds will be added to the over $3,000 dollars raised at last month’s Karamu! celebration. Thank you to all who created and participated in that terrific event.
Some community members have asked about sending additional contributions to these two organizations. A great idea. You can do so on your own or leave checks made out to one, or both, of these groups in an envelope, marked “Haiti Relief Fund” with the receptionist. We will send these contributions to either Partners in Health or the Harris Rosen Foundation as a community gift. Many of you already contributed to the relief efforts, in cash or in kind, through these organizations. Thank you for your generosity.
I hope to see you at the Coffeehouse on Saturday night.
Best,
Phil
P.S. Please don’t forget to send in your photographs for our upcoming Visibility photo exhibit. There is additional information about Visibility farther down in the blog. Visibility is an essential event for our community and one that helps define LREI as a leader in educating for social justice. Please join our efforts to have all families be seen for their accomplishments and for the love they bring to the world rather than being seen through the lens of the intolerance of others.
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LETTERS FROM LOWER SCHOOL TEACHERS
Luise & Alisa’s Kindergarten: Click here for this week’s update, about our study of our school community.
Elizabeth & Stephanie’s Kindergarten: Please click here for our classroom updates.
Colleen & Abby’s Second Grade: Please click here for classroom updates and info about an upcoming field trip!
Tasha & Emily’s Second Grade: Please click here for classroom updates and info about an upcoming field trip!
Dot and Becka’s Third Grade: For this week’s update (which includes details about our exciting museum opening!), click here.
Both Third Grade classes: Click here to view a letter from Celeste about touch-typing.
Kate & Maren’s Fourth Grade: For a taste of fourth grade writing from Kate & Maren’s class, click here!
To All Families – A note from Namita about Valentine’s Day at school:
The month of February brings with it a number of holidays, including Valentine’s Day. I wanted to let you know in advance how we plan to acknowledge this day in our school community. Next week, some classes will make cards for Visiting Neighbors (an organization which supports elderly in the community by alleviating loneliness and isolation, providing emotional security, and assisting with everyday needs such as medical appointments and running errands). Some teachers may mention the holiday in class, read a story and/or do a craft project. However, students will not be exchanging Valentine cards in school. In this way, we’re able to maintain the day’s curricular momentum and avoid the hurt feelings that arise so frequently as cards are swapped, dropped and misplaced during a school day.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Best wishes,
Namita
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UPCOMING LOWER SCHOOL MEETINGS & EVENTS
For the most up-to-date information visit the school’s online calendar at www.lrei.org/calendar. Click here to download the one-page 2009-10 school calendar.
2/6 Coffeehouse – Open Mic Benefit Event – Saturday, February 6th, beginning at 6:30PM in the Performing Arts Center, at 40 Charlton Street. All money raised during this event will support the relief efforts in Haiti.
2/9, 2/10, 2/11 ERBs for Fourth Grade & Middle School.
2/15 & 2/16 Presidents’ Weekend — School Closed.
2/18 & 2/19 LS Art Show — Save the date! All are cordially invited to the Lower School Art Show taking place on Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19 in the Sixth Avenue Auditorium. Please click here for a note from Ann with details, and click here for the flyer, with a couple of sneak preview works of art!
2/22 – 3/5 VISIBILITY: Lesbian and Gay People We Love, an LREI community photo exhibit. Please join LREI in celebrating diversity at the Visibility Photo Exhibit! Submit a photo of your family with a loved one who is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered. Visit the exhibit and show support for family, friends and community. Come to the opening ceremony to share stories and experiences about visibility. For more information, click here or contact Carrie Borows or Merril Stern at visibility@lrei.org.
3/3 & 3/4 LREI 2010 Art Action. Don’t miss the chance to see artwork by some of the world’s finest artists and community members. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend! Click here for details.
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LOWER SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES
All Lower School Assemblies are held in our Auditorium at 8:45 a.m.
SPRING 2010
4/7 – 4s & 4s-K Music Assembly
4/14 – 1st Grade Music Assembly
4/21 – Kindergarten Music Assembly
4/28 – 2nd Grade Music Assembly
5/12 – 3rd Grade Music Assembly
5/19 – 4th Grade Music Assembly
5/26 – Kindergarten Movement Assembly
6/2 – 4s & 4s-K Movement Assembly
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UPCOMING PARENT ASSOCIATION MEETINGS
2/8 Committee Service Meeting
2/10 Food Committee Meeting
2/10 Cookbook Committee Meeting
2/10 Parent SEED Meeting
2/11 Tasting Event Committee
2/12 Literary Committee Meeting
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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
*Student metrocards from the fall will expire tomorrow, February 5. All students who use school metrocards will receive a new one tomorrow, distributed in class. This card will be valid through the end of the school year.
*Click here for the latest offering from the PA Community Service Committee.
*We want your recipes! Plans for the LREI Community Cookbook are under way, and we are now seeking recipes from all members of the community. Recipes can be for any dish that you would bring to a potluck. Please send recipes or questions to cookbook@lrei.org. The deadline for recipes is March 19 (right before Spring Break). Help us create a cookbook that represents the diversity of our community!
*Grandparents and Special Friends Day will be held on Friday, May 7th. Fours to First Grade – morning, Second Grade to Fourth Grade – afternoon. Please send your names for Grandparent and Special Friends to Liza Sacks, lsacks@lrei.org, 212-477-5317 ext. 291. Invitations will be mailed in March.
*From the Red is Green and Community Services Committees…
Donate Old Cell Phones: Cell phones will be donated to Phones for Haiti, a partnership with the American Red Cross and ReCellular, Inc. For more info, see phonesforhaiti.com. By donating your old cell phone, you can provide critical aid to people in Haiti, protect the environment and bring new technology to developing areas. 100% of the proceeds from Phones for Haiti will go to aid victims of the Earthquake in Haiti.
Recycle Used Batteries: We will accept all rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. Electronic waste is the fastest growing concern in the world! Batteries contain toxic substances like mercury that are harmful to our landfills. Don’t throw them out in your regular trash – let us help you recycle them.
Batteries and cell phones can be dropped of in the Red is Green recycle bins at the Sixth Ave. and Charlton St. lobbies throughout February and March.