Community Contributions
Dear Families,
Thank you to all who participated in this past weekend’s Halloween Fair. All of your hard work, collaboration and creativity blossomed into a fun day for all. It was nice to see so many members of the community participating, including a number of high school volunteers. This day was just one example of many LREI events that represent the community coming together for the benefit of all. There are many more events of this type being planned—the upcoming DVD/CD Swap, the Book Fair, the Literary Evening, our new community cook book and Karamu!, our multicultural celebration, just to name a few. This focus on the community coming together for the education and enjoyment of all is a hallmark of communities like LREI.
At the beginning of each school year LREI embarks on another community effort in which both reaching our goal and doing it together are essential—our annual fundraising campaign. LREI’s Annual Fund is comprised of money raised during events such as the Halloween Fair and the Big Auction (coming on May 11, 2011) and cash donations from families, trustees, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, faculty/staff and friends of the school.
The Annual Fund helps us to bridge the gap between the School’s annual expenses and income from tuition, increases to which we keep as low as possible. Simply put, the Annual Fund allows us to be LREI. It allows us to make decisions that are consistent with Elisabeth Irwin’s original progressive ideals and with our current progressive mission. The Annual Fund supports LREI’s commitment to offering the level of tuition remission that we do, among the highest of independent schools in New York City. The Annual Fund allows us to say “Yes” to providing the same core experience to each LREI student, supporting all families as we plan overnight trips, for example. The Annual Fund allows us to say “Yes” each time teachers want to bring students out into the world. It allows us to say “Yes” to professional development for our excellent faculty. The Annual Fund allows us to take risks and to be creative. It allows us, in short, to do what we ask the students to do. It allows LREI to remain a leader in educational thought and practice.
So here is where the community part comes in. We are grateful to all who have helped us to meet the challenge of achieving our Annual Fund goals in the past. Thank you to the many members of the community who have already contributed this year, including all 34 members of LREI’s Board of Trustees. Our goal is not only to raise quite a significant sum, but also to increase the percentage of members from each constituency who contribute. Please give at whatever level is comfortable for you. Whatever that amount is, if you have not already done so (and, again, thank you if you have) please participate. Thank you, in advance, for supporting our 14-year progressive program.
If you have questions about our Annual Fund, you can contact Brooke Gadasi, Director of Advancement (bgadasi@lrei.org) or me, at any time.
Thank you for all that each family, and each individual, does for LREI throughout the year. You make us a stronger community and a better school.
Warmly,
Phil
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LETTERS FROM LOWER SCHOOL TEACHERS
(click on the links below to view and print notes from teachers)
Deborah and Randi’s 2nd grade: Click here to read a letter from Deborah and Randi about the second graders’ new spelling program.
Tasha and Shawn’s 2nd grade: Click here to read a letter from Tasha and Shawn about the second graders’ new spelling program.
Dan and Jessica’s 3rd grade: Click here to read a letter from Dan and Jessica about the third graders’ new spelling program.
Vonick and Jason’s 3rd grade: Click here to read a letter from Vonick and Jason about the third graders’ new spelling program.
Dina and Farrah’s 4th Grade: Click here to view an important reminder about the upcoming Farm Breakfast and click here to learn about the 4th graders’ new math unit and ways you can enrich your child’s math at home.
Kate and Nicole’s 4th Grade: Click here to read a special newsletter created by the 4th graders in comic book format.
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LOWER SCHOOL REMINDERS AND 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 2010-11 school calendar.
No School on Friday, November 5th or Thursday, November 11th: Fall Parent Teacher Conferences.
Parent Teacher Conference Childcare: There is no charge for 30-minute drop-in childcare that takes place during your conference time. Full day childcare (8:00am-3:45pm) is $20 per child. Sign-up sheets for childcare (both drop-in and full day) are at the front desk in the lobby. Please sign up by Wednesday morning. You may pack a bag lunch (please, no nuts or seeds) for your child that day if you like; morning snack and pizza lunch will be provided. Please contact Autumn Giles if you have any questions (agiles@lrei.org or 212-477-5316, ext. 215).
Applications for 2011-2012 Tuition Remission: Please be on the look-out for an e-mail from Michel de Konkoly Thege, Associate Director, which was transmitted on October 26, 2010 and contains information about applying for tuition remission for the 2011-2012 school year. This year for the first time we are communicating with families that receive tuition remission by e-mail only and are urging these families to use the online option for completing the necessary forms. If you received tuition remission in the current school year and did not get this e-mail, a copy may be accessed by clicking here. Please note that the online system for filing tuition remission materials will now open on November 8, not November 1 as stated in Michel’s e-mail of October 26.
Upcoming Music Assemblies:
- Wednesday, November 10th: Ks Music Assembly, 8:45 am in LS auditorium
- Wednesday, November 17th: Fours/Fours K Music Assembly, 8:45 am in LS auditorium
The Lower School Family Math Nights begin November 9th: The Lower School Family Math Night is an event designed for families to come together in a celebration of mathematics. Join us from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Sixth Avenue Auditorium and Cafeteria for an hour of games and activities. You can count on plenty of family fun!
- Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010 – 3rd & 4th Grade Family Math Night: 3rd Grade will be in the cafeteria and 4th Grade will be in the auditorium.
- Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010 – 1st & 2nd Grade Family Math Night: 1st Grade will be in the cafeteria and 2nd Grade will be in the auditorium.
Afterschool Reminder: Open Class Week for Enrichment Classes will take place Monday, November 15th through Friday, November 19th. This is an opportunity for a parent, or special grown-up to come and observe their child/children during their Enrichment classes. Classes will meet on their regular day and time. All classes will meet at their usual locations, with the exception of Basketball which will take place at the E.I. Gym at the Highschool. All locations are listed on the Afterschool bulletin board next to the Afterschool Office.
Please contact the Afterschool office with any questions at (212) 477-5316, ext. 239.
Fall Parent Teacher Conferences start tomorrow November 5th and November 11th: Please follow the links below to view and confirm your appointment for fall parent teacher conference.
Elizabeth & Samson’s Kindergarten
Galen & Christine’s First Grade
Deborah & Randi’s Second Grade
Daniel & Jessica’s Third Grade
Photo Re-take Day: Re-take day for students who were absent on photo day will be Monday, December 6th. Photos will be taken indoors.
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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
LREI Halloween Fair Photos: Click here to view photos from the 2010 LREI Halloween Fair. For those who are interested, it is possible to independently order prints via the Flickr site. Select “Order photos and more” from the “Actions” pull-down menu above each photo.
A message from Chap, Director of Diversity and Community:
How to Raise an Ally: Social Justice at LREI
Wednesday, November 10, 8:45 AM in the Sixth Avenue Cafeteria
Let’s Get Real: A documentary film where youth speak up about name-calling and bullying
When youth in the film were asked how they are singled out or targeted, issues such as race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, body size and immigration status, among others, came to the forefront.
How might we unconsciously perpetuate inequalities or negative attitudes toward some people in our midst? Are we setting an example of respect by our language, our demeanor, and the attention we give to children’ feelings and their treatment of each other?
The social justice program of the school helps to develop language for students to express their feelings, resolve conflicts, and understand the societal factors that lead to prejudice.
Viewing segments of the film and engaging in a discussion with other parents will help support your children (and teachers) at home with the conversations we are having at school.
Grab a cup of coffee and a good seat as we embark on Part 1 of a series of 3 Open PA Diversity Meetings. Click here to view and print a flyer with more information.
Molière’s TARTUFFE: Friday, November 12th & Saturday, November 13th at 7:00pm
LREI High School Play Open to all ages!
Directed by Meghan Farley Astrachan
LREI: Little Red School House & Elisabeth Irwin High School
Performing Arts Center
40 Charlton Street
New York, New York 10014
Laugh along at the farcical adventures of Orgon’s dysfunctional family and watch as impostor Tartuffe wreaks “holy”havoc. 17th century style, with a splash of 21st! In rhyming verse! Fun for the whole family!
Tickets available for purchase every morning in the 6th Ave lobby as well as at the box office at Charlton Street. Click here to view the complete flyer with all the details.
ISDN Boys of Color event, for 4th, 5th & 6th graders and their Parents: co-sponsored by St. Bernard’s School, to be held on FRIDAY, Nov. 19th, 6 to 8pm at St. Bernard’s School (4 East 98 St., bet. 5th & Madison).
Join us to:
- Play team building sports games, under the direction of a coach and have fun.
- Make new friends and relationships.
- Enjoy light refreshments for adults and dinner for students.
- Parent topic: “Staying Within The Box”: How do we retain our cultural integrity in an independent school?
RSVP to Wendy Van Amson – wvanamson@gmail.com by 11/12/10. Click here to view and print a flyer with more information.
School Store: The School Store will be open this month on Wednesday 17th from 8am – 9am at the Sixth Avenue entrance (or in case of bad weather, inside the lobby). Show your Spirit and start your holiday shopping now!
Lower and Middle School Families–Join the Parents Association in welcoming Carey Socol, LREI’s new Director of College Guidance. Carey, Ruth Jurgensen, high school principal, and Phil will discuss LREI’s college guidance process. Tuesday, November 9th, 8:45AM in the Sixth Avenue Cafeteria. Click here to view and print a flyer with more information.
Red is Green: To celebrate America Recycles Day (November 15) we will have a DVD/CD Swap. Starting on Monday, November 15 and continuing through Wednesday, November 17 tables will be set up outside of the Sixth Avenue building for the swap. You can drop off DVDs/CDs ahead of time in a bin located in the lobby, beginning November 1. Students/faculty/parents can swap all forms of CDs and DVDs, including computer, film, music, game and video. Any unwanted CDs and DVDs at the end of the week of November 17th will be sent to Back Thru the Future Technology Disposal who will safely recycle them.
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PARENTS ASSOCIATION MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
All parent association meetings are held in the LS Cafeteria at 8:45 am, unless otherwise noted
Monday, Nov 8, 2010: Multi-Cultural Committee Meeting
Tuesday, Nov 9, 2010: Open Parents Association Meeting/Executive Meeting with Phil, Carey, and Ruth
Thursday, Nov 11, 2010, 6pm: Elizabeth’s K Welcome Potluck Party (off-site)
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LOWER SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES
All Lower School Assemblies are held in our Auditorium at 8:45 a.m, unless otherwise noted.
Wed, Nov 10, 2010: Ks Music Assembly
Wed, Nov 17, 2010: Fours/Fours K Music Assembly
Wed, Dec 1, 2010: 3rd Grade Music Assembly
Fri, Dec 17, 2010: 10:15am, Lower School Winter Assembly
Wed, Jan 19, 2011: 9:00am, LS MLK Jr. Assembly
Wed, Feb 23, 2011: 9:00am Families Assembly
Wed, Apr 13, 2011: First Gr. Assembly
Wed, Apr 20, 2011: K’s Music Assembly
Wed, Apr 27, 2011: 2nd Gr. Assembly
Wed, May 4, 2011: 4s/4k Assembly
Wed, May 11, 2011: 3rd Gr. Assembly
Wed, May 18, 2011: 4th Gr. Assembly
Wed, May 25, 2011: K’s Movement Assembly
Wed, Jun 1, 2011: 4s/4k Movement Assembly
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LOWER SCHOOL PARENT REPRESENTATIVES 2010-2011
Beth’s Fours Maren Berthelsen, Becca Markley
Fours/K Marjorie Goldner, Sara Taplitz
Elizabeth’s K Juliet Burrows, Carmen Lenzi
Luise’s K Shannon Barden, Yael Goverover
Gina’s 1st Diane Hoffman, Ceci Van Blerkom
Galen’s 1st Dawn Eig, Christine Boyle
Rebecca’s 1st Hilary Meltzer, Mishi Hosono
Tasha’s 2nd Mary Gerzema, Linda Phillips
Deborah’s 2nd A.M. Homes, Fia Hatsav, Julia Wilbur
Dan’s 3rd Hillary Butler, Holly Glass, Denise Roederer
Vonick’s 3rd Heather McMaster, Beth Dary
Dina’s 4th Connie Butler, Lara Olivieri
Kate’s 4th Susan Harris, Liselotte Vince