A guest blog from Mark Silberberg, MS principal

Dear Families,

Already this year (10/21 and 4/14), I’ve written about the eighth grade social justice project “Choosing to Participate,” which has become a cornerstone of the eighth grade humanities curriculum. The culminating event of this project took place yesterday at our annual Social Justice Teach-In, as the the eighth graders ran two assemblies and facilitated workshops for the fifth through seventh graders. The day’s events were not only exceedingly well-executed, but also challenged middle schoolers to think deeply about a range important social justice issues and asked participants to consider how they can make a difference. The Teach-In was the culmination of substantial investigation and inquiry carried out by the eighth graders over the past few months and included significant volunteering opportunities and research/interviews with an impressive range of organizations and institutions. You can also learn more about this work by exploring the websites that were created by each of the ten social justice groups.

At the Teach-In’s opening assembly, the eighth graders provided some important context to help frame the day’s activities.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z754lhcX6qw&feature=related

They also shared their public service announcement posters, which were created in core and art (these posters are also on display in the lobby and outside of the eighth grade rooms) . . .

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The morning assembly concluded with an introduction of our afternoon keynote speaker Michael Blake who is the Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement & Deputy Associate Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o_n2n1QwWc&feature=related

Following the assembly, fifth through seventh graders participated in two hour-long workshops created and facilitated by the eight graders. The following descriptions of the workshops give you a clear sense of the richness and depth of the morning’s activities:

  • Monopoly: The Amnesty Edition: “Amnesty” for illegal immigrants is like a “Get of Jail Free” card in Monopoly. Come and find out why illegal immigrants are facing jail time, learn about legal immigrants’ lives, all while playing an immigration-themed game of Monopoly.
  • ABC’s and 123’s!: What makes a good school good? And, what makes school something kids want to attend? We will introduce you to the school leaders we met and you’ll learn about what they are doing to make education better for all children. Next, you’ll get the chance to build your very own ideal Charter School, a community-funded school with a specific mission; you can design the classrooms, etc.!
  • Puppets For Prevention: How do children learn to speak up and prevent child abuse? One proven technique is to use puppets! Our workshop will take on this serious issue in a fun and educational way. You will have a chance to make your own puppet, write and give your very own puppet show. Sign up so you can make Puppets for Prevention!
  • UN Summit 2011 — Save Our Soldiers: Welcome to the United Nations Children in Armed Conflict Summit 2011! Activists from all over the world are coming together to rescue children who have been forced into armed conflict. Your mission: Rescue child soldiers in four different locations. The United Nations and the world are counting on you to help these children AND bring those exploiting them to justice.
  • Paint the Rainbow: Did you know that the rainbow flag is a symbol of lesbian and gay pride? Using your artistic abilities you will “paint the rainbow” and make artwork that raises awareness about the bullying that gay teens can face. Your creative expressions will decorate the halls with a painted rainbow of awareness and pride!
  • Buzz Off, Malaria!: Malaria kills between 1 million and 3 million people each year. So, how can artwork help prevent it? After a short lesson, you will make a public service announcement with a twist: you and a group of other kids will be assigned a surprise material with which to work. So, come prepared to be extra creative, have fun, and say, Buzz Off, Malaria!
  • Life in Plastic – Is it so Fantastic? Female Images in the Media: Have you ever noticed how “plastic” and “fake” idealized images of women and girls can be in the media? We understand how damaging these images are to a girl’s self image. So, how can you be empowered to stop this issue? In this workshop we will observe common media stereotypes about girls and women. Then, we will act to make a difference by creating a 3D collage with our own messages and images that we want to send out to the world. This workshop is not just for girls! Boys, we need you to be our allies and be educated too!
  • Close to Home: Have you ever wondered how someone ends up living on the street or in a homeless shelter? It can be easier to end up without a home than you think. In Close to Home you will participate in a variation of the Game of Life where you will take on the role of a person and live his/her life, experiencing his/her successes and challenges. As you try to stay close to home (and in your home), you will find out surprising things about how people end up homeless.
  • Eliminating Crime, One Leaf at a Time: Have you ever heard of the “broken window theory”? The theory is that a neighborhood’s environment and look can reduce its crime rate. In our workshop, you will learn the surprising facts about how plants and trees can help a neighborhood be safer. You will also have the chance to plant flowers and make a fun, informational pamphlet. Come get your hands dirty to clean up NYC!
  • Pin Down Gun Violence: As you know, in today’s media, guns are often shown to be cool. As a result many of us are not that bothered by the gun violence we see in films, advertising, and video games. Come learn about the reality of gun violence in the United States and put your new awareness to work while you create your very own protest pins to Pin Down Gun Violence.

[flickrslideshow acct_name=”lrei-photos” id=”72157626599735036″ width=”460″ height=”345″]

The day concluded with an inspiring conversation with Michael Blake whose engaging story of pursuing a passion provided an important affirmation of the importance of service and civic engagement.

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There’s no doubt in my mind that the influence of our eighth graders was profoundly felt by their peers and teachers during this year’s “Teach-In.” As a fitting conclusion to this work, the eighth graders will be presenting their work to a broader audience next Monday at the NYC Social Justice Expo at NYU (high school media students will also be presenting three social justice focused student created documentary films, look for the links below). The Expo is a forum for high school students around the city who have been working on social justice oriented projects to showcase them for each other and for other New York educators and activists. Well done and good luck!

Links High School documentary films:

Sincerely,

Mark Silberberg

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LETTERS FROM LOWER SCHOOL TEACHERS

(click on the links below to view and print notes from teachers)

From Phil: Please click here to view the 2011-2012 LREI calendar.

Deborah and Randi’s 2nd Grade: Click here to read a letter from Deborah and Randi about their study of the Brooklyn Bridge and poetry and get an update on upcoming trips.

Kate and Nicole’s 4th Grade: Click here for a note from Kate and Nicole about the students’ immigration study and see some pictures of their new frogs!

Diane and Alexia’s Fours/K: Click here to hear from Diane and Alexia about all the stops on the Fours-K store study.


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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.

From Chap: Dear Families, please join us tomorrow for the screening of Straightlaced: How Gender’s Got Us All Tied Up during Part 3 of 3 of How to Raise an Ally: Social Justice at LREI, Friday, April 29, 8:45 – 10:45 am in the Sixth Avenue Cafeteria. Click here for a flyer with the complete details.

Math Education Morning for 4th Grade Families: hosted by Rose, Lower School Math Coordinator and Ana, Middle School Mathematics Teacher and Mathematics Department Chair. We encourage all 4th grade parents to come on May 10th, 8:30am to 9:15am, in the Sixth Avenue Cafeteria. Following the meeting Mark will give another tour of the middle school for those who were not able to attend the fall tour.

Reminder, Fours and Fours/K Music Assembly: The Fours and Fours/K music assembly will be Wednesday 5/4, at 8:45 am in the 6th Avenue auditorium.
1st and 2nd Grade Science Night, May 4th: 1st and 2nd grade science night, 6:30 pm, Sixth Avenue Cafeteria and Auditorium.

“What to Expect” Meetings, are coming up…

begin at 8:45 am in the Sixth Avenue cafeteria unless otherwise noted

  • Mon, May 2, 2011: What to Expect in First Grade
  • Thu, May 5, 2011: What to Expect in Second Grade
  • Thu, May 12, 2011: What to Expect in Third Grade
  • Fri, May 13, 2011: What to Expect in Fourth Grade
  • Wed, May 25, 2011: What to Expect in 5th grade- 6th Ave. PAPAs, 8:15 am

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Afterschool will be having a special music event this Friday, April 29th, in the Sixth Avenue auditorium at 4:15. Our very own Ken Zwerin will be performing with his band, The Candy Shop Boys. The Candy Shop Boys is a five piece jazz band that plays music from the 1920’s through the 1960’s. The band consists of a violinist, tenor saxophonist, pianist, drummer and bassist. There will be plenty of audience participation including dance, art and improv!

All are welcome!!

Please note: Children who are not attending Afterschool on Friday must be accompanied by an adult. This is a free event. Click here for a flyer with all the details.

Oliver Middle School Musical: This year’s middle school production of Oliver is next week on Friday 6th May at 7pm and Saturday 7th May at 2pm and 7pm. With a cast and crew of 60 students, this is one of the biggest musicals we have seen at LREI. The musical has been winning awards since 1963 but is still as exciting and entertaining as ever. Charles Dickens originally wrote the novel Oliver Twist which is a rich story of the impoverished lives of characters in the 1850s in London, England. This musical is an entertaining and compelling adaption, with many musical numbers and larger than life characters. We celebrate the wonderful talents of our middle school students and hope that you all come. Tickets are on sale in the Sixth Ave lobby between 8am and 9am, so make sure you get yours before we sell out! Adults $12 and students and senior citizens $10. Click here to see the poster with all the details!


Sing for Hope’s Pop-Up Pianos
Piano Painting Event for LREI Students and Families!

SATURDAY, May 14, noon-3pm

Sing for Hope, a New York City-based non-profit, will place 88 pianos in parks and public spaces throughout the five boroughs from June 18 – July 2.  A symbol of Sing for Hope’s commitment to make the arts available to all, the Pop-Up Pianos will unite and engage diverse communities throughout New York City. After their public residency, theSing for Hope Pop-Up Pianos will be donated to local schools, hospitals, and community centers, enriching lives for years to come.

Last year, LREI students painted the piano placed at Little Red Square!  This year, we are inviting LREI students and their families to do the same, under the guidance of aSing for Hope Teaching Artist.  On May 14, from noon to 3pm, participants will have the chance to decorate a piano at Sing for Hope’s Piano Warehouse at 32 Avenue of the Americas in TriBeCa.  We hope that you will take part in this special celebration of public art!

To sign up, RSVP to Rowena Penaranda-Askins at rpenaranda@lrei.org.

To learn more about Sing for Hope, please visit www.singforhope.org.

LREI Camping Trip: The 18th Annual LREI Camping Trip will take place June 3-5 this year at the Riverbend Group Campground along the Delaware River. All LREI families and their children  from all grades pre-K through high school  are invited to participate. Watch for details and sign-up tables coming soon. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help organize, please contact Larry White at LWhite@stern.nyu.edu or (212) 533-1966.

Afterschool Recitals:

  • Tuesday, May 3rd at 5:30 – Early Concert for students ages 4s-1st grade. (This concert includes Piano, Voice and Instrumental (guitar/bass, drums, brass and flute) students, PAPAS
  • Tuesday, May 31st at 5:30 – Piano & Voice Recital for 2nd grade – Middle School, PAPAS
  • Tuesday, May 31st at 6:30 – Instrumental Concert for 2nd grade – Middle School, 6th ave auditorium

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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

Tue, May 3, 2011: PA Executive Meeting
Thu, May 5, 2011: Big Auction Meeting
Thu, May 5, 2011: LGSA Meeting
Fri, May 6, 2011: Literary Committee Meeting

Red is Green: For the remainder of the school year middle school science teacher Stephen Volkman’s middle school advisory group is collecting batteries and corks for recycling. Their creatively designed boxes are in the lobby for your drop off. The group will also be collecting CD’s and cellphones. Watch for the new containers. Thank you to Steve and his group for their efforts.

Cookbook: Downtown Potluck, LREI’s own community cookbook, will be on sale in the Sixth Ave. lobby Thursday and Friday, May 5th and 6th, for all your spring giftgiving needs. (Mother’s Day is May 8th!)

TO ALL PARENTS FROM THE PARENTS ASSOCIATION:

Spring is here, so it is time to start planning for the next school year. The Parents Association would like to let you know the many ways you can participate. Becoming a parent rep is a great way to get involved. If you have not been a parent rep before but would like to try it or find out more about it, please let us know. We would be happy to talk to you more about what the job entails. You can also refer to the Family Handbook (accessible through our website www.LREI.org) for the Parent Rep Guidelines. We will be matching parent reps to classes in mid-August or so, when the class lists are finalized.

If you’re looking for other ways to get involved, you could consider volunteering for any of our PA committees; please click here for the list. Please email us at PA-Presidents@lrei.org if you have any questions or suggestions.

All parents are cordially invited to the Volunteer Thank You and Welcome Breakfast on Friday, May 20th, from 8 to 9:30 AM in the courtyard at 40 Charlton St. This event is for all present and future parent volunteers, and will be a time to learn more about what the PA does. Representatives of all PA committees will be present, so it will be a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Thank you and have a great spring,

Regina Trumbull and Susie Marples

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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, May 4, 2011: 4s/4k Music Assembly
Wed, May 11, 2011: 3rd Gr. Music Assembly
Wed, May 18, 2011: K’s Movement Assembly (note change)
Wed, May 25, 2011: 4th Gr. Musical (note change)
Wed, Jun 1, 2011: 4s/4k Movement Assembly

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END OF YEAR PICNICS

All picnics begin at 6pm and will be held on the roof at 6th Avenue. Parent reps from each class will provide more information, including rain location if necessary.

Mon, May 2, 2011: Kate’s 4th Grade Picnic
Thu, May 5, 2011: Dina’s 4th Grade Picnic
Mon, May 9, 2011: Dan’s 3rd Grade Picnic
Tue, May 10, 2011: Vonick’s 3th Grade Picnic
Tue, May 17, 2011: Tasha’s 2nd Grade Picnic
Thu, May 19, 2011: Gina’s 1st Grade Picnic
Mon, May 23, 2011: Deborah’s 2nd Grade Picnic
Wed, May 25, 2011: Galen’s 1st Grade Picnic
Thu, May 26, 2011: Rebecca’s 1st Grade Picnic
Mon, Jun 6, 2011: Elizabeth’s K Picnic
Tue, Jun 7, 2011: Diane’s Fours/K Picnic
Wed, Jun 8, 2011: Beth’s Fours Picnic
Thu, Jun 9, 2011: Luise’e K Picnic

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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 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

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