To be a student leader . . .

Dear Families:

 

One of the fall traditions in the Middle School is the election of student representatives. In Adolescent Issues classes, we discuss the characteristics that might make one a good representative and we explore the many responsibilities that representatives are expected to meet. After these discussions, students who are interested in being a rep write an essay to their classmates in support of their candidacy. At the same time, students who are not running for class rep consider what they are looking for in a class rep. These essays are then read by their teacher to the class without attribution. This calls on students to really listen to the substance of each essay and makes the election of a class rep more than just a popularity contest. The essays are always thoughtful and, while some candidates make bold promises (e.g., a three-day school week, extended recess, nap time), all address issues of real concern to middle school students (e.g., more recess equipment, additional clubs, independent art time).

Students take the voting process seriously, applaud the efforts of all of the candidates, are supportive of those candidates that are not selected, and have high expectations for their elected representative. As the terms of these newly elected representatives begin, they will be asked to seek out the full range of opinions on issues discussed by their classmates, help their classmates to work towards consensus on these issues, on occasion represent ideas with which they may not agree, help to resolve conflicts, problem solve with their classmates, welcome and speak with families visiting the school as part of the admission process, make presentations at middle school meeting, and work with the deans and the principal to clarify old roles and develop new roles for class representatives. These are weighty challenges and this year’s reps with the support of their classmates are ready to meet them.

On other fronts, I hope that you will spend some time reviewing our new format for the progress reports and the accompanying year-long subject area skills. This work represents substantial effort on the part of the middle school faculty and is also the result of the thoughtful feedback that you provided to us last year. The purpose for this new format is to make the assessment and evaluation process more transparent and better aligned with our progressive values. If you have any questions about these new reports, do not hesitate to contact me.

This Week’s Attachments
(Click on the links below to open the attachments. If you are having trouble opening the links, go to http://www.lrei.org/weekly/ms/ to access the files.)General:
Diversity and Community Evening Flyer
Early Childhood Admissions Letter
Sample Progress Report
Year-Long Skills
Parents in Action Flyer
Eighth Grade:
Seventh Grade:
Williamsburg Trip Information Letter
Sixth Grade:
Fifth Grade:

Of General Interest . . .

1) From Director Phil Kassen: Three quick notes:

  • Please do not plan vacations that fall outside of scheduled school breaks. Each school day is important. Today’s classroom experiences are building blocks for tomorrow’s. Missing school on either end of a scheduled break, or at any time other than when school is closed, is disruptive to your child’s education and to that of her/his classmates. Often, the days preceding our longer breaks include community events such as buddy activities and assemblies. These essential community events are important. We feel strongly that students should not miss these occasions. It is our policy that teachers not prepare work ahead of time, or help students to catch up, if your family will be vacationing at times when school is in session. If your family is presented with a singular opportunity to travel that offers significant educational advantages I encourage you to speak with your division’s principal in advance.
  • It is essential that all students arrive at school on time. Students who arrive late often find it difficult to enter into the class’s discussion or activity. Some students find that this lag can last for the whole school day.
  • Please read the attached note concerning early childhood (4s-K) Committee.

2) Please join us for the next Diversity and Community Evening: “How to Continue Diversity Conversations at Home,” on October 10th at 6:30PM in the Sixth Avenue Auditorium. The evening will be hosted by Sharon DuPree, Director of Diversity and Community, Phil Kassen, Director and Administrative and Faculty Colleagues. Come hear about effective strategies, share experiences, ask questions and learn about resources available to parents.

3) From High School Dean of Student Life Micah Dov Gottlieb: The first COFFEE HOUSE of the year will take place on October 14th at 7:00PM in the PAC at 40 Charlton Street. If any of your children are interested in performing (music, dance, poetry, comedy, etc…) please let me know by Friday, October 13th. I can be reached at mgottlieb@lrei.org or at 212-477-5316 xt.304.

4) Just a reminder that Coffee Pond Photography will be with us on Monday, October 16th to take individual and class pictures (in case of inclement weather, the pictures will be taken on Monday, October 23rd). After the pictures are taken, you will receive a proofs and an order form in the mail. To get the best portrait of your child, please make sure that they are dressed appropriately on Portrait Day. If you have specific questions about the ordering process, you can contact Coffee Pond Photography at lifeguards@coffeepond.com or by phone at 1-800-632-2323 extension 0.

5) A reminder form the PA Community Service Committee: We will be doing the Thanksgiving Decorations for Hudson Guild Fulton Center again this year as a volunteer opportunity for the whole community (4’s through 12th grade and beyond) on Saturday, November 18th at 11:00 -1:00. Save the date and we hope to see you there!

6) For updates on faculty performances, openings, presentations, and publications visit the Faculty in the News page on the school web site.

7) LREI is a member of NYC-Parents in Action (NYC-PIA). NYC-PIA provides parenting education, information and a communications network to help parents prepare their children and teenagers to cope with social pressures and to make sound choices towards a future free of alcohol and drug abuse. Please read the attached flyer to view their 2006-2007 calendar. You can also access their on-line calendar of events at www.parentsinaction.org.

For Eighth Grade Families . . .

1) High School tours for eighth grade families are scheduled for Wednesday, October 11th and Wednesday, October 18th at 9AM. Also, the High School Open Houses are scheduled for Thursday, October 12th and Tuesday, October 24th. Both Open Houses will start at 6:30PM. If you would like to make a reservation for one of the Open House nights or one of the tours, please contact Director of Admissions Samantha Caruth (scaruth@lrei.org or at extension 305). If you are unable to make one of these times, please contact Director of Admissions Samantha Caruth at scaruth@lrei.org or at extension 305. Samantha can sign you up for one of the general high school admissions tours or she can schedule you for a tour at some other time that is more convenient for you. Finally, if you have any questions about the high school program, please contact Ruth (rjurgensen@lrei.org or at extension 303) who will be glad to answer your questions.

For Seventh Grade Families . . .
1) Please read the attached letter that contains information about the our Williamsburg itinerary, a permission form, and a packing list. A parent meeting to go over the trip is scheduled for Wednesday, October 18th at 8:00AM.

For Sixth Grade Families . . .
1) The sixth grade will visit the Cloisters museum on Wednesday, October 18th. We will be participating in the “Medieval Artist” tour. This will provide a great introduction to the art and techniques of the middle ages (how artists worked, what kinds of techniques and materials they used, etc), as well as give a historical overview of this time period in European history.

2) Pictures from the trip to Greenkill can be viewed at http://lrei.emptyfortunecookie.com/ms/.

For Fifth Grade Families . . .
1) Pictures from the trip to Greenkill can be viewed at http://lrei.emptyfortunecookie.com/ms/.

Middle School Sports
Schedules, permission forms and general information about Middle School sports programs can be found at http://www.lrei.org/athletics/index.html. Information is also available through the LREI Sports Hotline at 212.477.5316 x 494.

Looking Ahead . . .
On the LREI web site additional information about upcoming events can be found at http://www.lrei.org/caleven/index.html (the middle school events page can be found at http://www.lrei.org/midschool/Events.html)

  • Monday, October 9, 2006 — Columbus Day – School Closed
  • Tuesday, October 10, 2006, 6:30PM — Diversity and Community Evening
  • Wednesday, October 11, 2006 — Eighth Grade HS Tour
  • Thursday, October 12, 2006 6:30PM — HS Open House
  • Saturday, October 14th, 2006 7:00PM — Coffee House, Charlton St. PAC
  • Monday, October 16, 2006 — Photo Day (raindate Monday, October 23, 2006)
  • Tuesday, October 17, 2006, 8:15AM — MS Parent Rep. Mtg.
  • Wednesday, October 18, 2006 – Sixth Grade to the Cloisters
  • Wednesday, October 18, 2006 — Eighth Grade HS Tour
  • Thursday, October 19, 2006, 6:00PM — MS POCOC Meeting
  • Saturday, October 21, 2006, 7:00PM — Coffeehouse
  • Monday, October 23, 2006, 8:00AM — Seventh Grade to Williamsburg (return on Friday, October 27, 2006)
  • Tuesday, October 24, 2006 — HS Minimester (through Thursday, October 26, 2006)
  • Tuesday, October 24, 2006, 6:30PM — HS Open House
  • Sunday, October 29, 2006 — Halloween Fair
  • Tuesday, October 31, 2006 — Fifth Grade to the Met (Ancient Near Eastern Art)
  • Friday, November 3, 2006 — MS-End of 1st Quarter
  • Wednesday, November 15, 2006, 12:15PM — MS Parent-Teacher Conferences
  • Thursday, November 16, 2006, 6:00PM — MS POCOC Mtg.
  • Friday, November 17, 2006, 8:30AM — MS Parent-Teacher Conferences (MS closed)
  • Monday, November 20, 2006 — Irwin Scholars Application due
  • Tuesday, November 21, 2006, 8:15AM — MS Parent Rep. Mtg.
  • Wednesday, November 22, 2006 — Thanksgiving-School closes at 12:00PM (school reopens on Monday, 27, 2006)
  • Friday, December 1, 2006, 7:00PM — Seventh Grade DISC Dance 40 CHST
  • Monday, December 4, 2006 — Book Week (through Friday, November 8, 2006)
  • Wednesday, December 6, 2006 — Book Fair (through Friday November 8, 2006)
  • Thursday, December 7, 2006, 7:00PM — Literary Evening
  • Friday, December 8, 2006, 7:00PM — MS Play
  • Saturday, December 9, 2006, 2:00PM and 7:00PM — MS Play
  • Tuesday, December 12, 2006, 8:15AM — MS Parent Rep. Mtg.
  • Tuesday, December 12, 2006, 6:00PM — Seventh Grade Colonial Museum
  • Thursday, December 14, 2006, 6:00PM — Winter Concert
  • Thursday, December 14, 2006, 6:00PM — MS POCOC Mtg.
  • Friday, December 15, 2006 — Winter Break – School closes at 12:00PM (school reopens on Wednesday, January 3, 2007)

Don’t forget to check the LREI website for updates and interesting information – http://www.lrei.org.

Be well,
Mark

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