Hallmarks of Success

Dear Families,

Today, we respectfully remember the lives lost on September 11. Today, students were able to enjoy the annual September Concert organized by music teacher and Jazz Band director, Vin Scialla.

On another note, during student orientation, we focused on the hallmarks of successful LREI students in order to help our new community members determine where they are and how they can, too, be successful.

Our most successful students are:

  • Involved. They are invested in the day to day aspects of school. They participate fully in clubs, either creating their own or joining existing clubs, they participate in our athletic and arts after school. They invest their time in chorus, jazz band, “IE”, our literary magazine, write for the newspaper or are members of the community service roundtable, or student government.
  • Living the life of the mind. Our most successful students understand that the classroom goes beyond four walls, that discussions and conversations and analysis continue in the lobby, at the lunch table, in a faculty member’s office. Our most successful students realize that once homework is finished, it is time to study.
  • Thoughtful and respectful. Of differences, of culture, gender, ethnicity and sexuality. Students may need help with this, so respectful participation in Life Issues classes (for Ninth Grade) and informative assemblies are key.
  • Engaged citizens of the world. They read the news, they are aware of happenings beyond our block, are curious about social justice issues and bring the world into the curriculum as our teachers do.
  • Committed to service. Our 25 hour requirement won’t do. Our most successful students make a significant impact with work for an organization, church, synagog, or community program. To encourage this aspect of success, this year, we have two days designated as individual community service days. Monday, Dec. 8, 2008 and Monday, March 9, 2009 are days where we will not have classes, but students may use those days for individual service opportunities. In December, there are many opportunities to be found helping organizations or religiously affiliated groups with holiday charity and service. In March, students will find a perfect opportunity to participate in spring cleanup.

In order to help us help your students become our most successful, please let me know if you have information or are affiliated with an organization that could use our students’ help. Help us build our inventory of community service opportunities for students.

Also in the effort to assist all of our students in the quest for success, Pat Carter, Academic Support teacher, will be hosting Homework Help drop-in hours.

ASC After-School Homework Sessions: Beginning Monday, September 15th, the ASC will be available for after-school homework/quiet study on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 pm to 5:45 pm. This is an excellent time for students to study independently in a quiet, supervised environment or meet with me for extra planning or organizational assistance. Students may also obtain extra homework help in certain subjects (English, History, Spanish). And if students fall behind in their work, faculty are encouraged to require students to make-up missing assignments in the ASC during these sessions. Please be sure to pass this information along to your child.

All the best,

Ruth

Updates and Announcements:

  • The school’s calendar can be accessed by clicking here.
  • Click here to view the 2008-2009 LREI Calendar.
  • For general LREI Athletics news go to this link . This page will provide general announcements, game summaries, league standings and game recaps.

1. Please join us for a very special event, Wednesday, September 24.

2. Ronnie Halper, P’11, is the Vice-President for the Parent Association and is available if you need to talk to someone, bring an issue or question to the Parent Association, or would like to know how to get involved. She can be reached at rsh@panix.com.

3. As you may know, all 9th and 10th Graders participate in our trip Upstate to Ramapo. 9th Graders leave on Wednesday, Sept. 17, and the 10th Graders join them on Thursday, Sept. 18. While they are there, the 11th and 12th Graders will not have classes. Rather, on Thursday, Sept. 18th, all 11th Graders will have a mandatory trip for their “Gotham” class requirement, and 12th Graders will have the opportunity to work with Amy Shapiro, Director of College Guidance, and begin work on their college applications. On Friday, Sept. 19, 11th Graders will have a class community service opportunity, which will last all day. The 12th Graders may use that Friday, Sept. 19th for college visits if they wish, or may join the community service opportunity. All students are expected by 8:30 AM on all days.

4. Please don’t forget to sign your child’s Acceptable Use Policy! To have permission to use the school’s computers and network, all students must have a signed Acceptable Use Policy on file. If the form has been misplaced, please contact your child’s advisor.

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