Curriculum Night
Dear Families,
Thank you for joining us on Curriculum Night this Tuesday. The faculty love having the opportunity to talk about their courses and share their knowledge. In case you were unable to attend, here are a few of the highlights:
- The high school curriculum at LREI is challenging, dynamic, relevant, and always progressive. Teachers tailor the content to the diverse interests and strengths of our students and strive to find connections between the curriculum and our communities, local and global. Students receive the serious academic preparation they need to thrive in the world beyond high school, coupled with the freedom to pursue their own passions. We support our students in trying new things, seeking out new challenges, and grappling with hard questions.
- New courses are being offered in many departments. In the arts, we have new Dance courses and the return of our popular Graphic Design courses. In English, there are three new electives: “I’ve Got Something to (Es)Say: Writing the Non-Academic Essay,” “Global City: Literature of Diversity,” and “You Animal: Perspectives on Humans and Other Animals.” The history department is also offering a new elective called “Isms and Social Movements.” New 12th grade science electives include Anatomy and Physiology, Environmental Science, Forensics, and Science and Society.
- Our redesigned schedule allows for several non-departmental classes that meet once a week. These courses vary by grade: Community Service (9th), Ethics & Citizenship (10th), Technology (9th and 10th), Life Skills (9th and 10th), Research (9th, 10th, 11th), College Seminar (11th and 12th), Public Speaking (11th), and Senior Project (12th).
- Parents met briefly with Grade Deans and advisors at the start of the evening. Parent/advisor conferences will take place on Friday, November 13, 2009.
- Phil Kassen, Director, greeted parents and spoke about the renovation and expansion of the Charlton Street campus. New classrooms and offices in the Townhouse will be opening later this fall.
- Sandra “Chap” Chapman, Director of Diversity and Community, spoke about this year’s series of parent diversity discussions entitled How to Raise an Ally: Social Justice at LREI. More details at www.lrei.org.
- Peter Fisher, Director of Athletics, spoke about our fall sports teams. Practice and games schedules are available on the school’s website http://www.lrei.org/athletics/ or by calling the LREI Sports Hotline at (212) 477-5316 x 494.
- This year, all homework assignments will be posted online via individual teacher blogs. Students are already using this resource in their classes. Here is a list of the High School faculty and blog addresses.High School Faculty Blogs
In other news, P.E. classes started this week. All students are required to take P.E. twice a week, unless they are competing on an LREI athletic team. The PE classes and times are listed below:
Monday 3:05-3:55
Cardio Strength Training with Art at the Carmine Street Gym,
Classic PE Games with Vejan in the High School Gym
Tuesday 3:05-3:55
Cardio Strength Training 2 with Art at the Carmine Street Gym
Fitness with Vejan in the High School Gym
Wednesday 3:05-3:55
Cardio Strength Training with Art at the Carmine Street Gym
Classic PE Games with Vejan in the High School Gym
Karate with Vinny at Thompson Street
Thursday 3:05-3:55
Cardio Strength Training 2 with Art at the Carmine Street Gym
Fitness with Vejan in the High School Gym
Advanced Karate with Vinny at Thompson Street (3:05-4:45)
Friday
3:05-3:55 Karate with Vinny in the HS Gym
3:30-5:30 Judo with Larry at Thompson Street
UPCOMING EVENTS
School is closed on Monday, September 28 for Yom Kippur.
POTLUCKS: Each year, there are grade-level evenings and potluck dinners organized by parents and hosted by Deans and advisors. They are informative and provide families with the opportunity for fellowship. All potlucks are held in the PAC.
- Twelfth Grade College Night: September 30, 2009, 6:30 PM, PAC
- Ninth Grade Potluck: October 6, 2009, 6:00 PM, PAC. This potluck will also include discussion on the topics of student wellness and responsibility. See the attached letter from 9th grade Parent Reps for more details.9th Grade Potluck 2009
- Tenth Grade Potluck: October 27, 2009, 6:30 PM, PAC
- Eleventh Grade Potluck & College Night: January 12, 2010, 6:00 PM, PAC
- Twelfth Grade Potluck: Date and time TBD
HS Class Picture Day: Friday, October 2 — Note, these are group pictures and will be available for purchase through a password protected online service. If you are interested in individual pictures, we can coordinate with the photographers who come to the lower school and middle school to take your child’s individual photo.
PSAT testing for 10th/11th grades: Wednesday, October 14, all day
Family Conferences: Friday, November 13, all day
For more calendar items, please visit the all school calendar www.lrei.org/calendar.
Finally -we had such a great trip to Ramapo! There was bonding, team building, high ropes challenges, campfires, a talent show, games, and fun!
The 9th and 10th graders did a fantastic job and the Peer Leaders were outstanding! Below are links to two photo collages, with more pictures to come!