Educating Boys, Forging Relationships

Today I attended a New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) conference on “Educating Boys” held at the Allen Stevenson School.  This fascinating program focused on research about how boys learn and provided suggestions and how to “improve the educational journey for boys.”  Keynote speaker Peg Tyre presented powerful quantitative data about discrepancies between boys’ and girls’ achievement, especially in the areas of reading and writing, and the multiple factors that cause this gap.  The second speaker, Dr. Richard Hawley, outlined the results of his qualitative research study entitled Teaching Boys: A Global Study of Effective Practice, specifically highlighting best practices” that allowed boys to be both engaged and successful in school.  The highlight of the day for me was a workshop led by our own High School English teacher Celine Kagan.  Celine shared curriculum and student work from her 11th and 12th grade English elective, “Oh Boy: Exploring Masculinity in American Culture,” showing how LREI students learn to question, analyze, and even reject culturally accepted notions of masculinity as seen in literature, film, and other media.

One theme that permeated through these three speakers’ remarks was the importance of forming safe and caring relationships with adults and peers – both male and female – as a way to develop a positive self image and increase academic engagement.  This theme of relationships was echoed during tonight’s well attended Middle and High School Admissions Open House.  After the curriculum fair portion of the evening, there was a question and answer portion moderated by Assistant Principal Micah Dov Gottlieb.  The five students on the panel represented a wide range of interests and talents, yet they all agreed that what makes LREI special is the closeness of the student community and the accessibility and support of the faculty.    According to one 9th grader, at larger schools you feel like “no one even knows your name,” while at LREI students care about each other deeply and value each other’s individuality.  Said one senior, “From the moment I visited [LREI] I could tell that students were very close to their teachers.  The faculty here want students to do well – they’re on your side and they motivate you to succeed.”  I am certain that the prospective students and their families left the Open House with an appreciation what a special place this is.

The next High School Open House is Tuesday, November 3.

All the best, Julia

Read on to learn about exciting recent and upcoming events at the high school:

• Seniors make short film for Health Care Reform: Students in Vinay’s 12th grade Media Arts class recently submitted a short film to the Health Reform Video Challenge.  You can see the film by clicking this link:  Health Care Reform Short. Click here to read more about the contest.
• 9th graders engage in Community Service: On Wednesday, October 28 the entire 9th grade went out into the neighborhood on a service learning trip led by Nick O’Han, 9th grade advisor, school historian, urban studies teacher, and leader of the Community Service Roundtable.  Students visited the Bowery Mission and the Educational Alliance before returning to school to discuss their experience and reflect on the importancce of service, both personally and collectively.  Despite the very rainy weather, this first service activity was fun and inspiring for all.
• High School Play Opens in Two Weeks: The Spirit of the Ridge is inspired by the lives and legends of the Lenni Lenape, the indigenous Native Americans who lived here in NYC and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic States for thousands and thousands of years.  Set inside a pre-contact Lenape wigwam, THE SPIRIT OF THE RIDGE is a story about the timelessness and necessity of friendship and peace, and the importance of connecting to the past.  Themes and topics covered in the play include school bullying, inner-strength, loyalty, compassion, celebrating differences, and learning about Native cultures and traditions.  Details: Friday, November 13th at 7pm, Saturday, November 14th at 2pm and 7pm, Performing Arts Center, 40 Charlton Street.  Tickets on sale next week in both the 6th Ave and Charlton Street locations!  For more information contact Meghan Farley Astrachan at 212-477-5316 x399.
• Family/Student/Advisor conferences take place on Friday, November 13.  This is an opportunity for you to discuss you child’s progress and set goals for the rest of the year.   There are no scheduled classes on conference day, and students are expected to attend some or all of their conference.   Your child’s advisor will be contacting you to set up an appointment.
• Class photos are now available online. If you would like to view or purchase class photos, go to the following link: 2009 Class photos. You will be asked to login – if you do not have an account with Kodak Gallery , you will need to create a login and password.  Once you have entered the site, you will see all the photos and can order prints in various sizes.  Thanks to High School Photography teacher Susan Now for taking these wonderful photos of all four grades.  Beautiful work, Susan!

All School Announcements

From the Red is Green Committee

• Monthly Recycling Drive: Just a few more days to get your plastic bags into LREI for recycling. Where do you take them after this Friday? You can bring them to any chain store with more than 5 locations in the city or any retail store over 5,000 sq feet that provides plastic carryout bags (Whole Foods, Duane Reade, CVS etc.).  Starting Monday November 2nd bring in your empty ink cartridges to be recycled at LREI. Every year in the US we throw over 375 million ink cartridges away in the trash. Empty ink cartridges will be accepted at both the high school and at 6th Ave locations. Bins are located by the reception desk.
• Wednesday November 4th is our 2nd Go Green to School Day. There are lots of green ways to get to school: bicycle, rollerblade, scooter, walk, public transport, carpool so Go Green to LREI and help take care of the environment.

From the PA Halloween Fair Committee – please see the attached message.

LETTERMAN JACKETS ON SALE NOW! If you are interested in purchasing an LREI letterman jacket for your child, please contact Kasey Picayo at: Picayosmith@aol.com.  They are warm wool jackets.  The cost is approximately $225 per jacket depending on size of order.

Please visit the all school calendar at www.lrei.org/calendar.

For information about LREI athletic teams, practices, and games, please visit the Athletics webpage at http://lrei.org/athletics/index.html or call the Sports Hotline at (212) 477-5316 x 494.