The Spirit of LREI

EAST NEW YORK FARMS

Photo: Susan Now

Dear Families,

This has been an eventful and memorable week for our students. Ninth Graders continue to enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery at Ramapo in Rhinebeck, NY; Tenth Graders arrived today to participate in team building, risk taking and group bonding until tomorrow afternoon. I look forward to their return, as I know that the spirit they create together will carry through the school year. The team building and bonding I witnessed was absolutely inspiring; I am deeply impressed with the Class of 2011 in their willingness to play, to have fun, to support each other, and to get to know their classmates. They are a generous and creative group, mindful and thoughtful, and a perfect match to the equally spirited Class of 2010.

At the same time, our upperclassmen participated in an important event today. First thing this morning, the Eleventh and Twelfth Grades left to travel to East New York to perform community service in six different community gardens but also learn about technology, sustainability and urban agriculture by senior gardeners. Not only do our students have the opportunity to participate in this intergenerational experience, they help to support the lovely gardens in this economically disadvantaged neighborhood. Additionally, the Youth Farm provides produce for a local greenmarket, which was founded by students of the United Community Center/East New York Farms. To offer fresh produce in an underserved neighborhood offers much in a place that historically has few, to no, options for healthy foods. When they returned, they were tired but excited about the impact they felt they had today and by what was learned. A teacher brought me some fresh sage, which scent fills my office as I write, and in fact, many seniors piled into my office to tell me that we should have more opportunities like the one they had today. With the success of the Community Service Roundtable, led by Nick O’Han, and with our new community service coordinator and science teacher, Rebecca Leahy, we will keep an eye out for more opportunities like this one.

Finally, I am so proud of this high school (we really do enjoy the most inspiring, thoughful student body), and thrilled the weather has cooperated with our plans so far!

All the best,

Ruth

Calendar:

  • September 25, 6:30 PM- 12th grade Potluck and college meeting, Cafeteria.
  • September 28, 11:00-1:00 PM-Class pictures, PAC
  • October 2, 6:30 PM- 9th grade potluck and meeting with our Student Wellness team.
  • October 5-School closed, Professional Day
  • October 8-Columbus Day, School Closed
  • October 17-PSAT test for all 10th and 11th Graders

Updates and announcements:

  1. Beginning September 27, every Thursday through November 29, I will host a very informal morning coffee from 7:45 to 8:15 AM in the cafeteria.
  2. If you would like to be a parent rep, please contact Ronnie Halper, P’11 and Vice President of the Parent Association at rsh@panix.com
  3. Our efforts to create a safe and inclusive community continue into the 2007-2008 school year. High School teacher, Ileana Jimenez received a summer grant to help implement a series of events exploring gender and sexuality. The Gender and Sexuality Series: What’s Next in the Conversation? begins this fall and will include book circles for faculty, film screenings, performances and guest speakers. There will be eight assemblies this year for high school students, beginning with keynote speaker, former NFL player Donald G. McPherson on September 27, 2007. Please check out more information about Don here.
  4. Class picture day is Friday, September 28, 2007! Parents will have the opportunity to purchase copies of the pictures through a photo sharing website. More information and link to come…
  5. From Sandra “Chap” Chapman, Director of Diversity and Community:

Dear Families,

I hope your and your child(ren) experienced a fulfilling first few days of school. I would like to inform you of our orientation session for families of children that are new to LREI.

LREI 101 will provide an in-depth, interactive, and engaging introduction to LREI, its mission, philosophy, and diversity initiatives. This orientation session will offer you an opportunity to understand our core values as you begin to take part in activities that help you become a member of the LREI community.

LREI 101 will be held on Wednesday, October 3 from 8:45am – 10am at 272 Sixth Avenue, and then again on Thursday, October 11 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm at 40 Charlton Street. Please contact the receptionist at 212-477-5316 to let us know which session you will attend. Contact me either by phone (x294), or by e-mail schapman@lrei.org, if you have questions about LREI 101.

I look forward to further discussions with you about LREI.

Best,

Sandra (Chap) Chapman

Director of Diversity & Community

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