A message from Chap, Director of Diversity and Community
Dear Families,
From its founding LREI has had a focus on social justice causes, LREI students and faculty were conducting skits, picketing Woolworth, joining the NAACP, and, with parents, painting apartments with Latino families, and taking part in a 1961 Peace March in Washington.
In the mid-1990‘s, LREI challenged itself to embarke on a new social justice cause. Faculty, parents, and students watched LGBT films and documentaries, proudly spoke of our founder, Elisabeth Irwin, as a lesbian, revised curriculum to be more inclusive, and decorated floats for the Gay Pride Parade. Two years ago the LGSA Parent Group held the Marriage Equality Forum to help the community gain awareness of the issues and take an active role in making change.
Several years ago we set out to address a new challenge, one that is a difficult one for independent schools, socio-economic class. Activities, honest dialogue and touchy moments helped us gain perspective on the impact class has on all of our lives. In 2009-2010 we revisited Race in the 21st Century and heard Dr. Bolgatz explain the differences between a neighbor, a friend, and an ally. She encouraged us to be proactive and question what we and/or our children consider “normal.” Dr. Bolgatz suggested we answer the questions our children are asking about race, and then take it a step further.
Our challenge this year is to consider gender and education. In November, faculty reviewed gender related terminology and discussed the gender messages they received growing up and compared these to the messages our students currently receive. Using the work from various educators and researchers, we looked at our practice and the gender related messages we explicitly and implicitly convey. Also in November, a group of parents gathered for Part I of the How to Raise an Ally Parent Forum to see the GroundSpark film, Let’s Get Real. We discussed race, gender, sexuality, religion, and class and how these are often used as reasons for young people to tease others. The last clip of the film touched on the importance of being and raising allies.
I am excited to bring to you the next two conversations on gender. Don’t miss an opportunity to be a part of a community wide discussion.
1) How to Raise an Ally: Social Justice at LREI Part 2 of 3
Tuesday, January 25, 8:45 – 10:00 am
Screening of “The Family Journey: Raising Gender Nonconforming Children” by filmmaker Jonathan Skurnik
This film charts the emotional and intellectual transformations parents and siblings must make in order to successfully nurture their gender nonconforming family members. In frank, vulnerable interviews, families from all over the country speak about the power of love and acceptance to help their children thrive.
We welcome Joel Baum, Director of Education & Training at Gender Spectrum, an organization that offers training and support to create a gender sensitive and inclusive environment for children and teens.
Working with schools, medical professionals, therapists, social service agencies, universities and other organizations, Joel is responsible for all aspects of Gender Spectrum’s educational programming. He facilitates trainings, conducts workshops, develops curriculum, consults with parents/professionals, and provides resources in service of a more compassionate and inclusive understanding of gender. Joel has spent more than two decades as an educator focused on issues of social justice and equity. He began his career as an award-winning middle school science teacher and school administrator, and more recently served as a district administrator in Oakland, California. Joel is also a professor of Educational Leadership at California State University, East Bay where he has developed and facilitated two distinct administrative credential programs.
This morning event is open to parents from all divisions. Joel will remain with LREI throughout the day, showing the film “I’m Just Anneke” during Middle and High School Assembly and later facilitating a faculty meeting.
2) Family Diversity Discussion – Thursday, January 27, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Screening of Straightlaced: How Gender’s Got Us All Tied Up
With a fearless look at a highly charged subject, Straightlaced unearths how popular pressures around gender and sexuality are confining American teens. From girls confronting media messages about body image to boys who are sexually active just to prove they aren’t gay, this fascinating array of students opens up with brave and intimate honesty about the toll that deeply held stereotypes and rigid gender policing have on all of our lives. Interweaving the stories of students who are straight with those who identify in other ways, Straightlaced makes it clear that these cultural pressures profoundly affect all of our lives.
This evening event is open to all 7th through 12th grade students and their families. Each child must be accompanied by their own family member(s). There will be opportunities for students to talk amongst themselves as well as dialogue with families. A small meal will be provided. Please RSVP no later than Tuesday, January 25 to me at schapman@lrei.org or 212-477-5316, ext 294. Don’t hesitate to call or email me if you have questions or other ideas to share.
Thank you,
Chap
LETTERS FROM LOWER SCHOOL TEACHERS
(click on the links below to view and print notes from teachers)
Beth and Stephanie’s Fours: Click here to read a letter from Beth and Stephanie about the Fours recent exploration of diversity and get some important reminders for the upcoming weeks.
Dina and Farrah’s Fourth: Click here for a note from Dina and Farrah about the students’ recent visit to the Jefferson Market Library and learn about their upcoming study of Human Migration & European Immigration to America.
All Fourth: Click here to view a letter about home activities to support you child’s learning in the current unit of math study.
From Ledell, Lower School Music Teacher: Click here to view and print an important letter from Ledell about Lower School Chorus and click here to print and return the permission slip.
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LOWER SCHOOL REMINDERS AND EVENTS
For the most up-to-date information visit the school’s online calendar at www.lrei.org/calendar. Click here to download the one-page 2010-11 school calendar.
School Closed Monday, January, 17th: School will be closed Monday, January 17th, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Winter Food Drive: Second Graders will again be collecting canned and boxed foods for the Saint John’s Food Pantry. Students are asked to bring items in next week, January 10-14, and place them in the bins which will be placed in the lower school stairwells. For a list of requested items, click here. When we visited the pantry there was a special request for canned salmon and tuna.
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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Alumni College Panel, Tonight!: Join us for our annual Alumni College Panel. This is a terrific opportunity to hear recent LREI grads discuss their transition from high school to college and how their time at LREI prepared them for success. Thursday, January 6th, 6:30PM, PAC 40 Charlton Street. Moderated by our new Director of College Guidance Carey Socol. RSVP to Liza Sacks at (212) 477-5316 ext. 291 or lsacks@lrei.org. Click here to view and print a flyer with full details.
Adult r(ED): There is still time to sign up for the second two terms of Adult r(ED). Don’t miss out! Click here to view and print the complete course listing and sign up information.
1/21 Save the Date for Karamu! Friday, January 21st… Karamu! is LREI’s annual multicultural event of music, dance, and food celebrating the diversity of our school and community. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, January 18th… Karamu! always sells out; get your tickets early (discounted tickets available – contact multiculturalcommittee@lrei.org). We need food and volunteers! …Sign up boards will be in the 6th Avenue Lobby – please volunteer and join this wonderful community building event!
SPORTS COMMITTEE: Ready for some indoor fun on a chilly afternoon? Our basketball teams are RED HOT! So warm up with friends and come to one of our exciting home games! Be prepared to scream, yell, wave your flags and MAKE SOME NOISE as we CHEER OUR TEAMS ON TO VICTORY!!! All games are held at Thompson Street Athletic Center, 145 Thompson Street.
* Monday, 10th January, 4pm: MS Boys vs Garden
* Tuesday, 11th January, 4pm: Varsity Boys vs Garden
* Thursday, 13th January, 4pm: MS Boys vs Columbia Prep
LET’S GO KNIGHTS!!
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PARENTS ASSOCIATION MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
All parent association meetings are held in the LS Cafeteria at 8:45 am, unless otherwise noted
Click here to view the minutes from the most recent parent rep. meeting.
Mon, Jan 10, 2011: Multi-Cultural Committee Meeting
Tue, Jan 11, 2011: Big Auction Meeting
Thu, Jan 13, 2011, 2:45pm: KARAMU Bake Sale
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LOWER SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES
All Lower School Assemblies are held in our Auditorium at 8:45 a.m, unless otherwise noted.
Wed, Jan 19, 2011: 9:00am, LS MLK Jr. Assembly
Wed, Feb 23, 2011: 9:00am Families Assembly
Wed, Apr 13, 2011: First Gr. Assembly
Wed, Apr 20, 2011: K’s Music Assembly
Wed, Apr 27, 2011: 2nd Gr. Assembly
Wed, May 4, 2011: 4s/4k Assembly
Wed, May 11, 2011: 3rd Gr. Assembly
Wed, May 18, 2011: 4th Gr. Assembly
Wed, May 25, 2011: K’s Movement Assembly
Wed, Jun 1, 2011: 4s/4k Movement Assembly
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LOWER SCHOOL PARENT REPRESENTATIVES 2010-2011
Beth’s Fours Maren Berthelsen, Becca Markley
Fours/K Marjorie Goldner, Sara Taplitz
Elizabeth’s K Juliet Burrows, Carmen Lenzi
Luise’s K Shannon Barden, Yael Goverover
Gina’s 1st Diane Hoffman, Ceci Van Blerkom
Galen’s 1st Dawn Eig, Christine Boyle
Rebecca’s 1st Hilary Meltzer, Mishi Hosono
Tasha’s 2nd Mary Gerzema, Linda Phillips
Deborah’s 2nd A.M. Homes, Fia Hatsav, Julia Wilbur
Dan’s 3rd Hillary Butler, Holly Glass, Denise Roederer
Vonick’s 3rd Heather McMaster, Beth Dary
Dina’s 4th Connie Butler, Lara Olivieri
Kate’s 4th Susan Harris, Liselotte Vince