The Snow Day That Wasn’t
Since we were in school this Wednesday, effectively dashing the hopes of many of our sweet, snow-day hopeful students, we definitely made sure to go outside and romp in the fresh powder and take some time to let our senses, our bodies, and our imaginations enjoy the winter season fully. Some classes actually took a little extra time to go out and play earlier in the day while the snow remained still relatively undisturbed. All returned with slightly wet clothes and huge happy smiles. There were giggles and snow balls aplenty. (By the way, if it snows again this season, please send your lower school child to school with boots, a change of socks, and even snow pants if you have them).
Why would teachers postpone a lesson to let kids play in the snow? Time for play often gives children the basis for solving problems, negotiating, thinking creatively and working as a team – all skills we value and would like children to develop. If you didn’t catch the article on the importance of play in the paper recently, click here to read it. (Teachers all over the country were emailing it to each other).
On Monday, we celebrate and honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King with a national holiday. At LREI various classrooms have been reading books about his life and the social justice he stood for. Discussions take different forms in different age groups, but all classes are discussing how King’s message can guide us today in our own lives. On Wednesday, lower school students will gather for an assembly filled with all the songs that they always look forward to singing. Click here to read a wonderful blog by High School Principal Ruth Jurgensen about transforming this holiday from a day off to a day ON.
Sincerely,
Namita
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LETTERS FROM LOWER SCHOOL TEACHERS
(click on the links below to view and print notes from teachers)
Galen & Christine’s 1st Grade: Click here to read a letter from Galen and Christine about the first graders’ upcoming study of non-fiction and their new “solving story problems” math unit.
Gina & Emily’s First Grade: Click here to read about how the first graders have been recreating the neighborhood in blocks and learn about the new math unit they’ll be starting soon.
Tasha & Shawn’s 2nd Grade: Click here for a note from Tasha and Shawn about the second graders’ observations about culture and their upcoming trip to Chinatown.
Deborah & Randi’s 2nd Grade: Click here for a note from Deborah and Randi about the “snow day,” social studies, and an upcoming field trip.
Vonick & Jason’s 3rd Grade: Click here for a quick note from Vonick and Jason with some important reminders for the coming weeks.
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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 Reminder and Extension: Second Graders will again be collecting canned and boxed foods for the Saint John’s Food Pantry. Students are asked to bring items through next week, January 13-21, 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.
Updated Contact Info: If your contact information—address, phone numbers, email addresses—has changed since we distributed the directory in September, please contact Mary Shea, mshea@lrei.org, as she is preparing an updated directory for distribution in the coming weeks. Thanks.
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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
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! Click here for a flyer with all the details!
Knights home game schedule for next week:
- Tuesday, 1/18 at 4pm: Varsity Girls vs York Prep
- Thursday, 1/20 at 4pm: Varsity Girls vs Brooklyn Friends
- Friday, 1/21: 5th/6th Grade Intramurals 3:30 & Green/Black 4:15 Tiedye/Blue
Also, save the date for our annual Spirit Game, Friday January 28th. All are welcome to come and cheer as our 7th-12th grade basketball teams take on the LREI Faculty!!! Click here for a flyer with complete details.t
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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
Fri, Jan 14: Lit. Committee Meeting
Tue, Jan 18, 2011: Multi-Cultural Committee Meeting
Tue, Jan 18: LS POCOC Meeting
Wed, Jan 19: FSA Meeting
Red is Green: In January the Red is Green Committee will be collecting holiday cards for recycling. The cards will be donated to St. Jude’s Ranch. St. Jude’s will remove the front of each card and attach a new back then sell the new card to raise money for the organization. Cards that can be recycled must not have writing on the back side of the front cover. Please, no cards with personal photographs or Hallmark, Disney or American Greeting cards. Cards can be placed in the collection bin located in the lobby.
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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 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