Making Progress

Dear Families:

On Friday, students will be coming home with their progress reports for the second quarter. We ask that students do not open these in school or after school with friends. Rather, they should share them with you at home as they provide an important opportunity for shared discussion about successes to date and challenges to address as we move forward into the second half of the year. In prior emails (Authentic Assessment, and Progress Reports and Assessment), I have written about the importance of these reports and how they function as a part of the overall assessment program in the middle school. In an effort to make sure that we are communicating the most useful and descriptive information to you regarding your child’s progress, the Middle School faculty has begun the process of evaluating the progress reports. The purpose of this work will be to determine if there are revisions that can be made to make them an even more valuable resource for families and faculty. To that end, as you are in the process of reviewing your child’s progress reports, please do not hesitate to email me with any ideas/questions/concerns that you have about the structure of the reports. This feedback will be invaluable to us as we embark on this process.

Speaking about culminating assessments, congratulations to all of the students involved in the production of the Middle School Play Arabian Nights. The three performances provided a visually and dramatically rich example of the significant work that Middle School students can produce. Hats off to Julia Collura for her superb direction and ability to guide students through a demanding and ultimately rewarding process. Thanks also to the many parents whose assistance with the production was critical. I’m already looking forward to the spring musical.

A huge thank you also to all of the students who raised money for the “Pakistan Relief Run.” To date, we have raised over $11,000 to support the building of girls’ schools in Pakistan. We are in the process of trying to see if a representative from the Working Assets – Tides Foundation can join us at Middle School Meeting to explain what direct impact our contribution will have. Congratulations also to Melissa and Geoff’s advisory group, which raised the most money.

In years past, we have had nearly one hundred photos featuring our community members in the Visibility: Lesbian and Gay People We Love Photo Exhibit. It has been an exciting event with palpable effects on our admissions, press coverage, and connectedness as a group, while it has also helped to solidify our position as a leader in education in the area of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) issues. Alumni have come out for the first time in our exhibit, families have changed the dynamic in their world by inviting beloved friends to be in the exhibit, children have grown up here thinking that LGBT-headed families are part of the fabric of everyday life, and the list goes on. All classes have seen the exhibit in past years and the discussion has resonated or been a touchstone for years afterwards. Recently, this exhibit was touted at the Literary Evening by the producer of “Brokeback Mountain,” now an LREI parent, who said he could not wait to see the show!

This year, we have only received 20 photos total (with promises of 10 more). We are at a total of 30 photos. Please take this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of LGBT AND straight children, families, and faculty by taking (or digging up) a photo and submitting it with a brief caption by Thursday, February 2. It really can make a huge impact and/or even save lives. Click here for the requirements for photos and captions are listed below. Further, please see the attached press release with an invitation to our opening night celebration. For additional information about the history of the exhibit please read the attached letter. Let’s not lose the momentum and joie de vivre of this exhibit! And let’s really step up to make this group–still shunned in so many ways–VISIBLE.

The deadline for photo submissions is Feb. 2nd. Photos can be of
individuals or family accompanied by a close friend or relative who is lesbian
or gay. The people in the picture do not have to be part of the LREI community.
Snapshots are fine, and more than one photo can be submitted. All photos must be
UNFRAMED and no larger than 11″ x 14″ (which is our frame size).

The name of student/parent/faculty/administrator and grade (if student)
must be written (lightly not to emboss the photo) on the back of the photo in
pencil or with a Sharpie (permanent marker). The caption must include your name
and a few lines describing the people in the photo and why they are important to
you, or, if you like, something about their experiences of being visible or
invisible. Captions can be submitted in any format, including email to Nancy@Workman.com.

Photos will be returned approximately one month after the show (or
sooner if necessary). We would prefer to have permission to keep the photo for future shows but this is not required. Please indicate on the photo if this we can keep the photo for future shows.

This Week’s Attachments
(Click on the links below to open the attachments. If you are having trouble opening the links, go to http://www.lrei.org/weekly/ms/ to access the files.)

General:
MS Parent Rep Meeting (1-17-06) Minutes
Middle School Dance Letter/Permission Form
Karamu Flyer
Visibility Press Release
Visibility Photo Exhibit
Eighth Grade:
The ISDN’s Middle School Diversity Dance
Seventh Grade:
The ISDN’s Middle School Diversity Dance
ERB Math Prep Letter
Sixth Grade:
ERB Math Prep Letter
Intramural Basketball Program
Fifth Grade:
ERB Math Prep Letter
Intramural Basketball Program

Of General Interest . . .
1) Please read the attached letter/permission form for the Middle School Dance, which is scheduled for the evening of February 3rd.

2) A reminder that Karamu! (see the attached flyer), our annual multicultural performance and celebration for the whole family, will begin tomorrow at 5:00PM in the Charlton Street building. While, at this point, this event is sold out, you may want to check at the door as tickets may become available. Enjoy the show.

3) Join the LREI Robotics Team for an exciting afternoon of robots competing to solve a variety of challenges. The FIRST Lego League Competition is this Sunday, January 29th at the Gymnasium at Riverbank State Park located at 679 Riverside Drive (at 145th Street) For directions to Riverbank State Park go to: http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=75. Click here to view exciting video from last year’s competition.

4) From High School Math/Music Teacher and Coffeehouse Guru Micah Dov Gottlieb: Everyone – It’s time for some COFFEE! The next LREI Coffeehouse is Saturday, February 4th from 7:00PM to 9:00PM. We have some great performers so far including: The High School Jazz Band, The Middle School Band, The 4th Grade Band, special guest Jimmy Norman who wrote, “Time Is On My Side” and also composed some of Bob Marley’s early songs. PLUS: We are having a beat box contest with a $25 gift certificate prize. Anyone is invited to beat box for 20-30 seconds; the winner will be determined by a panel of judges. Please contact me at mdgottlieb@lrei.org for more details or if you want to know what “beat box” is! We would love to have some more Lower/Middle School performers and patrons!

5) Please mark your calendars – only oneweek until the 2006 Art Auction, a fine art silent auction of established and emerging artists to benefit the LREI Tuition Assistance Program. ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

When: Wednesday, February 1st and Thursday, February 2nd
Gallery Hours: Gallery hours 12:00PM to 9:00PM
Where: I-20 Gallery, 529 West 20th Street, 11th Floor
Kid’s Day & Scavenger Hunt: Wednesday, February 1ST from 4:00PM to 6:00PM
Reception and Final Bidding: Thursday, February 2nd, 6:00PM to 8:30PM
PLEASE NOTE: FINAL BIDDING WILL END IN EACH OF THE THREE GALLERIES
IN FIFTEEN MINUTE INTERVALS STARTING AT 8PM.

Shuttle bus available on Wednesday, February 1st between LREI’s Sixth Avenue building and I-20 Gallery from 10:00AM-6:00PM. Visit our website to view a full list of artists and preview and for more information on Conditions of Sale, Absentee Bids and other important details. LREI Contact: Patricia McKee 212-477-5316 x232 or events@lrei.org

6) The Soho Parenting Center has booked Partners With Parents to present the interactive talk entitled: Wake Up And Smell The Homework –Helping Your Children Help Themselves on Saturday, February 4th at 10:00AM (see the attached flyer for additional information) . You can find out more about Partners With Parents at http://www.partnerswithparents.com.

7) LREI is a member of NYC-Parents in Action (NYC-PIA). NYC-PIA provides parenting education, information and a communications network to help parents prepare their children and teenagers to cope with social pressures and to make sound choices towards a future free of alcohol and drug abuse. You can access their on-line calendar of events at www.parentsinaction.org. Upcoming events for parents of students in grades 7-12 include:

Teen Scene XX
February 6, 2006 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Trinity School at 101 West 91st Street
Learn what really goes on in the teenagers’ world as they journey through the high school years! RSVP to Parents League at 212 737-7385

Parents Of Teen Scene: AFTERSHOCK
February 16, 2006 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Temple Israel at 112 East 75 Street
A forum for parents who would like to discuss the issues they encounter as they partner in their teenagers’ journey through the high school years. RSVP to NYC-Parents in Action at 212 987-9629

8) 92nd St Y Lectures & Conversations: Parenting Perspectives
The Emotional Needs of Boys, Dr. Michael Thompson, Wednesday, 2/1/06, 8:00pm, Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street
Adoption as a Way of Life, Dr. Michael Thompson, Thursday, 2/2/06, 8:00pm, Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street
Kids, Teens and Sex: Tackling the Tough Questions, Robie H. Harris, Thursday, 3/9/06, 8:00pm, Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street

For 8th Grade Families . . .
1) A great opportunity to meet other independent school students: The Independent School Diversity Network’s Middle School Diversity Dance for 7th & 8th Grades is Friday, January 27, 2006 from 7:00PM to 9:30 PM at The Nightingale-Bamford School. Please read the attached letter for additional information.

For 7th Grade Families . . .
1) A great opportunity to meet other independent school students: The Independent School Diversity Network’s Middle School Diversity Dance for 7th & 8th Grades is Friday, January 27, 2006 from 7:00PM to 9:30 PM at The Nightingale-Bamford School. Please read the attached letter for additional information.

2) Please read the attached letter from math teacher Michelle Boehm about ERB test prep for math.

For 6th Grade Families . . .
1) Please read the attached letter from math teacher Jenny Cashin about ERB test prep for math.

For 5th Grade Families . . .
1) Please make sure to read the informational letter about the upcoming Middle School Dance.

2) Please read the attached letter from math teacher Ana Chaney about ERB test prep for math.

3) From Chorus Director Helen Yoo: The Little Red Chorus is off to another great start. We had a lovely Winter Concert before break and the Little Red Chorus performed exciting songs along with the Middle and Upper School choruses. It was a wonderful experience for the Choristers. We have begun our rehearsals again with new music and some new members. New members are welcome and we would love to have more join us.

Little Red Chorus:
Who: 3re, 4th and 5th graders
When: Every Thursday afternoons from 3-4pm.
Where: Auditorium
Requirements: None – just love for singing!

Middle School Sports
Schedules and general information about Middle School sports programs can be found at http://lrei.org/athletics/at_4b.html. Information is also available through the LREI Sports Hotline at 212.477.5316 x 494.

Looking Ahead . . .
On the LREI web site additional information about upcoming events can be found at http://www.lrei.org/caleven/index.html (the middle school events page can be found at http://www.lrei.org/midschool/Events.html)

  • Friday, January 27th, 5:00PM — Karamu
  • Sunday, Jan 29, 2006 — Robotics Team Competition Day
  • Thursday, February 2nd, 8:00AM — Lesbian/Gay/ Straight Alliance Meeting in the Sixth Avenue cafeteria
  • Friday, February 3rd, 7:00PM – Middle School Dance
  • Saturday, February 4th, 7:00PM — Coffee House
  • Monday, February 6th – Friday February 17th – Visibility Photo Exhibit at Sixth Avenue
  • Friday, February 10th — Fifth Grade trip to Brooklyn Museum of Art
  • Monday, February 13th, 6:00PM – Visibility Photo Exhibit Opening and Reception at Sixth Avenue
  • Tuesday, February 14th, 8:15AM — Parent Rep Meeting
  • Tuesday, February 14th – Thursday, February 16th – ERBs
  • Thursday, February 16th — Sixth grade to the Met to view the arms and armor collection
  • Thursday, February 16th, 6:00PM — Middle School Parents of Children of Color meeting
  • Wednesday, February 22nd – Friday March 10th – Visibility Photo Exhibit at Charlton Street
  • Wednesday, February 22nd – Black History Month Assembly
  • Friday, February 24th, 7:30PM-9:30PM — Eighth Grade DISC dance. The dance will be held at Grace Church School (86 Fourth Avenue)
  • Wednesday, March 1st, 6:00PM – Seventh Grade Colonial Museum Exhibit
  • Thursday, March 2nd, 8:00AM– Lesbian/Gay/ Straight Alliance Meeting in the Sixth Avenue cafeteria
  • Tuesday, March 14th, 8:15AM — Parent Rep Meeting
  • Wednesday, March 15th, 6:00PM – Sixth Grade Medieval Pageant
  • Thursday, March 16th, 8:45AM-3:00PM – Fifth Grade Egyptian Tomb
  • Thursday, March 16th, 6:00PM — Middle School Parents of Children of Color meeting
  • Friday, March 17th – School closes at noon for Spring Break.

Don’t forget to check the LREI website for updates and interesting information – http://www.lrei.org.

Be well,
Mark

To view the attached .pdf files, please download Adobe Reader, if you do not already have it. Click on the following link or paste it into your browser: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

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