#1
It was a pleasure to welcome so many new LREI parents during our admissions reception on Tuesday evening. As always, the majority of incoming families arrive in the Fours/Kindergarten, in the sixth grade, or in the ninth grade, but there were also parents of students arriving in other grades throughout the school. We are thrilled with our new students, with the number of our eighth graders continuing on to high school (80%, for a ninth grade class of 70), with the overall excitement of the group on Tuesday evening, and their eagerness to begin their family’s LREI experience.
Thank you to all of the parents, and many students, who participated in our admissions efforts. It is quite meaningful to our visitors when they have the opportunity to speak with a current parent, whether during an early childhood playgroup, at an open house, or informally through mutual friends. We get very positive feedback on the level of student participation in the admissions process in all three divisions—during lower school classroom visits, regarding middle school tour guides, and in response to high school student panels and our volunteers at open houses — over 60 students volunteered to help at our high school open houses this past fall.
At the reception on Tuesday, I spent a few minutes speaking about the balance of process versus product in our progressive school. The end of the school year creates many opportunities to focus on, and congratulate students for, the product of their labors—well done research, art work, papers, tests, performances, etc. My last note to you, in fact, congratulated the seniors for the colleges and universities to which they were accepted. It did little to congratulate them for all that led to these acceptances – toiling away on applications, the time taken to make visits, the dedication to their studies over four years, etc. Product is where my mind goes. These were the questions that my parents asked and that my teachers asked. Asking process questions is a change and is, at least for me, harder. That said, the conversations that process questions introduce are more fruitful, longer lasting, and are more likely to lead to growth and change. I encourage you to try this with your own kids—more “How” and “Why,” less “What” and “When;” more “What’s next” and “What does this mean” rather than a speedy moving on to other events.
#2
Every year Princeton University awards the “Princeton Prize in Race Relations” in order to recognize and reward, “high school students who have had a significant positive effect on race relations in their schools or communities through their volunteer efforts.” The prize is awarded to one student in each of a number of regions, and, in addition, a number of “Certificates of Accomplishment” are awarded in each region, as well.
Due to their tireless and sophisticated efforts and leadership, LREI students Ellana Lawrence and Labeebah Subair, members of the class of 2018, were awarded “Certificates of Accomplishment” at this year’s awards ceremony. The prize committee wrote:
Based on their numerous achievements in advancing race relations, both individually and jointly, we congratulate Ellana and Labeebah for “shining a light on institutional racism, educating their peers about white privilege, and inspiring other students to become activities by raising their voices against injustice and racism.” Their activities have modeled collaboration and encouraged others “to take action to create racial harmony through a better understanding of the perspectives of people of color.”
Congratulations, Ellana and Labeebah!
Thank you for all that you do for the LREI Community.
#3
As seen on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram– tireless attention to practice, conditioning, and technique lead to an amazing product….
LREI HS Track team has won the League Championship! Fifth Consecutive Girls 1st Place Finish! Boys – Second Consecutive Championship – 3rd Place. The team was also awarded the trophy for highest combined score by over 80 points. Incredible TEAM accomplishment!