Weekly Email January 12, 2006

Dear parents,

Last Thursday, a good number of recent LREI graduates talked during the day with our eleventh and twelfth graders, and later in the evening with parents, about their college experience. I was struck by the following patterns in their answers:

* LREI graduates are especially prepared for the writing demands of college, but are also prepared for courses in mathematics, science, history, foreign language and the arts;

* LREI graduates know how to approach and work with college and university professors;

* LREI graduates are leaders in the extracurricular lives of the colleges and universities they attend;

* LREI graduates know how to live balanced lives.

I should expand on that last item. During the afternoon session, the panel was asked by a current twelfth grader about the "after-hours" life of college. The answer, which came from several members of the panel, was that they had quickly learned to navigate a healthy balance between the curricular, extracurricular and social lives of their schools. I was also struck by what one graduate from the class of '02, who currently attends a large university with a number of far more traditional courses, said about those courses and about the seminar-style classes that she is taking now in her senior year. She reported that she found her freshman and sophomore lecture courses - many with multiple choice midterms and finals - far easier to navigate than the courses she was used to at LREI, and that she was now having a far easier time with the smaller, discussion based courses than many of her peers.

In all, I could not have been more proud, both of the students from my time and of those from before my time.

Looking ahead
An entreaty for our Visibility exhibit: Please, please, please donate photos of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender friends or family members for Visibility (see the attached flyer). This important event in the life of the school depends on the broad participation of members of the community. When you come in for parent-advisor conferences or any other time, you can deposit photos and captions in the Visibility Drop Boxes at the Lower/Middle School or High School receptionist desks. From the Visibility Committee:

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.

January and February have many divisional and all-school events. Coming up:

* The next meeting of the Parents of Children who Receive Academic Support will take place tonight - Thursday, January 12th at 6:30 PM.

* No classes Friday, January 13 - Parent-Advisor conferences.

* No school Monday, January 16 - MLK, Jr. Birthday

* Our next Parent Reps meeting will be on Tuesday, January 17.

* For parents of eleventh graders from College Guidance Counselor Amy Shapiro: Veritas Test Prep begins on January 18th. Secure your child's spot with a check for $600, payable to LREI.

* Come see the Middle School play, Arabian Nights, Friday, January 20 at 7:00 PM and Saturday, January 21 at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. The preview was a big hit at Tuesday's assembly, and the show will delight children of all ages!

And looking ahead:

* Friday, January 27: Karamu!

* Saturday, February 4 - Coffeehouse!

And outside of the school:

The Parents League of New York and NYC-Parents in Action invite parents of students in grades 7-12 to attend:

Teen Scene XX
February 6, 2006
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Trinity School
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
212 737-7385

and

Parents Of Teen Scene: AFTERSHOCK
February 16, 2006
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Temple Israel
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
212 987-9629

All the best,

Tony

January
* Monday 2 School closed - Legal Holiday
* Tuesday 3 School closed - Professional Development Day
* Wednesday 4 School reopens
* Thursday 5 LREI College Panel and Parent Reception
* Thursday 12 Parents of Children who Receive Academic Support meeting
* Friday 13 School closed (High School) - Parent-Advisor Conferences
* Monday 16 School closed - MLK, Jr. Day
* Tuesday 17 High School Parent Rep Meeting

February
* Saturday 4 Coffeehouse!
* Tuesday 14 High School Parent Rep Meeting

As always, please browse the web site at www.lrei.org. Also, note the links to the Middle and Lower School weekly emails on the right. Please take a look at what the students in the other two divisions are up to!

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