Weekly Email February 16, 2006

Dear parents,

An amazing line-up of assembly speakers in the month of February:

* This past Tuesday, February 14, Iranian-born photographer and filmmaker and LREI parent Shirin Neshat (see, e.g., her Guggenheim Museum website biography) spoke about her life as an exile and an artist.

* Next Wednesday, February 22, acclaimed poet and activist Staceyann Chin (see her biography on her website) will speak to kick off the opening of the Visibility exhibit at Charlton Street. COME SEE THE EXHIBIT STARTING NEXT WEEK! The official opening night this past Monday was inspiring and beautiful.

* The following Thursday, February 28, Kyra Gaunt, Associate Professor of Ethnomusicology at New York University, will come to speak about her new book, "The Games Black Girls Play" (see the NYU Press Release on her book). Ms. Gaunt lectures nationally and internationally on African American music and is also a jazz vocalist, songwriter and recording artist.

These assemblies are truly representative of the rich life of the High School, both inside the classroom and out.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Two important Auction announcements from Director of Development Pippa Gerard:
* Art Auction: Thanks to all who attended LREI's Art Auction on February 2, 2006. The Art Auction is an annual silent auction of contemporary fine art. This year's auction has raised almost $100,000 for the Tuition Assistance Program. Please help us to meet our goal by browsing the work still available - go to the Events section of www.lrei.org. If you see a piece that you are interested in buying, feel free to drop by LREI's Sixth Avenue Campus (272 Sixth Avenue at Bleecker Street) between 8AM - 5PM, Monday through Friday. You may also call 212.477.5316 ext. 236 to make an appointment.

* Big Auction: LREI's spring benefit, The Big Auction, will be held on Wednesday, April 26. The auction committee needs help in securing donations from the community in order to be able to offer a wide range of items to make the auction exciting for all who attend. We welcome all creative and unique ideas. Please use the attached donation form and return to the Development Office. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss a potential donation, contact Pippa Gerard in the Development Office by phone: 212-477-5316 ext. 236 or email: pgerard@lrei.org.

Other announcements:
* Mid-Trimester Reports: Please let me know if you did not receive your child's reports. Again, my apologies for the delay in mailing.

* The LREI PA Community Service Committee will extend the Room to Grow drive and will collect donations through Friday, February 24th in the Sixth Avenue lobby. For more information on the organization and a detailed list of accepted donations, please visit www.roomtogrow.com.

* The next meeting of the Parents of Children who Receive Academic Support will take place on Thursday, March 2, 2006, 6:30 at Charlton Street.

* Tuesday, February 28 will be the last day of Trimester II classes; final exams and presentations will occur on Wednesday, March 1 - Friday, March 3. These three days, school will begin fifteen minutes later, at 8:45 AM.

* Diversity and Community Discussion
March 7, 2006, at 6:00PM
Sixth Avenue Auditorium
Topics:
- Introduction of LREI’s Diversity and Community Action Plan.
- How to continue diversity conversations at home.
Hosted by:
Sharon DuPree, Director of Diversity and Community; Phil Kassen, Director; and the divisional principals.

Take care,

Tony

CALENDAR
February
* Monday 20 - Tuesday 21 School closed - Presidents Weekend
* Wednesday 22 VISIBILITY opens at Charlton Street
* Tuesday 28 Last day of Trimester II classes

March
* Wednesday 1 - Friday 3 Trimester II Exams/Presentations
* Thursday 2 Parents of Children who Receive Academic Support Meeting
* Monday 6 First day of Trimester III classes
* March 7 Diversity and Community Discussion
* Thursday 9 - Saturday 11 High School Play
* Tuesday 14 High School Parent Rep Meeting
* Friday 17 Founder's Day; School closes at noon for Spring Break

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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