I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me.

Ralph Ellison

This trimester, I have the pleasure of re-reading Ralph Ellison's important novel, Invisible Man, while teaching the novel to Sebastian Slayter '07, in an Honors Study. As I reflect on this week, I have to think of the novel, which never fails to influence and inspire me.

September 15 through October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. This week, our students held a Hispanic Heritage Day at the school. Not only was a variety of flags on display, we enjoyed many aspects of a diverse culture: the literature, the music, the food, the dance. During the assembly portion of the day, there was music from both our Tenth Grade and Eleventh Grade music classes, poetry from students and faculty, and even a dance lesson for the entire high school.

This day was not only about enjoying what is so beautiful about another's culture, or about learning or even tasting something new. It is about being seen, about visibility. We understand that we only scratched the surface of Hispanic heritage with the day's events. At the same time, we as educators also know how critical it is for adolescents, our students, to be seen for whom they feel they are. In turn, it is our mission to see them as how they see themselves, and educate them in the ways to genuinely see others.

As part of this mission, we take our Ninth and Tenth Graders on an upstate retreat every year. This year, unlike year's past, we took the Ninth Grade for two nights, so that the first day they would have a chance to bond, to take risks together, and to teach them strategies to handle uncomfortable moments. Helping them in this process of challenge and risk-taking are their advisors, class deans and Dean of Student Life, Micah Gottlieb. Also joining the retreat for the first time were our ten Peer Leaders, select and diverse members of the class of 2007. The class of 2007 as a whole is a confident and sure class, filled with very diverse individuals, with different goals and ambitions, many of them shaped right here. Last night at campfire, Peer Leaders led the Ninth Grade through a variety of events like a song game, s'more making, and expressions of gratitude for very special moments, which occurred during the day.

The Ninth Graders pushed themselves yesterday, laughed a lot, cheered each other on and they will return tomorrow a stronger group than before. Our Tenth Graders, leaders in their own right, arrived today, ready to support and push themselves even more in preparation for their own important journey.

Ralph Ellison believed that in America, we are not allowed to know who we are. This is why the protagonist of Invisible Man retreats underground. However, our understanding as readers, to put it very simply, is that he will emerge again when the world changes. We work, in our classes, with small efforts like special assemblies, community service and thoughtful trips, to make sure it does, so the students we see so well, are seen by everyone, and when they are not, they will have the confidence to keep going in their personal missions and not retreat underground.

"I am a man of substance, of flesh and bone...I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me...They see only my surroundings, themselves, or figments of their imagination--indeed, everything and anything except me."

Ellison may be right. Nevertheless, with this quote fresh in our minds, we continue our work here at the High School.

All the best,
Ruth

Sept. 29: Lesbian, Gay, Straight Alliance Family Welcome Breakfast, 8:00 AM, 6th Avenue Cafeteria
Oct. 5: Eleventh Grade Potluck, 6:30 PM, Charlton Street Cafeteria
October 17, 2006: High School Parent Rep Meeting with "Freedom Institute," 6:30 PM, Charlton Street
October 18, 2006: PSAT day for Tenth and Eleventh Grades
October 26, 2006: Tenth Grade Potluck Dinner, Charlton Street
October 24-26, 2006: New dates for Minimester

This Week's Attachments and Announcements:

The Multicultural Brunch, scheduled for 9/30, is postponed. Kasey Picayo will notify everyone when it is rescheduled.

From the PA Co-Presidents--Thank you to all who have completed the parent survey for LREI's 10-year reaccreditation process. Your responses are very helpful to us as we prepare the Parent Association's section of the self-study. By popular request, we will continue to accept responses through the end of the month.

For All Families: NYSAIS Parent Survey

The High School Musical Announcement



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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