Self-reliance is the only road to true freedom, and being one's own person is its ultimate reward.

Patricia Sampson

Dear Families,

Our students continue to stand out, shine and impress, and we have been in school for only six weeks.

Last Thursday night, the High School hosted its first of two admissions open houses. Many students volunteered to participate, speak with families, and answer questions during the curriculum fair, where they stood side by side with their teachers to discuss highlights of our academic program. After the curriculum fair portion of the evening, families returned to the PAC to hear from a diverse panel of students: Vio Picayo, Amy Hernandez, Jesse Townsen, Alejandro Montoya, Kamillah Aklaff, Lily Wiggins, and Graham Brewster. They demonstrated how diverse a student's experience could be here, yet also how well they know each other. All of our student volunteers have our greatest appreciation. They were nothing short of phenomenal.

On Monday, I was invited to witness the Ninth Grade's Art Share. The Art Share is an important moment in the Arts curriculum because it provides closure for the first rotation, but also encourages students to get excited about the next class in the rotation. From Studio Arts, to Dance, to Drama, to Media, and finally, Photography, the Ninth Graders supported each other and cheered their classmates repeatedly. The Arts faculty should be very proud of the work they have done. Members of the Ninth Grade become more and more confident in themselves and in each other with every passing day.

Finally, on Wednesday, as the Tenth and Eleventh Grades took the PSAT, our Twelfth Graders had the first annual "College Day." We closed the library to everyone but the Twelfth Grade until the end of the day. There they had the opportunity to work with each other, work with Jane Gabin, our new Associate Guidance Counselor, and of course Amy Shapiro. While they worked, a camera crew from "CBS Evening News," walked around the library to film our students working hard on their applications. The CBS News Department is working on a story about how terribly competitive it is to apply to college, and spoke with four seniors about their own personal process. We are excited CBS chose our school to represent the student side, and the story will be airing soon. I will keep everyone posted.

In every way, our students demonstrate the value of an LREI education, which goes far beyond the academics. In addition to reading, writing and thinking, we teach self-confidence, self-reliance, how to use one's voice effectively, and give the tools to work together and with anyone. Our faculty and staff work tirelessly to provide for our students. When I think about the amount of violence and harm taking place in so many schools, the "six shootings in six weeks," and think about our first six weeks, I cannot help but feel grateful.

All the best,
Ruth



Calendar for October:

October 19, 2006: Parents of Students who receive Academic Support meeting, 6:30 PM, Charlton Street
October 26, 2006: Tenth Grade Potluck Dinner, Charlton Street, 6:30 PM
October 24-26, 2006: New dates for Minimester

This Week's Attachments and Announcements:


1. Coat Drive for St. John's Church-Monday October 23 through Friday, October 27
We are holding our annual coat and outerwear drive for the clients of the St. John's Food Pantry. The Church has asked that we focus on larger sizes this year-older teen and adult. They would also welcome men's pants, jeans, as well as new (in package) underwear for both men and women. Please bring your clean and gently used donations to Matthew's room, 2nd Floor, Middle School building (parents can push "2" in the elevator). Start bringing in clothing on Monday, October 23rd. Thanks!

2. While we may be the the brainy older sister (see number 9 of the 50 best blocks in New York), we are so proud of the Middle School's recent Rising Star award!

3. Please do not plan vacations that fall outside of scheduled school breaks. Each school day is important. Today’s classroom experiences are building blocks for tomorrow’s. Missing school on either end of a scheduled break, or at any time other than when school is closed, is disruptive to your child’s education and to that of her/his classmates. Often, the days preceding our longer breaks include community events such as buddy activities and assemblies. These essential community events are important. We feel strongly that students should not miss these occasions. It is our policy that teachers not prepare work ahead of time, or help students to catch up, if your family will be vacationing at times when school is in session. If your family is presented with a singular opportunity to travel that offers significant educational advantages we encourage you to speak with the division’s principal in advance.

4. It is essential that all students arrive at school on time. Students who arrive late often find it difficult to enter into the class’s discussion or activity. Some students find that this lag can last for the whole school day.

5. Attention book lovers: On Tuesday, November 8th join the Literary Committee as the LREI librarians present, "East Meets West" an evening of youth books that feature culture clashes and truces, diverse viewpoints and changing perspectives. Each year our nationally recognized librarians share their literary suggestions for students in all grades, Fours-12th grade, with the LREI community as they do with other school and professional audiences throughout the school year. All three of our full time librarians have served, or are presently serving, on American Library Association panels responsible for selecting prize winning books. Join this evening as Stacy, Jennifer and Karyn share their book selections with us, along with LS library teacher and graphic novel reviewer, Jesse Karp (LREI '87), who will give his suggestions for the best in graphic novels.

Each year the Literary Committee brings us the book fairs, Book Week, the amazing Literary Evening (December 7th) and this evening with our librarians. The Committee also supports the librarians', and their students', attendance at conferences.

If you have questions for the librarians, don't forget to join us for Learn Your Library morning on October 23rd in the Sixth Avenue Library.

6. The LREI Business Office has relocated into 40 Charlton Street. Members of the Business Office can now be reached through LREI's main phone number, 212.477.5316, Michel de Konkoly Thege at ext. 319, Tema Tischler at ext. 306 and Marie Horan at ext. 317. E-mail addresses remain the same. In general, inquiries regarding status of tuition accounts may be directed to Tema, regarding facility rentals to Marie and all others, including tuition remission issues, to Michel.

7. Parents! Have your own LREI experience through the SEED (Seeking Educational Equity & Diversity) monthly parent dialogue group. Share stories, explore assumptions, view films and exchange information. The first meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, October 18th at 6pm. Please contact Sharon DuPree (sdupree@lrei.org) or Peggy Peloquin (ppeloquin@lrei.org) if you are interested in joining LREI's first parent SEED group and the next meeting.

8. Please remember, every Thursday morning through December 7, parents are invited to have coffee at the high school with me. We are there from 7:45-8:15, in the cafeteria.

9. From the Admissions Office: Please take a look at the attached note concerning early childhood admissions.

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!

All attachments are in .pdf format. To view these files, please download Adobe Reader, if you do not already have it. Click on this link or paste it into your browser: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readermain.html.
If you are having trouble opening the attachments, go to http://www.lrei.org/weekly/ms/ to access the files.

October by Robert Hayden

I

October-
its plangency, its glow

as of words in
the poet's mind,

as of God in
the saint's.

II

I wept for your mother
in her pain, wept in
my joy when you were
born,
Maia,
that October morning.
We named you
for a star a star-like
poem sang.
I write this
for your birthday
and say I love you
and say October
like the phoenix sings you.

III

This chiming
and tolling
of lion
and phoenix
and chimera
colors.
This huntsman's
horn, sounding
mort for
quarry fleeing
through mirrors
of burning
into deathless
dying.

IV

Rockweight
of surprising snow

crushed
the October trees

broke
branches that

crashing set
the snow on fire.



This poem in four parts reflects on the spiritual connection and sacredness of the vocation of creating art. It was written by Robert Hayden (1913-1980) in celebration of his daughter Maia's birth. Not only is the poem relevant and in celebration of the month, Maia Hayden Pollito was once a student at LREI.

While Hayden was a professor at Fisk University in Nashville in the late 40's, he and Erma, his wife, determined they did not want their daughter to attend a segregated school. They had never attended one and they did not want her to begin her education under those circumstances. Robert and Erma chose Little Red School House for their daughter. Erma brought her here, as she was able to find work as an accompanist with a dance company. Although Hayden called his family's experience at our school a blessing, it turned out to be a mixed blessing with a divided family being too much to bear. Still considering what was best for Maia, Hayden took leave from Fisk for a year to keep her enrolled. Eventually, the family did return to Nashville and Maia had to attend public school.

Maia is now living in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and has not been well as of late. This is all I know and the limited information is from a recent correspondence with literary arts professor Michael Harper from Brown University, Rhode Island's poet laureate from 1988-1993. Through our correspondence, Professor Harper reminded me of one of the many stories that capture the fantastic history of the school and how necessary progressive school can be for so many families.

In the coming days, I will tell the Hayden story in Morning Meeting and read the poem. And I will have the luxury of looking into so many different faces, which is all Robert and Erma wanted for their daughter, but had to travel almost a thousand miles to find it.

Please find more information about Robert Hayden and his important writings at Robert Hayden, Poet.

All the best,
Ruth

Calendar for October:

October 14, 2006: Coffee House! 7:00 PM, Charlton Street in the PAC. This is an evening of poetry, music, dance and comedy, all performed by students and faculty!
October 17, 2006: High School Parent Rep Meeting with "Freedom Institute," 6:30 PM, Charlton Street. This is open to all high school parents. We will be discussing student wellness, substance use and abuse, and how to speak to your children about making informed choices. Our nurse, Joanne Gouge, will be in attendance. Please come!
October 18, 2006: PSAT day for Tenth and Eleventh Grades
October 19, 2006: Parents of Students who receive Academic Support meeting, 6:30 PM, Charlton Street
October 26, 2006: Tenth Grade Potluck Dinner, Charlton Street, 6:30 PM
October 24-26, 2006: New dates for Minimester

This Week's Attachments and Announcements:


1. Please do not plan vacations that fall outside of scheduled school breaks. Each school day is important. Today’s classroom experiences are building blocks for tomorrow’s. Missing school on either end of a scheduled break, or at any time other than when school is closed, is disruptive to your child’s education and to that of her/his classmates. Often, the days preceding our longer breaks include community events such as buddy activities and assemblies. These essential community events are important. We feel strongly that students should not miss these occasions. It is our policy that teachers not prepare work ahead of time, or help students to catch up, if your family will be vacationing at times when school is in session. If your family is presented with a singular opportunity to travel that offers significant educational advantages we encourage you to speak with the division’s principal in advance.

2. It is essential that all students arrive at school on time. Students who arrive late often find it difficult to enter into the class’s discussion or activity. Some students find that this lag can last for the whole school day.

3. Attention book lovers: On Tuesday, November 8th join the Literary Committee as the LREI librarians present, "East Meets West" an evening of youth books that feature culture clashes and truces, diverse viewpoints and changing perspectives. Each year our nationally recognized librarians share their literary suggestions for students in all grades, Fours-12th grade, with the LREI community as they do with other school and professional audiences throughout the school year. All three of our full time librarians have served, or are presently serving, on American Library Association panels responsible for selecting prize winning books. Join this evening as Stacy, Jennifer and Karyn share their book selections with us, along with LS library teacher and graphic novel reviewer, Jesse Karp (LREI '87), who will give his suggestions for the best in graphic novels.

Each year the Literary Committee brings us the book fairs, Book Week, the amazing Literary Evening (December 7th) and this evening with our librarians. The Committee also supports the librarians', and their students', attendance at conferences.

If you have questions for the librarians, don't forget to join us for Learn Your Library morning on October 23rd in the Sixth Avenue Library.

4. The LREI Business Office has relocated into 40 Charlton Street. Members of the Business Office can now be reached through LREI's main phone number, 212.477.5316, Michel de Konkoly Thege at ext. 319, Tema Tischler at ext. 306 and Marie Horan at ext. 317. E-mail addresses remain the same. In general, inquiries regarding status of tuition accounts may be directed to Tema, regarding facility rentals to Marie and all others, including tuition remission issues, to Michel.

5. Parents! Have your own LREI experience through the SEED (Seeking Educational Equity & Diversity) monthly parent dialogue group. Share stories, explore assumptions, view films and exchange information. The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 18th at 6pm. Please contact Sharon DuPree (sdupree@lrei.org) or Peggy Peloquin (ppeloquin@lrei.org) if you are interested in joining LREI's first parent SEED group.

6. Please remember, every Thursday morning through December 7, parents are invited to have coffee at the high school with me. We are there from 7:45-8:15, in the cafeteria.

7. From the Admissions Office: Please take a look at the attached note concerning early childhood admissions.

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!

All attachments are in .pdf format. To view these files, please download Adobe Reader, if you do not already have it. Click on this link or paste it into your browser: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readermain.html.
If you are having trouble opening the attachments, go to http://www.lrei.org/weekly/ms/ to access the files.

home (hōm)
n.
1. A place where one lives; a residence.
2. The physical structure within which one lives, such as a house or apartment.
3. A dwelling place together with the family or social unit that occupies it; a household.
4. An environment offering security and happiness.
5. A valued place regarded as a refuge or place of origin.
6.The place, such as a country or town, where one was born or has lived for a long period.
7. The native habitat, as of a plant or animal.
8. The place where something is discovered, founded, developed, or promoted; a source.
9. A headquarters; a home base.
10. An institution where people are cared for.

Admissions season has begun. As we are ready to tour families and host open houses, our Twelfth Graders are ready to apply to college. They are naturally beginning to feel stress; we all are aware, competition is fierce and students are made to feel by some colleges that they are not good enough before they even apply.

The class of 2007, who have been so good at balancing everything, now worry about how they look on paper and how they will be judged by their transcripts and scores. Thank goodness, they continue to go through this process with the unconditional support of our faculty and staff, but especially with Director of College Guidance, Amy Shapiro.

Now that she is pregnant, we look to our new community member, Associate College Guidance Counselor, Jane S. Gabin, to assist our students while Amy is on maternity leave. Jane comes to us from UNIS, United Nations International School, where she was a college guidance counselor. She has also worked in admissions at UNC-Chapel Hill and at Chapin in the college guidance office. Jane has a PhD in English from UNC-Chapel Hill and just had her book, American Women in Gilded Age Britain: Expatriates Rediscovered, published by University Press of Florida. Undoubtedly, her experiences will help our students understand and articulate their own, and we welcome her to LREI!

So, even though Twelfth Graders are beginning to feel the pressure, we are confident in their ability to successfully balance classes and college applications with Amy and Jane’s guidance. And in a few months, they will graduate and move on. However, we know they will continue to love their school and come back to visit, not only because of the friends and faculty they knew, and not because of the college they will choose to attend. Perhaps it is because when they were here, we expected them n to of course do their homework, participate in the community, and make a commitment to civic responsibility, but also to respect each other, to pick up after themselves, and to have fun. We do this because LREI is not just a school. It is a home.

All the best,
Ruth


Calendar for October:

October 14, 2006: Coffee House! 7:00 PM, Charlton Street in the PAC. This is an evening of poetry, music, dance and comedy, all performed by students and faculty!
October 17, 2006: High School Parent Rep Meeting with "Freedom Institute," 6:30 PM, Charlton Street. This is open to all high school parents. We will be discussing student wellness, substance use and abuse, and how to speak to your children about making informed choices.
October 18, 2006: PSAT day for Tenth and Eleventh Grades
October 19, 2006: Parents of Students who receive Academic Support meeting, 6:30 PM, Charlton Street
October 26, 2006: Tenth Grade Potluck Dinner, Charlton Street, 6:30 PM
October 24-26, 2006: New dates for Minimester

This Week's Attachments and Announcements:


Diversity & Community Evening

Please join us for the next Diversity & Community Evening: "How to Continue Diversity Conversations at Home," on October 10th at 6:30pm in the Sixth Avenue Auditorium. The evening will be hosted by Sharon DuPree, Director of Diversity & Community, Phil Kassen, Director and Administrative and Faculty Colleagues. Come hear about effective strategies, share experiences, ask questions and learn about resources available to parents.


Please remember, every Thursday morning through December 7, parents are invited to have coffee at the high school with me. We are there from 7:45-8:15, in the cafeteria.

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!

All attachments are in .pdf format. To view these files, please download Adobe Reader, if you do not already have it. Click on this link or paste it into your browser: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readermain.html.
If you are having trouble opening the attachments, go to http://www.lrei.org/weekly/ms/ to access the files.