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.