In Third Grade, History Comes Alive

Dear Lower School Families,

The culmination of an in-depth study in Third Grade warrants celebration! Since the fall, students have been learning about the "Northeast Woodland" Native Americans. Their study extended over months so that students could organize and develop topics thoroughly and in great depth; so that different aspects of curriculum could be meaningfully interwoven.

Our Third Graders took trips, researched, read and experimented firsthand. They then discussed, reflected on and organized what they had learned in order to construct aspects of an authentic Northeast Woodlands Village life. With just a few "final touches" remaining, they are now ready to teach others – their fellow students. Tomorrow morning, each Second Grade class will visit the model village to learn about the lives, ways and culture of the Natives. Third Graders focused their efforts on specific projects and will present accordingly. They’ll offer descriptive background in order to orient the Second Graders and will then highlight the important ideas. Students will also discuss the process they followed to create representational models.

Here are examples of the work on display: There is a series of village murals with specific, carefully researched detail. A topographical model features clay figures actively hunting and fishing for food. Student-made cornhusk dolls replicate children’s playthings, and beaded wampum belts provide the opportunity for new math experiences. Some students recalled their earlier farm experience of weaving and then created individual woven mats. Another group measured and sewed moccasins, while others used Native techniques to form a coil pot.

As Second Graders pass by the birch bark walls and slip through curtains made of "animal hides", they will feel they are entering a real longhouse. As they tour the exhibits and listen to presentations, they will know they’re in the presence of experts. Some may even think ahead to next year when they themselves will be those Third Grade experts.


I’d like to acknowledge some people who have enriched our experience and community in extraordinary ways of late:

• Members of the Lesbian Gay Straight Alliance for their truly tireless and creative efforts with Visibility
• Members of the Parent Multi-Cultural Committee for filling our halls and the PAC with Karamu!
• Members of the faculty Multi-Cultural Committee for planning and coordinating the moving Martin Luther King, Jr. and Families Assemblies
• Ann Schaumburger for her work on next week’s Lower School Art Show
• And, behind the scenes, our Admissions team for the great care they take in meeting and inviting wonderful new families into our community.

This Week's Attachments:

Third Grade Spellography

Third Grade Knitting

Fourth Grade

NEW ADDITIONS to the Spanish Resource List

Announcements:

DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY DISCUSSION SERIES:

Part I: March 7, 2006 at 6:ooPM
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.

Part II: Date TBA (will be after Spring Break)
Sixth Avenue Auditorium
Topic:
Discussion of Lower School Class and Middle School Class Placement Policy
Hosted by: Phil Kassen, Director, Elaine Winter, Lower School Principal; Mark Silberberg, Middle School Principal; Sharon DuPree, Director of Diversity and Community and Samantha Caruth, Director of Admissions.


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.

The 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.


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


In the next few weeks...

2/20-2/21 - School Closed for Presidents' Weekend

2/23-2/24 - Lower School Art Show

3/1 - Kindergarten Assembly

3/2 - 8:00AM - Lesbian Gay Straight Alliance (LGSA) Meeting

3/8 - 8:45AM - Fours and EK Assembly

3/15 - 8:45AM - Fourth Grade Assembly

3/16 - 8:45AM - Parent Rep Meeting

3/17 - Founder's Day; school closes at noon (11:45, Early Childhood) for Spring Break

4/3 - School reopens

Click here for the full calendar.