How to Continue Diversity Conversations at Home…

On Tuesday evening Sharon DuPree, Director of Diversity and Community, chaired the above conversation at a meeting with parents. Three teachers (Tasha Hernandez, Second Grade, Heather Brandstetter, Fifth and Peggy Peloquin, High School) started the evening off by sharing aspects of diversity discussions and initiatives in their grades – they offered vibrant examples.

Whether or not you were able to attend, I am sure that conversations relating to diversity are a part of your family’s life. How could they not be? And as you have these talks with your children over the years - as they mature and their worldviews broaden, as school presents them with new and increasingly complex situations, and as they encounter a wider range of diverse classmates and peers – you transmit your value system. On the fly, on the A train, at the dinner table or snuggling in bed, these conversations help children to define how they respond to those they see as different from themselves.

The following words from philosopher Richard Rorty might be good to keep in mind: We "keep trying to expand our sense of "us" as far as we can. ... We should stay on the lookout for people whom we still instinctively think of as "they" rather than "us." We should try to notice our similarities with them."

My best,

Elaine


This Week's Attachments:

Second Grade Letter

Chap and Meredith's Third Grade

Nurse Kitty's Cold Information

From the Admissions Office: Please read the attached note concerning Early Childhood (4s-K) admissions.

A Letter from Phil Regarding Vacations



Announcements:

Photo Day Reminder:
Monday, October 16th
Our photographer recommends students wear solid colors.
Photo Scholarships:
Our photographer, Coffee Pond Photography, is able to offer a limited number of photo scholarhips. Please contact Delia Hernandez, X 238, if you receive financial aid and are unable to pay for photographs.

Parent Rep Meeting Reminder:
Parent Rep meeting this upcoming Thursday, October 19th, 8:45 in the Bleeker Street cafeteria

Coffee House:
LREI Coffee House will now be held on Saturday, October 14th, from 7-9pm in the PAC at 40 Charlton Street

SEED:
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.

Shop News:
First graders have been hard at work in wood shop. They have already learned how to use the cross cut saw, the vice, and sandpaper and they have made some fabulous puzzles. Be sure to see those puzzles in the lobby display case!

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.

Click Here

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.

Click Here



In the Next Few Weeks...

10/13- Gwen and Thomas' 4th Grade Class Farm Trip Returns

10/16- Photo Day

10/17- Chap and Meredith's 3rd Grade Farm Trip

10/18- SEED Meeting, 6:00

10/19- 8:45- Parent Rep Meeting

10/20- Chap and Meredith's 3rd Grade Class Farm Trip Returns

10/23- Learn-Your-Library morning

10/23- Photo Day (raindate)

10/24- Kelly and Ayanna's 3rd Grade Class Farm Trip

10/25- 8:45- 2nd Grade Assembly

10/27- Kelly and Ayanna's 3rd Grade Class Trip Returns

10/29- Halloween Fair

11/3- Lower School Parent-Teacher Conferences. LS closed.

11/7- Third and Fourth Grade Math and Science Night, 6:00

11/8- Suzanne and Caroline's Farm Breakfast, 8:30

11/8- East Meets West, 7:00, PAC

11/14- Gwen and Thomas' Farm Breakfast, 8:30

11/15- Chap and Meredith's Farm Breakfast, 8:00

11/21- Kelly and Ayanna's Farm Breakfast, 8:30