This past weekend reminded me of why I love New York so much. On Sunday I headed for a run in Central Park. It was the perfect day - warmish, clear, the leaves hundreds of colors and people everywhere. Kids active and playing outside. More than anything I was struck by how easy it is to discover nature and participate in physical activity within our own city (when we choose to do so). The run reminded me of the topics discussed in our first book selection for our parent book group.
Our first book, Last Child in the Woods explores what parents can do to help children experience nature. I hope that many of you are able to come to our first book club meeting. There is no need to read the book in advance of the first meeting (again, this is meant to be low-stress and commitment :) I have included two articles to start our conversation.
The first is an article Nicholas Kristof who writes directly about experiences in nature and Louv's book http://bit.ly/natureDeficit
The second article is about the role of experience in improving students' schema (specifically experience on a farm). A Moo-Moo Here, and Better Test Scores Later
I hope that others will be able to see the connection between health, farming, nature and nutrition. I think that a lot of great things will come out of our first book discussion and I am looking forward to seeing everyone on Thursday, November 12th at 5:30. We will be meeting in the library (on the 2nd floor).
Soccer and Flag Football seasons are winding down. Last Thursday I was lucky enough to watch both teams play on their fields along the East River. I am so proud of what our student athletes have accomplished this season - I am impressed by their character, sportsmanship and dedication. Athletics has brought out the best in our young Labbies. The playoff season for Flag Football starts today - Go Gators!
As one season comes to an end another begins. Basketball tryouts are starting for both girls and boys. Cross Country - Lab Runs Far also has two more meets this season (one this Sunday).
The great Egg Drop contest is starting to take shape with the Science Olympiad team. Ms. Gatti's room was a blur of laughter, play, foam and cardboard on Friday afternoon. Students were divided into teams - each designing their own special "egg protection" capsule. The goal of course is to protect the egg when dropped from very high. The contraptions were incredibly creative - perhaps the funniest was the chicken w/ feathers and all (a play on what is found inside). There was some debate about how well chickens could actually fly.
This is the first year that Lab has done the program. Ms. Gatti has done a wonderful job recruiting kids to join the team It was wonderful to see so many moms there helping out as well. If you are interested in volunteering please let Ms. Gatti know.
Much more to report but need to sign-off for now...
Warmly,
Meg
