Happy Spring

Happy Spring!

I just returned from a series of humanities classroom walk-thrus. The 6th graders have moved to Ancient Egypt. Students are currently studying the poem Adoration of the Disk. The students are applying skills of poetry writing, Readers' Theater and annotation to study and perform the poem. In Mr. Galasso's 7th grade class students are working on a persuasive essay. Today I was able to participate in a peer editing session. It was wonderful to hear feedback between students. Writer to writer, students were reading work and giving critique in a concrete and supportive way. In Mr. Adler's 8th grade class students were exploring concepts on the New Deal through a political paintings. There was an interesting discussion about the "forgotten" groups in the New Deal - women and minorities. The 8th graders were my first Labbies. Each time I am in their classes I am amazed by how thoughtful and grown they've become.

In related news, the 8th grade team has decided on the 8th grade class trip. The students will be going camping upstate next month (and another group in May). 8th graders were given permission slips yesterday - parents, please ask your children for these. We will need parents to help. Please be in contact with your student's homeroom teacher.

Today is a busy one for Lab School we are are holding the Black Alliance assembly. This in an annual event organized by the Black Alliance Club (a student organization at our school). The assembly is a lively event including dance, signing, readings and other forms of artistic expression. The assembly includes students from all grade levels and is completely designed/organized by BAC student leaders. This student involvement is what excites me the most. Students were responsible for all of the planning and organization - a major task for 14 year olds! Thank you to Ms. Marilyn and Ms. McCormick - the advisers for this event and the BAC.


I am excited to announce our spring sports line-up. As part of a year-long initiative to build our sport program we are adding two sports to our spring season - softball and baseball. These two new sports will be running alongside our popular Lab Runs Track and Field program. Informational sessions about these sports were held last week during lunch. Students should speak directly with the coaches if they have any questions about paperwork, schedules, try-outs, etc. Thank you to the Parents' Association for their generosity in supporting our athletics program.

Spring Break is just around the corner. School will be closed from Monday, March 29th to Tuesday, April 6th. School will resume session on Wednesday, April 7th. Lab MS will be doing some spring cleaning and office moving over the break. We are establishing one central administrative office on the first floor. Marilyn Coston (our parent coordinator) and our two school aides (who work with attendance, patrols and other administrative tasks) will relocate to room 111. You can't miss the bright green paint (LMS colors) and the gators. The Principal's Office will remain on the 4th floor (room 422). On a related note, I am looking for some brave parents who are interested in helping paint gators and other Labbie spirit in our new office. Please let me know if you'd like to help.

Over the is past month Lab has held a number of events that relied heavily on community support. Thank you to all the families who helped with our admissions day on March 6th. We tested over 700 students all in one day. I received positive feedback from several perspective families - all noting their positive interactions Lab parents. The auction on March 12th was also a brilliant success. It was wonderful to see so many of you there. Thank you to those who worked so hard behind the scenes. A special "shout-out" for Sarah Kimbell and Linda Ortega for chairing.

I hope that this email finds everyone well. I love when it becomes Spring - we seem to come out of hibernation and rediscover all that our city has to offer. I hope everyone has taken some time for exploration and rediscovery.

Wishing you warmth and goodness in this new season.

Meg