Dear Lab Middle School Families,
In PE students have started their fitness unit. Each year we are required to administer the FitnessGram to all of our students. This is city-wide assessment that measures a student's level of physical fitness. Elements of endurance, flexibility and strength are monitored through a series of fitness tests. The information from these test is compiled into a data report that will go home in the spring. It is important that we all recognize the links between academic progress and healthy, active children. This starts in building habits of a healthy life-style both at home and school.
Here is an interesting article from the NYTimes from earlier this year.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/15/phys-ed-can-exercise-make-kids-smarter/
This week the entire school also participated in the SIGMA math contest. It is a national math program that our school is involved with. The SIGMA is a fun way for students to engage in math competition. The exams are not pure computation but rather the exams have students tackle complex questions and employ problem-solving strategies. We are able to compare how our students perform in relation to other middle schoolers at the city, state and national level. The highest scoring students have their names listed next to the classroom doors. These tests have no weight on students' grades it is meant to be fun and challenging.
The 6th graders are completing the water unit in science class. Over the past couple days I have watched students bring in all sorts of models depicting the water cycle. Students have created books, dioramas, charts and posters to tell the story of the water drop. This is the first major science project students complete in middle school - it was wonderful to see such a variety of projects. All of the classes will be taking a special trip on the water cycle in the coming weeks.
On Wednesday the 6th graders went bowling at Chelsea Piers. The kids had wonderful time being silly, bowling and meeting new friends - all with Justin Bieber playing in the background. I couldn't think of a better time. Thank you to all of the parents who volunteered to chaperon!
More "thank you's" are in order for the parents that helped organize/run photo day on Tuesday. To get 600 students and their teacher to all of have pictures taken is a pretty amazing. Thank you also to the parents who chaperoned 7th and 8th grade trips this week. We had something special almost everyday - all which we relied on parents for.
It's almost middle school tour season. The 8th graders were all invited to apply to be tour guides. We had nearly 100 students write essays about why they wanted to help with this year's process. I loved reading the essays - they were quite beautiful. It was extremely hard making the selections. It is an honor to represent the school and the process is quite rigorous. The tour guides will be announced early next week. 6th and 7th graders will be invited to apply in their 8th grade year.
Halloween
As we approach Halloween I find it necessary to underscore some specific policies that Lab and the DoE have in place. Students are allowed to wear costumes as long as they are appropriate and do not interfere with instruction. Students may not wear masks or carry anything that may resemble a weapon (fake or otherwise). If a teacher or staff member feels that a child is not appropriately dressed we will be addressing the issue with a phone call home and outfit change. Not following these policies may also lead to further disciplinary action.
On Friday, October 29th we will be escorting students to the subway and buses. We will expect them to go straight there. There will be no hanging out in Kelly Park or on the streets. I do not expect any issues around safety this is just a precaution that we have in place every Halloween. Please help us with this by reviewing with your child where you expect them to go afterschool.
Unlike elementary school, we do not do any Halloween parties, etc. Students should expect a normal school day and come Lab accordingly.
The annual SpookFest celebration is coming up. The event will be held next Friday, October 29th at 6 pm. Students are invited to dress-up in their costumes and come enjoy a fun-filled Halloween celebration. There will be food, movies, games and a costume contest. We will need parents to help run the event and chaperon.
Have a wonderful weekend - it's nearing the peak of color for fall foliage.
Warmly,
Meg
Friday, October 22, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Go Gators - Fall Pep Rally
Dear Lab School Families,
It was such a busy week at Lab that Friday's blog is being posted on Monday night...oops :)
The ultimate highlight of the week for me was of course our school's fall pep rally. If you've ever wondered what controlled chaos looks like you should stop in to see a middle school pep rally. The event started with all 18 homerooms and nearly 600 students dressed in green parading into the gym. Then there was dancing. It was a sight to see that many children all dancing in nearly complete synchronization . Their movements seemed almost instinctual - like every 12 year old knows how to Cha-Cha Slide...some of our teachers also seemed to know it too. I have included a link to for those that might not know what this dance is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZv62ShoStY
The dance music raised the noise and excitement of the pep rally to an all new high. From there it was time to celebrate Lab School - we honored all of the teams, student organizations and after school activities. Finally, to close the celebration we were led by our pep squad in a Lab School cheer. Miraculously this was all done in 38 min. We will have two more pep rallies this year - one in winter and one in spring.
The pep rally reminded me what I love about our Labbies and what it means to be a middle schooler. Their hearts seemed so full of school pride - I know mine was.
Last week I also made my way to see both our boys and girls play soccer against Anderson. I was so proud of both teams - they played some pretty intense soccer and represented our school well. This week I am hoping to see Flag Football and Volleyball. I am also looking forward to our first Cross Country race in a couple of weeks.
On Saturday night Ms. Dwyer (8th grade earth science) took a group of her students up to the star gazing event in Sheep's Meadow - Central Park. Armature astronomers from all over gathered with their fancy telescopes to see what could be seen in a city sky. The Parents' Association bought Lab School a telescope that we were able to add to the bunch. The moons of Jupiter, rings of Saturn and many stars were seen that night. Ms. Dwyer will be sure to let her students know when she is going star gazing again.
Tomorrow is Photo Day - please remind your students to dress nicely. These photos will be used in the yearbook and forever commemorate their middle school years.
We also have a number of field trips coming up this week - please check the Lab School calendar on SchoolHub for more information.
Warmly,
Meg
It was such a busy week at Lab that Friday's blog is being posted on Monday night...oops :)
The ultimate highlight of the week for me was of course our school's fall pep rally. If you've ever wondered what controlled chaos looks like you should stop in to see a middle school pep rally. The event started with all 18 homerooms and nearly 600 students dressed in green parading into the gym. Then there was dancing. It was a sight to see that many children all dancing in nearly complete synchronization . Their movements seemed almost instinctual - like every 12 year old knows how to Cha-Cha Slide...some of our teachers also seemed to know it too. I have included a link to for those that might not know what this dance is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZv62ShoStY
The dance music raised the noise and excitement of the pep rally to an all new high. From there it was time to celebrate Lab School - we honored all of the teams, student organizations and after school activities. Finally, to close the celebration we were led by our pep squad in a Lab School cheer. Miraculously this was all done in 38 min. We will have two more pep rallies this year - one in winter and one in spring.
The pep rally reminded me what I love about our Labbies and what it means to be a middle schooler. Their hearts seemed so full of school pride - I know mine was.
Last week I also made my way to see both our boys and girls play soccer against Anderson. I was so proud of both teams - they played some pretty intense soccer and represented our school well. This week I am hoping to see Flag Football and Volleyball. I am also looking forward to our first Cross Country race in a couple of weeks.
On Saturday night Ms. Dwyer (8th grade earth science) took a group of her students up to the star gazing event in Sheep's Meadow - Central Park. Armature astronomers from all over gathered with their fancy telescopes to see what could be seen in a city sky. The Parents' Association bought Lab School a telescope that we were able to add to the bunch. The moons of Jupiter, rings of Saturn and many stars were seen that night. Ms. Dwyer will be sure to let her students know when she is going star gazing again.
Tomorrow is Photo Day - please remind your students to dress nicely. These photos will be used in the yearbook and forever commemorate their middle school years.
We also have a number of field trips coming up this week - please check the Lab School calendar on SchoolHub for more information.
Warmly,
Meg
Friday, October 8, 2010
Capture the Flag
Dear Lab School Families,
It was great to see so many of you at Curriculum Night last night. The my highlight of my evening was seeing 702 and 706 parents playing a heated game of Capture the Flag. Your children would never believe it : ) The purpose of the night was to get a good sense of what your child will be learning this year and to finally meet your teachers. I know that my faculty enjoyed meeting you. In November we will be holding an Open School Week and Parent/Teacher Conferences. These are both great opportunities to get to know Lab even better.
In 7th grade science students are learning about the cell. This unit will serve as the basis for a year-long study of life science. The teachers are working towards an end of unit project where students will be making cellular models.
In 8th grade visual arts students in the midst of a design unit that will be linked to a field trip to the MoMA later this month. Ms. Rinna used a learning styles inventory and at the beginning of the year to create design teams. Students are placed in heterogeneous groups. Students are exploring fundamental design concepts while developing a chair.
It must be fall because Cross Country started this week. The students build up to a five mile road race (in December). Last year was the first year of the sport and has become amazingly popular. Our coaches partner with the Young Runners organization (part of the New York Road Runners). It is a wonderful program and adds tremendously to our full year of running.
There are also soccer, volleyball AND flag football games also next week. Please check-in with your coach or child for me details.
Our fall Pep Rally is next week - Friday, October 15th. Please remind your students to wear their best Gator Green. We will be celebrating all of the fall sports and after school clubs. Our newly formed pep squad will also be leading us in some school-wide cheers. It should be a lot of fun.
Next Friday is also the DDR party - for us non tweens, DDR is Dance Dance Revolution. It is an interactive video game where students use a mat to make dance moves. Last year the DDR party was a tremendous success. We are hoping many of your students will choose to attend.
With the season changing I have noticed that students are not coming to school with the proper amount of warm clothing. Please remind your child to bring a coat or jacket. The days are getting cooler and I am seeing many children without coats at lunchtime. If you are unable to afford to buy a coat please let me know and the school can help get you one.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Warmly,
Meg
It was great to see so many of you at Curriculum Night last night. The my highlight of my evening was seeing 702 and 706 parents playing a heated game of Capture the Flag. Your children would never believe it : ) The purpose of the night was to get a good sense of what your child will be learning this year and to finally meet your teachers. I know that my faculty enjoyed meeting you. In November we will be holding an Open School Week and Parent/Teacher Conferences. These are both great opportunities to get to know Lab even better.
In 7th grade science students are learning about the cell. This unit will serve as the basis for a year-long study of life science. The teachers are working towards an end of unit project where students will be making cellular models.
In 8th grade visual arts students in the midst of a design unit that will be linked to a field trip to the MoMA later this month. Ms. Rinna used a learning styles inventory and at the beginning of the year to create design teams. Students are placed in heterogeneous groups. Students are exploring fundamental design concepts while developing a chair.
It must be fall because Cross Country started this week. The students build up to a five mile road race (in December). Last year was the first year of the sport and has become amazingly popular. Our coaches partner with the Young Runners organization (part of the New York Road Runners). It is a wonderful program and adds tremendously to our full year of running.
There are also soccer, volleyball AND flag football games also next week. Please check-in with your coach or child for me details.
Our fall Pep Rally is next week - Friday, October 15th. Please remind your students to wear their best Gator Green. We will be celebrating all of the fall sports and after school clubs. Our newly formed pep squad will also be leading us in some school-wide cheers. It should be a lot of fun.
Next Friday is also the DDR party - for us non tweens, DDR is Dance Dance Revolution. It is an interactive video game where students use a mat to make dance moves. Last year the DDR party was a tremendous success. We are hoping many of your students will choose to attend.
With the season changing I have noticed that students are not coming to school with the proper amount of warm clothing. Please remind your child to bring a coat or jacket. The days are getting cooler and I am seeing many children without coats at lunchtime. If you are unable to afford to buy a coat please let me know and the school can help get you one.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Warmly,
Meg
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
