Happy New Year

Dear Lab School Families,

Welcome Back! I hope that everyone had a wonderful winter break and a happy time with loved ones. I traveled to Omaha to spend some time with my own family - I missed the epic snowstorm completely. It was nice to have time to relax but after a couple of days I started to really miss our kids.

It was a busy last couple of weeks to 2010.

In 6th grade humanities students completed their Mesopotamia research projects and conducted presentations to teach their fellow classmates. In one class I learned all about the evolution of the wheel and other inventions that came from this civilization. It was wonderful to see the students take on an expert role and become the teachers.

In 801 and 802 students are completing their Native American unit. Right before the break students finished reading Sherman Alexie's book Diary of a Part-Time Indian. They studied present day issues in the context of historical events. I was lucky enough to be a guest speaker for the classes -sharing my own experiences of traveling to Indian Reservations in South Dakota and my visit to the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre. Students are now working on a social action project related to these issues. We hope to share some of the students' work in an upcoming Gator Gab issue.

In 7th grade humanities students are reading Arthur Miller's The Crucible. They are using the play to understand the Salem witch trials and what was occurring in American history during this time. The play is challenging for our students - it is a good struggle and students are really taking to the story. I have found over the years that students connect well with the characters. Many of the themes explored in the text are issues that our students also grapple with.

The chair designs are almost complete. Thanks to a collaborative partnership between Ms. Riina's 8th grade artists and Knoll Design firm. The firm took three chair models and built them to life-size chairs. There will be reception and showing in early February. There will be much more information to come about this collaboration. Thank you to our 8th grade father Jeff Jaffe for helping to set this up.

The winter sports season is in full swing. Our sports offerings include - Table Tennis, Basketball, Winter Running Conditioning, Golf and Pep Squad. Our basketball teams have already played some incredible games and we are looking forward to seeing even more from our gators. Students and families are encouraged to come to the basketball games.

Also a gentle reminder - it is winter. Everyday I am seeing many students not coming to school with proper cold weather gear (hats, gloves, coats, etc). Please remind your children to dress appropriately for the weather. If you need help purchasing these items for your child please let Ms. Marilyn or I know. We are able to secure these items.

Wishing everyone a year filled with goodness and joy.

Warmly, Meg