Family Notes: Sept 2

The first days of school are like the opening chapter of a really good novel. Every moment is exposition, meeting new characters, and entering into a setting where something exciting is about to happen. Each of us-students, teachers, administrators, and parents-comes with questions, expectations, dreams, and goals. We have so many things to say to each other and so much to learn.

As the year unfolds, we will have opportunities to unpack all of these ideas and nourish the curiousity we bring with us today. For now, it is enough for us to lay the groundwork for the communication that will sustain the work we do together. These Family Notes are an essential tool in that communication. Please read them carefully in order to stay informed. In this issue we-the staff of Conservatory Lab-outline our promise to you-the families of our students-to share information openly and listen considerately.

One of the unique aspects of our school is that every student is part of an orchestra. In addition to being an enriching musical and educational experience, it is an embodiment of the culture which we work daily to sustain. Like an orchestra, we show up every day ready to share our best with one another, listen to one another, and agree to create beauty together.

Whether you are new to this community or have been with us for some time, I welcome you to this new year and look forward to the opportunities it will bring.

Dianaletter

Warmly,

Diana Lam

Head of School

Web Tools to Keep You Connected

Family Notes- Sent out each week over our Constant Contact e-mail service, these newsletters contain timely information about upcoming events, recent developments in the life of the school, and action items for parents. You will also find examples of student work and a look at what is happening in your child's classrooms and rehearsals.
Website- Visit www.conservatorylab.org if you are searching for copies of forms and documents that have gone home, general information about the school, archives of previous Family Notes, and more. Be sure to check the parent section, and subscribe to the Google calendar for the most current version of the school calendar.
Facebook and Twitter- If you are a facebook user or a Twitter user, be sure to "Like" the Conservatory Lab facebook page and follow @conservatorylab on Twitter. These are great ways to help get the word out to your family and friends about upcoming concerts and exciting media spotlights.
Shutterfly and YouTube- For photos of our young learners at work, visit the Conservatory Lab Shutterfly page (password "music"). Check this after concerts and events to see photo albums which you can download, share, and even order prints. Many classroom teachers have a separate page just for their classroom. If your child's teacher has one of these pages, they will share the address and password with you directly. Video can be found on our YouTube page, and will often be posted to the website as well.

ByeBye!

When You Visit

In order to reduce traffic at a busy time of day, we ask all parents of 1st-6th grade students to please say good bye to your children at the front door and not escort them to their classrooms.

We wish to make our school and our classrooms a welcoming place for parents and visitors. Excellent times to visit the school are assemblies, classroom exhibition events, open house, and by appointment with a classroom teacher. At the beginning of the day, teachers and students have many things to accomplish to prepare for a day of learning, which makes it a difficult time for parent conversations. In addition, we believe the responsibility children take in entering the school and preparing to start their day is an important part of building independence as young scholars and musicians.

Please note that reception has moved upstairs. Adam Eccleston, (resident artist, flute) is also working in school operations this year. He will greet you in the reception office at the top of the stairs and help you to your destination.

Snacks

In order to keep our children healthy and comply with impending Massachusetts anti-junk food regulations, we are starting off the year snack-free in grades 1-6. The key for children to stay properly nourished during the day is to eat a healthful breakfast and lunch-high in protein and low in salt and sugar. In the past, children have brought in unhealthy snack foods, such as chips, cookies, and sugary drinks. Snack times have taken up valuable learning time and created issues of messiness, yet the junk food being consumed does not sufficiently nourish the children.

We understand that ours is a long school day, and we will not allow any child to go hungry. There is fruit available in the afternoons for children who need it, but the most important part of staying nourished is consuming healthy, balanced meals at breakfast and lunch.

Assembly

This year, school assemblies will be held once a month, on a Friday between 3:15 and 4:00pm. Each grade will take a turn presenting a Math Moment, Design Principle, Listening Project Highlight, and Learning Through Music Expedition performance. In addition, there will be solo and small group performances from El Sistema. The schedule is below, and more information will be sent out prior to each assembly. We hope that you can join us for these joyous events!

Assembly

Assembly Dates

September 23rd

October 21st
November 18th
December 16th
January 20th
February 17th
March 23rd
April 27th
May 25th
June 15th

2011-2012 Staff List

Ms. Holland

This year we welcome aboard new staff and new teaching interns. Staff pictures and bios are now up on the website in three sections: administrative staff, classroom teachers, and resident artists. Contact information for all staff can be found in the staff directory, which will shortly be available on the website.

Welcome new staff:

Suzy Spressert, Director of Human Services

Theresa Holland, K1 Teacher Assistant.

Katie Biro, Grade 1 Teacher Assistant.

Bry Gapp, Grades 5/6 Humanities teacher

Kathryn Funderburk, Grades 5/6 Math/Science teacher

Erin Bollacker, Resident Artist-Chorus

Joshua Garver, Resident Artist-Strings Leader

Josue Gonzales, Resident Artist-Cello

Michael Moore, Resident Artist-Percussion

Tatyana Zhukov, Resident Artist-Early Childhood

Welcome Teaching Interns:

Alexandra Klove, Grade 2

Joshua Goldman, Grade 3

Emily Picard, Grade 4

River Sing

Revels, a Boston arts organization, is hosting a community singing festival on the banks of the Charles River. This free family event takes place September 18, 2011, from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. For more information, visit their website.