Upcoming Events
December 16
Winter Concert II
Bernstein Orchestra, Dudamel Orchestra
December 21-January 2
Winter Recess
(No School)
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Conservatory Lab
25 Arlington Street
Brighton, MA 02315
617.254.8904
www.conservatorylab.org
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| Family Notes
December 9, 2011
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Dear Families,
At Conservatory Lab, learning is creating. Every day our students write stories, solve problems, and give performances. Creating products focuses students' learning by giving them an outlet to respond to their learning. Products are an opportunity to make sense of what they have encountered by representing it in their own way.
Each concert and product is a journey. Questions lead to investigations, investigations lead to ideas, ideas lead to drafts, revisions, and final products. The process of creation deepens their understanding and challenges them to grow.
As we enter the season of concerts at Conservatory Lab, we have opportunities to recognize and celebrate the journeys taking place each day. The year is full of small moments and significant benchmarks that may pass by, acknowledged by only a few witnesses. Concerts are an opportunity to share in these moments as a community.
I look forward to seeing you at the Winter Concerts. I look forward to celebrating with you the amazing and transformative work our students are doing every day.
Warmly,
Diana Lam
Head of School
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Winter Concert Dress Rehearsals Buzz with Excitement
On Thursday, students from K1, K2, and the Abreu Orchestra performed in an outstanding dress rehearsal at Brighton High School. They showed cooperation and perseverance in their willingness to rehearse the transitions and logistical movements that will make the concert run smoothly. They demonstrated focus on stage and engaged audience behavior while watching one another perform. As of press time, students were lining up for the trek over to the performance. Next week the Dudamel and Bernstein Orchestras will perform at Brighton High School in Winter Concert II at 3:30pm.
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K9 in K2: A Visit From A Police Dog Unit
As part of their exploration of community helpers, the kindergarten class interviewed a K9 police
unit on Monday. Officer Joel (father of Brian Rodriguez), his partner Rene, and his dog Rico, shared their expertise in public safety with the class. The presentation focused on ways officers help to keep people safe and what children can do to keep themselves and others safe. The students had many questions about the different jobs police officers do and the different types of units. The presentation concluded with a demonstration of the training the officers practice with their canine partner in order to be ready for emergencies.
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The Snow Queen: Conservatory Lab Goes to the Theatre
The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) in Cambridge has invited all students and staff of Conservatory Lab Charter School to attend a special $5 performance of "The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Andersen!
Please check your child's backpack for a permission slip to be signed and returned ASAP.
Date: Tuesday, December 20th
Time: 11:00 AM
Place: American Repertory Theatre, Harvard Square
Transportation: School Bus (K1 & K2), MBTA Bus (Grades 1-5)*
*6th Grade Students will participate in a Service Learning Project during this time
Hans Christian Andersen's beloved fairy tale comes to life in this delightful new stage adaptation for children and families. When a young boy named Kai is taken away by a wicked enchantress, his best friend Gerda must embark on a perilous journey to the North Pole to rescue him. Using puppets, music, and magic, this exuberant, heart-warming production will take you on a theatrical journey to a magical kingdom and the Snow Queen's icy palace.
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Conservatory Lab to Host Two Conferences in Arts Integration
Conservatory Lab Charter School is on the cutting edge of arts integration and a current leader in professional development for elementary school teachers in the northeast. We are currently preparing for two conferences designed to share our unique curricula with elementary school teachers on the regional and national levels.
The first, entitled Art and Music as Tools for Learning, will be held on March 30, 2012 at Wheelock College. During this one-day conference, funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), teachers will analyze artworks, interpret musical compositions, and learn how to integrate art and music into Social Studies and English Language Arts curricula for grades 3 through 6. As a result of the grant from NEH, we are able to offer a $250 stipend to each participant.
Shortly after on June 1, 2012, we will host another conference for grades pre-K to grade 5 sharing our unique Expeditionary Learning curriculm. Expeditionary Learning provides a framework for interdisciplinary, project-based curriculum that actively engages students in creating authentic products and producing performances. Participants will receive copies of past expeditions, resources such as curriculum for our Listening Projects, many rubrics to assess final projects and presentations, and book lists to go with each expedition.
If you know educators who would be interested in attending one or both conferences, or for more information, please contact our conference coordinator, Chris Schroeder.
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"Stand Up, Speak Out" by 2011 Fifth Grade Class Now Available! The 2011 fifth grade class created this book of speeches and reflections on leadership in culmination of their Learning Expedition, "Stand Up, Speak Out." Students investigated the qualities of a good leader and researched fourteen inspiring change makers, from Marian Anderson to Harriet Tubman, who have made our world a better place.
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The 2011-2012 Calender will be on sale at both Winter Concerts, as well as in the Conservatory Lab front office. Contact Toni Jackson if you would like to order by e-mail. 
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Parent Advisory Council Notes:
Save the Date!
When: Saturday, December 10th, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
What: A Mindful Movement Class led by Nicole Maniez
Where: Scores Room at Conservatory Lab Charter School
For Whom: Conservatory Lab families who want to have fun together with movement and mindfulness.
Cookie Dough will be delivered to the school on Thursday, Dec. 15th. If you ordered cookie dough, you can pick it up after school on Thursday or anytime on Friday.
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Community Concert:
The Boston City Wide String Orchestra, featuring Conservatory Lab Students Ben Lee and Nora Feeney, as well as resident artist Josue Gonzalez as assistant conductor, hosts its annual winter performance:
Holiday Concert Party
Sunday December 18, 2011
3:00pm
Museum of the National Center of Afro American Artists
300 Walnut Street
Roxbury, MA
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