On the Trail of Paul Revere  

On Thursday, 22 third graders and their teachers dove into Paul Revere's Boston. They met their guide, Ben Edwards at Faneuil Hall in front of the Sam Adams statue. From there, they walked to the site of the Boston Massacre and learned some of the real history behind that event.  

After a quick snack at Quincy Market and a mini lesson on the bells of Paul Revere, they set off for his house in the North End. They were met by educators who shared all sorts of facts about home life in the late 1700's - from where they washed their hands to what they ate for dessert. Students asked lots of questions and left with a detailed picture of life in Colonial Boston.

Next, the students walked to the Old North Church where Ben shared many stories of the church and it's history. Paul Revere had been a bell ringer in the church as a teenager so he was very familiar with the building and how it could be helpful for sending up that signal described in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. Students got an extra special treat when they were allowed up to the bell pull room of the church - the very room where the young Revere used to work!

Our third grade students knew the poem and the artwork of the time was not 100% accurate, but now they can tell you the true story of Paul Revere and his midnight ride. Ask them!

Upper School Updates  

There is always something new taking place in the 5th/6th grade upper school! Here are some enrichment opportunities to look forward to in the winter months:

Mindful Movements:

This leadership skills class led by parent Nicole Maniez will focus on healthy ways to channel and express emotions. During Crew time on Wednesdays, students will learn relaxation and reflection techniques and ways to practice calm responses within emotionally charged situations.

Art Club:

On Friday afternoons, K1 teacher Becca Iskric is leading a voluntary art club for 6th grade students interested in developing their skills as visual artists. Over 18 weeks, students will create a portfolio of drawings that demonstrate an understanding of contour, line, texture, shading, shape, and perspective.

Boston Harbor Islands Invasive Species Learning Expedition:

The upper school is launching a new learning expedition, studying the impact of invasive species on the Boston Harbor Islands. Highlights will include a day of fieldwork at Wood's Hole Aquarium.

The Math Corner (Part Five) 

We can help!  - Beanie Babies needed for Yoga Program in HAITI 

Educator and yoga teacher, Natalie Dean, who helped lead classes at Conservatory Lab last year, is traveling to Haiti this February to teach stress-relief yoga to children living in tent cities in Port-au-Prince.  Natalie is hoping to give each child one beanie baby (or similar small "floppy" stuffed animal) to each child she works with and needs about 80 more!  Beanie Babies can be gently used. Have your child bring the beanie babies to school and drop in the donation box at Ms. Jackson's desk. Nicole Maniez, parent of Niya in 4th grade, will be collecting all donations until Monday, February 13th. Thanks!   

For more information:   <http://www.nataliedean.net/> 

ANet Update 

2nd through 6th grade Classrooms have just completed the third round of ANet assessments. The data from the students' scores gives a projection of their readiness in the skill areas tested by the MCAS. Teachers are using the information from the ANet scores to help students become more aware of their progress in these skill areas, allowing them to become more deeply invested in their own success. If you have questions about your child's performance on these assessments, please contact their classroom teacher for more detailed information.

Spread the Word! - March 25th Community Concert at the Strand!     

By Feb. 15th all families are requested to submit 10 names of friends and family they would like us to invite via email to this event to tjackson@conservatorylab.org 

Last year, parents were incredibly helpful in submitting these names.

Please use the form that has been e-mailed to you.  You can send it back via email or hand it in on paper.

Go team! - Beth Greene & Felice Rutstein-Lee, Co-chairs PAC Community Concert

MCAS Testing Dates  

Report cards are in the mail