Upcoming Events
February 15
PAC Meeting
February 20-24
February 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
February 10, 2012
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Dear families,
One of the advantages of being a small school is our ability to respond nimbly to new opportunities and challenges as we identify them. We are continually assessing, refining, and when needed, redesigning our programming to meet the changing needs of our students.
Recently, during our midyear reflections, we have decided to restructure the upper school to provide a more centralized instructional model for the fifth grade class. Going forward, fifth and sixth graders will participate in separate academic classes. Michelle Marzi, who has taught the current fifth grade students in previous years, will take on the role of fifth grade classroom teacher, starting off the day with morning meeting and teaching throughout the day. Sixth graders will continue to study humanities with Bry Gapp and participate in Crew activities with Suzy Spressert, while Kathryn Funderburk will provide math instruction to both grades.
We are already seeing the benefits of this new schedule in the quality of students' learning time and the attention teachers are able to give to each student's individual needs. This smooth transition is made possible by the flexibility and creativity of our teachers and administrators. Their insight and cooperation allow us to identify and adapt to each new circumstance to provide the best education for our children.
Warmly,
Diana Lam
Head of School
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Monthly Assembly Highlights Talent
Today's assembly featured outstanding performances by individuals and small groups as well as whole school singing. Three of our first graders set the bar high - Emma Sophia Guevara and Sarah Exilus on vocals and dance and Chansly Beauvoir on drums - in a piece they choreographed and rehearsed together. They rocked the house!
Next, five of our Resident Artists, led by brass instructor Chris Schroeder, performed a piece with which we are all familiar: John Williams' Star Wars theme. Afterwards, each musician described what role his instrument plays in the orchestra and how each musician contributes to the sound and the cooperation required in orchestra. Finally, another first grader, Ezavier Santiago, wowed the crowd with a violin solo of Twinkle. Bravo!
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Dudamel Orchestra Will Open for Pro Arte Chamber Ensemble
Professional musicians from the Pro Arte Chamber Ensemble joined the ranks of Dudamel Orchestra for the first of three side-by-side rehearsals on Tuesday. The quartet of volunteers from Boston's premier chamber music cooperative will work closely with Conservatory Lab's advanced student orchestra this month in preparation for a joint concert at the Sander's Theatre on March 4th. Students will perform a half-hour "Aperitif" concert prior to the Pro Arte's concerto competition showcase. They will be joined for one piece by the guest musicians who have been coaching them. Don't miss this exciting concert on March 4th at the Sander's Theatre!
Discounted tickets are available at www.proarte.org. Enter the discount code CONSERV30. |
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PAC Sponsored "Spring Fling" to Feature Boston Comedian Tom Hayes
 The 2012 PAC-Sponsored community concert "Spring Fling" will feature celebrated Boston comedian Tom Hayes as MC for an afternoon of choral and orchestral music performed by our students. Hayes' career as a motivational speaker and comedian has taken him around the world to stages shared with Conan O'Brien, among others. His work and bio can be seen on his website, tomjhayes.com.
March 25 will be the Conservatory Lab's 2nd annual community concert, showcasing the students outstanding artistic and academic work. Last year's event, "My Funny Valentine" was a heartwarming event, attended by over 700 friends, family members, and supporters of our community.
A letter from parents Felice Lee and Beth Greene, which went home in your child's backpack this week, describes three ways you can help make this concert a success. We hope to have each family participate in at least one of the important tasks: promoting and attending, soliciting program ads from local businesses, and volunteering for outreach and day-of-concert support.
Please contact Beth Greene or Felice Lee with any questions!
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The Math Corner (Part Six)
Families often ask about using formulas, "Kids spend a lot of time measuring and building things in math class. Isn't it a lot quicker to use a formula to solve problems, like I did and still do?"
Part VI:
"Formulas" |
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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/>
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