Upcoming Events
May 15 - 18
Math MCAS
May 16
Parent Advisory Council Meeting
May 20
Wind and Brass Recital
3:00pm
@ Boston Conservatory
May 24
First Grade Presents
"Three Little Pigs, Inc."
12:30pm
@ Veronica B. Smith Senior Center
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Conservatory Lab
25 Arlington Street
Brighton, MA 02315
617.254.8904
www.conservatorylab.org
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| Family Notes
May 18, 2012
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Dear families,
At this charter school we use the approaches of Expeditionary Learning and El Sistema. Common to both is an emphasis on holistic learning. Character education is a critical component of every learning experience, because our attitudes and behaviors toward ourselves and others determine our readiness to learn. We aspire to engender in each student the traits of excellent character that will make them successful leaders and conscientious citizens. Taken together, these two philosophies foster character and citizenship through both the mind and the heart.
In Expeditionary Learning, learning is a recipe for open minds, and generous spirits. As students challenge stereotypes about snakes through scientific investigation, they are developing compassion for the natural world and learning to confront fear with understanding.
In El Sistema, children learn citizenship through the experience of coming together to play music for others. The orchestra is both a metaphor for and a manifestation of our role in community. Last Sunday, the flute players delivered a recital honoring mothers. Through their preparation and performance, they experienced the rewards of diligent work and service to others.
Being a charter school allows the flexibility to use innovative approaches such as Expeditionary Learning and El Sistema. Soon we will be asked to lend our support to the the request to lift the cap on Charter schools. I encourage all of you to do so. It will help other children have similar advantages to the ones we enjoy here.
 Warmly, Diana Lam Head of School
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Lift The Charter School Cap Campaign
Marc Kenan, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Charter Association, is calling for our help in a statewide campaign to increase the number of seats available for charter schools in Massachusetts. There are over 40,000 families waiting to enroll their child in a Massachusetts charter school. Despite this strong demand, people who want to increase the number of seats in charter schools like ours or open new charter schools are unable to do so because state law limits the number of charter schools that can open in Massachusetts.
A Charter School Parent Advocacy Group will be established in the fall. Stay tuned to learn ways in which you can become involved.
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Curtain Going Up!
Mark your calendars with an asterisk and plan to arrive early for a good seat for the performance of "The Three Little Pigs Inc." the lively musical performed by the 1st grade thespians at the Veronica B. Smith Senior Center on Thursday, May 24th at 12:30p.m.
At the rehearsal held this last week, it became clearly evident that these young performers have internalized their roles, their lines, their songs and their movements. They have learned how to make a story come alive on stage. All they need now is the audience. Please come.
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Mindful Movements Lets 6th Graders Reflect
The 6th grade has been participating in Mindful Movements every Wednesday afternoon since January. Led by 4th grade parent Nicole Maniez, the students have experienced a variety of activities ranging from solo reflection time and journaling to small group challenges.
The students have explored anger management skills, including making their own stress balls and mindfulness exercises such as listening intently to a bell and counting outdoor sounds, and sensory mindfulness including exploring and appreciating the shape, smell and color of a strawberry.
Most recently, the 6th graders are working on their Reflection 'Zines, which will capture their musical and academic accomplishments while at Conservatory Lab, and serve as a jumping off point for hopes and dreams in their future school settings. They will present their 'Zines at the graduation breakfast, and will have classmates and teachers sign their artwork as a yearbook.
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Second Graders Shake, Rattle, and Slither
This week, 2nd graders put the finishing touches on their music video which will premier on YouTube later this month.
Filming the choreography was the last step in an extremely detailed process of writing and creating an original song and music video. After writing the song, six students went to the music studio to record the track of the song with their instruments. Once the track was created, we created a recording studio in the Scores room to record the students singing the lyrics. The lyrics and track were then put together.
The 2nd graders watched an exemplar of a "Kidz Bop" music video and identified the criteria for creating a high quality music video. The students came up with a long list of criteria; including choreography, filming in multiple locations, and stylish outfits. Students also noticed the singers sang clearly and with expression.
For the past few weeks, the 2nd graders have learned choreography as a whole class and in small groups to go along with their song. They have practiced performing the choreography in a variety of locations, including the classroom and the playground. The day of filming was a culmination of many weeks of rehearsal. The students performed like professionals, and exuded joy throughout the entire day of filming.
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A Mother's Day Serenade
 Last Sunday, the flute players of Conservatory Lab performed a recital of solos and small ensembles in honor of mothers. Over 80 people packed into the music room to hear the students perform.
The focus of the flute recital is to showcase each student's independence and individual growth as a performer. The skills developed in chamber music and solo performing carry into the ensemble setting and make the orchestra stronger.
 Resident Artist Adam Eccleston was bursting with pride at the students accomplishment. "Each of them took me by surprise and displayed nothing less than 100% enthusiasm and dedication," Eccleston told families. He also expressed his gratitude to the community whose support has made the recital into a bi-annual event.
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Thank You For Your Service, Mr. Liles!
Since October, Mr. Liles has been working with the K1/K2 and 5/6th grade classes. He has brought a joyful and creative spirit to his many assignments which included outdoor activities with the K1/K2 students, designing Crew challenges for the 5/6th classes and helping students individually with their classwork.
We will truly miss Matt's enthusiastic and kind contributions to the Conservatory Lab community and wish him the best in his new adventures in NYC working with City Year. They are lucky to have you! And we can't wait to hear stories about your future students.
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Community Concerts
Singpositive JPThis inter-generational choir, featuring 1st grader Anyi and her mother Maria, will present a concert of folk, world music, and disco on May 20 at 4pm in St. John's Episcopal Church. Come enjoy this family-friendly concert!
www.singpositive.com
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