Family Notes: May 17, 2013

For the last two weeks, mornings in the upstairs classrooms have been very quiet, save for the soft scratch of number two pencils rubbing dark circles into tiny answer bubbles. All year long, we practice math, science, reading, and writing skills. We hone them in isolation and in the context of our Learning Expeditions. This is the time when we step back and let the students show what they know. All the training wheels are off; they are on their own.

We can support our children during this time by reminding them how ready they are and expressing our faith in them. Through the Achievement Network (ANET), our students regularly experience standardized test situations. They know what strategies help them to perform their best. They are used to the format of questions they are likely to see and they know how to apply the right skills to the right questions. A few words of encouragement can boost a child's confidence and "pump them up" to do their best work, as these personalized inspirational gum wrappers did for Ms. Perkins' 6^th Grade Class:

Performance is a familiar experience for our children. Every child at Conservatory Lab has many opportunities to present their learning, whether through music, oral presentation, or writing. Repeated experiences of preparing, producing, and reflecting on performance builds self-assurance. When children believe in the quality of their work, there is nothing they cannot accomplish.

Warmly, Ms. Lam

Diana Lam

Flute Recital Wows

Mother's Day Eve was filled with music for Dudamel and Bernstein flute families. Resident Artist Adam Eccleston assembled a beautiful program. Bernstein musicians Stella Paige and McKenzie Kelly were partnered with peer mentors Be Jackson and Maya James and Dudamel musicians Jason Wei, Ben Lee and Stella Dzialas all played solos.

Pianist Anna Mikaelian accompanied on several pieces and played a rousing duet with Mr. Eccleston, South American number, La Guarda con la Banquina by Anibel Corniglio. Other special guest performers included percussionist Grace Colon who accompanied Be Jackson on a rousing sing-a-long of Lil' Liza Jane and Resident Aritists Kat Jara, Josh Garver, Josue Gonzalez and volunteer musician Alex Barstow all performed with Maya James on excerpts from Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor.

flute recital

The early evening performance concluded with all students playing A. M. Beach's Waltz Op. 36, No. 3 and then adjourned to the hallway for a potluck reception. Delicious and delightful! Bravo to all performers!

Edible Gardening with K2

Have you ever noticed the beautiful garden beds bordering the end of our parking lot? Last Friday, five St. Columbkille middle schoolers led our K-2 students on a tour of their garden, where they are growing strawberries, green beans, carrots, broccoli and chives. After the tour, the St. Columbkille students helped our young gardeners plant their own royal burgundy beans in small containers for the classroom. This week, Kindergartners were thrilled to see their beans begin to sprout and are eagerly recording their observations and predictions about their plants' growth in science journals. The garden project is part of K-2's spring expedition, during which students discover where the nutritious and delicious fruits and vegetables they eat come from.

Thanks to Scott Hess, St. Columbkille School science teacher, and his students for collaborating with us on this project.

Venezuelan Connection

Parents who attended the PAC meeting this last Wednesday were treated to an exuberant presentation and slide show of the trip to Venezuela that four of our Resident Artists took the week after the April vacation. The energy and enthusiasm that surely punctuated every day of the trip was still very much in force as Kat Jara, Chris Schroeder, Josue Gonzales and Adrian Anantawan shared the experiences they had with other El Sistema teachers, children form different nucleos, and meetings with both Dr. Abreu and Gustavo Dudamel! Although most of the people visited did not speak English, "no hubo problema", because everyone speaks music! Our teachers were given the royal treatment with traditional South American warmth, hospitality, music and delicious food.

4 RAs go to PAC

This presentation came at a perfect time since Conservatory Lab, along with the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, is preparing for the June 1st Showcase which will take place at the Franklin Institute and will highlight the eight El l Sistema nucleos in Massachusetts. Also, Mark Churchill has arranged for seven very special El Sistema teachers to come from Venezuela for just this event!

Activities will begin at 2:00 p.m. and continue until 8:00 p.m. Refer to schedule of activities at the end of Family Notes. We want to show all our guests our best Boston hospitality and warmth. May our connection continue!!! Food and Volunteers are VERY welcome for this event. Please contact tjackson@conservatorylab.org if you can help.

Don't Forget to Fill Out the Intent to Return Forms

The enrollment lottery for the 2013-2014 school year was held in early March. As a school, it is important for us to know our expected enrollment for the 2013-2014 school year, so that we may plan accordingly.

Please return the form that was sent home by Friday, May 31^st, 2013 indicating whether or not your child will be returning next year. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact Osiel Gonzalez, ogonzalez@conservatorylab.org or 617-254-8904, ext. 204.

Important School Dates

June Festival There are many important events coming up for Conservatory Lab students and families! Please check out Upcoming Events above and our school Google Calendar.

Upcoming: Winds Recital

Brass at ProArte

On Sunday, May 19th at 3 pm, Conservatory Lab Wind players will be performing at the Boston Conservatory, 31 Hemenway St, Boston as part of a collaborative recital with students from the North End Music and Performing Arts Center and Keys for Kids, Lexington. This event is free and open to the public.