Family Notes: March 13, 2015

As I drive to and from school, I am so delighted to see the brown patches of earth surfacing through the mountains of ice and snow that February brought.

I feel spring in the air and it is so refreshing! Spring has always been considered a time for change, and along with the earth's evolution into bloom, a time for personal evolution embracing a sense of optimism and enthusiasm. Part of that can be a cleaning out or decluttering our minds, looking at things anew and maybe revisiting things that had seemed too hard to deal with before.

Ultimately, spring is all about opportunity - a time for cultivating the qualities of courage and optimism, of strengthening the belief in ourselves and our powers to achieve and overcome obstacles - the greatest of which is perhaps our own fear, which prevents us from taking risks and stepping into the unknown.

As the days grow longer and warmer, we can choose to capture that sense of freshness and renewal in order it can be remembered, savored and built on throughout the year.

Have a happy week-end,

Warmly,

Diana Lam

16th Birthday Party a Smashing Success!

All the ingredients for a perfect party were there: a beautiful venue, wonderful speakers, talented performers, impressive dignitaries, and eloquent members of the community, all creating a wonderful feeling in the room, from start to finish! On the evening of March 12, the 16th birthday party celebration for our school at the John Hancock Atrium in the Seaport District was a memorable event for all the musicians, students, parents, alums, staff, faculty, resident artists and board members in attendance.

Our student ambassadors impressed the illustrious guests with their extensive knowledge of their instruments and academic specialties.

In his speech, Mayor Marty Walsh spoke from the heart, showing real understanding of and commitment to the mission, values and members of our school.

The Dudamel Orchestra was at its musical best as they played "Take Five" and the "Farandole" from Bizet's L'Arlesienne Suite No. 2. The Dudamel Brass Ensemble shone as they opened and closed the program.

Our student speakers were 5th graders Mayara Ryland and Omar Gabriel Sanchez, and 6th grader Ezekiel Freeman Fan-Fan. Each of these well-composed students spoke with genuine conviction on why they believe their education at Conservatory Lab Charter School will help them attain their dreams.

The evening ended sweetly, as the Dudamel Orchestra played "Happy Birthday" and cupcakes were served to the guests. Here's to the next 16 years for our school as we continue to change education through music!

4th Grade Become Metalsmiths

This past Monday, Adaleta Maslo-Krkovic joined Ms. Wagner's 4th grade as a guest teacher to give the students an experience in metalsmithing! First, Adaleta led the class in a group discussion on the purposes for metalsmithing throughout history and today, and about the different properties of various metals.

Then, she brought out two kinds of sheet metal and copper and brass wires for the students to work with. The students used pliers, anvils, and hammers to create beautiful trinkets.

The loud, rhythmic noise that filled the classroom reflected how industriously the students worked with their metal. Thank you, Adaleta, for a wonderful morning!

This week, Ms. Wagner's class earned 200 crew points, which earned them a Friday of finery. Today, they were proudly dressed to the nines. Their hard work in Adaleta's workshop was a part of their efforts this week to earn those crew points. Congratulations, C12 4th grade!

Admissions Lottery Goes Off without a Hitch

On Wednesday, March 11th we held our lottery for incoming students. Over 600 applications were received for just over 60 spaces! For the first time, the lottery was conducted electronically. Every completed application was assigned an applicant number by the computer program and families were notified of their number. On the day of the lottery, special guest and outside observer, Barbara Couzens of Carney Hospital came to push the button that randomly assigned every applicant a ranking on the list. The top forty on the K1 list were offered admission. Other grades admitted a small number of students for next year and all admitted students were called by the directors that afternoon. Families have until April 15th to submit enrollment forms and the waiting lists for all grades will be posted on our website by applicant number on Monday. Congratulations to all incoming students and families!

You're Invited to Spring Fling! 2015
Be Sure to Get Your Tickets Now

Free Documentary Screening

Many thanks to a 5th grade parent for sharing this with us! This event is free and open to the public.

Take Note:

If any student is in possession or uses a cell phone during the instructional day, the phone will be confiscated immediately. After being confiscated an administrator will hold the phone until a parent/guardian can pick it up. We are asking for our parent community to help support this decision for the safety of our students. A thorough explanation of this policy was emailed to all grade 2-8 families earlier today.

It has been confirmed that we will have school on March 17, June 17, and no school on April 3. School will be in session through at least June 26. Depending on weather and make-up days, the last day of school could be as late as Tuesday, June 30.

Our first day of school next year will be August 24th. There will be family orientations beforehand and all families will be informed of those dates.

Thank you to all who have written letters of support for our building plans in Roxbury. Many more letters are requested. Please give us your signed letters of support ASAP, and we'll mail them for you!