I am happy to be back from my trip to Germany, where I had the opportunity to meet with educators, architects, and designers from around the country and to get a deeper understanding of the thought, design, and production of our VS furniture. I am proud that we have partnered with such an innovative and thoughtful company. I look forward to sharing more in an upcoming enews.
For this issue, however, I want to revisit the topic of student discipline, because our approach is one of the qualities that makes Lab unique and one that we believe is very important for parents to understand. We have several core beliefs about discipline:
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The majority of behavior issues are the result of poor CHOICES, not "bad" kids;
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The purpose of discipline should be to help students learn to make better choices in the future, therefore consequences should be natural (i.e. make sense based on what the child did); and
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The approach to discipline should help students to reflect on their mistakes, learn from their mistakes, and make things right through restorative conversations when their choices impact others.
Based on these core beliefs, and our long-term goal of creating thoughtful, kind, and compassionate citizens, we have adopted a simple set of rules for both the lower school (The LAB Way) and middle school (The Lab Code for Living). Because we also want to help develop students' metacognitive skills (their ability to think about their thinking and learning and actions), we also wanted a system that will provide us, students, advisors, and parents with data and information about how students are doing so that we can provide feedback and guidance. Finally, we wanted a clearer and quicker way of acknowledging all of the fantastic decisions and acts of kindness that our students exhibit every day.
Like with other aspects of our school model, Lab aspires to implement practices that make sense for kids. As such, we have put in place the following approaches:
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Kindergarten-Second grade will continue to reinforce the LAB Way with all students and track behaviors of specific students who need support. Advisors and teachers will involve parents when necessary; and
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Third through Sixth grade will be using ClassDojo, which will ease communication and tracking of behavior patterns for all students and will ultimately be opened up to parents for anytime, anywhere access.
With these new systems, I feel it is also important for us to clarify what Lab DOESN'T do or believe in:
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Students should not be rewarded with candy or food treats;
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Students should not be punished with physical activity;
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Students should not be punished as a group (unless the entire group truly was involved); and
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Students should not miss out on instruction or physical activity as a punishment.
How can you help support the Lab approach to behavior and discipline at home?
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Avoid JUDGEMENT. Encourage your child to share his/her perspective of what happened. Ask, "Why do you think that happened? How did you feel when that happened? How do you think that made ___ feel?
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Help instill in your child a GROWTH MINDSET about behavior. Ask "What did you learn from this? What do you think you can/will do differently next time?" We ask that parents avoid making threats and putting in place consequences at home for a child failing to earn a letter (LS) or earning a "growth point" (MS); these are opportunities for the teacher to provide feedback, and it doesn't mean your child got "in trouble". When your child talks about another student's behavior, ask "Why do you think he/she might have made that choice?"
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Implement NATURAL CONSEQUENCES: Ask, "How do you think you could 'make this right?'" You might be surprised at their creative - and serious! - ideas.
Together with our Advisory program and wellness curriculum, we hope that we will be instilling in your child strong character habits.
We look forward to continuing to partner with you in helping to develop in all Lab students those positive attributes we aspire for everyone in our community.
Mary Moss Brown
Head of School
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WELLNESS UPDATE FROM MRS. WHELAN
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Our guest columnist Brett reminds us of the importance of breakfast in today's Wellness Update.
Eat Your Wheaties
Without a doubt, breakfast is the most important meal of your day. Studies show individuals who eat breakfast have more energy, better cognitive function and memory, and a lower BMI than individuals who skip it. Further, eating a well-balanced morning meal is instrumental in stabilizing blood sugar and combating fatigue. And school children especially benefit: it sets them up to be more focused and have greater concentration so they can be successful at school.
And, if you are trying to lose weight and opt to skip breakfast, doing so can sabotage weight loss efforts. Regularly eating breakfast is associated with healthier eating patterns, better portion control, less nighttime snacking, and a more evenly distributed caloric intake throughout the day. All of which result in a speedy metabolism.
Optimal Breakfasts:
Get your family up and running to be at their best with well-balanced breakfasts. A healthy breakfast should contain lean protein, which keeps you satiated throughout the morning; high-fiber carbohydrates, which provide energy, promote regularity, and keep you full; and unprocessed healthy fats from natural sources to improve focus and memory.
Good sources of lean protein include eggs, Greek Yogurt, milk and nut-milks. Good sources of fiber include whole grain cereals and oatmeal, whole-grain bread and fruit. And for fats, focus on monounsaturated fats, such as avocados, nuts and seeds, and those rich in omega-3s, such as walnuts and flaxseed.
More:
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| URGENT - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED |
If you haven't volunteered yet this year, please consider helping in one of these ways. We need everyone to give some time (whether it is a one-time or a weekly commitment) to accomplish everything we want to do this year!
FIRST OPEN HOUSES OF THE SEASON
We have an Open House for prospective Lower School parents on Tuesday, October 3 and one for Middle School parents on Tuesday, October 24, both at 6:30 pm. We need your help! If you are interested in volunteering to help welcome prospective families and answer questions about your family's Lab experience,
please sign up here. If you have never helped out at an open house before, don't worry! We will go over basic talking points beforehand -- it'll be a lot of fun!!
ROOM PARENT VOLUNTEERS
COMMUNICATION FOLDER VOLUNTEERS
We are still looking for parent volunteers for Salas' and Dreyer's homerooms and the 4th grade class to fill the communication folders every Friday between 8 am - 2 pm. Please
sign up here
. Contact Jessica Moulton with any questions.
K & 1ST GRADE CLASSROOM HELPERS
This is a great chance for hands-on help in our kindergarten and 1st grade classrooms. Come support our K & 1st classrooms during ELA, Quest/Math, Spanish and lunch. It is a great time to support teachers and get a chance to get to know kids in your child's class! Sign up for a regular spot on Wednesday--or alternate with another parent. If this time doesn't work for your schedule, but you would like to help, please email Susannah Lund.
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LAST CHANCE!
Sale of Hornets tickets is extended through the end of the week! Please send exact cash or check in with your child no later than Friday, Oct 6. Check out the flyer for details!
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Now that MAP testing is over, within the next week or so, you will start to see student work and information from teachers in each of the core content classes posted on Seesaw. Seesaw is the best way to see what your child is working on and how they are progressing in each of their classes. You can also comment and ask questions of your student and see teacher comments. If you are not yet connected to Seesaw, please contact your child's advisor. And, keep your eyes open for your child's MAP results (grades 2-6) in this week's Friday folders.
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| BOOK FAIR WAS A HUGE SUCCESS |
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Another successful book fair is in the ... books! (Ha ha!) We sold more than $10,000 in books and earned thousands of dollars for new books for the school. With the help of our Book Buck program, all kids had the opportunity to shop for books, regardless of their ability to pay. Many generous Lab parents contributed to the Book Buck program and helped us reach our goal of raising $1,000 to help kids in need.
This is the third year that Mandy French has organized the Book Fair, and we are so thankful for her leadership! She was supported by many new and returning volunteers, including
Rebecca Hinson,
Kelly Schwartz,
Natalie Osman,
Siddhi Shah,
Liz Flinn,
Marty Pizzo,
David Lund,
Cynthia Wood,
Michele Davis,
Kim Aprill,
Kiyoko Abrams,
Megan Ryan,
Whitney Leary,
Kesha Dawson,
Nola McClure,
Brandi Duncan,
Sue Hawes,
Keri Clavin,
Nicole Bowen,
Jennifer Holland,
Reka Juhasz-Atwood,
Beth Pesakoff,
Keri Schacht,
Deb FIllman,
Lies Narrow,
Kia Green,
Syreeta Smith,
Becka Eppley,
Johanna Kalons, and
Jaime Rentch.
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FAMILY ENGAGEMENT NIGHT: Discussing Diversity With Your Family
Join us on Thursday, October 19 from 6-7:30 pm at the Lower School.
This family engagement night is focused on developing conversations with our students around family diversity and supporting these ideals outside of the classroom. Assistant Director of School Outreach, at the Time Out Youth Center Rebby Kern, will be joining us to cover these topics and open a dialogue that we can use inside and outside of our school. The evening will cover:
- Understanding best practices for home communities to support family diversity in school;
- Engaging with and responding to difficult conversations about diverse families; and
- Identifying family-focused resources in the Charlotte community to support students.
LOVE AND LOGIC® PARENTING WORKSHOP
presented by Wendy Petricoff, Owner of Charlotte Parenting Solutions!
- Who: 3rd-6th grade Parents/Guardians
- Dates: Every Tuesday, 8:45 am-10:15 am for 3 weeks beginning October 31 (Oct. 31, Nov. 7, Nov. 13)
- Where: Lab Middle School Large Commons
- Cost: $115 per family, includes a workbook
Do your kids leave you completely speechless?
Or, do they argue about things that are absolutely absurd? Most kids have mastered the art of (not-so-subtle) manipulation by utilizing all their natural resources...tears, whiny voices, slamming doors, and disrespect. Do you experience these and other symptoms?
If so...JOIN US FOR A LOVE AND LOGIC® PARENTING WORKSHOP. You'll get personal attention in a small group setting. You'll get tools to help make parenting a whole lot easier. Tools that you actually feel
good
about using...tools that help forge a strong parent/child relationship and build self-esteem in children. You'll learn how to give effective time-outs, avoid ridiculous arguments, and put together consequences that you can actually follow through with!
So what are you waiting for?
Start making changes that matter. Learn how to become the credible, confident and calm parent you'd like to be.
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| Here is the lunch menu for October. Pizza Friday is new this month; we will be providing pizza (cheese or pepperoni) from Domino's or Papa Johns instead of having pizza provided by our caterer. Lunch includes 2-3 slices, fruit cup, dessert & water. Cost=$4.00 lower school and $5.00 upper school. If you want to order gluten-free pizza, please email Mrs. Malone no later than Thursday. |
Student portraits will run from Oct 12-23 and include individual and class/advisory photos. Please make note of your child's day listed below; portraits will begin at 7:45 am and wrap as soon as possible each day (approximately 9 or 10 am). A make-up day for individual photos only will be set after the first round is complete. More information will be coming next week.
- Oct 12 & 13: Middle School Portraits
Thursday Advisories: Moss/Johnson, Berry, Serrano, Ellis.
Friday Advisories: McClain, Luft, Miller, Singh/Quinn
- Oct 16: 5th Grade
- Oct 17: 4th Grade
- Oct 18: 3rd Grade
- Oct 19: 2nd Grade
- Oct 20: 1st Grade
- Oct 23: Kindergarten
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| Tue, Oct 3 |
K-5 Open House |
6:30 PM |
| Mon, Oct 9 |
Teacher Workday - NO SCHOOL |
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| Wed, Oct 11 |
Dining Night - Cantina 1511 |
4:30 PM |
| Sun, Oct 15 |
Middle School Beautification Day |
10:00 AM |
| Thu, Oct 12 |
Student Portraits (Middle School Moss/Johnson, Berry, Serrano, Ellis)
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| Fri, Oct 13 |
Student Portraits (Middle School McClain, Luft, Miller, Singh/Quinn)
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| Sun, Oct 15 |
MS Beautification Day |
10:00 AM |
| Week of Oct 16 |
Student Portraits (M=5th, T=4th, W=3rd, TH=2nd, F=1st)
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| Thurs. Oct. 19 |
Time Out Youth Family Engagement night (LS) |
6:00 PM |
| Fri, Oct 20 |
Hornets Game |
7:00 PM |
| Mon, Oct 23 |
Student Portraits Con't (M=K)
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| Tues, Oct 24 |
Middle School Open House |
6:30 PM |
| Sun, Oct 29 |
MS Ribbon Cutting |
2:00 PM |
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SPIRIT NIGHT 10/11
Spirit Night at Cantina 1511 at Park Road Shopping Center on October 11 from 4:30-8:30 pm.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL BEAUTIFICATION DAY
We will plant gardens, pick up litter, and come together to keep our school a beautiful place to work and learn.
Lab Middle School
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Drop in anytime between 10 am-2 pm
600 Seigle Ave.
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A Middle School Dedication will take place on Sunday, October 29 from 2 to 4 pm. Plans for the event include:
- Ribbon cutting ceremony and a few words from our administrative team;
- Student dedication of a time capsule to commemorate the founding middle school class;
- Plans for our spirit rock will be unveiled;
- Light refreshments; and
- Time for connecting with other middle school parents.
All families (middle and lower school) are welcome; please join us!
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Lab Middle School students are selling GoPlaySave coupon books (formerly Citipass) over the next few weeks to raise money for an end of year trip (details to be determined). Coupon books and subscriptions to the mobile site (paperless coupons!) are available for purchase for $30 each and $15 of your purchase goes directly to the middle school. Included are coupons to hundreds of local restaurants, destinations, and retail locations. Be sure to get yours while they last! See a middle school student or use this link to purchase yours.
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Please join the Lab Parents Book Club in October as we discuss
Raising Cain
by Dan Kindlon, PH.D.
- Book: Raising Cain, Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys by Dan Kindlon, PH.D.
- Date: 4-Thursdays on Oct. 5, 12, 19 & 26
- Time: 8:30-10 am or as soon as you can make it after drop-off.
- Location: Amelie's on North Davidson. Grab a yummy treat or drink at the counter, then join us for the discussion. We meet in the courtyard area through the back door of the restaurant.
- Alternative Viewing Option: Watch the PBS Home Video, Raising Cain, Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys
- RSVP: Let us know you are coming by emailing Michele Davis at [email protected]. We need a minimum of 4 confirmed attendee's to hold the discussion.
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Lunch payments can be made at
K12PaymentCenter.com
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t is not necessary to order your lunch in advance; however, if your child requires a special meal (gluten free or vegetarian) please let
Mrs. Malone
know in advance.
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Please turn in the Box Tops you have saved over the summer and start reaching out to family, friends, and maybe even your church or neighbors to collect Box Tops and raise money for the school this year.
We will have a promotion running until October 27 to see which class can bring in the most Box Tops.
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Drink Coke products? Great! Each Coke product has a code on it. Create a Coke account at
coke.com
and enter the codes on your Coke products. Make sure to donate the points to the school so we can earn money for valuable school supplies.
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If you are making a change to your child's afternoon dismissal, please make sure to complete the online transportation form NO LATER THAN 2:00 pm. After 2:00 pm, you must call the school and let Ms. Fulcher (LS) or Ms. Clinch (MS) know.
And don't forget, e
arly dismissal ends at 3:00 pm. If you arrive after 3:00 pm, you will be asked to wait to pick up your child until regular dismissal at 3:30 (LS) or 3:45 (MS).
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Don't forget to like Charlotte Lab School on Facebook. There is also a Charlotte Lab School Parents Page. This page is managed by parents and not visible on Facebook for security reasons, so if you want to join the group, please email the page administrator Nicole Bowen, and she will invite you to join.
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Please note that on days that your child is sick or absent, we ask that you email his/her homeroom teacher and our Front Office Managers
Stefanny Fulcher
(Lower School) or
Lauri Clinch
(Middle School) before 8:30 am. A note from parents (and a doctor's note, if applicable) is necessary and should be sent immediately and no longer than 3 days after the absence. Don't forget that our funding depends on our attendance the first 20 days of school, so please make every effort to ensure your child is at school.
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Be sure to sign up for Remind 101 and receive last minute reminder texts from Lab. Just text the correct code (below) to 81010. Be sure to sign up for the Entire School messages, plus the relevant grade levels and after school if applicable. Standard text rates do apply.
Entire School - @Fk2c2Kindergarten - @bea6hFirst Grade - @2a34d2nd Grade - @8g9ccd3rd Grade - @48h4474th Grade - @hea665th Grade - @43gf3d6th Grade - @4dha6After School - @labschoola |
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Parents are invited to celebrate their children's birthdays at school, and we ask that you follow these policies:
- Parents may join their child for lunch and bring a small treat to share with advisory to celebrate their child's special day.
- Birthday celebrations must be arranged IN ADVANCE with the child's advisor so that he/she knows when to expect you and can plan an alternative treat for those children who might not be able to enjoy what you bring.
- All treats must be NUT-FREE
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