JANUARY 8 - IN THIS ISSUE
WELCOME 2018
Dear Parents

It is hard to believe, but today we opened our general application period for our 2018/19 school year, which will be our 4th incoming class! I hope that you will share the Lab lottery application with any families that you know who may be interested in attending Lab. In addition to our new kindergartners, we have the opportunity to add 30+ 6th grade students, as our middle school will continue to accommodate 100 students per grade level. Please help us spread the word and share the info on our upcoming Open Houses to prospective families.

I also want to invite you to make a donation to our 2017/18 Lab Innovation Fund. As I wrote last month, January marks the official kick off of our annual fundraising, and our goal is to raise $275,000 by May 31 to support this year's operating budget. I am delighted to report that thanks to some early donations and pledges, we have already raised $128,853 (47%) toward our goal. Special thanks to these donors who made a gift and helped us start off strong.

Please keep your eyes open for upcoming events and activities related to our Innovation Fund, including a New Donor Challenge, Grandparents Day, Staff Challenge, Innovation Fund Gatherings, #WhyLab Campaign, and more. 

We depend on our family, friends, community, and private foundations to help fund many of the activities that make our school special and to provide an innovative learning environment.  Don't forget that Lab receives less than $7,000 per student from the state and county; yet, we spend more than $9,000 per student.  This year, money raised will  be directed toward t echnology, f acility upgrades, s taff development & retention, and other essential operating expenses.

Please take a moment to make a donation or pledge in one of the following ways:
Every gift matters, and I hope that every family will show support by making doantion of any size to the Lab Innovation Fund. 

Please feel free to contact me or Susannah Lund if you have any questions. 

Have a great week.

Sincerely,

Mary Moss Brown
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WELLNESS UPDATE FROM MRS. WHELAN
More tips for healthy living from our guest writer

GI Index and Your Health
 
The Glycemic Index (GI) tells us when a carbohydrate is healthy, and when it isn't, by providing a measure of how quickly your blood sugar rises after ingesting it. Each food is assigned a value on a scale of 0 - 100, based on how fast your blood sugar rises in the two hours after you consume the carb. The higher the number, the more quickly your blood sugar rises. The lower the number, the slower it rises.
 
Why this is important: Because the higher your blood sugar level, the greater amount of insulin released into your body. Too much insulin results in fat and weight gain, while diets with a lower overall GI, result in stable energy levels, suppressed appetite and leaner body mass.
 
Here's a breakdown of low, moderate and high GI foods:

Low GI Foods (55 or lower): 
  • Whole Grains: Oats, Flax Seed, Barley
  • Whole Fruit: Apples, Citrus Fruits, Cherries, Pears
  • Most vegetables (except carrots)
  • All Proteins and Fats
Moderate GI Foods (55 to 70):
  • Brown Rice, Potatoes, Corn and Peas
  • Bananas, Apricots, Mango, Papaya
High GI Foods (70 or more):
  • White Rice, Whole Wheat Bread, White Bread,
  • Candy, Sugar, Juice
  • Fibrous Carbs: Carrots
 
When consuming higher GI foods, pair them with low GI foods to lower the overall GI of a meal. This is accomplished by combining carbohydrates with proteins and fats, creating a well-balanced meal. 
 
Learn More:

PTSO GENERAL MEETING JAN 23
Our second trimester PTSO General Meeting is coming up on  Tuesday, January 23 at 6:30 pm  at the Lower School. This time, we are going to try something different, and we will use a similar format to the successful Coffee Talk with our Heads of School that we hosted in November. We heard from many of you that you would prefer an after-hours event and regular opportunities to meet--so now is your chance! Hope to see you there.
 
The meeting agenda includes:
  • Small group sessions with Dr. Moss Brown, Mrs. Tunick, Mrs. Johnson, and more (based on group sizes)!
  • Finance Report
  • Nominating Process for 2018-9 and Current Volunteer Needs
If you need childcare, please RSVP to  ptso@charlottelabschool.org  and indicate the number of children you'll drop off. Space is limited so please RSVP by  Wednesday, January 17. The cost is $5 per family (cash only, please) and healthy, nut-free snacks will be served (if your child needs more, please send it). 
 
Parking will be available at the Hal Marshall Annex lot at  618 N College St for this event. This lot is located just a block from the school. The best way to get there is to travel across the train tracks on E. 9th street, take a right at the light onto College St. and enter the lot on your right. IMPORTANT NOTE: The county staff have agreed to let us use their lot only on certain days and AFTER HOURS! Please do not park in this lot during the day, and be sure to park there only when you read in our e-newsletter that we have been given permission.
SPIRIT NIGHT - JANUARY 29
Mark your calendars for a Dining Night Out at Mama Ricotta's on Monday, January 29. Mama Ricotta's will be hosting Charlotte Lab School from 4:00- 8:30 pm, and 10% of sales will be donated back to our school making this an easy and fun way to have dinner and raise money. Mama Ricotta's is located at 601 South Kings Drive in Charlotte. Come out, bring friends and the entire family to dine in or  carry-out and support our school.  Hope to see you there!
ILLNESS PROCEDURES
Unfortunately, it is cold and flu season, and we ask that you keep in mind the following school policies when assessing whether your child should come to school:
  • Students must be fever-free and no vomiting for 24 hours; and/or
  • For bacterial infections (pink eye, ringworm, strep), prescribed medication must be administered for 24-48 hours before returning OR provide a doctor's note stating the child is able to return to school.
Contact the Front Office with any questions.
OPEN HOUSE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Remember when you were applying for you child to attend Charlotte Lab School?  You may have come to an Open House and learned all of the details that helped you decide whether Lab would be a great fit for your family. Well, now we can help other families learn more about Lab. Please sign up here for one (or more) of our 4 winter open house dates (2 Middle School, 2 Lower School). Open houses are a fun and easy way to give back to Lab and help out prospective families.
CHECKERS FAMILY FUN NIGHT
 
Come enjoy a night out with the Charlotte Checkers and Lab families on January 20! Tickets are $16 and $5 from every ticket will go directly back to the school. Purchase tickets here , and you will receive an electronic ticket. We hope to see you there!
ATTENTION 5TH & 6TH GRADE PARENTS
Do you ever wonder if you will survive the Middle School years--for a second time? Are you confused about what your Middle Schooler is really dealing with in 2017? Or, are you a 5th Grade parent ready to get a preview of what's ahead? If so, please join us for a discussion with Southeast Psych on  Current Trends with Middle School Kids.

Come hear about topics such as:
  • Normal Developmental Changes in Middle School
  • Current Mental Health Trends
  • Risk Factors / Behaviors
  • Parenting Tips
Details:
  • Date: Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 6:30-7:30 pm
  • Where: Middle School, 600 Seigle Ave.

  • Light Refreshments will be served! Please
    RSVP by Jan. 12 to Andrea Miller .
    HOLIDAY THANK YOUS
    In the hustle and bustle of December, we had so many volunteers and contributors show support for Lab and the community at large. 

    With the 3rd Annual Glove & Sock Drive, we gathered over 30 coats in addition to the hats, socks, gloves and scarves. Clothing was donated to The Center of Hope Shelter for Women and Children, who was very thankful for the support. Thank you to Megan Remsen, Akua Carraway, Meegan Whelan, and Sue Hawes for organizing this event.

    Recognition also goes to all of the families who contributed to the Staff Holiday funds; the gift cards given were greatly appreciated by our staff. Thank you to Christina Williams, Claire Lukens, Jaime Rentch, Natalie Osman, Siddhi Shah, and Jessica Moulton for being the collectors per grade; we couldn't have done it without you!

    And finally, thank you to those who provided gift cards towards the annual Holiday Helping Hands. Supporting our own Lab community is something we are proud of, and we are grateful for your generosity.

    FIELD TRIP ANNOUNCEMENTS
    There are a lot of upcoming field trips! Remember, if you prepaid for field trips, just circle "prepaid" on the permission slip. And even if you prepaid, we still need a signed permission slip for bus trips.   If you have not yet prepaid and wish to do so, you can pay online at K12paymentcenter.com or send in cash or check. You can send in $25, $50, or $75, and you will receive an accounting by trimester of your remaining balance.

    Take a look at our upcoming trips:

    Jan 9 Jazz, The American Experience
    3rd, 4th & 5th Grades
    Jan 17 Fire Station Visit Kindergarten
    Jan 19 Junior Achievement - JA Biztown 4th Grade
    Feb 6 Children's Theatre - And in This Corner, Cassius Clay 4th Grade
    Mar tbd Raptor Center 4th Grade
    Mar 13 Children's Theatre - The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe 3rd Grade
    Apr 11 Children's Theatre - Madagascar Musical Adventure 1st Grade
    Apr 23 Scrap Art Music
    4th, 5th & 6th Grades

    CALENDAR-AT-A-GLANCE
    Mon, Jan 8 2018/19 Application Period Opens
    Thu, Jan 11 New Families Open House (6th-7th) 6:30 PM
    Mon, Jan 15 MLK Day-Holiday
    Wed, Jan 17 Middle School Matters Se,minar 6:30 PM
    Sat, Jan 20 Checkers Spirit Night 6:00 PM
    Tue, Jan 23 PTSO General Meeting 6:30 PM
    Wed, Jan 24 New Families Open House (K-5th) 6:30 PM
    Mon, Jan 29 Mama Ricotta's Spirit Night 4:30 PM
    Mon, Feb 5 New Families Open House (6th-7th) 6:30 PM
    Feb 7 - 9 2nd grade COGAT Testing
    Wed. Feb 7 Time Out Youth Parent Presentation 6:00 PM
    Mon, Feb 12 2nd grade COGAT Testing make-ups
    Tue, Feb 13 New Families Open House (K-5th) 6:30 PM
    Tue, Feb 13 2nd grade COGAT Testing make-ups
    Wed, Feb 14 2nd grade COGAT Testing make-ups
    Wed, Feb 14 Valentines Class Parties
    Fri, Feb 16 School Holiday-No School
    Mon, Feb 19 President's Day-Holiday
    Tue, Feb 20 Teacher Workday-No School

    EXPLORE CLT
    We have a new feature in our weekly enewsletter thanks to our Student Recruitment Committee. Each week you will find a list of family-friendly events happening in and around Charlotte and even more reasons to Explore CLT.

    Date Event
    1/9-1/14 School of Rock (Ovens Auditorium )
    1/12-1/13 Charlotte Symphony Pops: John Williams Unlimited. (Belk Theater)
    1/12-1/28 Mr. Popper's Penguins (Children's Theatre)
    1/13-1/27 The Imaginators (Children's Theatre)
    1/13-1/28 Balloonacy (Children's Theatre)
    1/14 Sunday Fun Day: It's Elementary, Dear Artson (Mint Museum Uptown)
    1/15 Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Celebration (Levine Museum of the New South)
    1/15 Art, Poetry, Music: Celebrating Charlotte's Black Culture (Friendship Missionary Baptist Church)
    NEWS WORTH REPEATING
    All are welcome to attend our Lab School family engagement night focused on developing conversations with students around family diversity and supporting these ideals outside of the classroom. Assistant Director of School Outreach, Time Out Youth Center, Rebby Kern, will be joining us.
    • Who: Parents/Guardians at both LS and MS
    • Date: Wednesday, February 7, 6-7:00 pm
    • Where: Lower School, 301 E 9th Street

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    The new after school semester has begun. In addition to the T.A.P.S. program, we have a limited number of vendors providing after school classes at Lab. Please sign up directly with the after school provider:

    We will also be offering Girls on the Run, Let Me Run (boys)--more information will be coming soon.
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    Lab Middle School has  SPIRIT We are excited to announce that Charlotte Lab Middle School has a spirit rock! Families are invited to "rent" the Spirit Rock and paint it in honor of Lab related activities: birthdays, announcements, celebrations, recognizing an awesome staff member, or showing spirit for our sports teams. Reserve your date(s), pay for the rental, and find  sign-up details here .  Go Lions! 
     

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    Earlier in the year, we shared news of the new Oasis Rooms at the Lower and Middle Schools for students and staff to have a place to be mindful and practice being or becoming calm. These rooms have been a big success, and we're looking for a few more small donations including stress balls and other small tactile items. Please contact Tracey Rosenberg if you are interested in making a donation.

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    The Staff Appreciation committee held the 3rd annual 'Thanksgiving Pie' event with great success! Thank you to the many parents who volunteered to bake or buy a pie. With your support, we were able to gift over 65 pies to our wonderful staff, bus drivers, and partners at UNCC. A special thank you to Rachel Hidalgo for leading the efforts, and to Kris Goldbach, Merritt Tise, Jaime Rentch, Kristen Allen, and Rafael Hidalgo for spending the morning collecting and boxing the pies.

    Want your kids' candid picture in the yearbook? Have great photos from a school related activity? PLEASE upload it on the
    ReplayIt app . Download the app once (you will need it as long as your child is registered at LAB School) and upload your photos as you take them. Please tag the children in the photos and their grades. And, don't worry! There is still time to order your yearbook here .
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    We have posted our this month's Lunch menus. The Pizza Fundraiser (with pizza from Domino's or Papa John's) will now be the last Friday that we are in school, each month. 
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    We are so grateful to everyone who has donated items from our wish list. Teachers are still updating the list with current needs. Check out the items we still hope to receive, and see if there is anything that you are able to donate.
    Lunch payments can be made at  K12PaymentCenter.com . I 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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    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. 
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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 - @Fk2c2
  • Kindergarten - @bea6h
  • First Grade - @2a34d
  • 2nd Grade - @8g9ccd
  • 3rd Grade - @48h447
  • 4th Grade - @hea66
  • 5th Grade - @43gf3d
  • 6th Grade - @4dha6
  • After School - @labschoola
  • ____________________________________

    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
    Charlotte Lab School
    301 E. 9th Street
    Charlotte, NC 28202

    info@charlottelabschool.org

    General Info: 704-464-3830

     

    Teaching and Learning for the Next Generation