SEPTEMBER 12, 2016 - IN THIS ISSUE
A BIG DAY AT LAB
What better way to start the week than opening our new playground, today! By all accounts, it is a huge hit. Each class had a chance to climb, spin, hop, balance, run, tumble, and even relax in the new space. And, some of our PE and after school classes used the new turf for football and soccer. 

Once again, we want to recognize our more than 250 families and friends who made this possible. Thanks to the generosity of so many, we raised just over $130,000, and we were able to afford everything in our plans, plus some necessary extras including much-needed drainage improvements, shading, and a new fence. We are moving forward with Phase 2 of the project, which includes the stage and hangout zone. We expect this phase to move fairly quickly once the engineering drawings have been approved by the county. (Fingers crossed that will come through soon.)

Opening day for the playground also coincides with another one of my goals for the year, which is to share more Lab School stories and pictures with our parents. Many of you see our Facebook posts, but we know that isn't always the easiest way to receive information. Today, we have launched a Lab School blog so that we can capture and share the amazing work that our students and faculty are doing. Our first post features a few pictures from today's opening day on the playground.

Enjoy, and stay tuned for more stories coming your way!

Sincerely,

Dr. Mary Moss Brown
Head of School
INDEPENDENCE DAY AT LAB
To all of our parents who walk, or park & walk, in the morning...you knew this day was coming! (Well, if you are new to the school, perhaps you didn't.) Next Monday is Independence Day at Lab, which means it is time to encourage your child to be independent and walk into the school & classroom without you. It is not that we don't love seeing you every morning...we do! But for the safety and security of the students, not to mention making every effort to start school on time, we ask you to wave goodbye to your child at the student entrance without entering the school.

So don't forget, starting next Monday:
  • Drop your child at the Student Entrance (not the Visitor Entrance);
  • If parents need to enter the school, you must do so through the Visitor Entrance (front office) and sign in through Lobby Guard; and 
  • Be proud of your child and his/her growing independence.
CURRICULUM NIGHT - NEXT TUESDAY
Please join us for Curriculum Night on Tuesday, September 20, from 6:00-8:00 pm. You will have the chance to spend a "day in the life at CLS" and learn more about what your child is learning in each class, participate in a "training" on our new platform -- Seesaw, and meet other parents. Note, t his is a night for parents, only. You will be rotating through different classes and teachers, so please arrive on time, if possible.
USED OR NEW TVs NEEDED
We are still hoping to outfit a few of our classrooms and enrichments centers with additional TVs. If you are thinking of replacing your existing TV, please consider donating your used one to Lab. Email Mitch Carraway for more information.
NEWS FROM THE PTSO 
PTSO GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
The first PTSO General Meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 27 from 6:00-8:00 pm. The agenda will include the following:
  • School Update from Dr. Moss Brown,
  • Budget Review,
  • School Directory Presentation, 
  • Volunteer Opportunities,
  • Used Uniform Sale and Spirit Wear Sale, and
  • Book Fair from 4:30-6:00 pm!
If you need childcare, please RSVP to [email protected] and indicate the # of children you'll drop off. Space is limited so please RSVP by Wednesday, September 21. The cost for each child is $5 (cash only, please) and healthy, nut-free snacks will be served (if your child needs more, please send it). Look out for an update on parking in next week's newsletter.

We could also use your assistance helping at our Used Uniforms and Spirit Wear tables. Email Nola McClure if you're interested in helping at this meeting and/or at other events throughout the school year.

ROOM PARENTS NEEDED
Beginning this year, Lab Room Parents will be recruited by grade level. This will ensure that all teachers have coverage for school activities, as well as promote an equitable and systematic approach to supporting our staff. Roles for each grade are: Communications Coordinator, Field Trips Coordinator, Event Coordinator, and Green Folder Coordinator. Please use this link to learn more about each role and sign up as a volunteer!

BOOK FAIR IS COMING!  VOLUNTEER SIGN UP!
We are hosting a Scholastic Book Fair September 26-30, and we need volunteers to make it a success. Volunteers will work the cash register, help children select books, and straighten the books after the kids leave.  Sign up here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wed, Sep 14, 2016 BOG - Third Grade
Thu, Sep 15, 2016 BOG Make Up - Third Grade
Tue, Sep 20, 2016 Curriculum Night 6:00 PM
Fri, Sep 23, 2016 Teacher Workday- NO CLASSES
Mon, Sep 26, 2016 Book Fair Week 8:00 AM
Tue, Sep 27, 2016 PTSO General Meeting 6:30 PM
Fri, Sep 30, 2016 Donuts with Dad 7:45 AM
NEWS WORTH REPEATING
Last chance to sign up for After School Programs is this Friday, September 16.  Sign up here
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Check out all of the ways that you can  Earn Money for Lab on our website , including Harris Teeter, Publix, Lands' End, Mabels Labels, and Amazon Smiles.

And, don't forget that each year, you must relink your VIC card in order to have shopping proceeds benefit the school. Our number is 3190. If you don't have time or energy to do this, feel free to  email Zoe Balsamo with your card number or phone number that you use at check out, and she will be happy to do it for you.
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Absence Procedures: On days that your child is sick or absent, please email his/her homeroom teacher and our Front Office Manager Stefanny Wilches 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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Looking for something fun for your child on our next Teacher Work Day on September 23? Children's Theatre has created mini camps exclusively for Charlotte Lab students.  The mini camps will be offered 9:00 am-4:00 pm at ImaginOn, with pick up and drop off at the Mezzanine Level check-in desk.  Use this private link to register for Charlotte Lab families.  
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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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Transportation Changes must be made by 2:00 pm, and this includes letting us know about early pickup. If you are picking up your child early, you must arrive in the front office by 3:30 pm. No exceptions, please. If you arrive after 3:30 pm, you will be redirected to the student entrance to pick up your child with regular dismissal.
Charlotte Lab School
301 E. 9th Street
Charlotte, NC 28202

[email protected]

General Info: 704-464-3830

 

Teaching and Learning for the Next Generation