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upcoming events

April 3

12:30 p.m. HS—A Talk on Poverty

6 p.m. High School Council Meeting

April 4

7 p.m. Giant Gym Night, Grades 7-8

11 p.m. Parents' Association Nominations Deadline

April 8

7 p.m. Lower School Reading Presentation

April 9-11

Junior Retreat

April 10

11:30 a.m. Middle School Chamber Winds Concert

April 11

World Language Day

8:15 a.m. Grade 6 to 7 Transition Meeting for students & parents

7 p.m. 7th Grade Dance

April 14

7 p.m. Parents' Association Meeting

April 15

Summer Lab 2008 Early Bird Registration Deadline

7:30 p.m. 7th Grade Band/Choir/Orchestra Concert

April 17

7:30 p.m. Middle School Chamber Winds Concert

April 18

NO SCHOOL–Faculty In-Service Day

April 24

7:30 p.m. Author Daniel Pink



contact info

>All Schools contact information here

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in the halls



Look for Your Letter from Director David Magill
A letter about Laboratory Schools’ Master Plan was mailed to all Lab families on April 1. It gives details about an unprecedented moment in Lab’s history to give our teachers and students the resources, spaces, and educational environment they need to strengthen teaching and learning at Lab.

Author Daniel Pink Visits Lab on April 24
Author Daniel Pink will be visiting the Laboratory Schools on Thursday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m. in Judd 126 to speak to the Lab community. His book, A Whole New Mind, Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future, was selected by Laboratory Schools' faculty as the book to read and discuss at the beginning of the 2007–2008 school year. For a taste of his work, see this brief You Tube presentation and read this excerpt from his book introduction.

Hallways a Place of Study
As part of the Lower School study of history, each month the walls of the Blaine stairways host an exhibition devoted to the achievements of a different group of people. March was Women's History Month, and students, including those in Kathy Piane's second grade class, took to the hallways to do research on the many achievements of women in history.
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Senior to Represent US in Squash Championship
Senior Nick Sisodia, '08, has been selected to represent the United States under-19s in the World Men's Squash Championships in Zurich, Switzerland this summer. Nick's seventh-place finish in the United States National Championships earned him this honor. Nick was also selected US Most Improved Player over the past year, earning him the William T. Ketchum Award.

n/k & lower schools


From the Principals: In the Spring

The spring quarter is that wonderful time of year when much of the work that has been going on in our classrooms comes to fruition. One example is a mapping project that has taken place in third-grade classrooms.
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First Annual Lab Grandparents and Grandfriends Day, Friday, May 2

RSVPs for your N/K or Lower School child's grandparents or special friends are now being accepted at 773-702-4083, via email, or online. Contact Monica Wilczak in Lab's Development Office, 773-702-2051, with any questions.

Lower School Hours

This is a reminder that the school day for Lower School students (grades 1–4) is as follows:

Monday through Friday—School begins at 8:30 a.m. for all grades. Classrooms are open at 8:20 a.m. We ask that you make every effort to have students arrive on time so that they may fully benefit from our instructional program.

Dismissal:
Grades 1 & 2—M, W, Th, Fr–2:20 p.m.; Tu–1:20 p.m.
Grades 3 & 4—M, W, Th–3:20 p.m.; Tu, Fr–2:20 p.m.

Lower School Reading Presentation,
Tuesday, April 8, 7 p.m., Judd 126

Teachers will discuss new research in the field of teaching reading, reading behaviors, word identification strategies, types of texts used, teaching comprehension, and the important role that the Library plays in our overall literacy program. Our goal is that you will come away from this evening with an even greater knowledge and appreciation of how we support and encourage "every child in the process of becoming a fully competent, fully engaged reader."

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middle school


From the Principal: First 100 Days Recap

I would like to thank Trish Fahey and Tony Shaw for organizing the "First 100 Days Symposium." We had a number of families attend this event at which Allison Jones and I answered questions submitted ahead of time and those presented by the families in attendance.
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Eighth Grade Concert Date Change—Now April 29

The eighth grade spring concert, originally scheduled for April 24, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 29. Starting time and location remain the same, 7:30 p.m. at Mandel Hall. This change facilitates rescheduling guest speaker, author Daniel Pink, whose original visit was cancelled due to weather. The new scheduling allows families to attend both events. We apologize for any inconvenience. Contact Allison Jones or Brad Brickner with questions.

Grade Level Transition Meetings

The purpose of the transition meeting is for students and their families to get a sense of what their child will experience the following year, to outline the differences between the grade the students are currently in and the grade they will be in, and to give families an opportunity to hear from some of the faculty members, the dean of students, the counselor for the grade level, and our learning consultant. There will be an opportunity to ask questions.

Grade 4 to 5: April 16, 7–9 p.m., Judd 126
Grade 5 to 6: May 14, 8:30–9:30 a.m., Judd 126
Grade 6 to 7: April 11, 8:15–9 a.m., location TBA
Grade 7 to 8: April 25, 8:15–10:15 a.m., Judd 126

Seventh Grade Camp—Pretty Lake

On Wednesday, April 16, the seventh grade will gather at 10 a.m. in Judd 126 to talk about their upcoming trip to the Adventure Centre (Pretty Lake) in Mattawan, MI. Parents and guardians are welcome to join the students to learn more about this outdoor adventure education program that the class will be participating in from May 13–16. If you have any questions, please contact Middle School Assistant Principal, Allison Jones.

Eighth Grade Post-Graduation Dance Rescheduled

The dance has been shifted from Tuesday, June 10, to Wednesday, June 11. This change was made to allow families to celebrate the achievement of graduation from Middle School together. Details about this and other graduation events will be arriving as we approach the end of the year.

Lost and Found Moved

We have moved the lost and found to a coat rack outside of Belfield 161. Please check to see if your Middle School student has left anything behind.

Sixth Grade Camp Starts April 28

Sixth Grade Camp begins on Monday, April 28 and ends on Friday, May 2. Forms that need to be filled out and returned to your child's advisor or Mrs. Kogelman are available here. Please review the information on the student contract with your child. We also request that you complete the medical information forms. Also included is a packing list of needed, optional, and do-not-bring items.

If you have any questions or concerns about Sixth Grade Camp, please contact Mrs. Kogelman via email, at work 773-902-9447 or in the evening at home 815-254-6418.

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high school


FlavaFest—Saturday, April 5

On Saturday, April 5 from 10–2:30, the High School will sponsor FlavaFest the annual diversity day for students. Now in its fourth year, the event originated with students who participated in the People of Color Conference (POCC) who wanted to share the experiences that they had at the conference. This year students organizing the event will include U-High graduates who worked on previous FlavaFest's, students from the University, and students from other public and independent schools. The day will include speaker Rodney Glasgow (a POCC facilitator), activities inspired by this year's POCC, and an opportunity to discuss issues in small groups.

Junior Retreat, April 9–11

On Wednesday morning, April 9 the junior class will leave for the annual junior retreat at the Resurrection Center in Woodstock. Besides having an opportunity to bond as a class and to have a break from classes, students will also engage in a variety of team building activities meant to foster a strong sense of class cohesion as the they start the college process. Students will return by 4 p.m. on Friday, April 11.

National High School Math Exam

Thirteen U-High students were selected to take the National Invitational Math Exam on Wednesday, April 2. The selection process for this exam was based on scores that students received on the National Math Exam offered in the fall. Students who perform well on this exam will have the opportunity to take a six-question exam over a two-day period.

Congratulations to the Science Team

The U-High Science team won first place at the Sectional Academic Challenge created and administered by Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE) and offered to high school students in Illinois and Missouri. The team is now qualified for the State competition in April. Congratulations to all members of the WYSE Team for a job well done.

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community


April 15 Last Day for Summer Lab Early Bird Discount

Not only is April 15 the last day to get your taxes done, but it is also the last day to take advantage of Summer Lab 2008’s Early Bird Discount of $100 off registrations of $1,000 or more, or 10 percent off registrations of $999 or less. Completed registration materials and full payment must be received by 4:30 p.m. on April 15 to qualify for the discount. If you haven’t gotten around to planning your child’s summer just quite yet, we invite you to reacquaint yourself with the wide variety of programming available at Summer Lab 2008.

Summer Sizzle: Adventure Kids Day Camp

Adventure Kids Day Camp is a three- or six-week, full-day camp experience for students entering grades 1–8. Surrounded with creative, intriguing, and meaningful group activities that keep them engaged, excited, and committed throughout the days and weeks, campers learn cooperation, trust, and team building skills. Twice weekly field trips to Chicagoland’s top attractions, along with camp-spirit days, reinforce the values of Adventure Kids Day Camp—enthusiasm, positive outlook, and commitment to your fellow camper. Nearly 200 campers joined us last summer. Have we signed up your Adventure Kid?! Information and registration for Adventure Kids Day Camp and all Summer Lab 2008 offerings are currently available online.

Connections 2008 Photo Album

Thank you Lab Community for your support of Connections 2008! See a slide show of photos from this fabulous annual event.

Spring Quarter Tuition is Due

In order to ensure the proper processing of student records during the Spring Quarter as well as next year's registration, families are encouraged to finalize their 2007-08 tuition balance no later than April 15. If you have questions about your student's balance please contact Lab Registrar, Sandy Hrstich.

School Walk for Diabetes, May 9

The Middle School will participate in this fundraiser walking event to benefit the American Diabetes Association and the 20.8 million American adults and children who cope with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Join us at noon in Kenwood Mall. Our fundraising goal is $6,000.