upcoming events

7:30 pm 8th Grade Band/Choir/Orchestra Concert

NO SCHOOL – Gr. 6-8, Advisor/Parent Conference Day

6:30 pm Middle School Jazz Band at Quad Club

7 pm Giant Gym Night, Gr. 5-6

7 pm Parents' Association Meeting

7:30 pm 7th Grade Band/Choir/Orchestra Concert

8:30 am N-4 Picture Re-Take Day

7 pm Grade 8 Parent and Student Meeting

8 am Lobby Sing

7:30 pm 6th Grade Band/Choir/Orchestra Concert

8 pm Middle School Fall Play, The Hobbit

6 pm Dewey Founders & DePencier Society Event

6 pm U-High Jazz Band Concert

8 pm Middle School Fall Play, The Hobbit

2 pm Middle School Fall Play, The Hobbit

8 am Middle School Picture Re-Take Day

NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Holiday

Grade 4 ERBs

Grade 3 ERBs

Lab After School Registration for Winter Quarter Begins

8:15 am Grades 6 and 8 ERB Standardized Testing

9 am Grades 6 and 8 ERB Standardized Testing

6 pm Last Day of Family and Parent & Tot Swim

10 am Grades 6 and 8 ERB Standardized Testing

6 pm PA High School Council Meeting

7 pm Grade 7-8 Parent-Parent with Evelina Pereria-Webber

8:15 am Grades 6 and 8 ERB Standardized Testing

Winter Quarter Tuition Due

contact info

>All Schools contact information here

>Submit news that Lab parents can use here

in the halls

		On the Same Page: Closing the "Gap" Director David Magill calculates the dollar difference between the average cost of a Lab education and the tuition and fees charged to families. With an interesting public school comparison, he addresses the philanthropic progress that has been made in the past few years at Lab. Continue >>
		Building Community with Medical Center and Physical Sciences Families Building a sense of community has always been important at Lab, but it has taken on new breadth as the Schools work to connect families with shared interests. Recognizing the large number of Lab families associated with the University of Chicago Medical Center and Physical Sciences Division (PSD), Lab held an October reception at the Smart Museum for those parents. The event featured remarks by Lab parent James L. Madara who serves as Chicago's V.P. for Medical Affairs, Dean of the Biological Sciences Division and the Pritzker School of Medicine, and Chief Executive Officer, University of Chicago Medical Center. Continue >>
		Student Art Takes Top Honors Lower school art teacher Illia Mazurek entered works of art by several of her students in the Cathedral District Children's Art Fair, held in September. Second grader Madeleine Ward-Schultz (a first grader when she created the print), won a first prize ribbon in the K-2 category with her Cake Creation, a three-color reduction print. Continue >>
		When Is a Rule a Rule? When fourth-grade teacher Stephanie Mitzenmacher shared her “no hats in the class” rule, she didn’t anticipate it would result in a student-driven, inquiry-based, philosophically-driven research project. But that’s what happened when a student asked, "How come I have to take off my hat when another student can wear a bandana?" That question served as the catalyst. Continue >>
		Lab's Halloween Mixes Math, Generosity, and Fun Halloween at Lab is a special celebration where costumes, pumpkins, and treats spill over into academics and community service. Among the many creative activities, costumed fourth graders in Nicole Power's class carved pumpkins while completing mathematical exercises around estimating weight, number of seeds and ribs, and calculating circumference. Continue >>
		E-News Thanksgiving Break Lab E-news is a bi-weekly newsletter for Lab parents. Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, Lab E-news will resume on November 29. Submit news that Lab parents can use here.

n/k & lower schools

Here at the Laboratory Schools, students take their first standardized tests in the fall of their third grade year and again in the fall of their fourth grade year. It is important to keep in mind that standardized tests are but one measure of a child’s academic progress. We use the Educational Records Bureau test, administered by homeroom teachers. Test results are used in conjunction with other forms of assessment to get a balanced picture of a child’s growth and development. Parents will be notified when test results are available.

Test dates for 3rd graders are Tuesday, November 27–Wednesday, December 5. Fourth grade test dates are Monday, November 26–Wednesday, December 5. Tests will be approximately one hour in length each day. Students should be sure to arrive at school on time and well rested, having eaten a healthy breakfast.

If you would like your child’s individual picture to be retaken or your child was not here on Picture Day, your child may be photographed on retake day, November 14. For retakes, just send in the original package (keep the group photo). For new orders, use the original order form that was sent home or pick one up in Blaine 103. Questions? Call Maria Carrillo at 312-360-0614 or Lisa Guynn at 312-861-1679.

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middle school

The main job of the dean is to support the growth and development of the students. The dean, along with counselors, teachers, and advisors, helps monitor students’ academic progress, as well as their social and emotional growth. Among my responsibilities are discipline, attendance, supervision, special events and assemblies, crisis management, community service, and clubs and organizations. The list is varied but contact me when there are issues concerning discipline, attendance, or a student’s schedule.

Please feel free to stop by my office in MS 166 or contact me with any questions or concerns that you may have regarding your Middle School student.

Allison Jones, dean of students

On Wednesday, November 14, at 7 pm in Judd 126, University High Principal Matt Horvatt, Dean of Students Larry McFarlane, and Middle School Principal Amani Reed will host a meeting for all eighth-grade students and their parents and guardians. In this informational meeting, we will talk about the transition into the High School, the ninth grade course of study, and the opportunities that exist for students at University High. We hope that you and your Middle Schooler will be able to join us for this exciting and informational meeting.

Working through an organization called Kiva, which helps groups connect with, and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world, the Humanities Team has made two micro loans. The first went to Genoveva Plua of Guayaquil, Equador to buy merchandise for her general store, and the second loan went to I Made Hermanto of Melaya, Bali to buy cattle to increase his income. These two loans will be paid back in 8-12 months and the team will reinvest the money in other entrepreneurs around the world.

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high school

The discipline review board is holding elections this week for students and faculty. The board consists of four High School teachers and four High School students. The board was created in 2001 at the request of the Lab Schools Board of Directors. Since its inception the disciplinary board has met to hear grievances brought by high school students who are involved in a major disciplinary infraction. Students may elect to go before the board to present their case if they are not satisfied with the disciplinary decision of the High School principal. The review board has proved an effective tool, and there has never been a situation where the principal or the director of the Schools overturned the recommendations of the board.

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community

Stuart Lucas, Chairman of Lab's Development Committee, and Sarai Hoffman, Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations, will make a presentation entitled, Bridging the Gap and Building a Future: Serving Our Children Through Philanthropy to Lab. The meeting will take place from 7-8:30 pm. in Judd 126.

The Middle School Fall Play, The Hobbit, will be performed on Friday and Saturday nights, November 16 and 17, at 8 pm and on Sunday, November 18, at 2 pm in Blaine 214. Tickets go on sale in the cafeteria during the Middle School lunch periods, beginning Thursday, November 8. In order to be as fair as possible, individual students may purchase only two tickets at a time. Payment may be made by cash or check, payable to The University of Chicago Lab Schools. Tickets cost $5.00.

You are cordially invited to our Lobby Sing on Thursday, November 15 at 8-8:30 am in Blaine Lobby.

Families should receive winter quarter tuition bills from the University's Office of the Bursar this week. Winter quarter tuition is due on Friday, November 30 and can be paid by mail in the envelope provided, in person at the Bursar's Office, or online. If you have questions about payment procedures please contact Sandy Hrstich , the Laboratory Schools' Registrar, at 773-702-5884.

Who: Students Grades 3-6
When: Saturdays, January 5-26, February 2-16
Where: Kovler and Sunny Gyms
Registration deadline is December 15. Register for Basketball. Register for Soccer.

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