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May 2003 Newsletter
 
Letter to Parents

Can you believe we are in the final weeks of the school year? It is going fast, but we look forward to all of the end-of-year activities and look back with fondness on the great stuff that has happened in recent weeks.

More Than Earth Day

Even with the cold weather Tuesday, April 22, we celebrated Earth Day, a national day of remembering the stewardship entrusted to us to take complete care of Mother Earth. In many ways, however, this day represented more than it had intended. To some degree, this event symbolized a piece of who we are as a lower school and perhaps what we could yet be. The key components included:

• Cooperative planning in curriculum development. Environmental education coordinator Jim Doyle has worked extremely hard and extremely well with lower school teachers to further develop the foundation for an extraordinary outdoor curriculum. Thus, last Tuesday's plans and activities included: work with establishing bat houses (K) after extensive research and exploration of these flying mammals; enhancement of the butterfly garden (1) as the study of butterflies results in ways to attract and protect them; further beautification of the Peace Garden (2) by planting a flowering dogwood tree; beginning the spring vegetable garden (3) as these children immerse themselves in garden science throughout the spring; establishing bluebird boxes (4) in a serious pursuit of increasing this diminishing species; retrieving over 100 pounds of trash around campus (5) as our older students have come to appreciate the natural resources through the early grade experiences. The fifth grade year-long Eyewitness Program in grade five that puts them in the woods for interdisciplinary studies about twice per month.
• Community beyond ourselves. Earth Day wasn't about a particular grade level or small pocket of students. The entire lower and middle schools joined together for exploration and celebration. Upper school juniors and seniors from the Operation New World class led multi-age groups on nature-related scavenger hunts. The day ended with a challenge to look beyond this campus.
• A challenge to make a difference. Stewardship of the earth is not just a nice thing to do. It is a necessity. It is smart. It is responsible. An appreciation for our natural world begins when one is young and can result in sensible care and leadership as one gets older. Why study and appreciate anything if it's not going to, in the long run, benefit our immediate and global society? There is a moral obligation in what we do.
• Celebration and enjoyment. There is reason to celebrate and live with a measure of joy even in our uncertain world.

Earth day also reminded me of what we could be some day: a leader in environmental studies using the outdoors to strengthen writing, mathematics, the arts, sciences and inter-disciplinary studies; a leader in institutional practices that are environmentally friendly, beneficial and unique; a producer of leaders who are sparked to become environmental engineers, lawyers, research scientists, biologists, ethicists and artists in a broad field that is increasingly important to all.

A Morning at LRA

One morning last week I spent 90 minutes simply visiting classes and exploring the lower school world. I do this every so often, trying to have the mindset of an informed visitor. Getting to every class for 5-10 minutes, I ask, "As a visitor, what do my observations tell me about this teacher, these students, our philosophy, this school community?" As I share just a few highlights of a typical hour-and-a-half at school, it's not earth-shattering, nor should it be. As with Earth Day, this any day is a small sample of who we are and what we are about.

• Being briefed by their homeroom teachers in the lobby were all of the fourth grade students eager to learn about hiding Easter eggs for their kindergarten buddies. Not only was candy in each of these plastic eggs, but also a message - directions for action (doing a little dance, turning, singing, jumping eight times, etc.). The message, however, was in French! After hiding the eggs on the playground, our 10-year-olds guided their six-year-olds with the seriousness of a young dad assisting his first born with a science project! "You'll love this!" one said on his way out the door. "And not only will you get a lot of candy, but we will get to..." A great plan from the French teacher in collaboration with others. Most of the French vocabulary was familiar to the youngest, but it took the oldest to actually read it and both to carry out the fun instructions.
• At the west end of the hallway, three first graders were pushing Lego-built vehicles as far as they could make them go. Next step - to measure and record the distance, then do it again. In the child's mind, the goal was to go the farthest (and then brag to me about it!). The teacher's plan? To experience the concept of one meter or two meters or five-and-a-half meters, etc.
• Bat houses were in the process of being built in kindergarten. These are substantial bat houses, the best ones that research points to as successful. This is a huge undertaking for our youngest children on campus (and their teachers) and could just as easily be a project for upper school. Our youngest children have been assembling these with real tools, painting with exterior house paint, and, most of all, learning all about the various bats, their eating habits and habitats. This bat project began two months ago with a guest bat expert. The children in both K and 1st have been so enthused, this topic has been the center of reading, writing and research.
• Grade two students were engaged in writing workshop, a place where stories develop over time, along with writing technique. We have some wonderful authors! I also noticed the biographies of famous people these students have researched, written and presented - people that have made a difference in the world. I was reminded listening in on a few of those presentations two weeks earlier. Many children became the character for a few moments in time as guests in the classroom, answering questions as the teacher video taped them.
• Some second graders were meeting with Mr. Hart, our drama teacher, to work out their original variation of Cinderella that they will later present to the lower school.
• Class meetings were taking place in some rooms. So much to share about the weekend! This daily exercise gives children practice in expression, listening, waiting, making affirming comments and offering insightful questions.
• In general music, fifth graders hammered out complex rhythm patterns on their legs, in synch, while reading/singing accompanying words. As somewhat of a non-musician, I didn't really understand this until I dropped in ten minutes later and each student was transferring that rhythmic pattern to two large drums. They sounded great!
• As a "visitor," I couldn't help but notice the plants growing under lights in the third grade rooms. Students can identify each type of lettuce, which has grown amazingly quickly in the past two weeks. A child-produced bulletin board outside the class is growing also, and will display their progress and discoveries. The third graders' spring revolves around a garden theme incorporating math, science, literature, French, art and computer.
• The solar system in the hallway cannot be missed. With the help of their teachers and Jim Doyle, third graders built this model to scale, showing relative distances and sizes. Other students have been very respectful of this work and have rarely given in to the temptation of jumping up to hit it when walking down the hallway!
• A casual observer might have missed the upper school sophomore student working on a story with a third grader, listening and advising. While I was visiting a first grade classroom, one of our seniors returned with two young children, books in hand. Off reading together -- what could be better? Would it not strike anyone as remarkable that both of these older students were young men and they, along with twenty other upper students, volunteer their beloved free time to do this? Even the kindergartners would tell you you'd have to be blind as a bat to not think this was the greatest part of a K-12 campus.
• One first grade class was rehearsing an upcoming K/1 play. The Three Piggy Opera involves singing, speaking and blocking, not to mention a familiar story of ordinary creatures outsmarting a piggy's worst nightmare. All are invited to enjoy this evening performance on May 15.

These examples are but a fraction of what can be observed in a slice of an ordinary day. The list, of course, could easily be multiplied many times over.

Grandparents Day was Successful
On April 14 Grandparents and other friends began their visit with a presentation about LRA, using an LRA video and a tour of the LRA Website. The afternoon was then spent in classrooms with grandchildren collaborating on activities, sharing stories, exploring the school and enjoying a snack. A special day for all who participated! Please know that I'm taking suggestions about this annual event. How can we make it even better? Do shoot me an email if you have thoughts on that subject: whitemanj@lakeridgeacademy.org

A Poem in Our Pockets
What a fun day this past Tuesday was as every lower school student and staff member kept a poem ready to share on demand for anyone who asked. Great poems, terrific idea. Thanks to Mrs. D'Amato for organizing this day!

Congratulations!!
Congratulations are extended to fourth grader Michael Plecha! He entered the State Fire Marshall's poster contest on fire safety. Out of thousands entered across the state, Michael's poster was one of twelve selected for presentation on the annual fire safety calendar. We will have that on display in the fall when the calendar's are printed.

Third grader Pamela Keller, along with classmates and a few hundred other children from Lorain County, submitted an original story to be judged in the Young Authors Program. Pamela's was selected as one of the "top ten" which is quite an honor. When various young authors from around the county gather at LCCC in May, Pamela and nine other student authors will be recognized and will have a prominent place on the stage with visiting children's author Sandra Phillipson (and her dogs Max and Annie).

French teacher Heather Cannon gave birth to a son, Jack. We wish her and her growing family well! Mrs. Barb Ridel took over for Mme. Cannon beginning April 14. The children know Mme. Ridel and have experienced a smooth transition thus far.

The K-12 instrumental music concert Wednesday night was quite impressive! Congratulations to our lower school fourth and fifth stringer along with a few in Kindergarten, first and second! You all were awesome!

For the Birds?
Over the last two years, 76 species of birds have been spotted on or over the LRA campus. I was certainly sorry I wasn't with Mr. Lebauer's class when Mr. Adams took them out to check the bluebird boxes a few days ago. Not only were they greatly encouraged by the blue birds spotted, but a bald eagle at the pond served as an extremely rare treat!

Tomorrow
Please do plan to join us for the Fine Arts Fest from 1-4 Saturday. Your child's work will be on display and musical presentations will be enjoyed. A special tribute to Headmaster Joe Ferber will be held in the Kiva from 2:00 - 3:00.

We Want YOU at Breakfast Next Week!
So many of our parents volunteer so faithfully throughout the year. If you have volunteered in any capacity this year, please join us for breakfast May 7 at 8:00 a.m. One reason you should attend is that this breakfast in not a few donuts and juice. Your division head chefs Kevin Michael, Stanley Way and Yours Truly will be flipping hot cakes and other morning specialties onto your plates. You don't want to miss it! Please join us so we can say thank you and enjoy your company.

Last Day of School
There will be an end-of-year celebration of sorts as we wrap up the school year June 11. Parents are invited to join us for our final assembly at 10:00. The day officially ends at noon. Extended Day will be available in the afternoon.

Care to Check Out Movies Before Your Child Views Them?
Check out Screen It! for entertainment reviews at www.screenit.com.

May your spring be fantastic!

Jim Whiteman

General Music
by Martha Peck

The Kindergarten and First Grade work continues to reinforce beat, pitch matching through simple songs, and movement. We have explored locomotor and non-locomotor movement using songs. Locomotor movement is movement that travels through space: walk, run, skip, gallop, jump, leap, and hop. Non-locomotor movement is movement, which happens in your place-no traveling through space: swing, sway, stretch, twist, bend, and swivel. This exploration of movement helps the children move freely and expressively to orchestral music. Songs help teach beginning group dance. The Kindergarten and First Grade have been very busy learning the songs for The Three Piggy Opera that they will present on May 15.

The Second and Third Grades have been active learning "long ways set" dances drawn from the folk traditions of North America and the British Isles. The dances are fun and the music is joyous. The dancers experience cooperation with others while having a genuinely good time. These are 'social dances' that have been used for generations to bring people together in a spirit of celebration and respect for each other.

The Second Grade is currently studying reading music rhythms by singing, saying, and playing the rhythms on instruments. They will soon be writing the rhythms from dictation, which will take place in a game.

The Third Grade is busy playing an ostinato accompaniment on the xylophone while singing. They are excited about learning how to play the melody of the song and are busy helping each other. They are beginning to sing in harmony with rounds and partner songs (two or more songs that are separate songs which can be sung simultaneously to create harmony).

The Fourth and Fifth Grades are learning many different rounds. They are singing them and accompanying them on the xylophones and learning how to play the melodies as well. "Boomwhackers" (tuned tubes) add a fun element to playing the accompaniment and the melody. They are now ready to take ownership and decide how to arrange the performance of the round. What kind of introduction shall we have? How will we hear the song first (sung or played)? What kind of accompaniment (xylophones, boomwhackers, a cappella)? Shall we have an instrumental interlude? The possibilities are endless.

The Fourth Grade is taking a break from singing and playing rounds and is learning colonial dances in preparation for the Reenactment taking place on May 16. The goal is to learn the Virginia Reel.

Instrumental Music Minutes
from Cynthia Bush

CONGRATULATIONS to all our instrumentalists who performed on the All School Instrumental Concert last evening, April 30th! The performance went so well!

Students grades K - 12 participated, 95 in all, in a program of music shared across grade levels. Performing in Bettcher were the Mini Musicians, Cadet Strings, Intermediate Strings, Sixth Grade Senior Ensemble, Seventh Grade Master Ensemble, Eighth Grade Marvelous Musicians, Upper School Chamber Ensemble and Upper School Camerata. Students are celebrating in strings classes this week with ice cream sundaes.

Congratulations also go to our musicians who are members of the Northern Ohio Youth Orchestras! Their final concert for the season was Sunday, April 13, 2003 at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. We are proud of all 8 of you! (Noel Breuer, violin; Stephan Schneider, cello; Ellen Klemme, violin; Sierra Grasso, violin;Yasmin Saaka, violin;Theresa Guo, cello, E.B. Fouts, harp; and Anna Volk, saxophone.)

MORE MUSIC TO COME! Saturday, May 3rd is the Fine Arts Fest here at LRA from 1:00 - 4:00 PM. A special art show will be on display around campus of art from all our students. A sampling of the arts and a reception for Mr. Ferber are planned for 2:00 PM in the Kiva. In addition, a music recital is being held at 3:00 PM in Mrs. Crooker's room. A number of Lower School students will be participating, as well as Middle and Upper School students and graduating seniors. Please stop in and celebrate the arts with us.

May 16th the Intermediate Strings will be playing at the Colonial Reenactment. They will be playing the "Barn Dance" and "Fiddles on Fire" out by the pond, weather permitting.

May 17th and 18th our Intermediate Strings join the strings in grades 6, 7, and 8 for a weekend trip to Ashland University for the Ashland Spring String Wing-Ding. Over 400 string players from Northeast Ohio gather to form 4 large orchestras and work with guest clinicians from Michigan University and Ohio State University. After 2 days of fun and rehearsals they present a concert for parents. The weekend also includes excellent food, an evening dance with a sound and light show, outside basketball, a trip to the bookstore and activities.

Our Upper School Strings will be learning unedited string quartet music this June as part of the Upper School' s Spring Project seminars. They will be delving into works by many composers and giving a mini performance at the end.

SUMMER IS COMING! Lower School strings will continue to the end of the year. I would really like to encourage all those who played this year to take their instruments home over the summer and keep playing. Our bulletin board in the Fine Arts Building contains many summer music camps and events for students of all ages. I will also be sending home a list of private teachers in the area who offer single and group lessons. Taking even a few lessons over the summer weeks helps keep all we covered this year fresh for the fall.

This has been a terrific year so far for our Instrumental Music Dept. Every one of our students is special with a talent to share! Bravo!

NOTES FROM ART CLASS
Ann Bort

First, second and fourth graders have woven this year in a variety of ways. The weaving curriculum starts in kindergarten where they learn how to yarn weave on small, simple looms just for the experience. From first grade on, every student learns how to warp their own loom to get it ready for weaving. Each year, everyone learns new weaving methods and incorporates previously learned weaves.
In the first grade, everyone learns how to weave rows of contrasting colors and how to start and stop them. In second grade we start with rows and then learn a split weave, a locked weave and a looped weave. They learn how to combine these in many ways. In third grade, the locked weave is used again to create a design in their Navajo weavings. By fourth grade they are ready to experiment. The weavings that they do are found object weavings in which they combine yarns, fabrics, natural fibers, and plastics to weave a 3-dimensional non-conventional textural weaving.
During there individual weaving, many students have a chance to weave on a full sized four harness loom.
K and First grade have been working on some surprises for the Fine Arts festival. You will have to come to find out what they have been up to.
.The second grade classes are in the middle of creating clay flowers and leaves to be used in their Peace Garden.
The third grade class are now working on a woodworking project as they make Hopi Kachina Dolls. They not only learn simple woodworking skills during this project but also how to plan ahead, work with fabric, and control the small details that identify their individual Kachina.
The fourth graders have just finished working on watercolor paintings in the style of Marc Chagall based on their dreams
The fifth grade classes just finished learning about shading a sculpture that they built out of Zolo blocks with color pencils while colors. This project took a lot of concentration to figure out how to shade in values to create volume. Many of the children were surprised at how realistic they were able render their drawings.

Just a reminder that the FINE ARTS FEST will be this Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 in the Fine Arts building. Come join us for the day.

DRAMA CLASS NEWS
Dana Hart

In the Second Grade, The Cinderella Project will continue through June 4. We have chosen four variations on the Cinderella story. Mrs. Way's class will present Cindy Ellen, a country western Cinderella and an ancient version of the story from Greece and Egypt, which tells the tale of the slave Rhodipus and her golden slippers. Mrs. West's class will present the traditional Charles Perrault Cinderella with fairy godmother and glass slipper and also Ya-Shen, the oldest known version of the story from China. All four stories will be presented as a dinner theatre performance on the June 4 in the BCC. All parents and friends are invited that evening. If you are interested in helping with costumes, props, and backstage help or just want more information please contact Mr. Hart at the school or at home 440-234-5058.

Third Grade Drama are presenting The Garden Show on June 3. This will include three elements: garden songs, a garden of verses and scene work from James and the Giant Peach. Members of the Garden Show will perform a song and poem from the show during art fest tomorrow, May 3 in the Kiva at 2:00 PM. Contact Mr. Hart for details.


NURSES' NOTES
Cathy Hongosh RN,
Meg Boyer RN,
School Nurses

With warm days becoming more frequent, we have seen an increase in our "recess visits" in the nurse's office. These visits usually require nothing more than a bandaid or an ice pack. If we do not see any visible sign of injury, or the area is a simple scrape, we will not send a note home. If your child bumps his/her head, we will send a note so you can observe them for 24 hours.

We also are beginning to see allergy symptoms. It seems that some children have not been officially diagnosed with a seasonal allergy, yet they are experiencing runny/stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and are generally miserable. If your child has medication that can be taken at school, or you would like us to give an over the counter medication, please send it with a blue medication form filled out completely with dates, times and dosage.

Another thing to remember with the warm weather, is reminding kids about summer safety rules. Take the time to talk with your children about such things as:

* Stranger safety

* Bicycle and scooter safety, including where they may ride, helmet use, watching traffic and cars entering or leaving driveways, never riding double or at night

* Crossing the street safely, traffic rules

* Not eating plants, leaves or berries, being careful around chemicals, pesticides, etc. and things that are stored in garages and sheds, avoiding lawns that have had recent fertilizer application

* Wearing insect repellent and sunscreen when outdoors

* Swimming safety: around pools, general safety, keep gates locked around pools and spas, as well as being careful not to swallow pool water. Wash hands after using the bathroom

* Staying away from fireworks, staying seated in shopping carts, always using seatbelts (even when riding with friends who are not), children 40-60 pounds should ride in booster seats, children under 12 should always ride in the BACK seat.

* Where in your home to go for shelter during bad weather, high winds. During an electrical storm, it is unsafe to talk on the phone, take a bath or shower, or touch metal objects.

We hope these tips, as well as those from last month about first aid and being prepared for emergencies, will help your family start a conversation that will keep everyone safe this summer!

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