Revised 072509 MM/073009CP

MS Council 2009-2010

Who We Are… For those of you who are new to the Middle School, we would like to welcome you and explain who we are and what we do. The Middle School Council (”MSC”) consists of four parents who are elected by MS parents, each for a two-year term of office. This year’s council members are Lisa Curci, mother of a 6^th and 9^th grade student; Susan Ataman, mother of a 7^th and a 9^th grade student; Debbie Chizewer, mother of a 4^th and a 6^th grade student; and Michael Miloro, father of a 5^th grade student.

What we do… The MSC organizes and sponsors many events during the year for Middle School families including the Back to School BBQ, Parent Night Reception (formerly referred to as Open House), Parent-to-Parent meetings, Picture Day, new Middle School Family receptions for families new to Lab school, grade level social activities, Giant Gym Night, teacher appreciation events, and more. We work closely with our principal, Amani Reed, to discuss issues of interest to parents and provide updates for Middle School communications. We are always looking for volunteers to help with these activities throughout the year, so please monitor the website for volunteer needs. We encourage all Middle School parents to contact us at the email addresses listed with any questions, concerns, suggestions, or ideas about what is happening in the Middle School at Lab.

The MSC provides Middle School representation to the Standing Committees of the Lab school Parents Association, including the Finance Committee, Communications Committee, Fundraising Committee, Community Life Committee, Nominating Committee, and the Volunteer/Programs Committee.

Connecting & Communicating… One of our main goals is to help you feel connected with the Lab school and to become a part of the Lab community. This may be more challenging when your child is in Middle School where there are fewer opportunities to get to know your child’s classmates and their families, or your child’s teachers and the Lab school administration. We would like to work with you to find ways to help you stay connected with Lab. We encourage you to read the Lab E-news that contains important dates and information about activities at Lab. Please also read the Middle School Daily Bulletin sent electronically to Middle School family email addresses on file with the Lab School.

Also, log on to the School’s website regularly for updates (www.ucls.uchicago.edu) including the Lab Parents’ page (www.ucls.uchicago.edu/parents) where you may also access our Parents Association (PA) website by clicking on the “Parents Association” link on the right-hand side column. You can also access the PA website directly at www.uclspa.org. Once you are on the PA website you will find links to postings of news, information, and events relevant to the Middle School by clicking on “MS” in the “News Categories” section on the sidebar column to the right-hand column of the web page.

The bi-monthly Parents’ Association meetings are one of the Lab Schools’ best kept “secrets” for up-to-the-minute information on what is happening in all of the Lab schools. Come for the monthly Director’s Report, Principals’ Reports, Councils’ Reports and featured speakers and stay for the camaraderie, opportunity to make new friends, join a committee and support your child’s school. Meetings are usually held the second Monday of the designated meeting month at 7:00 PM in Judd 126.

Volunteering through the Parents’ Association is a time-honored and rewarding tradition where working with others in our Lab community allows you and your family to participate in real “community service” that improves everyone’s educational experience.

Finally, remember the Middle School Curriculum Handbook is a great source of information. This year it will be located in your child’s Student Planner, and we encourage you to review this with your child.

What’s Happening this Fall… The beginning of the school year is a busy time for students, parents, teachers, and Administration, so here are some dates to note in your calendars. Also, please review the informational flyers and response forms also posted on the PA webpage for up-to-date information regarding these exciting Fall Lab events.

The First Week of School…

• Tuesday, September 8, is the first day of school.

• On Friday, September 11, we encourage you to come out for our exciting “Lab Back to School BBQ.” In addition to our usual excellent food - grilled by Middle School’s “Grill Master Moms and Dads” - you will have the opportunity to greet new and old friends, meet our Principal Amani Reed, your MSC Committee members, as well as many of your children’s Middle School teachers. We’ll be in Scammons this year - from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Don’t miss this fun event! Please contact the MS Council, through Lisa Curci, if you wish to volunteer your time to assist with the many tasks associated with this Annual event, including set up, food purchase, food prep, grilling, and clean up following the BBQ.

The Rest of September…

• Monday, September 14, is the Parents Association Retreat and the first PA meeting of the school year with guest speaker Jake Lopez, recently hired to Lab in the new position of Associate Director-Educational Programs.

• Thursday, September 17, is the Middle School Parent Night (formerly referred to as Open House). Come early for the reception hosted by the MSC at 6:00 pm and enjoy Potluck refreshments and camaraderie in the main entry hall of the Kenwood Mall entrance. We’ll need volunteers to bring food and for set-up and clean-up. Please put us on your calendar! Parent Night classroom sessions begin promptly at 7:00 pm.

• Wednesday, September 23, is Picture Day for the Middle School. Starting last year, a new photography studio has been used for Middle School Picture Day, so the process is a little different from previous years. The order forms will be turned in only after your child’s picture has been taken and the proofs have been given to you to preview.

• Friday September 26th is an adult-only, evening reception at 7:00 pm for parents new to Lab who have middle school students entering the Lab Schools for the first time. More information on this event for those families will be forthcoming.

Please check back often to the Lab school websites regarding future events, topics, announcements, and activities.

A few more notes…

MS Council positions available:

MS Council Members needed for 2010-2012…There will be two 2-year Middle School Council positions opening up for the 2010-2011 school year. If you have any interest in running for these PA positions, or have any questions regarding the positions, please do not hesitate to contact Lisa Curci or Susan Ataman.

MS Grade Level Co-Chairpersons for 2009-2010 School Year needed…Parents are needed to help coordinate programs and events for each grade level and to help keep parents informed. The time commitment varies and the work assignment is for one year. We would like two grade level chairpersons per grade. If you are interested in serving as a grade level chair, please contact the MS Council members for more information.

We are looking forward to serving you and sharing a fantastic year at Lab! Enjoy the remaining summer days, and we look forward to seeing you in September!

Warmest regards,

Lisa Curci lisacurci@yahoo.com

Susan Ataman sataman@comcast.net

Debbie Chizewer dchizewer3@comcast.net

Michael Miloro michaelmiloro@gmail.com