The Lion's Share

10/30/09 - This week, Annette Raphel expresses her gratitude for Middle Division principal Bob Feinstein, who announced that he will be stepping down at the end of the school year. Also: The H1N1 vaccine is coming to The School - and permission slips are coming home today.

10/23 - For children to reach their full potential, parents need to work as partners with The School, writes Annette Raphel. The upcoming conferences provide a prime opportunity for parents and teachers to clarify their respective responsibilities and agree on strategies. Also: our cross country teams are #1, a Rock the Block Round-Up, and more.

10/16/09 - On the eve of Rock the Block, Parent Association president Laura Chonoles tells the story of how The School came to host a blockful of games, rides, rummage, and food on Saturday, October 17, come rain or come shine!

10/9 - This week, Annette Raphel writes that children may need more sleep than they're getting to do their best in 21st century schools - and parents need their sleep so they're ready for next week's Rock the Block celebration. Also: The School's cross country teams place first and second in last week's citywide meet, and more.

10/2/09 - Annette Raphel spells out the reasons why every family at The School should volunteer for Rock the Block, coming to West 109th Street on October 17. Plus: The School hires a director of finance, planning and operations, and the Great Children's Read comes to Columbia.

9/25/09 - Annette Raphel writes on the importance of discussing race with children, and urges parents to join Kaleidoscope, The School's new diversity group, which is having its first 2009-2010 meeting on Wednesday. Also: Loyola School hosts a talk on H1N1, and this year's cross country coaches flash their credentials.

9/18/09 - This week, educational technologist Karen Blumberg shares her concerns - and tips -for students' online safety. Also: an invitation to join the Black Rock Forest fundraising ride, reminders about the new sibling application policy, and more.

9/11/09 - In the first edition of The Lion's Share, Annette Raphel shares what the faculty were doing over the summer to get ready for the school year. Also: The School's flu preparations, Columbia's Child Care Fair, and an invitation to the all-school all-free Welcome Dinner, being held this Monday from 5-7:30PM at the Hudson Beach Café in Riverside Park at W. 105th Street. Hope to see you there!

6/12/09 - In the last Lion's Share of the year, we attempt  to thank the vast number of people who made the year memorable, ruefully aware that we'll never quite pull it off. Also: an impressive round-up of community service efforts.

6/5/09 - This week, Annette Raphel writes about the challenge of distilling The School's mission and essence into ten words. Also: all the athletic awards and free summer activities.

5/29/09 - Annette Raphel explains the evolution of The School's parent association. Plus, there's still time to (1) sign up for Saturday's basketball clinic to raise money for Afghanistan, (2) donate gently used chapter books to next Friday's used book sale, and (3) volunteer to lead a Rock the Block committee. All this, and more.

5/15/09 - Annette Raphel shares what expert parents had to say about life in the Middle Division at Thursday's event for rising fifth grade families. And: Coach LeBlanc reports on spring sports, news from the RoboTeam, and more.

5/8/09 - Head of School Annette Raphel shares the variables that have the biggest impact on student achievement, but reminds parents that the heart goes first. Also: Time to donate those old electronics - and to order the 2008-2009 yearbook.

5/1/09 - Annette Raphel writes that The School's stability depends on a great PTA, and urges parents to consider running for the executive board. Also: Girls' Varsity lacrosse racks up a big win; The School offers week-long summer programs; an evening event for young bird lovers; and more.

4/24/09 - This week a noted education expert provides a convenient tour through the wonders of the Eighth Grade. Also: The Music Man is in town - and he (and the rest of the cast) hopes you'll reserve tickets today; and a round of applause for the 2009 Book Fair.

4/17/09 - This week's Lion's Share features an open letter from The School's  inaugural fundraising committee, an interview with the co-chair of the Book Fair (which starts today), and an array of student honors.

4/9/09 - This week, faculty members from across the disciplines win an award for their innovative robotics program; we share a list of highlights from next week's All-School Curriculum Night; and the PTA seeks your used books, book recommendations, and time to support the April 17, 20, and 21 Book Fair.

4/3/09 - April brings All-School Curriculum Night, and this year's is focused on integrated learning. Not familiar with the term? Annette Raphel provides an overview, and urges parents to head to The School on April 16 from 6-7PM to experience it live. Also, a complete run-down on the upcoming Book Fair, including forms that budding book reviewers can fill out to help guide their fellow readers find great volumes.

3/7/09 - This week, Annette Raphel considers an often-neglected group of learners - students in grades 3 - 5. Also: Coach LeBlanc sums up our fourth year of basketball, and updates from the chairs of the book fair and teacher appreciation evening.