LabLife Spring 2020 the magazine for alumni, parents, and friends of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
LabLife the magazine for alumni, parents, and friends of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools Spring 2020
SPRING 2020 in this issue In the
In the Halls
Halls
LabLife Drawing in 3D
FEATURES DEPARTMENTS
16 Chasing Vermeer 22 Extended Day 03 In the Halls
20 Honoring the Program Allows 04 The Bookshelf
with Faheem Majeed
Importance of U-High Graduates 10 Sports Highlights
Education to Come Full Circle 13 Behind the Scenes
26 From Hyde Park to 14 Connections 2020
Hollywood 28 Alumni Notes
28 Alumni in Action
Kids transform found items into art
FROM DIRECTOR
CHARLIE ABELMANN
I have been deeply impressed by the
creativity, energy, and enthusiasm
Our remote everyone at Lab has shown in
educational preparing for what is a totally new
journey way of connecting, working, and
teaching.
Dear Friends, As I saw written by one lesson plans, and much more. their chief infectious disease
university professor, “None of We are committed to being epidemiologist (and a Lab
As this publication went to
us asked for this!” But here we a true lab school, willing to parent). Her explanation of
press, we were only a couple of
are. Together, we can do this. try new things, experiment, social distancing went viral
weeks into a new experience:
Adjusting to a “new normal” collaborate, and create. (pun intended). It seemed
On March 30, at the end of
is a phrase we are hearing a worth sharing her wisdom even
our normally scheduled spring We have all been asked to do
lot. As we move to remote more widely:
break, Lab’s 2,188 students so much more than we may
learning we are cognizant of
began their remote educational ever have had to do before. We “...it’s really hard to feel like
the characteristics of Lab that
journey as COVID-19 required have been asked to do it more you’re saving the world when
allow us to successfully meet
people across the world to stay
our mission: we are a caring
alone than ever before and so you’re watching Netflix on your mindedness and community plywood—the kind used to Labbies across
at home. Just as you and your have made sure to watch out couch but, if we do this right, involvement. board up businesses on the
families did—and likely are still
community dedicated to
for one another in many ways. nothing happens. Yes. A successful “The project we did South Side—dyed in various
all grades were
fostering a powerful connection
doing—we had to make major
between teacher and learner,
We are deeply concerned about shelter in place means that with the multicolored sticks vibrant colors with Kool-Aid. invited to share
adjustments. Lab families and employees you will feel like it was all for
home and school.
that may find themselves in a nothing. And you would be right.
in Earl Shapiro Hall was “These [boards] are things in Majeed’s work
Our students and faculty, like a community exercise,” that are associated with crime
millions of others across the
I have been deeply impressed place of serious hardship. Our Because “nothing” means that explains Majeed, who has his or disinvestment… But and vision: to
United States and around
by the creativity, energy, and
enthusiasm everyone at Lab
development team has worked
with the University to set up
nothing happened to your family
and that’s what we are going for
own studio practice on the actually, the boards are more use discarded
South Side and is an adjunct like a chrysalis in that it
the world, are trying to
has shown in preparing for the special Lab Community here.” means that [buildings] are materials from
create meaningful education Most kindergarteners don’t tell professor at the University of
experiences and, just as
what is a totally new way of Response Fund. You may
So, thank you for doing your their parents, “We made art Illinois at Chicago. “I would boarded because there’s a the surrounding
connecting, working, and contribute online, ucls. value… they’re safe-keeping
importantly, foster the human
teaching. Our teachers have uchicago.edu/giving, or contact
part and may you and your with 8-foot long, multicolored give the students a prompt, neighborhoods
interactions that are so critical family be healthy and well. sticks in school today!” But such as, ‘Make something it,” he says.
to a young person’s social/
spent hours uploading videos Executive Director Alumni
Lab isn’t most schools. I can walk through.’ Then to create art that
on Seesaw, learning how to use Relations and Development With deepest appreciation,
emotional development. That
Google Hangouts and Zoom, Damon Cates, dcates@ucls. For the first half of the they’d have to communicate
If you missed Majeed’s ponders concepts
personal connection profoundly and work together to make
shapes what it means to be a
researching best practices in uchicago.edu, to learn more. 2019–20 school year, artist
it happen.
exhibition at the Corvus such as civic-
remote learning, working to Charlie Faheem Majeed joined Gallery, you can catch his
community of learners.
flip the classroom experience
Lastly, I thought I would Lab as the Kistenbroker “I think of this project
Planting and Maintaining a
mindedness
share the words of UChicago’s as drawing in 3D. Instead of
in useful ways, shaping flexible
very own Dr. Emily Landon,
Family Artist-in-Residence.
doodling with pencils, they Perennial Garden IV at the and community
Labbies across all grades were
invited to share in Majeed’s use the sticks.” Hyde Park Art Center from involvement.
Majeed’s residency kicked August 2–November 8.
LabLife, published twice Editor Design Lab Notes Correspondents Please send comments or Reproduction in whole or work and vision: to use
a year, is written for the Catherine Braendel, ’81, Janice Clark Dozens of diligent alumni updated contact information part, without permission of
discarded materials from the off with the unveiling of his
University of Chicago MLA’19 agents to alumni@ucls.uchicago.edu, the publisher, is prohibited.
Laboratory Schools’
Contributors
Photography
Anna Johnson Publisher
or call 773-702-0578.
surrounding neighborhoods exhibition, Re-UNITE, at the
community of alumni, parents,
faculty, and staff. Megan E. Doherty, AM’05, Chris Kirzeder University of Chicago Volume 13, Number 2
to create art that ponders Corvus Gallery on October
PhD’10 Jean Lechat Laboratory Schools © 2020 by the University of
Director Heather Preston Marc Monaghan 1362 E. 59th Street Chicago Laboratory Schools
concepts such as civic- 4. One striking installation
Charles Abelmann Kathryn Smidstra Chicago, IL 60637
Paul Schellinger
www.ucls.uchicago.edu is comprised of discarded
02 LabLife Spring 2020 LabLife Spring 2020 03
THE BOOKSHELF In the Halls
Recommended Keeping chickens Music Workshop
reading at Lab
Lauren Snelling, N-2 counselor, At Lab, kids learn by doing. And
recommends Crown: An Ode to the Fresh what’s more hands-on than building New Middle School class expands how
Cut, by Derrick Barnes a chicken coop? kids engage with the topic
LAUREN SNELLING
s a counselor brilliant, limitless soul that barbershop and if you’ve
to the youngest matters—that desperately never been, you may need
members matters. We’ve always to learn some new terms to
of our Lab mattered.” fully explore and experience Crown is
community, Crown is a love letter to this book the way it deserves a hand-held
I like to expose my the black barber shop, a love to be experienced. Crown
kindergartners to books that letter to every black boy out pushes past historical and
affirmation full of
affirm experiences. Crown is there. It is unapologetic in unfair stereotypes and forces validation, high
that and more. its beauty and authenticity as you to stretch your mind expectations,
Author Derrick Barnes it describes the importance and your perception of what
comments that his book, of self-care, community, a black boy can be. adulation, and
“focuses on the humanity, and visibility for black and As an added bonus to care.
the beautiful, raw, smart, brown boys/men. Crown is a the positivity throughout
perceptive, assured humanity hand-held affirmation full of this book, Crown is full
of black boys/sons/brothers/ validation, high expectations, of intricate and beautiful
nephews/grandsons, and adulation, and care. “You’re a imagery, that evokes the
how they see themselves star. A brilliant, blazing star. presence of many great
when they highly approve Not the kind that you’ll find black visual artists including
of their reflections in the on a sidewalk in Hollywood. Basquiat and Kehinde Wiley.
mirror. Deep down inside, Nope. They’re going to have As a
they wish that everyone to wear shades when they whole, this In the summer of 2018, With the participation of other different instruments, rather
could see what they see: look up to catch your shine.” book is pure Lower School teacher Ginger chick enthusiasts who will than sticking to just one. They
Phillips conducted a Summer be incubating eggs in their spend a lot of time simply
a real life, breathing, In reading this book artistic swag. listening and responding to
Lab program for fourth, fifth, classrooms, the program is
compassionate, thoughtful, you are fully immersed into what they hear. They also
and sixth graders called City ready to move to the coop,
the culture of the black Chicks. With reused materials now installed in the Lab learn about the history of
from the Builder’s Exchange garden.
the instruments, how they’re
made and have historically
of Chicago, and other in-kind “The intent is to build
been used in different kinds
FROM THE SYLLABI donations, they built a chicken enthusiasm and engagement of performances—including
coop with the longer-term among the entire Lab At the beginning of the year, the unexpected. When sound
Literature as mirror and vision to start a program community,” Phillips reported. students in the Middle School sculptures were installed
for raising and maintaining “The chickens will draw people Music Workshop tuned into throughout the University
window chickens at Lab. With the and create a gathering place, NPR’s Tiny Desk concert of Chicago campus, the class
coop built and approval and the promise of eggs for series, absorbing themselves in took the opportunity to walk
Lab librarians work to ensure that the from the University’s risk caretakers will be a bonus.” everything from improvisational through them. The students
Schools’ collections support teacher management in hand, the The larger aim is to teach jazz to an unconventional engaged in discussions about
lesson plans and student work. They Everywhere You Monday’s Not Children of Blood Turtles All the Way With the Fire on program was poised to move responsibility and sustainability pairing of cello and beatboxing. what a sound sculpture is and
Don’t Belong Coming and Bone Down High “The class is designed to how it differs from a traditional
also want Lab’s holdings to appeal Gabe Bump, ’09 Tiffany Jackson Tomi Adeyemi John Green Elizabeth Acevedo to the next stage: keeping and to instill empathy for
fulfill an interest in music that’s musical performance.
to a variety of interests and tastes. chickens at Lab. creatures and care for the
not related to a traditional “I told them at the
“Although the chicken coop natural world.
Says Library Chair Susan Augustine, existed, implementation had
ensemble, so they can explore beginning of the year that in
“We strive to collect quality literature piano, guitar, drumming, or this class we’re going to discover
to wait because we didn’t have even ukulele,” said Andrew things about each other,” says
that both reflects the diversity of our the funding for infrastructure Norte, who teaches the sixth Norte. “I help them define
student body and opens windows to to sustain the birds or the and seventh grade workshops. their musical identities, and
new experiences.” Here are books program,” Phillips noted. “The appeal is that they get make sure they know that
“The Innovation Fund from an to dive into their own unique their interests are valid. Your
from a recent display inspired by Yes, No, Maybe So Almost American Barely Missing Permanent Record The Curious anonymous donor allowed us musical interests.” perspective is OK, it’s who
author Gabe Bump, ’09, who spoke Becky Albertalli Girl: an Illustrated Everything Mary HK Choi Incident of the
to bring the program to life.” In this survey class, students you are.”
Memoir Matt Mendez Dog in the Night-
to students and faculty. Robin Ha Time can experiment playing
Mark Haddon
04 LabLife Spring 2020 LabLife Spring 2020 05
In the Halls
New course helps Chromot ograph Middle Schoolers confront
U-Highers expand global plus climate change
understanding It’s not a scene from crime dramas NCIS or CSI,
it’s just science class.
compare diverse governmental More formal ties to the Alexis Chia ran through a
structures, avoid looking at University are envisioned. “As preliminary experiment, mixing
used in Advanced Chemistry “Climate change is occurring
right now, and we have a
Students wrote occurring, and we need to
understand the effects that
courses, like Introduction
things from a single, dominant
perspective, and move to
a laboratory school, we wanted
to work with students to build
liquids together. Using a to Chemical Research. The responsibility to teach our politicians, from are happening right now in the
syringe, she carefully added the seminar-style class will focus students about it,” notes United States.”
multiple ways of looking at a course, then look to the
solution to a holding container, on how to read published Middle School science teacher local aldermen Del Campo emphasizes
current and historical events University to what programs are Tony Del Campo, who spoke that people need to know how
based on the major theories of going on there and try to build and inserted it into a mini gas research papers, how to design to a group of faculty and to their US to change behaviors, in homes
international relations.” interactivity and strengthen our chromatograph for analysis— and run experiments, and how
Students also ask ties,” Gerst says. “Students just like the experts. to present material to a non-
administrators during a recent
professional development day
Senators, urging and in schools. Some of the
changes at Lab have included
questions: how do international have been extremely engaged, “This is an instrument that
bodies handle disputes and there is opportunity for actual forensic chemists use,”
technical audience. at Lab. “Since I gave that talk, them to listen— increased recycling and
High School history teacher “Gas chromatography is many teachers have reached composting in homerooms, as
Christy Gerst’s juniors
between states or corporations?
How do they deal with issues
expansion.” said science teacher Zachary very advanced and technical, out to tell me what they were and to take action. well as a Lights Out Challenge,
and seniors are gaining Hund. “When I contacted the and learning new techniques thinking and doing, and I a competition across all Middle
relating to the environment or company to inquire about realized there are teachers School science classes to turn
valuable perspective on how is something you have to do reading the National Climate
governments around the
natural resources? The class
recently finished a month-long
How do purchasing one, I mentioned it as a real chemist,” said Hund. from Nursery 3 to grade 12 Assessment was not just off lights and other electricity
who are looking to address and then calculate how much
world operate with respect to
important international issues.
moot court of the International international was for a high school and they “Lab’s science department is climate change issues in their
memorizing data, explains Del
Campo, but understanding is saved, translating that to
Criminal Court—a hypothetical were pretty shocked.” progressive and at the forefront
Last Fall, Gerst introduced case involving allegations of bodies handle The $2,000 instrument, of research. It’s incredible that
classrooms. Everyone across
the curriculum is talking about
how data was produced, how reduction in greenhouse gas
emissions.
AT Comparative Politics and it affects all of us, and how
Global Relations, a new elective
use of child soldiers as well disputes between which was set up this fall, we have this.” how to confront it.” students may be part of the Del Campo’s biggest
as destruction of cultural, separates different compounds For seventh graders in message to young scientists?
intended to broaden students’
understanding of global affairs.
historical, and religious sites. states or based on their composition. For both Del Campo’s and Debra
solution.
“It’s important students “Don’t be afraid to express
The emphasis is on
“This new course is really deliberative discussion, Gerst corporations? How example, real-world chemists Kogelman’s science classes, understand they need to publicly what you have
student-driven,” Gerst says. might use it to extract chemicals this has included reviewing the make their voices heard,” Del learned.”
“We have many students
explains, “not debating each
other but trying to understand
do they deal with present when something was federal government’s National Campo says. After posting
Climate Assessment, the most
who participate in Model
United Nations and Urban
how different perspectives issues relating to burning, in order to suss out
recent installment of which
the podcasts, students wrote
politicians, from local aldermen
allow us to bring to the surface what set things ablaze. In
Policy Debate with focus on previously unseen aspects, to the environment or addition to independent studies
was published November
2018, and posting a series of
to their US Senators, urging
international relations, and we them to listen—and to take
wanted to bring that into the
bring greater nuance to their natural resources? and upcoming May Projects, podcasts about their findings. action. “We need to know
curriculum and to allow them to
understanding.” Lab’s chromatograph will be The purpose behind students the science behind what’s
06 LabLife Spring 2020 LabLife Spring 2020 07
In the Halls
Art as I’ve got my “Afrofuturism and Social
passport. Take me Justice: Ideas Through Art,
message to Scooterville. Literature and Science”
Faculty present at People of Color Conference
about why he was blackballed Some attendees leaned Afrofuturism, which and Kerney invited local comic
from the NFL, why he was
The gym is transformed into
a village, complete with a against the walls of the room, reimagines the future through
Afrofuturism, artist Turtel Onli to help
kneeling during the national movie theater, gas station, others sat on the floor; more an African-based lens, has a which reimagines students with design and panel
anthem. We analyzed yoga studio, pet adoption
everything, and the kids center, library, grocery store,
overflowed into the hallway powerful ability to transform the future layouts.
when Lab teachers led a session the black experience. Says Presenting during the
researched. I didn’t want to burger drive-thru, racetrack, at this year’s People of Color Sanders, “We’re not used to through an December conference, which
give my perspective or bias.” rest area, and more. Students
When they discovered that have 30 minutes to use their
Conference. seeing ourselves in the future. African-based has a mission to provide a
Kaepernick’s intent was not to “It was incredible, a ‘sold- The movie Black Panther, for safe space for leadership,
be unpatriotic but to protest
scooter to scoot from place to
place and get stamps from all out’ room,” said Joseph Kerney, example, opened up a new way lens, has a professional development, and
Many Lab teachers bring the murder of unarmed of the “stations.” It’s quite the H H H
fourth-grade teacher. “People for black kids to see themselves powerful ability networking for people of color
social justice topics into black men by police officers, fun work-out and a majorly rated the workshops, and we that wasn’t available previously.” and allies of all backgrounds,
their classrooms. Fifth-grade students were inspired to anticipated event for the NEWSWEEK got all five out of five stars.” She helped her students to transform the was a thrill. “It felt amazing,”
teacher Carl Farrington and bring greater awareness to children in grades N-2 at Earl RANKS LAB IN Kerney and his colleagues, make their own holograms— black experience. said Kerney. Beaulieu felt
High School art teacher Sunny their own beliefs through Shapiro Hall. TOP 5 STEM visual arts teacher Allison a technology featured in the honored to represent Lab
Neater have collaborated on images and words. Beaulieu and science teacher movie—using old-fashioned
HIGH SCHOOLS their own special symbols. She and see her colleagues shine.
a research and art installation “When the kids came Mikki Sanders, presented on transparency paper. They “So many people came up to
project stemming from one into the art studio, they were FOR 2020 also taught her classes about
issue animating young people, able to make meaningful incorporating Afrofuturism learned how light travels the art and history of ancient us asking how we even get
the plight of NFL quarterback imagery informed by the H H H and social justice themes in the in waves, and that certain permission to do this,” she
Nubia, including a field trip to
Colin Kaepernick. After issues,” Neater notes. “They classroom. They teach students materials bend it, creating a the Oriental Institute. Kerney said. “That’s what’s so great
seeing Nike’s “Believe in articulated how their quote what Afrofuturism is through hovering, 3D image. “They teaches storytelling and world- about getting to teach at a
Something” ad featuring spoke to the issue that was Newsweek’s ranking their arts and science units, thought they were Wakandian building, guiding students to place like Lab.”
Kaepernick, the students said close to their heart. These placed Lab in the top introducing classes to the work scientists!” she said.
they had no idea who he was bring dynamic characters to
10-year-olds were incredibly five STEM high schools of Sun Ra, Octavia Butler, and In the film, the holograms
and wanted to know more. well informed and passionate life. His students created their
in the nation (#2 among Janelle Monáe, for example. are projected from Kimoyo own comic book characters
“The kids are the ones about the work.” independent schools). bead bracelets, which Beaulieu
who spearheaded this,” says
helped her students make with
Farrington, “asking questions
08 LabLife Spring 2020 LabLife Spring 2020 09
SPORTS
Lab’s first-ever
FALL AND WINTER total) years of coaching U-High
swimming. Special thanks for his
unwavering commitment to our
> 100 Backstroke: senior Ava
McKula, 59.54
> 100 Breaststroke: senior Athletics Hall of Fame
HIGHLIGHTS 2019–20 student swimmers.
GIRLS SWIMMING
Kaley Qin, 1:07.87
> 11 Dive: freshman Jessica
Slear, 233.95
s a freshman, Marty contributions and Lab’s rich
The Maroons set seven school Billinglsey, ’77, and athletics history. Nearly every
records and scored 175 points her older sister Patty, one of the twelve inductees
in the IHSA Sectional meet ’74, were not allowed attended the ceremony, some
at UIC to finish 4th out of 13 to join the U-High track team— having traveled from as far as
teams. Junior Jayne Crouthamel boys only, they were told. The California. If you look at the
qualified in the 50- and 100- next year, while her sister had record board in Kovler Gym,
yard freestyle to become Lab’s already graduated, things you’ll still see many of their
with 33 points; all the players Hudson Lin, Jacob Grissom, first-ever qualifier in the IHSA changed. Marty was able to join names.
contributed, showing the depth and William Kraemer. Kudos Athletes with Disabilities division. the team, whether due to Title “Acceptance on the track
of the talent: #1 singles player to coaches Seetreeon “Tron” She placed 8th in both races. IX or because, as Marty says, team was so foundational
sophomore Emma Baker scored Torres and Sharon Harrison for New school records were “maybe Lab was just catching because it gave me passion and
12 points and finished second; their fine work set as follows: GIRLS VOLLEYBALL up with the times.” She credits confidence. Being accepted as
#2 singles Kriti Sarav scored this year. > 200 Medley Relay: junior that moment with a series of a runner—not as a girl, not as
6 points; the #1 doubles team Susan Huang, seniors Ava The volleyball team advanced events that ultimately brought a boy, but as a runner—on the
of senior Izzie Kellermeier/ BOYS SOCCER McKula, Kaley Qin, and to the IHSA 2A Sectional her to teaching and coaching team meant that I never ever
sophomore Emilee Pak scored Jessica Huang, 1:49.96 Championship match with a and back to Lab. thought I wasn’t as good as
> 100 Freestyle: senior Kaley Regional Championship win over In the fall, before an everyone else,” said Marty at the
12 points and finished second. In the same week that the
Qin, 54.84 Cristo Rey and Sectional semi- audience of nearly 150 people, reception. “It meant that I didn’t
The senior doubles team of girls’ tennis team took state,
> 500 Freestyle: junior Lea final win over CICS Ellison before Marty shared her thoughts think it was any big deal to be
Ananya Asthana/Macy Beal the U-High boys’ soccer team Rebollo Baum, 5:19.93
scored 3 points. defeated Alton Marquette High losing to Chicago Christian in a as she accepted her place one of the first three women
> 200 Freestyle Relay: tough well-played match. The
Congratulations to sixth year School with an exciting come among Lab’s first Athletics smokejumpers in the country. It
sophomore Zoe Morton, Maroons finished with a fine 20-
head coach Dawuad Talib who from behind 2-1 to win the IHSA Hall of Fame inductees. Lab meant that it was easy to fit in
seniors Ava McKula, Jessica 14 season record.
also led the boys tennis team Class 1A State Championship in Huang, and Kaley Qin, established the Hall of Fame as one of just a few women in a
to the IHSA Championship in a field of 175 teams. 1:40.53 to honor outstanding athletics big software engineering lab.
BOYS BASKETBALL honors. Nicky becomes our spring 2018. The Maroons win was our
fourth boy to ever win All-State first-ever “bracketed” IHSA
The boys’ basketball team made honors. State Championship in school INDEPENDENT SCHOOL LEAGUE
it to the IHSA 2ARegional semi- history and our eighth State
ALL-CONFERENCE HONORS
final where they lost to King. The FENCING Championship in the past 110
Maroons finished with a 13-15 years. The Maroons finished the
record (7-5 ISL). Senior Charles The fencing team competed season with 22 wins, 3 losses, BOYS BASKETBALL GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Chen was named Honorable in the Great Lakes High and 2 ties, winning 19 of their Tolu Johnson Sydney Rogers
Mention for the IHSA Academic School Fencing Conference last 20 games. Congratulations Xavier Nesbitt Troy Johnson
All-State team. championship where to varsity coach Josh Potter. Ryan Duncan Sara Gregg
sophomore Jonathan Liu placed Zach Smith Jordan Rogers
GIRLS BASKETBALL 5th in saber and freshman Maya GIRLS BASKETBALL GREAT LAKES HIGH SCHOOL
El Shamsy was 9th in epee. SAILING Mary Neal FENCING CONFERENCE
The girls’ basketball team Fencers qualifying to compete Eve Grobman Jonathan Liu, Saber
finished with a 10-10 season in the championship included The sailing team finished Lea Runesha All-Conference
record (2-5 ISL) and an IHSA juniors Michelle Weaver and 10th out of 18 teams in the GIRLS CROSS-COUNTRY ISL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
2A Regional Final appearance, Jasmine Tan and freshman Midwest Interscholastic Sailing Amanda O’Donnell Girls Cross-Country; Boys
unfortunately losing 34-33 Rebecca Byrnes and seniors Association meet and 3rd Sophia Park Cross-Country
to South Shore International Leland Culver and Tom Ben- among Illinois schools. Sailing Sana Shaul
ILLINOIS TENNIS COACHES
in the championship game. Shahar, junior Gabriel Carter, for the Maroons were Benny BOYS CROSS-COUNTRY ASSOCIATION ALL-STATE
Sophomore Meena Lee and freshman Daniel Tothy. Wild/Adler Wright and Philip Nickey Edwards-Levin Emma Baker, 1st team
advanced to State in the IHSA Lengyel/Ava Wilson. BOYS SWIMMING Kriti Sarav, 2nd team The U-High team’s acceptance
RUNNER OF THE YEAR 2019 ATHLETICS HALL OF of me meant that I was never
3-Point shooting contest in GIRLS GOLF Luke Sikora
Isabella Kellermeier, 1st team
Bloomington. Senior Franzi Wild SQUASH The boys swim team scored Emily Pak, 1st team FAME INDUCTEES plagued by the sexist shackles
was nominated for the Junior Emily Chang finished 142 points and placed 4th GIRLS GOLF ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL
that seem to hamper so many
IHSA Academic All-State team. 7th in the IHSA Class A State The squash team won U-High’s (of 14 teams ) in the IHSA Emily Chang, Player of the Year SOCCER COACHES women. For that I thank U-High
Championships shooting a first-ever Chicagoland Squash Sectional Championship at UIC. BOYS GOLF ASSOCIATION Marty Billingsley, ’77 wholeheartedly.”
GIRLS AND BOYS 36 hole 149 over the two-day Conference championship, The following students were Aaron Kim Alex Ball, All-Sectional Gabrielle Clark, ’10 Lab’s athletics program has
CROSS-COUNTRY tournament at the Red Tail Golf defeating Latin, Lake Forest medalists (top 6 finish): seniors Miles Rochester, All-Sectional William “Doc” Monilaw since substantially expanded.
Charles Chen and Ben Cifu, 400 BOYS SOCCER Julian Mondragon, Honorable Today, nearly 65% of all Middle
Course. This marks the highest Academy, and Lake Forest Miles Rochester, John W. Rogers, Jr., ’76
High School and winning freestyle relay; junior Graham Mention All-Sectional and High Schoolers play on at
The cross-country teams ran finish ever in school history Player of the Year
well at the IHSA 1A State Cross- earning Emily All-State honors all nine matches in the final Waterstraat, 200 medley and Alex Bal ALL-STATE IHSA GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD TEAM least one team, and Lab fields
Country Championship meet. for the second time in her championship round. In 200 freestyle relay; sophomore Mickey Claffey Emily Chang, Girls Golf MEMBERS, 1979–1981: 56 teams in 19 different sports.
The boys finished 16th in the addition, the Maroons competed Will Trone, 200 medley relay, Jaden Lynch Amanda O’Donnell,
career. Emily finished 10th place Beata Boodell, ’81
State and the girls placed 21st. in the USA Squash National 200 IM, 200 and 400 freestyle Julian Modragon Cross-Country
in 2017 and 11th place in 2018. Nicky Edwards-Levin, Heidi Hackel Schlageter, ’81
Championship in Hartford, CT, relay; junior Jaden Li, 200 SAVE THE DATE:
Sophomore Amanda O’Donnell GIRLS TENNIS Cross-Country
finishing 10th in division 4. freestyle relay; sophomore Tyler Anita Hollins, ’81
earned All-State honors for the GIRLS TENNIS Turek, 200 medley, 200 and
Emma Baker, Player of the Year THE 2020 ATHLETICS
second time with a 21st place Congratulations to seniors Peter Kriti Sarav IHSA SECTIONAL COACH Liz Homans, ’83
400 freestyle relays; freshman HALL OF FAME WILL BE
finish and junior Nicky Edwards- Grissom, Gaurav Shekhawat Isabella Kellemeier OF THE YEAR Natalie Pardo, ’80
The girls’ tennis team became Vincent Zhang, 500 freestyle INDUCTED ON SATURDAY,
and Eli Hinerfeld, juniors Sarah Emily Pak Dar Novak, Diving Michelle Shaw, ’80
Levin won All-State honors also U-High’s first-ever state champs and 200 freestyle relay. Coach
Thomas and Freddie Tang, Ananya Asthana ISL COACH OF THE YEAR OCTOBER 17. INVITATIONS
with a 21st place finish. Amanda when they won the IHSA Paul Gunty is retiring after a Macy Beal Helen Straus, ’80, AB’84, MD’90
is only the second U-High Class A State Championship. sophomore John Patras, and Deb Ribbens Darcine Thomas, ’81 TO COME.
remarkable 30 consecutive (44 Alex Clark
runner to win two All-State The Maroons won the title freshman Serena Thomas,
10 LabLife Spring 2020 LabLife Spring 2020 11
In the Halls Behind the Scenes
Playing. With! New Fitness Center A SOUND MIND
supports Lab’s
Punctuation? health and wellness
The script consisted of just one word:
Dude. mission Science teacher Jeff Maharry plays, writes,
and engineers music
respectively, and are also
On weekends— learning guitar. And when
not making music, Maharry
and the occasional and family take to the
Thursday night— outdoors: hiking, biking,
and camping. It makes
you might sense that he is a passionate
find Maharry champion of Lab’s outdoor
performing original classroom.
“We’ve been on a kick
music with one of in the last few years to visit
his two bands at as many national parks as
the Beat Kitchen,
the Beer Shop, or
efore he was no, I think it’s best described Fitzgerald’s.
teaching fifth as rock.”
grade science “Work in Progress is kind “It’s an interesting way to
and cultivating of like blue grass...no, that’s listen to music,” he says.
Lab’s outdoor not right. My bandmates “When I go to a concert,
And with that, Debby Davis’s in this approach, including To meet our mission, the people to take ownership of classroom, Jeff Maharry was would want me to say I am constantly wishing
third graders communicated Lower School teacher Chantal Schools must first ensure that their own health and wellness teaching himself guitar. Americana,” he laughs. I could get my hands on
a lot of information. As writing Lambrix who has attended students and employees are as they shift from children to “My parents sent me for He speaks with equal the knobs and improve the
partners stood ready to act a Calkins workshop. More safe, healthy, and well. This young adults. Every year, nearly violin and cello lessons at a enthusiasm about another sound.” While no longer a possible. We’ve been to the
before their classmates, Davis informally, over the summer work takes place every day, 900 students in grades 6–11 young age,” recalls Maharry, passion: sound engineering.
in every part of our school, learn “Fitness Training” as part
regular at the Hideout, he Everglades and Olympic
prompted them: Davis and Lambrix became now in his 11th year of After earning his bachelor’s still engineers sound for a and too many in between
You run into a friend. What study partners reading a new but Lab’s Fitness Center is a of their PE curriculum, and it
critical element of health and is a required six-week course for
teaching at Lab. “I sang in biology at Grinnell couple of benefits each year. to list,” Maharry says. Just
do you say? Dude. Calkins book and discussing harmonies in church with College, Maharry “bounced
wellness teaching and learning. all ninth-grade students. Maharry passed his love how rustic are we talking?
You want to know how they how to apply some of the my mom. Then my father around somewhat aimlessly”
are. What do you say? Dude? some of the strategies—like The Fitness Center supports The new Fitness Center, in a of music on to his own “We did a long trip in the
competitive athletes and prime first-floor location, is now bought me a guitar for my for a while. He spent a year Labbie children—Will, a Smokies that was pretty
You find a million dollars in this performance technique for
hundreds of students in physical the most highly visible space in 12th birthday, and I taught as a raft guide at a Colorado sophomore, and Haley, an rustic...long days hiking and
your pocket. What do you say? helping young writers see the
education classes, as well as Sunny and Kovler gyms. This myself to play. That’s the resort and another as a eighth grader, who play the pitching our own tents.”
Dude! value of punctuation to help
many employees who take seems only right for a facility instrument that stuck.” professional musician in baritone and the clarinet, “Our cabin at
Your friend has something one express an idea in writing. advantage of these facilities. that is so heavily used by people
disgusting on their shirt. What Right on, Dude.
On weekends—and the Pennsylvania before settling Yellowstone was deep in the
“Having a right-sized of all ages and which helps occasional Thursday night— into a graduate
do you say? Dude…. and rightly outfitted Fitness students set the kinds of cardio woods. No hope for WiFi.
Third graders, Davis you might find Maharry program at And if you wanted to take
Center presents an important and strength wellness goals that
explains, don’t like to use You run into a wellness opportunity for the will help them throughout their performing original music UIC. During a shower, you had to heat
punctuation very much. friend. What do Lab community,” says Director lives. with one of his two bands at that time he tanks of water over a fire.
That’s where the Lucy Calkins Charlie Abelmann. “Our school The Center is 250 square the Beat Kitchen, the Beer worked as a “There’s just something
approach can come into play. you say? Dude. has grown substantially in the feet larger than the old space Shop, or Fitzgerald’s. sound engineer about getting away...about
Calkins founded the Teachers You want to past decade and now is the time with easier access, spectacular In true songwriter/musician at the Hideout, getting back to nature and
College Reading and Writing to invest in a space that better views of Jackman Field, and two form, he struggles to commit committed to getting unplugged.”
Project, an organization know how they meets our curricular and co- beautiful skylights. “We want his bands to a genre. “In making bands Strange words from a
that has influenced literacy are. What do you curricular needs.” our new space to be appealing Falling Stars,” where he sings “sound as good
As students reach Middle and inviting—a place that our sound engineer?
instruction—using a workshop and plays bass, “we play as possible
model—for 30 years. Many Lab say? Dude? and High School, Lab’s students and adults want to be,”
original power pop stuff... coming out of
teachers have trained curriculum continues an says Abelmann.
important shift: readying young the speaker.
12 LabLife Spring 2020 LabLife Spring 2020 13
CONNECTIONS 2020 On Leap Day, February
29, more than 900 Lab
parents, guardians,
Says Executive Director
of Alumni Relations and
Development Damon
GALA DRAWS
faculty, staff, alumni, and Cates, “Our community
friends came together really cares about Lab. This
at the Field Museum for was a wonderful event and
LARGEST
a dazzling evening at we thank our cochairs,
Connections 2020. With Evelyn McCullen, Karen
this largest turnout ever, Slimmon, and Yolanda
Connections raised more Tyler, for their time,
TURNOUT
than $1.6 million to support creativity, and energy.”
financial aid and faculty The chairs received Nyro Murphy and Don Wilson
development. support from 100+ parent
and student volunteers.
EVER
Ethan Van Ha and Ka Yee Lee
Connections 2020 co-chairs
Wai-Sinn Chan and Sara Skelly Evelyn McCullen, Yolanda Tyler,
Charlie Abelmann and Ann and
Karen Slimmon
Doug Grissom
Naadia Owens, Mikki Sanders, Andrew Norte and the Middle School Jazz Band Kristin Finney-Cooke, Rian Walker,
Sharon Williams Chelsea Smith, Andrea Wishom Young
Trissa Babrowski, Sundeep Mullangi, Yolanda Tyler, Tyrone Jordan and Annie Padrid Jordan, Andrea Ellis,
Melina Hale, Jason Tyler, ’89, Daniel Abebe, ’03 and Marco Ellis, and Marc and Jordann Nunn, ’03. Sandra Mulholland, Daniel Ryan, Charles Diawara and Bonnie Kang
Francis Idehen, and Mark Westneat and Iona Calhoun-Battiste ’94
14 LabLife Spring 2020 LabLife Spring 2020 15
Chasing
Vermeer
Best-selling author visits Lab to see
Middle Schoolers perform a stage
production of her novel
By Heather Preston
16 LabLife Spring 2020 LabLife Spring 2020 17
f you show this to the authorities, “Kids love hearing that there are
you will most certainly be placing things even adults don’t know,” Balliett
your life in danger. says. “It sparks their curiosity when
they think, ‘maybe I could be the one
An ominous letter. Two 11-year- to figure this out!’ They have impressive
old “University School” students. ways of sorting experience, and they
One eccentric teacher. A centuries- learn so much when they feel in charge,
old mystery. Pentominoes. Welcome to when they’re chasing information or
the roller-coaster ride that is Chasing ideas valued by the world at large.
Vermeer, a young adult book by New “I honestly didn’t write Chasing
York Times bestselling novelist and Vermeer for publication,” laughs Balliett.
former Lab Lower School teacher Blue “I wrote a book I wanted to use as a
Balliett. read-aloud in my classroom. I never
In November, Lab kids, their imagined there was a place for this wild
families, and other members of the story in the market.”
community piled into the Gordon As it turned out, there was. Since its
Parks Assembly publication in 2004, Chasing Vermeer has
Hall to watch Lab been translated into 35 languages, sold
theatre director and millions of copies, and is a mainstay in
drama teacher Audre classrooms all over the world. Described
Budrys Nakas’s stage by Newsweek as “A Da Vinci Code for
adaptation of Chasing tweens,” it won numerous awards,
At the time of Chasing Vermeer’s so many stories from unlikely sources, it “I did add some extra roles and a chorus,
publication, there weren’t many really makes you stop and wonder.” the goal being to give more students
mysteries for kids that shared actual, After Chasing Vermeer’s publication in a voice,” Budrys Nakas says. “I would
mind-bending questions set in the real 2004, Balliett went on to write six more rather write more kid roles than give
“Kids love hearing Vermeer world. Balliett wanted to give kids the young adult mysteries also built around adult roles to kids.” She also expanded
performed ongoing questions in the real world.
that there are things by a cast of
thrill of tackling real-life mysteries.
And in Chasing Vermeer, there are “My hope has always been to get kids
the roles of some peripheral characters
from the book, and added more Chicago
even adults don’t 27 Middle
Schoolers.
thrills galore. It’s an interactive endeavor,
packed with maps, puzzles, and coded
hooked on being lifelong thinkers and
questioners,” Balliett says.
landmarks into the production.
This smash-hit production wouldn’t
know,” Balliett says. The play
is set in Hyde
graphics (by illustrator Brett Helquist)
Opening Night
have been possible without the work of
that hide secret messages. There’s also a her stage crew, Budrys Nakas says. “They
“It sparks their Park and features two Labbie-like including the Edgar Award for Best healthy dose of adrenalin, as the reader “I’ve done adaptations before, both worked the box office. They sewed
protagonists/amateur detectives—Calder Juvenile Novel, the Agatha Award for follows the two protagonists through at Lab and as an adjunct at Roosevelt costumes and built sets by hand. They
curiosity when they and Petra—who endeavor to recover Best Young Adult Novel, the Book a high-speed chase and a series of tight University,” Budrys Nakas says. “And as managed the stage and the lighting.
think, ‘maybe I could seventeenth-century painter Johannes
Vermeer’s stolen painting, A Lady
Sense Book of the Year Award, and the
Chicago Tribune Prize for Young Adult
escapes. a huge Chasing Vermeer fan, I’d pondered
adapting it for some time.”
I couldn’t be more proud of their
dedication. And I thank their families for
be the one to figure Writing.
“What a beautiful and amazing
Fiction.
“I was more surprised than anyone
Ghostly Beginnings
Balliett’s interest in the unknown and
She finally got her chance when Balliett
visited the Schools to speak. “I was
all of their support.
“The teacher in Chasing Vermeer
this out!’” production. I was bowled over,” says to see this book take off. It’s packed with the little-understood began many years nervous about approaching her, but she really does what John Dewey laid out
Balliett, who was in the audience glimpses of my everyday classroom,” ago. After college she lived on Nantucket was so warm and gracious that I just for us to do: stay curious, follow the
opening night. “Audre’s adaptation of says Balliett, who taught third and Island, in Massachusetts, and heard blurted it out,” she recalls. “I was kicking knowledge,” Budrys Nakas says. “It’s a
my book was both true-to-content and fourth grade at Lab for 12 years before people in that community telling stories myself for putting her on the spot, but message that bears repeating. I think our
inventive, and the sets, music, and acting becoming a full-time novelist. “Real about run-ins with ghosts. Incredulous, she was so gracious and agreed to allow students really honored Dewey’s memory
were wonderful. So much talent, and all conversations between kids and actual she began interviewing residents and me to adapt her novel after a few emails. with their work on this production.”
springing from the Lab community!” homework assignments are woven visitors, recording their experiences. Needless to say, I was thrilled!”
In the play, as in the book and at into the story. I’m pretty similar to the The result was her first book, Nantucket Budrys Nakas wanted to stay as true
Lab, students are encouraged to ask teacher, Ms. Hussey, but not as wild or Ghosts, which was written as oral history. to the source material as possible, but as
questions, explore, persevere—values I probably would have been fired,” she Does Balliett believe in ghosts? “Well, with all book-to-stage adaptations, some
that John Dewey hoped would spread adds with a laugh. “Ms. Hussey takes there’s definitely something going on,” changes had to be made.
like wildfire. kids’ ideas seriously, which is something she says with a smile. “When you hear
I’ve always done too.”
18 LabLife Spring 2020 LabLife Spring
LabLife 19
202027
Fall 2016ducation brought
Kathleen and Michael
“We wanted to their estate planning offered Kathleen and
Michael a way to make a meaningful, long-
O’Connor together in
the 1980s; they met
make sure that at term commitment to a place to which they
feel deeply connected and grateful.
as undergraduates at the end of our days These days, the O’Connors run
Amherst College. They FORA (Forging Opportunities for
connected again a decade something was left Refugees in America), a tutoring center
later at their tenth-year college reunion.
Their early life together took them to say thank you to in West Rogers Park that serves Rohingya
children and women. With a staff of
on peacekeeping and education missions
to Madagascar and Kosovo. After they
the institution and volunteer and professional tutors, the
center offers students ages 5–18 support
returned to the US, Michael’s work led
them to the Chicago area, and they made a
the people who in reading and math, as well as English
classes for adult refugees. The O’Connors
home for their family in Oak Park. As their have been such a are providing to new Americans some
children approached the transition to high measure of what they value most about the
school, they were delighted to find Lab. positive and integral education they have found for their own
Soon after their son Thomas, ’22, entered
U-High, Michael began volunteering, part of our lives.” children at Lab.
A typical day finds Kathleen or
first as a Parents Fund volunteer and later Michael directing tutors and engaging
as a member of the Parent Development Lab in their estate plans, Michael notes, children, and thinking about the
Committee. “The one thing we really wanted to do development and broader well-being of
Having spent much of their adult was to show appreciation to the villages all the families the organization serves.
lives dedicated to education in a number that have helped us raise our children. Thomas, Clare, and Daniel sometimes join
of different local contexts and complex Lab is one of three such villages that stand their parents in working with the children
circumstances, the O’Connors strongly out in our minds as key to our children’s as well. Throughout the O’Connors’ bright
believe that it does indeed take a village development. We wanted to make sure that storefront space, one can see caring adults
to raise a child. For them, Lab is a place at the end of our days something was left and young people carrying out the kind
that nurtures learning and growth, a to say thank you to the institution and the of powerful work that also goes on at Lab
small village within the bigger UChicago people who have been such a positive and every day: the work of instilling confidence
community. At Lab, they have found for integral part of our lives. in children while also motivating them
their three children—Thomas was joined “Kathleen and I have both been in to be hungry to learn more and continue
last year by his siblings Clare and Daniel, education for much of our adult lives, and to grow.
both in the class of 2023—“a place where we have toured hundreds if not thousands By making a bequest to Lab,
they can be themselves and be challenged of schools,” says Michael. “I believe that Kathleen and Michael O’Connor have
to evolve by expanding their knowledge like Tolstoy’s ‘all happy families,’ all good made a formal pledge to support Lab’s
and emotional intelligence.” schools are alike, at least in one important powerful work, helping to ensure that Lab
In 2018, Kathleen and Michael regard. They all share the distinguishing will continue to deliver on its educational
decided to demonstrate their support of characteristic of ‘spirited inquiry.’ For us, mission to ignite and nurture an enduring
Lab by making a bequest. Bequests—often Lab has such a feel.” Including Lab in spirit of scholarship, curiosity, creativity,
Honoring the
made through a will or trust—allow and confidence, far into the future.
donors to retain control over their assets
during their lifetime while pledging future
support to institutions that are important
to them. Of their decision to include
Planned Giving LIFE INCOME GIFTS
Earn income for yourself
To learn more about
making a planned giving
importance of education
Opportunities or a beneficiary through decision to benefit Lab,
assets gifted to the contact development@
University. ucls.uchicago.edu.
There are many ways
to provide vital future GIFTS OF RETIREMENT All donors who support
support for students, PLAN ASSETS any unit in the University
faculty, facilities, or Designate the University through a planned gift
programs at Lab by as a beneficiary of your are invited to join the
making a planned gift. retirement plan. Phoenix Society and
Kathleen and Michael O’Connor’s Ways to give include:
BEQUESTS
GIFTS OF REAL ESTATE
Make a unique, lasting,
and convenient gift of real
are recognized in an
annual Honor Roll (unless
anonymity is requested)
Including a gift to the
planned giving decision University of Chicago in
your will is a simple way to
leave an enduring legacy.
estate based on current
market value.
By Amanda Norton We regret the following errors or omissions in our fall LabLife 2019 Special Report on Philanthropy and Giving: Carol Sobel Siegel, ’64 and Charles Siegel were omitted from the DePencier Society list. John
Mores, AM’89 was omitted from the list of donors. Jaya and Seenu Hariprasad should have appeared in the listing of $2,500-4,999 donors. These names were misspelled: Laura DuFour, John Himmelfarb, and
Andrea John, ’03. An updated Alumni Association Executive Board list with members’ current employment information is now online at https://www.ucls.uchicago.edu/alumni/connect-volunteer-lead
22 LabLife
20 LabLifeSpring
Fall 2017
2020 LabLife Spring 2020 21Extended Day progra m allows U-High graduates to come full circle Alumni return in roles that help them explore careers in education By Megan E. Doherty, AM’05, PhD’10 22 LabLife Spring 2020 LabLife Spring 2020 23
hen Kaleb
Mazurek, ’14,
career education and education-related
professionals. The lead “Fellows,” who
of assistants are UChicago graduate or
undergraduate students.
“Our alumni Fellows with kids is something I’ve been able to
practice through the experience of the
joined Lab’s must have a BA in education or a related Participating in the program provides and assistants Extended Day program,” says Beck, who
Extended Day field, are responsible for developing and perspective as they’re looking toward their is currently an Extended Day teaching
program as a implementing curriculum, managing and futures in education, Baumann notes. settle in so quickly assistant. “Working with kids just
kindergartener, he
wound up meeting people who’d become
mentoring up to two teaching assistants,
writing newsletters, and managing
Emily Kleeman, ’10, agrees. The
chance to be a Fellow last year seemed because they have makes me really happy, and this was an
opportunity to get more context about
some of his closest friends. Four years
after he left U-High, he returned to the
administrative tasks. Their assistants
are eager to learn and grow in working
an excellent jumping off point. While at
U-High, she taught ballet at the Hyde
an immediate what working with children is really like.”
Connecting with other teachers at
program as a teaching assistant. with children and fine tune their skills. Park School of Dance, and she taught comfort with the Lab, Hill says, has been incredibly helpful.
“It was always something that I had
in the back of my head when I was an
There are usually Lab grads to be found
among the assistants and nearly a third
cooking to youngsters while in college.
Not only did she want to make sure fact that learning His former teachers have stepped up and
gladly offered advice to help his substitute
assistant, that these kids could
go on to be life-long friends,”
and play are messy. teaching. Further, it’s been encouraging
to reconnect with so many teachers who
says Mazurek, who’s currently Many of our early inspired him when he was a kid.
teaching English in Palestine. “I can watch how they do what they
“When I was in their shoes, career educators do behind the scenes,” he said. “This is
Extended Day provided
an opportunity to build
are still acclimating what it means to be a teacher.”
Kleeman, talks about her goals for the
bonds, play, experiment, and to that idea.” future with her lead teacher. “I could see
spend time together outside myself in early childhood now, and have
of school.” Interacting in gotten great advice as I reflect on my
an open and play-based devoting her career to education was decision.”
environment allowed him something she truly wanted, she also Part of the magic of the Extended
to forge connections with wanted to clarify what age range best Day program is that it allows U-High … When Hill joined Extended Day,
some of his peers that weren’t suited her. graduates to come full-circle. “The he wondered what he could do to
possible during the regular “When I went in, I had my mind alumni get it. They know the lingo, they help the students now as a teacher. He
school day. made up that I wanted to work with first know the traditions, and they know the remembered being a Lab Middle Schooler
More than 800 Lab through fourth graders, and I was very autonomy our children bring to making with undiagnosed dyslexia—reading
students participate in an sure about that,” says Kleeman, who is a classroom experience their own,” says and writing were a struggle. One year,
Extended Day program each now a full-time NK assistant teacher Baumann. he asked his teacher if he could do his
year, whether in a play-based, at Lab. “In the program, I was able to “Our alumni Fellows and assistants report as a video project. He discovered
student-driven before- or work with many different age groups settle in so quickly because they have an an alternative way that he could learn
after-school program or in an and I really loved them all. Especially the immediate comfort with the fact that and communicate information to others,
enrichment class—anything younger kids!” learning and play are messy. Many of our which launched a lifelong interest in
from chess to using maker Cortney Hill, ’13, started as an early career educators are still acclimating filmmaking and helping other students
spaces for hands-on design Extended Day assistant for nursery and to that idea.” best express themselves.
to dance and sports. The third grades. Thanks to that work, he’s Being familiar with the rhythms of Growing up, Hill didn’t consider
program is designed to create now a substitute teacher at Lab, helping Lab as a student, and then as a Fellow, himself an artist. Being a substitute
constructive, intentional, with gym and art classes in the Lower helped Kleeman feel like she was already teacher for art classes at Lab has helped
and meaningful social School. part of the community. “I came in him realize that filmmaking is an artform;
engagement in a way that is “What kind of teacher do I want to knowing how the day worked and how it’s also helped him find his calling to help
familiar and enriching. be? What age group do I want to work everything runs,” she says. “This gave me students find alternative ways to digest
“What’s particularly with? Getting to be a substitute teacher a sense of how to come up with activities ideas and communicate their insights with
wonderful is when our very right now gives me a full range of different that were heavily experiential, because confidence.
own Lab alumni return to subjects and ages to work with. It can be that’s something I’m familiar with as core “Some kids struggle with an idea that
work at Lab in Extended everything from music to science,” he to Lab’s philosophy.” they don’t know how to get out, and I get
Day,” says Ann Marie says. “Extended Day has opened up a lot The Lab frame of mind is about to help them walk through it and come
Baumann, associate director of doors for me.” modeling a passion for learning, especially up with ways to get it out,” he said. “I
of N-2 Family Life Programs. Both Fellows and assistants receive through experimentation. Lab alumni want to help others find their voice in art,
“It’s phenomenal. They bring regular mentoring and feedback on understand this intimately, and it’s one because it was filmmaking that helped me
a joy with them and are their performance. Put into place this way they add to the Extended Day find my voice.”
thrilled to give to something year, Fellows now have the chance to get experience for the next generation.
that they were part of.” classroom observations and more detailed “Where else will you find an after-school
In recent years, Lab has feedback as they seek growth and learning program where four-year-olds look
made it a strategic priority opportunities. forward to Science Mondays and doing
to ensure that Extended Ivan Beck, ’19, has been grateful for activities like using Play-Doh to explore
Day lead staff are all early the chance to watch the more experienced color theory?” Baumann adds.
teachers and follow their lead. “It’s been
trial and error. The demeanor you need
24 LabLife Spring 2020 LabLife Spring 2020 25You can also read
