In the Classroom at the Conservatory Lab

Student Council Will Provide New Leadership Opportunities

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:03:59 -0400

Children learn responsibility when they are entrusted with it. There are no training wheels. In order to become leaders, they must be given an opportunity to lead. Allowed to face the challenges and triumphs of leadership, they will discover strength in themselves that we cannot give them.

As with all that we teach, we scaffold these opportunities. In each grade, students take on more autonomy than the year before. Bit by bit, their learning becomes more self-guided and they are asked to solve problems using their own resources. As the supports gradually fall away, young leaders learn that they can do more for themselves than they realized.

This year we are introducing a new leadership opportunity to students in grades 3-6. Representatives will be elected by their peers to serve on a student council. Interested candidates have prepared position papers, outlining visions of hope for their community, which range from recess reform to new structures for peer-to-peer mentoring.

We look forward to engaging with their ideas. Those elected will face the challenges of balancing competing needs and desires within their constituency. Those among the electorate will learn to make their voices heard through their representatives. Together, they will feel the pride of making changes that improve conditions for their peers. Most of all, they will gain faith in themselves as leaders, decision makers, and participants in Democracy.

Diana Lam

Head of School

First Grade Learns About Leaders

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:00:10 -0400

In this pivotal election year, 1st graders investigate American leaders from George Washington to Barack Obama, from Helen Keller to Martin Luther King, Jr., as they explore the guiding question: What makes a good leader? They began this expedition with a gallery walk, examining pictures of leaders and making notes of their observations and their questions. In a final project, an American Leaders Wax Museum, each student steps into the shoes of an American leader, showcasing the leader’s special qualities and achievements.

Students will also explore how voting gives people a voice in choosing our leaders. Through fieldwork at a local polling place during the presidential elections, students investigate the steps in the voting process and will survey today’s voters on what they think makes a good leader. Throughout the expedition, students listen to and sing “America the Beautiful,” “This Land is Your Land,” and other iconic folk songs that express love and pride for our country and its people.

MCAS Scores Show Narrowing Acheivement Gap

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:48:00 -0400

Our newly released MCAS scores for 2011-2012 tell an exciting story. They depict a school that has made significant gains in the last four years both in English Language Arts (ELA) and in Math. They portray a school where achievement gaps are rapidly narrowing and test scores for all students are on par with the state average.

Under the new Massachusetts Department of Education ranking system, which has replaced the system mandated by No Child Left Behind, we are now a Level One school. This is a significant achievement. All schools in the state have been assigned a ranking between 1 and 5, where 5 is failing and 1 is thriving. The state measures data from four years, with the most recent weighted the strongest, and factors in the achievement of low-income students compared to the total average. A Level One ranking distinguishes Conservatory Lab as a model for quality teaching and learning.

The graphs below compare the Cumulative Progress Index (CPI) of Conservatory Lab, Boston Public Schools, and the state average over the last three years. This year we have seen significant gains in ELA, bringing us just above the state average. Our Math scores are slightly lower than last year, but they are still neatly in range of the state average. Among low-income students, we are significantly and consistently outperforming both BPS and the state average in both subjects.

Of course these test scores are only one angle of the story. For the full story, ask a kindergartner to tell you about primary and secondary colors, or have a 5th grader show you the form of a blues poem. Take a look at our YouTube page, full of triumphant performances by every grade, or peruse our bookshelves of literature and art created by our children. There are many ways to show learning, but any way you measure it, it is happening here. Thank you to our students, teachers, families, and staff for creating a place where learning happens day by day and year by year.

Diana Lam

Head of School

A New Year Begins

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:10:00 -0400

Dear families,

In the opening lines of Bruckner’s fourth symphony, a solo French horn calls out, clear and strong from a sea of trembling strings. As the music unfolds, the orchestra begins to rally around those six notes. Other instruments take up the theme, developing it and making it their own, supporting it with their own harmonies and colors, transforming it from a lone vision into a triumphant statement that will carry the orchestra through to the final movement.

I think about this symphony as I watch our students and teachers take their first steps together. Carefully they practice every routine of the day, from walking in line to passing out pencils. As students become comfortable with these new routines, they begin to take ownership of their learning environment. From these simple first steps, a culture begins to grow, based on cooperation, responsibility, perseverance, empathy, and self reflection. The momentum builds, until they are creating, exploring, learning, and performing together.

It is wonderful to have our young scholars and musicians back with us, ready to embark on a new journey. I look forward to working with you all this year to create positive learning experiences for all of our students.

Warmly,

Diana Lam

Head of School

Second Grade Lady Gaga Parody, "Snakes Are Born This Way" Goes Viral

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 10:33:00 -0400

The 2nd grade class made this music video to share their knowledge about snakes. Within seven days, it has received almost 8,000 views! It has been featured in the Huffington Post, as well as the ABC local news sites in Fresno, CA; Houston, TX; and Philledelphia, PA. Keep up to date with the latest news about the Snake Video by liking the facebook page.

Learning Expeditions Conclude With Style and Flare

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 09:43:26 -0400

Last Friday visitors streamed through the school, bouncing from classroom to classroom in a continuous stream of learning celebrations. More stories and pictures will soon be up on Facebook, but for now here are the highlights of the last week of classroom presentations:

The K1 Circus
Our young performers have been studying the elements of a circus performance, including the characters, form, actions, and traditions that contribute to the excitement of the big top. As a class, they identified and honed their most impressive skills of acrobatics, contortion, tumbling, and balance. Last Friday, their work came to fruition in a stunning spectacle of talent and art.

Second Grade Music Video Premier
The herpetologists of 2nd grade spoke with poise and presence at their culminating presentation last Friday. They shared the process of their research into the world of snakes and the creation of their products: a pamphlet on snake care, a collection of scientific drawings, and a music video based on Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,” about the diversity of snakes. The video will soon be available on YouTube.

Fourth Grade Planet Poster Palooza
The fourth grade class wrapped up their study of the solar system with a presentation of planet posters. Each student assumed the personae of a different celestial body and told a story from its perspective.

Sixth Grade Mock Trial
The students of 6th grade completed a study of the book Tangerine, by Edward Bloor. On Friday, they put one of the novel’s central characters, Erik, on trial for his actions in the story. The students prepared opening remarks, rebuttals, and closing statements to sway the jury of 4th graders in their favor. Judge Gapp presided over an emotionally and intellectually stimulating round of oral arguments.

Field Day

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 09:42:57 -0400

Following the school’s long-standing tradition, students in grades K1-5 assembled in the field for an afternoon of collaborative games and school spirit. Each student was assigned to a different color group, with representatives from each grade. The twelve groups rotated around to six stations, including Gym Club Calisthenics, a Pizza Box Relay, The Parachute, The Golf Ball Spoon River Jump, Kickball, and the playground water station.

The grand finale was a water balloon tossing championship, in which even the teachers participated! It was a joyful end to a joyful year.

"Making Minds Sing!" Color Magizine

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 11:24:43 -0400

"Making Minds Sing!" Color Magizine

Howard Gardner Presents Keynote at Music Moves Minds Conference

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:39:33 -0400

A kindred spirit to the mission and goals of Conservatory Lab, Dr. Howard Gardner, a noted developmental psychologist and author, spoke to a rapt audience primarily about his well-known and highly regarded Theory of Multiple Intelligences, of which music is one. A long-time key member of Project Zero at Harvard, he has done extensive research on human cognition with a special focus on the arts. In addition he spoke of his book Five Minds for the Future: the disciplined mind, the synthesizing mind, the creative mind, the respectful mind and the ethical mind. His words had compatibility and a resonance with the workshops and materials presented at the conference.

Dr. Gardner spoke of the importance that music has played in his life and the pleasure he has derived from playing the piano since a small child.

Music Moves Minds Conference Draws Educators from New York City, Connecticut

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:38:13 -0400

Last Friday’s conference drew educators from throughout New England, including New York. Participants came to experience a day of presentations, performances, and panels led by Conservatory Lab teachers and staff, discussing the school’s unique approach to music-infused Expeditionary Learning.

Following a keynote address by Howard Gardner, participants divided into grade level groups to learn about learning expeditions taking place in each class. They were asked to put on their “student hats” and experience classroom activities through the eyes of children, then don their “teacher hats” in order to reflect.

The post-lunch Dudamel performance was a highlight for all. One participant wrote, “I cried; watching children of different backgrounds perform together so beautifully is heartwarming and inspiring.”

In the afternoon, Conservatory Lab teachers presented break-out sessions on song writing, the blues, the listening project, and creating a music infused school. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive on the presentations throughout the day. In the words of one teacher, “Children can learn! Lets always have high expectations.”

Participants and presenters will stay in touch through the Music Moves Minds Facebook Page, an on-line community for educators to share ideas, materials, questions, and triumphs with one another.

Bravo to all staff, student ambassadors, and volunteers for your hard work and stunning performance.

Educators, Join Our On-line Community!

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 11:01:07 -0400

We’re launching a new Facebook page, specifically for educators. Conference participants, Conservatory Lab teachers, and educators from all around the web will share lesson plans, materials, ideas, questions, and triumphs. If you are interested in the materials and pedagogy of El Sistema and Expeditionary Learning, come join the discussion! https://www.facebook.com/MusicMovesMinds

Celebrations in the Classrooms

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 10:12:24 -0400

As the year crescendos to its final cadence, there are celebrations happening right and left! Come and see some of the exciting work going on in the classrooms:

K1 Circus
June 8
4-5:30 pm

Come see the K1 class tumble, juggle, jump, and more. The young performers will present a live circus show, followed by a celebratory potluck.

1st Grade Reprises “The Little Pigs, Inc.”
June 8
9-10 am (school assembly)

The show that critics have called “SOME MUSICAL!” “TERRIFIC!” and “RADIANT” is back for a second run at the final all-school assembly next Friday. If you missed it once, don’t miss it twice!

2nd Grade Music Video Premiere
June 8
5:30 pm (Location TBA)

The long-awaited single, “Born This Way,” a snakey parody of Lady Gaga’s celebrated hit, will be seen for the first time next Friday at a celebration of the students’ year-long expedition on herpetology.

4th Grade Planet-Poster-Palooza
June 8
10 am (after assembly)

Students will share their solar system knowledge with an unveiling of their planet posters. This event promises to be out-of-this-world!

5th Grade Shares Nutritional Public Service Announcements
June 11
9:30 am

The more you know about nutrition, the healthier you will be! Come learn from the videos, performances, and posters made by 5th graders to share critical nutrition and exercise information.

6th Grade Mock Trial
June 8
(Time TBA)

Eric, a character from the novel “Tangerine,” will be on trial for crimes committed in the story. Students will deliver oral arguments on behalf of the prosecution and the defense, and the verdict will be issued by a jury of peers.

Standing Ovation for First Graders in Musical Theater Performance

Tue, 29 May 2012 10:50:00 -0400

By Jonah Comstock

Intern, Psychology Today

When the Conservatory Lab 1st graders took the stage, it was clearly the culmination of months of work - not only on the part of the students, but also of a creative team that included teachers, parents, and Brendan Shea, a special guest writer from the American Repertory Theater.

The finished production, directed by Jovanne Buckmire and Katie Biro, is a flawlessly executed musical fairy tale that brought the Three Little Pigs into the 21st century through the first-graders’ spirited performances. Shea’s take on the story showcased the students’ experiential learning about the building process. We’re introduced to them in the prologue, wherein their pig parents send them off into the world. One is a hardworking builder, one is a clever scientist, and one is a sensitive soul who likes to draw pictures. We meet these pigs in the opening number, “Build Your House,” one of several snappy pieces by resident artist Levi Comstock which fill out the book. In this number and others, I was impressed by the students’ strong voices and clear articulation, not to mention some cute choreography.

Next, with the help of our narrator, we segue five years later to see the pigs building their houses with different materials - natural ones like wood, and man-made materials like plastic. The structures look great, but, to the pigs’ horror, a trio of Big Bad Wolves has other plans, bulldozing them away to make room for the hastily-constructed Wolf City U.S.A. (A sly tribute to “We Built this City” by Starship, courtesy of one-woman pit orchestra Rebecca Levi, underscores the operation.)

It’s only when the third pig, in the show-stopping solo “Bricks and Dreams”, realizes her dream of becoming an architect, that the three pigs have what it takes to team up and build a Piggyplex the wolves won’t be able to tear down. When the wolves’ flimsy city crumbles, the pigs welcome them into the fold for the final number, a powerful performance of Peter, Paul, and Mary’s “If I Had a Hammer.”

Second Graders Shake, Rattle, and Slither

Wed, 23 May 2012 14:53:15 -0400

This week, 2nd graders put the finishing touches on their music video which will premier on YouTube later this month.

Filming the choreography was the last step in an extremely detailed process of writing and creating an original song and music video. After writing the song, six students went to the music studio to record the track of the song with their instruments. Once the track was created, we created a recording studio in the Scores room to record the students singing the lyrics. The lyrics and track were then put together.

The 2nd graders watched an exemplar of a “Kidz Bop” music video and identified the criteria for creating a high quality music video. The students came up with a long list of criteria; including choreography, filming in multiple locations, and stylish outfits. Students also noticed the singers sang clearly and with expression.

For the past few weeks, the 2nd graders have learned choreography as a whole class and in small groups to go along with their song. They have practiced performing the choreography in a variety of locations, including the classroom and the playground. The day of filming was a culmination of many weeks of rehearsal. The students performed like professionals, and exuded joy throughout the entire day of filming.

Curtain Going Up!

Wed, 23 May 2012 14:48:21 -0400

Mark your calendars with an asterisk and plan to arrive early for a good seat for the performance of “The Three Little Pigs Inc.” the lively musical performed by the 1st grade thespians at the Veronica B. Smith Senior Center on Thursday, May 24th at 12:30p.m.

At the rehearsal held this last week, it became clearly evident that these young performers have internalized their roles, their lines, their songs and their movements. They have learned how to make a story come alive on stage. All they need now is the audience. Please come.

K1 Visits the Circus

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:29:23 -0400

Last Friday, the K1 class ran off to the circus in search of inspiration. For weeks they have been studying the animals, acts, and culture of “The Big Top,” investigating the ways that circus performers use what we at Conservatory Lab consider the “Keys to Harmony:” cooperation, courage, perseverance, responsibility, quality, and joy. They took notes on the many surprising and amazing performances they experienced, gathering ideas for the circus performances they will present during the last week of school.

Among their favorite acts were a juggler who kept eight balls in the air, a clown who spit water unexpectedly, and Bob, a capybara, who performed the song “Dynamite.” The students realized that the singing rodent was “just a trick,” but were none the less impressed.

While the K1 class will not attempt every act they saw, they will take many lessons away about the culture and environment of the circus. Each performer has a unique talent, but they must cooperate to work their gifts into a cohesive act. The students also noted that although professional circus performers may make a mistake, they keep going. “A little girl did a flip,” Indiana explained, “the first time she fell down, but then she persevered.”

Stay tuned for more information about the K1 circus, which will take place in mid June.

Second Graders in The Recording Studio

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:22:31 -0400

Last week the bass player and percussionists from the 2nd grade class traveled to Notable Productions, a professional recording studio, to lay down tracks for their upcoming single, “Snakes Are Born This Way,” set for release later this month on the Conservatory Lab You Tube Channel. Daniel Cantor, the recording artist who collaborated with the young musicians, is known for his work with George McCurdy, touring drummer for Lady Gaga. Cantor and his colleagues called the children “delightful and talented,” and said they were “impressed with their musicianship.”

The students’ song is a snake-themed parody of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.” The music video will feature original choreography and lyrics that describe the biological adaptations of various snakes and their role in ecosystems.

Fifth Grade Wraps up Donation Drive for Families in Need

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:21:59 -0400

The 5th grade class showed compassion and service through their donation drive for Cradles to Crayons last month. They created eye-catching posters to advertise the drive and wrote press releases that have appeared recently in Family Notes. Four large bins full of supplies were collected and taken to Cradles to Crayons, where they will be distributed to children in need, supplemented by an additional three bins from Conservatory Lab parent Casimir Deronette, who was inspired by the children’s efforts to launch a similar drive at his work place.

In addition to the items donated, proceeds from a bake sale held at the February assembly will be donated to Cradles to Crayons to purchase new school and craft supplies.

In April, the students traveled to Cradles to Crayons, where they sorted and carefully polished and cleaned donated shoes to be given to families who can not afford them. In recognition for their hard work and service, the class was able to put their names on the “giving tree” at Cradles to Crayons, which lists people and organizations that have shown exemplary service.

Third Grade Goes On-Site For Paul Revere Ballad Performance

Tue, 01 May 2012 11:27:47 -0400

On Thursday, April 26th the third grade class returned to the spots where their Expedition on Paul Revere originally began - the Old North Church and Paul Revere’s House. This time, however, they returned as performers and educators in their own right. Accompanied by their teachers and led by Ms. Levi, the students performed their skit about the Longfellow poem, The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, and their original ballad about the man and his many jobs. Paul Revere was a silversmith, a dentist and a soldier as well as a patriot. As the students point out “That guy was busy!" Their performances were enthusiastically received at both locations by staff and visitors, including a school group at the Old North Church. The morning’s performances were capped off with a delicious (and well-deserved) lunch at Pizzeria Regina in the North End. Thank you to all parents who sent in donations and to several who joined us along the way.

April Showcase

Tue, 01 May 2012 11:24:41 -0400

April Showcase