Dear Parents,
Please take a moment to complete this survey. Special thanks to staff and parents on our Diversity Committee for their work on this project. I know that we will learn a lot from our families, which will help inform our ongoing efforts! Please note: this survey is anonymous.
Message about the survey: Charlotte Lab School (CLS) is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive experience for our students, families and faculty.
CLS's diversity goals encompass inclusiveness for all forms of diversity including: race, nationality or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion and socioeconomic status (i.e., income).
As an initial step toward realizing our goals, we decided to focus our efforts on increasing the number of students who live in economically disadvantaged households (see note 1) and ethnically-diverse students (see note 2). Both groups are underrepresented at CLS based on targets established in our original charter school application, which are intended to mirror the diversity of Charlotte.
We are inviting you to share your thoughts so we can assess your level of awareness and understanding regarding our diversity goals by completing this survey. We also hope to determine necessary support for further engaging parents around creating an inclusive school community.
We appreciate your candid feedback by Tuesday, February 29 and reiterate that all feedback is anonymous.
Mary Moss Brown
Head of School
Note 1: As communicated in January, we modified our lottery process to increase this population by 18%.
Note 2: Increasing ethnic diversity at CLS is another opportunity for us to better reflect the demographics of our city. While it is not a factor in the admissions process, we plan to identify ways to attract more ethnically diverse student applicants.
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WELLNESS UPDATE FROM MRS. WHELAN
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The Whole Tulip Parent Presentation
Please join Adri and Carolyn as they discuss the one ingredient that could be holding you and your family back on your health goals: SUGAR.
When: February 24, 9-10:00 am
Where: UNCC (Room TBA)
They will explore with you:
- The dangers of too much sugar in the diet, including what it can do to the immune system
- Where sugar might be hiding in your foods
- How to read labels and teach your children to be label detectives
- Healthy alternatives to refined sugar
Carolyn Hallett and Adri Warrick, sisters and co-founders of
The Whole Tulip, are certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coaches. Adri and Carolyn's approach focuses on the whole person. They base their practice on the theory of bio-individuality meaning that when it comes to nutrition and lifestyle, one size does not fit all. They meet individuals where they are, help them achieve their health goals, and share necessary tools to eat well, live well, and feel their best. Email Mrs. Whelan if you would like to attend.
Did you know that the average American child consumes almost 50 pounds of added sugar per year? Adults consume an average of 70 pounds of sugar per year or 22 teaspoons a day. The American Heart Association recommends that children should only consume 3-4 teaspoons a day or about 15 grams of sugar per day. Too much added sugar in the diet can cause weight gain, reactive hypoglycemia, poor sleep, headaches, joint issues, digestive issues, and it can complicate ADD and ADHD, suppress the immune system, and more. There is a lot you can do starting today to help reduce the added sugar in your family's diet.
- Be a label detective and read the ingredient list on packages. There are 60 different names for sugar. While the word "sugar" may not appear in the ingredient list, it does not mean the product does not contain sugar. A good indicator that an ingredient is sugar is if it ends in 'OSE'.
- Artificial sweeteners are not a good substitute for sugar. A better choice is to choose a plant derived substitute like Stevia. Artificial sweeteners may still cause sugar cravings and have you eating more added sugar in other foods.
- Try using more natural sweeteners like raw honey and pure maple syrup where you might normally use refined sugar. Also try low glycemic sweeteners, like coconut palm sugar, when baking.
- To reduce sugar cravings and the amount of added sugar in your diet, eat healthy, high protein meals that will give you long-lasting and sustainable energy. Try eating protein with your fruits, such as a banana or apple with a nut or seed butter (look for added sugar in those). Try eating sweet potatoes with your meals so help satisfy sweet cravings without the sugar.
- Try something new to make your body feel good without the sugar. Maybe try a new class with a friend, cook a new healthy meal with the family, get out in nature, or explore a new area of Charlotte. The possibilities are endless!
As a followup from this presentation,
Amelia Abbott (parent and member of the Wellness Committee) will be working with the founders of The Whole Tulip and utilizing their resources to present to students during community meetings on March 3. Be sure to ask your child what he/she learned about
healthy food choices and healthy habits.
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| LAB INNOVATION FUND UPDATE |
A special thank you to all of our families who made a donation to our annual giving campaign in its first official week. We will be updating our donor list and progress at the end of every month, so stay tuned!
You can find more information on our website, including
Ways to Give and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
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We have been notified by a few Lab families that their children have been diagnosed with the flu; therefore, we thought it would be helpful to run the following recommendations for Preventing the Flu from the Centers for Disease Control.
According to their website: "The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu." Other tips include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
- Wash your hands often. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
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The World Languages team is requesting photos of students and families that represent your culture. Please send in a photo (hard copy or digitally to cfrench@charlottelabschool.org) that includes your student and a product or practice that represents your culture. These do not necessarily need to be related to a particular heritage or nationality; we would love to know about your family or community's culture, too!
- PRODUCTS could include anything that a group uses or makes: favorite foods, money, monuments, heirlooms, games, jewelry, musical instrument, etc.
- PRACTICES could include the things that you do normally with a group: traditions, celebrations, greetings, rite of passage, habits, manners, how you travel, something that you do every weekend, a mealtime or bedtime routine, etc.
If you (as a parent) are interested in sharing more about a culture, please let us know here:
bit.ly/labtravels
. Please feel free to contact any World Languages teacher if you have any questions!
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| LAST DAY TO ORDER YEARBOOKS |
Tomorrow is the last day to order your yearbook. The easiest way to order is through the Jostens secure website. Yearbooks are just $25 plus tax. Don't miss out!
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| PTSO GENERAL MEETING - FEB 28 |
The third-quarter PTSO General Membership Meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 28 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Agenda details and parking information were in last week's enewsletter. If you need childcare, please RSVP to the PTSO mailbox
and indicate the # of children attending. Space is limited so please RSVP by Wednesday, February 22. The cost for each child is $5 (cash only, please) and healthy, nut-free snacks will be served (if your child needs more, please send it).
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The PTSO is hoping to have two fun spring events -- one for the boys and one for the girls -- where students can invite a special someone as their guest (parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, etc.). We have volunteers to chair a girls' dance, but we are still looking for someone to chair and develop the boys' event. This would be a great job for a Lab Dad (or two)!
We would also love to have a Talent Show this spring so students can showcase their special skills and abilities. We have a group of volunteers willing to work on this event. All we need is a committee chair to take the lead.
Contact Sue Hawes by Wednesday, February 15 if you're interested in one of these opportunities to help create exciting new events for our school! As of the end of last week, we still haven't heard from any potential volunteer chairs. Without more volunteers, we will not be able to host any of these events for our students.
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| CALLING ALL 5TH GRADE PARENTS |
We are looking for helpers to welcome families to the 6th Grade Open House this Wednesday, February 15, help with registration, and share their experiences with prospective families. If you are interested in volunteering, please
sign up here
. We will meet in the main office at 6:00 pm to welcome visitors and get the scoop from Kendra.
Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm about Lab!
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| REMINDERS FROM OUR LUNCH PROVIDER |
Lunch orders must be place at least 7 days in advance to allow the caterer enough time to purchase/prepare the appropriate amount of food. If you are purchasing lunch on specific days, you must let the caterer know which days your child intends to eat lunch at least 7 days in advance by emailing or adding a note to your order..
Also, we only have silverware (well, plasticware) available if your child has purchased school lunch. If your child brings his/her lunch, please send all utensils from home.
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| AFTER SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS |
Tuesday
After School Update: We need at least 3 more kids to continue to run the Tuesday Kids Yoga & Mindfulness class led by yoga therapist & mom Karey Tom. During this class,
boys & girls (K-5) learn ways to self regulate through mindful movement, breathing, and meditation. All classes include music, dance, and free play!
If you're looking to add something fun on Tuesdays or want to switch your child from regular after school, please contact
afterschool@charlottelabschool.org.
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| Wed, Feb 15 |
Middle School Open House |
6:30 PM |
| Fri, Feb 17 |
President's Day - Holiday |
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| Mon, Feb 20 |
President's Day - Holiday |
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| Tue, Feb 21 |
Teacher Workday- NO CLASSES |
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| Thur, Feb 23 |
Grades 4/5 Girls Book Club |
10:55 AM |
| Thur, Feb 23 |
Middle School Panel Discussion |
6:30 PM |
| Tue, Feb 28 |
Grades 4/5 Boys Book Club |
10:55 AM |
| Tue, Feb 28 |
PTSO General Meeting |
6:00 PM |
| Fri, Mar 3 |
Last Day of Trimester 2 Enrichment & PE Classes |
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Have you noticed that the car-rider line is moving more quickly? That is because of our fabulous morning volunteers. You can help keep the line moving by volunteering with morning carpool. Sign up to let us know you are coming.
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We are in need of
uniforms in larger sizes (7-12) including tops, pants, and navy sweaters/fleeces. If you have any to donate (new or gently used) please let us know. Drop off your donations at the front office.
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As mentioned above, save the date for our Middle School Panel Discussion on Thursday, Feb. 23. Additionally, if you would like to be part of our panel discussion, or if you have a middle school that you would like to see included, please email Counselor Assistant Andrea Miller.
All requests for transcripts and student records must be made in writing to Front Office Manager Stefanny Wilches. Please allow 2 weeks for processing. Requests for references should be made directly with the teacher or staff member.
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Boo boo ice and peanut-free, healthy snacks are needed in the front office. If you are able to donate any of these items, please drop them off to
Stefanny Wilches in the front office. You may also pick up a donation receipt at that time.
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Continue to save your
Box Tops
this semester! Every box top counts towards money for our school!
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Sign up for text reminders using
Remind 101
. By subscribing to the Whole School AND
your child's grade level
, you will receive up-to-date text reminders of need-to-know information. Simply text the correct code to 810-10. Standard text rates do apply.
- Whole School - @Fk2c2
- Kindergarten - @2a34d
- 1st Grade - @8g9ccd
- 2nd Grade - @48h447
- 3rd Grade - @hea66
- 4th Grade - @43gf3d
- 5th Grade - @4dha6
- After School - @labschoola
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