LabLife Spring 2018 the magazine for alumni, parents, and friends of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
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LabLife the magazine for alumni, parents, and friends of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools Spring 2018
SPRING 2018 in this issue In the
In the Halls
Halls
LabLife xxx WOLL
WOTR
FEATURES DEPARTMENTS
22 An Epic 03 In the Halls
Collaboration 04 The Bookshelf
26 Outdoor Classroom 10 Sports Highlights
Connects Experience 17 Behind the Scenes
and Education 18 Alumni Weekend
34 Exploration of 2017
40 Throwback
Independence
36 Immersive Learning 41 Alumni Notes
Nursery School students get their hands wet
50 Alumni in Action with early engineering exercises
FROM DIRECTOR “We want Lab children to see all the
CHARLIE ABELMANN
ways they can make a difference in
Global their local communities. We want
citizenship them to better understand national
issues and place those issues into a
global context.”
Dear Friends, We want Lab children China, a seminal period for our thinking that promotes critical
to see all the ways they can founder and his work. thinking and problem solving,
There are many ways we can make a difference in their We want Lab students and how we build coherence
help shape an education that local communities. We want to understand global issues, and community across our
prepares our students for them to better understand to have knowledge of— school. We are in a wonderful
global citizenship, recognizing national issues and place those and respect for—cultural position—with unmatched
that as children grow and issues into a global context. differences, and to build facilities, amazing and engaged
develop so, too, can their We want them to have the meaningful connections with students, and outstanding
spheres of influence. Lab confidence to engage in both youth from other locales and educators—to reflect and make
“Watch, watch, watch, Miles. Each NK classroom in Earl creative and inquisitive. Being
is particularly fortunate to local and global issues. That who have other perspectives. what is so wonderful about Lab It’s actually really magical!” Shapiro Hall was built with a part of the catalyst to help
have so many families and is one of the reasons it has Pluralistic perspectives, an even better. “Where’s the water go?” direct outdoor access, and them realize their potential is
educators who value—and who been so exciting to welcome awareness of other cultures, and I look forward to sharing “Let’s make some mud! I’m the water wall can be found incredible.”
themselves bring—a global students to Lab from China an understanding of the social, more as we begin that work. the mud maker!” just beyond the back door of And young Labbies never
perspective to educating our and France (and, at other times political, and environmental “Let’s get the water up, up, room 113. Each side of a large, fail to dazzle their teachers.
youth. I am thrilled to share in the year, from Germany and issues facing the world—this up the hose!” square pillar has been fitted Because the students wanted
in this magazine stories of Argentina). By hosting these knowledge is what will allow Warm regards, These are just a few of with wooden garden trellises, to play with the water wall
alumni who have extended young people in our homes our young people to collaborate the gleeful exclamations and and it is to these trellises that and be on the playground at
their learning and service and in our classrooms, we allow and solve problems as they inquiries that can be heard the students attach funnels, the same time, they began to
as assistant teacher Wendy plastic tubing, and recycled wonder how they could get the
through the Peace Corps. While our students real-time, real-life move forward. Charlie
Minor’s Nursery-4 students bottles to experiment with water across the intermediate
we might not all serve in the opportunities to see that theirs This summer Lab will explore their latest interactive different methods of moving sidewalk. From there, learning
Peace Corps, we can embrace is not the only image of embark upon a strategic creation: the water wall. water. took a tangent into the concept
a desire to promote peace and the world. We are also excited planning process to help us lay “It all stemmed from the “This project has really and practices of irrigation.
friendship. We can share a to plan study tours that will out the desires and goals that students’ natural interests,” encouraged the children “I want to make it clear
desire that our graduates leave send Lab students and teachers will take our school forward. Ms. Minor explains. “When to communicate and work that these children are not just
Lab prepared for all of life’s to China. These will be part of That process will offer our [teacher] Maureen Movrich, together as a team,” Ms. Minor playing with water,” Ms. Minor
journeys and have the ability a larger effort to honor the community a chance to reflect [assistant teacher] Luciana says. “One student has an idea, Ms. Minor, herself an artist says. “They are designing.
to build a better life for the 100th anniversary of John on issues that will shape our Taschini, and I met over the and then others voice possible and former adjunct faculty They are engineering. They
communities in which they live Dewey’s two-year visit to summer to build the curriculum strategies to make it happen. If member at the Art Institute, are problem-solving and
future, including how we
for the upcoming school year, that strategy doesn’t work, they decided to reroute her career learning collaboratively. I am
and serve. support the interdisciplinary caption caption caption caption caption caption caption
we compared notes about what brainstorm about what to try into early childhood education so grateful to the parents
caption caption caption caption caption caption caption caption
had captured our students’ next. And they initiated these after volunteering in her son’s and Lab’s other resources for
caption caption caption caption caption caption caption caption
LabLife, published twice Director Heather Preston Photography Publisher Volume 11, Number 2 imaginations the previous year. processes on their own. It’s like preschool classroom. “I just making this project and others
a year, is written for the Charles H. Abelmann Paul Schellinger Anna Johnson University of Chicago
they are teaching themselves caption caption caption
knew instantly that thiscaption
was caption
like it caption caption
possible. caption
The difference
University of Chicago Lindsey Simon Kathryn Smidstra Laboratory Schools
© 2018 by the University of We unanimously agreed that all
Laboratory Schools’
Editor 1362 E. 59th Street
Chicago Laboratory Schools
of the children were fascinated through experimentation and caption
where caption caption
I belonged,” shecaption
recalls. caption
they make in the classroom is
Catherine Braendel, ’81 Design Lab Notes Correspondents Chicago, IL 60637
community of alumni, Janice Clark Dozens of diligent alumni Reproduction in whole or by water. From there, the water teamwork.” caption caption
“I felt that this caption
was thecaption
age immeasurable.”
parents, faculty, and staff. Contributors www.ucls.uchicago.edu part, without permission of
Megan E. Doherty, AM’05,
agents Please send comments or the publisher, is prohibited. wall was born.” caption
where caption caption
I could make thecaption
biggest
updated contact information caption
PhD’10
Ingrid Gonçalves, AB’08 to alumni@ucls.uchicago.edu, impact.caption caption
Children caption
are naturally
or call 773-702-0578.
02 LabLife Spring 2018 LabLife Spring 2018 03
THE BOOKSHELF In the Halls
Recommended Class pet Mindfulness
reading
NK and Primary Principal Carla Young recommends
classification matters
The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier,
Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams
artha
Baggetto,
spending time outdoors. It is
their theory that nature helps
physical activity in school-
age children (4–18) increases
“Go outside,
one of our to “rest our top-down, direct performance in a trove of often, sometimes
school attention faculties. With that brain matter: perceptual skills,
nurses, restoration, we become more IQ, verbal ability, mathematic
in wild places.
recently gave me The Nature relaxed and then can perform ability, academic readiness. Bring friends or
Fix: Why Nature Makes thinking tasks better.” The effect was strongest in
Us Happier, Healthier, and When it comes to younger children.” not. Breathe.”
More Creative by Florence children, Williams writes, It seems that being outside
Williams. A journalist who “Nature play enhances at and in nature does all kinds architecture that allow
writes frequently about the least two activities known to of good things for the mind for daylight, fresh air and
environment, Williams develop children’s cognitive and body. Williams concludes patches of blue sky and
traveled the world from and emotional development: the book with a reference to naturalistic landscaping.
Korea to Japan, Finland, and exercise and exploratory play. Tim Beatley who runs the These are our daily vegetables.
Germany and looked at the A large meta- Biophilic Cities Project at the Moving up the pyramid are
science behind the positive analysis of University of Virginia. He has weekly outings to parks and
effects of spending time in dozens of developed a concept called the waterways, places where the
nature. She has come to what studies nature pyramid. “Inspired by sounds and hassles of the city
she calls a kind of ultrasimple concluded the ubiquitous food pyramid, recede, places we should aim
coda: “Go outside, often, that Beatley places at the base the to imbibe at least an hour or
sometimes in wild places. daily interactions with nearby so a week. Moving up higher
Bring friends or not. Breathe.” nature that help us de-stress, still are the places that take
She cites Stephen find focus, and lighten our more effort to get to: the
and Rachel Kaplan at the mental fatigue. These are the monthly excursions to forests For Amy Landry’s first- pets in their building. After Whether you’re a skeptic or a “Research
University of Michigan who birds and trees and fountains or other restful, escapist grade class, a trip to the collecting, double checking, believer, Lower School teacher
found that “their subjects in our neighborhoods, natural areas. . .. At the very
Lincoln Park Zoo became and counting their data, their Robert Ley says you practice indicates that
expressed clearer thinking
and less anxiety after viewing
our pets and our
house plants,
pinnacle are the rare but
essential doses of wilderness.” an opportunity for learning next step will be to assemble
mindfulness all the time.
“Mindfulness is just paying
mindfulness
nature photographs or public and private about animal classification a “pet map” showing the attention to anything that’s increases self-
and data collection. locations of the building’s happening in our experiences. It
The class participated in different animals. means showing up fully in every
awareness,
the venue’s Zoo Explorers For Ms. Landry, a key moment with an open heart,” improves attention
he says.
FROM THE program, which guides objective of this project Mr. Ley, who underwent two and emotion
students through the grounds has been to spark curiosity,
SYLLABI with hands-on, inquiry-based inspiring students “to feel
years of training through the regulation, and
Mindful Schools organization,
Lab librarians are lessons highlighting zoology. the excitement of learning incorporates the practice decreases stress
Alongside their facilitator, the something new and being able into his second-grade class. and anxiety.”
always adding to the If Sharks students observed firsthand to apply that knowledge to Students strengthen their
Disappeared The Talkative Tortoise mindfulness “muscles” with
Schools’ stacks. And by Jeeve Raghunath,
the different qualities—like figure something out.” That brief, playful exercises, such Services Nicole Neal. “In our
Lily Williams
Penelope March The Way to Bea Who Was Alexander illustrated body coverings and habitats— spirit of exploration is what a work focusing on the overall
as focusing on the sound of a
while they read, select Is Melting
Jeff Ruby
Kat Yeh Hamilton? Shailja Jain characterizing mammals, Lab education is all about. ringing bell or fixing their gaze health and wellness of our
Pam Pollack
reptiles, amphibians, birds, “We strive to provide students, mindfulness is an
and purchase scores of on an object while Mr. Ley tries
important element.”
and fish. They then put students with opportunities to distract them. Mr. Ley also
“It’s a slow process,” Mr.
new titles every year, their knowledge to the test, to learn experientially,” offers an optional mindfulness
Ley says. “It’s something you
practice for students and
here are just a few exploring the zoo’s small Ms. Landry says. “We want have to do every day—a couple
teachers a couple of days each
mammal and reptile house them to move, to investigate, of minutes here, a couple of
week before school.
recently added to our and tallying up how many to inquire, and to exchange “Research indicates that minutes there.” But the practice
animals fit each classification. ideas.” is paying off. Over the past few
mindfulness increases self-
shelves: Back at Lab, the students awareness, improves attention months, students have noticed
significant improvements in
The Librarian of It All Comes Refugee David Bowie Made engaged in a similar activity— and emotion regulation, and
Auschwitz Down to This Alan Gratz their ability to sustain focus
Me Gay: 100 Years decreases stress and anxiety,”
Antonio Iturbe, Karen English of LGBT Music classifying the classroom says Director of Student and process emotions, which
tr. by Lilit Thwaites Darryl W. Bullock translates into deeper learning.
04 LabLife Spring 2018 LabLife Spring 2018 05
In the Halls
Middle Sc hool students use art
to explore complicated issues
This fall, eighth grade teacher PUSH Coalition, the Council
Joy Parham asked her students on Interracial Books for
“We examined The infographics—which
the students created in small
to read Warriors Don’t Cry: A Children, and the Civil how cultural groups—turned out as
Searing Memoir of the Battle to
Integrate Little Rock’s Central
Rights Act of 1964, Title VII.
From there, students chose
identifiers are colorful and complex as the
students themselves. One
High by Melba Beals, who was an artistic medium through mutable, and how group expanded on the novel’s
one of the nine black teenagers which they would express the some of them “stuck in a box” theme by
to integrate the southern high essence of their topic.
school in 1957. Then, they “One student painted a may enclose illustrating how one character,
Chin-Kee, was controlling the
rolled up their sleeves. boy trying to read a book with us more so in other characters’ futures with
“We talked about words of oppression visible
supporters, bystanders, all around him,” Ms. Parham ‘boxes,’ which “We examined how
cultural identifiers are
dominant culture. From stereotypes. Another group
there, a plethora of artistic drew a “character abacus,”
allies, and of course those in says. “Another student chose was a metaphor mutable, and how some of expression emerged, as the the beads labeled with words
opposition to integration,” five songs from the decade
Ms. Parham says. “But the of their topic, then created used throughout them may enclose us more students in Ms. Doyle and like “popular,” “normal,” and
so in ‘boxes,’ which was a Ms. Yin’s classes worked with “power.”
point of the assignment was to an album with liner notes the unit,” Ms. metaphor used throughout resident poet Adam Gottlieb “The artistic expression
start a discussion about how and played the music for
all of this relates to us now.” their classmates. They did Doyle says. the unit,” Ms. Doyle says. to create poems about their allows students to explore
“We spent quite a bit of time identities and infographics to some of the complex themes
To extend the activity, Ms. such a great job of finding exploring the experiences of further explore the themes of that are harder to verbalize,”
Parham asked her students to connections between events in those whose identities are American Born Chinese. Ms. Doyle says. “They get
research a topic that explores the 1950s and 1960s and what race and identity through the
eyes of three very different different, as well as our own “We explored themes such to make connections visually
the legacy of the civil rights is happening now.” experiences.” as fitting in, finding comfort that perhaps later they will be
movement. Choices included In the seventh grade, characters. Embedded in a
larger unit on identity, the Students began by and acceptance and even pride able to make verbally.”
the NAACP, Shirley Chisholm Peggy Doyle, Joe Drogos, creating identity collages,
book served as a catalyst to in one’s identity, and the issue
and the Congressional Black Sam Nekrosius, and Iris Yin’s which allowed them to
an art project in which the of turning stereotypes inward
Caucus, Cesar Chavez and students read American Born visually represent their on oneself and the damage
the National Farm Workers Chinese, a graphic novel by students would explore the
experiences of others. similarities and differences, those stereotypes can wreak,”
Association, and the Rainbow Gene Luen Yang that explores as well as understand the Ms. Doyle says.
06 LabLife Spring 2018 LabLife Spring 2018 07
In the Halls
Bunny buildings Amanda W illiams, ’92 Middle School
expands rotation
An artist’s visits, and her
courses for 2018
work, spark students
Few rabbits are lucky enough came together as a group to built custom habitats out of artist best known for her series, Lab’s expanded offering of view in the Middle School is
to have their own playhouse address the problem, weighing cardboard and glue, each one “Color(ed) Theory,” Ms. rotation courses has provided that it allows students greater
lovingly built by Lab students the pros and cons of obstacle featuring its own configuration Williams was recently named to students, teachers, and freedom to cater to their
with support from a retired courses, mazes, and other of doors, windows, and extras the multidisciplinary Exhibition administrators an opportunity personal interests, to discover
architect. Well, two-year- solutions before landing on the ranging from a roof deck to a Design team for the Obama to foster one of Lab’s values: what those interests are
old Cookie has 12 such winning idea: make Cookie a kale buffet. Presidential Center in Chicago. student expression and choice and along with it their own
playhouses. playhouse. The playhouses are rotated For an installation in Lab’s through experiential learning. identity—it’s a healthy part of
Cookie the rabbit is one Ms. Gillespie invited her in and out of the classroom Corvus Gallery Ms. Williams Rotation offerings to middle school development.”
of many animals to call Earl father, who happens to be a on a weekly basis, four at a created A Portrait of the Artist sixth graders, all required, The Robotics rotation,
Shapiro Hall home. During retired architect, to talk her time. Students are working to as Her Friends, in honor of her include Computer Science, taught by Mr. Schwartz,
the school day, she’s free class through the process tweak their designs based on lifelong friends from her Lab Drama, Home Economics offers a fine example of the
to explore Catie Gillespie’s of building a structure—and Cookie’s likes (multiple floors) kindergarten class. and Sustainability, and program’s rationale. Two years
second-grade classroom— designing it around the needs and dislikes (steep ramps). Ms. Williams uses color Visual Arts. More electives ago, Mr. Schwartz, heading
along with all of its dark and wants of their four-legged, But Cookie isn’t the only This year, alumna Amanda theory to pose questions of including Digital Media are up the Robotics Club, saw a
corners and intriguing smells. floppy-eared client. one benefiting from this Williams, ’92,—both the woman offered in seventh grade. By big increase in popularity of
race and relationships. The
Near the beginning of “The students noticed that creative project, which has and her work—inspired Lab installation stems from questions eighth grade, all rotation this extracurricular activity
the school year, Cookie Cookie likes to go in small emerged as a yearly tradition. students. In October, U-High she asked her classmates: “What offerings are electives, ranging and—through grants provided “Rotations provide great
started getting into trouble. spaces, she likes to have a By inviting the class on a welcomed her as the fourth color are you?” and “What color from Robotics and Creative by the Parents’ Association, opportunity for teacher
“She would take things out roof over her head, she likes to creative problem-solving annual Mark Plotkin | Muriel do you want to be?” In thinking Writing to World Cuisines Middle School departments, collaboration and reflect
of garbage can and get into climb and jump on things and adventure, this mischievous Rosenthal Alumni Speaker. about concepts of identity, the and the new Decision and administration—in Lab’s consistent message that
cabinets where she didn’t explore,” Ms. Gillespie said. but beloved rabbit helped The series, made possible by nursery schoolers in Maureen Quality Workshop taught by early 2015 purchased some students be able to assume
belong,” Ms. Gillespie said. Working in pairs, students Ms. Gillespie’s students learn journalist Mark Plotkin, ’64, Movrich’s class created their own Associate Director of Schools 15 new robots for the club. agency in pursuing their
“One time she even hopped took notes on Cookie’s valuable skills that will serve in honor of his mother, brings color palette and created their Christopher Jones. Continuing student interest interests, talents, and curiosity
up on my teacher’s chair and behavior in their thinking them long into the future. alumni speakers to campus to As Computer Science chair led to Robotics becoming part and foster their growth as
own “I am” “I be” variations that
jumped onto my desk where journals and used them to connect with current U-Highers. and teacher Jeremy Schwartz of Lab’s curricular program. people and scholars,” Mr.
incorporated self-portraiture. notes, “The rotation program Other rotations have grown Schwartz says. More rotations
my computer is.” create blueprints from bird’s (Ms. Williams connects more
Students could tell that eye and street views. Then they regularly with two much younger is designed to provide students from similar incubator are planned for Fall 2018 and
Cookie was bored. How do you took their designs to the Lower Labbies—her children.) A visual opportunities for a broader initiatives. beyond.
keep a rabbit busy? The class School’s Creation Station and range of experiences. The
08 LabLife Spring 2018 LabLife Spring 2018 09
SPORTS
FALL AND WINTER BOYS BASKETBALL the highest in school history.
Emily and senior Jeremy
200 Medley Relay, 1:50.03:
senior Elizabeth Van Ha, and
HIGHLIGHTS
The boys basketball team lost Chizewer and won All- sophomores Ava McKula,
to Phillips High School, 61- Conference honors in the ISL Donna Tong,
53, in the IHSA 2A Regional for top 10 finishes. and Kaley Qin
2017–18
Championship game. The 100 Freestyle, 55.27: McKula
Maroons finished with a SAILING 400 Freestyle Relay, 3:44.12:
16-12 season record. Senior McKula, Van Ha, Qin, and
Christian Brookens was The sailing team competed senior Amber Huo
named 1st team ISL All- in its third varsity season at 200 Individual Medley,
Conference alongside junior the Columbia Yacht Club. 2:14.02: McKula
Mohammed Alausa. Junior The Maroons finished with 100 Butterfly, 58.3: McKula
Seniors finish with honors Jamie Miller and freshman
Tolu Johnson won ISL
a Midwest Interscholastic
Sailing Association rank of 18
100 Breaststroke, 1:09.11:
Donna Tong
Honorable Mention honors. out of 40 schools throughout.
The Maroons finished second Seniors Lillian Nemeth and GIRLS TENNIS
in the ISL, with a 9-3 record. Sam Morin served as team
s they ready for life after Lab, seniors Junior Eddie Rose advanced captains for the Maroons The girls tennis team placed
reach important milestones in in the boys basketball 3-Point this Fall. 10th in the IHSA State
Regional contest. Championships, scoring 11
their careers as U-High Maroons.
BOYS SOCCER points. Junior Jenny Lewis
Harrison Shapiro, who runs cross-country CROSS-COUNTRY #1 singles won the IHSA
and track, was named to the IHSA All-State The boys soccer team Class A Tennis Sectional
Academic Team. This award recognizes academic, The Cross-country team finished with a 17-2-2 record Championship and won
placed four runners on the winning both the IHSA 1A All-State honors (top 10)
athletic, and community success. ISL All-Conference team Regional and Sectional finishing 4-2 at the State
Basketball player Tia Polite was named to (top 10 finish): freshman Championships before losing Championships scoring 6
the Honorable Mention All-State Academic team. Viviana Glick, senior Harrison to Acero Garcia High School points. #1 doubles team
Shapiro, sophomore Franzi in the super-sectional match of Seniors Flo Almeda/
Harrison and Tia were elected from over 400 (IHSA Elite 8). The Maroons Madeleine Ward-Schultz
Wild and junior Abraham
students nominated from across Illinois. Zelchenko. Both the boys won the ISL Championship finished 4th in the Sectional
The last Labbie to make and girls teams qualified with a 9-0-1 overall record. and went 4-2 at the State
during the IHSA 2A Regional Selected to the ISL All- Championship scoring 5
the All-State Team was Chase
championship for the conference 1st team were points and being named All-
Chavin in 1997. Antonia Whalen U-High-hosted Sectional sophomore Miles Rochester, State Class A. The Maroons
(1997), Patrick Spann (1998), Championships held in and seniors Tomas Linquist won the ISL Championship
Rebecca Cohen (1999), Claire Washington Park. and Josh Ulane. Second with the following players
team: freshman Alex Bal, being named All-Conference
E.W. Stewart (2002), Rebecca GOLF senior John McKee, and junior – seniors Flo Almeda, Aden
Diamond (2003), Andrew Palmer keeper Jamison Miller, who Goolsby and Madeline Ward-
(2012), and Madeline Sachs Freshman Emily Chang recorded 12 shutouts on the Schultz, juniors Jenny Lewis,
finished 10th place in year. First-year head coach Jackie Brown, and Emily Sun,
(2015) were all Honorable Josh Potter was named ISL and sophomores Ananya
the IHSA Class A State
Mention All-State Academic. Championship shooting a Coach-of-the-Year. The Illinois Asthana and Izzy Kellermeier.
Horace Shew concluded his 160 for 36 holes. Her finish is High School Soccer Coaches
Association GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
stellar swim career with a fine
recognized Josh
performance at the IHSA State as Honorable The girls volleyball team
Swimming Championships on Mention All- finished with a 9-15-1
Friday at Evanston HS. Shew Sectional team. overall record. Sophomores
Troy Johnson and Sydney
finished 31st in the 200 yard GIRLS Rogers were named to the
IM and 18th in the 100 yard SWIMMING 1st team ISL All-Conference
backstroke. team, sophomore Sara
The girls swim Gregg was named 2nd
Roxanne Nesbitt concluded team finished ion team All-Conference. The
her U-High basketball career 3rd place in the Maroons were awarded the
at the IHSA 2A 3-Point contest, IHSA Sectional ISL Sportsmanship Award
(out of 15 teams) for 2017.
where she finished in the top 20
and set six school
in the State making 7 out of 15 records at this
3-point shots. meet:
10 LabLife Spring 2018 LabLife Spring 2018 11
In the Halls
Littlest learners interact Focus on friendship
with nuclear chain reaction art
and commemoration What it means to be part
of a community
Dear Toad, a fall field trip to see A Year of healthy coping skills and
I am glad you are my best with Frog and Toad, based on the value of being there to help
friend. the books by Arnold Lobel, another person, it’s not only
at the Chicago Children’s our classroom that wins, but
Your best friend, Theatre. The musical’s theme our society.”
Frog. of friendship served as an entry Thus far, this focus on
point into the class’s focus feelings and friendship has had
—Arnold Lobel on socio-emotional learning. a positive impact on classroom
Since then, the students have dynamics. “We now have
First grade can be a big year embarked on a variety of students who have improved
for students. In addition exercises highlighting the role their ability to self-regulate and
to laying foundations for of words, body language, and have strengthened our sense of
academic learning, it’s a time facial expressions in identifying community by reaching out a
for children to develop socially and expressing feelings. helping hand without a teacher
and get to know what it means Through these lessons, asking,” Mr. Torres says. “This
to be part of a community. which the instructors planned is what the Lab community is
With this in mind, first-grade with assistance from Kate all about: seeing the true value
teachers Orlando Torres and Surmeier, a counselor for of an individual and his/her
Carin Peacock are leading their grades N–2, the children have sense of self-worth.”
Nuclear Thresholds, a years, marked the location of around Nuclear Energy that Illinois Institute of Technology, to make energy. Mr. Keller been learning to express their
class in exploring feelings and
temporary architectural the original “Chicago Pile-1.” resonates at radically different helped the children discuss asked open-ended questions own feelings to others, as well
friendship as a key part of their
installation, is part of the The installation consists of 241 scales. It invites visitors to what they were seeing. Before about the original sculpture as to intuit the emotions and
curriculum.
University’s 75th anniversary two-inch diameter, seventy- interact with the shape, they arrived, the children knew and the newer additions. Then needs of their peers, families,
“Beginning our work
commemoration of the first five-foot-long cords of EPDM and Lisa Kuzel’s NK class they were seeing a place the students explored—some and community members. Mr.
with a focus on empathy was
nuclear chain reaction. It rubber. Based on computational did just that. where scientists had made through physical interactions Torres says the value of these
critical to setting the tone for
surrounds Henry Moore’s modeling of unstable Parent Sean Keller, an an important discovery. The (climbing) and some by skills extends far beyond the
the remainder of the school
Nuclear Energy sculpture processes, the installation associate professor in the scientists had piled up some creating their own visual classroom: “When our students
year,” Mr. Torres says. So, he
which has, for the last 50 creates a material threshold architecture school at the very special rocks (Uranium) reinterpretations (drawing). learn, at a young age, the value
started his first graders off with
12 LabLife Spring 2018 LabLife Spring 2018 13
In the Halls
Ninth and tenth graders connect High School students
with the ancient past guide UChicago
grad students on art project
This fall, students in Holly school’s mission statement, UChicago connection via the manner, thinking through High School Fine Arts teacher “I’m At the invitation
Johnston’s Early World that’s [Director] Charlie auspices of Oriental Institute what was most important Veronica Bruce and some very happy
History class explored Abelmann wanting to make Director Christopher Woods, to Mesopotamian culture in of her Mixed Media students to see such
of one of the PhD
connections between their sure kids know what is most father of one of the students in relation to what is important gained valuable experience connections candidates, Ms.
own lives and those of people important to us, what values the class. at Lab—all of this fostered leading UChicago political taking place.”
living 4,000 years ago. The he and Lab leadership are After completing research critical skillsets for students science PhD students through In planning the
Bruce, along with
Code of Hammurabi, posted asking the members of a papers, students interviewed and made them feel part of an exciting art project. In return event, Ms. Bruce and her freshmen Aisha
around 1750 BCE, served community to share,” Ms. High School counselors and the community beyond their the PhD students got to spruce students had to strategize how
as a guide for peoples in Johnston noted. “That’s not so administrators, focusing on classrooms,” Ms. Johnston up their space, Albert Pick to keep everyone busy for two
Ziad and Ella
Mesopotamia, touching many different from the Hammurabi how their approach to rules noted. She plans to do the Hall, with some new abstract hours on works incorporating Kraus-McLean,
areas of law and daily life. Code—but without the and expectations shapes their project again next year. artworks—and came away with multiple layers—taking into
Ms. Johnston’s class provided emphasis on retributive educational philosophy. How newfound painting techniques account paint drying times. “I
led about 20
the forum for her students to justice!” and why do rules evolve? How and experience to boot. really believe in creating space well to their encouragement,” grad students in
immerse themselves in this Students began the project do they differ for different How and why At the invitation of one of and depth in painting,” said Ms. Bruce noted. “The Lab
what Ms. Bruce
ancient code of conduct and by researching a particular age groups? What is the
compare it to similar codes in judgment of the Code’s 282. approach to, and rationale do rules evolve? the PhD candidates, Ms. Bruce,
along with freshmen Aisha
Ms. Bruce, “and I love to teach
working in layers, progressively
kids enjoyed feeling they
knew more about the process, describes as
their world. They debated how each was for, consequences? Such How do they Ziad and Ella Kraus-McLean, working toward those effects.” and everyone embraced the
“a ‘controlled’
Ms. Johnston, who moved intended and applied, how it questions formed the basis for
to Chicago from Philadelphia worked for their civilization, fruitful interactions between differ for different led about 20 grad students
in what Ms. Bruce describes
The two Lab freshmen
prepped canvases before the
opportunity to collaborate.”
The students worked abstraction
last summer, came upon the upholding or suggesting students and faculty. Both age groups? as “a ‘controlled’ abstraction PhD students arrived, literally in collaborative groups,
workshop to create
idea as a new member of the amendments. As part of their groups found alignment in
Lab community. Thinking research, students visited the valuing the academic, social, What is the workshop to create nine
canvases.” The PhD students
laying the groundwork with
the first layer of paint once the
participating in one another’s
decision making. “I genuinely nine canvases.”
about the norms of a new Oriental Institute, where and emotional well-being of approach to, organize social and cultural grad students had determined enjoy the problem-solving
community led her to put they saw a replica stele of students, wanting to create an
her professional interests to Hammurabi’s Code and environment where people can and rationale for, events every quarter, but this
was their first art event. “I was
the color palettes for the rooms
in Pick Hall. “My volunteers
aspect of the work,” Ms. Bruce
said, “seeing how students with
work for her students as both other depictions of daily life thrive and feel safe. consequences? thrilled that they reached out to found that the grad students no art background respond
an academic exercise and a in Mesopotamia. In addition “Scheduling the interviews us at Lab,” Ms. Bruce noted. were hesitant to take risks with to the prompts—and to one
reflection on their world. to seeing history firsthand, with adults, interacting the work, but responded another.”
“When you walk past the students made a valuable Lab- with them in a professional
14 LabLife Spring 2018 LabLife Spring 2018 15
In the Halls Behind the Scenes
ht
lig
win
We All Live Here
t
ee
d
FOUND IN TRANSLATION
sw
da
nc
ly
e
slow
l
hom
e ful
Fourth graders learn how art peace
Maja Teref opens creative floodgates in
can change communities High School English students
teacher—who was gentle and Book Critics Circle Award.
mild-mannered—made all the To share this art form with
difference to a young her students, Ms. Teref ’s next
Ms. Teref. venture is to start an annual
“It was from that literary translation journal
teacher that I harvested the at Lab, comprised of mostly
importance of gentleness and students and two or three
a sense of humor in teaching,” faculty members. Depending
Ms. Teref explains. “She was on the students’ interests, the
the first teacher who really saw journal would be comprised
me, and I want to do the same of poetry, flash fiction, or
for my students.” other texts translated from
New to Lab this year, Ms. underrepresented languages.
Teref brings a unique and
international perspective to For a recent poetry
the Schools. Between her early
travels with her parents and assignment,
her adult excursions, Ms. Teref
o fish get thirsty?
recent poetry assignment, she
has visited an impressive 30 she asked each
asked each student to pick a
Why does Volkswagen card, an Edward foreign countries. student to pick a
the sun lighten Gorey card, and to roll her “I learned the art of
our hair but haiku dice. Restrained only haggling in Istanbul; I ate Volkswagen card,
Mr. Alapack leads charter school students— darken our skin? whale meat in Norway (it
The We All Live while wearing their completed Why is it considered
by incorporating the results
tastes like fishy beef!),” Ms.
an Edward Gorey
of their cards and dice into
Here project t-shirts—have lunch, chat, necessary to nail down the lid their work, the students Teref says. “I cherish these and card, and to roll
which has a and take pictures of each other of a coffin? so many other experiences
mission to “unite wearing the shirts, Instagram These may not rank
wrote original poems, later
that have broadened my her haiku dice.
reading them out loud to their
communities style. We will then create among life’s most pertinent classmates. perspective of the world.”
through public art two photo memory books of questions, but possibly among “They kept asking me, Ms. Teref has published “The mission of the
installations.” the experience, one for each the most fun—and there is no ‘So it’s even ok if we swear?’” several books, mostly journal would be to address
As a school to keep.” shortage of fun in Maja Teref ’s Ms. Teref laughs. “I reminded translations of Serbian/ the sad fact that only 3
first step in what And to remind all of the English I and II classes. them that ‘no swearing’ Croatian poetry. Her percent of foreign literature
will be a bigger kids that they have a place in a “Lab students are all was not one of their three translation of Directions gets translated into English
multidisciplinary broader community. highly intelligent, successful constraints. They couldn’t for Use by Ana Ristovic is a versus, say, 25 percent in
Around Chicago, including scholars,” Ms. Teref says. “But finalist for the 2017 National France,” Ms. Teref explains.
project, students worked with believe it. The ideas they came
on a wall on the second when I look at a student’s “Ultimately,
Mr. Alapack, talking about the up with were hysterical—they
floor of Blaine Hall, one can writing, I want to see the had so much fun crafting their the goal
meaning of the phrase, and
stumble upon art installations beating heart behind the free verse poems.” would be
then collectively “sewing” the
that read, “We All Live perfect GPA and high test It was Ms. Teref ’s early to publish a
Blaine hallway installation. scores. I want my students journal that
Here.” The idea, according educational experiences that
In the coming months, the to forget they are writing an would have
to Rich Alapack who created led her to this approachable,
Lab students will be working essay and—just like a child a national
the concept, is that “public endearing teaching style. As
with fourth graders from the building a sandcastle—get lost distribution,
mantras” can be used to a young girl in the former
UChicago Charter School to in the moment and forget that though that
help solve difficult issues. Yugoslavia, she had two
create individual t-shirts using they are trying to please me.” will take a
Art teacher Emily Forrest- music-school teachers who
embroidery, screen printing The quirky questions few years.”
Mattfield met Mr. Alapack at stand out in her memory.
and sewing techniques. Says, above are just some of the
Bret Harte Elementary where The first—a tall, intimidating
Ms. Forrest-Mattfield, “The many writing prompts Ms. opera singer—frightened
he worked with students on a
plan is to meet with the Teref uses to ignite her her and made her dread
public art piece using pastels. students’ imaginations. For a her lessons. The second
16 LabLife Spring 2018 LabLife Spring 2018 17
ALUMNIWEEKEND2017
Recognizing that our Schools their time and resources, Lab
are a better place because held two special events to
of the people who contribute say thank you.
Despite a rainstorm
that forced some last-
minute location changes,
Lab alumni gathered in
October to reconnect.
The U-High Family
Festival, with DJ Vince
and games for kids, filled
Lab’s recently renovated
cafeteria space. Maroon
Jeff Ruby, Sarah Abella, ’93, Chase Chavin,’97, and Stefanie Chavin Marc Nunn, Jordan Zachary Nunn, ’02, Mairead Ernst Salah, ’02, and Hisham Saleh
Key Society students—
U-Highers who volunteer
for alumni and parent
events—gave tours,
which included an
exhibit in the Corvus
Gallery by artist Amanda
Williams,’92, and more
than a dozen milestone
classes held dinners
across campus.
Maroon Keys
Timothy Wilkins, ’82, and son, Spencer
Eiichi Fukushima, ’52, and Alice Hannon John Ford, ’62, Donald Williams, ’51, and Ernest Baker, ’65 Kimberly Bragg, Nonya Fiakpui and Monica Davey, ’82 and Amanda Williams, ’92, also this year’s Mark Plotkin | Muriel Rosenthal Alumni Speaker
Kwame Foucherall, all class of ’92
Frank Alschuler, ’42, the oldest Kumal Muhammad, ’77, and Kenneth Class 1982: Lorie Westerfield, Denise Goldbarg, Class of 1997 Class of ’92: Craig Slaughter, Valerie Alumni tour Earl Shapiro Hall
alumnus in attendance and Director Newman, ’76 Heidi Nicholls, and Adrienne Collins King Melotti, Marc Piane, a guest, and
Charlie Abelmann Cheryl Cortez
18 LabLife Spring 2018 LabLife Spring 2018 19Meet Michael Zarobe,
Lab’s new director of
alumni relations
Most recently at Adler University in
Chicago as their director of alumni
relations and annual fund, Michael’s
nearly 20-year career has taken him to
academic institutions that will prepare
him well for life at Lab and the University.
He has served in alumni and donor
A new
relations management at a premier
urban research university, for a nationally
recognized independent school, and at
a globally ranked engineering college
at a Big Ten university. Says Mr. Zarobe,
“The opportunity to work at Lab—an
outstanding independent school,
Jackman Field
connected to a world-class university—
provides a rich culture of ideas, diversity,
and history. This blend will influence
what we do as we work to build a robust
alumni relations program.”
At the University of Michigan
College of Engineering he worked
to shape and facilitate the alumni
experience to create a loyal, engaged
constituency of volunteers, donors,
and advocates. He spent four years
as director of alumni relations at the
On any given school day, Jackman turf playing surface (IHSA regulation >> IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A
University Ligget School, Michigan’s
Field, which sits on the Historic size), a three-lane practice track, CONTRIBUTION TO SUPPORT THE oldest coeducational independent
Campus behind Sunny and Kovler as well as current batting cage and REVITALIZATION OF JACKMAN FIELD, school serving about 600 students in
Gyms, may be used by more than track and field practice area. PLEASE CONTACT LAB’S OFFICE OF grades Pre-K through 12 and located in
1,000 individual players, students, The new surface will withstand ALUMNI RELATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT, Grosse Pointe Woods outside of Detroit.
coaches, and instructors. The field heavy use and Chicago’s harsh He spent many years serving his alma
773-702-0578, DEVELOPMENT@UCLS.
is used by all the Physical Education climate to the benefit of our students mater, Wayne State University, where
UCHICAGO.EDU. he obtained both a BA and an MA in
classes for grades 3 through 12, and all users. Lab is also pursuing
the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams the installation of high-visibility, communications.
“Alumni are great advocates to
practice and play matches on low-cost LED lighting to extend the
show how the Lab experience changed
the field, and Summer Lab uses useful hours of the field; upgrades their lives and prepared them for college
Jackman for sports camps. to bleacher seating to make the fan and making a difference in the world.
With the support of three experience more comfortable and Parents can see how Lab’s curriculum
anonymous donors and the many enjoyable; and the installation of and academic programs inspire a strong
people attending Connections, a high-visibility digital scoreboard. foundation for their children’s growth.
Lab’s gala fundraiser, Lab will have a Construction will start as soon as Together they raise awareness for Lab’s
transformed Jackman Field next fall. school ends in June. mission, share their stories, and help
The new field will feature an artificial rally their peers around our work as a
school.”
20 LabLife Spring 2018 LabLife Spring 2018 21An Epic Collaboration This year, Lab students are having a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the intersection of cinema, music, and history through collaboration with the American Epic film team. By Lindsey Simon 22 LabLife Spring 2018 LabLife Spring 2018 23
he American Epic
documentary series and
The American Epic will hold a grand unveiling of the restored
1920s-era recording machine used in
Lab students have also had the
opportunity to experience a hands-on
feature film—created
by Allison McGourty,
team is working with the American Epic Sessions, which the
students will be able to see assembled and
look at music history and more through
a variety of interactive projects and
directed by Bernard faculty to design even have the chance to use for recording activities. For McGourty and Bernard’s
McMahon, and presented their own music. first visit to the campus, U-Highers
by T Bone Burnett, Robert Redford, an interdisciplinary, In addition to these celebrations, explored production design and
and Jack White—highlights the history
of music in the United States, starting experiential Lab teachers have found creative ways to
integrate the content from American Epic
writing by putting on a talk show-style
conversation introducing the filmmakers:
with the earliest days of the country’s
recording industry in the 1920s. But the
curriculum centered into their courses throughout the year—
the films serve as a starting point from
they drew on their visual arts and verbal
skills to design a set and craft a detailed
filmmakers’ ambition for this unique on the film’s content. which to delve into the complex story list of questions for the conversation.
project extends beyond the screen: they of US society as a whole. “We hope that This spring, an end-of-year musical open
aim to share the history of American These efforts will students will gain a new perspective on house will allow students and families
music by making the series’ rich array of
educational materials available for schools eventually serve as American history by looking at it through
a fine arts lens,” says orchestra teacher
to dance and try out instruments in the
style of a variety of American musical
across the nation.
The American Epic team is beginning
a model for other Rozalyn Torto.
Many Lab classes have been using
genres, including blues, folk, and country.
Student music groups may even audition
that work at Lab, working with faculty to schools throughout the story of music as an entry point to record on a painstakingly restored
design an interdisciplinary, experiential for exploring the diversity of America’s 90-year-old recording device—the same
curriculum centered on the film’s content. the United States. cultural traditions. Music teacher En one that artists such as Elton John, Beck,
These efforts will eventually serve as a Chen incorporated a story of Hopi Nas, Jack White, and Willie Nelson used
model for other schools throughout the music from American Epic into her in the film. connect their favorite subjects with this
United States to incorporate American lessons for nursery and kindergarten Fine arts, history, social issues, interdisciplinary curriculum. Beyond that,
Epic into their courses. students. Later this year, High School technology—all these topics converge notes Ms. Torto, working with Allison
The film’s creators first came as part of this project. With this wide McGourty provides a special opportunity
together with the Laboratory Schools variety of themes, activities, and events, for Lab’s female students to connect with
educators after orchestra teacher Michelle all students can find something to “be a successful woman in the film industry.
Morales Miles saw the film at a local inspired by or relate to,” according to Ms. The project has also helped spark
festival. Struck by the documentary’s Torto. “There is something for everyone teamwork and idea-sharing within the
compelling content, she described it to in this work.” Students with all different campus community. “Collaborating
her fellow teachers, Rozalyn Torto and academic interests can find a way to with the American Epic team has been
Kate Truscello, who agreed that there a catalyst for working more closely with
was strong potential to tie the film in our colleagues at Lab,” Ms. Torto says.
with their teaching. With support from “Not only is this providing material for
administration, the team welcomed interdisciplinary connections, but it also
McGourty and McMahon as the Schools’ reaches across the grades.” The project’s
first Kistenbroker Family Artists-in- hands-on, interdisciplinary approach
residence. to learning serves as a true extension of
The collaboration includes three Lab founder John Dewey’s educational
campus-wide events throughout the year, philosophy, according to Ms. Torto. “At
giving students and teachers of all grade the Laboratory Schools we ignite and
levels an opportunity to come together nurture an enduring spirit of scholarship,
and celebrate the history of American curiosity, creativity, and confidence,” Ms.
music. First, an initial “kickoff” event Torto says, citing the Schools’ mission
statement. The project is a chance for
introduced McGourty students to get inspired, pursue what
and Bernard as artists- students will study African American intrigues them, and dive in to learning
in-residence, as well as musical traditions as part of their history by doing—all part of Lab’s long-standing
spotlighting the films curriculum; the documentary’s segments commitment to experiential learning and
themselves; later on, the on steel guitar inventor Joseph Kekuku to giving students space to develop their
community will showcase and Tejano musician have led into lessons passions, she explains.
of the students’ curricular about the influence of Hawaiian and “We are truly being a laboratory!
work surrounding the Latin music, respectively. Additional Having an idea and undertaking the
project, with celebrations classes will use American Epic as a way immense project with open arms and the
including interactive to investigate the relationship between planning and hard work it takes to make
spaces highlighting music, socioeconomic class, and politics it happen . . . this is absolutely Lab!”
different regions of the in the early 20th century, with examples
United States as featured including gritty coal miner songs from
in the films; and finally, Logan County, West Virginia.
the American Epic team
24 LabLife Spring 2018 LabLife Spring 2018 25Outdoor classro om connects
experience and education
As envisioned, the classroom has become
a place to see nature in transition, a source of
inspiration, and a space for contemplation.
By Lindsey Simon
26 LabLife Spring 2018 LabLife
LabLifeSpring 2018 23
Spring2018 27ART
MATH
SCIENCE
LANGUAGE
LITERACY
COLLABORATION he space is the
beginning . . . one
stop on a much
When Lab faculty considered how they
would use the new outdoor classroom
(situated adjacent to Kovler Gym)
grades and disciplines are making use of
this special resource. “It has opened up
possibilities that maybe were only there
longer trip toward the faculty coordinators Meredith Dodd, for the limited number of grades who
development of an who teaches nursery school, and Jeff had time to walk over to Botany Pond,”
outdoor curriculum Maharry, a Lower School science teacher, says Ms. Dodd. “Now, if a math class is
that begins to redefine, shared this and other principles with studying ripples, they can go outside and
and make real, their peers. As envisioned, the classroom apply an equation and see it and feel it.”
COMMUNITY abstract ideas like sustainability, ecology,
environment, native and non-native,
has become a place to see nature in
transition, a source of inspiration, and a
Says Mr. Maharry, “I hope the
outdoor classroom will grow to be a
natural, adaptation, survival of the space for contemplation. place where we can connect to nature
fittest, evolution, relationships, Buddies visit regularly and the and to each other, in quiet reflection or
and beauty” classroom sparks a curiosity that bridges through shared stories and song, as new
—Outdoor Classroom Faculty User’s Guide age, and teachers from a multiplicity of traditions take hold. Like our students
18 LabLifeSpring
28 LabLife Spring2018
2018 LabLife Spring 2018 29and our school, the outdoor classroom is searched for the stream’s source
full of promise.” and made leaf boats—with snail Says Mr. Maharry,
Diane Bloom and Stephanie
Mitzenmacher asked their fifth-grade
passengers—to follow the current. High
Schoolers in Julia Maguire’s class applied
“I hope the
students to “Think like a scientist/Think mathematical knowledge in a practical outdoor classroom
like an artist” as they made repeat visits
to observe the space, watch the sky,
exploration of flow and waves as part of
a trigonometry unit.
will grow to be
and pen poems inspired by the natural The stream system is designed to a place where
surroundings. Third graders in Zackary mimic a naturally occurring watershed
Ruelas’s class linked art and spatial and teachers are helping to naturalize we can connect
relations as they graphed and mapped the space by introducing water—and a to nature and to
the outdoor classroom. little muck—from other living ponds
The stream and pond (“our jewel,” and streams or adding plants native to each other, in
says Ms. Dodd) are particularly
fascinating to students. “The simple
Northern Illinois. Art teacher Philip
Matsikas arranged a nature conservancy
quiet reflection or
flow of the water has been a thread group to donate hundreds of plants and through shared
of continuity.” Her nursery schoolers led a service day for their installation.
stories and song,
as new traditions
take hold.”
Sharing the care of the space is
something everyone is being asked to
do. Says Ms. Dodd, “Do no harm! Each
group needs to leave it ready for the next
to enjoy and investigate. We are working
to communicate that to our whole
school without inhibiting investigation,
curiosity, and wonder.” One way that
might happen? Lift a section of ice to
see what lies below—but then replace
it carefully. “We want our space to be
protected and honored, and for our
people to be caregivers.”
The Middle School has taken that
idea and translated it into a hands-
on service learning opportunity for
students—watering plants, keeping the
pond clear of detritus, or ensuring that
the pump is working properly.
Mr. Maharry says, “One of the
things I’m most excited to see is the
awakening of life that occurs each
spring. The ground will warm as the
days lengthen and the seeds that we
introduced in the fall will sprout and
take root. There will be an awakening of
learning as well. Along with plants and
animals, more teachers and students will
emerge and bring their own wonder and
creativity to the space.”
There are hopes that with the
new makerspaces student will build
30 LabLife Spring 2018 LabLife Spring 2018 31You can also read
