::::::::::::::::::::::::: LABthe magazine for alumni, parents, andLIFE friends of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools | WINTER 2010/2011

WRITING: LIFE’S NECESSARY ART: ALUMNI WRITERS RETURN TO LEAD U-HIGH’S FIRST DAY GOOD CITIZENS, RICH LIVES: A Q&A WITH UCHICAGO PROFESSOR MARTHA C. NUSSBAUM IN THE HALLS: lab faculty and staff go to the (show) dogs LAB NOTES: CLASS NOTES & ALUMNI NEWS LABLIFE:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::PRECOCIOUSPUPS:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: from the director in this issue

LabLife, published three Dear Friends, During the week, Anne Catterson, movie Best in Show is accurate. All are times a year, is written for 01Precocious pups Lab faculty and staff go to the Brenda Coffield, and Ken James guide quick to admit that it is. Ms. Catterson the University of Chicago In an earlier stage of life, I wouldn’t have believed that Laboratory Schools’ (show) dogs. Lab students through art projects, recalls hearing a fellow dog-show community of alumni, a decade would go so quickly. Yet here we are, Y2K physical education activities, and the participant say, “You can tell me that an amusing, old-fashioned concept and my tenure In the Halls parents, faculty, and staff. 02 ins and outs of everyday student life. my kid needs braces, but don’t tell me at Lab no longer a novelty. In recent years, with the The new U-High schedule, Director outstanding partnership of parents and alumni and iPads in the classroom, and On the weekends, everything goes to the that my dog doesn’t have a perfect David W. Magill enormous effort by teachers and staff, much has more. dogs—all three have beloved pooches bite.” It’s easy for owners to become happened under the guise of Lab+. that participate in American Kennel consumed by their dogs’ success, they Editor 09Success under pressure Catherine Braendel, ’81 Club (AKC) competitions. agree, and the competitions can be We have recently decided to act on an idea UChicago’s Sian Beilock worked with Lab students Ms. Catterson, an art teacher in the tainted by politics. Judges who favor Contributors germinated when the University and Schools decided as she conducted research Middle and High Schools, has shown a particular dog handler might “look Laura Demanski, AM’94 it was requisite to build the new Early Childhood on how test anxiety affects Carrie Golus, AB’91, AM’93 Campus. Expanding to the Stony Island site will allow student performance. flat-coated retrievers since 1991. Her the other way on a point here or point Kay Kirkpatrick, MAT’72 Lab to accommodate growth in demand from both current dogs, Maude and Kin, enter there,” Ms. Catterson says. Katherine Muhlenkamp the University and the broader community while 10Danger and Darwin three types of events: conformation, The intense atmosphere can get Charles Pekow, ’75 maintaining the diversity—in all of its forms—that has Author and former Lab Laura Putre teacher Blue Balliett returns, where dogs are evaluated in terms them rattled, but they strive to keep Benjamin Recchie, AB’03 been the hallmark of a Lab education. With University approval, the Schools have increased the Lab+ sharing tales and inspiration. of AKC breed standards; competitive their cool. Nerves “go right down the Elizabeth Station But overall it’s just a dog-gone good Debra Weiner Campaign goal to $55 million. This increase will help obedience, where they Beth Wittbrodt us realize the transformative improvements to academic programming and facilities 13Lab+ update respond to commands; and time. “Watching Rory and Lil tear off Early childhood facility that have been decades in the making. Having never undertaken a fundraising effort of named for Earl Shapiro, ’56. field competitions, where and head down into an underground Design any real magnitude, the Schools could not have anticipated the enormous generosity Good Studio Markovitz Challenge rings in they complete hunting tunnel,” says Ms. Coffield, “you know of our community. Already, families, alumni, and friends have raised more than $38 a new year. exercises like retrieving that they’re having the best time of Photographers million toward this goal. dead game. their lives. Their tails are wagging, Dan Dry 16Writing: life’s necessary Chris Kirzeder While we celebrate the progress we are making on new spaces, we remain vigilantly art Ms. Coffield, who teaches they’re woofing, they’re ready to go.” Marc Monaghan focused on the human side of this effort: making sure that we have the best teachers, Alumni writers return to lead physical education in the the most eager and talented students, and the fullest and most pedagogically-sound U-High’s First Day. Lower and High Schools, Lab Notes Correspondents program of study. These are the cornerstones of a truly great education. Lab faculty and staff go to Dozens of diligent alumni 20Good citizens, rich lives also began showing dogs agents So why care about physical plant at all? A Q&A with UChicago in the ’90s, but didn’t get Professor Martha C. heavily involved in the show- the (show) dogs. Publisher > It bears repeating that increasing our space will allow the Schools to maintain Nussbaum, who argues University of Chicago dog scene until she acquired the socio-economic and racial diversity that has been the hallmark of a Lab that the foundation of Laboratory Schools citizenship—and national border terriers Rory and Lil 1362 E. 59th Street education. success—rests on the arts last year. The terriers are co- Chicago, IL 60637 and humanities. p: 773-702-3236 > The best teaching does not require the most shining new facilities, but optimal owned by Ms. Coffield, their f: 773-834-9844 facilities help attract the best teachers and make great teaching and learning Countless lives enhanced breeder Margaret Henning, www.ucls.uchicago.edu easier. 22 through learning—and Lab and emeritus Lab teacher The story of one very Please send comments to > New early childhood and arts spaces will be built to programmatic need, extended Lab family. Judy Keane. Rory and Lil [email protected] rather than force-fitting programs into rooms that happen to be open. (Right participate in conformation now, not a single art class takes place in a room designed for that purpose.) Volume 4, Number 2 25Lab Notes as well as performance Class notes and profiles of > Our historic campus will keep its gothic charm, but offer enhanced safety, events such as Earthdog, © 2011 by the University of Cynthia Grabo, ’32, Robert Chicago Laboratory Schools security, and accessibility. Metcalf, ’60, Emily Mann, ’70, which requires them to Billy Wimsatt, ’90. climb into foxholes and > Lab’s commitment to building community will be reflected in new spaces Reproduction in whole or demonstrate other instinctive part, without permission of designed for gatherings both small and large—a whole division will be able to 39In Remembrance the publisher, is prohibited. meet for the first time without canceling gym classes! skills.

From the U-High Midway Mr. James’s pug, Lincoln, Never say never (Y3K, anyone?), but it is unlikely that a facilities project of this 41 For sports heroes, look no competes solely in conformation, or leash to the dog,” says Ms. Coffield. magnitude will occur again at Lab. Lab+ is truly our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to further than U-High teams. All three have meltdown moments design the future of our Schools in a holistic way that will touch every learner from age the “beauty pageant” component of three to 17. I hope you will all take the time in 2011 to stay in touch with what we are dog shows. “I turned 50 in 2001,” says they’ve never forgotten. Lincoln once doing and participate in whatever way is meaningful for you. Mr. James, Lab’s director of student fidgeted so much on the conformation services, explaining why he began table that a sharp-tongued judge David W. Magill, EdD showing. “I thought, OK, I now have to loudly reprimanded Mr. James. Kin’s Director do something that is totally pointless grandfather leapt out of his ring to While the importance of writing received major emphasis at U-High’s First Day program, except to me.” retrieve another dog’s dumbbell. Lil students who move through Lab’s Lower and Middle Schools spend years preparing for the The three are often asked if the broke free and pranced into the wrong efforts they’ll put forth as teens. Even as pre-writers, the act of dictating an imagined tale fierce competition depicted in the 2000 ring for evaluation. can help children become familiar with “story grammar,” the patterns found in stories. Top to bottom: Brenda Coffield (left) with emeritus ::::::::::::::onthecover:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::teacher Judy Keane (center), Anne Catterson, Ken James LABLIFE:::::::::::::::::::::01:::::::: Gina Alicea in Barcelona Tomeka Reid

Form, function, Tribune heralds music fun Inspired by the horizontal lines teacher Tomeka Reid as of Frank Lloyd Wright and the undulating curves of Antonio “luminous” Gaudí, fourth-graders are In the September 10 issue of the jazz standards. During becoming designer/architects Chicago Tribune, music critic Howard Duke Ellington’s “In a themselves. Lower School Reich gushed about Lower and Middle Sentimental Mood,” art teacher Gina Alicea is School music teacher and cellist Tomeka wrote Mr. Reich, “the leading the way, inspired by a Reid, who performed with her trio at same long, luxuriant professional development trip to the Museum of Contemporary Art’s phrases that Reid Spain this past summer. Tuesdays on the Terrace series. “Chicago often lavishes on Mr. Reich’s only quibble was in some Now in her fourth year at has a knack for producing distinctive music of the South Side avant-garde respects a compliment: “Reid happens Lab, Ms. Alicea, a practicing voices in jazz,” Mr. Reich wrote, “and one emerged to seductive effect in a jazz to be a demure presence, declining to artist, spent a month doing of the most promising belongs to cellist classic. Better still, Reid wasted no assert herself away from her cello,” an artist’s residency outside Tomeka Reid.” time reinventing the famous theme, he wrote. “A few spoken phrases Barcelona. She also visited The performance was a rare chance embellishing it, substituting key notes, would help listeners understand that museums and cultural sites to to hear Ms. Reid, described as “a crafting alternate melody lines.” they’re witnessing the emergence of a develop new curriculum ideas remarkably versatile player,” perform potentially major figure.” based on Gaudí’s architecture. “I’d never seen it, and I teach an architecture unit every spring to the fourth grade,” she says. Visiting Casa Batlló, a home that Gaudí remodeled with Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under Students write text booklets for Tanzania the Sea in mind, Ms. Alicea had Students Education for Partnership, an To kick off the project, Ms. a revelation. “The whole thing is in Tanzania organization that fosters collaboration Kogelman invited a Partnership board curvilinear, and there are seashell face many between secondary teachers in Tanzania member to speak to her classes about shapes; everything just spins challenges: and the United States and is affiliated life in Tanzania and the “insurmountable and turns and it’s completely dodging with the Evangelical Lutheran Church things that the students deal with to get the opposite of [Wright’s] Robie imaginations, Lab parent Richard lions on the in both countries. After Ms. Kogelman an education.” House.” Wright invited them to his Chicago playground, heard about Mwangaza through her Inspired, the Lab students used “I took so many pictures that auction house, which specializes in crossing church in 2006, she volunteered on Microsoft Word’s brochure template to my camera died,” she laughs. “I modern design. On the field trip, rivers to get a three-year project to send surplus make booklets based on their research was so excited that when I got back they learned about the form and to school, and American textbooks to Tanzanian into volcanoes, plate tectonics, and I wrote up a new architecture unit function of chairs, held a mock trying to learn Lutheran schools. (Although Ms. rivers. The booklets are intended for to study and compare the Robie auction, and examined originals by without the aid Kogelman has never been to Tanzania, Tanzanian high-schoolers, but since House with Casa Batlló.” The homes Frank Gehry and Ludwig Mies van of textbooks, she is currently applying to Mwangaza’s Tanzanians don’t learn English until were finished in 1910 and 1906, der Rohe. “They’re never going to says Lab program, through which U.S. teachers the eighth grade—their native language respectively. see a chair the same way again,” Middle School visit Tanzania for two weeks to train is Swahili—the vocabulary had to says Ms. Alicea. And this spring Ms. Last fall, science teacher Debra Kogelman. In teachers.) be relatively simple. Ms. Kogelman Alicea’s students will design and Ms. Alicea’s many Tanzanian schools, teachers must While working on the textbook also encouraged students to include build models of their own houses. fourth- conduct lessons with nothing more than project, Ms. Kogelman knew there examples from Africa and lots of By analyzing everyday objects graders a blackboard and some chalk. So, last simply weren’t enough textbooks for illuminating pictures. Ms. Kogelman is like chairs and houses, students created spring, Ms. Kogelman rallied her two each student to have his or her own. She currently in the final stages of editing the learn the basic principles of design. model chairs eighth-grade science classes to create thought, “What if we made booklets in brochures before sending them to Africa. Through exposure to the work of based on earth-science booklets to distribute in class that Tanzanian teachers could copy “Teachers in Tanzania have cried their studies creative artists and architects, they Tanzanian schools. and give to their students?” when they received a single piece of of furniture learn “to think outside of the box, The project was born of Ms. paper to teach from. So I can only designed by beyond what they know,” says Ms. Kogelman’s work with Mwangaza imagine what the impact of this will be,” Gaudí, Wright, and other famous Alicea. “It’s exciting in the classroom she says. architects. To spark students’ right now.”

::::::::02:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::Debra Kogelman :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::LABLIFE:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::03:::::::::: Don’t drop the pickles...and other Current schedule Proposed schedule lessons in business Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 8:00 Summer Link expands beyond science spent most of their time at 8:00 - 8:50 A A A A A C A B C 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ Last year, U-High expanded its Summer stores throughout the city, where 8:45 9:00 - 9:05 15’ 15’ 15’ 15’ 15’ 8:50 Link internship program beyond science they scanned products and C B B A A B I B B B 75’ 75’ 45’ 75’ 45’ labs and into the world of business. recorded their countries of origin. U-High to change 9:05 - 9:50 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ C Over the summer, 11 students, all The painstakingly collected data 9:35 B As one would expect from C C I C C 45’ 45’ 9:40 9:55 - 10:40 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 30’ 30’ 50’ rising sophomores or juniors, worked will be used, according to Professor class schedule for 10:25 30’ 10:35 D with UChicago professors, including Romalis, to understand “the impact an economics professor— D D D I D D D 45’ 45’ 10:45 - 11:30 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ D Nobel laureate James Heckman and of rising imports on the cost of living 11:20 E 75’ 75’ first time in nearly 11:25 Freakonomics author—and father of four of households with different income E E E E I E E E Professor Romalis offered 11:35 - 12:20 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ Lab students—Steven Levitt. levels—for example, poor households 12:10 12:10 five decades Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Summer Link, a partnership versus rich households.” a per-scan bonus and an 12:20 - 1:00 45’ 45’ 45’ 90’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ The interns (like all Summer Link Next year, Lab will implement a 12:55 between the University and the 12:55 F F F F G H H G F Laboratory Schools, began officially in students) had agreed to work for accuracy bonus. new schedule in the High School. 1:00 - 1:45 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 1:40 75’ 75’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 2008–09 placing U-Highers in research minimum wage but—as one would Developed by the faculty and approved 1:45 G H G G G 2:30 G F jobs in Department of Biological and expect from an economics professor— 1:50 - 2:30 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ by a majority vote, it will be the first 2:35 H F G Physical Sciences labs. U-High history Professor Romalis offered a per-scan Island in Hyde Park. significant change to the schedule in at 45’ 45’ 45’ H H H 3:20 F H teachers Chris Janus and Andrea bonus and an accuracy bonus. “It was a He and his partners also honed 2:35 - 3:25 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 45’ least 46 years—as long as anyone on the Martonffy organized the new business really effective incentive,” says Nathan. their diplomatic and technical skills. The faculty can remember. Each course: Each course: portion of the Summer Link program, For Nathan, the internship provided most stressful aspect of the job was not The U-High faculty had already been 180 min/wk; 6,156 min/yr 210 min/wk; 7,182 min/yr (+17%) working with a half dozen University an unintended education: “I went to the inevitable discussion with a store discussing how to update the schedule professors, several of whom are Lab places I’d never been to, like Pilsen and manager who was ready to kick them when Matthew Horvat joined the High parents. The program included weekly Bridgeport,” he says. And he “got a out, but scanning breakable items: “I School as principal in 2006. Although seminars at which a University faculty cultural education” as well, for example, dropped a jar of pickles once,” Nathan the current U-High schedule has been While some parents may be sponsor presented research to the noticing the very limited selection says. And replacing batteries in the decade-old bar code scanners proved a in place for many years, the teachers apprehensive about the change, Mr. entire group. available to a shopper at a Family Dollar bit nightmarish—installed incorrectly, agree it isn’t perfect. There are concerns Horvat thinks that they’ll like the new Junior Nathan Eckstein was one of store, compared with the enormous six students working with economics selection of things like jams and jellies the data was destroyed. that the amount of instructional time schedule as they become more familiar professor John Romalis. The interns at the much more upscale Treasure Professor Levitt’s interns, juniors in most subjects—180 minutes a week with it. As for students, he notes that Kristine Wald and Molly Petchenik, per class—is less than what comparable they’re surprisingly resistant to change. worked on a variety of projects—poker, independent schools provide, and Current students may grumble, but, soccer, and pollution. For the poker teachers have long believed that their he says, “In three or four years if I say, research—done for Professor Levitt’s work in the classroom would be greatly ‘We’re going back to the old schedule,’ consulting firm, The Greater Good— enhanced by additional contact time. students will say, ‘What are you doing? Kristine and Molly looked at customers’ Further, there’s no dedicated time for You can’t go back!’” reactions to an Internet poker site. They coming together as a community; to Scheduling at Lab is much more analyzed comments and then graphed accommodate an assembly a class complex than at similar high schools, the data to show which features were popular or unpopular. period simply has to be canceled. says Mr. Horvat. U-High shares art and They also did research on countries The teachers developed a plan that phys ed facilities and some teachers with that had won the World Cup, which lengthens the school day slightly and the Middle and Lower Schools, making ended up in Professor Levitt’s New The interactive whiteboards provides time for each class to have one scheduling a tricky affair. But he sees A new kind of learning tool is control and interact with the image York Times blog in June. While South extra-long period—75 minutes—each light at the end of the tunnel: U-High popping up all over Lab. The that is projected onto a 78-inch- aren’t entirely new to Lab—math American teams win often, they are week, with 45-minute periods each of scheduling will become much easier Promethean Board, an interactive wide screen. classes in the Middle and High low in the FIFA rankings of best teams, the other three sessions a week. With when proposed new classroom facilities whiteboard with the display Their uses are limited only Schools started using them in showing a possible “European bias the long period, total weekly class time are built as part of the Schools’ planned capabilities of a computer screen, by a teacher’s imagination. They 2003. But with the addition of 15 in how teams are ranked,” Professor is extended to 210 minutes. The new construction project. is a major techno-upgrade to the can “navigate computer menus, new boards in the last two years Levitt wrote. schedule will also include a dedicated ...... traditional classroom blackboard or make and save annotations, select their use has exploded, particularly “We weren’t treated like high- period during students’ midmorning More information and answers to dry-erase board. pre-made templates of maps, in the Lower School and language schoolers,” says Molly. “We were treated break that can be used for assemblies. frequently asked questions are online: The interactive whiteboards geometric shapes, and graphics, classes. Mr. Lieneck counts 23 like actual researchers. He really wanted http://www.ucls.uchicago.edu/schools/ work both as a display and or import their own,” says such boards already installed us to find out things on our own. We got a feel for doing research and not just high-school. an input device. They have an Curt Lieneck, Lab’s director of across the divisions and expects being students in a classroom.” electromagnetic backing that lets information technology. Teachers the number to grow. teachers use a special metal pen to can also use them with document cameras to enlarge books or other ::::::::04::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::LABLIFE::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::small objects:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: for their classes. 05::::::::: Rozalyn Torto

Tuscan sun produces beautiful music Williams Award winners For a lover of music, it’s not always easy from Canada, Hungary, Spain, and more, to keep your patience, or your optimism, Switzerland, among other countries— rather than reinvest in their teaching while a beginning violin student scratches spent mornings in a pedagogy class. just having In September, Middle School librarian She plans to use the rest to out the soundtrack to a horror movie. They also had the chance to watch Ms. played for an Cynthia Oakes became the 12th winner complete a book project that she began But for students to learn, a teacher Zweig teach, as she worked with two ambiguous of the Schools’ Mary V. Williams Award in 2008 when she took a year off from has to establish a “non-judgmental sisters from France, ages nine number of for Excellence in Teaching, which teaching. The book (working title: A environment,” says Rozalyn Torto. and 11. minutes.” includes a $5,000 honorarium for Year Off for Art) will include interviews “Students are not going to be instantly In the afternoons, Ms. Torto, herself Another professional development. “I haven’t with French and American museum successful. You have to accept that you’re a violist, worked with Ms. Koekkoek on key piece used it yet,” says Ms. Oakes. With visitors as well as her musings about the going to make some really weird noises her own musical practice. “It was a full- of the characteristic enthusiasm, she adds, experience of viewing art. with the strings at first.” circle experience,” she says. At the end pedagogical “I’m still trying to comprehend that I “I’m a better teacher if I can remain That was just one of the lessons Ms. of the six-day program, participants gave approach that even received it!” a student myself,” says Ms. Schneider, Torto learned at the 2009 International a performance in the castle’s vineyard. emphasizes Mary Williams, a Lower and Middle who teaches units on film, Surrealism, Music Retreat, held every August in a The workshop has “given me more information School teacher, died unexpectedly in and Impressionism as part of her French medieval castle in Tuscany. The week- clarity,” says Ms. Torto, and it has also shifted March 2000. “I had so many great classes. long retreat for violinists and violists is encouraged her to rethink her teaching, Ms. Torto’s teachers at Lab, but she was my Lower School teacher Lisa Sukenic led by music pedagogy experts Mimi including her requirements for practicing. approach. “If favorite,” says Dan Rudolph, ’74, who devotes significant class time to helping Zweig (her most famous student is Before, Ms. Torto would assign a certain someone isn’t playing well, that doesn’t endowed the award. Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua number of minutes of practice per mean that student is a bad violinist. They As a sixth-grader in 1968, Mr. Bell) and Jeannette Koekkoek, both day. Now, she assigns specific tasks just need more information.” Rudolph was in Ms. Williams’ very first of Indiana University, Bloomington. A that students have to complete during “It helped to take away my bias,” Ms. class at Lab. “She was tough, but we professional development award from practice—plucking a note a certain Torto says, and it builds on some advice knew she loved us,” says Mr. Rudolph, Lab covered the cost of tuition and part number of times, for example, then she had received during her first year of who kept in touch with Ms. Williams after of Ms. Torto’s airfare. adding the bow. “I’ve had a really teaching from Department Chair Katy graduating and often visited her when he Ms. Torto and the other 11 good response to that,” she says. “The Sinclair: “Teach the kids first, and music was in Hyde Park. “It was a thrill for me participants—music teachers students feel like they’ve accomplished second.” to be able to remember her in his way.” The award recognizes a faculty member who shares the spirit of Ms. Williams’ pedagogy, including a teaching style Recommended reading that speaks to the whole child, respect schools whose students do not all go Science Department Chair David Mr. Lemov hasn’t figured it all for students’ individual qualities, and a to college, some of Mr. Lemov’s 49 Derbes recommends Teach Like A out, but he has found a set of tactics sense of humor. Champion, by Doug Lemov that many of the best teachers techniques are not well matched to use. I mentioned the article to my Lab’s population. But even old timers Last March daughter, Catherine Derbes, ’05, will find many ideas they ought to “I’m a better teacher if I can The New York then in her first year of a Teach consider making part of their own Times Magazine For America tour in New Orleans, practices—as I am trying to do. remain a student myself.” published and she said, “Oh, everyone in TFA Parents might also find some useful tips in the book: for “How to Build a uses Lemov’s stuff; we have his The winners of the Williams Award her young students develop their own encouraging and developing good Better Teacher,” taxonomy.” I was a little envious; have used the honorarium for a diverse creative writing voices, and her 2008 work habits and attitudes; on featuring I wanted to read his work, but at range of professional development Williams award activities support that. building character and trust; and Doug Lemov, a the time it was not available. Now activities. Most famously, Blue Balliett, She attended writer’s workshops at particularly for helping a child learn former teacher it is. Teach Like A Champion is an the first winner in 2000, took time off the Interlochen School for the Arts and to read with deeper comprehension and principal who’d spent several economical and very practical set to work on a children’s novel, which the Georgia O’Keefe Ghost Ranch. The years traveling around the country of teaching techniques. Rather than (the last 50 pages of the book became the best-selling Chasing award also helped Ms. Sukenic earn a videotaping classes. As a consultant, a philosophical treatment of best focus on reading). Originally an Vermeer (2004). creative writing certificate in poetry at Mr. Lemov was trying to find out why practices or an abstract discussion English teacher, Mr. Lemov believes French teacher Vicki Schneider, the University’s Graham School. some teachers succeed while others of what ideal teaching is supposed passionately that all teachers should honored in 2005, budgeted so well that Ms. Schneider captures the essence fail, even in the same schools, and to be, Mr. Lemov’s book resembles help their students become better she still has not exhausted her award of the award when she says, “If I often with the same students. The a drill sergeant’s instruction manual readers, and he provides tips on money. She used some of it for a trip energize my own creativity, it increases best teachers could successfully for raw teaching recruits, a do-it- reading aloud, as well as examples to Morocco: “There’s so much about the creative energy that I have in class.” cover a year and a half of material yourself Parris Island for those of questions to ask while doing so. Francophone Morocco in the textbooks,” in a single year; the worst might behind the big desk for the first time. she says, “but none of the French manage only a third of that. Why? Designed primarily for teachers in teachers had ever been there.”

::::::::06:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::David Derbes :::::::::::LABLIFE::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::Cynthia Oakes 07::::::::: :::::::::inthehalls:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::Sian Beilock Successunderpressure::::::::::::::::: Parents should realize that choking under pressure has little to Students sign “National Letters of do with intelligence but relates instead Intent” to attend Northwestern to how the brain HERE ARE A FEW STRATEGIES works, says Ms. At a November reception held in Other sports highlights: Beilock. “Students TO ENSURE SUCCESS UNDER Kovler Gymnasium, before a crowd Cross-Country in stressful testing PRESSURE IN ACADEMIC of friends, family, coaches, and fans, Seniors Thomas Aquino and Robert Meyer situations often seniors Michael Turner and Tina and sophomore Sarah Curci qualified start worrying— SETTINGS, adapted from Umanskiy each signed a “National for state. Sarah was named ISL Runner- about the outcome, Letter of Intent” to attend Northwestern of-the-Year. The girls team won the ISL ms. beilock’s book. Championship and the boys won their about what others University. Michael plans to be a part fourth consecutive regional championship. might think of > Reaffirm your self-worth. Before a big test of the men’s basketball program. Tina them, about what or presentation, spend a few minutes writing will join the women’s fencing team. Golf happens if they Junior Akila Raoul made school about your many interests and activities. Draw a Michael and Tina join a select group don’t perform well,” history when she became map or diagram of everything that makes you a of Lab alums recruited to participate U-High’s first female golfer to she explains. “These multifaceted individual (one test score doesn’t on a NCAA Division 1 varsity team, advance to sectionals. She shot a worries essentially define you!) to help take some of the pressure off. including current Lab Board Chair John 94 to advance to the Homewood- zap the cognitive W. Rogers, Jr., ’76, Arnie Duncan, ’82, Flossmoor Coyote Run Sectional. resources, the brain Senior Jack Burns qualified > Write and/or meditate about your worries. Before current Lab teacher Chris Harper, ’92, to the state finals. And U-High power, that they a test, write about your anxieties to help banish and, most recently, Alexis Jenkins, ’08, sent a full team of six girls to could otherwise use them. Train your brain, through meditation, to Whether they’re belting out a solo, and Zeke Upshaw, ’08. compete in the AA Regional to reason and think successfully through harness all your cognitive horsepower for the task tournament. attempting a penalty kick in soccer, or Mike (6’8”) was named first the test.” at hand. sweating through the SAT, Lab students team All-Conference in 2009–10. He Anyone can choke, even stellar Girls Tennis strive to do their best. Yet sometimes averaged a team high of 18.6 points, The sectional championship students. “When we talk about choking > Think differently. Think about yourself in ways even high-achieving students perform that highlight your propensity for success. Remind 8.9 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game doubles team of sophomore or bombing the test, we’re not talking Laura Anderson/senior Rachel poorly when it matters most, says Sian about someone who doesn’t have yourself that you have the tools to succeed. If last year. In the regional championship Sylora and the sectional finalist Beilock, the author of Choke: What the a mastery of the material and isn’t you get sweaty palms and your heart races under game, he led the Maroons to the title team of Leslie Sibener/Brianna pressure, interpret these signs positively (“I am Secrets of the Brain Reveal About Getting performing well. We’re talking about with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 Solola (both juniors) qualified amped for the test!”) rather than negatively (“I am for state. The Maroons won the It Right When You Have To (2010). The kids who know the material but get into blocks. freaking out!”). ISL Championship for the second trick is learning to manage stressful Tina came to Lab in her junior year that testing situation and just aren’t able straight year, and sophomore situations so you can “show what and went on to win her first high school to pull it out,” she says. > Pause, outsource, organize. Walking away for a Laura Anderson was selected ISL you know.” Player of the Year. Ms. Beilock’s research goes well few minutes from a challenging problem can help first place medal at the Maine West H.S. Ms. Beilock is an associate beyond young students. Her work has you find the most appropriate solution. Write down Open. She also earned the 2009–10 professor of psychology at the Girls Volleyball explored why top athletes, actors, or the intermediate steps of a problem rather than Coaches Award and was named All- The team won the 3A Regional University of Chicago and an expert musicians botch a crucial performance, trying to hold everything in your head. Before a Conference at the Great Lakes Fencing Championship—only the second in cognitive science. At the Laboratory and what one can learn from the related test, come up with a meaningful way to organize Open. Nationally, Tina placed ninth at regional championship in school Schools, she’s done research on how brain science. In essence, her work information to take the burden off your “working the 2009 Division 3 North American Cup. history. test anxiety affects student performance shows that by paying too much attention memory,” or cognitive horsepower. and whether small-scale interventions to detail and attempting to control can help. She is also studying the ways physical movements that are normally > Remember the Obama effect. Thinking about that teachers convey their knowledge “unconscious,” players can freeze or examples of people who defy common stereotypes and how these affect student learning. make basic mistakes, even in front of a about race, sex, and ability can help to boost the performance of people in stereotyped social “Lab is a place that gives students supportive crowd. Ms. Beilock calls this groups. an amazing educational environment, “paralysis by analysis.” but with those opportunities come The good news for kids and parents > Practice under pressure. Studying under the same pressures to succeed,” says Ms. Beilock. is that choking, while common, isn’t conditions that you’ll be tested under—in a timed Students who adapt to the pressure are inevitable. The same tips and tricks situation with no study aids, for example—can help better prepared for future challenges, that help adults perform their best you get used to what you’ll experience on test day. including college. But those who fail in high-stakes situations work well due to stress or worry can find their for high-school students, says Ms. Techniques for improving sports and stage confidence undermined, leading to Beilock: “By knowing the science behind performance vary, and are also discussed in her missed opportunities and fewer choices why choking happens, you can find book, Choke. down the road. the right technique to improve your performance.” top: Michael Turner; bottom left: Tina Umanskiy; :::::::08:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::bottom right: Tina Umanskiy (right) ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::LABLIFE::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::09::::::::: ::::DANGERFROM THEAND SYLLABIDARWIN:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Author and former Lab teacher Blue Balliett returns, sharing tales and inspiration FROM THE SYLLABI:::::: Two pony-tailed sixth-graders sat on a third of the students raised their What sixth-graders the edge of their seats, waiting for the hands. Black Ships before Chinese Folktales October assembly with best-selling She wasn’t surprised. “Younger Troy edited by Yin-Lien C. Rosemary Sutcliff are reading novelist Blue Balliett to begin. The schoolchildren have total confidence Chin, et. al. Rosemary Sutcliff Sixth grade humanities starts with last time Ms. Balliett (who taught third to go great places. But as they get geography and ends with Alexander and fourth grade at Lab for more than older, it’s hard to hold onto,” says the the Great and the Hellenistic period. a decade) spoke in Judd Hall, “she longtime Hyde Park resident. “The Some of the literature is chosen told us the steps that go into writing a spontaneity gets lost. Between the specifically because it can be viewed story,” recalled the taller of the two. demands of school and the pressure Heroes, Gods and The Examination Monsters of the through the lens of an historical “Yes,” her friend chimed in. “You to be conventional, there’s not a lot of Malcolm Bosse Greek Myths theme. But across all texts, teachers think, you imagine, then you get to room for dreamy thinking.” Bernard Evslin Bernard Evslin use the Shared Inquiry approach to express it.” Case in point, the 11-year-old boy help students learn to think critically Ms. Balliett’s most recent mystery, who sat up front during Ms. Balliett’s and use details to support their The Danger Box, published only in presentation. He said he had started ideas. Sixth-graders are examining September, is about a 12-year-old, several novels, including one he titled Roll of Thunder, Hear Wanderings of their reading assignments much as sight-impaired boy in Three Oaks, The Unknown World, about a cowboy My Cry Odysseus one would any short story or novel— Michigan, who discovers a stolen who rides into the city on a cloud. But Mildred Taylor Rosemary Sutcliff utcliff exploring issues of plot, character, notebook that originally belonged he always stopped. “I just get away setting, and theme. Some will even from it,” he said. Touch screen time: iPads read and perform simplified versions That’s why, when of Greek plays like Orestes. When Ms. Balliett asked how many schoolchildren ask for writing tips, Ms. Balliett in the classroom wanted to be writers, nearly a third offers this advice: “Be This year, Lab has become part practicing accurately, since errors patient with yourself. of an experiment in educational are corrected as they play. This is of the students raised their hands. Don’t give up when it technology: integrating Apple very difficult to do with traditional doesn’t work right in the iPad tablet computers into the paper-and-pencil practice in a to Charles beginning. It’s not something you do classroom. Lab isn’t the first to whole-class setting.” Students have Darwin. And once and then you’re done. It takes lots do so—thousands of schools also used the computers to browse while neither of rewriting.” worldwide are doing so as well, the web for class research projects girl had yet To illustrate the point, she likes to says Curt Lieneck, Lab’s director and play the educational computer to read the show a photo of herself at work in her of information technology. But game Oregon Trail. newest tome, laundry room, sprawled on a bed next because the computers weren’t The students have proven to be they had both to a pile of unfolded clothes. She calls designed with schools in mind, eager iPad users. “They frequently raced through it “a picture of mess and the writing teachers and students alike are choose to play [the math games] her previous process.” years to find my voice and get rid of all learning as they go. during their ‘free choice’ time even young adult “Part of the problem is that in the constructs,” she says. “It was being At the forefront of Lab’s though they have many options,” novels: school you are supposed to be neat,” a teacher around all these kid brains experiment are Kathy Piane’s Ms. Piane says. Ms. Harrison’s Chasing says Ms. Balliett. “But writing is that liberated me as a writer.” first-graders and the second- students even teach each other developing the apps,” notes Ms. Vermeer, The messy. I wish when I was younger, Although Ms. Balliett wants her graders in Lisa Harrison’s class. how to use new programs. “I often Harrison.) Mr. Lieneck wishes there Wright 3, and someone had talked to me about mess.” novels to be fun reads, she tries to fill The two teachers came up with turn the teaching over to them after The Calder What did her family talk about them with what she calls “adult-size the concept of piloting the iPads we’ve had an introduction,” she were more applications that could Game. during her childhood in New York City? ideas.” In Chasing Vermeer, which in the classroom together with Mr. says. “The children know we’re all project a signal from the iPad And just like Books. Both of Ms. Balliett’s parents she originally wrote for a third-grade Lieneck. Each teacher has six iPads learning about the iPads together— to the classroom’s audio-visual Ms. Balliett, were writers. Her father, Whitney class she was teaching, she poses the for 24 students; one class can teachers and students—and that installations, but foresees a bright who knew she Balliett, was the New Yorker’s jazz question, “How do you look at art?” In borrow the other’s computers for they’re a part of this process.” future. “Early feedback suggests wanted to be critic for nearly 50 years. Her mother, The Danger Box, she wants to inspire some activities, providing enough Adapting the iPads for these devices could assume an an author when she was eight, the two Elizabeth Platt, authored a book on readers to have faith in their own for every student working in pairs. educational use hasn’t been important role in integrating Middle Schoolers had been scribbling daycare and another about the Head powers and the confidence to listen to The teachers are using the glitch-free. Both teachers cite technology into the classroom,” stories since they were little. “I would Start program. their own ideas. iPads to teach a number of different the lack of apps that assist with he says. “It’s much more than just love to be a writer,” says one of the Ms. Balliett published poetry in her “Adults underestimate just what subjects, but foremost among those beginning reading skills, along another ‘edutainment’ device. It girls. “Me too,” the other agrees. twenties and, while living on Nantucket powerful thinkers kids are,” says Ms. is math. Explains Ms. Piane, “When with the limited stock of apps removes the clutter between the They weren’t alone. When Ms. Island, two collections of ghost stories. Balliett. “I want kids to know that their playing math games on the iPad, appropriate for grade schoolers. child and the content so they can Balliett asked her youthful audience But she didn’t become a full-time voices are valuable.” I can be certain that students are (“Educators are not always the ones engage it personally and directly.” how many wanted to be writers, nearly writer until her late forties. “It took

:::::::10::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::Blue Balliett ::::::::::::::::::::::::LABLIFE:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::11::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::FIFTH ANNUAL DEWEY/DEPENCIER WINE TASTING EVENT:::::::::::::::::::::::: With a tasting of nine different wines selected and organized by Tarlan Hedayati,’92, and Ataman Shah. New parents Jack Polsky and Rebecca Schanberg. parent Dan Sachs, proprietor of Chicago’s Bin 36, a wine store and restaurant, more than 150 parents and alumni had a chance to mix and see architectural models of Lab’s new Arts Wing and the Early Childhood Campus to be built on Stony Island Avenue.

The Dewey Founder’s Society recognizes alumni, parents, and friends whose cumulative annual gifts to Lab total $2,500 or more. The DePencier Society recognizes alumni who have contributed $1,000 or more to the Schools.

Savitri Fedson,’87, Maria Middle School Principal Amani Reed, Kalifa, and Mark Kalifa. Connections 2011 Committee member Sandy Wang, and Lab board member Chris McGowan.

New parents Nguyen Nguyen, Brandi Sandner, and Doug Sandner.

:::::::::::::FOOD, SOCCER, FRIENDSHIP, AND ART DRAW ALUMNI::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Ted Grossman, ’84, and Alumni on the Road—New York hosts Felix Baker, ’87, and Julian Baker, ’84. Alumni on the Road—New York and four Chicago-based events brought scores of Imre Hidvegi, ’84, at the alumni (and teachers) together this fall. Hosts Felix Baker, ’87, and Julian Baker, alumni soccer game. ’84, welcomed more than 60 people to Felix’s Manhattan home—among them, graduates from the classes of 1943 to 2006. Back in Chicago, with help from the Alumni Leadership Committee, Labbies faced off against Parker alumni on the soccer field, and more than 60 gathered at the Packer Schopf Gallery to celebrate the work of Louise LeBourgeois, ’81. Floyd Landis, ’43, in New York. See more photos of these and other alumni events on Facebook: www.facebook.com/laboratoryschools.

Louise LeBourgeois, ’81, and Elizabeth Evans, ’81, in Chicago.

Carl Schuenemann, ’80, Sandra Scamardi, Lynn :::::::12:::::::::::::::::::LABLIFE::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::Sasamoto,::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ’79, and Sidney Lee, ’80, in Chicago. 13::::::::: The ground is frozen—it is winter in It didn’t take the Markovitzes long Chicago after all—but the landscape at Lab’s to see the benefits of Lab’s Dewey and parcel of land on Stony Island Avenue is Reggio-based approach to early childhood Early childhood facility named changing. Much has already unfolded under education. “We saw that fostering a curiosity the guise of the Lab+ Campaign: Blaine and love of learning in the children was an Hall has a new slate roof—no small thing. important part of the social development the University management crews have overseen school encouraged,” says Mrs. Markovitz. for alumnus Earl Shapiro, ’56 abatement work to ensure that the Stony “Our daughter loved going to school. Island site, in advance of demolition, is safe And she was developing into a studious, and poses no health or hazard concerns. conscientious, :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::(As with any century-old::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: building, there has diligent, and been asbestos removal, and a medical site motivated always needs special attention.) Demolition learner. +INVESTING IN at the site is in the offing, and all hope to We’re sure THE POWER OF LAB see the official start of construction this fall. not everyone Now, helping move things along is has the same LAB a generous commitment by another Lab experience family. Ling Z. Markovitz and Michael C. we’ve had, but Markovitz, AM’73, PhD’75, have made a we’ve met and gift of $1 million to Lab—a significant gift spoken with that will be further leveraged as a one-to- enough parents one match for most donations made to the to be able to Schools before June 30, 2011. say that our Lab Director David Magill sees their experience commitment as just one of the elements that isn’t unusual.” In January, the Laboratory Schools and this building and the entire Lab+ project, as will allow the Schools to meet the goal of With their investment in the Schools, the University announced the naming of Earl organizations thrive only if there is constant having 100 percent of families participating the Markovitzes feel they are spreading their Earl Shapiro Shapiro Hall on the planned Early Childhood reinvestment,” says Matthew. “This building in the Campaign: “Michael and Ling’s excitement and their steadfast belief in the Campus to be built on Stony Island Avenue. represents a reinvestment in not only the contribution will be an important means of goals of the Lab+ Campaign. “An improved Named in honor of the late Earl Shapiro, ’56, Schools but the University, Hyde Park, and the encouraging many other families to step environment, arts, and early childhood the landmark addition to the Laboratory Schools city of Chicago, all of which the Shapiro family forward to participate at whatever level they facilities—these are important missions,” will be designed specifically for children from holds dear. Associating our father’s name with can. Listening to them tell their story, one says Mrs. Markovitz. nursery through second grade. Among other one of the finest educational institutions in the can see a family that has been won over by “And because many hands make light benefits, the state-of-the-art facility will allow country is befitting of the man that he was.” the unique experience that is Lab. We hope the load,” adds her husband, “we have set students outdoor access from classrooms, Matthew explains that in both business and all will follow suit.” up our gift as a match to encourage others to indoor spaces suited for a range of simultaneous philanthropy, the family has held to values that The Markovitzes’ daughter, Sarah join with us in developing this school we all activities, and thought-provoking settings that were a part of their Lab educations—honesty, Qing, is now a sixth grader. But when they care about so deeply.” enhance the flexible interactions at the heart of the importance of education, and the focus on enrolled her at Lab as a nursery-schooler, ...... the schools’ educational philosophy. giving back to the institutions that are important the classroom experience came as a bit of To find out more about how your gift can be Earl Shapiro Hall is a key component of the to you. a shock to these parents, who’d had very matched as part of the Markovitz challenge, Schools’ Lab+ Campaign, an initiative that will Designed by Joe Valerio of Valerio Dewalt different educational experiences. please contact Beth Wittbrodt in the Office help maintain the diversity so central to the Lab Train and FGM Architects as the architect-of- Mrs. Markovitz is the product of much of Alumni Relations and Development, community while allowing for transformative record, Earl Shapiro Hall has been planned to improvements to every aspect of the Schools’ optimize the Reggio Emilia approach to learning, more formal schools in Shanghai, and Mr. 773-702-2844, [email protected]. programs and campus. an educational model that shares some of Markovitz grew up in one of New York City’s “This is a rare opportunity for an institution the ideas of Lab founder John Dewey. In that strict parochial schools. But in daughter like the Laboratory Schools to tailor its facilities approach, the learning environment is meant to Sarah Qing’s class “there was so much to its nationally recognized educational be another teacher, stimulating natural curiosity playing,” says Mr. Markovitz. “We thought: program,” says University President Robert and providing room for independent action. if this wasn’t Lab and the University of Brenda Shapiro (seated) is joined by J. Zimmer. “The Shapiros have been leaders Construction of the Early Childhood Chicago they wouldn’t be able to get away sons Benjamin and Matthew, ’84, and in seeing that potential and seizing that Campus is scheduled to begin next fall, with with this.” Benjamin’s wife, Dawn. opportunity. It is fitting that Earl Shapiro’s completion projected for the summer of 2013. memory will be associated for generations to The expansion will allow the schools to come with this important center of learning.” continue to maintain a diverse student body at In 2008 the Shapiro family—Earl’s wife, a time of unprecedented demand both within Brenda, and their children Matthew, ’84, the University community and among families Markovitz Challenge rings in Benjamin, X’86, MBA’94, and Alexandra, X’90— from the neighborhood and across the city. Mr. gave a $10 million gift to the Schools, citing Magill notes that as Lab becomes one of the the unique combination of talented and diverse largest independent schools in the nation, it will students, outstanding teachers, and a focus on also have the scale to invest in more specialized ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: critical learning. Earl Shapiro died shortly after programs for students. a new year the family gave the gift in his honor. “Our father would be very pleased with :::::::::14::::::LABLIFE::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::15:::::::::: writing: life’s necessary art ALUMNI WRITERS RETURN TO LEAD U-HIGH’S FIRST DAY::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: by BROOKE O’NEILL, AM’04 Catching up with friends, braving new classes, and tackling the “What I Did This Summer” essay have long been staples of the American teenager’s first day of school. But analyzing newspaper clips with an award-winning investigative reporter? Discussing the supernatural horror flickCarrie with a professional screenwriter?>>>

left to right: Carlo Rotella, ’82; Margo Jefferson, ’64; David Kovacs, ’69; Kate Grossman, ’88; Lily Koppel, ’99; Adam Simon, ’80. ::::::::::16:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::LABLIFE:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::17:::::::::: The New York Timesand nonfiction writer the field of writing?” she asked the student Front, left to right: Beth Fama, ’82, AB’85, Lily Koppel, ’99; corporate screenwriter audience. Roughly a dozen timid hands MBA’91, PhD’96; Margo Jefferson, ’64; David Kovacs, ’69; essayist and Boston Globe went up. David Kovacs, ’69; Carlo Rotella, ’82. columnist Carlo Rotella, ’82; and horror writer “Well, almost every area you can think of and filmmaker Adam Simon, ’80. involves writing skills,” said Ms. Fama, citing Back, left to right: David Jackson, ’76; “When they were at Lab, they probably everything from corporate memos to job Kate Grossman, ’88; Lily Koppel, ’99; didn’t know where their life would lead,” said applications to submissions to an academic Adam Simon, ’80. English Department Chair Carrie Koenen to journal in math or science. the U-High student body as she introduced Over the next hour, she and the other the panel. “Now they’re accomplished pros.” panelists gave students a peek into some of While First Day is a longstanding Lab those fields—and reassured those who hadn’t tradition—last year’s program required raised their hands. Catching up with friends, braving new students to read the best-selling novel The “I hated writing when I was in high classes, and tackling the “What I Did This Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time— school,” admitted Mr. Simon, whose Summer” essay have long been staples of the this past fall was the first time alumni came to screenwriting credits include the 2009 American teenager’s first day of school. But speak and lead student workshops. psychological thriller The Haunting in analyzing newspaper clips with an award- “We really liked the idea of bringing Connecticut. winning investigative reporter? Discussing back Lab alumni who chose writing careers,” What he did enjoy was telling stories. the supernatural horror flick Carrie with a says Ms. Koenen, who started organizing the “You can’t tell stories if you can’t write,” said professional screenwriter? event last spring. The hope, she says, was that Mr. Simon, who once got in trouble for These are things that happen only at Lab. On Tuesday, September 7, nearly 500 U-High students kicked off the 2010–11 MY FRIENDS ARE SO TIRED OF school year with a unique First Day curriculum. Titled “Writing: Life’s Necessary HEARING HOW IMPORTANT LAB WAS Art,” the daylong event featured a panel discussion and 20 workshops covering genres TO MY EDUCATION,” MR. SIMON JOKED. something “bitter and pointless,” said The power of language Mr. Rotella, it quickly became clear how Alumni writers expounded further on their much power the writer wields through expertise during hour-long workshops that his or her language. followed the panel. Each U-High student Meanwhile, over in Judd 126, attended one of 20 sessions led by a guest Mr. Simon grilled students on why writer, Lab teacher, or other member of the people enjoy horror films. “Why would Lab community. Students were matched to you want to have this unpleasant their interests based on a survey each took in experience?” he asked the group of the spring. roughly 50 students. The selection format, says Ms. Koenen, “The rush,” responded one boy. reflected a broader Lab philosophy. “It’s about “You just feel so awake all of a sudden.” empowering students to make educational “The suspense,” chimed in a girl choices, to think about what they want to seated next to him. study.” Playing off those answers, Mr. In U-High 103, Mr. Rotella’s group Simon encouraged students to think about sharing the plot of The Exorcist with his fifth- students were encouraged to embrace their debated the moral ambiguity of writing about how today’s horror films provide us a catharsis, grade classmates. “Lab called my parents and passions—whatever they were. To his point, violence. In his essay collection Cut Time: just like Sophocles’ Oedipus did in its day. told them it was causing nightmares,” he said cultural critic Ms. Jefferson talked about An Education at the Fights, a finalist for the “That show was the biggest hit in Athens,” with a laugh. Los Angeles Times Book Prize, he describes finding her obsession in theater, as did Sun-Times he said. “It’s a transforming experience.” editor Kate Grossman shared bloody bouts and the lessons they impart. “I’m corporate writer Mr. Kovacs. Mr. Simon’s teenage antipathy toward writing. “You were respected just for being into implicated in the hurt business,” he told the The place where it started “I thought it was excruciating,” she said. “I got class. something,” said Mr. Rotella. “No one policed Horror movies and Oedipus weren’t the over it.” Since then, Ms. Grossman has won a As a boxing writer, Mr. Rotella explained, your enthusiasm.” “by spending time with these professionals, only transformations discussed at First Day. ranging from arts criticism to corporate Studs Terkel Media Award for her profiles of his word choice determines whether brutality As part of the Lab community, said students might get a better sense of why For many of the alumni, the event was an communications to narrative nonfiction. Chicago community residents. in the ring comes across as meaningful or reporter Mr. Jackson, “you’ll know years later writing is important beyond just passing an opportunity to revisit a place that significantly Headlining the program were eight career Such confessions, says Ms. Koenen, help meaningless. how treasured you are here.” English class or writing a history paper.” shaped who they are today. writers, all of them U-High alumni. students realize that writing is a challenging, To illustrate the point, he gave students “The panelists reaffirmed what our “My friends and colleagues are so tired of The line-up included young adult often love-hate endeavor, even for experts: two battle scene excerpts: one from J.R.R. students always hear: this place is going to stay hearing how important Lab was to my novelist Beth Fama, ’82, AB’85, MBA’91, The fear of writing “It’s reassuring to hear that you might be a Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, another from with you forever,” says Ms. Koenen. “You’re Chicago Sun-Times education,” Mr. Simon joked. PhD’96; deputy editor Kate First Day kicked off in International House’s professional writer and still have writer’s block, Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law trilogy. always going to feel like a Labbie.” Chicago Mr. Rotella added to the sentiment, Grossman, ’88; Pulitzer Prize–winning Assembly Hall, where novelist and panel or you might look at the paper and not know Comparing the former’s world of good versus Tribune describing Lab as an environment where journalist David Jackson, ’76; Pulitzer moderator Beth Fama took a quick poll. where to start.” evil with the latter’s portrayal of violence as Prize–winning theater critic Margo Jefferson, ’64; “How many of you want to go into

:::::::18::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::LABLIFE::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::19:::::::::: Jessica DeGroot—shown with her husband, Jeffrey Lutzner, and their history, knowing at least the rudiments of the There are essential avenues of communication The truth is, I think the decent education of because obviously, they’re very pressed for time two children—is the founder of the ThirdPath Institute, a nonprofit major world religions. It also means knowing and understanding for everyone. And they children ought to start local. I talk a lot about in this fast-moving world. Here’s one thing dedicated to helping individuals and organizations redesign work to something about the different groups in one’s bring people together across lines of class, race, the Indian educator Rabindranath Tagore in President Obama has said right: read to your make time for other priorities. own country—the ethnic and racial minorities, and economic advantage in a kind of discourse my book. I think one of the things he did right child a certain number of hours a day. But I of the imagination that’s a crucial part of what the way that women have contributed to the was not even allow children to learn English would also add, you could imagine singing it is not just to be a good citizen but to have a history of the country—having a kind of until they were fourteen years old, because he with your child or putting on a play with your variegated understanding of the complexities rich life. I mean, the rest of your whole life is going to be working at your job, and so now is wanted their education to have roots in the child. of the world we’re in. As children get to high local community. He wanted them to read I used to dragoon my parents into putting school, they also should be learning some when you get to develop the things that make life a whole. things from their linguistic tradition, and on plays, and I think I was the instigator, and economics. They should learn the structure of rightly so. Any prescription of a single text I’m still a kind of instigator of plays here at the the global economy and how it influences us all. With regard to citizenship, no one can just say, “Oh, well, I’m going to go get a job and let would have that problem. University. I get my colleagues to take roles in by ELIZABETH STATION Third, and woven through it all, is the citizenship be taken care of by other people.” Now, some place along the line, it’s not Shakespeare. But if the child isn’t doing it, the In her 2010 book, Not for Profit: Why empathetic imagination: learning how to put We’re all citizens of somewhere. a bad idea to read Plato’s Apology and get the parent can do it. Just do something expressive Democracy Needs the Humanities, Martha yourself into the position of someone who Parents should also realize that what idea of what Socrates was about and why he and artistic. And if you’re reading, don’t just C. Nussbaum argues that the foundation is different, to see how that person sees the businesses are looking for is people who have led the examined life. Maybe in high school, always read to the child; have the child read to of citizenship—and national success—rests world. On every issue in a pluralistic society, liberal education, who are flexible, and who everyone should read that. But to cultivate the you. My daughter read Crime and Punishment on the arts and humanities. Yet around the understanding how the world looks from that are imaginative. Our economy is very rapidly imagination, I don’t think there’s a single book aloud to me. world, as schools and governments anxiously other’s point of view is the first step in having changing and it’s just obvious that if you have or musical work...... focus on education for economic growth, the an adequate debate. That’s fostered by lots of technical skills, those might be yesterday’s ...... How old was she then? humanities are losing ground. Ms. Nussbaum, different parts of school: the pedagogy and technical skills by the time you’ve got them. How can families without many financial ...... the Ernst Freund distinguished service membership of the classroom, and, of course, But if you have a trained imagination and a resources promote the arts and She was about sixteen. Often, at the end of professor of law and ethics in the Philosophy the curriculum. good logical mind, that’s going to be with you humanities at home? the day after lecturing, my voice was tired, so Department, Law School, and Divinity everywhere...... I said, “All right, now you can read to me.” Money is a very small part of it. Time is the Reading can be shared and it can be theatrical, main thing. And I’m not at all sure that the and it can involve different people taking Martha C. Nussbaum richer families do better on the time front, different roles—and it’s much more fun that way. GOOD CITIZENS, RICH LIVES School of the University of Chicago, has long ...... defended liberal education at the university Your book highlights the connection that What opinion do you have of the Obama level. In a recent interview with LabLife, she John Dewey made between democratic administration’s education policy? spoke about the importance of the humanities citizenship and Socratic education. What ...... for children of every age. do you think independent schools do best I’m sure President Obama, having studied at “ON EVERY ISSUE IN A PLURALISTIC SOCIETY, UNDERSTANDING ...... when it comes to promoting Dewey’s ideas? Occidental College and Columbia University, How does putting the humanities at the ...... has a lot of thoughts about what a well- HOW THE WORLD LOOKS FROM THAT OTHER’S POINT OF VIEW center of K–12 education make children Schools like Lab get children to learn by doing, rounded education for citizenship would be. better citizens of their countries and of and to be active rather than passive. Rather What I find distressing is that he doesn’t put IS THE FIRST STEP IN HAVING AN ADEQUATE DEBATE.” the world? than just sitting at a desk, they get them those thoughts out in his speeches...... involved in a kind of integrated learning. One When he speaks about education, it’s I don’t suggest demoting the sciences, which of Dewey’s classic things was that children always about national growth. It’s also about have a lot in common with the humanities. would weave some cloth, but then in the equality of access, which is important. But Both teach rigorous argument; they teach process, they would get to know, where does beyond that, he doesn’t have any curricular imagination. But there are three things that I that material come from? What’s the labor of thoughts, and he always is praising Singapore think the arts and humanities contribute, and the people who created that? in ways that seem to me really quite the first is the old Socratic ability to lead the That kind of highly ramified and curious unfortunate. Some countries that are viewed examined life; to really think rigorously about questioning about projects that you’re as highly successful in education—like China, issues; to examine the things that tradition and undertaking is something these schools do Singapore, and India—are really downgrading peer culture have brought your way and ask, very well. Lab already does introduce children the humanities or lopping them off pretty “Is this really what I want to stand for?” and into the rudiments of different religions and completely. to do that with a grasp of rigor in argument different global cultures in a way that’s very If President Obama were to look abroad, and a sense of the structure of an intellectual nice. And I’m less sure of this, but probably he might well look to Finland, which actually position. such schools teach critical thinking and has the test results on things that he cares The skills of reasoning are, in a way, based argumentative skills in a progressive way, and about—the reading skills and the math in our innate human equipment, but they need they all use the arts. skills—but they also have managed to do this ...... to be taught like everything else, including compatibly with having a lot of play, a lot of language. Starting very early, children can learn What is your response to a parent who arts, and so on. to distinguish a bad argument from a good says, “What my kid really needs in this ...... argument. And that makes them much more globalized, competitive economy are the If you could pick one book for every child in technical, scientific, and professional responsible as citizens. the world to read, what might it be and why? Second, we need to be citizens of the skills to get a job. Playing and painting ...... and dancing are fine, but they’re whole world, not just citizens of a narrow superfluous”? place. This means knowing a lot of world ...... :::::::::20::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::LABLIFE::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::21:::::::::: Countless lives enhanced through learning­—and Lab:::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::: Eight U-High graduates (mostly Lab lifers), three Izaak Wirszup, PhD’55 Pera Wirszup BY WILLIAM HARMS After the war, they returned to their current Lab students, several University of Chicago hometown, Wilno (now Vilnius), Lithuania, which for centuries had been the home of degree holders, and four generations connected by a strong Jewish community. There Pera and marriage and birth and death: This is the story of a very extended Lab Izaak, childhood acquaintances, re-connected family. It is a story that spans seven decades and married. Izaak did advanced graduate of relatives whose lives are interwoven with work in mathematics and was a lecturer at the the history of the Laboratory Schools. And State Technical Institute—an education that most importantly, it is the story of a family Nancy Bob Bob would make it possible for the family to start a that values education as one of life’s most Rosenbacher Rosenbacher Grossman new life in the United States. precious gifts. “The only thing they can’t take away from creating a new life in you is your education.” This family proverb Fran (Rosenbacher) Arne Tatar Marina Tatar, ’54, has been an inspiration for the Wirszup- chicago Grossman, ’58, AM’77 AB’59 Tatar-Rosenbacher families, who share a After they married in Wilno, Pera and Izaak commitment to education with their relatives moved to Paris with Pera’s daughter, Marina in the Grossman-Kimball clan. D.W. Tatar, ’54, AB’59. But their stay in “I remember saying it when Izaak had his France was short-term: in 1949 Antoni last birthday,” says Pera Wirszup, the family Zygmund, a professor of Izaak’s from Wilno Lauren Audrey, MD’88 matriarch and widow of the famed University who had become a professor at the University of Chicago professor Izaak Wirszup, PhD’55, of Chicago, invited Izaak to join him at the who died in 2008 at the age of 93. Mr. University. It was a request the couple couldn’t Wirszup was a founder of the University turn down; they left for the United States that of Chicago School Mathematics Project, year. Carolyn, MBA’86 Joel David Kate, ’88 Teddy, ’84 Tony, ’86 Allison which went on to become the nation’s largest Pera had already committed enormous Rosenbacher, ’81 Rosenbacher, ’79, Kimball, ’81 university-based mathematics curriculum energy to educating her daughter. Because Gabrielle program for K–12 students and includes they spent much of the war trying to avoid Rosenbacher the Everyday Mathematics texts used by Lab detection, Marina’s school enrollment was (grade 9) Lower- and Middle-Schoolers. spotty. As a result, Pera became her teacher, The Wirszups had good reason to value reading Russian poetry to her little girl until education. Izaak Wirszup spent World War Marina learned to read it herself. (Pera went II in concentration camps. As survivors of on to teach Russian at the University for the Holocaust, Pera and Izaak were left at the 28 years—while also working for Michigan end of the war having lost everything: their Avenue fashion retailer Peck & Peck.) relatives, their spouses, Izaak’s child, and all Says Marina of her studies with her their material wealth. Everything, that is, but mother, “All of sudden, the words became Jacob (grade 11) Reed (grade 7) their education.

::::::::22::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::LABLIFE::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::23:::::::::: :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: clear to me. I was thrilled. It became my Lab to speak, most recently as part of this year’s she needs to achieve her full potential in life,” ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::greatest entertainment. It wasn’t until I was ten U-High First Day program. But wait, there’s he says. But the family’s commitment to Lab is ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::years old and living in France that I went to more: while at the wedding of two other Lab extraordinary in another way: it comes with a my first real school,” she adds. grads, Tony was reintroduced to 1981 U-High commute from Indiana that amounts to nearly However, Marina feels that the Laboratory grad Allison Kimball, whom he later married. 100 miles round-trip each day. Schools—where she enrolled at age 12—gave The Tatar and Rosenbacher families came Gabrielle’s more frequent after-school her the true foundation of her education. together when Carolyn Tatar married Joel visits are welcomed by her Hyde Park Labbie “Lab was the real basis for me for building my Rosenbacher, and—not surprisingly—their cousins—Jacob, a junior, and his brother Reed, future. In France, everything was extremely two sons now attend Lab. But a love of a seventh grader—and by her grandmother, formal, rules and regulations, but at Lab, learning is strong on both sides of this complex Nancy Rosenbacher (who helped make :::::fromtheMidway:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: none of the learning was by rote, and student family tree: “When I think of the importance possible many visits to Lab by her former opinions mattered,” she adds. She was a ballet of what Pera said about education being client, the acclaimed children’s folk singer Ella dancer and remembers working with other something no one can take away from you, I Jenkins). girls to compose a ballet and build elaborate think about how it’s provided me a basis for It is a point of pride for Jacob and For sports heroes, look no further than scenery for its staging. Pera recalls that ballet being successful in my life,” says Joel, who Reed that their family cares so deeply about helped her daughter break the ice upon her owns a custom packaging company in Chicago education. And Pera, at age 96, has an abiding arrival at Lab. She recalls that ballet was not that employs 300 people. interest in what the children are doing in U-High teams yet widely studied by ...... American children “The only thing they can’t take Illinois State Champion of Girls Tennis, “He has a large repertoire of and tells of Marina dancing in a school away from you is your education.” Parker’s Elizabeth Epstein. Or, look moves, and I am trying to learn a large talent show. The interest at Nick Kogelman, Class of 2007, arsenal of moves as well.” it generated among This family proverb has been an inspiration for the first UHigh golfer to make the Senior Soccerman Amir Hay also her classmates offered Illinois High School Association State tries to integrate some of his favorite a nice counterbalance THE Wirszup-Tatar-Rosenbacher families, who share a Tournament. players’ moves into his game. to the stress of not yet Each athlete has his or her own “It’s always fun to watch speaking English at her commitment to education with their relatives in the hero. Some screamed “and Jordan Ronaldinho, play,” Amir explained. “He new school. Grossman-Kimball clan. wins it!” as the imaginary clock wound is very skilled, and the way he plays carrying on a down and the basketball buried itself in is mesmerizing to me. He is always family’s passion “It’s given me the ability to think on my school each day. She lives only a stone’s throw the net. smiling, and it looks like he is not even Marina graduated from the College with feet, to go forward, to make good decisions,” from U-High and receives regular visits from Some pretended they were tennis trying. says Joel. “In our society, many people are them. champion Pete Sampras, firing serves “I have tried some of the moves an AB in 1959, earned a master’s degree in An editorial from the Midway just followers, but I think having a good Jacob uses his own intellectual curiosity— and rushing the net as if Wimbledon that he does, but nothing really comes counseling, and became a high school college ...... counselor, a job that helped her guide students education helps you feel confident to take on and verbal skill—to fuel his involvement in had come to Hyde Park. of it,” Amir said. “Ronaldinho puts in so Tuesday, December 14, 2010 to find their value in education. responsibility and to think critically,” he adds. debate and picks up on the family’s artistic side Freshman Varsity Basketballer much work.” David Rosenbacher agrees that Lab through photography—both of which he has Matt Hanessian With their own children, Marina and Max Rothschild has always counted Before a hero is made, a hero is and U-High gave him leadership and discovered while attending U-High. Preparing Sports commentator her husband, Dr. Arnold Tatar, stressed the down and fired an imaginary buzzer- watched. importance of education and also exposed communication skills—“a permanent part for a recent debate, he learned extensively ...... beater. Max always looked up to Kobe kobe Bryant grew up watching them to the rich world of art and culture. of someone’s own personal capital.” Says about the establishment of North and South Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. Magic Johnson’s Lakers take on Larry “Education is about learning to appreciate David, who works as a vice president for Korea and how the tensions on that peninsula Hero [heer-oh]: a man of “He does everything, and he is Bird’s Celtics. those things,” she says. The Tatars’ three sales at a computer software company, “I reflect the ongoing effects of the Cold War. distinguished courage or ability, constantly have to make presentations to top “That’s what I like about debate; you learn clutch”, Max explained. “I remember Many U-High athletes agree: daughters all went on to earn graduate degrees, admired for his brave deeds and noble companies. Having had a good education at about political systems in other countries and him playing with Shaq. I remember They owe an everlasting debt to those two of them from the University of Chicago: qualities. Audrey Tatar received an MD in 1988 and Lab, I have the confidence I need to make the how to understand the contradictions in the who paved the way for presentations, and I have the ability to handle world,” he says. U-High is lucky enough to have a Carolyn Tatar received an MBA in 1986. the heroes of today to them well.” He credits classroom discussions “I think what I’ve learned about the value number of its own heroes, notably in ascend to new heights in with history teacher Earl Bell for that ability: of education is the importance of enjoying both academic areas as well as the “I am trying to learn a two lab families unite every area of life, as they Meanwhile, the Rosenbacher family was “Mr. Bell always set a high standard and what you’re doing,” he continues. “It enhances arts. But, U-High enjoys its share of PERSISTS large arsenal of moves.” give them the goals they forging its own roots at the Laboratory expected us to do our best.” your life.” athletic heroes as well. aspire to. Schools. Joel Rosenbacher, ’81, and his brother, Or—as in this family’s case—it can Take Danny Levine, Class of —Max Rothschild, freshman enhance a score of lives. David Rosenbacher, ’79—both Lab lifers— an extraordinary 2010, for instance. His diving header lived in Hyde Park and went to school with commitment to education goal to win the boys soccer Regional how they always had chemistry their cousins. Their aunt, Fran Rosenbacher persists Championship last year in overtime Grossman, ’58, AM’77, and her husband, Bob, between them on the court.” David passes on the opportunity he had at was nothing short of heroic. sent their three children to Lab for the majority Max said he tries to emulate Lab to his daughter, Gabrielle, who joined the Take Gabbie Clark, also Class of their school years: Kate Grossman, ’88; freshman class at U-High this year. “We chose Kobe’s style of play on the court. of 2010, who defeated the reigning Teddy Grossman, ’84; and Tony Grossman, Lab because the school will help her become a ’86. Kate, a journalist, has returned regularly to lifelong learner. It will give her the foundation ::::::::24::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::LABLIFE::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::25:::::::::: Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID   Chicago, IL 60637 Permit No. 1150

1362 East 59th Street Chicago, Illinois 60637

Alumni Weekend Other key events include: Expanded for 2011: June 2–5 Friday, June 3 This year’s Thursday–Sunday event All-Alumni Reception will take advantage of some UChicago- sponsored activities and feature a new Saturday, June 4 alumni basketball game. U-High Jazz Brunch :::save the date::::::::::::::::::

All classes are invited to attend Alumni Saturday, June 4 Connections, Lab’s annual gala Weekend 2011. Special activities will be Class reunion gatherings March 5 held for the “milestone reunion” classes: Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier Look for registration materials in the mail 1946 1971 1991 in March. Contact Kerry Tulson for more Alumni on the Road— 1956 1976 1996 information at [email protected] San Francisco 1961 1981 2001 or 773-702-3789. April 2011 1966 1986 2006 Details to come. Check your email and our website soon.

Grandparents/Grandfriends Day Fall 2011 RECONNECT@ Grandparents and special “grandfriends” of students in grades N–4 are invited for this REUNION special morning of activities. Details to come.