::::::::::::::::::::::::: LABthe magazine for alumni, parents,LIFE and friends of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools spring 2013 LABLIFE:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: in the halls spring 2013 from the director in this issue Dear Friends,

A few years ago, an alumnus from Denver told me that he had added to his résumé that 03 In the Halls he went to Lab. The employer—in Denver!—said to him, “There are only a couple of Emeritus retirements, schools in America that justify putting your high school on your resume and that’s one of student research advances them!” science, a marathoning mathematician, a fishy history, and more It is a reminder that the Laboratory Schools experience proves again and again to be transformative for our graduates and an experience that benefits them for life in so many 03 Marathoning ways. Mathematician 10 Afterglow That story, for me, is also reflective of what about Lab translates into an education, and a reputation, that supports our graduates beyond our campus: community and excellence. 12 Scripting the Big Idea Marathoning Mathematician We live in an increasingly competitive world, and with 16 Lab+ Our community—faculty, parents, A conversation about so many students (and families) of talent, intellect, and the next phases of the alumni—take a “pride of ownership” passion at Lab, it is refreshing that students talk about Lab+ Campaign what a kind place this is. And it has been that way for out into the world. They share their generations. Alumni talk about finding a home here— 18 Connections 2013 not just friendship, but a community of like-minded The event in photos ideas and their enthusiasm for learners who made them feel embraced. Current students “I teach math and see the where I got the travel bug.” Later she 20 In the Name of Art moved to Thailand, continuing to teach talk about how supported they feel by their teachers and Parent volunteers lead world.” learning and their Lab experience and run, and signed up for her second peers. It’s genuine and it’s unique. And that is why the the charge to showcase Eight marathons, four half-marathons, and marathon in April 2001—during her in all of their disciplines. idea of kindness has been included as part of our new creativity at Lab dozens of shorter races, in places from mission statement. spring break—in Paris. On a Mission Paris to Zimbabwe. Those are U-High 24 She has since completed six more, Creating Lab’s new mission math teacher Shauna Anderson’s stats. On to excellence: it is in our everyday teaching but it goes beyond our campus. Our faculty participate in professional and she’s inspired her mother and sisters statement connected She ran her first marathon while development activities and conferences, sharing our pedagogy and our narrative across the US and the world. And our threads throughout the to run, too. “I never ran in high school,” in graduate school at Harvard. Flipping graduates do the same in their everyday lives. It’s why a hiring manager in Denver might care about an applicant’s high school community Ms. Anderson says, “but now they tell me through a magazine in October 1995, school alma mater. I’m motivating them.” 28 Number Cruncher she saw an ad for a running group and Although she calls herself “a total Carl Christ, ’40, SB’43, signed up. Six months later she entered Our community—faculty, parents, alumni—take a “pride of ownership” out into the world. They share their ideas and their PhD’50, used his physics back-of-the-packer,” she has never enthusiasm for learning and their Lab experience in all of their disciplines. training to become a leader the lottery for the Boston Marathon, started a race she hasn’t finished. That in the most mathematical open to nonqualifiers that year in honor determination spills into other areas of As I enter my final year at Lab, I want to reiterate that I have taken seriously my role as both steward and champion of the branch of economics of its 100th anniversary. She didn’t get her life. “I sort of make these declarations Laboratory Schools. I have made a commitment to support the kind community and academic excellence that are hallmarks a number. But some friends from her 31 Lab Notes that I’m going to do something, and it of this institution and to champion the traditions and improvements that will support our talented people with the facilities Class notes and profiles of running group did and Ms. Anderson ends up happening,” she says. “Growing and systems that they need and deserve. Caroline Lee, ’48, AB’53; accompanied them to registration. Waiting up in Indiana, three young ladies and I all Castle Freeman, ’62; Annie in line, she chatted with her neighbor, who Every June I have the honor of handing diplomas to our graduating seniors and wishing them the very best as they head De Groot, ’73, MD’83; made the declaration that we were going Jennifer Turner, ’92 offered her his number. “It was fate. He’d to engineering school. And we all did.” out into the world armed not only with their Lab education but the Lab reputation that so many before them have helped been injured and couldn’t run, and I just ensure. It’s a great day, a culmination of all of our innovations and all of our traditions. Although she had envisioned Although she calls herself “a total 38 In Remembrance happened to be there,” she says. “So I becoming an engineering professor, got to run the I wish you all a very enjoyable summer. 39 From the U-High during graduate school Ms. Anderson back-of-the-packer,” Shauna Midway fabled Boston realized her heart was in teaching and Marathon.” Anderson has never started a transferred to Harvard’s master of After grad education program. Now in her sixth year David W. Magill, EdD school, Ms. race she hasn’t finished. That at Lab, she is “appreciative that I get Director Anderson lived to do the job I love to do and travel and in Ethiopia, determination spills into other areas experience other cultures—that I have a volunteer LabLife, published three Contributors Design Publisher Volume 6, Number 3 both the mindset and the ability to do it.” of her life: “Growing up in Indiana, times a year, is written for Amy Braverman Puma Janice Clark University of Chicago teacher in a © 2013 by the University of She anticipates running races in the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools poor, rural three young ladies and I all made the Laboratory Schools’ Katie Elliott Photography 1362 E. 59th Street Chicago Laboratory Schools Hawaii this June, Brazil in July, Iceland in Chris Kirzeder area—“a community of alumni, Carrie Golus, AB’91, AM’93 Chicago, IL 60637 Reproduction in whole or August, and the New York Marathon this parents, faculty, and staff. Kay Kirkpatrick, MAT’72 p: 773-702-3236 life-changing, declaration that we were going to Lab Notes Correspondents part, without permission of fall. “Since Ethiopia,” she says, “I’ve been Heather Preston f: 773-834-9844 eye-opening Director Dozens of diligent alumni the publisher, is prohibited. Elizabeth Station www.ucls.uchicago.edu to 30 countries. That’s what I do: I teach David W. Magill agents experience,” engineering school. And we all did.” Beth Wittbrodt Please send comments to math and see the world.” Claire Zulkey [email protected] she says, “and Editor Catherine Braendel, ’81 L abLabLifeLife Spring Spring 2013 2013 33 in the halls

work as part of Lab’s Summer Link science Professor Janet Rowley, ’42, PhB’45, Student research program, a unique partnership SB’46, MD’48. Danny proved that the with the University of Chicago that allows protein LIN28 regulates the microRNA Research U-High students to get a glimpse into the miR-150, “which in turn is a key world of practicing scientists while working regulator” involved in certain types of Advances side-by-side with University faculty and leukemia. “Thus,” she says, “I have found a graduate students and getting paid. There potential therapeutic target.” are also Summer Link partnerships with Science... the Booth School, Law School, and Chicago businesses. and Gains Lane, whose research stemmed from Much Ado his Summer Link project with UChicago Recognition Associate Professor of Chemistry Greg about Engel, says going to DC was exciting. “My favorite part of the trip was meeting the Shakespeare other finalists,” he says. He hopes those Summer Link program projects relationships last a lifetime. take students to national stage For his project, Lane used computer UChicago experts guest lecture at U-High

For her fall-quarter English elective this year, “The Comedy of Love,” Darlene McCampbell continued her tradition of inviting UChicago guest speakers at Danny Zhang, left, and Lane Gunderman quarter’s end. Shakespeare scholar and Phyllis Fay Horton Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus David Bevington, editor A “shape museum” helped second graders in Catie Gillespie’s class better understand geometry. Each child brought in a three- of the texts used by Ms. McCampbell’s dimensional object and put it in the right category. Then during a “museum walk,” students wrote down observations for each group of shapes: students, addressed Taming of the Shrew. “I noticed that the cylinders all have two faces” or, “I notice that the spheres don’t have a vertex.” Edward Olson Distinguished Service Professor James Redfield, ’50, AB’54, PhD’61, a classics scholar with theater students performed, Ms. McCampbell classroom for a fire-safety lesson to forming experience, discussed Much Ado About says, “opened up many questions that a safety committee for the Lab community, Nothing. enlightened the text.” training is his top goal. A month into the For Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac, She recalls giving a Shakespeare job, he conducted 20 “SWOT” exercises— Court Theatre artistic director and Lab workshop in Stratford, England, years Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and parent Charles Newell held a rehearsal- ago, and casually mentioning to a Turkish Threats—“with different stakeholders,” he like workshop. The short scenes the teacher that Mr. Bevington visits her class. says, “to maintain the open culture within The teacher “drooled with envy,” Ms. the walls of the school but also provide McCampbell says, and asked, “The real layers of security.” David Bevington? The scholar?” Formerly combined with facilities, Seniors Lane Gunderman and Danny Zhang simulations to investigate whether part security warrants its own director as Lab earned accolades for their science research of the Fenna-Matthews-Olson protein adds to its footprint this fall, opening Earl in this year’s Intel Science Talent Search— complex, involved in photosynthetic Steps to Shapiro Hall for nursery through second Lane moving on as a finalist and Danny as energy transfer, moved as a photon grade. To keep up with industry standards, a semifinalist. flowed through the system. In nature, the new building and future renovations The Intel competition recognizes this complex “exhibits near-perfect Security “will be done with security in mind,” 300 students and their schools as national quantum efficiency,” he says, “and if we says Mr. Walker, who previously served semifinalists each year to compete for can understand the mechanics” that allow as deputy chief of the UChicago Police Department’s Patrol Services Bureau. $1.25 million in awards. From that pool, for such efficiency, scientists can create Foremost, Mr. Walker plans to At Lab, even security is about learning. That means modern access controls, smart 40 finalists are invited to Washington, DC, similarly efficient synthetic materials for, educate parents, faculty, staff, and students “The educational opportunity we have architectural design, on-site security staff, to display their work, meet with notable say, solar panels. on how to react in an emergency. “If the to offer is very significant,” saysFountain and training to help staff assess threats, scientists, and compete for the top award Danny’s project started in her opportunity exists to instruct,” he says, “I Walker, Lab’s new, and first-ever, director resolve conflicts, or find security or a of $100,000. Summer Link program in the laboratory will do so.” Both of these students began their of UChicago cancer researcher and of security. From stopping by a preschool counselor when necessary. Blum-Riese Distinguished Service

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Dr. McKee, who was in the Navy Beyond the for several years, is an expert on delivering Jump In From the Syllabi important information in digestible amounts. “I was part of a response force Fruit Fly between the Navy and the Marines,” she says, “so I had to provide synopses and About half the third graders go into the How to be a Hero scale down how much information there deep end. The others start in the shallow. was.” Lab’s swimming curriculum begins U-High freshman working on new The fifth grade humanities curriculum uses literature The FEMA modules are part of in third grade, and for many students laboratory protocol to teach children to identify the elements of a story a nationwide initiative for disaster- it’s their first experience with swimming, ever. (It’s also everyone’s first time using and to develop their own values and intellectual preparedness planning, aiming to standards along the way. Says Catherine Mannering, When University of Chicago organismal get children involved in family safety the locker rooms and changing clothes for biologist Urs Schmidt-Ott first proposed gym like the older kids, something they fifth grade chair, “They are seeing characters grapple readiness. Instead of being fearful of events with universal themes in these books and stories— that a half-dozen Lab students work with out of their hands, the kids learn to be will not start to do for daily gym class him to breed black soldier flies, U-High until fifth grade.) learning how to be brave or how to stick by a friend. empowered with practical ways They see that children can make biology teachers Dan Jones and Daniel they can help. The planning a difference.” The fifth graders Calleri offered him one better: 120 is a bit like a game: “Would are also learning to use textual freshmen working on Professor Schmidt- you have the ability to make it evidence to support and interpret a Ott’s project as part of U-High’s ecology three days without electricity?” story in terms of character, setting, curriculum. “Can you show your mom plot, conflict, theme, and point When they succeed, the U-Highers how to conserve cell-phone of view. Once in Middle School, power?” they will use these skills as they will have created the first laboratory “We’re staying away advance to Harkness discussions. from terrorism, while focusing protocol, or standard procedure, for They’ve determined an optimal tank size, on events that are more this species. found a light wavelength in which the “Luck Favors plausible for our geographic males and females recognize each other, location, like a snowstorm or and discovered they won’t mate below the Mind that a blackout,” says Dr. McKee. 26 degrees Celsius. “So it’s like June 21 “It’s basic things like knowing at noon in Southern Georgia,” Mr. Jones how much water the family has, that When it comes to swimming, says. is Prepared” they have a battery-powered radio, or not starting young is important, says Joyce The next step, he says, “is convincing having your phone on except at key times Grotthuss, a swimming and PE teacher at Number the Stars Beowulf: A New Lab for 22 years. “Our biggest goal is to Holes the female to deposit the eggs in a place during a blackout. Children are ready for Lois Lowry Telling Louis Sacher where you can get them,” rather than in that. They’re very bright, very capable.” get them comfortable in the water, so they Robert Nye dark corners or plants around the lab, Lab students get a lesson in Illinois children tend to be well feel safe and can evaluate a pool and their where he suspects the flies are hatching. emergency preparedness prepared, in general, for emergencies. ability.” The students have concocted structures “When local emergency departments get The classes build both confidence out of straws and other materials, so Louis Pasteur set the tone and now Lab accredited with the care that they’re able and skills. Beginners learn to put their far with little luck. When they succeed, students know how to be proactive if to provide children, children’s disaster faces in the water and blow bubbles, they can deliver the eggs to Professor disaster strikes. Thanks to the Federal preparedness is part of what they look breathe to the side, flutter-kick across Schmidt-Ott for research, and they will Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for,” says Dr. McKee. “Our state’s doing a the pool with flippers and kickboards, have created the first laboratory protocol, and Michele McKee, assistant professor of great job.” float on their fronts and backs, and or standard procedure, for this species. It’s pediatrics at Comer Children’s Hospital Eventually, the FEMA readiness swim freestyle. In the deep end, students The Great Gilly Zebra Tuck Everlasting and director of emergency medical services learn advanced skills: diving, backstroke, Hopkins Chaim Potok Natalie Babbitt a feat, Mr. Jones says, that “has enormous plans will be taught to other grade levels, Katherine Paterson Black soldier flies, orHermetia potential to be a new genetic model.” and disaster preparedness, sixth-grade Dr. McKee says. “We’re trying to make breaststroke, and sometimes flip turns. illucens, would be useful for research, students received training on how to sure that disaster preparedness for children “Get them comfortable, make it like fruit flies or midge flies. “They prepare for an emergency. is part of everybody’s global plan. As fun, and teach them the fundamentals,” develop similar to ancient flies but have In early March, Lab parent Dr. long as you give people tools to be Ms. Grotthuss says. “That’s what we’re all characteristics similar to modern flies,” McKee and sixth-grade teacher Debra prepared, they’re able to handle what about.” Mr. Jones says. “They are in the middle.” Kogelman taught the children such skills comes their way.” But they aren’t bred for laboratory use. as preparing an emergency supply kit and That’s where U-High comes in. Last creating a family emergency plan, like year, Lab purchased 5,000 of the flies establishing a safe meeting zone after a from a company in Georgia that breeds fire. As a community-service component, Iqbal In the Year of The Liberation of massive amounts as reptile food. The Francesco D’Adamo the Boar and Gabriel King the students shared the information Jackie Robinson K. L. Going students have experimented to find which they learned with a friend, neighbor, or Bette Bao Lord conditions encourage the flies to mate. extended family member.

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Stacey P. Hamburg Susan Joseph Emeritus “Lab is such a part of the fabric of my life,” When Susan Joseph came to Lab in 1967, says nursery teacher Stacey P. Hamburg. French, German, Russian, and Latin were Retirements Her sons, Adam Hamburg, ’96, and the foreign languages taught at U-High. Michael Hamburg, ’99, were students in A native New Yorker, Ms. Joseph came to the room where Ms. Hamburg later taught. the Midwest to study the development of Their teacher, Vivian Paley, mentored Ms. modern French theater at the University Four departing teachers have Hamburg. of Wisconsin. After seeing women with dedicated a combined 126 years “Every day I come to work, I’m doctorates accept teaching jobs at small- reminded of my kids,” says Ms. Hamburg, who came to Lab in 1985. That experience gave her perspective on what parents go “I decided—city girl that through when they separate from their children. She also got energy and ideas from Bea Harris I am—to get my MA in Reggio Children, a worldwide center for After 40 years teaching home economics— early-childhood education in Reggio Emilia, 28 at Lab—Bea Harris has seen triumphs French lit, live in Chicago, Italy, which she visited on four professional and mishaps. There was the eighth-grade and teach at Lab.” development trips. boy who made flawless, flaky croissants and years later went on to cooking school. There was also the student who put a cup of salt into the cake batter instead of a teaspoon— and the kid who ran cold water over a hot Jan Bollig jar of freshly preserved grape jelly, which When Jan Bollig retires in June, she’ll say exploded. goodbye to the sunny Blaine classroom “Everything becomes a lesson,” says where she taught for 24 of her 26 years at Ms. Harris, whose daughter Chakka Reeves, Lab. She’ll also leave behind 24 unusual ’01, and granddaughters Bianca Harris, ’08, artifacts, each decorated with photos of the and Jasmine Harris attended Lab. “In many students in as many first-grade classes: a blue cases, I learn as the students learn.” Shelves wooden chair stuck with glow-in-the-dark in Ms. Harris’s classroom are lined with 20 stars; a painted hockey stick from the year years of Bon Appétit and Gourmet magazines. the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup; a “I’m going to miss the When she didn’t know how to teach beanstalk that climbs a heat pipe. children terribly—their something, she took a class herself. That’s town colleges, she says, “I decided—city girl Each object relates to something a class why seventh and eighth graders finish home that I am—to get my MA in French lit, live studied—horses, clocks, 9/11—and most affection, their wonder, ec knowing how to make good pancakes and in Chicago, and teach at Lab.” of them sparkle with glitter. Laughing, Ms. biscuits, and also have experimented with A few years after Ms. Joseph arrived, Bollig says that’s one of the best things about their energy,” Ms. sushi, cream puffs, or raw cuisine. the demand for Spanish classes began to teaching first grade: “Almost every project Ms. Harris also teaches students to grow. She learned the language by studying deserves glitter.” First graders have an eye Hamburg says. sew—making plush stuffed animals is a in Mexico, taking classes at the University, for art and detail, she adds. They’re receptive favorite seventh-grade project—and helped and attending a summer-immersion and ask great questions. When she began Ms. Hamburg’s two-floor Woodlawn program at Middlebury College. She then teaching at Lab, she would show students classroom reveals her teaching philosophy. Shelves in Ms. Harris’s taught both languages and is proud of her how to search for answers in the library, At the “choosing board,” kids pick where multi-kitchen classroom role in launching the Spanish program, consulting a dictionary or encyclopedia. they’ll play during free time. There are which has since grown “by leaps and Now they use a classroom computer or iPad. corners where they can curl up with a are lined with 20 years of bounds.” In retirement she plans to travel and to book and nooks for imaginative play. Self- Ms. Joseph says her classes concentrate cheer on the Cubs. “I’d love to get a job at portraits cover the walls, and a climbing Bon Appétit and Gourmet on spoken language. By the time students Wrigley Field.” Chances are Ms. Bollig, who room has wooden play equipment built by graduate, she hopes they’re equipped to lives in Andersonville, will be cheering along grandparents. magazines. carry on a conversation with a native with her daughter, Britt Bollig, ’96, and “I’m going to miss the children speaker. She has fond memories of trips to son, Bjorn Bollig, ’02, both early-childhood terribly—their affection, their wonder, their start a vegetable garden at Lab. In retirement France with students and says she’ll miss teachers in Chicago. energy,” Ms. Hamburg says. She’ll also miss she hopes to create a program to help inner- the teenagers’ enthusiasm and sense of co-teachers Sandy Mulholland and David city public school students develop basic humor. She looks forward to retirement as Laughing, Ms. Bollig says that’s Williamson. But new horizons beckon— life skills. She joined the DuSable Museum a chance “to sleep, play tennis, cook, and Lego sets allow the third graders in Gerold Hanck’s science class to construct machines with one of the best things about Ms. Hamburg and her husband moved Education Council and plans to take an do volunteer work.” An opera fan, she also downtown from Hyde Park four years ago Australian cruise and keep gardening. plans to learn Italian. gears, axles, wheels, levers, screws, and wedges, and to see them work in combination as complex teaching first grade: “Almost and are still making discoveries. “Change is machines. The process fosters problem-solving and observation skills—when something doesn’t wonderful,” she says. “If you don’t change, look like the design, or doesn’t work as it’s supposed to, the kids have to figure out why and fix it. every project deserves glitter.” you don’t learn.”

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the choice they will make for music nursery class at Lab. For the documentary, in fifth grade. he re-created the scene with his daughter’s “Through fourth grade, music is first-grade class. in a classroom setting,” says Music The four-person camera crew arrived Department Co-chair Lee Gustafson. early, so the students could ask questions Students sing, play keyboards, read about the camera and the microphone. music, learn pitches and rhythms. By the time Professor Shubin arrived with From fifth grade on, “students Tiktaalik, they had forgotten all about Afterglow and parents self-select how they’ll the camera, “partly because they were so experience music.” interested in the fossil,” says Ms. Piane. In addition to percussion, older The students reacted to the fossil students exhibit brass, woodwind, exactly like the students in the book, and string instruments, as well as says Professor Shubin: “One kid said, chorus/general music. After spring ‘It’s a crocodile.’ Another kid said, ‘It’s a break, parents and students attend an fish.’ And then another kid said, ‘Maybe open house where students can try it’s a walking fish.’ Exactly. I wanted to the instruments before choosing one for fifth grade. They submit three “One kid said, ‘It’s a crocodile.’ options, and almost all get their first about how GFP works and discussed behavior.” In the classroom, when the A visit to a UChicago lab choice as teachers work to assemble its scientific uses, like how GFP can students are conducting an experiment Another kid said, ‘It’s a fish.’ And shines light on scientific bands, orchestras, and choirs that will be used to tag and track certain genes. and someone walks through and disturbs then another kid said, ‘Maybe it’s experimentation Ms. Ickes elaborated, “The purpose of it, they must start over, so they knew learn and perform together over the next several years. Thanks to interactions with the class’s GFP isn’t to make rats whose ears and to keep a respectful distance from the a walking fish.’ Exactly.” “Fifth grade is about learning friendly pet rats, Gwennan Ickes’s fourth tails glow; it’s that you use it to track experiments in Ms. Bhasin’s lab. Shopping grade science students are accustomed the location/function and regulation The students are now learning fundamentals,” Mr. Dean tells the fourth to seeing rodents in the lab, but not ones of various genes.” After examining chemistry, studying the reaction of graders. “It’s a great journey every year to with blue hair and glowing green eyes, preserved jellyfish through microscopes acids and bases in the laboratory that for Music add an instrument to your arsenal and ears, and tails. Photos of fluorescent in the lab, the students also visited the is the home kitchen. To put science into to learn how those sounds play off each mice were just some of the wonders department’s greenhouse to learn about action, “We’ll all make pancakes,” says other.” the students witnessed in December extreme variations among members of Ms. Ickes. Percussion instruments line the front the same plant family, different methods when Ms. Ickes’s class visited the labs of Belfield 134, from bells on one side of seed dispersal, and plant components of Navneet Bhasin, lecturer in the to timpani on the other. Eighth-grader A Fishy History Biological Sciences Collegiate Division in routine household items. Shaunak Puri stands near the middle to of the University and parent of two Lower Ms. Bhasin was impressed by her perform a snare-drum solo full of rat a Schoolers. visitors: “I was totally floored by their Even Kids Fourth grade is a prime time to get questions, which went beyond those from tat tats for the fourth graders before him. “You put on a practice pad,” says music students excited about science, explains undergrads, who get too shy and take Understand Ms. Ickes. “We want them to feel that things for granted,” she says. The Lab teacher Brad Brickner, as Shaunak holds it’s something that they’re capable of, students asked questions like, “Can you up the black rubber pad that dulls the sound, “because we like our friends and that it’s not something that’s big and put GFP in a human?” “Can we clone it underscore the fact that the fossil was so in my dog?” and “Why is the rainbow neighbors.” scary and distant.” It’s also an ideal straightforward, even a six-year-old could curved?” Mr. Brickner explains that drummers PBS documentarians visit first time for children to learn scientific interpret it.” habits of mind. “We want them to think In preparation for the trip, says Ms. practice “rudiments,” equivalent to scales graders For about an hour, the crew filmed about things like what kind of questions Ickes, “We went over appropriate lab for singers or piano players. Music teacher the children holding the fossil and talking can scientists answer? What does your Francisco Dean tells the fourth graders This winter students in Kathy Piane’s first to each other. The footage will be cut down evidence tell you? How can you interpret that, if they choose percussion next year, grade class not only had the chance to from that evidence? How do we set up an they’ll spend about half the time playing see a model of the famous fossil Tiktaalik to “maybe three minutes in the finished experiment? It’s those kind of process snare and bass drums and the other half roseae—they got to do it on television. documentary,” says Professor Shubin. “The Fourth grade is a prime time to get kids learned the pain of the B-roll. They skills that we’re focused on.” on mallets. Eighth-grader Tobias Ginsburg A team from PBS is producing a The glowing mice demonstrated students excited about science, demonstrates with mallets playing a melody three-part documentary based on Professor were all asking, ‘Why do we have to do this green fluorescent protein (GFP)— on the wooden bars of a marimba. Then Neil Shubin’s best-selling book, Your again?’” scientists had cloned in these particular explains Ms. Ickes. “We want them he plays the same solo on the xylophone Inner Fish: A Journey into the 3.5-Billion- Your Inner Fish will be broadcast in early 2014—eons away, Ms. Piane says, mice a gene that originally comes from to feel that it’s something that they’re and the glockenspiel to show their different Year History of the Human Body. In the jellyfish and causes them to glow in sounds. 2008 book, the UChicago Robert R. from a first-grade perspective. “But they’re certain lights. Ms. Bhasin, who suggested It’s the first of five musical Bensley Professor of Organismal Biology excited they’re going to be on television the class field trip and has worked with capable of, that it’s not something demonstrations the fourth graders get and Anatomy describes showing the someday.” young Lab students in the past, talked that’s big and scary and distant.” during winter quarter, as they “shop” for 375-million-year-old “fishapod” to his son’s

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and wrote about an imagined trip to The Power of Austria and the Alps—the dialog journals encourage growth and self-expression. the Pen The combination, Ms. Hayward says, is the beauty of the daily process of writing. “Partly it’s baby steps, building up the skills you need to become a reader and writer. But the approach also values the Kindergarteners flex their writing child, showing that the child is powerful, muscles with daily journal entries is important, and that their teachers and Scripting the Big Ideas classmates think their ideas have value. And In their kindergarten year, Christina that helps build the internal motivation to Hayward’s students become writers. All year become thinkers and learners.” they build the skills they will continue to In fact, she says, the individual use in first grade—and for the rest of their research projects U-High seniors undertake lives. might be considered a culmination of this One place they practice writing is kindergarten lesson: “At some point, a in daily “dialog journals,” staple-bound child learns that she has good ideas.” books that represent a written conversation between teacher and student. Each day students write in the journals—they choose the topic and how much to write—and Ms. Hayward or her assistant teacher, Playwrighting work inspires are portrayed as evil ogres who we don’t the Middle Schoolers approach their Kristin Smith, pose questions for each child young Labbies to ask see amongst us, so it was deep thinking independent projects. “They’re really to respond to the next day. Where will the on Marissa’s part to write the director’s great about revising,” says Ms. Budrys- bird fly? Who will help the knights escape? important questions character differently.” Nakas. “They adjust for time, take out What will you use your invisibility cloak for? Anna, a Latina aspiring actress, tries All of Ms. Budrys-Nakas’s eighth what’s not needed, and then rehearse in Through these dialogs, students learn to out for the role of Maria in The Sound of grade drama classes include an class.” Within three weeks of the initial develop storylines, add detail, and make Music. She nails the part in auditions: independent project. Students find assignment, the students put on a final stories more interesting to readers. she sings and emotes much better than or write the pieces outside of class. presentation. “Exercising your muscles a little the vapid, showboating mean girls who Sometimes they collaborate on the every day is good for you,” Ms. Hayward also try out. Anna needs the role: With writing, sometimes one person writes a She teaches them theater building says, and the journals act as daily writing the money from the job, her family could script, and students rehearse on their workouts. Over the year, students’ writing afford to stay in Chicago. Otherwise they own, too. Then students workshop the blocks, such as soliloquies, building evolves. Journals from September feature must move to Texas to seek financial aid. pieces in class, explains Ms. Budrys- scenes, and object work, but the more illustrations, and the writing Despite Anna’s superior audition, Nakas. “That may include revising the sprawls in brightly colored markers. Later she’s given the role of Dinner Guest actual script, but it definitely includes students take on a majority of the they grow tidy: students write longer #4. “The board didn’t want a Hispanic working on the staging and receiving pieces—on lines, in pencil, with spaces Maria,” the director says apologetically, feedback from their peers.” work—they self-direct and appear in between words—on right-hand pages, and Anna endures an uncertain future Despite the serious subject matter complemented by illustrations on the left. of Marissa’s play, it’s clear that Marissa and the teasing of her competitors. each others’ pieces. Such organizational strategies are and her co-stars are giddy to perform. Although the themes are real, the part of the year’s writing curriculum, The enthusiasm is typical, Ms. Budrys- The students first tried independent story is fictional. Marisol: Racism in which progresses from building students’ Nakas says, and spills into the way writing in the fall, and the project was a the Schools is a play written by and confidence in themselves and trust in the starring eighth-grader Marissa Martinez, hit. “I’m glad it’s not forced on them,” teachers, to putting their knowledge to a project she did in class with Middle says Ms. Budrys-Nakas. “They like to use, to organizing writing and building School drama teacher Audre Budrys- explore what’s going on in school or the stamina, to practicing conventions such as Nakas. Ms. Budrys-Nakas found the community.” She teaches them theater Just as students’ ability to form spelling sight words and ending sentences play such a thoughtful look at race that building blocks, such as soliloquies, with periods. letters and spell words improves a filmed version was screened for Lab building scenes, and object work, but Just as students’ ability to form letters students at the March 5 Diversity Day. the students take on a majority of the with practice, so does their ability “The students were asking after they work—they self-direct and appear in each and spell words improves with practice, so does their ability to form ideas. From saw it, ‘Does anything like that happen others’ pieces. to form ideas. here?’” says Ms. Budrys-Nakas. “They Says Ms. Budrys-Nakas, “It’s a great simple statements of action—“we are were also talking about the [character of] chance for them to do their own stuff.” dancing”—to complex storylines—one the director in the film. So often racists student watched The Sound of Music

12 L abLabLifeLife Spring Spring 2013 2013 LabLife Spring 2013 13 in the halls

In fact, “welcoming” is a big part of Sports Highlights Responsive what the responsive classroom is all about. Experiencing “Children learn best when they’re safe, Girls Basketball Boys Basketball Boys Swimming Classrooms welcomed, and known,” Ms. Gillespie Education The team finished with a The Maroons won the IHSA 2A Senior David Tong set three says. “When they feel significant and fine 21–7 record (placing Regional Championship for school and a sectional record comfortable and cared for, they’re more second in the ISL with a 6–1 the second time in four years. at the IHSA meet held at UIC record). The Maroons won the The team finished with a 21–8 and qualified for the IHSA State willing to explore, take risks, and make Mather Holiday Tournament, record (10–2 and second place finals. He is only the second mistakes—and to learn that mistakes are The rules for Catie Gillespie’s second- Now available online edging out Gordon Tech in the in ISL). Junior Max Rothschild U-High swimmer to qualify an important part of learning.” championship game, 50–43. was elected to first team All- in the past 10 years. (Luke grade class are simple: Take care of After taking a weeklong course on This newly updated history of the yourself, others, and the classroom, and Senior Sophia Gatton received ISL and the all-tournament Schleusner, ’03, qualified in the responsive classroom this past summer, Laboratory Schools adds scores of new 2003.) With a meet and U-High make sure everyone is involved. The rules ISL MVP and all-tournament team at the Romeoville Classic. as part of Lab’s professional development photos and new chapters covering the team at the U-High Midway Seniors Michael Dowdy and record of 52:06, David bested hang by the door, signed by every student. (second) and Nathaniel Green program, Ms. Gillespie interwove aspects last 30 years, and includes timelines Classic and Mather Holiday Kyle Parker joined Max on the his own school record in the (eighth) medaled in epee; into her classroom highlighting moments at Lab in the Tournament. Sophomore ISL team. Sophomore Jordan 100-yard butterfly and qualified junior Elle Hill and sophomore and curriculum, using context of the University, Chicago, and Kendall Rallins was first team Moran was named All-ISL for State in that event. David Jennifer Chien were first and elements like the the world. All-ISL and all-tournament at honorable mention. also set the school record in second in foil. Junior Harrison posters, activities, and Experiencing Education: 1896–2012 the U-High Midway Classic and the 100-yard freestyle with a MacRae won the Midway personal greetings, (written by William Harms with Catherine Mather Holiday Tournament. Fencing time of 49:45 (breaking the Fencing Classic and competes and teaching practices Braendel, ’81, and Kay Kirkpatrick, Juniors Lillian Eckstein and The varsity team landed 49:92 record set by Daniel for the United States epee team like positive teacher MAT’72, with a forward by Catharine Maud Jansen were second team four members on the Great Hoffman, ’02, in 2002) and he in international competition. set a new 100-yard backstroke language, guided Bell, PhD’07) builds on the 1967 history all-ISL and honorable mention Lakes High School Fencing record with a 56:02. The record written by Lab teacher Ida DePencier. ISL, respectively. Conference all-conference discovery, and had been set in 1996 by Erik Available at the Blaine Paperback team: Seniors Charlie Green interactive modeling. Mikaitis, ’96, with a 57:11 time. Added together, Bookstore and online through the these elements create UChicago Press, Amazon, and other an environment where online retailers. students are actively In three chapters, Giamatti takes involved in the Giamatti takes us through a series Recommended us through a series of reflections on the learning process—and enduring influence that sports, games, Reading of reflections on the enduring therefore learn more. and play have had on us as individuals The responsive Computer Science Department Chair and as societies throughout history, influence that sports, games, and classroom approach Karen Putman recommends Take Time and why this continues to be relevant has already shaped for Paradise: Americans and their today. He raises questions about the play have had on us as individuals her teaching, Ms. Gillespie says, and she’s Games by A. Bartlett Giamatti relationship between work and leisure. prepared to learn more. She plans to take He makes connections to the value of a and as societies throughout history, a second workshop this summer and has liberal arts education. He points out that inspired several colleagues to try it, too. the Greek word for leisure is scholé. Is it and why this continues to be any surprise that this happens to be the relevant today. same Greek word that gives us school? “Children learn best A quarter of a way through the book and order, of improvisation and obligation, of I was officially hooked. How great is it strategy and tactic.” These are just some when they’re safe, to have picked a profession that lets me of the contrasts that students of all ages welcomed, and known,” both work and play? confront, and teachers of all disciplines Nearby, a “Hopes and Dreams” poster lists For the longest time I have been drawn To some extent, I’ve always defined offer guidance so that children might find what each child wants to accomplish that Ms. Gillespie says. “When to good books about sports. One of my my role as a teacher as someone who a good balance among them. year: go ice-skating, learn the Pythagorean favorites is a slim volume called Take helps children learn the rules of the Before the book ends there is a theorem, play snakes in the grass. they feel significant and Time for Paradise: Americans and their game. How do you excel individually but lyrical and gentle math lesson about Each morning the students gather Games written by A. Bartlett Giamatti. also be part of the collective? How do symmetry and threes and fours in around a dark blue rug and greet each comfortable and cared Giamatti was a Renaissance scholar you play well with others? How do you baseball to send you on your way as develop the skills you need to be good other by name, share what’s on their for, they’re more willing and president of Yale University before you ponder the other ideas Giamatti minds, do a group activity, and read the becoming the commissioner of Major at a given activity? How and when do presented. personal and public values intersect? As morning message. League Baseball on April 1, 1989. He Over the past 42 years I have to explore, take risks, Giamatti addresses these questions in a Welcome to the responsive classroom, served a brief term, only six months watched the societal impact of technology philosophical and historical context, I’m a teaching approach that intentionally and make mistakes.” as commissioner, until his death on on several generations of students and September 1, 1989. This book was hearing the language of the classroom. parents. The questions that Giamatti pairs a social curriculum with the finished shortly before that. At one point, when he is describing posed in Take Time for Paradise have academic one. the sports experience, he speaks of great relevance still. We might be “the repeated interplay of energy and surprised by how we answer them today.

14 LabLife Spring 2013 LabLife Spring 2013 15 specifically designed for the arts. working in towards the middle so assembly hall to be used often They say when you want All of our spaces for the visual that by the time the kids are here and to bring students and faculty answers, follow the money. and performing arts are rooms in September we are hopefully together in new ways. Where would it take us? converted for that purpose— many feet away from the Belfield And like the University, Lab lighting, acoustics, storage, etc., towers themselves. has made a deep commitment to CM We have plenty to talk about were afterthoughts. The other noisy part of this the importance of libraries. Earl for anyone who is interested work is putting in the caissons Shapiro Hall will have a library in that! We can suggest CM And no more hauling that support the building. We’re in that soaring space overlooking some outstanding naming double bass instruments up the looking at techniques to push the museum. Blaine Library will opportunities—the Arts Hall, staircases! rather than hammer those into be solely for the Lower School and the assembly hall, classrooms, the ground. And we will be doing have 50 percent more floor space. and outdoor spaces. And for DM There are decades of work on Saturdays. Rowley will be uniquely for the those who have asked, we honor The Campaign Carries On deferred maintenance on our Middle School. And, as Lab takes requests for anonymity, of course. historic buildings. Repairs and DM We know how important it over full use of Judd Hall, we’ll We’re striving for broad upgrades are essential, and with is to have answers to all of these restore to its original use one of participation—it takes a A conversation about the next these improvements we’ll have questions and make sure we are comparable facilities across the communicating with everyone who phases of the Lab+ Campaign grades. Don’t all our teachers and will be affected by this work, so students deserve to have year- there will be meetings with all of round temperature controls in those who will be affected by the their classroom? changes and construction. with: > Laboratory Schools Director DS Work on the Arts Hall CM I’ve been impressed (but not David Magill, (pending University Trustee surprised!) with how the faculty > Associate Director of Business approvals) should also start this found teaching moments in the David Stafford, and summer. When we move Blaine building of Earl Shapiro Hall, and > Lab Trustee, Development Committee Chair, classrooms, we’ll also move I’m certain they’ll find similar the classrooms and offices out opportunities as everything and parent Christopher J. McGowan of the single-story section of happens on the main campus. Belfield Hall, working carefully to avoid disrupting summer of Chicago Board of Trustees alumni have made the Schools a school activities. By the middle of We’re working hard to reach our $55 million goal by and we’re hoping—and planning philanthropic priority. August we start demolition, which December 31 and have been very happy, and thankful, for—formal approval at their we expect to complete in early June meeting so that activities How does the Arts Hall fit November. With that, we officially that so many parents and alumni have made the Schools a on the Arts Hall can start. into the Lab+ Campaign? start construction of the Arts Hall Today’s conversation will give our and, if all goes as planned, it will philanthropic priority. community a sense of how the DM Let’s start with the purpose be ready July 2015. work will unfold—our planning will of the Lab+ Campaign. It kicked the University’s beautiful gothic while for us to get to everyone pay off no matter when we start. off in 2007, shortly before the With all of that Beyond the Arts Hall, library spaces—what was for individually—when we do, we love economy entered its downturn, but construction, what can what else will feel notably decades the School of Education to be surprised by people saying, DS There are lots of moving our parents and alumni have been people expect over the next different? library will become the new High “I’ve been waiting for you to come parts: by July 5 of this year, we so generous and we are closing in two years, especially when School library. talk to me!” And some of the best will have moved into Earl Shapiro on our goal. it comes to the student CM Access to the Stony Island conversations have been with Hall and moved the remaining Because of our unique experience? site for Earl Shapiro Hall allowed DS We can’t forget that there are people who sought us out—we Blaine classrooms into the west relationship with the University, us to preserve the important major life safety improvements are going to need more of that in half of Blaine so that renovations we realize that as it grows, so CM As a parent, I know how outdoor spaces we have—athletic being built into our main these final six months. can start on the east half. Over must Lab. Our student body needs important it is to deliver minimal fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, campus—sprinkler systems, an winter break Blaine west will to expand in order to maintain disruption to teaching, traffic gardens. That’s pretty special intercom system throughout the DM We are in a position move back into Blaine east and the diversity that is, and always flow, schedules. That has been and unique for an urban school. whole complex, adherence to new financially to do all of this, and similar abatement and renovations has been, essential to the Lab the focus of most of our planning And more is planned—not just at codes and ADA standards. the Board and everyone involved When you go down Stony will start on the west side of the experience—and that includes and ongoing conversations with Earl Shapiro Hall. There’s exciting is committed to making sure Island Avenue, it’s easy to building. We expect all of Blaine maintaining a balance between our University project managers design thinking being applied CM Everything has been we do not exceed budget. We see that Earl Shapiro Hall Hall to be finished by July 2014. University and non-University and contractors. to what is now the Pebbles designed with the future of know this campaign has been (ESH) is a reality. What families. Playground, envisioning it as an education in mind. Lab even successful not only in receiving happens now? DM Blaine is nearly 100 years It’s been a priority of DS Kids will come to school outdoor classroom for all ages. consulted cutting-edge educators, gifts of money but in allowing old, and this will be the first time our Board of Directors and every day and do the same things all thinking about how teaching people to feel invested in the DM It was a long time in the that it will receive a complete the University to make once- they’re doing now. DM Two other things we care would change and how Lab can future of this place. planning but once work began it’s overhaul and the kind of attention in-a-lifetime, transformative We’re looking at lots of a lot about are community and best be prepared for that. moved briskly. Starting this June that this building needs and investments in our learning spaces options—first of all taking the libraries. we pack up all nursery through deserves. so they finally match the talent building down: instead of using The Arts Hall will include second grade classrooms and of the outstanding students and a wrecking ball they may go in an assembly hall, which will hold move them to Earl Shapiro Hall. CM We’re working hard to reach faculty that use them. Shapiro Hall (as they did at the new hospital) an entire division. Right now that As has been true all along, each our $55 million goal by December is uniquely designed for our early with big jaws that take it apart, can only happen if we take over a +INVESTING IN phase of this project is contingent 31 and have been very happy, and childhood education program and which is less noisy. And they’ll gymnasium and disrupt physical THE POWER OF LAB upon approval by the University thankful, that so many parents and Lab has never—never—had spaces start at each end, near the towers, education. We expect that new LAB 1616 L ab LabLifeLife Spring Spring 2013 2013 LLababLLifeife SpringSpring 20132013 17 17 David Kistenbroker and Garland Taylor Nancy and Gary Stern David Greene, Ruth O’Brien, Eric Posner, Christopher J. McGowan, Jonathan and Laura Lichter Emlyn Eisenach, Wayne Pietraszek, Sandy Wang, and Cindy Pietraszek

Originally it was an Elizabethan fair for U-High featuring a Holly Harrison and Andy Neal Shakespeare performance, a Maypole dance, and guests outfitted in period costumes. Nearly four decades later, Lab’s longest- running annual tradition, Rites of May, has evolved into a school- wide, multicultural happening, celebrating the school’s global reach through a weekend of cultural, culinary, and carnival events organized by dozens of parent and student volunteers. More than 700 alumni, parents, with Connections tradition, a The activities reflect the incredible cultural diversity of the faculty, staff, and friends quarter of all proceeds will Lab community, where families report speaking more than 50 celebrated Lab at the annual fund student aid. Connections gala fundraiser, Connections 2013 languages at home. which raised more than also allowed an additional $400,000. contribution to the Schools— Funds raised this year the purchase and installation Gina Alicea and Rick Soria Irene Reed and Tai Duncan Chelsea Smith and Pam Simon and last together will make of a sculpture by artist (and possible two innovative outdoor Lab parent) Garland Taylor. spaces. The large playground Inspired by a Lab field trip west of Shapiro Hall will with his Lower-schooler to the be named for Connections, Garfield Park Conservatory, and on main campus, the Mr. Garland has created this “Pebbles” play area will be beautiful tree-form sculpture redesigned as a cutting-edge by welding and repurposing outdoor classroom available discarded bits of steel. to all divisions. In keeping Connections 2013 Judy Magill, with Garland Taylor’s sculpture, Generosity Flowers courtesy of parent Chelsea Smith of Breathe Florals

Ian and Triste Lieteau Smith Cynthia Ballew, Susie Hultquist, and Margo O’Donnell Darrel and Nickol Hackett and Maria and William Lin Mary Jane and Jeffrey Maharry

18 LabLife Spring 2013 LabLife Spring 2013 19 18 LabLife Spring 2013 LabLife Spring 2013 19 by Brooke E. O’Neill, AM’04 In the Name of Art Parent volunteers lead the charge to showcase creativity at Lab

It was well after midnight, but the lights in Kovler Gymnasium burned bright. Under the glow, a small band of Lab parents was transforming the gym into something magical: an art gallery. For weeks prior, teachers collected works by students of all ages. Kindergarteners sculpted self-portraits using wire. Older artists experimented with landscape painting. Others sketched familiar campus buildings in Pop Art style. Now was the time to hang it all—more than 1,000 pieces. The next morning, the gym would reopen as the second annual LabArts Expo. Designed to showcase students’ creative talents, the two-day event would turn Kovler into a vibrant arts enclave, complete with music, dance, and theater performances. The evolution happened, quite literally, overnight. As soon as school ended on Thursday, parent volunteers and Lab art teachers gathered in the gym to begin the facelift. For three hours they constructed a maze of recycled-wood gallery walls, made for the event by sculptor and Lab parent Garland Taylor. By 6:30 p.m., they moved on to displaying the art, pinning each piece by hand. “Everyone worked really hard,” says parent volunteer Cynthia Heusing, who spearheaded the February event and led the original push to bring it to Lab last year. Historically, a student art “mini-exposition” had been part of

20 LLababLLifeife Spring Spring 2013 2013 LLababLLifeife Spring Spring 2013 2013 21 Connections, Lab’s annual fundraising gala at Navy Pier. As the 2012 event’s co-chair, Ms. Heusing saw an opportunity to turn the showcase into a stand-alone gallery that could better highlight students’ talents—and Lab’s dynamic arts curriculum.

Connect to art “At Connections we would hear people say, ‘I wish I had more time to spend with the art,’” recalls Ms. Heusing, who co-chaired the gala for a second time this March. Yet with an auction and socializing happening throughout the evening, the exhibition rarely got its due. “Plus, if you didn’t go to Connections, you didn’t necessarily see what Lab had to offer in terms of art,” points out Cheryl Rudbeck, this

Displaying student work from all grade For teachers and administrators, such levels, the event also illuminates the pedagogy behind Lab’s arts education. When parents see parent leaders are part of what makes Lab kindergartners’ self-portraits made of wire and unique. “Their tireless support brings our read a teacher’s accompanying explanation, for example, they learn how the project helps community together through countless children represent their personalities. And as they walk through the gallery, passing from events and endeavors.” Lower to Middle to High School art, they see how the work—and students’ thinking— “It gave parents a glimpse into the deep evolves. and varied artistic talents of our students,” says year’s Connections co-chair and a member of Ultimately, for LabArts volunteers, the Ms. Rhind, who worked with music teacher the Development Committee. There had to be a event is about putting kids and their intellectual Katy Sinclair to coordinate a performance Others are less reserved about Ms. better solution. development in the spotlight. “I’m glad for the schedule that included piano solos, dramatic Heusing’s leadership. “She’s amazing,” Aside from the work displayed at opportunity,” says Ms. Heusing, who has served monologues, spoken-word poetry, and Indian says Ms. Coe, co-president-elect of the Connections or posted on bulletin boards, as a Lab volunteer for years and whose husband, classical dance. Rather than having formal Parents’ Association and a member of Lab’s the school had no arts festival or all-school David Kistenbroker, serves on Lab’s Board of auditions, students took the lead, volunteering Development Committee with Ms. Heusing. exposition. Nor was there a way to highlight Directors. A corporate events planner by trade their talents through their music teacher. The “She can multitask, get everything done, and how students’ talents develop from nursery and parent to a third and a fifth grader, she’s organic format, says Ms. Rhind, gives students a never show signs of stress,” says Ms. Coe. “She’s school to high school studio-art courses. “I characteristically humble about her roles leading chance to express themselves—even those who a complete asset to this community.” really wanted parents to have an opportunity to LabArts and Connections. might be shy in class. “It’s really looking at what see the rigor in Lab’s arts education,” “I was introduced to it by other people this can spark in students.” Ms. Heusing says. who had done it many times,” Ms. Heusing Cherish the community “You see a different side of the kids,” LabArts was born. The inaugural event was says. Besides, she adds with a laugh, “my kids are Strengthening that community is what adds volunteer Tracy Coe. “There’s the athletic a hit, drawing curious parents and students from only going to be this age and want me around motivates many parents to give their time to program and academics, of course, but you also every division. This year’s exposition attracted school for a little while longer, so that’s really the Lab. “That’s really the goal of my volunteerism,” need a showcase for kids in the arts,” Ms. Coe an even larger audience, with an estimated 400- bottom line.” says Ms. Rhind, a longtime Development says. “This is a weekend for them.” some students and parents visiting over the Committee member and coordinator of the Showcasing student work from all grade two days. Parents’ Association’s speaker series. “To bring Commit to the kids . . . people together, to celebrate the kids, to support levels, the event also illuminates the Come together and pedagogy them in their growth. It doesn’t ever feel like The massive undertaking wouldn’t have been Lab’s art and music teachers work.” pedagogy behind Lab’s arts education. possible without Ms. Heusing and a dedicated appreciate the opportunity to share Ms. Rudbeck agrees. With a son in kindergarten and twin girls starting nursery team of parent volunteers. “With this sort of student work: “These parents have students,” says Beth Wittbrodt, acting executive school in the fall, she wants to stay close to parent collaboration, there is nothing we can’t a commitment to the arts and to director of Alumni Relations and Development. the Lab family. “I want to be connected to the or won’t do to provide our students with the making sure the arts are seen,” says “Without the work of these dedicated school,” says Ms. Rudbeck. stage they deserve to let their hard work shine,” Fine Arts Department Chair Gina volunteers,” she confesses, “I think Lab would For teachers and administrators, such says Jason Lopez, Lab’s associate director for Alicea, who sat on the LabArts grind to a halt.” parent leaders are part of what makes Lab educational programs, who was part of the planning committee. “I’m so thankful To find out how you can volunteer at Lab, unique. “Their tireless support brings our event’s six-month planning process. Partnering for their dedication to making sure contact either the Parents’ Association, parents@ community together through countless events with art and music teachers, parent leaders such our students are showcased.” ucls.uchicago.edu, or the Office of Alumni Relations and endeavors that showcase the talents of our as Ms. Heusing and Jennifer Rhind curated a and Development, [email protected]. full program of visual arts and performance.

22 LabLife Spring 2013 LabLife Spring 2013 23 University Of Chicago Laboratory Schools Mission

“The Laboratory Schools are home to the youngest members of the University of Chicago’s academic community. We ignite and nurture an enduring spirit of scholarship, curiosity, creativity, and confidence. We value learning experientially, exhibiting kindness, and honoring diversity.”

by Susie Allen, AB’09 When Nancy Aronson was hired to help develop a new mission statement for the Laboratory Schools, she quickly realized one thing. It was important “to have a process that represented the spirit of the school,” explains Ms. Aronson, a consultant who works with On a Mission educational institutions around the country. Rather than assigning a committee of wordsmiths, Ms. Aronson and a team of faculty, Creating Lab’s new mission statement staff, parents, alumni, and students embarked on something resembling a full-scale ethnography connects threads throughout the school of Lab. Through interviews, illustration, storytelling, and discussion, the team worked to community identify the values that most define the Schools and describe them in a “powerful, meaningful” way, explains fifth-grade teacher and Lab parent Stephanie Mitzenmacher. This “very Lab way of approaching things,” as Ms. Mitzenmacher describes it, was not only effective but also surprisingly engaging for many of those involved in shaping the new statement. “If someone says, ‘We’re going to spend the next hour working on the mission statement,’ you think, ‘Oh God, looks like a good time for a bathroom break,’” jokes Ben Zimmer, ’03, a member of the Lab Alumni Association’s executive board. “But the way they structured the exercise actually made it a fun experience.” Emphasizing process as well as product is true to Lab’s philosophy, according to parent Christie Henry. That lesson was driven home the day she helped with a cooking lesson in her son’s class. “Parents try to come in and create these great recipes. But once you have

2424 L LababLLifeife Spring Spring 2013 2013 L abLabLifeLife Spring Spring 2013 2013 25 25 “Lab was a great school without working on a new mission statement,” Ms. Aronson says. But developing the new statement reminded the community “what’s at the heart of what makes education so terrific at Lab” and created a conversation that connected the threads of the school.

22 children involved in measuring and stirring spoke of the school’s kindness and respect for arrived at a consensus and gradually narrowed and putting things in bowls, you lose ground differences. One student, Ms. Aronson recalls, nine drafts down to one. Director David Magill on the accuracy of the cooking.” The teachers believed she would have been bullied at a school presented the final draft to the Lab community reassured the parents “that it’s the process,” Ms. where intellectual achievement was valued for feedback, which was largely positive. “It felt Henry says. “Perfect or not, it all becomes an less. Even at the nursery level, Ms. Henry says, like it was just magic,” Ms. Mitzenmacher says. important, vital learning experience.” children are encouraged to consider how their In the same way, perfection was never the behavior might affect their peers. Why we stay engaged goal in crafting the new statement. “No mission “I do think that at Lab—especially for a “Lab was a great school without working on statement is perfect,” Ms. Aronson says. Instead, place that’s filled with so many accomplished, a new mission statement,” Ms. Aronson says. she wanted the community to create a mission ambitious students, teachers, and parents— But developing the new statement reminded statement that made its members think, “That there is a sort of mutual respect,” Mr. Zimmer the community “what’s at the heart of what feels like us.” says. “You’re taught a lot of important, basic life makes education so terrific at Lab” and created skills. That’s something you don’t get at a lot of a conversation that connected the threads of the schools.” school. Finding commonality After identifying these major themes— Ms. Aronson and Associate Director of “It was a really good reflection moment creativity, curiosity, kindness, diversity—a for everyone on the [alumni] board,” agrees Educational Progams Jason Lopez decided that smaller group broke into pairs and wrote Lab’s spirit of curiosity and discovery should Mr. Zimmer. “Why is it that we value Lab and first drafts of the mission statement. To Ms. continue to volunteer our time to continue to guide the process. They convened meetings with Mitzenmacher, it initially seemed impossible teachers, alumni, and parents and asked them to stay engaged with it?” that they would be able to find a mission Ms. Mitzenmacher was especially grateful talk about experiences and stories that captured statement that spoke to the entire Lab the essence of Lab. to learn from colleagues who teach in different community: “How on earth are we going to divisions, as well as from fellow parents Common themes emerged from the find something that’s meaningful to people who stories. “It was really interesting to see that and alumni. “It was amazing to make those teach three-year-olds, and also meaningful to connections,” she says. regardless of how you’re connected to the people who teach [students] about to head off to school, everyone pulls the same things out,” Ms. Ms. Henry was reminded that Lab “is college?” a very inviting place to be,” she says. “The Mitzenmacher says. Yet through “constant dialogue and Ms. Aronson recalls one illustrative story school has made an incredible commitment to conversation that felt like it was moving toward every kid that walks its halls—and I think by told by a Lab teacher: She was watching a something,” Ms. Mitzenmacher says, the group group of students return to their classroom extension, every family that walks its halls—to after playing outside. One student stood be innovative, to be nurturing, to be safe, and to dawdling and staring at the ground. Rather be original.” than disciplining him, the teacher crouched Looking back on his education, Mr. down to see what had caught his attention—an Zimmer says, he realized how important and interesting-looking rock, it turned out. “Well, how formative his experience at Lab was for would you like to bring that in the classroom?” him. “It was the most distinctive [educational the teacher asked. institution] I had access to,” he says. “Growing The idea that learning can be inspired up is tough. But doing it at Lab is better than at by almost anything arose in story after story. other places.” Junior Marissa Page used the journalism Until working on the mission statement, skills she honed working for the Midway to “I didn’t realize I liked Lab that much,” Marissa interview fellow students at all grade levels. “The admits. As a junior, visiting the younger kindergartners were talking about how it was divisions and speaking to her peers “stirred up fun to learn, the fourth graders were talking some nostalgia” and helped her see how much about specific things that were fun to learn, and Lab had cultivated her passion for learning. in high school, kids were talking about their “Lab teaches you to love to learn,” she says. ignites future careers in learning.” “Maybe not even teaches you. It that in you.” Many members of the Lab community Children, and adults, used drawings to help explain what they value most about Lab.

26 LabLife Spring 2013 LabLife Spring 2013 27 Carl Christ, ’40, SB’43, PhD’50, is a product of storied times at UChicago. He attended the Laboratory Schools and the Hutchins College, worked on the Manhattan Project, and earned degrees in the University’s legendary physics and economics departments. In economics, he found, he could use his interest in mathematics to address social problems. On the Johns Hopkins University faculty for much of his six-decade career, he’s been a leading figure in econometrics, the most by Ann C. Logue, MBA’91 mathematical branch of the field. During his career, Professor Christ wrote one of the first econometrics textbooks, Econometric Models and Methods (Wiley, 1966) and published more than 100 articles in journals, books, and other publications. He’s served as board chair Number Cruncher of the National Bureau of Economic Research, and served on the governing boards of the Econometric Society (where he is a fellow) and the Carl Christ used his physics training to American Economic Association. He’s also a fellow of the American Statistical Association. become a leader in the most mathematical It all started, he says, when he was in fifth grade and transferred from Chicago Public branch of economics Schools (CPS) to what was then called the University Elementary School. Professor Christ grew up in Chicago’s Beverly Hills neighborhood on the Southwest Side. When CPS proved not a good fit for him, his parents enrolled him at Lab, where some of their friends sent their children. Professor Christ’s first teacher was longtime faculty member Ida B. DePencier. “The thing I liked about her so much is that when she asked a question, she didn’t give you a clue if you were giving the right answer,” he says. “I thought that was wonderful preparation for life.” He remembered it throughout his teaching career at Johns Hopkins. He also remembers biology teacher Orin Denton Frank, who had a summer home in the Indiana Dunes and took his students there. “He pointed out the many types of plants growing in the dunes area,” Professor Christ says, “from

photo: Will Kirk/Homewoodphoto.jhu.edu the beach grasses by the lake to the pine, poplar, beech, oak, and maple trees in the woods.” Professor Christ’s introduction to physics took place at U-High. He took basic physics with Clifford Holley, who was the subject of a poem that appeared in the student newspaper (see sidebar). Then came a course taught by Selby Millmore Skinner, which was, says Professor Christ, “one of the survey courses that the University, at that time, was giving to freshmen.” U-High didn’t teach calculus then, but George

2828 L abLabLifeLife Spring Spring 2013 2013 LabLife Winter 2012/13 25 LabLife Spring 2013 29 Professor Christ helped the push to make Hawkins, who taught Professor Christ algebra economics a more quantitative field, an Labfrom Notes the Midway and trigonometry, recommended he read U-High Midway • Monday, November 20, 2012 • Page 1 Calculus Made Easy by Silvanus Thompson. advancement that aligned with developments Professor Christ used it to teach himself calculus Keep in Touch 1935 Class Representative Your class representative writes, “The and has recommended it to others over the years. in high-powered computing. The Lab Notes section of this Jean Gayton Carroll Alumni Reunion this year on June 8 Life at U-High wasn’t all study and lecture, magazine is where alumni come to Apartment 3E, 230 East Delaware Place ’40s has been organized in a new form for Professor Christ says. “There was some fun fascinated him and led him to take up sailing as them well. Mr. Denton had his students write connect with the Schools and fellow Chicago, IL 60611-1741 senior classes from 1940-1949 to meet involved.” He and some friends discovered an adult. When his children were old enough to précis, a skill that, ten years later, proved an classmates. Please contact your [email protected] Save the Date together in a single reunion dinner. It Join the Classes of the that the faculty regularly played volleyball after swim, he bought a catamaran. His family still advantage because Professor Christ knew how to class representative or the Office of 312-787-5237 will take place at the Fortnightly at 120 school, so they challenged the teachers to a keeps a boat on Lake Michigan, where Professor create a tight summary of a reading or lecture. Alumni Relations and Development 1940s for a Reunion Dinner East Bellevue Place at 6:30 p.m. with any updates about yourself match. “We were absolutely blown away. They Christ has a summerhouse. It was in Michigan His class notes, and those of three others who’d 1937 Class Representative in Chicago on Saturday, June 8, 2013 In the last two years, the Class that Professor Christ saw early windsurfers; it taken Mr. Denton’s English course, he says, or friends who attended Lab. If Alan Robertson of 1945 has broken ground by having made mincemeat of us,” he says. “We were so your graduation year is without a annual alumni reunions. We hope this looked so fun that he took up that sport too. “were in great demand.” 220 Linden Avenue 1940 Class Representative confident that we’d be able to humiliate these representative, please consider new format and the opportunity to Professor Christ began his collegiate career After graduation in 1950, Professor Christ Elmhurst, IL 60126-3607 Mary Strauss Lawton ‘old’ guys,” who were probably about 30 years volunteering to serve in this fun circulate with senior graduates from [email protected] Apartment 501, 650 Laurel Avenue old. at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. joined the Hopkins faculty in economics. and important role. Email notes, 630-834-7198 Highland Park, IL 60035 adjacent classes will generate sufficient World War II brought him back home; he He spent 1955–61 back at UChicago before information, or questions to Most of Professor Christ’s athletic activities [email protected] interest for a larger turnout of alumni. transferred to the University of Chicago, where returning to Hopkins, where he’s been ever [email protected]. consisted of keeping statistics for intramural 1938 Class Representative 847-432-7133 Please indicate your interest in he worked toward his bachelor’s, as well as on since, except for visiting teaching and research John E. Thompson attending to Monica Barnes (mbarnes@ the Manhattan Project. “My first lab was in positions. Over the years, he’s visited at 14004 Chicarita Creek Road 1944 Class Representative ucls.uchicago.edu) or me. I hope to see what had been the men’s room under the north Cambridge University, the University of Tokyo, ’30s San Diego, CA 92128-3625 RuthAnn Johnson Frazier you at the dinner.” 1020 Grove Street stands at Stagg Field, where water spilled on the the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral 1930 Class Representative [email protected] Evanston, IL 60201 1946 Class Representatives floor in winter would freeze,” he says. “I worked Sciences, the University of Essex, the Kyoto Geraldine Smithwick Alvarez 858-487-7757 847-864-1620 Judy Daskal on a very ancillary part of the project,” testing American Studies Summer Seminar, the Brazil 6101 South County Line Road 1939 Class Representative 4950 South Chicago Beach Drive methods of bonding aluminum to uranium to Econometric Society, the Bank of Japan, and Burr Ridge, IL 60527 1945 Class Representative Chicago, IL 60615 630-323-2250 Jeanne Robin Rousso prevent uranium corrosion. the Chinese Universities Development Project Bud Gibbs [email protected] Professor Christ’s interest in economics II at Fudan University Shanghai. One thing he 19407 Shenango Drive Tarzana, CA 91356 Apartment 19E, 146 Central Park West 773-493-8373 emerged while living in a co-op house in Hyde loves about being an economist, he says, is the 818-342-7464 New York, NY 10023-2005 Park. His housemates were students from opportunity to travel. [email protected] across the University, active in social issues. Professor Christ helped the push to 212-362-0104 Racial equality and pacifism were especially hot make economics a more quantitative field, an concerns and frequent topics of conversation. advancement that aligned with developments “Most of the people I admired in those years in high-powered computing. In the past, the Caroline Lee, ’48, AB’53 of my life were people who were interested in economy was analyzed more with logic than Lee says. “Sometimes, if we This winter Ms. Lee, who social problems,” he says. “I decided that I would with statistics. When Professor Christ entered weren’t diligent enough, she Wandering in the won a University of Chicago look for a social science that would use the the field, he could crunch numbers. His first would complain: ‘I go to all this postwar industrial Alumni Association professional mathematics I learned as a physics major.” And specialty, econometrics, involves mathematical trouble to make these colors, and towns led her to a achievement award in 1980, was that was economics. tests of theoretical ideas using actual data—a look—you’re using only one!’” in the process of moving her After the Manhattan Project ended in concept straight out of physics. Ms. Lee spent her free time in foundry owner who studio and working on a series of 1945, Professor Christ moved to Princeton His initial research looked at the predictive the art room, painting murals of gave her a small wax figures. For her, the process University to teach introductory physics. The performance of economic models. Through that horses jumping over fences that of sculpture is freeing. “I don’t regular faculty had not returned from the war work, he became interested in monetary and Ms. Todd hung in the halls. “She room in which to have a theme,” she says. “I just effort, so Princeton was happy to have Professor fiscal policies. Economists had long assumed was responsible, in many ways, for work. start to work, and birds come Christ, his bachelor’s degree, and his Manhattan that policy makers could manage independently my vocation because she would out or human beings come out. Project experience for a year. He, meanwhile, the four fiscal-monetary variables: government let us do as much as we could and near miss with a wayward crucible Something happens.” was happy to sit in on some economics classes, spending, taxing, borrowing from investors, would.” full of hot metal. he says, “to see if I liked it.” He did, and applied and printing money. He and others noted that Ms. Lee went on to study Ms. Lee’s public sculpture to doctoral programs at both Princeton and government spending must be financed by some painting at the Art Institute, but can be found all over France, UChicago. Accepted at both, he returned to combination of the other three variables, so Foundry Poems her secret love was metalworking. where she’s lived since 1958. Hyde Park. “I had a soft spot in my heart for the that as soon as any three of the four have been She went to France on a Fulbright, In the village of Pavant, the Caroline Lee, ’48, AB’53, a University of Chicago.” set, the remaining one has been set too. This ostensibly to study painting. installation Les Deux Pigeons sculptor whose metal pieces can understanding was a major contribution to the Wandering in the postwar retells La Fontaine’s fable of teams. He still has the records. He also worked That spot got even softer when he met his be both playful and machinelike, industrial towns led her to a a bird that traveled the world, at the campus print shop where, after hours, wife, Phyllis Tatsch Christ, AB’45, in Hyde field, for both economic theory and government monumental and delicate, is foundry owner who gave her a only to discover nothing is more with teacher Lester C. Smith’s permission, he Park while he was working on his doctorate. policy. nothing if not single-minded. Ms. small room in which to work, important than friendship. Its four made parody cigarette packs that were popular One of his roommates worked with her on an In addition to his textbook, Professor Christ Lee discovered the joy of making “just for the hell of it,” Ms. Lee stainless-steel sculptures span a with his classmates, if not their parents (“Horse- opinion-research project in Peoria and invited also did work on the history of econometrics, art in Jessie Todd’s class at Lab says. “That’s the way it happens medieval fountain and dovecote. Shit Cigarettes: Not a Fart in the Carload”). “At all the interviewers to a party at their apartment. tracking its evolution from idea to practice. and never wanted to do anything in France. If you hit it off with Hommage à la Résistance is least some of the faculty had tolerance for the The pair married a year later. They have three Professor Christ, who turns 90 this September, else. someone, incredible things can a sweeping, stainless-steel peccadilloes of the students,” he says. daughters; two of them, and one grandchild, lived through much of that evolution. In 2005 “She put in tremendous occur.” For a while she lucked into abstraction in a pedestrian Although not much of an athlete in attended the University of Chicago. he retired as professor emeritus, feeling, he says, effort to provide us with a huge owning a small foundry herself, crossing in Montrueil, filled with high school, he did read a series of books by During his graduate work he came to like he’d been paid for half a century to pursue table of tempera colors, each but abandoned that venture after a the energy of great birds about to appreciate another U-High teacher, Cecil his hobby of research and teaching. one with its own brush,” Ms. English author Arthur Ransome about families take flight. vacationing in England’s Lake District; the books Denton. Mr. Denton wasn’t popular with the students, Professor Christ says, but he taught

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