Strategic planning update
The strategic planning process has reached an important stage as action step committees complete their work this winter on proposed steps to implement the plan's goals and objectives. All action steps and a time line for implementation are expected to be ready for submission and discussion at the February meeting of the Schools' Board of Directors meeting.
Summer program set for June 17 to August 2
The Department of Auxiliary Programs is filling this year's summer schedule with great classes, day camp, theater, sports camps, and domestic and international travel opportunities, according to Ned Reece, Director of Auxiliary Programs. The summer program will run in two sessions from June 17 through July 12 (with a four-day break for Independence Day) and from July 15 to August 2.
"At last count, between three and four dozen members of the Laboratory Schools faculty had registered their plans to lead innovative and enriching courses and sports activities," Reece said.
Opportunities will be offered to students in Nursery through High School. A brochure detailing the program will be mailed to families this winter.
Off campus, participants in the Summer Lab Field Study Program may travel to Ecuador, Puerto Rico, the North Woods of Wisconsin, or Crow Canyon, Colorado. The excursions in Ecuador and Puerto Rico will include community service projects, while the Wisconsin experience will focus on the great outdoors, and Crow Canyon will provide an opportunity to explore one of the nations' richest archaeological centers. Families with questions may call (773) 834-7766.
Search continues for new Director
The Laboratory Schools Board of Directors has chosen the Brigham Hill Consultancy of Dallas, Texas, to assist in the search for the Schools' next Director. The firm provides executive search and related management consulting services to not-for-profit organizations.
The consultancy's Web site describes the position, the Schools' relationship to the University, and the qualities and experience sought in a candidate: "Reporting to the Board of the Schools, under authority delegated by the President of the University of Chicago, the Director will be responsible for assuring that the Schools execute their mission to provide high quality academic education and personal development in the context of an intellectually rich and diverse community." The new Director must be able "to lead the institution as it sustains and improves its ethos of celebrating the life of the mind, the nurture of the individual, the well-being of the immediate and larger community, and an ethic of service." More information is available at www.brighamhill.com.
A Board committee chaired by Robert Topel is leading the search for a person to succeed Lucinda Lee Katz, who will conclude her service as Director at the end of the current school year. The committee welcomes ideas from the Lab community and may be contacted at labsearch@gsb.uchicago.edu.
Tuition deposit due February 4, 2002
Earlier this month, the Office of the Registrar began planning for the 2002-2003 school year by mailing re-registration materials to parents.
When you receive the mailing, be sure to respond promptly so that your child can be re-enrolled for the coming school year. A $1,000 deposit is due for each child on or before February 4 and will be credited to the Fall 2002 tuition balance.
The deposit is refundable under specific circumstances: (1) notifying the registrar, (2) putting a notice of withdrawal in writing (the Schools need an Official Notification of Withdrawal from a parent), (3) by these dates: May 1 to obtain 100 percent refund of deposit, by June 1 to obtain a 50 percent refund of deposit, or by July 1 to receive a 25 percent refund.
Families who have questions may call the Lab Schools Registrar, Sandy Hrstich, at (773) 702-5884.