Help support your child's school!

Please CONTRIBUTE to help us reach our fundraising goal of 100% participation from our families.

The Lab Middle School Direct Appeal is our singular, most important fundraiser. The Direct Appeal is the lifeline that allows Lab Middle to offer the extensive afterschool programs and fund the necessary expenses that make our school the vibrant community that it is. Without your continued support, these programs cannot not exist!

FAQs

From entering 6th grade families to exiting 8th grade families, there are many frequently asked questions about life at Lab Middle School. Here are just some of the most common questions.

Who is the parent coordinator?

The Parent Coordinator is the liaison between parents and the school administration, staff and teachers. Marilyn Coston is the Lab Middle School Parent Coordinator. She is always available to speak with parents about any concerns, questions or suggestions. She can also facilitate contact with other staff members including the Guidance Counselors and the Assistant Principal. Parents are welcome to drop by, call, email, or make an appointment to see her. Ms. Marilyn can be found in Room 111 on the first floor. She can be reached at: MCoston2@schools.nyc.gov or 212-691-6119 ext. 111

Do I need to bring my identification to school?

Yes. All parents and guardians who wish to enter the school are required to sign in at the lobby security desk with a government-issued photo ID.

Why does my child have a student ID?

All children at Lab are issued an identification card at the beginning of the year. Each morning, students swipe their ID cards as they enter the school. The security measure allows the school to track which children are in and out of the building. In addition, students are expected to use their ID cards when they eat school breakfast and/or lunch.

What do I do if my child loses his/her ID?

Replacement cards are available for $2.00 and can be picked up in the principal’s office directly after school.

How do I get emergency information?

Lab Middle School may experience a citywide emergency, a closure, an early dismissal, or a late opening due to an unexpected situation such as inclement weather. In such instances, Lab follows DOE procedures and only closes or shortens the school day if the DOE announces such a policy for all City schools. Sign up for Notify NYC, a free citywide email/text alert system for all emergencies and school information. Lab Middle School’s main telephone number will also have a recorded message with updates and information. When at all possible, the Parent Coordinator and the Parents’ Association will email updates and information through the school’s SchoolHub system. Please provide the PA with the email you use and check the most frequently to ensure timely communication. Parents are also encouraged to call 311 or check the DOE website and other local news sources whenever weather is questionable.

Where do I go if I have an academic question or concern about my child?

Please start with your child’s teacher. Teachers are available to meet with you by appointment and the administration prefers that you speak with your teacher first. In addition, Marilyn Coston, (212-691-6119 ext. 1115) the Parent Coordinator is available to meet with any parent, and she can refer you to the Assistant Principal or Guidance Counselors if necessary.

How do I make a donation to the school?

Donations are always needed and appreciated! Whether it’s a cash donation to our Direct Appeal campaign, a corporate matching gift, or a gift of equipment, we are always thankful for your generosity! You can donate online. To donate to Middle School Parent Association by CHARGE CARD click on the button below:

or download a form here and send a check, payable to the NYC Lab Middle School PA to 333 W. 17th Street, New York, NY  10011.  Every dollar goes directly to support our children’s after school sports teams, programs and clubs.

Can I volunteer at Lab?

Yes, please! Parents make the difference! In order to support the afterschool programs, the PA sponsors fundraising events throughout the year. There are many opportunities to help, including scheduled events and initiatives, volunteering as a class parent, chaperoning on field trips, and more! Volunteers and ideas are always needed and appreciated – if you have an idea about a fundraising event, would like to volunteer or have any questions about how to get involved, please don’t hesitate to contact the PA office at labmspa@gmail.com. Click here for more details.

Where can I find out more about transportation?

All New York City general education students up to sixth grade who live more than one mile from their schools are entitled to free transportation on the DOE school bus system. Seventh graders and older students who live more than 1 ½ miles from the school qualify for a free Metrocard Student pass to use on MTA subways or buses. Students who live closer than 1 ½ miles from the school may qualify for half fare Metrocards to be used on MTA buses only. Special education students may qualify for either school bus service or Metrocards as determined by their IEPs. Metrocard eligible students will receive two passes during the school year, one in September and one in February. For assistance on transportation-related concerns and questions, please contact Jamie Duzant, the school’s Data Manager at 212-691-6119 x4221 or x4220, or JDuzant@schools.nyc.gov. For additional details, please refer to the POLICY section of this website. Additionally, several private bus companies transport students to and from our school for a fee. For private bus information, please contact the principal’s office.

Where can I find out more about hot lunch?

Hot lunch is free only to those students whose families qualify. At the start of each school year, all families will receive a Free Lunch Form, which must be completed by all families, even those whose children do not qualify. Once completed, if your family meets DOE’s income guidelines, your child will be entitled to the free lunch offered at Lab. For additional information, please refer to the Policy section of the school website.

What if my child is late or absent?

Lab Middle School starts at 8:00 a.m. Your child must be in the classroom, in his/her seat by 8:00 a.m. Dismissal is at 2:10 p.m.

If your child is ill for more than three consecutive days, please call the main office. Lateness and attendance are extremely important issues. Consistent lateness and/or poor attendance by a child requires mandated action by attendance officers of the Department of Education. We strongly advise against children being pulled out of school for vacations or leisure activities except at DOE designated vacation times. If a child is out of school for 10 consecutive school days (other than for severe illness or family emergency), the child is automatically discharged.

Is there a dress code at Lab?

Lab doesn’t have a dress code, but we expect children to be appropriately dressed for the weather and to wear age-appropriate clothing.

Are cell phones allowed at Lab?

Children should not bring electronic devices to school. iPODs and video game players should all remain at home. If these devices are seen by staff during the school day, they will be confiscated. Cell phones are permitted for safety purposes, but should be kept in backpacks during the school day. When not on school grounds, it is recommended that students keep valuable electronics, including cell phones, in their backpacks to avoid being a target for theft.

When do we receive class lists?

Class lists are available on SchoolHub, the private, password-protected Lab Middle School website, just for parents and faculty of Lab. You have to have a user name and password to get into the site. Hard copies of class lists will also be distributed by class parent reps in the Fall.

Where is the nurse office?

Our nurse, Elissa Levine, can help you with any medical needs or questions. The nurse’s office is located on the 1st floor in Room 111 and can be reached at 212-691-6119, ext. 1117.

How many marking periods are there?

Lab Middle School has four marking periods or terms; students receive four report cards during the school year at the end of each term. The dates for each marking period change yearly, but each term is approximately 45 school days. Report cards are mailed home to all students. Near the end of each term, students will be asked to bring in a self addressed stamped envelope that Lab will use to mail report cards home.

Where do I turn for help on high school admissions process?

In June, the Lab Guidance Staff will meet with all 7th grade families to provide an overview of the high school admissions process, distribute a High School Directory, and answer questions about the process for the upcoming school year. At the beginning of October of the 8th grade year, when dates and timelines have been finalized by the DOE, the Principal and Guidance Staff will meet with 8th grade families to share timelines and answer questions. Additionally, Guidance and the Principal will meet individually with students and parents to discuss options and choices. Lab Middle School staff has dedicated a great deal of time to visit with high school administrators and build relationships with them. The Guidance and Administrative team have developed a deep knowledge of the City’s high schools. The team is well informed to advise students and families on schools that will align with students’ interests and academic skills.

Most high schools use 7th grade standardized test scores, grades (seeking an 85% average or higher), and attendance records in their admissions decision-making, although specifics do vary by school. Specialized high schools consider only the Specialized High School Admissions Test (which children take in the fall of 8th grade) and LaGuardia High School for Performing Arts and other performing arts high schools require an audition or portfolio. The DOE High School Directory outlines the relevant admission criteria for each school.

Today is: 02/23/12

ADMISSIONS 2012

Lab MS Admissions Exam will be held Saturday, February 4, 2012.

Specific testing information including, time, make-up dates, etc will be communicated next week through our website and your elementary school.

Stay tuned!

Auction 2012

Friday, March 23rd

Purchase Tickets Online

Please visit our Auction 2012 page for more information about the event

Upcoming Events

02/04/12
Middle School Admission Exam
Time: TBA

02/09/12
General PA Meeting - Meg's State of the School Address
8:00am
Auditorium

02/20/12-02/24/12
Mid Winter Recess
(School is Closed)

DOE Calendar

Click Calendar to
access DoE calendar

DoE Calendar

Click this link to access 2011-2012 School Calendar

Lab Reports

>> From the Lunar Banquet 2011

>> 8th Grade Presents: The Boxer, E=MCchair and The Circle of Excitment

City Alerts

Register for the alerts from Notify NYC (free) and be notified by email, text or phone of school closings and other important info that impacts the district and the school. Notify NYC is the City of New York's official source for information about emergency events and important City services.