March 8, 2013
Vol. 13, #26
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Contact Us
| K-2 campus:
3421 Cherry Street
KC, MO 64109
P 816-888-7400
F 816-888-7410
3-8 campus:
6903 Oak Street
KC, MO 64113
P 816-361-7735
F 816-361-5788
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Alumni Check in Here
| CHECK IN HERE!
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Calendar
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March 10
Daylight Savings: Spring Forward!
(Set your clock 1 hour ahead)
March 11
Board Meeting
Cherry Street auditorium, 6pm
March 12
6th Grade France Trip Mtg
6pm, Oak Auditorium
March 14
Plaground Mixer at Cherry - 3:30
March 15
Student Raffle Sales Launch
March 21 & 22
Generations Day
April 9
Parent Association Mtg.
April 11
Sweet Tomatoes Dinner
5-8pm March 21 & 22
Black History Program March 21 (6 PM), and March 22, (during the day: time TBA)
June 6
Last day of 2012-13 School Year
June 17-July 24
Summer school dates
August 12
Back-to-School Night!
August 14
First Day of School 2013-14!
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 NEWS
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A Message From Our Head of School
Making the Out-of-State Trips Sustainable
A few months ago I was approached by a 6th grade parent to discuss the possibility of organizing two spirit days to raise money for the trip to France. This trip was initiated by Acad�mie Lafayette leadership 14 years ago in order to give the students an authentic, real life experience in a French speaking country. It is in direct line with our mission to "develop critical thinkers, global citizens and engaged-learners through immersion in the French language and Francophone cultures." From the first small group of travelers, the trip has grown now to more than 65 students. This dramatic growth raises two main challenges: finding a school to welcome all students and the financial sustainability of the trip.
Funding this trip has been a real challenge for many families. Every year more and more students are left behind in part because of financial reasons. Since this trip is part and parcel of our program, I believe that we need to come up with a more stable solution that would guarantee its sustainability. On that score, I boldly suggest that AL institutes a mandatory annual activity fee to fund the local overnight field trips and the out-of-state trips (Louisiana for the 8th graders and France for 6th graders.). I understand that some low-income families may find it hard to pay the fees. For the sake of equity, we should find ways to make it either free or reduced for those students through fundraising and outside funding sources. I also understand that any idea of having parents pay fees in a charter school may raise heated debates. In Oregon every charter school has annual fees for activities not funded by the State. In the State of Kansas, some school districts charge fees to parents to offset certain costs: course material and student activities etc.
This is just one idea of finding an internal solution to the funding of the local overnight field trips, and the out-of-state/international trips for 6th and 8th grade. In this era of sequestration and limited federal funding, I invite the community to join the debate on finding funding sources for these exciting learning experiences.
Elimane Mbengue
Head of School
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A Message From Our Cherry Street Principal
I am currently reading a book on gratitude. It is interesting to read about the benefits of being a thankful person, including: less stress, improved relationships, etc. I want to model and practice this in my own life, so I'm going to take this opportunity to send a few "shout outs" to members of the Cherry community. Thank you...
- to the father who shoveled the school sidewalks last weekend.
- to the family who donated a microwave.
- to the students who gave me Valentine cards.
- to the parents who have given up several Saturday morning to be a part of the strategic planning team.
- to the teachers who get here early and stay late, working so hard to help children.
- to the mom who assisted me one afternoon with getting kids to the buses safely.
You make a difference!
Heather Royce
K-2 Principal
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Calendar Changes
Take a look at the left hand column of the enewsletter to see updates to the calendar. The last day of school has been moved back (due to the snow days). We've also added the summer school dates, and dates for the next school year's first day of school for students, and back-to-school night.
We also try to keep up with the many school activities that you might want to attend, so please check the calendar every week for updates.
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Parent Association News
Join us for our first Playground Mixer and enjoy "A Pourover Coffee Brew Bar + Kid's Cocoa" sponsored by AL Parent and one of KC Magazine's 100 Most Influential People, Jason Burton of The LAB. Treats will be supplied by the Parent Association. The fun will begin after school Thursday, March 14th, at the Cherry Street playground. This is a wonderful opportunity for Oak and Cherry families to mingle and meet new people!
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Safety Letters Sent Home
Letters were sent home with students this week that share revised safety procedures for each campus enacted to create the safest possible environment for students and staff. These letters can be downloaded here for Cherry and here for Oak.
Policies include:
* Visitors using the main entrance of each building during school hours, and being prepared to show identification and state the reason for your visit, as well as give the first and last name of your student, their grade level and their homeroom teacher.
* Calling ahead or sending a note to the office and teacher if you plan to visit the campus or if you are picking up your child early for an appointment, etc. Parents are asked to wait at the reception desk when picking up their children early. The receptionist will call into the classroom for the student to report to the office.
* If you need to meet with a teacher, counselor or other staff member please call ahead to schedule your visit.
* If you wish to drop off snacks, medication, classroom supplies, etc. please leave those in the front office with a label (child/homeroom teacher). Our office staff will make sure they get to the correct person.
Although it may seem impolite, please do not hold the door open for others when entering or exiting the buildings. All visitors must appear on camera and be buzzed in before dismissal times. The doors will open at Cherry at 3:15, and at 3:30 for Oak. Parents and visitors are welcome at that time to enter the building for pick up of their children.
We are aware that some of these new procedures represent big changes for families who have been at Acad�mie Lafayette for a long time. However, we feel strongly about the need to increase building security and to protect instructional time. Thank you in advance for working together to create the safest possible environment for all children.
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*****Parking Information for Oak Campus: Read This to Avoid a Ticket*****
With our school building right in the middle of a residential neighborhood, we strive to be good neighbors to the surrounding residents. The recent snowfall has made the streets very narrow, and this along with illegal parking, has created some difficult navigation of the side streets surrounding the Oak campus.
We have had a call from the KCMO Police Department letting us know that traffic enforcement officers will be patrolling beginning on Monday, February 11th. They will be ticketing cars that are parking illegally on the streets surrounding the campus.
We warn our families and staff to obey "no parking" signs and be sure your space is legal. Please note that cars may NOT park on the north side of 69th Street OR on 69th Terrace.
Please continue to adhere to a voluntary one way street policy during pickup and drop off until the snow melts. Until the snow melts all traffic should go in a clock-wise direction around the Oak campus. For example, 69th Street will be eastbound only, turn right on Cherry, turn right onto 69th Terr. 69th Terrace will be westbound only. We appreciate your cooperation!
As always, please be cautious and watch for pedestrians at both campuses, allow extra time at drop off, and be considerate of the residents in the area.
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Host Families Needed
Contact: Diane Balagna, dbalagna@academielafayette.org
We are currently looking for host families for the 2013-2014 school year. Six interns will arrive in early August and depart in early June. Host families can choose to host for a semester or for a full year. For more information, please contact Diane Balagna at 816-888-7400 or email dbalagna@academielafayette.org.
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Snow Day Contest Winners
If you're not a Facebook friend of Acad�mie Lafayette, you may not know that we had a contest during the recent snow day. We asked students to tag AL in pictures of their recent snow creations, and WOW, did they ever!
We had a great number of students who were busy creating snowmen/women, forts, and sculptures! Thanks to everyone who participated; your entries showed amazing creativity.
We're rewarding all students who participated with gift certificates for an 8 oz. hot chocolate from One More Cup (74th and Wornall). Prizes will be awarded to students next week, and gift certificates sent home in backpacks. For those big winners (chosen by a panel of impartial judges), you'll be invited to a breakfast with the Principal (of whichever campus you attend).
Here's grand prize winners for each grade:
K-Hudson Harms (left), 1-Jude Kohlmeyer (right)
 
2-John Buck
3-Emma Rivera (left), 4-Isabella Jaime Dougherty, Molly Hendrickson (right)
 
4-Liam O'Sullivan, 5-Sarah O'Sullivan, 6-Blaise Dauzvardis
 
Watch for more fun contests on our Facebook. Be our friend by clicking the link in the left hand column waaaaay up at the top!
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Attention 6th Grade Families: 2013 France Trip Meeting
Contact: Leslie Houfaidi, lhoufaidi@academielafayette.org
The next 6th grade France trip 2013 Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
We hope to have final trip payment information for the meeting.
Please bring a copy of your child's passport to the meeting or before.
Thank you.
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Nurse's Notes
Contact: Alexis Cook, acook@academielafayette.org
All screened students in grades 3-6 have received their results from the Healthe Kids screening. Parents, please check backpacks for the hot pink envelopes. Thanks!
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Generations Day: March 21st and 22nd
Contact: Jessica Wallace, jwallace@academielafayette.org
Each year, Acad�mie Lafayette hosts a Generations Day for our students and their grandparents, aunts, uncles, or special friends. This year's event is scheduled to occur right before Spring Break and features a brief meeting with the principal followed by one hour with the student in his or her classroom. The schedule is as follows: Thursday, March 21st: CHERRY CAMPUS. Gathering with Principal Heather Royce, 7:45 - 8:15 in the Gymnasium. Classroom time: 8:15 - 9:15 Friday, March 22nd: OAK CAMPUS: Gathering with Head of School, Elimane Mbengue, 7:45 - 8:15 in the Auditorium. Classroom time: 8:15 - 9:15. If you would like the school to send an invitation for this event to the grandparent / aunt / uncle / special friend, please send name, address, email, student name, and grade level to Jessica Wallace, jwallace@academielafayette.org. All guests must RSVP in order to attend. |
SPORTS
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AL Spring Track Program
Contact: Brenda Kumm, dkumm@kc.rr.com
Spring Track for Acad�mie Lafayette K-8th graders will kick off on Tuesday, April 2nd and meet every Tuesday (3:45pm-5:10pm) through May 28th at the Oak Street Campus. The program will focus on teaching the basic concepts of sprint, middle distance, long distance running and certain field events. Our approach will be positive and fun; promoting self-esteem, team-building and lifelong wellness. Students in grades K-4th grade will work on the fundamentals of fitness and running very short distances and some field event skills (standing broad jump, softball toss...). Students in grades 5th-8th will learn basic skills and the knowledge needed to prepare them for high school tryouts and competition. We promised the program would grow and there are some major developments for the spring session: - Our 5th-8th graders will have the opportunity to practice several times on a real track.
- We have purchased track equipment (starting blocks, relay batons, starter hurdles...).
- We have several track meet opportunities available including a youth USATF meet on April 27th and an AAU Open Youth Meet on May 4th.
- We have information to share on track opportunities available in our area throughout the summer for all ages.
- A special guest is lined up to help kick off the season and lend some inspiration!
This is a free program thanks to parent volunteers and donations. To register your child/children please contact Brenda Kumm by Monday, March 18th at 816-500-4482 (call or text) or dkumm@kc.rr.com and provide the following information: 1) Child's name 5) Primary Contact Name 2) Child's grade 6) Phone Number 3) Child's teacher 7) E-mail 4) Aftercare Participant? If your child attends YMCA Aftercare you can coordinate with them for your child to report to them after practice. We REALLY need parent volunteers to help coach! Your time commitment will be minimal and you do NOT need to be a runner. We will work with you to make it convenient for you. We also need a few volunteers (who do run) to accompany our long distance kids on runs (2-3 miles at most) at some of the practices. For more details contact Brenda Kumm. Come join the fun!
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FUNDRAISING/DONATIONS/SALES
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Raffle Fundraiser Launches March 15th
Contact: Cathy Metcalf, cmetcalf@gmail.com
The raffle prize is $10,000 and tickets cost only $5!!!!!! This is one of our easiest and largest fundraisers of the year! However, there is a bit of preparation needed to prepare for the kick-off. If you are available to come to the Oak Street Campus on Tuesday, March 12th at 8:30am, we will be stuffing the raffle packets that will go home with the students at the end of the week. We need a team of ten to pitch in and get the job done, coffee and treats will be on hand, please contact Cathy Metcalf cmetcalf@gmail.com if you can join this team.
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8th Grade Babysitting Fundraiser: Use them for An Evening in Paris!
Contact: Katie Hendrickson, khendrickson@academielafayette.org
Attention Acad�mie Lafayette parents:
Are you looking for a babysitter for Evening in Paris on April 27th?
Acad�mie Lafayette has a list of 8th grade babysitters that you can use, and the proceeds will go for their 8th grade trip to Louisiana in May.
For the list of sitters, please email Katie Hendrickson: khendrickson@academielafayette.org
Then:
* contact the babysitter of your choice to make arrangements
* click here to download the attached form, fill it out, and send it in to the school with a check or cash payment (make checks payable to "Acad�mie Lafayette 8th grade trip") by the Wednesday before the event.
(Mark "8th grade babysitter" on the envelope.)
Please make arrangements with the 8th grader regarding transportation to and from your home.
Thank you for supporting the 8th grade trip to Louisiana! (and pass this info on!)
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Fundraiser  When: Mon., March 4 - Sun., March 10 Where: One More Cup
AL parents and business owners Jeremy and Stacy Neff would like to raise funds for our school! Here's how you can help...
From Monday, March 4 to Sunday, March 10, visit One More Cup (near 74th & Wornall). Mention Acad�mie Lafayette when you order and they will donate .50 for every non-bottled drink purchased.
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Volunteers needed!!!
Two EIP volunteers ASAP! We need YOU! Do you have one of the following talents?
Advertising Coordinator: Gather ads in one place, answer questions about size (ad price list has sizes on it), maintain a master list, and track and ensure payments are received.
Sponsorship/Underwriting: identify potential business to target as additional sponsors or underwriters, mail letters to prospects, follow up by phone, track receipts.
Save the date for the not to be missed event, April 27th, 2013!
AND do not miss us on the Evening in Paris webpage...
On the webpage there will be more volunteer opportunities and event info!
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WANTED/CLASSIFIEDS
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Generations Day: Call for Volunteers!
We need 3-5 parent volunteers at each campus to help with Generations Day from 7:30 - 8:30. Cherry is Thursday, March 21st; Oak is Friday is Friday, March 22nd. Merci!
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Wanted: Bench for Cherry
Contact: Diane Balagne, dbalagna@academielafayette.org
Cherry would love a donation of a bench for the Cherry foyer. If you have one you'd like to give, or if you are interesting in making one for us, please contact Diane Balagna at 816-888-7400 or email dbalagna@academielafayette.org.
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Wanted: St. Pat's Parade Coordinator
Contact: Peggy Arians, parians@academielafayette.org
Peggy Arians has been the AL coordinator for the Brookside St. Patrick's Day Warm Up Parade since...well, it's been a long time. She's not going to be in town for the parade this year, and she's looking for someone who will take charge!
The parade has been a fun event for our community for years. The kids have ridden bikes/scooters/in wagons, and families have walked the route together talking and laughing all the way.
If you have an interest in planning (or getting a group together to plan) this fun community event, please contact Peggy. She will give you helpful pointers to make the event a success!
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