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August 30, 2013
Vol. 14, #3
Calendar for 2013-2014
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


Alumni Check in Here
CHECK IN HERE!  
Contents
News 
Sports
Fundraising
Wanted
Calendar
September 2
NO SCHOOL - Labor Day 

September 3
NWEA Testing begins

September 4
Parent Education Night
Oak, 6pm start in auditorium

September 5
Parent Education Night
Cherry, 6pm start in auditorium
 
September 6 
1st Friday Casual Day (no fee)

September 9
Board Meeting, 6pm Cherry campus

October 16  
High School Fair  
(for 7/8 grade students)

October 19
Boo Bayou

November 2
Allez 5K  

Great Idea! 

 


 What a great way to celebrate a birthday!  

 

SchoolLeaders
SCHOOL LEADERS

A Message from the AL Board of Directors 

Contact: David Cozad, [email protected]

 

Dear Acad�mie Lafayette community,

Several months ago, I wrote a letter to the community concerning some different options for space and facility needs under consideration by the Acad�mie Lafayette Board of Directors. I write now to inform you that at the August 13th board meeting, the board voted to alter and adapt the school's space and facilities plan.

 

After careful analysis of the pros and cons of different options, as well as consideration of the considerable input we received from stakeholders, we have decided to move away from the proposed $5 million expansion of Oak Street and instead proceed with a $2.4 million plan that includes construction of a six-classroom expansion at Cherry Street and a prioritized list of improvements to the existing Oak Street and Cherry Street campuses. Here are the major reasons why we have decided to alter our approach and proceed with the $2.4 million plan:

 

- It provides for essential space and facility needs that are most important for student achievement, including:

  • adequate classroom space for our projected student population
  • new boiler at Oak
  • completion of window renovations at Oak
  • upgraded bathroom facilities at Oak
  • new science rooms at Oak
  • new secured entrance at Oak
  • wall-mounted cafeteria tables at Oak

- Given the physical layouts of Cherry and Oak, building an expansion at Cherry is likely to be less disruptive to learning than building an expansion at Oak, and also cause less concern from neighbors.

 

- It balances the number of children between our two campuses, evening out demand on common areas such as auditoriums, gyms, and playgrounds, avoiding future overcrowding at Oak, lessening traffic issues at Oak, and saving significant amounts of money every year by precluding the need to hire additional art and music teachers to serve an expanded Oak campus.

 

- It has significantly lower annual debt service costs than the $5 million plan, plus the reduced staffing costs mentioned above. These cost savings will allow us to make greater investments in planned and needed improvements for our academic program, including teacher salaries, classroom resources, professional development, technology, International Baccalaureate program, and extra-curricular activities.

 

- We can proceed now, with certainty. We have a lender commitment to finance this plan now, on favorable terms, based upon the monies we have raised to date.  

On the other hand, our ability to proceed with the $5 million Oak expansion is uncertain because we would need to raise considerably more unrestricted cash before we could finance that project. There is a chance we might never raise the larger amount, putting the program at risk of overcrowding in upcoming years. Even if the larger amount had eventually come in, the project would nonetheless have been delayed for at least a year, risking increased interest rates and construction costs which are forecasted to rise.  

 

In sum, this $2.4 million facilities improvement plan addresses our most pressing and highest priority space and facility needs in a timely and cost-effective way. The board believes this option best provides for continued improvement in student achievement while maintaining solid long-term fiscal sustainability.  

 

One important, final point. This plan allows us to take an incremental approach to our space needs. It meets our essential needs and allows us to make additional space and facility improvements over time as funding permits. The school administration has put together a long-term facilities priority list and we intend to tackle these projects on an on-going basis.  

 

Some of you will be pleased by this decision and others disappointed. As a board, we worked hard to find the solution that is in the best overall long-term interests of the school. Changing direction can be hard but in this case, the realities of our fundraising and financing, our flat state funding revenues, the ticking clock on our need for classroom space, and our desire to invest in and improve our academic program made changing direction the prudent way to go. I hope that no matter how you feel about this facilities issue, you will continue to support the school in whatever manner you can.  

 

Sincerely,

 

David Cozad,
Acad�mie Lafayette Board President

  

NewsNEWS

Pictured L to R: Susan Miller and Jamie Young, co-chair VP of Communication;Tufanza Primos, VP of Oak Campus; Anthony Solomon, Treasurer; Janelle Sjue, President; Sara Harms and Jennifer Witte (not pictured), Event Chair; Rebecca Smith, VP of Cherry Campus; Suzy Huegerich, Secretary, Sheila Dougherty (not pictured), Fundraising Chair.

 

Parent Association News

Contact: Janelle Sjue, [email protected] 
816-216-1565

Everyone is welcome! The first Parent Association meeting is next Thursday, September 5. The meeting will be brief and will take place during the Parent Information event. Come to the gym or auditorium (tbd by whichever is cooler) - the meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. Babysitting will be provided by 8th graders, donations are accepted to go toward their annual trip fundraising.

This is the perfect time to meet your new 2013-14 Parent Association (PA) representatives and find out how you can be involved. Also, come to learn more about exciting changes to the PA which will encourage relationships and cooperation within our school community. We have added PA positions, and plan to vote in new by-laws adding teacher and student representation.

We are still looking for someone to chair or co-chair the Evening In Paris committee, and Events Coordinators throughout the year. What a great way to get involved and make a difference in our school. Please join us!  
 

Early Drop Off and Early Release 

Parents, thank you for always being open to change! Acad�mie Lafayette is continuing to improve our program and the early release day each month is a way to provide time for staff development.

 

Our first early dismissal went very well and we want to make it even better. Here are a few tips to help with the early release process:

  • If your child is riding the bus home with another student, please contact the bus company to get approval and to make sure there is space on the bus and provide them with information so they can add your child's name to the route sheet. Also, once approved, please notify the school of the change.
  • If your child is scheduled to walk home, please make sure there is a permission to walk form on file. (Oak campus only) 
  • If your child is being picked up by someone other than a person on the authorization to pick up form, please notify the school.
  • If your child is undeliverable and returned to the school, there will be a $1.00 per minute charge from the time he/she enters the building

Early Morning Drop Off

Please be reminded that the buildings open at 7:30 a.m. and if you drop your child(ren) off earlier, they will be outside unsupervised, until the doors open at 7:30 a.m. Remember that everyone's clocks/watches are not in sync so there may be a little time difference as to when the doors open.

 

Thank you all again for your commitment and support!

 

Slide Delivered to Cherry! 

The big slide was delivered on Wednesday morning to the Cherry campus! Many classes were on the playground observing while a large fork lift moved the pieces from the flatbed truck over the fence and into place on the concrete base. The total weight for the slide is 9,000 pounds (that's 4.5 TONS!!)

The construction crew is now in the process of securing the slide to the concrete base, building a wooden structure around it, attaching the TAMKO decking material, and installing the sheet metal slide.

Within the next few weeks the slide should be complete and ready to add another awesome dimension to the Cherry playground.


 For more pictures of the big slide delivery, go to:   

https://picasaweb.google.com/107954054502143912762/August282013    

 

NWEA Screening Begins 

Contact: Eric Roskam, [email protected]

The NWEA screening will begin on Tuesday next week at the Oak campus. The NWEA gives teachers information about students' strengths and weaknesses.

Middle school students start screening first in Math and Communication Arts. The following week students in Division 2 (3rd through 5th graders) will begin their screening, and during the third week the 2nd graders will be screened.

Generally NWEA sessions last one hour each day. Students use laptops from the mobile lab in their homeroom class. Please encourage your child to do their best and be sure that they are well-rested and nourished. 
 

Student Agendas: $10 

If you have not paid for your student's agenda, please send your payment in now. Students in first through eighth grades received agendas. 
 

AL Themed Sweatshirts for Sale! 

It's hot now but before you know it a chill will be in the air.  Order your Academie Lafayette logo sweatshirts and t-shirts now!  Sweatshirts may be worn to school any day over a collared uniform shirt.  T-shirts may be worn for gym class and on causal days.  Orders will be accepted through September 16th with delivery expected in early October.  Forms are available here and can be turned into the office at either campus.
Download the order form here. 
 

Music News 

Contact: Steve Swanson, [email protected]

Things are getting exciting in the music room!!!

Last year the school purchased 23-3/4 sized nylon stringed guitars. The 7th and 8th grade music classes are now exclusively guitar classes. We're learning to read, play chords, etc. 

While the 7th and 8th grade are doing a guitar class, 3rd through 6th grades are also using the guitars, though not exclusively. EVERYONE at school has now played.


While quite a few students have access to a guitar at home, many do not. If you are interested in getting a guitar for your child, I'll let you know that these guitars only cost $49.95, and for the price have a really good sound.

Email me at [email protected] and when I have at least 10 orders with a check made out to Acad�mie Lafayette, I will place an order. Shipping is free. The guitars come with a carrying case.

Guitars rock!!!!

 

Spring 2014 France Trip Info  

Contact: Leslie Houfaidi, [email protected]

Next meeting date for the current school year's trip for 6th graders:
* Tuesday, September 17, 6pm Oak Auditorium
If you haven't applied yet, you can get your form that evening.

Payment Schedule for France 2014
Next payment due: October 1 - $800

A total of $1,700 should be paid by October 1st.
1st payment  - March 20, 2013 - $400 (plus app & photo)
2nd payment - May 24, 2013 - $500
3rd payment - Oct. 1, 2013 - $800
4th payment - Nov. 15, 2013 - $800
5th payment - Jan. 8, 2014 - $500
Final payment - March ? - Balance

A link to the "Frequently asked questions" page on the website can be found here.

Safety Reminders for Students and Parents

Water bottles: should be of the non-breakable, plastic or metal variety. Please NO glass.

 

Shoes: no open-toed or flip flops are allowed.

Traffic at Oak: Keep up the CLOCKWISE traffic pattern (all year long!)

Merci!

Summer School T-Shirts 

If you ordered a summer school t-shirt, but haven't picked it up, please send payment of $5 with your name in an envelope to "Roxanne Troxell" at the office. We'll get the shirt to you child at school.

Parent Handbook for 13-14 

This year's Parent Handbook is available for downloading here, or on the Parent Resources page of the school website.

Paper copies are available at each campus.

Fundraising
FUNDRAISING/DONATIONS/SALES

Raffle Time! 

Did your student bring home raffle tickets and instructions last Friday? If not, check that backpack! Students who sell 20 tickets by 9/18 win an awesome, one-of-a-kind t-shirt IN FRENCH! We plan to have t-shirts delivered to students within a week of receiving 20 ticket stubs and money. Please remember to indicate the appropriate size. This year's shirts run large but we ordered extra youth sizes. 
 
REMEMBER THAT EVERY TUESDAY IS T-SHIRT TUESDAY! Students may wear this year's raffle t-shirt (but not prior year's shirts) with their uniform bottom. The earlier you get those tickets in, the sooner they can start wearing the shirt!
 
If you're feeling overwhelmed, please check the SignUp Genius link  for places and times to sell with others. It is frequently updated with new dates and locations so check it often! 
 
You can find this link and lots of other important raffle information on the AL website under the CASH RAFFLE tab.
 
Lastly, if you don't plan to sell tickets, please return them to the front office of either campus. 
 
Thank you for supporting our school!

Merci, et bonne chance!
--
Shelly Doucet
Development Director

 

Painless Fundraising 

Contact: Alise, [email protected]

Last year Acad�mie Lafayette raised over $4,000 with our painless fundraising efforts proving that every little bit adds up to a significant amount! The Painless Fundraising Committee challenges you to break this record! There are several great opportunities for AL to earn money from products we use every day. Below are samples of the labels we collect as well as other opportunities to effortlessly raise funds for our school. Send labels in to your teacher at any time. We will collect them in November and in May. The class that has turned in the most labels will have a party at the end of the school year. Here is a list of all the painless fundraising opportunities AL is currently signed up for:
* Boxtops for Education
* Campbells
* Tyson
* Best Choice and Clearly Organic

Additional Painless Fundraising:
* TARGET Card          * Terracycle Program

 

Get 80 BONUS BOX TOPS!  

Contact: Alise, [email protected]

Get 80 Bonus Box Tops when you buy ANY 12 General Mills Box Tops for Education products in a single visit between 7/6/13 and 9/8/13 at Price Chopper. Click here to download the mail-in form or pick one up from Customer Service at your local Price Chopper. Look for the Box Tops coupon on your favorite General Mills products to find items that qualify for this offer.

 

SpottedAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS...SPOTTED
Report your sightings of parents or students accomplishments to Katie Hendrickson at [email protected].

SportsSPORTS
 
Fall Track Registration Starts 

 

Contact: Brenda Kumm, [email protected]816-500-4482  

 

Fall Track for Acad�mie Lafayette K-8th graders will kick off on Tuesday, September 10th and meet every Tuesday (3:45pm-5:10pm) through October 29th at the Oak Street Campus.

 

The Fall Program will focus on conditioning and 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-3rd 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 4th-8th will learn basic skills and the knowledge needed to prepare them for high school tryouts and competitions.

 

There are no meets scheduled during the fall season. However, for participants interested in long distance running, we will prepare them for the upcoming Allez 5K - the healthy, family-friendly fundraiser for our school!

 

This is a FREE program thanks to parent volunteers and donations. To register your child/children please contact Coach Brenda Kumm by Friday, Sept. 6th at 816-500-4482 (call or text) or [email protected] and provide the following information:

 

1)Child's name

2) Child's grade

3) Child's teacher

4) Aftercare participant? (yes or no)                                  

5) Primary Contact/s Name/s  

6) Phone Number (text friendly?)

7) E-mail           

 

Our primary communication will be via e-mail and text.

 

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/wrangle children! Last year we had 24 of you and it was amazing! Your time commitment will be minimal and you do NOT need to be a runner or have a specific skill. If you do have knowledge of specific track and field events (i.e. shot, disc or jumps) we would like to have your input. We will work with you to make volunteering convenient. We also need a few volunteers who do run to accompany our long distance kids on runs (2-3 miles at most). For more details contact Coach Brenda Kumm.

 

Come join the fun!

Coach Djiba and Coach Brenda

 

Allez 5K 
Contact: Carrie Ross, [email protected]

Allez 5K registration is open!  Please visit www.allez5k.net to sign up to run (or walk) the beautiful 5K course through Brookside.  Race starts at 9 am Saturday, November 2 from the Oak St campus.  Finishers get a medal and everyone who enters gets a t shirt.  All ages can participate in this event.  Entry fee is only $25.

Still not convinced to run?  You can volunteer!  Please see the "contact us" page at the website for information on volunteering. 

 

WantedVOLUNTEERS/WANTED/CLASSIFIEDS
Guitar Lessons Offered  
Contact: Franck Brichet, [email protected], 913-645-6529

This year again, Mr. Brichet will be giving guitar lessons to children and adults.

 

Lessons include: 30 minutes once a week of teaching music, reading exercises, guitar playing and singing.

 

Get a Jump Start on Reading 
Contact: Chris Scranton, [email protected]

Fall classes begin the week of September 30, 2013!
Children's Mercy Hearing and Speech Department is offering a research based pre-reading program called Rhyming to Reading. Rhyming to Reading is for children who are at least 4 years of age and not yet in first grade.


Download more information here. 

 

Irish Fest Volunteers Needed 
Contact: Liz O'Flaherty, [email protected]

Do you have plans for Labor Day Weekend?  If you are staying in town,  don't forget about the 11th Annual Kansas City Irish Fest.  It runs from Friday, August 30 to Sunday, September 1st at Crown Center.  Organizers are still in need for volunteers.  Many high school students can volunteer and earn service hours.  The shifts run 3-4 hours and the perks are great!  You get free admittance for the day you volunteer, an extra ticket for another  day, a free t-shirt, and a guaranteed fun time!  You can visit the website at:  www.kcirishfest.com.  If you have any questions, you can also contact Liz O'Flaherty, 5th Grade English teacher.  Slainte!!