13 FebrUARY 2015

Le Journal 



A message from our cherry street principal

Cherry Campus Update

Construction is moving along. The foundation has been poured, and the steel has arrived. Students were glued to the windows on Thursday morning, watching the crane move the steel into place. It is great to see the progress, as we are so excited to have 3rd grade at Cherry next year. Be sure to drive around the building to see how we're growing!

Madame Heather
K-2 Principal (Soon to be K-3) 

in this issue

* Leadership Notes 

* Calendar

* PTSO events

* In the Spotlight

* Evening in Paris Info

* Info Share

* Sports

* Fundraising 

 

Deadlines for the newsletter are Wednesdays at noon (for a five day week).

Advertisements and payments must be turned in Wednesdays by noon.



calendar

Upcoming Events

February 16
SNOW MAKE-UP DAY - President's Day - School will be in session


February 25
NO SCHOOL - 
Staff In-Service

February 18
AL Open House - Cherry Campus, 5-7pm



February 26
NO SCHOOL - 
Parent- Teacher Conference 11am - 7pm

February 23
PTSO General Meeting - Cherry Campus, 6pm



February 27
NO SCHOOL - 
Parent- Teacher Conference 8am - 4pm



February 24
Give to Grow Celebration
Cherry 1:30pm
Oak 2:30pm


March 7 
Evening in Paris 

Summer School Dates for Students: Wednesday, June 10th, to Thursday, July 23rd. Summer School will not be in session on Friday, July 3rd. 

Download the 2014-15 School Calendar by clicking here.


info sharing

Have an Article for the Newsletter?  

Send to: [email protected]
Deadlines are each Wednesday at noon (for a regular five day week.) Please put "Newsletter Article" in the subject line. 

Art or photos should be in .jpg format. Ads in .jpg format. AL reserves the right to approve all items for the newsletter. 
info sharing

Attention Cherry Parents!  

We have had some concerns raised from neighbors about parents parking illegally in the morning and the afternoon. I do not want any of our parents to get a ticket for parking in front of driveways or fire hydrants, so please be a good citizen.

Mme Heather
K-2 Principal
info sharing

PTSO: Budgeting and Upcoming Events

PTSO Budget for 2015-2016 planning starts NOW! The PTSO has moved the budget planning process up from Fall to the Spring to coincide with the school budget process. The PTSO budget will be presented in the general meeting in May, so submissions start NOW through Tuesday, April 28th for consideration.
The PTSO Executive Board will use the following criteria to debate and recommend what should be funded and to what extent.   
  • Budget request fiscally responsible, it is well researched, detailed and complete 
  • Request has teacher or administration sponsor
  • Access to the benefits of the request is not limited to a few # of students

The new budget request form can be found HERE
 

Please note:  All PTSO funded programs are reviewed annually. Nothing currently funded is "grandfathered" into next year's budget. Final budget approval is conditional pending final bids/costs being reviewed. If you have any questions feel free to contact any member of the PTSO Executive Board and/or attend the PTSO General Meeting on Monday, February 23rd.    

PTSO General MeetingMonday February 23, 6pm, Cherry Campus. Agenda topics will include Evening in Paris update, fundraising, PTSO budget process for upcoming year and PTSO executive board election process. Both budget and new officers will be voted on in May meeting. Past meeting notes can be found here: http://www.academielafayette.org/parent-association/
info sharing

Free Math Tutoring

The Kansas City Public Library offers free math tutoring, available at the Plaza branch on Wednesdays from 4:30-6:30pm. The tutors are Rockhurst University math students, able to tutor grades 1-12. Walk-ins accepted. Questions? Call Katie Taylor (816) 701-3707. 
info sharing

Order Your Yearbook Today! 

Orders can be placed by filling out the order form your child brought home, or ordering online. The deadline for all yearbook orders is March 6th, 2015. 
Click here to see what packages deal you want, get details about payment, printing another order form, ordering online, and more! Additional order forms are also available at the front desk at both campuses. 
info sharing

Cherry Students Get Involved in Expansion Project

Madame Cahoon's 1st grade class got to learn firsthand about construction science. Monsieur Robert, the Cherry project supervisor, came to her class to talk to the students. They even got to use some of his equipment. What an exciting lesson!  
Give to Grow

Come Celebrate With Us

Join us on Tuesday, February 24 to celebrate the successful completion of the $3.5 million Give to Grow Capital Campaign. There will be a short program, the premier of our Thank You Video, and refreshments afterward. Here are the details:
Cherry:  1:30pm in the auditorium
Oak:       2:30pm in the auditorium
CLICK HERE to RSVP!

info sharing

Pop Tabs Wanted

Don't forget to send in your can tabs and old keys to the Cherry Street Campus!
We are still taking donations in any size - one tab or a bagful - to help out our local Ronald McDonald House.  

Did you know that pop/can tabs are worth more than the entire can because they are made from higher quality aluminum? The money raised from our collection efforts is used to help the local Ronald McDonald House provide a place for parents/families to stay while their children are in the hospital. You can learn more about the Ronald McDonald House at:  http://www.rmhckc.org/

Pop tabs remind us of an important lesson: even little things make a big difference!  

(pictured: Adeline Boyers, Kdg, brings in her donation)
From the oak campus counselor

Oak Celebrates Integrity

We celebrated another great character trait at Oak this month: INTEGRITY. The campus came together and recognized students for their strengths, talents and character. 5th and 8th grade students played the piano, violin, danced, sang and performed skits about integrity. In honor of Black History Month, several 5th grade students focused on African Americans who were brave leaders that also demonstrated integrity. Great job to all students who participated!

Congratulations to our Citizens of the Month: 

 

Grades 3-5

 

 

 

Eliza Anderson 

Tulie Boughan

Imogen Long

Kate Kemnitzer

Kelly Riffle 

Taylor Jennings

Suzanne Sade

Sophia Conard

 

 

 

Franny Walker

Mason Kumm

Bridget Love

India Williams

Drame Bousso

Davis Hoffman

Aliya Watne


 Middle School

 

 

 

Seamus Prim

Sierra Thut

Sade Hoffine

Lucie Heuser

Haley Langle

Nicolas Sidorenkov 

 

 

 

Kathryn Sade

Sophie Hendrickson 

Aidan Sands 

Ethan Easley

Ana Aravena Crellin

 



 

info Sharing

Calling All 5th Grade Families for France Trip '16

The France trip informational meeting will be March 5th at 6 pm in the Oak auditorium. Anyone interested in learning about the trip is welcome to attend. If you plan on sending your 5th grade child to France next year, please come to the meeting, as crucial information and deadlines will be shared. The online registration and the first payment are due April 1 for next year's trip. The meeting usually only lasts an hour.
Questions? Contact Leslie Houfaidi  [email protected]
info Sharing

Seeking Middle School Boys for "Exploring Your Potential" Program

Benjamin Banneker Charter Academy of Technology is inviting 10-15 Acad�mie Lafayette students to join students from other schools for visits to three local businesses as a part of the Exploring Your Potential (EYP) program.   

EYP is for boys grades 6 - 10 and the program will take the students on a behind the scenes, hands-on look at what drives businesses and the jobs that come together to make a product or project come to reality.

 

The students will meet in the parking lot of Benjamin Banneker on three Saturday mornings where they will board a bus and be driven to the businesses.  The bus will return the students to Banneker usually around 12 or 12:30Students who participate in this program must agree to attend all three tours and their parents must commit to having the students arrive at Banneker for drop-off and pick-up of the students in a timely manner.

 

Dates and Businesses:

February 28 - High- Tech Automation

March 7 - Garmin

March 28 - UMKC Biological Sciences Group

 

If you are interested in participating, please contact Cathy Metcalf [email protected] as soon as possible. All registration forms must be completed by Tuesday, February 17th

Fundraising

Oak Art Room Supplies Needed

Dear parents, 
It's almost spring, and many people use that time to clean and declutter. Before throwing things away, please look at the list below and see if you could donate it to the Oak art room! 
Interesting old chairs-can have parts missing, chipped paint, torn upholstery etc., any size
Small tools such as screwdrivers and pliers
Old jewelry or pieces and small boxes
Pasta rollers
Salad spinners
Wooden spoons
Old cookie sheets
Silk flowers
Legos-big and small
Leftover wooden pieces from woodworking
Big old tins, glass, or wood containers including crates and suitcases for storage
Old dolls, stuffed animals, puppets
Old typewriters
Old cameras
Dress up clothes
Old stamps or coins from other countries
Dirt or sand from travels
Old frames
Old tape recorders
We would love to upcycle your old stuff and give it a new life, please think of donating items! For more information, please contact Jodi Brown [email protected]
info share

Get Ready for Spring Track 

Spring is just around the corner, which means it is time to hit the track! Our NEW Online Registration for AL Spring Track for grades K-8 opens February 18th on the AL website on the Athletics page under the Student tab.

The AL Track Program was established to introduce our kids to basic track and field skills and knowledge, while working hard and having fun. Our goal is to promote confidence, lifelong health habits and concepts of teamwork and leadership. We will specifically focus on sprinting, middle and long distance, using blocks, hurdles, relay exchanges, long jump, shot put and discus in preparation for local track meets in March, April and May.

 

New Middle School Track Team

Exciting news! This spring, we are introducing an official middle school track team (6th - 8th). They will practice on Mondays 3:30-5:10pm at Oak and on Wednesdays 5:30-7:00pm on the track at Southwest High School. Practice begins on Monday, March 9. We will participate in meets through the Metro Charter Conference (same as volleyball and basketball). We will have real track uniforms for meets and additional practice equipment thanks to the PTSO! In addition, we have arranged for experts in specific events to attend practice and provide clinics throughout the season.

 

4th-5th Grade Track Details

Practice will be on Mondays beginning March 9 through May 18 from 3:30pm-5:10pm at the Oak Street Campus. We will practice several times at Southwest High School. Practice on these days will begin at 5:30pm (dates TBD).

 

Kindergarten-3rd Track Details

K-3rd will have an abbreviated season and focus on preparing for their very own Mini Track and Field Meet. Practice will be on Mondays at the Oak Street Campus starting April 20 through May 4 from 3:45pm-5:10pm with the mini meet tentatively scheduled for off-site on May 11 from 5:30pm-7:30pm. The 4th - 8th graders will assist with this meet. 

 

A full practice/meet schedule for each group will be included with the track informational packet received upon registration. All information will also be posted on the AL website on the Athletics page beginning on February 18th.

 

For those interested in a more intensive, daily training track experience we recommend joining local AAU Track Clubs. Please note that Middle school student/athletes are not allowed to compete in AAU meets until they are done competing in sanctioned school track events.

 

Head Coaches for the track program are Coach Edouard Djiba and Coach Brenda Kumm. Questions? Contact Coach Brenda Kumm [email protected] 

 

Fundraising

Spring Track Volunteers Needed

A big thanks to everyone who helped with Fall 2014 Track Conditioning! We had over 130 K-8th graders participate and we simply could not offer the program without your help. Please let us know if anyone has been inadvertently left off of the list.

 

Dan Bird
Leilani Grover-Marshall 
Jennie Hanna    
Don Hayes
Denise Hill
Leslie Kohlmeyer
Anne Marie Krull
Mathew Love    
LeAnna Lepper 
     
 
  
 
 

Mbarou Mbengue
Justin McCarthy
Jennifer McGreal
Ben Robinson
Edward Robinson
Leigh Taylor
Autumn Tribitt
Derrick Williams

 

This spring we have a variety of volunteer opportunities to fill (ranging in time and experience requirements) and they include: checking kids in and out of practice, assisting with K-3 practice, assisting/coaching 4th-5th and middle school practices, assisting/coaching at track meets, helping with set-up and events at the K-3 mini meet, behind-the scenes information and technology logistics.

 

We are greatly in need of at least two volunteers to serve as coaching assistants for the 4th-8th grade practices/meets. Please contact Coach Brenda ASAP if you are interested as a background check will be required. The background check is an easy process to complete.

 

Please note for your planning purposes we have moved practice to Mondays and added a later practice on Wednesdays for the middle school team.

 

We will have a Volunteer/Coaching Assistants Meeting on Monday, March 2 directly after school from 3:45pm-4:30pm in the Oak Campus gymnasium and a repeat of that meeting from 5:30pm-6:15pm for those who cannot make the earlier meeting. We will review emergency and logistics procedures for practices/meets as well as our program goals and philosophy.

 

Contact Coach Brenda Kumm with your questions or to sign up to volunteer at [email protected] or call 816-500-4482. 

 

Fundraising

Keep Calm Sweatshirts in Stock


If you missed your chance to order a sweatshirt this past fall you are in luck! We have a limited number available for immediate purchase. Sizes include youth small, medium and large (all sizes run a bit on the small side) and adult small, medium, large and extra large. All sweatshirts are $25 and the proceeds go toward the 8th grade trip. Contact Sara Harms to purchase: [email protected]
info sharing

   
fundraising

Evening in Paris: The Details

THE Event of the year, Evening in Paris, will take place on Saturday, March 7th, at Starlight Theatre. Velvet Rope Holders and above get in at 5pm, All Swim at 6pm. Buy tickets here from the website and also be on the social medial level for all the up to date stuff by liking our Facebook page: An Evening in Paris.
Lucia Aerial Performing Arts will be swinging, disco-style, from the Starlight rafters. Oh, and beside the good you'll do the school by attending, it's also a total blast. If you've never been, ask someone who has. 

Volunteers! Warhol's factory did not run on its good looks alone, so we need you to dedicate your time, energy, and talents to the cause. Work it and be there for free (it's still a total blast). If you aren't coming as a guest, come as a volunteer. Sign up HERE!

 
fundraising

EIP: The Fun Begins 

Monday, February 16th at Bier Station: PARTY LIKE A PRESIDENT! Bier Station hosts our official kick-off party. This Monday, to assist with the cost of an Evening in Paris, Bier Station is generously donating the fabulousness below: 
  • 100% of the sales for the entire keg of Defiance Willy Nilly (as long as it takes to drain);
     
  • 100% of the sales of pours of Kronenbourg 1664 French Pale Ale all day Monday
 AND
  • A percentage of overall tap sales on Monday
So grab your friends (or make new ones) and come to Bier Station to have a drink, all while supporting your favorite AL event! 
 
fundraising

EIP: Unique Silent Auction Item Returns

Remember the great progressive dinner from last year?  
Well, it's back and better than ever!  BUT you should know that only the first 40 people who sign up will get a place at the table - or multiple tables. REMEMBER to get your name on the list when the silent auction opens at Evening in Paris: Studio 54 on March 7, 2015!


fundraising

Volunteering Opportunities at "Studio 54"

Have you ever wondered what is An Evening in Paris? What do the volunteers do at An Evening in Paris?
This is your year to find out! The EIP Committee would like to have fun, energetic and ready to shake a tail feather volunteers. Volunteering at An Evening in Paris: Studio 54 is the best decision you could ever make for the school's largest fundraiser. So, parents, grandparents, neighbors, and friends: come set up the silent auction, work Qtego, serve food and drinks to our guests while having fun. Find a time and position that you will enjoy on Signup Genius http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a084fa4a928a75-2015 . Merci!

Leilani Grover-Marshall 
2015 An Evening in Paris; Studio 54, Volunteer Coordinator
816-694-0005 call/text
 [email protected] 
AL community members spotted

AL Students to Celebrate Chinese New Year

Anthony Eppelheimer, 3rd Degree Brown Belt (4th Grade, Mme. Corinne Charruau), Grace Eppelheimer, Yellow Belt (2nd Grade, Mme. Julie Valluet) and the STORM team (Special Team of Role Models) will be participating in a show celebrating the Chinese New Year on February 19th at AKKA Karate-Westport (4030 Broadway, KCMO).  

AKKA Karate has been a part of the midtown community for almost 50 years and offering classes in Karate and Tai Chi. The classes are suitable for all ages, making it a wonderful place for families to get fit while also learning this ancient art together. Join the Chinese New year celebration to experience the vibrant community, and even sign up for an introductory class!

There are a lot of Acadmie Lafayette students training there. 

Report your sightings of Acad�mie Lafayette parents or students accomplishments to [email protected].  

 

AL community members spotted

Cherry Campus Gets New Playground Equipment

Second grader Janie Gacek noticed that the Cherry Campus did not have much equipment for students to play with during recess, so she took it upon herself to make a change! 

For her birthday, instead of presents, she asked her friends to bring soccer balls, rubber balls, hula hoops, jump ropes, and more! All the equipment collected will be distributed amongst classroom teachers at Cherry so that every child benefits from them. 

Thank you Janie!

Report your sightings of Acad�mie Lafayette parents or students accomplishments to [email protected].  

 

AL community members spotted

Parent Participates in NASDAQ Bell Ringing

Leslie Lewis, mother of Leah (3rd grade), Logan (2nd grade) and Lincoln (K), participated in the NASDAQ Opening Bell ceremony in New York City. 

 

She spent the last 9 months on the due diligence team for Cerner Corporation's $1.3 billion dollar purchase of Siemens Health Services division. The acquisition closed on February 2, 2015 and was marked by ringing the Opening Bell at NASDAQ on February 3, 2015. That was a lot of fun!

 

Report your sightings of Acad�mie Lafayette parents or students accomplishments to [email protected].  

 

Info sharing

Will You Have an Incoming Kindergarten Student in 2015-16? 

It's that time of year again, the time when we collect names from our families for next year's Kindergarten class!

If you have a sibling of a current (or graduate) AL student, please let our Cherry Street Office Manager, Diane Balagna ([email protected]) know, by sending an email with "K sibling" in the subject line with the following information:

-the incoming child's name and birth date
-parent name and address (including city, state and zip) and phone number
-sibling name and grade

To be eligible for the 2015-16 school year, applicants MUST be 5 before September 1, 2015.
**ALL SIBLINGS MUST HAVE AN APPLICATION TURNED IN DURING THE OPEN APPLICATION PERIOD IN ORDER TO SECURE THEIR SPACE FOR KINDERGARTEN.

The open application period will begin on January 20, 2015 and end on March 5, 2015.

Children of current full-time Acad�mie Lafayette staff members who meet the above criteria are also eligible for enrollment. Please forward the same information to Diane Balagna. Thank you!
 
 
FUNDRAISING



info sharing

School Reach Message Retrieval Line     

We use the School Reach system to alert families via phone or text about important announcements. If you miss a School Reach message, please do NOT call the school. Instead, use the Message Retrieval number from a phone that gets calls from the system.

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Oak Street Campus
6903 Oak Street
Kansas City, MO 64113
816-361-7735

Cherry Street Campus
3421 Cherry Street
Kansas City, MO 64109
816-888-7450

www.academielafayette.org