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A message from our Head of school
Together, We Can Do More
Many families tell me that they are often asked "How much tuition do you pay to send your children to Académie Lafayette?" The answer is NONE. We are a charter public school; our school is funded by taxes and other public funds. However, because we are a charter school, we do not receive as much funding as other public school districts. In fact, charter schools in Missouri receive about 25% less than other public school districts.
Because our vision has always exceeded our funding, we began a voluntary Annual Fund campaign in 2003 to help close this gap. Since then families, teachers, staff, grandparents, friends and foundations have given more than 1 million dollars in gifts ranging from $1.00 to $100,000 to help us provide:
- School buses that pick up children living more than a mile away at their door instead of at the corner
- Visas for our international teachers
- Full-time nurses (RN) and social workers (LCSW) at both campuses
- French-speaking interns for our kindergarten classes
- Extra financial support for music and art, our libraries, sports, and student technology
This weekend, you will receive your Annual Fund packet. Please open it, read the material, and consider if your family can support this important cause. You can also make an easy, secure gift online by clinking HERE. 
Many thanks to grandmothers Alice Lund and Vicki Riffle who came in for two days to help us with this important mailing.
Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the great Spring weather that I am assured is on the way.
Elimane Mbengue
Head of School
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A message from our cherry street principal
Cherry Campus News
I was observing a support teacher yesterday and was very impressed when she entered the room and the entire class greeted her so politely. Obviously the homeroom teacher and the support teacher have made manners a priority. I try to greet students in the morning when they enter the building or when I visit classrooms, and it can be disappointing when children do not say "bonjour" or reply in any way. As a staff, we have been discussing the importance of teaching manners - both at home and at school. As parents, we would ask you to partner with us and encourage children (and other parents) to greet the interns and staff members who open car doors in the morning and their teachers when they enter the classroom. It is up to us as the adults to model polite greetings, "please" and "thank you", with all members of our school community.
Merci!
Madame Heather
K-2 Principal
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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.
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calendar
Upcoming Events
March 7
Evening In Paris
March 31
Picture Day at Oak
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March 16-20
NO SCHOOL -
Spring Break
April 2
Picture Day at Cherry
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March 25
Early Release Day -
Cherry, 12:45pm
Oak, 1pm
April 7
2015 France Trip Meeting
6pm, Oak Auditorium
| March 26
Award Assemblies Oak
3-5 grade,
Middle School,
April 9
Room Parent Coffee
Cherry, 7:45am
Oak, 5:30pm
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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.
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info sharing
Have an Article for the Newsletter?
Send to: communication@academielafayette.orgDeadlines are each Wednesday at noon (for a regular five day week.) Please put "Newsletter Article" in the subject line. Remember that next week is a short week and there will not be a newsletter published.
Art or photos should be in .jpg format. Ads in .jpg format. AL reserves the right to approve all items for the newsletter.
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Give to Grow
Merci! The G2G Thank You Celebration
Many thanks to the students, teachers, board members and others who participated in our Give to Grow celebration event last week. Special thanks to Juliette Rafael and Sheridan Mirador, two of our STUCO officers, who gave impressive speeches thanking our donors. Also, thank you to Justin Jones' kindergarten who sang for our guests at the Cherry campus, and to Camille Bazin, who directed the Académie Lafayette Choir at the Oak campus. Finally, special appreciation to board members Marvin Lyman and Dave Cozad who joined Elimane Mbengue and Heather Royce on the stage to show their appreciation.
If you were not able to come, you can see the special Thank You Video by clicking HERE. You may recognize a student or teacher!
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| | AL Board members Jon Otto and Pam Gard; Tracy McFerrin, Hall Family Foundation; Sheridan Mirador, STUCO Vice President; and Elimane Mbengue, Head of School. Photo: Sara Harms |
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Fund a need
Fund-A-Need: SMART Boards For Classrooms!
Each year, there is a special portion of the Evening in Paris event that focuses on funding school needs. Two years ago, STEM activities were funded; last year, the new sound and projection systems were funded. This year the project is SMART or TEAM Boards for classrooms! This important classroom technology is similar to an interactive white board that supports different learning styles and increases student engagement. Teachers love them! But, because each SMART Board costs $4,500, not every classroom has one. We hope to raise $30,000 to buy six more SMART or TEAM Boards for our teachers. You can help by participating in Fund-A-Need tomorrow night at the event.
Not going to Evening in Paris? NO PROBLEM! You can bid using your smart phone; you can even do it RIGHT NOW! Step one: CLICK HERE and register your phone. You will receive a PIN on your phone. Step two: Sign in using your PIN. Step three: Navigate until you get to a page that looks like this: Step four: Select Make a Donation and then make a donation! Step five: Feel Great! You are making a difference! Thank you!
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info sharing
Trash Bag Pick-Up: Last Chance
If you have not picked-up your trash bag order, please contact Amy Lee North at amyleenorth@gmail.com as soon as possible. Bags that are not picked up by April 1st will be put back into the available inventory.
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info sharing from the oak nurse
TDaP Immunizations Requirements
Current 7th graders must turn in their proof of a TDaP prior to beginning of 8th grade, or 8th grade summer school if attending. This is required by the state of Missouri for all incoming 8th graders.
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info sharing
Students Vs Staff Basketball
In order to recognize our middle school basketball players, we will have 2 basketball games involving students and staff on Thursday, March 12th, 2015 from 4 to 5 pm in the gym of the Oak Street Campus.
We will begin by recognizing both teams for their efforts this year and play the following games:
Middle School Ladies/Female Staff Team vs. Middle School Gentlemen's Team
Middle School Gentlemen's Team vs. Male Staff Team
Admission is $2.00 at the door. The concession stand will be offering hot dogs, nachos, baked items and drinks for $1 to $2. Proceeds will go to the 8th grade trip.
Everybody is invited!
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info sharing
Help Your Child Succeed: Practice Keyboarding
Dear parents,
As some of you may already know, this year's MAP test will be computerized. That means that all testing will be done on the computer for English and Math (and even Science tests for 5th and 8th graders!). All students have been working on their keyboarding skills during computer class, once a week. This is not enough time to help children learn how to type fast enough to be successful on the test.
For example, a child that is asked to type a two paragraph (or 200 words) response to a question will be able to do so in about 10 minutes if they use all fingers and type at a speed of 20 words per minute. However, if a student can only hunt and peck at a speed of 5 words per minute, it will take them about 40 minutes to answer the same question! Typing slower also breaks their train of thought, so please encourage your children to practice keyboarding at home or at the public library. Please email Alix Lasker at alasker@academielafayette.org if you would like more information about keyboarding practice online, or have further questions.
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info sharing
PTSO: Budgeting and Upcoming Events
Thank you for the great turn out on Monday, February 23rd! The Middle Years IB program, fundraising and PTSO by-laws relating to its independence were robustly discussed. Documents will be posted to the PTSO section of the school website.
If you are interested in joining in the discussion on fundraising, please check out the framework from last month's meeting on the AL website, and email Becky Smith ( smith.rebeccabogen@gmail.com) to join a small team that will be working on a proposal for the May 4th PTSO meeting.
PTSO Budget requests are due Friday, April 15th. THIS IS A NEW DATE!!! Don't wait too long to start thinking about what needs you would like to see the PTSO fund. The PTSO budget will be presented in the general meeting on May 4th, so submissions start NOW through Friday, April 15th for consideration. Budget decisions are made annually, nothing currently funded is "grandfathered" into next year's budget. Final budget approval is conditional pending final bids/costs being reviewed.
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
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info sharing
Join Us for St Patty's Day Fun
CLICK HERE to let us know if you will join us for pizza and decorating or tear down ~ so we know how much to order!
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From the Cherry Campus social worker
Integrity Wins Cherry Over
In the new year, the students at Cherry focused their efforts on demonstrating INTEGRITY. Being honest and trustworthy is an important characteristic. Students learned about doing the right thing even when nobody is looking and even if it's hard.
The nominees for the INTEGRITY award went to:
Kindergarten:
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Back row: Lincoln Lewis, Oscar Marinez-Baldizon, Bennett Hensley, Benjamin Corzine, Nicholas Destefano, Theodore Goss & Sara Kabukala.
Front row: Zara Ba, Naaja Harris-Rivarde, Jasmine Floyd, Marcella Buckley & Grace Adams.
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1st Grade:
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Back row: Ben Golec, Lali Guzman, Jordyn Parker, Townes Stempleman, Asher Stoltztus & Cilian McManigal.
Front row: Tristian Saunders, Elijah Gonzalez, Clara French, Ellery Hoffman, Evey Hattaway & JeRon Lewis
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2nd Grade:
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Back row: Malachi Cramer, Noah Evans, Isabelle Mussulman-Watson, Hunter Smith, Leo Norton & Alexandra Filkins.
Front row: Zoe Willaredt, Taylor McCarthy, David Paronto, Cadence Bailey, Maximo Carrasquilla & Jonas Pastine.
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This past month, we have been working on practicing SELF-CONTROL. Ask your students about the fun challenges we've participated in! Next up: CITIZENSHIP!
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info sharing
Last Week to Turn In Yearbook Pictures
This upcoming week is the last week to submit any pictures you would like to suggest for the yearbook. Please email all files to Jodi Brown jbrown@academielafayette.org. Thank you! |
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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.
Click here to order online directly! Our school yearbook ID is 5828315.
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info Sharing
Student Work To Be Displayed At Waldo Pizza
Académie Lafayette students' artwork will be featured at Waldo Pizza during the month of March! Grab your ALFrance15card and visit to celebrate our Oak Campus artists!
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info share
4th to 8th Grade Track Starts Monday
Track practice starts THIS Monday, March 9 for 4th-8th graders. Sign up now using our NEW online registration on the AL website on the Athletics page under the Student tab or access by clicking this link:
Online Registration Form
Forms
The Sports Release Waiver necessary for track participation is also located on the school website. If you completed this form for fall track you DO NOT need to complete it again unless there has been a change in medical status. Submit the Sports Release Waiver in person or by email to Coach Djiba at edjiba@academielafayette.org
The Permission to Walk form is only needed for OAK students and only available in hard copy from the front desk. If you already have one on file for this school year you DO NOT need a new form. The form should be submitted to the Oak front desk.
Track Informational Packet
Please read the entire packet carefully as it contains important logistical information! The packet is posted on the Athletics page of the AL Website or you can click the following link for quick access.
Spring Track 2015 Informational Packet
2015 Practice and Meet Schedules
The Practice and Meet Schedules for each age group are posted on the Athletics page of the AL website or you can click the following links for quick access.
2015 Track Schedule Middle School Team
2015 Track Schedule 4th-5th Grade
2015 Track Schedule K-3
Kindergarten-3rd Track Reminder
Although you can register now, practice for this age group DOES NOT start this week. They will start on Monday, April 20th at the Oak Campus from 3:30pm to 5:10pm. See their schedule and the information packet for more details.
Head Coaches for the track program are Coach Edouard Djiba and Coach Brenda Kumm.
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Info share
Spring Track Volunteers Needed
An important part of our coaching team comes from our family volunteers who assist with practices. We are indeed thankful for your time and energy.
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 will be posting and sending out a link to sign up for specific jobs, practices and meets via Sign-Up Genius. Check the AL website. You can also indicate your interest through our online registration form or contacting Coach Brenda Kumm directly at brendakumm@gmail.com or 816-500-4482.
Our participation in meets and having practice for the K-3 and 4-5 grade groups depends on our volunteer base. We need you!
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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: saraharms974@gmail.com |
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Fundraising
Congratulations Parents!
Our school participates in the French Toast "Dollars in Uniform" School Fund Raising Program, where French Toast gives us 5% cash back when AL uniforms are purchased. This is an excellent opportunity to provide quality school uniforms for our students at great prices, while supporting our school. This year, we received $197.46 (over $2,000.00 in purchases)! Thank you so much for your support!
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Fundraising
ALFrance15 Cards: It's A Wrap!
The ALFrance15Card campaign is wrapping up! We still need many families to return funds and unsold cards. Gail Bunch and Sarah Hattaway must move on to other endeavors. Please help us out by checking with your teachers or any place these cards could have been placed. Please turn in your buyout money. The campaign has been very successful raising over twenty thousand dollars for the study abroad and enhancements for those who stay in country.
Congratulations to Ross Bunch who sold 90 cards in November, winning the Kindle Fire donated by Catherine Tronnes. Congratulations to Ana Kohler, Ariana Isch, Jackson Coleman, Liam O'Sullivan, Ian Todt, Aidan Davis, Cole Prentiss and Samantha Lif for selling 10 or more cards. They chose rewards from our gracious prize sponsors whom we also thank: Science City, Powerplay, Standees, Screenland, The Mixx, McCoy's or Beer Kitchen, French and Music House, and Theatre of the Imagination. Thanks to Leah Curry for helping to obtain prizes. Mega-Top Sellers were: Darby Hattaway, Zion Shirley, Rowan Veenstra, Gabriel Smith, Zeke Krause, Isabella Dougherty-Jaime and Ross Bunch. Gabe and Isabella won the Eagles Gymnastics Party. Ross Bunch is the top seller at the school, selling more than 199 cards, and winning the $200.00 Cash prize. Thanks to Carolina Shirley, Mona Lyne and Gail Bunch for obtaining so many business sponsor participants for the card. Mega-Thanks to Sarah Hattaway for endless hours of bookkeeping. Sarah also created our website, electronic billing and set up our Facebook page. Megan Still designed the card layout. Most of all, thank you to the 50 businesses that agreed to give discounts on the card for this year.
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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 t ickets 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. |
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Oak Street Campus
6903 Oak Street
Kansas City, MO 64113
816-361-7735
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Cherry Street Campus
3421 Cherry Street
Kansas City, MO 64109
816-888-7450
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Copyright © 2014. All Rights Reserved. Email marketing and design provided by The Creative Deparment | www.ideaville.net
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Earlier this year, third grader Vladimir Crouch was granted his wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation to go to Paris this summer. Vladimir survived and overcame a life-threatening illness (
