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Principal
Lynn Main
I can still remember the first time I actually saw any real live farm animals. Cows, pigs, goats, chickens, ponies. I remember most of them being simply huge. Hearing the sounds of real oinks and quacks. Being just amazed as the 'farmer' hooked up a cow to a milking machine and thinking, "that is what I drink all the time?" This big event did not take place in the country on a real farm. This was part of a school field trip to the Lincoln Park Farm-in-the-Zoo on North Clark Street in Chicago, Illinois. And well over 50 years later Chicago kids are continuing to get the same chance to experience a bit of the country in the city.
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Please Read:
DCPS Attendance Protocol
1) The Office of Youth Engagement now identifies students who accrue 10 unexcused absences as "chronically truant."
2) Students must be referred to court once they have reached 15 unexcused absences.
3) Students must be at school 80% of the entire school day in order to be considered "present".
Reminder
The only excusable reasons for a student's late arrival and/or absence from school are:
- Illness or medical cause (a doctor's note is needed for 5 or more absences)
- Medical or dental appointment
- Death in the student's immediate family
- Summoned to attend in judicial proceeding
- Religious holiday
- Lawful exclusion or expulsion from school
- Failure of DC to provide transportation
- Emergency or circumstances approved by LEA
In order to be acknowledged as "excused" the student must provide a note to the attendance counselor (written or electronically) from the parent and/or guardian citing at least one of the reasons listed above.
If you have any questions please contact the office and ask to speak to Ms. Bright, or email her.
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Mark Your Calendar
February 6 (Thursday)
Principal Selection Process, 6:30 p.m. (dinner at 6 p.m.)
February 13 (Thursday)
Valentine's Day Parties, all day
February 14 (Friday)
No School, Professional Development Day
February 17 (Monday)
No school, President's Day
February 24 (Monday)
No school, Parent Teacher Conference Day
February 25 (Tuesday)
Lafayette Tour, 9:00 a.m.
February 26 (Wednesday)
Jump Rope for Heart
See full school calendar |
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From the HSA
Gayle Moseley & Hope Scheller, co-presidents
Let's start by thanking Lafayette parents Eileen Dombo & Lou Blick, Kendal & Mike McManus and Janine & Pete Boyle for hosting the Auction Wine Party this past Saturday evening. This event, while a fun opportunity for Lafayette parents to get together, also provides a wonderful array of fine wines that will be auctioned off during Lafayette's biggest fundraiser, which will take place on March 22. Many thanks to those who contributed!
As I write this over the weekend, the warmer temperatures make me think of springtime and new beginnings. I wonder what Lafayette will be like with a new Principal. Mrs. Main has been at the helm since before my oldest daughter started pre-K in Ms. Ghamarian's class. She's now a sixth-grader at Deal!
As parents and teachers, we'll need to be united, yet realistic in our vision for how Lafayette will be lead into the future. We'll be seeking guidance from parents, teachers and community members, but we're not sure how or to what extent. Dr. Melissa Ellis, Cluster IV Instructional Superintendent, and Mark Donnelly, Director of School Leader Recruitment, will be here at Lafayette on Thursday evening to share with us the steps we will go through and how we will be involved in the Principal selection process.
Don't worry about cooking dinner: at 6:00 in the cafeteria, we will have pizza for sale by the slice, which comes with salad, beverage and dessert. The meeting will begin at 6:30 and free child care is available for those who need it.
Thursday evening will be the first step in the process of hiring a new Principal for Lafayette and we hope you can join us.
--Gayle and Hope
See HSA board members
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 Jump Rope for Heart:
15th Anniversary!
Marjorie McClure, Physical Education Teacher, Grades 1-5
Jump rope for Heart has been a tradition for 15 years at Lafayette. It is a community service project that raises funds for the American Heart Association (AHA) so that they can continue with research and educational programs. It is also an opportunity for our children to learn the importance of leading a physically active life. I hope you will join in and make this a one of our best events ever.
A packet was sent home with your child last week; anything you need to know about signing up and collecting pledges are in the packet. The deadline for sending in permission slips is this Friday, February 7. Any child who would like to participate must have turned in a permission slip. These get placed in the JRFH box in the Great Hall. For those families who decide to collect pledges those are due March 12. Any money that is turned in should be placed in an envelope with your child's name and class. Please have all checks made out to the "American Heart Association". Online donations are the preferred way to participate in the fundraising, but if you need to collect checks or cash that works as well. Please try to turn all cash into checks before turning in. Ducks! This year the AHA has added the opportunity for the kids to collect some ducks. Any child who has raised $5 will receive Quacky the Duck. Parents should send in the coupon on back of the permission slip that confirms the collection of at least $5. Do not send the money now--just the coupon. Coupon days are: Friday, February 7, Wednesday, February 12 and Friday, February 21. Children will come to the gym at noon with their coupon to receive any ducks (Quacky, Ninja or Mr. Cool) they have earned so far. Please refer to the flyer to see how to earn the ducks. Also any child who has collected any money online will receive their ducks on these days as well. Please register online at www.heart.org/jump and click on register today. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer please let Ms. McClure know. Dates to remember: Friday, February 7: Permission slips due and duck coupon day Wednesday, February 12: Duck coupon day Friday, February 2: Duck coupon day Wednesday, February 26: JUMP!! March 12: Last day to turn in pledges
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Spelling Bee Was Buzzing with Bri lliance
Kathy Echave, Reading Specialist
Spelling Bee Coordinator
Despite the snow and freezing weather that forced the 2014 spelling bee to move to its alternate date, Tuesday, Jan. 28, our students did an outstanding job. Not only did 49 brave spellers show how well-prepared they were, but the audience was completely engaged in the exciting bee.
The Bee went from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. when we had to break for lunchroom set up, and STILL we didn't have a first-place winner. The final two spellers, two judges, and the pronouncer reconvened after lunch and, at last, we had our first-place winner: Linnea Byrne-Kvalsvik, a fifth grader in Ms. Jean's class.
In second and third places, respectively, were Max Fuld and Christopher O'Brien, both from Ms. Fratto's fourth grade class. Together with Linnea, they will represent Lafayette at the cluster bee which is the next leg in the journey to the Nationals. The cluster bee is scheduled for the morning of Feb. 25. Our fourth place winner, Alissa Simon, a fifth grader in Mr. Jewett's class, will study along with the three finalists for this next round and stands ready to step in should illness befall one of our winners. Lafayette could have multiple winners at the cluster bee level; each would then continue to the city-wide bee in March. That event is televised in March. A win there will move one DC speller to the National Spelling Bee in May.
A pizza party and certificates of participation are in store for all our spellers who studied so hard for two months. I'd also like to thank the dedicated teachers of the spelling bee committee who provided daily practice opportunities for the spellers since December 1, or have assisted in so many other ways. They are: Ms. Betz, Ms. Campbell, Mr. Catapano, Ms. Culver, Ms. Fratto, Ms. Hallstrom, Ms. Jean, Ms. Jensen, Mr. Jewett, Mr. King, Ms. McClanahan, Ms. Perlin, Ms. Powell, Ms. L. Shapiro, Mr. Wieand and Ms. Yedwab. Additionally, Ms. McLaughlin made the beautiful spelling bee banner for the stage. Best of all, Mr. Thurston came back to reprise his role of our intrepid pronouncer! A great crew, great students, and a great bee!
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From the Counselor's Corner
Jillian Diesner, School Counselor
News from the Oasis:
We are very fortunate to have partnerships with area universities who provide us with counseling interns. These interns are in their final semesters of becoming full-fledged school counselors, and come to us with a wealth of experience. The internship program not only provides an excellent training experience for our university students, it also allows us to offer more counseling services to students here at Lafayette. Read about our newest interns this semester:
My name is Jordan Albrite and I am completing the final semester of my Master's in Education and Human Development at the George Washington University. Previously, I graduated from the College of William and Mary with a B.A. in Psychology and Religious Studies, with hopes of pursuing a career in counseling. Before beginning my graduate studies, I spent three years teaching STEM enrichment classes and camps around DC and Northern Virginia, and developed a passion for working in educational settings with elementary-aged students. After a year of gaining experience as a school counseling intern, I am excited and honored to complete my final internship experience with the wonderful community at Lafayette Elementary!
My name is Lenore Hoover and I am completing the final semester of my Master's degree in School Counseling at the Johns Hopkins University. I am a longtime educator, having taught at John Eaton Elementary early in my career and since then in Montgomery County as an Art Teacher at the secondary level. I've earned my national certification and was recently recognized in Maryland as Career Art Educator. Throughout my career I've found creative ways to highlight the unique talents and strengths of all students. I'm thrilled to be a part of the Lafayette Elementary community which has a wonderful reputation for its collaborative efforts on behalf of all students.
Read about our interns and other exciting activities on the Counselor's Blog at www.lafayetteoasis.blogspot.com
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 Thank You !
Thank You Parent Volunteers!
A HUGE Thank You to all of the parent volunteers who have been braving the early morning cold weather to help with Lafayette's Drop Off Lane! You signed up, you bundled up, you opened car doors, helped with backpacks and all with a warm smile. :)
We thank you for your support! Without all of our volunteers - the drop off lane wouldn't happen.
-Shannon Behm & Jen Lanoff
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HSA Board Recruitment
Become a board member of the HSA--Home and School Association--your parent organization! We will be holding an informative meeting Wednesday, February 19 at 6:30 in the school cafeteria (with refreshments) for all intere sted parents. We hope to have parents from every grade to represent our Lafayette community.
For those of you who aren't familiar with it, the HSA is a parent-run, parent-supported non-profit organization that exists to bring Lafayette families, teachers, and staff together to enrich the experience of Lafayette students. There are many different leadership positions within the HSA - and ways to get involved -- there is no better way to better your child(ren)'s education. If you are interested, let us know! We'd be glad to answer any questions you have about the HSA.
Thank you, the Nominating Committee: Phoebe Millon (Giovanni and Luca's mom) 202-380-8924; Jennifer Bertsch, Julie Waterman, Courtney Corn, Chris Nusbaum, and Ellen Shurman
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Sports Extreme
The Latest Edition of Sports Extreme, Lafayette's own student-written and edited publication devoted to sports, is now available. Click here for the full-color online edition. Want to know who the Lafayette students picked to win the Super Bowl? Or get an insider's interview with an American figure skater who's skating for--Australia(?) Sports Extreme has all that and more.
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 Buy a WLES Shout Out
Have a custom message read to your child during the morning announcements. It is a great way to say "Happy Birthday," "Good Luck" or just send a fun message to your child at the beginning of the school day. Print and fill out this form, place it and a payment of $15 (checks made out to Lafayette HSA) in the WLES Shout Out box in the Great Hall. Announcements and payment must be received at least seven days prior to the announcement date. Please contact Eden Burgess for more information.
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Community Notices
New Lafayette Club
Lafayette has a new club! The One World Club is a service club for 2nd-5th graders. We believe in helping improve our community, the environment and the world through acts of kindness and awareness. Planned One World service activities include a clothing drive for Syrian refugees and an outing to an orchard to harvest fruits and vegetables for a nonprofit organization.
Our first activity will be making and delivering Valentine Friendship Cards for seniors living at the Sunrise Senior Living Center at 5111 Connecticut Avenue (corner of Conn and Nebraska). We will make the cards after school on February 5th (supplies provided) and will be visiting them on Wed. February 12 at 3:30. Join us! Meet us in the Great Hall at 3:15 on Feb. 5 to make a card. Or, you can make your own card at home, and just come to Sunrise on Feb. 12. If you plan to participate in this activity, please contact Debbie Bocian.
Lafayette Tennis
The 2014 Summer Tennis Camp registration is open.
The 2014 Spring Afterschool registration is now open.
Check www.LafayetteTennis.org.
Art Workshops
FREE after school art workshops for kids in grades K-5 at the Silver Spring Civic Building in downtown Silver Spring. Improv, sewing, comics, and more! Every Wednesday from February 5 - April 16 (NO CLASS on February 26), 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Sign up begins at 3:45 pm and is first-come, first-served. Class size is limited. Please make sure you are at the SSCB to pick up your child by 5:15 pm. The Silver Spring Civic Building is at 1 Veterans Plaza (by ice rink near corner of Ellsworth Drive & Fenton Street).
Workshops will continue every Wednesday through April 16. Click for more info. Come for one workshop or for all 10!
P/T Family-Friendly Employment Opportunity
Yankee Clippers - Hand pruning for a lush and healthy landscape - Part time position. Love being outside, in beautiful gardens? Yankee Clippers is adding creative people to our team - we train, no experience necessary. Provides great flexibility for those with children or other commitments seeking part-time work. Hours are from 9:00 - 2:00, M-F, you choose which days you work. 8 days per month minimum. Must have car. For more information please contact us through our website www.yankeeclippers.com.
Lafayette Alum Available for Babysitting
Responsible, fun-loving 13 year old Deal Middle School student and Lafayette grad available to babysit on weekend evenings (anytime-11:00pm). Experience with kids ages 4 and up; counselor helper at CCPC day camp in 2013 and watches 9-year-old brother (Lafayette 3rd grader). $7 -$8 an hour. Please call Ally Heinrich at 202-744-6646.
Nanny Available
Our stellar nanny, a U.S. citizen originally from Honduras, has been with us for 8 years but with our children in school she now needs a new position that can offer her 30-40 hours/week (single family/no shares). Contact Alix Vance for a comprehensive and enthusiastic recommendation. Willing to work in Chevy Chase (MD or DC), Bethesda, Kensington, Silver Spring, or other locations near the red line Metro and Connecticut Avenue or University Blvd. bus routes. If interested or would like more information, please contact Alix Vance or call (301) 335-1815.
House Cleaning Help Available
Our full-time child-care provider/housekeeper has been working for us for many years, but because our children are older now, she has time to take on additional clients for house cleaning work. She is honest, reliable, hard-working and a delightful employee who knows how to make a house sparkle. If you are interested in cleaning services, please give Maritza Martin a call at 703-981-7499. If you would like to speak with one of us, we'd be happy to provide a reference. Grace Lopes and Rick Seltzer--202-686-5447
Babysitter Available
Need a babysitter/nanny for the day or a few hours on February 14 and/or 24 contact Pre-K nanny [email protected]. I'm able to help out any family in need.
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Thank You Lafayette Sponsors!
These organizations support Lafayette through a generous annual donation- please support them!
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Make a Submission
Submissions for next week's issue should be emailed to [email protected]. Submissions are due by 3:15 p.m. on Friday. Submissions received after this time will be included in the following issue, unless instructed otherwise. Please keep submissions brief. Longer articles may be truncated at the editor's discretion, with a link to the full text.
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