I can't believe Spring Break is less than a week away! I think we can finally put winter and snow storms behind us. Cherry Blossoms are coming, and before you know it, we'll be discussing summer break, pool time and family vacations.

 

Last fall we announced that after careful discussion, security updates would be taking place at the school. The front door buzzer was moved to a more strategic location, the LAP & gymnasium doors were fitted with more secure entry systems, and the lighting around the school was placed on timers and became motion sensitive. For the trailers outside of the main school building, we are happy to announce that when we return from Spring Break, the trailers and the side door will be locked, and only accessible via a card swipe system.

 

As our building physically becomes more secure, we'd like to  remind parents of a couple of important school policies. In the morning, children should line up at the designated place for their class on the school grounds. During inclement weather, children should line up in the appropriate spot inside the building. With the exception of Pre-K and Kindergarten, children dropped off on Northampton should not expect to enter the building through the early childhood doors. All children 1^st grade and up should make their way to their class line-up area. Parents should not enter the building at any time between 8:00AM & 8:45AM, unless it is to visit the front office, or for a previously scheduled and approved reason. Any time you enter the building, please remember to visit the security desk to sign both in and out.

 

The Principal Selection Committee has met several times, and we have developed a list of questions (now being reviewed by DCPS) for potential candidates. Although we were hoping the interviews would take place sooner, it now looks like interviews will happen in late April, early May.

 

The School Improvement Team (SIT) has met twice to discuss the upcoming modernization of Lafayette, and is currently discussing the Education Specifications required in all PK-5^th grade DC Public Schools. The "new" Lafayette will have enough space to accommodate 850 students with five classroom spaces for each grade. Architects have submitted their bids and DGS is hoping to make a choice by the end of April. The SIT will continue to meet over the next several months and there will be opportunities for the entire community to weigh in at upcoming community meetings. We will keep you posted as new information and community meeting dates becomes available.

 

Interested in joining the HSA Board? We are looking for a few good men and women! Almost every position on the Board is open for candidates, and all parents are encouraged. It's a great way to participate in the school in a meaningful way.  Follow this link for more information and to sign up.  If you have questions, email Phoebe Cervigni.

 

Have a great week!

Interested in joining the lafayette board? Please sign up on our genius account here. 

There are two hospitality positions open to Lafayette parents. Hospitality chairs coordinate and set up the refreshments for HSA Board and General Meetings and several annual Lafayette events such as Welcome Back Coffee, Back to School Night, Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, Field Day and End of Year Teachers' Lunch.

If all slots are filled and you'd like to run for that position, please contact Phoebe Cervigni Millon.

Security News and Drop Off Protocol

Mrs. Main

A new card scanning system is being installed on the trailers and the outside door of the school leading to that area. All access to the trailers and the building near them will be done using this scan system.

 

After the long winter it is time to remember where your morning drop off points are around the building.  These were designed to reduce the congestion in entering and leaving the school but with such a bitter winter many of you have been cutting through the building.  No more. Having so many people enter the building through so many doors really negates any security procedures we have in place.

 

So -- PK and K children using the car drop off lanes use the Northampton doors.  Older students using the drop lanes will be directed to go to the back of the building where their lines are located.

 

PK students in rainbow, yellow and blue base use the Northampton doors.  Lime base sudents use the early childhood playground.

 

K children who walk use these entrances:  Green Base enters the door facing Broad Branch Road, Red and Orange Bases enter through the early childhood playground, Purple and Pink Bases enter the doors facing Broad Branch Road in the south wing of the old building.

 

Grades 1-4 line up behind the school.  Their line up locations are immediately behind the wing or trailer where their classroom is located.

 

Grade 5 lines up on the green top by the blue and yellow playground. 

 

For those of you who persist in walking your children to their classrooms, let me assure you that the children at Lafayette are just as intelligent as the millions of children all over America who ride buses to school and somehow manage to find their classrooms without parental assistance.  If your intent is to provide a few more minutes of quality time, come home earlier in the evening.  Because none of this is the policy of your principal. This is the policy of DCPS. You cannot walk your child to a classroom. All visitors including parents entering a school must come to the main office, sign in and state your reason for being in the school.  I'm bombarded with questions about security almost everyday. This is what it looks like.  This is what is should be.  Now you all need to play your part. 

 

   

Walk for the Cure - Diabetes

Nurse Cockrell

I just want to remind everyone that the Walk for the Cure is Wednesday April 9, starting at 2:15 on Lafayette school grounds.  All participants are strongly encouraged to wear a hat of their choice: favorite team, wacky hat, favorite character!

Popcicles will be provided at the end of the walk, and the class raising the most money wins a party with movie and popcorn!

The lost and found (back in the corner on the way to the music room) will be emptied and all items donated to charity over spring break. Please check before then to see what items might belong to you! Thanks.

   

  

These organizations support Lafayette through a generous annual donation- please support them!

Learn more about becoming a Lafayette sponsor.

 

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