Lafayette Elementary School
Tuesday Bulletin
hsa logo
Sept. 15, 2015            Gayle Moseley, Editor
Mark Your Calendar

Sept 15 (Tues):
6:30 pm 
HSA Board Meeting

Sept 24 (Thurs):
7:30 pm
New Parent Social

Sept 28 (Mon):

-Potomac Pizza Night

-LEP Fall Session Begins

-Spirit Week Begins
 
Oct 1 (Thu): 7:00 pm
HSA General Meeting
 
Oct 2 (Fri):
-Picture Day
-Homecoming Dance and Coat Drive (7-11pm)


From the HSA

     to Remember     
Dear Lafayette Families:
 
The HSA's September to Remember donation campaign is in full swing! Thanks to all of you who have already made your donation. Our goal this year is to raise $140K by the end of September, and we are over 50% there with little over two weeks left.  As you know, our school depends on the funds raised by the HSA in order to provide many programs and extras for our children during the school year, none of which would be possible without the generous support of our Lafayette families.  While our suggested donation levels are $1K at the "Golden  L" level, and $500 at the "HSA Family" level, we welcome donations in any amount and would like to have 100% participation for the 2015-16 school year.
 
The easiest way to learn more about the suggested donation levels, and to make your donation today is to click here.  Note that you can also pay your child(ren)'s class activity fee by accessing this link.  If you prefer to write a check, you can complete this form and drop it off in the blue box located in the Admin Office Trailer.  
 
If you have any questions or need assistance with making your donation, please contact Tonya Oliver.  
 
Thank you again for supporting the Lafayette HSA!

Picture Day is in 2� Weeks!
 
Now is the time to get Jack's hair trimmed and sort through    Maddie's wardrobe.  Class photos and individual portraits will be taken by Bethesda photographer Freed Photography on Friday, October 2. (Rain Date: Oct. 26)
 
Freed Photography operates a little differently than traditional school photographers. You do not need to fill out an order form or prepay - every student will be photographed. Students will be photographed outside using natural light and the backdrop will be various spots around the school and/or park. In approximately 2-3 weeks, you will have the opportunity to view your child's proofs online and you may order as many or as few photos as you like. If your child is absent on picture day or you do not like your child's proofs, there will be a make-up/re-take photoshoot on November 13.
 
The photographers use many different tactics to encourage your child to smile his/her most natural smile, so you may see some full-body or waist-up shots of your child - these may be cropped to show just the traditional head and shoulders pose. For a sneak peak of what to expect, please go to their website to see their portfolio.
 
Picture Day Clothing Suggestions: solid colors and simple patterns photograph best; collared shirts or polos for boys look great; avoid sweatshirts/sweatpants and t-shirts with large logos or letters. Don't let your kid be that kid up ^ there!
 
If you have any questions regarding Picture Day, please email parent volunteer Gayle Moseley or call her at 202-237-7389.
 
WANTED: Picture Day Volunteers
 
I am looking for a few parents to assist the photographers on Friday, October 2. This is a busy, but fun opportunity to help out, and you must be able to commit to a full day of work. We will be outside and on our feet most of the time. You'll be rewarded with a credit to use towards your photo order. If you would like to be a part of this team, please contact Gayle Moseley ([email protected] or 202-237-7389).
 
 
Carpool Line

The carpool line is working smoothly this year after some changes we've made. Please help us continue to make it work by signing up for September - it's an all hands on deck month. After that, we're moving to grade-specific assignments. Fifth grade will be the month of October.

Please sign up - just 15 minutes of your morning and it's a huge help! Also - if you are using the line - please pull up only where there is an adult to open the door.  Thanks!
  

Lafayette Homecoming Dance and Coat Drive

red coat
1st Annual Lafayette Homecoming Dance and Coat Drive
Friday, October 2
7:00 pm-11:00 pm

Calling all Lafayette Parents and Alums...

Throw on some BLUE AND YELLOW and get revved up for a night of fun under the Big Top for the first ever Lafayette Homecoming Dance! Show your school spirit and join us to reconnect with friends, welcome new Lafayette parents, and trade stories with alumni.

Show your dedication to community by bringing a brand-new or gently worn (and laundered) coat for DCPS students in need.

Tickets are $30 per person. Space is limited so buy your tickets now!  It's going to be a winning event for everyone!

 **Golden L members are free
 
Please Keep Our Park Clean

Due to the renovation, our kids are using Lafayette Park more than ever! It has been brought to our attention that the trashcans in the park are overflowing. DPW will not collect trash placed outside and around the trashcans. Food items attract animals and sweet stuff especially attracts bees and yellow jackets. Please be a good citizen and do not leave your garbage outside the bins. If the can is full, walk a few yards to another less full container or take it home with you. There are also dumpsters near the tennis courts and on the service road. 
  
Thank you!
Gayle Moseley
Environment Chair
  

How Could Lunch Be Better?

Take This DCPS Survey
 

Do you have opinions about the food served at Lafayette? Do your kids? This is your chance to make a difference. The DCPS Office of Food and Nutrition Services is re-bidding the district's food service contracts for 2016-2017, and their team needs parent input now to make sure their selection process incorporates the feedback and preferences of our families.  Please fill out  this survey by September 30 to share your thoughts with DCPS.

  
         

              Happy Birthday Marquis de Lafayette!

             
On Friday September 4, in honor of our namesake the Marquis de Lafayette's 258th Birthday (which is really on September 6 but that was a school holiday), the students of Lafayette celebrated with an ice cream party in the park.  Also, Courtney Corn rallied a great group of parents to come out and lead each class in singing Happy Birthday in French and English. 

Merci beacoup to our amazing parent volunteers and a special shout-out to Dr. B and the teachers for helping organize the logistics to get treats to all the kids.

This event was made possible by the HSA's Fun Committee, a group of parent and staff volunteers organized to find ways to make this year of renovation and transition fun and exciting for the kids and community. We are always looking for more Fun Committee volunteers. There is no time commitment required. We will take whatever you can give in terms of time - join us for one or many events.  Also need great ideas. Please email Eileen Dombo or Jenny Backus if you would like to be a part of the Committee. 

Thank you.  

Community Community Notices

Screen on the Lafayette Green. Come enjoy an outdoor showing of the new DreamWorks movie HOME at the 1st ever Screen on the Lafayette Green! Friday September 18 from 6pm - 8pm (new time). Bring your own blanket, chairs and food. Water and lemonade will be provided. The movie will be shown on a large screen set up on the multi-purpose lawn next to the rec center (the old tot lot). Please RSVP so I can provide DPR with an accurate number of attendees. Questions? Please contact Anslie Stokes or 202.270.1081. >>Download Flyer

Babysitter available, weekends and holidays:  Experienced, reliable and fun Wilson 9th-grader (Lafayette graduate) is available to babysit on weekends and holidays, including DCPS closure dates.   Great with kids of all ages, including very young ones.   Red Cross certified.   Also available for organizing jobs, i.e. organizing kids toys, clothes and books etc.  Please call Ellida Parker at 202-604-2121 or send a note to [email protected]

The Children's Art Studio will offer very high quality art classes for elementary school children this fall at Capital Memorial Church in Forest Hills/Van Ness. A rich variety of the best materials are used to create thoughtful, beautiful, modern projects. Class size is kept very small and taught by a professional artist with decades of teaching experience. She will be assisted by a graduate student so every child will receive one-on-one attention and care. Come see why families return year after year for our wonderful programs.  Please see their website for more information.  If you are looking for a very meaningful experience for your little one this fall please send an email with questions.

Cub Scout Pack 52 is accepting new members this month. Any boy in 1st through 5th grades can join Cub Scout Pack 52. Scouting is fun with a purpose - to raise boys who respect themselves and others and build strong character.  There is a strong showing of Lafayette students involved at all levels. Pack 52 is made up of families in NW Washington, Chevy Chase and Bethesda who want to be active in their community, enjoy the outdoors, and learn to serve the community. We're looking for boys who want to have fun learning new skills, make new friends, have adventures, and explore the outdoors. To find out more about Cub Scouts, interested parents and boys can come to JOIN SCOUT NIGHT at All Saints Episcopal Church on Tuesday, September 15 at 7 PM.  If you have any questions, please email Steve Bosak.

Thank You Lafayette Sponsors!
 
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our very generous Annual Sponsors for 2015-2016, your continued support is amazing! 
 
 

 
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