Lafayette Leopard Look Out
Lafayette Leopard Look Out
Message from the Principal
Dear Lafayette Community,
May is here and testing has started. Students are working on the Smarter Balance (SBA), MAP, Dibels, curriculum embedded assessments, etc. this month. Please be sure that your student gets a good night sleep and a healthy breakfast. Remember that we serve breakfast daily starting at 7:30am. They are working really hard!
Thanks to everyone, especially Nikki Rice and Arianna Gervasio for all their work on the auction. What a wonderful evening! It was really fun to see all the emerald outfits and accessories. I know everyone had a great time! It truly takes a village to support all of our students, and we appreciate your leadership with the auction. Also, we appreciate everyone’s generosity for this event. Thank you!
Please remember that parent input for next year’s teacher went out and are due back May 15th. We will be putting classes together the first week of June, and value your input. Students will receive a postcard with their teacher’s name in August.
We have lots of events coming up so please check with your student’s teacher for field trip and other special events that are happening. Each day is very full and we want to make sure that students do not miss out. Our field day is Friday, June 13th and it is lots of fun! Our last day of school this year is on Wednesday, June 18th at 1:25pm.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns by emailing me at cpchaput@seattleschools.org or calling 206-252-9500.
Sincerely,
Cindy
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Message from the Assistant Principal
Happy May!
As the weather gets nicer and we draw ever closer to the end of the year, we continue to focus on being good sports at recess and using words to solve problems. Please remind your student to get adult help if needed!
In conjunction with an increase in sunshine, our lost and found pile is rapidly growing. We are going to donate items on Friday May 16th. Please come by and look for missing jackets, hats, gloves, water bottles, etc.
We are moving through state and district testing this month. Please look to your teacher communications for information about when these will occur.
Our auction was fantastic! Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make that happen and all of the families and businesses that donated items. We greatly value your continued support of Lafayette!
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns!
Best-
Tom Baisden, M.Ed. (he, him)
Assistant Principal
Lafayette Elementary
206-252-9540 (office)
206-713-8052 (cell)
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Music Update from Mr. Payne
Hello Lafayette!
I hope everyone is doing well as we step our way into May!
In music, our primary focus has been preparing our songs for the end of the year concerts. The students have been working really hard and are sounding fantastic!
Here are some details for each concert:
- Kindergarten- Tuesday June 3rd, 6:00-6:30 pm
- First Grade- Tuesday June 3rd, 6:45-7:15 pm
- Second Grade- Tuesday June 3rd, 7:30-8:00 pm
- Third Grade- Tuesday, June 10, 6:00-6:30 pm
- Fourth Grade- Tuesday, June 10, 6:45-7:15 pm
- Fifth Grade- Tuesday, June 17th, 1:00 pm (During 5th Grade premotion)
This information with a few more details will be sent to each grade level teacher to send out to families next week.
We are also continuing our work on note and rhythmic identification, and melodic patterns as well with the upper classes. The students are learning this so that they may develop a better understanding of note names, note value, and sol-fa syllables and how they all connect together. We will also continue our music from around the world, so that the students can experience different instruments, sounds and traditional music from different countries.
If you have any questions, please email me at sapayne@seattleschools.org
Thank you for all your help and support!
-Mr. Payne
Physical Education
Hello Wonderful Lafayette Community,
May 7th is Bike to School Day!! We just finished up our strider and bicycles unit strong with many new bike riders and most of our students’ using pedals on the strider bikes. Our Leopards have the skills and knowledge to participate in Bike to School Day and I hope I see many of you joining in!
The next couple weeks of PE will be a mix of group games that will help us improve on a variety of movement skills and promote positive social interactions with our classmates during a variety of challenging activities and games. After that we will finish our last set of fitness measurements and use the information to set goals for summer exercise and activity!
I hope everyone is staying active together with their families!
Sincerely,
Shawn Cudney
He/Him/His
Physical Education Specialist
Monday- Friday (8:00 am – 3:30 pm)| Book an appointment
Lafayette Elementary School | SPS | Seattle, WA
Fine Arts
Dear Lafayette Families,
I’m looking ahead at the coming weeks in Art and it’s busy! All students are getting ready an art piece to display in the Lafayette Art Show! Because June is a busy month at school, the Art Show will be at the same time as the End of the Year Music Concerts. Arrive at Lafayette ten minutes early and see the Art!
Students have been busy creating art and writing artist statements. It will be great for students to celebrate their art. My Kindergarten students have created thoughtful scribble art that is a beautiful use of line, shape and color. My first-grade students have created shapes using overlapping outlined hands. My second and third grade students have created imaginative cityscapes. Fourth and fifth grade students have selected an artwork from their portfolios.
Third grade is hard at work on their animal masks. They have completed two papier mache sessions, some students will be moving on to painting this week. Thank you for all of the recycling donations, the kids had so many fun supplies to choose from.
Fifth grade will be starting their Dream diorama next week. We need more shoe boxes for this project. So far, we have 46 shoe boxes and need 86. If you have a shoe box, consider donating it to the Art room!
It’s all so much fun! Thank you for all of the volunteers and support!
Best,
Mrs. Bajaj
Multilingual Families
Hello!
I am Traci Hogrefe, our school’s multilingual learner teacher. You may see me around school helping all students and families at our school.
Please connect with me if you are interested in our newsletters that are sent out. Many of the topics that we cover in the newsletter can be helpful to any new family in the area or to Seattle Public Schools. Please reach out to me so I can add you to our distribution list. tdhogrefe@seattleschools.org
We are completing WIDA testing during the month of March. Families participating in WIDA testing will receive results in the mail in the summer. After testing is completed, our program will be back working with students, families, and teachers. You will receive a message when we begin our “Hello Thursdays” support for families on Thursday mornings. Happy spring!
Here are some helpful resources:
PTA
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at Lafayette is another support that helps you get involved in the community. They are a wonderful resource and offer scholarships as well as connections to community events and activities. You do not need to join as a member to receive newsletters or be part of activities. Please let me know if you need support.
English Language Arts (ELA)
In 2016, Seattle Public Schools adopted English language arts instructional materials created by Center for the Collaborative Classroom for reading and writing instruction in grades Kindergarten – 5th. This includes reading, writing, and oral communication. This all happens in the classroom.
Mathematics (Math)
enVision Math 2020 Common Core has been adopted as the K-5 math instructional material starting in the 2022-23 school year. Students can access SavvasRealize, the digital content for enVision, through the Seattle Public Schools student portal (Clever). Here is Seattle enVision Community Support Video
Math Information in Vietnamese
Need support understanding your child’s math? Go to Bounce Pages and aim your camera at their schoolwork.
You can find videos in English and in Spanish to support your understanding of what they are learning.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
At Lafayette, we use several programs to support Social Emotional Learning, including:
Learn more about Social Emotional Learning at Seattle Public Schools
Science
We use amplify science curriculum.
Assessments
Besides classroom assessments, we also have district and state assessments. Information about assessments at Seattle Public schools.
Have a great school year!
Traci Hogrefe (pronounce)
she/her
Multilingual Teacher & Interventionist
Multilingual at Seattle Public Schools
Lafayette & Alki Elementary Schools | Seattle Public Schools
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Counselor’s Corner
Hello Lafayette Families!
Happy Mother’s Day! Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Happy Mental Health Month! With so much going on in our world, let’s remember to celebrate and enjoy life!
Positive Self Talk for Test Anxiety
“i know I’m going to fail” vs “I don’t know what will happen, but I can try my best.”
“I don’t understand this, so I’m giving up.” vs “I can do hard things I will keep trying.”
“I’m not as smart as other people.” vs “Everyone has different strengths, but with practice I can get better!”
There is also a lot going on at this point in the school year. Students are starting to feel the excitement of the rapidly approaching end of the year, while also managing their emotions and anxiety around standardized testing. This is a great time to talk to your child about how to manage test anxiety. Here are few easy tips:
- Talk about what to expect
- Boost confidence with test taking strategies
- Teach positive self-talk for test anxiety
- Identify coping skills students can use during the test
It is also a busy time for parents and families – balancing work and life’s obligations with lots of end of the school year activities and spring sports. I encourage you to take time to celebrate life’s joys – whether it’s a walk on a sunny afternoon, enjoying a warm cup of tea in the crisp morning, hearing someone you love laugh, or celebrating all the mamas in your life that lift you up and support you – take the time to notice these joyful events and practice gratitude.
In the spirit of celebrating Mother’s Day, I am going to end on a personal note. Here is a picture of my beautiful children from many years ago (they are now 19, 17 and 14).
Warmly,
Kenna Hart, School Counselor at Lafayette
She/her/hers
Monday, Tuesday and half day on Wednesday
Health Room News
Hello! My name is Alison Angell, and I am the school nurse at Lafayette Elementary for this school year. I am at Lafayette on Tuesdays and alternating Wednesdays/Fridays. Please call or email me if you have any health concerns for your child. Health Office: 206-252-9507; Email: ahangell@seattlschools.org. For urgent concerns please call the main office: 206-252-9500.
Clothes for the Health Office
We are in need of gently used or new leggings, sweatpants, and socks for the health office. We have been quickly running though these items on these wet days and can use all sizes, especially larger sizes 10-12. Thank you!
Hearing Screenings
Students in grades K, 1, 2, 3 & 5 will continue their annual hearing screenings in March. If you have any questions about your child’s hearing, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Stay Home when Sick
Please remind students to wash their hands and cover their coughs!
Call or email the school attendance line 206-252-9502 or lafayette.attendance@seattleschools.org and keep your child home when they show signs of:
- Fever (100.4 or higher) or chills (can return to school with no fever within the past 24 hours without medication)
- Cough (new, changed, or worsening)
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea, vomiting, or Diarrhea (can return to school if no vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours)
- Unknown rash
For updated guidance on Respiratory Illness from SPS, including advise on when to return to school. Updated guidance on Respiratory Illness from SPS, including advise on when to return to school
Department of Health information about Flu, including Flu and Covid vaccine information
Immunizations
Being fully immunized is important to keep all our students and staff safe and healthy. Some immunizations are required for continued attendance at school. Students may be excluded if their immunizations are not up to date.
If you received a letter from Seattle Public School’s Health Services letting you know that your student’s immunization status was ‘conditional,’ meaning your student is missing required vaccinations to attend school, please help us update your records. You can provide the missing immunization information directly to your school nurse.
Seattle Public Schools uses the Washington state Immunization Information System (WAIIS) to track a student’s compliance. Access this immunization registry.
Head Lice Information
Please help keep lice from spreading at school! Be sure to check your student for any signs/symptoms of lice infestation and see this important information:
- Signs & Symptoms – itching, tickling feeling of something moving in the hair, live lice and eggs (nits) attached to hair roots, sores or scratch marks on head caused by scratching.
- Transmission – direct head-to-head contact or via personal articles (hats, combs, clothing, etc.). Lice cannot jump, hop or fly, and cannot live away from a human host.
- What to Do if Lice Present – Notify School (and parents of friends your child might have had close contact with), begin treatment, and continue to come to school.
- Resources – There are drugstore over-the-counter products as well as lice salons that remove lice. Whichever route you choose, be sure to be vigilant and follow all instructions. Getting rid of lice often involves more than one treatment. Helpful information about lice from Seattle Children’s Hospital
Alison Angell, MSN, RN (she/her)
School Nurse, Health Services
Regional School Nurse Coordinator
Cell Phone: 206-639-8782
Lafayette Elementary
Tuesdays, alt. Wednesdays, alt. Fridays, 7:30-3pm
Phone: 206-252-9507, Main Office: 206-252-9500, Fax: 206-252-9501
Alki Elementary
Alt. Wednesdays, Thursdays 7:30-3pm
Phone: 206-252-9057, Main Office: 206-252-9050, Fax: 206-252-9051
ahangell@seattleschools.org
Library News
This month the K-2nd graders will cast their votes for their favorite Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book (WCCPBA) they’ve heard this year. Using these books students have explored and learned about a variety of subjects and genres. View the video presenting this year’s story presenting this year’s story nominees.
Last year, there were 504 Washington State schools that participated and 116,953 students cast their votes for their favorite story. With 17,783 votes, Hamsters Make Terrible Roommates by Cheryl Klein was the 2024 Winner.
The month of May will be our final library check out for the year. All books should be returned during their final Library class between Thursday, May 29th through Friday, June 6, 2025. Email notices will be sent to families for missing books the following week.
The K-2nd graders are participating in the Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award (WCCPBA) by listening to a variety of books and will be voting for their favorite. Click the link to view Presenting this years Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award nominees presenting this year’s nominees. Using these books students will explore and learn about a variety of topics and genres. We are currently learning about Biographies and discovered why pianist Mahani Teave is a special person to know about creating the Rapa Nui School of Music & Arts.
In Partnership,
Linda Nakagawa
School Librarian
Important Dates
- Wednesday, May 7th – Kindergarten performs “The Barnyard Moosical”
- Thursday, May 8th – PTA is hosting Talent Show 6pm – 8:30pm
- Friday, May 9th – PTA is hosting Talent Show 6pm – 8:30pm
- Wednesday, May 14th – 4th graders leave for Camp Colman
- Friday, May 16th – 4th graders return from Camp Colman
- Friday, May 16th – 1st graders Earth & Sun workshop
- Friday, May 16th – 3rd graders to Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook
- Friday, May 23rd – 3rd graders to The Seattle Children’s Theatre
- Monday, May 26th – No School – Memorial Day
- Monday, June 2nd – 4th grade to The Museum of Flight
- Tuesday, June 3rd – End of the year concert K: 6pm – 6:30pm 1st grade: 6:45pm- 7:15pm 2nd grade: 7:30pm – 8pm
- Wednesday, June 4th – Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
- Friday, June 6th – 10am EIM Concert
- Friday, June 6th – 2nd grade to The UW Botanic Gardens