Lafayette Leopard Look Out
Lafayette Leopard Look Out
Message from the Principal
Dear Lafayette Community,
This has been a rainy month so far, so please make sure that your child has the proper outdoor weather clothes. The students had a great time with Book-O-Ween and have done a great job transitioning into the new month.
We have a lot going on this month. This week we have taproot theater assembly on Wednesday and our Veteran’s Day assembly on Friday. You are welcome to join us. Next week we will be celebrating students who were winners in the Move-A-Thon with a visit to Menchie’s on Wednesday and on November 20th students will be going to the Admiral Theater for a movie. Thank you to our PTA for everything you do!
A quick reminder that student-led conferences are this month. If you have not signed up for time, please see your child’s teacher and get signed up. We are asking that we have 100% participation. Remember that November 25th- November 29th there is no school for students.
Testing is completed and students are working on goal setting to share with you at conferences. Please contact me at 206-252-9505 or cpchaput@seattleschools.org if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Cindy
Message from the Assistant Principal
Happy November!
As the weather changes, I would like to kindly remind everyone to please remind students to bring their coats to school and wear them out to recess! Umbrellas are also allowed, and it is a good idea for them to bring a change of clothes, just in case. We really do go outside almost every day, regardless of the weather.
Please remind students that if they are having a conflict with peers, they should first try to ask the other person to stop. If that doesn’t work, they should seek help from an adult.
We are looking forward to the Veteran’s Day assembly on Friday, the 8th. Students will have a day off on Monday the 11th to recognize Veteran’s Day.
This month, teachers will be holding student-led conferences. Please keep an eye out for scheduling information from your classroom teacher and remember that there is no school for students on the 25-29th of November.
Please reach out with any questions or concerns!
Thank you for your support!
Mr. B
Music Update from Mr. Payne
Hello Lafayette Families!
I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe!
As October comes to an end and we step into the month of November, there are many things we will be continuing and adding in Music.
At the end of each month, we will be learning about a new country in my world music unit. This gives the students the opportunity to learn about different countries, cultures, music and about a variety of instruments. It is a great way for our students to learn about the world and have incredible discussions about what they hear and see in the music. We ended October learning about the Philippines, voted on by Ms. Ramsey’s 5th Grade.
Asia
The Philippines is an archipelago, or a string of over 7,600 islands, in southeastern part of Asia between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
The Culture
- The culture of the Philippines comprises a blend of traditional Filipino and Spanish traditions, with influences from America and other parts of Asia. The Philippines are family oriented and often religious with an appreciation for art, fashion, music and food.
- The connection and care for others is an important aspect in the culture from the Philippines. The care for family, and friends is held strong in their beliefs, which are formed by two traits to understand:
- Pakikisama- roughly means “getting along” or “Fellowship”
- Utang na Loob- Paying back one favor with another.
These traits emphasize the importance of maintaining pleasant relationships and putting the needs of the group ahead of the individual.
The Music
- Traditional music from the Philippines include pieces of various styles and genres. There is a large variety of influence that creates the style we hear in the music from the Philippines.
- The music and compositions are often a mixture of different Asian, Spanish, Latin American, American, and indigenous influences.
Indigenous Music: “Gong Music” which can be divided into two types:
- Flat gong or commonly known as gangsa. Played in the Cordillera region. (Northern part of the Philippines).
The Music: Gangsa- Flat Gong
Bossed gongs
“Kulintang” A row of small, horizontally laid gongs that function melodically, and accompanied by larger, suspended gongs and drums. Played in the Southern parts of the Philippines.
Music influenced by Spain
Rondalla- Traditional string orchestra. Comprising of two-stringed instruments such as the Bandura and Laud, a guitar, a bass and often a drum.
The Music: Rondalla
The Music: Dabakan
The Music
Music influenced by Spain
Tinikling – A music and dance that traditionally involves two individual performers hitting bamboo poles, using them to beat, tap, and slide on the ground, in co-ordination with one or more dancers who steps over and in between the bamboo poles.
We will be continuing instrument playing from the month of October, learning new songs, creative rhythms and expanding our knowledge of music techniques. We will also continue to learn about the theory of music through studying rhythmic and melodic patterns and notation identification.
If you have any questions, please email me at sapayne@seattleschools.org
Thank you for all your support!
-Mr. Payne
Physical Education
Hello Wonderful Lafayette Community,
In October, we did our first segment of fitness measurements for the school year. Grades k-2 begin familiarizing themselves with the movement skills necessary to perform the fitness measurements. Grades 3-5 record data on their performance of the skills. Below you will find a sample of the measurement sheet I send home with each student in grades 3-5. These measurements are an indicator for growth and improvement in the areas of flexibility, cardiorespiratory endurance, and muscular strength/endurance.
For November, I will introduce Ultimate to the students. When we first learn the game in the gym I use a ball, and later we incorporate a disc. We will be looking for any parents interested in helping coach Lafayette’s Ultimate team this year! They play from late February to May. Please e-mail me if you have any interest!
The Family Challenge this month is to do 5-10 minutes of stretching or yoga at home with your families at least 5 days a week.
Thank you,
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,
The question I am asked daily by my K-2 students is: “Are we painting our clay today?” I will be bisque firing K-2 clay pieces in the next few days and then students can glaze their projects. Once they are glazed, I will fire them again and when cool enough, send them home. Fourth grade students will have to wait a little longer for their pieces to dry before I can bisque fire them. I will be running down to Seattle Pottery soon for more clay. Once I get the K-2 and fourth grade clay projects out the door, third and fifth grades will make a clay creation.
Fifth grade is wrapping-up their still life drawing. This drawing includes an artist statement, self-assessment and a rubric that I fill-out. I will use the student self-assessment to guide my drawing instruction. All other grades and some fifth-grade students have finished or are finishing a Frida Kahlo inspired self-portrait that includes an animal and background. This week K-2 students are also creating a Mexican tissue paper flower. Next week, we will learn about Diwali and make paper lanterns.
Thank you for all the support to the Art program!
Best,
Mrs. Bajaj
Multilingual Families
Welcome (back) to Lafayette!
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
Families, beginning in October, we will have time allotted after dropping off your student where I invite families into our classroom in P-33 on Thursdays from 8:00-8:30 AM. I am here to help understand (while I learn as well) the school system, curricula, and even extra-curricular activities offered by our school, PTA, and around our city here in Seattle. I will make another announcement before we start, but families have found the information resourceful, and I invite you to come whether you’re a multilingual family or not.
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
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
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Counselor’s Corner
I hope everyone is feeling more settled into the school year and routines are falling into place.
During most of my time at Lafayette, I taught in every classroom, every other week. Last year, I only taught K-2 classes. The reason for this change is that our teachers teach SEL (social emotional learning) every day for 30 minutes and it is also imbedded in lessons throughout the school day. I heard someone say recently that SEL is not a curriculum, it is a way we interact with each other and our world; I could not agree more. Given this belief, we made the decision to shift my time and focus to supporting kids individually and in small groups.
It has been beneficial for me and the students to have a more open schedule, one that allows me to be more available when kids need extra support. Students pop-in because (for whatever reason) they are needing a little extra support – maybe there is a big change happening at home, maybe they need ideas on how to navigate a problem they are having with a friend or on the playground, or maybe they are feeling anxious about something that is going on in their lives. Often times, it only takes a short check in to help kids feel seen, heard, or help them problem solve around a challenge they are experiencing.
I share all that to not only give you a glimpse of what I do to support your kids, but also to tell you that giving kids an opportunity to feel seen, heard and supported is sometimes all they need to overcome a challenge. Make time to really focus on them. Schedule time each day/week to put away phones and other distractions and really be present. Practice active listening – repeat back to your child what you hear them say. Ask questions. Be a safe space for them to share their feelings. All of these “little” things really add up and show our kids that we care about them and are here to love and support them.
If you have any questions, or if I can support your child or family in any way, please reach out! I am at school on Monday, Tuesday, and half day on Wednesday. My email address is kmhart@seattleschools.org.
Warmly,
Kenna Hart, School Counselor at Lafayette
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.
Stay Home when Sick.
We are seeing an increase in the number of respiratory illnesses being reported at Lafayette. 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.or) 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
Get your Flu and Covid-19 Vaccines
Information on SPS sponsored Flu and Covid-19 vaccine clinics
Head Lice Information
Fall is often the time that we start to see cases of head lice at school. Please 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. Information about lice from Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Alison Angell, MSN, RN (she/her)
School Nurse, Health Services
ahangell@seattleschools.org
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
Library News
Global Reading Challenge (GRC) is a reading program for 4th & 5th graders. GRC will begin on November 1st when the titles are announced and become available for check out. Student wanting to join GRC should complete a registration form. Forms are due to the Librarian on October 11th. Students are asked to finish 2 books by the start of Winter Break to join a team or be placed on a wait list. The school Library will have a GRC cart of books available for check out. Or visit the West Seattle Public Library to find copies of this year’s titles.
A belated THANK YOU to the Library Refresh CREW that spent the day decorating the Library before the end of the last school year. The students and staff have given their “double thumbs up” for the wonderful feeling within the space. Thank you: Nikki Rice & Lizzy Courdeau coordinators, David Malki, Sarah Rice, Nicole Crevier, Dana Rogalski and any others that were part of that day!
For School Age Kids and Adults Who Support Them:
Virtual Tutoring: K – 12 students in Seattle can get free virtual tutoring from Tutor.com with a Library card or Library Link number. Available in English, Spanish (español) and Vietnamese (tiếng Việt). Learn more about Seattle Public Library Virtual Tutoring.
Important Dates
- Sunday, Nov. 3rd – Daylight Saving Time Ends
- Tuesday, Nov. 5th – Election Day
- Wednesday, Nov. 6th – Tap Root Assembly “ROCKS”
- Thursday, Nov. 7th – 4th graders to The Klondike Gold Rush Museum
- Friday, Nov. 8th – Veterans Day Assembly
- Monday, Nov. 11th – Veterans Day – No School
- Tuesday, Nov. 12th – PTA sponsored Mioposto Dine Out
- Wednesday, Nov. 13th – Move A Thon students to Menchies
- Wednesday, Nov. 20th – Move A Thon students to Admiral Theatre
- Friday, Nov. 22nd – 2nd graders to The Pacific Science Center
- Nov. 25th – 27th – Student Led-Conferences
- Nov. 25th -29th – No School for students