Lafayette Leopard Look Out
Lafayette Leopard Look Out
Message from the Principal
Dear Lafayette Community,
Unbelievable that we are at the end of the year. I want to thank all of our volunteers for the fabulous they have done this year serving our students. We are done with testing and students are enjoying the extra fun activities. Please check with your student’s teacher for a schedule of field trips and end of year parties.
We have finished our class placement and as you know these are drafts. You will be receiving a postcard with your child’s teacher on it the last week of August. Appreciate your patience with this.
I wish all a fun and fabulous summer!
Sincerely,
Cindy
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Message from the Assistant Principal
Hello Lafayette! Happy June!
I would like to wish a happy Pride Month to all our LGBTQ+ families and students!
We made it to June and the sun is out, at least sometimes! We will take it whenever possible!
I would like to second Principal Chaput in thanking our amazing PTA and all school volunteers for all the wonderful things they have done and continue to help Lafayette run smoothly! It really does take a village, and we greatly appreciate your support!
I decided there were too many items in the lost and found pile to donate. Please look through the items during the music performances and art show this week and next, as all of it will be donated in the last week of school!
As we wrap up this year, I would like to say that I feel so appreciative to work in such a fantastic school and wonderful community! I appreciate the teachers, staff and community so much, and I am greatly looking forward to returning next year!
Wishing you all a fantastic summer!
Best-
Tom Baisden M.Ed.
Assistant Principal
206-713-8052 (school cell)
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Music Update from Mr. Payne
Hello Lafayette!
I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the beautiful weather as the end of the year draws near!
We have our incredible end of the year concerts coming soon!
Here are all the dates and times for each grade level concert:
Kindergarten- June 3rd 6:00-6:30 p.m.
1st Grade- June 3rd 6:45-7:15 p.m.
2nd grade– June 3rd 7:30-8:00 p.m.
3rd grade– June 10th 6:00-6:30 p.m.
4th grade– June 10thth 6:45-7:15 p.m.
5th grade– June 17th during 5th grade promotion
If you have any questions about the concerts, please email me at sapayne@seattleschools.org
After the concerts, we will be continuing our learning on music from around the world, practicing rhythmic and melodic symbols, and discussing plans for next year.
Thank you again for all your help and support this year! And have a great summer break!
Best,
Mr. Payne
Physical Education
Hello Wonderful Lafayette Community,
We are at the home stretch with two and a half weeks of school left! We are finishing up fitness measurements and the 5th grade cognitive assessment in this time. We are also preparing for our staff vs. 5th grade kickball game and field day.
For PE in June, we will continue to practice and perform a variety of activities and games that promote personal health and fitness. I always suggest that students think about their summer fitness plan and communicate how they will make sure they get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day and make progress towards their fitness goals.
I suggest all families discuss their fitness goals together and make a summer fitness plan together. Have a great summer and be ready to get back to work with me in the gym when school starts back up!
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,
The students have been hard at work creating Art for our Art shows. Please arrive 15 minutes before your child’s music concert to view the art.
K-2 Art Show is scheduled for June 3rd
Grades 3 and 4 Art Show is scheduled for June 10th
Fifth grade student’s art will be on display before Promotion: 12:30, June 17th
Students have been so busy preparing art. The third and fifth grade students have used gallons of paint creating their masks and dioramas. It has been messy and unforgettable fun! Fourth grade students have created self-directed masterpieces. Kindergarten and First grade have expressed themselves by creating Abstract art. Second grade students have created imaginative cityscapes. I look forward to showcasing their fabulous work!
I have a few odds and ends and one third grade class’s clay projects to fire in the kiln. I’m hoping to do that next Friday. You will start to see a lot of work coming home, I hope you all take time to celebrate the work of your children, I am so proud of all that they have created in Art class this year!
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!
During the month of June, we are reflecting on our school year, celebrating our accomplishments, practicing gratitude towards those who helped us along the way and looking towards our future – summer and next school year!
Here are some ideas on how to help your child(ren) through the transition from school to summer:
- Post a visual calendar for the family
- Balance activity with downtime
- Create a schedule or daily routine – include some time for reading, practicing skills, physical activity
- Develop a plan for managing screen time
- Stick to a behavior system
- Help keep students connected to classmates and friends
Lafayette’s Counseling Team is also going through a transition.
I have decided not to return to Lafayette next year. I have truly LOVED being your school counselor these past seven years; it’s certainly been a very interesting ride with school shutting down because of Covid, remote learning, navigating coming back to school, all of the social and political movements, and how much our student population has grown.
As many of you know, I have three teens of my own. I have found it increasingly difficult to be able to balance the needs of school with the needs of my own family. I am really going to miss being here. Kristin Dickerson, our other school counselor that started in January is returning! Ms. Kristin is available on Wednesday mornings, Thursdays and Fridays. Kristin’s email address is ksdickerson@seattleschools.org. We will also be hiring a second .5 school counselor that will work my current schedule of Mondays, Tuesdays and half day on Wednesdays.
Warmly,
Kenna Hart, School Counselor
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.
Don’t Forget the Bike Helmet!
Summer is just around the corner and that means kids are out and having fun. And while we are all so excited to see everyone outdoors, moving and having fun, let’s make sure we stay safe!
Tips for Fitting a Bike Helmet
Eyes / Helmet Position – Your helmet should sit level on your head and low on your forehead – one or two finger widths above your eyebrows.
Ears / Side Straps – Adjust the slider on both side straps to form a V-shape under and slightly in front of each ear.
Mouth / Final Fit – Does your helmet fit right? Open your mouth wide…big yawn! The helmet should pull down on the head.
Water Safety
Unintentional drowning is one of the leading causes of injury-related deaths amongst children aged 14 or younger. With warmer weather approaching, there are some things families can do to keep children safe when being around water. Always supervise children when they are around water and keep a close distance. Drowning can happen quickly, so it’s important to be able to reach the child in a matter of seconds. Wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, especially for small children or any swimmers in natural water or water sports. Life jackets need to properly fit the user, check the label on the life jacket for weight and size limits.
Sun Safety
While spending time outdoor has many benefits including more exercise, reducing stress, and getting vitamin D, too much sun exposure can also be harmful. The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can penetrate your skin cause damage. Too much exposure to UV rays can also increase your risk of skin cancer which is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. UV rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. so if you plan on going outside during this time, there are several ways you can protect yourself from the sun. This includes staying in a shaded area, wearing hats and clothing that will cover your head and body, wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes, and applying sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher before you go outside.
Annual Wellness Visit
Summer is a great time to schedule a yearly check-up with your child’s pediatrician!
At this appointment your child’s provider will:
- Review and update immunizations
- Check vision and hearing
- Complete school forms required for the fall (medication authorizations, sports physicals etc…)
- Discuss your child’s exercise, nutrition and school performance
Make your appointment now and beat the fall rush!
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
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
- Monday, June 2nd – 4th grade to The Museum of Flight
- Tuesday, June 3rd – End of the Year Concert and Art Display K: 6pm – 6:30pm 1st grade: 6:45pm- 7:15pm 2nd grade: 7:30pm – 8pm
- Wednesday, June 4th – Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast 8am
- Friday, June 6th – 10am EIM Concert
- Friday, June 6th – 2nd grade to The UW Botanic Gardens
- Tuesday, June 10th – Focus Class to Lincoln Park
- Tuesday, June 10th – Pre-School Promotion (AM) & (PM)
- Tuesday, June 10th – End of the Year Concert and Art Display 3rd grade: 6pm – 6:30pm 4th grade: 6:45pm- 7:15pm
- Thursday, June 12th – 3rd grade to The Alki Log House
- Thursday, June 12th – Kindergarten Promotion 1:15pm
- Friday, June 13th – Field Day 8am-2:15pm
- Monday, June16th – Kindergarten & 1st grade to The Woodland Park Zoo
- Monday, June 16th – 5th grade to Southgate Roller Rink
- Tuesday, June 17th – 5th grade Promotion
- Wednesday, June 18th – Last Day of School – School is dismissed at 1:25pm