Principal News

Learning Something New

Dear families,

" Experience is a hard teacher  because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward." That is true for many things -- and the recent evacuation at the Oak campus is no exception.  

First, I want to tell you again how well all of our students behaved. But one thing we learned is that many of our students do not know their phone numbers nor do they know how to use a desk phone. They are used to hitting speed dial on a cell phone and that is it. Unfortunately, the students had to leave cells phone behind. Staff had phones but students did not know their phone numbers. We had intermittent internet access so we didn't have access to the school database because we were either at the park or the parking lot of Research Medical Center, Brookside campus. Please make sure your student has important phone numbers memorized. Also, give them an opportunity to learn how to use a desk phone.

Remember: Boo Bayou is this weekend, Oct. 22, at the Cherry campus. I understand Leslie Kohlmeyer still needs volunteers to make this a fun event for all. You can sign up to help using Sign-Up Genius. Fall parties are Friday, October 28 at both campuses.  

Enjoy your weekend!

Leslie Houfaidi

Oak Principal, 4th-5th grade

In This Edition: 

• Picture Day
• AL High School Fair
• Holiday Art Market
• Generations Day
• Oak Auditorium Closed
• Cherry after-school clubs
• Special AL Spiritwear
• PTSO
• Events
• Accepting Funding requests
• $10,000 Raffle
• Fruit Cart
• Basketball
• 4th & 5th Grade
• Middle School

calendar

Upcoming Events

Info Sharing

It's Picture Time!

All students will be photographed on Picture Day for the yearbook.  Students should wear casual clothes. You can order online at MyLifeTouch.com. Please use the Picture Day ID located on the flyers that were sent home in backpacks. 

For Cherry students:

Retake Day:  Tuesday, November 29

For Oak students:

Picture Day:  Monday, October 24

Retake Day:  Friday, December 2

Info Sharing

AL High School Fair Information

All 7th and 8th grade families are invited to the AL high school fair,  November 3rd,  from  6 to 8 pm  in the Oak Gym. Representatives from area high schools will be there to tell you about their schools. So far we have more than 13 schools who have committed. Most of them will bring AL graduates to answer questions about the schools from a student's perspective. We will also have some information on how to make the next four years of your life stand out on your college applications. We hope you will join us! Please mark your calendars and look for more information coming home with your children. 

Info Sharing

Holiday Art Market

Just a little less than a month until our 5th annual Holiday Art Market! We've got amazing vendors, a killer iron-in-the-hat style raffle, delicious treats at the bake sale, and coffee & tea from our favorite Unbakery. As always, it's the Saturday before Thanksgiving and I know many of you have appreciated knocking out your holiday shopping before the madness kicks in. Make sure to like our Facebook page to stay up to date (Académie Lafayette Holiday Art Market). 

If you're interested in donating baked goods, please email Andi Swan, titian_chica@yahoo.com and if you'd like to volunteer, please email Annie Rousis at ClarkWorksCustom@gmail.com. We sure hope to see you there!

Info Sharing

Still Looking For Grandparents

On Generations Day -- November 22 -- we celebrate the Grandmas, Grandpas, Nanas, Papas, Noonies, Poppies, Aunties, Uncles and Special Friends that love our students! Please share the contact information of your grandparent -- or special friends --  so that we can mail them an invitation. Invitations will  be mailed soon so please click here and let us know where to send it!

Info Sharing

Oak Auditorium Closed 

The Oak Auditorium renovation started on October 18th and will go until sometime in November. Middle school students that arrive at school earlier than 8:05 no longer report to the auditorium during those two weeks. Instead, students are sent to classrooms where they can wait (and eat their breakfast if needed) under teacher supervision.

Removing the first three rows of small seats to make way for the full size seats.

Restoring the decorative trim around the stage.

Info Sharing

After School Clubs At Cherry

We are currently seeking parents who wish to be involved and to volunteer a skill for the Cherry Campus Children. We envision four after school clubs: 

• Home Economics: Kids will learn to cook simple things and some light sewing skills.
• Chess Club: Kids will learn to strategize and dominate in the game of chess.
• Writing Club: Kids will learn to love to write and to be creative in the process (no volunteers needed).
• Science Club: Kids will learn to hypothesize and to think scientifically. 

Each of the clubs needs 1-2 volunteers, except writing club which has been filled. Volunteers must be able to manage up to 6 children and must be patient. Volunteers must not only be passionate about a subject but also must have some knowledge of the subject. You will need to plan your own lessons. If materials are needed there may be funds available to purchase them. We'd ideally like to meet once a week and ideally on Wednesdays from 3:35 to 4:35 (after school) at the Cherry Campus. 

Interested? Contact Leslie Kohlmeyer, lkohlmeyer@academielafayette.org, 816-606-1646

Info Sharing

Raffle Volunteers Rock 

Thanks to the many volunteers who make the $10,000 cash raffle possible each year. 

Under the leadership of Raffle Chair Amy Long and PayPal coordinator Antonia Acorn we have recorded more than 15,000 ticket sales -- and we are still counting! 

Remember: the drawing for the $10,000 prize is at Boo Bayou on Saturday afternoon, 5 pm, Oct. 22 at the Cherry campus.

Info Sharing

PTSO Dollars At Work 

Thanks to the PTSO the Fruit Cart is back at both campuses!  

Info Sharing

Ramp Up Your AL Spirit! 

Don't miss out the opportunity to order 3 unique items to keep you warm this winter. Blankets, hats and mugs will be run to order so don't miss out. Go to ALPTSO.com to order online and use PayPal or print and fill out the order form , and take to the PTSO mailbox at either campus. 

You can also save now through November 1st on all spiritwear available at our webstore. $2 off all non-clearance items. Go to ALSPIRIT.com to place your order. 

Both offers include FREE shipping to school for pick up at Generations Day on November 22nd or delivery to classrooms the following week. If your item(s) is to be a gift, make a note on your order and we'll contact you to pick up without your kiddo knowing. Any questions email Becky Smith smith.rebeccabogen@gmail.com. 

Info Sharing

PTSO Events

Look for your copy of the PTSO Newsletter in your email from this week. Email  meghkflavin@gmail.com if you did not receive a copy and would like to.

Upcoming Events:

• Boo Bayou: TOMORROW! 

Grades K-5 will have a carnival-style event from 4-6pm, while the 6-8th grades will have a Costume Ball. Both events are at the Cherry campus. The 6th graders will provide a Haunted Hallway. Families for the elementary grades (K-5) are welcome from 4-6. Middle schoolers will have the place from 7 - 9. Voting for the new  Parent Elect  Board member will take place during this event and the following Monday at both campuses. Volunteers needed - short shifts, great family fun! Sign up now! Bring change to go through the Haunted Hallway: $3/trip, or $5/unlimited. See you there! 

•  Allez 5k: Saturday, October 29th at 10 am at Arrowhead Stadium

We have some awesome sponsors this year! The prizes are awesome, so come to WIN! Food will be provided - bagels & cream cheese, as well as hot dogs and bottled water. DJ Spencer, an AL grad will be there to entertain us. Flyers have gone home in  back packs . Please return them to the school by this Friday OR complete the online registration form by Friday to assure your receipt of the awesome custom race day long sleeve shirt! 

 

Don't want to run or walk, but want the long sleeve T-shirt? We will be selling them at packet pickup and through our website for $15. 

 

Packet pick up & Late Registration will be Thursday, October 27th from 4-7 pm at Bier Station. John has been kind enough to offer all AL adults happy hour pricing  through our  time there. Thanks! We will also have packet pick up/late registration from 4-5 pm on Friday, October 28th at Oak or Saturday morning at Arrowhead from 8:30-9 am.                

 

Register online!

We would like to know how you would prefer to receive PTSO updates. Please take this one-question survey to let us know. 

Info Sharing

PTSO Funding Requests

Historically, the PTSO has considered funding requests once a year, for inclusion in the following year's budget. At our September PTSO meeting, parents and the PTSO Board recognized that this process doesn't allow for dynamic classroom experiences, last minute field trips and flexible enrichment of the curriculum. To help with this, the PTSO voted and approved $7,650 of our budget be allocated to support these mid-year ideas and opportunities. The application process is similar to before, with two mid-year application dates: October 31 and January 31. The application form is available on the PTSO website under Documents. Click here to access that section. Please, let us hear about your great ideas which need a bit of financial support!

sports

Middle School Boys & Girls Basketball

Registration for middle school boys and girls basketball is open. If your child is interested in playing, please contact coach Djiba. Both girls team and boys team will compete in the Kansas City Metro League. Girls will start practice on Monday, October 24th in the Oak Campus gym right after school.

Contact: Coach Djiba,  edjiba@academielafayette.org

sports

4th & 5th Grade Boys & Girls Basketball

4th and 5th grade families, fall means that winter basketball is right around the corner. The YMCA is no longer providing 4th and 5th grade leagues. Many AL students will be participating in basketball through the "Great American Basketball League". If you would like information about GABL teams for your boy or girl or if you're interested in coaching please contact Bridget Pfeiffer, bridget.speech@gmail.com .

sports

AL Cross-Country Team Looks to Repeat as City Champs

Making New Friends

Our Cross-Country teams wrapped up their regular season on a hot, blustery Monday (10/17) with both team and individual wins. The Girls' Team heads into the title race undefeated and the Boy's Team enters with a 5-1 record. Both are hoping for back-to-back championships, having captured titles in 2015, the inaugural year for middle school cross-country in the IL-KC Metro League.

 

E.A. Markey Invitational (1.70 mile): The Girls' Team continued to showcase depth with four teammates getting wins this season. This time, Haley Langle nabbed 1st followed by Barbara deZutter, Katie Riffle and India Williams. Ana Davis 8th and Beatrice Curry 10th rounded out the top 10. Evelyn Parker, Summer Squires, Mara Kugler, Sophie Bond, Lorraine Frueh and Zoe Hoss all medaled. Genevieve Hyatt was the only AL girl to run a personal record (PR) against the wind!

A Morning Practice at the Nelson- Inspiring

The Boys' took 4 of the top 5 spots with Ilyes Ait Abdelkader getting his 4th win of the season. Gabe Smith also set a PR and held off a tough KIPP runner down the stretch to place 2nd with Zachary Story 4th and Eli Mehaffey 5th. Ross Bunch 8th rounded out the top 10. Will Wooden and Keegan Riffle also captured medals. 

 

Join our cheerleaders in showing off our AL school spirit at our Championship Meet on Tuesday, October 25 at Swope Park (5:00 pm in field adjacent to Starlight Theatre). Local media will be present so let's show them what our school is all about!

 

Click here for full meet results.

AL in the community

Report your sightings of Académie Lafayette parents, staff, or students accomplishments to  communication@academielafayette.org.  

Research Medical Center, Brookside Campus, is a proud sponsor of academie lafayette