| |
|
|
 |
From the Head of School and Principals
Welcome Back!
Dear families,
As another school year is about to start and we are pleased to share the Back to School newsletter. It is our goal to provide you with the most accurate and up to date information through the newsletter. Please make sure you read it every Friday!
In today's newsletter you will find useful information for the upcoming school year's events, fundraising, school policies and more. This information is meant as a summary, and more information can be found in your child's agenda or on the school's new website,
www.academielafayette.org. The information here is presented in alphabetical order.
Please mark your calendars for
Meet the Teacher Night, Monday, August 14 (5-7 pm at Cherry and 6-8 pm at Oak), and
Parent Orientation Nights (6 pm) on August 22 (Oak) and August 24 (Cherry).
Students are encouraged to come
August 14
to check out their classroom, meet their teacher and see their friends. Parent Orientation Nights are opportunities for the teachers to share curriculum, classroom expectations and other information with parents.
See you all soon,
Elimane Mbengue Heather Royce Leslie Houfaidi
Head of School Cherry Principal Oak Principal
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
calendar Upcoming Events
August 14
Meet the Teacher Night
Cherry: 5 - 7 pm
Oak: 6 - 8 pm
August 22
Oak Parent Orientation Night - 6 pm
September 4
No School - Labor Day
|
August 15
Board of Directors Meeting
Oak: Music Room, 6:30 pm
August 24
Cherry Parent Orientation Night - 6 pm
|
August 16
First Day of School
Cherry: 8 am - 3:30 pm
Oak: 8:15 am - 3:45 pm
August 25
$10,000 Cash Raffle Kick-off. Sales begin.
|
Access the 2017-18 School Calendars by clicking
here.
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Agendas
The Agenda is a combination of student handbook and student planner. All students, with the exception of kindergarten, will receive an agenda on the first day of school. Please refer to your child's agenda daily for his/her class schedule, as well as daily work, homework assignments, special projects, and important reminders. It is your child's responsibility to show you his/her agenda and have you check it each day.
The following format will be used in all classes to record information:
C: (what was done in class that day)
D: (homework assignment--"devoirs") If there is no homework assigned for that night, your child should write "pas de devoirs".
The complete agenda is not on the website, although, you can access the student handbook portion at www.academielafayette.org.
The Student Handbook also contains important information about dress code, student conduct, and contact information for school personnel.
The Agenda costs $10.00 each. Please wait for further instruction from your child's teacher on this purchase.
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Arrival & Dismissal Procedures
Cherry Campus
:
Arrival:
- 7:30 am Doors open. Students go to the cafeteria/auditorium.
- 7:50 am Students go to homeroom.
- 8:00 am Classes begin.
Arrival time: Please plan to be at school by 7:50 am. Classroom instruction starts at
8:00 am. Having time to transition between home and school is important.
Dismissal:
- 3:30 pm classes are dismissed. Bus riders report to buses. Students are excused to YMCA and other after school programs.
- 3:30-3:45 pm
- Kindergarten students and 1st-3rd grade students who are two campus families will be accompanied to the gym to be dismissed to parents.
- Car Riders - Students are called by number and dismissed directly to cars on Kenwood.
- 3:45 pm - Remaining students report to the reception office.
Note: $1 dollar fee is incurred every minute after 3:45 for remaining students.
Oak Campus
:
Arrival
- 7:30 am Doors open. Students go to the auditorium/wait or gym/breakfast.
- 8:05 am Students go to homeroom.
- 8:15 am Classes begin.
Classroom instruction starts at 8:15 am, and having time to transition between home and school is important. Middle school students need extra time before classes begin to visit their locker and prepare materials for the day.
Dismissal:
- 3:40-3:45 pm Supervised locker time (for middle school).
- 3:45 pm Classes are dismissed.
- Bus riders report to buses.
- Students are excused to YMCA and other after-school programs.
- Parent pick-up students are taken to 69th Terrace for pick-up.
- 4:00 pm Remaining students report to the office or leave campus. Parent supervision is required for students who remain on school grounds after 4:00 pm.
Note: A $1 dollar fee is incurred every minute after 4:00 pm for remaining, unsupervised students.
CHANGE OF DISMISSAL PLANS: It's important for students to have a regular routine, but if a change of plan is absolutely necessary, please notify the school office by 12:00 pm on that day. Call the office at 816-361-7735 for changes. Please understand that we might not be able to honor changes after 12:00 pm. For emergency dismissal changes please do not email. Call the office instead.
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Athletics
Académie Lafayette has recently gathered city championship trophies in girls basketball, girls volleyball, and girls and boys track & field, but our coaches and staff know sports participation is about more than winning. AL students are learning the value of teamwork, the rules of sportsmanship and friendly competition, and the beauty of supporting one another in all endeavors. It's more than fun; it's life-changing. For information about sports at AL go to our website, academielafayette.org. Do you have time to help out? We need sports volunteers! Contact Athletic Director, Mamadou Dieng at 816-371-7735 X221 or mdieng@academielafayette.org.
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Bus Transportation Changes
As was announced in July, bus transportation requirements have changed. Beginning in August, Académie Lafayette will provide free door-to-door bus transportation to students who live
more than two miles from the campus he or she attends. This is a change from previous years when transportation was provided to students who lived one mile or more from the campus he or she attended.
- If your child attends Cherry and you have questions about whether your child is eligible for free transportation, please contact Diane Balagna at 816-888-7400 or dbalagna@academielafayette.org.
- If your child attend Oak and you have questions about whether your child is eligible for free transportation, please contact Carlos McClain at 816-361-7735 or cmcclain@academielafayette.org. Please put "Transportation" in the subject line.
If parents submitted transportation request with enrollment forms by July 15, and child(ren) are eligible to ride, then your student(s) will have transportation on August 16. If you did not submit the form then you can come to the Cherry or Oak campuses and pick up a paper form. Typically there is a three week wait for bus assignments.
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Casual Days!
Casual days -- or days when students are not required to wear their school uniforms -- are a fun break from routine. Casual Days are usually held once a month, on the first Friday. Follow us on the Académie Lafayette Facebook page for monthly reminders!
Here is a friendly reminder of casual day rules:
- No bare midriffs, tank tops or halter type shirts or dresses allowed.
- Shorts and skirts must not be more than four inches above the knee.
- Saggy pants and shorts are not allowed.
- Leggings should be covered by skirt or short.
Additionally, parents are welcome to eat lunch with their child on the first Friday of each month! Please coordinate with your child's teacher and be sure to sign in at the front desk and get your visitor pass beforehand.
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Communication
 Académie Lafayette sends a weekly e-newsletter to all families using the email addresses provided during enrollment. If you know someone who is not receiving this newsletter, encourage them to contact Edem Addoh at
eaddoh@academielafayette.org with their email and other contact information.
In addition to the weekly newsletter, the periodic all-calls, and email blasts, we also use Facebook to communicate with our families. Please "like" us at
https://www.facebook.com/LafayetteKC/.
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Database Update: eSchoolCore
Académie Lafayette uses the eSchoolCore
database to track student academic and food service records.
Current parents/guardians will use the same password they used last year. New parents/guardians will receive a personal letter with your password and instructions on accessing the Parent Portal. If you find the password issued to you is difficult to remember you can create a new one. If you lose your password please contact Edem Addoh to ask for a new one.
New passwords or usernames cannot be delivered over the phone or by email for security purposes. They can be mailed to the physical address on file or given in person after showing a proper photo ID. Contact eSchoolCore assistant Edem Addoh by phone (816-361-7735), in person or by email,
eaddoh@academielafayette.org
for password or username assistance.
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Dress Code
 Académie Lafayette students wear uniforms to school every day unless it is a pre-announced casual day. In summary, students wear red, white, or navy collared shirts and khaki slacks, skirts, jumpers, or shorts. An Académie Lafayette plaid or khaki is also available for skirts and jumpers. Leggings can be solid red, white, or navy blue only. Complete details are found in the student agenda and in the student handbooks. Click
here to download a copy of the student agenda.
Remember the uniform closet is free to all families to take, exchange and donate gently used uniforms. If you would like to visit the uniform closet before school starts, call the office of either campus to set up a time to come by.
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Eclipse
 August 21, 2017 is a day for the history books -- and for AL students. They will have the opportunity to observe the eclipse from their campus using glasses provided by the school and bought from a NASA-approved retailer that meets all safety guidelines. Teachers are working on special lesson plans to ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn about this important scientific event -- and have fun watching it safely with their classmates.
Parents are welcome to come to school to participate in activities with their children. Teachers will share more detailed information about their classroom plans during Meet the Teacher Night. Parents- please let your child's teacher know if you plan to attend.
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Federal Programs Forms
There are a lot of MYTHS about completing the
Federal Forms and Free and Reduced Meal forms. Like this one:
It's not important to my school.
 Completing these forms is VERY IMPORTANT so that we have an accurate count of families that qualify for Free and Reduced meal benefits. The higher the number of families that we know qualify, the more money our school receives from public funding. This funding impacts our classrooms, teachers and everything! So, even if you think you do not qualify, please fill out the forms.
How do I do that?
You received an email during the first two weeks of August from SchoolMint with a link to the online forms. If you did not receive this link, or if you cannot find it, contact Peggy Arians (816-361-7735 or
parians@academielafayette.org
) and she will get it to you. Paper forms are available too.
Anything else? YES! Every class that has 100% of their forms completed by September 30 will win an ice cream party! Yes -- do it for your kids.
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Fundraising Questions
Fundraising at Académie Lafayette is one of those traditions that started when the school was founded in 1999. Why? Because Missouri charter schools, like all public schools, are seriously underfunded. Fundraising makes a HUGE difference in what we can provide for our students. Last year the Development Office raised almost $500,000. That money supports our operating budget or capital improvements such as the new secure entry at Oak. This fundraising also paid for new playground equipment, Oak auditorium renovation, SMART boards, and new science equipment for every classroom.
Our PTSO also actively fundraises to support our after school activities and travel opportunities for our students.
 We invite you
to participate in our fundraising efforts, however, nothing is required. If this is not something your family chooses, we understand. Or, even better, choose the events you want to support and do just that. Ignore the rest.
To help you know what is coming we have created a Development Calendar. Both school and PTSO events are included. We do not know the date for the PTSO gala or Evening in Paris, yet. The Development Calendar is on our website here. You can download both the Development and School Calendars from this page.
The first big fundraiser -- the $10,000 Cash Raffle -- is coming soon. You can find out more in this newsletter under Raffle.
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Generations Day
Generations Day is a special day when we invite grandparents and other special friends of your child to visit our campuses. It is scheduled for November 21, 2017, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.
Please share contact information for grandparents so that we can make sure everyone receives an invitation! Please click
here to share the names, mailing addresses, emails (very important), and phone numbers for your grandparents or other special friends. Please include the names and grades of your children so that we can link them to the correct record in our database. Thank you!
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Interns for K Classes
Each year Académie Lafayette welcomes French-speaking interns to support our kindergarten classes. All but one of our new interns will be ready on the first day of school. This means that there is a 1:11 ratio of students to teachers in the classroom. This year our interns and their home countries are:
- William Dupont -- France
- Mélanie Balardelle -- France
- Pauline Surget -- France
- Kevin Hirigoyen -- France
- Clarisse Julienne -- France
- Manon Derouen -- France (coming in September)
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Lockers (Middle School Students)
All middle school students will be assigned a locker. Students will need to bring a numerical combination lock on the first day of school (no locks with keys allowed) to secure their belongings. Please take a minute to review the locker agreement with your child here.
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Meet The Teacher Night: August 14
Students and their families will be able to meet their teachers for the 2017-2018 school year during this informal event held on Monday, August 14. Several organizations and vendors will be present in the gym as well.
- Cherry Campus hours: 5 to 7 pm
- Oak Campus hours: 6 to 8 pm
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Newsletter Communications
 The school newsletter has a new editor. Please welcome Amy Zoellner. Amy has a background in communications including newsletter experience. She's full of new ideas and welcomes your thoughts. You can reach her at
communication@academielafayette.org. Amy's two children attend the Cherry campus.
The school newsletter is used to communicate weekly with families. It is published on the last school day of the week. It contains vital information about upcoming events, school issues, as well as PTSO news and articles about what goes on in the classrooms.
 We have several mailing lists, and if you receive emails not pertinent to you or your child, please let us know by emailing
communication@academielafayette.org. Unsubscribing will remove you from all of the mailing lists, so please communicate with us before clicking "unsubscribe".
If you know someone that is not receiving this newsletter, please encourage them to email the address above as well, so we can add them to our system.
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Oak Auditorium Renovation Completed!
Fresh paint, new curtains, and most importantly -- new seats now fill the Oak auditorium. Please stop by during Meet the Teacher night (August 14) to see how great it looks. Thank you for helping us make this happen!
|
|
|
|
| Name plate on the back of sponsored seats |
|
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Parent Orientation Nights
Tuesday, August 22: Oak Parent Orientation Night:
The Oak campus is a big place, and while your children already know where to go, you might not! Parent Orientation will help.
Please come to the Tuesday, August 22 Parent Orientation Night at the Oak campus. The meeting will begin at 6 pm sharp in the auditorium. We will publish the grade level schedules in the newsletter after school begins. The agenda will be posted on the day of the event at the school as well.
You will learn more about curriculum, expectations, classroom schedules, and procedures. Parents will also have the opportunity to hear from our Head of School, Elimane Mbengue and our Board President, Jon Otto.
|
|
|
|
Thursday, August 24: Cherry Parent Orientation Night:
Please join us at
6:00 pm
on
Thursday, August 24,
for Parent Orientation Night at the Cherry campus. Teachers will be welcoming parents in their classrooms to hear more about curriculum, expectations, classroom schedules, and procedures. Parents will also have the opportunity to hear from our Head of School, Elimane Mbengue and our Board President, Jon Otto.
To accommodate so many parents, we will offer two sessions: 6:00 and 6:50. Support and English teachers will be available at both sessions.
- Parents of kindergarteners and 1st graders should report to classrooms first at 6:00 to see teacher presentations, and then to the auditorium to hear from school leadership at 6:50.
- Parents of 2nd and 3rd graders should report to the auditorium first and then transition to classrooms for the second session at 6:50.
- If parents have multiple children, they can choose to attend two classroom sessions if they prefer, in lieu of the meeting in the auditorium.
We look forward to see you on the 24th!
|
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Parking Reminders
Cherry Campus:
Short-term parking is available during the day on Cherry by the main entrance. For longer visits, please park on the other side of the street or use the church parking lot on Kenwood. Parking on the school side of the street is not allowed on Cherry or Kenwood during arrival or dismissal times.
Oak Campus: Because of delays in the Secure Entry addition, the Oak parking lot will remain closed for drop off and pick up. Summer school drop off and pick up procedures will remain in place. See map below.
- Drop off children on 69th Street only. This is the street where the buses drop off and pick up students. Please drop off quickly and continue to Holmes. Our goal is to avoid any back-ups on Oak.
- Pick-up on 69th Terrace only. At the end of the school day teachers will escort students to 69th Terrace and wait with them until they are picked up.
- If you are dropping off or picking up during the school day you may use the parking lot. Remember, there is only one entrance and exit.
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
PTSO: Make Friends, Do Great Stuff
Welcome to the Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) for AL. Because you are a parent or guardian you are automatically a member! No dues, no forms. It's a great way to meet new friends and work together to make our school even better than it already is!
Our first general PTSO meeting is at 6 pm, September 12, at the Cherry campus. Dinner will be served, and childcare provided.
A few projects we are working on now:
- Trash Bag sale: Heavy duty trash bags and lawn/leaf bags for sale through your student now through September 9. Order forms are available at the front desk of both campuses, or download one here. Pick up will be Saturday, September 30, from 8 am to noon at the Oak Campus. If you are able to help that morning, please contact Meghan Flavin (meghkflavin@gmail.com)
- Volunteer Positions for all home Chiefs' games. A training session is required, but once you have gone through the initial training, you are good for 3 years. Each person will earn $100 for our school per game that they 'work' a concession stand. Click here for training dates. Click here to sign up for the games.
- Swope Park Rangers Give-Back: Saturday, September 2, game against Oklahoma City FC, coached by Sporting legend, Jimmy Nielsen. Tickets are $15 each. Email your contact information to Meghan Flavin and pay using PayPal (meghkflavin@gmail.com).
- Boo Bayou: This community building event will be on Saturday, October 21, and includes a carnival for the students and their families in grades K through 5 and a Masquerade Ball for students in Middle School (6th-8th graders). If you are interested in helping with the Carnival please contact Katie Kindle, katiekendle@gmail.com. If you want to assist with the Middle School Dance, please reach out to Meghan Flavin. We are looking for someone to take the lead for the dance. It will be at Cherry and a DJ is already lined up.
- Allez 5k & 1-mile Family Fun Run/Walk: Saturday, October 28. If you are interested in helping with the event please reach out to Meghan Flavin.
If you have questions please reach out to one of the officers:
Vice President (Oak) - (vacant)
Communications - (vacant)
EIP Chair(s) - Tiffany Meeks
Events/Volunteer Coordinator (Cherry) - (vacant)
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
$10,000 Cash Raffle Coming Soon!
 |
|
|
Last years winner -- Amanda Campbell -- with Mr. Mbengue, her 3rd grade son Isaac (who sold her the ticket), her husband, Kenton, and Mme Houfaidi, Oak Principal. |
Académie Lafayette's 9th annual $10,000 Cash Raffle begins August 25. This fun event supports the general fund and helps provide salaries for nurses and social workers, international interns, and funds for transportation. Raffle packets with your tickets and all the details will be sent home on Friday, August 25.
Volunteers are needed to help count money, deliver prizes, and stuff Raffle packets. Click
here to sign up!
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Spirit Wear Pick-up
The PTSO will have a Spirit Wear table at Meet the Teacher Night and Parent Orientation Night so that you can pick up spirit wear orders and purchase a few items. Click here to see what is available on the ALSPIRIT website!
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Stories
What is your AL story? Has attending AL made a difference in your child's life? In YOUR life? Did your family make a special effort to attend AL (such as move to the KCPS district so that you could apply?) Has it given your child the language skills to help someone in need? Does attending a free public school (i.e. not paying tuition) give your family the extra financial cushion to do something that you feel is important -- like start a not for profit? Has the foundation laid at AL given your older child an edge in high school or beyond? (Like Tom DeZutter who scored a perfect 36 on the English ACT.) Please share your AL story with us! Send them to Sarah Guthrie at
sguthrie@academielafayette.org. Put STORIES in the subject line. Thank you!
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Trophies and Such
Have you ever wondered if our school has won any awards? Well -- the answer is YES! From academics, to sports, to marketing -- we have won numerous awards. Check out a complete list of awards -- plus the most recent designation as the #1 elementary charter school in Missouri -- on our website. You can also check out the display case at the Oak campus.
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Volunteers: We Love You!
Volunteers extend the reach of our limited staff to provide crucial support in many areas. They are needed both during school hours and after school or in the evenings. For example:
- Coach volleyball, basketball, track and field, cross country, and cheerleading
- Lead after-school clubs, including writing, cooking, and science
- Support robotics teams
- Support our Reading Intervention Program for 4th and 5th graders
- Help with fundraising events
- Provide office support
|
|
|
|
INFO SHARING
Website
Please check out our new website at
www.academielafayette.org. Thanks to Angela Michka at The Creative Department we have a new, more interactive website. We hope you like it. There is also a
sitemap if you are looking for something that you think should be there but you can't find it. If you find an error or need to make a change, please contact website manager Alix Lasker at
communication@academielafayette.org.
|
|
|
|
Oak Street Campus
6903 Oak Street
Kansas City, MO 64113
816-361-7735 |
|
Cherry Street Campus
3421 Cherry Street
Kansas City, MO 64109
816-888-7400 |
|
|
www.academielafayette.org |
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2014. All Rights Reserved. Email marketing and design provided by The Creative Deparment | www.ideaville.net
|
|
|
|
Safety is our first priority. Please sign in at the front desk and get a visitor pass when visiting either campus during the day. Enter only through the front doors. If bringing supplies to your child, we will ask you to drop them off at the front desk. We will then make sure your child gets them. Parents are welcome to come eat lunch with their child on the first Friday of the month. Otherwise, please always contact the teacher before coming to school. Thanks for helping keep our campuses safe.