20 November 2020

Le Journal



from the head of school

Important AL Updates

Dear AL Families,

Thank you so much for the delicious lunch offered in appreciation to our teachers and staff. We are so grateful to be part of this amazing community.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Update:
On Monday the AL Diversity committee held its third diversity discussion series on Zoom. The video has been posted on our Facebook page. I would like to thank all the participants, particularly Lisa Benson-Cooper for planning and masterfully facilitating the conversation. 

On Wednesday, November 18, our staff were engaged in a training on culturally competent teaching. The professional development session focused on the importance of relating instruction to our students' experience as well as reflecting our students' rich diversity on our bulletin boards, in the books read in class, as well as throughout our classroom environment. Our staff is committed to deepening their understanding of our students cultural background as a focus of our professional development plan this school year. Following our 5-year strategic plan, AL is committed to fostering a school community that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive in order to successfully serve all learners.

AL Covid-19 Update:
As you know, Covid-19 cases are rising exponentially in the country and in the KC metro area. We continue to urge each and every one to observe the recommended measures to keep our families and community safe. Below is the school Covid-19 situation for the week of November 14 - 20. You can also see our data on our school Covid-19 Dashboard here. The Reopening Committee meets on Mondays to assess the situation and make recommendations. We will keep you posted about any recommendations as soon as possible.

Data for the week of November 14-20 (Students and staff)

Confirmed Cases
Presumed Cases
Quarantined
Total
0
5
34



Confirmed Cases: cases confirmed by a COVID-19 test.
Presumed Cases: cases showing symptoms and are awaiting their Covid-19 test results.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! 

Elimane Mbengue
Head of School

From the Cherry Principal

3rd Week Down... 

Dear Cherry Families, 

We have had a good first few weeks.  Arrival and dismissal are improving (even with the construction on Cherry) and kids continue to do a good job wearing masks and following safety rules. We do want to highlight a few items that need attention.

1. Uniforms-  remember that kids are expected to be in uniform on in person days. The main issues that need to be addressed are: 1) students wearing blue pants (not allowed)  and 2) sweaters and sweatshirts in the classroom that are different colors, have logos or are otherwise not part of the policy. And lastly, please remember that even tights or leggings need to be red, white or blue-  solid colors only. For more details, you can access the uniform policy here.

2. Dropping off items: we want to be safe and we want to teach our students to be responsible. Please do not bring forgotten items to school. If a student forgets his/her lunch, they can take a school lunch. Homework can be sent the next day or electronically. We want to reduce the amount of contact that our office staff, teachers and kids have with personal items so please refrain from dropping off items at school for the office to deliver.

3. Attendance: it is VITAL that kids attend on their in person days whenever possible. We are only allowed to "count" their attendance on those days, so even one absence makes a big difference. Please help us by scheduling appointments for other times and  prioritizing attendance in person.

Thank you for your support during these challenging times.

Heather Royce
Cherry Principal

  

In This Edition:


calendar

Upcoming Events

November 25-27
NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving break



Access the 2020-21 school calendar by clicking here

INFO SHARING

Thankful Luncheon for Teachers

This year especially, we are extremely thankful for our wonderful teachers and staff! Thank you to all that donated to provide gift cards and lunches from Thelma's Kitchen while supporting an amazing cause. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. 


INFO SHARING

Generations Day CancellationGD

Unfortunately with the current state of everything, it was clear that we had to cancel our annual Generations Day event for this school year. As one of the most favorite occasions for both staff and students, the cancellation of Generations Day was a difficult one. We hope to potentially reschedule this event, but we cannot currently plan that out for a specific time in mind. As always, thank you for your continued support, and have a safe and fun holiday! 

INFO SHARING

Armour Spirit Dayarmourspirit

Middle schoolers and high schoolers are invited to participate in Armour's November Spirit Day (presented by StuCo) on Tuesday, November 24 with clothing or props representing something they are thankful for. If you have questions, please reach out to Mme. Hayden at phayden@academielafayette.org. 


INFO SHARING

Diversity Conversation III Playback and Meeting Minutesdiversityconvo3

The Diversity Committee held a third virtual conversation about race and racism on Nov. 16 Click here to view. Click here to view minutes from the Nov. 5 meeting. 

INFO SHARING

ALIHS Incoming 9th & 1oth gradealihszoom

Dear current 9th and 8th grade parents

The timeline of enrollment for Académie Lafayette International High School has changed to ensure we have the appropriate staffing and course offering available for our students. As of 2020-2021 the intent to return form is required to be submitted between December 2020 and February 22nd 2021. This will allow your student to participate in choosing their class schedule for the 2021-2022 school year in the spring. It will still be required to complete full re-enrollment during the summer. This requirement and other changes we may implement will continue as we grow our ALIHS student population. 

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Click here to hear from the ALIHS teachers. 
Video created by the ALIHS Journalism class. 
  • Click here to view the ALIHS brochure
  • Click here for the ALIHS student interviews video
  • If you weren't able to make the 8th grade ALIHS Mtg click here to view and click here for the slides. 
Any questions please contact Robyn King, Admissions Director, at rking@academielafayette.org

INFO SHARING

Apply to Reserve Your Child's Seat: 
Kindergarten, Pre-K, 1, 9, & 10th gradeApply

Dear Current AL Parents

Please note this only applies to new siblings not currently enrolled at Académie Lafayette. All current K-8 students will re-enroll in the Spring and current 9th-10th grades will re-enroll starting December 2020. 
 
Kindergarten/1st grade Siblings Seats
If you have a child entering kindergarten or 1st grade in the fall of 2021, please apply starting Nov. 14th. The process will take you less than one minute! (Only applies to new siblings not currently enrolled at Académie Lafayette.)
 
To be fair and transparent with all prospective families, we want to be able to tell them how many seats are available and how many seats will be taken by siblings. Your help is essential. Please fill out an application for your kindergarten sibling today. 
 
Pre-K Siblings Seats
We are also continuing our partnership through the Kansas City Pre-K Cooperative to offer Académie Lafayette families that qualify for free and reduced lunch the opportunity to apply for a limited amount of free pre-K seats for 2021-2022 school year. All current AL siblings will not be guaranteed a seat. The child must be age 4 prior to September 1st, 2021. This classroom will be off site at the newly constructed Emmanuel Family and Child Development Center 4736 Prospect Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64130.
 
9th/10th grade seats:  
If you have an upcoming 9th or 10th grader that is not currently enrolled as an AL student you can also apply on the link below. 
 
Click here to apply from November 14th, 2020 to Monday, February 2nd, 2021. 
Sibling applications received after this deadline will be placed on the waiting list. 
 For additional information click here.
 Questions? email Robyn King at rking@academielafayette.org
 
After you fill out your child's application, tell your friends and neighbors 
with an incoming kindergartener to do the same.
 
Please note this only applies to new siblings not currently enrolled at Académie Lafayette. All current K-8 students will re-enroll in the Spring and current 9th-10th grades will re-enroll starting December 2020. 

INFO SHARING

New Spiritwearnewspiritwear

We are pleased to launch a new spiritwear assortment with our new partner, PTL Outfitters. Based in Lenexa, Dave and his team will print and embroider items on demand. While school is still in remote and hybrid mode, items can be picked up in Lenexa or shipped at nominal costs.  

Check out the new items with new logos for both the core school and high school... the ALSpirit website is now live and ready to take your orders!   

"As a local embroidery and printing company, we are excited to partner with Académie Lafayette to serve you in all your spiritwear needs." 

INFO SHARING

Scholastic Book Fairbookfair

The Scholastic Book Fair is back! While the Fair is held exclusively online this year, we still plan on making it a fun and joyous experience for our kids. Features include:
  •  Académie Lafayette's own online store, with a large selection of titles, at the right price points
  •  A Virtual Fair so you and your kids can experience the magic of the school shopping experience. Browse titles by grade, meet popular authors, and discover the comfort and joy of our Fair
  •  Every dollar you spend will benefit our school directly (25% back in rewards!)
Dates: November 16, 2020 - November 29, 2020! Click here to view the website. 

INFO SHARING

Social Work and Counseling CornerSocialCorner




Food distribution changes

There will be no food pick up or deliveries on Wednesday, 11/25 as school is closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.  Food service will resume the following week.
Check out our AL Counseling and Social Services Department website!

INFO SHARING

Technology Needs surveytechneeds

If you did not fill out a technology needs survey to indicate your needs please use this waiting list survey. Click here. You will be automatically entered into a waiting list and will be contacted as we are receiving our devices.

INFO SHARING

Chromebook Annual FundChromefund

Académie Lafayette is currently trying to purchase more Chromebooks to accommodate students on our waiting list. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the Chromebook fund, click here and choose the first option.

INFO SHARING

Drive-up Testing for ChildrenDriveuptest 

Children's Mercy has some exciting news to share: Drive-up COVID-19 Testing available for symptomatic children at the following Urgent Care sites: Overland Park, KS, Independence, MO, Kansas City, MO. Testing is by appointment only: Monday- Friday 12 pm- 6 pm. For more information on scheduling and criteria please click here

INFO SHARING

Kinsa FLUency program for K-5NurseFlu

If you are a K-5 family, it is time to order your free thermometer! Please review the attached flyer and follow the directions to order your free thermometer. Unfortunately, this program is only available for Cherry and Oak families, as it is exclusive to elementary schools. FLYER HERE

INFO SHARING

Community Outreach CornerOutreach


INFO SHARING

Technology and EquipmentTech


INFO SHARING

CommunicationCommunication

  • To help answer your questions, we have created our distance learning page. If, at any time, you have a question, concern or information to share, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's teachers, counselors, principals or Mr. Mbengue.
  • Looking to build your community? Get going today by joining our private Facebook group here. You will need to answer the three security questions.

Advertisementrealestatefun



AdvertisementLands



Oak Street Campus
6903 Oak Street
Kansas City, MO 64113
816-361-7735
Armour Campus,
201 E. Armour Blvd, 
Kansas City, MO 64111 
816-800-8771 

Cherry Street Campus
3421 Cherry Street
Kansas City, MO 64109
816-888-7400
www.academielafayette.org