Dear Lafayette Families –
Welcome to the last week of the 2022-2023 school year! What an epic year we have had! These last two weeks alone have been packed full of celebration, fun and field trips. We started June with Field Days that were “out of this world” – including pretending we were having field day inside the “space station” because the atmosphere was inhospitable on our planet (Code Purple!!!). A huge thank you to the hundreds of volunteers, PE teachers, specials teachers, and all staff who pitched in to make sure we truly had two spectacular Field Days! We’ve also sent the 3rd graders to the National mall, the Kindergartners to the National History Museum, the 5th graders headed to 6 Flags, and the 4th graders went to the movies. Our 5th graders also hosted a spectacular science fair where they focused on using innovation to meet the needs we all face every day. It was an incredible look into the ingenuity and creativity of our 5th graders. We also celebrated our youngest learners at the PreK End of Year Celebration.
Last week we also said goodbye and thank you to Ms. Ryden who is transitioning out of Lafayette to focus on training other Peace teachers who can join other schools across the country. Ms. Ryden is an indelible part of the fabric of Lafayette, and although she will not be with us every day, her presence will always remain through our Peace class, mindfulness practice, and commitment to direct social emotional teaching. We also welcomed our newly named Peace Teacher – Elie Goldman. We are incredibly excited to welcome Mr. Goldman to continue to implement and evolve the Peace curriculum and peace program across the building. Please read here to find out a little more about Mr. Goldman.
On Monday, 6/19 we have the day off to celebrate Juneteenth. Juneteenth (officially Juneteenth National Independence Day) is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Deriving its name from combining June and nineteenth, it is celebrated on the anniversary of the order by Major General Gordon Granger proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas on June 19, 1865 (two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued). President Joe Biden signed legislation on June 17, 2021, making Juneteenth a US federal holiday. Learn more about the historical legacy of Juneteenth HERE.
Here are several reminders for the upcoming last 3 days of the school year!
- Monday, 6/19 – No School– Juneteenth
- Tuesday, 6/20 – 5th Grade promotion at 11 am; seating begins at 10:30 am
- Tuesday, 6/20 – 5th Grade Clap out, 3:10 pm; parents should join us at the front of school to help “clap out” the 5th graders as they leave the building
- Thursday, 6/22 – Last day of school for PK – 5th grade students
- Friday, 6/23 – No school for students; Records day for staff
Other reminders:
- Report cards will be mailed home on Friday, 6/23.
- Please be sure that you have completed your enrollment for next school year! https://enrolldcps.dc.gov/node/76
- Not returning to Lafayette next year? Let us know here!
- Class lists will be emailed out the first of August.
- School supply lists will be published in mid July.
Save the Dates for the 2023-2024 school year:
- Family Welcome Back Huddles – Thursday, 8/24; Time TBA
- New Family Popsicle Social – Saturday, 8/26; Time TBA
- First Day of School for Kindergarten – 5th Grade – Monday, 8/28
- First day of School PK4 – 8/31
As we settle into the realities of summer, and start to unwind from the school year, I am always grateful for the opportunity to lead this vibrant and incredible community of students, staff, and families. To our staff members who are moving on, we thank you greatly for all that you have given our students and families. To our families moving on, we hope that Lafayette will always remain a positive and cherished part of your families experiences. Wishing you all a great last three days of school…and then summer days that stretch on endlessly.
Take good care of yourselves and each other this summer! We’ll be here eagerly awaiting the stories when we see you all in August.
Dr. B