Lafayette Update
Parent Update: August 12th
Hello again....
Expect these procedures to take time. We can not feasibly welcome all students each day without delays.
Cheryl Russo
Lafayette School Procedures & News
Morning Drop Off
- Supervision begins at 8:50 a.m.
- Please enter the high school driveway that is across from/near Maple Street.
- Drive across the front of the high school and turn right into the large circle.
- All cars should pull up as far as possible before stopping to allow your child out of the car.
- All students should exit the car from the passenger side.
- Your child can get out of the car once you pass the Buildings and Grounds driveway and you have pulled up as far as you can.
- Please do not wait for your child to get closer to the front of the car line before getting out of the car. When you wait, it delays and disrupts the flow of traffic.
- Do not use the LAF driveway. Use of the LAF driveways is prohibited. It is for students, staff, and school buses only.
- If arriving after 9:00 a.m., you can use the LAF driveway.
Student Line Up
For the first couple of days, there will be signs with the homeroom teacher's name to indicate exactly where students should line up. Please click here for a detailed overview of where the classes will line up and which doors each class will enter each morning. Reviewing this with your child before the first day of school will assist us in getting the students into the school in an efficient and safe manner.
Dismissal
- Students will be dismissed from their classrooms at 3:30 p.m.
- Students will use various doors to exit the building to ensure that everyone leaves safely.
- If students are in walking groups, a specific area on school grounds should be agreed upon. Please remind your child to be patient if they are waiting for their walking group. Too often a group leaves without a friend causing confusion and distress.
- Early student pick-ups between 3:15 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. are discouraged and should be avoided.
- If you are picking up your child early from school, every parent/caregiver will need to show identification and be listed in Genesis in order to pick up their child. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Afternoon Pick Up (cars): Two Options
- Our carline assembles in the high school circle just like drop off.
- Parents picking up their children in the high school circle should not get out of their car and use caution when pulling away.
- All students getting picked up in the carline will assemble in front of the high school auditorium.
- Supervisors will assist parents and students during pick-up from the car line.
- You may also park in the high school parking lot as another option for pick-up beginning at 3:10 p.m.
- If you use this option, you have to get out of the car to pick up your child near the high school.
- Children will not be allowed to cross the driveway and walk through the parking lot alone. Please respect the supervisor as they enforce the safety rules.
- Do not use the LAF driveway. Use of the LAF driveways is prohibited. It is for students, staff, and school buses only.
- If arriving after 3:50 a.m., you can use the LAF driveway.
Parking
- Parking on-site is very limited. All spaces that have numbers are for staff members only.
- Our front parking lot is used for student lineup and Physical Education Classes.
- Please do not assume that if a numbered spot is open during the day that you can park in a spot that is numbered. Teachers may leave for lunch or to run an errand during the day. They count on their spots being available upon their return to the building.
- There is no access or parking in the high school parking lot until 3:10 p.m. Again, even if you see an open parking spot in the high school, please do not park in the spot. All of the parking spots in the high school are assigned to teachers and students.
- Please adhere to all local parking ordinances when parking on the street.
Bike Racks & Bike Safety
- LAF has a bike rack in the front of the school near the front doors and a bike rack in the back of school near the playground.
- Students are asked to walk their bikes when they are on school property due to the number of students on school property during arrival and dismissal.
- This also includes the Dellwood Path.
Lunch @ LAF
At LAF, the students are not required to order their lunch before school. There are hot and cold choices available each day. The menu can be accessed on our website or by following this link. The district currently uses a service called “Pay School Central” to allow parents to set up accounts and make electronic payments for school lunches. You will need your child’s student ID to set up an account. Should you have any questions about dining services, please contact Bob McBreen, Food Service Supervisor, at (973) 457-2555 or email him at rmcbreen@chatham-nj.org.
Please help your child to practice memorizing their Student ID, found on the Parent Portal, to assist with getting through the lunch line quickly.
For Free and Reduced Lunch Applications, please go to our website and click on School Registration Forms. Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the list and click on the form to download and print out. After the application has been completed and signed by the parent/guardian, it should be returned to their youngest child's school. Anyone who does not have access to a computer/printer should contact their child's school for a paper copy.
Cell Phones, Smart Watches, Digital Readers, etc.
Also available in Student/Parent Handbook:
- All cell phones must be turned off and placed in your child’s backpack when in school. Students may wear Smartwatches for emergency purposes only. Texting and talking on the phone while traveling through the hallways is not allowed. Frequent reminders to comply will result in confiscation of the phone. Parents will be contacted to pick up any phone that has been confiscated. Digital readers are allowed in school as a reading tool not a gaming device.
- (Updated 6/2022) Smartwatch Guidelines: Smartwatches are for emergency purposes only. Students may not text parents during the school day. If they need to contact their parents during the day, they can use the phone in the office. If your child does reach out to you during the day to go home via text or their Smartwatch phone, please have them go to the nurse. You can follow up with a call to the nurse to determine the best course of action for your child. Last year, we found a number of cases where the child wanted to go home to avoid an academic or social situation so they reached out to their parents. We do not want sick students here, and we do not want a child going home to avoid school either. School avoidance does happen and could have a detrimental effect on how your child views school throughout their time in school.
Applied Music Program
The Lafayette Applied Music Program includes instruction in BAND, CHORUS, and ORCHESTRA. The Applied Music period is a special time of the day, one or two times a week between 10:37 - 11:16 a.m. Your child may choose to join chorus and/or one instrumental group.
Lafayette also provides an INSTRUMENTAL LESSON PROGRAM. Students playing an instrument will attend a small group lesson once a week. All of the Lafayette students will be provided an overview of the Applied Music Program during the first week of school. They will also have an opportunity to enter the program at this time. If you have already rented an instrument, it will be delivered by the music store before school begins. Please do not hesitate to contact any of the music staff whenever you have concerns or questions during the year.
Lafayette Music Staff
- Dennis Argul (dargul@chatham-nj.org) - 4th & 5th Grade Instrumental Teacher
- Brian Conti (bconti@chatham-nj.org), Band Lesson Teacher
- Emily Gaul (egaul@chatham-nj.org), 4th & 5th Grade Band Director and Band Lesson Teacher
- Dana Goodstein (dgoodstein@chatham-nj.org) General Music Teacher and 4th & 5th Grade Choral Director
- Liam Keller (lkeller@chatham-nj.org), 4th & 5th Grade Orchestra Director and Lesson Teacher
Theater Arts Program
Volunteer @ LAF
Welcome Lafayette Families!
The PTO is proud to support Lafayette’s school motto, “It is not about being the best; it is about being your best,” with programs including our Mini-Marathon, Field Day, Read-a-thon, Book Fair, Pizza Day, After School Enrichment and more. The funds we raise cover important program and event costs associated with Author’s Day, School Gifts, Movie Night, Assemblies, Field Trips etc. This past year the PTO gifted a new courtyard which the children and staff were able to enjoy all year. This year we will be putting funds towards adding more items to the outdoor space and will continue to make improvements to the blacktop and playground. These projects are funded by our General Fund.
The LAF General Fund Committee is chaired by Nickie Cheney and Cindy Roy. Please read their message in this newsletter with information on how to donate. You can pay your PTO dues online and donate to our General Fund at https://chathampto.square.site
In addition to investing within Lafayette, we are so proud of our students’ charitable efforts outside the school….for example by participating in the Read-a-Thon last year, students raised enough funds for the PTO to donate $1,000 to BlinkNow, an organization with a mission to create a world where every child is safe, educated and loved.
Our success is dependent on help from our parents. There are many different ways to help listed within this newsletter and on our signup.com page and we encourage you to stay connected:
PTO Website: www.chathampto.com to access PTO information, volunteer opportunities, meeting dates, PTO dues, and General Fund.
Facebook: “Like” us on Facebook.
PTO Meetings: Our first PTO meeting, 9/15 at 9:30 AM in person with a virtual option. Each meeting features a speaker or discussion about key areas of the curriculum and the school. LAF Principal, Cheryl Russo, will present at our first meeting.
Please feel free to email us at laf@chathampto.com with any other questions. Thank you in advance for your help. We appreciate it. Our teachers appreciate it. And, most of all, our children appreciate it. Enjoy the remainder of your summer and we look forward to kicking off the new school year.
Warm Regards,
Nicole Mahoney & Laurie Nyilas
PTO Co-Presidents 2022-2023
Lafayette PTO General Fund
On behalf of the PTO, thank you for considering supporting the Lafayette General Fund. This year, more than ever, your donation is needed as we continue to support the implementation of safety measures and strive to provide the cultural/social events and community projects that students typically enjoy as part of their school experiences.
Each year, the PTO works to ensure your donations are put to the best possible use. Over the past year, General Fund donations allowed us to purchase items to assist with the safe reopening of school, to provide tables and umbrellas to create additional outdoor space for students during the day, to purchase gym equipment for mini field days, as well as to fund programs such as Author’s Day and more.
Please help us continue to fund more programs and experiences in the upcoming school year for our children by generously donating. The suggested donation for this year is $100 per family; however, donations of any size are appreciated.
Please donate either online at https://chathampto.square.site or by mailing a check, along with the form below, to Lafayette School.
Thank you in advance for your generous support!
Nickie Cheney and Cindy Roy
Lafayette General Fund Co-Chairs 2022-2023
Please make checks payable to “LAF PTO” and mail to: Lafayette PTO General Fund, Lafayette School, 221 Lafayette Ave., Chatham, NJ 07928
Student Name(s): _______________________________________________
Teacher(s): ____________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name: ________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________
Email: ______________________________________________________
Donation Amount (check as appropriate):
____$50 ____$100 ____$200 ____$300 ____$500 ____$750 ______Other
_______Matching gift amount
The PTO of the Chathams is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible and can be matched by your employer. Tax ID #20-8695766.
Calling All Room Parents!!!
Are you interested in being a Room Parent? Please sign up under your child’s teacher in the classroom list provided via this sign up genius by August 20th.
- 4th Grade Sign Up - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4BAAAB2FAAF8CE9-20222023
- 5th Grade Sign Up - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4BAAAB2FAAF8CE9-202220231
Room parent selections will be communicated via email prior to 8/30 meeting. Should you have any questions regarding room parent responsibilities please contact...
5th grade - Jackie Mierkiewicz(jfedgirl@gmail.com) or Gina Russo (ginarusso5@gmail.com),
4th grade - Alison Gassert (alisongassert@gmail.com) or Laura Ferchak (lferchak@gmail.com)
Thank you for volunteering!
SPIRITWEAR IS BACK!!!
Order now to get your Chatham and Lafayette gear this fall, items include short and long sleeve t-shirts, pullovers, shorts, bleacher chairs and much much more…..ORDER NOW Through September 12th!!!!! https://lafeyetteschoolspiritwear2022.itemorder.com
LAF Mini Marathon - October 18
LAF Mini Marathon is just around the corner! This is a great opportunity for students entering and returning to Lafayette to get involved and meet new friends. Mini Marathon is a non-competitive, untimed 1.6-mile walk/jog/run. This event is open to all students regardless of athletic ability. The objectives of Mini Marathon are to set goals, follow through with a commitment, develop school spirit, and to have FUN!
There are four scheduled practices that take place after school. Practice dates are September 20, 27, and October 11. Practice is run by LAF teacher Katie Williams and PTO volunteers. Practice begins immediately after school and ends at 4:15 pm.
All participants will receive a tee-shirt and a medal for participating in the race on October 18th. (Rain Date, October 19th). Please consider volunteering for a practice or Race Day. It’s a great way to get involved. More details to follow once we begin the school year.
Thank you in advance to our committee for assisting with this event.
Katie Hogan katiewhogan@gmail.com
Lara Kanjo lara543@aol.com
Katie Maybaum kathryn.c.robb@gmail.com
Allison Miller allison.mary.miller@gmail.com
Megan Ryan meganleeryan@gmail.com
Tara Shull tara.shull@gmail.com
Box Tops for Education™/ShopRite
Welcome back! Once again, Lafayette will be participating in the Box Tops for Education™ program to earn additional money for our school. Last year, LAF was able to raise almost $1000 and we know we can do better. Now it’s even easier to participate - no more clipping required! You just need to set up an account on the Box Tops mobile app or website. Then simply scan your store with the app or submit your online receipt within 14 days. Please visit https://www.boxtops4education.com/How-To-Earn for detailed instructions.
If you shop at ShopRite, did you know that you can earn Bonus Box Tops for LAF by registering your Price Plus© club card? Visit https://www.shopriteformyschool.com/HowItWorks to find out how!
Library Volunteers
Calling all book lovers! We are excited for another fabulous year in the LAF library! Library volunteers sign up for a monthly shift to help the librarians in shelving books, checking books in/out and just helping Mrs. Cifrodella and the library staff as needed. It's a great way to find out what the kids are learning about in school, see what they are reading, and occasionally get a glimpse of your child. Please note that because of the 6 day rotational schedule at LAF, you will NOT be seeing your child during all of your library shifts, but occasionally you may cross paths. Volunteers are so appreciated and needed, thank you for your help!!
If you are interested, please complete the following https://forms.gle/RajfGCNDEeeDKAYD7. Feel free to contact Megan or Priya at laflmcvolunteers@gmail.com with any questions. Thanks in advance!
Previously Shared News
School Hours
School starts at 9:00 am
- Students will be marked tardy beginning at 9:05 am
- Supervision in morning will begin at 8:50 am
- On rainy days, the students will line up in the gym or cafeteria.
Dismissal is at 3:30 pm
18 - New to Chatham Welcome Breakfast 9:00 a.m.
18 - Tour LAF ~ 9:30 am - 10:30 pm (self-guided tour around the school)
25 - First Day of School
30 - Room Parent Meeting ~ 9:30 LAF Cafeteria
September:
5 - No School
7 - LAF Back to School Night - 6:00 p.m.
14 - 5th Grade Trip to Jeff Lake
15 - PTO Meeting 9:30 am - LAF Cafeteria
20 - Mini Marathon Practice 3:30 pm - 4:15 pm
21 - 4th Grade Trip to Jeff Lake
26 - No School
27 - Mini Marathon Practice 3:30 pm - 4:15 pm
Medication Drop Off
- August 22nd, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 2:45 pm
- August 23rd, 10:00 am - 11:00 am and 12:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Lafayette will accept medication through the nurse's window which is on the side of the building near the teachers' parking lot. Signs will be posted to help you locate the nurse's office window.
School Supplies
If you ordered a school supply kit this past spring it will be available to your child on the first day of school. We are unable to order more kits at this time. Please click here to view school supply lists if you are still in need of supplies.
Kate Handerhan kate.handerhan@gmail.com and Nicola Ou huiyingou@gmail.com are the school supplies coordinators, please reach out to Kate or Nicola if you have any questions about school supplies.
Families New to Chatham
Welcome to Chatham! Please join us on Thursday, August 18th at 9:00 am for a Welcome Breakfast at Lafayette School. We will be available to chat with you, distribute important school and community information packets and answer any questions you may have. This is a parent and student event. If you have any pressing questions before the breakfast, please feel free to contact:
- Kelly Milligan kelly.m.milligan8@gmail.com
- Jun Quon hiliujun@hotmail.com
- Lisa Schriver lisaschriver@hotmail.com