Lafayette Update
August 17th
Hello again....
Expect these procedures to take time. We can not feasibly welcome all students each day without delays. You will also be hearing from Dr. LaSusa in the coming days regarding District procedures and policies. Your child's teachers will also be reaching out soon as well. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions before the school year begins.
Cheryl Russo
Lafayette School Procedures & News
Morning Drop Off
- 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.
Student Line Up
For the first couple of days, there will be signs with their homeroom teacher's name to indicate exactly where students should line up.
Dismissal
- Students will be dismissed from their classrooms or applied music (see below) at 3:15 p.m.
- Early student pick-ups between 3:00 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. are discouraged and should be avoided. At this time of day, a number of students are in applied music. The classrooms and the office are extremely busy which will result in significant delays resulting in extended wait times for parents picking up students.
- We encourage you to try and schedule your child’s doctor and dental appointments around school hours. If this is not possible, you must come to the front door to sign your child out.
- 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
- At the end of the day, our students use multiple exits to leave the building.
- Our carline assembles in the high school circle. 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 2:50 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 she enforces these safety rules.
Parking
- Parking on-site is very limited. All spaces that have numbers are for staff members only. 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 2:50 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.
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, two or three times a week between 2:37 p.m. - 3:15 p.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
PTO & Volunteer News
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, etc. The PTO supported Lafayette last year by providing supplies and resources to keep our kids in school during the COVID pandemic. This included cleaning supplies, PPE, social distancing markers and playground/gym equipment that allowed our kids to get outside and play safely. This PTO also gifted a new courtyard which the children and staff will be able to enjoy this year. These projects are funded by our General Fund.
The LAF General Fund Committee is chaired by Janine Vecciarelli, Nickie Cheney and Amita Singh. 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://squareup.com/store/lafpto.
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 $6,800 to Helping Hands of Chatham, an organization helping to feed members of our community in need.
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, 9/23 at 9:30 AM over Zoom. 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 lafptopresident@gmail.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,
Sharon Piskadlo and Pam Ryan
PTO Co-Presidents 2021-2022
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://squareup.com/store/lafpto or by mailing a check, along with the form below, to Lafayette School.
Thank you in advance for your generous support!
Janine Vecciarelli, Nickie Cheney and Amita Singh
Lafayette General Fund Co-Chairs 2021-2022
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.
LAF Mini Marathon
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 five scheduled practices that take place after school. Practice dates are September 13, 20, 27; October 4, 18. Practice is run by the LAF Physical Education teacher, Mr. Shellenhamer, and PTO volunteers. Practice begins immediately after school and ends at 4:00 pm.
All participants will receive a tee-shirt and a medal for participating in the race on October 25th. (Rain Date, October 26th). 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.
Our co-chairs for this event are Tara Shull tara.shull@gmail.com and Megan Ryan meganleeryan@gmail.com
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 the below link by August 20th. Room parent selections will be communicated via email prior to a September 2nd, 9:15 a.m. meeting. Should you have any questions regarding room parent responsibilities please contact:
5th grade:
- Shannon Matter (shannonmatter@hotmail.com)
- Jackie Mierkiewics (jfedgirl@gmail.com)
4th grade:
- Nicole Mahoney (nmm0412@gmail.com)
- Natalie DaCosta (ncdc1012@gmail.com)
Thank you for volunteering! LAF Class Parent Sign Up
Library Volunteers
Calling all book lovers!! The LAF Library team has another great year planned for our children. To make that happen they really need our help. Here’s what you can do:
Volunteer for a regular library shift (2 hour shifts between 9:00am-3:00pm on either odd or even numbered days). Working in the library involves 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 at school, see what they are reading and occasionally get a glimpse of your child too!
If you would like to volunteer please send an email to laflmcvolunteers@gmail.com with the following information:
Shift: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Day(s) of the week
An odd or even numbered day (ex. every odd # Wednesday)
Your child’s name
Please consider volunteering your time to make the library a very special place for our children this school year. If you have any questions, please email coordinators Prena Sood, Larissa Wilson, and Priya Voleti at laflmcvolunteers@gmail.com Thank you!
Box Tops for Education™
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!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Cindy Lee (cincho.lee@gmail.com). Thanks for your help!
Previously Shared News
Back to School Night
School Hours
School starts at 8:45 a.m.
- Students will be marked tardy beginning at 8:50a.m.
- Supervision on the playground and indoor line-up begins at 8:35 am. On rainy days, the students will line up in the gym or cafeteria.
Dismissal is at 3:15 p.m.
Medication Drop Off
- August 24th, 9:15 am - 11:00 am and 1:00 pm - 2:45 pm
- August 25th, 9:15 am - 11:00 am and 1:00 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.
Open House - 4th Grade and New Students Only
Our doors will be open to incoming 4th grade students and new to Chatham students. Our student ambassadors will be on hand to answer questions and point you in the right direction as you walk around the building during the open house.
- August 23th - 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
- August 26th - 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
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.
Families New to Chatham
Welcome to Chatham! Please join us on Thursday, August 26th at 9:15 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. There will be an Open house after the breakfast from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
If you have any pressing questions before the breakfast, please feel free to contact:
Renae James (ranae.james@live.com), Jun Quon (hiliujun@hotmail.com), Nicola Ou (huiyingou@gmail.com) or Shevane Goswami (shevanegoswami@gmail.com).