Lafayette Update

Parent Update: September 23

Jeff Lake Class Trips

There are not enough words to express how grateful I am that the PTO and District supported our trips to Jeff Lake. While our students may have just viewed it as a day of play, we observed kids' team building, problem solving, and making independent choices. All essential skills for school and beyond. The benefits and lessons learned during these trips will be carried through the rest of the year as we build upon these skills in our academic small groups, character, and recess periods. Thank you for your support.

Google Classroom Guardian Email Summaries

The district has reverted back to pre-pandemic Guardian Email Summaries usage since we are no longer in virtual/hybrid instruction. Guardian Email Summaries are not utilized at the K-5 level since the way in which we use Google Classroom in the elementary classroom is simply to share links and resources for students to access and use in class, and if assignments are assigned and collected using Google Classroom (usually in the upper elementary grade levels), they are worked on, completed, and submitted while in school. Next week, the Technology Department will be deactivating the Guardian Email Summaries in grades K-5. During this time, if you were already enrolled in the summaries from a previous school year for your child, you should get an email alerting you that you have been removed as a guardian for your child. There is nothing else that you will need to do as part of this process.

Meet the LAF Health & Physical Education Teachers

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Jon Fuchs

Hello LAF community! My name is Jon Fuchs and this is my 3rd year teaching Health and Physical Education alongside Mr. Shellenhamer here at Lafayette. I grew up in Suffern, New York and graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I received my Masters of Arts in Teaching from Manhattanville College. Outside of school, I enjoy exercising and coaching. I currently coach travel ice hockey for the North Jersey Avalanche out of Hackensack, NJ. After school and on the weekends, you can find me at the ice rink or watching college football (or any sports for that matter).

I enjoy watching our students work together to achieve a common goal while improving their physical fitness levels and gaining confidence in their skills in order to be successful in our activities. I look forward to yet another successful, safe, and fun year!

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Dave Shellenhamer

My name is David Shellenhamer and I am one of the Health and Physical Education teachers here at Lafayette. I grew up in Florham Park and attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick. After receiving my teaching degree I taught in Rockaway Township for two years, and then moved over to Lafayette in 2007 and have been here since. During the winter and fall, you will often find me coaching basketball and softball at Chatham High School. It is great seeing and working with a lot of the same kids I taught when they were in 4th and 5th grade and seeing how far they’ve progressed.

When I’m not teaching or coaching, I am a busy dance/gymnastics/soccer and cheer dad for my two daughters. When I do have free time, I enjoy running, and working out. In the summer, I spend a lot of time at the beach and am often on LBI enjoying some sun with my family.

Be Inspired By Gobi

Thanks to Chatham Education Foundation, Gobi will be visiting the LAF students on October 18th. Our students will also be engaging in HPE, D&T, and Library lessons in the upcoming weeks to learn more about friendship, teamwork, perseverance, and wellness and the Finding Gobi story.

On October 18th there will be an assembly for 4th grade and 5th grade. The students will meet Gobi during the assembly. Each assembly will focus on the importance of staying active, the students will learn more about Gobi's story, and receive tips on how to be active and healthy. Gobi will attend the LAF Mini Marathon, too.

Even if you are not part of the LAF Mini Marathon come cheer on Gobi and your friends. Supporting one is part of Gobi's story too!