The Cougar Connection
Lafayette Elementary December 9th
Dear Cougar Families,
This wonderful, warm weekend Megan had a great time cheering for her friend Taylor’s boyfriend in football since Taylor had a concert to attend and couldn’t make the game- Travis was very appreciative and ended up winning. I’m pretty sure he felt the energy. Robin made some peanut butter blossoms while racing from rinks to courts around the front range. This weekend all three of the Stone kids celebrated personal or team successes. I have such gratitude for the coaches, teachers and families who have supported their growth.
Speaking of tremendous growth, many of our students are already showing amazing growth on iReady (reading assessment) and iXL (math assessment). As these growth scores come in, we are celebrating student achievement, growth and effort!
Several families have reached out to ask how they can help at school. Please consider subbing! Here’s how: LINK
Friendly reminder about our morning supervision:
On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday supervision begins at 7:40. Students should not arrive before 7:40 as we do not have adults on the playground. Our first bell rings at 7:50 AM which is when the classroom doors will open for students to enter the building. The second bell rings at 7:55 AM and this is when the classroom doors will be closed. If a student arrives after the second bell, the student will need to go to the main entrance.
On late-start Wednesday supervision begins at 8:40. If students arrive before this time we do not have school staff supervising them. Our first bell will ring at 8:50 AM which is when the classroom doors will open for students to enter the building. The second bell rings at 8:55 AM and this is when the classroom doors will be closed.
*** Play structures are closed to students before school.
Please be reminded that we ask parents do *not* use the bus lane for drop off until after 8:00 am (9:00) am Wednesday) unless you have a visible handicap placard displayed.
Thanks again to our volunteers who helped clean up the garden- it’s winter ready and beautiful! Also, thank you to the parents who have been bringing in treats for our staff- we can’t tell you how much it raises spirits to know we are thought of and cared about. Thank you.
Thanks for your partnership!
Go Cougars!
Sincerely,
Megan Weir, Principal and Robin Stone, Dean of Students
Great Things Are Happening At Lafayette Elementary...
Meals on Wheels Buddies at Work!
Second Grade Colorado University Buffs Game Field Trip
Our Students are rocking the iReady and iXL Reading and Math Assessments!
Lafayette Songbirds Touring The School Spreading Joy!
Important Dates and Upcoming Events
24-25 BVSD Calendar LINK
***Specials--PE, Art, and Music Rotation Schedules LINK
Please make sure your student has athletic footwear for PE weeks. No Crocs, flip flops, sandals, dress shoes, heels, wheelies, or boots please!
For a complete list of events, please see the CALENDAR on our website.
December 2024 (Character Trait: Generosity)
9 2nd Grade DI 2:55 to 4:00 PM in room 119
9 Student Council Meeting 2:55 to 3:55 in room 105b
10 Colorado Gives Day!!
10 Skate City 6:00-8:00PM
10 3rd Grade DI 2:55 to 4:00 PM rooms 105b & 119
10 Shakespeare Club 2:55 to 3:55 PM in room 110
11 Sewing Club 2:55 to 3:00 PM in room 122
11 PTO Chipotle Night 4:00 to 8:00 PM
12 3rd through 5th Spelling Bee 8:00 AM to 12:oo PM in the MPR
13 4th Grade DI 2:55 to 4:00 PM rooms 105b & 119
16 PK Gingerbread Party 8:15 to 9:00
16 2nd Grade DI 2:55 to 4:00 PM rooms 105b & 119
17 Instrumental Music Concert 10:30 to 11:15 AM in the Gym
17 3rd Grade DI 2:55 to 4:00 PM rooms 105b & 119
17 Shakespeare Club 2:55 to 3:55 PM in room 110
18 Kindergarten Eco Cycle
19 5th Grade DI 2:55 to 4:00 PM rooms 105b & 119
20 4th Grade DI 2:55 to 4:00 PM rooms 105b & 119
23 Winter Break ~ January 6th
Curious Cougar News
Check out the last edition of Curious Cougar News for 2024! Over 100 students signed up to contribute to this monthly newsletter, created by kids, for kids. Enjoy this month’s issue LINK.
Student Council’s Annual Spirit Week
Monday, December 16th: Inside-out or Backwards Day
Tuesday, December 17th: Happy Hat Day
Wednesday, December 18th: Favorite Book or Movie Character Day
Thursday, December 19th: PJ/ Stuffy Day
Friday, December 20th: Holiday Apparel Day
Life-Long Learning Spring Enrichment Classes
8 Options for Spring Lifelong Learning Classes Begin the Week of January 27 at Lafayette.
Fill your student's spring with Chess, Cooking, Spanish, Sports and more! Register by January 22 for the first session.
Click to see your options:
Call (720)561-5968 or email lifelong.learning@bvsd.org with any questions.
Preschool Enrollment
BVSD Choice Enrollment Window Now Open through Jan. 8
The Boulder Valley School District is now accepting applications for choice enrollment. The Boulder Valley School District welcomes both students from outside our district and those who want to choose a school outside of the neighborhood school to participate in our Choice Enrollment process.
Increase your chances for an offer by applying by Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025
Apply anytime before Jan. 8: It doesn’t matter whether you apply on the first day of the window or the last day. Families have equal possibilities of getting the school of their choice, as long as it is during the window.
Applications and information: Get all the details and apply today at www.bvsd.org/parents-students/enrollment-center
BVSD Middle Level Open Enrollment Information:
Lafayette Elementary Open Enrollment and New Family Tours:
November 18th and 21st. RSVP Here.
OmniSalud Enrollment Open
The annual enrollment period for OmniSalud is November 1 - January 15. Omni Salud provides undocumented individuals living in Colorado with a fully secure and confidential platform to obtain low-cost or regular-cost health coverage. Enrollment for the low-cost option is limited and available spots will fill quickly.
Re-enrollment for current enrollees: November 1 - November 22, 2024
Action Required: Current enrollees in OmniSalud Silver Enhanced Savings $0 plans must log in, complete a new application, and enroll in coverage for next year. This process is not automatic. Eligibility requirements, including income, still apply.
General enrollment: 8 a.m. on November 25, 2024 - January 15, 2025
Spaces are limited for $0 plans for 2025. Anyone can apply for any remaining Silver Enhanced Saving spots at this time. Once the $0 plans are gone, the full-price plans will continue to be available until January 15. There is no limit on the number of full-price plans available.
Counselor's Corner
Dear Families,
I hope this message finds you well. As we approach the holiday season, I want to express my gratitude for your continued support and involvement in our school community.
This December, our family newsletter will focus on the important themes of mental health and generosity. We believe that understanding and nurturing mental well-being is essential, especially during this busy time of year. Additionally, fostering a spirit of generosity can enhance the sense of community and kindness among us all.
BVSD is committed to the health and safety of all students during their entire academic career, as such, we are pleased to have Blue Sky Bridge join us in speaking on Thursdays: 1/9, 1/16, & 1/23, and on Friday 1/31. A brief overview of topics to be covered in these presentations include Understanding Personal Space/Boundary Setting, Consent, Healthy Relationships, and Internet safety. Parents and Guardians can learn more about student lessons, join online parent learning sessions, and find additional resources here. Please see the letters below for grades 5, 3, and Kindergarten:
Lafayette - 2024/2025 Parent Letter 5th grade Blue Sky Bridge
Lafayette 24-25 Parent Letter 3rd grade Blue Sky Bridge
Lafayette Kindergarten 24-25 Parent Notification Letter for Blue Sky Bridge
Family Activities to Promote Mental Health:
Mindfulness Moments: Set aside a few minutes each day for quiet reflection or meditation as a family.
Nature Walks: Spend time outdoors together, enjoying the fresh air and the beauty of nature.
Gratitude Journals: Encourage family members to write down things they are thankful for each day.
Creative Arts: Engage in art projects together, allowing for self-expression and creativity.
Cooking Together: Plan and prepare a healthy meal as a family, discussing the importance of nutrition.
Story Time: Read books together that focus on themes of kindness and resilience.
Board Game Nights: Create a fun family night with games that encourage teamwork and communication.
Volunteer Together: Find a local charity where you can serve as a family, promoting generosity and community spirit.
Take a Moment for Mental Health and Family Resources:
The holidays can also be a stressful time for many people. Below are several resources with tips on how to manage holiday stress.
Thank you for being such an essential part of our school community.
Warm regards,
~Anna Gamble, Counselor
Library Learning Targets
Character Trait Television
Each Wednesday, announcements are shown virtually in the classroom and feature our students, their artwork, and other student talents throughout the school. Please enjoy last week’s CTTV: LINK
PTO Roller Skating Party is This Week!
Parent Teacher Organization
We hope you are all enjoying this beautiful weather in early December. There is still time to give for Colorado Gives Day to the Lafayette PTO. Check out our ASK letter at cougarpto.org/2024ask and schedule your gift at cougarpto.org/coloradogives.
Skate City Community Night is from 6-8 on Tuesday night! We hope to see you there!
After rollerskating on Tuesday you will not want to cook on Wednesday! Perfect night for Chipotle and to support our school. If you order online Wednesday for Chipotle from 4-6, use the code YJNTJAW. If you go in person, please remind the cashier your order is for the LES fundraiser.
Sunshine Committee presents the staff cookie exchange. Sign up at https://bvsdhelpatschools.com/schools/32/events14651.
Save the Date for the Lafayette Readathon, January 24th – February 7th. Details are coming soon! Let’s get ready to read!
Also, save the date for our next general PTO board meeting on Thursday January 30th at 5:00 pm. Plan on bringing your kids along as childcare will be provided.
Please see the invitation below to all parents and caregivers from Louisville Elementary PTO and Coal Creek Elementary PTA: Please join us for a Tech Talk and QA on December 12th from 6-7:30 at the Louisville Middle School Auditorium. Parents and caregivers from all area elementary schools are invited to join. The event will feature nationally renowned expert Tracey Markle, founder and co-director of the Digital Media Treatment and Education Center (dTEC) to discuss safe and age appropriate technology use for kids. Please register here via Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tech-talk). The event is free with a $10 suggested donation via Venmo to @panthersPTO (please write “Tech Talk” in the memo).
Thank you,
Your PTO Board
Email: president@cougarpto.org