The Cougar Connection
Lafayette Elementary October 21st
Dear Cougar Families,
It finally feels like Fall! This weekend Megan was a judge for the pumpkin carving contest with the City of Lafayette. I asked to be called a celebrity judge but that did not work out. I also got to go to our annual family fall party down in Parker- please ask the “Survivor” themed games we played!. Robin visited various rinks and courts as usual, but also enjoyed a beautiful fall hike with her middle school son, Jackson, who didn’t even complain once!
A huge thank you to everyone who supported Laps for Lafayette! The runners, walkers, and CT were grateful for the cooler weather. We’re especially thankful to our Physical Education teacher, Maria Mischke for her expert event organization, as well as the Parent Teacher Organization and parent volunteers who assisted with setup, cleanup, and lap marking. The donation link will remain open through October 28th: cougarpto.org/laps. Also, please take a moment to check out the Lost and Found located at the front of the school—there's a wide selection of coats, hats, and water bottles waiting to be claimed.
We are excited to announce that we have received an Impact on Education Grant for iReady Instructional licenses. This new reading tool will offer students additional support and enrichment opportunities in reading. Special thanks to Impact on Education for supporting our reading growth goals!
On October 31st at 8:10 a.m., we’ll be hosting a Halloween Costume Parade for PK-5th graders on the Laps for Lafayette track. Students are welcome, but not required, to wear costumes. If they choose to participate, please have them wear their costumes to school, and they can change out of them after the parade if they wish. We kindly ask that all costumes adhere to the following BVSD dress code guidelines:
Costumes must be respectful of other cultures, races, and religions. Costumes that appropriate or misrepresent these are not permitted.
Costumes should be creative and fun without involving excessive violence or gore, and must not reference real-life violent events or individuals.
Costumes should not cause a distraction in the learning environment (e.g., no sound effects, lights, or large costumes that block views or prevent sitting in desks).
Masks can be worn during the parade but must be removed once inside the school.
No real or fake weapons are allowed as part of any costume.
Inflatable costumes, previously restricted due to COVID-19, are now permitted during the parade but not in class.
Classroom teachers will be sharing details about classroom celebrations in their weekly communications. Parents planning to volunteer in the school, please remember to bring your identification to the front office for a quick and smooth security check-in.
Go Cougars!
Sincerely,
Megan Weir, Principal and Robin Stone, Dean of Students
Great Things Are Happening At Lafayette Elementary...
Laps for Lafayette
Garden to Table Second Grade Lesson
Third Grade Rosemary Well Author Field Trip
Kindergarten Lafayette Firefighter Safety Presentation
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.
Upcoming Events October 2024 (Character Trait: Citizenship):
21 Fifth Grade Garden to Table
21 2nd Grade DI 2:55-4:00
22 2nd & 3rd Grade DI 2:55 to 4:00
22 No Place for Hate Meeting 2:55 to 3:55
22 Shakespeare Club 2:55 to 3:55
23 School Accountability Meeting (Virtual) 12:00-1:00 Google Meet
23 Cartooning Club in Art Room 2:55-3:55
23 Sewing Club in room 122 2:55-3:55
24 2nd Grade Downing walking Field Trip to Community Arts Center 9:30-11:15
24 Preschool “In-house Field Trip”
24 5th Grade DI 2:55-4:00
25 4th Grade DI 2:55-4:00
28 2nd Grade DI 2:55-4:00
28 Fifth Grade Garden to Table
29 2nd/3rd Grade DI 2:55-4:00
29 Shakespeare Club 2:55-3:55
30 2nd Grade Hendrikson Walking Field Trip Community Arts Center 12:15-1:45
30 Kindergarten Garden to Table
30 Cartooning Club in Art Room 2:55-3:55
30 Sewing Club in room 122 2:55-3:55
31 Halloween Parade and Events Parade 8:10 on the Laps for Lafayette Course
Thanks for Supporting the Book Fair!
Thank you to everyone who shopped at the fall book fair (both in person and online). Our school library earned $3,000 in Scholastic credit and $1,086.13 in cash. Funds will be used to purchase new library books! Thanks to your generous donations, we also raised $162.81 in "Share the Fair" contributions, which were used to purchase books for students needing financial assistance. A HUGE THANK YOU goes out to all of the volunteers who helped set up, run, and break down the fair, which would not have been possible without their help! Amazing Volunteers: Julie Garrett (and son), Noe Caceres, Ryan Arment, Kate Chittenden, Sara Kaplan (and daughters), Kate Larson, Julie Bjornstad, Moira Eagan, Emily Book McGree.
Meet Student Teacher, Ms Avabelle
Hi! My name is Ms. Avabelle and I am Ms.Barb's student teacher in 1st grade. I am a senior in college at CU Boulder and I am studying to become an elementary school teacher. I love crafting, cooking, reading, and being outside! I am so excited to be here at Lafayette. If you see me around I would love to say hi or get a chance to get to know you all a little better!! Thanks for welcoming me into this amazing community. :)
October Curious Cougar News
Check out the second edition of Curious Cougar News for this year! Over 100 students have signed up to contribute to this monthly newsletter, created by kids, for kids. We drew ten editors for the year and will be rotating in guest editors so that more cougars can publish their writing in CCN. Enjoy this month’s issue LINK.
School-Community Mural Project
Lafayette Elementary will be partnering with Streetwise Arts to create a school community mural in the cafeteria! Please click here to view a slideshow about this project and provide your valuable input into the mural theme/design.
Storybook Pumpkin Patch
As Halloween approaches, ghoulish sights abound. Create your favorite storybook character from a pumpkin, nice and round. Drop it off in the library before school on October 21 and we will create a display. October 22-31 will be the viewing days! Storybook Pumpkin Patch LINK
October Gifted and Talented News
Lafayette is a Gifted and Talented focus school. Please enjoy the October Newsletter: LINK.
Gifted and Talented Playdates:
Another round of playdates is coming up! These playdates are perfect for kids in grades K-8. Parents are welcome to mingle, share resources, and explore our Lending Library while the kids play. For more information and updates, check the BVGT Family Activities Meetup!
Lending Library Resource
Check BVGT Family Activities Meetup for more information and updates.
Counselor's Corner
Dear Students and Families,
As we settle into October, I want to take a moment to remind everyone of the importance of mental health and well-being. This month is a great opportunity to focus on self-care and awareness as we transition into the fall season.
Important Reminders:
Mental Health Awareness: Remember that it’s okay to ask for help. If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, please reach out. Our doors are always open for support.
Connecting the Community to Mental Health and Support Services:
WellMind Connection is a dedicated team specializing in helping individuals access local mental health and supportive resources. Their knowledgeable, bilingual staff works directly with individuals to identify needs and provide tailored support for behavioral health, mental health, substance use treatment, and other essential services.
WellMind Connection serves anyone in the community seeking guidance on these resources, offering free services and in-person support when needed.
How to Contact WellMind Connection:
Call: 303-441-1300 (12–4pm, Mon–Fri)
Email: WellMind@bouldercounty.gov
Website: WellMindconnection.org
For more information, flyers are available in both English and Spanish. WellMind Connection
Let’s continue to support each other and prioritize our mental health as we move through the school year.
Best wishes,
Miss Anna
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
Parent Teacher Organization
Thank you to everyone that supported Laps for Lafayette. There is still time to donate and we are just under 70 percent of the total of our goal. Go to cougarpto.org/laps to donate through October 28th.
Did you miss out on Cougar wear? Do not worry. Email president@cougarpto.org with your size and we will let you know if we have your size. If not, we can give you the online site to order.
Thanks to everyone who signed up with the Sunshine Committee for Popping by to just say thanks. Check out https://bvsd.helpatschools.com/schools/32/events?tab=Parties to help with Halloween parties.
Do you know what to cook for dinner? We can help you. Go to MOD pizza on Monday October 28th for Restaurant Night Out to support our PTO and school.
Email: president@cougarpto.org