School Clubs and Activities

School clubs and activities are a fun and meaningful way to complement a student’s classroom education. Extracurricular activities provide a familiar and secure setting for a student to learn a new skill, meet students in other classes and grades, and expand their educational and social horizons. At Lafayette, students have a diverse selection of clubs and activities to choose from.

• After-School Activities
• School Day Activities

After-School Activities

Mad Science
Do you have a child who loves to experiment, explore and discover? Would you like a little more science in your child's life? Mad Science is a fun way for kids to learn about the things they're naturally curious about. Kids love to learn by doing -- for example, kids learn about the properties of heat by transforming sugar into cotton candy, make their own optical illusions, generate electricity and lightning, and so much more cool stuff! Visit the website to learn more and to register online.
Time: Mondays and Tuesdays: 3:30-4:30 pm. Session runs from Oct. 25-Dec. 14, 2010.
Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (301-593-4777)
Website: www.madscience.org/dc (to register)

Chess Club
Chess is a fun game of strategy that requires critical thinking and creativity. This group is open to children of all ability levels in 1st-5th grade. The instructor will be Jason McKinney, who holds an Expert USCF rating of approximately 2100 and has taught chess in many schools and camps. The club will be limited to the first 20 students to sign up. 
Time: Tuesdays 3:30-4:30 pm (starting 9/28 for 8 weeks)
Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (to register) or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tae Kwon Do
This class is run by Flying Kick Fitness Center. Their instructor, Master Al Altrash ("Master A") comes to Lafayette each week to teach the principals of Tae Kwon Do to a class of about 15 students. Students of varied levels and capabilities are taught with discipline, respect and fun, and can improve based on their own potential. As a result of Tae Kwon Do training, children exhibit improved physical condition, increased concentration ability, greater self control and increased confidence.
Time: Wednesdays 3:30-4:30 pm
Contact: Master This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (301-951-0543)
Website: www.flyingkicktkd.com

Notebusters
Notebusters is an after school vocal music experience open to children at Lafayette in grades 1-5. Notebusters is about teaching children to have fun through singing and to enjoy performing in front of a live audience. The children have weekly opportunities to gain confidence by standing up in front of their peers to sing alone or in small groups. Children are given lots of opportunities for solo and small group performing experiences which builds confidence and self assurance, and transfers to all aspects of life. Notebusters is directed by Mr. Alex, a professional singer with the U.S. Army Chorus. He will be assisted by Mr. Andre McCrea of the U.S. Army Chorus and Dr. Wood from Janney.
Time: Thursdays 3:30-4:15 pm (beginning Sept. 16 for 10 weeks)
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Cheerleading
Information will be posted as it becomes available.
Time: Fridays 4:30 pm
Contact: Rachel (DC Parks & Rec)

F4ed Math Club
Would you like your children to have extra time learning math in a way that is challenging and fun? Or do you want to take the fear out of math for them? In Fun Afterschool Math, children work with undergrads from Georgetown and other universities who make learning fun and are great role models. Children are placed in small groups based on what they know and what they need to learn next, which makes the program good both for children who seek to explore new or challenging topics, and for children who need to strengthen their knowledge of math fundamentals. The program builds confidence and develops conceptual learning and critical thinking skills. Children work in groups of 3-8 kids per instructor and use an international math curriculum.
Time: Fridays 3:30-5:00 pm
Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Mike Rauta
Website: www.f4ed.com

Lafayette Afterschool Tennis
Classes start on September 7 and run for 9 weeks, until November 6. There will be 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm sessions on Monday-Friday for kids ranging from 5-14 years old in beginner, advanced beginner and intermediate classes. There will be teen classes at 5:30 pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Time: Mon-Fri at 3:30 and 4:40 (ages 5-14); Mon, Tue, Thurs at 5:30 pm for teens
Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (202-441-0925)
Website: www.lafayettetennis.org (check for space availability)

School Day Activities

Foreign Language Program (Grades 1-5)
The Lafayette Foreign Language Program (FLP) is an independent language program offering Spanish to children in 1st through 5th grades. The purpose of FLP is to excite children about learning another language and provide them with the fundamentals that support further foreign language development in middle and high school. Classes meet Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 8:00am-8:40am. The program runs from Sept 20 - May 12.
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International Club (Grades 3-5)
The International Club meets every other Friday at lunchtime.
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AMC-8 Math Team (Grades 4-5)
The American Mathematics Contest 8 (AMC 8) is a 40 minute multiple-choice exam administered nationally in mid-November. The competition is designed to promote the development and enhancement of problem-solving skills. The test also promotes excitement and enthusiasm about math to encourage students to continue the study of math beyond the minimum requirements. The AMC 8 team works together from September until the time of the test (usually mid-November) in preparation. Students generally travel to the University of the District of Columbia to participate in this competition.
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Math Club (Grades 3-5)
Beginning after the AMC-8 competition in mid-November, interested students in grades 3-5 meet weekly to pursue math topics of interest to the group: investigations, games, constructions, etc. The emphasis is on pursuit of knowledge and delight in our discoveries rather than coverage of a prescribed subject matter.
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School Band (Grades 4-5)
Beginning band is open to all students in Grades 4-5. Beginning band meets on Monday and Wednesday each week, from 12:00-12:30 during the lunch/recess hour. Students learn the basics of playing musical instruments including note and rhythm reading, proper technique and ensemble playing. Advanced band is for grades 5, and is a continuation of beginning band. Advanced band also meets twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday from 12:00 – 12:30. Students learn to read sheet music and expand upon their musical skills. Contact:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Percussion Ensemble (Grades 4-5)
Instruction on multiple percussion instruments incorporates world rhythms to create original pieces that are performed through the year. The percussion ensemble meets on Monday and Wednesday each week from 12:30 – 1:00.
Contact: Andrew Steel

Lafayette Lunchtime Tennis
Lunchtime tennis is a great way for school friends to enjoy a fun physical activity together during their lunch recess. The lunchtime program is for 1st-5th graders. Schedules will be set for each class based on other activities, such a band practices, that take place during lunch recess. Students may take only one class per week. Classes begin the week of Sept. 7 and run for 10 weeks. Registration forms are available in the information rack in the Great Hall.
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Open Art
"Open Art" provides a time during noontime recess to complete class work, either because an artist needs more time or has missed a class during a unit. In addition, 4th-5th grade students are given 3 open art passes per class, which they may obtain from their teacher before going out for noontime recess. These may be used to work on anything of their choosing. During Native American Heritage month in November, 3rd grade students are given "weaving passes" to put in some additional time on their weaving project during their first recess (from 12:00-12:20). Younger students are given passes on an as-needed basis to complete class projects only.
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Pottery Workshops
In 4th or 5th grade, students are provided the opportunity to work one-on-one with the art teacher on the pottery wheel during their noontime recess. Once they have completed an individual lesson, they have the opportunity to come to the art room from 12:00-1:00 most days to practice on their own with minimal help from the teacher. Often, fellow students will assist each other on the wheel.
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Student Council (Grade 3-5)
Lafayette's Student Council gives students an opportunity to take an active part in school decisions and to better understand the democratic process. Students learn the benefits and responsibilities that come with a leadership role in the student community. The Lafayette Student Council is open to students in grades 3-5. Officer and representative elections are in November and the Student Council runs through the end of the school year.
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Character Crusaders (Grade 5)
This is a character development-centered club for students committed to making a difference each day in the school environment. Students meet regularly to brainstorm creative ways to reach out to the student body to share the importance of character traits and skills that make a big difference in life. Through art, drama, music, community projects, social play and interaction students model pillars of character for the student community and have the opportunity to serve as role models for their peers and as mentors to younger students.
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