Dear Lafayette Families,
We are thrilled to welcome new families and greet returning families for the 2024-2025 school year!
The Lafayette Home and School Association (HSA) is Lafayette’s version of a traditional PTA. We are a group of volunteer parents, Lafayette staff, and members of our neighborhood representing and working on behalf of the school community. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit group. We plan events and programming to foster community, fundraise to support our school’s needs, and harness the power of our families to give back to others. You can learn more at www.lafayettehsa.org under “Family Engagement.”
Lafayette Traditions
We are proud to build our community through the wonderful traditions and events that help to make Lafayette so special. Some of these events are listed below:
● HSA New Family Popsicle Socials – Saturday, August 24
● Welcome Back Breakfast Bites – Monday, August 26
● Outdoor Movie Night – Saturday, September 21
● General HSA Meeting – Tuesday, October 1
● Fall Festival – Saturday, October 26
● Spring Auction – Saturday, May 3
View the full calendar on the Lafayette website.
Belonging
We promote inclusivity across our school by ensuring HSA board members are accessible and the HSA supports our entire community. We aim to do this through a series of initiatives, from HSA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts to our Lafayette Hello program designed to help make all feel welcome as valued members of our Lafayette family. Look out for information about how we can connect with one another, including Welcome Back Coffee, Class Family Playdates and Parent Potlucks. We will have Lafayette Hello Greeters around school to get us all started!
Communications
Wondering where you can find the school lunch menu or information about aftercare? How about the family directory or the school calendar? Our website has all the information you need. We are asking all families to sign up for the Thursday Bulletin to receive all of the HSA and Lafayette news and updates you need throughout the year!
And stay connected to other families through our A to Z Directory. Visit www.lafayettehsa.org/lafayette-family-directory to update your information for the year. You can follow the school on Instagram (@lafayetteelementaryschool) and Facebook.
Fundraising
In a typical year, the HSA raises approximately $300,000 and much of this goes to support the school budget with a wide range of essentials such as toilet paper, supplementing classroom supplies, teacher professional development, Lafayette’s amazing Peace curriculum, grade-specific projects, and extracurricular programs. The HSA raises funds through the Bear Fund (our annual giving drive) and fundraising events such as the Auction and Fall Festival. In addition, the HSA donates 10% of funds raised through the Bear Fund to the DC Public Education Fund as part of our annual equity pledge.
Thank you to everyone who has given to the Bear Fund in years past. We rely on the generosity of Lafayette families, and we hope you will consider a gift this year. We are aiming for 100% participation this year, for giving at any level. Please visit www.lafayettehsa.org/bearfund to learn more about the Bear Fund and make a donation!
Volunteer (Please!)
The HSA comes to life because of amazing volunteers like you! There are small, medium and large volunteer opportunities available – something that can work with any schedule. We are working hard to broaden the tent of the HSA and volunteering is not only a great way to give back, but also to meet new people. Visit www.lafayettehsa.org/hsa/volunteer or email us to let us know how you think you can help.
Thank you for allowing us to represent you. We couldn’t do all that we do without your generous and continued support. A great school year is ahead!
Warmly,
Your HSA Co-Presidents
Luci Shanahan
Michele Madugno
Email us at
Visit our school website at www.lafayettehsa.org