Dr. B Header (1)
August 27, 2017

How to stay "in the know"

Lafayette is a large and vibrant school community with many incredible happenings and events. After the first week, it may seem a bit overwhelming. Fear not! Below are a few helpful hints on how to keep up with all the information, outline our regular communication structures, and guidance on how to provide feedback to the school.

School-Wide Communications - the following are reliable, and consistent sources of school wide information.
  • Website - http://www.lafayettehsa.org/ - Our website is updated regularly thanks to parent Sophie Hanrahan! Please familiarize yourself with the layout and check it frequently!
  • Tuesday Bulletin - A wealth of information!
    • Sign up to receive them here.
    • Read old Tuesday Bulletins here.
    • If you would like to share information in the Tuesday Bulletin, email your message to news@lafayettehsa.org by 9 p.m. on Sundays.
  • Email Blasts - Sent semi-regularly with information from both the school and the HSA.
  • Social Media -
  • School Handbook - A comprehensive explanation of "how we do things" at Lafayette. Please take a moment to review the information here.
  • Family Directory - Contact information for fellow families found here.
  • Snow Days - Click here to find out all the ways to be alerted about school delays and closings.
Classroom Communication
  • Weekly teacher updates - Every classroom will send home weekly updates via email and/or paper. These updates will include academic information, classroom happenings, and logistical reminders.
  • Classroom websites (such as Shutterfly) - Websites are updated regularly with information, reminders, volunteer opportunities, and pictures of the classroom. There are also blogs for the art room and the Peace room that are linked on our website.
  • Room-parent emails - Every classroom is assigned 2-3 room parents. These are parents who send home information via email, help recruit volunteers, and assist in maintaining the classroom website.
  • Email/call your teacher - Feel free to check in with your teacher about any questions or concerns you may have. Email addresses are available on the staff directory page.
  • Back To School Night - Please join us for a comprehensive tour of the classroom and presentation from your teacher. Many of your questions will be answered over the course of the evening. The evening begins at 6 pm in the cafeteria. The full schedule can be found here.
    • August 30th - Grades PK4, 1st, 3rd, and 5th
    • August 31st - Grades KDG, 2nd, and 4th
What to do if you have a concern
  • Talk to your teacher - If you have a question or concern, your first conversation is with the teacher. Please assume positive intentions and come to the conversation focused on solutions.
  • Communicate with administration - If you feel the issue was not resolved during your conversation with the teacher, or if your concern relates to something other than the classroom, feel free to connect with any of the three administrators: Ms. Bosurgi (Assistant Principal), Ms. Mayhew (Assistant Principal), Dr. Broquard (Principal). Each administrator is responsible for a general area of the school:
    • Ms. Bosurgi - PK4, KDG, Specials, Lunch/Recess (madison.bosurgi@dc.gov)
    • Ms. Mayhew - 5th Grade, Building Use, Calendar, Facilities, and grievance process (stephanie.mayhew@dc.gov)
    • Dr. Broquard - 1st - 4th Grades, general questions, and everything else (carrie.broquard@dc.gov)
  • Send a message through the website - Click here to send a message to the school or to the webmaster.
  • DCPS grievance process - If you feel your issue has not been addressed adequately and/or resolved, feel free to utilize the DCPS grievance process. More information can be found here. Ms. Mayhew is Lafayette's Grievance Process POC.
Congrats on making it through the entire email message! I realize this is a lot of information, but communication is the key to a successful school year. Please utilize and enjoy the structures that are in place and know that we are all here for your students every day. Please don't hesitate to share information - concerns or praise! It's important to hear both.

Here's to an amazing 2nd week of school. See you all at Back To School Night!
Dr. B
facebook twitter