|
|
|
|
This Holiday Season, Support our Teachers
Help Support Enriching and Engaging Teaching at Lafayette
|
We're nearing the end of the year and the end of our "Fall Back to Lafayette" campaign! So much of HSA's funds go to help teachers with supplies, professional development and other supports for our fabulous teachers. Please help us to support those who work tirelessly to help our kids. Donate by Dec 31!
|
|
|
|
Here's what some of them have to say:
|
|
|
One of the most wonderful things about Lafayette is parent support. Over the past ten years, I have learned that I can depend on parent contributions to get my classroom up and running at the beginning of every school year. It is a huge undertaking to unpack a classroom over the summer and I always want to make sure that my classroom is engaging and inviting for my students. The classroom grant money at the beginning of the year is a weight taken off of our long list of purchases. Knowing that the parents and HSA are there to help us with additional classroom needs throughout the year benefits our teaching and, by extension, student learning.
|
The HSA has also provided so many other valuable resources through parent donations. We’ve used these funds for special visitors, trips to the Maryland Science Center and the private screening of Wonder, and to further a unit of study in the classroom. We couldn’t do this without help from our generous parents. As a teacher, I feel the HSA is always eager to support my teaching through funding and more. HSA members help us do our jobs in a more enriching way.
-Erin De Jonckheere, First Grade Teacher
|
|
|
One of the most wonderful things about Lafayette is parent support. Over the past ten years, I have learned that I can depend on parent contributions to get my classroom up and running at the beginning of every school year. It is a huge undertaking to unpack a classroom over the summer and I always want to make sure that my classroom is engaging and inviting for my students. The classroom grant money at the beginning of the year is a weight taken off of our long list of purchases. Knowing that the parents and HSA are there to help us with additional classroom needs throughout the year benefits our teaching and, by extension, student learning.
The art room is able to explore exciting media such as linoleum printmaking and using the pottery wheels thanks to the generous contributions of the HSA. In addition, we are in the process of creating some fun and inspirational garden art installations thanks to the "Raise the Paddle" Bear's Garden initiative from the 2017 auction!
Thank you HSA for helping the Lafayette art program exceed all expectations and give your art teacher the opportunity to grab those exciting opportunities when they occur!!!
-Laurie McLaughlin, Art Teacher
|
|
|
I am so thankful for the HSA at Lafayette. I’ve been teaching for 13 years and anything I needed for the classroom I had to buy out of my own pocket. There have been times in the past that I couldn’t afford to continue to buy supplies for the classroom. However, when I came to Lafayette I was just in awe how present the HSA was at the school. It is truly a blessing to come to school and receive funds that support learning in every classroom. If I want to do a project or need materials to further the students learning I can count on the HSA to help make that dream come true. I don’t have to worry anymore about if I’ll be able to teach my lesson because I don’t have what I need.
The HSA has also supported my professional development so I continue to teach in DCPS. They graciously provide lunch for staff members during PD days or conferences. They also did an outstanding job planning last year's auction. The HSA is amazing and I strongly suggest that more parents donate to the HSA because they do so many things for teachers and the Lafayette community!
Can’t say thank you enough!
-Lakeshia. Brown, Kindergarten Teacher
|
|
|
As a teacher at our school, I have watched many students grow and thrive as learners and citizens. Through the use of programs and technology available at Lafayette Elementary, students have learned how to properly navigate the internet and participate in the broadcasting club. Girls and boys have participated in basketball, track, and archery to name a few of the activities available at Lafayette. The Home School Association has helped and supported these opportunities as well as the numerous arts programs including Arts Night and Drama Club with their time and resources. Personally speaking, as a teacher, the funds that I get as a teacher have been invaluable in supporting the learning in my classroom. I have been able to buy books, games, and other classroom resources that have made it possible for me to reach all the different types of learners in my class. Without this support, I would either have to pay for these materials myself or go without. I really appreciate all the support I receive from the HSA organization.
-Steven King, 2nd Grade Teacher
|
|
|
People are always asking me about the Peace of Mind Program at Lafayette. When I tell them that I am the full-time Peace Teacher and that I teach 45-minute, weekly classes about peace, mindfulness and conflict resolution to all of the students during the school day they are always amazed. I tell them about all of the crucial support from our principal and teachers but I also tell them that the key ingredient is that at Lafayette parents step up to make peace and kindness a priority. They are willing to raise and dedicate funds every year to make sure that our children learn to be kind to others and themselves, to work out conflicts peacefully, to understand and regulate their emotions. Kids at Lafayette know that the adults in their lives value civility, kindness, and love. In this uncertain and often scary world I believe that the skills kids learn in Peace class will benefit them and everyone they come into contact with for the rest of their lives. I wish all schools were lucky enough to have the generous backing of this hardworking, fundraising HSA. Thank you, HSA for fourteen years of supporting Peace of Mind at Lafayette!!!
|
-Linda Ryden, Peace Teacher
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
