Lafayette Elementary School

The Lafayette Pumpkin Run will take place TOMORROW during special area classes. We want all children to enjoy the benefits of physical activity and look forward to a fun event! All participants will receive a pumpkin shoe charm! There is no charge to participate in the Pumpkin Run. Donations to the PE Department toward the purchase of prizes, ribbons, supplies, and equipment are very much appreciated. Thank you in advance! Before the Race: Notify the PE staff if your student has any special health or emergency needs they'll need to be aware of. Race Day: Make sure your student is wearing running shoes and is dressed for comfort and the weather. Kindergarten: 11:20 AM 1st Grade: 10:25 AM 2nd Grade: 9:30 AM 3rd Grade: 12:40 PM 4th Grade 2:25 PM 5th Grade: 1:30 PM

UPCOMING Parent Trainings from PEATC & VDOE We've highlighted options below, however, feel free to click this link for more information. https://www.fxbgschools.us/article/1818837 There are a number of upcoming parent training opportunities for families provided by the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) and the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Transition University: October 10 - December 4, 2024. Transition University is a free five-session self-paced online series to help parents/guardians navigate the transition process for their school-aged child and prepare for the adult world. IEP University: November 4 - November 25, 2024- PEATC, in collaboration with VDOE, has developed IEP University (IEPU) to help provide families and professionals with accurate and useful information about IEP development and meetings. Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Online Self-Paced Training: November 4 - November 25, 2024- PEATC, in collaboration with the VDOE, offers this self-paced SEAC training aimed at helping SEAC members understand the role of the local Special Education Advisory Committee in Virginia and build a more efficient and effective advisory committee. The online training will take approximately four hours, and a certificate of completion will be provided for all complete the training. Building Strong Parent Advocates: November 4 - November 25, 2024- The Building Strong Parent Advocates training provides information to help families build a solid foundation to understand the special education process while empowering them to be their child's best advocate.

Families, just a reminder that starting Monday, October 21, with the impending Cowan Blvd closure, please expect delays. We expect 3-4 buses to experience additional travel time for drop-off and pick-up. Parents also should plan accordingly knowing Cowan Blvd will be closed. Be on the lookout for more information regarding specific bus routes.

Wishing a heartfelt Happy National Principals Month to the incredible leaders of Fredericksburg City Public Schools! Your unwavering commitment to "Excellence in Education" ensures every student is given the chance to thrive. Thank you for your dedication, care, and the lasting impact you make on our students and community. #ThankAPrincipal #NationalPrincipalsMonth

Every month, FCPS recognizes the school with the best attendance. Lafayette Elementary School won the School Attendance Award for the month of September! Go Lions! 🦁 How can you help your school win the month of October? ✏️ #AttendanceMatters

2024 Special Education Parent Involvement Survey All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services are encouraged to complete the Virginia Department of Education's annual Parent Involvement Survey. The survey will remain open through December 13, 2024. English Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JCVG27W Spanish Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H92X3V3

Bullying is more than just a problem students experience in school; it is a serious issue that can have long-term effects on mental health. Did you know? • 1 in 5 people have experienced bullying • Bullying increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts • The effects of bullying can last well into adulthood - impacting self-esteem, relationships and overall well-being. Let’s work together to create a kinder and more compassionate school environment! • If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, speak up! Tell a trusted adult like your teacher, school counselor, or principal.

"Happy National Principals Month to my fellow principals! Your commitment is truly inspiring. Proud to be part of this amazing group dedicated to our students and communities."  Laura Dove, Director of Preschool Programs #ThankAPrincipal #NationalPrincipalsMonth

This evening, Monday, October 7, 2024, promptly at 7:30 PM, at James Monroe High School, the Fredericksburg City School Board will formally recognize and honor living legend Dr. Gladys West, for whom our new elementary school is being named. In a historic move, the Fredericksburg City Schools Board chose on August 5, 2024, to name the city's third K-5 building Gladys West Elementary School. This the first school in the nation to recognize this great woman and her important achievements. Join us in person or watch the School Board meeting live. 👉https://www.regionalwebtv.com/fredsb

Fredericksburg City Public Schools is committed to fostering a safe and secure environment for our staff, students, and families. On the newly added mental health resource website you will find information about resources and community agencies that can support individuals. School counselors, social workers, and psychologists are available in your school to support students and families with additional needs. Also, be sure to visit our virtual calming room which is a great resource for individuals who need a break. Be sure to check back for updated announcements and events. 👉https://www.fxbgschools.us/page/mental-health-supports Mental Health Taskforce

Happy National Principals Month to my fellow principals! Your outstanding leadership, dedication, and the positive impact you’ve made on our students, teachers, and school community are truly inspiring. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and I'm incredibly fortunate to be part of this amazing group of dedicated individuals. You are appreciated! - Principal Marcus Petty

🌟Download the ParentSquare app today! 🌟 Stay involved with your student's learning and activities at school. From anywhere. https://www.fxbgschools.us/page/parentsquare

October Special Education Advisory Meeting Join us on Monday, October 28, 2024, from 5:00 - 6:30 PM, at Lafayette Elementary School for our Special Education Advisory Meeting.

FCPS NEEDS YOU! We're hiring substitutes. *Daily Substitute Teacher Rate (Non-Degree): $97.50/day *Daily Substitute Teacher Rate (associate's degree or 60+ college credits): $105/day *Daily Substitute Teacher Rate (College Graduate): $112.50/day *Long Term Substitute Teacher Rate* (Without a teaching license, but with a bachelor's degree): $165/day *Long Term Substitute Teacher Rate* (With a teaching license): $217.50/day For additional info, or to see if you would qualify, please contact Human Resources at (540)372-1130. #teachfxbg Apply here 👉 https://www.fxbgschools.us/o/fcs/page/substitute-teaching

2024 Disability Awareness Month Adaptive Sports Day at UMW Goalball, Wheelchair Basketball, and Boccia Ball Saturday, October 5th 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Goolrick Gyms Sponsored by Delta Alpha Pi, DiversAbility, Friends of Athletics, and the James Farmer Multicultural Center. We encourage you to reach out with any accommodation requests at least two weeks prior to the event by contacting ODR at odr@umw.edu.

📰 The Free Lance-Star📰 Young 'sickle cell warrior' facing second transplant https://fredericksburg.com/news/local/young-sickle-cell-warrior-facing-second-transplant/article_94fdccdc-750d-11ef-ba23-1bf580079387.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

📰hyperbole Local Schools Tighten Security After Online Threats Both Schools Systems Have Deemed The Threats Non-Credible 👉https://myhyperbole.com/news/local-schools-tighten-security-after-online-threats/

The Family Community Picnic originally scheduled for Thursday, September 26 has been cancelled.

Good afternoon, As always, thank you for your continued support, cooperation, and collaboration as we work together for the health, safety, and instructional needs of our Fredericksburg City Public Schools community. As promised, we want to follow up on last night's message in order to keep you informed. As you know, there are local, state, and national rumors for a Friday, September 13 event. Today, we have received no additional information, no evidence, and no proof of any violence to our schools. Out of an abundance of caution, increased police presence will continue. We thank families who have advised their students against spreading rumors, particularly those that could cause undue fear in our community. If you have credible information concerning a threat to our schools, contact a school administrator or school employee. As with any emergency, please contact 911 if your information gives rise to that level. We want to reiterate that safety and security are our top priorities and always will be. Thank you.

September is Suicide Prevention Month and September 10th marks World Prevention Day. Purple and Teal are the official colors for world suicide prevention day. Join Fredericksburg City Public Schools by wearing purple or teal on Tuesday, September 10th!