Resources to Save & Bookmark: 

• School phone number / Attendance Line: 206-252-9500

• My School Bucks (School Lunch Platform)- Where you pre-pay for lunch; payment is not accepted at school. No kid will be turned away from lunch, but you will get billed! More information about meals here. 

• School Website - General schedule and contact information about Lafayette

• The Source: Access School Pay from here, where you pay for field trips and computers; Access Report Cards, Attendance Records, Library/Computer Loans Records & Fees

• PTA Calendar (Subscribe!) - We know there’s a lot going on - subscribe to and share our Google calendar so you don’t miss out! (Instructions on how to subscribe on Apple and Android)

• PTA Website Stay up-to-date on the many goings on around school! Follow up on Social Media too: Instagram: @lafayetteschoolPTA Facebook: Lafayette Elementary School PTA

• Lafayette Leopard Lookout Principal & Staff’s monthly Newsletter to Parents 

• Student/Parent Portal - a fascinating rabbit-hole of learning apps that many students use in class

• Volunteer Application - Any parent entering a classroom must be an SPS pre-approved volunteer. This includes attending holiday classroom parties and events. ALL FIELD TRIP VOLUNTEERS must be also pre-approved. This application must start with your teacher or the department you are volunteering with. They will send you a link. You can however read over the volunteer handbook and watch the harassment training video early to get a head-start.

• School Supplies - The teachers update their list each year, be sure to send everything in during the first few days of school (it doesn’t have to all be on day 1, it’s a lot!). Some teachers send out their own supply lists at the beginning of the year which may differ from the one published.

7:50 AM - First Bell. The students line up behind their classroom number on the playground. Kindergarten teachers greet their students and talk with families.

7:55 AM - Second Bell. 1st-5th grade teachers greet their classes and bring them into the school.

2:25 PM - Dismissal. Students are dismissed onto the playground. Kindergarten students are usually dismissed 5 minutes early at 2:20 PM.

Wednesday - 1:10 PM EARLY RELEASE: All schools have a 75-minute early release on Wednesdays at 1:10 PM, except the first and last day of school. The last day of school will have a 60-minute early release.

Find SPS School Calendar information here.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up

• Morning & Afternoon: Drop-off and pick-up take place on the playground. Students line up behind their classroom numbers in the morning.

• Kindergarten: Kindergarten classes dismiss 5 minutes before the bell.

• Late Arrivals: If your child arrives late, enter through the front of the school and ring the intercom. Students must check in at the front office for a pass before going to class.

• End of Day: Teachers have a list of students’ dismissal plans (bus, aftercare, or pick-up) and ensure each child is released to the correct location.

• Safety: Please stay behind the white lines during pick-up to give students space as they exit the building.

• Alternate Pick-Up: If someone not on your authorized list will pick up your child, email your teacher and the attendance office in advance.

• Walkers: Discuss with your teacher if your student will walk home independently. More info here.

Bus Transportation

• Location: Buses drop off and pick up on 45th, near the back gate of the playground.

• District Info: SPS Transportation details can be found here. Bus families will receive updates directly from the district; delays may trigger a text or call.

• Yellow Card Requests: Required when a student takes a different bus or gets off at another stop. Submit requests by 11 a.m. on the day needed; each is valid for up to 10 school days.

Helpful Reminders

• All adults entering the building must first check in at the front office for safety. You may not walk your student into their classroom.

• For late drop-offs, students should go into the front office on their own to get a pass.

• To volunteer in a classroom or on a field trip, complete the district’s volunteer registration first.

For the families that drive, parking can be found on the side streets around 45th and Lander, with easy access to the back gates of the playground.

Please do not park in these areas:

1. Bus zone in the front of the school

2. Bus zone in the back of the school (45th Avenue S.W.)

3. Loading zone on S.W. Lander

4. Bank of America lot on 44th Avenue S.W. or other business lots (for customers only)

5. Staff parking lot by the portables (including the alley). For safety reasons, please do not use the staff lot or alley to drop off or pick up children.

If your student is ill or will be late/absent/leave early, call 206-252-9500, or email attendance as well as your student’s teacher. Include your child’s name and teacher information.

lafayette.attendance@seattleschools.org

Please keep your child home if they are sick. They must be fever-free (under 100°F) for at least 24 hours before returning to school.

Call 206-252-9500 or email attendance as well as your student’s teacher. Include your child’s name and teacher information.

lafayette.attendance@seattleschools.org

We all know mornings can sometimes be hard! For safety, all adults must check in at the front office. Even for late drop-off, students should go in on their own to the front office to get a late pass. If you’d like to help in the classroom or join a field trip, be sure to complete the district’s volunteer registration first.

Postcards are typically mailed out by Lafayette admin a few days before the “Meet the Teacher” event during the last week of August. Teacher assignments will also be available on The Source before the first day of school, and many teachers email their classes before the first day.

The teachers update their list each year, be sure to send everything in during the first few days of school (it doesn’t have to all be on day 1, it’s a lot!). The PTA does not provide school supplies for students.

School Supply Lists by Grade

This handbook of general information and policies should answer most of you questions. Please contact the school if you need more specific information about programs and activities at Lafayette Elementary School. This handbook is current for the 2025-2026 school year and may be amended by School Administration at any time.

Lafayette has a proud tradition of academic excellence and community pride. With the help and support of parents and community members, we will maintain that tradition.

https://lafayettees.seattleschools.org/resources/family-handbook/

• Kids eat with partner grades:

  • K–1: 11:05–11:30

  • 2–3: 11:35–12:00

  • 4–5: 12:05–12:30

• Lunch lasts ~20 minutes—have students practice eating quickly at home and opening lunch boxes and containers themselves.

• No food sharing is allowed; alert nurse/teacher of allergies.

• Lunch can be packed or purchased.

• To purchase, preload your student’s account through My School Bucks.

  • Lunch cards are kept by teachers.

  • Tip: load larger amounts to avoid per-transaction fees—balances carry over year to year.

• SPS lunch menus are available online, though not always 100% accurate.

Click here for more district information about school-bought lunch.

Students have several specials throughout the week, including Gym, Art, Music, Garden, Library, and Counselor. Schedules vary by classroom and teachers will provide them directly to you.

Two short recesses each day are RAIN OR SHINE. Dress your kids accordingly.
Pack a bag of extra clothes for your kid to keep in their locker.

We have about 530 students at the school. There are four classes each of K - 3rd grade; three classes each of 4th & 5th. So please mark your students’ names in their jackets and on their lunchboxes & water bottles!

The PTA-funded tutoring program at Lafayette provides valuable academic support for students in grades K–5. Teachers identify children who would benefit most, including those performing both below and above grade level, ensuring that instruction is personalized and responsive to individual needs. This program is designed to give every child the chance to strengthen their learning and grow with confidence.

Tutoring sessions primarily focus on building strong reading skills, while also offering group support in writing and math as needed. Each group lasts about 30 minutes, allowing tutors to give students focused, one-on-one or small group attention. By covering multiple subjects, the program not only reinforces classroom learning but also helps students develop a solid foundation across core areas.

Every 7–8 weeks, the program reviews student progress and reorganizes tutoring groups to target specific skill gaps. This ensures that instruction remains flexible and data-driven, always focused on what students need most. Thanks to PTA funding and teacher guidance, this tutoring program is a powerful resource that helps children achieve success and fosters a love for learning.

Currently, Lafayette offers Resource, Extended Resource, and Focus services, as well as Developmental Preschool.

We recommend setting up a meeting between yourself, your teacher, the resources dept, and the administration (email whoever you know will be on the team to start and the school can add additional people). They can help walk through the situation. These meetings generally are after school.

Additional questions can be directed to our PTA Special Education Liaison at: sped@lafayettepta.com

More info about Special Education placement and service types can be found here and a general overview of the SPS Special Education program here.

• Incident between students : 

  • Depending on the severity of the incident, you may hear from your teacher, the Vice Principal, or the Principal.

• Shelter in place / Lockdown :

  • The SPS District is in charge of all releases for lockdowns and shelters in place. They are also in charge of all follow-up information. How quickly info is released is based on the situation.

Lost and Found is available inside the school on a rolling rack, typically in the hallway near the garden entrance. Items will be donated by Lafayette Staff at least once per quarter, so have your student check regularly!

Enrichment is a PTA program offering fun after-school classes in areas like sports, art, chess, and engineering. It’s run by Lafayette teachers and local providers.

Who can join and when? Open to grades K–5, with three sessions each year (Fall, Winter, Spring). Classes meet for 60–90 minutes after school on Tue/Wed/Thu.

How do we sign up? Fall registration opens in mid-September with classes beginning the following week. Preview the upcoming season and set up your registration here. 

Is financial aid available? Yes— students in need can receive one scholarship per year on a limited basis. Parents who volunteer as class chaperones may also earn free tuition.

Is it the same as childcare? No, Enrichment isn’t aftercare. It’s a chance for students to explore new interests while giving families a little extra time after school.

Lafayette does not have school-sponsored childcare. However, there are a number of nearby options, many of which either pick-up at the school or kids can bus to. Here are the childcares we often hear of:

• Seattle Parks & Rec – Hiawatha (currently on-site at Lafayette)

• Island Time (bus)

• Cometa Playschool (playground pickup)

• Blazing Trails at Pathfinder (bus)

• Know another? Tell us so we can add it!

We organize a variety of events that bring families together and give students a chance to shine. Highlights include:

• Clothing Swap (Sept): Donate and “shop” for free clothing—everything is community-shared and extras go to the West Seattle Food Bank.

• Winter Craft Fair (Dec): Students sell their handmade creations, often teaming up with friends or siblings.

• Book Fair (Dec): Supports our school library and librarian, Ms. Nakagawa.

• Family Dance (Jan): A fun night of music and lights in the gym.

• Family Skate Nights (Mar): Grade-level skate nights at Southgate Roller Rink & Arcade.

• Talent Show (May): A two-night celebration of our Leopards’ many talents.

See our calendar for this year’s dates.

We also organize family outings to local events where you can purchase discounted tickets through the PTA. Typical outings include Mariners, Sounders, Reign, and Seawolves games, as well as arts performances like The Nutcracker. Ticketed events will be announced throughout the year—watch our newsletter and PTA calendar for updates.

If you can, we encourage each family to volunteer for two activities during the year—big or small, it all helps. Opportunities include:

• Events (Move-a-Thon, Talent Show, Craft Fair, Auction, Clothing Swap)

• Classroom, library, and lunchroom volunteering (requires district approval)

• Behind-the-scenes work (decorating, organizing, setup/cleanup)

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@lafayettepta.com to get started.

How to Get Approved as an SPS Volunteer: Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. To become an approved volunteer, follow these steps:

• Visit the SPS Volunteer Page to review the Online Training – Preventing Sexual Abuse of Children and Youth (17 min video) and the Volunteer Handbook.

• Complete the Volunteer Application: Visit our school's website or contact the front office to obtain a volunteer application form. Fill it out thoroughly and provide any necessary supporting documents.

• Background Check: As part of the approval process, all volunteers are required to undergo a background check. This measure helps maintain a secure environment for our students. This process takes up to two weeks and is good for two years.

We love our Lafayette community, and we hope to get to know you soon! Some ideas for how to meet other families are:

• Chat at drop-off/pick-up on the playground (many families stay to play after school).

• Attend PTA events and volunteer.

• Reach out to your child’s teacher or other parents for playdates.

• Sign up to be a Room Parent for your student’s classroom.

It’s a collaboration among local PTAs to share resources with under-resourced schools in our community. Lafayette PTA membership votes yearly in the budget process to contribute a portion of our PTA funds to this effort so all students in West Seattle benefit.

Learn more about the Equity Fund here.

We get this question A LOT. This has been researched! However, it’s a lot more money than anticipated (way out of a PTA budget to meet the district’s requirements to add turf). Additionally, any time the PTA modifies something on the playground, we legally own it and are liable for it for life - meaning the PTA cannot install it and be done; we are then responsible for maintaining it forever (that’s the case with all PTA projects). Deciding what projects the PTA can take on is a delicate balance between what the PTA should do, and what really should fall on the district.

SPS and the Seattle Parks Department made an agreement many years ago that the playground would be open to the public as a park. This has pros and cons. It means our kids can play on their playground all summer, every weekend, and for hours after school (and many do!) It also means we occasionally get graffiti, extra trash, etc. You take the bad with the good. The PTA and the school do their best to keep it clean and safe. The PTA added solar lights along the fence in 2024 to better light the playground at night to deter vandalism. The mural has an anti-graffiti coating to make it easier to keep clean. Rest assured, all the gates are kept locked during school hours.

During the school year, please let the Lafayette school administrators know. In the summer, you can email the PTA’s general inbox or contact SPS grounds maintenance directly by text.

There are currently no plans to renovate the building in any major way. It has undergone smaller renovations (HVAC, seismic, basic upkeep) over the past few years.

The question here should be what DON’T we do!? Lafayette is lucky to have an extremely involved parent community, here to help our students, teachers, and fellow families thrive and learn each year. As a result of this commitment, the PTA hosts and subsidizes several events throughout the year to support our school’s community. Our fundraisers provide the budgets for our support and programming throughout the year.

To be clear, the membership drive at the start of the year covers our local, state and national PTA membership dues, and does not fund the activities and programs listed below. However, these dues are required of us and based on the amount of students we have at the school. Our memberships provide ample resources so that our PTA Board can operate smoothly and knowledgeably throughout the year.

A lot! PTA funding supports many programs at Lafayette:

• Classroom tutors – Extra instructional support to help students succeed in reading and math.

• Garden Science Program – Hands-on science lessons that connect kids with nature and sustainability.

• Teacher & classroom support – Supplies, books, arts, PE, music, and more so teachers have what they need.

• Curriculum support – Programs and materials like Lexia, Writers in the Schools, grade level projects, and intervention resources that strengthen learning.

• Student access – Financial aid for field trips, camp, and after-school activities so every child can participate.

• Student enrichment – Assemblies, talent shows, leadership programs, and playground equipment.

• After-school enrichment – Extracurricular classes that give students opportunities to explore new interests beyond the classroom
  

• Minor Building improvements – Refresh projects that make the school a better place to learn.

These events raise the funds that power our programs and teacher support all year:

• Move-a-Thon (Fall): Students collect pledges and run laps around the school track—one of our most spirited fundraisers.

• Auction (Spring): An adults-only evening with tickets, community donations, and big auction items—our largest fundraiser of the year.

Executive roles (President, VP, Secretary, Treasurer) are elected each spring by the general membership. All other board and committee positions are appointed by the Executive Board and stay open until filled. If you’re interested, let us know anytime—we’d love to have you involved!

Information about board positions can be found here.

We hold three General PTA meetings each school year—one in the fall, one in the winter, and one in the spring. Meetings are virtual and open to all. Outside of these, most planning is handled by the PTA PTA Board of Directors.

No—anyone can join events or volunteer! Membership dues cover state/national fees and support smooth PTA operations.

The PTA has a budget each year that we do our best to stay within. If you have spent money on a PTA event, you can submit a reimbursement request to our PTA Treasurers. Reimbursements need to be submitted within 60 days, and all checks cashed before June 30th. Email our treasurer at treasurer@lafayettepta.com before your event to find out what your budget is!

The mission of the Lafayette PTA is to “support the school’s academic success and enrich the student experience while building a strong community.”

Yes! Lafayette PTA is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization. Here is our Tax ID # 91-1079172.

Fill our anonymous form to send us feedback, comments, concerns, or praise! We love to hear it all!

Lafayette PTA Feedback Form