If your family ever needs assistance, please reach out to your child’s teacher or our school counselor, Ms. Blume (deblume@seattleschools.org). Both are wonderful resources who can help connect families with support.

FindHelp.org and The West Seattle Food Bank are also great resources.

Feb 1- March 1, 2024 Marks Black History Month.

February is Black History, though the accomplishments are worthy of daily celebration, there has been a designation to bring focus to the contributions of so many that have created change and impact on our world. The National Museum for African American History in partnership with the Smithsonian has an excellent resource for exploration of Black History in the Arts: https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/initiatives/black-history-month-2024

Did you know that there are examples of biased words that are scattered throughout the English vocabulary? Biased language is made up of words or phrases that might make certain people or groups feel excluded or underrepresented. We can help create a more inclusive community within our school and neighborhood by ensuring the words we use don’t cause harm towards others unknowingly. 

November is Native American Heritage Month in the United States, which is a celebration of traditions, languages, and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities to ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation.

As good neighbors, we can make a significant difference by being mindful, offering alternatives, and most importantly, communicating with members of our communities. Here are some things to think about as you prepare for tonight's festivities:

Monday, October 9th is Indigenous People’s Day.  Here are a few ways we, as a community, can journey together in learning about this more newly declared day of recognition! 

Hispanic Heritage Month honors the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans with ancestry in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Each year, National Hispanic Heritage Month (https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about/) is observed in the United States from September 15 to October 15.  

Anyone is welcome at the first DEI Committee Meeting on Tuedsay 3/28 @ 7pm in the cafeteria. Come see what DEI means at Lafayette!

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee will address issues in and around the building that may limit or exclude community members and communicate & support families with resources to navigate difficult topics.  Please reach out to Sadie Schnitzler for more information at sadie.om@gmail.com.

February marks the start of Black History Month, a federally recognized celebration of the contributions African Americans have made to this country and a time to reflect on the continued struggle for racial justice.

The word "Juneteenth" comes from a blending of the date, June and 19th. Traditional celebrations have included barbecues and red foods and drinks, such as strawberry soda. This holiday is important to many people, and for whom it is considered the second or real Independence Day.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee continues to stand in solidarity with all communities experiencing hate. We are saddened and angered at the recent uprising of hate toward the Jewish community, and the continued hate toward the Black and AAPI communities. We condemn acts of racism, bullying violence, and xenophobia, and commit to creating safe, inclusive, and equitable spaces for our community.