PTA Meeting Recap: 3/23/2023
Thank you for attending the Lafayette General PTA meeting last week on 3/23/23. Information was shared about how to approach improvements to the playground (structures & field) from guest speakers Shelly Kirby (SPS Playground Planning Analyst) and Thabisa Mazur (SPS Self Help Department), DEI updates, Enrichment updates, PTA events, and requests for volunteers for the 2023/2024 PTA Executive Board. Without further ado, here are a few highlights to keep you in the loop:
PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS: We learned about the process for potential capital improvements based on levy taxes for SPS schools, criteria for improvements (safety, equality, equity), where Lafayette stands in the queue (we were the first in the assessment), the potential timeline for communication to the SPS board (end of 2023) and improvements targeted for 2026. The timeline is significantly long, the process is arduous, and there are solutions for the PTA to spearhead improvements to circumvent the delay.
SELF-HELP DEPARTMENT Thabisa Mazur, from the SPS facilities department, shared the delineation of SPS departments and how PTA volunteer initiated improvements accelerate desired outcomes. Lafayette has engaged this department extensively in the past for previous “Self Help” projects as they guide volunteers on community connection resources to improve safety and beautify our schools.
CAPITAL EXPENSE PROJECT The easternmost playground (the one with the missing slide) is considered a safety hazard and last night we approved a budget for repairs (replacement of the boarded up slide) and the spinner. YAY! The timeline for implementation is subject to the Self Help approval process, install dependencies, and the desired target is the end of summer 2023.
DEI, ENRICHMENT and UPCOMING EVENTS
MAR 28th DIVERSITY EQUITY & INCLUSION (DEI) committee meeting is next week March 28th. One of the initiatives is examining & incorporating restorative justice conflict management tools and resources for teachers. Please join, share your voice, and help shape an inclusive community.
MAR 30th PTA BUDGET MEETING at 7pm. If you would like a voice in the drafting of next school year's PTA budget, please join the budget committee in its first drafting meeting this Thursday night. Email lafayette.pta.seattle@gmail.com to RSVP!
APR 1st SPRING ENRICHMENT enrollment opens Apr 1st for classes beginning after Spring Break on April 17th on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Parent volunteers are needed and are handsomely incentivized. Email is forthcoming from Lia Aprille (lafayette.enrichment@gmail.com) in the Lafayette Weekly Newsletter and she welcomes ideas for classes.
APR 4, 5, 6 Join us for Family SKATE NIGHT at Southgate Roller Rink. Siblings are welcome to join with their sibling’s group: 1) Kinder & 1st Grade Apr 4th 6-8pm, 2) 2nd & 3rd Grades Apr 5th 6-8pm and 3) 4th & 5th Apr 6th 6-8pm. While we encourage families to attend with their grade level, any Lafayette family can choose to attend any night. Please RSVP by Fri 3/31 to let us know you’re coming HERE!
APR 22nd Mark your calendars for the Lafayette “Rock of Ages” auction at the Brockey Center in West Seattle. **The last call for procurement is MARCH 31st so please generously share your donations further outlined at the end of this note.** Also, we need volunteers to make this auction a success so sign up HERE if you’re interested. If you haven’t done so yet, BUY your ticket today.
APRIL We are actively recruiting for our 2023/2024 PTA Executive Board. If you are interested in joining the board, please reach out to: lafayette.pta.seattle@gmail.com.
UPCOMING:
APRIL/MAY Adult Bowling Night. Details forthcoming.
APRIL/MAY Admiral Movie Theater Night. Details forthcoming.
JUNE 17th 2023 Lafayette’s Day at the Ballpark at Seattle Mariners for all ages. Look for details in the coming months.
JUNE 2023 The PTA will sponsor an Assembly the last week of school hosted by a new group Drum & Perk to teach students about teamwork, focus, and anti-bullying through drumming.
Mark your calendars for the next PTA General Meeting on May 4th at 6:30pm where we will be diving into next year’s budget. As always, information about PTA events and happenings can best be found in our weekly emailed newsletter and on the PTA website: www.lafayettepta.com.
