West Seattle schools: Lafayette’s farewell to Joyce Kuespert

During this morning’s end-of-year awards assembly, the Lafayette Elementary community said goodbye to Joyce Kuespert, who attended Lafayette in her childhood and then went on to teach there for more than 31 of her 40 years as a teacher. She will be gone but not forgotten – every year, the school’s best first-grade reader will receive an award named after her. The plaque was displayed during the assembly:

As of this afternoon, school’s out for summer for students at Lafayette and the rest of Seattle Public Schools!

cruzer June 22, 2012 (7:25 pm)

Thank you Mrs. Kuespert! What a wonderful teacher, we’ll never forget you.

Hollywood June 22, 2012 (8:15 pm)

Made a huge impact and difference in my daughters education. She was the perfect example of what being a teacher means to our youth and didn’t let the challenges of class sizes or economic downfalls affect what she was dedicated to doing. Thank you for your leadership, I only hope more of our future teachers can learn something from your example and the passion you taught with!

Dano June 22, 2012 (9:01 pm)

Joyce has been a terrific teacher, (to both kids and the adults around her….). I have enjoyed her humor, her stories, and her friendship….. She’s just an all around great lady, who has touched the lives of many West Seattle families. One of the reasons West Seattle is such a great place, is because folks like Joyce have grown up here, contribute to their community, and always believe in the kids around them…… Thanks for everything, Joyce! You have made Lafayette a great place!

dmtippy June 22, 2012 (9:36 pm)

Both my kids were lucky to have Mrs. Kuespert as their 1st grade teacher. We all loved her. The Travel Bear unit was one that our extended family got really involved with and had fun participating in. Lafayette was lucky to have her. Best wishes in your retirement.