West Seattle schools: Lafayette Elementary burning for learning

So Admiral-based Engine 29 pulls into the Lafayette Elementary schoolyard this afternoon:

No fire, but there was a sense of urgency. The entire school was out on the playground, watching the engine come to a stop:

Then a woman in a firefighter’s hat bounded out of the engine.

We knew the secret – it was actually Lafayette’s new principal Shauna Heath, who used the first assembly of the school year for a “dramatic entrance” to announce the year’s theme: “Lafayette is on fire!” (As in, burning for learning, etc.) She and some of her staff were also wearing T-shirts with another slogan – “Only the best is good enough.”

Hot day – apropos to the theme – so the kids (and staff!) weren’t kept out too long; they got a pep talk and then it was back to class.

6 Replies to "West Seattle schools: Lafayette Elementary burning for learning"

  • kayo September 8, 2012 (7:37 am)

    Thanks for giving me a renewed sense of optimism for Lafayette, Ms. Heath. Your enthusiasm is refreshing and much appreciated.

  • Mary September 8, 2012 (8:01 am)

    Great start to the year! Thanks Ms. Heath!

  • Dano September 8, 2012 (9:39 am)

    What a fantastic start to the school year….. The kids were energized and happy…. The staff is rejuvenated and smiling….. The firefighters were just terrific, showing off their fire truck… (what kid doesn’t like a fire truck, all shiny and red, horns a blazing’…..?) many thanks to the administration team for putting together a great start to the school year!!

  • wsmomof3 September 8, 2012 (2:15 pm)

    The positive energy flowing through the school the first week alone is amazing. I can hardly wait to see how the rest of the year will play out under Ms. Heath’s amazing leadership. Our family is so thankful she is at Lafayette. We feel very lucky to have her!!!

  • wsea September 8, 2012 (4:06 pm)

    I agree with the others on the great energy. Although its only been a week, our kid is feeling positive and tells us things just feel right this year. Keep up the great work.

  • Happy Parent September 12, 2012 (12:30 am)

    Lafayette is a such a wonderful school and we are so lucky to have Ms. Heath at our school! Great energy, great leadership and great teachers…..most of all, great kids!

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