Everybody enjoys school

Lafayette

Charter

School

celebrates

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

LAFAYETTE -- Parents, students and teachers celebrated Charter Schools Week Friday with a picnic lunch in the school playground.

Students, some arm-in-arm, walked to the playground with hot dogs on their plates. None of them were fighting.

In its fifth year of operation for students in grades K-8, Lafayette Public Charter School stresses a positive learning environment for general education enhanced with agricultural concepts and electronic technology to benefit students, the school, and community.

The school was sponsored by the New Ulm Public School District for its first four years. It now reports to the Gibbon Fairfax Winthrop School District.

Eighty students study in Lafayette. Non-local students ride buses from Gaylord, Nicollet, Winthrop, Gibbon, New Ulm and as far north as Hutchinson. In addition, the school provides curriculum and staff for 15 students at a Hutterite Colony north of Gibbon.

A new $800,000 school addition includes a full-size gymnasium, two class rooms and cafeteria. The school's former gym will become two classrooms.

Parents and students are involved in the education process. Class sizes range from 11-18 students. They study at their own pace, above or below their grade level, creating multi-age classrooms.

"Grades are just a label," said lead teacher Sheila Howk. "We grew quickly. People seem to like the smaller classes and a friendly environment."

Class offerings include music, art, agriculture, technology (computer, I-movies video classes), character education and physical education.

Weekly, whole-school assemblies bring everybody together to sing, recite poetry, share individual and group accomplishments and discuss positive character traits.

"Students know they can't get by with much here because we're small," Howk said. "They realize they'll get caught because it's tough to hide."

Physical education teacher Kayla Helget of rural St. James said she enjoys the friendly atmosphere and smaller classes at the school.

"It's fun. The older kids look out for the younger ones," Helget said.

Seventh graders echoed their teacher's feelings.

Chris Brandis of New Ulm said he enjoyed the "friendly" teachers that made sure students understand the work they hand out.

Porche Baez of New Ulm said learning is easier at Lafayette than other schools because the teachers are fun and friendly.

Josh Brelje of Gibbon said he enjoyed the audio tech classes in which he sets up microphones and speakers for assemblies. He also mentioned agriculture classes in which he planted flowers and vegetables in a greenhouse next to the school.

The school will hold a plant sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Fifth grader Brent Schiller of Lafayette said he enjoyed playing baseball at school.

Several parent testimonials about the school were listed on the school web site.

"My oldest son is so positive about his class and my youngest is in kindergarten and loves it," said Shauna McCahill."I appreciate the individualized attention given to each student. There are so many wonderful things about LCS, I can't choose just one comment."

"LCS has been wonderful to both my children," said Jenny Larson. "I really appreciate the strong support from the staff and everyone involved with the school."

Peggy Youngbloom said she felt fortunate to be part of LCS. She praised the caring and involved staff and focus on involving parents.

For more information, visit www.lafayettecharter.k12.mn.us