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Lafayette highlights Week of Respect, new positive-reinforcement program amid school reconfiguration
Summary
Lafayette School staff described 31 family cultural presentations during Week of Respect, a new lunch/recess incentive program with 'golden broom' and 'silver sneaker' awards, and progress on reconfiguration despite initial furniture and dismissal challenges.
Lafayette School staff highlighted a district Week of Respect and the school's rollout of a whole-school positive-reinforcement program as part of early-stage reconfiguration, the principal said.
Mrs. Russo, Lafayette School principal, told the board the school hosted 31 family presentations during New Jersey's Week of Respect in which families shared cultural heritage and traditions. "We invite families to sign up...to come in and share their heritage," Russo said, and the presentations included flags, traditional clothing, foods and stories, she added.
To build continuity and support younger students during reconfiguration, Lafayette launched a lunch and recess incentive program. Russo described "golden broom" tickets awarded in the cafeteria and "silver sneaker" tickets for outdoor play; staff give daily recognition for responsibility, teamwork and kindness. "Every Friday, we announce the week's golden broom and silver sneaker winners who receive a certificate to bring home, and they get to choose a small prize from our prize box," Russo said. Board members confirmed prizes are non-food items such as stickers and small toys.
Russo reported the school is two months into reconfiguration and said staff handled initial furniture mix-ups and dismissal logistics with flexibility. "We dismissed very slowly for, like, the first four days, and then they had it," she told the board. Russo also recognized staff and volunteers, the art department for a district art gallery and thanked the PTO for supporting the prize program. Russo noted therapy dog Casey and Officer Charlie as popular members of the school community.
Ending: The principal said traditions such as the mini marathon and book fair will continue, new events are planned and the school will keep monitoring reconfiguration challenges.
