HSA Frequently Asked Questions

• What’s the HSA?

The Lafayette Home and School Association (HSA) is Lafayette’s version of a PTA. We’re a nonprofit group of volunteer parents, staff and neighbors representing and working for the school community. We engage families in events, raise funds for enrichment programs and give back. Learn more here.

• Who’s on it? How do I reach out?

You can find the names and emails of current HSA Board members and Committee chairs here. 

• How do I get in touch with other Lafayette families?

The Lafayette directory is your go-to resource for family connections. Register, update your family’s information and download the Membership Toolkit app here (available on desktop and mobile devices). 

• How do I stay informed of HSA events and activities?

Your best sources of HSA information are the Lafayette ES Family newsletter (published Monday afternoons), this website and the school’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

• What and when are signature HSA events and activities?

Signature HSA events throughout the school year include Movie Night (9/20), Fall Festival (10/25) and the Spring Auction (5/2, parents only). Refer to the calendar here.  

• What are class activity fees?

Class activity fees ($125 for PK-4th and $215 for 5th) cover field trip admission and transportation, and field day t-shirts. The school collects fees upfront to avoid multiple requests. Pay yours here.

• What’s the Bear Fund?

The Bear Fund is Lafayette’s annual giving campaign, which provides for enrichment not covered by DCPS’s budget (estimated at $400/student), including: peace program instruction, professional development and supplies stipends for teachers, materials for art and technology classes, coaches for recess, special events like the spelling bee and so much more. 

Donations of any amount are appreciated; our only goal is 100% family participation. Learn more and give here.

• Where can I buy Grizzly Gear?

You can buy Lafayette-branded gear online anytime here and in-person at most school and HSA events. 

• How can I volunteer with the HSA?

We’re actively recruiting volunteers for opportunities matched to all schedules and skillsets. Start by filling out the form here.

• What is a room parent? How do I become one?

Lafayette room parents are liaisons between the HSA and families, responsible for making connections within their classes and to HSA events and activities. They also support and celebrate classroom teachers at key moments throughout the year.

Parents can sign up to be one of 2-3 room parents per class, or as on-call volunteers, at the beginning of each school year. Reach out to our room parent coordinators at [email protected] for more information. 

• How can I donate to the HSA? Sponsor HSA events?

You can contribute to the Bear Fund and learn about sponsorship opportunities here.

School-related Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I inform the school of my student’s absences?

When your student is going to be absent, email [email protected] and copy your student’s teacher. 

• What before- and after-care options are available? What childcare options are available on school holidays?

Onsite before- and after-care is provided by Capitol Language Services (CLS). Offsite options with facilitated pickup include: Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church (CCPC), Episcopal Center for Children (ECC), Lafayette Tennis and DPR (Rec). You can find more information and links to these programs here. 

These care providers typically offer childcare options for enrolled students on school holidays, while camps like HoopEd provide an onsite option open to all students.

• Are there other afterschool enrichment opportunities in addition to aftercare?

Yes, paid enrichment classes are provided after school by Active Play, with opportunities for students in all grades. You can find the schedule and register for seasonal sessions here. 

• How do I sign my student up for school lunch?

In order for your student to purchase school lunch, you must create a LINQ account here. 

• What’s the six day schedule? Which day is it?

Students have specials classes – art, library, music, PE, peace and technology – on a rotating, 6-day schedule. Your student’s teacher can tell you the schedule for your class. The specials day (1-6) can be found at the top of our homepage, for reference.

• How do I know what my student is doing in the classroom?

Your student’s teacher publishes a weekly newsletter detailing what’s been learned and will be learned in the classroom. Email them if you’re not receiving the newsletter or if you have specific questions.

• How do I access my student’s report cards?

Student report cards are accessible in the Aspen Parent Portal. You’ll be alerted by email when new documents are posted. Physical copies are also mailed home.

• How can I support my student’s classroom and teacher?

You can support your child’s classroom and teacher as a room parent, on-call volunteer or responder to requests for holiday party supplies, field trip chaperones and more. 

• What and when are signature school events?

Signature school events include Back to School Night (September), Literacy Night (November), Book Fair (December), Band Concert (December), Math Night (March), School Play (April), Arts Night (May), Field Day (June) and 5th Grade Promotion (June). 

• What school clubs and sports are available for students?

There are a number of opportunities for grade-specific student enrichment before, during and after school: 

• SEE (Schoolwide Enrichment and Extensions) Time – Students in 4th and 5th grade can sign up for free clubs during school with help from their classroom teachers. Opportunities may include: Garden Club, Mindful Mentors, Open Library and Open Art, Reading Buddies and more. 
• Before School – Students in 3rd through 5th grade can also sign up for free clubs before school. Opportunities include: band, math club, math team and student council (subject to election).
• DCIAA (DC Interscholastic Athletic Association) Sports – Lafayette students in 4th and 5th grade can participate in competitive cross country (fall), basketball (winter) and track and field (spring) after completing the necessary paperwork.

Learn more about clubs and sports here, and note that many require families to complete interest forms or applications. Such information is promoted in the Lafayette ES Family newsletter and in class newsletters.

• What’s the clearance process for school volunteers? When’s clearance needed?

Volunteer clearance by DCPS is required for parents interested in chaperoning field trips and participating in other school activities with students offsite. The process, outlined here, concludes with receipt of a two-year clearance letter you’ll forward to [email protected].

• Can I use the dropoff line? 

All K-5 families are welcome to use the dropoff line on Northampton St. between 33rd St. and Broad Branch Rd. to drop off kids in K-5th from 8:25-8:40 a.m. PreK families should be dropped off by families using the PreK entrance.

Please be mindful of not parking in crosswalks or handicap spots around the school, or in bus parking on Broad Branch Rd., to ensure our students’ safe and accessible arrival.

Community-related Frequently Asked Questions

• What outside sports leagues and activities do students commonly participate in?

Lafayette students are involved in a wide variety of activities – from sports to Brownies and Cub Scouts to robotics competitions and everything in between. The track and field are typically used by organizations including Capitol City Little League, Flag Star Football and Girls on the Run; HoopEd runs basketball programs and camps in the gym, and Lafayette Tennis offers classes and camps just across the park. 

Look for opportunities in the Community section of the Lafayette ES Family newsletter and ask other parents in your student’s class to recommend organizations sponsoring activities you’re interested in.