Lafayette Upper Elementary School

A Special Guest from Israel! Our 6th-grade social studies class had the opportunity to welcome Mr. Jake Clemons, who joined all the way from Israel! Mr. Clemons shared fascinating insights about the climate and culture of Israel, bringing the country’s rich history and traditions to life. Our students asked questions and explored cultural artifacts, making for an engaging learning experience. A huge thank you to Mr. Clemons for sharing his time and knowledge with us.

Celebrating Our Everyday Heroes! Yesterday may have been Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, but at Lafayette, we know that every single day, our incredible paraprofessionals make a difference! Even though the weather threw us off, we can’t let the moment pass without recognizing their dedication, hard work, and the essential role they play in supporting our students and schools. Today, we also celebrate our school librarians for School Librarian Appreciation Day! From fostering a love of reading to guiding students in research and technology, our librarians are the heart of our schools. Join us in showing appreciation for these incredible team members who keep Lafayette Anchored to Excellence!

CONGRATULATIONS to our LCSD Employees of the Month for March!

4th Grade QUEST Students Explore Owl Ecosystems! Our 4th grade QUEST students recently researched owls and their vital role in the environment. Through hands-on learning, students dissected owl pellets, uncovering clues about owl diets, habitats, and the food web. This engaging activity highlighted the importance of owls in controlling rodent populations and maintaining ecological balance. Thanks to funding from the district’s LEFE grant, students had the opportunity to explore these incredible birds in depth. To culminate their research, students welcomed Michael Shanks, an experienced general falconer, who shared his expertise on birds of prey. He introduced students to various species of falcons and hawks, discussing their habitats, behaviors, and crucial roles in the ecosystem.

LUES- March Madness Students across the building participated in our version of March Madness with activities designed to challenge minds and spark friendly competition. In the library, students faced off in a Connect Four tournament. Brackets were filled, and the competition was fierce!

Author Visit Inspires Young Writers Our 3rd–6th grade QUEST students had the opportunity to meet Mr. Jimmy Reed, a local author and retired English professor, during a special visit. Mr. Reed captivated students with readings from his newly published children's collection and shared insights into the creative writing process. He also highlighted the power of alliteration in storytelling, encouraging students to explore their own literary creativity. With a rich background in writing, Mr. Reed is also the author of "The JayBird Tales" and "The Complete Reed."

March Madness Reading Bracket Congratulations to Lorelei Stewart- champion of Mr. Kyzar’s Reading March Madness Bracket! As our 3rd-grade students prepare for their state reading test, they’ve been engaging in some friendly competition—answering questions correctly and explaining their thought processes along the way. Lorelei was awarded the championship belt and enjoyed a special lunch of her choice.

WE ARE HIRING! We are seeking dedicated and enthusiastic educators. Click the link to apply: https://lafayette.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

Celebrating Our Regional Science Fair Achievements We are incredibly proud of our students in grades 3-6 who showcased their hard work at the Regional Science Fair at the University of Mississippi on March 19th. A special congratulations to the eight students who earned awards at the competition! Participants included: Leela Panickar, Thomas Baker, Olivia Loper, Claiborne Nicholson, Ann Francis Long, Dizzy Landers, Mack Bilbo, Olivia Cinelli, Harrison Pullen, Sadie Moore, Evie Reichley, Liam Holloway, Finn Grace, Landon Coleman, Delaney Cockrell, and Cohen Starling.

COMMUNITY NEWS Congratulations to LUES School Resource Officer Michael Bevill for being recognized as SRO of the Year by the Lafayette County Sheriff's Department!

Weird & Wild Science Fun! Ms. Bailey’s 3rd graders took a walk on the wild side with their latest science project! From glow-in-the-dark creatures to animals with super senses, these young scientists researched and presented some of the most fascinating creatures on Earth.

LUES Celebrates Hard Work! Students worked hard last week on nine week's benchmark assessments. What better way to celebrate their hard efforts than a sweet treat? Keep up the great work and continue to be Anchored to Excellence!

Smiles All Around! Dental Hygiene Students Teach 3rd Graders the Power of Healthy Teeth! Dental Hygiene students from Mississippi Delta Community College made a big impact with their visit to Mrs. Murphy's 3rd-grade class! Their presentation on oral hygiene was both fun and informative. Kids got to learn valuable tips like flossing before brushing and the importance of brushing for two full minutes. The matching activity and hands-on practice with the mouth model helped make the lesson fun and engaging. We greatly appreciate Lexie McDaniel and Mary Kate Perkins for taking the time to share their knowledge and help everyone better understand the importance of keeping our teeth clean and healthy!

IMPORTANT UPDATE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Exploring Light in 4th Grade Science! Mrs. Hall’s 4th-grade scientists at LUES had a brilliant time investigating how light behaves when it strikes transparent, translucent, and opaque materials! After exploring these concepts, they put their creativity to the test by making their own spring flower stained glass! Hands-on learning shines the brightest! Great job, young scientists!

A Royal Visit for a Healthy Future! Our 4th and 5th graders had a special guest on Thursday—Miss Mississippi! She joined us at Lafayette Upper Elementary to present Tar Wars, a tobacco-free education program from the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians Foundation. Through this inspiring program, students learned about the importance of making healthy choices, taking personal responsibility, and staying tobacco-free. With the support of community leaders like medical students, family physicians, and educators, just one hour can make a lifetime of difference! Thank you for visiting, Miss Mississippi!

Special Visitors at LUES! Rip and Deputy Dutton stopped by LUES on Tuesday, and students were beyond excited to see them! Smiles, tail wags, and plenty of high-fives made the visit unforgettable. We thank our Lafayette County Sheriff's Department for all they do for our community!

Calling all artists!!!

INCLEMENT WEATHER ANNOUNCEMENT for February 19, 2025 Due to inclement weather in our area, Lafayette Schools will operate on a two-hour delay Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Please stay weather-aware and follow your local weather stations & Lafayette County Emergency Management for up-to-date information.