August 14, 2025
Dear Lafayette Families,
Welcome back to the second in my series of back-to-school notes. This week, I want to focus on one of our District’s greatest strengths — academic excellence.
We’re starting the year with some exciting developments: due to increasing enrollment, we’ve added another Transitional Kindergarten classroom, expanding opportunities for our youngest learners to begin their academic journey with a strong foundation. We’re also entering our second year of the Bridge to Reading program, which offers a sequential, skills-based approach to reading, alongside our teachers’ use of rich literature, storybooks, lively class discussions, and writing instruction. And to strengthen early literacy support, all students in grades K–5 participate in the Reading Difficulty Risk Screener (RDRS), which helps identify students who may be at risk for reading challenges and informs timely, targeted intervention.
In mathematics, we look forward to engaging deeply with staff and families as we prepare to adopt new math materials for the 2026–27 school year. This work will emphasize high-quality instructional practices that include designing lessons around meaningful and complex problems, promoting student reasoning and discourse, and ensuring that all students have access to both support and challenge through intentional scaffolding and extension.
Our curriculum continues to extend well beyond core academics, with vibrant programs in music, theater, visual arts, and technology, a wide range of sports opportunities, and fun opportunities to build applied skills like gardening, woodshop, and home economics.
We take particular pride in supporting students who need extra help, as well as challenging and extending the learning for those who have mastered grade-level standards.
Lafayette remains a “destination district” for exceptional educators. Among the small group of new teachers joining us this year, the average classroom experience is eight years. Our graduates leave Stanley Middle School well prepared for the challenges of a rigorous high school curriculum, with graduates going on to prestigious universities, the community college system, and rewarding careers.
All of this reflects the pride we share in our public schools—where generations of Lafayette children have learned, built community, and developed the skills to thrive in the world. Please join me in welcoming our young scholars back to school!
Warmly,
Brent Stephens
Superintendent