One year after construction began at Lafayette Elementary School, the new cafeteria is open and proudly serving students. The district broke ground on the 4,200-square-foot expansion in January 2023 and surpassed its goal by opening to staff and students on December 13 – one month earlier than planned!

The new space comfortably fits 256 students – and serves as a true multi-purpose space for Lafayette. All School Meetings – a monthly school-wide gathering – are easier in the space. Students can meet to honor birthdays, student of the month ceremonies, and even hold student performances.

Jonathan Bal, a second grader at Lafayette, has watched the construction firsthand and noticed the impact of the cafeteria. “It’s a good place to hang out with my friends and take a break from work,” he said about the new space. Pizza Fridays in the space always bring a smile to the faces of him and his friends.

“We are all thrilled to have this new space,” said Lafayette Principal Ms. Deirdre Kehayas. “We are all super excited for Ms. Nelson to finally have a dedicated space to teach students about the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle.”

The addition has already increased the functionality of Lafayette Elementary School. Before the new cafeteria, students used the gym as an auditorium and cafeteria. That created an almost two-hour period where most physical education (PE) classes could not happen in the gym. Some physical education classes were held outside in the winter months, weather permitting, or in students’ regular classrooms.

Before winter break, students used the space to rehearse for the Winter Concert. The school looks forward to hosting other events like book fairs, class pictures and concerts in the spacious cafeteria without interfering with other schedules.