Discover more about Love Our Schools' programs that uplift students, empower families, honor educators, and unite communities through service and support.
Community and Family Engagement (CAFÉ) is a school-based initiative that strengthens connections between schools, families, and community stakeholders. Each school establishes a CAFÉ Team—led by the principal and coordinated by a CAFÉ Champion—that meets regularly to identify needs, plan engagement events, and support student success. Team members include parents, educators, community partners, and volunteers who bring diverse perspectives and resources. Through collaboration, CAFÉ teams organize family nights, campus beautification projects, teacher appreciation efforts, and more to build a positive school culture. Love Our Schools supports each CAFÉ Team with tools, training, and ongoing guidance to maximize impact.
Education All-Stars is Love Our Schools’ way of honoring the extraordinary teachers and support staff who inspire, innovate, and lead with heart in Lafayette Parish. In partnership with the Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS), the program solicits nominations from students, families, and colleagues to recognize excellence across all school levels. Awards include the Hall of Fame Awards (for veteran educators), Breakout All-Star (for newer teachers), and the All-Heart Award (for support staff). The chosen All-Stars are unveiled during a celebratory event, creating a community moment to cheer on those who make our schools thrive. With this program, we shine a well-deserved spotlight on the people who live out dedication every day.
The Family MVP Incentive Program is a pilot initiative that rewards and celebrates family engagement in public education. Families of students in selected schools can participate by attending school events, supporting attendance, and contributing to a culture of positivity and involvement. Those meeting eligibility criteria each quarter—such as perfect attendance and no major behavior referrals—are entered into prize drawings, and all qualifying families stay eligible for a grand prize at year’s end. The grand prize gives one lucky family a two-night trip to New Orleans, while quarterly winners receive gift cards or experiences. Family MVP promotes the idea that when families are actively involved, students succeed, school culture improves, and the entire community benefits.
Serve Days are community-powered days of action when volunteers come together to beautify, repair, refresh, and uplift our partner schools. On these days, community members—including families, local businesses, and civic groups—lend hands to tasks such as landscaping, painting classrooms or hallways, cleaning common areas, planting gardens, and sprucing up outdoor spaces. Each Serve Day is designed around the specific needs of the hosting school and directed by its CAFÉ Team, meaning every effort is purposeful and results in visible, tangible impact. Beyond the physical improvements, Serve Days foster community pride, deepen connections between school and neighborhood, and create safe, inspiring environments for students and staff. Together, Serve Days make schools more welcoming and strengthen the bond between the school and its community.
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