SEVENTH GRADE SCIENCE

Grosse Ile Middle School

Mr. Lafayette is a 1984 graduate of Grosse Ile High School. He completed his undergraduate studies in 1990 from John Carroll University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. While at John Carroll, Mr. Lafayette managed the Marine Mammal Research and Heavy Metal Toxicology Laboratory while also working for U.S. Fish and Wildlife as a supervisor in Sea Lamprey Control. During his time at Carroll, Louis also worked as a disc jockey at WUJC and participated on both the wrestling and rugby teams.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Mr. Lafayette was employed by the Detroit Public School system as a high school science teacher. While working in Detroit Mr. Lafayette instructed at both Western International High School and Murray Wright High School for nine years. During his tenure Mr. Lafayette taught biology, chemistry, introductory physical science, and pre-college engineering. During the spring of 1992 Mr. Lafayette became field instructor with North Coast Field Studies which coordinated field research with high school students in marine biology and cultural anthropology at the Forfar Field Station in the Bahamas.

In 1996 Mr. Lafayette was awarded a GTE Growth Initiative for Teachers Fellowship to develop a math/science block class stressing the use of technology in the classroom. He was also awarded the Wayne County Regional Education Service Agency "Golden Apple."

During the fall of 1999 Mr. Lafayette returned to Grosse Ile Schools as an instructor at the new Middle School. Also in 1999 Mr. Lafayette earned his Master of Education Degree in Science Education from Wayne State University. While at the middle school Mr. Lafayette has served as both a seventh and eighth grade science teacher. "Science is my passion and presenting material to the students of Grosse Ile has been incredibly rewarding both professionally and personally." In addition to the core coursework Mr. Lafayette has also taught Basic Building and Boating as well as Applied Technology, and Science Based Technology courses. Outside of the classroom Mr. Lafayette serves as one of the middle school wrestling and football coaches. He has also served as Teacher in Charge and Middle School science department head.

On a personal note Mr. Lafayette has been married to Kate since 1992. They live on Grosse Ile and have two children, Josephine and Clayton, who attend Grosse Ile schools.