Lakewood School District
May 2024
Greetings,
With the Tulip Festival officially closed and the warm weather arriving, it truly now feels like we are in the month of May. This month started with the certification of our recent levy elections on May 3, with our Educational Programs and Operations levy passing at 54.11% and our Capital Improvements and Safety levy passing at 52.79%. We are truly grateful for the strong support of our community and our ability to not only continue the programs and opportunities we feel are critical for our students, but also have the opportunity make some much-needed repairs and safety improvements to facilities across our district.
While the timeline for the remainder of the year is short — only four weeks left in the school year —
it is important to note the amazing work that is continuing in our classrooms. Each day, our students and staff are making full use of every minute, with our classrooms abuzz with engagement and learning, and our students also working to complete their annual state assessment exams. In addition, as the year draws to a close, so do our student activities. Our middle and high school athletics programs are finishing up their seasons, with our high school athletes preparing for post-season play.
We recently held the all-district music festival, which showcased the instrumental skills, knowledge, and talents of our students in grades 5-12, and each of our schools will be holding their final spring choir and instrumental performances during the next couple of weeks. Student club activities are also ending, with clubs such as our Lakewood High School FFA traveling to Washington State University in Pullman to attend the FFA State Convention and compete in the Career Development Events for which they qualified.
We are excited to celebrate our Lakewood High School seniors, with commencement exercises scheduled for the evening of Friday, June 7 to recognize the Class of 2024. This year’s graduation will symbolize a return to celebrations of the past, with commencement occurring in the stadium at Lakewood High School. Attendance at this event will be by ticket only, with each graduate receiving 8 tickets and limited additional tickets available on an as-needed basis per request through the Main Office.
The last day of school across the district is scheduled for Thursday, June 13. This year’s summer learning program will include one session, three weeks in length, that will kick off on Monday, June 24. The district will also be partnering again this summer with the Summer Food Service Program to provide free meals to children 18 years of age and younger in our community. More information about these programs will be available soon on our website.
As a district, we are grateful for the strong partnership and support we receive from our families and are honored to serve your student(s) and family. It is only through developing strong relationships, open communication, and by working together that we can collectively reach our goal of each student reaching high levels of learning and achievement. Best wishes to you and your family for a wonderful remainder of the school year.
All my best,
Erin
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for the Lakewood community? Whether they're a student, staff member, or a dedicated community member, we want to celebrate their commitment and impact!
Award Criteria: The Heart of Lakewood Community Service Award honors significant contributions to the Lakewood School District or local not-for-profit organizations, neighborhood groups, associations, or initiatives.
Eligibility:
- Current and former students
- Staff members
- Community members
How to Nominate: Send your nominations to rharnden@lwsd.wednet.edu before the deadline on May 22. Applications are available on our website.
Award Presentation: The winners will be honored at the Board meeting on June 5.
District still a no-walking district
The City of Marysville heard at Mayor Nehring’s Coffee Klatch last June from school staff and parents about the great need for a safe walking path along 172nd Street NE (SR 531) for pedestrians.
Because it is a state highway, city staff worked with WSDOT approval to pave a wider asphalt shoulder and add a striped buffer zone and flexible delineator posts with reflectors between the pedestrian pathway and traffic. The project also included adding new crosswalks on 172nd at the intersections of 16th Drive NE and 19th Drive NE. The new pathway connects the previously existing sidewalk network and nearby Lakewood Crossing. (Watch a video slideshow of the project from the city.)
While we are grateful for the completion of this project, it is important to emphasize that Lakewood remains a no-walking district. For safety reasons, students should not walk or bike to or from school. We are actively working with our public safety partners to assess whether this improvement will impact our status as a non-walking district.
Children are invited to visit the Lakewood High School cafeteria this summer for free meals from June 24 through July 31 (no meals July 4).
Breakfast will be offered Monday through Thursday from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Lunch will be offered Monday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Any child 18 and younger may receive a free meal to eat at the school through the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program.
To help us with planning, large groups are asked to call the day before at 509-899-4665 to place an order with our kitchen staff.
See our website and tell your friends about the following open positions.
- Dean of Students (Lakewood Elementary)
- Speech Language Pathologist (Elementary)
- Bus Driver (Multiple Positions)
- Nurse (English Crossing)
- Paraeducator 1:1 (Multiple Positions)
- Paraeducator Instructional Specialty (English Crossing)
- Secretary (Lakewood High School)
- Soccer Coach (LMS)
Substitutes are also needed in multiple positions: teachers, bus drivers, paraeducators, food service, student supervision and custodial.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, we join the mental health community to reaffirm our commitment to building our understanding of mental illness, increasing access to treatment and ensuring those who are struggling know they are not alone.
If you or someone you know wants to be connected to a mental health care provider, there are resources available.
- Care Solace, a complimentary and confidential mental health care coordination service provided by Lakewood School District, is available at 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available. You can also visit www.caresolace.com/lwsd and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
- Washington’s Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens
- 988: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 support
With the warmer weather, May is a great time to get outside and move! Students at Lakewood High School feel the difference when they get their cardio walking in during the Walk for Fitness PE class, said their teacher Tasha Kryger. The students aim for 4,100 steps in a class period – a brisk walking pace – to burn calories and maintain heart health. Students also take advantage of the school’s cross country trail to keep their walks interesting. Students say they sleep better, eat better, and continue their healthy habits even after the class is over.
