LHS Newsletter
August 2, 2024
Message from the Principal
Hello Spartan Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers,
For those that I have not had the pleasure of meeting, my name is Cody Japinga. I am the building principal at Lakeview High School. The 2024-2025 school year will be my 22nd year at Lakeview and my 4th as the principal. I always like to share that I am not only the principal but I am also a parent in the district. For that reason, I share the hopes and expectations for what our school can provide for our childrens’ education.
That being said, let me be the first to welcome you to the 2024-2025 school year! We had an outstanding year last year and are looking forward to building on the positive momentum that we have built as a staff! We know that supporting students is a job of both the schools and parents and we want to be on the same team with you! I know that my role as principal is to build a staff with a capacity to provide the best possible education for all students. To do that well, I need 2 things from you!
One, we need parents to have their students on time to school everyday! Our teachers will have great educational experiences ready for every student everyday but only students who are here and on time get the full experience. Did you know that students that miss more than 10% of scheduled school days are at an increased risk of failing classes and, ultimately, dropping out of high school. Last school year, 30% of LHS students were considered “chronically absent.” While we know that unexpected medical needs come up for students, we ask that parents do everything they can to maximize their student’s time at school. As a school, we have several supports that we can offer. If you need any support in getting your student to school, please do not hesitate to ask!
Our second need is for parents to engage with the communications that we send. As a large comprehensive high school, there is a lot to know! We try to give parents timely communication about what is happening without overwhelming them. In general, everything a parent would want to know is available on the Lakeview High School website. We also have three ways of communicating the most important information you need. We will continue with weekly newsletters like this as well as weekly grade reports from each of your student’s teachers. New this year, we will have a parent informational series one night a month. These meetings will highlight information that parents would want to know to navigate high school and to support student’s post secondary plans. They will also serve as a more casual question and answer session with me and other staff as appropriate. Please see the flier below for dates and topics!
I look forward to meeting you and working together to provide your student with a successful and positive high school experience. Please know that I encourage you to reach out at any time to me or anyone on our staff to help support you in navigating your student’s high school career.
Sincerely,
Cody Japinga
Upcoming Events
Thursday, Aug. 15 - Back to School Event 11am - 7pm
Wednesday, Aug. 21 - First Day of School ***Special Schedule
Friday, Aug 30 and Monday, Sept. 2 - No school, Labor Day
Friday, Sept. 13 - No School for Students, Staff PD
Friday, Sept. 27 - Homecoming Parade and Football Game
Saturday, Sept. 28 - Homecoming Dance, 7pm - 10pm
Back to School Event Information
Our Back to School Event will be held on Thursday, August 15 from 11am to 7pm. While you may attend at anytime that works for your family, we ask that you attempt to go during these assigned times to prevent long waits:
11am-1pm: Last Names A-F
1pm-3pm: Last Names G-L
3pm-5pm: Last Names M-R
5pm-7pm: Last Names R-Z
There will be many exciting back to school activities for students and parents including:
Student schedules for 2024-25 school year
Co and Extra Curricular Clubs and Organizations
Locker assignments
School pictures (until 6pm)
Chromebooks for new students and incoming 9th graders
Building tours
Information from the Athletic Department
Information from the Transportation Department
Information from the Food Services Department
Information from the Community Liaisons
Information for the Student Services Department
Consent forms for Grace Health Student Service Center
Daily Schedule Information
Building Opens: 7:00am
Start Time: 7:30am
Dismissal: 2:05pm Monday, 2:35pm Tuesday - Friday
Building Closes: 2:30pm Monday, 3:00pm Tuesday - Friday (unless with direct adult supervision)
Back to School Supply List
In an effort to help all students stay organized, there will be added support for your student in keeping an academic binder. If your student comes to school with the following, they will be prepared for a successful year:
2” Binder
Sheets of loose paper
Pencil Pouch
Pencils
Highlighters
6 dividers for classes
Pen
Calculator (optional)
Upgrades at Lakeview High School
It has been a busy summer on the campus of Lakeview High School! When kids return to school, they will notice several improvements both inside and outside. The first thing will be our freshly paved parking lots and drop off circle. Second will be our technology upgrades that were passed as part of the bond a few years ago. Our classroom technology has been upgraded to interactive televisions. We also replaced the original sound systems in both the gymnasium and the black box theater. While less noticeable, we also replaced the original flooring in our award winning school store!
These upgrades are all made possible by the continued support we receive from the Lakeview community. As always, we appreciate how well our community supports our school and our students!
Handbook Information
Our goal is to create the rules necessary to provide an environment that allows students to feel free to express themselves and enjoy high school while providing order to our classrooms and hallways. We strongly believe that the rules we have in place help students maximize their classroom experience and provide a safe school environment for all Spartans. Our expectations can be summarized by saying that we expect our students to be on time and prepared for class every hour while leaving their phone and backpack in their locked locker. For more specific information, please note the following from the student handbook:
Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices: Students are not permitted to have cell phones or other electronic devices (wireless headphones, gaming devices, etc.) during class time. This includes both in the classroom and the hallway. Students will be required to turn their phones in to high school staff if they are found violating this policy. Other consequences are outlined in the student handbook.
Backpacks: Backpacks are not permitted in classrooms. All bags large enough to hold a notebook are included in this rule. Students must store these bags in their locker. Backpacks left in hallways or other areas are subject to search and consequences.
Deliveries During the School Day: While we are happy to assist with forgotten items, deliveries by food delivery services or other items that could distract from the learning environment (balloons, flowers, etc.) are not permitted.
Open Lunch: Open lunch will be restricted to 11th and 12th grade students that meet handbook qualifications. Applications will be available at our Back to School Event and in the main office. Applications require a parent signature and are due no later than September 1st. There will NOT be another application period during the 24/25 school year.
Dress Code: Our full dress code is available in the Student Code of Conduct. As a reminder, students may not wear clothing with words or images that do not match the vision and mission of the school. Examples of such items are Playboy brand clothing, shirts that promote alcohol or drug use, or contain profanity or sexually explicit words or phrases.
Locks and Lockers: All students are assigned a hallway locker with a lock. Students are expected to keep the lock locked on their locker at all times. Students are not allowed to share or trade lockers with other students. Students should keep in mind that anything in their assigned locker is assumed to be theirs. Administrators may search open lockers, put locks on backwards, or clean out lockers that are not in compliance.
Our entire student handbook can be found on the Lakeview School District website.
Parent Information Series
Food Service Forms
We ask that all families complete the Educational Benefits Form below.
If you believe you would qualify for free or reduced food service, you should also complete the Sharing Information with Other Programs form as well. This will allow us to reduce the fees associated with the annual chromebook fee, athletics and testing.
***In order to download these forms, you must open this newsletter in a browser first. Forms will be available at the Back to School Event.
If you would prefer to complete this process online, you may go to the Lakeview Meal Magic Family Portal by clicking this link: https://lakeviewsd.familyportal.cloud/.
Calhoun County Public Health Day
Lakeview's First College and Career Day
Are you currently serving as a college, trades, and/or military recruiter? Are you (or someone you know) interested in sharing your current career with high school students? Are you looking to hire high school students (graduating seniors or otherwise)? Well, now is YOUR time to shine!
Lakeview will be hosting its first College and Career Day on Wednesday October 16, 2024 between 7:45am-12noon. If you are interested in having a table at this event (and for more information), please complete this form (feel free to forward to folks who you KNOW will be interested in participating). Questions? Feel free to contact Haley A-bel, LHS Resilience Coach, at habel@lakeviewspartans.org or 269-565-3745.
Athletic Information
We know that our most successful students are our most connected students. One way students can stay connected is through school athletics. All Fall sports begin on August 12. Please see the list of Fall sports below. Students will need a current physical on file in the main office to participate! If you register through Final Forms, you will be on the mailing list for each individual sport for more information. If you have any questions, please contact the athletic office at 565-3710.
Cross Country*
Football*
Girls Golf
Boys Soccer
Girls Swim and Dive*
Boys Tennis
Volleyball
*Signifies a no-cut sport open to anyone who wants to participate
Sports Kickoff Meeting
Student Expectations During Athletic Events
Doors will open half an hour prior to athletic events.
- No backpacks allowed
- Middle School students must be accompanied by a parent
- During the game, students must be in the stands
- After games, students will have 15 minutes to clear the facilities.
- Students are expected to be respectful and follow the rules and directions from adults who are supervising events.
Lakeview High School Information
Lakeview High School
Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-565-3700 (Phone)
269-565-3709 (Attendance Line)
269-565-3708 (Fax)
Office Hours
Monday through Friday 7am - 3pm.
Administrative & Support Contact Information
LHS PRINCIPAL
Mr. Cody Japinga
LHS ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS
Mrs. Lindsey Keller
Mrs. Dayna Lang
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Mr. Shawn Aimesbury
saimesbury@lakeviewspartans.org
DEAN OF STUDENTS
Mr. Rob Allison
SECRETARY TO THE PRINCIPAL
Mrs. Susan Arrowood