Schools

Concentration, balance, perseverance, courage. These are just a few of the qualities you need to be a member of one of the more unique clubs in the Lakewood Schools: the Emerson Unicycle Club.

About 25 students meet each week after school to try to master this unusual skill. A visit to one of the practice sessions reveals that some have got it down pat while others are still snugly attached to the wall waiting for a spotter to help them along.

Coach Don Reis is joined by a number of parents and Emerson teacher/adviser Meg Fox to help the club members who are just starting out to get their “legs” under them. It seems it’s all about balance.

 

The Lakewood City School District Board of Education, which is seeking to replace its current treasurer, has identified six candidates who will be interviewed December 6 and December 7, 2011.

Ohio School Board Association consultant Kathy LaSota, who led the recruitment process for the Board, met with Board members on December 1 to present the results of the OSBA applicant screening.

"I was pleased with the results of OSBA‚s professional search process," Board member Linda Beebe said. "The school treasurer position is a challenging one. It is sometimes difficult to provide boards of education with the number and quality of candidates needed to fit our essential criteria. The Lakewood Board of Education, staff and community should be proud that top-notch applicants are attracted to our school district. The most difficult work is to come over the next several weeks as the Board narrows the field and identifies the successful candidate."

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Morgan Harper, a 4th grade student at Hayes Elementary School, is the 2011 “Why I Love Lakewood” Essay Contest winner. Over 110 essays were submitted by 4th graders from the Lakewood City Schools and Lakewood Catholic Academy. A panel of seven judges used a rubric to assess the originality, organization, descriptive language, and grammar (including punctuation and spelling) of the essays, and the judges selected Morgan’s as best overall. Morgan is “proud to say I live in a community that really is a melting pot” and loves the “awesome library and great schools” plus the clubs and activities that bring people of so many ethnic and religious backgrounds together.

Long a supporter of the Horticulture program at Lakewood High School, the Lakewood Garden Club has ramped up that support with funding for a new and innovative project that will provide an outdoor learning lab for the program.

The Garden Club contributed $4,000 toward the project and raised almost all of the remainder of the nearly $20,000 needed for the project from local community sources and friends of Lakewood City Schools. Construction on the 3,664-square-foot Horticulture Outdoor Learning Lab, which will be located at the visitors’ entrance of Lakewood High School, 14100 Franklin Blvd., began on November 21.

Support Lakewood PTAs December 13 at Jammy Buggars!

The Lakewood High School Model United Nations Club turned in another outstanding performance at the Cleveland Council on World Affairs Model UN Conference held November 9 and 10. Seniors Kevin Kvasnicka, Jimmy Matthiesen and freshman Sean Weddell won a “Gavel” as the single most outstanding delegate in their committee. Matthiesen and Derek Dashiell won an Excellent Delegation Award.

The Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine have been special friends to Lakewood Catholic Academy since its opening in 2005. Many Lakewood residents will remember the difficult time when three Catholic parishes – St. James, St. Luke and St. Clement – faced the closing of their elementary schools. As a community, the parishes were determined to continue Catholic education in Lakewood and found hope when the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine – owners of the LCA campus property at 14808 Lake Avenue – agreed to lease the grounds to founders of a new, consolidated school. But the campus is much more than its beautiful lakefront location. A visit to LCA is like a walk through history, as the campus was once the site of an early convent and motherhouse for the Sisters of Charity and has been home to Catholic elementary and high school education for nearly 90 years.

The Lakewood Community Recreation and Education Commission is accepting letters of interest to fill open seats on the Adult Athletic Commission. The Adult Athletic Commission is the governing body of all adult athletic programs sponsored by the Community Recreation and Education Department of the Board of Education. 

Lakewood City Academy, the district-sponsored community/charter school housed at the former Franklin Elementary School, has done such a good job in getting its students on track toward graduation that legislators in Columbus invited some of the staff down to the capital to share their strategies for success.

State Senators Peggy Lehner, Tom Sawyer and Nina Turner invited 10 of the top performing community/charter schools in the state to attend a discussion centered on appropriate and successful operating standards for drop-out recovery schools as changes in legislation regarding charter schools are in the pipeline for Spring 2012. Ohio Department of Education representatives were also participants in the discussion. The participants offered suggestions and input as to how student academic performance beyond the performance index can be accurately compared as well as measured.

Some Lakewood High School vocalists will be fortunate to be part of a very special performance later this month. On Friday, November 18, at 7:30 p.m., Trinity Cathedral downtown (2230 Euclid Ave.) is presenting Benjamin Britten’s St. Nicolas Cantata.

St. Nicolas Cantata is a 9-movement piece based on the life of St. Nicolas, who lived in the 4th century in what is now Turkey on the border of Greece. He was known for his generosity to the needy and as a protectorate of children.

Lakewood Catholic Academy (LCA), a pre-K through eighth grade Catholic elementary school in Lakewood serving families across the West Shore, will hold an Open House for prospective families on Sunday, November 20, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at its campus at 14808 Lake Avenue.

Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the lakefront campus and meet the community of teachers, current parents, faculty and staff. There will also be information about applying for financial aid, and LCA Principal Maureen Arbeznik will speak about “The Lakewood Catholic Academy Difference” at 3:00 p.m. in the school’s St. Augustine Library.

No reservations are necessary to attend the Open House.

 

I’ve been collecting some pretty impressive “resumes” in the form of campaign literature from local School Board candidates over the past few weeks. But when it comes to making my final selection(s) for Election Day, November 8th … it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

The middle school years are notorious for being tough emotional ones for tweens and young teens coping with physical, emotional and social changes all while trying to succeed in school. Some more than others need extra support beyond their families and friends to help them navigate those middle years. That’s why Garfield Middle School teacher Pam Thompson started the Margaret Warner Ladies Luncheon Club six years ago with a grant from the Lakewood Alumni Foundation's Margaret Warner Educational Grants Fund – to provide a place where a group of girls could build strong self-images and friendships.

Superintendent Jeff Patterson presented the Lakewood Board of Education at its Oct. 17 meeting with a banner from the Ohio Department of Education recognizing the district's "Excellent" rating for the 2010-2011 school year. From left are: Vice President John Kamkutis, Betsy Shaughnessy, President Matthew John Markling, Superintendent Patterson, Linda Beebe and Edward Favre.

The Lakewood High School Barnstormers Club is set to put on its first performance of the year when it stages Elmer Rice’s comedy “Dream Girl” Nov. 3-5 at 8 p.m. in the high school’s Tryout Theater.

ADULT

Spanish-I Can Speak Spanish

            Saturdays, Nov. 5th-Dec. 17th,

            10:00-11:00am

            Harding Middle School, Room 101

You’re On the Air-Voice-Overs!

            Tuesday, November 8th, 7:00-9:00pm

            Harding Middle School, Room 104

 

Top 10 Estate Planning Mistakes

            Tuesday, November 8th, 7:00-8:00pm

            Garfield Middle School, Room 116

Why should you care about the School Board’s updated financial forecast? 

If you have kids they deserve to go to an "excellent" school for years to come. If you have no kids in the Lakewood schools, you still own property or rent and pay school taxes. If you own property - your property value can be affected by the school where you live. People like to live in cities with strong schools.

I care, so I attended the October 3, 2011 School Board meeting where district Treasurer Richard Berdine released and reviewed an updated 5-year (Fiscal Year 2012 to 2016) financial forecast for our School District. The forecast showed flat to declining revenue (property tax and state funding) and increasing costs (personal and healthcare) that will “require our attention now and into the future."

The presentation lasted approximately 20 minutes and included a PowerPoint presentation, an updated forecast and educational report, and a new 5 year financial forecast. If you are interested, it is available on the Board’s website (http://lakewoodcityschools.org/districtBoardEd.aspx).

What did the new forecast show?

The new forecast includes numerous new assumptions which reflect the economic reality the city, state and county are facing. Overall it shows an improved financial position next year (FY 2012) with a loss of $1.5 million versus the original assumption of a loss of $3.0 million driven by improved tangible personal property revenue and lower personal cost.

However, the next 4 years show deteriorating financials with losses of $5.0 million in FY 2013 ($4.9 million previously), $8.5 million in FY 2014 ($8.0 million previously), and $11.6 million in FY 2015 ($10.6 million previously). FY 2016 shows the District with a $14.5 million shortfall that needs to be addressed (no prior estimate).

The final forecasted numbers are actually worse than these numbers due to an error in the original forecast that was found during follow-up meetings with the treasurer. The corrections are discussed in detail later in this story.

Lakewood School Board President Matthew John Markling has been named the Ohio School Board Association (OSBA) Northeast Region Outstanding Board Member. Markling received the award at the Northeast Region’s annual fall conference in Akron on Oct. 5. At the fall conference, Markling was also nominated for the All-Ohio School Board Award to be announced at the OSBA’s Capital Conference in Columbus in November.

Thanks to a half-million dollar grant recently awarded to the Lakewood City Schools by the U.S. Department of Justice, Lakewood is set to become a national leader in the effort to prevent sexual assault, dating and domestic violence and stalking among teens and adolescents. Lakewood City Schools is one of approximately 10 districts in the nation selected to participate in this grant program.

Fall is the time for the Ohio Music Education Association to select members for its All-State music ensembles. Once again, Lakewood High will be well-represented in the All-State Orchestra, All-State Choir and All-State band. The groups will perform in February at the OMEA's conference in Columbus.

Members of OMEA's Northeast Region Orchestra have also been selected and all 13 of the Lakewood High students who auditioned on Sept. 24 for this select group were chosen. Members for OMEA's All-State Orchestra were chosen from those who auditioned for Region and out of the 13 who auditioned, six were named to the All-State group and three were named alternates. The six selected for All-State is the highest number for any school in Northeast Ohio.

The 2011 edition of Lakewood High School’s Cinema yearbook has been recognized as outstanding by the American Scholastic Press Association.

Do you enjoy reading? Do you have some extra time on your hands? Do you get a kick out of working with children? If so, Lakewood City Schools needs you.

The Lakewood City School Community Recreation and Education Department is looking for your feedback. We have put together a survey to get your input into the activities and programs we offer, so that we can serve this great community in the best way possible. It is our mission to provide safe and meaningful recreational and educational opportunities for kids and adults of all ages. Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey at http://tinyurl.com/4xrwovy, which will help us to meet your wants and needs in planning for future recreation and education opportunities in Lakewood. We are always striving to make our programs the best that they can be.

Board of Education candidates participated in the first of several community forums on Wednesday, September 28, when Lakewood Council of PTAs hosted its Meet the Candidates Night in the Garfield Middle School Cafetorium. Linda Beebe, Bill Call, Gregory Calleri, Tom Einhouse, Kristine Pagsuyoin, and Emma Petrie-Barcelona answered questions in front of approximately 60 people.

Questions were submitted by Lakewood residents and then compiled by a PTA committee. Bret Callentine moderated the evening. Colleen Wing timed candidates’ responses. As Bret asked questions, the order in which candidates responded varied so that no response pattern occurred. Chris Karel recorded the event so that residents unable to attend can borrow a DVD from Lakewood Public Library or stream it through the Library’s website at the following link:  http://youtube/nht6q_x-4ck

 

National Merit Scholarship program and AP Scholar honorees have been announced and once again LHS has its share of top academic performers, including three National Merit Semifinalists, five National Merit Commended Scholars and 48 AP Scholars.

Nationwide, more than half a million high school athletes use performance-enhancing drugs or supplements each year to try to get an edge on the competition. It’s a problem few coaches would deny.

The Lakewood Alumni Foundation honored its most recent inductees in to its triumvirate of Halls of Fame with a sold-out dinner and induction ceremony at Sweetwater Landing on September 22. 

Would you like to win $15,000? How about a top-rated Toyota from Sunnyside Toyota of North Olmsted? Raffle Tickets are only $5 each for your chance to win. Tickets are available through current students, at the St. Edward High School Bookstore, online www.sehs.net or by calling 216-221-3776 x228. The winning raffle ticket will be drawn on November 22 during a school rally and winner does not need to be present. Grand prize winner will choose either a cash prize of $15,000 or a pre-selected Toyota from Mike Cuva at Sunnyside Toyota of North Olmsted. Other cash prizes include $2,500 and $1,500.

Lakewood Homecoming Pep rally steps off at Lakewood Park Friday, September 23 before Lakewood beat Medina 20 to 15.

Lakewood High School senior Jenny Hood (l.), a member of the Rangers Marching Band, was named 2011 Homecoming Queen during halftime festivities at the varsity football game held Fri., Sept. 23, at Lakewood Stadium. Hood set aside her tiara to perform with the band during the second half of the 20-15 Rangers victory over the Medina Battling Bees.

I am the only incumbent candidate running for a position on Lakewood Board of Education on November 8. During the time I have served on the Board, Lakewood Schools have maintained their reputation as one of the premier school systems in the state while serving an increasingly diverse population. We have met the challenge. We are rated “Excellent” by the State of Ohio. But we can’t stop there. I want our schools to continue to improve to meet the challenges of this new century. 

Nine area high school marching bands (Fairview, Lutheran West, Streetsboro, Brooklyn, Padua, Open Door Christian Academy, Aurora and Westlake) as well as featured performer The College of Wooster Fighting Scots displayed their skills during the 25th Annual Marching Band Festival, held Sat., Sept. 17, at Lakewood Stadium. Host band the Lakewood Rangers, led by LHS senior field commander Claire Beargie (center), performed twice during the evening event.

Why I am Running?

I have children in the Lakewood School System and I am deeply concerned about our school system’s ability to maintain its “excellent” rating in the face of the financial difficulties we will face in the next 3 years. The next school board’s biggest challenge and top priority must be to address the projected 3 year $16 million budget shortfall in a financially responsible manner while also supporting our teachers and administrators. Our current board does not possess the necessary financial expertise to address these issues. With an annual budget of over $70 million and a $16 million deficit this is unacceptable.

In honor of this year’s Patriot Day to honor September 11, Lincoln Elementary students and staff focused on thanking the safety forces for risking their lives every day to keep them safe. Primary grades wrote letters and made drawings about firefighters and the older grades did the same for police officers. First grade classes also created a banner that included poems, class letters and drawings from the three classrooms of first-graders. One class wrote about “Firefighters,” one of “Bravery: and the third about “Heroes.” The banner was delivered to Fire Station #1 on Madison Avenue and was hung for display during the dedication of the 9-11 Memorial on this past September 11.

Catch the Ranger spirit as the annual Lakewood City Schools Spirit Parade kicks off Lakewood High’s Homecoming weekend this Friday, September 23. The Spirit Parade, which has traditionally been the opening event for Homecoming activities on Thursday, has been moved to Friday this year. The parade, which includes bands, clubs and teams from the elementary, middle schools and high school, will step off from Lakewood Park at 5:45 p.m. and make its way up to Lakewood High Stadium via Clifton Boulevard and Bunts Road just in time for the Homecoming Game matchup against Medina High School at 7 p.m.

Every day culinary students in the West Shore Career-Tech’s ProStart program enjoy a fantastic facility that offers them hands-on experience as they learn. Recently, however, they’ve ramped up the real-world experience and glam factor with a few recent high profile jobs that had them rubbing elbows with stars of the culinary world.

On Sept. 10, Assistant Chef and Junior Instructor Devan Sharosky accompanied three students to the St. John Medical Center’s Top Chef competition at Quicken Loans Arena where four local chefs competed for the Top Chef title and $2,500. Each chef was assigned a group of culinary arts students from different Northeast Ohio programs and the West Shore students were assigned to Michael Nowak, chef of Ohio City’s Bar Cento. Modeled after Bravo’s popular Top Chef series, the competition was high-pressured and demanded much from its participants. The chef and his student assistants had to plate 1,000 appetizers and 1,000 entrees for judges and the audience under strict time constraints.

Lakewood will host the 25th Annual Lakewood High School Ranger Marching Band Invitational Festival on Saturday September 17th 2011 at 7 pm.  This landmark event will feature the bands from The College of Wooster, as well as the following high school bands:  

Planning continues for Lakewood Council of PTAs' September 28 "Meet the Candidates Night." The August 23, 2011 Observer article which announced this event and requested that residents submit questions for candidates also stated that sample questions would be published in this Observer. Following are some of the questions received to date.

The district recently received another “Excellent” rating from the State of Ohio on its annual report card, but Superintendent Jeffrey W. Patterson is not resting on those laurels as he told hundreds of district employees gathered for the annual school year kickoff called Convocation on August 22.

Patterson recounted how the district has steadily improved its overall score, or Performance Index Rating, on the state reports each year and how nearly half of the district buildings were rated either “Excellent” or “Effective” for the 2010-2011 school year.

Although Patterson praised the staff for the hard work it took to earn the Excellent rating, he told them, “We can still do a better job than we’ve been doing.”

 

Four current and two former Horace Mann Elementary students have been selected to perform with the Midwest Kodaly Music Education Association Honors Choir this October in Columbus. Chosen at the end of last school year for their outstanding singing talent by their choir instructor, Marjorie Hildebrandt, are: Hannah Cogar and Carolyn Kocian, now sixth-graders at Harding, and fifth-graders Hannah Masters, Rebecca Parch, Stephanie Posedel and Angie Amazto.

For the last four years, money from the Margaret Warner Educational Grants Fund of the Lakewood Alumni Foundation has provided Lakewood City Schools teachers the ability to offer enrichment opportunities to its students. This year is no different as the Alumni Foundation awarded more than $10,000 in grants. That number was boosted this year by Board of Education member Linda Beebe’s generous gesture of directing donations made in memory of her late husband, former Lakewood High teacher Dr. Bruce Beebe, to the Margaret Warner fund.

The Lakewood City Schools Community Recreation Department’s fall booklet is out!  We have added a lot of new opportunities for the community, not only did we keep our most popular courses but we have added 18 new youth and adult classes and 4 new instructors. Whether you are looking to hone a skill or start a new hobby we have a class that will fit your interest.

Lakewood Catholic Academy (LCA) will host its 7th annual “Run for Excellence” 5K race and the Michalko Mile Youth Run on Sunday, October 2 beginning from the LCA campus at 14808 Lake Avenue in Lakewood. Race-day registration will take place from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. The chip-timed 5K race starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Michalko Mile Youth Run at 9:15 a.m.  

Parents of Lakewood 8th graders are invited to come and find out what makes Lakewood High School a unique experience for all who walk through its doors. Please join us for an Open House on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 6:30 p.m. in the Ranger Cafe. You will hear from administrators, teachers and students about the wealth of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom that await your student.

Lakewood Council of PTAs is pleased to announce its Meet the Candidates night, to be held Wednesday, September 28, 2011 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Garfield Middle School Cafetorium, 13114 Detroit Avenue.

On November 8, 2011, Lakewood voters will decide which candidates will fill the three open seats on Lakewood City Schools’ Board of Education. Seven candidates filed petitions, though Matthew John Markling announced plans to withdraw earlier this summer. The remaining six candidates have been invited to participate. They are Linda Beebe, Bill Call, Gregory Calleri, Tom Einhouse, Kristine Pagsuyoin and Emma Petrie-Barcelona.

Summer may be ending but there’s always room for another scoop of ice cream! Please join the Lakewood Board of Education and the Lakewood Council of PTAs for an Ice Cream Social on Tuesday, September 6, from 6:15 – 7:00 p.m. in the Grant Elementary School gym. Members of the Board of Education will be dishing out the free scoops of ice cream while musicians from the Garfield Middle School bands provide the entertainment.

Thanks in large part to Lakewood students consistently learning at an above average rate as measured by the Ohio Department of Education, the district has earned a state Report Card rating of “Excellent” for the 2010-2011 school year.

“A lot of hard work has taken place over the past few years and it’s paying off now,” said Superintendent Jeffrey W. Patterson. “The staff, the Board and the administration, working together with students and parents, has resulted in this wonderful news.”

Added Board of Education President Matthew John Markling: “I feel proud to be on a Board that allows the students, staff and administration to have the resources available to achieve the growth we have.”

 

Football season is almost here, but the guys in helmets won’t be the only team on the field this fall at Lakewood Stadium.  Another group of Lakewood High School students has been working hard to bring excitement to our Friday Nights this autumn. That group is the Lakewood High School Marching Band, comprised of 110 of our town’s finest kids.

Virtually every varsity college athlete, from Division I record setters to bench warmers in Division III, have a few things in common: they put in hours of practice; have little chance of becoming a professional athlete; and gain invaluable experience in teamwork, leadership, discipline and persistence. Athletics and other so called “extra-curricular” activities—also including theatre, music, clubs, etc.—are more aptly termed “co-curricular activities,” as they embody the aforementioned skills and dispositions that are vital to effective citizenship. Many former LHS athletes have continued their athletic careers in college, and deserve recognition for their enduring commitment. Their continued success is a testament not only their efforts, but also to those of a community that values public education and the access to opportunity for growth that it offers.

Huntington Bank has awarded a scholarship, which was open to a current student enrolled for summer at the Virginia Marti College of Art and Design (VMCAD). Applicants were to be actively involved within their community by participating in community-related projects and/or extracurricular activities offered at VMCAD, while maintaining a 3.0 GPA or above in their course of study. The recipient also needed to demonstrate a financial need determined by Pell eligibility.

The Scholarship Committee consisted of five individuals not connected with the student body. Two members sit on the Board of the Virginia Marti College Foundation, two are employees of Huntington Bank, and one is an employee of American Limousine Service, located in Lakewood, Ohio.

The leadership team of the Lakewood City Schools looks quite a bit different for the 2011-2012 school year as six new administrators join the team that will be led by new Superintendent Jeffrey Patterson.

Joining Patterson at the district helm is new assistant superintendent Kevin Bright, who comes to Lakewood after having served as Superintendent for 13 years of the Mason City Schools in southwest Ohio. Bright and Patterson were colleagues back in the early days of their careers in Ashland. More recently, Bright’s leadership in Mason helped establish the district as one of the best performing districts in the state.

“We really do have the “Dream Team” of administrators with Mr. Patterson and Dr. Bright at the helm,” said Board of Education President Matthew John Markling.

 

All incoming Lakewood High School freshmen are encouraged to attend Fresh Start orientation the evening of August 18 and the morning of August 19. The two-day program is designed for students by students. Student mentors will lead the new high schoolers through a variety of activities that will help orient them to their new school as well as help build class camaraderie and school spirit. Students will tour the school, receive their locker location and ID badges as well as have a chance to sign up for clubs and other activities.

The return of Lebron James to Cleveland on December 2, 2010 occurred on the same day as another momentous local occasion: the fundraiser for the LHS gymnastics team at Around the Corner. It was an evening full of contrasts and irony, when great forces of the universe collided head on in western Lakewood. On this day, a group of local teenage girls, along with friends and relatives, would take on not only Lebron James, but the NBA and the mindset of professional sports. Here are the highlights.

Did you know that school supplies for some Lakewood families are considered a luxury? Lakewood schools have approximately 1,600 middle school and high school students who are living in households identified as economically disadvantaged (qualify for free or reduced lunch programs) and so are in need of help with school supplies. Historically, there have been many organizations in Lakewood who do a fantastic job helping K – 5 students with school supplies and will continue to do so; however, not much help has been available to middle school or high school students.

TACKLE FOOBALL

Grades 5th & 6th - Lakewood Recreation Department is taking registrations for children in grades 5th and 6th to participate in the Little Southwest Tackle Football Conference. This is an instructional league where fundamentals and participation are stressed. Players will participate in a 7 game season against teams from Avon, Avon Lake, Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Rocky River and Sheffield. Games played on Saturday's beginning in September at various locations provided by participating communities. Home games will be played primarily at Garfield Stadium. Cost is $85 per Lakewood resident/$100 per non-resident. Practice starts early August. All participants must have a current physical on file at the Recreation Department at the time of registration. Register in person at the Recreation Department located at 1456 Warren Road. For more information call the Recreation Department at 216-529-4081. For a complete list of recreational and educational opportunities go to www.lakewoodrecreation.com.

Too many memories. I had a great time in 6th grade at Harding Middle and had so many good experiences I will never forget, academic and other.

I had Mr. Spooner as my Language Arts and Social Studies teacher. In his class we did amazing things such as skyping with the famous author Avi, and Ryan Demro. Out social studies projects were also fun. For our Egypt unit I was in a group with Elena Mulready and Rachel Daso and we made the Red Pyramid. On the outside we used army guys to represent the slaves building the pyramid. It was fun, and I learned a lot. Or, when we made a video for the Indus Valley unit, where we pretended to be ancient Indus Valley people explaining the way we lived. For language arts a fun project was when we were learning about conjunctions and my group and I made a video about "super conjunctions".

How long has it been since you were assigned summer reading? This year, LHS is inviting members of the Board of Education, Lakewood City Council, the mayor and the entire community to participate in Lakewood’s first Big Beach Read.

Lakewood High School English teacher Karen Ballash explains, “The idea is to celebrate summer reading - to celebrate sunshine - and taking the time to enter into someone else’s mind through storytelling.

And this year’s choice is a very interesting mind, in deed. All students in grades 9-12 have been assigned to read the same book, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time” by Mark Haddon.