Dear Lakeside Community,
Some of you may have already seen this with the letters sent home. If not, here it is!
I want to wish each of you a joyful and restful summer! This is a special time for families to slow down, recharge, and make lasting memories together. Whether you're traveling, enjoying time outdoors, or simply relaxing at home, I hope your days are filled with laughter, connection, and meaningful moments with your children.
I am already looking ahead with excitement to the upcoming school year and want to share a few important updates that will support our continued growth as a school community.
School Academic Goals for 2026–2027
We have two crucial academic goals for our learning community:
75% of our Grades K–5 learners will be at or above grade level in ELA on their i-Ready end-of-year benchmark assessment, and all students will show growth from the beginning-of-year benchmark.
75% of our Grades K–5 learners will be at or above grade level in Math on their i-Ready end-of-year benchmark assessment, and all students will show growth from the beginning-of-year benchmark.
Focus on Attendance
This year, we are placing a renewed emphasis on student attendance. Our message is simple and powerful:
Attendance Success = Missing 9 days or fewer
We have two school attendance goals:
To have our end-of-year average daily attendance exceed 95%. This means that our learners are present at least 95% of the time (missing an average of nine days or fewer).
To have our chronic absenteeism rate below 20% (fewer than 35 chronically absent students during the school year). Chronically absent means missing 18 days or more by the end of the year, whether verified (e.g., a doctor’s note) or unverified.
PBIS Implementation
Lakeside Elementary will launch PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) at the start of the school year. This initiative will focus on:
Building consistent, school-wide routines
Teaching and reinforcing common expectations
Recognizing positive student behavior
In addition, we will utilize a discipline matrix aligned with State Policy 4373 to ensure responses to behavior are consistent, fair, and supportive of student growth.
Student Technology Use Updates
To better support engagement and learning aligned with current research, the county is revising its policy on student technology use:
Preschool (PK): No student technology use
Grades K–5: Limited use for required instructional programs, student research, online assessments, and active learning activities
Our goal is to strike a healthy balance that prioritizes meaningful learning experiences while reducing unnecessary screen time.
Updated Student Drink and Water Bottle Policy
Students are encouraged to bring water bottles to school each day. Bottles must be clear, plastic, and refillable. To maintain a safe, healthy, and clean environment:
Water bottles must contain water only
Only water may be brought to school (no energy drinks, soda, flavored water, coffee, tea, flavor packets, etc.)
Bottles should be labeled with the student’s name
Lakeside is a special place because of our students, staff, and families. We are grateful for your continued partnership and support. Enjoy every moment of your summer.