Dear Middle School Students and Families,

About 12 years ago, on April Fool’s Day, I was driving home after teaching at Lakewood with my kids in the car when I got pulled over for speeding. I remember calling my wife to tell her I had just gotten a ticket, and her response was, “Very funny…April Fool’s!” She didn’t believe me. When we got home, it took my kids—my eyewitnesses—to convince her that it was actually true. What I thought was a simple phone call turned into a moment where truth sounded like a joke. April 1st is a day filled with pranks and laughter, but it also gives us an opportunity to reflect on something deeper: what it means to live wisely instead of foolishly.

Scripture reminds us,

“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1), “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice” (Proverbs 12:15)

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15).

In the Bible, foolishness isn’t about making a simple mistake—it’s about ignoring truth, rejecting wisdom, or living without regard for God. That April Fool’s experience reminded me how easily truth can be dismissed, and in the same way, God’s truth can be overlooked in a world full of distractions and noise. As a school community, we don’t just want our students to be knowledgeable—we want them to be wise, learning to listen to truth, take responsibility, and live in a way that honors God daily. Being a “fool” in the biblical sense isn’t funny—it has real consequences—but the good news is that God offers wisdom to those who seek Him. This month, I encourage our students and families to take three simple steps:

1. Pause and seek God first — Before making decisions, take a moment to pray, remembering James 1:5 that He gives wisdom generously.

2. Listen to wise voices — Lean into mentors, teachers, and Scripture rather than relying only on your own understanding.

3. Align your actions with truth — Choose integrity and do what is right, even when no one is watching.

April Fool’s Day may pass quickly, but the call to live wisely remains. Let’s be a community that doesn’t just laugh at foolishness, but chooses truth, wisdom, and Christ-centered living in everything we do. Grateful to partner with you, Mr. Orth

Mr. Orth

🚨 Important Reminder for 26-27 Financial Aid: Click the button to get started here!

Reminder from Nurse Erin

A reminder to parents and students that if the student is not feeling well, they need to go to the nurse to be evaluated and not just contact parents to come get them.

Students are NOT permitted to keep medications in their bookbags during the day. All medications MUST be turned in to the clinic. Any medications in student possession will be confiscated and reported to the administration.

5th-12th graders may carry emergency medications such as albuterol or epinephrine if a doctor’s note has been turned in to the clinic, granting permission to do so. 

Performances

Thursday, April 16, 6:30 pm. | Friday, April 17, 6:30 pm.|

Saturday, April 18, 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm, April 18, 6:00 pm.

Tickets go on sale soon!

Click here to buy 7/8th Grade Dance Tickets (Last Call)

Prizes for Best PJ Groups

Best Overall PJ Group - Most Creative Theme

Best Matching Outfits - Funniest Group

Lunch Reminder

Please remember to pack a fork or spoon with your child’s lunch. Mr. Orth keeps a small supply on hand for emergencies, but it is running low. If you’d like to donate some extras FORKS, he would be happy to provide them for students in need. Thank you!

Lost and Found Locations.

Please remind your students to check the lost and found daily.

  • Daily by Pop Machine outside the library: Check the rack for missing items.

  • Fridays: The rack will be in the cafeteria for students to look through.

  • End of each month: The rack will be moved to the gym hallway. All materials left at the end of the month will be donated.

  • Parents: You may check the lost and found after 3:10 p.m. or check in with the front office during the school day.

Register for Storyhouse (Click Here)

Helpful School Reminders

Pick-Up and Drop-Off:

  • Please use the second lane (Blue Line) for middle school student pick-up and drop-off.

  • Do not use the elementary lane or stop near the East Gym doors for middle school students. This creates traffic congestion and poses a safety risk.

Student Safety:

  • All students and parents must use designated crosswalks when entering or exiting the school grounds.

Start Times:

  • Monday: School begins at 8:30 AM. Students will be dismissed from the holding room at 8:20 AM.

  • Tuesday–Friday: School begins at 7:50 AM. Students will be dismissed from the holding room at 7:40 AM.

  • Middle School Students may be dropped off at 7:00-7:15 at the Cafeteria Doors,

    2-hr delay 9:00-9:15 must use cafeteria doors.

  • Middle School students may be dropped off 7:15-7:40 at the East Gym Doors

    2-hr delay 9:15-9:50 must use East Gym Doors.

  • If your student arrives after 7:50 a.m., they must be dropped off at the Front Office (Main Entrance).

Pick-Up Times:

  • Dismissal is at 3:10 PM

  • Middle School students will pick up their elementary students from the foyer at 3:10-3:15

  • 5th/6th-grade students not picked up by 3:25 PM will be sent to After Care. All 5/6 need to be after care unless they are waiting next to their 7-12 grade sibling in the east gym hallway.

  • Aftercare Reminder for 4th–6th Grade Students

    4th–6th grade Aftercare to the library each afternoon. This move has helped improve the flow of after-school activities and free up the foyer for a smoother pickup process. Parents should continue to check in at the cafeteria, and our staff will radio the library so students can come meet them there.

  • 7th/8th-grade students may wait in the East Gym hallway until they are picked up. Students should not be on the playground or in the gym unless they are practicing with their sports team.

Family Guidance iLearn Checkpoints

ilearn Checkpoints 2025-2026

We have completed checkpoint #1-32. Our final summative iLearn assessments are listed below.

Lunch Menu March

LUNCH REMINDERS

  • Log into FACTS; Click Student; Choose Lunch; Ensure the correct student is selected (drop-down menu at the top); Click Create Order; Add the quantity of items desired for each

  • Lunch orders must be placed at least one week in advance.

  • Emergency Lunches will be available, but the lunch will be a "boxed lunch," and not the hot lunch. An additional fee will apply. MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO USE DOORDASH

  • Questions can be sent to genuine@lakewoodpark.org

Don't forget these important reminders!

School Attendance

Monday School starts at 8:30, Tuesday-Friday at 7:50. Please drop your students off on time.

Attendance is a vital part of your student's academic success. While we understand that illnesses and other circumstances may arise, we encourage you to help your student stay engaged with their schoolwork whenever possible.

If your student is unwell, please:

  1. Notify the school jroberts@lakewoodpark.org and provide any necessary documentation.

  2. Encourage your student to complete the following steps to stay caught up on their academics:

    • Check Google Classroom for assignments and updates.

    • Email their teachers to ask for any additional directions.

    • Schedule a time with their teacher to make up quizzes or tests they may have missed.

    • Collect missing worksheets or notes to review the material.

We encourage students to be present and on time for class every day.

Please remind your student of the importance of being on time and encourage them to take responsibility for their schedule. If you have any questions or need clarification, feel free to reach out.

School work reminders 

When a student doesn’t turn in an assignment, it’s marked as "missing," which temporarily counts as a 0 to draw attention to the issue and its impact on their grade. This policy encourages responsibility and timely submission. After the grade becomes a 0, teachers have the discretion to decide how to handle late submissions beyond the grace period. We’ve noticed a pattern of incomplete e-learning assignments, so this system serves as a reminder to stay on task.

All grades are recorded and updated on FACTS.

School Assignments are posted on Google Classroom.

Late Work Policy:

5th - 2 weeks, no penalty

6th - 1 week, no penalty

7-8 - 1 week, 20% reduction

STUDENT CELL PHONES (Smart Watches/Data Devices)

Cell phones are permitted at school; however, for students in K-8th grade, they must stay in lockers or backpacks, be turned off, and may not be used while at school, especially during passing periods. Students should not be checking their phones; they should be off. Cell phones and other smart devices will not be allowed in aftercare. 

Smart Watches/Data Devices

If a student’s cell phone or smart device (including smart watch or other tablet device) is seen or heard during a class period, Chapel, or Team Time, or seen in the hallway during a class period, it is a violation of the school’s policy.  The student will receive a referral, and the reporting staff member will have the phone or device taken to the Office to be picked up by a parent at the end of the day. In the case that a parent cannot pick up the device at the end of the day, the student will need to turn in his/her device for the duration of the next school day.  The first offense will result in a verbal warning; the second, a lunch detention; the third and beyond, a Friday Night School or as determined by administration.  If offenses continue, further measures will be taken.

Dress Code Reminders:

Our LPCS Parent/Student handbook will be posted on the School Portal

The dress code can be found on pages 22-24.

With the warmer weather, Non-athletic shorts are permitted during the 1st & 4th quarters.

Shorts for everyone must be modest in length, having a minimum of a 6” inseam.

A reminder that only 5th and 6th-grade students can wear athletic shorts or sweatpants.

For girls, dresses must be knee-length, unless worn with leggings.  Then the dress cannot be more than 4 inches above the knee.   Leggings/jeggings must be worn under a skirt or dress that is above the knee, but should be no shorter than 4 inches above the knee. No oversized sweatshirts with leggings.  

Reminder Boys shorts for 7-12 grade need to have belt loops, no athletic shorts (golf shorts are okay if they have belt loops and pockets). 


Please contact Mrs. Buss (Dean of Students) with any dress code questions at
abuss@lakewoodpark.org.

Parent Partnership and Reporting Concerns

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
— Philippians 2:14-15

We know it can be easy to feel frustrated when issues arise during the school year, but as a Christ-centered community, we want to model a biblical approach in how we address concerns. Following the principle from Matthew 18, we encourage you to:

  1. Go directly to the person involved—whether it’s a teacher, coach, or staff member—and have a respectful conversation.

  2. If the concern is not resolved, bring it to their supervisor for further discussion.

This process builds trust, strengthens relationships, and ensures we are handling matters in a way that honors Christ.

Past Monthly Newsletter Articles

LPCS Annoymous Form (Click Here)

LPCS is Hiring! 🙌

We’d love for you to prayerfully consider applying—or help us spread the word!

God is moving at LPCS, and we’re excited for what’s ahead! 💙

👉 Apply now: Apply Here

Order Yearbook Here

Important Reminders!

Priority Window Ends March 20
Extended Care: 7:30–8:30 AM & 3:45–6:00 PM
Some camps have limited enrollment

Signature Camp

Full-day themed summer experience
• 10 themed weeks
• 9:00 AM–3:30 PM
• Extended Care Available
• PreK–6th Grade

Specialty Camps

Short-term, focused experiences
• Hosted by LPCS teachers
• Skill-based & hands-on
• Limited capacity

Sports Camps

Led by LPCS Coaches
• Skill development + fundamentals
• Team-focused instruction
• Current/Incoming LPCS students only

Sign Up for TREK10 (CLICK HERE)

Travel Abroad – Spring Break 2027!

We’re excited to announce an incredible Spring Break 2027 travel opportunity open to all students in 8th grade through Juniors!

Join Mr. Hall and Mr. Wilson for an unforgettable adventure abroad—exploring new cultures, discovering amazing places, and making memories that will last a lifetime.

For more information or any questions, please contact Mr. Wilson at gwilson@lakewoodpark.org

 

Apr. 3: Good Friday No School 

April 6-10 Bookfair 

Apr. 10: 7th and 8th grade Dance @ North Campus 6:00-8:00 pm $7.00

Apr. 16-18 Jr. Musical Little Mermaid 

May 6 - School-Wide Fun Run (During School Day) 

May 7 - Fine Arts Showcase (5-12 Band/Choir Amphitheater),

                                  (Art displays in the cafeteria, East Hallway) 

Listed below is the  NEW Update 2026-2027 School Calendar.