Greetings, Middle School Families!

I hope you're having an amazing summer so far and that you are taking opportunities to rest, to have fun, and to enjoy quality time with your kids and loved ones! As I make the move this summer from Elementary Principal to Middle School Principal, I wanted to introduce myself to you and also express how excited I am to be serving our school in this new capacity. While the opportunity came about unexpectedly, I couldn't be more thankful to begin serving our middle school staff, students, and families.

I have been a principal here at Lakewood for the past eleven years, serving most of those years at the elementary level. It has been an incredible blessing to lead in a school where the Gospel is at the center of everything we do, and I've been blessed to experience this as a Lakewood parent, as well. Before coming to work at LPCS in 2015, I taught middle school Language Arts for nine years in public schools. Though I will cherish the time I spent at the elementary level here at Lakewood, I'm looking forward to getting back to my roots! Middle school has my heart as it offers a special opportunity to love and lead students well in such a unique season of their lives.

As I step into this role, I'm grateful for Mr. Orth's leadership these last two years, and I know he will be missed! My commitment is to build upon the foundation that has been established to create an environment where students are challenged to grow in knowledge, deepen their faith, develop strong character, and discover the incredible gifts that God is growing in them to use for Him.

Well, we've got a whole month left of summer break, so enjoy and make the most of it! You can read on for a number of updates and reminders that will be helpful as you look ahead to the start of school. In the meantime, I'll look forward to getting to know each of you better and partnering together throughout these middle school years. It's such a privilege to serve the LPCS community, and I'm eager to get started and experience all that God has in store for us.

God is good, and He is on the throne!

Mrs. Yoder

When You're Ready to Get Ready...

The supply list for middle school is posted and linked below. Use the "Click Here" button to open a PDF that will have active hyperlinks.

  • Accordion Folder - Though the options linked on the list may or may not be active, they will at least show you an example of what will work. Click here for a similar option available on Amazon.

  • Device Case - These are optional, but a recommended case is linked on the supply list. Dell Chromebook models for middle school include 3100, 3110, and 3120 (all 2-in-1 devices).

  • 5/6 Math Binder Dividers - We added 8 tab dividers to the 5/6 list, which will be helpful for organizing the content of their math binders.

  • 7/8 Calculator - The graphing calculator listed will be functional for students all the way through high school. Our hope is train students on the graphing calculator now so that they are prepared to use it well moving forward.

  • Backpacks - Only 5th graders are permitted to use their backpacks during the school day as their lockers/cubbies are located outside of the modulars. They do not need to be clear.

  • PE - All 5/6 students need a drawstring bag with PE shoes and deodorant to be kept at school. They do not change clothes for PE. 7/8 students who have PE will change clothes and need a drawstring bag for this purpose, as well.
Click Here for the Middle School Supply List!

Our Middle School Team

We are so thankful for the amazing team that God has assembled to teach and lead our middle school students, and we are excited to welcome a few new teachers to the team, as well! Praise God for His provision!

Lilliana Curtis - 5/6 Bible
Tonya Born - 5 English Language Arts
Laura Miller - 6 English Language Arts
Tom Leitner - 5/6 Math
Brian Rayle - 5/6 Science
Tim Kidder - 5/6 Social Studies

Gramm Wilson - 7/8 Bible, 7 PE
Cassie Satchwill - 7 English Language Arts
Aubri Rench - 8 English Language Arts
Megan Brewer - 7/8 Math
Laurel Sheridan - 7/8 Science
Braydon Hathaway - 7/8 Social Studies, 7 Humanities

Havilah Salyer - 5/6/7 Art
Jen Brandenberger - 8 Art
Nathan Hamilton - Band, MS Worship Team
Alison Stonecypher - Choir
Myka Stutzman - Digital Citizenship
Josh Pike - Health, PE, Life Skills
Tim Studebaker - 5/6 PE
Melissa Toth - 7 Theater

Jared Estep - Middle School Athletic Director
Maleah Leitner - Athletic Admin Assistant
Holly Ruprecht - Middle School Admin Assistant

Stay in the Know

Over the next few weeks, we will be sending out additional communication to help you and your students prepare for the new school year (scheduling, policy updates, etc.). I know it may feel like communication overload at times, but these newsletters will provide updates, insights, and helpful information that apply to our middle school students and families, now and throughout the school year. If there is ever information that you'd like to see in the newsletter.

A specific communication will go out to our incoming 5th graders who are new to middle school, and we ask that all families who are new to Lakewood Park attend our New Family Welcome Night on Thursday, August 6.

Please reach out when you have questions, concerns, or great ideas. We're thankful for the parent perspective and desire to partner well!

👟 🏐 A Note from ATHLETICS ⚽ 🐾

We are thankful to offer a variety of sports at the middle school level including cross country, boys soccer, and girls volleyball this fall. Winter sports include boys and girls basketball and cheer, and Spring opportunities include track and girls soccer.

If your student is interested in participating as an athlete this year, don't forget to have a physical completed and to get registered via Final Forms. Look for the email from Maleah Leitner for additional information and detailed instructions.

Attendance: Setting Students Up for Success

As you plan for the upcoming school year, please consider our school calendar and plan family trips during scheduled breaks. Approved absences are limited to six per semester, which include unexpected illnesses. Any absences after six may be considered unexcused and may negatively impact your student here at school. We appreciate your support in prioritizing attendance throughout the school year!

Dress Code Update and Reminders

In an effort to align middle school policies, we are making one adjustment that will make the dress code the same for all students from 5th grade to 8th grade. Athletic bottoms and sweat pants will now be allowed for all middle school students. The 6" inseam requirement will be strongly enforced for all shorts, so please choose accordingly. Generally, our dress code follows the guidelines of neatness, modesty, and appropriateness, but specific middle school dress code highlights are listed below. If you have other questions, please reach out!

  • Tops must have some sleeve and not reveal undergarments, midriff, back, chest, or shoulders.

  • Clothing should not be tight fitting or sheer. Leggings are not permitted.

  • Pants should not have gaping holes or excessive frays.

  • Shorts are allowed during Qtr 1 and Qtr 4 only and require a minimum 6" inseam.

  • Skirts/dresses must reach the knee if worn without leggings. If leggings are worn, a skirt/dress must be worn over that is no more than 4" from the knee.

  • Jackets/coats, hats/hoods/bandanas, and sunglasses are not permitted inside the school building during the school day.

🗓️ Looking Ahead...

Thursday, August 6 - New Family Night, 4p-6p

Thursday, August 6 - Fall Sports Parent Night, 6p

Monday, August 10 - Back-to-School Night, 4p-7p

Wednesday, August 12 - First Day of School

Wednesday, August 12 - Prayer Walk, 8a; New Parent Coffee to Follow

August 17-21 - School Safety Week

Thursday, August 20 - New Band Parent Night and Instrument Fitting, 5p-7p

Monday, September 7 - Labor Day, No School