Page 13 - Scene Magazine 42-08 August 2017

Back-To-School
BY BLAKE J. PREWITT, Ed.S. Superintendent
“It is in our common interest to ensure that all young people receive an education that allows them to cultivate their talent and potential.”
~ Alan M. Blankstein
It is with great humility and honor that I start my tenure as Superintendent of Lakeview School District. Lakeview is a school district focused on excellence for every student. This week, Lakeview High School was awarded bronze medal status by US News and World Report as one of the top high schools in Michigan. Last spring, Riverside Elementary School was recognized by the Michigan Department of Education as a Reward School based on student achievement.
What makes Lakeview an excellent school district? We believe in nurturing the “whole child” because education is more than just academics. We challenge students to be creative, collaborative, and problem solvers in the classroom, on stage, on the playing field, and in life. We believe that every child has unlimited po- tential. We prepare them to work in our diverse and complex world.
“Excellence and equity can not be divided.” ~ Ernest L. Boyer
Nurturing the Whole Child
have documented that students’ exposure to other students who are different from themselves... leads to improved cogni- tive skills, including critical thinking and problem solving.”
Lakeview students also continue to benefit from the generosity of our com- munity, with the completion of reno- vations and additions at Minges Brook and Prairieview Elementary Schools this fall. Construction and renovations will begin next spring at the district’s other two elementary buildings. Work at the four elementary buildings and updates at Lakeview Middle School and Lakeview High School are made possible through a $30 million bond approved by voters last May.
May 2016 Bond Highlights
Elementary Buildings: Safety and security upgrades including main en- trance renovations, front door access control, new security cameras and fire alarm system; improvements to the
education environment including class- rooms designed for art, science, and music instruction, flexible small and large group spaces, and updated student restrooms; and updated building infrastructure in- cluding new heating and air conditioning systems, new electrical service, efficient lighting, and additional outlets, energy efficient windows and doors, and new mechanical systems controls.
Lakeview Middle School: Safety and security upgrades, remodeled locker rooms, new heating and cooling systems for the gymnasium, pool, and cafeteria, and upgraded mechanical systems.
Lakeview High School: Safety and security upgrades.
I invite you to come to one of our schools and feel the welcoming, nurtur- ing environment. Come out and support our students during one of our many ath- letic events and fine arts performances. I am looking forward to the start of school, to meeting our students, and seeing how far we can take them this year.
Lakeview School District continues to focus on maintaining excellence through equity in education. This summer, Battle Creek, Harper Creek, Lakeview, and Pen- nfield districts began working together to create an equitable Battle Creek area. Many people ask, “What do you mean by equity?” We define it as improving expe- riences in support of high achievement for all students and staff with an empha- sis on those who have been historically marginalized. This is the work of creating “high achievement” for all students.
Lakeview students benefit from a diverse, inclusive school culture and educational environment. Top colleges and universities have long understood the benefits of a diverse campus and it’s link to higher achievement and readiness for the world of work. According to the report, How Racially Diverse Schools and Classrooms Can Benefit All Students (Stuart Wells, Fox & Cordova- Cobo, February 2016), “Researchers
welcome
BACK TO SCHOOL!
Meet the Teacher
Wednesday, August 30
Grades K-4: 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Grades 5-8: 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Students in grades K-8 and their families are invited to drop-in anytime during the event to meet their teacher(s) and principal.
Visit www.LakeviewSpartans.org for detailed back to school information!
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