December | 2021 |

Dear LJSD Parents, As the holiday cheer fills the air and families anticipate the joy of the upcoming Christmas break, I am reflecting on our blessings of 2021, while planning for an even better 2022. Our staff has prioritized ‘Unfinished Learning’ as our top goal as we address the learning gaps or lagging skills for all students. Despite our District’s unparalleled ability to successfully keep our students in school five days a week throughout the pandemic, the reality is there are still pockets of learning loss for almost all students. Routines, typical learning environments, and instructional time were all below normal expectations/levels. Our staff and Administrators have done an amazing job of individually assessing and identifying skill gaps and are diligently addressing each and every student’s needs, but this takes time and perseverance. We are blessed with compassionate and flexible staff that continually focus their work on what is best for students. Without your patience and support at home, we could not successfully meet this challenge. Together we will provide the optimal learning experience for each student to grow and achieve academically. Many blessings to all and we look forward to the new year and a great second semester! Merry Christmas, many blessings, and happy new year, 🎄❤️💚 Dr. Meyer, Superintendent

Don’t forget…the Annual Parent Survey is here!

Parents – There is still time to fill out the survey — we appreciate your input and want to hear from you. Thank you to the parents who have taken the time to answer these questions so that we may best serve your family’s needs. The survey will close Wednesday, December 22 at 5:00 p.m.

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE SURVEY.

Students share the Christmas Spirit

THS AG students and FFA members volunteered their time at the Spirit Lake Senior Center to visit and enjoy time with our community members. They participated in a Christmas gift exchange and cleaned up after the party. What a wonderful way to share the Christmas spirit!

15 Days of Christmas at JBE

Mrs. Schnepf and Mrs. Kroeker at JBE are making sure the holiday spirit fills the air by celebrating 15 Days of Christmas with fun activities and prizes for staff and students. Book swapping, Ugly Sweaters, “Grinch Day” and “Whoville Day” were all part of the Christmas celebration! All these fun activities were organized to also help support the Read-A-Thon for JBE student’s. Family and friends will sponsor a JBE student for enhancing their reading skills over the Christmas break. Minutes/Pages logged is a fun way to keep the students engaged over the Christmas break and hone in on their reading skills and the top readers will receive Lunch with the Principal!

MADD Coffee

MADD Coffee at Timberlake High School is helping keep us warm this Winter with a fabulous holiday coffee menu. Proceeds from MADD Coffee funnel back into THS, ranging from scholarships to school improvement projects. Profits are also spent on coffee shop improvements and education/training for the baristas. The students get real-world experience in business skills like marketing, restaurant management, scheduling, and customer service. MADD Coffee would also like to expand this experience to other THS-based entrepreneurial programs if the opportunity presents itself.

New Passion Project at MVHS

Paul Uzzi, Principal of Mountain View High School, is assisting a student-led community project, called a “Passion Project.” This project is designed to ensure fresh fruits and vegetables are readily available to students and the community by building their very own greenhouse! It will be located on-site and entirely student maintained. Students will learn great horticulture tips from community volunteers and MVHS staff. Business, math, entrepreneur, science, and construction trade skills will be utilized when students build and maintain the greenhouse. The fun part is naming the new greenhouse. This is where your help is needed! If you have suggestions for the name of the greenhouse, please email Principal Uzzi at: puzzi@lakeland272.org. Support from our community is greatly appreciated!

BKE Students Learn the Holidays Around the World

Students traveled to different classrooms throughout the school with their “suitcases” to learn about Holidays Around the World! Students learned that Brazil celebrates with fireworks during Christmas. Students learned that if you find the hidden pickle in the tree on Christmas morning, children in Germany receive a special gift! They decorated a pickle to add to their tree at home. Students also learned about holidays in the Philippines, India, Mexico, Norway, Australia, Italy, Puerto Rico, Sweden, and the history of the Gingerbread Man ❤️ What a fun day for the students!

Lakeland Middle School Celebrates Christmas – Check out the Shopping Cart Parade!

Schools throughout the District have been creatively intertwining holiday activities and student learning. The hallways are filled with decorated doors, creative holiday essays, festive school projects, homemade ornaments, and more. It’s so nice to see our LJSD schools filled with the holiday spirit. Thank you to our amazing staff for making learning fun! LJSD wishes many blessings to all families and a Happy New Year to all!

The Idaho State Department of Education is offering a FREE online Suicide Prevention course to all Idahoans – Gatekeeper Training. This is available for our grandparents, parents, school personnel, coaches, youth organizations, educators, and more. The training is 1-2 hours to complete. Knowledge on this subject can bring about hope and/or prevention to our community. We encourage all caring adults to learn more about Suicide Prevention. Sign up here!

From the Counseling Department: Tips for supporting health over the holidays

1) Exposure to sunlight: Winter months can be challenging due to the decreased sun exposure and weather conditions which can make it difficult to be physically active. Try to spend time outside, even on days when the weather is overcast. Exposure to bright lights earlier in the day, even fluorescent lights can help. When sunlight enters your eyes, it stimulates the part of your brain that produces serotonin. Serotonin has been known as the “happy chemical” as it improves mood, and feelings of happiness.

2) Be physically active: Physical activity isn’t just important for our bodies, it is important for our minds as well. Did you know that research has shown that exercise can help treat and prevent depression? Try to be physically active at least 30 minutes a day. Try taking a walk with a friend or family member, walk your dog, go on a nature walk, ride your bike etc.

3) Get enough sleep: The holidays can bring on lots of activities and changes in routine which can be tiring. Not only is exercise and a balanced diet important, but so is sleep. Make sure to get at least 8-10 hours of sleep. Your body needs time to recuperate and recharge. Try to avoid electronics and cell phones prior to bedtime. The blue lighting can disrupt your natural sleep cycle and actually make you more tired during the day.

4) Connect to others: Human beings are social beings who are hardwired for connection, which makes relationships to others so vital for our health and happiness. If you are feeling lonely, this is a warning sign you are in need of more connection. Try having family meals together, start a daily habit of having each family member share something they are grateful for. Spend quality time together with friends/family free of distractions…. play board games, write thank you cards, cook together etc. Try connecting with your friends and family in person or talking on the phone rather than through social media.

5) Practice relaxation: With so many demands, it is important to take care of ourselves by engaging in calming activities, whether it’s reading a book, taking a bath, or listening to calming music, give yourself time to rest. References: (APA, 2011, Mayo Clinic, 2020, NAMI, 2021)

Crisis Line: Region 1 Mental Health Crisis Line for children and adults at 208-769-1406

If you are ever concerned for your child’s safety, due to a potential suicide concern or mental health crisis, please take your loved one to the nearest emergency department for further evaluation.

After 32 years of service in our Transportation Department, Susie Moore, the Director, is retiring!!! Thank you for your service and we wish Susie the best always❤️