A Message from the Superintendent
Dear Parents and Patrons of the Lakeland Joint School District,
For our District to be healthy and continue to perform at the exemplary level, we need to maintain a strong support system within our community. Consistent, accurate communication is key. We strive to maintain transparency and keep you informed through our monthly Edublog, frequent parent messages, and, as promised, a twice annual Accountability Report on how your levy tax dollars are being spent.
Our District is known for its academically rigorous educational program, strong safety and security measures, fiscal responsibility, and exemplary staff. Our graduation rate and student achievement continue to surpass surrounding districts and outperform other districts our size throughout the state. We continue to hear from families who buy homes in our District to ensure their kids can be part of this special district! While our world has faced unprecedented challenges through the last two years of a pandemic, our District has been a shining example of individualizing education to meet student needs. Not only were we able to develop and offer a fully online educational option for K-12 students, we were one of the few districts in the state that continued to provide in-person learning at all 11 schools, 5 days a week all year! Thanks to an unparalleled strong school–home partnership, our community came together to maintain the focus on what was best for students. While we have been able to maintain our instructional integrity throughout the pandemic, there have still been gaps in learning for students that need to be addressed on an individual basis. As you will see in the following report, our focus has been on maintaining our programs and projects the voters approved with the levy dollars, while increasing staff and adding summer and after school programs to help support our students with unfinished learning. Our priority continues to be the individual growth and achievement of every single student.
Thank you for your continued support of our students and the District – our partnership is invaluable, Dr. Meyer, Superintendent of Schools
2021-22 Midyear Levy Accountability Report
After reviewing the report, we welcome any questions or suggestions – call the District Office at 208.687.0431.
Kids are IRREPLACEABLE
Do your children, or their friends, ask questions about suicide? Do you feel comfortable responding? Do you know what resources are available for our community? Do you know how to reach out for support if you or a loved one needs help? Parents – this night is for you. The Lakeland Jt. School District partnered with Real Life Ministries to create an informational video addressing parent questions and concerns. We will be showing the IRREPLACEABLE Parent video and would like to invite all parents and community members to join us for an informative evening on Suicide Awareness and Prevention being held at KTEC (Kootenai Technical Education Campus) on Thursday, February 17, 2022 from 5:00 – 7:00pm. Our School Counseling team, District Administrators, and Region One Mental Health and Idaho Lives Project will also be onsite to provide support and resource information.
Coffee/tea and cookies will be provided.
The schedule for the night is:
5:00-5:30 Mental Health Resource Tables – Open House Session
5:30-5:35 Dr. Meyer = Welcome and Introductions
5:35-5:45 Brief Review of LJSD Suicide Prevention Protocols
5:45-6:00 Irreplaceable Documentary – View Parent IRREPLACEABLE program
6:00-6:30 Question/Answer/Wrap Up
6:30-7:00 Mental Health Resource Tables – Open House Session
We’d like to give a warm welcome to our two newly elected Board Members
Learn more
Idaho Ranked # 3 in Covid Education Response
Based on educational research conducted by Politico, Idaho ranked #3, behind South Dakota and Oklahoma for their response to Covid. The study shows Idaho students experienced little or no learning loss in math and reading and change in school enrollment was minimal.
National study finds Idaho one of best states for pandemic response
How We Determine a Snow Day
Calling a snow day is one of the most controversial parts of a Superintendent’s job. Luckily, she does not make the decision on her own and works closely with a Winter Scout Team, the Facilities Department, the Highway Districts, and other Superintendents in the area.
Prior to a storm, we monitor weather reports, look at the timing of the storm, temperatures and the snow that is forecast. When the snow falls is as important as how much snow is expected to fall. At 4:00 am we send out our representative winter scout team (made up of bus drivers and district employees) who drive the roads/bus routes to check the conditions. The highway department and surrounding district bus supervisors are called and by 4:30 am, armed with the updates we have received, our Superintendent consults with Post Falls and Coeur d’ Alene Superintendents for a final decision. If school will be closed, Dr. Meyer notifies the entire staff and parents via the Skylert system with all three methods (voice message, email, and text). We then notify TV and radio stations and update the school closure line. The decision to close or delay school is not an easy call to make. No matter what the call ends up being, there are always people who don’t agree with the decision.
We understand that our decisions have a significant impact on families, which can cause added stress. While safety of students is first and foremost, we balance that with the importance of students being able to come to school to learn, as well as access critical services, such as breakfast and lunch through our Child Nutrition Services. We want parents to know that we take this process seriously; the safety of your children is our greatest responsibility.
Family and Consumer Science
!! Classes in family and consumer sciences, and human services focus on hospitality, tourism and recreation; food production and service; food science, nutrition and wellness; human services; human development; interpersonal relationships; parenting; education and early childhood; apparel and textiles; fashion design and merchandising; housing and interior design; consumer and family resources; career, community and family; and entrepreneurism. Family and Consumer Sciences is uniquely equipped to address gaps in employability skills of CTE students. By leveraging FCS curriculum that includes competencies in ethics, resiliency, work/life balance, and grit, CTE students can be prepared to thrive in their chosen career field. These courses count toward high school graduation requirements and CTE certification.
Lakeland District dominates at Battle of the Buck and Battle for the Paddle
We are so proud of our Timberlake High School and Lakeland High School students who have raised funds for the charities of their choosing through their spirit competitions this month.
Timberlake’s competition raised approximately $2 per student. In THS’s Battle of the Buck competition, the amount of money raised is not most important, the goal is student participation and food donations. Timberlake students were able to raise $1241 !!! They also collected and donated 800 lbs. of food to the Spirit Lake Food Bank . The student body chose to donate the money raised to a Timberlake family who lost their dad this year. Way to go Timberlake!
In the Battle for the Paddle the amount of money raised for charities is one of the top goals of the competition. Lakeland High School almost tripled their previous record amount by raising a staggering $22,000! Shattering the record of $8,000 in 2020. What is most impressive about the combined competition total of $43,000 the two high schools raised is that they did it in 5 days! The LHS student body chose to donate to the Lions Club Backpack Program and the Lakeland Strong Club. Great job Lakeland!
Lakeland Families
Did you know that all US residents are able to order one set of 4 free at-home tests from the United States Postal Office? If you are interested in receiving a set, please click this link and input your information. One free set per household!
Kyndal Lindley is a Timberlake High School alumna. She is currently attending North Idaho College to be a dental hygienist. The NIC clinic is now accepting new patients and she is trying to get the word out to the Lakeland Community.
Dates to Remember
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February 17 – 5:00-7:00 PM -Irreplaceable Parent Night @ KTEC
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February 21 – Presidents Day – Holiday – No School
Next Regular Meeting of the LJSD Board of Trustees
- Wednesday, February 9, 2022, 5:30pm at the District Office