Lakewood's Going Places
Greetings,
Thank you for your partnership as we launched into what has felt to be a wonderful start to the 2025-26 school year. We know that this does not occur by chance and truly value the creation of strong connections with families as we create open lines of communication and collaboration in support of each student.
It always feels like time is passing by so quickly, and I am in awe that we are now midway through the month of October. This is a month full of observances and recognitions and I encourage you to review the calendar in the latter part of this newsletter for additional information. One statewide effort that I want to highlight is The Great Washington Shakeout, which was on October 16 at 10:16 a.m. This annual event is focused on increasing the preparedness of each Washington resident should an earthquake occur. At Lakewood, our schools and offices engaged in an all-district earthquake drill. This drill is a reminder for each of us to ensure we have plans and supplies at home in the case of an emergency. You can learn more about The Great Washington Shakeout.
As we closed out the month of September, we had the opportunity as a community to celebrate our Lakewood Homecoming, with a week full of spirit days, our districtwide parade (one of my favorite events each year), and our Friday evening football game. The week's activities represent a culmination of many hours of preparation by staff and students at each of our schools, and I am grateful for their dedication and commitment to making this week such a success. In addition to welcoming home our Lakewood community, we invited and welcomed state legislators representing the 10th and 39th legislative districts to come and visit our district. Five of our six legislators (or members of their staff) were able to attend over the last two months, with these visits comprising of discussions surrounding state funding of our district, tours of our schools, and opportunities for connection between legislators and members of our school community.
With the school year fully underway, I wanted to provide you with an update on our current district enrollment. On the first school day of each month, we engage in our OSPI-required count day, which we then submit to the state to document enrollment for state funding. Our enrollment is above 2,600 for the first time this year, and is currently higher than budgeted, by about 40 full-time equivalent students (2,643 FTE). The greatest increase occurred at the high school. We will continue to monitor our data and trends each month. Historically, we see our highest enrollment in the first two to three months of the school year, with enrollment declining throughout the rest of the school year.
Our work on our district Strategic Direction is in the process of being finalized. I am pleased to share that the survey results are in, and the following mission/vision/motto statements received the most support:
- Mission: In partnership with families and our community, Lakewood School District creates inclusive, caring environments where every student belongs and is challenged to think critically and build social emotional skills and achieve academic excellence in preparation for life and aspirations beyond graduation.
- Vision: A thriving learning community where every student is known, supported, inspired, and prepared to reach their full potential.
- Motto: Inspiring Growth. Empowering Futures.
During its Oct. 15 meeting, the school board approved final documentation of the strategic direction plan and we will share our finalized document soon.
Wishing you all a wonderful fall and hopefully the opportunity to enjoy the beauty that this time of year provides.
All my best,
Erin
Dr. Erin Murphy,
Superintendent
Thanks to our voter-approved EP&O Levy, we’re excited to welcome school resource officers to campus this year to help support safety and security for all students and staff.
While the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office is currently unable to assign full-time officers to our schools due to staffing limitations, they have generously partnered with us to find a creative solution. Several officers are now working at our schools outside of their regular shifts, ensuring a consistent and visible safety presence throughout the week.
Recently, Officer Pelleboer spent time with LHS students during lunch, answering questions about his career path and experiences with the Sheriff’s Office. These meaningful conversations help build positive connections between students and our law enforcement partners.
You’ll see these dedicated officers in our schools throughout the year—working to foster a safe, welcoming environment for all.
Ballots and local voters' pamphlets were mailed to households for the November 4 General Election. If you believe you should have received a ballot and haven't by October 22, contact Snohomish County Elections.
Ballots must be postmarked by November 4 (no stamp needed!) or returned to an open ballot dropbox by 8 p.m. All 35 ballot dropboxes are open for this election. One convenient option is the ballot dropbox across the street from Lakewood Middle School.
Still need to register to vote or update your address? October 27 is the last day to register or update your voter information online for the November 4 election. Learn more at votewa.gov.
New teacher librarian Keely Hall is no stranger to Lakewood. A proud alum, she attended Cougar Creek, Lakewood Middle School, and graduated from Lakewood High School.
As an elementary student, Hall volunteered in the Cougar Creek library in grades 3-5, reshelving books, mending damaged ones, and reading with younger students. Now, she’s come full circle, returning to the very same library — this time as its librarian.
Hall has spent the past two years at Cougar Creek Elementary in leave-replacement roles, including student teaching and a half-time position split between fifth grade and the library. Her experience and passion for literacy have already made a positive impact on students and staff alike.
In the first weeks of school, Hall introduced herself to students and invited them to co-write class norms for the library, including reminders like “Treat our books nice” and “Keep books away from food and drink.” She also read The New LiBEARian — a story about a bear who enjoys being a librarian almost as much as Hall herself.
“I would definitely call this a ‘dream come true’ story as this has been a goal of hers for many years,” Principal Bill Landry said. “Best of all, our students benefit as Ms. Hall is a superb librarian.”
Rep. Carolyn Eslick
Sen. Keith Wagoner
Justin Dart Jr. – The Father of the ADA
Justin Dart Jr. was a tireless advocate for disability rights. On his “Road to Freedom Tour,” he visited all 50 states at least five times to rally support for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination. He also co-founded the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), believing strongly that everyone deserves a voice. As Dart famously said, “Nothing about us without us!”
Judy Heumann – The Mother of the Disability Rights Movement
Judy Heumann’s journey began at just 18 months old when she contracted polio and began using a wheelchair. When schools and employers told her “no,” she turned those barriers into fuel for change. For over 60 years, Judy championed equal access to education, employment, and public spaces. She once said, “Disability only becomes a tragedy when society fails to provide the things we need to lead our lives.”
Congratulations to Julie Murray, a Lakewood High School senior and electronics engineering student at Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center! She was one of two students selected to demonstrate their fiber splicing skills at the Fiber Connect conference in Spokane in September.
Showcasing these technical abilities highlights the importance of preparing the next generation of highly skilled professionals who will support the expansion of broadband infrastructure.
The LMS Comprehensive Skills Program had a special guest to teach students about tooth-healthy snacks
Coat donations from Knights of Columbus
Practicing Drop, Cover, Hold On! during Great Washington ShakeOut earthquake drill
Hiring bus and van drivers
Looking for a new challenge? Love working with kids? We are currently hiring for bus and van substitute drivers and also have routes available. Training is provided.
To learn more about joining our team, please call us at 360-652-4525 or email transportation@lwsd.wednet.edu.