Lakewood's Cougar Connections
June 2026
Greetings,
I hope that this message finds you well as we close a very successful 2025-2026 school year in Lakewood School District. Our students and staff celebrated the last day of learning on June 16 with events recognizing student learning and achievements across the year and time for fun and connection with each of our schools holding an end-of-the-year field day event. The success of each year is dependent on the development of strong collaborative partnerships focused on high levels of student learning for all, and we are grateful for your ongoing engagement and support of this goal.
While school is not in session over the summer, there is still a significant amount of work occurring to prepare for the return of our students and staff in the fall. Due to the successful passage of our Capital Improvements and Safety Levy in 2024, a series of projects are underway and anticipated to be completed by the end of the summer, a few of which include the remodeling of the LMS Commons, the final phase of the fire alarm system upgrades at LMS, and the new boiler at LES. In addition, a number of smaller projects across the district are also planned, with a focus on safety, security, and facility maintenance and preservation.
Last summer, our school board adopted a policy that clarified and streamlined student access to cell phones across the district. As we close the first year of implementation following this change, I am pleased to share what a success this has been. I have heard feedback from students and staff sharing the increase in student engagement, both with course work and with peers, and that this has positively impacted the learning environment. With proposed changes at the state level related to cell phones, I am grateful to our board, staff, students, and families for your support of this effort and know that we are already likely ahead of the curve in relation to state policy-level changes.
With the impact of technology on our youth being an area of focus across our community, we are excited to launch, in partnership with Sno-Isle Libraries, our summer community reading program centered around the book, "The Anxious Generation." Additional information about this series, including optional book groups and events, will be located in this newsletter, and copies of the book are available to check-out or reserve in the Lakewood / Smokey Point branch.
Thank you for your partnership and support of Lakewood schools. We are so proud of the achievements of each one of our students and wish you and your family a restful and relaxing summer vacation.
All my best,
Erin
Dr. Erin Murphy, Superintendent
On June 17, the Lakewood Board of Directors proudly recognized its 2025-26 Heart of Lakewood recipient. Sara Letellier has made a lasting impact on Lakewood schools, not only in her position as a paraeducator at Cougar Creek Elementary, but also in her leadership role as union president for Public School Employees of Lakewood.
Transportation Dispatcher Lisa Welty wrote in her nomination, “Sara demonstrates dedication, leadership, and compassion in everything she does.” Tim Haines, Executive Director of HR and Student Services, said that Sara is an advocate for others and that she inspires those around her.
While Sara’s four children have all graduated, she continues to be active in various district committees, including the strategic planning committee and the budget advisory committee. She is always happy to take the time to listen, encourage, and offer assistance when needed.
Lakewood’s ECEAP Preschool is now enrolling for the 2026-27 school year. ECEAP (Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program) is a free preschool program for income-eligible children ages 3 to 5 years old and their families. The program offers:
- Play-based activities that promote reading/writing, language, math, art, science, and social skills
- Support for dual language learners
- Connections to community resources
- Family events with support to strengthen family well-being
Please contact Desiree Mason at 360-652-4520 or dmason@lwsd.wednet.edu for more information or to see if your family qualifies.
Committee will continue to meet next year
Lakewood School District is grateful for the continued support of our community. Strong fiscal stewardship and transparency remain essential to maintaining the trust that makes our partnership so strong. To further support this commitment, Lakewood launched a District Budget Advisory Committee (DBAC) in February 2026, with representation from staff, students, school board members, and community members.
This committee will help advise the Lakewood School District Board of Directors and staff on the development and review of short- and long-term financial plans aligned with the district’s mission, strategic direction, and capital facilities plan.
During its first three meetings, the committee looked at documents that explain where district funds come from and categories for spending, as well as enrollment projections and reports. The committee also looked at Lakewood's Long Range Facilities Master Plan and impacts of the 2025-26 legislative session. The committee will continue to meet during the 2026-27 school year. Learn more on the District Budget Advisory Committee web page.
“Tell me more about that.” This simple invitation from Superintendent Dr. Erin Murphy sparked a thoughtful conversation with students at Lakewood Middle School about their soon-to-be-remodeled cafeteria.
Recently, Dr. Murphy and Alex VanDuine, director of capital projects and facilities, met with teacher Kennedy Doty’s two leadership classes to review cafeteria blueprints and discuss logistics. Students shared clear priorities, with one idea rising to the top: having lunch at a time that supports their focus and energy—not too early and not too late. They also expressed support for an additional cafeteria entrance to help prevent bottlenecks and suggested adding a larger trophy case to better showcase school achievements.
The upcoming remodel will allow the school to move from three lunch periods to two. This shift will not only create a more efficient serving space and increase seating capacity, but also open opportunities for the cafeteria to serve multiple purposes during the school day. With less time dedicated to lunch service, the space can be used more flexibly while giving students more chances to connect across grade levels and strengthen school community. One group of students also suggested offering board games in the cafeteria as an option alongside spending time outdoors after lunch.
In addition to functionality, students emphasized the importance of school spirit. Inspired by the existing Cougar mural, they suggested incorporating school colors and additional artwork to create a welcoming environment where students feel they belong. They also expressed excitement about a practical improvement: a dedicated storage area for leadership, which will help them better organize school events and activities.
The cafeteria remodel is part of the Capital Facilities Advisory Committee’s short-term plan approved by the Board in 2023. Construction is scheduled for this summer, with the goal of creating a smoother, more comfortable lunch experience for all students.
This project is funded by the Capital Improvements and Safety Levy approved by voters in 2024, reflecting our community’s continued commitment to safe, functional, and student-centered learning environments. Thank you, voters!
- Most eligible students are automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks. Look for your approval letter and new SUN Bucks card in the mail in early summer.
- Need to update your address? Contact the SUN Bucks Call Center at 833-543-3230 or TTY 800-833-6384.
- Get additional benefits by using your SUN Bucks card at farmers markets and grocery stores that participate in SNAP Market Match and SNAP Produce Match.
- If you do not receive a SUN Bucks card, you can still apply during the summer at sunbucks.dshs.wa.gov.
- Sign up for Sun Bucks Text Alerts for status, benefit details, important reminders, and answers to questions.
- All eligible households will receive new cards for Summer 2026. SUN Bucks benefits expire 122 days after the date they are issued.
Children 18 and younger are eligible for free breakfast and lunch
Join us in the Lakewood High School cafeteria this summer for FREE meals for all kids 18 and under from June 29–July 30 through the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program. No sign-up needed—just come by and enjoy!
- Breakfast: Monday–Thursday | 8:00–9:15 a.m.
- Lunch: Monday–Thursday | 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Kids can fuel up, connect with friends, and stay energized all summer long!
Looking for more meal locations? Check them out here: https://www.hungerfreewa.org/help/summermeals
Join Lakewood School District and the Lakewood/Smokey Point Public Library this summer in reading The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. Choose online or in-person discussion groups, where we will discuss the implications of smart phones in the lives of today’s youth.
Copies of the book can be placed on hold and picked up at the Lakewood/Smokey Point Library or the Lakewood Lockers. Lakewood/Smokey Point Library also has a limited number of books for immediate checkout if you call or visit in-person.
Lakewood School District will host discussion groups on the following days:
- July 30 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.: in-person discussion groups at Lakewood/Smokey Point Public Library
- Aug. 10 from 12-1 p.m.: remote breakout groups via Zoom (Visit www.lwsd.wednet.edu for the Zoom link closer to the event)
- Additionally, on Aug. 10 from 5-6 p.m., Lakewood/Smokey Point Library will host a panel discussion on the topic of online safety at the Lakewood High School Performing Arts Center.
Looking for more activities to get your family outside this summer? See these resources from Sno-Isle Libraries:
Yearbooks arrived at elementary schools this week, bringing plenty of smiles and memories. Thanks to a grant from the Stillaguamish Tribe, students who might not otherwise have been able to purchase a yearbook this year received one as well, helping ensure more students could take home this fun keepsake.
While some students flipped through photos, other fourth graders gathered with their first-grade buddies to make sure everyone had an autograph before summer break. Yearbooks have become a fun tradition that helps students celebrate the school year and end it on a high note.
Thanks to our community and their support of the Educational Programs & Operations Levy, Lakewood School District will provide all school supplies for students except for a backpack during the 2026-27 school year. If families cannot provide a backpack, schools will help students access one with the help of our community partners.
Backpacks and other resources will be available during our annual Resource Fair on Aug. 20, 2026 at LINC NW.
Tradition brings graduates back to their roots
As elementary students eagerly hold out their hands to congratulate seniors, our "Roots to Wings" graduation tradition reminds us that it truly takes a community to help students grow.
Before walking under the Hole in the Wall one last time, the Class of 2026 return to the schools where their journeys began. They reconnect with teachers, staff, and mentors who encouraged them along the way and reflect on just how far they've come. Thank you to our Lakewood community who have been with these students every step of the way.
Seniors recognized with awards and scholarships
Community Transit offers many opportunities to catch a ride to summer fun (and kids ride free!).
Trying transit for the first time can feel a little nerve wracking for both students and adults. To build confidence, Community Transit brought a bus to Lakewood High School last month and helped middle and high school students in our comprehensive skills programs learn how to ride safely.
Here are a few helpful transit tips:
- If you’re unsure about your route, tell the driver when you board and they can help make sure you get off at the right stop.
- Sitting near the driver can help if you’re feeling nervous. It’s also OK to move to a different seat.
- Pull the yellow cord or press the stop button before your stop so the driver has time to pull over.
- Riding your bike to the bus stop can be a great way to travel. Just remember to exit through the front door and let the driver know you have a bike.
Open positions at Lakewood School District
Apply online for the following open positions:
- Dean of Students (LMS)
- Physical Therapist
- Teacher (Elementary)
- Assistant Mechanic
- Paraeducator (Multiple positions)
- Student Supervision (Multiple positions)
- Temporary Seasonal Help (Facilities)
- Assistant Coach (LHS Basketball, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball)
- Head Coach (LHS Basketball, Volleyball)
Substitutes are also needed as bus drivers, custodians, food service, paraeducators and student supervision. Apply online.