Lakewood's Cougar Connections
Greetings,
I hope that this message finds you well and enjoying a wonderful start to spring. I want to thank our families for your patience with the unique weather we have experienced this past month, as I never would have imagined needing to drive in March with our Transportation team to determine the safety of roads. I recognize the inconvenience that any adjustment to our schedule poses and am grateful that our snowfall now appears to be officially behind us. With the changing of seasons, our final season of extracurricular athletics begins, with LHS spring sports already competing and in full swing, and LMS Track scheduled to start immediately following the return from spring break.
We are also deeply 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, we launched the Lakewood District Budget Advisory Committee (DBAC) this winter, 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.
As a community, I believe that Lakewood serves as a model of belonging, collaboration, and connection. The relationships that are formed and fostered across our greater Lakewood community directly impact the sense of support that is felt within our schools. One aspect of this is the countless hours that the 1,036 school volunteers contribute each year to serving and supporting our students, schools and district. Please join me in recognizing the dedication and contribution of our community members for their efforts as we prepare to celebrate them during Public School Volunteer Week (April 20-24).
Thank you for your partnership and support, and wishing you the opportunity to enjoy the warm weather that is hopefully right around the corner.
All my best,
Erin
Dr. Erin Murphy, Superintendent
What happens when students go home early on Fridays? While our classrooms may get quieter, our schools don’t slow down. This valuable time is dedicated to our teachers and staff as they continue growing their skills to support every student.
During a recent professional development workshop, we were fortunate to welcome KC Knudsen, MTSS Coordinator from Northwest Educational Service District 189, who led an engaging afternoon of collaboration and learning.
Knudsen guided our staff through a deeper understanding of MTSS (Multi‑Tiered Systems of Support)—a framework designed to ensure all students receive the level of support they need to be successful. Through MTSS, teachers use data, targeted strategies, and teamwork to meet students where they are and help them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. When teachers learn, students benefit, helping our community grow stronger.
During their latest Cougar Cabinet meeting, students’ faces lit up with excitement when high school facilitators explained the special assignment of the day: taste-testing food for new school menu items. Students sampled three options: a stuffed potato with BBQ pulled pork, broccoli salad with dried cranberries, and chicken tenders and waffles with syrup.
Students rated each dish on a feedback form and provided input about what they liked and what they didn't. Student feedback will help inform future school menus.
Cougar Cabinet brings together student and administrator representatives from each school to collaborate, share ideas, and make a positive impact on their school community.
Lakewood Middle School welcomed student leaders and advisors from five other schools in our region on Thursday for a day of learning.
The day kicked off with an ice-breaker that got everyone talking and sharing ideas. Students then heard from Travis Ruhter from the Association of Washington Student Leaders, who encouraged them to be present, be brave, and to talk with other students throughout the day.
LMS leadership teacher Kennedy Doty — recently named the Northwest Region Advisor of the Year — led students in a high-energy activity they can take back to their own schools.
Lakewood’s leadership students welcomed other students enthusiastically with cheers as they arrived and decorated the gym with posters celebrating the event theme: “Making Waves: The Power of You.” We’re excited to see the waves these young leaders will make next.
LMS students welcomed other schools to the gym
LMS student volunteers demonstrate how to play a game
Leadership students introduced Travis Ruhter from AWSL
The animals at NOAH have a few more soft blankets to curl up on. Students in English Crossing Elementary’s new Kindness Club spent a recent afternoon after school making sure the cozy fleeces were ready to go to the animal shelter.
Students in the club also created uplifting kindness posters, now hanging throughout the school, and decorated Valentines for Vets. They’ve been brainstorming projects for the rest of the year, including launching a food drive and planting plants around their school.
In February, students at ECE celebrated Kindness Month by completing Acts of Kindness and writing kindness notes at lunch for friends, family and staff. The month concluded with a Kindness Spirit Week and special days like, “Have a Heart for Kindness.” Students who participated in the Great Kindness Challenge received a certificate for “creating a culture of kindness.”
Swingbeat, 2nd place
Lukas Gibb, soloist awards
11th Avenue, 3rd place
Congratulations to our Lakewood jazz musicians, who competed on March 21 at the Commencement Bay Jazz Festival!
On the vocal side, Swingbeat had an amazing day and they came away with the 2nd place trophy. The 11th Avenue jazz band delivered an outstanding performance, bringing home a 3rd place trophy. On top of the group awards, Lukas Gibb was recognized with not one, but two soloist awards. First, for his two trumpet solos with 11th Avenue. Later, as a soloist with Swingbeat. Lakewood was the only school district at the festival to take home trophies in both the instrumental and vocal divisions.
Music director for both groups, Katy Trapp, said, "I'm very proud of these young musicians — all of their hard work, their professionalism in performance, their joy and kindness that they showed throughout the day."
Concert Band
Concert Choir
On Monday, Lakewood’s FFA Vet Science team wrapped up their final district competition at Ferndale High School and qualified for the state competition next month in Sumner. Congratulations to Ava Williamson, Paytton Romine, Nevaeh Gemmer, and Madison Lohry!
FFA Advisor Danika Welty said she is proud of this team “for their hard work and growth this season. I’m looking forward to seeing what they accomplish at state!”
What do Karo syrup and your blood have in common? During an Animal Biology lab at Lakewood High School, students explored how plasma carries nutrients and more throughout the body. But that’s just the beginning—blood is also packed with red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
By adding candy, marshmallows, and sprinkles to Karo syrup to model these essential components, students got a hands-on look at how blood works and why each part matters.
Friday, April 24 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, April 25 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
LHS Boys Soccer
Photos by Michael Almond
LHS Baseball
LHS Softball
LMS Wrestling
LMS Girls Basketball
Open positions at Lakewood School District
Apply online for the following open positions:
- Counselor (LHS)
- Custodian (LHS)
- Non-CDL/Bus Driver
- Paraeducator (Multiple positions)
- Student Supervision
Substitutes are also needed as bus drivers, custodians, food service, paraeducators and student supervision. Apply online.