Lakewood High School: Weekly Update

As we welcome October, our school year is in full swing, and our hallways, classrooms, and activities are filled with opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. This is an exciting time of year at Lakewood High School as students settle into routines, build relationships, take on new challenges, and continue discovering what they are capable of achieving.

At the heart of all we do is our Vision of a Lakewood Ranger. Being a Ranger is about more than academic success—it is about the way we learn, the way we treat others, and the way we contribute to our community. Each day, we have opportunities to demonstrate a growth mindset by embracing challenges, show empathy by supporting those around us, communicate with purpose, and be engaged global citizens who understand that our actions can make a difference beyond our school walls.

As we move through the fall, I encourage our students to take advantage of the many opportunities available to them—to try something new, challenge themselves, support a classmate, get involved, and take pride in being part of the Lakewood community. These everyday choices help us grow not only as students, but as people.

Thank you to our students, staff, families, and community for the energy, support, and Ranger Pride you bring to Lakewood High School each day. Together, we continue to make the Vision of a Lakewood Ranger more than words—it is who we are and what we strive to become.

The Lakewood Rangers football team is making this season one to remember! This year marks just the third earned playoff appearance for Lakewood since 2000, and with only 12 teams in the region qualifying for the playoffs this year, this accomplishment is especially exciting! The team has recorded its most wins since 1999, and we’re not done counting yet! Following tonight’s game at North Olmsted High School, we’ll learn our playoff seed and first-round opponent. Congratulations to our players and coaches on an outstanding season, and Go Rangers!

Report Cards are now available to view in Infinite Campus. Please reach out to your child's school counselor or teacher with any questions or concerns.

• Picture Retake Day is: Thursday, October 29th
• Please click on the attachment below for more information on picture retake day for grades 9-11 only.

Attention parents and caregivers of students taking AP courses - we ask that you and your student review and submit the AP Acknowledgement Form below by Friday, 11/13.

Key Notes:

• Exam Registration & Fees: Students taking AP courses are registered and fiscally responsible for the corresponding AP exams at $99 per exam. Payments are due by March 13, 2027.

• Unused Exam Fee: A $40 fee per exam will be charged if an ordered exam is not taken.

• Fee Waivers: AP exams are free for students who qualify for the free/reduced lunch program, provided the free/reduced lunch application is completed and approved.

Please reach out to Bridgette Firstenberger with any questions or concerns: bridgette.firstenberger@lakewoodcityschools.org

October 8 PSAT scores are in:

• In-Person: Physical score reports will be distributed in Homeroom this upcoming week.

• Online & Mobile: View scores via a College Board account or the BigFuture School app. New accounts should be created using a personal email address.
  
  

We encourage families to review the report together to discuss academic strengths, coursework plans, and testing strategies.

Free SAT Prep Resources:

• Khan Academy: Offers personalized practice recommendations based directly on your score report.

• Schoolhouse World: Provides free, interactive peer tutoring and live SAT bootcamps.

• My Practice: Access full-length adaptive practice tests via College Board's website and Bluebook app.

What is PBIS?

PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) is a school-wide approach that promotes positive behavior by teaching clear expectations, preventing problems, and recognizing students for making good choices.

At Lakewood High School, our three school-wide expectations are:

• Be Safe: Arrive on time, wear and present your school ID, and help maintain a safe, welcoming environment.

• Be Respectful: Treat others with courtesy, work cooperatively, and take pride in yourself, your family, and our school.

• Be Responsible: Complete assignments on time and attend classes prepared with the necessary materials.

Together, we can create a safe, respectful, and supportive school where every student can learn and thrive!

Friday, 10/23/26: Registration Deadline for 11/7/26 SAT Test

Award Amount: Varies (Minimum of $1,000) | GPA: 2.5 (Weighted Cumulative) | Deadline: February 17, 2027

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be attending a College Now served high school in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Medina, Lorain or Summit County. Applicants must qualify for the Federal Pell Grant. Applicants must also be looking to enroll at Cleveland State University, University of Akron or Kent State University to be considered for the Malone scholarship. Students must also include an essay.

Award Amount: $1,000/Renewable | GPA: 4.0 (Weighted Cumulative) | Deadline: February 28, 2027

The Phi Beta Kappa Scholarship is for students who are in the top 10% of their high school graduating class, have high test scores and plan to pursue a liberal arts or humanities major. Students must be attending a College Now served high school in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina and Summit Counties.

Award Amount: Up to $30,000 | Deadline: January 14, 2027

Maltz Museaum provides an opportunity for students in Northeast Ohio in grades 6-12 to share their real-life stories of making a difference in the world. Students can submit an essay or a poem to compete for scholarships and other great awards.

Award Amount: 1,000/Year

Students who play an instrument and are interested in marching band may be eligible to receive a scholarship.

1. Students must apply and be admitted to EMU beginning Fall 2027.
2. After admittance, students can visit emumb.org to learn more and complete the membership form

3. Students must attend EMU’s Orientation (SOAR) and register for the marching band course.

Award Amount: Varies** | Deadline: March 8, 2027

https://go.collegenowgc.org/s/traditional

• Must be a 2026 graduate from a College Now served high school
• Have earned a minimum 2.5 cumulative weighted GPA through first semester of senior year
• Have a minimum ACT composite score of 18 or combined verbal and math SAT score of 960*
• File the 2026/2027 FAFSA
• Qualify or show eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant

*Students that do not meet test score criteria but have a cumulative GPA of 3.75+ will be considered for select awards

Visit go.collegenowgc.org/s/traditional to complete the online application.

In addition to your application, you will need to submit: Transcript showing cumulative GPA through first semester of senior year, Documentation of ACT or SAT score, 2027/2028 FAFSA Submission Summary.

**PLEASE NOTE: There are additional scholarships available in the supplemental scholarship section of the application.

• Saturday, November 14th
• 2:00pm - 5:00pm
• Grant Elementary School
• Tickets are $10 each. Kids under 10 get in free with the purchase of a ticket!

The Reflections program invites students from all grades and abilities to create original works of art in response to a unique theme. This year, the theme is “What My Culture Means to Me”

How to participate:

• Get inspired: What does this year’s theme, “What My Culture Means to Me” mean to you?

• Create your art. Entries must be the original work of one student only (Details).

• Complete the entry form.

All submissions are due by Tuesday, November 24th. Entries should be submitted digitally through the entry form.

What happens next?

Entries will be reviewed, and outstanding works will have the opportunity to advance to district, state, and even national levels for additional awards and recognition.

Get involved!

Parent volunteers are essential to the success of this program. If you are interested in helping with collection, judging, or the awards ceremony, please contact: Regan Clawson, Clawson.Regan@gmail.com

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Please help us encourage and serve the LHS teachers and staff during conferences on October 29 and November 2nd, 2026. The LHS PTA will be providing the meal, but we are looking for dessert donations to make the meals extra sweet. Click here: P/T Conferences Sign Up Genius to see how you can help out! If you don’t have time to make or buy a sweet treat but still want to support our efforts, please consider helping offset the cost of the meal by making a monetary contribution by clicking here: PAINLESS PROJECT

LHS PTA Raffle

The LHS PTA is holding a Raffle Contest! We are raising funds to provide staff meals (Conferences and Staff Appreciation Week) and grants that can help support and offset costs for our staff/teachers. Anyone who becomes a member ($15) or makes a one-time donation will be entered into the Raffle Contest to win a $25 gift card to Sargent Clean. The raffle will close at our November PTA meeting on MON 11/16. Click here to see how you can support us: LHS PTA Membership/ Donate. We want to give a huge THANK YOU to all who have joined as Members or donated to support the LHS PTA thus far.

Please consider joining us on November 16th at 6 PM in the LHS Cafeteria for our PTA meeting. You do not need to be a member to attend. FYI to all 11th grade and Senior Parents, AFTER PROM will be holding its next meeting directly after our PTA meeting at 7 PM.

Thank you for supporting our incredible Staff and Teachers at Lakewood High.

Have a great weekend!

-Megan Dubecky, PTA President

lakewoodhighpta@gmail.com

• Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled on October 29th from 4:00pm-7:30pm and November 2nd from 4:00pm-7:00pm
• Conferences will take place via zoom, unless you request an in-person conference.
• If an in-person conference is requested, please reach out directly to your student’s teacher(s).
• Contact information for staff members can be found in the staff directory.
• Please sign up via this link.

If you have pre-arranged with your child that they will be going home sick from school without being seen in the health center, please be sure to call the attendance office to notify them of the absence or use the Infinite Campus app to enter the absence.

On Tuesday, November 3, Lakewood High School students will have another opportunity to attend this interactive session focused on the real-world situations that come with driving on Lakewood’s streets.

We’ll use examples from streets students already know to talk through what drivers should be looking for, where conflicts can happen, and how to make safe decisions when sharing the road with people walking and biking.

Up to 20 free Winter Dance tickets will be available to students who attend the class.

Event Details:

• Tuesday, November 3
• 6:00–7:30 p.m.
• Lakewood High School — Lecture Hall 3
• Free and open to LHS students
• Students should enter through DOOR #2.

• Door 2 is located at the front of the building, behind the flagpole and under the Lakewood High School overhang.
• The door will be unlocked from 5:45–6:15 p.m.
• Students must arrive by 6:10 p.m. and stay to the end of the class to be eligible for a Winter Dance ticket. Students arriving after 6:10 may still attend the class, but will not be eligible to receive a ticket.

The class will be taught by Emily Lindberg, a Lakewood resident and League Cycling Instructor certified through the League of American Bicyclists.

• October 29: Grades 9-11 Picture Retakes
• October 29: Parent/Teacher Conferences
• November 2: Parent/Teacher Conferences
• November 3: No School - Teacher PD Day
• November 12-14: Fall Play
• November 17: Senior Picture Makeup Day
• November 25-27: No School - Thanksgiving Break

LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION

Main Office: (216) 529-4028

Fax: (216) 529-4459
Website: https://lhs.lakewoodcityschools.org/
Location: 14100 Franklin Boulevard, Lakewood, OH 44107

Principal: Joy Morgan

(216) 529-4028

joy.morgan@lakewoodcityschools.org

West Shore Career-Technical Coordinator: Yakoob Badat

(216) 529-4380

Yakoob.Badat@lakewoodcityschools.org

Associate Principal/Senior House (Grade 12: A-Z): Bridgette Firstenberger

bridgette.firstenberger@lakewoodcityschools.org

House 1 (Grades 9-11: A-K): Rachel Bonsky

rachel.bonsky@lakewoodcityschools.org

House 2 (Grades 9-11: L-Z): Brent Schremp

brent.schremp@lakewoodcityschools.org

School Counselors:

Mrs. Drost - Last Names A-Cl