The Eagle Eye
Your Weekly Look at Lake Elkhorn Middle School
Greetings Lake Elkhorn Community,
The students had another successful week of school. They continue to figure out how to work their lockers and have done an excellent job of following our "no backpack" policy in the cafeteria. We will continue to find opportunities for students to practice opening their lockers.
We would like to thank all of our families that attended Back to School Night on Wednesday. It was well attended and the energy was positive and upbeat, and we loved having the opportunity to connect with so many of our families.
Hope everyone has a relaxing and restful holiday weekend!
LEMS Admin Team
Dr. Hardman - ELA Lead Teacher
Dr. Hardman grew up in Howard County and graduated from Howard High School. Upon entering adulthood, she wanted to stay in Howard County to stay close to family, our great education system, and the family friendly culture of Howard County. She has a blended family including her 16-year-old biological son who goes to high school in HCPSS and two stepchildren who are 7th and 9th graders in Frederick County. She and her husband currently live separately as not to uproot their children during their adolescent years.
She has worked at a variety of schools within HCPSS. Dr. Hardman began her career at Elkridge Elementary, which coincidently was a school she attended as a child. Dr. Hardman worked there for 15 years teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. She then moved to Northfield Elementary school where she taught 3rd grade. After that, she moved to Running Brook Elementary where she served as the GT Resource Teacher and later to Swansfield Elementary as a 4th grade teacher. In addition to teaching elementary school, Dr. Hardman has spent a lot of time supporting National Board Candidates, working as an Adjunct Professor at Towson University, helping teacher candidates earn their teaching certificate, and creating and teaching continuing professional development courses to those already in the profession. As you can see, Dr. Hardman just loves teaching people of all ages and stages of life!
After 26 years at the elementary level, she is excited for the new adventure of transitioning to middle school. She is looking forward to combining the knowledge learned while completing her doctorate degree in leadership with her teaching experience to work with other teachers and students alike! Planning for rigorous instruction while also trying to make it fun is exciting to her!
In her spare time, she enjoys gardening at her 100+ year old house, traveling, and exercising. While she is not currently trained for such events, she used to be a long-distance runner who completed many marathons and ultra marathons. Now walking is more her speed, but running long distances taught her that anything is possible!
Mrs. Stryker - Math Lead Teacher
Mrs. Stryker grew up at the end of Long Island, NY. She is married and has three kids (her oldest is getting married this month!).
Her teaching career started in elementary education, but she switched to middle school math after staying home with her kids when they were young. This is her 15th year in HCPSS. She's taught at PVMS, WLMS, & HMS. This is her first year at LEMS and first year in the role of Lead Teacher in Math. Lead teacher is a new position which means her day is split between teaching her own classes and mentoring other teachers.
Mrs. Stryker shared that the LEMS staff has been incredibly warm and welcoming so far! She's really looking forward to getting to know them better. She's also very excited about teaching 6th and 7th grade, which she has never done before.
Mrs. Stryker enjoys singing & performing in community theater. She also loves spending time with her family and dog.
Physical Education @ LEMS
Students in Mrs. White & Mr. Roberson's PE classes are reflecting on what they learned.
Our very own 7th grade teacher and ELA team leader, Mrs. Kacy Valentine, is a Maryland State Department of Education finalist for 2027 Maryland Teacher of the Year. The winner will be announced at a Gala on October 9th. Please join the entire LEMS staff in congratulating Mrs. Valentine.
