Lakewood City Schools

09/07/2026

In observance of Labor Day, there is no school today. We will see you back in the buildings tomorrow! Enjoy the rest of your long weekend!

09/04/2026

How lucky are we to have an educator such as Laura Germaine, who explains in this cleveland.com article that building more empathy within herself for her English Learner students was her main motivation to want to spend this past summer teaching in Malawi.

“I work with a lot of kids who come over to our country, where it’s a new culture. I wanted to be able to have just a little taste," Mrs. Germaine is quoted as saying.

Read more on her experience at the following link:
https://www.cleveland.com/community/2026/09/lakewood-teacher-spends-summer-teaching-in-africa.html

Lakewood City Schools Elementary English Learner teacher Laura Germaine had quite the summer.

09/04/2026

Welcome to the first Finance Friday of the school year! Today, Treasurer Meghan Rohde provides an update on our recently closed out fiscal year 2026.

Lakewood City Schools ended the 2025-2026 fiscal year better than projected. The District received approximately $88.3 million in revenue and spent approximately $90.2 million. Revenues came in higher than expected and expenses were lower than expected, resulting in an overall financial position about $1.5 million better than forecasted.

Although the District spent approximately $1.9 million more than it received during the year, careful financial management helped the District end the year in a stronger position than anticipated. The General Fund cash balance at year-end was approximately $46.1 million, equal to about 187 days of operating expenses.

Maintaining a healthy cash balance is an important part of the District’s overall financial plan. These reserves help absorb years when expenditures exceed revenues and provide financial stability throughout the District’s levy cycle. The Board’s cash balance policy also helps ensure that reserve levels are regularly monitored and remain appropriate for the District’s long-term financial needs.

09/04/2026

At Hayes Elementary, third graders in Mrs. Lottig's class are learning that what makes a classroom family special is that everyone brings something different to the group.

After reading "Our Class Is a Family" by Shannon Olsen, students created one-of-a-kind bracelets that reflected who they are and what makes them special. Each color represented a different part of what makes them unique.

What a great way to start the year and get to know each other better!

09/03/2026

There will be no school for all students on Monday, Sept. 7, in honor of Labor Day.

09/03/2026

Secretary of State Frank LaRose brought his Grad Vote program to Lakewood High yesterday, encouraging the seniors to be active voters once they are eligible. LaRose and his staff held a mock election to help dispel any uncertainties students might have about the voting process and to make them more comfortable when they go to cast their first vote. On the ballot: favorite princess, ice cream, and superhero.

Students learned some valuable lessons to take with them, such filling in the oval rather than indicating your choice with a check mark, and the perforated tab at the bottom of the ballot must be cleanly detached in order to go smoothly into the ballot processing machine.

The students patiently waited for the results to be announced and erupted in cheers as Rapunzel, cookie dough, and Spider-Man were named the winners!

Following the event, journalism students Carissa LaForte and Frances Kaletta were able to interview Sec. LaRose for some great hands-on experience reporting. And Holly Rogalski and Andrew Potoczak were interviewed by Channel 19 about their thoughts on the importance of voting. You can view that piece here: https://www.cleveland19.com/video/2026/09/02/ohio-secretary-state-leads-mock-vote-lesson-lakewood-high-students/

Beyond the playful election, these future voters walked away with practical know-how for the day they cast their first official ballot.

09/03/2026

The new Lakewood, OH Community Recreation & Education Dept. Fall Booklet is out. Did you know Lakewood residents may be able to get help covering the cost of a Recreation Department activity? Learn more here https://recreation.lakewoodcityschools.org/

09/02/2026

The Board of Education's special meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 8 will take place at Taft Center for Innovation, 13701 Lake Ave., beginning at 7 pm. Earlier communications had an incorrect location. We apologize for any confusion this has caused.

09/02/2026

When Fred the worm’s boat capsized, second graders in Mrs. Perez’s class at Hayes Elementary jumped into action, putting the Vision of a Lakewood Ranger competency of collaboration into practice. Teams of four were tasked with slipping a life preserver (a gummy ring) onto Fred (a gummy worm) and returning him safely to his boat (a cup). The catch? No hands, fingers, or poking allowed, just four paper clips.

Before touching any supplies, the students brainstormed strategies together, figuring out how to manipulate their paper clips into custom tweezers and chopsticks. Through trial, error, and determination, every team persevered through the challenge without giving up. The classroom erupted in pure glee as each group successfully rescued Fred. Way to go, resilient Rangers!

09/01/2026

We love a friendly cross-town rivalry! Last night, the 7th & 8th grade volleyball teams from Harding and Garfield middle schools brought their "A" game and great community spirit to their match. While Harding pulled out the victory in round one, both squads proved that sportsmanship comes first by gathering together for this great post-game shot. The teams will meet again on Sept. 23 in the Garfield gym.
Mark your calendars, and come out to support our amazing middle school student-athletes! Lakewood Athletics Page