School Spotlight: Lakeview Elementary
The school day begins at Lakeview Elementary with a morning routine that includes a unique “peacemaker” pledge. Students pledge to treat themselves and others with respect before diving into a day of robust learning.
“It is a commitment we make every day of how we look at one another and how we approach our learning and care for one another,” says Lakeview Principal Bridget Hall. “What we have here is a very unique school that educates the whole child.”
Lakeview Elementary offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) and takes an international approach to education. Students are taught to be inquisitive and observant about not only the world around them, but countries that are far away as well.
“They are learning how to be inquisitive about what’s going on around them,” says parent Jessica Greenberg. “We talk about being question-askers.”
Students engage in hands-on learning that often involves technology. Every classroom at Lakeview has a smartboard and every student in grades 3-5 have access to a Chromebook. Students often use the technology to create presentations and show off what they have learned.
“Having that chance to present really ups their game and makes them more engaged in their learning,” says Erika Berg, a fourth-grade teacher.
Students at Lakeview also receive foreign language instruction twice a week from a native Spanish speaker. The program includes learning not only about vocabulary, but about songs and culture. In every class, discussions and curiosity is encouraged.
“They are developing their own understanding and coming up with their own rules as they put this together,” says Wilbur Winkelman, a fifth-grade teacher. “It’s really going to help them.”
