Dear Lakeland Community Families/Students,

It is with great pride and anticipation that I welcome all of you to a new school year here at Lakeland Jr. Sr. High School. It is already apparent that the partnerships that exist between the dedicated staff, families, and community play a vital role in the child-centered approach to education. As we strive to maintain the highest expectations, our focus this year will be on equipping our students with the knowledge, skills, and habits needed for success in their future college and career plans. There is a crucial sense of urgency to raise the bar for all students here at the Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School by increasing our performance both within the building and up against state requirements. We ask that you take the time to encourage this desire in our students as we move forward together!

The Tribe- TRUSTWORTHY, RESPECTFUL, INVOLVED, BRAVE, EXCELLENT

Our ultimate goal is to improve overall school climate and to lay the foundations for building relationships that will pay dividends in the future. Together through consistency and positive relationships, we will improve the behavior of all students. PBIS aims to decrease behavioral infractions, showing annual improvement. We hope to develop a positive school community, to teach everyone the expectations for our school, and to acknowledge students for being members of the TRIBE. By concentrating on positive behaviors, we will create and maintain a positive and safe learning environment. Being consistent with addressing students when they do and do not meet our behavioral expectations will increase compliance, provide them with greater structure, and clarify expected behavior. 

Flex Period

Flex period runs on a 6-Day Cycle and provides your child with a variety of opportunities. Students may utilize this time to complete assignments, study, take Prep Courses (AP,SAT, Keystones), participate in Clubs, and to receive valuable remediation and enrichment. 

Tardies/Attendance

A top priority each year is ensuring that students are regularly on time and in school all day.  Attendance policies will be enforced and cooperation between our school and Lakeland families is essential. Please note that the Student Handbook outlines specific attendance requirements for participation in sports and extracurriculars. Pennsylvania State Law requires that school districts address habitual tardiness/absences with mandatory Truancy Elimination Plan (TEP) meetings held with a Children & Youth liaison present. Again, we value the educational time spent with your student. We need them to arrive on time, and to stay in school!

CELLULAR PHONE & WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE POLICY (Grades 7-12)

High school students may bring cellular phones to school each day, but between 7:47AM and 2:35PM, the cellular phones must be away and out of sight. Cellular phones may not be used by students during this time period without the permission of supervising faculty and/or staff.  Cellular phones may be carried by the students in their pockets and book bags, but may not be visible unless permission has been granted for use. Cell phones may not be used in the hallways.  Students may, at any time, request to use their cell phones in the high school office and they are permitted to use them during their scheduled lunch period in the cafeteria and commons area.

Student Mentor Program

It is our continued commitment to student success that brings us together to create innovative strategies to increase academic achievement and positive behavior. Due to an increase in rigor across the board, student’s have new challenges as well as novel opportunities.The Student Mentor Program focuses on progressive standards and our hope is that your child will make positive gains with effective leadership in this program, fostering organizational skills, effective study habits, and a sense of empathy for others. 

The Student Mentor Program will connect your child with a High School student who has shown that they possess the qualities of a positive role model, both academically and socially. Student mentors will be chosen for your child based on similar interests, specific student-centered goals, and schedules that permit resourceful time. Possible times that your child will be able to meet with his/her mentor will include Study Hall, Flex, Lunch, and prior to dismissal to prepare necessary materials to be brought home. Student Mentors are required to meet regularly with program directors to set measurable goals and to ensure constructive relationships and positive outcomes. 

STUDENT DRIVERS AND PARKING

All students who request a Parking Permit in order to drive to and from school, and to use our parking lot, must show a copy of the vehicle registration, a valid driver's license, and a proof of vehicle insurance in order to be granted a permit. You are expected to park in the student parking lot only. 

-Do not park on grass or sod areas. 

-Drive slowly, (15 mph) while on school property. 

-Do not smoke or loiter, etc. in or out of cars on school property. 

-Arrive at school on time. 

-Continued tardiness, truancy, or parking/driving violations may result in loss of driving privileges. 

-Cars may be towed for violation of school procedures.  

-Cars in the school parking lot are suspect to search upon cause.

Dunkin/Morning Attendance

Students arriving to school on time (prior to 7:47 am) are permitted to bring in one order of Dunkin (or similar morning breakfast/coffee).  Students are not permitted to bring in more than one order (such as to distribute to other students).  Students arriving Tardy-Unexcused will not be permitted to retain their Dunkin/Coffee. If students arrive Tardy-Unexcused with Dunkin/Coffee, it will be confiscated until the end of the school day. 

Food Orders

Students in all grades are not permitted to order food during the school day, or to have food delivered to the school building.  Delivery and pick-up of food orders is a major disruption to the school day. We value the educational time spent with your student and work hard to minimize school day disruptions.  

It is my great pleasure to work collaboratively with you to provide our students with a strong foundation for success and it is important to me to provide an opportunity for us to get to know one another, so please, if you find yourself needing assistance, please feel free to contact me in the high school office.

Wishing all an outstanding 2022-23 school year!  I look forward to working with all of you and our most precious resource, our children!

Respectfully,

Carmella Bullick

High School Principal