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Calling All New K-12 Students
Now registering for the 2024-2025 school year. Early kindergarten registration ends April 5 with an open house at all six early childhood schools on April 18.
Join Dr. Lolli as she and her guests discuss the importance of mental health supports for students.
Help us plan for the event by completing this short RSVP form!
WE are Personalized
Lakota's latest printed community newsletter zooms in on Lakota's commitment to personalized learning.
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News & events
![WE are Lakota teacher with students wearing paper crowns Superintendent Search]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1713385409/lakotaonlinecom/exdxg6c4i30bioeblg73/SuperSearch.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1713385409/lakotaonlinecom/exdxg6c4i30bioeblg73/SuperSearch.jpg","width":500}])
The search for Lakota’s next superintendent continues to move forward. The Board of Education contracted with national education recruiting firm Finding Leaders to lead the process.
After reviewing feedback the district received over the past year, and all three sources mirroring one another, Finding Leaders has moved forward to begin the search.
![Red black and gray splatters of color]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1713378573/lakotaonlinecom/wn7vmik0xk0ihyxclznk/Preschoolregistrationsocialpost_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1713378573/lakotaonlinecom/wn7vmik0xk0ihyxclznk/Preschoolregistrationsocialpost_1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1713378573/lakotaonlinecom/wn7vmik0xk0ihyxclznk/Preschoolregistrationsocialpost_1.png","width":800}])
Lakota Preschool, located at both VanGorden Elementary and Liberty ECS, is now accepting lottery applications for available tuition-based seats for the 2024-2025 school year. Applications for the limited spots must be submitted by May 3 for inclusion in the lottery. Applicants will be notified by May 8.
![Teacher with blonde hair leaning over and helping a female student with a circuit board activity]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1713356954/lakotaonlinecom/fdcjzh4i2wxuysdjack2/MakeyMakeyStory1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1713356954/lakotaonlinecom/fdcjzh4i2wxuysdjack2/MakeyMakeyStory1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1713356954/lakotaonlinecom/fdcjzh4i2wxuysdjack2/MakeyMakeyStory1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1713356954/lakotaonlinecom/fdcjzh4i2wxuysdjack2/MakeyMakeyStory1.png","width":1000}])
Walking into Julie Egbers’ STEAM classroom, you could hear sixth graders playing over a dozen keyboard renditions of London Bridge and Mary Had a Little Lamb.
But there were no keyboards in sight.
![Mobile screen with green, blue, yellow and pink thought bubbles coming out of it with different communications icons]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1713292521/lakotaonlinecom/zad34sx9hotx0j7l7vgy/PSWelcomepostgraphic.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1713292521/lakotaonlinecom/zad34sx9hotx0j7l7vgy/PSWelcomepostgraphic.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1713292521/lakotaonlinecom/zad34sx9hotx0j7l7vgy/PSWelcomepostgraphic.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1713292521/lakotaonlinecom/zad34sx9hotx0j7l7vgy/PSWelcomepostgraphic.png","width":1080}])
Eight Lakota schools are piloting a new, more unified school-to-home communication tool called ParentSquare. Beginning Monday, April 22 and through the remainder of the school year, ParentSquare will replace the current notification system for sending email, phone and text alerts to families and staff at these schools: Liberty ECS, Cherokee, Endeavor, Union, Liberty Jr., Ridge Jr. and both Lakota East and Lakota West high schools (main campus only).
For parents and staff at these schools, no action will be required to continue receiving communications, but be on the lookout for an invite to log into your account via OneLogin to customize your communications experience and get the most out of ParentSquare. All other schools will transition to the new platform over the summer and in time for the 2024-2025 school year.
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Lakota East Freshman Auditorium
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Lakota Central Office
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Virtual via Zoom
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Lakota Central Office - Conference Room D/E
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Lakota Central Office - Conference Room D/E
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Lakota East Freshman Auditorium
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Lakota East Freshman Auditorium
all day
all day
West Freshman
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Plains Junior School Innovation Hub
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Lakota Central Office - Conference Room D/E
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Lakota East Freshman Auditorium
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Lakota East Freshman Auditorium
all day
West Freshman
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Lakota Central Office
MISSION STATEMENT
Everything WE do is designed to provide a future-ready, student-centered learning experience for every single child.
We are
Personalized
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At Lakota, personalized learning is tailoring the instructional environment to address the individual needs, skills and interests of the whole child, while developing a deep, personal connection to maximize student ownership of learning. Our students grow academically, socially, emotionally and culturally, while learning critical life skills. We provide a safe and secure environment in which our students can build character and develop their unique strengths as a foundation for their future success.
Action Plan
- Clearly articulate and strengthen Lakota personalized learning
- Improve structures and systems to align to the vision for personalized learning
- Develop a Portrait of a Graduate to clearly identify the skills and competencies necessary for the future success of each studentImplement multi-tiered systems of support to align services targeted to the needs of the whole child
- Ensure success and continued expansion of mental health and wellness initiatives district wide
- Establish professional development and training plans for all tiers of student support
We are
Personalized
We are
Future Ready
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We are
Future Ready
Through innovative and engaging learning, enhanced with leading edge technology, Lakota maximizes student readiness for the four Es: Employment, Enrollment in higher education, Enlistment in the military and Entrepreneurship.
Action Plan
- Design instruction and technology systems to pilot innovative models and programs aligned with the Portrait of a Lakota Graduate
- Support personalized learning with the appropriate student technology devices and tools
- Continuing to develop instructional strategies to include STEAM2 and project-based learning
- Develop cutting edge pathways in secondary curriculum to prepare each student for future success
- Develop real-world learning opportunities to enhance learning and expand student internships
- Create break-through business partnerships that dramatically enhance enrollment, enlistment, employment and entrepreneurship
- Create a comprehensive facilities plan that supports student needs and financial stability
- Innovate spaces that encourage personalized, project-based and real-world learning
We are
Fiscally Responsible
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We are
Fiscally Responsible
As we continue to expand our learning opportunities to prepare our students to successfully meet the demands of life after graduation, we are committed to aligning our resources to Lakota’s educational priorities while ensuring financial stability.
Action Plan
- Be good stewards of our residents’ tax dollars by operating a strategically aligned and efficient budget, as fiscal responsibility is a top priority for the District
- Monitor spending and re-prioritize dollars to enhance personalized student learning
- Continue to put the majority of our resources toward instruction, pupil support and instructional support
- In FY 18, this amounted to 68% of Lakota’s general fund spending
- Continue to provide financial transparency to our community through annual publications like the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Financial Prospectus
We are
In this Together
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We are
In this Together
At Lakota, we embrace a strong partnership with our stakeholders - students, staff, parents and community members – to meet high expectations and encourage teamwork for student success.
Action Plan
- Incorporate and encourage student and staff voice into the Lakota learning experience
- Continue developing non-traditional programs and opportunities to inspire parents and community members to take an active role in shaping the Lakota experience
- Broaden organizational capacity through the continued development of district leadership opportunities and team structure
- Develop personalized professional growth strategy aligned with district priorities for all staff
- Continue transparency and strengthen two-way communication with all stakeholders
- Lead a dynamic culture across the District, embracing diversity and inclusion for all
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Points of
Pride
Culturally Diverse:
With 42% of students celebrating their multicultural backgrounds, Lakota provides a culturally-diverse experience where respect and inclusion are taught as core values.
Fiscally Responsible:
Fewer than 5% of all entities that are audited annually earn the "Auditor of State Award with Distinction" - and Lakota has received the honor 10 years in a row.
1:1 Technology:
Through Lakota's WE are Empowered initiative, all students in grades K-12 have access to their own Chromebook for daily learning.
Dogs of Lakota:
Lakota's pack of ten therapy dogs, and growing, are wagging their tails around the district, providing therapy and emotional support to even our youngest learners.
The 4Es:
We believe in preparing every student for success after graduation in one of the 4Es: Enrollment in higher education; Enlistment in military service; Employment as a contributing member of our community; or Entrepreneurship.