Lakewood School District 306

We're so excited for Griffin and his Eagle Scout project!

Eagle Scout builds benches for Arrowhead Ranch's new 'transformative' journey As visitors walk through Arrowhead Ranch’s new self-guided Arrowhead Journey on Camano Island, they’ll find more than places to rest.

District offices are closed on Friday, June 19 in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.

Juneteenth is known as Freedom Day. It is a U.S. federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, slaves in Galveston, Texas, learned of their emancipation, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. People across the country celebrate with food and festivities.

At its June 17 regular meeting, the Lakewood Board of Directors recognized Lakewood developmental preschool teacher 🌟Tammi Ellis🌟 and bus driver 🌟Amanee Briseno🌟 with the Peak Performer Award for dedication to Lakewood students.⛰️

🌟Tammi Ellis, a developmental preschool teacher at Lakewood Elementary, has designed an accessible classroom environment where accommodations are seamlessly integrated into daily routines, allowing every student to thrive. She organizes playdates during the summer to help parents who are navigating a child’s disability to build networks of supportive relationships. Parent Amber Sullivan shared how her son entered preschool overwhelmed and unable to engage with peers. Through Tammi’s care and expertise, he has grown into a confident kindergartner who loves helping others and building friendships. Through inclusive practices, strong family partnerships, and meaningful community connections, Tammi ensures students feel supported, confident, and ready to learn.

🌟Amanee Briseno does far more than drive a bus. She creates a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space where students feel valued and connected. When parent Amber Sullivan’s son was having a difficult time transitioning to his new school, Amanee found ways for him to feel secure both on the bus and off, visiting preschool classrooms where students can get to know her better and the school gingerbread night.

The Peak Performer Award honors individuals who are “dedicated to creating a positive, caring, and productive school environment." Know someone who deserves recognition? Nominate a Peak Performer here: https://forms.office.com/r/pGKPXUezGq

💛 On June 17, the Lakewood Board of Directors proudly recognized its 2025-26 Heart of Lakewood recipient, Sara Letellier. 💛

🌟Sara Letellier has made a lasting impact on Lakewood schools, not only in her position as a paraeducator at Cougar Creek Elementary, but also in her leadership role as union president for Public School Employees of Lakewood. Transportation Dispatcher Lisa Welty wrote in her nomination, “Sara demonstrates dedication, leadership, and compassion in everything she does.” Tim Haines, Executive Director of HR and Student Services, said that Sara is an advocate for others and that she inspires those around her. While Sara’s four children have all graduated, she continues to be active in various district committees, including the strategic planning committee and the budget advisory committee. She is always happy to take the time to listen, encourage, and offer assistance when needed.

Congratulations! We are grateful for your contributions to our community!

Community Transit offers many opportunities to catch a ride to summer fun (and kids ride free!). ☀️🚌

Trying transit for the first time can feel a little nerve wracking for both students and adults. To build confidence, Community Transit brought a bus to Lakewood High School last month and helped middle and high school students in our comprehensive skills programs learn how to ride safely.

Here are a few helpful transit tips:

📍If you’re unsure about your route, tell the driver when you board and they can help make sure you get off at the right stop.
😬 Sitting near the driver can help if you’re feeling nervous. It’s also OK to move to a different seat.
🛑Pull the yellow cord or press the stop button before your stop so the driver has time to pull over.
🚲Riding your bike to the bus stop can be a great way to travel. Just remember to exit through the front door and let the driver know you have a bike.

😎 Happy Last Day of School!

Our students made quite the splash 💦 this year and we will miss you over the summer. We are looking forward to seeing all your smiles again on September 2, the first day of the 2026-27 school year. Have a wonderful, fun-filled summer. You’ve earned it! ☀️

Don't forget we have lots going on this summer, including fun for incoming kindergarten families, free meals, and our Lakewood community read: https://www.lwsd.wednet.edu/news-details/~board/lakewood-school-district-news/post/summer-reminders-for-lakewood