Lakewood Elementary School

The end-of-the-year countdown has begun!

Our 1st grade classes enjoyed a fun-filled Camp Day right in the classroom. Students put their thinking skills to work by solving crossword puzzles and identifying camping-related words. They also participated in an exciting scavenger hunt, searching for 2D shape items connected to a campsite theme.

It was wonderful to see our students engaged, collaborating, and having so much fun while learning. What a great way to celebrate the end of an amazing school year! 🦁

This week, we're proud to recognize Candace Walker, one of our dedicated State Preschool Teachers!

Candace has been a valued member of the Lakewood Preschool family for 9 years, making a lasting impact on the lives of our youngest learners. Her passion for early childhood education, commitment to student growth, and caring nature help create a positive and nurturing learning environment every day.

Candace chose to become an educator because she believes that what we do in early childhood has a lasting impact on the future. By supporting young children during their most important years of development, she has the opportunity to help shape not only their academic growth, but also their confidence, social skills, and love of learning. She wants to be part of creating a strong foundation where every child feels valued, capable, and inspired to reach their potential. Knowing that the experiences she provides today can influence who they become tomorrow is what motivates her most in this work.

Candace’s favorite part of being an inclusion preschool teacher is creating a classroom where every child feels valued, included, and capable of learning. She loves seeing children with different abilities, backgrounds, and needs learn together, build friendships, and support one another. It’s especially rewarding to watch a child gain confidence—whether it’s using new words to communicate, participating in a group activity, or achieving a small but meaningful goal. Cadace also enjoys adapting lessons and activities so that all children can access the curriculum in ways that work best for them. Being able to make a difference in each child’s early learning experience and help them feel a sense of belonging is what makes this role so meaningful to her.

Thank you, Candace, for your years of service, dedication, and the difference you make in the lives of our students and families. We are grateful to have you as part of the Lakewood Preschool team! 🦁

Yesterday, each class could write or draw something they are thankful for and add it to a classroom gratitude wall. Focusing on positive moments helps build strong and healthy minds. Here are some of our students' submissions. 🦁

Mental Health Awareness Week activities continue . Yesterday's Mental Health Challenge was for the class to share kind words or compliments with classmates. Kindness helps everyone feel included, valued and happy!

During lunch students had the opportunity to answer a question about mental health. 🦁

Congratulations to two amazing Lakewood educators!

Over the weekend, our Bilingual Outreach Assistant, Ms. Morales, received her Associate of Arts (AA) degree from Evergreen College in Communications and Languages. On the very same day, Mrs. Barats earned her Master’s Degree in Special Education from San Jose State University.

We are so proud of both of them and all of their hard work and accomplishments. Their dedication to learning and serving our students and families is truly inspiring. Please join us in celebrating these incredible achievements! 🦁

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week! 💚

Today’s challenge focused on the importance of brain breaks. Classes participated in a quick calming activity to help students refocus, reset, and feel ready to learn.

During lunchtime, students also had the opportunity to share a self-care goal they plan to practice this week. We loved hearing the positive ways our students are taking care of their mental health! 🦁

This week, we are proud to recognize Ashley Vargas, our dedicated Preschool School Psychologist!

Ashley has been a valued member of the Lakewood Preschool family for the past 5 years, supporting our youngest learners with compassion, care, and expertise. Her commitment to helping students grow socially, emotionally, and academically makes a lasting impact every day.

Ashley loves being one of the first people our families meet. It gives her the chance to create a warm, positive experience during what can sometimes be a stressful time.

A good day at school for Ashley is interacting with our students, staff, parents, and getting to finish a report.

Thank you, Ashley, for all you do for our students, families, and staff. We are grateful to have you as part of the Lakewood team!

A big shoutout to Ms. Soto’s 4th grade class and our wonderful ABC Reader volunteer, Ms. Amy!

Through the amazing Project Cornerstone ABC Reader program, parent volunteers come into classrooms to share meaningful stories and activities that help build community, empathy, and connection.

Last week, students read Hair Love together and then teamed up for a hands-on braiding activity where they learned new skills, practiced patience, and had so much fun supporting one another along the way.

Thank you for spending time with our students and helping create such a positive and memorable experience! 🦁