June 11, 2007...  Not much comes with a guarantee anymore these days, but here in Lakewood every graduate's education does.  And last week, the Class of 2007 became the first class to graduate with the Lakewood Graduation Guarantee.

The District guarantees that all Lakewood students who graduate and who have passed the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) are capable of meeting State of Ohio academic standards as measure by the OGT in reading, writing, math, science and social studies.  Eligible students who graduate under this program will be known as "Lakewood Guaranteed Graduates."

The purpose of the Lakewood Graduation Guarantee is to provide assurance to employers, potential employers, colleges and universities regarding the skills of Lakewood City School District graduates for a period of two years following high school graduation.  Superintendent Dr. David Estrop stated that the guarantee was an effort to demonstrate the District's confidence in its graduates.  Dr. Estrop said, "We want everyone to know that we are proud to stand behind the work of our graduates, parents and staff."

If an employer, potential employer, college or university of a Lakewood Guaranteed Graduate does not believe that a graduate meets the Ohio Academic Standards as measured by the OGT, they may submit a written statements to the Lakewood Board of Education.  Upon receipt of the statement, the Superintendent or his designee will assess the claim and if in his/her judgment, the Lakewood Guaranteed Graduate is deficient in one or more of the areas identified in this policy, he/she will provide an opportunity for the Lakewood Guaranteed Graduate to receive additional education in the area(s) of deficiency, regardless of the individual's place of residence.  These educational opportunities will be provided at no cost until the District determines the Lakewood Guaranteed Graduate has attained the level of competency specified above.

The Superintendent indicated that with the addition in 2005-06 of digital instruction through the Lakewood City Academy, a conversion charter school sponsored by the Lakewood City Schools, any necessary instruction in support of the guarantee can be provided on-line anywhere in the world where there was access to the internet.

Photo shows 2007 Class President Samel O'Leary, the first to receive the Graduation Guarantee, with Superintendent Dr. David Estrop and Board of Education President Mrs. Linda Beebe.

May 29, 2007...  June 2, 2007 is the day that the community of Lakewood will say goodbye to several beloved buildings.  Ceremonies are planned to decommission Emerson, Franklin, Horace Mann and Harding.  Emerson and Horace Mann will be renovated into state of the art elementary schools.  The old Harding will be demolished and no decision has been made on what will become of Franklin Elementary School.

This will be a truly historical and news worthy day in the community of Lakewood!  Please plan to join us!

Harding Middle School 12:00 p.m.
Horace Mann Middle School 1:00 p.m.
Emerson Middle School 2:00 p.m.
Franklin Elementary School 3:00 p.m.

Each ceremony will last 30 minutes.  Buildings will remain open for tours and activities for two hours  Say goodbye to these wonderful buildings that have served us so well!

Ceremonies will be held outdoors.  If it rains, ceremonies will be held in the gymnasiums.

Lakewood City School District, 1470 Warren Road, Lakewood Ohio 44107.  For more information call 216-529-4727, email asklakewoodschools@lakewood.k12.oh.us or visit www.lakewoodcityschools.org

May 14, 2007... Parents have been asking for it, education literature says it positively impacts students' education, and now, it will be a reality when school begins in the fall.

The Lakewood City Schools will run a pilot (trial) project of All-Day Kindergarten at Harrison and Hayes Elementary Schools during the 2007-08 school year.  It is being offered in these two schools because additional kindergarten space has been specifically constructed in these brand new elementary buildings.  "Our new buildings were built hoping we could eventually provide All-Day Kindergarten.  Capacity was built in to eventually support All-Day Kindergarten," said Dr. David Estrop, Superintendent.

Because of the District's ability to manage its budget, Lakewood Schools are able to provide the program at these two schools.  This is just one example of how the new buildings will provide more educational opportunities for students and not hinder their educations, as the old buildings did.

Educational literature says early intervention and early childhood education are critical to the long term success of students.  This pilot program fits into the district's overall plan and ongoing effort to improve student performance.

Thanks to the voters in passing our bond issue, Emerson and Horace Mann Middle Schools will have this capacity built in as well, when they are completely renovated into state of the art elementary schools.  "We always work to balance the needs of students with available resources," said Dr. Estrop.

Lakewood City School District, 1470 Warren Road, Lakewood Ohio 44107.  For more information call 216-529-4727, email asklakewoodschools@lakewood.k12.oh.us or visit www.lakewoodcityschools.org

May 11, 2007... How often do you see someone walking their dog, taking a short cut, or goofing off around the train tracks that run through our city?  Once is too often, according to members of the City of Lakewood, Lakewood Police Department, Norfolk Southern Police Department, the Lakewood City School District, Lakewood Council of PTAs, Lakewood Catholic Academy, Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court, Lakewood Municipal Court, The Illuminating Company, and Norfolk Southern Corporation.  That is why these groups have come together to educate the community about the dangers of walking on and around tracks.

During the week of May 14, which has been designated as the National Operation Lifesaver Train Safety Week, Lakewood will kick off a brand new program designed to communicate this danger to people in our community, and to make them aware that this is now an enforceable infringement of the law.  "This is an important program because we see a lot of children and adults using the tracks as a short cut or a place to hang out," said Edward Favre, Lakewood Police Sergeant, School Board Member, and Chair of the Committee.  "We want our children to be safe around train tracks."

The "Tracks Are For Trains" program includes: new signs posted at all crossings, and along tracks; educational materials distributed to students and parents; warnings to be issued to those caught walking on the tracks; and eventually, anyone caught walking along the tracks will be fined.

Our community cares about each individual, young and old, and wants to help educate everyone about the dangers of choosing to walk or play around train tracks.  Parents can help by talking to children about this issue and encouraging them to stay off the train tracks.

Lakewood City School District, 1470 Warren Road, Lakewood Ohio 44107.  For more information call 216-529-4727, email asklakewoodschools@lakewood.k12.oh.us or visit www.lakewoodcityschools.org

May 10, 2007... Emerson Middle School and H2O -- Help To Others, a City of Lakewood Youth Volunteer Program, will be hosting the 10th Annual Memorial Day Veteran Recognition Program on May 18, 2007.  Veterans and their families, or surviving family members, will be recognized during this program.  They often wear their uniforms and bring service memorabilia to share with students during a breakfast gathering and program.

After the program, veterans visit classrooms to talk with students about their experiences.

The program will be held at Emerson Middle School, 13439 Clifton Blvd., Lakewood.  The breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by a formal program in the gymnasium.  Classroom visits follow the program, with lunch served at 11:30 a.m. for any veterans who stay to visit classrooms

For more information, contact Principal Vince Barra at 529-4241 or H2O Assistant Coordinator Nora Steele at 529-4173.

Lakewood City School District, 1470 Warren Road, Lakewood Ohio 44107.  For more information call 216-529-4727, email asklakewoodschools@lakewood.k12.oh.us or visit www.lakewoodcityschools.org

May 9, 2007... June 2, 2007 is the day that the community of Lakewood will say goodbye to several beloved buildings.  Ceremonies are planned to decommission Emerson, Franklin, Horace Mann and Harding.  Emerson and Horace Mann will be renovated into state of the art elementary schools.  The old Harding will be demolished and no decision has been made on what will become of Franklin Elementary School.

This will be a truly historical and news worthy day in the community of Lakewood!  Please plan to join us!

Harding Middle School 12:00 p.m.
Horace Mann Middle School 1:00 p.m.
Emerson Middle School 2:00 p.m.
Franklin Elementary School 3:00 p.m.

Each ceremony will last 30 minutes.  Buildings will remain open for tours and activities for two hours

Say goodbye to these wonderful buildings that have served us so well!

Lakewood City School District, 1470 Warren Road, Lakewood Ohio 44107.  For more information call 216-529-4727, email asklakewoodschools@lakewood.k12.oh.us or visit www.lakewoodcityschools.org

April 18, 2007... The community has one more opportunity to tour the new Lakewood School buildings, and this time it will include the new Garfield Middle School!

On April 21st, community members will have the opportunity to tour four new school buildings and one old building to see the progress that has been made on the new buildings, and the needs that remain in the old ones.

We appreciate the cooperation of Mayor Thomas George and the City of Lakewood for making additional parking available at City Hall for those wishing to tour Garfield.

The new Harrison and Hayes Elementary Schools and the new Harding and Garfield Middle Schools will be open in the fall welcoming new students through their brand new doors and across their gleaming hallways.  Students will encounter state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities including larger classrooms fully equipped for 21st century learning.

Community members can also tour Emerson Middle School.  Emerson will close at the end of this school year.  Should residents pass the Phase II bond issue, Emerson and Horace Mann Middle Schools would be completely renovated into state-of-the-art elementary schools, and the western portion of Lakewood High School would be renovated into modern science labs, classrooms and vocational facilities.

Tours will take place on the hour at each location beginning at 9, 10 and 11 a.m., 12 noon, and 1:00 p.m.

Harrison, 2080 Quail Ave.

Hayes, 16401 Delaware Ave.

Harding, 16601 Madison Ave.

Garfield, 13114 Detroit Ave.

For safety purposes, those planning on taking the tours should wear hard-soled shoes or boots, long pants and no sleeveless shirts.

Lakewood City School District, 1470 Warren Road, Lakewood Ohio 44107.  For more information call 216-529-4727, email asklakewoodschools@lakewood.k12.oh.us or visit www.lakewoodcityschools.org

April 16, 2007... The Board of Education of the Lakewood City School District has accepted the resignation of Lakewood High School Teacher William Rabel.

William Rabel has tendered his resignation effective today, April 16, 2007.  Since Mr. Rabel's resignation has been submitted in the course of an investigation by the District regarding Mr. Rabel's conduct, the District will, as required by law, submit a report to the Ohio Department of Education, Office of Professional Conduct for any further action relative to professional licensure.  The District will continue to cooperate with the Lakewood Police Department in their on-going investigation.

Lakewood City School District, 1470 Warren Road, Lakewood Ohio 44107.  For more information call 216-529-4727, email asklakewoodschools@lakewood.k12.oh.us or visit www.lakewoodcityschools.org

April 16, 2007... The community has one more opportunity to tour the new Lakewood School buildings!

On April 21st, community members will have the opportunity to tour three new school buildings and one old building to see the progress that has been made on the new buildings, and the needs that remain in the old ones.

The new Harrison and Hayes Elementary Schools and the new Harding Middle School will be open in the fall welcoming new students through their brand new doors and across their gleaming hallways.  Students will encounter state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities including larger classrooms fully equipped for 21st century learning.

Community members can also tour Emerson Middle School.  Emerson will close at the end of this school year.  Should residents pass the Phase II bond issue, Emerson and Horace Mann Middle Schools would be completely renovated into state-of-the-art elementary schools, and the western portion of Lakewood High School would be renovated into modern science labs, classrooms and vocational facilities.

Tours will take place on the hour at each location beginning at 9, 10 and 11 a.m., 12 noon, and 1:00 p.m.

Harrison, 2080 Quail Ave.

Hayes, 16401 Delaware Ave.

Harding, 16601 Madison Ave.

For safety purposes, those planning on taking the tours should wear hard-soled shoes or boots, long pants and no sleeveless shirts.

April 13, 2007...  The Lakewood City School District announced today that tours will not take place tomorrow (April 14, 2007) at the new Garfield Middle School, but will take place as planned at the other four sites as scheduled (the new Harrison Elementary School, the new Hayes Elementary School, the new Harding Middle School, and the current Emerson Middle School).  School officials noted that extremely muddy conditions at Garfield could limit access by emergency vehicles.  Superintendent David Estrop said that the school district was disappointed that the community would not be able to tour Garfield on April 14th and that he regretted any inconvenience caused to members of the community, but safety had to come first.

Lakewood City School District, 1470 Warren Road, Lakewood Ohio 44107.  For more information call 216-529-4727, email asklakewoodschools@lakewood.k12.oh.us or visit www.lakewoodcityschools.org

April 4, 2007...  New Date Set:  Plans now call for the decommissioning of four Lakewood School buildings to take place June 2, 2007.  The community will be saying goodbye to:  Emerson and Horace Mann Middle Schools, which will become elementary schools after renovation, Franklin Elementary School, and the old Harding Middle School, which will be demolished as the new Harding will open in fall of 2007.

In preparation for the closing of four more of Lakewood's school buildings at the end of the school year, the Celebration Committee is asking anyone who attended these schools to provide memorabilia from their days as students or teachers.  Items needed include photos, yearbooks, gym or band uniforms, and any other memories that alumni of these schools may want to share!

For more information on donating memorabilia, contact the buildings at: (216)

Emerson - 529-4241
Horace Mann - 529-4287
Franklin - 529-4221
Harding - 529-4261

More details on the closing ceremonies will follow, but will include speeches, music and more!

Lakewood City School District, 1470 Warren Road, Lakewood Ohio 44107.  For more information call 216-529-4727, email asklakewoodschools@lakewood.k12.oh.us or visit www.lakewoodcityschools.org

March 29, 2007...  Mark your calendars!!!

April 14th and 21st community members will have the opportunity to tour the four new school buildings and one old building to see the progress that has been made on the new buildings, and the needs that remain in the old ones.

The new Harrison and Hayes Elementary Schools and the new Harding and Garfield Middle Schools will be open in the fall welcoming new students through their brand new doors and across their gleaming hallways.  Students will encounter state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities including larger classrooms fully equipped for 21st century learning.

Community members can also tour Emerson Middle School.  Emerson will close at the end of this school year.  Should residents pass the Phase II bond issue, Emerson and Horace Mann Middle Schools would be completely renovated into state-of-the-art elementary schools, and the western portion of Lakewood High School would be renovated into modern science labs, classrooms and vocational facilities.

Tours will take place on the hour at each location beginning at 9, 10, 11, 12 and 1:00 p.m.

Harrison, 2080 Quail Ave.

Hayes, 16401 Delaware Ave.

Harding, 16601 Madison Ave.

Garfield, 13114 Detroit Ave.

For safety purposes, those planning on taking the tours should wear hard soled shoes or boots, long pants and no sleeveless shirts.

Lakewood City School District, 1470 Warren Road, Lakewood Ohio 44107.  For more information call 216-529-4727, email asklakewoodschools@lakewood.k12.oh.us or visit www.lakewoodcityschools.org

March 15, 2007...  With lots of hard work, solid management, and the dedication of teachers and staff, Lakewood's Westshore Career and Technical District accomplished something that only five other Career and Technical Districts in the state have -- meeting all state indicators.

"This means we received and A+ from the state!" says Westshore Coordinator Linda Thayer.

There are 92 Career and Technical Districts in the state of Ohio.  "We are proud and happy to have met all indicators!" says Mrs. Thayer.  These indicators include High School Graduation, Academic Achievement Standard, Post Program Placement, Completion of Non-traditional Programs, and Attendance.

The Westshore Career and Technical District, serving students in Lakewood, Bay Village, Rocky River and Westlake, is housed at Lakewood High School.  For more information, contact Linda Thayer, Coordinator, Westshore Career and Technical District, 216-529-4155.

March 14, 2007...  On March 15, Lakewood High School student Reid FitzGerald is one of three young panelists to participate in The City Club of Cleveland's March luncheon, "Teens as News Consumers" event.

Network TV, public broadcasting, radio, newspapers, magazines, social websites, podcasts, email, online news sites, cable TV, and independent media; the next generation of news consumers has more news sources than ever!  Some sources they use and others they ignore.  Why?

The question will be answered when Reid and two other students participate in "The Future of News Media: In Their Words - Teens as Media Consumers & Predictors."

This Society of Professional Journalists event at The City Club of Cleveland features high school and college age panelists who will discuss how and why they use and don't use traditional and newer media.  In addition to revealing their news habits, the young panelists will make their predictions on where mainstream TV, print, web and radio will go next to keep and attract their attention, and they'll take your questions.

SPJ's featured young panelists at The City Club of Cleveland are:

• Lakewood High School's Reid FitzGerald
• Cleveland State University's Michelle McCafferty, and
• John Carroll University's Katie Mahoney.
• SPJ President Richard Hendrickson is moderator.

Program begins at noon.

Lakewood City School District, 1470 Warren Road, Lakewood Ohio 44107.  For more information call 216-529-4727, email asklakewoodschools@lakewood.k12.oh.us or visit www.lakewoodcityschools.org

March 8, 2007...  The Lakewood Board of Education will hold its regular board meeting Monday, March 12, 2007 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Horace Mann Middle School, 1215 West Clifton Blvd.

The Board will honor several students and teachers in the district for excellence including:

Kieren Dillane -- Competing in the World Irish Dance Championship in Glasgow, Scotland in April;

Caleb McKinsey -- Award Winner for Self Advocacy in Region One of the Council of Exceptional Children; and

Teacher Belinda Lowrie and students from Emerson Middle School for ranking highest in the nation for the FBI Internet Safety Program.

The meeting is open to the public and all are welcome.

March 7, 2007...  In preparation for the closing of four more of Lakewood's school buildings at the end of the school year, the Celebration Committee is asking anyone who attended these schools to provide memorabilia from their days as students or teachers.  Items needed include photos, yearbooks, gym or band uniforms, and any other memories that alumni of these schools may want to share!

The community will be saying goodbye to: Emerson and Horace Mann Middle Schools, which will become elementary schools after renovation, Franklin Elementary School and the old Harding Middle School, which will be demolished as the new Harding will open in fall of 2007.

Tentative plans call for the decommissioning of the buildings to take place May 6, 2007.

For more information on donating memorabilia, contact the buildings at (216)

Emerson -- 529-4241
Horace Mann -- 529-4287
Franklin -- 529-4221
Harding -- 529-4261

More details on the closing ceremonies will follow, and will include speeches, music and more!

Lakewood City School District, 1470 Warren Road, Lakewood Ohio 44107.  For more information call 216-529-4727, email asklakewoodschools@lakewood.k12.oh.us or visit www.lakewoodcityschools.org

March 7, 2007...  Lakewood Mayor Thomas J. George, Lakewood City Council and the Lakewood City School District understand the value of working together and staying informed.  On February 26th, a joint City Council & School Board meeting was held at Lakewood City Hall, bringing the leaders of our city and schools together.

The schools presented the following information:

1. Construction Update presented by Construction Manager Bob Teitenburg, complete with up to date photos;
2. School District Phase II Update; and
3. Transition Update with visuals for the new elementary and middle school boundaries.

"It is important that we work together, continue communicating, and serve our community efficiently," said Dr. David Estrop, Superintendent, Lakewood City School District.

"The City and the Schools have a wonderful relationship," stated Mayor George.  "Any opportunity we have to share ideas and work together is a positive experience and coincides with the mission of the Lakewood Cares Coalition."

Lakewood City School District, 1470 Warren Road, Lakewood Ohio 44107.  For more information call 216-529-4727, email asklakewoodschools@lakewood.k12.oh.us or visit www.lakewoodcityschools.org

March 6, 2007... In just a few short months, the doors will open to two brand new middle schools in Lakewood.  As part of getting ready for going from a three middle school district to a two middle school district, teachers, staff, parents and students have been working on the clubs and athletics that will be offered.  A presentation from the Middle School Interscholastic Athletic Program and Co-Curricular Program Committee last night, and approved by the Board of Education, outlined the expanded athletic programs coming next fall for middle school students in Lakewood.  The committee began by asking these questions:

March 5, 2007... May 6, 2007 is the day that the community of Lakewood will say goodbye to several beloved buildings and hello to four brand new ones!  Ceremonies are planned to decommission Emerson, Franklin, Horace Mann and Harding.  Emerson and Horace Mann will be renovated into elementary schools.  The old Harding will be demolished and no decision has been made on what will become of Franklin Elementary School.

Commissioning ceremonies for the new Harrison and Hayes Elementary Schools and Garfield and Harding Middle Schools are also set for May 6.

This will be a truly historical and news worthy day in the community of Lakewood!  Please plan to join us!

The schedules are still being finalized.  More details will follow as they become available.

Lakewood City School District, 1470 Warren Road, Lakewood Ohio 44107.  For more information call 216-529-4727, email asklakewoodschools@lakewood.k12.oh.us or visit www.lakewoodcityschools.org

March 1, 2007... High School students in the Interactive Media program at Lakewood High School wanted to use their design skills for a worthwhile cause and give back to the community.  They decided to use the skills they are learning to create a fun, comforting and unique activity book for children hospitalized at Lakewood Hospital.  Teacher Joan Pitchler says the students were very enthusiastic about the project and the books are works of art!

The West Shore Career and Technical District, housed at Lakewood High School, provides programs for high tech, high demand careers.  Students can learn more about the many exciting programs offered through the West Shore Career and Technical District by talking to their high school counselors at Bay, Rocky River, Westlake or Lakewood High School or contacting the West Shore Technical office at 216-529-4163.

Lakewood City School District, 1470 Warren Road, Lakewood Ohio 44107.  For more information call 216-529-4727, email asklakewoodschools@lakewood.k12.oh.us or visit www.lakewoodcityschools.org

February 28, 2007... The Lakewood City School District has redrawn the elementary school boundaries to reflect changes in enrollment, the closing of Franklin Elementary School and the anticipated opening in Fall of 2007 of two brand new elementary school buildings.

Parents have been anxious to find out where their children will be going to school.  Letters with maps and explanations specific to each student will be mailed midweek.

Lakewood City School District, 1470 Warren Road, Lakewood Ohio 44107.  For more information call 216-529-4727, email asklakewoodschools@lakewood.k12.oh.us or visit www.lakewoodcityschools.org

February 28, 2007... The Lakewood Board of Education will hold its regular board meeting Monday, March 5, 2007 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Board of Education building, 1470 Warren Road.

A presentation of the new Middle School Athletics and Extracurricular programs will be held, as Lakewood gets ready to transition from a 3-middle school system to a 2-middle school system.

Also, Lakewood High School Culinary Arts Teacher Marty Nagele will be recognized for her award for Teaching Excellence in Ohio, and a unique work of art will be presented to the Board of Education by Artist Barbara Breese Winbigler, an LHS alumnus, who wanted to give back to her school community

The meeting is open to the public and all are welcome.

Lakewood City School District, 1470 Warren Road, Lakewood Ohio 44107.  For more information call 216-529-4727, email asklakewoodschools@lakewood.k12.oh.us or visit www.lakewoodcityschools.org

February 27, 2007... The 39th annual Business Professionals of America State Competitive Events Conference will be held March 8th and 9th, 2007 at the Hyatt-Regency in downtown Columbus.  Lakewood High School will send 22 students who have qualified for state by placing in regional skills contests.

The two-day conference will bring together students from 16 regions in Ohio to compete for spots in the national convention in New York City.  Students will display their skills in 64 different contests.  LHS hopes to be well represented on the awards stand at Veterans Memorial Auditorium.  The following students advanced to state competition with a top finish at regionals:

Ken Kinder - 1st place in Computerized Accounting;
Joe Mastrodonato - 2nd place in Computerized Accounting;
Adam Hrdlicka, Sonia Leros, Andrea Price and Alex Ramos - 1st place in Financial Analyst team;
Amanda Blazek - 1st place in Basic Office Systems;
Meredith Ross - 1st place in Desktop Publishing;
Stephanie Washington - 1st place in Advanced Interview;
Kristen Shank - 1st place in Advanced Office Procedures;
Rachel DeCurtis - 2nd place in Advanced Office Procedures;
Melissa Rivera - 1st place in Medical Office Procedures;
Roxanne Rakicevic - 2nd place in Medical Office Procedures;
Kelly Runcis - 1st place in Prepared Speech;
Chris Golden and Steve McMaster - 1st place in Web Application Team;
Patrick Beargie - 1st place in Extemporaneous Speech;
Adam Cody, Pat Hayes and Leon Mengri - 1st place in Small Business Management Team;
Maggie Bihn - 1st place in Entrepreneurship; and
Paul Woidke - 1st place in Digital Media.

All of the winners are members of the following West Shore Career Technical classes:  Accounting and Financial Services (Mr. Ventura), Business Management (Mr. Gruss), CISCO (Mrs. Chevalier), Interactive Media (Mrs. Pitchler), and Medical Office Procedures (Mrs. Martin).  Congratulations to all the regional competitors and good luck to all LHS Career-Tech state qualifiers.

February 27, 2007... The Guidance Department of Lakewood High School is sponsoring an evening to assist college bound juniors and their parents.  The College Planning meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 6th, 2007 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the LHS Civic Auditorium, 14100 Franklin Boulevard.

Guest speakers include Admissions Counselor Tina Cockran from Baldwin Wallace College, Jill Oakley-Jeppe from Cleveland State University, and Dr. Michael Tomascheyk from Cuyahoga Community College, Western Campus.

All college bound juniors and their parents are encouraged to attend this important program.

Lakewood City School District, 1470 Warren Road, Lakewood Ohio 44107.  For more information call 216-529-4727, email asklakewoodschools@lakewood.k12.oh.us or visit www.lakewoodcityschools.org

February 26, 2007... The Lakewood Public Schools Alumni Foundation received a $50,000 gift from Mr. George Read, a Lakewood Alumnus and entrepreneur.

Mrs. Teresa Andreani, Executive Director of the Lakewood Public Schools Alumni Foundation, says, "I spoke with him by telephone to express our gratitude.  He indicated that he and Mrs. Read are well.  They very much enjoy the notes they receive from students and teachers and are always eager to receive video (DVD) and audio recordings of our students."

Mrs. Andreani says the Foundation's Board of Trustees will evaluate the levels of funding in the three funds Mr. & Mrs. Read have endowed:  Music Operating Fund, Music Education and Scholarship Fund, and Cleveland Orchestra Concert Fund as they determine how best to allocate this gift.

Recent gifts purchased by the George P. Read Music Operating Fund include a marimba for the high school band and timpani for the two new middle school band programs.  In addition, each elementary school music teacher will receive a $1,000 stipend to purchase whatever is specifically needed for their school's music program.  The George P. Read Cleveland Orchestra Concert Fund annually underwrites the cost of transportation to the Cleveland Orchestra concert for all Lakewood City Schools 4th and 5th grade students, and pays the ticket cost for students with financial hardships.

Since his first gift in 1998, Mr. Read has generously donated more than $500,000 to support music and music education in the Lakewood City Schools.  He and his wife Phyllis currently reside in Dallas, Texas, but enjoy visiting Lakewood when they are able.

For more information, contact Teresa Andreani, Executive Director of the Lakewood Public Schools Alumni Foundation, at 216-529-4033.

February 20, 2007... The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation at Nova Southeastern University will be announcing the winners of the January Internet Safety Challenge on February 22, 2007, starting at 1:50 p.m. at Lakewood City School District's Emerson Middle School, 13439 Clifton Boulevard.

Emerson is the January winner of the national FBI-SOS Internet Challenge and in recognition of their achievement, the FBI-SOS trophy will be presented to the school and the five students with the top scores will be named.

In January, a total of 488 students in the United States took part in the challenge that educates students about Internet safety in a fun and entertaining way.  The students surfed the Internet at pre-screened sites, on a scavenger hunt of Internet safety clues to assist them in the challenge quiz.  Along the way, the children learned important lessons on how they can protect themselves while engaged in web-based activities.  The students took the quiz with their newly acquired Internet safety knowledge.  The 70 students at Emerson Middle School scored the highest in the country in January.

"We take the safety and security of our students very seriously.  We are happy to work with the FBI to help inform and protect students on the Internet," says Dr. David Estrop, Superintendent, Lakewood City School District.

"The FBI-SOS Challenge is a fun way to reinforce important Internet safety guidelines for children.  The Challenge uses Internet surfing and competition among students to educate about the dangers of the Internet," says Special Agent in Charge Frank Figliuzzi of the Cleveland FBI.

This program was developed with the cooperation of the FBI Crimes Against Children Unit at the Miami FBI Field Office and is administered by The Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation, part of the Fischler School of Education.  For more information or to start your school district in this free program, contact Cleveland FBI Outreach Specialist J. Colleen Brown at (216) 622-6615 or j.colleen.brown@ic.fbi.gov.  Visit the challenge site at www.fbi-sos.org.

Lakewood City School District, 1470 Warren Road, Lakewood Ohio 44107.  For more information call 216-529-4727, email asklakewoodschools@lakewood.k12.oh.us or visit www.lakewoodcityschools.org