Laker Elementary teachers and parapros work hard every day to ensure students are where they should be in their literacy levels. It’s a process, and Laker Elementary is dedicated to supporting students in literacy skills, one step at a time. Click the photo to the left for more information on the literacy support programs used.

The Laker Elementary DK-K program is second to none. Our teachers and staff provide a strong foundation in a caring atmosphere, and our students feel at home as they learn, grow, explore and celebrate with classmates. Children flourish in our DK-K program every day.

At Lakers, we are a big family where staff and students feel deeply for each other. We created this family atmosphere by addressing all the needs of our students, not just their academics. We have programs in place for preventing bullying, dealing with behavioral issues in a positive way so students choose responsible thinking over negative actions, and school-based counseling for students who want additional support. Our programs include:

• The Good Behavior Game (grant-based program in Elementary)
• Stop and Think Program (grant from U.S. Dept. of Ed, Elementary)
• Responsible Thinking Process
• School-based counseling services, List Psychology (District Service)

Click on the link below for more information on a Climate Transformation Grant Laker Elementary received that brought in the Stop and Think program, as well as other tools to help teachers and staff create a safe learning environment for all students.

Elementary Positive Behavior

Laker Elementary has two behavior interventionists who work with students on an individual basis, assisting them in academics and behavior. They work with other staff in creating positive behavior plans for students who need extra assistance. Our behavior interventionists are Sara Mater and Aimee Lemke.

We also have Counselor Becky Krohn, who also works with students to encourage positive behavior in and outside of the classroom.

To reward students who show positive behavior in the classroom and around the school, Laker Elementary offers multiple reward programs. One of them is Laker Bucks (pictured top left), which reward students for positive behavior in such areas as the hallway, lunchroom, gym and playground. Another program is Spotlight Breakfast (pictured bottom left), during which students are honored and parents join their children for a special breakfast. Each teacher selects two students each quarter for this recognition.  This program is sponsored by Thumb National Bank.

Twice a week, Sugar, a golden retriever, visits Laker Elementary alongside her owner, Irene Janik. The friendly four-legged furry guest listens to students read. Sugar is a trained therapy dog and she loves spending time with students. Students light up when they see Sugar enter the school and they love to share a good book with her. It’s a real win-win program for Laker Elementary.