The five members of the Lakeland School Board (LSB) and their families were treated to dinner before the monthly business meeting tonight (2.3.20) at City Hall.
Following the meal, the Board moved to the audience to watch student performances from both Lakeland schools.
The events were to honor the school officials as part of School Board Appreciation Week.
Matt Adler, principal of LMPS (Lakeland Middle Preparatory School), alongside Joretha Lockhart, principal of Lakeland Elementary School (LES),
introduced a performing group from the LMPS Orchestra as well as LES students who shared their opinions of Board member responsibilities.
Dr. Ted Horrell, Lakeland School System superintendent, said, “We have the best school board members.” He added that with the help of the principals, students would show their appreciation to the Board.
First up were four students from the Orchestra, under the direction of Paula Bert Turner. The students were Marian Jamora and Sarah Wang playing the violin; Grace Choi playing the viola; and Ariela Deleon playing the cell. All four students were selected to the All West Orchestra.
Dr. Horrell commented he heard them practicing before the performance and thought someone was playing a CD.
Next up, Lou Ann Vaught, gifted learner educator from LES, introduced the four elementary students. “I know that you are always charting the course for our District and student success and I thank you, but I wondered what our students thought your responsibility was. So I posed the following question to them: What is the job of a school board member?”
Lawsyn Bogue, a kindergartener unable to attend, wrote, “I think school board members help our school, which helps our students. And if you are board members, are you bored?”
First-grader Spencer Muston said, “I think the school board members keep our school safe. If the teachers need something for their class they get it for them. They spend money on the things our school needs.”
Rowan DiNola, a 2nd grader, said, “I think the school board members make rules so no one will bully. Also, they work together as a team to help kids learn. They also make rules for the teachers to follow and help support the kids.”
Among his comments, third-grader Ravi Patel, said, “In my opinion the school board members make the best decisions for the school and students like me. They make decisions like making sure the schools are running properly. They also set goals for students to have the best education possible.”
Yashdeep Chaudhry, a 4th grader, said, “I think our Lakeland School System is one of the best school systems. Recently it became a National Blue Ribbon School. This is all because of our hardworking Lakeland School Board members, faculty, staff and students. It is continuously making progress. The Lakeland School Board also picks out (in my opinion) some of the most kind, funny and encouraging teachers and staff to teach us younger ones.” At the completion of his essay, he called each Board Member by name and thanked them for “Charting the course for our success.”
Dr. Horrell said the presentation was awesome and the audience gave the students a standing ovation.
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
