By Matt Adler, LMPS Principal
As Lakeland School System (LSS) prepares to close out a successful school year, we are just getting ramped up to open the second LSS school, Lakeland Middle Preparatory School (LMPS). This time last year, the school site consisted of an expanse of land still being prepared for construction. Now, a year later, LSS, LMPS administration, A2H, Renaissance Group, Chris Woods Construction and ProSite are making final preparations to ensure LMPS is prepared for staff to begin on July 31.
A team approach is necessary to create and maintain a safe and secure learning environment which is differentiated, rigorous and relevant for all students. Our administration at LMPS enthusiastically embraces the task of making certain all of our students are prepared with the necessary tools to be productive citizens.
We have been assembling this team since February and have completed the hiring process for instructional personnel. LMPS has 36 teachers along with a counselor, library media specialist, instructional technology facilitator and an instructional facilitator. LMPS will add an additional administrator soon, and the hiring of all support staff also will soon be completed.
Coaches for football, volleyball, cheerleading, dance and cross country have all been named and the development of those programs is underway. Cheerleading and dance squad members have been selected. Volleyball and football tryouts will be occurring soon.
We anticipate a fantastic arts program at LMPS. The fine arts program development is also underway. We are coordinating a fine arts assembly on May 10 at LES, so students can learn more about the music programs offered. Instrument fittings will occur on a later date for students interested in the band program.
LMPS will be a future-ready school with an emphasis on technology. Our school will open with a digital learning environment and equip all students with a Chromebook ASUS C213SA. Digital textbooks and the learning management system, Schoology, will also be used to support student learning. The digital resources will support all curriculum areas and will allow teachers to use innovative instructional tools. Students will be able to engage in content and personalized learning experiences in a unique way.
The LMPS administration could not be successful without the support of the Lakeland community, LSS superintendent, Lakeland School Board and Board of Commissioners. We are grateful for the opportunity to create a learning environment which fosters excellence for all students.
Registration day is August 1 from noon to 7 p.m. On that day, schedules will be distributed, transportation information will be provided, Chromebooks will be issued and students will have the opportunity to tour the building.
We look forward to a great year ahead of us! Enjoy the remainder of the school year and have a great summer! We look forward to opening LMPS and the continued support of Lakeland Schools.
