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Below is just a sampling of what some of the alums had to say about coming back home: 

• “Watching these kiddos travel some of the same paths I did warms my heart. They are learning, as I did, about pride in self, school, and community. I feel like I've come full circle as a Ranger. From student, to graduate, to parent, and now staff, I am proud to be a part of this beloved school system and look forward to many more years cheering on our past, current, and future Rangers! 

• “I can't describe what it means, it resonates within you.  I feel most of us would describe it the same way.”

• “Being part of the Ranger community as an educator has made me feel connected to something bigger than just a job, and it’s reinforced how important relationships and community are to me!”

•  Lakewood (specifically LHS) will always hold a special place in my heart. It's where I met my husband, found my best friends, and figured out who I could be. It's especially meaningful now to watch my own children experience their "growing up" journey as Rangers.”

While most of our Lakewood alumni staff cherish the experience of returning to work in their old school district, there is one challenge many of them never quite overcome: calling their former teachers by their first names. Whether they’ve worked here one year or 30, the awkwardness persists. Most alumni staff continue to address them just as they did when they were a student, although some grew comfortable with in within a couple years. 

• ”I've been in the district for almost 30 years and when I see some of my former teachers at events  I still call them Mr. or Mrs.!”

• “It's still awkward! Some of my colleagues were once my sons' teachers, so there's still a respect there that I don't think will ever go away.”

• “It still feels almost impossible for me to refer to former teachers by their first names.”

• “It took at least a couple of years to actually call them by their first name and it never stopped being awkward.”

For many alumni staff members, the decision to return to Lakewood was inspired by the educators who made a lasting impact on their lives. 

• “Every teacher I had while going through the Lakewood City Schools made a different impact on me. The positive culture of the schools comes from the teachers, students, and admin. In addition, every teacher is accepted for who they are and able to be themselves, which was a huge draw for me.” 

• “This first teacher who inspired me to become a teacher was Tiffany Hickey, my fourth grade teacher at Franklin Elementary School. Her kindness and positivity radiated each day and I always wanted to be like her!”

• “In some way,  all of the teachers I had played a part in me wanting to come back to Lakewood.”  

Today, these former students are creating the same experiences for a new generation of Rangers. As teachers, support staff, administrators, and mentors, they are helping students build memories, discover their passions, and find a sense of belonging—just as their own educators once did for them. It is a reminder that once a Ranger, always a Ranger!

 

KATHLEEN WARD

West Shore Career-Tech’s Kathleen Ward found the perfect role in 2019 when she landed a paraprofessional position in West Shore’s then new Exercise Sports and Science program. 

As a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Kathleen knew she wanted to be part of the program and share her knowledge gained after years of helping others improve their bodies and health. 

Having raised four now-grown children, Kathleen was used to always having kids around and the chaos that goes with being the house where everyone gathers. So when she found herself as an empty nester with extra time, she felt being around young people would be a good fit. She remembered that she had enjoyed her time interning at Roosevelt Elementary for her senior project at Magnificat High School. So, she took a chance on coming back to the District after all those years. And she is grateful she did. 

Kathleen often uses her Vision of a Lakewood Ranger competency of empathy as she interacts with the students. “My natural mom instincts have been a gift,” says Kathleen. “I maybe have an extra set of patience, a little extra bit of understanding.” She also operates from a growth mindset, always reflecting on where she can better help a student on their journey.

For Kathleen, the best part of being part of West Shore and Lakewood High is when former students return for a visit and share how they are thriving. “It’s so satisfying to hear about their successes,” she says, proud that she has made a difference in some way along their path.

 

The article allowed for readers to see how their school district fared in comparison. In Lakewood, students gained .9 grade levels in reading relative to the U.S. average. In math, the gain was 1.5 grade levels. When compared to the Ohio average, our students gained 0.9 grade levels in reading (Ohio average was -0.7)  and 1.5 in math (Ohio average -0.4)

Our success doesn't happen by accident. It is the result of a concerted effort between dedicated educators, administrators, our Board of Education, our families, our supportive community, and of course, our resilient students!

Link to NYT article