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As the new Superintendent/Principal of Lakeside Joint School District, I would like to welcome you back for the 2017-2018 school year. I hope your summer has been pleasant and you are as excited as I am for the beginning of the new school year. I anticipate an exhilarating year as we collectively strive to foster a culture of learning for all our students. I feel extremely fortunate to be working with such an exceptional group of students, families, and staff members.

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself. Prior to arriving to Lakeside I served as a Principal of a K-5 school of over 550 students, Assistant Principal of a K-8 of 950 students, and a general education and a special education teacher in K-5 settings. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science, Master of Arts degree in Education and Special Education, and I am currently working to obtain my Ed.D in Transformational Leadership. I am confident that my educational background and experience will allow me to successfully serve as your leader and provide students at Lakeside an educational program that meets their needs and prepares them for the future.

Our staff is committed to working with students and their families as a team. To help each child achieve to his/her fullest potential, the school provides both enrichment and intervention supports for students. We welcome all our families back to another exciting, challenging year. Always contact your child’s teacher first with any concerns you may have. Please know that I am available to meet with you in person or talk to you over the telephone to discuss any concerns you may have.

School begins on Monday, August 21, 2017 at 8:20am. Dismissal will be at 2:40 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and 1:15 on Wednesdays. I look forward to meeting our students and their families on the first day of school and at our Back to School Night on Thursday, August 24, 2017 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 pm.

Research shows that parental involvement in a child’s education benefits their learning and growth. These benefits are higher levels of academic achievement, positive attitudes, and greater maturity and responsibility. Because the benefits are so significant, I urge you to take part as much as possible in the life of our school. It does take an entire village to raise a child. Your assistance as a volunteer would be extremely valuable to our students, your child. There are many areas where your help would be appreciated. Please contact our Lakeside School Foundation for more information.

I look forward to a great year and to meeting all our children and their families. I hope you enjoy the final days of summer!

Warm Regards,

Shammy Karim