Dear Lake Grove families,

Greetings and welcome to Lake Grove Elementary, proud home of the Leopards! My name is Jake Booker and I am very happy to be joining this extraordinary community of scholars, educators, staff and families. I know how fortunate I am to be working with a team of committed educators who consistently set high expectations for themselves and their scholars, with staff who elevate scholar voice, and work to build powerful relationships with our families. In the fall when we launch school I believe our communication, collaboration and partnership will be critical to ensuring every scholar receives the highest levels of education and support.

I earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and K–8 Teaching from Central Washington University, a masters in Instructional Design and Curriculum, and a masters in Educational Leadership, and a principal certificate from Western Governors University. I have been serving scholars, teachers and staff in Federal Way Public Schools since 2007. I taught 1st grade at Wildwood Elementary followed by teaching 1st & 2nd grade at Adelaide Elementary. Eventually I became a Teacher On Special Assignment working in our FWPS Teaching For Learning Department where I designed and led professional development for teachers on how to integrate technology into instruction. I also served on special assignment as temporary Dean of Students at Sacajawea Middle School and completed my administrative internship at Nautilus K-8 and Woodmont K-8. For the last two years I have been assistant principal of Valhalla Elementary in Federal Way. I am excited to join my new family at Lake Grove and look forward to continuing in my learning and growing alongside our scholars.

I am pleased to introduce you to our assistant principal Brooke Perry. Greetings! My name is Brooke Perry and I am excited to serve you as Lake Grove’s assistant principal. I’ve spent the last three years as the Instructional Coach at Lakeland Elementary in FWPS, where I grew to care deeply about the scholars, staff, and community that I served. Before that, I was a literacy specialist and 6th grade teacher for the Kent School District. I believe that every child deserves to learn and grow in a school environment that is caring, supportive, and has high educational standards. With that, I am also passionate about supporting teachers and school staff as they work to achieve their professional goals and provide excellent educational opportunities for your children. Although there are certainly unknowns that await us as we prepare for another year of learning, what I do know is that I am beyond excited and proud to serve the Lake Grove community!

Summer Learning: This year, FWPS is providing essential summer learning for all scholars. Engaging in learning throughout the summer months will support your scholar in being prepared for when we return to school. We ask that you set aside 90 minutes a day if your child is in grade K-5 and 110 minutes a day for grade 6-12. A daily schedule and free online resources have been posted to the FWPS website at https://www.fwps.org/summerlearning. We will also be mailing home learning packets to all scholars who were in K-11th grade last year. Packets should be arriving in your mailbox the week of July 6. We are also really excited to share a new experience geared toward our youngest of learners. Tune into FW Channel 21 Monday-Friday from July 6-August 7 each day between 9-5 to see amazing 20-minute reading and math lessons. There will even be math lessons taught in Spanish each hour. These lessons will give the opportunity for your child to learn and grow throughout the month and will be posted to our FWPS youtube channel as well.

Fall Re-Opening: Using guidance from the State and the DOH, we are planning for a safe return that prioritizes learning. What we know is that we will begin the year with a hybrid model (some face to face instruction and some remote instruction). At this time, FWPS is exploring several hybrid models that provides a combination of face to face instruction and remote learning. We have received input from parents and guardians, scholar and staff. The early results reveal the Pre-K-12 two day face-to-face and 3 day remote model is the most desired option. Please stay tuned for more information to come in the coming weeks.

Health and Safety and Re-Opening: Health and safety are a priorty. As we prepare for our Fall Re-opening, we are using the guidance from the Department of Health and OSPI. Our district is hard at work developing health and safety protocols with social distancing guidelines, arranging schedules that minimize contact, considering bus transportation and engaging in deep cleaning protocls to minimize the spread of germs. As part of ensuring a safe learning environment, students will be required to wear face masks. Please take the time this summer to both reinforce and practice the wearing of face masks. We will continue to place health and safety as a priority as we look toward the Fall.

Both Mrs. Perry and I are very excited to welcome everyone back as we launch the school year. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with questions or concerns.

Yours In Service,

Jake Booker
Principal Lake Grove Elementary
&
Brooke Perry
Assistant Principal Lake Grove Elementary