District News

Lakota Local Schools recently conducted a public opinion research study to understand the community's views on various aspects of the school district. The study was carried out by Fallon Research & Communications, Inc. in February and involved 401 live telephone interviews and secure SMS/text-to-web surveys with adult residents of the District. Paul Fallon presented his findings to the Board of Education at the March 19 master facilities committee meeting.

Lakota Local Schools is proud to present its March "Lakota Gem Award" winners - the teachers, administrators and support staff who bring a sparkle to our schools. Selected from a growing pool of over 350 nominations, Lakota’s most precious gems for March include: Wyandot ECS intervention specialist Bailey Plummer, Independence Elementary cafeteria manager Tammy Roman, Ridge Junior instructional aide Jenny Iames, Lakota East High School teacher Stacey Lane and parent mentor of Lakota Special Services Terri Doerr.

Read all about the facets that make these Lakota staff members shine. Then nominate someone whose brilliance makes a difference in our schools. Next month's gems will be announced mid-April.

The Northern Cincinnati Foundation, in partnership with Lakota Local Schools and Phelan Insurance Agency, is accepting nominations for recipients of the 2025 “Lakota Diamond Educator Award.” Nominations are due Friday, April 11 and four honorees will be announced the first full week of May during “Teacher Appreciation Week.”

Formerly known as the “Lakota Educator of Excellence Award,” the new name establishes a connection to Lakota’s new Lakota Gem Award, which celebrates outstanding staff all year long. Recipients must exemplify all six facets, or categories, of the Lakota gems that the District awards on a monthly basis. 

The Practical Assessment Exploration System, or PAES lab, is a transformative initiative at both Lakota East and West high schools. Now in its second year, the lab provides students with disabilities the opportunity to gain valuable job training before they become eligible for the District’s transition to work program.

The Lakota District is soliciting community input on the 2026-2027 district calendar.

INTENT FORM:

Any student that would like the opportunity to participate in the College Credit Plus program for the 25/26 school year, must complete and submit the State mandatory CCP Intent form by April 1st. Submitting the CCP Intent form does NOT commit you to participating in the program. However, if you do NOT submit the CCP Intent form you will not have the option to participate in the CCP program during the 25/26 school year.

It’s time for March Madness…LAKOTA STYLE!

March Madness is a charity and community-sponsored basketball tournament in which Lakota students (grades 2-6) can participate to represent their school and help raise money for local causes.

Lakota Preschool, located at both VanGorden Elementary and Liberty ECS, is now accepting lottery applications for available tuition-based seats for the 2025-2026 school year. Applications for the limited spots must be submitted by March 21 for inclusion in the lottery. Applicants will be notified by March 25.

If ever faced with a natural disaster, Freedom Elementary students now have an idea of what a full-scale community response might look like. Most importantly, they know how to tackle each job and whether or not they’re the person to take it on. 

WE are proud to announce Lakota’s eighth annual Military Commitment Ceremony, honoring our seniors who have committed to serving in a branch of the United States military and those attending a military academy. This special event is our way of recognizing and celebrating the dedication and bravery of our students as they embark on this honorable path. Seniors who are following this path after graduation are asked to complete the signup form by April 11.