Pictured are incoming sixth-grade students at Lakeview Middle School. Photos provided by Warsaw Community Schools.

Press Release

WARSAW — Recently, Edgewood Middle School and Lakeview Middle School held parent nights for incoming sixth-graders and their families.

Both buildings had a large turnout of parents and students, and staff are thrilled to welcome a new class of seventh-graders for the 2023-24 school year.

Future Lakeview Tigers from Eisenhower, Harrison, Leesburg, and Lincoln Elementary Schools gathered on Feb. 9 in the auditorium to hear courses and scheduling for next year, as well as opportunities such as Project Lead The Way, National History Day, STAND Club and Maker Club. Lakeview staff highlighted their quarterly celebrations and academic honors recognitions which help to promote and recognize the academic and behavioral achievements of LMS students.

“We appreciate all the families who attended the sixth-grade parent nights last month,” said LMS Principal Todd Braddock. “The event was well-attended and we are excited to welcome a new cohort of students to Lakeview Middle School next year.”

The night prior, incoming Dual Language Immersion students also learned about course selections specific to DLI. Maria Burns, previous DLI kindergarten teacher and Spanish high school teacher, has been hired to teach the seventh-grade DLI courses at LMS. Burns was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and taught there for 10 years before moving to the United States. She has been teaching Spanish in Warsaw for eight years; first at the high school, then in 2016, she was hired as a Spanish kindergarten teacher in the DLI program.

“Helping kids develop their potential and become competent, loving, ethical individuals while teaching them about cultures is something that I have enjoyed for as long as I can remember,” said Burns. “That’s the reason why I decided to become a teacher. I am so excited to continue sharing the DLI experience with all of my students, and I am looking forward to a great school year.”

Edgewood Middle School hosted their Parent Night on March 7. Future seventh-graders from Claypool, Jefferson, Madison and Washington Elementary Schools gathered in the cafeteria to hear about course offerings, clubs, and scheduling. Some unique opportunities include EMS Robotics Club, GoBabyGo! and the Manufacturing Club.

“It was an exciting evening introducing Edgewood Middle School to our incoming families,” said EMS Principal JoElla Hauselman. “We had a tremendous turnout and the parents and students enjoyed having the opportunity to tour the school and meet some of the elective teachers.”

Having recently applied for STEM certification, Edgewood staff are excited to continue offering STEM opportunities through 21st Century skills, cross-curricular collaboration, and College and Career Readiness. Throughout the past year, Abbi Richcreek, PLTW teacher, has helped to oversee project-based learning training for Edgewood teachers. Richcreek is an engineering/technology teacher at Edgewood Middle School who teaches many PLTW courses.

Richcreek is also a certified Project Based Learning trainer from Ford Next Generation Learning and has been teaching STEM-related courses for the past 18 years. She has earned awards from state and international professional associations for her efforts in promoting STEM fields inside and outside the classroom. Her vast experiences have prepared her to support Edgewood’s move toward STEM certification.

As shared at a board meeting earlier this year, Edgewood and Lakeview Middle Schools have worked together to create a common curriculum and a plan to implement it. It allows the two schools to offer similar opportunities and classes, regardless of which school a student might attend.

“Edgewood and Lakeview staff are excited to have the new seventh-graders in their buildings,” said WCS Assistant Superintendent Tracy Horrell. “Students will receive a high-quality education from teachers passionate about middle school students.”

Pictured are incoming sixth-grade students at Edgewood Middle School.