How Lakewood Schools Are Inspiring Student Success and Community Impact

Lakewood Elementary Schools: Many Houses, One Family 

Lakewood City School District’s elementary students now have another reason to feel at home within the classroom. 

The House System, inspired by the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, sorts elementary students and staff into one of five “houses,” Harry Potter style, where they remain for the entirety of their elementary tenure.

“The house system builds community, boosts student engagement, improves behavior and ultimately builds belonging,” says Allison Aber, principal at Roosevelt Elementary School, which was the first of Lakewood’s seven elementary schools to adopt the system. “People value their role in helping their house, and the overall feeling of family and connection across the building has been really rewarding to see.” 

The houses include Amistad (friendship), Isibindi (courage), Altruismo (giving), Reveur (dreamers) and Sollevare (uplifting). Throughout the year, students can earn points for their house through academic excellence, respect and good character, responsibility and school spirit. 

Each house meets one to two times a month for various activities, bringing together different grade levels and naturally encouraging leadership among the older students.

“Our fifth-grade students have really stepped into leadership roles as house leaders, helping run assemblies and plan events like breakfasts and fundraisers,” says Eric Fortuna, principal at Hayes Elementary School. 

Maggie Niedzwiecki, superintendent, says the system brings the Lakewood Ranger vision to life. 

“When students feel seen, connected and proud to be part of something bigger than themselves, they are more confident learners and kinder citizens,” says Niedzwiecki. “That sense of family and shared purpose is exactly what it means to be a Lakewood Ranger.” 

Saint Edward High School: Making an Impact 

The annual EmpowerED Maker Challenge at St. Ed’s, now in its third year, is about far more than making a final product. It’s about making a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

Led by computer science teacher Anthony Mortimer, the initiative grew out of a partnership with Youth Challenge, a Westlake nonprofit that connects young people with physical disabilities and teen volunteers through adaptive sport, recreation and art.

The initiative brings together about 30 students, divided into six teams, and pairs them with Youth Challenge alumni who have a physical disability and an unmet need in daily life.

“Our students organize into teams depending on their talents and what that individual’s needs are and attempt to develop a solution for that individual,” Mortimer says. 

In two separate events before the main weekend-long hackathon-style finale, the teams meet with their Youth Challenge alumni, identify the problem and brainstorm solutions.

“The students like seeing their creations put to work,” Mortimer says. “For some of the individuals, it’s been life-changing, and that validation to our students that they’re able to use their skills in service to others far exceeds anything that we could do in the classroom or for profit.”