Educators within the Lakewood School District are working to engage the community and get them more involved in both their area and particularly their schools, hosting a celebration of the upcoming school year with a community cookout Saturday. This day, organizers said, will include fun for the whole family with free food, free backpacks, music, and events for everyone.
The Lakewood District has been named a part of the North Carolina Community Schools Iniative for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. That initiative strives to remove barriers to student success by connecting families with valuable resources, health and wellness services, educational opportunities, and community partners. When schools and communities work together, students are more likely to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally, information from the initiative notes.
When asked about the upcoming event, Roseboro-Salemburg Middle School Principal Becky Hines said,“The Lakewood district has been fortunate to be the recipient of a Community Schools program. The Community School coordinators have worked diligently over the past year to help build a framework for sustaining supports that help the entire community in the Lakewood District. We are excited to share our first annual community day on Saturday and hope that everyone in our area will come join us and celebrate the start of a new school year. There’s a lot of promise coming our way!”
When Lakewood High School Principal Nathan Chabot was asked what he was most excited about for the event, he shared that he is looking forward to Lakewood Community Day and “the opportunity to welcome our students, families, and community back as we prepare to kick off the 2026-27 school year.” He stressed that this is “a great chance for everyone to come together, meet our staff, Community School coordinators, and local community partners.”
It is also, he said, an opportunity to learn more about the many opportunities and resources available at Lakewood High School.
“We have a lot to be proud of at Lakewood, and Community Day is another way we can strengthen the relationships between our school, our families, and our community. As a Community School, we are always looking for ways to get our families involved and connected because we know that when we work together, our students are more successful. We hope everyone will come out, enjoy the day, and help us start another great school year,” shared the principal.
Alicia Leach, Lakewood High assistant principal and district Community Schools liaison for the Lakewood cluster, urged everyone in the district to attend Saturday’s community day.
“I believe Lakewood Community Day represents what education is all about — building strong partnerships between our schools, families, and the community,” Leach emphasized.
Lakewood Community Day is more than just a back-to-school event; it’s an opportunity to bring together students, families, educators, local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations before the school year begins, she stressed.
“We want every family to know they are an important part of the Lakewood community and that we are committed to supporting students both inside and outside of the classroom,” stressed Leach.
The assistant principal encouraged everyone to attend because, she said, there “will truly be something for the whole family.”
Families can enjoy food, games, school-supply giveaways, and opportunities to connect with organizations invested in the success and well-being of all students. “Our hope is that every family leaves feeling connected, supported, and excited for the new school year,” she stressed.
Roseboro Mayor Alice Butler is also excited about the day and the prospect of bringing the community together.
“I am so glad to see our Lakewood community come together to support our students, teachers, and parents,” the mayor attested, highlighting the importance of working together for a successful school year.
There will be resources available to parents and students and fun for everyone. Roseboro-Salemburg Middle School Art Teacher Jemeikka Steele will be doing face painting and her daughter Gia Jasso-Steele will be drawing caricatures.