Hear from the Experts

In middle school, students are growing in many different ways–academically, socially and emotionally. Having appropriate and functional spaces for students receiving special education services is fundamental to their overall growth and development.

Hear from Derrick Gaborski, Special Education Teacher at McGuire Middle School, as he shares how the May 12 Growing Together Referendum would improve special education spaces to help students receiving these services grow.

Physical education is a key part of the middle school curriculum. PE classes benefit students' physical health and improve their mental and emotional well-being. This has proven impacts on improved performance in core academic classes.

Hear from Sam Lange, PE/Health Teacher at Kenwood Trail Middle School, as he shares the importance of quality physical education opportunities on the overall middle school experience.

Lunch plays a critical role in fueling students for learning–but at the middle school level, growing enrollment has led to overcrowded and rushed lunch periods. In some cases, students have as little as five to seven minutes to eat.

Hear from DeAnna Tonsager, Cook Manager at Century Middle School, as she shares how the May 12 Growing Together Referendum would expand cafeterias and kitchens, creating more space for students and staff, and ensuring a more equitable lunch experience for everyone.

At the middle school level, many specialist classes must navigate complex schedules and shared spaces–limiting course offerings at a time when students should be exploring their interests and discovering new passions.

Hear from Matt Nielsen, Music Explorations Teacher at Kenwood Trail Middle School, as he shares how the May 12 Growing Together Referendum would enhance specialist spaces, reduce scheduling challenges for staff and expand learning opportunities for students. 

In middle school, students are growing in many ways–academically, socially and emotionally. For students receiving special education services, having appropriate, functional and supportive spaces is essential to their learning and overall sense of belonging.

Hear from Jana Bonnerup, Special Education Teacher at McGuire Middle School, as she shares how the May 12 Growing Together Referendum would provide intentionally designed spaces that better support student needs and help every learner feel included and valued.

As the Lakeville community continues to grow, our middle schools are experiencing larger class sizes and overcrowding–making it more difficult for teachers to meet the wide range of learning styles and needs in every classroom. Limited space can reduce opportunities for small group instruction, movement and the hands-on, engaging activities that support student learning.

Hear from Eric Alm, 6th Grade Math Teacher at McGuire Middle School, as he shares how the May 12 Growing Together Referendum would expand classrooms and add flexible learning spaces, supporting more comparable, equitable environments where all students can thrive.

As our middle schools experience larger class sizes and increased overcrowding, opportunities for meaningful collaboration and personalized instruction can be limited. Smaller classrooms and inflexible furniture make it more challenging to create learning environments that adapt to students’ needs.

Hear from Megan Patterson, 8th Grade English Teacher at Kenwood Trail Middle School, as she shares how more appropriately sized classrooms and modular furniture would provide flexible, student-centered spaces–helping students collaborate, stay engaged and feel that their learning is a priority.