Principal's Message

Greetings Lake Scholars and Families,

Lake Intermediate is very excited to welcome each of you to the 2024-2025 school year. Lake staff is eager to reconnect with our 8th grade scholars and get to know each of our new incoming Dragons.  

My name is Denise Kirkman and I am Lake Intermediate’s principal.  This is my 27th year working in Garden Grove Unified School District in which I have served as an Assistant Principal at both the Intermediate and High school level, Teacher on Special Assignment, as well as an Intermediate and elementary school teacher. 

Lake is proud in supporting Garden Grove School District Goals as we work to prepare students for life in high school and beyond.  Intermediate school is a very important time as our scholars transition from children into teenagers.  There are many challenges that go with this time but also many exciting experiences awaiting them at Lake. Lake is focused on achieving GGUSD District goal #2, which is to help students feel connected to school to foster motivation.  Students will experience how to develop scholarly habits that will support GGUSD District Goal # 1 to ensure they are ready for high school.  Lake community’s mission is to cultivate a welcoming and positive culture where students and staff are motivated to learn and excel, and that is accomplished by teaching our students to breathe F.I.R.E! Our scholars will learn skills to help them Focus, demonstrate Integrity, be Respectful, and achieve Excellence.  Our ultimate goal is for all Lake students to feel safe and supported at school so they can build up their confidence to take academic risks that lead them to reaching their full potential.

Lake has been recognized as a California Honor Roll  and a No Place for Hate School.  The California Honor Roll program recognizes school districts and schools that have outperformed their peers in closing the achievement gaps particularly among higher-poverty student populations.  The recognition shines a light on districts that are driving a culture where students learn fundamental skills that employers are looking for. This honor is an acknowledgment of all the hard work our staff is doing to help Lake scholars reach GGUSD Goal 3 and be future business leaders in the world.  

Lake Intermediate is here to serve and support all students and families as they are heart of our noble profession. 

Please do not hesitate to contact us via  Parent Square, email, by telephone, or just come visit the office, our doors are open to you. 

Respectfully Yours,

Denise Kirkman, Principal

Our School

Welcome Lake scholars and parents!

At Lake Intermediate, our teachers and staff strive to provide daily enriching opportunities for all 500 enrolled students. Scholars are taught a rigorous curriculum of 21st century skills to develop college and career readiness. 

Our Parent Institute provides parent education and involvement programs. Throughout the years, we have had amazing results with dedicated parental involvement. Here at Lake, we highly value the meaning of family and the importance of it in our students' schooling experiences. Educators work alongside parents to provide a quality, supportive education. Parents can get information about involvement in the program through parent square,  flyers sent home with students, the district and school websites, and the school marquee. We look forward to welcoming more parent volunteers to coordinate events and expand their own education via adult classes!

What makes Lake unique is that students develop social and professional skills as they collaborate with staff in the School Site Council. The School Cite Council is comprised of students and staff that look at data, funding, and assist with assemblies. Scholars learn how to be responsible through the important projects they take on, while coordinating yearly events and activities on campus. Our ASB also helps coordinate events as they assist with school dances, fundraisers, and activities. Our two hard working groups work as a team to provide fun activities through extracurricular involvement on campus. We are proud of our involved students and thank them for their yearly participation in making Lake a positive and safe learning environment.

Lake has implemented bilingual education into the academic curriculum through ELAC (English Learner Advisory Committee), which assists students whose first language is not English. Parents of English Learners are on the committee to help assist these students. Our educators and staff understand that incorporating a student's native language into their learning establishes a sense of comfort that is guaranteed to facilitate learning. With that being broached, our ELAC's involvement has helped many scholars come out of their shell and create friendships despite challenging language barriers.

The after school FREE programs are as active as ever, providing the opportunity to learn other subjects that are not taught during regular instruction. Here are our programs:

• The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) Program gives students a chance to learn more about the sciences and apply them into the real world. Our instructors here at Lake help students find their inner scientist and spark up an interest for a career in scientific study. 
• Lake's multitude of Expanded Learning Opportunities supports GGUSD's Goal 1, 2, and 3 to help students meet their academic potential and find a variety to feel connected to Lake school.   A list of ELOs will be update regularly on our website. 
• Writing After-School is an enriching program that encourages students to be creative and effective communicators. The program focuses on improving writing skills as well as embracing it like the art that it is! Students are encouraged to vent and channel their inner feelings via writing, improving overall well-being.
• Lake offers many different sports for students to spark up an interest in the world of athletics before high school. 
• AVID Tutoring prepares students for college's rigorous path. Participants learn to become skilled note-takers while learning effective study habits and tips. The AVID family is excited to welcome more members and continue sharing tips and tricks for long-term academic success. 

Our student awards celebrate the achievement and potential that our scholars have exerted. The Quarterly Awards consist of the Principal's Award, Honor Roll, and Best Effort. We also have the student of the month award, highlighting a hardworking scholar's success and having them create a good example for their peers. Students also receive certificates of accomplishment in various subjects. Finally, the end of the year 8th grade awards are where 8th grades receive awards in specific categories. This award motivates students before they embark on their journey to high school, allowing them to embrace their academic strengths in their middle school experience.

We appreciate your parental support and look forward to our students thriving this school year! For questions or concerns, please visit us at our front office.