Principal's Message

Greetings Lake Family,

Lake Intermediate is very excited to welcome each of you to the 2022-2023 school year.

My name is Denise Kirkman and I am Lake Intermediate’s principal.  This is my 24th year working in Garden Grove Unified 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 staff is eager to reconnect with our 8th graders and get to know each of our 7th grade scholars.  

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 in our children’s lives as they are transitioning from children into teenagers.  There are many challenges that go with this time but also many exciting experiences to look forward to.  Our goal is to help students feel connected to school both academically and socially.  Students will experience how to develop scholarly habits that will ensure they are ready for high level learning.  They will engage in milestones such as their first dances and be able to participate in club and sports activities after school.  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 also wanted to share some exciting news as we welcome  Mr. Gabriel Gonzalez as Lake's new Assistant Principal for the 2022-2023 school year.
Mr. Gonzalez joins Garden Grove School District from Downy Unified School District where he is currently is a resource specialist.  Mr. Gonzalez has served as the Latinos Unidos Advisor and is a first-generation college graduate in his family.  He is fluent in speaking, reading and writing in Spanish. In addition, his background & expertise is with working with Special Education students.   Lake Intermediate is looking forward to Mr. Gonzalez joining our team.

Lake Intermediate is here to support all students and families.  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 600 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 program 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 matters 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 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 Computer Program teaches enrolled students how to become digitally literate citizens. The eclectic choice of fun activities teaches scholars the art of coding and safely navigating the internet. We are proud to announce that the computer program guarantees digital success for the path to college in the 21st century!
• 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.