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Lakeside Middle School's Learner Profile seeks to create a clear path to success for all students. We strive to support this vision through our English/Language Arts Curriculum. Through reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language instruction, we encourage our students to seek knowledge and understanding and to pursue continuous learning. Our instruction is designed to help students learn to read independently and think critically as they reflect on and adapt to an ever-changing world. We also want to prepare our students for the future by teaching them the communication skills necessary to engage and compete in a global environment.
English/Language Arts (ELA) teachers maintain an expectation that all students will read novels of their choice outside of school as well as any in-class novels assigned during the school year.
Language Arts Literacy Classes are designed to help our students become critical readers, effective writers, efficient users of resource materials, and confident speakers.Academic Language Arts Enrichment ( ROAR):Vision: A school - wide community of independent, lifelong readers who share their reading experiences with each other.Mission: To inspire students to become lifelong readers by promoting choice, providing opportunities to engage in independent reading, and creating an environment that encourages the sharing of ideas and experiences.Goal: Students will independently read 25 books of their choice during the school year.
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Makayla Collins
Room: 2129
Email: f38298@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Mrs. Collins graduated from the University of North Georgia in 2019 with a bachelors in Middle Grades Education with focuses in ELA and Social Studies. She has been at Lakeside for the past 4 years. During that time, she has taught 7th Grade ELA. She also helps coach the Lakeside Competition/Sideline cheer team with Coach Stephens. Her husband is a firefighter/EMT for Cherokee County. In her free time, you can catch Mrs. Collins finding the latest fashion trends or snuggled up on the couch with her Dachshund!
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Valerie Kistler
Room: 2141
Email: f36874@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Mrs. Kistler is in her 7th year of teaching and her 2nd year at Lakeside. She recently got married in March 2022. Outside of school, she likes to read, spend time with family and friends, and go kayaking with her husband!
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Carol Larkin
Room: 3008
Email: clarkin@forsyth.k12.ga.us
My name is Carol Larkin and I teach ELA, grades 6 and 7. This is my 37th year as an educator, and I am one of the original teachers who opened Lakeside in 2009. I was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and graduated from Florida State University (Go 'Noles!) with a BA in English. I have one daughter, Kelly, who is a senior at Forsyth Central High School. In my free time, I love to sail, read, and travel. Teaching has been my life, and I look forward to yet another great, successful year.
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Amy Petrella
Room: 2137
Email: apetrella@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Amy Petrella is a 7th grade Enrichment teacher. She has spent two decades teaching 5th grade in elementary school and is thrilled to make the transition to middle school! She holds two degrees from the University of Georgia (Gooooo, Dawgs!) – both a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and a Specialist’s Degree in Learning, Design, and Technology. She also obtained her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
Amy is co-sponsoring both Academic Bowl and Math Counts at Lakeside Middle School. She loves spending her free time with family and friends. She also has ten nieces and one nephew – and they keep her entertained! Her hobbies include reading, trivia, and watching UGA football in the fall.
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Katie Shamblin
Room: 2101
Email: f38474@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Ms. Shamblin is a 7th grade English teacher, and this is her 6th year teaching and has a Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary English. Because of her undergraduate degree in Journalism, she has a passion for building writing skills in students. She loves plants, salty snacks, and music. In her free time, she loves traveling, hiking with her dogs (Pippa and Indy), reading, and trying new recipes.
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Laura Steiger
Room: 2117
Email: lsteiger@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Laura Steiger is a 7th grade enrichment teacher. After 27 years as an elementary school teacher, she decided to “graduate” and join Lakeside Middle! She holds a BSED from The University of Georgia, and a middle school reading endorsement. Mrs. Steiger is married with 4 children. In her free time, she loves to run, read, cook, travel, and spend time with friends and family. She has a passion for not only teaching kids but also being a mentor for them.
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Robin Ryan
Room: 2124
Email: rryan@forsyth.k12.ga.us
My name is Robin Ryan, and this is my 24th year teaching in Forsyth County. Every year has been exciting and memorable, as I have been lucky to teach such wonderful students. Lakeside Middle School is a great place where I truly enjoy being around such enthusiastic students, staff, and parents.
In my classroom, I promote an atmosphere of safety, trust, and respect. I work hard build a sense of community among my students, and I emphasize the idea of teamwork. I value cooperation and collaboration both in my classroom and as I work with my peers. I believe that great things can happen when we work together! Lakeside is a place where I really feel like part of a strong community and part of a winning team. I am committed to teaching your child in a positive, supportive, and loving environment in which every child is successful! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my love for learning with your child. It’s going to be a great year!
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Danielle Worley
Room: 2113
Email: f39129@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Mrs. Worley graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2014. She taught 7th Grade ELA in North Carolina for six years, and has been teaching at Lakeside for the past three years. Outside of school, Mrs. Worley enjoys rock climbing, hiking, reading, and going to concerts with her husband who is currently a Ranger Instructor at 5th Ranger Training Battalion in Dahlonega, GA. She loves to watch movies, play games, and eat sour candy. Mrs. Worley is passionate about teaching 7th grade specifically. She loves the diversity in maturity and fits right in!
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Sara Young
Room: 3006
Email: f38516@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Mrs. Young teaches 6th grade Social Studies, 7th grade Enrichment, and 8th grade ELA. She graduated from the University of North Georgia with a bachelors in Middles Grades Education with focuses on ELA and Social Studies. This is Mrs. Young’s second career; she was an accountant for 12 years. In her free time, you can catch Mrs. Young reading a good book, shopping for Christmas decorations (year-round), or spending time with her family.
