Welcome

  • 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. 
     


Teachers


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Makayla Collins

Room: 2129

Email: f38298@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Hi! I am Mrs. Collins and this is my 5th year as a Lakeside Lion. I graduated from the University of North Georgia in 2019 with a bachelors in Middle Grades Education. My husband and I live in Dahlonega, GA. In my free time, I enjoy listening to podcasts, watching true crime shows, and hanging out with my dachshund Buddy! Teaching is my passion and I am so excited to see what this year brings!

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Valerie Holbert

Room: 3011

Email: f43738@forsyth.k12ga.us

 

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Valerie Kistler

Room: 3011

Email: f36874@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Mrs. Kistler is so excited to begin her 8th year of teaching and 3rd year at Lakeside. She graduated from Georgia College and State University with her Bachelors in Special Education. She also graduated from Georgia Southern University with her Masters in Special Education with an emphasis on Autism. She enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and watching her students grow!

 

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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 7th 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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Sara Young

Room: 2113

Email: f38516@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Mrs. Young teaches 7th 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. 


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