Lakota Middle School
1415 SW 314th Street Federal Way, WA 98023
Phone: 253 945-4800 Fax 253 945-4848
Craig L. Tutt, Principal
Toni Fortunato, Counselor
Paul Reid, Assistant Principal
Mike Johnson, Dean of Students
May 9, 2015
All Families of 8th Grade Students
Mr. Tutt, Principal
2015 Year-end Celebration for 8th Grade Students
To:
From:
Re:
It is such an exciting time of year for our 8 th grade students as they finish all of their middle school
preparation for high school. It is academics and more academics until the very end, so please encourage your
student not to “let up,” in these final weeks of school.
Traditionally, Lakota celebrates our 8 th grade students’ promotion to high school in a couple of major events. I
stress to our students that this is not “graduation.” Graduation happens in the 12 th grade, but it is a celebration of
promotion and their accomplishments and achievements while in middle school. This year we will continue with
the events of celebration, however we have restructured the timelines for these events.
As you may know, our school has been the largest middle school for several years and this year is not an
exception. We usually have between 775-800 students. For this reason, we simply do not have the space to have
our “Promotion Ceremony” with typical attendance of more than 1000 supporters. Of course the priority is to
honor all of our students and share that time with family members. The scheduled events for this year are:
Thursday, June 11th – Year books will be distributed and 8 th grade will be the first group
Friday, June 12th – 8:30am-10:00am – Special Awards Assembly for 8 th grade students
This assembly is by invitation only and is for students receiving special
Academic/Athletic/Recognitions and Awards. Only families of students receiving these
awards/recognition will be in attendance. (these families will be notified in advance)
Friday, June 12th – 4:30pm – All 8th grade students back at school and dressed for their dance
Students report to the Auxiliary gym to line up for ceremony

5:00-6:15pm – Promotion Ceremony for students in the Lakota Gym. All 8th grade students
planning to attend will receive 3 tickets for family members to attend. Tickets will be taken
at the door. Tickets will be required for everyone in attendance. Students will receive the
three tickets from their last period teacher on Thursday, June 11th.

6:15 – 7:00pm – Dinner served to students only (in the Lakota Commons)
Family members will not participate in this event – just students and staff supervisors.
7:00 – 9:00pm – 8th Grade Dance – in the 8th Grade Great Room
The Dance is for Lakota 8 th Grade students only-students from other schools will not be
allowed to attend. The theme this year is “Glow in the Dark”. Families may contribute desserts
to the Dessert Bar. Please send any contributions to school that morning.

Creating new experiences and memories to carry9:00pm
with themPick
to reflect
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dance school days is the
intent and desire for all of these fun and exciting activities.
Please be aware that all students attending the dance will not be allowed to leave until a parent/guardian
picks them up. No students are allowed to leave, then return to the dance.
Finally, the last two days of school are “no backpack” days. Students can bring their yearbooks for signing and
have time to say their final farewells to middle school days, friends and teachers. We do not allow permanent
markers for signing, writing on clothing or writing on each other.
Thank you for allowing us to have your children for this short time in their lives. They have shown so much
growth and maturity since 6 th grade. The 8th Grade Class of 2015 is a great group of young people.
The last day of school dismisses at 10:35am. All students must be off of school grounds by 11:00am, so
please make the necessary arrangements. Thank you for partnering with us at Lakota Middle School.
Sincerely,
Craig L. Tutt
Principal