Dear Lake Ridge Schools Students, Staff, and Families,
The past several weeks have presented challenges that none of us anticipated. The storm impacted our entire community, and our hearts go out to you. Every school building in our district sustained some level of damage. I want to begin by thanking our students, families, teachers, administrators, maintenance, support staff, first responders, Lake Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, community partners, and everyone who has worked tirelessly to help our community recover.
Throughout this process, the safety and well-being of our students and staff has remained our number one priority.
As we assessed each of our buildings, it became clear that while every school experienced damage, two of our schools sustained significantly more damage and require additional time to ensure they are ready to safely welcome students and staff. As a result, we will have a staggered start to the school year.
Tuesday, September 1 - School begins for Calumet High School & Hosford Park Elementary School students
Calumet High School - Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12
Hosford Park Elementary School and Early Learning - Kindergarten and 1st Grade
Our staff members at these schools have been working diligently to prepare their buildings and classrooms. We are excited to welcome our students back and begin the 2026–2027 school year together!
Wednesday, September 9 - School Begins for Lake Ridge Middle School and Longfellow Elementary School students
Lake Ridge Middle School - Grades 6, 7, and 8
Longfellow Elementary School - Grades 2, 3, 4, and 5
Given that Lake Ridge Middle School and Longfellow Elementary School sustained more extensive damage, additional time is necessary to complete repairs, cleanup, inspections, and preparations to ensure these buildings are safe and ready for our students and staff.
I understand that having different start dates may create challenges for some of our families, and I sincerely appreciate your patience, flexibility, and understanding. These decisions were not made lightly. We are committed to doing everything necessary to make sure that when our students walk through our doors, they are entering buildings that are safe, clean, welcoming, and ready for learning.
As we prepare to open our doors, I want us to remember that a school is more than a building. Our schools are the people who fill them with learning, laughter, relationships, encouragement, and hope.
The storm may have damaged our buildings, but it did not damage the spirit, determination, and strength of our Lake Ridge community.
To our students: We have missed you, and we cannot wait to see you! Come ready to learn, grow, make new memories, and make this school year your best one yet!
To our staff: Thank you! Your dedication, patience, hard work, and commitment during this difficult time have been extraordinary. You have demonstrated what it means to put students first.
To our families and community: Thank you for standing with us! Your support and understanding have meant so much as we work together to recover and move forward.
We are excited to get our children back where they belong, and that means in school with their teachers, friends, and classmates.
Together, we will turn this challenging beginning into an opportunity for a fresh start, a renewed sense of purpose, and a fantastic school year.
We are Lake Ridge! We are resilient, we are ready, and we are excited for an incredible2026–2027 school year!
Go Warriors!
With gratitude and excitement,
Chris Bajmakovich
Superintendent
Lake Ridge Schools