Garfield Middle School students highlight Trades Day, nursing‑home outreach at board meeting

Principal April Patton and Garfield Middle School students told the Lakewood City Board of Education on Feb. 2 that experiential learning activities — including Trades Day and nursing‑home visits — are returning and producing measurable student engagement.

Patton introduced Antonia Nicholson as the school’s "resilient ranger" and described classroom practices that reinforce the Lakewood Ranger competencies. Students then gave short presentations about Trades Day, a post‑COVID career exploration event that connected pupils with professionals from construction trades, Lakewood Public Works, first responders, Cleveland Metroparks, cosmetology, culinary arts and health fields.

"Trade Day gave me and my classmates a chance to look at different careers and spark any interest we had in them," student Lucy said, describing a teamwork challenge that required nonverbal communication. Student Chloe said Trades Day emphasized "critical and creative thinking" and introduced careers such as cosmetology in ways she had not considered. Staff and students also described community outreach activities; several classes visited three assisted‑living and nursing‑home sites in December and delivered cookies, choir performances and activity books for residents.

Board members praised the presentations and thanked the LREF and community partners for funding and support. The board also recognized teachers Allison Heintzeman and Rebecca King as Lakewood Educators for contributions in STEM and the Bridges classroom; each received a gift certificate to the Lakewood High School ranger shop in acknowledgment.

Patton said the eighth‑grade program will continue with visits next month to Playhouse Square and a Cleveland State University tour and lunch, illustrating the district's emphasis on connecting classroom learning to real‑world experiences.