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Weekly Newsletter

Posted Date: 8/22/25 (4:28 PM)

A teal and white eagle head logo with the letters 'CJ' in teal.

Just Around the Corner

Corner Lake Middle School Newsletter

August 22, 2025

Welcome to Our Weekly Newsletter!

We’re excited to kick off a new school year with our weekly newsletter, delivered every Friday to keep you informed and connected. Each edition will include important updates, reminders, and valuable resources to support your student’s success at Corner Lake Middle School.
Starting in September, Principal Browning will also be contributing a special section—sharing insights, celebrations, and key messages directly from the principal’s desk.
We encourage all families to make reading the newsletter part of their weekly routine. It’s the best way to stay up to date and engaged with everything happening at The Lake.
Happy reading, and thank you for being an essential part of our school community!
 

Important Dates at The Lake

A schedule of important upcoming dates for Corner Lake Middle School.
 

Soaring Eagles

Let’s celebrate our students who are making a difference!

A young student smiles proudly, holding a 'Soaring Eagle Award'.

Liam Maldonado

For Exemplary Character and Leadership, Liam is recognized for his courageous and thoughtful actions during a moment of tension between fellow students. While others stood by, Liam chose to step forward—using calm, respectful communication to help de-escalate the situation and promote a safer, more supportive environment. His maturity and empathy reflect the kind of leadership that uplifts our school community. Well done, Liam—your integrity truly shines.
A smiling young woman holds a certificate, celebrating an achievement.

Camila Bigio- Aguiar

For outstanding achievment.in Personal Development. and Individual Growth, Camila is recognized for her remarkable perseverance and determination. Though the first few days of middle school presented challenges, Camila faced them head-on, utilizing her resources, seeking support and steadily building confidence. Her transformation into a purposeful & engaged student is a testament to her strength and commitment to self- improvement.
A smiling young person holds a certificate, the 'Soaring Eagle Award'.

Shane Stanley

For the outstanding achievement in Personal Development, Mrs. Then proudly
nominates Shane Stanley for his unwavering commitment to growth and excellence.
Shame attends every class with punctuality and purpose, consistently demonstrating a
high level of engagement and enthusiasm. His dedication to becoming the best version of
himself is evident in his active participation and thoughtful contributions. Shane sets a
strong example for his peers, showing that personal development is not just a goal- but a daily practice!
A young girl smiles, holding a 'Soaring Eagle Award' certificate.

Mariangel Gonzalez

For the outstanding achievement of significant progress in the classroom, notable consideration toward others, individual achievement, and exemplary character, Ms. Amber nominated Mariangel for diligence and perseverance in the classroom in spite of language boundaries. While shy in the beginning, Mariangel blossomed into a goofy and hard-working student who makes it her goal to succeed in her studies and putting in maximum effort into whatever is thrown her way. She is quick to pick up on tough questions and manages to breeze through them while going out of her way to participate in classroom discussions.
 

Exceptional Eagle Educators

Get to know our faculty and staff here at The Lake!

A smiling man with glasses stands in front of a 'Band' sign with musical instruments.

Mr. Kennerk

My name is Clay Kennerk, and my family and I moved to Florida over the summer from Indiana. I am beginning my 10th year of teaching music, specifically band and orchestra. Music education is the best job in any school, as I get to do what I love every day: share my knowledge of music with students, make music together, and witness their progress on their instruments and in the performing ensemble. I am excited about this opportunity because OCPS is one of the top counties in the country for music education, and I feel fortunate to have been selected for this position.
A woman with pink hair stands in front of a colorful mural.

Mrs. Creasey

I was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, and attended Douglas Anderson School of the Arts for high school. Although I dropped out during my senior year, I earned my GED a year later and began my studies at Florida State College at Jacksonville, where I pursued my associate degree. In 2015, I was accepted to Alberta University of the Arts in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting in May 2020.

In 2021, I married my Canadian husband, and we spent the last four years navigating his immigration to the USA. In June, we road-tripped across the country to settle in Orlando, where my family lives, and we are excited to start a new chapter in our lives. My husband has now obtained Permanent Residency status, allowing me to pursue my dream of becoming an art teacher.
 

Around The Lake

Students work on a laptop, using tools to make repairs at a desk.

Project Lead the Way

Students in Mr. Ho A Yun's Future Engineers class launched into the school year with hands-on problem-solving—starting by repairing broken keyboards to learn the fundamentals of engineering: identifying issues, testing solutions, and applying technical skills. In just two weeks, they've already expanded their skills and creativity in exciting ways.
Students are now designing prototypes for foot orthoses, exploring how engineering can improve everyday lives through thoughtful design. Meanwhile, those in the Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) course are building launchers, applying physics and teamwork to bring their ideas to life. These early projects are sparking curiosity, building confidence, and laying the foundation for a year full of innovation and discovery.
Two young people work together, focused on assembling a pink cardboard project.
Three students observe a science experiment in a classroom setting.
 

Stepping Into Style & Teamwork in Mrs. Hurtado’s 8th Grade ELA Class

Students kicked off the school year by designing their own “All About Me” sneakers—each one a unique reflection of their personality and style. But the creativity didn’t stop there! Through a blindfolded puzzle challenge, students explored the power of communication and collaboration. They also discovered shared interests with their tablemates and used those connections to build the tallest tower in the room—using only cards that highlighted what they had in common. It was a week full of self-expression, teamwork, and building bonds that will last all year long!
Two students in a classroom build a card tower together.
Two colorful drawings of sneakers, decorated with drawings and words, rest on a wooden surface.
A person wearing a blindfold works on a puzzle at a table.
 
A woman dressed in a yellow dress and red cardigan stands in a classroom.

Reading with Ms. Hatfield & Ms. Kassim

Ms. Hatfield and Ms. Kassim have had an incredible start to the school year, diving into engaging activities and meaningful discussions with their reading students. These first few weeks have been filled with laughter, learning, and a shared excitement for exploring new stories together. They’ve seen firsthand how reading not only builds vocabulary and comprehension, but also opens doors to imagination, empathy, and lifelong learning. It’s been a joy watching students grow more confident and curious with each page they turn!
Students sit at desks in a classroom, facing a screen with text.
Students sit in a classroom, facing a screen displaying 'Reading Plus'.

Testing

Thamara Capelli, Testing Coordinator

A school schedule for the 2025-2026 school year, with times for classes and lunch.
We will be conducting important progress monitoring assessments to support student learning and growth. On Tuesday, September 2, students will take the ELA Progress Monitoring Assessment, followed by the Math PMA1 on Thursday, September 4. Please note that students enrolled in Algebra and Geometry will not be testing during this time and will complete their assessments at a later date. We also invite you to be on the lookout for an upcoming Family Night focused on assessments—an opportunity to learn more about how these tools help guide instruction and support student success. Additionally, a helpful guide is available here to show you how to check your student’s scores and stay informed about their academic progress. Thank you for your continued support!



 

Parent & Family Engagement

Brittany Locasto, Secondary Engagement Liaison

Success Happens at the Corner of The Lake and Home

Welcome to the heart of connection between home and school! As your Parent Engagement Liaison, I’m here to support families, foster meaningful involvement, and ensure every parent feels informed and empowered. Whether you’re looking for ways to volunteer, attend workshops, or simply stay in the loop, this space is dedicated to building strong partnerships that help our students thrive.
Let’s work together to make The Lake a place where every family feels seen, heard, and valued. Stay tuned for upcoming events, resources, and opportunities to get involved!
A poster about chronic absenteeism, with information on its definition and effects.
A school flyer promotes good attendance with tips for parents and students.
Educational poster in Spanish about chronic absenteeism in schools.
A poster in Spanish encourages parents to help their children succeed in school.

Athletics

Brandon Prough, Athletic Director

Congratulations to our Boys & Girls Soccer Teams!

We are incredibly proud of every Eagle who showed up and gave it their all during soccer tryouts! The level of talent, determination, and teamwork was truly inspiring. Whether you made the final roster or not, your effort and spirit represent what it means to be part of our Eagle family.


Reminder for Team Members:
Practices will be held after school on every non-game day until 5:45 PM. Be ready to work hard, support each other, and soar to new heights this season!


A soccer team roster for the 2025-2026 season, with girls' and boys' team lists.
 

Clubs

A flyer titled 'Virtual Club Rush' lists club names, sponsors, and meeting details.

Club Information

Here at The Lake, we’re proud to offer a wide variety of clubs that give students the chance to explore their interests, build new skills, and connect with peers outside the classroom. From robotics to art, debate to environmental action—there’s something for everyone, and this is just a glimpse of what’s available!
If you have questions about a specific club, please reach out to the club sponsor directly through our school website. And don’t forget: all students must have a parent or guardian complete a club permission slip, which can be found under the Clubs tab on our site.



A promotional poster for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, featuring photos of group activities.

Other School News

Be sure to stay in the know with all the happenings around campus!

Promotional graphic for a Parent Academy online session, featuring families and text.
Informational graphic for Orange County Public Schools' Food and Nutrition Services, highlighting programs and services.
An event flyer for the Riverlake FFA Alumni's 1st Annual Meet & Greet, September 21, 2025.
Promotional image for CLMS spirit apparel, featuring two students in the school hallway.

Partners in Education

Become a Partner in Education Today!

The logo for Partners in Education features a dark blue floral design above the text.

Get Involved

Do you own a business—or work for one—that values community engagement and wants to make a meaningful impact? We invite you to become a Partner in Education and join us in supporting student success.
By partnering with our school, businesses gain positive visibility, build relationships with local families, and demonstrate a commitment to shaping the future workforce. In return, our students benefit from enriched learning experiences, mentorship opportunities, and real-world connections that inspire growth beyond the classroom.



Let’s build something great together. For more information on how to get involved, please contact either Jessica Roberts or Brittany Locasto.
 

Volunteer/ Chaperone

ADDitions Approved

Want to Volunteer or Chaperone? Here's What You Need to Know!

We love having our families involved in school activities—and we truly couldn’t do it without you! If you’d like to volunteer or chaperone any school events, please make sure you're Additions-approved before participating.
Important Notes:
  • Approval must be completed annually
  • It takes at least 48 hours to process
  • You won’t be able to volunteer or chaperone until you're officially cleared
Be sure to sign up or renew your Additions account today so you’re ready to jump in and be an active part of your student’s school experience. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you on campus!

A flyer for ADDitions School Volunteers with instructions and links.
Image promoting Corner Lake Middle School, with social media icons and the text 'Stay Connected by Following Us!'