Mike Clark, director of student activities at Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke said he is excited about the school’s events, new football season and the new school year starting on Sept. 8. Photo by Arisa Ishita/The Connection
Administrative staff, faculty and students at Lake Braddock Secondary School – home for the Bruins - started returning, as the first day of school is right around the corner.
With several events and activities scheduled ahead, Mike Clark, the director of student activities at the school, described the beginning of the semester - especially September - as “energetic.” Students go to different places during the summer, including overseas, and Clark said it is exciting to see them returning and sharing their stories.
“I look forward to the kids coming back,” he said. “That’s basically what our job is all about. Everything to do with children whether it’s academics or whether it’s athletics.”
Lake Braddock’s marching band members have also returned, practicing and getting ready for the new season. Once the semester begins, a variety of school clubs and activities hold meetings, becoming a place for the students to get together again.
One of the first major events was the welcome-back breakfast for faculty and staff held on Aug. 31, and more events to come in September at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Bruin Blast on Sept. 3 is the open house where students come in to get their schedules, lockers and buy their P.E. uniforms.
What Clark called a “kick-off picnic” is another big day taking place on Sept. 4. According to him, highlights include the marching band performance. This is the opportunity for students, parents and teachers to enjoy spending the time together before school starts. The New Student Orientation – for both middle school and high school students - are also held in the morning and the varsity football game takes place in the evening at Robert E. Lee High School.
September 8 being the first day of school this year, Clark emphasized that the Lake Braddock school community commits to a “safe and healthy learning environment.” This is a focus on their five core values: compassion, commitment, responsibility, respect and integrity, also known as “2Cs, 2Rs and an I.” In addition, it is important to know the school is committed to academics in the following way: “Our school curriculum is committed to helping our diverse student body discover talents, increase competence, develop imagination and expand academic and personal horizons.”
Back to School Nights are held on Sept. 9 for middle school and Sept. 16 for high school. For further information visit http://www.fcps.edu/LakeBraddockSS/.