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In Chisago City, on the south side of Hwy. 8, sits a wonderful old school building on Little Green Lake called Lakeside Elementary.

This building has seen many changes over the years. At one time, it housed students of all ages. Once the various small districts consolidated in the Lakes Area, the building was used as a junior high school. Later, it became a school for grades 4 through 6.

Now, it services the community as an elementary school for grades 3 through 5. This grade configuration has been in use since the last major building renovation in 1986. At this time, Lakeside’s students come from the west side of Chisago Lakes District #2144.

Last summer, major improvements were completed to the entrance and parking lot in front of Lakeside. The main entrance in front of the school was widened and a pedestrian walking lane was added to improve student safety. The improvements allowed the district to discontinue the double loading system used to load all students at the same time. The system seems to work efficiently and allows buses to continue on to the Primary School to pick up more students.

The Primary School, Taylors Falls Elementary and Lakeside Elementary are filled to the brim with hard working students and staff! I hope that you find time to visit and witness the exciting activities, the diversity of instruction and the wonderful atmosphere in our school buildings. Lakeside’s next major event will be our 18th annual Science Fair. Over 200 projects will be on display from 4 to 7 p.m. in our gymnasium Thursday, April 6. Please come to Lakeside Elementary to personally experience the historic building, the creativity of our students and staff and the excitement of learning!

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