5th Grade

Mrs. Brown

I have had the privilege of teaching at Lakeview for the past 16 years. I attended Youngstown State University where I received my degree in Middle Childhood Education with specialties in Mathematics and Social Studies. I have since obtained my Master’s Degree at YSU as well in Educational Administration. I love my job and enjoy teaching. I also enjoy spending time with my family. I have been married to my husband for 11 years and we have a 8 year old son. My son is a student in the district as well. I am an employee and a parent; therefore, I try my best to be accommodating and understanding in both roles. I believe in the idea that it takes a village to raise a child. I am honored to be a part of your child’s education and development.  I am looking forward to a great year with your child. 

jamie.brown@lakeviewlocal.org

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Mrs. Dunn

I began my teaching career in August of 2000 and have been with the Lakeview School District since August of 2005.  I am a graduate of Hiram College where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 2000.  In December 2007, I graduated from Kent State University with a Master’s of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  Since I started here at Lakeview, I have taught 4th, 5th, and 7th grade ELA, 5th grade Science, and 5th grade Social Studies.  I am married and have two wonderful sons, Christopher and Sebastian.  In my free time I love spending time with my family and relaxing with a good book. 

betsy.dunn@lakeviewlocal.org

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Mrs. Graeser

I have been teaching Gateway since August of 1990- yes I am teaching the second generation for at least two families.  I graduated from Warren G. Harding High School, and got an Elementary Education Degree from Grove City College.  I have a Master's Degree in Reading from Westminster College and became certified to teach Gifted through  Ashland University.  Although the curriculum and the kids have changed over the years, it continues to be my desire to challenge and enrich the lives of these identified gifted or high achieving students.

I have been married to Joe since 1975.  We have been blessed with two adult children who have married and given us six grandchildren.  We love piano recitals, Sunday afternoon soccer marathons, tee ball, youth theater, and taking them to Disney World.  We have taught Sunday School to two and three-year-olds for more than 25 years (so we are on the second generation there too.)  We love the small group that meets at our house each month and the women's book club that meets weekly during the summer.

I think of Gateway as a deep pool.  Some students have been thrown in and will swim immediately, some will struggle, some will refuse to kick their feet and need to be pulled up from the bottom.  In any case, I have no intention of letting anyone drown.

barb.graeser@lakeviewlocal.org

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Ms. Kalafat

heidi.kalafat@lakeviewlocal.org

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Ms. Nicholas

I have been teaching in the Lakeview School District since 1994. Hard to believe this journey started so many years ago. I have had the pleasure to teach at both the elementary and middle school levels. I am also a proud Lakeview graduate so I am a true Bulldog through and through! I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Reading both from Youngstown State University. My current assignment is teaching sixth grade ELA.

I currently reside in Canfield making the long daily commute to remain a part of the community I love. I have one daughter, Carina Nicholas, who is a junior at Lakeview. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family including my two cats and dog. I love to read, bake, shop and be creative decorating my home. 

Each year brings new challenges and exciting new adventures. I love my job and look forward to working with the bright young minds of our future. There is never a dull moment  and I can always count on the fact that no two days are ever the same! I feel blessed to work with a wonderful dedicated caring staff as well. Each year I look forward to learning, growing and getting to know both students and parents. My door is always open. I am a strong believer in communication so please feel free to contact me anytime.

shelley.nicholas@lakeviewlocal.org

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Mrs. Schmader

I am so proud to work here at Lakeview Middle School as a 5th grade ELA teacher.   I am a 1993 graduate of Lakeview, and a 1998 graduate of Kent State University where I earned degrees in Elementary Education (grades 1st-8th), and Special Education  (grades K-12th).  

My teaching career started here at Lakeview in 1999 as an Intervention Specialist, teaching for six years. Upon the birth of my children, I stayed at home for six years, while doing tutoring on the side.  I was lucky to be hired back at Lakeview in 2011, making this my 14th year of teaching.

As a teacher of ELA, my goal and hope is to help students find a love of reading, while providing them the skills they need to be successful. There is nothing better than to watch a child learn, grow, and find confidence.  I hope I can help my students in all these ways.

My husband Michael and I are blessed with two daughters, who also attend Lakeview.  In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, reading, and traveling.

melissa.schmader@lakeviewlocal.org

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Mr. Turco

I have been teaching fifth grade math in Lakeview since 2006. Prior to that I began my teaching career at Springfield teaching a year of seventh grade social studies and one year of second grade. After that I moved on to teach a year at the Life Skills Center of Youngstown for one year. I was then hired by Youngstown City Schools where I taught fifth and sixth grade for three years. 

I am a graduate of Boardman High School. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University in Elementary Education certified grades 1-8. I also received my Master’s degree from YSU in Educational Curriculum.   

Students that have me for math know that my expectations for them are extremely high. Their success in fifth grade math is of extreme importance. First and foremost, their well-being and self-esteem is of utmost importance. Students know that they are able to talk to me about anything that may be bothering them and that If I cannot help them, I will direct them to the person who can. There is never a problem that can’t be solved. (In math too…wink wink to the math gods.)

I coach the high school girls’ varsity golf team. My 2015 team bought Lakeview a state title, while making 3 consecutive state tournament appearances placing seventh and second as well. If you have a daughter interested in playing golf, never hesitate to ask me questions early, and I can help steer you in the right direction.

Lastly, I have a secret love of LEGOs! And I support all OHIO teams: BROWNS! INDIANS! CAVS! And most importantly, BUCKEYES!!!!!!!

michael.turco@lakeviewlocal.org

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Ms. Vitale

I am a graduate of Youngstown State University where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Middle Childhood Math and Science Education. I am beginning my third year in education. During my first year, I worked with Weathersfield Local Schools at Seaborn Elementary. In 2021/2022, I worked at Warren City Schools as a 6th grade math and science teacher. I am excited to begin my journey with Lakeview as the 5-8 STEM teacher and as the Junior High cheer coach! I am looking forward to the school year and becoming part of the Lakeview community


Miranda.Vitale@lakeviewlocal.org 

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