Student Life

Who Do I Ask for Help?: Administrative Changes at LSHS

Alice Yi, Writer

October 21, 2024

I recently asked a senior at Lakeville South what they knew about the new counselor and assistant principal system. Her response?: “What is that?”

I asked a sophomore, and she gave a nervous laugh, “Nothing?”

On my third attempt, this time with a junior, the result was the same. “What do you mean? I don’t know anything about it.”

It’s very reasonable for these students to be in the dark. A fast-paced high school life full of school, activities, a job, and endless commitments is already difficult to juggle. Changes to the structure of Lakeville South can be confusing to even the most organized. But especially when these movements are key to better support for students and staff, we need to understand how to navigate the new system.

What are counselors?

Lakeville South has introduced a new role this year to better support our students: the counselors. Counselors are now the point of contact for academic needs such as class changes, post-graduation plans, and skill-building across school life. Counselors are solely focused on these student needs, and are thus experts! You can ask them about:

Grade 9-11 academic planning, credit checks, schedule questions, academic help
Initial attendance concerns
Mental health/social support
College/Career initial questions
504s

What is the Assistant Principal’s role?

Lakeville South formerly had four deans, one of whom was our assistant principal. Under the new structure, all four deans have been redesignated as assistant principals or APs. The assistant principals will now focus on supporting teachers, coordinating school interactions, and addressing concerns about school safety. This new role is more administrative and allows the APs to plan for school-wide issues including:

Grade 12 Academic planning, schedule, academic help
Truancy Concerns
Discipline Response
Letter of Recommendation
Building Safety

Who’s your counselor/AP?

This year, Lakeville South is going through a transition period and will have a hybrid system. Grades 9-11 should look to their counselor for support, but seniors may continue to find their dean/AP to ensure their post-graduation plans run smoothly.

For seniors this year, the Assistant Principals are divided as follows:

A-Eq Ms. Eidelbes (3339)

Er-Kq Ms. Johnson (3335)

Kr-Ra Mr. Fox (3333)

Rb-Z Mr. Cradit (3334)

9-11 this year and all four grades at Lakeville South going forward will be divided among three counselors based on last name:

A-Han Mr. Uphus (3391)

Hao-Pac Ms. Hinrichs (3313)

Pad-Z Ms. Stoa (3337)

The Assistant Principals will be divided based on grade starting next year:

9th – Mr. Cradit

10th – Mr. Fox