Scottsbluff Public Schools

About Lake Minatare

Lake Minatare Elementary is the smallest building in the Scottsbluff Public School District. Although the history of the school dates back to 1889, the current school building was completed in 1966, and designed to accommodate the newly consolidated districts of Lake Minatare, Fairview, Hillcrest and Hope. Now, it is the neighborhood school made up of five classrooms with an attendance area of 160 square miles.

Even though it is a smaller school, Lake Minatare Elementary has blended the curriculum and structures of the larger district with the spirit and customs of the country school.

The school community cherishes the character and closeness of a small school. Families become close to the teachers and look forward to the unique activities and experiences of each classroom. The school has a strong, supportive parent body that shares the schools high expectations for behavior, character development and academic achievement.

Principal's Message

Principal Message,

Hello, my name is Ashlen Schaneman. This will be my 6th year in Scottsbluff Public Schools, and my first here at Lake Minatare. I have taught for 6 years prior to working in Scottsbluff. I taught in the classroom for 10 years in a variety of different grades from 1st all the way to 6th grade, before moving into administration. I spent three years at Lincoln Heights and two years at Westmoor. Having these numerous different opportunities has allowed me to see different settings and form who I am today. I am excited to have this wonderful opportunity and continue to learn more.

A little background about myself is that I was raised in Steamboat Springs in Colorado where I graduated high school. I went on to attend the University of Northern Colorado to attain my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics. I went on to teach in Fort Morgan, Colorado for three years before I met my husband Garrett Schaneman. I then relocated, where I taught in Fort Collins. A few short years later we were given a wonderful opportunity to move here to Scottsbluff, where my husband was raised. A few months before we moved here we had our first child, Carter, who is now 7 years old. After we had moved and were settled in I began pursuing my Master's Degree in Administration from Chadron State College. We now have two beautiful children Carter and Ava, my 3-year-old daughter, as well as three dogs and a cat to round out our family. Although I myself was not raised in this community I love that Garrett and I are raising our children in such a beautiful community. This school brings great history to us as my husband and his family as the majority of his family are Lake Minatare graduates!!

I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity to help lead this beautiful school and continue all the wonderful things that Mr. Behnke has implemented over the past three years and continue to see the school grow.

Our school had 5 classrooms with Kindergarten through 5th grade for the 80 students attending. We offer all amenities of the city schools such as art, music, P.E., and computer skills.

Mrs. Schaneman