Dear Lansing School District Community,

As always, it is a pleasure to write to you all. Finishing up the week, sitting at my computer, writing these newsletters, I am reminded of the great work of our district. I visited many schools over the four days and was happy with what I saw. Our schools are great places for our children, with loving staff who care deeply about the whole child. It is true that there are school districts that have higher test scores (though ours are improving), there are districts with higher graduation rates (though ours are improving), and there are districts with higher attendance rates (though ours are improving). But I would be hard-pressed to find any district where their adults outshine ours in terms of compassion and care.

To highlight this fact, I want to regale you all with a story that is emblematic of this ethos. Last week, I was visiting a school and walking down the hallway with the principal. She and I were chatting about the upcoming year, visiting classrooms, and saying hi to teachers and students. We saw a group of students walking to class when we heard a student fall. We immediately turned and saw that the child was ok and seemed in good spirits. The principal asked if he was hurt, and he let us know that he was fine. But then, a few seconds later, he started to cry. Of course, our "educator instincts" went into high gear, and both of us immediately went over to talk to him.

Well, it turns out he was holding a tooth he had just lost, and now he couldn't find it. It must've slipped out of his hand and scattered across the tile floor. So, we all did what anyone would do: the Principal, the Superintendent, and the child got down on our hands and knees and bent over to look for the lost tooth. We tried our best, but it wasn't going well. The principal offered to write a letter to the tooth fairy explaining the mishap so that the tooth fairy would know it wasn't the student's fault. But that did not appease the child nor end our search.

After a few minutes, it was clear we needed reinforcements. The principal saw a few students walking down the hallway and commandeered them into service. Picture the scene: the Principal, the Superintendent, the original student, and three or four others are scouring the floor looking for this tooth. Not more than 90 seconds later, one of the newly impressed students found it. (I chalk it up to better eyesight and being closer to the ground.)

It was funny and ridiculous, but it was also empathetic and wonderful. Finding that tooth was very important to that student, and the five minutes out of the day for me or the principal was worth it. What other district would have a principal looking for the tooth, being willing to write a letter to the tooth fairy, and be willing to get other students to find the tooth? It is a testament to the idea of putting students first. And that is what makes Lansing special.

As I mentioned last week, we are really moving forward as a district: test scores, attendance rates, graduation rates, and possibly even enrollment (we will know in the next few weeks) are all going up. Things are getting better. The district is getting better. But, the narrative around the district is still sometimes negative. Not all families think of Lansing as a place to willingly send their students. At the end of the day, yes, test scores matter, graduation matters, and attendance matters. But the care and love and support that our children get in Lansing matters more. I hope that the story of the lost and found tooth will empower everyone reading this newsletter to help change the narrative. Tell others this story or your own story of support. If we all work to spread the positivity, our families who "choice" their children out will come back willingly, knowing that their children will be treated well, even if it takes the principal and superintendent to be on their hands and knees to find that lost tooth.

Thank you so much for all of your incredible support of our district. Together, we will do great things for the children of Lansing.

Benjamin Shuldiner, Superintendent

Lansing School District

Lansing School District Board of Education Trustee Kurt Richardson is leaving his position on the board for a new job opportunity. Although we are sad to see him go, we extend our congratulations to him on his new opportunity. We look forward to what the future holds for this rising star and know he will do good things!

A schedule to fill his seat has been approved by the board, which under Michigan law, has 30 days to fill this vacancy. If you are interested in joining forces with our Board of Education, you need to complete the application before 5:00 p.m. on September 12.

Visit the board of education page on the district website to get started!

For more information call (517) 755-1010.

Stay tuned for invites to special events, staff and student highlights, and more!

Eastern High School Senior

We are thrilled to be featuring Antonio Leija as he enters his third year on the Lansing School District Jr. Board! Antonio began participating in the Jr. Board as representative during his sophomore year. He was voted into the position of Vice-President last year and now, in his senior year, he has been named President.

Leija really enjoys being a member of the Jr. Board and is thankful for and humbled by the responsibility of being the voice of the district's student body. His involvement in district politics doesn't stop there though — Leija is also a member of Eastern's Student Council. If those responsibilities didn't keep him busy enough, he also participates in the Varsity Club, Asian-American Club, and Latino Club at Eastern!

Antonio is chasing his educational goals with the same hunger he has for helping his fellow students be heard. He is a part of the district's 2+2+2 Engineering Program which begins during an admitted student's junior year. His second year of the program at the Lansing School District is completed upon graduation this year, and he will enter the Pre-Engineering Program at Lansing Community College next fall. The 2+2+2 program culminates with his final two years occurring in Michigan State University's College of Engineering where he plans on majoring in either Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.

Between his political interests and educational ambitions, Leija somehow finds time to participate in his school's Soccer, Bowling, Baseball, Tennis, and Golf teams. Suffice it to say, it's easy to see that Leija is all-in — across the board — with a clear vision for his future. Who knows — you very well may be looking at a photo of the next Neil Armstrong right this minute!

We know many things for certain though. Whatever Antonio ends up doing he is going to go all-in, amazing things will happen, and The Lansing School District family is here for it!

Special thanks to our friends at the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan, and Michigan State University's Chicano/Latino Studies Program, College of Social Science, and Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion for bringing this wonderful performance to town!

Space is limited so you will need to sign up early!

Visit the Ballet Nepantla Mistica website for more information.

Lansing Technical High School

Lansing Technical High School’s Chef Krystal Treviño, our Culinary Arts Instructor, comes to us with a strong background in the culinary world. Chef Treviño's journey in the culinary arts began at a young age, learning at her grandma’s elbow. The family-recipe enchiladas bring the memories flooding back for her — and all of her family. Treviño has formal education in the field, and she has since honed her skills through extensive experience in restaurant settings. Her passion for teaching and mentoring aspiring cooks and chefs has made her a valuable addition to Lansing Tech.

Her real-world experience in restaurants helps her impart critical practical knowledge and industry know-how on her students in a fast-paced environment where communication is key. Chef Treviño's teaching approach is characterized by her ability to connect with students, and she wants the best for them — even when they spill liquid ice cream from their bags onto the floor! Chef Treviño worked in the laboratories of Neogen in what seems like a past life, but that experience makes it easy for her to bring science into her classroom, regularly incorporating science concepts and terminology into her lessons.

Her warm and approachable nature creates a great learning environment for our students, and the partnerships she is forging in our community promises to bring them the very best opportunities. We have wonderful people in our community who are excited to work with our students at Lansing Tech and to help Chef Treviño provide top-notch experiences and world-class preparation.

Welcome aboard Chef Treviño — we're thrilled to have you!

When you think of career opportunities at a school district, the first thing that comes to mind is teachers, but opportunities abound for more than just educators here! There are a LOT of moving parts in a school district this large, and we employ people skilled in many areas.

Even if you are not a teacher, you can still find YOUR spot in our family. From nurses to public safety officers to technology professionals, student support specialists and so much in-between, we're bound to have something that strikes a chord for you. Full-time and even part-time positions are available.

You never know until you try, so make sure to stop by the Capital Area Michigan Works! American Job Center on 2110 S. Cedar Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 12th OR 28th to learn more!

Not able to make it? Check out our job postings online!

What is the Parent Community Advisory Committee (PCAC)?

Parents and guardians, district staff, and community members come together on a monthly basis in this district-wide council to cover important district information in more detail. During these "deep dives" attendees can learn more about the Lansing School District, its programs, staff, and other important topics. Attendees will also have the opportunity to discuss their interests and concerns directly with district staff.

Who can attend meetings?

Parents and guardians of Lansing School District students who want to be more involved and Lansing leaders and citizens who recognize the need for community involvement in our children's education are encouraged to attend!

Why attend PCAC?

If you're looking for more information or want to use your voice, PCAC is the council to join! PCAC is a committee that welcomes your interest AND feedback! Attend a single meeting centered on a topic that hits home, or join us for them all, dinner's on us.

Did you say dinner is on you?

We want as many of our parents and guardians to attend as possible, so we'll take the work out of the evening by providing childcare and dinner — all free to you!

We truly hope to make connections with each and every person who has a vested interest in our students and the city we call home.

Questions about PCAC?

Please call Cordelia Black, Executive Director of Culture and Climate, at (517)755.2800

Please join us for our September PCAC meeting.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) recently introduced a new set of speed zones on the East side of the city. Although the Eastbound thoroughfare of Saginaw has served as an access point for both Lansing Catholic Central and our own Pattengill Middle School for as long as the two buildings have stood, the speed limit remained higher than that in front of other schools.

The traffic pattern changed considerably though with an influx of students after Eastern High School moved to Saginaw from Pennsylvania, and what was once Fairview Elementary became the new location for Pattengill Biotechnical. This increase in traffic made lower speeds during arrival and dismissal times imperative for the safety of our students and the community at large. Check the below graphic from the Lansing Police Department (LPD) for full details.

The Lansing School District appreciates MDOT, and LPD for continuing to have our students' safety at the front of their minds as we enter the 2023-24 school year.

Stay safe, Lansing, and remember to slow down for our kids.

Graphic courtesy of MDOT.