

Shorian Nation eNews
March 2, 2025
Featured Story
2025 Teachers of the Year
Excellence in teaching deserves to be recognized. Lake Shore Public Schools proudly announces the following 2025 Teachers of the Year:
- Masonic Heights Elementary's Jenny Manor (1st grade teacher)
- Rodgers Elementary's Megan Buckman (5th grade teacher)
- Violet Elementary's Nicole Salem (1st grade teacher)
- Kennedy Middle School's Amanda Seiberling (Special Education teacher)
- Lake Shore High School's Dan Mumbrue (Social Studies teacher)
These educators are recognized for their excellence in content knowledge, classroom management, and passion. They inspire our students by awakening belief in self, manifesting talents, and being the light. They are truly humble people who have earned themselves a VIP parking space!
As a special gesture, many of our building principals invited TOY families to school to share in the big celebratory announcement! What an awesome surprise!
Thank you to all 200+ educators at Lake Shore Public Schools for being superhuman. You influence our youth in the most powerful way and we want to share how much we love all of our teachers!
Stay Updated
Enrollment is Open
Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is open!
Lake Shore is a place where possibilities are endless, and a Shorian education is truly life-changing.
Lake Shore Public Schools is dedicated to providing an exceptional education for all 3,220 students in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. Our students are empowered to thrive in an ever-evolving global society, thanks to the collaborative efforts of our committed staff, families, and community.
From preschool through graduation, every Lake Shore student is part of a dynamic school system that works tirelessly to support their success. Our guiding principles of Inspiration, Innovation, and Celebration are woven into the core of everything we do, shaping an enriching educational experience.
Lake Shore offers accelerated learning opportunities beginning in elementary school, and our students consistently achieve strong test scores. Teachers leverage the latest technology to track and support individual student progress throughout the year.
Our district provides STEM education starting in Kindergarten, and elementary students enjoy daily enrichment programs along with a full calendar of extracurricular activities. Our middle and high schools boast award-winning athletic teams and outstanding fine and performing arts programs. Additionally, Lake Shore offers dual enrollment and early college opportunities at no cost to students.
Families in Macomb County seeking a high-quality education for preschool through 11th-grade students are encouraged to explore enrollment through our Enrollment page. Sometimes, words can't fully capture the joy and fulfillment that comes with being part of this school district.
Enroll as a new resident or schools of choice student for the 2025-26 school year by visiting http://lakeshoreschools.org/enrollment/enroll. Please email Enrollment@lsps.org with any questions.
We are not just a school district; we are a Lake Shore family, a true home—and it can be yours as well.
March Madness
The Lake Shore Foundation for Educational Excellence (LSFEE) and Michael Agnello Jewelers presents March Madness!
- Save the Date: March Madness
- Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 at 6:30pm
- Lake Shore High School Performance Gym
Join the entire Shorian Nation as we cheer our teachers on in their battle to win the Championship of the Year!
During this fun-filled family event, you will have the opportunity to take part in games, raffles, 50/50 drawings, watch student performances, and root for your favorites on the court!
Tickets are $3 for students, $5 for adults, or $12 for families. Purchase tickets before the game online at https://tinyurl.com/marchmad2025.
THANK YOU, LAKE SHORE FOUNDATION, FOR YOUR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS!
Since 1986, the LSFEE has awarded over 500 grants; During the 2023-24 school year, their generosity has funded over $38,000 in projects! That's incredible!
The Foundation was established in 1986 for the purpose of using charitable contributions to benefit all Lake Shore Public Schools' students. They are now looking for new donations — raising money to meet the educational needs of Lake Shore's youth.
Their mission is to help students reach their goals of excellence by funding support for important educational activities not provided by the schools.
The Foundation focuses its efforts on these areas:
-Encouraging creative teaching and innovative classroom ideas and practices
-Facilitating student development through enrichment activities, scholarships, and motivational programs.
-Purchasing equipment and other durable materials to improve hands-on learning.
Video clip: https://youtu.be/E4H1ymxK3hQ
Bond Update
Lake Shore has a strong legacy of being excellent stewards of the community’s resources. We are committed to provide you with bond updates as we continue to prioritize our students' future.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are building a bright future for all LSPS students.
To learn more about the bond, please visit the Lake Shore Public Schools' website.
Care Solace
March is Women's History Month, a month to study, observe, and celebrate the vital role women play in American life and history. We will continue to encourage girls and young women to speak up, challenge expectations, and become trailblazers, pioneers, innovators, and leaders. And that includes encouraging them to advocate for their own mental health.
If your student needs additional help to reach their full potential, Care Solace can help connect them to mental health care. They will navigate the mental health care system, explain options, and quickly find available providers in our local community. Care Solace is a complementary and confidential care coordination service provided by Lake Shore Public Schools.
- Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365.
- Visit caresolace.com/lsps and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
We promise to continue to do our part to ensure our students are thriving and learning.
Stay Informed
Upcoming Events
Enrichment Classes Now Available
Chase away those winter wiggles with after-school, evening, and Saturday youth enrichment classes! From karate to Crayola Art classes, we have something for everyone. Check out our course catalog at https://lsps.ce.eleyo.com/.
Adult enrichment classes and travel opportunities are also available! Take advantage of cooking, estate planning, and exercise classes right here in your backyard!
Shorian Testimonials
Positivity Project
P2 Calendar
Under the guiding principles of our districtwide initiative, the Positivity Project, the #PositivityInAction mindset is our top priority. Because of our goal to inspire students to build positive relationships and become their best selves, we invite you to follow this Positivity Project Calendar. Note: We have made a few changes to this calendar; All adjustments are located on our District Events Calendar.
This calendar outlines all 24 character strengths, 1 highlighted per week. Our teachers create engaging and impactful lessons — differentiated by grade-level — and share through presentations, student recognitions, classroom discussions, and building-specific displays.
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People with the character strength of cheering others' successes are happy for others and cheer them on when they find success.
Superintendent Dr. DiPonio and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Lewis delivered Rookie Recognition certificates and swag to all of our new LSFT staff. It is important to us to make them feel appreciated and valued.
We asked these newbies for a success story and Fifth grade teacher Ms. Tavernier responded with a powerful example.
She wrote, "A success story in my time at Lake Shore so far is watching my students embrace a growth mindset and build positive relationships in the classroom. I strive to make sure that my students are able to feel comfortable making mistakes, and asking for help when they need it, no matter what it may be about. My goal is to encourage a mindset that views challenges as opportunities for growth through perseverance and determination. Many of my students have shared stories where they have used a growth mindset outside of the classroom and have seen the positive outcome first hand. As we have hit the midway point in the year, I've observed a remarkable shift in their attitudes; they are now more inclined to ask questions and be their authentic self in the classroom. They approach challenges with honesty and focus on making the most of each situation, regardless of the outcome. My classroom has become a supportive environment where students celebrate not just their own, but each other's successes. It is a pleasure to watch them make thoughtful decisions in a multitude of situations and apply skills in their everyday lives. They are eager to take on new challenges, and as a result, they are gaining confidence in their abilities all around. I truly believe that a positive relationship and fostering a growth mindset helps students unlock their full potential and become lifelong learners. I am excited to watch my students continue to develop and implement a growth mindset!"
Parent Taylor Lockwood said, "For a first year teacher [in the LSPS district] at Rodgers, Miss Tavernier has been wonderful! My daughter has enjoyed 5th grade so far. Miss Tavernier communicates with families, keeping us up to date very well. She’s always willing to help, she’s super funny and we can have fun with her while learning!"
From Kindergarten to Lake Shore High School and every level in-between, our rookies have become a special part of the Shorian Nation. They're family and they have so many stories to share since their first day.
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Looking forward, we are excited to celebrate LOVE OF LEARNING (3/3-7) and PERSPECTIVE (3/10-14).
Stay Safe
OK2SAY Student Safety Program
See something? Say something.
OK2SAY is the student safety program which allows students to confidentially report tips on potential harm or criminal activities directed at school students, school employees, and schools. It uses a comprehensive communication system to facilitate tip sharing among students, parents, school personnel, community mental health service programs, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and law enforcement officials about harmful behaviors that threaten to disrupt the learning environment.
Anyone can report tips on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees, or schools. Tips can be submitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
While continually evolving and reviewed annually, on this Safety and Security webpage you will find a list of recent and current safety measures implemented by Lake Shore Public Schools to provide the safest environment for our students and staff.
Inspiration
Invaluable Preschool Experiences
The influence of a good preschool teacher truly lasts a lifetime, shaping the early experiences of children in profound ways.
Brooke Atkinson and Mary Hayes-McEaddy's journey in the Early Childhood Education class at The Pankow Center is a testament to how dedicated and passionate future educators can make a difference. Their preparation for the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is not only setting them up for success in their careers, but also directly benefiting the preschool children they work with through hands-on teaching experience.
The course provides classroom training in the licensed “Teens for Tots” Preschool with approximately 20 preschool children (ages 3 1/2 to 5 years) from the surrounding community. Students act as “Student Teachers” in training, developing, and performing age appropriate lessons with the preschool children. There are 74 high school students serving from 4 districts in total.
It's remarkable how Brooke has already showcased her teaching talents by earning second place at the SkillsUSA competition, where she demonstrated her solid understanding of child development and effective teaching strategies. Brooke's experience at Pankow coupled with serving 30+ hours at The Cub House Playschool has prepared her for this career path. And her ability to engage children—especially her personal connection with 4-year-old Zara—is especially heartwarming, showing the powerful bond a teacher can form with their students.
Mary, likewise, is gaining invaluable experience, growing both personally and professionally in her role as a student teacher. The supportive learning environment at Pankow, where teachers like Kellie Reimer and Heather Turak provide guidance, seems to be instrumental in nurturing these young educators. It's encouraging to see how Mary and her classmates are stepping out of their comfort zones, gaining confidence and developing the skills that will serve them well in their future careers.
The impact of these teachers is clearly felt not only by the preschool children but also by the families involved, as seen through Leann Dinercurio's words about her daughter Zara’s affection for Brooke. It’s touching to see the ripple effect of such dedication and care. Zara's mom Leann Dinercurio works as a Special Education teacher inside that same building. She exclaimed, "We just love Miss Brooke!" She continued, "Whenever Zara has time off from school due to a scheduled break, she counts the days until her return. She misses preschool. But most of all, she misses Brooke."
Brooke and Mary’s professional portfolios will undoubtedly reflect the love and effort they’ve invested into their work. It's exciting to imagine them continuing their careers in early childhood education, potentially returning to the Lake Shore Early Childhood Center in the future, where their positive influence will continue to thrive.
What an exciting time for them, and for the young minds they are inspiring! Thank you Lake Shore High School for offering such an incredible consortium course for students.
Innovation
Violet Raises over $30K for Kids Heart Challenge
With over 460 students inside Violet Elementary, All-Stars raised a whopping $30,535.59 for the Kids Heart Challenge in 2025.
Violet is currently ranked 1st in the state of Michigan!
At the assembly, students showed off their jump roping skills, shared their heart stories, displayed their heart dedications, and were awarded the newest banner and medals. Mrs. Pecoraro organizes this important fundraiser with help from Senior Youth Market Director Cheryl Muscott.
Fourth grader Preston Javenkoski raised $2,412.77 and earned 1st place in at Violet. We asked Preston's mom, Stacy Javenkoski, how her son raised such a substantial amount and she credits his determination to help other heart warriors like him!
Javenkoski wrote, "Beating the odds is in Preston’s DNA. His goal since he has done his first Kids Heart Challenge has been to earn as much as he can to help raise funds for CHD awareness and research . Without research medical advances will never happen and heart warriors like him deserve nothing less ! Unlike other childhood issues/illnesses chds don’t get as much attention or funding and our family wants to do all we can to help change that . Every year Preston has been in the top few earners of his school but finally in his 4th grade year he has reached the top spot which is an impressive accomplishment. Preston is beyond excited to have the gym named after him for the next year. He has come so far in his heart journey over the past 9 years , he wants everyone to know you can do hard things and set and achieve goals no matter what life throws your way."
Muscott shared, “I’m so proud of Lake Shore for their hard work. Year after year, Violet has beat the average total donation of $3,200 in Macomb County and has been the top fundraiser in the state for years.” Violet has participated in this challenge for 25 years.
Our elementary students continue jumping to get healthy in honor of others! Congratulations to 2nd place Paisley Gordon, 3rd place Noel Brocker, 4th place Griffin Hovis, 5th place Claire Knoche and 6th place Audrey Trueter; The top 6 raised over $500 each!
Embrace the journey. The small steps we take for #OurHearts to reduce stress, move more, and eat healthy lead to a healthier heart down the road.
Celebration
100 Days of School
The 100th day of school – a perfect occasion for celebration!
Our Masonic Heights Elementary students had a blast moving through stations where they practiced counting and demonstrated their knowledge of numbers and quantities up to 100. It was wonderful to see Kindergartners assist each other with creating 100 day crowns, building with 100 cups, making a 100-piece trail mix snack, playing special 100's day games on Chromebooks, write a book called "If I could eat 100...", and design their own 100's day gumball machine! Colorful posters showcasing 100 items were displayed on the walls.
Kindergarteners and their teachers at Rodgers Elementary got into the spirit by dressing up as they imagined 100-year-olds would! Mrs. Sheats at Violet Elementary used a filter to predict what her Kindergarteners would look like as 100-year-olds! Her students also collected 100 tiny cows hidden around the classroom.
The 100th day of school is a celebration like no other, and Lake Shore Public Schools sure knows how to throw an unforgettable party.
Spelling Bee Champs
Thirty spellers, one winner. The emotions of the Spelling Bee.
With correct spelling of their final words like ointment, residential, and camouflaged, fifth graders Ayler Skebo from Rodgers Elementary and Caleb Smith from Violet Elementary will join fifth grader Tyler Duerksen from Masonic Heights Elementary and seventh grader Chloe Douaihy from Kennedy Middle School as champions of Lake Shore Public Schools' Spelling Bees.
Video clip from Violet's Bee: https://x.com/myLSPS/status/1888000906328752529
Masonic Heights Elementary teachers Mrs. Crippen, Ms. Knipstein, Mrs. Legato, Rodgers Elementary teachers Mrs. Buckman and Mrs. Semack, Violet Elementary teachers Mrs. Foster and Mrs. Husek, and Kennedy Middle School teachers Mr. Chesser and Mrs. Paver along with supportive parents, worked tirelessly to help participants practice for this competition. Round by round, students took turns spelling words from the official list. They were allowed to have a word repeated, used in a sentence, or defined.
While Violet Spelling Bee participant Kiara Murray shared that she was winging it, Serenity Smith claimed that she would read and spell each word on repeat for a total of 3 hours. Different study habits led to different outcomes.
Through the support of family and Lake Shore staff, these 4 students will be moving on to the Macomb Regional Spelling Bee which took place earlier today!
February P2 Recognitions
Congratulations to our February Slurpee/Smoothie/Shake Surprise Positivity Project Honorees:
Lake Shore Early Childhood Center
Rowan Quinlan - Kindness
Masonic Heights Elementary
Xander Wietecha - Self control
Zaiden Barclay - Kindness
Lily Pannette - Kindness
Rodgers Elementary Elia Mohan - Kindness Savannah Custer - Teamwork Rachel Russo - Open-Mindedness
Violet Elementary
Dominic Kenyon - Kindness
Hadley Schornak - Leadership
Cole Corona - Kindness
Kennedy Middle School
Emma Becovic - Integrity
Brady Donaldson - Bravery
Cash Osborne - Leadership
Vanessa Gregg - Kindness
Lake Shore High School
Donovan Ripari - Kindness
Susan Hoover - OPM
Kenneth Larson - Humor
Tyson Taylor - Kindness
Mr. Kelley - Kindness
Logan Hawk - Perseverance
North Lake High School
Pree’ona Randle - Initiative
Thank you 7-Eleven Store Owner Virgil Johnson, EOS Cafe, Coffee House Store Owner Tony Zarife, and North Shores Nutrition Owner Ashleigh Larimer for their generosity and sponsorships!
Athletics
Athletics Website
Spring sports begin on March 10th; That's a little over a week away. We've scheduled LSHS Athlete Headshots on Wednesday, March 19th during all lunches inside the Hub.
We have built an online home for our athletic department. Our goal is to bring our athletic programs to life by sharing schedules, scores, and social media while ensuring our athletes get the promotion they deserve. Visit the Shorian Sports website for 24/7/365 access to the information you have always wanted and follow along with our sports action.
We have partnered with Kroger to help fund our athletics. Please read this letter from our Athletic Coordinator Rich Bowers.
We believe a balance of academics and athletics creates a well-rounded student. Students who participate in sports not only gain the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle, they also learn lessons about sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork, cooperation, respect, and knowing how to win and lose.
2025 Outright MAC White Champions
Wrestling State Qualifiers
At Wrestling Regionals Logan Hawk and D’Varon Galloway both qualified for States! Logan placed 3rd, D’Varon placed 4th. Logan scored his 100th win and did so as a Junior!
Athletes of the Week
Gavin Snarski
Congratulations to AOTW Gavin Snarski, member of the Varsity Boys' Hockey team at Lake Shore High School. Coach Radjewski shared his contributions with us:
"1 goal, 1 assist and voted MVP of MAC showcase game on 1/20, and another goal against Marysville the night we clinched the MAC White."
Payton Garbacz
Congratulations to AOTW Payton Garbacz, member of the Varsity Competitive Cheer team at Lake Shore High School. Coach Taormina shared her contributions with us:
"Payton is a stand out student and athlete. You will always find her working on something. She is the first one in the gym rolling out mats, and she is the last one still running skills, and bettering her execution in all of her routines. Payton has the best energy and is always positive and uplifting her teammates--and Payton is only a sophomore! I can't wait to see what is still in store for Payton."
Tommy Leahy
Congratulations to AOTW Tommy Leahy, member of the Varsity Wrestling team at Lake Shore High School. Coach Hendershot shared his contributions with us:
"Despite being ten lbs under weight he continues to improve and has over 30 wins on the year."
LSPS Athletics to host 'Night at the Races' fundraiser
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Freeze Frame - Naptime at LSECC
eNews
Lake Shore Public Schools will provide an exceptional education for all 3,220 students in a safe and nurturing environment.
Our guiding principles, Inspiration, Innovation, Celebration, are woven into the fabric of everything we do and will be the focus of every update. Expect an eNews email biweekly update as a reliable way to communicate with our stakeholders.
Connect With Shorian Nation
Email: social@lsps.org
Website: http://lakeshoreschools.org
Location: 28850 Harper Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI 48081
Phone: (586) 285-8481
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myLSPS/
Twitter: @myLSPS