Dear Lansing School District Community,
I hope that this newsletter finds you well. As always, it is a pleasure to be writing to you all. This week, I would like to write about two wonderful events that occurred in our district that are emblematic of a new, stronger relationship between the school district and our school community.
On Tuesday, February 20th, we held our third Family Roundtable. We had over 30 people in attendance. We ate lasagna and salad while discussing the needs of parents and students. The participants shared so many important ideas and thoughts, so many great suggestions and opportunities for positive change. Over the last three sessions, we have talked about everything from increasing and retaining the number of full-time teachers in the district to finding ways to increase participation in PTAs. We have talked about finding ways to limit student cell phone usage in class to finding ways to limit late buses. Every topic shared has been about making our school district better. Sadly, this district has had a history of keeping parents and families away from decision-making and decision-makers. We hope these new Family Roundtables continue to create more trust, understanding, and partnership between the Lansing School District and the families we serve. I am truly thankful to all the family members who attended these meetings. If anyone reading this newsletter is still interested in participating, please reach out to me.
On Wednesday, February 21st, the Sexton Boys Basketball team played Everett High School at Don Johnson to a crowd of hundreds, if not thousands. We had spectators more than halfway up on both sides of the court. As a sports newscaster said, the game had a "playoff atmosphere." Dr. Tucker was there with some members of the MSU basketball team. Former Lansing Deputy Superintendent and current State Deputy Superintendent Dr. Delsa Chapman was there. Numerous parents, grandparents, alumni, and future alumni packed the arena to watch a fun, well-played game. I am very proud of both teams for playing hard and trying their best. I also want to commend all of the spectators and our wonderful Public Safety Officers, especially our new Director of Public Safety, Dale Person. As I walked through the stands, the hallways, and outside the arena, I saw a safe, organized, and enjoyable event. That only occurs when all of us, especially our Department of Public Safety, work with our fans to create such a great atmosphere. Lansing has amazing fans, and I think we proved that this week. When I was walking around greeting community members, I saw some folks wearing Sexton vs Everybody or Everett vs Everybody gear. I appreciate that sentiment. Each of our high schools has a unique culture with a special bond to our history. But I also know that we, as a city and as a school district, view ourselves collectively and care about all of us. So, as we go into the playoffs this week, we are all Lansing proud, and now it becomes Lansing vs Everybody! Good luck to all three of our high schools as they enter the playoffs.
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
