Superintendent Newsletter

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.

As we enter the fifth week of the first semester, I hope everyone is starting to hit their stride around the machinations of school. Are your bus routes all set up correctly? Do your students have the right books or equipment? Are you able to contact your child's teacher and principal? Is your scholar in the appropriate class or program? Overall, is the school firing on all cylinders?

If everything is set up correctly, wonderful. I applaud everyone who made it happen. However, if things are still a little wonky five weeks into the year, please make sure to reach out to the appropriate person. For far too long, I think there was a tacit understanding that the district wasn't going to be fulfilling its full obligations. Sadly, we as a community have sometimes just let things slide for whatever reason. We made excuses for ourselves and others.

But this year, I hope we change that. We have to hold ourselves to an even higher standard all around. Everyone should expect a high level of service and support. But we won't know if you need anything unless you let us know. So, please, please reach out. If you are still having transportation issues, please reach out to Dean and the district. Talk to your school counselor or principal if you are not enrolled in the correct classes. If you don't have the teacher's guide or enough chairs in your classroom, please talk to your assistant principal or principal. If you are a principal and you need more furniture, books, or other materials, please reach out to your SPOC or the facilities team. Everything about a school district is a two-way street, and we all need to help each other succeed at the highest level.

We finally have the systems in place to run this district well, but please don't just sit and accept mediocracy. Our new facilities and custodial folks are ready to change the expectations. Our principals are ready to facilitate better educational environments. Our Operations Department is ready to fix issues and make things better. No more do I want anyone to be ok with a half-baked district.

Most importantly, as parents, please make sure that your child is learning the appropriate work. Is the curriculum being followed? Are assignments aligned? Do you know what is happening in the school and the classroom? We have a great district with top-notch educators, administrators, assistants, and numerous other supports for our children. We have strong contracts for busing and custodial, for facilities, and for food. Five weeks into the school year, we should be at the point where we are full steam ahead.

We have a lot to do. We need to increase our proficiency rates, attendance rates, and graduation rates. We need to strengthen our arts, music, and athletics programs. But we can only reach these expectations if we communicate with the right people and hold ourselves accountable.

Please, to all of us who care deeply about our district, reach out and ask for help. Start with your school-based folks first, but if you need to reach out to others to move the needle, please do that next. Do not be okay with accepting the way things have been before. We are writing a new chapter for Lansing, and we need everyone's help.

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

Averill Elementary had the privilege of hosting leadership from MiLEAP (Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, Potential) to celebrate our district's first day of preschool.

The Lansing School District continues to be a leader in offering universal preschool and is an example for school districts across Michigan.

What is PCAC?

The Lansing School District Parent/Community Advisory Council is a district wide council consisting of parents, teachers, principals, and community members who come together on a monthly basis to discuss parents’ interests, concerns, and to share important district information.

Who Can Attend PCAC Meetings?

Any parent/guardian of a Lansing School District student as well as community leaders and citizens of the Greater Lansing Area that recognize the need for parental and community involvement in our children’s education.

Why Attend PCAC?

You will have the opportunity to provide important input to leaders in the Lansing School District.

When & Where Does PCAC Meet?

The 2024-25 PCAC meetings will be held every fourth Wednesday of the month from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Dr. Halik Center, 4200 Wainwright Ave. Lansing, MI 48911.

Our next PCAC meeting will be September 25th where will will discuss Caring for Our Schools: What’s New in Custodial, Maintenance and Groundskeeping.

The Lansing School District is committed to addressing inequities and promoting a sense of belonging for all students by implementing a comprehensive multicultural education curriculum. This initiative aims to create an inclusive learning environment where diverse histories and perspectives are celebrated, and all students feel affirmed. A key component of this effort is the formation of a Multicultural Education Committee, which will be responsible for developing and guiding the district's multicultural education plan.

The committee will work to ensure that the curriculum reflects the diversity of the student population and that teachers and staff are equipped to deliver a culturally responsive education. The committee will be chaired by Carlton Evans, Ruben Martinez and Jessica Benavides.

If you are interested in joining the committee, please fill out this google form to be considered. We are looking forward to a year of great work with your assistance!

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is accepting nominations for the 25-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year until September 25, 2024. Teachers can be nominated by students, parents, coworkers, and school community members using their quick and easy online nomination form. Spread the word!

Every year we partner with Capital Area District Libraries (CADL) to make sure our students have access to a CADL library card. Through the Student Success Initiative (SSI), all students will receive a free CADL SSI library card — no matter where they live!

With this library card, your student gains easy access to all educational and entertainment options available at CADL's 13 branches, the mobile library, and online collections.

Having a Student Success account requires the release of directory information to CADL. Any parent/guardian who does NOT want their student to have an account can opt-out by filling out and returning the below form to their child's school by September 26th.

Take advantage of Talkspace online therapy FREE. Click here to get started.

Is your family in a temporary or inadequate living situation due to a loss of housing? If so, the F.O.R.T. Program may be able to assist. The Families Overcoming Rough Times (F.O.R.T.) Program assists Lansing School District students who are living in temporary or inadequate living situations.

If you have been displaced from your home due to:

• A house fire, mold, or red tag
  
• Safety concerns
  
• Loss of utilities (heat or electric)
  
• Foreclosure
  
• Eviction
  
• Being asked to leave

F.O.R.T. can help with:

• Connections to housing programs
  
• School enrollment within 24 hours
  
• Transportation to and from school
  
• Personal hygiene & school supplies
  
• Clothing, shoes, coats, etc.
  
• Fees for school-sponsored field trips
  
• Cap and gown for graduation
  
• Financial aid application assistance, and MORE!

Please make sure to log in to your ParentVue account and update information if necessary.

• You can access your ParentVue account by clicking here and logging in.
• If you need assistance creating a ParentVue account, reach out to your child's school.
  
• If you are having issues accessing your ParentVue account, please email technology@lansingschools.net.

We are now using ParentSquare for stakeholder communication. ParentSquare automatically generates an account for each family, using the preferred email address and phone number listed in the family's ParentVue account.

If your family is not able to utilize ParentSquare, please email info@lansingschools.net.

September 25 — (PCAC) Parent Community Advisory Council | 6:00 p.m. | 4200 Wainwright Ave.

September 26 — Regular Board Meeting | 6:00 p.m. | TBD

September 27 — PD Day - No School

October 2 — Fall Count Day

October 3 — Regular Board Meeting | 6:00 p.m. | 519 W. Kalamazoo St.

October 18 — PD Day - No School

October 23 — (PCAC) Parent Community Advisory Council | 6:00 p.m. | 4200 Wainwright Ave.

October 24 — Regular Board Meeting | 6:00 p.m. | 519 W. Kalamazoo St.

October 31 — Half Day - A.M. Elementary Only - Planning and Records

November 5 — Election Day - No School

November 7 — Regular Board Meeting | 6:00 p.m. | 519 W. Kalamazoo St.

November 20 — (PCAC) Parent Community Advisory Council | 6:00 p.m. | 4200 Wainwright Ave.

November 21 — Regular Board Meeting | 6:00 p.m. | 519 W. Kalamazoo St.

November 25-29 — Thanksgiving Break - No School

December 5 — Regular Board Meeting | 6:00 p.m. | 519 W. Kalamazoo St.

December 19 — Regular Board Meeting | 6:00 p.m. | 519 W. Kalamazoo St.

December 23-27 & December 30 - January 3 — Winter Break - No School

Did you know that you can subscribe to our calendars?

Visit www.lansingschools.net/district/calendars, select the school(s) whose calendar you would like to subscribe to, and tap the tiny calendar at the top right. For more detailed instructions, click here.