It truly is a Winter Wonderland atop our sledding hill located beside Kennedy Middle School.

Superintendent Dr. DiPonio wrote, "No devices, no screen time, kids just playing outdoors. That's some good stuff right there!"

This is Pure Michigan. It's gr-r-reat!

We invite you to the best sledding hill in metro Detroit, a place where the fun factor is always high. But don't take our word for it. The Winiarski Family visited recently with their two young girls Paisley (8), and Kailey (4). We watched as these two sped down the snow-covered hill on sleds. They raced, they smiled, and most importantly, they made memories. They weren't the only ones.

Video clip of sledding hill fun: https://x.com/myLSPS/status/1887899371536068877

Chad Johnson, Principal at Kennedy Middle School, rewarded students who earned all As last year with a trip to the sledding hill. It was special for them and the rest of the 43 middle schoolers who participated.

Saint Clair Shores resident Patricia Kelly posted, "I feel that was the best idea putting that hill there for the kids to sled on. Gets them outdoors, fresh air, and creates memories!" Katie Pannette added, "Went to check out the new sledding hill at Kennedy. So much fun, the kids absolutely loved it!"

We appreciate the partnership between Lake Shore Public Schools and Barton Malow for bringing this idea to life and thanks to your help, we now have an official name for it: Mt. Lake Shore.

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.

Let’s make kindness the norm this week! As we all work to create a kinder world, we can start with ourselves and our community. We invite you to celebrate Valentine’s Day (February 14th) and Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 17th) by spreading kindness. It begins with a big congratulations to The Eagles for their Super Bowl win!

There is no limit on the amount of goodness we can put into the world. Every ounce of kindness matters and inspires kindness in others. Ready to participate in the Kindness Challenge? Here are ideas to get started:

1. Join the #MakeKindnessTheNorm challenge and share your acts of kindness on social media.
2. Practice kindness and self-compassion with these guided practices and exercises: Self Compassion Practices
3. Some of us are already taking steps to find professional help with our well-being and perhaps you or a loved one should too. If you or a family member would like help finding a mental health care provider, use Care Solace, a complimentary and confidential coordination service provided by Lake Shore Public Schools:
4. Call 888-515-0595. Support is available 24/7/365 in any language.
5. Visit caresolace.com/lsps and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

Spreading kindness improves our well-being and fosters a caring community. What will you do to spread kindness this week?

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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!

Lake Shore Community Education will be hosting a Travel Show on March 4, 2025, at noon at the St. Clair Shores Senior Center (20000 Stephens, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080). This event will highlight the 2025-2026 travel opportunities available for one-day local travel and extended-day travel within the United States and abroad.

Registration for the event is open at https://tce.me/iZ1F3P.

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 forgiveness like to forgive those who have done wrong. They accept that people make mistakes.

We are celebrating National School Counseling Week! This week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.

School counselors are actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; for working in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career and social/emotional development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves. School counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master’s degree in school counseling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program.

“I’ve learned how to calm myself at my desk when I feel stressed. I take deep breaths and nobody even knows I’m doing it,” one tenth grader said. Mindful moments have become commonplace for Lake Shore students who have learned how to incorporate positive personal strategies into their daily experiences.

Shorians have also learned the importance of forgiveness. LSHS School Counselor Amanda Nabors has been with Lake Shore since 2020 and notices how critical students can be on themselves and offers advice. She said, "We are all human and make mistakes sometimes. Practice self-forgiveness and focus on making better choices in the future."

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People with the character strength of love value close relationships with others and being close to people.

Dressed in 1920s attire, Mrs. Kiefer and Mrs. Collins' 1st grade students from Rodgers Elementary were paired with senior citizens from American House in a collaborative effort to support one another in this classic game of BINGO.

Mrs. Kiefer was able to help plan this event. She said, "Everyday is a chance to show kindness and you can do this at any age. I love having this opportunity to let my students put our Positivity Project character traits into action! We talked about how we used our character traits of Love and Other People Matter, when we took time out of our day to give a valentine, play a game, and bring a smile to others. The students loved connecting with their new “buddies” and felt so proud of themselves that they brought them joy! Academics are, of course, are extremely important and a top priority. However, I feel my greatest calling as a teacher is to help raise kind, wonderful little humans!"

We loved watching both kids and adults exhibit this character strength as they assisted one another with activities. First grader Jamison was a lucky repeat winner, but passed on his second win so that resident Shirley could secure the 50 cent prize!

In the end, it is all about providing opportunities for our students to increase mental flexibility, improve cardiac health through laughter, and develop relationships.

Watch this video clip about our American House and LSPS partnership: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GafMglVCUw0

Thank you Rachel Smith, Life Enrichment Director at American House, for coordinating this activity with us and providing the flavored water and sugar cookie treats for our students. A special shoutout to Mrs. Skelly and Mrs. Roy for their flawless event execution!

Video clip from event: https://x.com/myLSPS/status/1889053453273452567

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Looking forward, we are excited to celebrate OPM - Cheering others' success (2/17-21) and HUMILITY (2/24-28).

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.

Senior Jimmy Sheen has earned the unofficial coveted title of Mr. Lake Shore. His school spirit is demonstrated through the countless activities he has been a part of over the years.

Jimmy is an experienced leader of his Video Productions class, creating videos for the district, running the media board, driving drones, and serving as a mentor to his peers. He's part of Stage Crew, Fusion, and Theatre and has been casted in Beauty and the Beast, Dramarama, Grease, Little Shop of Horrors, Middletown, and Sherwood. He takes AP classes and is in National Honors Society. In his free time, he works at Chick-fil-A at the Macomb Mall. His involvement in various extracurriculars, from Video Productions to Stage Crew, as well as his academic excellence, showcases his versatility and dedication.

Genny Zielinski, best friend and classmate, shared the many reasons why Jimmy is deserving of recognition. She said, "He's a great listener, empathetic, caring, and positive about everything." This dynamic duo felt so passionate about the need for two Bosco Stick days in our school cafeteria that they composed an email to Director of Food Service Tina Morris persuading her team to make that change from just 1 day to 2. And guess what? Bosco Sticks are now served every Tuesday AND Thursday. Jimmy is always striving to make things better for those around him.

Video Productions Mrs. Blaszkowski teacher said, "One of the most rewarding parts of teaching at the high school level is watching students grow over four years and seeing them begin to step into the adults they’re becoming. Having Jimmy in class all four years has been an incredible experience, and I feel so fortunate to have been part of his journey."

Blaszkowski continued, "There is nothing but positive things to say about Jimmy. Any university or employer will be incredibly lucky to have him. Jimmy is hardworking, creative, reliable, responsible, and an outstanding problem-solver. He embodies every soft skill you could hope for. Both my media classes and I depend on him heavily—he’s always involved, passionate, and somehow manages to get everything done. I’m dreading graduation this year because it will be a bittersweet day when Jimmy is no longer in my classroom every day."

There are so many ways to test knowledge. A mixture of presentations, projects, and traditional tests can make learning feel less like a chore and more fun!

Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.

In Mrs. Tharme's AP Literature and Composition class at Lake Shore High School, students used rhetorical devices in a speed debate format. The goal was to to deliberately use as many rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, and logos) and rhetorical devices (anaphora, hyperbole, rhetorical questions) as possible.

While some topics were silly, others were serious. Students were sometimes asked to argue for something they didn't support. The art of persuasive speech was used to influence and persuade an audience to their way of thinking and these upperclassmen can be very persuasive!

In Mrs. Kamis' class, Ella Esch created the winning Stay Sharp poster. Last year, staff and students voted to use SHARP as Lake Shore High School's PBIS guidelines.

Principal Dr. Bross explained, "As we continued to discuss how to roll out and advertise these positive behavior expectations for students, Mrs. Kamis had the great idea to have her students create a poster as part of an amazing lesson for students to work for a “client” on a product. As we continue to roll out this initiative, Ella’s poster will be used to be a visual reminder to students and staff around the building about the expectations for everyone at LSHS."

Of course words are magic. That's why they call it spelling.

At Rodgers Elementary, 1st graders are taking spelling tests. Preparing for spelling tests in 1st grade lays the foundation for important language and literacy skills that will support a child’s education for years to come! Learning to spell new words helps young students expand their vocabulary. This also improves their ability to read and understand text. We loved watching these Rockets think.

Video clip of spelling tests in progress: https://x.com/myLSPS/status/1884964277896839294

Close reading is the detective work our students do as they read.

Mrs. Fowler's upper elementary students at Violet Elementary are completing a close reading from Adventures of Don Quixote to examine the author's words, sentences, and literary devices. In one part of the text, the author uses the phrase "It's the blind leading the blind." Griffin helps his classmates understand those words with a solid explanation. We appreciate how engaged the entire class was as they responded to questions and referenced support in the text.

Video clip of Griffin's response: https://x.com/myLSPS/status/1886454013836611816

Students and faculty at Lake Shore High School joined others across the nation during the month of February to celebrate national Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month.

The 35th annual Michigan Career and Technical Education Administrators Association (MCTEAA) Awards were announced and 42 of Macomb County's 22,414 CTE students in 229 CTE programs were recognized.

Thank you CTE Department for your excellent choices amongst your pool of talent: https://macombengage.org/mcteaa-awards

• Outstanding CTE Senior: Jimmy Sheen
• Outstanding CTE Senior: Thomas Ahearn
• Business Partner: Matthew and Eliza Ahearn at Wally's Frozen Custard

“The activities planned in CTE classes illustrate the rigor and relevance CTE courses offer our students,” said MCTEAA member Todd Stevens, CTE representative of Lake Shore High School. “By partnering with the business community, CTE programs are investing in students and providing them with the latest technology and skills that will prepare them to become successful employees and future leaders.” Thirty-three percent of all CTE programs are in the Southeast Region of Michigan!

CTE is a major part of the solution to myriad national economic and workforce problems, such as high school dropout rates, a weakened economy, global competitiveness and massive layoffs. At a time when opportunity for employment is so critical, CTE programs in every community are ensuring students are equipped with the skills to successfully enter the workforce.

Lake Shore encourages students to explore educational and career opportunities during Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month and throughout the year. Our programs have gained recognition for providing students with valuable hands-on experiences that prepare them for real-world careers, even earning accolades at both the state and national levels.

In April 2024, Lake Shore's Television Production team became State Champions at SkillsUSA, with Abigale Smith and Ashley Cercy (Class of 2024 graduate) taking 1st place. The pair created a one-minute commercial for the Grand Rapids Public Museum: https://youtu.be/8fq9w6m-WG8?si=nKc2Idl_eCHPj0yu

In June 2024, Abby and Ashley qualified for the National Leadership & SkillsUSA Conference, a prestigious event that recognizes excellence in career and technical education. The conference brought together thousands of students, instructors, business leaders, and administrators to honor those pursuing careers in technical, trade, and skilled service fields. It also provided an incredible opportunity for students to showcase their talents on the national stage.

Video Productions teacher Mrs. Blaszkowski chaperoned the trip and shared, “While we didn’t place as high as we hoped, it was an amazing experience. The girls met people from all across the country. They flew to Atlanta, where we visited the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, the National Center for Human and Civil Rights, and the College Football Hall of Fame. We also attended the Champions Festival at Centennial Olympic Park, celebrating the best in CTE programs and skills. These experiences give our students an edge, as they are skilled leaders trained by SkillsUSA’s philosophy.”

Looking ahead, Abby will team up with James Sheen this year and return to the State SkillsUSA competition in TV Production on April 11-13, 2025, in Grand Rapids, where three total teams of two from Lake Shore High School will compete for the State Championship title for 2025 and demonstrate their skills.

Mrs. Blaszkowski proudly reflected, “Even if we don’t qualify to return to Nationals, this will always be one of my career highlights. The girls were fantastic throughout the week, and it was such a fun experience to share with them. They still talk about it, and Abby is even running for a State Officer position in SkillsUSA this April.”

Students enrolled in state-approved CTE programs typically enjoy higher graduation rates and better career prospects, gaining skills that pave the way for high-paying, in-demand careers and opportunities for further education.

Good luck to Abby and all of her classmates as they prepare for the upcoming SkillsUSA competitions. CTE for the win!

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.

Congratulations to the LSHS Varsity Cheer team on their stellar performance at Districts. On to Regionals!

Congratulations to AOTW Adam Rach, member of the Varsity Basketball team at Lake Shore High School. Coach Jackson shared his contributions with us:

"Adam has missed 10 games. He scored 16 points coming back from injury."

Congratulations to AOTW Lily Wallace, member of the Varsity Girls' Hockey team at Lake Shore High School. Coach Pangborn shared her contributions with us:

"Lily has really improved on her skills as a defensemen on the girls hockey team she's made some great saves and stops during important games. She works hard and is dedicated to her position."

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Lake Shore Public Schools will provide an exceptional education for all 3,339 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.

Email: social@lsps.org
Website: http://lakeshoreschools.org
Location: 28850 Harper Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI 48081
Phone: (586) 285-8481
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Twitter: @myLSPS