Congratulations to The Rodgers Elementary Family for taking the win at tonight's Family Feud sponsored by The Lake Shore Foundation for Educational Excellence (LSFEE). Rockets were also named champions in 2022 and 2023!

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Lewis assumed the hosting duties for our game show fundraiser in which five members of one school were pitted against five members of another school. Each team's goal was to guess the results of audience survey questions. A player from each team initially faced off and answered the question to earn the chance to either pass or play. The winning family had a chance to earn extra points in a bonus round.

Playing Family Feud was a great team building activity that helped foster stronger relationships among colleagues and students while raising money for an excellent cause!

The LSFEE is seeking contributions to meet the educational needs of Lake Shore's youth.

The Foundation focuses its efforts on these areas:

-Encouraging creative teaching and innovative classroom ideas and programs

-Facilitating student development through enrichment activities and motivational programs

-Purchasing equipment and other durable materials to improve student learning

The LSFEE is totally separate from Lake Shore Public Schools and Board of Education. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees from the community who are responsible for generating contributions, approving grant applications, and allocating funds. Your contributions will directly benefit students in our community.

To learn more about the Foundation, visit https://www.lakeshoreschools.org/.../lake_shore_foundation and https://youtu.be/E4H1ymxK3hQ

A special thank you to all of our participants, Dr. Lewis, stage crew, tech support, custodians, and spectators. We also appreciated the music performances by Masonic Heights and Rodgers Rocketeers. What a great night with our entire Lake Shore Family!

Although school meals are free to students this year through the State of Michigan, families are highly encouraged to complete the Education Benefits Form through the Lake Shore Family Portal: https://lakeshore.familyportal.cloud/

Completion of the Education Benefits Form helps the district receive educational funding such as Title I funds and technology funding for computers and Internet access, while also providing qualifying families with discounts for athletic fees, college applications and SAT, ACT and AP testing.

In keeping with our goal of a strong community connection, Lake Shore Public Schools will be working to support those students & families most in need of Thanksgiving Help this year.

If you or someone you know is in NEED of a Thanksgiving meal, please complete the REQUEST FORM by 11/15/24: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVAUFsut213ThQXrwO_JxmstmHlyviYs3BzyjIq7oDjEYeOQ/viewform

Additionally, Lake Shore Public Schools will be working to support those students & families most in need of Holiday Help this year.

If you or someone you know is in NEED of Holiday Help, please complete the REQUEST FORM by 11/18/24: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqy-0b9EVI4tgibSUjIy1AxK5kZADBM7CVg6b6pCP0g_3E5Q/viewform

If you can DONATE to a family or deliver gifts, please view available children/families at DONATION FORM beginning 11/24/25: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040F4AAFAB2CA2F49-50699892-2024#/

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.

Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11th, is our opportunity to honor those who have served and the families who have supported them. For generations, the brave members of the U.S. military have defended our nation, embodying values greater than themselves. Today, we reflect on their sacrifices and celebrate the impact they’ve had on our country.

Veterans and their families face unique challenges during active service. They may endure long separations, frequent relocations, or experience anxiety while their loved ones are in harm’s way. Transitioning to civilian life can be tough, and those affected by trauma might need professional support to heal. As a school community, we must stand by our veterans and their families.

Here are three ways to show your support:

1. Be a listening ear for veterans and their families. Offer them a space to share their thoughts and feelings.
2. Provide the Veterans Crisis Line information for those in need. Available 24/7 by dialing 988 and pressing 1.
3. Connect them to Care Solace through your district's personalized link for ongoing support. If you or a family member would like to access mental health or substance use treatment:

• Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365.
• Visit www.caresolace.com/lsps where you can search on your own or click “Book Appointment” for assistance.

To all our veterans, thank you for your service.

The Detroit Lions Touchdown for Teachers program is designed to celebrate and support outstanding educators by providing them with Lions experiences and classroom grants to enhance their teaching experience while benefiting their students. This initiative aims to recognize the hard work and dedication of teachers who go above and beyond in their classrooms.

How It Works:

1. Nomination Process: Students, parents, school staff and community members can nominate a teacher who has made a significant impact in their lives or in the classroom.
2. Grant Selection: Nominations will be reviewed by a committee, and selected teachers will receive grants to fund innovative projects, resources, or activities that will enhance student learning.
3. Celebration of Teachers: Recipients will be recognized, showcasing their contributions and the positive effects they have on their students.

Why Nominate?

• Empower Educators: Help your teacher gain the resources they need to implement creative ideas and improve their classroom environment.
• Acknowledge Dedication: Show appreciation for the time and effort your teacher invests in their students every day.
• Developing the Future: Grant-funded projects can lead to innovative teaching methods and inspire students in their learning journey.

Nominate your favorite teacher today and help them turn their classroom dreams into reality!

Applications Close: Monday, December 2, 2024

We wanted to talk about the topic of snow and proactively thank those who provide snow removal services.

Over the years, the first snowfall has created some beautiful wintry scenes at Lake Shore Public Schools. Snow will be here on a regular basis before we know it and you may be wondering about our procedures for school cancellations.

Decisions made to cancel school due to inclement weather are a reality as we approach the winter season. Student drivers and parent chauffeurs, please drive slow in these slick conditions and leave early so that you have plenty of time to arrive before school begins.

In extreme conditions, we make every attempt to inform our community as soon as possible of a school closing. Communication will be deployed using SchoolMessenger, the district website, Facebook, X, and local media outlets to keep you informed.

Bonus: Mt. Lake Shore, our snow day hill, is ready for use again this Winter! Here are some answers for all of the inquiring minds:

• When will the hill be ready for use? This winter as soon as there is enough snow!
• Where is the hill located? West side of Kennedy Middle School on Masonic Blvd
• How large/tall is the hill? 15’ above elevation of land of the school.
• Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/myLSPS/posts/pfbid0zkMpiVbf2dAYRcqwB54ACR6i3ZfiB47WvueMqzjekArZNapq1Z7484q3WcGYV3t9l

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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 this OPM - KNOWING MY WORDS AND ACTIONS AFFECT OTHERS know that everything that they do and say can affect people in a positive way.

North Lake High School had a Candlelight Breakfast for Seniors to celebrate the beginning of their final year; This event was facilitated by Mrs. Pearl and Mrs. Bruce. There were waffles with all of their favorite toppings and social games. We even captured a few of Lake Shore Early Childhood Center friends enjoying their morning breakfast, too!

The Shorian Nation is also collecting nonperishable goods to donate to St. Clair Shores Goodfellows. Goodfellows is a longstanding Civic Organization with a mission to provide to St. Clair Shores residents who may find themselves in need. You have until our November 22nd to drop your Goodfellows donations off at your child's building.

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People with the character strength of friendship have a relationship of mutual affection, trust, and support between them. By definition, connectedness is a feeling of belonging to or having affinity with a particular person or group. This connectedness is accomplished through your enrollment in our Shorian Nation.

Shorians friendships can be found on the volleyball court, inside the classroom, and at the movie theater. Friends bring more happiness into our lives, providing comfort and joy, and should be reminded of their positive impact.

In Ms. Salem's 1st grade class at Violet Elementary, students discussed the not-so-secret ingredients for becoming a great friend. These Friendship Soup ingredients included 2 cups of kindness, 204 cups of love, a pinch of craziness, and 123 cups of cheering on others.

Six-year-old Johnathan Tilicki described a friend as someone who is nice to people. His favorite activity to do with his buddies is play tag outside at recess.

The way to get the most out of friendships is by giving people the chance to show who they are before passing judgement. Be open-minded with your peers. Just because something in a recipe may look different, doesn't mean it won't be the best you've ever had.

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Looking forward, we are excited to celebrate BRAVERY (11/11-15) and GRATITUDE (11/18-22).

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.

It was 6:45am and Superintendent Dr. DiPonio was spotted in the kitchen at Lake Shore High School.

He wasn't looking around for his favorite snack. He is giving back to the district by subbing for Rose Montalbano, our beloved Cook Lead.

Rose was selected, by random draw, to receive the day off as part of charitable contributions to support the Lake Shore Foundation. Sometimes the best way to reward hard work is with a day off—because a well-rested employee returns with renewed energy, creativity, and commitment.

But Rose is as dedicated as they come and kindly refused to stay home. She has served Lake Shore Public Schools for 25 years, currently managing the kitchen team and ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly.

Food preparation is a big job and one our district takes very seriously. Superintendent Dr. DiPonio, Rose, and the entire Food Service team worked closely together to take inventory and put away food deliveries, prepare accurate counts and food orders from all schools while ensuring food quality and monitoring waste, ensuring the kitchen and cafeterias are clean and hygienic, and providing a positive work environment for all Shorians.

A kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, a multifunctional space where meals are prepared, families gather, and memories are made. And the memory of that day will last a lifetime.

Food Service Director Tina Morris said, "A great food service leader doesn't just manage a team—they inspire a culture of hospitality, lead with integrity, and create an environment where everyone feels valued, from the kitchen to Shorian. That's exactly how Rose operates on a daily basis."

She continued, "Superintendent Dr. DiPonio leads with kindness. He sees the value in every department, recognizing that success is built not just on one team's efforts, but on the collective strength and collaboration of all."

If your child returns from school to share his or her excitement about the delicious taste of the Classic American Cheeseburger or Spicy Breaded Chicken Tenders, share this story of how our selfless Superintendent contributed to helping us nourish the district.

Congratulations to Mr. Warrick at Rodgers Elementary for being selected as Jay Towers’ 100.3 WNIC Teacher of the Week! The beloved Physical Education teacher was recognized by Promotions Coordinator Steve Wettlaufer from I Heart Radio.

Mr. Warrick has been teaching for 6 years. When he heard about being named Teacher of the Week he was surprised, but felt appreciative. The plaque's temporary home will be in the current gym, but he's excited to hang it in the new gym this spring.

He explained, "Truthfully, I am very happy to have been nominated, but any one of my colleagues could be chosen any week of the year! The work everyone does to ensure a quality education for our students needs to be celebrated as much as possible! I’m very proud of where I say I work and it’s because of everyone there! I would just like to say thank you to whoever it was that nominated me. Their words mean a lot more to me than they think."

Nominations are made by listeners through the station’s website and each Teacher of the Week receives a $100 Kroger gift card and a plaque to honor the recognition. For the first time in the station's history, a Physical Education teacher has been honored.

Current teachers Mrs. Pillars, Mrs. DiCosmo, Mrs. Sheats, and Mrs. Brown have also received this award!

In an effort to find additional ways to celebrate our staff, we request that families fill out the information below for staff who are rock stars in their classrooms and school communities: https://forms.gle/YgLauVNoDkwHULsg6

In an email to all staff, Superintendent Dr. DiPonio wrote, "There’s little arguing that we work in challenging times, and we are all called to do more to help our kids and our community. I have witnessed firsthand the daily acts of selflessness, compassion, inspiration, and drive it takes to push our kids to be the best they can be. The work you do is important. The work you do makes a difference. Thank you for choosing to give of your time and talent to this community; you are appreciated more than you realize."

We truly feel that we have the most hard working and dedicated staff at Lake Shore!

Color Guard is to interpret the music that our marching band is playing by synchronizing flags and through dance.

As a member of the 12-person team, Freshman Charlotte Domas loves it. She explained, “It's a family setting and everyone has gotten so close." She enjoys the tradition, before every performance, of standing in a circle with her teammates, giving pep talks, and dropping flags together.

Right now, they use songs from Out of the Shadows to create beautiful movement. This Winter, the goal is to compete in 4-5 competitions.

Charlotte's sister, Class of 2024 graduate Kayla Domas, was in band and, through her own observations, Charlotte discovered this interest. She said, "I thought it looked cool, saw auditions posted, and wanted to give it a try."

Charlotte went in with a positive mindset, but knew she would be alone. Zero friends were auditioning. Zero people who could help her build confidence in trying something new. "I was nervous, thought I would perform horribly, and felt that I lacked the ability to learn the new skill quickly." But she hung on.

She was welcomed by the entire team and supported from the very beginning. "They are insanely welcoming to newcomers. Everyone checks in on everyone both physically and emotionally."

Everyone needs encouragement and their Color Guard coach provides that. "Coach Mia Chassar is awesome. She's very chill and feels like not just a coach, but one of us." Senior Captain Genny Zielinski has also been a great resource for inspiration. She discovers ways to make guard exciting for everyone with team-building activities. Charlotte described her with these two adjectives: Warm and friendly.

We enjoyed watching this team from Lake Shore High School perform at Homecoming and Fall Music Fest. Keep working hard, Color Guard! We look forward to all of their Winterguard competitions!

It is National STEAM Day! November 8th was a day meant to inspire kids to explore and pursue their interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math! Of the U.S. Labor Department‘s predicted 10 fastest growing occupations, nearly all of them are STEAM careers; therefore an interest in STEAM early on can lead to success later on in life.

Jasper Rabbit loves carrots—especially Crackenhopper Field carrots.

He eats them on the way to school.

He eats them going to Little League.

He eats them walking home.

Until the day the carrots start following him...or are they?

In Mr. Gardiner's STEAM class at Masonic Heights Elementary, students read Creepy Carrots!, crafted their own creepy carrot artwork, and built a fence with Lincoln Logs, cubes, and magna-tiles around the garden to keep the creepy carrots from escaping. Students discovered how this STEM activity sparked creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork!

Gardiner has been teaching for 19 years and understands the importance of teaching kids the concept of failing their way to success. He said, "The real failure is not trying or giving up. When Edison was working on inventing the light bulb, he made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts. Edison learned from all his mistakes and his failed prototypes. I want my students to become more resilient through STEM activities."

In Mr. Gostinger's Unmanned Aircraft Systems exploratory class at Kennedy Middle School, 8th grade students are learning how-to fly their drones in a team atmosphere. You can hear the wings speed through the air and the sound of laughter.

Since the age of 4, Logan Burke found flying to be a passion. This hobby has challenged him to get even higher in the air. Matteo Vasili is a first-time flyer, but nerves didn't get the best of him. He explained, "In class we used a simulator drone video game that teaches the physics of flying. This program made me feel prepared." Brendan Fennell finds the opportunity to learn about motion and energy transfer fun.

STEAM, Music, Art, and Gym subjects are the elementary specials we know and love. Exploratory classes at the middle school level allow students to specialize in a topic before they get to high school and engage in hands-on activities and learning experiences that go beyond the core subjects of English, math, social studies, and science.

In Mrs. Bautista's Spanish classes, Lake Shore High School students participated in engaging Día de los Muertos activities today, fitting as we continue to learn more strategies such as connecting learning to the real world, collaborating, brain breaks, laughing together, and getting kids moving for a captivating classroom.

Students decorated masks for Day of the Dead, traditionally held on November 1st and 2nd. Día de los Muertos participants and dancers used “careteas”, or masks, to scare the dead away at the end of the festivities. Now in modern-day celebrations, people paint their faces to look like skulls/”the dead” to blending with the souls returning to visit their relatives. They decorate faces to represent a deceased loved one or as an expression of themselves. This holiday is not spooky or sad. It is a happy time to celebrate the lives of your relatives and ancestors.

Ninth grader Freedom Powers shared a powerful story about his great grandpa Harold. He said, "My grandfather had a stroke and passed away at 78. I inherited his looks and have great memories of making cookies and hanging out with him. This mask represents him."

In addition to learning more about the Spanish culture, students in Mr. Kelley's Spanish I class used stations to organize cards into logical sentences, play a game of memory with vocabulary, read a story together, complete a crossword puzzle. Spanish spoken by over 500 million people across the world, making it one of the world's most global languages. We enjoy observing these students begin their journey to reach fluency.

Engagement looks different inside different classrooms dependent upon different kids, different times, or different environments.

In Mrs. Nicholl's class at Rodgers Elementary, students explored number patterns. Students told which numbers come next and described the rule. Understanding math early is important because it lays a strong foundation for future academic success.

Mrs. Hauler's upper elementary MoCI program has partnered with Mrs. Semack’s 5th grade class to do peer pals for this school year at Rodgers. Peer pals is an opportunity for general education students to volunteer within the MoCI classroom to promote social skills and inclusion. They will help with doing different academic tasks, working on communication skills, and supporting students with different fun activities. The general education students benefit by getting some exposure in interacting with peers who have disabilities. The MoCI students get a chance to form friendships with their peers and practice their skills. Mrs. Semack’s students supported by leading a craft and decorating pumpkin cookies. Everyone had a great time and friendships are starting to form already!

In Mrs. Fain's MiCI class at Lake Shore High School, students are learning how-to sew, a lifelong skill that allows kids to express their creativity, customize their clothing, save money on alterations and repairs, and potentially even start a side hustle by creating unique items to sell; it can also be a therapeutic activity that boosts confidence and reduces stress.

In the effort to have a more comprehensive school counseling program, Counselor Mrs. Stafford was invited to 6th grade classes at Kennedy Middle School to give a lesson on organizational and time management skills. Her goal is to be proactive, not reactive to helping Clippers this these necessary life tools. In one station, students read cards and sorted what category they fit into and in another students worked on organizing a messy desk and assignments.

Mrs. Tharme's AP Lit class completed an activity about complexity in literature; They represented and presented different types of complexity with Play Doh creations.

In Mr. Brosnan's gym class at Masonic Heights Elementary, students played an exhilarating game of trick or treat tag! Improved heath, reduced stress, and better moods resulted from this creative activity.

We were excited to see a few students at the Lake Shore Early Childhood Center already recognizing patterns, sorting toys, and learning through play.

Thanks to so many great educators including our Galileo leaders, these learning outcomes are made possible.; Mary Stanley and Paige May will be in the 24-26 Galileo cycle! Since 2005, the Galileo Institute has supported the advancement of teacher leadership through a variety of projects and initiatives. The Galileo Institute also serves a s a partner to the Galileo Teacher Leadership Academy, a 29 district consortium that has prepared more than 900 Southeast Michigan teacher leaders since its founding in 1997.

The only thing that really scares us about Halloween is running out of candy.

Costume parades and Halloween parties featuring the very best in unique and traditional attire took place last week.

Bonus: Mrs. Legato, Ms. Knipstein, and Mrs. Crippen's 5th graders at Masonic Heights Elementary created Volume Monsters.

First they gathered their materials, measured and taped boxes together, and calculated the total volume as a small group. We enjoyed reviewing their creative monster names and learning about volume.

Caroline Smith named her monster Stella Skeleton. She said, "The best part was wrapping and measuring. I cannot wait to take her home. I loved this project so much."

After Caroline takes Stella Skeleton home, there may indeed be a monster under her bed!

Bonus: The votes are in at Rodgers Elementary and the winners of the Pumpkin Decorating Contest were Construction Joe, Pikachu, and Spaceship! We appreciate the creativity displayed in our pumpkin patch this year. Cruella de Vil and the Dalmatians, Starbucks, a globe, Stitch, Harry Potter...the list goes on and on.

The Construction Joe pumpkin was truly one of our favorites. Joe is the Superintendent of Barton Malow's Construction Team, managing the day-to-day operations at the Rodgers Elementary construction site. He coordinates with the labor force, implements safety policies, develops site logistics plans, and works to minimize impact to the existing building and neighbors.

He's personable with students and staff and everyone in the building knows and loves him. In addition, he's reliable, consistent, and can be trusted with a wide range of tasks.

We loved participating in a Halloween Trick or Treat intergenerational walk with our friends at the American House Senior Living.

Mrs. Amateis, Mrs. Peacock, Mrs. Spriet's 3rd grade students from Masonic Heights Elementary shared their costumes with residents in exchange for sugary treats. This visit wasn't about the candy. It was about the understanding that this visit was a collaborative effort with senior citizens to support one another.

Life Enrichment Assistant Alanna Lewalski was able to help coordinate the event for the past two years. She said, "Everyday is a chance to show kindness and you can do this at any age. It is always fun to have kids in the building; It raises everyone's spirits." We loved watching both kids and adults exhibit #OtherPeopleMatter.

Resident Janet Reiter dressed in yellow to represent a ray of sunshine. This 74-year-old looks forward to this activity every year. She said, "I love it. It is as much for for the kids as it is for us. They are a ray of sunshine to all of us."

Thank you Rachel Smith, Life Enrichment Director at American House, for coordinating this activity with us for the fourth time and providing the donuts and cider for our Tigers!

We look forward to these 7 additional American House visits:

• LSHS Show Choir: December 19th from 10:45am-11:15am
• LSHS/Elementary/AH Musical Matinee: January 22nd from 1-2pm
• Rodgers 100s Day: February 10th from 1:30-2:30pm
• KMS Craft with Residents: March 5 from 9am-10am
• LSHS Senior Advice: April 14 from 10am-11am
• LSHS/Elementary/AH Musical Matinee: May 14 from 9:30am-10:30am
• Elementary Choir Performances: May 22 from 9:30am-11am

Bonus: The American Cancer Society estimates that 2,001,140 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States in 2024. This is equivalent to about 5,480 new diagnoses each day.

Thank you for wearing pink to raise Cancer Awareness, Clippers!

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.

Save the Date: Winter headshot photos for all LSHS athletes except Varsity Boys' Hockey are scheduled for Wednesday, December 4th during all lunches inside the Hub.

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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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