Shorian Nation eNews
August 31st, 2025
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Mary Poppins couldn’t have said it better! Fall Fest was practically perfect in every way, with incredible music, creative costumes, delicious food, unique shopping, adorable animals, and festive décor.
We asked festivalgoers to share a favorite experience from the day, and these Shorian memories did not disappoint!
Cassidee Lockwood | 4th Grade, Rodgers Elementary
Dressed as a Minion and ready to enjoy the festivities, Cassidee had one favorite that stood out: Miss Mary’s macaroons! She picked up the tasty treat at one of the booths and said they were really good! She also enjoyed singing to “Have You Seen the Ghost of John?”
Brad Cucuro | LSHS Class of 2010 | With Daughter Michaela, 4th Grade, Masonic Heights Elementary
For Michaela, the highlight was simple and sweet: “I love my Lake Shore shirt!” She loves the festival because it creates memories and is just plain fun!
For her dad, Brad, returning to the field for the first time brought back some special memories. A former member of the Lake Shore High School Marching Shorians, where he played trumpet and baritone, Brad said he loved every minute of his time in the band and at school. Once a Shorian, always a Shorian!
To everyone who traveled to join us, thank you for supporting our Shorian musicians! Your support helps provide our students with a variety of meaningful musical experiences because, at every level, Shorians are fans of music!
We loved celebrating our talented musicians through live performances featuring the very best of Shorian music, from our youngest singers to our high school performers.
Guests enjoyed music from:
- Lake Shore High School Marching Band and Choir
- Kennedy Middle School Jazz Band and Choir, led by Mr. Alter and Mrs. Elkins
- Our talented elementary singers, led by music teachers Mrs. Wischmeyer, Mrs. Gall, and Mrs. Toma
From the elementary stage to the high school spotlight, our Shorians filled Fall Fest with music, talent, and school spirit!
Thank you for making Fall Fest a magical celebration of music and the Shorian Nation!
Thanksgiving Holiday Help
We’re inviting our Lake Shore community to turn kindness into action by supporting our Thanksgiving Holiday Help Program.
Each year, this program helps ensure local Lake Shore families can gather around the table and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. And we can’t do it without the generosity of our community!
Here’s how you can help:
- Donate financially for a Thanksgiving meal for a family in need
- Volunteer to deliver a meal to a local family
- Share this post and help us spread the word!
Sign up to DONATE or DELIVER by November 6:
https://tinyurl.com/lspsthanksdonate2026
Know a Lake Shore family who could use a little extra help this Thanksgiving?
Request Thanksgiving assistance by November 13:
https://tinyurl.com/lspsthanksneed2026
Charity doesn’t have to happen far from home. It can start right here—in our schools, in our neighborhoods, and around a family’s Thanksgiving table.
Together, we can make sure our Lake Shore families feel the love and support of their community this Thanksgiving.
Questions? Contact sketelhut@lsps.org
Food Drive for Goodfellows
The Shorian Nation is coming together to help local families this holiday season! We’re collecting nonperishable food items to support St. Clair Shores Goodfellows, a civic organization dedicated to helping families in our community.
Donation boxes are located in all Lake Shore school buildings.
Deadline: November 20
Gratitude Letters
It's November which means it's gratitude letter time!
Since 2019, we’ve continued this special tradition—and every year, there’s been no shortage of gratitude letters filling classroom walls, offices and hallways. More importantly, we’ve heard so many stories about former students reaching out to the adults who made a difference in their lives and reminding them just how much they were appreciated.
We’re inviting Shorians of all ages to take a few minutes to write a letter to a Lake Shore adult—past or present—who has made a positive impact on your life. It could be a teacher, bus driver, custodian, secretary, coach, monitor or anyone who helped make your Lake Shore experience a little brighter.
Templates are available in the main offices at each building, or you can write your letter on your own sheet of paper.
Because sometimes the words we write today become the memories someone carries with them for years.
Let’s keep the gratitude going, Shorians!
Lake Shore Holiday Help
The holidays are a little brighter when our community comes together! Our Holiday Help Program connects Lake Shore families who could use a little extra support with community members who want to help make the season special.
NEED HOLIDAY HELP?
Families may submit a confidential request for assistance by November 16:
Request Holiday Help at https://tinyurl.com/lspsholidayneed2026
WANT TO BE AN ANGEL?
Help make the holidays brighter by making a financial donation, adopting a child/family, or helping deliver gifts to families. Our signup sheet will be live by November 23!
Holiday Help Donations & Delivery sign up at https://tinyurl.com/lspsholidaydonate2026
Facts from 2025:
The Lake Shore community came together to brighten the holidays for our Shorian families! Thanks to the generosity of business members, alumni, civic groups, area churches, staff, and anonymous donors, 344 children found gifts under the tree and a holiday meal on the table.
Our Kennedy Middle School students, led by NJHS Advisors Bob Plotkowski and Abbey Gough, raised $13,008.78 to support Lighthouse Outreach and the Shorian Nation Adopt-a-Family program—helping 83 families this year. NJHS officers went shopping at the Walmart at Hall Rd. and Romeo Plank to purchase gifts for Lighthouse Outreach in Roseville. Also, a huge shout-out to the KMS staff who went out and shopped for our 83 families. This would not have been possible without you.
Winter Is Coming, Shorians!
Before winter arrives in full force, we want to proactively say THANK YOU to the people who work behind the scenes to keep our roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and school grounds safe and accessible when the snow starts flying. We appreciate you!
Over the years, Lake Shore has seen its share of beautiful winter wonderlands—and we’re sure this winter will bring plenty more. With snow days and winter weather just around the corner, we also want to remind our families about how we handle school cancellations.
When winter weather creates unsafe travel conditions, decisions regarding school closures are made with the safety of our students, families, and staff in mind. Student drivers and parent chauffeurs, please slow down, take your time, and leave early when roads are slick so you have plenty of time to get where you’re going safely.
In extreme weather conditions, we make every effort to notify our community as quickly as possible when school is canceled. Updates will be shared through SchoolMessenger, the district website, Facebook, and local media outlets.
And now that we can feel that frigid air creeping in… remember to bundle up because baby, it’s cold outside!
BONUS: THE SNOW DAY HILL IS COMING!
Yes, you read that right. Our Snow Day Hill is almost ready for winter! Here are the answers to the questions we know are already being asked:
When will the hill be ready?
- This winter—as soon as Mother Nature gives us enough snow!
Where is it located?
- On the west side of Kennedy Middle School along Masonic Blvd.
How big is it?
- The hill will rise approximately 15 feet above the existing elevation of the school grounds.
So… bring on the snow! We’re ready for some winter fun, Shorians!
We’d love to see your snowy fun! Share your winter photos with us by emailing them to social@lsps.org.
Care Solace
Youth mental health is a topic of utmost importance, and we believe that by working together, we can create a supportive environment where our children can thrive.
As we start the new school year, we want to remind you of the invaluable resources available to our community.
In addition, Care Solace offers mental health care coordination services and can help connect you and your child with appropriate community-based providers. Whether it's counseling, therapy, or other mental health services, Care Solace can assist you in finding the support your family may need.
To access Care Solace's coordination services, simply reach out using the following options:
Call 888-515-0595: Their multilingual helpline is staffed 24/7/365.
Visit www.caresolace.com/lsps: On their website, you can explore mental health providers independently or click "Book Appointment" for personalized assistance through video chat, email, or phone.
By joining hands and working together as a community, we can provide a nurturing and inclusive environment that supports the mental health and well-being of our youth. Let's continue to prioritize their emotional growth, and together, we can create a brighter future for our children.
Thank you for being caring and involved parents and guardians in the Lake Shore Public Schools. Your dedication to supporting our youth is truly commendable.
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. All monthly themes are located on our District Events Calendar.
This calendar outlines 1 character strengths per month. Our teachers create engaging and impactful lessons — differentiated by grade-level — and share through presentations, student recognitions, classroom discussions, and building-specific displays.
Dictionaries, a gift to all 3rd graders in the district, have been sponsored by Kiwanis. Now 3rd grade students across the district can define and spell any word correctly on-the-go!
Thank you to everyone across Lake Shore Public Schools who participated in Unity Day by wearing ORANGE and showing your support for kindness, acceptance and inclusion!
Unity Day, organized by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, is a signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month that brings people together to stand against bullying and celebrate what makes each of us unique.
From our youngest Shorians to our staff and community, we’re proud to see the Shorian Nation come together to send one powerful message: Everyone belongs. Everyone matters. 🧡
Safe Schools Week
Lake Shore Public Schools recognized October 19-23 as Safe Schools Week. The week raised awareness among schools and communities about creating safe and positive educational environments for students and staff.
Public Act 12 requires K-12 schools to perform at least 5 fire safety drills, 2 tornado safety drills, and 3 lock-down emergency drills.
Lake Shore continues to remain proactive regarding fire, tornado, and lock-down preparedness by working with local emergency management coordinators to increase safety and security within our buildings. Students are willing to participate in these drills and provide feedback that helps us stay safe.
Meet Our District Safety Team from Fortis Group
We're proud to partner with Fortis Group, Michigan’s leading firm in protection, investigation, and training, to help keep our schools safe. Together, this outstanding team brings over 160 years of combined law enforcement experience to our district.
Our students are our top priority. As school safety continues to be a growing concern nationwide, Fortis Group brings professional, visible, and caring protection to ensure a secure learning environment for all.
We’re also thrilled to welcome back Detective Glen Hartman, our School Resource Officer. His presence, alongside Fortis, strengthens our commitment to safety across all campuses. In the few first weeks of school, Detective Hartman addressed vaping/drugs and threats with our secondary students at class meetings.
With nearly a decade on the police force, Detective Hartman partners with administrators to ensure safety at our schools. He can often be found at Kennedy Middle School and Lake Shore High, while also visiting our elementaries. His favorite part of the job? Positive connections with students and families.
Outside of work, Detective Hartman enjoys hiking and running with his wife Katie, their sons Lucas and Elliott, and their pup Luna.
At Lake Shore Public Schools, the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. We’ve implemented a comprehensive, multi-layered approach that leads the county in proactive safety measures.
Our commitment to safe schools includes:
- Armed retired police officers at every school — Trained professionals are on-site every day to help keep our schools safe and secure.
- Two active St. Clair Shores School Resource Officers — Dedicated, active officers build positive relationships and provide an additional layer of protection.
- Monitored video surveillance with AI weapons & intruder detection — Advanced technology provides monitoring for faster threat detection and response.
- Emergency alert system — Instant communication to staff, students, and first responders in the event of an emergency.
- Quick-locking thumb-turn locks — Classroom doors can be secured instantly from the inside.
- Door barricades — Additional protection allows staff to secure classrooms quickly and effectively.
- Ballistic window film — Reinforces windows against forced entry and impact.
- Anonymous safety reporting — Students and staff can report concerns, anonymously and easily.
- Behavioral threat assessment — Proactive identification and intervention helps address potential threats before they escalate.
- Perimeter fencing & secured vestibules — Controlled access and secure entry points help keep our schools safe and visitors monitored.
One deeper example from this list includes the installation of 630 Nightlock devices, a revolutionized security and safety measure that uses the strength of the floor to prevent doors from being kicked in or forced open, on all occupied spaces as a secondary locking mechanism for an extra layer of district security.
Safety is everyone's responsibility. Let's work together to provide our Shorian Nation with a safe community where they can grow.
October is also National Bullying Prevention Month.
Established by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center in 2006, this month serves as an important reminder of the serious and lasting impact bullying can have on individuals and communities.
On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, we invited Shorians districtwide to wear orange for Unity Day!
Together, we can send a powerful message that kindness, acceptance, and inclusion matter—and that every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and welcomed.
Safety Patrol
Safety starts with our students!
What does it mean to be on Safety Patrol? Just ask our amazing Patrollers at Masonic Heights Elementary, Rodgers Elementary, and Violet Elementary!
Shorians are proud to be part of the 654,000 student Safety Patrol members across the country who help keep their peers safe every day — from morning drop-off to afternoon dismissal.
Safety Jobs in Action at Masonic Heights Elementary:
Kayleigh Fortuna
- Hall Monitor & Mail Helper
- Keeps an eye on the halls while helping deliver and collect mail throughout the building.
- Breakfast Helper
- Assists with breakfast routines and helps make sure the morning gets off to a smooth start.
- Morning Announcements
- Takes charge of the morning announcements from the main office, using a prepared script to help officially kick off the school day.
These student leaders and adults don’t just guide their friends across roads and through hallways — they’re also lending a hand in other big ways:
- Assisting with computers
- Collecting recycling
- Sharpening pencils
- Helping classmates pack up
- Taking care of lunchboxes
- …and most importantly, being the first smile of the day for many students!
Meet some of the students who proudly help care for our flags each day at Rodgers Elementary:
- Mason McNinch — 4th Grade
- CJ Angst — 5th Grade
- Ashton Angst — 5th Grade
- Connor Hanley — 5th Grade
Their job starts bright and early at 8:10 a.m., when they put the flags up, and wraps up at 3:10 p.m., when they bring them back down.
Thank you, Safety Patrol, for keeping our school safe, happy, and running smoothly!
Fire Safety
A strong community is built on safety, and our students recently learned from a VIP team who make that possible every day.
St. Clair Shores Fire Department visited our elementary schools during #FirePreventionMonth to share important safety tips. Students discovered that while calling 911 is important, the first step in an emergency is always to get out safely. Firefighters Derek and Blake are trained to help in those moments and provide care. This year's theme is “Charge Into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.” The focus: Everyday habits to reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires from rechargeable devices like phones, laptops, e-bikes, and scooters.
Our Masonic Heights kindergartners had a blast during their annual firefighter and fire truck visit!
Kindergarten teacher Nora Boren shared how grateful the school is to the St. Clair Shores Fire Department for taking the time to teach students about fire safety, including the importance of smoke detectors, calling for help and understanding that firefighters in their protective gear are there to help.
This cherished kindergarten tradition has been going strong for more than 15 years! And the students’ favorite part? Meeting our brave local firefighters and climbing right inside the fire truck, of course!
Thank you to the Fire Department for educating our students—not just on safety, but also on the meaningful careers that help protect our community. From fire truck tours at our elementary schools to fire drill safety across our district, we’re grateful for your presence and commitment!
School Bus Safety
School Bus Safety Week was October 19–23, with Operation Safe Stop taking place nationwide on Wednesday, October 21.
As our Shorians travel to and from school each day, we all have a role to play in keeping them safe!
While school buses are one of the safest ways for students to get to school, the greatest danger often comes when children are getting on or off the bus. Every year, children are seriously injured or lose their lives because drivers fail to stop for a school bus.
A few extra seconds of patience can make all the difference. Please keep these important safety reminders in mind:
- Always stop for a school bus with flashing red lights.
- Flashing yellow lights mean prepare to stop. Slow down and be ready to stop as the bus prepares to load or unload students.
- Wait until the red lights are off, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before proceeding.
- Never pass a stopped school bus on the right. This is illegal and puts children in danger.
- Watch for children near bus stops. Students may be walking along the road, gathering at bus stops, or crossing the street.
- Put distractions away. Stay alert and watch for children who may not be paying attention to traffic.
- Slow down and stay alert in neighborhoods and school zones. You never know when a child may step into the roadway.
This week, we’re joined the nationwide effort to raise awareness and encourage motorists to make safe choices around school buses. Thank you to our local law enforcement partners and community members for helping protect our students!
A few seconds of patience could save a child’s life.
WHEN THE REDS ARE FLASHING, THERE’S NO PASSING!
Student Leaders in Action: Shorian Shop is more than just a School Store!
Did you know our Shorian Shop is more than just a school store? It's a hands-on learning lab where students gain valuable real-world experience while serving the Lake Shore community!
Located inside our brand-new-ish Hub at Lake Shore High School, the Shorian Shop is stocked with spirit wear, tasty treats, and Shorian Nation trinkets. But behind the counter, our student team is learning skills that will last a lifetime—marketing, sales, customer service, accounting, teamwork, and responsibility.
From showing up on time, to managing the cash register accurately, to taking ownership of their role, these students are practicing the very skills they’ll need in college, careers, and beyond.
Continuing this month, the Shorian Shop is open weekdays (except Wednesdays) from 11:13–12:55 PM.
A huge thank-you to our store managers Julianne Ahearn, Carter Bondy, Alex Lorenger, Hayden Moritz, Matt Smith and to the student sales assistants in our Marketing & Sales class for running the store with such pride and professionalism.
Marketing and Sales teacher Jan Radlick couldn’t be prouder:
“These students are the cream of the crop, great kids, and vetted by other teachers to serve their peers. They have the best character. Our remodeled and expanded store will be great for students and other customers. This year I have one of the best management teams ever, and I think it is going to be a great year.”
Stop by the Shorian Shop, support our student leaders, and show off your Shorian Nation pride!
Affordable prices. Friendly faces. A store run by students, for students. That’s the Shorian Shop.
Color, slime, mental health and pie — OH MY!
Nearly one in five children in the United States will experience mental illness in their lifetime (source: Center for Disease Control). World Mental Health Day, honored annually in October, was created to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilize support to improve the mental health of people around the world. What better way to recognize with Color Runs!
Masonic Heights Elementary, Violet Elementary, and Rodgers Elementary held their Color Run school fundraiser events in which students and teachers participated to raise money for the school. It combined physical activity, community involvement, and fundraising into one event.
We were able to watch students race around the track and dance to songs under the guidance of building physical education teachers. The encouraging signage and cheerful music were great ways to create smiles.
A huge THANK YOU to our incredible PTOs, students, families, and staff for making this year’s Color Run fundraisers a massive success!
- Masonic Heights Elementary raised $47,875
- Violet Elementary raised $18,332
- Rodgers Elementary raised $42,343
That’s a total of $108,550 raised to support field trips, assemblies, classroom resources, and more — all while celebrating Stephen Covey’s "Begin with the End in Mind" habit!
Shoutout to our top fundraisers:
- Masonic Heights: Dylan Krokowski: $2,115, Brielle Blaskowski : $1,210, Olivia and Delilah Barranca : $666 each
- Violet: Madison Bulak: $700, Evelyn Boggus $680, Levi Toliver: $530
- Rodgers: Lincoln H. - $3,025, Xander C. - $2,830, Jack O. - $1,900
Celebrations included epic assemblies, goal-setting stories, cheer & band performances, and — of course — a color-filled run to end the day!
These events aren't just fun — they teach kids about goal setting, generosity, and community spirit. We’re so proud!
Thank you for another successful event that teaches all of us about generosity.
Principal Mr. Barranca from Masonic Heights slept on the roof AGAIN on Thursday, October 22! Why? Because he’s a little crazy… but mostly because Masonic Heights exceeded its Color Run fundraising goal, and he’s the kind of principal who will go above and beyond for his kids every single time!
October P2 Recognitions
Congratulations to our October Positivity Project Honorees:
Shorian Early Childhood Center
Henry Dumon - Integrity
Masonic Heights Elementary
- Reagan Edwards - Enthusiasm
- Carissa Hachey - Teamwork
- Sam Bross - Teamwork
Rodgers Elementary
- Oliver Dunaway - Kindness
- Sophia Agosta - Humor
- Katherine Patrico - Perseverance
Violet Elementary
Alontae Larkins - Integrity
Briella Wilson - Self Control
Miracle Bryant Jordan - Leadership
Kennedy Middle School
Karielle Rucker - Kindness
Sophie Gee - Kindness
Liam Tribble - Kindness
Brodie Chunn - Initiative
Lake Shore High School
- Dylan Funderburk - Kindness
- Kaylee Rose - Kindness
- Trevor Zablocki - Integrity
- Joeseph Murphy - Effort
- Austin Roberts - Effort
- Steve Tani - Teamwork
North Lake High School
Railey Petroski - Integrity
A huge thank you to our community sponsors:
- Virgil Johnson, 7-Eleven Store Owner
- Tony Zarife, EOS Cafe & Coffee House
- Ashleigh Larimer, North Shores Nutrition
- Amber Carlson, Chick-fil-A Roseville
- Vernon Mathews, Jet's Pizza General Manager
- Jessica Fortuna, J & W Ice Cream and Grill
Athletics Website
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 have finished uploading Fall 2026 schedules for Cross County, Football, Sideline Cheer, Soccer, Swim, and Volleyball! Team photos, player headshots, video feed, and featured stories are on deck to be added. Stay tuned!
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.
Featured Story: Fall Season Wrap Up
🎟️ NEW: Lake Shore Athletics is moving to Hudl Ticketing!
We’re making the switch from GoFan to Hudl Ticketing for Lake Shore athletic events. ❤️🤍
Ready to grab your tickets? You can also check out recent highlights and follow along with Shorian athletics all in one place!
👉 Purchase tickets & view highlights:
Hudl Fan — Lake Shore High School
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/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylsps/