Dear Lansing School District Community,

I hope that this newsletter finds you well. As always, it is a pleasure to email you all. Earlier this week, the newest Education Recovery Scorecard was released by Harvard's Center for Education Policy Research and Stanford's Education Data Archive. This is an incredibly important project where education researchers from both institutions work on looking at trends and outcomes in math, reading, and attendance rates throughout the country. Ever since I arrived in Lansing, the district has looked at these reports to gauge how we were doing compared to our previous scores and other districts in Michigan and across the country.

As we all know, the reading and math scores in the district have not been great. In fact, the Education Recovery Scorecard shows that from 2019-2022, Lansing had one of the largest declines in Michigan in both math and reading achievement. And right after the pandemic, LSD had one of the highest rates of chronic absenteeism in the country.

But the latest scorecard shows that Lansing has started to turn it around over the last three years. Our chronic absenteeism rate has dropped around 30%, and math and reading scores have increased. Most notably, our reading scores from 2022-2024 increased the most out of any school district in Michigan! That is incredible. I cannot thank our educators, students, and families enough. Congratulations to you all for this.

We still have a long way to go to get back to where we were 15 years ago, but having the highest growth rate in the entire state is something to celebrate and commend. I hope that by knowing this information, everyone in Lansing can feel proud. I know that we all can't wait to see next year's results, where I believe we will see even more gains.

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

Lansing Matinee Musical has awarded grants for arts education in the Lansing School District.

Founded in 1894 (130 years ago!), the group had its humble beginnings as a professional development group for area music teachers who would get together in one another's living rooms and perform for one another, providing suggestions and critiques to keep improving their own performance and teaching skills. In 1951, the group became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization, and it has since been run by volunteers.

"Early access to the arts is essential for human development, and it should be available to all," said Lansing Matinee Musicale Vice President Patrice Van Voorhees. Lansing Matinee Musicale does this by supporting music education in elementary schools through their Project Crescendo Initiative. This year, they gave $19,260 to five district schools: Attwood, Cumberland, Forest View, North, and Pattengill.

Thank you Lansing Matinee Musicale for your support!

The Lansing School District has gathered critical graduation information and links for families to plan a successful senior year and graduation day. The resource web page is being updated with new information as it becomes available, please bookmark the page and check often.

App Features

• Track the real-time location of your child’s bus
  
• Reduce wait times: get notified when the bus is near or the schedule has changed
• Know when your child arrives at school or home

Instructions For Parents and Guardians

1. Download Here Comes the Bus app or visit herecomesthebus.com
   
2. Click the “Sign Up” button
   
3. Enter school district code 29845 and click “Next” followed by “Confirm”
   
4. Complete the “User Profile” box
   
5. Under “My Students,” click “Add.” Enter your child’s last name and student ID number. You must add “LSD_” to the beginning of your student’s ID during initial sign up. For example, if your student’s ID is 12345, you should enter LSD_12345 into the app.
6. Click to confirm you are registering for your school district
   
7. Complete the registration by clicking “Activate My Account” in the verification email
   

What is Here Comes the Bus and why might you need it?

Here Comes the Bus is an easy-to-use website and app that enables you to see the location of your student’s school bus on a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. You know when the bus is near your stop or has arrived at the school.

How does it work?

Here Comes the Bus uses global positioning system (GPS) technology to locate and track a student’s school bus. It is powered by software from CalAmp. The location of the school bus can be seen on a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer.

How do you sign up?

Access to the application requires a district-specific code (29845), the student’s last name, and student ID*. Only students enrolled in transportation are available in the app.

*You must add “LSD_” to the beginning of your student’s ID during initial sign up. For example, if your student’s ID is 12345, you should enter LSD_12345 into the app.

Is the information private and secure?

Here Comes the Bus uses HTTPS, just like a bank or online store, which means that all communications between your web browser and the site are encrypted and secure.

How much does it cost?

Here Comes the Bus is available at no cost to families and participation is optional.

What is the difference between the app and website to track your student’s school bus?

The main difference is how you access the data. The look and feel are different on the mobile device for on-the-go use. You can use mobile and tablet apps anywhere you can use a mobile device.

What is the Buspass icon in the app and how do I use it?

“Buspass” is an additional service provided by CalAmp; for our families, "Buspass" will be an inactive icon in the app.

Will my student’s Access 411 One Card scans appear in Here Comes The Bus?

Unfortunately, your student’s card scans will not appear in the Here Come The Bus application. Here Comes The Bus is intended to provide school bus tracking only.

What should parents do if they have questions or problems using the app?

The Transportation Department and Transportation Technology Support teams will be happy to answer questions and resolve any issues. Please contact the Transportation Technology Support team at (517) 319-8360 and follow the prompts for Here Comes the Bus support.

Basic Facts:

• Student Success Initiative Card numbers are created by adding the student’s ID number to the prefix LAN. For example: lan123456
  
• All students enrolled in Lansing School District are eligible for a free card.
  
• The student does not have to live in Ingham County.
  
• The student can have both a full access Youth CADL card and an SSI card. These accounts are separate, so check-outs on one will not count toward the checkout limit on the other.
  
• To place items on hold and use digital resources, create a password at cadl.org. Additionally, the CADL mobile app provides convenient features like a digital card and other account management tools.
  
• To check out items at any of our 13 branches or Mobile Library, the student can show their school ID card or give the account number to staff.
  
• Account notices will be sent to the student’s school email address. Contact information and notice preference can be updated at cadl.org/account.
  

Account Rules:

• CADL does not charge overdue fines, but students and their parents/guardians are responsible for returning items. If an item reaches 10 days overdue the account is blocked until the item is returned. Items not returned with-in 30 days of the due date will be billed to the student.
  
• Parents/guardians have permission to obtain account information. They must be able to provide their student’s school username.
  

What you can do with an SSI card:

• Use the public computers in any CADL branch.
  
• Check out five physical items at a time. This includes books, audiobooks on CD, read-along books, and print magazines. SSI cards cannot be used to check out Library of Things items, DVDs and BluRays, music CDs or use MeLCat interlibrary loan.
  
• Check out digital items such as Libby ebooks, audiobooks and magazines; hoopla ebooks, graphic novels, audiobooks, mu-sic albums and movies; Kanopy movies and documentaries, including Kanopy Kids and BookFlix.
  
• Use databases such as Transparent language learning, the video learning platform LinkedIn Learning, Consumer Reports; directory information from Reference Solutions; genealogy information from Ancestry.com; and newspaper databases.
  
• Access tutoring services through tutor.com. Live tutors are available from 2-9 pm daily, with drop-off review options and test preparation tutorials from the Princeton Review also available.
  
• Use services available to CADL members through the Michigan Electronic Library, such as Learning Express test preparation.
  

Looking for fun, practical, and inexpensive things to do in the Lansing area? Check out what Capital Area District Libraries (CADL) can offer! With classes and groups for children, families, teens, and adults, there is something for the whole family at CADL.

Stay Active, Stay Safe: Winter Recess in Full Swing!

Winter weather is here, and the Lansing School District is committed to keeping students active, safe, and engaged during recess. Our cold weather recess guidelines ensure every child gets a chance to play, even when temperatures drop.

Outdoor recess will be determined based on the “RealFeel” temperature* (temperature plus wind chill) as follows:

K-8 Students:

• Above 20°F: Outdoor recess – unrestricted time
• 15°F to 20°F: Outdoor recess is limited to 20 minutes for a quick, safe energy boost.
• Below 15°F: Indoor recess ensures kids stay warm while staying active.

Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP):

Our youngest learners follow specific temperature and wind chill guidelines to ensure safety and comfort during outdoor play:

• 1°F to 10°F: Outdoor play for 5-10 minutes.
• 10°F to 20°F: Outdoor play for 15-20 minutes.
• 20°F to 32°F: Outdoor play for 20-30 minutes.
• Above 32°F: Outdoor play for up to an hour or more, with coats worn during cooler temperatures.

*School administrators/staff will use AccuWeather as the website/app to determine the RealFeel.

Handling Parent Requests for Indoor Recess:

We understand that some parents may prefer their children stay indoors, even when outdoor conditions are safe. Here’s what to expect:

• Health Concerns: Medical requests, such as those for asthma or recent illness, should be in writing, preferably from a healthcare provider
• Non-Medical Requests: Non-medical requests will need to be put in writing and detail the reason and duration. All requests will be reviewed by the principal or designated staff for approval.
• Support for Winter Clothing: If the concern is related to insufficient winter gear, schools can assist through resources or partnerships with local organizations.

Supervised Indoor Options:

When outdoor play isn’t possible or a request is approved, children will participate in supervised activities in designated indoor spaces. We prioritize their safety and well-being at all times.

Keeping Recess Safe and Fun:

• Playground Inspections: Staff check for icy patches, excessive snow, and unsafe equipment before recess begins.
• Staff Supervision: Monitors keep a close eye on children and are equipped with communication tools for emergencies.
• Winter Gear: Schools are equipped with a few extra coats, hats, and gloves to assist students who may have forgotten theirs or are in need.

We’re excited to make this winter a safe, active, and enjoyable season for all our students! For more information or assistance, please contact your school’s principal.

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.

Any parent/guardian of a Lansing School District student as well as community leaders and citizens of the Greater Lansing Area are welcome to attend in person or online.

Our next PCAC meeting scheduled for February 26th will focus on Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM).

February 20 — Board Meeting | 6:00 p.m. | 519 Kalamazoo St.

February 26 — Preschool, Kindergarten Enrollment | 4:30-7:30 p.m.| See Flyer Above

February 26 — Parent University | Navigating Emotions | 6:00 p.m.| 2400 Pattengill Ave.

February 26 —PCAC | Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management |

6:00 p.m.| 2400 Wainwright Ave.

February 26 — Enrollment Event | Preschool, Kindergarten, Young 5's

March 13 — Board Meeting | 6:00 p.m. | 519 Kalamazoo St.

March 14 — No School

March 19 — Parent University | Encouraging Positive Behavior | 6:00 p.m.| 2400 Pattengill Ave.

March 19 — PCAC | Topic TBD | 6:00 p.m.| 2400 Wainwright Ave.

March 20 — Board Meeting | 6:00 p.m. | 519 Kalamazoo St.

March 21 — No School

March 24 - 28 — No School (Spring Break)

April 3 — Board Meeting | 6:00 p.m. | 519 Kalamazoo St.

April 10 — Half Day (HS for testing)

April 17 — Board Meeting | 6:00 p.m. | 519 Kalamazoo St.

April 23 — Parent University | Positive Discipline Techniques | 6:00 p.m.| 2400 Pattengill Ave.

April 23 — PCAC | Topic TBD | 6:00 p.m.| 2400 Wainwright Ave.

April 25 — 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.