Dear Lansing School District Community,

I hope that this newsletter finds you well. Thank you so much for all of your support during this last week of frozen temperatures and windy snow. As you all know, we try very hard to keep school open for our children, but there are times when we feel that it is imperative to close. This week was one of those times. Because we were able to make this decision countywide, we were able also to let the public know much earlier. It is certainly our plan that if we know we are going to close school, we will let you all know as soon as possible. Thus, on Monday, we were able to let you know that school on Tuesday would be closed by late afternoon. And on Tuesday, we were able to let the community know that school would be closed on Wednesday by 2 pm. I can't promise that we will always be able to do this, but when we can, we certainly will. Typically, we know that more in advance if it is based more on temperatures than snow or ice. Sadly, if the roads become unpassable, we rarely know that until we get on them around 4:30 am that day.

Additionally, I want to make sure that you all know that even if we shut schools down, we, as a district, are always here to help. I, along with our wonderful executive team, the facilities team, and others, were working. No matter the day, time, or weather, we are at your service. Please make sure to reach out to us if there is an emergency that we can assist with. You are all very special to us, and we want you to always be safe, whether school is open or not. It looks like the weather will be a little bit better this coming week, with temperatures at least breaking the freezing point. But we also know that even slightly above freezing is still cold. If your family needs coats, socks, or mittens, please let us know. The district has access and resources to try to connect you with clothing and other support. Stay warm!

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

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.
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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 Junior Board of Education is the voice of the student body and serve as ambassadors to the Lansing School District Board of Education.

Gabriel (River) Freels, Aerith Wilson, Maryam George

Advisors: Jill Lanew, Lori Anthony

Marquis Starnes, FaithAnn Gilmore, and Lisa Irankunda

Advisor: Cecelia Terraza-O’Brien

Cliff Ross , Sebastian Torres , Owen Thomas, Mia Del Toro

Advisor: TiAnna Taylor

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 January 29th will focus on mental health services and supports.

If families and community members cannot attend in person, they have the option to attend online via the provided Zoom link - https://zoom.us/j/96752150075.

Scholarship Essay Contest for Lansing High School Students

The Greater Lansing Optimist Club is holding an essay contest for high school students in the Greater Lansing area. The winner of the club contest will advance to the Michigan district competition, where scholarships in the amounts of $2,500 (first place); $1,500 (second place); and $1,000 (third place) will be awarded.

The theme of this year’s essay is “How Optimism Has Paved My Road to Success.”

The deadline for contest entries is Friday, January 31, 2025. The first-place winner at the club level will receive a $50 gift card, a medallion, and a certificate of achievement, and will advance to the district level. For complete information, download the information packet with application, or request a digital copy of the essay contest application from Elizabeth Johnson, club essay contest chair, at elizabethwriter@gmail.com or co-chair Annette Shauver at Annette.shauver@yahoo.com.

Last year’s Greater Lansing Optimist Club scholarship essay contest winner was Amari Jimenez-Demoss, a senior at Sexton High School!

Our next Parent University workshop is January 29th where we explore Cultivating Self-Worth in Children. Childcare and dinner are provided but registration is required.

January 29 — Parent University | 6:00 p.m.| 2400 Pattengill Ave.

January 29 — PCAC | 6:00 p.m.| 2400 Wainwright Ave.

January 31 — No School

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

February 14 — No School

February 17 — No School - President's Day

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

February 26 —PCAC | 6:00 p.m.| 2400 Wainwright Ave.

March 14 — 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.