Shorian Nation eNews
August 31st, 2025
NEXT WEEK: Employee Appreciation Week is coming May 4–8, 2026
We’re sending a BIG thank you to our incredible staff for the dedication, passion, and care you bring every single day. Whether you’re in the classroom, behind the scenes, or supporting our schools in countless ways—you make a lasting impact on our students and community.
We’re also proud to celebrate excellence across Macomb County! At the Outstanding Teachers of the Year celebration, 60 educators were recognized—and Lake Shore had a strong presence.
The celebration continues next week as we highlight all 5 of our Teachers of the Year—stay tuned!
Let’s show our appreciation in a BIG way:
- Send a kind note or video message
- Create a sidewalk chalk thank-you
- Surprise a staff member with a treat
The guessing game continues… what small gift will we spoil our employees with this year?
Let’s make it a week full of gratitude and positivity!
We encourage you to use our Staff Directory to send an uplifting email to your child's teacher. You may not see the immediate smile, but we promise it will be there:
Roots of Connection: Families Grow Together on Bring Your Child to Work Day
We celebrated our Family Tree with Bring Your Child to Work Day—and what a meaningful day it was!
From classrooms to hallways, we watched curiosity come to life as our students’ children jumped into learning, made new friends, and showed kindness, confidence, and a willingness to help.
Teacher Erin Stasyk invited her sons Colin (18) and Dylan (13) to join her at Violet Elementary. Her boys always look forward to this day. They love to come in and interact with the kids, help out, and of course enjoy recess!
Ramona Filer (5) will not be joining School Social Worker Nikki Filer at Masonic Heights next year as a Kindergartener; Her next stop is Violet Elementary. Ramona got to help mom during her morning check ins, running social skills group, pushing into the variety of classrooms, recess support and afternoon check outs.
Teacher Jimmy Roehm and his sons Isaac (9) and Ian (5) and daughter Annie (7) bonded at Lake Shore High School. They got to test their kickball skills, help teach some lifesaving techniques in the pool, and got a workout in the weight room!
Principal Mrs. Winiarski has two children already enrolled at other buildings within Lake Shore Public Schools. It was enjoyable for her daughters Paisley (9) and Kailey (4) to spend some quality time together at Rodgers Elementary. They were excited to be "principal" for the day, completing daily routines like greeting students as they entered the building before school started, participating in daily announcements, monitoring student behavior during lunch and outside at recess, walking the halls throughout the day and helping keep our campus clean of clutter, and dismissing students at the end of the day! They even got to attend a Rodgers Assembly for Kids Heart Challenge and join in on the excitement of raising money for a great cause!
Angie (12) and Ronnie (13) are lucky enough to go to work with their mom every day. They both attend KMS, where their mom, Becky Wentworth, is an 8th grade ELA teacher. Angie visits mom frequently during the day, while Ronnie is blessed to have his mom as his teacher.
We’re proud to continue building strong connections between school and family—because those moments matter most.
A big thank you to Rachel Nagorsen from American House for sponsoring “Donuts with a Grownup,” bringing smiles (and !) to so many faces. And shoutout to Golden Donuts for the custom red & white treats to match our LSPS spirit! We also appreciate Employee Services Manager Nate Conner for assisting with IDs! We also loved the coffee drink dropoffs from 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee!
From custom kid badges to unforgettable memories, this day was all about celebrating family, connection, and community.
- “This is so special! Thanks for organizing!!! Means a lot to many families!”
- “My child is obsessed with his lanyard… I am so excited for him!”
And perhaps the best comment came from 10-year-old Viktor Kamis who said:
- “I loved the ID, but bummed that it doesn't open the doors [like my mom's]”
And yes—even a classroom pet spider, Violet Vermander, joined the fun with a custom badge request!
You’re Invited, Shorian Nation!
Join Lake Shore Public Schools and Superintendent Dr. DiPonio as we celebrate an exciting milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for our new Community Center and Early Childhood Center!
- Front entrance on Harper (28850 Harper Avenue)
- Saturday, June 6th
- 10 AM
This grand opening marks the official unveiling of our newly reimagined Community Center and Early Childhood Center—spaces designed to inspire learning, spark creativity, and drive innovation.
After 18 months of hard work, creativity, and transformation, these facilities are ready to inspire, support, and empower every student and family who walks through the doors.
Community Center
A hub for wellness and connection! Highlights include an 8,200-square-foot fieldhouse with turf, batting cages, fitness equipment, and a rock-climbing wall, plus a 4,800-square-foot multi-purpose space with pickleball courts for year-round activity and events.
Early Childhood Center
Home to 18 new classrooms, this space is built to nurture our youngest learners and expand early childhood opportunities in a warm, engaging environment.
We’re proud to continue our tradition of being responsible stewards of our community’s resources and will keep you updated as we invest in what matters most—our students.
Come celebrate this exciting new chapter with us!
Year-End Celebrations
Please save the dates for the following ceremonies:
-Lake Shore High School MoCI Graduation Ceremony-
Wednesday, May 20th at 9:00 AM
Lake Shore High School Auditorium
-Lake Shore High School Prom-
Thursday, May 21st from 6-10:00 PM
Blossom Heath
-Lake Shore High School Honors Night-
Thursday, May 28th at 6:30 PM
Lake Shore High School Auditorium
-103rd Lake Shore High School Commencement Ceremony-
Saturday, May 30th at 10:00 AM
LSHS John U'ren Stadium
-7th Grade Awards-
Wednesday, June 3rd at 2:30 PM
Kennedy Middle School Gym
-Rodgers Elementary Kindergarten Celebration-
Thursday, June 4th at 2 PM
Rodgers Elementary
-6th Grade Awards-
Thursday, June 4th at 2:30 PM
Kennedy Middle School Gym
-North Lake High School Commencement Ceremony-
Thursday, June 4th at 6:30 PM
Lake Shore High School Auditorium
-Rodgers 5th Grade Celebration-
Monday, June 8th at 1:30 PM
Lake Shore High School Auditorium
-8th Grade Awards-
Monday, June 8th at 6:00 PM
Lake Shore High School Auditorium
-Violet Kindergarten Celebration-
Tuesday, June 9th at 9 AM
Violet Elementary Gym
-Violet 5th Grade Celebration-
Tuesday, June 9th at 1:45
Violet Elementary Gym
-Masonic Heights Elementary Kindergarten Celebration-
Tuesday, June 9th at 1:00 PM
Lake Shore High School Auditorium
-Masonic Heights Elementary 5th Grade Celebration-
Tuesday, June 9th at 5:30 PM
Lake Shore High School Auditorium
Meet at the 50
Lake Shore is thrilled to kick off a heartwarming tradition: Meet at the 50!
Save the Date: Meet at the 50
Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 at 9:00 AM
John U'Ren Stadium at Lake Shore High School
This special event will unite our incredible senior Class of 2026 with the bright-eyed Kindergarten Class of 2038 for a memorable moment on the football field.
At Meet at the 50, our graduating seniors and kindergarteners will meet at the 50-yard line, symbolizing the full circle of their educational journeys—from the very first day of kindergarten to the excitement of high school graduation.
Kindergartners will present a special “Once a Shorian, Always a Shorian” bracelet—generously sponsored by Michigan Insurance and Financial Services—to their “seasoned selves,” symbolizing a lasting bond and shared pride that will carry them through the years.
Seniors will leave their legacy by signing Class of 2038 shirts—future keepsakes that just might become priceless as these young students follow in the footsteps of distinguished alumni like Candice Miller, Tom Wilson, George Allen, Mark Wells, Anne Fletcher, and Alto Reed.
˜”*°•.˜”*°• Once a Shorian, Always a Shorian •°*”˜.•°*”˜
This event is a beautiful celebration of school spirit, growth, and the incredible bond that forms between these two stages of life. It’s bound to be an emotional, inspiring moment—so get ready for some tears of joy!
Families of Class of 2026 and Class of 2038 students are invited to watch this event from the stands. Bring cameras & tissues!
Video clip from 2025: https://youtu.be/WXk8YEcZKhc?si=u1Xclac97zl6dlY-
Note: We kindly request that Seniors wear something representing Lake Shore, such as an athletic jersey, class shirt, club shirt, etc., and that Kindergartners wear their red Class of 2038 shirt.
#Meetatthe50 #myLSPS #ShorianPride #Classof2026 #Classof2038
37th Annual Leonard and Patty Palermino Memorial Golf Outing
The Lake Shore Foundation for Educational Excellence is excited to host its premier fundraising event, the 37th Annual Leonard and Patty Palermino Memorial Golf Outing, on Monday, June 15, 2026, with a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start at beautiful Oak Ridge Golf Club.
For more than three decades, this Foundation has invested nearly $1 million directly into Lake Shore classrooms through teacher grant fulfillment. Every dollar raised helps bring innovative learning experiences, technology, and enrichment opportunities to our students.
We invite you to partner with us in making this year’s outing our most successful yet!
⛳ Ways to Get Involved:
- Register a golf foursome or team
- Sponsor a tee sign or program advertisement
- Donate a raffle prize or gift certificate
- Make a financial contribution
This event brings together local business leaders, community members, and Lake Shore supporters for a fun and meaningful day on the course, and it’s a fantastic way to showcase your business while supporting education.
Please review the link for golf and advertising pricing details. We would be honored to feature your business as a community partner.
🔗 https://www.lakeshoreschools.org/common/pages/GetFile.ashx?key=1JCTAbhu
Together, we can continue strengthening Lake Shore classrooms and creating opportunities for our students. Thank you for your consideration and support; we hope to see your team on the green!
Save the Secondary Dates
Join us for two upcoming experiences designed to help families get a great first—and lasting—impression of Lake Shore Public Schools.
High School Experience
Lake Shore High School
May 6 | 6–7:30 PM
Learn about the transition to high school, hear key information during a presentation beginning promptly at 6 PM in the auditorium, and enjoy an optional self-guided building tour.
Meet our world-class staff, tour our facilities, and experience the Lake Shore difference. Enrollment is open, applications are available, and we’re excited to welcome new families into Shorian Nation.
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.
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.
People with the character strength of purpose have beliefs about the meaning of life and their life’s purpose. They seek to be part of something greater than themselves.
Our entire Shorian Nation staff pitched in to write a combined total of 500+ postcards to Seniors who have made a significant impact on them from Lake Shore High School and North Lake High School. We appreciate our students, past and present, more than they could possibly know, and this is one small way of sharing this message.
THE IMPACT OF SENIOR POSTCARDS
Warning: Watching this video will cause extreme happiness (and you will cry ). Thank you Alaina Handy & Alyssa Finazzo from Media Productions for this masterpiece! We also appreciate the following combos of students and staff who were featured in this video:
- Mrs. Barnett & Meredith Green (Kennedy Middle School)
- Mrs. Quinlan & Quintin Cardinale (Rodgers/Masonic Heights Elementary)
- Mrs. Crippen & Aniya Jackson (Masonic Heights Elementary)
- Dr. DiPonio & Mary Hayes McEaddy (Central Office)
- Ms. Frau P & Sophia VanDenStorm (Lake Shore High School)
- Mrs. Husek & Jack Pierce (Violet Elementary)
Every Senior has at least one, written by their favorite staff member from Lake Shore High School, North Lake High School, Kennedy Middle School, Masonic Heights Elementary, Rodgers Elementary, or Violet Elementary. They will receive them inside Honors Night folders in late May.
Seniors are now able to see the finished slide deck on the televisions inside the commons, too!
Looking forward, we are excited to celebrate ENTHUSIASM and OPM - Knowing my words and actions affect others which will take place during the weeks of May 4-8 and May 11-15.
Autism Acceptance Month
Lake Shore Public Schools works to #CelebrateDifferences for Autism Acceptance Month.
The Autism Society launched the first National Autism Awareness Month in April 1970. Since then, autism has become one of the fastest-growing diagnoses worldwide. What was once identified in about 1 in 2,000 children in the 1970s and 1980s is now recognized in approximately 1 in 68 children today.
As part of Wellness Week and Autism Awareness Month, Shorians wore blue to show support. Kody and Konnor Gibbs proudly showed their support by wearing “Team Kody” jerseys in celebration of Kody’s autism. Kody, a second grader in Mrs. Schornak's class, and his younger brother Konnor, a kindergartener in Mrs. Perkins-Rose's class, are a great example of love, pride, and standing together.
Keep an eye out for local and global landmarks showing their support by changing their lighted colors to blue.
Teacher Mrs. Schornak at Violet Elementary said, "Violet "All Stars" show Autism Awareness everyday. They are inquisitive and ask great questions about Autism. Furthermore, they use the answer to those questions to foster friendship and belonging. They are patient and kind to communication differences. They show pride when their friend conquers something that is hard, whether it is large or small. I truly think all of our students have moved from awareness of autism, to acceptance and celebration. These are our future leaders and changemakers and I cannot wait to see them make this world a more inclusive space.
Thank you to the entire Shorian Nation for sharing your #OtherPeopleMatter pride!
Bridging Generations, Sharing Wisdom
There’s something special about learning from those who’ve lived it.
Lake Shore High School students recently visited American House, sitting down with senior residents to hear life stories, share conversations, and gather advice that only experience can teach. This meaningful partnership brought generations together in the best way.
Thanks to Rachel Smith, Life Enrichment Coordinator, and Mrs. Welsh’s AP Psychology class, this intergenerational experience created moments that truly mattered. As Rachel shared, “These conversations are the best thing for our seniors—I love watching the connection and the wisdom exchanged on both sides.”
Our students walked away inspired:
- “I loved hearing Donna’s life story—it was such a great experience. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” — Cenza Zerilli, 11th grade
- “It was so cool hearing from someone who lived through the same stage of life I’m in right now.” — Ella Pascoe, 11th grade
- “Jane gave me amazing advice about my future—follow your heart and have a goal.” — Megan Sweeney, 11th grade
- From laughter to life lessons, these conversations reminded us all of the power of connection.
Thank you to our partners for helping us kick off the day with such a meaningful and memorable experience!
Big Ideas, Little Entrepreneurs: 2nd Graders Turn Creativity into Kindness at Market Day
Our 2nd graders at Masonic Heights Elementary have been working hard on creating paper products to sell during their Market Day. They've created store fronts to share products as well. This is their big project for their Economics unit, raising money for the Lake Shore Family Assistance Program.
All items were priced $0.25 to $1.00. Customers (staff and families) paid with quarters as students are learning about quarters and counting change in their math unit.
Here are some examples of young creators and their amazing handmade goods:
Aubrey’s Mini Toy Shop (Aubrey K.) – Just $0.50
Hand-drawn and colored dolls, cameras, and rocket ships, carefully cut out and ready for fun!
Avary’s Fantastic Fairies (Avary G.) – $1.00
Printed, colored, cut, and taped into magical fairy creations.
Ella’s Fantastic Squishies (Ariella R.) – $0.75
Soft, creative squishies made with tissue paper and lots of imagination.
Everett’s Fidget Factory (Everett L.) – $1.00
Folded and assembled fidget squares crafted from construction paper.
CJ’s Turtle Store (Chauncy W.) – $0.75
Adorable paper turtles with tissue shells and fun eye stickers!
Video clip: https://x.com/myLSPS/status/2045124908028477696
Vickie and Jerry Reeder—Grandma and Papa—stopped by to visit their twin 2nd graders, Ella and Lily Reeder. The girls were busy selling custom Masonic Heights squishies and jellyfish, and also visited other students selling bookmarks and flowers with classmates—especially making sure anyone sitting alone or with a little too much on their table felt included.
There were even paper airplanes in the mix—and it was pretty great watching adults walk out carrying them like prized possessions. Such a fun day!
In 2026 our 2nd grade donated all of the proceeds, $975.50 from Market Day, to the Lake Shore Family Assistance Foundation. We are so proud of their hard work and generosity and appreciative of staff for organizing this project! Way to go, Tigers!
Violet's Got Talent
👏 We were absolutely entertained by 29 incredible acts at Violet Elementary's 26th Annual Talent Show!
To check out the Talent Show program, visit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AT5c4cdj6c93ahcBh0ZdtiuhLTWyBGki/
🎤✨ What a SHOW! ✨🎤
A huge shoutout to our incredible MC duo—Kristin Woods & Zachariah Wronski—for keeping the energy high and the show running seamlessly! 🙌
From start to finish, the performances were AMAZING—singing, dancing, poetry, tumbling… every act brought something special, and we loved watching each of you shine! 🌟
👏 Standout moments:
• Killian Gray & Wesley Soelz flipping to Who Let the Dogs Out 🐾
• Francis Bahnham with I Stuck My Finger Up My Nose 😂
• Hadley Schornak singing Maybe 🎶
• Mrs. P & Stevie Jo Helms dancing to The Lion Sleeps Tonight 🦁
Your talent had us smiling all night long—and trust us, you're far from amateurs! Your skills are impressive, but your character and confidence are what truly set you apart. We are SO proud of each and every one of you 💙
👏 Huge thanks to Mrs. Pecoraro and our amazing backstage crew:
Madison Barry, Makenzie Eubank, Isabella Gatto, Piper Grogan, Ellianna Hacker, Teigen Jacks, Carly Kendrick, Olivia Malinowski, Laila Marshall, Charlotte Presley, Isla Rent, Mackenzie Vanfleteren—your hard work made it all possible!
✨ Reach high, for stars lie hidden in you! ✨
Lights, Camera, Impact: Lake Shore Media Students Take Top Honors
Even more talent ahead: Kendra Damm's PSA called "More Than Your Feed" won the Hidden Gem Award at the Detroit Teen Truth Film Festival. This is an award for a film that, though it didn't win by score, staff all agreed absolutely deserves recognition. This accomplished student from Lake Shore High School gets a trophy and a $250 cash prize from the YMCA.
The 2026 “Knocking Violence Out of My School” competition invited students to create videos addressing themes of anti-threats, anti-violence, anti-weapons, and anti-bullying. We had three entries this year and are proud to share that two of our videos placed.
Sara Augustitus and Lyla Card earned 3rd place for their video More Than Just Books and will receive a $500 award to be shared between them.
Amaria Goodwin (Jones) earned 2nd place for her video A Normal Day and will receive a $750 award.
The Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA) awards were announced this week, recognizing student work in Digital Media, Video Journalism, and Video Production.
Lake Shore High School Media 2 students submitted feature stories and expanded into vertical video through PBS News Student Reporting Labs. Industry professionals—including Alexis Stacy, Jack Horigan, and Kara Wolfbauer—supported students with hands-on workshops in production and presentation skills.
The results were outstanding. Competing in Division 2, students earned multiple honors across categories, including several 1st place finishes in Social Media Video, School Promo, Sports Feature, Human Interest, and Informative Feature.
These achievements reflect the creativity, effort, and dedication of our students in an increasingly competitive field. Please congratulate them—they’ve represented Lake Shore with excellence.
Next up: Courageous Persuaders on May 6, with three videos in the Top 60. Looking ahead, Abigale Smith and Ella Pascoe will travel to Atlanta in June for the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.
Happy Administrative Professionals’ Day!
Administrative Professionals' Day recognizes and celebrates the work of secretaries, administrative assistants and other office professionals for their contributions to the workplace. They keep our offices organized and efficient and on this day, and everyday, we are so grateful for them.
Principal Mrs. Winiarski commented, "Mrs. Shannon is the glue stick of Rodgers Elementary as she knows the ins-and-outs to keep our building running smoothly. Her warm smile and happy greeting plant a face to remember. Mrs. Sarah is the keeper of all sorts, organizing student information and filing all the things! Her friendly encounter always meets our students' and families needs. Together, they create a dynamic-duo and make our building BLASTastic!"
Principal Dr. Lip said, "Mrs. Szep is the person who handles everything with a smart mind and kind heart [at North Lake]. Thank you for your tireless hard work and for always being flexible enough to navigate through all of the chaos. Your grace and patience are unmatched. Thank you for everything you do and making everything look easy!”
Principal Mr. Barranca wrote, "Mrs. Battaglia and Mrs. Damm [at Masonic Heights Elementary] are the heart of our main office, keeping everything running smoothly each and every day. They manage countless responsibilities with grace and positivity, often behind the scenes, yet their impact is felt in every corner of our school. We are incredibly grateful for all they do. Our school simply would not be the same without them!!"
Principal Dr. Bross added, "Lake Shore High School is incredibly thankful for our administrative assistant team. They handle all the tasks (and chaos) with a smile and keep us running smoothly!"
No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden for another.
School Bus Driver Appreciation
We extend our gratitude to our incredible drivers and bus aides who safely transport our students each day. Your dedication, care, and commitment do not go unnoticed!
At Lake Shore, our transportation team is truly something special—serving Rodgers Elementary, Masonic Heights Elementary, Kennedy Middle School, and countless athletic events. They also transport special needs at LSHS and Violet Elementary. With over 62,000 miles traveled since September and more than 112 field trips (from Cedar Point to The Pinery!), their impact reaches far beyond the road.
With a combined 200 years of service and an average of 16 years each, this team exemplifies excellence. We’re also proud to share that all 12 buses passed inspection with flying colors, earning a green tag from the Michigan State Police!
A huge THANK YOU to Robert Stark for capturing these incredible drone shots for the Class of 2026! Your continued dedication and artistic eye have given our Shorian Nation unforgettable memories year after year — we truly appreciate you!
Shoutout as well to Marian Caputo, Kelly St. Amand, Dave Gill, Doug Domzal, Jerry Buckman, and Don McGarvah for your help with the bus setup — teamwork makes the dream work!
More Than Meals: Celebrating Our Incredible School Lunch Heroes
We celebrate School Lunch Hero Day! When we say school nutrition professionals are heroes, we mean it! Thank you to each person responsible for providing lunches (and food) to millions of children across America, but especially our Lake Shore Public Schools employees.
Tina Morris, Food Service Director, said, “Happy National Lunch Hero Day to our amazing team of women who feed our district day in and day out! Thank you for making a difference with what you do everyday with a smile, fun, kind gestures and caring ways! We are better because of you!”
MEALS-TO-DATE SERVED STATISTICS
- Breakfast: 88,635
- Lunch: 243,601
During the month of April, our Food Service team kicked off testing season with a nutritious breakfast for students! A good breakfast before a test is crucial because it fuels your brain and body, leading to better focus, memory, and overall performance on the test.
Green isn’t a Moment at Lake Shore, It’s our Movement
While the world celebrated Earth Day, Lake Shore celebrates it all year long by recognizing and supporting environmental excellence!
Congratulations to Lake Shore Public Schools for empowering students to take part in activities that protect our planet and promote energy efficiency. Because of these efforts, the following LSPS buildings earned Macomb County Green Schools designations for the 2025–2026 cycle:
- Masonic Heights Elementary: Green
- Violet Elementary: Evergreen
- Kennedy Middle School: Evergreen
This year, 73 schools across Macomb County were recognized. Going green is a way of life across our schools!
At Violet Elementary School, Erin Stasyk shared:
“We’ve completed the Green Schools application for five years and are proud to maintain the highest distinction—Evergreen status. We’re always bringing in new ideas and getting everyone involved to keep our school green!”
At Kennedy Middle School, Mary Jo McGuire highlighted their success:
Kennedy has also earned the top honor of Evergreen status through the Macomb County Green Schools program. Their Eco Club participates in more than 20 initiatives to achieve this recognition!
One standout tradition? Weekly recycling Fridays. Each week at 3:10, an announcement echoes through the halls:
“Happy Friday, Kennedy—it’s recycling time! Bring down your paper and plastic, and remember to think GREEN. Have a great weekend!”
Soon after, the hallways fill with students from across the building, each contributing to the effort. It’s a powerful—and inspiring—sight to see.
We’re also excited to take part in the Tri-County Green Schools Celebration with Oakland and Wayne counties at the Detroit Zoo!
Since its founding in 2006, the Michigan Green Schools Program has encouraged K–12 students to get involved in protecting natural resources, caring for the environment, and promoting energy efficiency. Schools earn their designation by submitting an application each year through their county or ISD.
Bonus: Celebrating Arbor Day, Lake Shore High School National Honor Society students joined City leaders, staff and DPW personnel to plant 13 new trees at the Brys Park Arboretum. This is the 2nd year the students partnered with the City to plant trees in the park.
Brys Park Arboretum is a certified arboretum that has 269 trees with 47 different species represented. It’s located off Harper just north of 8 Mile Road and open to the public.
Little Inventors, Big Impact: Lake Shore Students Bring Wild Ideas to Life!
Little Inventors is an exciting, real-world design program where students use creativity and problem-solving to invent solutions inspired by real challenges. This year marks the district's 6th year participating, featuring a new theme, new makers, and a special partnership with the Detroit Zoo.
The 2026 theme, “MISD Wild Ideas: From Forest Floors to Ocean Shores,” encourages students to explore biomimicry—designing inventions inspired by nature. Through this experience, students engage in engineering design, life science, and literacy while building their voice, choice, and creativity.
As part of this year’s experience, students from both Masonic Heights Elementary and Rodgers Elementary had the opportunity to attend a special field trip to the Detroit Zoo in February. This hands-on experience helped spark ideas and provided real-world inspiration as students observed animals and their environments, bringing the concept of biomimicry to life.
We are beyond thrilled to share that two of our students (of the 14 selected)—Eliana (a 4th Grader in Mrs. Thomas' Class at Masonic Heights Elementary) and Madalyn (a 4th Grader in Ms. Rhadigan's STEAM+Art Class at Rodgers Elementary)—were selected to have their inventions “brought to life”! Out of approximately 2,400 participating students, only about a dozen inventions were chosen—an incredible accomplishment! Their ideas will now be professionally developed into a rendering, animation, concept model, or prototype.
Eliana’s invention, “The Squeeze Bump,” is designed to help squirrels and other small animals safely cross the road. It functions like a speed bump that slows down cars, but with a unique hollow tunnel inside that allows animals to pass safely underneath—an innovative and thoughtful nature-inspired solution.
Madalyn’s invention, “The Insect Bracelet,” is designed to protect small insects by giving them a safe, self-sustaining habitat inside a wearable bracelet. Not only does it keep insects from being accidentally harmed, but it also gives back to the environment—each time an insect passes, a new plant or tree grows in its place. What a creative and compassionate idea!
Both Eliana and Madalyn are incredible students who work hard and think creatively. Mrs. Thomas & Ms. Rhadigan are both so proud of them, but more importantly—they should be so proud of themselves!
Lisa Rivard and Mark Muzzin, STEM Education Consultants from the Macomb Intermediate School District, facilitate this opportunity. They explained:
“At its heart, Little Inventors is about more than an invention—it’s about compassion in action. Students imagine and create with purpose, proving that our young learners can make a huge difference in the world.” -Dr. Lisa Rivard, MISD
“The excitement around this year’s Wild Ideas Little Inventors Challenge has been incredible, with a record number of students bringing forward ideas that are as imaginative as they are meaningful.” -Mr. Mark Muzzin, MISD
We can’t wait to see their ideas come to life at the celebration at the MISD at the end of May. Stay tuned!
Lake Shore Public Schools continues to celebrate Skylar Perryman's Portable Baby Puzzle and Delilah Maxon's Relax and Zen in 2024, Emma DeHayes's Mermaid Wheelchair in 2023, Charlotte Partridge's Picker Upper Monster in 2023, and Madeline Calappi's Utensil Helmet in 2022.
From Rock of Ages to Frozen: LSHS Theatre Brings the Magic Back!
Theatre Director Raymond Filipek and the talented LSHS musical theatre students wowed audiences with Rock of Ages in January. Now, they’re back and seeking your support as they captivate us once again with their upcoming production of Frozen.
Lake Shore Public Schools' Frozen, the Musical
- May 9th-10th at 1 PM
- May 13th-15th at 7 PM
- May 16th at 1 PM and 5 PM - Sing-Along
- May 17th at 1 PM - Senior Night
Lake Shore High School
Online Ticket Sales: https://lshsmusical.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200519371
Lake Shore choir students actively participated in March is Reading Month by sharing the story Frozen. Now the next step… seeing the magic come to life on stage!
Join Elsa, Anna, and friends on a magical journey filled with adventure, sisterly love, and unforgettable songs in this enchanting musical adaptation of Disney’s Frozen.
Huge recognition for Lake Shore Theatre!
Director Ray Filipek submitted Rock of Ages to be adjudicated for the regional Sutton Foster Awards, where three judges attended performances and evaluated our actors, ensemble, production, and direction of Rock of Ages.
The Sutton Foster Awards serve as a regional showcase—comparable to a state championship—with winners advancing to the national stage at the Jimmy Awards.
Senior Ashley Geib and junior Brielle Starks have been nominated for Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role, marking the first time Lake Shore will be represented at the Sutton Foster Awards on May 30 with a chance to advance nationally.
Filipek shared how meaningful this moment is, noting that Ashley and Brielle were the ones who first encouraged participation in the competition—making their nominations a full-circle achievement.
Judges praised the entire cast, with one calling it the best show they had seen all season.
Special recognition to performers Collin Taylor, Donovan Ripari, Aubree Giacona, Meghan Creson, Ellie Mitchener-Rubino, Kara Lawfield, Leo Louwers, Angel Lebow, Elizabeth Schoof, Zoe Pierce, Loriana York, and Allison Niebel for their standout contributions.
Congratulations to the entire company on this incredible honor!
Winner: Chloe Do
Winner: Autumn Wizowaty
Winner: Mary Hayes-McEaddy
Honorable Mention: Jaxon
Honorable Mention: Evelyn
Honorable Mention: Blake
April P2 Recognitions
Congratulations to our April Positivity Project Honorees:
Lake Shore Early Childhood Center
Calvin Russi - Love of Learning
Masonic Heights Elementary
Terry Davis - Open-Mindedness
Sophie Korby - Social Intelligence
Lily Park - Gratitude
Rodgers Elementary
- Morgan Vernier - Perseverance
- Aubrey Miller - Social Intelligence
- Alicia Tavernier - Humor
Violet Elementary
Lucas D’lorio - Kindness
Xavier Jimenez - Enthusiasm
Mason Templin - Kindness
Kennedy Middle School
Danae Summey - Social Intelligence
Savannah Smith - Love
Jaxon Vagts - Humor
Ella Creagh - Enthusiasm
Lake Shore High School
- Ahniya White - Love
- Samuel Hyvonen - Gratitude
- Lacey Sokol - Kindness
- Sophie Wicker - Teamwork
- Ronnie Callen - Open-Mindedness
- Henry Buchholz - Kindness
North Lake High School
Audrina Steiner - Teamwork
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
Building Champions in the Classroom and on the Field — Discover Shorian Sports!
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.
Featured Golf Story: Driven On and Off the Course: Charles Maniaci Swings into Success
LSHS Spring Athlete Rosters + Headshots
- Baseball | Varsity and Junior Varsity
- Golf
- Girls' Soccer
- Softball
- Track and Field
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/
X: https://x.com/myLSPS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylsps/