Dear Lansing School District Community,

I hope that this newsletter finds you well. I write to you today, on this Super Bowl Sunday, sad, like many of you, that the Detroit Lions are not playing. The energy and excitement of having a winning local team is palpable, fun, and heartwarming. Last year, when the Lions were doing well in their playoff run, there was a buzz around the state. People who didn't know each other would see a blue shirt emblazoned with a lion and say, "Go Lions," or even nod in acknowledgment. Those moments of community cannot be overstated. There is this bond between fans that allows for comradery and care that can transcend almost anything.

I cannot in good conscience say that I am a die-hard Lions fan, having given up four decades of focus and unrequited love for the New York Jets, but I can firmly state that with Lansing being my adopted home, the Lions are my NFC team. I am sure most of you will still watch the game, maybe for the commercials, maybe for a sighting of Taylor Swift, maybe for Kendrick Lamar, or maybe for the actual game between two incredible teams. Regardless, it will be a shared event and one I am sure we will talk about tomorrow.

For me, this day just reinforces my desire to have winning teams and programs in our school district. It doesn't matter the sport or program (a wonderful dance team, theater program, or visual arts show). Having great events for our community to attend and witness creates a joy and pride in our district that few other things can. Thus, I ask that you pick at least one event you want to attend between now and the end of the school year. Go to a basketball game at Don Johnson this winter, attend a dance performance at Everett, go to a track and field meet at Sexton this spring. Whatever gets you in the stands or the auditorium to cheer on our kids and our city would be great. If you don't know where to start, please feel free to email our new and amazing Director of Enrichment, Stephen Draper, at stephen.draper@lansingschools.net. He can point you in the right direction. So, let's cheer on whoever today, but let's be present and cheer on our Lansing students tomorrow.

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

HELPING THOSE IN NEED STRENGTHENS SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Congratulations to:

Nizjai Davidson — selected by Davenport University (Football)

Eugene Allen — selected by Adrian (Football)

Mason Chadwell — selected by Saginaw Valley State University (Football)

Sharon Turnley — selected by Davenport University (Football)

Rey Hanson — selected by Albion College (Football)

Post Oak Academy recently held a world celebration night at Eastern High School. The event featured performances from GSRP, kindergarten, and MYP students and performances by the school's first through fifth-grade classes. Students showcased their excellent bilingual skills by announcing each performance in both Chinese and English.

Check out the full performance below!

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.

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 12 — Spring Count Day

February 14 — No School

February 17 — No School - President's Day

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.