Dear Lansing School District Community,

I hope that this newsletter finds you well. As always, it is a pleasure to email you all.

In this week's update, I would like to acknowledge and commemorate Black History Month. Throughout the district, our schools and students are honoring this incredibly important event in a myriad of ways. I want to thank everyone in the community who is helping to promote and support our celebrations. If you can, please try to participate in an event at your school, if they are having one. We always want our families to see the great work of our students and staff. In the newsletter below, we have a wonderful video from two of our school leaders talking about the importance of Black History Month. We will have more pictures and videos in the coming weeks as we record the awesome events occurring throughout the district.

Below, you will also see an infographic with our final, fully audited graduation rate for 2023-2024...

...it is our official graduation rate for 2023-2024. This is incredible, a 26.24% increase in just three years. The work at Sexton, Eastern, Everett, Lansing Learning Hub, and Capital Area Online is nothing short of groundbreaking. When I got to Lansing, we (as a district) set a goal to hit an 85% graduation rate in five years. Some people thought we were crazy. Some people thought there was no way. But we did it! And to know that we hit it two years early is even more amazing.

Not only is our graduation rate at 88%, but we are above the state average and higher than pretty much every "comparable district" in the state. Locally, we are higher than Holt and Waverly, among others. This graduation rate could not have happened without everyone's support and care, from the educators to the students, from the families to the community. So many new programs, like the weekends at Ebersole or the work of United Mentoring Program and Streets 517, led to our success. The creation of the Lansing Learning Hub helped tremendously. All of our high schools ran extra tutoring and support programs, be it Saturday school or after-school tutoring, or both. The incredible hard work has paid off. I hope that all of you can feel extremely proud today.

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

The Lansing School District celebrates Black History Month and its importance to our school community. We will share out building activities and ceremonies at a later date.

Click the logo below to view

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.

Seniors should apply as soon as possible and check with their guidance counselors for additional funding opportunities.

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.

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).

A Zoom link to join the meeting will be sent to our families and community on February 26th.

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

February 26 — Parent University | Navigating Emotions | 6:00 p.m. | 4200 Wainwright Ave.

February 26 —PCAC | BTAM | 6:00 p.m.| 4200 Wainwright Ave.

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

March 14 — No School

March 19 — Parent University | Encouraging Positive Behavior | 6:00 p.m.| 4200 Wainwright Ave.

March 19 — PCAC | Topic TBD | 6:00 p.m.| 4200 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 of Education Meeting | 6:00 p.m. | 519 Kalamazoo St.

April 10 — Half Day (HS for testing)

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

April 23 — Parent University | Positive Discipline Techniques | 6:00 p.m.| 4200 Wainwright Ave.

April 23 — PCAC | Topic TBD | 6:00 p.m.| 4200 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.