Community Event: Leavenworth’s Best Trunk or Treat
Looking for some Halloween fun for the family? Sagasu Family Martial Arts and Sagasu Kids are hosting Leavenworth’s Best Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 16, from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
This free community event will feature trunk-or-treating, a live DJ, raffle prizes, and family-friendly fun for all ages.
725 N. 7th St., Leavenworth
Friday, October 16
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Free to attend; registration is required
Space is limited. Families interested in attending can call/text (913) 306-5759 for more information or register here: https://sparkpages.io/cart/2/?i=_YhGb&c=&ocu=
This is a community event and is not sponsored by Lansing USD 469.
Looking for some Halloween fun for the family? Sagasu Family Martial Arts and Sagasu Kids are hosting Leavenworth’s Best Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 16, from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
This free community event will feature trunk-or-treating, a live DJ, raffle prizes, and family-friendly fun for all ages.
725 N. 7th St., Leavenworth
Friday, October 16
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Free to attend; registration is required
Space is limited. Families interested in attending can call/text (913) 306-5759 for more information or register here: https://sparkpages.io/cart/2/?i=_YhGb&c=&ocu=
This is a community event and is not sponsored by Lansing USD 469.
Third graders recently put their civic learning into action!
Students had the opportunity to serve as jurors in a virtual mock trial presented by the Olathe School District and Johnson County District Court.
The experience gave students a firsthand look at the judicial process as they listened to the case, considered the evidence, and took on the important role of a jury.
What a fun way to bring classroom learning to life!
Math Talk in 4th Grade!
Every day, Mrs. Holden’s 4th grade students participate in Math Talk, using a consistent Think–Pair–Share–Compare–Justify–Connect routine to strengthen their mathematical thinking and communication.
Students:
THINK – Take time to think about numbers, solve a problem independently, and think about the strategy they used.
PAIR – Turn to a partner to explain their thinking and listen to another approach.
SHARE – Share strategies and ideas with the class.
COMPARE – Look at different strategies and discuss what is similar or different about them.
JUSTIFY – Explain how they know their answer is correct and provide reasoning to support their thinking.
CONNECT – Make connections between strategies, mathematical concepts, and what they have learned previously.
Math Talk gives students opportunities to explain their thinking, ask questions, learn from mistakes, consider multiple ways to solve a problem, and use mathematical vocabulary. Most importantly, students learn that math is about more than getting the right answer—it’s about understanding the why behind the mathematics.
We love watching our Lansing Lions think, talk, listen, reason, and learn together!
Every day, Mrs. Holden’s 4th grade students participate in Math Talk, using a consistent Think–Pair–Share–Compare–Justify–Connect routine to strengthen their mathematical thinking and communication.
Students:
THINK – Take time to think about numbers, solve a problem independently, and think about the strategy they used.
PAIR – Turn to a partner to explain their thinking and listen to another approach.
SHARE – Share strategies and ideas with the class.
COMPARE – Look at different strategies and discuss what is similar or different about them.
JUSTIFY – Explain how they know their answer is correct and provide reasoning to support their thinking.
CONNECT – Make connections between strategies, mathematical concepts, and what they have learned previously.
Math Talk gives students opportunities to explain their thinking, ask questions, learn from mistakes, consider multiple ways to solve a problem, and use mathematical vocabulary. Most importantly, students learn that math is about more than getting the right answer—it’s about understanding the why behind the mathematics.
We love watching our Lansing Lions think, talk, listen, reason, and learn together!
The Leavenworth Soccer Association is hosting its 3v3 Inferno Cup on Saturday, October 31, at the LSA Game Complex in Leavenworth!
The tournament is open to players 3rd grade through adult, with divisions created based on age, gender, skill level, and registrations received.
Tournament Details:
- Saturday, October 31 - morning and early afternoon
- LSA Game Complex, 3300 S. 14th St., Leavenworth
- $125 per team
- 3 - 7 players per team
- Three games guaranteed, with finals to determine division winners
Visit the Leavenworth Soccer Association website for additional information, registration, and the required player liability waiver.
https://leavenworthsoccer.org/tournament/
REMINDER: No School Monday, September 21
Lansing USD469 families, please remember that there will be no school for students on Monday, September 21, as our staff will be participating in professional development.
We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday, September 22!
Lansing USD469 families, please remember that there will be no school for students on Monday, September 21, as our staff will be participating in professional development.
We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday, September 22!
Learning in Action at Lansing Middle School!
Director of Teaching & Learning Miles Azzeh stopped by Lansing Middle School and saw some great learning happening across 6th and 7th grade classrooms!
Ms. Nelson’s 6th graders were working with fractions and finding the least common denominator.
Mr. Parsons’ 6th graders put their knowledge of Latin roots and affixes to work through a creative word-building activity.
Ms. Reed’s 6th grade literature students were busy reading—and eager to share how many books they’ve already finished this school year! After finishing a book, students add their own critique to a classroom board, complete with a picture and star rating.
Ms. Jacobs’ 8th graders were reviewing a recent assessment over Kurt Vonnegut’s Harrison Bergeron. The student consensus: they liked it, but it was definitely weird.
Vonnegut would be proud.
Great work, Lansing Middle School!
We have some incredible talent among our Lansing Lions!
LES custodian Devin Butzin recently surprised Jolene Nirschl’s third-grade class with an impressive portrait of Brad Pitt drawn right on their classroom whiteboard.
“The kids were so excited about it!” Ms. Nirschl shared.
We love seeing the unique talents our staff bring to our schools and the little ways they make our students’ days brighter.
LES custodian Devin Butzin recently surprised Jolene Nirschl’s third-grade class with an impressive portrait of Brad Pitt drawn right on their classroom whiteboard.
“The kids were so excited about it!” Ms. Nirschl shared.
We love seeing the unique talents our staff bring to our schools and the little ways they make our students’ days brighter.
Our Littlest Lions Are Making Their Mark on National Dot Day!
Our PreK and KinderBoost students celebrated National Dot Day, inspired by The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds!
Students explored their creativity through dot-themed activities including candy structures, snacks, spin art, salt art, and more. Some students and staff even dressed for the occasion!
National Dot Day is all about creativity, courage, and making your mark which is something our teachers encourage our little Lions to do every day!
Our PreK and KinderBoost students celebrated National Dot Day, inspired by The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds!
Students explored their creativity through dot-themed activities including candy structures, snacks, spin art, salt art, and more. Some students and staff even dressed for the occasion!
National Dot Day is all about creativity, courage, and making your mark which is something our teachers encourage our little Lions to do every day!
Lansing USD469 is looking for parents, community members, and students to join our district Health & Wellness Committee!
Committee members have the opportunity to share ideas and provide input on initiatives that encourage healthy lifestyles, improve nutrition, and support overall well-being throughout our schools.
Whether you're passionate about nutrition, physical activity, mental well-being, student health, or simply want to make a positive difference, we'd love to have your voice at the table!
Learn more about our Health & Wellness Committee and how to get involved at the link below: https://www.usd469.net/page/health-wellness
Contact kristen.dilka@usd469.net or stacey.klingele@usd469.net if you are interested or have questions!
Committee members have the opportunity to share ideas and provide input on initiatives that encourage healthy lifestyles, improve nutrition, and support overall well-being throughout our schools.
Whether you're passionate about nutrition, physical activity, mental well-being, student health, or simply want to make a positive difference, we'd love to have your voice at the table!
Learn more about our Health & Wellness Committee and how to get involved at the link below: https://www.usd469.net/page/health-wellness
Contact kristen.dilka@usd469.net or stacey.klingele@usd469.net if you are interested or have questions!
An early start at Lansing Intermediate School!
Principal Mechelle Settles captured Facilities Director Drew Allen hard at work mowing the grounds at LIS before 7:00 a.m. this morning.
We are so thankful for Drew and our entire maintenance and facilities crew for all they do behind the scenes to keep our schools looking great and ready for our students and staff.
Principal Mechelle Settles captured Facilities Director Drew Allen hard at work mowing the grounds at LIS before 7:00 a.m. this morning.
We are so thankful for Drew and our entire maintenance and facilities crew for all they do behind the scenes to keep our schools looking great and ready for our students and staff.
A Message from LIS Principal Mechelle Settles: Celebrating a Great Start to the Year at Lansing Intermediate School!
Dear Lansing Intermediate School Families,
What a wonderful start to the year at Lansing Intermediate School! Our building has been filled with excitement, laughter, new friendships, and so many opportunities for our students and staff to begin getting to know one another.
One of the most important parts of the beginning of a school year is making connections. These past two weeks, our teachers and staff have been learning about their students—their interests, personalities, strengths, and what makes each of them unique. At the same time, our students have been getting to know their teachers, learning classroom routines, and discovering that they have a team of adults at school who care about them and want to see them succeed.
We know that strong relationships are at the heart of a successful school experience. When students feel known, valued, and connected, they are more comfortable taking risks, asking questions, learning from mistakes, and growing as learners. These first days have been about beginning those relationships and creating a sense of belonging for every student.
We have also been so proud of the way our students have welcomed one another, helped each other, and begun building our Lansing Lion community. There is something special about watching a school come together during those first days, and we are excited to see these connections continue to grow throughout the year.
Thank you to our families for helping us get the school year off to such a great start. We are grateful for your partnership and for the opportunity to work together to make Lansing Intermediate School a place where Every Student is Connected, Every Student is Valued, and Every Student is Successful.
We are off to a fantastic start, and we can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings!
With Lansing Lion Pride,
Mrs. Settles
Principal
Lansing Intermediate School
Dear Lansing Intermediate School Families,
What a wonderful start to the year at Lansing Intermediate School! Our building has been filled with excitement, laughter, new friendships, and so many opportunities for our students and staff to begin getting to know one another.
One of the most important parts of the beginning of a school year is making connections. These past two weeks, our teachers and staff have been learning about their students—their interests, personalities, strengths, and what makes each of them unique. At the same time, our students have been getting to know their teachers, learning classroom routines, and discovering that they have a team of adults at school who care about them and want to see them succeed.
We know that strong relationships are at the heart of a successful school experience. When students feel known, valued, and connected, they are more comfortable taking risks, asking questions, learning from mistakes, and growing as learners. These first days have been about beginning those relationships and creating a sense of belonging for every student.
We have also been so proud of the way our students have welcomed one another, helped each other, and begun building our Lansing Lion community. There is something special about watching a school come together during those first days, and we are excited to see these connections continue to grow throughout the year.
Thank you to our families for helping us get the school year off to such a great start. We are grateful for your partnership and for the opportunity to work together to make Lansing Intermediate School a place where Every Student is Connected, Every Student is Valued, and Every Student is Successful.
We are off to a fantastic start, and we can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings!
With Lansing Lion Pride,
Mrs. Settles
Principal
Lansing Intermediate School
Name It, Claim It: Learning in Action at LHS!
LHS Principal Dr. Alan Penrose is giving staff a chance to virtually step into one another’s classrooms through “Name It, Claim It,” a series highlighting the lessons, projects, and learning opportunities happening throughout Lansing High School.
This week’s feature takes us into Josefina Gutierrez’s Environmental Science class, where students used bubbles to bring their study of population survivorship curves to life!
Mrs. Gutierrez shares what was happening:
“This is the Environmental Science class. We have been learning about populations and looking at different graphs, which has opened up discussions about what their environments may be like, including available resources and how data changes from region to region and continent to continent.
For this lab, we used bubbles to demonstrate the three types of survivorship curves. Students were provided a set of parameters for each population curve they were trying to create. Each type of curve represents the percentage of a population that survives as it ages. We collected data to graph our own survivorship curves and then compared our individual graphs with traditional survivorship curve data.”
LHS Principal Dr. Alan Penrose is giving staff a chance to virtually step into one another’s classrooms through “Name It, Claim It,” a series highlighting the lessons, projects, and learning opportunities happening throughout Lansing High School.
This week’s feature takes us into Josefina Gutierrez’s Environmental Science class, where students used bubbles to bring their study of population survivorship curves to life!
Mrs. Gutierrez shares what was happening:
“This is the Environmental Science class. We have been learning about populations and looking at different graphs, which has opened up discussions about what their environments may be like, including available resources and how data changes from region to region and continent to continent.
For this lab, we used bubbles to demonstrate the three types of survivorship curves. Students were provided a set of parameters for each population curve they were trying to create. Each type of curve represents the percentage of a population that survives as it ages. We collected data to graph our own survivorship curves and then compared our individual graphs with traditional survivorship curve data.”
Learning in Action - Weekly classroom highlights from Director of Teaching & Learning Miles Azzeh
"I loved seeing the great learning happening at LES this week!
Jenny Nicholson showed off her Instructional Coaching and Literacy Instruction talents by modeling phoneme segmentation in a 1st grade teacher's classroom
Jordan Fuller walked her KG students through a very important aspect of reading and literature - Story Elements and Structure.
Mikayla Ard’s 1st grade class was practicing story sequencing by identifying, illustrating, and writing about events in order.
And Kylie Mendez used Fruit Loops with her kindergarten class to practice sorting, counting, graphing, and comparing quantities in a fun, hands-on way."
The Lansing Board of Education will hold a special board meeting on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
Location: Lansing District Office - 200 East Mary Street, Lansing, KS 66043.
Agenda: https://go.boarddocs.com/ks/usd469/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DWFF9X3DE95E
Live streaming is provided as a courtesy for regularly scheduled Board of Education meetings. All meetings are open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend in person.
The Lansing Board of Education will hold a Board and City of Lansing Work Session on September 3, 2026, 6:00 PM
Location: Lansing City Hall, 800 First Terrace, Lansing, KS 66043
Agenda: https://go.boarddocs.com/ks/usd469/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DWVNRE612607
Live streaming is provided as a courtesy for regularly scheduled Board of Education meetings. All meetings are open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend in person.
Location: Lansing City Hall, 800 First Terrace, Lansing, KS 66043
Agenda: https://go.boarddocs.com/ks/usd469/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DWVNRE612607
Live streaming is provided as a courtesy for regularly scheduled Board of Education meetings. All meetings are open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend in person.
REMINDER: DISTRICT-WIDE LATE START TOMORROW!
Lansing USD469 families, tomorrow, Thursday, August 20, is a Late Start Thursday for all K-12 students. Schools will begin one hour later than usual.
Buses: All buses will run one hour later than their regular schedule.
Preschool: Preschool schedules are not affected by Late Start Thursdays.
K-5 Childcare: Free childcare is available through the YMCA for elementary and intermediate students whose families need to drop them off at 8:00 a.m. Please contact your child's school for information about signing up.
Late Start Thursdays give our teachers dedicated time to collaborate around student data, intervention strategies, instructional practices, common assessments, and our MTSS process, all with the goal of better supporting our students.
Remember: Lansing USD469 will start one hour later every Thursday throughout the 2026-2027 school year.
Thank you, Lansing families, for your support and for helping us make Late Start Thursdays a success!
Lansing USD469 families, tomorrow, Thursday, August 20, is a Late Start Thursday for all K-12 students. Schools will begin one hour later than usual.
Buses: All buses will run one hour later than their regular schedule.
Preschool: Preschool schedules are not affected by Late Start Thursdays.
K-5 Childcare: Free childcare is available through the YMCA for elementary and intermediate students whose families need to drop them off at 8:00 a.m. Please contact your child's school for information about signing up.
Late Start Thursdays give our teachers dedicated time to collaborate around student data, intervention strategies, instructional practices, common assessments, and our MTSS process, all with the goal of better supporting our students.
Remember: Lansing USD469 will start one hour later every Thursday throughout the 2026-2027 school year.
Thank you, Lansing families, for your support and for helping us make Late Start Thursdays a success!
As our families make plans for the year ahead, we encourage you to take advantage of our scheduled breaks and long weekends for vacations, getaways, and time together.
This graphic highlights several opportunities throughout the school year to enjoy 3–16 consecutive days of family time without missing additional days of school.
Thank you for helping us protect valuable learning time while making plenty of room for family memories!
This graphic highlights several opportunities throughout the school year to enjoy 3–16 consecutive days of family time without missing additional days of school.
Thank you for helping us protect valuable learning time while making plenty of room for family memories!
Back to School Dates at a Glance!
With several important dates coming up across our buildings, we’ve put together a Back to School Dates at a Glance to help families stay organized.
For the most up-to-date information and additional events, visit our district calendar:
https://www.usd469.net/events
Have questions about an event or your student’s schedule? Please reach out directly to your student’s building. Contact information can be found in our Building Directory:
https://www.usd469.net/page/building-directory
We’re looking forward to another great year in Lansing USD469. Welcome back, Lions!
With several important dates coming up across our buildings, we’ve put together a Back to School Dates at a Glance to help families stay organized.
For the most up-to-date information and additional events, visit our district calendar:
https://www.usd469.net/events
Have questions about an event or your student’s schedule? Please reach out directly to your student’s building. Contact information can be found in our Building Directory:
https://www.usd469.net/page/building-directory
We’re looking forward to another great year in Lansing USD469. Welcome back, Lions!
The Lansing Board of Education will hold a regular board meeting on Monday, August 10 at 6:00 pm.
Location: Lansing District Office - 200 East Mary Street, Lansing, KS 66043.
YouTube Link for livestream: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=usd469
Agenda: https://go.boarddocs.com/ks/usd469/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DWFF9X3DE95E
Live streaming is provided as a courtesy for regularly scheduled Board of Education meetings. All meetings are open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend in person.
Location: Lansing District Office - 200 East Mary Street, Lansing, KS 66043.
YouTube Link for livestream: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=usd469
Agenda: https://go.boarddocs.com/ks/usd469/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DWFF9X3DE95E
Live streaming is provided as a courtesy for regularly scheduled Board of Education meetings. All meetings are open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend in person.
REMINDER: Today is the Day!
Join us for ROAR Into the School Year today from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Lansing High School (1412 147th Street)!
Need help with registration? Have questions about transportation, activities, or the upcoming school year? Our staff and community partners will be on hand to help you get ready for a great start!
Registration assistance
Transportation information
Activities & athletics
Community resources
Giveaways & raffles
Meet our new food service partner
Remember: Online registration is open and can be completed from home anytime. This event is completely optional, but we're here if you need us!
We can't wait to see you and kick off another amazing year with our Lansing Lions!
Join us for ROAR Into the School Year today from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Lansing High School (1412 147th Street)!
Need help with registration? Have questions about transportation, activities, or the upcoming school year? Our staff and community partners will be on hand to help you get ready for a great start!
Registration assistance
Transportation information
Activities & athletics
Community resources
Giveaways & raffles
Meet our new food service partner
Remember: Online registration is open and can be completed from home anytime. This event is completely optional, but we're here if you need us!
We can't wait to see you and kick off another amazing year with our Lansing Lions!
