Lansing USD 469

This week’s Academic Spotlight shines on Kevin Krouse, Director of Debate and Forensics at Lansing High School, and the way he uses showcasing and feedback to help students sharpen their performances before competition season. In Mr. Krouse’s class, students are constantly practicing, performing, and learning from one another. Through regular showcases, students present speeches, interpretations, and debates in front of peers, then receive meaningful feedback they can immediately apply. This process gives students the chance to grow their confidence, refine their skills, and walk into competitions feeling prepared to do their very best. That approach has paid off in a big way. In just his first year leading the program, Lansing Debate and Forensics has seen strong performances, multiple state qualifications, and a renewed sense of pride and momentum. Senior Bayne Yoakam summed it up well: “Getting second this year for state debate was such a grand experience. After losing our speech and debate coach in 2024, it’s been amazing watching Lansing’s program bounce back. From pacing outside our room before major debates to creating an amazing classroom environment, Mr. Krouse has been the key piece in continuing Lansing Debate’s legacy of success.” Freshman Eliana Silva shared how that feedback-focused environment helped her grow quickly. “Qualifying for State twice in my opening tournament was a surprise. I didn’t even realize it until Mr. Krouse pointed it out. I’m excited to go, and I know I still have a lot of growing to do.” What stands out most is how intentional Mr. Krouse is with his students. Senior Bruce Blankartz noted that he pushes students to be their best without ever losing sight of their well-being. He described Mr. Krouse as someone who sets clear practice goals, builds trust, and creates a positive culture where students feel supported, challenged, and valued. These are all traits we look for here in Lansing, and the fact that a first-year teacher is exhibiting them is outstanding. For many students, the impact goes beyond medals and rankings. Freshman Maddie Huhn shared, “Speech and debate has given me the voice that I didn’t know I had. I’ve had so much fun, and I’ve learned a lot about myself and other people.” Mr. Krouse credits the success to the students and the support around him. “My first year as Director of Debate and Forensics has been a dream come true,” he shared. “The students are truly amazing, bright, motivated, and kind. It’s an honor to continue the longstanding legacy of success that Lansing Debate and Forensics has established.” Thank you, Mr. Krouse, for rebuilding, leading, and inspiring. Lansing High School’s Debate and Forensics program is in great hands and we’re very lucky to have you with us! Lansing Speech and Debate has a long history of sending students to nationals, and this year looks just as promising. Families and community members who wish to support the program can make donations by check to Lansing Speech and Debate, submitted to the high school.

First-Year Teacher Spotlight: Kevin Krouse Builds Confidence and Competitive Edge in Lansing Debate and Forensics

February 20, 2026

This week’s Academic Spotlight shines on Kevin Krouse, Director of Debate and Forensics at Lansing High School, and the way he uses showcasing and feedback to help students sharpe...

First Year Teacher Spotlight: Jordan Fuller Making Sight Word Practice Fun in Kindergarten

February 6, 2026

This week’s Academic Spotlight shines on Lansing Elementary kindergarten teacher Jordan Fuller and a simple but powerful activity that had her students smiling, moving, and learni...

Academic Spotlight: Jeff Demetz Connects Science to Real-World Careers

Academic Spotlight: Jeff Dametz Connects Science to Real-World Careers

January 30, 2026

This week’s Academic Spotlight shines on LHS science teacher Jeff Dametz and his Anatomy and Physiology classes. Mr. Dametz focuses on giving students hands-on learning experience...

First-Year Teacher Spotlight: Samantha Dale - 8th Graders Experience Hands-On Learning in Science Class

January 16, 2026

As our first-year teachers begin their second semester in the classroom, we’re excited to share highlights of the great work they’re doing with students across the district. These...

Academic Spotlight: Ms. Garner’s Early Childhood Students Experience Career Fair

October 21, 2025

This week’s Academic Spotlight shines on Early Childhood teacher Ms.Jessica Garner and her creative way of helping students learn about community helpers. Ms. Garner noticed in pa...

Academic Spotlight: Ms. Herring’s Third Graders Get Moving with Grammar

October 7, 2025

This week’s Academic Spotlight shines on Lansing Elementary School third grade teacher Ms. Zamauria Herring and her creative approach to helping students master irregular plural n...

Academic Spotlight: Hollie Becker, 8th-Grade Science Teacher

May 20, 2025

This week’s academic spotlight shines on 8th grade science teacher Dr. Hollie Becker and the amazing experience she set up that her students won’t forget. In the final unit of the...

Laurie Holden's Academic Spotlight Graphic

Academic Spotlight: Laurie Holden, 4th-Grade Teacher

April 30, 2025

This week’s Academic Spotlight shines on LIS 4th grade teacher Laurie Holden, who designed a fun and low-pressure way to help her students review key concepts before state testing...

Lion Pride-Cast Episode 3.12: Accreditation Progress, Math Engagement, & Celebrating Counselor Leadership (Apr 15, 2025)

April 16, 2025

In this episode of the Lion Pride-Cast, Miles Azzeh (Director of Teaching & Learning) and Sharon Burns (Director of Communications & Marketing) share exciting updates from around ...

Academic Spotlight: Josie Nelson, 6th-Grade Math Teacher

April 11, 2025

This week's academic spotlight shines on first-year Lansing Middle School math teacher Josie Nelson and the engaging activity she did with her 6th graders! To help her students ma...

Lion Pride-Cast Episode 3.11: Honoring Excellence – Teachers & Support Staff of the Year (Apr 8, 2025)

April 9, 2025

In this special recognition-themed episode of the Lion Pride-Cast, hosts Miles Azzeh (Director of Teaching & Learning) and Sharon Burns (Director of Communications & Marketing) ce...

Academic Spotlight: Bookworms in the Wild... Second Grade’s Camp Read-A-Lot

April 3, 2025

This week’s academic spotlight shines on members of Lansing Elementary's 2nd-grade team and the engaging reading activity they completed with students. As a reward for positive be...

Lion Pride-Cast Episode 3.10: Literacy Fun, Teacher Recruitment Challenges, & Student Voice from K-State (Apr 2, 2025)

April 2, 2025

In this 10th episode of season three, Miles Azzeh (Director of Teaching & Learning) and Sharon Burns (Director of Communications & Marketing) celebrate the return from spring brea...

Lion Pride-Cast Episode 3.9: Reimagining Education, State Testing Prep, & Spotlight on Dr. Ben Sutherlin (Mar 26, 2025)

March 26, 2025

In this episode of the Lion Pride-Cast, hosts Miles Azzeh (Director of Teaching & Learning) and Sharon Burns (Director of Communications & Marketing) return from spring break to s...

Academic Spotlight: Holly Kane, Jenny Nickelson, and Caroline Reynolds Complete LETRS Certification!

February 27, 2025

Lansing USD 469 is proud to recognize three dedicated educators who have officially completed the rigorous two-year LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling...

Lion Pride-Cast Episode 3.5: "Strengthening Safety, Literacy & Learning"

February 19, 2025

Hosts: Miles Azzeh (Director of Teaching & Learning) & Sharon Burns (Director of Communications & Marketing) Emergency Services Appreciation & Crisis Preparedness Recognized Kev...

Lion Pride-Cast Episode 3.4 – Honoring Our Mental Health Team, Classroom Innovators, & DLT Updates

February 12, 2025

Hosts: Miles Azzeh (Director of Teaching & Learning) & Sharon Burns (Director of Communications & Marketing) Episode Highlights: Mental Health Team Appreciation Recogni...

Academic Spotlight: Sarah Barth, Kindergarten Teacher- Kindergarten Students Learn Sequencing with a Hands-On Lemonade Activity

February 7, 2025

This week’s academic spotlight shines on first-year Kindergarten teacher Sarah Barth and her wonderfully engaging activity, where students worked together to create fresh lemonade...

Academic Spotlight: Freshmen ELA Teachers' Elizabethan Museum

January 31, 2025

Before reading Romeo and Juliet , Lansing High School freshmen participated in a hands-on research project designed to help them understand the world William Shakespeare lived in...

Lansing 6th Graders Ace the Egg Drop Challenge!

December 19, 2024

Who knew dropping eggs could be so much fun? Our Lansing Middle School 6th-graders recently joined forces in Science and ELA for the classic Egg Drop Challenge, and it was nothing...