BOE Staff Members of the Month

December Staff Members of the Month: Klinton Brown, Drew Barba, and Brian Burns

December 9, 2025
Lansing USD 469 is proud to recognize Klinton Brown, Drew Barba, and Brian Burns from the district’s Technology Department as our December Staff Members of the Month. This team h...
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Bayne Yoakam and Bruce Blankartz Headed to Washington, D.C.

LHS Students Bayne Yoakam and Bruce Blankartz Headed to Washington, D.C.

December 8, 2025
Lansing USD469 congratulates debaters Bayne Yoakam and Bruce Blankartz on an incredible accomplishment this weekend! Our LHS Debate team had a standout performance at a long, hig...
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There are incredible lessons, projects, and opportunities for students throughout Lansing High School. To share these initiatives, Dr. Penrose sends an all-staff email with pictures of an assignment, project, or activity and titles it “Name It, Claim It.” The teacher responsible then replies to all staff to briefly explain what the unit is, what they are doing, and any reactions. The email allows teachers to visit other teachers’ classrooms virtually and start conversations about student learning, cross-curricular activities, and differentiation. The December 3rd “Name It, Claim It” features Social Studies teacher Michael Basler and his American Government students, who were captured in the middle of a highly interactive Gallery Walk. “This is the American Government classes participating in a ‘Gallery Walk,’” Basler shared. Gallery walks are not new to the Social Studies department, but this year they are being used with renewed intention across multiple courses. Basler explained that a key focus for the Social Studies PLC in 2025–26 is to strengthen shared instructional practices that students will experience repeatedly as they move through the program. “One of the 2025–26 initiatives for the social studies PLC department was to establish some shared lessons that we could use from course to course,” he said. “One of those was the use of gallery walks for students to view items like WWI & WWII propaganda, posters from civil rights era, political campaign posters/pamphlets & sketch notes. This would give students some common practice in viewing and evaluating materials & pictures as they progress from World History, American History, American Government & our social studies electives.” Research, Sketch Notes, and Student Choice Basler noted that this specific Gallery Walk took place during the Foreign and Domestic Policy Unit in American Government. Students were given the chance to follow their curiosity, selecting a president they were genuinely interested in studying. “This particular lesson was from our government Foreign and Domestic Policy Unit,” he explained. “We asked students to pick a particular president from the 20th or 21st century that they were interested in learning about.” From there, students moved into a two-part research and creation process. First, they developed a presidential biography emphasizing both foreign and domestic policy decisions. Then, they transformed that research into visual sketch notes designed to communicate meaning quickly and clearly. “Students had to research & produce a presidential bio which included information on both Foreign & Domestic policies that were initiated during the presidential term,” Basler said. “The second part of the lesson students were asked to take their presidential bio & created/develop sketch notes of their president.” The final products were shared publicly in the classroom for peer review and discussion—turning student work into a learning tool for everyone. “The sketch notes were collected & publish for viewing,” he continued. “Students were required to have a picture or cartoon of the president and images or symbols from the various policies president’s initiated during their term(s).” Learning From One Another Once the gallery was up, students circulated through their classmates’ work, evaluating how effectively each sketch-note set communicated its message. Basler emphasized that this stage helps students sharpen both content understanding and visual literacy skills. “Students then viewed their classmates’ sketch notes to see how effective the sketch notes were in translating a message about the foreign and domestic policies,” he said. To close the experience, students reflected in writing, choosing the examples they found most successful and explaining why. “Finally, students were asked to summarize in a short paragraph which sketch notes version they liked the best & explain why,” Basler shared. A Strategy Students Enjoy—and Teachers Keep Improving Basler said Gallery Walks have been a consistent success in Social Studies classrooms, because they invite movement, discussion, and active engagement with content. “Over the years our department has used gallery walks, it’s been a very productive lesson for our classes, and the students have enjoyed the opportunity to do them,” he noted. He also invited staff to continue the professional conversation by offering ideas for future growth. “I’ve attached a few from various classes that stood out for various reasons for viewing,” Basler wrote. “Would love to hear thoughts anyone may have on how to improve the lesson or use of gallery walks.” Basler closed his message with gratitude for the chance to highlight student learning in Government: “Appreciate the opportunity to share what goes on in Government.”

Lansing High School “Name It, Claim It” Spotlight: Gallery Walks Bring Presidential Policy to Life

December 8, 2025
There are incredible lessons, projects, and opportunities for students throughout Lansing High School. To share these initiatives, Dr. Penrose sends an all-staff email with pictur...
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Six Lansing Middle School singers earned a spot in this year’s Northeast Kansas Music Educators Association (NEKMEA) Middle-Level District Honor Choir, representing LMS among some of the region’s most talented young vocalists. Over the weekend, students traveled to participate in the prestigious event, which brought together approximately 170 middle-level singers from 34 schools across Northeast Kansas. The honor choir experience gives students the chance to rehearse and perform high-level choral music alongside peers from other districts, all under the direction of a guest clinician. LMS students selected for the 2025 NEKMEA Middle-Level District Honor Choir included: Amara Robinson (8th grade) Dominick McNeal (8th grade) Leah Nickelson (8th grade) Kinley Hawks (8th grade) Dakota Vaughan (8th grade) MJ Carson (7th grade) During the day-long clinic and performance, students worked with nationally recognized composer and conductor Ryan Main, who led rehearsals and also composed several pieces featured in the concert. His guidance challenged students musically while also giving them an inside look at the creative process behind choral performance. “This was an incredible experience for our singers,” said LMS choir staff. “It was a great day for music making and a great day to be a Lion.” Congratulations to Amara, Dominick, Leah, Kinley, Dakota, and MJ for their hard work, dedication, and outstanding representation of Lansing Middle School. Their selection to NEKMEA Honor Choir reflects both their individual talent and the strength of the LMS choral program.

LMS Singers Earn Spots in NEKMEA Middle-Level District Honor Choir

December 8, 2025
Six Lansing Middle School singers earned a spot in this year’s Northeast Kansas Music Educators Association (NEKMEA) Middle-Level District Honor Choir, representing LMS among some...
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The Lansing Angels Holiday Program has seen an incredible outpouring of generosity this season. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far to support Lansing families—your kindness is making a real difference. For the first time ever, all holiday program tags have been claimed. While those gift requests are fully covered, there is still an ongoing need for cash and grocery gift cards to help families through the remainder of the holiday and winter season. With increased need for food resources in our community—especially as some families are impacted by changes in government services and paused SNAP benefits—grocery gift cards and cash donations are especially helpful right now. These contributions allow Lansing Angels to respond quickly and directly to family needs as they arise. How to Donate We are still accepting: Cash donations Grocery/food gift cards, including: Aldi Walmart Dillons All donations can be dropped off at Lansing Middle School (LMS). Thank You for Supporting Lansing Families Lansing Angels continues to serve and support families across our district, and your generosity helps ensure that students and families have what they need during the holidays and into the winter months. We’re grateful for a community that shows up for one another. If you have questions or would like to help in another way, please contact the Lansing Angels Holiday Program through your school or the district office.

Lansing Angels Holiday Program: All Tags Claimed, Gift Cards Still Needed

December 8, 2025
The Lansing Angels Holiday Program has seen an incredible outpouring of generosity this season. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far to support Lansing families. Your kind...
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Mini Cheer Clinics Graphic

Mini Spirit Clinic Returns This Winter for K–5 Students

December 8, 2025
Lansing families: Mini Spirit Clinic is back for Winter 2026! This fun, high-energy experience gives our youngest Lions a chance to learn cheer routines alongside Lansing High Sch...
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LES weekly Update Graphic

Lansing Elementary Weekly Update - December 6, 2025

December 8, 2025
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Teddy Bear Toss Toy Drive- Tuesday, December 16, Halftime of LHS Basketball Game

Teddy Bear Toss Toy Drive at Boys Varsity Basketball

December 5, 2025
During the boys varsity basketball game on Tuesday, December 16, we’ll be hosting a Teddy Bear Toss Toy Drive. Fans are invited to bring a new teddy bear to the game and toss it o...
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Jadyn Bollin Athlete of the Month Graphic

November 2025 Coaches Club Athlete of the Month: Jadyn Bollin

December 5, 2025
Congratulations to our Athlete of the Month, Jadyn Bollin, for Cheerleading! Lansing High School is proud to announce a new initiative designed to highlight the outstanding achie...
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Lindsey Ronco

Lansing USD469 Employee Spotlight: Lindsey Ronco, 4th-Grade Paraprofessional

December 5, 2025
Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of Lansing USD469. This section celebrates the incre...
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PLC Institute

Lansing USD 469 District Leadership Team Deepens PLC Work at Kansas City Conference

December 3, 2025
From December 1–3, members of the Lansing USD 469 District Leadership Team attended the PLC at Work Institute at the Kansas City Convention Center. This national conference brough...
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CT

LIS Crisis Team Undergoes CPR/AED Training

December 2, 2025
Last month, the LIS Crisis Team attended annual training as a refresher of CPR and AED (defibulator) techniques for adults, children, and infants. Our staff completed two sections...
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School Closed Graphic

Lansing USD 469 Schools Closed, Daycare is Open - December 2, 2025

December 2, 2025
Due to forecasted frigid temperatures expected to continue through noon tomorrow, along with refreezing on country roads that will create dangerous driving conditions, Lansing USD...
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weekly update graphic

Lansing Elementary Weekly Update - December 1, 2025

December 1, 2025
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Lansing Basketball Christmas Toy Drive

Lansing High School Basketball Christmas Toy Drive: December 2

December 1, 2025
Lansing High School Student Council is hosting a Christmas Toy Drive during all home basketball games on December 2. Fans and community members are invited to join in the spirit o...
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Turkey Challenge at Lansing Elementary School

Elementary Staff Take on Turkey Cake Challenge

November 24, 2025
As we headed into Thanksgiving break, our Lansing Elementary School staff found a fun way to connect with one another through a Turkey Cake Team-Building Challenge organized by As...
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LES Weekly Update

Lansing Elementary Weekly Update - November 22, 2025

November 24, 2025
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November 2025 Newsletter Graphic

Lansing USD469 November 2025 Parent Newsletter

November 21, 2025
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Emily Steadman Employee Spotlight

Lansing USD469 Employee Spotlight: Emily Steadman, Lansing High School Nurse

November 21, 2025
Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of Lansing USD469. This section celebrates the incre...
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District Site Council Meeting Recap

District Site Council Reviews Facilities Needs, Bond Planning, and New Supports for Students

November 21, 2025
Lansing USD 469’s District Site Council met on November 20, 2025, to hear updates from Superintendent Mr. Marty Kobza and share feedback on several key topics, including a potenti...
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