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 April 2025 "Name It, Claim It" features Social Studies teacher George Shannon:
George Shannon was thrilled to welcome Assistant Chief Scott Hawley and Captain Mike Searcy of the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department as guest speakers in his Law & Public Safety class on Wednesday. Although originally scheduled to visit during the Fire/EMS unit in February, their appearance was rescheduled due to inclement weather.
Captain Searcy, who serves as the department’s live find K9 handler, brought along his K9 partner, Zoom. Zoom is one of approximately 300 FEMA Class 1 live find dogs in the country and quickly became a favorite among students, receiving plenty of pets and attention.
During their visit, Assistant Chief Hawley and Captain Searcy shared their experiences in the fire service, including details about their training, day-to-day responsibilities, and what it's like to respond to emergency calls. Their insights offered students a valuable and authentic look into the world of firefighting.
The visit was a memorable experience for the class, and Mr. Shannon looks forward to welcoming them back again next year.