Shorian Nation eNews
October 15th, 2023
A Centennial Celebration Homecoming
HOCO Recap 2023
Homecoming is not just about returning to a place, but about feeling the embrace of a community.
This week we celebrate the entire Shorian Nation for showering Lake Shore Public Schools with your Homecoming love. It was clear that you're a fan of our school district.
As Homecoming festivities come to a close, the school days returned to normal. Spirit days, hall decorating, assembly, floats, court crowning, and the Homecoming game will always be the most memorable moments of the week.
The week began with a win for the Seniors over the Juniors 21-14 at the Powderpuff game, raising money for the Paige Redlin Women Empowering Women Scholarship Fund and hall decorating.
Our Varsity Football team won with a game winning field goal in overtime by Charley McIntyre and final score of 19-16 against Eastpointe. The Shorians were ahead 16-8 at halftime.
Seniors brought home the Shorian Shield, showing the most school spirit! 2022 Homecoming King Ryan Peters and Queen Mira Helsel passed their crowns to Seniors Michael Livi and Ella Mainhardt winners of the 2023 titles Homecoming King and Queen. The pair would like to thank their classmates and friends for the constant support and votes along with choosing them to represent their class as role models and outstanding students.
Before we end this party, our students had some Centennial Celebration fun at our Homecoming dance. While several Shorians are talented break dancers and ballerinas, others enjoy the dance party as another opportunity to spend time with friends. Regardless of intention, Saturday night was a wonderful way to end the festive week.
We enjoy reliving, through the stories told by these pictures, and look forward to Homecoming 2024.
Stay Updated
Fall Music Fest
Fall Fest presented by Lake Shore Public Schools is inviting our community on Saturday, October 21st from 12:30pm-4:00pm at the John U’ren Stadium located at Lake Shore High School to an afternoon filled with music, food, and fun. Admission is FREE, but monetary donations will be accepted.
Guests arriving from 12:45pm-3:30pm will enjoy a collection of music from our Bands and Choirs from all levels led by Mr. Alter, Mrs. Elkins, Mrs. Perryman, Mrs. Wischmeyer, and Mrs. Rueger-West. Here's the order of performances:
12:45- Elementary
1:00- Band
1:20- 7th grade choir
1:40- 8th grade choir
2:00- Fusion
2:20- Band
2:40- Concert Choir/Fusion
3:00- MS Band
3:20- Marching Band
Save room for lunch as food vendors will be joining us for a Food Truck Rally. These vendors will be offering up mouthwatering fare.
Guests will also enjoy family-friendly, action-packed entertainment that will include a petting zoo and pony rides, inflatables, and a DJ between performances.
We are excited about an event that consists of meeting new people, sampling live music, trying new cuisines, and entertainment. Most importantly, we love supporting our students while we showcase the district's talented musicians in field performances.
Seasonal Cleanup
Lake Shore Public Schools students care about giving back to the community. Our students will be out in St. Clair Shores on 10/25 and 11/8 (weather permitting) clearing leaves for seniors and those most in need. If you or someone you know could use a helping hand please use our sign-up form.
Holiday Help
We rise by lifting others and a plan to help begins now.
In keeping with our goal of a strong community connection, Lake Shore Public Schools will be working to support those students & families most in need of holiday help this year.
If you are in need of assistance, please use one of the links below to sign up:
Thanksgiving help needed: https://tinyurl.com/lspsthanksneed23 by 11/10/23.
Holiday help needed: https://tinyurl.com/lspsholidayneed23 by 11/20/23
If you have the means to help sponsor a child/family or could help deliver meals at Thanksgiving or gifts for the holidays, please use the links below to sign up:
Thanksgiving donation/delivery: https://tinyurl.com/lspsthanksdonate23
Holiday sponsor/delivery: https://tinyurl.com/lspsholidaydonate23
Bond Update
The Lake Shore Public Schools' Board of Education approved a $66.7 million no tax-rate increase bond proposal for the May 3rd, 2022 ballot and it passed!
Lake Shore has a strong legacy of being excellent stewards of the community’s resources. We are committed to provide you with bond updates as we continue to prioritize our students' future.
- Bond Updates - Fall 2023 Mailer (last updated 9/29/2023)
- Bond Updates - Construction Presentation (8/9/2023)
- Bond Building-Specific Boards
- Bond Overview and Schedule
- Project List
Get ready for our Construction Bond Tour 60-second teaser featuring Masonic Heights Elementary, Violet Elementary, Kennedy Middle School, and Lake Shore High School.
We are currently in the post-production phase, but will be sharing building-specific video updates and project-specific updates soon. These videos will highlight Safety and Security, Flooring, New Furniture, and Paint and Lighting.
To learn more about the bond, please visit the Lake Shore Public Schools' website.
Care Solace
October was first declared as National Substance Abuse Prevention Month in 2011. Since then, it’s been a time to promote prevention efforts and the help that is available in our community. It is also a time to acknowledge the over 20 million Americans who struggle with addiction, those that have lost their battles with addiction, and those in recovery, as well as the family and friends who support them.
Key to substance use prevention is talking openly with our students and helping them understand the impact of substance abuse on their health. Studies show that the earlier an individual starts smoking, drinking, or using other drugs, the greater the likelihood of developing an addiction. Every year that substance use is delayed during the period of adolescent brain development, the risk of addiction and substance abuse decreases.
Below are resources on how to help build awareness of substance use and where to get help in our community.
- SAMHSA’s substance use prevention campaign, “Talk. They Hear You”- helps parents and caregivers start talking to children about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs.
- Partnership to end addiction - provides science and research-supported information to help in conversations about drug and alcohol use.
- Harvard Medical Blog - “Teens and Drugs: 5 Tips for Talking with your Kids”
- National Institute on Drug Abuse - Marijuana: Facts Parents Need to Know & Talking to Your Kids: Communicating the Risks
If you or a loved one is struggling, we want to remind you of Care Solace, a complimentary service available to the Lake Shore Public Schools community. To find a substance use treatment or mental health care provider to help you through your challenges, contact Care Solace at 888-515-0595 or www.caresolace.com/lsps.
Stay Informed
Upcoming Events
Shorian Testimonials
Positivity Project
P2 Calendar
Under the guiding principles of our districtwide initiative, the Positivity Project, the #PositivityInAction mindset is our top priority. Because of our goal to inspire students to build positive relationships and become their best selves, we invite you to follow this Positivity Project Calendar. Note: We have made a few changes to this calendar; All adjustments are located on our District Events Calendar.
OPEN-MINDEDNESS
People with the character strength of open-mindedness like to consider new ideas and try new things. They examine things from all sides and don’t jump to conclusions.
Lake Shore Public Schools is giving our Maintenance and Operations staff a shoutout in celebration of National Custodian Appreciation Day!
They often begin their shift before we arrive and stay long after we leave and especially this year. Bond work has created countless new projects and tight deadlines. They adapted to a long list of new installations and furniture moves, always on their feet to cause cleanliness and order everywhere.
Their commitment to your health and safety is stronger than ever. Students are more likely to succeed in academics when they attend school consistently. Our custodians are constantly cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting transportation vehicles, equipment, and buildings which includes frequently touched surfaces. They provide adequate supplies to support healthy hygiene behaviors including soap and hand sanitizer.
Thank you, 25 Lake Shore Custodians and Maintenance and Operations staff and our student assistants, for working tirelessly and being open-minded to the new tasks that were taken on with grace.
OPM - Being present and giving others my attention
People with the character strength of being present like to fully enjoy the moment that their in. It is in the moment when they are calm on what they're doing without thinking about anything else.
Across our community, what unites all of us is that providing educational excellence to our children is nonnegotiable. Our Shorian Nation recognizes the value of our Lake Shore students, volunteers, administrators, teachers and staff members and the synergy and learning that occur in our district.
There are many stories that remain untold. There are “behind the scenes” people that deserve to be recognized and saluted.
Our ability to put together a successful Homecoming is tied directly to the behind-the-scenes people who disguise themselves in the shadows, never asking for credit, but instead committed to the idea that #OtherPeopleMatter.
🏈 It is our head Varsity Football coach, Marcus Cribbs, and his team of 26 players who have spent countless hours this Summer and Fall practicing for game day.
🎉 It is our Student Congress advisor, Rob Couck, and team of 14 LS Leadership students who have created the plan and action steps for spirit days and competitions, the parade, halftime homecoming court announcements, and tallying the winner of our Shorian Shield tradition.
📣 It is our Shipyard, cheer and dance teams, and band who lift us up with their encouragement through music and movement. Our applause is louder because their spirit is infectious.
🍿 It is our team of Athletic Booster volunteers who serve you delicious snacks at our concession stand.
🧼 It is our team of custodians who create a pristine stadium environment for our spectators.
🌮 It is our Food Service staff who put together a delicious meal for our employees and alumni.
👮♀️ It is our city of Saint Clair Shores Police Department who support us as they guide traffic and keep our community safe.
🚌 It is our bus drivers who provided transportation to and from Kennedy Middle School to Lake Shore High School.
💪 It is our Athletic Department team of Athletic Coordinator Rich Bowers and Athletic Secretary Robin Gill who coordinate presale tickets, apparel sales, and the game itself.
🎥 It is our Video Productions team of several students to create, edit, and produce video clips to capture the moment. It is also our partner Stewart Fine Portraits that shares his beautiful photos with us.
👦 👧 It is our student body, a collective group of 4 classes, who decorated their high school hallways using fun color-schemes and themes. The inside of our school should be featured on HGTV with its unconventional design methods and charm.
🏡 It is our families who donate trailers, convertibles, their homes, and their help to create a parade for our community.
Bonus: As part of a pre-Homecoming celebration, Mrs. Schornak’s Mici classroom at Violet Elementary took their learning to the football field and explored what they saw and heard at a game. They wrote football sentences, created their own football team, and designed football helmets! Homecoming isn’t successful without the fans and we love their enthusiasm!
Looking forward, we are excited to celebrate Integrity (10/16-20) and Creativity (10/23-27).
Inspiration
Walk to School Day
We have a simple math problem for you. How many collective miles did Masonic Heights Elementary students walk on October 4th from St. Margaret Church to the school?
Walk to School Day (W2SD) is an international event celebrated each year in October. This annual event began in 1997 by the Partnership for a Walkable America, to encourage walkable communities and has grown to an international event that takes place in over 40 countries worldwide.
In Michigan, over 90,000 students across 304 schools participated in W2SD events at their local schools last year. Walk to School Day encourages healthy habits, heightens awareness of traffic safety, draws attention to environmental concerns around schools, and is a great way to build local momentum for a Safe Routes to School initiative.
Masonic Heights Elementary students, wearing their best Barbie and Ken outfits as part of HOCO spirit week, participated in the W2SD by walking through Tangletown to school. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise. The goal of this day is to raise awareness and support for the health, community and environmental benefits of regularly walking or biking to school.
Thank you, Saint Clair Shores Police and Fire Departments, for your presence at this event. We also appreciate several members of our Lake Shore High School Marching Band and Cheerleaders for leading the way.
The answer? If all 477students participated in the 1.2 mile walk, it would total over 572 miles!
Innovation
Rocket Mortgage
Are you curious as to what the newest generation is already thinking of when it comes to homeownership?
Rocket Mortgage partnered with Masonic Heights Elementary to share an educational lesson for the homebuyers of tomorrow; They are putting together a national campaign where they are going to dive into the minds of "Generation Alpha" and find out what they are looking for in their dream home.
Representative read the Big Orange Splot, split them into small groups, and encouraged them to draw their dream home. Rocket team members lead those small groups, discovering what features in a home were most important to kids.
Third grader Lincoln Rose drew a house that could take him to the moon with every amenity imaginable. He proudly displayed his drawing and explained, "Here's my elevator, obstacle course, treehouse, trampoline park, movie theatre, hot tub and pool, and rollercoaster." He even included a star space for the most important items of all: snacks and his cat.
He shared that the house would cost 5 million to buy and 10 years to build. It would be located in the middle of nowhere in the state of Oregon.
Editor and Chief Matt Cardwell was pleasantly surprised to hear the kids explain the environmental thinking from every grade. He said, "They included solar panels and water filtration systems. This level of interest in sustainability was impressive!"
The plan is to take several drawings and make 3D renderings of them with the possibility of posting them on Rocket Homes with a home value estimate from an actual real estate agent. This partnership will be turned into an article and social media highlight.
Our Tigers may not understand the complexity of the home buying process. Their wants and needs may need to be reassessed, but their imaginations soared during this activity. We hope that this lesson has helped them for the ultimate move and included considerations in house size and layout, location, and neighborhood, recreational amenities.
Thank you Content Editor Lauren Nowacki, Data Journalist Isabel Lenzen, and Senior Public Relations Manager Valerie Pesonen for connecting with Masonic Heights' Principal Mr. Barranca and creating this opportunity for our kids!
Manufacturing Day
Lake Shore High School partnered with Eifel Mold and Engineering, a local business located in Fraser, to help build career interest through MFG Day.
Eifel specializes in product development through production tooling. Eifel is a leader in production and prototype tooling for automotive interiors. Their 5-axis CNC machining capabilities provide outstanding quality finishes more efficiently, shortening lead times and producing longer-lasting molds. They build molds for products such as steering wheels, airbag housing units, center consoles, headlamps, seat back panels, and aftermarket parts. Eifel also provides specialized services including on-site data presentations, studio consulting, and professional contracting services.
Their focus at Eifel is on People, Process, and Technology – all three of which combine to form the nucleus of a successful business operation.
MFG Day helps showcase the appeal of modern manufacturing careers and encourages thousands of companies and educational institutions around the nation to open their doors to educate students, parents, teachers and community leaders about all the inner workings of the industry.
Part of a national initiative, 22 students from Mr. Winters' Building Renovations classes learned about possible career paths to promote interest in skilled manufacturing jobs. After the welcome presentation by President and CEO Rick Hecker, different team members touched base about what their respective departments do by giving tours.
Mr. Hecker's passion for his company was evident by his words. He said, "We are a 20-man shop and believe in our culture and people. We have people who have worked here for more than 22 years. It is a great team." A great team that Shorians may want to be a part of one day. Mr. Hecker recently celebrated 50 years of service to the plastics industry and has a degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Michigan Tech.
Thanks to local sponsors, teacher Mr. Winters, Career & Technical Education Coordinator Todd Stevens, students each received an incredible experience. MFG Day empowers manufacturers to come together to address their collective challenges so they can help their communities and future generations thrive.
We had the opportunity for an additional visit with PCS Company. This manufacturing company is a team of industry experts providing solutions and innovative products for the plastic injection molding, mold making, and die casting industries.
Learn more about the 2023 #MFGDay by visiting https://mfgday.com/.
Fire Safety and Law Enforcement
A fundamental part of every community is fire safety and law enforcement.
St. Clair Shores Fire Department shared safety tips today with our elementary students during #FirePreventionWeek. Although calling 911 is a natural first instinct when you hear the fire alarm or see a fire, our students learned that getting out of the house is most important. Firefighters like Lieutenant Benando and Driver Engineer Shar from Station 3 are trained to help you in emergency, making sure you are safe, and providing care.
According to the Michigan Fire Inspectors Society, there were 85 Deaths in 78 Fires: https://mfis.org/fire-stats-1. We must continue to strive to prevent these tragedies.
Our new SRO Detective Glen Hartman will work with Lake Shore Public Schools for the next 5 years to keep students and staff safe. Detective Hartman has been with the police department for 7.5 years.
Detective Hartman works closely with administration to ensure safety in the buildings. He is present in both the middle school and high school multiple days a week, with visits to the elementary schools periodically. His favorite part of the job is the positive interactions with citizens and the community. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking and running; In fact, he has signed up to complete the Detroit Free Press Marathon on Sunday, October 15th. Detective Hartman and his wife Katie have a 2-year-old son named Lucas and a Black Lab mix named Luna.
Thank you for the education on both safety and the career itself while giving brave Kindergarten students from Masonic Heights Elementary the ability to see a close-up of a fire truck and the need to feel safe in our buildings because of the presence of Detective Glen Hartman!
Celebration
Centennial Celebration Proclamation
Happy birthday, Lake Shore!
We're proud--proud of our past and prospects of our future.
Mayor Kip Walby presented a Centennial Celebration proclamation at City Hall to Lake Shore representatives including Superintendent Dr. DiPonio, Principal Dr. Bross and Board of Education President Kurt Ziegler, Vice President Sue DeLong, Trustees Ken Gulock and Wendy Tobias, and our two Student Board of Education representatives Senior Marissa White and Junior Lauren Maciewjewski.
Since the beginnings of Michigan public education in the 1840s, local students wishing to attend high school had to travel to Mount Clemens or Detroit, or beyond.
The need for that ended at the school board meeting on July 14, 1919, when approval was given for the start of secondary education in this district. That September, “junior high” began being offered in the Lake Shore school house.
Another grade was added each year thereafter—9th grade in 1920, 10th in ’21, 11th in ’22, and finally, 12th grade in school year 1923-24. Thus, June 26, 1924 marked the date of the first graduation ceremony at Lake Shore High School. The class was comprised of three students, two boys and a girl: T. Jay Barton, Nelda Egle, and Clifford Frazo.
The Class of 2023-24 marked the 100th anniversary of K-12 education in our district. We are excited to celebrate the 2023 Homecoming with the theme Centennial Celebration!
For 100 years we've had an unwavering belief in education routed in moments in time that share our inspiration, innovation, and celebration. The Shorian Nation believes in the transformative power of education for all students.
Cheers to 100 Years, Lake Shore! Once a Shorian, Always a Shorian!
Bonus: Lake Shore was featured inside Macomb Daily's Make Macomb Schools Your Home Special Section in August on pages 36 and 37.
Homecoming Fashion
How did the Shorian Nation display school unity and spirit in their attire?
During this highly anticipated week, the Shorian Nation was encouraged to follow a silly, student-created dress code. Thank you for celebrating your school pride by participating in these unique days!
Students put on their coziest pajamas and comfiest slippers to lounge during day two of our homecoming celebrations! Shorians got ready for the main event in their best sleepwear at Lake Shore High School while the Lake Shore Early Childhood Center celebrated a specialty Yee-Haw Cowboys and Cowgirls day.
In the spirit of the new “Barbie” movie which debuted Friday, July 21st in movie theaters across the country, we’re thinking pink. Rodgers Elementary Rockets have been putting Barbie on a pedestal by wearing Barbie’s favorite color pink.
To encourage students to work hard, remind them they're "building their future", and remember the year(s) of bond construction projects, Kennedy Middle School Clippers were prompted to dress as construction workers and accessorize with tools for the day.
Colors speak all languages. Class Color Day at Masonic Heights Elementary was a beloved spirit day full of bright, fun shades to kick off spirit week. Although we saw every color of the rainbow in our buildings, we cannot help but love red and white the most.
Marching Band Earns Division I Performance
Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.
We celebrate our Marching Shorians, under the direction of Greg Alter, who received a Division I performance rating at the MSBOA Marching Festival, a consistent rating for over 18 years.
MSBOA Marching Bands performed a show at Troy Athens High School and were judged in three categories: Music, Marching and General Effect. Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association has specific criteria and rubrics for the adjudication. A Band must receive a final rating in two of the three categories to receive an overall rating of Division I.
Drum Major Vance Harvey's favorite moments were clapping to crowd and the participation and energy that was returned from the spectator claps and the embrace he received from Mr. Alter at the end of the night. "We did it!", exclaimed Mr. Alter.
Enjoy this video featuring the Marching Band’s performance and song Old Time Rock and Roll by Bob Seger: https://youtu.be/GA5L-uWquTI?si=DtgVziQlvLCzTFeN. Want even more?
- https://youtu.be/_34mOU-OjIc?si=YaSxy5XHyvECn3_e
- https://youtu.be/GA5L-uWquTI?si=9RnobTvQzQRltg84
- https://youtu.be/cCOS68ZHS6w?si=Oefm996FVK2wzyIY
The Shorian Marching Band is a musical marching unit that is a co-curricular ensemble that rehearses outside the school day. The prerequisite for the Marching Band class is concurrent enrollment in the either the Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble. The ensemble consists of woodwinds, brass, percussion, and a color guard. Membership requires dedication and maximum effort in all aspects of marching, playing, rehearsal, and performance.
Thank you Greg Alter who is a 2015 graduate of Lake Shore High School; His passion for Band dates back to his 4 years spent playing Baritone Sax in the marching band as well as being involved in Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble.
He wrote, "I am extremely proud of the accomplishments the 2023-24 Marching Shorians have achieved already this year! Their hard work has continued to show in the product they have on the field. Accepting the position in LSPS and coming home was the best decision I could have ever made."
Violet's Spirit Walk
Violet Elementary held their Spirit Walk school fundraiser event in which students and teachers participated to raise money for the school. It combined physical activity, community involvement, and fundraising into one event.
If I go, there's no telling how far I'll go. Disney Princess Moana wouldn't have been able to predict the incredible support from the community and the All-Star Family as they raised a goal-breaking $32,000+ together.
We were able to watch Kindergarten students race around the track and dance to songs under the guidance of Mrs. Pecararo. The encouraging signage and cheerful music were great ways to create smiles.
Thank you for another successful event that teaches all of us about generosity. Final totals can be found by visiting these donation pages for all three of our elementary buildings:
Masonic Heights Elementary: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/masonicheights2023
Rodgers Elementary: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/colorrun023
Violet Elementary: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/violetelemPTO
Athletics
Athletics Website
We have built an online home for our athletic department. Our goal is to bring our athletic programs to life by sharing schedules, scores, and social media while ensuring our athletes get the promotion they deserve. Visit the Shorian Sports website for 24/7/365 access to the information you have always wanted and follow along with our sports action.
Read these recent stories titled Shorians Win Homecoming Game in Overtime featuring our Football team and Swimming: A Passion that Flows Beyond the Pool featuring our Swim team.
We have partnered with Kroger to help fund our athletics. Please read this letter from our Athletic Coordinator Rich Bowers.
Fall 2023 schedules, rosters, and LSHS and KMS player headshots are posted for Cross County, Football, Sideline Cheer, Soccer, Swim, and Volleyball! Team photos, video feed, and more featured stories are on deck to be added. Stay tuned!
In addition, follow @ShorianSports on X for access to live sports updates from your favorite coaches and teams!
We believe a balance of academics and athletics creates a well-rounded student. Students who participate in sports not only gain the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle, they also learn lessons about sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork, cooperation, respect, and knowing how to win and lose.
Athletes of the Week
Congratulations to AOTW Giulia Ryder, member of Cross Country team at Kennedy Middle School. Coach Nathan Heier shared her contributions with us:
"In her first ever cross country race, Giulia was the top Kennedy finisher with a time of 15:13. She medaled in all three events we've run so far this season. She has an amazing attitude, a constant smile, and a strong inner-drive. I am proud she is part of our team."
Congratulations to AOTW Mariska Livingston, member of Swim team at Lake Shore High School. Coach Greg Wolff shared her contributions with us:
"The junior captain hit 2 lifetime best swims in the 50 freestyle (2nd place) and 100 Breaststroke (1st Place) against Sterling Heights and South Lake. She dropped nearly 8 seconds in the breaststroke, which was also the first time she placed first in an event for the Shorians in her career."
Freeze Frame
eNews
Lake Shore Public Schools will provide an exceptional education for all 3,339 students in a safe and nurturing environment.
Our guiding principles, Inspiration, Innovation, Celebration, are woven into the fabric of everything we do and will be the focus of every update. Expect an eNews email biweekly update as a reliable way to communicate with our stakeholders.
Connect With Shorian Nation
Email: social@lsps.org
Website: http://lakeshoreschools.org
Location: 28850 Harper Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI 48081
Phone: (586) 285-8481
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myLSPS/
Twitter: @myLSPS