Schools

Bailey Preschool Under State Investigation

Bailey Preschool Under State Investigation

Unchanged diapers and understaffed classrooms are among the accusations made against the preschool and childcare center.

ELPS Leadership Gives Updates on Safety Projects at School Board Meeting

ELPS Leadership Gives Updates on Safety Projects at School Board Meeting

District leaders gave an update on the projects being paid for by a $23.5 million bond that voters approved in May.

School Board Candidates Give Their Policy Ideas

School Board Candidates Give Their Policy Ideas

This is the final of three stories bringing the responses all six East Lansing Board of Education candidates gave to questions ELi asked them

School Board Candidates Address School Safety

School Board Candidates Address School Safety

This is the second of three stories bringing the responses all six East Lansing Board of Education candidates gave to questions ELi asked them.

School Board Candidates Describe Their Qualifications, Priorities if Elected

School Board Candidates Describe Their Qualifications, Priorities if Elected

This is the first of three stories bringing the responses all six East Lansing Board of Education candidates gave to questions ELi asked them.

Gallery: Photos From ELHS Homecoming Game

Gallery: Photos From ELHS Homecoming Game

Reporter Mark Pontoni captured last week’s homecoming festivities through photos.

ELHS Volleyball Team Looks to Continue Strong Start to the Season

ELHS Volleyball Team Looks to Continue Strong Start to the Season

Coach Heather Stanley is optimistic about this year’s team.

East Lansing Youth Address Harm Caused by Discrimination, Wealth Gap in Scholarship-Winning Essays

East Lansing Youth Address Harm Caused by Discrimination, Wealth Gap in Scholarship-Winning Essays

Four recent high school graduates from East Lansing were among those selected.

ELHS Boys Soccer Team Looks to New Goal Scorers to Continue Recent Run of Success

ELHS Boys Soccer Team Looks to New Goal Scorers to Continue Recent Run of Success

The Trojans will look to capture a fourth consecutive CAAC-Blue title.

ELHS Girls Swim Team Dives Into New Season

ELHS Girls Swim Team Dives Into New Season

Despite being down several swimmers, the ELHS Trojans girls swim team took home first place at the Holt Invitational.

ELHS Boys Tennis Team Looks to Build on Last Season’s Success

ELHS Boys Tennis Team Looks to Build on Last Season’s Success

The Trojans boys tennis team lost some key contributors from last year’s team that earned its way into the state tournament, but returning players are ready to step up.

ELPS Welcomes New Director of Special Education

ELPS Welcomes New Director of Special Education

Precios Armstrong comes to the position with more than 25 years of experience in education and a doctorate in educational leadership.

ELPS Selected to Host Multicultural Student Achievement Network Annual Conference

ELPS Selected to Host Multicultural Student Achievement Network Annual Conference

According to the MSAN’s about page, “MSAN is a national coalition of multiracial school districts learning, growing, and working together toward the goal of improving access, opportunity, and achievement for students of color.”

ELPS Administrator Finding New Ways to Care for Campuses, Cut Costs

ELPS Administrator Finding New Ways to Care for Campuses, Cut Costs

After experiencing issues with its previous custodial service provider, ELPS switched back to in-house services. Billy Hastings and his team have since cleaned up the district.

Meet New Glencairn Elementary School Principal Justyne Richardson

Meet New Glencairn Elementary School Principal Justyne Richardson

Richardson, who grew up in Lansing, will move back to the area to take over as Glencairn Elementary School principal.

Only One Candidate Has Applied to Run for School Board, as Filing Deadline Approaches

Only One Candidate Has Applied to Run for School Board, as Filing Deadline Approaches

The filing deadline is July 23 and four school board seats will be up for grabs in November’s election.

ELHS Girls Soccer Team Optimistic About Future After Season of Growth

ELHS Girls Soccer Team Optimistic About Future After Season of Growth

The Trojans girls soccer team started to find its identity late in the season, a development coach Jeff Lyon hopes carries over to next year.

ELHS Alumna’s Educational Future Uncertain After Participating In Columbia University Protests

ELHS Alumna’s Educational Future Uncertain After Participating In Columbia University Protests

2022 ELHS graduate Marie Adele Grosso is still unsure if she’ll be allowed to return to Columbia University after protesting against Israeli military actions.

ELHS Lacrosse Team Wraps up Winning Season

ELHS Lacrosse Team Wraps up Winning Season

ELHS Lacrosse Coach William Wismer looked for his team to accomplish three goals this season: Improve as players, improve the team culture and improve the young men in the program. Wismer proudly said this year’s squad met its goals.

Budget, Racial Equity Policy Discussed at School Board

Budget, Racial Equity Policy Discussed at School Board

While the state’s budget has not yet been finalized, ELPS Director of Finance Rich Pugh gave an update on proposed school funding.

ELPS Staff Encourages Belonging, Inclusion for Queer Students Following Hate Crime

ELPS Staff Encourages Belonging, Inclusion for Queer Students Following Hate Crime

After a hate crime that targeted LGBTQIA+ students was committed on MSU’s campus, ELPS students and staff rallied to support the district’s queer students.

Strong Team Culture, Work Ethic Guide ELHS Girls Tennis Team to State Tournament

Strong Team Culture, Work Ethic Guide ELHS Girls Tennis Team to State Tournament

The ELHS girls tennis team will compete at the two-day state tournament, which kicks off today in Grand Rapids.

ELHS Students Paint Murals at East Lansing Elementary Schools

ELHS Students Paint Murals at East Lansing Elementary Schools

The murals are designed to remind elementary students of the STEP problem solving routine utilized by the school district.

ELPS, Schools Statewide Struggle to Build Diverse Teaching Staffs

ELPS, Schools Statewide Struggle to Build Diverse Teaching Staffs

ELPS is looking to increase the diversity of its staff, as just 12 of the district’s 300 teachers are Black.

East Lansing Public Schools Growing Future Teachers Through Exploring Education Program

East Lansing Public Schools Growing Future Teachers Through Exploring Education Program

East Lansing Public Schools has launched a program that it hopes will help address the teacher shortage, and increase diversity among educators.

EL School Board Discusses Ceasefire Resolution

EL School Board Discusses Ceasefire Resolution

The East Lansing Public Schools Board of Education discussed the possibility of later passing a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel at its May board meeting.

Voters Approve $23.5 Million School Bond

Voters Approve $23.5 Million School Bond

With over 4,600 votes cast, more than two-thirds of voters approved of the bond proposal.

School of Choice Openings Approved, Glencairn Principal Search Announced at School Board Meeting

School of Choice Openings Approved, Glencairn Principal Search Announced at School Board Meeting

The Monday, April 22 Board of Education meeting was the last for ELPS before voters will decide on a $23.5 million school bond proposal.

ELPS Hosting Mental Health and Wellness Summit

ELPS Hosting Mental Health and Wellness Summit

The summit will be open to ELPS students and other community members.

Voters Will Soon Decide on $23.5 Million School Bond

Voters Will Soon Decide on $23.5 Million School Bond

A look at how East Lansing schools would spend the $23.5 million in the bond proposal, if voters approve it at the May special election.

Incentivizing Positive Behavior, Building Relationships Discussed at School Board Meeting

Incentivizing Positive Behavior, Building Relationships Discussed at School Board Meeting

The school board heard from Donley Elementary School Principal Tracey Barton and others on strategies to encourage good behavior.

A Look at Dispute Between ELPS and Union After Tentative Agreement Reached

A Look at Dispute Between ELPS and Union After Tentative Agreement Reached

Documents show the process followed when ELPS hired an administrator’s son at an elevated pay rate.

East Lansing Basketball Star Klarissa Bell is Happy to be Home

East Lansing Basketball Star Klarissa Bell is Happy to be Home

East Lansing and MSU star basketball player Klarissa Bell now teaches in the school district she grew up in.

Union Deliberations, Bond Again Hot Topics at School Board Meeting

Union Deliberations, Bond Again Hot Topics at School Board Meeting

The East Lansing Board of Education again heard from the union the district’s administrative assistants are part of at its March 11 meeting.

Union Shows up For Feb. 26 School Board Meeting

Union Shows up For Feb. 26 School Board Meeting

Several members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which East Lansing School District administrators belong to, showed up at the Feb. 26 Board of Education meeting.

MacDonald Middle Schooler Cayla Hawkins is Already Breaking Records

MacDonald Middle Schooler Cayla Hawkins is Already Breaking Records

MacDonald Middle School student Cayla Hawkins set a new state record in the 400-meter race.

School Bond Will Go Before Voters in May

School Bond Will Go Before Voters in May

If approved, the “safety, security, accessibility bond” will go toward improvements at ELHS and MMS as well as a new central office building.

Counselor Guides Students On Post-Graduation Path

Counselor Guides Students On Post-Graduation Path

MSU graduate, Chloe Wolma, is spending her gap year working with ELHS students to find their way after high school.

Restorative Justice Presentation Given to School Board, Essay Award Winners Recognized at Jan. 22 Meeting
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Restorative Justice Presentation Given to School Board, Essay Award Winners Recognized at Jan. 22 Meeting

MacDonald Middle School Principal Amy Martin and Associate Principal John Atkinson gave a presentation on restorative justice techniques used by the school at the Monday, Jan. 22 East Lansing Board of Education meeting.

Youth Pursue Education While Experiencing Homelessness

Youth Pursue Education While Experiencing Homelessness

Last school year, 41 ELPS students experienced homelessness. School staff works to ensure students experiencing homelessness have the tools necessary to meet their academic potential.

School Board Organizes for 2024 at First Meeting of Year
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School Board Organizes for 2024 at First Meeting of Year

Chris Martin is elected school board president during the Jan. 8 meeting.

EL Educational Foundation Awards $71,000 in Grants

EL Educational Foundation Awards $71,000 in Grants

Dec. 11 school board meeting also included reports from the superintendent and Glencairn Elementary staff.

ELPS Holds ‘Giving Opportunity’ for Holiday Season

ELPS Holds ‘Giving Opportunity’ for Holiday Season

The Monday school board meeting included reports on the district, high school and Whitehills Elementary School.

Ingham Community Health Center to Open in ELHS

Ingham Community Health Center to Open in ELHS

The regular meeting of the school board also included a report on plans of the local chapter of MSAN.

Estrella Torrez Sworn in as School Board Trustee

Estrella Torrez Sworn in as School Board Trustee

The Oct. 23 meeting included a presentation by the ELHS principal, adoption of 24 board policy revisions and approval of a bond proposal for security enhancements.

School Board Appoints New Trustee, Parts with Petrowitz

School Board Appoints New Trustee, Parts with Petrowitz

Majority of the four-hour meeting was spent interviewing the six candidates for the trustee position vacated by Monica Fink.

ELPS Board will Interview Five for Open Trustee Seat

ELPS Board will Interview Five for Open Trustee Seat

The board is expected to also approve a separation agreement with suspended middle school physical education teacher, Dennis Petrowitz.

ELPS Board Plans for Fink Replacement, Hears Public Concerns about Suspended Teacher

ELPS Board Plans for Fink Replacement, Hears Public Concerns about Suspended Teacher

Those interested in applying for the open trustee position have until noon Friday to submit an application.

Fink Resigns from ELPS Board; Special Meeting Being Held Today to Discuss Filling Her Seat
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Fink Resigns from ELPS Board; Special Meeting Being Held Today to Discuss Filling Her Seat

Public comment is on the agenda for the 12:30 p.m. meeting. Comments about the suspension of the middle school teacher are anticipated.

Middle School PE Teacher Who Used Racial Slur Suspended Again for ‘Unprofessional Verbal Interaction’

Middle School PE Teacher Who Used Racial Slur Suspended Again for ‘Unprofessional Verbal Interaction’

ELPS community has been responding to the recent five-day suspension of Dennis Petrowitz and is planning a “No More Harm” demonstration on Friday.

ELPAT Hopes to be Part of Force that Pushes ELPS Past Last Year’s Issues

ELPAT Hopes to be Part of Force that Pushes ELPS Past Last Year’s Issues

The team’s goal is to bring together dozens of parent voices and communicate with the school district through a single channel.

Mental Health and Safety are Focus of New ELPS Hires

Mental Health and Safety are Focus of New ELPS Hires

Building lasting relationships, supporting students and creating a safe environment are goals all three bring to their new positions.

ELPS Board Selects Gary Holbrook to Take Empty Seat

ELPS Board Selects Gary Holbrook to Take Empty Seat

Only three candidates applied for the seat vacated by Amanda Cormier, and then one dropped out.

Beloved MMS Band Director Turns in Baton

Beloved MMS Band Director Turns in Baton

Patricia Kroth, who retired in June, has left a lasting mark on the band program and thousands of students.

Amanda Cormier Resigns From EL School Board
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Amanda Cormier Resigns From EL School Board

ELi has learned East Lansing Public Schools Board Trustee Amanda Cormier has tendered her resignation from the board. A special school board meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. today  (Aug. 4) to develop a process for her replacement. Cormier won her seat in November 2022, along with Trustees Terah Chambers, Kath Edsall and Tali Faris-Hylen,…

Goal Setting, New Hires Part of Back-to-Back ELPS Meetings

Goal Setting, New Hires Part of Back-to-Back ELPS Meetings

Parents also gave a presentation on the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative during the fast-paced regular meeting.

ELEF Awards are Chance to Honor Alumni, Educators and Community Members

ELEF Awards are Chance to Honor Alumni, Educators and Community Members

Nominations are due Aug. 6 for the annual awards celebration and fundraiser planned for May 2024.

EL Youth Football Club Working to Boost Numbers
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EL Youth Football Club Working to Boost Numbers

The nonprofit organization teaches the game of football, but also promotes “sportsmanship, teamwork, honesty, responsibility, and self-discipline.”

Pride Finds a Home in Halls of ELHS

Pride Finds a Home in Halls of ELHS

The high school is dedicated to providing a supportive environment for all students.

ELPS Approves Budget, Celebrates Accomplishments
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ELPS Approves Budget, Celebrates Accomplishments

Six retiring educators and staff and the Michigan Lottery Educator of the Year recipient were all recognized during the June 12 meeting.

ELHS Running Track Open to Public on Weekdays
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ELHS Running Track Open to Public on Weekdays

A local resident pushed the school district to open the facility for regular public use.

Young and Old(er) Are Jumping Into the Sport of Pickleball
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Young and Old(er) Are Jumping Into the Sport of Pickleball

The official grand opening of the renovated Patriarche Park pickleball facility is Thursday but, once the nets went up last week, there was no stopping the enthusiasts from playing.

Following a Successful Season, the ELHS Track and Field Teams Have Athletes Heading to States

Following a Successful Season, the ELHS Track and Field Teams Have Athletes Heading to States

Eleven track team members have qualified to compete in the state championships Saturday, June 3, at Rockford High School.

New Principal Seeks ‘High Structure, High Support’ at ELHS

New Principal Seeks ‘High Structure, High Support’ at ELHS

Ashley Schwarzbek takes the leadership reins at the high school after some challenging times during the school year.

Board of Education Approves Ashley Schwarzbek to be Next ELHS Principal

Board of Education Approves Ashley Schwarzbek to be Next ELHS Principal

A long conversation about bias, responsibility and moving forward as a community preceded the school board’s unanimous decision to approve Ashley Schwarzbek as the next principal of ELHS.

Ashley Schwarzbek Recommended to Fill ELHS Principal Role

Ashley Schwarzbek Recommended to Fill ELHS Principal Role

The recommendation will go before the ELPS Board of Education in a special meeting this week or next week.

MacDonald Middle School Teacher Under Scrutiny for Using N-Word Apologizes (Updated)

MacDonald Middle School Teacher Under Scrutiny for Using N-Word Apologizes (Updated)

A long-time physical education teacher has issued an apology after the May 10 matter.

East Lansing School Board Meets as School Year Winds Down

East Lansing School Board Meets as School Year Winds Down

Board hears about the professional learning experiences teachers participated in during the school year.

ELHS Teachers Adapting to AI’s Effects on Students’ Learning

ELHS Teachers Adapting to AI’s Effects on Students’ Learning

ChatGPT has taken the ability for cheating to a whole new level.

ELPS Board Discusses Pros and Cons of Returning Resource Officers to the High School

ELPS Board Discusses Pros and Cons of Returning Resource Officers to the High School

Recent tensions, anger are not seen at the April 24 meeting, as the school board recognizes theater students, talks Graduation Alliance program and much more.

Next Target for ELHS Archery Team is Nationals Competition

Next Target for ELHS Archery Team is Nationals Competition

Every member of the team qualified for nationals and have the chance to travel to Louisville, Kentucky.

Girls Tennis Team Frustrated by Continued Need to Choose Between Graduation and State Tournament

Girls Tennis Team Frustrated by Continued Need to Choose Between Graduation and State Tournament

Senior players are forced to retire early from matches in order to make graduation.

Ask ELi: Did ELPS’ Administration Fact-Check the Ex-Principal’s Application?
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Ask ELi: Did ELPS’ Administration Fact-Check the Ex-Principal’s Application?

FOIA response shows fact-checking notes taken by Superintendent Dori Leyko.

School Board Hears Safety Update and Plan for Hiring New ELHS Principal

School Board Hears Safety Update and Plan for Hiring New ELHS Principal

Superintendent Dori Leyko lays out the safety steps taken so far; public comments indicate parents want more.

School Board ‘Retreat’ Boils Over Amid Tensions Regarding Transparency, Recent Events

School Board ‘Retreat’ Boils Over Amid Tensions Regarding Transparency, Recent Events

Despite efforts of an experienced facilitator, frustrations dominated the team-building session.

ELPS Board Meeting Highlights Safety Measures Progress, Model UN Team
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ELPS Board Meeting Highlights Safety Measures Progress, Model UN Team

Superintendent Dori Leyko gave a detailed update on security measures that have been implemented in the district.

Superintendent Defends Vetting of Ex-Principal Following Discovery of “Fraudulent” Degree
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Superintendent Defends Vetting of Ex-Principal Following Discovery of “Fraudulent” Degree

Superintendent Dori Leyko has provided ELi more information about the hiring process that was used.

ELHS Principal Resigned Following Discovery of “Fraudulent Degree,” Superintendent Says

ELHS Principal Resigned Following Discovery of “Fraudulent Degree,” Superintendent Says

An email leaked to ELi provides details on what Superintendent Dori Leyko says led to Shannon Mayfield’s resignation.

Mayfield Resigns as East Lansing High School Principal

Mayfield Resigns as East Lansing High School Principal

Superintendent Dori Leyko cites “privacy and confidentiality reasons” for providing little information.

Ask ELi: What Happened with Yesterday’s Three Emergency Alert Threads?
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Ask ELi: What Happened with Yesterday’s Three Emergency Alert Threads?

A single threat of violence led to the emergency closure of EL schools and locking of City Hall doors.

More Details Released on Threat That Led to Closure of East Lansing Public Schools Today (Updated)

More Details Released on Threat That Led to Closure of East Lansing Public Schools Today (Updated)

This article has been updated throughout the day.

‘Concerning Social Media Post’ Leads to ELPS Closure

‘Concerning Social Media Post’ Leads to ELPS Closure

District officials will communicate more information later today.

Why Did the Fights Really Abate at East Lansing’s High School?

Why Did the Fights Really Abate at East Lansing’s High School?

ELPS administrators and Black parents and mentors paint differing pictures of the easing tensions.

Chris Martin Back On East Lansing School Board in 4-2 Vote

Chris Martin Back On East Lansing School Board in 4-2 Vote

The process used for filling the vacant position was decided out of sight of the public.

Applications Being Accepted for Vacant Seat on East Lansing’s School Board

Applications Being Accepted for Vacant Seat on East Lansing’s School Board

The deadline to apply is coming up fast: Feb. 24 at 4 p.m.

Walton Resigns from East Lansing School Board Amid Leadership Shake-Up

Walton Resigns from East Lansing School Board Amid Leadership Shake-Up

What happened at Monday’s school board meeting? ELi catches you up on the leadership shake-up and expressed public concerns.

East Lansing Is a City In Grief; Counseling Offered at Hannah
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East Lansing Is a City In Grief; Counseling Offered at Hannah

Randy Talifarro’s first formal statement as East Lansing’s interim city manager was about the killings on MSU’s campus.

MSU School Safety Expert Weighs in on Climate at East Lansing High School
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MSU School Safety Expert Weighs in on Climate at East Lansing High School

ELi spoke with MSU Prof. Glenn Stutzky to get his take on ongoing concerns in East Lansing’s public schools.

60-member ELHS Model UN Club Tackles Global Issues

60-member ELHS Model UN Club Tackles Global Issues

The ever-growing group helps students build critical-thinking skills.

Ask ELi: What We Found Out About The Uvalde Foundation for Kids
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Ask ELi: What We Found Out About The Uvalde Foundation for Kids

In-depth digging (and lots of capitalizations) raise concerns about this foundation.

EL School Board Members Warned Not to Violate Transparency Law, as Statements Are Released

EL School Board Members Warned Not to Violate Transparency Law, as Statements Are Released

Trustee Monica Fink is calling out transparency problems with East Lansing’s school board. We explain her objections and the backdrop.

Edsall Resigns as School Board President, and a New School Safety Plan Is In the Works
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Edsall Resigns as School Board President, and a New School Safety Plan Is In the Works

Kath Edsall resigned as president rather than facing a vote to remove her. A new safety plan was presented and public comment brought many strong comments. ELi brings you details from the four-hour meeting.

Greater Diversity Comes to ELPS Classroom Book Libraries

Greater Diversity Comes to ELPS Classroom Book Libraries

The ELPS district and ELEF devoted $35,000 for K5 classrooms to buy books this year.

ELPS School Board Meets Tonight as High School Changes Disciplinary Approach
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ELPS School Board Meets Tonight as High School Changes Disciplinary Approach