Schools

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

East Lansing Public Schools are closed today (Wednesday) because of a concerning social media post. According to an announcement on the official East Lansing Public Schools Facebook site, the district was made aware of the post this morning. “While there is no direct threat to any specific school building,” the announcement says, “the post does…

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

As struggles at East Lansing’s High School are making statewide news, the school’s administration has shifted approaches to student discipline starting today. The school board will meet tonight to discuss a “School Safety Plan.”

Uvalde Foundation for Kids Opens Investigation Into East Lansing Schools; High School Shifting Approaches

Uvalde Foundation for Kids Opens Investigation Into East Lansing Schools; High School Shifting Approaches

The latest in the push to deal with concerns about violence in East Lansing High School.

Excitement Building Around ELHS Wrestling Program

Excitement Building Around ELHS Wrestling Program

The Trojans program continues to grow in numbers and wins.

‘Listening Session’ on East Lansing School Violence Draws Hundreds, Elicits Many Ideas
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‘Listening Session’ on East Lansing School Violence Draws Hundreds, Elicits Many Ideas

Hundreds turn out for event at Hannah Community Center.

EL High School Closed Friday, as School Board Continues to Face Backlash
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EL High School Closed Friday, as School Board Continues to Face Backlash

ELi brings you a wider look at what’s going on with the tensions in East Lansing Public Schools.

EL High School Sheltered in Place Again Today
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EL High School Sheltered in Place Again Today

The latest events occur as ELi continues to work to understand what happened at the school on Tuesday morning.

Mayor to Hold ‘School/Public Safety Listening Session’ on Friday (Updated)
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Mayor to Hold ‘School/Public Safety Listening Session’ on Friday (Updated)

The event is an opportunity for community members to have their say about safety concerns. Meanwhile, ELHS students are calling for the school board president to step down, and the school board has issued a statement.

East Lansing Police First Heard about High School Lockdown from a Parent Who Called 911
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East Lansing Police First Heard about High School Lockdown from a Parent Who Called 911

ELPD called the school to confirm it was, in fact, in lockdown.

East Lansing High School Was Put on Lockdown This Morning
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East Lansing High School Was Put on Lockdown This Morning

The shelter in place lockdown that occurred around 10 a.m. ended late this morning.

East Lansing High School Teachers and Students Describe Fear and Exhaustion from Ongoing Violence
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East Lansing High School Teachers and Students Describe Fear and Exhaustion from Ongoing Violence

“There was a firearm within four feet of me,” a student who rushed to help a teacher told the East Lansing Public Schools Board of Ed. “I had no clue.”

After Library Director Calls Police on Wrongly-Accused Black Teen, Outrage Expressed to Board
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After Library Director Calls Police on Wrongly-Accused Black Teen, Outrage Expressed to Board

A long-time East Lansing resident says her son was racially profiled by the library director, and she wants the director removed from her position. What comes next is not clear.

First School Board Meeting of 2023 Brings Officer Elections, Parent Concerns
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First School Board Meeting of 2023 Brings Officer Elections, Parent Concerns

Oaths of office, election of officers, parents’ concerns about play spaces and fighting, and a hint of future district policies. ELi brings you the news.

ELPS Parent Frustrated Trying to Get Attendance and Disease Data from District

ELPS Parent Frustrated Trying to Get Attendance and Disease Data from District

“I’m ready to give up, which I suspect is the point,” MSU biostatistician and ELPS parent Ahnalee Brincks told ELi.

As East Lansing School Board Membership Changes, Some Policies Are Also Changing
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As East Lansing School Board Membership Changes, Some Policies Are Also Changing

The retiring school board president and vice president honored during Dec. 12 meeting.

Multiple systems help keep ELPS safe
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Multiple systems help keep ELPS safe

OK2SAY, a state-wide reporting program, is one tool being used by the school district.

Preliminary ELPS School Board Results Are in; Library Millage Passes Decisively
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Preliminary ELPS School Board Results Are in; Library Millage Passes Decisively

A lively scene downtown, especially at City Clerk sites, indicates high voter turnout in the 2022 Midterm Elections.

Will a Large Communications Tower Be Built at EL High School?
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Will a Large Communications Tower Be Built at EL High School?

Board Vice President Chris Martin says the board does not yet have enough information to approve the project.

Red Cedar Elementary Comes Back to Life
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Red Cedar Elementary Comes Back to Life

ELPS Board of Education has followed through on its promise to reopen the elementary school in the Red Cedar Neighborhood.

Teachers’ Union Endorses Four School Board Candidates – But Not All Four Running as a Slate
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Teachers’ Union Endorses Four School Board Candidates – But Not All Four Running as a Slate

The East Lansing Educational Association is backing incumbents Tera Chambers and Kath Edsall, plus newcomers Tali Faris-Hylen and Jim McEvoy.

MacDonald Middle School Closed Today Due to Reported Threat (Updated)
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MacDonald Middle School Closed Today Due to Reported Threat (Updated)

“We do not have enough information to determine whether or not the threats are credible – so we’ll err on the safe side,” said Superintendent Dori Leyko.

ELPS Avoid Teacher Shortages Plaguing Districts Nationwide, Still Searching for Custodians, Support Staff
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ELPS Avoid Teacher Shortages Plaguing Districts Nationwide, Still Searching for Custodians, Support Staff

While East Lansing Public Schools has only one unfilled teacher position, custodians and support staff are still a problem.

School Board Candidates Discuss Measures They Support to Create Safe Learning Environments
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School Board Candidates Discuss Measures They Support to Create Safe Learning Environments

Readers asked ELi to get candidate views on what measures are needed to create a safer environment for students, teachers and staff at ELPS.

School Board Candidates Speak to Academic Curricula, Physical and Mental Health
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School Board Candidates Speak to Academic Curricula, Physical and Mental Health

Five of the 10 candidates on the ballot for four ELPS Board seats respond to a key concern of parents and residents.

Five of 10 School Board Candidates Describe Their Politics
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Five of 10 School Board Candidates Describe Their Politics

ELi’s first question to candidates delves into their reasons for running for board and where they are on the political spectrum.

Be Patient, Grab Some Candy: Homecoming Parade Brings Road Closures
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Be Patient, Grab Some Candy: Homecoming Parade Brings Road Closures

Annual event is expected to last about an hour.

Trash Piles Up and Administrators Pitch In
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Trash Piles Up and Administrators Pitch In

ELPS is looking to end the contract with Jani-King and to take a different approach.

An Acronym for Everything: Meet ELHS’s New Principal
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An Acronym for Everything: Meet ELHS’s New Principal

Shannon Mayfield brings a diverse background to his new job as principal of East Lansing High School.

ELi Wants to Know YOUR Questions for the East Lansing School Board Candidates
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ELi Wants to Know YOUR Questions for the East Lansing School Board Candidates

We need your help articulating questions that will help registered voters decide who to back.

East Lansing Insider: Two Years of DEI Efforts and Covid at ELPS
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East Lansing Insider: Two Years of DEI Efforts and Covid at ELPS

Emily Joan Elliott and Al Hargrave Jackson discuss Covid 19 and continuing efforts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in East Lansing Public Schools. Give a listen!

School Board Approves Curriculum Changes, Contract With Teachers

School Board Approves Curriculum Changes, Contract With Teachers

The School Board unanimously approved a new curriculum for teaching about HIV and AIDS, a high school-led trip to Germany, and a new contract with the teachers’ union. Al Hargrave Jackson reports.

Mark Wood of Trans-Siberian Orchestra to Perform with ELPS Students
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Mark Wood of Trans-Siberian Orchestra to Perform with ELPS Students

Mark Wood, an original member of the group Trans-Siberian Orchestra, will perform with ELHS and MMS students this Friday. Al Hargrave Jackson reports on the concert and partnership.

Two Years After Pledging to Increase DEI Efforts, Here’s Where ELPS Stands

Two Years After Pledging to Increase DEI Efforts, Here’s Where ELPS Stands

Following the murder of George Floyd, ELPS administrators vowed to undertake new efforts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Where does the district stand on meeting those goals?

Inside The Trojans Final Playoff Run Under Head Coach Rob Smith

Inside The Trojans Final Playoff Run Under Head Coach Rob Smith

In the final season for the 20-year head coach — plus a highly-decorated senior class — the Trojans were chasing the ultimate prize of a state championship. Andrew Graham reports on their run at a title.

ELHS Students Respond to Anti-Abortion Protestors Outside High School
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ELHS Students Respond to Anti-Abortion Protestors Outside High School

A group of anti-abortion protesters gathered outside ELHS last week. We share ELHS student Marie Adele Grosso’s reporting on students’ responses to the group.

Ask ELi: A Fence on Campus, Basketball Hoops Unlocked, and Construction On Burcham Drive [UPDATED]
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Ask ELi: A Fence on Campus, Basketball Hoops Unlocked, and Construction On Burcham Drive [UPDATED]

ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott brings a few pieces of news and a noteworthy PSA about construction on Burcham Drive.

School Board Approves Policy Changes About Recess, Suicide Prevention, And More

School Board Approves Policy Changes About Recess, Suicide Prevention, And More

The School Board unanimously voted to adopt five new policies on Monday as it reviews and revises its new policy manual. Al Hargrave reports on the policy changes.

ELHS Students Recognized for Representing Ukraine at Model UN Conference
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ELHS Students Recognized for Representing Ukraine at Model UN Conference

Several ELHS students recently attended the Mid-American Model UN Conference in Kalamazoo. How did they do?

How MSU Plans To Keep Tabs And Hold Accountable Those Exempted From Its Sophomores-On Rule
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How MSU Plans To Keep Tabs And Hold Accountable Those Exempted From Its Sophomores-On Rule

As MSU prepares for requiring sophomores to live on campus this upcoming academic year, University officials consider how they might exercise greater control over the behavior of registered student organizations and associated individual students. What might this process, including collaboration with City authorities, look like?

Small Number of East Lansing Residents Have Special Election Coming in May
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Small Number of East Lansing Residents Have Special Election Coming in May

The election applies to the small number of East Lansing residents who live within the boundaries of the Lansing School District. Emily Joan Elliott reports on that and the bond proposal they’ll be voting on.

Why Did the School Board Hold a Vote on a Policy That Was Already in Place?

Why Did the School Board Hold a Vote on a Policy That Was Already in Place?

Superintendent Dori Leyko announced an almost identical policy nearly two weeks ago, but the Board held an official vote due to language in the recently approved policy handbook. What did the four trustees present have to say about the policy?

East Lansing Insider: Where Do We Stand As The Omicron Variant Recedes?
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East Lansing Insider: Where Do We Stand As The Omicron Variant Recedes?

Andrew is joined by Emily Joan Elliott to talk about the current stages of the pandemic, how different things are now from early 2020, and where things might be headed next. Listen in!

Concerning Social Media Post Results in Police Presence at ELHS Today
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Concerning Social Media Post Results in Police Presence at ELHS Today

A letter sent to East Lansing High School families, staff, and students from the administration notified families that local law enforcement would be present at the school this morning, Feb. 25, following a concerning social media post made last evening.

East Lansing Insider: After Covid Pause, City of East Lansing Gets Back To Meetings
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East Lansing Insider: After Covid Pause, City of East Lansing Gets Back To Meetings

The City of East Lansing resumed public meetings this week after pausing meetings outside of City Council during the omicron surge. On this episode of the Insider, the ELi team digs into what some of the boards and commissions have been up to as the City gets back to action.

School Board Discusses Removing Masks, Standardized Testing

School Board Discusses Removing Masks, Standardized Testing

ELPS will continue to require masks through at least mid-April. The Board also discussed a new Black American history course, standardized testing, and more.

What Does the Attorney General’s Opinion On the Open Meetings Act Mean for East Lansing’s Public Bodies? [UPDATED]
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What Does the Attorney General’s Opinion On the Open Meetings Act Mean for East Lansing’s Public Bodies? [UPDATED]

The ELPS School Board weighed the benefits and setbacks of increasing options for public comment at its Feb. 14 meeting.

Andrew Wells, East Lansing High School Principal and Longtime Educator set to Retire After 33 Years
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Andrew Wells, East Lansing High School Principal and Longtime Educator set to Retire After 33 Years

Wells started working in the district as a lunchroom monitor and paraprofessional, serving in a multitude of roles before eventually being named the principal at ELHS. Al Hargrave reports.

More Than 1,000 East Lansing BWL Customers Without Power, Including Two Elementary Schools
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More Than 1,000 East Lansing BWL Customers Without Power, Including Two Elementary Schools

Robert L. Green and Glencairn Elementary schools are without power and heat, and parents have been asked to call and release their children from school early. Andrew Graham reports on the outage.

Local Girl Scouts at ELHS Working to Improve Community
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Local Girl Scouts at ELHS Working to Improve Community

Each troop has its own personality and interests, but all give back to their communities in meaningful ways. Al Hargrave reports.

MSU’s Sophomores-Live-On Policy Creates New Leverage Over Greek Houses
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MSU’s Sophomores-Live-On Policy Creates New Leverage Over Greek Houses

MSU has seriously changed the game for housing sophomores at fraternities and sororities in East Lansing. ELi’s Andrew Graham connects the dots to bring this special report.

Eastside Stars Hockey A Bastion of Fun For East Lansing, Local High Schoolers

Eastside Stars Hockey A Bastion of Fun For East Lansing, Local High Schoolers

A co-op program with a roster featuring players from a number of local schools, the Eastside Stars are unlike most other high school teams. Andrew Graham reports.

Sparrow Hospital Workers Get Heartfelt Surprise From Local Elementary Students

Sparrow Hospital Workers Get Heartfelt Surprise From Local Elementary Students

First-graders from Robert L. Green Elementary expressed their thanks for Sparrow’s healthcare workers through handwritten cards. Sarah Spohn reports.

ELPS Bus Driver on Administrative Leave Following Incident Yesterday
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ELPS Bus Driver on Administrative Leave Following Incident Yesterday

A 911 call was placed yesterday concerning the behavior of a school bus driver. Here is what ELi found out from ELPS, ELPD, and Dean Transportation.

Slipping, Sliding, Sweeping: A Photo Story From The Lansing Curling Club’s Open House
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Slipping, Sliding, Sweeping: A Photo Story From The Lansing Curling Club’s Open House

The Lansing Curling Club held an open house and ELi’s Andrew Graham tagged along with his camera — plus some sure footing — to capture the fun.

Outdoor Facilities Upgrades Coming to ELPS in 2022

Outdoor Facilities Upgrades Coming to ELPS in 2022

The athletic field and tennis courts at ELHS will undergo significant renovations this summer, and remaining bond money will be used to create outdoor learning spaces at the elementary schools. Al Hargrave provides a School Board round up.

Body Believed to Be That of Brendan Santo Recovered from Red Cedar River (Updated)
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Body Believed to Be That of Brendan Santo Recovered from Red Cedar River (Updated)

Santo has been missing since last October. A recent petition had called for damming the river to look for his body. Police have notified the family and expressed their own grief at the outcome.

Ask ELi: Covid at East Lansing High School
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Ask ELi: Covid at East Lansing High School

ELi brings answers to a series of questions about how ELHS is handling Covid-19 after reports in early January that hundreds of students were absent.

East Lansing Insider: Digging Into The Covid Realities At East Lansing High School
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East Lansing Insider: Digging Into The Covid Realities At East Lansing High School

ELi’s Andrew Graham interviews a teacher and two students from East Lansing High School about their in-the-halls experiences with Covid-19. Listen in.

Here’s Your Chance to Try Curling, East Lansing
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Here’s Your Chance to Try Curling, East Lansing

Ever wanted to slide relatively massive granite stones across a sheet of ice to try to get closest to a center target? Now’s your chance to give curling a whirl.

EL School Board Addresses Covid Challenges With New President
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EL School Board Addresses Covid Challenges With New President

The ELPS School Board unanimously voted to make Kate Powers president in 2022, as the district faces high numbers of absenteeism at ELHS and challenges from the more transmissible Omicron variant.

Girl Scout Hopes to Sweeten the Semester for ELPS Employees
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Girl Scout Hopes to Sweeten the Semester for ELPS Employees

The article that had appeared at this url, about a sale of Girl Scout cookies, has been unpublished This year, one Girl Scout in East Lansing is working to keep alive a tradition started last year by a Girl Scout Troop from Whitehills Elementary School: collecting enough donations to give a free box of Girl…

East Lansing Insider: Taking Stock As The Covid-19 Pandemic Hits Year 3
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East Lansing Insider: Taking Stock As The Covid-19 Pandemic Hits Year 3

On this episode, Andrew and Chuck are joined by Emily Joan Elliott to delve into the current state of the pandemic. Give a listen!

Ask ELi: Vaccine Mandate for ELPS and City Workers, Including ELPD and Paramedics?
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Ask ELi: Vaccine Mandate for ELPS and City Workers, Including ELPD and Paramedics?

The Supreme Court will hear arguments regarding the federal Covid-19 vaccine mandate today. What does this mean for workers employed by the City of East Lansing and East Lansing Public Schools?

As Pandemic Drags Out, ELPS Grapples with Balancing Student Emotional Wellbeing and Physical Health
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As Pandemic Drags Out, ELPS Grapples with Balancing Student Emotional Wellbeing and Physical Health

With the arrival of Omicron, how will the district balance protecting students from both Omicron and the detrimental effects of social isolation, just as students were adjusting to in-person learning?

With Covid Surging, Huge Absentee Rate at ELHS, and the City of East Lansing Is Taking Emergency Actions
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With Covid Surging, Huge Absentee Rate at ELHS, and the City of East Lansing Is Taking Emergency Actions

Hundreds of students are reported absent at East Lansing High School, while the City cancels meetings and restricts access to the public library. Meanwhile, the City Manager defends the absence of a vaccine mandate for City workers, including police officers and ELFD paramedics.

MSU Is Going Online Again; Return to Normal Remains Elusive in EL

MSU Is Going Online Again; Return to Normal Remains Elusive in EL

The plan calls for remote (online) education for the first three weeks of the semester. Learn more from ELi.

The 10 Stories That Meant the Most to ELi Reporters in 2021
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The 10 Stories That Meant the Most to ELi Reporters in 2021

We asked our reporters which stories that they wrote meant the most to them in 2021. They answered, passing along a varied collection of stories for this year in review.

MSU to Require Covid Booster Shots While Parks & Rec Chair “Irritated” by City’s Lack of Mandate
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MSU to Require Covid Booster Shots While Parks & Rec Chair “Irritated” by City’s Lack of Mandate

MSU announced today that it will require students, faculty, and staff to get a Covid booster for the upcoming semester. On Wednesday, the Parks and Rec Commission drafted a letter to the City Manager and Council, asking for the City, which has no plans for a vaccine mandate of its own, to change course on the issue.

School Board Discusses Oxford Shooting, Student Safety, Other Issues

School Board Discusses Oxford Shooting, Student Safety, Other Issues

At its first meeting since the school shooting in Oxford, Michigan, the ELPS School Board discussed student safety and a host of other issues, including finances, a new policy handbook, and curriculum changes. Al Hargrave delivers your School Board round up.

Greek Night: Planning Commission Deals With Bevy of Fraternity Matters
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Greek Night: Planning Commission Deals With Bevy of Fraternity Matters

East Lansing’s staff has decided to require special approval for new or newly-occupied frat and sorority houses, but “will not be applying the requirement retroactively.”

East Lansing Insider: A News Grab Bag With ELi Reporter Al Hargrave
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East Lansing Insider: A News Grab Bag With ELi Reporter Al Hargrave

With a number of stories worth catching up on, Andrew and Chuck are joined by Al Hargrave to discuss some of the recent news. Give it a listen!

Pulitzer Prize-Winning ELHS Alum Speaks to ELi About Her New Book
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Pulitzer Prize-Winning ELHS Alum Speaks to ELi About Her New Book

Before Farah Stockman became a world-traveling, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and book author, she grew up in East Lansing and graduated from East Lansing High School in 1992. How has her life in East Lansing influenced her work?

Want a Job or Volunteer Opportunity? The City of East Lansing Has a Lot of Vacancies
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Want a Job or Volunteer Opportunity? The City of East Lansing Has a Lot of Vacancies

Tonya Williams, Neighborhood Resource Specialist with ELPD, has put the word out that crossing guards are sorely needed to help out the local public schools. But the City is also seeking lots of other workers and also volunteers.

ELHS Students Held Walk Out to Honor Oxford School Shooting, Call for Gun Regulation
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ELHS Students Held Walk Out to Honor Oxford School Shooting, Call for Gun Regulation

ELHS students, many dressed in the blue and gold colors of Oxford High School, walked out of class and into the falling snow to take a stand against gun violence and remember the four students shot and killed by a classmate earlier this week.

Spartan Ninja Warrior Hosting Open Gym, Fundraiser On Sunday
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Spartan Ninja Warrior Hosting Open Gym, Fundraiser On Sunday

As part of International Ninja Day on Sunday, daughter and mother Tristin and Nichole Martin are hoping to introduce more kids to the sport of “ninja” while also fundraising for a meaningful cause to them. Andrew Graham reports.

ELHS Students Recognized by National Merit Scholarship Competition

ELHS Students Recognized by National Merit Scholarship Competition

Every year, students enter the National Merit Scholarship (NMS) competition by taking the Preliminary SAT. This year, East Lansing High School is proud to have four Semifinalists and two Commended Students for the National Merit Scholarship among the ELHS Class of 2022.

Ask ELi: What’s Behind the Land Acknowledgment of the Indigenous History of East Lansing?
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Ask ELi: What’s Behind the Land Acknowledgment of the Indigenous History of East Lansing?

East Lansing, including Michigan State University, occupies the Lands of the Anishinaabeg, and Indigenous faculty at MSU are drawing attention to that with a Land Acknowledgement statement. The City has sometimes adapted and used the statement, too. What is the history of this Land Acknowledgment? What might it mean moving forward?

Alcohol Suspected of Contributing to MSU Student Death This Morning
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Alcohol Suspected of Contributing to MSU Student Death This Morning

ELPD and ELFD responded to a call to a house this morning where four people were unconscious. One died at the scene, and the three others were taken to Sparrow Hospital.

East Lansing Football Team Subjected to Obscenities, Racial Slurs at South Lyon, According to Parents and Players

East Lansing Football Team Subjected to Obscenities, Racial Slurs at South Lyon, According to Parents and Players

ELi’s Andrew Graham spoke with ELHS players, parents, and the district’s athletic director about what happened, what they felt, and where it all goes from here.

School Board Discusses Covid, Student Conduct

School Board Discusses Covid, Student Conduct

ELPS continues to grapple with issues related to returning to school during a pandemic, including vaccinating students, addressing mental health stressors, and messaging good student conduct. Here’s the School Board meeting round up.