You won't find a town called Lakeshore on a map, but you'll soon feel the Lakeshore community - and LANCER PRIDE - in your heart. We believe all children deserve an engaging and inspiring education - and the opportunity to discover and pursue their own paths. With Passionate educators, the latest technology and unique opportunities, Lakeshore does more than equip our students to succeed in life - we empower them to lead their lives with character and integrity.
Lakeshore Excellence Foundation
Through the generosity of our donors, the LEF has funded more than 70 academic projects, 40 hardware and software projects, and a wide variety of outreach, cultural and aesthetic programs, many open to the entire community. In 2016, we successfully completed our largest infrastructure project to date by investing $600,000 to transform all of our libraries into 21st Century Learning Centers. We are now poised to again reach higher: we’re reaching out for contributors to help us support the implementation of STEM throughout all grades levels at Lakeshore Public Schools.
March 27 Update
“Reset your baseline. We're all operating in the shadow of a global pandemic, and it is disorienting and limiting. Business as usual is unrealistic.” - Stephen Merrill (Teaching Through a Pandemic: A Mindset for This Moment: edutopia.org. March 19, 2020)
These are wise words during a time when we are all seeking some sense of normalcy. These are unprecedented times, and there simply was no experience or specific training that could prepare us for what we are now facing. We continue, however, to use all of our resources to support ongoing student learning. We understand that this is not “business as usual” and appreciate your continued patience as we navigate forward. Hang in there. I am sure that everyone is doing the best they can.
Information from State Senator Kim LaSata’s office was shared with area superintendents yesterday that an announcement was forthcoming early next week that would bring clarity to the length of the school closure. In a radio interview this morning, the Governor responded to the question, “Will it be the end of the school year right now?”
March 26: Frequently Asked Questions
Our preparation for a possible pandemic began weeks ago when the Center of Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) asked that schools create Pandemic Response Plans. Utilizing resources gathered from many sources, we developed a comprehensive plan that included strategies for mitigating the spread of illness. Even with this preparation, the situation continues to evolve quickly. In order to give you the most recent information we have, we have developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Please be patient with us as we continue to update this list. The information provided could change quickly.
The best way to stay informed about how the COVID-19 closings are impacting families in Lakeshore is to:
This information will be updated often as needed to provide the most current information available.
March 23 Update
“LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order (EO 2020-21), directing all Michigan businesses and operations to temporarily suspend in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life. The order also directs Michiganders to stay in their homes unless they’re a part of that critical infrastructure workforce, engaged in an outdoor activity, or performing tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family, like going to the hospital or grocery store.
Effective at 12:01 am on March 24, 2020, for at least the next three weeks, individuals may only leave their home or place of residence under very limited circumstances, and they must adhere to social distancing measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when they do so, including remaining at least six feet from people from outside the individual’s household to the extent feasible under the circumstances.”
What does this mean for Lakeshore Public Schools?
March 22 Update
I have stated often over the past several days that we are faced with more questions than answers during these unprecedented times. I wish that I had easy answers (or, at times, any answers at all) to the questions that I receive. Friday’s flurry of communications from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and the Governor’s Office did little more than to add to the confusion surrounding remote learning, instructional time, and “forgiven” days. This has raised one BIG question:
“Why should we do remote learning if it doesn’t count?”
Below, I have prepared two responses. The first is a simple answer. The second is a bit more complicated.
Resources for Families
The two documents, linked below, offer resources for families.
The first was created by our Healthy Minds - Healthy Lives team. In the document, you will find resources that support mental health and wellness.
Healthy Lives Healthy Minds Community Resources
The second document provides educational enrichment activities including learn at home resources, links to virtual field trips, activities to disconnect from technology, and resources to use when talking to children about COVID-19.
We hope you find them useful.
March 20 Update
This morning the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) published a memo that is now the focus of several social media and news outlet posts. In the memo, MDE explains that “there is no mechanism to earn instruction time during a period of school closure.” This statement is causing many to ask why Lakeshore Public Schools and other area districts are providing educational opportunities to our students online or otherwise.
What does that MDE decision mean for Lakeshore?
Please read the update below.
March 18 Update
Our preparation for a possible pandemic began weeks ago when the Center of Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) asked that schools create Pandemic Response Plans. Utilizing resources gathered from many sources, we developed a comprehensive plan that included strategies for mitigating the spread of illness including:
This preparation put us in a good position on Thursday, March 12, 2020 when the Governor announced that schools across the State of Michigan would be closed for an extended period of time. For example, we had already established regular communication with the Berrien County Health Department for guidance. Specific maintenance standards were established and carried out. Communication about COVID-19 and our plans to mitigate its spread were ongoing. Our teaching staff was already in the process of developing home learning opportunities. Finally, a plan was developed for the distribution of breakfast and lunch for the students in the community.
Please click on the link below to read a full update.
March 18 Update (link)
COVID-19 School Closure Update
The public health crisis created by COVID-19 has put our institutions, including K-12 school districts, in uncharted territory. Over the past week, Governor Whitmer issued many mandates to curb the spread of the virus, including the unprecedented step of closing schools. While I understand how disruptive these closures are to families and the community as a whole, we must do our part to take steps to prevent the spread of illness. In addition to proactive actions already taken by Lakeshore Public Schools, we will continue to follow the guidance of public health experts to protect our students, families, staff and the entire Lakeshore community. Please click on the link below to read the latest communication from the District.
3/13/2020
Dear Parents/Guardians,
In weeks to come we would like to continue having breakfast and lunch available for our students. These meals will begin on March 16th. We will be dropping off sack lunches and breakfast at 11:30am Monday-Friday at four sites. These meals are for children 18 and under.
The sites are:
Spring Lake Mobile Home Park Community Center-11:30
Shawnee Mobile Home Park Community Center-11:30
Lake Pines Apartments Community Center-11:30
Baroda Estates Mobile Home Park Office Area-11:30
A sack lunch and a breakfast for the following morning will be available for you to pick up. These meals are to be taken to your homes to eat. You may only pick up meals for children in your home.
Additional sites may be added as needed.
If you have questions, please call Pam Greiffendorf at 269-428-1400 x 2965
