The Bright Side

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UPCOMING EVENTS: 12/13: 31st Annual Hispanic Christmas Symposium, 6 to 9 p.m., Cristo Rey Parish Hall, Lansing 12/16: Holiday Walk-Through, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Cavanaugh 12/19: Board of Education meeting; 6:30 p.m., Administration Bldg. 12/23/13-1/3/14: Winter Break, all schools 1/20/14: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day; no school 1/23/14: All schools half day (a.m. only) 1/24/14: No school, all schools

Sexton football makes fans proud

Though a trip to Ford Field wasnt in the cards this year, the Sexton High School football team did the district proud, ending an otherwise undefeated season Nov. 23 in the Division 4 state semifinal game against Marine City. The Mariners defeated the Big Reds 12-7 in an afternoon game at Ortonville Brandon High School. This team was focused and knew where it wanted to go, and worked hard to go as far as we could, said head coach Dan Boggan. I am proud of them and what they have achieved, and all the people who came out to support us.

Above, Sexton football coach Dan Boggan instructs his team during the Division 4 state semifinal game Nov. 23 in Ortonville. Below left, fans braved the cold to cheer on the team in its game against Marine City. Below right, Lansing School District Superintendent Yvonne Caamal Canul and Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero attend the Big Reds Nov. 15 game against Swan Valley.

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Wexford hosts Community Service with a Purpose

Wexford Montessori Academy hosted Community Service with a Purpose, Nov. 20 featuring members of the Michigan State Police and Big Brothers Big Sisters. The event included career discussions, a bus safety presentation, patrol car and K-9 demonstrations. Kids this age have a great natural curiosity about careers, said Sgt. Pete Smith. Its great to be around them and see that enthusiasm. It was the first year for the event, but not the last, said principal Nancy Lubeski. It was great and the kids loved it, she said. Well definitely be doing it again next year.

Top, Michigan State Police Sgt. Dwayne Gill regales tales of his first days on the force with Wexford Montessori Adademy students . Right, MSP Sgt. Pete Smith quizzes students on what they know about the equipment on a patrol car. Students got the chance to sit in the car, run the siren and and the lights, and ask questions about how the MSP responds to police calls. The event, held in collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters, also featured an informational session on bus safety.

Superintendent visits MSU class

Lansing School District Superintendent Yvonne Caamal Canul visited an Introduction to Public Relations class at Michigan State University Dec. 4, where she discussed the importance of public relations for the district. Caamal Canul stressed some of the most important aspects of public relations and communication in her role as Superintendent are authenticity and voice, deep knowledge, global perspective, consistency and variety, and that there are no enemies. Employing a variety of communication methods is also key, she said, including a mix of hard copy, web-based content, video and posting content on walls and structures.

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Board gets update on arts, music, fitness electives

Members of the Lansing School Districts Board of Education have been hearing updates on the districts arts, music and fitness programs during recent meetings. Clockwise, below, fitness instructor Brian Murley performs a traditional West African dance during a Nov. 21 board presentation. Dr. Nino Rodriguez plays a djun djun drum, while Superintendent Yvonne Caamal Canul and board treasurer Shirley Rodgers play shekeres and board secretary Peter Spadafore plays a seed rattle. On Dec. 5, members of the Mt. Hope Voices of HOPE Choir perform Put a Little Love in Your Heart for the board.

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Classes tour Broad Museum, create art

Kids make great art all the time, but its not often it gets displayed prominently in a museum. Lyons Elementary School students got the chance to view their own art on display during a tour of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum on Nov. 21. Following the tour, students got to view their own art on display and create portraits of their classmates. Ive wanted to come since it reopened, so its a great opportunity for both of us, said parent Jeremy Kramer who chaperoned the tour. Also participating in the collaborative art project with the Broad staff are students from Gier Park, Kendon and Reo.

Top, Lyons Elementary School students view their drawings on display at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum on the Michigan State University campus Nov. 18 with Broad Director of Education Aimee Shapiro. The drawings were created to depict the students view of the Broad. Center, museum docent Kay Woodring asks students questions in the portrait gallery. Left, students work on portraits of their classmates following the tour.

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Bright Side Star

This issues Bright Side Star is Willow Elementary School teacher Sharon Wilson, who has taught second grade at Willow for 43 years. In addition to her teaching duties, Wilson is also safety patrol coordinator, is active on the parent teacher organization, is on the school improvement team, and coordinates Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month for the school. Miss Wilson is a students dream teacher and a principals gem, said Willow principal Steven Lonzo. She is very motherly, caring, creative, jazzy, fun, smart, firm when she needs to be and serious about her craft. I am so privileged to have the opportunity to be on the same team as Miss Sharon Wilson. Superintendent Yvonne Caamal Canul called Wilson a teacher extraordinaire. Her classroom is lively and provides multiple learning options where students are thoroughly engaged. Respected by all, Sharon deserves to be highlighted for her positive outlook every day, her dedication to our profession and her students, and for her unwavering love for the Lansing School District.

Know a student or staff member who deserves to be highlighted as a Bright Side Star? Email jane.nordberg@lansingschools.net.

Gardner students open exhibit at Kennedy Center

Not only were two Gardner students honored with having their artwork displayed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C., they also cut the ribbon for the opening ceremony Nov. 19. Students Alex Torres and Seth Fundunburks have artwork featured in the exhibit Yo Soy Je Suis I Am My Family, supported by the VSAs International Program for Children with Disabilities. The international call for entries asked that students with disabilities be encouraged to create a picture representing those people who support them. Only 300 pieces were selected to be on display at the Kennedy Center.

Gardner students Alex Torres and Seth Fundunburks cut the ribbon opening the Yo Soy Je Suis I Am My Family exhibit at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Nov. 19 in Washington D.C.

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Giving thanks at Cumberland

Announcements
BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK
Delta Dental has adopted Fairview Elementary School to help feed more than 90 percent of students currently on food assistance. Through its two-year partnership with the Blessings in a Backpack program, Delta Dental employees volunteer each week to fill backpacks with weekend food plus oral health information and items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste.

HEALTH CENTER REMINDER

Ingham County Health Centers are located at Eastern and Sexton High Schools. Staff will see any student aged 11-19. For more information, contact Robin Turner at (517) 321-2760 or turnerbird@aol.com.

Cumberland Elementary School first-grade students perform for parents and staff Nov. 20 prior to a Thanksgiving potluck feast.

Everett students aid food drive

BRAIN BEE COMPETITION OPEN

Students aged 13-19 are invited to participate in Central Michigan Universitys Brain Bee competition. The regional contest will be held Jan. 31 in the Health Professions Building at CMU. This trivia contest centers on information about the brain. For more information, contact Jessica Matyas at (248) 219-4612 or matya1jj@cmich.edu.

CIRCUS PASSES AVAILABLE

Free passes to the Shrine Circus will soon be distributed to children 12 and under through the Lansing School District. The 2014 Shrine Circus will be held Jan. 9-12 at the Lansing Center. If you have not received your passes, please contact Brenda Clinton at George Carden Circus at circusbfc@yahoo.com.

Members of Everett High Schools student council organized a week-long food drive in late November. Food was collected for distribution at the South Church of the Nazarene. Shown are student council officers Maurice Stepp, Diana Trinh, TaPara Simmons and Belinda Trinh.