What the 6th graders think of LMS so far…and…What 6th grade teachers think of years the new 6th graders!!! By: Maggie Lewis

If you’re on the Lion Pride team you probably know Mrs. Szmed, the Language Arts, Literature, & Math Enrichment teacher. In my opinion Mrs. Szmed is the best teacher to walk the planet. Some people ask why I love her so much. The reason why is that last year I spent so much time around her she just seems so fun and happy all the time I don’t know, I just didn’t want to leave her class. Mrs. Szmed was asked some questions. For one, do you feel this year’s 6th graders measure up to last years and why? She said, “Yes, because they’re just as friendly, nice, and hardworking.” Also I asked her about her hopes for this year. “[I hope] that this year we will have fewer missing assignments and that everyone continues to be respectful and friendly to each other,” She replied. The last question I asked her was if she has high expectations and why? She answered, “Yes, because I want for my students to do their best and only their very best.”

I asked Mr. Hoffman the same questions. For the first one he said, “Of course last year’s 6th graders were a good group of kids and I think this year’s will be just as good.” He added, “I hope that this year we will get to do all the fun things we did last year with fewer snow days.” If you’re in his class you should know that he said, “I set very high expectations because I expect ALL my students to succeed!”

And now from the student point of view… Kylie Trowbridge, a 6th grader was asked her about her exploratories and she said, “I have Band.” She was also asked her if she liked it she answered, “Ya, I get to play my favorite instrument - the flute it’s very fun to learn how to play it.” The 6th graders are fun and the teachers think they will do great this year!

Sports Cuts By Kara Fort

School sports are an activity that many LMS students enjoy participating in, but this year there is a change in the rules.  This new rule is that the coaches of volleyball and basketball must have cuts.  One reason for the cuts is because last year there were just simply too many people on a team.  For example, last year on the seventh grade volleyball team there were forty-seven girls, and because there was no cutting rule last year they had one A team and three B teams.  Another reason for the cuts would be that all the other schools in our league have cuts, and with three B teams there would be too many people to play.   Even though there are cuts you can sign up for rec. league sports, but volleyball is not a rec. league sport. 
            Many LMS students are concerned about the cuts because almost a quarter or more of the people that tryout will not make the team.  Seventh grader Meghan Tauke said, “No, I am not worried because not that many people are getting cut.”  Although many people do not like the cuts, they do think it is appropriate. For example, seventh grader Lara Kidder said, “I think it is appropriate to have cuts because it just gives you more experience for future tryouts.”
            I myself do not like the cuts, but I do think it is appropriate to cut down on costs (busing, uniforms, insurance, ect.)  So if you tried out for volleyball or are trying out basketball good luck and I hope you make the cut.  If you would like to sign up for rec. league sports you can call 913-727-2960.

6th Grader Works Hard to Bring Smiles and "Cuddles" to Children

6th Grader Works Hard to Bring Smiles and "Cuddles" to Children

When you think of the average 6th grader and how they spend their time outside of school, you may think homework, sports, video games, sleepovers... but Olivia Jarvis is no average 6th grader. Olivia spends her free time making "Liv's Luv Buddies" which are little fabric dolls that are donated to The Alliance Against Family Violence, a local abuse shelter, and given to children who come there.
Olivia started this project when her grandmother, Kate Swonson told her about the "Million Pillowcase Project" that she was involved in with other quilters, making pillowcases for abused women and children. Olivia came up with the doll idea all on her own and now makes about four per night, after her homework is done, of course.
Olivia has already gotten great recognition for this humanitarian effort, being featured in the blog of Quilter's Quarters http://www.jerrysrubyreds.blogspot.com/ and since hearing from people as far as the United Kingdom. Others are impressed and excited about Olivia's work and have donated fabric and gift cards for supplies.
Way to go, Olivia, we're proud to have you as a Lansing Lion!

Fine Arts Fair Preview

Fine Arts Fair Coming Up! By Nathaniel Dusini

Oooooh ahhhhh! That’s what you will be saying if you go to the Fine Arts Fair on May 11th which will be held at the commons area in Lansing Middle School. There will be tons of art there and some of our art projects which will include things from 3D pictures to aluminum masks (masks made out of soda cans). The Fine Arts Fair will also have a band and choir concert as well as have a BBQ with either a hamburger or hotdog with a side, a drink and desert- what a deal! So come down to LMS on May 11th to enjoy the art, music, and have a great time!

7th Graders Experience the Civil War in Numerous Ways

On March 22, 7th graders got a visit from Civil War speakers. They also got to try on some of the traditional uniforms similar to those wore during the war.