Buses, backpacks, masks, and optimism abound as most of Lansing’s elementary and middle schools start on August 18
By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (August 18, 2021) – The excitement of the first day of school was lost on many students last year as students began the school year much the same way they had ended the last one: at home. On Wednesday, students, teachers, administrators, and parents alike enjoyed a much more traditional — and exciting — first day of school. The Lansing Journal travelled around town Wednesday morning to visit schools and talk to administrators.
At :50
School is back, but not quite like normal. Jim Master’s article explains some of the COVID-19 prevention protocols at D158 schools:
- District 158 releases back-to-school COVID protocols (August 10, 2021)
At 2:00
Jim and Josh ask D158 Superintendent Nathan Schilling how the first day of school feels.
At 2:32
Our interview with Dr. Schilling covered a variety of topics beyond the first day of school. The remainder of the wide-ranging interview will be posted later this week. Become a subscriber to be the first to see it.
At 2:38
Sergeant Scott Butler explains the LPD’s involvement and investment in Lansing schools.
At 3:44
We move to the south side of town to Heritage Middle School, part of District 171.
At 4:03
Jim Masters has written stories about many of D171’s improvements:
- District 171 approves building and grounds improvements (July 20, 2021)
- District 171 plans for new parking lots, music lockers, and other improvements (April 21, 2021)
At 4:45
D171 administrators take a moment in front of Nathan Hale Elementary to share their thoughts on the first day of school.
At 7:20
The administrators’ obvious excitement is reminiscent of D171’s commemoration of the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 shutdown, which took place in March:
At 7:35
Since St. Ann School’s closing, only Lansing Christian School and Eagle Academy Christian School are Lansing’s private elementary and middle schools. Students began the day at Lansing Christian with an outdoor chapel.
At 8:11
Josh chats with Mandy Aardsma, the principal at Lansing Christian School, who has been in the position since January.
Editor’s note: This article initially indicated that every elementary and middle school in Lansing started on August 18. Eagle Academy Christian School, however, started on Monday, August 23. Written references have been fixed, and video reference must be forgiven.
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