Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of our district. This section celebrates the incredible individuals who make our Lansing USD469 community thrive.
Madison Burtis, High School Counselor
Question: How long have you worked for Lansing USD469?
Answer: This is my 2nd year!
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer: I am the high school counselor for juniors and seniors with last names A-L. We help with all things academic, career development/postsecondary planning, and social emotional skills. Some of my specific duties include FAFSA promotion, Apply Kansas events (free Kansas college application in October!), connecting students with our Vocational Technology programs, future planning with seniors, and I just started as the high school contact for Lansing's new virtual academy.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer: I love building relationships with our students, hearing about whats going on in their lives, planning for the future, and watching them grow and go out into the world. This being only my second year as a counselor, I have been fortunate enough to gain an amazing team that I really enjoy working with to address all of our students' needs.
Question: What is something unusual about you that most people don't know?
Answer: I was a Fencer for four years in college (and club president for 3)! I competed in Foil and Sabre tournaments around Missouri with my friends and teammates
Question: Could you share a particularly heartwarming or memorable experience you've had while working with students or colleagues?
Answer: Last year the high school counselors hosted a workshop for high school seniors during the Kansas Apply Free Days. This was an initiative across the state of Kansas to encourage applying for post-secondary schools, making most in-state college, university, and trade school applications completely free. Our workshop welcomed seniors to come into the Guidance Office to fill out not only school applications, but also complete scholarships and create their FAFSA accounts, with counselors on-deck for any assistance the students may need. There was an amazing student turn out, and we are excited to host again this year
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer: I enjoy spending time with my dog and boyfriend, doing crafts, having game nights with friends, and exploring restaurants and events around Kansas City
Question: What piece of advice would you like to offer to students to help them succeed and make the most of their educational journey?
Answer: The world is SO big. You really will not know what all opportunities are available to you until you get out and explore it. Take every opportunity to try new experiences, you never know what you will find!