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.
Becky Wecas, LMS Counselor
Question: How long have you worked in Lansing USD469?
Answer: This is my 13th year in the district
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer: I am currently in my second year as a School Counselor at the middle school. Previous to that position, I taught Literature at the 6th and 7th grade level. I was able to loop up with two classes. Teaching is a second career for me. I previously worked ten years in the foster care industry working one on one with foster families after completing my psychology degree. I was able to support those families and the children placed in their homes. I completed my education degree while working. I was able to begin teaching when my daughter, Mirinda, was attending the middle school. It was fun to be able to be in the same school as her and also work with my mother, Diane Peintner. Mirinda (23) has graduated from college and is currently working as a nurse at KU Medical Center. I am a super proud Mom! I recently got married this summer to my husband, Aaron.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer: Working with children has always been a passion that I wanted to pursue. In adulthood, I have learned to understand the importance of mental health. Being able to work with students surrounding their mental health has provided me with the ability to pursue both of those. It brings me so much joy when I can see a student that has been struggling either academically or emotionally be successful at school using the strategies that the student and I have worked on together. Seeing our students thrive in the middle school and then be able to grow even more into high school and beyond is one of the many reasons I love the job that I am currently in. This school year, I have been able to implement some career opportunities for students. Getting to see the students engage in those conversations with our community members and get excited about their own career possibilities has been a highlight of this school year. Career explorations with middle schoolers has become a focus for this school year and I am seeing the benefits of that work with these students. I am so excited to see how that work in the future will benefit them.
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer: When I am not working, I enjoy exercising. I enjoy being able to take walks after school and run on the weekends. I am also on a bowling team with my husband and we also bowl in a few tournaments throughout the year. I enjoy reading a variety of different books. When I can get the time, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my daughter, step children and my nieces.
Question: What is something unusual about you that most people don't know?
Answer: I had the pleasure of getting to work in the same building with my mother for twelve of the years that I have worked in this district. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be able to do that.
Question: Could you share a particularly heartwarming or memorable experience you've had while working with students or colleagues?
Answer: I have had so many heartwarming or memorable experiences while working in this district it is hard to choose just one. My most memorable in the past few years have been seeing our students that struggle the most emotionally be able to find some success with coping strategies and be able to use them successfully at school. Seeing the smiles on those students' faces as I pass them in the hallway or at lunch time hanging out with friends are the most joyful points in my day.
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: As the 8th grade Counselor for the middle school, along with having the experience of incorporating career exploration opportunities this year, I would encourage students to take advantage of all of the opportunities that the district has to offer in regards to exploring lots of different pathways, internships, and introductory levels courses. Being able to explore all sorts of different avenues while it is free can help students so much in the long run when it comes to their future education and being successful adults. I have personally been able to see students explore those options and solidify their plans for the future and become successful humans.