High School 9-12

There are incredible lessons, projects, and opportunities for students throughout Lansing High School. To share these initiatives, Dr. Penrose sends an all-staff email with pictures of an assignment, project, or activity and titles it “Name It, Claim It.” The teacher responsible then replies to all staff to briefly explain what the unit is, what they are doing, and any reactions. The email allows teachers to visit other teachers’ classrooms virtually and start conversations about student learning, cross-curricular activities, and differentiation. The December 3rd “Name It, Claim It” features Social Studies teacher Michael Basler and his American Government students, who were captured in the middle of a highly interactive Gallery Walk. “This is the American Government classes participating in a ‘Gallery Walk,’” Basler shared. Gallery walks are not new to the Social Studies department, but this year they are being used with renewed intention across multiple courses. Basler explained that a key focus for the Social Studies PLC in 2025–26 is to strengthen shared instructional practices that students will experience repeatedly as they move through the program. “One of the 2025–26 initiatives for the social studies PLC department was to establish some shared lessons that we could use from course to course,” he said. “One of those was the use of gallery walks for students to view items like WWI & WWII propaganda, posters from civil rights era, political campaign posters/pamphlets & sketch notes. This would give students some common practice in viewing and evaluating materials & pictures as they progress from World History, American History, American Government & our social studies electives.” Research, Sketch Notes, and Student Choice Basler noted that this specific Gallery Walk took place during the Foreign and Domestic Policy Unit in American Government. Students were given the chance to follow their curiosity, selecting a president they were genuinely interested in studying. “This particular lesson was from our government Foreign and Domestic Policy Unit,” he explained. “We asked students to pick a particular president from the 20th or 21st century that they were interested in learning about.” From there, students moved into a two-part research and creation process. First, they developed a presidential biography emphasizing both foreign and domestic policy decisions. Then, they transformed that research into visual sketch notes designed to communicate meaning quickly and clearly. “Students had to research & produce a presidential bio which included information on both Foreign & Domestic policies that were initiated during the presidential term,” Basler said. “The second part of the lesson students were asked to take their presidential bio & created/develop sketch notes of their president.” The final products were shared publicly in the classroom for peer review and discussion—turning student work into a learning tool for everyone. “The sketch notes were collected & publish for viewing,” he continued. “Students were required to have a picture or cartoon of the president and images or symbols from the various policies president’s initiated during their term(s).” Learning From One Another Once the gallery was up, students circulated through their classmates’ work, evaluating how effectively each sketch-note set communicated its message. Basler emphasized that this stage helps students sharpen both content understanding and visual literacy skills. “Students then viewed their classmates’ sketch notes to see how effective the sketch notes were in translating a message about the foreign and domestic policies,” he said. To close the experience, students reflected in writing, choosing the examples they found most successful and explaining why. “Finally, students were asked to summarize in a short paragraph which sketch notes version they liked the best & explain why,” Basler shared. A Strategy Students Enjoy—and Teachers Keep Improving Basler said Gallery Walks have been a consistent success in Social Studies classrooms, because they invite movement, discussion, and active engagement with content. “Over the years our department has used gallery walks, it’s been a very productive lesson for our classes, and the students have enjoyed the opportunity to do them,” he noted. He also invited staff to continue the professional conversation by offering ideas for future growth. “I’ve attached a few from various classes that stood out for various reasons for viewing,” Basler wrote. “Would love to hear thoughts anyone may have on how to improve the lesson or use of gallery walks.” Basler closed his message with gratitude for the chance to highlight student learning in Government: “Appreciate the opportunity to share what goes on in Government.”

Lansing High School “Name It, Claim It” Spotlight: Gallery Walks Bring Presidential Policy to Life

December 8, 2025

There are incredible lessons, projects, and opportunities for students throughout Lansing High School. To share these initiatives, Dr. Penrose sends an all-staff email with pictur...

Teddy Bear Toss Toy Drive- Tuesday, December 16, Halftime of LHS Basketball Game

Teddy Bear Toss Toy Drive at Boys Varsity Basketball

December 5, 2025

During the boys varsity basketball game on Tuesday, December 16, we’ll be hosting a Teddy Bear Toss Toy Drive. Fans are invited to bring a new teddy bear to the game and toss it o...

Jadyn Bollin Athlete of the Month Graphic

November 2025 Coaches Club Athlete of the Month: Jadyn Bollin

December 5, 2025

Congratulations to our Athlete of the Month, Jadyn Bollin, for Cheerleading! Lansing High School is proud to announce a new initiative designed to highlight the outstanding achie...

Lansing USD 469 District Leadership Team Deepens PLC Work at Kansas City Conference

December 3, 2025

From December 1–3, members of the Lansing USD 469 District Leadership Team attended the PLC at Work Institute at the Kansas City Convention Center. This national conference brough...

Lansing USD 469 Schools Closed, Daycare is Open - December 2, 2025

December 2, 2025

Due to forecasted frigid temperatures expected to continue through noon tomorrow, along with refreezing on country roads that will create dangerous driving conditions, Lansing USD...

Lansing USD469 November 2025 Parent Newsletter

November 21, 2025

Lansing USD469 Employee Spotlight: Emily Steadman, Lansing High School Nurse

November 21, 2025

Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of Lansing USD469. This section celebrates the incre...

District Site Council Reviews Facilities Needs, Bond Planning, and New Supports for Students

November 21, 2025

Lansing USD 469’s District Site Council met on November 20, 2025, to hear updates from Superintendent Mr. Marty Kobza and share feedback on several key topics, including a potenti...

Lansing Kansas Scholarship Fund Adds New Scholarship for the Class of 2026

November 20, 2025

Lansing High School seniors, the opportunity to apply for the Lansing Kansas Scholarship Fund is here! Since its establishment in April 1987, the Lansing Kansas Scholarship Fund, ...

Lansing USD469 Artist Spotlight: Wynter Fontenot

November 14, 2025

Lansing High School senior Wynter Fontenot continues to impress with her incredible artistic talent and creativity. Known for producing dynamic and expressive works of art, Wynter...

Lansing USD469 Employee Spotlight: Paul Hanson, LHS Physical Education Teacher

November 14, 2025

Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of Lansing USD469. This section celebrates the incre...

The Lansing Unified Bowling team is headed to State after an impressive performance at their recent competition. The team secured a 4th place finish with a total score of 670 — a moment Coach Mariah Neff noted with a laugh as “the dreaded 6-7!” Their hard work and focus have earned them a spot among the top 19 qualifying teams in Kansas. Lansing will travel to Topeka on Tuesday to compete for the State title and represent the Lion community with pride. Coach Neff shared her excitement for the upcoming challenge and the dedication her athletes have shown throughout the season. The Lansing School District congratulates the team on this achievement and wishes them the best of luck as they take on the State competition. Go Lions!

Lansing Unified Bowling Team Qualifies for State Competition!

November 13, 2025

The Lansing Unified Bowling team is headed to State after an impressive performance at their recent competition. The team secured a 4th place finish with a total score of 670, a m...

Lansing Kansas Scholarship Fund Application Now Open

November 13, 2025

Lansing High School seniors, the opportunity to apply for the Lansing Kansas Scholarship Fund is here! Since its establishment in April 1987, the Lansing Kansas Scholarship Fund, ...

Blood Drive - LHS - 11/13/25 8 am - 1 pm

Help Save Lives... Blood Drive at Lansing High School is Tomorrow, November 13, 2025

November 12, 2025

Saving Lives Is Always in Season One blood donation can save up to three lives. You are invited to the upcoming blood drive: Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025 Time: 8:00 a.m. ...

Nominate an Outstanding Staff and/or Student for Board Meeting Recognition

November 12, 2025

Lansing USD469 proudly recognizes one stand-out staff member and student at the beginning of each regularly scheduled board meeting. If you know a staff member or student that ha...

Lansing USD469 Student of the Month: Chisaraokwu “Chisa” Njoku

November 11, 2025

Lansing High School senior Chisaraokwu “Chisa” Njoku has been named Student of the Month, recognized for her leadership, kindness, and positive influence within the school communi...

Lansing Students Experience Hands-On Learning at ACE Trades Day

November 10, 2025

On Thursday, November 6, Lansing High School students participated in ACE Trades Day, an event sponsored by ACE Mentor and JE Dunn Construction. The experience introduced student...

October 2025 Coaches Club Athletes of the Month: Jameson Barnes and Paytin Beeman

November 7, 2025

Congratulations to our Athletes of the Month: Male: Jameson Barnes - FOOTBALL Female: Paytin Beeman - Unified Bowling Lansing High School is proud to announce ...

Important Notice: District Phone Systems Back Up

November 7, 2025

Our district phone systems are now fully operational. You can once again reach all schools and district offices by phone. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we w...

Community Resources for Families in Need

November 6, 2025

We understand that times can be challenging, and we want to ensure that every family in our community has access to the support they need. In addition to our district food pantry ...