In the first episode of Season 4 of the Lansing USD 469 Lion Podcast, district leaders Miles Azzeh, Director of Teaching and Learning, and Sharon Burns, Director of Communications and Marketing, share updates from across the Lansing School District.

This episode highlights School Board Appreciation Month, support for first-year teachers, professional learning and leadership collaboration, and an overview of an upcoming bond initiative focused on transparency and community information.

Stay connected to the people, programs, and priorities shaping Lansing USD 469.

New episodes of the Lansing USD 469 Lion Podcast share news, updates, and stories from across the Lansing School District.

In this episode, Miles Azzeh and Sharon Burns highlight key moments from around Lansing USD 469, including an employee spotlight, district-wide appreciation efforts, updates on accreditation, and student reflections.

The employee spotlight features Mr. Tom Cretors, a social studies teacher at Lansing Middle School and assistant high school football coach. Known for his strong relationships with students and staff, Tom previously worked managing a food pantry, community garden, and homeless shelter in Chicago. He’s also known for supporting others, having nominated Brandy Hamilton for Teacher of the Year.

The episode also acknowledges the recent Staff and Teacher Appreciation Week. Lansing Educational Foundation and Andrew Cameron provided donuts from Donutology for every staff member across the district. The hosts express gratitude to all district staff for their hard work and dedication.

The final District Leadership Team (DLT) meeting of the year is also recapped. It focused on preparing the KESA accreditation action plan for submission. Miles shares how they mixed up groups for collaboration, discussed survey data, and finalized their accreditation plans. The work was later presented at the most recent board meeting.

The episode wraps up with student voices. Several students share their favorite things they’ve learned this year, such as fractions, ancient civilizations, and ELA job descriptions.

The episode concludes with a reminder to stay connected via the district website and mobile app. Only one episode remains for the season.

Click here for the transcript.

In this episode of the Lion Pride-Cast, Miles Azzeh (Director of Teaching & Learning) and Sharon Burns (Director of Communications & Marketing) spotlight the power of positivity, creative instruction, and community engagement across Lansing USD 469.

Employee Spotlight:
Mrs. Kim Schlereth, a SPED teacher at Lansing High School, is celebrated for her positive spirit, deep student connections, and advocacy. Known for her warmth and encouragement, she’s described as someone who truly cheers students on—"You've got this. I'll forever be cheering you on."

Academic Spotlight:
Laurie Holden, fourth-grade teacher, takes an innovative approach to state assessment prep by transforming a whiteboard wall into a vibrant ELA and math graffiti art review. Her creative, student-driven method brings energy and engagement to learning.

District Update – Site Council Launch:
The district held its first District-Level Site Council meeting of the year, featuring parent, staff, and student representatives from each school. The discussion focused on communication through the Rooms app, expanding CTE offerings (such as CNA and potential firefighting programs), and the district’s KESA accreditation progress. Student reps Matthew Bone (7th grade) and Jadyn Bollin (11th grade) were highlighted for their insightful participation.

Staff Voice:
Klinton Brown, IT technician and key support for the virtual academy’s iPad management, shares why he loves working in Lansing: the opportunity to contribute to student learning and collaborate with a great team. His wife, Sarah Dametz, and father-in-law, Jeff Dametz, also work in the district—making it a true family affair!

Stay Connected:
Visit www.usd469.net or download the Lansing USD 469 mobile app to stay informed on all district news and future podcast episodes.