Archive: Around Town

Mark S. Lewis“Change is good.” No doubt you’ve heard that comment countless times in the course of your daily existence. You may have even expressed it yourself from time to time. I know I have. School leaders embrace change, by choice or by force, virtually on an ongoing basis. In fact, it is more or less the case that school leaders are expected to infuse change into the educational programs for which they are ultimately responsible.

In certain situations, change must come about expediently, especially where health and safety issues are involved. There are other scenarios where less extreme, yet aggressive interventions are in order, especially when it appears that an organization’s pursuit of outstanding results has stalled—necessitating an “If it ain’t broke, break it!” strategy. In other circumstances, however, (in fact, in most circumstances) change should be choreographed in a well-paced, deliberate manner so as not to destroy those aspects of the program, system, or culture, without which progress would be impeded, not enhanced.

Babbage's is Back! Starting this February, Ithaca's computer re-use and recycling center will offer expanded Wednesday and Saturday hours.   Babbage's Basement, which offers affordable computers and computer-related merchandise to the public, will reopen on Wednesday, February 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Saturday February 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"By promoting computer re-use and recycling, Babbage's Basement is a wonderful resource that provides affordable used computers for the Ithaca community,” shares Charlie Trautmann, executive director of the Sciencenter. “In addition, proceeds from the sale of these used computers directly support educational programming at the Sciencenter."

What do Girl Scouts do each year that parallels Boy Scouts' Pinewood Derby?

Girl Scouts of the Ithaca Lansing Service Unit annually gather for Thinking Day. Thinking Day is when Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world 'think' about each other and how they are connected in the World Association of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides (US scouts wear both pins---WAGGS and their Girl Scout member pin!). The international date is Feb. 22 but locally the event is scheduled based on Feb. school vacation dates in order to have full participation of scouts of all levels and communities.

SciencenterITHACA, NY —Climate change is a big issue – in fact, it’s a global issue. On Saturday, February 17 at 11:00 am, Sciencenter visitors will pick up a wireless clicker and participate in the premier of “Full of Hot Air,” a new interactive family forum on global warming and polar science.

With a playful approach, Sciencenter Executive Director Charlie Trautmann, will encourage families to explore the issue of climate change. After the presentation, participants will be able to try hands-on activities that investigate the greenhouse effect and the science of ice. The program is free with museum admission.

Lansing Tiger Scouts toured Lansing Central Fire Station Saturday to learn about fire safety and how the fire department serves the community.  Scout Leaders Roger VandePoel and Katrina Overton brought scouts and parents to hear Chief Scott Purcell about fire trucks, equipment, and emergency medical response vehicles.

Pet of the WeekHi there my name is Peaches! I am an older adult beagle who is very cute! I love to snuggle up in a nice warm lap. I am a very sweet dog in need of a home. Would you please come and visit me at the SPCA.

Visit the SPCA Web Page



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Healing WellThe way we act in public says a lot about who we are. While at work, many of us choose a more reserved manner typical of a professional environment. This attitude allows for maximum performance and adheres to most corporate policy concerning employee behavior.

Nonetheless, in certain instances, a light-hearted approach can be beneficial and offer relief to a stressful situation at the workplace. An unexpected event, like a power outrage, might cause the computers to shut down. With everyone wondering what to do while waiting for the power to come back, a bit of humor about the wonders of technology could be the key to easing the distress over lost productivity.

Pet of the WeekHi there my name is Kringle! I am a neutered male. I am an orange tabby and I am a handsome boy. Would you please come on down to the SPCA to adopt me soon?

Visit the SPCA Web Page



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Mark S. LewisOn February 6th we felt short of our goal of improving the educational environment for kids. I regret that our argument was not robust enough to win the approval of the majority of the voters. We’ll examine our actions and engage the board of education in a discussion of alternatives going forward. It will be the board’s decision as to whether or not to propose another initiative to the Lansing public.

Almost 1300 district residents cast their votes either in favor of or in opposition to two district renovation and expansion propositions, the development of which took the greater part of eighteen months and thousands of hours of discussion and engagement of interested community members, the most recent of which occurred within the Facilities / Community Awareness Group that commenced its activity in March 2006.

Ithaca, NY-- As climate change, an important part of global change, is increasingly becoming an imperative issue for business leaders, politicians, scientists and the public at-large alike, the Paleontological Research Institution’s Museum of the Earth launches its Global Change Project (GCP) with various elements throughout 2007.

Coincidentally, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) will release its fourth assessment on climate change this Friday in Paris. The past three assessments (released 1990, 1995, and 2001) have asserted that human activities are driving global climate change; the fourth assessment is expected to make this assertion even more strongly.

A steady stream of hungry people lined up for spaghetti and meatballs in Lansing High School cafeteria for the PTSO's annual spaghetti dinner Friday.  With the meals served by the PTSO and desserts by L-TAPA, the tables filled as people ate in and took meals to go.  "I think we did very well," said PTSO's Dorothy Debbie, who ran the event.  "We served 186 meals."

February 8, 2007

Dear Parents, Staff Members, and Lansing Community Members:

In an effort to stem the increasing tide of illness in the Lansing Central School District, all classes will be cancelled on Friday, February 9th (twelve month employees and those who normally work during snow days should report to work as usual). In addition, the Before and After School Child Care Program and all K-8 extracurricular activities in the district will be cancelled until Monday, February 12th.

All extracurricular activities on Friday, February 9th are cancelled. This includes sports practices. The Section IV Track Meet, however, will be held as scheduled.

School will resume as normal on Monday, February 12th. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Mark S. Lewis, Ed.D
Superintendent of Schools