A Recap of Last Week’s Reporting and What to Expect as February Kicks Off
Welcome to February! City meetings slowed down for the end of January, but will ramp back up to full speed next week. For the ELi reporting team, it remained a productive week.
Reporter Dustin DuFort Petty brought us a story that summarizes how East Lansing Public Schools work with unhoused families to help homeless students stay on track academically. Last school year, there were 41 homeless students in the district, many of which required assistance with transportation and other basic needs.
Reporter Alex Maas covered the Jan. 22 East Lansing Board of Education meeting. The meeting featured a presentation on Restorative Justice, an approach to discipline utilized within the district that looks to hold students accountable while keeping them on the right academic track and prioritizing long term behavioral solutions. Also at the meeting, essay award winners were recognized and the high school boys basketball team received a shout out for their hot start to the season.
Reporter Mya Gregory recapped a pair of major road projects that were approved at the Jan. 23 City Council meeting. The projects, which will largely impact Hagadorn Road and Trowbridge Road, have been a controversial subject for months. One project will see a stretch of Hagadorn Road converted from four to three lanes, while the other is part of a larger US 127 improvement plan.
All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre putting on a production that features our favorite Gothic family.
Arts and Culture Reporter Sarah Spohn gave a preview of “The Addams Family” school edition musical that will be performed at the Hannah Community Center Feb. 2-4 and 9-11. The play from All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre will put the iconic Addams family on stage and follow the story of an adult Wednesday Addams, who has become engaged.
Much busier meeting week awaits us.
Looking ahead, city meetings will ramp back up to full speed next week. Monday (Feb. 5), the Seniors Commission and Transportation Commission will meet. Tuesday (Feb. 6), City Council, the Downtown Management Board and University Student Commission will all convene. Wednesday (Feb. 7), the Police Oversight Commission gathers and Thursday (Feb. 8) the Historic District Commission meets. When meeting agendas are posted, they can be found here.
Looking for something to do in East Lansing?
The East Lansing Department of Recreation and Arts is hosting its annual Sweetheart Ball on Feb. 7 and 8 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Hannah Community Center. The event invites area youth and their parents, grandparents or other caregivers to attend for a night of snacks, dancing, a craft table and more. The event costs $15 per person, and early registration is recommended. For more information, click here.
Artwork from 19 Mid-Michigan high schools will be on display at the Coolidge Road MSUFCU Headquarters 2 building until Feb. 23. Residents are welcomed to visit the exhibit during regular headquarters business hours or view the artwork online. Community members are encouraged to vote for their favorite pieces, as there will be a ceremony honoring artists whose work receives the most votes on March 3.
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