Lansing Homecoming returns this Friday

After taking a yearlong hiatus due to the pandemic, Homecoming returns to Lansing schools this Friday.

Like other area schools, Lansing is back in person this school year. Senior Sam Bell, student council president and co-president of the senior class, explained what this event means for him and the school.

“It is a great feeling to have Homecoming again after it was canceled last year,” Bell said in an email. “Whether it is seeing all of the students dressing up for the spirit days, the fun activities at the pep rally, or watching the Homecoming football game, it is a great display of the school spirit at Lansing and is always fun to be a part of.”

Michael Hotchkiss, science teacher and Class of 2022 co-adviser, echoed Bell’s words.

“The senior class is doing well,” he said via email. “We are all just very excited to have a normal year again, hopefully filled with more normal activities such as Homecoming in the future.”

Sadly, there will not be a Homecoming dance held this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, as Senior Class Co-President Kennedy Snyder explained.

“We’re not doing a dance this year because we can’t have all the students in the gym, but hopefully, for the students next year, they’ll be able to do that,” she said.

Hotchkiss explained the importance of Homecoming and what it means to students and their community.

“Homecoming is an opportunity to welcome a new school year by coming together around a central theme, Lansing High School and its community,” he said. “It is a time to laugh, participate in group activities and get to know your students outside of the classroom.”

As for how the school year has gone to date, Hotchkiss said, “So far, so good. It is great to have all of your students in one location, the classroom. … The hybrid model was difficult for both students and teachers.”

In addition to the festive spirit week that continues through Friday, there will be a schoolwide pep rally; Dave Hatfield’s pulled pork barbecue Friday, starting at 3 p.m. at Sobus Field — dinners are $10, can be purchased onsite and benefit the senior class; a dunk tank during the homecoming game; and hallway decorating by each grade on Thursday, with the senior class theme being “Sea you later.” This all leads up to the football game at 7p.m. against Newfield.

Snyder further detailed the pep rally.

“The pep rally is going to have games that the student council is putting on,” Snyder said. “And then each sports team from the fall sports will have a walk out, which will be entertaining, hopefully.”

Bell emphasized what it means for students and teachers to have some normalcy back.

“I am very excited for homecoming,” he said. “After missing out on many school spirit activities last year such as pep rallies and sporting events, it is very exciting to be in the place we are right now.”

In accordance with COVID-19 guidelines, there will be unlimited outdoor attendance for the game, but masking is required.

While there may be fewer ongoings than in pre-pandemic years, there is still plenty of fun to be had this Homecoming. So, grab your blanket and blue and gold, and come show your support by celebrating community and cheering on the Bobcats as they take on the Newfield Trojans at 7 p.m. Friday.

In Brief:

Upcoming PTSO Meeting

The Lansing Parent Teacher Student Organization meets the third Thursday each month, with the next meeting at 6 p.m. Oct. 14 via Zoom at tinyurl.com/563fvhb9. Those with a one-year membership should look to renew, and questions regarding membership should be
sent to PTSO@lcsd.k12.ny.us.

Lansing Lunchbox

Lansing Lunchbox provides free breakfast and lunch foods for all children in the Lansing School District. Those looking to sign up should do so via the Lansing Lunchbox Facebook page at facebook.com/LansingLunchbox.

Upcoming distribution dates include Oct.19 and 20 and Nov. 2, 3, 16 and 17. Those looking for more information or need help signing up should email LansingSummerLunchbox@gmail.com.

Those who do not have a school-aged child but are in need of food assistance should contact the Lansing Food Pantry at lansingfoodpantry2018@gmail.com.

Dungeons & Dragons club

Tweens and Teens are invited to join Lansing Community Library’s Dungeons & Dragons club. The club will meet every other Thursday starting Oct. 7 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. via Google Meet. For more information and to sign up, visit lansinglibrary.org/2021/09/28/dungeons-dragons-club.

Trunk or Treat returns

Trick or Treating is back at Myers Park on Halloween, Oct. 31, from 4 to 6 p.m. with the fifth annual Trunk or Treat. The event is free to attend, but those looking to participate must register for a spot at lansingrec.recdesk.com/Community/Program. Those looking to host a trunk should fill out the Google form at forms.gle/ZotB8E8vk3z8VacAA by Oct. 22.

Any questions should be directed to Loveta Geesey at lovetageesey@gmail.com. Candy donations for the event may be dropped off at Asbury Church or Lansing Community Library through Oct. 28.

To enter the Carved Pumpkin Contest, bring your already-carved pumpkin to Asbury Church by noon on Halloween. Carved pumpkins may also be dropped off at Lansing Parks and Recreation through Oct. 28.