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Listen Tuesdays at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m. on 90.5 WKAR-FMAccording to the Kids Count report of April 2018, 56% of third graders in Michigan are not proficient in English Language Arts. At the same time, some new public school teachers in Michigan are leaving the classroom because they do not earn enough money for a decent living. Virtual and charter schools are on the rise in Michigan. And in some communities there are breakthroughs in raising better readers.Covering education in Michigan is complex, but WKAR is committed to reporting on the problems, searching for solutions, and holding leaders accountable.Listen for Making The Grade in Michigan with WKAR education reporter Kevin Lavery every Tuesday at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m. on 90.5 WKAR-FM's Morning Edition.

Lansing Elementary School Re-Opens With New Name, Focus

WKAR Public Media | By Kevin Lavery

Published September 4, 2018 at 3:03 PM EDT

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The former Fairview Elementary in Lansing has re-opened as Pattengill Biotech Magnet.

Kevin Lavery / WKAR-MSU

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Lansing School Board member Peter Spadafore (far right) unveils the new Pattengill Biotech sign.

Kevin Lavery / WKAR-MSU

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Adorned in white lab coats, Pattengill Biotech Magnet students officially cut the ribbon on their new school.

Kevin Lavery / WKAR-MSU

After an extensive renovation, a Lansing elementary school is re-opening with new facilities and a new focus.

In 2016, Lansing voters approved a $120 million school bond. Part of that funding was used to upgrade and expand the former Fairview Elementary. On Tuesday, the building officially re-opened as Pattengill Biotech Magnet School.

Lansing superintendent Yvonne Caamal Canul says its curriculum fits in with the district’s Pathway Promise initiative.

“This is a K-6 here at Pattengill,” says Caamal Canul. “We also have the (grades) 7-12 over at Eastern High School. So, you can start in kindergarten with biotech exploration, if you’d like, plus your regular curriculum...and then graduate in grade 12 with a biotech focus.”

The bond issue has also funded renovations at several other Lansing schools, including Eastern High School, Post Oak Academy and Averill New Tech Elementary.