FUELING GENERATIONS 2023 FALL NEWSLETTER
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Fielding Dreams: Capital
Spark Lincoln Learning: Summer Camp Recap
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Irving Middle School Clarence George Multicultural Fund
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Judy Besecker Lewis Scholarship
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Our Partners
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Fund a Need Success: Wellness Garden
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IN THIS
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ISSUE
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Letter from the President
8-10 Campaign Update
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To ensure that all students have need to At thewhat endthey of the reach theirpeople full potential. day treat
with kindness and gratitude and let them know they are valued. Fall is a time for new beginnings, and at the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, it’s a time to celebrate the impact of the work made possible by our generous donors.
At the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools we are
We have the privilege of witnessing the impact each gift can have on our community. Whether it’s a student able to take a prep course for the ACT or a teacher having their Fund a Need request filled, these gifts reach beyond one person. When you support the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, you’re choosing to support the amazingly talented and brilliant students who will one day graduate and pursue future education and careers, pouring their talents into our community. What a fantastic gift.
Staff WENDY VAN President
KAYLA JACOX Director of Marketing
GARY REBER Philanthropy Officer
JORDAN HAVLAT Operations Coordinator
ANGELINA CUNNING Director of Operations
ALICIA HAUGEN Donor Services Manager
AVARY PANSING BROOKS Philanthropy Officer
AMANDA LUBBERS Operations Coordinator
LINDSAY ROGERS Director of Programs
KATIE ROMEY Development Manager
MCKENZIE KAPPERMAN Marketing Coordinator
CASSIDY MAYER Operations Coordinator
Board Members Natalia Wiita, Chair James Walbridge, Chair-Elect Karli Mackley, Treasurer Kris Baack, Secretary Patrick Beans, Past Chair Steve Schmidt, Past Treasurer
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Barbara A. Baier Dr. Nancy Biggs James Blake Mo Boyd Alex Cassidy Pablo Cervantes Ginna Claussen Brent Comstock
Dr. Paul Gausman Nancy Hove-Graul Kaye Jesske John Laflin Britta Muhleisen Max Rodenburg Jeff Salem Ed Schulenberg
Deb Rasmussen Mike Tavlin Dr. J.J. Toczek Guy Trainin Russ Uhing Sarah Wischhof
2023 FALL NEWSLETTER
In this fall newsletter, we’re celebrating the exploration of STEAM learning through our Spark Summer Learning program. Donor gifts provided scholarships to 42 students. We’re celebrating the philanthropic and professional legacy of former LPS teachers Judy Besecker Lewis and Clarence George. We also learn how the Bryan Community Focus Program incorporates hands-on learning with wellness gardens. Finally, we’ll share our gratitude to the generous donors of our Fielding Dreams Capital Campaign. Get a close-up look at the new athletic fields and the impact they’ve already had on the students who use them.
in innovative programs and initiatives that make a difference in students’ lives. And most importantly, your support will enable us to lean into our role with LPS and support their needs. Please consider donating to the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools today—your gift matters.
Sincerely,
Wendy Van President
What a magnificent celebration that makes. And it’s all thanks to you. Your support for the Foundation is essential to our work. Thank you for helping to provide resources to students and teachers to help support their success. You allow us to invest
2023 FALL NEWSLETTER
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L I N CO L N LEARNING
This Summer’s Highlights
Spark Summer Learning returned this year, serving 287 unique students for 889 weeks of camp - what a success!
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Water Park Week / Students learned about the physics of how water slides work. We had UNL Physics come in to help teach about some basic physics concepts like kinetic and potential energy, gravity, and the interaction of weight and speed. Students also conducted friction experiments, looking at how different surfaces caused more or less friction and how that translates into a highquality water slide design.
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Animal Adaptation Week / Students learned about Nebraska native and non-native animal species and discovered animal adaptations. They tried animal Olympics, where they had to jump as high as a grasshopper (if a grasshopper was human-sized), flap their wings (arms) as fast as a hummingbird, or run as fast as a pronghorn. Students visited the Lincoln Children’s Zoo to explore animals further and discover the habitat needs of animals.
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Bionics Week / Students learned how prosthetics and bionics work and how individuals with amputations use prosthetics and adaptive devices to live and play. Madonna Rehabilitation Center physical therapists taught Spark students how to work with different kinds of wheelchairs and adaptive technology, while The Hanger Clinic in Omaha came in to teach about prosthetics.
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Food Lab Week / Students studied cookies and ice cream: baking, taste testing, and seeing how different ingredients can change the texture and taste. Then, they developed and made their ice cream flavor. The Raikes School at UNL taught about marketing, and students created a name and label for their ice cream flavor. We also visited the UNL Food Science Building, where students learned about good and bad bacteria and how our sense of sight impacts our sense of taste.
A particular point of celebration was Spark’s ability to serve more students of all backgrounds, giving them access to the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) camp. Forty-two campers from families in need attended 250 weeks of camp thanks to the generous contributions of the Acklie Charitable Foundation, i3 Bank, Richard P. Kimmel & Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation, and Drs. Bob and Lisa Rauner. Students had the opportunity to participate in unique educational experiences that fostered their learning and creativity. Our weekly STEAM-focused themes provided high-quality activities, lessons, experiments, guest speakers, field trips, and more, which helped “spark” students’ interest in STEAM subjects and careers. The program also provided parents and guardians with educational childcare so their children could continue to learn and grow over the summer. Spark Summer Learning is here to stay, but under a new umbrella: Spark Lincoln Learning. Keep your eye out on social media channels @sparklincolnlearning for next summer’s themes and updates on enrollment. SPARK LINCOLN LEARNING is a program of the Foundation for LPS.
Interested in next summer’s themes? PAGE
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2023 FALL NEWSLETTER
2023 FALL NEWSLETTER
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Carrying Miss Judy’s Legacy Forward Judy Besecker Lewis Scholarship
Sarah Lewis describes her mother, Judy Besecker Lewis, as a shining light. “My mom was a role model, friend, caregiver, and teacher for me and countless others,” said Sarah. “She loved her work and was instrumental in building awareness of the benefits of using hands-on learning stations and integrating science into her teaching lessons.” Judy Besecker Lewis earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska and was a master’s-level teacher and administrator in Early Childhood Education with Lincoln Public Schools (LPS). She taught elementary school in Columbus, Ohio, started a private kindergarten in Cumberland, Maryland, and then spent 32 years with LPS, mainly with delightful five-year-olds in kindergarten. She later worked in LPS administration, then “Miss Judy” spent nine years with the Springdale Public Library in Arkansas, telling stories to three and four-year-olds using lots of puppets, music, and costumes to help tell the stories. Judy was a leader. And though she retired after a 35-year career, she continued her mission in early childhood education. “She was an artist at celebrating people and making people feel loved and special,” said Sarah. And this was part of what inspired Sarah to create the Judy Besecker Lewis Scholarship. “My mom was passionate about ensuring children had the foundation they needed for a fulfilling life. She saw the benefits of early childhood education and its ability to affect a student’s life.” Having watched Judy create opportunities for children to learn and enjoy learning, Sarah felt pulled to carry this same energy and legacy. She established Judy’s PAGE
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Bryan Community Focus Program
Wellness Garden
scholarship to help inspire future educators to have a similar impact on children, their families, and their communities.
The Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools’ Fund a Need program uniquely connects our generous community with teachers and students in need - and it was the perfect opportunity to raise funds for the Bryan Wellness Gardens.
“She coached many teachers in bringing out the best in their students and always spoke professionally to her students, helping them know they were capable and worthy of respect,” shared Sarah. “My mom impacted many lives in positive ways, and it’s through this scholarship that I would like to carry this positivity forward for children and their families.”
Bryan Community Focus Program knows that increasing awareness of wellness and providing opportunities for students to be more intentional in their focus helps students be successful and acquire tools to live healthier lives. With a community of learners who have often found themselves disinterested in traditional schooling, they continue to look for ways to increase engagement and support students in their lives and learning.
I hope my mom can serve as an “ inspiration as teachers follow their passion to be the best educator they can be for their students and families.
This idea is coming to life with the creation of the Bryan Wellness Gardens and the generous donations through the Foundations Fund a Need program. The Bryan Wellness Gardens will offer an excellent way for students to connect learning from their classes to actual problem-solving and project implementation. Students will get involved in this project from the beginning with planning, design, fundraising, construction, planting, and maintenance of each area.
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Madison Miles, a Lincoln East High School graduate, was the first student to receive the Judy Besecker Lewis Scholarship as she began her journey in early childhood education. “I was honored to receive this scholarship, especially after talking to Sarah and learning about Judy and her career,” said Madison. Her grandpa and uncle inspired Madison to pursue education as a career, and after graduation, she hopes to teach kindergarten or first grade. “Those grades are the building block for a child’s education.” When asked where Sarah sees the future of this scholarship, she said, “I hope that through this scholarship, future educators will be motivated by their gifts and talents for teaching as they walk students through a love of learning. I hope my mom can inspire them as they follow their passion and be the best educators for their students and families.” 2023 FALL NEWSLETTER
Check out other Fund a Need campaigns that need your help 2023 FALL NEWSLETTER
Bryan Community Focus Program Principal Denise Craig says, “The hands-on projects have helped students get engaged knowing their work is impacting the community. We are excited to have a welcoming outdoor classroom where students can learn and a space they can be proud of helping create.”
CLICK HERE
The gardens will have four zones: a peace garden, an outdoor classroom, a food garden, and an active zone. These zones will address emotional/mental, intellectual, social, spiritual, physical, and environmental wellness. PAGE
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STANDING BEAR ATHLETIC FACILITIES Lincoln’s newest tennis complex is open! The JoAnn and Derrel Martin Courts at the U-Stop Tennis Complex at Standing Bear High School is an excellent addition to the sports complexes in Lincoln.
The Fielding Dreams Capital Campaign CELEBRATING UNION BANK STADIUM’S FIRST BIRTHDAY During Lincoln Northwest High School’s seasonopening football game, we recognized the first anniversary of a significant gift committed to LPS Athletics & Activities from Union Bank & Trust, naming the championship football field the Union Bank Stadium. This state-of-the-art facility has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational and extracurricular landscape of the district.
“Both of our daughters participated in tennis in the LPS system,” said Whitehead Oil President Mark Whitehead. “We saw the impact the youth tennis culture has had on the competitiveness of LPS tennis overall. We view the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools Fielding Dreams Capital Campaign as an investment in Lincoln’s youth development.” Derrel Martin adds, “LPS provided an outstanding education for our girls and children of many of our friends. Athletics were a very significant component of their experience and growth. The opportunity to be part of a team and accomplish goals through discipline and hard work are lessons that have served many of our students well.”
OUR BIGGEST FANS We are humbled by the gifts given by the Fielding Dreams Capital Campaign’s biggest fans. We want to recognize and thank you for your generosity to Lincoln students, schools, and community. To see a full list of donors or to donate visit our website by scanning the QR code below.
The Foundation will celebrate the U-Stop Tennis Complex with a ribbon cutting in Spring 2024 - stay tuned!
CLICK HERE
Over the past year, Union Bank Stadium has become a hub of activity for high school students across the city. Yet, the significance goes far beyond its physical presence, symbolizing the community’s commitment to providing exceptional student opportunities. The JoAnn and Derrel Martin Courts at the U-Stop Tennis complex at Standing Bear
The atmosphere in our stadium provides that community feel that is welcoming to families. The stadium and sports complex are fantastic!
Help us reach our goal!
-Lincoln NorthWest Athletic Director
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Newly turfed softball fields at Standing Bear 2023 FALL NEWSLETTER
2023 FALL NEWSLETTER
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STUDENT IMPRESSIONS
Irving Middle School Clarence George Multicultural Fund
The turf is fantastic and the atmosphere during the games is impressive. I think students come to games because they want to and are excited about our athletics. Plus the band sounds great!
Clarence George left a meaningful legacy at Lincoln Public Schools, where he taught for 32 years. His work to promote multiculturalism, social justice, and equal rights is remembered by generations of Irving Middle School students. Because of his dedication, the Clarence George Multicultural Fund at Irving was established to honor Clarence’s legacy after his passing.
-Caleb, Lincoln Northwest High School Student
Clarence began his career in 1971 and spent several years as an elementary school teacher at various schools before finding a home at Irving Middle School.
Photos provided by Irving Library Archives
Dave Van Horn was the principal at Irving during Clarence’s tenure. “My most important job as a principal was to hire great teachers, and Clarence had a reputation of being a great teacher,” said Dave. “And at Irving, he proved that to be true. Clarence had an impact on kids that went beyond his seventh-grade classroom.” Dave noted that one of Clarence’s hallmark achievements was developing a group called The Power of Diversity. These students created a multicultural program held at Irving Middle School with student-led programs and activities their peers could participate in to learn about diversity. “This is just one illustration of Clarence’s impact beyond the classroom,” noted Dave. “It was a lot of work but a ton of fun, and Clarence created amazing partnerships in the community and with students from other schools.”
Having the new UBT Stadium at Northwest makes it easy for people to attend games because it’s close. I think it will help grow our athletics and practice on the grass and turf makes a huge difference.
In 1988, Clarence took a leave of absence from LPS
-Sam, Lincoln Northwest High School Student
to teach in Dusseldorf, Germany, where he traveled extensively and made many close friendships that lasted a lifetime. Clarence returned to Lincoln and found himself finishing his public school career at Irving, but retirement didn’t keep him from continuing his involvement in education. Clarence supervised student teachers at Doane University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and, for several summers, taught continuing education classes in multicultural studies for Nebraska teachers. “Clarence made a tremendous contribution to Lincoln Public Schools. He was a special person, and it was less than a month into his teaching career at Irving that I knew we’d made a good decision,” remembers Dave. Rachael Kluck-Spann is the current principal of Irving and is still seeing the impact of Clarence’s influence. “Ivrings student population continues to diversify. Due to our dynamic, ever-changing student population, our staff strives to bring the board equity goal of ‘all means all’ to life by providing equitable learning opportunities, fostering trauma-informed practices, and implementing restorative practices throughout the day at Irving. Clarence provided strong leadership to promote change, and we continue to keep his passion alive.” The primary use of the Clarence George Multicultural Fund at Irving is to promote student learning and experiences in diversity, equality, and inclusion.
“ Mr. George was my hero.
He was the most impactful teacher I’ve ever known. He went out of his way for every student.
Clarence generated so much respect, led so many students, impacted the community - and perhaps most importantly, led his life and career with deep integrity.
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-FORMER IRVING STUDENT
-FORMER IRVING STUDENT PAGE
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2023 FALL NEWSLETTER
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5905 O Street Lincoln, Nebraska 68510
Your gift will make a significant difference to LPS families in need.
Our Partners Abel Foundation Acklie Charitable Foundation Advanced Chiropractic Solutions Ameritas Anderson Auto Group BNI Tuesday at the Top Butterfly Bakery Cattle Bank & Trust Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Omaha
Lancaster County Community Corrections Lancaster County Human Services Lee and Debbie Stuart Family Foundation
Pinnacle Bank Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Rebels Auto Club Red Door Realty
Lincoln Area Retired School Personnel
Richard P. and Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation
Lincoln Babe Ruth Baseball Association
Robert D. Carstens Charitable Trust
Lincoln Community Foundation
Runza
Rotary Club #14 Foundation
All students should have what they need to reach their full potential.
Lincoln Downtown Athletic Club
Scheels All Sports
In order to accomplish
Community Health Endowment
Lincoln Electric System
Schmieding Foundation
Craftsmen Lodge #314 AF & AM
Lincoln Industries
Scrap Central
that, we leverage the
Duncan Aviation
Lincoln Journal Star
Sherwin Williams
Lincoln Youth Symphony
community to create
DuTeau Chevrolet Subaru
Speedway Properties
Firespring
M.A. Mortenson Company
St. Mark’s United Methodist
opportunities that
Frontier Bank
Mark T. & Margaret L. Seacrest Family Charitable Foundation
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
enhance academic and
MidwayUSA Foundation Inc.
The Chief Standing Bear Project, Inc.
personal success of
NAI FMA Realty
The Hampton Family Foundation
Hy-Vee
Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs
TMCO
i3 Bank
Nebraska Community Foundation
J. C. Seacrest Trust
Nebraska Corvette Association
James Huntington Foundation
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Haleon Harbor of Dreams Foundation Hoegemeyer Family Foundation
James Stuart III Family Foundation Kiwanis Club Foundation of Lincoln Koch Companies
U-Stop Union Bank & Trust Company Valentino’s Velma Snook Trust
Nelnet
Walmart
Olsson
Wild Orange Vendor Events
Onyx Piercing Studio
Lincoln Public School students and educators.