November 2017 Community News

November 2017

West Lincoln celebrates the completion of renovations West Lincoln Elementary School hosted an open house in October for community members to see the end results of a $4.3 million renovation project.

The project that was part of the 2014 bond issue included: • Addition of eight classroom spaces • Renovating current classroom space • New secured entrance • Additional restrooms • Expansion of the geothermal wellfield • Moving two playgrounds

Randolph Elementary celebrates renovation completion Students, families, educators and staff members from Randolph Elementary School - past, present and future - roamed the school hallways and classrooms Oct. 8 at a Community Open House celebrating major reconstruction.

That reconstruction has provided the school with a brand new entrance and office area, new classroom space - including a new music room - a new library media center, new cafeteria and lunch room, new gymnasium and more.

What’s Inside Section A: • Student Fishing Tournament. . . A2 • High School Task Force. . . . . . . . A3 • Visiting Authors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4 • Teachers Honored. . . . . . . . . . . . A5 • Sub Crew Answers Questions. . . A6 • Constitution Day at Calvert. . . . A7 • Mickle Teacher Honored. . . . . . . A8 • Digital Citizenship. . . . . . . . . . . . A9 • LPS Sustainability . . . . . . . . . . . A10 What’s Inside Section B: • Moore Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . B1 • Student Enrollment. . . . . . . . . . . B2 • FAFSA (Federal Student Aid). . . B3 • TeamMate of the Month. . . . . . . B4 • 4-H Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B5 • LNE Cross Country . . . . . . . . . . . B7 • Energy Drinks and Kids . . . . . . . B7 • Take 3 Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . B8 • Games and Puzzles . . . . . . . . . . . B9 • Reasons PLCs are Important­. . B10 • Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B11

November 2017 | Community News | Section A

A2

Students get hooked on fishing Students from three Lincoln Public Schools high schools lined the shores of Holmes Lake on Sept. 28 and competed in the district’s semiannual fishing tournament, held in cooperation with the National Fishing in Schools Program and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Matt Avey, LPS health and physical education curriculum specialist, hopes the students are lifelong anglers as a result.

“Hopefully they get hooked,” Avey said.

About 200 students from Lincoln Southeast, Northeast and North Star high schools participated at different times throughout the day. Students competed in teams of two and shared one rod. To be eligible, a student had to complete one of two LPS courses - Lifetime Sports or Outdoor Education, both of which include a fishing unit.

Students earned two points for their school for each fish they caught, with bonus points based on the length of the fish. North Star won the team competition with 24 points, with Southeast placing second (14 points) and Northeast third (six points).

In total, students caught and released 18 fish. Carter West from Southeast took home honors for longest fish by hauling in an 18-inch largemouth bass. North Star’s Bailey Wynia and Estefania Heraclio Arellano took first in the pairs competition by catching six bluegills and one largemouth bass.

The weather was perfect, Avey noted, but the students caught fewer fish than usual.

Of course, that also served as a valuable lesson: Sometimes the fish just aren’t bitin’.

Get your Go Po on… it’s easy!

Search hundreds of volunteer needs: arts and culture, animals and environment, education and research, government, health and human services, and sports and recreation.

Check out the helpful tips to find your Go Po activities at Volunteerlinc.org/GOPO

Logan Fitch pictured third from the left.

Logan Fitch volunteers with Nebraska Community Blood Bank for the Born and Raced in Nebraska Racing Series events. The team of volunteers cheer on runners, hand out water and spread the word about the importance of blood donation. Read the rest of Logan’s story on our website.

Volunteerlinc.org dan@volunteerlinc.org | 402-435-2100

November 2017 | Community News | Section A

A3

Lincoln Public Schools launches Community High School Task Force The Lincoln Board of Education adopted a goal this school year to establish a High School Task Force to investigate community options and priorities for serving high school students – and on Sept. 28 Lincoln Public Schools launched the Community High School Task Force to study the school district’s enrollment and educational needs.

The Task Force – made up of about 70 community citizens and LPS educators – will meet monthly throughout this school year at all six public high schools. They will make recommendations to the superintendent by May 2018.

“The goal is to create a community conversation around several big issues,” said LPS Superintendent Steve Joel, speaking at the first meeting Sept. 28 at Lincoln East High School.

“How are we going to address the dramatic growth we are seeing, especially in high schools?

What should a new high school look like? And how can we best prepare our high school students for the new world?

“Education is so deeply valued and deeply supported in this community, yet education continued to change,” Joel continued. “This is a chance to think creatively, an opportunity to think differently about high school…There must be some good solutions to the explosive growth we are experiencing…We are counting on this group to help us find the answers.”

Last year, LPS served 11,677 high school students, and by 2021, LPS is expected to have 13,344 high school students. Last year three high schools had enrollments of more than 2,000 students: Lincoln North Star High School, Lincoln Southeast High School and Lincoln High School.

“That means this is the right time and a wonderful opportunity to start talking about the high school question in Lincoln,” Lanny Boswell, president of the Lincoln Board of Education, told the Task Force. “On behalf of the Board of Education, I thank you for all being willing to give us your time.”

The Task Force formed several subcommittees at the close of the September meeting, and the general subcommittee topics will be: Focus Programs/Innovative Delivery; Traditional High School/School Size; City Growth/Capacity Needs; Student/Community/Diversity.

The Task Force co-chairs are Gloria Eddins and Bob Rauner.

What do those new totals look like for our school district?

• Four LPS high schools now have enrollments over 2,000. The largest high school is Lincoln High School – in central Lincoln – at 2,187. But this year three other high schools have more than 2,000 students: Lincoln North Star, Lincoln Southeast and Lincoln East.

• Scott Middle School – in south Lincoln – has the largest middle school enrollment with 1,144 kids.

• The largest elementary school is Roper Elementary – in west Lincoln – with 894 kids.

• LPS has a kindergarten class this year of 3,082 children – that’s the class of 2030. ** The official student enrollment count for LPS is recorded each year on the final Friday of September when numbers are reported to the State Department of Education.

Remaining task force meetings: November 30th, 2017 Meeting 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Optional Tour at 3:30 p.m.

Southeast High School 2930 S. 37th Street

January 25th, 2018 Meeting 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Optional Tour at 3:30 p.m.

Lincoln High School 2229 J Street

February 22nd, 2018 Meeting 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Optional Tour at 3:30 p.m.

Southwest High School 7001 S. 14th Street

March 22, 2018 Meeting 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Optional Tour at 3:30 p.m.

Northeast High School 2635 N. 63rd Street

November 2017 | Community News | Section A

A4

Elementary students treated to storytime with children’s authors Children’s author and illustrator Melissa Sweet stood before a room full of rapt 4th-graders at Pershing Elementary School and pointed to a photograph beamed onto the screen behind her.

“Does anyone know what that is?” she asked.

Hands shot into the air. “A typewriter!”

“Wow, that’s great because a lot of people don’t know what a typewriter is anymore!” Sweet said.

The Maine-based author went on to tell the kids plenty of things they didn’t know - about E.B. White, the subject of one of her best-known books; about how she constructs the elaborate collages that fill the pages of her books; and about how she has found the inspiration to research, write and illustrate nearly 100 books during her career.

Recycle a Cycle for the Holidays November 15th, is America Recycles Day. The Nebraska Recycling Council and the Lincoln Bike Kitchen are teaming up to celebrate the occasion.

Donate a gently used bike you have outgrown – we will refurbish it and distribute it to youth in the Lincoln area who are in need of a bike for the holidays.

Wednesday, November 15th from 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Lincoln Bike Kitchen, 1635 S. 1st Street (just over the A St. bridge) You can donate through December 18th on Mondays 5:00-9:00 p.m. and Sundays 12:00-4:00 p.m.

• Donate your gently used bikes and helmets.

• No bikes to donate but you want to help? Consider volunteering or a financial donation to be used for tools, locks, and helmets.

• While you are here pick up tips on making holiday wreaths out of recycled bike wheels. We will provide the wheels, you provide the holly, pine, boughs and bows.

What better way to recycle and keep Lincoln on two wheels?!?

For more information like us on Facebook or check out our website at

lincolnbikekitchen.org

Sweet was one of five renowned children’s authors who individually visited LPS elementary schools on Sept. 28. The other authors were Lauren Castillo, Rebecca Kai Dolitch, Laura Vaccaro Seeger and Christian Robinson. They visited 15 elementary schools, each for about 45 minutes.

The authors were in the Lincoln area to attend the Plum Creek Children’s Literacy Festival at Concordia University in Seward.

LPS Coordinator of Library Media Services Joy Harvey said the author visits offer students valuable lessons about the work involved with writing and publishing.

“The authors are so honest about how the process of drafting, writing and revising can be messy,” she said, later adding, “Many of the students will be inspired to write and illustrate their own stories now.”

November 2017 | Community News | Section A

A5

On the money: Teachers honored for students’ financial literacy “Part of the reason I went into teaching was to help students realize the importance of being financially aware,” he said.

“Habits start at a young age, so if we can train students how to be financially aware now - as they are just getting their feet wet in the financial world with their first part-time jobs and first cars - then we have the possibility of setting them up for a lifetime of success.”

Business teachers from Lincoln Northeast and Southwest high schools recently earned national recognition for their excellence in teaching financial literacy.

Deb Wolken of Northeast and Josh Hinrichs of Southwest received Gold Star Teacher Awards from the non-profit organization Working in Support of Education (WISE), which produces a financial literacy certification exam administered by teachers across the country. Students in their College Personal Finance courses took the exam.

The WISE program honors teachers whose students achieved at least a 93 percent pass rate. Wolken and Hinrichs were among roughly 500 teachers nationwide to earn the award.

Hinrichs worked in banking prior to becoming a teacher 10 years ago. He saw firsthand the consequences of poor financial decision-making.

Wolken has taught business courses for 30 years, including the last 16 with LPS. She said it’s more important than ever that young people learn about personal finance, which is included in numerous LPS courses.

Deb Wolken, Lincoln Northeast High School.

(Below) Josh Hinrichs, Lincoln Southwest High School.

“Consumers face many more decisions about their money now than in the past,” Wolken said. “The Great Recession in 2008 demonstrated that consumers, in general, were and are not very good with all of the daily financial decisions we make many of these decisions can impact us for life.”

So Solid Rock Gymnastics Booster Club INC. 501c3

is proud to announce that Lincoln Southwest Student Athlete & our very own gymnast Jordan Bowers has been awarded the honor of attending USA Gymnastics National Team Camp.

610 Hill Street, Lincoln NE 402-476-4774 • solidrockgymnastics@gmail.com

November 2017 | Community News | Section A

A6

Everett students full of questions for Navy submarine crew Six crew members from the Navy missile submarine USS Nebraska visited Everett Elementary School on Sept. 22 and visited classrooms, ate lunch in the cafeteria and answered questions from students.

A lot of questions from students.

“Has there ever been a fire on your submarine?” (“Yes, but we’re trained to handle them.”)

“What do you do during a big storm?” (“We take the submarine deeper.”)

“Have you ever crashed into another submarine?” (“No, because we have sonar.”)

“Do you ever see any fish?” (“No, but I’ve heard whales.”)

The crew members were in Lincoln as part of a Nebraska “namesake” visit that also included a stop in Omaha. They were also recognized at the Husker football game vs. Rutgers.

At Everett, they spoke about the importance of math and science in their work, as well as each of their responsibilities on the submarine. They also talked more in general about life on a submarine during their three-month stints at sea what they wear (blue camouflage uniforms known as their “blueberries”), what they eat (pizza is most popular), how they stay in touch with family (strictly email).

Dylan, a 5th-grader, said he enjoyed hearing from the crew members but didn’t think life on a submarine is in his future.

“That would be hard for me - three months, just sitting around, doing your job,” he said.

One crew member, Lt. Josh Daniels, gave a round of high-fives as he left teacher Jane Stedronsky’s 4th-grade classroom at the end of the visit.

“I’m never washing my hand again!” said a boy who received one of the high-fives.

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Sign-up for one of these events or schedule your personal visit today!

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VISIT COORDINATOR

Suzy Cochnar visit@doane.edu 402.826.6767

doane.edu/visit

November 2017 | Community News | Section A

A7

Calvert celebrates Constitution Day with patriotic songs and activities

With a rousing rendition of “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” kindergarteners at Calvert Elementary School kicked off their Sept. 22 celebration of Constitution Day, an event that included patriotic songs performed by the students, a parade through the school’s hallways and a snack of strawberries and blueberries.

Family members filled the school’s multi-purpose room for the 45-minute program, the culmination of weeks of classroom learning about various symbols of America. Students also have read “We the Kids,” a children’s book about the preamble of the U.S. Constitution, and created their own rules of respect for classrooms and the school. The kindergartners created their own American flags, as well, which they waved during the parade.

Where What You Do and Who You Are We believe education isn’t about your next four years, but your next 40. It’s about more than a degree or a career path, but your life path.

At Hastings, your next four years will be spent exploring the here and now on a welcoming campus filled with experienced mentors who teach, counsel, inspire, support, guide and advocate as you work to define who you are and what it is you want to do.

Because the greatest success is when what you do, and who you are, align.

SCHEDULE A VISIT AT HASTINGS.EDU/VISIT

Hastings College - LPS '17 Fall.indd 1

9/15/17 2:13 PM

November 2017 | Community News | Section A

A8

Air Force Association honors Mickle teacher for classroom excellence A Mickle Middle School teacher is flying high after earning a statewide teaching award from the Air Force Association’s (AFA) Nebraska Chapter.

At the ceremony, AFA representatives presented Hammond with certificates from both the Lincoln and Nebraska chapters, as well as two checks for $500 each that she can spend on teaching supplies. She also received a jacket emblazoned with “Nebraska Teacher of the Year” on the front.

The AFA named science teacher Katie Hammond its Nebraska Teacher of the Year and recognized her during a ceremony at the school Sept. 26. The award honors a K-12 teacher for their classroom accomplishments and for inspiring students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) courses.

“It’s a unique opportunity to reward teachers who further excellence and make coming to class an adventure,” said Diane Bartels, the AFA Lincoln Chapter’s vice president of aerospace education and a former teacher at Brownell Elementary School. “I know this word is overused but I just have to say I think Katie Hammond is awesome.”

Hammond thanked her students for helping her win the award.

“This is not about me, it is about the students and their achievements in the classroom,” said Hammond, now in her fourth year of teaching at Mickle. “I could not have done it without their participation and willingness to try new things.”

Hammond said she plans on spending the money on numerous classroom projects, including the building of labs to learn about the solar system and growing soybeans this spring to learn about genetics.

As part of her award application, Hammond submitted multiple recommendation letters. In one letter, a mother thanked Hammond for going “above and beyond” to help make science fun for her daughter. In another, a student wrote that she wants to be a teacher now because of Hammond.

I just have to say I think Katie Hammond is

LPS Science Curriculum Specialist James Blake was on hand at Mickle to help honor Hammond. “I work with science curriculum across the district and she is definitely a leader,” he said.

awesome.

Every kid needs family.

Would you consider becoming a foster parent?

Every day, there are kids like Jerrica in need of a loving foster home right here in our community. Will you be the one to help?

Helping Kids in Crisis. Building Strong Families.

402-436-5437 | www.cedarskids.org

November 2017 | Community News | Section A

A9

Digital Citizenship: Safely Navigating the Information Superhighway Community Awareness Series: Promoting Healthy Behaviors Our youth are our future’s greatest asset. Schools, parents, caregivers and communities all play a role in providing supportive pathways for our youth as they navigate childhood and adolescence. Lincoln Public Schools is partnering with School Community Intervention and Prevention (SCIP), Bryan Independence Center and the Lancaster Prevention Coalition to put on a series of valuable presentations about how to support the health and well-being of our community’s youth. These events are open to parents, students, school professionals and community members.

November 16, 2017 Digital Citizenship: Safely Navigating the Information Superhighway Southeast High School (Commons Area) 6:30 p.m.

Presentation: Ryan Sothan is the Outreach Coordinator within the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office. Within his role, he has statewide responsibility for developing and implementing communitybased initiatives for educating Nebraskans in the area of Internet Safety. For students and parents alike, with today’s technology it is more often what we don’t know that has the greatest potential to do us harm. Ryan’s presentation will raise awareness of youth online safety, including social media use, dangerous apps parents should be on the lookout for, cyberbullying and resources and tools that can guide adults in monitoring youth online behaviors.

Future Presentations: Save the Date February 27, 2018- Healthy Relationships Southwest High School (Auditorium) 6:30 p.m.

April 26, 2018- Promoting Healthy Choices North Star High School (Auditorium) 6:30 p.m.

November 2017 | Community News | Section A

A10

TAFK.org

Sponsored by Great Western Bank

Saturdays January 13 - April 14 Star Catchers (ages 8-15) - $350 Saturdays 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Performances: Friday, April 13 7:00 pm Saturday, April 14 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm

Sponsored by Firespring

Saturdays January 13 – March 3 Two Age Groups!

Rising Stars (ages 3-8) - $200 Saturdays 9:00 am - 10:30 am Stage Stars (ages 6-10) - $225 Saturdays 9:30 am - 11:30 am Performances: Saturday, March 3 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm Visit TAFK.org for more information and registration Location: Christ Lutheran Church (4325 Sumner)

November 2017 | Community News | Section A

A11

Kindergartners learn to reduce, reuse, recycle Kindergartners focus on the entire alphabet, but they learn mostly about the letter “R” when someone from the Lincoln Public Schools Sustainability Department visits their classroom.

As in reduce, reuse and recycle.

“We want kindergarten students to know that their own daily actions at school and at home can have a positive environmental impact,” said Brittney Albin, LPS sustainability coordinator.

Albin and a pair of part-time department employees who are students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have been presenting to LPS kindergarten classrooms this school year and sharing the importance of the three R’s. The students watch a short video - including footage of a Lincoln landfill, always a kindergarten crowd-pleaser - and learn plenty of lessons about how they can reduce, reuse and recycle. It’s part of a unit called “Garbology” that’s taught at the kindergarten level and designed to meet state science standards.

Dillon Hanson, a junior at UNL, presented recently to a group of kindergartners at Hill Elementary School.

For “reduce,” he offered the example of using one napkin - not a handful - after eating a messy meal. For “reuse,” he said they’re already doing their part if they bring a reusable lunch bag or box to school. And for “recyle,” he gave examples of what you can (plastic bottles) and can’t (dirty napkins) recycle.

“And when you do recycle, they can turn it into something new,” said Hanson, who later held up a jacket as an example of what used to be plastic bottles.

Lancaster County Health Department employees also are presenting at schools in conjunction with Albin and her department. Combined, they plan on visiting most of the 39 LPS elementary schools.

November 2017 | Community News | Section A

A12

November 2017

Moore dedication ceremony honors school’s namesake, celebrates community support More than 300 people packed the multi-purpose room at Marilyn Moore Middle School in southeast Lincoln on Sept.

24 to celebrate the school’s recent opening and to honor its namesake.

school’s celebration of the solar eclipse - and blank pages, for her to add memories of future visits. Afterwards, Moore students offered tours of the school, which opened in August.

Despite her modesty, speakers spent much of the program sharing memories of working with Moore and praising her for the impact she had on students and educators.

Marilyn Moore served Lincoln Public Schools and its students for more than 30 years, first as a teacher at what was then Goodrich Junior High and ultimately as the school district’s associate superintendent for instruction.

Czapla was one of those educators. “Passionate, resilient, courageous, empowering, creative, empathetic - those are the values we hope to model as a staff and have our students understand and embrace their meaning. It is no coincidence that these are the words people have used to describe Dr. Marilyn Moore.”

She received multiple standing ovations at the September event, as well as glowing praise from former colleagues who spoke during the dedication ceremony. Moore deflected the compliments and tried to shift the day’s focus toward students, educators and the community.

Former LPS Superintendent Phil Schoo recalled when he first hired Moore for the associate superintendent position on an interim basis. He said it didn’t take long for members of the Lincoln Board of Education to realize that “interim” needed to be removed from her job title.

“It’s a day to celebrate learning, it’s a day to celebrate community, it’s a day to celebrate education and a day to celebrate excellence,” she said. “What I did was have the opportunity to work with really good people, doing really important work that made a difference in the lives of children.

There’s no greater honor than that. It was truly a shared effort.”

LPS Superintendent Steve Joel echoed Moore’s appreciation of the Lincoln community. “I want to thank you as members of the Lincoln community for the gift of beautiful buildings and the support of students. We are a wonderful school district because we enjoy such fantastic parental and community support, and it truly takes that partnership to be able to do for our children what we know they deserve and what we feel is in their best interests.”

Members of the Moore Middle School band performed, as did the school’s choir alongside members of the Saint Paul United Methodist Chancel Choir. Moore attends Saint Paul and is a longtime choir member.

Near the end of the ceremony, Moore Principal Gary Czapla presented Moore with multiple gifts: a framed piece of student artwork; a collection of letters composed by an English class she visited on the first day of school; and a scrapbook filled with photos and memories of her first visit to the school, the

“Marilyn and I worked many years together and this district would not be as fine a district as it is without her,” Schoo said.

Dr. Moore: Passionate, resilient, courageous, empowering, creative, empathetic.

Lincoln Board of Education President Lanny Boswell spoke of the tremendous growth in south Lincoln and thanked the community for funding the construction of new schools to meet the city’s growing public education needs.

He also spoke highly of Moore and her legacy: “Today we celebrate a new community of learning so it’s appropriate that we name this school after a thoughtful and generous leader who has had a tremendously positive impact on learning in this community.”

Moore closed her remarks by emphasizing the importance of storytelling and how it relates to the new school that bears her name.

“It’s a guiding theme of Moore Middle School - that students will begin the lifelong effort of knowing their own story, shaping their own story, and finding their own voices to tell their own story,” she said. “As the story is written and told, moment by moment, day by day, the handprints and footprints and voices of many will find their way into this narrative.”

November 2017 | Community News | Section B

B2

Dramatic student enrollment at LPS continues to climb Student enrollment at Lincoln Public Schools continues to soar with historic new highs this school year: 41,760 students are attending the school district in 2017-18, an increase of 830 over last year.

That is an increase of almost 15 percent over the past five years – growth that is happening throughout the community, north, south, east and west, in the older neighborhoods and the newer neighborhoods.

This is what happens in a healthy community and a dynamic public school

“This is what happens in a healthy community and a dynamic public school district,” said Steve Joel, superintendent of LPS. “That’s like saying we grew the equivalent of two elementary schools this year, only the growth is not confined to one area, it is happening everywhere in Lincoln. In fact, we now have more than 2,000 students at four of our six high schools.”

Lincoln Public Schools officials announced the new numbers Sept. 29 at an outdoors assembly at Meadow Lane Elementary with teachers, staff and administrators cheering on the new numbers.

district

Lincoln Public Schools Elementary Principals Present

Saturday, November 11 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.

McPhee Elementary School 820 Goodhue Boulevard Any elementary student accompanied by an adult may come and choose new and gently used winter clothing to adopt and use – for free.

There are no income requirements.

November 2017 | Community News | Section B

B3

Going to college?

FAFSA now open

By EducationQuest Foundation If you’re going to college during the 2018-19 academic year, you can complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) beginning Oct. 1, 2017 using 2016 income tax data.

During this giving season, the most valuable gift you could give a child is your time.

Your presence would be their most cherished present.

GIVE THE GIFT OF MENTORING TO A CHILD

Before starting the FAFSA, create a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) at fsaid.ed.gov. If you are considered dependent, a parent must also create an FSA ID. The IDs are needed to access the FAFSA and other Federal Student Aid websites, and will serve as signatures for the FAFSA. Colleges will use the results of the FAFSA to determine how much they will award in financial aid. This could be a combination of scholarships, grants, work-study, and student loans.

For free help, see FAFSA Tools at EducationQuest.org or call the EducationQuest location in Lincoln – 800.303.3745 to set up an appointment.

Learn how to become a mentor at:

LincolnTeamMates.org/mentor 1APPLY 2TRAIN 3MENTOR

Adventure is waiting!

Find a group near you and learn more today.

BeAScout.org info@cornhuskercouncil.org

402-488-6020

November 2017 | Community News | Section B

B4

November TeamMates of the Month: Gaining Confidence to Try New Things Haileigh, a senior mentee at Lincoln Northeast High School, has a clear vision for her future, and it doesn’t include knitting.

Last year Haileigh and her mentor, Staci Hass, spent an entire semester trying to learn how to knit. They may have been unsuccessful in completing a single knitting project, but they shared a lot of laughs and had fun in the process.

They consider their failed attempt at knitting to be one of their favorite memories together as mentor and mentee, but have since realized they are more suited for puzzles instead of knitting.

Staci began meeting with Haileigh when she was in 8th grade at Mickle Middle School. Staci was familiar with TeamMates and decided to become a mentor after a learning opportunity at her former place of employment, Allstate. She knew she could manage the time commitment and has always enjoyed volunteering for organizations that benefit children. “I was drawn to the fact that it’s a good way to have a one on one connection.”

Haileigh nominated herself to be a TeamMates mentee. “I tried other programs similar to TeamMates and then I found that TeamMates was a better fit for my schedule. I wanted that person I could rely on and that could help guide me in the direction I wanted to go.” She has always wanted a career in the medical field and intends on studying nursing. Right now she is busy applying for scholarships and scheduling campus tours. She appreciates having Staci on her side during the process. “I have an idea of where I want to go, but the extra push of guidance, that push of confidence and the second opinion is always nice.”

Haileigh enjoys participating in extracurricular activities like speech, theater, musicals, and Rocket Crew. She credits her mentor with giving her the courage to try new things and partake in different activities. Before her time in TeamMates,

I wanted that person I could rely on and that could help guide me in the direction I wanted to go.

Haileigh admits “I wasn’t as open. I wasn’t as willing to try things, but now I don’t care. I’m out there. I do everything. I try to make everyone’s day because I realize someone might have a bad day, and I might be the only one to make it. So I just put myself out there.”

Haileigh is gaining leadership skills while she’s in TeamMates.

Haileigh says she now has “the confidence to lead my school and different groups. I’m able to just be comfortable if something goes bad because I’ll always have someone to talk to about it.” She willingly takes on a great deal of responsibility and is using her leadership skills to influence others. She is the cofounder of Always in Uniform, a student committee which stresses the importance of being drug and alcohol free. There are posters all over Northeast to remind fellow students of the group’s mission. Members of Always in Uniform also make presentations for middle school students. “I feel like a lot of kids don’t understand the consequences of drugs, so I am going to be the one to tell them.”

Staci is proud of everything Haileigh has accomplished and how much she’s grown in the five years they’ve been meeting.

“She’s a really great kid. You hear so many bad stories, so to sit down every week with a really good kid who has goals, and wants to learn, and is a leader, and helps her family, it makes you feel good.” But there is one lesson Staci is still trying to teach Haileigh. “I try to remind her to have fun when she can.”

November 2017 | Community News | Section B

B5

Start Young to “Build” Your Child for College

By Kristin Geisert, Extension Associate and 4-H Staff Member College is a game-changer and a turning point in your child's life -- from learning how to cook dinner to figuring out how to land a part-time job. It may be a life stage full of questions, but it demands independence and a skill level to navigate the unknown.

Start Young So, what can parents do to prepare their children for what lies ahead in college? First of all, start young. Whether parents realize it or not, strategic and enhancing activities their children can experience as young as eight years old, help prepare them for college entrance. It is all about building: building character, building skills, building a resume and building a community service platform.

Be prepared, 4-H is a family affair and does not provide a “drop and go” option for parents.

But the rewards out-weigh the investment of time, resources and commitment.

It is an investment in your child’s college success. 4-H’ers learn alongside their parents and grandparents who are often their 4-H club leaders.

There are no enrollment fees to join 4-H in Lancaster County. To find out how to become involved in 4-H, go to http://lancaster.unl.edu/4h or call 402-4417180.

Other Ways to Build Youth

There are numerous community opportunities that can start and piece together the building process. But there is a proven, long standing and well-respected youth development program which provides a ‘turnkey’ building program for your child. This program is 4-H.

Stategic building can be successfully done through schools and other youth development programs such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, community leadership programs and local mentoring activities. Watching for opportunities in line with the abilities or interests of the youth are a great place to begin and holds their interest. Activities or responsibilities allowing the student to step out of their comfort zone and work toward a goal are necessary components of building life skills to propel them closer to college readiness.

The 4-H Youth Development Program Can Help

Community Service

Open to all youth ages 5-18, 4-H provides a toolbox for skill building. With a variety of projects and activities, 4-H allows your child to explore and discover their interests and talents early on, so they can develop passions. Gaining these skills and building confidence gives middle school and high school students an important competitive edge over their peers. This creates a clearer career path and a catalyst for personal development.

The final building of character comes through community service as youth gain compassion for others and become leaders. Most college scholarship committees base their decisions on a stellar community service record. If a middle school youth can develop his or her own community service program and carry it through high school, he or she can be assured of being awarded high dollar scholarships.

4-H’ers start at a young age building a resume of activities. As their passions and talents lead, projects and extra-curricular school activities should be strategically selected that relate to a career path. 4-H even has a place to record all of these activities from year to year called the Career Portfolio. 4-H high school seniors find their Career Portfolio invaluable and a time-saving tool as they complete college scholarships. 4-H offers numerous community service opportunities.

Lincoln Public Schools knows the importance and value of community service.

LPS students must complete 20 hours of non-paid activity for non-profit organizations or groups the summer before or during their senior year in order to graduate. Credit for community service must be earned in activities outside of the school day and unrelated to a school program.

November 2017 | Community News | Section B

B6

H O LI DAY

W O RK S H OP S

&

E V EN T S

YOUTH HOLIDAY GIFTMAKING WORKSHOP

Three projects, three hours, three gifts for kids to make and wrap. There will be a painting project, a jewelry project, and a 3D art project. All projects are designed to display the students’ artistic ability in a way that parents, grandparents, and friends can use or be proud to display.

A light allergen-free snack will be provided. Note: both sessions will make the same gift.

Session 1: Saturday, December 9 Session 2: Saturday, December 16 Time: 2-5 p.m.

Cost: $30 per child per session ($24 LUX Members)

FAMILY HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS

Carve clay snowmen, make fused glass ornaments, create Santa’s cookie plate & cup, and more! Visit our website for a full list of workshops offered this winter.

Cost: $24 for 2 people, $12 for each additional participant.

Have a large family or group? Book a private family workshop or holiday party at the LUX!

NEW MAJOR

Sports Media & Communication D O from day one.

L E A R N from innovators in their field.

W O R K on real projects and make a real impact.

WINTERFEST Our annual afternoon of creativity, fun and hands-on holiday projects for the whole family.

Sunday, December 17 1-4 p.m.

Admission is free!

VISIT admissions.unl.edu/visit or contact Whitney Perry at wperry2@unl.edu

OUR MAJORS

Advertising & Public Relations Broadcasting Journalism Sports Media & Communication

Visit www.LUXcenter.org to see a full list of classes, workshops, and events!

2601 N. 48th Street | 402.466.8692 University of Nebraska does not discriminate based upon any protected status. Please see go.unl.edu/ nondiscrimination © 2017 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska. All rights reserved. 1708.006

FREE Family Support Group For friends or family with loved ones struggling with drug and alcohol use • Open to the public

This support group provides support to families affected by addiction.

When: Where:

• Offers a unique mix of personal experience, problem solving suggestions and information

Meets Thursdays, 6-7 p.m.

Bryan Independence Center, 1640 Lake St., Lower Level Cost: Free Registration: No registration required

• Receive support from a professional counselor

This support group is led in the English Language

• No registration required

This support group is led by Brenda Moes, Bryan Independence Center community outreach liaison. If you have questions or would like more information about this support group or resources in our community, contact Brenda at 402-481-4895 or brenda.moes@bryanhealth.org.

Brenda Moes

November 2017 | Community News | Section B

B7

Energy Drinks and Kids: What Parents Need to Know

by Michelle Welch, RD, LMNT, LPS Wellness Facilitator and Dr. Bob Rauner, MPH, Director of Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln Are energy drinks putting our kids’ health at risk? What do we really know about the impact of these beverages? The truth is: We know much more than we used to know.

LNE cross country team races to help graffiti victim Cross country runners aren’t usually encouraged to take a 45-minute break in the middle of a workout. On Sept. 21, the coaches for Lincoln Northeast High School made an exception.

The Northeast team was about halfway through that day’s run when a few of them noticed a homeowner along the MoPac Trail near 40th Street trying to scrub graffiti off the side of her home. They didn’t hesitate - they stopped and started to help.

First five of them, then 10, then pretty soon it was 15 runners chipping in.

“We all were like, ‘We should help her,’” said one of the runners, Jayden, a 9th-grader. “Then it got pretty crowded there was only so much wall to clean.”

The homeowner happened to be a kindergarten teacher from Fredstrom Elementary School, Sara Dolezal.

“I just want to personally thank all the Northeast cross country members for their kind gesture,” she said. “They did something for the sheer satisfaction of helping others, not because they were going to get something out of it.”

The team spent about 45 minutes helping Dolezal, one of nine homeowners in the neighborhood who woke up to derogatory graffiti sprayed on their property.

“This is what student-athletes that are held to higher standards can do,” said Northeast Head Coach John Snoozy.

Parents, we hope you are aware that energy drinks are not recommended for kids under the age of 18. Period. There’s even a warning label on the can.

Unfortunately, for kids this warning may give the drinks a “forbidden fruit” type of appeal. And marketers of energy drinks have smoothly convinced teens that this can or tiny bottle is worthy of big-dollar investments, despite having little to no idea of the actual ingredients.

Marketers depend on parents not being aware of the impact of combining substances like guarana or taurine with caffeine – combinations that have not been tested within younger populations. In fact, in recent years energy drinks have been linked to teen and tween ER visits, and to alleged teen deaths. Over consumption has been linked to seizures, heart attacks and worse.

Our approach in wellness is to take an “all foods can fit” approach, however, just as we wouldn’t want a teen or tween to include alcoholic beverages in their life, the same type of precaution is recommended for energy drinks. It’s just not worth the risk.

Further, as kids get older and start to experiment with alcohol, they are likely to double down on the risky choices they are making. Underage drinking is always dangerous, though combining alcohol with energy drinks increases the danger.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2015, 13 percent of students in grades 8, 10 and 12 reported consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks at least once in the past year. They have also been found to be linked to four times higher frequency of binge drinking in those ages 15-23, as well as linked to other high-risk behaviors.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states, “Rigorous review and analysis of the literature reveal that caffeine and other stimulant substances contained in energy drinks have no place in the diet of children and adolescents.” We join the AAP in strongly recommending that parents avoid purchasing these beverages for kids, discuss the risks with them and set family rules to help prevent kids from purchasing them when self-selecting beverages.

Here’s the best news. Most of what our kids eat and drink are purchased by adults, so until they are self-funding their choices, we can help them make better ones with our guidance. Yes, expect eye rolls. It’s a low cost to pay for protecting the health of our kids and helping them build meaningful habits.

Kids and HyVee and UNL Campus Recreation present: Energy Drinks Simple Fix

Simple Fix Meal Prep | 5 Meals in 2 Hours

Don’t Mix

Meal Preparation

May 9 • 6:00-8:00 pm Rec & Wellness Center, Wellness Kitchen Hawaiian Turkey Tenderloins Slow Cooker Curried Pork Chops Korean BBQ Beef Jerk Chicken Tacos Crockpot Greek Chicken Pitas

ENERGY DRINK

Create delicious meals ready to put in the 5 Meals freezer, in the oven, orRegister on theonline* table. or by phone: 4 Servings Each

(no shopping, chopping, or clean-up!) http://go.unl.edu/simplefix | (402) 421-2462 Energy drinks Only $90! *$5 service fee applied ($4.50/serving) for kids 18

6-8 p.m. | Thurs., Nov. 30

can be dangerous yrs. and under.

Wellness Kitchen @ East Campus $

90 for five complete meals

Register: go.unl.edu/simplefix

(Registration ends Nov. 27 | Open to the public)

Learn more at

HealthyLincoln.org Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln

November 2017 | Community News | Section B

B8

TAKE 3 GOOD THINGS ABOUT LPS AND SHARE THEM! Help Us Celebrate American Education Week November 13-17, 2017 Help us celebrate American Education Week November 13-17 with the Take3 Challenge.

We have many wonderful, amazing and positive learning opportunities that take place everyday in our schools.

So from November 13 - 17, please take 3 good things about LPS and share them on social media and challenge 3 friends to do the same. This is your chance to shout out our greatest accomplishments in educating our community’s children.

Please consider using the hashtag #lpsproud on social media as you brag about LPS, then head on over to our special Take3 webpage found on LPS.org for a live feed of the conversation.

Need some inspiration or ideas on what to talk about?

Check out the numerous ideas to share on lps.org and ask our staff or students!

Registration open for Learn to Skate Classes

Sunday, November 18th 7:30pm – 9:30pm

November 2017 | Community News | Section B

B9

November 2017 | Community News | Section B

B10

MAGELLAN SOCCER aims to change the game of soccer through a relentless focus on player development. We believe that we can "develop and transform the game by developing and transforming players".

Each month, an additional way our PLC – Professional Learning Communities – help students in Lincoln Public Schools.

Time to share success When teachers achieve success or “breakthrough” with a student, or group of students, they want to share it! The strategies they used can then be shared with their group, so that their group members can learn from them.

Join the Winter Training Program Today!

Mini-Gellans (Ages 4-8)

Independent Training (Ages 9-13) Open for Registration! magellansoccer.com

Register: Create an Account at magellansoccer.com add your par�cipants register for the programs available.

Winter Program: November 2nd-March 1st Training programs for Kindergarten-5th Grade, up to High School

MAGELLAN SOCCER P.O. Box 6591 Lincoln, Nebraska 68506 Email: info@magellansoccer.com Phone : 402-853-7100

Winter North Loca�on: Lancaster Event Center.

Winter South Loca�on: Speedway Village

In LPS every PLC is responsible for answering 4 questions. While these questions may seem simple, they represent complex planning, analysis and decision making on the part of each PLC team. The four questions include...

• What do we want each student to learn?

• How will we know when each student has learned it?

• How will we respond when a student experiences difficulty in learning?

• How will we respond when a student has already learned essential knowledge and skills?

When we set aside time to provide skilled professionals an opportunity to discuss these 4 essential questions, student benefit from the collective knowledge of the PLC team.

Get Ready for Cyber Monday!

Use code CYBERSALE at museum.unl.edu/join to save $10 on any level membership on Monday, November 27.

Give the gift of museum membership this holiday season. museum.unl.edu/join

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based upon any protected status. Please see go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination.

November 2017 | Community News | Section B

B11

November Breakfast Menu MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY 1 Chicken Sausage Pancake Sandwich Cocoa Puffs Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

6 Mini Chocolate French Toast Apple Cinn. Cheerios Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

13 Mini Maple Waffles Apple Cinn. Cheerios Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

20 Mini Berry Pancakes Apple Cinn. Cheerios Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

27 No School - Elementary Mini Chocolate French Toast Apple Cinn. Cheerios Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

7 Chicken Sausage Biscuit Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

14 Breakfast Burrito Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

21 Egg & Cheese Sandwich Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

28 Chicken Sausage Biscuit Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

8 Cheese Omelet Pita Pocket Cocoa Puffs Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

15 Cinnamon Pancake Sandwich Cocoa Puffs Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

22 No School

29 Cheese Omelet Pita Pocket Cocoa Puffs Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

THURSDAY 2 Mini Bagels Frosted Flakes Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

9 Pancake & Turkey Sausage on a Stick Frosted Flakes Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

16 Turkey Sausage Breakfast Bites Frosted Flakes Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

23 No School

30

FRIDAY 3 Mini Cinnis Trix Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers Yogurt

10 Breakfast Bar Trix Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

17 Apple Frudel Trix Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers Yogurt

24 No School

1

Pancake & Turkey Sausage on a Stick Frosted Flakes Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

Breakfast Bar Trix Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

November Elementary Lunch Menu MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY 1

Popcorn Chicken Country Beef Sandwich Black Bean Salsa Burger Salad

6 Chicken Fingers Sloppy Joe Teriyaki Burger Salad

13 Popcorn Chicken Country Beef Sandwich Black Bean Salsa Burger Salad

20 Chicken Nuggets Turkey Hot Dog on Bun Lil’ Nacho Bites Salad

27 No School - Elementary

Muchos Nachos Cheese Ravioli in Marinara Sauce Salad

7 Taco Crunch Pepperoni Pizza Bean & Cheese Burrito Salad

14 Muchos Nachos Cheese Ravioli in Marinara Sauce Salad

21 Soft Shell Beef Taco Breaded Pork Sandwich Cheesy Taco Salad

28 Taco Crunch Pepperoni Pizza Bean & Cheese Burrito Salad

Orange Chicken on Brown Rice Personal 3 Meat Pizza Falafel with Brown Rice Salad

8 Creamy Mac & Cheese Grilled Chicken Nuggets Hummus with Mozzarella Cheese Stick & Baked Scoops Salad

15 Cherry Chicken on Brown Rice Hamburger Pizza Crustless Soybutter & Jelly Sandwich with Mozzarella Cheese Stick Salad

22 No School

29 Creamy Mac & Cheese Grilled Chicken Nuggets Hummus with Mozzarella Cheese Stick & Baked Scoops Salad

2 Spaghetti & Meat Sauce Mexi Pizza Spaghetti & Marinara Sauce Salad

9 BBQ Chicken Cheese Pizza Salad

16 Creamed Turkey & Whipped Potatoes Salisbury Steak Southwest Pizza Salad

23 No School

30

3 French Toast Stickes w/ Sausage Links or Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Cheeseburger Salad

10 Breaded Chicken Sandwich Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks with Marinara Sauce Salad

17 Corn Puppies Grilled Cheese Sandwich Grilled Mozzarella Cheese Sandwich Salad

24 No School

1

BBQ Chicken Cheese Pizza Salad

Breaded Chicken Sandwich Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks with Marinara Sauce Salad

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

November Secondary Lunch Menu MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY 1 Orange Chicken on Brown Rice Personal 3 Meat Pizza Sriracha Fish Sandwich Falafel with Brown Rice Salad

6 Chicken Fingers Sloppy Joe Southwest Fiesta Bowl Teriyaki Burger Salad

13 Popcorn Chicken Country Beef Sandwich French Bread Garlic Pizza Black Bean Salsa Burger Salad

20 Chicken Nuggets Turkey Hot Dog on Bun Philly Cheese Sandwich Lil’ Nacho Bites Salad

27 Chicken Fingers Sloppy Joe Southwest Fiesta Bowl Teriyaki Burger Salad

7 Taco Crunch Pepperoni Pizza Hot & Spicy Chicken Sandwich Bean & Cheese Burrito Salad

14 Muchos Nachos Cheese Ravioli in Marinara Sauce Cuban Panini Salad

21 Soft Shell Beef Taco Breaded Pork Sandwich Sub Sandwich Cheesy Taco Salad

28 Taco Crunch Pepperoni Pizza Hot & Spicy Chicken Sandwich Bean & Cheese Burrito Salad

8 Creamy Mac & Cheese Grilled Chicken Nuggets Cheeseburger Paradise Sandwich Hummus with Mozzarella Cheese Stick & Baked Scoops Salad

15 Cherry Chicken on Brown Rice Hamburger Pizza Homemade Lasagna Crustless Soybutter & Jelly Sandwich with Mozzarella Cheese Stick Salad

22 No School

29 Creamy Mac & Cheese Grilled Chicken Nuggets Cheeseburger Paradise Sandwich Hummus with Mozzarella Cheese Stick & Baked Scoops Salad

2 Spaghetti & Meat Sauce Mexi Pizza Chicken Strips Spaghetti & Marinara Sauce Salad

9 BBQ Chicken Cheese Pizza Chili with Cinnamon Roll Salad

16 Creamed Turkey & Whipped Potatoes Salisbury Steak Buffalo Chicken Tenders Southwest Pizza Salad

23 No School

30 BBQ Chicken Cheese Pizza Chili with Cinnamon Roll Salad

3 French Toast Sticks & Sausage Links Cheeseburger Chicken Taquitos French Toast Sticks with Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Salad

10 Breaded Chicken Sandwich Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks with Marinara Sauce Fish Sandwich Salad

17 Corn Puppies Grilled Cheese Sandwich Turkey Pepperoni & Sausage Calzone Grilled Mozzarella Cheese Sandwich Salad

24 No School

1 Breaded Chicken Sandwich Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks with Marinara Sauce Fish Sandwich Salad

November 2017 | Community News | Section B

B12

2017 2018

2017 2017 2018

2018

LINCOLN’S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA EDWARD POLOCHICK, MUSIC DIRECTOR

DECK THE HALLS

Sunday, December 3, 2017, 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM Lied Center for Performing Arts

Bell-issimo (Nancy Youngman, director) Chase Dance (Stephanie Chase, director) William White, Trombone, LSO Young Artist Competition Winner Lincoln Suzuki Studios Tap This Clogging (Joel Harrison, director) Dr. Tyler G. White, conductor

Kick off the season with LSO’s annual holiday pops concert, with pieces such as Sleigh Ride and Joy to the World, selections from The Nutcracker, and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. The concert will include an appearance

by Lincoln’s premier handbell choir, Bell-issimo, and performances by Chase Dance and four-time National Championship clogging group Tap This! The concert also showcases Lincoln Suzuki students and the winner of LSO’s annual Young Artist Competition, trombonist William White. Afternoon and evening performances.

Sponsored by: Ameritas, Lincoln Industries, and B107.3

TICKETS | $35•$15•$5 LINCOLNSYMPHONY.COM | 402.476.2211