April 2024 Community News

Honoring Robinson’s legacy during special school dedication ceremony

The seeds of kindness, love, support and optimism that Ada Robinson planted in her teaching career recently bore encouraging fruit for the entire community.

Hundreds of people remembered Robinson during a dedication ceremony at her namesake building. Area residents and Lincoln Board of Education members joined Robinson Elementary School students, teachers and administrators at the 30-minute event.

A.J. Perez said she was happy to learn more about Robinson at the ceremony. The fifth-grade student joined many of her classmates for a special vocal performance. Music teacher Krista Couton led 32 choir members as they delivered three songs.

“Even though I never got to meet her, she sounded amazing. She sounded like she would have been a great teacher,” Perez said. “She was a great teacher. And even though I never got to meet her, I can just imagine how amazing she was.”

Robinson taught for 37 years at Clinton Elementary School and became a beloved figure in the community. She inspired students with her caring approach to her classroom duties.

- Tami Robinson Soper

Robinson Principal Jeff Vercellino said the school has adopted the motto “Rooted in Relationships” as the foundation for every decision and action. He said that was a direct reflection of the way Robinson approached her career.

“What I learned from my few meetings and interactions with Mrs. Robinson was she was all about relationships,” Vercellino said. “Mrs. Robinson knew that no true learning could take place in a school without children feeling loved, valued, supported, challenged and cared about.”

Lincoln voters approved the construction of an elementary school as part of the 2020 bond referendum. A district committee chose to recognize Robinson’s many contributions by naming the new school after her.

Robinson attended the groundbreaking in May 2021 and shared warm embraces with many of her former students and colleagues. She passed away in November 2023 at the age of 84.

Tami Robinson Soper said her mother was passionate about helping every student. She said Robinson’s personal integrity and enthusiasm made a difference in the lives

of many people. Her funeral service was standing-room-only due to the large number of well-wishers.

“I know that my mom is here looking down, smiling and really excited because there were students here and teachers that she’s worked with and administrators and her family all in one place,” Robinson Soper said. “Children singing, she would have gotten up with the choir, she would’ve loved that. So just, it’s a beautiful day, we’re really grateful.

“Like, I cannot literally think of another way to honor her than to have a building filled with laughing children all the time, laughing, learning, playing. It was everything to her.”

Perez said her positive experience at Robinson is due to more than just the building’s architecture. She has noticed the kind environment found in the hallways and classrooms. Staff members have set a goal of having each student be greeted by at least three adults each morning.

Vercellino said everyone would like to plant the same positive educational seeds that Robinson did throughout her life.

“While I am a bit biased, I speak with 100-percent conviction when

I say that we have assembled the best staff here at Ada Robinson Elementary, one that Mrs. Robinson would be proud of,” Vercellino said. “Our staff leads with relationships. They are collaborative and driven to be their very best, so they can give our Robinson Raptors what they deserve each and every day: our very best.”

WHAT’S INSIDE:

SECTION A:

A2 Extra Mile Walk

A2 Culler students celebrate hopeful, welcoming attitudes at assembly

A3 TeamMates of the Month: Vann and Brooklynn

A5 Sustainability at LPS: Earth Day

A5 Looking for a book?

A9 Dreaming big: It starts with healthy

A9 Connect LPS

A14 Menus

A16 2024 Thank You Teacher Recognition Ceremony

I know that my mom is here looking down, smiling and really excited

Save The Date: April 20th at 10a.m.

Extra Mile Walk

Donate now

Go the extra mile – help combat food insecurity by supporting the Food Bank of Lincoln’s BackPack program. Lincoln Public Schools and the Food Bank of Lincoln invite you to help raise money for the program during the 17th annual Extra Mile Walk on April 20, 2024.

Event Details

Extra Mile Walk

• Saturday, April 20 | 2024 | 10 a.m.

• East High School | 70th and A Street (park in the west parking lot at Seacrest Field)

For more information, visit the Food Bank of Lincoln’s website at https://www.lincolnfoodbank.org/extramile/

Culler students celebrate hopeful, welcoming attitudes at assembly

Culler students celebrate hopeful, welcoming attitudes at assembly

Culler Middle School students showcased how their campus is truly a global institution during a special ceremony celebrating diversity.

More than 700 Lincoln Public Schools students and staff members filled Culler’s auditorium for the inaugural Hope and Welcome Celebration. They paid tribute to the school’s rich multicultural heritage. Current Culler students have been born in 36 countries and speak more than three dozen native languages.

Eighth-grade students Jackson and Smara each gave speeches as

part of the event. They joined seventh-grade student Jourdynn on stage in front of their friends and classmates. They said they were proud of the confidence they had gained by overcoming their public speaking worries.

“It was scary at first, but I felt a lot better when everyone started clapping,” Jackson said. “It was a good feeling to know they had liked what I said.”

“It was nice to be up there,” Smara said. “I was a little nervous, but I knew it would be fine. It was fun to be able to share my story with others.”

Tom Kolbe, who serves as Culler’s building coordinator, organized the event as a way to highlight the school’s diversity. Kolbe matched the ceremony’s name with a beacon featured in the center of the City of Lincoln’s new flag. The symbol is meant to signify how people in Lincoln have welcomed new residents with open arms.

Culler Principal Michaela Hahn told the audience the city flag will be the newest addition to the main brick-lined hallway outside the auditorium. More than 80 international flags are prominently featured in the space.

Students used the global symbols for one of the day’s highlights. More than 30 Cougars walked on stage with paper flags of their home countries. The audience applauded as English Language Learners (ELL) teacher Amanda Bandy read the names of each student and nation.

Bandy said before the ceremony that many students from Afghanistan and Ukraine have joined the Culler family. Countries from Central and South America have also become a larger part of the school’s international fabric.

“It’s really neat to see the diversity we have here,” Bandy said. “I think our students benefit a lot from it.”

Jourdynn, Jackson and Smara reflected on how diversity and choices have shaped their lives. Jourdynn shared her positive experiences at different tourist spots in Lincoln. She also said she had gained a great deal academically and socially from attending Culler.

“Culler’s diversity helps me learn more about everybody’s unique culture,” Jourdynn said.

Jackson spoke about how people in Lincoln are overcoming obstacles such as racism. Smara told classmates she felt isolated when she and her family first moved here eight years ago, but she is now happy and has a sense of belonging.

Jackson said the hopeful and welcoming environment he has experienced at Culler has given him a confident outlook on his future.

“The diversity here is something that really makes a big difference,” Jackson said. “I feel included.”

TeamMates of the Month Vann and Brooklynn: Creating a Noteworthy Friendship

Vann remembers her first meeting with her mentee Brooklynn, a stellar student.

“She was wearing pink, because pink is her favorite color and one of mine, so we connected right away. She showed me her locker and all of her gadgets. It was like an apartment.”

Brooklynn laughs, remembering the school where they started meeting.

“I had a little chair. I had a pillow. It was a lot.”

When Brooklynn moved to a new school, Vann watched closely, wanting to make sure Brooklynn didn’t lose her “sparkle,” one of the words Vann chose to describe her energetic mentee.

“I don’t ever want anybody to dull her sparkle. At her old school, you could hear Brooklynn coming down the hall…now, she’s blossomed in a different kind of way. She’s holding her own.”

Excellence is another word Vann chose.

“Brooklynn sets such high standards for herself. She always wants to bring her “A” game.”

That includes choosing a one-of-a kind, iridescent, white cello.

“Everyone always looks at me when we have a performance because ‘What in the world?’”

Brooklynn is clear-eyed about her future and her mentor, Vann, using two words to describe her.

“‘Future’ because that’s who I want to be like when I’m older, and ‘classy’ because she is a pretty woman who does all her stuff right.”

That future will no doubt include acting, music and writing, all passions for Brooklynn. That’s why they’ve been talking about the Arts and Humanities Focus Program, which Brooklynn has applied for. Vann knows she has what it takes.

“This young lady is an amazing writer. She reads her stories to me and puts all the inflections in. If I was not looking at her, I would think an adult had written it.”

The glow of their initial connection lingers for Brooklynn, along with discovering that TeamMates is different than she expected.

“I thought it would be more of a work-based thing, like meeting with a teacher or a therapist. So it has surprised me the way things

have turned out. It’s still exciting every time she comes.”

For Vann, the biggest surprise has been the extent of Brooklynn’s drive.

“I think about when I was an eighth grader, ‘Was I that driven?’ She knows what she wants. She knows where she wants to be. I’m trying to get her to realize that sometimes it’s okay just to hang out on the couch and be average.”

GET IN on the

Hands-on learning experiences for K-8th grade students

Variety of STEAM-infused topics

Half-day and full-day camps

Before Care and Lunch Care options at select locations

Scholarships available

Older stuents can volunteer to be Camp Assistants

This was our first time at Bright Lights and we loved it!

2024

CAMP WEEKS

June 3–7

June 10–14

June 17–21

June 24–28

July 8–12 BrightLights.org

Bright Lights was a fun experience for me. I learned a lot about leadership and being a role model for younger people.

What Other Parents and Camp Assistants Are Saying . . .

A Snake Falls to Earth

The Me I Choose to Be

By Natasha Anastasia Tarpley

Art by Regis and Kahran Bethencourt

Omar Rising

By Aisha Saeed

By Darcie Little Badger

summer scamp half-day camps

Choose from half-day workshops, day camps, or week-long summer camps!

For grades K-3 (2023-2024 school year)

Each camp + workshop is uniquely themed with STEAM-inspired activities to match.

register now at lincolnchildrensmuseum.org/camps

KIDS’ GRAND PRIX SCHEDULE

Spring Forward Run

Saturday, March 23

Mayor’s Run

Saturday, May 4

KFRX

SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024

Register at lincolnrun.org or talk to your P.E. Teacher

Runners are automatically entered to win a variety of prizes such as bicycles from Trek , running shoes from the Lincoln Running Co., and more.

This year the Lincoln Track Club will support Lincoln Littles by contributing $1 of each entry to this local charity.

Havelock Run

Saturday, June 1

Lincoln Mile

Sunday, July 7

Holiday Run

Sunday, Dec. 8

REGISTER AT lincolnrun.org

The Lincoln Track Club Kids' Grand Prix events are priced to be accessible and a ordable, and are available to kids sixth grade and under.

BE A GRAND SLAMMER!

Complete any four Kids’ Grand Prix events in 2024 and receive a personalized plaque at the end of the season from the Lincoln Track Club

Pepsi is the Official Beverage Supplier

2023-24

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Monday April 8

Tuesday April 9

Maxey Elementary, 5200 S. 75th

Wednesday April 10 Arnold Elementary, 5000 Mike Scholl St.

Thursday, April 11

Dreaming big: It starts with healthy

By Michelle Welch, RD, LMNT LPS District Wellness Facilitator

When you picture your child’s future, what do you envision? See if these factors fit into your dreams for them.

• Healthy: You most likely would love to see their mind and body not keep them from achieving their goals. If they are sickly or have mental wellness barriers, both may keep them from reaching their fullest potential. No matter how much money we have in the bank, without our health, our quality and quantity of life just isn’t the same. Health is the foundation upon which future dreams are built.

• Safe: From the time they are small, we adults spend most of our lives trying to ensure our kids are safe. It starts with outlet covers and moves to learning how to cross the street. We want them in safe neighborhoods, in safe schools, on safe playgrounds and in safe friend groups who make safe choices. On-

line safety has also become a 24/7 job for us as adults and yeah, it’s pretty exhausting, but critical for their safety.

• Engaged: We want our kids to be excited about life. To have a subject, or many, in school that interests them. To find, or be in search of, an outside interest or after-school activity that keeps them connected during those more challenging times. When we see that spark in their eyes when they figure out something new. Read a book that inspires them or talk non-stop on their walk or ride home from school about what happened during the day. Maybe talk about a joke a teacher told them. That’s engaged.

• Supported: True effective education is about connection. Books and lesson plans can only go so far. Teachers and their abilities to work with the skills and personalities of their students are truly the secret in the sauce. Having your child met where they are, with the skills they have and supported with each teacher’s unique toolbox,

is what makes kids feel they can do anything.

• Challenged: Rare is the adult who is happy if their student is doing just the bare minimum, especially since we often have a good feel of what their capabilities truly may be. We would love to see our kids working at their full potential. To be nudged to do their very best, but not nudged to the point of overly-stressed and anxious. Students are given the chance to challenge themselves in new ways and prove that they may even surprise themselves. To be proud of the work they do.

First and foremost, it starts with being healthy. However, kids likely can’t reach engaged, supported or challenged unless they are safe. You get the picture. These five parts together define the whole child education approach. We all may help shape these factors for our kids and their future years. Keep thinking about your students and communicating with them and

their school to help build them a future we haven’t even imagined yet. Dream big!

Hill Elementary - Facebook

“On March 1, 42 Falcons participated in the UNO Language Fair. They competed in such contests as music, poetry, creative poetry, dance, and poster competitions. Way to represent the Falcons!”

“In Preschool, we showed our stripes in celebration of Rare Disease Awareness Day on the rarest day of the year, February 29th!”

Here are some of our favorite photos from LPS schools in the past month. Want to see more? Connect with your school’s social media at lps.org/connect.

Annual Report 2022-2023

41,700+ Students Empowered

74 Schools & Programs Served $155,400 distributed between 108 Scholarships to 81 LPS seniors

Every $1 donated to the Inspiring Dreams Fund leveraged $15 for student & teacher projects

Summer Camp 2023

Spark, a program of the Foundation for LPS, provided another successful year of summer camp dedicated to creating curiosity, enhancing exploration, and bringing creativity to kids across the community through STEAM-based learning.

287 campers in attendance (K–5)

10 weekly STEAM themes

$65,000+ in scholarships awarded to low-income campers

LPS School Lunch Support Fund

382 Projects Supported 1,957 Donors

$4,265,747 RAISED

1322

Classroom Grants Awarded Through Fund a Need Campaigns

Student AssistanceEmergency

The Student Emergency Fund provides quick, emergency relief to families and students who are struggling financially with basic needs such as groceries, rent, and gas. The fund helps ensure that students come to school ready to learn. We want to ensure students have the basic needs to excel in school.

695 $98,331

Funds distributed to students and their families

Families supported in times of crisis

College & Career

The Foundation funds numerous scholarships for all career fields and work closely with The Career Academy (TCA) to provide hands-on dual credit classes accessible to all students.

A wave of online generosity inspired Lincolnites to fulfill a need within Lincoln Public Schools: school lunch debt. Though no child goes without lunch, families often cannot pay their child’s lunch debt. Thankfully, our community responded, and in November 2022, the LPS School Lunch Support Fund was created.

“School meals ensure that students have the nutrition they need so they can learn and be successful throughout the school day,” said Andrew Ashelford, Director of Nutrition Services at LPS. “Witnessing the outpouring of support for this fund is truly heartwarming.”

Generous community members like you have made a tremendous difference. Thanks to your contributions, over $21,000 of lunch debt was cleared, directly impacting the lives of students and their families in LPS schools. Every child deserves a chance to shine, and freedom from the weight of debt is one way the community can support our students.

Dual credit students supported

21 $9,868

Provided for tuition assistance $155,400

Awarded in post-secondary scholarships

81

Students awarded post-secondary scholarships

Outstanding Educator Awards

Lincoln Public Schools is full of teachers and leaders who inspire and motivate. Annually, several outstanding LPS educators are nominated by colleagues and parents to receive Educator Awards. Awards are granted to various staff members, such as teachers, counselors, school nurses, principals, and more.

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14 Recipients

2023 Winners

Kelly Apel Adam Brady

Angela Carlow

Teal Hollmann

Nikki Janssen

Bre Jones

Brittany Lanik Dave Leader

Drivers Education Fund

Dr. Dawn Mazzie

Dallas Mettler

Amanda Petersen

Michelle Reinke

Mike Robb

Sara Stoner

Feeling the need for speed in Lincoln? Every time that bright orange “STOP” slip lands in your hand, remember: a portion of your class fee takes an unexpected detour to a good cause. The LPS Student Drivers Education Fund uses this money to help low-income students cover drivers education courses, class materials, and permits.

So, while you spend an afternoon reacquainting yourself with the rules of the road, you can pat yourself on the back for helping a deserving student hit the road safely and responsibly.

In the 2022-2023 school-year $74,279 in scholarships were provided to 182 recipients through

• Nebraska Safety Council (32)

• Road Ready (56)

• Southeast Community College (94)

Fielding Dreams Capital Campaign

It shouldn’t be surprising that most people who have participated in a team sport recognize its value. Derrel Martin understood the importance of athletic facilities for the students in Lincoln. Because of their help and a generous gift from U-Stop (Chris & Mark Whitehead) to the Fielding Dreams Campaign, Lincoln now has exceptional tennis courts at Lincoln Standing Bear High School - the JoAnn & Derrel Martin Courts at U-Stop Tennis Complex.

Derrel recognizes that not all individuals have an athletic background or passion, but he doesn’t think that should limit supporting the Foundation for LPS Fielding Dreams Campaign, “A gift, no matter the size, is still impactful. This is all about enriching the experience all kids can have while they’re in school. Kids need to have the opportunity to develop their unique talents and skills, and it’s up to us to ensure they have the option to have a well-rounded education.” Scan the

Inspire Awards

In the 2022-2023 school year, we honored 134 students and educators who inspire their school and the community and awarded Donald D. Sherrill Education Center Inspire School of the Year.

Fund a Need

The Foundation’s crowdfunding platform for educators to share particular classroom needs and gain visibility to fund it.

132 classrooms empowered

108 needs fully or partially met

41 schools served

$98,500+ raised for

• Equipment like ukuleles, drum sets, head sets, books, teacher/student incentives, competitions, and teacher classroom supplies

• Field trips like the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Duncan Aviation, and the National Willa Cather Center

2022-2023 Financials

INCOME

Contributions: $3,775,414

Invested Income: $940,419

Grants: $329,840

Programs/Other: $160,493

TOTAL RECEIVED: $5,206,166

EXPENSES

Programs, Scholarships, Grants and Awards: $4,356,901

General Admin: $591,707

Fundraising: $412,848

TOTAL DISBURSED: $5,361,456

CONGRATULATIONS to the 2024 Inspire Award Winners

LPS Students, Educators & Staff Awardees

Adams Elementary School

Mia Watkins, 5th Grade

Connie Lake, Special Education Paraeducator

Belmont Elementary School

Jose Cabrera Azamar, 5th Grade

Betsy Krumel, Instructional Coach

Cavett Elementary School Hanshiya Vijay, 5th Grade Megan Danner, Art Teacher

Eastridge Elementary School

Eli Apel, 5th Grade

Chris Border, Al Werner, Brendan Patchen, Custodial Staff

Hartley Elementary School

Willow Cardenas, 5th Grade Robert Meyer, Custodian

Irving Middle School

Jabari Faubel, 8th Grade

Jen Haney, Preschool Special Education Teacher

Lefler Middle School Grace Baden, 8th Grade

Kristin Pauli, Special Education Teacher

McPhee Elementary School

Rohsana Afghan, 5th Grade Jamie Kriekemeier, Counselor

North Star High School

Tiana Price, Seniors James Bennett, Paraeducator

Park Middle School

Ariam Colina Meza, 8th Grade

Mark Cuddy, 7th Grade English Teacher

Randolph Elementary School

Sergio Lorera, 5th Grade

Jeanie Hock, 3rd Grade Teacher

Saratoga Elementary School Eh Bu Doh Paw, 5th Grade Megan Strauch, Special Education Teacher

Southeast High School Catrice Olds, Senior Sara Friest, Librarian

Arnold Elementary School Kennedy Parker, 5th Grade Roseanne Entzminger, Math Interventionist

Brownell Elementary School Adelaide Wolf, 5th Grade Trey Meyer, Music Teacher

Clinton Elementary School Layla Glass, 4th Grade Ann Spotanski, School Counselor

Elliott Elementary School

Bella Lass, 5th Grade Al Werner, Custodian

Hill Elementary School 5th Grade Student, Roark Pyle, Custodial Manager

Kahoa Elementary School

Ella Schneider, 5th Grade Morgan Lorenzen, Special Education Teacher

Lincoln East High School Hope Shortridge, Senior Chloe Schumacher, 4th Grade Teacher

Meadow Lane Elementary School

Ava Schilousky, 5th Grade

Kristi Knaak, Paraeducator

Northeast High School Laney Songster, Trevor Vocasek, Seniors

James Thompson, Assistant Athletic Director, Nancy Smith, Spanish Teacher

Pershing Elementary School

Avah Larsen, 5th Grade

Tameca Barnes, CLC Coordinator

Riley Elementary School

June Leeker, 5th Grade Tondi Hager, 2nd Grade Teacher

Schoo Middle School Jason Do, 8th Grade Stephanie Taylor, Resource Teacher Grades 6-8

Southwest High School Charlie Miller, Senior Jim Hill, Spanish Teacher

To view all the nominations scan the QR Code with your mobile device’s camera

Arts & Humanities Focus Program Danelle Deboer, Senior Deisy Garcia, Secure Entrance Monitor

Bryan Community Focus Program Ledyn Brown, Senior Brady Christianson, Social Studies Teacher

Culler Middle School

Sherlyn Carias-Blanco, 8th Grade Emmaline Baxter, Science Teacher

Everett Elementary School

Alexa Mendez Hernandez, 5th Grade Brendan Patchen, Assistant Custodial Supervisor

Holmes Elementary School

Nisi Sanchez Hernandez, 5th Grade Chelcey Mannel, Music Teacher

Kloefkorn Elementary School

Emilio Mendez, 5th Grade Elicia Davenport, 8th Grade Math Teacher

Lincoln High School Rosalba Arteaga Banos, Senior Pam Steckelberg, Math Teacher

Mickle Middle School

Tallulah Luettger, Nixie Luettger, 8th Graders

Nicole Deterding, Paraeducator, Kathi Meradith, Assistant Principal

Northwest High School

Quinn Waring, Senior James Pettiford, Campus Security

Pound Middle School

Ashly Diaz Sierra, 8th Grade

Paula Williams, 7th Grade English Teacher and MTSS-B Liaison

Robinson Elementary School

Sam Campney, 5th Grade Krista Couton, Vocal Music Teacher

Science Focus Program Hyrum Moody, Senior Matt Johnson, Math Teacher

Standing Bear High School Rogan Buresh, Freshman Brian Vuu, Music Department Chair and Marching Band Instructor

Yankee Hill Education Center Sophomore Student, Kayla Prai, Paraeducator

Bay High Focus Program Sara Bilew, Senior Tina Le, English and Journalism Teacher

Calvert Elementary School Elias Harvey, 5th Grade Susie Kinsey, Reading Interventionist

Dawes Middle School Omarion Williams, 8th Grade Amanda Tyler, Special Education Teacher

Fredstrom Elementary School Lainey Horan, 5th Grade Sandy Carney, School Nurse

Humann Elementary School Jadon Roker, 5th Grade Sydney Micek, Life Skills Resource Teacher

Kooser Elementary School Amya Houser, 5th Grade Jeni Fisher, 3rd Grade Teacher

Lux Middle School Felicity Johnson, 8th Grade Kyle Thompson, Science Teacher

Moore Middle School

Maggie O’Neal, 8th Grade

Madelyn Luxford, 8th Grade Counselor

Norwood Park Elementary School Cadie Waters, 5th Grade

Bobbi Tegtmeier, Executive Secretary

Prescott Elementary School Everett Reis, 5th Grade

Sarah Mutthersbough, School Registrar

Roper Elementary School Aydriana Papke, 5th Grade Courtney Fitzgerald-Stevens, Interventionist

Scott Middle School Elle Friesen, 8th Grade Amber Cownie, Counselor

West Lincoln Elementary School Harmony Zerfass, 5th Grade Rebecca Rezac, 5th Grade Teacher

Zeman Elementary School Jason Scanlon Valenciano, 5th Grade Taylor Schmohr, Counselor

Beattie Elementary School Violet McCollough, 5th Grade Holly Weber-Group, Art Teacher

Campbell Elementary School Amelia Meyer, 5th Grade Erica Seip, Intervention

Donald D. Sherrill Education Center 5th Grade Student, Ross Rausch, Psychotherapist

Goodrich Middle School

Thien Nguyen, 8th Grade Molly Andersen, 4th Grade Teacher

Huntington Elementary School

Thai Martinez, 5th Grade Dawn Ford, Kindergarten Teacher

Lakeview Elementary School Phat Di, 5th Grade

Tiffany Geis, First Grade Teacher

Maxey Elementary School Kaden Frost, 5th Grade

Linda Bohlman, Special Education Teacher

Morley Elementary School Daphne Mueller, 5th Grade

Carissa Weier, Special Education Teacher

Nuernberger Education Center 8th Grade Student, Jennifer Davis, Secretary

Pyrtle Elementary School Isla Halsey, 5th Grade Deja O’Banion, Special Education ParaEducator

Rousseau Elementary School Zuzu Rash, 5th Grade Heather Kramer, 3rd Grade Teacher

Sheridan Elementary School Claire Rawson, 4th Grade Ashley Sitzman, Assistant Principal

Wysong Elementary School Breckyn Gregg, 5th Grade Amy Hix, School Counselor

Hop SCIP Jump

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2024 Thank You Teacher Recognition Ceremony

Five educators were selected among 200 written nominations in the annual Lincoln Public Schools Thank You Teacher event, which asks students and families throughout the community to write about how a favorite teacher impacted their lives. The winning educators and students were honored this year at the annual LPS Thank You Teacher breakfast ceremony, held March 5 at the Governor’s Man sion as part of Nebraska Teacher Recognition Day activities.

Letter writers read their nominations aloud, followed by remarks from the winning educators. As usual with this event, there were tears and sniffles from most of the honorees and many in the audi ence.

The annual celebration is sponsored by Lincoln Public Schools, the Lincoln Education Association, the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools and Alpha Media – KFOR/KFRX.

Preschool – Grade 2:

Grades 3-5:

Middle School:

Thomas Arellano, physical education/health teacher at Schoo Middle School. Schoo seventh-grade student Bella Lester nominated him.

High School:

Retired:

Kim Ridder, retired from Scott Middle School. She was nominated by Scott eighth-grade student Payton Utemark.

Emily Mujica, kindergarten teacher at Arnold Elementary School. Parent Paige Leising nominated her.

Kris Jenkins, third-grade teacher at Saratoga Elementary School. Sara toga student and parent Remy and Gina Matthiessen nominated her.

Emily Geldmeier, journalism teacher at East High School. East senior Hope Shortridge nominated her.