December 2023 Community News by Lincoln Public Schools

DECEMBER 2023

Hill Elementary School students parade as book characters in annual tradition

As a principal, this is one of the best days of the year because the whole Hill community gathers to celebrate books, creativity and imagination, - Amy Carnie

Hill Elementary School students stepped into the shoes of their favorite literary characters during an annual fall tradition. The school’s preschool through second-grade students marched throughout its hallways and outside of the building adorned in costumes representing various storytime figures in the book parade. “I like that you get to dress up and it’s really fun because you get to dress up,” Hill second-grade student Brooks said. He came in his best Kansas City Chiefs gear to represent his top NFL player, Travis Kelce, with his biography in hand. Staff, peers and families lined up along the route to cheer on the students. Harry Potters, Avatars,

princesses and several other wellknown book characters could be spotted during the event. “It’s really, really big because you can walk around the classes,” fellow second-grade student Tatiana said. “I saw my brother and he was clapping.” She was decked in her best bee costume to highlight her favorite insect. Hill’s book parade also adds energy and excitement around a key skill – reading. The event allows students to make real-life connections from their books, which boosts their learning. “As we read stories in the classroom, one of our main focuses is on the characters of those stories,” Hill second-grade teacher Morgan

Arens said. “This event connects because students are thinking about books they have read or are reading and who the characters are and why they like that particular character.”

WHAT’S INSIDE:

The Hawk tradition also allows the school to build a greater community with students, families and the surrounding neighborhood.

Jochum creates canvas full of winning scenes at Rousseau

TeamMates of the Month: Arrya and Marlene

Sustainability at LPS: Indoor air quality project

“As a principal, this is one of the best days of the year because the whole Hill community gathers to celebrate books, creativity and imagination,” Hill Principal Amy Carnie said. “There is not another day that brings more happiness to school and promotes the positive and engaging school culture that we have here at Hill.”

SECTION A:

A5 A9 A9

Looking for a book? Wellness: Four secrets to a better winter break Connect LPS

A10 Menus A12 Governor unveils gift to Pershing, encourages bike education

December 2023 | Community News | Section A

Jochum creates canvas full of winning scenes at Rousseau

I treasure all of those years being in the classroom with students. - Monica Jochum

Monica Jochum has painted many winning scenes in school classrooms during her educational career. She is now creating a canvas full of successful moments for students at Rousseau Elementary School. Jochum is beginning her first year at the helm of Rousseau’s hallways. She spent five years as principal at Randolph Elementary School before accepting her new job at 33rd and Calvert. Lincoln Public Schools Director of Elementary Education Gena Licata said Jochum has made a smooth transition to the building. She felt Jochum was a great role model to highlight during National Principals Month. “She is working hard to learn the Rousseau culture and community and build relationships with the students, staff, families and community,” Licata said. “She’s doing an excellent job!” “Everyone has been really welcoming here,” Jochum said. “They’ve made it feel like home. I’ve met so many wonderful people who have been amazing to work with.” Jochum has followed a similar career path as Maude Rousseau, who is the namesake of Rousseau Elementary. Rousseau began teaching at LPS in 1918 and served as the first principal of Randolph from 1926-47. She was widely admired for her work with Lincoln students. Jochum owns bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Doane Univer-

sity and graduated from Doane’s education leadership cadre in May 2016. She spent six years teaching first grade at Millard Public Schools before moving to LPS in 2002. She taught second-grade students at Campbell Elementary for eight years and led second-grade classes at Adams Elementary for an additional eight years. “I wouldn’t trade any of those years for the world,” Jochum said. “I treasure all of those years being in the classroom with students.” The St. Paul, Neb., native chose to seek an administrative role at LPS after teaching graduate-level classes at Doane. She now oversees a building that includes more than 530 students and 60 staff members. She said one of the most important duties of being a principal is championing everyone who works there. “At every single place I’ve been, I’ve seen how teachers care so much about the children they’re working with,” Jochum said. “I’ve seen how paras have cared and how all of the staff members have cared. It’s really powerful to watch. If there’s anything I can do to support them as a principal, then I want to do it, because I’ve seen the time and effort everyone puts into this.” Jochum is leading a school that has developed a strong academic tradition. The U.S. Department of Education honored Rousseau with a National Blue Ribbon in 2018 for its classroom success.

Jochum said she enjoys her role as an elementary principal because of the relationships she is able to establish with students, families and staff members. Rousseau’s staff roster not only includes teachers but several student-support roles ranging from speech-language pathologists to custodians. Jochum has been quick to shine the spotlight on others at every opportunity. She nominated Randolph students and staff for multiple local and state honors during her tenure there, and she celebrated their successes with many heartfelt words. She has continued those same encouraging actions at Rousseau. “One thing you quickly learn at school is how there are so many people who work together to help our students,” Jochum said. “Where would we be without our custodians? Where would we be without our kitchen staff or our bus drivers or our office staff? We have awesome teachers and paras and they do so much for students. There are so many amazing people who help make our schools at LPS successful.” Jochum spent time one morning at Rousseau being an advocate for students in several wings of the building. She helped two students as they worked on a story problem in one classroom, and she gave hugs to several children as they walked down a hallway. She then showcased a wide smile as she watched a fourth-grade student figure out

the answer to a math problem at his desk. Jochum said one student at Rousseau greets her with a smile and, “Hey, principal” each morning at school. She said moments like that are why she is eager to continue painting successful scenes of learning at LPS. “To see those smiles just warms my heart,” Jochum said. “The children are so happy to come to school. They’re excited to be here and to spend time with each other. It’s why I love coming to work. It’s really exciting to see children and get to make a difference.”

Community events advertised in Community News are privatelysponsored events that are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Lincoln Public Schools. Lincoln Public Schools makes no representations about the absence of COVID-19 at these events.

Community News is a publication of Lincoln Public Schools. If you have any questions about this publication please contact Marlenia Thornton, 436-1619; or Mindy Burbach, 436-1609; Lincoln Public Schools P.O. Box 82889 Lincoln, NE 68501-2889

December 2023 | Community News | Section A

TeamMates of the Month

Arrya and Marlene: Promises Kept When Arrya met her mentor, Marlene, in fourth grade, the first thing that crossed her mind was, “I was hoping she would be taller.” Marlene laughs, “When we met, she was already taller than me!” But that isn’t what Marlene remembers most about meeting Arrya. “I just remember how sweet and polite and easy she was to talk to from the get go. We didn’t have that awkward period of time.” Arrya credits Marlene. “My starting thing was her happygo-lucky personality. Her smile, her laugh, makes me happy.” Busy hands made connection easier. “We did a whole bunch of different things,” Arrya said. “We would color, play board games, and we did this little craft thing with hearts (a service project TeamMates co-sponsors with Cancer Partners of Nebraska).

“I’ve told Marlene a whole bunch of stuff about my past and she was open-eared about it and talked to me about different scenarios and that helped me.” Creating a safe space is one of the most important things a mentor can do. “I think I told Arrya, ‘This is a safe place. You can say whatever you want and I’m not going to go repeat it to people and no judgment.’” Arrya has carried plenty on her tall shoulders. “When I was younger, being a kid wasn’t really a thing. I kinda had to be my own adult for myself because I wasn’t really getting that [from anyone else].” The way Arrya handles so much responsibility surprised Marlene. “Her ability to be resilient in tough situations and to juggle all these family dynamics and still face the day and be a good person has impressed me.”

As high school approached, Arrya was bracing for the end of the friendship.

Arrya depends on Marlene for her listening ear and that is a gift for them both.

“I’m used to people coming in and out of my life a lot. I was so surprised and so happy when Marlene said she was gonna be with me in high school.”

“As a talker and as an extrovert, it’s very good for me to really practice on my listening and doing less talking,” Marlene said.

Marlene laughs, “I told her, ‘Of course! You’re stuck with me!’ She has wonderful goals for her life and I want to help her get there.”

Arrya adds, “No one else that I know is the same way. Not my friends. Not anyone else in my family. But this one is.” She nods at Marlene.

SAV THE E DAT ES!

VISIT DAYS!

SPRING 2024 DISCOVERY DAYS BEATRICE CAMPUS Feb. 12 & March 26

LINCOLN CAMPUS

SPRING 2024 CAREER DAYS LINCOLN CAMPUS

Discovery Days are from 9:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Lunch provided!

Careers in Technology Day: Feb. 7 Careers in Healthcare Days: March 21 & 22

MILFORD CAMPUS

March 8 & April 15

Powersports Career Expo: Feb. 6 Careers in Transportation Day: Feb. 20

MILFORD CAMPUS

Career Days provide students with a hands-on experience in numerous career pathways!

March 1 & April 8

Go to southeast.edu/VisitSCC to learn more!

WHY FAFSA? LAUNCH YOUR COLLEGE CAREER. whyfafsa.org

December 2023 | Community News | Section A

Pow Wow Day

By Traci Sorrell Illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight

Hummingbird By Natalie Lloyd

Flirting with Fate By J.C. Cervantes

2024 WEEKLY THEMES

SNEAK PEEK Power of Pollinators Science of Sports

If You Build It, They Will Come Road to Code Connecting with Cameras World of Water

Spark a summer of STEAM learning for students going into 1st through 6th grade with fun activities, engaging guest speakers, and exciting field trips.

Mystery Solved Interstellar Investigations All Creatures Great and Small Science of Me

SPARKLINCOLNLEARNING.ORG SPARK is a program of

GIVE STUDENTS THE GIFT OF HOPE EMPOWER STUDENTS SUPPORT TEACHERS & STAFF ENRICH PROGRAMS STRENGTHEN THE COMMUNITY MAXIMIZE YOUR GIFT DONATE TODAY:

Ring

New Year @ Bubble Extravaganza free party favors make & take activities dance party unique photo booth experience bubble wrap stomp countdown with a bubble drop & pop!

tickets must be purchased in advance at:

lincolnchildrensmuseum.org/make-believe-midnight

nov. 24 - dec. 30

join us for lincoln’s favorite holiday tradition!

Light Tunnels • Light Shows • Dancing Trees • Train Rides • Hot Cocoa • S’mores • New Lights • and more!

get your tickets at

LINCOLNZOO.ORG

Come Shine Your Light! A family friendly 1-mile walk to come together and shine the light on our neighbors struggling this winter. Walkers will have the opportunity to imagine what guests at Matt Talbot experience during a night without shelter.

GET IeN on th

Sunday, December 10th at 5pm at Antelope Park Please register at mtko.org/events

Registration opens

MARCH 2

Contact Jenn Boettcher

at jenn.boettcher@mtko.org

or 402.817.0615 with any questions!

8:00 AM

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

2024 CAMP WEEKS June 3–7 June 10–14 June 17–21 June 24–28 July 8–12

BrightLights.org

EVERY AGE, EVERY STAGE! ACCESS TO FOUR LINCOLN LOCATIONS • FOUR INDOOR POOLS • FREE GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES MEMBER PRICING ON YOUTH PROGRAMS & YOUTH SPORTS • FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OPTIONS • NO CONTRACTS

For more information and to join, visit ymcalincoln.org. DON’T FORGET ABOUT OUT OF SCHOOL DAYS – SECURE YOUR CHILD’S SPOT FOR DECEMBER AND JANUARY DATES! The YMCA of Lincoln offers a licensed child care program at four locations on some Lincoln Public Schools non-school days for youth in Kindergarten through age 13.

December 2023 | Community News | Section A

Four secrets to a better winter break By Michelle Welch, RD, LMNT District Wellness Facilitator The holiday season may add much to our daily “to do” lists. It may also be a time of higher family and financial stress. How might we help our families deal with the challenges of holidays and winter break downtime?

Track spending, budget and teach. One skill we

like our children to learn is how to live within a budget. Holiday shopping may be a great opportunity to discuss this and educate our kiddos. It may be as simple as a notebook page or as complex as a spreadsheet. Making a firm gift list, budget per person and ideas/items bought, is a great educational tool for kids. Keep a kid list separate to keep from spilling the beans, but holding to that budget may be the most important one. Both may help cut money worries that often show up in January.

Hit the library right as you launch into winter break. Swoop over to the library and load up on free books to keep kids busy. It’s a perfect time of year to snuggle up and read books together with younger children. For older kids, giving them some space and time to read books on their own can give them a sense of independence. If you have longer car journeys, consider family-friendly books on tape that you listen to as you go over the river and through the woods.

Set a routine for best results. There are likely to be some lower-key days tucked between travel and family visits. On those days, still have a set routine that they follow for wake up and bedtimes, even if they are both a bit later than on school days. Kids thrive within structure and knowing what is coming next. Writing a family schedule and posting it where they can see it can keep them from repeatedly asking to do favorite activities. One example might be

2023-24 CHECK OUT THE LPS WEBPAGE FOR INFORMATION ON LPS

ATHLETIC & ACTIVITY CLINICS Click and follow the links below:

LPS.ORG CIVIC ENGAGEMENT ATHLETICS CLINICS SCHOOL YEAR CLINICS

gaming. If they are kids who love to game, have a written, set time in the day that they will have that opportunity and then stick with it. Kids tend to relax more when they know that their favorite activity is on the schedule.

Have kids help. Yeah, sometimes this may make our “to do” list be finished a bit slower. To keep efforts joyful, carefully choose ways they can help that will lead to a positive experience for you both.

Teaching them how to use stamps for holiday cards, help in little ways with meals and writing thank you notes to people who gave them gifts may all be tools for growth. If you help out the less-fortunate during the holidays, do what you can to have your children help in appropriate ways. Teaching giving also helps students learn that giving with a purpose feels good. Here’s wishing you and your family a joyful and safe winter break.

CONNECT LPS 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.

Lincoln Southwest High School - Twitter (X)

“Great event! A huge THANKS to all who helped with the 21st annual LSW Silver Talon debate tournament on Saturday! A huge success!”

Moore Middle School - Facebook

“Great job to Moore’s basketball team! They played against Standing Bear staff to help support Standing Bear’s Student Council! Go Mountain Lions!”

December 2023 | Community News | Section A

A10

K-8 Breakfast K-8 / Breakfast

DECEMBER 2023 Fri

Meatless Entree Apple Frudel

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bar

Fruit

Tropical Fruit Flavored Raisins Pear Cup

Mon

Tue

Wed

T u

Fri

Meatless Entree

Entree

Meatless Entree

Apple Jacks Cereal

Meatless Entree

Frosted Corn Flakes Cereal

Cocoa Puffs Cereal

Cinnamon Che% Cereal

Cinnamon Super Stik

S.mores Flavored Bar

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bar

Fruit

Banana

Applesauce Cup

Pear Cup

Mini Maple Waf)es

Tri% Cereal

Birthday Cake Flavored Bar

Yogurt

Fruit

Grape Juice

Mi%ed Berry Cup

Meatless Entree

Tue

Entree

Chocolate Chip French Toast

Cheese, Egg, & Turkey Sausage Breakfast Burrito

Apple Jacks Cereal

Meatless Entree

Birthday Cake Flavored Bar

Meatless Entree Frosted Corn Flakes Cereal

Meatless Entree

Tue

Fri

Meatless Entree Apple Cinnamon Toast

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bar

Cocoa Puffs Cereal

Fruit

S.mores Flavored Bar

Tropical Fruit Flavored Raisins

Fruit

Pear Cup

Assorted Fruit Juice

Mi%ed Berry Cup

Mon

Cheese, Egg & Turkey Sausage Breakfast Bagel

Banana

Apple Juice

T u

Tropical Fruit Flavored Raisins

Entree

Chocolate Cream Chip Bene(t Bar

Orange Juice

Fruit

Mandarin Orange Cup

Fruit

Yogurt

Grape Juice

Wed

Honey Bun

Assorted Fruit Juice

Cinnamon Super Stik

Tri% Cereal

Fruit

Strawberry Mini Bagels

Orange Juice

Apple Juice

Mandarin Orange Cup

Mon

French Toast Bene(t Bar

Pancake & Sausage on a Stick

Applesauce Cup

Wed

T u

Fri

Meatless Entree

Entree

Meatless Entree

Entree

Meatless Entree

Apple Jacks Cereal

Meatless Entree

Frosted Corn Flakes Cereal

Meatless Entree

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal

Blueberry Belgian Waf)e

Beef Sausage Sandwich Tri% Cereal

Birthday Cake Flavored Bar

K-8/ Breakfast 25

Message No School

Tue

No School

Nutcracker DECEMBER

16-17

For tickets call 402.472.4747

or visit liedcenter.org Shari True, Artistic Director

Pear Cup

DECEMBER 2023

Assorted Fruit Juice Applesauce Cup

Message

2023

Tropical Fruit Flavored Raisins

Fruit

Banana

Mi%ed Berry Cup

Fruit

S.mores Flavored Bar

Orange Juice

Apple Juice

Mandarin Orange Cup

Apple Frudel

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bar

Cocoa Puffs Cereal

Fruit

Grape Juice

Egg, Turkey Ham & Sausage Breakfast Pi''a

Cinnamon Super Stik

Yogurt

Fruit

Mon

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bene(t Bar

Wed Message No School

T u Message No School

Fri Message No School

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nuB a no goD toH yekruT

lloR renniD

ananaB

tiurF

iloccorB demaetS

dalaS dessoT eniamoR

nuB a no regrubeseehC sseltaeM

allitroT ruolF no ocaT rewo)iluaC & aepkcihC

elbategeV

eertnE sseltaeM

dalaS fehC eseehC hciwdnaS llabtaeM sseltaeM

dalaS dessoT eniamoR

eseehC & taeM ohca sseltaeM htiw sdnuoR allitroT

allitroT ruolF no ocaT rewo+iluaC & aepkcihC

dalaS dessoT eniamoR

dalaS fehC eseehC

dalaS fehC

eertnE sseltaeM

dalaS fehC

u T

eertnE

hciwdnaS llabtaeM sseltaeM

dalaS fehC

nuB a no regrubeseehC

ecuaS eseehC

dalaS fehC eseehC

eertnE sseltaeM

seippuP nroC nekcihC

elbategeV

eertnE sseltaeM

dalaS fehC

nuB a no yttaP n.kihC sseltaeM

dalaS fehC

eertnE

seirF denosaeS

saeP

eertnE sseltaeM

dalaS fehC

eseehC naciremA dedderhS

hci%dnaS ylle / rettubnuS

dalaS fehC

nuB a no yttaP nekcihC ycipS

hti% allitroT ruolF no taeM ocaT

noM

eertnE sseltaeM

a**iP nekcihC olaffuB

eseehC naciremA dedderhS

skcitS hsiF

eertnE

euT

eertnE sseltaeM

dalaS fehC skcitS hsiF

nuB a no yttaP nekcihC dedaerB

eertnE

deW

irF

lloR renniD

hcnuL / elddiM gnivrI sdnuoR allitroT

nuB regrubmaH

kaE CC etaE loD cohC detsorF 3202 REBeM tresseD sraeP deciD

spirtS reppeP deR hserF

dalaS dessoT eniamoR

tiurF

ecuaselppA

secilS elppA

stibdiT elppaeniP

niarG tiurF

dalaS fehC eseehC

snaeB deirfeR

nuB regrubmaH

tiurF

niarG

nuB goD toH

segdeW egnarO

tiucsiB

nuB regrubmaH

tiurF de(iM secilS elppA nomanniC mraW

tiurF

seotamoT deciD & ecutte dedderhS

seirF elknirC

ecuaS araniraM

nuB a no regruB ikayireT sseltaeM

eertnE sseltaeM

dalaS fehC

elbategeV

seotatoP deppihW

dalaS fehC eseehC

elbategeV

y&ar yrtluoP

niarG

lloR renniD

a**iP eseehC tsurC deffutS

faoltaeM edamemoH sredneT nekcihC

yekruT demaerC

sredneT nekcihC

ananaB

segnarO niradnaM

sgniW olaffuB sseltaeM

nuB a no yttaP biR feeB BB

steggu nekcihC

nuB a no yttaP biR feeB BB

u T

eertnE

irF

eertnE

eciR no nekcihC ikayireT

steggu n.kihC sseltaeM

htiw allitroT ruolF no taeM ocaT

kcitS eseehC

nuB a no yttaP nekcihC dedaerB

hciwdnaS ylle 1 rettubnuS

elbategeV

yekruT demaerC

dalaS fehC eseehC

dalaS dessoT eniamoR

steggu nekcihC

steggu n0kihC sseltaeM

elbategeV

dalaS dessoT eniamoR

ecuaselppA

tiurF detrossA

elbategeV

nuB a no yttaP kroP dedaerB

eseehC 1 caM raddehC etihW

sdnuoR allitroT htiw aslaS nroC 1 naeB kcalB

1 lloR renniD eciR

niarG lloR renniD

allitroT ruolF

sdnuoR otatoP

tiurF

niarG

saeP

iloccorB demaetS

seotatoP depollacS

storraC dekooC

dalaS fehC eseehC

dalaS dessoT eniamoR

dalaS fehC

azziP inoreppeP yekruT tsurC deffutS

elbategeV elbategeV

eertnE sseltaeM

ecuaS eseehC

dalaS dessoT eniamoR

elbategeV

dalaS dessoT eniamoR

nuB a no regruB ikayireT sseltaeM ecuaS araniraM

dalaS fehC

eseehC & taeM ohcaN sseltaeM htiw sdnuoR allitroT

eertnE sseltaeM

& taeM ohca htiw sdnuoR allitroT

dalaS fehC eseehC

eertnE sseltaeM

ecuaS eseehC htiw ocaT delloR eseehC & nekcihC

sregniF nekcihC dedaerB

nuB a no yttaP feeB yrtnuoC

nuB a no regrubeseehC sseltaeM

eertnE sseltaeM

dalaS fehC

nekcihC BB

azziP regrubmaH

htiw skcitsdaerB deffutS eseehC dalaS fehC

dalaS fehC

hciwdnaS nekcihC BB

irF

eertnE

lloR renniD

eertnE

dalaS fehC

eertnE

noM

eertnE

irF

nuB a no regrubeseehC

ecuaS eseehC

euT

eertnE

seippuP nroC nekcihC azziP regrubmaH

segdeW hsiF dedaerB eseehC ohcaN

eertnE sseltaeM

hciwdnaS buS yekruT

dna snaeB kcalB denosaeS

htiw skcitsdaerB deffutS eseehC

nuB a no yttaP feeB yrtnuoC

htiw lwoB eciR ati aF nekcihC

deW

eertnE

sregniF nekcihC dedaerB

u T

sdnuoR allitroT

niarG

nuB regrubmaH

nroC

spirtS reppeP deR hserF

tiurF

ecuaselppA

tiurF detrossA

otatoP dekaB

dalaS fehC eseehC

dalaS dessoT eniamoR

eertnE sseltaeM

eseehC & caM raddehC etihW

dalaS fehC

nuB a no yttaP kroP dedaerB

3202 REBMECED

sdnuoR allitroT htiw aslaS nroC & naeB kcalB

elbategeV

nroC

irF

eertnE

nuB a no yttaP kroP dedaerB

dalaS fehC

eertnE sseltaeM

eseehC & caM raddehC etihW

sdnuoR allitroT htiw aslaS nroC & naeB kcalB

dalaS fehC eseehC

dalaS dessoT eniamoR

elbategeV

spirtS reppeP deR hserF

tiurF

ecuaselppA

hcnuL /

tiurF detrossA

niarG

eertnE

nekcihC BB

eertnE

hciwdnaS nekcihC BB

irF lloR renniD sdnuoR allitroT nuB regrubmaH

azziP inoreppeP yekruT tsurC deffutS

& taeM ohcaN htiw sdnuoR allitroT

elbategeV

dalaS fehC eseehC

tiurF

ecuaselppA

tiurF detrossA

nuB regrubmaH

3202 REBMECED

Elementary Lunch

A11 December 2023 | Community News | Section A

December 2023 | Community News | Section A

A12

Governor unveils gift to Pershing, encourages bike education

It’s a lifelong skill that they’ll do forever, - Dana Wendelin

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen wore a smile as wide as the Grand Canyon as he rode a bicycle in Pershing Elementary School’s gym. Five kindergarten students who were gliding on bikes next to him had the same happy expressions on their faces. Pillen visited the school Nov. 8 to highlight the donation of 24 bikes to Pershing’s physical education program. The nonprofit Strider Education Foundation presented them to students as part of its All Kids Bike initiative. The foundation of Omaha-based engineering company HDR Inc. funded the Pershing gift through a donation to All Kids Bike. Pillen said he was energized by taking part in the bicycle presentation. He said there was nothing better than seeing the eyes of a child light up when receiving a gift. He felt it was critical to give them that type of confidence early in their lives. “What’s really important for Nebraskans to focus on is our kids,” Pillen said. “Kids are our future in Nebraska.” Dana Wendelin has taught physical education at Pershing for the past 21 years. He said students would begin their bicycling adventures Nov. 13. The Strider bikes are designed to ride smoothly on gym floors, which allows schools to hold lessons on a year-round basis. “I’m excited to get these kids going and watch them learn,” Wendelin said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.” Matt Avey, a health and physical education curriculum specialist at LPS, said he was intrigued when

he read an article several years ago about Washington, D.C.’s public education system. DC Public Schools wanted every student to learn how to ride a bike by the end of second grade. Avey felt a similar initiative could happen in Lincoln as well. LPS used previous grants from All Kids Bike to purchase bicycles for Fredstrom, Randolph and Rousseau elementary schools. Avey said the goal is to eventually have enough bikes to store at 10-12 LPS buildings. They could then be shared among all 41 elementary schools throughout the year. “If every kid learns how to ride a bike by first grade, that would be huge,” Avey said. Lauren Tadlock, public relations manager for All Kids Bike, said before the presentation that the bicycle initiative was making a difference for students. The HDR Foundation donation will cover the entire $6,000 cost of the program at Pershing. All kindergarten students will learn how to ride bikes through an eight-lesson unit in physical education classes. “It’s amazing to see the smiles on the kids’ faces,” Tadlock said. “It’s just the most amazing thing to see how they respond to this in every school. It really takes you back to the feeling when you first started riding a bike.” All Kids Bike was launched in 2018 with the goal of giving every child in the United States the chance to learn how to ride bicycles. It provides schools with Strider bikes, which initially come without pedals to help students learn how to properly balance on them.

Each donation also includes pedal-conversion kits, fully-adjustable helmets, a 20-inch instructional bike for teachers, equipment storage racks and a complete curriculum. Tadlock said the bikes at Pershing will last at least seven to ten years. Students learn basic concepts such as striding, leaning and maneuvering through turns during the first five lessons of the program. Pedals and kickstands are attached to each bike for the final part of the unit. Students learn how to pedal and pilot their bikes during the last three lessons. Pershing’s bicycles are part of a $150,000 donation from HDR Foundation. The organization provided money in December 2022 for 25 schools in ten states. The foundation added a $360,000 gift to All Kids Bike in September 2023. That grant will fund the learn-to-ride program at 40 schools in 16 states. Pershing students erupted in cheers when Pillen and representatives from HDR and All Kids Bike unveiled the bicycles behind purple and yellow gym mats. Wendelin first showed all students how to put on a helmet and get on a bike. Pillen and five students then joined him as they rode in a circle on one side of Pershing’s gym. Wendelin said he wanted to ensure that Pershing students would wear smiles while riding their bikes for many decades to come. “It’s a lifelong skill that they’ll do forever,” Wendelin said. “We want to teach them skills that they’re going to use in their futures.”