February 2024 Community News by Lincoln Public Schools

FEBRUARY 2024

Student teacher honors Lakeview kindergarten class during UNL graduation ceremony ploma on Dec. 16. When they heard she would be in a graduation ceremony, they wanted to come support her because they liked and respected her. Their faces fell when they learned they would not be unable to attend the ceremony. Blake then came up with a happy compromise. They could sign her shoes so they could be with her during every step of her graduation walk.

Teaching is my passion and working with students and helping them grow to their fullest potential is what I strive to accomplish

every

day!

- Crandall Blake

Kindergarten students at Lakeview Elementary School may not have walked a mile in Crandall Blake’s shoes this month, but they were able to do the next-best thing. Blake wore shoes that showcased the names of every member of Cameron Mettenbrink’s kindergarten class at her University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduation ceremony. She wanted to make sure her young friends could symbolically walk across the stage with her. Blake formed close connections with Mettenbrink’s class throughout her time as a student teacher at Lincoln Public Schools. She said prior to the Dec. 16 ceremony that it would be an honor to include them in her special day. “Knowing my students are ‘with me’ as I graduate is such a heartwarming feeling,” Blake said. “These kids have truly molded and created a special place in my heart, and I am tearing up even thinking about all the things they will succeed in in the future and all the adventures they will have in their lives. This group of students has taught me more than I could ever teach them.” Holden, Lillian and Bella smiled as they gathered around a table and wrote their names on Blake’s hightop sneakers with colorful markers. The shoes included signatures of all 23 kindergarteners. Holden said he enjoyed working on the one-of-akind graduation present. “It was really fun,” Holden said. “Hopefully she’s happy with the shoes.”

A Kansas native, Blake grew up in both Wichita and Overland Park and graduated from Blue Valley Southwest High School. She was active in many journalism projects in high school and was planning to pursue a broadcasting career at UNL. One of her high school highlights was qualifying for a national broadcasting contest in Seattle. Even though television was her top priority when she signed up for classes, Blake was familiar with the education field. One of her cousins is a teacher in Kansas and her aunt has worked as a school secretary for many years. Her future path changed soon after she arrived in Lincoln. Blake learned about the Community Learning Centers (CLC) program at Lakeview and thought it would be fun to help children there. The new plans for her life fell into place when she saw their smiles. “I had gone to UNL as a broadcasting major but I knew it wasn’t right,” Blake said. “I took the job at the Lakeview CLC to try it out. I knew I liked working with kids and supporting them, so I thought it could be an easy test run to see if teaching was something I was interested in. “After a few weeks, I remember standing on the playground with my CLC students and it clicked in my head that teaching was what I wanted to do. I haven’t looked back or regretted my decision since. Teaching is my passion and working with students and helping

them grow to their fullest potential is what I strive to accomplish every day!” Her time working with LPS students this fall proved to be everything she had hoped for. Mettenbrink, who served as Blake’s cooperating teacher, said he was impressed with the way she supervised and encouraged everyone. “Miss Blake is the type of teacher kids will remember with fond memories when they look back on their educational journey,” Mettenbrink said. “Miss Blake is the first student teacher I have had the honor of working with and I couldn’t have asked for more. She possesses all the qualities of a teacher that you simply can’t teach to someone. She is passionate, isn’t afraid to work hard, loves kids and understands that each one is unique. “Miss Blake has the type of personality that would make her great at whatever she chose to do. I’m glad she chose to teach.” Brink said she felt the same way about Mettenbrink. “He is truly one of the best teachers I have ever met,” Brink said. “He is so thoughtful in everything he does for his students, and he is always thinking three steps ahead on what he can do to best support his students. He is a teacher I strive to be like!” Blake knew she would finish her student-teaching journey on Dec. 1, and she told the class in late November she would receive her di-

Blake ensured those LPS-based bonds remained strong when she returned to Lakeview Dec. 13. Every student created a personalized award certificate for her, and several of them wanted to sign the sneakers a second time. Students like Cianna said they were glad to see Blake in class again. “She helps me learn,” Cianna said. Blake was grateful to know the handwritten shoes would always be a reminder of their presence in her life. “I enjoyed getting to work with a multitude of different learners from different backgrounds while student teaching at Lakeview,” Blake said. “Lakeview serves a diverse community and getting to work with learners from all backgrounds was truly a gift.” Blake returned to Lincoln Public Schools in January as a first-grade teacher at McPhee Elementary School.

WHAT’S INSIDE: SECTION A: A2

Community Awareness Event: Keeping Current – Youth Vaping and Mental Health

TeamMates of the Month: Tracy and Anna

Sustainability at LPS: Garden gathering

Looking for a book?

Wellness: Love is...

Connect LPS

A11 Menus A12 Morley student connects global community through flag mural

February 2024 | Community News | Section A

Community Awareness Event: Keeping Current – Youth Vaping and Mental Health 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) and Region V Systems to put on valuable community presentations about how to support the health and well-being of our community’s youth.

Please join us for this upcoming event: Keeping Current: Youth Vaping and Mental Health Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Lincoln Medical Education Partnership Vrbka Classrooms 4600 Valley Road (Entrance 1, first floor)

Vaping poses significant health risks to our youth. While youth may start vaping for a variety of reasons, a large number of young people vape nicotine or marijuana to lessen feelings of stress, anxiety or depression. When better coping skills are developed, there may be fewer temptations to try to manage mental health challenges through vaping, reducing the possibility of addiction and the risk of negative health outcomes.

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

Lindsay Brundege, a therapist with Jenda Family Services, will discuss: • Nicotine/marijuana and their impact on the developing brain

absence of COVID-19 at these events.

Community News is a publication of

• Addiction and the brain, and why it’s difficult to “just stop”

Lincoln Public Schools. If you have any questions about this publication please

• Why teens vape

contact Marlenia Thornton, 436-1619; or Mindy Burbach, 436-1609;

• Vaping and mental health concerns

Lincoln Public Schools P.O. Box 82889

• How parents, adults and professionals can help

Lincoln, NE 68501-2889

• Resources available to support teens’ mental health and substance use Please contact Abbe Edgecombe, SCIP Coordinator for Lincoln-Lancaster County, for questions at (402) 3276841 or aedgecombe@lmep.com.

YMCA CAMP KITAKI WHERE THE MAGIC NEVER ENDS...

Registration is now open for Summer 2024! UPCOMING CAMPOUTS Cabin Fever | February 9-10 Think your kids have what it takes to solve a mystery? Then this Clue-themed campout is for them! They’ll put their detective skills to work, make new friends, and have tons of fun! For ages 7-14.

Masterpiece Arts Weekend | February 23-25 Campers will have the opportunity to choose art projects from many different disciplines throughout the weekend! Plus, options for field trips, meeting with local artists, and competing in restaurant wars! For ages 10-15.

March Madness | March 15-17 Are you ready for an adventure? Join us for a Choose Your Own Adventure themed camp out. Get your gear together and come meet new friends, make choices to plan your camp experience, and prepare to have some fun! For ages 7-14.

DON’T FORGE T ABOUT YMC A SUMMER DAY C A M P S ! Learn more at ym

calincoln.org/s ummerdaycam p.

ymcacampkitaki.org | 14917 East Park Hwy | Louisville, NE 68037

February 2024 | Community News | Section A

TeamMates of the Month

Tracy and Anna: “Giving and Gaining” Anna discovered TeamMates when someone nominated her to be matched with a mentor. “I was having a hard time with a situation my sister was going through,” Anna said. “My counselor recommended TeamMates. I decided to give it a try.” Ready to answer that call for a mentor was Tracy, a former teacher at Anna’s current high school. However, they met in middle school. It was when they started working on a puzzle that Tracy felt their relationship deepen. “The puzzle was a good distractor, a good way to feel more comfortable.” The chance to meet regularly with an adult who cares is something that matters to Anna. “The only other adult I can really have a conversation with is my mom. But, nobody else will come and talk to me like I do with Tracy.”

Tracy knows their relationship is a two-way street. She learns from Anna, who she describes as optimistic and adventurous. “Nothing ever seems to get her down. She might say, ‘This is happening, and it’s less than ideal,’ but she’s okay. When she went from middle school to high school, she wanted to explore!” Anna credits Tracy with providing needed kindling for her adventurous spirit. “If I need help, Tracy’s there. She gives me good advice for homework, questions about anything, even things at home. She always knows what to say.” Tracy is moved by Anna’s strong endorsement. “Wow. That’s a lot. I didn’t know that.” She wants to be there for Anna because she was given that gift. Anna has learned from Tracy not to give up.

“A lot of the things I would try, and think, ‘Well I don’t think I can because…’ And Tracy would say, ‘There’s a, b, c, and d you can also try.’ And I would try them and sometimes I would still fail but most of the time, those other ideas worked.” The pair has discovered shared passions. When Anna decided to go out for cross country, she learned that Tracy had too. When Tracy talked about holiday decorating, Anna

revealed that she loves decorating and has a little Christmas tree in her bedroom, just as Tracy did growing up. Tracy knows what she would tell another adult thinking about becoming a TeamMate. “If you’re looking for a way to make a difference one hour a week and benefit yourself, TeamMates is it.”

VISIT DAYS!

SPRING DISCOVERY DAYS

SPRING CAREER DAYS

BEATRICE CAMPUS

LINCOLN CAMPUS

Feb. 12 & March 26

LINCOLN CAMPUS March 8 & April 15

• Careers in Technology Day Discovery Days are from 9:30 a.m. Feb. 7, 9 am-2 pm to 1:15 p.m. • Careers in Healthcare Days: Lunch provided!

MILFORD CAMPUS March 1 & April 8

Go to southeast.edu/VisitSCC to learn more!

March 21 & 22, 9 am-2 pm

MILFORD CAMPUS

• Powersports Career Expo: Feb. 6, 5-7 pm • Careers in Transportation Day: Feb. 20, 9 am-2 pm

February 2024 | Community News | Section A

Abdul’s Story

By Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, Illustrated by Tiffany Rose

Lia Park and the Missing Jewel By Jenna Yoon

Wings in the Wild By Margarita Engle

Department of Oral Biology MSIA Master’s Thesis Defense

Healthy Smiles for Everyone

Now Accepting New Patients! At the UNMC College of Dentistry in Lincoln, we offer affordable, comprehensive pediatric dental care. Trust your child’s smile to us. Our compassionate team is specially trained to provide the most positive dental experience for all children.

Call to schedule your appointment: 402-472-1333 unmc.edu/dentalservices | 40th & Holdrege St., Lincoln

Reduced fees: We offer reduced fees compared to regional dental fees, making high-quality dental care more accessible to all. Insurance we accept: Ameritas Blue Cross Blue Shield MCNA Dental (Nebraska Medicaid)

February 2024 | Community News | Section A

Learn more at lincolnzoo.org

the wildest camp in town is coming soon! Each week-long Zoo Camp session gives campers the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes, talk with zookeepers, and meet some of their favorite animal friends. Every day is a new adventure full of interactive learning opportunities, educational activities, and fun at the Zoo.

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CornhuskerCouncil.org/LPS 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

February 2024 | Community News | Section A

Love is… By Michelle Welch, RD, LMNT District Wellness Facilitator

How do we teach our kids about love—both for themselves and for others? Teaching self-care. Health classes do much to start this conversation, but your student benefits greatly from seeing lessons come to life at home. Focus on food, hydration, fitness, sleep and social-emotional wellness. They all help to make the world a better, more loving place. Breaking with tradition. If you grew up with a specific interest like music or sports, you likely hope that your kids will fall in love with that activity. However, their world contains activities that we couldn’t have dreamed of as kids. Love them by giving them the freedom to choose what really excites them, while also having them sample some of your favorite ways to play. Take time to learn about new interests so that you can stay connected and grow together.

Being a coach instead of a friend. Our kids need us as coaches who can see around corners and help them live their best lives. We all want to be liked, but the truest part of adulting is being okay with having those coaching moments when holding to the limits and boundaries that aren’t loved by our children. Those moments are tough, but they pass. Some kids press against boundaries more than others, though likely need them even more to feel safe and loved. Thank you on their future behalf for not caving to their every protest. It does them no favors. Utilizing positive mirror talk. What do our kids witness in how we talk to ourselves? Do you see it reflected in how they look at themselves? Teaching our kids that being themselves is awesome and enough. This is a critical message for them. However, they will only take it to heart if they see us doing the same.

Helping them find love and kindness. Our current K-12 crew is still recovering from a slight deficit in social-emotional growth due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Keep helping them find ways to highlight patience, love, understanding and kindness. Share enthusiasm when you see positive interactions. It helps reinforce this choice for themselves. Consider doing volunteer activities as a family. It can create natural momentum for a purpose-driven, positive outlook. Being supportive and teaching them to support themselves. We adults do so much for our kids, almost too much at times. This can keep them from building this critical life skill of self-love. Keep finding little ways to help them find positive approaches to using their voice to build a better future. Keep looking for great ways to catch them being good. If you join us in these efforts, together we will keep building a positive future for our community.

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.

Mickle Middle School - Facebook

Lincoln High School - Instagram

“Just before break, Mickle students finished the 225 Rubik cube mosaic picture for the semester.”

“Students in Mrs. Becher and Ms. Ness’ co-taught pre algebra class and Mr. Thornton-Kolbe’s geometry class participated in community building activities to kick off the semester today! #GoLinks”

N I T GE on the

Registration opens

MARCH 2 Hands-on learning experiences for K-8th grade students

8:00 AM

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 r Othe What and ts Paren ssistants A Camp ing . . . ay Are S

2024

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

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

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

BrightLights.org

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4202 YRAURBEF

K-5 LUNCH

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deW 2

deW 02

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euT 5

euT 21

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Secondary Lunch

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uRT 1

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K-5 LUNCH

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irF 1

irF 8

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Elementary Lunch

February 2024 | Community News | Section A

A11

February 2024 | Community News | Section A

A12

Morley student connects global community through flag mural

Ethan’s love of geography has made Room 107 a popular place for everyone at Morley Elementary School to visit this semester. The second-grade student designed and installed a large mural of world flags on a classroom wall for all to see. The project features handcrafted paper flags from 168 countries with intricate emblems and details. Ethan said he is glad he decided to make the mural. He wanted to share his passion for social studies with all of his classmates and friends.

I just really like geography and all of the flags, - Ethan

“I just really like geography and all of the flags,” Ethan said. “I thought it would be cool to make all of them and put them up on a wall.” Tara Zuspan, the school’s gifted curriculum facilitator, said Ethan’s project has connected Morley students from all backgrounds and grade levels. Room 107 includes several large windows that open up to the school’s main hallway, which have made the mural attractive to look at. “Many students at Morley who are from other countries or have family ties to other countries have come to Ethan to inquire about the flags and learn more about them,” Zuspan said. “Unknowingly, he has brought many people together within our community.”

Second-grade teacher Kate Athey said Ethan’s generous attitude has made a major difference at Morley. She said he has passed along information to his classmates in a kind and caring way. “Ethan does a really good job of sharing his knowledge with others without making them feel less than,” Athey said. “He truly is the nicest kid. He’s always looking to build others up and make them feel good. That’s something that’s really neat.” Ethan’s mother Lisa said the spark for her son’s love of geography came when the family watched the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in 2021. He became fascinated with the people, flags and cultures that represented each country. “As he watched the athletes walk through the stadium, each group carried their nation’s flag and the country name was listed on the TV screen,” she said. “I don’t think he knew there were so many countries in the world. He asked questions about the countries and their flags, so we pulled out our atlas. He just poured over the pages.” Ethan remained interested after the Olympics ended. He learned Oman is the only nation that starts with the letter O, India has the largest population (1.428 billion) and 98.3 percent of Bhutan is covered with mountains. Ethan took the next step on his geography journey by working on the mural. He relied on a Lincoln Pub-

lic Schools computer application to find high-resolution displays of each flag, and he used colorful markers to draw precise images.

past versions of Afghanistan’s flag. He then used string to link the older flags with the current pattern on the wall.

Athey, Zuspan and Ethan’s reading mentor Mevi Hova watched in awe as he built the mural flag by flag. Afghanistan, Albania and Algeria are in the top-lefthand corner, and Zambia and Zimbabwe are featured on the opposite end.

“When my friend Ethan made the Afghanistan flag, I learned that it had changed several times in its history like the American flag, so I wanted to help design the older flags,” Rahil said. “It’s been really fun to look at all of the flags and learn about the different cultures. He’s done a really great job with this.”

Ethan has also kept the wall updated and accurate. He took down the flag of Kyrgyzstan when he learned in late November that the country’s parliament had voted to change its design. His Kyrgyzstan flag now features a question mark on a plain background. “It was amazing to see how focused he was with this,” Hova said. “It took a lot of time and effort, and most kids his age would probably spend a little bit of time on it and then move on to something else. He didn’t do that. He would come in and work on it continuously, which was really impressive to see.” Ethan has also been willing to share the project’s spotlight. Fifth-grade student Turuok is from South Sudan and has known Ethan for several years through Morley’s “flock friend” mentoring program. Ethan enthusiastically agreed when Turuok asked if he could create a flag of his home country for the wall. Rahil, whose family is from Afghanistan, became excited when he saw his classmate and friend make the mural. Rahil researched and drew

“Ethan is such a humble and great kid,” Zuspan said. “He truly believes that this isn’t just his project. He wants this to be a project the whole school can contribute to. I think it’s going to be neat to see where it goes from here.” Ethan would one day like to visit the Republic of Maldives, where “the white sand is right next to the bluest water.” One place closer to home on his travel list is Ethan, S.D., a small city 13 miles south of Mitchell. “I think it would be fun to go to a town that has the same name,” Ethan said with a smile. Zuspan said she feels the wall of world flags will help other Morley students pursue their own educational goals. “I’m so proud of what Ethan has done,” Zuspan said. “He’s doing so many good things for other people.”