JANUARY 2024
Maxey families explore various world cultures with Heritage Night
Maxey Elementary School redefined the word jet-setter as its students and families traveled around the world in one night. The school hosted a heritage event allowing the Mustang community to explore various cultures, food and traditions in early November. Maxey third-grade student Nina and mother Laura Bartels, who also teaches English Language (EL) for the building, introduced attendees to Paraguay by sharing facts about the country, native foods and tea. “I think it’s awesome that they are open to learning new things, and I love it that we can share our heritage because I think it’s very important for all of us to know that type of stuff and all of us to carry on our heritage,” Nina said. “It’s a great opportunity to think about how we are around each other all the time and we don’t take time to sometimes share those details of our lives,” Bartels said. Maxey’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and EL teachers worked
hard over three months to try to create the premier traveling experience for guests. The school’s staff and its mascot greeted attendees by handing out passports while dressed as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) members. The world travelers received passport stamps each time they toured a new country — booths hosted by Maxey families.
from the Lincoln Asian Community and Culture Center.
“It was really fun to let them know about the country. It’s a proud moment,” PTO member and India booth host Rachana Jhala said. “Many of them want to visit India, so we were able to guide them. Most of them love our food. We are happy we were able to provide some food to them.” Jhala also helped chair the committee that planned the night.
“All families put tremendous effort to show their culture,” PTO committee co-chair Sibele Schafer said. “I was so thrilled. It warmed my heart seeing the interaction in each booth and the overall energy in the event.”
WHAT’S INSIDE:
“It felt amazing seeing everyone’s pride, joy, and excitement while celebrating and sharing their heritage with others,” Maxey EL Team leader Stephanie Gilb said.
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Wellness: Four secrets to a healthier 2024
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Lincoln TeamMates Steven and Brian: “A self you’ve never seen before”
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Sustainability at LPS: Transportation Spotlight
Approximately 40 families hosted booths representing more than 20 countries, including Brazil, Laos, Ukraine, Iran, Canada and the Czech Republic. The event even featured songs from a local mariachi band and dance performances
The last time Maxey held an event similar to its most recent Heritage Night was seven years ago. Event organizers mentioned Maxey’s diversity has grown since then, making now the perfect time to bring the cultural celebration back. They were astonished by its large turnout with about 400 people in attendance.
More than 680 students attend Maxey. Organizers believe events like these are essential to foster greater connections and community. “Community building is important to school culture because it encour-
ages positive feelings about school for both students and parents,” Maxey Principal Suzanne Reimers said. “Families will feel more connected and supportive when the school culture is warm, welcoming and inclusive to all. In return, students will have a better chance of being highly successful at school.” The Mustangs hope to host another Heritage Night next year.
SECTION A:
A10 Menus A12 Saratoga students leave their print by publishing animal research book
January 2024 | Community News | Section A
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NEBRASKA TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY Nebraska ebraskaTeacher Teacher Recognition Day is Tuesday,
Appreciation Day is March 5, 2024. It is1,time to It Tuesday, March 2022. say “Thank you” to a teacher is time to say “Thank You” who has made a difference. to a teacher who has The annual Thank You made a difference. Teacher contest gives The annual students andThank formerYou Teacherthe Contest gives students opportunity students and former to tell teachers they are students an opportunity appreciated. to tell teachers they Five teachers and the are appreciated. Five students who nominate them teachers and the students will be invited to a special who nominate them will breakfast at the Nebraska be invited to breakfast at Governor’s Mansion on the Governor’s Mansion on Tuesday, March 5. Wednesday, March 2. Send a written description of Send a written description how your teacher made a of how your teacher made difference in your life to: a difference in your life to:
Thank You Teacher Thank Teacher LincolnYou Public Schools Lincoln Public Schools Communication Services Communication Services Department Department 5905 O Street 5905 O Street Lincoln, NE 68510 Lincoln, NE 68510 You can also submit Or submit online at:at nominations online http://lps.org/go/recognize lps.org/go/recognize
Nominations Nominations must must be be received received 5 p.m.,31, 2024. by 5 p.m.,by January Friday, January 28, 2022.
Name School
Grade
Student’s Home Address Teacher’s Name
Teacher’s School
The Teacher I am nominating teaches: q Preschool - Grade 2 q Middle School q High School q Retired
q Grades 3 - 5
Sponsored by: KFOR/KFRX, Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln Education Association, and Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools
Four secrets to a healthier 2024 By Michelle Welch, RD, LMNT, LPS District Wellness
The start of a new calendar year is a terrific opportunity to consider some shifts in family lifestyle habits.
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
• Add the MyLink/MyLNK App to your devices. You will be amazed at all of the fantastic resources for your family on this well-coordinated everything you need in one place tool to improve your family’s life. The biggest resource it might give you is time—and much less of it wasted trying to search for our community resources. Everything from daycare openings, to food and medical resources, to calendars for events. It’s free, and a must-have for every family in Lincoln. • Build a smart grocery approach. With higher food prices, how you spend food dollars matters. Instead of getting grocery store delusions of cooking grandeur, keep it simple. Plan on utilizing sale ads as part of your grocery planning. If you grocery shop twice, for example, on weekends and Wednesdays, it may greatly cut down on food waste. It helps you to only shop 3-4 days ahead—and likely have better awareness of your family schedule. The top wasted fresh produce is bag salad, so think twice before buying and throwing away those greens time and time again. Frozen fruits and veggies are a bargain and may be a great option. • Consider new approaches to family time, devices and sleep. Devices, family time and sleep are endlessly linked. It is critical that we adults own being the caring rulemakers and enforcers. Set rules
and stick to them. Kids and adults both can easily get lost in screens. Screens love to rob us of both family connection and of precious sleep time. Especially if the holidays have added some new devices or allowed for more screen time than usual, it’s time to rein in the screen habits and set some firm and meaningful boundaries. Check with your cellular and Wi-Fi providers for parent controls that can help busy adults maintain consistency, even if distracted. Most importantly, put the devices away and ensure the little amount of face time adults have with our kids is both meaningful and modeling of better choices. As much as kids want screens, what they want most of all is face time with the people who love them. • Pay attention to the winter blues (and school success). Kids are impacted by the change in seasons just as we are. Finding ways to get some fresh air and move, get a little sunlight when we can and practice those habits that keep us feeling our best all matter. Use music, family fun nights and more to keep yourself and your kiddos on track. If kids need more social-emotional support, LPS counselors and social workers are only an email or phone call away and catching issues early is always best. Staying dialed in on how your kids are managing their learning challenges through Synergy may be a great tool to be aware of potential brewing issues. Together, we can continue building a brighter future for our kids and our community.
January 2024 | Community News | Section A
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LINCOLN TEAMMATES
Steven and Brian: “A self you’ve never seen before” Steven, a Lincoln High School sophomore, is clear about what he would tell a peer.
“He looked like he’d been doing it [mentoring] for years. It was very welcoming.”
“I’d tell them TeamMates is a great opportunity to put yourself out there, and basically build yourself up into somebody you’ve never seen before. You build up your own confidence and you make a friend along the way.”
Brian continued to listen and make time and space for Steven.
His journey began in fourth grade, when Steven’s parents, immigrants from Vietnam, encouraged their quiet son to try out TeamMates to see if it would make a difference. Brian, the mentor who has had the pride and pleasure of watching Steven grow and change, remembers the first impression he made on Steven. “He couldn’t believe how old I was,” laughs Brian. “He was just being honest. It was fine.” Steven remembers how comfortable Brian seemed meeting him.
“Early on, I could tell the playground wasn’t his thing. He was a more intellectual kid. Now, he’s found a crowd that he fits in with. We’ll sit there and a couple guys will come by and look at the chess board and say to me, ‘You’re toast.’” They both laugh, remembering. “Now, I can talk to a stranger,” says Steven, “and feel like ‘nothing is weird here.’ Brian has definitely helped my future self be less awkward and more welcoming.” Steven has applied for a UNL engineering internship for next summer. And, the change doesn’t stop when Steven leaves school. “I’m more comfortable having conversations at home too. I like to think that TeamMates was a big
factor in making me more open with my family, talking about my feelings more.” He laughs. “Maybe they predicted all of this!”
we’re going through this together. I’m really happy I didn’t let my weird middle school self stop this for me.”
Steven decides it’s the right time to share something with Brian he’s never shared.
Brian takes the clearly touched.
news
in,
“I appreciate glad too.”
man.
I’m
“At the end of eighth grade, I was deciding, ‘What do I do with TeamMates?’ I talked with my family and realized, I don’t want to drop this at all. That was a decision point —
that,
They already plan on having lunch together after graduation. “We’re friends for sure,” Brian says.
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
WHY FAFSA? LAUNCH YOUR COLLEGE CAREER. whyfafsa.org
January 2024 | Community News | Section A
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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
N I T E G on the
Registration opens
MARCH 2 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
er t Oth a h W re nts A e r a P g... n i y a S
2024 CAMP WEEKS June 3–7 June 10–14 June 17–21 June 24–28 July 8–12
We had an absolutely amazing experience! My kids begged to quit their other camps next year and just do Bright Lights.
BrightLights.org
Get Urgent Care at Your Convenience
IN-PERSON Urgent Care
ONLINE Urgent Care
3 locations across Lincoln & 1 location in Seward
With Bryan Health ezVisit
Walk in for care, or schedule an appointment in advance.
Learn more:
bryanhealth.org/get-urgent-care
Get care from the comfort of your home or on-the-go.
YMCA WINTER YOUTH PROGRAMS Youth program registration opens January 9 for Y Members!
JANUARY 29 - MARCH 10 Psst! YMCA Summer Day Camp registration is
NOW OPEN!
Swim Lessons | Dance | Gymnastics | Jr. Chefs Youth Wellness Classes | AND SO MUCH MORE! ymcalincoln.org
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.
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)
Call to schedule your appointment: 402-472-1333 unmc.edu/dentalservices | 40th & Holdrege St., Lincoln
for LPS 5th Grade Students
Saturday Science Application February 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th, 2024 • UNL • Jorgensen Hall Student’s Name: School: Parent’s Name: Address: Zip:
Phone:
Email:
JAECKS SATURDAY SCIENCE OPEN TO LPS 5th GRADE STUDENTS ONLY Four Saturdays in February 2024 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th at UNL Jorgensen Hall (City Campus) Morning and Afternoon Sessions Available
$40 per Student
Scholarships Available, Inquire at Your School
For More Information Contact:
Betsy Barent (402) 436-1802 Clarissa Marron (402) 436-1825
I hereby apply to have my child enrolled in Saturday Science classes. There will only be one session from 9:30-11:30 a.m. this year. I give permission for my child to be photographed during Saturday Science. q Yes q No Parent’s Signature:
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 20, 2024 Since there is a limited number of spaces, applications will be accepted as they arrive. A waiting list will be created if needed. If space remains applications will be accepted after this date.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE TO BE SENT TO: Betsy Barent, LPS Curriculum Department, P.O. Box 82889, Lincoln, NE 68501 Please enclose a check (made out to LPS) for $40 or cash.
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K-8 Breakfast ,
Lincoln's STEAM-learning Summer Adventure Weekly Camps from May 29 - August 2, 2024
REGISTRATION OPENING
IN FEBRUARY Learn more at SparkLincolnLearning.org
January 2024 | Community News | Section A
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Elementary Lunch
Secondary Lunch January 2024 | Community News | Section A
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January 2024 | Community News | Section A
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Saratoga students leave their print by publishing animal research book
Saratoga Elementary School’s library will soon feature a new book that has the names of its own students written all over it. Students in Kris Jenkins’ thirdgrade classroom found out Nov. 16 what it feels like to be published authors and illustrators. Students gathered in a circle and watched with anticipation as Jenkins opened the box of books. They wore bright smiles as they received the first copies of “Let’s Explore Animal Research: Mrs. Jenkins’ Class.” They held their treasured books with pride after spending many weeks researching, drawing and writing about all types of animals. Remy and Gideon both said they were happy to look through each colorful page of their books in class. They said it was fun to see all of their hard work displayed in print. “It’s great because I’ve never published a book before, and it’s exciting because a picture of mine was on the book that was published,” Gideon said. “I was really happy that I would finally get my book that I was waiting for a long time,” Remy said. Remy, Gideon and all of their classmates completed a book that featured animals ranging from pandas to blue jays to Persian cats. Jenkins said she was proud of her students for the enthusiastic way they approached the project. She said they
had eager attitudes during every step of the publication process. “I knew that they were going to have a lot of fun researching animals, and I thought to myself, ‘What can we do to keep this as a memory for them?’” Jenkins said prior to unveiling the books. “I thought, ‘Let’s publish a book,’ and the students all agreed when I asked them about it. They were really excited to start on it. Jenkins said the school district’s implementation of a new Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA)
there and talking. The students are actively learning, which is exciting for me to see as a teacher.” Jenkins first contacted a publishing company to see if it would be possible to bring the book idea to life. Students then began learning about the natural world in unit two of the CKLA curriculum. They discovered the difference between warm-blooded and cold-blooded creatures, what carnivores and herbivores are and what types of habitat various animals live in.
I think it gives the kids a real sense of accomplishment to see their work in a book. It’s something that they can keep with them the rest of their lives. - Kris Jenkins
curriculum series was a major factor in the decision to try publishing a book. The curriculum series provides many resources for students to access both in print and electronic forms. They were able to remotely visit the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., during the research phase of the project, and they used different writing tips to tell the tales of each animal. “The whole CKLA curriculum has just been so amazing,” Jenkins said. “It brings lessons from the whole world into the classroom without the students having to leave their seats. It’s not just me standing up
Jenkins gave each student the freedom to choose which animal they wanted to research. Gideon chose spider monkeys because he saw one at the zoo, and Remy picked pandas because they are her favorite animal. “I really like them,” Remy said. “They’re interesting.” Students discovered information about their animal and wrote a rough draft for Jenkins to look at. She provided helpful feedback to them about their first copies, and they used her guidance to refine their work for the final publication.
Students also used their research skills to create detailed drawings for the book. One picture of a koala showed it next to green eucalyptus leaves, and another drawing featured a blue jay perched in a tree on a sunny day. Remy proudly showed visitors her picture of a blackand-white panda smiling under a blue sky. Jenkins sent all of the stories and illustrations to the publishing company after they were completed. She learned in early November that the books were being shipped to Saratoga, and she received a full package of them in her classroom. Each student received their own copy of their work, and Saratoga’s library will also have a copy placed on the shelves. The cover page has a photo of the entire class with their individual drawings, and the inside cover features a “Meet the Authors” page. It includes copied signatures of each student in their own handwriting. Gideon said his first response was to smile when he saw how the book turned out, while Remy said with a grin that she would be putting her copy “in a safe place so no one can touch it.” Jenkins said those positive reactions were why she felt the publishing project was a success. “They know I’m proud,” Jenkins said. “They know I’m proud. It’s them being proud of themselves.”