March 2022 Community News by Lincoln Public Schools

MARCH 2022

READING OUR STORIES Lincoln Public Schools hosted the annual African American Read-In event on Feb. 9, featuring LPS staff, students and community members reading and performing excerpts from African American literature and sharing stories about the authors and their work. The hour-long event, held in conjunction with Lincoln City Libraries, explored African American history and the contributions of African Americans in the world of literature and the arts. It’s part of a nationwide literacy initiative during Black History Month, with similar events happening across the country.

WHAT’S INSIDE: Connect LPS See recent photos from schools and programs around the district, from chess tournaments to outdoor ukulele lessons and rock climbing with CLCs. Page A8 Looking for a book? Library Services offers reading recommendations for every level. Page A7 Unified music ‘The Elation’ music class at East pairs general and special education students for singing and dancing, to everyon’es benefit. Students describe the ‘life-changing experience.’ Page A16 Table of Contents Page A2

March 2022 | Community News | Section A

Winning and losing: Training kids to succeed at life

SECTION A: A3 TeamMates of the month: Pam and Rosie

By Michelle Welch, RD, LMNT, LPS District Wellness

A7 Looking for a book? A8 ConnectLPS A16 Unified music at East: ‘A life-changing experience’

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 Jason Keese, 436-1619; or Mindy Burbach, 436-1609; Lincoln Public Schools P.O. Box 82889 Lincoln, NE 68501-2889

Be it in talent, resources or what appears to be luck, there is always someone better off and worse off than you. How do we help our kids learn to strive while also being kind To truly become good sports in life? Show examples of people behaving well when both winning and losing. A few examples from food/ cooking shows are “Nailed It,” “Food Battles with Bobby Flay,” and the “Great British Bake Off,” which are each appropriate for family viewing. “Nailed It” features bakers given impossible tasks, trying and still having fun while making their disasters. On the opposite end, the British bakers are still given crazy tasks, but have practiced and have the skills to succeed, but are gracious when others do better. Pay attention to exposure to good and bad sportsmanship — in sports, on social media and in real life. School P.E./Health classes feature a focus on character, as does the YMCA youth leagues. As much as this is taught, kids are often surrounded by far more examples of bad behavior, often on display by peers and adults. In addition, explosive behavior is rewarded online and on TV, which accidentally teaches our kids that negative choices are not only acceptable, but can grant them status. When we see those around us making negative choices, talking through what might be a better reaction in situations can prove to be even more meaningful. Realize what we are modeling. How we interact with everyone from family members, to co-workers, to cashiers shows our kids how to act in everyday situa-

tions. In addition, communicating with your kids about why you are showing extra grace in tough situations will help them realize that is what your expectations are for them in their future. Talk about times you blew it. Humans aren’t perfect. Just as we talk through examples of when we’ve done well, admitting that we could have done better helps us not set our kids up for the unachievable expectation of perfection. Giving them examples of how you made it right after you blew it are tools they will certainly need in their emotional toolbox of resources. Demonstrate positive failing. That may sound confusing, but how we demonstrate the way to respond to a loss has huge implications for our kids. It could be how we react when we get a traffic ticket, stumble and fall, walk out of the house wearing two different shoes or a co-worker gains the position we wanted. Owning our choices, finding the humor in situations or demonstrating grace in loss are all lessons our kids are soaking up like sponges. Watch them act just as we did. Story-tell with your kids when situations present themselves. Can you share about times when you’ve been a gracious winner or loser in a competition? Rooted for a friend who won the spot you wanted? It’s not about pretending that losing doesn’t hurt. It absolutely does. Though, how you teach them to channel that hurt into perseverance can help build amazing adults for the future. Together, our efforts will help our kids be ready to take on the world with a positive approach.

2022-23 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION For children who are five years old by July 31, 2022

For parents not able to register online contact the school in your attendance area. During registration, the paperwork necessary for enrollment in Lincoln Public Schools will be completed. Child need not be present. When registering, you must bring your child’s: CERTIFIED BIRTH CERTIFICATE & CURRENT IMMUNIZATION RECORD Families who wish to have their child enroll at an LPS school outside of their attendance area should fill out a Special Attendance Permit which is available at any school or on our website. Questions about kindergarten registration should be directed to the school your child will attend.

March 2022 | Community News | Section A

February TeamMates of the Month

Pam and Rosie: Personal best Rosie says there are “too many words” to describe the friendship between her and her TeamMates mentor Pam. “I’ve never had a relationship like this ever before.” They have been meeting weekly since 2018, and now start off their weeks with a visit at Rosie’s school, Lincoln High. “It makes Monday mornings so much better to know we’re going to get to visit again,” said Pam. In their visits, you’ll often find them crafting or playing games, always deep in conversation. “We just do everything really. Anything we can get our hands on,” said Rosie. Their traditions are her favorite, especially making graham cracker dip and cards for Valentine’s Day. “Sometimes we just talk. Sometimes we’d say ‘Let’s talk and then we’ll play a game’ but sometimes we would never get to the game,” laughed Pam. “Some weeks I just need a little bit of an uplift and she’s just there to help me with that– making me laugh, smile, helping me if I need to talk,” said Rosie. “It’s just nice to know she’s there.” “It’s good to be able to bounce ideas off of each other or just hear what Rosie is going through and be able to put a little different spin on it, to figure out how to turn it into a learning opportunity or growing opportunity and make the most of it,” said Pam. A recurring theme in their discussions stems from a philosophy Pam has used with her own two children over the years. “Just be your personal best,”

has turned into the simple mantra “personal best” to remind Rosie to not put too much pressure on herself. “Rosie likes to take care of everybody else, so we’ve just talked about how you’ve got to take care of yourself first and do your personal best,” said Pam. “You can’t compare yourself to anybody else; You just do the best that you can do every day and she reminds me to do that, too.” Pam and Rosie agree Rosie’s caring nature and self-discipline opens up many future career options. At the moment, the 9th-grader is thinking about social work. “I feel like helping other people. Giving them something they might not have in life,” said Rosie, smiling at her mentor, “Being that special person for them.”

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SATURDAY MARCH 5 BrightLights.org

How are you feeling? We’ll get you on the right track

Mental health is a key part of your overall health. Bryan Mental Health Services offers an online screening for: • Depression • Anxiety • Alcohol use

• Bipolar disorder (manic depression) • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) • Psychosis

Take an online screening for yourself or someone you care about to learn more about your mental health.

Go to: bryanhealth.org/mental-health

My Companion

New Mental Health App for Youth My Companion is a helpful and positive mental health resource for youth in our community to help prevent suicide.

This app allows users to: • • • • •

Log daily reflections Input contacts who could be reached in an emergency Access resources Submit anonymous tips Easily reach hotlines

NOW OFFERING DRIVER EDUCATION CLASSES IN LINCOLN ONLINE CLASSES

Learn at your own pace, any time—accessible 24/7.

IN-PERSON CLASSES

Social distancing and directive health measures will be followed.

EDUCATING NEBRASKANS ACROSS THE STATE FOR OVER 35 YEARS REGISTER ONLINE AT UNK.EDU/DRED For more information go to unk.edu/dred or contact the driver’s education program at 308-865-8256.

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March 2022 | Community News | Section A

ConnectLPS Connect LPS

Here’s 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.

Park Middle School

Lincoln Southeast High School

“A huge thank you to these students for coming in on their day off school to work on the yearbook! We’re so proud to have such hard working students at Park.”

“We had some incredibly talented artists hanging out at Knight House doing Valentine’s Day portraits. #LSEStories #KnightPride”

Dawes Middle School

LPS Menus

“Dawes CLC rock climbing at UNL’s Outdoor Adventures Center.”

“Recently Elliott Elementary and Lincoln High kitchens served locally grown greens - kale, bib and red leaf lettuce. All were grown in a Freight Farm here in Lincoln and fresh picked the day before. That’s 24 hours from farm to table! #farmtoschool”

Science Focus Program

Elliott Elementary School

“SFP Chess Tournament was a success! We finished with some exciting matches - ending with a tiebreaker. Thanks all for participating!”

“Happy Valentine’s Day from Elliott Family Literacy childcare! #elliotthope #elliottproud”

YMCA SPRING YOUTH PROGRAMS Swim Lessons • Gymnastics • Dance • Jr. Chefs Homeschool Gym • Youth Wellness Classes • And More! YMCA Member Registration - March 8 | Community Member Registration - March 10

YMCA YOUTH SPORTS Jr. Huskers Baseball, Softball & Micro T-Ball Spring Baseball & Softball Training Spirit Competitive Softball League • Golf Sign up before March 31 and save $10!

ymcalincoln.org

Go to www.southeast.edu/lincolnchildcare/#camp to register!

choosescc.com

Be a “Growing” Family Planting and tending a garden provides your family with fresh and tasty food, sunshine, and great exercise.

LPS is hiring Lincoln Public Schools is still hiring bus drivers and bus paraeducators for the 2021-22 school year. Drivers and paras receive on-the-job, paid training, as well as up to $1000 in bonuses the first year. Both positions offer a stable salary and great benefits - but that’s not all. “These jobs really offer people a chance to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families.” said LPS Director of Transportation Ryan Robley. “You’ll be joining a committed team of professionals and working for a school district that not only cares about its children, but its employees, as well.” These are two of many job opportunities with LPS. Check LPS.org for more information.

HealthyLincoln.org Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln Made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Gardening Family Ad LPS.indd 1

2/15/22 1:11 PM

4 – 5 YEAR-OLDS May 31 - June 3

Summer Safari Week 1 • Session 1*

July 5 - 8

Summer Safari Week 1 • Session 2* June 6 - 10

Summer Safari Week 2 • Session 1

Summer Safari Week 6 • Session 2* July 11 - 14

Summer Safari Week 2 • Session 2 June 13 - 17

Summer Safari Week 3 • Session 1

Summer Safari Week 4 • Session 1

July 18 - 22

Summer Safari Week 5 • Session 1

Summer Safari Week 8 • Session 1 Summer Safari Week 8 • Session 2

July 25 - 29

Summer Safari Week 4 • Session 2 June 27 - July 1

Summer Safari Week 7 • Session 1 Summer Safari Week 7 • Session 2

Summer Safari Week 3 • Session 2 June 20 - 24

Summer Safari Week 6 • Session 1*

Summer Safari Week 9 • Session 1 Summer Safari Week 9 • Session 2

August 1 - 5

Summer Safari Week 10

July 5 - 8

Summer Safari Week 6 • Session 1*

Summer Safari Week 5 • Session 2

6 – 7 YEAR-OLDS May 31 - June 3

Summer Safari Week 1 • Session 1* Summer Safari Week 1 • Session 2*

June 6 - 10

Summer Safari Week 2 • Session 1

Summer Safari Week 6 • Session 2* July 11 - 14

Summer Safari Week 2 • Session 2 June 13 - 17

Summer Safari Week 3 • Session 1

Summer Safari Week 7 • Session 2 July 18 - 22

Summer Safari Week 3 • Session 2 June 20 - 24

Summer Safari Week 4 • Session 1

Summer Safari Week 5 • Session 1

Summer Safari Week 8 • Session 1 Summer Safari Week 8 • Session 2

July 25 - 29

Summer Safari Week 4 • Session 2 June 27 - July 1

Summer Safari Week 7 • Session 1

Summer Safari Week 9 • Session 1 Summer Safari Week 9 • Session 2

August 1 - 5

Summer Safari Week 10

July 5 - 8

Summer Safari Week 6 • Session 1*

Summer Safari Week 5 • Session 2

8 – 9 YEAR-OLDS May 31 - June 3

Summer Safari Week 1 • Session 1* Summer Safari Week 1 • Session 2*

June 6 - 10

Summer Safari Week 2 • Session 1

Summer Safari Week 6 • Session 2* July 11 - 14

Summer Safari Week 2 • Session 2 June 13 - 17

Summer Safari Week 3 • Session 1

Summer Safari Week 7 • Session 2 July 18 - 22

Summer Safari Week 3 • Session 2 June 20 - 24

Summer Safari Week 4 • Session 1

Summer Safari Week 5 • Session 1

Summer Safari Week 8 • Session 1 Summer Safari Week 8 • Session 2

July 25 - 29

Summer Safari Week 4 • Session 2 June 27 - July 1

Summer Safari Week 7 • Session 1

Summer Safari Week 9 • Session 1 Summer Safari Week 9 • Session 2

August 1 - 5

Summer Safari Week 10

Summer Safari Week 5 • Session 2

10 – 12 YEAR-OLDS May 31 - June 3

Summer Safari Week 1*

June 6 - 10

Summer Safari Week 2

June 13 - 17

Summer Safari Week 3

June 20 - 24

Summer Safari Week 4

June 27 - July 1

Summer Safari Week 5

July 5 - 8

Summer Safari Week 6

July 11 - 14

Summer Safari Week 7

July 18 - 22

Summer Safari Week 8

July 25 - 29

Summer Safari Week 9

August 1 - 5

Summer Safari Week 10

Register now to guarantee your spot at the wildest camp in town! Weekly•May 31 - Aug. 5•8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Zoo Camp presents Summer Safari! Each week-long Summer Safari 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 experiences, and fun at the Zoo.

Space is limited! Learn more & register at LincolnZoo.org

5 Day Camps: Zoo Members $249 | Non-Members $290 • *4 Day Camps: Zoo Members $200 | Non-Members $232 Camps accurate at time of publication. Please check LincolnZoo.org for the most up-to-date camp info.

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LSO GOES TO HOLLYWOOD LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS SATURDAY, MARCH 19 | 7:30PM EDWARD POLOCHICK | MUSIC DIRECTOR LINCOLNSYMPHONY.COM | (402)476-2211

March 2022 | Community News | Section A

A14

MARCH 2022

Breakfast / Belmont Elementary / Belmont Elementary

March Breakfast MONDAY

TUESDAY Breakfast Beef Sausage Sandwich Marshmallow Mateys Cereal Yogurt Grape Juice Fresh Banana

Cherry Frudel Froot Loops Cereal Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bar Orange Juice Applesauce Cup

No School

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Filled Pastry Froot Loops Cereal Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bar Orange Juice Applesauce Cup

Cherry Frudel Froot Loops Cereal Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bar Orange Juice Applesauce Cup

14 21

Peach Cobbler Biscuit Marshmallow Mateys Cereal Yogurt Grape Juice Mandarin Orange Cup

No School

Breakfast Beef Sausage Sandwich Marshmallow Mateys Cereal Yogurt Grape Juice Fresh Banana

Peach Cobbler Biscuit Marshmallow Mateys Cereal Yogurt Grape Juice Mandarin Orange Cup

WEDNESDAY

15 22

THURSDAY

Egg & Cheese on English Muf n Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Strawberry Oatmeal Bar Fruit Blend Juice Mixed Berry Cup

Cinnamon Crunchmania Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Strawberry Oatmeal Bar Fruit Blend Juice Mixed Berry Cup

No School

Egg & Cheese on English Muf n Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Strawberry Oatmeal Bar Fruit Blend Juice Mixed Berry Cup

Cinnamon Crunchmania Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Strawberry Oatmeal Bar Fruit Blend Juice Mixed Berry Cup

16 23

Strawberry Mini Bagels Frosted Flakes Cereal Apple Juice Strawberry Cup Nature Valley Oat Biscuits

Nacho Grande Meat with Cheese Sauce on Tortilla Rounds Country Beef Patty on a Bun Chef Salad Vegan Taco Meat with Fritos or Tortilla Cheese Chef Salad Refried Beans Shredded Lettuce & Diced Tomatoes Orange Wedges Diced Peaches Tortilla Rounds Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll

Breaded Chicken Nuggets Mexi Pizza Chef Salad Chik'n Nuggets Cheese Chef Salad Crinkle Fries Romaine Tossed Salad Apple Wedges Pineapple Tidbits Cinnamon Roll

No School

Corn Puppies Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Sunbutter and Jelly Sandwich Cheese Stick Savory Carrots Apple Wedges Pineapple Tidbits Hamburger Bun

Chicken Tenders Salisbury Steak Chef Salad Chik'n Nuggets Cheese Chef Salad Whipped Potatoes Beef Gravy Romaine Tossed Salad Apple Wedges Pineapple Tidbits Dinner Roll

14 21

Taco Meat on Flour Tortilla with Shredded American Cheese Ultimate Meat Pizza Chef Salad Chickpea & Cauli�ower Taco on Flour Tortilla Cheese Chef Salad Refried Beans Romaine Tossed Salad Orange Wedges Diced Peaches Soft Flour Tortilla Dinner Roll

No School

Stuffed Crust Turkey Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joe on a Bun Chef Salad Black Bean Burger Cheese Chef Salad Baked Beans Romaine Tossed Salad Orange Wedges Diced Peaches Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll

15 22

WEDNESDAY Orange Chicken on Rice Hamburger Pizza Chef Salad Chana Masala with Brown Rice Cheese Chef Salad Sweet Green Peas Romaine Tossed Salad Fresh Banana Applesauce Rice Dinner Roll Brownie Bar

BBQ Chicken Turkey Hot Dog on a Bun Chef Salad Veggie Pizza Cheese Chef Salad Savory Carrots Romaine Tossed Salad Fresh Banana Applesauce Dinner Roll Hot Dog Bun

No School

Hot Turkey Ham & Cheese Sandwich Chef Salad Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks with Marinara Sauce Cheese Chef Salad Golden Corn Romaine Tossed Salad Mandarin Oranges Applesauce Dinner Roll

Orange Chicken on Rice Hamburger Pizza Chef Salad Chana Masala with Brown Rice Cheese Chef Salad Sweet Green Peas Romaine Tossed Salad Fresh Banana Applesauce Rice Dinner Roll Brownie Bar

No School

Mini French Toast Frosted Flakes Cereal Apple Juice Strawberry Cup Nature Valley Oat Biscuits

Strawberry Mini Bagels Frosted Flakes Cereal Apple Juice Strawberry Cup Nature Valley Oat Biscuits

Breakfast Bites Cocoa Puffs Cereal Apple Cinnamon Nutrigrain Bar Assorted Juice Raisins

Mini Cinnis Cocoa Puffs Cereal Apple Cinnamon Nutrigrain Bar Assorted Juice Raisins

No School

Breakfast Bites Cocoa Puffs Cereal Apple Cinnamon Nutrigrain Bar Assorted Juice Raisins

MARCH 2022

March Elementary Lunch

TUESDAY

Mini French Toast Frosted Flakes Cereal Apple Juice Strawberry Cup Nature Valley Oat Biscuits

Lunch / Belmont Elementary / Belmont Elementary MONDAY

FRIDAY

16 23

THURSDAY Rotini and Meat Sauce Chef Salad Grilled Cheese Sandwich Lentil Pasta with Marinara Sauce Cheese Chef Salad Baby Carrots Romaine Tossed Salad Assorted Fruit Diced Pears Rotini Noodles Garlic Bread

Fish Sticks Stuffed Crust Cheese Pizza Green Beans Mandarin Oranges Diced Pears Breadstick

No School

Creamed Turkey Chef Salad Cheesy French Bread Pizza Cheese Chef Salad Whipped Potatoes Poultry Gravy Romaine Tossed Salad Assorted Fruit Diced Pears Dinner Roll

Rotini and Meat Sauce Chef Salad Grilled Cheese Sandwich Lentil Pasta with Marinara Sauce Cheese Chef Salad Baby Carrots Romaine Tossed Salad Assorted Fruit Diced Pears Rotini Noodles Garlic Bread

17 24

FRIDAY Sausage Links BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich Chef Salad French Toast Sticks Cheese Sticks Cheese Chef Salad Golden Corn Romaine Tossed Salad Blueberries with Whipped Topping Mixed Fruit Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll

Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun White Cheddar Mac & Cheese Steamed Broccoli Assorted Fruit Mixed Fruit Hamburger Bun Assorted Dessert Chocolate Frosted Cake

No School

Popcorn Chicken Beef & Bean Burrito Chef Salad Bean & Cheese Burrito Cheese Chef Salad Green Beans Romaine Tossed Salad Blueberries with Whipped Topping Mixed Fruit Biscuit

18 25

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March 2022 | Community News | Section A

MARCH 2022

Lunch / East High / East High

March Secondary Lunch MONDAY

TUESDAY Nacho Grande Meat with Cheese Sauce and Tortilla Rounds Country Beef Patty on a Bun Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Vegan Taco Meat with Fritos or Tortilla Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Refried Beans Shredded Lettuce & Diced Tomatoes Orange Wedges Diced Peaches Tortilla Rounds Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll Breadstick

Breaded Chicken Nuggets Mexi Pizza Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Chik'n Nuggets Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Crinkle Fries Romaine Tossed Salad Apple Wedges Pineapple Tidbits Frosted Cinnamon Roll Hamburger Bun Jalapeno Cornbread

No School

Corn Puppies Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Sunbutter and Jelly Sandwich Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Savory Carrots Apple Wedges Pineapple Tidbits Hamburger Bun Jalapeno Cornbread

Chicken Tenders Buffalo Chicken Tenders Salisbury Steak Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Chik'n Nuggets Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Whipped Potatoes Beef Gravy Romaine Tossed Salad Apple Wedges Pineapple Tidbits Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun Breadstick

14 21

Taco Meat on Flour Tortilla with Shredded American Cheese Ultimate Meat Pizza Nebraska Bun Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Chickpea & Cauli�ower Taco on Flour Tortilla Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Refried Beans Romaine Tossed Salad Orange Wedges Diced Peaches Soft Flour Tortilla Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun Jalapeno Cornbread

No School

Stuffed Crust Turkey Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joe on a Bun Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Black Bean Burger Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Baked Beans Romaine Tossed Salad Orange Wedges Diced Peaches Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll Breadstick

Nacho Grande Meat with Cheese Sauce and Tortilla Rounds Country Beef Patty on a Bun Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Vegan Taco Meat with Fritos or Tortilla Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Refried Beans Shredded Lettuce & Diced Tomatoes Orange Wedges Diced Peaches Tortilla Rounds Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll Breadstick

WEDNESDAY

15 22

Orange Chicken on Rice Hamburger Pizza Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Chana Masala with Brown Rice Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Sweet Green Peas Romaine Tossed Salad Fresh Banana Applesauce Rice Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun Breadstick

BBQ Chicken Turkey Hot Dog on a Bun Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Veggie Pizza Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Savory Carrots Romaine Tossed Salad Fresh Banana Applesauce Dinner Roll Hot Dog Bun Hamburger Bun Jalapeno Cornbread

No School

Hot Turkey Ham & Cheese Sandwich Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks with Marinara Sauce Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Golden Corn Romaine Tossed Salad Mandarin Oranges Applesauce Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun Breadstick

THURSDAY

16 23

Rotini and Meat Sauce Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Lentil Pasta with Marinara Sauce Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Baby Carrots Romaine Tossed Salad Tomato Soup Assorted Fruit Diced Pears Rotini Noodles Garlic Bread Hamburger Bun Breadstick

Fish Sticks Baked Lasagna Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Stuffed Crust Cheese Pizza Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Green Beans Mandarin Oranges Diced Pears Breadstick Hamburger Bun Jalapeno Cornbread

No School

Creamed Turkey Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Cheesy French Bread Pizza Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Whipped Potatoes Poultry Gravy Romaine Tossed Salad Assorted Fruit Diced Pears Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun Breadstick

FRIDAY

17 24

Sausage Links BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza French Toast Sticks Cheese Sticks Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Golden Corn Romaine Tossed Salad Blueberries w/ Whipped Topping Mixed Fruit Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll Breadstick

Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza White Cheddar Mac & Cheese Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Steamed Broccoli Assorted Fruit Mixed Fruit Hamburger Bun Jalapeno Cornbread

No School

Popcorn Chicken Beef & Bean Burrito Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Bean & Cheese Burrito Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Green Beans Romaine Tossed Salad Blueberries w/ Whipped Topping Mixed Fruit Biscuit Hamburger Bun Breadstick

18 25

March 2022 | Community News | Section A

A16

Unified music at East: ‘A life-changing experience’ This year Lincoln East High School started a unified music class, which pairs special education and general education students. They sing together, they listen to music together, they get crazy and dance together. But this class goes well beyond music. “We’ve all developed a relationship with each other and I didn’t realize this was going to be such an important part of my life,” said senior general education student Claire Ehlers. “But now unified music has become something that I really love and I know a lot of other students in the class feel the same way…genuinely this is a life-changing experience.” Students coined a name for the class - Elation. At first it was simply intended as an alliterate extension of the three East show choir groups - Express, Elegance and Elevation. Students had special Elation t-shirts made and on the back it includes their motto: “Crazy. Happy. Proud. Fun!” “I would say that pretty much sums up every day,” Ehlers said. Elation class member and junior special education student Analise Breton embodies this motto. She can barely contain her happiness when asked why she likes going to Elation. “I like it and I like seeing everybody in class. I get excited,” said Breton, who’s also known as one of the top performers during the “dance party” portion of the class. The class’s teacher is Aaron Zart, now in his third year at East. When he first ar-

rived he taught an adaptive music class, which offered a musical opportunity for students with special needs but did not include general education students. He admits he was a bit intimidated because he had never taught a class like that. It quickly became his favorite and that feeling has only intensified since it transitioned to a unified class. “I know that every day, fourth period, I get to go and see some of the coolest people at East High School,” he said. “And I get to learn more about them, learn more about music but also learn more about myself.” Zart said the class is obviously about music “about giving students the opportunity to experience music.” But like Ehlers and Breton said, it’s so much more. It provides meaningful relationship-building opportunities. “Every Monday we start with ‘how are you, how was your weekend,’ and I’m hearing stories about students in our Life Skills programming going to movies, hanging out and going to Paint Yourself Silly with our general education students,” he said. “It’s another person to interact with in the hallway and say hi to - another connection.” During a recent class, all of the students practiced singing “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash. Most of them also performed the song through sign language. It's gonna be a bright, bright Bright, bright sunshiny day “Elation,” said Zart, “that’s what we do.”