March 2023 Community News

National Blue Ribbon awards

Humann and Adams elementary schools rolled out the blue carpet to celebrate their national honors.

The U.S. Department of Education named the two LPS schools as National Ribbon Schools in 2022. The schools are chosen based on overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

“I applaud all the honorees for the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award for creating vibrant, welcoming and affirming school communities where students can learn, grow, reach their potential and achieve their dreams,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said.

Students, former educators, families and dignitaries packed into the schools to recognize the hard work it took to achieve this special award.

“We are a good school because we have such great teachers. We have amazing teammates to help guide us to success in learning and playing. Humann Elementary is a good environment where people focus on the kind and positive side of life,” Humann student Mason said.

“Adams is such a great community to be a part of. It's fantastic to work in a building where students are excited to learn. Teachers are excited to teach. The administration is involved and supportive, and parents are partners in both learning and fun,” Adams first grade

teacher Stacy Steffensmeier said.

The celebrations featured special presentations like songs from the school’s choirs, creative videos and speeches from guests, including LPS Superintendent Paul Gausman, Board members Lanny Boswell and Kathy Danek and past administrators.

“It’s an honor any time a school is recognized nationally for their work and dedication to student achievement,” said LPS Superintendent Paul Gausman. “In Lincoln Public Schools we get the honor of not having just one, but two of our schools showcased at the national level for their work in pushing through challenges and succeeding when it comes to student achievement. On behalf of my team and the Board of Education, congratulations to Adams and Humann elementary schools staff, students and families.”

Lincoln Public Schools had two of the five Nebraska schools earning National Blue Ribbon awards in 2022. Adams and Humann elementary schools become the ninth and tenth LPS schools to be named a Blue Ribbon School in the 39-year history of the recognition. Other LPS schools honored were Lux Middle School (2021); Pyrtle Elementary School (2020); Rousseau Elementary School (2018); Riley Elementary School (2011); Norwood Park Elementary School (2012); Southeast High School (1988); Lincoln East Junior and Senior High School (1983); and Lincoln High School (1983).

UPCOMING: CAREER ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE

Your student is invited to test drive their future with The Career Academy (TCA).

TCA is a partnership between Lincoln Public Schools and Southeast Community College (SCC). It gives high school juniors and seniors a chance to take specific career pathways courses while earning credits from LPS and SCC!

Your scholar can choose from more than a dozen career pathways ranging from business entrepreneurship to construction– immersing themselves in the field now.

The Career Academy invites you and your student to take the next step and explore The Career Academy during a special open house on Sunday, March 26, 1 - 3 p.m. at TCA’s 8800 O St facility.

TCA is also hosting three virtual sessions before the event.

Below are the details.

• March 21 6:30 p.m.

• March 22 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

• March 23 6:30 p.m.

You can also discover more about The Career Academy by visiting our website at https:// home.lps.org/tca/.

2023-24 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

For children who are five years old by July 31, 2023

Register Online

Go to www.lps.org and look for the button

.

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.

Isaac and Bryce: A ‘Marvel’ous match

Isaac was a third-grade student at Cavett Elementary School when he met Bryce and the pair instantly clicked.

“We didn’t talk like you’d expect people meeting for the first time. It wasn’t surface level,” Isaac said. “I’d come back the next week with something new to talk about. I could spring on him whatever was on my mind.”

Isaac’s love for Marvel comic book characters initially sparked their conversation.

“The first thing he sprang on me was superheroes,” Bryce said. “He made me watch all of the Marvel movies in chronological order. To this day, my wife and I are huge Marvel fans.”

Throughout the years, the pair have bonded over more than superheroes. Isaac and Bryce also enjoy sports. The mentoring pair partake in several competitive activities together, such as tossing footballs, shooting hoops and dueling each other in ping pong.

“We’d argue about who was the best player overall,” Isaac said.

“I know on the court, on the football field, that is a driving factor for Isaac and I’m just a sports

addict. I played soccer for 16 years,” Bryce said. Isaac’s passion and energy are two traits Bryce admires about his TeamMate. He also mentioned Issac’s knack for solving numbers.

“With him being very smart with numbers and math, I’ve been telling him, there are jobs in sports analytics. You can combine those two things,” Bryce added. “We’ve got a few years to talk about that though.”

The pair’s chemistry also opened the door for exchanging many thoughts on different topics.

“We have a lot of these little debates about this and that,” Isaac said. “He’s always down to debate and it’s crazy because we’re always on opposite sides. So, we learn from each other.”

“I sort of let him dictate where the conversation goes,” Bryce said. “I want him to just feel comfortable. That has always been my goal, that every time we meet, he walks away feeling comfortable.”

Bryce’s approach of allowing Issac to lead the conversation has amplified his mentee’s trust.

“I can talk with him about the good things and also if something went downhill during the

week,” Isaac added. “It’s easy to talk to someone when they look like they want to talk to you.”

Lots have transformed since Bryce met Issac in the third grade, but one thing remained the same – Isaac’s authenticity.

“The topics of conversation, the knowledge within that conversation has changed, but Isaac’s identity and who he is hasn’t changed,” Bryce said.

Issac and Bryce’s relationship further shows the marvel and power of mentoring through TeamMates.

GET IN on the

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

Variety of STEAM-infused topics

Half-day and full-day camps

Before Care and Lunch Care available at select locations

Scholarships available

What Other Parents Are Saying . . .

My kids LOVE Bright Lights! It gives them something fun and challenging to do during the summer.

Registration begins

SATURDAY MARCH 4

2023

CAMP WEEKS

June 5–9

June 12–16

June 19–23

June 26–30

July 10–14

We had an absolutely amazing experience! My kids begged to quit their other camps next year and just do Bright Lights.

Bright Star

by Yuri Morales

In Bright Star, a 2022 Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor book, “I tell you the story of a whitetail fawn,” says author Yuyi Morales. “Plants and animals do not know borders.” Through lyrical words and luscious illustrations, Morales provides a poignant look at the struggle to survive in the Sonora Desert, both for wildlife and people trying to cross the harsh landscape.

Out of My Heart

by Sharon Draper

Sequel to Out of My Mind, this title can stand alone based on its storyline and minimal references to the first. In this novel, Melody heads to summer camp. As a person without a physical disability, reading this gave me a different perspective of people with disabilities as it was told from Melody’s point of view. In it, Melody was able to do things at camp that she didn’t think were possible. This book teaches about possibilities - how one can participate and accomplish things with adaptations. It also teaches how we should look at people with disabilities, and what they want us to see in them. Melody, the main character, wanted to be seen as a person with the same desires as others to try new things, to be with friends, to laugh, and to experience love. A very heartwarming book that included characters with a variety of disabilities. One can’t help but feel a sense of triumph for the characters!

Hungry Hearts

edited by Elsie Chapman and Caroline Tung Richmond

This collection of 13 short stories is set in the fictional town of Rowbury, in its Hungry Hearts Row, a collection of eateries from many different cultures. The diverse authors include some well-known names in teen fiction, including S.K. Ali, Elsie Chapman, Jay Coles and Rebecca Roanhorse. The stories are from various genres, including realistic fiction, fantasy and magical realism and run the gamut from light-hearted romance to dark tales of revenge. Cultural issues are highlighted, along with universal themes of love, family, isolation, finding one’s place and gentrification. Loose connections exist within the stories, with a minor character in one becoming the protagonist in another. Overall, these stories are as varied and delicious as the many cultures and types of food represented. The book received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly.

WHAT: WHERE: WHO:

employees

East High School, 70th & A Streets

LPS staff, parents, students, family, friends, service organizations, PTOs, PTAs, school clubs, student groups, business partners, CLC collaborators, churches, TeamMate mentors, and volunteers

To provide funding for the Food Bank’s BackPack and School Food Market programs

Sustainability Sustainability

at Lincoln Public Schools

Encouraging sustainable transportation at LPS

Lincoln Public Schools strives to find sustainable alternatives in all parts of the school district, including how to get to or from school everyday. Encouraging students and staff to walk or bike to school can be a great way to reduce the amount of pollution related to traffic. Here are some our district-wide initiatives:

Walk, Bike, or Roll to School Day

The National Center for Safe Routes to School hosts a Walk and Roll to School Day in October, and a Bike and Roll to School Day in May. More than 3,200 schools nationwide participated in Walk and Roll to School Day, including several LPS schools in 2022! Beyond being a great way to get kids outside and doing something active, these events help teach safe practices, reduce air pollution from cars, lead to safer infrastructure and reduce traffic congestion. Support for the Walk, Bike, or Roll to School Days comes from community partners, passionate teachers, and volunteers looking to ensure a safe and fun environment for the students.

Walking school bus

A walking school bus is a structure for multiple students to walk to school with at least one adult with them. This is a simple way to get a larger group of students walking together with supervision. Families can organize it as formal or informal as they would like. For example, two families could switch off days walking their children to school or you could design more intricate plans like creating timetables, specific pick up points or meeting places.

Safest routes map

Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) has developed a map for students, staff and parents showing the safest walking routes to school. These efforts began in 2021, and we now have safe walking routes for 21 schools in the school district. LTU have been making updates to school zones that include but are not limited to pavement markings, speed limit changes, traffic warning flashers, crosswalk markings and signing. All of these improvements and resources are to ensure parents and students that they are walking or biking on the safest route possible. LPS staff support these efforts and communicate safety tips in their lessons as well. For example, Physical Education teacher Monica Ash at Hartley Elementary celebrated walk to school day with safety messages posted around their walking path as a reminder.

Benefits to the community

Sustainable transportation reduces traffic congestion, reduces air pollution, encourages health and exercise for students, and teaches students lessons on responsibility and safety. Visit our Sustainable Transportation page on the Sustainability at LPS website to learn more about our efforts - https://home.lps. org/sustainability/transportation/

ConnectLPS

Lincoln High School

are learning about inheritance and variation of traits in science. We’re looking forward to hatching chicks soon!”

Pershing Elementary School

“The Young Gentleman’s Society (a new club at Pershing) spent the morning practicing compassion and kindness. Spreading a little extra joy!”

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.

“Fourth graders jammed out at the Young People’s concert. The Lincoln Symphony Orchestra put on a great show! Students participated by singing and dancing to songs they learned in music class.”

“Tilli and Scarlet wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day!”

calcium chloride. The results were colored gel worms!”

The LHS Boys’ freshman basketball team won the city championship! Another Lincoln High job well done. Show some love to the class of 20206. #GoLinks

Robinson Elementary School

Eastridge Elementary School

Moore Middle School

Saratoga Elementary School

5k 10k

A 5k and 10k run at Pioneers Park to raise money for The Hope Venture’s Backpack Project. Use promo code "SCHOOL" for 15% off at checkout.

Lux sixth grade student wins 2023 annual Spelling Bee

"Venus is the most prominent vespertine planet," pronouncer Cyndy Maddox told Lumi Kim as she prepared to spell the winning word of the Lincoln Public Schools 2023 Oral Spelling Bee.

Prior to Lux sixth grade student Kim winning in round five, judges were checking the rules on how to proceed with the competition. In round four, with only three spellers left, Kim was the only speller to correctly spell their word. Both Libby Wilson and Lindsey Parrotto, seventh grade students from Irving Middle School had both misspelled their words in round four. By spelling vespertine correctly, thereby getting two words correct in a row, Kim was crowned the winner.

"I prepared a bit late," said Kim. "Winning feels good."

Wilson and Parrotto needed to participate in a spell-off to determine second place. Parrotto won second with the word gaff.

Kim is now entered into the Omaha World-Herald Midwest Spelling Bee in March, and the winner of that contest will be flown to Washington, D.C., to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May.

LPS co-sponsors the spelling bee with the Lincoln Journal Star.

SPARK SUMMER CAMP

SPARK CURIOSITY ABOUT THE WORLD

REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 8

Fill summer with fun! Spark focuses on science, technology, engineering, art, and math, alongside fun field trips and swimming. Curriculum is designed to SPARK curiosity about the world!

Spark is a STEAM-focused summer camp for students who have completed kindergarden through 5th grade that inspires big thinking.

Weekly camps running May 30-August 4

STEAM-based program with a hands-on focus of fun and exploration.

Extended times from 7:30am-6:00pm at no extra charge

Week-by-week or full summer registration available

Breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided

Amazing weekly science-based (and fun!) field trips

Located at Pound Middle School 4740 S 45th Street, Lincoln

A chance to explore, wonder, build, and learn

Learn more at SparkSummer.org

Spark Summer Learning is a program of the Foundation for LPS

Seven secrets to boost your ‘lucky’

By Michelle Welch, RD, LMNT, LPS District Wellness

Don’t we all wish we had more good luck? Follow this mini guide to boost your good fortune for you and your family.

Being friendly and kind may greatly improve your luck. Being kind is one way of giving someone a daily mood boost. Asking people about their day, giving genuine compliments or presenting positive energy may open doors to luck. Bringing that energy with you everywhere may also generate a more positive experience for you and those who cross your path.

Luck may often appear at the corner of opportunity and preparedness. Our kids sometimes expect huge, “lucky” opportunities to fall into their laps with no effort. They won’t. Anyone getting a “lucky break” is likely receiving it after being noticed by somebody for their efforts and willingness to work. Luck will be more likely to choose you when you look ready.

The old saying, “The harder you work, the luckier you get” is accurate. If you’re interested in a particular area, do the needed work to help enter that space. You can invest in yourself by seeking knowledge, reading, exploring or volunteering. Be brave enough to put yourself in environments that help you to get to know the experts. Ask them questions about topics of true curiosity.

Do what you can to improve your luck in health. Though we can’t choose our family tree, we can make the most of whatever “genetic lottery” life has handed us. If you are focused on moving more, boosting the quality of your rest and making the best food options available, that is a great start. Protect your health with annual exams, dental care, immunizations and other suggested and covered screenings by your healthcare provider. Lucky equals paying attention to little fixes before they become major issues.

Luck and lowered expectations are gratitude buddies. It’s surprising that we overlook how much luck and gratitude have in common. It can be as simple as noticing when a mundane task in life goes well, or finding the positive during challenging situations. Think about appreciating a shorter wait or an unexpectedly good concert performance. The more we feel gratitude, the luckier we become.

Luck is a very different creature than we think it is. Games of chance are just that and they are built for the house to always win. Luck lives in our heads. If you think you are lucky, you are. If you think you aren’t, how much of that are you doing to yourself in how you look at situations?

How much of your “luck” do you own? Pass your luck to your kids by how you think about and discuss family circumstances. How we talk about the world in front of kids matters far more than we know. Kids internalize how we frame our family “luck.” If we tell kids “our family is unlucky,” they will take that negative thought process into almost every situation and quickly learn to frame circumstances negatively. Flip the script! An example is “my car has been hit six times, though, wow, I’ve been so lucky not ever to be severely hurt thanks to wearing my seatbelt.” Keep looking for the positives and finding luck in tough situations. It can transform a child’s view of life.

Our “lucky” cereal, socks, jersey or seat when watching a certain sport may be a comfort to us. However, the “luck” you experience may be born out of those you are rooting for being adequately prepared, both in mind and body. Keep making those choices that boost your luck. It truly is up to you. Do you want to learn more about what is happening in Lincoln Public Schools regarding wellness? Check out our webpage at www.lps.org/wellness or follow us on social media @LPSWellness.

Lunch / Belmont Elementar y / Belmont Elementar y MARCH

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Chicken Tenders

Chef Salad

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Sunbutter & Jelly Sandwich

Cheese Stick Cheese Chef Salad

Romaine

K-12 Dair y Choices White 1% Milk - Chocolate Fat Free Milk - White Fat Free Milk - Strawberr y Fat Free Milk

Condiments BBQ Sauce - Grape Jelly - Ketchup - Ketchup Packet - Margarine Cup - Mayonnaise Packet - Mustard Packet - Parmesan Cheese - Pickle

Slices - Ranch - Salsa - Syrup

Price Information Paid Lunch($2 50), Reduced Lunch($0 40), Adult /Non-Student($4 25), Second Lunch($4 25), Breakfast($1 30), Adult /Second Breakfast($2 60)

View more: http: //schools mealviewer com/school /BelmontElementar y

This Institution is an Equal Oppor tunity Provider

Celebrating culture through the arts

Lincoln Public Schools partnered with Lincoln City Libraries to host the annual African American Read-In event on Feb. 7.

The experience featured LPS students, staff and community members illustrating African Americans' rich history and contributions to literature, arts, and music and the role it has and continues to play in shaping the world we live in.

“The library plays an important role in providing access to the richness of ideas, talents, and literary and artistic influences of African Americans—both historical and contemporary—and what better way than to team up with our schools and students,” Lincoln City Libraries Director Ryan Wieber said.

“Through black literature, music, and reflection, you repeatedly see illustrations of the dignity, talents, and gifts we possess not just in the struggle but how it pushes us to persevere and is often the catalyst for hope,” Peter Ferguson said. Ferguson is the coordinator of Culture, Inclusion, and Scholar Development and assistant supervisor of Recruiting.

During the week and throughout the month of February, the Lincoln Public Schools District Scholar Equity Cadre will facilitate Lincoln City Library Storytimes at select local branches and LPS preschool classes. These experiences will include an interactive half-hour of books and activities supporting early literacy by offering vocabulary development, experiences with a wide variety of literature, and participation in language-related activities.