September 2023 Community News

New year, new beginnings

Excitement filled the air Aug. 14-18 as Lincoln Public Schools welcomed students and families back into the classroom.

A new year brings a promise - that each day cultivates the potential for our students to move forward, create something new and take an opportunity to grow. An idea sparked, a passion ignited, a dream realized, a challenge overcome, a goal accomplished… all possible because our community comes together to embrace our scholars.

Athletic event attendance expectations

We continue to encourage all students and families to support our high school student-participants during competitions. As we work to keep our student-participants, coaches and spectators safe at our contests, the following rules are in place for all students attending extracurricular events at our high schools.

Elementary and middle school expectations

• LPS elementary and middle school students are required to attend LPS high school athletic/ activity events with adult family members and/ or a paying responsible adult and must remain under their supervision during the event.

• LPS elementary and middle school students are expected to follow the directions of event staff and the public address announcer. Any students unable to follow directions will be asked to leave.

• Students will not be allowed to re-enter the event without pay. Passes only allow one entry per event.

• School rules apply at all LPS athletic/activity events. Violations to the Rights and Responsibilities of Students may result in disciplinary action for students.

• LPS elementary and middle school students must remain seated in designated areas during events.

• LPS elementary and middle school students are not allowed to loiter or run around in concourses, concessions and/or restroom areas.

• No outside food is allowed to be brought into LPS high school athletic/activity venues; how-

ever, a wide range of delicious concessions are available at most events. Food and drink must be consumed in the seating area of the venues.

• LPS elementary and middle school students are expected to leave with family members and/or a paying responsible adult immediately following the conclusion of an event, or if students are asked to leave early.

High School Students

• Students are expected to identify themselves when asked to do so by any school official. At any time outside the school day, students shall be required to show Lincoln Public Schools student identification upon request of a staff member or as required by building rules while on school grounds or at school activities.

• Students may sit in their school’s assigned student section. If students are attending an event hosted at or by another school, students need to sit in general seating and will not be allowed to sit in the assigned student section.

• LPS high school students are expected to leave on their own or with family members and/or a paying responsible adult immediately following the conclusion of an event, or if students are asked to leave early. At the conclusion of the event, students may wait for their ride outside the contest venue.

• Students will not be allowed to re-enter the event without pay. Passes only allow one entry per event.

TEAMMATES OF THE MONTH

Kaylee, Ashlee thrive as TeamMates

Kaylee discovered one of her strengths when her first mentor at Roper Elementary School had a career change and moved away: adaptability.

“I was sad when she left. But thinking back, I was excited to meet Ashlee. Actually, they looked kind of alike.”

She and her mentor Ashlee share a history.

“I’ve known her since I was 10,” says Kaylee. “That’s so long. We have a lot of things in common. Sometimes I think we are the same person!”

The many similarities they share surprised Ashlee too.

“We are both laid back and don’t take things too seriously, which makes it fun to hang out. Having similar personalities and sense of humor has made it easy to get to know each other.”

Ashlee remembers how excited she was to meet her mentee.

“Kaylee is my first TeamMate. The first and the best.” Kaylee can’t believe she will graduate in just two years.

“It feels like I just graduated from elementary school!”

They are a hands-on match, doing crafts, puzzles, coloring, etc., when they are together. That made COVID-19 their greatest challenge.

“We had to adapt,” says Ashlee, “but I’m glad we

could meet on Zoom even if it wasn’t what we preferred.”

It isn’t all play. Kaylee has improved her writing skills with Ashlee’s help.

“She would read it first and ask what it is about, then she would ask me how I want to end it so she can help me in that direction, and then we’d go over what I wrote.”

She keeps the questions Ashlee has asked in her head and uses them to improve all of her assignments.

Meeting mid-week last year really made things easier for Kaylee.

“If I start off the week ‘iffy’ and then I see Ashlee, I’m great. She’s my Friday.”

Ashlee brings a calm presence, one of three words Kaylee chose to describe her mentor.

“Her voice makes me feel like I don’t ever have to worry about anything. If the room is hot and she walks in, I swear she cools it down.”

High praise from a mentee who Ashlee says has, “grown up, become more outgoing, comfortable, mature and more confident and driven in her school work.”

In the future, a couple things are on the horizon – they think they will try a service project next school year. They’ve never done one before.

And they think they will stay connected after graduation.

“It would be weird not seeing you every week after this,” says Ashlee.

Kaylee is already imagining what it might be like to be a mentor herself.

“Not that long from now, I am going to be Ashlee’s age when she started mentoring me! It would be so fun to be a mentor!”

Kaylee will have the chance to find out what Ashlee has learned.

“You can make such an impact on a person and being able to take time out of your day to focus on somebody else, to invest in them, is really rewarding.”

Kaylee will have the chance to find out what Ashlee has learned.

“You can make such an impact on a person and being able to take time out of your day to focus on somebody else, to invest in them, is really rewarding.”

“Her voice makes me feel like I don’t ever have to worry about anything. If the room is hot and she walks in, I swear she cools it down.”

Geraldine Pu and Her Lucky Pencil, Too

by Maggie P. Chang

Geraldine Pu’s latest adventure involves using her pencil, named Chienbee. Geraldine is asked to write a story about her family. Her story entails the movement of her grandmother to the United States, and her joy in the Chinese Ribbon Dance. Chang writes in a way that shares her Chinese culture with joy. The pronunciation guides for new words are quite helpful, and help Geraldine to be so relatable. A stellar entry in the series.

Swim Team

by Johnnie Christmas

Bree moves from New York to Florida and is struggling to make friends and fit in at her new school. Bree sees herself as a math and science scholar, not an athlete. Bree learns that at her new school, swimming is the only available P.E. class. Bree overcomes her powerful fear of the water and becomes such a strong swimmer that she earns a spot on the school swim team. Johnnie Christmas does a nice job of providing context: racial segregation eventually meant that most black families did not have the opportunity to learn to swim. There are also practical issues; the chlorine dries out Bree’s hair. Bree learns that swimming has a far more powerful pull on her community than she understood, and she really connects to children and adults alike through swimming. A powerful story about the benefits of community and supporting one another.

All My Rage

by Sabaa Tahir

This is a heartbreaking story of love, loss, and family. Salahudin and Noor are Pakistani-American teenagers living in California who used to be best friends. Estranged after Noor confesses her feelings for Sal, they are forced together again when Noor rushes Sal’s mother to the hospital. The present-day story is told in alternating chapters by Sal and Noor, with interspersed chapters from Sal’s mother’s point of view from her past in Pakistan. While their story is filled with grief and hardship, Tahir breathes truth and beauty into the narrative and captivates the reader’s attention, keeping them going through the many struggles Sal and Noor face. The story unfolds with unflinching honesty, and while grim, it leaves the reader with hope for a brighter future for both Noor and Sal than what they endured as children and teenagers.

A 1.7 mile route will be closed to motor traffic and lined with exhibitors offering free haircuts, healthy food, art activities, health screenings and much more! Everyone is welcome!

Sports

PLAY IN THE STREETS!!

The streets will come alive Sunday, September 24th from 1:00-4:30 pm in the University Place Neighborhood and UPCO Park! Streets Alive is a FREE event hosted by Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln promoting active living, healthy nutrition and neighborhood vitality!

Sustainability Sustainability

at

Lincoln Public Schools

Waste Diversion Across the District

LPS Sustainability has tallied the numbers from last school year, and we are so impressed with how everyone stepped up to support our waste diversion goal. We successfully kept at least 50% of district waste out of the landfill during the 2022-23 school year and have set our sights even higher for 2023-24!

Our new goal is to achieve a 75% diversion rate this school year and our team is confident we can make it happen with the help of LPS staff, students and families.

Waste Diversion Facts and Figures

1.6 million pounds recycled

1.1 million pounds composted

How to Get Involved:

Waste diversion efforts across schools, support buildings, and athletic facilities kept more than 2.7 million pounds of waste out of the landfill last school year.

For 2023-24, the number of schools participating in schoolwide composting grew from nine to 13!

• Keep an eye out for recycling bins while attending school activities and athletic events

• Ask your students how they recycle and compost in their school

• Practice recycling and/or composting at home

• Connect with LPS Sustainability online for more information!

ConnectLPS

Scott Middle School

“It was a great day to welcome our new sixth grade class, the LPS graduation class of 2030!”

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.

Science Focus Program

Sixth grade day was a blast and we are thankful for our 7th and 8th grade First Friends and Hope Squad members for giving them a big warm welcome!”

Brownell Elementary School

“First day back at SFP!”

expectations and procedures.”

“Thank you to our amazing PTO for providing our staff with yummy afternoon treats after school. It is going to be a great year!”

Standing Bear High School

“Standing Bear came alive as we welcomed the Class of 2027! The day included a welcome in our auditorium, a scavenger hunt, and a first pep rally.

#ClawsOut @LSBGrizz #StandingTogether”

Eastridge Elementary School

CornhuskerCouncil.org/LPS

Take Dual-Credit Classes and SAVE!

Legislative Bill 1014 provides additional financial support to Nebraska community colleges who offer dual-credit courses to students at the lowest possible rate. SCC now offers a 65% discount off of tuition and fees for the entire 2023-2024 academic year. You’ll pay $42.35 per credit hour instead of $121 per hour!

•SCC comes to you in your high school to support your educational journey

•Transfer the credits you earn from SCC to other two- and four-year schools, saving you money

•Discover your future career through our complimentary portfolio

For more information contact: Brian Stark (bstark@southeast.edu) or Caleb Berg (cberg@southeast.edu)

http://bitly.ws/Q2XC

Punt, Pass & Kick Contests

Boys & Girls - Ages 6 - 15 (on 12/31/2023)

Register at the contest site

Participants may compete in only one local qualifier No cleats, football or turf shoes, or barefeet allowed

Athletes participating in Grades 9 - 12 inter - school football competition during the fall are not eligible to compete according to NSAA rules

Winners advance to State Finals at Nebraska Wesleyan at noon on October 15th

Questions????

Bob Grundman (402 489 - 9171)

FRIENDS, FUN & SOMETHING FOR

SWIM LESSONS | DANCE | GYMNASTICS | JR. CHEFS | AND MORE

Session Dates: September 11 - October 15 Register today at ymcalincoln.org.

Four secrets to a stress-free first quarter

By Michelle Welch, RD, LMNT LPS District Wellness

With each season turn, families with learners have much adjusting to do. Bedtimes and wakeups, charging Chromebooks and prepping for before- and after-school activities can be a bit hectic. Here are some tips to consider.

Create homes for all important elements of surviving the week - and put kids in charge of them. It can be as basic as a cardboard box or a hook. Though, as getting out the door to school on time is a to-the-minute process, something as simple as a misplaced cord, book, uniform or instrument can throw off your morning. Label those spaces with whatever works for your students to take responsibility for putting items where they belong, just as is asked of them in school. Reminders from us are important, but be sure they are the ones making it happen.

Littles will need help with weekly folders, though it is amazing how quickly they can pick up on managing much of these processes. Part of what kids are learning are these life skills, so do what you can to keep them owning that process as much as possible. Little reminder: Parent Vue can help you trust, but verify any schoolwork-related questions. Check early. Check often.

Slow your yes. Kids are excited to jump into many activities at the start of the year, particularly if certain friends are taking part. Stopping to ask some key questions can save you from regretting a fast yes. How long will this activity season be? Where, when and how often do they practice or meet? What are the costs? What key elements of the activity - uniform, supplies, special shoes, etc. - would you need to purchase? If your family qualifies for free/reduced meals, is there a reduced fee schedule? What additional costs would there still be for us? Keep your student to only one or two activities per semester to keep them able to meet the requirements of the classroom and ensure they have some downtime to just be a kid.

Consider setting up key family fun times as part of your regular weekly rhythm. As they shift into more school activities, outsideof-school focus activities and wanting friend time, it can become easy to be less connected with your students. Though they love time with friends, they really do crave connection with us. This becomes even more meaningful when they start driving themselves. Be sure to make dates with your school-aged kids to check in and just spend time together. It could be grabbing a quick bite, using the trails together or game night. Just ensuring you have positive eyeball-to-eyeball moments weekly can keep your relationship on the right path.

Make sure to have these be times free of handing out chores or discipline consequences. If they don’t have these fun times available with us, they are much less likely to come to us when the going gets rough. They are worth the investment.

Recognize device challenges. So many kids are facing the fallout of our generation’s poor abilities to keep up with how devices are messing with their safety. I’d be hard-pressed to find an adult that could claim they truly have it perfectly managed - unless their kids just aren’t allowed devices. What we do know - LPS is taking big steps this year to cut phone distractions for learners. Especially for middle and high school students, there will be some growing pains attached to them not being constantly tethered to their devices. Once we get past this first hurdle, they will feel freed from this itch, but it’s going to take some time. Do everything you can at home to join in our efforts to give your kids back their ability to play, learn, create deeper friendships and even get a decent night’s sleep, by freeing them from their devices. Consider getting them an alarm clock, so that you can be sure to keep devices in adult bedroom spaces for night charging. Have a firm device bedtime to prevent late-night scary shenanigans and loss of precious sleep hours. Your morning out-the-door routine will thank you.

Together we can work to build a fantastic future for our students and our community!

September Breakfast

Students compose successful notes at orchestra camps

Lincoln Public Schools students made the works of Mozart, Handel and Beethoven come to life this summer during several camps for orchestra players. Strings Alliance in Lincoln (SAIL) members hosted hundreds of musicians from across the city at the camps. Rehearsals for elementary, middle and high school students took place at various times July 1728. Final concerts for all ages happened July 29 at Lincoln Southeast High School.

Ian Wright said many budding musicians benefited from their SAIL camp experiences. Wright serves as captain of the SAIL organization and teaches orchestra at Pound Middle School, Humann Elementary School and Zeman Elementary School. SAIL enrollment swelled to 300 students this summer, and the 2023 roster included students from all sections of Lincoln.

“We have 180 elementary students and about 120 middle and high school kids, so we have pretty good numbers,” Wright said. “It’s really encouraging to see this many elementary students here, because that means we’ll hopefully have good numbers for our middle and high school orchestras down the road.”

LPS Supervisor of Music Amy Holloman said the summer camps have inspired many students to become top players in their school ensembles.

“LPS has several music camps for students in band, orchestra and vocal music to extend their learning opportunities over the summer,” Holloman said. “Students have the opportunity to learn a variety of repertoire and participate in non-performance activities that are both educational and socially rewarding.”

The aspiring musicians also use the camps to maintain and improve their skills when school is not in session.

“We have many students who are unable to continue their study over the summer with direct instruction under a private teacher. LPS summer music camps help renew enthusiasm while continuing to develop new skills to prepare students for the upcoming school year,” Holloman added.

Wright said he was pleased to see the progress that elementary-aged musicians made throughout their week of rehearsals.

“I think that’s one of the biggest benefits of the camp,” Wright said. “A lot of the younger kids come here knowing nothing about orchestra. That’s why the camp is so important, because we’re able to teach them about things like how to properly hold the bow for certain notes.”

LPS officials have been key partners in the SAIL initiative throughout the event’s history. Phoebe Hamann came up with the idea for a summer orchestra camp in 1985, and she helped launch the group’s first concert at Auld Pavilion in Antelope Park. LPS provided all 35 students with instruments to use at no charge.

This year’s SAIL students embarked on their musical journeys with rehearsals on the second floor of Irving Middle School. Veteran teacher Rhonda Neely said it was important for them to work with fellow musicians from across the city.

“I love working with kids from all of the different schools in the area,” said Neely, who has been teaching orchestra classes for 40 years. “Everyone from Lincoln comes together, and they get to see people that they don’t see during the regular school year. It’s not just students from their own school that they’re standing or sitting by when they’re practicing. It’s someone that they might never have met before, which is great.”

She felt the SAIL experiences gave students lessons about teamwork, acceptance, flexibility and building friendships.

“Then when they come back here year after year, they remember each other and they become friends because of the camp. It’s so fantastic. They learn an amazing amount of social skills from being here, and that’s something that helps them in every part of their life,” Neely said.

Holloman agreed with those sentiments.

“Additionally, students who may be the only player in their section at their school have the opportunity to meet and play with other students who play their same instrument. Exposure to playing with different musicians sharpens aural skills and creates a network of new friends of whom students may otherwise not connect.”

The camps also provided a way for older students to pass on their knowledge to younger musicians. Emma is a junior at Lincoln High and has played violin since the fourth grade. She chose to become a camp intern because she wanted to make a positive difference for others.

“This is my first time this year, and I’ve been having a lot of fun,” Emma said. “It’s been great to help out the kids and see them get better. I’ve really

loved being able to see them smile when they learn something new.”

Neely said that type of enthusiasm for music made Emma a good fit as a camp intern. She said Emma’s decision to attend was uplifting for everyone.

“I had Emma in class when she was in fourth grade, and I told her she would do a great job as an intern because she has the natural talent for this,” Neely said. “It’s the same way with the other teachers here. Many of them were interns with the camp, and now they’re helping to lead it.”

Camp interns like Emma are currently in high school or a recent high school graduate. They provide one-on-one tutoring to students, help classroom teachers with small-group instruction and assist with set-up and tear-down duties at the final concert.

Neely also mentioned these experiences are another way of LPS cultivating the next generation of future educators.

“In our own way we’re fostering future teachers. We’re providing them a place to learn about what it means to be a teacher and to help others, which is so important.”