March 2018
Blake chosen for national science leadership role A Lincoln Public Schools employee has been chosen to serve as president of the national organization whose mission is developing leaders in K-12 science education. James Blake, LPS K-12 science curriculum specialist, was recently elected to lead the National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA). He’ll begin his three-year term in June as president-elect before taking over as president in 2019. Blake will remain in his position at LPS, which he credits for his ascent to this national leadership role. He has served in his current position as curriculum specialist since 2014. He began his career in education as a science teacher at North Star High School. “The lessons I have learned about being authentic and inspiring hope in the science classroom and with other science educators - I learned those from the people I worked with for the first ten years in LPS,” Blake said. “By sharing myself with the nation through the NSELA election process, and then getting the vote of confidence back from the membership, I feel a sense of pride and I hope my LPS mentors and colleagues can share in this joy because it represents them, too.” LPS Associate Superintendent for Instruction Jane Stavem said it’s no surprise that Blake was selected for this honor. “James is committed to quality science instruction that is highly engaging for students. We are grateful for his leadership and look forward to the opportunities our district will have as he interacts with science educators across the nation,” Stavem said.
NSELA’s primary goal is to promote leadership in science education through annual professional development and leadership institutes, as well as various publications. As president, Blake will be the “face” of NSELA - facilitating decisions made by its board of directors and acting as a liaison to government, education and business organizations.
Added LPS Director of Curriculum and Instruction Takako Olson: “James gets everyone excited about science. With the wealth of knowledge he has in science education, we can honestly say that NSELA is in good hands. We’re looking forward to the positive impact he will make through this work for science educators across the country.”
“The experience as president will benefit my work in LPS through improved collaboration,” Blake said. “Through organizing professional development and creating leadership publications with the top science leaders in the nation, my network will be expanded to districts like ours so I can learn from and with them and take those lessons back to our district.”
Honoring the impact of African-American literature Lincoln Public Schools hosted an African-American ReadIn on Feb. 9, featuring LPS staff, students and community members reading excerpts from their favorite AfricanAmerican literature and sharing their personal stories about the authors.
“She was a trailblazer. She forged a path so others could follow. She overcame the obstacles put in front of her because of the color of her skin and her circumstances,” said Harris, who recalled first learning of Wheatley when she was eight years old.
The hour-long event, held in conjunction with Lincoln City Libraries, was intended to explore African-American history and the contributions of African-Americans in the world of literature and the arts.
Stewart Venable, a physical education teacher at Lincoln High School, read from the book “The Mis-Education of the Negro,” by Carter G. Woodson. Venable’s father first shared the book with him, then he passed on the same copy to his own son.
LPS Director of Library Media Services Chris Haeffner offered opening remarks for the crowd assembled in the district office board room. She spoke about the power of stories.
“After I did that I missed my book so I had to go buy another one,” Venable said.
“We celebrate this day based on the simple idea that stories connect us. They connect us to our history, to our past, and they connect us to the web of ideas and inspirations that speak to us from their pages,” she said. “They teach us empathy and understanding. There are millions of stories, and each book we read, every book we digest, changes us.” Cynthia Harris from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services shared the story of Phillis Wheatley, the first published African-American poet.
Students from the TRACKS Empowerment Scholars program at Belmont Elementary School put on a powerful performance. They combined excerpts from the book “What Do You Do With An Idea,” by Kobi Yamada, with images of and words about various African-American leaders throughout history, including Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and Lt. Col. Paul Adams, the namesake of Adams Elementary School in Lincoln.
What’s Inside Section A: • Students Financial Future . . . . . A2 • Northeast Against Drugs. . . . . . . A4 • Elliot Preserves Mural. . . . . . . . . A5 • Annual Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A6 • Strategic Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A7 • Native American Issues. . . . . . . A10 • Embroidery Classes. . . . . . . . . . A12 What’s Inside Section B: • Spelling Bee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1 • Painting a Masterpiece . . . . . . . . B1 • Schoo Peace Group . . . . . . . . . . . B2 • LPS Retirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B4 • Mood Boosters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B5 • East Dance Team. . . . . . . . . . . . . B9 • Menus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B11 • STEM at Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . B12