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Linking through Literature: 2025 African American Read-In

Lincoln Public Schools and Lincoln City Libraries collaborated again to link the community through storytelling with their annual African American Read-In.

Dozens from across the city gathered at the LPS district office to hear and learn about African Americans' rich contributions to literature, arts and music. The school district's Equity and Multicultural Education department organized the event.

“Black History is American history. Understanding and knowing the contributions that African Americans have made to this country is super paramount,” LPS Student Advocate LaFaya Helmstadter said.

Helmstadter, who serves on the school district’s youth development team, was one of the event’s volunteer readers. The volunteers were not only from LPS, but also various local organizations, educational institutions and businesses.

The readers shared various excerpts from classical and more contemporary literary works written by Black authors about their experiences. Audiences heard passages from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s book “Where Do We Go

From Here: Chaos or Community,” poems by Nikki Giovanni and the novel “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

The Read-In also featured spoken word performances by LPS students including the Belmont Community Scholars. They said they wanted their story as a means to further lessons of fairness, kindness and justice.

“I think they should take everyone is equal and that we should be treated equal,” Belmont fifth grade scholar Alexa said. “It’s important to share kindness like showing care for others and love everything.”

“By hearing people’s stories, it helps us learn about people in our world,” Belmont fifth grade scholar Jumauni said.

The African American Read-In has been a tradition among LPS and Lincoln City Libraries for more than a decade, but it has deeper roots. The Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English birthed the event to make literacy an instrumental part of Black History Month in 1990. The African American Read-In has been celebrated nationwide and globally throughout February ever since.

“Every year at the African American Read-In, we are reminded of the immense power of stories. Stories connect us across generations, across cultures and across time. They have the power to inspire, challenge and transform us,” LPS Library Services Director Chris Haeffner said.

“Libraries are symbolic foundational institutions and cornerstones of democracy that every single day demonstrate their invaluable role within a community,” Lincoln City Libraries Director Ryan Wieber said.

Longtime Lincoln resident Ricky Barber attended the Read-In for the first time this year after a personal invitation from one of its organizers. He was impressed with the readers and said community building is important for our future progress.

“We need to draw on each other for strength and for purpose, and coming together for events like this is something that will help us do that,” Barber said. “We can't just stay in our individual silos or homes and have the strength, the encouragement, the nurturing and the support.”

“Stories never die, as long as we keep them alive. So it's important for us to continue them and continue doing the work. We are living, breathing, walking, talking stories every day,” Helmstadter said.

Learn more about LPS Library Services’ MOSAIC multicultural book collection and other literary resources on our website at home.lps.org/libraries/

Black History is American history. Understanding and knowing the contributions that African Americans have made to this country is super paramount.

- LaFaya Helmstadter, LPS Student Advocate

Summer Day Camp Preschool

Before & After School Program

June

June 16-20:

June 23-27:

July 7-11:

July 14-18:

July

July 21-25:

August

Lincoln TeamMates

Estelle and Mikaela, Listening Matters

When Estelle and her new mentor, Mikaela, met in middle school, they naturally formed first impressions.

“She was very quiet but engaging,” says Mikaela.

Mikaela blushes at Estelle’s first memory of her.

“I thought my girl was bougie. She walked in and I thought, ‘Oh she’s so pretty.’”

Getting engaged with a game made their first meetings feel comfortable and natural.

“We played mancala. A lot,” says Estelle. “And I usually won.”

Losing didn’t bother Mikaela. It was a simple game and they kept learning about each other.

“When we met over the summers, I even brought a mancala board from home!”

Monthly community service projects were another thread for them.

“We always have a fun time figuring them out together. The butterfly magnets were hard. We had to watch the video a few times to figure the folds out.”

It matters to Estelle and Mikaela that they are caring and thoughtful, respectively. Without meaning to, the pair chose several similar qualities to describe one another, including their playfulness.

“She’s hysterical,” says Mikaela. “I was able to come to sophomore orientation at her school. I got to see her interact with her mom, her brother, with all her friends, and she just has such a fun presence.”

All kidding aside, the trust they have built in each other matters most. Estelle credits “listening really well” as key. Mikaela has seen a big shift between middle school and high school.

“Once she got into high school, she kind of got to become her own person a little bit. And I think that's

really where I saw her grow. She would ask me questions too. She knew things about me.”

Having Mikaela in her corner made the transition easier for Estelle.

“We always talked about going into high school, my emotions, and what it was going to be like.”

Estelle is surprised anybody would stop being in TeamMates in high school.

“It’s cool to be in TeamMates. It’s your own time to take a break, just be yourself, connect with a person who wants to help you be yourself.”

Mikaela sees her displaying greater confidence. And Estelle feels she has a good role model in Mikaela. “It’s the way that she presents herself, not on the outside, but on the inside. You can really tell what kind of person she is.”

Like many matches, they have an after-graduation bucket list that includes going down the “big slide” at Firespring where Mikaela works and going out for coffee.

Save The Date: April 26 at 10a.m.

About one in five children in southeast Nebraska - approximately 20,320 students - do not have consistent access to meals.

Go the extra mile – help combat food insecurity by supporting the Food Bank of Lincoln’s BackPack program.

Lincoln Public Schools and the Food Bank of Lincoln invite you to help raise money for the program during the 18th annual Extra Mile Walk on April 26, 2025.

Event Details

Extra Mile Walk

Saturday, April 26, 2025 10 a.m.

Northwest High School near 48th and Holdrege Streets (inside Union Bank Stadium) For more information, visit the Food Bank of Lincoln’s website at https://www.lincolnfoodbank.org/extramile/

S a t u r d a y , A p r i l 5 , 2 0 2 5 5 : 0 0 - 7 : 0 0 P M

$ 5 p e r p e r s o n ( $ 2 0 m a x / f a m i l y )

T h e I c e B o x ( 1 8 8 0 T r a n s f o r m a t i o n D r )

Y o u r e n t r y f e e i n c l u d e s :

I c e T i m e , S k a t e R e n t a l , P i z z a & M o r e !

A l l p r o c e e d s b e n e f i t i n g t h e F o o d B a n k o f L i n c o l n

* B r i n g t h i s a d i n t o g e t 1 F R E E t i c k e t

f o r t h e d r a w i n g s a t t h e e v e n t ! *

S c a n f o r M o r e E v e nt

D et ail s!

Meadow Lane Elementary Fosters Community Wins 2024 Inspire School of the Year

This generous gift covered over half the accrued lunch debt for all elementary schools in Lincoln. Such a massive difference has been made in our community - THANK YOU!

Donors help Lincoln Northwest Theatre Soar to New Heights

Lincoln Northwest High School’s fledgling theatre program, lacking the resources of established schools, received nearly $3,500 from a Fund a Need campaign. This initial support enabled their awardwinning performance of Lafayette No. 1, earning them first place in districts and fourth at state. As Theatre Technician Jenna Williamson noted, this generosity “helped set up our one-act season for success, as well as the continuation of building our theatre department for years to come.” This initial investment continues to fuel the program’s growth and future success.

Educator Awards Marie Bourke LEadership Award Spark Receives $100,000 Grant from Google

Every great school has a heart, and often, that heart beats strongest in the principal’s office. It’s a truth that donor Glenn Friendt understood deeply. Reflecting on the profound impact his own principal had on countless lives, Glenn and his wife, Janice, established the Marie Bourke Leadership Award. “When I think of it,” Glenn shared, “the impact that my principal had indirectly on so many lives…we do a lot to honor teachers, and rightly so, but there is someone in there that the students don’t know about that makes school work, or makes it work really well. And that is a principal.”

This award recognizes the oftenunseen work of school leaders who cultivate positive environments for students and teachers to thrive.

In 2024, that honor went to Pam Hale, Principal at

Pam’s dedication to her school, the individuals she mentored, and the culture of leadership she fostered made her a clear choice for the award.

The Marie Bourke Leadership Award is just one of the ways the Foundation for LPS honors inspiring educators and leaders. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Foundation recognizes up to twenty educators each spring, celebrating teachers, counselors, school nurses, principals, and more. Nominations for the 2025 educator awards are open through the end of February 2025, giving the community a chance to shine a light on the dedicated individuals who make a difference daily.

Daniele Schulzkump Principal

Norwood Park.

Pam Hale Principal at Norwood Park

3,200 fifth graders

Dogs at the ‘Dogs’

A District-wide 5th Grade Field Trip

It takes a village to send 3,200 fifth graders to a baseball game, and on May 20, 2024, the Lincoln community proved they were up to the challenge. Every fifth grader in Lincoln Public Schools enjoyed a day at Haymarket Park watching the Lincoln Saltdogs, thanks to the collective efforts of many. Generous donations were made through the Foundation for LPS crowdfunding platform, Fund a Need, to provide $5 coupons for each student, ensuring everyone could enjoy a ballpark snack. This annual tradition is a highlight for fifth graders as they prepare for middle school, and it wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of countless teams. Fundraising for the 2025 field trip is already in full swing!

Natalia Wiita Named New Foundation for LPS President

We’re excited to announce Natalia Wiita, the new President of the Foundation for LPS, effective February 18th. Natalia brings 25 years of experience to Lincoln, including leadership roles in media, marketing, and business development, most notably as the former president and publisher of the Lincoln Journal Star. A dedicated community advocate, she’s served on the Foundation’s board for the past five years and is passionate about supporting Lincoln Public Schools students and educators.

FY 23-24

Financials

SPARK SUMMER CAMP IGNITES YOUNG MINDS WITH STEAM INCOME EXPENSES

Contributions: $3,444,696

Invested Income: $2,175,023

Grants: $696,570

Programs/Other: $199,904

Total Received: $6,516,193

Thanks to over $120,000 in grants and donations, nearly 200 campers attended free of charge!

A Winning Partnership for LPS Student-Athletes

“We were grateful to team up with B&R stores to raise funds for the benefit of LPS athletic departments,” said Brian Gilliland, Chesterman Coca-Cola, General Manager Greater Nebraska. “We strongly believe in making the communities we serve better places to live. We’re proud of our partnership with Lincoln Public Schools and the Foundation for LPS, and we will continue to find ways to show our support-we’re excited for

And “more to come” is exactly what they meant. Chesterman has again joined forces with B&R Stores and the Foundation for LPS to raise even more money for LPS athletics. January and February 2025, every eightpack of 12-ounce Body Armor or Powerade purchased at Super Savers or Russ’ Markets in town translates to two dollars directly supporting LPS student-athletes in need.

DRESSED FOR SUCCESS THANKS TO THE CHAPIN FUND

This August, students in need across the LPS district received a boost of confidence thanks to a generous $40,000 donation from the Jacqueline and Richard Chapin Fund. The gift, provided in gift cards, allowed students to shop for new back-to-school clothes, ensuring they started the year feeling their best.

Working in partnership with the Foundation for LPS, the Chapin family facilitated this significant contribution, giving students the empowering experience of choosing their own new outfits for the school year. Richard Chapin firmly believed that being “dressed to impress” is essential to feel your best and do your best. This gift embodies that belief, helping students start the year ready for success.

Programs, Scholarships, Grants & Awards:

$2,236,819

General Admin: $679,943

Fundraising: $135,741

Total Disbursed: $3,052,503

REGISTRATION IS OPEN

Go to home.LPS.org/athletics/school-year-clinics for more information and to register.

LEARN TO PLAY LACROSSE

Join Lincoln Youth Lacrosse March 15 at Cook Pavilion for a FREE camp introducing kids to one of the fastestgrowing sports in the U.S.

Lacrosse is a fast-paced game that offers kids a chance to stay active, build teamwork, and develop new skills. Boys & Girls grades K-Senior, no matter the skill level, are welcome!

Ready to give lacrosse a try? For questions or to register, go to our website: growlincolnlacrosse.com OR scan the QR code below!

Scan the QR Code to register!

SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2025

10A-11:30A COOK PAVILION 845 N. 14TH ST (UNL CAMPUS) REGISTRATION IS FREE! growlincolnlacrosse.com

SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025

KIDS’ GRAND PRIX SCHEDULE

Spring Forward Run Saturday, March 22

Mayor’s Run Saturday, May 3

Havelock Run Saturday, June 7

Lincoln Mile Sunday, July 6

Holiday Run Sunday, Dec. 7

No purchase necessary. All entries become the property of the Lincoln Track Club KFRX Mayor’s Run and will not be returned. Register at lincolnrun.org or talk to your P.E. Teacher

Runners are automatically entered to win a variety of prizes such as bicycles from Trek, running shoes from the Lincoln Running Co., and more.

This year the Lincoln Track Club will support Everybody Gets a Chance by contributing $1 of each entry to this local charity.

ART CONTEST

Entries MUST be received by MARCH 21, 2025

Who can enter

All children in 6th grade and under.

Run for Fun!

Preferences will be given to any art design emphazing that theme.

Design submit art on a 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of white paper to:

KFRX T-Shirt Contest, 3800 Cornhusker HWY, Lincoln, NE 68504 or email art to mollie.grant@alphamediausa.com

LOOKING FOR A BOOK?

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

Older stuents can volunteer to be Camp Assistants

CAMP WEEKS

June 2–6

June 9–13

June 16–20

June 23–27

July 7–11

Musical Memories: LPS show choirs shine

Five secrets to boost your family’s health fortunes

By Michelle Welch, RD, LMNT LPS District Wellness Facilitator

How would you like life to start falling your way a bit easier for both you and your family? Here are some sneaky tips to turn the tides and have luck on your side.

Take ten minutes to prep for tomorrow. Set a timer—it might take less than that. Getting your clothes picked out, shoes and socks found, water bottles cleaned, backpacks, purses, keys, etc. When your morning starts smoothly, your day starts out with a positive mindset that continues. It may be your golden investment. Training kids to do this for themselves is an epic life skill. It leaves you feeling luckier all day.

Book that health appointment you’ve been delaying. Each of us likely has one. Maybe it’s a dental cleaning, a mammogram, a general physical, an eye doctor visit or something else. Truth be told, we don’t value our health enough until it goes away—and then we look at it as the most prized commodity. What are we doing? Set a calendar event to call the provider tomorrow morning. Your future health is a pot of gold—and it will pay dividends if you care for it now.

Use zzzs as a golden path to future luckier days. Especially for our kids, we have to be sleep leaders in our families. Engineer a family routine that includes a structure and routine that makes them feel safe, secure and ready to calm their brains for good rest and repair. A bedtime routine that starts early enough leads to better rested, less cranky kids. In addition, your pot of gold might include some time for a few more of your own nuggets of sleep. It’s tough to do, but entirely worth it.

Recognize that face time with your kids is pure gold. We can’t say it enough. They spend plenty of time on devices. Help them put the screens down, get out and play. Do activities with them that involve eye contact and learning how to interact with other humans. Bake. Build a snowman. Look for daffodils. Snuggle in and read a book. Teach them card games. Play a puzzle. Do whatever you can together that helps them form real, grounded, human connection away from a screen. Nothing is more precious.

Build family adventure and explore lists. Help your family find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow by creating a mindset of adventure and exploration. This doesn’t have to mean travel-

ing outside of city limits. We are so fortunate to have amazing parks, trails, libraries, community gardens and camps in our area. Even different school playgrounds can be extremely exciting for kids. Not everyone has the resources or wish to travel, but that doesn’t mean we can’t stoke up the curiosity in the minds of our littles. A trip anywhere can be an adventure to them.

Allow yourself to see the world again through their eyes and help them have the resources and down time to enjoy learning about the world—away from their scrolling thumbs. Keep chasing those rainbows.

Lincoln Public Schools students scaled musical mountains this winter at Standing Bear High School’s inaugural show choir contest.