Lincoln Public Schools

First day of school!

Originally published on: August 19, 2009

Superintendent Susan Gourley talks over a math problem with sixth graders at Lefler Middle School on the first day of school.

Right after the school bells rang bright and early on Wednesday morning, the arc of a glorious rainbow beamed down on the first day of classes for the 2009-2010 school year at Lincoln Public Schools (LPS).

This was the very first year all LPS students started school in air conditioned classrooms, but stormy weather held down the temperatures as teachers and principals across the community greeted an estimated 34,600 students – at 37 elementary, 10 middle and six high schools –undoubtedly setting another historic record for student enrollment.

The day began with the official opening of three newly built schools in northwest Lincoln  –  Arnold Elementary School, Kooser Elementary School and Schoo Middle School – as well as students pouring into new classroom additions and extensive renovations in every zip code and neighborhood around Lincoln.

Kindergartners puzzled their way through their first lunch lines, middle school kids tried to remember locker combinations, ninth graders conquered their very first day of high school – and digital cameras pointed at first-day smiles from students of all grades and ages.

A glimpse around the first day of school at LPS …

Arnold Elementary School
An early morning downpour quickened the pace as students filed over newly paved sidewalks and into classrooms at the rebuilt Arnold Elementary School in Lincoln Air Park.  But students and teachers quickly got down to the business of teaching and learning throughout the gleaming new hallways and classrooms.
 
The sound system inside Arnold’s new music room was warmed up and ready, blasting with the sounds of “The Star Spangled Banner,” the very first song fourth graders were learning in music class.

“Just look at this incredible space,” Arnold music teacher Nolan Schmit marveled.  “I got goose bumps the first time I walked into this room.”

Kooser Elementary School
Ted Kooser, for whom the school is named, waited outside with Principal Ann Jablonski to greet 300 new students and families who started arriving at 7:45 a.m.

The day started with photographers and reporters from local newspapers and television stations, but, within an hour, the halls were quiet and classes had begun – settling into walking tours to orient students to their environment, directions on daily routines and checking out materials.

Posted at the front entrance are three signs providing information about one of the first orders of business: picking a mascot and school colors.  For consideration: Kooser Owls, Kooser Kodiaks and Kooser Poets.

Kooser remarked that the life of a poet is actually quite "boring" and he would vote for either the owls or the Kodiaks.

Schoo Middle School
Middle school students at began their day with the Pledge of Allegiance and first morning announcements.  Then ribbons were cut at each of the grade level entrances and students streamed inside the new middle school ready with class schedules and locker combinations.

Lakeview Elementary School
Principal Sudie Bock and Superintendent Susan Gourley helped bewildered kindergartners make their way through school lunch, offering gentle reminders to remember spoons and straws.  The big question for the day?  Cheese pizza or corn puppies?

Lefler Middle School
Students sat quietly and attentively as they received a first day orientation in the new workings of finding and checking out books at the library media center.

However, when the session ended, the quiet ended, and kids flocked toward the fiction section to select and check out their very first book of the year.

“I can’t decide, I just can’t decide,” one young man said, turning to his friend.  “OK, you decide. Which one should I choose?”

Lincoln High School
The first day for Lincoln High School (LHS) ninth graders began and ended with presentations in the gymnasium where a huge sign proclaimed: “Welcome to Lincoln High, Class of 2013.”

“Good afternoon and congratulations.  You have all completed your very first day of high school,” declared John Heineman, who coordinates the International Baccalaureate Program.

Principal Mike Wortman told the ninth graders he thought perhaps they looked a little different in the afternoon, compared to the morning.  “Hopefully, you’ve already learned a lot today.  There are 373 of you this year.  And I expect all 373 of you will graduate from high school – in 2013.”

Then ninth grade cheerleaders performed and the ninth grade band played the official fight song.  Everyone sang, did the wave and then headed out at the close of their very first day of high school.