Lincoln Public Schools

Moving home and heading out

Originally published on: August 20, 2009

This empty soon-to-be green space on the north side of Norwood Park Elementary School had been occupied for 20 years by four portables.

Last year, Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) relocated two elementary schools to accommodate major renovations at the facilities.  Holmes Elementary School was moved to the LPS south site at 8400 Cody Drive and Norwood Park Elementary School was moved to the Abbott Sports Complex located at 7600 North 70th Street.

On the first day of school, students and staff returned home.  Holmes, located at 5230 Sumner Street, and Norwood Park, located at 4710 North 72nd Street, opened their doors to facilities that showcased new interiors and new additions.

At Norwood Park, there’s an empty landscape where four portable units were removed over the summer.  Principal Bill Thurmond noted up to four portable units have occupied that space for 20 years.

This year, Morley Elementary School headed out to Abbott.  The electronic sign on 70th street displays “Welcome Morley.”  The large facility accommodates Morley students and staff on the north side.

Principal Coni Schwartz says her staff worked hard to make the open area partitioned into classrooms and workspace as welcoming as possible.  Multiple signs identify Morley as an award winning program and a great place to teach and learn.

Hill Elementary School headed out to the south site this year.  A bulletin board display shows recent photographs of the gutting process at the home facility.  That display will be kept up-to-date throughout the year.

At the close of the first day, Hill staff is outside directing traffic – both human and vehicular.  School busses pulled up at the entrance are accompanied by a member of the staff holding a colored sheet of construction paper.

One student is told to look for the “purple” bus down the sidewalk to the left.  Another is told to look for the “green” bus, also on the left.  But it’s easier to see the “green” staff person, because she’s wearing a bright glitzy top hat (probably from St. Patrick’s Day).

At all four schools – Holmes, Norwood Park, Morley and Hill – there is one shared bright spot.  For some, they are home.  For others, they will be home … in just a year.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTO GALLERY FOR FIRST DAY PIX OF HOLMES – NORWOOD PARK – MORLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.