Lincoln Public Schools

Lincoln Public Schools Communication Services continues to look for the most effective way to provide you with information.  EdNotes is written and published specifically for the faculty and staff of Lincoln Public Schools.

If you have information you would like to include, please email Mary Kay Roth at mkroth@lps.org and Valerie Marino at vmarino@lps.org.

LPS increases United Way contributions < New

On behalf of the United Way/Combined Community Campaign Committee, congratulations to Lincoln Public Schools for a job well done.

This year we increased our giving by 3.9 percent, which equaled a total dollar amount of $23,926 more than last year’s giving.

This outcome makes us all winners.  More importantly, the agencies that received our contributions – won our support.

The following buildings/departments won prizes as follows:

75 percent of staff contribution, winning Colby Ridge popcorn:
•    Adams Elementary
•    Eastridge Elementary
•    Huntington Elementary
•    Curriculum Division at LPSDO
•    Instruction Division at LPSDO

75 percent of staff contribution entered into the drawing for the ice cream social served by the Executive Committee:
•    Huntington Elementary
•    Instruction Division at LPSDO

90 percent of staff contribution to receive a plaque and recognition at the Dec. 8 Board of Education meeting:
•    Business Affairs Division at LSPDO
•    Fredstrom Elementary
•    Human Resources Department at LPSDO
•    Nutrition Services at LPSDO
•    Morley Elementary
•    Riley Elementary
•    Sheridan Elementary

Greatest Improvement over last year’s donor participation; winning a plaque and recognition at the Dec. 8 Board of Education meeting; and 100 percent staff contribution winning a 2009-10 Staff Directory for each staff member:
•    Hill Elementary

We had one other building with 100 percent of staff contribution winning a plaque and recognition at the Dec. 8 Board of Education meeting:
•    Lakeview Elementary

Thank you all for your participation in the 2009-10 United Way/Combined Community Campaign. We look forward to another fantastic campaign next year.

Posted on November 20, 2009

Flu vaccinations < New

Health Services at Lincoln Public Schools has received verification that our seasonal flu vaccine order will not be filled, according to Judy Zabel, supervisor of Health Services at LPS.

Purchasing has attempted to find vaccine elsewhere and none is available, Zabel said.

“I appreciate your patience and understanding,”  she continued.  “If you want to receive a seasonal flu vaccine please contact your primary care provider or other providers in the community.”

For more information contact Zabel at 436-1655; jzabel@lps.org.

Posted on November 20, 2009

Harvest of Books collects more than 10,000 books

More than 10,000 children’s books will be distributed to elementary school students throughout the community in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, due to the recent Harvest of Books drive sponsored by the Lincoln Education Association.

That means every Lincoln first grader will receive two books, and every second grader will receive one book: 6,752 students in 56 public and private Lincoln schools, according to Jenni Absalon, president of the Lincoln Education Association.

Dozens of volunteers will distribute the books to schools this week; schools will pass out the books to children during the week of Thanksgiving.

“Thank you, Lincoln,” Absalon said.

Since its inception in 1997, the Harvest of Books has become a popular community project – to date providing more than 150,000 books to public and parochial students.

Harvest of Books is sponsored by the Lincoln Education Association with additional support from KFOR radio, Boomer’s Printing Company, Four Star Drugstore Card & Gift Galleries, the Lincoln Journal Star, the Lincoln City Libraries, Lincoln Federal Teachers Credit Union, and TMCO, Inc (Total Manufacturing Company of Lincoln). Participating bookstores include: the Adventist Book Center, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Gloria Deo, Indigo Bridge Books, Lee Booksellers, Nebraska Bookstore, University Bookstore, and Usborne Books at Home.

Posted on November 17, 2009

Employee Handbooks

The Lincoln Public Schools employee handbooks have been updated incorporating recent changes in board policies and regulations. In an effort to save paper and printing costs, the document will not be sent to each employee. We have posted the documents on the ICE site and the LPS web site under the Human Resources tab.

The Classified Handbook contains information for nutrition service employees, custodians, maintenance employees, transportation employees, technicians, office professionals, and paraeducators. Posted on the web site is an addendum for each of these employee groups.

The Certificated Handbook contains information for non-administrative, non-substitute certificated employees.

The Hourly Handbook contains information for hourly employees; all substitutes (including substitute teachers and local substitute teachers); mentors; non-certificated coaches; and summer crew employees. This handbook is in addition to the Substitute Handbook received by substitute teachers and local substitute teachers.

The Administrative Employment Guidelines contain information for the district's administrators.

To acknowledge the electronic receipt of these handbooks, please log into the Information Center for Employees (ICE) site from the "Staff Center" on the LPS web site. After logging into the site, click on "Employee Information" then "Employee Handbook Acknowledgment".

Administrators who previously filed a paper receipt for the Administrative Employment Guidelines are not required to complete the electronic receipt.

Posted on November 17, 2009

Husker Extra Junior Art Gallery

The Lincoln Journal Star is looking for young elementary school artists to draw pictures of their favorite Huskers for the Lincoln Journal Star's annual "Husker Extra Football Yearbook.'  If the picture is chosen, the student will receive a free copy of the 2009 Husker Extra publication.

Send artwork to: John Mabry, Lincoln Journal Star, 926 P Street, Lincoln, NE, 68508.

All submissions must be received by Dec. 15 and include: the artist's name, school name and grade, parent/guardian name, phone number or e-mail address.

For more information call 473-7428.

 

Posted on November 17, 2009

Leola Bullock Community Service Award

Congratulations to Josh Cramer, supervisor of Federal Programs at Lincoln Public Schools, who has been honored with the Leola Bullock Community Service Award by the Lincoln Chapter of the NAACP.

The Award was established in 1991 to honor service that benefits the organization and the community.  The honor was presented at the annual NAACAP Freedom Fund Banquet in Lincoln this fall.

Posted on November 16, 2009

Math Day honors

Lincoln East High School won first place in Class A competition for both the Math Bowl Tournament and the PROBE I competition at the 20th annual University of Nebraska-Lincoln Math Day in November.   Team members are Preston Bradley, Jahan Claes, Sean Douglas, Parviz Kholmatov and Darrin Lim.

Lincoln Southwest High School finished third in the PROBE I team competition.

Albert Zhou, Southwest, was awarded an $8,000 Math Day scholarship from UNL, plus $3,000 in cash in a new special contest, “Who Wants to be a Mathematician,” sponsored by the American Mathematical Society.

Jason Claes, East, won second in  “Who Wants to be a Mathematician.”

Other LPS winners:

PROBE I top students

Females:  1. Tie: Maesen Churchill, East; and Hayoon Lee, Southwest.  3.  Katie Sedlar, Mickle Middle School.

Males: 1. Albert Zhou, Southwest.  2. Tie: Jahan Claes, East; and Darrin Lim, East.

PROBE II winners

1.  Albert Zhou, Southwest
2.  Richard Zhang, East
3.  Maesen Churchill, East
6.  Darrin Lim, East
8.  Nathan Germer, East
9.  Jahan Claes, East
10. Preston Bradley, East

Posted on November 16, 2009

President of Teachers of Science

Congratulations to Kirsten Smith, curriculum specialist for science at Lincoln Public Schools, who was elected President of the Nebraska Association of Teachers of Science. She will serve as president-elect this year and become president in the 2010-11 school year.   

Posted on November 16, 2009

French Teacher of the Year for Nebraska

Congratulations to Cara Heminger, a teacher at Lincoln North Star High School, who has been named the Nebraska French Teacher of the Year.  The honor was bestowed in October by the state language association, Nebraska International Language Association.

Posted on November 13, 2009

Lincoln Northeast High School presents "A Christmas Carol: The Musical"

Charles Dickens' classic gets the full Broadway treatment by the Broadway team of Alan Menken ("Beauty and the Beast," "Little Mermaid,"), Lynn Ahrens ("Ragtime," "Seussical") and Mike Okrent ("Crazy For You," "Me and My Girl.")  This musical extravaganza ran for 10 years at Madison Square Garden.  In 2004, this version became the basis of an NBC Hallmark Entertainment special featuring Kelsey Grammer as Scrooge.

Dates: December 10, 11, 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $8.00 ($2.00 discount for LNE Faculty and Staff, LNE students with activity pass, LNE Music Boosters and Senior Citizens with a Gold Card)  Children under 3 are free.
Tickets at the door OR call LNE at 436-1303.

Posted on November 13, 2009

Retirement planning workshops

Retirement Planning Orientation sessions have been scheduled by Human Resources for staff considering retirement at the end of the 2009-10 school year or prior to September, 2010.  Sessions will be held at the District office.

Administrators:  Monday, December 14, 2009
Room E111 -- 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Certificated Staff:  Thursday, January 21, and Wednesday, January 27, 2010  (The same session will be repeated.)
Board Room (Room E102) -- 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Classified Staff:  Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Board Room (Room E102) -- 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

The purpose of the meetings is to provide information about the retirement process.  We encourage attendance if you have questions regarding continuation of health/dental and other insurance benefits, the non-elective 403(b) procedures, pay for leave, how to apply for Nebraska school retirement, etc.

Please let me know if you plan to attend and which session in order that we have enough information packets.

State Retirement Workshops:  In addition, Nebraska School Retirement workshops have been scheduled in Lincoln for March 3, March 25, May 5, May 11, June 9, June 17 and June 22.  Check the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement System website for details, npers.ne.gov.  If you are 50 or older, you should automatically receive a State Retirement registration form.  These will be mailed to your home.  Advance registration is required for the State Retirement seminar.  For your information, the latest School Employees Retirement System booklet is available on the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement System website.

It is recommended that you attend both my session and (if 50 or older) a Nebraska School Retirement seminar.

If you have questions, please e-mail me at kjensby@lps.org, phone 436-1593 or contact my secretary, Jane Lehmann, e-mail jlehman@lps.org, phone 436-1578.

Posted on November 13, 2009

One level of closure for weather

When conditions are such that classes will not be held, a District closure day will be called.  On District closure days, only emergency personnel will be required to work.  Emergency personnel are responsible for snow removal or are otherwise designated as emergency personnel by supervisors.  First and second shift custodial personnel will report at 10:00 a.m. unless otherwise directed by supervisors.  All employees within the Maintenance Department (including office professionals and technicians) are considered emergency personnel and expected to work.  Principals need to insure their buildings are covered during the time students would normally arrive.
 
On a District closure day, employees will be paid as if they had worked.  To be eligible for compensation, employees must have actually worked on the workday prior to or the workday after the District closure day.

Staff will be notified via ConnectED.  Please verify your phone number by accessing the Information Center for Employees (ICE) on the LPS Web site > Staff Center > ICE.  You may also confirm whether the District is closed by checking your e-mail, or the LPS Web site, or by calling 436-1000.

Posted on November 11, 2009

Larson elected to national board

Congratulations to Matt Larson who has been elected to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Board of Directors for a 3-year term.  This was a national election and is a great honor for Matt to be selected.

Posted on November 10, 2009

Deadline: Certified staff

The deadline for applications for points from the District tuition credit bank for spring classes at UNL is November 20th.  Applications for Professional Enhancement Fund Special Projects grants are also due November 20th.  Applications received in Human Resources after 5:00 p.m. that day will not be considered. Deadline is for spring classes only Summer and Fall requests will be considered later.

Reminders:

• Each credit hour costs 9 points.  No more than 27 points (3 credit hours) can be used in one semester.
• If making application to the Sistrict bank for tuition credit points, please use the 2-part "PEF2" form and send both copies to Human Resources.
• These forms are available from your school office.  Photocopies should not be used.

For detailed information and guidelines regarding tuition credit and PEF special projects grants, review "Professional Enhancement Fund Handbook" found under Human Resources on the LPS website: http://www.lps.org/hr/handbooks/documents/pefhandbook_2008.pdf
   
Questions?  Darbi Umholtz via e-mail (dumholtz@lps.org) or phone (436-1589)

Posted on November 10, 2009

It's never too soon to start saving for college!

The next Bagels & Brew Session is Saturday, November 21 at Union Bank from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.  The topic is College Savings, and is open to all LPS employees and guests.  The speaker, from College Savings Plan of Nebraska, will discuss options including which assets count against a student's financial aid package and the tax advantages of 529 plans.  Donuts and coffee will be served!  To attend, call or email Kellee Krick at Union Bank (323-1467) or (Kellee.Krick@ubt.com).

Posted on November 10, 2009

Office reclassification requests due December 4

This year's office reclassification requests must be received in Human Resources, Box 33, by close of business December 4, 2009.  Please refer to the “Office Personnel Addendum to Classified Employee Handbook” for detailed instructions.

The Reclassification Review Request for Office Professionals is available via DocuShare or in the Human Resources Template Folder.  If you are unable to access the form, contact Human Resources for an application.

Questions: Contact Kevin Johnston at kjohnst@lps.org or 4356-1597.

Posted on November 10, 2009

Lincoln Southwest High School presents

What would the holidays be without a visit from Ebenezer Scrooge?  This family holiday entertainment, inspired by Charles Dickens' immortal tale, tackles the issues of social injustice and poverty. ONLY A SCROOGE WOULD MISS IT!

Dates: December 10, 11, 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $8 for Adults/$6 for Students
Ticket sales start Tuesday, November 10.
Call 436-1306 (EXT: 66039) for tickets and information.

Posted on November 06, 2009

Letheby, Illusion Theatre recognized

The Star City Optimist Youth Foundation has presented the Hartley Doane Optimist Mentor Award to Susan Letheby, Director of the Illusion Theatre: Project TRUST, based at LHS.  The award recognizes longtime volunteer service to youth in academic or personal mentoring.

Letheby has worked with the theatre outreach program for 17 years.  Project TRUST is offered through Minneapolis based Illusion Theatre; an acronym for "teaching and reaching using students and theater.”  The theatre outreach program provides a non-threatening approach to subjects such as sexual abuse, bullying and violence prevention.

Letheby works with 10-15 high school students each year to prepare performances for elementary, middle and high school audiences.  Last school year, the group performed 65 times for over 12,000 students, parents and professionals.  This school year, all available performance dates in October and November had been filled by the fourth day of school.

In accepting the award, Letheby acknowledged "the kids and the wonderful educators all across LPS who continue to support our program."  She singled out "Dr. Schoo for believing in the idea, Dr. Moore for being our champion all these years, Dr. Wortman for his unfailing support, and wonderful co teachers John Heineman and Patsy Koch Johns.  Those are the people who deserve the recognition.  If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be here!"

Posted on November 06, 2009

Calvert Elementary School 80th birthday

Date: Sunday – November 22nd
Time: 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 3709 South 46th Street
Special event, open to the public, includes tours, refreshments and entertainment.

Posted on November 04, 2009

America Recycles Day 2009 Events

November 7-8
Free Tire Collection
WHEN: 7 AM to 8 PM
WHERE: NW 38th & West Webster

November 14
>>Usable latex paint exchange
WHEN: 8 AM to Noon
WHERE: EcoStores Nebraska (530 West ‘P’ Streeet)
COST: $2/gallon for unusable paint
>> Electronics Collection
WHEN: 8 AM to Noon
WHERE: TechWare Recycling (1835 West ‘O’ Street)
COST: Fees apply.  Call 499-3103.

>> General Recyclable Collection
WHEN: 8 AM to Noon
WHERE:
TechWare Recycling (1835 West ‘O’ Street)
EcoStores Nebraska (530 West ‘P’ Street)
Midland Recycling (440 ‘J’ Street)
Recycling Enterprises (6100 North 70th Street)

>> Free Wood Recycling (no painted wood)
WHEN: 8 AM to Noon
WHERE: Hofeling Enterprises (2200 South Folsom Court)

>> Free Paper Shredding (75 lb limit)
WHEN: 9 AM to 11 AM
WHERE:
Midland Recycling (440 ‘J’ Street)
Recycling Enterprises (6100 North 70th Street)
SouthPointe Pavilions (parking lot east of Famous Dave’s at 27th & Pine Lake)

Posted on November 03, 2009

Rousseau PE teacher honored

Lana Peterson-Pressler has been named the Nebraska Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Outstanding Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year 2009.  Peterson-Pressler will receive her award at the NAHPERD Conference on November 19th at the Scott Conference Center in Omaha.

Posted on November 03, 2009

ITFP recruiting

Please share with your high school students!

Interested in advanced computer classes?  Check out the Information Technology Focus Program
for high school students! All high school students with an interest in computer gaming, digital video, 3D animation, graphic design, computer programming, web page development or computer science and networking are invited to attend one of two informational meetings.

ITFP offers 100 minute classes for students who want to learn advanced computer skills and still attend their home high school for the majority of the day.  All classes are 10 credits and meet the LPS technology graduation requirement.  There are no prerequisites for applying.

•    November 17 & 19 at 7:00 PM
•    SCC Entrepreneurship Center
•    285 South 68th Street Place
•    Open to all high school students and parents!

More info @ http://itfp.lps.org
Or call: 436-1776

Posted on November 03, 2009

Updated process for surplus items

Link to a new way to review and shop for the "unique" items that come into surplus: http://docushare.lps.org/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-72679

Please review the following  guidelines:
1.  Check the Docushare link often.  It will be updated as new items are added.
2.  All items will be awarded on a "first come, first serve" basis and only e-mail requests will be honored.  E-mail: dstrehle@lps.org.
3.  If you are a teacher,  please check with your principal for approval of the selected item before requesting.  After a request is received, it will be labeled with a neon orange tag noting school/
your name/date.  The item(s) will only be held for two weeks.  If a material transfer request is not received within those two weeks, the item(s) will no longer be reserved.   Once a material transfer request is received, delivery to your building will take place within about two weeks.
4.  Any "unique"item that is still in surplus this spring will go into the 2010 spring auction.  This does not include "regular" items (such as student desks and tables, chairs and teachers desks.)  Those items will always be kept in surplus.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Dale Strehle at 436-1012 or dstrehle@lps.org.

Posted on November 03, 2009

LPS on the Tube

TV guide listings for November 2009
Educational Cable Channel 21 programming produced by Lincoln Public Schools

Meetings of the LPS Board of Education are telecast LIVE @ 7:00 PM on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.
November 10 @ 7:00 PM
Replays on ...
November 13 @ 7:00 PM
November 15 @ 4:00 PM

November 24 @ 7:00 PM
Replays on ...
November 27 @ 7:00 PM
November 29 @ 4:00 PM

Lincoln Public Schools:
Construction Update
LPS launches 11 new construction projects!
Tuesdays @ 6:30 PM
Fridays @ 6:30 PM
Sundays @ 3:30 PM

NEW!
Schoo Middle School Dedication
Coming Home …
Tuesdays @ 4:45 PM
Fridays @ 4:45 PM
Sundays @ 1:45 AM

Community Conversation I
Tuesdays @ 1:00 PM
Thursdays @ 1:00 PM

NEW!
Community Conversation II
Tuesdays @ 2:30 PM
Thursdays @ 2:30 PM

FAMILY FRIENDLY PROGRAMMING

NEW!
Mr. E’s Booktime: Winter!
Saturdays @ 1:00 PM
Mondays @ 4:00 PM
Wednesdays @ 4:00 PM

NEW!
Mr. E’s Booktime: Golf!
Saturdays @ 1:30 PM
Mondays @ 4:30 PM
Wednesdays @ 4:30 PM

NEW!
Life Stories:
Presented by Bryan Community
Saturdays @ 2:00 PM
Mondays @ 5:00 PM
Wednesdays @ 5:00 PM

Concert for Kids:
No One Stands Alone
Saturdays @ 3:15 PM
Mondays @ 6:15 PM
Wednesdays @ 6:15 PM

Posted on October 29, 2009

LSW teacher receives STAR Award

Nila Jacobson, LSW, is among 19 Nebraska world language teachers who received the 11th Annual STAR Award. The awards are presented by the Nebraska International Languages Association.

The four STAR areas – Study – Travel – Achievement – Recognition – represent continued professional development, efforts to learn outside the classroom, striving to excel and showing leadership in organizations.  Teachers are recognized for demonstrating superior qualities in their dedication to students, outreach to community and continual efforts to improvement.

Posted on October 28, 2009

EMERGENCY FOOD PANTRY: New hours

Starting November 2nd, the LPS Emergency Food Bank will be open: Monday/Wednesday/
Friday from 3:30 to 5:00 PM.  Holiday hours are: December 22/23/29/30 from 3:30 to 5:00 PM when food boxes will be available for pick up only.

Please help make our LPS families aware of the Pantry.  It’s located in a portable classroom at Lefler Middle School.  The resource is available for LPS families experiencing a food crisis.
•    Any LPS family in need should contact the principal or social worker at the school their student attends to obtain a referral card. Then families can come to the Pantry to select a specified amount of food – for up to five times in a school year at no cost.
•    If a family has transportation issues, they should contact the school principal and see if they can obtain a food box.

For additional information: www.lincolnfoodbank.org

Posted on October 28, 2009

Volunteer to ring bells for Salvation Army

Phil Wolfe, retired LPS teacher, is again organizing LPS teachers for the LPS Bell Ringing Team.  Last year, the team collected over $2,000!

For information and to sign up: http://www.ringbells.org.  After selecting Lincoln, Nebraska, click on blue icon in upper left hand corner: Register to Volunteer.  Complete basic information.  Mark “organization” as LPS Teachers.  You may then sign up for the date and location of your choice.  A minimum of two hours is necessary for any time slot.

Posted on October 28, 2009

Harvest of Books coming up short

Harvest of Books still needs 3,000 books to meet the minimum of one book for every 1st and 2nd grader in the public, parochial and private schools!

The University Bookstore is extending the timeline until November 13th for you to purchase books for Harvest of Books.  The University Bookstore is located on the lower level of the Nebraska Union (14th and R Street).

Do your holiday shopping and support Harvest of Books!  Miriam LeBlanc with Usborne Books will have books available to purchase at the Ladies Night Out/Holiday Shopping Event on November 12th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Catering on the Boulevard Reception Hall (2602 Park Blvd.).  Additional vendors at this event will be donating a portion or percentage of sales to Harvest of Books.

Admission is FREE.  There will be over $1,500 in door prizes, as well as beverages/food for sale by Catering on the Boulevard, MUSIC by Primetime Music and Entertainment, and more.  The event is sponsored by the Cornhusker IAAP.
 
You can also send your monetary donations to Harvest of Books (4920 Normal Blvd. Lincoln NE 68506).  Volunteers will be going to bookstores in November to purchase books.

Posted on October 28, 2009

Open House at Pound Middle School

•    Date: Sunday – November 8
•    Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
•    4740 South 45th Street

The school welcomes neighbors, members of the public, as well as current and former students and staff members. The Open House features a short program in the school auditorium at 2:00 p.m., followed by refreshments and tours of the building.  Renovations have added more than 20,000 square feet of including 16 classrooms, a gymnasium and mechanical rooms.

Posted on October 22, 2009

Mickle teacher wins NATA award

Diane Gabelhouse, who teaches at Mickle Middle School, received the Nebraska Art Teachers Association Middle Level Art Educator of the Year Award for 2009.  (The Elementary Art Educator of the Year was awarded to Lucy McHugh, who taught at Clinton last year.)

Posted on October 21, 2009

Nebraska Para Educator of the Year

Lori Pope, Cavett Elementary School, has received the Nebraska Para Educator of the Year Award from the Nebraska Council of School Administrators.  She was recognized at the Nebraska Para Educator Conference in Kearney.  Pope has been a para for 21 years.  She was nominated by three Cavett teachers who wrote …

“We know Lori is not a para educator for the money.  She is a para educator because she performs a vital role in the education of students at Cavett.  She is dedicated to provide all students the best educational opportunity.  Everyday, Lori displays her enthusiasm and enjoyment working with children and teachers at Cavett.  The teachers, students, and parents at Cavett cannot thank Lori enough for all the years of dedication she has given.”

Posted on October 21, 2009

Fundraiser for BackPack Program

WHEN: November 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 & 21
WHAT: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
(Dinner: 6:00 p.m. and Curtain: 7:30 p.m.)
WHERE: Sheridan Lutheran Church (6955 Old Cheney Road)
COST: $16/Dinner & Show OR $8/Show only

This production will benefit the BackPack Program of the Lincoln Food Bank.  To purchase tickets: 423-4769 or www.sheridanlutheran.org.

Posted on October 21, 2009

Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools

Nominations are due November 16th for the following awards:

>> State Farm Insurance Companies Outstanding Educator Awards: Five $1,000 awards to recognize educators who motivate students to reach their full potential in the classroom and beyond.
>> Marie Bourke Leadership Award: $1,000 award for principals, includes participation in the Gallup Organization Leadership Program, presented in Marie Bourke's memory by Glenn and Janice Friendt.
>> Florence J. Clark Award: Two $3,000 awards to recognize outstanding middle school teachers who demonstrate excellence in teaching and work toward continuous improvement in student achievement and development.
>> R.L. Fredstrom Leadership Award: $1,000 award honoring Rudy Fredstrom to recognize outstanding educational leadership, or potential for leadership, in Lincoln Public Schools.
>> Helen Krieger Outstanding Healthcare Provider Award: $1,000 award, presented in Helen Krieger's memory by Jim and Penny Krieger, to a certified or licensed LPS healthcare provider who has made a significant contribution to the lives of students and families by providing excellence in healthcare and healthcare education.
>> Nebraska Heart Institute Outstanding Science Educator Award: $1,000 award, presented by Nebraska Heart Institute, to a science educator who makes significant contributions to student lives through science education.
>>John Prasch Health and Physical Fitness Award: $1,000 award, presented in John Prasch's memory by Edward and Mary Copple.  For the 17th year, this award will honor an educator who has made a significant contribution to student lives by promoting health and physical fitness.

Nomination forms are online: www.foundationforlps.org.

Posted on October 21, 2009

Ryan Mahoney receives prestigious award

Lincoln Southwest High School teacher Ryan Mahoney has received the prestigious Nebraska 2009 Miliken Family Foundation National Educator Award.  He teaches social studies and advanced placement psychology, is the varsity coach for track and field, and the assistant coach for junior varsity cross country.

Posted on October 15, 2009

Marilyn Moore receives Kiwanis award

The Kiwanis Club of Lincoln has presented the Award for Distinguished Service to Dr. Moore.  The Club has recognized extraordinary service to the city, state, nation and world since 1922.  Eighty-five awards have been presented to date; Dr. Phil Heckman received the award in 2008.

Posted on October 15, 2009

Be a school media specialist!

If you would like to start working on your school library media endorsement, join us Tuesday, November 3rd, LPSDO Board Room, 4:00-5:00, to talk about the Library Media Endorsement Program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.  Dr. R. J. Pasco, Director of the UNO Library Media/Library Science Education Programs, will discuss the schedule of courses.

You must have a Nebraska teaching certificate to begin work on your media endorsement.  To learn more about the program: http://www.unomaha.edu/libraryed.

If you have questions, contact Mary Reiman, Director of LPS Media Services at 436-1627 or mreiman@lps.org.

Posted on October 15, 2009

Lincoln Southeast High School presents "Our Town"

This Pulitzer Prize-winning drama of life in Grover’s Corners, an allegorical representation of all life, has become a classic for all time.

Performances: November 5th through November 7th
Curtain: 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $8/adults - $7/Students & Senior – $6/age 12 and under
For ticket information, call 436-1304.

Posted on October 15, 2009

Lincoln High School stages "The Great Easter Egg Hunt"

This production will be staged at Irving Middle School, due to renovations in the LHS auditorium.

Performances: October 15th through October 17th
Curtain: 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $5 at the door

The play, by Ken Jones, features a cast and crew of 50.  The comedy centers around an annual Easter Egg Hunt where the folks of Umatilla, Florida, vie for the ultimate prize … the Golden Egg.  The production is directed by Molly Thomas.

Posted on October 08, 2009

Nolan Schmit “Composer of the Year”

Nolan Schmit, Arnold Elementary School, has been named “Composer of the Year” by the Nebraska Music Teachers Association (NMTA).  He will receive his award October 15th at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

NMTA commissioned Schmit to compose a work to be premiered at the October Conference.  The work, Soundtrack” is composed for a brass quintet.  That composition will be entered in the Music Teachers National Association competition.

In addition, Schmit’s newest work for concert band, “Conquest,” will be performed at the Midwest Clinic/International Band and Orchestra Conference to be held in Chicago in December.  It is the largest convention for band and orchestra in the world.  Top bands and orchestras from around the world apply/audition to perform, and to be selected is one of the most prestigious honors an ensemble can receive.

Posted on October 07, 2009

Kooser publisher donates books

Candlewick Press has donated 150 children’s books to the library at the new Kooser Elementary School.  The books represent a cross section of Candlewick’s collection.

Candlewick Press, started in 1991, was named "the fastest growing children’s publisher in the U.S." by Publishers Weekly.  The company is publishing Kooser’s first children’s book: Bag in the Wind.

Posted on October 07, 2009