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.

Book Bracket: Second-round match-ups open for voting < Updated

The second round of 'Book Bracket' is open for voting.

Vote Pre-K - Grade 2
Vote Grade 3 - Middle School

First-round winners include (winner, % of vote, opponent)
Grade 3 - Middle School
- Charlie & The Chocolate Factory 58% (A Wrinkle in Time)
- Where the Sidewalk Ends 82% (Maniac Magee)
- Pippi Longstocking 62% (Bunnicula)
- The Hunger Games 56% (Holes)
- James & The Giant Peach 52% (How to Eat Fried Worms)
- The Hobbit 59% (The Lightning Thief)
- Night of the Twisters 73% (The Phantom Tollbooth)
- The Wizard of Oz 63% (Mary Poppins)
- Charlotte's Web 81% (Diary of a Wimpy Kid)
- Little House on the Prairie 66% (Mr. Popper's Penguins)
- Are you there, God? It's me, Margaret 51% (Anne of Green Gables)
- The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe 54% (Harry Potter & the Philosopher's Stone)
- The Outsiders 78% (Twilight)
- Where the Red Fern Grows 65% (Hatchet)
- Catcher in the Rye 57% (Fahrenheit 451)
- To Kill a Mockingbird 67% (Little Women)

Pre-K - Grade 2
- Harold and the Purple Crayon 58% (Harry the Dirty Dog)
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom 51% (Curious George)
- Cat in the Hat 64% (Go, Dog. Go!)
- Corduroy 53% (The Polar Express)
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar 55% (Goodnight Moon)
- The Tale of Peter Rabbit 61% (Make Way for Ducklings)
- Miss Nelson is Missing 65% (Millions of Cats)
- Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day 68% (Click, Clack, Moo)
- Green Eggs & Ham 54% (Where the Wild Things Are)
- The Three Little Pigs 70% (Pat the Bunny)
- The Little Engine That Could 69% (Caps for Sale)
- George & Martha 52% (Strega Nona)
- The Pigeon Wants a Puppy 72% (Bark, George)
- Frog & Toad are Friends 66% (Mike Milligan & Steam Shovel)
- Olivia 82% (Little Blue Truck)
- Amelia Bedelia 57% (The Poky Little Puppy)

The winners of these matches will advance to the second round. Voting for the second round begins Friday morning.

Vote in LPS 'Book Bracket' for your favorite childhood books

Take a moment today to consider your favorite books from childhood and adolescence. Perhaps you think of Twilight or Little Women, Hunger Games or Goodnight Moon.

Now share your vote with us - in the Lincoln Public Schools version of March Madness - the LPS Book Bracket. It's live and ready for your vote. Go to the links above and place your ballot for favorite childhood books from pre-K up to and through middle school. Thanks to your suggestions and those from others, we have narrowed a list of about 150 books down to 64. A special thanks to LPS Library Media Services for all their help.

Please note, the most challenging parts were culling the list of books to 64, and trying to match them to the age-appropriate level. In addition, based on your feedback we have removed any requirement to register for participation. Just click below and start voting.

Enjoy the memories - and happy voting.

Posted on March 07, 2014

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March ‘Learning Lunch’ focuses on LPS during Great Depression and Post-War years

The Lincoln Public Schools Learning Lunch for March was presented at noon on Tuesday, March 4, in the Board Room at LPS District Offices, 5905 O St.

The Lunch topic for March was Built for Learning/Bust and Boom: Great Schools of the Great Depression and of the Post-War Years  -  focusing on the few fine schools built by LPS in the 1930s, and introducing the fast-moving decade of the 1950s when over a dozen schools were built to accommodate the children of the Baby Boom.

Background for LPS Learning Lunches:

• The Learning Lunches this year  -  "Built for Learning: An Architectural Historian's Perspective on LPS History"  -  feature Ed Zimmer, Lincoln's historic preservation planner and a member of the Lincoln Board of Education.

• Doors to the Board Room open at noon, the program begins at 12:15 p.m., questions-and-answers happen at 12:35 p.m.  Please bring your own lunch. Community members are welcome to stay after lunch for a tour of the new LPS District Office building.

• Additional Learning Lunches are set for Tuesdays at noon in the LPSDO Board Room on: April 1.

Posted on March 05, 2014

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Art and Storytelling: Jordan Buschur at Elliott Elementary

Re-published with permission from the Lincoln Arts Council

The month of February was an exciting one for 1^st and 3^rd graders at Elliott Elementary School. With funding from the Nebraska Arts Council, AmeriCorps members at the Lincoln Arts Council were able to bring Jordan Buschur, local artist and teacher, to Elliott to teach bookmaking. 

During the 3-week residency, more than 100 students learned the technique of folding an accordion-style book, wrote and illustrated their own story about an animal, and created hard covers for their book with mat board and decorative paper. Third graders also learned how to make a book with a spine. The students at Elliott were thrilled to meet a “real live artist” and had fun inventing fantasy stories to tell and illustrate, including a cat and a pig that move to the moon, a cheetah who fights a dragon, and a snake who has an adventure. For many of the students, this was their first chance to explore the process of story development, and they practiced a new vocabulary word: “pagination.” During the final session, several students mentioned wanting to teach their siblings the bookmaking process that they learned with Jordan – one first grader proclaimed “I know how to do something my big brother doesn’t!”

On the final day of the residency, the Lincoln Arts Council hosted a reception to display all the books created, and families and friends came to see and appreciate the hard work that these students did. Many thanks to the Nebraska Arts Council, Elliott Elementary School, and the AmeriCorps program for making this program possible for these Elliott students. A special thank you to Elliott Art Specialist Benjamin Jochum and LPS Art Curriculum Supervisor Lorinda Rice for helping coordinate the details and make this residency a success and a pleasure for everyone involved. 

Photos from Jordan Buschur’s residency at Elliott Elementary School can be found on the Lincoln Arts Council’s Flickr page.  A video of the residency is also in the works. Lincoln Arts Council AmeriCorps members are looking forward to their next artist residency of the year – artist Janine Copple will be teaching printmaking at Everett Elementary in mid-April.

Posted on March 04, 2014

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"Two Wings to Fly" premieres at The Ross March 13

The work of 13 photojournalism students will be featured in a multimedia presentation, “Two Wings to Fly: Stories of fear, hope and economics in the Dominican Republic, 7 p.m., March 13 at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center.

The presentation is free and open to the public. The images and stories were collected during a depth-reporting trip to the Dominican Republic during the winter break.

Students looked for topics and issues about the people and culture. A variety of stories, from sex workers and teen pregnancy to cockfighting and many more will be presented during the evening event.

The project is one of many in-depth projects that give students real-world international experience. This is the eighth trip to a foreign country to document a country’s people and culture.

More information about their trip is available at http://unlphotojournalismdominicanrepublic.wordpress.com/.

Students who participated in the depth-reporting project are Jake Crandall, Andrew Dickinson, Kaylee Everly, Jennifer Gotrik, Anna Gronewold, Nickolai Hammar, Matt Masin, Joseph Moore, Anna Reed, Faiz Siddiqui, Brianna Soukup, Cara Wilwerding and Shelby Wolfe.

Bruce Thorson and Scott Winter, professors in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications, led the trip. Assistants Ben Rusnak, Amy Bruce and Brian Lehmann accompanied Thorson and Winter to the Dominican Republic.

Posted on March 04, 2014

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'Thank You Teacher' winners go beyond the obvious

Kloefkorn Elementary School second grader Emersyn Keim says she and her teacher – Stephanie Schulz – are “the peas and carrots.  We are peas in a pod. We are ketchup and mustard.” 

Lincoln Southeast High School student Tamara Kulwicki describes how her teacher, Julie Latenser, never gave up on her and became almost like her own personal cheerleader:  “And I want to make Mrs. Latenser proud.”

Lauren Kelly, a student at Lefler Middle School, remembers when her band teacher Jim Karas helped make sure she could her play musical instruments – despite a nerve injury that challenges her right arm.

These three teachers were among the five winning educators honored – along with the students who nominated them – in the annual Thank You Teacher breakfast ceremony held Tuesday in honor of Nebraska Teacher Recognition Day.

Lily Lautenschlager, a student at Maxey Elementary School, says she “wants to be as amazing and exciting as Mrs. Reineke…I love having her as a teacher because she’s enthusiastic and no matter if she’s in a bad mood, she always comes in with a smile on her face.” 

Veronica Rathman, now the coordinator at Hill Elementary School, nominated former Meadow Lane Elementary teacher Jeanne Zwiebel:   “It was my good fortune to be placed as a student teacher with Jeanne Zweibel in a wonderful third grade classroom…Mrs. Zwiebel had a commitment to her students to enrich their lives academically, socially and emotionally.  She modeled a dedication to make each moment in the classroom count.”

This year’s Thank You Teacher awards went to:

• Preschool-Grade 2:  Stephanie Schulz, Kloefkorn Elementary School teacher; nominated by Emersyn Keim, Kloefkorn.  
• Grades 3-5:  Kelly Reineke, Maxey Elementary School teacher; nominated by Lily Lautenschlager, Maxey.
• Middle School: James Karas, Lefler Middle School teacher; nominated by Lauren Kelly, Lefler,
• High School: Julie Latenser, Lincoln Southeast High School teacher; nominated by Tamara Kulwicki, Southeast.
• Retired: Jeanne Zwiebel, former teacher at Meadow Lane Elementary School; nominated by Veronica Rathman, now coordinator at Hill Elementary School.

The event is sponsored by Lincoln Public Schools and Three Eagle Communications.

For more information contact Mary Kay Roth, Lincoln Public Schools District Office, 436-1609.

 

 

     

Posted on March 04, 2014

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Edible car event highlights family creativity

Over twenty-five families enjoyed the first Family Edible Car Event. Families built cars made out of 100% edible ingredients and were judged on nutritional content, aesthetics, and performance.  A great time was had by all.  A huge thank you to Mark Riley for planning, organizing and running this fun event!  We also appreciate the University of Nebraska - Lincoln volunteers who assisted, including Mrs. Dornbos’ son Tim.

Posted on March 03, 2014

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Recycling event for Eastridge PTO

There will be a free Community Recycle Event on May 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Eastridge Elementary School, 6245 L St. Proceeds will benefit Eastridge Elementary School PTO Initiatives and Walking Track.

Items available for recycling:

-cell phones
-keyboards
-mouses
-modems 

-laptops
-hard drives
-CD/Roms
-power supplies
-A/C adapters
-computer boards
-laptop batteries
-communication wire
-computer towers and servers
-printers
-fax machines
-cash registers
-wiring
-stereos/radios
-microwaves
-typewriters
-iPods
-lead acid batteries
-car batteries
-golf clubs
-grills (no propane)
-DVD player/VCR
-chargers ex: phone chargers, laptop chargers
-car rims
-power tools
-tablets
-washing machines/dryers
-stoves/ovens
-refrigerators
-dishwashers
-hot water heaters
-window A/C
-central A/C
-copper & yellow brass

 

Posted on March 03, 2014

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Links make investment in Elliott students, community

Nearly every day, a group of Lincoln High School students trade their high school hallways for some hallway reading at Elliott Elementary School.

They gather reading materials - a timer, and a few a other necessities, including hallway tables - and listen to Elliott students. They listen to their stories, they hear them becoming better readers, they hear them celebrate the little steps.

And throughout the second-floor hallway, the third-graders find their mentors, and get to work.

The program is designed by City Impact. This program pairs challenged readers with an adult who sits with and guides the student as he or she accomplishes fun reading assignments. The Impact Reading Center seeks to ensure that every student in Lincoln’s Public Schools is reading at or above grade level. 

For the Links, it's an investment in the community.

LHS senior Je'Kerra Hopper remembers the feeling of struggling to read as a younger child. She took advantage of extra reading strategies as a junior so she could pass the required reading exams to graduate.

"I understand where they are coming from," said Hopper, who hopes to become a police officer. "I still do."

At the end of the hallway, fellow LHS senior Race Schuurmans remembers reading to older students when he was younger, too. Now he's happy to be that older student who helps.

"They are improving their reading skills and they get to learn from someone who they know is going to graduate high school," he said. "They can see that as a goal."

A little further down the hallway, LHS senior Christie Do and Elliott third-grader Dylon move up a level of reading.

Dylon's favorite part, "That you get to read, and have fun with them."

Christie said it's obvious the students want to read and read at a higher level.

"I don't really feel like a teacher, I feel more like almost like an older sister because I ask them how their day is going," she said. "And sometimes they are tired, or really excited."

Posted on March 03, 2014

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Goodrich builds solutions with robots, camaraderie with each other

Check out the video at the bottom of the page

If you want to learn how to better work with other people, you might try something like a robotics club.

Students in the club at Goodrich Middle School have learned how to program robots to do very specific tasks, how to work with fellow students who have different opinions, and, most recently, how to build a winning team and robot.

Goodrich won first place in the state First Lego League competition recently at the SAC Museum. The team advances to a national competition in California this summer, and hopes to attend if they can raise the necessary funds.

The assignment this year was Nature's Fury. Students teamed up to design a robot that would help the Smokejumpers of Missoula navigate and fight large-scale fires.

The students are judged on their robots, their quick problem-solving skills, and their ability to function as a team.

"You learn how to get along as a team," said eighth-grader Richard Sanchez. "In a school, it helps if you are going to work with someone you don't necessarily like, you have that pre-knowledge of how to work with people, how to solve problems on the spot."

The students put in many hours after school, but also enjoy working on similar projects at home. The skills they use in programming the robots, like using coordinates to determine a path requires knowing the slope formula, comes up in their school curriculum, too.

Other topics for past and future students include Senior Solutions, where students identify and create a solution for problems senior citizens face, and World Class, where students design a modern classroom for schools.

Students on the team include: Jason Vo, Keith Tran, Richard Bui, Maria Thomas, Mathew Pagan, Alex Meysenburg, Brieanna Kroeger, Andrew Anderson, Richard Sanchez and Saliman Attaie. The coach is Jesse Andres.

For more on the specifics of the events, read the Q&A with the coach conducted prior to the statewide competition.

Posted on February 28, 2014

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Obesity rates drop and fitness improves for LPS students

Lincoln Public Schools students in kindergarten through eighth grade are weighing in at healthier weights and testing more physically fit – for the third year in a row, according to a report released this week by LPS and the Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln (PHL).

The number of students who are obese – kindergarten through eighth grade – has fallen from 17.2 to 15.8 percent, Bob Rauner, director of PHL, and Michelle Welch, LPS wellness facilitator, told the Lincoln Board of Education this week.

In addition, the number of students who passed the school district’s aerobic fitness test has increased from 68.4 to 70.7 percent, according to Rauner and Welch, who pointed out this improvement is especially important because studies show students who pass the fitness test perform better on math, reading and science tests.

“This success is a result of the combined efforts of LPS and several Lincoln organizations,” said Rauner, who has been working with LPS curriculum specialist Marybell Avery to track these results for the last five years. Collaborating community organizations include Teach a Kid to Fish, El Centro de Las Americas, the Malone Center and the Lincoln YMCA.

Rauner said he is especially encouraged to see that improvements in healthy weight and fitness are occurring across ethnic and socioeconomic lines. “We are seeing significant improvements in both minority and low-income populations, which is especially important since studies show these populations are at highest risk.”

Welch said the school district is excited “to see a step wise shift toward a culture of wellness and that our data demonstrates its impact. Our district-wide quarterly wellness challenges have helped unify efforts across our school community and ensure education of students, their families and our staff about their daily choices.”

She said that no single program has created this type of healthier school environment, but instead a combination of gradual shifts and efforts such as daily recess and physical activity breaks at the elementary level – as well as fine-tuning the school lunch program, classroom reward choices and classroom celebrations.

She also cited school and neighborhood fund-raising efforts that have created walking tracks and outdoor learning areas that beautify and benefit the community. This year Randolph and Zeman elementary schools have added walking tracks with Eastridge and Hartley elementary schools close to their fund-raising goals.

Other community-school collaborative projects include Teach a Kid to Fish’s grants with Safe Routes to School to encourage more students to walk or ride their bikes to school, and the BodyWorks program to help children improve their nutrition. LPS’s Community Learning Centers (CLC) and lead agencies have also been working to train CLC staff on the SPARK curriculum. SPARK is a curriculum for after-school programs that adds more physical activity during the time students attend their programs.

For further information:
Bob Rauner at brauner@healthylincoln.org
Michelle Welch at mwelch@lps.org
Marybell Avery at mavery@lps.org

Posted on February 27, 2014

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Wellness Update shows improvements in LPS student health

The Lincoln Board of Education met for a regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Lincoln Public Schools District Office, 5905 O St. The meeting was live-streamed and aired live on public education access channel 80. The next regular meeting for the Board is scheduled for Tuesday, March 25.

Highlights of Board of Education Feb. 25 meeting

School Board citations  

The Board of Education recognized and introduced Wendy Van, the new president of the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools.

“We absolutely chose the right person,” said LPS Superintendent Steve Joel. “She has energy, passion, mission and focus. The future is very bright for our Foundation.”

Wellness Update shows improvements in LPS student health

Dr. Bob Rauner – from the Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln – gave a wellness update for the Lincoln Board of Education Tuesday, announcing that Lincoln Public Schools students in kindergarten through eighth grade are weighing in at healthier weights and testing more physically fit.

“The good news is that fitness is improving across the district,” Rauner said.

The number of students who are obese – kindergarten through eighth grade – has fallen from 17.2 to 15.8 percent, Rauner and Michelle Welch, LPS wellness facilitator, told the Board.

In addition, the number of students who passed the school district’s aerobic fitness test has increased from 68.4 to 70.7 percent, according to Rauner and Welch, who pointed out this improvement is especially important because studies show students who pass the fitness test perform better on math, reading and science tests.

“This success is a result of the combined efforts of LPS and several Lincoln organizations,” said Rauner, who has been working with LPS curriculum specialist Marybell Avery to track these results for the last five years.  Collaborating community organizations include Teach a Kid to Fish, El Centro de Las Americas, the Malone Center and the Lincoln YMCA.

Rauner said he is especially encouraged to see that improvements in healthy weight and fitness are occurring across ethnic and socioeconomic lines. “We are seeing significant improvements in both minority and low-income populations, which is especially important since studies show these populations are at highest risk.” 

Welch said the school district is excited “to see a step wise shift toward a culture of wellness and that our data demonstrates its impact. Our district-wide quarterly wellness challenges have helped unify efforts across our school community and ensure education of students, their families and our staff about their daily choices.”

She said that no single program has created this type of healthier school environment, but instead a combination of gradual shifts and efforts such as daily recess and physical activity breaks at the elementary level – as well as fine-tuning the school lunch program, classroom reward choices and classroom celebrations.

She also cited school and neighborhood fund-raising efforts that have created walking tracks and outdoor learning areas that beautify and benefit the community. This year Randolph and Zeman elementary schools have added walking tracks with Eastridge and Hartley elementary schools close to their fund-raising goals.

Other community-school collaborative projects include Teach a Kid to Fish’s grants with Safe Routes to School to encourage more students to walk or ride their bikes to school, and the BodyWorks program to help children improve their nutrition. LPS’s Community Learning Centers (CLC) and lead agencies have also been working to train CLC staff on the SPARK curriculum. SPARK is a curriculum for after-school programs that adds more physical activity during the time students attend their programs.

Bonds

The School Board followed up on passage of the $153 million bond issue – by finalizing a schedule and plan for issuing bonds in late March or April. Officials reported that the market is very strong – especially in light of the LPS school district’s Triple-A ratings.

Budget calendar for 2014-15

The School Board was presented with the budget calendar for 2014-15. Highlights include:

• April 17: End of Legislative Session
• April 20: (approximate) Gross Assessed Valuations from County Assessor
• April – June: LPS Executive Committee Works with Board Finance Committee
• June 10: Budget Work Session, 4:30 p.m. at LPS District Office
• June – July: Community/District Constituent Presentations

o   Presentation and Budget Forum at LPSDO (June 24 from 5:00-6:00 p.m.)

o   Presentation and Budget Forum at Location to be Announced (June 26 from 7:00-8:00 p.m.)

o   Presentations to Various Community/District Constituent Groups: Key Communicators, Community Curriculum Council, LIBA (Lincoln Independent Business Association), LPS Parent Leader Group, Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Neighborhood Alliance

• July 8: Second Budget Work Session 6 p.m. at LPS District Office
• August 12: Public Hearing/Budget Forum (6-6:45 p.m.) and Budget Approval (First Reading)
• August 20: Certified Assessed Valuation
• August 26: Budget Approval (Second Reading/Action)

Career Center

The Board appointed Board member Richard Meginnis as the first Board member representative who will serve on the new High School Career Academy Center’s Joint Board with membership from LPS and Southeast Community College

The Career Center is a jointly funded effort between LPS and SCC, and the LPS portion will be covered by the recent $153 million bond issue.

The new High School Career Center will open in the fall of 2015 and feature blocks of career-related classes that match the specific employment and job needs of our community. The Center will provide opportunities for students who are planning to go on to college, or who are looking into more immediate careers and employment – helping them plan for their lives after high school.

LPS External accreditation visit

The Nebraska Department of Education requires a visitation – every five years – from a team of external representatives to review the school improvement process, progress on goals and provide written recommendations.

Bess Scott, director of Continuous Improvement and Professional Learning at LPS, reported that LPS has successfully completed its 2013-14 External Accreditation Visit and the resulting external report provided recommendations and commendations for each school. 

Commendation themes for the district are:

• Professional Learning Communities
• High Quality Staff
• Effective Communication
• Family Involvement and Sense of Community
• Positive Behavior Intervention Support
• Culture of Purpose and Direction

Recommendation themes for the district are:

• More Consistent and Deliberate Use of Challenging, Intentional and Engaging Instructional Strategies
• More Effective Use of Data in Classrooms, in PLCs, in Schools, in the District
• More Professional Development to Support the Recommendations

Schools and the District Continuous Improvement Committee are currently analyzing the external reports and developing five-year action plans to address the recommendations and establish school improvement goals for year one. 

 

Posted on February 25, 2014

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NARSP accepting scholarship applications

Posted on February 21, 2014

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Steiner announces retirement

Posted on February 17, 2014

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McDermott to remain interim principal at Southwest

Lincoln Public Schools announced Friday that Hugh McDermott's placement as interim principal of Lincoln Southwest High School has been extended through the 2014-15 school year.

“We are pleased to announce that Hugh has agreed to continue in his role as principal at Southwest,” said Eric Weber, associate superintendent for Human Resources at LPS. “We're glad he's going to stay with us for another year, and we are confident this consistency and continuity will be valuable for the Southwest community.”

McDermott is the former principal at Irving Middle School.

Posted on February 14, 2014

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Early childhood celebration open to community

The Early Childhood Celebration is an annual event held in Lincoln to celebrate the National Week of the Young Child.  Child care professionals, health and safety programs, community volunteers and local agencies come together to offer information and activities to families with children ages birth through 8. 

There are also stage performances throughout the day.  This event has been held at different venues for over 25 years, and is FREE to the public.  This year’s Early Childhood Celebration will be held Sat., April 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Southeast Community College, 8800 O Street, in the gymnasium.

For more information contact Janeen Ward, LAEYC President at 402-437-2452 or jward@southeast.edu, or visit the group's Facebook page.

Posted on February 14, 2014

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Ames reading series features five authors with local ties

John H. Ames Reading Series
The 208^th John H. Ames Readign program begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 30 in the Heritage Room on the third floor of the Bennett Martin Public Library, 14^th & N Streets. For more information, call 402-441-8516 or email heritage@lincolnlibraries.org.

The 208^th Ames Reading is interesting and varied:

Stephanie Grace Whitson was born in E. St. Louis, Illinois, but has spent many years in Lincoln and Otoe County.  She received her BA from Southern Illinois University, an MA from Nebraska Wesleyan University.  She had been writing full time since 1995; some of her interests include pioneer women’s history and quilting.  Reflecting those interests, Stephanie has written many books; her latest is A Captain for Laura Rose (FaithWords, March 2014).

Karen Gettert Shoemaker was born and raised in O’Neill, Nebraska, lived in Omaha briefly, and has been in Lincoln since 1977.  She has three UNL degrees, including a Ph. D. in creative writing.  Her work, primarily fiction, appears in a number of publications; her most recent book is a novel, The Meaning of Names (Red Hen Press, March 2014).

Helen Waring Johnson lives in Geneva, Nebraska.  She has a degree from UNL in English.  During her studies, she discovered Weldon Kees, especially taking an interest in his poetry and music.  In conjunction with the 100^th anniversary of Kees birth, February 24, 1914, Helen briefly discusses and sings some of his musical works.

Andrew Jewell, born in North Platte, Nebraska, has lived in Lincoln since 2000.  He has three degrees, from Hastings College, the University of Missouri-Columbia, and UNL. He is an Associate Professor of Digital Projects at the UNL Libraries and the editor of “The Willa Cather Archive.”  He has published several essays on Willa Cather and other American writers, on scholarly editing and digital humanities.  Andy has edited, with Janis P. Stout, The Selected Letters of Willa Cather (Alfred A. Knopf, 2013).

Twyla Hansen grew up near Lyons, Nebraska; she received several degrees from UNL.  She lives in Lincoln and worked for a number of years as Grounds Manager/Arboretum Curator at Nebraska Wesleyan University.  One of her recent publications is Dirt Songs: A Plains Duet, co-authored with Linda Hasselstrom (Backwaters Press, 2011).  In November 2013, Twyla was named Nebraska State Poet, 2013-2018.  

Posted on February 11, 2014

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Joel offers State of the Schools for Chamber event

Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent Steve Joel offered something of a State of the Schools report Wednesday when giving the keynote address at the monthly Face the Chamber event sponsored by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.

Joel talked about the school district’s focus on academics, achieving the historic record high graduation rate of 87.1 percent – and continuing to “step on the pedal” to further increase that number to 90 percent.

“Our graduation rate makes us a national leader,” he said, when considering the school district is growing fast (11 percent student enrollment growth in the past 10 years) – and the current student poverty rate of more than 44 percent this school year.  

Joel added that Lincoln is also a major refugee resettlement community – and this year saw 642 more refugee and immigrant students arrive from 40 different countries, speaking 40 different languages.   “We truly are a window to the world – a city reaching beyond our borders.”

“With these kinds of challenges, we couldn’t reach this kind of success alone,” he stressed, noting community partnerships related to TeamMates, United Way, the Food Bank’s BackPack program, the Foundation for LPS, the Community Foundation and more. “We live in a great community that believes in the investment in children. It is something very commendable.”

Joel said he witnessed great power in a change that LPS instituted several years ago, mandating that all high school juniors would take the ACT college entrance test. “We saw kids who would never have taken the ACT, who would never have considered going to college, receive scholarships. We heard many success stories.”

He also said he believes the proposed High School Career Center for LPS, that would be funded through the $153 million bond issue, will be a “game changer for our kids.”

Joel explained that the initial impetus came from conversations in the community about better developing a work force to meet the needs of local business and industry.

“We know that opportunities exist in Lincoln and that the most successful career centers involve strong partnerships between the school district and local businesses,” he said. “This could really help recruit companies to come to Lincoln; this could really foster economic development.”

The LPS Career Center would open in the fall of 2015, “but there’s still a lot of work to do.”

Joel also talked about the challenges and opportunities for LPS moving forward:

• Mental and behavioral health: LPS needs to teach kids how to be better people and citizens, and train teachers to work with them on a different level to fix behaviors.
• 21^st century classrooms: LPS needs to continue building capacity for the growing technology resources that support teaching and learning.
• More time to learn: You will hear increasing conversation in America about finding additional time to learn and extending the school day.  
• Health/wellness/obesity: LPS needs to continue focusing on improving the health of LPS staff and students.

Joel thanked the community for the ongoing support throughout the current bond issue mail-in election. “This is the best community in America,” he said. “I am guardedly optimistic and we’ll see what happens next Tuesday.”

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on February 07, 2014

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Scholars honored for creative works

Fifty-six scholars in Lincoln Public Schools will be honored for their creative scholastic works.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards has an impressive legacy dating back to 1923. Over the years, the Awards have grown to become the longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in the U.S., and the nation’s largest source of scholarships for creative young artists and writers. A noteworthy roster of past winners includes Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Richard Avedon, Robert Redford, Joyce Carol Oates, Stephen King, John Updike, and many more.

Each year, the Alliance partners with more than 100 visual and literary-arts organizations across the country to bring The Awards to local communities. Teens in grades 7 through 12 can apply in 28 categories of art and writing for the chance to earn scholarships and have their works exhibited or published. Submissions are juried by luminaries in the visual and literary arts, some of whom are past award recipients. Panelists look for works that best exemplify originality, technical skill and the emergence of a personal voice or vision.

In the last five years alone, students submitted nearly 900,000 original works of art and writing.

LPS Honorees

Student Name, School (Teacher), Award Received - Work Category
Bailey Neumann, East (Margaret Elsener), Honorable Mention - Mixed Media
Kyly Baxter, Lincoln High (Shawn Stokes), Silver Key - Printmaking
Isabella Catalano, Lincoln High (Shawn Stokes), Gold Key - Printmaking
Isabella Catalano, Lincoln High (Shawn Stokes), Silver Key - Portfolio
Di Chit, Lincoln High (Nora Lorraine), Honorable Mention - Drawing
Leah Kash - Brown, Lincoln High (Yvonne Meyer), Honorable Mention - Photography
Jamie Reigert, Lincoln High (Shawn Stokes), Honorable Mention - Painting
Celia Rodriquez, Lincoln High (Yvonne Meyer), Honorable Mention - Mixed Media
Violet Wieser, Lincoln High (Yvonne Meyer), Honorable Mention - Photography
Violet Wieser, Lincoln High (Yvonne Meyer), Silver Key - Photography
Anika Zempleni, Lincoln High (Shawn Stokes), Gold Key - Mixed Media
Ethan Blayney, North Star (Brooke Gillotti), Gold Key - Design
Ethan Blayney, North Star (Brooke Gillotti), Silver Key - Digital Art
Quang Dinh, North Star (Brooke Gillotti), Honorable Mention - Drawing
Katharen Hedges, North Star (Mollie Magnuson), Honorable Mention - Ceramics & Glass
Katharen Hedges, North Star (Mollie Magnuson), Honorable Mention - Ceramics & Glass
Katharen Hedges, North Star (Lynette Fast), Silver Key - Drawing
Katharen Hedges, North Star (Lynette Fast), Honorable Mention - Mixed Media
Katharen Hedges, North Star (Lynette Fast), Gold Key - Painting
Katharen Hedges, North Star (Lynette Fast), Honorable Mention - Painting
Katharen Hedges, North Star (Lynette Fast), Gold Key - Portfolio
Haley Meier, North Star (Mollie Magnuson), Silver Key - Sculpture
Hannah Beebe, Northeast (Chad Petska), Silver Key - Design
Hannah Beebe, Northeast (Chad Petska), Gold Key - Digital Art
Hannah Beebe, Northeast (Chad Petska), Gold Key - Film
Brianna Betz, Northeast (Chad Petska), Silver Key - Photography
Brianna Betz, Northeast (Chad Petska), Silver Key - Photography
Carly Burianek, Northeast (Chad Petska), Gold Key - Photography
Lily Craig, Northeast (Chad Petska), Honorable Mention - Design
Lily Craig, Northeast (Chad Petska), Silver Key - Digital Art
Leah Delaney, Northeast (Chad Petska), Silver Key - Digital Art
Kasey Dils, Northeast (Chad Petska), Silver Key - Photography
Jared Fullerton, Northeast (Chad Petska), Honorable Mention - Photography
Destiny Heldstab, Northeast (Chad Rooney), Silver Key - Ceramics & Glass
Madeline Kettler, Northeast (Chad Petska), Gold Key - Film
Madeline Kettler, Northeast (Chad Petska), Silver Key - Photography
Chantell Madlock, Northeast (Chad Petska), Silver Key - Photography
Sky Medley, Northeast (Chad Petska), Honorable Mention - Photography
Sky Medley, Northeast (Chad Petska), Silver Key - Photography
Ashley Priest, Northeast (Chad Petska), Silver Key - Design
Amber Rouse, Northeast (Chad Petska), Honorable Mention - Photography
Julia Sanford, Northeast (Chad Petska), Honorable Mention - Photography
Jordan Schmidt, Northeast (Chad Petska), Gold Key - Photography
Taryn Simons, Northeast (Chad Petska), Honorable Mention - Photography
Taryn Simons, Northeast (Chad Petska), Silver Key - Photography
Adam Steinberger, Northeast (Chad Petska), Gold Key - Photography
Adam Steinberger, Northeast (Chad Petska), Gold Key - Photography
Adam Steinberger, Northeast (Chad Petska), Silver Key - Photography
Student Name, School (Teacher), Award Received - Work Category
Radious Walker, Northeast (Chad Petska), Gold Key - Photography
Radious Walker, Northeast (Chad Petska), Honorable Mention - Photography
Radious Walker, Northeast (Chad Petska), Silver Key - Photography
Derek Baumfalk, Southeast (Amber Buhrman), Honorable Mention - Photography
Mackenzie Huls, Southeast (Amber Buhrman), Gold Key - Photography
Dylan Lemere, Southeast (Melody Jones), Silver Key - Drawing
Natayla Quezada, Southeast (Amber Buhrman), Silver Key - Photography

Posted on February 06, 2014

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School improvement PLC forums planned

 Educators are invited to attend any of the three School Improvement-PLC Forums:

• February 17 - 3:45-5 p.m., Cavett Elementary
• February 19 - 3:45-5 p.m., Lincoln High School
• March 6 - 3:45-5 p.m.,  Scott Middle School

Who is invited: Anyone who is in a PLC.

Why: We are beginning a new cycle of School Improvement and deepening our implementation of PLCs. You make both processes succeed! We need to hear your voice on what works and what challenges us.

How: Participate in a round table, structured conversation.

For more information contact: Bess Scott, 402-436-1645 - or Heather Abernethy 402-436-1851.

Posted on February 06, 2014

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Student and staff invited to enter Lied Center's poster-design competition

The Lied Center is hosting its first-ever poster design competition in honor of the Lied Center's 25th Anniversary season. The winning poster will become part of the official artwork of the anniversary season, will be hung prominently in the Lied Center, and earn the winning artist a $1,000 cash prize.

Artists of all ages are invited to submit work depicting, commemorating or representing the Lied Center building.

To enter, visit LiedCenter.org/poster and download the entry form. For more information, contact Carrie Christensen at cchistensen22@unl.edu.

Posted on February 04, 2014

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Lied Center Spring Teacher Workshop schedule announced

The schedule for the Lied Center Spring Teacher Workshop has been released:

The Science of Sound: Building Musical Instruments from Recycled Materials

Led by John Bertles, Kennedy Center Teaching Artist

Saturday, March 15, 2014, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM

Location: Dawes Middle School, Lincoln Public Schools

In this workshop, teachers explore how to guide students in creating musical instruments inexpensively from recycled materials and use the instruments to make direct connections to science (STEM) and literacy. First, participants build instruments (such as an oboe from a straw, maracas and drums from tin cans, a guitar from a tube and fishing line) while also learning the science behind how these instruments work. Next, the sounds of the instruments become the inspiration for writing and composing musical stories to be performed. This workshop provides a novel way to integrate the arts and science, teaching physics, engineering, and the science of sound.  No musical or science background is required!

John Bertles is a composer, instrument builder, and educator. Most recently his work has concentrated on building musical instruments from recycled materials with his performing group Bash the Trash Environmental Arts LLC. Founded in 1988, Bertles reaches over 50,000 students a year in performances and residencies across the country. As a leader in the emerging field of Environmental Arts Education, Bertles has advocated for environmental sustainability for over 20 years.

Using Voice and Movement to Illuminate Shakespeare

Led by Tammy Meneghini

Saturday, April 26, 2014, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

Location: TBD

In this 3-hour workshop, teachers learn new strategies for integrating voice and movement (kinesthetic approaches) into their instructional repertoire, specifically to develop middle and high school student’s understanding of character, choice/consequence and archetypes in Shakespeare’s The Tempest and excerpts from Much Ado About Nothing. Meneghini crafts learning experiences that are designed to help students make bold choices and build confidence around their ideas. These exercises were inspired by concepts outlined in Patsy Rodenburgs' book entitled The Second Circle.  All participants will learn new approaches to enhance students’ understanding of Shakespeare and develop literacy skills. 

A University of Colorado Boulder faculty member, Tammy Meneghini teaches courses in Acting, Movement, and Voice. She also serves as a Teaching Artist/Coach for the Lied Center where she conducts theatre and movement residencies and teacher workshops incorporating arts integration strategies. Meneghini creates learning experiences that are easily integrated into school curriculum, and that address significant historical literature or events such as the Renaissance, Greek Mythology, Immigration, and Shakespeare’s complete body of work.

Reflective Practice: 

Working Together To Strengthen Curriculum/Instruction Through the Arts

Led by Deb Brzoska, Kennedy Center Teaching Artist

Friday, June 13, 9:30 AM-3:30 PM

Location TBD

The arts can strengthen and unify curriculum in today’s schools, bringing previously isolated information together, into rich interdisciplinary learning. Using examples of arts integration from schools across the nation, Deb Brozska leads participants on a path of discovery – exploring the importance and value of teacher-artist teams, arts-based interdisciplinary or thematic instruction, and community resources. Brzoska facilitates active conversations among teachers and teaching artists, in order to look deeply, share openly, and gain important reflective skills to plan, schedule, and transform schools through the arts.

Brzoska is a nationally recognized leader in arts education who has worked with schools and arts organizations internationally and in nearly all fifty states. A specialist in creative school reform, Brzoska has served as school designer for the Small Schools Project, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. As a Kennedy Center teaching artist, she specializes in arts integration, assessment and professional development for teachers, school leaders, and teaching artists. 

Contact Information:

To register, or if you have questions, please contact:

Nancy Engen-Wedin                                   Allie O’Dell

Education & Grant Programming              Education Intern

nengenwedin2@unl.edu                              allieodell@huskers.unl.edu

(402) 472-4707                                                402-350-1374

 

Posted on February 03, 2014

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Foundation accepting nominators for outstanding educators

The Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools is now accepting applications for the following educator awards. Teachers and staff in Lincoln Public Schools are encouraged to apply online: http://foundationforlps.org/educators-staff/educator-awards/. 

Accepting nominations for -

Helen Krieger Outstanding Healthcare Provider Award

$1,000 award to a certified or licensed LPS healthcare provider who provides excellence in healthcare and healthcare education.  

Marie Bourke Leadership Award

$1,000 award for principals which includes participation in the Gallup Organization Leadership Program.  

Ruth Eickman Early Childhood Educator Award - due March 3rd

$250 award given to recognize and celebrate the teaching talent found in Early Childhood Educators.  

Union Bank and Trust Award for Excellence in Financial Literacy Education  

$250.00 award to one educator each in the elementary level, middle school level, and high school level, given to recognize educators who strive to find creative ways to incorporate financial literacy into their classroom setting.    

Accepting applications for -

Marian Battey Anderson and Charles Wheaton Battey Outstanding Teaching Award 

A $2,000 award given to recognize outstanding leadership or potential for leadership for teachers at Sheridan Elementary, Irving Middle School andLincoln High School.  

Myrtle Clark Outstanding Mathematics Award - due March 3rd

$1,000 award given to recognize excellence in mathematics teaching.

Posted on February 03, 2014

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LARSP hosting annual book sale

The Lincoln Area Retired School Personnel are holding its 35th annual Book Sale Jan. 28-Feb. 2 and Feb. 4-8. This year's event is at a new location, the spot formerly of Ward's in the southeast corner of Gateway Mall (north of Granite City).

Proceeds provide for scholarships and donations for children. For more information, contact 402-483-1649.

Posted on January 29, 2014

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60 Days of Science at SAS Museum

Continuing in the tradition of providing interactive, educational and fun exhibits, the Strategic Air & Space Museum has designed and implemented a program entitled 60 Days of Science which is a celebration of non-stop learning and fun for all ages. This event will offer age appropriate workshops and programs along with intergenerational learning and exploring opportunities. This experience is really about celebrating the joy of learning. The event runs March 1 Through April 27.

For more information, visit http://www.sasmuseum.com/exhibits/featured-exhibits/.

The Discovery Challenge offers the potential for some pretty significant tangible benefits. The grand-champion, honored and recognized that evening during our Night of Champions Celebration, will receive $5,000 cash, with $1,000 going to the student’s teacher. But more importantly, it is the competition’s ability to impact how students think and feel about STEM. This is an opportunity to shape your student’s path, to ignite an interest and passion that will impact what they may study in college and even the career they pursue.

For more information on the Discovery Challenge, visit http://www.sasmuseum.com/discovery-challenge/.

Posted on January 29, 2014

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Final 2014-15 contract agreement approved

Highlights of Board of Education’s regular meeting 1/28

Final 2014-15 contract agreement approved

The Lincoln Board of Education Tuesday approved a 2014-15 contract with Lincoln Public Schools educators for a one-year agreement negotiated with the Lincoln Education Association.

The contract – voted on and approved by 93 percent of LEA membership – provides a total package increase of 3.95 percent for the 2014-15 school year. That percentage includes salary increases; increased health insurance premiums of 2.3 percent; and increases in Social Security and retirement costs. (The average total salary will increase 3.68 percent.)

Superintendent Update

On behalf of School Board Recognition Month, Superintendent Steve Joel thanked the Lincoln Board of Education. “You put in a tremendous number of hours of work and help guide the School District – yet your work often goes unnoticed and under-appreciated. I thank you.”

Grant for TeamMates

The Board of Education approved submission of a Lancaster County Juvenile Justice Grant that would provide more than $35,000 in funding for the TeamMates Program.

Currently the LPS TeamMates program has 1,050 student-mentor matches with 609 students still waiting for a mentor.

“I would encourage everyone out there to become a TeamMates mentor,” Board of Education member Kathy Danek said. “I have been a TeamMate for more than 10 years now.”

Legislative guidelines

The Board of Education approved Legislative position guidelines for the 2014 session.

Guidelines continued from last year:

• Supports the concept that mandated state and/or federal programs have financial resources adequate to fund the requirement, or that they be optional for districts.
• Supports legislation that affirms local control of decisions concerning educational programs for all students under the Equal Opportunity in Education Act, 79-2114 to 79-2124 and the fiscal processes that facilitate those decisions. Opposes legislation that erodes the authority of elected School Boards.
• Supports legislation to organize the state’s elementary/secondary education system in a manner that enhances efficiency.
• Supports legislation that ensures those parents, guardians, agencies, or others having actual physical custody of a student have responsibilities under the Discipline Act, 79-254 to 79-296.
• Supports legislation that allows school districts to budget reserve funds in the same manner as other political subdivisions.
• Supports legislation that allows complete local discretion to control access to school property and events by uninvited persons along with granting school districts additional authority as required.
• Opposes legislation for community redevelopment, which erodes the local property tax base for all property tax supported governmental subdivisions.
• Supports legislation that increases opportunities for Nebraska school districts to fund their capital infrastructure, security, and technology needs.
• Encourages ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the current Nebraska Public Employees Retirement System to ensure sustainable resources to fund future benefits, contributed equitably by employers and current employees who are future beneficiaries.
• Supports legislation that contributes to student health and wellness.
• Supports the equalization of state revenue sources for public school districts to promote equity, ensure that all taxpayers provide an appropriate share of the cost of public education and adequately fund locally determined needs.

Two new guidelines this year:

• Supports legislation that is aligned with Lincoln Public Schools Board approved strategic goals.

• Supports legislation that maintains the annexation policies of the City of Lincoln and Lincoln Public Schools.

Posted on January 28, 2014

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LPS Learning Lunch set for Feb. 4

The Lincoln Public Schools Learning Lunch for February is set for noon on Tuesday, Feb. 4, in the Board Room at LPS District Offices, 5905 O St.

The Lunch topic for February will continue the presentation of the school construction boom of the 1920’s – titled Built for Learning: The Enduring Legacy of the 1920s.

Something new this month: The Feb. 4 Learning Lunch will also be broadcast live on public education access channel 80, and streamed live on the LPS website (go to www.lps.org at 12:15 p.m. Feb. 4 and click on the icon).

 Background for LPS Learning Lunches:

• The Learning Lunches this year – “Built for Learning: An Architectural Historian’s Perspective on LPS History – feature Ed Zimmer, Lincoln’s historic preservation planner and a member of the Lincoln Board of Education.

• Doors to the Board Room open at noon, the program begins at 12:15 p.m., questions-and-answers happen at 12:35 p.m.  Please bring your own lunch. Community members are welcome to stay after lunch for a tour of the new LPS District Office building.

• Additional Learning Lunches are set for Tuesdays at noon in the LPSDO Board Room on: March 4 and April 1.

For more information: Mary Kay Roth, director of Communications, 402-436-1609, mkroth@lps.org

 

Posted on January 27, 2014

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Schedule set for transfer workshops

The schedule has been set for transfer workshops for continuing contract certified employees for this coming hiring season.

The first session will be on Feb. 6th from 4 to 5 p.m. at Lincoln Public Schools District Office in Training Room A (the computer lab). This session is specifically for people who have not created an on-line file. Jessi Stilwagon will go through each step in the computer lab to teach people how to create (or update) their on line file. Staff is asked to bring their computers with them

The next two dates will actually be information about how to apply to transfer. Linda Hix and Kay Byers will do the first part of this workshop with timeline information, how to apply for transfer, interviewing, resume writing, acquiring/updating references, etc. Jessi will also be there to provide a short version of creating or updating the on line file, but it will not be an extensive as the session she will hold on Feb. 6th.

The dates/times/locations of these two workshops are:

- Thursday, February 27th from 4:00 - 5:30 PM at LPSDO in the Board Room

- Monday, March 17th from 4:00 - 5:30 PM at LPSDO in the Board Room

 

Posted on January 27, 2014

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Highlights of Board of Education’s regular meeting 1/14 - Tentative 2014-15 contract agreement

The Lincoln Board of Education met for a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 14, at Lincoln Public Schools District Office, 5905 O St. The next regular meeting for the Board is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 28.

Highlights of Board of Education’s regular meeting 1/14

Tentative 2014-15 contract agreement reached for LPS educators

The Lincoln Education Association and Lincoln Public Schools have reached a tentative contract with teachers on a one-year agreement for the 2014-15 school year.

The proposed agreement continues the school district’s deep commitment to serving the community’s students, according to Steve Joel, superintendent of LPS, Jenni Absalon, president of the LEA, and Don Mayhew, president of the Lincoln Board of Education.

The contract – voted on by LEA membership last week – provides a total package increase of 3.95 percent for the 2014-15 school year. That percentage includes salary increases; increased health insurance premiums of 2.3 percent; and increases in Social Security and retirement costs. (The average total salary will increase 3.68 percent.)

Absalon said that the new contract was approved by 93 percent of the LEA membership: “The work load for teachers continues to mount every year. Sometimes it feels as though the workload increases daily. Luckily for this community, Lincoln teachers are committed, dedicated professionals who are determined every day of the year to do whatever they can to aid and promote the success of their students – not just in the classroom, but for the students’ lifetime.”

Eric Weber, associate superintendent for Human Resources at LPS, said: “It truly was a pleasure working on this agreement, and it’s good to be at the finish line. This was a very professional experience.”

School Board member Katie McLeese Stephenson continued: “Teachers are the most important part of our educational system…It seems that this year’s negotiations were a model for respect.”

The Lincoln Board of Education conducted the first reading of the contract at the Jan. 14 meeting and will take action on the tentative agreement at the Board meeting set for 6 p.m. Jan. 28 at LPS District Offices, 5905 O St.

Additional Quotes:

Joel: “We have wonderfully dedicated teachers who view their work as a mission and much more than a job. When we celebrate our academic and graduation successes it is because of the outstanding efforts in our classrooms as teachers strive to strengthen relationships with children each and every day.”

Absalon: “This proposed salary and benefits package reflects the fine quality of Lincoln’s public school teachers and their commitment to our students and our community. Lincoln teachers have acknowledged the school district’s difficult financial times with limited increases in the past few years.  I believe this tentative agreement recognizes the hard work that teachers do every single day – going above and beyond the school day to provide the best education possible for their students. This package acknowledges the importance of Lincoln's outstanding teacher work force. The proposed contract also helps to ensure improved use of teacher time and staff development activities, and the essential need to retain and recruit the best for Lincoln’s students and our community.”

Mayhew:“I think this is a fair settlement that is respectful of taxpayer resources and acknowledges the high quality work of our teachers.  More than 87 percent of our students are now graduating from high school - and our teachers aspire and are working toward the day when every single one of our students graduates.  You can't ignore the tremendous impact our educators have on Lincoln's children.”

Legislative guidelines

The Board of Education heard a list of recommended Legislative position guidelines for the 2014 session. They will be considered for approval at the Jan. 28 meeting.

Guidelines continued from last year:

• Supports the concept that mandated state and/or federal programs have financial resources adequate to fund the requirement, or that they be optional for districts.
• Supports legislation that affirms local control of decisions concerning educational programs for all students under the Equal Opportunity in Education Act, 79-2114 to 79-2124 and the fiscal processes that facilitate those decisions. Opposes legislation that erodes the authority of elected School Boards.
• Supports legislation to organize the state’s elementary/secondary education system in a manner that enhances efficiency.
• Supports legislation that ensures those parents, guardians, agencies, or others having actual physical custody of a student have responsibilities under the Discipline Act, 79-254 to 79-296.
• Supports legislation that allows school districts to budget reserve funds in the same manner as other political subdivisions.
• Supports legislation that allows complete local discretion to control access to school property and events by uninvited persons along with granting school districts additional authority as required.
• Opposes legislation for community redevelopment, which erodes the local property tax base for all property tax supported governmental subdivisions.
• Supports legislation that increases opportunities for Nebraska school districts to fund their capital infrastructure, security, and technology needs.
• Encourages ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the current Nebraska Public Employees Retirement System to ensure sustainable resources to fund future benefits, contributed equitably by employers and current employees who are future beneficiaries.
• Supports legislation that contributes to student health and wellness.
• Supports the equalization of state revenue sources for public school districts to promote equity, ensure that all taxpayers provide an appropriate share of the cost of public education and adequately fund locally determined needs.

Two new guidelines this year:

• Supports legislation that is aligned with Lincoln Public Schools Board approved strategic goals.
• Supports legislation that maintains the annexation policies of the City of Lincoln and Lincoln Public Schools.

Posted on January 14, 2014

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Southwest wrestling hosting 'Takedown for the Troops' event

Lincoln Southwest High School will host Lincoln Southeast High School in a wrestling duel as part of a Takedown for the Troops fundraising effort in January.

The meet starts at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 22. Each school’s booster club will donate a specific amount of money per takedown recorded during the match. For every takedown the LSW Booster club will donate $15. This amount will be matched by Runza Restaurants and Super Saver.

Donations have also been pledged by Duteau Chevrolet, and Wellman Plumbing and Heating. All proceeds from the evening will be donated to Disabled American Veterans.

All area retired and active military wearing a uniform, hat, pin or similar attire will be given free admission to the match.

In addition, the Lincoln Jr. ROTC and Dwight American Legion Post 110 will present the colors, and all active and retired military will be admit- ted for free and will receive the best seats in the house.

There will also be a performance of the Star Spangled Banner by the LSW Choir.

Posted on January 10, 2014

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Thank You Teacher contest accepting nominations

In honor of Nebraska Teacher Recognition Day – Tuesday, March 4 – Lincoln Public Schools and KFOR/KFRX Radio are again collaborating to thank our educators with the annual Thank You Teacher contest.

Children, teenagers and grownups can pay tribute to a teacher who has made a difference in their lives – by nominating that teacher for recognition from the Thank You Teacher contest. Five teachers will be chosen and honored at a special breakfast on March 4 at the Governor’s Mansion, where the five students who submitted the winning nominations also will be invited to attend and read their winning letters. The winners will all receive gift bags and prizes awarded by KFOR/KFRX and their sponsors.

Anyone who lives in Lincoln/Lancaster County can nominate a teacher in any of five categories: preschool-grade 2, grades 3-5, middle school, high school and retired. In addition to a written description, explaining why a teacher made a difference in your life, entries should include the teacher’s name, grade level and school (or contact information), as well as the nominator’s name, address and phone number.

Nominations should be postmarked or sent by Friday, Feb. 21, at 5 p.m. and mailed to: Thank You Teacher, Communications, LPS District Offices, 5905 O St., Lincoln, NE 68510. ** You can print out an entry form from the LPS website, or submit nominations online at: http://lps.org/go/recognize.

The event is part of Nebraska Teacher Recognition activities. Sponsors include Lincoln Public Schools, KFOR/KFRX, the Lincoln Education Association and the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools.

For more information contact Mary Kay Roth, 436-1609, mkroth@lps.org.

Posted on January 09, 2014

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LPS employees invited to participate in local art contest

All City of Lincoln and Lincoln Public School employees and their immediate family members are welcome to take part in the upcoming City of Lincoln National Arts Program (r) Employee Art Exhibit. Works of art accepted includ photography, paintings, sculptures, woodworking, quilting and more. All ages and levels of ability are welcome. It is free to participate and all artists receive certificates and are eligible for cash prizes.

For more information, contact Alma Cerretta, Program Coordinator for The National Arts Program® 2014, at alma@artscene.org or (402) 434-3787, or visit http://www.nationalartsprogram.org/venues/lincoln-ne.

Posted on January 03, 2014

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