LPS | EdNotes Express

EdNotes Express

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 Mindy Burbach at mburbach@lps.org.

Student News Desk | Dynamic Duo boosts Lincoln East Speech Team < Updated

Lincoln Public Schools understands the importance of quality journalism to help inform our community and shine a light on the people, programs and events that make our school district unique.

Student News Desk is our ongoing effort to promote excellence in journalism and public education by selecting a story written by student journalists from our high school publications classes to be featured on the Lincoln Public Schools homepage and social media.

Written by: Izzy Apel, East High

Spartan Speech has been on the rise lately, winning nine meets thus far in their 2022-2023 season. With over 80 individuals covering eleven events, their recipe for a successful season has been working. The Spartans are strong contenders for the 2023 State title and certainly have it in their sights. Every member on the team has a key role in helping East claim the championship.

Duo interpretations have become a popular event within Lincoln East’s speech team: they went from having two duos last year to five this year. One of this year’s duos to watch is the sophomore pair who placed 3rd at state last year, Max Apel and Jack Welstad.

“Duo is an event with two people acting out a play,” Welstad said. “The time limit is 10 minutes and you can’t look at or touch your partner, so you have to use creative blocking, [and] line delivery to make it interesting.”

Both Welstad and Apel got involved in speech through different means. Since Welstad knew he wanted to be in speech, he signed up for the Oral Comm Forensics class. Shortly after, Coach Herink reached out with details regarding the speech meeting. Jack then started his entertainment speech.

On the other hand, Apel started accidentally.

“I saw a Tik Tok that one of my friends posted about it and it looked funny,” Apel said. “They were all wearing suits and hanging out at 6 a.m., and I was like, maybe I’ll give it a shot.”

After a few false starts, Apel was paired up with Welsted. “Finally, at semester, they asked me if I wanted to be in a duo with Jack Welstad, ” Max said. Both agreed and they were given the script Crayon Map. The two have not looked back since.

In the beginning, the duo lacked chemistry. This made sense, as they had not gotten to know one another. They simply exchanged numbers and began memorizing alone.

“The clicking moment was the day before the work day and we were both not memorized at all,” Jack said. Comically, the workday was four days before their first tournament together.

“The more we worked together, the more we got to know each other,” Jack said. “Our chemistry became better and now it is kind of the thing we’re good at.”

Once their duo came together, it left those who watched it in tears. Oliver Leslie and Christopher Marianette’s script Crayon Map told a beautiful story of an older and younger brother who embarked on an emotional journey in the younger one’s imagination. Jack played the older brother, Max played the younger.

“Speech is a place where everyone loves acting and performing as much as I do,” Jack said. “Anyone can be good at speech if you put in the effort and work hard, and I love that. It’s full of supportive and kind people that you end up getting to spend a lot of time with.”

This year, Jack and Max have a different duo script: Swallowed by Brielle Dimirjian. It is a unique take on the biblical story, Jonah and the whale.

“The cool thing about our duo is [that] it’s a mixture of humorous and dramatic,” Max said. “So it’s kind of fun that we can both play on our strengths because we do serious [and] humor very well.”

There is an extensive process to get any speech up and running. This year, Max and Jack each have two individual events alongside their duo, meaning on a given tournament day they will perform around 120 minutes each.

“We don’t always memorize together,” Max said. “Usually it’s apart, and once we’re memorized, then we begin blocking our idea of the speech and the delivery of the lines.”

With help from the coaches, Jack and Max were able to have this year’s duo up after two weeks of practice.

“He’s the calm and confident one,” Max said regarding Jack. “You can always count on him being crisp: whether it’s characters, climactic moments, really anything.”

Each of their individual strengths allow the script to come alive.

“One of Max’s biggest strengths is that he is a big actor,” Jack said. “He’s always conveying emotions and really plays into his characters.”

Jack expressed one of his favorite memories being the time where he and Max were polishing their speech for NIETAC (National Individual Event Tournament Of Champions).

“We just got to hang out and work on our duo,” Jack said. “I got Jimmy Johns and it was awesome.”

Max has enjoyed all of the mini-tournaments thus far and also the 2022 State competition.

“During the season is always a good time,” Max said. “Because you get to meet people and hang out with the people on your own team. It’s fun stuff.”

Jack and Max operate like brothers, constantly bouncing jokes or ideas off one another. Both look forward to the future of their duo and the speech team as they enter championship season.

Check out this story and more at East High’s online publication: https://lehsoracle.com/

Posted on March 22, 2023

LPS announces next round of administrator changes < Updated

Lincoln Public Schools has named three more administrator changes in schools where recent changes were announced earlier this year.

“These administrators are prime examples of educators who have both the skills and the heart for leading our schools and the important work that happens in our classrooms every day,” said LPS Associate Superintendent for Instruction Matt Larson. “We are fortunate to have so many high-quality internal leaders willing to step up and continue their educational journey with us.”

Congratulations to the following:

Brownell Elementary School: Nikosia Kruse will be the next principal at Brownell Elementary School. Kruse currently serves as an instructional coordinator at Pound Middle School. Prior to her role at Pound, Kruse taught at Arnold Elementary School for approximately 12 years. In 2015-16 she took a break from Lincoln Public Schools to teach at Nebraska City Public Schools for one year. Kruse earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education and Human Sciences from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction degree from Doane University, and is currently working on a Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree from Doane University.
Randolph Elementary School: Ryan Erickson will be the next principal at Randolph Elementary School. Erickson currently serves as the school’s assistant principal, a role he has held since 2018. Prior to Randolph, he was a coordinator at Norwood Park Elementary school for two years. Erickson began his teaching career at Kooser Elementary School in 2010. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree from St. Cloud State University, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree from Doane University.
Scott Middle School: Mike Gillotti will be dropping the word interim from the title of principal at Scott Middle School. He was named the interim principal in November during a shift in positions district-wide. Gillotti returned to LPS as instructional coordinator last summer from Bettendorf Community School District, where he served as the Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. Gillotti was the principal at Southwest High School from 2015-2021. Prior to being a high school principal, Gillotti was an associate principal and an instructional coordinator at North Star, and he began his teaching career there. Gillotti earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and Human Sciences from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; a Master of Arts in Historical Studies from Nebraska Wesleyan University; a Master of Education in 7-12 School Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; an Education Specialist certificate from Wayne State College; and a Doctorate of Education from Doane University.

The administrators will officially begin their new duties July 1, 2023.

Posted on March 20, 2023

Class equips Schoo students for leadership opportunities < New

Schoo Middle School eighth-grade students are honing their leadership skills through a semester-long elective class aimed at helping them develop life skills. Lessons include topics like goal setting, future planning, organization, time management and leadership.

“We learn habits to be a good leader. We demonstrate the skills and then use them throughout the school,” Schoo eighth-grade student Alex said.

“I wanted to get involved in this class. I like helping people and I think it’s good to be a leader,” fellow classmate Preston added.

The students get hands-on experience exercising leadership around Schoo and the community. They volunteer each Friday doing various service activities such as reading to Life Skills students, helping teachers with classroom projects and aiding with the YMCA preschool. Seventh-grade science teacher Bre Jones leads the class. She is integral in showing the eighth graders their potential and building it.

“I think it is important for students to see and develop their leadership potential early. Many of my students that come into the class do not see themselves as a leader, but by the end of the class, they do. They recognize their strengths and are more confident in themselves,” she said.

Schoo’s leadership class has been around for approximately seven years– helping the Skyhawks fulfill their mission of educating, enriching, serving and supporting.

“Schoo's Leadership students exemplify what we want our young scholars to achieve both academically and socially at Schoo Middle School. By setting an example for their peers, a positive culture is built to make Schoo Middle School a better environment for learning for all students,” Schoo Principal Ryan Escamilla said.

Posted on March 20, 2023

Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation donation extends the gift of music at LPS < Updated

Goodrich Middle School seventh-grader Marley discovered her passion for the violin in fourth grade.

“I like playing in the orchestra and the violin because of the people around me. It’s just a fun environment to hang out. I really like sharing my knowledge of music and the music that we play with others,” she said.

More Lincoln Public Schools students now experience the gift of music thanks to a generous donation from Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. The foundation recently donated string and band instruments worth approximately $122,300 to five LPS schools: Belmont, Clinton and Hartley elementary schools, and Goodrich and Park middle schools. These schools were selected based on their free and reduced lunch percentage. This is the first time LPS has applied for the donation.

The gift will enhance each school’s music inventory by adding instruments and replacing older ones. The new instruments will also help students and families who cannot buy or rent their instruments – widening access to music education in schools.

“I think it’s a good idea to be getting more instruments because it gives more people a sense of what they might want to do and a chance for more people to get to play the instruments to experiment and understand the true quality of music,” Goodrich eighth grade student Yman said.

“Without this gift, there would be the possibility that I would have to turn students away or not be able to give them their first choice in instrument. The gratitude I feel for this gift cannot be measured in words, but only in the lives that are impacted through music we can create with the gift,” elementary school music teacher John Bailey said. He helps teach band at Hartley Elementary School.

Goodrich orchestra director Sarah Baker added,“Public education is defined by the responsibility to provide for every student that walks through the door. This gift of instruments means I'll be able to meet the needs of more students, especially those without the financial means to access the opportunity outside of school."

LPS will receive approximately 110 new instruments from the foundation. They will be distributed to the five schools by the end of the year.

Posted on March 20, 2023

LPS awarded federal grant to fund additional elementary counselors

Lincoln Public Schools is increasing support for its youngest scholars. The U.S. Department of Education recently awarded LPS a $7 million School-Based Mental Health Services Grant over five years, which will help add a full-time counselor to every elementary school.

“Never has it been more crucial that elementary students in particular have access to a professional with knowledge and expertise on mental health issues and strategies to mitigate those issues,” LPS Federal Program Director Linda Hix said.

Elementary school counselors lead the implementation of social-emotional skill development for students, allowing them to develop healthy identities and manage emotions. They also help teach other key life skills like feeling and showing empathy for others and making responsible and caring decisions.

“School counselors have a unique skill set. School counselors are educators that serve to help students learn skills that can help them be successful in school and beyond,” Lori Hemmett said. Hemmett is the supervisor for school counselors and school social workers.

“School counselors in elementary schools are critical to the development of a schoolwide culture that is both safe and caring and encourages academic excellence,” Hix added.

Currently, only 30 of the 40 LPS elementary schools have full-time counselors. Riley is one of those 30 schools. Rachel George serves as the school counselor, and acts as a liaison between students, teachers and families to help kids thrive in and out of the classroom.

“I am able to focus on feelings and emotions in all areas of our building. We are now using a common language, which makes social and emotional learning equitable to all students. Our goal is to help students be able to manage and regulate their big feelings,” George added.

“Now that we’ve had a full-time, on-site counselor for two years, I can’t imagine how we did things without one. Our counselor works so well with the rest of our staff to focus on the whole child,” Riley principal Jeff Bjorkman said.

Posted on March 16, 2023

LPS adds more Safety Social Workers to help school security

Lincoln Public Schools recently added a new member to the threat assessment team.

Safety Social Worker Kristi Lange joined the team of four in January.

Lange and her colleagues assist with keeping more than 41,000 students safe. They collaborate with students who are at risk and their families to prevent unsafe situations. The Threat Assessment staff connects them to school and community resources like mental health services. Lange is now one of the two social workers on the team.

“I provide a non-judgmental approach when working with them and help them identify what things they feel are going well for them, build upon those strengths, but also help them identify what areas in their life they need the most help and start there. It’s really about meeting them where they are,” Lange said.

LPS has more than 40 school social workers working to build relationships with students, families and staff to identify the best possible solutions. Lange and fellow safety social worker Allyson Headrick focus on prevention by assessing reported concerns, intervening and monitoring before it reaches a crisis.

“LPS school social workers are master-level clinical social workers and licensed mental health practitioners, so we bring a unique skill set into our schools,” Lange added. “With our mental health expertise, we are able to connect the dots when something seems amiss and effectively help students and families get connected to additional supports.”

The threat assessment team works on approximately 120 cases each year. Some cases carry over from the previous year. The increased volume made it clear that an extra social worker was needed to serve students and families better.

“For every case that is successfully managed, we are creating a safer environment and preventing violence from occurring,” Jon Sundermeier said. Sundermeier is one of the security coordinators and leads the threat assessment staff.

Lange brings excellent expertise. She graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a master's degree in Social Work. She is a licensed mental health practitioner and licensed clinical social worker. She’s worked for LPS for the past five years, including serving as the social worker at Riley Elementary School. She also served as a therapist at a substance use treatment facility helping teens and adults before coming to LPS.

“Kristi has experience and expertise in behavioral health and a broad understanding of available resources in the community,” Sundermeier said. “She also brings certification and expertise in drug and alcohol abuse and addiction to the team, which will enhance our team's ability to address this risk factor."

“Our staff and students deserve a safe learning environment each and every day,” Lange said. “Being a part of a team that actively works to ensure that happens is what motivates me to continue to help improve safety outcomes with our students and families.”

Check out this feature story about some more of our social workers by clicking here.

Posted on March 15, 2023

First annual African Diaspora Symposium builds connections within the Northeast community

Students at Northeast High School worked with student advocate Kwame Gyamfi on a special event to help connect the Lincoln community through the African Diaspora Symposium.

The African diaspora refers to “the voluntary and involuntary movement of Africans and their descendants to various parts of the world.” The school hosted its first-ever African Diaspora Symposium to help people better understand the connections between African Americans and Africa.

“It is an opportunity for students at Northeast High School to showcase their diversity in talent,” Gyamfi said.

The event featured several vendors, community organizations and various artist booths throughout the building. It was also a good opportunity for local small businesses to increase their visibility like Northeast High School junior Tawfig. Tawfig was one of the business owners and used the symposium to help bring awareness to his clothing line of hoodies.

“I think it’s a great opportunity just to get some exposure from the community and let my name be known by other people,” Tawfig said.

Attendees could enjoy several live performances throughout the afternoon, including traditional African dancing, student poets, Northeast’s drum circle and step teams. Northeast ninth-grade student, Corinn, was one of the feature poets.

“I feel events like this are important because it helps spread awareness that there is a community here and there are people here to support you and listen to you,” she said.

Organizers and participants hope the symposium fosters community and greater cultural awareness.

“I think it’s all about representation and being with other people like you. I think being able to

see others like yourself just helps us embrace our culture,” Tawfig said.

“I hope they take away that there is a place where you can go to learn more about culture or learn more about your culture,” Corinn added.

Check out highlights from the cultural celebration below.

Posted on March 14, 2023

LPS announces Andrew Sherman as next athletic and activities director for Southwest High School

Lincoln Public Schools Athletic Department announced on Friday that Andrew Sherman will be the next athletic and activities director at Southwest High School. Sherman currently serves as the Silver Hawks varsity football coach and Physical Education teacher. Sherman’s new duties will officially begin on July 1 when current Southwest AD Mark Armstrong retires after 37 years in education.

Sherman has been a part of the Silver Hawk community since 2002 when he joined as a PE teacher and coach for various sports. His coaching duties at Southwest have included boys junior varsity soccer, freshmen and reserve girls basketball, boys and girls shot put and discus, and various coaching roles on football teams. Sherman has been leading the Silver Hawks varsity football team since 2015.

Sherman earned his Bachelors of Science in Physical Education from Peru State College, and a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Doane University.

Posted on March 13, 2023

Morley Elementary celebrates Nebraska’s statehood with Gov. Pillen

Nebraska’s top leader visited Morley Elementary to celebrate the state’s birthday.

The Meadowlarks hosted Gov. Jim Pillen on March 1. The school greeted him with a necklace adorned with a cutout of Nebraska before he observed reading in a second-grade classroom.

“This is a big deal. This is the governor,” Morley fourth-grade student Maverik said.

“Students and staff were honored the Governor visited Morley to celebrate Nebraska's Birthday,” Principal Brandi Hennerberg. “We were also excited that he could see us teaching and learning.”

The Governor later went to the gym to interact with Morley’s fourth-grade students. They serenaded him with “Beautiful Nebraska” before he gave him a brief state history lesson. The students also had the opportunity to ask Gov. Pillen a few questions. The governor shared his favorite things about the state, like its people and land. Fourth-grade students across the state learn about Nebraska's history, so the visit was timely.

“I probably knew about 10%, but now I think I know about 99% because my teacher has taught a lot,” Morley fourth-grade student Avery added.

After the Q & A session, the fourth-grade students sang Happy Birthday to honor Nebraska’s statehood before the governor left.

Look at some highlights from Gov. Pillen’s visit to Morley below.

Posted on March 06, 2023

United Way volunteers distribute books and read to students at Clinton Elementary School

On multiple occasions every year, United Way mobilizes volunteers from Lincoln’s top workplaces to read and distribute books to students at local elementary schools. One such occasion, Read Across America, is a national reading event that takes place each year on or around March 2. United Way has long supported this event at Campbell and McPhee elementary schools.

Both the distribution of books and the reading aloud are important aspects of the event. Reading aloud is known to improve language development and boost literacy skills, while books at home propel the child forward academically and has been shown to break the link between poverty and poor academic outcomes. Some of the kids tell volunteers it is the first book they get to call their own.

Campbell and McPhee elementary schools are supported through United Way’s ENGAGE.EMPOWER.GRADUATE. initiative which ensures that children and their families have the opportunity to succeed in school and life regardless of their circumstances. This year, ENGAGE.EMPOWER.GRADUATE. is expanding to include Clinton Elementary School. On March 2, in celebration of Read Across America, this will be the first time United Way volunteers are entering Clinton Elementary School.

“Clinton Elementary is fortunate to have the opportunity to be included in United Way’s ENGAGE.EMPOWER.GRADUATE. initiative. This partnership will benefit our scholars and provide additional opportunities for learning. We appreciate being included in this impactful initiative,” says Angee Luedtke Clinton principal.

In addition to volunteering that takes place regularly throughout the year, the schools receive funding from ENGAGE.EMPOWER.GRADUATE. that makes it possible to provide additional supports to students and their families, such as family literacy, mental health supports, and after school programs to name a few. Specifically at Clinton, this will provide for the school community coordinator at their Community Learning Center, whose lead agency is CEDARS, as well as the ability to expand mental health support to students.

"Our Community Learning Centers are successful because of partnerships like the one with United Way. With both the financial support, as well as connecting caring volunteers to our schools the students, families and neighborhood thrive,” says Nola Derby-Bennett, director of Lincoln Community Learning Centers.

ENGAGE.EMPOWER.GRADUATE. is a joint undertaking by United Way’s Women United and United Way’s Emerging Leaders United, two groups of donors who pledge their support to this specific cause.

“My fellow Women United and Emerging Leaders United members are proud to be expanding ENGAGE.EMPOWER.GRADUATE. to include Clinton Elementary School and support more students,“ says Michelle St.Clair, of Perspective Planning Partners and past president of Women United. “When you hear about the needs that children in our community are facing, especially in the area of mental health, how can you not raise your hand and say, ‘I want to help be the answer to that!’”

United Way hopes to gather enough support for ENGAGE.EMPOWER.GRADUATE. over the next several years to expand to a fourth school in the future.

About United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County
Celebrating 100 years of being there, United Way brings the entire community together to create long-term lasting change. By mobilizing the caring power of the Lincoln and Lancaster County community, United Way improves the lives of every resident. Ultimately, we envision a community where all residents have the opportunity to thrive.

About Lincoln Community Learning Centers
Lincoln Community Learning Centers provide a fun, educational delivery system that uses neighborhood schools as the central gathering place for students, families and neighborhoods. The CLC initiative supports 29 schools in the development and implementation of high quality extended learning opportunities, weekend and summer enrichment programs and other supportive services for children, youth, families, and neighborhood residents.

Posted on March 02, 2023

LPS response to national 'SWATting' calls

Superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman is releasing the following response to news reports indicating that multiple schools across the nation received information about fake emergencies inside schools today:

"We can confirm that Lincoln Police received a phone call this morning that reported an emergency at one of our schools. Lincoln Police working with our staff were able to quickly determine the call was a hoax and part of a national trend aimed at disrupting the learning environment in our schools. We appreciate the continued collaboration and communication with our law enforcement partners. Earlier this week our security department was already aware of the national trend and working with law enforcement on how to best manage 'swatting' incidents which allowed us to be prepared for today's event. It is important we do not further contribute to the disruption created by these bad actors."

We would like to remind you, school safety takes a community and we take all reports seriously. If you have a safety concern, please report it to law enforcement or use the green Safe to Say button on our website. Thank you for your continued efforts in keeping our schools safe.

Posted on March 02, 2023

Highlights of the 2/28 Lincoln Board of Education regular meeting

The Lincoln Board of Education met for its regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the Lincoln Public Schools Steve Joel District Leadership Center, 5905 O Street. The full meeting video and a summary are below.

First reading

Lincoln High Annex renovation project

Staff recommended the Board vote to approve the lowest bid from Genesis Contracting for $7,108,200 to renovate the annex at Lincoln High School. Renovations will include HVAC systems, lighting upgrades and painting. This will include renovations to science, family and consumer science and early childhood classrooms. The project will be phased over 18 months.

Because there is only one meeting at the end of March, the Board waived second reading and voted to approve the lowest bid.

Second reading

Newly annexed property to the City of Lincoln

The Board of Education assigns school attendance areas to property newly annexed to the City of Lincoln. This action establishes school attendance areas prior to the sale of residential lots, allowing purchasers to know what schools their children will attend.

The proposal assigns the newly annexed area of Lincoln Logistics Hub to Norwood Park Elementary School, Dawes Middle School and Northeast High School.

The Board voted to approve the assignments.

Policy 5505 - Wellness

Lincoln Public Schools reviews policies on an ongoing basis and updates policies to ensure that they accurately reflect the ever-changing work of the district and changes in state and federal laws.

Every three years, the Board is required by law to review the wellness policy. Highlights of the changes include:

A heading was changed from Nutrition to Essential Tier I Programs to better capture the supports all students receive.
Work by Health Services was added to the policy along with Social and Emotional Learning as part of the wellness program.
Language about access students have to drinking water was added to match current practice.
More guidance was also added about “smart snack” rewards.

You can read the full policy changes here. The Board voted to approve the changes.

K-6 reading curriculum materials

Last meeting, LPS Director of Curriculum and Instruction Takako Olson and LPS K-6 English Language Arts Curriculum Specialist Lisa Oltman presented to the Board a recommended reading curriculum and materials.

The Amplify CKLA curriculum is being piloted in four LPS schools this year: Huntington, Lakeview, Robinson and Wysong elementary schools. This researched-based curriculum is a blended mix of print and digital resources that develops strong knowledge and reading comprehension skills. The program is strongly aligned with Nebraska State English/Language Arts standards (adopted by the state in 2021) and is well-aligned to best practices in English/Language Arts education and the district's instructional framework. This curriculum was selected by a committee of teachers, administrators, and community members over the course of curriculum study for the last two years.

Staff recommend the purchase of CKLA and English Language Arts curriculum materials to be used in grades K-6 at Lincoln Public Schools beginning in 2023-2024.

The Board voted to approve the purchase.

Ukrainian Refugee School Impact Grant application

A federal appropriation is being provided by the Office of Refugee Resettlement with specific appropriations to provide services to support citizens or nationals of Ukraine. Many newly arrived Ukrainian families have young children who will need additional supports to help with effective integration and education.

Lincoln Public School would like to apply for a grant to support a full-time bilingual liaison position dedicated to serving the needs of new Ukrainian arrivals to Lincoln. The primary focus of the bilingual liaison is educational support of new students and their parents as they navigate the U.S. education system, but also includes social and emotional support as well. The LPS proposal would also include support for school social worker time to partner with the new bilingual liaison to conduct a New Americans Social and Emotional Support series in schools where these students would be served.

The Board voted to approve the application.

Informational items and reports

Finance committee update

The Board on Tuesday was presented with the 2023-2024 budget calendar, which includes the following:

Budget work session June 27
Community presentations and public forums in June and July
Preliminary budget available Aug. 22
Publication of the budget hearing date Sept. 17
Joint public hearing with other city and county entities Sept. 18-22
Public hearing/budget forum Sept. 25
Budget approval Sept. 26

More information about the budget process will be available soon on the LPS website.

Wellness, American Civics and Multicultural committee

Committee chair Annie Mumgaard reported that the Wellness, American Civics and Multicultural committee met on Tuesday to review social studies curriculum and objectives.

The committee also learned about the voter registration drives being held at all high schools and the Bryan Community Focus Program.

Superintendent update

Superintendent Paul Gausman provided an update to the Board about recent and upcoming news and events from across the school district.

Gausman reiterated that he was proud of Prescott administrators and staff in how they remained calm and kept students safe during the incident last Friday. Staff also prioritized keeping the day and week as normal as possible so as to not further traumatize students. He also thanked Lincoln Police for their continued collaboration and support in keeping our schools safe.

He added, “Every child deserves to go to school in a safe, warm and loving environment that fosters learning and not one that feels scary. We will continue to review our protocols with LPS Security and Threat Assessment to find that balance.”

Gausman also thanked the 45 school social workers who serve Lincoln elementary, middle and high schools. Next week is National School Social Work Week, and he wanted to acknowledge all that they do. School social workers help students deal with mental health and behavioral challenges and provide academic and classroom support. They also work with crisis interventions, and identify and report child neglect and abuse.

“Our social workers are an important part of our school teams that support student academic, social and emotional development,” Gausman said.

Gausman also congratulated the student-athletes who competed in state competitions. He shared that there were 17 wrestlers and 38 students participating in state diving and swimming brought home state medals. There are also three girls’ basketball teams and three boys’ basketball teams with Lincoln High boys playing for the district championship on Tuesday.

To wrap up his report, Gausman invited the community to the second annual CLC Walk Together Event being held on Friday, March 4, from 5:30 -7:00 p.m. in the University Place Neighborhood. Students in CLC programs from Brownell, Clinton, Huntington, Norwood Park, Pershing, Riley, Hartley, Culler, Mickle, Dawes and Northeast will present what they have learned about sustainability in collaboration with our CLC community partners and University Place businesses.

Public comment

There were five individuals that addressed the Board during public comment. You can watch the public comment agenda item in the full meeting video here.

Glimpses of LPS

We open every Board meeting with a video that highlights Lincoln Public Schools. Tuesday’s Glimpses featured Independence Academy student Heba.

Posted on February 28, 2023

Student News Desk | Recent Graduates: Where are they now?

Lincoln Public Schools understands the importance of quality journalism to help inform our community and shine a light on the people, programs and events that make our school district unique.

Written by: Alex Hill, Lincoln High

Hundreds of people graduate from Lincoln High School every year. Seeing as I’m about to do the same, I wanted to know how last year’s graduates were doing and what their plans were for their future. I managed to sit down with five people from the class of 2022 and see what they had to say.

Zeph Siebler, who attends Yale.

Zeph Siebler was in the IB program during his time at Lincoln High and now goes to Yale University. Siebler describes his time at LHS to overall be a really great experience saying “In most regards, I really made the most of my time, and I struck a good balance between work, play, and rest, a skill which I find many of my college peers lack.” However, Siebler misses connecting to his teachers in the way that he used to. “I can’t make as meaningful a connection with my instructor as when I saw them for an hour five days a week. It doesn’t mean I haven’t made some of those connections, but it’s just been tougher”. All that being said though, Siebler’s life has only been going up from his time in high school when he describes his time in college as a chance to “pursue my every passion in a very safe space.” He also states that “I’ve also found the sense of community I was feeling a lack of in high school.” Right now, Siebler’s future plans are focused on creative endeavors in college and he hasn’t planned too far beyond that. “My plans don’t extend past the penumbra of undergrad work.” Siebler believes that he’s on the right path to achieve his creative plans because of the institution of Yale. “I’m fortunate to be a part of an institution that not only is one of the best liberal arts educations (I) could ever ask for, but that also caters very specifically to my passions, within and outside of my plans to compose for musical theatre.” In the next five years, he hopes to be working on a show that will go through a theater outside of the Yale campus. “To get there, my only choice is to write and not stop writing until I get capital-B Better, which is a thrilling and terrifying choice I’m so thankful I get to make.”

Susan Montoya Alvis, who attends Morningside University.

Susana Montoya Alvis took mainly on-level and AP classes during her time at Lincoln High, but she participated in our theater program during her time here. She now attends Morningside University. She never had a dull moment at Lincoln High and misses being able to take part in theater after school. She doesn’t think she’s changed too much since her freshman year because her passion for art is still going strong. “I don’t think I’ve changed all that much because I still want to be an artist! I’ve matured and learned a lot from my experiences in and outside of school, however.” Montoya Alvis believes her life has gotten better since high school because of the classes she’s able to take and the respect others show for her. “In college I’m able to take classes I enjoy and wish to actually learn. I’m also treated with more respect since (being) out of high school which gives me lots of motivation!” Montoya Alvis plans on furthering her art and her dream of being a full time artist. She’s currently studying to be an art teacher as well saying “I’d also love to teach and inspire the youth to do art!” In the next five years, Montoya Alvis is looking forward to being able to start living her life. She states “I hope to graduate with a job and an apartment, be able to put food on the table, and still be in my current relationship.”

Jackie Jiminez, who works for Bryan Health.

The next person I interviewed was Jackie Jiminez who was in the pre-IB program and was the head of scenic crew for theater during her time at Lincoln High and participated in the theater program all four years. She loved her time at Lincoln High School saying “it was amazing and chaotic”. Jiminez misses the theater program because of how fun it was for her and the time she got to spend with friends. Jiminez wishes she worried less about classes and grades and had focused more on the fun and social aspects of her time as an LHS student. She is still in her transition from high school to college and works for Bryan Health as a nurse. Jiminez still finds herself pining after her time in high school, however, saying “I’m just really bored now. I miss being chaotic with my friends.” She’s had some trouble finding her footing in college because she finds herself dropping out before taking the classes. Jiminez hopes to become a midwife in the future. She believes that this goal is very realistic saying “I hope to have at least started a program in college. This is very realistic, but I need to make myself do it.”

Thomas Scott, who attends UNL.

Thomas Scott currently attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, but during his time as a high schooler enjoyed the community that came with LHS. “Even a shy kid like freshman me found a place almost immediately and I felt so welcome! The community’s terrific, the faculty is amazing, and I would do it all over again if I could.” Like Jiminez, Scott also misses seeing so many friendly faces every day and finds it hard to connect with people as easily. “ In college, everyone is so categorized and spread out and classes are ginormous so it’s definitely more difficult to make and maintain meaningful connections, but I’m slowly and surely making progress!” In spite of this, college has been treating Scott pretty well saying that he is loving all of the new opportunities presented to him in college. Scott plans on completing his undergraduate studies in Psychology and Biology followed by a Ph.D. in the neuropsychological field. Scott hopes to use this knowledge to become a clinical neuropsychologist. He believes that this is a reasonable bar that he’s set for himself as well stating “My majors are lining me up on the perfect path, I’ve joined a research laboratory that studies traumatic brain injuries, and I’m keeping up with my schoolwork well!”

Syndi Raley, who is working on a drug abuse counseling certificate.

The last person that I interviewed was Syndi Raley. Raley bounced between LHS and Northeast for a while before graduating with Lincoln High. Raley was part of several theater departments including lighting, makeup, set construction, and even acting. If she could sum up her time at LHS, she would say that it was fun. It goes without saying that she loved the theater department and that it was a source of joy for her. She believes her life has gotten both better and worse since her time in high school saying “Things are going good for me but I do miss feeling like a kid.” She also misses seeing people every day saying “I haven’t’ been seeing people as much (since) graduating.” Raley’s life is just getting started however as she is currently taking a couple online courses to get a certificate in drug abuse counseling from the University of Cincinnati. From there, she plans on going for a degree in psychology. Beyond college, she looks forward to being graduated and living on her own fully with a full time job.

Interviewing these people gave me a good idea for what to expect in my years to come. It showed me that college is full of experiences that I can explore to my heart’s content, but I have to advocate for myself in order to find those experiences. While some people have found their time since high school to be more isolating than they had expected, interviewing these people has restored a sense of excitement in me for what comes next in my life.

Check out this story and more at Lincoln High’s online publication: https://lhsadvocate.com/

Posted on February 27, 2023

LPS announces new principals at Goodrich, Rousseau and Yankee Hill

Lincoln Public Schools has named three new principals to schools where recent changes were announced earlier this year.

“These established leaders have proven through their service to be dedicated to the success of students,” said LPS Associate Superintendent for Instruction Matt Larson. “We know they will build upon the legacy already established in each building and continue the pursuit of excellence for their staff and students.”

Congratulations to the following:

Goodrich Middle School: Brownell Elementary principal Kelly Apel returns to Goodrich Middle School to be the next principal following the retirement announcement of Kelly Schrad. Apel served as the associate principal at Goodrich from 2011 until she was named the principal at Brownell in 2017. She has also worked at Clinton Elementary as associate principal, and Park Middle School as instructional coordinator and teacher. Apel obtained her Masters of Education from Doane College, her Bachelor of Science in Education from Peru State College, and a Bachelors of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Iowa.
Rousseau Elementary School: Randolph Elementary principal Monica Jochum will be moving to Rousseau Elementary with the announcement of Wendy Badje’s retirement. Jochum has been the principal at Randolph since 2018, and has previously taught at Adams and Campbell elementary schools, as well as Ackerman Elementary in Millard. She earned her Bachelor's degree, as well as her Master’s of Curriculum and Master’s in Education Leadership degrees from Doane.
Yankee Hill Education Center: LPS Special Education supervisor Amanda (Hemenway) Shonka will be the next Yankee Hill principal following the retirement announcement of Laura Runge. Shonka moved to LPS Special Education in 2021 after serving as the assistant principal at Hill Elementary School since 2016. Prior to Hill, she was a Special Education coordinator at Schoo Middle School for three years, and taught there from 2009-2013. Shonka was also a paraeducator for four years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Special Education degree from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, and a Master of Educational Leadership degree from Doane University.

The administrators will begin their new duties July 1, 2023.

Posted on February 27, 2023

Lincoln Police and Prescott Elementary administration quickly and safely handle security incident at school

Lincoln Police were called to Prescott Elementary School to assist with a security incident reported to administration. Here is a timeline of events as reported through the initial investigation:

A fifth grade student showed a Prescott student a handgun in their backpack and made concerning comments about violence toward that student.
A student then told their teacher who immediately called administrators.
The administrators removed the backpack from the coat hooks and brought it to the office. Police were called immediately to come to the school.
Because the backpack was secured immediately and the situation was made safe quickly, there was not a need to use any of our Standard Response Protocols.
A police officer did find a loaded handgun in the student’s backpack.
The students’ families were contacted and police began their investigation by talking with the students involved.
The student who brought the firearm to school will be facing legal consequences.
We will continue to work with Lincoln Police and Lincoln Public Schools Security to ensure a safe learning environment for everyone at Prescott.

Prescott Principal JJ Wilkins wrote to families in an email:

“We know this is concerning news to hear. We are very proud of the student who reported the safety concern to their teacher when they felt unsafe. It is the important work of our staff at Prescott in building trusting relationships with our students that lead to this serious situation being resolved without anyone being hurt. We are thankful for the quick response by Lincoln Police and their continued collaboration in keeping our students and staff safe.”

Lincoln Public Schools reminds families that school safety takes a community and we need your help:

Please remind your student to tell a trusted adult immediately if they see or hear something that makes them feel unsafe. They can tell a trusted adult at home or school, or they can report it using the green “Safe to Say” button on the LPS website.
Have a conversation with your child about the dangers of handling weapons without adult permission or supervision. Lincoln Public Schools is taking this opportunity to remind families the importance of keeping all weapons and ammunition safely away from children and adolescents to prevent intentional and unintentional harm. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that the most reliable and effective measure to prevent injuries in children and adolescents is an absence of weapons. Safe weapon storage reduces a child’s risk of injury.
Please help us reinforce our lessons we teach at school about positive peer interactions. We understand that not everyone is going to always get along, but there are healthy ways to resolve conflicts that do not include a physical reaction. We need to be respectful to ourselves, our peers, our teachers and our school. We follow directions, honor each other's space and engage in positive interactions. Most importantly, we need to remember to be kind to one another. Encourage your student to share with adults at school if they are having issues with friends or other students. We believe it is important that we repair relationships where they are harmed and we want to help our students do that.

LPS Superintendent Paul Gausman said about the incident, “This is a phone call that a superintendent never wants to receive, but I was very proud of our Prescott administrators and staff in how they remained calm and kept students safe during this incident. These professionals continue to build positive relationships with students which led to the reporting of an unsafe situation. It was brave of that student to come forward and tell their teacher what they saw. We are appreciative of Lincoln Police and their quick reaction to the situation. Lincoln Police have been a great collaborative partner in keeping our schools safe.”

Gausman went on to say, “Our schools are safe because of our community’s ongoing efforts to remain vigilant and share information when there is a concern. We encourage anyone who sees or hears something of concern to report it immediately so we can continue to ensure a safe learning environment for all.”

Posted on February 24, 2023

Meeting notice for the Lincoln Board of Education Regular Meeting - February 28, 2023

The Lincoln Board of Education will hold its Regular Meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. located in the Boardroom at Lincoln Public Schools Steve Joel District Leadership Center, 5905 O Street.

Members of the public and media may access the meeting via live video streaming or by physically attending the meetings, which are subject to all national, state and local limitations on public gatherings associated with COVID-19. Overflow accommodations may need to be implemented to ensure the health and safety of all in attendance.

The agenda for all meetings can be found here: lps.org/board.

There are multiple ways to view the livestream of the regular meeting:

Board webpage
LPS YouTube Channel
LNK TV Education Channel (Spectrum channel 1303, Allo channel 23, or LNKTV in the AppleTV and Roku app store)

Participation by citizens in the regular board meeting

The Board believes public attendance and participation, when appropriate to the business at hand, is beneficial to the work of the Board and models the importance of civic engagement and civil discourse to the community’s children, but it cannot impede the Board from completing the business of the meeting.

In keeping with Board Policy 8420 and Neb Statute 84-1412(3), the Lincoln Board of Education has established these reasonable regulations to conduct Public Comment:

Persons speaking during Public Comment will be called forward individually by the Board Chair to the location identified for such purpose.

A time limit of three minutes will be allotted for any speaker unless prior to the beginning of the Public Comment agenda item, the chair sets a different reasonable time frame to be allotted for speakers in order to accommodate the number of persons who have submitted "Record of Appearance" cards. The time limit is per speaker, per meeting and may not be transferred or assigned to other speakers.

The chair may endeavor to organize public comment by what agenda items or other issues have been identified as topics by public speakers, adjust for the age of speakers, and/or split the Public Comment agenda item to be conducted in different positions within the Board’s Order of Business. At the discretion of the chair, the speaker may be allotted additional time. Board members may share, address or consider comments from the public during public comment, at the end of public comment or when related business is on the agenda.

In order to be called forward to address the Board during Public Comment, each person wishing to speak must obtain a "Record of Appearance" card from staff at the meeting in which they wish to speak. "Record of Appearance" cards are available beginning 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the meeting. Those wishing to speak must accurately complete the required sections of the card, and submit it to the appropriate staff member by 15 minutes after the start of the meeting.

Individuals will be called forward to speak by name, organization being represented, if applicable, and address. Each individual speaking to the Board will be required to identify himself or herself prior to giving public comment by stating their first and last name and, if applicable, any organization they represent.

In cases where more than one person wishes to speak on the same topic, their presentations to the Board may, at the discretion of the chair, be grouped together by topic.

If the number of people wishing to speak under the public comment portions of the agenda is large, the chair may rule that a public hearing be scheduled.

Persons speaking to the Board during public comment may make printed materials (paper no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches) available to the Board but may not use any other form of media. Public speakers are asked to provide 10 copies of any copies of printed materials presented to the Board.

Persons attending Board meetings and/or speaking to the Board during Public Comment or during a public hearing must follow all requirements established by the Board, as well as all Board, chair and staff directions in order to help maintain the order, proper decorum, safety and security, and the non-disruptive functioning of the Board meeting. These include, but are not limited to the following:

Abiding by time limits;
Refraining from applauding, cheering, jeering, or engaging in speech that defames any individual(s), or stymies or blocks meeting progress;
Refraining from the use of audio recordings, video recordings, or any digital still images, posters, signs, costumes, other props and/or photographs;
Refraining from abusive, disruptive or threatening language or gestures; and
Staying in the areas identified by the Board as reserved for the public.

If at any time persons appearing before the Board do not comply with these or any other Board requirements, it shall be the responsibility of the chair to declare that person or persons out of order and require a change in behavior, delay or recess the meeting, or refuse permission to continue to address the Board, and ultimately may require the person or persons to leave the premises of the Board meeting.

Posted on February 24, 2023

2023-2024 Educator Interview Fair - February 24

Are you or someone you know interested in a career as an educator at Lincoln Public schools? Certificated candidates interested in becoming a teacher (general, special education, early childhood), counselor, school psychologist, speech-language pathologist, social worker or school nurse within Lincoln Public Schools are eligible to participate in our Educator Interview Fair.

Educator Interview Fair

Friday, Feb. 24, 2023
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Over Zoom or in-person at the Steve Joel District Leadership Center (the district office at 5905 O Street).

All interested candidates must reserve their spot by filling out the form: bit.ly/LPSEducatorFair.

If you are not available on Feb. 24 or have questions, please contact Erik Witt, Director of Recruitment, at ewitt@lps.org.

Posted on February 20, 2023

Lux sixth grade student wins 2023 annual Spelling Bee

"Venus is the most prominent vespertine planet," pronouncer Cyndy Maddox told Lumi Kim as she prepared to spell the winning word of the Lincoln Public Schools 2023 Oral Spelling Bee.

Prior to Lux sixth grade student Kim winning in round five, judges were checking the rules on how to proceed with the competition. In round four, with only three spellers left, Kim was the only speller to correctly spell their word. Both Libby Wilson and Lindsey Parrotto, seventh grade students from Irving Middle School had both misspelled their words in round four. By spelling vespertine correctly, thereby getting two words correct in a row, Kim was crowned the winner.

"I prepared a bit late," said Kim. "Winning feels good."

Wilson and Parrotto needed to participate in a spell-off to determine second place. Parrotto won second with the word gaff.

Kim is now entered into the Omaha World-Herald Midwest Spelling Bee in March, and the winner of that contest will be flown to Washington, D.C., to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May.

LPS co-sponsors the spelling bee with the Lincoln Journal Star.

Posted on February 17, 2023

LPS announces administrator changes for the 2023-24 school year

Following the recent announcement of administrator retirements, Lincoln Public Schools announces the first in a series of administrator movements for the 2023-24 school year.

“We are fortunate to have talented and experienced leaders in our district who are excited and willing to take on new opportunities and challenges,” said LPS Superintendent Paul Gausman. “Each of these leaders has proven through their dedication and passion that they are up to the task of moving LPS forward in serving each and every student.”

Congratulations to these LPS administrators on their new positions:

Marco Pedroza

Director of Federal Programs

Marco Pedroza will serve as the director of Federal Programs. Pedroza was named the interim supervisor of secondary personnel services in November and will continue hiring teachers for secondary schools through June 30. He had been the principal at Scott Middle School since 2018. Prior to taking on that position, he was the associate principal at Lincoln Southwest High School, and an instructional coach at Schoo Middle School. Pedroza has taught at Southwest High School and Dawes Middle School. Pedroza also served as a bilingual liaison in LPS Federal Programs. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; a teaching certification from Doane University; a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and a Master of Education in Education Leadership from Doane University; an Educational Specialist certificate from Wayne State College; and a Doctorate of Education from Doane University.

Erik Witt

Supervisor of Secondary Personnel and Director of Recruiting

Erik Witt will be the supervisor of secondary personnel services and director of recruiting. Witt joined the LPS HR team in 2021 as the supervisor of special programs personnel and recruiting coordinator. Prior to his HR role, Witt was the principal at Yankee Hill Education Center for five years, and an associate principal at Southeast High School for ten years. Before moving to Southeast, he taught Special Education and served as both a general and Special Education coordinator at North Star HS. Witt began his teaching career at Elliott Elementary school in 2001 as a Special Education teacher. He earned his Education Specialist Degree from Doane University in 2018. Witt also has a Masters of Education in Education Leadership degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary and Special Education from Doane.

Jenny Fundus

Supervisor of Special Programs Personnel

Jenny Fundus will help lead the school district’s prioritized efforts in recruiting and hiring certificated staff as the supervisor of special programs personnel in the fall of 2023. Fundus came to LPS in 2012 as the director of Special Education. Prior to LPS, she was the coordinator and later director of early childhood education for Bellevue Public Schools. She began her teaching career in 1999, focusing on Special Education. She taught in Bellevue and Omaha before becoming principal at Central Elementary School in Bellevue in 2005. Fundus has an Educational Administration and Supervision Doctoral Degree from the University of Nebraska - Omaha. She also earned a Masters in Educational Administration and Supervision from UNO and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Mindy Roberts

Interim Director of Special Education

Mindy Roberts has been named as the interim director of Special Education for the 2023-24 school year. Roberts has been serving as the assistant director of Special Education since 2021. Prior to that role, she was a Special Education supervisor for five years after serving as the principal at Bryan Community Focus Program from 2010-2016. Roberts was a Special Education coordinator at Schoo Middle School from 2009-2010, Scott Middle School from 2002-2009 and Pershing Elementary School for one year. Roberts started at LPS in 2000 at Goodrich Middle School. She also taught Special Education at Grand Island Public Schools and Epworth Village in York, Nebraska. Roberts earned her Doctorate of Education degree, certifications for secondary school principal and supervision of Special Education, and Master of Education in Special Education/Behavior Disorders degree from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Roberts earned a Bachelors in Elementary Education from Kearney State College.

Pete Ferguson

Coordinator of Culture, Inclusion, and Scholar Development and Assistant Supervisor of Recruiting

Pete Ferguson has been selected as the assistant supervisor of recruiting in addition to his role of coordinator of culture, inclusion, and scholar development. Ferguson was the youth development coordinator from 2010-2022. Ferguson also worked as the Tri-Mentoring grant specialist in Federal Programs. Ferguson also served as vice president of Leadership Lincoln for five years and coordinator for Youth in Action Center from 1999-2004. Ferguson also worked as a case manager for Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Hastings College in communication arts and English.

These administrators will officially start their new roles on July 1, 2023.

Posted on February 15, 2023

Lincoln Standing Bear High School will open with freshmen and sophomores only

After reviewing enrollment numbers for the 2023-2024 school year, Lincoln Public Schools officials made the decision to open Lincoln Standing Bear High School next fall with only ninth- and tenth- grades. As of Friday, Feb. 10, there was a robust incoming ninth-grade class with 219 students enrolled, and an incoming 10th-grade class of 26 students enrolled.

“The good news is we are hearing that students and families know that they are getting a quality education where they currently attend high school and don’t want to leave as evident in the upper class numbers,” said Superintendent Paul Gausman. “We are proud to provide options for students to choose where they attend high school. This does, however, provide unique planning challenges as we open new buildings. Opening Standing Bear with freshmen and sophomores only allows us to focus our resources on offering high-quality opportunities and high school experiences where students are attending.”

As the graduating class of 2027 moves through high school, LPS anticipates Standing Bear will meet the designed 1,000 student capacity. In addition, Standing Bear will provide ninth- and tenth-grade students with an extraordinary leadership opportunity to establish a positive school culture.

“The number of students enrolled at Standing Bear will continue to grow each year as we’ve seen with Northwest High School,” added Gausman. “We opened Northwest this year just shy of 500 students in grades 9-11. Our numbers show that next year’s enrollment at Northwest will be closer to 800 students in grades 9-12.”

Future 11th- and 12th- grade students who chose Standing Bear for next fall will automatically be re-enrolled in their current high school, and their counselors will be contacting them. Students in those grades who optioned into Lincoln Public Schools from other school district will have the opportunity to attend one of the other LPS high schools. LPS Student Services will be contacting those families soon with more information.

All freshmen and sophomores at Standing Bear will still experience the pre-pathway classes for the Nebraska Business Focus Program. This will allow them to enroll in the focus program as juniors and seniors.

There will continue to be the opportunity for a wide range of activities and athletics at Standing Bear. The final determination of which opportunities and which levels offered will be determined based on the number, development and experience of the students that go out for athletics and activities. The intent is to be able to offer as many varsity level programs as possible. At this time, Standing Bear is planning to offer most individual sports and activities at the varsity level. Those include: golf, tennis, bowling, swimming and diving, cross country, track, wrestling and speech. One Act is also still planning on varsity competition. Standing Bear will plan to compete at the lower levels (freshmen, reserve, or junior varsity) for football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, softball and baseball. The athletic department will continue to monitor interest in athletics and activities.

If students entering ninth and tenth grades are still interested in attending Standing Bear High School next fall, they need to complete the High School Choice Form as soon as possible if they haven’t already to increase the likelihood that a full range of courses can be offered. Distance learning courses may be offered in some cases. Check out this online document for a complete list of courses currently offered for students at Standing Bear High School.

Posted on February 15, 2023

Highlights of the 2/14 Lincoln Board of Education regular meeting

The Lincoln Board of Education met for its regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the Lincoln Public Schools Steve Joel District Leadership Center, 5905 O Street. The full meeting video and a summary are below.

Special reports, presentations, and celebrations of success

Celebrations

During the meeting, the Board of Education recognized both Adams Elementary and Humann Elementary staff, students and families for being honored with the U.S. Department of Education 2022 National Blue Ribbon School Award.

First reading