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October 2017

Staying focused on safety during emergencies Lincoln Public Schools staged an emergency exercise on September 15 that focused on the process after the evacuation of a school, when parents would need to pick up their children at a safe, alternative site.

and state agencies were on hand to offer feedback, including the Lincoln Police and Fire departments, Lancaster County Emergency Management and the Nebraska Department of Education.

The exercise involved more than 100 4th- and 5th-grade students from Randolph Elementary School, who were bused to Lincoln Southwest High School because of a mock emergency. Southwest, due to its size, design and security features, is where all elementary and middle schools would relocate during a serious emergency.

“This is a work in progress,” Wright said. “That’s why we’re doing this - to get feedback from as many people as possible.”

The exercise is part of the district’s continuous efforts to plan for the unexpected and ensure the safety of its students, said LPS Director of Security Joseph Wright. All LPS schools have evacuation plans in place, but Friday’s exercise took those plans one step further - to the “reunification” phase. “What we’d like parents to know is that we’re looking closely at this process and that we have a plan in place to handle a serious situation,” Wright explained. The exercise’s primary purpose was to identify potential issues with the school district’s reunification plan - reuniting students and families after a possible crisis - and address them before a real emergency occurs. Representatives from numerous local

Randolph students stayed with their teachers and watched a movie in the main gym for about an hour while most of the drill occurred - just outside the gym in the hallway and south entrance area. LPS staff posed as parents arriving at the school and were led through the process of individually being reunified with their children. “If we are confronted with this situation, we need to safeguard the students and their environment so we can make a controlled handoff to their parents,” Wright said. Southwest Principal Mike Gillotti played an integral role in planning and carrying out Friday’s exercise, which he deemed a success. “As a district goes, we are way out in front as far as how we’re planning for this.”

(above): 4th and 5th grade students leave Randolph Elementary and head to their evacuation point. (left): Southwest and Randolph staff help students wait for parents during the mock exercise. (right): Principal Mike Gillotti gives instructions to staff before the emergency exercise.

ACT scores stay steady, solid: 100 percent student participation We are

testing so

ACT scores for Lincoln Public Schools continued consistent and solid with results in light of the sixth year in which all LPS high school juniors now take the college-ready test for free.

many more

“We are testing so many more kids who are taking the ACT, and we are more inclusive than ever before, so holding steady indicates we are doing well,” said Leslie Eastman, director of assessment and evaluation for LPS.

kids who are

As LPS student enrollment increases, more high school juniors take the test every year – a record 2,409 took the test last year – while the composite test score has remained steady, with the same composite score over the past four years.

ACT, and

Before the pilot program began, only about 65 percent of LPS graduates took the ACT, but now virtually 100 percent take the test, one of the most common standardized college entrance examinations, Eastman said.

inclusive than

taking the we are more ever before,...

In April 2012, LPS started participation in the pilot of what is called the District Choice inSchool Testing (DCST) program for the state of Nebraska, in which all LPS juniors take the ACT at no cost on a regularly scheduled school day (as opposed to the previous process of paying for the test and taking it on a Saturday morning).

What’s Inside Section A: • Students Help Harvey Victims. . A2 • Family Acitvity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2 • Beautiful Lincoln High . . . . . . . . A3 • Puzzles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4 • Humann Open House. . . . . . . . . A5 • Belmont Streets Alive!. . . . . . . . . A6 • Meet the New CLC Director. . . . A7 • Huntington Red Ribbon Week. . A9 • Coloring Book. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A10 • Kate Larson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A11 • LPS Scrap Metal Drive. . . . . . . A11 • Family Activity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . A11 What’s Inside Section B: • DeVos Visit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1 • East Celebrates 50 Years!. . . . . . B2 • Mickle Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B3 • TeamMates Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . B5 • First Responders Honored. . . . . B7 • Puzzles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B8 • Wellness Training . . . . . . . . . . . . B9 • School Lunch Menus. . . . . . . . . B11 • Green Schools Recognition. . . . B12

October 2017 | Community News | Section A

History students take action to help Harvey victims Students in Alise Pape’s U.S. History classes at Lincoln East High School often discuss current events. In the case of recent Hurricane Harvey news, Pape challenged them to not only talk about the events in Houston but to take action.

an incredibly proud moment for me as a teacher.” She thinks her students learned a valuable lesson from the experience.

They collected school supplies to donate to teachers in the Houston area, part of a nationwide effort coordinated through the website adoptaclassroom.org. Pape’s students collected roughly 30 notebooks, 20 folders, more than 200 pencils and pens and more than 1,000 sheets of paper, as well as dry-erase markers, baby diapers and book covers.

“I think it is really important to model civic engagement for students and show them how important it is in moments like these that as Americans we need to come together and help each other.”

She packaged and mailed the supplies to Royal High School just outside Houston last week. “I knew my kids were kind and generous individuals and they would do a great job collecting materials,” Pape said. “It was

Family Activity:

Paper Bag Stories Materials Needed: Paper Bag; several random objects from around the house (placed in the paper bag). Procedure: Gather the family around the table or a comfortable area in the house. Empty the bag in the center of the group. Starting with the youngest person, start to tell a story that involves the objects that were in the bag. The youngest person starts the story, and then passes to the next person. Once everyone has had a turn to add to the story, allow everyone to ask a comprehension question about the story plot. See who can answer the questions the fastest. Continue to go from person to person, adding to the story until it clearly has an ending. Now decorate the bag with a scene from the story, and return the objects to the bag. This can be reused in the future, with an entirely different story.

Telling stories is a great form of entertainment that has mesmerized audiences for centuries. Whether you are telling ghost stories around a campfire or adventure stories around the kitchen table, storytelling is an art and a great way to improve listening skills, listening comprehension, and a variety of language arts skills. So, turn off the TV and have a story-telling night!

Follow-Up Discussion/Questions: • What did you like the most about our story? • What part of the story could have had more details? • What are some things we could add to the story to make it even better? Family Challenge/Extension Activity: • Let each member of the family fill a bag with objects and challenge the group to create a story. • Ask questions that require children to compare and contrast the stories.

October 2017 | Community News | Section A

Lincoln High School named most beautiful public HS in Nebraska

Lincoln High School’s majestic architectural design has long been a source of pride for the school. Now LHS has another reason to be proud, thanks to the magazine that dubs itself the “international authority” on architecture. Architectural Digest chose the most beautiful public high school in every state and picked LHS for Nebraska. The magazine recently published the list, along with a photo of each school, on its website. An editor with the magazine contacted LHS Associate Principal Jill Able and told her about the honor. “We are very proud,” Able said. “There is no other place like it in Lincoln and perhaps the state.”

LHS art teacher Yvonne Moore provided a photo of the school’s front entrance that was used for the article. She took the photo during the totality phase of the solar eclipse. “It was a beautiful moment with the combination of natural light with artificial and I was surrounded by crowds of people standing in awe,” Moore said. The school was built in 1915 and since then has undergone numerous additions and renovations. Moore pointed to the Neoclassical architecture of the original part of the building as the likely reason it was chosen for the honor. “There is something about tall ceilings, huge windows with natural light streaming in, marble elegance and attention to detail - and all of that is apparent in the craftsmanship of this building.”

October 2017 | Community News | Section A

Get your Go Po on… it’s easy! Search hundreds of volunteer needs: arts and culture, animals and environment, education and research, government, health and human services, and sports and recreation. Check out the helpful tips to find your Go Po activities at Volunteerlinc.org/GOPO

Logan Fitch pictured third from the left.

Logan Fitch volunteers with Nebraska Community Blood Bank for the Born and Raced in Nebraska Racing Series events. The team of volunteers cheer on runners, hand out water and spread the word about the importance of blood donation. Read the rest of Logan’s story on our website.

Volunteerlinc.org dan@volunteerlinc.org | 402-435-2100

October 2017 | Community News | Section A

Humann Elementary open house celebrates the end of renovation project Each month, an additional way our PLC – Professional Learning Communities – help students in Lincoln Public Schools.

Collective problem solving for students

During the 2016-17 school year, the students and staff at Humann Elementary School relocated temporarily to a building formerly known as the Bison Center while crews worked to renovate their building. Sept. 10 was an opportunity for the community, including alumni, to tour the newly renovated space during an open house event. The renovations at Humann Elementary School included a new main office and secure entrance, indoor air quality improvement, modifications to classroom spaces, improved technology throughout the building and a new sound enhancement system in each classroom. The project was part of the 2014 bond issue for $153 million.

PLCs mean that every student now has a team of teachers, not just their own teacher, to discuss ways to help all students succeed. Teams discuss what they are seeing in terms of student misconceptions, strengths and areas that need re-teaching.

In LPS every PLC is responsible for answering 4 questions. While these questions may seem simple, they represent complex planning, analysis and decision making on the part of each PLC team. The four questions include... • What do we want each student to learn? • How will we know when each student has learned it? • How will we respond when a student experiences difficulty in learning? • How will we respond when a student has already learned essential knowledge and skills? When we set aside time to provide skilled professionals an opportunity to discuss these 4 essential questions, student benefit from the collective knowledge of the PLC team.

Where What You Do and Who You Are We believe education isn’t about your next four years, but your next 40. It’s about more than a degree or a career path, but your life path. At Hastings, your next four years will be spent exploring the here and now on a welcoming campus filled with experienced mentors who teach, counsel, inspire, support, guide and advocate as you work to define who you are and what it is you want to do.

Because the greatest success is when what you do, and who you are, align.

SCHEDULE A VISIT AT HASTINGS.EDU/VISIT

Hastings College - LPS '17 Fall.indd 1

9/15/17 2:13 PM

October 2017 | Community News | Section A

Belmont Elementary home to Streets Alive! Belmont Elementary School welcomed hundreds of families and community members during the Streets Alive! event on Sept. 10. Streets Alive! is a community event providing not only a day of fun and activity for families, but also a chance for families to learn more about health education and resources available to them. Lincoln Public Schools partners with the city of Lincoln and other community agencies each year for the event. “For the past seven years, a September Sunday leads families on wheels and feet to play ‘in the streets’ within the approximate two mile path,” said Michelle Welch, LPS Wellness Coordinator. “Each year the path intersects with an LPS elementary school and this year Belmont was the anchor for the family fun.” The festival was lined with free health resources, join-in fitness activities, sing- and dance-along entertainment, kids activities as well as a low-cost farmer’s market and local food truck opportunities. “At Belmont, we know that children learn better when they are healthy and fit,” added Belmont Principal Kim Rosenthal. “We are dedicated to not only educating our children, but teaching them about the active lifestyle and good nutrition that helps them become healthy and successful adults.” Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln, which organizes Streets Alive!, collaborated with Lincoln Parks and Recreation, the Belmont Neighborhood Association, community organizations and Lincoln businesses to raise funds during the event for an outdoor classroom/shelter to be built in Belmont Park.

October 2017 | Community News | Section A

LPS announces new director of Community Learning Centers Nola Derby-Bennett has been selected as the new director of Community Learning Centers (CLC) at Lincoln Public Schools. While the position is held by Lincoln Public Schools, the CLC director position is also supported by nearly a dozen lead agencies, many other community partners, the Lincoln Community Foundation and the city of Lincoln. “We are excited that Nola Derby-Bennett will be joining the Community Learning Center team,” said Steve Joel, superintendent of LPS. “She brings a vast background working effectively with individuals and groups that serve children and families. Her knowledge of the Lincoln community and our schools will be a major asset as she provides leadership to help our community sustain and grow Lincoln’s nationally recognized CLCs that are making a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community members everyday.” Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler said: “This is an exciting time for the CLC initiative, and Ms. Derby-Bennett’s experience, leadership and commitment to the community will help take CLC’s to the next level. She has outstanding credentials, and I look forward to working with her. I also want to thank Lea Ann Johnson for her years of dedication to Lincoln’s children, families and neighborhoods.” Jim Blue, executive director of CEDARS, which is the lead agency partner at the Clinton and Hartley elementary school CLCs: “Community Learning Centers are vital to our community and critically important to thousands of Lincoln’s children and families every day. Nola, with her talent and passion, will be a great leader. We are excited to work with her.” Derby-Bennett was the executive director of The Hub, a Central Access Point for Young Adults in the Lincoln community, and has helped develop, grow and lead the non-profit agency. She also has served as an adjunct instructor for the College of St. Mary, and worked in Special Education for Crete Public Schools. She has a bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Mary and a master’s degree from Doane University.

Your Journey to College Begins with Us

Our free resources will help get you there. EducationQuest.org 402.475.5222

October 2017 | Community News | Section A

It’s a Balancing Act Active Play

Good Nutrition

Family Time Sleep

NEW MAJOR

Sports Media & Communication D O from day one. L E A R N from innovators in their field. W O R K on real projects and make a real impact.

Find the right balance for your child’s good health

VISIT admissions.unl.edu/visit or contact Whitney Perry at wperry2@unl.edu

OUR MAJORS

Advertising & Public Relations Broadcasting Journalism

HealthyLincoln.org

Sports Media & Communication

NAC

Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln

M AR

Made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

University of Nebraska does not discriminate based upon any protected status. Please see go.unl.edu/ nondiscrimination © 2017 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska. All rights reserved. 1708.006

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s y a D t i s i V E N A O D

e: n a o D r e v o Disc

Sign-up for one of these events or schedule your personal visit today! VISIT COORDINATOR

Suzy Cochnar visit@doane.edu 402.826.6767

October 2017 | Community News | Section A

Huntington students follow Prairie Wolves for Red Ribbon Week Students from Huntington Elementary School on Sept. 12 visited Nebraska Wesleyan University, where Prairie Wolf student-athletes led hundreds of kids through fast-paced, giggle-filled activities involving basketball, football, baseball, softball, track, volleyball and cheerleading. Huntington visited Wesleyan as part of Red Ribbon Week, a national campaign aimed at preventing youth drug use and promoting healthy life choices. Huntington and Wesleyan have partnered on the annual event for more than 10 years. Huntington students moved in groups from one station to another both inside and outside the Weary Center for Health and Fitness. Syncere, a 5th-grader, said his favorite activity was track. He also said he learned a lot from the Wesleyan group leaders. “To be kind and respectful to parents and don’t do drugs,” he said. Jayden, another 5th-grader, said besides what he learned about his favorite sport - football he’ll also remember what the Wesleyan students said many times. “They said, ‘Don’t do drugs!’” Huntington had numerous other events planned for the week. Student Ambassadors have decorated sidewalks and areas inside the school. The school’s counselor also has planned activities with the students. Huntington Principal Rik Devney said the trip to Wesleyan can have an impact on Huntington students in many ways. “We get kids on a college campus, interacting with student-athletes at Nebraska Wesleyan, promoting physical activity and teamwork,” he said. “This is also an example of a community school working with the resources within the neighborhood. We are fortunate to have Nebraska Wesleyan as a community partner!”

October 2017 | Community News | Section A

A10

BRYAN HEALTH CAPITAL CITY CLASSIC

Sunday, October 22 3 p.m. Nebraska State Capitol • 1445 K St.

This event benefits mental health education and awareness. 5K Run/Walk and 15K Run

1-Mile Kids Run

Early Registration: through October 14 $25 – ages 20 and older $19 – ages 19 and under

Early Registration: through October 14 $6 – ages 12 and under

Late Registration: October 15-17 $35 – for all entries

Late Registration: October 15-17 $16 – ages 12 and under

Learn more and register: bryanhealth.org/run Presented by:

October 2017 | Community News | Section A

A11

Kate Larson wins First District Learning Award! Kate Larson, a social studies teacher at Irving Middle School, has been honored as the 1st District Service Learning award winner. She has taught for 12 years, the last eight at Irving. She answered questions about service learning curriculum in her classroom. What classes do you teach now? For the past 12 years I have taught 6th grade. In the past I have taught all subjects at one time or another (language arts, math, science and social studies). My most recent years at Irving I have been teaching science and social studies. Next year I will start a new adventure and move up to 8th grade American History, which I am very excited about! What inspires you to be a teacher, and what is it about middle school that suits you best? My students inspire me to teach. Their strengths, their accomplishments, the positive change they make for themselves and others and their passions for life and learning. I am passionate about teaching curriculum that I love and helping and supporting students to be good and kind to themselves and others. Middle school suits me best because that is the age of students I enjoy most. Their personalities and their sense of humors make the day exciting! Describe how service learning fits into your lesson plans for students. This past year I incorporated Effort Stories into my lessons. I would show students a video of someone who has demonstrated great effort in life, we would discuss and then students would journal about how that person demonstrated effort. Through these effort stories I expanded into completing Acts of Kindness throughout the year. With my students we would brainstorm how to ‘make someone’s day’ through our acts of kindness. For one of our biggest challenges this past year, I coupled our acts of kindness with our school’s annual fundraising and community service project that our amazing Irving Parent Teacher Student Organization group puts

together, called Irving Community OutReach or ICOR. Our ICOR fundraiser gives all students of Irving the opportunity to complete service work in our community for a span of three weeks. Students in turn raise funds for their dedication of time to help our school. Our parent group offered numerous opportunities for students to sign up for projects. I challenged all of my students daily to serve at least one hour of time conducting as many acts of kindness as they could. Their acts could range from signing up for a project to complete, raking leaves for a neighbor or helping a family member with the groceries or dishes. I was in such awe of my students’ amazing ability to reach out to our community and help others. They blew me away with their countless acts of kindness and ICOR projects. With 90% of our team’s 6th grade students participating, they together completed 246 hours of service and acts of kindness out of 826 hours served by all Irving students. And they raised just over $1,160 out of the $8,000 total for our school! How do you view your role specifically as teaching science social studies, and what do you hope student take away from your class? It’s all about the kids! I hope students take away a love of learning new things or the curriculum I teach or an appreciation for science or social studies. I also hope students take away the value of being kind, being good and service to others. I hope that they carry the attitude of ‘making someone’s day’ a common thing for them. What trends in the curriculum have you seen impact how and what you teach? The curriculum in social studies that has been developed the past few years is wonderful in having students think critically, be informed citizens and have the skills needed to really analyze text. The skills they learn help them to determine valuable sources and reliable information. And incorporating things like Civic Action Plans support the things I am doing in my classroom already.

LPS Scrap Metal Drive Results As part of America Recycles Day, November 15, 2016, Alter Metal Recycling and Sadoff Iron and Metal Recycling Company started a scrap metal drive to support the LPS Recycling Program. Residents were encouraged to recycle their scrap metal through Earth Day (April 22, 2017) and to donate all or a portion of the proceeds from the scrap metal to benefit the LPS Recycling Program. A total of $2,254 was donated to support the schools recycling program. Residents donated over $650 worth of scrap metal to Lincoln Public Schools. Alter Metal Recycling donated $600 which matched the amount their customers gave and Sadoff Iron and Metal Company donated $1,000. These funds are used to replace aging, worn out steel recycling cotnainers. They will be recycled as scrap metal and replaced with containers manufactured from recycled steels – closing the recycling loop. The LPS Recycling Program provides recycling education and opportunities in all LPS school classrooms, offices and support buildings. LPS currently recycles and composts over 2.3 million pounds of material annually, or 37% of its refuse.

Family Activity:

Commercial, GO! One of our favorite things to do as a family is watch TV. Sometimes this gets in the way of staying active. Use the commercial breaks to fit in some fun, family active time. Pick your own exercises, or use the outlines below. Materials Needed: None! Procedure: Pick a show to watch as a family on TV. First commercial break (cardio) • 1st commercial – Burpees • 2nd commercial – Jumping Jacks • 3rd commercial – High knees • All other commercials – pick your own! Second commercial break (core) • 1st commercial – Hold plank • 2nd commercial – Sit-ups • 3rd commercial – Leg lifts • All other commercials – Pick your own! Third commercial break • 1st commercial – Show off your best dance moves • 2nd commercial – Do you know a Yoga move? Teach it to the group! • 3rd commercial – Everyone do their favorite exercise • All other commercials – Pick your own! Fourth commercial break ( competition ) • Break into 2 teams. The first team to complete the cycle wins: 10 partner squats; 1sit-ups; 10 push-ups; balance on one leg for 15 seconds. The losing team has to do the dishes!

Follow-Up Discussion/Questions: • What part of the body/muscle groups were those exercises working? • Why is it important to work out? • What were the hardest and the easiest exercises? • What exercises would you like to do more of? • How did this activity make you feel? • What are some other ways to stay healthy? Family Challenge/Extension Activity: • Find a family exercise class or activity to do: Yoga; online video; outdoor education center; explore a park. • Pick new exercises for next TV show. • Pick incentives. • Track your family’s improvements over time.

October 2017 | Community News | Section A

A12

October 2017

LPS students teach lessons to U.S. Secretary of Education Lincoln Public Schools Science Focus Program students offered a few lessons in quality education on Sept. 14 to U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos on her visit to the Zoo School.

Schools here

DeVos spent about two hours at the school, an LPS focus program located at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. She visited classrooms and talked with students and teachers, who explained - and showed - the unique ways the school combines classroom learning with hands-on experience at the zoo.

are a good

“It’s about impossible for her to come here and not fall in love with our school,” said Kaitlyn, a 12th-grade Zoo School student whose home school is Lincoln High School. “If she listened she knows what a great opportunity this is.” DeVos’ visit was part of her six-state “Rethink Education” tour. LPS Superintendent Steve Joel kicked off her visit to the Zoo School with an overview of the school district and the many choices offered to LPS students. “I think by the time you’re finished with your visit here today you will see that we are rethinking education, within Lincoln and the entire state of Nebraska,” Joel said. He noted that DeVos’ visit to the Zoo School was a great opportunity to showcase one of the many quality public education options offered in Lincoln and throughout the state. “Choice is alive and well in Lincoln Public Schools, as well as the state of Nebraska,” he said. “And none of this is possible if we didn’t live in a community and a state where people value public education and they roll up their sleeves to support it.” DeVos said she appreciated the opportunity to talk to students and hear from them about what makes Zoo School special. “Schools here in Lincoln are a good example of how they can meet students’ needs and do things differently,” DeVos said. The 20-year-old Zoo School is one example of the many choices that LPS offers students for them to succeed and achieve - 39 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, six comprehensive high schools and a variety of high school alternative programs. The Zoo School currently enrolls 105 students from grades nine through 12, both from public and private schools. Students who attend LPS focus programs such as the Zoo School remain students at their home schools, where they can participate in activities, athletics and social events.

in Lincoln

example of how they can meet students’ needs and do things differently.

October 2017 | Community News | Section B

East High School celebrates 50 years!

4-H Information Night See animals such as rabbits and llamas

Free hot dogs!

Find Out How Youth Ages 5–18 Can Join 4-H! Adults — Help Youth Grow By Volunteering!

Tues., Oct. 10• 6pm

Lancaster Extension Education Center 444 Cherrycreek Rd., Lincoln 4-H is America’s largest youth development organization — empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. with the skills to lead for a lifetime. 4-H’ers are 4 times more likely to give back to their communities, 2 times more likely to make healthier choices and 2 times more likely to participate in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) activities! 1 Adult volunteers are vital to the ongoing growth and development of youth in 4-H. Research shows the structured learning, encouragement and adult mentoring youth receive through 4-H helps them achieve future life successes.1 1

Read about the “4-H Study of Positive Youth Development” at http://4-h.org/about/research

http://lancaster.unl.edu/4h • 402-441-7180 The 4-H Youth Development program abides with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the USDA.

October 2017 | Community News | Section B

Each month, an additional way our PLC – Professional Learning Communities – help students in Lincoln Public Schools.

Sharing new ideas and best practices PLCs are meant to both share and come up with new ideas. Teachers share their best strategies and activities so that all students have wonderful experiences and lessons each and every day.

Mickle class grows leaders, vegetables Katie Hammond hopes the students in her Guided Studies course at Mickle Middle School grow as leaders and active members of the community. The 8th-grade science teacher also hopes they grow some tasty vegetables for those who may not typically have access to fresh produce. Hammond and her 11 Guided Studies students this semester are tending to and gathering vegetables grown in the Mickle Garden, a community garden located on the school’s east side. Every Friday they drop off that week’s haul at the school counseling office, where other students can fill a shopping bag to take home at the end of the day - similar to the school district’s BackPack program, which provides food-filled backpacks to students in need of food over the weekend. “We get to help people in the community and help people who don’t have access to vegetables,” said Hayden, one of the students. The school’s counselors identified families who might be interested and sent home a permission slip that included a list of 24 vegetables available from the garden - everything from carrots and summer squash to chard and Anaheim peppers. Families could select which vegetables they wanted.

Hammond’s students also have supplied tomatoes to the school’s Family and Consumer Science classes to make salsa. Mickle Community Learning Center’s Gardening Club uses the garden, as well.

• What do we want each student to learn? • How will we know when each student has learned it? • How will we respond when a student experiences difficulty in learning? • How will we respond when a student has already learned essential knowledge and skills? When we set aside time to provide skilled professionals an opportunity to discuss these 4 essential questions, student benefit from the collective knowledge of the PLC team.

“We had not been using the garden to its full potential,” Hammond said. “We’ve got kids and families who need the vegetables.” Added Nicki Hanseling, Mickle’s 6th-grade counselor: “It’s been amazing watching students come through and collect fresh produce to take home to their families.” Students volunteer for different jobs in the garden - watering, weeding, picking, push mowing. “You can get down and dirty,” said another student, Hunter, as he picked tomatoes during class on a recent morning. This is the second year that Mickle has offered the Guided Studies course, which teaches leadership and character in the classroom, the school and the community.

PRODUCTION OF

Based on the Dreamworks Animation Motion Picture and the Book by William Steig

Book & Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire

Music by Jeanine Tesori

Originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals & Neal Street Productions Original Production Directed by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford

Thursday, November 16th – 7pm Friday, November 17th – 7pm Saturday, November 18th – 2pm & 7pm Directed by Leah Kolar Musical Direction by Lauren Cook Sponsored by

Tickets $15 | TAFK.ORG | Christ Lutheran Church 4325 Sumner St. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI (mtishows.com).

October 2017 | Community News | Section B

Lincoln Public Schools Elementary Principals Present

Saturday, November 11 • 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. McPhee Elementary School • 820 Goodhue Boulevard Parents, unclutter your closets for a good cause. Bubba’s Closet will continue to accept used and new donations of winter coats, but is hoping for more donations of other winter wear: Warm jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, hats and mittens/gloves. You can drop them off at any of the following Hanger’s Cleaners locations where they will be cleaned at no charge - between October 2nd and 31st: 2525 Pine Lake Rd. • 2655 S. 70th • 1550 S. Coddington • 2101 G St. Roca Berry Farm is collecting gently used winter clothes between October 16th and 22nd. On Saturday, October 21, elementary prinicpals will be at Roca Berry all day to take your donations. This is one of the many American Education Week activities planned in Lincoln Public Schools.

October 2017 | Community News | Section B

October TeamMates of the Month

Finding a Sidekick “It’s not bad to let somebody in,” says Suha, a sophomore TeamMates mentee at Lincoln North Star High School. “It’s not bad to have somebody there for you. It’s not bad to think that somebody cares. It’s not bad to get close to someone.” This is a piece of advice Suha shares for any new mentee. But it took Suha almost a year and a half to learn that lesson for herself. When she thinks of meeting her mentor, Peggy Bohrer, for the first time as a third grader, (a fact that is often the source of a friendly debate between the two) she remembers being scared. “The first day, I wanted to tell the teacher I didn’t want her,” recalls Suha. “But then I thought, ‘oh, I don’t have to do math!’” Peggy agrees that it took some time for them to truly be comfortable with each other and to see if she had any effect on Suha. “I have kids of my own that are about her age, and as a mom you wonder if you’re doing the right thing, so I wondered if I was doing the right thing with her,” explains Peggy. “I was always questioning if I was really making an impact on her life or if I was just getting her out of math.” Knowing that a strong bond couldn’t be forced or rushed, they started off playing Ping Pong and drawing together. The two laugh as they remember the basic grass, flowers and sun Peggy would always draw. Suha reassures her, “It wasn’t bad. I don’t want to say it was horrible.” Over time, Suha and Peggy got more comfortable with each other and their relationship strengthened. “It took me a while to open up because I wasn’t the type of person to share my feelings,” admits Suha. “But since she kept showing up every time, I knew she was going to be there for me. By fourth or fifth grade, I got comfy.” “I try to just be her confidante, a person she can talk to,” explains Peggy. “I know she may not always have that in other areas.” Now Peggy and Suha refer to each other as their “sidekick”. During their 7 years together, they’ve shared many special memories. The day that sticks out in Suha’s mind is the last day of 5th grade. Suha was anxious to see Peggy one last time before the summer break. As the day went on, she repeatedly asked her teacher if Peggy could come one more time. “Guess who showed up?” Suha asks as she tells the story. “I really didn’t think she’d show up. I was going to cry. It felt so nice that she actually came.”

Peggy sees a lot of strength in Suha. She proudly remembers Suha displaying her strength and courage at an assembly at Dawes Middle School. Suha spoke about grit as she told the entire school her life story. “That was a big moment for me,” admits Suha. “I needed her to be there.” Peggy sat in the front row, supporting Suha. “She did an amazing job. She opened my eyes to a lot of different things, different ideas, different ways of doing things, different ways of life. And that’s been good for me,” Peggy says. Instead of playing games or drawing, Peggy and Suha now spend their time together talking about what’s going on their lives and focusing on the future. Suha is looking forward to getting her driver’s license, keeping her grades up and continuing to make good choices. And she’s looking forward to having her sidekick by her side for all of it.

October 2017 | Community News | Section B

2017 2018

2017 2017 2018

2018

LINCOLN’S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA EDWARD POLOCHICK, MUSIC DIRECTOR

A FAMILY FOR TREBLE

Adam Goos, actor Edward Polochick, conductor Sunday, October 22, 2017, 2:00 PM O’Donnell Auditorium, NE Wesleyan University

Treble the dog needs a home! An energetic, music-loving dog is searching for a home with LSO. There’s just one problem— he doesn’t know anything about the orchestra! Through interactive listening activities, children will explore and learn about the orchestra’s instrument families (woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings) and help Treble find the perfect home. Sponsored by: Westgate Bank

CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS Madcap Puppets Edward Polochick, conductor Sunday, March 4, 2018, 2:00 PM O’Donnell Auditorium, NE Wesleyan University

Have you ever seen an elephant ballet? Or encountered giant sea creatures in a submarine? Look no further! Madcap Puppets and LSO will bring the animal kingdom to life with shadow puppetry, comical characters, and Saint-Saëns’ classic The Carnival of the Animals. Sponsored by: Assurity

Join us one hour before each concert for face painting, a musical petting zoo, crafts, and other family activities!

$50 FAMILY PASS | ONE LOW PRICE THAT INCLUDES TICKETS FOR YOUR WHOLE FAMILY FOR BOTH FAMILY CONCERTS!

LINCOLNSYMPHONY.COM | 402.476.2211

October 2017 | Community News | Section B

First responders honored at Maxey Patriot Day parade Lincolnâ€™s first responders and military service members many who are parents and grandparents of Maxey Elementary students - were honored during a special appreciation parade around the hallways. Students lined the halls with special signs and clapped as the parade wound through the school, ending near the office where the Boy Scouts presented the colors. Students then joined in saying the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the national anthem. The event was organized as a special tribute on Patriot Day.

October 2017 | Community News | Section B

LUX

CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Where Creativity and Community Meet. The LUX Center for the Arts is a non-profit art center in Lincoln, NE serving the community for over 40 years. The LUX provides exceptional art experiences including classes, residency programs, gallery exhibitions, and community outreach.

Art Classes for Youth & Adults in: • • • •

Ceramics Printimaking Painting and Drawing Fibers and Textiles

• • •

Jewelry Making Mixed-Media and more!!

Visit our website for more information:

www.LUXcenter.org

2601 N. 48th Street, Lincoln, NE 68504 | 402.466.8692 Tuesday-Friday 11am-5pm & Saturday 10am-5pm

October 2017 | Community News | Section B

Wellness 2017-2018:

Training for Life Beyond the Classroom by Michelle Welch, RD, LMNT, LPS Wellness Facilitator As family members of K-12 students, we recognize that our students are in training for life beyond the classroom. We want our children to be healthy, safe, engaged in learning, supported by school staff and challenged to do their best work. The base to that pyramid of learning is healthy, both of mind and body. Each year, LPS wellness sets four focus areas that will support health improvement for our students. These include opportunities to complete active events such as scavenger hunts and challenges, as well as overhead announcements, posters and fun class discussions. At the end of each quarter, students are given the opportunity to share about their learning and success within the focus area. Most activities also are tied to fun pop culture themes to help draw added interest to the topic. In 2017-2018 the four health focus areas will be: Quarter 1: Music and social-emotional wellness Quarter 2: Physical Activity Quarter 3: Nutrition Quarter 4: Sleep Kids learn by seeing, doing and modeling or imitating what they see around themselves. Yes, they watch everything we do. Fortunately, in Lincoln Public Schools, school staff and families are invited to play along with students each quarter and learn more about our health, while being positive role models for students. Everyone wins. Focus activities are offered K-12, with modifications to challenges for younger and older students as well as adult/staff versions of challenges. To see the materials available and potentially support this learning at home, go to www.lps.org/wellness and click on the â€œChallenges!â€? link. Materials are typically in a column on the right of your screen.

Last year, scavenger hunt materials were added to the mix and created a new-found enthusiasm for active learning especially in older students who loved the chance to learn on the go. Reinforcement messages and activities are incorporated within the interactive resources. Schools have taken twists on the scavenger hunts, using them at family engagement nights, as PE stations, within before and after school programs or as a brain break activity or reward. Each school puts its own unique twist on how materials are used to best fit their culture, but all are focused on the same learning objective. For those of you who have younger students, some related challenge materials may come home in weekly folders. Though, many schools choose to keep the challenges at school and may include information for you in the schoolâ€™s electronic newsletter type communications. Older students may find the activities take place in a targeted school period or within a related subject class such as health, PE, science or family and consumer science. No matter the approach of your school, keep asking questions and consider playing along with your student(s). It just might be the perfect opportunity to take a little care of you. Thanks for all you do to collaborate with us in building brighter futures for your students.

October 2017 | Community News | Section B

B10

Adventure is waiting!

Find a group near you and learn more today.

BeAScout.org info@cornhuskercouncil.org

402-488-6020

Every kid needs family.

Would you consider becoming a foster parent? Every day, there are children in need of a loving foster home right here in our community. Will you be the one to help?

Helping Kids in Crisis. Building Strong Families. 402-436-5437 | www.cedarskids.org

October 2017 | Community News | Section B

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October Breakfast Menu MONDAY 2 Mini Maple Waffles Apple Cinn. Cheerios Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

9 Mini Berry Pancakes Apple Cinn. Cheerios Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

16 No School

23 Mini Maple Waffles Apple Cinn. Cheerios Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

30 Mini Berry Pancakes Apple Cinn. Cheerios Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

TUESDAY 3 Breakfast Burrito Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

10 Egg & Cheese Sandwich Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

17 No School

24 Breakfast Burrito Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

WEDNESDAY 4 Cinnamon Pancake Sandwich Cocoa Puffs Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

11 Chicken Sausage Pancake Sandwich Cocoa Puffs Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

18 Cheese Omelet Pita Pocket Cocoa Puffs Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

25 Cinnamon Pancake Sandwich Cocoa Puffs Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

THURSDAY 5 Turkey Sausage Breakfast Bites Frosted Flakes Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

12 Mini Bagels Frosted Flakes Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

19 Pancake & Turkey Sausage on a Stick Frosted Flakes Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

FRIDAY 6 Apple Frudel Trix Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers Yogurt

13 Mini Cinnis Trix Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers Yogurt Elementary - No School

20 Breakfast Bar Trix Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

Turkey Sausage Breakfast Bites Frosted Flakes Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

Apple Frudel Trix Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers Yogurt

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

31 Egg & Cheese Sandwich Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Graham/Animal Crackers

October Elementary Lunch Menu MONDAY 2 Popcorn Chicken Country Beef Sandwich Black Bean Salsa Burger Salad

9 Chicken Nuggets Turkey Hot Dog on Bun Lil’ Nacho Bites Salad

16 No School

23 Popcorn Chicken Country Beef Sandwich Black Bean Salsa Burger Salad

30 Chicken Nuggets Turkey Hot Dog on Bun Lil’ Nacho Bites Salad

TUESDAY 3 Muchos Nachos Cheese Ravioli in Marinara Sauce Salad

10 Soft Shell Beef Taco Breaded Pork Sandwich Cheesy Taco Salad

17 No School

24 Muchos Nachos Cheese Ravioli in Marinara Sauce Salad

WEDNESDAY 4 Cherry Chicken on Brown Rice Hamburger Pizza Crustless Soybutter & Jelly Sandwich with Mozzarella Cheese Stick Salad

11 Orange Chicken on Brown Rice Personal 3 Meat Pizza Falafel with Brown Rice Salad

18 Creamy Mac & Cheese Grilled Chicken Nuggets Hummus with Mozzarella Cheese Stick & Baked Scoops Salad

25 Cherry Chicken on Brown Rice Hamburger Pizza Crustless Soybutter & Jelly Sandwich with Mozzarella Cheese Stick Salad

5 Creamed Turkey & Whipped Potatoes Salisbury Steak Southwest Pizza Salad

12 Spaghetti & Meat Sauce Mexi Pizza Spaghetti & Marinara Sauce Salad

19 BBQ Chicken Cheese Pizza Salad

6 Corn Puppies Grilled Cheese Sandwich Grilled Mozzarella Cheese Sandwich Salad

13 No Elementary School

20 Breaded Chicken Sandwich Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks with Marinara Sauce Salad

Creamed Turkey & Whipped Potatoes Salisbury Steak Southwest Pizza Salad

Corn Puppies Grilled Cheese Sandwich Grilled Mozzarella Cheese Sandwich Salad

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

31 Soft Shell Beef Taco Breaded Pork Sandwich Cheesy Taco Salad

October Secondary Lunch Menu MONDAY 2 Popcorn Chicken Country Beef Sandwich French Bread Garlic Pizza Black Bean Salsa Burger Salad

9 Chicken Nuggets Turkey Hot Dog on Bun Philly Cheese Sandwich Lil’ Nacho Bites Salad

16 No School

23 Popcorn Chicken Country Beef Sandwich French Bread Garlic Pizza Black Bean Salsa Burger Salad

30 Chicken Nuggets Turkey Hot Dog on Bun Philly Cheese Sandwich Lil’ Nacho Bites Salad

TUESDAY 3 Muchos Nachos Cheese Ravioli in Marinara Sauce Cuban Panini Salad

10 Soft Shell Beef Taco Breaded Pork Sandwich Sub Sandwich Cheesy Taco Salad

17 No School

24 Muchos Nachos Cheese Ravioli in Marinara Sauce Cuban Panini Salad

31 Soft Shell Beef Taco Breaded Pork Sandwich Sub Sandwich Cheesy Taco Salad

WEDNESDAY 4 Cherry Chicken on Brown Rice Hamburger Pizza Homemade Lasagna Crustless Soybutter & Jelly Sandwich with Mozzarella Cheese Stick Salad

11 Orange Chicken on Brown Rice Personal 3 Meat Pizza Sriracha Fish Sandwich Falafel with Brown Rice Salad

18 Creamy Mac & Cheese Grilled Chicken Nuggets Cheeseburger Paradise Sandwich Hummus with Mozzarella Cheese Stick & Baked Scoops Salad

25 Cherry Chicken on Brown Rice Hamburger Pizza Homemade Lasagna Crustless Soybutter & Jelly Sandwich with Mozzarella Cheese Stick Salad

5 Creamed Turkey & Whipped Potatoes Salisbury Steak Buffalo Chicken Tenders Southwest Pizza Salad

12 Spaghetti & Meat Sauce Mexi Pizza Chicken Strips Spaghetti & Marinara Sauce Salad

19 BBQ Chicken Cheese Pizza Chili with Cinnamon Roll Salad

26 Creamed Turkey & Whipped Potatoes Salisbury Steak Buffalo Chicken Tenders Southwest Pizza Salad

6 Corn Puppies Grilled Cheese Sandwich Turkey Pepperoni & Sausage Calzone Grilled Mozzarella Cheese Sandwich Salad

13 French Toast Sticks & Sausage Links Cheeseburger Chicken Taquitos French Toast Sticks with Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Salad

20 Breaded Chicken Sandwich Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks with Marinara Sauce Fish Sandwich Salad

27 Corn Puppies Grilled Cheese Sandwich Turkey Pepperoni & Sausage Calzone Grilled Mozzarella Cheese Sandwich Salad

October 2017 | Community News | Section B

B12

Green Schools Recognition Program continues for second year The Green Schools Recognition Program (GSRP) launched in August 2016 and provides schools with a long list of green activities to choose from and complete throughout the year. Each activity has a point value, and funds can be earned for reaching certain levels of achievement. Just a few of the many eligible activities include planning a Green Apple Day of Service (greenapple.org), planting a garden, sharing green tips in morning announcements, or having a walk/bike to school day. We are thrilled to announce that over 250 green activities were reported from schools for the 2016-17 school year. This program is not a competition, and all schools are eligible for recognition and funding. Funding can go toward an approved school sustainability project. Just to name a few examples, funds may be used to purchase gardening tools, litter clean up supplies, or materials for hosting an Earth Day celebration. Congratulations to those schools receiving project funds for their efforts last year: Riley and Sheridan elementary schools earned 125 points or more and received $200. Lincoln Southeast High School and Kahoa Elementary School earned 75 - 124 points and received $100. Lincoln Southwest High School, Pound Middle School, and Eastridge and Everett elementaries earned between 50 – 74 points and received $50. All schools are encouraged to participate in the GSRP again this year and support sustainability programs while also earning funds for their own green projects. The full list of activities is available on the LPS website www.lps.org and keyword search ‘sustainability’.