May 2021
LPS celebrates Week of the Young Child Teachers and children across the 69 Lincoln Public Schools preschool classrooms celebrated national Week of the Young Child April 12-16 with a variety of daily celebrations. No one was celebrating the week more than Alyssa Hatcher, a preschool teacher at Belmont Elementary School since 2018.
SECTION A: A3 TeamMates of the month: Hailey and Becky A5 Independence Academy receives $530,000 donation A6 Art students honor trailblazing women Looking for a book? A8 ConnectLPS
“The most rewarding thing about teaching students so young is that preschoolers are so excited about all their learning,” Hatcher said. “I am their first experience with school and every day I watch someone learn something, like a new friendship skill or a new letter or new success in writing their name. And when they realize they did that, that they know this new thing, their faces light up and they are so proud.”
A10 Sustainability at LPS: FFA students’ garden leadership
Hatcher said one reason she chose to teach preschool is because of how involved she can be with families, which allows her to get a more complete picture of her students.
Plans for a thirsty summer
“I also enjoy getting to focus on teaching social and friendship skills for a large part of my day, because in our curriculum and developmental expectations I have time for that,” she added. “I feel like I'm setting up my students for better success throughout their school career by spending all this time teaching them how to be in school and how to get along with others and solve problems.”
A17 Menus
For national Week of the Child there were themes each day: Music Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Work Together Wednesday, Artsy Thursday and Family Friday. The National Association for the Education of Young Children first established Week of the Young Child in 1971. The week’s purpose is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families, as well as to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. It’s a time to plan how we - as citizens of a community, a state and a nation - will better meet the needs of all young children and their families. This year LPS is serving almost 1,300 preschoolers. Overall, LPS serves nearly 1,800 young children, ages birth to five, and their families.
A12 Scholarship honors memory of former student A13 Native seniors receive eagle feathers A14 Wellness Columns: Kids and vaping
A16 LPS students compete at State Speech A18 LPS holds first unified track meet
Community events advertised in Community News are privatelysponsored events that are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Lincoln Public Schools. Lincoln Public Schools makes no representations about the absence of COVID-19 at these events. Community News is a publication of Lincoln Public Schools. If you have any questions about this publication please contact Jason Keese, 436-1619; or Mindy Burbach, 436-1609; Lincoln Public Schools P.O. Box 82889 Lincoln, NE 68501-2889
Bring in this ad for a chance to win a prize!
May 2021 | Community News | Section A
A3
April TeamMates of the Month
Hailey and Becky: Someone who’s always there TeamMates Hailey and Becky love to get creative. The artsy pair has tried embroidery, crochet, and made candles together. “I even took my sewing machine to school and she sewed a pillow,” says mentor Becky. Creating pillows has been a highlight for Hailey, a junior at North Star High School. “A lot of the fun in it is thinking about what we’re going to do, planning out the project, and then actually doing it. Seeing it come into place is pretty neat,” says Hailey. For previous birthdays and holidays, they have decorated cookies and cupcakes. This past school year, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused them to adjust activities, as they currently Zoom weekly. Becky asks Hailey to show her her latest artwork on their calls and says, “She’s a fabulous artist.” Even pre-pandemic, conversation has always flowed for Hailey and Becky since they first met in 2014. “Sometimes I’d take something to school or have something planned but it ends up a discussion, which is fine, so I find it best to play it by ear and see which direction it goes,” explains Becky.
“To see her joy and my joy to see each other, you just can’t replace that. She’s just a delight to be around and hang with for an hour.” Hailey and Becky at the 2020 TeamMates Recognition Celebration.
whole time and agree that it’s all really cool.”
“Maybe not always there in person, but once a week they’re gonna be there to listen to you and that’s really helped a lot.”
“She just puts a smile on my face,” says Becky. “To see her joy and my joy to see each other, you just can’t “I try to acknowledge what she Conversation topics range from replace that. She’s just a delight to be goes through because everybody’s past challenges, to strategies for around and hang with for an hour.” issues are real, everybody’s feeltackling homework, to Hailey’s love ings are real, and they deserve to for animals. She loves how she can “I think some of what I’ve gained be heard,” says Becky. “I think it’s be “such a nerd” about her love for is just being able to have someone important to have that person that animals, and Becky will “listen the who’s always there,” says Hailey. you can tell anything to.”
Becky’s support has meant a lot to Hailey. “I think I’ve gained more confidence. She’s actually one of the people who encouraged me to first get into theatre and that ended up being one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” says Hailey. “She’s always encouraged me in the arts and music. She’s encouraged me in basically everything.”
2021 Summer Reading Challenge Tuesday, June 1 - Saturday, July 31 Beat the summer slide and win prizes! Reading • Outdoor Activities • Coupons and Prizes for All Ages lincolnlibraries.org
Brought to you by Family Health and Wellness Center SCIP works with schools by providing tools and resources to address behavioral and emotional health issues that impact children, adolescents and their families.
FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2021 ANTELOPE PARK | LINCOLN, NE • Registration - 5:30 pm • 1-Mile Fun Run - 7:00 pm • Featuring cool prizes from the Lincoln Escape Room, Restaurants and More! 1 Mil e Fun Run
• T-shirts available for purchase
Non-runners/walkers – Free
Tickets: www.scipnebraska.com
1-mile Fun Run - $15 per person
Any Child under 9 MUST be accompanied by an adult. Tickets purchased by May 21st include an event t-shirt.
ACTIVITIES + PRIZES + MUSIC + FOOD = FAMILY FUN Family Health and Wellness Center B107.3-NRG Media • Nebraska Mental Health Centers • Sam’s Club • Union Bank and Trust
Limited scholarships available for students on free and reduced lunches!
Teen Driver Education Courses are available! Offering in-person & self-paced online courses To view classes & register visit: www.nesafetycouncil.org or call 402.483.2511
3270 Folkways Blvd., Suite 201 \ Lincoln, NE 68504-1264
In partnership with our corporate sponsor Enbridge
May 2021 | Community News | Section A
A5
Independence Academy receives $530,000 donation Students in the Lincoln Public Schools program the Independence Academy will never know Pat Campbell but they’ll know her legacy of generosity for years to come. The retired LPS elementary school teacher passed away in January 2020 and left $530,000 in her will to benefit young adults with special needs. Through the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, that money will go toward the renovation of one of the sites of the Independence Academy, whose mission is to prepare students with disabilities, primarily ages 18 to 21, to gain the skills and connections they need to facilitate a positive transition into adult living. “The LPS Special Education Department is extremely thankful and cannot wait to see all the opportunities for students that come from the renovation,” said LPS Director of Special Education Jenny Fundus. The funds will allow for major updates to what’s known as “the duplex,” a small house in the Capitol Beach neighborhood where Independence Academy students learn tasks such as doing laundry, cooking and cleaning. LPS will add classrooms, update appliances, expand bathroom space and add a sensory area for autistic students. The additional
“She wanted to make sure the money that her family had accumulated over generations was used to make a difference for students.” space will allow it to accommodate twice as many students - from 10 to 20. LPS also will set aside some of the funds for upkeep and future furniture renovations.
Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools President Wendy Van DeLaCastro said Campbell had a “zest for life” and loved to sing and dance. She also had a special place in her heart for students with disabilities.
“Pat was a saver and a great protector of her legacy,” she said. “She wanted to make sure the money that her family had accumulated over generations was used to make a difference for students.”
May 2021 | Community News | Section A
A6
Art students honor Lincoln's trailblazing women Students from the Arts & Humanities Focus Program and Lincoln High School recently partnered with a community organization on a public art project to honor many of the women who have made significant contributions to the community, particularly the Everett, South of Downtown and South Salt Creek neighborhoods. The project, called “See Her Here,” was done in conjunction with the South of Downtown Community Development Organization. Kat Wiese from the organization asked for nominations of women to be honored, then presented the nominees to students in February. From there, students researched the women to be honored and chose one as the subject for their individual art pieces, which were featured in the community during an artwalk on March 12. In the coming months, many of these posters will also be wheatpasted on sides of buildings across Lincoln. (Wheatpaste is a gel or liquid adhesive made from wheat flour or starch and water.) The project has provided multiple learning opportunities, said Arts & Humanities teacher Maggie Elsener.
Here’s what a few Arts & Humanities students said about why they chose the women they did:
Shereen Ahmed: “Louise Pound is my top choice for creating a work because she is an important woman in history who showed “Community engagement plays a vital role in becoming other women that they can be what they an active citizen and understanding what connections want regardless of their gender.” can be made through learning about these women has led to further work and ideas in the classroom,” she Sami Brayton: "I really wanted to create a said. “Students in a poetry class are creating poems portrait of Renee San Souci because seeing about the nominated women and students in the phoanother powerful indigenous woman in my tography class are creating works that are inspired by community really inspires me. I've grown the student poetry." up being the only person of color and indig-
enous person I know and being able to see someone like me is very amazing. My other choice was Joann Maxey. As a child I saw her impact first hand. I went to Maxey Elementary School (named after her of course) and almost everywhere I go she is known by everyone." Alkhansa Ali: "I chose Anna Burhardt because she had parents that were slaves and since she lived during a period where schools were segregated, and she was able to become really successful and I admire her for that."
May 2021 | Community News | Section A
A8
ConnectLPS Connect LPS
Here’s some of our favorite photos from LPS schools in the past month. Want to see more? Connect with your school’s social media at lps.org/connect.
Lincoln Southeast High School
Kooser Elementary School
“Congratulations to the LSE student teams that participated in the JA Stock market Challenge. They invested $1M in a fast-paced simulation against 178 teams. #KnightPride”
“Congratulations to our ‘Top Bananas’ during our Golden Sower Awards game show!”
Arnold Elementary School
Kloefkorn Elementary School
“Mrs. Morse’s kindergarten class exploring with solid shapes!”
“Ms. Cook, our new principal for the 2021-2022 school year, came to visit Kloefkorn today!”
Morley Elementary School
Zeman Elementary School
“First grade animal research dioramas. Great work, Meadowlarks!”
“Students in Mrs. Robinson’s room worked to identify the difference between long i and short i worrds!”
Scott Middle School
“Mrs. Burmood’s eighth graders are building and attaching tools to robots. Build, break, improve! ”
Science Focus Program
“Student Activism making seed bombs for Earth Day!”
GET READY! JOIN US AT THE NEBRASKA HISTORY MUSEUM FOR A FUN-FILLED HISTORY WORKSHOP THAT WILL BURN OFF THAT OUT-OF-SCHOOL ENERGY! IN A 60 MINUTE WORKSHOP, LEARN AND PLAY SOME TIMELESS GAMES WHILE HAVING FUN WITH FRIENDS!
To register or ask questions, contact Erica at erica.koppenhoefer@nebraska.gov or (402) 429-2393
WORKSHOPS START JUNE 7TH!
131 Centennial Mall North, Lincoln, NE 68508
May 2021 | Community News | Section A
A10
Sustainability at Lincoln Public Schools
FFA students’ garden leadership Not long after The Career Academy (TCA) opened in 2015, they established their Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter. As an FFA club, students focus on the science, business, and technology of agriculture with opportunities for hands-on activities and leadership experiences. This school year, TCA FFA members challenged themselves with designing, building and installing garden boxes as one of their many projects. Now they are practicing those skills by building boxes for other LPS sites. Four of these garden boxes were located at Dawes Middle School. “The reason I wanted to support this project was to promote hope and growth in our school,” says Ron Kellogg, CLC site supervisor at Dawes. “After everything the world went through this past year and a half with COVID-19, I thought this would be a perfect time to create a sense of community within our school and surrounding neighborhood.” The garden boxes originally started as a smaller scaled project with boxes only being built and placed at FFA members homes. Tom Wheeldon, the TCA FFA advisor, explained how the idea grew, “we contacted Beyond School Bells to fund the project and through the LPS Sustainability Department we found three interested schools to work with.” So far, Dawes Middle, Mickle Middle, and Saratoga Elementary have received their new garden boxes. During installation, FFA students worked side-by-side with the younger students at the schools helping them to navigate the steps and tools for putting the boxes together.
Although Mickle already had an existing after-school garden club, Dawes and Saratoga are creating their own garden clubs so students can assist in planning and maintaining the garden boxes. “Student excitement around the boxes has ranged from "eh" to "I've always wanted to garden!"” said Kellogg, but now that the boxes are installed and tangible he expects increased excitement and interest. Through choosing a project like building and installing school garden boxes, the TCA FFA offers new possibilities for younger LPS students. “I think our new garden space will create opportunities to explore other ways to incorporate outdoor learning experiences,” says Kellog. “Our dream is to make this a place where you have the choice to learn, relax, explore, and build community!”
SUMMER DAY CAMP New themes weekly, all summer long! • Little Adventurers, for children entering Kindergarten • Summer Adventure Camp, for children entering 1st-8th grade • Don’t forget about YMCA Camp Kitaki, our overnight resident camp
Spots are still available, learn more at ymcalincoln.org!
Become a Lincoln Y Member today and enjoy... • • • • • • • •
Access to THREE outdoor pools Savings on Summer Day Camps FREE Group Exercise classes Member-pricing on Youth Programs such as swim lessons, dance & gymnastics Savings on Youth Sports summer camps & leagues The magic of YMCA Camp Kitaki Financial Assistance options No contracts, and so much more!
Enjoy No Initiation Fee when you join in May! ymcalincoln.org/join
CONGRATULATIONS to our 2021 Inspire winners Clinton Elementary School
School of the Year, Principal Angee Luedtke
Student, Educators & Staff Awardees To view all the nominations and watch videos of our inspiring students, educators and staff members visit http://bit.ly/foundationinspire. A special thank you to our sponsors: Allstate, Ameritas and The Richard P. Kimmel & Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation. Adams Elementary Berkley Niederklein, 5th Grade Darcy Grabenstein, School Librarian Arnold Elementary Olivia Green, 5th Grade Crystal Schilling, Special Education Teacher Arts & Humanities Focus Program Caitlin Nelepovitz, Senior Maggie Elsener, Art Teacher Beattie Elementary Callia Thompson, 5th Grade Rachel Fyfe, 4th Grade Teacher/Tech leader Belmont Elementary Graidys Hernandez Mijangos, 5th Grade Brittani Hoesche, Reading Recovery Brownell Elementary Eric VanOvereem, 5th Grade Molly Barnett, Instructional Coach Bryan Community School Alex Olson, Senior Brent Jarosz, Business Teacher Calvert Elementary Peyton Svik, 5th Grade Julie Dasenbrock, Health Technician Campbell Elementary Marley King, 5th Grade Adam Wieberdink, Behavior Technician Cavett Elementary Alisa Hurlburt, 5th Grade Dani Taylor, Registrar Clinton Elementary Isaac Piccolo, 5th Grade Margarita Protopopov, Health Technician Culler Middle School Canaan Beason, 8th Grade Kim Rathe, 6th Grade Teacher/MTSS-B Liaison Dawes Middle School Junior Gibson, 8th Grade Kathryn Hull, Social Worker Don Sherrill Center Cody Cardwell, 5th Grade Trinity Allen, Teacher Eastridge Elementary Leon Smith, 5th Grade Jacob Baden, Kindergarten Teacher Elliott Elementary Jok Mayen, 5th Grade Tammy Anderson, Registrar
Everett Elementary Nyabhun Puoch, 5th Grade Nicole Donahue, Special Education Teacher Fredstrom Elementary Benjamin Degarmo, 5th Grade Micala Oltman, 3rd Grade Teacher
Lincoln North Star High School Taylor Cumblidge, Senior Courtney Pentland, Librarian
Prescott Elementary Ember Reynolds, 5th Grade Leah Stepanek, Instructional Coach
Lincoln Northeast High School Micah Quirie, Sophomore Kim Zollman, Nurse
Pyrtle Elementary Lucas Roeder, 5th Grade Sandra Lehman, 4th Grade Teacher
Goodrich Middle School Alina Onishchuk, 8th Grade Amanda Osborn, Teacher
Lincoln Southeast High School Deseree Chavez, Senior Joan Creger, School Nurse
Hartley Elementary Melany Alcantara Cruz, 5th Grade Jim Ageton, Special Education Teacher
Lincoln Southwest High School Alison Walbrecht, Junior Crystal Kjar, Head Athletic Trainer
Hill Elementary Charlie Spethman, 5th Grade Tracy Benson, Para-educator
Lux Middle School Blake Schlegelmilch, 8th Grade Amy Lipins, Counselor
Holmes Elementary Khamari Laughlin, 5th Grade Buffy Beerenstrauch, 2nd Grade Teacher
Maxey Elementary Keaden Perkins, 5th Grade Carmen Zalman, 3rd Grade Teacher
Humann Elementary Claire Creal, 5th Grade Tammie Havlat, Paraeducator
McPhee Elementary Thein Lway Htoo, 4th Grade Nicole Weber Barker, CLC SCC
Huntington Elementary Pablo Ramos Avalos, 5th Grade Megan Lytle, School Nurse
Meadow Lane Elementary Natalie Brandt, 5th Grade Holly Kutschkau, Art Specialist
Irving Middle School Gloria Adabie, 8th Grade YY Dorsey-Daniel, Reading Intervention
Mickle Middle School Lydia Atim, 8th Grade Susan Kangas-Packett, Nurse
Kahoa Elementary Elizabeth Vieyra, 5th Grade Cindy Leitt, School Registrar
Moore Middle School Kalli Rhodes, 8th Grade Sara Meier, Library/Media Specialist
Kloefkorn Elementary School Camila Haro Rodriguez, 5th Grade Sarah Kerbs, 4th Grade Teacher
Morley Elementary Cora Jones, 5th Grade Stephanie Kinnaman, Media Specialist
Kooser Elementary Calvin Vahle, 5th Grade Jessica Wehner, School Counselor
Norwood Park Elementary Lilianna Meza, 5th Grade Wendy Morrissey, School Psychologist
Lakeview Elementary Hunter Dovenbarger, 5th Grade Kelly Mullendore, ELL Teacher
Nuernberger Education Center Deacon Baglien, 8th Grade Cheryl Langford, Psycho-Therapist
Lefler Middle School Kylin Trout, 8th Grade Mary Woodard, Reading Teacher
Park Middle School Roa’a Majow, 8th Grade Dan Bunde, Media Specialist
Lincoln East High School Andrea Orozco-Lopez, Senior Tara Moore, Case Manager
Pershing Elementary Mya Bottorff, 5th Grade Lisa Kollbaum, Music & Computer Science Teacher
Lincoln High School G Gatnoor, Senior Bob White, Social Studies Teacher
Pound Middle School Morgan Anderson, 8th Grade Laura Rigoni, Library Media Specialist
Randolph Elementary Brayan Figueroa, 5th Grade MacKenzie Sheaff, Kindergarten Teacher & SIP Co-Chair Riley Elementary Brynna Renard, 5th Grade Susie Heibel, 3rd Grade Teacher Roper Elementary Ally Pape, 5th Grade Sarah Shenefeldt, School Nurse Rousseau Elementary Tripp Bahe, 5th Grade Crystal Cook, Health Tech Saratoga Elementary Saniyya Threats-Tucker, 5th Grade Sandra Machovec, Security Entrance Monitor Schoo Middle School Marley Anthens, 8th Grade Mary Schuster-Graff, Counselor Science Focus Program Anna Dirrim, Senior Amy Proffitt, Executive Secretary Scott Middle School Mina Lahm, 8th Grade Lori Falcone, Band Teacher Sheridan Elementary Wyatt Kroeker, 5th Grade Amy Judd, 1st Grade Teacher The Career Academy Ben Roberson, Senior Tom Wheeldon, Ag-Bio Teacher West Lincoln Elementary Ayana Taalo, 5th Grade Cindy Dawson, 3rd Grade Teacher Wysong Elementary Nate Miller, 5th Grade Cheryl Harriman, Para intervention Yankee Hill Program Brandon Gemmell, Senior Becky Smith, Teacher Zeman Elementary Liv Minert, 5th Grade Jeanne Wolken, School Nurse
All students should have what they need to reach their full potential. In order to accomplish that, we leverage the community to create opportunities that enhance academic and personal success of Lincoln Public School students and educators. Like us on Facebook to learn more about how we are help students and teachers.
May 2021 | Community News | Section A
A12
Scholarship honors memory of former Lincoln High American Indian student Brenda Hoffman cared for Mike Epstein’s mother for eight years at a local assisted living facility until she passed away in 2011. Epstein was so grateful for the care she provided, he asked if there was any way he could repay her.
- primarily from Lincoln High through the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools.
memorialized with this scholarship can inspire our students and plant hope for them.”
Hoffman said she was “blown away” when Epstein told her his plans to start the scholarship.
Yes, Hoffman said, you could be a TeamMates mentor for my son.
“It is such an honor,” she said. “Education was very important to Montoya.”
Buttes had a personal connection to Laravie. Growing up, he spent many days and nights with his uncle's family, who lived across the street from Buttes. Laravie, his cousins and her grandsons grew up together, playing sports and learning about life. Laravie’s uncle brought the boys together on Thursday evenings to drum.
Done, Epstein said. “Brenda talked about my mom and my mom's commitment to education and supporting students. She then talked about her son entering high school and his need for a mentor in the TeamMates program,” said Epstein, a retired University of Nebraska-Lincoln special education professor who also directed the Center for Child and Family Well-Being. “To be honest, the experience was one of the most satisfying of my life.” He mentored her son, Montoya Laravie, throughout his time at Lincoln High School. He kept in close contact with Laravie after he went to college and until he passed away in 2019. Laravie was a proud member of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, so to honor his memory, Epstein has established an endowed college scholarship fund for American Indian students
The scholarship will offer $500 each year to a graduating American Indian student, with first preference given to Lincoln High students. The scholarship is renewable for three years. “Investing in the potential of a young person changes the trajectory of their life in such a beautiful way,” said Wendy Van DeLaCastro, president of the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools. “It tells the student they have something special to offer the world.” LPS American Indian Youth Demonstration Grant Coordinator Barbara Buttes called the scholarship a “wonderful, unexpected gesture.” “It brings pride, especially for our American Indian students, whether or not they personally knew Montoya,” she said. “Knowing that an American Indian student is
“I loved those times because I could hear the drumming and singing and it brought me back into balance with the world where I live,” Buttes said. “Knowing that these young boys were learning their way gave me hope. Both of my grandsons mightily grieved when they learned that Montoya had gone. We reminisced about the years gone by and all the years of shared experiences. Montoya cared for his family and culture. This scholarship appropriately recognizes a young warrior who left his mark on the hearts of many.” After graduating from Lincoln High in 2015, Laravie attended Haskell Indian Nations University in Kansas, where he earned his associate’s degree in 2017, made the dean’s list and was one year away
from earning his bachelor’s degree when he passed away. “Before he returned to Haskell every semester he and I would have lunch and go shopping for school and personal supplies for the semester,” Epstein said. “I traveled to Haskell a few times a year to talk with Montoya about being a college student and discuss strategies to succeed in college.” Laravie loved the outdoors and spent many late nights fishing and camping. Friends and family say he could always make people laugh and usually had a smile on his face. His goal was to return to Lincoln to serve as a role model for Native students. “I believe that he would be honored to have a scholarship named for him to be directed to Native students from LPS,” Epstein said. “It would achieve a primary goal that he had established.” The application process for the Lincoln High School Montoya James Laravie (Mato Was’aka “Strong Bear”) Scholarship will begin in the winter of 2022. For more information and to donate to the scholarship fund, please contact Gary Reber at the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools: gary. reber@lps.org.
Your Summer Sunscreen Guide: Who, What, Where, When and How Much
Podcast with
Rex Largen, MD, Dermatologist with Nebraska Dermatology
Dr. Largen explains how to protect your skin and prevent long-term sun damage.
bryanhealth.org/podcasts
May 2021 | Community News | Section A
A13
Native seniors receive eagle feather Thirty-four American Indian high school seniors received their eagle feather at a ceremony Thursday, April 15. Held on the Powwow Grounds at the Lincoln Indian Center, the cultural event marks an important milestone in a Native student's life, signifying not only their graduation but recognizing the role of family and community in helping each student arrive at this threshold. The ceremony was led by Omaha Native and Elder Mike Wolfe. Native students who receive their eagle feather are allowed to wear it on their mortar board as part of their official high school graduation regalia.
May 2021 | Community News | Section A
A14
Not blowing smoke: Could your kids be vaping? By Michelle Welch LPS Wellness District Wellness
believe me, they likely have friends who vape.
Those tricky vaping marketers spend eight billion dollars a year trying to get our kids hooked - and hooked early - on vaping. Here are some facts that parents of teens and tweens should take note of to help keep kids from falling into the vaping trap.
What do devices look like? Devices are easily disguised, looking like computer flash/thumb drives, lip glosses or candy containers. They are built by marketers to be hidden from the prying eyes of concerned adults who get in the way of getting kids hooked. It’s perfect to feed the rebellious nature of kids in this stage of life. It’s marketing genius, which can impact the health of our kids.
This is a rebellious teen problem, right? Nope. Kids in early middle school are experimenting with vaping and may have no understanding of what it is. They just see other kids doing it and think it’s the hot thing to do. It’s currently common in high school and within a wide variety of students. My kid is an active, involved athlete/music/academic wonder kid, they aren’t likely to vape, right? Well, hold your horses there. Unfortunately, this trend isn’t being skipped by our superstar kids. In fact, many a student has lost lead positions/roles in their groups due to disciplinary action from being caught vaping on school property. In addition, since it compromises the lungs and breathing, it can decrease their power on the field or stage, not to mention the distraction of addiction. Keep the honest conversation going with your kids about vaping. Some kids are trying to use vaping to deal with stress or anxiety (just as some people do with smoking). Friend influences likely have the biggest impact and
Aren’t flavors banned now? Only for some products. Despite efforts to ban flavored vape products for cartridges within reusable vaping devices, the slippery profiteers found a loophole. They now market single-use devices (not included in regulations) with flavors to kids, with entry prices to entice them into the market. Single use products are much more appealing to kids anyway, not only for the flavors but because they can easily dispose of “evidence.” How do vaping companies lure kids and get them hooked? They’ve recently changed formulations to include less salt and “burn,” which invites kids to vape with much more frequency and leading to higher dosages of nicotine and addiction. Kids are better able to get rid of evidence of vaping, since the devices are used then thrown in the trash. Since lingering scents don’t match the
tell-tale tobacco, cigarette or other skunky aromas of smoking, students may be fully addicted before parents catch on—and can be deep within addiction to nicotine and/ or other substances. Vaping is a mega-profit business, which gives them mega-advertising dollars. If you go to a convenience store, notice how the slick promos are on doors and places kids would notice them when coming and going. Where are kids getting these devices? If your kids are online and have credit/debit card access, they are (likely with friend guidance) able to find access to products or may have friends that are buying them and selling them to others. In addition, schools are finding that now kids are slowly re-entering the world a bit more and are out and about on their own, stopping at convenience stores or other distributors, use of vaping products is greatly increased. Despite it being illegal to sell to kids, when local task forces go out on test buys, they find one out of every five places (20%) were still selling to kids. Only the clerk that sells to the underage person is fined and the fine is minor. What’s the major concern? Addiction to nicotine and/or other substances within the cartridges (no, they aren’t just water vapor) is serious business that may lead to life-long struggle to kick the habit. Schools are noting students with much stronger addiction issues
that are impacting their behaviors. Due to the cost of vaping, eventually some will shift to traditional smoking to get their fix, adding other health issues to the mix. The issue with vaping for kids is the full, long-term impacts on respiratory systems are not fully known, but concerns over what is called “popcorn lung” (a respiratory condition found in workers at popcorn plants) has been found to be a complication. Vaping has also been shown to slow and complicate recovery from COVID-19, since both impact the lungs. Finally, students are refilling cartridges with THC based liquids, which can land them in hot water. How are schools approaching this? In addition to including information in the health education curriculum, Lincoln Public Schools has collaborated with Tobacco Free Lancaster County to build a school mirror campaign to prevent vaping and including information for support to quit if they have started. The banner messages fit at the bottom of school mirrors and as window clings, including both facts and student-specific messaging, tested with teens and tweens. Parenting tweens and teens is hard work. Keeping up with all of these changes in risks to our kids can be exhausting, but we are here to help. Keep watching Community News and LPS Wellness postings for further details.
Plans for a thirsty summer Water... the Natural Sports Drink Water is a natural, calorie-free way to refuel and recharge.
Drink up!
Of all the challenges faced by students, families and schools this year, one of the silver linings is students being able to have personal access to water throughout each day through the use of water bottles. In fact, we hope to see many more water bottle refilling stations making their way into schools in the future. Here’s the great news: your child is used to drinking water throughout the day. Keep that habit alive during the summer. We often overlook the power of kids drinking water between meals. Here are just some examples of benefits. Dental: Cavities are a costly and painful concern for kids and parents. By drinking water between meals, it helps keep cavities at bay by in effect rinsing their mouth throughout the day. The opposite can be said for drinking sugary drinks, which add to cavity concerns. Nothing replaces good brushing, though using water between meals can be a great helper. Think of the dental cost saving as well. Cost: Kids are used to loading up the water bottle and heading out the door. Do the same for when you are on the go to prevent the expense and time crunch of having to stop and pick up drinks on the run. Sports drinks, juice and other flavored drinks can really add cost to the grocery bill, while water does just the opposite. Since the inexpensive habit is already built, not shifting to other between-meal drink options will help save you some nice cash. Hydration: For all kids, but especially those who are staying active with play or sports, drinking across the day will make them feel better and prevent the sloshy stomach feel you get if you try to hydrate in too short of a period. It will also help you feel less sluggish overall. Hunger: If the common refrain in your house is “I’m hungry!” between meals, first encourage a little water. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger. Water can generally make you feel a bit fuller faster if you drink it prior to and with meals or snacks.
HealthyLincoln.org Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln Made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Behavior: One great tool our behavior classroom teachers use to help calm students is giving them an opportunity to take a drink of water. Sometimes it can be a positive distractor from escalating behavior. Also generally, most students feel better when they are drinking water throughout the day, no matter how much they struggle with behavior. Weight: Research tells us that approximately 20% of our calories come from drinks. Outside of milk at meals, limiting use of drinks that carry less nutrients and replacing them with water is a sound practice that can keep your calories in meaningful places on your plate instead of in your cup. Wishing you and your family a healthy summer and many a full, icy cold, reusable water bottle.
2021
REGISTER NOW ONLINE HOME.LPS.ORG/ATHLETICS/SUMMER-CLINICS
2021 CAMP WEEKS
June 7–11 June 14–18 June 21–25 June 28–July 2 July 12–16
35 summers of hands-on learning Registration experiences NOW OPEN • online STEAM* based camps • Half-day and full-day camps on engaging topics • Before Care and Lunch Care available * Science, technology, engineering, arts & math
Everyday my daughters come home excited about learning and eager for the next day. The environment is welcoming and encourages them to make new friends and try new things. Fortunate to have a program like this in Lincoln! — Bright Lights Parent
BrightLights.org
May 2021 | Community News | Section A
A16
LPS students compete at State Speech Students from Lincoln Public Schools recently competed in the Class A State Speech Championships, with more than a dozen advancing to the final round, multiple runner-up finishes and one student who was crowned state champion. The competition was held virtually on March 20. Here are the LPS results: • Kenzie Jurrens, Lincoln East High School, Informative Speaking, state champion • Maddie Hesse, Lincoln Southeast High School, Entertainment Speaking, second place • Madison Ramey, Lincoln Southwest High School, Poetry Interpretation, second place • Marielle Hinrichs, Southeast, Serious Prose, second place • Rimi Bhoopalam, East, Persuasive Speaking, fourth place • Corban Barnacle, Lincoln North Star High School, Entertainment Speaking, fourth place • Amelia Schwensen, Southwest, Extemporaneous Speaking, fourth place • Amelia Schwensen, Southwest, Persuasive Speaking, fifth place • Harper Schupbach, Korben Ockander and Eva Gronewold, East, Oral Interpretation of Drama, fifth place • Harper Allen, East, Serious Prose, fifth place • Katie Wieseler, Southwest, Informative Speaking, fifth place • Kouther Al-Ghanemi, North Star, Persuasive Speaking, sixth place • Charlotte Olberding, North Star, Serious Prose, sixth place • Kevin Amaro and Isabella Skare, Southwest, Duet Acting, sixth place
Let’s get back to our lives.
You can make it happen. Keep your family, our community, and our economy safe and healthy by getting vaccinated against COVID-19. It’s safe, it’s free, and it’s our best chance. Find more info at HealthyLincoln.org/covid-vax-info
HealthyLincoln.org Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln Made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Vaccination Ad.indd 1
4/13/21 1:05 PM
May 2021 | Community News | Section A
A17
MAY 2021
/ Arnold Elementary / Arnold Elementary MayBreakfast Breakfast MONDAY Assorted Breakfast Entrees Frosted Flakes Cereal Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bar Yogurt Orange Juice Mixed Berry Fruit Cup
Assorted Breakfast Entrees Frosted Flakes Cereal Orange Juice Mixed Berry Fruit Cup
Assorted Cereal Assorted Fruit Assorted Juice Assorted Breakfast Grain
TUESDAY
3
10 17
Assorted Breakfast Entrees Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Super Stick Yogurt Grape Juice Applesauce Cup
Assorted Breakfast Entrees Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Grape Juice Applesauce Cup
Assorted Cereal Assorted Fruit Assorted Juice Assorted Breakfast Grain
24 No Information Provided
WEDNESDAY
4
11 18
Assorted Breakfast Entrees Froot Loops Cereal Chocolate Chip Mini Loaf Yogurt Fruit Blend Juice Mandarin Oranges
Assorted Breakfast Entrees Froot Loops Cereal Fruit Blend Juice Mandarin Oranges
Assorted Cereal Assorted Fruit Assorted Juice Assorted Breakfast Grain
25 No Information Provided
THURSDAY
5
12 19
Assorted Breakfast Entrees Cocoa Flakes Cereal Yogurt Apple Juice Strawberry Cup
Assorted Breakfast Entrees Cocoa Flakes Cereal Apple Juice Strawberry Cup
Assorted Cereal Assorted Fruit Assorted Juice Assorted Breakfast Grain
26 No Information Provided
FRIDAY
6
13
Assorted Breakfast Entrees Apple Jacks Cereal Yogurt Orange Juice Raisins
Assorted Breakfast Entrees Apple Jacks Cereal Orange Juice Raisins
20
7
14 21
No Information Provided
27 No Information Provided
28 No Information Provided
31 No Information Provided
MAY 2021
/ Arnold Elementary / Arnold Elementary MayLunch Elementary Lunch MONDAY Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Hamburger Pizza Chef Salad Bean Burrito Crinkle Fries Romaine Tossed Salad Apple Wedges Diced Peaches & Pears Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll
BBQ Chicken Sandwich Chef Salad Stuffed Crust Cheese Pizza Black Bean Bowl over Brown Rice Cheese Chef Salad Green Beans Romaine Tossed Salad Warm Cinnamon Apple Slices Diced Peaches & Pears Hamburger Bun Brown Rice Dinner Roll Assorted Dessert Sugar Cookie
Assorted Pizza Assorted Meatless Entrees Assorted Vegetables Assorted Fruit
TUESDAY
3
10
17
Walking Taco Meat and Corn Chips with Shredded American Cheese Popcorn Lemon Chicken on Brown Rice Chef Salad Vegan Taco Meat in Tortilla/Pita Refried Beans Shredded Lettuce & Diced Tomatoes Mandarin Oranges Diced Pears Corn Chips Brown Rice Dinner Roll
Soft Shell Taco Meat with Shredded American Cheese Hot Turkey Ham & Cheese Sandwich Chef Salad Breaded Ravioli with Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks and Marinara Sauce Vegan Taco Meat in Tortilla/Pita Cheese Chef Salad Refried Beans Shredded Lettuce & Diced Tomatoes Mandarin Oranges Diced Pears Soft Flour Tortilla Dinner Roll
Assorted Chicken Entrees Assorted Meatless Entrees Assorted Vegetables Assorted Fruit Assorted Breakfast Grain Dinner Roll
24 No Information Provided
WEDNESDAY
4
11
18
Creamy Mac & Cheese Three Meat Pizza Chef Salad Chik'n Nuggets Green Beans Romaine Tossed Salad Fresh Banana Applesauce Dinner Roll
Breaded Chicken Fingers Breaded Pork Patty on a Bun Chef Salad Chik'n Nuggets with Lettuce, Tomato and Dressing in Wrap Cheese Chef Salad Crinkle Fries Romaine Tossed Salad Orange Wedges Applesauce Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun Pita Pocket
Corn Puppies Assorted Meatless Entrees Assorted Vegetables Assorted Fruit
25 No Information Provided
THURSDAY
5
12
19
Beef Burrito BBQ Chicken Chef Salad Hearty Bean Chili Savory Carrots Romaine Tossed Salad Diced Peaches Assorted Fruit Cinnamon Roll
Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Turkey Hot Dog on a Bun Chef Salad Cheese Sticks Marinara Sauce Lentil Pasta with Cheese Chef Salad Baby Carrots Romaine Tossed Salad Diced Peaches Assorted Fruit Spaghetti Noodles Garlic Bread Hot Dog Bun Dairy Free Garlic Bread
Sunbutter and Jelly Sandwich Cheese Stick Assorted Juice Applesauce Cup
26 No Information Provided
FRIDAY
6
13
Breaded Chicken Nuggets Grilled Cheese Sandwich Chef Salad Teriyaki Patty on a Bun Cheese Chef Salad Golden Corn Romaine Tossed Salad Blueberries w/Whipped Topping Mixed Fruit Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun Assorted Dessert Chocolate Chip Cookie
French Toast Sticks Sausage Links Mexi Pizza Chef Salad Cheese Sticks Black Bean Salsa Burger Cheese Chef Salad Sweet Green Peas Romaine Tossed Salad Blueberries w/Whipped Topping Mixed Fruit Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll
20
7
14
21 No Information Provided
27 No Information Provided
28 No Information Provided
31 No Information Provided
MAY 2021
/ East High / East High MayLunch Secondary Lunch MONDAY Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Hamburger Pizza Chef Salad Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Bean Burrito Cheese Chef Salad Crinkle Fries Romaine Tossed Salad Apple Wedges Diced Peaches & Pears Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Stuffed Crust Cheese Pizza Black Bean Bowl over Brown Rice Cheese Chef Salad Green Beans Romaine Tossed Salad Warm Cinnamon Apple Slices Diced Peaches & Pears Hamburger Bun Brown Rice Dinner Roll
Assorted Pizza Assorted Meatless Entrees Assorted Vegetables Assorted Fruit
TUESDAY
3
10
17
24 No Information Provided
31 No Information Provided
Walking Taco Meat and Corn Chips with Shredded American Cheese Popcorn Lemon Chicken on Brown Rice Sub Sandwich on a Hoagie Bun Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Vegan Taco Meat in Tortilla/Pita Cheese Chef Salad Refried Beans Shredded Lettuce & Diced Tomatoes Mandarin Oranges Diced Pears Corn Chips Brown Rice Pita Pocket Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun
Soft Shell Taco Meat with Shredded American Cheese Hot Turkey Ham & Cheese Sandwich Sub Sandwich on a Hoagie Bun Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks and Breaded Ravioli with Marinara Sauce Vegan Taco Meat in Tortilla/Pita Cheese Chef Salad Refried Beans Shredded Lettuce & Diced Tomatoes Mandarin Oranges Diced Pears Soft Flour Tortilla Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun
Assorted Chicken Entrees Assorted Meatless Entrees Assorted Vegetables Assorted Fruit Assorted Breakfast Grain Dinner Roll
WEDNESDAY
4
11
18
25 No Information Provided
Creamy Mac & Cheese Three Meat Pizza Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Chik'n Nuggets Cheese Chef Salad Green Beans Romaine Tossed Salad Fresh Banana Applesauce Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun
Breaded Chicken Fingers Breaded Pork Patty on a Bun Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Chik'n Nuggets with Lettuce, Tomato and Dressing in Wrap Cheese Chef Salad Crinkle Fries Romaine Tossed Salad Orange Wedges Applesauce Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun Pita Pocket
Corn Puppies Assorted Meatless Entrees Assorted Vegetables Assorted Fruit
THURSDAY
5
12
19
26 No Information Provided
Beef Enchilada Beef Burrito BBQ Chicken Hawaiian Pizza Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Hearty Bean Chili Cheese Chef Salad Savory Carrots Romaine Tossed Salad Diced Peaches Assorted Fruit Cinnamon Roll Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun
Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Turkey Hot Dog on a Bun Hawaiian Pizza Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Cheese Sticks Marinara Sauce Lentil Pasta with Cheese Chef Salad Baby Carrots Romaine Tossed Salad Diced Peaches Assorted Fruit Spaghetti Noodles Garlic Bread Hot Dog Bun Dairy Free Garlic Bread Hamburger Bun
Sunbutter and Jelly Sandwich Assorted Juice Applesauce Cup
FRIDAY
6
13
20
Breaded Chicken Nuggets Grilled Cheese Sandwich Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Teriyaki Patty on a Bun Cheese Chef Salad Golden Corn Tomato Soup Romaine Tossed Salad Blueberries w/ Whipped Topping Mixed Fruit Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun
French Toast Sticks Sausage Links Mexi Pizza Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Cheese Sticks Black Bean Salsa Burger Cheese Chef Salad Sweet Green Peas Romaine Tossed Salad Blueberries w/ Whipped Topping Mixed Fruit Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll
7
14
21 No Information Provided
27 No Information Provided
28 No Information Provided
May 2021 | Community News | Section A
A18
LPS holds first unified track meet Lincoln Public Schools held its first unified track meet April 14 - and there were only winners. Unified track pairs special education students with intellectual disabilities with their general education classmates in competition together. This is the first year for unified track, which is sanctioned by the Nebraska School Activities Association. It joins bowling as NSAA-sanctioned unified sports. The meet was held at Lincoln Southwest High School and included athletes from five LPS high schools. Unified track joins “It’s not about winning. We are here to be inclusive, we are here to create a space where everybody belongs,” said Brandi Benson, a teacher at Southwest and the unified track head coach. “I think that that’s what’s amazing about unified - there’s nobody that doesn’t belong.” Athletes participated in the 100 meter dash, long jump and 4 x100 meter relay. Two of those who competed together were Ella Swank and Tahlia Scaggs from Southwest. “I just get a lot of joy and after a long and stressful and busy week this is a great way to refresh and come together with my friends,” Swank said. “I like the weather and meeting new friends and being able to get out of the house to do more things,” Scaggs said.