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JANUARY 2022

Ehrlich honored with Scottish Rite teaching award Belmont Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Bobbie Ehrlich was formally honored Dec. 3 during an event at Lincoln Public Schools District Office as the 2021 Scottish Rite Distinguished Teacher of the Year, a prestigious award presented annually to a Lincoln Public Schools teacher. It comes with a cash prize of $10,000, donated by the local chapter of the Scottish Rite organization. “Education is all about serving people. And what an honor it is to serve the Lincoln community as an educator. The giving of our hearts and our efforts to a community who partners and invests in education - like the Scottish Rite - and the loyalty and support is such a blessing,” Ehrlich said at the event, attended by family and colleagues, representatives of the Scottish Rite and LPS administrators. Ehrlich has taught for more than 30 years - all of them at Belmont. She’s entrenched in the Belmont community, having now taught multiple generations of families and serving on the Belmont Community Center Board. She also has served on countless LPS committees and is active at Lincoln North Star High School. She helps organize the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Rally and March and is a teacher sponsor for the TRACKS Scholar Empowerment program at Belmont, a student leadership development program. Ehrlich also was featured prominently in the LPS documentary “We Will Not Be Silent,” which follows the fourmonth journey of eight students from Belmont and the mentors who guide them as they prepare for their moving performance at the Martin Luther King Jr. Youth rally and march in Jan. 2021. To learn more about and watch this documentary, go to LPS.org and keyword search “We Will Not Be Silent.”

WHAT’S INSIDE: New educator spotlight Get to know some new LPS teachers. Page A12 Backstage at the Ballet Dancers from the Midwest Ballet Company visited Norwood Park Elementary School for activities and a performance. Page B1 Looking for a book? Library Services offers reading recommendations for every level. Page B5 Helping hands Dionne Keys was awarded the Community Partner Award from the Lincoln Homeless Coalition for her dedicated, compassionate work with students at West Lincoln Elementary School. Page B12 Table of Contents Page A2

January 2022 | Community News | Section A

SECTION A: A3 TeamMates of the month: Adam and Dayshaun A5 Air Force Association honors Chapo as teacher of the year A7 Sustainability at LPS: Champions leading school efforts A8 ConnectLPS A10 Thank You Lincoln Board of Education A12 New educator spotlight SECTION B: B1 Backstage at the ballet B4 Get ready for high school with open house nights B5 Looking for a book? B7 High schools perform at state one-act competition Despite pandemic, LPS students continue to make progress in state tests B8 Wellness Column: Fun with puns, food, friends and more Nielsen named Nebraska music educator of the year B9 Wellness Column: Planting positive seeds for the new year B10 Menus B12 West Lincoln’s Keys honored for work with homeless students

Learning Lunch series is back for 2021-22 The annual Lincoln Public Schools Learning Lunch series is back after a year off and this year it will be virtual! The next presentation will be Wednesday, Jan. 19. Each monthly Learning Lunch this school year will typically be held on the third Wednesday of the month (full schedule below). It can be accessed on the front page of LPS.org shortly before the beginning of the program. The presentations begin at noon, with questions-and-answers at roughly 12:30 p.m.

2021-22 LPS Learning Lunch Series: Wednesday, Jan. 19 “Cultural Perspectives and the Role of LPS Bilingual Liaisons”

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

With the ever-changing demographics within Lincoln Public Schools, currently serving students and families representing 152 countries and speaking 130 languages, LPS must be ready to provide language and cultural support. A panel of LPS Bilingual Liaisons representing seven of the major ethnic groups in this community will provide a glimpse into their roles and responsibilities when working with immigrant and refugee families. Wednesday, Feb. 16 “LPS Focus Programs” LPS Director of Strategic Initiatives and Focus Programs James Blake, along with representatives from partnering community organizations, will offer an overview of the school district’s current focus programs, as well as those that are being added in the future. LPS currently offers the Science Focus Program and the Arts & Humanities Program, the International Baccalaureate Program at Lincoln High School, the Air Force Junior ROTC program at Lincoln Northeast High School and The Career Academy. The programs that will launch in 2022-23 are the Early College and Career STEM Program at Northeast, Bryan College of Health and Sciences at the new Lincoln Northwest High School, and the Bay Focus Program.

Wednesday, March 23 “Sustainability at LPS: Connecting Facilities, Students, and Community Through Climate Action” Learn about the LPS Sustainability Programs that are supporting green school initiatives in the areas of waste, energy, water, transportation and air quality. LPS Sustainability Coordinator Brittney Albin will show how there are plenty of ways to get involved at our schools, just in time for Earth Day in April. Wednesday, April 20 “How Does Science Really Work? Dogs and Turnips.” In the wake of the pandemic, science has certainly been put under the microscope. Engage in an activity with LPS Science Curriculum Specialist Betsy Barent that will deepen your understanding about what science is and what it isn't - and you’ll have some fun, too! Tuesday, May 17 “Lincoln Youth Symphony, 65 Years of Musical Excellence” As is tradition, the final Learning Lunch of the school year will feature student music. This year it will be the Lincoln Youth Symphony as it celebrates its 65th anniversary. LPS Supervisor of Music Lance Nielsen and the symphony’s director, Clark Potter, will provide the rich history of the symphony and the program will feature a live student performance.

January 2022 | Community News | Section A

December TeamMates of the Month

Adam and Dayshaun: l can be myself Adam is a sixth-grade teacher at Scott Middle School. Dayshaun is an eighth-grader at Pound Middle School. But for an hour on Thursdays, they are simply TeamMates who put their school and personal stresses aside and enjoy each other’s company. “I don’t think of Dayshaun as a student; to me, he’s more of a friend because we get to just hang out,” Adam explained. “Teaching, you get to build relationships every day but this is a different level of a relationship because you get to just spend time together. I’m not focused on teaching, it’s more being able to play games and get to know each other.” “Usually in certain groups, you have to change or fit in, but I can just be myself around him, which I like a lot,” Dayshaun said. “He doesn’t judge, and we just get along really well, so we’re able to talk about basically anything.” While they occasionally discuss school, Dayshaun enjoys channeling his focus on the task at hand, which has recently been surviving and escaping in the Forbidden Desert game. Though they are TeamMates officially through their mentor and mentee friendship, they also act as “teammates” in these strategic missions they enjoy solving together. “It’s relieving because you just forget about all your worries for an hour,” Dayshaun said. While the games are fun, his favorite part of their four years as TeamMates has been “getting to know each other, definitely.” In doing so, Adam has observed Dayshaun’s individual strengths and passions. “He’s super kind, polite and easy to talk to,” Adam said. “Dayshaun has great character and is mature

“It’s relieving because you just forget about all your worries for an hour.” beyond his age. Plus, he has some sweet fashion, he knows what’s ‘in.’”

“It’s not like Dayshaun’s level,” Adam interjects with a laugh.

“I’m pretty big into clothing,” Dayshaun confirmed. In his business class, he is creating a custom apparel website. “For me, clothing is a really big way to bring out yourself, so I’m really passionate about that. The stages of making your own website and thinking of ways to let people wear your ideas is really cool to me.”

“It’s not like the ordinary teacher,” Dayshaun finishes.

As for Adam’s fashion, Dayshaun rates it “pretty good.” He starts to say, “It’s not like…”

“Hey, I’ll take it!” Next school year, the pair will meet at Southeast High School, where Dayshaun plans to join the track and field team and pursue specialized elective courses to match his interests. He looks forward to continuing to visit Adam - that is, if they can ever escape the desert.

Southeast team places second in stock market challenge A team of students from Lincoln Southeast High School recently placed second at the Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge, an annual event that pits teams against each other to see who can post the highest return on investment from a common starting amount of $1 million. The second-place Southeast team of Drew Ekstrum, Jack Prauner, Grayson Waller, Parker Horvath and Logan Martin were among nearly 1,000 students from across the state who participated in the event, which offered both an in-person option held at the University of Nebraska Innovation Campus Center and a virtual option. Teams from all six LPS high schools competed in the event virtually. Students complete five in-class lessons prior to the competition to learn about the basics of the stock market and the importance of savings and investing. Throughout the 60-turn trading period, the simulation follows news events as they impact the market, challenging students to work together and determine if they want to buy, sell or trade.

January 2022 | Community News | Section A

Air Force Association honors Chapo as teacher of the year A Lincoln North Star teacher was recently honored as 2021 state teacher of the year by the Air Force Association (AFA). Representatives from the AFA Lincoln Chapter 187 presented the award to biology teacher Tracie Chapo in her classroom in October. On hand for the presentation were AFA Lincoln Chapter 187 Secretary Mark Musick, chapter Vice President for Aerospace Education Diane Bartels, chapter Vice President Lang Anderson, North Star Principal Ryan Zabawa and Lincoln Public Schools K-12 Science Curriculum Specialist Betsy Barent. The annual award honors exemplary K-12 educators who make a profound difference in the lives of their students and the community. It salutes classroom teachers who promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and prepare students to use and contribute to tomorrow's technologies. In their nomination letters, several former students, parents and administrators wrote of Chapo “leaving no one behind” and her dedication to all students having an equal chance of success. Chapo said she felt both “embarrassed and grateful” for the honor. “Grateful because we all like to be acknowledged when we work hard, and embarrassed because there are so many terrific teachers in LPS who do not get this kind of recognition,” Chapo said. “I think it’s good for North Star because it lets people know this is a great school doing great stuff.” This is Chapo’s 22nd year teaching. She began as a science specialist at Fredstrom Elementary School for three years, then moved to North Star when it opened in 2003. “Fortunately what I found out was that I really relish making biology attainable to kids, whether they love it or not, and sometimes they find a new

passion,” she said. “I teach regular biology to an incredibly diverse bunch of students with a wide variety of interests and strengths, which makes every day challenging, and different and fun.” The AFA representatives presented Chapo with award certificates, AFA pins, an AFA padfolio and a jacket embroidered with the AFA emblem and the words "State Teacher of the Year." Chapo also received $1,000, which she designated to be used to support discovery airplane flights for several of the students in the North Star aviation program.

NEBRASKA TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY Nebraska Teacher

Appreciation Day is Tuesday, March 1, 2022. It is time to say “Thank You” to a teacher who has made a difference. The annual Thank You Teacher Contest gives students and former students an opportunity to tell teachers they are appreciated. Five teachers and the students who nominate them will be invited to breakfast at the Governor’s Mansion on Wednesday, March 2. Send a written description of how your teacher made a difference in your life to:

Thank You Teacher Lincoln Public Schools Communication Services Department 5905 O Street Lincoln, NE 68510 Or submit online at: http://lps.org/go/recognize Nominations must be received by 5 p.m., Friday, January 28, 2022.

Name School

Grade

Student’s Home Address Teacher’s Name

Teacher’s School

The Teacher I am nominating teaches: q Preschool - Grade 2 q Middle School q High School q Retired

q Grades 3 - 5

Sponsored by: KFOR/KFRX, Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln Education Association, and Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools

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January 2022 | Community News | Section A

Sustainability at Lincoln Public Schools

Sustainability Champions Leading School Efforts Each year, schools are asked to designate a sustainability champion for their building. The role of the sustainability champion is to support and implement green initiatives at their school and coordinate participation in the LPS Green Schools Recognition Program. The recognition program encourages schools to complete green activities, recognizes their efforts and offers an opportunity to earn funding. Art teachers, science teachers and even librarians fill the roll of sustainability champion and bring a unique perspective to environmental projects. Over the years, many champions have gone above and beyond in being sustainability leaders for our schools. Michelle Hansen-Daberkow has been the sustainability champion at Kahoa Elementary for several years and enjoys seeing youth get excited about green initiatives. As an art teacher, Hansen-Daberkow brings creativity and self expression to sustainability at Kahoa - for example, creating recycled art projects. She also has led other activities, including a school-wide recycling pledge and “Wildlife Forever” awareness campaigns. Those efforts were recognized in 2020-21 when Kahoa was awarded $500 in funding for being the top-earning LPS elementary school in the Green Schools Recognition Program (GSRP). At Mickle Middle School, science teacher Katie Hammond serves as the sustainability champion and garden coordinator. For several years, Hammond has supported a student-led recycling collection system for the building. Mickle uses funding earned from the GSRP to enhance its garden space and grow engagement with other sustainability initiatives. Recently, Hammond helped Mickle begin to transition to wholeschool composting in classrooms and office spaces. Shawn Roberts, former librarian at Park Middle School, led many sustainability initiatives and campaigns, which helped earn the school GSRP funding. During remote learning, Roberts continued to keep in touch and encourage her Green Team students via Google Classroom. Roberts is not only a sustainability champion in the school district, she also strives for a zero-waste lifestyle outside of the school building. Roberts is now working in the North Star High School library and has brought her passion for sustainability to that building, as well. At Lincoln Southeast High School, science teacher Laurel Schmitz sponsors the student NEATure club (Nature is NEAT!). Although Schmitz has only been the champion at Southeast since 2019, she has supported the NEATure Club in many environmental activities, including a recycling campaign, picking up litter around the school campus, revitalizing the school courtyard and hosting an Earth Week plant sale. In 2020-21, Southeast was the top earning secondary school in the GSRP and earned $500 for more sustainability projects. Andrea Jenkins, sustainability champion and art teacher at Everett Elementary School, has been facilitating Green Team meetings and activities since 2016. The Green Team, as well as other clubs and classes during the school day, regularly utilize the outdoor learning space. In addition to helping students connect with nature, Jenkins also supports the Cans4Books Recycling Drive and leads neighborhood cleanups around the school. Irving Middle is another school that has earned funding through the GSRP thanks to the guidance of its sustainability champion, Kristy Weddington. She uses her expertise as a science educator to lead the student Green Team and help students complete green activities during the school year. Some examples include a litter cleanup around the school, a building-wide Earth Day scavenger hunt, and making hand warmers from reused materials. We give a huge thank you to the rest of our wonderful champions who help lead sustainability initiatives and education in our school district. To find out who the sustainability champion is at your school, visit www.lps.org and keyword search ‘Sustainability.’ From top to bottom: Michelle Hansen-Daberkow explains her art in the garden lesson

at an outdoor learning workshop in 2018. Mickle Garden Club students receive a GSRP Award. Shawn Roberts pictured with her Green Classroom Professional Certificate. Southeast NEATure club doing a litter cleanup during the fall of 2019. Everett students and Andrea Jenkins outside by the school garden. Irving Green Team with Kristy Weddington.

January 2022 | Community News | Section A

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.

Beattie Elementary School

Lincoln High School

“A ‘Flannel Day’ is the best way to start the week! The Beattie staff continues to enjoy some December fun. #BetterTogether #Teamwork”

“Today Key Club joined with the custodians to help pick up trash around the school.”

Fredstrom Elementary School

Irving Middle School

“Our students enjoyed their Hour of Code activities during Computer Science specials!”

“Thank you to all who participated in the Tom Rutz Memorial Food Drive! We are so proud of our Aardvark families.”

Meadow Lane Elementary School

Lincoln Southwest High School

“Some 4th graders read ‘Night of the Twisters’ based on the 1980 Grand Island tornadoes. We were thrilled to learn about Nebraska history from a primary source!”

“Congratulations to the LSW Debate Team for winning the Cornhusker Challenge debate tournament! #GoHawks.”

January 2022 | Community News | Section A

A10

Thank you,

Lincoln Board of Education January is National School Board Appreciation Month and we would like to take a moment to recognize the hard work and dedication of these unpaid elected officials. Our Board of Education members are locally elected citizen leaders who spend countless hours championing for public education and for each and every child in Lincoln. The most important responsibility of our Board members is to work with our community to improve student achievement by establishing effective and cost efficient policies and regulations.

Thank you, Board of Education, for your dedication to our children! Connie Duncan, Board President, District 2

Kathy Danek, Board Member, District 1

Barbara Baier, Board Member, District 3

Annie Mumgaard, Board Member, District 4

Lanny Boswell, Board Member, District 5

Bob Rauner, Board Member, District 6

Don Mayhew, Board Vice President, District 7

G O R R AMS P H T 6 | ymcalincoln.org U YO-MARCH

WI NT JA

ERARY 24

January 2022 | Community News | Section A

A12

NEW EDUCATOR SPOTLIGHT Derek Baker

Building/Department: Lefler Middle School Teaching Assignment/Role: 6th-, 7th- and 8th-grade physical education Why did you want to become an educator? I had a lot of great teachers growing up and it’s my turn to give back, pay it forward and be a positive influence. What has been your favorite part of working for Lincoln Public Schools? My awesome colleagues (Shout out my Lefler Pride!) Where did you attend college? Union College: Business Sport Management (2016), Physical Education (2019) What is your favorite part of being an educator? No day is like the other. New challenges and obstacles that create opportunities! What is a fun fact about you? I met Chuck Norris at a Red Lobster in Dallas.

Amber Estell

Building/Department: Huntington Elementary Teaching Assignment/ Role: 4th grade Why did you want to become an educator? I love to help kids grow academically and emotionally. I know academics are really important but I really love the relationships that can be built between a teacher and student. I want them to know that I will always be there for them and that they can trust me! What has been your favorite part of working for Lincoln Public Schools? Meeting all the amazing staff and students who make LPS great! Did you attend Lincoln Public Schools as a student? If so, which school(s)? Yes! Belmont, Goodrich and North Star Where did you attend college? Nebraska Wesleyan University What is your favorite part of being an educator? Building relationships with my students Describe a time that you knew you made a difference for a student or group of students. A time I felt I made a difference for a student was when I took over a first-grade class and was told that everyone had strong behaviors and it would be a class where I would earn my teaching stripes. I was extremely nervous and I had many students on CICO. By the end of that year I got all my students off CICO and it was the most amazing class I have ever taught. They were the first class I taught by myself and they made such a positive impact on me and I felt like I made a positive impact on them! I went in there with the goal of giving them a new image besides being the “naughty class” and they rose above and proved that they were amazing! What is a fun fact about you? I really love my dogs and spend most of my days at the dog park!

Grace Stull

Building/Department: Wysong Elementary School Teaching assignment/role: 4th grade Why did you want to become an educator? I always loved building relationships with my teachers as a kid so that made me love school and want to become a teacher myself! What has been your favorite part of working for Lincoln Public Schools? The community! Where did you attend college? University of Nebraska-Lincoln What is your favorite part of being an educator? Having those strong and genuine relationships with the students. Describe a time that you knew you made a difference for a student or group of students. Just seeing my students’ growth from the first day of school to where they are now! It’s amazing how much you can grow and learn! What is a fun fact about you? I am the youngest of six kids!

JANUARY 2022

Backstage at the Ballet Each year, one LPS elementary school is chosen to participate in “Backstage at the Ballet,” an artist-in-residency program through the Midwest Ballet Company. This year, the ballet company visited Norwood Park Elementary School Dec. 8-10. Students rotated through three stations - choreography, makeup and costuming - during specials time. The week culminated in an abbreviated performance of the “Nutcracker Ballet” on Dec. 10 in the Norwood Park gym. The performance included several Norwood Park students.

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2022-23 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION For children who are five years old by July 31, 2022

For parents not able to register online contact the school in your attendance area. During registration, the paperwork necessary for enrollment in Lincoln Public Schools will be completed. Child need not be present. When registering, you must bring your child’s: CERTIFIED BIRTH CERTIFICATE & CURRENT IMMUNIZATION RECORD Families who wish to have their child enroll at an LPS school outside of their attendance area should fill out a Special Attendance Permit which is available at any school or on our website. Questions about kindergarten registration should be directed to the school your child will attend.

LPS is hiring Lincoln Public Schools is still hiring bus drivers and bus paraeducators for the 2021-22 school year. Drivers and paras receive on-the-job, paid training, as well as up to $1000 in bonuses the first year. Both positions offer a stable salary and great benefits - but that’s not all. “These jobs really offer people a chance to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families.” said LPS Director of Transportation Ryan Robley. “You’ll be joining a committed team of professionals and working for a school district that not only cares about its children, but its employees, as well.” These are two of many job opportunities with LPS. Check LPS.org for more information.

January 2022 | Community News | Section B

Get ready for high school with open houses To the Parents/Guardians of Eighth Grade Students: High school enrollment will soon begin for you and your 8th grade student. We want to provide information to help your family make a successful transition into 9th grade. This page provides details about the in-person informational events at the high schools, the “High School Choice” process, and the process of requesting high school courses. Information for Parents/Guardians Information events for the seven LPS high schools in January are an important component of the transition process. The events are designed to share information about the opportunities available at each school. More information will follow as we get closer to the event dates. You will have the opportunity to attend more than one event. The schedule for informational events is: Northwest High School Monday, January 10th, 2022 6:30 p.m.

Southeast High School Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 6:30 p.m.

Southwest High School Tuesday, January 11th, 2022 6:30 p.m.

North Star High School Wednesday, January 19th, 2022 6:30 p.m.

East High School Wednesday, January 12th, 2022 6:30 p.m.

Lincoln High School Thursday, January 20th, 2022 6:30 p.m.

Focus Programs Some students choose to participate in one of the specialty programs offered in LPS – Science Focus Program, Arts & Humanities Focus Program, JROTC program at Northeast, The College and Career STEM Program at Northeast, The Bryan College of Health Sciences Program at Northwest, Bryan Community Focus Program, International Baccalaureate (IB), The Bay Focus Program, or The Career Academy. Students enrolled in a specialty program are also enrolled as a student in one of the seven comprehensive LPS high schools. Information concerning the specialty programs offered at LPS can be found under the Schools tab at www.lps.org, or by contacting a school counselor. High School Choice Form Each student is assigned to a high school based on their address. You can find the high school for your student by using our Home School Lookup tool found on lps.org. If you want your child to attend a different high school than the home high school assigned for your address, you will need to submit the High School Choice form by the January 31st deadline. High School Course Requests Students will participate in activities with their 8th grade counselor to help prepare them for high school. In February school counselors from each high school will work with 8th grade students from each middle school to make requests for 9th grade courses. More information about specific dates for making course requests will be communicated by each middle school. Please watch for that information. Among the most important decisions made by students and their parents/ guardians are those related to the high school they will attend and the courses they select to meet graduation requirements and support their educational and career plans. We look forward to working with you and your child as you start the transition from middle school to high school.

Northeast High School Thursday, January 13th, 2022 6:30 p.m.

for LPS 5th Grade Students

Saturday Science Application February 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th, 2022 • UNL • Jorgensen Hall Student’s Name: School:

Grade:

Parent’s Name: Address: Zip:

Phone:

Email:

I hereby apply to have my child enrolled in Saturday Science classes. (Please designate 1st and 2nd choice.)

JAECKS SATURDAY SCIENCE OPEN TO LPS STUDENTS ONLY Four Saturdays in February 2022 5th, 12th, 19th, & 26th at UNL Jorgensen Hall (City Campus) Morning and Afternoon Sessions Available

$40 per Student

Scholarships Available, Inquire at Your School

For More Information Contact:

Betsy Barent (402) 436-1802 Lindsey Roy (402) 436-1814

___ Morning Sessions, 9:30-11:30 a.m. ___ Afternoon Sessions, 1:00-3:00 p.m. I give permission for my child to be photographed during Saturday Science. q Yes q No Parent’s Signature:

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 18, 2022 Since there is a limited number of spaces, applications will be accepted as they arrive. A waiting list will be created if needed. If space remains applications will be accepted after this date.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE TO BE SENT TO: Betsy Barent, LPS Curriculum Department, P.O. Box 82889, Lincoln, NE 68501 Please enclose a check for $40.

January 2022 | Community News | Section B

Emergencies are scary.

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January 2022 | Community News | Section B

High schools perform at state one-acts Congratulations to both Lincoln High School and Lincoln East High School theater students for qualifying for the State Play Production Championships. Both groups performed Dec. 10 at the Johnny Carson Theatre in Norfolk, with Lincoln High’s production of “Dark Road,” followed by East’s production of “James and the Giant Peach.” Also, congratulations to Lincoln High for finishing in third place!

Despite pandemic, LPS students continue to make progress As part of an ongoing effort to maximize student achievement, Lincoln Public Schools continuously reviews and analyzes data collected through national, state and local assessments. Using this information, our staff work collaboratively at the building and district levels to find strengths and identify areas for improvement, set improvement goals and make adjustments to improve teaching and learning in an effort to help each student reach their full potential. Each year, this information is also shared with the Nebraska Department of Education in order to meet federal reporting requirements and is posted on their website for the public to view. That information was released on the NDE website to the public on Monday, Dec. 6. “While significant challenges remain, we continue to be proud of our educators and our students for their continued efforts to persevere during these trying times,” said Matt Larson, associate superintendent for Instruction. “There is evidence that our staff whole-heartedly carried out their mission to meet students’ needs and our students continued to learn during the uncertainties and multiple interruptions of the pandemic.” 2020-2021 Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System (NSCAS) Student learning and assessment for the 20202021 school year occurred during the pandemic with a number of students attending school remotely either part or full time depending on the circumstances. NSCAS is unique in that it can provide information not only on students' academic achievement, but also provides insights about who did and did not take the assessment in light of COVID-19 learning conditions.

Grade Level LPS Percent Proficient:

Overall, Comparison of In-person vs. Remote Learners, & State Results (Remote Learner defined as any student who spent four or more weeks as a Zoom-in Learner) English/Language Arts

Math

In-person

Remote

LPS Overall

State

In-person

Remote

LPS Overall

State

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Grade 11

(ACT)

A pilot assessment was used for students in grades 3-8. For that reason, comparisons to previous years’ data are not possible. In both English/Language Arts and Mathematics, the number of LPS students proficient was above the state average in grades 3 - 8. Remote learning had a dramatic impact on student proficiency, especially in math. Remote learning students that did not participate in the assessments were counted as not proficient. At LPS, this was one percent of students in grades 3-8. For students in the 11 grade, it was over eight percent. The percent of LPS in-person high school juniors who were on track based on the ACT

scores was above the state average, with the overall percentage, including remote learners, being one point under the state average. Accountability for a Quality Education System Today and Tomorrow (AQuESTT) Lincoln Public Schools received a designation of “Great” as part of the Nebraska Department of Education’s Accountability for a Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow (AQuESTT). NDE used information from the 2018-19 school year. There are four categories: Excellent, Great, Good, and Needs Improvement. There were no LPS schools under the Needs Improvement designation.

January 2022 | Community News | Section B

Fun with puns, foods, friends and more By Michelle Welch, RD, LMNT LPS Wellness Facilitator Each season LPS Wellness has a focus area or theme around wellness learning. The district supplies fun materials such as posters, bingo cards, scavenger hunts and intercom announcements that schools can utilize to engage students around a subject with interactive and movement-based learning that pairs well with curriculum focus areas. The new year kicks off with a focus on nutrition. Some schools tie the activities to lesson plans, where other schools may utilize the materials as part of family events or before- and after-school programming. This year there are universal materials that incorporate the “Friends” font to give them an updated look and feel. In addition, there are some fun and wacky materials for older students incorporating some pun fun, which ties wellness learning to English/language learning for double the learning fun. In some schools, materials may come home, such as the nutrition bingo cards, encouraging students to eat foods from all different food groups. Other schools may incorporate completing these activities at school during a spirit week. No matter your school’s approach, the start of the new year is a great time to refocus on nutrition with your family. One key factor you will always note within our wellness approach to eating is that we do not disparage any foods, sticking to the concept that “all foods can fit.” This approach is both helpful to student learning about healthy lifestyles and inclusive for our students who might not have many choices in their cupboards. Our continued message is, “When you have a choice, choose the best option you have available.” We encourage all families

to adopt this language around foods, both for the benefit of your student’s future relationship with foods and to help decrease the extreme approaches to foods that can lead to missing nutrients by excluding entire categories of nutrition. School-age students, unless in medically-indicated situations or within specific cultural guidelines, should be able to include all foods in their eating choices. We should do all we can as adults to help them create positive relationships with food and avoid the diet mentality. Pay close attention to how you speak about foods when

around kids and work to decrease negative messages about any specific foods and/or personal body image concerns. Your kids may be told on a regular basis they look just like you and internalize those negative things you say about yourself as messages of criticism for them. It’s a hard habit to break, but it’s worth it. Together we can build a better community for our students and help them be better to both themselves and others around them. Thank you for your collaboration.

Nielsen named Nebraska music educator of the year Lincoln Public Schools Supervisor of Music Lance Nielsen was recently named Nebraska’s 2021-22 Outstanding Music Educator of the Year. The Nebraska School Activities Association in collaboration with the Nebraska Music Educators Association nominated him for the honor, which was awarded by the National Federation of State High School Association. Nominations are based on outstanding service and unselfish devotion to interscholastic music by high school or college music educators. He was formally honored with the award at the Nebraska Music Educators Association’s annual awards banquet on Nov. 18. Nielsen’s career began in 1991 at Kimball Public Schools, where he taught grades 5-12 instrumental music. His career also includes stops at the Norris School District, Lincoln East High School and Doane College. In 2014 he took on his current role at LPS, where he oversees the district’s preK-12 music programs. In addition to leading award-winning music programs at LPS, Nielsen continues to impact music education as a clinician, speaker and author. Nielsen is praised for his innovative and servant leadership, which drew high praise in the past year during the pandemic. It’s the second year in a row that an LPS music educator won the award. Del Whitman from East High School won the award in 2020.

January 2022 | Community News | Section B

Planting positive seeds for 2022 By Michelle Welch, RD, LMNT, LPS Wellness Facilitator It’s been a tricky couple of years and due to these challenges, it might take most of your mojo to get through the workday for you and the school day for your kids. With our push to stay home and decreased energy stores, the distractions of scrolling, gaming and streaming may have become hardwired as coping tools. It may have also led to an increased disconnect between you and your kids. How do we find a balance? How do we reconnect with our kids in 2022? Start with meals together. Your meals might be around a table or in the car before or after practice or work, but do what you can to break bread with your crew. If you can’t do a meal together, even consider an after school or before bed family snack. Research tells us that connection of family over meals helps kids succeed at school, do less drugs, even graduate at higher rates. It doesn’t matter what you are eating, it’s all about spending time together on the regular. For best results keep the talk positive and less about chore lists. Kick up the family movement activities. This doesn’t have to cost a dime. Depending on age and stage of your kids, it could be doing Go Noodle together at home (It’s free! Go to www.gonoodle.com). Older kids might be up for active gaming, shooting hoops, building a wacky snowman, sledding, skating, anything that gives you time together. Every kid likes to play an epic battle of kids vs. parents when the field is even. Have a blast together. Choose library books together. You remember books, right? Reading while snuggled together can be a huge treat for kids. You can rather read to them (silly voices encouraged) or be reading to yourselves. Either way, even a quiet activity such as reading together can be a family bonding time. Even better, chat about what you are reading or curate some books for your kid who feels as though they have read everything in the library. You might help them find some new favorite authors. Maybe they could pick a book for you to check out, too? Some families love to use books on tape to listen to together on car rides.

Good Health is a Family Affair

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Share playlists. Especially as students hit middle school, music becomes a huge part of their personal expression. Having your child share music with you is a huge opportunity for personal connection. When you can, have them DJ the music in your car when you travel, or at home, and take the time to learn more about what they are loving in the music world. It can be a great jumping off point for sharing your own music or even sharing when you hear something new from an artist that fits their style. If your family does music streaming, be sure to find out about their annual wrap up of favorite artists. Set aside 20 minutes of focus time. Announce it. Then make it happen. Especially when kids are young, each child having time that they recognize is time only focused on them by you is huge. Those few minutes seem extremely small—but they mean the world to your child. During that time, jointly choose what you will do. Read a book, do an activity, just chat, listen to music, anything that doesn’t involve screens. Watch your child anticipate this time and bloom from having it!

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Healthy Living, Healthy Families, Healthy New Year. HealthyLincoln.org Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln

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Be sneaky with little notes. Kids love receiving secret positive notes from parents. This is an ageless truth. Often our words get drowned out by scrolling or distraction. Little notes say volumes and are heard. A sticky note for their mirror, in their book or bag or under their pillow - these notes can make a mountain of difference. Have some notes around that make it easy for them to do the same for you. Monkey see, monkey do. Even if they say they are embarrassing, they secretly love it.

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We as parents want to become the safe person our kids turn to when the chips are down and they need help. That isn’t built overnight. It comes from those little day to day efforts of connection. We often get distracted from how critical they are to the physical and mental wellness of our kids and of ourselves. The best things in life are free. These activities can give you that connection we dreamt of when deciding to have a family—and that our kids desire more than anything. Let 2022 be the year of fun connection. Plant those seeds of togetherness and watch what wonderful results can grow.

January 2022 | Community News | Section B

B10

JANUARY 2022

Breakfast / Beattie Elementary

January Breakfast MONDAY

TUESDAY

No School

Apple Frudel

Apple

Trix Cereal Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bar Orange Juice Applesauce Cup

No School

Apple Frudel

Apple

Trix Cereal Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bar Orange Juice Applesauce Cup

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Filled Pastry Trix Cereal Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bar Orange Juice Applesauce Cup

WEDNESDAY

No School

Peach Cobbler Biscuit Apple Cinnamon Cheerios Cereal Yogurt Grape Juice Mandarin Orange Cup

Honey Bun Trix Cereal Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bar Orange Juice Applesauce Cup

Peach Cobbler Biscuit Apple Cinnamon Cheerios Cereal Yogurt Grape Juice Mandarin Orange Cup

Trix Cereal Strawberry Oatmeal Bar Orange Juice Applesauce Cup

Cinnamon Crunchmania Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Strawberry Oatmeal Bar Fruit Blend Juice Mixed Berry Cup

Egg & Cheese on English Muf�n Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Strawberry Oatmeal Bar Fruit Blend Juice Mixed Berry Cup

Cinnamon Crunchmania Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Strawberry Oatmeal Bar Fruit Blend Juice Mixed Berry Cup

THURSDAY

Corn Puppies Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Chef Salad Sunbutter and Jelly Sandwich Cheese Stick Cheese Chef Salad Savory Carrots Romaine Tossed Salad Warm Cinnamon Apple Slices Pineapple Tidbits Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll

No School

Breaded Chicken Nuggets Mexi Pizza Chef Salad Chik'n Nuggets Cheese Chef Salad Crinkle Fries Romaine Tossed Salad Apple Wedges Pineapple Tidbits Cinnamon Roll

Cinnamon Waf�es Frosted Flakes Cereal Yogurt Apple Juice Strawberry Cup

Strawberry Mini Bagels Frosted Flakes Cereal Yogurt Apple Juice Strawberry Cup

Breakfast Bites Cocoa Puffs Cereal Apple Cinnamon Nutrigrain Bar Raisins

Mini Cinnis Cocoa Puffs Cereal Apple Cinnamon Nutrigrain Bar Raisins

Breakfast Bites Cocoa Puffs Cereal Apple Cinnamon Nutrigrain Bar Assorted Juice Raisins

Mini Cinnis Cocoa Puffs Cereal Apple Cinnamon Nutrigrain Bar Assorted Juice Raisins

JANUARY 2022

January Elementary Lunch No School

Strawberry Mini Bagels Frosted Flakes Cereal Yogurt Apple Juice Strawberry Cup

Lunch / Beattie Elementary MONDAY

Cinnamon Waf�es Frosted Flakes Cereal Yogurt Apple Juice Strawberry Cup

FRIDAY

TUESDAY No School

Stuffed Crust Turkey Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joe on a Bun Chef Salad Black Bean Burger Cheese Chef Salad Baked Beans Romaine Tossed Salad Orange Wedges Diced Peaches Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll

Chicken Tenders Salisbury Steak Chef Salad Chik'n Nuggets Cheese Chef Salad Whipped Potatoes Beef Gravy Romaine Tossed Salad Apple Wedges Pineapple Tidbits Dinner Roll

Taco Meat on Flour Tortilla with Shredded American Cheese Ultimate Meat Pizza Chef Salad Chickpea & Cauli�ower Taco on Flour Tortilla Cheese Chef Salad Refried Beans Shredded Lettuce & Diced Tomatoes Orange Wedges Diced Peaches Soft Flour Tortilla Dinner Roll

WEDNESDAY Breaded Chicken Nuggets Mexi Pizza Chik'n Nuggets Crinkle Fries Warm Cinnamon Apple Slices Mandarin Oranges Biscuit

Hot Turkey Ham & Cheese Sandwich Chef Salad Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks with Marinara Sauce Cheese Chef Salad Golden Corn Romaine Tossed Salad Fresh Grapes Applesauce Dinner Roll

Orange Chicken Hamburger Pizza Chef Salad Chana Masala with Brown Rice Cheese Chef Salad Sweet Green Peas Romaine Tossed Salad Fresh Banana Applesauce Rice Dinner Roll Brownie Bar

BBQ Chicken Turkey Hot Dog on a Bun Chef Salad Veggie Pizza Cheese Chef Salad Savory Carrots Romaine Tossed Salad Fresh Banana Applesauce Dinner Roll Hot Dog Bun

THURSDAY Fish Sticks Chef Salad Stuffed Crust Cheese Pizza Cheese Chef Salad Green Beans Romaine Tossed Salad Diced Pears Breadstick

Creamed Turkey Breaded Pork Patty on a Bun Chef Salad Chik'n Patty on a Bun Cheese Chef Salad Whipped Potatoes Poultry Gravy Romaine Tossed Salad Diced Pears Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun

Rotini and Meat Sauce Chef Salad Grilled Cheese Sandwich Spaghetti or Rotini with Vegetarian Meatballs and Marinara Sauce Cheese Chef Salad Baby Carrots Romaine Tossed Salad Assorted Fruit Diced Pears Rotini Noodles Garlic Bread

Fish Sticks Chef Salad Stuffed Crust Cheese Pizza Cheese Chef Salad Green Beans Romaine Tossed Salad Assorted Fruit Diced Pears Breadstick

FRIDAY Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Chef Salad Creamy Mac & Cheese Cheese Chef Salad Steamed Broccoli Romaine Tossed Salad Blueberries with Whipped Topping Mixed Fruit Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll

Popcorn Chicken Beef & Bean Burrito Queso Cheese Sauce Chef Salad Bean & Cheese Burrito Cheese Chef Salad Green Beans Romaine Tossed Salad Blueberries with Whipped Topping Mixed Fruit Biscuit

Sausage Links BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich Chef Salad French Toast Sticks Cheese Sticks Cheese Chef Salad Golden Corn Romaine Tossed Salad Blueberries with Whipped Topping Mixed Fruit Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll

Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Chef Salad Creamy Mac & Cheese Cheese Chef Salad Steamed Broccoli Romaine Tossed Salad Blueberries with Whipped Topping Mixed Fruit Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll Chocolate Frosted Cake

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January 2022 | Community News | Section B

JANUARY 2022

Lunch / East High / East High

January Secondary Lunch MONDAY No School

Corn Puppies Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Sunbutter and Jelly Sandwich Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Savory Carrots Romaine Tossed Salad Warm Cinnamon Apple Slices Pineapple Tidbits Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll Breadstick

No School

Breaded Chicken Nuggets Mexi Pizza Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Chik'n Nuggets Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Crinkle Fries Romaine Tossed Salad Apple Wedges Pineapple Tidbits Frosted Cinnamon Roll Hamburger Bun Breadstick

TUESDAY

No School

Stuffed Crust Turkey Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joe on a Bun Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Black Bean Burger Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Baked Beans Romaine Tossed Salad Orange Wedges Diced Peaches Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll Breadstick

Chicken Tenders Buffalo Chicken Tenders Salisbury Steak Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Chik'n Nuggets Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Whipped Potatoes Beef Gravy Romaine Tossed Salad Apple Wedges Pineapple Tidbits Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun Breadstick

Taco Meat on Flour Tortilla with Shredded American Cheese Ultimate Meat Pizza Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Chickpea & Cauli�ower Taco on Flour Tortilla Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Refried Beans Shredded Lettuce & Diced Tomatoes Orange Wedges Diced Peaches Soft Flour Tortilla Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun Breadstick

WEDNESDAY

Breaded Chicken Nuggets Mexi Pizza Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Chik'n Nuggets Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Crinkle Fries Warm Cinnamon Apple Slices Mandarin Oranges Biscuit Hamburger Bun Breadstick

Hot Turkey Ham & Cheese Sandwich Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks with Marinara Sauce Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Golden Corn Romaine Tossed Salad Fresh Grapes Applesauce Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun Breadstick

Orange Chicken Hamburger Pizza Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Chana Masala with Brown Rice Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Sweet Green Peas Romaine Tossed Salad Fresh Banana Applesauce Rice Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun Breadstick

BBQ Chicken Turkey Hot Dog on a Bun Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Veggie Pizza Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Savory Carrots Romaine Tossed Salad Fresh Banana Applesauce Dinner Roll Hot Dog Bun Hamburger Bun Breadstick

THURSDAY

Fish Sticks Baked Lasagna Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Stuffed Crust Cheese Pizza Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Green Beans Romaine Tossed Salad Assorted Fruit Diced Pears Breadstick Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun

Creamed Turkey Breaded Pork Patty on a Bun Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Chik'n Patty on a Bun Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Whipped Potatoes Poultry Gravy Romaine Tossed Salad Assorted Fruit Diced Pears Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun Breadstick

Rotini and Meat Sauce Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Spaghetti or Rotini with Vegetarian Meatballs and Marinara Sauce Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Baby Carrots Romaine Tossed Salad Assorted Fruit Diced Pears Rotini Noodles Garlic Bread Hamburger Bun Breadstick Fish Sticks Baked Lasagna Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Stuffed Crust Cheese Pizza Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Green Beans Romaine Tossed Salad Assorted Fruit Diced Pears Breadstick Dinner Roll Hamburger Bun

FRIDAY

Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Chef Salad Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Creamy Mac & Cheese Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Steamed Broccoli Romaine Tossed Salad Blueberries w/ Whipped Topping Mixed Fruit Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll Breadstick

Popcorn Chicken Beef & Bean Burrito Queso Cheese Sauce Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Bean & Cheese Burrito Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Green Beans Romaine Tossed Salad Blueberries w/ Whipped Topping Mixed Fruit Biscuit Hamburger Bun Breadstick

Sausage Links BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich Chef Salad Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza French Toast Sticks Cheese Sticks Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Golden Corn Romaine Tossed Salad Blueberries w/ Whipped Topping Mixed Fruit Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll Breadstick Breaded Chicken Patty on a Bun Chef Salad Spicy Chicken Patty on a Bun Cheeseburger Patty on a Bun Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Hut Sausage Pizza Creamy Mac & Cheese Cheese Chef Salad Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Steamed Broccoli Romaine Tossed Salad Blueberries w/ Whipped Topping Mixed Fruit Hamburger Bun Dinner Roll Breadstick

January 2022 | Community News | Section B

B12

West Lincoln's Keys honored for work with homeless students Dionne Keys is the executive secretary and registrar at West Lincoln Elementary School. But to the school’s students and families who are experiencing homelessness, she’s much more than that. She’s the person who makes them feel at home at West Lincoln Elementary School. “Sometimes that means asking questions, listening to their concerns, meeting families where they are and assisting and connecting them to the appropriate people,” said Keys, now in her fourth year at West Lincoln. “I have been able to reach these families because I take time to listen, to greet them in the morning and ask them how they are doing. I ask about their weekend and their family and because of that there is a sense of trust. The students talk about these conversations with their parents, which opens lines of communication and allows me to offer services we have that can support them during their time of need.” It’s this kind of empathy and dedication that led to Keys recently being honored with the Community Partner Award from the Lincoln Homeless Coalition. Lincoln Public Schools Homeless Education Coordinator Ellen Reilly nominated her. “West Lincoln's student population includes a significant number of students who experience homelessness, and Dionne is often the first point of contact for these families as they work to enroll their children in school,” Reilly said. “Dionne’s patient, thorough and empathetic response helps families feel at ease and as though they have a partner in their children's educational success. Dionne's work at LPS is invaluable in the service to our school district’s most vulnerable population.” West Lincoln Principal Scott Schwartz sees this every day. “Dionne forms a strong connection with families as they are enrolling in school or when they call in to school,” he said. “Because of this connection, families will open up to her to share any needs that they have.” LPS students are identified as homeless through a self-identification process. This school year there are 255 students identified as homeless.

“I have been able to reach these families because I take time to listen, to greet them in the morning and ask them how they are doing. I ask about their weekend and their family and because of that there is a sense of trust. The students talk about these conversations with their parents, which opens lines of communication and allows me to offer services we have that can support them during their time of need.” But, Reilly said, she believes the true number is more than 500. Keys said the biggest misconception about homeless families is that they’re in that position simply because of “poor decision making.” Because of that, she said, others believe it could never happen to them. But Keys knows the homeless students and their families who attend West Lincoln - and the circumstances that led to their current situation. She also knows their resiliency, which is her simple answer to the question of what’s most rewarding about her work with these students. “Seeing them show up every day.”