Experience the 2026 LPS Music Festival: Join Us April 25, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. < Updated

Join Lincoln Public Schools for an inspiring afternoon of music, community and giving back. The 2026 LPS Music Festival, hosted by our school district’s Tri-M Music Honor Society chapters, brings together the best of our high school student musicians for a day you won’t want to miss.

Whether you are a fan of instrumental ensembles or vocal performances, this event highlights the incredible dedication and talent of our LPS students.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Location: Lincoln East High School Auditorium, 1000 S 70th St. Enter at door 23.  
• Featured Performers: Pangea, Los Mariachis De La Ciudad Estrella and many more talented young musicians.

More Than Just Music

Beyond the performances, the festival offers a fun-filled atmosphere for the entire family:

• Delicious Food: Enjoy a variety of tasty treats on-site.
• Silent Auction: Bid on unique items and support a great cause.
• Community Impact: Every ticket purchased directly supports Special Musicians, a local nonprofit dedicated to making music education accessible to everyone.

Ticket Information

Secure your spot today and save! Pre-purchasing your tickets is the fastest way to skip the line and support LPS Tri-M’s fundraising efforts.

Ticket Type 

• Online advance purchase: $5 
• At the Door (Day of Event): $8

Buy your tickets now!

 
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Posted on April 15, 2026

Educators Rising activities equip TCA students with key teaching skills < Updated

Lincoln Public Schools students will show people how they plan to teach with purpose and lead with passion in their future classrooms at a national event this summer.
 
Thirteen students at The Career Academy earned trips to the Educators Rising National Conference at the organization’s recent state contest. JoJo Church, Alena Lococo, Payton Jurgensen, Marin Olson, Katie Thomas, Claire Neth, Aubree Lawrey, Molly Hansen, Abigail Manley, Akira Moody, Eli Haake, Nicole Rodriguez Delgado and Layla Johnson captured national bids.
 
Rodriguez Delgado said she was looking forward to expanding her large list of friends who are interested in the teaching profession. The senior will attend the national conference for the first time in June after enjoying state-level success. She and Jurgensen teamed up to finish second in the varsity division of the Researching Learning Challenges contest.
 
“Educators Rising brings a community that we can learn from,” Rodriguez Delgado said. “During these events, there are always breakout sessions, and it is a great way to meet new people and make friendly connections. During the breakout sessions, we learn about ways to differentiate our teaching, how we can incorporate gamification, build connections with students, use technology and encourage physical education.”
 
Jame Cartwright leads early childhood education classes at TCA and advises the focus program’s Educators Rising chapter. She is also an at-large member of the Nebraska Educators Rising Board of Directors. The organization’s goal is to provide more opportunities for high school students to learn about education careers. Their Educators Rising activities equip them with many talents that they will use in their school buildings.
 
Cartwright said it was exciting to watch LPS students excel in their state events. She said the contests promote valuable teaching skills like communication, organization and self-motivation. They also offer chances to build specific knowledge about topics ranging from children’s literature to lesson plan delivery.
 
“The students work really hard on their competition pieces, and it is so rewarding for all of us to see that hard work pay off,” Cartwright said.

 
Lococo experienced the satisfaction of winning a state championship with her work in the varsity Children’s Literature K-3 contest. The senior decided to create a book about her experiences growing up with autism. She wanted to inspire other students by discussing her childhood in a relatable storyline.
 
“I wrote the book to help educate children on autism in a way that’s a bit easier to understand,” Lococo said. “I narrated the story with the thought process of myself when I was a child. I am really looking forward to competing and seeing other people’s books and competitions.”
 
Rodriguez Delgado and Jurgensen focused their Researching Learning Challenges entry on helping students who are either deaf or hard of hearing. They wrote a paper and created a PowerPoint presentation before speaking with judges. Rodriguez Delgado said the preparation and public speaking phases of the contest taught her what it will be like leading her own classroom one day.
 
“It was exciting to do this with a friend, and I felt particularly confident with my information,” Rodriguez Delgado said. “We had brought flashcards with our information, but it was easy to build a more conversational tone than to follow a set of words.”
 
Rodriguez Delgado said participating in competitive events will also help her become a stronger candidate for education positions. Educators Rising students learn how to prepare for job interviews, create teaching materials and network with current professionals. These workplace skills give them a professional edge that can make a difference in the hiring process.
 
“It is important to show the judges that you know what you’re talking about by referencing something from your portfolio, building on your answers and asking questions,” Rodriguez Delgado said.
 
The TCA delegation will rely on that expertise in Portland, Ore. Multiple TCA students have taken part in more than one state conference, and Jurgensen, Neth, Lawrey and Hansen have all appeared at nationals before. Cartwright said the four veterans had been role models for their classmates by showcasing good leadership skills in their activities.

 
“Once they understand what it takes and that the nationals trip is something they want to go on again, they are pretty motivated to do well,” Cartwright said.
 
Lococo said her Educators Rising experiences had encouraged her to enter the teaching pipeline. She felt all LPS students would benefit from the life skills that the organization provides throughout the year.
 
“I enjoy being able to make connections with people from other schools, especially when they’re in the same competition that I am,” Lococo said.

2026 TCA State Educators Rising Results

Education and Training Achievement Awards: Madison Arriola, Molly Hansen, Aubree Lawrey, Payton Jurgensen, Nicole Rodriguez Delgado, Claire Neth
Varsity Interactive Bulletin Board – Elementary: JoJo Church (Blue Ribbon)
Varsity Children’s Literature K-3: Alena Lococo (1st), Payton Jurgensen (3rd)
Varsity Children’s Literature Pre-K: Marin Olson and Katie Thomas (tied 2nd)
Varsity Ethical Dilemma: Izabella Clark, Natalie Mullin, Alexis Onstott, Jayson Thode (7th)
Varsity Inside our Schools: Claire Neth, Aubree Lawrey, Molly Hansen (2nd)
Varsity Job Interview: Abigail Manley (10th)
Varsity Lesson Planning and Delivery – Career and Technical Education: Akira Moody (2nd)
Varsity Lesson Planning and Delivery – Science, Technology, Engineering, Math: Eli Haake (2nd)
Varsity Public Service Announcement – Teacher Recruitment: JoJo Church, Marin Olson, Katie Thomas (2nd)
Varsity Researching Learning Challenges: Payton Jurgensen and Nicole Rodriguez Delgado (2nd); Layla Johnson and Abigail Manley (4th)
 
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Posted on April 15, 2026

Slam Dunk: North Star, Southwest teams secure historic state basketball titles < Updated

North Star and Southwest students netted more than just gold medals this winter when they claimed state basketball championships for their high schools.
 
The North Star girls basketball and Southwest boys basketball teams both capped their seasons with Class A state titles at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The Navigators earned the school’s first state championship in any team sport when they defeated Omaha North 51-35. North Star became the first LPS school to win the Class A girls title since Southwest accomplished the feat in 2017.
 
Southwest captured the school’s first boys basketball title by stopping Papillion-La Vista South 57-53. The Silver Hawks became the first LPS boys basketball program to win the Class A prize since Lincoln High in 2003. Southwest’s only other appearance in the championship game came in 2009.
 
Students and coaches from both squads said they picked up many life lessons from their historic title journeys. North Star head coach Tommy Johnson and senior Kendall said the basketball court taught the Navigators about tenacity, problem solving and leaning on one another.
 
“From basketball, I’ve learned so much about myself as a player and as a person,” Kendall said. “I’ve learned that you can achieve anything you put your mind to as long as you put in the work. I also feel like basketball has gotten me through a lot of things in life and is a way for me to be myself.”
 
“They can learn about life in a fun, competitive way, and in an environment that isn’t as stressful as the adult world,” Johnson said. “They can literally just learn true life skills like communication and networking and getting to know people.”

 
Southwest head coach Alex Bahe and senior Le’Vonte said the Silver Hawks discovered the importance of unity and cooperation from their experiences. They said all 14 varsity players boosted the program throughout the season.
 
“Being on the basketball team helped me learn to step up in my role and succeed in it,” Le’Vonte said. “Sometimes you have to learn how to work as a team and do whatever it takes to win. This was a good life lesson because being humble is important. You may be able to do something yourself, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have a better outcome working together with a team.”
 
“I think this group truly understood the value of togetherness, embracing roles and a willingness to sacrifice for one another,” Bahe said. “No one put themselves above the team, and there was a clear understanding of how each individual uniquely contributed to our success.”

 
Family and Community Engagement is one of the key prongs of the 2024-29 LPS Strategic Plan because of the vital connections it produces. Kendall and Le’Vonte both said the encouragement from fans this year boosted everyone's confidence on their teams. Both schools had large crowds at many games.
 
“I’ve always felt like North Star has the best student section and fan base in Lincoln,” Kendall said. “Everyone shows out at all the games and makes it such a fun environment. Especially at state, I feel like the North Star community really showed up and showed out for us. All the teachers, staff, students, parents and friends really made my four years memorable.”
 
“The support that my teammates and I got from all friends and family was unmatched,” Le’Vonte said. “They showed up to every game cheering the loudest even when things weren’t going our way. The team really needed the fans as much as we needed each other, and I can’t thank them enough for being there for us.”
 
Bahe and Kendall both said the family atmosphere within their locker rooms also made a difference. Both groups had veteran leaders who served as mentors for younger players. They promised each other that everyone would work hard towards their championship goals. Along the way, they created lifelong friendships through their time at practices and games.
 
“That shared purpose and togetherness guided us all season and served as constant motivation,” Bahe said. “More than any team I’ve coached at Southwest, this group fully embraced our program identity.”
 
“No matter what I go through, I know I can get through it and I have a support system that will be there for me no matter what, especially my LNS girls basketball community,” Kendall said.

 
Johnson took over North Star’s program in July 2021 and began setting a foundation for the team’s historic run. He said school activities like basketball offer students many tools they can use to improve their futures. He said being involved as a coach has also changed his own outlook on life.
 
“When I first came here, I was pretty transactional. Let’s find ways to win,” Johnson said. “And then with these girls, getting to know them and watching them grow, I became more transformational. Now, it’s like, we’ve figured out how to win in high school, but how can I help you learn to win at the next level? How can I help you learn how to win in life?
 
“What are the skill sets that will help them both on and off the court so they can have a better future? That’s the most important thing.”
 
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Posted on April 15, 2026

Elliott educators inspire future special education teachers at UNL < Updated

Elliott Elementary School staff members inspired future educators with words of encouragement this spring during a trip to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
 
Seven leaders on the school’s special education team visited with more than three dozen UNL students at Barkley Memorial Center. Former Elliott teacher and current UNL lecturer Erin Pfister arranged the event for her class. Elliott special education teachers Becca Volker, Hanna Sherman, Kiran Bahl, Jen Steinheider and Melissa Fenton answered questions alongside school psychologist Brandon Ee and behavior interventionist Caleb Lemon.
 
UNL student Brad Hoffman soaked up valuable information in the Special Education 201: Introduction to Special Education class. He is participating in the Para Pathway to Teaching (PPT) program, which is a partnership between Lincoln Public Schools and UNL. The PPT launched in 2023 to help LPS paraeducators obtain their special education teaching endorsements.
 
Hoffman is currently working as a paraeducator at Mickle Middle School. He said it was motivating to watch Elliott professionals speak about their work.
 
“Listening to the Elliott special education team made me remember why I want to get into the special education field,” Hoffman said. “You could hear their passion when they responded to questions and gave detailed answers.”

 
Pfister taught special education classes at Elliott from 2003-08 and has remained friends with many of her former co-workers. She said the panel was a great opportunity to inform future educators about effective instructional and behavior management techniques.
 
“I brought in the most effective elementary special education team I know to discuss working as a team to meet the needs of students,” Pfister said. “Sometimes my students feel overwhelmed by all of the information they learn about special education, and they often envision themselves being the only person responsible for the student. The Elliott team showed them that they are not alone and that a great team can make all the difference for students with significant needs.”
 
All seven panelists emphasized to the Huskers that special education is not meant to be a solo profession. They said it was important to seek help from and offer encouragement to co-workers throughout the school day. They felt that having a two-way street of support was uplifting for both students and staff.
 
“I think that’s why we go at this with a team approach and a team mindset,” Sherman said. “We don’t want anyone to feel that they’re alone in this.”
 
“It took me a while in my career to figure out how important it was not to try to do it all,” Steinheider said. “That was just a learning curve. I wish I had learned earlier how many resources are available and that it’s okay to ask for help every single day. I didn’t do it as much as I should have earlier, and now I do. It makes a big difference for the kids.”

 
Bahl said that unity-based approach has spread throughout the entire building. She began teaching at LPS in 1996 and has watched the overall special education philosophy change over that time. Instead of keeping special education students in separate sections of their schools, they are now integrated into classrooms, cafeterias and other campus areas.
 
“Now, it’s just this huge collaboration of they’re everyone’s students,” Bahl said. “It makes a difference in the way everything runs.”
 
The Owls said that encompassing approach benefits students in many ways. Teachers can monitor their classroom progress more effectively because they receive information from multiple sources. They also can share data that allows the entire special education team to create detailed plans for each person.
 
Ee said that type of communication has created a large amount of trust at Elliott. Teammates are willing to share their strengths because they believe in everyone’s abilities. Some are more proficient in compiling data spreadsheets, while others are skilled in forming personalized lessons in subjects like math or reading.
 
“Specific to this team, I think we know each other’s roles really well,” Ee said. “I think we have really well-defined roles.”

 
Pfister said that was one of the main reasons why she wanted the Owls to come to UNL.
 
“I reached out because the Elliott team is exceptionally strong in collaboration and flexible service delivery,” Pfister said. “This semester’s class includes many elementary and special education teachers, and I want them to learn from a team that works well together.”
 
Hoffman said he enjoyed learning about instructional practices from the Elliott professionals. He was grateful to listen to them provide their expertise to future teachers like himself.
 
“It is important for current teachers to share their experiences and stories in classrooms like this because it helps the students in the classroom to decide if special education is truly where they belong, or if they feel like they would maybe benefit in a different role,” Hoffman said. “They give us great advice and stories that help us make our decisions and discover the passion that we have for working with students within the special education realm.”
 
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Posted on April 15, 2026

Saratoga, Kloefkorn students bring heroic stories to life with art projects < Updated

Saratoga Elementary School and Kloefkorn Elementary School students came up with heroic ideas this winter when they explored the concept of role models in their art classes.
 
The Stars and Cubs created artwork representing what the theme of “Heroes” means to them. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade began making sculptures, posters, paintings and comic books of their favorite real-life or fictional heroes in January. They developed ideas, established plans of action and found creative solutions to their artistic assignments throughout the third quarter.
 
Fifth graders Lydia and Acacia worked together at one of the tables in Saratoga’s art room. Acacia decorated a Wonder Woman poster with paint, glitter and pencil markings, and Lydia designed clothes to place on a figurine of the famous superhero. Lydia said it was exciting to work on a project about a character she looks up to.
 
“I chose her because she’s a role model for all the girls and women to do whatever they want,” Lydia said.

 
Across the room, Ka’Avontae sketched the outline of a ninja stick man who saves people from disasters. He liked using his imagination to come up with his custom-made superhero.
 
“I’ve mostly liked the drawing and how I get to create it,” Ka’Avontae said. “It’s fun to do.”
 
Shelby Swanson said she has enjoyed watching Stars from all grade levels participate in the project. Swanson leads art classes at both Saratoga and Norwood Park. She said fifth graders are old enough to analyze the who, what, when, where, why and how questions about their heroes.
 
“The best thing is seeing them being creative and reflecting on the whole concept of heroes,” Swanson said. “What makes a hero? Is it a superhero that you see in the movies? Is it someone at home, like a parent or a sibling? This class has come up with some big ideas about that, and it’s really fun to see them take those ideas and run with them.”
 
Kloefkorn fourth graders Kwaku, Coralee, Madison and Desiree explored similar themes with art teacher Audrey Jurek. They said it was fun to realize that everyone they met could become a role model for other people.
 
“I learned that anyone can be a hero,” Kwaku said.
 
“I learned that we all have different stories, and we can all be heroes,” Coralee said.

 
Madison and Desiree both decided to make glitter-covered trophies and medals. Madison placed the word ‘determined’ on her medal and created a first-place trophy to go with it. Desiree engraved the words ‘number one’ and ‘brave’ on her artworks.
 
“First, I thought of superheroes, and then I thought that all superheroes have to be determined to do what’s right,” Madison said. “Everybody deserves a first-place trophy because everybody does something right in their life.”
 
“My trophy has ‘number one’ on it, because everybody can be a first-place winner, and then ‘brave,’ because everybody can be brave,” Desiree said.
 
Jurek updated the heroes unit for LPS art teachers last summer. She said her favorite part of the project is when students present their thoughtful artworks to their classmates, peers and families. Kloefkorn held a schoolwide art show in late March that let the Cubs showcase their ideas to hundreds of people.
 
“It’s super rewarding,” Jurek said. “I get to learn so much about my students.”
 
Jurek said her top educational goal is teaching students about the importance of process over product during the year. Each Cub has the freedom to pick their own artistic designs that fit the overall theme. They then produce personal statements giving details about how and why they developed their plans.
 
“My students in third, fourth and fifth grade, especially, have access to all of the materials in the art room all the time, so they’re coming up with their own project ideas that are connected to the theme,” Jurek said. “The basis for this is student voice and student choice, because their artwork is more meaningful when it’s connected to them and their lives and their interests. It’s also teaching them how to make meaningful art and how to talk about it.”

 
Saratoga students Olivia said she gained several life skills through a similar organizational method. She and her friends Elainna and Kailani made clay artworks of Superman, Superwoman and fellow comic book character Deadpool. They looked up information about their superheroes, found digital logos for each person and shared encouragement at their table.
 
“I learned that you kind of have to work together, or else everything won’t work out,” Olivia said.
 
Lydia and Madison said they also realized how much persistence matters. Lydia spent one class period experimenting with different styles of fabric before settling on her clothes for Wonder Woman. Madison overcame her initial hesitation about putting glitter on her medal before deciding it would make a better product.
 
“I’ve learned that if you do anything, you get better at it,” Lydia said.
 
“Some people are nervous to do things that they believe in, and you just have to go for it sometimes,” Madison said.

 
Swanson and Jurek said they were proud to watch the Stars and Cubs bring artistic heroes to life in their classrooms.
 
“They’ve been really passionate about this, which has been fun for me to see,” Swanson said. “I think it’s been a good project for them to work on.”
 
“Students are doing so much more in art classrooms than people realize,” Jurek said. “Students are capable of so much if given the tools, space and guidance.”
 
Discover how LPS art classes help students achieve their academic and creative goals.
 
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Posted on April 15, 2026

CASNR partnership helps Rockets reach new scientific frontiers

Northeast High School students expanded their arteries of academic knowledge this semester by studying fresh specimens of animal organs.
 
Members of the Medical Terminology course dissected pig hearts during a hands-on activity in their science laboratory. A partnership between Lincoln Public Schools and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) made the experience possible for the Rockets. Pig hearts are valuable to study in medical classes because they are similar in size and function to human hearts.
 
Northeast senior McKinley spent the morning working at one of the science lab tables. She and her lab partners used scalpels and scissors to examine the pericardium, myocardium and ventricles of their hearts. She said it was fun to get a firsthand look at fresh tissue.
 
“I really enjoyed how you got to be hands-on and see inside the heart and get to look at everything inside it,” McKinley said. “You didn’t have to worry about messing anything up or getting anything wrong. You just had freedom to explore and learn.”

At another table, lab partners Lauren and Camden marveled at the details that they found in their organ. They carefully peeled back layers of tissue to inspect blood vessels and cardiac muscles. It was the first time either of them had investigated something as large as a pig heart.
 
“The intricacy of the heart was just really cool to dig into,” Camden said. “It was neat to look at all of the pieces and parts.”
 
“Seeing the different structures and how everything works together to make a functioning system was really fun,” Lauren said. “I liked doing this.”

 
Northeast science teacher Ellen Odson has been guiding LPS students since 2011. She said the pig dissection lesson was a valuable teaching tool for many Rockets. McKinley is planning to work in surgical technology after graduating from college, and Lauren and Camden are both interested in pursuing similar medical careers.
 
“I think it’s good for students who are going into the medical profession to see how well they handle a fresh specimen,” Odson said. “A lot of them have maybe done smaller dissections in middle school, but they haven’t had anything that wasn’t preserved. We got these specimens last week from UNL, so to have something where it can come from the animal to us so soon isn’t something that happens a lot in a high school lab.”
 
Northeast received fresh pig hearts thanks to the expanded partnership between LPS and CASNR. LPS/CASNR Early College and Career Pathways Coordinator Bailey Feit works with LPS curriculum specialists on food, energy, water and societal systems (FEWSS) topics. She then provides CASNR-based lessons that help students at all LPS buildings reach their college, research and career goals.
 
Odson said the agreement has given the Rockets world-class academic opportunities. Feit brought a cow heart from the UNL Animal Science Meat Laboratory to students this past fall, and she secured five pig hearts from the university for this spring’s Medical Terminology class.
 
Pig hearts are the most commonly dissected mammalian hearts. Pig and human hearts both contain four chambers, four valves and an aorta, which makes them ideal for studying the human circulatory system.
 
“Having Bailey be able to communicate and partner with UNL to say, ‘Hey, this is what I have available. What works for you?’ is really, really nice,” Odson said. “We’re not having to rely on finding specimens from other places.”

 
Odson said students were also able to learn more scientific material by working on fresh specimens. Preserved animal organs are embalmed and often have stiff and discolored tissues. Fresh organs offer superior tissue flexibility and showcase accurate colors and textures, which help people learn more about their true nature.
 
“A lot of times, high schools work with preserved specimens,” Odson said. “That would have been an option, but it’s a very different experience for the students.”
 
McKinley felt the advanced dissection would give her a good head start on college. She was happy to discover many noteworthy features as her team worked through the heart’s layers.
 
“There were a lot of surprises,” McKinley said. “Some of the different textures surprised me for sure. The smell was weird, but other than that, it was really fun.”
 
Feit said those reactions are why she likes working with LPS students. She encouraged each group as she watched them uncover medical information in real time.
 
“A lot of them have never been able to touch real tissue and muscle before,” Feit said. “I think a lot of them were surprised by how tough it was to cut open. They might see television shows or YouTube videos of a doctor just slicing right through thick skin, and it looks so easy. For them to have a chance to actually feel that experience is really eye-opening for them.”
 
Odson said she believes the CASNR partnership will convince even more Northeast students to consider enrolling in future science courses.
 
“It’s a selling point for us,” Odson said. “There aren’t a lot of other classes that get to do hands-on things like this with fresh animal specimens.”

Explore more ways that LPS science classes equip students with vital skills and information.
 
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Posted on April 13, 2026

Extra Mile Walk – Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

Go the extra mile – help combat food insecurity by supporting the Food Bank of Lincoln’s BackPack program. Lincoln Public Schools and the Food Bank of Lincoln invite you to help raise money for the program during the 18th annual Extra Mile Walk.

Join us for the Extra Mile Walk

Saturday, April 25, 2026, 9:30 a.m.
UBT Stadium at Northwest High School (1111 NW 48th St.)
This year, join us for family-friendly music, games, LPS mascots and food trucks.
Please be sure to wear tennis shoes and leave your furry friends at home!

Visit the Food Bank of Lincoln’s website for details about the 2026 Extra Mile Walk.

Donate now

There are two ways you can help:

• Make an online donation.
• Contact your school or LPS department captain to give via cash or check. 

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Posted on April 13, 2026

From the Ground Up: How Cade shaped collaborative culture at Northwest

Northwest High School senior Cade has used a healthy blend of intelligence, involvement and encouragement to become a role model for every Falcon on campus.
 
Cade’s humble and hardworking personality has helped him earn respect and admiration from hundreds of his peers. He has won state awards for his technical expertise in theater productions, qualified for the state tennis meet and is an active member of National Honor Society. He has also gained a head start on his future medical career in the Bryan College of Health Sciences Focus Program.

 
Cade began his Lincoln Public Schools career at Kooser Elementary School and Schoo Middle School. He chose to enroll at Northwest because he wanted to help build a solid foundation for future Falcons. The Class of 2026 is the first group of students to attend Northwest all four years of high school.
 
“I’m not in the Northwest district, but I decided to opt in here because I thought it was cool to start at a new school and be able to start it from the ground up,” Cade said. “I really like it here. I feel like this school is really collaborative. We can all work together very well.”
 
Northwest Principal Cedric Cooper said he has been impressed with Cade’s commitment to making everyone’s lives better. He has taken multiple upper-level courses in subjects like math and science, overcome health issues and held leadership positions in his activities. He is also quick to offer uplifting reassurance to classmates and friends.
 
“His perseverance, involvement and positive attitude make him a deserving candidate for recognition,” Cooper said. “Cade is not just a remarkable student. He inspires his peers to strive for excellence.”

 
Northwest Associate Principal Heather Steiner first met Cade when she was teaching math classes at Schoo. She watched him use his mathematical abilities to become a mentor for many Skyhawks. She said that willingness to put others before himself has allowed him to influence the same number of Falcons.
 
“It’s been fun watching him grow and becoming a young man and taking off on his journey,” Steiner said. “It’s been really cool. I had a former colleague of mine talk to me once about value hunters, and kids who seek to put value in other people’s lives. That’s Cade.”

 
The Bryan College of Health Sciences Focus Program is one place Cade has influenced others. The focus program is embedded in Northwest’s building and includes a comprehensive list of health care-based classes. Cade has applied for collegiate pre-medical programs and plans to become a neurologist.
 
“I’ve always wanted to go into health care,” Cade said. “I didn’t always know exactly what I wanted to do, but I feel like the focus program has helped me see all of the different sides of health care and what it means to be a provider. It’s really nice.”
 
Cade has extended his classroom work ethic beyond the focus program. He is a Nebraska School Activities Association Academic All-State Award recipient and has been a mainstay on Northwest’s Honor Roll. He has taken differentiated and Advanced Placement courses in a variety of subjects, which helped him meet people with many interests and pursuits.
 
“I think if we would look back at his classes, we’d see that he doesn’t take easy classes,” Steiner said. “He’s always taking some of the diff and AP courses and the dual credit courses. He pushes himself to try new things.”

 
Cade has also been a key member of the school’s theater productions. His contributions come in the auditorium’s control room, which gives him a bird’s-eye view of the entire stage and seating area. He ensures everyone enjoys Northwest’s one-act plays and spring musicals by adjusting microphones' volume and tone and overseeing sound effects.
 
State theater leaders have noticed Cade’s technical expertise. He earned a Class A Outstanding Technical Crew Member Award for his state play production work this past fall. He also helped Northwest win Class A Outstanding Technical Crew honors at the past two state contests.
 
Steiner said Cade’s ability to gather and process information has benefited the entire school. He has been involved in groups that have proposed ideas for events like Homecoming, pep rallies and focus program outreach sessions.
 
“He’s great at providing input and suggestions of things to think about,” Steiner said. “What can we do next, or is there something we can improve? He can provide insights into ways that we can help all of our students.”
 
Cade said he has enjoyed creating lifelong connections at Northwest. Librarians, teachers and students all gave warm smiles to him as he walked through the building one afternoon, which showcased his talent for making friends.
 
“It’s nice being in a smaller school, because I do see a lot of the same people in the hallways and classrooms and in activities outside of school,” Cade said. “I think it helps create stronger bonds.”

 
Steiner said she believes Cade has many bright moments waiting for him after graduation. She felt he would continue to be a healthy role model for others in college, medical school and beyond.
 
“He’s going to do fantastic,” Steiner said. “He’s a hard worker. He takes any challenge in stride and pushes through. He’s going to do an amazing job in his future.”
 
Are you the proud family of a graduating LPS senior? Find everything you need to prepare for the big day, including ceremony dates, times and venue locations. View the 2026 Graduation Schedule and Details.
 
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Posted on April 13, 2026

Colin takes command of his future through AFJROTC

Northeast High School senior Colin fuels his passion for aerospace science in a high-flying focus program on campus.
 
Colin uses his organizational and management skills to become a leader in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) program. He traveled to Offutt Air Force Base, helped with community service projects and guided fellow cadets through their fall marching drill performances. He is currently restructuring the internal awards and decorations system used by the Lincoln Public Schools AFJROTC unit.
 
Colin said he is thankful for his involvement with AFJROTC. He said the program has been responsible for a large amount of personal growth over the past four years – leading to many life-changing opportunities.
 
“There’s been a lot of leadership development and a lot of character development,” Colin said. “It’s given me a chance to learn about myself a lot more and learn the standard of what to do and what not to do. With ROTC you kind of represent everybody, so if you act up, it goes on everybody else, too, so it teaches you to take accountability for your actions.”

 
Retired Master Sergeant Justin Twilley said he has been impressed with Colin’s emergence as a mentor to many fellow cadets. He is serving as a teaching assistant this semester and has encouraged other students with their classroom and community responsibilities.
 
“Colin has had some of the most rapid development of his leadership skills and his focus towards management of programs that I’ve seen,” Twilley said. “He is motivated and willing to excel, and he continuously looks for new ways to do so.”
 
Colin is part of a focus program that strives to develop citizens of character through an array of activities. Students complete aerospace science classes, perform color guard duties at LPS events and go on field trips across eastern Nebraska. They also take part in drill team, archery and physical fitness competitions, donate time to community service initiatives and learn personal skills such as teamwork and responsibility.
 
Colin joined the AFJROTC unit in 2022 because he was interested in an Air Force career. Focus program graduates also enroll in colleges and universities, attend trade schools and enter the workforce after they leave LPS.
 
Colin said he has enjoyed meeting fellow cadets in classes and activities. Twilley teaches aerospace science courses at Northeast High School, but students from all eight LPS high schools are enrolled in the program.
 
“A lot of my friends are from ROTC,” Colin said. “The people here are really nice, and the sergeants that we’ve had throughout the years have been good too. I’ve gotten a lot out of being here in the program.”

 
Colin said one of his favorite experiences came last year when he was selected to travel to Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue. He and several other cadets were invited to climb aboard a KC-135 aircraft as it prepared for a refueling mission. They watched with wonderment as the pilot directed the airplane off the runway, provided fuel to another aircraft and returned safely to the base during the one-hour trip.
 
“If I hadn’t joined ROTC, I never would have been on one of those,” Colin said. “It was pretty cool. It was my first time being on a plane ever, so to have my first time on a plane get to be on a military plane was really neat.”
 
Twilley, a 20-year Air Force veteran, has watched Colin perform equally well in the academic environment. Twilley told the cadets one morning that they would have 30 seconds to prepare an impromptu speech on a subject chosen by their classmates. When Colin learned he would be tasked with talking about bugs, he gathered his thoughts and presented information about a variety of insects at the front of the room.
 
Colin is now using those analytical abilities as part of a major project. The LPS unit sponsors an awards and decorations program that is designed to foster morale and recognize student achievements. Cadets can receive ribbons, medals, certificates and scholarships for their efforts throughout their AFJROTC tenure. Unit leaders acknowledge them for academic, leadership and community service accomplishments.

 
Twilley asked Colin this past fall to begin restructuring the local unit’s recognition system. Even though the project did not have to begin until the spring semester, Twilley noticed Colin working on the initial research well in advance of that starting date.
 
“He is one of my finest cadets,” Twilley said.
 
Colin said he would encourage other LPS students to consider joining AFJROTC. He was part of a welcoming crew of cadets who recently visited with eighth graders at Northeast. They shared their experiences as part of an outreach effort for the high-flying focus program.
 
“I would tell anybody to apply, because it’s worth it,” Colin said. “If they join and then decide not to continue, that’s fine, but if they want to stick through it, see where it takes you. There are a lot of opportunities that you’re never going to get in other programs if you’re not in ROTC.”
 
Interested in following Colin’s lead in the AFJROTC arena? Discover how to soar with our AFJROTC program today.
 
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Posted on April 10, 2026

Celebrate Clinton Elementary’s 100th Anniversary – April 10, 2026

Clinton Elementary School is hitting the century mark and hosting a stellar celebration of its rich history. 

Lincoln Public Schools invites staff, students, alumni and community members to an open house on Friday, April 10, at 4:30 p.m. to commemorate the Comets’ special milestone.

The event will be hosted at Clinton, located at 1520 N. 29th St. 

The celebration will include tours, refreshments and an opportunity to snag some Comet swag.

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Posted on April 07, 2026

TeamMates of the Month: Seth and Brayden

Many things lead Seth to describe his mentee, Brayden, as committed. One of them is his willingness to go all in with whatever he does.

“From sixth grade to now, he’s had about 14 different hobbies. But I feel like every time he finds one, he dives headfirst into it, and he commits to what he’s doing. It was all sports in middle school. Now he’s doing photography for all the basketball games and all of the athletic events here at the school.”

Brayden says that Seth’s willingness to travel alongside during these changes shows how supportive he is.

“I think it goes two ways. I mean, he was supportive on all 14 of my hobbies.”

Seth describes meeting a middle school Brayden who was timid, but now has what he calls the “typical orneriness of a high school boy.” What does he mean by orneriness?

“It's playing jokes. It's respectable banter here at school. I can watch him go back and forth with the staff here.” 

For Seth, who grew up in a small town where everyone knows everyone, Southwest High School seemed big enough for a kid to get lost in the crowd. He didn’t want that to happen to Brayden.

“I think that was a perk for him in the TeamMates program; it helped him develop those relationships with the school staff. We’d check into the office and check out in the office so they knew us by name.”

That orneriness is also about learning the edge of the boundaries between getting into trouble or staying out of it. Brayden is clear-eyed about that.

“I want to know. Where’s that line? You might need to get shocked by the electrical fence here and there, but that lets you know where it is.”

And Seth kept showing up, every Friday since middle school, to meet and often to shoot hoops. That’s what made Zoom mentoring during the pandemic so hard – no basketball. For Brayden, the basketball was key.

“I think the basketball side of things really helped. We were focused on shooting, but then it got to a point where I was so comfortable that I would be talking about my problems without even realizing, because we were just playing basketball.”

After graduation, Brayden will attend Southeast Community College in Milford to study auto body, something he didn’t want to tell Seth unless he got accepted. He’s excited and so is Seth.

Posted on April 07, 2026

LPS students secure medals at state speech, debate tournaments

Lincoln Public Schools students heard their names called early and often during awards ceremonies at the 2026 state speech and debate tournaments.
 
Competitors from East, Lincoln High, North Star, Southeast and Southwest returned home from their state events with medals. They squared off against fellow contestants in both individual and group categories.
 
Southeast head debate coach Steven Dosskey said the activities gave participants many academic and prosocial benefits. They learned about teamwork, critical thinking, work ethic and organization during their time in front of judges.
 
“As a coach, I continue to see the immense value of helping students learn how to analyze the world around them with objectivity, thoughtfulness and discernment,” Dosskey said.
 
East High School
 
East clinched the program’s fourth straight Class A state speech championship with a balanced scoring approach. The Spartans won medals in all ten events and finished the day with 312 team points.
 
Claire Rooney, Zach Johannes, Nolan Caldwell, Belinda Qiao and Gavin Foust guided the squad with state championship performances. Ethan Phan, Charlie Sanchez-Masi, Amelia Shupbach, Cora Thompson, Wade Combs, Andrea Hu, Juho Kim, Cooper Doell, Sawyer Shaner and Sloane Donahoo also netted medals for the Spartans.

 
Rooney and Johannes led East with a pair of gold medals. The two Spartans teamed up to win the Duo Interpretation contest, and Johannes added a title in the Oral Interpretation of Serious Prose category. Rooney soared to the top of the Oral Interpretation of Poetry standings, and she added a second-place medal in the Informative Speaking contest.
 
Rooney said she gained lifelong memories from performing alongside Johannes this season. She said their friendship helped them finish in first place.
 
“The best part about Zach and I’s duo is that we are best friends,” Rooney said. “We move seamlessly together and have incredible chemistry while performing because we simply love being together. We were able to practice so much because it didn’t feel like a chore. It simply felt like I was hanging out with my friend and creating art together.”
 
Rooney said she had fun spending time with all of the Spartans. She said the group’s dedication had made a deep impression on her.
 
“One of the biggest things I’ve learned from our speech team is what true work ethic is,” Rooney said. “Our team is in the basement every day after school until about 6 p.m. practicing. Whether it be peer coaching or working with our actual coaches, we are always doing something to better our speeches.”
 
Members of East’s debate squad used the same strategy to achieve state success. The Spartans placed second in team standings and had medalists in all four events.
 
Arnav Agarwal and Ronav Ganesh won a state title in the Public Forum Debate contest, and Brad Bobaru and Lucas Neamu pocketed second place in the same category. Cora Jones also vaulted East up the leaderboard with a third-place medal in Congressional Debate.
 
Head debate coach John Holen said he was proud of what the Spartans accomplished. Juniors and seniors comprised only 25 percent of this year’s roster, which gave younger students opportunities to step into key debate roles.
 
“It has been fun seeing them develop into more confident advocates and scholars throughout the year,” Holen said.

 
Holen said he watched students become more effective writers, researchers and critical thinkers in their debates. He said the activity also taught them how to disagree while still respecting the other person’s point of view.
 
“We have students with families from around a dozen different countries, a variety of religious backgrounds and a broad spectrum of political beliefs,” Holen said. “Despite this diversity of views and experiences, we are able to find common ground as we work together as a team towards a shared goal.”
 
Lincoln High School
 
Mahshid Farahmand etched her name in Lincoln High’s history books with her second straight state speech medal. Farahmand earned third place in the Oral Interpretation of Serious Prose contest. She became Lincoln High’s first state medalist since 2017 last year when she pocketed sixth place in the same category.
 
Farahmand said she likes participating in speech because of the connections she can build on stage.
 
“Regarding the personal aspects of speech, I enjoy acting in general,” Farahmand said. “I love expressing my feelings and getting to see my audience’s reactions as they follow the story that I share. Any emotion that I get from my audience fuels my performance and motivates me to perform even better.”

 
Lincoln High head speech coach C Meier-Bates said Farahmand’s work ethic, dedication and focus have helped her reach many goals.
 
“She is one of the hardest working individuals I’ve had the pleasure of coaching, and it shows in the incredible amount of success she’s had in just two years,” Meier-Bates said. “This is Mahshid’s second consecutive year in Serious Prose finals at state, which is a huge achievement for anyone, let alone an underclassman. I cannot overstate how competitive high school speech is in Nebraska, so to have her recognized as one of the top three competitors in her sophomore year is amazing.”
 
Farahmand said she has learned about confidence, leadership and sportsmanship from her speech schedule. She said those traits have paid off in other school pursuits.
 
“Being a busy person with many activities and doing speech as one of my main passions, it has taught me important skills such as time management and active communication,” Farahmand said. “Doing many sports, being a student in the International Baccalaureate program and doing speech at the same time is an intense amount of commitment which requires these skills that I have gained.”
 
North Star High School
 
Mabruke Mumade secured the second state medal of her speech career with a sixth-place award in the Persuasive Speaking contest. She earned fifth place in the same event in 2024.
 
North Star head speech coach Alison Finn-Couch said Mumade’s leadership and poise have made her a role model for many people across Nebraska.
 
“She is the kind of young woman who is easy to root for and be proud of because she embodies grace, dedication and curiosity,” Finn-Couch said. “Other teams’ coaches and parents have said that they love her because of how she holds herself in rounds and how kind she is to her competitors. Her placing in persuasive finals is wonderful and we are proud of her for that achievement, but we are more proud of how she carries herself as a young woman.”

Mumade said speech taught her many life skills throughout her career. She said the main lesson for this season was learning that there is always room for improvement.

“A few weeks before districts, I finally made the decision to rewrite my oratory despite my worries of having to start over, and it ended up all working out in the end!” Mumade said. “This lesson will continue to serve its purpose in all areas in my life, reminding me to always strive to do better.”

 
Finn-Couch said the 2025-26 season featured the largest team roster in recent memory. The squad also celebrated a record number of attendees at practices, top novices at meets and individuals who qualified for finals.
 
“More importantly, we had the most supportive group of people who are more excited for each other’s success than their own,” Finn-Couch said. “Each student came to practice eager for feedback and how to grow as a speaker.”
 
Southeast High School
 
Elise and Marin Weisser highlighted Southeast’s debate tournament with gold and silver medals in the Congressional Debate contest. Elise won the state championship and Marin earned second place in the category.
 
Both sisters said they enjoyed being teammates this year. They felt their experiences prepared them well for life after high school.
 
“Debate has taught me so many life skills and has helped me grow a lot as a person,” Marin said. “I have struggled with anxiety around public speaking and confidence surrounding that pretty much my whole life, and while I still have those feelings from time to time, debate has allowed me to grow my self-confidence in my skills. On top of that, I think my ability to communicate with others effectively has been a really important skill that I have gained.”
 
“I feel as though I have learned many life skills from debate over the last few years, but especially this past season,” Elise said. “I was lucky enough to step into the team captain role, which helped me advance my leadership and teamwork skills. Overall, debate has given me so much confidence and knowledge and has really helped me find out who I am.”

 
Dosskey said he was proud to watch the sisters excel at state. He said it was a priceless memory to watch their faces when they realized they would receive first and second place.
 
“Elise and Marin have not only been incredibly diligent and determined in their improvement as debaters, they’ve also done a tremendous job of helping create an encouraging and inclusive culture within our team that makes waves far beyond their own performance,” Dosskey said. “They’ve helped create a rising tide that has certainly lifted all boats across our team.”
 
Sydney Kjeldgaard paced Southeast’s speech squad with a fifth-place medal in Informative Speaking. She said it was fun to present material to audiences on the topic of trauma bonding.
 
“I loved taking something complex and making it feel clear and relatable,” Kjeldgaard said. “Performing it meant a lot to me because it felt like more than just giving a speech. It felt like helping people understand something they might not have had words for before.”

 
Kjeldgaard and Elise both said they were grateful for their time in their speech and debate activities.
 
“Speech has taught me how to be confident in my voice, even when I’m nervous,” Kjeldgaard said. “It’s helped me think on my feet, connect with people and trust myself in high-pressure moments.”
 
“Debate has led me to make many connections and I’ll be forever thankful for everyone I’ve met,” Elise said. “Some of my closest friends have come from the Nebraska debate community, so it was amazing to compete with all of them for one of the last times.”
 
Southwest High School
 
Southwest used medal-winning performances from six speech students to finish fourth in team standings. Grant Johnson and Audrey Haugen each won two state medals, and Claire Timperley, Cayson Witt, Danielle Ibe-Ikechi and Lyra Walsch each captured one medal.
 
Johnson guided the squad with a second-place finish in the Oral Interpretation of Serious Prose category. He also teamed up with Haugen, Witte, Ibe-Ikechi and Walsch in the Oral Interpretation of Drama contest.
 
Southwest tied with Southeast for third place at state debate. Addison Watchorn (eighth place) and Ean Munn (ninth) each finished in the top ten of the Congressional Debate contest.

2026 Class A State Speech Team Results

Lincoln East 312, Millard North 214, Millard West 58, Lincoln Southwest 54, Omaha Marian 36, North Platte 36, Bellevue West 36, Gretna East 34, Norris 28, Kearney 22, Papillion-La Vista South 20, Lincoln High 16, Lincoln Southeast 12, Omaha Creighton Prep 12, Lincoln North Star 10

East High School Results

Duo Interpretation: Claire Rooney, Zach Johannes (1st), Cora Thompson, Wade Combs (4th)
Entertainment Speaking: Nolan Caldwell (1st), Gavin Foust (2nd)
Extemporaneous Speaking: Charlie Sanchez-Masi (2nd), Belinda Qiao (3rd)
Informative Speaking: Belinda Qiao (1st), Claire Rooney (2nd)
Oral Interpretation of Drama: Cooper Doell, Cora Thompson, Sawyer Shaner, Sloane Donahoo, Wade Combs (3rd); Amelia Shupbach, Andrea Hu, Ethan Phan, Juho Kim (6th)
Oral Interpretation of Humorous Prose: Amelia Shupbach (3rd)
Oral Interpretation of Poetry: Claire Rooney (1st), Charlie Sanchez-Masi (4th)
Oral Interpretation of Serious Prose: Zach Johannes (1st)
Persuasive Speaking: Charlie Sanchez-Masi (2nd), Belinda Qiao (3rd)
Program Oral Interpretation: Gavin Foust (1st), Ethan Phan (2nd)

Lincoln High Results

Oral Interpretation of Serious Prose: Mahshid Farahmand (3rd)

North Star High School Results

Persuasive Speaking: Mabruka Mumade (6th)

Southeast High School Results

Informative Speaking: Sydney Kjeldgaard (5th)

Southwest High School Results

Oral Interpretation of Drama: Audrey Haugen, Cayson Witt, Danielle Ibe-Ikechi, Grant Johnson, Cayson Witt, Lyra Walsch (4th)
Oral Interpretation of Serious Prose: Grant Johnson (2nd), Audrey Haugen (6th)
Persuasive Speaking: Claire Timperley (5th)

2026 Class B State Speech Team Results

York 278, Omaha Skutt 144, Wayne 102, Gering 98, Plattsmouth 42, Minden 40, Auburn 28, Aurora 28, Schuyler 24, Sidney 18, DC West 12, Broken Bow 12, Holdrege 12, Elkhorn 12, Central City 10, Columbus Lakeview 10, Scottsbluff 10, Alliance 10, Platteview 10

2026 State Debate Team Results

1) Millard North, 2) Lincoln East, T3) Lincoln Southeast, Lincoln Southwest, 5) Lincoln High

East High School Results

Policy Debate: James Yu, Emery Jobst (semifinalists), Arav Kaushai, Jackson Littrell (semifinalists)
Public Forum Debate: Arnav Agarwal, Ronav Ganesh (1st), Brad Bobaru, Lucas Neamu (2nd), Sukruth Jangala, Shriish Sathish (quarterfinalists), Erin Suh, Josh Ng (quarterfinalists)
Lincoln-Douglas Debate: Jason Granquist (octofinalist)
Congressional Debate: Cora Jones (3rd), Jackson Lynch (14th), Ella Recker (16th), Tristan Saathoff-Salas (18th)

Lincoln High Results

Lincoln-Douglas Debate: Henry Skretta (quarterfinalist)

Southeast High School Results

Lincoln-Douglas Debate: Baran Safa (octofinalist)
Congressional Debate: Elise Weisser (1st), Marin Weisser (2nd), Braxton Weibke (10th)

Southwest High School Results

Public Forum Debate: Mayu Kadiri, Hussein Keshk (semifinalists), Catie Paulk, Madyson DiDomenicis (quarterfinalists)
Lincoln-Douglas Debate: Jase Williams (quarterfinalist), Weili Wang (quarterfinalist)
Congressional Debate: Addison Watchorn (8th), Ean Munn (9th)
 
Learn how activities like speech and debate can offer many life skills for LPS students. See more on our Get Involved page. 
 
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Posted on April 06, 2026

LPS students earn coveted world language awards

State officials rewarded Lincoln Public Schools students for their hard work in world language subjects with top-tier recognition this spring.
 
Nebraska Department of Education leaders recognized students from across the state with the Distinguished World Language Scholar Award and Student Language Spotlight Award. Fourteen pupils earned 2026 awards for their work in LPS classrooms. They received their honors during the 2026 Nebraska World Language Week celebration.

Averie Andersen said all Nebraska students can benefit from becoming proficient in other languages. She earned the award in 2025 for her talents in Spanish. She felt this year’s group of recipients would profit in many ways from their efforts.

“I believe learning a world language is crucial for connecting cultures, opening opportunities to form new relationships and gaining knowledge about how the world works,” Andersen said.
 
Teachers nominated students for the Distinguished World Language Scholar Award for their outstanding leadership in language learning. Recipients also demonstrated strong communicative skills, a sustained commitment to language study and an appreciation for world cultures.
 
Student Language Spotlight Award recipients demonstrated evidence of exceptional learning in their world language classrooms. The award celebrates a high level of language proficiency and cultural understanding. Students could receive prizes in artwork, craft, writing, project, audio recording and grammar quiz categories.
 
A committee of experienced world language professionals evaluated submissions for this year’s awards. Students relied on the LPS world language curriculum to achieve their goals. The LPS curriculum includes world language competency-based credits, proficiency targets for each semester of instruction and grading guidelines for speaking, listening, writing and reading.
 
The following students earned 2026 awards. They are listed with their names, award categories, LPS buildings and LPS world language teachers. The list includes students whose families have provided permission for the NDE to release their names and LPS to release their names and photos.

2026 LPS Student Language Spotlight Award Recipients

Chinese Language Learning

Isaac Jaberian Doraji: Writing, Level 1, North Star High School, Chun-Yi Coral Su
Merilyn Ho: Writing, Level 3, North Star High School, Chun-Yi Coral Su
Suzy Hanley: Writing, Level 4, North Star High School, Chun-Yi Coral Su
Uyen Nguyen: Writing, Level 2, North Star High School, Chun-Yi Coral Su

German Language Learning

Eleanor Erickson: Writing, Level 4, Lincoln High, Marissa Wanamaker
Velma Haffey: Project, Level 1, Lincoln High, Marissa Wanamaker
Verity Wegener: Audio Recording, Level 5+, Lincoln High, Marissa Wanamaker

2026 LPS Distinguished World Language Scholar Award – High Honor

Arabic Language Learning

Alaam Ahmed: Arabic Intermediate Mid (Heritage Level 3), Northeast High School, Nael Hijjo
Sajjad Al-Far’Ani: Arabic Intermediate Low (Heritage Level 2), Northeast High School, Nael Hijjo
Wajiha Alhussein: Arabic Intermediate High (Heritage Level 4), Culler Middle School, Nael Hijjo

Chinese Language Learning

Anh Bui: Chinese Novice (Level 1 and 2), North Star High School, Chun-Yi Coral Su

Spanish Language Learning

Ruihan Jiang: Spanish Intermediate Low (Level 3 and 4), Northwest High School, Danielle Fulcher

2026 Distinguished World Language Scholar Award – Honor

Chinese Language Learning

Abby Pham: Chinese Novice (Level 1 and 2), North Star High School, Chun-Yi Coral Su

French Language Learning

Manyiel Manyiel: French Novice (Level 1 and 2), Northwest High School, Jorge Ortega Roman

Discover how LPS students benefit from their world language classes.
 
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Posted on April 06, 2026

LPS students collect verbal victories at German State Convention

Irving Middle School students enjoyed world-sized language experiences this spring during an informative trip to Omaha.
 
Multiple Aardvarks traveled to the University of Nebraska-Omaha for the annual UNO World Language Celebration. The UNO Department of World Languages and Literature hosted the event, which attracted hundreds of students to campus. They took part in a full day of academic-based activities.
 
Irving eighth grader Juan said he was happy to attend with others from his German class. In addition to meeting fellow world language enthusiasts from across the state, they also gained wisdom from older Lincoln Public Schools role models. They rode a bus to Omaha with German students from Southeast High School and Lincoln High.
 
“I enjoyed that we were able to go somewhere fun and meet new people, hang out and talk about what we were doing,” Juan said.
 
The German State Convention celebrates the work of world language students of all experience levels each year. This spring marked the 50th anniversary of the event. It was also the first time that the Nebraska Association of Teachers of German (NATG) held the German State Convention in conjunction with the UNO fair.
 
The 2026 convention gave students a chance to showcase their knowledge of German culture and customs in many competitive activities. Some of the categories on this year’s schedule included instrumental and vocal music, artwork, poetry, directed dialogue and poster design.
 
LPS teacher Kelleen Rosebaugh said her students have benefited from the individual and group contests. She leads German classes for eighth graders at Irving and high schoolers at Southeast. German is also included in the World Language Exploration curriculum for sixth and seventh grades. Students explore German for five to eight days as part of the unit, which features additional daily sessions of other languages taught in LPS buildings.
 
“German State Convention is currently the only language fair that allows middle schoolers to attend,” Rosebaugh said. “I’d like more people to know and encourage the middle schoolers to compete. Getting them engaged early increases their participation in future years and how long they stay in the language program.”
 
Several Aardvarks took part in this year’s poster contest. Convention leaders asked them to incorporate the theme of “Time Travel: Significant Events in World History” in their designs. Judges evaluated the accuracy and depth of information on their poster and whether they used proper German grammar and spelling. They also gave points to students for making an appealing layout.
 
“The poster theme was history, particularly in the last 50 years, and that was a wide-open topic,” Rosebaugh said. “Several students adore soccer, and being able to combine their interest in soccer and German was enjoyable for them.”
 
Juan and fellow eighth grader Porter teamed up for the contest. They focused on the popular soccer club Bayern Munchen for their entry. The team was founded in 1900 and has been one of the most successful members of the German national league Bundesliga.

 
Juan said he and Porter were interested in exploring the impact Bayern Munchen has made on German culture. The team has won more than two dozen Bundesliga championships and has pocketed several trophies in the Union of European Football Associations Champions League. The club’s home stadium attracts 75,000 fans for each Bundesliga match.
 
“Porter and I made a poster about Bayern Munchen because we really like the soccer team,” Juan said. “We think that they are part of soccer history because of all their records and also because of all their amazing moments and amazing players.”
 
Judges gave medallions to champions of individual events and ribbons to first-place winners of group contests. They also presented ribbons for second and third place in all categories. Professors, university students and teachers whose students were not competing in an event served as judges throughout the day.
 
The German State Convention is one of many activities that the NATG sponsors each year. Students celebrate National German Week each October, participate in field trips and have the chance to take the National German Exam. Multiple LPS students earned either gold or silver medals on the 2025 test.
 
Rosebaugh said the German State Convention fits well into the 2024-29 LPS Strategic Plan’s goal of increasing family and community engagement. LPS students have attended the event for more than a decade because of its academic and prosocial benefits. Their experiences have fostered connections with classmates that have lasted throughout their middle and high school years.
 
“Having an opportunity to compete is helpful in building lifelong learners of German,” Rosebaugh said. “Having fun opportunities and meeting other students who speak German increases students’ likelihood to continue learning German in their school career. The UNO Language Celebration also showcases community outreach and study-abroad college programs that students could get involved in after they finish in LPS.”
 
Discover how world language classes can create global opportunities for LPS students.
 
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Posted on April 01, 2026

Scott students profit academically from Life Skills business

Scott Middle School students are making profits in the friendship business this year by supplying smiles and snacks throughout the building.
 
Members of Scott’s Life Skills class are accumulating business knowledge through their Wish Upon a Snack trips. Staff members purchase candy bars and other snack items from them each week, and students distribute the food to classrooms or offices every Friday afternoon. The group’s goal is to raise enough money to have either a pizza or ice cream party at the end of the year.
 
Seventh grader Kahleya spent one winter day recording each delivery as her team rolled a cart up to the main office. She used a pencil to mark down that fellow Stars had brought food to several staff members. Her careful accounting techniques ensured that everyone would receive their correct purchases in a timely fashion.
 
“I think we’re learning a lot,” Kahleya said. “I’ve been learning a lot of work stuff in school.”

 
Business partner Larena smiled as she talked with Life Skills teacher Tiffany Wiley after her group had transported a full cart of bagged items to classrooms. She and other students wore teal-colored aprons as they moved their special cargo down a hallway in one wing of the building.
 
“I’m just having fun right now,” Larena said. “I can talk to people who are nice. I like talking to people and I’m having fun with her.”
 
Wiley helped students start the business after she began leading classes at Scott two years ago. She and other Life Skills teachers provide students with board game money that they can use to buy real items on “pay day,” which lands on the first school day of every month. She has watched Kahleya, Larena and other Stars gain confidence and self-esteem in addition to valuable communication and organizational skills.
 
“The kids really enjoy it, and I enjoy getting to see them learn and grow from this,” Wiley said. “They interact with other people in the building that they wouldn’t normally get to.”
 
Wiley said the inspiration for Wish Upon a Snack came from Kolbi Stahl, who taught with Wiley when both worked at North Star High School. Students in Stahl’s Work Skills class conducted research, sent surveys to staff members and presented a detailed business plan to North Star administrators for their own snack cart endeavor.
 
Wiley took over supervision of North Star’s project when Stahl moved out of state. She asked Scott administrators if she could create a similar enterprise for her new Life Skills students, and the plan was approved when the 2024-25 school year began.
 
Kahleya, Chris, Kenji and Fae were part of a team that developed Wish Upon a Snack in the first quarter of 2024-25. They conducted price-comparison research to determine which local store to buy snack products from and asked staff members which snack options they would be interested in purchasing. They also voted on their favorite business name, logo and apron color, created advertisements for staff to watch and made name tags to wear on business trips.
 
Fourteen Stars had the opportunity to continue operating the venture in the 2025-26 school year. They spend time on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of each week working on their assigned jobs.

 
Students “clock in” on their Chromebooks at the beginning of each class period, and they fill out receipts, organize snack bags and write thank-you notes to staff members on Wednesdays. They fill the bags with food and thank-you messages each Thursday, and they transport supplies to Scott staff members every Friday. On delivery days, the Stars are given specific jobs such as pushing the cart, managing an accounting clipboard and storing money in a wallet.
 
“Delivering snacks helps students build social skills and money skills,” Wiley said. “Upon finishing their jobs at the end of each class period, students ‘clock out’ on their Chromebooks and get paid with fake money. Students have the opportunity to earn up to $5 a day, depending on their effort and participation.”
 
Larena said Wish Upon a Snack has given her more confidence in math topics like addition and subtraction. She said Wiley’s kind personality has made it easier to count dollar amounts and work with inventory sheets.
 
“The teacher has helped me to learn math,” Larena said. “I’m learning about math problems.”
 
Kahleya said she has formed many new friendships with school leaders. She remembers their names and says hi to them in the hallways each week. She was especially happy after walking up to the office one week.
 
“It was kind of fun, because we’ve been delivering snacks,” Kahleya said.

 
Wiley said she was proud of the entire Wish Upon a Snack team for expanding the business at Scott. She felt their investments of time, energy and attention would help them continue to experience friendly profits in the future.
 
“They do a great job,” Wiley said. “I really enjoy watching them succeed.”
 
Discover how LPS is providing services to improve educational outcomes for all students.
 
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Posted on April 01, 2026

World drumming class, after-school ensemble help LPS students pick up academic rhythms

Lincoln Public Schools students are swaying to the beat of intercontinental rhythms this year thanks to several world-class drumming opportunities.
 
They are filling Lincoln High with West African beats in the World Music Drumming class and the West African Music Ensemble. More than 20 Links are learning percussion-based songs during the school day as part of the LHS music curriculum. They have studied global traditions and customs, examined relationships between musical parts and performed at LHS pep rallies.

 
The West African Music Ensemble is open to students in grades 9-12 from all eight LPS high schools. The after-school group began meeting in January 2025 and currently practices every Thursday afternoon at Lincoln High. Students who are interested in joining can reach out to LHS music teacher Jill Oetken.
 
Lincoln High students Tryston and Jayson said they have enjoyed spending time in both the class and club. Oetken has used her global connections to acquire wood-carved instruments from Ghana for everyone to use. She has also passed along insights about the important role music plays in West African communities.
 
“I’ve always had an appreciation for other cultures, but this has given me more appreciation for the music in other cultures,” Tryston said. “I’ve started listening to music from other countries more, which has been really good.”
 
“When I first came in here, I didn’t know anything about this music,” Jayson said. “I didn’t know it was a culture until Miss O taught me. I think it’s pretty cool to learn a new culture, and if you can learn the new culture and learn new stuff about it, you can tell people about it. I think it’s pretty awesome.”
 
Fellow students Kyli and Jace both started their world drumming experiences this year. They said they have had fun meeting new people and discovering handmade instruments like kpanlogos (drums), gyils (xylophones), adawura/toke (bells) and shekere (rattles).
 
“I’ve learned how different music is from each continent and culture,” Kyli said. “It’s been really good.”
 
“I’ve learned, especially with this culture, that a lot of things are a collective,” Jace said. “There isn’t really individual music. Everything is always done together.”

 
Oetken said one of her top goals is to teach students about the importance of teamwork through the world drumming program. They learn songs by listening to and playing with each other instead of reading prewritten music. This allows percussionists of all ability levels to become key parts of the rhythmic group.
 
“When you are unsure of a part or you’re unsure about how something happens, you watch, you listen and you do what you can in the moment,” Oetken said. “As you spend more time observing and listening to things, then that starts becoming more comfortable, but you very much lean on that knowledge and what’s happening around you.”
 
Oetken leads a wide range of music classes at Lincoln High, but percussion is one of her specialties. She began attending summer workshops with master drummers nearly a decade ago, and her large network of friends led to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in the summer of 2024. She spent three weeks in the Volta region of Ghana studying with villagers who incorporate music into many social activities like weddings, funerals and life milestones.
 
“In Ghana, it’s so a part of everyday life,” Oetken said. “Everything is done not just in front of an audience for a special occasion, but it’s just always done within the context of the community and for everyone to enjoy.”
 
Oetken had been teaching World Music Drumming classes at Lincoln High since 2016, but her trip to Ghana inspired her to share the beats with even more students across Lincoln. She began the West African Music Ensemble to give them another place to thrive in the musical world.
 
“There’s really no prerequisite for this class,” Oetken said. “There’s no notation that they have to learn. Everybody just picks up an instrument and they go.”

 
Kyli and Jace both began coming to the West African Music Ensemble this year. Both heard about the group from friends who encouraged them to join. They said that decision has led to many fulfilling moments in the classroom.
 
“I love playing the music, and the people here are really nice and fun to hang out with,” Kyli said.
 
“It helps me get into a rhythm better and learn more about the music,” Jace said. “You get to experiment some more with the music.”
 
Many other LPS students are discovering the joy of West African beats this year. Lincoln High is the only LPS high school currently offering a full course of World Music Drumming, but LPS Supervisor of Music Amy Holloman said parts of the curriculum are available elsewhere. Sheridan Elementary School music teacher Megan Stroup is currently using a traveling drum set to teach percussion lessons in her classes.
 
Oetken said the world drumming class and after-school group have offered students powerful reminders of the value of community, connection and caring in their own lives. She is working with the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools on a Fund a Need campaign to purchase additional instruments. These will help even more students experience uplifting beats in their music classroom.
 
“I hope that students walk away with an appreciation for using teamwork to work on something, to lean on each other, to help each other out, to know that you’re always going to help your neighbor,” Oetken said.
 
Discover how the LPS music curriculum is helping students generate exciting academic rhythms.
 
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Posted on March 30, 2026

LPS students fill quivers with life skills during inaugural archery tournament

Lincoln Public Schools students picked up skills that will last a lifetime as they watched their arrows whistle through the air this winter.
 
Physical education classes from five LPS high schools traveled to the Turpin Outdoor Education Center for the inaugural LPS Archery Tournament. More than 200 teenagers from Lincoln High, East, North Star, Northwest and Standing Bear visited the indoor archery range. They zipped their arrows to circular targets during a full day of individual and team contests.
 
East senior Abbey and sophomore Piper said they had been looking forward to showcasing their archery skills at the range. They lined up next to dozens of their classmates and aimed their bows at the opposite end of the facility. They wore wide smiles when they saw their arrows had landed near the bull’s-eye.
 
“I was excited, because it’s definitely unique,” Abbey said. “It’s not something that I was expecting to be able to do.”
 
“I think it’s a really good experience, because there aren’t a lot of places that you can do this in Lincoln,” Piper said. “I think it’s a good environment as well.”

 
East senior Elle also spent her morning peppering her target with accurate arrows. She and Abbey counted their scores together after they had finished each round.
 
What did she think she had learned from trying out archery?
 
“It’s hard,” Elle said. “It’s not as easy as people make it look. It’s very impressive for people to be highly athletic and go to the Olympics and be consistently good at it.”
 
Megan Price said she enjoyed watching students like Abbey, Piper and Elle increase their archery precision during the day. Price is the hunting and shooting sports outreach coordinator for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC), which partnered with LPS for the inaugural tournament. She oversees National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) activities for more than 30,000 Nebraska students each year.
 
“It’s fun to see them light up and see those arrows go down range and realize that they have the control over that and they can improve,” Price said. “Even in a short amount of time, we see kids that aren’t on target initially, and by the end of it, they’ve gotten their grouping of arrows down a lot tighter. Just seeing that success happen in a little bit of time is always exciting.”

 
LPS has included archery units in physical education classes for nearly 18 years. LPS K-12 Health and Physical Education Curriculum Specialist Matt Avey said the sport teaches patience, raises self-esteem and develops motor skills like hand-eye coordination. He has watched many students express interest in pursuing the activity after experiencing it for the first time.
 
“I think it’s just a matter of them getting confident and realizing, ‘Oh, I can do this,’” Avey said. “It’s them saying, ‘This isn’t intimidating, because I really enjoyed it and want to do some more of it.’ That’s the whole point. They can apply their skills, and they’re like, ‘I can do this outside of school.’”
 
Price said archery also highlights the value of perseverance and concentration. She said students who excel at the sport can focus on the arrow in their hand instead of worrying about either the past or future. They are also able to shrug off missed shots because they believe in their abilities.
 
“After you’ve shot your arrows, you can learn from them, but focusing on them if you feel they were bad doesn’t help you,” Price said. “Just like in life, if you focus on mistakes and keep harping on those, it doesn’t help you. You just have to focus on what’s in front of you.”
 
Piper and Abbey said they liked the community aspect of archery, too. After each round, students walked to their targets in pairs and tallied up their scores. They had to determine where each arrow landed in the circle, properly count their results and resolve any disputes.
 
“I think it’s good teamwork, because you have to work with your partner and figure that stuff out,” Piper said. “I just think it’s a really good experience, because I wouldn’t even think to do archery, but it’s cool.”
 
“I like being here with all my friends and all the people from my class,” Abbey said. “I think it’s fun.”

 
Avey said he appreciates how much Price and other NGPC employees support the LPS archery initiative each year. The NGPC helps physical education teachers during the unit and supplies some equipment through grants. The organization also provided plaques and trophies for the LPS tournament.
 
“They are a tremendous resource for us and are the backbone of the program’s success,” Avey said.
 
Price said she felt LPS students like Abbey, Piper and Elle could apply their archery memories to all of their academics and activities.
 
“It teaches so many life skills,” Price said. “That’s really what I enjoy about it.”
 
Discover how LPS students reach academic and prosocial targets in their physical education classes.
 
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Posted on March 30, 2026

Lincoln High helps David plan healthy future in medical field

Lincoln High senior David is planning to use the field of medicine as a prescription for a prosperous and rewarding future.
 
David has become a role model for many Lincoln High students by balancing the challenges of work, school and life. He is currently supporting his younger sisters by working several jobs while pursuing his educational goals to build a strong civic-minded career. He would like to earn a medical degree and serve people in rural areas where he grew up as either a pediatrician or general practitioner.
 
David said he is grateful for the opportunity to study at Lincoln High. Dozens of staff members have supported him throughout his Lincoln Public Schools journey.
 
“I like this high school because if you don’t feel good, the teachers will ask you if you need something,” David said. “They can help you here. They’ve all told me, ‘If you need something, as a teacher and as a friend, we’re going to be here for you.’”

 
Lincoln High Principal Mark Larson said he has been impressed with David’s persistence and work ethic. He has been proactive about meeting academic responsibilities, has become fluent in two languages and has tracked down several scholarship opportunities.
 
“David is an amazing student and has overcome a lot of adversity to be successful and put himself in a position to graduate,” Larson said. “Along with learning English, David has had to take on many adult responsibilities, but he has persevered and has also made a positive impact at LHS.”
 
David was born in Atlanta, Ga., and moved with his family to Mexico at the age of four. He returned to the United States in August 2023 and began building multiple friendships at Lincoln High. He also assumed the role of family caretaker in Lincoln with his mother remaining back in Mexico.
 
Lincoln High teacher Sarai Schulz said David’s mature personality has meant the world to his two younger sisters. After he returned to Lincoln from a trip to Mexico this winter, he realized he would need to provide even more for his siblings. He began working three jobs each week to ensure there would be enough money for rent, food and other life necessities. He often worked until 1 a.m. before returning to Lincoln High’s campus in time for the 8 a.m. bell.
 
“David’s always been a great student and fun to have in class, but what’s been inspiring to watch is his life situation changing so dramatically and seeing him rise to the occasion,” Schulz said. “David represents a large population that we have here at LPS for whom school is not their job. They have actual jobs and financial obligations outside of the school day that they are responsible for. They’re trying to navigate very real-life problems alongside managing classes as well as thinking about their future.”

 
David said his primary goal is to use his education to improve others’ lives. He plans to take classes at Southeast Community College (SCC) for two years before transferring to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He then plans to apply for medical school to begin the process of becoming a doctor.
 
“I want to study medicine because I know if I can do that, I can help more people,” David said. “I know that a lot of people don’t have the resources to pay for a doctor, so my dream is to be a doctor and go to Mexico and help the people there.”
 
“When he says he has a goal of becoming a doctor, and especially going to Mexico to help, I think he has the brains and the wherewithal and the resilience to make that happen,” Schulz said. “When he says, ‘I will keep trying,’ I very much believe that’s true.”

 
One of David’s most important decisions was visiting Lincoln High’s school counseling center. Danielle Graham helped him fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and gave him an application for the Learn to Dream Scholarship at SCC. She also spoke in favor of David during a conversation with SCC leaders. Her efforts led to David receiving good news about his future earlier this winter.
 
“I want to do this for my mom, because I know my mom is proud of me right now,” David said. “I told her about this, and she was almost crying. I told her that they had accepted me for college and had given me the scholarships, and she was really proud of me.”
 
Schulz said David’s strong mindset will serve him well as he learns and leads at the next level of schooling.
 
“It’s been really cool as an adult to watch him navigate such a big life situation,” Schulz said. “I think it’s going to be very indicative of how he’s going to handle and navigate any difficulty, struggle, or issue in the future. He’ll handle it with grace and maturity.”

 
David said he is planning to use those resilient personality traits to write prescriptions of hope for many people.
 
“I know that medicine’s a hard career, but I know I can do it,” David said. “If I love it, I will do it again and again and never give up. This life is hard, but I know I can do it.”
 
Are you the proud family of a graduating LPS senior? Find everything you need to prepare for the big day, including ceremony dates, times and venue locations. View the 2026 Graduation Schedule and Details.

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Posted on March 30, 2026

Davis honored as 2026 Scottish Rite Award recipient

Alicia Davis was honored as one of Lincoln Public Schools’ brightest stars Friday morning with a shining surprise at Scott Middle School.
 
Scottish Rite Organization leaders announced that they had chosen Davis to receive the 2026 Scottish Rite Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award. Students, family and co-workers cheered as they gave Davis a large round of applause for her classroom legacy. The Scottish Rite Organization picked her because of her outstanding ability to engage and encourage students in math lessons and activities. The award is presented to one LPS teacher each year.
 
Davis said it was humbling to be selected as this year’s prizewinner. She told the audience that her top goal is to help students become successful.
 
“I look at all of the faces that are in this room, and you are the reason that your teachers show up every single day,” Davis said. “We show up because we see the potential in you. We know that you all are going to become the future leaders in this city, in this nation, in your schools. And so, when we look at you and we are pouring into you, it’s because we believe in you and the good that you are going to bring to this world. That’s why we do what we do every day.”

Lincoln Scottish Rite members developed an education committee in 1964 to recognize excellent classroom teachers. They also wanted to help inform the public of the vital roles that teachers play in educating youth. The organization honored its first Scottish Rite Award recipient in 1965. In addition to the recognition, the group also presents each award winner with $10,000.
 
LPS Superintendent John Skretta praised Davis for her caring, committed and compassionate approach to teaching. She has led math classes at Scott since 2013 and has served eight years as secretary of the Nebraska Association of Teachers of Mathematics (NATM). Davis earned the 2017 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) for her innovative ways of sharing math concepts with students.
 
“The recipients of this prestigious honor are truly amongst the Mt. Rushmore of LPS teachers,” Skretta said. “You are the most influential and impactful teachers to walk the halls and inhabit the classrooms of this incredible district. You are exceptional and deserve this most special recognition!”
 
Scott Middle School Principal Jesse Tvrdy nominated Davis for her work ethic, leadership skills and dedication to students. Davis, who is a National Board Certified Teacher, chairs Scott’s math department and has become a trusted mentor to many people in the building. She has served on school improvement teams, advised multiple student teachers, built support plans for students and encouraged all of the Stars who enter her classroom.
 
“In my over 17 years of administration, I have yet to meet anyone whom I could trust, believe in, honor, appreciate, admire, depend on, look to or trust more than Mrs. Davis,” Tvrdy said. “She is a diamond not only for Scott Middle School, but for every student and child that crosses paths with her.”

 
Scott Assistant Principal Annie Leaf and fellow math teacher Holly Noser said Davis inspires students to be their best. She has created memorable activities like Bungee Barbie, which have helped many Stars learn math concepts like linear equations, data associations and slope calculations. She has integrated technology into her classrooms, provided extra help to students before and after school and ensured everyone feels welcomed and respected.
 
“Alicia goes above and beyond to put students first, never giving up on any of them,” Leaf said. “She works tirelessly to build positive relationships with students and their families, collaborating with them through constant communication. Alicia’s classroom is innovative, utilizing research-based techniques that are creative and tap into multiple intelligences. In her classroom, there is 100-percent engagement from bell to bell.”
 
“Alicia is an absolutely top-notch educator,” Noser said. “She has an incredible talent for making math make sense. Her ability to write math tasks to help students understand math at a deep conceptual level while making it interesting and attention-grabbing is next to none.”
 
Those leadership talents have also affected fellow staff members. Davis has developed professional learning resources used both inside and outside of the math department. She has also been intentional about welcoming new colleagues with open arms.

 
Kate Pittack has worked at LPS since 2016 and is a school counselor at Scott. She said Davis’ kind and generous personality made her feel confident and comfortable in her new role.
 
“As a colleague, she was one of the first people I connected with when I started at Scott,” Pittack said. “She took time to get to know me and help me understand the processes within the building. She is a true teacher in every sense of the word, walking alongside me during my first year.”
 
Davis has also made an impact far beyond Scott’s walls. She directly influenced thousands of Nebraska students as a member of the State of Nebraska Mathematics Standards Revision Writing Team in the 2014-15 and 2021-22 school years. She has served on the State of Nebraska Mathematics Item Writing Team and has been involved with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Robert Noyce Master Teaching Fellows Program. She has also presented her insights to statewide organizations like the Nebraska Educational Technology Association.
 
Davis said students are the reason for spending that time and energy. She wants to ensure they are equipped with all of the necessary tools to thrive in their daily lives.
 
“They give us hope for all that is good and all that they’re going to carry into the world,” Davis said. “When I come to school, I am coming to do whatever I can to inspire them to become the best versions of themselves.”

 
LPS Associate Superintendent for Human Resources Vann Price said those heartfelt words were bright examples of how Davis has helped Scott in her award-winning career.
 
“That just sealed the deal in terms of making me know for sure she was the right person for this award,” Price said. “It’s one thing to have prepared remarks, but it’s another thing to be able to get up and speak just from your heart, and so you can tell just in how she was reacting that teaching is in her heart and students are in her heart.”

Join us for a special celebration honoring 2026 Scottish Rite Distinguished Teacher of the Year Alicia Davis on Friday, April 24, at 4:15pm at the Steve Joel District Leadership Center. 
 
Learn more about past Scottish Rite Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award recipients on our website.
 
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Posted on March 27, 2026

Standing Bear senior Ashton springboards into future with Nebraska Business Focus Program

The numbers on Ashton’s spreadsheet of life have been trending upwards ever since he enrolled in the Nebraska Business Focus Program at Standing Bear High School.
 
The Standing Bear senior has gained a clearer focus on his future by registering in higher-level accounting, entrepreneurship and macroeconomics classes. He will be one of the first graduates of the new focus program, which is a partnership between Lincoln Public Schools and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business. UNL professors visit Standing Bear’s campus for courses that are co-led by experienced LPS business teachers.
 
Ashton said the focus program has given him a valuable head start on his potential career pathway. He was initially unsure about his interest in the business field when he started classes, but said his professors and teachers turned those doubts into a firm decision. He will attend the UNL College of Business next year.
 
“I’ve really appreciated all of the help from the people who have made the focus program happen for us,” Ashton said. “I don’t think I would have really known what I wanted to explore if it hadn’t been for this program.”

 
Nebraska Business Focus Program Administrator Trisha Lind said it has been fun to watch Ashton accumulate extensive business knowledge. He will be the first Standing Bear student to benefit from a $1,000 scholarship that is available to Grizzlies who apply to the UNL College of Business.
 
“Ashton has gained confidence and a clear direction for where he sees himself in four years,” Lind said.
 
Lisa Tschauner said Ashton and other Nebraska Business students are making the most of their opportunities. Tschauner is an assistant professor of practice in management at the UNL College of Business Center for Entrepreneurship. She is teaching an Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Innovation course to multiple Grizzlies this semester as part of the focus program partnership.
 
Tschauner said she has been impressed with the way Ashton and his classmates have approached their studies. They have held in-depth discussions about industry topics, completed detailed projects and have developed skills that will help them throughout their lives.
 
“I can tell these students are very intentional, and when they’re intentional, their minds are open to learning these concepts and theories,” Tschauner said. “I really appreciate that.”

 
Nebraska Business topics are embedded into the entire curriculum structure at Standing Bear. Students take four pre-pathway courses during their first two years of high school that cover business, marketing, information technology and digital media subjects. They can opt to begin focus program classes as juniors.
 
Tschauner said it is important for high school students to acquire as many business talents as possible. While many Grizzlies will go on to major in business-related topics in college, they could apply their Nebraska Business expertise to disciplines ranging from history to health care.
 
“I think entrepreneurship is becoming more of an expectation in college as well as beyond college,” Tschauner said. “Our employers are asking us to have graduates who have critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, entrepreneurial traits and innovative skills. The high schoolers here are already doing that, so I really appreciate that I’m able to come in and work with these students and help them make a successful transition from high school to college.”
 
“It’s a great chance to prepare yourself for college, so I would say it’s definitely worth trying out even if you’re just a little bit curious,” Ashton said. “You don’t have to be focused just on business to actually be a part of it.”

 
Ashton said he has appreciated having a chance to enter a college-level environment. Nebraska Business courses offer a balance of structure and independence, which allows students to sharpen their time management and self-motivation traits. The class arrangements are similar to those found at colleges and universities across the United States.
 
“I’ve definitely enjoyed getting used to the college workload, especially since it’s through UNL,” Ashton said. “It’s definitely left me feeling more prepared for next year.”
 
Ashton said the focus program’s smaller class sizes have also been helpful.
 
“I’ve really gotten to know my peers in all of the classes and also all of the professors who have come,” Ashton said. “I’ve learned the actual business side of things, but I’ve also learned how to work in a smaller setting. I’ve learned a lot about teamwork and just being patient when we’re working through any challenges.”

 
Ashton has proved that Nebraska Business classes can be incorporated into a well-rounded schedule. He also competes in cross country, is a member of the Standing Bear Arbor Day Club and volunteers with the Bright Lights Summer Learning Adventures program.
 
Tschauner said Nebraska Business is providing a launchpad for Grizzlies like Ashton to skyrocket into upward-trending career fields.
 
“As they pick the classes they take in college, hopefully this will give them a little more courage or confidence to pick those classes that they’re not so sure about,” Tschauner said. “Those could be the classes that change the entire perspective of what they want to do for their career.”
 
The Nebraska Business Focus Program is building future business leaders at Lincoln Public Schools. Explore the focus program embedded at Standing Bear High School. 
 
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Posted on March 27, 2026

Hill celebrates golden anniversary of LPS embryology lessons

An idea hatched 50 years ago at Hill Elementary School is continuing to produce golden moments for thousands of Lincoln Public Schools students.
 
Third graders across the city celebrated the 50th anniversary of the LPS embryology unit this winter. Students at all 40 elementary buildings learned about the life cycle of new chicks during three weeks of memorable lessons. They tracked the progress of chicks from their first day as embryos to fluffy friends in their hands.
 
Hill third grader Charles said he was happy to see the young animals spring to life. He and other students in Erin Yank’s class enjoyed taking care of six chicks that hatched in an incubator. He said it was neat to know that Hill’s campus was the epicenter of embryology.
 
“We were the ones that actually started it,” Charles said. “I’m proud of this school that we started it, and the opportunities that we gave to other schools to do it, and I bet the other kids are excited to do it in other schools in third grade.”

 
Hill Principal Emily Wiebeck said hands-on science activities are important for students like Charles to take part in. She fondly remembered her own chick-rearing experiences at Kahoa Elementary School when she was growing up. She later led the unit for five years as an LPS third grade teacher, which further reinforced the project’s value.
 
“Every student has different experiences that they bring to school and that they’re allowed to have at home, or are privileged to have at home,” Wiebeck said. “If a student has never been to a farm or never seen a chick in real life, they’re able to be at school and have that experience, but also have all of the learning along with it. You never know what student wants to be a scientist after the embryology program.”
 
Former Lincoln Board of Education member and Hill Elementary School namesake Ruth Hill founded the LPS embryology program in 1976. She and her husband were co-owners of Lincoln-based Hill Hatchery, and she wanted to provide a special educational gift to Hill students. She asked Richard Earle, the hatchery’s president, if he could come up with a plan.
 
Earle brought eggs to the school in a glass incubator, and he returned to classrooms for science lessons after the chicks had hatched. The student response was so positive that the program spread to five more LPS buildings the next year.
 
Soon after, Lancaster County 4-H staff began their own embryology program with former Lancaster County Superintendent of Schools Glenn Turner. Rousseau Elementary was among 14 local schools and entities that participated in the 1977 launch. The two programs combined forces after LPS revised its elementary science curriculum in 1981.
 
The partnership between LPS and Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County has continued to provide lifetime memories. Extension employees Elizabeth Thiltges and Madelaine Vanderbeek visited Yank’s classroom this winter to assist the Hawks during the 21-day unit.

 
Thiltges brought six brown eggs from Rhode Island Red chickens and six white eggs from White Leghorn chickens on the first day. She told third graders they would be “the mother hens” for their baby animals.
 
“I like doing this because it gets the kids very excited, and I like seeing that excitement and that spark,” Thiltges said. “It’s just a really cool program.”
 
Vanderbeek worked with the Hawks during a candling activity nine days later. Students discovered if their chicks had survived the initial stretch of their egg-enclosed formation. Vanderbeek used a flashlight to shine on the eggs, which revealed a large amount of good news. She also gave students tips about caring for their chicks once they hatched.
 
“It’s important to be gentle because they’re really little at that point,” Vanderbeek said.

 
Yank said the project teaches students about the rewards that come from being responsible. They spent time each school day tending their eggs.
 
“Being able to see inside the egg and what’s actually going on, and their hard work of turning the eggs three times a day and making sure it’s the correct temperature and the right humidity,” Yank said. “They see that this is what’s happening. You are actually growing life.”
 
Thiltges and Wiebeck said the program also provides many scientific and prosocial benefits. Students clear up any misconceptions they may have had about food sources and how animals develop in eggs. They also learn how caring behavior can create healthy outcomes for everyone.
 
“I have had kids tell me that eggs come from cows, because they’re next to dairy in the grocery stores,” Thiltges said. “I’ve also had quite a few kids when I do this program tell me they’ve never seen a chicken before in their life, so they get pretty excited.”
 
“They know that we have to be quiet, because these chicks are developing and it takes warm water, but it also takes a really calm environment,” Wiebeck said. “It’s a good reminder to our students that sometimes we need to adjust our practices for the benefit of others.”

 
Yank relays her own chick memories from her elementary years at Rousseau to her Hill students each winter. She said she is grateful for being part of a 50-year lineage of embryology lessons at LPS.
 
“Being able to do this every year is really fun,” Yank said. “I think third grade is one of the best grades, especially because we get to do this project.”
 
Discover how LPS students are hatching scientific knowledge every day in their classrooms.
 
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Posted on March 26, 2026

Student News Desk: Moses makes broadcasting memories at Lincoln High

Moses has produced an Emmy-worthy career at Lincoln High with his work in the school’s broadcast journalism studio.
 
The senior has become a leader on the KLHS team with his deep reservoir of broadcasting knowledge. He gathers school news, writes television scripts and operates equipment such as teleprompters, cameras, audio systems and studio lights. He is planning to study broadcast journalism at Loyola University Chicago next year.
 
Moses said he enjoys the public service aspect of the television class. Each KLHS episode features school announcements, activity updates and bulletins about upcoming events. The shows reach more than 2,000 Lincoln High students and staff members during the academic year.
 
“I like that I get to work for something that helps everyone else,” Moses said.

 
Lincoln High teacher Mackenzie Wylie took over as the broadcasting journalism advisor this past fall. She said Moses has been instrumental in the studio’s success with his kind personality and selfless attitude. She and his classmates have relied on his news judgment and familiarity with audio-visual systems throughout the school year.
 
“Moses helped get everything set up and ready to go when we got back to school,” Wylie said. “He knew the ins and outs of the newsroom and made sure things were running smoothly, so I didn’t have anything to worry about. Moses is quick to help with anything asked of him and is willing to train new students so they know what they are doing.”
 
Lincoln High replaced the morning loudspeaker announcements with a daily broadcast called “LinksLIVE! The Lincoln High Morning News Show” in 2019. It rebranded as “KLHS – Lincoln High’s News Network” in 2021-22 and has maintained its operations on the school’s third floor.
 
Moses enjoyed watching the broadcasts his first year at Lincoln High. He became interested in learning more about video production and other details of the journalism profession. He decided to sign up for the KLHS course as a sophomore to see if it would be a good activity to be involved in. That decision has led to many rewarding moments for him.
 
“I thought it would be something that I would like to do and that it would be kind of fun,” Moses said.

 
The newsroom that year was full of fresh faces, which meant Moses and his classmates learned the ins and outs of the broadcasting world together. Many Links returned to the class the following year, which allowed them to produce news segments with more advanced graphics and features.
 
Younger Links on the current KLHS team are now benefiting from the mentorship that Moses and other veterans are providing them. Approximately 20 students work together on each morning’s episode. They write stories in one classroom before heading next door to the broadcast studio. They take turns being on camera, controlling lights and soundboards and archiving website video packages.
 
Moses said he has tried to make the most of those leadership opportunities as a senior. He has taught his teammates how to set up equipment, access a full inventory of graphics and write compelling scripts and story angles. His guidance has helped the Links create a full library of news clips for the Lincoln High community.
 
“I like that I can show people what I know and that it will have a lasting impact on the class,” Moses said.

 
Moses said his time at Lincoln High has taught him many lifelong lessons. He has taken multiple math and science classes and has been a member of the school’s theater program. He has especially enjoyed learning about creativity, critical thinking and perseverance during his time at KLHS.
 
“I think it made me aware that was something I could do,” Moses said. “It taught me that there’s a lot of things I could do with the knowledge I have from that class.”
 
Moses said his high school television experiences have also shaped his career goals. He would like to use the training he will receive at Loyola University Chicago to become a broadcast producer. He said it was important to pursue dreams with enthusiasm and excitement.
 
“If you want to do something, do it,” Moses said. “Don’t be scared of trying.”
 
Wylie said she believes Moses will write many successful scripts after graduating from Lincoln High. She is looking forward to watching him excel with an Emmy-level amount of talent in the multimedia industry.
 
“I think Moses will be successful in anything he wants to do in the future,” Wylie said. “He is very quiet but has great leadership skills and the desire to do well. I hope he pursues a job in the journalism field!”
 
Learn more about the impact that KLHS journalists have on the Lincoln High community.
 
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Posted on March 25, 2026

LPS announces Anthony Meints will be next director of Facilities and Maintenance

Lincoln Public Schools announced on Tuesday that Anthony Meints will be the next director of Facilities and Maintenance. Meints currently serves as the district’s facilities management supervisor. 

Meints has more than 33 years of experience working with LPS staff and leaders as part of the Facilities and Maintenance department. He started in 1993 as a facilities Computer-Aided Design(CAD)/Geographic Information System (GIS) technician supporting projects by converting and updating paper site plans and ensuring compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. 

In 1999, he became the facilities CAD/GIS assistant supervisor. In this position, Meints provided project management support for small projects and developed protocols and processes for the work order request system. 

After eight years, Meints was named the environmental and safety coordinator, a position he held until named facilities management supervisor in 2025. Through the coordinator position, Meints collaborated with district and school administrators along with community first responders to develop safety plans and respond to environmental emergencies. He was also responsible for developing and managing district-wide environmental health and safety programs.  

Most recently as the facilities management supervisor, Meints oversees teams responsible for sustainability, environmental compliance, facility use and maintenance management. He works collaboratively with building and district administrators to coordinate facility support for emergencies, and coordinates district efforts related to community use of school facilities. 

Meints will transition into his new position on April 15.

Posted on March 24, 2026

Northeast senior Tayler finds his rhythm through Rocket music community

Northeast High School senior Tayler has adopted the encouraging songs of the show choir’s 2025-26 performance as a theme for his own life story.
 
Tayler has overcome several life obstacles to become a leader in the Northeast community. He is one of only ten Rockets in the a cappella Chamber Singers group, has held key roles in the school’s show choir and is an ambassador in the Tri-M Music Honor Society. He is planning to attend Mitchell Technical College to learn how to fix and maintain large objects like windmills and ocean transport ships.
 
Tayler said strong adult role models have made Northeast a reassuring place to be. That list includes Austin Reinke and Mandy Berlin-Coyle, who have become mentors with their vocal music and school social work expertise.
 
“I know that there’s people here that if I ever need it, even if I’m 27, I bet I could still come back here and there would be people who would be willing to help me if I need help,” Tayler said. “It’s nice to know that there are people like that here. This is a spot where there’s always help.”

 
Reinke has worked with Tayler the past three semesters in multiple choir groups. He has watched Tayler become more confident and outgoing in his role as a lead bass in the ensembles.
 
“Tayler’s been great to have here in the choir room,” Reinke said. “He’s become a real leader for the group and always makes people smile. He’s someone who knows what to do when it comes to the music side of things, and he’s really good about helping other people with everything too.”
 
Northeast Principal Liz Miller said she and other Rockets have noticed the “countless hours in rehearsal” that Tayler has poured into the music program. He and his show choir teammates began learning the music and choreography in the summer, and they continued to work on their techniques throughout the fall semester. Voices ‘N Harmony received several team and individual awards at their competitions this winter.
 
“Tayler has grown in leadership, positively impacting students,” Miller said.

 
Tayler grew up in Lincoln and attended elementary classes at Arnold, Hartley, Elliott and Prescott. He went to Irving Middle School before enrolling at Lincoln High for ninth grade. He began taking courses at Northeast when his family moved to a house on 70th Street after his mother passed away.
 
Berlin-Coyle has been one of Tayler’s biggest supporters at school. She has provided him with information about scholarship and community resource programs, and she has helped him organize materials for life beyond Northeast. Her office has also been a place for Tayler to have many uplifting conversations about the challenging situations in his life.
 
“Those little things add up and prove who you are as a person,” Tayler said.
 
Tayler has also found solace singing with friends in Northeast choirs. The Chamber Singers ensemble features three sopranos, three altos, two tenors and two basses who were selected through an audition process. He represents Northeast music through Tri-M, which is a music club sponsored by the National Association for Music Education. To be eligible for Tri-M membership, students must maintain an A average in all of their music classes and be nominated by a music teacher.
 
Northeast’s show choir production has also been a source of inspiration for him. The storyline follows people who are unsure of what will be coming next in their lives. The main characters discover that they have friends and acquaintances who will support them in every situation.

 
“Throughout the show, you learn that you don’t have to be scared,” Tayler said. “If you’re just yourself, the light will come through and you’ll have other people with you to share that light with and move forward with. It was a pretty good show. A lot of people liked it.”
 
Tayler said he connected with the theme because he has seen firsthand how welcoming the Northeast music community has been for him. His older brother and younger sister both have show choir performances on their resumes, and he has gained many friends during his three years on campus.
 
“There were times when I felt like no one’s listening or no one’s going to help, but all you have to do is literally just ask for help and there are people there who will help you,” Tayler said. “They will help you because you’re their friend or they like being with you.”
 
Reinke said Tayler’s time leading and learning at Northeast has prepared him well for the post-graduation world. He felt Tayler would make a difference in the lives of many people.
 
“I think he’s going to have a really bright future,” Reinke said. “He’s certainly been a leader here for our program, and he’s going to keep being a leader everywhere he’s at. I’m very confident that he’s going to do a lot of good things in the years ahead.”
 
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Posted on March 23, 2026

Dedicated Diamondbacks: Dawes eighth graders create heartwarming quilts for retirement community

Dawes Middle School students stitched together comforting memories for Lincoln retirees during a special community engagement project.
 
Eighth graders in Kate Stewart’s Family and Consumer Science 8 course created lap quilts for Legacy Terrace residents this winter. The Diamondbacks partnered with the International Quilt Museum (IQM) for the class project, which taught them practical sewing fundamentals and lifelong prosocial skills. They donated their artworks to the retirement community after finishing their sewing unit.
 
Maxwell and Shinn said they felt good about the progress they had made on their quilts one morning. The two Diamondbacks were in the process of sewing square pieces of fabric together at their desks. They lined up the blocks on a sewing machine and used both hands to maneuver them through the moving needle.
 
“I’ve enjoyed being able to be creative with all of the pattern pieces,” Maxwell said. “It feels really satisfying just working on it.”
 
“For me, it’s fun because you get to experience new things,” Shinn said. “You’re able to make stuff that you haven’t made before, and you can make it on your own when you learn how to do it. And, you can do it for other people like we are right now.”

 
IQM Education Coordinator Lindy Clausen said it was a pleasure to work with the Dawes group. She helped Stewart shepherd the Diamondbacks through the entire quilt construction timetable from late January to late March. She has been eager to watch them improve their sewing techniques each week.
 
“The first day students are a little timid and unsure, but once we practice how to piece fabric with the sewing machines, it’s so rewarding to see their confidence build,” Clausen said. “Shortly after, they’re zipping fabric through the machines with no issues. They get so excited when they see the piece they’ve been working on become something beautiful that can be enjoyed by others.”
 
Stewart is piloting an advanced two-semester FCS 8 class this year that includes units about developmental milestones. The longer course has allowed students like Maxwell and Shinn to take deeper dives into the areas of food preparation and preservation, nutrition, sewing, fashion design, interior design and child development. They have applied math and science principles to a host of individual and group projects.
 
Stewart came up with the idea to make lap quilts for the Legacy Terrace building at 5700 Fremont St. A mother of one of her students works at the retirement community, which has provided an even closer connection for the class.

 
Maxwell and Shinn were both happy when they heard about the quilting plan. They said knowing that senior citizens would appreciate their hard work has been a motivating factor for them.
 
“It makes me feel good,” Maxwell said. “We’re able to help someone who needs it.”
 
“I like how much it’s going to help other people,” Shinn said. “I’m not just doing something for myself. I’m doing something for others and helping other families. That’s what I like the most about this.”

 
Stewart has heard similar comments from many other students at their sewing machines. She said it has been impressive to watch the level of care that everyone has shown on their quilts.
 
“It’s very encouraging to see that as a teacher,” Stewart said. “It’s way different with them working on the quilts as opposed to their first sewing projects. They know who it’s going to. It’s cool to see them asking more questions, being more concerned about how it looks.”
 
Maxwell said he was looking forward to holding up his completed quilt. He said the course had reinforced the importance of setting and accomplishing goals.
 
“It’ll be a feeling of, ‘Yeah, I did that,’” Maxwell said. “I’ll feel proud of myself for starting from scratch with fabric and making something that you can actually use. I really enjoy that. That’s why I enjoy going to this class.”
 
Stewart said the quilting project has been just the tip of the proverbial FCS 8 iceberg. Students have become more confident and willing to take risks, whether that be with trying new fashion design concepts or cooking more complicated recipes. That enthusiasm has spurred thoughts of continuing their FCS journeys after they leave Dawes.
 
“They’ve taken on more ownership and come up with creative ideas, and they’ve been more willing to expand their horizons with different career options,” Stewart said. “And, they’re thinking more about high school as well. What do I like in FCS, and what high school classes can I take to further that interest or career option? We’re always talking about careers that they could potentially get into when they’re older.”
 
Clausen felt the quilting venture would foster strong bonds between Legacy Terrace residents and the Dawes community for many years to come.
 
“Creating a quilt, even a small one, takes a lot of time, concentration and intention,” Clausen said. “A quilt is also a special type of art that has the ability to communicate love and care. I hope the recipients of these quilts can feel the love and warmth every time they use their quilt.”
 
Discover how FCS classes are helping LPS students stitch together many lifetime skills.
 
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Posted on March 23, 2026

SFP alum helps students engineer excitement during interactive lesson

Science Focus Program students turned a visit from professional engineers into towers of STEM knowledge this winter – thanks to a familiar face.

Science Focus Program alum Glen Williams and his colleagues from Omaha-based HDR, Inc. shared their knowledge with SFP students during an interactive presentation in early March. Williams, a procurement reporting and automation analyst at HDR, attended SFP classes for four years and graduated from Lincoln High in 2018. He returned to Lincoln to raise awareness about the wide variety of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) jobs available in Nebraska.

“My hope was that in getting engaged with the students today, they might come to see some of the opportunities that exist for them here, and we might be able to retain some more of those kids,” Williams said.

 
The HDR employees helped the scholars design and test model towers in a group engineering activity. The company specializes in architecture, engineering, environmental and construction services. SFP junior Judi and sophomore Aiden said they enjoyed hosting Williams and his co-workers.

“Even one of the workers that was up there today was a Science Focus Program graduate,” Judi said. “So, it was really nice to be like, ‘Oh my gosh, he actually went here a couple years ago and he’s graduated now. He’s working at this really big business, and he’s doing it.’”
 
“I think it’s important to show career opportunities to high school students, because a lot of them are either going to graduate soon or are going to start working,” Aiden said. “So, it’s important that they know all these different places that they can look at and really decide, ‘Oh hey, what do I want to do with my life?’”

HDR employees also answered questions and served as role models for the future STEM workers.

“I think there’s a good possibility that a lot of us are staying here in Lincoln, or at least in Nebraska locally, and to have this opportunity to know that, ‘Hey, if you’re interested in structurals and architecture and engineering, there is this place locally that you can go to and work at,’” Judi said. “You don’t have to, if you don’t want to adventure that far out, you don’t have to adventure that far."

Williams said he was pleased to offer encouraging messages to the program. He developed many critical thinking skills at SFP that he now uses on a daily basis at HDR.

“I know what these kids are learning. I know who’s teaching them, and I know that they’re getting a really high-quality education. So, it just seemed like a perfect fit, you know, for us to get involved together,” Williams said.
 
Lindsey Roy said it was important for SFP students to realize that STEM skills are transferable to hundreds of career paths. The SFP administrator watched with excitement as Williams and other HDR employees helped them conduct engineering experiments at their tables.
 
Each group used pieces of paper to construct earthquake-resistant towers that could bear the weight of a full can of green beans for five seconds. Several teams cheered when the skyscrapers and cans remained steady after being placed on a shaking platform.
 
“Having Glen and the other professionals with HDR gives the students an opportunity to explore their future careers,” Roy said. “There are so many more careers out there than what we can imagine when we are young. Giving students meaningful interactions with a variety of careers and people in STEM fields helps them to imagine what might be in their own future.”

 
Aiden teamed up with Nathan, Rashed, Evelyn and Tilda to build their structure. He said choosing the correct foundation style made a difference.
 
“We used a lot of geometry,” Aiden said. “We found a lot of layering was a good idea using shapes. It really helped us make the best tower that we could.”
 
Many of the strongest structures were built from multiple cylinder bases. This highlighted how the wide selection of academic construction materials available at SFP can provide students with stable futures.
 
Williams also emphasized that career development does not have to follow a straightforward path. He first studied physics and math at the University of Nebraska-Omaha before switching to a supply chain management major. He is now applying the STEM talents that he gained at SFP and UNO to conduct data research in the business world.
 
“You can think about it like climbing a mountain,” Williams said. “You go through passes. You walk up switchbacks. It’s not a linear journey, necessarily. And so, you have to be open to that process and just let your interests and your capabilities guide you as you move through that.”
 
Judi said it was inspiring to know that many SFP teachers had remained friends with Williams after graduation. She said the HDR visit reinforced her belief that she had made the right decision to attend the focus program.
 
“I found some of my closest friends that I’m going to have for a long time, and I found some teachers that have really put in all they can towards my learning and towards helping me become who I am,” Judi said. “And so, it’s just really nice, and it brings a warm feeling to my heart of like, they’ve seen me grow up, and they’re going to continue to support me until I graduate, and even maybe when I come back as an alumni for future years and for concerns.”
 
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Posted on March 23, 2026

Fredstrom students pocket popcorn knowledge during special presentation

Learning popped into the minds of Fredstrom Elementary School second graders this winter when they listened to a professional popcorn farmer.
 
Sutherland farmer Roric Paulman shared his four decades of agricultural knowledge with the Falcons as part of an elementary science unit. He gave them corn cobs to pass around, provided bags of finished popcorn and walked them through the entire planting and harvesting process.
 
Emma said she liked listening to Paulman with her entire class. She said the presentation inspired her to think about growing her own popcorn in the future.
 
“I think it’s going to help me if someday I want to be a farmer,” Emma said. “I’ll know what to do to help me be a farmer.”

 
Kalen said he was impressed with the fact that there are multiple types of popcorn. Kernels are available in yellow, white, red, blue and purple colors, and they can be popped into varieties such as butterfly, mushroom and ladyfinger.
 
“I learned what different popcorns there are,” Kalen said. “I thought there was just one.”
 
Paulman said he was happy to make the six-hour drive to Lincoln from his family farm. His operation grows multiple crops on 8,500 acres each year, including 28 million pounds of popcorn. He said it was important to teach students about science and agriculture with memorable and interactive lessons.
 
“This was fun,” Paulman said. “I enjoyed it.”

All LPS second graders will watch a recording of Paulman’s visit when they explore popcorn in their own science classes. The video will help them learn more about the crop and how it impacts the state.

LPS K-12 Science Curriculum Coordinator Miranda Orellana said the presentation gave students a chance to extend their classroom knowledge. LPS has partnered with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) for food, energy, water and societal systems (FEWSS) lessons.
 
“LPS Science has a partnership with the FEWSS program through CASNR, which has a direct connection to Mr. Paulman,” Orellana said. “We discussed the opportunity of bringing in a real popcorn farmer who could share his story and answer questions from students who are learning about the crop he grows.”

Popcorn is one of more than a dozen “anchoring phenomenon” topics that Lincoln Public Schools elementary school students will investigate in their careers. The goal is to use easy-to-recognize subjects like butterflies, Chimney Rock, flamingos and ocean waves to connect them to larger scientific principles.
 
LPS second grade teachers Molly Moller (Sheridan Elementary School), Kennedy Simpson (Prescott), Lori Jacoby (Norwood Park) and Caitlin Lam (Pershing) created the popcorn unit in the summer of 2024. They spent four days writing ten lessons about the scientific properties of matter like solids, liquids and gases. They weaved the anchoring phenomenon of popcorn into all of their materials.
 
Moller, Simpson, Jacoby and Lam built popcorn-themed slides, student notebooks and vocabulary cards for a pilot program in the 2024-25 school year. Simpson and Moller then took feedback and wrote two additional lessons the following summer. They designed the extra sessions to extend students’ understanding of the concepts of reversible and irreversible changes, parts of a corn kernel and how adding heat changes each kernel.
 
Moller said she has been pleased with how LPS students have responded to the unit.
 
“I think students have learned that not all corn is the same,” Moller said. “When you add heat to a popcorn kernel you get popcorn, but when you add heat to other kinds of corn, you do not get popcorn.”
 
Rochelle Settles has been teaching for 31 years and is currently the science specialist at Fredstrom. She said popcorn provides a perfect illustration of how matter can change in different environments. Each kernel contains a tiny amount of water that expands when heated. The resulting steam pressure eventually causes the hard starch surface to burst and the soft interior starch to inflate.
 
“I think popcorn is easy for students to understand that connection,” Settles said. “They investigated all of those parts that were in the popcorn, and they could see why those parts contributed to that popcorn popping, but other kinds of corn don’t.”
 
Paulman shared many other agricultural facts with the Falcons in the school cafeteria. Nebraska is home to more than 25 percent of the national popcorn production, and hailstorms are the top peril to his crops each summer. He uses a high-tech combine that is 40 feet wide and can show him in real time how much he is harvesting.
 
“It was a really good presentation,” Emma said. “I liked it.”

 
The second graders then practiced their community engagement skills during a question-and-answer session. They asked Paulman how long it takes to harvest his crops (approximately one month), what shape a popcorn kernel is (rounded) and how to quickly count kernels on a corn cob.
 
Students were also interested in the financial aspects of his business. Paulman told them a semi-autonomous combine costs $1 million, tractors are $500,000 apiece and grain carts are $150,000. Alex and other Falcons looked on with awe as they tried to comprehend those numbers.
 
“I didn’t know it’s so expensive just to buy combines,” Alex said.
 
Settles said she was proud of students for asking thoughtful questions to Paulman. She said their detailed requests showed that they had been paying attention during both the popcorn unit and his presentation.
 
“They had some really amazing questions today,” Settles said.
 
Settles said these types of interactive lessons are helping students develop an inquisitive mindset for a lifetime of education.
 
“When they go to the grocery store, it’s important for them to know where these products come from and how important Nebraska is in producing those crops that eventually become their food,” Settles said. “I think this is very impactful for their learning.”
 
Learn how the LPS science curriculum helps students produce a bumper crop of knowledge.
 
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Posted on March 18, 2026

Interactive lessons help Lefler students become better readers

Lefler Middle School students like Aryos, A’mare and Abigail are refining their reading skills with an A-plus list of invigorating activities.
 
Seventh and eighth graders in a Rewards Plus Science class are improving their vocabulary, grammar and fluency with a host of research-based lessons. Lefler teacher Josh Haws is applying brain science research and pencil-and-paper materials to help many Lions become better readers. They have increased their test scores, gained more confidence and become more engaged in their education.
 
Abigail and A’mare both said they look forward to spending time in class each school day. They have learned how to identify and write topic sentences, put punctuation marks in the proper places and spell dozens of new words and phrases.
 
“It makes me feel good about myself,” Abigail said. “I wasn’t a good reader before, so for Mr. Haws to teach me things like that, it was like, ‘Wow, this is working.’ I could see that he really helped me.”
 
“I’ve been reading more and doing it a lot faster compared to fifth and sixth grade,” A’mare said. “It feels really good.”

 
Haws said his top goal is to help the Lions have a good experience in class. He praises students when he sees them achieving goals, designs interactive lessons for them and incorporates printed materials to stimulate their brains. Those actions create an environment where everyone can flourish academically.
 
“The best part of being a teacher is seeing a student gain confidence in their skills and understand concepts for the first time,” Haws said. “With each success, they see themselves as capable, and they start to attach agency to their growth.”
 
Haws said one of his core strategies is providing students with opportunities to respond (OTR) in class. He creates partner-based activities, calls on individual Lions to answer questions and asks them for suggestions on topics for new sentences. The OTR lessons help them connect familiar concepts to new ideas through repeated practice, and they increase the amount of prosocial learning that happens in class.
 
“Student participation is vital, because nobody learns through passively sitting in a chair,” Haws said. “They need to say and write new words, participate in group and whole-class activities, and take an active role in every aspect of class. Some students do this naturally, but it’s the teacher’s job to work active strategies into every lesson, even something as simple as having students repeat a word after you. The kids who participate are the kids who learn.”
 
During one activity this winter, each student received cards that included portions of different sentences on them. They then mingled with classmates to locate the matching pieces of their phrases. After pairing up, they used magnets to place their complete sentences on a whiteboard for everyone to read.
 
Aryos and A’mare then played leading roles in another interactive lesson. Haws provided them with paper copies of commas that had magnets attached to them. He then placed snippets of sentences up on a whiteboard for the class to read. Aryos and A’mare went to the front of the room and placed commas in the correct spots of each sentence.
 
“It’s pretty fun to do things like that, because you don’t always have to stay in your seat,” Aryos said. “You can move around, and I think that helps me learn.”
 
“It was fun,” A’mare said. “I definitely liked getting up and putting the commas on the board.”

 
Handheld tools are another key component of the class. Haws uses flashcards, workbooks, index cards, word scramble activities, response cards and magnetized punctuation for his lessons. Students also write words, sentences and paragraphs on paper instead of typing them on computers.
 
Haws said he has watched the Lions benefit in many ways from that approach. Researchers from schools such as Indiana University have indicated that handwriting improves complex motor skills, leads to longer-lasting recognition of letters and improves the memory and recall of words.

“There are some interesting studies that show physical writing with pencil and paper is more effective at helping students learn than typing on a computer,” Haws said. “Although I certainly use technology tools, I also try to incorporate paper-and-pencil activities frequently, and I really do see students being more engaged academically than when their computer is open.”
 
Abigail said she has noticed a difference in her reading comprehension this year. She has learned how to recognize complex words and write detailed sentences about many science subjects. She was excited when a timed test confirmed what she had been feeling.
 
“My test scores went up,” Abigail said. “He gave me a test of seeing how many words I could read in a minute, and he saw I improved in reading for a time. I think I got better at that with Mr. Haws’ help.”
 
Haws said he wants every Lion to have the same enriching experiences as Aryos, A’mare and Abigail when they walk into his classroom.
 
“We have to make learning exciting for 12-, 13- and 14-year-olds and help them find the motivation to try new things,” Haws said. “I truly believe that all of my students can successfully master the objectives of this class, and it is my job to teach them in a way that is effective and engaging.”
 
Empowering every reader is fundamental to lifelong learning. Discover more about the LPS English Language Arts curriculum for middle and high school.
 
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Posted on March 18, 2026

Welcoming Words: McPhee students build leadership skills with compassionate tours

McPhee Elementary School students are speaking the language of compassion and care to new friends with many welcoming words.
 
McPhee Student Cadre members are helping classmates feel more comfortable by giving them tours in their home languages. Cadre leaders speak to new students in one of a dozen languages while guiding them through hallways and rooms. The conversations put them at ease on their first day of school, build an important sense of belonging and lead to successful academic outcomes for everyone.
 
McPhee fifth graders Karla and Nayely greeted sisters Maria and Teresa with open arms when they arrived on campus this winter. Karla and Nayely are fluent in both English and Spanish and are using their kind hearts in McPhee Student Cadre activities. They said it has been fun to help students feel good about joining the McPhee family.
 
“I’m happy, because the girl that I just met today, she’s really nice,” Karla said. “And so, I want to have a friend like this one.”
 
“If you just give them the tour in English and they don’t know the language really well, then they’re going to probably feel like, it feels really uncomfortable for them,” Nayely said. “There’s a lot of students that speak a lot of languages, so it’s really helpful for everybody.”
 
Maria said the tour was a great way to start her time at McPhee. The fifth grader said she noticed how Karla and Nayely offered compassionate words and a gift bag to her.
 
“I felt happy,” Maria said. “I mean, like when they came and gave me that, I felt like I already had friends.”

 
McPhee Principal Theresa Haack said the tours have made a significant difference for many people. McPhee’s mobility percentage – the number of students either entering or leaving the school in an academic year – has been at or above 25 percent each of the past three years. The McPhee Student Cadre visits have allowed new Mustangs to make smoother transitions to their unfamiliar surroundings.
 
“I think it helps kids feel safe and welcome,” Haack said. “And when we go back to the district goal of student wellbeing and having students feel like they belong in school, if you’re greeted automatically by someone who speaks your same language, you’re going to feel like you belong and that this is a place for you. They might eventually feel that if we didn’t have the tour, but we want them to have that right away.”
 
Several teachers formed the McPhee Student Cadre in the 2023-24 school year to provide more leadership opportunities for Mustangs in third through fifth grades. McPhee teachers nominate students from their classrooms to take part in cadre activities. The group meets every Monday after school to discuss leadership topics and help plan monthly student and staff recognition ceremonies.
 
The list of languages spoken at McPhee includes English, Spanish, Pashto, Kurdish, Dari, Arabic, Karen, Vietnamese, Karenni, Kurmanji, French, Japanese and Zomi. Cadre members knew they had the global knowledge to help new Mustangs thrive at school, and they began leading tours soon after their group was founded.

“I think belonging is the root of everything to be successful at school,” Haack said.

Haack said that decision has benefited dozens of students like Maria and Teresa. A large number of Mustangs have provided positive responses to questions on recent school perception surveys. They have reported a greater feeling of inclusion and acceptance, stronger friendships and a more favorable overall view of McPhee.

“If you feel like you belong, you’re going to try more things in elementary and middle school and high school, and that’s what keeps you in school,” Haack said. “And so, I think just starting this now is the seed that they need to stay in school and be successful.”
 
Nayely said she has seen stress evaporate from the faces of new students when they go on their tours. She said her goal is to make that happen every single time she leads a future classmate through the building.
 
“I feel they should feel welcomed, or they could feel welcome or they could feel excited to be at our school,” Nayely said. “They could feel really, really, really, I’m, like, happy to be here.”
 
Haack said those heartwarming actions are why she is grateful to be part of the McPhee community.
 
“It makes me so proud of our students and just so hopeful for our future,” Haack said. “I mean, you met some of these kids. They just have such good hearts, and they really come from this at a place of they do want kids to belong and feel safe here. And I think that’s something that makes McPhee such a special place, with all the different cultures we have and people just feeling like they belong here.”
 
At LPS, we want to help ALL students belong and thrive. Explore our Student Wellbeing and Outcomes goals in the 2024-29 Strategic Plan.
 
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Posted on March 18, 2026

Olivia blossoms into standout leader at Standing Bear

Olivia has made a legacy-leaving mark at Standing Bear High School in everything from archery to acting to music arpeggios.
 
The Standing Bear senior has blossomed into a standout leader during her three years at Lincoln’s newest high school. She plays flute and piccolo in the concert band, is a member of the show choir’s Leadership Council, sings in the chamber choir and has acted in several school plays. She has also been the marching band’s drum major, qualified for two national archery tournaments, performed in several honor choirs and encouraged fellow Grizzlies with her uplifting personality.
 
The National Honor Society student said her time at Standing Bear has been full of personal growth. She credited teachers, classmates and friends for giving her the confidence to shine in her academics and activities.
 
“The environment here is really, really positive,” Olivia said. “I think that we have some of the best teachers in the district, because they’ve made me feel supported throughout my time here. The community is really great as well. There are just a lot of support systems here that I like.”

 
Standing Bear teachers Aedan Strauss and Hunter Boe said they have been impressed with Olivia’s pursuit of excellence. Strauss teaches English classes and directs theater productions at school, and Boe leads vocal music classes and directs concert and show choir groups.
 
“Describing Olivia as hardworking would be an understatement,” Strauss said. “In my time spent with her in both the classroom and theater, I have been amazed at how invested she is in every facet of her education and activity schedule. She does not back down from doing anything, and I have never seen a student be so involved in so many things and yet still be so successful.”
 
“She brings great initiative, tenacity and high energy to every group or team with which she is involved,” Boe said. “I am particularly proud of her willingness to try new things. Olivia has become a really well-rounded musician and student because of that courage and vulnerability. While she has done band and archery for many years, she joined theater, show choir and chamber choir at different stages of her journey, excelling in everything she does.”
 
Brian Vuu said Olivia began making an impact the very first day she stepped on campus. Vuu, the school’s instrumental music director, relied on Olivia and other sophomores to guide the marching band when Standing Bear opened in 2023. There were no juniors or seniors to fill leadership roles that year, which gave Olivia an opportunity to share her mentorship talents with others.
 
“It’s been really fun to have Olivia as part of the group,” Vuu said. “She’s been very generous with showing all of that knowledge and being kind and gracious with students who don’t know what to do. It’s been amazing to see her help start our traditions of what Standing Bear music is going to become for the future.”

 
Olivia scored her first musical memories when she sang in the Moore Middle School choir, and her love of performing arts has continued at Standing Bear. She has filled her schedule with classes, lessons and public performances in band, choir and theater arenas.
 
“Everybody in performing arts works really well together,” Olivia said. “I’m able to have a lot of opportunities and work with a lot of different people. I love it.”
 
Boe said Olivia’s work ethic has given her an edge in all of her interests. She has devoted many hours to memorizing marching band and play production materials, rehearsing choir songs and learning new flute and piccolo melodies. She is also a member of the Nebraska Business Focus Program and has earned Nebraska School Activities Association Academic All-State Award recognition.
 
“Regardless of formal role or not, she is a clear model for her peers in many ways,” Boe said. “She is consistently engaged, always working hard, spends an incredible amount of time in preparation, asks questions and looks for feedback.”

 
Boe said Olivia’s humble and inquisitive nature is also a source of inspiration. While she often provides instruction to other Grizzlies, she also asks teachers and classmates for advice when needed.
 
“I know that they give me the resources that I need to improve, and I know that I have the support that I need when I’m struggling,” Olivia said. “I’m never nervous to ask for help.”
 
Olivia is planning to study music education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and become a vocal music instructor. Vuu and Strauss said her A-plus resume at Standing Bear will serve her well when she enters the professional teaching world.

 
“Olivia has had to do so much with becoming a leader and taking all of those plates and balancing them at the same time,” Vuu said. “It almost emulates being an adult who has to take care of all of those different elements. Being able to do that at the age she is, it just makes me feel even more strongly about her going into the career of music education.”
 
“I cannot wait to hopefully work alongside her someday in the field, and potentially even in the same district,” Strauss said. “Her passion for teaching others and pushing them to be their best selves is exactly what we need in music education.”
 
Discover how performing arts classes and activities have benefited many Standing Bear students like Olivia.
 
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Posted on March 16, 2026

Real Science, Real Results: LPS senior Malcolm shines at Science Focus Program

It would take a million microscopes to identify all the successful cells of knowledge that Science Focus Program senior Malcolm shares with his school community.
 
Malcolm has become a leader on the Science Focus Program (SFP) campus with his supportive and scholarly approach to every situation. He has excelled in subjects ranging from chemistry to pre-calculus, handled classroom responsibilities as a teaching assistant and filled a key role on the school’s Science Olympiad team. He is planning to work in a scientific research laboratory for his career.
 
Malcolm, who also attends Northeast High School, said his SFP experiences have been both enriching and encouraging.
 
“I really like it here,” Malcolm said. “It’s amazing to have smaller classes and a lot more focused classes. You get to learn about science a lot and get to hang out with like-minded people. It’s fun.”

 
SFP Administrator Lindsey Roy and SFP teacher Emily Seifferlein said they have been impressed with Malcolm’s ability to acquire information and share it with his classmates. He regularly pursues independent study projects, provides tutoring services to other students and offers them a listening ear when challenges arise.
 
“He really exemplifies what we’re trying to do here in terms of the community of learners that we build,” Seifferlein said. “He shows how we’re helping everyone to reach their goals by working together.”
 
“Malcolm has come out of his shell in this program,” Roy said. “He takes the lead for his own learning and the learning of others. He is invested in helping this community succeed.”

 
Malcolm has joined a long list of Lincoln Public Schools students who have benefited from their time at SFP. Approximately 100 students from all eight LPS high schools are enrolled in the program, which takes place in a spacious building at Lincoln Children’s Zoo. They complete standard, differential and Advanced Placement classes in science, math, English and social studies on campus.
 
SFP students spend their first several class periods at their home high schools each day. They then travel to SFP by either car or bus for academic courses, research projects and community outreach opportunities. Many students also earn chances to showcase scientific knowledge at regional, state and national conferences throughout the year.
 
Malcolm said his SFP courses and activities have prepared him well for his future plans. He has become familiar with standard research processes used by scientists across the globe. Students apply these core principles in hands-on courses that teach them about data points, methodologies and how to use scientific instruments.
 
“We have research classes every year, and those teach you how to do research,” Malcolm said. “They’re amazing. I’ve learned how to set up an unbiased study, how to conduct statistical analyses and how to present research.”

 
The SFP setup also provides opportunities for students like Malcolm to sharpen their teamwork and communication skills. During one afternoon, Malcolm and classmate Tyler completed a physics experiment that involved measuring different types of weights. They discussed possible solutions to the problem, recorded results from each test and arrived at an agreement about their final answers.
 
Seifferlein said Malcolm has displayed those types of engaging traits throughout the past four years.
 
“He’s such a kind, helpful person in class,” Seifferlein said. “You’ll ask him if he can help another student or help getting labs set up, and he’s always willing to do it. Any little thing that might need done, it’s always followed up with a ‘For sure.’”
 
Malcolm has also been a leader with the program’s Science Olympiad team. Teams compete in 23 events that encompass a wide cross-section of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects. SFP students are well-equipped for those contests because of their daily classroom activities.
 
Malcolm helped SFP win the Nebraska Science Olympiad Tournament championship each of the past two years. The group competed in national tournaments at Michigan State University in 2024 and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2025 after capturing their state titles.
 
Group activities such as Science Olympiad have given Malcolm many happy memories. SFP students travel to UNL each year for a Fascination of Plant Day experience, and they catalogue the biodiversity of local ecosystems through the BioBlitz program. They also participate in many schoolwide events like a fall picnic, scientific field day, creek cleanup program and senior celebration dinner.
 
“There’s a lot of community, and you form some close connections,” Malcolm said.

 
Seifferlein said she believes Malcolm has built a remarkable resume with his work in his SFP classes, projects and events. She felt he would join the long list of SFP alumni who have made important contributions in their career fields.
 
“He’ll go into his future with a plan and a determined trajectory to just get things done,” Seifferlein said. “I have no doubt that he’s going to go on and do well in college and accomplish great things. No doubt.”
 
LPS Focus Programs are one way students can customize their learning. Explore our Science Focus Program. 
 
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Posted on March 13, 2026

Irving receives prestigious honor for sponsoring unified activities

Irving Middle School students and staff enjoyed a banner day this winter when they were honored for their life-changing unified programs.
 
Special Olympics Nebraska recognized Irving as a National Banner Unified Champion School during a celebration in the auditorium. The organization presented the banner because of Irving’s excellence in promoting social inclusion through unified activities. Irving became the first Lincoln Public Schools middle school to receive the award.
 
Eighth graders Aubrie and Lily said they were thrilled to be part of the ceremony. Aubrie helps her classmates in the Irving Circle of Friends club, and Lily reads to her fellow Aardvarks as part of the unified book club.
 
“To see this happen here is really amazing,” Aubrie said. “I’m really happy for this school, because everyone supports everybody.”
 
“Just knowing that all of these adults who have done so much for us, and all of these kids who have been a part of our lives for a long time, are getting recognized for all of their hard work, and all of my peers are getting known for their hard work, honestly, it really makes you feel empowered,” Lily said. “It makes you feel that anything good can happen if you put some strength and perseverance into it.”

 
Irving teacher Ashley Forbes said it has been inspiring to watch students like Aubrie and Lily rally around their classmates. When Forbes began teaching at Irving four years ago, approximately 20 students were helping with unified activities. Now, more than 100 Aardvarks and 15 staff members are participating in eight unified programs.
 
“It’s been amazing to see the evolution of unified programming at Irving and how it’s impacted our student body and staff over the last four years,” Forbes said. “We’re really thankful for such a close-knit community of staff who support this mission and really encompass our district motto of All Means All.”

 
Carolyn Chamberlin said she and other Special Olympics Nebraska representatives were awestruck with the amount of unified enthusiasm at the school. Chamberlin, who serves as the organization’s president and chief executive officer, told students and staff that their actions were creating ripples of hope throughout Lincoln.
 
“You are changing your school for the better,” Chamberlin said. “But you’re not just changing your school, because when we choose to include and have a mindset where everybody can belong, you actually are impacting more than your campus. You’re impacting your community, and one day in your life, you will impact your place of business, you will impact your neighborhood, and ultimately, you will be part of continuing to change the world where we are more accepting and more inclusive of everybody.”
 
Irving received the National Banner Unified Champion School designation because it met ten Special Olympics standards. Among these were inclusive youth leadership, whole-school engagement and the implementation of unified sports and activities. The school currently sponsors Circle of Friends and unified art, music, track and field, computer science, physical education, Student Council and book clubs.

 
The ceremony included a 13-minute video that highlighted each of those activities. It showed Irving students playing orchestra and percussion instruments together, taking part in games in the school gym and sharing many hugs and smiles.
 
Lily appeared in a photo that captured her reading to a classmate in the unified book club. She said those moments were special for her because of the friendships she has formed.
 
“Knowing that they’re in a safe space and that we’re able to help them out is really fulfilling,” Lily said.
 
The ceremony also featured dance and music performances from the Aardvarks. The audience cheered as students moved to music and played bongo drums on stage. Both groups received loud rounds of applause as they returned to their seats.
 
Forbes felt unified activities had created a welcoming environment for everyone in the building. She said it was encouraging to see Irving’s name appear on a Special Olympics Nebraska map of unified banner schools. North Star, Southeast and Southwest are the three LPS high schools on the list.
 
“When I looked that up for the first time, that was just super awesome to see,” Forbes said. “We’re just one middle school in Lincoln, but knowing that we’re making an impact on our student body in some really amazing ways by being so inclusive, that’s what I feel matters the most.”

 
Aubrie and Lily both said they would like to continue helping with unified activities for the rest of their LPS careers. They said the banner moments they have enjoyed at Irving have shaped who they are and how they treat everyone they meet.
 
“If I can have some sort of role with unified in high school, I would gladly do it in a heartbeat,” Lily said.
 
“It’s been so much fun,” Aubrie said. “I’ve loved being a part of it. It’s something that’s been a big part of my life here at Irving.”
 
Learn more about the positive impact of student activities at the LPS Get Involved webpage.
 
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Posted on March 13, 2026

Holmes educators reflect on mentorship that shaped a career

Mentorship can make all the difference in a career. At Holmes Elementary School, it also created a full-circle moment. Years after learning from teacher Buffy Beerenstrauch as a student teacher, Michelle Reinke now leads the same school as principal.

In 2000, Reinke started as a fresh student teacher assisting Beerenstrauch with her second grade class at Holmes. She had known since childhood that she wanted to become a teacher, but working side by side with Beerenstrauch gave her a clear picture of the kind of educator she hoped to be. In Beerenstrauch’s classroom, students were held to high expectations while knowing their teacher cared deeply about their success.

 
“Buffy always showed the passion of educating, had high energy, and you could see how much she was there for students,” Reinke said. “She is a natural teacher and I am forever grateful for the experiences I have had and knowledge gained from her. She will do anything for anyone and she truly supported all aspects in my pre-teaching as well as through my career.”

At the time, Beerenstrauch was also building her own career at Holmes. Reinke was the first student teacher she mentored, beginning a professional relationship that has continued as both educators grew in their roles within Lincoln Public Schools.

“What I remember is Michelle's extraordinary way with students, her relationships, love of teaching and commitment to doing her best!” Beerenstrauch said. 

She stayed in touch with Reinke as her former student teacher built a career in LPS, teaching special education at Riley Elementary from 2004 to 2014 and later serving in leadership roles at Prescott and Eastridge before returning to Holmes as assistant principal in 2023. She stepped into the principal role at the start of the current school year.

“She has had so many different teaching positions and administration positions, which I think has made her into the amazing leader she is today,” Beerenstrauch said. “I was so excited when she got the assistant principalship job because I knew she would be an amazing addition to our Holmes family! Michelle puts the staff and students first.”

Reinke said it was a dream come true to return to Holmes. 

“I am forever thankful for the opportunity to be the principal of Holmes,” she said. “I can't put my finger on it, but its culture is amazing and I am lucky to be a part of it by supporting students, staff and families!”

That connection between mentor and student teacher reflects something both educators say defines Holmes.

Beerenstrauch said the school has long felt like a family, where staff support one another and invest deeply in students and their success.

For both educators, the mentorship that began in a classroom more than two decades ago continues to shape their work today, reflecting the culture of support and connection that makes Holmes a special place to teach and learn.

Interested in starting a career in education? Explore student teaching and career opportunities with Lincoln Public Schools.

Posted on March 12, 2026

Lion Leaders: Belmont CLC students bring kingdom-sized musical to life

Belmont Elementary School students showcased the birth of a lion kingdom this winter when they performed a popular musical on stage.
 
Dozens of Cougars in the school’s Community Learning Centers (CLC) program portrayed Simba’s journey from cub to conqueror in “The Lion King.” They presented the popular story as part of the Disney Musicals in Schools initiative. More than 30 cast members began practicing in late September and held school and public performances in late February.
 
Alexandra and Xander filled two of the production’s top roles. Alexandra, a fourth grader, portrayed Simba, and Xander, a fifth grader, was in the spotlight for his work as Scar. Both said the months of hard work had been well worth it.
 
“It has been fun,” Alexandra said. “It’s been really fun learning, practicing and doing things with my friends.”
 
“It makes it more fun, because I’ve made more friends too,” Xander said. “I started off with two friends in ‘The Lion King’ and now I have five or more.”

 
Belmont teachers Kellie Roth, Jordan Timm, Morgan Dennhardt and Katie Kovanda guided practices twice a week for students in third through fifth grades. Roth directed the production, Timm was stage manager, Dennhardt was music director and Kovanda was the play’s choreographer.
 
The four leaders said the activity increased a sense of connection throughout the entire school. It also planted the seeds of many life skills for Cougars in the cast and crew.
 
“It has been incredibly rewarding to watch students step out of their shells and fully embrace the challenge of moving beyond their comfort zones,” Timm said. “If you could see where we began compared to where we are now, the growth would truly amaze you. They have dedicated countless hours to learning their roles, mastering the music and perfecting the choreography, and their hard work is shining through.”
 
“While they’re certainly learning the basics of theater, what stands out most is the growth happening beyond the stage,” Roth said. “They’re discovering teamwork, encouragement, responsibility and the value of every role. I’ve watched students rise with confidence and leadership at each rehearsal, and they come in smiling, energized and proud of what they’re building together. Seeing that pride and connection is the most rewarding part.”

 
Every student who wanted to be in the cast received a part last fall. A talented stage crew began creating many props, lion tracks and savanna-themed backdrops at the same time.
 
Xander said Scar was his favorite character growing up because he was a key part of the movie. He was thrilled when he was selected for the role this past fall.
 
“I got pretty excited when I first heard,” Xander said.
 
Kovanda said Xander symbolized why it is important to include fine arts in schools. She watched him use his musical abilities to bring the play’s main villain to life. The soft-spoken Cougar confidently sang “Be Prepared” as a group of hyenas gathered nearby on stage during a dress rehearsal.
 
“That’s a huge solo for him, and he practiced so much,” Kovanda said. “I think you can see from his demeanor that he does not seem like he would be an evil villain, and that speaks to his acting skills, because when he locks in, it is the most charismatic, intimidating energy that you’ve ever seen.”

 
The Disney play was also a catalyst for a large amount of community engagement. Two guest instructors from Omaha Performing Arts came to Lincoln for rehearsals each week, and Lincoln Community Playhouse leaders provided costumes for the Cougars to wear.
 
The Belmont group traveled to the Holland Performing Arts Center in early March for a Student Share event with children from other Midwest schools. It was the first time many Cougars had visited downtown Omaha, and it gave them an opportunity to form friendships with singers from across Nebraska.
 
Dennhardt and Timm said the musical has been valuable for adults as well. Timm, Roth and Kovanda all lead fourth grade classrooms at Belmont and Dennhardt is the school’s music specialist. They have partnered on ideas for choreography movements, scene selections and acting advice, which has helped them develop closer bonds in their daily teaching jobs.
 
“Having the chance to team-teach and prepare a show with such an incredible group of educators has given me weekly motivations beyond the classroom,” Dennhardt said. “Each adult truly believes in our students’ abilities to make the show come alive. The positive energy from the team of educators and students alike has been something I look forward to continuing for years to come.”
 
“Gaining insight into the many moving parts behind a musical has been both exciting and rewarding,” Timm said. “Each teacher involved brings a unique skill set, and collaborating together has been one of the most meaningful aspects of the process.”
 
Roth said the circle of educational life that “The Lion King” has brought to Belmont has benefited everyone in kingdom-sized ways.
 
“Seeing students step outside their comfort zones, cheer each other on and grow more confident every single rehearsal has been the best thing,” Roth said. “There’s such a positive, supportive energy in the room, and it’s so special to be part of something where everyone feels valued and excited to create something together. It’s been a joy from start to finish.”

Learn how LPS students are benefiting from Lincoln Community Learning Centers programs across the city.
 
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Posted on March 11, 2026

North Star students organize successful Rock the Trades event

The rock-solid work ethic of North Star High School students like Natalie and Jenny resulted in many career rewards for their classmates this winter.
 
Two hundred Navigators learned about a wide assortment of trades-based jobs at the annual Rock the Trades Career Fair. SkillsUSA members worked with advisor Amanda Woodward to plan all aspects of this year’s event. Their managerial talents attracted 37 employers, schools and industry organizations to North Star’s campus, which was an increase of 12 from the previous year.
 
Natalie and Jenny said it was fun to watch everything fall into place as their classmates walked into the Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program’s hangar.
 
“It’s so cool,” Natalie said. “It’s a lot different than previous years, because last year we didn’t do much planning, but this year we did a lot. We worked on this months in advance.”
 
“It makes me feel very accomplished, actually,” Jenny said. “I’m very happy I can see other students who I might not have talked to before and ask them, ‘Hey, what are you interested in? What are you doing?’ It’s very fun being able to speak to them.”

 
SkillsUSA members met with school counselors, librarians and advisors this past summer to begin planning the 2026 event. They set up logistical information such as the date, time and location of Rock the Trades, and they asked dozens of Lincoln-area companies if they would be interested in attending.
 
After learning that more than 30 industry professionals would be coming, the Navigators mapped out spots for tables in three sections of the focus program’s building. They designed and placed promotional posters for Rock the Trades throughout the school, and they assisted companies with their needs during the event. They helped them set up booths that included business-related materials, virtual reality equipment and large and small electrical items.
 
Ashlee Harms said she and other industry representatives appreciated those efforts. Harms is a human resources manager at Lincoln-based TCMO, which provides fabrication, machining, welding, assembly and power coating services to customers. She said Woodward’s passion for helping students learn about trades has led to many fruitful conversations with them.
 
“I’ve been out here quite a bit the past few years since I’ve been in this role,” Harms said. “Amanda has been great to work with, and she really pushes the trades here. This is always a great place for us to get our name out there.”
 
Sofia Becerra said she was pleased with the number of students wanting to learn about workplace settings. Becerra is a talent acquisition specialist at Kidwell, which provides information technology and electrical contracting services in town. Kidwell’s headquarters is located less than a half mile from North Star’s campus.
 
“I’ve seen a lot of interest from students who are wanting to get their foot into an industry and are wanting to start early,” Becerra said. “I’ve seen a lot of eager students. The students here have taken more business cards than sometimes when I go to colleges. It’s amazing to see young individuals take that kind of approach and want to get their careers started right away.”

 
Becerra said she was also impressed with the detailed questions that the Navigators asked her. She said they wanted to know about the company’s 401(k) program, what benefits were offered and what types of educational classes were available.
 
“It makes me feel really good,” Becerra said. “It’s amazing to see kids that not only care about their future, but also the culture in a company. They want to be with a good company that takes care of their employees, so it’s awesome to see that responsibility and those values already instilled in students.”
 
Natalie said those one-on-one exchanges were a key reason why she has enjoyed coming to Rock the Trades the past four years. She said the get-togethers have helped her expand her vision of working in an aviation career. She and other Navigators have increased their networking circles, learned about internship and apprenticeship opportunities and discovered dozens of potential job pathways.
 
“It’s more than just a career fair,” Natalie said. “It’s something that’s above and beyond.”
 
Natalie’s leadership skills are also paying off in the short term. She and several teammates will submit their Rock the Trades organizational materials in this year’s Nebraska SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Championships. They would like to earn a state award in the Community Service Project category and do well at nationals.

 
“It just seemed like a fun thing to do for our senior project,” Natalie said. “I think it’s going great today.”
 
Jenny said the smiles she saw from her friends and classmates at Rock the Trades made all of the hard work worth it.
 
“I just enjoy seeing people learn about opportunities they probably would never have seen before,” Jenny said. “Trades careers are a graduation pathway that people can take, and I’m not sure people are aware of that. Rock the Trades is really helpful for them.”
 
Discover how Career and Technical Education classes are putting LPS students in prime positions for future jobs.
 
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Posted on March 11, 2026

Nataly composes medley of shining moments at Southwest

Southwest High School senior Nataly is using a show-stopping array of talents to set up a successful future for herself.
 
Nataly has created a medley of shining moments at Southwest with her bright personality. She is involved in show choir and concert choir activities, has aced tests in her English and math classes and has earned her certified nursing assistant endorsement through The Career Academy. She plans to work as a pediatric or intensive care unit nurse after graduating from college.
 
Nataly said her time at Southwest has prepared her well for life after Lincoln Public Schools.
 
“I love the amount of friends that I’ve made here,” Nataly said. “I love the connections I’ve made, and I love that I have a bunch of opportunities that I can take in.”

 
Southwest Principal John Matzen said he has been impressed with Nataly’s willingness to try new adventures in both academics and activities. She has taken courses ranging from Environmental Chemistry to Literature Through Film, and she has traveled to cities like Chicago with her show choir group.
 
“Nataly is a student who has embraced the opportunities of high school to explore interests and to position herself for a bright future ahead,” Matzen said. “She has kept a positive outlook no matter the challenges she faced.”
 
Many of Nataly’s accomplishments have taken place in the performing arts wing of the building. She joined choir for the first time as a seventh grader at Park Middle School, and she fell in love with expressing herself through song. She combined her singing and dancing interests two years later when she signed up for show choir with other Silver Hawks.

 
Leighton Ware and Samantha Costa have worked closely with Nataly during her high school career. Costa is the choir director and assistant show choir director at Southwest, and Ware is the school’s director of show choirs and assistant choir director. They said they have enjoyed watching Nataly display her talents both in the practice room and on stage.
 
“She’s a talented young lady who dedicates herself to everything she’s involved in,” Costa said. “She always comes to class smiling and ready to take on the day. Not only is she friendly and personable to faculty and staff, but all her peers as well, making everyone feel connected and valued.”
 
“I love that Nataly is so energetic and driven,” Ware said. “She is always so happy and enthusiastic and wants to succeed at everything she is involved in. She is great at building relationships with her peers. She always makes people feel welcome and wanted, and I value that a lot in her.”
 
Nataly has formed friendships with people in multiple show choir groups at Southwest. Those communication and bridge-building gifts are also why she is interested in the nursing field. She said providing professional care to patients and families would be a fulfilling way to serve the community.
 
“I’m very social,” Nataly said. “I like being around people, I like talking to people and I like taking care of people. If I get the chance to be a part of saving lives and helping people, I want to do that.”

 
Nataly has crafted her course schedule with that goal in mind. She has chosen to study more science-based subjects, such as chemistry and biology, to get a head start on that aspect of nursing. She also jumped at the chance to take a certified nursing assistant (CNA) class at The Career Academy when the opportunity presented itself. She passed the CNA exam on her first try after completing the course in December.
 
Costa said she and other Southwest teachers have noticed that commitment in the classroom. She said Nataly’s attention to detail and ability to work well with others would carry her far.
 
“She’s been working hard to take classes that will prepare her for a career in nursing – specifically the pediatrics and maternity side of things,” Costa said. “While she might not be planning for a career in music, her leadership skills, dedication, teamwork abilities, empathy and passion she exhibits daily in choir will shine and make her an excellent nurse to many.”
 
Ware said Nataly’s passion for people would play a central role in her post-Southwest endeavors.
 
“I think Nataly will be super successful in her future, especially because of her ability to genuinely build connections with others,” Ware said. “She finds something great in every day and her smile lights up a room. Whoever she surrounds herself with will really notice this and will want to be around her.”
 
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Posted on March 09, 2026