Day at the park picture-perfect

Under blue skies and picture-perfect weather, Lincoln Public Schools took about 3,000 fifth graders out to the ballgame Wednesday in the annual Lincoln Saltdog game celebration of late summer.

In what has become a tradition – with support from hundreds of LPS staff and a ballet of school buses – the event at Haymarket Park focuses on lessons of good sportsmanship, character, emotional and social learning, and of course great food and fun.

“My daughter is in college now, but she was in the very first fifth grade class who attended the Saltdog game – and it is one of her greatest memories from the time she spent in school,” according to Matt Avey, LPS curriculum specialist for Health and Physical Fitness. 

Avey stressed the teachable moments throughout the ballpark – from promoting physical activity to learning to be a courteous spectator – in this tenth annual Saltdog outing for all fifth graders from all 39 LPS elementary schools.

Rousseau Elementary School fifth grader Oakley Meister thought the day was the ideal way to celebrate his 11^th birthday. “I really like school, I like math best, but it’s fun to celebrate my birthday at a baseball game – and not in a classroom…I’m super-excited, because we get to eat good stuff, too.”

LPS students played a big part in the entire day’s activities with fifth graders performing the Star Spangled Banner, acting as “Watchdogs” (students who get to follow players onto the field during introductions), serving as mini-managers and even helping to announce the game.  

“I love this day,” Avey said, smiling.  “And just look at the weather.  This is really a perfect day.”