An unexpected reunion, a surprise reminder of gratitude

This is always one of the best times of the year for celebratory events, and student and staff acknowledgements, as we are finishing fast to put another year into the books. With about five weeks left, there is much work yet to accomplish and everyone is focused, yet we still …

‘Pivot point’ of winter taught us life lessons

This winter has been one of the roughest in all my experience as a school district superintendent.  While snow days calls are always fun – and challenging – the additional water issues we experienced were extraordinary, and definitely not something we could have foreseen. In fact, these are just the …

Surviving the winter of 2019, looking ahead to spring

Whew, this has been a winter to forget.  I vaguely remember hearing a meteorologist predict earlier in the fall that this would be a mild winter with below average precipitation.  I am happy that we had enough days built into our instructional calendar to accommodate the school days lost to …

Let’s cheer for our winners

People who know me are aware that I REALLY enjoy football.  Having played, coached and spent hours (mainly weekends) watching, I consider myself somewhat knowledgeable.  I am fascinated by the intrigue centered on strategies that create positive momentum and inevitably determine who will win, specifically utilizing strengths to compensate for …

Local video reflects mental health challenges for our students

I was fortunate this week to view “The Mind Inside,” the most recent video production from Nebraska Loves Public Schools. Set within a middle school in Millard, it is a powerful representation of the mental health challenges many of our students face today.  With a packed movie theatre for the …

Happy new year, thank you …. and looking ahead to 2019

As 2018 comes to a close, I always like to use the final blog of the year to say “thank you” – thank you to all our employees, students, parents and community.  We are so fortunate to work with families and community members who care deeply for high quality educational …

Pausing at year’s end to celebrate significant achievements

On more than one occasion in my career (and personal life) I have been appropriately reminded that periodically, I need to pause a moment to recognize and celebrate our successes and achievements.  I am a goal oriented superintendent, so I tend to work toward achieving an objective and upon reaching …

School visits bring awe of students and staff

Today I visited Huntington Elementary School and spent time with an energized staff, as well as energized Huntington Principal Rik Devney.  This school has worked hard on helping students learn, grow and become better people – with themes that include meeting and greeting adults, courteous protocol, and dressing for success. As we …

Counting kids and naming giraffes

Lincoln Public Schools officially counted children earlier this week and student enrollment in our school district continues to rise, with historic new highs this school year: 42,035 students are attending the school district in 2018-19, marking the first time enrollment has surpassed 42,000. While any student growth is welcome, this …

Awe inspiring start to school

The first week of school is always special.  The energy and excitement that is displayed is awe inspiring. I always visit at least two elementary school drop-offs for kindergartners, where parents and wee students are saying good bye. In the old days (last few years) this meant a few emotional …