LPS Wellness Program

Highlighting Staff Well-Being

In the Lincoln Public Schools Wellness Program, student wellness has been at the center of wellness efforts for the past 14 years; integrating staff wellness involvement where possible. 

LPS Wellness programs not only impact over 42,200 pre-K through 12 grade students, but the over 6,200 staff who work to serve them each day. As of school year 2024-25, LPS has working to greatly increase staff wellness by expanding resources for all eligible staff.

LPS Wellness continues to work hard to keep student and staff wellness aligned and integrated as much as possible, providing an environment that helps both staff and students live their best and healthiest lives.

Read more about LPS wellness programing in their November highlight.

November 20, Innovation Campus

Partnership for a Healthy Nebraska, along with the UNMC College of Public Health, Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative, Creighton University Institute for Population Health, First Five Nebraska, and the Nebraska DHHS, with funding from the Sherwood Foundation, are convening stakeholders to discuss and collaborate on improving perinatal outcomes in Nebraska

Panel discussions led by community advocates and experts with interactive audience participation will include: (1) Maternal Child Health Federal & State Policy (2) Universal Newborn Home Visiting (3) Rural Maternal Health Access (4) Fetal Infant Mortality Review (5) Maternal Mental Health (6) Barriers to Care, and (7) Safe Sleep & SUIDS

Keynote speaker will be Robert Kahn MD, MPH, Professor of Pediatrics and Assoc. Chair for Community in the Dept. of Pediatrics at University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. More info: email Kaitlyn or register here.

YWCA Lincoln

Developing Confidence, Skills

The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

The YWCA offers programming to promote the physical, emotional and health, wellness, and confidence of young women and girls, serving over 200 girls during the 2024-2025 academic school year.

A wide variety of youth development programs mentor and empower, provide support and connection, teach leadership skills, and embolden youth to reach their full potential.

Read about the success of their new high school CATCH program and learn about other programming in their November highlight.

The Weather Report

Dr. Katelyn Jetelina is an epidemiologist and data scientist with a Masters in Public Health and a PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, professor at Yale School of Public Health and a source we trust. The latest from Dr. Jetelina:

The respiratory viral season is starting to brew. RSV is on its way, gearing up with increased activity in Florida. RSV typically emerges in the Southeast, then sweeps across the nation. Now is the best time to get respiratory (RSV, COVID, and flu) vaccines before the winter season begins.

The CDC finally signed off on COVID vaccines for everyone 6 mo.s and older. Access to Covid-19 vaccines should now be easier, especially for under or uninsured children. Find answers to your questions about the Covid vax.

Dr. Jetelina also reviews the impact of the shutdown on public health.

Governor Declares October as

Farm to School Month

Farm to School enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and early care and education sites.

When schools implement Farm to School within their nutrition services, students gain access to healthy, local foods as well as interactive educational opportunities to learn about vegetable gardening, healthy cooking, and farming.

Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln utilizes fresh locally grown produce in our wellness programs at the Community Learning Centers and Early Childhood Education Centers to teach kids how yummy good nutrition can be. Learn more.

Starting Early to Develop

Good Taste and Good Health

Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln is offering an opportunity for Early Care and Education (ECE) sites to start or enhance their Farm to ECE work. Program includes:

• Local produce direct to your door for taste tests, snacks,and/or meals.
• Access to food, nutrition, garden, and agriculture related education and activities.
• Technical assistance for all your Farm to ECE needs including Local food purchasing; gardening; and how CACFP can be utilized for Farm to ECE related expenses.
• FREE* Harvest of the Month Kits to carry out your Farm to ECE taste tests - value $150.(*Free for up to 18 sites based on application scoring and funding availability.)

Apply today. Questions, email Tami Frank or call 402.310.2060.

Project Funway

Fresh Start is hosting their annual fundraiser, Project Funway, featuring designs from UNL students, on November 7th at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel, beginning at 6:30PM.

Proceeds benefit programs for women experiencing homelessness, and offer housing and skill development and supportive services. More info, tickets.

Winter Clothing Drive

Now through Nov. 14, CenterPointe is hosting its annual Winter Essentials Donation Drive to collect new or gently used winter clothing and other items for those in need. Coats, gloves, hats, scarves, blankets, sleeping bags, new socks, and kids' toys are being accepted at their campus, 2202 So. 11th St., M-F, 8am - 5pm. They are especially in need of larger-sized adult clothing. More info.

LPS Sustainability Program

The LPS 2Q Garden Gathering is November 12th at Science Focus Program in the Lincoln Children's Zoo, from 5:30 - 7:30pm. For anyone interested in gardens and outdoor learning efforts. Register or more information.

Lincoln Literacy Global Celebration

Thursday, November 13, 6 - 8pm

Lincoln Literacy is celebrating student achievements, volunteer tutor dedication, and a record number of students served. In 2024, the organization served over 2,000 adult learners from 87 countries. As of August 2025, Lincoln Literacy had already surpassed 2,000 learners. The celebration will feature music dinner and cash bar at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. Proceeds benefit Lincoln Literacy programs. More info, tickets.

Hand in Hand

November 18, 3 - 3:45pm.

For children 2.5 - 7 yrs and an accompanying adult, is a playful and educational nature program focused on exploration, stories, and outdoor adventures. Each 45-minute session will be spent mostly outdoors, engaging in guided hikes and hands-on activities. Up to two children per adult are welcome. Participants will meet in the Prairie Building. The fee is $4 per child per session. Register, (402) 441-7895.

Holiday Meal Giveaway

The Malone Center, Visionary Youth and Molina Healthcare are hosting a holiday meal giveaway on Nov. 23rd. If you'd like to donate food or funds for a family meal, you can take your donations to the Oasis Barbershops at 124 No. 12th or 4230 So. 33rd St. now through Nov. 19th.

YMCA Turkey Trot

Registration is now open for the annual YMCA Turkey Trot sponsored by Union Bank and Trust, on Nov. 27 in the Haymarket Railyard, 350 Canopy St. Proceeds benefit YMCA programs.

1k and 5K races for families and individuals. Start times between 7:45 and 9:15am. Register or find more information.