Date:

July 18, 2007

For More Information Contact:

Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, 441-8565

Darren Macfee, Lincoln Children’s Museum, 477-0128

Aaron Babcock, LPS Communications, 436-1000

Local children entering kindergarten next month will again have an opportunity to celebrate the beginning of their school years with the Kindergarten Kickoff. The fifth annual city-wide celebration is made possible through a unique partnership among the Lincoln Public Schools (LPS), the Lincoln Children’s Museum, Lincoln City Libraries and the City of Lincoln.

“Kindergarten Kickoff is a celebration,” said Dr. Susan Gourley, LPS Superintendent. “Kindergarten is a special time of excitement and wonderment for the child, a milestone for the families, and new opportunities for the caring and dedicated teachers of LPS who take most seriously their responsibility of making each child’s first educational experience a positive one. A strong first year of school establishes a basis for learning for a lifetime. In this year’s class of kindergarten students, an artist, a future mayor, a medical doctor, a health care provider, a teacher and a business leader will emerge.”

Kindergarten Kickoff also supports Lincoln children as they make the transition from home to school. Gourley noted that LPS again will set a record for kindergarten enrollment this year. “We will welcome nearly 2,700 kindergartners this year, and we appreciate and value the community’s support for our children as they begin their school experience.”

All children registered to attend kindergarten in Lincoln public and private schools this fall were mailed an invitation encouraging them to visit a Lincoln City Library, register for their very own library card and receive a free Kindergarten Kickoff tee shirt. Kindergartners wearing their tee shirts will be admitted free to the Children’s Museum, 1420 “P” Street, for one of four scheduled celebrations (see attached schedule) from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, August 6 through Thursday, August 9. Family members are encouraged to attend and will receive free admission. At the Lincoln Children’s Museum celebrations, all incoming kindergartners will receive a free book, “Max and Ruby Play School” by Rosemary Wells.

The annual Kindergarten Kickoff celebration continues to grow in popularity. Although the number of kindergarten students attending decreased slightly from 2005 to 2006, the overall attendance, including parents and family members, increased from 3,997 in 2005 to 5,063 in 2006.

Those wanting additional information on the Kindergarten Kickoff can call Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, at 441-8565, or visit the City Library Web site at lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: library).

Kindergarten Kickoff Celebration Schedule
5:30 to 8 p.m., Lincoln Children’s Museum