It's coming!
The Spring Extravaganza!
May 19 (5:30-7:30)!
5th Grade Wax Museum in the gym 5:30-6:30
K-5 Art Exhibit in the halls all evening
Technology Night in the lab
(K-2 is 5:30-6:30 & 3-5 is 6:30-7:30)
Drug/Alcohol Awareness Presentation in the lunchroom 6:30-7:00
Mr. Reeker is giving away this painting on May 19!
Please plan to join us!
Welcome to
Eastridge Elementary!
Home of the Eagles!


If you have any questions or suggestions for our site, please contact either Dr. Kristine Reckewey, Principal, at <kreckew@lps.org> or Mr. Bob Reeker, Visual Art & Integrated Technology Specialist, at <breeker@lps.org>. You may also reach either by phone at 402.436.1135.
Time Warner Cable Spotlight Award Finalists 
Eastridge was a finalist for a Time Warner Cable Spotlight Award as honorees were recognized May 12 at a banquet at Wilderness Ridge. Eastridge's entry was titled "Wax Museum: History Comes Alive" and demonstrated how 5th grade students used technology in studying and producing work relating to an era in history. This collaborative effort has happened the last three years due to the efforts of Mrs. Young, Mrs. VanLaecken, Ms. Erickson, and Mr. Reeker; former Eastridge teachers Mrs. Gallagher and Mrs. Beatty were also instrumental in previous years' successes. Our very supportive principal, Dr. Reckewey joined the group at the recognition to celebrate with the team. This year's Wax Museum takes place May 19 from 5:30-6:30 in the gym.
SYMPHONY TICKET WINNERS!!!
Congratulations to the following students for winning the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra tickets!!!
4th Grade: Grace C., Camille H., Madison W.; 3rd Grade: Drake B., Kassi S., Caitlin K.,; and 2nd Grade: Max W., Rory M., Michael J. Students were asked to return coloring sheets of the instruments of the four families of the orchestra that we learned about during the Lollypop's Concerts. If the sheets were returned, the student's name was entered into the drawing!!!
Each student received a certificate for 4 free admissions to one of two of the concerts that the symphony presents next year during their "Children's Concert" series! Music Is Magic!!!
3rd Grade Coffee House Poetry
Eastridge 3rd Graders traveled with their teachers, Mrs. Knuth and Mrs. Hergenrader and paraeducator Mrs. Nunn, and several parents to a local coffee house to share poetry with each other and patrons. The third graders often share poetry with their peers; this opportunity gave them a "real-life" situation to read their creations. Above: Morgan P. reads a poem on stage. Below: Olivia R. lounges with her parents.

2nd Grade Visits Zoo 
Eastridge 2nd Graders traveled to the Lincoln Children's Zoo May 8 to learn about Zoo animal life. Mrs. Aron, Mrs. Hlava, Mrs. Watson, and Mrs. Halouska escorted the group. 
21st Annual Mayor's Run Well Attended by Eagles

On Saturday May 3rd was the 21st annual Mayor's Run! Eastridge had 41% of their student body (K-5) entered in the race! Eastridge was 2nd place in the small school division, just behind Lincoln Christian School. We needed 10% to get our school name on the back of the shirt and a plaque. The night before the run, over 100 people (Eastridge runners and family) met at Valentino's on 70th and VanDorn to get loaded up on those good carbs. The day of the run the students wore their homemade Eagle masks so that everyone would know what school they belonged to.
The masks sure got the attention...Callie E. got interviewed by Clayton Streich, the man who is in charge of the entire race. Mr. Streich also said that if there was an award for the most improved school participation at the run it would've gone to Eastridge. I was asked how I accomplished that and I said that I'm sure the Valentino's thing added a little incentive! All in all, it was a great morning! WAY TO GO EAGLE RUNNERS!!! Congratulations to Rachel M...she was the winner of a brand new bike from Bike Pedelars and Felicia G. who won a brand new all important biking helmet as well! Miss Forsberg :) 
Backpack Walk Results
Eastridge had over 50 walkers registered. It was a beautiful day to walk on Saturday, April 26 and many of us walked 1 1/4 miles around East High School. We raised over $5100 for the program!! Eastridge also had several people donate new or gently used backpacks for the cause. Thanks to all who participated in this worthwhile event. Total raised from LPS was $111,000 and still counting!! Thank you Mrs. Keslar and Mrs. Young for organizing the Eastridge effort!
JDRF = Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
On Thursday May 1st, two representatives came out to Eastridge to talk to grades 1-5 about Juvenile Diabetes, type 1 and type 2. The students learned what Juvenile Diabetes is and what children go through on a daily basis who have it. The students also learned about how they can help children with JD for at least the next two weeks. For two weeks, the students are to fund raise. The money they raise will go to research for a cure. Eastridge will get 10% of the total earnings. On May 15th, the representatives from JDRF will come back to Eastridge and lead each class on a one mile walk through the park to celebrate our taking part in the event. Eastridge was the first school in Lincoln to take part in this worthwhile cause. Thank you Miss Forsberg for organizing this wonderful event!
Above are the shoes people sign when donating any amount to the cause.
Halls are Alive with the Sound of Music!


The annual Spring Music Concert took place Tuesday, April 29 with the band, orchestra, and chorus performing. The hour-long concert was enjoyed by the entire school in the morning and then by families and friends in the evening.

Elvis even made an appearance during the chorus performance.
Click here for the Spring Music Concert Program
Young Artists Display Work

Two Eastridge 5th graders recently had work on display at the Great Plains Art Gallery, Downtown Lincoln during the month of April. Paige B. and Katherine S. are part of the LPS Visual Art Mentor Program in which they work with a community artist for 2 hours a week. Paige is mentored by Max Reis and has been in the program for one year. Katherine's mentor is Arlyss Felt, and she has been involved for three years. Congratulations girls!
6245 L Street [map]
Lincoln, Nebraska 68510
Phone: 402-436-1135
Fax: 402-458-3235
Safety is a priority at our school, so all visitors must check in with Mrs. Ramsey at the front desk when entering Eastridge and wear a visitor badge, no matter the reason for the visit or for what length of time.
Also, ONLY the front door is accessible for visitors during school hours. All other doors are locked.
Thank you for your patience and consideration as we continue to keep Eastridge a safe place for staff and students.
Students are dismissed early the last Tuesday of each month (except December) for teacher Professional Learning Community meetings. Students are dismissed at 2:18 p.m. on the following Tuesdays:
May 27, 2008

The Eastridge Chorus walked to Eastmont Towers to perform for the residents on Monday, May 12. 
Following a performance of 50s music, students were treated to cookies.
The chorus is under the direction of Mrs. Lahman.
Congratulations to our Eastridge teachers and 4th grade students – ALL of our 4th graders passed the State Writing Exam. Way to go!
5th Grade Students: Are you looking for an opportunity to sing this summer? Do you want to get a jump start on choral music at the middle school level? If so, plan on participating in the first ever Lincoln Public Schools 5th Grade Choral Music Camp. The camp will meet at Irving Middle School and will run from July 21-25. It is open to any current LPS 5th grader. Please see Mrs. Lahman for more information and registration forms!!! The registration deadline is Friday, May 23rd!
Longtime volunteer Brian Batten was recently awarded a Friend of Education Award from the Lincoln Education Association. Mr. Batten is being recongized for his many hours given to students and staff at Eastridge over the years. Award cermonies will take place May 15 during the final LEA meeting of the year. Mrs. Keslar, Mrs. Kosmicki, Mrs. Halouska, and Mr. Reeker nominated Mr. Batten. Congratulations!
Mr. Batten Award Nomination Letter
Miss Munter spent 8 weeks with Mr. Reeker as his student teacher. She recently was employed by Westside Schools in Omaha as an elementary art specialist. Good luck Miss Munter!
Letters from Soldier
Andy Singsaas, who is a Sargeant stationed in Iraq recently sent letters to our 3rd graders in response to letters our students sent him. Andy responded to each child with a personalized letter. Andy is the husband of Kate who teaches EXCITE at Eastridge.


The always entertaining East High Orchestra visited May 5 for a concert. From Classical to Beatles music, the group made beautiful music for the audience. Several 2nd and 3rd graders joined in the fun as well as 5th grader Emily H. who conducted the orchestra for one number. Thank you East Orchestra!

At the music concert held April 29, Dr. Reckewey presented Mrs. Lahman with an Award of Excellence for Making Education Come Alive for Children from the Nebraska Association of Elementary School Principals. Dr. Reckewey shared the following with students and staff:
Mrs. Lahman provides outstanding music instruction for all students at Eastridge Elementary. She does an excellent job of combining music concepts with interactive activities to capture students’ attention and help them to learn about music. Students develop a love for music and music education. Mrs. Lahman offers Chorus to students before school each week. Students perform several times throughout the school year at school and at other locations. Mrs. Lahman helps coordinate our vocal music, band, and strings concerts. She knows all children in our school and contributes in many ways. Mrs. Lahman’s active involvement throughout our school helps students weave the importance of music throughout their daily lives. Thank you to Mrs. Lahman for providing excellence in music education at Eastridge Elementary.

Students in Ms. Ward's ECSE classes did their part this week for the Earth by recycling "garbage" into wonderful pieces of art. From boxes and tubes to cans and containers, students made animals, transportation and a whole host of other creations!