Students at North Star High School are putting their heart into a community art project. And it’s literally a heart-shaped sculpture, now being painted assorted shades of blue. You’ll find out why from Laila, Andres and their teacher Jocelyn Reiss Lippencott. #67

Classical music from the art room. That’s right, we’re featuring a cross-curriculum lesson plan from Irving Middle school where art teachers Kellie Covey and Kacee Conley invited professional cellist and Irving Aardvark alum Sophie Potter into their classrooms. #66

Our podcast gets a co-host this week, with aspiring music DJ Ali, a sixth-grade student at Goodrich Middle School. He interviews his vision teacher Ben Lytle, talks about being a guest DJ on a local FM radio station, his vision challenges and more. #65

This fall, Lincoln Public Schools will open its 12th middle school. Why does another middle school matter, is it more of the same, and how exactly do middle schools get planned, hired, and filled with students? Hear answers from the school’s first principal, Gary Czapla. #64

This number is amazing: 1.3 million dollars raised. This one is unsettling. 5,535 Lincoln children will go hungry this weekend. Those two numbers intersect as we get ready for the BackPack Extra Mile Walk, April 29, 2017 at Lincoln East High School. We’ll hear why those numbers matter for LPS budget director Shari Styskal, and for students and staff throughout LPS. #63

From 500 nominations, five teachers in four categories were honored at the annual Thank You Teacher event. Listen to excerpts from the students reading their letters, and the teachers responses. Truly inspirational. #62

This week we head to Science class, where changes are happening. At last month’s Learning Lunch at the Lincoln Public Schools district office, we learned about the changing standards of Science curriculum. Today we bring you excerpts from that forum, and to give you a better feel, we specifically chose parts that are classroom specific, something we can all relate to. First, two teachers, then our science curriculum specialist James Blake. #61

In honor of the anniversary of the formal adoption of ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ as the United States’ national anthem on March 3, 1931, the Varsity Concert Choir of Lincoln Southwest High School sings the anthem. #60

English Language Learner teachers are used to a myriad of cultures and languages and experiences in their classroom. Our guest this week, North Star ELL teacher Ellen Jorgenson, has her own set of worldly experiences as a member of the Peace Corp. We talk where, when, and why. #59

The term guidance counselor is an acceptable but perhaps outdated title for those who help students with a variety of issues. In fact, as the counselor roles in schools have adapted to student needs and other trends, it’s not entirely accurate either. Hear from a school counselor and a student who talk about the role of counselors in our high schools today. (This interview was recorded during National School Counselor Week.) #58