September 13, 2004

To begin the new school year, Lincoln (NE) Mayor Coleen J. Seng held the second annual "Kindergarten Kickoff" community event at the Lincoln Children's Museum over four nights from August 11 _14. The event focused on the city's newly enrolled kindergarten students to celebrate the beginning of their formal education. Each year, the celebration is designed to encourage families to prepare for and honor this milestone in a child's lifelong learning experience.

The "Kickoff" is a jointly planned activity by the city of Lincoln, Lincoln City Libraries, Ventures in Partnership and the Lincoln Children's Museum. This year, over 3,100 children registered to begin kindergarten in Lincoln's public, private and parochial schools.

The mayor's objectives is to increase parental involvement in their child's education; recognize the important role the community has in school success; highlight the importance of early planning for higher education; and generate excitement for lifelong learning in Lincoln's newest students.

The activity that begins the "Kickoff" is a postcard sent to each new student inviting them and their family to the celebration on a designated night for their school, and asking them to visit a city library at which time they register for their very own library card and receive a "Kindergarten Kickoff" t-shirt. The t-shirt is their ticket for admission to the celebration.