Let’s slide into our next century…
100 years strong and ready to play!
Make our playground dreams come true for our 100th
birthday. Help Sheridan honor our legacy and build the
future!
At Sheridan Elementary, we believe that every child deserves a safe and engaging
environment where they can play and explore. Our current playground is outdated, and
the surfacing underneath does not meet district safety standards. Additionally, many
pieces have been removed over the years due to safety concerns, so our current
equipment is undersized for our student population. LPS presented us with a
partnership opportunity to create a new space that will be fun, functional, and safe for
our students.

Accessibility & Inclusivity
The PTO is also prioritizing an accessible and inclusive playground; this would be one
of the very first playgrounds in the district of its kind. We strive to be pioneers and
provide a blueprint for future schools to follow. We know that our Sheridan community
shares our passion for providing ALL children with the best possible educational
experience, and we hope that you will join us in this endeavor!

Happy Birthday, Dear Sheridan!
Our beloved school is gearing up to blow out 100 candles in 2026! We at the Sheridan
PTO want to honor our historic past and also do our part to launch our school into the
next century, ready for new students to fall in love with our incredible community.

Phase 1 Fundraising Goal & Deadlines
To make our accessibility dreams come to fruition, we need to raise a total of $100,000
in Phase 1. With an additional contribution from LPS at $67,000, we will be able to
install a main play structure and accessible ramps. Additional accessible pieces could
be added if we can beat our goals! Our first deadline is to raise $50,000 by December
31, 2023.

Donations
Donations are greatly appreciated!
Sheridan Elementary office will accept cash or check:
Checks c/o: Sheridan School PTO (note: playground fund)
3100 Plymouth Ave, Lincoln, NE 68502
Donate HERE for PayPal.

ALL donors will be publicly recognized in the future!

Thank You
Thank you so much for your generous support, whether it is financial, through volunteer
opportunities, or by spreading the word! Every bit of support makes a difference, and
together we can build the future!

FAQ
Why do we need new playground equipment?
Sheridan Elementary’s current playground surfacing is not up to LPS district safety standards.
Several pieces of our playground equipment have either been removed recently (e.g. zip line) or
are slated for imminent removal (e.g. monkey bars) due to district safety standards. Since LPS
will be replacing the surfacing and removing equipment, the district facilities team approached
the Sheridan PTO about forming a partnership. Parts for the main structure are no longer being
manufactured, and maintaining the structure is difficult. The current equipment is also
undersized for our student population, due to the number of pieces that have been removed
over time. Providing children with access to high-quality playground equipment is a priority,
because it enhances their physical health and promotes socialization and emotional well-being
at school. Now is the most cost-effective time to replace the current equipment given the
district’s plans.

Who designed the playground and chose which equipment to install?
The LPS district facilities team designed the playground in conjunction with Burke; Burke is the
commercial playground manufacturer that LPS has chosen to use for its current projects. LPS
presented the options that it would approve and the corresponding costs to the Sheridan PTO and administration. Sheridan administration then presented the LPS-approved options to
Sheridan teachers and staff for input. The PTO chose which option to pursue, guided by that
input. The mission and purpose of the Sheridan PTO is to support Sheridan students, teachers,
and staff within the framework determined by the district. This playground configuration was
chosen to reflect our mission and purpose, while meeting the requirements set forth by LPS.

Who owns and maintains the equipment after it is installed?
The LPS district owns all of the equipment after purchasing. The PTO’s fundraising efforts are a
donation, as are all other PTO contributions. This means the district is responsible for any and
all future maintenance after installation. The Sheridan PTO must choose equipment within the
guidelines set by LPS, due to the limitations of district-wide ongoing maintenance costs and
ease of part replacement for district maintenance staff.

How much money is the district committing to this project?
The LPS district has committed to contribute between $67,000 and $68,000 toward this project.

Why does the PTO have to raise the rest of the funds?
District funds for this project come from the 2020 bond. The bond funds are limited, and the
priorities of the district are first and foremost safety. LPS’s commitment to this project reflects
the amount it is able to allocate fairly from the bond. LPS funding only covers the base plan to
replace the surfacing and remove equipment to meet safety standards. After reaching out to
other PTOs, the Sheridan PTO confirms that this is regular and consistent; across the district,
PTOs individually raise the funds for their own schools’ equipment.

What would happen if the PTO chooses to not raise the funds for the playground?
The district would replace the surfacing under the main equipment and remove the current
pieces that are not compliant with safety standards. What is left of our existing equipment would
be relocated to the brand new surfacing.

When are funds due?
The Sheridan PTO must raise 50% of our overall goal by January 1, 2024, for LPS facilities to
order equipment. The final 50% is due by the anticipated date of install in the summer of 2024.

How does this fit in with Sheridan Elementary’s 100th birthday?
Our school will turn 100 years old in 2026! A school and community-wide goal is to launch our
school into its next century in tip top shape. By starting now, we can fundraise for and install two
phases of updates on the property.

Phase 1 looks great! What will Phase 2 look like?
The goal of Phase 2 is to make the playground and overall property more accessible and
inclusive to meet the needs of the full student population. The scope of Phase 2 depends on
current fundraising efforts. The rate at which we are able to attain funds for the initial Phase 1
will determine the expected rate, and therefore scope and timeline of Phase 2.

I am so excited! How can I donate?
Thank you for asking! Cash or check can be sent directly to the Sheridan office. We will also be
accepting donations through PayPal (@sheridansharksPTO) and Fund-A-Need. Eventually,
there will be the ability to donate directly on the Sheridan PTO website. Many additional
fundraisers are in the works for the next school year, but the sooner we start funding, the sooner
we can determine the scope of Phase 2. No amount is too big or too small! This is a community
project and every little bit matters. Small donations can add up quickly and make a big impact.
We sincerely thank you for any and all donations!

Are donations tax deductible?
Yes, all donations to the PTO are tax deductible. The Sheridan PTO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Can I donate equipment instead of money?
Unfortunately, we cannot accept donated equipment due to safety regulations and installation
and maintenance requirements of the district. We can, however, accept business or personal
item donations for future fundraising efforts. Keep a look out for PTO communications asking for
item or service donations in the future.

Are there other ways that I can help?
Yes! Many fundraisers for next year are already in the works. When volunteer sign-ups for those
fundraisers go out, please sign-up. Many hands make light work!

How will students be involved?
Our wonderful Sheridan Sharks will get the opportunity to be involved in the selection of the
inclusive stand-alone musical pieces. We also hope to have students involved in a fundraiser
next year and in thanking our donors. We know our sharks will be up to the task!

Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Questions can be directed to the PTO email address (sheridansharkspto@gmail.com) or to
Lauren O’Donnell (lrn.e.odnnll@gmail.com). Please reach out with any additional questions or
concerns!

UPDATE: TOTAL FUNDRAISING GOAL EXCEEDED!! We raised enough to complete both Phase 1 and Phase 1.5. Further fundraising is postponed until a Phase 2 concept plan and goals are in place.

PHASE 1

Concrete, Standard Structure, Rubber Cost (green area on playground plan) - $129,938

Concrete, Accessible Ramps, Rubber Cost (blue area on playground plan) - $42,696

TOTAL PHASE 1 GOAL = $129,938 + $42,696 - (LPS Contribution) $67,000 = $105,634

PHASE 1.5 (STRETCH GOAL)

(Priority 1) Concrete, Cruiser & Access Ramp, Rubber Cost (red area on playground plan) - $26,876

Accessible & Inclusive Elements - Stand-alone instruments & Additional play panels - (cost varies) approximately $10,000

TOTAL PHASE 1 + PHASE 1.5 (stretch goal) = $105,634 + 26,876 + $10,000 = $142,510

The ultimate goal is to install both Phase 1 and Phase 1.5 in the summer of 2024. Phase 1.5 could be pushed out to install in the summer of 2025 if fundraising efforts are short. In Phase 1.5, priority will be given to the cruiser.

One or more instruments will be purchased with existing funds that are allocated to "art and music" items/services for Sheridan. An additional $10,000 raised would allow for more instruments and inclusive play panels to be installed.

PHASE 2

Currently undefined. The scope and associated cost will be determined based on the ability and time frame taken to fundraise for Phase 1 and Phase 1.5.

Current Playground Donors

You could be featured here!

If your donation is missing, or if a mistake has been made, please contact SheridanSharksPTO@gmail.com

Jim Pittenger

Drew & Betsy Chambers

Rhonda Seacrest

Country Club Neighborhood Association

Nelnet

Blake & Emmy Anderson

Jennifer & Brian Cintani

Lincoln Community Foundation

Noel & Amber Harewood

David & Heather Buggeln

Kyle & Lauren O’Donnell

Legal & General America

Chris & Alisha Stokes

Jared & Sarah Larkin

John & Lauren Pugliese

Mindi & Porter Chollet

Libby & Andrew Johnson

Chris & Jessica Kortum

Erin Hanas & Mark Resnick

Erica Peterson & Bart Dillashaw

Scheels

Alec & Laura Gorynski

Jessica & Trent Sidders

Ryan & Emily Shelstad

Karrie Weber & Ronald Anderson

James & Amy Anderson

Megan & Marc D'Amour

Michelle Sitorius & Kane Click

Raymond Chollet

BJ Brittenham

Tyler & Shani Schroeder

Farm Credit Services of America

Katherine & Peter Meidlinger

Sandra & Brian Kaup

Brad & Angela Penner

Krystle & Justin Brandt

Deborah Yancer

Jill & Wayne Mortensen

Abbie & John Eisenhart

Chris & Ella Salem

Kristie Holoch

Marsha & Russell Nyffeler

Amy Ferguson

Neeta & Patrick Neugent

Jennifer Carter

Sam & Ashley Myhre

Peggy Demeter

Cole & Chelsea Klinkebiel

Mark Riehle

Shawn Farrar

Ben Ptacek

Greg & Kelly Wiley

James & Cherri Murphy

Joanna & Terry Morgan

Katherine & Matt Owens

Virginia Holthus

Deb Fiddelke

Lauren Murphy

Amy & Jason Judd

Amy & Austin Williams

Yvonne Lai & Drew Krutak

Maggie & Evan Killeen

Carrie Wiegert & Chris Hobza

Ruth Friedman

Kylee & Doug Roberts

Rodney Vlcek

Hanna Day-Woodruff

Katie & Mark Ely

Abbie Farrar

Kim Tallman

Sharon Hastings

Laurel Maslowski

Lily Sughroue

Laura Keller

Katie & Jasa Rhone

Clover Frederick

Kathy Plunkett

Charles & Sherene Salem

R. Mark Hinrichs

Pablo Cervantes

David & Shirley Williams

Benjamin Kuspa

Laurie Logsdon

Philip & Carlene Waldron

Jeff Mower & Trisha Vickrey

Paul & Jenny Johnson

Anthony & Anna Delaney

Lindsey Gill

Elizabeth White

Lori Palensky

Jennifer & Jon Stoltenberg

Wynn & Sheila Mehlhaff

Dallas Mehling

Ruby Perlman

Nichole & Kory Palmer

Jim & Mary Lynn Schaffer

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