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Students & Registration:
What is Bright Lights?
Bright Lights, Inc. is a nonprofit organization unique to Lincoln, NE that has offered summer learning adventures to elementary and middle school students for over twenty years. Based on the motto, "Hands on, Minds on!", the program is for students interested in summer learning adventures.
Where is the program held?
Bright Lights rents a Lincoln Public Schools building for the main program site where about 75% of the classes are held. The remaining classes are held at community classroom sites. Summer 2010 main program site will be at Randolph Elementary School, 1024 S. 37th St.
Who does Bright Lights serve?
Classes are offered for students in post-K through post-9th grade. This means the grade the student is in on April 1st of the year the Bright Lights class is taken.
When is it held?
Bright Lights holds six sessions during three weeks in June and July. For 2010, weekly sessions will be held June 14-18, June 28-July 2 and July 12-16.
What is the program format?
Classes are week-long, half-days, from either 9 am - noon OR 1 - 4 pm. Day camps, with a career emphasis, are offered from 9 am - 4 pm. Other camps may be available to younger students.
When and how do I get a copy of the class schedule?
The class schedule is available annually by mid-March on this web site under Class Schedule; a printed brochure is available in the April edition of Lincoln Public Schools "Free Times"; or by calling our office at 402/420-1115 x43.
How many students are in a Bright Lights class?
Primary classes average 16 students, while intermediate and middle-school classes average 19. With one teacher and two assistants, each class has a staff to student ratio of 1:5 or 1:6.
Is Bright Lights a program for identified gifted students only?
No. Bright Lights emphasizes talent and focused interests. We believe it is important to teach children with their same-aged peers, regardless of ability.
Can I register a child not from Nebraska?
Bright Lights has no residency requirements.
What is the tuition cost?
Class tuition is $105 for a week-long, half-day class. Week-long day camp tuition is $210. Some classes have an additional class fee.
What are class fees?
Class fees cover special or additional items needed for that particular class, i.e., bus fee, material fee.
How can I register?
We accept both online and mail-in registrations. Register at www.brightlights.org and follow the prompts. Registrations are accepted by mail on a first-come, first-served basis and processed by postmark.
When does registration begin?
Registration begins annually April 1.
How do I pay for classes?
Payments must accompany your registration. Visa, MC and eChecks are accepted ONLINE ONLY.
How will I know if my child is registered?
Online registrants will receive an immediate confirmation after submitting payment online. All students will receive a class/camp confirmation in the mail towards the end of May. You will be notified immediately only if placed into an alternate class(es).
What if we register for a class by mail and it becomes full before our registration is processed?
You will be placed into your alternate selection and a postcard will be sent noting your alternate class. If no alternate class(es) was given, you will receive a phone call from the Bright Lights office.
What is Bright Lights refund policy?
A processing fee of $20 for each class/camp will be charged if a student withdraws on or before May 29. After May 28, no refunds will be issued.
What if I need financial aid to attend?
Scholarships are offered based on financial need and are available on a first come, first served basis. Each applicant is eligible for one partial scholarship for either a class or a day camp. Applications will be accepted through online or mail-in registration. More information can be found on the "Scholarships" information page.
Is all-day care available?
Yes, Before Care and Lunch Care are available to offer care from 7:30 am to 4 pm.
Before Care, from 7:30-9 am, is offered at the main program site only. Register when you sign up for class(es). The cost is $15 for the week.
Lunch hour supervision is available for $10 a week. Students bring their own sack lunch. Students can create their own "designer day camp" by signing up for a morning and afternoon class at the main site and supervised lunch hour care.
Is transportation available to Bright Lights classes?
Yes. Limited free buses are available to/from the main program site from six to seven select Lincoln Public Elementary Schools. Any student may register to ride the free bus. Check the bus transportation schedule to make sure transportation is available for the week you are enrolling. A permission slip must be signed and mailed to Bright Lights.
What kind of medical support is available at Bright Lights?
See our medical policy. A health tech is on staff when classes are in session at the main site.
Teachers, Classroom Assistants & Volunteers:
Who are Bright Lights teachers?
About 50% of Bright Lights teachers have a Lincoln Public Schools background. The remaining come from other school districts, universities, or the community. Each has a proven record working with children and a focused curriculum that fits the program. Contact Barb Hoppe Johnson by clicking “Contact Us” above if interested in teaching a summer class. Classes for primary students are often needed and those teachers are in high demand. Teachers are paid and background checks are utilized.
What if I want to assist in a class?
Classroom assistants are volunteers. Applications are taken online annually from mid-February through approximately March 15. Assistants are students who will complete 9th grade during the current school year through college-aged students and adults. Classroom assistants can be summer office volunteers at school as well. See classroom assistant application. Background checks are completed on volunteers 19 years and older. Assistants may work in more than one class.
Can I be an office volunteer during the school year?
Volunteers are needed in our office during the school year to help with photocopying, data input, preparing mailings, special projects and general office duties. Complete the volunteer application.
Donors:
How do I donate to Bright Lights?
Bright Lights, Inc. is a non-profit with 501(c)(3) status. Our federal ID number is #47-0708499. Bright Lights is not currently supported by tax dollars or the United Way.
Program costs include teacher and assistant background checks, health and safety, busing, need-based scholarships, classroom rental and insurance. With your generous tax deductible donation, you will help close the gap between the actual cost of $227 versus the tuition charge of $105, making tuition more affordable to more families. Donations are accepted online or by mail. You can make a difference with your gift!
Can I direct a donation to a specific program area?
Yes, designated donations are welcomed. Donations may be directed to a specific area of program costs, such as need-based scholarships or health and safety initiatives, or may be directed to support the annual fund.
Donations may also be made in memory or in celebration of someone. Certificates will be mailed recognizing this honor.
The Galaxy Club is for those who would like to make a gift or a planned gift to Bright Lights. This includes gifts of appreciated assets, life insurance beneficiary designation or in wills and living trusts.
For more information on donating to Bright Lights, please contact Beth Baldwin at 420-1115, ext. 45, or to send an e-mail, click "Contact Us" above.
To make a donation, see our Donor page.
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