Bell Elementary School celebrated a remarkable milestone this week as fifth grade students joined a special guest who has become a familiar and beloved face at their school. Mr. E, an educator representing the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD), returned to Bell Elementary for his annual energy education program — and this year's students had the honor of helping him reach a landmark 10,000 students taught across all of the schools he serves.

Mr. E spent a full week in Bell Elementary classrooms, bringing his signature high-energy teaching style to lessons on thermal transfer, solar energy, wind energy, and related concepts. Students didn't just hear about these topics — they got to experience them firsthand. In one memorable hands-on project, Mr. E guided the Bell Bulldogs through building model wind turbines, giving students a tangible way to understand how wind energy is captured and converted.

The partnership between Bell Elementary and OPPD reflects the district's commitment to enriching classroom learning with community expertise and real-world connections. Programs like Mr. E's energy education series help students see the relevance of science concepts in everyday life while also introducing them to the role local utilities and energy systems play in their community. Papillion La Vista Community Schools is grateful to Mr. E and OPPD for years of engaging, impactful visits — and looks forward to many more milestones ahead.