January 15, 2021 Weekly Update

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LPS Families,

We hope everyone is home safe and warm during today’s winter weather. Just a reminder that we do not have school on Monday in honor of the Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King holiday.

We have important news to share regarding Remote Learning for next school year. With many variables and uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 and vaccine availability for students, Lincoln Public Schools is working to develop a one-year Remote Learning Program for the 2021-2022 school year. We understand this option will be important to families as we continue to navigate the pandemic.

This district-wide remote learning program will be open to students in grades 3 – 12, and look different than remote learning this year. Students will be taught by teachers focused only on remote learners, and all students in the classes will be remote learners from across the school district. Families will be asked to commit to at least one semester when signing up for this program. To help us with planning, registration will open next week, and more information along with a link to the registration form will be emailed to all LPS families on Jan. 20. Please watch your email for this information.

Today’s email contains important information for families. Here is an index to assist you:

  • Student calendar Jan. 18 – 29
  • 26th Annual Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King Youth Rally – VIRTUAL event
  • Nominations open for annual Thank You Teacher
  • FREE meals distribution for 100% remote learners
  • 2021-22 Kindergarten Registration now open
  • Elementary: Valentine Cards/Parties during COVID
  • Mental health resource for parents
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Student calendar Jan. 18 – 29

In October, the Board of Education adopted changes to the school calendar. You can find the full revised student calendar here. Below is the student calendar for the next two weeks:

Monday, Jan. 18

  • No school, offices closed.

Tuesday, Jan. 19

  • Classes in session for all students.
  • High School: Group A is in person, Group B is remote.

Wednesday, Jan. 20

  • Classes in session for all students.
  • High School: Group A is in person, Group B is remote. (Early dismissal)

Thursday, Jan. 21

  • Classes in session for all students.
  • High School: Group B is in person, Group A is remote.

Friday, Jan. 22

  • Classes in session for all students.
  • High School: Group B is in person, Group A is remote.

Monday, Jan. 25

  • Classes in session for all students.
  • High School: Group A is in person, Group B is remote.

Tuesday, Jan. 26

  • K–8: Early dismissal.
  • Preschool: no classes.
  • High School: Group A is in person, Group B is remote.

Wednesday, Jan. 27

  • Classes in session for all students.
  • High School: Group A is in person, Group B is remote. (Early dismissal)

Thursday, Jan. 28

  • Classes in session for all students.
  • High School: Group B is in person, Group A is remote.

Friday, Jan. 29

  • Classes in session for all students.
  • High School: Group B is in person, Group A is remote.

26th Annual Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King Youth Rally – VIRTUAL event

Please join us for the 26th Annual Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King Youth Rally being held virtually this year on Monday, Jan. 18.  The Youth Rally and March is organized by a diverse group of area youth and is held in conjunction with the national recognition of the birthday of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Learn more about the event here.

Nominations open for annual Thank You Teacher

In honor of Nebraska Teacher Recognition Day on March 2, 2021, Lincoln Public Schools, the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, the Lincoln Education Association and KFOR/KFRX Radio are again collaborating to thank our educators with the annual Thank You Teacher contest.

Anyone who lives in Lincoln/Lancaster County can nominate a teacher in any of five categories: preschool-grade 2, grades 3-5, middle school, high school and retired. In addition to a written description, explaining why a teacher made a difference in your life, entries should include the teacher’s name, grade level and school (or contact information), as well as the nominator’s name, school and grade level (if applicable), address and phone number.

Five teachers will be chosen and honored on March 2. The winners will all receive gift bags and prizes awarded by KFOR/KFRX and their sponsors.

Click here to nominate a teacher who has made a difference in your life. Deadline for nominations is Jan. 29.

Meals Distribution for 100% remote learners

LPS is offering all PreK-12 grade 100% remote learners free meals for the week to be picked up on Mondays (except on holidays) from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at three locations.

The next remote learner free meal distribution is Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021.

Go to our website for more information.

2021-22 Kindergarten Registration now open

Do you have a child that will start kindergarten next year? Lincoln Public Schools is now accepting kindergarten registrations for the 2021-2022 school year. The first deadline for families to register their child to guarantee they receive important school information is March 31, 2021.

Parents of children turning five years of age before July 31, 2021 can go to lps.org and click on the red “Enroll Your Student” button. Here you will also find all the information necessary for registering, the required documents needed and answers to frequently asked questions.

Parents who do not have access to the online registration, or wish to register their child in person, should contact their attendance area elementary school as soon as possible. Questions about kindergarten registration should also be directed to the child’s attendance area school.

Elementary: Valentine Cards/Parties during COVID

We have received several questions about elementary activities surrounding Valentine’s Day. We will continue to follow our pandemic protocols and implement COVID-19 safety practices for elementary activities. This year, paper cards, food, trinkets, or gifts will not be exchanged between students at school. Please do not send these items to school with your child. Volunteers are not able to assist with classroom parties or activities. Schools are working to find alternative ways to participate in their annual activities and more information will be provided soon by your principal.

Mental health resource for parents

Blue Valley Behavioral Health has recorded a short, four-part series on mental health designed for parents/guardians. Each part is 10-15 minutes long and is accessible by clicking this link.

Thank you to the Foundation for LPS, which sponsored this series with funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) from the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, CFDA Number 21.019.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

We know that this year has been unlike any other. It is important to know and realize that however you are feeling is okay. There are help and resources which are available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 if you are struggling with tough thoughts.

Updated January 22, 2021