January 22, 2021 Weekly Family Update

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LPS Families,

On Wednesday, we released more information about the one-year Remote Learning Program. You can find more information on our webpage: rlp.lps.org. Be sure to watch the LPS Board Update with Don Mayhew as he talks with Associate Superintendent for Instruction Matt Larson about the new program and answers some of the frequently asked questions.

Today’s email contains important information for families.

Student calendar Jan. 25 – Feb. 5

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. 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.

Monday, Feb. 1

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

Tuesday, Feb. 2

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

Wednesday, Feb. 3

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

Thursday, Feb. 4

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

Friday, Feb. 5

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

Opportunity for high school seniors

We have been working with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department to determine how and when it will be safe to offer full time in-person opportunities for all high school students. While we feel it is not the right time to offer that to everyone in high school right now, we have information to support offering all seniors the ability to come back full time to guarantee a successful end to their high school experience. Seniors can choose to come back full time February 1, or they can remain in the 3/2 schedule or 100% remote.

We will continue to monitor with help from the health department and we will remain flexible and adjust back to a 3/2 schedule for seniors if we see the need to reduce capacity even further.

More information and a sign-up form will be coming from high schools to all senior families this weekend. Please watch your inbox for this important email.

Required student health screenings for remote learners

Title 173 Chapter 7 of the Nebraska School Rules and Regulations sets the guidance for school health screenings which includes vision screening, hearing screening, dental screening and height/weight screening.  School screening is currently in process for the required grades: Early Childhood, Kindergarten, and grades 1-4, 7 and 10.  If your student is a full-time remote learner and you would like to schedule a time for school health screening, please contact your school’s health office.  Submitting a current physical examination and dental examination from your healthcare provider can be used in lieu of school screening.

Special education parent networking meeting

A meeting will be held on Thursday, Jan. 28, at 7:00 p.m. Please email Payton Eickhoff at pieckhoff@lps.org or call her at 402-436-1905, then she will give you the zoom link to the meeting.

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 Monday, Jan. 25, 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 February 1, 2021