February 5, 2021 Weekly Family Update

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LPS Families,

Here is this week’s update for Lincoln Public Schools families. Below is an index to assist you:

  • Student calendar Feb. 8 – 19
  • Reminder: High school seniors can return full-time
  • Reminder: 2021-22 Remote Learning Program registration
  • FREE meals distribution for 100% remote learners
  • 2021-22 Kindergarten Registration now open
  • 2021-22 Preschool Application now open
  • Elementary: Valentine Cards/Parties during COVID
  • Mental health resource for parents
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Student calendar Feb. 8 – 19

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, Feb. 8

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

Tuesday, Feb. 9

  • K–8: Early dismissal
  • AM Prekindergarten classes only, no PM Prekindergarten classes. Full day Prekindergarten classes on shortened schedule.
  • High School: Group A is in person, Group B is remote.

Wednesday, Feb. 10 

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

Thursday, Feb. 11

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

Friday, Feb. 12

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

Monday, Feb. 15

  • No school for all students, teacher plan day.
  • No Remote Learner Meal Distribution

Tuesday, Feb. 16

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

Wednesday, Feb. 17 

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

Thursday, Feb. 18

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

Friday, Feb. 19

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

Reminder: High school seniors can return to full-time in-person

Just a reminder that high school seniors can choose to come back full time to in-person learning. Seniors, please contact your high school if you are interested in switching to full time in-person. Seniors can also remain in the 3/2 schedule or 100% remote if they choose.

Reminder: 2021-22 Remote Learning Program registration

Just a reminder the deadline to register for the 2021-22 Remote Learning Program is February 19. You can learn more about the program and register here. You can also watch this video that addresses your questions about the program.

We understand that it will be difficult for families to know what next fall will look like with so many variables. Setting up a successful Remote Learning Program requires gauging how many students will be participating in each grade level so we can move the appropriate number of highly trained staff from the traditional classroom to the remote learning environment. Planning ahead allows us to provide training to teachers over the spring and summer, and will help reduce program costs by shifting existing teachers to follow enrollment instead of hiring new teachers late in the summer on a one-year only contract.

The 2021-22 Remote Learning Program may be appropriate for students who are verified Special Education. If you have questions about whether or not this is an appropriate placement for your child, please contact Dr. Fundus at 402-436-1919 or jfundus@lps.org. This will begin the conversation about meeting your child’s needs as we review their Individualized Education Plan.

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, Feb. 8, 2021. There will not be meal distribution on Feb. 15, it will be on Tuesday, Feb. 16.

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.

2021-22 Preschool Application now open

Our preschool program is located in many of the elementary schools across the district.  Children who are at least 3 years of age on or before July 31, 2021 and who have not yet turned five as of July 31, 2021, are eligible to apply.

At this time we are accepting 2021-2022 preschool applications and necessary documentation online, by email, fax or mail. You may also complete and submit an application and required documents by visiting our office, located at 300 S. 48th Street (enter door #2). Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We offer extended hours on:

  • Thursday, March 4, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

For more information and to download the application, please visit our website: https://home.lps.org/earlychildhood/preschool-application/

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 8, 2021