February 12, 2021 LPS Weekly Family Update

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LPS Families,

Just a reminder there are no classes on Monday, Feb. 15. This is a staff plan day for all schools.

After the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department adjusted the risk dial to “Yellow” this week, we are working with them to evaluate any changes in our safety protocols that can be made. We will communicate those changes with you once they’ve been determined.

Another change from the health department that may impact families is the requirement to quarantine after traveling internationally. If you are planning to travel outside of the United States, please read the important information below.

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

  • Student calendar Feb. 15 – 26
  • High school freshmen and seniors can return to full-time in-person
  • DEADLINE: 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
  • Returning from international travel
  • Support for families

Student calendar Feb. 15 – 26

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. 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.

Monday, Feb. 22

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

Tuesday, Feb. 23

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

Wednesday, Feb. 24

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

Thursday, Feb. 25

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

Friday, Feb. 26

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

High school freshmen and seniors can return to full-time in-person

After consulting with the health department, we are offering the opportunity for all 9th grade students (and their siblings) to return full time effective February 22. High schools will be sending more information and a registration form to families today. Please watch your email for this information.

The health department has also recommended that any 10th or 11th grade students who have tested positive for COVID-19 since Jan. 1, 2021 (and recovered) can safely return to full time in-person learning. This is approximately 100 students district-wide. High schools will be contacting those families next week about this opportunity.

Just a reminder that high school seniors can also 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.

At this time, the student groups mentioned above can also remain in the 3/2 schedule or 100% remote if they choose.

DEADLINE APPROACHING: 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 Tuesday, Feb. 16, 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.

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/

Returning from International Travel

Lincoln Public Schools is following the current requirements, recommendations and guidelines from the CDC, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) regarding international travel.  The full listing of the requirements, recommendations and guidelines can be found at the links listed below:

CDC, DHHS, LLCHD and LPS Requirements

Individuals who travel outside of the United States (by car, plane, boat, or train) are required to stay home and self-quarantine for 7 days after international travel.

  • Returning international travelers will need to be tested 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for 7 days after travel. (Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days.)
  • If the test is positive, individuals need to isolate themselves to protect others from getting infected.
  • ​If an individual is not tested after returning from international travel, they need to stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel into the US.

Support for families

We know this year has been unlike any other. It is important to know that there are people who can help if you or a family member is struggling. Here are some resources you can contact any time of the day or night, any day of the year:

  • CenterPointe Helpline (Lincoln): 402-475-6695; Youth and Family Services 402-475-5161 ext. 547; email: youthandfamily@centerpointe.org; walk-in services at 1000 S. 13th Street.
  • Bryan Health: bryanhealth.com – search Counseling
  • Nebraska Family Helpline: 1-888-866-8660
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
  • Your Life Your Voice (Boys Town)  1-800-448-3000 or text VOICE to 20121 (text charges from your phone carrier may apply)
  • Lincoln Police Department: Emergency: 911; Non-Emergency: 402-441-6000
  • MyLink is a website (https://mylnk.app) and a mobile app (for Apple and Android – search MyLink) that has information about community resources. It can be downloaded in a wi-fi environment and then used when wi-fi is not available. Translations are provided in Arabic, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
  • Mental Health 101 recordings from Blue Valley Behavioral Health – accessible by clicking this link.

There is a great deal of information online. As you search for topics of interest, remember to consider the source and make sure you are getting information that is accurate and reliable.

Updated February 17, 2021