March 19, 2021 LPS Weekly Update

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LPS Families,

Please read this week’s update for important information.

Here is an index to assist you:

  • Student calendar March 22 – April 2
  • High school COVID-19 testing
  • Changes to LPS track spectator protocols
  • LPS high schools working on prom details
  • Project Extra Mile Walk – VIRTUAL
  • Support for families

Student calendar March 22 – April 2

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, March 22

Tuesday, March 23

  • Classes in session for all students

Wednesday, March 24 

  • Classes in session for all students
  • High school: Early dismissal

Thursday, March 25

  • Classes in session for all students

Friday, March 26

  • Classes in session for all students.

Monday, March 29

Tuesday, March 30

  • K-8: Early release
  • PreK: No classes
  • High school: Classes in session

Wednesday, March 31 

  • Classes in session for all students
  • High school: Early dismissal

Thursday, April 1

  • PreK-8: classes in session for all students
  • High school: No classes for students, teacher plan day

Friday, April 2

  • PreK-12: School not in session, all offices closed

High school COVID-19 testing

Lincoln Public Schools has agreed once again to participate in a volunteer pilot high school COVID-19 testing project with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Department of Education and the operations team with Test Nebraska. This pilot testing project will help local health officials determine the prevalence of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, and what safety protocols need to be adjusted to further reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19.

To Sign Up

Simply complete, sign and return the printed consent form on testing day. You can find the consent form here. If you are unable to print the consent form, you can pick up a printed copy in your school’s health office to be completed and returned on testing day.

Testing Schedule

Wednesday, March 24
7:30 – 11:00 a.m.

  • Lincoln High School
  • North Star High School
  • Southwest High School

Thursday, March 25
7:30 – 11:00 a.m.

  • East High School
  • Northeast High School
  • Southeast High School

Changes to LPS track spectator protocols

LPS recently reviewed the spectator guidelines with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department. Based on current community conditions, and the following changes will be implemented effective immediately (3/18/21) in order to comply with current Directed Health Measures:

Track at Beechner Athletic Complex

  • The number of spectators at track competitions held at Beechner will be limited to 75 percent spectator capacity. Once capacity is reached, no additional spectators will be allowed admission into the event.
  • Spectator allowances will no longer be limited to a specific number per athlete. Admission will now be open to anyone on a first come, first serve basis. This adjusted approach to spectator attendance – while meeting current DHMS – should accommodate most spectators based on historical attendance averages.

Track at school sites

  • Due to the small venue space and limited capacity available, we continue to limit the number of spectators to one per athlete. This ensures each athlete has one supporter that is able to attend.

Protocols that remain the same for track and other spring sports

  • All spectators must self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms prior to attending any event. If you answer yes to any of the screening questions, please stay home.
  • Spectators must wear multi-layered face coverings over the mouth and nose the entire time they are at the event.
  • Bleacher seating will be limited for some outdoor venues. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own chairs and should spread out at least 6 feet apart and must be at least 10 feet away from team benches and the playing field.
  • Based on the number of participants competing and the venue capacity based on keeping groups physically distanced, the following number of spectators will be allowed per participant:
    • Baseball – Den Hartog (4), Sherman Field (4), Densmore (4), School Sites (4)
    • Soccer – Seacrest (6), Beechner (6), Speedway (4), Den Hartog (4)
    • Tennis (4)
    • Golf (4)

Limited concessions may be sold. Individuals may lower their mask to take a bite or drink, but must promptly return the face covering over the mouth and nose in between bites and drinks. No outside food or drink by spectators will be allowed.

LPS high schools working on prom details

The six high schools at Lincoln Public Schools have been developing plans for prom that will fit within the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department Directed Health Measures for large events and reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19. We understand that this year’s graduating senior class missed out on this milestone event last year, and LPS is making every effort to offer this opportunity safely during a pandemic for seniors.

Each LPS high school will provide more information to families next week about the approved plans for prom. Senior families, please be watching your email for more information. Bryan Community Focus Program and Yankee Hill seniors will be invited to attend their home high school’s event.

Safety protocols include:

  • Prom will only be offered for high school seniors (including mid-term graduates or those graduating early). Due to the size of this year’s senior class, we will not be able to include guests or underclassmen in order to meet capacity requirements.
  • Multi-layered face coverings will be required during the entire event.
  • Students are asked to conduct the COVID-19 self-screening prior to attending. Any student answering yes to the self-screen questions need to stay home.
  • Food or drink will not be served. Water will be available for students at the event.
  • Seating will be separate from the dance area, and physical distancing will be maintained in the seating areas.
  • Families and outside organizations that hold pre and post prom gatherings should follow the same safety protocols to help reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19 in our community and schools. These events will not be sponsored or monitored by LPS, but should still follow the same Directed Health Measures put into place by the LLCHD.

LPS will continue to monitor community conditions with the LLCHD. All plans for prom are subject to change if community conditions change.

The following dates, times and locations are planned for each school:

East High School
April 24, 8:30 – 11:30 p.m.
South Gym 		 Northeast High School
April 17, 8:00 – 11:00 p.m
Center Gym 
Lincoln High School
May 1, 8:30 – 11:30 p.m.
Robber’s Cave 		 Southeast High School
April 17, 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
School Commons 
North Star High School
April 17, 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
School Commons 		 Southwest High School
April 24, 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
School Commons 

Project Extra Mile Walk – VIRTUAL

The Extra Mile Walk is a collaboration between LPS and the Food Bank of Lincoln to raise money for LPS’s BackPack program and Food Markets. This year, the walk will be completely virtual during April 26-30.

Wednesday, March 31 is the deadline to register in order to receive an Extra Mile Walk t-shirt. You can donate online and learn more about the virtual event on the Extra Mile Walk website. Please note, if you want a t-shirt, you must go through the “Register For This Event” button on the front page.

Children are our most important and valuable assets, and research shows that healthy, well-nourished children are much better learners. During the week, our students who qualify for free and reduced lunches are provided nutritious breakfasts and lunches at school. In fact, for some students, the school’s breakfast and lunch are their only meals of the day. However, during the weekend this can create a food crisis for these children and their families; a weekend can be a long time to go without food.

Each month, more than 5,000 LPS students at 54 schools and programs receive food support through the Food Bank’s Child Hunger Programs, including the BackPack Program, School Food Markets and Student-Parent Program.

Thank you for your support for this crucial cause!

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 March 22, 2021