June 25 Monthly Update

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LPS families,

Below is a monthly update with important reminders and information for Lincoln Public Schools families.

On July 1, we will be sharing a draft of the proposed Return to School Plan for the 2021-22 school year. In addition to an email to all families, the proposed plan will be posted on the LPS website. We will be gathering feedback through the website, making adjustments, and then publish the finalized plan on July 15. Please be watching for this information on July 1.

Here is an index to assist you:

  • Review Proposed Attendance Area Changes and Provide Feedback
  • LPS Summer Learning Website
  • Kindergarten Registration
  • 2021-22 Preschool Application Now Open
  • City of Lincoln Rent and Utility Assistance
  • Support For Families
  • MyLink – Need Resources? Find it here!
  • Information about Advance Child Tax Credit Payments in 2021

Review Proposed Attendance Area Changes and Provide Feedback

The opening of three new schools gives the Lincoln Board of Education the unique opportunity to review projected city growth and adjust current school attendance boundaries to fully and efficiently utilize existing and future building space.

You are invited to visit our special webpage to review the proposed changes and provide feedback throughout the summer. Then join us for one of four public forums in August:

  • August 3, 5:00 p.m. – Scott Middle School
  • August 4, 5:00 p.m. – Meadow Lane Elementary School
  • August 5, 5:00 p.m. – Arnold Elementary School
  • August 9, 12 p.m. (noon) – Virtually by clicking on this link

LPS Summer Learning Website

LPS encourages families to keep kids learning all summer long! Visit the LPS Summer Learning website (lps.org/summerlearning) for activities to help students practice skills and continue reading and learning throughout the summer. Check your elementary students backpack for the special Summer Edition Community News for detailed information about our LPS digital libraries and free summer learning options available to all students.

Kindergarten Registration

Parents of children turning five years of age before July 31, 2021 need to register their children now for the 2021-22 school year. You 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.

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

City of Lincoln Rent and Utility Assistance

If the pandemic has prevented you from paying for housing and utilities, financial assistance from the City of Lincoln may be available to you. Money to pay for gas, electricity and water bills, and rent payments is available now to those who qualify. These funds do not have to be repaid. To qualify, you must meet income guidelines, and need must be a result of COVID-19.

For more information, go to lincoln.ne.gov/rent.

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
  • 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.

MyLink – Need Resources? Find it here!

Find information about rent assistance, utility assistance, food, employment, family programs, and much more! MyLink is a website (https://mylnk.app) and a mobile app (for Apple and Android – search MyLink) with 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.

Information about Advance Child Tax Credit Payments in 2021

There have been important changes to the Child Tax Credit that will help many families receive advance payments starting this summer. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 expands the Child Tax Credit (CTC) for tax year 2021 only.

There will be “Advance Child Tax Credit Payment” clinics in Lincoln starting in late June and throughout July. At the clinics, families can learn more about the credits, eligibility including opting out, if desired and filing either a $0 return or tax return. IRS certified tax return preparers will be present to assist families in preparing and e-filing tax returns.

Clinics will be offered at the below sites:

  • Friday, June 25, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at Calvert Rec Center
  • Friday, July 9, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at Belmont Elementary
  • Friday, July 9, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Center for People in Need
  • Friday, July 9, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Willard Community Center
  • Friday, July 16, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at Arnold Elementary
  • Friday, July 16, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Center for People in Need
  • Friday, July 23, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at McPhee Elementary
  • Friday, July 23, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Good Neighbor Center
  • Friday, July 23, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Willard Community Center
  • Friday, July 30, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Good Neighbor Center

Click here to read more information about the clinics.

Updated July 6, 2021