Translations: Arabic | Karen | Russian | Spanish | Vietnamese
LPS Families,
As the weather turns colder we want to remind students to dress appropriately for the winter weather conditions. Here are other reminders as we approach the winter season:
- We recognize the need for students to play outside and get fresh air. Every attempt will be made to use the playground when possible, and every playground has unique characteristics that may protect or expose students to the elements. The principal at each school will determine if recess will be held outdoors. Please encourage your child to dress for the conditions.
- Families are expected to follow the designated arrival time for their school as supervision is not available prior to the arrival time.
- It is the practice of Lincoln Public Schools that schools remain open in inclement weather whenever possible. Parents may decide to keep their children home during inclement weather even if schools have not been closed by the Superintendent. We recognize that weather throughout the city and student transportation options may vary making it necessary for parents to make the final decisions regarding whether their children will attend school. Students whose parents notify school that they will be staying home due to inclement weather will have a parent acknowledged absence.
- Nebraska weather changes quickly and forecasts are not always accurate. If a decision to close the schools the next day is made the evening before, the district will initiate calls to ensure notification of families by approximately 10:00 p.m. If the school closing decision is made early in the morning, phone calls to homes will begin as early as 5:45 a.m. the day of the school closing. Due to the uncertainty of weather forecasts, we encourage families to have plans for child care in place should school be canceled.
- If school is canceled for inclement weather, LPS will notify families through our mass messaging system (phone, email, text), our website at lps.org, and on LPS social media. In addition, the information will be shared with local news media when inclement weather warrants such action.
- Please make sure your child’s school has your most current phone number and email address so we can contact you with emergency information.
More information can be found in the Important Information Handbook and your school’s handbook located on our website.
Here is your weekly update with reminders and important information.
INDEX:
- Student Calendar: November 15 – December 3
- Health Department Information on COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 5-11
- NEW! School Lookup for 2022-2023
- District-wide Picture Retake Day
- Athletic Survey
- Jobs and Extended Learning Opportunities (JELO)
- LPS is Hiring!
- LLCHD Information About COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
- Resources for families
Student Calendar: November 15 – December 3
Monday, November 15
- Grades PreK – 12: Classes in session for all students
Tuesday, November 16
- Grades PreK – 12: Classes in session for all students
- Grades 9-12: PLC schedule for high school students (early release)
Wednesday, November 17 – Friday, November 19
- Grades PreK – 12: Classes in session for all students
Monday, November 22
- Grades PreK – 12: Classes in session for all students
Tuesday, November 23
- Grades PreK – 12: Classes in session for all students
- Grades 9-12: PLC schedule for high school students (early release)
Wednesday, November 24 – Friday, November 26
- NO CLASSES FOR ALL STUDENTS
Monday, November 29
- Grades PreK – 5: NO CLASSES, ELEMENTARY PLAN DAY
- Grades 6-12: Classes in session for all students
Tuesday, November 30
- Grades K-12: Classes in session for all students, PLC schedule (early release)
- PreK: No Early Childhood classes
Wednesday, December 1 – Friday, December 3
- Grades PreK – 12: Classes in session for all students
Health Department Information on COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 5-11
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved expanding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to include children ages 5-11 years old. The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department is partnering with school districts to host vaccination clinics by appointment only for children ages 5-11 at local high schools and other locations in the city and county.
Families can now complete the quick and simple registration process and schedule an appointment online at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov. LLCHD is also contacting those with children already in the registration system to schedule an appointment. Those who don’t have online access or need assistance can call 402-441-4200.
Pediatric practices will also be providing COVID-19 vaccine to this age group and will notify patients as soon as vaccine is available. Some local pharmacies are also providing vaccine. To find one near you, visit vaccines.gov.
Click here to register your child ages 5-11 to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from the health department.
For more information about safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and answers to common questions, please see the helpful resources below:
- Benefits of Getting Vaccinated – Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine | CDC
- It’s Up to You – COVID-19 Vaccination – Questions & Answers About COVID-19 Vaccines | The Ad Council (getvaccineanswers.org)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vaccine FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination | CDC
- Pfizer Vaccine Fact Sheet – Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers (fda.gov)
- Here is a link to information about the vaccination provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics
Learn more on the LLCHD website.
Please provide a copy to your child’s school
Under Title 173 of the Nebraska Administrative Code, each school or school district in Nebraska is required to keep the immunization history of the students enrolled on file. If your child has received the COVID-19 vaccine, we ask that you please provide us a copy of the information by emailing a copy of the vaccination card to your school nurse. If your child has not received the COVID-19 vaccine, there is nothing you need to do.
School Lookup for the 2022-23 School Year
With the opening of Ada Robinson Elementary and Northwest High School, LPS has updated the boundary maps for the 2022-2023 school year. You can now visit our website to see what attendance area you live in for the 2022-2023 school year. More information will be coming soon about enrollment for the new schools.
District-wide Picture Retake Day
LPS and Lifetouch have teamed up to offer a district-wide Picture Retake Day on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 8 – 11:00 a.m. and 12 – 3 p.m. in the gym at Riley Elementary School. This event will ONLY be for the students who missed their school picture opportunities.
To reduce overcrowding, students with last names starting with A-L are scheduled from 8 – 11 a.m., while students with last names M-Z are scheduled from 12 – 3 p.m.
In order to sign your student up for this event, please fill out this registration form. If you aren’t able to access the form or are having any troubles, please contact Tanisha Gray at 402-436-1668 or by emailing tgray2@lps.org.
Here are the directions for online ordering from Lifetouch. If you need a physical picture packet, they will be available at Riley, on Dec. 4. Picture packet orders should arrive no later than the beginning of the year in January.
We are grateful to hold this opportunity, as we know the pandemic has caused many changes and inconveniences. Those who register will receive a reminder email from Tanisha Gray as we get closer to the event.
Athletic Survey
The Nebraska School Athletic Association (NSAA) voted to sanction bowling and girls wrestling. Following LPS policy on adding a new sports program, the LPS Athletic Department is conducting a survey to garner student interest. Surveys will be sent to student email addresses in grades 6-11 on Nov. 8. The survey will close on Nov. 19. Please encourage your students to complete this survey.
Jobs and Extended Learning Opportunities (JELO)
Is your child looking for a job or other extended learning opportunity? Students can use their Chromebook or LPS Student Portal account to check out our electronic bulletin board by going to lps.org and typing in the keyword “JELO”. (Students must be logged in to their LPS Student Portal to view the board.)
Students in grades 6-12 will find information about a wide variety of opportunities available. This includes camps, jobs and internships. We update the board every Wednesday afternoon.
Are you a business or organization wanting to share your opportunities with LPS students?
If so, please enter the information about your program/opportunity here: www.bit.ly/stujobslps.
Once you submit the information on the form, we will review it to ensure that it fits with our Board policies and regulations before we post it to the electronic bulletin board. Once an opportunity is posted, students in all middle and high schools are easily able to access the information. Please note: anyone outside of the LPS network or without LPS Portal access will not be able to access the eBulletin board.
LPS is Hiring!
Lincoln Public Schools is now hiring staff in multiple areas to work in schools during the 2021-22 school year. LPS has openings for bus drivers, food services employees in schools, custodians, both bus and classroom paras, substitute nurses and treatment nurses, as well as various office staff.
No matter what area, you’ll be joining a thriving school district that offers excellent benefits and salaries, job security and an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and families.
You can learn more about all of the available positions and apply here.
Resources for families
If you are in crisis and need immediate assistance, these services are available any time of the day or night, any day of the week:
- CenterPointe Helpline (Lincoln): 402-475-6695
- 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 (non-emergency) 402-441-6000 or 911 (emergency)
Additional community resources can be found at MyLink – a website (https://mylnk.app) and a mobile app (for Apple and Android – search MyLink). 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.