From the Principal’s Desk…(Mike Gillotti)
Silver Hawks Soaring Where We Can
There are very few things about this spring that I would characterize as “normal” as we enter the final month of the 20-21 school year. However, as we look for the silver linings to celebrate where we can, this month gives us an opportunity to celebrate the success of several co-curricular activities who were recognized for their work this past month. Staying true to form, the Silver Hawks were well represented with several students and teams earning honors and recognitions. Here’s a look at how the Silver Hawks fared:
LSW FCCLA was named a Gold Star Chapter for the 9th year in a row. Advisor Tracy Way was named the Nebraska ACE (Advisor Committed to Excellence) and recognized for 25 years of advising. Student winners included: Alexis Haslett (Power of One); Danielle Manning (Go for the Red); Danielle Manning & Emely Chairez (Silver Medal, Food Innovation STAR Event).
LSW DECA chapter was recognized as a Thrive Level Winner for their community service campaign for their work to support the Food Bank “Food Fight” and the LPS “Food Blitz”. Shout out to Kylie Sabo, Riley Doyle, Sydney Hatcliff and Desko Hefly leading the charge on this campaign.
LSW FBLA competed in the Nebraska Council on Economic Education’s Stock Market Game. Congrats to the following student teams: 5th Place: Carter Wieland, Kyle Ronspies, & Trevor Caldwell; 7th Place: Ethan Schaible, Brock Palmer, Dylan Thompson, & James Moeller
FBLA also competed in the NCEE Finance Challenge against teams from across the state. LSW had three teams finish in the top ten! Congratulations to the following student teams: 5th Place: Ingrid Gessert, Sarah Burr, Martha Walstad, & Dylan Thompson; 7th Place: Ethan Schaible, James Moeller, Sophie Kiser, & Edyn Alstrom; 10th Place: Trevor Caldwell, Brock Palmer, Carter Wieland, & Khia Payne.
LSW Journalism was also well represented when the Nebraska State Journalism awards were named last month. Congratulations to the following students on their fantastic work to represent LSW: Thursey Cook (5th, Headline Writing); Abby Deutsch (2nd, Newspaper Feature Writing); Michaela Boyd (8th, Sports News Writing); Haleigh Flynn (1st Place!, Yearbook Sports Feature Writing); Maggie Winklepleck (3rd, Yearbook Sports Feature Writing); Aaron Ebrahim (7th, Infographics); Caitlin DeCoster (5th, News/Feature Photography); Southwest (3rd, Yearbook Theme Development; 8th Sweepstakes).
At a time when I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about all of the opportunities that were lost this spring, I did not want to overlook the great work that was still able to take place. Kuddos to those where were able to submit work and represent LSW while navigating all of the changes that occurred over the past five weeks. Way to represent!
Even from a distance, Be Loud, Be Proud Go Hawks!
Stay safe and well
Mike Gillotti – Principal
Parent Information
Yearbook Sales
There are still yearbooks available. The price to purchase a book is $75. To purchase, log onto ParentVue. The yearbook can be found under “optional fees.” There only 100 yearbooks available, so please order soon if you have not already done so.
Yearbook Distribution
There has been no official yearbook distribution date set at this time. Students and parents will be notified when a date is set and books are available for pickup.
Summer School
On May 4, seniors and juniors can register for summer school classes. All other students can register beginning May 11.
All summer school classes will be done remotely and synchronously from June 3 through July 16. This means that students who register for a summer school course will be required to log-on to their Chromebook and meet with their teacher electronically during their scheduled class time, Monday through Friday. Classes will be from 8-9:50 a.m. and 9:55-11:45 a.m.
Students interested in registering for summer school classes need to do the following:
- Go to the summer school website as soon as possible and fill out a form to indicate their interest in registering for summer school classes.
- Staff will then contact the student to give them instructions on how and when to register for available classes based on their grade level.
- More information can be found on the summer school website.
If you have any questions about this process, please contact your school counselor.
LPS Grab and Go Meals
Meals will be distributed weekly on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 14 LPS locations.
- Drive-thru sites are being set up at each location and families are strongly encouraged to stay in their vehicles and pick up the child meals in the drive-thru lane. If possible, staff will place meals in the trunk of a vehicle.
- There is a walk-up area available for families who do not have a vehicle, but long lines will not be allowed. Please follow the directions from LPS staff. Cones will be set to promote proper line spacing.
- To keep everyone safe, please follow LPS staff directions and signage.
- Please obey all traffic laws and do not block the regular flow of traffic, driveways or arterial streets surrounding schools.
- The sites will open at 11 a.m. and vehicle lines will not be allowed to form more than five minutes prior to opening.
- Each child will continue to receive five breakfasts and five lunch meals.
- The meals are for children only, and all children 18 and younger are eligible for meals at any site.
- Children need to be present to receive the meals. By remaining in vehicles there is limited contact or exposure.
- Meals are also available to persons with disabilities, ages 18 to 21, who participate in LPS programs. They also need to be present to receive the meals. By remaining in vehicles there is limited contact or exposure.
For more information about Grab and Go Meals and the Food Bank of Lincoln click here.
Remote Learning Support
There are excellent resources found on lps.org to help support parents/guardians and students while learning remotely. Click the following links for support.
Chromebook Assistance
If you are experiencing problems with your Lincoln Public Schools student Chromebook, please contact our Help Desk Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Call 402-436-1735 and be ready with your student identification number, or go to help.lps.org and enter your student login information.
For the health and safety of our families and staff, we will no longer be taking walk-ins at the LPS District Office for Chromebook repairs. You must call the Help Desk at 402-436-1735 and schedule an appointment first.
Lunch Account Balances
Balances for underclassmen will be automatically carried over to the next school year. Refunds from student meal accounts are granted when a student graduates, leaves the District, or a special circumstance necessitates the refund. Upon request, money remaining in the student’s meal account may be transferred to another account or a refund may be requested. After three years, any remaining balances for students who have withdrawn from the District will be donated to the Lincoln Public Schools Nutrition Services Department. Parents/guardians may request a refund or a transfer by completing the Meal Account Refund/Transfer request and email to accountsreceivable@lps.org or mail to:
Lincoln Public Schools Accounting Department
PO Box 82889
Lincoln, NE 68501
Please note-it may take 2-3 weeks to process a refund request.
Main Office Hours
The main office is currently closed. Please continue contacting the main office via phone (402) 436-1306. Leave a message with your contact information and calls will be returned ASAP. Once the building is re-opened, our summer hours will be 7:15-3:45. There may be days that we are closed. Feel free to call before making a special trip to visit the office.
Senior Information
Graduation
With new health directives coming out every week, we are waiting to make a final decision about how graduation ceremonies will take place for the Class of 2020. We know this can create a problem as you are trying to honor your graduating senior. Here is what we can share with you now:
- Graduation will be held on July 26, 2020 for each of our six high schools. This could include traditional in-person, with crowd modifications or virtually. We are consulting with many groups and trying our best to plan for every situation.
- We will announce our decision by June 15 based on health directives and advice by local and state health and government officials.
- Any in-person ceremony held on July 26 will have to follow the current health directives and best practices.
- Just as we have the past two years, we will livestream graduation.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to provide a safe celebration for our seniors. Please watch for more information to be released in June. Lincoln Graduation will distribute the caps and gowns in June when plans have been finalized. More information will be sent by your principal on that process.
Graduation Cap/Gown and Announcement Distribution
Graduation Announcements Pick-Up: If you have not already picked up your graduation announcements, they are available at Lincoln Graduation. Please contact them at (402) 937-0812 for hours they are open or to set up a private appointment to pick them up.
Please be watching for further communication regarding graduation caps and gowns.
Immunization Records
Immunization records for graduating students will be placed in their graduation packets. Please keep them in a safe place for future reference. It is also recommended that senior parents and seniors go into ParentVue or StudentVue and print several copies of their immunizations before graduation as seniors will need this for future use…college admission, employment, etc. Once seniors graduate they will not be able to print their immunizations.
Diploma Facts
Students attending the LSW graduation ceremony will receive a blank diploma cover when walking across the stage. Providing all requirements have been met, the diploma itself will be given to them in a white packet AFTER the ceremony in the area where they waited prior to entering the ceremony. Students attending summer school will receive their diploma upon successful completion of summer school.
PLEASE DO NOT DISGARD THIS PACKET!! Not only does it contain the diploma, we have included the following:
- Diploma
- Immunization record (please keep for future reference)
- Counseling folder
- Honor awards previously not picked up
- Final Transcript Request form
- Graduation ceremony program
Only one diploma is given to the graduate and cannot be duplicated. If the diploma is lost, the grad can request a Final Transcript which will have the graduation date listed.
All LPS 2020 graduate’s diplomas will list May 21, 2020, the last day of school, as the graduation date.
Final Transcript Facts
A Final Transcript is a transcript that has a student’s date of graduation listed. The student must request a Final Transcript be sent to the institution they will be attending. Sending a transcript to a college during a student’s final year that does not have a grad date does not fulfill the college’s requirement of a Final Transcript. Many colleges will put a hold on future registration and/or financial aid if they do not receive a Final Transcript. Athletes are also reminded to request a Final Transcript for NCAA or NAIA—they, too, require a Final Transcript. Seniors planning on attending a college/university need to complete a Final Transcript Request Form.
ACT/SAT scores are NOT included on transcripts.
Contact Shannon Cornell, Registrar, with any questions regarding transcript requests. scornel@lps.org
Senior Honors
Under normal circumstances we would host a senior honors event recognizing seniors for their academic achievements. While we cannot have a traditional event, we would still like to produce a digital version of this event. To do this, we are still inviting seniors interested in being a part of senior honors to submit their information to us by completing the Google Form located in the 12th Grade Google Classroom.
Government and Politics
Due to the unique circumstances surrounding Covid-19, GOPO Hours will waived for 2019-2020 seniors, along with the corresponding reflection assignment.
2020-2021 School Readiness Days
On School Readiness Days students will get their photo taken for the yearbook and student id and will be able to purchase a yearbook, athletic icon, a parking permit, and get a locker. (There is a $5 fee for 9th grade students or new students for a locker. This is a one-time fee the entire time the student is at LSW.)
Students in 9th grade and any new to LPS students will receive their chromebook at School Readiness Days.
This year’s dates are:
- 9th Grade: Wednesday, July 29th from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
- 10th Grade: Friday, July 31st from 8:00-11:00 a.m.
- 11th Grade: Friday, July 31st from 12:30-3:00 p.m.
- 12th Grade: Wednesday, July 29th from 12:30-3:00 p.m.
- Make Up Day: Tuesday, August 4th from 8:00-11:30 a.m.
Students who cannot make it on their designated date and time are welcome to attend another session. Students will just need to notify staff working what grade level they are. If either of the two dates listed do not work, please try and attend the Make-up School Readiness Day Session.
Wednesday, August 12th is the first day of school for 9th grade.
Thursday, August 13th is the first day of school for 10th, 11th and 12th grades.
2020 Senior Panoramic Photo
Dear Seniors and Parents of Seniors;
If you are receiving this letter, it means that either you or your Senior was fortunate enough to have already had their “2020” Senior Class Panoramic pictures taken before schools were closed. If you did not purchase your Senior Class Panoramic picture you still have the opportunity to get them.
Please visit:
If you have any questions or need any help navigating through the website. Please call me at 303.909.0226.
Sincerely;
Dan Derry
Students Seeking Their Letter Grade for 4th Term
The default grade for term four courses is Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U). If a student would prefer to take the letter grade they have earned for their term four course, they must complete a grade request google form.Students can find the link to the letter grade request form in their grade level google classroom (9th, 10th, 11th or 12th).
Students who do not complete that form, will receive a default grade of either Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U) for their courses. Students who have questions are welcome to reach out to their counselor or administration for help.
Library News
The Media Center Staff has fielded several questions about how to return library books. Right now, we are asking you to hold on to those books and keep them safe until we return to school in August OR the District announces that we are able to return to the building.
However, if you are leaving the District please return all of your books and other materials to the District Office and they will get them to LSW.
Also, please remember that LSW Media Specialist Michelle Schnell is available to help students via email or Zoom. There are links for both options on the Media Center homepage.
Counseling Center News
Please visit the Counseling Center’s Website for information on:
- 2020 Summer School
- 4th Term Grading
- Final Transcript Requests
- Social and Emotional Supports
- Financial Tips for Seniors
- Summer To-Do List for Juniors
- Summer Activities for High School Students
Theatre
In this uncharted time, we respect and empathize with the uncertainty in which you and your family might find yourselves. If you are able, we hope you will consider supporting the students of Silver Hawk Theatre from May 1 – May 28 by participating in Give to Lincoln Day.
To Donate to Silver Hawk Theatre, follow this link: https://givetolincoln.com/nonprofits/silver-hawk-theatre-boosters
Like many arts programs, this pandemic has caused us financial distress. Our spring musical, NEWSIES, had to be postponed. We were 90% ready to perform with sets, costumes, props, posters, royalties, music, and more already paid for, but with no performances we have lost our revenue. Another big financial hit came when we had to cancel one of our largest fundraisers, our 13th Annual Faculty Play. These two unavoidable hits have put us in the red by tens-of-thousands of dollars. For our entire 18-year existence, Silver Hawk Theatre has ended each year in the black. There is no “extra money” or “bank balance” that we have. As an educational organization, any profits we might see go directly back into the programs that help all of our students. We pay our way and end up in the black every year because of ticket sales and fundraisers. At LSW, the average play costs $18,000 and musical costs $35,000. In all of our 18 years, we have worked hard to ensure that Theatre is FREE for all involved.
We are proud to be a theatre for the entire community of Lincoln, not just LSW students. We have retirement communities, tour groups from outside Lincoln, Red Hat Ladies, book clubs, scout troops, and citizens throughout the entire community of Lincoln who attend our shows.
We also work hard to keep our ticket prices LOW so that our shows can be available to all students and people in our community.
WHAT WILL YOUR GIFT DO?
-Your gift will help us weather this unique financial storm.
-Your gift will help keep theatre a free activity for all students.
-Your gift will help ensure low ticket prices for all.
-Your gift will help us continue our nationally recognized tradition of excellence.
-Your gift is partially matched by the Give to Lincoln Day Match Fund.
-Your name will be listed as a donor in all of our 2020-2021 season programs.
With the recent developments with COVID-19 we are currently uncertain of future dates and performances like many other organizations out there. As information is given to us, we will be updating you on our website (link) and on our Facebook page – SILVER HAWK THEATRE. Thank you for your patience and support.
SOAR Rewards
Would you like to be a part of promoting a positive culture at LSW? If so, please consider donating to our SOAR Rewards student acknowledgement system. Our goal is to help incentivize and recognize students who are “caught SOAR’ing” by demonstrating that they are being Safe, Open-Minded, Accountable, and Respectful. Students who are recognized by staff for modeling SOAR expectations are eligible to receive prizes such as (Gift cards to restaurants, tickets to husker games, movie passes, Husker/LSW apparel, etc).
If you would like to be a part of this please contact Laura Runge (lrunge@lps.org) or Brett Schuster (bschust@lps.org) to ask about which items students enjoy the most and how to donate. Donations can be dropped off in the main office here at school. Thanks for helping our Silver Hawks SOAR!
LSW Booster Store
Due to the safety precautions put into place for the coronavirus, the Booster Store will be closed until further notice.
Driver’s Education Courses
Driver’s Education is NOT a course offered through Lincoln Public Schools. However, there are several organizations here in Lincoln that do offer courses at various times throughout the year at Southwest. They are:
Southeast Community College, (402) 437-2710 https://www.southeast.edu/ce/drivereducationsafety/
Nebraska Safety Council, (402) 483-2511 https://www.nesafetycouncil.org/
Road-Ready, (402) 477-5933 https://www.roadready.biz/
For information regarding their classes, times and fees, please check their websites or contact them at the numbers listed above. Each website has their own message for their policies and procedures involving Covid-19.
SCIP
Managing Psychological Distress during COVID-19 Pandemic
The way we interact in our world has changed drastically over the last several weeks. While many are more aware of their physical health as news of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases and its symptoms come to light, being mindful of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic may be having on mental health is equally important. This is especially true for our youth who are experiencing a great deal of change as the result of regulations put in place to slow the spread of the virus. According to the CDC, on the list for those who may be most susceptible to stress during this crisis include children and teens, as well as those with mental health conditions. Sadness, loneliness, isolation and disappointment are feelings that many of our youth are grappling with. Students who are already struggling with depression may be experiencing enhanced symptoms due to isolation, lack of supports that professionals within the school environment provide, and uncertainty of the future. Likewise, students who may not have previously experienced adverse mental health symptoms may be struggling with new emotions and psychological distress due to the loss of school, postponement and/or cancellation of important milestones like prom and graduation, social isolation from peers, and the inability to participate in healthy extracurricular activities like spring sports, theater and music programs. The unforeseen future and constant change may make looking forward to those celebrations and events into the future challenging, especially for the developing child and adolescent brain, and exacerbate distress or depressive symptoms. It should also be noted that many parents are experiencing different stressors during this time that may include loss of their job or income, financial hardship and loss of childcare which may impact their own mental and emotional wellbeing. The psychological distress of parents can trickle down and impact children and teenagers, creating an even greater sense of unease and lack of control over the world around them.
Finding Hope
During this everchanging time, it is easy to get lost in feelings of worry, fear and uncertainty. While these feelings have validation, we must not lose sight of hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Hope is a powerful feeling that can boost mental wellness and provide strength during those moments in life that are challenging. Finding the positive when we are surrounded by news of illness, cancellation of school and activities, the postponement of important milestones and loss of income and employment, is a difficult feat, but one that is possible when we search for the stories that get overshadowed by the powerful headlines.
Alcohol Prevention During COVID-19
As physical distancing measures and stay at home orders have become the norm, states have looked for ways to reduce the economic impact on businesses. Many have classified liquor stores as essential businesses or have loosened alcohol sale restrictions, allowing alcoholic beverages to be sold by restaurants as a carry out item, such as here in Nebraska. Nationally, alcohol sales have risen dramatically, up 55% in March, compared to the same time last year. While some of this may be attributable to stockpiling (think toilet paper), we also know that some people may be turning to alcohol to help cope with the stress and anxiety of our new normal.
Why does this matter? According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “understanding parental influence on children through conscious and unconscious efforts, as well as when and how to talk with children about alcohol, can help parents have more influence than they might think on a child’s alcohol use.” Increased alcohol use by parents may unconsciously be sending a message to their kids that alcohol is an appropriate coping mechanism.