The Falcon Flyer: December 2024

Coops Corner

As we approach the end of the semester, we want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of finishing strong. Finals will take place on December 19 and 20, and it’s crucial for our students to stay focused and committed to their studies during this time. These final assessments are an opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning and hard work throughout the semester. Encourage your child to review their materials, seek assistance if needed, and approach these exams with confidence.

We would like to remind everyone of the expectations for final exams: all students must be at school on the day of finals unless extenuating circumstances require prior approval from the administration. Final grades are due on January 7, making it imperative that all exams are completed on December 19 and 20. Following finals, winter break will begin on December 23, providing a well-deserved respite for our students and staff. We hope this time off allows everyone to recharge and enjoy quality time with family and friends. School will resume on January 6, and we look forward to welcoming our students back for a new semester filled with opportunities for growth and learning. Thank you for your continued support, and we wish you a joyful holiday season!

Important Dates for December

  • December 5 – LNW Food Market
  • December 5 – Northwest food market (2:45 – 3:15 p.m.)
  • December 10 – Winter Pep Rally (9:30 – 10:00 a.m.)
  • December 10 – Winter Band Concert (7:00 – 8:00 p.m.)
  • December 16 – Winter Orchestra Concert (7:00 – 8:00 p.m.)
  • December 17 – Winter Choral Concert (7:00 – 8:00 p.m.)
  • December 19-20 – Final Exams
  • December 23 – First Day of LPS Winter Break

Counseling Center

Connect With Your Northwest School Counseling Team!

Brooke Sharpe

Brooke Sharpe
Last Names A-C & All LPS Focus Program Students
Dual Credit & AP Coordinator
bsharpe@lps.org

Margaret Pass

Margaret Pass
Last Names D-MN
NCAA/NAIA Eligibility Coordinator
mpass@lps.org

Kelsey Dady

Kelsey Dady
Last Names MO-Z
SCIP Team & Hope Squad Coordinator
kdady@lps.org

Upcoming Events/Events

  • December 9 – Money Monday kicks off! (see below for details)
  • December 16 – Final Money Monday of the semester
  • January 13 – Money Monday returns
  • January 14 – Course request for the 2025-2026 opens (see below for details)
  • January 21 – FAFSA Family Help Session, 5:30-7:30, LNW Cafeteria
  • January 23 – Bay High Focus Program lunchtime visits
  • January 27 – Final Money Monday of the season

LPS Focus Programs - NOW is the time to apply!

Did you know that LPS students have access to ten different focus programs within our district? Each of these programs offers the opportunity to engage in deeper learning experiences and possibly even earn college credit. Check out the LPS Focus Programs website at https://home.lps.org/focus to learn more about any of these programs, or contact Brooke Sharpe (bsharpe@lps.org) with questions. Now is the time to apply to participate in a focus program next year!

Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment Update

If your child is enrolled in an Advanced Placement (AP) class next semester, the registration window for the AP exam, which will be taken in May, opens in late January. Many of our AP classes are also offered as dual enrollment options, providing students with the opportunity to earn credit through a local college (tuition assistance is available). Please watch your email for more information coming soon! Contact Brooke Sharpe (bsharpe@lps.org) if you have questions about these opportunities for your child.

Course Request for the 2025-2026 School Year

It’s hard to believe that students will soon be requesting classes for the 2025-2026 school year! All current freshmen have already met with their counselor to begin exploring their strengths/interests, learn about how these relate to potential career interests, and begin their Course Plan in Synergy. If you have a 9th grader, please ask them to show you their Course Plan and encourage them to complete this assignment (posted in their Class of 2028 Google Classroom) over Winter Break.

When we return in January, we’ll be busy working with current 10th and 11th grade students, as well as meeting with our future freshmen in their middle schools, to help all students make informed decisions about the classes they hope to take next year. Families are an important part of this academic planning process! Please ask your child about their plans and be sure to review their Course Request in Synergy before that window closes at the end of January. More information will be coming next month!

Senior Information

ICYMI, the FAFSA is open! Winter break is an excellent time for students to focus on post-secondary planning activities, like completing the FAFSA, applying for scholarships, and getting those college applications submitted. If your student is still unsure of where to start, please connect with their Northwest school counselor so we know they need help! On a related note, Money Monday kicks off next week with our first-ever workshop during the 3rd block on December 9th. Students are encouraged to drop in during their lunch (or with permission from their 3rd block teacher) for help with scholarship applications, questions about the FAFSA, or general college planning assistance. Money Mondays will continue throughout January (but no workshop during finals week this month).

Select Senior Dates/Deadlines

This represents a small selection of local opportunities – be sure to check deadlines for your top college/scholarship choices as well!

  • UNO Walter Scott Jr Scholarship – Deadline December 29th
  • UNK Honors Program – Deadline January 7th
  • Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools Scholarships – Deadline January 29th
  • UNO Honors Program – Deadline February 1st
  • Doane Hansen Leadership Program – Deadline February 21st
  • Doane Honors Program – Deadline February 28th
  • UNL Honors (includes College of Business and Raikes School) – Deadline March 7th

Please note that school counselors do not work over Winter Break or Spring Break. Be aware of deadlines that fall during these times and adjust accordingly if you will need anything from your school counselor!

Computing Services

Chromebook Use During Winter Break

LPS Chromebooks may be used for any learning activity during Winter Break. Remember that Chromebook use is governed by a responsible use agreement (lps.org/go/rua) and that LPS filters all websites. Be sure your student follows these best practices:

  • Charge the Chromebook every night to ensure enough battery life to support learning during the day and upon their return to school in January.
  • Restart the Chromebook occasionally to keep the software up-to-date and avoid some of the most common problems students experience.
  • If leaving the house, carry the Chromebook in the LPS-provided protective bag.

Personal Computing Devices

This time of year often questions whether students can bring/use personal computing devices at school. Where connecting to the LPS network and completing school work is concerned, the answer is “no.” There are several reasons for this, but you should be aware that the LPS Chromebook comes with limits on the websites that can be visited and the applications that can be accessed. You can support teachers’ efforts in managing a consistent learning environment by encouraging your students to use the district-issued Chromebook for all school work.

Homework Help

Homework help is available after school on the following days in room 122: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday each week from 3:15 – 4:15 pm. Classroom teachers assign it, but students can stop in if they need a place to finish homework.