August 9, 2013
Important Events:
Tuesday, August 13 8:40-2:38 First Day of School!
“If you walk or if you drive, get to school by 8:55.” Note that school dismisses one hour early Tuesday-Friday, August 13-16
Because We Care: Lincoln Public Schools Threat Assessment Program
- STUDENTS: Tell a caring adult at your school
- FAMILIES: Tell an adult at your student’s school
Parents, families and guardians:
In the interest of creating the safest environment possible for all our students and staff, Lincoln Public Schools has worked with national experts to further develop our guidelines and protocol for a program called threat assessment: a planned, proactive and strategic response to reported issues of concern in the school district.
Threat assessment – only one of the tools LPS uses for school district safety – is a program that involves progressive, forward thinking about safety and security. As opposed to dealing with a crisis at hand, threat assessment aims at preventing situations from happening.
This school year we are raising awareness, and providing additional education and training to empower our staff, students and families to better identify and report concerning behaviors and incidents that may need further assessment.
We ask for help from our families to recognize we all have the power to call for help – help someone cope – not be afraid – help someone be safe.
We are encouraging our students and families to report any concerning behavior that raises suspicion or concern – in students, staff or community members – to a caring adult at your student’s school. Concerning behavior might include warning signs such as: stalking, hostile or negative behavior that elicits fear or discomfort – domestic violence – sighting of a weapon, rumor of a weapon – disturbed or unusual behavior – suicide threats – threatening or intimidating contact or communications.
LPS is a compassionate school district that is approaching this new program with an emphasis on dignity and respect. This program is about caring for one another, and we will work in the most respectful and least intrusive manner possible consistent with proven prevention strategies. It takes all of us working together to keep us safe.
Please remember: See Something, Say Something.
Aware of a concerning behavior but not sure who to call?
- Call the LPS Security Director: 402-436-1641.
- Note concerning student behavior, call LPS Student Services: 402-436-1650
- Note concerning staff behavior, call LPS Human Resources: 402-436-1575
Love and Logic Moment:
Avoiding Back to School Shopping Nightmares
Nan took her children, Mack and Sara, shopping for school supplies. “What a nightmare,” reported Nan. “Money is really tight this year but they don’t care. They just kept begging for the best. They threw such a fuss that I finally decided it was easier to give in than to fight with them in front of everybody in the store. I had to use two credit cards and I don’t know how I’m going to make ends meet this month.”
Jody had a different experience. She visited with the kids about the family budget one evening. “We don’t have as much money to spend on school supplies this year since Dad is out of work. This is how much each of you can spend.
“Tomorrow, we’ll make a trip to the store with your lists. Our job is to check prices. We won’t be buying. After you have the prices, you can figure out what you want to buy without spending more than your budget. I’ll be glad to help if you need it. Once you have it all figured out, make a new list. Then I’ll take you back to the store to spend your money.
“Oh, by the way, kids,” she mentioned, “if you can buy your supplies for less, you can keep the money that’s left over.”
Wouldn’t you like to be a fly on the wall to watch these kids making their purchases?
It appears that Nan never learned that kids shouldn’t dictate how the family money is spent. Nor has she learned how to set loving limits with her children.
Jody, instead, realized that tight economic times provide grand opportunities for teaching our kids how to shop, save, and spend money wisely.
Read our book, Millionaire Babies or Bankrupt Brats? to learn more techniques for setting limits and teaching kids how to manage money effectively.
Thanks for reading! Our goal is to help as many families as possible. If this is a benefit, forward it to a friend.
Jim Fay
LOVE AND LOGIC MOMENT
Putting an End to Sibling Arguments
At the root of sibling bickering and arguing is having more than one child. In other words, you are not alone! We recommend the following guidelines:
Whenever possible, stay out of it.
Kids frequently start these battles when their subconscious minds suggest that they aren’t getting enough attention from us. Let’s teach our kids that this just isn’t the best way to get that attention.
Ask them to take it some place, wait for later, or stay away from each other.
Unfortunately, we cannot make our kids love each other and get along. All we really have control over is being a great model and setting limits.
Have an “Energy Drain” when their fighting hassles your eyes and ears.
When our kids refuse to honor our requests, it’s time to say, “This is such a bummer, guys. All of this fighting is draining my energy. How are you planning to replace that energy?”
Kids can replace our energy by doing extra chores, staying home instead of being driven some place they want to go, paying for a babysitter so that we can go out, etc.
Thanks for reading! Our goal is to help as many families as possible. If this is a benefit, forward it to a friend.
Dr. Charles Fay