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A Message From Principal Kluck-Spann
A Message From Principal Kluck-Spann
Hello Irving families, students & staff,
I cannot believe we are almost at the conclusion of 1st semester and that it is time for the December Newsletter! The school weeks between Thanksgiving and winter break always seem to go by very quickly. As we edge towards the end of the semester, our teachers will be preparing students for end of the quarter/semester exams and/or final projects, students will be working hard to complete the semester successfully by studying, completing assignments and demonstrating their best effort on all assigned tasks, projects and assessments. As a reminder, if your student needs additional guidance or support to complete any assigment or assessment, Homework Hub is an opportunity open to all Irving students after school on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays! We appreciate your support as we continue to encourage our students to do their best and have a positive close to 2025!
Monday, December 1: No School (Teacher Professional Learning & Plan Day)
Tuesday, December 2 at 3:15 pm: Irving Food Market in the cafeteria
Monday, December 8 - Wednesday December 10: MAP Growth Reading Assessment
Tuesday, December 9 at 7:00 pm: 6th & 8th grade Winter Choir concert in the auditorium
Thursday, December 11 at 7:00 pm: 7th & 8th grade Band concert in the auditorium
Monday, December 15 at 7:00 pm: 6th, 7th & 8th grade Orchestra concert in the auditorium
Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00 pm: 6th grade Band & Jazz Band concert in the auditorium
Friday, December 19: Last day of 1st Semester/2nd Quarter
Monday, December 22-Friday, January 2: No School (Enjoy Winter Break!!)
Special Events Calendar: Special Events Calendar 2025-2026
HOMEWORK HUB: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL STUDENTS!
HOMEWORK HUB: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL STUDENTS!
Homework Hub is a fantastic resource available for all Irving students! Several Irving teachers sponsor Homework Hub and help students complete daily homework assignments, complete missing work, study for upcoming assessments and create a space for students to focus on learning and develop strong study habits.
Homework Hub occurs Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afterschool from 3:10 - 4:00. Any student is welcome and sometimes if/when a student has a missing assignment or needs a space to complete an assignment, teachers will reach out to families to assign Hub to ensure students have every opportunity to successfully complete and turn in assignments.
Several Irving teachers are sponsoring Homework Hub! Cathy Mohlman is our Homework Hub liaison & her email address is cmohlman@lps.org.
December Intramural Updates...
December Intramural Updates...
BOYS BASKETBALL INFORMATION
7th grade informational student meeting: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 3:15 pm in the gym
8th grade informational student meeting: Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 3:15 in the gym
Practice for both grades begin the week of December 8, 2025
Lincoln Public Schools does post updates and intramural schedules. This site can be found here.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me at rokamoto@lps.org or individual team coaches. We are really looking forward to a great fall season. Go Aardvarks!
Irving Intramural Sports is always accepting sports supplies that are in good condition.
High need items at the moment are soccer cleats in size 8 mens (6.5 mens) and larger, soccer balls size 5 (full size), small soccer goals, men's basketballs, track spikes size 8 mens and up.
Additional supplies are always appreciated. Please email Grayson Vaughn (gvaughn@lps.org) or Robyn Okamoto (rokamoto@lps.org) if you have any supplies you would like to donate.
As a reminder, only immediate family is allowed to attend games and any sibling or child in the household who is not participating in the game or meet can be in attendance must have an adult to supervise. Students not playing are not allowed to attend and will be asked to leave. Schools do not have the space nor supervision to allow additional spectators.
NEWS FROM THE COUNSELING CENTER...
NEWS FROM THE COUNSELING CENTER...
Greetings, 8th Grade families! This last week, I met with students about transitioning to high school. We talked about school choice, how credits work and the importance of good attendance. Our next high school lesson will be in January - students will learn how to register for classes and what classes they should register for. High School Counselors will be at Irving on January 29th for official high school registration.
If you have any questions, email me (jfiero@lps.org) or call me at (402) 436-1214.
LPS - Preparing for High School
LPS Home High School Lookup Tool
LPS High School Choice Form - due by January 5, 2026
Janis Fiero
8th Grade Counselor
Food resources for families
Food resources for families
Below are school and community resources available to provide food assistance for those who need it.
Free and Reduced School Meal Program
Free and Reduced School Meal Program
Families can apply for Free and Reduced school meals at any time, especially if there has been a recent life change or change in income. If approved, the student then qualifies for free and reduced meals through the school year. Families will need to complete a new application starting next school year. Once your student is approved for free and reduced meals, you can also qualify your family for scholarships and fee waivers for student activities at school.
You can pick up a paper application from your student’s school if unable to access the form online. Learn more about the Free and Reduced Meal program on our website.
LPS Emergency Pantry
LPS Emergency Pantry
In response to the high need of students and their families experiencing hunger, the Food Bank, in cooperation with Leadership Lincoln and Lincoln Public Schools, opened the LPS Emergency Pantry.
Any LPS, private or homeschool student and their family can come to the pantry to receive food assistance. The amount of food families can have is based on family size.
The pantry is located at Bryan Community (300 S. 48th St.) and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3-5:30 p.m. when school is in session.
*You must have a school-aged student to visit the Emergency Pantry.
Community Food Resources
Community Food Resources
List of community food distribution opportunities compiled by UNL Extension
Food Bank of Lincoln website (and here is a pdf list of resources from the Food Bank)
MyLNK is a website (https://mylnk.app) and a mobile app (for Apple and Android - search MyLNK) that has information about community resources. It can be downloaded in a wi-fi environment and then used when wi-fi is not available. The website provides translations in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Arabic.
Information from Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services about SNAP
Information from Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services about SNAP
On October 29, Nebraska paused SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown. This means that SNAP benefits will not be issued during the month of November until the shutdown ends.
What do I need to do?
If you are currently on SNAP, you may continue to use any remaining benefits on your EBT card for nine months from the date of last use.
You must also continue to recertify your SNAP and report any changes to your personal information.
If you are not on SNAP, you can still sign up and your application will still be processed.
Interested in helping an LPS student and family in need?
Interested in helping an LPS student and family in need?
If you are interested in helping LPS students and families in need, you can give to The Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools student emergency fund, or contact them at 402-436-1612.
NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY....
NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY....
Need a library book now?
Need a library book now?
Did you know students can access materials 24/7 in Sora? Select from thousands of high-interest eBooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, and magazines in Sora.
Go to LPS Portal.
Log in with your LPS credentials. Contact your school office if your student does not know his/her username and password.
Select Sora from the alphabetical listing in the LPS portal.
Browse and check out an eBook.
You can also download the Sora App on your devices.
If you need more information contact your librarian.
Digital Citizenship Tips
Digital Citizenship Tips
Artificial Intelligence is here and it can impact our lives in several ways. Here are some questions to get the conversation about AI started at home:
What AI tools have you engaged with (Gemini, Alexa, Grok, ChatGPT, SnapChat, etc.)?
How can AI be helpful? What are the risks of using AI?
Conversations with AI can seem quite real. Can you trust AI to give helpful information and advice?
When is it appropriate and not appropriate to use AI?
AI systems are learning from pretty much everything on the internet. How do you feel about all your posts and photos being used to train them without you even knowing?
Want ideas for supporting digital citizenship in your home? Follow your school, LPS Library Services, or #lpsdigcit on social media to get weekly tips. Find additional digital citizenship tips on our website: Library Services Digital Citizenship Tips
Support the Aardvark Store This Holiday Season!
As we head into the holiday season, we’re gearing up for one of our students’ favorite traditions—the Aardvark Store! Many Irving students use the store to “purchase” gifts for their family and friends using their hard-earned Aardvark Bucks. It’s a special way for them to practice generosity, independence, and gratitude.
To keep the store stocked with fun and meaningful options, we’re asking families to consider donating small items. Below is a list of popular items under $10 that always fly off the shelves:
Hot Items Under $10
Fuzzy socks
Keychains and lanyards
Small building sets
Journals, sketchbooks, fun pens, gel pens, and highlighters
Stress balls, fidgets, and pop-its
Stickers and decal packs
Bracelets, simple jewelry, and hair accessories
Candy bundles or packaged treats
Cozy gloves or beanies
Items for the Aardvark store can be dropped off at the school office. Please let them know it is for the store. Thank you for your consideration!
For a full list of Aardvark store needs and instructions on how to make a monetary donation, visit https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=M4MZK7PUUJ47A
NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE...
NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE...
Chromebook use during Winter Break (Secondary Only)
Chromebook use during Winter Break (Secondary Only)
LPS Chromebooks may be used for any type of learning activity during Winter Break. Keep in mind that Chromebook use is governed by a responsible use agreement (lps.org/go/rua) and that all websites are filtered by LPS. Be sure your student follows these best practices:
Charge the Chromebook every night to ensure enough life in the battery to support learning during the day and upon their return to school in January.
Restart the Chromebook occasionally to keep the Chromebook software up-to-date and avoid some of the most common problems experienced by students.
If leaving the house, carry the Chromebook in the LPS-provided protective bag.
Personal Computing Devices
Personal Computing Devices
This time of year often brings questions about whether students are allowed to bring/use personal computing devices at school. Where connecting to the LPS network and/or completing school work is concerned, the answer is “no.” There are a number of reasons for this, but you should be aware that the LPS Chromebook comes with limits on the web sites 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 student to use the district-issued Chromebook for all school work.
New Synergy ParentVUE & StudentVUE apps
New Synergy ParentVUE & StudentVUE apps
Families might notice when they launch and sign in to the ParentVUE/StudentVUE apps on a mobile device, it may ask you if you would like to download the new app. You should not be alarmed. The company is rolling out new ParentVUE & StudentVUE apps, instead of updating the old. Installing the new app is not a requirement at this time but will be at some point. Images from an iPhone with ParentVUE installed are below:
Irving Traffic & Plan for drop off/Pick Up (repeat reminder)
Irving Traffic & Plan for drop off/Pick Up (repeat reminder)
In the coming weeks, there will be a four way stop installed at Lake St and 22nd St. Currently, there is a two way stop with stop signs on 22nd St. Stop signs will now be added to Lake Street as well. This will hopefully reduce speeding on Lake St and it will enhance the safety of everyone using that intersection (people in vehicles and students walking).
In addition, you may have noticed, the morning drop off & after school pick up at Irving is a busy time. In order to keep our students safe and to increase efficiency, we have worked with our district safety and security personnel to develop a traffic plan for before school drop off & after school pick up. This plan was established in 2022-2023, and reviewed regularly as we promote a safe drop off/pick up process. You will notice at the beginning of the year, administrators will be at student cross walks before and after school and there will be an increase in supervision as we know it will take all of us working together to ensure the new traffic plan is a success. Below is a link that describes the plan in detail:
News from Rec center...
News from Rec center...
After School Program
Lincoln Parks and Recreation has been serving Irving Middle School families after school since 1977. Much has changed in the past 39 years, and we believe supervised, safe, fun, and meaningful after school activities are as important as ever for middle school students. Some students visit the rec. center simply because they need a place to go after school; however, our staff is intentional about making the center "more than just a place to go." After school staff does this by focusing on a positive environment, supportive relationships, and constructive programs. During after school hours at Irving Recreation Center, middle school students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of age-appropriate, fun, and enriching activities. Students can stay as busy as they’d like with homework, clubs, and special events, or they can simply choose to socialize with friends. We encourage all students to be engaged and take advantage of the activity choices available at the rec. center.
HOURS
Irving Rec. Center is open exclusively to Irving students upon school dismissal until 5:00 p.m. Students are welcome to stay after 5:00 p.m. when the rec center opens to the public. Closing times vary by season.
AFTER SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP
Students must submit an After School Member Form participate in clubs and be eligible for discounted punch cards and year passes. Need-based scholarships are also available to qualifying members.
FEE INFORMATION
•$4.00 per day
•$50.00 for a 20-day punch card (38% discount)
•$360.00 for a school year pass (50% discount*)
*Year pass discount calculated at 180 days.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
HIGHLIGHTS
•Homework Room
•Special interest clubs, classes and activities
•Game room
•Field trips
•Adult supervision
THE BASICS
•Students must have a pass to enter the rec center after 3:10 p.m.
•A student cannot enter the rec center on another student's punch card.
•Loitering and/or waiting for rides outside the rec center are not allowed.
•Students who drop-in following school intramurals must pay the daily fee at that time.
•Students may remain at the center after 5:00 p.m. The center is open to the public at that time.
•Make sure to sign up to receive our monthly email newsletter!
CLOSED
Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, M.L. King Jr. Birthday, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, the Last day of School and Election Days (the Rec center is a polling location.)
Free Intro to Archery at Irving
Looking for a fun and exciting new activity for your middle schooler? We’re excited to invite them to Aim High Archery—a free introduction to the sport of archery, designed just for students in grades 6–8!
Dates: Friday, December 12 & 19
Time: 6:00–7:00 PM
Location: Irving Recreation Center
Contact: (402) 441-7954
This free class is perfect for beginners, no experience needed and all equipment is provided! Students will learn the basics of archery in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. It’s a great way to build focus, confidence, and coordination while trying something new.
Spots are limited, so come early and bring a friend. Let’s take aim and have a blast!
If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (402) 441-7954. We hope to see you there!
December Newsletter: December Newsletter from the Irving Rec Center
Thanks for taking time to stay informed about our Irving Community!
Thanks for taking time to stay informed about our Irving Community!
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