Embedded Files
A Message From Principal Kluck-Spann
A Message From Principal Kluck-Spann
Hello Irving families,
I hope all of you are settling into 2nd quarter and your students are continuing to enjoy school at Irving Middle School! We are so proud of our students and staff at Irving. Students consistently demonstrated safe, respectful and responsible behavior throughout the 1st quarter of the school year. Irving staff have been intentional about providing students with opportunities to learn positive academic and behavior skills during our Advisory Homeroom. Together, students and staff continue to work together to foster a positive school community. Thank you for sharing your students with us at Irving and we are excited to keep the momentum rolling!
It appears as though winter is quickly approaching! As a reminder, we try to get students outside for recess as much as we can during the winter months. Students will be outside before school and have outdoor recess when the temperature is above 20 degrees (including wind chill). Please try to remind your student to wear/bring warm weather gear to school and that coats, hats, mittens, long pants, socks, etc. are COOL.
Please continue to encourage your student to participate in after school clubs or activities at Irving. We have a variety of clubs after school, intramural opportunities for 7th and 8th grade students and Homework Hub open to any Irving student. After school activities occur on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays starting at 3:10. The Irving Recreational Center also provides safe, supervised fun activities for Irving students after school as well. Irvingdale and Stransky Park are both located near our school and many of our students walk through the parks on their way home. These areas are not supervised by Irving staff so if your student spends time at either park, please encourage them to make safe & responsible choices.
As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
My best,
Rachael
Monday, November 3 at 3:00 in the cafeteria: Irving Food Market
Tuesday, November 4: Evacuation Drill #5 Evacuation Drill Video
Thursday, November 6 at 7:00 pm: 7th grade Art & Vocal Music Showcase
Tuesday, November 18 at 6:00 pm in the Irving library: IPTSO meeting
Monday, November 24 at 6:00 pm in the Irving library: One Book/One Family
Wednesday, November 26-Friday, November 28: Thanksgiving Break--No School
Monday, December 1: School not in session (Building professional learning & Teacher plan day)
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.
November Intramural Updates...
November Intramural Updates...
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 wmens) 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.
WRESTLING INFORMATION
Coach: Mr. Ottley
November Meet Schedule:
November 7th (ALL CITY TOURNAMENT): 4:45pm report time
GIRLS BASKETBALL INFORMATION
Coaches: Mr. Davison, Mr. Vaughn
All games except the LPS tournament will have an A, B, and C game, with A team playing at 8 am, B team at 9 am, and C team at 10 am. Please have your athletes arrive around fifteen minutes before their game, but not much before.
November Game Schedule:
November 1st: at Scott
November 8th: at Irving vs Moore
November 15th: at Mickle
November 22nd:at Schoo
December 3rd: All City Tournament (time and location TBD)
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!
NEWS FROM THE COUNSELING CENTER...
NEWS FROM THE COUNSELING CENTER...
Hello, 8th Grade Families! I will be meeting with students in November to discuss high school choice, 9th Grade courses and upcoming high school registration. As I share information with students, I will also email families, post on our Counseling Website and share in the newsletter.
I have put together a list for High School preparations, so that students and families can see what is coming up:
Focus Program information - Applications opened on October 1
High School Choice forms - Opens on NOVEMBER 1. If you have filled out this form prior to the opening date for the 26-27 school year, you will need to re-submit it on or after November 1, 2025.
Classroom presentations in November. Ms. Fiero will be visiting with students to learn about High School Choice forms, 9th Grade courses and upcoming registration day. Students will learn what Core classes they will register for, what electives are available and will practice registering for courses through StudentVue.
Pre-registration in January. Students will fill out pre-registration forms in preparation for registration day. Students will leave their forms at school so that they are ready for registration day.
Registration Day on January 29. More information will be shared as we get closer to this date.
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.
Food Market at Irving
Food Market at Irving
The Irving Food market is open to any student, parents of students and school staff. Those who need food assistance may come to the Irving cafeteria on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 3:00. Menu specific items are available and supplemented by a limited number of donated goods, bakery items and fresh produce as those items are available. Food is based on an allocated amount.
The Irving Food market is open to any student, parents of students and school staff. Those who need food assistance may come to the Irving cafeteria on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 3:00. Menu specific items are available and supplemented by a limited number of donated goods, bakery items and fresh produce as those items are available. Food is based on an allocated amount.
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.
Lunch time Reminders (From the 2025-2026 Handbook)
Lunch time Reminders (From the 2025-2026 Handbook)
In our continuing effort to ensure the health and safety of all our students, we are requiring that students, staff, and parents only bring individually wrapped, commercially prepared treats for other student consumption. Students can continue to bring home prepared food for their own
consumption at lunch time. Staff will encourage hand washing and use of hand sanitizer. They will not allow handling or sharing of food brought by an individual student for personal consumption at lunch. Additionally, if a parent/guardian would like to bring lunch to their student, they must personally deliver the lunch to the main office. Food delivery services (Door Dash, Grub Hub, etc) are not permitted to deliver lunch to Irving students. If parent/guardians would like to eat lunch with their student, please notify the Irving office so we may make arrangements for you to sit with
your student in another location during lunch.
We want to be aware of students who have allergies. Please inform the school nurse of any known allergies. We do have a designated “peanut free” table in the cafeteria. Students are expected to eat their own lunches (bought at school or brought from home) only. Eating other students lunch is
not permitted.
See Important Information Booklet for more information.
OUTSIDE BEVERAGES
Open beverages or store bought beverages are not allowed at Irving Middle School. If the beverage is a part of a student's lunch, the drink must be un-opened and in a lunch box. Students are allowed to use a water bottle throughout the day at Irving. Water bottles may only contain water.
Par Framework updates
Par Framework updates
At Irving, we believe that helping students learn from mistakes is just as important as celebrating their successes. Learning from mistakes is not only about consequences, it’s about growth. In LPS, accountability is a transparent and consistent process that combines re-teaching skills, repairing harm, applying appropriate consequences, and maintaining open communication.
By practicing regulation, active listening, and empathetic guidance, we help students reflect on their actions, reset their mindset, and return to learning in a positive way. This approach allows students to understand the impact of their choices while staying connected to who they are, fostering responsibility, understanding, and resilience.
At home, you can reinforce these lessons by talking with your child about how mistakes can be opportunities to learn, encouraging reflection and supporting them in repairing harm and moving forward. Together, we create a community where students feel supported, empowered, and motivated to grow from every experience.
NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY....
NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY....
Digital Resources available at home
Did you know many of our fantastic library resources are accessible from home? Students can use these tools to research and gather information for their assignments, making it easier to complete their work wherever they are.
Follow these directions to get the login information to use these resources at home:
Begin at the LPS Portal.
Enter your student’s ID and password (If you don’t have this information, the school office can provide it for you).
Select “Library Website” from the alphabetical listing in the portal.
Click on “Home Access” to open a Google Doc with login instructions.
Digital Citizenship Tips
Digital Citizenship Tips
Do you feel like your students spend too much time on their devices? Did you know that not all screen time is created equal? There’s a difference between active screen time (creating or engaging with content in meaningful ways) and passive screen time (simply consuming entertainment).
It’s never too late to create a balanced plan together—one that includes both active and passive screen time, as well as offline activities. Here are some conversation starters to help you get started:
What do you enjoy doing online? What do you enjoy doing offline?
What are you missing out on when you are online?
Where can we set up screen-free zones in our home?
What activities or hobbies could you try while offline?
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
NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE...
NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE...
Accessing Class Information in ParentVUE
Accessing Class Information in ParentVUE
Parents and students can access important Class Information (course description, grading practices, class tips, etc.) on the web (preferred) or via the mobile app. Step-by-step directions can be found on this document: Viewing Class Information in Synergy: Parents & Students or in these video tutorials: Synergy ParentVUE Tutorials.
The District’s goal is to ensure at least one parent/guardian per household has activated and uses their ParentVUE account. If you haven’t yet acquired an account, please contact the school office for an activation key.
Additional information about ParentVUE can be found on our school home page under the ParentVUE button.
News from Computing Services...
News from Computing Services...
Instructional Technology Tools (ITTs) in LPS & The LPS Portal
Instructional Technology Tools (ITTs) in LPS & The LPS Portal
LPS believes that effective instruction can and should include the appropriate use of instructional technology to support learning. To that end, a District Instructional Technology Tool (ITT) Committee works to identify ITTs that are safe for student use, support district learning goals, and encourage innovative teaching and learning. All reviewed ITTs are cataloged in the LPS ITT Matrix.
The most frequently used, approved, and supported ITTs are made available to students and staff in the LPS Portal. Students access their LPS Portal by clicking the ‘HOME’ button on their Chromebook.
Need a conversation starter with your student? Ask them for a tour of their LPS Portal and which ITTs they’re currently using in class.
Eduroam
Eduroam
The eduroam wireless network is more secure than most public wifi networks and is available in several locations around Lincoln. Students using their LPS Chromebooks around town should connect to eduroam whenever it is available. Simply select it from the list of available networks - no other steps needed! Visit this eduroam poster and/or LPS jump code: pao4 for more information.
Scenarios where eduroam may come in handy include:
Visiting UNL campuses? Don’t hassle with UNL guest wifi, use eduroam!
Hanging out at The Lighthouse, The Malone Center or The Bay? Use eduroam!
Serving or staying at People’s City Mission? Use eduroam!
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.)
November Newsletter: November Newsletter
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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