Mickle Middle School Families, as we finally begin to see the colorful foliage change, we are excited for a productive and engaging November! This month is a wonderful time to reflect on all we have to be thankful for, and we encourage our students to carry this spirit of gratitude into their daily interactions and studies. Outside of the classroom, major events  this month will include our Fall Festival for students on Friday, November 7 and a PTSO sponsored Craft Fair for the community on Saturday, November 22. Please keep an eye out for details on these events. Most importantly, please mark your calendars for our upcoming Thanksgiving break. School will be closed starting on Wednesday, November 26th, and will resume on Tuesday, December 2nd. We hope this extended break provides a fantastic opportunity for all our families to spend quality time together, recharge, and enjoy the holiday. 

Jason Shanahan - Principal

Focus Programs Info Nights

-Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) 

Wednesday, Nov. 12

In-Person Info Night at parent-teacher conferences 

Open to Northeast students and families in grades 9-10

3:30-6:30 p.m.

Northeast High School, 2635 N. 63rd St. 

-Arts and Humanities (two opportunities) 

Tuesday, Nov. 11

In-Person Info Night

Open to all LPS students and families in eighth grade

6-7 p.m.

-Arts and Humanities Campus, 643 S. 25th St., #15

Tuesday, Nov. 18

Virtual Info Night 

Open to all LPS students and families in eighth grade

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Contact Arts and Humanities Focus Program Administrator Darla Berks at dberks@lps.org for the Zoom link.

-Aviation and Technical Education

Wednesday, Nov. 12

In-person Info Night 

Open to all LPS students and families in grades 8-11

6-7 p.m.

North Star High School, 5801 N. 33rd St. (Aviation Wing, enter through door 3)

-Bay High

Thursday, Nov. 20

Virtual Info Night 

Open to all LPS students and families in grades 10-11

5 - 6 p.m.

Contact Bay High Focus Program Administrator Brenna Alonso at balonso@lps.org for the Zoom link.

-Bryan College of Health Sciences 

Monday, Nov. 10

In-Person Info Night at parent-teacher conferences 

Open to current Northwest students and families in grades 9-11

4:30-6:30 p.m.

Northwest High School, 4901 W. Holdrege St.

-International Baccalaureate (IB) 

Saturday, Nov. 8 

IB Academy Day (registration required)

Open to all LPS students and families in grades 7-8.

8 a.m.-noon

Lincoln High School, 2229 J St.

Registration deadline is Nov. 1.

For more information, contact J.P. Caruso at jpcaruso@lps.org

-Nebraska Business

Tuesday, Nov. 11

In-person Info Night 

Open to Standing Bear students and families in grades 9-11

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Standing Bear High School, 11100 S. 70th St. (Learning Stairs)

-Science Focus 

Thursday, Nov. 13

Virtual Info Night 

Open to all LPS students and families in grades 8-11

5-6 p.m.

Contact Science Focus Program Administrator Lindsey Roy at lroy@lps.org for the Zoom link.

Is your child missing school due to anxiety?

If your child is suffering from anxiety, you are not alone. The good news is that in most situations, anxiety is normal and temporary. Anxiety becomes a concern if it persists — it

can affect relationships with family, peers and teachers, contribute to academic challenges, and lead to school avoidance/refusal. Addressing anxiety is important for a child’s overall well-being, not just attendance.

In addition, if your child starts to complain of symptoms like a headache or stomach ache, it is important to quickly determine whether this is related to anxiety or a physical illness that might require missing school. If the challenge is anxiety, staying home may worsen the situation.

What can families do?

Here are some tips that you can use to help your child tackle potential challenges and return to school quickly:

• Do not punish your child for refusing to go to school. This can make things worse.

• If possible, avoid letting your child stay home. Staying home may provide short-term relief for your child, but can cause your child to feel disconnected from teachers and classmates and fall further behind, creating more stress and anxiety.

• Speak with your child to learn what is bothering them and why they are avoiding school.

• Make it clear you are there to support your child and that together you can tackle whatever issues are keeping them from school.

• Take advantage of school resources. Talk with the school nurse, counselor, social worker, psychologist or teacher to discuss challenges and identify what will help your child return to school.

If symptoms persist or are very severe, your child’s anxiety may be due to an underlying

behavioral health disorder (i.e., anxiety disorder, panic disorder), an undiagnosed learning

disability or the result of a physical or chronic health condition and should be evaluated by your child’s medical provider.

Every Day Counts when it comes to your child being successful in school!

We value your partnership and know you also want your child to succeed. Let’s work together to ensure your student regularly attends school!

Check out this brochure for more information about how to address anxiety in children.

Parents can contact School Counselors via email:

6th grade School Counselor, Jens Lehman: jlehman2@lps.org

7th grade School Counselor, Megan Bates: mbates2@lps.org

8th grade School Counselor, Katie Reisdorff: kreisdo@lps.org 

This link will take you to the Mickle Intramural Page.  

Stay current on upcoming school events by checking the school calendar here.