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Looking Ahead at Lincoln
Week of February 12 - 16, 2024
Day Rotation
Week of 2/12 - 2/16/2024
- Monday – Day 2
- Tuesday – Day 3
- Wednesday – Day 4
- Thursday – Day 5
- Friday – Day 1
Week of 2/19 - 2/23/2024
- Monday – No School - Teacher Classroom Management Day
- Tuesday – Day 2
- Wednesday – Day 3
- Thursday – Day 4
- Friday – Day 5
Upcoming Events
Kindergarten Registration for 2024 – 2025 School Year
Starting Thursday, February 1, 2024, Kindergarten registration opened for the 2024 – 2025 school year. To register a child for kindergarten, please complete the 2024-2025 Kindergarten Registration Sign-Up form. Upon completion, kindergarten families will be directed to the online enrollment center where they can download and complete all necessary registration documents. If preferred, kindergarten families may also request a registration packet to be mailed home. Kindergarten families may submit completed packets digitally to the Lincoln Secretary, Mrs. Diana Sektnan (dsektnan@mtlsd.net), or call the Lincoln Office, at 412-344-2147 to make an appointment to drop off registration materials.
Click on the links below for helpful information to begin this process:
The Lincoln School staff will be in communication with kindergarten parents regarding kindergarten orientation and screening dates/times as spring approaches. We look forward to your child joining us!
Books of the Month
In recognition of Black History Month, I have selected the following books as my books of the month for February:
- Ice Cream Man by Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman
On the Line: My Story of Becoming the First African American Rockette by Jennifer Jones and Lissette Norman
Thurgood by Jonah Winter
I will be sharing Ice Cream Man as a read aloud text with each homeroom in Grades K-1; On the Line: My Story of Becoming the First African American Rockette with each homeroom in Grades 2-3; while Thurgood will be shared with each homeroom in Grades 4-5.
The following summary of Ice Cream Man comes from the Penguin Random House website (Click here to access link).
"Augustus Jackson was born in 1808 in Philadelphia. While most African Americans were enslaved at that time, in Pennsylvania, slavery was against the law. But while Augustus and his family were free, they were poor, and they depended on their garden and their chickens for food. Augustus enjoyed helping his mom prepare meals for their family. He dreamed of becoming a professional cook, and when his mom suggested he may be able to make meals for the president one day, Augustus didn’t waste any time in making that dream a reality. In 1820, when he was only twelve years old, he set off for Washington, DC. He applied to work in the White House, where the head cook offered him a job as a kitchen helper. After five years of working hard, Augustus, or Gus, was promoted to cook. He went on to serve presidents James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson. During his time at the White House, Augustus became an expert at making a popular egg-based dessert. He soon made an eggless version—known to us today as ice cream—and left the White House determined to make and sell the frozen treat to everyone, not just the wealthy. Gus headed back home to Philadelphia, and in 1830, he opened his very own ice cream parlor. He devised a way to keep the ice cream frozen so that it could be shipped and sold to other businesses. Gus also began adding rock salt to the ice that he used to make his ice cream, which made the mixture freeze more quickly. This allowed him to speed up his production process. He created more ice cream with new flavors, and soon he was shipping product via train to places like New York City, which was 100 miles away. Gus’s dream had come true, and better yet, he had brought smiles to many faces. Shining a light on a little-known visionary, this inspiring picture-book biography includes an afterword, a list of sources, and an easy-to-follow recipe so readers can make their own delicious ice cream!"
A summary of On the Line: My Story of Becoming the First African American Rockette listed below comes from the Harper Stacks website (Click here to access link).
- "From the first Black Radio City Rockette dancer, Jennifer Jones, comes an inspiring picture book autobiography perfect for fans of trailblazers like Misty Copeland, Mae Jemison, and more. Dancing has always made her feel free, like she can do anything. But when Jennifer was a child, some people didn’t think that she had a future as a dancer because of the color of her skin."
While the following summary of Thurgood comes from the Penguin Random House website (Click here to access link).
- "Thurgood Marshall was a born lawyer–the loudest talker, funniest joke teller, and best arguer from the time he was a kid growing up in Baltimore in the early 1900s. He would go on to become the star of his high school and college debate teams, a stellar law student at Howard University, and, as a lawyer, a one-man weapon against the discriminatory laws against black Americans. After only two years at the NAACP, he was their top lawyer and had earned himself the nickname Mr. Civil Rights. He argued–and won–cases before the Supreme Court, including one of the most important cases in American history: Brown v Board of Education. And he became the first black U.S. Supreme Court Justice in history. Like its subject, here is a biography that crackles with energy and intensity–a great introduction to a great man."
Let me know if you have any questions.
Dr. Ron Kitsko
Principal
And the Winner Is...2024 Lincoln Spelling Bee
The evening of February 8, 2024, was one filled with excitement and drama during the finals of the 2024 Lincoln PTA Spelling bee. 21 students from Grades 4-5 qualified to show off their spelling skills and our participants did not disappoint! Only one student could prevail, and after going many rounds, the winner of the 2024 Lincoln PTA Spelling Bee was Preston Bloomburg. The first runner-up was SIlas Minczeski. Congratulations to all of the spelling bee participants! They did a great job! A special thanks goes out to our three judges - Mrs. Aaron, Mrs. Higgins and Mrs. Smith. They kept us on track and made sure that every participant had a fair chance to spell each word. We also need to thank the Lincoln PTA and Ms. Holly Bronder for sponsoring this wonderful event. Good luck to Preston as he now moves on to the next round in the local Spelling Bee process!
Lincoln's 2nd Annual Week of Service
Monday February 12th - Friday February 16th
During the week, each grade will meet for one hour to learn about and perform a service project benefiting local community groups. This year, Lincoln students will work to provide donations to South Hills Interfaith Movement, Jewish Family & Children Services, the Jared Box Project, Baptist Homes Senior Living Facility and the Foster Love Project. Please join us in volunteering through the sign up form below -- ALL THREE CLEARANCES REQUIRED!
Week of Service Parent Volunteer Form
Can't volunteer your time? That's OK! Please check out this Amazon Wish List (includes diapers for the Diaper Drive!!) and donate goodies directly to be used in our service projects!
Week of Service Amazon Wishlist
If you have any questions, please email jaime.dececco@gmail.com. Thank you for your help!
Week of Service Schedule
Monday, February 12
- Grade 2 at 2:00 pm
Thursday, February 15
- K(AM) at 9:00 am
Thursday, February 15
- Grade 3 at 1:30 pm
Friday, February 16
- Grade 1 at 8:45 am
- Grade 4 at 10:15 am
- K(PM) at 1:30
- Grade 5 at 2:30 pm
Valentine’s Day Parties
On Wednesday, February 14, 2024, we will have our annual Lincoln Valentine’s Day Parties. To make this day a little more colorful and festive at Lincoln, we are asking everyone to wear something RED or PINK this day. Some important reminders about the events for this day are listed below
Students in AM Kindergarten
- Party from 10:30 – 11:20 AM
- Volunteers will be released to the classrooms at approximately 10:20 AM
Students in PM Kindergarten and Grades 1 – 5
Party from 2:45 –3:30 PM
- Volunteers will be released to the classrooms at approximately 2:35 PM
Some other reminders about these events:
- Remember, we are not serving food during the classroom parties.
- Only family members designated as homeroom adults and class photographers for this event will be permitted to go to the classrooms. This is for the safety of the students as well as to keep the parties organized and on time.
- A maximum of three (3) adult volunteers and one (1) classroom photographer can be present for each classroom party.
- Party volunteers MUST have the Casual Volunteer Affirmation form or all three (3) clearances on file to serve as a volunteer for this function.
- As the school will be especially crowded on this day, please pay close attention to all of the standard parking and traffic rules and exercise caution while in your vehicle. Also, remember that parking in front of the school is not permitted.
PMEA Elementary Strings Fest Selections
Congratulations to the following 5th Grade students for being accepted to participate in the 2024 PMEA District 1 Elementary Strings Fest to be held on February 16, 2024, at Moon Area Middle School.
- Saskia Vilardaga, violin
- Alice Brambilla, viola
- Silas Minczeski, cello
5th and 6th grade students from throughout Western Pennsylvania were selected to participate in a day-long musical experience which will culminate in an evening performance.
Classroom Management Day
Due to the scheduled district wide classroom management day for teachers, there is no school for students on Monday, February 19th. School resumes for all students on Tuesday, February 20th. Please make note of this on your calendars.
Elementary District Chorus
One of the many music opportunities provided for elementary students in the Mt. Lebanon School District is the chance to participate in the 5th District Chorus. Approximately 120 students from the seven elementary schools who have exhibited interest in and enthusiasm for singing will be a part of this special group. Lincoln Elementary students practice independently on their own and as a group weekly. In February, they will combine with students from the other elementary schools to prepare for the special District Chorus Tiered Concert which will take place on Wednesday, February 28.
This special celebration of choral music in the Mt. Lebanon School District will also feature performances by the 8th Grade Choirs and the High School Concert Choir. All singers will join together for the final musical piece of the concert, “Blessing.” The concert is free and open to the public. It begins at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 28 and will be held in the Mt. Lebanon High School Auditorium.
Participating Lincoln Elementary Students include:
Princess Asbury, Hannah Baily, Amna Bajgoric, Alice Brambilla, Cedric Buell, Ezrah Dervisevic, Olivia Erjavac, Avery Hannan, Quinn Kupchella, Evelyn Loughney, Millie Marron, Nora Middlebrooks, Hazel Miller, Sadie Morrow, Larken Pearl Muenster, Emmitt Pastorius, Henry Perkins, Donovan Porter, Owen Romano, Aleksander Romano, Melina Rovcanin, Allie Schoen, Blake Smith, Alexandra Strasbaugh, Madison Sweeney, Luke Synowiec, Saskia Vilardaga, Henry Workman, Cameron Zapko, and Sofia Zutter
Lincoln PTA - Leap Around the World - 2/29/2024
2024 Lincoln Science Fair - Sponsored by the Lincoln PTA
Calling All 2nd - 5th Grade Students
Thursday, March 7, 2024
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Work by yourself or with a friend and discover something new! Projects can cover just about any topic. Your experiment can be done in an afternoon or over a few weeks—you get to choose! All participating student scientists are asked to create a display board and speak knowledgeably about their projects. The Judges will visit each project and speak with the student(s). Further details
and requirements can be found here.
You should expect an email with those additional details during the first few weeks in February. During the Science Fair, we will have snacks and science-based fun for the entire family. Every scientist will receive a participation ribbon and the top three projects at each grade level will receive trophies.
Science is Fun!
Bring out your inner wacky scientist and participate in the 2024 Lincoln Science Fair! The deadline
to register is February 8, 2024.
Register online by clicking this link.
If you are a parent willing to volunteer to help assist with the event, please fill out the survey linked here.
5th Grade Farewell Sarris Candies Sale
PTA Meeting
On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, our PTA will have its monthly general session meeting at 6:30 pm in the Lincoln cafeteria. We encourage you to stop by and be an active member in all that happens within the Lincoln PTA.
Spring Forward
Daylight Savings will begin at 2:00 am on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Don’t forget to move your clocks forward one (1) hour before heading to bed on Saturday.
PMEA Elementary Band Fest West Selections
Congratulations to the following 5th Grade students for being accepted to participate in the 2024 PMEA District 1 Elementary Band Fest West to be held on April 12-13, 2024 at Thomas Jefferson High School.
- Alice Brambilla, Clarinet
- Cameron Zapko, Percussion
5th and 6th grade students from throughout Western Pennsylvania were selected to participate in a two-day musical experience that will culminate in a performance on Saturday afternoon. We are very proud of these students' accomplishments and know that they will be wonderful representatives from Lincoln Elementary!
PSSA Testing Information
The 2024 PSSA testing window is scheduled for April-May 2024. Our students we will take these assessments as follows:
- April 22, April 24, and April 26: Grades 3 - 5 (PSSA ELA Test)
- April 29 and April 30: Grades 3 - 5 (PSSA Math Test)
- May 2 and May 3: Grade 4 only (PSSA Science Test)
Please note that NO pre-approved absences will be approved (for the aforementioned grades) during the dates listed above.
Important Information
GO ZONE Reminders
DROP OFF
- Open from 8:25 - 8:35 am in the morning
- Pull your vehicle forward as far as possible
- There is NO parking in the GO ZONE or school parking lots
- Parents/Families are to remain in cars
- Only release students on to the curbside of your vehicle
- Once your child exits the vehicle, do not wait in your vehicle to watch them enter the building
- If the GO ZONE is full, please make a loop around the block
- Make every effort to not block the Beverly and Ralston intersection
- Do not drop off students at the parking lot entrance as we have a van that drops off students in this area
- Please make sure others who are dropping off your students(s) are familiar with the process
PICK UP
- Student day ends at 3:30 pm
- Pull your vehicle forward as far as possible
- Have your family number card clearly displayed
- There is NO parking in the GO ZONE or school parking lots
- Parents/Families are to remain in cars
- If the GO ZONE is full, please make a loop around the block
- Once your student(s) enter the vehicle, please exit the GO ZONE so others can get in
- Do not pick up students at the parking lot entrance as we have a van that picks up students in this area
- Please make sure others who are picking up your student(s) are familiar with the process
Extra Clothing
Please consider sending an extra pair of weather appropriate clothing, including socks, with your student to be kept in their locker or backpack in case of wet or muddy clothing from the playground. This will save you a trip to the school and prevent your student from sitting in wet or dirty clothing.
School Day Time Schedule
Grades 1-5
8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
1:00 to 3:30 PM
Late bells ring at 8:35 AM and 1:00 PM
Kindergarten (AM)
- 8:30 to 11:20 am
- Late bell rings at 8:35 AM
Kindergarten (PM)
- 12:40 to 3:30 PM
- late bell rings at 12:45 PM
Recess Temperature Reminder
As we have entered the season unpredictable and colder weather, I want to remind our students about what they should to wear during outdoor recess.
- Anytime the temperature dips below 50ºF, students should wear a jacket (of some type) outside.
- While it is a family decision as to what each student wears to school each day, I would suggest that students not wear shorts on days when temperatures are forecasted to be below 50ºF.
- Having an extra pair of pants available (left in a student’s locker) is a great way to avoid emotional situations if students wear shorts to school on cold weather days.
- When the thermometer dips even lower, students must be prepared to wear jackets, hats and gloves during outside recess.
- We will go outside if the “feels like” temperature is at or above 15 ºF.
- Students may be permitted on the field even if snow is present. However, snow-style boots are a must for this.
We typically check AccuWeather and The Weather Channel apps for the current local temperature at approximately 11:55 am daily.
School Delays and Cancellations
2 HOUR DELAY start
Adult supervision at Lincoln begins at 10:20 am and the doors will be open for students to enter the school at that time.
Students should be in their classrooms by 10:35 am.
Students are considered tardy after 10:35 am.
The lunch schedule will run like normal.
Afternoon dismissal for students is still set for 3:30 pm.
2 HOUR DELAY start - Morning Kindergarten Session Modified Schedule
- Morning kindergarten will start at 10:35 am.
- Students will be permitted to enter the school starting at 10:20 am.
- Students are considered tardy after 10:35 am.
- Morning kindergarten dismisses at 12:30 pm.
2 HOUR DELAY start - Afternoon Kindergarten Session Modified Schedule
- Afternoon kindergarten will start at 1:30 pm.
- Students will be permitted to enter the school starting at 1:25 pm.
- Students are considered tardy after 1:30 pm.
- Dismissal for afternoon kindergarten students is still set for 3:30 pm.
Cancellation
- All students will switch to a Remote Day Schedule unless otherwise instructed.
Phone Alert System
- In the event of a school delay or closing, you will receive an automated phone call from the District's Phone Alert System to the primary phone number you have listed with the school.
- Only one call per family is made.
- Calls are typically made no later than 10:00 p.m. and no earlier than 6:00 a.m.
- On rare occasions, school may be delayed or cancelled after 6:00 a.m. or a delay may be changed to a cancellation when there is a question about road conditions or extreme cold.
- Your caller ID will display “Mt. Lebanon School District” and the District’s main number of 412-344-2000.
- To opt into text alerts and update your preferences, please refer to this Mt. Lebanon SMS Alert Guide.
- The success of this system depends on accurate contact information obtained from school records.
- If your information has changed, please update your contact information in the Dashboard or ask the building secretary to update your files.
Information Sources for a Delay or Closing:
MTLSD website: www.mtlsd.org
School District Cable Channels 19 (Comcast) and 33 (Verizon)
Mt. Lebanon Public Access Channels 17(Comcast) and 34 (Verizon)
KDKA TV and www.kdka.com; WPXI TV and www.wpxi.com; WTAE TV and
KDKA Radio 1020 AM
X: @MTLSD
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MTLSD
Push notifications through the MTL APP
Absences and Excuses
When a student is absent from school, the family must send a written excuse or an email within 3 school days to their student's teacher. If the excuse is not provided to the teacher by the third day, the absence will be considered illegal. If a student accumulates more than three days of unlawful absences, an attendance hearing at the school will be held and the matter may be referred to the local magistrate.
When a student is absent for five or more consecutive days for health reasons, the student must be readmitted to the school through the Health Office.
Students will not be granted more than five (5) days of pre-approved absences (form linked here) during the school year. The district attendance policy can be viewed by accessing the following link - JED - Students Absences and Excuses.
Awesome Abe School Wide Positive Behavioral Program
What is a School Wide Positive Behavioral Program?
PBIS or Positive Behavioral Interventions or Supports is a school-wide positive behavior support system or set of strategies and systems to increase the capacity of schools to (a) reduce school disruption, and (b) educate all students including those with problem behaviors
- Clearly defined outcomes
- Research-validated practices
- Supportive administrative systems
- Use of information for problem-solving
WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF PBIS?
- Establish regular, predictable, positive learning & teaching environments.
- Train adults & students to serve as positive models.
- Teach and model behavioral expectations
- Create systems for providing regular positive feedback.
- Acknowledge students when they are “doing the right thing”.
- Improve social competence.
- Develop environments that support academic success.
Counselor's Corner by Ms. Herb
A Note From The Elementary School Counselors…
Dear Families,
This month, we recognize National School Counseling Week (2/5-2/9) and this year’s theme is "School Counseling: Standards-Based, Student-Focused." We are excited to be working with the students on their career portfolios, teaching students positive coping skills, while also helping them with developing a growth mindset to achieve their best. We remind students daily that kindness and bucket filling not only help others to feel good, but it can help us to feel good as well. We invite you to read more here about the role of school counselors. We also take the opportunity to highlight the kind words and acts of so many as we recognize Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Week (2/14-2/20) and RAK Day on February 17th. Thank you for all that you continue to do to support our home-school partnership.
-- The Elementary School Counseling Team
Second Step - Unit 3 Information
In the coming weeks, classrooms will be covering Unit 3 of our Second Step Program. More information about Unit 3, including an overview of what your child is learning and how to practice new skills at home, is linked by grade level below.
Inclusivity Calendar Events for February
Specific Dates
February Month Long Recognitions
- Black History Month - This month celebrates the heritage and culture, as well as honors contributions, of people of the African diaspora.
February Specific Dates
- February 1: National Freedom Day, celebrates the signing of the 13th Amendment that abolished slavery in 1865.
February 20: Presidents Day, a federally recognized celebration in the United States of George Washington’s birthday, as well as every president proceeding Washington.
February 20: World Day of Social Justice, celebrated to raise a voice against social injustice, which includes efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment, and human rights.
https://www.mtlsd.org/about-us/diversity-equity-inclusion/inclusivity-calendar
February Holidays
- February 10: Lunar New Year (Interfaith/National)
- February 10: Lunar New Year (Confucian, Daoist, Buddhist)
- February 14: Ash Wednesday/Lent Begins (Christian)
- February 24: Birthday of ‘Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib (Islam)
- February 24: Magha Puja (Buddhist)
https://www.mtlsd.org/about-us/diversity-equity-inclusion/inclusivity-calendar
Lunch and Recess Information
Lunch and Recess Times
Lunch
- Grade 3 (1 class), Grade 4 & Grade 5
Recess
- Grade 1, Grade 2 & Grade 3 (2 classes)
12:25- 12:55pm
Lunch
- Grade 1, Grade 2 & Grade 3 (2 classes)
Recess
- Grade 3 (1 class), Grade 4 & Grade 5
12:55 pm
- Line up bell
12:58 pm
- Return to class bell
Technology Information
Schoology (LMS)
Schoology, the Mt. Lebanon School District's official Learning Management System (LMS) provides families with a deeper look into their student's classwork and learning progress. Calendars in Schoology will have school events listed as well as course events and assignments. Classroom assignments, due dates, reminders and other events will be posted by teachers in the Schoology calendar. We hope this video is useful as you get started with your account if you are new to Schoology.
Additionally, an orientation course for families, MTLSD’s Family Guide to Schoology, is available within the Schoology platform. Visit our website (www.mtlsd.org/families/technology/schoology) for directions to join this course. If you have questions or need support with Schoology, please email us at SchoologySupport@mtlsd.net.
Schoology Information for Families
For Families
- Families can sign into Schoology by going to app.schoology.com and signing in using the email address registered through PowerSchool.
- Once signed in, parents can follow these directions to join a course.
- The access code for Lincoln families to join MTLSD's Family Guide to Schoology is NTSQ-D33Z-MCD3R. Families with more than one student only need to join one course, though it is suggested to join a secondary course if the oldest student in that family is enrolled in one of our secondary schools.
- If you have not received initial communication from Schoology about your account, email us at schoologysupport@mtlsd.net.
For Students
- Students sign into Schoology using Clever, or at mtlsd.schoology.com with their Google account.
Other Information
MTLSD Bullying Policy and Reporting Form
The Mt. Lebanon School District’s goal is to establish a secure school climate, conducive to teaching and student learning that is free from threat, harassment, and any type of bullying behavior for any reason including membership in any protected class including, but not limited to, race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, familial status, language, genetic information, pregnancy, or handicap or disability. One of the District's core values calls for each member of our learning community to demonstrate respect toward others.
Objective
The objective of this policy is to:
- Provide a safe, positive environment for learning through prompt resolution of bullying incidents;
- Educate students, employees and parents about bullying, its adverse impact on students and the District generally, and how to prevent and resolve bullying incidents, so as to minimize the potential for bullying;
- Communicate to District students, employees and parents the District's commitment to countering and preventing bullying and to inform the District community of the specific measures the District will undertake to resolve problems in this area;
- Delineate disciplinary consequences for bullying and authorize the development of prevention, intervention and education programs; and
- Identify the appropriate school staff person to receive reports of incidents of alleged bullying.
Please note that an electronic Anti-Bullying Report Form is on the school's website (and linked below) for your ease of use in reporting bullying concerns.
Mt. Lebanon School District Elementary Handbook
The Elementary Handbook contains useful and important information regarding school policies, procedures, and programs. The Elementary Handbook information is arranged by topics. Please browse the topic list by clicking on the button below to find the information you need.
Check Your Clearances
Please be aware that we are coming up on the 5-year mark from when many past volunteers have submitted their clearances. Clearances for volunteering within the district will expire after 5 years and will need to be renewed. If you have any questions or need to know the date(s) your clearance(s) expires please email Mrs. Sektnan at dsektnan@mtlsd.net.
Lincoln Elementary School
Lincoln Elementary School, named after President Abraham Lincoln, opened in 1925 and is the second oldest school in the Mt. Lebanon School District. Lincoln was awarded three United States Department of Education National Blue Ribbons (2001, 2003 and 2013) for its overall academic excellence and outstanding student achievement. Lincoln Elementary School presently serves students in Kindergarten - 5th Grade. The dedicated faculty members take great pride in working with the students and collaborating with their families to "provide the best education possible for each and every student" that attends Lincoln.
Email: rkitsko@mtlsd.net
Website: www.mtlsd.org/Lincoln
Location: 2 Ralston Place, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Phone: 412-344-2147
X (formerly Twitter): @LinkedAtLincoln