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News and events
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December, 2022
Message From Principal Zimmerman
Hello Lincoln Families!
It’s hard to believe we are already at the end of the first trimester of the 22-23 school year! It has been so wonderful to watch your children grow and thrive this school year! Our monthly all school assemblies have allowed us all to gather and celebrate being together and also to review our character traits each month. In November, we learned about “gratitude” and how we can appreciate and be thankful for all that we have, both at school and at home. I am so grateful for the staff, students and families, all of whom make Lincoln such an amazing school and community!
As we move into December, please remember that there is no school from December 23 through January 2. We look forward to welcoming our students back on January 3.
Best wishes for a warm and enjoyable December and a happy New Year! See you in 2023!
Michelle Zimmerman, Principal
WINTER BREAK
NO SCHOOL DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 2
School will resume Tuesday, January 3
Kindergarten News
We have officially finished our first trimester! The kindergarteners have worked hard to learn expectations and routines, build stamina and grow their brains! We are looking forward to another trimester filled with learning and fun!
In reading, some topics we will cover this month include: Rules to Go By, Sounds Around Us & The Places We Go. Words we have learned so far: I, can, we, see, the, a, like, to, and.
In math, we will continue to work on number sense (counting to 50, back from 10). We had so much fun celebrating our 50th Day of Kindergarten! We will order and compare numbers from 1 to 10, solve addition and subtraction problems within 10 and compare objects to see which is longer, shorter or the same length.
Our Character Strong trait this month is Empathy. Empathy is understanding and connecting with other people's feelings – we will focus on how this can help us support one another in our classrooms.
As the weather gets colder (and snowier!), please be sure your child has all their winter gear at school every day and shoes to change into for the school day! We want our friends to stay warm at arrival, recess and dismissal!!
Ms. Johnson, Mrs. Ovitt and Mrs. Peterson
First Grade News
Hello Grade 1 Families!
Can you believe it is already December? We have made it through our first trimester. In reading, we are learning about communities and what makes up a community. In math, we are working on addition and subtraction strategies up to 20. Please continue to read for 20 minutes each night. As the weather continues to get colder please remember to send warm gear for your child. Please label ALL ITEMS with their full name. They will need snowpants, boots, jacket, hat and mittens. Ms. Schwartz, Ms. Skinner and Ms. Walz
Second Grade News
Hello 2nd Grade Families!
Trimester 1 was so great! We’re so proud of all the hard work your students put into learning each day. Please remember that students need to be prepared for recess each day. We will go out! In math this month, we will continue working with double digit addition and subtraction, work with graphing data, and then take another look at measuring. Please continue practicing telling time to the quarter hour at home! We have been having a lot of fun reading and writing about animals! We will continue through December talking about how animals play a part in the world around us. We hope you have a warm December.
Mrs. Coubal, Mrs. Pitzl and Mr. Robertson
Third Grade News
Greetings 3rd Grade Families!
In the month of December in unit 2 of our Wonders curriculum we are still focusing on: What does it take to solve a problem? Some of the stories we are reading are Folktales, Historical Fiction and Expository Text. In Spelling we will learn about words with Silent Letters, Three-Letter Blends and Digraphs.
Our December Number Corner will focus on Fractions and Temperature. We are already into Unit 3 in our Bridges math curriculum which is learning strategies to solve Multi-Digit Addition and Subtraction equations.
Ms. Carlson and Mrs. Luongvan
Fourth Grade News
Greetings Fourthling Families!
We have been so busy in fourth grade. We finished the Water Unit for Science, and will begin Magnets & Electricity soon. In Math, we are still working with fractions. We are looking at how we can change fractions into decimals. We will wrap up Unit 3 before Winter Break, and will move on to the Standard Algorithm for Addition in Unit 4. In Reading, we are still working hard on our oral reading fluency by reading out loud. We are also working on assorted comprehension strategies. We will be implementing a new tool for writing, starting with sentence structure, and building on that to become better writers. Have a wonderful end of the year! Mrs. Nye & Mrs. Gaspar
Fifth Grade News
December is a busy month for 5th graders at Lincoln. We have started an exciting dance residency with Dancing Classrooms. This residency will teach students about ballroom dances like the Waltz, Rumba, Salsa, Tango, and Swing. The residency will be twice a week and will last until spring break!
In math, students are moving on from fractions and data and will be working on place value and decimals. In reading, we are wrapping up Unit 2 and will be looking at some poems and folktales to help us determine the themes of each text.
Mr. Driscoll and Mr. Gamache
LINC’S ARTS
Hello Lincoln Families!
In November, students participated in our first trimester all-school Arts Jam. Check out this amazing article to learn more about the day! We’d like to extend a big thank you to all of the volunteers who helped the day run smoothly! Go Lincoln Lions!
This month, 5th grade students are starting their 10-week long Dancing Classroom residency, which focuses on social, emotional, and physical well-being. If you want to learn more, click here.
Music Notes
Band, Orchestra, and Choir students received a new rehearsal calendar for December/January. Click here to view. It can also be found in our Seesaw classes. Encourage consistent practice and always find something to praise!
Upcoming performances:
Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023 - Winter Band and Orchestra Recitals @ 6:00 PM, 6:45 PM, or 7:30 PM
Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023 - Winter Choir Concert @ 6:30 PM
Lincoln PTO Meeting
Thursday, December 9
6:00 pm
Lincoln's Volunteer Program
Volunteer Opportunities (complete Lincoln Volunteer Forms and contact the VSC)
- Clerical Crew/Support
- TD After School Classes- Challenge Reading, Math+ or DI [problem solving]
- K-Skillbuilder (working w/Kindergartners)
- Gr 1 & 2 Reading
- PTO Fundraising
- Girls on the Run
Purpose of the Volunteer Program
- Enrich and enhance student learning
- Enable teachers to offer more individual attention to their students
- Provide individuals an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities within the school
- Promote and strengthen the partnership between families, community and the school
Why Volunteer? Volunteering is an opportunity for you to show students
- Your interest in their school life
- Your commitment to the community
- Your belief that education is a partnership between family and school
- Your belief that learning is a lifelong process
Parking
- South Street parking lot and on some side streets (check for street signs)
- Volunteers may park in any spot in the lot
- Only park in the "15 min" if you’re here for that time or “handicap” if you have a handicap sticker
Building emergencies/drills for volunteers [Info posters are by doors in each room]:
- Fire- go to the closest safe exit out of the building
- Weather- go to cafe, in basement
- Hold- keep out of hallways
- Lockdown- go to the closest lockable room (classrooms, offices)
- Lockout- go about your duties, may not exit or enter the building
You’ll follow and assist the nearest staff as directed and remain w/staff until the “all clear” announcement. If you’re here after school/evening, a building custodian is available.
Lincoln’s Volunteer Program wishes all our volunteers and our families a warm, safe, and happy winter/holiday season!
Diana Orr - Volunteer Services Coordinator (VSC)
Diana.Orr@ahschools.us / 763-506-3130
Tuesday 8a.m. - 3p.m./Wednesday and Thursday 8a.m. - 2:45p.m. (schedule may vary)
Volunteer handbook - Manual para voluntarios / Safeguard Privacy / Field Trip Chaperone Guidelines
Information and Resources for Lincoln Families
Winter/Holiday Community Resources:
Fare For All is a pop up grocery store serving the Twin Cities. Fare for All will be at Zion Lutheran Church on December 22 from 4-6pm. They will have the following grocery bundles available for purchase.
Mega Meat Pack $25 — 7-9 frozen meat items (chicken, turkey, pork, beef, or fish)
Mini Meat Pack $11 — 3-5 frozen meat items (no pork)
Produce Pack $10 — 3-4 fresh fruits and 3-4 fresh veggies
Combo Pack $20 — Save $1 and bundle the Mini Meat & Produce Pack
Holiday Pack $35 — Turkey or ham, protein and veggie sides, and dessert (available Nov – Dec)
Fare for All accepts cash, debit/credit or EBT. (No checks accepted)
Maintaining quality classroom experiences during staffing shortages
Similar to other industries and services in our community, schools are working hard to provide quality services during a time of employee shortages and staff absences for illness are impacting operations. Review the following information that explains the options and systems used to maintain educational quality in these situations. Be assured that everyone at school is committed to doing the best job possible to support student learning at all times.
When expected classroom activities are impacted by a teacher, specialist or other key staff member absence, school may need to make an immediate decision on how to proceed with the resources available. This means that students could be served by a substitute teacher or classes could be split and combined at a grade level for that day as possible options. Often times, our school administration or district level staff could be providing support. School leaders and support staff are doing their best to support student learning needs and often do not have the resources to notify parents/guardians regarding these temporary changes.
Please keep in mind that ensuring adequate staffing is a strategic priority of the school district and the school board has authorized numerous strategies regarding pay and benefits and increased high-profile recruiting efforts as strategies to meet these challenges. In fact, Anoka-Hennepin continues to recruit new team members interested in joining our team and helping provide a future without limit for students, and ensuring schools are fully staffed. Review options and open positions online at ahschools.us/jobs.
The support of our parents/guardians and community members is essential for providing the best education possible for students. Thank you for your understanding and support of our schools and your student.
Providing family choice
Deadlines approaching to apply for Anoka-Hennepin’s two specialty and magnet schools at the middle school level
Anoka-Hennepin offers two specialty and magnet schools at the middle school level that are designed to provide families with additional choices at no cost. Students who live within the Anoka-Hennepin boundaries may apply to enroll at any of the specialty or magnet schools.
The specialty and magnet programs provide in-demand educational options such as the arts, science, technology, math, engineering and biomedical sciences (STEM/STEAM), as well as International Baccalaureate (IB).
Anoka Middle School for the Arts is a magnet school in partnership with the Northwest Suburban Integration School District (NWSISD), which provides transportation to those schools. The application window is open for the 2023-24 school year, closing Dec. 31, 2022.
Students may also enroll at Jackson Middle School - A Specialty School for Math and Science using the in-district transfer process without transportation. Applications are accepted between Dec. 1, 2022 and Jan. 15, 2023 for priority consideration.
The specialty and magnet schools are hosting information nights/open houses or in-person tours upon request for families to learn more about the programs offered. View the full list of school offerings and open house or tour information.
Upcoming in-person and virtual open house/information nights
Middle Schools
Dec. 14 - 6 p.m. - Anoka Middle School for the Arts - Click to join the virtual Magnet Info Night
Jackson Middle School - Tours available upon request.
Parent Engage 360 podcast- aims to provide parents/guardians with knowledge from experts and tools needed to support their children.
Anoka-Hennepin Schools realize the importance of parent engagement in maximizing student success. We hope that providing timely and helpful information through this series will strengthen that bond between schools and home with resources parents/guardians can use and share with others.
Tune in to via Podbean, Apple Podcasts or district website.
Free training workshops- gives parent/teacher organizations, booster clubs or nonprofit a boost as they help support the efforts of Anoka-Hennepin students, schools and community. Classes offered by Parent Involvement
Parental Advisory Committee for Racial and Ethnic Equity (PACREE) - purpose is to create racial and ethnic equity, create successful students with a sense of belonging, and empower parents for racially and ethnically underserved communities to advocate for their students in the AHSD.
Meetings held via google hangouts, 5:30 - 7 p.m., 3rd Tuesday of the month, September-May (except 2nd Tues in Dec & Feb). For more info, contact Darron Sherrill, 763-506-1151, Darron.Sherrill@ahschools.us or Rahmo Ali, Rahmo.Ali@ahschools.us
Parent Resource Center
Parent Resource Center (PRC)- is located at the AHSD Educational Service Center (ESC) and lends library materials to parents, families, and staff. Families are welcome to browse our library-
Online: PRC library/Use Library Name: AHPRC (no password required)/ Visit us on the Web / Follow on Facebook and Instagram
Stop-in: Use the self-service check-out and return. Enter Door 1 on the west side of the ESC (2727 N. Ferry St, Anoka, MN 55303)
Phone: 763-506-1587 or 763-506-1278 to discuss your resource requests. Selections can be delivered to your school and sent home with your child.
Winter Weather Reminders
Minnesota weather is shifting gears, and the Anoka-Hennepin School District has plans in place for when extreme winter weather arrives.
The safety of all students is the first priority when determining if schools should stay open in adverse weather. If a determination is made to close school due to extreme winter weather, the district will alert families in a variety of ways, including:
Phone, text or email message from AHlert system (for Anoka-Hennepin parents/guardians only).
District and school websites.
District and school social media pages (e.g. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).
Media outlets including WCCO, KSTP, FOX 9, KARE 11, CCX Media, WCCO radio and Star Tribune newspaper.
Those responsible for activities scheduled in schools over the weekend will determine if adverse weather conditions necessitate a cancellation.
Read more about the district’s policies on extreme winter weather at ahschools.us/weather.
Promoting health and wellness in school, early influenza season
Minnesota is starting to see an uptick in flu cases, according to new data from the state department of health. Now is the perfect opportunity to remind your students about healthy habits to prevent the spread of germs and illness. Use these conversation tips at home to stay healthy this school year:
Wash hands frequently: Scrub hands and fingers with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds.
Cover coughs and sneezes: Use an elbow or a tissue.
Avoid touching your face: Germs can enter your body through your eyes, nose and mouth.
Practice healthy eating habits: Food is your body’s fuel. Choosing well-balanced meals boosts energy and health. Avoid sharing food/drinks/utensils with others.
Get plenty of rest: Sleep is important and restores your mind and body.
When to stay home
Ensuring schools are safe and healthy for all students is the first priority for Anoka-Hennepin. If your child does get sick, keep them home from school so they don’t share their illness with others. Reference school district guidelines to help with this decision:
If a student has had a fever of 100 degrees or more, the student must stay home for 24 hours after the temperature returns to normal without fever reducing medication.
If a student has vomited or had diarrhea, the student must stay home until 24 hours after the last episode.
If a student has had any rash that may be disease-related or the cause is unknown, check with your family physician before sending the student to school.
If a student is ill, please call the school daily to report the illness.
For more resources and information contact your school health services office or visit ahschools.us/healthservice
This e-newsletter is published by Lincoln Elementary School. Questions, comments or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.