![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/u/backgrounds/custom_bg-62d7063cbe93474a8f175d36-e731ca90ef82.jpg)
News and events
![News and events](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/21c5/thumb-7434d43a8784e5f6969f6bebed7c6169.jpeg)
May 2023
Upcoming Events
May 11 - PTO Meeting (6:00 pm)
May 18 -- Band, Orchestra, Choir Spring Concert
- Orchestra @ 5:30 pm
- Choir @ 6:15 pm
- Band @ 7:00 pm
May 19 - Field Day
May 29 - No School
June 1 - All School Showcase (4:30-6:00 pm)
June 7 - Last day of school!
June 7 - 5th Grade Graduation (9:05-10:05 am in the gym)
Message from Principal Zimmerman
Hello Lincoln Families,
It definitely took a while to arrive, but it seems spring is finally here! I hope you are all able to spend some time outside on these nice days.
It is hard to believe it is already May, and that the end of the school year is nearing! It has been a busy and productive school year at Lincoln, and that busyness continues this month. We are all looking forward to fun events that are on the horizon, such as our third Arts Jam day, the evening Showcase event on June 1, and of course the pool day for Grades 2-5 on the last day of school!
As you know, we are growing next school year, as we welcome many new students who currently attend Franklin. We are so excited to get to know these new friends and to welcome their families into the Lincoln Community!
Thank you for your continued support!
Michelle Zimmerman, Principal
Parent Attitude and Satisfaction Survey (PASS)
All schools in the Anoka-Hennepin School District will conduct a brief five to ten minute online parent survey this month. Parents/Guardians should receive a letter in the mail after May 12th with instructions for completing the online survey. If you do not have access to a computer, you may request a paper copy of the survey by calling the school at 763-506-3100. Paper surveys are available in English, Arabic, Hmong, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
In addition to providing an opportunity to participate in the online survey, we will also be conducting a phone survey of randomly selected families. The families this year will be from select elementary schools. Similar to the online survey, the phone survey is also brief, typically taking five to ten minutes. All phone responses are also confidential. We encourage you to participate in the phone survey if contacted, in addition to completing the online survey.
The district has conducted the parent surveys since 2004 which is a project directed by the Anoka-Hennepin School Board to gain parent input regarding our schools. The results are used in district and school improvement planning to make changes in areas identified as needing improvement.
Your input is extremely valuable in helping us make decisions with respect to our schools.
Thank you in advance for your participation.
School Meals
Universal School Meals Program to Begin Fall '23
On March 17, the Minnesota Legislature approved and the Governor signed a bill providing “Universal School Meals,” which means every student may receive free breakfast and lunch beginning in the fall of 2023. The program will cover one breakfast and one lunch for every student, however ala carte and other meal choices will not be covered.
Families will need to continue purchasing meals for their students for the remainder of this school year, as the new bill will not forgive or pay for any meal debt accrued before Sept. 2023.
If your family needs immediate assistance with free or reduced-priced meals, or access to other educational benefits (such as high school athletics and activity fees; ACT, SAT and AP fees; Comcast internet and SNAP membership discounts; Xcel Energy account assistance and more), please visit ahschools.us/childnutrition to complete an application.
The district’s child nutrition program is working to provide details for all families in preparation for the 2023-24 school year. Stay tuned to your back to school communications for specific details about this benefit for your family in the summer of 2023.
Reporting Student Absences
Student absences can be reported via the Web (you will need to know your parent account information) or via the ParentVUE Mobile App. Instructions can be found here.
You will still be able to contact the attendance line at 763-506-3106 to report an absence 24/7.
Every day that your student will be late or absent, you must enter attendance online or call the attendance line in order to have your students' absence counted as excused. Please DO NOT email your child's teacher with attendance information.
Kindergarten News
Happy Spring!
We are in the final stretch of the school year and May is a BUSY month!
We will finish the year with Units 9 and 10 in Wonders. Our essential questions will include: How can you help at home? What do good citizens do? How can things in nature be used to make new things? What can happen when we work together? In what ways are things alike and different? and What ideas can you suggest to protect the environment?
In math kindergartners will explore weight and place value, read, write, order and compare numbers and solve addition and subtraction story problems.
On May 11th, we will wrap up our James Hersch Song Writing Residency with a performance in the gym. We are so excited to share our songs with our families! We are looking forward to our Field Trip to the Minnesota Zoo on May 16th and Track and Field Day on May 19th. Kindergarteners will paint a lion on canvas to show at the Arts Showcase on June 1st. We will have a cookies and canvas celebration on May 3st, and the lion paintings will be sent home for you to enjoy after Showcase. We can’t wait to participate in one final Arts Jam for this school year on May 26th!
Mrs. Hastad, Ms. Johnson, Mrs. Ovitt, Mrs. Peterson
First Grade News
Hello Grade 1 Families!
Happy May Families! It is hard to believe it as we are entering our last full month of school! Please continue to be checking your child’s folder each night.
In reading this month our focus is on the world around us. We will study things in the sky and sounds around us.
In math we will be working on place value for numbers up to 120, modeling it with popsicle sticks in bundles of 10 and 1 and practicing mastery of skip counting by 10’s, 5’s and 2’s.
Our Character Strong word for the month is Creativity.
Reminders:
Hat Day and Field Day -Friday, May 19th.
Arts Jam- Friday, May 26th.
No School Monday, May 29th.
Ms. Schwartz, Ms. Skinner and Ms. Walz
Second Grade News
Hello 2nd Grade Families!
Dear Families,
It’s hard to believe it’s already MAY! Bring on the nice weather and time outside! We still have so much to learn together in our last few weeks of 2nd grade. During the month of May we will continue working through our fifth unit of Wonders called: Let’s Make a Difference. The big idea for the unit is: How can people make a difference?
In Number Corner, we will be measuring our own height! We will also be trying to find our friend Joey the Kangaroo on our number grid. This will help us practice our place value skills.
In math, we will be continuing unit 7! In this unit, your child will:
❚ Estimate, measure, and compare the lengths of objects in centimeters and meters
❚ Split whole shapes into 2, 3, 4, or 8 equal parts called halves, thirds, fourths/quarters or eighths
❚ Solve, pose, and write addition, subtraction, and money story problems involving 2- and 3-digit numbers
We will also dive into Unit 8 to experiment with marble runs!
In this unit, your child will:
❚ Measure length to the nearest inch
❚ Collect, organize, and display data on a line plot and on a bar graph
❚ Analyze data to solve problems, draw conclusions, and make predictions
❚ Add, subtract, order, and compare 3-digit numbers
Lastly, this month 2nd grade students will get to enjoy a field trip to Silverwood Park on May 30th.
Mrs. Coubal, Mrs. Pitzl, and Mr. Robertson
Third Grade News
Hello Third Grade Families!
We have finished our reading and math MCA testing! Please hug your child and congratulate them for showing perseverance during the long testing sessions.
This month in Wonders we are teaching unit 5 which focuses on: How can we reuse what we already have? This unit includes fairy tales, realistic fiction and expository text. We will work on the characters and the author’s point of view throughout most of this unit. In spelling: compound words, word endings, closed syllables, inflectional endings and open syllable words will be the focus. Remember to study the spelling words each night!
In our Bridges math curriculum we are in unit 7 which focuses on multiplication with larger numbers and fractions. We also learned what a numerator and denominator are in a fraction. Your child could practice fractions at home using an egg carton or a pizza! Our May Number Corner this month is figuring out the area of a shape and the fraction amount. Please continue to work on learning the multiplication facts.
Happy Spring!
Ms. Carlson & Mrs. Luongvan
Fourth Grade News
Greetings Fourthling Families,
We are wrapping up our Unit 7 math unit, and will end the year with Unit 8. Unit 8 is a STEAM unit in which the students will get to explore and create a scale model playground. This unit will tap right into the arts, as they create the equipment and imagine what they would want their perfect playground to look like.
We are in our final unit of Wonders now. We are looking at stories that provide cause and effect situations. Students have also finished their narrative fiction stories, and we will get to celebrate our collaboration with the Middle School on May 10. We are looking forward to seeing who’s story will have been turned into a brief play.
Our final read aloud this year is, The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett. This classic tale is one of the most beloved children’s books of all time. As we read this novel, we will be working hard to create works of art for our very own Secret Garden display, which will be on display for our Showcase in June. We are excited for a fun-filled rest of the school year.
Have a great May!
Mrs. Gaspar & Mrs. Nye
Fifth Grade News
5th Graders are excited to be traveling to Long Lake for the annual 5th Grade overnight field trip. This Lincoln tradition is celebrating its 36th year and we can't wait to return to the woods for 3 days of fun and nature.
5th Grade graduation will be held in the Lincoln gym from 9:05-10:05 on June 7th (the last day of school). Invitations to this event went home and need to be returned so we can plan to buy enough refreshments for all that are attending.
Mr.Driscoll & Mr. Gamache
Physical Education
As the end of the year gets closer and we approach field day, it is even more important for your child to be dressed appropriately for the weather and with proper footwear. I understand that it is the season of sandals/crocs, but for safety reasons please continue to encourage your child to have or wear some form of gym/tennis shoe on PE days. This helps them and others around them stay safe during our activities. Also, making sure your child ties their shoes is also a good thing to work on!
Stay tuned for more information regarding Field Day 2023 that should be coming home in the form of a communication from principal Zimmerman. If you’d like to volunteer for field day there is still time. Those interested in helping should reach out to Diana Orr, our volunteer service coordinator, ASAP.
Stay well!!
Mr. Pender
Physical Education
Lincoln Arts
Hello Lincoln Families!
Students had the opportunity to experience 2 theatre performances, one at Anoka Middle School for the Arts (Willy Wonka Jr.), and one at Anoka High School (The Wizard of Oz). Students witnessed the magic of theater, and saw how the costumes, props, set, and actors worked together to tell a story. Lincoln Lions demonstrated how to be respectful audience members and showed their Lions’ Pride! Huge thanks to AMSA and AHS for extending the invitation, and to their students who worked so hard to bring these shows to life! Special congratulations to the two Lincoln students who played Munchkins in The Wizard of Oz. You were amazing!
Both 4th grade classes had the pleasure of working with local teaching artist Roxane Wallace, in both their VocalEssence residency, and their dance residency through The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts. Students worked with the poetry of spoken word artist Joe Davis, learned about the elements of dance, learned how dance and movement can communicate ideas, and worked collaboratively to choreograph a class dance. We are so proud of the work students did as they explored creative movement.
Talent Show
Congratulations to all of the students who participated in our Lincoln Lions Talent Show! Acts included comedy, singing, dancing, playing piano, a Taekwando demonstration, gymnastics, and a stop-motion animation film. Lincoln students and families were blown away by the talent on our stage. Thank you to all who helped make this a success!
Music Notes
Band, Orchestra, and Choir Families: We are coming up on our final concert of the year! Can you believe it? Here is the dress rehearsal and concert schedule. All instruments should be left at school after the May 18 concert.
Wed., May 17
10:45-11:30 - CHOIR dress rehearsal
2:30-3:15 - BAND dress rehearsal
Thurs., May 18
2:30-3:15 - ORCHESTRA dress rehearsal
5:30-6:00 - ORCHESTRA CONCERT (report to music room 5:10)
6:15-6:45 - CHOIR CONCERT (report to gym 6:00-wait for Orch concert to end)
7:00-7:30 - BAND CONCERT (report to music room 6:40)
Summer Art Camp Opportunity
MN DNR Grant 2023 Summer Camp Rumriver Ruffians: Adventurer Training: 7/31 – 8/4, 9:00am – 12:00pm
https://app.getoccasion.com/xp/QpPHTbNR
MN DNR Grant 2023 Summer Camp Nature Art Sketchbook: 8/21 – 8/25, 9:00am – 12:00pm
https://app.getoccasion.com/xp/gNW9LjMw
Nature Art Sketchbook
Nature is an open canvas as we walk outside to find our subject. We will draw plants, animals and bugs that we see along the beautiful Rum River. Observational drawing is a tool that encourages looking closely and recording what you experience. The campers will create a nature sketchbook of their very own and head outside to draw about what they see, hear, smell and wonder. Students will have chance to use pencil, charcoal, pastels and watercolor to create their vision. Students need to shoes for walking.
Ages 5 – 12
Cost $135 + $20 material fee (MN-DNR Scholarship Camp Cost $25)
6/19 – 6/23 9:00am – 12:00pm Nature Art Sketchbook - Full
8/21 – 8/25 9:00am – 12:00pm Nature Art Sketchbook
Rumriver Ruffians: Adventurer Training
Costumes encouraged.
Let’s go save a dragon! What? You don’t know how… you don’t have a sword! Bah, then let’s get you geared up and trained as an adventurer.
Rum River Ruffians is looking for new recruits. Train to use a foam sword. Forge your own cardboard armor. Learn to harness magic and unlock your hero within!
You’ll learn basic fencing, cardboard crafting and team building.
At the end of the weeks camp the Rumriver Ruffians will go on their first quest, training complete, gear made… they are ready!
Part of each day will be spent outside.
Ages 6-12
7/31–8/4, 9:00am – 12:00pm, cost $135 + $15 material fee (MN-DNR Scholarship Camp Cost $25)
8/21–8/24, 1:00–4:00pm, cost $120 + $15 material fee (MN-DNR Scholarship Camp Cost $25) - Full
If you have any questions you can call 763.913.0519 or email me larry@rumriverart.com.
Larry Weinberg
Director
Rumriver Art Center
2665 4th Ave
Anoka MN 55303
763.717.8180
Facebook:www.facebook.com/rumriverart
Instagram:www.instagram.com/rumriverart/
Lincoln's Volunteer Program
Volunteer Opportunities (complete Lincoln Volunteer Forms and contact the VSC)
- PTO Fundraising- Lion’s Night Out/Events-Donuts with Grownups
- Field Trips
- Concert
- Field Day
- Arts Jam
- Showcase- art room help during May & event help
- Arts Crawl
- Yearbook
Field Trip Guidelines (for volunteer chaperones)
- Please leave other children at home. The students assigned to your group will need your full attention during the entire field trip.
- Familiarize yourself w/the general instructions given to the students prior to the field trip & enforce them throughout the trip.
- Teachers reserve the right to assign &/or reassign students to groups.
- The students in your assigned group are your responsibility. Know exactly how many students are in your group & learn their names & faces. Be sure that all are present before moving from one place to another.
- Always be safety conscious. You are responsible for the continuous monitoring of your group’s activities.
- Be on time for designated meeting places & departure.
- School district policies apply to district sponsored, off‐site activities. You may not smoke or use tobacco or controlled substances including electronic cigarettes, or look‐a‐likes in any form; possess articles that can be used as weapons; nor administer medications to students.
- Keep your assigned group of students w/you throughout the trip, including time on the bus. Never allow individuals to leave the group, except in emergencies & then only w/a partner.
- You have the authority to enforce the rules & appropriate behavior. The responsibilities for assigning consequences or using physical restraint rest w/school staff. Report any major &/or continued infractions to the teacher asap.
- For the protection of students & chaperones, do not place yourself in situations in which you are alone w/a student.
- Please do not purchase items or provide opportunities that are not offered to all students in the class or preapproved by the teacher.
- Sensitive information you may learn about a student’s abilities, relationships, or background must be kept confidential.
- To ensure that you are able to devote your full attention to the important responsibilities of chaperoning, restrict cell phone use to emergencies only.
- Please be aware that some students have photo restrictions; this means their parents have formally requested they not be photographed at school or school activities. If you take photos, verify that students you photograph do not have photo restrictions; teachers have this information. Do not post photos of students on your personal social media.
Thank you to all our Lincoln Volunteers! Remember to stop by the Volunteer Recognition table at Showcase, June 1st.
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
PARENT/FAMILY RESOURCES
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 school 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.
PI Facebook- has info on what's happening in the district and in Parent Involvement (fundraisers, events, volunteering, PI team activities, etc.)
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.
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
Family School Safety Tips
Family school safety tips: Discuss what is ok to bring to school
As the school year winds down and participation in outdoor activities increases, now is a good opportunity to connect as a family and review what items are appropriate to bring to school. Families may tell their children that they should ask permission from their parent/guardian if they would like to bring an item to school from home other than school supplies.
There are instances where students may use tools or toys at home under the supervision of families (such as NERF, gel-blaster or squirt guns, pocket knives, fishing lures, or camping/scout kits) and bring them to school without parents being aware. These items are not allowed at school. If a student has these items in their possession at school, they are subject to consequences consistent with school district policy.
Whether an item resembling a weapon is a toy or real, any of the items listed above and others are not allowed at school. A general rule to follow is; if and when it could cause fear and alarm to others, it is considered a weapon.
Please take this opportunity to talk with your children about what is ok to bring to school and how their actions can keep our school safe for all of us.
This e-newsletter is published by Lincoln Elementary School. Questions, comments or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.