Lincoln Elementary

Dear Tiger Parents and Guardians,

It's hard to believe that October is already here! We've just welcomed everyone back to a new school year, and I hope this newsletter finds you and your child thriving. This year, our theme is “Strive for Academic Excellence,” which underscores our commitment to providing the best possible education for your children. Your support in this mission is invaluable.

As we continue this journey together, your support in maintaining a positive attitude toward school and academics is invaluable. Partnering with us will significantly enhance your child’s success in school and beyond.

We encourage all students to use MyPath or Freckle to work on reading and math skill deficiencies. Please contact your child's teacher with questions or additional practice resources.

Lastly, all parents and guardians must provide a state-issued identification card or driver’s license to pick up their child.

Thank you for all you do to support your child’s education. We’re here to help in any way we can!

Warm regards,

Mrs. LaTanya Donald
Principal

Goal 1: By June 2025, we will decrease the number of chronically absent students by at least 5%, as indicated by a December and May attendance report (35.1% to 30%, which is still above the state average.

Goal 2: By the spring of 2025, the percentage of students scoring at or above grade level proficiency on the math curriculum will increase by 15%.

Goal 3: By June 2025, 50% of students will meet or exceed local assessment expectations in ELA and be able to write extended responses for various purposes and audiences using available resources.

These goals drive teaching and learning at Lincoln, and your involvement is crucial in helping us achieve them. Please ensure your students are on time and ready to learn to meet these goals! Your active participation and support make our school community thrive.

Please read and adhere to the Chromebook. Policy.

Chromebook information

Loan policy

Illinois state law says that the latest possible deadline a school district may set for submitting a student’s required immunization records is Oct. 16.

The mobile van will be here on 10/8/2024 (Tuesday) during school hours to provide services for students. The van will park alongside the playground at the back of the school. The health office will facilitate the students to and from the bus, and teachers will be notified of which students will be out of class to receive services.

We are thrilled to announce the September Student of the Month. This award recognizes students who consistently demonstrate outstanding responsibility in their schoolwork and interactions with others. These students have shown exceptional dedication by completing assignments on time, assisting classmates, and positively contributing to the classroom. Their commitment to being accountable for their actions sets a wonderful example for their peers.

Did you know children can suffer academically if they miss just 10 percent of the school year? That's only ten days or two to three days per month. We understand that there will be days when your child must miss school, especially when sick. However, missing school can lead to missed opportunities and cause students to fall behind academically and socially. Attending school is a child's first and most important job. Principal Donald and the attendance team will contact parents if their child has missed five or more absences.

Tardy Policy Update

As we continue to focus on creating a positive and productive learning environment, we want to remind you of our tardy policy. Students who accumulate five or more tardies will be required to serve detention. Due to the ongoing construction, this policy will be effective starting Monday, October 7, 2024.

Timely arrival at school is crucial for maximizing learning and ensuring students can fully participate in their classes. We encourage you to help your child establish a routine that supports punctuality.

As we start the new school year, we want to emphasize the significance of attendance and its influence on student success. Consistent attendance is essential for your child’s academic progress and social development. Therefore, we commend the students and parents who have achieved perfect attendance in September.

September Sickle Cell Awareness Month

In September, we observed Sickle Cell Awareness Month, which aimed to raise awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD) and its impact on individuals and families. SCD is a genetic blood disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells, leading to various health challenges. To show support, students and staff at Lincoln wore burgundy ribbons to honor those battling Sickle Cell disease.

Lincoln’s Grandparents Day!

Lincoln students celebrated National Grandparents Day in September by honoring the invaluable role of their grandparents in their lives. They expressed gratitude for their grandparents' wisdom, love, and support, which enriched their families and communities. The students recited poems in English and Spanish, third-grade students serenaded their grandparents with songs, and the band students played a few tunes.

Band Night: Instrument Selection

Band Night was on September 12th, and our students had the opportunity to choose their instruments for the upcoming school year. This was a wonderful chance for students to explore their musical interests and discover the joy of playing an instrument. Thank you, Mr. Wilder

Chicago Football Classic

We are excited to share that our students recently had the opportunity to attend the Chicago Football Classic Game and cheered the Morehouse vs. Kentucky State football game! This experience was fun and educational, allowing our students to engage with Historical Black College bands and dance teams. We hope this experience inspires them to appreciate the importance of sports and college.

Thank you to all the parents and Lincoln's finest (Ms. Spencer, Ms. Smit-Ross, Mr. Wilder, and AP Wingba) who helped make this trip possible. Your support is invaluable in enriching our students' educational experiences.

BUBBLE SHOW

Our preschoolers attended a Bubble Show! This enchanting performance captivated their imaginations and provided a unique opportunity to explore the science of bubbles in a fun and engaging way.

The show included incredible bubble artistry, interactive demonstrations, and a chance for students to learn about bubble properties and the science behind them. It was a wonderful blend of entertainment and education!

We hope this experience sparked curiosity and joy in our students.

CRAFT DAY!

Preschool Craft Day was a special event that enabled our little ones to express their creativity and participate in enjoyable, hands-on activities.

During Craft Day, students engaged in various projects that fostered fine motor skills, imagination, and teamwork. Our parents had a fantastic time and showed their support for our young artists!

Check out these fantastic pictures!

Lincoln Girls Basketball Team

As we gear up for another exciting season of girls’ basketball, I want to take a moment to recognize our team. We’re thrilled to have your daughters as part of this year’s program and look forward to an incredible season filled with growth, teamwork, and fun!

This year, we will focus on developing fundamental skills, fostering a love for the game, and building strong team dynamics. We’ll emphasize sportsmanship, commitment, and hard work on and off the court.

Thank you for your support and for encouraging your daughter to join our team. Together, let’s make this season memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved!

Creating a vision board can be a powerful way for parents to visualize their goals, aspirations, and values for their family and personal lives. Lincoln’s parents were up for the challenge.

Building Healthy Relationships with Adolescents

Building healthy relationships with adolescents can be challenging yet rewarding. Our parents received some effective strategies to foster open communication and mutual respect.

A parent book club is a fantastic way to foster community, share insights, and discuss important topics. Our book club for parents is a valuable resource for personal development, community connection, and enhanced parenting skills, making it a meaningful and enriching experience for all involved.

The "Healthy Eating for Parents" event was a great way to share knowledge, support each other, and promote healthier lifestyles for families. Creating a supportive environment, sharing resources, and fostering community connections empowered parents to change their eating habits positively.