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Looking Ahead at Lincoln
Week of March 4 - 8, 2024
Day Rotation
Week of 3/4 - 3/8/2024
- Monday – Day 1
- Tuesday – Day 2
- Wednesday – Day 3
- Thursday – Day 4
- Friday – Day 5
Week of 3/11- 3/15/2024
- Monday – Day 1
- Tuesday – Day 2
- Wednesday – Day 3
- Thursday – Day 4
- Friday – Day 5
Upcoming Events
Week of Service Updates and Thank Yous!
Celebrating Reading Week
We will host our annual "Celebrate Reading Week" on March 4-8, 2024. Check out our themed days below!
Theme Days for Celebrating Reading Week
Monday, March 4
- Green Eggs and Ham Day Monday
- Wear your Lincoln Green
Tuesday, March 5
- Fox in Socks Day Tuesday
- Show off your favorite socks
Wednesday, March 6
- Wacky Wednesday
- Wear clashing patterns or wacky items
Thursday, March 7
- If I Ran the Zoo Thursday
- Wear animal prints
Friday, March 8
- Oh, The Places You'll Go friday
- Wear a shirt from another place
Build It To Blastoff! Carnegie Science Center Program
On Monday, March 4th, we will host Build It To Blastoff from the Carnegie Science Center.
“The first mission sending humans to Mars is not that far away and your training has already begun! Test your ability to coordinate rocket launch logistics or pilot extraplanetary robots. The skills you need are being built through every day interaction with technology and each other. Explore how scientific endeavors in space leads to improved life on Earth from new technologies. The stars align when our global community works together, creating new solutions to big problems! Opportunities abound in the space industry as we determine these small next steps together. From the Earth to the Moon to Mars, we will Build It To Blastoff!”
More information about can be found at - https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/groups-and-schools/school-assembly-programs/. We want to thank the Lincoln PTA for sponsoring this worthwhile program for our students!
Scholastic Book Fair
The Book Fair returns to Lincoln Library, March 5-8, 2024. Some important reminders about the event are listed below:
- All homerooms will get to visit the book fair for shopping.
- Adults may shop with their child during assigned time. Please register at the office upon arrival and leave through the office. You must bring your PHOTO ID (Driver's License or other approved ID) for our security tag system.
- During book fair week, there will be no library book circulation.
- Thursday, March 7 from 5:30-7:00 PM during the Science Fair
Please see the attached documents for more information:
- Book Fair Promotional Letter
- Book Fair Schedule
- Book Fair Homepage
- E-Wallet Letter
- Volunteer Sign-Up Link
Thank you for supporting our Book Fair! Profits help to fund classroom libraries, the Lincoln Library collection and author visits! Please contact Mrs. Staub with any questions at mstaub@mtlsd.net.
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.
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.
Upcoming Field Trips
The following field trips are scheduled in upcoming weeks. Please make sure that the students have submitted the appropriate permission forms to the classroom teachers in advance of the trip. Parent chaperones MUST have all three (3) clearances on file to serve as a program volunteer for all of these field trips. Feel free to contact the school office with questions. Thanks to the Lincoln PTA for its financial support for many of the Lincoln Elementary School field trips.
Grade 4
- Heinz Hall
- Friday, March 8, 2024
- 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
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.
PTA Meeting
On Wednesday, March 13, 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.
Kindergarten Registration for 2024 – 2025 School Year
Kindergarten registration is open 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!
5th Grade Farewell Sarris Candies Sale
Rock Your Socks 2024 for World Down Syndrome Day
Every year on March 21, people all around the world come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing brightly colored, mismatched socks. March 21 is symbolic because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of their 21st chromosome. Socks were chosen because the karyotype of Ds chromosomes actually looks like mismatched socks!
We can't wait to see how our students and staff Rock Your Socks on March 21st!
World Down Syndrome Day Resources
As part of Rock Your Socks Day on March 21, our teachers will spend time with the students talking about Down syndrome. Our hope is to raise the students' awareness about this condition and help them to be even more supportive and inclusive of those that have to navigate life as an individual with Down syndrome. Below, you will find some resources that could be used to help families talk about Down syndrome.
Videos
Print Resources
End of Quarter and Report Cards for Quarter 3
The 3rd Nine Weeks ends on Friday, March 22, 2024. Grades and report cards for Quarter 3 will go live in Dashboard and be emailed to families on Monday, April 8, 2024. Questions about the grades and comments posted for individual students should be directed to the appropriate classroom teacher.
Early Dismissal on March 22nd
- Students in Grades 1 – 5 will have an early dismissal at Noon on Friday, March 22, 2024. Students will not eat lunch in the school this date.
- BOTH sessions of kindergarten are cancelled this date.
Spring Break
Students will be on spring break from Monday, March 25 – Friday, March 29. School resumes for students and staff on Monday, April 1, 2024. We hope that everyone has a restful and safe spring break!
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
Lincoln Kids of STEEL Program
The Lincoln Kids of STEEL program is back again this year! Coach Mary is dusting off the bullhorn, making bangin’ playlists, and planning all kinds of fun. Lincoln Kids of STEEL is a free after school running program that motivates kids and their families to get moving. Participants in Lincoln Kids of STEEL are not obligated to run the one mile Pittsburgh Kids Marath on on Saturday, May 4. However, those that do will have the pleasure of seeing Coach Mary run the race in her Abe Lincoln gear!
Please note the following important changes this year:
- Participation in Lincoln Kids of STEEL is limited to Grades 1-5 only .
- 15 students per grade level will be accepted based on time stamped registrations. Registration will be capped at 75 students total.
- The practice schedule will be divided by grade level - see below.
- Please ensure that your child will be a willing participant before signing them up! This program is in demand and we want kids who want to participate.
REGISTRATION : The Lincoln Kids Of STEEL registration link will go live at 9:00 am on Monday, March 18th. 15 students per grade level will be accepted based on time stamped registrations.
SCHEDULE : Training starts the week of April 1st and runs through May 3rd . All practices are
held from 3:30-4:30pm
- Mondays: Grades 1 and 2 only
- Wednesdays: Grades 3, 4, and 5 only
- Fridays: Grades 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
PITTSBURGH KIDS MARATHON
Lincoln Elementary will have a team at the one mile Pittsburgh Kids Marathon on Saturday, May 4.
Participation is open to EVERYONE! Further information about registration for the Pittsburgh Kids
Marathon will follow. If you have any questions please contact:
- Anna Rutledge - a.hartenstein@gmail.com
- Lorraine May - lorrainerosemay@gmail.com
- Mary Ullman - mary.ullman@yahoo.com
Mobile Phones and Smart Watches at Lincoln
We are seeing more students texting or calling their families during the school day using personal phones in the recent weeks. In some cases this has led families to come to Lincoln to pick up their child from the health office and school staff have no knowledge as to why the family has come to the school. Please review the following reminders about the use of smart watches and mobile phones by students during the school day with your student(s).
- Students are expected to keep mobile phones stored in their lockers
- Mobile phones should be in silent or airplane mode when stored away
- Students may take their mobile phones with them if heading home or to shops (Grades 4-5 only) for lunch
- Video and audio recording of other students and staff members with personal mobile phones/devices and smart watches is prohibited
- Students should keep smart watches in silent or airplane mode once inside the school
- Students are not permitted to call home (or to others) using personal mobile phones or smart watches
- If students need to speak with a parent or family member, they need to seek staff approval to use one of the many phones we have located throughout the school
- Students that are ill or not feeling must be seen in health office and are not to call home using a mobile phone or smart watch - the health office staff will make ALL phone calls home when students are ill
- Family members should not call or text students during the school day - if a student's smart watch alerts the student of an incoming notification during class time, it distracts everyone that hears the device
I am asking for your support and cooperation. If your child needs to connect with you, we will make sure that happens but it needs to occur under the supervision of a school staff member.
Respectfully,
Dr. Ron Kitsko
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 50ÂşF, 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 50ÂşF.
- 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 begin thinking about PSSA testing for our 3-5 graders, so this is the perfect time to highlight stress management and test preparation strategies. It’s normal for everyone to experience a bit of a slump this time of year, even parents and teachers! We are lucky to have a weeklong spring break this year that should help everyone to rest and recharge and get ready for the remainder of the school year. Remember to make time for activities that bring you joy, and to help your child(ren) find what brings them happiness, as well. Thank you for all 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 March
Specific Dates
March Month Long Recognitions
- Irish American Heritage Month - This celebrates the heritage and culture, as well as honors contributions, of Irish Americans.
- National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - This was established to increase awareness and understanding of issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month - It was established to raise public awareness of the autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord and assist those with multiple sclerosis in making informed decisions about their health care.
- Women’s History Month - Started in 1987, Women’s History Month recognizes all women for their valuable contributions to history and society.
March Specific Dates
- March 8: International Women’s Day, first observed in 1911 in Germany, it has become a major global celebration honoring women’s economic, political and social achievements.
- March 21: World Down’s Syndrome Day is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The date was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
- March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, observed annually in the wake of the 1960 killing of 69 people at a demonstration against apartheid pass laws in South Africa. The United Nations proclaimed the day in 1966 and called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.
- March 21: International Nowruz Day - Nowruz marks the first day of spring and is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, which usually occurs on 21 March. It is celebrated as the beginning of the new year by more than 300 million people all around the world and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East and other regions.
- March 25: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is a United Nations international observation that offers the opportunity to honor and remember those who suffered and died at the hands of the brutal slavery system. First observed in 2008, the international day also aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice today.
- March 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility, celebrated to bring awareness to transgender people and their identities and recognize those who helped fight for rights for transgender people.
https://www.mtlsd.org/about-us/diversity-equity-inclusion/inclusivity-calendar
March Holidays
- March 8: Maha Shivaratri (Hindu)
- March 10-April 9: Ramadan (Islam)
- March 18: Eastern Orthodox Beginning of Lent (Orthodox Christian)
- March 20-21: Nowruz (Interfaith/National/Bahi/Zoroastrianism)
- March 23: Purim begins at sundown (Jewish)
- March 24: Palm Sunday (Christian)
- March 24: Memorial of Jesus' Death (Jehovah's Witness)
- March 25: Holi (Hindu/Sikh/Buddhist/Jain)
- March 25-27: Hola Mohalla (Sikh)
- March 29: Good Friday (Christian)
- March 31: Easter (Christian)
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 Tip of the Week
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