Lincoln Lowdown- 9/9/24

Lincoln Families,

As we dive into the new school year, I want to take a moment to recognize September as School Attendance Awareness Month. Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in academic success, and every day your child is present in school is an opportunity for learning, growth, and connection with their peers and teachers.

This month, we’re reminding students and families of the vital role attendance plays in building a strong educational foundation. Research shows that students who attend school consistently are more likely to achieve academic success, develop positive habits, and be prepared for future opportunities.

Here’s how you can help:

• Create routines: Ensure a regular bedtime and morning schedule.
• Stay engaged: Reach out if your child is facing any challenges that affect their attendance.
• Communicate: If your child must miss school, let us know promptly and help them catch up on missed lessons.

We’re here to support every student’s success, and together we can make sure they have the best start possible. Thank you for your commitment to their education and to our Lincoln Middle School community.

Events this week:

9/11 - School Site Council Meeting 3:20PM, Library Classroom

9/11 - Drama Team Applications Close

9/12 - PTSA Meeting, Library Classroom, 9am

9/12 - Minimum Day, Early Release for Back to School Night- Students dismissed at 1:40pm

9/12 - Back to School Night, 5:30-7:00 pm (7:20pm for AM period teachers)

9/13 - Friday Late Start PD: Professional

9/13 - New Student Lunch sponsored by ASB, Amphitheater

9/13 - DEIA Committee Meeting- Library Classroom

9/13 - Back to School Picnic, 4-6PM

Place of Birth: Torrance, CA

Years at Lincoln: 11 days

Favorite Educator: Mr. Aslam (My 4th Grade Teacher). Before 4th grade, I often felt like my teachers were trying to mold me into their version of the "ideal student." This was not only disheartening but also confusing, as they pushed me to be someone I wasn’t. Everything changed in 4th grade when I met Mr. Aslam. He was the first teacher who made me feel truly accepted, using my unique traits and qualities as a foundation for my learning.

Fun Fact:I love playing video games and working out.

Place of Birth: Santa Cruz, California

Years at Lincoln: 1st year!

Favorite Educator: Mr. Singson who was my M.E.S.A. teacher in middle school, and later my host teacher while I was getting my masters and teaching credential. His way of interacting with students helped me feel at ease in a challenging class. And as a teacher of color he provided representation and a feeling of belonging I hadn't felt before. Everything in his class was hands on and I was able to learn by doing instead of just memorizing. I learned to problem solve. Later as a host teacher he was very important in shaping how I run my classroom and how I approach education. If students are curious and engaged, they are more excited about learning.

Fun Fact: I have self published two photography books and I am in the process of making a third.

6th graders are invited to a free movie night on the main quad so bring your chairs or blankets and hang out with some friends! Pizza, beverages and snacks will be sold at our concession stand.

Sign up to volunteer! We need your help to make this a magical evening for our students.

Please note that the cell phone policy will be the same as during school hours. Use of cell phones during the event is prohibited.

If you have a student that requires additional adult support to attend this event safely please reach out to Darci Keleher at dkeleher@smmusd.org or 310-393-9227 x73568

Picture Day is Friday, September 20th. All students will be photographed. There is no need to fill out any forms or submit payment on Picture Day. Approximately 1-2 weeks after Picture Day, you will receive an email link to view your proof and order online. For more information and tips on what to wear, please see the PDF attached and click this video link: CLICK HERE TO WATCH!

Due to the extreme heat, we have decided to reschedule our Back to School Picnic to ensure everyone's comfort and safety. The new date for the picnic will be next Friday, September 13th, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

We hope this new date will still allow you and your family to join us for an afternoon of fun, food, and community. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Please Signup to Volunteer!

Link to SUG: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EA9A728A1FFC52-50889403-back#/

We invite you to join us for this Friday’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) meeting at 9am in the Library Classroom. This is a valuable opportunity to engage in important conversations about fostering a more inclusive and equitable school environment.

We encourage all parents to attend and contribute their perspectives as we work together to create a supportive and welcoming community for all students.

We hope to see you there!

"Accepting Imperfection”

That’s the theme for the 2024-25 Reflections Art Program, which has been bringing the arts to life for more than 10 million students since 1969. California State PTA and its members, families and kids are on the forefront of this amazing program, which increases community awareness of the importance of arts in education.

Reflections encourages students of all ages to:

• Unleash creative talents and be inspired
• Express themselves imaginatively in their artwork
• Experience the fun and joy of making art
• Tap into critical thinking skills to create art inspired by the annual theme
• Receive positive recognition for their original works of art.

Thank you for your patience as our coaches carefully review the try-out results. We know everyone is eager to hear the outcome, and we want to ensure each student is given the consideration they deserve.

Results will be posted Friday, September 13th between 7pm-9pm. Thank you.

We’d like to remind you of our upcoming School Site Council (SSC) meeting on 9/11 at 3:20pm. All are welcome to join as we discuss important topics regarding our school’s goals and programs.

Also, I am thrilled to announce that Wendy Meyer has been voted in as this year’s School Site Council (SSC) parent representative! Please join me in congratulating Wendy on this important role.

We are confident that Wendy’s dedication and commitment to our school community will be invaluable as we work together to support and improve our students' educational experience.

Thank you to all the parents who participated in the election. We look forward to a great year of collaboration.

We are excited to invite you to our Back to School Night on 9/12 at 5:20pm. This is a great opportunity to meet your child’s teachers, learn more about their classes, and explore the wonderful things happening at our school.

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing a glimpse of the exciting year ahead!

The Weekend Bag Program (WeB) can provide SMMUSD students with nutritious, easy-to- prepare bags of food containing 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 snacks for the weekends. The Weekend Bag Program is available to serve to all SMMUSD students. Student names are not identified to Weekend Bag Program volunteers to ensure participant privacy. Reusable plastic bags are packed by volunteers with enough shelf-stable food (including UHT milk) for breakfast, lunch and snacks for two days. Participating students pick up the food bags, usually from the school office, and stick them in their backpacks after school on Fridays. The menus have been evaluated by a dietitian to meet federal school nutrition standards and provide a balance of healthy, nutritious non-perishable foods. Families wishing to enroll their students should contact our school’s Bilingual Community Liaison, Nallely Gutierrez, n.gutierrez@smmusd.org, 310 393-9227 x73105 and fill out a Program opt-in form.

I am excited to announce that Katie Daly has been elected as this year’s ASB President! Please join me in congratulating Katie on this well-deserved achievement. We look forward to her leadership and the positive impact she will have on our school community.

Thank you to all the students who participated in the election and supported their peers.