February Newsletter

February 1

Superintendent Message

As we move forward together, let’s take a moment to celebrate the strength and unity of our incredible community. In a world that often feels more divided, we remain committed to being a model of connection, understanding, and support for one another—especially for our students. Our schools are more than just places of learning; they are spaces where every child and every member of our community should feel seen, heard, and valued. Together, we can continue to build an environment where kindness, compassion, and love shape the experiences of every learner, and where we uplift and support one another along the way.

Let’s keep our focus on what truly matters—ensuring that each child and each family in our community feels connected and empowered. By working together, we can continue to model respect, empathy, and care for one another while helping our students develop the skills and confidence to succeed. When we support one another, we strengthen our entire community and show our children what it truly means to lead with heart. Most importantly, through our collective efforts, we can help every child realize the competencies in our Portrait of a Graduate, preparing them for a future filled with opportunity and success. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to making our schools and our community a place where everyone belongs and thrives.

With gratitude and hope,

Bob

Welcome to Our New Board of Education Trustee, JaVon Jason!

We are thrilled to announce that JaVon Jason has joined our Board of Education! JaVon is a dedicated educator with over a decade of experience in the Washtenaw County education system. Currently serving as a Special Education Teacher with Early On at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD), JaVon is passionate about providing all students with equitable access to a high-quality education. She resides in the district with her partner and two sons. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, dancing, and supporting her family in their sports endeavors.

Please join us in giving JaVon a warm welcome to the Lincoln Schools Board of Education!

Celebrating National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) – February 10

As we move into February, a month rich with opportunities to celebrate and reflect on Black history and culture, we are excited to participate in National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) on Monday, February 10. This important day serves as a reminder of the invaluable role parents and caregivers play in the success of our students and as a celebration of the strong partnerships we build together to support every child’s growth and learning.

Each school will publish their own schedule of activities, so please stay tuned for updates specific to your child’s school.

NAAPID, founded in 1995 by Dr. Joe Dulin in Ann Arbor, Michigan, encourages schools and families to work together to ensure every student achieves their fullest potential. It is a day to celebrate diversity, engage in meaningful conversations, and foster deeper connections between families and schools.

We encourage all parents and caregivers to join us in celebrating NAAPID. Your involvement helps create a stronger community and demonstrates to our students the importance of working together toward shared goals.

Thank you for being an essential part of the Lincoln community!

Immigration Rights and Protocol

At Lincoln Consolidated Schools, our top priority is ensuring that every student feels a true sense of belonging, connection, and safety in our schools. We are committed to fostering a welcoming environment where all students can thrive without fear.

Recent executive orders have understandably raised concerns among members of our school community. Additionally, a newly released memo rescinds a 2021 directive that designated schools as protected spaces from immigration enforcement actions. While the memo advises Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to use discretion, it allows for enforcement actions to occur in schools and other previously protected areas.

We want to be clear: Every child has the right to a public education, regardless of immigration status, and we are obligated to protect student privacy under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Student records cannot be shared with immigration or law enforcement agencies without parental consent or a judicial order.

To ensure we uphold the letter of the law, we are working closely with legal counsel, our ISD, and other districts to develop clear guidance for our school leaders and staff. Our district will continue to prioritize student safety while ensuring full compliance with all legal requirements.

As we navigate these changes, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting our students, fostering inclusive school environments, and ensuring that all families in our district feel supported. We will continue to communicate updates and provide resources to our community as we move forward together.

Communicating in a Crisis

When a crisis occurs, first and foremost is ensuring the safety of students and staff. You entrust your child to us, and we take this responsibility seriously. In the age of cell phones and social media, we will never be able to beat the messages you receive from your students. Our staff needs to focus on the situation, and we need you to trust that when the crisis is over, we will communicate what we can to our community. It is also important that students understand the importance of following the directions of staff during any emergency situation.

While every situation is different, generally the following will occur. Some steps occur quickly, others can take longer to resolve, and some may even happen at the same time. Just know that we are working quickly and will communicate as we can, either during or after the process.

It is important to keep your contact information up to date with your school office.

Parent Volunteer Opportunity

Lincoln Human Resource Department is looking for parents to be involved in the district hiring process by assisting on interview committees. If you are able to help participate in the interviews for potential Lincoln employees, please sign-up on this form. It will be shared with Building Administrators who will reach out to you when your services are needed. We appreciate your commitment to Lincoln's success!

Upcoming Events

Freshman Railsplitter Rally

February 6

6:00 PM

LHS East Gym

NAAPID Parent Involvement Day

February 10

All Buildings

LMS Band Concert

February 11

7:00 pm

PAC

LHS Band Concert

February 13

7:00 PM

PAC

Valentine's Day

February 14

President's Day Recess

February 14 - 17

NO SCHOOL

Professional Learning Day

February 18

NO SCHOOL

6th Grade Information Night

March 6

5:30 - 7:00 PM

Lincoln Middle School