March Newsletter

As we welcome the month of March, we embrace a season filled with new beginnings, longer days, and the promise of spring. This is a time of transformation—not just in nature but in our schools as well. March brings Reading Month, a celebration of the power of literacy, and for basketball fans, the excitement of March Madness. But most importantly, it’s a time when we witness incredible growth in our students.

As we celebrate March is Reading Month, I encourage everyone to take a break from screens and immerse themselves in the joy of reading. In a world that often feels divided, let’s use this season as an opportunity to come together. Through our collective efforts and by modeling kindness, compassion, and love, we will help every child realize the competencies in our Portrait of a Graduate.

When we set aside division and unite in our shared commitment to their success, we create a community that not only supports our students but also sets an example for the world.

Together, let’s continue building a future where every child and adult feels valued, supported, and a true sense of belonging and connection.

Warm regards,

Bob

I am delighted to announce Wendy Bridges as our new Lincoln High School Principal. Wendy is an outstanding educational leader with a proven record of success as a principal, assistant principal, teacher, and athletic director in various districts. Her commitment to building positive, trusting relationships with staff, students, and families aligns perfectly with our district’s vision. Wendy is passionate about fostering a growth mindset and ensuring every student has the opportunity to meet the competencies outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate so that they can reach their full potential.

Wendy’s extensive experience spans crisis management, restorative practices, curriculum and school improvement, as well as creating master schedules and leading professional development initiatives. Her background includes managing large-scale testing and supporting after-school activities that contribute to well-rounded student development. This impressive expertise makes her exceptionally qualified to lead our high school into the future.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who assisted with the selection process. I am especially grateful to Assistant Principals Regina Winborn and Carrie Melcher, Positive Behavior Support and Engagement Coordinator Andrew Dillon, and all the team members whose collaboration made this true team effort possible. Their commitment and support were crucial in finding the ideal leader for Lincoln High School.

Please join me in warmly welcoming her as she begins this new chapter with us. Together, we will continue to create a supportive and inspiring environment for our students, families, and entire community.

Dr. Matthew Jones is an accomplished educator and leader with a strong background in educational leadership and teaching. He holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Liberty University, where he also earned a Master of Arts in Teaching. His educational journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science from Thee Fort Valley State University, followed by a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Concordia University.

Dr. Jones has extensive experience in various educational roles, most recently as an Assistant Principal at Ypsilanti Community High School. Prior to this role, he served as the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Specialist for the Henrico County Public Schools, where he provided strategic leadership and training to enhance the performance and professional growth of educators and students division-wide. Dr. Jones currently serves as an Adjunct Professor within Liberty University's School of Education, where he mentors doctoral candidates and oversees their capstone projects. Previously, Dr. Jones held roles as a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Coordinator and a 6th Grade General Education & International Baccalaureate Teacher at Fairfield Middle School, where he led initiatives to improve student behavior and academic outcomes. His innovative work in developing the Cornerstone Farm at Fairfield Middle School, recognized by the Henrico Education Foundation and the USDA, exemplifies his commitment to creating enriching learning environments.

Dr. Jones is a certified trainer in various mental health and behavioral support systems and is deeply involved in community service. He is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and an active member of several educational associations. With a passion for educational excellence and a proven track record of leadership and innovation, Dr. Jones continues to make a significant impact on the lives of students, educators, and the community.

The Men of Lincoln is an opportunity for men in the LCS community to engage and actively participate in supporting our youth while they attend school or extracurricular activities.

From Model all the way through the High School, we aim to have a positive role in showing our young people that we care and want to be there for them while in the district.

Whether you volunteer at one of the elementary schools during recess, help out our amazing staff at the middle school during lunch times, chaperone an after school program or just attend one of our games or concerts, the Men of Lincoln are here to support. We are always looking for additional volunteers to help out and be around our schools.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Jason Moore (moorej@lincolnk12.org)

The LaFontaine 2025 Teacher of the Year

The Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Chamber is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Teacher of the Year. Nominations are due by March 20.

Colleagues, administrators, board members, parents, students, and community members are invited to submit nominations online at https://tinyurl.com/4wdad2s3, so please feel free to share with your school communities.

Winners can be from any public school in Washtenaw County.

Please note that this is a very competitive nomination process, so including as much detail as possible, including letters of support, is critical.

2025 Toyota Teacher of the Year

Nominations for the 2025 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year are now open!

This annual award, presented by Toyota and the National Center for Families Learning, honors extraordinary educators who use a strong multigenerational approach to learning and focus on building effective family-school partnerships that support student learning outcomes and school improvement.

This year’s honoree and runner-up will be recognized at the 2025 Families Learning Conference, happening November 2-5 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Additionally, the honoree will receive a $20,000 grant to support their ongoing family learning efforts, with an additional $5,000 going to the runner-up. Nominations will be accepted through March 16th. Application details and materials can be found at familieslearning.org/toyota-family-teacher-of-the-year.

K-8 Parent Teacher Conferences
March 13
K-5 Half Day; Conferences PM & Evening
6-12 Report Full Day

LMS Evening Conferences

LHS No Conferences

** Check with your school for specific schedules**

St. Patrick’s Day

March 17

Kindergarten Parent Information Night
March 19
6:00 pm
Lincoln Performing Arts Center

Spring Break
March 24 - 28
Classes Resume March 31