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Looking Ahead at Lincoln
Week of April 8 - 12, 2024
Day Rotation
Week of 4/8 - 4/12/2024
- Monday – Day 1
- Tuesday – Day 2
- Wednesday – Day 3
- Thursday – Day 4
- Friday – Day 5
Week of 4/15 - 4/19/2024
- Monday – Day 1
- Tuesday – Day 2
- Wednesday – Day 3
- Thursday – Day 4
- Friday – Day 5
Upcoming Events
Solar Eclipse Plans
I am writing to share updated information on how we are celebrating and teaching about April 8th’s solar eclipse at Lincoln. This is undoubtedly an exciting time, and we want to be sure that our students can safely engage with and learn from this once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event.
As such, below are some of the ways the Lincoln team will be celebrating the event:
Encouraging all students to participate in our “total eclipse” theme by wearing brightly colored/neon colored clothes or space-themed clothing
Engaging in teacher directed activities about eclipses and other connected topics during the day
Viewing the eclipse outside using safety eyewear donated to the school by a member of the school community
Viewing a live stream of the eclipse - 2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Through the Eyes of NASA (Official Broadcast) (for students staying inside)
If your student(s) will be attending school on April 8th and you are comfortable with them viewing the total solar eclipse while using the donated safety eyewear , you need to do nothing. However, if you DO NOT want your student(s) viewing the total solar eclipse outside even with the donated safety eyewear, please complete the opt out form below by no later than Monday, April 8th at 8:00 am.
Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Opt Out Form (only complete this form if you want your student(s) OPTED OUT of viewing the solar eclipse outside)
Students not viewing the total solar eclipse outside will gather in the school to watch the live stream feed from NASA at 2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Through the Eyes of NASA (Official Broadcast).
As highlighted in the March 31 district newsletter, we know that some families may want to keep their child(ren) home or pick them up from school early to witness this historic event. If you plan to pick your child up from school early to witness the eclipse, please notify your child’s teacher. If you plan to keep your child home, please use the MTLSD pre-approved absence form to record the request. All absences will be granted even if students have already received their allotted pre-approved absences. All absences and early dismissals will be excused.
We will proceed with a normal PM dismissal routine and remind students not to view the sun as they walk home. I would ask all families to speak with their students about safety during the eclipse; especially if families are having their students walk home Monday afternoon. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about our total solar eclipse viewing plans for Monday, April 8th.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ron Kitsko
Principal
End of Quarter and Report Cards for Quarter 3
The 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.
Autism Awareness Month
The month of April is Autism Awareness Month and includes observances to highlight the increasing number of individuals identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the impacts on families and support services. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes ASD as a “developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavior challenges.” The Autism experience is different for everyone. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is often referred to as a “spectrum condition” that affects people differently and to varying degrees. Below, you will find some resources that could be used to help families talk about autism with their children at home.
Videos
Print Resources
Books of the Month
In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, I have selected the following books as my books of the month for April:
- Since We are Friends - An Autism Picture Book by Celeste Shally
- Leah's Voice by Lori DeMonia
- Uniquely Wired - A Story About Autism and Gifts by Julia Cook
I will be sharing Since We are Friends - An Autism Picture Book as a read aloud text with each homeroom in Grades K-1; Leah's Voice will be shared with each homeroom in Grades 2-3; while Uniquely Wired - A Story About Autism and Gifts will be shared with each homeroom in Grades 4-5.
The following summary of Since We are Friends - An Autism Picture Book comes from the Good Reads website (Click here to access link)
"Matt’s autism doesn’t keep him from having fun! Even when he struggles in social situations, his friend is there to help him out. The two boys love playing sports, watching movies, reading books, and talking about animals. By working together, a best friend’s understanding and compassion change Matt’s frustration into excitement. No matter where they go—from the basketball court to the playground swings to the neighborhood pool—the two friends enjoy spending time with each other."
While the following summary of Leah's Voice comes from the Good Reads website (Click here to access link).
- "Leah's Voice is a story that touches on the difficulties children encounter when they meet a child with autism or special needs. Siblings may find it hard to explain to their friends, or feel disappointed when others aren't understanding. This book tells the story of two sisters facing these challenges. Through her kindness and devotion, one sister teaches by example the importance of including everyone and showing acceptance."
Lastly, the following summary of Uniquely Wired - A Story About Autism and Gifts comes from the Good Reads website (Click here to access link).
- "Zak is obsessed with watches. Before that it was trains. He owns hundreds of watches and is quick to tell everyone everything about them. Zak also has autism, so he sometimes responds to the world around him in unconventional ways. As Zak describes his point of view, young readers gain a better understanding of his behaviors and learn valuable lessons about patience, tolerance and understanding."
Let me know if you have any questions.
Dr. Ron Kitsko
Principal
PTA Meeting
On Wednesday, April 10, 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.
Lincoln BINGO Night Fundraiser
Lincoln Talent Show
The 16th Annual Lincoln Elementary Talent Show is coming soon! This year's theme is "Decades of Talent" (an option, not a requirement, for any participating acts). Some important details are listed below.
- Auditioners, students interested in joining large group acts, and 5th graders interested in joining the MCs or stage crew should all sign up HERE.
- We also need more volunteers to make this show a smashing success! Parents and other family members (including older siblings who need service hours) can volunteer for various responsibilities HERE.
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!
Recycle your Sneakers!
Did you know that shoes in landfills can take 30 to 40 years to decompose, and emit harmful chemicals into the soil and air? The Lincoln PTA will be collecting all your unwanted sneakers for recycling from March 1st through April 26th as an Earth Day initiative. Please donate unwanted athletic footwear, paired and tied by the laces, in the labeled box at the Lincoln Elementary lobby.
Please note that all athletic footwear will be accepted, but any good or excellent sneakers in desired brands will be resold by Gotsneakers? with proceeds going to Lincoln PTA programs. Any non-athletic footwear will not be accepted at this location and should be donated at other local charities.
PSSA Testing Information
The 2024 PSSA assessment window is just around the corner. The District will be administering the PSSAs this year in compliance with the PA Department of Education's direction. The results we achieve on these exams provide us with valuable information that can be used to assess our students' knowledge of grade level standards, our teaching, and our educational programming. Our students have been working hard throughout the year and are prepared for these exams. The testing schedule is as follows:
- Students in Grades 3-5 will take the PSSA ELA tests on April 22, 24 and 26, 2024
- Students in Grades 3-5 will take the PSSA MATH tests on April 29-30, 2024
- Students in Grade 4 will take the PSSA SCIENCE tests on May 2-3, 2024.
Please read the information below regarding the District's administration of the assessments:
Information for ALL Students
ALL students in Grades 3-5 will take the ONLINE VERSION of the PSSAs this year.
Students have begun practicing using the online testing program so they are familiar and comfortable taking the PSSAs online.
Students in Grades 3-5 will be asked and expected to leave their Chromebooks and chargers at school starting on Monday, April 15th - this will allow us to make sure all devices are ready to go for testing the following weeks.
Students may use wired headphones or a wired mouse to complete the PSSA tests, if they choose.
Headphones and mice will not be provided to students by the school.
Bluetooth devices (both headphones, earbuds and mice) are not permitted.
Pre-approved absences are not able to be approved for any PSSA testing dates.
Additional Information for Students and Families
- Electronic Devices During PSSA Testing
- PSSA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Code of Conduct for Test Takers
For more information about the upcoming PSSA testing schedule at Lincoln and other related resource documents, please check out my Google site at Lincoln Elementary School Assessment Information. If you have any questions or are in need of more information, please contact at the school office
Respectfully,
Dr. Ron Kitsko
Principal
Music in Our Schools Month
5th Grade Farewell Fundraiser - Chipotle Night
Continue supporting our 5th Graders with dinner at CHIPOTLE on 04/24/2024 between 4pm and 8pm! When ordering in person please show the following flyer at the register for your purchase to be included in our fundraiser. If ordering through the CHIPOTLE app or online please include the promotional code: K86VRAL
Please note: If your order is submitted and payment is made online/in the app without entering the promotional code, the store is unable to apply your purchase to our fundraising event at the time of pick up
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!
Take Your Child to Work Day
Thursday, April 25, 2024, is Take Your Child to Work Day. If your student is participating in Take Your Child to Work Day this year, please consider using the attached form (linked below) to document your child’s excused absence. Paper copies are available in the school office as well.
Art Show in May - Volunteers Needed
This year Ms. Angerett is holding an Art Show in the gymnasium during Lincoln Open House on Tuesday, May 21st. The Art Show will take place from 5:30 to 7:30pm.
All art students in grades 1st through 5th will have one piece of artwork framed for the Art Show. These frames will be available for purchase that evening for $30. If families wish to purchase their student’s artwork framed on the night of Open House (link to Artome), $21 from each frame sale will go to the framing company and $9 from each frame sale will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project during our Veterans Day Celebration next school year. If families do not want to buy the framed project, but would still like to make donation to support the Wounded Warrior Project, cash donations will be accepted during the art show. There is no expectation for families to buy their student's framed artwork.
Ms. Angerett is asking for PTA volunteers that would be interested in helping out with this event.
Helpers and Cashiers are needed to help students and families find their artwork and complete artwork purchases .
Please email: lincolnawesomeabespta@gmail.com if you are able to help during that time. Shifts will be available so that you can also enjoy Open House with your student!
If students/families do not wish to purchase a frame, they will receive their artwork back after the Art Show is officially over. Thanks in advance for your help with this project!
Important Information
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 are in the season of unpredictable weather, I want to remind our students about what they should to wear during outdoor recess.
- Anytime the temperature dips below 50ºF, 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 50ºF.
- 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.
- We check AccuWeather and The Weather Channel apps for the current local temperature and “feels like” temperature at several times each day.
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,
We hope everyone had a restful and relaxing spring break. This month we enter the final marking period of the school year! With PSSAs beginning at the end of April for 3rd through 5th graders, we would like to concentrate on the importance of self-care which is defined as intentional actions to enhance or maintain mental, physical, social and emotional well-being. As counselors, we recognize the importance of this topic and are available to work with our students. Community resources continue to be available to help families with a variety of needs. Additionally, April is Autism Awareness Month and Celebrate Diversity Month. Please see below for more information and a list of children’s books about these topics.
- The Elementary School Counseling Team
5th Grade Career Day!
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a Career Day this year for our fifth graders! On Friday, May 31st, our fifth grade students will be given the opportunity to attend a Career Day that introduces students to a variety of career possibilities. In planning for our Career Day, we are looking for twelve speakers to volunteer 30 minutes of your day to speak with our students. If your student is in 5th grade and you are interested in volunteering to help as a speaker for this event, please complete this form no later than April 26th.
Second Step - Unit 4 Information
In the coming weeks, classrooms will be covering Unit 4 of our Second Step Program. More information about Unit 4, 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
April Month Long Recognitions
- Autism Acceptance Month - This was established to raise awareness about the developmental disorder that affects an individual's normal development of social and communication skills.
- Celebrate Diversity Month - It started in 2004 to recognize and honor the diversity surrounding us all. By celebrating differences and similarities during this month, organizers hope that people will get a deeper understanding of each other.
- Month of the Military Child - This honors the sacrifices made by military families worldwide, with an emphasis on the experience of the dependent children of military members serving at home and overseas
- National Arab American Heritage Month - This celebrates the heritage and culture, as well as honors the contributions of Arab Americans.
- National Volunteer Month - It was started in 1991 to encourage volunteerism at a young age. By volunteering, people can help save lives and create better environments for us all to live within. Thanking volunteers, such as volunteer fire and ambulance departments, is also an aspect of the celebration.
April Specific Dates
- April 2: World Autism Awareness Day, created to raise awareness of the developmental disorder around the globe.
- April 14: Day of Silence spreads awareness about the effects of the bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) students.
- April 22: Earth Day promotes world peace and sustainability of the planet. Events are held globally to show support for the environmental protection of the Earth.
https://www.mtlsd.org/about-us/diversity-equity-inclusion/inclusivity-calendar
April Holidays
- April 2: 23rd Night of Ramadan (Islam)
- April 6: 27th Night of Ramadan (Islam)
- April 10: Eid al-Fitr (Islam)
- April 13: Vaisakhi (Sikh)
- April 17: Rama Navami (Hindu)
- April 20: First Day of Ridván (Baha'i)
- April 22-30: Passover (Pesach) (Jewish)
- April 28: Ninth Day of Ridván (Baha'i)
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 (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