Looking Ahead at Lincoln
Week of December 11 - 15, 2023
Day Rotation
Week of 12/11 - 12/15/2023
- Monday – Day 1
- Tuesday – Day 2
- Wednesday – Day 3
- Thursday – Day 4
- Friday – Day 5
Week of 12/18 - 12/22/2023
- Monday – Day 1
- Tuesday – Day 2
- Wednesday – Day 3
- Thursday – Day 4
- Friday – Day 5 – Early Dismissal at Noon for Grades 1-5 - No School for K students
Upcoming Events
Volunteers for Lunch Clubs!
- WHAT: The PTA is once again organizing Lunchtime Clubs for 1st-5th grade Lincoln students. Lunchtime clubs are a fun alternative to recess in the cold months for those kids looking for a change of pace! Some examples of past clubs include: Coloring Club, Decorate Your Room Club, Makers Club, Lego Club, Nail Art Club, Escape Club, Paint Club, Harry Potter Club, Writing for Fun Club, Yarn Wall Art Club, Card Playing Club, Quiet Club, Pokemon Club, Scrunchie Making Club, Comic Book Club, Drama Club, Brain Benders Club, Physical Fitness Club, Photography Club...the possibilities are endless!
- WHEN: Lunch club runs from February 5 - March 1. Each club will meet for 25 minutes during the lunch hour once a week. Students will have their regularly scheduled lunch either before or after their club.
- WHO: We need volunteers who are willing to host a club! Come up with your own idea or we can provide one. All 3 clearances are required to volunteer to host!
- HOW: Sign up to volunteer by contacting Jenny Bouriat at jenny.bouriat@gmail.com
Winter Concert
The Grade 5 Chorus, 4th and 5th Grade Lincoln Elementary Orchestra and Lincoln Elementary Advanced Band students would like to invite you to attend their winter concert on Friday, December 15, 2023, starting at 2:30 pm. Families and guests of the student performers will need to access the school using Door A1. The students have worked extremely hard on this music and we would love to see you there! 4th Grade String students and ALL 5th Grade students should wear a nice outfit for this special performance. Please direct all questions about this performance to Mrs. Showalter (chorus), Mrs. Harris & Mr. DeLaurentis (orchestra) or Mrs. Wockley (band).
Feel free to share the following link for the live stream feed of this performance.
5th Grade Farewell Fundraiser - Moe's Southwest Grill
Getting Ready for Winter Break Spirit Week
JMS Wind Ensemble Performance at Lincoln
On Wednesday, December 20th, the Jefferson Middle School Wind Ensemble will perform for the Lincoln students and staff at 1:15 pm. We are happy to welcome back Mrs. Wagner and the JMS Wind Ensemble to Lincoln. We look forward to hearing them perform and seeing some former Lincoln students that are members of the ensemble.
The Jared Box Project
Winter Parties
We will host the annual Lincoln Winter Parties later in December. Some important reminders about these events are listed below.
Students in morning kindergarten
- Thursday, December 21st
- Party from 10:30 – 11:15 AM
Students in afternoon kindergarten
- Thursday, December 21st
- Party from 2:45 –3:30 PM
Students in Grades 1 – 5
- Friday, December 22nd
- Party from 11:15 AM – Noon
Some other reminders about these events:
- Remember, we are not serving food during the classroom parties.
- Only family members designated as homeroom adults for this event will be permitted to go to the classrooms. This is for the safety of the students as well as to keep the parties organized and on time.
- A maximum of three (3) adult volunteers and one (1) classroom photographer can be present for each classroom party.
- As the school will be especially crowded on this day, please pay close attention to all of the standard parking and traffic rules and exercise caution while in your vehicle. Also, remember that parking in front of the school is not permitted.
Early Dismissal on December 22nd
- Students in Grades 1 – 5 will have an early dismissal at Noon on Friday, December 22, 2023. Students will not eat lunch in the school this date.
- Both Morning and Afternoon kindergarten sessions are cancelled this date.
Winter Break
- School is closed for the Winter Break from December 23-January 1st
- School resumes for all students on Tuesday, January 2, 2024
- Be safe in your travels and we hope that everyone has a wonderful Winter Break!
Spelling Bee
It’s almost time for the 2023–2024 Lincoln Elementary School Fourth and Fifth Grade Spelling Bee! The Lincoln Elementary PTA is excited to continue the Scripps Spelling Bee at our school this year. The qualifying round will take place in the 4th and 5th grade classrooms. This round will take place in between January 8-12, 2024, in the Grade 4 and 5 homerooms. Individual classroom teachers will be notifying the students of the exact dates and times. The top 3 spellers in each classroom will qualify to participate in the Lincoln Elementary School Bee which will be held on the evening February 8th at 6:00 pm.
Word lists for the classroom Spelling Bee and other information was sent home with the students the week we returned from Thanksgiving Break. These were the 4th – 6th grades study guide word lists for 2023-2024 Scripps Classroom Spelling Bees. These lists, as well as other great information, are available at www.spellingbee.com. While the Spelling Bee is meant to be a fun experience, we understand that some children may be uncomfortable with the format. If you prefer that your child not participate in the Classroom Spelling, you can return the Non-Participation Form from the bottom half of the Spelling Bee flyer to your child's teacher by January 2nd. Please contact Dr. Kitsko at rkitsko@mtlsd.net with questions.
PTA Meeting
On Wednesday, January 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.
Winter Benchmark Assessments
In January, we will administer the winter benchmark assessments to students in using AimsWeb Plus and Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). The MAP assessments (Measures of Academic Progress) are given in reading and mathematics for all students in Grades K–5. The MAP assessments are administered on-line using Chromebooks and/or iPads. Additionally, students in Kindergarten – Grade 3 will take the AIMSWeb Plus literacy and mathematics assessments. These tests target literacy and math development skills and are proctored individually to each student in Kindergarten - Grade 1, while students in Grades 2 - 3 will take these assessments within their homeroom classes.
All of this data is used by our teachers to monitor the students’ growth and progress. Staff members also use this data to inform instructional planning within the regular classroom setting, as well as for instructional support services in reading and math. Year end reports will be sent home with all students in June 2023. If you have questions about these assessments or about how they impact when support services are offered, please speak with your child’s classroom teacher or Dr. Kitsko
In-Service and Classroom Management Days
Due to the scheduled district wide in-service days and classroom management for teachers, there is no school for students on Monday, January 15th and Monday, January 22nd. Please make note of these on your calendars.
Report Cards for Quarter 2
2nd Nine Weeks grades and report cards will go live in Dashboard and will be emailed to families on Monday, January 29, 2024. Questions about the grades and comments posted for individual students should be directed to the appropriate classroom teacher.
Kindergarten Registration for 2024 – 2025 School Year
Starting Thursday, February 1, 2024, Kindergarten registration packets for the 2024 – 2025 school year will be available at all elementary school offices. If you or someone you know has a child eligible to enter Lincoln as a kindergartner next fall, please pass along this information.
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 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 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.
- 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 10:30 am.
Students are considered tardy after 10:30 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 10:30am.
- Students will be permitted to enter the school starting at 10:20 am.
- Students are considered tardy after 10:30 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
Twitter: @MTLSD; @MTLSDSUPER
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,
Happy December! We hope that you found your family conferences helpful and productive as we all work together to assist your child(ren) in having a positive and productive school year. As we head towards the end of the calendar year, we’d like to thank all of our students, staff, and families for your continued dedication, teamwork, and perseverance throughout this first half of the school year. In this month’s newsletter, you will find resources for helping students to explore, celebrate, and value all of the diversity in our school communities. Ensuring that all students and families feel welcome, safe, included, and represented in our schools and communities is of utmost importance and a top priority.
- The Elementary School Counseling Team
Second Step - Unit 2 Information
In the coming weeks, classrooms will be covering Unit 2 of our Second Step Program. More information about Unit 2, including an overview of what your child is learning and how to practice new skills at home, is linked by grade level below.
Vocally Speaking - Updates from Mrs. Showalter
Click the image above to access a PDF were you can select the grade level you want to see
Inclusivity Calendar Events for December
Specific Dates in December
- December 1: World AIDS Day - commemorates those who have died of AIDS and acknowledges the need for a continued commitment to all those affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
- December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities - designed to raise awareness in regards to persons with disabilities in order to improve their lives and provide them with equal opportunity.
- December 10: International Human Rights Day - established by the United Nations in 1948 to commemorate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- December 15: Bill of Rights Day - celebrates America's Constitution and the framework of society that ascribes rights and freedoms to society.
- December 26 - January 1: Kwanzaa - an African-American cultural celebration started by Maulana Karenga in 1966 to celebrate universal African-American culture and connect to their African roots and heritage.
December Holidays
December 8 - Bodhi Day (Buddist)
December 18 - December 26: Hanukkah/Chanukah (Jewish)
December 24 - Christmas Eve (Christian)
December 25 - Christmas Day (Christian)
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
Lincoln Tribute to Mrs. Majestic
The Lincoln Mural Committee, along with the support of our Lincoln PTA, has commissioned an artist to paint a mural in the school to honor Mrs. Majestic, who retired last year after 34 years as our art teacher. The mural will be located in the ground floor hallway, and will feature one of Mrs. Majestic’s favorite children’s books, Camille and the Sunflowers~ A story about Vincent van Gogh
by Laurence Anholt.
If you would like to contribute, you may give cash or write a check payable to Lincoln Mural Fund and write “Mrs. Majestic’s MURAL” on the envelope, which your child can give to their teacher, or drop off in the office. You may also pay via PayPal to bethannrivera120@gmail.com. Thank you for your contributions. This will be a lasting tribute for all to enjoy for many years to come. Feel free to share this information with anyone who you believe would want to contribute.
Email Bethann Rivera with any questions at brivera@mtlsd.net.
Please note, contributions in excess of what is needed for Mrs. Majestic’s mural will be used for future murals honoring Lincoln’s retirees.
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