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
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
Please support our Lincoln Students as well as a local business franchise with a purchase from Madsen Donuts! Donuts will be sold by the dozen ($20.00) and the half-dozen ($10.00) with a generous percentage of all sales being returned to the PTA! In addition, families will be able to order gift cards for future donut purchases for the same prices! Donuts will be distributed after school from the cafeteria door, door C-15, on Friday 04/05/24 at 3:30pm.
Orders must be placed by Monday 04/01/24 at 2pm and payment received by 04/05/24. Payments can be made via VENMO @lebolincolnpta-2023, CHECKS made payable to Lincoln PTA, or CASH submitted to your child’s homeroom teacher.
Please click on the link to order! Madsen Donuts Order Form
Menu
Cake Donuts:
Chocolate Round...cake donut covered in chocolate
Peanut...cake donut topped with our marshmallow based cream and chopped nuts
Cinnamon Sugar...cake donut covered in a fine cinnamon sugar mix
Plain Cake… “the old fashioned” a simple, plain cake donut
Glazed Cake...cake donut covered in glaze
Powdered Sugar...cake donut covered in light powdered sugar
Sprinkle...cake donut covered with our marshmallow based cream and colorful sprinkles
Raised Dough Donuts:
Cream Sticks...raised dough filled with our marshmallow based cream topped with chocolate
Jelly Sticks...raised dough filled with our black raspberry jelly coated with fine sugar
Cinnamon Sticks...raised dough rolled with glaze and cinnamon and covered with glaze
Glazed...light and airy raised donut covered in glaze
Sugar...light and airy raised donut covered in fine sugar
* If you would like to purchase donuts but are unable to collect your donuts at pick up on 04/05/24, please contact Joanna Streets at jwhitlockstreets@gmail.com
*All unclaimed donuts will be donated at 4:00pm on Friday 04/05/24.
2023-2024 Lincoln Yearbook Ordering
It’s time to order your 2023 – 2024 Lincoln Elementary School yearbook! Even though the PTA is generously contributing again this year, the cost has increased to $15 per book. Payment is due with your order. The deadline to order is Friday April 5, 2024. Order forms will be going home with students the week of March 18th. There are two ways to order: use the paper order form or use the PTA's ordering Google form.
Paper Form Ordering
- Return your student's paper order form with cash, a check made out to “Lincoln Elementary PTA” or a note that you sent your payment via Venmo.
- Venmo payments can be sent to @lebolincolnpta-2023 (Write "yearbook" under "what's this for?")
Google Form Ordering
- 2023-2024 Lincoln Yearbook Ordering (Google form)
- If you want to pay using cash or a check, please send your payment to your child's teacher with an envelope that says "yearbook."
- Venmo payments can be sent to @lebolincolnpta-2023 (Write "yearbook" under "what's this for?")
If you have questions or need financial aid, please contact Maggie Shiels at lebolincolnyearbook@gmail.com. If you would like to donate a book to a student in need, please write “donation” under Student Name on the paper form, or choose the donation option when using the Google form.
Paraprofessional Appreciation Day - April 3rd
"Paraprofessional Appreciation Day honors paraprofessional educators, who may also be known as paras, instructional assistants, or teacher's aides. It is unknown how the day began, but some sources claim it was first designated by a Missouri governor, although it is not known when this occurred. Paraprofessionals perform a variety of teacher-related jobs and often assist teachers in classrooms. They may work with students on supplemental enrichment activities, either in small groups or one-on-one. They may also help students complete assignments or practice reading. Paraprofessionals often work with students with special education needs and a variety of disabilities. They may also supervise students outside of classrooms and help teachers with clerical work."
(quotation from https://www.checkiday.com/01ce443cf2895e95dfc8798ae610ce8a/paraprofessional-appreciation-day)
Here at Lincoln we say "THANK YOU!" to the following paraprofessional staff members:
- Ms. Heidi Fimognari
- Mrs. Lori Green
- Mrs. Helen Kurek
- Mrs. Nikki McBride
- Mrs. Cindy Nichols
- Ms. Amy Peeler
- Mrs. Amy Work
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.
Lincoln Talent Show T-Shirt Ordering
We are pleased to announce that we will be selling our "Decades of Talent" theme shirt for the Talent Show, which will be held on April 19th in the gym. If you are interested in buying a shirt for your student, yourself, your family members, or even making a donation of $5 to help cover the cost for every student involved with the Talent Show, please click here to place your order.
Orders are due no later than 3/26, and payment is due no later than 4/2.
We cannot wait to see everyone wearing their Decades of Talent theme shirts and supporting our talented students! Questions? Please email us at lestalentshow@gmail.com!
Kristin Bartone, Joy Givens, and Emily Nalitz
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
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.
Join Our School Garden Committee!
Calling all parents and guardians! Are you passionate about fostering a love for nature in our students? Do you enjoy getting your hands dirty and watching seeds sprout into beautiful blooms? If so, please join our School Garden Committee! Let's meet once a month for discussions and decision-making about our beloved school garden. Together, we'll roll up our sleeves and assign roles for the maintenance of our garden oasis, plan planting schedules, brainstorm creative garden art projects, and organize fun-filled activities for our budding gardeners in the student garden club. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or simply eager to learn, your passion and dedication are what we need to help our garden thrive! Join us in nurturing plants and a sense of community and environmental stewardship among our students.
Interested? Please sign up to receive emails about meeting dates and times.
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.
- 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 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.
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.
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
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
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.
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