Looking Ahead at Lincoln
Week of August 14-18, 2023
Welcome Back!
It is my honor to extend another warm and heartfelt Lincoln welcome to you as we draw near the beginning of the 2023 – 2024 school year. This year promises to be an exciting one, filled with lots of learning and growing. We are proud of our school, our students, our staff and the outstanding community of parents and patrons that provide wonderful support to Lincoln. We are working diligently behind the scenes to do everything in our abilities to “provide the best education possible for each and every student” this year.
In an effort to stay connected with all of our families, I will post my weekly e-newsletter with important school information on X (Twitter) at @LinkedAtLincoln. Make sure to check X, the school website and your e-mail regularly for updates and other information about Lincoln. Also be sure that you have updated your email address(es) posted in your student's Dashboard account. Please contact the school office if you have issues accessing Dashboard. We will continue to sustain and enhance the rich tradition of educational excellence at our school so that every student experiences individual success in and out of the classroom.
I am looking forward to seeing all of you very soon!
Ron Kitsko, Ed.D.
Principal
Lincoln Elementary School
2 Ralston Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
412-344-2147
Twitter - @LinkedAtLincoln
We are RESPONSIBLE. We are RESPECTFUL. We are SAFE.
News and Notes
New Faces and Changes at Lincoln
There are some new faces and changes at Lincoln this year. I am pleased to share with you the following information about changes involving staff members at Lincoln:
Ms. Saxon Angerett – Art
Mrs. Elsie Ciaramella – Grade 2
Mrs. Katie Seiferth – Grade 5 (returning from family leave)
Student Homeroom Assignments and PowerSchool Dashboard
The Dashboard system opened August 11th. You can use Dashboard to access your child's schedule, to check homework and grades, to view your lunch balance, etc. Dashboard can be accessed by visiting the District Website and clicking on the Dashboard icon at the bottom of the page. You can view Logging into Dashboard to learn how to access this tool.
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. As we started last school year, all online assignments will be collected through Schoology.
Calendars in Schoology will have school events listed as well as course events and assignments. The Schoology calendar will continue as the primary calendar for classroom activity. Classroom assignments, due dates, reminders and other events will be posted by teachers in the Schoology calendar.
You should receive an email from the Schoology platform later this month with directions to create your family account (especially if you do not already have one). We hope this video is useful as you get started with your account! 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
1-1 Device Distribution
In advance of school starting, we want to remind elementary families we will once again provide a technology device for all students in Grades K-5. We will distribute these devices during the first days of school directly to the students. Some details about this you should know:
- Students in Kindergarten and Grade 1 will receive iPads
- Students in Grades 2-5 will be issued Chromebooks.
- Students that attended Lincoln last year (in Grades 2-4) will receive the same Chromebook this year for use in Grades 3-5
- All students in Grades K-2 and newly enrolled students will receive a device that will be new to them
We are asking all families to sign off on the MTLSD Equipment Loan Agreement prior to students receiving their devices. These forms will be available during the Meet & Greet on August 24th. Make sure to sign off on these forms for your student(s) so they can receive their device and start taking them back and forth between school and home.
CLEVER Access
Students will not be able to access their CLEVER accounts until at least August 23, 2023, for summer updates and system maintenance. Please pass this along to your children.
Upcoming Events
Kindergarten Popsicle Playdate
Calling all kindergarten students! The Lincoln PTA is hosting our Popsicle Playdate on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, from 9:30-11:00 am on the Lincoln playground. Come hangout on the playground to meet some new friends and enjoy a cold popsicle. Thanks to the Lincoln PTA for sponsoring this fun event and providing the popsicles for our kindergarten friends!
New Student Orientation
On Thursday, August 24, 2023, we will host our New Student Orientation starting at 5:30 PM in the Lincoln cafeteria. This event is intended for Grade 1-5 students and their families that are NEW to Lincoln Elementary School this year.
We will review important information about the school, our programs and important school procedures. Parent Teacher Association (PTA) representatives will be on hand as well. We will also connect our new students (Grades 1–5) with a Lincoln Buddy to help make the first days and weeks at Lincoln a little less stressful. The Buddies will provide a tour of the school at the end of the formal orientation program before the Meet & Greet gets started for all other students. Families invited to this event will receive the Lincoln Buddy List and other details in a separate email.
New students and their families should enter the school from the playground via Door C15.
Meet & Greet
Don't forget that we have our Meet & Greet event set for Thursday, August 24, 2023, from 6:30-8:00 PM. The format for the Meet & Greet is informal, and you may come anytime between the posted hours. Please enter the school via Door A1. These doors will be opened at 6:30 PM. As this is an “open house” format you are welcome to come any time within that time frame. Be sure you make time to say "Hello!" to your homeroom teacher and all of our encore and support teachers before leaving for the evening. We can't wait to see you!
First Day of School
- Monday, August 28th – Students in Grades 1-5
- Wednesday, August 30th – First Day of School for Kindergarten
Kindergarten Interviews
Kindergarten Interviews will be held Monday, August 28th, and Tuesday, August 29th. This will be an additional Informal time for kindergarten students and families to individually meet with Ms. Tecza or Mrs. Vrotsos in a one on one format. Informational letters were sent out from the school office the week of August 7th. If you do not receive a letter by August 14th, please contact the school office at 412-344-2147.
Lincoln Family Picnic - Sponsored by the Lincoln PTA
The annual Lincoln PTA Family Picnic is set for Thursday, August 31st, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on the Lincoln Playground. Come see other Lincoln families and kick off the new school year! Bring your family and pack a picnic or buy dinner from food vendors that will be on hand for this fun filled evening. Hope to see you there!
Labor Day Holiday - No School
School will not be in session on Monday, September 4, 2023, in recognition of Labor Day. School resumes on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Please make note of this day off for the students.
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
Day Rotation
Week of 8/28- 9/1/2023
Monday – Day 1
Tuesday – Day 2
Wednesday – Day 3
Thursday – Day 4
Friday – Day 5
Week of 9/4 - 9/8/2023
Monday – No School - Labor Day
Tuesday – Day 1
Wednesday – Day 2
Thursday – Day 3
Friday – Day 4
Arrival and Dismissal
Arrival and Dismissal Times
- AM Arrival - 8:25 to 8:35 AM
- Late bell rings at 8:35 AM
- K(AM) dismissal - 11:20 AM
- K(PM) arrival - 12:40 to 12:45 PM
- Late bell for K(PM) rings at 12:45 PM
- PM Dismissal - 3:30 PM
We are asking students to use the following doors for arrival and dismissal:
- Kindergarten - Door C13 - K(AM) arrival and K(PM) dismissal
- Grade 1 - Door D16
- Grade 2 - Door C14
- Grade 3 - Door C14
- Grade 4- Door C10
- Grade 5 - Door A2
- GO ZONE - Door A1 - also used for K(AM) dismissal and K(PM) arrival
Entering and exiting through these doors will allow the students to enter and leave the building in a less congested manner. You can view a map of the arrival and dismissal locations by accessing the link below. We will have adults at each door to welcome and guide the students to their homerooms.
Other Arrival Procedures
Student Arrival
Doors will be open for students to enter Lincoln between 8:25-8:35 am (AM arrival) and 12:40-12:45 pm (K-PM arrival)
Teachers receive students at the arrival doors and in GO ZONE
Staff on arrival duty until 8:35 am for AM arrival will be wearing yellow vests
Students are tardy after 8:35 am (AM arrival) and 12:45 pm (K-PM session) and MUST enter Door A1 with a parent/guardian to sign in at the school office
Arrival Expectations
For Students
Do not line up before 8:25 am (AM arrival) or 12:40 pm (K-PM session)
Go to crossing guard locations to cross the streets
Use the sidewalks to arrive at Lincoln
Stay out of parking lots
No playing in front of the school
GO ZONE
Exit car to the sidewalk, not onto the street
Students arriving before 8:25 am (AM arrival) must report to the assigned grade level entrance door
For Families
Do not have students to line up earlier than 8:25 am (AM session) or 12:40 pm (PM session)
Direct students to assigned grade level entrance door
GO ZONE
Open from 8:25 - 8:35 am (AM arrival)
Pull forward as far as possible
No parking in GO ZONE
Parents are to remain in cars
Wait to drop off student(s) in the designated drop off area within the GO ZONE
No parking in the school parking lots
No dogs/pets on campus at arrival
Other Dismissal Procedures
Student Dismissal Procedures
Dismissal of students at 11:20 am (K-AM) and between 3:30-3:35 pm (PM dismissal)
Teachers release students to the dismissal doors
Homeroom teachers and staff to supervise students at exit doors and in GO ZONE
Staff on duty until 3:40 pm (PM dismissal) and will be wearing yellow vests
Dismissal Expectations
For Students
If walking, head directly home after leaving the school building
Use the sidewalks
Stay out of parking lots
No playing in front of the school
Go to crossing guard locations to cross the streets
Only student car riders will be permitted in front of Lincoln
GO ZONE
Wait at designated pickup area inside school
Students will be called once ride arrives in GO ZONE
Enter car from sidewalk, not the street
For Families
Set up meeting locations with your students
Students should be picked up (regardless of location) by 11:25 am (K-AM) or 3:40 pm (PM dismissal)
Remind students to avoid GO ZONE unless a car rider
GO ZONE
No parking in GO ZONE
Stay in car in GO ZONE
Wait to pick up student(s) in the designated pickup area
No parking in the school parking lots
No dogs/pets on campus at dismissal
Submit dismissal preference form
Lincoln Dismissal and GO ZONE Form
Please complete this form indicating your dismissal plans for the student listed below. Unless we are informed of different plans, students will be released at dismissal to walk home. GO ZONE car riders may only be be picked up by the adult(s) listed on the form. Please be prompt when picking up students at dismissal and follow established GO ZONE procedures. If you have multiple students at Lincoln, please complete this form for each student.
GO ZONE Reminders
All families are asked to review and follow these procedures/requests when using the GO ZONE for drop-off and pick up.
- Open from 8:25 - 8:35 am (AM session) and 12:40-12:50 pm (PM session)
- Students should be picked up (regardless of location) by 11:25 am (K AM) or 3:40 pm (PM)
- Pull forward as far as possible in the GO ZONE
- No parking in GO ZONE
- Parents are to remain in cars
- Wait to drop off student(s) in the designated drop off area within the GO ZONE
- Students are to exit Door A1 for GO ZONE pick up
- No parking in the school parking lots
- No dogs/pets on campus at arrival
GO ZONE NUMBERS FOR PM DISMISSAL
To help our school staff get students dismissed to our GO ZONE more efficiently each afternoon, we will continue to implement our numbered car sign system. Based on each family's responses to the Lincoln Dismissal and GO ZONE Preference Form submitted for this school year, we have identified families whom have chosen to use the GO ZONE for PM dismissal pick up one of more days each week. During the first week of school, a form letter and two (2) orange GO ZONE Number signs will be sent home with the students.
Please note of the following as we continue with our PM Dismissal GO ZONE Number system:
- Please encourage your child(ren) to memorize your family's number as this will help us get them out to the GO ZONE more quickly.
- GO ZONE number signs must be clearly displayed when entering the GO ZONE at Lincoln.
- If you do not have your assigned car number sign, you will be expected to park in one of the community parking areas and present identification to the office staff in order to pick up the requested student(s). At that time, we will confirm that you have permission to pick up the student(s) before allowing them to leave with you.
- If anyone else is picking up your student(s), you must give them your tag to display upon arrival. They will not need to provide any additional identification.
- Additional signs can only be requested via email to a Lincoln office staff member (Dr. Kitsko, Mrs. Sektnan or Mrs. Smith) by the parent or legal guardian of the student(s).
- If your family is not going to be a regularly using the GO ZONE you can request to receive number signs in case you need them but this is not required.
- Families that do not normally use the GO ZONE can have their student(s) use the GO ZONE when needed by contacting the school office to make the proper arrangements.
- We are asking all families to begin displaying their GO ZONE car number signs no later than Monday, September 11, 2023.
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.
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 in the handbook linked below to find the information you need.
MTLSD Policy on Anti-Bullying
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 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. The entire Anti-Bullying policy can be accessed via the following link - MTLSD Policy on Anti-Bullying.
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 this form (click here to access) is on the school's website for your ease of use in reporting bullying concerns.
Health Services Reminders
Welcome back to another wonderful school year! My hope is that all of you had a healthy and relaxing summer! I look forward to taking care of your children for the 2023-2024 school year. I am excited about playing a positive role in your child’s physical, emotional and mental well-being. Health plays an important role when it comes to learning. My goal is to make sure each student is able to reach their optimum health potential while at school.
Please update all emergency contacts who will be able to pick up your child when ill or injured. Also notify the health office as soon as possible about any medical needs your child may have or that occurs during the school year. This includes any medical diagnosis, need for ANY medication (prescription or over the counter), if using crutches, ace wraps, stitches, or diagnosed with any communicable disease, head lice, concussions, COVID, etc. The nurses also ask that you please reinforce basic health and personal hygiene teaching in the home.
Please carefully review the Health Services website for detailed information on nursing staff, injuries, illnesses, medications, and mandates and more. Do not hesitate to email or call me with any questions or concerns. Hoping everyone has a wonderful and healthy 2023-2024 school year!
Lakin Rigby
Lincoln Elementary
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
Lincoln Lunch Preference Form
Students will have the option to return home during their scheduled lunch & recess hour. Students in Grades 4-5 also have the option to go to Shops as well. If you plan on having your student come home (or go to Shops in Grades 4-5) for their lunch & recess hour, please complete the form below so we can make the proper arrangements each day. Contact your student's homeroom teacher any day that there is a change to your student's lunch/recess plan so that we can be prepared for their lunch & recess hour.
If you have multiple students at Lincoln, please complete this form for each student who will be traveling home. You only need to complete this form if your student will be leaving for lunch & recess.
Other Information
Important Reminders
Attendance
- Attendance will be taken in every class and will be recorded into our student accounting system around 8:35 am and 1:00 pm daily.
When Can Parents Meet or Speak with the Teacher
- Teachers typically schedule parent meetings from 8:00-8:25 am or 3:30-4:00 pm. If you would like to schedule a meeting, please email the teacher directly.
School Supplies Kits
If you ordered a school supplies kit last spring for one of your students, it is our hope to have these kits available for pick up (should families so choose) during the Meet & Greet. The kits arrived at Lincoln last last week. Should you have questions, please direct them to Mrs. Melissa Blanton (melissa.blanton929@gmail.com).
Grade Level School Supplies
Please click here to view the suggested school supplies list. If we can assist you with purchasing these supplies, please contact your child’s teacher, Ms. Herb or Dr. Kitsko. Please know these requests remain confidential as we want to ensure that your child has what is needed to have a successful school year.
Safety and Security
The school building will be locked down all day except during the AM arrival and PM dismissal times. All visitors/parents that want to access the school must enter through the main entrance (Door A1) and be buzzed into the school office. Visitors should be prepared to identify themselves when asked by the school office staff. All visitors MUST have a photo ID handy when the office staff asks for identification. While in the school, visitors must wear a visitor’s pass (in a clearly visible manner). Visitors need to check out in the school office before leaving the school. Please remember that these measures are in place to protect the students and staff.
Safe Walking Routes Information
Staying Connected
In an effort to stay connected with all of our families, I will post a weekly e-newsletter, Looking Ahead at Lincoln, with important school information on X (formerly Twitter) at @LinkedAtLincoln. I will try to post things regularly and consistently to keep you in the know. Please make sure to check your e-mail frequently for updates and other information about Lincoln. Any feedback about my communication with families is greatly appreciated.
Connecting to District Google Calendars
Staying connected to everything going on in the district is no small feat these days. Since we made the switch to using Google apps a few years ago, some families indicated that they are not able to easily connect to the district’s calendars. Steps about doing this can be found at http://blog.mtlsd.org/ViewPost.asp?I=31672. Hope this helps!
Office Hours and Parking
During the school year, the posted school office hours at Lincoln are as follows:
Monday – Friday
8:00 am to 4:30 pm
If there any changes to this schedule, signs at the main entrance will be posted in advance. Please be advised that parking in the school lots from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm is for school staff only.
Second Step
Social-emotional learning is "the process by which children grow and develop their emotional lives and their relationships." Focused on five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, relationship skills, and social awareness, SEL supports the wellbeing of the whole child.
In the past, we have utilized teacher-created resources as well as the OLWEUS program as a way to teach SEL skills to all students which is in support of goal two of our district strategic plan. I am proud to announce that this year we will be implementing Second Step as a school-wide resource to teach SEL skills.
Second Step is a research-based program that utilizes a scope and sequence that builds on skills over time and year to year. You can learn more about the Second Step program here. Our children are learning behavior all the time, both implicitly and explicitly. Teaching Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skills allows children the opportunity to practice and cultivate these skills in a supportive environment.
Links to Technology Resources
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