Looking Ahead at Lincoln
Week of September 4-8, 2023
News and Notes
Day Rotation
Week of 9/4 - 9/8/2023
Monday – No School - Labor Day
Tuesday – Day 1
Wednesday – Day 2
Thursday – Day 3
Friday – Day 4
Week of 9/11 - 9/15/2023
Monday – Day 5
Tuesday – Day 1
Wednesday – Day 2
Thursday – Day 3
Friday – Day 4
Upcoming Events
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.
Enrollment for Instrumental Music
Enrollment for Instrumental Selection is currently open. Students may begin string lessons in grades 3, 4 or 5, and may begin band lessons in grades 4 or 5. The enrollment deadline for 2023-2024 is October 1st. Instrumental music classes are 30 minute pull-out lessons. Students are pulled out of other classes during the school day on a rotational basis, so they do not miss the same class each week. Students are expected to make up all of the classwork that they miss. Please contact the Mrs. Harris (aharris@mtlsd.net) or Mr. DeLaurentis (ddelaurentis@mtlsd.net) about the orchestra program and Mrs. Wockley (kwockley@mtlsd.net) about our band program.
Fall Benchmark Assessments
This week, we will begin to administer the fall 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 1–5. 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.
Pupil Attitudes to Self and School (PASS) Survey
Dear Families,
As you may recall, as part of the District’s ongoing commitment to the social and emotional well-being of our students, we utilized the Pupil Attitudes to Self and School (PASS) Survey last school year. After careful analysis and review, we have determined that this tool continues to be helpful in achieving the District mission of Providing the Best Education Possible for Each and Every Student.
Developed by a team of educational psychologists from multiple universities, PASS provides teachers, school counselors, and administration with highly reliable and valid information into how students feel about themselves as a learner and how they feel about school. Available in 20 languages, PASS allows schools to detect possible barriers to student learning, including issues around confidence, resilience, motivation, and concentration. The PASS survey will allow our schools to proactively address non-academic barriers to learning, which can compromise the wellbeing and academic success of our students.
With a continued commitment to addressing social and emotional barriers to learning, we are asking that all students enrolled in our school complete the Pupil Attitudes to Self and School (PASS) survey.
We plan to administer the survey in the Fall and Spring. In the coming weeks, PASS, a 15-20 minute survey, will be administered in your child’s school. The survey questions for Grades K-1 and Grades 2-12 are available for your review. If you wish to not have your child participate, please let your child’s school counselor know by Friday, September 8. Please be assured that student confidentiality will be strictly protected.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ronald P. Davis
Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education
Dine to Donate!
On Wednesday 09/06/23 from 11am-11pm Primantis Bros., in conjunction with the Lincoln PTA, is holding a fundraiser to support our students. On this day, at the 1539 Washington Road location in Mt. Lebanon, all Dine In or Take Out food items will be applied to our fundraiser. Thank you for supporting our children and a local business!
*Please be sure to mention our fundraiser to the wait staff or your host/hostess, if collecting a take out order, to ensure your purchase is credited to our event.
Black and Gold Day - Friday, 9/8
As our local pro football team starts another season this upcoming weekend, let's show our Pittsburgh pride by wearing our BLACK and GOLD gear on Friday, September 8th.
PTA Meeting
On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 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.
ABCs of the Lincoln PTA
Each year, the Lincoln PTA hosts its ABCs of the PTA program as a way to inform and educate parents about the many ways they can be involved within our PTA. This year’s version of the ABCs of the PTA will be held on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, from 6:00-6:30 pm in the Lincoln cafeteria. We encourage you to stop by, learn more about the Lincoln PTA and consider becoming an active member.
PTA Homeroom Coordinator Training
The Lincoln PTA will host the Homeroom Coordinator Training meeting on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, from 6:00-6:30 pm in the Lincoln library. Details about how to volunteer to serve as a homeroom coordinator are posted later in this newsletter.
Team Jersey Day - Friday, 9/15
Friday, September 15th will be Favorite Team Jersey/Shirt Day. Dig out your favorite jersey/shirt to show off your pride for you favorite sports team.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th to October 15th each year in the United States. This celebration honors numerous people from Spanish-speaking backgrounds who have come to the United States. We celebrate their cultures and traditions during this month. September 15th was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Also, Mexico celebrates its independence day on September 16th and Chile celebrates its independence day on September 18th.
Check out these websites for more information about Hispanic Heritage Month and how you can celebrate!
Lincoln School Picture Day
Our annual school pictures will be taken on Thursday, September 22nd. This will allow us to include all of our students at the school. Order forms will be sent home with the students in the coming days. Some reminders so the students are ready for picture day:
Complete the order form and have your child bring it to school
Make checks payable to Wayne’s World of Photography or complete the credit card information on the order form
Students should come to school “ready” for their school pictures
School staff will be present to help the students look their best before stepping in front of the camera
Weather permitting, ALL photos will be taken outside
Homeroom classes will take a group picture outside in front of the school
For additional information about our photographer, please access his website at http://waynesworldofphotography.com/
Book of the Month - All Are Welcome
To celebrate the diversity present in our Lincoln School community, I have selected All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold as my first book of the month for this year. This story will be shared as a read aloud text with each homeroom by the end of September. The following summary of All Are Welcome comes from the Common Sense Media website which you can access here. You can also access a YouTube video of the story by clicking here.
"All Are Welcome follows kids through their school day, activities, and homes while repeating the message that, no matter their race, family makeup, clothes, religion, or ability, everyone belongs. The kids arrive to school on foot, in a wheelchair, in a taxi, and eat foods from their diverse cultures for lunch. They do projects together, point to the map to show their family's origin, and play together on the playground. No one is left out, and everyone is valued."
Let me know if you should have any questions.
Dr. Ron Kitsko
Principal
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
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 your student(s). 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) green 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.
Drop Off Table for Student Items
Students are responsible for ensuring they bring required items to school each day. Some forgotten items, such as instruments and lunches, are clearly needed at specific times. Other items, such as library books or water bottles, may instead be an opportunity for your child to learn to do without the item for the day, and hopefully remember it in the future.
If you are bringing a forgotten item, please use our Drop Off Table just inside Door A1. Note your child's name, teacher, and item on the sign-in sheet. The office will contact teachers periodically throughout the day, to send students to pick up those items at a time that does not interfere with their teaching schedules.
Inclusivity Calendar Events for September
Month Long Recognitions
- Hispanic Heritage Month - Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for 5 Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Lasting until October 15, it celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Specific Dates in September
- September 4: Labor Day, a federal holiday that honors the American labour movement and the contributions that workers have made to society.
- September 11: Grandparents’ Day, established to honor grandparents for the love and support they provide to their grandchildren, with a presidential proclamation signed by president Jimmy Carter in 1978.
September Holidays
- September 6: Arba'een (Islam)
- September 6: Krishna Janmashtami/Jayanti (Hindu)
- September 8: Feast of the Nativity (Orthodox Christian)
- September 11-18: Paryushan (Jain)
- September 15: Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown (Jewish)
- September 24: Yom Kippur begins at sundown (Jewish)
- September 27: Birth of the Prophet Muhammad (Sunni) (Islam)
- September 29-October 6: Sukkot (Jewish)
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.
Elementary Lunch Information
Please read these important FYIs about the elementary lunch program:
- Elementary Lunch costs $2.65 per daily meal (milk is included with the meal).
- Additional milk and milk purchased without a meal is $.50 a carton.
- There are four (4) daily menu choices for the students.
- We offer a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and encourage students to eat servings of all the vegetables and fruit offered.
- A la carte - All side items are $.90 each.
- A la carte items are available daily.
- Any student, even those who bring lunches from home, will be able to purchase side items such as fresh fruit, vegetables, side salads, and juice.
- Healthy snack bags will be sold on Tuesdays and are $0.75 each.
- Varieties of low fat ice cream will be sold every Thursday and are $1.25 each.
- 8 oz. bottled water is available daily and will be $0.75.
- Students must have money on their lunch account to purchase ala carte items or snacks.
- Ala carte items include second milk or single milk, bottled water, snacks, ice cream or any side items..
Free and Reduced Lunch Program Application
Children need healthy meals to learn, so the Mt. Lebanon School District is committed to offer healthy meals every school day for our students.
- Breakfast will be free for all students
- Lunch costs $2.65 for elementary students and $2.80 for middle school and high school students
Your children may qualify for free meals or for reduced price meals. Reduced price is $.30 for breakfast and $.40 for lunch. Click the link below for free or reduced price meal benefits, and a set of detailed instructions to help you apply.
You can also apply for free and reduced meals online via the state's COMPASS portal. Please follow the link below to begin the online application.
PaySchools Central Information
Payschoolscentral.com is an online lunch money accounting system where you easily monitor and deposit money into student lunch accounts.
By logging onto www.payschoolscentral.com, you can easily:
Set up an account
Deposit money at your convenience using a credit card
Set e-mail reminders to notify you when your child's account has a low balance
Set up recurring payments
Check your child's account balance (no fee charged)
Request an activity report to check account activity for the previous 30 days (no fee charged)
To set up an account, all you will need is:
- A valid email address
- A credit card
- Your child's student identification number, school and grade
There will be a 3.9% per transaction fee. Each child in your family can be set up on the same account therefore you can add money to each child's account during the same transaction. Transactions processed by pay are safe and secure using Secure Socket Link. With this technology, schools can be assured that all student information, credit card and all other student data will be highly encrypted and secure. Once the money is put on the account, it typically appears on the account in about 30 minutes.
Please follow the link below to a video that will walk you through how to add funds to your student's account.
If you choose not to use pay for credit card transactions, the District will continue to accept cash and checks.
Technology Information
Mobile Phones and Smart Watches
Some reminders about the use of smart watches and mobile phones by students during the school day:
- Students are expected to keep mobile phones stored in their lockers
- Mobile phones should be in silent or airplane mode when stored away
- Students may take their mobile phones with them if heading home or to shops (Grades 4-5 only) for lunch
- Video and audio recording of other students and staff members with personal mobile phones/devices and smart watches is prohibited
- Students should keep smart watches in silent or airplane mode once inside the school
- Students are not permitted to call home (or to others) using personal mobile phones or smart watches
- If students need to speak with a parent or family member, they need to seek staff approval to use one of the many phones we have located throughout the school
- Students that are ill or not feeling must be seen in health office and are not to call home using a mobile phone or smart watch - the health office staff will make ALL phone calls home when students are ill
- Family members should not call or text students during the school day - if a student's smart watch alerts the student of an incoming notification during class time, it distracts everyone that hears the device
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
Call for Photos
If you would like to submit your favorite First Day of School pictures, pictures from the Family Picnic or other school events this year for possible including in the Lincoln Yearbook, please send high resolution images to Lebolincolnyearbook@gmail.com.
Mrs. Maggie Shiels
Lincoln Yearbook Coordinator
Lincoln Elementary School PTA Membership
After hearing about ALL of the WONDERFUL THINGS that the Lincoln PTA does, I bet you are wondering how you can be a part of it! We can do such great things each year because of our families who join the PTA and volunteer in many ways! Nothing would make us happier this year than if your family JOINED THE PTA!
Please know that even if your schedule does not allow you to volunteer or participate in the PTA in person, your PTA Membership Dues contribution is an amazing way to support your children throughout the entire school year!
By joining, your membership dues help to support all programs that the PTA sponsors in some way! Programs such as: Read-A-Thon, Frosty Shop, Cultural Arts, New Family Buddies, Garden Club, Grand Finale, Popsicle Playdate, Scholastic Book Fair, Yearbook, Spelling Bee, Family Picnic, Staff Appreciation, Ice Cream Social, Matt’s Maker Space, Science Fair, Winter Lunchtime Clubs, Talent Show, Family Bingo Night, Skating Party, Helping Hands, Fifth Grade Farewell, International Families Night and more! These are all made possible by your Membership Dues!
You also get the chance to vote at PTA meetings if you are able to attend them and will receive a copy of the fabulous Lincoln Elementary School Directory!
Please contact Lorraine @LincolnAwesomeAbesPTA@gmail.com or message our Lincoln PTA Facebook page @LincolnAwesomeAbesPTA if you have any questions! Thank you so much for your support!
Calling All Homeroom Coordinators!!!
We are recruiting Homeroom Coordinators (HRCs) for the 2023-2024 school year!
This role is enjoyable, behind the scenes, and enables interested parents to work with both their child's teacher & classroom parents to organize various events throughout the year. Tasks include:
- creating class contact list,
- coordinating volunteers for classroom parties/field trip,
- and collecting funds and assembling class gifts for staff members.
The two most important credentials needed for the job are strong organizational skills and email access.
The role of HRC is a very important one, so please make sure that you are able to fulfill this role if chosen. If this sounds like a job for you, please fill out the form below by Friday, September 8th! Those chosen to be HRCs for this school year can expect to hear back confirming the position by Sunday, September 10th.
The training for HRC will take place before the first PTA meeting on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 6:00 PM. Please make sure that you can attend the HRC training on this date before filling out the google interest form. If more than one parent expresses interest in being a homeroom coordinator, names will be put into a virtual hat and selected at random. Please feel free to reach out to lincolnawesomeabespta@gmail.com with any questions you may have regarding this role! Thank you so much for your support!
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.
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.
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 2 Say Something
Safe 2 Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late. With Safe2Say Something, it’s easy and confidential to report safety concerns to help prevent violence and tragedies.
Here’s how it works:
- Submit a report through the Safe2SaySomething system
- Crisis center reviews, assesses and processes all submissions
- Crisis center sends all submissions to school administration and/or law enforcement for intervention
- If needed, crisis center may contact tipster anonymously through the app
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!
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.
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