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Looking Ahead at Lincoln
Week of October 2-6, 2023
Day Rotation
Week of 10/2 - 10/6/2023
- Monday – Day 4
- Tuesday – Day 5
- Wednesday – Day 1
- Thursday – Day 2
- Friday – Day 3 – Early Dismissal at Noon for Grades 1-5
Week of 10/9- 10/13/2023
Monday –Day 4
Tuesday – Day 5
Wednesday – Day 1
Thursday – Day 2
Friday – Day 3
Upcoming Events
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!
Books of the Month
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, I have selected the following books as my books of the month for October:
- Where Ae You From? by Yamile Saied Mednez
- Turning Pages - My Life Story by Sonia Sotomayor
- Separate Is Never Equal - Sylvia Mendes & Her Family's Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh
I will be sharing Where Ae You From? as a read aloud text with each homeroom in Grades K-1; Turning Pages - My Life Story as a read aloud text with each homeroom in Grades 2-3; while Separate Is Never Equal - Sylvia Mendes & Her Family's Fight for Desegregation will be shared with each homeroom in Grades 4-5.
The following summary of Where Ae You From? comes from the Common Sense Media website (Click here to access link)
- Where Ae You From? tells the story of a little brown girl who can't seem to give the answer people want to this very common question. So, she asks her Abuelo, who also looks like he doesn't belong, "Where am I from?" Abuelo thoughtfully answers by describing the beauty, strength, and resilience of the people and places her family came from. The Pampas, the guachos, the brown river, the mountains, the sea, hurricanes, even a tiny, singing frog are all a part of the girl's family history, part of her identity. It isn't the answer she was looking for, but she "sees" her identity in a new way and is able to take pride in it.
The following summary of Turning Pages - My Life Story comes from the Common Sense Media website (Click here to access link)
- In Turning Pages - My Life Story, Sotomayor tells the story of growing up in a Spanish-speaking family in the Bronx, where she struggled to learn English. As a child, she was diagnosed with diabetes, and lost her father. Throughout, she enjoyed reading, and in Catholic high school, Bible stories helped her "sort out right from wrong." She attended Princeton University and then studied law, where "Law books were maps to guide us to justice." Now a Justice on the Supreme Court, she works with "the most important words in American law -- the founding document of our government, the Constitution of the United States."
The following summary of Separate Is Never Equal - Sylvia Mendes & Her Family's Fight for Desegregation comes from the Common Sense Media website (Click here to access link)
- Separate Is Never Equal - Sylvia Mendes & Her Family's Fight for Desegregation shares the story when Sylvia Mendes and her family moves to the town of Westminster, California, young Sylvia Mendez is excited about enrolling in her neighborhood school. But she and her brothers are turned away and told they have to attend the Mexican school instead. Sylvia cannot understand why—she is a U.S. citizen. Why are the children of Mexican families forced to attend a separate school? Unable to get a satisfactory answer from the school board, the Mendez family decides to take matters into their own hands and organize a lawsuit. In the end, the Mendez family’s efforts help bring an end to segregated schooling in California in 1947.
Let me know if you should have any questions.
Dr. Ron Kitsko
Principal
Josh and Gab Returning to Lincoln!
We are thrilled to once again host the Josh and Gab program at Lincoln on Wednesday, October 4th!
Josh & Gab are an award-winning, Pittsburgh-based musical-comedy duo who have performed for over 400,000 students and teachers. They have visited over 17 states and two countries with their unique music and comedic storytelling, and their live assemblies have reached over 800 schools across the U.S.. Separately they are Josh Verbanets: an accomplished songwriter and the frontman of the hometown band Meeting of Important People. And, Gab Bonesso: an award-winning standup comedian and public speaker.
Josh and Gab are excited to return to Lincoln again, and will be presenting a fun and high-energy mix of new original music, interactive comedy, and lessons about kindness to the students! You can learn more about Josh and Gab at https://www.joshandgab.com/.
We thank the Lincoln PTA for funding this educational program for the students.
Favorite T-Shirt Day - Friday, 10/6
I think we all have that one t-shirt that is our favorite one to wear. We are asking our students ans and staff to wear their favorite T-Shirts on Friday, October 6th.
Early Dismissal on Friday, October 6th
- Students in Grades 1 – 5 will have an early dismissal at Noon on Friday, October 6, 2023. Students will not eat lunch in the school this date.
- Both sessions of kindergarten will attend school on this date.
The Annual Read-A-Thon Is Just Around the Corner!
October 13–23, 2023, will be our annual Lincoln Read-a-Thon. This is the tenth year for the Read-a-Thon! We want to encourage the love of reading for our students, while at the same time, help raise money in support of the Lincoln PTA and the many wonderful programs, activities and field trips it sponsors. This is the Lincoln PTA’s main fundraiser each year. Please support the Read-a-Thon (and the Lincoln PTA) by sponsoring our students during this exciting event. More details will be shared in the coming weeks!
Upcoming Field Trips
Please make sure that the students have submitted the appropriate permission forms to the classroom teachers in advance of the trip. Chaperones MUST have all three (3) clearances on file to serve as a program volunteer for all of these field trips. Feel free to contact the school office with questions. Thanks to the Lincoln PTA for its financial support for many of the Lincoln Elementary School field trips.
Kindergarten
- Simmons Farm
- Monday, October 9, 2023
- 8:45 - 11:30 am
Grade 2
- Mt. Lebanon Walking Tour
- Tuesday, October 10, 2023
- 8:45 - 2:00 pm
Grade 4
- Pittsburgh Botanical Gardens
- Tuesday, October 24, 2023
- 8:45 - 2:00 pm
Halloween Parade and Parties
On Tuesday, October 31st, we will host the annual Halloween parade and parties at Lincoln.
- K(AM) students will have their party at 10:30 AM
- K(PM) and Grade 1-5 students will parade and party from 2:30-3:30 PM.
PTA homeroom coordinators will organize the party events with the teachers. A maximum of three (3) party volunteers and one (1) volunteer photographer can be present for each classroom party. Please remember that we do not serve food during our classroom parties. More details will be sent out in a separate notice about our upcoming Halloween festivities.
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
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.
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.
Awesome Abe School Wide Positive Behavioral Program
What is a School Wide Positive Behavioral Program?
PBIS or Positive Behavioral Interventions or Supports is a school-wide positive behavior support system or set of strategies and systems to increase the capacity of schools to (a) reduce school disruption, and (b) educate all students including those with problem behaviors
- Clearly defined outcomes
- Research-validated practices
- Supportive administrative systems
- Use of information for problem-solving
WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF PBIS?
- Establish regular, predictable, positive learning & teaching environments.
- Train adults & students to serve as positive models.
- Teach and model behavioral expectations
- Create systems for providing regular positive feedback.
- Acknowledge students when they are “doing the right thing”.
- Improve social competence.
- Develop environments that support academic success.
Counselor's Corner by Ms. Herb
A Note From The Elementary School Counselors…
Dear Families,
We are a month into the school year and things are moving full speed ahead. The colors of fall are around us and it is a good time to take some time to reflect on how you are feeling, and how you are coping if you are having a hard time. For some families, you might be watching your child(ren) race through a roller coaster of emotions. This is an opportunity to help them practice healthy coping skills. For others, things might finally be settling down. October is depression and mental health awareness month and it is also bullying prevention month so the students will be learning a lot about taking care of themselves and being kind and inclusive of others. Please view the resources provided in this newsletter to help you and your children build positive coping skills to promote healthy choices. Stay healthy and breathe deeply!
The Elementary School Counseling Team
Second Step - Unit 1 Information
In the coming weeks, classrooms will be covering Unit 1 of our Second Step Program. More information about Unit 1, including an overview of what your child is learning and how to practice new skills at home, is linked by grade level below.
Inclusivity Calendar Events for October
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.
- Filipino American Heritage Month - This celebrates the heritage and culture, as well as honors the contributions of Filipino Americans.
- German American Heritage Month - This celebrates the heritage and culture, as well as honors the contributions of German Americans.
- Global Diversity Awareness Month - A month to celebrate and increase awareness about the diversity of cultures and ethnicities and the positive impact diversity can have on society.
- Italian American Heritage Month - This celebrates the heritage and culture, as well as honors the contributions of Italian Americans.
- LGBTQIA+ History Month - It is dedicated to recognizing important moments and individuals in the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month - This observance was launched in 1945 when Congress declared the first week in October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1998, the week was extended to a month and renamed. The annual event draws attention to employment barriers that still need to be addressed.
- Polish American Heritage Month - This celebrates the heritage and culture, as well as honors the contributions of Polish Americans.
Specific Dates in September
- October 9: Columbus Day, is a holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492.
- October 10: World Mental Health Day, first celebrated in 1993, is meant to increase public awareness about the importance of mental health, mental health services, and mental health workers worldwide.
- October 10: National Indigenous Peoples Day, recognizes that Native people are the first inhabitants of the Americas, including the lands that later became the United States of America. And it urges Americans to rethink history.
- October 24: United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being.
October Holidays
- October 3: Birth of the Prophet Muhammad (Shia) (Islam)
- October 6-8: Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah (Jewish)
- October 15-24: Navaratri (Hindu)
- October 16: Birth of the Báb (Baha'i)
- October 17: Birth of Bahá'u'lláh (Baha'i)
- October 24: Daussehra (Hindu)
- October 28-November 27: Kathin (Theravada Buddhist)
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.
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
The Lincoln School Spirit Store is Now Open!
The Lincoln Elementary School PTA Spirit store is open now through 10/12! Check out the great selection of Lincoln and Mt. Lebanon apparel and gifts. All orders placed will be ready for school pick up on November 3rd or can be shipped directly to your home. Either scan the QR code or check out the website here!
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
Seeking Yearbook Photographers!
Volunteer to be a yearbook photographer! The PTA is looking for volunteers to take pictures at classroom parties and other events throughout the school year. All you need is your phone's camera. We are looking for one or two volunteers from each classroom. Please email LeboLincolnYearbook@gmail.com to let us know that you'd like to volunteer or to ask any questions.
Lincoln PTA Costume Collection
Lincoln PTA Sneaker Collection
Lincoln PTA Spirit Night at Urban Air Adventure Park
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