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Looking Ahead at Lincoln
Week of November 6-10, 2023
Day Rotation
Monday –Day 4
Tuesday – No School - Election Day
Wednesday – Day 5
Thursday – Day 1
Friday – Day 2
Week of 11/13 - 11/17/2023
- Monday – Day 3
- Tuesday – Day 4
- Wednesday – Day 5
- Thursday – Day 1 - No School for Kindergarten Students (Conferences)
- Friday – Day 2 - No School for K-5 Students (Conferences)
Upcoming Events
Books of the Month
In honor of National Native American Heritage month, I have selected Fry Bread - A Native American Family Story, written by Kevin Noble Maillard, and We Are Water Protectors, written by Carole Lindstrom, as my books of the month.
I will be sharing Fry Bread - A Native American Family Story as a read aloud text with each homeroom in Grades K-2; while We Are Water Protectors will be shared with each homeroom in Grades 3-5.
The following summary of Fry Bread - A Native American Family Story comes from the Macmillan Publishers website at https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781626727465/frybread. Told in lively and powerful verse by debut author Kevin Noble Maillard, Fry Bread is an evocative depiction of a modern Native American family, vibrantly illustrated by Pura Belpre Award winner and Caldecott Honoree Juana Martinez-Neal.
Fry bread is food.
It is warm and delicious, piled high on a plate.
Fry bread is time.
It brings families together for meals and new memories.
Fry bread is nation.
It is shared by many, from coast to coast and beyond.
Fry bread is us.
It is a celebration of old and new, traditional and modern, similarity and difference.
The following summary of We Are Water Protectors comes from the Scholastic website at https://shop.scholastic.com/teachers-ecommerce/teacher/books/we-are-water-protectors-9781338784091.html . Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption―a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade.
Water is the first medicine.
It affects and connects us all . . .
When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth
And poison her people's water, one young water protector
Takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Dr. Ron Kitsko
Principal
NO SCHOOL - Election DAY - 11/7/2023
Due to the schools being used as election sites on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, there is no school for students this date. School resumes for the students on Wednesday, November 8, 2023.
Red, White and Blue Day, 11/10
In recognition of Veterans Day on Friday, November 10th, we will be having a red, white and blue spirits day at Lincoln.
Veterans Day Program
The annual Lincoln Veterans Day program will be at 10:00 am on Friday, November 10, 2023. This salute to local veterans is sure to be an awe-inspiring and emotional program for all in attendance. We want to thank Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Showalter, Ms. Angerett, Mrs. Staub, Mr. Yannascoli, the Lincoln staff and students who have prepared so diligently in advance of this program. We are asking everyone to wear red, white and blue to honor all veterans on this special day.
We are going to host our annual Veterans Day program in person. While we have room for our veteran guests, their immediate family, our students and staff, we are not able to open this up to the public. We will be livestreaming the program for those that want to participate virtually. Our planning committee is already hard at work behind the scenes. To make this special program which honors, celebrates and remembers the contributions of our local veterans what it needs to be, focused on our veterans, we need your help.
If you have a veteran connected with you or your family in any manner and would like us to honor that person during the program, please complete the form below. You can submit this form more than once for each veteran you want to have included in the program. If your veteran will be in attendance, please let us know this on the form as well.
Here is the slideshow from last year in case you need to check to see if you submitted a picture last year.
- LES Veterans Day 11.11.2022 slide show
Please submit the form with your veterans' information by October 27th so that our staff has time to prepare for the program. Should you have any questions about this event, please contact Mrs. Staub at mstaub@mtlsd.net or Dr. Kitsko at rkitsko@mtlsd.net. The Lincoln Veterans Day program is an event that we are proud of and are excited to see our veterans once again!
Family-Teacher Conferences
Family-Teacher conferences for students enrolled in Kindergarten – Grade 5 will be held as follows:
Thursday, November 16, 2023
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
- For Kindergarten student families ONLY
- K(AM) is NOT in session
1:00 – 3:30 pm
- For Kindergarten student families ONLY
- K(PM) is NOT in session
5:30 – 8:30 pm
- Kindergarten – Grade 5
Friday, November 17, 2023
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
1:00– 3:30 pm
- Kindergarten – Grade 5 students
- School NOT in session for all students
If you do not have a parent Dashboard login at this time please contact Mrs. Sektnan via email at dsektnan@mtlsd.net to obtain your username and password.
Family-Teacher Conferences Scheduling
On Friday, November 3rd at 6:00 am, the district will open up the Family Conference calendar. Family Teacher Conferences will be in person. Virtual Conferences can be requested by placing a comment on the time slot you have reserved. The classroom teacher will reach out and provide a link to the video conference.
Accessing the Family Teacher Conference system located in Dashboard. Log into Dashboard and click on More. Click on the Family Conference Calendar link and a new window will open. (This link will not work until November 4.) (See the images below)
Please refer to the Family Teacher Conference - Users Guide if you have any questions on how to navigate through the system. This guide is also located in Dashboard as well on the District’s Technology Resources Help Section.
Sign ups to the Family Teacher Conference will be closed on November 13th at 4:00pm. If you have any questions or issues with this conference system, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ron Kitsko
Principal
Scholastic Book Fair
The Book Fair returns to Lincoln Library, November 13-17, 2023. Some important reminders about the event are listed below:
- All homerooms will get to visit the book fair for shopping.
- Adults may shop with their child during assigned time. Please register at the office upon arrival and leave through the office. You must bring your PHOTO ID (Driver's License or other approved ID) for our security tag system.
- During book fair week, there will be no library book circulation.
- The Book Fair is also open during conferences
- Thursday, November 16 from 5:30-8:30 PM
- Friday, November 17 from 8:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Please see the attached documents for more information:
- Book Fair Promotional Letter
- Book Fair Schedule
- Book Fair Homepage
- E-Wallet Letter
- Volunteer Sign-Up Link
Thank you for supporting our Book Fair! Profits help to fund classroom libraries, the Lincoln Library collection and author visits! Please contact Mrs. Staub with any questions at mstaub@mtlsd.net.
Report Cards for Quarter 1
1st Nine Weeks grades and report cards will go live in Dashboard and will be emailed to families on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Questions about the grades and comments posted for individual students should be directed to the appropriate classroom teacher.
JEFF THE GEODE GUY
Our Grade 3 students have been studying rocks and minerals in science class. They are very excited to host Geologist Jeff Smith, who will visit with them on Thursday, November 16, 2023. Mr. Smith will present a hands-on interactive earth science program about the three rock groups and minerals to our Grade 3 students. A special emphasis will be placed on geodes. Mr. Smith’s program takes the students to Mexico and underground in an active geode mine and provides them the opportunity to view crystals that have never been seen by human eyes. We thank the PTA for funding this educational program.
Early Dismissal on November 22nd
- Students in Grades 1 – 5 will have an early dismissal at Noon on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. Students will not eat lunch in the school this date.
- BOTH sessions of kindergarten are cancelled this date.
Thanksgiving Break
School is closed for the Thanksgiving Break from November 23-26, 2023. School resumes for all students on Monday, November 27th. Be safe in your travels and we hope that everyone has a bountiful, restful, enjoyable and safe Thanksgiving Break.
Important Information
School Day Time Schedule
Grades 1-5
8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
1:00 to 3:30 PM
Late bells ring at 8:35 AM and 1:00 PM
Kindergarten (AM)
- 8:30 to 11:20 am
- Late bell rings at 8:35 AM
Kindergarten (PM)
- 12:40 to 3:30 PM
- late bell rings at 12:45 PM
Recess Temperature Reminder
As we have entered the fall weather season, 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. When the thermometer dips even lower, students should be prepared to wear hats and gloves during outside recess. We typically check AccuWeather and The Weather Channel apps for the current local temperature at approximately 11:55 am daily.
Absences and Excuses
When a student is absent from school, the family must send a written excuse or an email within 3 school days to their student's teacher. If the excuse is not provided to the teacher by the third day, the absence will be considered illegal. If a student accumulates more than three days of unlawful absences, an attendance hearing at the school will be held and the matter may be referred to the local magistrate.
When a student is absent for five or more consecutive days for health reasons, the student must be readmitted to the school through the Health Office.
Students will not be granted more than five (5) days of pre-approved absences (form linked here) during the school year. The district attendance policy can be viewed by accessing the following link - JED - Students Absences and Excuses.
Awesome Abe School Wide Positive Behavioral Program
What is a School Wide Positive Behavioral Program?
PBIS or Positive Behavioral Interventions or Supports is a school-wide positive behavior support system or set of strategies and systems to increase the capacity of schools to (a) reduce school disruption, and (b) educate all students including those with problem behaviors
- Clearly defined outcomes
- Research-validated practices
- Supportive administrative systems
- Use of information for problem-solving
WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF PBIS?
- Establish regular, predictable, positive learning & teaching environments.
- Train adults & students to serve as positive models.
- Teach and model behavioral expectations
- Create systems for providing regular positive feedback.
- Acknowledge students when they are “doing the right thing”.
- Improve social competence.
- Develop environments that support academic success.
Counselor's Corner by Ms. Herb
A Note From The Elementary School Counselors…
Dear Families,
This month, we recognize National Stress Awareness Day and World Kindness Day. In this issue, we’ve included some resources for teaching gratitude and kindness, as well as positive coping skills for managing and coping with stress. Practicing gratitude can improve your physical and mental health, which can also improve relationships and self-confidence. By shifting your thoughts and attitude toward gratitude, you can decrease stress and worry and increase positive thinking and reflection. Practicing kindness can have a similar impact on your social and emotional well being. Countries from around the world will be encouraging and promoting kindness on World Kindness Day. Consider encouraging your family to do the same. Let’s continue to help make gratitude and kindness the norm, and tell someone that you appreciate them.
- 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 November
Month Long Recognitions
- National Family Caregivers Month - Proclaimed in 2012 by Former President Barack Obama, it honors the more than 40 million caregivers across the country who support aging parents, ill spouses, or other loved ones with disabilities who remain at home.
National Native American Heritage Month - This celebrates the heritage and culture, as well as honors the contributions of Native Americans.
Specific Dates in November
- November 7: US Election Day is the annual day set by law for the general elections of federal public officials.
- November 10: Veterans Day, a U.S. federal holiday honoring military veterans. The date is also celebrated as Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day, in other parts of the world and commemorates the ending of World War I in 1918.
- November 16: International Day for Tolerance pays tribute to the values of peace, non-violence and equality on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi..
- November 19: International Men’s Day emphasizes the important issues affecting males, including health issues that affect males, improving the relations between genders, highlighting the importance of male role models, and promoting gender equality. This holiday is celebrated in over 70 countries.
- November 20: World Children’s Day, first established in 1954, it promotes international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare.
- November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance memorializes those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia and draws attention to the continued violence endured by transgender people.
- November 23: Thanksgiving Day is an annual national holiday in the United States and Canada celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year.
- November 25: Native American Heritage Day, designated by President George W. Bush in 2008, to pay tribute to Native Americans for their many contributions to the United States. Since then more than half of the states continue to celebrate this day.
November Holidays
- November 1: All Saints Day (Christian)
- November 4: Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru (Sikh, Hindu)
- November 12: Diwali (Hindu)
- November 12: Bandi-Chhor Divas (Sikh)
- November 24: Guru Tegh Bahadur's Martyrdom Day (Sikh)
- November 27: Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab (Sikh)
Lunch and Recess Information
Lunch and Recess Times
Lunch
- Grade 3 (1 class), Grade 4 & Grade 5
Recess
- Grade 1, Grade 2 & Grade 3 (2 classes)
12:25- 12:55pm
Lunch
- Grade 1, Grade 2 & Grade 3 (2 classes)
Recess
- Grade 3 (1 class), Grade 4 & Grade 5
12:55 pm
- Line up bell
12:58 pm
- Return to class bell
Technology Information
Schoology Tip of the Week
Schoology (LMS)
Schoology, the Mt. Lebanon School District's official Learning Management System (LMS) provides families with a deeper look into their student's classwork and learning progress. Calendars in Schoology will have school events listed as well as course events and assignments. Classroom assignments, due dates, reminders and other events will be posted by teachers in the Schoology calendar. We hope this video is useful as you get started with your account if you are new to Schoology.
Additionally, an orientation course for families, MTLSD’s Family Guide to Schoology, is available within the Schoology platform. Visit our website (www.mtlsd.org/families/technology/schoology) for directions to join this course. If you have questions or need support with Schoology, please email us at SchoologySupport@mtlsd.net.
Schoology Information for Families
For Families
- Families can sign into Schoology by going to app.schoology.com and signing in using the email address registered through PowerSchool.
- Once signed in, parents can follow these directions to join a course.
- The access code for Lincoln families to join MTLSD's Family Guide to Schoology is NTSQ-D33Z-MCD3R. Families with more than one student only need to join one course, though it is suggested to join a secondary course if the oldest student in that family is enrolled in one of our secondary schools.
- If you have not received initial communication from Schoology about your account, email us at schoologysupport@mtlsd.net.
For Students
- Students sign into Schoology using Clever, or at mtlsd.schoology.com with their Google account.
Other Information
Lincoln Tribute to Mrs. Majestic
The Lincoln Mural Committee, along with the support of our Lincoln PTA, has commissioned an artist to paint a mural in the school to honor Mrs. Majestic, who retired last year after 34 years as our art teacher. The mural will be located in the ground floor hallway, and will feature one of Mrs. Majestic’s favorite children’s books, Camille and the Sunflowers~ A story about Vincent van Gogh
by Laurence Anholt.
If you would like to contribute, you may give cash or write a check payable to Lincoln Mural Fund and write “Mrs. Majestic’s MURAL” on the envelope, which your child can give to their teacher, or drop off in the office. You may also pay via PayPal to bethannrivera120@gmail.com. Thank you for your contributions. This will be a lasting tribute for all to enjoy for many years to come. Feel free to share this information with anyone who you believe would want to contribute.
Email Bethann Rivera with any questions at brivera@mtlsd.net.
Please note, contributions in excess of what is needed for Mrs. Majestic’s mural will be used for future murals honoring Lincoln’s retirees.
Lincoln PTA Open Skate - POSTPONED
Frosty Shop is December 1st! Can you help us get ready?
We are working hard to get everything ready for Frosty Shop. We could use your help with assembling, tagging, packaging & crafting - no skill required! We have added days & times to the schedule, so please look HERE and sign up to help us in the Fan Room at Lincoln. (Seating is limited so please sign up for the time you plan on attending.)
If you don't have time but still want to help, please consider purchasing an item from our Amazon Wish List. We will be sharing a sign-up sheet soon asking for help with the setup and day-of activities. Frosty Shop is a really fun experience for the kids and we can't wait for it again this year!
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