Looking Ahead at Lincoln
Week of April 4 – 8, 2022
Day Rotation
Week of 4.4 – 4.8.2022
- Monday – Day 1
- Tuesday – Day 2
- Wednesday – Day 3
- Thursday – Day 4
- Friday – Day 5
Week of 4.11 – 4.15.2022
- Monday – Day 1
Tuesday – Day 2
Wednesday – Day 3 - Early Dismissal at Noon
Thursday – Spring Break - No School
Friday – Spring Break - No School
Recent Events
Video Link for District Orchestra Concert from March 28, 2022
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Field Trips
The following field trips are scheduled in April. Please make sure that the students have submitted the appropriate permission forms to the classroom teachers in advance of the trip. Parent 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.
Grade 4
- Pittsburgh Botanical Gardens
- Tuesday, April 5, 2022
- 8:45 am – 2:00 pm
Grade 3
- Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium
- Monday, April 11, 2022
- 8:45 am – 2:00 pm
Grade 1
- Schools to Parks – South Park
- Friday, April 22, 2022
- 8:45 am – 12:45 pm
Pupil Attitudes to Self and School (PASS) Survey
As you know, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) has been a focus of the District for several years, and is especially important as we continue to recover from the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of our ongoing search for tools and resources to support students and their families, we have determined the need for an SEL assessment to guide our efforts.
Your student’s participation in a brief survey will assist us in uncovering and addressing the social and emotional well-being of our students. Therefore, we are asking that all students enrolled in our school complete the Pupil Attitudes to Self and School (PASS) survey. Please be assured that student confidentiality will be strictly protected.
PASS provides teachers with highly reliable and valid information into how students feel about themselves as a learner and how they feel about school. Research backed and standardized, PASS allows schools to detect possible barriers to student learning, including issues around confidence, resilience, motivation, and concentration. The PASS survey will allow our school to proactively address non-academic barriers to learning, which can compromise the wellbeing and academic success of our students.
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 inform your child’s teacher. Questions about PASS can be directed to your principal or me at mirvin@mtlsd.net.
Sincerely,
Marybeth D, Irvin, Ph.D.
Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education
Paraprofessional Appreciation Day - April 6th
"Paraprofessional Appreciation Day honors paraprofessional educators, who may also be known as paras, instructional assistants, or teacher's aides. It is unknown how the day began, but some sources claim it was first designated by a Missouri governor, although it is not known when this occurred. Paraprofessionals perform a variety of teacher-related jobs and often assist teachers in classrooms. They may work with students on supplemental enrichment activities, either in small groups or one-on-one. They may also help students complete assignments or practice reading. Paraprofessionals often work with students with special education needs and a variety of disabilities. They may also supervise students outside of classrooms and help teachers with clerical work."
(quotation from https://www.checkiday.com/01ce443cf2895e95dfc8798ae610ce8a/paraprofessional-appreciation-day)
Here at Lincoln we say "THANK YOU!" to the following paraprofessional staff members:
- Mrs. Beverly Gray
- Mrs. Lori Green
- Mrs. Helen Kurek
- Mrs. Cindy Nichols
- Ms. Amy Peeler
- Ms. Stephanie Taylor
EARLY DISMISSAL ON April 13th
- Students in Grades 1 – 5 will have an early dismissal at Noon on Wednesday, April 13, 2022. Students will not eat lunch in the school this date.
- Students will be able to order and take home a school lunch this date. Students will order their lunches just like they do on other school days.
- Morning kindergarten will run as regularly scheduled.
- Afternoon kindergarten is cancelled this date.
Spring Break - April 14-18, 2022
Students will be on spring break from Thursday, April 14 – Monday, April 18. School resumes for students and staff on Tuesday, April 19, 2022. We hope that everyone has a restful and safe spring break!
PSSA Testing Information
The District will be administering the PSSAs this year in compliance with the PA Department of Education's direction. The results we achieve on these exams provide us with valuable information that can be used to assess our students' knowledge of grade level standards, our teaching, and our educational programming. Our students have been working hard throughout the year and are prepared for these exams. The testing schedule is as follows:
- Students in Grades 3-5 will take the PSSA ELA tests on April 25–27, 2022
- Students in Grades 3-5 will take the PSSA MATH tests on May 2–3, 2022
- Students in Grade 4 will take the PSSA SCIENCE tests on May 4–5, 2022.
Please read the information below regarding the District's administration of the assessments:
Information for ALL Students
The PSSAs must be administered in person.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education does not provide a remote option to take the PSSA.
All students will need to report to the building to participate in the assessment.
Information for Waterfront Learning Students
Waterfront Learning students will attend in person for all testing days.
Students will test with their math class and/or other classmates, unless PDE approved accommodations are required.
Pre-approved absences are not able to be approved for any PSSA testing dates.
Additional Information for Students and Families
- Electronic Devices During PSSA Testing
- PSSA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Code of Conduct for Test Takers
More information about the upcoming PSSA testing schedule at Lincoln and other related resource documents, please check out my Google site at Lincoln Elementary School Assessment Information. If you have any questions or are in need of more information, please contact at the school office
Respectfully,
Dr. Ron Kitsko
Principal
Autism Awareness Month
The month of April is Autism Awareness Month and includes observances to highlight the increasing number of individuals identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the impacts on families and support services. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes ASD as a “developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavior challenges.” The Autism experience is different for everyone. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is often referred to as a “spectrum condition” that affects people differently and to varying degrees. Below, you will find some resources that could be used to help families talk about autism with their children at home.
Videos
Print Resources
Important information
Mt. Lebanon School District Kindergarten Registration - 2022-2023 School Year
Kindergarten registration is open for the 2022-2023 school year. To register a child for kindergarten, please complete the 2022-2023 Kindergarten Registration Sign-Up form. Upon completion, kindergarten parents will be directed to the online enrollment center where kindergarten parents can download and complete all necessary registration documents; if preferred, kindergarten parents may also request a registration packet to be mailed home. Kindergarten parents may submit completed packets digitally to Lincoln Secretary, Ms. Wendy Blough (wblough@mtlsd.net), or call the Lincoln Office, at 412-344-2147 to make an appointment to drop off registration materials.
Lincoln School Office staff will be in communication with kindergarten parents regarding kindergarten orientation and screening dates & times as spring approaches.
We look forward to your child joining us!
Lincoln Tribute to Mrs. Lazarchik
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. Lazarchik who retired last year after 34 years as a Speech and Language Pathologist in our District. The mural will be located in the top floor hallway, and will feature one of Mrs. Lazarchik’s favorite children’s books, The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau.
If you would like to contribute, you may give cash or write a check payable to Lincoln Mural Fund and write “Mrs. Lazarchik’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. Please email Bethann Rivera with any questions at brivera@mtlsd.net .
Please note, contributions in excess of what is needed for Mrs. Lazarchik’s mural will be used for future murals honoring Lincoln’s retirees.
Recess Temperature Reminder
As we have entered the season unpredictable and colder weather, I want to remind our students about what they should to wear during outdoor recess. Anytime the temperature dips below 50ºF, students should wear a jacket (of some type) outside. While it is a family decision as to what each student wears to school each day, I would suggest that students not wear shorts on days when temperatures are forecasted to be below 50ºF. Having an extra pair of pants available (left in a student’s locker) is a great way to avoid emotional situations if students wear shorts to school on cold weather days. When the thermometer dips even lower, students must be prepared to wear jackets, hats and gloves during outside recess. We will go outside if the “feels like” temperature is at or above 15 ºF. Students may be permitted on the field even if snow is present. However, snow-style boots are a must for this. We check AccuWeather and The Weather Channel apps for the current local temperature and “feels like” temperature at several times each day.
A Note From The Elementary School Counselors…
Spring has arrived and so has the last marking period of the school year! During the month of April we recognize National Autism Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Towards the end of this month and into May, our 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students will be taking the PSSAs. Below are some test taking tips, along with a Scholastic article about how to help your child prepare for standardized testing. Please know that we are here to support you and your child.
Community resources, linked here, continue to be available to help families with a variety of needs. Please know that we are all here to support you on this journey, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if there is anything that we can do to help your child and/or family!
The Elementary School Counseling Team
Weather School Delays and Cancellations
10:00 am start
Adult supervision at Lincoln begins at 9:50 am and the doors will be open for students to enter the school at that time.
Students should be in their classrooms by 10:00 am.
Students are considered tardy after 10:00 am.
The lunch schedule will run like normal.
Afternoon dismissal for students is still set for 3:30 pm.
10:00 am start - Morning Kindergarten Session Modified Schedule
- Morning kindergarten will start at 10:00 am.
- Students will be permitted to enter the school starting at 9:50 am.
- Students are considered tardy after 10:00 am.
- Morning kindergarten dismisses at 12:00 Noon.
10:00 am start - Afternoon Kindergarten Session Modified Schedule
- Afternoon kindergarten will start at 1:00 pm.
- Students will be permitted to enter the school starting at 12:55 pm.
- Students are considered tardy after 1:00 pm.
- Dismissal for afternoon kindergarten students is still set for 3:30 pm.
Cancellation
- All students will switch to a Remote Schedule unless otherwise instructed.
Phone Alert System
- In the event of a school delay or closing, you will receive an automated phone call from the District's Phone Alert System to the primary phone number you have listed with the school.
- Only one call per family is made.
- Calls are typically made no later than 10:00 p.m. and no earlier than 6:00 a.m.
- On rare occasions, school may be delayed or cancelled after 6:00 a.m. or a delay may be changed to a cancellation when there is a question about road conditions or extreme cold.
- Your caller ID will display “Mt. Lebanon School District” and the District’s main number of 412-344-2000.
- To opt into text alerts and update your preferences, please refer to this Mt. Lebanon SMS Alert Guide.
- The success of this system depends on accurate contact information obtained from school records.
- If your information has changed, please update your contact information in the Dashboard or ask the building secretary to update your files.
Information Sources for a Delay or Closing:
MTLSD website: www.mtlsd.org
School District Cable Channels 19 (Comcast) and 33 (Verizon)
Mt. Lebanon Public Access Channels 17(Comcast) and 34 (Verizon)
KDKA TV and www.kdka.com; WPXI TV and www.wpxi.com; WTAE TV and
KDKA Radio 1020 AM
Twitter: @MTLSD; @MTLSDSUPER
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MTLSD
Push notifications through the MTL APP
Check Your 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 Ms. Blough at wblough@mtlsd.net.
MTLSD COVID Symptoms/Exposure Notification Form - Students
As we continue to adapt our processes and procedures due to the ever-changing COVID-19 landscape, we have developed a universal COVID Symptoms/Exposure Notification Form for our families to use instead of emailing the school nurse, teacher, or using a building-specific form. This form will assist our nursing staff in responding more efficiently to COVID notifications.
Families who have a student with a confirmed positive case of COVID-19, experiencing symptoms, or exposed as a close contact to a confirmed or suspected case, should use this LINK in order to notify your school. The form will also be located on the District website and each school’s homepage. The COVID-19 environment is rapidly changing, and we continue to monitor developments and make modifications to our plans as necessary. If you have specific questions, please contact your student’s school nurse.
Sincerely,
Deanna Hess, MSEd, BSN, CSN, RN
Chair, Health Services Department
PTA Information
Mt. Lebanon PTA Council Information
Did you know that PTA Council maintains a fundraising webpage for all school related fundraisers throughout the district? Visit our page at https://www.mtlsd.org/family/pta/fundraisers to see how you can support our students at all grade levels AND to see how your school club/team/activity can share news about your upcoming fundraisers!
Visit and bookmark https://www.mtlsd.org/family/pta/community-flyers to learn more about what programs are offered throughout the Mt. Lebanon community for our kids! From the Public Library to the Rec Center to Mt. Lebanon Sports and Scouts - we want to help you find opportunities in Lebo for your kids.
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.
Dr. Ron Kitsko
Principal
Lincoln Elementary School
2 Ralston Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
412-344-2147
Twitter - @LinkedAtLincoln
We are RESPONSIBLE. We are RESPECTFUL. We are SAFE.
Email: rkitsko@mtlsd.net
Website: www.mtlsd.org/Lincoln
Location: 2 Ralston Place, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Phone: 412-344-2147
Twitter: @LinkedAtLincoln