January 20, 2023
Lincoln Middle School
The adolescent years are marked by a roller-coaster ride of emotions – difficult for students, their parents, and educators. It is easy to misinterpret depression as “normal” adolescent moodiness; however, depression (among the most common of mental illnesses) appears to be occurring at a much earlier age. Depression – which is treatable – is a leading risk factor for suicide. In addition, self-injury has become a growing problem among youth.
To proactively address these issues, Lincoln is offering depression awareness and suicide prevention training as part of the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program. The program aims to increase help-seeking behaviors among students concerned about themselves or a friend. Listed on SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices, the SOS program showed a reduction in self-reported suicide attempts by 40-64% in randomized control studies (Aseltine et al., 2007 & Schilling et al., 2016).
Our goals in participating in this program are straightforward:
To help our students understand that depression is a treatable illness
To explain that suicide is a preventable tragedy that often occurs as a result of untreated depression
To provide students with training on how to identify serious depression and potential suicidality in themselves or a friend
To impress upon youth that they can help themselves or a friend by taking the simple step of talking to a responsible adult about their concerns
To help students know whom in the school they can turn to for help if they need it
This program will be presented to all 6th graders on Monday, February 6, all 7th graders on Monday, February 13, and all 8th graders on Tuesday, February 21. The SOS program is brought to us by Elyssa’s Mission, a nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention. Elyssa’s Mission is the only organization in the state of Illinois to fund, distribute and implement SOS. To get more information on suicide prevention, visit their website at www.elyssasmission.org. Make sure to view their online Parent Presentation at https://elyssasmission.org/for-parents/ for specific information on warning signs and how to keep your child safe. We also encourage you to visit www.sossignsofsuicide.org/parent for information on warning signs for youth suicide, useful resources, and some of the key messages students will learn.
As part of the program, facilitators will show SOS video clips and lead students in discussion. Students will then complete a brief depression screener as well as fill out a Response Card indicating whether or not they would like to speak to an adult about themselves or a friend. The depression screening tool addresses thoughts and feelings that a parent may be unaware their child is having. This tool does not provide a diagnosis of depression, but rather alerts school staff to those students requiring further investigation. School mental health staff or a qualified community mental health partner will be available to meet with designated students; school staff will subsequently notify parents/guardians regarding any needed next steps.
If you have any questions and/or do NOT want your child to participate in the SOS program, please contact me prior to the program date. If we do not hear from you, we will assume your child has permission to participate in this program.
Sincerely,
Eric Larson, Principal
Lincoln News
Online Student Absence Reporting
We now have an online attendance reporting option where you can report your child's absence via the Lincoln Student Absence Form. By completing the form online, you do not need to call the office. If you are aware of future absences, you are encouraged to fill out the form in advance of the absence. You do not need to wait until the day before or the day of.
Families are encouraged to begin using the online attendance reporting tool. However, if you are having difficulty filling it out online, you are welcome to contact the office 847-394-7350, option 1, and Mrs. Harrington or Mrs. Moran will be happy to assist you.
Spring Chess Club
This club will provide students with an opportunity to further their chess knowledge and enjoy friendly competition with other club members. Please complete this form for your student to participate in the Spring Chess Club at Lincoln.
Creative Writing Club Podcast
Recognize a Lincoln Staff Member
Student Drop Off/Pick Up | West Parking Lot
Lincoln PTO News
PTO NEWS
MOD PIZZA DINE N SHARE! Join us this Monday, January 23 for our next Dine N Share fundraiser. Skip the meal planning and dishes on Monday and grab pizza! See the flyer for all the details.
SKI TRIP: Join us on Sun, February 12 for our annual ski trip! We are returning to Mountain Top at Grand Geneva in Lake Geneva this year. Discounted lift tickets available for the entire family! Rentals and lessons are also available as desired. REGISTER HERE by January 29 - don't miss out on the fun! See attached flyer for all the details.
LOVING LUNCHES VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Join the PTO for a sack-lunch packing event on Sunday, January 29 from 11:30am - 12:45pm. The Loving Lunches organization packs over 200 lunches every week to serve the homeless community in the Chicagoland area. If you can't make it, please consider donating food ideas that will be used at this event. This volunteer event will kick-off our Random Acts of Kindness Campaign for this year! See attached flyer for details and SIGN UP HERE!
CHICAGO WOLVES FAMILY DAY: Join us on Sunday, January 29 for Lincoln Family Day at the Chicago Wolves game. See the attached flyer for details and purchase your tickets HERE!
District and Community News
Repeat Information
Kindergarten Registration 2023-2024
Lincoln Middle School, District 57
Assistant Principal: Randy Steen | rsteen@d57.org
Assistant Principal: Keri Malow-Williams | kwilliams@d57.org
Building Secretary: Lynn Atkinson | latkinson@d57.org
Clerical Assistant: Robin Moran | rmoran@d57.org
Clerical Assistant: Annie Harrington | aharrington@d57.org
Email: elarson@d57.org
Website: https://www.d57.org/lincolnmiddleschool_home.aspx
Location: 701 West Lincoln Street, Mount Prospect, IL, USA
Phone: 847-394-7350
Twitter: @Lincoln_D57