Looking Ahead at Lincoln
Week of April 3-7, 2023
Day Rotation
Week of 4/3-4/7/2023
- Monday – Day 2
- Tuesday – Day 3
Wednesday – Day 4 - Early Dismissal at Noon - No School for Kindergarten
Thursday – No School - Spring Break
- Friday – No School - Spring Break
Week of 4/10-4/14/2023
- Monday – No School - Spring Break
- Tuesday – Day 5
Wednesday – Day 1
Thursday – Day 2
- Friday – Day 3
Important Information
Kindergarten Registration for the 2023 – 2024 School Year
Kindergarten registration packets for the 2023 – 2024 school year are available at all elementary school offices. Students MUST be 5 years of age BEFORE September 8th to be eligible for enrollment in kindergarten this fall. To register a child for kindergarten, please complete the 2023-2024 Kindergarten Registration Sign-Up form (It will open for submission on 2.1.23). 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, Mrs. Loree Sharp (lsharp@mtlsd.net), or call the Lincoln Office, at 412-344-2147 to make an appointment to drop off registration materials.
Click on the Links below for helpful information to begin this process:
Lincoln School Office 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!
Upcoming Events
End of Quarter and Report Cards for Quarter 3
The 3rd Nine Weeks ended on Friday, March 24, 2023. Grades and report cards for Quarter 3 will go live in Dashboard and be emailed to families on Monday, April 3, 2023. Questions about the grades and comments posted for individual students should be directed to the appropriate classroom teacher.
PMEA Elementary Band Fest West
Frankie Carney (Clarinet), Elisa Patrick (Alto Saxophone), and Oliver Davies (Trumpet) represented Lincoln Elementary School on March 31st and April 1st by participating in the PMEA District 1 Elementary Band Fest West held at Shaler Area Elementary School. These students were part of a large band that included 5th and 6th graders from all around the Pittsburgh area that took part in two strenuous days of rehearsals culminating in a concert on Saturday afternoon. Congratulations to these young musicians!
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
Early Dismissal on April 5
- Students in Grades 1 – 5 will have an early dismissal at Noon on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. Students will not eat lunch in the school this date.
- Both Morning and Afternoon kindergarten sessions are canceled this date.
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:
- Ms. Heidi Fimognari
- Mrs. Lori Green
- Mrs. Helen Kurek
- Ms. Vicky MacKenzie
- Mrs. Cindy Nichols
- Ms. Amy Peeler
- Mrs. Amy Work
Spring Break - April 6-10, 2023
Students will be on spring break from Thursday, April 6 – Monday, April 10. School resumes for students and staff on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. We hope that everyone has a restful and safe spring break!
Lincoln Science Fair 2023
2023 Science Fair
Calling All 2nd - 5th Grade Students
Reschedule to Thursday, April 13, 2023
6:00 - 8:00 PM
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Work by yourself or with a friend and discover something new! Projects can cover just about any topic. Your experiment can be done in an afternoon or over a few weeks—you get to choose!
All participating student scientists are asked to create a display board and speak knowledgeably about their projects. The Judges will visit each project and speak with the student(s). Further details and requirements will be emailed once we receive your online registration. You should expect an email with those additional details the coming weeks.
During the Science Fair, we will have snacks and science-based fun for the entire family. Every scientist will receive a participation ribbon and the top three projects at each grade level will receive trophies.
Science is Fun!
Bring out your inner wacky scientist and participate in the 2023 Lincoln Science Fair!
Register online by clicking this link.
If you are a parent willing to volunteer to help assist with the event, please click HERE to complete the volunteer survey.
PSSA Testing Letter from Dr. Irvin
Dear Families of Students in Grades 3, 4 and 5,
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) tests are scheduled to begin on April 24, 2023. While you will receive more information regarding testing from your child’s school and teacher, I wanted to make you aware of a few changes for the 2023 administration of these important assessments.
The biggest change is that the students will be taking these assessments online instead of via paper/pencil. There are several reasons for this change, most importantly, that it is more like the way our students currently are and will continue to be assessed in the future. As you know, our students take the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments online beginning in Kindergarten. Our teachers have been preparing the students for this change by providing practice with typing skills, online test taking strategies, and using practice tests.
Because of the move to online testing, students will be required to bring and leave their devices (and power cords) at school during the testing window. The devices will be locked in a “testing mode” and not used for other purposes during the testing period. Students in other grades will continue to be able to use their devices as normal in school and at home.
One important benefit of online administration of the PSSAs is that the results will be available more quickly, allowing the District more time to review the data and better prepare for our students’ strengths and needs in the upcoming school year.
Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher, principal, or me if you have any questions about the PSSA online or in general.
Best Regards,
Marybeth D. Irvin, Ph.D.
Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education
PSSA Testing Information
The 2023 PSSA assessment window is just around the corner. 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 24–26, 2023
- Students in Grades 3-5 will take the PSSA MATH tests on May 1–2, 2023
- Students in Grade 4 will take the PSSA SCIENCE tests on May 4–5, 2023.
Please read the information below regarding the District's administration of the assessments:
Information for ALL Students
ALL students in Grades 3-5 will take the ONLINE VERSION of the PSSAs this year.
Students have begun practicing using the online testing program so they are familiar and comfortable taking the PSSAs online.
Students in Grades 3-5 will be asked and expected to leave their Chromebooks and chargers at school starting on Monday, April 17th - this will allow us to make sure all devices are ready to go for testing the following weeks.
Students may used wired headphones or a wired mouse to complete the PSSA tests, if they choose.
Headphones and mice will not be provided to students by the school.
Bluetooth devices (both headphones, earbuds and mice) are not permitted.
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
Take Your Child to Work Day
Thursday, April 27, 2023, is Take Your Child to Work Day. If your student is participating in Take Your Child to Work Day this year, please consider using the attached form (linked below) to document your child’s excused absence. Paper copies are available in the school office as well.
Lincoln Talent Show – Lincoln Rising Stars!
Friday, May 12th at 6:00 pm
It’s Time for the 15th Annual Lincoln Talent Show - Lincoln Rising Stars!
Talents of all kinds are welcome, for current Lincoln students in K-5th grades!
- Instruments that are taught at school are showcased in special programs separate from the Talent Show, but we’d love to hear your piano, your drums, or even your kazoo!
- If you take lessons for any school instrument outside of school, you may audition with that instrument.
We know there is a lot of talent out there, so students may perform in only one act each. Each act is a maximum of 90 seconds. If you are performing as part of a group that includes 10 or more students, your stage time can be up to 2 minutes.
To be in the Talent Show, you MUST be available on the following dates:
⁂ Auditions: Wednesday, April 12th, 5pm
⁂ Rehearsal: Wednesday, May 3rd, 5pm
⁂ Dress Rehearsal: Tuesday, May 9th, 5pm
⁂ Talent Show: Friday, May 12th, 6:30 pm
(THESE DATES ARE FIRM AND ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY)
Signups will be done via Google Form, at the following link:
Please submit this form by Monday, April 10th to participate.
Please note it is important to check your email as all communication will come through email. If you have any questions, please email
5th Graders – Be on the Look Out for MC/Backstage Crew Signups!
PMEA Elementary District 1 Sing Fest Selections
Congratulations to the following 5th Grade students for being accepted to participate in the 2023 PMEA District 1 Elementary Sing Fest to be held on Friday, May 12, 2023 at West Allegheny High School.
- Esme Fracul-Conti
- Izabella Strother
- Thomas Wagner
150 fifth and sixth grade students from throughout Western Pennsylvania were selected to participate in this special musical event, which will serve to enrich their vocal abilities and overall musicianship. Students will work to prepare a number of challenging musical selections in the months leading up to the festival. On the day of this special event, they will rehearse with students from across the region, learn from a guest conductor, and present a concert for families. We are so proud of these students and know that they will represent Lincoln well!
Lincoln Gardening Volunteers
Frosty Shop 2023 - We Need You!
Work has begun to make Frosty Shop 2023 an amazing experience for our students. We have very little inventory leftover so there is a lot to do.
Would you like to be involved? Crafty or not crafty, we can use you!
- You can fill out this form to let us know how you're able to help
- Are you doing any spring cleaning? If you have extra craft supplies you no longer need, please consider donating them to Frosty Shop! Old crayons, Perler beads, fabric, beads for jewelry, yarn, molds, pom-poms, wine corks, buttons...anything you think we could make something out of! You can drop off donations at 106 Marlin Drive East, there will be a bin on the front porch.
You can contact us at our new email address LincolnFrostyShop@gmail.com. We look forward to working with you!
Thank you,
Kim Tranquilli & Lorraine May
Technology Information
Investigations Math Resources
How many times have you said, "I don't understand this new math?" We have a solution! Investigations has a resource you can access online to help. Click on the button below, choose your child's grade level, and then the concept. Videos will be provided for every math concept that is taught.
Tech 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. As of the Fall of 2022, all online assignments will be collected through Schoology.
Calendars in Schoology will have school events listed as well as course events and assignments. Beginning in 2022-2023, the Schoology calendar will replace Dashboard/PowerSchool as the primary calendar for classroom activity. Classroom assignments, due dates, reminders and other events will be posted by teachers in the Schoology calendar.
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.
Schoology Family Experience
If you are interested in getting to know the family experience in Schoology, please consider checking out the following resources. The webinar series covered four major topics:
Each video is organized into "chapters," which you can use to find specific content within each video. You can do so either by scrolling across the video timeline, by clicking a chapter title, or by clicking a timestamp in the video description.
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.
Inclusivity Calendar Events for April
Month Long Recognitions and Specific Dates in April
Month Long Recognitions
- Autism Awareness Month - This was established to raise awareness about the developmental disorder that affects an individual's normal development of social and communication skills.
- Celebrate Diversity Month - It started in 2004 to recognize and honor the diversity surrounding us all. By celebrating differences and similarities during this month, organizers hope that people will get a deeper understanding of each other.
- Month of the Military Child - This honors the sacrifices made by military families worldwide, with an emphasis on the experience of the dependent children of military members serving at home and overseas
- National Arab American Heritage Month - This celebrates the heritage and culture, as well as honors the contributions of Arab Americans.
- National Volunteer Month - It was started in 1991 to encourage volunteerism at a young age. By volunteering, people can help save lives and create better environments for us all to live within. Thanking volunteers, such as volunteer fire and ambulance departments, is also an aspect of the celebration.
Specific Dates
- April 2: World Autism Awareness Day, created to raise awareness of the developmental disorder around the globe.
- April 14: Day of Silence spreads awareness about the effects of the bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) students.
- April 22: Earth Day promotes world peace and sustainability of the planet. Events are held globally to show support for the environmental protection of the Earth.
April Holidays
- April 2: Palm Sunday (Christian)
- April 4: Memorial of Jesus' Death (Jehovah's Witness)
- April 5 - 13: Passover/Pesach (Jewish)
- April 6: Theravada New Year (Buddhist)
- April 6: Holy Thursday (Christian)
- April 7: Good Friday (Christian)
- April 8: Visakha Puja (Buddhist)
- April 9: Easter (Christian)
- April 9: Palm Sunday (Orthodox Christian)
- April 14: Vaisakhi/Baisakhi (Hindu/Sikh)
- April 16: Easter (Orthodox)
- April 16: Pascha (Orthodox Christian)
- April 17 - 18: Yom Hashoah (Jewish)
- April 17: Lailat or Laylat Al-Qadr (Islamic)
- April 20 - May 2: Festival of Riḍván (Bahá'í)
- April 21-22: Eid Al Fitr (Islamic)
Other Information
RECESS TEMPERATURE REMINDER
As we are still in the season of unpredictable 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.
Reporting a Positive COVID-19 Case
If your child is experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your child's school nurse immediately. The direct contact for any illness/COVID-19 or injury related questions or reporting of symptoms should be your child's school nurse.
If your student is COVID positive, please complete the COVID Student Notification Form in addition to notifying the school nurse.
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. Sharp at lsharp@mtlsd.net.
Links to Other 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.
Email: rkitsko@mtlsd.net
Website: www.mtlsd.org/Lincoln
Location: 2 Ralston Place, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Phone: 412-344-2147
Twitter: @LinkedAtLincoln