WHAT'S UP AT LINCOLN
Monday, September 20, 2021
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Happy Monday Lincoln Families,
I hope you had a great weekend and were able to spend some time doing what you love. It is hard to believe that we are already into the fifth week of school. This week is also the first week of Fall! As the weather becomes more unpredictable, please make sure the kiddos are coming dressed appropriately for the weather throughout the day.
Students also need to come to school with all their items needed for a successful day of learning. This includes their iPad, snacks and a water bottle. We are running through our stash of emergency water bottles so please remember to send your child with a reusable or plastic water bottle for the day.
Another gentle reminder. Please follow the direction of the crossing guard. The following streets are blocked off for the safety of our students:
Grove going Southbound
Harvard going east and westbound
Kenilworth (the cul-de-sac)
It is imperative that we continue this practice to keep kids safe before and after school.
I look forward to seeing our Lincoln Lions dressed to impress for Picture Day this Friday, September 24, 2021. If you have any questions regarding Picture Day, please contact the main office.
Take care,
Ms. Gordon
IMPORTANT DATES:
SEPTEMBER
24 - Picture Day
OCTOBER
11 - No School Indigenous Peoples' Day
Weekly Shield Testing Update
We are continuing to streamline the Shield Testing. A number of you have reached out regarding your child not being tested. We will be creating new bags for all students for the next testing to be sure all students are accounted for.
Please note that you will only receive an email (directly from Shield) if your child has a positive result. Additionally, Nurse Donovan will continue to support students and families around these related issues.
PICTURE DAY IS SEPTEMBER 24th
Interstate Studio is our vendor for Picture Day. You can place your order online by clicking here.
The code for Lincoln is 61966FA.
Ordering is available before and after picture day. Orders placed after picture day may be charged shipping and handling.
A message from the Nursing Office
Hello Lincoln Families:
We want to send a reminder that students cannot bring any food items that contain nuts of any kind or manufactured in a facility with nuts due to the health and safety of our students with severe, anaphylactic allergies. This includes snack and lunch.
This includes:
- Peanuts (including Peanut Butter)
- Almonds (including Almond Butter & Marzipan)
- Hazelnuts (including Nutella)
- Pine Nuts (this including Pesto & Pignolias)
- Pecans (this including Pralines)
- Coconuts
- Walnuts
- Pistachios
- Cashews
- Brazil Nuts
- Chestnuts
- Macadamia Nuts
Thank you so much for your partnership in keeping all of our students healthy and safe.
- Georgia Donovan
Student Attendance
If you need to pick up your child early for an early dismissal, please communicate the to the classroom teacher and email the office at lincolnattendance@op97.org
Extra Clothes and Extra Masks
We are also asking that all students have an extra mask on hand as well.
NEWS FROM DISTRICT 97
Share Your Thoughts on the Next D97 Superintendent!
District 97 Now Hiring!
District 97 is currently hiring for key positions to support in-person learning during the 2021-22 school year!
Certified Nursing Assistants
District 97 has immediate openings for certified nursing assistants. If you know anyone who is looking to work with children, earn competitive pay and support the safety and health of our school community during the 2021-22 school year, please encourage them to apply today at: https://www.op97.org/hr/employment.
Permanent Substitutes
District 97 has immediate openings for permanent substitute teachers. If you know anyone who is looking to work with children, earn competitive pay and give back to the community, please encourage them to apply today at: https://www.op97.org/hr/employment.
Lunch/Recess Supervisors
To support our students and staff during the school day, we are still seeking more parents and community members to serve as lunchroom/recess supervisors during the 2021-22 school year. It's easy to apply, and your time would have a direct impact on our schools. CLICK HERE to apply!
Reminder: Stay Home When Sick!
Staying home when sick is essential to keep COVID-19 infections out of schools and prevent spread to others. Symptoms that should be monitored daily by District 97 staff, families and students are:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
PREVIOUSLY SHARED INFORMATION
Update Around Remote Learning for Students Quarantined for COVID Reasons
I want to make sure that you are aware of the Updated Remote Learning Plan for a child who is unable to attend school due to COVID reasons and meets the eligibility requirements. Since the start of the 2021-22 school year, we have been providing remote instruction for quarantined students through the use of one of our permanent subs. However, this plan is simply not working for our students, who are losing much-needed access to their teachers and classroom instruction when they are required to quarantine at home. Additionally, our district, like so many others, is facing a shortage of substitute teachers, making it more difficult to implement the original plan for remote learning.
Although there are no perfect solutions to the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is our responsibility to meet the needs of our students and provide as much continuity of learning as possible. For the past week, District 97 has been engaged in discussions with leadership from the Oak Park Teachers’ Association (OPTA) to identify a solution that would provide greater access for students while they are quarantined or excluded from school. Together, the District is moving forward with a letter of agreement to provide a “window into the classroom,” or passive learning, to students who are quarantined or excluded from school. This change will be effective Monday, Sept. 13. CLICK HERE to learn more >
WELLNESS APPOINTMENTS
"Dr. Pérez makes wellness appointments for acute mental health support for students and families during after school hours on Wednesdays. The slots are 20 minutes and available to reserve on a weekly basis. Please reserve your student slot with some notes on your concerns. Also, parents should ensure their children attend on time to ensure each child is afforded the time needed to discuss their needs with the school psychologist.
FAQ
Who is the type of student that should participate?
If your child is in need of connecting with a mental health professional for issues that are new and impact their academic performance please reserve your slot to meet with Dr. Perez.
When would the appointments take place?
Wednesdays, after school, starting at 3pm for 20 minute sessions
What type of support would the student and or family receive?
The first session is an intake and consultation approach to designate next steps or resources relevant to the child's needs. The appointments can lead to skill building counseling sessions for at least 3 appointments, referrals to school based or community type services for ongoing support.
Where can I find the appointment calendar to reserve my child's spot?
Visit the google calendar webpage to reserve your Wednesday 20 minute slot.
Click the link - Lincoln Wellness Check-ins with Dr. Perez
UPCOMING AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Lincoln Boys Running Club Registration is open
Registration now open for fall Lincoln Boys’ Running and Wellness Club!
UPDATE - we have delayed our start date until Tuesday, Sept. 28th is open to all Lincoln 4th and 5th grade boys regardless of running experience or ability.
Let Me Run is a nonprofit wellness program that inspires boys to be themselves, be active, and belong. With a comprehensive curriculum that applies the power of running, the program encourages boys to develop their psychological, emotional and social health, in addition to their physical health. Twice a week for seven weeks, our Lincoln parent volunteer coaches lead the team through practice. Designed to amplify confidence, self-expression, and respect for others, each practice includes a lesson from the Let Me Run curriculum that incorporates running, games and activities. The season culminates in a 5k race that celebrates the boys’ personal growth. Watch the video at https://letmerun.org/about-the-program/what-is-let-me-run to learn more and email jgnolfo@gmail.com with any questions.
Here is some more info:
Cost
The cost for the season is $125/participant. There is the possibility of scholarships for those who qualify. Please contact us if the program fees would be a hardship for your family so that we may try to work something out. We can grant full scholarships for the program and the race fee for a number of participants who qualify for the free or reduced lunch program, but if you have another situation, please let us know. There is a separate fee for the 5K of $40 or less; we are trying to work out a discount or a waiver of these fees.
The work-out schedule and race
We plan on meeting from 3:00-4:30 pm every Tues and Thurs from Sept. 21st - Nov. 11th. Your child can be dismissed directly to the program. 10-15 minutes will be set aside for a snack. Oct. 21st is a half day, and Nov. 2nd there is no school; we likely won't meet those days. We have an extra week reserved in case of rain or weather cancellations. In the event of a weather cancellation, we do not have any indoor practice space and the practice will be postponed. We would make every attempt to let you know as far in advance as possible.
The 5K race that works best for us right now is the Jingle Run at Cantigny Park on November 20th. We will make every attempt to ensure that transportation to the race is not a barrier to participation.
Other considerations
If there are other considerations or accommodations needed to facilitate your child's participation in the program, please reach out to inquire.
To sign up
Please visit https://letmerun.org/registration to register your child.
Email jgnolfo@gmail.com with other questions.
Black Girls Matter
Information from District 97
2021-22 Frequently Asked Questions
District 97 has created a 2021-22 FAQ page based on the top questions we have received over the past few weeks. Topics include ventilation, remote learning, vaccination and travel.
Our back-to-school plan is linked below and can also be found, along with other COVID-19 resources and information, by going to https://www.op97.org/back-to-school.
About Us
Email: lincolnoffice@op97.org
Website: op97.org/lincoln
Location: 1111 South Grove Avenue, Oak Park, IL, USA
Phone: 708-524-3110
Twitter: @UpAtLincolnOP