Looking Ahead at Lincoln
Week of March 13-17, 2023
Important Information
2022-2023 Lincoln Yearbook Ordering
It’s time to order your 2022 – 2023 Lincoln Elementary School yearbook. Because of the amazing amount of money that Lincoln students raised from the Read-A-Thon, the PTA is able to cover some of the cost of each book this year! Cost is $10 per book (payment is due with order). Deadline to order is March 24, 2023. Order forms will be going home with students the week of February 27th. There are two ways to order - Use the paper order form or order online.
Paper Form Ordering
- Return your student's paper order form with cash, a check made out to “Lincoln Elementary PTA” or a note that you sent your payment via Venmo.
- Venmo payments can be sent to @lebolincolnpta-2022 (Write "yearbook" under "what's this for?")
Online Ordering
Enter the Lincoln Elementary School number – 13585
Follow the on-screen directions
If you have questions or need financial aid, contact Maggie Shiels or Erin Davies at lebolincolnyearbook@gmail.com. If you would like to donate a book to a student in need, please write “donation” under Student Name on the paper form, or choose the “Donate a Yearbook” option when ordering online.
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!
Lincoln Tribute to Mrs. Mellett
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. Mellett who retired last year after 29 years as a teacher in our District, the last 8 as Lincoln’s Math Support teacher. The mural will be located in the first floor hallway, and will feature one of Mrs. Mellett’s favorite children’s books, Kakalambalala by Jan Mogensen.
If you would like to contribute, you may give cash or write a check payable to Lincoln Mural Fund and write “Mrs. Mellett’s MURAL” on the envelope, which your child can give to their teacher, or drop off in the office. You may also donate 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.
*Contributions in excess of what is needed for Mrs. Mellett’s mural will be used for future murals honoring Lincoln’s retirees.*
A Note From Health Office - When to Keep Your Child Home From School
Healthy children are successful learners. Children work hard during the school day and need to be healthy to be able to put the needed energy into a school day. An ill child is not able to put forth their all to be a successful learner during a school day. To protect all the children in the district, Mt. Lebanon follows the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) Guide to Infectious Diseases; guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); and guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Knowing when to keep children home, helps protect everyone and gives the ill child time to recover. Please use the following guidelines in keeping your child home:
- Fever - greater than 100 degrees - Student needs to be fever free without the use of fever reducing medications 24 hours prior to return
- Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea - 24 hours since symptoms have subsided
- Contagious Illnesses - such as Strep Throat, Pink Eye, Positive Covid - 19, Influenza (flu), Unexplained/undiagnosed rash, Chicken Pox, Fifths Disease
- 24 hours have passed since the start of an antibiotic for an illness
- Continuous coughing/sneezing that impacts the child’s ability to learn and be in class
Practicing good health hygiene is important…please encourage proper handwashing and to cover your cough/sneeze. Please make sure to contact your child’s physician with any symptoms or concerns and to notify your child’s school nurse of any illnesses.
STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY!
Upcoming Events
March Books of the Month
In recognition of Women's History Month, I have selected the following books as my books of the month for March.
- Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
- Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos by Monica Brown
- The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca
I will be sharing Mae Among the Stars as a read aloud text with each homeroom in Grades K-1; Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos as a read aloud text with each homeroom in Grades 2-3; while The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin will be shared with each homeroom in Grades 4-5.
The following summary of Mae Among the Stars comes from the Scholastic website (Click here to access link)
- Little Mae is a girl with big dreams, a supportive loving family, unbounded passion, and all the right stuff to dance among the stars. Against all odds, she will overcome any obstacle to become an astronaut one day. This hardcover picture book, written by debut author Roda Ahmed and illustrated by Stasia Burrington, is not the typical picture book biography. It’s accessible and bursts with color, which makes it perfect for young readers who also have big dreams and even bigger hearts! Timely and inspiring, this book is a tribute to a woman whose belief and tenacity turned her into a modern-day hero. Mae’s story will inspire children to persevere, even in the face of doubt, and remind them that if you believe it and work hard for it, anything is possible.
The following summary of Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos comes from the Scholastic website (Click here to access link)
- Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos, written by Monica Brown and illustrated by John Parra, is based on the life of one of the world's most influential painters, Frida Kahlo, and the animals that inspired her art and life. The fascinating Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is remembered for her self-portraits, her dramatic works featuring bold and vibrant colors. Her work brought attention to Mexican and indigenous culture and she is also renowned for her works celebrating the female form. Brown's story recounts Frida's beloved pets-two monkeys, a parrot, three dogs, two turkeys, an eagle, a black cat, and a fawn-and playfully considers how Frida embodied many wonderful characteristics of each animal.
The following summary of The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin comes from the Amazon website (Click here to access link).
If you've ever felt different, if you've ever been low, if you don’t quite fit in, there's a name you should know… Meet Dr. Temple Grandin―one of the world's quirkiest science heroes!
When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe. In hardcover, The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin was the first book in the educational Amazing Scientists series about the inspirational lives of amazing scientists. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you'll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Temple herself!
Let me know if you have any questions.
Dr. Ron Kitsko
Principal
5th Grade Farewell Fundraising - Philly Pretzel Factory

PMEA Elementary Strings Fest Selections
Congratulations to the following 5th Grade students for being accepted to participate in the 2023 PMEA District 1 Elementary Strings Fest to be held on March 17, 2023, at North Hills Middle School.
- Beatrice Rutledge, violin
- Scarlett Shestak, violin
5th and 6th grade students from throughout Western Pennsylvania were selected to participate in a day-long musical experience which will culminate in an evening performance. Mr. Pierce Cook, Mellon Middle School Orchestra Director, will be the guest conductor.
Rock Your Socks 2023 for World Down Syndrome Day
Every year on March 21, people all around the world come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing brightly colored, mismatched socks. March 21 is symbolic because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of their 21st chromosome. Socks were chosen because the karyotype of Ds chromosomes actually looks like mismatched socks!
We can't wait to see how our students and staff Rock Your Socks on March 21st!
Attack Theatre Program - Sponsored by the Lincoln PTA
On Friday, March 31st, we will host the Science Moves! program from Attack Theatre.
“Simple machines come to life in this interactive dance performance by Attack Theatre. This engaging assembly program combines artistic, athletic, and expressive movement to embody STEAM concepts through the power of creative play. With bold physicality and cheerful camaraderie the dancers embark on a “live action book report,” bringing the fun-filled world of dance into a science classroom. Science Moves blends story-telling with the principles of science to enhance classroom learning through the spirit of invention. This program includes a robust curriculum guide that teachers can use in the classroom before and after the performance.”
More information about Attack Theatre can be found at their website linked here - https://www.attacktheatre.com/. We want to thank the Lincoln PTA for sponsoring this worthwhile program for our students!
PMEA Elementary Band Fest West Selections
Congratulations to the following 5th Grade students for being accepted to participate in the 2023 PMEA District 1 Elementary Band Fest West to be held on March 31-April 1, 2023 at Shaler Area Elementary School.
- Frankie Carney, Clarinet
- Oliver Davies, Trumpet
- Elisa Patrick, Alto Saxophone
5th and 6th grade students from throughout Western Pennsylvania were selected to participate in a two-day musical experience which will culminate in a performance on Saturday afternoon. We are very proud of these students' accomplishments and know that they will be wonderful representatives from Lincoln Elementary!
End of Quarter and Report Cards for Quarter 3
The 3rd Nine Weeks ends 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.
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 Information
The 2023 PSSA testing window is scheduled for April-May 2023. Our students we will take these assessments as follows:
- April 24- April 26: Grades 3 - 5 (PSSA ELA Test)
- May 1 and May 2: Grades 3 - 5 (PSSA Math Test)
- May 4 and May 5: Grade 4 only (PSSA Science Test)
Please note that NO pre-approved absences will be approved (for the aforementioned grades) during the dates listed above.
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

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.
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.
Click here to get help with your student's school device
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 February

Month Long Recognitions and Specific Dates in March
Month Long Recognitions
Irish American Heritage Month - This celebrates the heritage and culture, as well as honors contributions, of Irish Americans.
National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month - It was established to raise public awareness of the autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord and assist those with multiple sclerosis in making informed decisions about their health care.
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - This was established to increase awareness and understanding of issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Women’s History Month - Started in 1987, Women’s History Month recognizes all women for their valuable contributions to history and society.
Specific Dates
March 8: International Women’s Day, first observed in 1911 in Germany, it has become a major global celebration honoring women’s economic, political and social achievements.
March 21: World Down’s Syndrome Day is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The date was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, observed annually in the wake of the 1960 killing of 69 people at a demonstration against apartheid pass laws in Sloth Africa. The United Nations proclaimed the day in 1966 and called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.
March 25: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is a United Nations international observation that offers the opportunity to honor and remember those who suffered and died at the hands of the brutal slavery system. First observed in 2008, the international day also aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice today.
March 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility, celebrated to bring awareness to transgender people and their identities and recognize those who helped fight for rights for transgender people.
March Holidays
- March 1: Ayyám-i-Há (Bahá'í)
March 1-20: Nineteen Day Fast (Bahá'í)
March 6: Magha Puja (Buddhist)
March 6 - 7: Purim (Jewish)
March 8: Holi (Hindu)
March 8-10: Hola Mohalla (Sikh)
March 22 - April 21: Ramadan (Islamic)
March 25: Feast of Annunciation (Orthodox Christian)
March 30: Rama Navami (Hindu)

Other Information
RECESS TEMPERATURE REMINDER
As we are in the season of 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.
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.