Looking Ahead at Lincoln
Week of February 28 - March 4, 2022
Day Rotation
Week of 2.28-3.4.2022
- Monday – Day 1
- Tuesday – Day 2
- Wednesday – Day 3
- Thursday – Day 4
- Friday – Day 5
Week of 3.7-3.11.2022
- Monday – Day 1
Tuesday – Day 2
Wednesday – Day 3
Thursday – Day 4
Friday – Day 5
Letter from Dr. Steinhauer
February 25, 2022
Dear Mt. Lebanon Families,
As you may have heard this afternoon, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidance for masking related to transmission levels in the community. The CDC has identified Allegheny County at the low level. Therefore, in accordance with the CDC guidance, the District will no longer require masks indoors, but wearing a mask remains optional for any individual. Know that some of our faculty and staff may choose to remain masked. We encourage staff and students who prefer to wear a mask to continue to do so. We will continue to have well-fitting masks available.
The District will be updating its Health & Safety Plan. Current guidance regarding isolation and quarantining may require individuals to follow the masking protocol. In addition, stay home if you are not feeling well, take advantage of testing, follow proper hygiene and handwashing. We will continue to offer a K-12 Asynchronous Instruction option for the remainder of the year. More information about this option can be found in the Education Plan.
Thank you for your continued support to keep our students, faculty, staff, and administrators safe.
Sincerely,
Timothy J. Steinhauer, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Lunch Clubs Updates
All lunch clubs will resume the week of February 28th. Because of our shift back to normal lunch hour, we had to make adjustments to locations and times for some clubs (especially for Grade 3 students). Please review this with your student(s). Our teachers will review these changes with the students before the lunch clubs resume as well.
Because of the number of clubs that had students mixed from Grades 1 & 4 and Grades 2 & 5, and how difficult it was going to be to switch all of those schedules around, here is how clubs will be run moving forward this session.
- Students will attend the lunch club they are scheduled for whenever it is scheduled
- If a lunch club is scheduled when a student typically has recess, they can attend the club and eat during their normal lunch period - this is what we have always done for lunch clubs
- If a lunch club is scheduled when a student typically has lunch, they can attend the club and eat during the opposite lunch period
We have enough open space in the lunch room to accommodate students if they have to eat during a different lunch time due to attending their lunch club. I know this adds a bit to the confusion for some students each day, but we think this is going to be the option that works right now. Should you have any questions please connect with Dr. Kitsko at rkitsko@mtlsd.net or Mrs. Anna Rutledge at a.hartenstein@gmail.com
Lincoln Winter Olympics 2022 Come to a Close
Our students were eager to close the Lincoln Winter Olympics 2022 on Friday, February 25, 2022. During the last two weeks, students participated in the virtual opening ceremony and the "Parade of Nations"; learned about their country in their classroom and encores classes; decorated their classroom doors to show off their selected country; competed against their fellow country members in Winter Olympics events in PE class; and competed against their fellow grade level countries in the Winter Olympics Medal Round on February 16-17, 2022.
Below you can see the final standings showing how the countries fared in the competitions.
Grade 1
- GOLD – Mrs. O'Shea's class – Germany
- SILVER – Mrs. Locke’s class – Mexico
- BRONZE – Mrs. LoVerde’s class – Japan
Grade 2
- GOLD – Mrs. Zapko's class – Iceland
- SILVER – Ms. Brown's class – Netherlands
- BRONZE – Mrs. Rivera's class – Spain
Grade 3
- GOLD – Mrs. Crouthamel's class – Italy
- SILVER – Ms. Testa's class – Greece
- BRONZE – TIE - Mrs. Flinter's class – United Kingdom & Mrs. Seiferth's class – Canada
Grade 4
- GOLD – Ms. Pugh’s class – France
- SILVER – Mrs. Higgins' class – Switzerland
- BRONZE – Mrs. Maehling’s class – Austria
Grade 5
- GOLD – Ms. McElhinny’s class – Norway
- SILVER – Mrs. Woessner’s class – Ireland
- BRONZE – Mr. Ogg's class – Israel
We are so proud of the students’ efforts throughout the Lincoln Winter Olympics 2022. Their hard work, determination, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit helped them to represent their countries admirably! Although we are saddened to see the Lincoln Winter Olympics 2022 and the Winter Olympics in Beijing, China, come to close, we know that our students have created memories that will last for years to come.
We would be remiss if we did not give a big “Thank You!” shout out to Mr. Yannascoli, the Lincoln teachers and staff. If it was not for all of their efforts under Mr. Yannascoli’s leadership as our Lincoln Winter Olympics director, none of this would have been possible. Check out our very own Lincoln Winter Olympics 2022 Closing Ceremony highlight video by clicking the link below. Enjoy!
Lincoln Winter Olympics 2022 Closing Ceremony highlight video
Lincoln Science Fair 2022 Highlights
The Lincoln Elementary Science Fair, sponsored by the Lincoln PTA, was held on Thursday, February 24th. It showcased many Lincoln students' talent for science! This year's science fair was open to students in Grades 2 – 5. We want to thank Dr. Shelly Burr and Mrs. Nicole Fitzpatrick for serving as the Lincoln PTA Science Fair committee co-chairs. Under their leadership, this year’s science fair was a resounding success! A special thank you goes out to Mad Science for sponsoring the activity room for our students and our guest judges for taking time to offer their time and talents at the science fair. Our judges had some difficult decisions to make. In the end, the following students' projects were recognized by the judges as one of the top entries in each grade level category.
Second Grade
1st Place - Mirabel Fitzpatrick
2nd Place - Hadley Miller and Maggie Babst
3rd Place - Marley DeCecco and Arya Ghildyal
Third Grade
1st Place - Ben Shrayber
2nd Place - Dalton Burr and Ian Rutter
3rd Place - TIE
- Silas Minczeski and Marco Mauro
- Declan Nagle and Jonas Nagle
Fourth Grade
1st Place - Paige Gentzel and Bells Patrick
2nd Place - Cameron Johnson
3rd Place - Scottlyn Rutter and Izzy Strother
Fifth Grade
1st Place - Henry Jurczak
2nd Place - Isla Gentzel
3rd Place - TIE
- Weston Chernysh
- Kiernan Lahoda
GO ZONE Reminders
DROP OFF
- Open from 8:25 - 8:35 am in the morning
- Pull your vehicle forward as far as possible
- There is NO parking in the GO ZONE or school parking lots
- Parents/Families are to remain in cars
- Only release students on to the curbside of your vehicle
- Once your child exits the vehicle, do not wait in your vehicle to watch them enter the building
- If the GO ZONE is full, please make a loop around the block
- Make every effort to not block the Beverly and Ralston intersection
- Do not drop off students at the parking lot entrance as we have a van that drops off students in this area
- Please make sure others who are dropping off your students(s) are familiar with the process
- Student day ends at 3:30 pm
- Pull your vehicle forward as far as possible
- Have your family number card clearly displayed
- There is NO parking in the GO ZONE or school parking lots
- Parents/Families are to remain in cars
- If the GO ZONE is full, please make a loop around the block
- Once your student(s) enter the vehicle, please exit the GO ZONE so others can get in
- Do not pick up students at the parking lot entrance as we have a van that picks up students in this area
- Please make sure others who are picking up your student(s) are familiar with the process
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
Upcoming Events
Patterns of Pride: A Celebration of African-American Arts and Culture
On Monday, February 28th, we we will host a program entitled, Patterns of Pride: A Celebration of African-American Arts and Culture. This program comes to us from the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. This dynamic performance follows the journey of a solo artist who learns about the power of collaboration and community. As they prepare for The Festival, the artist begins to feel that “something is missing.” Luckily, they encounter other artists who have the skills and knowledge that are needed to create a truly collaborative and thrilling performance for The Festival. This performance engages the audience with a variety of opportunities for interaction throughout and features professional African American artists from the Pittsburgh region.
We want to thank the Lincoln PTA for sponsoring this worthwhile program for our students! The program schedule is listed below.
Celebrate Reading Is For Everyone!
We will host our annual "Celebrate Reading Week" on February 28-March 4, 2022. Each day. Dr. Kitsko and/or Mrs. Staub will be posting their own read aloud videos for students and staff to enjoy!
Theme Days for Celebrate Reading Week
Monday, February 28
- Celebrate that reading is for everyone!
- Wear your favorite hat
Tuesday, March 1
- Celebrate our favorite books!
- Dress in your favorite shirt
Wednesday, March 2
- Celebrate that reading is fun to do as a team!
- Wear you favorite sports team gear
Thursday, March 3
- Celebrate that reading is relaxing!
- Wear your pajamas or favorite comfy clothes
Friday, March 4
- Celebrate being a community of readers!
- Dress in your blue and yellow LEBO gear
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!
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
The Book Fair returns to Lincoln Library, March 7-11, 2022. Some important reminders about the event are listed below:
- All homerooms will get to visit the book fair for shopping.
- Adults may shop with their child during assigned time. Please register at the office upon arrival and leave through the office when done at the Book Fair. (You must bring your PHOTO ID (Driver's License or other approved ID) for our security tag system.)
- During book fair week, there will be no library book circulation.
Please see the attached documents for more information:
Thank you for supporting our Book Fair! Profits help to fund classroom libraries, the Lincoln Library collection and author visits!
Please contact Mrs. Staub with any questions at mstaub@mtlsd.net.
Spring Forward
Daylight Savings will begin at 2:00 am on Sunday, March 13, 2022. Don’t forget to move your clocks forward one (1) hour before heading to bed on Saturday.
Wear Something GREEN Spirit Day - March 17th
All students and staff are encouraged to wear something GREEN on Wednesday, March 17th. Did you know that GREEN is the school color for Lincoln? Join us as we show our school pride by wearing something GREEN this date!
End of Quarter and Report Cards for Quarter 3
The 3rd Nine Weeks ends on Friday, March 18, 2022. Grades and report cards for Quarter 3 will go live in Dashboard and be emailed to families on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. Questions about the grades and comments posted for individual students should be directed to the appropriate classroom teacher.
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 2022 PSSA testing window is scheduled for April-May 2022. Our students in Grades 3-5 will take the PSSA ELA tests on April 26–28, 2022; and they'll complete the PSSA MATH tests on May 2–3, 2022. Grade 4 students will complete the PSSA SCIENCE tests on May 4–5, 2022.
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. Additionally, the homeroom teachers may send to you classroom and grade level specific testing logistics and information.
Important information
2021-2022 Lincoln Yearbook Ordering
It’s time to order your 2021– 2022 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 25, 2021.
Ordering online is easy. Go to https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/ and enter the Lincoln Elementary School number – 13585 and follow the on-screen directions.
For paper orders, print and fill out the form (attached to the link below) and submit to your child’s teacher with $10.00 in cash or check payable to “Lincoln Elementary PTA”.
If you have questions or need financial aid, contact Erin Davies at erindawndavies@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.
5th Grade Farewell Fundraiser
Lincoln Tribute to Mrs. Lewis
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. Debra Lewis who retired 2 years ago after 25 years as a Reading Specialist in our District. The mural will be located in the main floor hallway, and will feature one of Mrs. Lewis’s favorite children’s books, Something from Nothing by Phoebe Gilman.
If you would like to contribute, you may write a check payable to Lincoln Mural Fund and write "Mrs. Lewis'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 contribution.* 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. Lewis'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…
As a new semester begins, we humbly recognize National School Counseling Week (2/7-2/11) and the opportunity this district has given us to support all students and their families. This year’s theme is “Better Together”, and we are fortunate that our school communities continue to work together to provide the best support for our students. We also take the opportunity to highlight the kind words and acts of so many as we recognize Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Week (2/14-2/18) and RAK Day on February 17th. In the words of Maya Angelou, “[We’ve] learned that people will forget what you’ve said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” We are here to help, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if there is something we can do to help your child learn and grow at school.
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. Wendy Blough at wblough@mtlsd.net.
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