The Lion's Roar
News & Events for Lincoln Families | October 20th, 2019
IMPORTANT DATES/THINGS TO REMEMBER
October
Coffee & Conversation with Principal Zaniolo (Roundtable discussion format) -- One more session next week - October 23 (Spanish Immersion) from 6:00-8:00pm
Walking fieldtrip to Oak Park Conservatory for Mrs. Weber’s class October 22
Walking fieldtrip to Oak Park Conservatory for Mrs. Barker’s class October 23
Walking fieldtrip to Oak Park Conservatory for the BigMac class October 24
Walking fieldtrip to Oak Park Conservatory for Mrs. Zarosl’s class October 25
*correction* Walking fieldtrip to Oak Park Conservatory for Ms. Rudin’s class October 30
*correction* Walking fiieldtrip to Oak Park Conservatory for Mrs. Nagano’s class October 29
Parent/Teacher Conferences - Thursday and Friday, October 24th and 25th, beginning at 11:00 am. School will dismiss at 11:00 am on both days.
Picture retake Day - October 30
Fieldtrip to Alder Planetarium for all 5th grade homerooms - October 30
Halloween Parade - October 31st (Information below)
November
Institute Day - No School for Lions - Friday, November 1st
PTO Meeting at Lincoln Media Center - Wednesday, November 6th
First Trimester ends on November 15
No School November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break
A Message From Principal Zaniolo...
Hello Lincoln Families!
I hope you are enjoying this wonderful Fall weather! We have two more weeks of October left and some very exciting developments and events are on the horizon. Big sections of the construction fencing have come down, opening up more space on our back lot. The playground is almost complete and should be ready any day now. This coming week, we are looking forward to seeing all of you at our Fall Parent Teacher Conferences. Next week, we will have our annual Halloween Parade. There is a LOT to look forward to!
In this edition of The Lion's Roar, I would like to share several of the community learning opportunities happening soon. Our partners, The Lincoln PTO, The Lincoln Diversity Committee, and The Collaboration for Early Childhood are coordinating/sponsoring different workshops and events grounded in themes of equity. These events are important opportunities for us to learn from each other and to better understand perspectives and experiences different from our own. It is also the opportunity to look introspectively at our own experiences, roles, and responsibilities in this work of creating equitable opportunities and experiences for all members of our community. I hope you join me in this learning and I will continue to share these types of events throughout the school year.
In partnership,
Laura Zaniolo
(she / her / hers)
Lincoln Lion & Principal
Abraham Lincoln Elementary
The next edition of The Lion's Roar, my Principal's newsletter, will come out in 2 weeks. See you then! Time-sensitive news or clarifications will still be sent out as needed.
Two Weeks of Life "Up At Lincoln"
Hispanic Heritage Celebration!
These Friends Are Excited About the New Playground!
4th Grade Leaders Helping at Recess
Kindergarten Pumpkin Farm Field trip!
5th & Kindergarten Buddy Reading!
& More Buddy Reading!
Book Club Has Begun!
Lincoln Lions READ!
1st Grade Field Trip to Maze Library
Parent / Teacher Conferences
Home Avenue Pedestrian Bridge
The Home Avenue pedestrian bridge is now open to pedestrian / bicycle traffic. All construction materials, equipment and detour signs has been removed. The standard school walking routes are once again in effect
Information From Our PTO
Book Fair
Calling all book lovers! The Lincoln PTO is hosting a Book Fair in conjunction with fall conferences. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to purchase new books and the PTO receives a portion of the proceeds. Volunteers are needed Tuesday, October 22; Thursday, October 24; and Friday, October 25. There are slots during and after school, as well as in the evening, and kids are welcome to accompany volunteers.
We need your help to make it happen! Check out the sign-up link below and grab a spot that works best for you!
Thursday, October 25, 2019 - 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 26, 2019 - 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Join Us!
The next meeting is scheduled for 11/6 at our very own Lincoln Media center. Details to come.
Community Learning Opportunities...
Community Screening & Discussion of "No Small Matter" - Monday, October 21st @ Lincoln
Please join The Collaboration for Early Childhood's screening and panel discussion of clips from the film No Small Matter! Monday, October 21st, 4pm-6pm at Lincoln.
No Small Matter is a feature-length documentary film and national engagement campaign that brings public attention to the importance of early childhood by sharing powerful stories and stunning truths about the human capacity for early intelligence and the potential for quality early care and education to benefit America’s social and economic future. This multifaceted project reveals how our country is raising its youngest citizens, why making the most of this time in their lives is so crucial, and most importantly, what we can do to change the perception of when learning begins.
No Small Matter provides an unprecedented opportunity for community members to engage in rich conversation and to re-examine our systems and assumptions about children ages 0-5. The selected clips will allow for focused discussion grounded in the work you do with and for young children every day.
Immediately following the screening, there will be a panel discussion featuring:
- Anita Andrews Hutchinson, Early Childhood Educator/Entrepreneur
- David Stovall PhD, Professor of African-American Studies
- Marion Ivey, District 97 Early Childhood Teacher
- Natalie Y Moore, Preschool Parent & , Journalist
- Moderator: Heather Duncan, Collaboration for Early Childhood, Director of Early Learning
Gender and Identity Workshop
This event aims to create an inviting space that will encourage learning and open dialogue around gender and sexual identity. In addition, there will be discussion around language (e.g. pronouns) and practical resources to promote a conscious and inclusive community in which all feel welcome. The Parent workshop and panel will be facilitated by Nat Duran from the Public Health Institute of Metropolitan and the kids workshop will be facilitated by Hal Patnott for the Oak Park Public Library. Event is FREE! Please register here
Super STEAM Saturday!
The Race Conscious Dialogues - Workshop Series
In partnership with our PTO, many members of our Lincoln community have engaged in this important learning opportunity. The next round of cohorts will be available soon.The Race Conscious Dialogues workshop series engages people who are white in examination of identity, power and privilege, then develops tools effective participation in racial justice efforts.
https://raceconsciousdialogues.org/register/2019/8/22/winter-2020-intensive-format
Previously Communicated Information...
Halloween Parade
For those of our families who celebrate Halloween, many of you are starting to discuss costumes choices with your child. Although students are not required to wear costumes, we recognize that they are a fun and creative part of our schools' Halloween activities.
Our goal is to create a positive learning environment where all students, staff and families feel a sense of belonging. In that spirit, we ask that you take care to ensure that your child’s costume choice does not portray a stereotypical image of any group of people or culture, or be offensive to any one racial, ethnic or religious group. We also ask that costumes do not include masks, weapons, or any depiction of violence. We appreciate you being proactive with your child in making thoughtful costume choices.
At Lincoln, we orchestrate a walking costume parade on October 31st. The entire school walks the surrounding blocks in their Halloween costumes. This year the parade will take place near the end of the day at 2:00 pm. We ask that families send children with their costumes in their backpacks on that day. While some families choose to pick up students at lunch time to take them home to get ready for the parade, we recommend sending your child with their costume and letting them get ready at school. If you prefer your child not participate, please let your teacher know. There will be alternative learning activities available.
To support you in your conversation with your child and to build your understanding around this topic, we have compiled links to resources that you may find helpful. Thank you for your continued support of our students and schools.
Resources
- "I Am Not a Costume" (information about Laurier Students' Public Interest Research Group campaign)
- “We’re a Culture, Not a Costume” (article about Ohio University campaign)
- "Teaching Tolerance" (a lesson for classrooms and can be applied at home)
- "Teaching Tolerance: Teach About Blackface and Other Racist Halloween Choices" (written for educators, but provides useful prompts for discussions at home)
Kid's Clothing Drive
Bring gently used children’s clothing to one of the donation boxes outside the office by October 25th.
Donations benefit the Kids Kloset of the First United Church of Oak Park
Thank you for your support!
-The Lincoln Girl Scouts
Questions? Contact Rachel Stark @ rachellada@gmail.com
Lincoln Is Hiring for Lunch & Recess Supervisors
Attendance & Absences
If you prefer, you can call the attendance line at 708-665-3067
Celebrating the Lincoln Team
Families, have you noticed a Lincoln teacher or staff member who deserves a compliment or a thank you? Has this person made a difference for your Lion? Please share the reason in a brief message to me using this link, WeAreAllLions!, so that we may recognize and thank them!
Contact Principal Zaniolo
Email: lzaniolo@op97.org
Website: https://www.op97.org/lincoln
Location: Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Grove Avenue, Oak Park, IL, USA
Phone: (708) 524-3110
Twitter: @MsZaniolo
Contact Our Lincoln PTO
- Send Us An Email: We'd love to hear from you!
- What's Up at Lincoln (WUAL): Lincoln PTO's e-newsletter to stay up to date with all the offerings, activities, and opportunities provided by your PTO. Make sure to subscribe using the link above.
- Lincoln PTO Facebook Page
- Lincoln Parents' Facebook Group Page - Hosted by PTO
- Lincoln PTO Website
- Kindergarten - Oak Park Lincoln Class of 2025 Facebook Page: Led by Lincoln kindergarten parents and assisted by PTO, this is a new resource page for 2019-20 Kindergarten parents to connect, meet some other new families, and ask questions!