A Message from Principal Zaniolo
1st & 2nd Grade Homerooms with Ms. Cooper and Mrs. Wilson
The "Big MAC" - A Multiage Learning Environment
Hello Lincoln Families,
I hope you and your Lion(s) are excited to start a new school year! We are eagerly awaiting your return. First of all, I would like to apologize for not sending this communication out sooner. Teachers will be reaching out to families beginning next week, so you will be able to get more information at that time. Also, please feel free to reach out to me if you have additional questions.
This year, your lion will be part of a multiage classroom for 1st and 2nd grade. The “Big MAC” is a multiage learning environment that has been in place at Lincoln for over 25 years. What this means for you and your child is that two of our classrooms, one 1st grade and one 2nd grade, combine at different parts of the day for team learning. This team learning and team teaching currently occurs during the social-emotional learning time, as well as, the science and social studies classes. All other content areas are taught by the single grade level teacher. The space itself is a double-classroom with a moveable wall divider. This year, Ms. Cooper (1st grade) and Mrs. Wilson (2nd grade) are the lead teachers for these classes.
I understand there has been mixed communication regarding whether this instructional grouping model will continue this year. The answer is yes, we will continue this multi-age learning environment for the 2019-20 school year. There are many benefits to multiage, multigrade grouping, specifically, the potential for differentiating instruction and instructional support through team teaching. Our teachers also integrate social emotional learning opportunities across the grade levels. This year, as we look forward and begin to plan for future years of learning at Lincoln, I will be reaching out to current and past families who have experienced the “Big MAC” learning environment as well as our teachers to discuss the strengths and ways to improve our use of this multiage grouping model.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact me. I am committed to building on the strengths of our school and ensuring that each of our Lions receive a warm, supportive, and academically rigorous learning experience.
Laura Zaniolo (she / her / hers)
Lincoln Lion & Principal
Abraham Lincoln Elementary
1111 S Grove Ave, Oak Park, IL 60304
Oak Park, District 97
(708) 524-3110 (phone)
(708) 524-3124 (fax)