PANTHER PROGRESS
December 2023 Issue 5
Message from our administrators
Dear Lincoln Family,
Over these past four months, our students and staff have been putting forth huge efforts to meet grade level expectations. This is not an easy task, but our commitment continues to push high expectations to bring high achievement. We educate and elevate these expectations, but we cannot do it alone. As we exit 2023 and our school’s 100th anniversary, we continue to “HONOR HISTORY” and strive to “MAKE HISTORY” with student performance!
Here is a recipe for success for your child:
• Making sure your child is getting 10-12 hours of sleep.
• Arriving to school on time to establish consistent school routines.
• Limiting screen time.
• Reading or being read to for 20 minutes a night.
• Working on math skills/math facts.
• Making sure you are looking at your child's weekly "Lincoln Learner Report," discussing it with your child, and signing off on it so that the teacher knows that you've seen it.
These outside/at-home efforts to reinforce the importance of learning will yield positive results. Year 2024 will bring a year of both GROWTH and PROFICIENCY = “GROFICIENCY!”
Together.
In your service,
Eric Rhodes - Principal
Mary Beth Smith - Assistant Principal
Important December Dates
December 4: Fall picture make up
December 6: Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership (SHIP) office hours 3 - 4pm
December 7: Lincoln Learner Series #2 9 - 10:15am & Chorus Winter Concert 6:30pm
December 11 and 12: Hearing & vision screening
December 14: Judy Center dinner 5:30pm
December 25 - January 1: Winter break
December Learning
Select the link below to check out what your child/children will be learning this month! Grading polices for grades PK-1, grades 2-5, and Encore classes have also been added for your review. If you have any questions regarding your child/children’s learning and grading policy, please reach out to the classroom teacher.
Events in the commUNITY
December 8: Deadline for student performers K-12 to apply for the 4th annual Seed to Root Black History celebration
December 15 - 17: Maryland Ensemble Theater is performing "A Christmas Carol" at the Weinberg Center
Winter break spirit week
We will be offering a spirit week from December 18 - December 22 in recognition of winter break. Join us by showing your school spirit!
Fredericktonian Lodge
We'd like to thank one of our partner groups, The Fredericktonian Lodge, for donating turkeys before Thanksgiving. They generously provided 19 frozen turkeys (and sides) for our families. Much Lincoln Love!
Chrome book distribution
At our STEM night on November 30th, we distributed chrome books to 129 households. Thank you to United Way for providing such a great resource for our families. Here is a reminder on how to log into Google/Clever from home:.
Little Mermaid school play
We'd like to thank the Maryland Ensemble Theater, Mrs. Trawick, Cole Owens, all the parent volunteers and of course the 58 Kindergarten through 5th graders for their hard work in preparing for the Little Mermaid play performances on December 1st and 2nd. They performed in front of a packed audience for both showings and did an AMAZING job! Well done, Panthers!!
Farm to School
Did you know that we get regular visits from the FCPS Farm to School program? This program offers locally grown produce to students during lunch time. Check out their newsletter for more information.
Parental Advisory Council (PAC)
Lost & Found
Our Lost & Found section is growing. If your child has misplaced any belongings, please make sure to check here first. Any items not claimed by winter break will be donated to a local organization. See our community liaison, Mrs. Galaviz, with any questions.
Attendance
Current attendance rates
Whole school: 93.7%
PreK: 91.8%
Kindergarten: 93.3%
1st: 94.3%
2nd: 94.5%
3rd: 94.8%
4th: 93.4%
5th: 93.7%
Lincoln Learner Report
Counseling Corner
December
Our brains are social organs. As human beings we need to feel like we fit in with the people around us. It is important for students to feel safe and connected in their educational environment so their brain can be optimized for learning. The school counselors will be focusing on lessons related to a sense of belonging throughout the month of December. Below are some of the opening lessons for families to enjoy and discuss with their students.
Short intro video by S3 (the Super Support Squad) about what Belonging means
Read aloud of the book, “Belonging is…” what creates a sense of belonging and what do students need to feel safe and connected.
Read aloud of the book “One” how can we each take a stand, and stand together, to make sure everyone feels like they count?
The school counseling team: The “Super Support Squad”
Ms. Ellis (grades 3-5) Madison.Ellis@fcps.org
Mrs. Quill (grades PreK-2) Heather.Quill@fcps.org
Ms. Dodson (Behavior Support Specialist) Heather.Dodson@fcps.org
Mrs. Nelson (Social Worker) Amy.Nelson@fcps.org
The team works closely with students, staff, and families, to grow a learning community where all members are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged to be their best self. The three major areas of focus at Lincoln are:
Teaching and practicing emotional awareness and emotional regulation
Developing and maintaining healthy relationships, which includes the use of restorative practices to help all members learn to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts in a positive and productive manner.
Instructing students, staff, and families about the role of the brain in learning in order to increase student independence and academic stamina
This website has multiple resources for students and families. It also has videotaped lessons we use with students and parent videos that explain our emotional regulation program.
Health Room Corner
Reminders from the Health Room
Student health cards need to be completed every year. If you have not completed your child’s health card this year please complete and return to the health room as soon as possible. Call the health room at 240-236-2749 if you have any questions.
Below are some winter safety tips from the nurse’s office
Take Precautions when Outdoors
- Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: wear a tightly woven, preferably wind-resistant coat or jacket; inner layers of light, warm clothing; mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof boots.
- Make sure you are aware of the wind chill factor
Protect yourself from Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
- Learn the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning seek medical attention immediately
- Install a battery-operated or battery backup CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check or change the battery when you change your clocks in the fall and spring
- If you have a CO detector, leave your home and call 911 immediately if it sounds
Prepare your Car for Winter Weather
- Get your car ready for winter weather with preventative maintenance
- Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes blankets, food and water, and first aid supplies
FCPS "Blueprint Quarterly Review"
This newsletter has information and resources that highlight the work FCPS is doing as part of the Blueprint for Maryland's future, a 10 year investment in transforming public education. Please check out the inaugural issue!
Judy Center Corner
What does Judy Center do to support young children?
We serve pregnant families & families with children ages birth through 5 years by providing the following at no cost:
- Engaging learning activities, strategies, and tools that target social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development.
- Caregiver workshops and support, learning parties, and family events to create a collaborative and nurturing educational home environment.
- Local service provider referrals, including healthcare, childcare, career and adult education, housing, food, and other areas of need.
- Play and have fun with your children and other families!
UPCOMING FUN PLAYGROUP PARTNER ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
* Friday, DEC 8 – dental screening (optional) 9:15
* Tuesday, DEC 12 – Pediatric Movement Center for movement and fun 9:15
* Thursday, DEC 14 – Family Fun with Pure Play @ 5:30 – 7:00 Dinner served and lots of fun to enjoy. Bring dads, grandpas, uncles, and brothers to this male role model event!
* Friday, DEC 15 – Meet us at the library! C. Burr Artz downtown (remember 2 hours of free parking in the parking garage) 10:00
* Tuesday, DEC 19 – the library comes to Judy Center! 9:15
* Thursday, DEC 21 – Mr. Ian from Melody Music 2:00
* Friday, DEC 22 – the library comes to Judy Center! 9:15
WINTER BREAK IS FROM MONDAY, DECEMBER 25 – JANUARY 1ST. JUDY CENTER WILL RETURN TUESDAY, JANUARY 2ND
Join our Judy Center Facebook page:
Please check out our Facebook page for more information and upcoming events:
Judy Center-LNES Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/judycenterLNES/
Parent Interest Survey
Families, please open this link and complete this survey if you are interested in Judy Center. We are interested in learning if you have children in your family between the ages of birth to 4 and if you are pregnant. If you do have young children, we would enjoy having you join our Judy Center events. We can also support you in many ways! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScTC82Uv71o29m53_0Ud58kuvCTOUOQMm8nRZ8gRWHJ4jkw3A/viewform
Want to know about our upcoming events? Join Talking Points!
Please sign up for Talking Points to better communicate with Judy Center and receive notifications for upcoming events: Talking Points JC Class Code: SDY1ZH
Instructions to sign up: https://intercom.help/talkingpoints/en/articles/5082947-joining-a-class
Want to help teach your child at home? Sign up for ReadyRosie
Families, YOU play an essential role in the education and well-being of your child. ReadyRosie exists to support you in that role! https://www.readyrosie.com/for-families/
How to reach the Judy Center:
Program Administrator: Holly Sontz Holly.Sontz@fcps.org, 240.236.2744
Outreach coordinator: Erika Rape Erika.Rape@fcps.org, 240.236.2436
Remaining Family engagement events for the 23-24 school year
December 7: Lincoln Learner Series #2, 9 - 10:30am
January 25: Literacy Night, 5 - 7pm
February 29: Lincoln Learner Series #3, 9 - 10:30 am
March 21: Multicultural and Encore Night, 5 - 7pm
April 25: Lincoln Learner Series #4, 9 - 10:30am
May 30: Panther Party, 5 - 7pm
Honor history, Make history
Much Lincoln Love!
LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Email: Eric.Rhodes@fcps.org
Website: https://education.fcps.org/lnes/home
Location: 200 Madison Street, Frederick, MD
Phone: 240-236-2650