Looking Ahead at Lincoln
Week of February 27 - March 3, 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.
Crossing Our Streets Safely
To make sure our students and families make it to and from Lincoln as safely as possibly, we ask that everyone do the following:
- If a crossing guard is stationed at an intersection, cross the street where you see the crossing guard,
- Look both ways at least twice before crossing any street,
- Use crosswalks wherever possible,
- Do not cut between parked cars to cross a street,
- Watch the road not your phone,
- Stay on the sidewalk wherever possible.
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
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.*
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Field Trips
Please make sure that the students have submitted the appropriate permission forms to the classroom teachers in advance of the trip. Chaperones MUST have all three (3) clearances on file to serve as a program volunteer for all of these field trips. Feel free to contact the school office with questions. Thanks to the Lincoln PTA for its financial support for many of the Lincoln Elementary School field trips.
Grade 4
- Heinz History Center
- Monday, February 27, 2023
- 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
Celebrate Reading Is For Everyone!
We will host our annual "Celebrate Reading Week" on February 27-March 3, 2023. 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 27
- Celebrate that reading is for everyone!
- Wear your favorite hat
Tuesday, February 28
- Celebrate our favorite books!
- Dress in your favorite shirt
Wednesday, March 1
- Celebrate that reading is fun to do as a team!
- Wear you favorite sports team gear
Thursday, March 2
- Celebrate being a community of readers!
- Dress in your Lincoln green OR your blue and yellow LEBO gear
Friday, March 3
- Celebrate that reading is relaxing!
- Wear your pajamas or favorite comfy clothes

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
Scholastic Book Fair
The Book Fair returns to Lincoln Library, March 6-9, 2023. In the event of a weather related delay or cancellation, Friday, March 10 will be a makeup shopping day. 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. 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.
- The Book Fair is also open online until March 19th
Please see the attached documents for more information:
- Book Fair Promotional Letter
- E-Wallet Letter
- Volunteer Sign-Up Link
- Book Fair Homepage
- Book Fair Schedule
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.
Lincoln Grade 5 Service Project

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!
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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 first week in February.
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!
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.
Schoology Tip of the Week
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
School Delays and Cancellations - UPDATED
2 HOUR DELAY start
Adult supervision at Lincoln begins at 10:20 am and the doors will be open for students to enter the school at that time.
Students should be in their classrooms by 10:30 am.
Students are considered tardy after 10:30 am.
The lunch schedule will run like normal.
Afternoon dismissal for students is still set for 3:30 pm.
2 HOUR DELAY start - Morning Kindergarten Session Modified Schedule
- Morning kindergarten will start at 10:30am.
- Students will be permitted to enter the school starting at 10:20 am.
- Students are considered tardy after 10:30 am.
- Morning kindergarten dismisses at 12:30 pm.
2 HOUR DELAY start - Afternoon Kindergarten Session Modified Schedule
- Afternoon kindergarten will start at 1:30 pm.
- Students will be permitted to enter the school starting at 1:25 pm.
- Students are considered tardy after 1:30 pm.
- Dismissal for afternoon kindergarten students is still set for 3:30 pm.
Cancellation
- All students will switch to a Remote Day 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

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.