Message from Mrs. Hawkins
Lincoln Families and Friends,
Winter has definitely arrived and we love it at Lincoln School. The kids are building snow sculptures, sliding down the hills, and cross country skiing. Please send winter gear every day so we can enjoy the winter wonderland. It also helps if you label the winter clothing so we can find the owner when an item gets lost.
We have had many sick students and staff members this month. We are still struggling to find subs for our teachers and support staff. This has given me an opportunity to be in the classrooms more often and has reminded me of both the privilege to work with children and the challenges of managing a classroom with 20-30 students. I am also extremely thankful for the staff at Lincoln. They make a very difficult job look easy. If you have a chance to thank one of these staff members, please do so.
If you’re looking for support in parenting kids around the issue of technology, check out the second article from our social workers on this topic.
I hope all of you find time to rest, relax, and maybe read a good book over the holidays. Enjoy the time with your kids. They are the most precious gift you will ever receive.
Mary Hawkins, Principal
December 23rd - January 2nd.
Mark your Calendars
December 23rd - January 2nd No School; Winter Break
January 3rd - School Resumes
January 10th - PTO Meeting; 6:00 Lincoln IMC
January 11th - Student Council Mtg
January 16th - No School; District Staff Development
January 19th - End of 2nd Qtr; Ice Skating at Four Seasons
January 20th - No School; Teacher Workday
Attendance Reminders
To report an absence please call the attendance line at 444-8105 leaving the reason for the absence, by 7:55am if possible. Absences can be reported at any time on the attendance line. If you are reporting an absence after 7:55, please call the Lincoln Office 444-8100. If we don’t receive a call for a student absence, we will be calling the parent/guardian for this information.
If the absence is due to illness, please include the symptoms. If a student is out for multiple days, please call each day and leave a detailed message with the symptoms so we can correctly code the absence.
Thank you in advance for your help, so attendance can be entered in a timely manner.
Setting Boundaries Screenagers #2
We hope you found the recommendations in the last newsletter helpful and it created opportunities for some great conversations in your family related to technology. If you missed that information make sure to check out last month’s newsletter.
Parenting children can be very challenging. Learning how to set boundaries in a loving way is difficult. However, research shows that setting appropriate boundaries can assist in building life skills such as; patience, problem solving, responsibility and self-discipline.
These are 4 basic rules to consider when setting technology boundaries in your home. You can go to www.screenagersmovie.com to find ways to support setting these technology boundaries.
No screens in bedrooms when kids and teens go to sleep (for younger kids keep screens out completely). Fact: 75% teens get inadequate sleep. The presence of devices disrupts sleep cycles.
Set time goals for studying without multitasking and then, also, take tech breaks. Fact: Multitasking is linked to less retention and poorer academic outcomes.
Eat family meals without devices. Fact: Face-to-face conversations improve mood and empathy.
Put phones and devices away in the car. Fact: More than half of kids report seeing their parents text while driving.
Weekly “tech talks” as a family can help support setting up these technology boundaries in your home. Having weekly short calm conversations with your family is important. When kids receive the “why” behind a boundary it helps them understand the purpose which can increase their desire to comply. It’s never too late to start conversations around technology. Having these conversations proactively in “baby steps” is more effective.
You can find some additional resources on the topics below at www.screenagersmovie.com/resources
● Screen Time Contracts—Tips and screen time contracts templates
● Parenting Apps—Tools that automatically turn off tech at certain times
● Digital Citizenship—Links to help teach this at home and in schools
● Parenting Tips—Ongoing practical advice from our blog, weekly tech talks and more
Montessori Registration
Montessori students display:
- Self-directed work habits
- High level of responsibility to work independently
- Enjoyment of hands-on learning
There are two Montessori Classrooms:
- E1 - Grades 1-2
- E2 - Grades 3-5
Montessori Open House Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 from 5:00 - 6:00 McKinley Elementary.
Questions? Contact McKinley Office 507-444-8200
School Closing Reminders
When decisions are made to alter the school day or cancel it due to inclement weather, every effort is made to communicate that decision to parents in a timely manner through our school messenger system, website, and local radio and TV stations.
Parents can choose to receive notifications via text message, phone call, email, and/or parent portal inbox messages. To help us contact households efficiently, be sure to update home, work and/or cellphone information in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, and verify that the appropriate boxes are checked to receive notifications.
Other ways to stay informed:
- Visit the website: www.isd761.org
- Check local TV stations: KSTP-5, KMSP FOX 9, WCCO, KEYC TV, KTTC, KAAL
- Listen to local radio stations: KOWZ, KRFO/KAT KOUNTRY 105, KDHL
The first two inclement weather/emergency days in the Owatonna Public Schools are considered non-attendance days for students. In the event OPS has more than two inclement weather/emergency days, students will follow the E-Learning Plan.
Let's Support Team "L"
