Looking Ahead at Lincoln
Week of August 22, 2022
Welcome Back!
It is my honor to extend another warm and heartfelt Lincoln welcome to you as we draw near the beginning of the 2022 – 2023 school year. This year promises to be an exciting one, filled with lots of learning and growing. We are proud of our school, our students, our staff and the outstanding community of parents and patrons that provide wonderful support to Lincoln. We are working diligently behind the scenes to do everything in our abilities to “provide the best education possible for each and every student” this year.
In an effort to stay connected with all of our families, I will post my weekly e-newsletter with important school information on Twitter at @LinkedAtLincoln. Make sure to check Twitter, the school website and your e-mail regularly for updates and other information about Lincoln. Also be sure that you have updated your email address(es) posted in your student's Dashboard account. Please contact the school office if you have issues accessing Dashboard. We will continue to sustain and enhance the rich tradition of educational excellence at our school so that every student experiences individual success in and out of the classroom.
I am looking forward to seeing all of you very soon!
Ron Kitsko, Ed.D.
Principal
Lincoln Elementary School
2 Ralston Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
412-344-2147
Twitter - @LinkedAtLincoln
We are RESPONSIBLE. We are RESPECTFUL. We are SAFE.
News and Notes
New Faces and Changes at Lincoln
There are some new faces and changes at Lincoln this year. I am pleased to share with you the following information about changes involving staff members at Lincoln:
Mra. Caitlin Aaron (formerly Ms. Brown) – Grade 1
Mrs. Hilarie Bauer – School Nurse
Mrs. Megan Criswell – Reading Specialist
Mrs. Lori Green – Personal Care Assistant
- Ms. Liz Herb – Guidance Counselor
Mrs. Danielle Montague – Personal Care Assistant
- Mrs. Allison Pricener – Grade 4
Mrs. Stacy Raimondi – Personal Care Assistant
Ms. Lakin Rigby – Health Aide
- Ms. Charity Roehrig– Grade 3 (returning from sabbatical leave)
Mrs. Loree Sharp – Secretary
Mrs. Elizabeth Smith – Instructional Clerk
Ms. Natalie Stefurak – Grade 2 (returning from family leave)
Mrs. Tammy Woessner – Instructional Support teacher
Ms. Hallie Zidek – Classroom Aide
Mrs. Emily Zutz – Grade 5
1-1 Device Roll Out and Distribution
Dear MTLSD Elementary Families,
We hope this email finds you and your family well and enjoying the summer break. In advance of school starting, we wanted to make elementary families aware that we will be providing a technology device for all students in grades K-5. We will be distributing these devices during the week of August 29th. Students in Kindergarten and Grade 1 will receive iPads and students in grades 2-5 will be issued Chromebooks.
While this might seem to signify a significant change in practice, please know that our elementary instructional program has used technology tools for many years. As we move to one-to-one, we will maintain our emphasis on teacher led instruction and meeting the needs of all students. Technology is a LEARNING TOOL that will support in-classroom instruction and learning at home, as well as provide equitable access to all students.
During the technology presentation and distribution, we will provide additional information regarding our goals for this initiative and the support available to families. This will allow you the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the plan.
Best Regards,
Marybeth D. Irvin, on behalf of the Elementary Administration
PowerSchool Dashboard
The Dashboard system is now open. You can use Dashboard to access your child's schedule, to check homework and grades, to view your lunch balance, etc. Dashboard can be accessed by visiting the District Website and clicking on the Dashboard icon at the bottom of the page.
You can view Logging into Dashboard to learn how to access this tool.
Upcoming Events
Kindergarten Popsicle Playdate
Calling all kindergarten students! The Lincoln PTA is hosting our Popsicle Playdate on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, from 9:30-11:00 am on the Lincoln playground. Come hangout on the playground to meet some new friends and enjoy a cold popsicle. Thanks to the Lincoln PTA for sponsoring this fun event and providing the popsicles for our kindergarten friends!
New Student Orientation
On Thursday, August 25, 2022, we will host our New Student Orientation starting at 5:30 PM in the Lincoln cafeteria. This event is intended for Grade 1-5 students and their families that are NEW to Lincoln Elementary School this year.
We will review important information about the school, our programs and important school procedures. Parent Teacher Association (PTA) representatives will be on hand as well. We will also connect our new students (Grades 1–5) with a Lincoln Buddy to help make the first days and weeks at Lincoln a little less stressful. The Buddies will provide a tour of the school at the end of the formal orientation program before the Meet & Greet gets started for all other students. Families invited to this event will receive the Lincoln Buddy List and other details in a separate email.
New students and their families should enter the school from the playground via Door C15.
If you are not able to attend the New Student Orientation, we have included a link to the presentation below.
Meet & Greet
Don't forget that we have our Meet & Greet event set for Thursday, August 25, 2022, from 6:30-8:00 PM. The format for the Meet & Greet is informal, and you may come anytime between the posted hours. Please enter the school via Door A1. These doors will be opened at 6:30 PM. As this is an “open house” format you are welcome to come any time within that time frame. Be sure you make time to say "Hello!" to your homeroom teacher and all of our encore and support teachers before leaving for the evening. We can't wait to see you!
First Day of School
- Monday, August 29th – Students in Grades 1-5
- Wednesday, August 31st – First Day of School for Kindergarten
Kindergarten Interviews
Kindergarten Interviews will be held Monday, August 29th, and Tuesday, August 30th. This will be an additional Informal time for kindergarten students and families to individually meet with Ms. Tecza or Mrs. Vrotsos in a one on one format. Informational letters were sent out from the school office the week of August 8th. If you do not receive a letter by August 15th, please contact the school office at 412-344-2147.
Take Home Tech Night
In early August you should have received an email from the elementary administration regarding our Technology Device Initiative. This email details the plan to distribute devices to our students at Take Home Tech Night. This event will include an informational session about the devices and their use, the available Equipment Protection Plan (EPP), and our learning management system, Schoology. Following the presentation, devices will be distributed.
In order to facilitate this process, we ask that families sign up for a time slot via SignUpGenius. This will allow us to share important information and distribute devices in an efficient manner.
- Please use this link - https://mtle.bo/TechTakeHome22LINC to select your family’s time via SignUpGenius.
- If you are unable to make the Take Home Tech Night, please complete this FORM and you will be contacted with information about how to get your student device(s).
Lincoln’s Take Home Tech Night is Wednesday, August 31, 2022, between 5:00 - 8:00 PM in the Cafeteria and Gym. You will enter Door C15 to enter the Cafeteria for the informational session. At the conclusion of the presentation you will be directed to Gym to pick up your device(s) by the last name of the student(s) in your family. The entire process should take approximately 45 minutes. If you have any questions please contact the main office at 412-334-2147.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Dr. Ron Kitsko
Principal
Lincoln Family Picnic - Sponsored by the Lincoln PTA
The annual Lincoln PTA Family Picnic is set for Thursday, September 1st, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on the Lincoln Playground. Come see other Lincoln families and kick off the new school year! Bring your family and pack a picnic or buy dinner from food vendors that will be on hand for this fun filled evening. Hope to see you there!
Labor Day Holiday - No School
School will not be in session on Monday, September 5, 2022, in recognition of Labor Day. School resumes on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. Please make note of this day off for the students.
Important information
School Day Time Schedule
Grades 1-5
8:30 am to 12:00 Noon
1:00 to 3:30 pm
Late bells ring at 8:35 AM and 1:00 PM
Kindergarten (AM)
- 8:30 to 11:20 am
- Late bell rings at 8:35 AM
Kindergarten (PM)
- 12:40 to 3:30 pm
- late bell rings at 12:45 PM
Day Rotation
Week of 8/29 - 9/2/2022
Monday – Day 1
Tuesday – Day 2
Wednesday – Day 3
Thursday – Day 4
Friday – Day 5
Week of 9/4 - 9/9/2022
Monday – No School - Labor Day
Tuesday – Day 1
Wednesday – Day 2
Thursday – Day 3
Friday – Day 4
Arrival and Dismissal
Arrival and Dismissal Times
- AM Arrival - 8:25 to 8:35 AM
- Late bell rings at 8:35 AM
- K(AM) dismissal - 11:20 AM
- K(PM) arrival - 12:40 to 12:45 PM
- Late bell for K(PM) rings at 12:45 PM
- PM Dismissal - 3:30 PM
We are asking students to use the following doors for arrival and dismissal:
- Kindergarten - Door C13 - K(AM) arrival and K(PM) dismissal
- Grade 1 - Door D16
- Grade 2 - Door C15
- Grade 3 - Door C14
- Grade 4- Door C10
- Grade 5 - Door A2
- GO ZONE - Door A1 - also used for K(AM) dismissal and K(PM) arrival
Entering and exiting through these doors will allow the students to enter and leave the building in a less congested manner. You can view a map here of the arrival and dismissal locations. We will have adults at each door to welcome and guide the students to their homerooms.
Other Arrival Procedures
Student Arrival
Doors will be open for students to enter Lincoln between 8:25-8:35 am (AM arrival) and 12:40-12:45 pm (K-PM arrival)
Teachers receive students at the arrival doors and in GO ZONE
Staff on arrival duty until 8:35 am for AM arrival will be wearing yellow vests
Students are tardy after 8:35 am (AM arrival) and 12:45 pm (K-PM session) and MUST enter Door A1 with a parent/guardian to sign in at the school office
Arrival Expectations
For Students
Do not line up before 8:25 am (AM arrival) or 12:40 pm (K-PM session)
Go to crossing guard locations to cross the streets
Use the sidewalks to arrive at Lincoln
Stay out of parking lots
No playing in front of the school
GO ZONE
Exit car to the sidewalk, not onto the street
Students arriving before 8:25 am (AM arrival) must report to the assigned grade level entrance door
For Parents
Do not have students to line up earlier than 8:25 am (AM session) or 12:40 pm (PM session)
Direct students to assigned grade level entrance door
GO ZONE
Open from 8:25 - 8:35 am (AM arrival)
Pull forward as far as possible
No parking in GO ZONE
Parents are to remain in cars
Wait to drop off student(s) in the designated drop off area within the GO ZONE
No parking in the school parking lots
No dogs/pets on campus at arrival
Other Dismissal Procedures
Student Dismissal Procedures
Dismissal of students at 11:20 am (K-AM) and between 3:30-3:35 pm (PM dismissal)
Teachers release students to the dismissal doors
Homeroom teachers and staff to supervise students at exit doors and in GO ZONE
Staff on duty until 3:40 pm (PM dismissal) and will be wearing yellow vests
Dismissal Expectations
For Students
If walking, head directly home after leaving the school building
Use the sidewalks
Stay out of parking lots
No playing in front of the school
Go to crossing guard locations to cross the streets
Only student car riders will be permitted in front of Lincoln
GO ZONE
Wait at designated pickup area inside school
Students will be called once ride arrives in GO ZONE
Enter car from sidewalk, not the street
For Parents
Set up meeting locations with your students
Students should be picked up (regardless of location) by 11:25 am (K-AM) or 3:40 pm (PM dismissal)
Remind students to avoid GO ZONE unless a car rider
GO ZONE
No parking in GO ZONE
Stay in car in GO ZONE
Wait to pick up student(s) in the designated pickup area
No parking in the school parking lots
No dogs/pets on campus at dismissal
Submit dismissal preference form
Lincoln Dismissal and GO ZONE Form
Please complete this form indicating your dismissal plans for the student listed below. Unless we are informed of different plans, students will be released at dismissal to walk home. GO ZONE car riders may only be be picked up by the adult(s) listed on the form. Please be prompt when picking up students at dismissal and follow established GO ZONE procedures. If you have multiple students at Lincoln, please complete this form for each student.
GO ZONE Reminders
All families are asked to review and follow these procedures/requests when using the GO ZONE for drop-off and pick up.
- Open from 8:25 - 8:35 am (AM session) and 12:40-12:50 pm (PM session)
- Students should be picked up (regardless of location) by 11:25 am (K AM) or 3:40 pm (PM)
- Pull forward as far as possible in the GO ZONE
- No parking in GO ZONE
- Parents are to remain in cars
- Wait to drop off student(s) in the designated drop off area within the GO ZONE
- Students are to exit Door A1 for GO ZONE pick up
- No parking in the school parking lots
- No dogs/pets on campus at arrival
GO ZONE NUMBERS FOR PM DISMISSAL
To help our school staff get students dismissed to our GO ZONE more efficiently each afternoon, we will continue to implement our numbered car sign system. Based on each family's responses to the Lincoln Dismissal and GO ZONE Preference Form submitted for this school year, we have identified families whom have chosen to use the GO ZONE for PM dismissal pick up one of more days each week. During the first week of school, a form letter and two (2) yellow GO ZONE Number signs will be sent home with the students.
Please note of the following as we continue with our PM Dismissal GO ZONE Number system:
- Please encourage your child(ren) to memorize your family's number as this will help us get them out to the GO ZONE more quickly.
- GO ZONE number signs must be clearly displayed when entering the GO ZONE at Lincoln.
- If you do not have your assigned car number sign, you will be expected to park in one of the community parking areas and present identification to the office staff in order to pick up the requested student(s). At that time, we will confirm that you have permission to pick up the student(s) before allowing them to leave with you.
- If anyone else is picking up your student(s), you must give them your tag to display upon arrival. They will not need to provide any additional identification.
- Additional signs can only be requested via email to a Lincoln office staff member (Dr. Kitsko, or Mrs. Sharp) by the parent or legal guardian of the student(s).
- If your family is not going to be a regularly using the GO ZONE you can request to receive number signs in case you need them but this is not required.
- Families that do not normally use the GO ZONE can have their student(s) use the GO ZONE when needed by contacting the school office to make the proper arrangements.
- We are asking all families to begin displaying their GO ZONE car number signs no later than Tuesday, September 6, 2022.
Lunch and Recess Information
Lunch and Recess Times
Lunch
- Grade 3 (1-2 classes), Grade 4 & Grade 5
Recess
- Grade 1, Grade 2 & Grade 3 (1-2 classes)
12:30 - 1:00 pm
Lunch
- Grade 1, Grade 2 & Grade 3 (1-2 classes)
Recess
- Grade 3 (1-2 classes), Grade 4 & Grade 5
12:55 pm
- Line up bell
12:58 pm
- Return to class bell
Lincoln Lunch Preference Form
Students will have the option to return home during their scheduled lunch & recess hour. Students in Grades 4-5 also have the option to go to Shops as well. If you plan on having your student come home (or go to Shops in Grades 4-5) for their lunch & recess hour, please complete the form below so we can make the proper arrangements each day. Contact your student's homeroom teacher any day that there is a change to your student's lunch/recess plan so that we can be prepared for their lunch & recess hour.
If you have multiple students at Lincoln, please complete this form for each student who will be traveling home. You only need to complete this form if your student will be leaving for lunch & recess.
Other Information
Important Reminders
Attendance
- Attendance will be taken in every class and will be recorded into our student accounting system around 8:35 am and 1:00 pm daily.
When Can Parents Meet or Speak with the Teacher
- Teachers typically schedule parent meetings from 8:00-8:30 am or 3:30-4:00 pm. If you would like to schedule a meeting, please email the teacher directly.
School Supplies Kits
If you ordered a school supplies kit last spring for one of your students, these kits WILL BE available for pick up (should families so choose) during the Meet & Greet. The kits have arrived and have been delivered to the classrooms. Should you have questions, please direct them to Mrs. Christie Schoen (cbrankley@yahoo.com) or Mrs. Melissa Blanton (melissa.blanton929@gmail.com).
Grade Level School Supplies
Please click here to view the suggested school supplies list. If we can assist you with purchasing these supplies, please contact your child’s teacher, Ms. Herb or Dr. Kitsko. Please know these requests remain confidential as we want to ensure that your child has what is needed to have a successful school year.
Safety and Security
The school building will be locked down all day except during the AM arrival and PM dismissal times. All visitors/parents that want to access the school must enter through the main entrance (Door A1) and be buzzed into the school office. Visitors should be prepared to identify themselves when asked by the school office staff. All visitors MUST have a photo ID handy when the office staff asks for identification. While in the school, visitors must wear a visitor’s pass (in a clearly visible manner). Visitors need to check out in the school office before leaving the school. Please remember that these measures are in place to protect the students and staff.
Safe 2 Say Something
Safe 2 Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late. With Safe2Say Something, it’s easy and confidential to report safety concerns to help prevent violence and tragedies.
Here’s how it works:
- Submit a report through the Safe2SaySomething system
- Crisis center reviews, assesses and processes all submissions
- Crisis center sends all submissions to school administration and/or law enforcement for intervention
- If needed, crisis center may contact tipster anonymously through the app
Safe Routes to School Information
Staying Connected
In an effort to stay connected with all of our families, I will post a weekly e-newsletter, Looking Ahead at Lincoln, with important school information on Twitter at @LinkedAtLincoln. I will try to post things regularly and consistently to keep you in the know. Please make sure to check your e-mail frequently for updates and other information about Lincoln. Any feedback about my communication with families is greatly appreciated.
Connecting to District Google Calendars
Staying connected to everything going on in the district is no small feat these days. Since we made the switch to using Google apps a few years ago, some families indicated that they are not able to easily connect to the district’s calendars. Steps about doing this can be found at http://blog.mtlsd.org/ViewPost.asp?I=31672. Hope this helps!
Office Hours and Parking
During the school year, the posted school office hours at Lincoln are as follows:
Monday – Friday
8:00 am to 4:30 pm
If there any changes to this schedule, signs at the main entrance will be posted in advance. Please be advised that parking in the school lots from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm is for school staff only.
Mt. Lebanon Public Library Reminders
Spencer Family YMCA Adventure Guides Program
Links to 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.
Email: rkitsko@mtlsd.net
Website: www.mtlsd.org/Lincoln
Location: 2 Ralston Place, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Phone: 412-344-2147
Twitter: @LinkedAtLincoln