Looking Ahead at Lincoln
Week of December 5-9, 2022
Day Rotation
Week of 12/5-12/9/2022
- Monday – Day 5
Tuesday – Day 1
Wednesday –Day 2
Thursday – Day 3
Friday – Day 4
Week of 12/12-12/16/2022
- Monday – Day 5
Tuesday – Day 1
Wednesday –Day 2
Thursday – Day 3
- Friday – Day 4
Important Information
Book of the Month
In honor of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is recognized on December 3rd, I have selected the book All the Way to the Top written by Annette Bat Pimentel as my book of the month. This story will be shared as a read aloud text with each homeroom by the end of December.
The following summary of All the Way to the Top comes from the Sourcebooks website at https://www.sourcebooks.com/all-the-way-to-the-top.html.
"The inspiring true story of Jennifer Keelan, the activist whose participation in the Capitol Crawl at just eight years old encouraged Congress to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act. This is the story of a little girl who just wanted to go, even when others tried to stop her. Jennifer Keelan was determined to make a change—even if she was just a kid. She never thought her wheelchair could slow her down, but the way the world around her was built made it hard to do even simple things. Like going to school, or eating lunch in the cafeteria. Jennifer knew that everyone deserves a voice! Then the Americans with Disabilities Act, a law that would make public spaces much more accessible to people with disabilities, was proposed to Congress. And to make sure it passed, Jennifer went to the steps of the Capitol building in Washington DC to convince them. And, without her wheelchair, she climbed. ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP!."
Let me know if you should have any questions.
Dr. Ron Kitsko
Principal
Upcoming Events
Lincoln PTA 5th Grade Fundraiser - Madsen Donut Sale
Support our Lincoln Students as well as a local business franchise with a purchase from Madsen Donuts! Donut orders can be customized, pre-ordered, and picked up at 3:30pm on Friday December 16th outside the cafeteria door (door C-15).
Donuts will be sold by the dozen ($20.00) and the half-dozen ($10.00) with a generous percentage of all sales being returned to the PTA! Orders can be paid for by VENMO @lebolincolnpta-2022, CHECKS made payable to Lincoln PTA, or CASH submitted to your child’s homeroom teacher by Monday 12/12/22.
Please click on the link to order! Madsen Donuts Fundraiser
Winter Concert
The Lincoln Elementary Orchestra and Band students would like to invite you to attend their winter concert on Friday, December 16, 2022, starting at 2:45 pm. Families and guests of the student performers will need to access the school using Door A1. Please enter through Door A1 no earlier than 2:30 pm.
When the concert is over, students will return their instruments to the instrumental music room and retrieve coats and backpacks from their homeroom. Students will then be dismissed to the gym and families in attendance may take their students home. If family members are not in attendance, those students will be dismissed at the regular dismissal time.
The students have worked extremely hard on this music and we would love to see you there!
JMS Wind Ensemble Performance at Lincoln
On Monday, December 19th, the Jefferson Middle School Wind Ensemble will perform for the Lincoln students and staff at 1:15 pm. We are happy to welcome back Mrs. Wagner and the JMS Wind Ensemble to Lincoln. We look forward to hearing them perform and seeing some former Lincoln students that are members of the ensemble.
Echoes of the Four Directions Program
On Tuesday, December 20th we will host the Echoes of the Four Directions program.
“Echoes of the Four Directions serves as a tool for public and private groups to educate and create a greater understanding and awareness of the diversity of Native American Indigenous (Indian) people and cultures through sensual and visual interpretive programs using lectures, displays, demonstrations, as well as visual and performing arts.” (excerpt from https://www.echoes4.com/)
More information about Echoes of the Four Directions can be found at their website linked here - https://www.echoes4.com/. We want to thank the Lincoln PTA for sponsoring this worthwhile program for our students!
Winter Parties
We will host the annual Lincoln Winter Parties later in December. Some important reminders about these events are listed below.
Students in morning kindergarten
- Thursday, December 22nd
- Party from 10:30 – 11:15 AM
Students in afternoon kindergarten
- Thursday, December 22nd
- Party from 2:45 –3:30 PM
Students in Grades 1 – 5
- Friday, December 23rd
- Party from 11:15 AM – Noon
Some other reminders about these events:
- Remember, we are not serving food during the classroom parties.
- Only family members designated as homeroom adults for this event will be permitted to go to the classrooms. This is for the safety of the students as well as to keep the parties organized and on time.
- A maximum of three (3) adult volunteers and one (1) classroom photographer can be present for each classroom party.
- As the school will be especially crowded on this day, please pay close attention to all of the standard parking and traffic rules and exercise caution while in your vehicle. Also, remember that parking in front of the school is not permitted.
Early Dismissal on December 23rd
- Students in Grades 1 – 5 will have an early dismissal at Noon on Friday, December 23, 2022. Students will not eat lunch in the school this date.
- Both Morning and Afternoon kindergarten sessions are cancelled this date.
Winter Break
- School is closed for the Winter Break from December 24-January 1st
- School resumes for all students on Monday, January 2, 2023
- Be safe in your travels and we hope that everyone has a wonderful Winter Break!
Lincoln Spelling Bee
It’s almost time for the 2022–2023 Lincoln Elementary School Fourth and Fifth Grade Spelling Bee! The Lincoln Elementary PTA is excited to continue the Scripps Spelling Bee at our school this year. The qualifying round will take place in the 4th and 5th grade classrooms. This round will take place in between January 9-13, 2023, in the Grade 4 and 5 homerooms. Individual classroom teachers will be notifying the students of the exact dates and times. The top 3 spellers in each classroom will qualify to participate in the Lincoln Elementary School Bee which will be held on the evening February 9th at 6:00 pm.
Word lists for the classroom Spelling Bee and other information will be sent home with the students the week we return from Thanksgiving Break. These are the 4th – 6th grades study guide word lists for 2022-2023 Scripps Classroom Spelling Bees. These lists, as well as other great information, are available at www.spellingbee.com. While the Spelling Bee is meant to be a fun experience, we understand that some children may be uncomfortable with the format. If you prefer that your child not participate in the Classroom Spelling, you can return the Non-Participation Form from the bottom half of the Spelling Bee flyer to your child's teacher by January 2nd. Please contact Dr. Kitsko at rkitsko@mtlsd.net with questions.
Technology Information
Schoology Family Informational Sessions
The district will be providing families with this series of 30-minute informational sessions about Schoology.
- Dec 12th @ 4PM - Using the Calendar
- Dec 19th @ 4PM - Viewing Courses
- Jan 2nd @ 4PM - Communication and Notifications
- Jan 9th @ 4PM - The Schoology Mobile App
Please complete this brief form to register for the webinars you would like to attend. Zoom webinar information will be shared with families who register. Live Q&A will be moderated during the informational presentation. All sessions will be recorded.
Schoology Tip of the Week
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.
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 December
Specific Dates in December
December 1: World AIDS Day - commemorates those who have died of AIDS and acknowledges the need for a continued commitment to all those affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities - designed to raise awareness in regards to persons with disabilities in order to improve their lives and provide them with equal opportunity.
December 10: International Human Rights Day - established by the United Nations in 1948 to commemorate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
December 15: Bill of Rights Day - celebrates America's Constitution and the framework of society that ascribes rights and freedoms to society.
December 26 - January 1: Kwanzaa - an African-American cultural celebration started by Maulana Karenga in 1966 to celebrate universal African-American culture and connect to their African roots and heritage.
December Holidays
December 8 - Bodhi Day (Buddist)
December 18 - December 26: Hanukkah/Chanukah (Jewish)
December 24 - Christmas Eve (Christian)
December 25 - Christmas Day (Christian)
Other Information
"Little LEBO" Pre-school Program
Mt. Lebanon High School’s “Little Lebo” preschool program is accepting applications for our Spring session which will run March 13th through May 25th, Monday through Thursday from 9:15 am to 10:40 am. This is a great first school experience for children who may not be ready for full-time preschool. Our program offers unique learning experiences through in-house field trips to places such as the wildlife biology room, dance studio, percussion room, choir room, and the commercial kitchen in the cafeteria.
Children who have turned three years old by January 1st and no older than four years six months on March 1st may apply. All children must be fully potty trained. Enrollment is limited to ten children and acceptances are on a first come first serve basis. The total cost is $75.
For more information, please contact the secretary, Ann Carini at 412-344-2023.
RECESS TEMPERATURE REMINDER
As we have entered the season 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.
Email: rkitsko@mtlsd.net
Website: www.mtlsd.org/Lincoln
Location: 2 Ralston Place, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Phone: 412-344-2147
Twitter: @LinkedAtLincoln