Lincoln School Update 12/13/2016

PLC Late Start / One-hour Delays
I actually get a few questions about late starts and what we do with that time.  The hour is spent in very specific ways, below is a list of what you would see if you sat in on a grade level PLC (Professional Learning Community) late start meeting.

-Teachers might be preparing for a unit by identifying the essential standards of knowledge from the unit.
-They might be developing a common formative assessment of those essential standards to monitor which students have mastered the knowledge and to help guide instruction.
-They might be analyzing assessment data and comparing results and teaching practice.
-They might be planning for WINN (What I Need Now) time.  A period of the day or six-day cycle where kids are broken into groups based on what they need to master the essential skills.

Our goal is to insure that all children master the essential standards from each unit and those that master the knowledge early get a chance to explore the concept in depth.  To do so, we focus on 4 main questions:

1.  What do we want ALL kids to know?
2.  How will we know if they know it?
3.  What do we do if they don't know it?
4.  What do we do if they do know it?

Sounds simple, but it really helps us focus on learning for all students.  Thank you for allowing us the time to do this important work!

K-5 Buddy Ice Skating Monday, December 19th & Volunteers NEEDED!
Please check out the following our Lincoln School Group Page for Ice Skating information and schedule as well as the adjusted lunch recess / lunch schedule for that day.  We will need a boat load of volunteers to make this happen.  Thanks!

Top 12 Spellers & Upcoming Lincoln Spelling Bee
The following 3rd-5th graders have made our Lincoln Top 12 and will compete in our building's spelling bee on Friday, January 6 at 11:55 a.m.

   3rd Grade -  Brandon Urias
   4th Grade - Isaac Dahlke
                      Priscilla Wang
                      Betsy Fiesbeck
                      Violet Waters
   5th Grade - Brad Rohaly
                      Lily Shasky
                      Jack Hammerschmidt
                      Kayde Williams
                      Hannah Webb
                      Delaney Kelley
                      Ceci Ruchti

Good luck in your quest to be in our Top 3!

A Few Reminders...
   Outside Recess - Students will go outside for recess unless the temperature (with or without windchill) falls below 10 degrees Farenheit.  Students may only stay in from recess with a note from a doctor.  Students must have winter boots, snowpants, winter coat, hat, and gloves or mittens.

   Drop-off & Pick-up - Please remember that students are NOT to be dropped off at school before 8:00 am if eating breakfast and 8:15 am if not eating breakfast.  And, students must be picked up, or be headed home if walking, by 4:00 pm unless accompanied and supervised on the playground by a parent.
  Out Parent/Student drop-off & pick-up area is at the south end of Lincoln School on Lincoln School Drive.  The north end is for bus drop-off & pick-up.  Please  use the south end!  Do NOT park and leave your car in the drop-off/pick-up lane to walk your child to, or pick your child up from their line. You must park in a designated parking area if you must walk your child.  And, parking is very limited.
  The winter weather appears to be here to stay for awhile.  Please be patient and move cautiously looking out for all of our students!

PTO Movie Night at Lincoln
Our next attempt at PTO movie night at Lincoln is Friday, January 20th.  The movie will be Up.
Hope to see you there.  Movie begins at 6:00 pm and admission is free.  Popcorn and water will be available for purchase.  No outside food is allowed with the exception for students with severe food allergies.  Students MUST be accompanied by a parent.  Bring your lawn chair, or a blanket and pillow!
We'll need volunteers to help make this happen!

Grief Support Group to Start in January
Mrs. Jasiak, our School Social Worker, with support from Lory's Place will be starting a Grief Support Group in January.  If you are interested in more information about this group, please contact Mrs. Jasiak at cjasiak@sjschools.org or call her at 926-3657.

Lincoln School Talent Show
Information and permission forms are available in the office for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders interested in trying out for this year's Talent Show.  All forms are due back in the office by Friday, January 6, 2017.  Stage crew is needed and students interested in this should also complete the same forms with help from a parent.  Our volunteer director, parent Tina Shasky can be contacted at tinashasky@yahoo.com or by calling 930-3835.

Adult Sound & Light Volunteer Sought for Talent Show
If you have experience working sound & lights, and would be available and interested in helping with this year's Talent Show, please contact Mr. Wagner at 926-3700.  Thanks for considering!

Girls On The Run Coaches Needed!
This is an extremely popular, and very cool event for our 3rd-5th grade female students.  We're looking for new coaches for the Spring 2017 Season!  You do not have to have a daughter in the program to coach.  The season consists of 2 practices per week for 10 weeks beginning the week of February 27th and ending with the Girls On The Run 5K on Thursday, May 18th at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds.  Check out the link below for more information:
   https://www.raceplanner.com/volunteer/signup/berrien-coach-2017

First Lego League (4-5) and Junior First Lego League (2-3)
Both begin the week of January 9th.  If your child is interested, please see more information in itsLearning under the Lincoln Elementary Group page.

5th Graders Interested in 6th Grade Fine Arts (Band, Orchestra, or Choir)
Our Middle School and High School Fine Arts Teachers will be meeting with all 5th graders to discuss participating in the Fine Arts at Upton Middle School in 6th Grade.  Please see important dates below:

     January 30, 2017     5th Graders to SJHS for a Fine Arts Concert.
     January 31, 2017     Fine Arts Staff meets with 5th graders during music class.
     February 3, 2017     5th Graders participate in Instrument Trial Zoo at Lincoln during the school
                                     day.
     February 6 OR 7, 2017     Parent Informational Meetings at 7:00 pm at Upton Middle School.
                                               Parents must attend one of these dates, but need not attend both.

This seems early, but it's important as Administration at UMS starts scheduling for next year in the Spring.

Congratulations CUB Students!
The following students were Caught Using the Bear Necessities and were selected to attend the CUB Luncheon with Mr. Wagner and Staff:

November CUB Students
Khai Lloyd, Tobey Burritt, Sophia Lawhead, Kamari Fester, Milah Renbarger, Aaron Espinoza, Chris Prince, Logan Webb, Finn Monahan, Stiles Miller, Kyra Miller, Gabi Queiroz, Ellie Fischer, Heidi Krohn, Daniel Fedewa, and David Rojas

October CUB Students
Sydelle Wright, Jillian Morris, Hunter Grigereit, Julie Ann McClure, Tyler Thompson, Shilynn Cain, Gracelyn Sheldon, Mya Haught, Sophia Brainard, Sally Shelby, Bridget Anderson, Corey Poole, Christian Blazina, Luke Tinkey, Brittany Grigereit, and Cam'ron Warr

Congratulations!

Earth Day 2017 Poster Contest
Information available in the office.  Open to all K-5 Students.  Entries must be received by contest promoters by February 17, 2017.  Winners will be honored Thursday, April 20, 2017, at Constitutional Hall in Lansing, Michigan as part of the DEQ, DNR, and Michigan Department of Agriculture's Earth Day Celebration.

2017 Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest
Information available in the office.  Open to students in grades 3-5.  Entries must be received by the National Weather Service Office by February 13, 2017.  Winners receive cash prizes.

Winter Break is December 21 through January 3.  

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

An Opportunity for Our International Students

Student Culture Event sponsored by Mrs. Lear (3rd Grade Teacher, Brown School)

Calling all International Students... Come share your experiences so far in local schools with other elementary students new to the United States. Learn about upcoming United States holidays and traditions and taste some student favorite foods.

Turkey, gravy, and stuffing will be provided for tasting by Bistro on the Boulevard.

Class Time: November 16th from 6:00-7:30 pm at the Saint Joseph Public Library 

Sign up link: https://goo.gl/forms/28kOhtcGQSYB5ayF3

11/11/16 Movie Night CANCELLED

My apololgies, but PTO's Movie night and showing of Finding Nemo, scheduled for tomorrow evening, Friday, November 11 at Lincoln School at 6:00 p.m. has been cancelled due to a shortage of volunteers.  Be on the look-out for other volunteer opportunities coming soon... Thanksgiving Luncheon, Pancake Breakfast, Book Fair, Ice Skating, and another Movie Night scheduled for Friday, January 20th.

Lunch Accounts
It's Thursday!  Please check your child's backpack &/or daily folder today!  Students/Families that owe money on their lunch account will receive notice today.  These notices are sent out each Thursday.

If your account is over for an amount up to $12.24, then you receive a purple notice slip.

If your account is over $12.25 or more, then you will receive a letter in an envelope and your child's lunch card will be pulled on Monday, November 14th unless payment is made so less than $12.25 is owed on the account.  If your child's lunch card is pulled, they will only be able to choose an alternative lunch (soybutter & jelly or a cheese sandwich, fruit, vegetable and milk).

Our free and reduced lunch program is a wonderful program for our kids, and the kids, nor staff ever know who is or is not on the program.

If you would like a free and reduced lunch application, please stop by the office, or let Mr. Wagner know and he'll send one home in an envelope with your child.

Lunch accounts are charged for a full lunch even when a child has to have one of the alternative lunches.  Families who are awaiting for their free and reduced lunch application approval are responsible for payment of lunches taken/eaten prior to approval.

When lunch cards have to be pulled, it puts school personnel in a tough situation.  We do NOT want to be the ones who have to explain to a child why they have to have an alternative lunch, a lunch they generally do not want.  This is the responsibility of the child's parent.

November 9, 2017

Thank you to our PTO President, Amy Biggins for organizing today's Staff Appreciation Dinner, and to all our wonderful Lincoln Parents who provided just amazing soups, lasagna, salads, breads, desserts, pop, water, and plates, bowls, napkins, and plastic-ware!  Simply delicious and so very appreciated by our Lincoln Staff during Parent Teacher Conference time!  Thanks again!!!

November 8, 2016

Picture Retake Day is tomorrow, Wednesday, November 9th.  If your child started at Lincoln after our original picture day, or if they were absent that day, they will be photographed regardless of whether pictures are purchased or not.  We need their picture for their lunch cards and for our yearbook.  If you were unhappy with your original pictures, please return your child's complete picture packet and email both their teacher and Mrs. Trumbley (jtrumbley@sjschools.org) and indicate you want your child to have their picture retaken.

3rd & 4th Grade Gymnastics Class will begin Monday, November 14th and meet on Mondays for six (6) weeks.  Information is available in the office, but this is open to the first 15 3rd & 4th grade students to enroll and pay the $20 registration fee.  Registration information is available in the office. Our instructor is Mrs. Cheryl Zuhl, retired SJHS Health and Physical Education teacher and coach.  If you have any questions about the class, please email Mrs. Zuhl directly at cherylzzuhl@gmail.com.

PTO Movie Night is currently scheduled for this Friday, November 11 from 6:00 p.m. until the end of the movie, Finding Nemo at Lincoln School.  This will be cancelled if we don't get parent volunteers to help make popcorn, and sell popcorn and bottled water.  An announcement on whether our movie night will happen will be made on our morning news Friday morning.  Students must be accompanied by an adult.  No outside food, nor beverages are allowed.  The only exception to our outside food/beverage rule is for students that we have documentation on for a known food allergy.

So, if you can volunteer and help make this event happen, please email our PTO President Amy Biggins at akbiggins@hotmail.com by 3:00 p.m. this Thursday, November 10th.  Hopefully this fun, family event will happen!  If it does, bring your lawn chair, or sleeping bag and pillow, and a couple of dollars for popcorn and water.  Let's make this happen for our students! 

Spelling Team is open for all interested 3rd through 5th graders.  All interested students will take a written test during their lunch recess.  Once all written tests have been completed, the field will be narrowed down to our top 12 spellers.  Those top 12 spellers will get the opportunity to study for the upcoming Lincoln Spelling Bee where our team will be narrowed down to our top 3 plus 1 alternate. Our top 3 get the chance to participate in our local Cloverleaf Spelling Bee sponsored by Berrien RESA where the top finisher will then get to represent Berrien County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C.  Although many students took the written test today, due to a lot of students being out sick, those 3rd through 5th grade students absent today should make arrangements with Mrs. Gruchot in the Media Center to take the written test during their lunch recess by next Tuesday, November 15th.  And, because we have half-days this Thursday & Friday, students may see if Mrs. Gruchot is available to give the written test at another time during the school day that works for her and your child's classroom teacher.

Half-Days THIS Thursday (11/10) & Friday (11/11) Please don't forget that students are dismissed at 12:05 p.m. on half-days and we have half-days this Thursday and Friday (NO late start Wednesday tomorrow 11/9).  All students must be picked up by 12:15 p.m. on our half-days.

Morning Drop-off Time Reminder  Students whom are eating breakfast or are part of our LINK news, or Bear Credit Union teams may be dropped off at 8:00 a.m., but not before.  Students neither eating breakfast, nor part of our LINK or Bear Credit Union teams are not to be dropped before 8:15 a.m.

Baby it's COLD outside, or getting there  Please be sure students are appropriately dressed for school and for going outside for recess.  This time of year, students should dress in layers, and please do not send your children in shorts again until the weather breaks in the spring.  Students will go outside for recess year-round unless the temperature (with or without windchill) dips below 10* Farenheit, or unless it's raining significantly.  Thanks for being sure your children are dressed appropriately for school and the weather!

PTO's Annual Student Sit-down Thanksgiving Luncheon is scheduled for Monday, November 21st.  Students are encouraged to dress nicely this day and purchase hot-lunch.  Be on the lookout for more specific lunch times and another opportunity to volunteer.  This is an absolute wonderful event where students eat with their buddies, are entertained by our Kindergarten students, and served an awesome Thanksgiving Dinner by our amazing kitchen staff and our super parent & grandparent volunteers.  One of my most favorite days at Lincoln School!  Don't miss it, volunteer now!!!  Please contact Mrs. Trumbley at 926-3700 or jtrumbley@sjschools.org if you're able to volunteer.'

Field Trip Money is still being collected!  Remember, we ask families to contribute $5 per child with the maximum contribution of $10 per family, towards our field trip fund.  We hope our Parent/Family donations will be about 1/3 of our Field Trip fund.  Our Lincoln PTO and our School District each contribute 1/3 of our Field Trip fund.  Thanks for helping out and continuing to make field trips for our students a part of their educational experience!

Playground Equipment & Our Playground (before, during, and after school) Thanks to the generosity of those who donated Box Tops and Campbell Soup Labels, each grade level (Y5-5) at Lincoln School now has their own equipment bag full of playground balls, jump ropes, and sidewalk chalk.  Each ball is labeled with the grade level of the bag it came out of.  Balls left on the playground at the end of each recess are put on the shelf for two weeks and students are not allowed to use equipment from another grade level's equipment bag.  So, students are NOT to bring balls from home to be used on the playground.  And, students are well aware of the rule that footballs and soccer balls are NOT to be used on the pavement or in the mulch area ever.  The exception to this rule... our younger grade levels, with Nerf footballs are allowed to use those on the pavement.  NO balls should ever be used on the mulch area.

Lunch Debt Notices are sent home each Thursday afternoon with your child.  Students/Families who owe money, up to $12.24 will receive a purple slip of paper indicating the amount owned.  Students/Families who owe $12.25 or more will receive a letter in an enclosed envelope and will have their lunch cards removed from use.  Students whose lunch cards are removed are still fed, but are limited to a choice of a sandwich and milk.  And, students/families are charged for the sandwich meal.  I know life is hectic, but please be sure your child has money on their lunch account.  We all know it's not the student's problem, but let's work together to resolve any lunch debt so we can prevent having to pull student lunch cards.  Any questions regarding lunch accounts should be directed to Mrs. Demrhy Youngquist, our Food Service Director, at dyoungquist@sjschools.org.

FREE Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner will be held November 24th, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Public House 9151 First Street, Baroda, MI 49101.  If possible, reservations are appreciated by November 20th and can be made by calling 269-326-7059 or emailing at hello@roundbarnpublichouse.com.  For those who are able, there is a $15 suggested donation.

Thanksgiving Break begins at 12:05 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23rd and Lincoln School wishes everyone a very safe and relaxing Thanksgiving break.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours from our Lincoln School Staff!

OCTOBER 17, 2016

ULTIMATE RECESS! A Call for HELP

Because our Lincoln Students went above and beyond our 2016 Laps for Lincoln GOAL, ALL classrooms have earned the Ultimate Recess.

The Ultimate Recess consists of 8 stations (2 bouncy house, 1 face painting, and 5 athletic/game stations).

Groups of students spend approximately 10 minutes at each station.

But, we can’t do this without HELP from parents & grandparents!

Below is the schedule for our Ultimate Recess (weather permitting):

Thursday, October 20 (C Day)                                                       Volunteers Arrive

8:43-10:19 am          2^nd Mrs. Laukus & 3^rd Mrs. Ettinger                         8:00 am

10:19-11:55 am        2^nd Miss Donohue & 5^th Mrs. Briney-Kelm             10:00 am

12:10-1:46 pm          Y5s Mrs. Schmidt & 4^th Mrs. Goniwiecha               11:50 am

1:46-3:22 pm             1^st Mrs. Robertson & 4^th Mrs. Abbott                      1:30 pm

3:22-4:00 pm             Station break-down crew                                          3:20 pm

Friday, October 21 (D Day)                                                                        Volunteers Arrive

8:43-10:19 am          1^st Ms. Harmening & 3^rd Mrs. Peek                          8:00 am

10:19-11:55 am        K Mrs. Bartz & 5^th Miss Rajewski                            10:00 am

12:10-1:46 pm          K Mrs. Mutschler & 4^th Mrs. Alsbro                        11:50 am

1:46-3:22 pm            2^nd Ms. Borah & 5^th Mrs. Holzapfel                         1:30 pm

3:22-4:00 pm                        Station break-down crew                                         3:20 pm

We REALLY need 8 volunteers from each classroom to make this work, 4 to man the stations & 4 to stay with each classroom group.  Can you PLEASE give an hour and a half to two hours to help make this work?

If you are able to help, please email Mrs. Trumbley at JTrumbley@sjschools.org by noon this Wednesday, October 19^th.

Thank you!

itsLearing Parent Accounts

Attention Parents:  Please remember to activate your itsLearning parent account so you can log into the system and receive classroom information from your child’s teacher.  As well as building information from the office.  You'll want to monitor the Lincoln Elementary Group and your child/childrens' Teacher's Course(s).

Directions for activating your account can be found at this link:  

https://sjschools.org/images/District/Using_the_itsLearning_Parent_Portal.pdf

A short video tutorial for activating your account and navigating the system can be found by clicking this link:  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3DvAdAoKTFhUHZ1ZHRodkxRR2s/view?usp=sharing  

If you are having trouble activating your itsLearning Parent Account, please don't hesitate to contact me or Mrs. Trumbley in the office.

Thanks for taking time to register for this important communication tool!

Title I Parent Meeting

If your child is receiving Title I support in the area of Reading &/or Math, you should have received an invitation to attend one of two Title I Information Meetings for Parents at Lincoln School.  You need only to attend one of these meetings.  Meetings are scheduled for Monday, October 24 at 10:00 am or 5:30 pm at Lincoln School.  Child care will be provided at the 5:30 pm meeting if enough RSVP's are received showing interest in child care.  Please see information in invite you should have received.  

If you are unable to attend, please ask your child's teacher for information at Parent Teacher Conferences, or call me at (269)-926-3700.

Volunteers & Volunteer Consent Form

The St. Joseph Public Schools recognizes that certain programs and activities can be enhanced through the use of volunteers. Any volunteer who works with or has access to students shall submit to a criminal history records check, prior to being allowed to participate in any activity or program. Any person who volunteers to work with the District shall be screened through the internet sites for the Public Sex Offenders Registry (PSOR) list, the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) criminal history records check and the Offender TrackingInformation System (OTIS) prior to being allowed to participate in any activity or program.

Our Volunteer Consent Form must be completed annually and can be picked up in the office.

Halloween Parties & Parade:

A.  Lincoln’s Halloween Parties and Parade WILL be on Halloween, Monday, October 31st, NOT Friday, October 28th.

B.  Students may get into costumes beginning at 1:45 pm.  Costumes are not to be worn to school.

C.  Our Halloween Parade will begin at 2:00 pm or shortly after.  Weather permitting, the parade will be outside on the blacktop portion of our playground.  Parents/Grandparents wishing to see the parade of costumes should first sign in at the office, obtain a visitor badge, and proceed to the playground.  Please surround the outer edge of the playground pavement.

D.  Classroom parties are limited to 1 hour.  You can check your child's teacher's itsLearnng site to find out when your child's party will be.

E.  Halloween COSTUMES are NOT to be too bloody, gutsy, or gory!  Students may NOT carry weapons, even fake ones (knives, machetes, guns, etc.) without prior approval from Mr. Wagner. We are also concerned about clown costumes, but will NOT tell a child they can’t wear one.  Please     remind your child, if a student wears a clown costume, that it’s just that, a costume.

Operation Coats

Each November the members of Women’s Service League collect and distribute thousands of free coats to men, women and children living in Berrien County. Coat drop boxes are set up throughout the twin cities for community members and organizations to donate gently used coats and jackets of all shapes and sizes.

Lincoln School has a collection box and coats will be accepted through October 28th.

If you or your children are in need of a warm, slightly used, winter coat, Operation Coats distribution day for 2016 is:                              Thursday, November 3rd
                                 Salvation Army, Benton Harbor
                                 OPENS TO THE PUBLIC FROM 10AM-11AM

Road Closure

Lincoln Avenue and Vineland Road will be closed for repairs October 17 through November 4. While this is not in the Lincoln bussing area, it could very well delay our Lincoln busses due to detours.

Food Service and Balance Due

Students with a negative balance food service accoun are given notices each Thursday to bring home to their parents.  Please check your child's folder / backpack each Thursday.  These notices are on purple slips of paper.  When a child's negative balance reaches, or exceeds, $12.25 at the elementary level, a letter in a sealed envelope addressed to "The Parents of..." is sent home.  Students whose accounts are $12.25 or more in the red will have their lunch cards pulled and will either need to bring a lunch and drink from home, or will be limited to a selection of a choice of one of two sandwiches until their account is paid.  And, at the same time, they are charged for that lunch.  While we know a negative balance is not the fault of the child, and we will continue to be sure they have something for lunch, this is a debt the District can no longer carry.  If you are in receipt of a letter indicating your child's account is at, or in excess of $12.25, please pay, or complete a free and reduced lunch application. That is what this program is for.  Charges continue to accumulate until the application is processed and approved.  You will be notified whether your application is approved or denied.  All debt incurred prior to application approval is still the responsibility of the parents.

Community Corkboard

Under the Parent tab on our Lincoln or District web-site, you will find a Community Corkboard tab. Information about upcoming community events and elementary community athletic/rec programs can be found here. Below is a link to the Community Corkboard:

https://www.sjschools.org/lincoln-elementary-parents/community-cork-board-lincoln

Check out the Candy Buy Back Program!  Pretty cool idea.

Art Festival

Berrien County Cancer Service, Inc. is sponsoring Art Festival on Thursday, November 10 from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Box Factory for the Arts (1101 Broad St., St. Joseph, MI 49085).  For more information, go to www.bccancerservice.org or call (269)-429-3281.

The Flu and Our School

1  Hygiene Counts

     Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.. NOT your hands!

2  Flu Vaccine Works

     Be brave and get vaccinated against the Flu.

3  Sick?  Stay Home

     Do you feel crummy today?  Headache, body aches, fever, sneezing, coughing?  Help keep our            school healthy.  Stay home when you are sick.

Flu Prevention pamphlets provided by the Berrien County Health Department (BCHD) are available in the office.

Rosetta Stone Foreign Language is Coming

Our hope is to start our Rosetta Stone Foreign Language group on November 1st.  English Language Learners are assigned first.  After that, as we have a limited number of licenses, we send information home for 3rd - 5th graders.  If licenses remain after that, we then send the information home for K - 2nd graders.  

This program will be held one day per six-day cycle here at school during your child's lunch recess time.  And, students in the program have access to use this program at home as well.

Thank You!

I want to thank Parent Volunteers Mallory Getty & Mandy Pfeiffer for organizing another successful Laps for Lincoln! Great job Ladies!  I also want to thank all of our parent volunteers who helped in so many ways, especially counting money during the event.  A huge thank you also to all of our sponsors for their support, and to our students for their efforts and Parents and Staff for supporting this wonderful event!  Have to also thank our Bears that wore that hot costume the night of our event, Elias Coar and Sophie Wagner.  Thank you all so much!  Our School, Students, and Staff are the benefactors of your generosity!

OCTOBER 7th UPDATE...

Laps for Lincoln & Piggin' n' Grinnin' Tailgate is tonight, Friday, October 7th from 5:00-8:00 pm at SJHS Dickinson Stadium.  Hope to see everyone at this Fun, Fantastic, Family event and PTO Annual Fundraiser for Lincoln School.  Bring your appetites, blankets, and lawn chairs and enjoy a little tailgating prior to our walk-a-thon.  Congratulations to the following classrooms for already meeting or exceeding their classroom goal and earning the "ultimate recess":
     Miss Donohue's 2nd Grade
     Ms. Borah's 2nd Grade
     Mrs. Ettinger's 3rd Grade
     Mrs. Peek's 3rd Grade
     Mrs. Alsbor's 4th Grade

BCHD Vision & Hearing Screening is Monday, October 10th.  Students in Kindergarten are screened for hearing while students in grades 1, 3, and 5 have both their hearing and vision screened. If there are any concerns as a result of the vision and hearing screenings, parents will be notified by the Berrien County Health Department.

Fall 2016 NWEA & Spring 2016 M-STEP Test Results will be sent home with students today, Friday, October 7th.  Kindergarten and First grade students will receive NWEA reading and math results.  Second through Fifth grade students will receive NWEA reading, math, and language usage results.  Spring 2016 M-STEP results will be sent home with our current Fourth and Fifth grader students for the testing they participated in last spring.

If you have any questions regarding any NWEA or M-STEP results, please be sure to ask them when you meet with your child's teacher at Parent Teacher Conference.

Walk to School Wednesday was a success!  Look for the number of students that participated in our next blog.  I want to THANK Parent Volunteer, Marsha Osborn for organizing this event for Lincoln School and Mrs. BrineyKelm for supervising in my absence!  Thank you Marsha.  Thanks to all of our Parent Volunteers for making this possible:
     Tabatha Street, Sara Waters, Kelly Roche, Heather Fisbeck, Jeff Bieri, Amy Struwin, Kim Poole,        Dave Hammerschmidt, Amanda Grossman, Amber Clements, Sarah Strait, Erica Walsh, Jenni            Bush, and Shaun Schroeder

October PTO Meeting
Our next PTO meeting is Tuesday, October 18 at 7:00 pm in our Media Center.  Hope to see you here!

Community Corkboard
Be sure to occasionally check out our Community Corkboard on our District web-site.  This is where you'll find event and community event information for kids and families.  I've provided a link below to take you directly to the most recent corkboard.
     https://www.sjschools.org/sjps-parents/community-cork-board-district

Permission to Photograph/Videotape Release to Utilize
Please be on the lookout for a survey in messenger (you will receive via email) regarding School Board Policy 7540 F4 (Permission to Photograph/Videotape Release to Utilize).  This survey will give you the option to allow, or to NOT allow the use of your child's image, name, work product, school, and grade in media presentations (including blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc.).  Thank you for participating in this upcoming survey!

Volunteers
While we love our Parent and Grandparent volunteers here at Lincoln School, Student Safety is of our utmost concern.  Because of this, we must follow SJPS School Board Policy 4120.08 - Volunteers.  A link to this policy is provided below:

Board Policy 4120.09 - Volunteers

All volunteers must complete and submit our "Confidential Volunteer Consent Form" and be cleared by our Central Office before you will be allowed to volunteer at Lincoln School or any school in our District.  A link to our Confidential Volunteer Consent Form can be found below and MUST be completed ANNUALLY.

CONFIDENTIAL VOLUNTEER CONSENT FORM - TO BE COMPLETED ANNUALLY

What is ACCESS?
Access is a non-denominational elementary youth group run by an outside group.  This is not a School sponsored club/activity, but they do meet at Lincoln School in Room 208 the second Tuesday of each month beginning this Tuesday, October 11th.  They meet from 8:10-8:25 am when they meet. Students are NOT allowed to attend without Parent permission.

Parent Teacher (PT) Conferences
Our expectation is that Teachers will meet with 100% of their Students' Parents for Fall Parent Teacher Conferences!  Our first Fall PT Conference days are Thursday, October 13 and Friday, October 14.  These will be Half-days for Students.  Students will be dismissed at 12:05 p.m. on half-days.  Our next PT Conference dates are November 10 and 11.  Thanks for attending Parent Teacher Conferences and for being an active participant in your child's education.  What's that saying... "It takes the entire village to raise a child."

CUB Students of the Month for September
Congratulations to our September CUB Students of the Month!  Because they were Caught Using our Bear Necessities, they were awarded with lunch on September 30th hosted by Mrs. Crawford, Ms. McElroy, Mrs. Warsow, and Mr. Wagner.  Way to go Lincoln September CUB Students!

     Clayton Floyd                          Kendra Hawkins
     Ben Kirshenbaum                    Kennedy Hawkins
     Madison Molineaux                 Jack Travis
     Avery Lannert                          Alyse Peden
     Maisy Gable                            Elizabeth Fisbeck
     Ja'Kobe Reed                           Nicole Cickoki
     Isla Strait                                 Emerson Flynn
     Gavin Wynegar                        Asher Tunnicliff

A glance at the week of September 26-30 at Lincoln School

Tuesday, September 27
     Team Up for Cancer Student Assembly

Wednesday, September 28
     PLC Late-Start, classes begin at 9:30 a.m.

     3:48-5:30 p.m. First Lego League Robotics in Media Center
   
     4:00 p.m. Lincoln Bear Credit Union Job Applications are DUE
   
     Dig Pink Volleyball for Team Up for Cancer at SJHS
               Go BEARS, beat Lakeshore
   
Thursday, September 29
     Lincoln School Picture Day!
          * Pictures are taken in the morning & ALL students are photographed

     3:48-5:00 p.m. Mini Mozarts Registration in our gym.

Friday, September 30
     Lincoln Bear Credit Union Job Interviews for 3rd through 5th grade students that returned
     an application on time.

     September CUB Luncheon
          * Caught Using the Bear Necessities

     7:00 p.m. SJHS Football Pink-OUT, Team Up for Cancer football game at Dickinson Stadium.
          * Please remember that students are to be seated with an adult during home SJHS
             athletic events

2016 Laps for Lincoln

Laps for Lincoln & Piggin' N' Grinnin' fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, October 7th!  This is a wonderful family friendly event and is our PTO's main fundraiser for the school year.

Mark your calendar & plan to attend.  The event is held at SJHS's Dickinson Stadium.  The tailgate is held from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.  Meals are $6  and you may choose from a Brisket or Pulled Pork Sandwich and chips, or Brisket Chili and cornbread.

We want to than Piggin' N' Grinnin' for donating any profits right back to Laps for Lincoln!  Very cool!

Our tailgate is picnic style so please bring a blanket and/or chairs if you would like.  All food items are available as long as supplies last.  So, come early and come hungry!

The remainder of our evening's schedule looks like this:

     6:00-6:15 pm     Families proceed to stands where students will sit in a designated classroom
                                location.

     6:15-6:30 pm     Welcome, Introductions, and Prize Winners Announced

     6:30-7:00 pm     30 minute Laps for Lincoln (Please Walk!)

     7:00-8:00 pm     Tailgate continues while supplies last

Many THANKS to our Sponsors:

     Art & Image
     Berrien Hills Golf Club                    Katie Hess Photography
     Biggby Coffee                                  Kelley's Bowl
     Buffalo Wild Wings                          Piggin' N' Grinnin'
     Clementine's Too                              Silver Beach Pizza
     Colby Event Services                       Taylor Rental Party Plus of Michigan
     Competitive Edge                             Team Teal: Food Allergy Awareness
     Funny Face Face Painting                Timothy's Restaurant
     Honor Credit Union                          The Getty Family
     Insurance Management Service        The Neuser Family
     Jimmy John's                                     United Federal Credit Union
     Karen Galanger Designs                   Zoup! Downtown St. Joe

Mini Mozarts

Program registration and instrument sizing is scheduled for this Thursday, September 29th after school in our gymnasium.  Registration ends Thursday, October 6th.

Mini Mozarts is taught by Mrs. Rachel Cabanilla-Sinnett (UMS orchestra teacher) and her husband, Mr. Sean Sinnett.  Any questions about the program should be directed to:

     Mr. Burke Lokey at blokey@sjschools.org or

     Mrs. Rachel Cabanilla-Sinnett at rcabanilla@sjschools.org

This Suzuki Instrumental Program is open to Lincoln 3rd-5th graders.  Students may learn on either a violin, or a viola.  The eight-week program is a tuition-based program and the cost of the Fall session is $120 (please make checks out to St. Josp  This cost covers your 3-month instrumental rental and supplies, and 8 group lessons.

The Fall Session runs from 3:50-4:50 p.m. right here at Lincoln School for 8 weeks.  The Fall Session dates are October 13, 20, and 27, November 3 and 17, and December 1, 8, and 15.  There will also be a Winter session with dates yet to be determined.

What a GREAT opportunity for our students!

Lincoln Bear Credit Union

Lincoln Students were treated to a short assembly on Friday, September 23 sponsored by Honor Credit Union.

Students were taught about the importance of saving money now for their education &/or training in the future.

Honor Credit Union sponsors our very own Lincoln Bear Credit Union and we are preparing for our October 13th Grand Opening here at Lincoln School.

Beginning October 13th, our Lincoln Bear Credit Union will be open from 8:00-8:25 a.m. each Thursday. 

Students in grades 4 and 5 may apply to work as managers or tellers.  Students in 3rd grade may apply to work as part of our marketing team.

Applications are due in the office by 4:00 p.m. this Wednesday, September 28th.

Student job interviews will be held during school hours on Friday, September 30th.

Students selected to be a part of the Lincoln Bear Credit Union Team will be trained here at school on Monday, October 3rd.  Members of the Lincoln Bear Credit Union will also receive a team t-shirt.

All students in grades Y5-5 are encouraged to open an account and start saving today.  Students must complete a member application (sent home last Friday), and have parent permission to participate.

Back to School Night is TONIGHT!

We sure hope to see all of you at tonight's Parents Only Back to School Night!  If you can't find someone to watch your children, please plan to attend anyway.  Children may sit in the hallway outside the classroom while you learn from your child's teacher about their classroom and the curriculum.  If your child must accompany you tonight, please be sure they have something to read or work on while they wait for you outside of the classroom.  The playground will not be supervised by staff tonight.

Parking is at a premium for events like tonight's.  The pavement portion of our playground will be open for additional parking.  Mr. Eric will be out there directing traffic.  Please enter and exit this parking area ONLY from the south entrance off of Lincoln School Drive.

5:30-6:15 p.m.     Young Fives, Kindergarten, and First Grade

6:30-7:15 p.m.     Second and Third Grades

7:30-8:15 p.m.     Fourth and Fifth Grades

The computer lab in our Media Center will be open at the times posted below for parents wanting to register for our new LMS.  Staff will be present to assist you, but you must know the email address you listed on the Student Emergency Form you returned at the ice cream social.

Computer Lab times for Parents:

     6:15-7:45 p.m. and 8:00-8:45 p.m.

Family Field Trip Fund Donation

Each year we ask Parents/Families to donate to our Elementary Student Field Trip Fund.  Our District and PTO each contribute 1/3 of this fund, and our hope is Parent/Family donations will account for the final 1/3.  We are asking for a $5 per child donation with the maximum donation per family of $10.  Your thoughtfulness and donation are greatly appreciated!

Lincoln Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

You're already a member & there are NO dues!  Please plan to attend our first PTO meeting this Tuesday, September 20th at 7:00 p.m. in our Media Center.  See you there!

Lincoln School Parent, Student, Teacher Compact - is a document you'll receive tonight that outlines each of our responsibilities for a successful school year.  Please complete & return by Friday.  Thank you!    

My Turn... The Importance of School

Our students have settled nicely into the routine of school.  But, many are very involved in after school activities.  Whether it be a club, sports, the arts, or a youth group, please be sure to set aside both a defined time and location for students to complete their school work, or just read, each day.  I love, and have been involved in sports almost my entire life.  I believe students can learn great life lessons from athletics and involvement in other activities, but please prioritize school.

Students must be at, on time, and prepared for school each and every day!  Students are tardy if they arrive after 8:30, but before 10:15 a.m. or leave before 2:15 p.m.  Tardies and absences, regardless of the reason are to be called into the office as soon as possible.  This assures us your child is not only accounted for, but safe!  Absences are counted on a half-day basis.  Students arriving after 10:15 a.m. or leaving between 12:00 and 2:15 p.m. are marked absent for the 1/2 day regardless of whether excused or unexcused.  Parents of students with 10% or more tardies &/or absences per grading period will be notified of our concern at the end of each trimester.  

I appreciate your support and understanding of our tardy/absence policy!  While I hope each of our children reaches for the stars and lands their dream job,  the reality is that they better have a strong education in case that job doesn't come to fruition.  And, being a life long learner is a wonderful thing!

Thanks for listening (reading)!

Sincerely,

Michael Wagner
Principal

A Note & Reminders to Parents

What an AWESOME start to the school year here at Lincoln School!  Our students, staff, and parents impress me daily with their enthusiasm, hard work, and dedication to making Lincoln School one of the BEST places to LEARN!

Don't forget that we have added many more Late Start Wednesdays to this year's calendar.  This Wednesday, September 21 marks our first late start of the school year.  Busses run one hour later so your pick up time will be one hour later than normal.  School dismissal is at our normal time of 

3:48 p.m.

If our late starts are truly a burden on you and your family, students may be signed in at the office no

earlier than 8:00 a.m. on late start Wednesdays.  Students may eat breakfast beginning at 8:00 a.m. Students not eating breakfast, but reporting at that time, will proceed to the gym/cafeteria after parent sign-in where they will be supervised by two Lincoln Staff members, Mrs. Gruchot and Mrs. Pfeiffer. Students are allowed to read, draw/color, play board games, work on puzzles, and do school work. Weather permitting, students will be taken to, and supervised on the playground.  Students are to remain in the gym/cafeteria until dismissed to the playground. 

Be sure to read the post regarding our upcoming Laps for Lincoln on October 7th!  This is our PTO's major fundraiser of the year.  We hope everyone will participate.  Funds raised through this event go to support our students and teachers.  Our PTO contributes money for students to 1) have access to online learning tools both at school and at home, and 2) participate in field trips away from the building/District.  PTO funds raised in past Laps for Lincoln have purchased classroom listening stations, and electronic pencil sharpeners, and many other teacher requested items.  New lighting for our stage and student performances has been purchased as well.  These are just a few examples of the many things our PTO Laps for Lincoln money has   

Spirit Wear sales at Lincoln School will be starting up soon.  This is not a PTO fundraiser, but a service we provide to help get everyone all Maize & Blue geared up!  Go Bears!

Thanks to everyone that returned their updated Emergency Information sheet at our ice cream social. Winners of the $50 gift card will be announced at our Back to School night!

Please be sure to complete and turn in Health Forms (and Epi-pens where it applies) if your child has allergies, asthma, or any other health related concerns.

School Pictures will be taken Thursday, September 29th.  All students and staff are photographed for lunch/ID cards.

Laps for Lincoln

It's that time of year again - Laps for Lincoln is upon us!  This week, our students will bring home a detailed explanation of our annual PTO fundraiser and a collection envelope.  So, please be on the lookout for that and please mark your calendars to join us for our Laps for Lincoln walk-a-thon and Charlie's Piggin' N' Grinnin' tailgate on Friday, October 7th at our SJHS Dickinson Stadium!

This is a wonderful, family friendly event and I hope to see everyone there!

Student Drop-off and Pick-up

Thanks for a great start to the school year and for following our Student drop-off and pick up procedures!  

Remember, do NOT leave your car parked in the roadway!  If you must leave your car to pick up your child, you must be parked in an appropriately marked parking space.

Please do NOT block the driveway of any of our Lincoln School neighbors!

And remember, you're your child's first role model!  They see and hear what you do and say.  Be kind and courteous to others.  Although you might only be concerned about your own child, we're concerned about all 420 of our students and their safety! 

Students eating breakfast at Lincoln may be dropped off at the front entrance beginning at 8:00 a.m. NO earlier please!  There is no supervision of students prior to 8:00 a.m.

Students NOT eating breakfast may be dropped off, to report to the playground or their entrance door, NO earlier than 8:15 a.m.

There is NO playground supervision before 8:15 a.m.

ALL students are to be picked up from school and the playground NO later than 4:00 p.m.  Any students remaining on school grounds after 4:00 p.m. must be accompanied by a parent, or must be registered for, or involved in an adult supervised activity.  There is no supervision on the playground after 4:00 p.m.

We appreciate your help in following these procedures!

Any questions or concerns regarding drop-off and pick?  Contact me, Michael Wagner at mwagner@sjschools.org, or call me at (269) 926-3700 and I will return your call as soon as possible.

Thanks for you support and understanding!

Loss of a Family Member

I'm saddened to inform you that a member of our Lincoln School Family, Beth Ann Tollas, mother of Lincoln students Maxim and Axel Weisser passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 29th.

Classmates of Maxim and Axel were informed of this last Thursday, September 15th.  Parent letters were sent home with those students.

Our deepest sympathies and prayers are extended to Beth's family and friends.

Please understand that learning of a classmates parent's death can bring about a wide range of emotions for our children.  Everyone, including children experiences grief in his or her own way.  It is normal for our children to display emotions such as; confusion, sadness, anger, denial, shock, and fear.  When someone dies, it leaves us with many unanswered questions such as, "Why?"

In addition, your child may show signs of sadness and even withdraw from usual activities.  Many times, death triggers other losses and hardships people (children) have experienced.

The best thing you can do to help your child is to be there for him or her, and listen to, and assure them that their feelings are okay.

Please help us, if you choose to share and discuss with your child, by informing them that neither Maxim nor Axel want to discuss their loss with other students here at school.  Thanks for your understanding.

If you are interested in making a donation to help support Maxim, Axel, and their little brother Jaxon, a GoFundMe page has be set up by Lincoln School Parent, Gretchen Volkenstein.  It can be found at:

https://www.gofundme.com/2mx9dvw

Thank you for your understanding and support!  If you have concerns or questions regarding your child, please contact Mrs. Jasiak or myself at (269) 926-3700.

COMMUNICATION from Lincoln School

Please be sure to register for our NEW learning management system (LMS), itsLearning!  This will be THE place to get all of your students' classroom news (newsletters, assignments, calendar, etc.).

Want to know what's going on at Lincoln School this year?

There are many places to get the news from Lincoln School...

(1)  Our NEW Learning Management System, itsLearning:
 https://sjschools.itslearning.com/DashboardMenu.aspx?LocationID=4&LocationType=Hierarchy
Click on the link above, or copy and paste it into your browser and bookmark it.  You'll first have to register for itsLearning using the email you provided us on your emergency information sheet/update that you turned in at our ice cream social in August.  Once registered and in, you'll want to click on the Groups tab and Lincoln Elementary.

(2)  Our NEW Lincoln School Blog!  It can be found at:

https://sjlincolnschool.blogspot.com

(3)  Twitter!  Find me @MWagnerSJ and look for the hashtag #sjpslincoln

(4)  Facebook!  Follow our Parent Teacher Organization's (PTO's) Facebook page!  You can follow what our FABULOUS PTO is doing at...

SJ Lincoln PTO

Stay connected & stay informed!

Our new student Learning Management System (LMS) is called itsLearning.  The LMS is used as a platform for teachers to communicate with students and parents.  Information about activating parent accounts can be found on the district webpage, http://sjschools.org, by clicking on PARENTS—PARENT TOOLS—LMS.  Once there you will find directions for activating your account, as well as information on how to use the system.  NOTE:  To activate your account, you will need to use the same email address you have provided to the school district.  We appreciate your patience with us as we work hard to learn the new system.  If you have any trouble activating your parent account, please contact the building principal or secretary.  Additionally, we encourage you to log on with your child’s username and password and explore the new site together.  

When you've completed your last session at Back to School Night, please stop by the computer lab in our Media Center to register for itsLearning!  Staff will be there to provide support where needed.  If you have a smart phone that allows you to receive email, it will be helpful to have that with you when registering here at school.

ALL classroom communication (newsletters, assignments, etc.) will be distributed through itsLearning.  

Please be sure you're registered.