August 23, 2026
August 23, 2026
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Lincoln Families,
The staff at Lincoln Elementary is preparing to welcome our families back to a brand-new school year! The staff will be back in the building this week and the building is sure to be buzzing with energy as we set up classrooms, fine-tune lesson plans, and prepare for an incredible year of learning and growth ahead.
We are especially excited to see everyone at our special events this week! Please join us at one of our welcome events this week .(See details in blog)
Enjoy these final moments of summer break—we can't wait to see you all this week!
Dates to Know
8/27 Ice Cream Social (6:00 to 7:00 on the Lincoln Playground--New families in grades 1 - 5 can tour the building from (5:30 - 6:00)
8/31 First Day of School
9/02 Back to School Night (adults only), No late start on this day
9/04 No School
9/07 No School
9/08 PTO 12 - 1pm in Media Center (Everyone welcome!)
9/09 Late Start (School begins at 1 hour later on these days. Students enter building at 9:30)
9/11 Popcorn Friday!
9/16 Late Start
9/22 Picture Day, Dental Screening day for Y5/K
9/23 Late Start
9/30 Late Start
Save the Date:
10/2 Laps For Lincoln
Y5/K Orientation
Y5 & K students and their parent/guardian should attend on Wednesday, Aug.26th from 5:30 - 7:15. Students will meet their teachers, experience a few brief activities, take a bus ride, and have a delicious snack. Parents will meet in the gym first and then with the teacher.
New Families--Tour the School
Ice Cream Social
Students in grades 1 - 5 should attend our annual Ice Cream Social on August 27th on the Lincoln Playground where students will meet their new teacher between 6 - 7 pm. Our PTO and our Transportation Department will be on site and ready to assist.
Teachers will meet students outside on the playground in the morning during the first week of school. As students get more comfortable with the routine, our 3 - 5 students will begin entering the building on their own when the 8:30 bell rings. Y5 - 2nd grade teachers will continue to meet their students on the playground.
Students will line up by class on their class bear paw once the 8:30 bell rings to come in. Bear paws are labeled by teacher name. If your student cannot read, please help them identify the color and placement of their class bear paw. (See pictures below).
Teachers will not dismiss Y5/K students without seeing the parent/guardian. For now, you must park and meet your child in the back of the school. Parking in the back of the school is for staff only.
Staff will be on duty in the morning to help Y5/K bus students get to the playground, breakfast, or class. Please ask for help if you need it!
- Assigned 5th-grade students and a teacher will help our Y5/K bus riders get to the correct bus at the end of the day.
Families should plan for how you will separate from your student before school and unite with your student after school.that ensures that no adults are on the playground. This is important so we can monitor the safety of students. We will make exceptions for our littlest learners for the first week of school, but you must make a plan for the second week of school. Families are welcome on the playground at 4:00 after we have done a sweep to ensure no students are left behind. Thank you in advance for your help with this.
8:15 Students can begin drop-off and enter playground.
8:30 Entry/Start bell
3:33. Shuttle Bell rings for students who ride a shuttle bus
3:40 Y5/K Begin Dismissal Process
3:50 Dismissal Bell Grades 1 - 5
12:21 Dismissal time on half days (No Lunch)
Lunch Menu First Week of School!
Monday 8/31- Chicken Strips
Tuesday 9/1-Cheeseburger
Wednesday 9/2-Walking Taco
Thursday 9/3-Bosco Sticks
Friday 8/29- No School
Please join our staff at our Back to School Night event Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Meet your child's classroom teacher, find out about the essential learnings for the school year, how your child will engage in learning and most importantly find out for yourself about the nurturing environment your child's teacher will provide this school year to help her/him meet or exceed learning goals!
St Joseph Public Schools is once again able to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students.
- Students may enter for breakfast at 8:15 am through the gym door by the playground. If students are eating breakfast, they should not go to the playground to play before school.
- Lunch will be provided for all students on full school days of school.
- Elementary students bringing their own lunch will have the opportunity to purchase milk for $0.75 per carton. Students must have funds to purchase these items. No charging will be allowed.
Check out our online interactive menus! Bookmark this link: https://myschoolmenus.com/organizations/1958 or download "My School Menus" on any App Store and download the app for free. You'll see pictures of what is being served and be able to access allergen info, carbs, calories, and more!
Ms. Katie Valentine
This year, Ms. Valentine joins our 5th grade team. She comes to us from Berrien Springs and is in her seventh year of teaching. With an extensive math and science background, we are thrilled that she has joined our Lincoln team!
Mrs. Olivia Schroeder
Congratulations to Ms. Lawrence who got married this summer and is now Mrs. Schroeder. Additionally, you will now find Mrs. Schroeder teaching first grade! She is looking forward to a new adventure this year!
Mrs. Grace Thompson
We are feeling so fortunate to have Mrs. Thompson back at Lincoln School this year. Mrs. Thompson earned her teaching certificate and, after a year of teaching special education at Clarke, will move to the same role at Lincoln. Welcome back Mrs. Thompson!
Boys & Girls Club--New Program For All SJPS Elementary Students
For the 2026–27 school year, Boys & Girls Club will be available for all elementary students from St. Joseph Public Schools.
St. Joseph Public Schools will provide transportation from school to the Club each afternoon, Monday–Friday. Families will be responsible for picking up their child from the Fettig Youth Campus by 7:00 p.m.
The Club will offer students homework support, recreation, mentoring, and opportunities to learn and have fun. Enrollment will be limited, so families are encouraged to register as soon as registration opens. Please click on the link below to register.
