Lincoln Log

Dear Abraham Lincoln Families,

I hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing Memorial Day weekend! Even though the school year is quickly coming to a close, our days are still full of learning, so please be sure your child arrives at school on time each day.

Our Kindness Club wrapped up this week with presentations for Shaw House, St. Joseph Hospital, and Phillips-Strickland House. We are so proud of the work this club has done to support our community!

We also enjoyed a fabulous PEAK event — Family Game Night! Thank you to all the families who attended and helped make it such a fun evening.

~ Mrs. Ireland

At Abraham Lincoln, we take attendance seriously because consistent school attendance is directly linked to student success. We track attendance weekly and will begin sharing our monthly progress with students and staff through a visual display in the school. I will also include these updates in each newsletter so families can stay informed.

Here is our Average Daily Attendance (ADA) so far this year:

• September: 95%

• October: 92%

• November: 95%

• December: 95%

• January: 94%

• February: 91%

• March: 94%

• April: 94%

Our goal is to maintain 95% or higher each month, and we are excited to work together to reach it!

You can help support strong attendance by scheduling appointments outside the school day whenever possible and planning family vacations during scheduled school vacation weeks. Every day of learning matters, and we appreciate your partnership in helping our students be present, engaged, and ready to learn.

*May 25 - No School - Memorial Day

*May 26 - Grade 1 Bangor Public Library Field Trip

*May 28 - Grade 3 All City Concert at 5:30; School Committee Meeting at 7:00

*June 1 - 3rd Grade Step Up Day

*June 3 - Alma Mater March

*June 5 - PTO Spring Fair

*June 6 - BHS Graduation

*June 10 - Field Day

*June 16 - Last Student Day

Here are a few simple ways families can support learning over the summer break for PreK–3 students:

• Read together every day — even 15–20 minutes of reading, storytelling, or looking at picture books helps build vocabulary and a love of learning. Visit Bangor Public Library or your local library for free summer reading programs and activities.
• Keep math skills sharp through everyday activities like counting, measuring while cooking, sorting objects, playing board games, or practicing addition and subtraction during errands and playtime.
• Encourage creativity and curiosity by spending time outdoors, drawing, building, exploring nature, visiting parks, or asking questions about the world around them. Everyday experiences are powerful learning opportunities.
• Maintain routines that support success, including regular bedtimes, healthy meals, and opportunities for children to practice independence such as cleaning up, organizing belongings, and following directions.

The Bangor School Department is partnering with Smart Social, an excellent resource that helps families navigate the digital world safely and confidently. Smart Social offers free tools, videos, and tips to help parents guide children in making positive choices online and using social media responsibly.

We encourage all families to explore these resources and start conversations at home about digital safety and balance. Check it out here: Smart Social

We’re excited to share Beyond the Bell, a new podcast that takes listeners inside the heart of our schools! Each episode dives into the inspiring stories, innovative practices, and everyday moments that make our school community so special. You’ll hear from teachers, staff, community members, and experts who bring unique perspectives on education today — from school psychologists and coaches to educational leaders.

Tune in and explore what’s happening beyond the bell!
🎧 Listen here: Beyond the Bell Podcast

One of the greatest joys of an elementary school is watching the tremendous growth children make over the course of a single school year. From the first day of school to now, our students have gained confidence, strengthened friendships, developed new skills, and discovered more about themselves as learners and leaders.

As we approach the final stretch of the school year, our classrooms remain filled with purposeful learning, creativity, and excitement. Teachers continue to provide engaging opportunities that encourage students to think critically, collaborate with peers, and celebrate their accomplishments.

This time of year also gives us an opportunity to reflect on the importance of partnership between home and school. Thank you for your ongoing support, encouragement, and involvement throughout the year. Your partnership plays an essential role in helping our students thrive each and every day.

We look forward to making the most of these final weeks together and celebrating all that our students have achieved.

Early Release dismissal is at 12:00 PM.