Women's History Month
March 2026- Newsletter
Let's get ready for Women's History Month!
As we welcome March, we embrace a season of growth—both in learning and in spirit. This is an important time in our academic year as students prepare to demonstrate their progress and perseverance through upcoming state assessments, while we continue to celebrate the historical contributions that shape and inspire our future.
Each year, District 156 administers federally required state assessments, IAR Illinois Assessment Readiness and ISA Illinois Science Assessment, that help us measure how our students are progressing academically compared to their peers across Illinois. These assessments provide valuable data that guides instructional planning and helps us determine where additional supports and resources are needed within our schools to ensure continued student success.
Throughout February, our school engaged in meaningful learning experiences in honor of Black History Month under the theme, “My History, MyVoice.” Students explored influential figures, pivotal historical events, and cultural contributions through research projects, classroom discussions, and a gallery walk that showcased their work to our school community. Our celebration culminated on Thursday, February 26, with inspiring assemblies featuring student presentations, performances, and special contributions from community members. It was a powerful opportunity for students to share their voices and talents while honoring the achievements of Black leaders past and present.
March also marks Women’s History Month, another vital time of recognition and reflection. Throughout history, women have advocated for equality, access to education, and leadership across every field. From Rosa Parks’ quiet courage to Malala Yousafzai’s fearless advocacy, women have demonstrated that one voice can spark meaningful change. We remain committed to inspiring every child—especially our young girls—to understand that their voices matter, their dreams are valid, and their potential is limitless.
As we move through this month together, we extend our sincere gratitude to you, our parents and guardians. Your unwavering support, encouragement, and partnership fuel student success each day. Together, we are shaping a future filled with strong, intelligent, and compassionate leaders.
With gratitude,
LaTanya Donald
Principal, Lincoln Elementary
1st Peanut Butter Lover's Day
1st Zero Discrimination Day
2nd Pulaski Day - No School and Read Across America Day
3rd World Hearing Day and Holi
8th Women’s Day
8th Day Light Saving Time
11th Kindergarten Transition Meeting
12th PI Day
13th IAR Prep Rally
16th Board Meeting at Lincoln 6:00 pm
16th 5 Essentials Parent Survey Dress Down Day
17th IAR Math Session1 & St. Patrick’s Day
18th IAR ELA Session 1 & Early Dismissal Day
18th Pre-K Parent Child Craft Day
19th IAR Math Session 2 & Pre K-Screening Day
19th SCCD Conference
20th SCCD Conference Dress Down Day & First Day of Spring
21st Worlds Poetry Day
21st International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
23rd National Puppy Day
25th Parent Book Club Meeting 9:30 am at the District Office “The Anxious Generation”
26th PBIS: “Tea with Me”
27th World Theatre Day
27th TFN Choirs visits Lincoln 9:30 -10:00 am
29th Vietnam War Veterans Day
30th National Doctors’ Day
31st National Crayon Day
The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) for Reading and Mathematics is quickly approaching for students in grades 3–8. We want to ensure that every student feels confident, prepared, and ready to perform at their highest level.
Your support at home plays a critical role in your child’s success. Together, we can help our students approach testing with confidence and focus.
How You Can Help Your Child Prepare:
Encourage a Positive Mindset
Remind your child that this assessment is an opportunity to showcase their growth and hard work throughout the year. A positive attitude builds confidence and supports success.
Prioritize a Good Night’s Sleep
Ensure your child gets 8–10 hours of sleep before each testing day. A well-rested student is more alert, focused, and prepared.
Provide a Nutritious Breakfast
A healthy breakfast supports energy, concentration, and overall performance.
Arrive on Time and Ready to Begin
A calm, stress-free morning sets the tone for a productive testing experience. Please ensure your child arrives at school on time each day.
Encourage Focus and Persistence
Remind your child to read each question carefully, take their time, review their answers, and use deep breathing strategies if they feel nervous.
Our students have worked diligently throughout the year—this is their opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned. With your continued encouragement and partnership, they will approach the IAR with confidence, determination, and pride.
It’s time to show what you know on the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) in grades 5 and 8! This important test measures what you’ve learned in science and how well you apply your knowledge to real-world concepts. We know you’re ready to take on this challenge and do your best!
Arrive on time – A stress-free morning helps you start the test with confidence.
Take your time and think through each question. Read carefully, analyze, and use your science knowledge to answer thoughtfully.
Stay positive! – Believe in yourself and your abilities—you’ve got this!
This is your opportunity to demonstrate your hard work, curiosity, and problem-solving skills in science. We are proud of all you’ve learned and know you will give it your best effort!
Remember: Science is about discovery, thinking critically, and applying what you know. Approach this test confidently, and don’t be afraid to show off what you’ve learned!
At Lincoln Elementary, we believe that safety is not just important—it's our mission! This month, we're diving into the exciting world of what it means to be safe in school and beyond, and we want YOU to be a part of it! A secure environment is the foundation that allows our students to learn, grow, and thrive without fear. Together, we can create a fantastic space where everyone feels secure!
Here’s what being safe means for us:
Follow the Rules: Our school rules help keep everyone secure and prevent accidents. Let's show our commitment to safety!
Spread Kindness: Using kind words and actions makes our school a positive and respectful place. Kindness is contagious!
Stay Alert: Pay close attention to your personal and online safety. When interacting on social media and digital platforms, let's be thoughtful and respectful.
Walk Tall: Remember to walk—not run—in hallways and playgrounds. This simple choice can prevent injuries and keep our community safe.
We’re cheering you on to practice safe daily habits at school and home! Families, you play a crucial role in this journey. Talk to your children about safety, set clear expectations, and be a model of safe behavior.
And here’s the best part: as part of our thrilling Student of the Month Program, we’ll celebrate fabulous students who make safe choices and help create a secure, supportive environment for everyone. By working together, we can ensure that Lincoln Elementary is a safe, welcoming haven for all our outstanding students.
We are thrilled to celebrate an exciting achievement by three of our incredible educators! Mrs. Sfura, Mrs. Alkatib, and Mr. Joshua have successfully completed the 21st Century Ed STEM Teacher Cohort, a prestigious year-long professional development program. Throughout the year, they met monthly to explore innovative STEM instructional strategies and deepen their expertise, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to growth and excellence in teaching.
Their dedication to bringing engaging, forward-thinking STEM learning experiences to our students was officially recognized last week when they received their program certificates.
Congratulations to these outstanding educators! We are proud of their hard work and grateful for the passion they bring to our classrooms and to our students’ futures in STEM.
At Lincoln Elementary, daily attendance is the first step toward success. This month, as we focus on safety, we also celebrate students who have demonstrated perfect attendance—arriving on time every day, ready to learn.
Perfect attendance is more than being present—it’s a commitment to learning, responsibility, and personal growth. When students come to school daily, they stay on track academically and build important life skills like discipline, resilience, and accountability.
Being present keeps students engaged in learning, ensuring they don’t miss out on valuable lessons and opportunities.
Consistency creates a safe routine where students feel supported, connected, and prepared for success.
Attendance builds confidence and responsibility, setting strong habits that last a lifetime.
Parents and families play a vital role in supporting attendance. By encouraging routines, setting morning schedules, and reinforcing the importance of being present, you help your child develop lifelong habits for success. There were 263 students with perfect attendance.
We are excited to recognize and celebrate our team members who achieved perfect attendance during the month of February! Your consistency, reliability, and dedication do not go unnoticed.
Showing up every single day is more than just being present — it reflects your commitment to our students, your colleagues, and our shared mission. Your dependability helps keep our work strong and our community thriving.
Thank you for your outstanding dedication and for setting such a positive example. We appreciate you and celebrate you!
Lincoln ESD 156 is excited to welcome our incoming kindergarten students for the 2026–2027 school year!
We invite families to attend our Kindergarten Transition Meeting on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 9:00 AM. Sessions will be available in English and Spanish. This informational meeting will review registration requirements, required documents, health forms, and vaccination information. Families will also have an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about what to expect as their child begins kindergarten.
Kindergarten Round Up – Registration Information
Kindergarten Round Up will take place on April 14, 21, and 28. Children who turn five years old on or before September 1 and who live within the Lincoln ESD 156 boundaries are eligible to enroll in kindergarten.
Kindergarten registration is recommended, but not required. During a scheduled appointment, families will submit all required documentation and complete the necessary registration forms.
Documentation required for Registration includes:
Child’s original birth certificate
Proof of residency (as required by the district)
Current physical examination and immunization records (these are required by October 2026. Please begin scheduling appointments with your child’s doctor now, as summer appointments fill quickly.)
Vision and dental exam forms
To view registration information, required documents, and schedule a Kindergarten Registration Appointment, please click the links below:
Documentation Required For Registration
Kindergarten Registration Appointment
We look forward to partnering with our families and welcoming our newest Lincoln Tigers as they begin their educational journey!
As part of our Preschool Unit of Study on Exercise, students explored the importance of moving their bodies and staying healthy. To support this learning, children participated in a special yoga experience where they were introduced to simple stretches, breathing techniques, and mindful movement. The yoga instructor guided students through fun, age-appropriate poses that helped build balance, coordination, and body awareness while promoting relaxation and focus. This hands-on experience encouraged children to understand that exercise can be enjoyable and is an important part of taking care of our bodies.
The Mad Science experience was highly engaging and developmentally appropriate for our preschool students. The technician introduced foundational scientific concepts through hands-on experiments that focused on how oxygen affects the environment and how matter does not disappear but instead changes form.
Students observed exciting demonstrations showing how certain materials can transform into gas, reinforcing the concept that matter changes states rather than vanishes. They were especially captivated by an experiment involving extremely ice placed in water, which produced a large amount of gas. The technician explained how this gas can expand quickly and create strong reactions, helping students understand how temperature changes can lead to powerful transformations.
Our kindergarten students joyfully celebrated the 100th Day of School and had an absolutely wonderful time in music class in MX! Their excitement filled the room as they proudly played the xylophone, sharing smiles, laughter, and beautiful music. It was a truly happy and memorable day for everyone!
We are incredibly proud of the students who were recognized during our Quarter Two Awards Assembly. Students earning Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance, and Principal Scholar honors were acknowledged for their outstanding achievement.
Our primary students were celebrated in additional categories, including Citizenship and Most Improved in Reading and Math.
We are excited to see even more students reach these milestones next quarter and look forward to recognizing their accomplishments.
Parents, it’s time to plan for the 2026–2027 school year, and we want your input! The Lincoln Tigers Book Club brings families together through reading, and your vote helps us choose the best books.
Book Selections:
Book Title: No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.
Book Title: 7 Steps to Children's Happiness: Principles that will help your children throughout their lives, by Gabriela Ciucurovschi.
Book Title: The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience in Your Child, Paperback by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.
Click HERE to cast your vote:
