Principal Woods' Notes

A Note from Principal Woods

We are three weeks in and I could not be more proud of what I am seeing in our hallways and classrooms every single day. Lincoln Academy students are showing up, working hard, and proving something important that when you are given the right environment and the right support, there is nothing you cannot accomplish. Keep going. We see you.

Exciting News — Project-Based Learning Coming to Our Afternoons

Beginning next week Lincoln Academy will be transitioning our afternoon instructional blocks to a Project-Based Learning model. We are so excited to share this with you.

What is Project-Based Learning?

Project-Based Learning or PBL is an instructional approach where students learn by actively working on real-world, meaningful projects over an extended period of time. Rather than simply reading about a concept or answering questions, students apply what they know to solve problems, create products, and present their work. Research consistently shows that PBL deepens understanding, builds critical thinking skills, and increases student engagement especially for students who thrive when learning has a real purpose.

At Lincoln Academy our afternoon PBL sessions will connect directly to our four core subjects Math, English, Science, and Social Studies giving students the opportunity to take what they are learning on Edgenuity and bring it to life in hands-on, collaborative, and creative ways. More details on upcoming projects coming soon.

Student Hours Reminder

We want to make sure all families have our current hours on hand:

Monday through Friday
7:25 AM — Doors open

7:40 AM–Morning Meeting begins

2:37 PM — Dismissal

Please make every effort to have your student here on time every morning. The morning meeting is an important part of our community culture and we do not want any student to miss it. If your student will be absent or late please contact us by 8:00 AM.

📞 734-484-7000
✉ cutliffm@lincolnk12.org
Main Office Hours: 7:15-2:45

Lunch — You Have Options

Lincoln Academy students eat lunch in the cafeteria from 11:35 AM to 12:00 PM daily. We know that not every student is comfortable in a large cafeteria setting and we completely understand. Students are always welcome to bring lunch from home. Bringing your own lunch is a completely acceptable and encouraged option. All we ask is that students eat during the designated lunch period and that outside food remains in our designated eating areas. No student should ever go without lunch.

Celebrating Our Course Completers

We want to take a moment to celebrate the students who have already completed Edgenuity courses in our first three weeks. This is no small thing. Finishing a course takes focus, persistence, and real commitment and these students have demonstrated all three.

If your student has completed a course they are on our Wall of Fame. Stop in and take a look. That moment belongs to them. We celebrate every single completion because every credit earned is a step closer to graduation.

Students keep pushing. The bell is waiting for you.

Count Day is Coming — Your Attendance Matters

Michigan's official Count Day is approaching on October 7th and we want every Lincoln Academy family to know how important this day is for our school. Count Day is the date the state of Michigan uses to determine school funding for the entire year. Every student who is present and accounted for on Count Day directly contributes to the resources Lincoln Academy has to serve you.

Mark your calendars and make sure your student is here. If you have any concerns about attendance leading up to Count Day please reach out to us directly we want to help.

Healthy Child Corner — The Truth About Vaping

At Lincoln Academy we are committed to the whole health of every student — not just academic success. This week we want to address something that affects far too many young people: vaping.

The Numbers Are Alarming

Vaping among young people is not a small issue it is a national crisis. According to the most recent national data:

• More than 2.1 million middle and high school students in the United States currently use e-cigarettes

• 1 in 4 high school students report having vaped in the past 30 days

• Young people who vape are 4 times more likely to begin smoking traditional cigarettes

• The developing brain which continues forming until age 25 is especially vulnerable to nicotine addiction. Young people can become addicted faster and with less exposure than adults

• The CDC has documented more than 2,800 cases of EVALI e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury many requiring hospitalization

• Vaping devices have been found to contain heavy metals including lead, nickel, and tin as well as cancer-causing chemicals

Vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking. There is no safe level of vaping for young people.

What Parents and Families Can Do

• Talk openly with your student about vaping — research shows that family conversations are one of the strongest protective factors

• Know the signs: unusual sweet or fruity smells, increased thirst, unexplained USB devices, secretive behavior

• Review our Student Handbook at www.lincolnk12.org for our school policy on tobacco and vaping products on school property

Resources and Help

If your student is struggling with vaping or nicotine use they do not have to face it alone. These free resources are available right now:

🔵 Smokefree Teen — teen.smokefree.gov
Text DITCHVAPE to 88709 for free quit support designed specifically for young people

🔵 My Life My Quit — mylifemyquit.com
Free, confidential coaching for teens by phone, text, or online chat
Call or text 855-891-9989

🔵 CDC Tips From Former Smokers — cdc.gov/tobacco
Information, stories, and resources for young people and families

🔵 SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-4357
Free, confidential, 24/7 information and treatment referrals

If you have concerns about your student and vaping or substance use please also reach out to our counselor Ms. Walz directly and confidentially. We are here to help, not to judge.

Homecoming is October 2nd & 3rd

Lincoln Academy students are full members of the Lincoln Consolidated School District

community and that means Homecoming is open to you. Mark your calendars, LHS Homecoming Game is Friday October 2nd at 7pm, and LHS Homecoming Dance is Saturday, October 3rd. More details are posted. Get excited this is your school too.

A Word for Our Students

We want to say something directly to every Lincoln Academy students:

You chose to keep going. That is not a small thing. A lot of people would have stopped. You did not. Whatever brought you to Lincoln Academy, whatever the story is, what matters is that you are here, you are trying, and you are building something.

Project-based learning is coming to your afternoons because we believe you are capable of more than filling in blanks on a screen. We believe you can build, create, solve, and lead. We are designing your afternoons around that belief.

The world needs what you have. Do not stop now.

Stay Connected

📞 Main Office: 734-484-7000
🌐 Handbook & Resources: www.lincolnk12.org

With pride and purpose,

Teresa Woods, M.Ed.
Principal, Lincoln Academy

Be on the lookout! Some exciting enrichment days coming up. Be on the lookout for details on An apple orchard fieldtrip, Woodworking with Mr Smith, a Visit from the Mayor and a Ropes Course fieldtrip.

🎤 LINCOLN ACADEMY STUDENTS!

DEBATE CLUB IS STARTING!

Do you enjoy sharing your ideas, discussing important topics, and making your voice heard?

Lincoln Academy is excited to announce the start of a new Debate Club!

📣 INTEREST MEETING

Tuesday, September 15
2:45 PM
Room 713

Come to the interest meeting to learn more about the club, what to expect, and how you can get involved.

Interested? We’d love to see you there!

For more information, please contact Mr. Swaney.

Tickets will be available for online purchase until 12 p.m. on October 2nd, 2026 (QR code is attached). Tickets will be unavailable for purchase after the purchase window closes - no exceptions. No admittance will be allowed at the dance, if you have not pre-purchased a ticket.

Homecoming Dance Guest Pass - You can pick up a guest pass in the Main LHS Office If you opt to bring a guest that does not attend LHS, be sure that you read the form carefully and that it is turned in fully completed by 3 p.m. on September 30th. No late submissions will be accepted. Also, outside guests must have a digital ticket purchased to gain entry to the event.

School meals will remain free for all students during the 2026–2027 school year. However, it is extremely important that every Lincoln household completes the Educational Benefits Form—even if your family does not qualify for benefits or your child is already certified for free meals.

Only one form is needed per household; please include all individuals who are a part of your household.

Lincoln Schools depend on funding connected to the completion of these forms. Every household’s participation helps us secure more resources and opportunities for all Lincoln students.

Complete the form today: 2026–2027 Educational Benefits Form

Free School Breakfast for All Lincoln Students

Did you know that free breakfast is available to all students at every Lincoln building each school day?

There are no applications, qualifications, or requirements for students to receive free breakfast. We encourage all students to take advantage of this opportunity to start their day with a nutritious meal.

Breakfast is available beginning 15 minutes before the first bell at each school building. If a student arrives late and misses the regular breakfast service time, they may still have an opportunity to receive breakfast. Simply have your student inquire with the office staff at their building for assistance.

We encourage all families to take advantage of this convenient and healthy option. A good breakfast helps students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn.