Lincoln Elementary News
November 2026
First House Meeting
G4 Trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Fire Safety Assemblies
Growth Mindset in Grade 2
Last month our second grader learned, mistakes aren't setbacks—they are muscle-building workouts for the brain. Using ClassDojo’s “Big Ideas” and “Heart of a Champion” video series to discover the science of learning, second graders explored how our brains stretch and grow stronger every time we take on a tough challenge.
These quick video clips sparked rich class conversations where second graders shared what a growth mindset means to them in their own words. As Charlotte explained, "Growth mindset helps us know that making mistakes helps us grow." Owen F. agreed, adding, "Mistakes give me an idea. They let me think about things again, and what could I do next time." Ellison also shared a favorite strategy for pushing through tough moments: "Mistakes can help you learn. If you tried lots of times you could take a break while you think, and try again."
Their resilient energy spreads into every part of the school day. Teachers awarded points for effort, grit, and kindness. Students were recognized for stepping out of their comfort zones—trying a fresh math strategy, sticking with a tricky reading passage, or gently helping a peer work through a problem.
When lunchtime rolls around, students chose their own seating partners and treated their lunch tables as welcoming social hubs. Between bites, second graders put their social skills to work, practicing meaningful conversation, active listening, and peer connection. From the classroom rug to the lunchroom tables, our second graders are proving every day that hard work, big hearts, and strong mindsets make all the difference.
Shaping Tomorrow, Together Committee Update
On Oct. 21st, the District held its Shaping Tomorrow, Together student meeting, gathering five 4th- grade student leaders from each building to hear their thoughts and ideas about the transition of many of our elementary students to new buildings next year. The students were full of creative and thoughtful suggestions as they collaborated in their House groups on what measures school communities and the District can take to ensure a smooth and welcoming transition for everyone. Great ideas were discussed for events and activities this spring, summer, and into the new school year.
The adult Shaping Tomorrow, Together Committee also met on October 21st. Some of the topics discussed included: planning of May field trips to buildings, and a districtwide event in June that would include meet-ups and tours of buildings. The District also updated the committee on open enrollment, which begins Jan.19th, and noted that walking-distance maps for each school have been added to the Elementary Transition Page. The final committee meeting will be Nov. 18th.
Attendance and Achievement
Research shows a strong connection between attendance and academic achievement. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to read at grade level, master key math skills, and feel confident in the classroom. Every school day provides opportunities for learning that are difficult to recreate at home.
Thanks to Ms. Johnson, our Digital Literacy Teacher, our younger students are being introduced to our beloved digital citizenship characters: Arms, Legs, Guts, Feet, Heart, and Head. They serve as role models to help younger kids learn about the six core topics of digital citizenship in a way that's easy to understand. Students can have fun learning to be responsible digital citizens through song, movement, and repetition. Each lesson answers an essential question connected to a digital citizenship topic.
- Arms asks, "How do we balance our time with technology?"
- Heart asks, "What are ways you can be kind online?"
- Guts asks, "How do you stay safe online?"
- Feet asks, "What footprints are you leaving online?"
- Legs asks, "How do you stand up for people you care about?"
- Head asks, "How do you know something you see or hear is true?"
Looking for ways to reinforce these concepts at home? Check out the fun videos on YouTube through the link here.
Lincoln Elementary PTA
Stay in the know about the Lincoln Elementary PTA! Find volunteer opportunities and other ways to support our students and staff by visiting the PTA website.
Lunch Menus and Nutrition Services
Find lunch menus and other important information from our Nutrition Services Department by visiting their webpage.
The Library
Throughout the school year, students will engage in carefully crafted lessons designed to meet ODE's Library Standards: Media Literacy, Foundations for Lifelong Learning & Literacy, Digital Literacy, Information Literacy. Learn more.
Contact Information
15615 Clifton Blvd
Principal: Brenda Budzar
Important Numbers:
Absent line: 216-529-4305
Office: 216-529-4232
Fax: 216-227-5722
School schedule: 8:55 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
(students may enter building at 8:45 a.m.)