Lincoln Log

Dear Abraham Lincoln Families,

It is hard to believe that we are already approaching the end of October and the first quarter of the school year! The weeks have flown by, and it has been wonderful to see our students learning, growing, building friendships, and settling into their school routines.

Our first quarter comes to a close on Friday, October 30, and we are celebrating with a whole-school PBIS reward: PJs, Popcorn, and Pumpkins (Oh My!)! Students and staff are invited to wear their pajamas to school for a fun and cozy day! Thanks to our wonderful PTO, everyone will enjoy a popcorn snack, and we will have pumpkins to raffle off to students who are present that day. We will also have a special, large pumpkin on display where students and staff can add their fingerprints, creating a colorful reminder of the many individuals who make our school community so special. What a fun way to celebrate our students and their hard work during the first quarter!

As we wrap up the first quarter, I want to thank our families for your continued support and partnership. We have so much to celebrate, and I am excited for all the learning, laughter, and special moments the second quarter will bring.

Here's to a fantastic finish to our first quarter and a wonderful start to the next!

~ Mrs. Ireland

As we approach the end of the first quarter, it is a great time to reflect on the importance of regular attendance and arriving at school on time. Each school day is filled with opportunities for learning, building friendships, and developing important skills. When students are at school, on time and ready to learn, they are setting themselves up for success!

Did you know that missing just 10 minutes of school each day adds up to nearly an hour of lost learning time each week? Over the course of the school year, those minutes can really add up! Arriving on time allows students to participate in morning routines, connect with classmates, and begin their day feeling calm, confident, and prepared.

As we head into the second quarter, we encourage families to take a moment to revisit their morning routines. A little preparation the night before, a consistent bedtime, and allowing extra time for unexpected delays can make a big difference. With colder weather approaching, planning ahead for chilly mornings, winter coats, and changing road conditions will become even more important.

We also recognize that getting to school every day isn't always easy. Illnesses, appointments, and unexpected challenges happen! If your family is experiencing difficulties with attendance or arriving on time, please reach out. We are here to support you and work together to find solutions.

Our goal is not simply to have students in their seats, but to make sure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, connect, and belong. Every day a child is at school is another opportunity to build confidence, strengthen friendships, and experience success.

As we begin a new quarter, let's work together to make every school day count. Thank you for your continued partnership in helping our students develop strong attendance habits!

Every day matters. Every minute counts. Every student belongs!

Average Daily Attendance - Goal 95%

September: 93.45%

• October 26 - PTO Family Night and Book Fair
• October 27 - Book Fair
• October 28 - PTO Meeting at 5:15; School Committee Meeting at 7:00
• October 30 - Quarter 1 Ends
• November 1 - Daylight Savings Time Ends (Clocks "fall back" 1 hour)
• November 3 - Election Day
• November 4 - School Picture Retakes
• November 5 - 1st Quarter Report Cards go home
• November 9 - Turkey Trot
• November 11 - No School - Veterans Day
• November 12 - School Committee Meeting

It's a great time for families to talk about fire safety and practice simple habits that help keep everyone safe. Here are some fun and important activities you can do at home with your child!

• Create a Family Escape Plan: Walk through your home together and identify two ways out of each room, when possible. Choose a safe meeting spot outside, such as a tree or mailbox, where everyone will gather in an emergency.

• Practice a Family Fire Drill: Make it a family challenge! Practice what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Remind children to get outside quickly, stay outside, and never go back inside for toys or belongings.

• Be a Smoke Alarm Detective: Go on a family hunt to find the smoke alarms in your home. Talk about what they do, and have an adult test them so children recognize the sound and know what to do when they hear it.

• Spot the Fire Hazards: Play a game of "Safe or Unsafe?" Walk around your home and identify things that could be dangerous, such as matches, lighters, candles, or items too close to heaters. Remind children that these are for grown-ups only!

Fire safety starts at home! A few minutes of learning and practicing together can help keep your family safe.

We’re excited to share Beyond the Bell, a 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

At the heart of Abe is the belief that every child brings something special to our school community. As we wrap up the first quarter, we have so much to celebrate! From new friendships and growing confidence to exciting discoveries and everyday acts of kindness, our students continue to remind us what makes Abraham Lincoln School such a wonderful place to learn and grow. Our upcoming celebration of PJs, Popcorn, and Pumpkins (Oh My!) is more than just a fun day—it is an opportunity to recognize the hard work, positive choices, and sense of community our students have demonstrated throughout the first quarter. As we look ahead to the second quarter, we remain committed to creating a school where every child feels welcomed, supported, and celebrated. Thank you to our families and staff for the many ways you help make Abe a place where kindness grows, connections matter, and every child belongs!

Early Release dismissal is at 12:00 PM.