PANTHER PROGRESS
October 2025 Issue 3
Message From Dr. Baisey
We are officially half-way through the 1st Quarter of the school year. As we welcome October, and the start of fall, we are celebrating the expectations and routines which have been established and are helping each day run smoothly. Students are transitioning throughout the building calmly, respectfully and responsibly. They are becoming increasingly independent with arrival/dismissal procedures. We are still working on supporting students in showing social responsibility during lunch.
We are also impressed with the teaching and learning happening in our classrooms across the school. Students are showing their learning mindset, participating in whole/small groups, persevering in tasks when working independently and advocating for help when they need it. They started working in their Success Groups this week and are excited for how this additional time block will promote their academic achievement.
An area where we could use your support is in reinforcing bus expectations. If your child(ren) ride a bus to/from school, please take time to review the expectations below. Students are expected to show safe and responsible bus behavior including:
Sitting in their assigned seat
Staying seated throughout the entirety of the bus ride
Keeping their hands/feet out of the aisle and to themselves
Talking in a quiet voice with the peers seated closest to them
Using school appropriate language
We hope to see many of you during Parent-Teacher Conferences & the Trunk or Treat later this month!
Much Lincoln Love,
Michele Baisey
Important Dates
- October 6: World Day of Bullying Prevention
- October 9: Panther Advisory Council 5 - 6:30pm
- October 13 - 15: Parent Teacher Conferences (see sign-up link below)
- 13th: Students arrive 4 hours late; conferences from 4 - 8pm
- 14th: Students arrive 4 hours late; conferences from 4 - 8pm
- 15th: Students dismiss 3.5 hours early; conferences from 12 - 4pm
- October 17: No School (Professional Learning Day)
- October 28: No School (Teacher Work Day)
- October 30: Trunk-or-Treat on the track 5 - 6:30pm
- October 31: Book Character Day
October Learning
Click the picture to check out what students are learning about this month! Grading policies for all grades, including Encore, are also included.
Academic Standards and Assessments
Use the link below to see each grade level's academic standards and assessments schedule:
Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Our students are offered breakfast and lunch every day. Click the links below for this month's menu. For more information about FCPS food and nutrition, visit the FCPS nutrition website.
Safety Week October 6 - 10
The safety and wellbeing of students and staff is our top priority. We will be conducting several drills during our "Safety Week," including:
- Hold
- Secure
- Shelter in place/Severe weather
- Evacuation/Reverse evacuation
- Lockdown
- Active Assailant
For more information about these drills, please visit the FCPS Safety & Emergency Management page.
World Day of Bullying Prevention
On October 6th, 2025 Lincoln will join FCPS schools in recognition of the World Day of Bullying Prevention.
This global campaign focuses on building kindness in communities. They say
in part, “Kindness is more than a fleeting gesture; it's a potent force that emanates from strength and courage. It embodies a mindset of friendliness, generosity, and consideration, fostering affection, warmth, concern, and empathy. In a world that has faced its share of challenges, let's forge ahead with kindness as our enduring shield. It's not just a momentary act but a habit that shapes every moment of our lives, accumulating into a powerful force for good over time”.
At Lincoln we value the dignity of each human being and work to create relationships founded on trust, caring, and kindness.
Students are encourage to wear BLUE to help us recognize this important day.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
October 13 - 15
This year, we are using the website PTCFast.com to help with conference sign-ups. Using the link below, please click on your child's teacher and select a date/time that works best for you. The form can be translated into Spanish by clicking the picture of Spain's flag in the top right corner. Classroom teachers will also send out this link through Talking Points:
The Book Fair is Back!
We're excited to announce that the Book Fair is returning and for the second year in a row, we will offer each student a $15 voucher!!
Families can shop during Parent-Teacher Conferences on October 13th, 14th and 15th. Contact our media specialist at Jennifer.Amsley@fcps.org with any questions. Happy reading!
Attendance
Current Attendance Rates
- Whole School: 94.9% (The FCPS goal is 96%)
- PreK: 93.9%
- Kindergarten: 94.2%
- First: 94.9%
- Second: 96%
- Third: 94.9%
- Fourth: 94.8%
- Fifth: 95.5%
Current Chronic Absence Rate: 18.4% (Our school goal is to be lower than 15%)
Regular school attendance is important for a student's academic and behavioral success. We need your help! Please make sure your child is coming to school regularly unless they are sick. Per FCPS policy, anytime a student is absent, the school must receive written documentation from the guardian and/or medical provider. Written communication can be in the form of an email, a Talking Points message, or a hand written note. Our ratings on the Maryland School Report Card are heavily impacted by our attendance rates. Reach out to our Community School Coordinator at Crosby.Blair@fcps.org with any attendance questions or needs.
Events in the CommUNITY
C. Burr Artz Library monthly program: October
Starting October 4: Parent & Child Connect Workshops hosted by Asian American Center
October 7: Fundraiser for Frederick High's indoor track & field team @ Tropical Smoothie 4 - 8pm
October 11: Trunk or Treat @ South End Baptist Church 5 - 7pm
Starting October 18: Free business classes (grades 3 - 5)
October 25: Trunk or Treat @ Frederick Church of the Brethren 6:30 - 8pm
Book Character Day
In efforts to celebrate Lincoln's Love of Literacy, we will be having a Book Character Parade on October 31st! Students may bring their costumes to change into and the book that their character is in. Please DO NOT wear gory/scary masks or bring weapons that accompany the costume. For safety purposes, staff should be able to see your child’s face while in costume. Additionally, please do not send any food items with your child.
"Pawsitive" Referral Recess
Did you know that our students can be nominated for a positive referral each month? Students that demonstrate consistent good behavior and/or exhibit any of our habits of learning (self-advocating, practicing social responsibility, demonstrating perseverance and having a learning mindset) celebrate with an extra recess at the end of each month. We had 119 students nominated in September. Each student that is nominated also receives a certificate to take home. Great job!
Volunteering
Family and community members interested in volunteering should begin the volunteer process by visiting the FCPS Volunteer Webpage linked below. Applicants will be directed to:
- Complete a registration form.
- Complete a training module on Unified Talent.
- Await school approval on application.
- Sign-up for volunteer opportunities facilitated by individual schools.
*Complete ONE registration form only per person. Additional school selections may be added after original approval. Please note: To avoid delays, you must complete the registration form and training using the exact same full name and email address each time. Do not use nicknames, abbreviations, hyphen variations, or alternate spellings or email addresses.
The volunteer registration and training process is completed annually for each school year. Volunteers must complete the process before being signed up for volunteer opportunities, including chaperoning a field trip. FCPS encourages family and community members interested in volunteering to complete the process early as processing times can vary.
Remaining Family Engagement Events for the 25-26 School Year
*All events are from 5 - 7pm unless otherwise noted*
November 12: Multicultural Night
January 8: STEM Night
February 12: AttenDANCE
March 17: Encore Night
April 2: Lincoln Night (at Frederick High School, 5:30 - 7:30pm)
May 29: Panther Party
Panther Advisory Council (PAC)
Be a part of our PAC to help us improve our school environment and our learning community! Our next meeting is Thursday, October 9 from 5-6:30pm. ALL PARENTS AND GUARDIANS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND! Please email Crosby.Blair@fcps.org to RSVP.
Dismissal Procedures and Car Line
Dismissal changes will not be accepted after 3:20pm in order to support clear communication and a timely dismissal. Please help us stay focused on the safety of our students by minimizing front office disruptions during dismissal.
We appreciate everyone's patience in the car line. Please help us by using your turn signal when turning into the parking lot and by not parking on the south side of Madison Street after 3:15pm. We have two crossing guards and an administrator on duty during dismissal to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and families.
Counseling Corner
Meet the school counseling team: The “Super Support Squad”
Mrs. Groveman (Counselor) grades 3-5 Tiffany.Groveman@fcps.org
Mrs. Quill (Counselor) grades PreK-2 Heather.Quill@fcps.org
Ms. Dodson (Behavior Support Specialist) Heather.Dodson@fcps.org
Ms. Cody (Behavior Support Specialist) Amanda.Cody@fcps.org
Emotional Regulation @ LNES: Part 1
Click HERE to learn about Lincoln Elementary School's emotional regulation program. This is the 1st video in our series. In this presentation we will show you how to help your child become more aware of the sensations in their body to help them regulate their emotions. You will also learn about the 5 point scale used at school for emotional regulation.
Emotional Regulation @ LNES: Part 2
Click HERE to learn more about Lincoln Elementary School’s emotional regulation program. This is the second video in the series about the emotional regulation program being taught to students at Lincoln Elementary to help them learn more about their brain and body. Students practice skills to help them manage their behavior and increase their academic success. You can use this powerpoint to learn more after you watch the video..
Bonus article: Movement builds a child’s brain
Reminders from the Health Room
Student health cards need to be completed every year. If you have not completed your child’s health card this year please complete and return to the health room as soon as possible.
Steps to Stop the Spread of Germs
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- If you are sick stay home from school
- Cover your cough and sneezes
- Wash hands often with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Get a flu vaccine
If your child experiences any of the following symptoms listed below please keep them home from school
- Fever over 100 within the last 24 hours (must be fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication before returning to school)
- Vomiting/diarrhea within the last 24 hours
- Rash
- Red, itchy, crusty eyes or any drainage from eyes
Tips from Our School Psychologist, Dr. Udaka
Friendships are an important part of childhood. Having positive connections with peers helps children feel included and valued. Through friendships, kids learn important life skills like sharing, problem-solving, and understanding other people’s feelings. Having supportive friends also boosts confidence and helps children cope with challenges both in and out of school.
Tip of the Month: Practicing Friendship Skills
Friendships take practice, just like reading or math. You can help your child build social skills at home:
- Role-Play Joining In – Sometimes children want to play with others but aren’t sure how to ask. You can practice short, friendly phrases together, like “Can I play too?” or “Want to build with me?” Role-playing gives your child the confidence to use those words on the playground or in class.
- Play Turn-Taking Games – Board games, card games, or even rolling a ball back and forth are great ways to teach patience, sharing, and handling both winning and losing. These small practice moments help children learn how to wait, be fair, and cheer for others.
- Feelings Check-Ins – Talking about feelings helps kids understand empathy. After a playdate or school day, you might ask: “How do you think your friend felt when that happened?” or “What made you feel happy when you played together?” This helps your child see situations from another person’s perspective.
- Kind Invitations – Encourage your child to invite a peer to join in, even if it feels a little hard. Simple acts like saying “Do you want to sit with me?” or “Want to draw together?” can make another child feel included and help your child build new friendships.
Contact Info: Jamie Udaka, PhD (Itsuko.udaka@fcps.org)
Judy Center Corner
Click the button below for this month's Judy Center newsletter!
Bus Status & Delays
Information about bus status and delays can be found here. The page refreshes every 60 seconds.
Courage & Commitment
Lots of Lincoln Love!
LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Email: Crosby.Blair@fcps.org
Website: https://education.fcps.org/lnes/home
Location: 200 Madison Street, Frederick, MD
Phone: 227.203.1580