The Lions' Pride

Dear Lincoln Elementary Families,

I wanted to take a moment to recognize the incredible teamwork and flexibility demonstrated during Friday’s fire alarm evacuation. Our staff did an outstanding job coming together to ensure that all students remained calm, safe, and cared for throughout the transition to Middle School South. Their professionalism and teamwork truly shined in an unexpected situation.

We also want to give a special shout-out to our students, who did an excellent job listening, following directions, and staying positive during the extended time out of the building. Their cooperation helped make the entire process smooth and reassuring.

Thank you for your ongoing support—and please join us in celebrating our amazing school community for rising to the occasion with resilience and care.

Reminder there is no school for students on Monday Nov 10th as the staff will be involved with professional development.

Thank you,

Claire Giardino, Principal

As we enter November, a season of gratitude, we invite you to join us in recognizing what—and who—you’re thankful for at Lincoln Elementary School. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your appreciation for anyone on our team: teachers, custodians, office staff, bus drivers, clinic staff, educational aides, support staff, or even a specific group or individual.

Please take a moment to fill out the form below and share your message of thanks. Your kind words make a big impact on our school culture and climate, and I will make sure each note of appreciation is shared with the staff member or team you've recognized.

Thank you for helping us celebrate the amazing people who make Lincoln a special place to learn and grow!

Our neighbors around the school have kindly asked that we all be mindful of parking during arrival, dismissal, and school events. Please avoid blocking driveways or parking too close to mailboxes and intersections.

We want to maintain positive relationships with the families who live near our school—thank you for helping us show respect and courtesy to our community!

Veteran’s Day Assemblies on 11/11

8:15-8:45- Donuts for Veterans and their families for students in grades K, 2, 5

8:45-9:15- Assembly for grades K, 2 ,5

9:15-9:45 Donuts for Veterans and their families for students in grades 1,3,4 families

9:45-10:15- Assembly for grades 1, 3, 4

We are encouraging students and staff to wear red, white and blue on this date.

We invite family members who are unable to attend our Veterans Day Assembly, or who wish to honor a veteran who is no longer with us, to create a Google Slide in recognition of their veteran. These slides will be included in our presentation as a special way to honor and remember all of those who have served.

Book Fair - Monday 11/17 - Friday 11/21

The PTO is looking for volunteers to help students shop, manage their money, and walk them to and from their classrooms. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F49A8A62FA1FDC43-58049030-book#/

Set up your student's eWallet and find out about Share the Fair here: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/lincolnelementaryschool125

Stay Connected

• Facebook: Gahanna Lincoln Elementary PTO

• Instagram: Gahanna Lincoln Elementary PTO

• Website: Gahanna Lincoln Elementary PTO

• Google Calendar: Subscribe Here

Upcoming PTO Dates

• November 11th - PTO Meeting (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

• November 17th - 21st - Book Fair

• https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F49A8A62FA1FDC43-58049030-book#/

• January 13th - PTO Meeting (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

• February 27th and 28th - School Dances

For food assistance, please come to GRIN. No appointment needed. Come during the listed pantry hours. Bring your photo ID & proof of residency. You may come 2 times/month for canned foods, fresh produce, dairy, meat, toiletries & cleaning supplies.

Pantry Hours:

Every Tuesday 6-8:00 PM

Every Wednesday 10 am - Noon

Every Saturday 9 am - 11:00 am

Questions? Contact Beth Bentley, Program Director at pd@grin4gahanna.org.

"GRIN is an equal opportunity provider."

Our friends at GRIN are once again offering Thanksgiving food assistance for GJPS residents.

NO APPOINTMENTS ARE NEEDED

Information and distribution dates are on the flyer below.

As the holidays approach, there are resources to help. Please see this flier from the Salvation Army if you find yourself in need of help this holiday season. If you have questions, please reach out to your child's school counselor: K,2,4 - Nick Rediger: redigern@gjps.org or 1,3,5 - Jenny Hayhurst: hayhurstj@gjps.org

Visual & Performing Arts Gifted Education Identification

Each year, school districts in Ohio are required to offer an opportunity for students in grades K-12 to be identified as gifted in the area of Visual and Performing Arts. The identified areas of giftedness for Visual and Performing Arts include Visual Arts, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Drama/Theater, and Dance. If you know of a student that may be gifted in an area of the Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) learn more about the identification process.

Pursuant to House Bill 410, student attendance is calculated in hours. This includes absences that have been identified as both excused and unexcused by the school, as well as planned absences. Being late or tardy to school does calculate into the total hours absent.

If your child is going to be absent for any portion of the school day, please notify the school. You may report an absence by using our Online Absence Reporting available in the Parent Portal in Infinite Campus. To enter a request follow these simple steps:

1.Log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account.

2. Select your child’s profile.

3. Navigate to the Absence Request section.

4. Fill in the required information, including the date and reason for the absence.

5. Submit your request.

You will be able to view the status of your request using the View Requests button.

You may also call Lincoln 614-478-5555 or email our secretary at pedrottya@gjps.org

Welcome Back-to-School from Lincoln's counselors, Nick Rediger and Jenny Hayhurst. Mr. Rediger covers grades K, 2, and 4 and can be reached at redigern@gjps.org. Mrs. Hayhurst covers grades 1, 3, and 5 and can be reached at hayhurstj@gjps.org.

Our school coordinates with Gahanna Residents in Need (GRIN) to provide the weekend supplementary food program for students. The program provides for students who are in need of help with food at home. If you would like to participate in this program, your student will receive a bag of non-perishable food items every Friday to bring home. If your child received a weekly bag last year, you will need to sign them up again this year. Please sign up here:

Weekend Food Program Sign-Up.

Please email hayhurstj@gjps.org if you are interested in the new student group

For the safety of all students, please follow the provided drop-off and pick-up map for car riders. All vehicles must enter through the car loop, where we will be operating two lanes to help traffic flow efficiently.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping arrival and dismissal safe and orderly for everyone.

A plate lunch is $2.75.

Breakfast is $1.50.

*New this year - 2 hot lunch options will be available for students to choose from for lunch each day. Please see the lunch menu for details. Students not interested in the hot lunch options will be able to select Yogurt/roll, Wowbutter sandwich, Garden Salad, Cheese Sandwich, or a Turkey Sandwich.

Families are again asked to complete and submit a 2025-2026 Free/Reduced-Priced Meal Application if they believe they may qualify. Applications are available in the Lincoln school office or online at: GahannaSchools.org. If approved, the completed application will cover the student for the entire 2025-26 school year, and no other steps will be necessary unless there is an income change during the school year.

Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools Food Service Department is committed to assisting families and making this transition back to normal operations as easy as possible. Please feel free to contact Food Service Supervisor Stephen Ismael (Ismaels@gjps.org) if you have any questions.

Ohio State Testing Dates are ready for the 2025-2026 school year. Please avoid scheduling vacations or appointments over these dates.

Nov. 10 Professional Learning Day for Staff - No School for Students

Nov. 11 Veterans Day Assembly

November 11 PTO Meeting (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

November 14- November 20 PTO Book Fair

Nov. 26-28: Thanksgiving Break - No School

Dec. 19 End of Quarter 2
Dec. 20 - Jan. 4: Winter Break - No School
Jan. 5: Staff Work Day - No School

Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Day - No School

Feb. 13: Professional Learning Day for Staff - No School for Students
Feb. 16: Presidents Day - No School

March 6: End of Quarter 3
March 9: Staff Work Day - No School

March 20: Conference Comp Day - No School for Students or Staff
Mar. 30-April 3: Spring Break- No School
May 22: Last Day of School for Students

May 26: Teacher Work Day (Last day for staff)

May 28: Report Cards Released to Families