January 2025
Saturday, January 18th
Welcome Back to School, Lincoln Families—2026
As we begin 2026 and enter Semester 2, we look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to support student achievement and academic growth. Please be advised that the current academic quarter concludes on January 9. We encourage families to help students finish the quarter strong by ensuring they are well rested and that all outstanding assignments are completed.
Throughout this semester, students will participate in several high-stakes assessments, including ACCESS, STAR, IAR, and ISA. At Lincoln Elementary, our ongoing focus is to ensure that all students are learning at grade level and are well prepared to succeed in an increasingly interconnected global society.
Strong family–school partnerships are essential to student success. We ask parents and guardians to reinforce the instruction and learning taking place in the classroom. Should additional support be needed, families are encouraged to communicate directly with their child’s teacher through ClassConnect.
Our collective goal is to achieve Exemplary performance on the upcoming IAR and ISA assessments for students in grades 3–8. Together, we remain committed to strengthening students’ academic skills across all content areas and supporting their continued growth.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to ensure success for all Lincoln students.
Thank you,
Principal LaTanya Donald
Session 1: 1:30–4:00 PM
Break: 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Session 2: 5:00–7:30 PM
Please plan to attend during the session that works best for your schedule. We look forward to meeting with you and discussing your child’s progress. If you need a translator, please schedule an appointment with your child’s teacher. The homeroom teacher will provide more information.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
At Lincoln, the health and well-being of our students and families always come first. This winter, our school is partnering with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to host a Mobile Vaccination Clinic to help protect our Lincoln community from flu and COVID-19.
The IDPH mobile clinic will be on-site at our school on January 30 during Parent-Teacher Conference Day, making it easy and convenient for families to access care. Vaccinations are provided at no cost to students and families—no insurance required.
By hosting this mobile vaccination clinic, we can help keep students healthy, reduce missed school days, and support a safe and welcoming learning environment for everyone.
Together, we can take care of our Lincoln family—one healthy step at a time.
I extend my sincere appreciation to the entire Lincoln Family for achieving a sixth consecutive successful FY26 South Cook Intermediate Service Center Health/Life Safety inspection. Please review the attached acknowledgment letter for additional details. Special shout-out to Ms. Regina Huston, our Director of Facilities, Mr. Brian Williams, and the rest of the Custodian Staff!
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Room to Read will partner with Lincoln Elementary School on January 23, 2026, to celebrate National Day of Reading. Volunteers will read to our students and share the importance and power of education, helping to inspire a love of reading and lifelong learning.
National School Choice Week is an annual celebration highlighting the importance of providing families with access to high-quality educational options. The week recognizes the diverse pathways—public, charter, magnet, private, and other learning models—that empower families to choose the academic environment that best meets their children’s needs. Lincoln will celebrate National School Choice Week on January 29th.
As flu season continues, we ask families to partner with us in keeping our school community healthy and safe. Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness that can spread easily, especially in school settings.
To help prevent the spread of the flu, please keep the following precautions in mind:
Stay home when sick. Students should stay home if they have flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, or fatigue. Students may return to school once they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
Practice good hand hygiene. Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water or the use of hand sanitizer.
Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue or cough into an elbow to prevent spreading germs.
Avoid close contact with sick individuals whenever possible.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home.
Consider the flu vaccine. Annual flu vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of illness and complications.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping maintain a healthy learning environment for all students and staff. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the school office.
The focus for this month’s Student of the Month recognition is Being Respectful. We are incredibly proud of our students who consistently demonstrated respect throughout the month—respect for themselves, for others, and for their learning environment. Their positive choices and exemplary behavior contribute to a safe, welcoming, and supportive school community, and we commend them for serving as role models for their peers.
The 2025 National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) Conference convened education leaders from across the nation to engage in substantive dialogue, exchange best practices, and examine policy frameworks designed to strengthen public education systems.
As part of the conference programming, NASBE participants visited Lincoln Elementary School on December 10, 2025, for a comprehensive building tour. The visit included structured classroom observations that provided insight into instructional practices, learning environments, and student engagement. Participants observed the STEM Lab, Preschool classrooms, the Science Lab, and Lincoln’s Podcasting and Video Lab, each reflecting the school’s intentional focus on innovation, early childhood education, technology integration, and experiential learning.
This visit elevated Lincoln Elementary School’s profile nationally, allowing conference participants to see the school’s work under the leadership of Dr. Anita Rice, Superintendent of District 156, and her team. The experience underscored the district’s commitment to academic excellence, forward-thinking practices, and student-centered outcomes.
If you were at school and attended the Winter Concert on Thursday, December 11th, you know it was a truly joyful evening—one that showcased the heart, talent, and spirit of the Lincoln Tigers. The ambience was spectacular, with beautiful decorations created by Mrs. Myers and Ms. Humble, with thoughtful assistance from our students.
Mx. Pulido set the stage with an orchestral-style arrangement, and our students shone as they demonstrated everything they had been learning. The audience was genuinely delighted and mesmerized by both bands and their festive renditions of Christmas music. The tribute to Joseph Chacon was especially meaningful and priceless.
Our dance team brought even more cheer with their performance to the remix of “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” adding a fun and memorable highlight to this year’s concert. The audience was captivated by Ms. Spencer’s and Ms. Earl’s creative choreography.
Mr. Primental’s two-grade-level choir performed beautifully, and the candle lighting at the end with the combined choir was a warm, touching moment that brought the evening to a perfect close with “Noche de Paz.” I witnessed the audience in awe, moved by the harmony, the glow of the candles, and the peaceful spirit filling the room.
I am so pleased and honored to be the principal of Lincoln Elementary, with so much talent under one roof—a special shout-out to Ms. Castro for creating the program.
The Newbery Bowl competition, held at Heritage School on December 11, showcased our students' efforts. While Lincoln did not reach the final, we celebrate McKinley School's victory and the valuable experience our Tigers gained.
Overall, the experience was a valuable one for our Tigers and will serve as a strong foundation as we prepare for next year’s competition.
We proudly celebrate our Pre-K parents and students for coming together to enjoy a joyful and meaningful craft experience. The creativity, laughter, and shared moments throughout the activity highlighted the strong partnership between our families and school. Experiences like these not only support early learning and creativity but also strengthen relationships and foster a welcoming, inclusive community where every child and family feels valued and connected.
The Fine Arts Department had a wonderful experience attending Wicked: For Good. More than 100 students participated in the outing and enthusiastically shared their enthusiasm for the opportunity.
We recently celebrated our middle school students who were nominated for consistently demonstrating the 4 Bs: Be Kind, Be Respectful, Be Safe, Be Responsible. Recognizing these students helps us all take pride in the positive values our community holds.
Check out the pictures below!
The halls of Lincoln Elementary are filled with festive energy thanks to the creativity, collaboration, and school spirit of our staff and students.
During Winter Spirit Week, our staff and students enthusiastically participated, bringing joy, creativity, and school pride to our building each day. From spirited outfits to shared laughter and excitement, the week truly highlighted the strong sense of belonging and community that defines Lincoln Elementary. It was wonderful to see students and staff come together to celebrate school spirit and create lasting memories—check us out!
A special thank you to our Student Council for their leadership and creativity in thoughtfully selecting the Spirit Week themes. We are also grateful to Ms. Davis and Mr. Anderson for their guidance and support, which helped make this experience meaningful, engaging, and successful for our entire school community.
On behalf of the Lincoln District 156 Board of Education, our students were generously showered with toys that brought joy and excitement to the school community on the last day of school, December 19. Students who maintained perfect attendance from August through December, as well as students recognized at each grade level, received a toy in celebration of their commitment and achievements.
Mrs. Edwards’ Kindergarten class serenaded the main office with “Jingle Bells, bringing smiles to all who listened and watched them in action.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is the oldest intercollegiate historically African American fraternity. It was founded at Cornell University, originally as a literary and social studies club during the 1905–1906 school year, and later evolved into a fraternity with an official founding date of December 4, 1906.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Michael Williams, our Dean, for his generosity and support. As a Christmas gift to our students, he generously provided over 40 toys, bringing joy and excitement to many young hearts.
We truly appreciate Mr. Williams’ kindness and commitment to our students and school community. His thoughtfulness made this holiday season extra special for our students.
Lincoln ESD 156 currently has available spots for 4-year-old students in our preschool program.
Please note that all prospective preschool students must complete a screening process.
Screening does not guarantee enrollment.
Children will be screened in several areas to assess their overall development and readiness for preschool.
If you would like to have your child screened, please call the main office at (708) 862-6620 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to welcoming our newest Lincoln learners.
Illinois law requires students entering kindergarten, second, sixth, and ninth grade to submit proof of a completed dental examination. The examination must be conducted within the 18-month window before May 15 of the current school year and documented on an official form signed by a licensed dentist.
The theme for December is Respect, and one of the most important ways students show respect is by showing up every day—on time and ready to learn. We are so proud to recognize the students who attended school every day without tardies this month!
These outstanding students have demonstrated responsibility, dedication, and respect for themselves, their teachers, and their learning community. By arriving on time each day, they set themselves up for success and help create a positive, safe, and respectful environment for everyone. Their commitment truly shines, and we celebrate them with the highest regard.
A heartfelt thank-you to all of our families for supporting consistent attendance and punctuality. Your encouragement and partnership mean so much, and the impact is felt throughout our entire school community. We truly couldn’t do it without you!
December Overall Attendance Rate: 90%
Reminder to Parents: Both excused and unexcused absences affect our students' growth and success. Consistent attendance is vital for their academic progress and supports our school’s ability to provide essential resources. Let’s work together to make attendance a top priority!
To help ensure a smooth start to each school day, please remember the following procedures for dealing with tardiness:
- Arrival Time: Students must be in their homeroom by 8:15 a.m. to avoid being marked tardy.
- 8:15 - 8:30 a.m.: Tardy students will receive a BLUE pass, and teachers should record the tardy in PowerSchool-Attendance.
- After 8:30 a.m.: Tardy students must enter through the main office, where they will receive a YELLOW tardy pass. The attendance clerk will log these tardies in PowerSchool-Attendance.
Attendance Consequences: For Kindergarten through 8th-grade students, five tardies will result in
After-School Detention. After the 5th tardy:
- The teacher should complete a Discipline Referral form through SWIS and call the parent to notify them.
- Submit the referral form to the Assistant Principal for follow-up.
At Lincoln, excellence is not just a goal—it’s a way of life. This December, we are thrilled to honor an extraordinary group of teachers and staff members who have achieved perfect attendance, embodying what it means to show up with purpose and passion every day.
Their unwavering dedication reminds us all that the power of presence can transform lives. These educators are the heartbeat of our school, creating an environment where students feel seen, supported, and inspired to achieve their dreams. Their steadfast commitment to their roles is more than just an accomplishment; it’s a testament to their resilience, responsibility, and the profound impact of consistency.
Let this celebration remind us what’s possible when we choose to rise to the challenge, no matter the obstacles. To these incredible individuals, we thank you for being our community's cornerstone and inspiring us all to be our best selves.
Together, we are building a brighter future—one day, one lesson, and one act of kindness at a time.
Greetings, Lincoln Community,
This school year has started awesomely, and I am so excited to continue building on the relationships we began last year. As we return from break, please review the school policies and upcoming events to help keep the remainder of the school year running smoothly and ensure a safe community school.
Please take time to talk with your students about cell phone use. All students are aware that cell phones must be locked in their pouches at the start of the school day. Unfortunately, some students are routinely choosing not to follow this expectation. Failure to comply may result in detentions and require parents/guardians to pick up the phone at the end of the day.
In addition to phone use, remind your students that their social media and group chat behavior significantly affects their safety and reputation. Reminding them about the dangers of inappropriate posting helps them understand their digital footprint matters and shows you care about their well-being.
Thank you for entrusting us with your students.
Sincerely,
Ms. Wingba
We are heading into our sixth month of school and are beginning to inch closer to our exciting 8th-grade activities! Letters were mailed over winter break to all students who have lost or are at risk of losing eligibility for 8th-grade activities. Please contact Mrs. Wingba if you have any questions or concerns.
The 8th-grade activities fee of $200.00 is due by February 13, 2026. Please encourage your child to meet this deadline, and contact Ms. Wingba if you need assistance with the process.
Important Dates
February 27, 2026: 8th Grade Pictures
May 15, 2026: 8th Grade Dance
May 21, 2026: 8th Grade Trip — Scene 75
May 26, 2026: Graduation at TF North
STAY CONNECTED!
Please ensure you connect with your student’s homeroom teacher through School Status Connect (formerly known as Classtag). This platform is essential for receiving important updates, including information about units of study, class activities, and helpful tips for supporting learning at home. Staying connected ensures you’re always informed and can effectively support your child’s educational journey.
National Junior Honor Society
The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) recognizes students for outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship. Celebrating these accomplishments encourages students and reassures parents of our commitment to excellence.
Hit It Straight Golf Academy and Lincoln Elementary
Hit It Straight Golf Academy has partnered with Lincoln Elementary to introduce students to the fundamentals of golf while fostering mentorship and teamwork. Through these sessions, students learn chipping, pitching, putting, proper grip, posture, alignment, and balance. In addition, mentorship discussions focus on life lessons and skills that support personal growth and positive character development.
STEM Club Highlights: Innovation Across Grades 3-8
This semester, our 3rd–8th Grade STEM Clubs have been buzzing with creativity, inquiry, and engineering design, as students engaged in hands-on projects that foster critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving. Across both clubs, students have been exploring the engineering design process—planning, building, testing, and refining their ideas—as they worked with a variety of materials and technologies.
In the 3rd–5th Grade STEM Club, students explored architectural design using LEGO bricks, creating detailed structures with functional features, including doors, roofs, and themed rooms. These activities strengthened spatial reasoning, creativity, and purposeful design.
They also engineered Keva Plank ball runs, experimenting with gravity, motion, force, and momentum. By analyzing how the ball traveled through their structures, students practiced iteration, precision, and teamwork—key components of early engineering thinking.
In the 6th–8th Grade STEM Club, students engaged in a variety of STEM experiences tailored to their interests. Some continued advanced Keva Plank engineering, designing longer and more complex ball-run systems. Others worked with Dash robotics, using computational thinking and coding logic to control movement and navigation.
Students also explored electrical engineering through Snap Circuits, experimenting with switches, fans, and energy flow. Meanwhile, those using Makey Makey discovered how circuits and conductivity can turn everyday items—like bananas—into musical interfaces.
Across both STEM Clubs, students can explore additional STEM pathways aligned with their interests, including digital design and coding, robotics, structural engineering, and creative problem-solving. This open-choice model allows students to take ownership of their learning and engage deeply with concepts that excite them.
As we move into the second half of the year, both clubs will shift their focus to aviation and flight. Students will explore aerodynamics, lift, thrust, drag, and aircraft design through hands-on challenges that mirror real-world aviation concepts. This upcoming unit will empower students to apply their engineering skills in new, high-interest ways as they learn what makes flight possible.
Afterschool Speech Program Kickoff
On December 10, 2025, we launched Lincoln’s first-ever Afterschool Speech Program with a successful introductory session. Fourth- and fifth-grade students participated in the kickoff, marking an exciting beginning for this new enrichment opportunity.
During the session, students were introduced to the purpose of the speech program and the available speech categories, enabling them to explore options aligned with their interests. The introduction was designed to build understanding, generate excitement, and encourage active participation. Students were allowed to identify and select the speech category they were most interested in pursuing.
The session was led by Mariella and Raul, who provided a clear overview of the program and fostered an engaging and welcoming learning environment. The high level of student interest and participation highlighted the program’s strong start and its potential to improve students’ confidence and communication skills.
This kickoff marks the start of ongoing speech-focused activities, and we look forward to expanding the program as it grows. As the first program of its kind at Lincoln, the Afterschool Speech Program represents a significant milestone, and we are excited to support its continued development.
Confidence in Motion: After School Karate
We’ve been working very hard on dojo etiquette 道場作法,
Kihon 基本, basic techniques. This consists of four disciplines: 1 Dachi Waza たち 技, standing techniques. Emphasizing balance, leg strength, and conditioning. 2. Uke Waza 受け技 blocking or receiving techniques. 3, Atemi Waza 当て身技, striking techniques, and 4. Geri waza ケリ技 kicking techniques. We’ve also started working on the blocking forms and the first basic Kata (form), taikyoku shodan.
Progress is slow but steady, and kids are energetic but often have a hard time with focus. But overall, a good bunch of kids. We have several students out playing basketball right now,w but they will be back at the conclusion of the season.
E3: Engage, Empower, Esports!
Our After-School Esports Coach, Korey, leads and supervises a fun, structured esports club focused on teamwork, sportsmanship, and digital citizenship. Students build strategic thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills while learning the fundamentals of age-appropriate competitive games. Coach Korey fosters a safe, positive, and inclusive environment where students of all skill levels can grow, collaborate, and enjoy healthy competition.
Lady Tigers, Let’s Go!
Congratulations to the 2025–2026 Lady Tigers Volleyball Team under the guidance of Coach Bingham and Coach Long. Best wishes to the team for a successful season—let’s go, ladies!
Thank You for a Great Season
Thank you, Coach Anderson and Coach Martin, for taking charge of coaching our boys this season. Your time, dedication, and commitment truly made a difference for both teams.
The 7th-grade team finished the season with a 9–11 record, and the 8th-grade boys team ended with an impressive 10–6 record. More importantly, the boys grew in skill, confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship under your leadership.
We sincerely appreciate the effort you put into helping our players develop both on and off the court. Thank you for a great season and for the positive impact you’ve had on our boys.