Positive Paws

Mission: In a culture of high expectations and respect for all, we strive to educate the whole child with positive relationships and an appreciation for diversity in an inclusive environment.

Vision: Lincoln School District 156 will be an inclusive student-centered model of innovation and academic excellence that prepares the whole child to contribute to an ever-changing global community.

It is hard to believe that our first month of school is already behind us. Our students are in full swith with their academics and our sports, clubs and activities are about to start. If your child is an athlete, please make sure to have their sports physical completed and turned in before practice begins. This way they can maximize their practice time and get ready for the season.

As we get further into the year, I encourage to keep track of your childs attendance. Did you know that just 5 days over the school year equals a loss of 25 instructional hours. This is time that our student will never be able to make up. We completely understand that kids get sick and if they have a fever or are vomiting, they should stay home but if they don't exhibit those symptoms, they should be at school. Everyday at Lincoln helps prepare students for their future and the options and opportunites that await them.

If there are roadblocks that are preventing your child coming to school, please reach out. We have, or can get you in touch with resources to help. I believe that we are a partnership and we want to support you in anyway we can. It takes a village and together we can help our student achieve anything.

With Tiger Pride,

Adam West Ed.D.

9/14/2026 - Board of Education Meeting (@ Lincoln Elementary School)

9/14/2026 - Girls Basketball Tryouts

9/14/2026-9/18/2026- Mobile Museum of Tolearance (5th-8th Grades)

9/15/2026 - Girls Basketball Tryouts

9/16/2026 - Early Release

9/17/2026 - Grandparents Day Sweet Treat Social

9/19/2026 - Young Eagles

9/23/2026 - New Lincoln Parent/Student Night

At Lincoln School we open doors at 8:00am so that all kids have time to drop off their backpacks at their locker, grab and eat breakfast and get ready for instruction to start at 8:30am. We strongly encourage all students to be here by 8:00am to make sure they can accomplish all of these tasks before they start learning.

Safe and smooth dismissal depends on strong communication between families, the school, and transportation providers. If your child uses a private transportation company, daycare van, or other transportation service, please remember that the transportation arrangement is an agreement between the parent/guardian and the transportation provider. While the school helps ensure students are connected with their designated transportation at dismissal, families are an essential link in keeping everyone informed.

Parents and guardians are responsible for communicating directly with their transportation provider about important information that may affect service, including student absences, school closures or early dismissal days, the school calendar, and any changes to the child’s regular transportation plan.

It is equally important to notify the school whenever your child’s dismissal or transportation plan changes. Changes should be communicated directly to your child’s homeroom teacher or the main office by phone, email, or direct message through SchoolStatus Connect.

Whenever possible, please submit transportation changes before 2:00 p.m. This allows our office team enough time to communicate the change to teachers, paraprofessionals, and other staff members supporting dismissal.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, organized, and efficient dismissal process. When families, transportation providers, and the school communicate consistently, we can work together to make sure every student gets where they need to go safely.

Are you new to our school district? We are excited to welcome you and your family! Please join us for our New Family Orientation on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in Café 1. Doors will open at 4:50 p.m.

This orientation is designed for families with students across all grade levels and will provide helpful information to support you as you become familiar with our school and district. Families will have an opportunity to learn more about school procedures, expectations, available resources, communication, and other important information to help make the school year a successful one.

We know that joining a new school community comes with lots of questions, and we want to help you feel informed, connected, and supported.

We hope you’ll join us! We look forward to meeting you and officially welcoming your family to our school community.

Keeping an open line of communication between home and school is essential to your child’s success and safety. Please make sure the school has your current phone number, email address, and emergency contacts. We also encourage families to check emails regularly and clear full voicemail inboxes so that important messages from the school can be received. Thank you for helping us stay connected!

We’re excited to explore starting a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Lincoln! Parents, guardians, and staff are invited to share their interest and ideas.

Interested in getting involved? Fill out the PTO Interest Form using the link below!

HELP US START A PTO!

The Health Office would like to share a few important reminders to help keep our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn.

Required Health Records

The Health Office is still missing required health records for some students. If you have received notice that your child is missing a required physical examination, immunization record, dental examination, or other required health documentation, please submit the completed records to the school as soon as possible.

Deadline: October 15, 2026

Students who have not submitted the required health records by October 15th will be excluded from school until the required documentation has been received by the school. If you are unsure whether your child is missing any required health records, please contact the Health Office.

Medications at School

If your child requires medication during the school day, please remember: A physician’s written order and parent/guardian permission are required for prescription and over-the-counter medications. Submit an Emergency Action Plan, if needed

Medication must be brought to school in the original, properly labeled container. Students may not carry medication at school unless specifically authorized, such as approved inhalers, EpiPens, insulin, or glucagon.

Please contact the school or Health Office if you need a Medication Authorization Form. The form must be completed and signed by the physician and parent/guardian.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping the Health Office keep our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn!

Thursday, September 17, 2026 • 3:00–4:00 PM • Administrative Center, 912 Burnham Ave. Lincoln ESD 156 invites Lincoln students and their grandparents to enjoy sweet treats and special time together. This is a social gathering for families to connect, celebrate, and make special memories together. Photo ID required. Register by September 8, 2026

Grandparents Day Sweet Treat Social Registration Link

First Meeting: October 21, 2026 • 9:00–10:00 AM

Location: Lincoln Elementary Administration Center, 912 Burnham Ave., Calumet City, IL 60409.

Join Lincoln’s Parent Book Club featuring 7 Steps to Children’s Happiness! The club is free and open to all Lincoln parents/guardians with a currently enrolled child. Each participant receives a free copy of the book.

See flyer for additional meeting dates. A valid state-issued photo ID is required at check-in.

Join Lincoln’s Parent Book Club – Registration Link