Lincoln Log

Dear Abraham Lincoln Families,

I hope everyone had a fabulous winter break, enjoying special time with family both inside and out! It has been wonderful to welcome everyone back to school and to hear the stories students and staff are sharing about their break.

As we ease back into our routines, I would like to share a few important reminders with families:

• Toys from home: Please do not send toys to school in backpacks. These items can lead to hurt feelings if they are lost or need to be put away because they disrupt learning. Teachers will let families know when students are invited to bring something special from home.

• Arrival and breakfast: Drop-off begins at 8:40 a.m., and the bell rings at 8:50 a.m. Breakfast service ends at 9:00 a.m.

• Dismissal: Our dismissal time is 3:00 p.m. Please notify the office of any changes to your child’s dismissal plan before 2:00 p.m.

• Contact information: Please be sure the office has your most up-to-date contact information on file.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We are looking forward to a great stretch of learning together!

~ Mrs. Ireland

At Abraham Lincoln, we take attendance seriously because consistent school attendance is directly linked to student success. We track attendance weekly and will begin sharing our monthly progress with students and staff through a visual display in the school. I will also include these updates in each newsletter so families can stay informed.

Here is our Average Daily Attendance (ADA) so far this year:

• September: 95%

• October: 92%

• November: 95%

• December: 95%

Our goal is to maintain 95% or higher each month, and we are excited to work together to reach it!

You can help support strong attendance by scheduling appointments outside the school day whenever possible and planning family vacations during scheduled school vacation weeks. Every day of learning matters, and we appreciate your partnership in helping our students be present, engaged, and ready to learn.

We are looking for a volunteer to come in once a week for about an hour to help shelve books in our Book Room. If you are interested, please contact Meghan Schall at mschall@bangorschools.net.

*January 14 - PTO Meeting at 5:15; School Committee Meeting at 7:00

*January 19 - No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

*January 21 - Winter Concert at 5:30

*January 23 - End of Quarter 2

*January 28 - School Committee Meeting at 7:00

*January 29 - Report Cards Home

January is National Mentoring Month, a time to celebrate the caring adults who support, guide, and encourage children every day. At our school, mentoring happens in many ways—from teachers and staff building strong relationships with students, to volunteers and families offering encouragement, listening ears, and positive role models.

Research shows that mentoring helps children build confidence, develop social-emotional skills, and feel a strong sense of belonging. Even small moments—reading together, checking in, offering praise, or helping problem-solve—can make a big difference in a child’s life.

This month, we thank all of the adults who mentor our students and help them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Your time, care, and commitment truly matter, and we are grateful for the positive impact you make every day.

Together, we are helping our students learn, grow, and thrive!

The Bangor School Department is partnering with Smart Social, an excellent resource that helps families navigate the digital world safely and confidently. Smart Social offers free tools, videos, and tips to help parents guide children in making positive choices online and using social media responsibly.

We encourage all families to explore these resources and start conversations at home about digital safety and balance. Check it out here: Smart Social

We’re excited to share Beyond the Bell, a new 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

Each year, the UMA Bangor Dental Hygiene Clinic hosts a special event just for kids called Give Kids a Smile Day. This year, the event will take place on February 20, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Students in the Dental Hygiene Program provide care to patients of all ages as part of their curriculum, under the supervision of faculty who are registered and certified dental hygienists. On Give Kids a Smile Day, volunteer dentists also join the clinic to support students and faculty in providing care.

This is a free dental care day for children and teens ages 5–19 and is a wonderful opportunity for families, especially those who do not currently have a dental home.

Please see the attached flyer for additional information. If you have questions, you may contact the clinic at 207-262-7872 or by email at umadental@maine.edu.

Thank you for helping us share this valuable resource with families in our school community.

At the Heart of Abe is our shared commitment to caring for one another and creating a school where every child feels safe, valued, and ready to learn. This week, we’ve seen students showing kindness through helping classmates, practicing perseverance with new challenges, and taking pride in our school community. These everyday moments—small but meaningful—reflect the values we work to nurture at Abe. Thank you to our students, staff, and families for partnering with us to keep kindness, respect, and belonging at the center of all we do.

Early Release dismissal is at 12:00 PM.