PANTHER PROGRESS

March is an exciting month at our school as we begin to see signs of spring and continued growth in our students. This time of year is filled with meaningful learning, classroom activities, and opportunities for students to demonstrate how much they’ve grown academically and socially.

With March being known for St. Patrick's Day, we take a moment to recognize all we are lucky for in our Lincoln CommUNITY...

• Students who look forward to school each day.

• A sense of belonging throughout our school and in each classroom.

• Committed staff who are passionate about serving students and families well.

• Strong partnerships with families and outside agencies which support students social, emotional, behavioral and academic growth.

• Family engagement events (Encore Night is March 17th) that are not only fun but also meaningful ways to connect and promote student success.

We encourage families to continue supporting strong attendance, positive behavior, and a learning mindset at home. These factors make a big difference in building confidence, skills, and achievement at school. When families and schools partner together, students thrive!

Thank you for being such an important part of our school community. We are proud of our students and grateful for your ongoing support.

Much Lincoln Love,

The Admin Team

• March 9 - 12: Maryland Integrated Science Assessment testing (5th graders only)
• March 12: Financial Workshop (for families, flier below), 4:30pm
• March 13: Spring Pictures (information below)
• March 16 - 18: Mobile Dentist Clinic on site
• March 17: Encore Night, 5 - 7pm (flier below)
• March 18: Challenge 24 Tournament at Butterfly Ridge, 6pm
• March 19: Two hour early dismissal (End of term 3; students dismiss at 1:30pm)
• March 20: No School (Teacher work day)
• March 23 - 27: Book Fair (Information below)
• March 28: Spelling Bee at Hood College, 11am
• April 2: Lincoln Night @ Frederick High School, 5:30 - 7pm

Each grade level has created their own newsletters! Instead of linking the monthly standards, we will now include a link to each newsletter. These newsletters are also sent every two weeks directly from teachers via Talking Points. If you need a paper copy of the newsletter, please contact your child's teacher.

Use the link below to see each grade level's academic standards and assessments schedule:

Academic Standards and Assessments

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.

• Breakfast (English)
• Breakfast (Spanish)
• Lunch (English)
• Lunch (Spanish)

We are currently taking orders for our school yearbook. Use the link below and order yours today! The cost with tax is $21.73. If you want to add your child's name, it is $25.44; and with your child's name and photo, it is $28.09. Don't delay! The deadline to order is March 11.

TraditionsSchoolPhotography.inter-state.com

Use Code: 0329XP

PreK programs are designed to serve students who meet income eligibility requirements and/or qualify for classroom-based special education services as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). All applications will be processed centrally via the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Office. For families meeting eligibility criteria, notification of PreK acceptance will begin in May. Please visit the websites for more information:

PreK: https://www.fcps.org/academics/early_childhood_education/pre-_k_application_process

Kindergarten: https://www.fcps.org/academics/early_childhood_education/kindergarten_enrollment

Our Spring Book Fair is almost here! Visit the links below for a preview. Students can shop during their Media block, March 23-27. Families will have the opportunity to shop together one evening that week; date and time to be announced later this month.

Unfortunately, vouchers will not be provided for this book fair.

Book Fair Homepage

https://www.scholastic.com/bf/lincolnelementaryschool237

Preschool Digital Flyer

https://registration.scholasticbookfairs.com/flipbooks/?fb=s26-ps-case

Elementary Digital Flyer

https://registration.scholasticbookfairs.com/flipbooks/?fb=s26-es-case

Spring pictures are scheduled for Friday, March 13th. Order forms were already sent home with students. You may also order online by using the link and code below:

TraditionsSchoolPhotography.inter-state.com

Use code: 0428XGB

Lincoln is pleased to share that we will be hosting the FAST Summer Program from June 22nd - July 23rd. This program is by invitation only and our staff is busy working to determine students that will fit the services provided. The summer program provides extended learning opportunities that ensure personal and academic growth in the areas of Language Arts, Math, Social Emotional, and Enrichment activities.

What is FAST? (English)

What is FAST? (Spanish)

The following staff members have accepted positions at another FCPS elementary school and will not be returning next school year. We wish them the best in their new chapter and we will miss them dearly. Once a Panther, always a Panther!

• Lauren Banks (4th grade teacher)
• Maggie Barron (4th grade teacher)
• Breanne Bargo (3rd grade teacher)
• Melissa Clayton (2nd grade teacher)
• Lauren McKnight (1st grade teacher)
• Kate Stanciu (PreK teacher)
• Tiffany Groveman (Counselor)
• Elizabeth Pillai (MEP teacher)
• Joy Tanner (SEIA)
• Robin McNeal (Enrollment secretary)

• C. Burr Artz Library monthly program: March
• March 7: Youth Fair at West Frederick Middle School, 9 - 1
• March 19: Frederick County Health Dept. Open House, Golden Mile location 1 - 4pm
• March 24: FCPS Career & Technology Fair @ Frederick High, 5 - 7pm

To date, Frederick County Public Schools has used six inclement weather days this school year (December 2, January 26–29, and February 23).

As outlined in the 2025–26 FCPS calendar handbook, designated make-up days are currently scheduled for June 10, 11, 12, 15, and 16. Information regarding the make-up of the sixth inclement weather day (February 23) is forthcoming and will be shared with the community once confirmed by the FCPS Board of Education.

Did you know that our students can be nominated for a positive referral each month? Students that demonstrate consistent good behavior and 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 114 students nominated in February. Each student that is nominated also receives a certificate to take home. Great job!

Current Attendance Rates

• Whole School: 94.3% (The FCPS goal is 96%)
• PreK: 92.9%
• Kindergarten: 92.8%
• First: 94.1%
• Second: 95.4%
• Third: 94.7%
• Fourth: 95%
• Fifth: 94.6%

Current Chronic Absence Rate: 16.6% (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.

We're excited to announce that we've partnered with an organization called "All For Lunch" to help keep our school lunch debt free. 100% of tax-deductible donations will go directly towards eliminating debt and donors receive an automated receipt through email. Please help us spread the word!

https://allforlunch.org/LincolnESmd/

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:

1. Complete a registration form.
2. Complete a training module on Unified Talent.
3. Await school approval on application.
4. 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.

Be a part of our PAC to help us improve our school environment and our learning community! Our next meeting is Thursday, April 16th from 5-6:30pm. Please email Crosby.Blair@fcps.org to RSVP.

ALL PARENTS AND GUARDIANS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND!

*All events are from 5 - 7pm unless otherwise noted*

• March 17: Encore Night
• April 2: Lincoln Night (at Frederick High School, 5:30 - 7:30pm)
• May 29: Panther Party

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

Courage & the power of our mind

Courage is something celebrated in novels and movies and often recognized in the everyday heroes around us. But what is courage actually?

Some say there are many different types of courage such as:

• Physical courage – Feeling fear yet choosing to act. Involves bravery at the risk of bodily harm or death; and, developing physical strength, resilience and awareness.
• Emotional courage – Following our heart. Open us to feeling the full spectrum of emotions – pleasant and unpleasant – without attachment.
• Intellectual courage – Expanding our horizons, letting go of the familiar. It is about our willingness to learn, unlearn and relearn with an open and flexible mind.
• Social courage – To be ourself in the face of adversity. Involves the risk of social embarrassment or exclusion, unpopularity, or rejection. It also involves leadership.
• Moral courage – Standing up for what is right. Involves doing the right thing even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular.

During the month of March we will be looking at a variety of resources to explore

different kinds of courage…Courage in our learning, our thinking, and our social interactions.

Courage & the Learning Space- we created this short video for adults to learn about strategies to support students who show frustration or failure mindset when attempting new tasks. In it we discuss ideas from Duke University's Dr. Becky Kennedy about the process of working through frustration in the "learning space".

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow."

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

As the weather changes some students may begin experiencing seasonal allergies. Some symptoms of seasonal allergies may include

• Sneezing
• Itchy nose/throat
• Nasal congestion
• Clear, runny nose
• Postnasal drip

There are many treatments for seasonal allergies. Your pediatrician can suggest medications if needed.

Contact Lincoln's health room with any questions 227-203-1580

March – Screen Time Balance

Technology is a regular part of children’s lives and can provide opportunities for learning, connection, and entertainment. At the same time, too much screen time may interfere with sleep, attention, physical activity, and family interaction. Helping children develop balanced technology habits early can support healthier routines and encourage more opportunities for conversation, play, and creativity. Small, consistent limits at home can help children learn how to use technology in a thoughtful and balanced way.

Tip of the Month: Tech-Free Habits

• Tech-Free Hour – Choose a consistent time each day when devices are put away, such as during dinner or before bedtime. This helps create predictable routines and allows time for family connection.
• Healthy Alternatives – Encourage activities such as board games, reading, drawing, building, or family walks. Having simple alternatives available makes it easier for children to step away from screens.
• Model Balance – Children often learn by watching adults. Keeping your own phone away during family time shows that time together is important and helps reinforce healthy habits.
• Set Clear Rules – Establish simple family guidelines, such as “No screens during meals” or “Screens after homework is finished.” Consistent expectations can help reduce daily struggles around devices.

Contact Info: Jamie Udaka, PhD; School Psychologist (Itsuko.udaka@fcps.org)

Click the button below for this month's Judy Center newsletter!

Information about bus status and delays can be found using the button below. The page refreshes every 60 seconds.

Also, please be reminded of the Maryland laws surrounding school bus safety: English; Spanish

Please reach out if you have any questions/concerns/needs... whatever it takes - we're here to help!

Lots of Lincoln Love!

Email: Crosby.Blair@fcps.org
Website: https://education.fcps.org/lnes/home
Location: 200 Madison Street, Frederick, MD
Phone: 227.203.1580