Lincoln Elementary
Dear Parents and Guardians of Lincoln Elementary,
Over the past 1.87 years, our work has been intentional, focused, and deeply rooted in one goal: ensuring every student experiences a safe, supportive, and academically rigorous environment where they can succeed.
This has not been about isolated improvements—it has been about systemic transformation.
We began by strengthening our student support systems and school climate. By implementing dedicated in-school suspension (ISS) personnel, we took a proactive approach to reducing out-of-school suspensions and keeping students engaged in learning. At the same time, we enhanced our SEL structures and Tier 3 supports, ensuring that students with the greatest needs receive consistent, targeted intervention.
Safety and structure were also prioritized. We strengthened entry procedures, increased adult presence at key access points, and partnered closely with our School Resource Officers to ensure that both staff and students are informed, prepared, and supported. These efforts have created a school environment where safety, predictability, and trust are non-negotiables.
At the core of our work has been a relentless focus on instructional excellence.
We established a Literacy Team that unified EL, LBS1, and classroom teachers around a shared vision for literacy, ensuring alignment and consistency across grade levels. We invested in instructional capacity by hiring a Math Coach and partnering with MCMI to deliver sustained, high-quality professional development across math, EL, and special education. In science, we deepened instructional rigor through ongoing training aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards.
We also expanded access and equity in instruction. Our EL program grew from one teacher to three, allowing us to provide targeted support across grade bands. This does not include the grade-level EL teachers. We ensured LBS1 support at every grade level and made a critical shift to guarantee that all middle school content teachers are consistently in front of students, maximizing instructional time and impact.
To further elevate teaching and learning, we increased instructional time, restored the use of a second science lab, and strengthened student engagement through academic tools such as MyPath and the reinstated Accelerated Reader Program.
Equally important has been our investment in people and leadership.
We expanded our leadership structure to better differentiate support for both staff and students and established consistent coaching systems through dedicated instructional coach meetings and monitoring cycles. We also cultivated internal expertise by promoting teacher-led professional development, reinforcing a culture where leadership is shared and excellence is built from within.
Beyond the classroom, we made a deliberate commitment to student engagement and opportunity.
We expanded after-school programming to include golf, speech, student council, Esports, and a fifth-grade book club, ensuring that students have access to experiences that build confidence, leadership, and belonging. We supported athletics and led targeted fundraising efforts to enhance student programming and access. Through these efforts, we raised $15,000, with $7,500 specifically designated for uniforms and the sports banquet.
We also strengthened our school culture and identity.
Through partnerships with the Art Club, we transformed our physical space with murals that reflect pride and student voice. We ensured our school is welcoming to all families by creating a multilingual entry experience, and we hosted impactful events such as the National Black Association of State Boards of Education visit and our Centennial celebration, reconnecting our past with our future.
Operationally, we approached our work with a mindset of efficiency, sustainability, and strategic alignment. We restructured staff parking to improve flow and punctuality, reduced transportation costs for athletics, and cross-trained our technology team to support front office operations—maximizing resources while minimizing additional financial strain.
At the same time, we strengthened our use of data to drive decisions. By working collaboratively with support staff, we improved how we capture and analyze student data to ensure appropriate placement and services. This work was aligned with our focus on 5Essentials data, allowing us to continuously refine and improve our systems.
Our ability to secure a $20,000 grant to install recognition monitors throughout the building further reflects our commitment to celebrating student success and reinforcing a positive, achievement-oriented culture.
Ultimately, this work represents more than progress—it represents purposeful, aligned leadership and a collective commitment to excellence.
We have strengthened systems.
We have invested in people.
We have expanded opportunities.
And most importantly, we have created a school environment where students are better supported, more engaged, and positioned for success.
As I share this reflection, I also want to inform you that I will be retiring at the conclusion of this school year. This decision comes with deep reflection and gratitude. It has been an honor to serve this community, to work alongside dedicated educators, and to support the growth and success of our students.
I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the leadership of Dr. Anita Rice, former Superintendent of District 156, as well as the Board of Education, for the opportunity to serve this school community. Your support and partnership have been instrumental in the progress we have achieved.
The progress we have made together is meaningful, and I am confident that the strong systems, structures, and culture in place will continue to move the school forward.
This is the result of a team that is not only working hard, but working together—strategically and with unwavering focus on students.
And because of that, the impact is not temporary.
It is lasting.
With sincere appreciation,
Principal LaTanya S. Donald
May
5/1 Career and May Day
5/1 Bellaboos- PreK Field Trip and Principal’s Day
5/1 School Lunch Hero Day
5/4 Cal-Ridge Math Bowl -9:00 am - 2:00 pm
5/5 Cinco De Mayo
5/5 Mom’s Celebration in Cafe 8:45 am - 10:00 am
5/5 Fine Arts Field Trip
5/5 iReady and Star Testing Begins
5/6 EOY Paint Event Participation 9:00 am -11:00 am @ Distinct 156 Building
5/7 Blessings in Backpack Distribution and School Nurse Day
5/7 Enchanted Assembly Grades 3-5 and Staff Appreciation Lunch
5/8 Second Grade Field Trip
5/8 Dance Team Recital 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
5/10 Mother’s Day
5/12 STAR Testing Ends
5/12 Calumet City Lions Teacher of the Year Celebration at 6:30 pm
5/12 BPA and Sport Awards Night 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
5/13 8th Grade Picnic 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
5/13 Spring Concert 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
5/14 4th Quarter Awards Assembly
5/15 Last Day for Early Birds and Volleyball Game Staff vs 8th grade 8:45 am
5/15 8th Grade Dance 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
5/16 Armed Forces and Endangered Species Day
5/17 National Learn to Swim Day & 8th Grade Chromebook Collection Day
5/18 Board Meeting at Lincoln Elementary School
5/18 Field Day Grade 3 & 5th grade Chromebook Collection Day
5/19 Field Day Grades 6 & 7 & 7th grade Chromebook Collection Day
5/19 Free Project SYNCERE Engineering Workshop Grade 4- 9:00-11:30 am
5/19 8th Grade Graduation Trip to Scene 75 - 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
5/20 6th & 8th Grade Chrome Book Collection Day
5/20 Field Day Grade 4 & 5
5/20 Pizza Day 8th Grade
5/21 8th Grade Locker Clean Out
5/21 8th Grade Graduation Practice at TFN
5/21 Field Day Pre-K, K,1st, and 2nd
5/22 Pre-K Family Day
5/22 8th Grade Graduation Practice at TFN
5/22 Kindergarten Promotion Practice
5/23 World Turtle Day
5/25 Memorial Day -No school
5/26 Kindergarten Walk-Through Graduation
5/26 Last Day for Pre-K
5/26 Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony at TFN
5/27 Pre-K Screening
5/28 Pre-K
June
6/1 Pre-K Screening
6/2 Pre-K Screening
6/2 Last Day of School and Early Dismissal Day 11:50 am
6/2 EOY Staff Celebration Cafe 1
6/5 8th Grade Diploma Pick-Up Day and World Environment Day
6/8 Summer Programs Begin
6/14 Flag Day
6/15 Board Meeting at the Administrative Building
6/17 Croc Day
6/19 Juneteenth- No Summer Programs
6/21 Father’s Day
6/30 Social Media Day and \Last Day of Summer Programs
We are overjoyed to celebrate and recognize the incredible Lincoln Elementary staff for achieving perfect attendance in the month of April! This accomplishment reflects your unwavering dedication, professionalism, and commitment to our students and school community. Your consistent presence creates stability, builds strong relationships, and helps ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive. Thank you for showing up each day with purpose and passion—you are truly appreciated, and this milestone is worth celebrating!
Week of the Child at Lincoln Elementary was a joyful celebration that highlighted the strengths and voices of all our students. Throughout the week, students participated in engaging activities that promoted creativity, responsibility, and collaboration. Classrooms were filled with energy as students connected with peers, expressed themselves, and took pride in their learning.
Overall, the week reinforced the importance of supporting the whole child while strengthening a positive and connected school community at Lincoln Elementary.
This month, we are excited to celebrate students who shine through their responsibility in our school community! Responsibility can be shown in so many wonderful ways—completing tasks on time, following directions, being prepared, making thoughtful choices, and taking ownership of one’s actions. We are proud to recognize students who step up, take initiative, and consistently do their best to contribute in positive ways.
Teachers and staff are encouraged to nominate students who demonstrate dependable behavior, show accountability, and help create a respectful and productive learning environment. These students truly model what it means to be responsible, and their efforts help make our school a stronger, happier place for everyone.
On the evening of April 23, 2026, our school proudly hosted our annual National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Induction Ceremony, recognizing the outstanding achievements and character of our students. This special event celebrated both our current NJHS members and the newest group of inductees who have demonstrated excellence in the five pillars of NJHS: scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character.
The ceremony began with a warm welcome and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by remarks highlighting the purpose and values of NJHS. Current members played an important role in the program, presenting each of the five pillars and reflecting on what these qualities mean within our school community.
We are proud to have inducted 11 new members into NJHS this year. Each student was selected based on their academic achievements, commitment to service, leadership qualities, and strong moral character. As their names were called, inductees were recognized and formally welcomed into the organization.
The success of the evening was made possible through the leadership and dedication of NJHS sponsors Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Kennedy, whose support and guidance continue to inspire our students to achieve excellence and serve others.
In addition to leadership presentations and the induction of new members, the ceremony also recognized the continued dedication of our returning NJHS students. Families, faculty, and guests joined together to celebrate the accomplishments of these outstanding young leaders and the positive impact they make within our school and community.
The evening concluded with the NJHS pledge and a closing message encouraging students to continue striving for excellence both inside and outside the classroom. We are incredibly proud of all of our NJHS members and look forward to seeing the many ways they will continue to lead and serve.
Congratulations to our newest NJHS inductees and returning members on this well-deserved honor!
Our sixth-grade team recently participated in an educational excursion to the Field Museum. During the visit, students walked through the exhibits, carefully observing and engaging with a wide range of artifacts and displays. This immersive experience sparked curiosity and deepened their understanding of key concepts connected to their learning. Students were enthusiastic throughout the trip and expressed how pleased they were to have learned so much in such a dynamic, real-world setting.
On April 30th, our students joyfully showcased their hard work and creativity during the Lincoln Elementary Science Fair! With confidence and excitement, they explained their experiments and shared their results with peers, staff, and families.
With over 100 math, science, invention, and STEM projects on display, the event truly highlighted the innovation and dedication of our students.
We are incredibly proud of our future scientists and mathematicians for their curiosity, critical thinking, and outstanding presentations. Their enthusiasm and dedication were truly inspiring!
A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Martinez, our Science Fair Coordinator, and to our dedicated science and math teachers—Mr. Koussnatie, Ms. Ally, Mr. Sawyerr, Mrs. Boeteng, Mr. Seneres, and the entire science team—whose students contributed to the success of this event.
It was truly a celebratory event, filled with joy, discovery, and a strong sense of pride in our students’ accomplishments!
Our Family Learning Fair was a fantastic celebration of student learning, creativity, and collaboration! We would like to extend a special thank you to Mrs. Alkhatib, our Family Learning Coordinator, and Mrs. Boyd for their leadership and support in helping make this event a success. Families enjoyed exploring a wide variety of projects and displays from across all grade levels and subject areas, giving them a glimpse into the engaging work happening in our classrooms every day. Students took pride in sharing their projects, explaining their thinking, and demonstrating their skills, which helped build both confidence and communication. The event also featured hands-on STEM activities that encouraged curiosity and problem-solving for students and families alike. We are incredibly grateful to our staff for their hard work in preparing such meaningful experiences, and to our families for their continued support. Events like this truly highlight the power of learning when school and home come
together.
Lincoln Elementary School Family Learning Fair 2025 2026.mp4
What a wonderful day at Lincoln’s Annual Career Day! Our students had an incredible opportunity to engage with professionals from a variety of careers, ask thoughtful questions, and learn about the many pathways available for their futures. The excitement and curiosity shown throughout the day were truly inspiring. We are grateful to all of our presenters for taking the time to share their experiences, encourage our students, and help broaden their understanding of college, careers, and community leadership. Career Day was a meaningful experience that sparked motivation, learning, and future dreams for all involved!
A special thank you to the leadership of AP Reynolds, supported by AP Schouten and AP Wingba, for helping make this outstanding event possible and for their continued dedication to providing enriching opportunities for our students.
On May 4, Lincoln proudly hosted the Cal-Ridge Math Bowl, welcoming bright young minds from across the area for a day full of energy, challenge, and celebration. Isabella Rivera, Khafayah Olanrewaju, Farihat Raheemson, Adam Johnson, Avery Johnson, and Deborah Odunayo represented Lincoln with enthusiasm and determination, competing in multiple rounds that pushed them to think critically both on their own and as a team.
The atmosphere was vibrant and uplifting, filled with laughter, collaboration, and a shared love of problem-solving. Our students truly shone—not just in their mathematical thinking, but in their teamwork, sportsmanship, and positive spirit.
A special thank you to our dedicated coaches, Mr. Duah and Mrs. Sikoski, whose guidance and encouragement helped make this experience so meaningful. We are incredibly proud of how our students represented Lincoln—with excellence, joy, and heart!
