Welcome Lincoln Leaders 2025-2026

As we turn the calendar to September, we’re already seeing students settle into their routines and hit the ground running with learning. Classrooms are buzzing with energy, and it’s exciting to watch students grow more confident and engaged each day.

Just as students are finding their rhythm, we invite parents and families to do the same. Throughout this newsletter, you’ll find important reminders, updates, and expectations that help keep our school community running smoothly. From daily procedures to upcoming events, these pieces work together to create the routines that support every child’s success.

We encourage you to take a few moments to read through each section carefully so you feel connected and prepared as we move forward this year. Together, we can make sure our students continue to thrive.

Here’s to a strong September full of learning, growth, and great momentum!

Families are invited to join us at the YMS track on Monday, September 28, from 4:00–4:30 p.m. to meet Billy Mills, South Dakota’s own Olympic gold medalist in the 10,000-meter run at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics!

Come say hello and enjoy a walk around the track with him. We hope to see you there!

Parents if you wish to park with your student in the morning we ask you do so in front of the school. Please keep our staff parking and bus routes clear at all times on the north and south ends of the building. This is also where our emergency vehicles require access should we need them in an event of an emergency.

1. Elementary School Students must sit in the designated area on the WEST end of the Main Grandstands located on the north side of the complex unless they are sitting with their parents.

2. Students may not move around in the Main Grandstands or play in any of the open areas of the complex, YSD Administration &/or faculty members will supervise the students and reinforce this.

3. Once a student leaves the facility, he/she will not be allowed to renter.

4. During the playing of the National Anthem, all students will stand, face the flag, remove caps or hats and place their right hand over their heart.

5.All students will remain in their seats; however, students will be permitted to buy concessions and use the restrooms.

6. ALL balls are left at home. Footballs, baseballs, softballs, whiffle balls, soccer balls, kicks balls, etc. are not allowed in the stadium. Do NOT bring balls of any kind to the Field to play with or they will be confiscated by YSD Staff.

7.Spectators must stay off the playing field at all times.

8. REMINDER TO ALL spectators THAT A COMMON COURTESY AT CRANE YOUNGWORTH FIELD IS TO KEEP THE WALKWAYS IN THE FRONT OF THE GRANDSTANDS CLEAR. Please use the nearest exits, which lead to the back of the stadium rather than walking in front of fans. PLEASE HELP US ALLOW SPECTATORS TO SEE THE FIELD OF PLAY AND KEEP THE WALKWAYS CLEAR.

You are to cheer for your team and enjoy yourself; however negatively singling out participants, coaches or officials and making derogatory comments towards them is unacceptable at all times.

Please click on the button below for our school supply list page.

If you may be in need of assistance with school meals this school year, please click on the button below for the free and Reduced Lunch Application.

This online version is the quickest way to apply and you will know if you qualify right away.

If you have questions, please call Rachel Ness at 605-665-8379 or email her at rachel.ness@k12.sd.us

School Day - 8:25-3:15

Morning supervision- 8:10-8:25 AM.

Tardy bell- 8:30

1st Floor Dismissal- 3:10 PM

1st floor bus rider dismissal- 3:08 PM

2nd floor bus riders- 3:13 PM

2nd floor Dismissal -3:15

Breakfast will begin at 7:45 every morning. Breakfast will stop being served after 8:15. Please plan accordingly.

All students, grades 1-5, will go to the playground located in the back of the school in the morning. All teachers will be present the first couple of days and have cones with their grade and name listed on them to signal where students will line up each morning.

Supervision will begin on the playground at 8:10 in the morning- no earlier.

At Lincoln Elementary, our Parent Teacher Organization is called Lincoln PALS (Parents Active with Lincoln School). This group brings together parents, guardians, and staff members to work as partners in supporting our students and school community.

Being part of PALS has many benefits:

• Stay Connected – Learn more about what’s happening at school and build strong communication between home and school.

• Have a Voice – Share your ideas and help make decisions that positively impact students.

• Support Students & Staff – PALS organizes events, fundraisers, and special projects that directly benefit classrooms and enhance learning.

• Build Community – Meet other families and develop meaningful connections while working together toward a common goal: helping our students thrive.

We encourage all families to get involved in Lincoln PALS. Whether you can volunteer a little time or a lot, your participation makes a big difference for our school!

Reminder students will be asked to keep tech watches and cell phones in school mode and in backpacks while at school.

Please do not send stuffed animals, squishes, or toys to school unless it has been previously communicated with your teacher for a special event.

What is Bullying?

Bullying is more than kids not getting along or having an argument. It happens when one child repeatedly and on purpose uses their words, actions, or influences to hurt, scare, or control another child.

Key signs that bullying is occurring:

it's repeated- happens more than once or becomes a pattern

It's one-sided- one child has more power (size, popularity, age, or confidence)

It causes harm - the other child's feels hurt, afraid or left out on purpose.

Types of Bullying:

• Physical- hitting, kicking, tripping, taking or damaging belongings
• Verbal- name- calling, teasing, threats, mean jokes
• Social Relational- leaving someone out on purpose, spreading rumors, turning friends against them
• Cyberbullying- mean or hurtful messages, post, or pictures on line

Bullying can cause kids to feel scared, sad, or alone. It can also affect learning, friendships, and self-esteem. If you child brings up a situation that meets these guidelines, please reach out right away.

Ways to Reach Out

Contact your child's teacher via email, phone call, or set up a meeting

Fill out our Bullying From on line- (Button below this paragraph or found on our Lincoln Elementary Principal's Page)

The clickable buttons below will link you to their title. The elementary handbook link will be updated with the current year when it becomes available.

Email: amy.smit@k12.sd.us

Address: 815 Locust St., Yankton, SD 57078

Phone: 605-665-7392

School Website: https://www.ysd.k12.sd.us/o/lincoln