Welcome to December and Michigan Winter!
We hope everyone had a restful break with family. As we head into December, we are excited to return to school and continue our learning adventures together.
Winter Gear Reminder
As we head into winter, please remember to send your child with their winter gear!
We will go outside even if it's snowing, as long as the real feel temperature is above 10 degrees. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Winter Layers: It's best to send your child with winter layers and gear just in case!
- Labeling: Please label all of your child's winter wear with their name. This helps us return lost items to the correct students.
- Independence Practice: Encourage your child to practice getting ready independently for the winter weather.
If you're interested, we have a visual guide/checklist available to help your child prepare for winter. You can click on the PDF attachment below!
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. We look forward to a fantastic December filled with learning and fun! Continue to encourage 20 minutes of reading at home each night for your child independently or with someone else. 20 minutes a day is the Lion Way to build strong reading muscles.
Respectfully,
Principal Dionna Roberts
robertsdn@kalamazoopublicschools.net
(269) 337-0640
FYI
The Lost and found table is located in the cafeteria. Whenever we find lost items (clothing, backpacks, water bottles, etc.,) they are placed in the cafeteria on the lost and found table. When students report that they've lost things, this is the first place they are instructed to look. The first week at the beginning of each month, any items that remain on the lost and found table will be gathered by our Communities In Schools Team. They will wash any clothing items and add them to the school clothing closet.
Attendance Procedure FAQ
Things to Know:
- A large part of the procedures are about unexcused absences. A great step most of our parents do that helps here, is to call or email when their child is sick or absent. Please continue to call and email your child's teacher and our attendance secretary when your child will be absent. Our substitute attendance secretary is Jessica Barrett and you can email her when your child will be out at barrettjl@kalamazoopublicschools.net .
- Per the KPS Attendance Procedures excuses for an absence (EA) include:
- Student illness and/or appointment verified by the parent/guardian or medical professional.
- Medically verified extended illness or hospitalization.
- Attending a funeral.
- Religious holiday.
- Absence due to a subpoenaed court appearance.
- Any time missed due to KPS school transportation issues.
- Another component of the procedure is around chronic absenteeism. The state defines ‘chronic absenteeism’ as attending school less than or equal to 90% of the time. This includes all absences (excused, unexcused, suspensions, etc.). Once a student is at 18 days absent they are on the State of Michigan chronic absent list for the year.
- Here are steps we are taking at Lincoln to support our students and families:
- Our Community in Schools liaison works with students and families to provide support to eliminate potential barriers for attending school. Feel free to email Mr. Burrel if you need additional attendance support burrelj@kalamazoopublicschools.net.
- School Wide and Classroom Incentives that support school attendance when students are healthy and able to attend.
- Individual Student Plans- If your child is struggling with social emotional reasons for not wanting to come to school, please reach out to your classroom teacher and our Home Support Specialist Ms. Tina, mckinneylm@kalamazoopublicschools.net. Our support staff is great at creating individual student support plans if students have concerns about coming to school.
- Finally, we support our students and families by getting to know them and their specific needs. If a family works with our attendance secretary and their classroom teacher on special circumstances, such as weekly doctor appointments, we document this and take this into consideration.
A Letter From Nurse Pam:
Immunizations at Lincoln
Date: Dec. 4, 2024 Time: 10 AM-12noon
The Kalamazoo County Health Department is working with Lincoln International Studies School to make it convenient for students who need school-required vaccines to receive shots while at school. These vaccines will protect against contagious diseases that may spread in a school setting and are required by the state of Michigan to attend school.
Students who received or receive a packet of information in their folders from school need them to be completed and signed by the parent or guardian. There will be NO COST for these vaccinations. If you do not complete the information, your student will not be given any immunizations and will remain “Incomplete.”
Please return the signed forms to the school to reserve your students' spots as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact the school nurse, Pam Carter, at (269) 337-0136 from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Your child’s healthcare provider can also answer your questions about the vaccines your child needs for school.
Sincerely,
Pamela Sanders-Carter RN
KPS District Nurse
Vision Assistance Program
Did you know that Communities In Schools has a vision fund assistance program that can help pay for your student to get a eye exam, new glasses, replacement glasses, and cover out of pocket cost? Who is this fund for? Students with out vision insurance, student who have broken their glasses and are not covered for a new pair, and students who have failed their vision exam and need to see an optometrist. The fund will cover 1 eye exam, and 1 to 2 pairs of new frames and lenses. Contact Mr. Burrel at the school for more details!
Immigrant and Refugee Families New to Michigan Winters
Are you ready for the winter? Join us to learn what to expect this winter and how to keep you and your family safe and warm on Thursday, January 9th from 4 to 6 p.m. location 315 Rose Street 3rd floor, Van Desun room. To contact us call 616-889-5254 or go to kalamazoorefugeecouncil@gmail.com. Interpreters will be available in Arabic, Persian, Pashto, French, and Spanish. There will be "FREE" Hats, gloves scarfs, & Children’s Winter Kits! See attached flyer for more details.
