Lincoln Log

Dear Abraham Lincoln Families,

Next week will be a busy one as we wrap up the month of November and look ahead to Parent/Teacher Conferences and our Thanksgiving break the following week. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to connecting about your child’s progress.

As the weather continues to get colder, please remember that students need to wear coats for outdoor play. We go outside multiple times each day, and proper outerwear helps ensure everyone stays warm and comfortable. If your family needs support with coats or other outdoor gear, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help!

~ Mrs. Ireland

We had a wonderful turnout for our garden clean-up! Students and their families spent time harvesting, tidying, and helping to put the garden to bed for the winter. Before covering the vegetable beds with leaves, students harvested garlic to take home. In the native plant pollinator garden, students collected and sowed seeds— including purple coneflower, Culver’s root, and beardtongue—before cutting the plants back for the season.

*Nov. 20 - Shop the School Event 3:30-6:30 at Bangor High, William S. Cohen, Fairmount, and Downeast Schools

*Nov. 24-25 - No School - Parent/Teacher Conferences 8:00 am-6:30 pm

*Nov. 26-28 - No School - Thanksgiving Break

November is National Native American Heritage Month, a time for our school community to recognize the enduring traditions, creativity, and contributions of Native American peoples. This month, students are learning about the importance of community, storytelling, and caring for the earth through engaging read-alouds and hands-on activities that reflect Indigenous values and perspectives.

In our PreK–3 classrooms, teachers are highlighting big ideas that connect with young learners—gratitude, belonging, traditions, and respect for nature. Students may listen to traditional tales, explore artwork inspired by Native artists, or learn how Indigenous peoples use plants and natural resources in thoughtful, sustainable ways.

Families can help extend this learning at home by sharing stories together and exploring books that highlight the experiences of Native nations in our region. Here are a few wonderful picture books connected to the Wabanaki peoples—the Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot:

Recommended Picture Books:

• Thanks to the Animals by Allen Sockabasin (Passamaquoddy) – A tender story about a young boy protected by forest animals on a winter journey.

• The Sharing Circle by Theresa Meuse (Mi’kmaq) – A gentle introduction to Mi’kmaq traditions and the importance of community.

• I’m Finding My Talk by Rebecca Thomas (Mi’kmaq) – A child-friendly reflection on reclaiming language and culture.

• The First Blade of Sweetgrass by Suzanne Greenlaw (Maliseet) and Gabriel Frey (Passamaquoddy) – A beautifully illustrated story about learning traditional harvesting practices.

• Remembering the Dawn Land (stories retold for children) – A collection of Wabanaki tales rooted in Penobscot and broader Wabanaki storytelling traditions.

These books offer rich opportunities to honor Native voices and continue conversations about respect, culture, and community.

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

If you or your family are worried about food during the government shutdown, help is available.

All students can still get free breakfast and lunch at school every day.

Find Local Food Assistance
If your family needs food support, call 211, or visit the Good Shepherd Food Bank’s Food Pantry Locator to find help near you. Visit www.gsfb.org/get-help/food-map or scan the QR code in the image.

General Assistance
Families can apply for General Assistance, which can help meet basic needs including food, housing, utilities, medical costs, and more. Visit www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/general-assistance.

Continue to Apply or Renew SNAP Benefits
You can still apply for or renew SNAP during the shutdown. If you qualify, doing this now will help make sure your benefits are ready as soon as funding resumes. Apply or renew at: www.mymaineconnection.gov.

At the heart of Abe is a sense of belonging. Our school is a place where every child is seen, valued, and encouraged to be their best self. Together—students, staff, and families—we create a learning environment filled with respect, joy, and pride in being part of the Abe community.

Early Release dismissal is at 12:00 PM.