Welcome Lincoln Leaders 2025-2026

Welcome back to another exciting school year at Lincoln Elementary!

We are thrilled to welcome both returning and new families as we begin another year of learning, growth, and new opportunities. The first days of school are filled with fresh beginnings, new friendships, and endless possibilities, and we can't wait to see all that our students accomplish this year. Thank you for partnering with us in your child's education. Together, we will make this a year filled with learning, laughter, and lasting memories.

Here's to an amazing 2026–2027 school year. We're so glad you're part of the Lincoln family!

August 21st: No School

August 28th: Picture Day

September 7th: Labor Day- NO SCHOOL

We’re excited to welcome you to our Open House at Lincoln Elementary School! This is a great opportunity for you and your child to:

• Meet your child's teacher

• Fill out important forms for the school year

• Help your child get organized for a great start

We encourage you to complete and return any school forms either during the Open House or within the first week of school. This helps us support your child and family right from the start!

Forms available at the Open House include:

• Emergency/Inclement Weather Transportation Information

• Free and Reduced Lunch Application- also linked in this newsletter below.

We look forward to seeing you there and kicking off a fantastic school year together!

Class list will be posted on the doors the day of Open House. When you arrive, signs will be posted indicating grade level and each teacher's name.

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!

Please enter through the school's front doors.

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