Lincoln Lions Family Newsletter

Dear Lincoln Families,

I hope each of you had a restful and meaningful time with your family and friends during the winter break. As we step into the new year, I want to acknowledge that getting back into the routine after a two-week break can be challenging for both adults and children alike.

Remember to give yourself and your family time and grace to ease back into the swing of things. It can be helpful to review morning and after-school routines, and to plan for some extra time this week when getting ready for school. At school, we will be revisiting our expectations and values. Please join us in reminding our students that Lincoln Lions are Responsible, On-Task, Always Caring, and Respectful!

---Attendance Matters

Here are some tips to help your student transition back from winter break:

- Talk About It / Role Play / Read a Book: Start conversations about the importance of showing up for success in school and life, and for building relationships with teachers and friends. Role play scenarios about getting up and going back to school, or read a book about returning to school.

- Set Expectations and Boundaries: Family Discussion Starters-

The rule for everyone is school unless we are too sick or have an appointment that comes up.
Sometimes, we might not want to come to school. We might feel a little nervous or tired. If someone feels this way, they can talk to a family member or their teacher to help!
What are some strategies we can use at school if we are-- upset, nervous, have a stomach ache?

- Sleep Matters: Establishing a bedtime routine helps students transition to bed and ensures they get a good night's rest.

- Be Prepared: Brainstorm ways to prepare for school with your child. Such as setting clothes out the night before or creating a checklist with school prep routines.

- Make a Backup Plan: If possible have a list of back up emergency contacts if something comes up and support is needed to help get you child to school. Feel free to work with Lincoln staff if you need help with a backup plan or problem solving to help your child get to school.

- Schedule Carefully: Try to plan medical appointments and extended trips when school is not in session. Check the KPS calendar when setting dates. We understand this isn’t always possible, but it helps limit absences to illnesses whenever possible.

We look forward o having your children back in our building this week. See you soon!

Mrs. Roberts 🤎

Principal

robertsdn@kalamazoopublicschools.net

Grand Rapids Gold Reading Program

How many books di you and your little ones read over break? Answer in the poll below and send them back to school with their bookmark trackers all filled in.

Students and Families: Read at least 6 books between December 15-January 5th. The books can be read aloud to your child, with your child, or they can read independently. Students will write the titles of their books read on the bookmark provided. Color in their books on the bookmarks, and turn it in to receive the link to get FREE Grand Rapids Gold Game tickets for you to attend a Grand Rapids Gold basketball game on January 11th! We can also fill out the link on your behalf once you complete the challenge, just snd me an email with the number of ticket needed for your family robertsdn@kalamazoopublicschools.net!

Two KPS School buses have been secured, but families and staff are free to drive thier own vehicles to the game as well. Game time 3:00 PM. Buses will leave from Lincoln at 2:00 PM.