September 2025 Newsletter
September 2nd, 2025
Dear Tiger Parents and Guardians,
What a fantastic start to our school year! In just two weeks, our students have already shown remarkable enthusiasm, resilience, and progress. The energy in our classrooms and hallways is truly inspiring, and I am so grateful that you are part of our Lincoln Elementary learning community. Your positive spirit and commitment to education make a real difference, and I look forward to working together to support every child’s success.
All signs point to another incredible and productive year. Our skilled and devoted staff have already poured countless hours into supporting your child(ren)’s growth. Our enthusiastic office team continues to welcome new families, keep transportation running smoothly, and serve our community with care. Our dedicated custodians work tirelessly to ensure classrooms are safe, clean, and ready for learning each day. Together, we are building a joyful and caring school community, united by our shared goals of nurturing responsible students and promoting high-level learning.
This year’s theme, “One Team, One Goal: Every Student Thrives!” guides everything we do. It reflects our collective commitment to ensuring that every student not only learns, but truly thrives. With your support, encouragement, and involvement, we will continue to make Lincoln Elementary a celebrated place of learning and growth.
It remains my honor and privilege to serve as your principal. Thank you for trusting us with your children and for standing alongside us in this important work.
Warmest regards,
Mrs. LaTanya Donald
Principal
September 1, 2025 - Labor Day - No School
September 3, 2025 - Parent PD Kick-Off
September 7, 2025 - Grandparents Day
September 11, 2025 - Patriot Day
September 10, 2025 - Grandparents’ Day (8:45-9:45)
September 10, 2025 - Medical Van
September 15, 2025 - Board Meeting at Lincoln School 6:00 PM
September 15, 2025 - Beginning Band Night
September 16, 2025 - IT Day
September 17, 2025 - Half Day Wednesday and Parent/Child Craft Day
September 22, 2025 - 1st Day of Autumn
September 23, 2025 - New Parents and Eighth Grade Meetings
September 23, 2025 - Rosh Hashanah
September 25 & 26, 2025 - Museum of Tolerance Motor Van
September 29, 2025 - Picture Day
September 30, 2025 - Girls Basketball Home Game vs. Wolcott
In an effort to maximize support and instructional leadership in classrooms, we are excited to announce our new grade-level administrative assignments:
Pre-K – 2nd Grade: Mrs. Monica Reynolds
3rd – 5th Grade: Mr. Kevin Scouten
6th – 8th Grade: Mrs. Sharon Turner-Wingba
Each administrator is committed to providing targeted support to students and staff, ensuring academic and social-emotional success across all grade levels.
Mr. Kevin Schouten, Assistant Principal for Grades 3- 5
I am excited to introduce myself as the new Assistant Principal for grades 3–5. For the past three years, I have served the school as the Technology Integration Specialist. I bring a passion for learning, a commitment to supporting teachers, and a strong dedication to helping every child succeed.
With 29 years of experience in education, I have worked closely with both students and staff to create engaging learning environments where children feel supported and encouraged to grow. I am especially excited to partner with Lincoln’s families and teachers in my new role to strengthen learning opportunities in the intermediate grades.
I am so grateful to our students, families, and staff for helping us kick off the new school year with such positive energy and excitement. From the very first day, it has been clear that Lincoln Elementary is filled with eager learners, supportive families, and dedicated educators.
Thank you, parents, for entrusting us with your children and partnering with us in their learning. And thank you, students, for bringing your curiosity, kindness, and enthusiasm into our classrooms each day. Together, we have already set the tone for a successful school year filled with growth, learning, and community.
We’re looking forward to everything the 2025–2026 school year has in store, and we couldn’t ask for a better start!
Mr. K. Schouten
We are beyond excited to welcome our NEW Teaching and Support Staff who are ready to inspire, lead, and empower our students this year:
Ms. Destiny Earl – 1st Grade Teacher
Mr. Paul Korang – 5th Grade Math
Mr. Jelani Anderson – 6th Grade Social Studies
Ms. Jasmine Humble – 6th Grade Science
Ms. Makira Davis – 7th Grade Social Science
Mr. John Seneres – 7th Grade Science
Mr. Nebua Koussantie – 8th Grade Math
Mx.Guadalupe Pulido – Band
Mr. Lamar Triplett – Physical Education
Specialized Service Staff
Mr. Donald Duncan Jr. – LBS1 TeacherMr. Dionte Washington – LBS1 Teacher
Mrs. Jasmine Lacey-Gist - School Nurse
Seasoned Staff in New Assignments
Mrs. Lorena Alcantar- EL and Pull Out Support
Mrs. Maria Castro- 3rd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Jaquelyn Parish-5th Grade Social Science Teacher
Mrs. Sandra Smith- Pre-Kindergarten LBS1 Teacher
New Support Staff
Mrs. Elycia Boyd-Crowder – Paraprofessional
Ms. Arielle Feltus – Social Worker
Ms. Amber Stanton - Administrative Assistant to the Principal
Let’s give all of our new and transitioning staff members the warmest Lincoln welcome. Together, we are One Team, One Goal: Every Student Thrives!
This month, we celebrate students who demonstrate responsibility in their learning, actions, and choices. Hats off to all of the students who exemplify this important character trait—you make us proud!
It was such a pleasure to connect with so many parents, students, vendors, and community partners at our annual Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 9, 2025. The day was filled with games, food, and fun opportunities to meet and mingle with other members of our Lincoln school community.
This year, the Corvette Club provided free bookbags, and the Corvettes aligned with our school. Thank you, Mr. Gordon, former Dean of Lincoln,
A special shout-out goes to District 156, our amazing Lincoln staff, and Ms. Evans for helping make this event such a success!
State of Illinois Health Requirements for the 2025-2026 School Year
Once all required information is received, students can only attend school after October 15, 2025.
Requirements for Preschool Students
● Physical Exam (Parents, please complete the yes/no questions on the back and sign and date)
● Complete immunization record signed by a doctor: (4) DTap, (3) Polio, (4) Hib, (3) Hep B, (1) MMR, (1) Varicella, (4) Pneumococcal
● Birth Certificate
● Lead Questionnaire or Lead Screening
Requirements for Kindergarten Students
● Physical Exam (Parents, please complete the yes/no questions on the back and sign and date)
● Complete immunization record signed by a doctor: (5) DTap, (4) Polio, (3) Hep B, (2) MMR, (2) Varicella, (4) Pneumococcal
● Dental Exam on IL form due May 15, 2026 (dated within 18 months of the May 15th deadline)
● Eye Exam on Illinois form dated within one year of the first day of school.
● Birth Certificate
Requirements for Second-Grade Students
● Dental Exam on IL form due May 15, 2026 (dated within 18 months of the May 15th deadline)
Requirements for Six-Grade Students:
● Physical Exam (IL Certificate of Child Health Exam form required- Sports physical NOT acceptable) Parents, please complete yes/no questions on the back and sign and date
● Complete immunization records signed by a doctor, including (1) Tdap and (1) Meningitis, are 6th-grade requirements.
● Dental Exam on IL form due May 15, 2025 (dated within 18 months of the May 15th deadline)
Vision & Hearing Screenings
Annual Vision Screenings: Mandated by IDPH and ISBE for Pre-K, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 8th Grade, Special Education Students, transfer students, and teacher referrals.
Annual Hearing Screenings: Mandated by IDPH and ISBE for Pre-School, Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, Special Education students, transfer students, and teacher referrals.
If the Parent or guardian does not want their student screened, please put this in writing and send it to the school nurse.
All students with serious medical conditions must have an action plan from the provider (e.g., Asthma Action Plan, Seizure Action Plan, Diabetic Medical Management Plan, etc.).
Families, please take a few minutes to help your child look around at home for any missing Lincoln library books. If you find any, kindly return them to the Lincoln Library as soon as possible so other students can enjoy them too. Beginning in October, bills for unreturned books will be sent to parents' homes. Thank you for supporting our library and helping to keep our collection complete!
September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Millions of people are unaware that they have sickle cell trait because the trait typically does not cause illness. That's why it's essential to be tested. If you and your partner both have sickle cell trait, there is a 25% chance with EACH pregnancy that your child could be born with sickle cell disease.
The School Event Committee is planning another fabulous event for National Hispanic Heritage Month. Stay tuned for more details via Class Connect.
To continue learning at home, ensure that students read or are read to for 20 minutes each night, practice counting and simple addition and subtraction, and establish consistent home routines to ensure students are well-rested.
Say cheese! 😁 Picture Day is scheduled for Monday, September 29th. Be on the lookout for flyers that will be coming home with students soon. The flyer will include details on how to prepay and order your photo packages. Don’t miss the chance to capture this year’s memories!
Girls' basketball tryouts will be on September 15th and 16th, 2025. Students must wear gym shoes, workout clothing, shirts, and shorts. Practice will end promptly at 4:00 p.m. The coaches will send home additional information and requirements for team members to remain on the team.