PANTHER PROGRESS

We are saddened to announce that our Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Mwando and our Community Liaison, Mrs. Galaviz, will be leaving Lincoln soon. Mrs. Galaviz's last day is December 5th, Mrs. Mwando's is December 19th. We thank them each for their dedication and commitment to our students and families. They will be missed!

ONCE A PANTHER, ALWAYS A PANTHER!

Hola Comunidad de Lincoln,

Quería informarles que el 5 de Diciembre será mi último día en Lincoln. Ha sido un verdadero placer trabajar con los estudiantes y padres de familia durante los últimos cuatro años. Estoy profundamente agradecida por la confianza, el apoyo y la colaboración que hicieron de este tiempo algo tan significativo. Ver a los estudiantes aprender y crecer ha sido una de las partes más gratificantes de mi trayectoria, y siempre guardaré buenos recuerdos de nuestro tiempo juntos. Por favor, sepan que esta comunidad ocupa y ocupará por siempre un lugar especial en mi corazón.

Lincoln Family,

I wanted to let you know that December 19th will be my last day at Lincoln. I have been part of

the Lincoln community since 2012, and it has been an incredible journey. I’ve had the joy of

growing alongside many of you and your children—from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade—

and I am grateful for every moment we’ve shared.

There are so many happy memories here at Lincoln, and this community will always hold a

special place in my heart.

As I move on to my next adventure with Frederick County Public School, I will carry with me

the fond memories, connections, and experiences we’ve created together.

• December 4: Make up picture day
• December 4: Panther Advisory Council 5 - 6:30pm (details below)
• December 18: Fundraiser at Chipotle (997 W Patrick) 5 - 9pm (flier below)
• December 22 - Jan 2nd: Winter Break
• January 5: Students return to school

Each grade level has created their own newsletters! Instead of linking the monthly standards, we will now include a link to each newsletter. These newsletters are also sent every two weeks directly from teachers via Talking Points. If you need a paper copy of the newsletter, please contact your child's teacher.

Use the link below to see each grade level's academic standards and assessments schedule:

Academic Standards and Assessments

Our students are offered breakfast and lunch every day. Click the links below for this month's menu. For more information about FCPS food and nutrition, visit the FCPS nutrition website.

• Breakfast (English)
• Breakfast (Spanish)
• Lunch (English)
• Lunch (Spanish)

• Pull forward to the end of the car rider loop so we can fit as many cars inside the parking lot and off of the street.
• Wait in your car for your student. Students stay in a line order and will walk to their car.
• If you need to buckle your child into a car seat or help them with a seat belt, please pull through the line and park before helping them.

We appreciate your attention to the items above! It helps keep our line moving quickly and safely.

As the temperature drops, it's important to make sure your child is properly clothed for being outside. Please make sure to send your child with appropriate clothing, including a winter coat, gloves and hat. As long as FCPS says we can have recess outside, we will try our best to go out. If you or your child needs winter gear, please contact your child's teacher.

We're excited to announce that we've partnered with an organization called "All For Lunch" to help keep our school lunch debt free. 100% of tax-deductible donations will go directly towards eliminating debt and donors receive an automated receipt through email. Please help us spread the word!

https://allforlunch.org/LincolnESmd/

Update - We've raised over $1000 so far!

We understand many families may be facing food insecurity at this time. We've compiled a list of local food banks to assist. Email our Community School Coordinator at Crosby.Blair@fcps.org if your family is in need of assistance.

Current Attendance Rates

• Whole School: 95% (The FCPS goal is 96%)
• PreK: 93.1%
• Kindergarten: 93.7%
• First: 95.1%
• Second: 96.3%
• Third: 94.8%
• Fourth: 95.6%
• Fifth: 95.3%

Current Chronic Absence Rate: 13.7% (Our school goal is to be lower than 15%)

Regular school attendance is important for a student's academic and behavioral success. We need your help! Please make sure your child is coming to school regularly unless they are sick. Per FCPS policy, anytime a student is absent, the school must receive written documentation from the guardian and/or medical provider. Written communication can be in the form of an email, a Talking Points message, or a hand written note. Our ratings on the Maryland School Report Card are heavily impacted by our attendance rates. Reach out to our Community School Coordinator at Crosby.Blair@fcps.org with any attendance questions or needs.

• C. Burr Artz Library monthly program: December
• December 13: Kids Shop at Santa's Workshop at Asbury Church 10am - 3pm (101 W All Saints St)
• December 13: Toy and Grocery Giveaway 9 - 11am at Calvary Church (8234 Woodsboro Pike)
• December 21: Parent shop at Santa's Workshop at Asbury Church 1 - 5pm (101 W All Saints St)

2025 Holiday Community Resource Guide

Family Partnership Parent Education Groups (Tuesdays from 6 - 8pm)

Did you know that our students can be nominated for a positive referral each month? Students that demonstrate consistent good behavior and/or exhibit any of our habits of learning (self-advocating, practicing social responsibility, demonstrating perseverance and having a learning mindset) celebrate with an extra recess at the end of each month. We had 176 students nominated in November. Each student that is nominated also receives a certificate to take home. Great job!

Family and community members interested in volunteering should begin the volunteer process by visiting the FCPS Volunteer Webpage linked below. Applicants will be directed to:

1. Complete a registration form.
2. Complete a training module on Unified Talent.
3. Await school approval on application.
4. Sign-up for volunteer opportunities facilitated by individual schools.

*Complete ONE registration form only per person. Additional school selections may be added after original approval. Please note: To avoid delays, you must complete the registration form and training using the exact same full name and email address each time. Do not use nicknames, abbreviations, hyphen variations, or alternate spellings or email addresses.

The volunteer registration and training process is completed annually for each school year. Volunteers must complete the process before being signed up for volunteer opportunities, including chaperoning a field trip. FCPS encourages family and community members interested in volunteering to complete the process early as processing times can vary.

Be a part of our PAC to help us improve our school environment and our learning community! Our next meeting is Thursday, December 4th from 5-6:30pm. ALL PARENTS AND GUARDIANS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND! Please email Crosby.Blair@fcps.org to RSVP.

*All events are from 5 - 7pm unless otherwise noted*

• January 8: STEM Night
• February 12: AttenDANCE
• March 17: Encore Night
• April 2: Lincoln Night (at Frederick High School, 5:30 - 7:30pm)
• May 29: Panther Party

Meet the school counseling team: The “Super Support Squad”

• Mrs. Groveman (Counselor) grades 3-5 Tiffany.Groveman@fcps.org

• Mrs. Quill (Counselor) grades PreK-2 Heather.Quill@fcps.org

• Ms. Dodson (Behavior Support Specialist) Heather.Dodson@fcps.org

• Ms. Cody (Behavior Support Specialist) Amanda.Cody@fcps.org

Our brains are social organs. As human beings we need to feel like we fit in with the people around us. It is important for students to feel safe and connected in their educational environment so their brain can be optimized for learning. The school counselors will be focusing on lessons related to a sense of belonging throughout the month of December. Below are some of the opening lessons for families to enjoy and discuss with their students.

• Short intro video by S3 (the Super Support Squad) about what Belonging means
• Read aloud of the book, “Belonging is…” what creates a sense of belonging and what do students need to feel safe and connected.
• Read aloud of the book “One” how can we each take a stand, and stand together, to make sure everyone feels like they count?

We will be joining FCPS in recognizing 2025 Inclusive Schools Week: Children First Building a Stronger Tomorrow during the week of December 8th.

If your child experiences any of the following symptoms listed below please keep them home from school

• Fever over 100 within the last 24 hours (must be fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication before returning to school)
• Vomiting/diarrhea within the last 24 hours
• Rash
• Red, itchy, crusty eyes or any drainage from eyes

Steps to Stop the Spread of Germs

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• If you are sick stay home from school
• Cover your cough and sneezes
• Wash hands often with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Get a flu vaccine

If your child does not have insurance and is need, care options are available. The Frederick County Health Department caseworkers can help navigate Medicaid enrollment. Enrollment is also available for the School Based Health Center. Contact Mrs. Crawford, the Community School Health Nurse, at 227-203-1580 option 4.

Managing Big Feelings

As the excitement of the holiday season approaches, many children experience bigger emotions than usual. Shifts in routines, special events, and increased sensory input can make it harder for kids to stay regulated and communicate how they’re feeling. Understanding this pattern is important for families because knowing why these behaviors show up can take some of the pressure off. Instead of feeling frustrated or confused, parents can remember that these ups and downs in behaviors and emotions are a normal reaction to a busy, exciting time of year. And for kids, having simple tools and calm support helps them feel safe and understood, even when their feelings get “too big”; and they are better able to handle them

Tip of the Month: Calming Tools for Kids

• Deep Breathing – Teach: “Smell the flower, blow out the candle.” Slow, structured

breathing helps calm the nervous system and can be practiced anywhere.

• Squeeze & Release – Tighten fists for 5 seconds, then relax; repeat 3 times. This quick

exercise releases physical tension and helps kids reconnect with their bodies.

• Calm Corner – Create a quiet place with coloring books, soft music, or a stuffed animal. A

designated cozy spot gives children a safe space to take a break and reset.

• Label Feelings – Practice saying: “I feel frustrated” or “I feel excited.” Naming emotions helps children understand what they’re experiencing and communicate it more clearly.

Contact Info: Jamie Udaka, PhD; School Psychologist (Itsuko.udaka@fcps.org)

Click the button below for this month's Judy Center newsletter!

Information about bus status and delays can be found here. The page refreshes every 60 seconds.

Please reach out if you have any questions/concerns/needs... whatever it takes - we're here to help!

Lots of Lincoln Love!

Email: Crosby.Blair@fcps.org
Website: https://education.fcps.org/lnes/home
Location: 200 Madison Street, Frederick, MD
Phone: 227.203.1580