Lincoln Log

Dear Abraham Lincoln Families,

I hope you all enjoy the long weekend - there is no school Monday, January 19 as we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

This week brought a variety of weather conditions. Please be sure to keep an eye on the forecast and send your child to school dressed in layers so they are comfortable throughout the day.

Our third-grade students will be performing their Winter Concert on Wednesday, January 21, at 5:30 p.m. Families and friends are welcome, and we hope to see you there!

~ Mrs. Ireland

At Abraham Lincoln, we take attendance seriously because consistent school attendance is directly linked to student success. We track attendance weekly and will begin sharing our monthly progress with students and staff through a visual display in the school. I will also include these updates in each newsletter so families can stay informed.

Here is our Average Daily Attendance (ADA) so far this year:

• September: 95%

• October: 92%

• November: 95%

• December: 95%

Our goal is to maintain 95% or higher each month, and we are excited to work together to reach it!

You can help support strong attendance by scheduling appointments outside the school day whenever possible and planning family vacations during scheduled school vacation weeks. Every day of learning matters, and we appreciate your partnership in helping our students be present, engaged, and ready to learn.

We are looking for a volunteer to come in once a week for about an hour to help shelve books in our Book Room. If you are interested, please contact Meghan Schall at mschall@bangorschools.net.

The Abraham Lincoln PTO is looking ahead to a fun and engaging spring filled with family-centered events that celebrate our students, staff, and school community. While this time of year can feel busy with weather and seasonal illnesses, spring is when family involvement truly brings these events to life, and even small contributions make a big difference. Upcoming opportunities include Cabin Fever Family Night, the Spring Book Fair, Staff Appreciation Week, the Spring Fair, Garden Clean-Up Day, field trips and enrichment activities, and a spring fundraiser. Volunteers are needed to help with planning, event support, donations, and creative ideas across all events. Families interested in getting involved are encouraged to sign up for a committee using the provided link, and the PTO will follow up with next steps. Questions are always welcome, and families can also stay connected through the PTO Facebook group and email listserv.

*January 19 - No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

*January 21 - Winter Concert at 5:30

*January 23 - End of Quarter 2

*January 28 - School Committee Meeting at 7:00

*January 29 - Report Cards Home

We remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his message of kindness, fairness, and helping others. Families are encouraged to talk together about what it means to treat everyone with respect and to stand up for what is right. Simple activities such as reading a book about kindness, helping a neighbor, or sharing ways to include others can help children connect to Dr. King’s message. Small, thoughtful actions at home can make a big difference and help keep his legacy alive.

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

Each year, the UMA Bangor Dental Hygiene Clinic hosts a special event just for kids called Give Kids a Smile Day. This year, the event will take place on February 20, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Students in the Dental Hygiene Program provide care to patients of all ages as part of their curriculum, under the supervision of faculty who are registered and certified dental hygienists. On Give Kids a Smile Day, volunteer dentists also join the clinic to support students and faculty in providing care.

This is a free dental care day for children and teens ages 5–19 and is a wonderful opportunity for families, especially those who do not currently have a dental home.

Please see the attached flyer for additional information. If you have questions, you may contact the clinic at 207-262-7872 or by email at umadental@maine.edu.

Thank you for helping us share this valuable resource with families in our school community.

At Abraham Lincoln, we believe that kindness, respect, and community are at the heart of everything we do. Each day, students are encouraged to care for themselves, one another, and their school. Families can support this work at home by talking about kindness, practicing helpful habits, and celebrating small acts of caring. Together, we continue to build a welcoming and supportive Abe community where everyone belongs.

Early Release dismissal is at 12:00 PM.