Positive Paws
Pawsitive News from the Lincoln Tigers August 30, 2026
Mission and Vision of Lincoln Elementary School District #156
Mission: In a culture of high expectations and respect for all, we strive to educate the whole child with positive relationships and an appreciation for diversity in an inclusive environment.
Vision: Lincoln School District 156 will be an inclusive student-centered model of innovation and academic excellence that prepares the whole child to contribute to an ever-changing global community.
Notes from Dr. West
What an amazing first two weeks at Lincoln Elementary School!
Thank you to all of our parents and guardians for getting your children registered and in school! I also want to thank you for the incredibly warm reception. The kind words and well wishes you have shared through conversations before and after school, as well as through email, have been wonderful and greatly appreciated.
I love seeing our students come into school excited and ready to learn. We hope to carry this enthusiasm throughout the year, but we also understand that our kids will have bad days—and that’s okay.
To support our students during those difficult days, please know that we have a wonderful clinician team ready to provide the support and services needed to help turn their day around, or at least give them the tools to cope in a healthy and productive way.
At Lincoln, we believe in educating the whole child, from academics to social-emotional development. We also believe that educating our students is a partnership between home and school. If there is something we should know that would help us better support your child, please reach out so that we can provide the best possible support.
I look forward to meeting and talking with more of you as the school year continues. Thank you for your partnership, your support, and for trusting us with your children. I am excited about what we will accomplish together this year!
With Tiger Pride,
Adam West Ed.D.
Important Dates
9/2/2026 - Eighth Grade Parent Night
9/7/2026 - No School, Labor Day
9/14/2026 - Girls Basketball Tryouts
Drop Off Times
At Lincoln School we open doors at 8:00am so that all kids have time to drop off their backpacks at their locker, grab and eat breakfast and get ready for instruction to start at 8:30am. We strongly encourage all students to be here by 8:00am to make sure they can accomplish all of these tasks before they start learning.
Early Dismissal Procedures
Please remember that if your student is being dismissed early or picked up late that the individual picking your student up is listed as an approved pick up person in PowerSchool. If you want to add a person to the pick up list, you can do so through Powerschool or stop by the main office to complete a Contact Update Form. For a one time pick up change, you can email Ms. Rubio at arubio@L156.org with the student’s name, the parent’s name, and the name of the person that will be picking up the student. Early Dismissals are permitted until 2:20 pm. All individuals must be 18 and over and present a State Issued ID. Thank you for helping us make sure that your students are going home with a trusted adult!
Meet our New Assistant Principal
Hello everyone! My name is Taneesha Thomas, and I am excited and honored to join the school community as your new Assistant Principal. I bring more than 18 years of experience in education, including classroom teaching, instructional technology, student support, and school leadership. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about creating safe, supportive, and inclusive environments where students are encouraged to grow, discover their strengths, and reach their full potential.
At the heart of who I am is my love for children and my belief that every student deserves to feel seen, valued, supported, and challenged. As a mother of four adult children, I understand the importance of building strong relationships, setting high expectations, and celebrating each child’s unique journey.
Outside of school, I enjoy gardening, crafting, and bowling.
These hobbies reflect some of the things I value most—creativity, patience, connection, and having fun! I look forward to bringing my experience, energy, and heart to our school community and working alongside students, families, teachers, and staff to make this a place where everyone can thrive.
I am excited about this new chapter and look forward to getting to know each of you!
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Lincoln Elementary
We’re excited to explore starting a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Lincoln! Parents, guardians, and staff are invited to share their interest and ideas. Interested in getting involved? Fill out the PTO Interest Form using the link below!
Health Office Reminders
The Health Office would like to share a few important reminders to help keep our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn.
Required Health Records
The Health Office is still missing required health records for some students. If you have received notice that your child is missing a required physical examination, immunization record, dental examination, or other required health documentation, please submit the completed records to the school as soon as possible.
Deadline: October 15, 2026
Students who have not submitted the required health records by October 15th will be excluded from school until the required documentation has been received by the school. If you are unsure whether your child is missing any required health records, please contact the Health Office.
Medications at School
If your child requires medication during the school day, please remember: A physician’s written order and parent/guardian permission are required for prescription and over-the-counter medications. Submit an Emergency Action Plan, if needed
Medication must be brought to school in the original, properly labeled container. Students may not carry medication at school unless specifically authorized, such as approved inhalers, EpiPens, insulin, or glucagon.
Please contact the school or Health Office if you need a Medication Authorization Form. The form must be completed and signed by the physician and parent/guardian.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping the Health Office keep our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn!
Parent Bookclub Kickoff!!
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 • 9:00–11:30 AM • Administrative Center, 912 Burnham Ave.Join us as we kick off our Parent Book Club featuring 7 Steps to Children’s Happiness! Families will receive their book, create a bookmark, and learn more about this year’s Parent Book Club.
Grandparents Day Sweet Treat Social
Thursday, September 17, 2026 • 3:00–4:00 PM • Administrative Center, 912 Burnham Ave. Lincoln ESD 156 invites Lincoln students and their grandparents to enjoy sweet treats and special time together. This is a social gathering for families to connect, celebrate, and make special memories together. Photo ID required. Register by September 8, 2026
Lincoln Parent Book Club
First Meeting: October 21, 2026 • 9:00–10:00 AM Location: Lincoln Elementary Administration Center, 912 Burnham Ave., Calumet City, IL 60409. Join Lincoln’s Parent Book Club featuring 7 Steps to Children’s Happiness! The club is free and open to all Lincoln parents/guardians with a currently enrolled child. Each participant receives a free copy of the book. See flyer for additional meeting dates. A valid state-issued photo ID is required at check-in.
