Lincoln Elementary
February 7th, 2025
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The African American History Month theme for February is “My History, My Voice.” This theme highlights the importance of honoring voices, experiences, and contributions while encouraging students to stay engaged and present in their learning.
In recognition of African American History Month, students will participate in a variety of African American History assemblies and activities throughout February. These learning experiences are designed to educate, inspire, and celebrate the contributions and achievements of African Americans.
As we begin the month of February, we want to emphasize the importance of regular school attendance. Daily attendance plays a critical role in ensuring that students are mastering the learning standards needed for academic growth and long-term success.
February is a short month, and with important high-stakes assessments approaching—including the IAR and ISA exams in March—it is essential that students are present and engaged every day. Consistent attendance allows teachers to prepare students effectively and ensures that no critical instruction is missed.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the parents and guardians who consistently ensure their students attend school regularly. We truly appreciate your continued support and partnership in your child’s education.
We also encourage families to support our Girls Volleyball Team, as they represent our school with pride, teamwork, and dedication. Your encouragement at games and events means a great deal to our students.
Additionally, on days of inclement weather when the district transitions to remote learning, students in grades 5–8 are required to log in to continue their learning. Participation on remote days is just as important as in-person attendance.
Together, by staying vigilant and committed, we can help ensure our students are prepared, confident, and successful.
Thank you for your continued support.
Elementary is excited to announce a Battle of the Classes Attendance Challenge for students in grades 3 –8 during the months of February and March!
Classes with the highest attendance rates for February and March will win a pizza party. This friendly competition is designed to encourage students to come to school every day, stay engaged in learning, and support one another in building positive attendance habits.
Every day at school matters, and consistent attendance helps students stay on track academically and socially. We encourage families to help students arrive on time and attend school regularly so their class can be in the running to win!
Let’s work together to make attendance a priority and cheer on our classes as they compete for the win!
Responsibility: Perfect Attendance for January – Celebrating Commitment!
January’s focus was Responsibility, and our Tigers truly rose to the occasion! We are proud to recognize and celebrate all students who achieved Perfect Attendance for January.
Showing up to school every day demonstrates responsibility, commitment, and respect for learning, teachers, and peers. Our students showed determination by being present, engaged, and ready to learn each day—and that dedication does not go unnoticed.
We are incredibly proud of our 249 Tigers for making attendance a priority and setting a positive example for others to follow.
Keep up the amazing work, Tigers! Let’s continue this momentum into the next month—because every day in school is a day of growth, learning, and success!
We are excited to launch our Attendance Club: Getting to 93% Initiative! Our goal is to encourage and celebrate students who are working hard to improve their daily attendance.
Reaching 93% attendance is an important milestone that helps students stay on track academically, socially, and emotionally.
To motivate and reward students, those who meet the 93% attendance goal will be recognized and invited to participate in special incentives, including:
Extra iPad/Paw Time
A Schoolwide Ice Cream Social Celebration
Thank you for partnering with us to support strong attendance habits and student success.
Together, we can make every day count!
To our staff members who achieved Perfect Attendance in January, thank you for your continued dedication and professionalism. As our theme of the month was Responsibility, we truly appreciate your commitment to showing up each day prepared to support our students and one another.
Your consistency, reliability, and presence make a meaningful difference in the success and well-being of our Lincoln Tigers. We are grateful for the example you set and the positive impact you make every day.
Thank you for all that you do!
The District 156 Literacy Team is in full action as we begin developing a comprehensive plan to strengthen instruction across the Seven Components of Literacy for all grade levels. These components include Oral Language, Phonological Awareness, Word Recognition, Fluency, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Writing.
This important work is focused on ensuring that every student receives high-quality literacy instruction that supports reading, writing, and overall academic success.
A special thank you and hats off to our dedicated Literacy Team members for their leadership, collaboration, and commitment to student achievement:
Mrs. Barnes, Dr. Muñoz, Mrs. Donald, Mrs. Reynolds, Mrs. Dulaney Morrison, Ms. Simpson, Mrs. Mendez, Ms. Diaz, Mrs. Yeboah, Mrs. Siroski, and Mr. Kenny.
We appreciate your hard work and dedication to improving literacy outcomes for all students!
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Room to Read will partner with Lincoln Elementary School on February 6, 2026, to celebrate National Day of Reading. Volunteers will read to our students and share the importance and power of education, helping to inspire a love of reading and lifelong learning.
At Lincoln Elementary, responsibility is a key trait that helps create a safe, respectful, and successful school community. This month, we are focusing on students taking ownership of their actions, choices, and learning.
Responsibility means:
Coming to school on time and prepared to learn
Completing classwork and homework to the best of one’s ability
Following school and classroom expectations
Taking care of personal belongings and school property
Making positive choices and being accountable for actions
We encourage students to practice responsibility both at school and at home. Through our Student of the Month Program, teachers recognize students who consistently demonstrate responsibility and serve as positive role models for their peers.
As flu season approaches, we want to ensure that all our students and families stay as healthy as possible. The flu can spread quickly, and taking precautions can help reduce the risk of illness.
Here are some key steps to protect your child and others:
Get Vaccinated – The flu vaccine is one of the best ways to prevent serious illness. If you haven’t already, consider getting your child vaccinated.
Practice Good Hygiene – Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, and avoiding touching the face.
Monitor for Symptoms – If your child has a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, or fatigue, please keep them home and consult a healthcare provider.
Stay Home When Sick- Children should stay home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.
Maintain a Healthy Routine – Proper sleep, a balanced diet, and staying active can help strengthen the immune system.
Your cooperation is essential in keeping our school community healthy. Please contact your pediatrician if you have any questions or need additional information.
The PFA/PFAE program is for children ages 3 through 5 who are not age-eligible for kindergarten (i.e., age 5 on or before September 1) and who are determined to be eligible based on multiple weighted at-risk factors. Please note that screening does not guarantee placement into Lincoln's Early Childhood Program.
If you are interested in our preschool program, you can start by scheduling an appointment for our May screenings. Appointments will open in April. Call the main office at Lincoln Elementary School at (708) 862-6620.
Across all grade levels—from preschool through second grade—students have been working hard to strengthen their writing skills. Our youngest learners are developing early writing foundations such as drawing, labeling, letter formation, and sharing ideas orally. As students progress into kindergarten, first, and second grade, they are learning to write complete sentences, add details, and explain their thinking more clearly in their writing.
How families can help at home:
One simple and powerful way to support writing is through daily conversation. Encourage your child to speak in complete sentences and explain their thinking. For example, instead of accepting one-word answers, ask follow-up questions like:
“Why do you think that?”
“Can you tell me more?”
“What happened first, next, and last?”
These conversations help children practice organizing ideas, adding details, and using clear language—skills that directly transfer to stronger writing. The more children can express their ideas verbally, the more confident and successful they become when putting those ideas on paper.
Students have also completed the Mid-Year (MOY) STAR assessments in reading/early literacy and math through Renaissance. This data helps teachers measure student growth, identify strengths, and plan instruction and supports tailored to each learner’s needs. Families can be assured that this information is used thoughtfully to guide teaching and ensure students continue to make meaningful progress.
Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s learning—your conversations at home truly make a difference!
In January, we proudly join schools across the nation in celebrating National School Choice Week—a special time to highlight the importance of educational options and to honor the power of families to choose the learning environment that best supports their children’s success.
Way to go, Ms. Spencer! And a huge thank you to everyone who continues to support and champion this incredible initiative. Together, we are making a difference for students and families every day!
As we begin the third quarter, I want to take a moment to celebrate the hard work and dedication shown by our students and staff. This year has been filled with growth, learning, and perseverance, and I am incredibly proud of the effort I see each day throughout our building.
Our students have been working diligently to prepare for the upcoming Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR). Classrooms are focused, teachers are reinforcing key skills, and students are rising to the challenge by demonstrating responsibility, resilience, and a strong commitment to doing their best. Their preparation reflects not only academic growth, but also confidence and perseverance—skills that extend far beyond testing.
I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to our parents and guardians for your continued support. Whether through encouraging study habits at home, ensuring students are well-rested and ready for school, or partnering with us throughout the year, your involvement makes a meaningful difference in your child’s success.
As we celebrate the close of the second quarter and look ahead to the second half of the school year, we remain focused on supporting every student academically and socially. Thank you for being such an important part of our school community—we are excited to finish the year strong together.
Pizza Party Success!
We are excited to congratulate Mrs. Perryman, Mr. Bingham, and Mr. Kenny and their classes for earning enough Tiger Paws to celebrate with a Pizza Party! This achievement reflects the consistent effort and positive choices their students demonstrate each day.
Tiger Paws are part of our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) program and are awarded by building staff to recognize outstanding whole-class behavior. Classes earn Tiger Paws by showing respect, responsibility, teamwork, and kindness throughout the school—whether in the classroom, hallways, cafeteria, or during special activities.
Reaching this goal is no small feat, and it speaks volumes about the strong classroom culture these teachers have created and the students’ commitment to doing the right thing. We are proud of their hard work and positive attitudes, and look forward to seeing other classes continue working toward this fun reward.
Way to go—keep earning those Tiger Paws!
Our school is proud to announce that our students will be participating in the Mardi Gras Invitational Speech Tournament, presented by Advantage Communications in partnership with Peoria Public Schools District 150.
The event will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Trewyn Middle School, located at 1419 S. Folkers Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61605. This invitational brings together talented student speakers from across the region to showcase their communication skills, confidence, and critical thinking in a competitive yet supportive environment.
Student Participants / Team Members:
Abideen Olanfewagu (5th Grade)
Penelope Rivera (5th Grade)
Shaniyah Dortch (5th Grade)
Charlie Smith (5th Grade)
Jace Dowd (5th Grade)
Elias Kazlauskas (5th Grade)
Adrian Velegas (5th Grade)
Cxiang Mathes (5th Grade)
We are incredibly proud of these students for their dedication, courage, and commitment to excellence. Preparing for a speech tournament requires perseverance, teamwork, and a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone—and these students are doing just that.
As we head into this exciting event, we wish our speakers the very best. No matter the results, their hard work and growth are already a success. Let’s cheer them on and celebrate their voices—because confidence, preparation, and passion always make a lasting impact.
Greetings Lincoln Families,
There is so much to look forward to on the 2nd floor! Our students are actively preparing for Black History Month, and we are excited to showcase their creative projects centered on this year’s theme: My History, My Voice. On the 2nd floor, students are exploring the concept of resistance and how it has shaped history and continues to influence our world today.
Please be on the lookout for student work throughout the month, and be sure to save the date for our Black History Month Assembly on February 26. We look forward to celebrating student learning and voices together as a school community.
February 16 – Presidents' Day (No School)
March 2 – Casimir Pulaski Day (No School)
March 12 – End of 3rd Quarter
April 3–10 – Spring Break
April 13 – Classes Resume
The Let Your Light Shine Award is presented to students who consistently demonstrate exemplary character and serve as positive role models within the school community. This award recognizes individuals who lead through their actions, display a respectful and encouraging attitude, and positively influence those around them. This year, two outstanding 8th Grade students—one girl and one boy—are selected to receive this honor based on their strong leadership qualities, integrity, and unwavering positive attitude. These students truly “let their light shine” by reflecting the values of kindness, responsibility, and compassion in their daily interactions with peers and staff. Students will be announced at a board meeting.