Lincoln Log

Dear Abraham Lincoln Families,

Wow… it’s hard to believe that March is just around the corner! I’m hopeful that warmer days will be here soon, but in the meantime, please continue to send your child to school prepared for outdoor play. Snow pants and boots are still very much needed for recess.

This month’s newsletter is filled with important updates and upcoming events, including details about our Academic Showcase. We’re excited to share the wonderful learning happening in our classrooms and hope you’ll take a few minutes to read through the information.

As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership!

~ 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%

• January: 94%

• February: 91%

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.

*Academic Showcase — Thursday, March 5 • 4:30–5:30 PM at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School*

We are excited to invite all families to our Academic Showcase! This special event is a wonderful opportunity to come into the school and see what your child is learning each day.

During the showcase, you’ll be able to:

• Explore examples of your child’s reading, writing, and math work

• Learn more about our PBIS expectations and supports

• Take home helpful resources you can use for learning at home

Please note: This event is not a time for individual conferences. If you would like to talk with your child’s teacher about their progress, please reach out to schedule a separate meeting.

We look forward to welcoming you into our school and sharing the great work our students are doing.

See you on Thursday, March 5!

*March 5 - Academic Showcase

*March 11 - PTO Meeting; School Committee Meeting

*March 12 - Early Release - Noon Dismissal

*March 13 - No School - Teacher Workshop Day

*March 25 - School Committee Meeting

February is a wonderful time to build healthy habits as a family. Here are four easy activities you can enjoy together at home:

1. Family Movement Challenge

Spend 5–10 minutes each day moving together—try dancing, animal walks, yoga poses, or jumping jacks. Make a small chart and let kids add a sticker each time the family completes their movement break.

2. Heart-Healthy Snacks

Create a simple snack using colorful fruits or veggies such as fruit kabobs, yogurt parfaits, or veggie sticks with hummus. Talk about how healthy foods give our hearts energy to stay strong.

3. Kindness Hearts

Caring for others strengthens our “heart,” too! Start a kindness jar or wall where children add a drawing or note each time they show or notice kindness. Read them together at the end of the week.

4. Mindful Breathing

Practice a calming breath together—try “smell the flower, blow out the candle,” or trace a heart shape with a finger while taking slow breaths. These routines support emotional regulation and heart health.

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

As February comes to a close at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, we’re grateful for the kindness, hard work, and positive choices our students show each day. Thank you, families, for your continued support—your partnership truly strengthens our school community.

Here’s to a great start to March and all the learning and growth ahead!

Early Release dismissal is at 12:00 PM.