Lincoln Log

Dear Abraham Lincoln Families,

Next week will be a busy one at school! Please check in with your child’s teacher for updates on classroom activities and upcoming events.

We are also pleased to share that Cathleen Neslusan, Director of Grants for the Bangor School Department, will be joining Abe’s PTO meeting on Wednesday. She will provide information about the 21st Century Grant and discuss the new opportunities it may create for our students. We hope you can join us!

Please refrain from parking at the corner of Forest Ave and Somerset - opposite the school. This creates a bit of a bottleneck.

~ 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%

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.

*February 11 - Early Release 12:00 Dismissal; PTO Meeting 5:15; School Committee Budget Workshop 7:00

*February 12 - 100th Day of School

*February 16-20 - No School - February Break

*February 23 - Back to School

*February 25 - School Committee Meeting 7:00

February is Black History Month, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for families to learn and celebrate together. Here are a few simple ways to engage at home:

• Read Together: Explore books that highlight Black authors, illustrators, and historical figures. Your child’s teacher or our school library can help with age-appropriate suggestions.

• Have Conversations: Talk with your child about the importance of kindness, fairness, and appreciating differences. Ask them what they’re learning in class.

• Explore Music, Art, and Culture: Listen to music by Black artists, look at artwork, or enjoy stories that reflect diverse experiences.

• Celebrate Role Models: Share stories of Black inventors, leaders, scientists, athletes, and artists who have made a positive impact.

• Connect to Everyday Life: Point out contributions in your community—local leaders, authors, or events that honor and uplift Black history.

Small conversations and shared experiences at home help deepen students’ understanding and make our schoolwide celebration even more meaningful.

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 the heart of Abe this month is our commitment to celebrating learning, kindness, and community. As we recognize Black History Month, we honor the achievements, contributions, and voices of Black Americans. We will continue to have conversations about fairness and respect.

Together, we help our youngest learners grow in understanding and appreciation for the rich history that shapes our world.

Early Release dismissal is at 12:00 PM.