Fall/Winter 2014

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The Lincoln Log A Lincoln Elementary School Newsletter!

Lincoln’s Spooktacular !

Boo Blast Parade

Fall/Winter 2014

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Fall/Winter 2014

November 2014 Dear Lincoln Families and Scholars, The 2014-2015 school year is now well underway. This will be an exciting year of learning and growing for all students at Lincoln. This year, we continue our work on creating 21st century classrooms where every child is challenged to think critically and deeply. With the Common Core State Standards, project-based learning, and on-going training in Swun Math Instruction, the focus for teaching and learning at Lincoln is on depth and application of knowledge. As a community of learners, we foster an environment where students are challenged to think critically about the world around them, develop creative ways to reach a solution, explain their thinking and communicate their thoughts. Our shared goal is focused on the work that we can do together to prepare students to be innovative, creative citizens. Alongside our academic curriculum, we prepare our students for a lifetime of social responsibility. Our social curriculum emphasizes important life skills and principles where students learn how to resolve conflicts, share and negotiate. We want to build on this foundation to support students to internalize the value of academic achievement while also acknowledging and focusing on learning as it relates to social and emotional growth. Students are learning pro-social skills related to John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. Each new school year comes with exciting changes. We are fortunate to have our district specialists return this year to continue our strong integrated academic program: Science: Ms. Gillick, Music: Mrs. Edmunds and Mr. Shiskovsky, and PE: Mr. Baker. Thanks to our parent contribution towards TLC, we also provide programs in Art: Mrs. Fahay, Tech: Mr. Reyes, and additional PE: Mr. Foreman. We are grateful to our parents and district for the continued support of our specialists. Success comes from working as a team. My commitment to you is that we offer a variety of ways and opportunities to take part in your child’s education. I look forward to our continued partnering as we work together to support the boundless imagination of our children. !In Partnership, Carrie Gammel, Principal

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Principal’s Message

PROJECT NAME

Billie Flamson with Principal Gammel

Fall/Winter 2014

It’s an appropriate month to reflect and give thanks for what is going right in our lives. I’m thankful my son is enjoying his school year and

not giving me…too much grief about getting his homework done. I’m thankful he enjoys his guitar lessons AND the practice in between. I’m thankful that I enjoy his practicing! I’m thankful I have a great school to send him to. That I have a great group of parents to work with and that I personally have a bigger circle of truly wonderful friends because I chose to reach out to our PTA and get involved. I am thankful for my husband, who has been so supportive of all my endeavors. That we have a staff at Lincoln passionate about what they provide to our students. I’m thankful that Duy is always ready to help with the set-up we need for our meetings. That Ellen is always ready to find us a place for those meetings. And that Pam is ready to find us a moment with our

Principal, Carrie Gammel. I’m thankful that Principal Gammel attends our PTA meetings and has the opportunity to both hear what is important to our parents and share what the school is doing about those concerns. I’m thankful that businesses like McKee and J-Crew sought us out on their own to help raise funds for our school. I’m thankful for the parents who have made the commitment this year to do what they can to help our Lincoln Students. I’m thankful our school makes it a priority to focus not only on our students’ academics, but their character as well.

!I recently had the opportunity to listen to journalist and author Paul Tough speak about his book, “How Children Succeed”. Through his research, he comes to the conclusion that “Grit, Curiosity and the hidden power of character” matter as much as if not more than a student’s ability to pass a test and excel academically. Lincoln is doing their part to encourage our students to develop these successful characteristics through programs like Red Ribbon Week and PBIS and the everyday modeling they see from their teachers. Of course, the other part of that success equation is us, their parents. The fact is our kids spend more time with us by the time they finish 6th grade than their school. We are their first sounding board, role model, and guide through life and how to get the most out of it. I am thankful to have that opportunity to help guide someone I hope will become a productive and valuable member of our society.

It seems like we are in a constant mode of addressing our priorities, to-do lists, fixing the next thing that broke. But, as we move into the holidays which bring their own flurry of activities, it is nice to take a moment before the rush and focus on what is working well in our busy busy lives.

I hope the rest of 2014 brings you more opportunities to enjoy your families and all they have accomplished this year.

Sincerely,

Karen Thurston

Lincoln Elementary PTA President 2014-2015

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PTA President’s Message

Fall/Winter 2014

Red Ribbon Week, October 21-24 Red Ribbon Week is an important tradition at Lincoln. Children are taught to make healthy choices and celebrate good decisions. In addition to daily

activities, the kids are encouraged to wear red every day of the week.

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Did You Know?

Children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don't, yet only a quarter of teens report having these conversations.

Please Note : !GATE Testing !

In October we begin the process for GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) testing for 3rd – 6th grade students. Teachers are looking at the students’ behaviors and working to determine if they are able to see evidence of gifted characteristics with any of the students in their classroom. For a list of these GATE characteristics, please go the http://web.nmusd.us and then click on departments and scroll to GATE.

ALL 3rd graders are eligible for GATE testing if the parents give permission. For a 4th – 6th grader to qualify for testing, the student must first be recommended by their teacher or their parent. See your child’s teacher about requesting testing. Keep in mind however, that to proceed with testing, the student must meet the following guidelines: • If tested prior to this year in NMUSD, they must have

a score that is at least in the 80% • A student cannot take the test a 3rd time • If tested, the student will take the same test as prior

Fall/Winter 2014

Reflections 2014 !Reflections is a National PTA art contest where, each year, kids create art works, photography, film production, literature and dance inspired by a common theme! The Reflections Arts Recognition Program is a national arts recognition and achievement program for students. Since 1969, over 10 million students across the nation have taken part in this popular PTA program.

The theme this year is "The World Would Be a Better Place If ...”

�6Congratulations October Roars Ticket Winners!

Fall/Winter 2014

SHARE OUR SELVES (SOS) Canned Food Castle Building Competition !

!The Lincoln community collected 2,822 cans of food to support SOS in Costa Mesa. On Wednesday, November 12, a group of dedicated volunteers and students worked hard to build an impressive canned food castle. Lincoln competes against Andersen School and the winner will be determined based on the number of cans collected

as well as the canned food castle built. Go Lincoln!!

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Guess What? The 6th Grade Play Auditions Have Begun!

Fall/Winter 2014

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Dont forget!

!Nov 14 Flag Deck

Nov 17-21 Conference Week,

1:20pm dismissal for

all students

Nov 19 No School,

Conference Day

!Nov 26-28 Thanksgiving Break

Dec 8-12 Fall Book Fair

PTA Membership Challenges Winners! !General Membership Challenge ~ Gulfstream $75 Winner: Brenda St. Hilaire !Teachers Matter Membership Challenge ~ Yard House $50 Winner: Janice Fisher !Classroom Membership Challenge ~ Ms. Haymond (K); Mrs. Fisher (1st); Mrs. Bennett (2nd); Ms. Broesamle (3rd); Mrs. Chalmers (4th); Mrs. Davidsson (5th); Mrs. Taylor (6th) !2). YTD Membership Total: 480 !Adults: 259 {Dads: 53} Students: 187 Teachers: 34 !Not a member? Please consider becoming a member! For just $10 (adults) and $5 (students) you receive many benefits. Our membership is year-round and requires NO TIME COMMITMENT. !

A quick note from your Editor: Hey kids! Please send me your photos, drawings and stories about what’s going on around Lincoln. Remember, the Lincoln Log is all about you kids! Contact me at

soderbergfam@gmail.com Hear from you soon! !

Valerie Soderberg