All students are invited to bring in Valentines to share with their classmates. Please make sure all students are included when creating Valentines. Also, please note, for the safety of all students. that NO CANDY should be included with Valentines. Any candy sent to school will not be distributed. Thanks for your support in making this celebration safe and inclusive for all of our kids.

Calendar

All Week: Winter Safety Drills 

Monday, February 11:

• Yoga – 3:10-4:15pm, Mrs. Burns’ classroom (22D)
• Chess Club – 3:10-4pm, multi-purpose room
• Tennis (grades 3/4) – 3:10-4pm, gym

Tuesday, February 12:

• Kids Heart Challenge in PE
• Winter Sports (grades 1/2) – 3:15 -4:15pm, gym
• D90 Town Hall Forum at Roosevelt – 7pm

Wednesday, February 13:

• Waste Free Wednesday
• Tennis (grades 1/2) – 3:15-4pm, gym

Thursday, February 14:

• Wonder Readers – 7:30am, multipurpose room
• Kindergarten Valentine Concert – 10am, auditorium
• Valentine’s Day Parties
• Winter Sports (grades 3/4) – 3:15 – 4:15pm, gym

Friday, February 15:

• Wonder Writers – 7:30am, multipurpose room
• Lincoln Spirit Day
• Fun Lunch – Pasta

Jr. Scientist Expo – THANK YOU to Steve Lefko, Stan Sneeringer and all science expo volunteers for a wonderful event!

Valentine’s Day Happenings

Our annual Valentine/Friendship Parties will take place on Thursday, February 14 during the day. Students are invited to bring in Valentines to share with their classmates. Please make sure all students are included when creating Valentines. Also, please note for the safety of all students that NO CANDY should be included with Valentines. Any candy sent to school will not be distributed. Thanks for your support in making this celebration safe and inclusive for all of our kids.

Once again the PTO will be providing all the snacks for Valentine’s Day parties. No other food or candy should be brought in for parties.

Kids Heart Challenge – February 12 & 13, and Bulls Tix update!

Join our school’s team now  http://www2.heart.org/goto/LincolnElementaryRiverForest

Lincoln School’s Girls on the Run – registration closes 2/14!

Girls on the Run inspires girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. Trained coaches lead small teams through our research-based curricula which includes dynamic discussions, activities and running games. Over the course of the ten-week program, girls in 3rd and 4th grade develop essential skills to help them navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event.

If interested, please visit the website: www.gotrchicago.org and register by February 14.  Any questions, please contact Kristin Bailitz at kristinbailitz@gmail.com.

Chipotle Eat & Earn – Tuesday, 2/26

Please join us for a Chipotle (1128 W. Lake St, OP) fundraiser on Tuesday, February 26th from 4-8pm. Bring in this flyer, show it on your smartphone or simply mention the event to the cashier and 33% of sales will be donated to Lincoln PTO! Please note, online sales are not included in this event. Thank you for your continued Lincoln PTO support!

Lincoln PTO Auction – Friday, March 15 – tickets on sale now

Please join us Friday, March 15 from 6:30-9pm at Lake Street Kitchen in Oak Park for Lincoln’s annual school fundraiser and auction to support the Lincoln PTO and celebrate our awesome school, staff and kids.  We will have a great selection of craft beers, wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Come early for the open bar from 6:30-8:30pm. Cash bar from 8:30-9pm.  There will also be a live and silent auction to benefit our Fine, Fine School. All proceeds from the event will help support PTO funded programs, school enhancements, and various other teacher needs.

Don’t worry – March Madness will be playing on TV!  Ticket prices are $60 per person or $100 per couple (purchase by midnight on 3/14/2019).  Tickets can be purchased the day of the event or at the door for $75 each.  Click HERE to purchase tickets – don’t wait! 

Lincoln event photos wanted

The yearbook committee would love any photos you took of the following events:

Looking for Parent volunteers for 4th Grade Field Day Activities

Would your son or daughter like to participate in one of Lincoln School’s Field Day traditions? Our kids have excitedly been watching the “big kids” (aka – 4th graders) over the years entertain and kick off Field Day with Drumming and the Maypole Dance. Now it’s their turn to participate! Field Day is scheduled for the last day of school. Your 4th grader can choose to participate in the Maypole Dance and/or Drumming. Registration will occur after spring break. In the meantime, we are in need of parent volunteers to help guide and instruct the students in the Maypole Dance and drumming activities.  Please email Amy Prestes (amy.prestes@gmail.com) or Ginger Timchak (gingertimchak@gmail.com) if you are interested in leading the 4th graders in this wonderful Lincoln Tradition.

Save the Date: District 90 Speaker Event – Thursday, 4/4 at 6:30pm, Willard

*Organized by Connect4Kids, a D90 PTO Committee* 
Topic:  What can parents do to help their children develop Executive Function skills?
Dr. Georgia Bozeday, Ed.D.,  Director of Educational Services at Rush NeuroBehavioral Center – Dr. Bozeday will present an overview of current research from neuroscience describing the impact of the 21st Century influences on students today and provide recommendations for parents as they work with children at home on these concerns.  Discussion will primarily include strategies for organization and time-management.  Information will focus primarily on grades 3rd-12th grade.
Thursday, April 4th from 6:30-8:00 pm at Willard Elementary Auditorium.

EARTH WEEK (April 22-26) Call for Volunteers!

 

Coming up in April, Lincoln School will once again proudly celebrate Earth Week!  Want to be part of the planning?  Just want to help out that week?   Or maybe only one day?   Let us know!  The Lincoln Green4Good Team is a great way to get involved at school and do something valuable for our community, as well.  Contact Alexis Murphy (alexis_murphy@hotmail.com) or Renee Sichlau (rsichlau@hotmail.com) for more information.

Will you be our Valentine?

Lincoln Families,
Happy Super Bowl Sunday! I’ll be cheering for the team formerly known as the… St. Louis Rams! I hope you enjoyed the balmy weather this weekend and were able to thaw out after last week’s arctic blast. Hopefully, the groundhog’s prediction was right this weekend, and spring will arrive early this year.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, it will be nice to have a full uninterrupted week of school. It will be a busy week around our Fine Fine School.

Thanks for your patience and understanding regarding the reschedule of our annual Science Expo. I look forward to seeing all the creative projects of our kids on display tomorrow. Don’t forget families/students can set up projects between 7:30-8:20 tomorrow morning. The expo will run from 6:30-7:30 tomorrow evening.

Please continue to spread the word to any 2019-20 Kindergarten families about our annual Kindergarten Information night this Wednesday, February 6 at 6:30. It is a great opportunity for potential new families to learn about the Kindergarten experience in D90. Our incredible Kindergarten team Ms. Stasys and Ms. Suzuki will be joining me in the presentation.

Finally, Spring Conferences are less than a month away, please be sure to schedule a time using the following link: http://www.virtualparagon.com/d90k4/conference/

As always, thanks for your continued support of our Fine, Fine School. Please never hesitate to reach out if there is anything I can do for your family. Enjoy the week ahead.

CG

Calendar

All week 4th grade CoGAT testing.

Monday, February 4:

• PTO meeting – 8:45am, art room
• Yoga – 3:10-4:15, Mrs. Burns’ classroom (22D)
• Chess Club – 3:10-4, multi-purpose room
• Tennis (grades 3/4) – 3:10-4, gym
• SCIENCE EXPO – 6:30 – 7:30PM

Tuesday, February 5:

• Winter Sports (grades 1/2) – 3:15 – 4:15pm, gym
• Theater Club – 3:15 – 4:15
• D90 Town Hall Forum – Roosevelt Auditorium – 7:00PM

Wednesday, February 6:

• Waste Free Wednesday
• Tennis (grades 1/2) – 3:15-4pm, gym
• Kindergarten Information Night – 6:30PM

Thursday, February 7:

• Winter Sports (grades 3/4) – 3:15 – 4:15pm, gym
• Roosevelt Band and Orchestra Concert – 7PM

Friday, February 8:

• Lincoln Spirit Day
• Fun Lunch – Pizza

Jr. Scientist Expo MONDAY NIGHT!

The science expo has been rescheduled for Monday night 6:30 – 7:30pm. There will be two opportunities to set up Expo displays: immediately before school on Monday, February 4 (7:30 – 8:20) or immediately before the expo on Monday, February 4 (3:20 – 6:10).  Each display will be assigned a hallway location number that will be communicated to parents/guardians of registered Jr. Scientists before the 31st.  As a reminder, the area for each display will be approximately the width of the display board, there is no access to electrical outlets and there will be limited area in front of the display for any supporting material.

Lincoln International Festival – Spots Going Fast!

Register your child for International Festival on February 24. Lincoln School will be transformed into countries around the world for one special afternoon! Lincoln students can spend 4 hours traveling to China, India and beyond, dancing, crafting and having fun. Admission will remain $5 per child and will be limited to the first 100 students. Registration is now open on the PTO Webstore!

Valentine’s Day Happenings

Our annual Valentine/Friendship Parties will take place on Thursday, February 14 during the day. Students are invited to bring in Valentines to share with their classmates. Please make sure all students are included when creating Valentines. Also, please note for the safety of all students that NO CANDY should be included with Valentines. Any candy sent to school will not be distributed. Thanks for your support in making this celebration safe and inclusive for all of our kids.

Once again the PTO will be providing all the snacks for Valentine’s Day parties. No other food or candy should be brought in for parties.

PTO Meeting Please Join Us!

Please join us for this month’s PTO meeting on Monday at 8:45 in the art room. All are welcome.

2019-2020 Kindergarten Information Night – Wednesday, February 6

Please begin spreading the word about our annual Kindergarten Information Night for the 2019-2020 academic year on Wednesday, February 6.  See attached for more details.

Kids Heart Challenge – February 12 & 13

Students at Lincoln in grades 1-4  are kicking off the KIDS HEART CHALLENGE (formerly Jump Rope for Heart) with the American Heart Association!  We are so excited to get the program rolling and teach your student how to care for their hearts– physically and emotionally–  while raising lifesaving donations to fight the nation’s #1 killer, heart disease!  Join our school’s team now  http://www2.heart.org/goto/LincolnElementaryRiverForest

Donation envelopes were sent home with students in grades 1-4.  Information on how to participate may be found on the envelope or online.  The event days are February 12 &13. All donation envelopes are due on FEBRUARY 12^TH or 13^th

 Our American Heart Association representative joined us at school to talk with our students about the work the AHA does and to challenge our students to start living a healthy lifestyle.  With the help of our friends, the HEART HEROES, our school is going to help fight Heart Disease! The event will be in  grades 1-4 P.E.  classes on February 12^th and 13^th.

All of our Heart Heroes have a special message they are teaching the students about heart health.  Make sure you ask your student what they learned from their new friends!

Need a reminder WHY we do programs like the Kids Heart Challenge?  Check Out Finn’s story:  Kids Heart Challenge: Meet our Heart Hero Finn

Let’s get started!  ANY student who takes the KIDS HEART CHALLENGE online will earn a free glow-in-the-dark wristband to wear proudly! Then, once your student collects $5 or more in donations they will start earning their own Heart Heroes and a backpack clip for them to hang on!

Here are four easy steps to get your student’s online fundraising page set up and start collecting lifesaving donations. Check out this tutorial if you need further assistance: Parent Tutorial for Student Web Page

1. Go to your school’s fundraising page: http://www2.heart.org/goto/LincolnElementaryRiverForest
2. Click on the Sign Up button
3. Create a username and password and then fill out the registration form
4. Share your fundraising page and email it to friends and family right away

OR Download the FREE mobile app ‘Kids Heart Challenge’ and register your student that way! Plus, ALL of our Heart Heroes (and the wristband!) will COME TO LIFE and share their heart healthy messages with your student when you use the FREE mobile app.

Thank you for joining us as we challenge each other to keep our heart healthy and raise money for kids with special hearts.  For more information, watch this video with your student at home!

Lincoln School’s Girls on the Run – registration now open!

Girls on the Run inspires girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. Trained coaches lead small teams through our research-based curricula which includes dynamic discussions, activities and running games. Over the course of the ten-week program, girls in 3rd and 4th grade develop essential skills to help them navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event.

If interested, please visit the website: www.gotrchicago.org and register by February 14.  Any questions, please contact Kristin Bailitz at kristinbailitz@gmail.com.

Lincoln PTO Auction – Friday, March 15 – tickets on sale now

Please join us Friday, March 15 from 6:30-9pm at Lake Street Kitchen in Oak Park for Lincoln’s annual school fundraiser and auction to support the Lincoln PTO and celebrate our awesome school, staff and kids.  We will have a great selection of craft beers, wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Come early for the open bar from 6:30-8:30pm. Cash bar from 8:30-9pm.  There will also be a live and silent auction to benefit our Fine, Fine School. All proceeds from the event will help support PTO funded programs, school enhancements, and various other teacher needs.

Don’t worry – March Madness will be playing on TV!  Ticket prices are $60 per person or $100 per couple (purchase by midnight on 3/14/2019).  Tickets can be purchased the day of the event or at the door for $75 each.  Click HERE to purchase tickets – don’t wait! 

Calendar

Monday, January 28:

• Yoga – 3:10-4:15, Mrs. Burns’ classroom (22D)
• Chess Club – 3:10-4, Lincoln library
• Green for Good Kids Club (grades 3/4) – 3:10-4, auditorium
• Tennis (grades 3/4) – 3:10-4, gym

Tuesday, January 29:

• Winter Sports (grades 1/2) – 3:15 – 4:15pm, gym

Wednesday, January 30:

• Waste Free Wednesday
• Tennis (grades 1/2) – 3:15-4pm, gym
• Eat & Earn at Lou Malnati’s

Thursday, January 31:

• Wonder Readers – 7:30am, multipurpose room
• Winter Sports (grades 3/4) – 3:15 – 4:15pm, gym
• Science Expo – 6:30-7:30

Friday, February 1:

• Lincoln Spirit Day
• Wonder Writers – 7:30am, multipurpose room
• Fun Lunch – Sliders

Lincoln International Festival – register now!

Please save the date for Lincoln’s International Festival on February 24. Lincoln School will be transformed into countries around the world for one special afternoon! Lincoln students can spend 4 hours traveling to China, India and beyond, dancing, crafting and having fun. Admission will remain $5 per child and will be limited to the first 120 students. Registration is now open on the PTO Webstore!

App Development and Coding Club – registration opens today!

3rd and 4th graders who are interested in creating their own app are encouraged to join our App Development Club! Students will be coding with Swift Playgrounds and they will use the design cycle to create and refine their app prototype in Keynote. We will meet Thursdays during lunch, students should bring their iPad and nut free lunch to Mrs. Mares’s room.  To maximize the experience for all kids, this club will be capped at 25 students.  If you have questions, please email Mrs. Clasky, claskya@district90.org. Registration opens TODAY on the PTO Webstore!

Green4Good Kids – invitation to ALL 3rd and 4th Graders, Monday, 1/28!

Trash Talk:  We put it in the bins, the trucks pick it up, but WHERE DOES ALL OUR TRASH and RECYCLING and COMPOST GO??  George Strom from the Roy Strom Company will be at our next Green4Good Kids Club meeting to answer these questions and more!   Green4Good Kids Club would like to invite ALL 3rd and 4th Graders to join us.  And parents, you’re welcome to come, too.  Tomorrow, January 28 from 3:15-4:00pm in the Lincoln Auditorium.

---

Lou Malnati’s – eat & earn THIS WEDNESDAY, 1/30, 11am-11pm!

During this event, Lou Malnati’s (Oak Park) will donate 20% of total sales to the Lincoln School PTO!  This includes dine-in, carry-out, and delivery (within the zone), please see this flyer for details!  Please note: the eat and earn promotion MUST be mentioned or shown during time of order for it to be applied!

 

---

Jr. Scientist Expo REMINDER 

There will be two opportunities to set up Expo displays: immediately after school on Wednesday January 30th (3:15-3:30) or immediately before school on Thursday January 31st (7:55 – 8:10).  Each display will be assigned a hallway location number that will be communicated to parents/guardians of registered Jr. Scientists before the 31st.  As a reminder, the area for each display will be approximately the width of the display board, there is no access to electrical outlets and there will be limited area in front of the display for any supporting material.

---

2019-2020 Kindergarten Information Night – Wednesday, February 6

Please begin spreading the word about our annual Kindergarten Information Night for the 2019-2020 academic year on Wednesday, February 6.  See attached for more details.

 

---

Kids Heart Challenge – February 12 & 13

Students at Lincoln in grades 1-4  are kicking off the KIDS HEART CHALLENGE (formerly Jump Rope for Heart) with the American Heart Association!  We are so excited to get the program rolling and teach your student how to care for their hearts– physically and emotionally–  while raising lifesaving donations to fight the nation’s #1 killer, heart disease!  Join our school’s team now  http://www2.heart.org/goto/LincolnElementaryRiverForest

Donation envelopes were sent home with students in grades 1-4.  Information on how to participate may be found on the envelope or online.  The event days are February 12 &13. All donation envelopes are due on FEBRUARY 12^TH or 13^th

 Our American Heart Association representative joined us at school to talk with our students about the work the AHA does and to challenge our students to start living a healthy lifestyle.  With the help of our friends, the HEART HEROES, our school is going to help fight Heart Disease! The event will be in  grades 1-4 P.E.  classes on February 12^th and 13^th.

All of our Heart Heroes have a special message they are teaching the students about heart health.  Make sure you ask your student what they learned from their new friends!

Need a reminder WHY we do programs like the Kids Heart Challenge?  Check Out Finn’s story:  Kids Heart Challenge: Meet our Heart Hero Finn

Let’s get started!  ANY student who takes the KIDS HEART CHALLENGE online will earn a free glow-in-the-dark wristband to wear proudly! Then, once your student collects $5 or more in donations they will start earning their own Heart Heroes and a backpack clip for them to hang on!

Here are four easy steps to get your student’s online fundraising page set up and start collecting lifesaving donations. Check out this tutorial if you need further assistance: Parent Tutorial for Student Web Page

1. Go to your school’s fundraising page: http://www2.heart.org/goto/LincolnElementaryRiverForest
2. Click on the Sign Up button
3. Create a username and password and then fill out the registration form
4. Share your fundraising page and email it to friends and family right away

OR Download the FREE mobile app ‘Kids Heart Challenge’ and register your student that way! Plus, ALL of our Heart Heroes (and the wristband!) will COME TO LIFE and share their heart healthy messages with your student when you use the FREE mobile app.

Thank you for joining us as we challenge each other to keep our heart healthy and raise money for kids with special hearts.  For more information, watch this video with your student at home!

---

Lincoln School’s Girls on the Run – registration now open!

Girls on the Run inspires girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. Trained coaches lead small teams through our research-based curricula which includes dynamic discussions, activities and running games. Over the course of the ten-week program, girls in 3rd and 4th grade develop essential skills to help them navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event.

GOTR will begin in March and meet every Tuesday and Thursday after school in the gym from 3:10-4:30.  The program will run until the celebratory 5k race!

If interested, please visit the website: www.gotrchicago.org and register by February 14.  Any questions, please contact Kristin Bailitz at kristinbailitz@gmail.com.

---

Valentine party reminder

Our annual Valentine/Friendship Parties will take place on Thursday, February 14 during the day. Students are invited to bring in Valentines to share with their classmates. Please make sure all students are included when creating Valentines. Also, please note for the safety of all students that NO CANDY should be included with Valentines. Any candy sent to school will not be distributed. Thanks for your support in making this celebration safe and inclusive for all of our kids.

In addition, on February 14, both Kindergarten classes will attend during the AM session and the annual Kindergarten Valentine Concert will be held at 10:00am with a reception to follow in the gym.

---

Lincoln PTO Auction – Friday, March 15 – tickets on sale now

Please join us Friday, March 15 from 6:30-9pm at Lake Street Kitchen in Oak Park for Lincoln’s annual school fundraiser and auction to support the Lincoln PTO and celebrate our awesome school, staff and kids.  We will have a great selection of craft beers, wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Come early for the open bar from 6:30-8:30pm. Cash bar from 8:30-9pm.  There will also be a live and silent auction to benefit our Fine, Fine School. All proceeds from the event will help support PTO funded programs, school enhancements, and various other teacher needs.

Don’t worry – March Madness will be playing on TV!  Ticket prices are $60 per person or $100 per couple (purchase by midnight on 3/14/2019).  Tickets can be purchased the day of the event or at the door for $75 each.  Click HERE to purchase tickets – don’t wait! 

---

Save the date: District 90 speaker event – 4/4

*Organized by Connect4Kids, a D90 PTO Committee* 

Dr. Georgia Bozeday, Ed.D.,  Director of Educational Services at Rush NeuroBehavioral Center
Topic:  What can parents do to help their children develop Executive Function skills?

Dr. Bozeday will present an overview of current research from neuroscience describing the impact of the 21^st Century influences on students today and provide recommendations for parents as they work with children at home on these concerns.  Discussion will primarily include strategies for organization and time-management.  Information will focus primarily on grades 3rd-12th grade.

Thursday, April 4th
6:30-8:00 pm
School location and RSVP details to be announced

---

One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest – submit now through 1/31/2019!

Encourage your child (and friends!) to make a 3 to 8 minute film about one of 6 sustainability topics: energy, food, transportation, waste, water, or open space/ecosystems. They should show a problem with their topic and then a solution.

Prizes are $100 for grades 3 to 5, $200 for grades 6 to 8, $350 for grades 9 to 11, and up. In addition, the winners will receive a matching grant to donate to a non-profit that supports the theme of their film. All winning films will premiere at the Gene Siskel Center as part of the One Earth Film Festival in March 2019.

For more information and to watch a 1.5 minute video explaining the contest, go here: https://www.oneearthfilmfest.org/contest-details/

Calendar

Monday, January 21:

• DEADLINE FOR FUN LUNCH ORDERS (midnight)

Tuesday, January 22:

• Theater Club, 3:15 – 4:15pm, auditorium
• Winter Sports (grades 1/2), 3:15 – 4:15pm, gym
• 4th Grade Chorus/Recorder Concert, 7pm, auditorium
• Board of Education Meeting, 7pm, Roosevelt

Wednesday, January 23:

• Waste Free Wednesday
• Tennis (grades 1/2), 3:15-4pm, Franklin playground/gym

Thursday, January 24:

• January Principal Birthday Lunch (rescheduled)
• Winter Sports (grades 3/4), 3:15 – 4:15pm, gym

Friday, January 25:

• Lincoln Spirit Day
• Fun Lunch – Chicken Tenders

Last Chance for Fun Lunch Orders (with late fee) – MIDNIGHT TONIGHT!

You can see the full menu and register at the PTO Webstore.  A $5 late fee will be applied on all lunches and a $15 late fee on the “Buy All 4 Lunches” option.

No orders will be accepted after midnight TONIGHT, MONDAY, JANUARY 21!  The first fun lunch of the winter/spring session will be this Friday, January 25.

Chess Club – Registration now open!

Chess is a lifetime of fun and mental challenge for kids of all ages. This winter, whether your child wants to be introduced to the game or wants to improve their skills, the Lincoln chess club is the activity for them! NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!  Chess Club meets on the following Mondays from 3:15-4pm: 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/25, 3/11 and 3/18.

Registration is now open on the Webstore, capped at 20 kids. Kids should bring a water bottle and nut free snack.

Lincoln International Festival – Register to attend starting tomorrow!

Please save the date for Lincoln’s International Festival on February 24. Lincoln School will be transformed into countries around the world for one special afternoon! Lincoln students can spend 4 hours traveling to China, India and beyond, dancing, crafting and having fun. Admission will remain $5 per child and will be limited to the first 120 students. Registration will be open on the PTO Webstore beginning Tuesday, January 22!

App Development and Coding Club – registration opens Sunday, January 27!

3rd and 4th graders who are interested in creating their own app are encouraged to join our App Development Club! Students will be coding with Swift Playgrounds and they will use the design cycle to create and refine their app prototype in Keynote. We will meet Thursdays during lunch, students should bring their iPad and nut free lunch to Mrs. Mares’s room.  To maximize the experience for all kids, this club will be capped at 25 students.  If you have questions, please email Mrs. Clasky, claskya@district90.org. Registration opens on the PTO Webstore on Sunday, January 27 at 5pm!

Green4Good Kids – Invitation to ALL 3rd and 4th Graders, Monday, 1/28!

Trash Talk:  We put it in the bins, the trucks pick it up, but WHERE DOES ALL OUR TRASH and RECYCLING and COMPOST GO??  George Strom from the Roy Strom Company will be at our next Green4Good Kids Club meeting to answer these questions and more!   Green4Good Kids Club would like to invite ALL 3rd and 4th Graders to join us.  And parents, you’re welcome to come, too.  Monday, January 28 from 3:15-4:00pm in the Lincoln Auditorium.

Lou Malnati’s – Eat & Earn on Wednesday, January 30, 11am-11pm!

During this event, Lou Malnati’s (Oak Park) will donate 20% of total sales to the Lincoln School PTO!  This includes dine-in, carry-out, and delivery (within the zone), please see this flyer for details!  Please note: the eat and earn promotion MUST be mentioned or shown during time of order for it to be applied!

2019-2020 Kindergarten Information Night – Wednesday, February 6!

Please begin spreading the word about our annual Kindergarten Information Night for the 2019-2020 academic year on Wednesday, February 6.  See attached for more details.

Kids Heart Challenge – February 12 & 13!

Students at Lincoln in grades 1-4  are kicking off the KIDS HEART CHALLENGE (formerly Jump Rope for Heart) with the American Heart Association!  We are so excited to get the program rolling and teach your student how to care for their hearts– physically and emotionally–  while raising lifesaving donations to fight the nation’s #1 killer, heart disease!  Join our school’s team now  http://www2.heart.org/goto/LincolnElementaryRiverForest

Donation envelopes will be sent home with students in grades 1-4.  Information on how to participate may be found on the envelope or online.  The event days are February 12 &13. All donation envelopes are due on FEBRUARY 12^TH or 13^th

 Our American Heart Association representative joined us at school to talk with our students about the work the AHA does and to challenge our students to start living a healthy lifestyle.  With the help of our friends, the HEART HEROES, our school is going to help fight Heart Disease! The event will be in  grades 1-4 P.E.  classes on February 12^th and 13^th.

All of our Heart Heroes have a special message they are teaching the students about heart health.  Make sure you ask your student what they learned from their new friends!

Need a reminder WHY we do programs like the Kids Heart Challenge?  Check Out Finn’s story:  Kids Heart Challenge: Meet our Heart Hero Finn

Let’s get started!  ANY student who takes the KIDS HEART CHALLENGE online will earn a free glow-in-the-dark wristband to wear proudly! Then, once your student collects $5 or more in donations they will start earning their own Heart Heroes and a backpack clip for them to hang on!

Here are four easy steps to get your student’s online fundraising page set up and start collecting lifesaving donations. Check out this tutorial if you need further assistance: Parent Tutorial for Student Web Page

1. Go to your school’s fundraising page: http://www2.heart.org/goto/LincolnElementaryRiverForest
2. Click on the Sign Up button
3. Create a username and password and then fill out the registration form
4. Share your fundraising page and email it to friends and family right away

OR Download the FREE mobile app ‘Kids Heart Challenge’ and register your student that way! Plus, ALL of our Heart Heroes (and the wristband!) will COME TO LIFE and share their heart healthy messages with your student when you use the FREE mobile app.

Thank you for joining us as we challenge each other to keep our heart healthy and raise money for kids with special hearts.  For more information, watch this video with your student at home!   Kids Heart Challenge Kick Off Video 18-19

Lincoln School’s Girls on the Run – registration now open!

Girls on the Run inspires girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. Trained coaches lead small teams through our research-based curricula which includes dynamic discussions, activities and running games. Over the course of the ten-week program, girls in 3rd and 4th grade develop essential skills to help them navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event.

If interested, please visit the website: www.gotrchicago.org and register by February 14.  Any questions, please contact Kristin Bailitz at kristinbailitz@gmail.com.

Lincoln PTO Auction – Friday, March 15, tickets on sale now!

Please join us Friday, March 15 from 6:30-9pm at Lake Street Kitchen in Oak Park for Lincoln’s annual school fundraiser and auction to support the Lincoln PTO and celebrate our awesome school, staff and kids.  We will have a great selection of craft beers, wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Come early for the open bar from 6:30-8:30pm. Cash bar from 8:30-9pm.  There will also be a live and silent auction to benefit our Fine, Fine School. All proceeds from the event will help support PTO funded programs, school enhancements, and various other teacher needs.

Don’t worry – March Madness will be playing on TV!  Ticket prices are $60 per person or $100 per couple (purchase by midnight on 3/14/2019).  Tickets can be purchased the day of the event or at the door for $75 each.  Click HERE to purchase tickets – don’t wait! 

One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest – submit now through 1/31/2019!

Encourage your child (and friends!) to make a 3 to 8 minute film about one of 6 sustainability topics: energy, food, transportation, waste, water, or open space/ecosystems. They should show a problem with their topic and then a solution.

Prizes are $100 for grades 3 to 5, $200 for grades 6 to 8, $350 for grades 9 to 11, and up. In addition, the winners will receive a matching grant to donate to a non-profit that supports the theme of their film. All winning films will premiere at the Gene Siskel Center as part of the One Earth Film Festival in March 2019.

For more information and to watch a 1.5 minute video explaining the contest, go here: https://www.oneearthfilmfest.org/contest-details/

The students seem to have settled well into their 2019 routines. Life at school is back on track and we are looking forward to many fun events in the weeks to come: the Science Expo, the Young Author Festival, and the International Festival.

Unfortunately, unlike our kids and staff, I haven’t yet had the opportunity to adjust to life at Lincoln in 2019. I’ve spent the past week admitted to RUSH hospital and resting at home from pneumonia and some other complications. It’s been very difficult to be away from school however Mrs. Kopriva, Mrs. Godellas, Mr. Davis in conjunction with the support of everyone on staff has kept things moving along and allowed me the time to recuperate. I am hopeful to return to work sometime this week. Many thanks to those of you who’ve reach out via email, phone and text. I really appreciate all your kind thoughts and well wishes. I hope to see you and your kids soon.

Please don’t forget to take some time over the next few weeks to complete the family portion of the Illinois 5 Essentials survey. All teachers and District students in grades 4-8 will be participating in this survey. Your participation in the parent portion of the survey will contribute to a better understanding of the conditions of our schools and guide improvement. Your identity and survey responses will be kept completely confidential and will not be connected to you or your child. To take the survey, please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the appropriate survey to begin. This online survey can be accessed from a PC/laptop, smart phone, or tablet. If you have more than one child enrolled in a District 90 school, you may take one survey for each child regardless of the school.

Please begin spreading the word about our annual Kindergarten Information Night for the 2019-2020 academic year on Wednesday, February 6.  See attached for more details.

~ CG

Calendar

Monday, January 14:

• Tennis, grades 3/4 – 3:15-4, Franklin gym
• yoga, 3:15 – 4:15 in room 22d
• DEADLINE FOR FUN LUNCH ORDERS (midnight)

Tuesday, January 15:

• theater club, 3:15 -4:15
• Winter Sports – 3:15-4, gym

Wednesday, January 16:

• Waste Free Wednesday
• Tennis, grades 1/2 – 3:15-4, Franklin playground/gym

Thursday, January 17:

• January Birthday Principal Lunch
• Winter Sports – 3:15-4, gym

Friday, January 18:

• Lincoln Spirit Day
• Fun Lunch – Pasta

Winter/Spring Fun Lunch – AVOID THE LATE FEE

You can see the full menu and register at the PTO Webstore.

First deadline for orders is midnight MONDAY, JANUARY 14th.

Late Fee: between JANUARY 15 – JANUARY 20th,  we will charge a $5 late fee on all lunches and a $15 late fee on the “Buy All 4 Lunches” option.

No orders will be accepted after midnight SUNDAY, JANUARY 20th.

The first fun lunch of the winter/spring session will be on Friday, January 25. The fun lunches of January 11th and January 18th were included in the first part of the year.

Wednesday Walking Club Update

The Walking Club will take a break until Spring. Given the unpredictable weather (it feels below 10 F or the field is muddy when it is nice), we have decided to suspend Walking Club for now. However, we would still like to reach our goal of walking to Canada and you can help! Keep track of the distance you and your kids walk – either to school or to the park or anywhere and you can log it in. Details to follow.
Connect 4 Kids is committed to the health and well-being of all our Lincoln school families. Movement is so important for healthy brain function and learning. Click on this video to enjoy a fun song to move with your kids before they settle down to do their homework.

Chess Club Registration Opens Soon!

Chess is a lifetime of fun and mental challenge for kids of all ages. This winter, whether your child wants to be introduced to the game or wants to improve their skills, the Lincoln chess club is the activity for them! NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

Chess Club meets on the following Mondays from 3:15-4:
1/28
2/4
2/11
2/25
3/11
3/18

Registration will open on the Webstore next Sunday 1/20. Registration will be capped at 20 kids. Kids should bring water bottle and nut free snack.

Lincoln International Festival 2/24

Please save the date for Lincoln’s International Festival on February 24. Lincoln School will be transformed into countries around the world for one special afternoon! Lincoln students can spend 4 hours traveling to China, India and beyond, dancing, crafting and having fun. Admission will remain $5 per child and will be limited to the first 120 responders. Link to register will go live on 1/22.

Save the date for the Lincoln PTO Auction

It’s that time again! Please join us Friday March 15 for Lincoln’s annual school fundraiser and auction to support the Lincoln PTO and celebrate our awesome school, staff and kids.

We will have a great selection of craft beers as well as wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Come early for the open bar from 6:30-8:30. Cash bar from 8:30-9.

There will also be a live and silent auction to benefit our Fine, Fine School. All proceeds from the event will help support PTO funded programs, school enhancements, and various other teacher needs.

Event Details: Friday, March 15, 6:30-9PM. Lake Street Kitchen, Oak Park. March Madness on TV! Ticket prices are $60 per person or $100 per couple (purchase by midnight on 3/14). We highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance.

Lincoln School’s Girls on the Run – registration now open!

Girls on the Run inspires girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. Trained coaches lead small teams through our research-based curricula which includes dynamic discussions, activities and running games. Over the course of the ten-week program, girls in 3rd and 4th grade develop essential skills to help them navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event.

If interested, please visit the website: www.gotrchicago.org and register by Feb. 14.

Any questions, please contact Kristin Bailitz at kristinbailitz@gmail.com.

Lincoln School Science Expo – volunteers needed!

We still need volunteers for the Lincoln Science Expo on the evening of Thursday, January 31st – sign up on the PTO signup genius. Thank you!

2019-2020 Kindergarten Information Night- 2/6

Please begin spreading the word about our annual Kindergarten Information Night for the 2019-2020 academic year on Wednesday, February 6.  See attached for more details.

Reminder: 2nd grade harmonica fee

Second grade parents, please remember to pay your child’s $12 harmonica class fee on the PTO webstore if you haven’t already done so.  This is a mandatory class for all 2nd graders, who be learning to play the harmonica in January. The price includes the price of one harmonica and the music book. Thank you!

RECYCLE YOUR HOLIDAY LIGHTS – Now through January 15!

Collection box on Central Avenue by River Forest Village Hall (under the train tracks).  You can recycle all working and non-working holiday lights including italian mini-lights, traditional lights, rope lights, LED lights, and extension cords. See attached flyer for more information!

One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest – submissions accepted now through 1/31/2019!

Encourage your child (and friends!) to make a 3 to 8 minute film about one of 6 sustainability topics: energy, food, transportation, waste, water, or open space/ecosystems. They should show a problem with their topic and then a solution.

Prizes are $100 for grades 3 to 5, $200 for grades 6 to 8, $350 for grades 9 to 11, and up. In addition, the winners will receive a matching grant to donate to a non-profit that supports the theme of their film. All winning films will premiere at the Gene Siskel Center as part of the One Earth Film Festival in March 2019.

For more information and to watch a 1.5 minute video explaining the contest, go here: https://www.oneearthfilmfest.org/contest-details/