I hope you had a wonderful weekend, enjoyed the extra day off and the exceptional weather! While I attempted to unplug and relax this weekend, my mind was preoccupied with all the exciting logistics of returning to Lincoln.
After a seven month hiatus, everyone at Lincoln couldn’t be more excited to welcome our kids back in the coming weeks. I realize the decision to return to school or to continue with remote learning weighs heavy on all families. These are deeply personal and difficult decisions, however please know, regardless of the decision your family makes, we will do everything within our power to ensure the most equitable learning experience for all kids.
The reopening of Lincoln to safely welcome back our kids is no simple task and will continue to take the efforts of everyone to do it in the most responsible and safe way possible. While we will do our best to replicate the Pre-Covid Lincoln School, please know that the Covid era of education will require many new structures, logistics and protocols. Therefore, I ask your patience, understanding and support as we venture forward.
I realize both you and your kids likely have many questions regarding our return to in-person instruction. Therefore, attached is the link to a video I’ve put together discussing some of the most common questions that have arisen. Later this week, I’ll be sharing a more detailed “Return to Lincoln,” document. However, in the meantime, I hope the thoughts conveyed in this message begin to frame your thinking regarding our return to school.
Additionally here is a high level overview of what to expect as we welcome kids back to Lincoln.
Safety and Self Certification:
Without exception all students and staff will be required to wear a face mask at all times while on the Lincoln School campus. Please note that neck gaiters are not recognized by D90 as an acceptable face covering. Upon return to school we will provide each student with a Lincoln School face mask as well as face mask lanyard provided by the Lincoln School PTO.
All Families will be required to daily self certify that each of their children are free of Covid-19 symptoms via Power-School each morning. (Instructions are forthcoming) Additionally, each family will be given a sticker to place on your child’s outer most layer of clothing each day. These stickers will serve as a visual representation to Lincoln Staff that children have been self certified at home prior to arriving at school.
Student Return to School Schedule:
Wednesday, October 21 – Kindergarten
Monday, October 26 – 1st and 2nd Grade
Thursday, October 29 – 3rd and 4th Grade
Daily Schedule – 1st -4th Grade
Arrival: 8:00-8:15
Student Instruction: 8:30-12:30
Dismissal: 12:30
Lunch: 12:30-1:30
Asynchronous Learning: 1:30-2:30 (Specials and Classroom Assignments)
Daily Schedule – Kindergarten
AM
Arrival: 8:00-8:15
Student Instruction: 8:30-10:30
Asynchronous Specials
PM
Arrival: 11:45-12:00
Student Instruction: 12:00-2:00
Dismissal: 2:00
Asynchronous Specials
Student Arrival and Dismissal:
It will be important for us to control the number of students entering/exiting through each door of the school. Therefore. each class will be assigned a specific entrance they must enter through. There will be two student entrances on Franklin and one student entrance on Park. (Later this week I’ll be sharing assignments of classroom entrances)
Students are encouraged to arrive between 8:05- 8:15. Upon arrival to campus student temperatures will be taken. All students who have been pre-certified at home (wearing a sticker) and register a temperature below 100.4 will then assemble on designated classroom lines indicated by painted dots on the blacktop that are 6ft apart. Please note that only students will be allowed past the temperature check stations and that parents, family members and caregivers will not be granted access to the school grounds.
Any student registering a temperature or experiencing Covid-19 symptoms will be personally examined by our school nurse and quarantined until contact has been made with a guardian or caregiver.
Lincoln staff supervisors will be assigned to each exterior area where students assemble and will be monitoring and enforcing mask wearing and physical distancing. At the sounding of the 8:15 bell, classroom teachers will greet their classes outdoors and escort them to class.
On days of inclimate weather, students will directly enter the school after their temperature check.
Restroom Breaks:
Students will be permitted to use the restroom facilities as needed during the course of the instructional day. A staff bathroom monitor will be placed outside each student restroom to ensure no more than 2 students occupy a restroom at any given time. 6ft physical distancing makers have been placed in the hallways and restrooms. In addition to closing every other sink/restroom stall, plastic barriers have also been installed in all restrooms. Restrooms will be disinfected by Lincoln school maintenance staff throughout the school day.
Snack/Water Breaks:
Weather permitting, each class will have a daily snack/water break that will occur outdoors in designated areas that honor physical distancing. All snacks must be peanut and nut free and should comply with the D90 recommended snack list.
Classroom Set-up:
All student desk placement at Lincoln will be 6ft apart
All student desk placement face the same direction
Each learning space has been equipped with a plastic barrier to be placed between the teacher/student during instruction.
All staff have been equipped with PPE including, face masks, face shields, goggles
Classroom Instruction:
Daily classroom schedules will be shared later this week. However, students will receive Core (Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Social Emotional Learning) from their classroom teachers.
Specials:
Students will receive one Special Area (Art, Music, PE, STEM and Library) class daily while at school. Special teachers will “Zoom,” into each classroom to provide their instruction. Weather permitting, PE classes may occur outdoors and in person honoring all safety protocols.
Student Health:
In addition to Covid, students will still experience all the ailments that generally accompany kids at school. Ms. Godellas, our school nurse will find herself exceptionally busy traveling to students as needed and communicating with families as necessary to support the overall health of our kids and staff.
I’ve likely forgotten something. Therefore, more specific and detailed information will be forthcoming later this week as well as a student friendly video that will outline these protocols. However, I’m hopeful that the information highlighted in this message and video begin to frame your mindset regarding our return to school.
Finally, don’t forget that this is a Supply-Pick Up week for students. Below is our schedule
Tuesday, October 13- 3rd and 4th Grade
Wednesday, October 14- 2nd Grade
Thursday, October 15- 1st Grade
***Tuesday, October 20- Kindergarten***
In preparation for the return of students to Lincoln, please note there will be NO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16. This will be utilized as a planning day for teachers and staff.
Yet again our teachers will be reinventing themselves. In the span of seven months, they’ve adjusted to remote learning in the Spring, Remote Learning 2.0 in the Fall and now to simultaneously teaching students in person and remotely. All that said, I implore you to continue to shower them with grace and support as we continue to surf the waves of 2020.
These are exceptionally busy times for all of us. However, please never hesitate to reach out if there is anything more I can do to support your family. As always, I’m most grateful for our school community and all of your support. Please tell your kids I say hello and eagerly await their return to Lincoln. Have a wonderful week. CG
Calendar
Tuesday, 10/13:
Supply Pick Up- 3rd and 4th Grade
Wednesday, 10/14:
Supply Pick Up- 2nd Grade
WASTE FREE WEDNESDAY
Thursday, 10/15:
Supply Pick Up- 1st Grade
Friday, 10/16
NO SCHOOL
**Kindergarten Supply Pick-up- Tuesday, October 20.**
Principal Appreciation Day – 10/23!
In order to show our appreciation to Mr. Godfrey and Mrs. Gerges, students will have the opportunity to write a thank you note or draw a picture for our awesome principals. During supply pick up this week you will receive two sheets of paper titled “We Love Our Principal“. Please have your student write a note or draw a picture in the open box. Please label who your note is for and SIGN your sheet of paper! These notes will then be returned during supply pick up the week of October 12th. The PTO will collect the notes and present to Mr. Godrey and Mrs. Gerges.
Want to take your school involvement to a higher level?
Run for District 90 School Board! If you are considering running for next year’s election (4/2021) or know someone who might be interested, please check out the Caucus website!
Last year’s 2019-2020 yearbook for sale!
We have some of last year’s 2019-2020 yearbooks left, they are for sale in the webstore. The books are available on a first come first serve basis for $30/each. Purchase your 2019-2020 yearbook in the webstore.
Hey Lincoln Eagles! 423 T-shirt ribbons went to our walkers and bikers this past week. Way to show your Lincoln Pride and make healthy and environmentally sustainable choices by walking or biking to school!
Do you remember our Compost, Recycle and Landfill bins from school? Every day at lunch, we would sort our waste into one of these three bins. On Waste Free Wednesdays, we tried to bring items that could only be sorted into Compost (green) or Recycle (blue). In addition to the satisfaction of leading a greener life, we got our hands stamped as a reward! You can celebrate Waste Free Wednesday every day at home! The Living Greener During Covid-19 resource from Seven Generations Ahead can help. AND there is still time to win three months of free composting from the Village of River Forest by participating in the River Forest Tree Trails contest – new deadline is October 31!!
Village of River Forest Trick or Treating
The village has issued guidelines for trick or treating this year. Here is the link with full information: https://www.vrf.us/news/item/379
Technology support
Thank you for emailing powerschool@district90.org or helpdesk@district90.org with your technology questions/issues. Please remember to include as much information as possible, e.g., Student Name, Teacher Name, School, iPad asset tag number, etc. Screenshots, links, websites and any other information regarding the issue is helpful. For example, my iPad/computer can’t connect to this website _________________ when I click on this link __________________.
Additionally, if you have difficulty logging into your child’s special area classes, please be sure to reach out to that particular teacher to assist with any login issues.
The Library Lowdown
Please return your finished library books to the school on your supply pickup day this week. There will be a cart/bin outside for returning your books.
For your reference, I’ve attached the instruction manual for putting books on hold.
Any library questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs. Brauweiler.
All parents are invited to learn more about Cub Scout Pack 4067!
Cub Scouts is a year-round program for boys and girls in kindergarten through fifth grade that provides an opportunity to participate in fun activities like building and racing model cars, field trips, hiking, camping, geotagging, carving pumpkins, games and crafts. Families plan and do organized activities together focused on promoting character, physical fitness, responsible citizenry and leadership development. It’s also a great opportunity to make new friends within the community. Events planned for the next week include outdoor den level rain gutter regattas and a family camping trip to Warren Dunes, Michigan. Contact rfpack67@gmail.com for more information and to sign up now!
