Food Still Needed for Uppers Conferences Tomorrow

Help still needed!  Can you donate items for staff appreciation for upper's conference meals on Thursday February 19th?

Please sign up to bring specific items at
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1U9a7oKrzQdc14LlIx5TT7IGY_J_ERbBDuacpr0TBtCI/edit?usp=sharing

Questions can be addressed to dani.nikolai@gmail.com or Dani at 254-3594

Thank you for your help in showing our amazing staff how much we appreciate them!!

PPT Staff Appreciation Committee

Special Projects Proposals are Available for Review - Consensus Meeting February 25

Special Projects Proposals are Available for Review!
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE 2015 PROPOSALS 

Consensus Meeting Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 6pm
Lincoln Media Center

Please join us for the special projects consensus meeting. No prior experience necessary. Our facilitator will guide us through an established review and decision process. Just review the proposals before the meeting. Hope to see you there!

UPDATE: Winter Dance February 13/Volunteers STILL Needed for Uppers Dance/Permission Slip Attached

Lincoln School Dance

Friday, February 13^th, 2015
Music by: DJ Tom Garrett

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM – K-5 Grade – Parents Required to Stay

8:00 PM to 10:00 PM – Uppers – Need Completed Permission Slip to Attend
CLICK HERE FOR THE PERMISSION SLIP

We are STILL looking for 2-3 volunteers to help chaperone the Uppers Winter Dance on Friday, February 13 and then assist with clean up afterward.  The Uppers Dance follows the K-5 Dance and will run from 8-10pm. Chaperoning is fun - a great way to meet and talk to other Lincoln parents while watching our kids have a great time.

Please email the VIE coordinators at beccakurup@yahoo.com if you will be able to help out.

SCRIP News

What Is Scrip? Scrip is a term that means “substitute money”. When you purchase Scrip, you’re purchasing negotiable gift certificates and prepaid cards that are used just like cash. You can use Scrip to purchase everyday expenses like food, gas, clothing, and other essentials, and with every purchase, you earn revenue for our organization to support technology and PLTW at Lincoln.H

How does Scrip generate revenue for our school? The Great Lakes Scrip Center acts on behalf of churches, schools and other non profit organizations to purchase large amounts of Scrip from grocery stores, department stores, and other retailers. Because the Scrip is purchased with cash up front, the participating retailers offer a substantial discount. Our organization buys the scrip from Great Lakes Scrip Center at a discount, and re-sells the certificates to families like yours for full face value. The discount from two to fifteen percent or more – is Lincoln’s revenue.

Remember, If you purchase a $10.00 Kwik Trip card you get the full amount. So spend $10.00 and get $10.00. Use SCRIP to purchase things you would usually purchase with cash or check.

CLICK HERE for a listing of SCRIP cards we carry in the office and the Amount of the Rebate. Print it out and put it on your refrigerator!
As a reminder SCRIP is available in the office and at most parent events (Conferences next week and for Uppers Conferencs.) We accept Checks and Cash.

Student Count Form for Next Year

Attention Parents: As a reminder, please turn in your student count form. This helps us in planning for the new school year! If you have any questions, please contact Amy in the school office.
CLICK HERE FOR THE STUDENT COUNT FORM

Staff Appreciation - Items Needed For February 10, 17 and 19

Could you help to bring items for staff appreciation for conferences?? We need help for:

• K-5 conferences on Tuesday, February 10th
• Uppers conferences on Tuesday February 17th and Thursday February 19th. 

Please sign up to bring specific items at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1U9a7oKrzQdc14LlIx5TT7IGY_J_ERbBDuacpr0TBtCI/edit?usp=sharing
Questions can be addressed to dani.nikolai@gmail.com or Dani at 254-3594.
Thank you for your help in showing our amazing staff how much we appreciate them!!
PPT Staff Appreciation Committee

February PPT Meeting, this Monday, Feb. 9th

Please join us for the February PPT meeting, this Monday, February 9, from 7-8pm in the Lincoln Media Center.  Principal Jim Sonju will host a Principal's Forum to give parents an opportunity to ask questions.  He will also provide an update on the one-to-one iPad pilot project.  All Lincoln parents, guardians and staff are welcome.  If you have any questions, please contact your PPT Co-Presidents, Jodi Kruse (jmkruse22@gmail.com or 269-6344) or Cinnamon Marxen (cinnamonmarxen@yahoo.com or 250-4527).

District Survey on Calendar Options for Next Year - Your Feedback is Needed

We are aware that many parents were unable to access the District survey on Calendar Options for next year from the email sent via Skyward. Here is the information - please take some time to complete the survey. The deadline to complete the survey is February 4 at 11:59pm.
http://www.rochester.k12.mn.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=3083753&pageId=6100598

The major differences between the Options are:

• Option 1: 3 day Thanksgiving Break, 6 day Spring Break, Last day of school is June 8
• Option 2: 2 day Thanksgiving Break, 3 day Spring Break, Last day of school is June 2

Text of original email sent out by District:

Rochester Public Schools 2015-2016 Calendar Options

Dear RPS Family,

RPS has put together TWO calendar options for the 2015-2016 school year. ​You are welcome to provide your input on which calendar you prefer along with open-ended feedback via the link below.  The feedback survey will remain available until February 4, 2015 at 11:59 pm. 

The calendar options and survey are posted here.

Thank you,

Rochester Public Schools

All Pro Dads - Friday, February 13

This month's All-Pro Dads will meet on Friday, February 13 at 8:00-8:45 in the Gym.
This promises to be another great morning!
Perkins is a strong supporter of this program and donates muffins and juice for all of the events.
Please RSVP to Amy amkrahn@rochester.k12.mn.us if you and your kids can attend - RSVPs help us with the food order, door prizes, etc...

This is a great way for Dads to support their students at school and make connections to home.
We have an outstanding group of Lincoln Dads that are co-facilitating the events this year.

Dates to be announced for the All-Pro Dads dates for the rest of the school year.

 

Lincoln Makes the Front Page

In case you missed it on the front page of the Post-Bulletin yesterday:
http://www.postbulletin.com/news/local/digital-wave-hits-rochester-schools/article_1f98f165-d044-521f-9fa9-42b50b08e5a0.html


 Principal Jim Sonju hands out iPads Monday to Lincoln at Mann students Makenna Studer, left, and Kyleigh Anderson. The high technology devices will be distributed to 7,000 students in the Rochester School District.

Digital wave hits 7 Rochester schools 
MATTHEW STOLLE, mstolle@postbulletin.com | Posted: Tuesday, January 27, 2015 8:04 am 

Lincoln K-8 Choice School student Tommy Welch was handed a new iPad, an episode that was repeated thousands of times across the district Monday and today, as Rochester Public Schools, after a series of fits and starts, officially jumped into the digital learning era with both feet. "I definitely think this is the next step in education, getting our education linked up to technology," said Welch, an exuberant Lincoln eighth-grader, soon after being handed an iPad Air along with 30 other students in his class. "I feel that it will (impact my learning), but I don't even know how yet because it's just so new, so many options. I can't even think of all of them." 

Seven schools are going fully one-to-one with the tablets this week, making it the largest digital wave in Rochester Public Schools since Longfellow Elementary School started out as a tablet pilot site three years ago. The distribution will take place over two days, with middle schools receiving them Monday and elementary schools today. 

In addition to Lincoln, Pinewood, Riverside Central and Gage elementary schools, Willow Creek and Friedell middle schools and the Alternative Learning Center high school will be going fully one-to-one as Rochester students start second semester. More tablets also will be heading to Rochester's other high schools. Altogether, nearly 3,500 iPads will be added to the district's inventory of tablets as part of what district officials are calling a Phase 1 expansion, said the district's Director of Communications Heather Nessler. The move brings the total number of the district's iPads to 7,000. That equates to about 41 percent of the district's more than 17,000 students. The district paid about $1.3 million for the new devices. 

But what all of this means for education in Rochester classrooms isn't crystal clear. Whether this was a transformative moment or an evolutionary one for Rochester schools — or a little bit of both — depends on who you talk to. But there was a sense of change taking place within classrooms — that there would be a learning curve to using the devices. 

Linnea Archer, a Lincoln language arts middle school teacher, called it both an exciting moment and an anxious one. "I've got to step up my game," Archer said when asked how the devices would change her classroom. "I've got to change the way I do things, which is both exciting and terrifying. And if I'm a good teacher, it's more exciting than terrifying." But Archer said she didn't intend for her classroom to drown in technology and anticipated the first couple of days would be used to explore the devices. Students often are referred to as "digital natives" because of their adeptness at using such tablets. But Archer thought the learning would be two-way. "Most kids know how to use it for games, but they don't know how to use it as a tool," Archer said. 

Lincoln students had their own views about how the devices would change their school's culture. Sometimes students forget their textbooks or leave them in their lockers, but that won't happen anymore, now that students will be able to access them on their iPads, said eighth-grader Ashley Stortz. Stortz also thought the iPad expansion would help bridge the digital divide in Rochester, between the haves and have-nots when it comes to technology. "Some people don't have computers at their homes or they don't have a very good working Internet, and now, they can take this home and use this," Stortz said. 

Yet, several students and teachers resisted the notion that this new infusion of technology would somehow represent the end of books. It wouldn't, they said. "I love books because, even with technology, if you're constantly looking at it all the time, it's not good for your eyes, and you start getting headaches," said eighth-grader Christine Lawrence. 

There was also a sense of excitement about a device's potential to change education and make it more engaging for students. Lincoln teacher Andy Roth talked about a new application he planned to use in his algebra class. It would allow him to check his students' work in near real time as students worked on their tablets and offer immediate feedback in the classroom. "A lot of times, I don't get to see (their work) until it's turned in," Roth said. "If the kids are making the same error over and over, I can hopefully correct it at the time they are making it." 

District officials say the goal is to have complete one-to-one coverage across the district by the 2016-17 school year. But they say a date for rolling out a second wave of iPads has not been determined yet. "We are currently focused on Phase 1, which is the second semester of this school year," Nessler said in an email. "We believe that Phase 1 will continue through the beginning of next school year. We anticipate a second phase, but what that looks like at this time is not clearly defined."

Special Projects - Applications Due 2/6 and Consensus Meeting 2/25

It's Special Projects time! Special Projects is what we call the process we use to determine how to spend the money raised at the Lincoln Auction that is above and beyond our PPT budget for the year. This year, we have $11,854 that is just waiting for you to claim it! Yes, you!
Parents, teachers, and students, all can submit a proposal. No project is too big or too small. We'd love to see a variety of projects submitted for consideration!
Examples of proposals funded in previous years include:

• Lynx leveled library books
• Netbooks
• Cameras
• Microphones
• iPads
• Playground/gym equipment 

Applications are due Friday, February 6th. CLICK HERE FOR AN APPLICATION FORM

You helped raise the money, now please help decide how it gets spent! Come to the consensus meeting on Wednesday, February 25th, at 6:00 pm in the Lincoln Media Center. We will be guided through the process of creating a proposal that funds items/experiences that will benefit the Lincoln community.
CLICK HERE FOR A FLYER ON THE SPECIAL PROJECTS PROCESS

Lincoln Fun Day - January 24

Lincoln Fun Day At the Boys and Girls Club
Saturday, January 24th, 2015 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Boys and Girls Club 1026 East Center Street, Rochester MN
Get out of the cold and have some fun with other Lincoln Family and Friends!!! Join us for gym games, art activities, and game room. We will have activities for the entire family.

Mr. Pizza pizza will be available for $2.00 a slice and drink (cheese, sausage, or pepperoni).

Please RSVP by 1-20-15 so we know approximately how much pizza to order and how many people – what ages – are coming. LincolnK8social@yahoo.com or to the Lincoln office.

CLICK HERE FOR A FLYER ON LINCOLN FUN DAY

Digital Learning Transformation/iPad Parent Information Sessions - Uppers Parents - January 22

Lincoln 6th,7th and 8th grade students will be receiving an iPad on January 26 as part of the District's Digital Learning Transformation program. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend a Parent/Guardian Information Session before their student receives their iPad.

At the Information Session, parents/guardians will receive information about the iPad, including proper care, use, expectations and how parents/guardians can help students be successful.

The District is holding a Parent/Guardian Information Session on Thursday, January 22 from 5:00-6:30pm in the Lincoln K-8 Gymnasium. There are Information Sessions also being held on other dates - parents/guardians can attend any of the sessions at any of the locations.

CLICK HERE FOR THE INFORMATION LETTER FROM THE DISTRICT ON THE DIGITAL LEARNING TRANSFORMATION.

Information session dates:
January 20 - Willow Creek - 5:00pm-6:30pm
January 22 - Lincoln - 5:00pm-6:30pm
January 23 - Friedell 11:30am - 1:00pm
January 23 - John Marshall 1:30pm-3:00pm
January 23 - Willow Creek - 3:30pm - 5:00pm

PPT Meeting - January 12

 Please join us for the January PPT meeting, this Monday, January 12, from 7-8pm in the Lincoln Media Center.
We will hear from Joscelyn Martin, Special Projects Chair. Joscelyn will speak about the Special Projects application process. Come learn about how much special projects money we have available this year and how YOU can get involved in deciding how it can be used to benefit Lincoln students!
We will also get a 2015 Lincoln Family Auction Preview from auction co-chair Donna Layton.

All Lincoln parents, guardians and staff are welcome.

All-Pro Dads - January 16

All-Pro Dads is on January 16th at 8:00 am in the Gym. Please let Amy know at amkrahn@rochester.k12.mn.us if you will be able to attend so we can order the proper amount of Perkins muffins and juice.

Skyward

Uppers parents please check skyward to find out if you student is missing any work.   They can collect it next week and get it done over break.  It is a great feeling to start the new year without missing work.

Rochester After School Program (RAP)

There will be no RAP next week.  Today, Dec 18th,  was the last day of RAP for 2014 and we will begin again when school starts in January.

Uppers’ Information Night (5th grade Parents) - December 11

Thursday, December 11th
5:15pm-6:15pm Science Lab Downstairs
6:30pm- 4/5 Production

All 5th grade parents are invited to an opportunity to hear from the Uppers’ Staff and current students on the dynamic program we offer all students in grades six through eight at Lincoln. We will share specifics of our Lincoln Uppers’ program and how we create amazing opportunities for our students.

We will present information that many of you may or may not know about our impressive Lincoln Uppers’ Program.

• Did you know we have had some of the highest science test scores in the entire state the past few years? 
• Did you know we have incredible support for students to perform at the highest levels in all areas? 
• Did you know our Uppers’ students perform in a Rocktown Tour each year performing in front of nearly 1,000 students in a single day? 
• Did you know we have had over 50 Uppers’ students and staff publish their novel science in professional scientific journals over the past couple years? 
• Did you know we have nearly twenty Uppers’ taking high school Math here at Lincoln having accelerated multiple levels in the math program? 
• Did you know our Uppers’ students have a multitude of leadership opportunities? 

Come join us to hear about the awesome program that is awaiting your soon to be Uppers’ student. Students are also welcome, but not required, to attend the informational meeting with you before the production.

Uppers Parents

Now is a good time to check Skyward to see if your student has any missing work.  We are well into the second quarter so missing work becomes an issue.  Please check Skyward and discuss any missing work with your son or daughter.

ACTION 100 Q and A: How often are students’ color levels tested by teachers?

Teachers are continuously recording data on the skills your child has mastered along with those skills needing additional practice to exit the level. Students are tested for the next color level once they have mastered the entry/exit level requirements, foundational skills, and comprehension at that particular level. If you are uncertain of what these skills are, ask your child’s teacher. Bookmarks or skills cards are available from classroom teachers listing these components.

Order Your Lincoln Spirit Wear!

 CLICK HERE for the Lincoln Spirit Wear Order form.
If you are interested in ordering T-shirts and Sweatshirts with the Lincoln Logo – please use the order form.

Lunchtime Math Help

Did you know your child has access to math help during their lunchtime?
Andy Roth, Liz Koehler and Jane Barton are available in the STEM room of the media center Monday through Thursday for homework help, regular classroom assignments, bonus IXL time or to work on any specific math topic. Teachers have passes available. If you think your child would benefit with some extra math tutoring talk to your child’s teacher.

ACTION 100 Q and A

Q: How do I get my child interested in reading if he has trouble finding books he likes?

• Librarians, reading specialists, classroom teachers and recommendations from other children can most likely help you with this task. • Attached is a document called “Hook Books” . This attachment contains some of the most popular and engaging series for readers at each levels.
• For older children, it can be beneficial to read the first few chapters together . Provide them with support in understanding the story. Explain to them what is happening in your brain while you read the story together (Are you making predictions? Is the story a bit biased? What do you know about the characters without the author explicitly telling you?) When the story starts “getting good” tell your reader to go read independently and fill you in on what happened. 
• The search engine below is also helpful. It will let you pick the book level , interest level , book topic. 

There is a great website called AR BookFinder that will help you find thousands of books at your child’s reading level. Here’s how:

• Click this link: http://www.arbookfind.com/. Select “parent” and submit.
• Click on the “Advanced Search” tab. Now, find where it says ATOS Level (similar to grade-equivalent).
• Estimate your child’s reading level. A 3.1 equates to a book that is third grade, first month of school. Let’s say your fourth grader was reading on grade level this year. You might want to search 4.0- 5.0 Or maybe you have a third grader reading about a half year behind in which case you would search 2.5-3.0. If you’re uncertain of your child’s level, estimate on the low side. Children and adults lose interest quickly when reading is too difficult. Reading needs to be FAST, FUN and EASY for children to enjoy it.
• You can also select additional criteria such as “Interest Level,” “Non-fiction,” “Topics,” etc. 
• Click “Go” and a list will be generated for you. Use the “AR BookBag” buttons and to create your list to print for the library.

NOVEMBER PPT MEETING - Monday, Nov. 17, 7-8pm, Lincoln Media Center

Please join us for the November PPT Meeting!   Lincoln technology instructor James Kulzer will join us to talk about Project Lead the Way.  We will also hear an update on the Lincoln Family Auction, learn about the special projects process to decide how to best use auction funds, and other fun activities planned for the Lincoln community this year.  The Lincoln PPT is the parent, guardian and staff planning team at Lincoln, and all are automatically PPT members.  If you have any questions, please contact your PPT Co-Presidents, Jodi Kruse (jmkruse22@gmail.com or 269-6344) or Cinnamon Marxen (cinnamonmarxen@yahoo.com or 250-4527).  Hope to see you Monday!

LINCOLN BOOK FAIR - November 18 - 21

LINCOLN BOOK FAIR IS BACK!

Hours will be:

• November 18th 4 pm-8 pm -- teacher conference night 
• November 19th 9 am-5 pm 
• November 20th 9 am -8 pm -- teacher confernce night 
• November 21st 8 am - 4:30 pm -- All Pro Dad's 

All proceeds from the book fair go directly back to the Media Center at Lincoln! The district gives very little funding for library or classroom books, so please help support your child's reading.

You can also shop online if you can't attend- FREE shipping right to the school !
Great way to get a start on your holiday shopping!!
http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/lincolnk8choiceschool

Veterans Day Program at Lincoln - Monday, Novmember 10, 10:00 AM

All veterans are invited to our Veterans Day Program on Monday November 10th at 10:00 am in the Lincoln Gym. We want to honor those who have served our country. If you know veterans, please invite them to attend.
Students are asked to share a picture of a veteran they know.
CLICK HERE for a form that families can fill out.
Please attach a picture of a veteran.
These pictures will be hung around our school in honor of our veterans.

Thank you for your help to make this a special day for our students and veterans.
If you have any questions, please contact the school office at 328-3550 or email: amkrahn@rochester.k12.mn.us

Staff Appreciation Donations Needed for K-5 Conferences November 18 and 20 - Can You Help?

Please help donate items for Staff Appreciation conference dinners for teachers on November 18 and 20.  .
If you would like to donate, contact dani.nikolai@gmail.com or call Dani at 254-3594 and we will give you access to a Google doc to sign up for an item.

Thank you for helping to show our staff how much we appreciate them!

BINGO/PIZZA NIGHT November 6 - Pizza Available by Pre-Order Only!

Join us on Thursday, November 6 from 5:30p-7:30p for Pizza and Bingo.
Pizza will be served at 5:30p and Bingo will start at 6p.
PIZZA AVAILABLE BY PRE-ORDER ONLY!
CLICK HERE FOR PIZZA ORDER FORM
All Pizza orders must be placed in advance, so please return your completed form with payment by Friday, October 31st.
We cannot guarantee that there will be any “extra” pizza, so please plan ahead.
Pizza will be provided by Zadeos and you can order either a whole pizza or by the slice.
1 Slice is $2
14” Large Pizza (6 slices) is $12
Beverages and cookies will be available for purchase that night.
Order forms with payment should be returned to your teacher or Amy in the office by Friday, October 31. Make checks payable to Lincoln PPT.

ACTION 100 Q and A: Color Level Expectation

Q: What is the color level expectation for my child?
A: See the chart. It explains grade level expectations matched to each IRLA color level.

Backpack Program Available for Lincoln K-8 Students

Free Weekend Food For Your Child Available through the Lincoln Backpack Program

Lincoln K-8 Choice School is teaming up with volunteers from the community to offer a supply of nutritious meals and snacks for children over their weekends and extended breaks, free of charge. Backpacks are distributed on the last school day before the weekend or break. Any child enrolled at Lincoln is able to receive these weekly bags of food.

If you believe your child could benefit from this program, we encourage you to sign them up by completing the attached form and returning it to the office. Only one form is needed for all the children in your family, but please include information for each child when completing the form. This information is kept confidential between Lincoln and the Backpack Program.

Once your child is signed up, they will receive bags of food each week until they leave the school or until you no longer wish to participate.

We encourage you to take advantage of this program for your family and your children.

Questions or concerns? Please contact the office.

CLICK HERE FOR THE BACKPACK PROGRAM FORM

Auction 2014 - Saturday, October 25 - That's Tomorrow!

Doors open at 11:30am
Silent rooms begin closing at 12:30 and the last room closes at 1:35pm.
Heads or Tails at 1:40pm in the Gym.
Live auction excitement starts at 2:00pm in the Gym.
Child care available starting at noon, and kids activities are from 11.30-1.30.

Come hungry!
The Bake Sale will open at 11.30. Pie and Carrot Cake and numerous other goodies as well as fresh apples from Sekapp will be for sale.
Mr. Pizza South will have fresh pizza available 11.30-1.30 and The Lost Cajun will serve their homemade gumbo starting at 11.30. These restaurants are both owned by Lincoln Families, and both are donating proceeds TO LINCOLN. So enjoy great food, and support Lincoln in the process.

Volunteer Reminders:
1. Set up volunteers, meet in the gym right after school Friday
2. Baked sale items can be left in the office on Friday, or dropped off auction day after 9.30
3. Volunteers day of Auction: Please check in at volunteer registration upon arriving at the auction.

Cast Your Cash Vote for Which Staff Musical Act Will Perform!

We found a way to bring in our musical smarts to raise some money with the auction. You get to vote for which staff group you would like to sing a song at a school assembly.
Cast your money vote on who you would like to hear sing at the next school assembly. The group with most money raised will have to perform. If we reach our goal of $600 with this auction fun all six groups will have to perform at the all school assembly in the near future!

Vote and donate starting in the office on Friday and continues through the auction.
We will announce the group(s) that will have to perform during the Live Auction.

• Team #1 Amy and Carrie (Singing Farm Chicks) Song choice: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun 
• Team #2 Katie/Scot (Music Makers) Song choice: Summer Nights from Grease 
• Team #3 Beth, Mickey and Kim (4/5 Wonders) Song choice: Sugar Sugar 
• Team #4 Linnea (Solo Artist) Song choice: It’s All about the Bass 
• Team #5 Lisa, Stephanie and Karmen (Kindergarten Sensations) Song choice: Tooty Ta
• Team #6 Mr. Ruffin, Mr. Will and Mr. S (Tenor Trifecta) Song choice: Mystery Song

Spirit Week at Lincoln Choice School October 20-25

Student Government is sponsoring a spirit week at Lincoln.
Dress up each day in a way that matches the theme.
Monday: Tie-Dye/Wacky
Tuesday: Sports
Wednesday: Favorite character from a book/DEAR day
Thursday: Pajama Day
Friday: School spirit wear (College, High School or Lincoln)
           2:00 pm Staff versus grade 8 football game. Cheer for your favorite team.
Saturday: Auction. Bring your neighbors, friends, and family members to our version of Homecoming! Visit alumni, staff and current families while supporting our amazing Lincoln community.

Rochester After School Program (RAP) at Lincoln Starts November 3

It’s time for RAP (Rochester After School Program) At Lincoln K-8 and we are looking for you!
November 3 will be the first day of RAP at Lincoln. RAP runs from 3:35-4:45pm.
There is no RAP on Friday.
This is a time where our rock star staff stay after school to work on homework and skill building with the students. There is a snack provided but feel free to pack your own if needed. There will be a juice box and a snack. (This is a donation so no alternative snacks are available for purchase.)
The calendar will be given out on the first day of RAP after we confirm our number of students and staff.
Questions concerning RAP can go to anharmon@rochester.k12.mn.us
Your student’s classroom teacher can provide you with a form to sign up.

Calling All Bakers! It’s Time for the Auction Bake Sale!

It’s time to start thinking about the annual Auction bake sale!
When: Auction day 10/25/2014.
Time: 11:30 until sold out!
 Donations can be dropped off in the office on Friday 10/24 or before the auction on Saturday.
 Please package items in counts of 6 or 12. Decorative packaging makes for a sure sellout!
This is the perfect opportunity to make a last minute donation to the Lincoln Auction.
For questions contact Julie Wingert at (507) 421-9305, djnwingert@aol.com or
Robin Stearns at (507) 951-9798, stearnsfamily53@yahoo.com.

We will also have beautifully painted pumpkins at the bake sale available to purchase for $13 or simply spend $10 at the bake sale and enter to win them in a raffle. Painted pumpkins will include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Sponge Bob, Hello Kitty, Elmo, a witch, Frankenstein and Dracula.

The Lincoln Auction 2014 Catalog is Here!

Here it is..the Lincoln Auction Catalog!
Spend some time selecting the items to receive your bid.
Get together with friends and bid together.
Forward this link to friends, neighbors, co-workers and relatives and invite them to join us on October 25!

A map of Auction Day events and locations is also available - CLICK HERE

Volunteers needed to help with vision/hearing screening on Oct. 23

We are looking for 4 to 6 volunteers to assist with vision/hearing screens on Thursday, October 23 from 9:30-noon.  Volunteers will assist with escorting 1st, 3rd, and 7th graders to the screening area and then back to class.  Please contact the VIE coordinators at lincolnschoolvie@gmail.com if you are interested in helping.

Gloves and Mittens Needed in Media Center

We have been providing gloves and mittens for loan in the Media Center for those boys and girls who need them for outside breaks. We are almost out of gloves/mittens for the students to borrow. If you have gloves/mittens that you would be willing do donate for this purpose, would you please bring them to the Media Center??
Thanks!!!! Jean & Janis

OCTOBER PPT MEETING - Monday, October 20 - 7-8pm - Lincoln Media Center

Please join us as we hear from Lincoln Reading Specialist Katie Schafer.  Katie will speak about ERLA -- Lincoln's level reading program.  Katie encourages you to come and ask her questions about the program.  We will also hear an update on the Lincoln Family Auction and other fun activities planned for the Lincoln community this year.  The Lincoln PPT is the parent, guardian and staff planning team at Lincoln, and all are automatically PPT members.  If you have any questions, please contact your PPT Co-Presidents, Jodi Kruse (jmkruse22@gmail.com or 269-6344) or Cinnamon Marxen (cinnamonmarxen@yahoo.com or 250-4527).  Hope to see you Monday!

Auction 2014 Update - 16 Days!

Spread the Word - Our auction is open to the public - help spread the word to your co-workers, friends and family! CLICK HERE for a marketing flyer for the Auction. Copies are also available in the Lincoln office.

Pumpkins Galore - Only $6 each!! Choose & Cut Fraser Firs has generously donated pumpkins to the Lincoln Auction! No need to wait, they are available NOW!!
1- Make your selection from the abundance of HUGE pumpkins in the entry way at Lincoln
2- Make check payable to Lincoln PPT and give to Amy in the office
3- Enjoy!

Keep sending in your Auction Donations! To make the catalog, items need to be delivered to school by Friday. Items delivered after that will be in the addendum available the day of the auction.
To be recognized for donating in the catalog PLEASE mark the items left with your name. There are donation receipts available in the office and on the stage for this purpose. If anyone has forgotten to do that, please email Donna Layton at calldgl@aol.com and she can add you to the donors list. Thank you!

CLASSROOM BASKETS-- PLEASE consider donating an item to your child’s homeroom classroom basket theme! Homeroom teachers themes are listed below. If you need help or don't know what to donate, contact the teacher. The classroom baskets are on the live auction and the more items the better !! Ideally classroom basket donation items should all be delivered to school by Friday. Here is the complete list of classroom baskets:
Lisa Robbins – Fun and Games
Karmen Frana – Everything Baby
Stephane Sirek – Fun & Games
Stephanie Koenig – Legos
Andi Harmon – Giftcards Galore!
Kristi Beeman – Fast, Friendly Meals
Ginelle Robertson – Tailgating
Carrie Graff – Chocolate/Coffee/Treats
Jason Howes – Book/Electronic/Movie
Mickey Laughland - Frozen
Beth Napton – Arts & Crafts
Kim Olson – Science & Nature
Will Ruffin – Sports
Linnea Archer – Camping
Alyse Schroeder– Get Fit/Health/Exercise
Corey Dornack – Vikings
Kyle Casper – Support your Local Businesses

If you can't be there on Auction Day- We do also understand that not every parent can be at the auction but there are many other ways you can support your school and the Auction:

• Donate cash to the Auction equal to what you would have spent or have spent in previous years
• Get a friend or relative to attend the auction
• Donate an item or service to the auction
• Donate to the classroom basket
• Give us a contact to someone that might donate
• Donate to Lincoln through GiveMn.org or donorchoose.org. 
• Buy SCRIP and get other family members to purchase SCRIP

…so many ways you can support your school and its unique programs!  

Where does the money go? With the Auction just over 2 weeks away we want to remind families why we do the auction, and answer the question “Where does the money go?” Money raised benefits students of all ages. At Lincoln we are a unique school, with a lot of unique expenses not covered by the school district. These are all big projects that make Lincoln uniquely different from other schools, but require financial support to continue.

• Cutting edge classroom technology – from iPads to microscopes to wifi cameras.
• InSciEd Out - Ongoing zebrafish experiments & aquarium maintenance. We have InSciEd Out zebrafish modules running at every grade level. 
• Project Lead the Way – including new Student Engineering Modules and the new BioMedical and Computer Science Modules.
• The little playground, which is twenty years old need repair and eventually will need replacement. 

We really do appreciate your support of the auction, and in turn all of the projects that make Lincoln the Greatest School in the Universe!

Volunteers Needed to be Project Lead the Way “Module Mentors”

New Project Lead the Way (PLTW) modules are being introduced at Lincoln this year. We need about 10 to 15 parents/volunteers to provide specific help in Kindergarten through 5th grade classrooms when these modules are being done. K and 1st grade classrooms will need the most help. These modules involve a lot of hands-on activities by the students, and volunteers trained in the PLTW curriculum and methods will be important to support student success.
If you are interested, please contact James Kulzer at jakulzer@rochester.k12.mn.us by October 16.

Time commitment:

1. Attend a 2-hour training session (by James Kulzer) on the PLTW curriculum, project-based instruction methods and how to facilitate the students in their work.
2. Work in the classroom 1-2 days, about two hours each day, for each module.
3. The first set of modules will run October-December. A second set of modules will begin after winter break.

What kinds of projects would you be helping with in the classroom?

• Kindergarten students will need help building an arm model to show muscles, creating an x-ray of their hand and building a cast for a student with a broken wrist.
• First Graders will need help with programming in Scratch Jr.
• Second Graders will need help with their final project designing a traveler and equipping them with supplies and clothing to take a journey through a variety of environments. 
• Third  - Fifth Graders will be working on projects with data collection.
• Fifth Graders will be working on robotics.

Auction 2014 - 23 Days Away!

We have many fabulous donations to offer at our upcoming event…but we need more! We ask that ALL families find ways to effectively and uniquely contribute to the auction, which is our biggest fundraiser of the year.

Auction Item Ideas - Often, the most sought after items are things that only you can provide because of a special talent or relationship. Here are a few examples to get your creativity flowing:

• One of a Kind Items: Concert or Sporting event tickets 
• Travel: Hotel points or stays, frequent flyer miles, use of family cabin, use of time share 
• Gift Certificates to anything from pizza takeout to the nail salon 
• Lessons/Crafts: works of art, floral arrangements, music lessons, one-on-one soccer coaching, picture framing, cooking lessons 
• Children’s Items: New Toys, DVD’s, books Practical & Professional Services: Yard services, house painting, landscape design, home repair, carpenter, handyman 

AUCTION FAQ’S 
Silent Auction: Donated items are displayed on tables and auction attendees win by outbidding each other on a written bid sheet. This includes Platinum and Diamond Experience Rooms.
Live Auction: A small number of donated items are sold to the highest bidder by a professional auctioneer.

Q: How do you get these donations in the first place? 
A. From YOU… and your employers… and your friends… and your family… and your neighbors and our local businesses. Both our kids and our school are community assets, and this is truly a community effort.

Q: How do I donate to the Auction? 
A. There is a location in the office where you can leave your item and pick up a donation receipt.

Q: I’m not sure what to donate. What kinds of items would you like for the Auction? 
A. Your imagination is the limit! We are looking for everything from vacation getaways, to restaurant gift certificates. If it’s something you would bid on- it’s something worth donating. We are especially interested in unique experiences!

Q: Do you still need volunteers? 
A. Yes! There are still volunteer opportunities. Please let us know your interests and availability, and we’ll be sure to find a position for you. Additionally there is a sign-up board outside of the school office for day of auction 1 hour time slots.

Q: Why an auction? Why not try other ways of raising funds?
A. There are a number of ways for a school to raise money and we use some of them. SCRIP, www.GiveMN.org , www.DonorsChoose.org , Grants. The majority of the other methods involve door-to-door sales of wrapping paper, magazines or popcorn. While each of these methods does create income, no combination of these type of fund raisers can make as much money for our school as the annual auction does.

Q: Can I bring my child/children to the event?
A. There will be child care from noon until the end of the live auction and a kid’s fun area with face painting, pumpkin decorating, tattooing and more. Kids fun area hours are 11:30-1:30.

Q: Will there be food at the event?
A. The bake sale will be open from 11:30 until items are sold out. Caribou will be providing coffee. Mr. Pizza South will have pizza by the slice for sale, and The Lost Cajun will have delicious gumbo tastings available.

Q: How can I find out what has been donated?
A. Every family will receive an auction catalog before the event. Additionally it will be available online at that time. Updates will be posted to our facebook page at Lincoln K8 Choice School Auction

SATURDAY OCTOBER 25!
DOORS OPEN AT 11.30, LIVE AUCTION AT 2. Let's have record attendance this year!

New Lincoln and District Websites Launch Tomorrow, October 1

Lincoln K-8 School and Rochester Public Schools will be launching new websites tomorrow, October 1.  The web addresses for the websites are:
NEW! Lincoln K-8: www.rochester.k12.mn.us/lincoln 
Rochester Public Schools:  www.rochester.k12.mn.us (same as the current address)

Please change your bookmarks accordingly.

AUCTION 2014 UPDATE

The success of our auction depends on the creativity and generosity of Lincoln parents.
Please check out the ideas below and see where you can help. Thank you for your support!

Donation of Experience Ideas 

• Lefse Making Experience (if you can make this treat, please consider donating a 2 hour lefse making experience) 
• Home visit from Santa in December (anyone have a costume that could create this experience?) 
• Gather the ingredients for a great unique meal and deliver with the recipe 

Items needed for baskets this week:

• Bath products 
• Favorite cook books 
• Pet toys/treats 
• Favorite children’s books 
• American Girl doll clothes hangers

Volunteer Needs:
Volunteers still needed for 1 hour, day of auction shifts – sign up board with specific time slots available outside of Lincoln Office ·

Volunteers to help create display boards for specific items – this can be done at home.

Please like our Facebook page "Lincoln K8 Choice School Auction" – updates will start next week on some of our great donations!

Contact Donna Layton at calldgl@aol.com if you can help with any of these items or tasks!

Flu Shot Clinic at Lincoln - Volunteers Needed!

The Lincoln School Flu Shot Clinic is looking for six volunteers to help on Monday, October 6, from 12:00-2:30.  Volunteers will assist in bringing groups of students to the media center to be vaccinated and then returning them to their classrooms.

If you are available to help, please contact the Lincoln VIE coordinators at: lincolnschoolvie@gmail.com

AUCTION 2014 - Wish List for the Week

It's time to get busy for Auction 2014! Here's the main items on our wish list:

• Silent Auction Basket Items (there is a display with ideas by the front door AND a drop off area for items/baskets in the office) 
• Volunteers to help - There is a sign-up board by the office with specific time slots for auction day... note all volunteer time slots are around 1 hour.
• Donate to the classroom baskets - teachers have their themes and will be sharing their ideas in the next week.
• Help with Auction Set-up and tear-down - contact Coordinator Vicki Pierret pierret@usa.com 
• "Like" the "Lincoln K8 Choice School Auction" page on Facebook... updates on awesome items and packages will be posted periodically.
• Mark your calendars and tell your friends about the Auction

SATURDAY OCTOBER 25! DOORS OPEN AT 11.30, LIVE AUCTION AT 2.
Let's have record attendance this year!
Questions? Contact Donna Layton at calldgl@aol.com.

Lincoln PPT News, Notes and Needs

Some needs and notes from your Lincoln PPT:

• Donations are still being accepted for the PPT Classroom Fundraiser. Please consider making a voluntary donation of $20.00 per child to the Lincoln PPT to help defray the costs of necessary classroom supplies. Checks can be made out to "Lincoln PPT" and write "PPT Classroom Fundraiser" and your student's name on the check. Donations can be dropped off in the main office. Thanks for your support!

• PPT Leadership needs - we are still looking for some committee chairs/coordinators/members or leaders-in training:
• Staff Appreciation Committee Co-Chair
• Volunteers in Education (ViE) - coordinator-in-training needed
• PTA Reflections Contest Coordinator
• Community Relations Committee members

If you have any interest in any of these positions or questions about PPT, please contact PPT Co-Presidents Jodi Kruse jmkruse22@gmail.com or Cinnamon Marxen cinnamonmarxen@yahoo.com.
Thanks for your support of Lincoln!

Flu Shot Clinic at Lincoln - October 6 - Registration Required!

Lincoln K-8 Choice School has partnered with a team of nurses from Olmsted Medical Center, Mayo Clinic and Olmsted County Public Health to offer the flu vaccine (both injectable and mist) to students this fall.

The Lincoln K-8 flu vaccine clinic will be at Lincoln on October 6 from 12:30 to 2:30.
Registration is required and can be completed through our registration link that can be found here: CLICK HERE FOR FLU CLINIC REGISTRATION
Paper registration forms are also available in the main office.

This is a fast, easy and convenient way to keep our children, our school and our community healthy throughout the year.  We strongly encourage you to take advantage of this important opportunity.

If you have any questions about the vaccine please visit the CDC’s influenza website:
www.flu.gov and http://www.cdc.gov/flu/parents