Beginning March 18th and running through March 22nd students in 3rd,4th, and 5th grade will be participating in the Illinois Assessment of Readiness. Students will be taking assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Students will take one test per day and teachers will make sure not to schedule any major tests during the testing period to help students perform at their highest level. 5th Grade students will be taking the Illinois Science Assessment during this time as well.

Parents are asked to support their children during the testing period by making sure students get plenty of rest and eat a good breakfast. Breakfast is available every morning at school. It is very important that students are here on time each day that testing will take place. Together we can work to make sure the students do their best on the state assessments. We appreciate your help in this effort!

Please join us on March 19th from 6:00-7:30 for our annual Open House and Health Safety Fair. Classrooms will be open for you to visit with your child’s teacher and vendors will be in the Lincoln gym.

Congratulations to the following students that have received the P.B.I.S. Spotlight Student award in February!

• Kindergarten: Ayla Penrod

• 1st Grade: Jaxon Byrne

• 2nd Grade: Addilyn Camenisch

• 3rd Grade: Skylar Thompson

• 4th Grade: Kemper Kupperschmid

• 5th Grade: Lucas Straugn

Just a note from your school nurse to remind you that during cold and flu season the spread of most infections can be reduced by good hand washing. After coughing, sneezing, and before eating, please remind your children to wash their hands well. If your child experiences a sore throat with a fever or a sore throat that is not going away, he or she should be checked by their medical doctor to determine if they may have strep throat. If a diagnosis of strep is made, your child needs to be home on an antibiotic for 24 hours before returning to school and fever free. Thank you for helping in keeping the spread of infection to a minimum.

If your student has borrowed clothing at Lincoln, please be sure to launder it and return it to the school nurse.

Illinois Valley Food Pantry

Illinois Valley Food Pantry will be distributing their Easter meal baskets on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. This distribution will run from 1 P.M.- 6 P.M. and is for regular clients only. If you are not a regular client, you may stop by between 5:30 P.M. – 6 P.M. for a chance to have a basket. For any food distribution, you will need to provide a photo ID and proof of address dated within 60 days. Please enter from the public parking lot on 2nd Street where you will be guided down to the food pantry for the holiday food distribution.

GENERAL INFORMATION: The Illinois Valley Food Pantry is located at 122 Wright St. LaSalle, Illinois 61301. Phone 815-224-3658. For regular monthly orders, pick-up days are Mon. from 9:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m., Wed. 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., and Fri. 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. If this is your first time ordering or picking up from the Illinois Valley Food Pantry, you will need to stop by and fill out a form. The hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.), Wed (10:00 A.M.-6:00 p.m.), and closed on Sat. On your first visit bring the birthdates of all persons living in your household, proof of address, and a photo ID.

School Physical Information

If you have a kindergarten student and have not turned in an eye exam or dental exam this year, please do so as soon as possible.

If you have a 2nd grade student and have not turned in a dental exam this year, please do so as soon as possible.

School Nurses Page

Please remember to keep the office informed of any changes in address, phone numbers, emergency contacts, and email. These are all vital for us to communicate with you.  

Dial 815-883-9297

Press 1 for Lincoln

• Press 1 to report an absence

• Press 4 for Preschool

March Lunch Menu

March Activity Calendar

As a reminder school breakfast and lunch are free for all students.

Congratulations to Brody Kramarsic and Stella Harty, who were recognized as the John Ourth Student Award Winners for Lincoln School. Brody and Stella were honored at a breakfast February 29th at Streator High School along with award winners from other area schools. The award is sponsored by the Starved Rock Region of the Illinois Principals Association.

Kindergarten Round Up is scheduled for March 11th at Lincoln School. The evening begins at 5:00. Please watch for more information to come.

We currently have openings in our Preschool program. Please contact Ms. Kim at 815-883-9297 option 3 for more information.

We will be hosting a L.E.A.S.E. Preschool Screening on March 28th for children aged 3-5 years of age. Please call Ms. Kim at 815-883-9297 option 3.

5Essentials Survey is open for parents to participate in please click on the link your feedback is appreciated and used for school improvement planning. Thank you to those that have participated!

 Lincoln School Students will host family and friends for our annual St. Patrick’s Day Program. Students from each class will be performing a number of St. Patrick’s or Irish related songs under the direction of Ms Manuk.

You are invited to attend this special event which will begin March 15th at 2:00. Entry will be at the middle doors of the school.

Oglesby Lincoln School staff members are very excited to introduce you to our newest staff member who will be joining us for the remainder of the school year. Marnie will be hired at the board meeting in March and will be working in our building as a therapy dog. Marnie is just beginning her two-year intensive training at Leashes for Living Assistance Dog School, and our hope is that she brings joy, smiles, and a calming presence to our building. We wanted to share some information about the benefits of having a therapy dog in school, as well as answer some potential questions you may have:

Benefits of having a Therapy Dog in Schools:

· Increased self-esteem and positive interactions between staff and students

· Increase in positive mood; places students at ease and increases socialization with others

· Studies have shown an increase in student reading skills when they are given opportunities to read to an accepting, non-judgmental audience (i.e., a therapy dog)

· Improves therapeutic outcomes

Concerns and Considerations:

· Marnie is a Long-Haired Dachshund puppy

· Marnie utilizes a training harness when she is in training during school hours

· There is a designated handler on staff to ensure she is with an adult at all times

We are thrilled to welcome Marnie to the Lincoln Elementary team and believe she will be a wonderful addition. For the remainder of this school year, Marnie’s job description includes classroom visits, positive behavioral support, and 1 on 1 interaction. If you do not want your student interacting with Marnie, please click HERE to fill out a form.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Balestri directly at 815-883-9297.