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Lincoln 5-8 Family Update

 September 19, 2025

Instrumental and Performing Ensemble Program Handbook

Contract Due October 3rd

For any student and their family who participates in our instrumental classes and/or any of our performance ensembles (chorus, band, orchestra), please review this handbook that summarizes and details the expectations of participation, including our public-facing concerts. Ms. Sheppard is also looking to re-energize the “Friends of Lincoln Music” program; opportunity to participate is in the Google Form Contract.

Parent Group Support Requested

The Lincoln School Foundation, PTO, METCO Coordinating Committee and METCO Parent Board are looking for additional board members. Each organization does wonderful work supporting the students, staff, and families of our district, but “the many hands makes light work” approach is necessary to maintain their effectiveness. Please consider joining a board or even just giving some time at one of their events or causes. 

The LSF is particularly looking for anyone with marketing experience. 

Points of Contact:

METCO Parent Board Chair Kim Mack (mack.kim27@gmail.com) 

MCC Chair Kristen Ferris (ferris.kristen@gmail.com) 

LSF co-chairs Amy Travis (amy.travis@lincolnschoolfoundation.org) or Philana Gnatowski (philana.gnatowski@lincolnschoolfoundation.org) 

PTO co-chairs Brianna Doo (ptochair@lpto.org) and Alex Brook (alexandra.chomut@gmail.com) 

Lincoln School Store Open

Dear Lincoln School Community,

We are excited to announce that the Lincoln School Gear Online Store is now open! This year’s store features new items and fresh color options for you to show your school spirit.

You’ll notice that in addition to the classic Lincoln School logo, we now have some new design options to choose from - including our Fox and Knight graphics. These additions give you even more ways to represent our community with pride!

We hope you enjoy browsing the updated selection and finding something for everyone in the family.

If cost presents a challenge for your family, please don’t hesitate to reach out — we want every student to feel included and able to show their Lincoln School spirit.

Lincoln School Online Store

Thank you for your continued support of Lincoln School. 

After-school Activity Option

LPS METCP Lincoln Breakers are now open for registration for Break dancing lessons.

What: Breakdancing lessons with Tay & Teflon YAK (Youth Acquiring Knowledge)

When:  Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 14, every Monday & Tuesday, 3:00-4:30 pm

Where:  Movement Room by the Reed Gym

Who: 3rd-8th graders

How: Register no later than October 9, using the link above

National History Day Opportunity

Student Advisory Council

• Open to all History Day students past and present who want to shape the student experience and support Massachusetts History Day

• First meeting– 10/30/25 from 5:00-6:00 PM

• Zoom link, Meeting ID: 828 1647 7372,  Passcode: 473545

• Great resume experience and counts toward volunteer/community service hours

• All students who participated in History Day last year will get an email invitation, but we’d appreciate it if you could talk it up to students who might be interested. 

Matlock Farm Fun

Fall is here, and what better way to celebrate than an afternoon at Matlock Farm? We’re excited to invite you and your children to a special Pumpkin Picking session filled with autumn fun!

Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Matlock farm, by 28 Lexington Road, Lincoln, Ma

Bring the whole family for an unforgettable afternoon that includes:

• Pumpkin Picking – choose the perfect pumpkin to take home

• Hay Rides – enjoy a scenic ride around the farm

• Meet the Animals – have you ever met an alpaca?

• Farm-Themed Photo Shoots – capture seasonal memories

• And Plenty More Harvest Fun!

This is the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy the beauty of fall, spend time together outdoors, and connect with our community. Don’t forget to bring your cameras, comfy shoes, and festive fall spirit!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Free Boxing Offering For Middle Schoolers

Watch City Community Boxing and Fitness, a registered non-profit organization dedicated to supporting middle and high school students provides free training for all Middle and High School students in Waltham and surrounding communities, giving every student the chance to participate regardless of financial circumstance.

Classes are held in a safe, structured environment where students build strength, confidence, focus, and resilience. Beyond fitness, participants learn important life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and leadership, all while engaging in a fun, positive activity.

You can learn more about the program on our website here: LINK.

Leaders in Youth Mental Health Series

We have access, again, this year to the four caregiver webinars for the parents and caregivers who have students in Lincoln Public Schools.  All caregivers of school aged children are invited to attend.  The webinars should not be shared with parents outside of LPS as we only have access due to our partnership with their school consultation program.  

The information for the McLean caregiver webinars are available here: https://healthcare.mgb.org/streaming/Live/McLean/McLean_SCS.html

 Green Team Blast

Volunteer Details:

When: Weekday lunches (M, T, Th, F: 11:00–12:00 or 12:00–1:00 | W: 10:30–12:05)

Where: Lincoln School Dining Commons

Commitment: Flexible — come once or as often as you like! 

Sign up here: LINK. 

Questions? View our TRAINING SLIDES or contact a member of our Green Team:

Teachers: Gwen Blumberg (gblumberg@lincnet.org) & Nicole McDonagh (mcdonaghn@lincnet.org)

Parents: Candace Pearson (candace.blodgett@gmail.com) & Lauren Wirth (laurenwirth4@gmail.com) 

Community Member: Emily Haslett (emhaslett@gmail.com)

LINCOLN SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (SEPAC)

The Lincoln SEPAC is a group of parents and caregivers of students with special needs. We are a state-mandated group organized to liaise between students, their families, and school officials with regard to the district's special education services.

In partnership with the district, the Lincoln SEPAC helps to foster understanding, respect, and inclusion of all students and families with special needs. We provide a supportive and educational network to empower families, share experiences, and provide the best services and programs for our children.

The Lincoln SEPAC holds monthly meetings and other educational and social events throughout the year. If you are interested in being in touch with other families, learning more about SEPAC, and becoming involved, please reach out to SEPAC's co-chairs.

Gabby Berberian gsberbe@gmail.com

Katy Perkins perkins.katy@gmail.com

Visit our website and follow us on social media. https://sites.google.com/view/lincoln-sepac

Lincoln SEPAC

Fall Events

• Monthly Meeting - 2nd Tuesdays Virtual 7-8pm, next on Oct 8

• Playground Meet Up - Sunday, October 5, Green Playground

• Inclusive Trick-or-Treating - October 31st

SCOUTS ADVENTURE IS CALLING!

DON'T MISS ALL THE FUN! JOIN THE SCOUTS TODAY!

Drop into one of our meetings to learn what joining our troop can offer you!

When: Every Monday night 7:30 - 8:00pm

Where: Joseph Warren-Soley Lodge 181 Lincoln Road

Attention Military Families ~ Military Child of the Year Award

What: Every year (now in its 18^th year) Operation Homefront hosts the Military Child of the Year® Awards. The awards are open to military children between the ages of 13-18. There are 7 recipients 1 child from each branch of the services and each recipient receives $10,000 CASH, a laptop, other donated goodies, and a 3-day trip to Washington, DC with us and their families.

Who: Each year, hundreds of military teens (ages 13–18) are nominated by a parent, teacher, mentor, or guardian. Candidates for the Military child o the Year Awards demonstrate resilience, strength of character, and the ability to thrive in the face of the challenges of military life. Anyone who knows a military child can nominate any military child. So, you may nominate your students, friend’s children. Children can nominate their siblings and best friends and so on. The awards are open to Active Duty, Reserves AND Veteran children.

When: The Awards Gala will be held in Washington, D.C. on April 23, 2026 during the Month of the Military Child. 

Nominations accepted September 3 to December 2, 2025

The program is entirely FREE and exclusive to military children.

Nominations are OPEN NOW through December 2nd.

For more information, visit https://operationhomefront.org/military-child-of-the-year/