Volume 9 Issue 1 November 2017

Inside This Issue:

Mission Statement: Lincoln Public Schools is committed to excellence. In partnership with all members

of the Lincoln community, we inspire and empower each student to excel personally and intellectually,

embrace social and individual responsibility, and lead with integrity.

Lincoln Public Schools

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Creating a Growth Mindset at Lincoln Central Elementary

From the Desk of the Superintendent…

Greetings,

The first quarter has quickly come to a close. It’s clear to me that Lincoln’s commitment to

excellence is stronger than ever. To that end, I am focusing on empowering teachers to be

leaders to improve student outcomes and to provide teachers, both new and experienced, with

new educational tools. We continue our work with the Highlander Institute in multiplying Light-

house classrooms in order to build capacity through the “train the trainer” model and implement

a blended learning model. The school year began on a high note with all faculty and staff

committed to meeting all students’ needs. I am inspired and proud of Lincoln’s highly educated

professional staff, amazing students and top-notch administrative team. You know we are a

district on the move! As always, my door is open and I look forward to any feedback you may

provide in our commitment to excellence.

I wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season!

Best,

Georgia Fortunato Like us on Facebook

Superintendent of Schools Follow me on Twitter @ Supfortunato

Central Elementary’s school-wide focus for the 2017 school year is creating and expanding a Growth Mindset for our students and staff. Growth Mindset is the belief that with practice, perseverance, and effort, people have limitless potential to learn and grow (Dr. Carol Dweck, 2006). Our students and staff are embracing this philosophy and the power of ‘Not Yet.’

New brain research is showing that long lasting changes can be made to our brains throughout our lifetime if we put enough practice and effort into what we are trying to learn. This applies to adults as well as children -- our brains have the capacity to keep growing! Social and emotional health is also very important to us at

Central Elementary and is always a school-wide focus. As shown in the pictures, Mrs. Meglio, our school psychologist, is teaching Mrs. Pina’s second graders the various zones of regulation. Knowing what emotional zone you are in allows for self regulation and self awareness. We believe that social and emotional health leads to a productive and engaged learner.

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Lincoln Public Schools

Lincoln Public Schools 2017-2018 Calendar

LINCOLN PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2017-2018 CALENDAR

August 28 Professional Development (no school students) 29 Professional Development (no school students)

30 First Day of School (Grades PK-9) 31 All Students Report to School (Grades PK-12)

September 4 Labor Day (no school) 21-22 Rosh Hashanah (begins at sundown on 9/20)

30 Yom Kippur (begins at sundown 9/29) October

9 Columbus Day (no school) 11 Elementary Only Early Dismissal

November 10 Veterans’ Day Celebrated (no school) 15 LMS Only Early Dismissal Student Led Conferences

16 LHS Only Early Dismissal Parent Conferences 22 Elementary Only Early Dismissal 23-24 Thanksgiving Recess (no school)

December 7 Elementary Only Early Dismissal Parent Conference 12 Elementary Evening Parent Teacher Conferences

Dec. 25 - Jan 1 Holiday Recess (no school) Open Houses

September 18 Central Elementary September 18 Lonsdale Elementary September 18 Saylesville Elementary

September 19 Northern Elementary September 26 Lincoln Middle School Grades 6 & 7 September 27 Lincoln Middle Grade 8

September 28 Lincoln High School Calendar Revised: 11/3/17

X = No School * = School Cancelled January

1 No School (last day of holiday recess) 5 LHS Early Dismissal – Exhibitions 15 Martin Luther King Day (no school)

February 19 Presidents Day (no school)

20 Professional Development (no school students) March

14 Elementary Only Early Dismissal 30 Good Friday (no school)

April 16-20 Spring Recess (no school)

May 18 LHS Early Dismissal – Exhibitions 28 Memorial Day (no school)

June 1 Graduation 12 or 182

nd day Schools Close Elementary Only Early Dismissal

13-19 Make-up Days (if needed)

Quarters – Secondary

First 8/30 - 11/7 46 days Second 11/8 – 1/23 45 days

Third 1/24 – 3/29 45 days Fourth 4/2 – 6/12 45 days

Trimesters - Elementary First 8/30 – 11/29 59 days

Second 11/30 - 3/7 61 days Third 3/8 – 6/12 62 days

Month M T W T F (days) Month M T W T F (days)

August 28 29 30 31 (2) February 1 2 September 1 (20) 5 6 7 8 9 (18)

X 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 16

11 12 13 14 15 X 20 21 22 23

18 19 20 21 22 26 27 28

25 26 27 28 29

October 2 3 4 5 6 (19) March 1 2 (21)

X 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9

16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16

23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23

30* 31* 26 27 28 29 X

April 2 3 4 5 6 (16) November 1 2 3 (19) 9 10 11 12 13

6 7 8 9 X X X X X X

13 14 15 16 17 23 24 25 26 27

20 21 22 X X 30

27 28 29 30

December 1 (16) May 1 2 3 4 (22)

4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25

X X X X X X 29 30 31

January X 2 3 4 5 (21) June 1 (8)

8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8

X 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15

22 23 24 25 26 18 19

29 30 31

Total 182

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Volume 9 Issue 1

This year, with the assistance of the Highlander Institute, our first and second grade classes have teamed up to implement a blended learning model. First grade teachers Ms. Kim Cole and Mrs. Kelly Marini, along with second grade teachers Mrs. Dana Miga and Mrs. Diane Walker, met over the summer to analyze kindergarten

and grade one data.

They created instructional groups that addressed student needs in both reading and writing. Daily schedules were designed so that all four classrooms would teach reading and writing during the morning. Throughout the week, the children have the opportunity to work in the “Quad-Squad” classrooms with each of the four teachers. Teachers use station rotations within their

classrooms that are designed to meet the individual needs of students. These groups often consist of grades one and two students. Each classroom teacher is responsible for one area of reading and writing and runs stations based upon these areas. Service providers collaborate with the classroom teachers to provide support within these station rotations. Teachers and service providers meet weekly to review

data and to make any changes in the groups based upon the performance of the students. Data and weekly plans are shared with all team members on the

Google Drive. Teachers and students are very excited about working as a big team! Personalized learning is an integral part of student success. We look forward to the year ahead as we watch our students meet their full potential as learners.

Lonsdale Elementary School’s Quad Squad

The school year has begun, and the students are back in the grove of school. The 12th annual District Walk was excellent! A huge thanks to Mrs. Reddy, district physical education teachers and the entire committee of helpers who assisted her with the event. We were very fortunate that once again this year, assistance was provided by Jeff Foster from the Spartan Organization. Students were presented with a myriad of events to challenge themselves physically. This year’s theme was Modes of Transportation, “Are we There Yet?” Coordinating with the theme, there were a few antique cars, tandem bicycles, and other modes of transportation. Throughout the

walk there were rope courses for climbing and swinging. The popular five-gallon water jug carry, cement ball roll, and net course were all included again this year. It was great seeing students tackling these challenges. It was even better seeing so many parents walking with their children and doing all the activities. The idea is that we don’t just walk for a day, we walk for a lifetime. So get out there and WALK!

Northern Lincoln Elementary Celebrates 12th Anniversary of District Walk

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Lincoln Public Schools

Blended Learning at Saylesville Elementary School

In an on-going effort to help all students improve, Saylesville Elementary School is identifying ways to improve differentiation and provide personalized learning opportunities for our students. One approach we are investigating and implementing is through blended learning. To support our teachers, we are working with a coach from the Highlander Institute, and our teachers work with the LPS Technology Coach, Dianne Mohler. Last year three teachers worked with the Highlander coach; this year eight teachers are working with the coach. Our initial efforts are focusing on developing a classroom culture that will support blended learning; developing efficient routines; and ensuring the learning tasks are appropriately matched to the learners and learning goals. In addition to the support the teachers get from our district and the Highlander Institute, Principal Reza Sarkarati joined a group of administrators that meet monthly to share best practices and collaborate to help school leaders identify and work through implementation challenges. The “FUSE Leaders” alternate

between sit-down meetings and site visits. On Wednesday, October 18, Saylesville hosted the first FUSE Leader site visit to see what a school looks like in the early phases of implementing blended learning. On October 18th, over twenty administrators visited Saylesville including Principals, Assistant Principals, and Central Administrators from elementary, middle and high schools from all around Rhode Island, as well as members of the Highlander Team. The visitors followed a schedule where they spent 20 minutes in the classrooms of teachers who are currently working with the Highlander Coach to see how they blend learning through a station-rotation model. The guests scanned a QR code outside of each classroom to answer specific questions posted by the teachers. After the classroom visits, the teachers met with the FUSE Leaders for a Q and A. The questions and answers revealed the level of planning and thought that went into the centers; gave the Administrators ideas on how to support teacher growth; and provided the Administrators with ideas they could bring back to their schools. The teachers returned to class and the FUSE Leaders continued their discussion and shared tools and resources to further our learning. Before the end of the day, Mr. Sarkarati checked in with the teachers and students to debrief the experience and identify take-aways and next steps. Overall it was a very positive experience for our teachers and the members of the FUSE Leader group.

Important Dates

11/22/17 Elementary Only Early Dismissal

11/23/17 & 11/24/17 Thanksgiving Recess (No School)

12/4/17 Commissioner of Education Community Meeting 4:30 - 5:30 PM @ LMS

12/7/17 Elementary Early Dismissal - Parent Conferences

12:30 - 3:30 PM & 6 - 8:30 PM

12/12/17 Elementary Evening Parent Conferences 5:30 - 8:30 PM

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Volume 9 Issue 1

Inspired by an ELA journal prompt, the current events concerning natural disasters, and a conversation of leadership, seventh grade student, Chris Cooke, shared his second journal entry with his class during the first week of school. After learning about Gandhi’s message of nonviolence (ahimsa) and drawing insight from his quote, “ “Be the change, you wish to see in the world,” Chris wrote and shared with the class:

“I wish every person donated $1 for hurricane victims.”

From his idea, this fundraiser was born. Team 6 immediately joined to advocate with Chris. As the weeks progressed, Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico. Students in our school like Yomalis Villabos, were visibly upset, voicing concern and worry for not being able to contact family members. It became clear that Yomalis was not the only student at Lincoln Middle School affected by this natural disaster. Together, the team decided to channel their efforts to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Maria, supporting students like Yomalis and also joining Chris' wish to change our current world by asking that every student and teacher at LMS contribute $1 for the victims and families. There are 770 students at LMS, but Principal Costa told the students to aim high and try to raise $1,000 for the victims. Through a promotional video, "Hat Day," and a week of raising

money before and

during school lunches, LMS students and faculty came together in a way that exceeded that large goal. LMS was alive with students volunteering, cheering when anyone donated money, and consistently discussing our mission with our community. On October 17th, the last

day of the fundraiser, the Lincoln Middle School community had successfully collected $1,239.06 which will be donated to Somos Una Voz. Great job Lincoln Middle School—we are very proud of you! “Socks in Box” – No it’s not Dr. Seuss In partnership with the Goodwill Industries of Rhode Island, the Lincoln Middle School community held a sock drive to benefit individuals in our local communities. Together the students and faculty of Lincoln Middle School collected 1,553 pairs of socks that will be donated and provided to those less fortunate individuals across the state that need community support. This sock drive was sponsored by the Lincoln Middle School Student Council. Participation was evident across the entire school as each team embraced the opportunity to give back to our community. Fantastic job Lincoln Middle School—we are very of proud you!

Lincoln Middle School Community Exceeds $1,000 Goal for Those Affected by Hurricane Maria

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Lincoln Public Schools

Mrs. Melanie Mellen, Lincoln Central Elementary School, Physical Education and Health

Lincoln Central Elementary is fortunate to have a cadre of exceptional teachers. Melanie Mellen, our new (to us) Physical Education and Health teacher, is a perfect fit! Melanie began her career in Lincoln in 2002 at Lincoln High School. The following year she moved to the middle school where she spent 8 years teaching physical education. After spending another 6 years at the high school level, Melanie came to Central Elementary this year - and we couldn’t be happier! Mrs. Mellen brings an enthusiasm and joy to her job that is contagious. Her lessons are creative and fun -- and highly anticipated by her students. (Her disco bowling unit is quite

a sight to see!!). She infuses innovative techniques to address physical movement and coordination that bring out the kid in all of us. Many a wistful staff member has wanted to spend a few minutes in Mrs. Mellen’s gym class this year! Yoga, Pilates, games, holiday themed lessons and props all add to the adventure that is gym time at Central Elementary. Melanie also has a busy home life caring for her 3 sons, her dog Ivan, and her husband of 15 years, TJ, who is a middle school principal in North Providence. Two of her sons, Carson and Maddox, are students at Central! Her oldest son, Brady, attends Lincoln Middle School. When she has a minute to herself, Melanie likes to play volleyball, take pictures, and listen to music.

Michelle Tamburino is a fifth grade teacher at Lonsdale Elementary School. She decided to become a teacher while she worked as a volunteer in her children’s classrooms in Providence. Michelle has taught students in Central Falls, Providence, and East Providence before she joined the team at Lonsdale this Fall. Mrs. Tamburino loves teaching fifth grade because she thinks fifth graders are so much fun! Last year, she worked with the Highlander Institute to bring blended learning to her classroom in East Providence. Michelle is happily continuing her work with blended learning this year at Lonsdale. If you visit her classroom, you

will see students working with technology and collaborating around engaging tasks, while she’s providing small group instruction. Working at Lonsdale is a pleasure for Michelle because she has great colleagues and enjoys collaborating with them. She is also getting to know the many wonderful families that make up the Lonsdale community. Born near Detroit, Michigan, Michelle has lived in many states around the country. She has been living in Providence for twelve years, which is the longest she’s lived anywhere. Mrs. Tamburino and her husband, Peter, have been married for eighteen years. They have two children that attend Classical High School in Providence. When she’s not teaching, she and her family love trying out new restaurants and

attending many cultural events around the city. We are so happy Mrs.Tamburino joined our

Lonsdale Elementary School family!

Mrs. Michelle Tamburino, Lonsdale Elementary School, Grade 5 Teacher

Mrs. Lisa Silvestri, Northern Lincoln Elementary School, Grade 4 Teacher

by the atmosphere and quality of the education that her sons were receiving in Lincoln. Now that she has returned to the classroom, she is thrilled to be a part of the team that she so admired as a parent When she is not in the classroom, Lisa’s life revolves around her family. As a mom, teacher, religious education teacher, and cub scout den leader, she only daydreams about having free time! But, if ever she finds herself with some free time, she enjoys scrapbooking, sewing, gardening and baking. Northern Elementary is very fortunate to have Mrs. Silvestri on staff!

Mrs. Lisa Silvestri is one of the newest additions to the faculty of Northern Elementary School. She is our new grade 4 teacher, and she joins an excellent team of teachers at the Great Northern! Lisa graduated from RIC with a degree in Psychology and later, a Masters in Elementary Education. She thoroughly enjoyed beginning her teaching career in Woonsocket. While taking time off to raise her sons, David and Kevin, Lisa relished the opportunity to be fully involved in their lives,

including their education. As a parent volunteer,

Lisa was duly impressed

We consider ourselves very fortunate to have such a talented educator on our Central team -- Melanie embodies all the qualities of a true professional!

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Volume 9 Issue 1

Claudia Martin is Saylesville’s newest fifth grade teacher. This is her 26th year of teaching and her first year in Lincoln. Prior to joining the Saylesville team, Claudia was a teacher in the Providence Public Schools and a tutor for RI Tutorial Educational Services. Claudia is a graduate of RI College with a major in Elementary Education and Psychology. She has her Master’s Degree in Literacy from Providence College, and she is a licensed Reading Specialist. “I love everything about Saylesville. I love the community, collegiality and the positive learning environment. I especially love the students! They are so eager to learn and they are engaging. I love the conversations and the relationships we are building together.” Ms. Martin has quickly become an integral part

of the school community and she is a member of the PBIS team. While in Providence, Ms. Martin served on her school’s PBIS team and has brought a number of ideas and contacts to Saylesville that will enhance the learning experience of the students and staff. She is a member of the PTO and has participated in school events such as the Back to School Social and the Harvest Fest. “I really feel like I’m at home here.” Ms. Martin’s experience is an asset to our school. She collaborates with her colleagues and brings her knowledge of reading, writing, science, math and study skills to our school. She regularly plans with Mrs. Gingras, her grade level teacher, as well as Mrs. Almstrom and Ms. Manfredi, Special Educators. She is working with Mrs. Mohler to incorporate digital

Ms. Claudia Martin, Saylesville Elementary School, Grade 5 Teacher

learning into her classroom. She is also working on some special projects with Mrs. Oullette, the librarian, and Mrs. Crowell, the Kindergarten teacher, that will be rolled out later this winter. We are excited to have Ms. Martin as a member of our learning community! She truly is a Saylesville Star!!!

Bonnie Lavallee, Lincoln Middle School, School Nurse Teacher

Bonnie Lavallee is Lincoln Middle School’s new school nurse teacher. She comes to us from Providence where she worked as a nurse at Carl G. Lauro Elementary School. Prior to her position in Providence, she worked in the outpatient program at Bradley Hospital for eight years. Ms. Lavallee has developed a wealth of experience in her twenty years as a pediatric nurse. Growing in her profession is important for her, so she continues to learn at Rhode Island College, working towards a Masters

degree in health education. Ms. Lavallee has a fiancé and two sons, Michael who is 15 years old, and Remy who is in second grade. In her spare time, Ms. Lavallee can usually be found wherever her sons’ interests take her, as she is a dedicated mom who enjoys spending most of her free time with family. Ms. Lavallee looks forward to learning more about the community of Lincoln, getting to know the children and families of Lincoln Middle

School, and promoting the overall health of all students in our school. Welcome to Lincoln Ms. Lavallee!

Mr. Roy Boudreau, Lincoln High School, Technology Education Teacher

Since 2004, Lincoln High School has been lucky to call technology education teacher Mr. Roy Boudreau its own. Mr. Boudreau primarily teaches Automotive Technology courses, but has also taught Small Engines and Exhibition courses. Mr. Boudreau’s dedication to his students has ensured that his Automotive Technology courses are full of students excited to develop real world skills. Students perform basic repairs and maintenance on vehicles to ensure their skills are ready for the workplace. Mr. Boudreau goes out of his way to help his students. He’s been known to scour the junk yards of New England for parts needed to fix student cars and can often be found tinkering in the Automotive shop on the weekend and during the summer.

Mr. Boudreau is exceptionally involved in school activities. He served as the co-advisor to the Class of 2007 and is the long-time co-advisor to the Variety Show. Mr. Boudreau also truly enjoys helping other faculty and staff members. There have been countless times when Mr. Boudreau has saved the day with microphones, cords and other technology items, not to mention help with vehicles! In his spare time, Mr. Boudreau enjoys working on his classic cars — a bright yellow 1932 Ford five window street rod coupe and a 1972 blue Corvette which he has owned since 1973! The true highlight of his time away from school is provided by his seven grandchildren who range in age from 6 months to 9 years old. Mr. Boudreau is very proud of his two daughters,

both teachers, one of whom teaches at Saylesville. Mr. Boudreau is an example of what

makes Lincoln High School great!

WWW . L INCOLNPS .ORG

Lincoln High School has focused as a learning community on ensuring the practices of “deeper learning” are present in its classrooms on a daily basis. As with all schools in the district, we started the year with faculty becoming familiar with the National Institute for School Leadership’s Instructional Coaching Institute. One of the foundations of that program is an understanding of the “6 Key Practices of Deeper Learning.” Deeper learning focuses on tasks that make students think beyond rote memorization and recall of facts. Some of the exciting learning opportunities that have taken place at LHS this year include the following. On Friday, October 20th, forty-five members of the LHS Journalism Academy visited the University of Rhode Island, the only university in our state that offers a degree in Journalism. Working with Professor John Pantalone, Chair of the Journalism Department at the Harrington School of

“Deeper Learning” Opportunities at Lincoln High School

Communications at URI, tours were punctuated with sessions conducted by professors, staff and student leaders in the journalism program. Students toured the school’s facilities, including the extensive television broadcast and digital media facilities at Ranger Hall, as well as the offices of The Good 5 Cent Cigar and the WRIU broadcasting offices at Rodman Hall. Most important, LHS scholars engaged in sessions that focused on appropriate majors and concentrations in communications, the current state of the media, ethics in journalism, covering politics in a highly emotionally charged atmosphere, audio editing, film editing, radio broadcasting vs. online podcasting, editorial ‘budgeting’ and newsworthiness, sports journalism, internships, newspaper distribution, the role of a campus newspaper, and much more. As part of the Lincoln Public Schools Confucius Classroom partnership with Bryant University, students in Mrs. Sarah Lane’s AP World History and Mrs. Casey Carr’s AP Human

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Geography classes travelled to Bryant in early October to view the Silk Road artifacts and Buddhist cave replica. The exhibit is entitled: Dunhuang: An Oasis for East-West Cultural, Commercial, and Religious Exchanges Along the Ancient Silk Road The centerpiece is a replica of Cave 285 of the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Gansu Province, China. This visually rich 6th-century cave is known for its exceptional collection of Buddhist artworks. The students benefited immensely from this rich learning experience. In Mr. Boudreau’s Automotive Technology classes, students worked on replacing a fuel tank on a 1995 Suzuki Sidekick. From discovering the origin of the fuel leak to designing a complex plan of action, the students had to think critically and work in teams. The Auto I classes learned how to prep the car by safely removing the fuel and tank. Auto II removed the rusted cross member pieces and transferred the fuel pump and fuel sender assemblies to the new tank. Auto III fabricated the new cross member and welded it into place and reinstalled the new fuel tank. These are just some of the great learning opportunities presented to students this quarter!