A message from Principal Shelley . . .

Dear Families and Friends,

I am excited to share that our school will host the Second Annual Lincoln Elementary All‑School Spelling Bee this week! This event is a wonderful tradition and a joyful moment in our school calendar — one that brings students, staff, and families together to celebrate learning, courage, and community.

A spelling bee is much more than a contest of words. For participants, it is a powerful life experience: preparing for the bee teaches study skills, focus, and perseverance; stepping to the microphone builds confidence and public‑speaking ability; and facing challenging words helps children learn how to manage nerves and keep trying. For audience members — classmates, siblings, parents, and teachers — watching a peer take a risk and do their best is a meaningful lesson in empathy and respect.

This week’s bee will showcase the qualities we most want for our students:

Courage: Every speller who steps up demonstrates bravery. Trying, even when the outcome is uncertain, is a success in itself.

Resilience: Preparing for and participating in the bee gives students experience recovering from mistakes, learning from them, and persisting.

Support: Our school community models kindness when we cheer, clap, and encourage every child. Rooting for one another builds a safe, growth‑minded culture.

We encourage all families to come if you can — your presence matters. Cheering on classmates, offering smiles and applause, and showing appreciation for effort will make the event more meaningful for our students. If you’re not able to attend, please join us in spirit: ask your child what they learned while preparing, celebrate their effort, and remind them that growth matters more than any single result.

Logistics at a glance

When: Friday, January 23, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.— please arrive 10–15 minutes early

Where: School Auditorium

Thank you for helping make this week special. The spelling bee is a powerful opportunity for our students to grow in confidence, resilience, and compassion — and to see that learning is a brave, shared adventure.

With gratitude and pride,

Principal Shelley

January 20, 2026

Collaborative School Committee Meeting (Virtual)

January 23, 2026

Lincoln Elementary School Spelling Bee

As we return to the classroom this week, it’s important for our community to know that respiratory illnesses are widespread in Colorado, including influenza (flu). 

We have seen a dramatic increase in illnesses over the past two weeks at Lincoln.  Please read this important information, and please keep your student home if he or she is sick.  Also, students and adults are encouraged to wear masks if they have symptoms.

Flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 illnesses are caused by viruses. Symptoms often include fever or feeling feverish, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle or body aches. People who get one of these viral respiratory illnesses mostly have respiratory symptoms (i.e., coughing, sore throat). If you think a child has the flu, RSV, or COVID-19, they should stay home until they've been fever-free for at least 24 hours and their symptoms are improving. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) has guidance to help families decide when to keep children home from school.  

The flu usually causes mild to moderate symptoms that can be treated at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications for pain and fever as needed. However, young children, older adults, and people with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness and complications. 

How to protect yourself and those around you: 

Stay up to date on vaccines (including your yearly flu shot). It’s not too late to get a flu shot to offer extra protection during this tough flu season. 

Wash your hands often. 

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Illness Related Absences

We love to see our students at school each day but we also know that absences due to illness can and do happen, especially during this time of year. If children become ill and cannot attend school, guardians should contact the school to notify them that the absence is due to illness. Without this notification, schools are not able to excuse the absence. Note: A school may require documentation after a student has exceeded 10 absences due to illness or injury. 

Although both excused and unexcused absences are considered when determining if a student is chronically absent, excused absences do not count towards truancy filings. The fewer unexcused absences a student has, the less likely the student will be considered for a truancy court referral. 

Important — CMAS Testing Window for Lincoln 3rd–6th Grade Students

Colorado’s statewide assessment (CMAS — Colorado Measures of Academic Success) will be administered to all Lincoln students in grades 3–6 during a required three‑week testing window this spring. Strong attendance during this window is essential so every student can complete their tests without interruption.

Please:

Mark your calendars for the three‑week testing period (April 7, 2026 - April 24, 2027)

Avoid scheduling appointments, vacations, or late arrivals on school days during that window.

Make sure students get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast on test days.

Why this matters:

These statewide results help teachers and the district understand student progress and guide instruction.

When students are present, testing runs more smoothly and minimizes stress for classmates and teachers.

We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring every child is at school and ready to do their best. If you have scheduling conflicts or questions, please contact the school office or your child’s teacher.

Thank you for your support!

ChatGPT has some concerning new features that the generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool, ChatGPT, will be launching soon. 

One of the new features ChatGPT is adding is a new collaborative chat allowing up to 20 people to chat together in a group. Each participant can send messages and see responses from others. With this feature, there are significant concerns about increased opportunity for cyberbullying, student data exposure, unmonitored interactions, academic misconduct, over-reliance on the tool and much more.

In addition to the collaborative chat, ChatGPT also shared that adult content will be allowed on their site starting in early 2026. This content is not appropriate for students. It is our responsibility to ensure students are only engaging with age-appropriate information and systems. Exposure to adult content can potentially facilitate harmful interactions and/or the creation of content related to self-harm, violence and bullying.

Due to these concerns, the district has decided to block access to ChatGPT on all school-issued devices and on our DPS network. Effective immediately, students will no longer be able to access ChatGPT from their DPS device and the DPS network. While AI tools have become more ingrained in our learning, working and personal lives, this decision has been made to prioritize students’ safety and privacy.

The DPS AI Governance committee will meet in late January to discuss blocking ChatGPT for staff members districtwide. More information will be shared at that time.

We encourage the exploration of AI tools by our students and staff, and have alternative tools where they can do that safely. Google Gemini is the district approved AI tool, which follows all of our safety and privacy rules. Students and staff can access it through their DPS accounts.

Over the coming months, the district will develop updated Acceptable Use Policies to address unique risks presented by generative AI, as well as guidelines and training to ensure all educators can identify and respond to AI misuse. We will keep the community informed on our progress.

The Lincoln Student Store is Open!

Check out Lincoln's new online store!  

IT'S TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR

Current Lincoln ECE Families - Check Your Email for Pre-Registration Details to Guarantee Your Enrollment for the 2026-2027 School Year

The SchoolChoice Round 1 window is earlier this year! For the 2026-27 school year, the application will open at 10 a.m. on Dec. 2 and close at 4 p.m. on Jan. 20, 2026. Families will be notified of placement results in late February. Please go to the SchoolChoice website for up-to-date information and resources.

Lincoln School Tours are happening. More information can be found on the Lincoln Website: Lincoln Elementary Website

PTSA Community Meeting

Thu, Jan 29  | 6:45pm-8:30pm

Join us for our PTSA Community Meeting on January 29th in the Lincoln Innovation space. Learn about news and relevant updates from PTSA and how to get involved. Free childcare is provided, please sign up for child care here.

2026 Lincoln Elementary Talent Show

Submission Deadline is Fri, Jan 23

Thu, Feb 12  | 6:00pm-7:30pm

Mark your calendars! The 2026 Lincoln Elementary Talent Show is coming up on Thursday, February 12th, from 6–7:30 PM in the Lincoln Auditorium. This is your chance to shine, share your talents, and celebrate the creativity of our amazing school community! In addition to our fantastic on-stage performers, we’re excited to bring back our Creative Showcase for students whose talents go beyond the stage. Whether it’s painting, photography, writing, or another artistic pursuit, we want to highlight your creativity. 

Interested performers and creative showcase participants: Complete this form to sign up! To keep the show at a manageable length and avoid formal auditions, performance spots will be limited. We’re so excited by the enthusiasm each year and encourage families to sign up early. All submissions must be received by Friday, January 23rd and detailed instructions will be provided once the submission window closes and/or the submission cap is reached, whatever happens first.

Group performances are welcome, but please remember that each participating student must submit a form. 

Thank you and we look forward to another successful event to honor the creative, talented and courageous students of Lincoln! Get excited to share your unique gifts and cheer on your friends. We can’t wait to see all the incredible talent Lincoln Elementary has to offer. Please contact Katy Downie or Michelle Marshall TalentShow@mylincolnptsa.org with any questions.

Lynx Experience Auction

Host Deadline is Fri, Jan 23

We’re excited to kick off this year’s Lynx Experiences, one of Lincoln’s most fun and community-building fundraisers! Lynx Experiences are unique activities hosted by Lincoln families, teachers, or staff - think game nights, craft parties, cooking classes, or social events. 

You host it. We sell the tickets. 100% of proceeds support Lincoln programs, classrooms, and school events!

What’s new this year?
Lynx Experiences are no longer tied to BASH. To give families more flexibility, experiences will be offered in two rounds:

Round 1: February-August 2026 (sign-up to host an experience!)

Round 2: September 2026-January 2027 (you can express interest now!)

Important Dates

Friday, January 23: Deadline to submit your Lynx Experience

February: Tickets go on sale

February–August: Teacher/Staff and Community-hosted experiences take place

No idea is too big or too small, and co-hosting is encouraged. Our goal is to offer 25 community-hosted experiences, engage at least half of Lincoln families, and raise $20,000 for our school.

Ready to host?  Submit your experience here: Host a Lynx Experience!
Questions or need help brainstorming? Email us at fundraising@mylincolnptsa.org

Save the Date!

Lincoln BASH 2026 – Be A School Hero

Sat, Apr 25

Mark your calendars! Lincoln BASH (“Be a School Hero”) returns on
Saturday, April 25, 2026, and this year we’re celebrating at a new venue, Skylight.

BASH is our largest annual fundraiser and a beloved adults-only night out featuring great food and drinks, music and dancing, a live and online auction, and a paddle raise, all in support of the programs, classrooms, and experiences that make Lincoln such a special place.

Help Pick the 2026 BASH Theme
We want your creative ideas! Help shape the night by submitting a theme suggestion. 

Support BASH: Donations & Connections Needed

Our auction is a huge part of what makes BASH successful, and we’re now accepting donations. We’re also looking for community connections - if you know a business, family, or contact who may be interested in donating to BASH, please let us know!

Ways to support:

Donate an auction item or experience (tickets, gift cards, services, unique items, experiences, etc)

Donate a vacation home stay (always a top auction item!)

Get Involved:
We’re also looking for volunteers to help with auction procurement, food/alcohol donations, and communications. If you’d like to join the BASH team, reach out to bash@mylincolnptsa.org.

Mini-Auction: Kids’ Summer Camps

Jan 30 – Feb 6

Planning ahead for summer? We’ve got you covered! A special Mini-Auction featuring Kids’ Summer Camp experiences is coming soon and will run January 30-February 6. This is a great opportunity to secure summer plans for your kids while supporting Lincoln.

This mini-auction will feature a variety of popular camp experiences for different ages and interests, including Team Fussbally, Camp Galileo, Curious Jane, Dream Big Day Camp, Avid4Adventure, Challenger Sports, Steve & Kate’s Camp, Silicon STEM Academy, Creator Camp, and more!

Mark your calendar and stay tuned for bidding details!

Restaurant Night: Chipotle Mexican Grill

Wed, Jan 28  | 4:00pm-8:00pm

371 E Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80209

Spice up your dinner plans with other Lincoln families at Chipotle! Enjoy a fresh, fast, and delicious meal while supporting our amazing school.

Here’s how to participate:

Mention "Lincoln Elementary School” before ordering in person 

Use promo code ARNBP7L at chipotle.com 

25% of your total order goes back to Lincoln!

Note: Delivery orders and gift card purchases do not qualify. In-person or online pickup orders only.

Buy A Yearbook!

Yearbook sales are open! Purchase a 2025-26 Yearbook today. Early bird pricing is $28 and ends March 15th. You can also purchase student dedication ads to celebrate your student's year and give them a shout-out in the book. You will design it right in our Ad Builder and will just need to make an account with the Yearbook Market App before you start. Order a book and buy an ad here.

Lincoln Fall Camping Trip

Reservations open Sun, Mar 1

Trip Dates: Aug 28 – 30 @ Pinewood Reservoir

With the 2026 first day of school on 8/24/26, the Lincoln Fall Camping trip will follow tradition and occur the weekend of 8/28/26. Reservations for the Lincoln camping trip can be made here starting Sunday March 1st for a Friday August 28th arrival. Last year, families reserved the majority of the sites at Pinewood very early.

If you reserve a spot, please fill in this sheet so someone else can buy your spot if you are unable to attend. Anyone who is unsuccessful at getting a spot and would like to come can also fill out their contact information for potential site sharing opportunities. Contact Kevin Mathers (kfm6861@yahoo.com) w/ questions.

Support Lincoln PTSA While You Shop at Modern Bungalow!

Are you looking for new furniture or home décor? Now’s a great time to shop and give back to our school community! 

Through May 31, 2026, Modern Bungalow will donate 5% of your purchase to Lincoln. Just mention “Lincoln” at checkout, whether you shop online at www.modernbungalow.com or visit their store in person at 1028 S. Gaylord Street, Denver, CO 80209, located on Old South Gaylord in Wash Park.

Thank you for supporting Lincoln while supporting local!