Lincoln Unified School District

January 29, 2010

Dear Parents and Community Members,

This year brings new opportunities and challenges.  Many people are worried about the economy; some have lost pay while others have lost jobs and homes. In Lincoln we have always worked as a team to overcome a challenge. We advise our students that they are in control of their futures. Epictetuse (a Greek philosopher who was born a slave) said: First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.  And Carl Sandburg said: Nothing happens unless first we dream. It doesn’t matter if we are at the top or bottom of our class or our profession, we can take that step and begin a new journey to who we want to become. The entire staff and I pledge to work to help each one of our students succeed in becoming who they dream to be.

Important information for Lincoln USD families:

Kindergarten/New Student Registration:

• The District has designated March 15-April 10 as Kindergarten/New Student Registration. All required forms will be posted on the Student Enrollment page by March 10, 2010.

 

School Calendars:

• The Board of Trustees adopted the 2010-11 School Calendar on October 7, 2009. A link to that calendar is on the right-hand column of this page. The 2010-11 school year will start on Wednesday, August 18. The last day of school is scheduled to be June 2, 2011.

 

• A link to the 2009-10 School Calendar is still available.

 

Save Science Camp:

Do you remember going to Jones Gulch or Redwood Glen for Science Camp in 6th grade? Do you remember a friend, neighbor
or child going to science camp and coming home with special memories like the excitement of exploring the tide pools or the thrill of the Night Hike? For some it is their first time away from home, their first visit to the ocean, or their first camp experience. Science Camp provides positive lasting memories and stories well into adulthood.

Unfortunately, this 50 year Lincoln tradition may come to an end this year due to current budget constraints. There is currently a campaign under way, lead by concerned Lincoln district parents, to save science camp for future generations of children. If you believe in preserving this opportunity for Lincoln Unified students, or if you value the experience you, your child or someone you know had at Science Camp, please help!

• Click on the Save Science Camp icon on the right-hand column of this page. You can sponsor a student for $260 - or make a donation of any amount. Every dollar helps.  Together we can make a difference!

 

Budget:

• The State budget crisis continues to have a serious impact on Lincoln Unified schools and programs. It is expected that mid-year cuts will be made again this year. In order to give the Lincoln community opportunity to provide input, the Board will hold discussions regarding the District's funding priorities during each regular Board meeting for the next several months. Click here for a calendar of those meetings: Board Calendar

 

• If you would like to send questions or comments regarding the impact of the State's budget on Lincoln Unified schools and programs, please send them to lwalker@lusd.net.

 

Parent Surveys:

We are interested in what you think!  Please use the "Parent Survey" link on the right-hand column to access two surveys for Lincoln USD parents:

• Parent Survey1 asks for your opinions on school culture, safety and communications.
• The Parent Involvement Survey asks for your experiences communicating with and/or volunteering at school.

Both surveys are short, but will prove to be very helpful. Would you please take them?

H1N1 Virus (Swine flu):

• The novel H1N1 (Swine) flu is expected to affect many of our families this spring. This particular flu seems to affect those 25 and under more frequently (although all age groups are susceptible). Public health officials want you to protect yourself and your familyagainst influenza. At the bottom of this page are some ways to stop the spread of germs and sickness and take care of your family. There are also some links to recommended websites.

 

• It is most important that you and your family are vaccinated against seasonal and H1N1 flu.

 

• If your child becomes sick with flu-like symptoms (fever, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, body aches), please keep your child AT HOME. We are following the CDC's guidelines: Everyone will be excluded from work/school until fever-free for 24 hours without taking any fever-reducing medications.

 

If your child becomes sick with a fever (higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit) and other flu-like symptoms (cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, extreme tiredness, sore throat, headache, body aches, vomiting, or diarrhea), please keep your child AT HOME. We are following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC's) guidelines in asking parents to keep sick children at home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have fever and have stopped taking medication for fever or flu symptoms.  This may require students to stay home for at least 3-5 days. Keeping children with a fever at home will reduce the number of people who may get infected. Any children who are determined to be sick with influenza like illness while at school will be sent home.

We wish you and your family a wonderful, healthy and productive year!

Sincerely,

Steve Lowder, Ed.D.
District Superintendent

Six Steps for Keeping Your Family Healthy