Lincoln Newsletter #1

Posted Date: 08/10/26 (04:56 PM)

Lincoln Middle School

Weekly Update

August 10, 2026

Lincoln Families,

I am excited to begin my third year as principal of Lincoln Middle School! A new year brings a fresh start and new opportunities to build on the successes of the year before. It was a joy getting to know so many of our scholars and families last year, and I am looking forward to welcoming our new families and reconnecting with those who have been part of the Lincoln community.

I believe that the strongest schools are built through strong partnerships between scholars, families, and staff. When we work together, communicate openly, and support one another, we create an environment where every scholar has the opportunity to thrive.

To help you get to know me here are a few personal and professional details:

I taught math and science for 15 years.
I spent 11 years teaching middle school and 4 years teaching high school.
I have served in school administration for 7 years.
I live in Dorena on 3 acres.
I have four children. My oldest graduated from CGHS a few years ago, and my other three are entering grades 12, 9, and 5. Education in this district is deeply personal to me and my family.
I strive to be honest and transparent with students, staff, and families.
I feel incredibly fortunate to both live and work in the same community I care so much about.

This year, our staff will continue to welcome families into our building and prioritize open and meaningful communication. We want families to feel comfortable reaching out, asking questions, sharing ideas, and partnering with us.

Academically, we will continue to hold high expectations for all scholars while using regular assessments and classroom information to help us understand where each scholar is in their learning. Our goal is not simply to measure learning, but to use what we learn to provide the right support, challenge, and opportunities for growth.

We will also continue to focus on attendance. We know that being at school each day matters. When scholars are here, they have opportunities to learn from their teachers, build relationships with their peers, participate in activities, and feel connected. We recognize that attendance challenges can look different for every family, and we want to work with families to identify barriers and help them be successful.

Most importantly, we want every person to know they belong here. Middle school can be an exciting time, but it can also come with challenges as scholars grow academically, socially, and personally. Our goal is to partner with scholars and families throughout these years so that every person feels known, supported, challenged, and encouraged to become the best version of themselves.

We invite you to be an active part of our Lincoln community. Visit us, ask questions, share your ideas, and learn more about the work we are doing here. We are excited about what this year will bring and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our families.

I look forward to an amazing year together!

Laura Clark

Principal

Lincoln Middle School

Registration & Back-to-School BBQ

In the past, our registration day and Back-to-School BBQ have been held on two separate days. This year, we are excited to combine these events into one evening to make the start of the school year a little easier and more convenient for families!

Our Back-to-School BBQ will be a great opportunity to connect with the Lincoln community before school starts. Families will be able to enjoy dinner together, pick up student schedules, meet teachers, ask questions, and take care of any registration fees that still need to be paid.

If possible, we encourage families to complete the district registration process and pay fees online ahead of time if that option becomes available. Taking care of these items before the BBQ will allow you to spend more of the evening visiting with teachers, meeting other families, and helping your student feel ready and excited for the first day of school.

We hope you will join us! This is a great opportunity for students and families to get comfortable with the building, meet some of the people who will be supporting your student this year, and start the school year feeling connected and prepared.

2026–27 Registration Fees

Required Fees

Infrastructure Fee — $20
Elective Fee — $10
PE Shirt — $10
PE Shorts — $10

PE Uniform: You are welcome to use your PE uniform from last year. Please note that our PE uniform has changed from previous years, so older uniforms may look different from this year's.

Fees Depending on Schedule

Band Fee — $75

Optional Purchase

Yearbook — $25
$30 if purchased after January 1
We do not always order extra yearbooks, and they often sell out, so we encourage families to order early if they would like to be guaranteed a yearbook.

When Can Fees Be Paid?

Fees are due at the time of enrollment/registration. Families can pay:

Online when completing district registration
In the Lincoln office
At our Back-to-School BBQ

If you can pay online during registration, we highly encourage you to do so. It will help make the BBQ a smoother and more enjoyable evening for everyone!

We can't wait to welcome our students and families back to Lincoln and kick off another great school year together!

Sign Up for Fall Athletics

Sign-ups are now on familyid.com for Lincoln Middle School 6th-8th Grade Football, 5th-8th Grade Co-Ed Cross Country, and 7th/8th Grade Girls Volleyball.

ALL practices begin August 24th!

Information will be updated on familyid.com for dates and times, so stay tuned.

All incoming 6th graders will need a new sports physical, which will be current for 2 years. Returning athletes will need a new one every 2 years.

Sports fees are $65 per season. If playing a Fall and Winter Sport, the Spring season will be FREE. If your family falls within the reduced lunch limits (see chart below), your fee is reduced to $40 per season. All fees and fines must be paid in full before the first competition. Currently, you can pay in our office with cash or check. When additional payment options become available, you will be notified.

8/12 from 6-7:30 pm at CGHS, our annual sports physical event will be in full swing. If your athlete needs a physical this year, this is a great time to get one for only $25! Please bring a copy of your physical to Gyna Walton here at Lincoln.

Questions, please call Gyna Walton at 541-767-5903.