Lincoln Newsletter #14

Posted Date: 11/12/26 (05:18 PM)

Lincoln Middle School

Weekly Update

November 12, 2026

Lincoln Families

Before this week's updates, I want to acknowledge what our school community has been through. I know the last several days have been stressful for students and parents alike, and I want to take a moment to be clear about the facts, because our students deserve for the adults around them to have accurate information.

What happened this week

On Monday, we received a report of a threat that originated on social media over the weekend. We immediately began looking into it alongside the Cottage Grove Police Department, and we sent a message to families that same night. After a thorough investigation, the threat could not be verified.

As word spread, additional rumors followed, including rumors about a gun on campus. I want to say this plainly: there was no gun on our campus, and no report of a gun was ever made. No credible or specific threat was found, and no student was found to pose a threat to our school. The police and our staff followed up on every piece of information that reached us.

The only thing we have been able to verify is this: one student was asked repeatedly throughout the morning whether they were the person planning to bring a weapon to school. The student said no; again and again. After being asked more than a dozen times, the student became frustrated and said some things they should not have said. That is what we can confirm. The student's parents have been notified, and there have been consequences.

You may have seen Cottage Grove police officers on and around campus this week. They were there to help support our students and families through a stressful week; not because there was a threat. Counselors have been available to any student who needed them, and our staff did a wonderful job helping kids return to steady routines.

If you or your child hears or sees anything concerning, please bring it directly to me at Laura.Clark@slane.k12.or.us or through the main office, rather than sharing it online. Every report is taken seriously and followed up on. If anyone is ever in immediate danger, call 911.

Thank you for your patience, your questions, and your partnership this week. I am proud of how our students and staff have taken care of each other, and I am glad to be back to our regular updates next week.

Warmly,

Laura Clark

Principal

Lincoln Holiday Store

Lincoln Community,

We’re gathering donations for our Lincoln Holiday Store, and we would love your help!

Think of the Holiday Store as an indoor garage sale with a special purpose: students shop for gifts for their families without spending real money. Instead, they use “holiday bucks” they earn through positive behaviors and acts of kindness.

Your donated items become gifts students can choose for the people they care about. It’s a wonderful way to recognize kindness while giving students the joy of giving to others.

As you look around your home, please consider whether you have new or gently used items that another family might enjoy. Gift-worthy books, games, toys, jewelry, home décor, and other small treasures could help make the store special.

Thank you for helping us celebrate kindness, generosity, and the joy of giving. Your support makes this experience possible for our Lincoln students!

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent teacher conferences are kicking off in a few weeks! We still have time slots available and we would love to see you. Students do better in school when parents get involved. Attending Parent-Teacher Conferences is one way to be involved and help your child succeed.

Conferences are Monday November 24th and Tuesday November 25th from 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm

* Final conferences are scheduled at 7:40pm and our building will close at 8:00 pm

Conferences can be scheduled at PTCFast.com CLICK HERE

If you have any questions about which conferences to schedule or with which teachers, please check Home Access Center, CLICK HERE for current grades.

Also, BOOK FAIR will be here and this is a great opportunity to support your students' love of reading and the Lincoln Middle School Library.

Growing Together with Technology

As our students grow, so do their technology privileges and responsibilities — a great opportunity for families to grow together, too! Navigating technology as a family helps build trust, understanding, and healthy habits that serve students well now and in the future.

Each week, I'll be posting 2 to 3 questions for parents to consider discussing with their teens, opening the door for meaningful conversations about safe and responsible technology use.

This week's questions focus on Veterans Day:

What is your favorite way to show appreciation to someone who has helped you, and why do you think it's important?
Can you share something you learned this week about veterans with me?
What are some ways our family can work together to support local veterans or participate in community events honoring them?

After School Homework Help

Good News!

Starting November 18th, we will have high school students on campus Wednesdays from 1:30–2:30 PM to provide additional homework help and tutoring for our students!

We are excited to offer four tutors with a variety of strengths:

Two general tutors who can help with a variety of subjects.
One tutor specializing in Language Arts and Social Studies.
One math tutor who is also bilingual in Spanish!

This is such a wonderful opportunity for our students to receive extra support, build confidence, and get help with their schoolwork!

Fall Athletics at Lincoln!

¡Deportes de Otoño en Lincoln!

Dates to Remember

11/16 - Ice Cream Party for science classes for winning an attendance challenge!

11/23 - 11/24 - School releases at 1pm - Parent/Teacher conferences 2pm - 8pm

11/25-11/27 - No School

Community Events/Supports

🎉 COTTAGE GROVE FAMILIES, THIS ONE'S FOR YOU! 🎉

💼 Looking for a job?

🎓 Exploring career or training opportunities?

❤️ Could your family use a little extra support?

Bridge Lane is BACK in Cottage Grove, and you're invited to join us for a FREE, family-friendly Career & Resource Fair!

📅 Thursday, November 19

⏰ 3:00–6:00 PM, right after school!

📍 Cottage Grove Armory

🎟️ FREE and open to EVERYONE!

What's waiting for you at Bridge Lane?

💼 Local Employers Hiring Now: Meet employers face-to-face and explore job opportunities close to home.

📝 FREE Resume & Job Application Help: Get friendly, hands-on support, even if you don't have a resume or computer skills.

🎓 Education & Career Training: Discover programs, resources, and opportunities for students, parents, and adults exploring their next steps.

🏡 Support for You & Your Family: Connect with local organizations offering assistance with food, housing, transportation, healthcare, and more.

🎉 Bring the Whole Family! Stop by after school with your kids, explore at your own pace, and enjoy a welcoming community event.

✨ NO COST. NO PRESSURE. NO RESUME REQUIRED. JUST SHOW UP!

Whether you're searching for your next opportunity, planning for the future, or simply curious about resources available in your community, Bridge Lane is here to help you take that next step.

💛 A brighter future starts with a connection. Come see what's possible!

👉 REGISTER FOR FREE HERE: https://www.bridgelane.org/calendar

Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome!

📣 Know a family who could benefit? Please share this invitation!

Bridge Lane is hosted by Collaborative Economic Development Oregon (CEDO) in partnership with local employers, workforce organizations, education partners, and community resource providers.