Dear editor,

I am the mother of a third grader and a sixth grader currently attending Lincoln and I have been the treasurer for the Lincoln Parent Teacher Organization this year and last. The reason I chose to participate in this role is that I want to be a part of the pro-active movement that is happening here. I feel the principal and teachers are working together to go above and beyond to teach children how to be positive role models and connect with those in their student community.

A variety of incentive programs have been implemented. Children that are chosen by their peers as exemplary students get to walk the “red carpet” at student assemblies and be recognized.

Students can also be recognized by different staff to gain this achievement. The class that gets the most points for being positive also is recognized promoting healthy team building.

Possibly the most positive addition to the organizational activities at Lincoln Elementary is the “Den.” My kids love this. Its where the students are grouped together with other students of every grade at the school. They form a sort of family unit within the Lincoln school community. This promotes connectivity, team building and acceptance among the students. This is especially important with the wide variety of families that attend Lincoln Elementary.

Bullying and other problematic social behaviors have remained an issue that refuses to be resolved, but I am thankful my children have a school to go to that is taking such a pro-active stance.

Michele Kaplan
Marshfield, WI