February 2001 
Lincoln students learn more than academics By Cortnee Burgess, School and Community Relations Intern
|
P roducing successful students is a goal of the teachers and staff at Lincoln Elementary School and they appear to be doing just that. Test scores are improving, attendance has increased, and students are getting more involved in after-school programs. "Anyone who takes a look at what is going on inside this school cannot help but be impressed," said Hollie Goodman who teaches kindergarten and first-grade at Lincoln. Lincoln's California Academic Performance Index (API) ranking for 2000 went up an astounding 87 points over 1999's rank. The API takes a public school's SAT9 test scores from grades 2 through 6 and distills the test score numbers down to a single number. A school's API ranking is then compared to schools statewide and to schools with similar demographics. Educators use the API to measure a school's current academic performance and determine a growth target for the following school year. Pam Lindstrom, Lincoln principal, says the school is now working on new programs and teaching methods for even better test scores next year. "The key to our success is that we have been proactive with our programs," Lindstrom stated. The best programs and the best teachers cannot help students if students are not in the classroom, so that is why Lincoln teachers are stressing the importance to parents that children be at school every day. During his ten years at Lincoln, third-grade teacher Ernie Fabian, has seen the improved results of his students with increased attendance. He also stresses the importance of not only being there, but also being on time. "One of the best ways a parent can help a child be a better student is to make sure they arrive at school every day on time and ready to learn," explained Fabian. After-school, Lincoln offers its students the Community Learning Center. Lindstrom describes this center as being "beyond daycare." The school has formed partnerships with the Humboldt Arts Council, Eureka Parks and Recreation, Redwood Area Math Project (RAMP), AmeriCorps, Boys and Girls Club, and other community organizations that use this center as a place to provide activities for students. "The intent is to provide high quality programs to enhance what students learn during the regular school day," said Lindstrom. "Our school is open every night until 5 or 6 p.m." Goodman said her students who take part in the after-school programs really enjoy it and that she sees the results of the programs in her classroom. Goodman adds, "It's an asset of Lincoln to be able to provide high-quality education and dedicated care from 8-5." Fabian has 11 of his 18 students in after-school programs and feels that these programs are another way to help the students get more out of their educational experience. "Almost all of our teachers and staff are involved in our after-school programs in one way or another," mentions Lindstrom. Lincoln teachers help students be successful through the school's reading programs. The teachers have been using the Soar to Success reading intervention program and have seen great results with the students. The students are also involved in the schoolwide Just Read program. This program encourages students to read every night. Lindstrom said the key to the program is that it is not competitive. "It's not about this kid read more than that kid." Lincoln holds monthly school celebrations in which everyone participates. Last year, the students read over 25,000 books. Students are also rewarded at school with books. "Instead of having an ice cream party, everyone gets a book," mentions Lindstrom. The school's library also serves as a parent resource center and lending library. The library is open for parents every Tuesday until 5:30 p.m. Lincoln's school library has the largest parent circulation in Eureka City Schools. And like many Lincoln teachers, Goodman has a library in her classroom which her students and their parents have access to anytime. The staff at Lincoln also realizes the importance of recognizing the good efforts of students. "We talk a lot about successes," said Fabian. There are awards for attendance, the Pride of the Principal, and other awards students can earn. "Everyone gets recognized for something at Lincoln, it's not just academics," said Lindstrom. 
Technology opportunities play a big part in the Lincoln school day. The school has a computer lab for the primary grade students and upper grades all have at least 3 computers in each classroom. In addition, every classroom and the library are wired for the Internet."The one thing that pulls all of the programs and students together and helps produce successful students is the teachers and staff at Lincoln. At this school you will find a strong group of teachers that are leaders," points out Fabian. "We work together and we get a lot accomplished." "This teamwork is one reason kids don't fall through the cracks at our school," Fabian continued. "We spot where a child can get the extra support they need." At Lincoln you will find a tremendous commitment from the staff to the children, each other, and the community. "We have a team of people here that works together to address individual needs of students and their family," Lindstrom added. "It's a good place for students to be." Goodman feels that "to these children, being at school is the most important part of their day, and this is the most exciting thing for me to be a part of." All the teachers at Lincoln share this spirit and that is why Goodman says "this is a great place to come to work everyday and that is why everyone here wants to be here." Goodman continued, "I wish people would come and visit and see what our school has to offer. They would be so impressed with how well the children are cared for."
|
