Students serve as activators in multiple formal and informal ways at Lincoln Elementary. From being a First Friend to a new student to being part of the interview teams for new staff members, students contribute in meaningful ways to the running of the school.

Literacy – We implement the Iowa Core Curriculum in Literacy. The Core focuses on reading, writing, listening and speaking, as well as foundational phonics skills. The district uses Units of Study for Teaching Reading and Units of Study in Opinion, Information, and Narrative Writing, along with various supplemental resources, including high-quality children’s trade books and research-based instructional strategies to meet the rigorous expectations of the Iowa Core.

Mathematics – We implement the Iowa Core Curriculum in mathematics. The Core focuses on both mathematical understanding and procedural skill. To meet the rigorous expectations of the Iowa Core, the district has adopted the Investigations 3 math program, along with other various supplemental resources to provide rich mathematical and problem-based instructional tasks. Considerable time is given to the application and use of math skills, problem-solving, and quantitative reasoning exercises.

Social Studies - We implement the Iowa Core Curriculum in Social Studies. In third grade, students study how and why people move from one place to another with the theme “Immigration and Migration.” Students look at the geographic, political, and cultural reasons that people move to a new place as well as what they experience during the transition. They understand that a society is a complex and changing place shaped by laws and the civic virtues of the citizens who live there.

In fourth grade, students focus on how society has changed and stayed the same over time. Students see how change is inevitable and the patterns and consequences of change across different historical eras.

Science - Each grade level uses three to four Inquiry-based units aligned to the Next Generation Science standards. In third grade, students use their advancing understanding and skills to study the interactions in earth systems, environments, humans, and the designed world. They begin to formulate answers to questions such as: “How do equal and unequal forces on an object affect the object? How can the impact of weather-related hazards be reduced? How do organisms vary in their traits? What happens to organisms when their environment changes? How can magnets be used?” Third grade students use and develop models and organize data when investigating how different entities and systems interact and influence behaviors, reactions, and traits of various organisms.

Students in fourth grade will use quantitative and qualitative data to formulate arguments about evidence, develop models, analyze and interpret data from maps, and construct explanations related to the transfer of matter and energy on earth, in physical interactions, and in organisms. Students will engage in learning activities and investigations designed to formulate answers to questions such as “What are waves and what are some things they can do? What is energy and how is it related to motion?”

Physical Education and Health - Physical education is a basic requirement for all students. Physical development and body control are basic to the instructional program. Fitness and skills are stressed through organized gymnastics and organized gameplay.

Art - The art program is a comprehensive program K-4 that helps the child with creative expression, artistic development, development of critical skills and the appreciation of art through various mediums.

Music - General music is taught TK-4th grade using First Steps, Conversational Solfege, and Kodaly. These methods focus on creating tuneful, beautiful, and artful musicians as well as grow and strengthen their sight-reading and singing skills. All of the methods used provide a well-rounded and diverse experience for all students. This is a progressive program that builds throughout the student's elementary career focusing not only on music theory but the love and joy that music can bring.

Instrumental music begins in fourth grade with everyone being introduced to a wide variety of instruments. Students begin playing instruments at the end of 4th grade, with lessons offered during the summer and continuing into 5th grade.

PBIS Model School
The Iowa Department of Education named Lincoln Elementary a PBIS Model School for the second year in a row because of our work on implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Becoming a Model School is a great achievement and represents PBIS Implementation at the highest level. PBIS is a multi-tiered system of support for behavior and provides the framework for teachers to implement and monitor prevention and intervention practices. PBIS focuses on conditions to support learning by providing positive, predictable, and safe environments. PBIS has been shown to reduce major disciplinary infractions, reduce out-of-school suspension, improve prosocial behavior, improve academic achievement and improve school climate.

RAMP designation
In 2020 Lincoln Elementary was the only Iowa school to receive the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation and was honored during a special ceremony at the American School Counselor Association’s Annual Conference for making an exemplary commitment to their school counseling programs. The RAMP designation, awarded for aligning with the criteria in the ASCA National Model, recognizes schools committed to delivering a data-informed school counseling program and an exemplary educational environment. The RAMP designation is good for five years, after which time schools must reapply to maintain their RAMP status.

Beyond School Walls
Beyond School Walls is a partnership between Lincoln Elementary, Zoetis, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. It matches Littles (3rd graders) with Bigs (Zoetis employees) in one-on-one mentoring relationships. Students are transported from Lincoln to Zoetis two Tuesdays a month where they meet with their buddy who gives them a look at a real working environment, offers guidance for the future, and engages in fun activities with the Littles. Students are then transported back to school following the mentoring visit.