Curriculum

How does Lincoln Magnet School address the needs of their gifted students?
Lincoln Magnet School has a strong commitment to the education of our gifted and talented students. Over the years, our School Improvement Plan has addressed the unique educational needs of these students. Our Professional Development Grant activities are targeted to address the needs of all learners. Thematic units of instruction are planned by teams of teachers and specifically address modifications for gifted students. Instructional strategies including clustering, compacting, high-level questions, flexible skills grouping, tiered assignments, interest projects, and contracting are utilized.

Lincoln Magnet School views technology as a source of empowerment, especially for gifted students. Research and presentation opportunities and in-depth, challenging content are made more readily available through technology. Students are stimulated by worthy assignments which engage them mentally and emotionally. Enthusiasm for learning is fostered by tasks involving analyzing, evaluating, synthesizing, and then presenting information. Lincoln Magnet School incorporates these elements in all classes.

What types of services are offered to students who have I.E.P.s?
Students with an I.E.P. receive services from a Special Education teacher who is in the core classes providing accommodations necessary for them to be successful. Students remain in regular classes for instruction, unless accomodations require small group support.

Does Lincoln offer advanced Math?
Lincoln Magnet School offers an advanced math option to those students with higher level abilities. In addition, we offer an algebra strand in Math throughout sixth, seventh and eighth grade.

What is meant by "Real-World Applications?"
Through integrated thematic units, students are able to apply what they are learning in each curricular area to real-world problem solving situations. Real-world applications allow students to gain a more in-depth understanding of the curriculum, while demonstrating the relevance of subject matter to everyday life, again preparing students for their futures.

General School Operation:
How are students transported to Lincoln Magnet School?
Springfield School District will provide bus transportation to Lincoln Magnet School for students living more than 2 miles from school.

Do students have lockers at Lincoln?
Yes, students have lockers at Lincoln Magnet School.

Who are Lincoln's business partners?

Illinois Society of Professional Engineers
WSEC
Dance Arts Studio
Springfield Art Association
Southern Illinois School of Medicine
IL Historic Preservation Agency
State Journal Register
Lincoln's Home

What types of food are served in the cafeteria? What type of cafeteria does Lincoln have?
The cafeteria at Lincoln Magnet School is visually appealing and offers a variety of foods preferred by middle school students. Student choices include Chef salad, pizza, hamburgers, fries, and daily specials. With the district focus on wellness, our food offerings will reflect the new guidelines.

Are there soda, snack, vending machines available to students?
Machines carrying healthy drink selections such as water and fruit juices selections will be available for after-school activities only.

Is SCOPE offered at Lincoln?
No, SCOPE is not offered at Lincoln Magnet School.

Is Lincoln a year-round school? Are there extra days added to the school year?
Lincoln Magnet School is not a year round school nor are there extra days added to the school year.

Selection Process:

What selection process is used to determine who will attend Lincoln Magnet School?
Students will fill out an application which is available through a mailing sent to all district fifth graders or on the Lincoln Magnet School web site. If there are more applicants than spaces available in sixth grade, we will hold a lottery to determine which students will attend Lincoln.

Are siblings accepted if one sibling is already attending Lincoln Magnet School?
Priority will be given to in-coming sixth graders if a sibling is already attending Lincoln Magnet School as a sixth or seventh grader. Siblings of current sixth and seventh graders MUST turn in an application to reserve their seat at LMS. Siblings of eighth grade students will be in the lottery process.

Will students have to re-apply to be admitted to Lincoln every year?
Once a student is admitted to Lincoln, he/she does not have to re-apply each year. If a student is not admitted through the lottery process that student's name will be added to a waiting list and will be admitted if there are vacancies on a "first come first serve" basis.

Sports/School Activities:

Are athletics offered at Lincoln Magnet School? Yes, Lincoln Magnet School offers the same athletic opportunities as all other middle schools in the district. These sports include cross country, track, girls/boys basketball and girls volleyball. We are fortunate to have softball and baseball teams because of parents and volunteers. LMS has the only softball team at a city middle school, thanks to our parents. Our girls softball team is playing their 17th season this year. We are excited to be able to offer these options to our students! What types of activities are offered to encourage student involvement? Are these activities held after school or during the school day? Students at Lincoln Magnet School are offered a wide variety of after-school activities. These activities include: various sports intramurals, instructional assistance, chess club, art club, BETA, Yearbook, and Mathletes to name a few.

The Learning Climate:

How does the staff at Lincoln insure students' safety?
The staff at Lincoln Magnet School provide an atmosphere of caring and trust which translates into greater student safety. We have an approved emergency plan in place and because we have a smaller student enrollment, we are better able to supervise the activities of all students.

How is discipline at Lincoln handled?
Lincoln Magnet School follows the discipline guidelines outlined in the Springfield School District Student Handbook. In addition to these guidelines, we have a building-wide discipline management plan and a school-wide technology management plan which are given to parents and students at the beginning of each school year. Each teacher advises students of guidelines which are specific to their subject.

Is there a dress code at Lincoln?
The dress code at Lincoln Magnet School is the same as the one outlined in the Springfield School District Student Handbook.