Lincoln Elementary teachers received an extra-special welcome back last Friday as they gathered to celebrate a milestone built through their collective work, growth, and commitment to students.

Teachers filed into the Pre-K pod to find a table filled with golden cupcakes and touches of a gold-star theme, marking Lincoln Elementary’s recognition as a 2026 NAESP National Gold Star School. Assistant Superintendent John Potter joined Principal Dr. Amber Wilkins and the Lincoln staff for the celebration. The national honor recognizes Lincoln for its established culture, empowered people, and optimal systems.

But Wilkins reminded staff that the gold star represented more than an award.

Wilkins presented each staff member with a gold star as a reminder that Lincoln’s achievement reflects the growth, excellence, and dedication of the people who make up the school community. She told teachers that the next step in Lincoln’s culture journey is ownership and encouraged them to recognize the important role each person plays in determining what Lincoln will become.

As part of that next step, Wilkins also introduced four new traveling awards representing Lincoln’s Gold Standard: the Golden Heart, Golden Butterfly, Golden Bee, and Golden Turtle awards. The awards will travel among staff members throughout the year, providing another way to recognize the qualities, contributions, and actions that strengthen Lincoln’s culture.

Each staff member also received a gold star of their own and was invited to set a personal goal for the year, identifying what they intend to bring to Lincoln’s students, colleagues, and school culture.

The celebration quickly became about more than cupcakes and recognition. Laughter, hugs, connection, belonging, and a growing sense of ownership filled the room as teachers reflected on what they have accomplished together and looked ahead to what comes next.

As Lincoln prepares to welcome its Tigers back for a new school year, the gold stars serve as both a celebration of how far the school has come and a reminder that its next chapter will be shaped by the people inside its walls.

Together, Lincoln staff members are ready to lead their Tigers into another meaningful year of growth, leadership, and learning.