ROCK SPRINGS – The always changing face of education is present in Sweetwater County School District No. 1. But while the ages and classes may change, one school continues to be recognizable in the District.

The oldest school building, Lincoln Elementary, has been a staple in local education since 1950. During a presentation on the school, Principal Nicole Bolton joked that the newest addition to the school was done in 1963. The school has served as an overflow school for the past several years. This year is it being used as a kindergarten through third-grade building.

Lincoln also has been working on a vision and mission statement. Bolton pointed to a famous quote saying without a vision people will perish. Lincoln’s vision statement is: “Lincoln Elementary will create a safe learning environment to promote growth and lifelong learning.”

Currently, there are 152 students at Lincoln. Bolton pointed out an interesting fact about the staff. She said currently 81 percent of the staff are teachers new to the district.

Not only do they have a younger team, but there have been a lot of new firsts under Bolton at Lincoln Elementary. This year, Lincoln started its first Parent Teacher Organization. They also named a new mascot this year. The students at Lincoln are now the Tiger Cubs.

Bolton said the students are so excited they are now the future Tigers of Rock Springs.

Unlike other schools in the district, Lincoln Elementary does not have boundaries, which creates opportunity and challenges. Bolton said they had various interventions on the education side that are making a big different. She said they are increasing benchmark students and have seen growth in math and reading.

With such a diverse group of students from varieties of backgrounds, other programs have been put to good use at the school. Bolton said the Backpack Program, started by students of the Health Academy at Rock Springs High School, has been an amazing program for her students. The program has helped 32 families at Lincoln Elementary alone.

Families are a significant part of Lincoln and Bolton said they have come up with unique ways of getting parents involved with their students. One way is flying around the world. Bolton explained they have parties that are all about different cultures. Cultures like Fiji, Italy and Russia are just a few which parents and students get to enjoy together in an educational setting.

Lincoln also has family math night and bingo for books. Bolton said they are also starting a science night for students and parents.

Another big announcement was the addition of more classrooms and additional teachers for the upcoming school year.

Sweetwater County School District No. 1 Board Member Max Mickelson said he lives in the area, and he often sees parents picking up students after school.

“They are a happy group of kids and parents, and you can really see it,” he said.