Lebanon Public Schools
Superintendent Gonzalez's April 2024 Update
"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success."
End of Year Events
When we return from April break it seems as if the rest of the year flies by. We have a lot of exciting events taking place across the district over the next couple of months. Listed below are some events happening in our schools. In the next Superintendent Update I will include the June events.
LES
May 1-5 Children’s Book Week
May 1 -Band and Chorus Concert 2:00p.m. and 5:00pm
May 3 Kindergarten Entry Assessment 9:00-11:00am
May 6-10 Teacher Appreciation Week/Art in the Dark Week
May 7- 23 Smarter Balanced Assessments 3rd and 4th Grade
May 9 and 10 - Kindergarten Screening 9:00-10:00am
May 20-24 Scholastic Book Fair
May 23 and 24 - PTA Books and Bagels
May 23 Pre-K Screenings (by appointment)
May 24--School Day Preschool Classroom applications due
May 28- LES ART Show 6-7:30pm
May 29th- Field Day
May 31- Fourth Grade Celebration, 3rd Grade Colonial Day
LMS
May 10- Dressy Dance, 7-9 pm
May 17 - Eighth Grade Job Shadow Expo
May 29 - Seventh Grade Bike and Hike
May 31 - Great East Festival / 8th Grade Celebration @ LES 7:00-9:00pm
LMHS
May 2- Lyman Top Dog 6:30pm -8:30pm
May 4- Color Fun Run!
May 5- Scholar Athlete Banquet- Aqua Turf 4:30pm
May 9- Spring Band Concert- 7:00pm
May 10- Ag Spring CDE’s at UCONN 8:00am-5:00pm
May 10- Pre- Prom Meeting Mother's Against Drunk Driving 10:15am
May 10- Prom- Port and Starboard Inn (New London)- 6:00pm-10:00pm
May 14- Mayfest Open House 5:30pm-7:30pm
May 15- Ag Expo
May 17- Senior Outing- High Meadows- 8:00am-5:00pm
May 22- NYC Broadway Trip
May 23- FFA Banquet 2:15pm-5:15pm
May 24- Field Day
May 31- Senior Banquet 5:30pm-7:30pm
Graduation Date
It's official...at the April Board of Education meeting the Lyman Memorial High School graduation date was set for Thursday, June 13th. Lebanon Middle School will have its promotion exercises on Wednesday, June 12th and Lebanon Elementary School will hold its Moving Up ceremony on Monday, June 10th. Please expect more details from each school soon.
Budget Update
At the Annual Town Hearing on April 15th I shared an abbreviated version of the 24-25 Lebanon Public Schools budget with our community. There were limited questions and comments regarding the Board of Education budget.
The Board of Finance met on April 16th to further deliberate on the Town Budget and made a decision on a figure to bring forth to the Town Meeting on Monday, May 6th. This meeting will be held at 7:30 in the Lyman Memorial High School auditorium.
Strategic Plan
We have held two LPS 2030 Strategic Plan sessions so far. Both have been well attended by parents, community members, teachers, administrators and Board members.
In meeting one we celebrated the 2019-2024 Strategic Plan, reviewed stakeholder survey data, then developed our Core Values and Core Value statements.
Please view the attachment below to see the Core Value document. The illustrations were purposefully created to highlight the important development steps that take place in each school of our district. The Growing Learners drawing uses 6 seedlings to represent the PK-4 grades and the early learning and development of our elementary learners. The four budding leaves in the Cultivating Leaders section highlight the growth of middle school students in grades 5-8. The fully grown and thriving tree represents our graduating students branching out into the world after completing grades 9-12 and creating legacies of their own!
In meeting two, we did a strengths and weakness analysis within the strategic planning buckets we will be framing our plan around; Finance and Operations, Communication and Community Engagement, Teaching and Learning, Academics, and Climate and Culture.
We will use this information to help us formulate goals and create corresponding action plans within targeted timeframes and persons responsible.
I feel we are still on track for this plan to be done in draft form by the summer so that district administrators can use it for goal setting and action planning. My hope is that there will be a polished and ready document to share with the Board and the community by the time we welcome staff and students back for the 24-25 school year.
Food Service Updates
Our Director of Food Services, Keith Barnes recently met with students to garner feedback about our program. These collaborative conversations fit nicely within our district efforts to encourage students to use their voice to affect change. As a result of the meetings, changes occurred in dining services at the middle school. In April, we went from a 4 week menu cycle to a 5 week menu cycle. This was done for both breakfast and lunch. This will give the students more variety and options.
For breakfast, additions include: warm cinnamon buns, house-made breakfast sandwiches and a variety of breakfast pastries. For lunch, we added: orange chicken with veggie rice, pizza crunchers, chicken alfredo, and a fan favorite "Tachos"! The staff also added a grab-n-go house-made hummus platter for a cold snack option.
The menu is posted on Nutra Slice. Moving forward, there will be a suggestion box to see what the next fan favorite will be! Any further questions or concerns, feel free to reach out. Keith.Barnes@lebanonct.org.
April Attendance Update
This was a shorter month due to the break but it still worth celebrating the fact that we had 532 students with perfect attendance in April!
Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Update
Play-based learning is a highly valued component of early childhood education in Connecticut, as it is in educational systems worldwide. Recently, the Connecticut legislature passed an act concerning play- based learning during preschool, kindergarten and grades one to five. The bill requires each school board to provide play based learning during the instructional time of each regular school day for students in kindergarten and preschool. The play based learning must be incorporated and integrated into daily practice, allow for students needs to be met through free play, guided play, and games and not involve predominantly using mobile electronic devices. It also…requires to allow a teacher to to use play based learning for students in grades one to five, inclusive…
A big thank you to April van Sambeck and Halle Torockio, kindergarten teachers, who attended local professional development sessions to help others understand these new requirements. Administrators also attended trainings and will perform site visits to other districts to learn more. Lebanon Public Schools plans to have future professional development sessions for elementary staff to further understand this new legislation.
Here are some key points highlighting its importance:
Holistic Development: Play-based learning supports holistic development, including cognitive, social, emotional, and physical domains. Children engage in imaginative play, problem-solving, and decision-making, fostering skills that are crucial for their overall growth.
Creativity and Imagination: Through play, children explore their creativity and imagination. They invent scenarios, create narratives, and develop symbolic thinking, all of which are essential for later academic and life success.
Social Skills: Play-based learning encourages collaboration, communication, and cooperation among children. They learn to negotiate, take turns, share, and resolve conflicts, laying a strong foundation for positive social interactions.
Language Development: Play provides rich opportunities for language development. Children engage in conversations, use language to express ideas and emotions, and build vocabulary as they interact with peers and adults during play.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Play-based activities often involve challenges and puzzles, promoting problem-solving skills and critical thinking. Children learn to experiment, make decisions, and adapt strategies, enhancing their cognitive abilities.
Emotional Regulation: Play allows children to explore and express their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. They learn to manage their feelings, empathize with others, and develop resilience as they navigate various play experiences.
Intrinsic Motivation: Play is inherently enjoyable for children, promoting intrinsic motivation in learning. When engaged in play-based activities, they are more likely to be curious, persistent, and motivated to explore and learn independently.
Cultural and Diversity Awareness: Play-based learning can incorporate diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences. It promotes respect for differences, fosters inclusivity, and helps children develop empathy and understanding of the world around them.
As educators and as a district, we recognize the significance of play-based learning in early childhood classes and primary grades. LPS will continue to improve integrating this into curricular frameworks and instructional practices to support comprehensive child development.
Lebanon Public Schools Spotlight
Student Recognition from BoE
Connecticut Association of Schools School Leader Award- Ava Buckley & Brady Turbes
Ava is an outstanding student who leads by example. She is good humored and always has a positive outlook. She works well with everyone. She is kind and caring to all, and goes out of her way to help others. She voluntarily takes time out of her study hall to tutor a younger student. She is committed to her studies and is always one of the first to get assignments done. She is generous with her time and has truly made Lebanon Middle School a better place. In addition to her leadership in the classroom, Ava is a member of the school soccer team, Lebanon Junior Honor Society, and
drama club. Ava takes voice lessons, and volunteers for her church youth group in her free time. She is also a member of the Lebanon Leos Club where she recently helped coordinate the Mini-Mudder Event. Ava also frequently babysits, tutors, and volunteers as an altar server at church.
Brady is comfortable being a natural leader. He is kind-hearted and respectful to all. He shows maturity beyond his years by setting a good example in and out of school. He is a go-to person for other students when they need help with assignments. He has a strong moral compass and has the courage to always do the right thing. His effort and commitment to himself, his peers, and his school shine bright. In addition to his leadership in the classroom, Brady is very active in athletics. He is a three year member of the Lebanon Middle School (LMS) Baseball team, a three year member of the LMS Soccer team, a two year member of the LMS Volleyball team, and also a member of this year’s LMS Basketball team. He is also a member of the Lebanon Junior Honors Society. In his spare time, Brady plays AAU baseball for the CT Mustangs and volunteers at the Colchester Food Bank.
Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents- Loretta Svedarsky & Ryan Spellman
Loretta is a member of the National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Student Council and a Class Officer. She was named Lyman Memorial’s CIAC Scholar-Athlete for cross country/outdoor track and field for the 2023-24 school year. She was selected as the Lyman Memorial High School Outstanding Arts Student! This award is presented to a graduating senior who excels in the performing arts field and the visual arts field. Loretta has an outstanding ability in the performing and/or visual arts. Loretta volunteers at the town library and at Day Kimball Hospital. She finds time to work as a softball trainer in summer camps, plays saxophone in the school band and takes part in our school musical performances. She is an outstanding student academically and exceeds the expectations of her teachers. She is always respectful and receives respect from peers and staff. Loretta is a mature, focused and personable young woman with strong interpersonal skills. Loretta truly exemplifies the qualities of our CAPPS award winner!
Ryan is a member of the National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. Ryan exemplifies the qualities that we strive for at Lyman. He is a high achiever academically and is respected by staff and peers alike. He demonstrates leadership skills, has a strong work ethic and drive for success. He is a personable, mature and focused young man. Ryan believes in the value of community service having volunteered at our local library and two churches in the area. Ryan was named Lyman Memorial’s CIAC Scholar-Athlete for cross country/outdoor track and field for the 2023-24 school year. Ryan respects diversity and perspectives other than his own. He is an effective problem solver and works well with others. Ryan is a life-long learner and exemplifies the qualities of our CAPPS award winner.
Class S All-State Girls Basketball- Jenny Lopez
Jenny is a Junior guard for our Lyman Memorial Bulldog basketball team was selected by coaches across the state as an All-State performer. Jenny averaged 14 points, 6 assists, almost 6 rebounds and 5 steals a game while leading the Bulldogs to an ECC small division regular season championship. Jenny is a 3x first team all-conference player. She is approaching another career milestone of scoring 1,000 points. If/when she accomplishes this goal her name will be hung on the banner right next to her two older brothers.
FBI National Youth Leadership Program
Annually, each state's Chapter selects on candidate through a competitive process to attend this program. Applicants must demonstrate high standards academically, supported by extracurriculars and physical fitness, as well as good citizenship, particularly volunteerism and community involvement. Applicants are vetted over the course of several weeks and then undergo a rigorous interview by a panel of Chiefs/National Academy graduates.
Our very own, Marissa Litwin was selected to this prestigious leadership program! Congrats Marissa on this outstanding recognition. We are proud of your hard work, determination, and responsible citizenship.
Spring Break Reading Challenge
We had 98 students participate in the spring break reading challenge!
Lebanon's Market on the Green store donated one free scoop of ice cream for each student that participated. Thank you for partnering with us to celebrate this important initiative.
4-H
Oliver Gatti, a Junior at Lyman Memorial High School had a pretty amazing experience earlier this month (as you can see in the pictures below). He was given this opportunity through the UConn 4-H Extension Group and the New London County 4-H camp.
He shared reflections from his day with me recently. "The day started with all of us meeting in a hall to get to know each other and learn everyone's names. Then we did some team building exercises as well as public speaking activities. Around lunch time we moved over to the Legislative Office Building where we were heard a presentation about personal finance and student debt. Then we moved over to the Capitol building where we took a tour of all of the historical sights. After an award ceremony I had the privilege to meet our State Representative, Senator, and Governor. We were also fortunate enough to meet the UConn men's basketball team and eat ice-cream with them. I was very happy to be given this opportunity and to represent the town of Lebanon at such an important event".
School Day Preschool
Child Find
Lebanon Public Schools actively seeks to assist children and families by locating, identifying, and referring children from birth to age 22 who require special education and related services. If you are concerned about a child's development, you are encouraged to contact Lebanon Elementary School to receive information about Early Childhood Screenings.
If the child is younger than 3 years of age, you may choose instead to contact the Connecticut Birth to Three System at 1-800-505-7000.
If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact 860-642-5636.
Kindergarten Age Change *Effective Date July 1, 2024
General Statute 10-15c(a) reads "A student may be admitted early upon a written request by the parent or guardian of such child to the Principal of the school in which such child would be enrolled and following an assessment of such child by such Principal and an appropriate staff member of the school to ensure that admitting such child is developmentally appropriate"
We understand that we have families and students that this will impact. We have already met several times as an administrative team to discuss supporting our community with this change. More information about plans that are in progress will be shared at future preschool screenings, kindergarten orientations, during the registration process and in ongoing Superintendent Updates.
Booster Club
We Want You!
The Lyman Bulldogs Booster Club, Inc. is a non-profit organization, composed of dedicated volunteers. Our focus is to support Lyman athletes by promoting school spirit, sponsoring activities and events to enhance their sports programs. Throughout the school year, The Booster Club raises money and returns ALL of these funds directly to Lyman athletes, teams and their fans.
Did you know the Booster Club… Supports youth sporting events during varsity games Sponsors coaches to attend athletic award ceremonies Recognizes senior athletes at their senior nights Sponsors two $500 scholarships for Lyman seniors annually. Helps offset the cost of fan buses to promote school spirit at semi-final and final play-off games. Assists with Senior Project fundraisers that take place during sporting events and other special events throughout the year. Sells a variety of Lyman apparel with clothing for all ages at all athletic events Funds the athletic banners in the Lyman gym Operates concessions during all home soccer, volleyball and basketball games, plus Lyman and LMS track meets. And so much more….
In order to continue to support Lyman athletics, your help is needed- Join us today!
The Booster Club meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
See a current member for more information or email us at: lymanboosterclub.lebanonct@gmail.com
District Family Care Coordinator
Sabena Escott, MSW sabena.escott@lebanonct.org
Lyman Memorial High School Social Worker and District Family Care Coordinator
With legislation over the summer, a family care coordinator has been added to the growing number of mental health staff that CT recognizes will further support our children and families in the school setting. The family care coordinator role already encompasses what our Lebanon school district mental health teams provide for students and families. Providing students with access to mental health resources within the community and bringing mental health services to students inside of the school has always been a priority in our district. Please reach out if there are any specific mental health topics, community programs, therapeutic referrals or town programs and resources that you would like to know more about. Below are a few programs and resources for students and families.
Peace at Home
The Lebanon School District is excited to announce a new resource for any family that sends a child to a school in the Lebanon district, as well as the agencies/businesses/staff in those towns. Through our middle and high school School Based Diversion Initiative grant, we are excited to offer for free, the Peace at Home Parenting program through June 30, 2024. In partnership with Colchester, this community parenting, education and support program, utilizes an online subscription which provides a series of monthly workshops for parents/guardians, including, parenting children and teens, parent self-care, understanding developmental milestones, sibling communication, balancing children’s academics and after school activities, and many more. Classes are designed to cover age ranges from birth to young adults, so there is something for everyone! All of these classes are FREE! Once registered, you can join any monthly live interactive class and attend recorded 10 Minute Videos through your smart phone, tablet or computer. During live online interactive classes you will be able to ask questions, get practical, evidence-based solutions and receive handouts with important learning points. There is even access to over 150 on-demand videos, monthly Q&A and private Facebook group resources. Working together, our hope is that students continue to thrive at home and come to school more resilient and ready to learn!
Lebanon Social Services
Lebanon Social Services Office offers a variety of services to Lebanon children, adults, and seniors. Social Services Administrator Shelly Ashcom works with federal, state, and local organizations to provide assistance to Lebanon residents in need. Town of Lebanon Social Services
*The use of the resources/programs in this section are not required by LPS to be used by parents/guardians. They are recommendations only.*
Need Help? In a Crisis? Want to Talk to Somebody?
Call or text a trained crisis counselor to talk:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. They’re free and available 24/7:
Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.orgTrevor Project (crisis intervention & suicide prevention for the LGBTQ community): 1-866-488-7386 or Text 678678
Crisis Text Line: text CTL to 741741
Housing and Homeless Services Unit
Housing and Homeless Services can be accessed through Coordinated Access Networks (CAN). Persons are prioritized for housing services based on an assessment to be completed after calling 211.
Increasing Educator Diversity Plan
Legislative Mandate: Public Act 23-167 Section 10 (Effective July 1, 2023)
(a) Not later than March 15, 2024, each local and regional board of education shall submit the increasing educator diversity plan described in subsection (a) of section 10-220 of the general statutes, as amended by this act, to the Commissioner of Education for review and approval.
(b) The Commissioner of Education shall review each increasing educator diversity plan submitted pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.
For the school year commencing July 1, 2024, and each school year thereafter, each local and regional board of education shall implement the increasing educator diversity plan approved by the commissioner.
This plan was submitted to CSDE in a timely manner and we are awaiting feedback.
Lebanon Public Schools App
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Mission Statement
The Lebanon Public Schools, in partnership with families and the community, will prepare students to be contributing members of a diverse global society. We will provide a safe, nurturing, rigorous, and student-centered learning environment.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement of the Lebanon Public Schools:
The school community of Lebanon is committed to the mission of honoring and celebrating the diversity of our students, our community, and our nation. We strive to guide our students to conscious, deliberate, individual and collective actions that cultivate the respect of all races, religions, and social backgrounds. Our school community endeavors to produce graduates who are equipped with a greater understanding of the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Nondiscrimination Statement of the Lebanon Public Schools:
The Lebanon Board of Education, in compliance with federal and state law, affirms its policy of equal educational opportunity for all students and equal employment opportunity for all persons. It is the policy of the District to promote nondiscrimination and an environment free of harassment and the District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, alienage, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other category protected under state or federal law in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its program or activities. The District also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups and is specifically required by Title IX not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs and activities. The District shall make reasonable accommodations for individuals with identified physical and mental impairments that constitute disabilities, consistent with federal and state statutes and regulations.
The following person has been designated to handle inquires regarding Title IX sex discrimination policies: Dawn DeLia, Title IX Coordinator, 891 Exeter Road, Lebanon, CT; 860-642-5764
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding other non-discrimination policies: Dawn DeLia, 504/ADA Coordinator, 891 Exeter Road, Lebanon, CT; 860-642-5764
Lebanon Public Schools
Email: andrew.gonzalez@lebanonct.org
Website: https://www.lebanonct.org/
Location: 891 Exeter Road, Lebanon, CT, USA
Phone: 860-642-5637