– John F. Kennedy

Please join me in congratulating this year's Paraeducators of the Year!

From LMHS, we honor Candis O'Hearn. Candis will represent the district for the 2026 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Award. A student said of Candis, "Miss O'Hearn has been a huge impact on my life , she has supported me through the four years I've been here, and has always supported me and always tried her best to make sure I was going on the right path before I graduate..."

From LMS, we honor Theresa Villanueva. A colleague said of Theresa, "She is a positive, calm force at LMS. Students have expressed to me that they feel safe with Theresa and yet they know she means business!"

At LES, we surprised Danielle Brown. A teacher wrote of Danielle, " She is always willing to help in any situation. She is good with every student that she works with and the kids love her."

We are lucky to have so many hard-working, dedicated paraeducators supporting our students and staff. It is a pleasure to recognize this year's Paraeducators of the Year. Congratulations, Candis, Theresa, and Danielle!

This month we also recognized Teachers of the Year in each of our schools.

At Lebanon Elementary School we honored Lisa Gamache. Here are a few quotes from the nomination forms.

• "Lisa consistently makes learning fun and engaging for all of her students. I collaborate with her on a regular basis on many of her students and find her willing to put accommodations in place for them and is fantastic at differentiating learning for all. Lisa is an advocate for her students to make sure everyone gets what they need".

• "Ms. Gamache would be a wonderful visible/vocal representative for LES as well as the teaching profession. This year I have watched my daughter (Amelia) grow and thrive under the guidance of Ms. Gamache. She fosters a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom. At home I hear about what is being taught and how everyone works with each other (even when it is tough). Ms. Gamache has created a welcoming environment in her classroom that allows the students to feel a part of the class community as well as the school community. She communicates well with parents, hears concerns, and helps to find solutions. Ms. Gamache sees the potential in her students and encourages them to not only do their best but to try to be even better. I am grateful for Amelia having Ms. Gamache this year in 1st grade. Amelia loves going to school and can't wait to show Ms. Gamache what she created/wrote/did. That to me speaks volumes, the excitement to go to school and share with a teacher".

At Lebanon Middle School the selection was Mr. Andrews. Here are what a nominees had to say about him.

• "Chris is an amazing educator and team leader. He has a great rapport with students, they respect and listen to him. He is great with trying new strategies for the lessons and able to start using AI and coteach this year with no problems".
• "Chris is dedicated to providing the best possible educational experience for his students. Chris goes above and beyond shape the minds and lives of learners at LMS".

Lyman Memorial High School's Teacher of the Year is Ms. Ricard.

• "Katie has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching, unwavering dedication to student success, and a deep commitment to our school community. Whether in the classroom, through extracurricular involvement, or in daily interactions, she exemplify the qualities of an outstanding educator and role model".

• She creates a climate where all students feel welcome and willing to take chances, engaging outside of their comfort zones. She goes above and beyond, providing countless opportunities for students to engage, develop relationships, and find acceptance both in and outside of the classrooms. She is the trusted adult for countless students.

We are incredibly fortunate to have such passionate, dedicated educators shaping the minds and hearts of our students every day.

And last but not least, Happy Principals Day to the incredible leaders of Lebanon Public Schools! We are deeply grateful for the dedication and vision of Jessica Scorso, Chad Johnson, Susan Mike, and James Apicelli. Your unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and community helps create a supportive and inspiring environment where everyone can thrive. Thank you for all that you do to make Lebanon Public Schools a place of excellence and growth!

As summer quickly approaches, our focus is already shifting toward preparations for August professional development and setting school-wide goals for the upcoming year.

Most of our I-Ready Diagnostic results are in, and they offer valuable insights—both in celebrating areas where students have demonstrated mastery and growth, and in identifying key focus areas for instructional pacing and emphasis in the new school year. These data points will also inform our teacher evaluation conversations, grounding them in best practices and student-centered improvement.

While not all scores have been finalized, initial diagnostic results from Lebanon Elementary School are promising: K-4 more than 70% of students are performing at or above grade level in Language Arts, with nearly 70% reaching that benchmark in Mathematics. SBAC scores are beginning to arrive as well, though they are not yet public. Preliminary data shows notable progress—particularly in Grade 6 in both ELA and Mathematics and middle school NGSS for Grades 5 and 8 (Next Generation Science Standards).

As an administrative team, we’ll be digging deeper into this data over the coming weeks to shape meaningful academic goals at the building level. In August, our teaching teams will do the same, engaging in data-driven planning to set the stage for a successful school year ahead.

Finally, as we celebrate these successes, it’s equally important to maintain momentum through the summer months. We strongly encourage families to support students in continuing to read regularly and engage in meaningful math activities. Participation in our Summer Reading Challenge and Summer Math Program can make a significant difference in preventing the typical “summer slide” and ensuring students return to school ready to build on their growth. Be on the lookout for school emails on more details to participate!

The staff is busy planning for ESY. Sessions will be held from July 8, 2025 through July 31, 2025. They run from 8:30-11:30 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. All classes will be held at Lebanon Elementary School.

The purpose of ESY is to prevent regression. Students’ participation is determined through the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) process. If your child was determined eligible, you should have already received an email requesting transportation information. Teacher assignments will be sent out the first week in June. If you have questions, please contact the Department of Pupil Services at 860-642-5636.

The last day of school is Friday, June 13th.

6-11 LES 4th Grade Moving Up Ceremony- 6:00pm

6-13 LMS 8th Grade Promotion- 6:00pm

6-12 LMHS Graduation- 6:00pm

On Saturday, May 3, Lebanon Elementary School sent Juliette Brayman with her Alicorn Dust, Addison Basley with her Egg-cellent Egg Scooper, and Jackson Mazarelli with his Switch-a-Face, to the Connecticut Invention Convention State Finals at UConn’s Gampel Pavilion. This event included 450 finalists from across the state, ranging from grades K through 12. Addison Basley won The Jacobs Family Pets and Animal Care Award. In addition, both Addison Basley and Jackson Mazarelli were invited to attend the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan in 2026. LES is so proud of all three of our CIC finalists. You make us so proud!

Lebanon Regional FFA brought a very large group of members to the CT FFA Convention this past Friday and Saturday. We had 6 CDE teams compete on Friday, 2 members compete Saturday, and over 10 members receive their State FFA degree on Saturday.

The chapter walked away with 2 state championship teams in Ag Marketing and Farm Business Management. The Ag Marketing team consisted of Juniors Brianna Doyle and Kaytlyn Howard, and Sophomore Pyper McIver. The Farm Business Management team consisted of Sophomores Joseph Chechile and Phillip Mills tying for 2nd in the state individually and Juniors Matthew Dubicki and Kaden Sorits.

In addition, the Dairy Judging Team placed 2nd in the state with team members Isaac Cone and Taylor Lawrence tying for 3rd place individually, William Wildes placing 5th individual and Addison Cone rounding out that team.

The Ag Communications team placed 3rd in the state with team members being Freshman Isabelle Nowasad and Maeve Lafleur and Sophomores Talia Dunphy and Jaidin Ladouceur.

The Ag Sales team placed 4th in the state with that team being made up of Freshman Ally Satkowski, Sophomores Paityn Hastings, Kamryn Sandhu, and Mackenzie Christensen.

The Quiz Bowl team of Makenna Sanchez, Cassidy Tyrol, and Sabrina had fun and enjoyed convention

On Saturday Kaytlyn Howard participated in the Extemporaneous speaking contest and Taylor Lawrence participated in the Prepared Public Speaking Contest and placed 3rd

In the Floral Design contest, we had the state winner in Senior Katlyn Macht.

Laurelin Boyer won the state star in placement , which recognizes the top SAE placement student in the state.

Congratulations to all FFA members who competed and earned their state degree.

The job shadow project is an important experience that we have our 8th graders participate in each year. Our staff works with students to find a career they are interested in, and then the goal is to shadow that career for a few hours. This is a great opportunity for career exploration as students are figuring out what courses to take in high school and beyond. Thank you to Mrs. Clark, Ms. Bowen, Ms. Strong for organizing this valuable experience.

Lyman Memorial High School recently hosted a successful Career Fair on May 20th, 2025. School improvement team, in collaboration with ReadyCT, brought together a variety of local employers and professionals to connect with students. The event gave students the opportunity to explore different career paths, ask meaningful questions, and learn about potential future opportunities. Using interactive BINGO cards as conversation starters, students engaged with around a dozen career representatives from fields including healthcare, skilled trades, business, and public service. A special thank you to all the employers and staff who helped make this event a valuable and inspiring experience for our students!

The students in the AP Environmental and Environmental classes, in conjunction with Project Oceanology, went to Bluff Point to complete a salt marsh study. They collected data on the variety of plants and animals in the marsh as well as depth of plant roots, slope of the marsh and conducted water quality testing. They then learned how to pull the seine nets so that they could collect data on the biodiversity of the organisms in that area of Long Island Sound.

The Introduction to Horticulture class spent a day at the elementary school helping plant sunflower seeds as part of the annual Sunflower Growing Challenge.

A teacher at LES said, "They were absolutely wonderful role models and teachers to our littlest friends. Our students are so excited to monitor their sunflower growth!"

Families, we are sharing this flyer with you again to encourage you to create a FREE MyPaymentsPlus account to make payments, view balances and better understand the purchases your child is making in the cafeteria.

In following our Board of Education Meal Charging Policy (5004) the district will contact the parents/guardians of students who charge meals to their meal accounts in order for the District to collect the delinquent debt. The first such communication will be a written communication, by mail or e-mail. Subsequent written and verbal communications with parents/guardians concerning delinquent debt will be made by the building administrator or designee, as may be necessary and appropriate.

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.

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.

Through a piloted short term grant, a voluntary group of students had been trained this year to implement student-led programs and activities to promote the well-being of their peers. These students were part of the Peer Support Group, which ran during X-1. All students were invited to sign up, and those interested were trained and took part in the program this year.

The program's goal is to eliminate the stigma around mental health, and encourage students and staff to feel comfortable having conversations with students surrounding mental health issues. Through a student’s point of view, these peers created a campaign to address specific mental health stigmas and to create a stronger school climate. Students are aware that they are not treating the mental health issues of the student body, but rather, students connected to this program are simply being trained to best manage conversations around mental health. Our slogan is “Shatter the Silence, Mental Health Matters!”

This year we hosted a spirit week and field day prior to Winter Break, including giving away t-shirts with our slogan, hosted No One Eats Alone Day, and planned today's assembly for The Echo Dance Team to come to Lyman.

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.*

Every other Tuesday from 11:15am to 11:45am at the Church of Hope/Red Barn – 26 Pendleton Drive, Hebron, CT. Everyone is welcome and please be sure to bring your own shopping bags. There are no forms to fill out for the mobile distribution.

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.org

• Trevor Project (crisis intervention & suicide prevention for the LGBTQ community): 1-866-488-7386 or Text 678678

• Crisis Text Line: text CTL to 741741

NIMH offers brochures and fact sheets on mental health disorders and related topics for children, adolescents and their families. Printed materials can be ordered free of charge. Brochures and fact sheets in English and Spanish.

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.

Housing and Homeless Services

Lebanon Public Schools is now in the App Store. On your phones, in the "app store" you can search Lebanon Public Schools and you should see our logo. Please install as another way to get notifications and news from our school district.

Scan these QR Codes and be brought to our Lebanon Public Schools webpage or the Superintendent Instagram page!

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.

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.

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

Email: andrew.gonzalez@lebanonct.org
Website: https://www.lebanonct.org/
Location: 891 Exeter Road, Lebanon, CT, USA
Phone: 860-642-5637