Lebanon Public Schools

– John F. Kennedy

October has been a busy and exciting month in Lebanon Public Schools! Our staff kicked things off with professional development focused on using AI tools to enhance teaching—another great step toward bringing innovative practices into our classrooms. Fall sports are in full swing, and it’s been amazing to see our student-athletes giving it their all and showing such pride in representing their schools. Spirit Weeks brought tons of energy and fun to our buildings, with students leading the charge on activities that helped everyone feel more connected. At LES, we had the joy of hosting Goodies with Grandparents, a sweet celebration that brought families together and reminded us how special our school community really is. We also wrapped up our first round of diagnostic testing across all three schools, which gives us important data to help guide instruction and better support our learners. There's so much to be proud of this month as we continue to grow, lead, and create lasting memories together.

Beginning in October and continuing through the end of November, Lebanon’s fourth graders will take part in “Boats for Kids,” an exciting, hands-on STEM experience developed in partnership with Electric Boat. Over several interactive sessions, students will explore six core trades essential to submarine construction—welding, shipfitting, pipefitting, electrical, sheet metal, and machining—through creative, age-appropriate activities that encourage problem-solving, teamwork, and curiosity.

This program is closely aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and supports the Lebanon Public Schools STEM Pathway, helping students connect classroom learning to real-world applications. It also serves as an early introduction to the district’s growing career and technical education opportunities, including the mobile welding lab students experience at the middle school and the new Welding Pathway at Lyman Memorial High School, developed in collaboration with Electric Boat, UConn, and local industry leaders.

Through this continuous K–12 pathway, Lebanon students are discovering how today’s classroom explorations can lead to tomorrow’s exciting careers in Connecticut’s manufacturing and maritime industries.

You’re Invited to the Lyman Memorial High School Open House!

Small School, Big Opportunities

Date: Monday, November 10th

Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Lyman Memorial High School | 917 Exeter Road, Lebanon, CT

Lyman Memorial High School proudly serves not only the Lebanon community, but also families from surrounding towns seeking a dynamic and student-centered high school experience. Whether you're already part of our school family or exploring options for your child’s future, we invite you to come see what sets Lyman apart.

Explore Our Agricultural Science & Technology Education Program

Lyman is home to one of Connecticut’s premier AgriScience programs—offering students immersive learning experiences in animal science, plant science, mechanics, aquaculture, and more. Learn how students earn industry certifications, participate in FFA, and prepare for college and careers in high-demand fields.

Experience Diverse Academic Pathways

From advanced placement and honors classes to innovative electives like drone piloting, philosophy, human rights, and companion animals, Lyman blends the best of a traditional high school curriculum with forward-thinking opportunities.

Coming Soon: We're excited to introduce a Welding Pathway designed to give students real-world skills and career-ready training. Developed in partnership with Electric Boat, UConn, and other local industry leaders, this program will provide students with hands-on experience, exposure to cutting-edge technology, and connections to high-demand careers in manufacturing and engineering.

Discover Dynamic Clubs and Activities

From Model UN to eSports, from Drama Club to National Honor Society, our students are leading, creating, and making memories. Find out how your child can get involved and build lasting connections.

Meet Our Educators and Staff

Take a tour, visit classrooms, and talk with the teachers and staff who make Lyman a welcoming, inclusive, and high-achieving school community.

We look forward to meeting you, sharing our story, and helping you envision your place in the legacy of Lyman Memorial High School.

All are welcome—Come see what makes Lyman special!

Department of Pupil Services Webpage: Please check the webpage for the Department of Pupil Services. It has recently been updated:

https://www.lebanonct.org/page/department-of-pupil-services

Important documents that are shared with special education parents each year are found here:

https://www.lebanonct.org/page/special-education-documents

Dyslexia Awareness Month:

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a common, neurobiological difference in the brain that primarily impacts a student's ability to read and spell. Essentially, it causes difficulties with: decoding (sounding out words), accurate and/or fluent word recognition, and spelling.

This difficulty is often unexpected or inconsistent with the student's other skills, even if they've received great instruction. The main issue usually stems from a challenge with phonological processing—the ability to recognize and work with the individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken language.

It's important to remember that students with dyslexia have many wonderful strengths! They often excel in areas like: reasoning and critical thinking, problem-solving, vocabulary and listening comprehension, and/or social communication.

October is officially recognized as Dyslexia Awareness Month. The Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) is offering informational webinars for parents. A flyer with these resources was sent to special education families via Thrillshare. Additional information is available on the state's website: https://portal.ct.gov/sde/talent_office/odrd-newsletter---october-2025.

Questions: Please contact Dawn DeLia, Director of Pupil Services, with any questions or concerns regarding Special Education, 504s, Child Find, Title IX, or homelessness at 860-642-5734 or dawn.delia@lebanonct.org

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.

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.

As we enter the second month of the school year, we’d like to remind families about meal prices,

balances, and some exciting updates from our food service team.

Meal Prices for the 2025-2026 School Year

Breakfast: $2.25 at all three schools

Lunch:

o Lyman: $4.25

o Middle School: $4.00

o Elementary School: $3.50

For families who qualify for reduced-price meals, the cost is:

Breakfast: $0.30 at all schools

Lunch: $0.40 at all schools

Please note: The state no longer subsidizes the reduced-price meal program, so families must pay

the reduced pricing directly.

How to Stay on Top of Your Balance

You can easily check your child’s meal balance through the Parent Portal at any time. To

manage negative balances, please make payments through My Payment Plus, or send checks or

cash with your child to the school cashier. We ask that all balances be settled promptly.

Free & Reduced-Price Meal Eligibility

We strongly encourage all families to complete the eligibility forms for free or reduced-price

meals. These forms are available on the school’s website.

New Meal Options for 2025-2026

Under the direction of Nizam Saad, our Food Service Director, we've introduced new menu

items featuring more locally grown produce and healthier options. We aim to provide meals that

students will enjoy, and we encourage feedback! If your child tries a new item they love, please

let the kitchen staff know—it helps us improve our offerings.

Join the School Wellness Committee

We’re seeking more involvement from parents, students, and staff in the School Wellness

Committee. If you’re interested in joining, please reach out to Martha Starkey-Castro at

martha.starkey-castro@lebanonct.org for more information. Active participation is important,

as it’s required for our involvement in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to an excellent year ahead!

Earlier this month, we celebrated National Custodian Day, but truthfully, every day is a great day to recognize the outstanding work of our custodians. Please join me in extending appreciation to Dick, Mark, Dave, Tammy, Theo, Deb, Ivy, Greg, and both Mikes for all they do to keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming.

They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every student, staff member, and visitor can learn and work in a well-maintained environment. Their dedication often goes unnoticed, but it never goes unappreciated.

Take a moment this week to offer a kind word, a quick note, or a simple “thank you”—these small gestures make a big impact and let our team know just how much they mean to us!

Portrait of an Educator
At Lebanon Public Schools, we know that developing graduates who are responsible citizens, effective communicators, critical thinkers, innovative problem solvers, lifelong learners, and engaged collaborators begins with exceptional educators. The Portrait of an Educator recognition celebrates staff members who model these very qualities in their daily practice—empowering students, inspiring colleagues, and advancing our mission of growing learners, cultivating leaders, and creating legacies. During the 25-26 school year please be on the lookout for write ups celebrating our teaching team.

This month, we proudly spotlight Jennifer Wales, an exceptional educator whose story, passion, and evolving practice embody the heart of our district vision to Grow Learners, Cultivate Leaders, and Create Legacies.

“Every child is a story yet to be told.”

For Jennifer, this isn’t just a quote—it’s a personal truth. It once adorned her own children’s nursery wall, and today it lives on in her classroom as a powerful reminder that each student carries within them a unique potential, waiting to be recognized and nurtured.

In Jennifer’s math classroom, students don’t just learn formulas—they learn to think. They become problem-solvers, collaborators, and confident contributors. Her focus on deep conceptual understanding empowers students to truly engage with math, transforming confusion into clarity and fear into ownership. “We cultivate leaders by creating an environment where students share ideas, defend their reasoning, and respectfully challenge one another,” she reflects. It’s a culture that extends far beyond math—it’s preparation for life.

What fuels her commitment isn’t a singular breakthrough moment, but rather a collection of quiet victories: the lightbulb flicker of understanding, the hesitant learner who finds their voice, the student who once said, “I hate math,” and leaves with confidence and pride. Jennifer finds joy in those small, transformational shifts—reminders that every child can grow with the right support and belief.

Over the past two years, Jennifer has embraced a profound shift in her practice through the Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) model. After more than 25 years in education, this philosophy has reenergized her work. In her classroom, students now work in randomized groups, share ideas aloud, and tackle challenging problems as a team. The result? Deeper thinking, higher engagement, and a space where every learner has a voice and a role.

As a teacher-leader, Jennifer is not only open to change—she actively seeks it. She believes in leading through reflection, curiosity, and collaboration. “No one educator has all the answers,” she says, “but we can learn so much from one another.” She models lifelong learning by being open about her own journey—sharing the story of being diagnosed with a learning disability in high school and how it shaped her drive and resilience. Today, she continues that journey by pursuing her Sixth-Year Certificate in Educational Technology, staying current and connected to the evolving needs of her students.

What makes Jennifer’s impact even more meaningful is her deep connection to the community. As both a teacher and a parent in Lebanon Public Schools, her investment is both professional and personal. “I’m most proud to teach in the same district my own children attend,” she shares. “It gives me a powerful stake in the community and a unique connection to our students and families.”

Jennifer Wales is a shining example of the legacy we aim to build—one student, one lesson, one breakthrough at a time. We are proud to recognize her as this month’s Portrait of an Educator.

This month, we are honored to spotlight a dedicated and compassionate educator who has been a cornerstone of Lebanon Elementary School for the past 25 years, Amy Bergeron. With a bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from the University of New Hampshire and a master’s in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University, she has spent her entire career serving students in grades K–4 as a special education teacher.

Amy's journey has been defined by a steadfast belief in every child’s potential. “It has been a privilege to witness small breakthrough moments in the classroom,” she reflects. “That moment when a student realizes they are reading for the first time is truly magical.” As one of the first special education teachers in the district to push into general education classrooms in the early 2000s, she was a pioneer of inclusive practices well before they became common across districts. Her efforts laid the groundwork for the collaborative, student-centered learning environments we strive for today.

What sets her apart is not only her instructional expertise but the genuine connections she fosters with students and families. She speaks fondly of a moment during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when the entire LES staff participated in a community parade across town:

“Students and families lined the streets. I not only saw my current students at that time, but I even saw a parent and student from my very first year of teaching waving and shouting my name as I drove by.”

Moments like these speak volumes about the deep, enduring relationships she has cultivated over two and a half decades. Whether helping a young learner find their voice or cheering on the successes of former students, her legacy is one of love, dedication, and lifelong impact.

Outside the classroom, she’s an avid hiker who has summited all of the 5,000+ foot peaks in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and four of Colorado’s towering 14,000+ foot peaks. Her commitment to excellence stretches beyond education—rooted in discipline, perseverance, and adventure. A classically trained violinist since the age of five, she even studied at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music during her high school years.

Amy's story is a testament to the mission of Lebanon Public Schools: to grow learners, cultivate leaders, and create legacies. For 25 years, she has done exactly that—with grace, resilience, and heart.

The Heart of the Harvest recognition honors an individual whose extraordinary commitment, selfless volunteerism, and unwavering dedication have made a lasting impact on Lebanon Public Schools. Like the hands that tend and nurture a thriving harvest, this individual has given generously of their time, talents, and heart—helping to grow learners, cultivate leaders, and create legacies that will benefit generations to come.

Their efforts reflect the very essence of our district’s vision. Whether through steadfast support, behind-the-scenes contributions, or visible acts of service, the recipient of this award embodies the spirit of community and the belief that our schools flourish when we all come together in service of our students. We are proud to recognize their enduring influence and heartfelt commitment to our shared mission.

Our honoree’s connection to Lebanon runs deep. A proud second-generation Lyman Memorial High School graduate, Barbara Wengloski has been involved with our schools for more than twenty-five years—first as a student, then as a parent, and always as a steadfast supporter of our community. Inspired by her mother, one of the town’s early Citizen of the Year recipients, she learned from an early age that service to others is both a privilege and a responsibility. That legacy of giving continues to flourish through her own remarkable example.

Over the years, Barbara has poured her energy into countless projects that have enriched our schools and town—serving as a Girl Scout leader, Scout counselor, church trustee, historian, and committee member. Her leadership was instrumental in organizing the Lyman 100th Anniversary Celebration, a remarkable event that united more than 350 alumni, families, and staff in honoring a century of excellence. Her research and authorship of a 330-page history of Lyman stand as a lasting contribution to our community’s story, preserving memories and milestones for future generations.

Much of Barbara’s work has taken place quietly, behind the scenes—supporting art shows, maintaining school displays, keeping the grounds beautiful, and documenting our history with care and precision. Her contributions, though sometimes unseen, have shaped the spirit and pride of our schools in profound ways. From the anniversary banners lining Lyman’s entrance to the time capsule sealed for future generations to discover, her fingerprints are visible throughout our district.

When asked what drives her to serve, Barbara speaks simply: giving back brings fulfillment, connection, and purpose. She reminds us that small acts—helping in a classroom, supporting a school event, or tending to a garden—collectively make a big difference. Her example calls on each of us to step forward when we see a need and to take pride in contributing to something greater than ourselves.

Lebanon is a place where community and school are intertwined, and Barbara Wengloski, this year’s Heart of the Harvest honoree, beautifully embodies that truth. Her service, humility, and dedication remind us all that when we come together in support of our students, we truly help Lebanon Public Schools grow stronger roots and a brighter future.

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.

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

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.

*The use of the resources/programs in this section are not required by LPS to be used by parents/guardians. They are recommendations only.*

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