Lebanon Public Schools

– John F. Kennedy

While our students are enjoying a well-deserved summer break, July remains one of the busiest months of the year across Lebanon Public Schools. Behind the scenes, our administrators, teachers, custodians, maintenance staff, technology department, and office personnel continue working diligently to prepare our schools for another outstanding year of teaching and learning. Summer provides us with an important opportunity to reflect, improve, and invest in the people, spaces, and systems that support student success.

One of our primary areas of focus this month is our district's Summer Leadership Planning Days. During these collaborative work sessions, our administrative team will spend time reflecting on the successes and lessons learned from the 2025-2026 school year while planning for the year ahead. Together, we will examine trends from our district learning walks, engage in professional learning centered on effective leadership practices, collaborate on district and school improvement goals, and begin developing the action steps that will guide our work throughout the 2026-2027 school year. A second planning day later this summer will focus on analyzing student achievement data, refining instructional priorities, exploring thoughtful applications of artificial intelligence, and ensuring our schools are fully prepared to welcome students and staff back for another successful year.

Throughout July, you will also notice continued progress on a variety of summer maintenance and capital improvement projects across the district. From deep cleaning classrooms and completing preventative maintenance to technology upgrades and facility improvements, our dedicated facilities and operations teams are working hard to ensure our learning environments are safe, welcoming, and ready for students and staff on the first day of school. Much of this work can only be accomplished while our buildings are unoccupied, making the summer months an essential part of preparing for a successful school year.

As we continue advancing the goals of our LPS 2030 Strategic Plan, we remain committed to creating learning environments where students are challenged, supported, and inspired to grow. A phrase that has continued to resonate with me this summer is Magic in the Mess—the idea that meaningful growth often occurs during moments of challenge, perseverance, and productive struggle. Whether we are refining our instructional practices, strengthening our schools, or supporting students through new learning experiences, we recognize that growth is rarely a straight line. Some of the most meaningful learning happens when we embrace the process, persevere through challenges, and continue moving forward together. I look forward to sharing more about this idea as we begin the new school year.

Please take time to enjoy the 25-26 Annual Report Podcast and Slideshow

The Town of Lebanon would like to notify you of an upcoming road closure associated with the Tobacco Street Culvert Replacement Project over Brousseous Brook.

This project marks the final bridge and culvert improvement project identified through the Army Corps of Engineers assessment.

Construction activities started in late June with the installation of construction signage and tree clearing. Beginning on Monday, July 13, 2026, Tobacco Street will be closed between 474 Tobacco Street and 492 Tobacco Street to allow for the replacement of the culvert over Brousseous Brook.

The road closure is expected to remain in place until approximately early-December 2026, weather and construction conditions permitting. During this time, traffic will not be able to pass between these two addresses.

The Town is coordinating with Tobacco Street residents, the U.S. Postal Service, UPS, FedEx, trash collection services, the Lebanon Fire Department, emergency medical services, and surrounding municipalities to help minimize disruptions during construction.

We understand that this temporary road closure may cause inconvenience and appreciate your patience and cooperation as this important infrastructure improvement is completed. The project will enhance the safety and reliability of Tobacco Street for years to come.

CT-SEDS Parent Portal Update:

Notification emails sent from CT-SEDS have a new domain: noreply.ctseds@ct.gov. Parents/Guardians will receive their notification email to access the Parent Portal from this domain now. The Parent Portal gives parents access to all of their child’s special education documents. It is also an easy way to sign consents electronically. For updated information on how to access the portal, please use this link:

Parent Portal (CT-SEDS Connect)

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’ Department of Pupil Services wishes to inform all past students that exited special education services or graduated in 2019 or 2020 that we will be destroying special education records according to state guidelines in August of 2026. If you would like a copy of your records, please contact us at 860-642-5636 or email dawn.delia@lebanonct.org prior to July 31, 2026.

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.

Several projects funded through previously approved Town surplus appropriations continue to make excellent progress this summer. The resurfacing of the Lyman Memorial High School track is in the early stages of completion and will be ready for students, athletes, and community members at the start of the school year providing a safe, high-quality facility for years to come. In addition, security camera enhancements have been completed across the district to further strengthen the safety and security of our schools, while parking lot improvements are underway to improve traffic flow, accessibility, and the overall condition of our campuses.

These projects reflect our ongoing commitment to being responsible stewards of public resources by making strategic investments that improve safety, enhance our facilities, and support the educational experience for our students, staff, and community. We appreciate the continued partnership and support of our Town officials as we work together to maintain learning environments that our community can be proud of.

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 26-27 school year please be on the lookout for write ups celebrating our teaching team.

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.

Sabena Escott, MSW sabena.escott@lebanonct.org

Lyman Memorial High School Social Worker and District Family Care Coordinator

LPS Educational, Safety, Mental Health & Food Security Resources & Programs

Mental Health, Town & Community Resources: LPS

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. Each month we will share a few programs and resources for students and families.

Resources

• 211: a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people to essential health and human services 24 hours a day, seven days a week online and over the phone.CT Resources

• Crisis text line: Text 741741 - Free- 24/7- confidential text-based mental health support

• Dial 988: Suicide and Crisis Lifeline- 24/7

• The Trevor Project The world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ+ young people aged 13 to 24 Online chat Text "START" to 678-678

• Urgent Crisis Center Urgent response for children's mental health crises.

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention AFSP

Resources/Trainings
Mental Health First Aid Certification: MHFA

Education Series: Supporting a Loved One with Mental Health- NAMI

Opioid Overdose Narcan Clinic CT Mental Health & Addiction

Husky Health Benefit Medicaid & Health Insurance Eligibility for Children & Families & Behavioral Health Eligibility & Virtual Eligibility Meetings

Mental health, substance abuse and gambling supports Southeastern Regional Action Council

As we look forward to summer break, please be aware that the Town Food Pantry will be open by appointment for any families experiencing food insecurity. Many “kid” friendly staples will be available.

Please contact Social Services Administrator, Shelly Ashcom at (860) 642-4580 or sashcom@lebanonct.gov for more information.

The Food Pantry is located at 23 Goshen Hill Road behind the fire department. Only one appointment at a time is scheduled for confidentiality.

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.*

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