Superintendent Update: November

Good morning, Lebanon School District Community,

November invites us to pause and reflect. The vibrant pace of fall is giving way to quieter days, and in our schools, the steady work of teaching and learning continues to take deeper root.

This season also reminds us of the power of gratitude. I am thankful for our students, whose curiosity and energy bring our classrooms, stages, and athletic fields to life; for our dedicated staff, who go above and beyond, and for our families, whose support strengthens our community.

You’ll notice this update includes more shout-outs than usual—a small way to share even more appreciation during this season of thanks. November offers us many reminders of what it means to belong to a caring, connected school community. We are always looking to highlight the great work of students and staff, so if you have someone you want to shout-out, just reply to this email to let us know.

Here’s to a month of learning, gratitude, and a joyful Thanksgiving break.

In partnership,
Amy Allen
Superintendent

Lebanon Teachers: Growing, Leading, and Inspiring

A parent wrote in to nominate Heather MacFadden. "Our son started at LMS in 7th grade as we are from Grantham. Señora MacFadden checked in with him, is an amazing teacher and has gone out of her way to come see his shows at the New London Barn Playhouse. The small gesture of coming, and when she can't, checking in with him anyway, has gone a long way. She is amazing!" Thank you Señora MacFadden for being such a supportive member of the LMS community both in school and out in the community!

Know a staff member who deserves a shoutout? Email Amy Allen (aallen@sau88.net) to let her know!

Celebrating critical & creative thinkers, local and global citizens, and demonstrated empathy & resilience

Students from Lebanon Middle School recently took part in the inaugural hike of the new LMS Outing Club. The group explored local trails together, taking time to enjoy the outdoors, learn from one another, and discover the beauty in their own community.

The experience encouraged teamwork, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for how people and the natural world are connected. It was a great first step for a club that hopes to inspire both a love of nature and a sense of belonging among its members.

This fall, the Lebanon High School Student Council, led by Moderator Mirabella Orlen and Assistant Moderator Ian Danen, voted to donate 20% of proceeds from their fundraisers to support athletics and extracurricular programs at Stevens High School. Their generosity began with Homecoming ticket sales and will continue throughout the year, including a portion of funds from the annual “Day of Work.” Students know their contributions won't cover every need—but they hope these gifts will make a meaningful difference. In true Raider spirit, they’re also teaming up with Mascoma and Hanover student councils for a joint spring 2026 fundraiser, showing that kindness and community extend well beyond school boundaries.

The Lebanon Middle School Girls Cross Country Team, through perseverance and resilience, WON the State Championship on Sunday, October 26 in Hopkinton. Congratulations on an amazing, undefeated, epic season! Kudos to 1st place winner Jill Campbell who broke the course record and took home the individual state title and Brooke Nelson who came in 3rd!

We’re excited to share that the Lebanon School District is experiencing enrollment growth at a time when many districts, both locally and nationally, are facing declines. Our most recent enrollment study includes projections for Lebanon and the towns in our AREA Agreement. We would also like to acknowledge a notable rise in tuition-paying students choosing our schools. From 2021 to the present, we have seen an increase in the number of students from 26 to 35. This growth reflects the strength of our programs, the hard work of our teachers and staff, and the trust families place in our district. The Lebanon School District is thriving—and clearly the place to be.

While there’s been some uncertainty around SNAP (food assistance) benefits during the federal government shutdown, Lebanon families should know that free and reduced-price school meals will continue without interruption. The New Hampshire Department of Education has confirmed that all eligible students will keep receiving meals as usual.

If your family’s financial situation has recently changed, please consider completing or updating the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application—it helps ensure every student has access to healthy meals.

For families, local food resources such as LISTEN Food Pantry (Lebanon), Upper Valley Haven (White River Junction), and Wellspring Food Pantry (West Lebanon) are here to help.

Residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can visit LISTEN’s food pantry at 60 Hanover Street, Lebanon. During the federal government shutdown, LISTEN is getting extra food boxes from the New Hampshire Food Bank for NH SNAP recipients. Walk-ins are welcome at the LISTEN food pantry. No appointment is needed. Hours are Monday 12:00–4:00 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Lebanon’s Human Services Department connects residents directly with local food programs and community resources. Lebanon residents can complete a short application for food assistance through Lebanon Human Services; proof of Lebanon residency and SNAP benefits is required. Lebanon Human Services is open Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm. Call 603-448-2944 to schedule an appointment during business hours.

The Valley News also has compiled additional resources here. The NH Department of Health and Human Services is providing updates on SNAP and WIC programs here.

• Thursday, November 6: International Potluck Dinner, 5 pm - 7 pm at Mount Lebanon School
• Tuesday, November 11: Veterans Day No School
• Wednesday, November 12: School Board Meeting, 6:30 pm in the LMS Cafeteria
• Thursday, November 20: LHS Band Concert 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Lebanon Opera House
• Saturday, November 22: Annual Budget Meeting 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Lebanon Middle School
• Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28: Thanksgiving Break No School
• December 5 - 7: LHS Wet Paint Players Water for Elephants at LOH

Frida, November 7 - Sunday, November 9: Trumbull Hall Troupe presents Matilda at the Lebanon Opera House. Purchase tickets here.

Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9: PTO Craft Fair at Lebanon High School 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Sat) 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (Sun). Local artists will sell handmade artwork and crafts to benefit the elementary and middle school PTOs.

Sunday, November 16: Traditional New England Family Dance with live music 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Cornish Town Hall. More info here.

4th & 5th grade Ski Passports! Ski NH is a junior ticket program hosted on the WinterKids App that provides one lift ticket or trail pass for each of Ski New Hampshire’s 32 member ski areas for students in 4th and 5th grade. The cost of the passport is $59. More information here.

Looking for a flexible way to support our students? Join our team of bus drivers and help get students to games, field trips, and special events! Apply here.

All open SAU #88 positions here.