Lebanon Public Schools

– John F. Kennedy

Over the course of the month of March, the Board of Finance has had several special meetings to discuss budgets for departments across the town. As of March 25th, they have made a recommendation to move a 3.21% increase to the Public Hearing which would be an additional cut of $718,000 to the Board of Education adopted increase of 6.42%.

On Monday, April 14th at 7:30 in the LMHS auditorium there will be a Public Hearing to discuss the budget prior to moving to referendum. I urge you to continue to be a part of the process.

Each year we formally present to the Board of Education the progress we are making towards district and building goals. Below you will find the presentation that was shared with the Board earlier this month. In your review of the data, or the analysis of our planned next steps, you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out as I would be glad to talk about our strategic plans for continued improvement. Also, please be on the lookout for our end of year data report where we will further celebrate student growth.

Earlier this month I submitted an application for the American Welding Society Workforce Grant which could potentially provide up to $50,000 towards welding equipment and supplies to develop this pathway for our learners.

Here is the description used in the introduction of the application that provides more information regarding the vision for this pathway and steps we have taken to date.

The Lebanon Public Schools Welding Program is dedicated to providing students with hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills that prepare them for successful careers in welding and related fields. Our program serves a diverse group of students, including those pursuing career and technical education (CTE) pathways, students interested in entering the skilled trades immediately after high school, and those seeking advanced training or certifications for post-secondary education.

Our welding program plays a vital role in supporting the needs of both the community and the local industry. Lebanon and the surrounding regions have a growing demand for skilled welders in manufacturing, construction, automotive repair, and other industrial sectors. By equipping students with foundational and advanced welding techniques—including MIG, TIG, and stick welding—we help bridge the workforce gap and ensure that local businesses have access to well-trained employees. Additionally, we collaborate with local industries to offer work-based learning experiences, internships, and certification opportunities through the American Welding Society (AWS), ensuring our graduates meet industry standards.

Throughout our planning process for implementing this new program we have been in contact with local industry leaders for guidance on equipment, facility requirements, skills necessary and partnerships for future consultation. Beginning on September 10, 2024 we had our first meeting with William Barber from General Dynamics Electric Boat who is a liaison for partnering with schools in the Connecticut Rhode Island region. In November of 2024 we had Mr. Barber and another member of the Electric Boat team walked through our Technology Education workshop to discuss feasibility options and layout requirements. Outside of the equipment needed to begin the program we have the space necessary to house the program. Representatives from Electric Boat presented to Lyman students the many opportunities for employment and careers upon graduation. Many students who were at this presentation have already applied for the summer internship program at Electric Boat. In December of 2024 we had a walk through with Collins and Jewell, another local manufacturing company and they gave us the same feasibility space recommendation that it would be more than adequate to run a program of this nature. We are currently looking to develop further partnerships with this company. We have met with David Allard from the Eastern Workforce Investment Board (EWIB), a regional organization dedicated to promoting manufacturing in our area and assisting individuals interested in jobs in these career fields find employment.

We have also consulted with numerous other schools who have recently started welding programs in our area to discuss challenges and considerations as we begin to develop our idea of a program at Lyman Memorial High School. We went to the welding program opening celebration at Westbrook High School on September 30, 2024.

The vision of the Lebanon Public Schools Welding Program is to be a leader in technical education by continuously enhancing our curriculum, upgrading our equipment to reflect industry advancements, and expanding opportunities for student success. We strive to inspire students to pursue lifelong careers in welding and related trades, fostering a skilled workforce that contributes to the economic growth and stability of our community. By securing funding through the AWS Welding Workforce Grant, we aim to further develop our program, improve training resources, and ensure that our students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

Our elementary school, after a detailed pilot process, selected and is implementing a new literacy program- SAVVAS MyView. I want to thank the LES teachers for opening their classroom doors for Literacy Walkthroughs. Also, thanks to Rita Quiles-Glover, Jessica Scorso and Stephanie DeLucia for organizing this visit.

These visits, modeled after our leadership visit to Bethel, were 10-minute observations across grade levels with a focus on the essential question: Do students engage in sustained, peer-centered discussions about grade-level texts and unit themes? To strengthen vertical alignment, staff members from LMS and LMHS were present. The insights from these walkthroughs will help shape Year 2 planning and serve as a benchmark for improvement before our final walkthrough with the SAVVAS consultant in May.

These walkthroughs were very helpful in monitoring implementation of an important initiative in our school but also a great opportunity to celebrate teaching and learning. I look forward to this becoming a more regular practice in each of our schools.

Most recently, the middle school was awarded a state AI grant, providing teachers and students the opportunity to explore platforms like Magic School AI. This grant also includes coaching to support practical classroom applications, helping educators integrate AI tools effectively into instruction. In addition, on March 28th, teachers across the district participated in a professional learning session focused on artificial intelligence (AI). A consultant from EdAdvance, a regional educational center, led the session, exploring key ideas such as the implications of AI in education, its role in learning, and strategies for responsible use.

AI is rapidly shaping the future, and preparing students to engage with it safely and effectively is essential. In a school setting, AI can support both students and teachers in various ways, such as providing personalized learning experiences, generating real-time feedback, assisting with research, and enhancing critical thinking through AI-driven discussions. Teachers can use AI to streamline lesson planning, analyze student progress, and create differentiated instruction tailored to individual needs.

By equipping educators with a deeper understanding of AI’s impact and best practices for integration, we are ensuring that students develop the skills necessary to navigate an increasingly digital world with confidence and responsibility.

As a reminder we have had 2 snow days so far (and I am pretty confident we will not have anymore), our new last day of school will be Friday, June 13, 2025. Stay tuned for more possible updates.

At our January 14th Board of Education meeting the 2025 Graduation date was set for Lyman Memorial High School. This culminating event will take place on Thursday, June 12th. The elementary and middle schools will soon share their dates for promotion exercises.

Thank you Mr. Covino for this write up summarizing the event. Lebanon Public Schools was proud to continue our annual Evening with the Arts night. It is a great way to celebrate the arts, bring our community together, and most importantly, provide our amazing students with a chance to be recognized for their creativity, talent, and hard work across all of the arts. Taking place at Lyman Memorial High School, we had the atrium filled with a variety of student work from all three of our schools along with fun activities to take part in throughout the night. A program of events was put on in the auditorium throughout the evening. Included was the high school’s contemporary ensemble, concert choir, concert band, and a preview of this year’s musical, Legally Blonde. Our middle school performances included the Jazz band, and 5th and 6th grade bands. The elementary school 4th grade band joined together with our 7th and 8th grade middle school bands as well. There was also an always anticipated performance from the Lebanon combined choir which highlights this event as being a way for students across all our schools to work together and be part of something very special. As a district we are thrilled at the support we receive for what has now become a tradition that our students and community look forward to each year. The arts provide a special place for our students to come together and find a place where they belong and feel free to be creative and express who they are on a daily basis.

On March 11th, students in the 4th grade put on a musical version of the book, The Day the Crayons Quit. Students sang, danced and used classroom instruments, while using the text of the book as their script. It was a colorfully fun time!

Kiersten finished the state competition in third place. She did an amazing job delivering two speeches about the U. S. Constitution

On March 16th, the Lebanon Lions Club held its Country Breakfast event. A portion of the ticket sales went towards supporting the Senior post-grad for a safe and substance-free graduation party.

A group of amazing Seniors pitched in the night before to help set up and then served breakfast to nearly 200 people the next day. They are a fantastic group, and we are so grateful for their help. Without their hard work, we wouldn't have been able to pull off such a successful breakfast.

With warm regards,

Tammy Raymond

Lebanon Lions Member

Lyman Memorial Drama Company’s musical this year was Legally Blonde. With a cast of 24 students and a crew of 17, they performed three sold out shows on Friday, March 14 at 7:00 pm, Saturday, March 15 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, March 16 at 2:00 pm. There were district teachers, parents, families, and Lyman alumni here all weekend to watch and celebrate the success of this show.

Thank you to the LES PTA for organizing a fun family event that featured your very own Lebanon Dream Team vs the Harlem Tricksters.

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.

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