Superintendent's Letter

Dear Students, Staff Members, Families, and Community Members,

I hope you all had a wonderful Veterans Day and long weekend. Thank you veterans in all branches of the military for your time, bravery, sacrifice, and service to our country.

It is a busy time of year both in our schools and at the SAU Office. SAU and School administrators are preparing the proposed School District budget which will be presented to the School Board on Saturday, November 19th.

MLS and LHS/HSS Renovation Update

The renovation project at MLS is proceeding as planned. If you haven't driven by in a while, you will be surprised at how much work has been accomplished. I am grateful to Mrs. Roach, her entire staff, and our local community members for their patience as we construct a new gym/cafeteria, cooking kitchen, and renovate the nurse's office.

The design plans for the LHS/HSS renovation project are underway. The soil will be tested and a geographical report generated to assist in determining the new foundation and building structures. The anticipated start of this renovation project is June/July 2023.

Director of Equity, Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction

Ms. Karen DuBois has been hired as the Director of Equity, Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction. Ms. DuBois will oversee the District’s efforts to implement goals, procedures, and curricula that support equity and foster a sense of community.

Two-Hour School Delay or Full-Day School Closing Information

With the warm weather we are having, it is hard to believe that it is time to send out the annual school delay/closing information.

We will continue to have a traditional 'no school' day when there is a full-day snow day rather than having a remote learning day.

Based on our school calendar, if we use seven full snow/emergency days, we will consider moving to remote learning rather than adding days in June.

The primary focus in determining whether to alter the school day in response to weather conditions or other reasons is student safety.

The day may be affected in two ways:

1. School delayed two hours

2. School closed

If students can get to school, we seldom close early due to inclement weather.

The following factors will be considered when deciding about the school day due to inclement weather:

1. Are the roads/highways safely passable? Both the Lebanon Police Department and Public Works Department are contacted.

2. Can pedestrians (on the way to and at school) move around safely?

3. Can the building exits be cleared in the event we need to evacuate? (Being able to get into a building does not necessarily mean we can rapidly evacuate a building.)

4. Can the buses travel safely?

There will be occasions when school remains open in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

When this happens, we have a particular concern for the welfare of our teenage drivers. We know that icy and snow‐covered roads are a challenge for any driver. Please be very deliberate before allowing a young driver to leave for school in inclement weather. When school is in session, if you feel that road conditions are unsafe to send your child to school, you always have the freedom to keep your child home for the day.

When there is a change in the school day, an automated message will be delivered via email and/or telephone through the School District’s emergency notification system – SchoolMessenger. Information is also posted on local television channels WMUR, WNNE, many local radio stations, and the District’s website at www.sau88.net. School closings or delayed opening calls will begin by 5:45 a.m. or earlier when possible.

Please note that Grantham and Plainfield may have different weather conditions and may close or have a two-hour delay when Lebanon is running on a normal schedule. In those instances, Grantham and Plainfield students are marked with an excused absence and are allowed to make up missed assignments. Parents can also drop their children off at school. Plainfield and Grantham administrators make the final decision regarding the running of their buses.

Parents should encourage their children to wear the type of clothing that will not only keep them warm and enable them to see where they are going, but also permit them to be seen. If a child cannot be seen by the bus driver, there could be a safety issue. For example, white clothing is difficult to see in snow but makes one visible at night. If the weather is inclement, your child should be dressed for the occasion and leave a few minutes earlier than their normal starting time to reach the school bus stop or school safely and on time.

School District Open Positions

Are you looking for a job where you will make a positive difference by supporting students and families?

Please consider being a paraeducator, bus driver, substitute teacher, or custodial staff member. If interested, our open positions are posted on SchoolSpring, or feel free to contact Mr. Xavier Ramos, Human Resources Coordinator, at xramos@sau88.net. If you are interested in being a substitute, please contact Dianne Estes, Director of School and Community Relations, destes@sau88.net.

In Closing

Please know that we are grateful for the opportunity to work with and support your children and all of our families. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you,

Dr. Joanne Roberts

The Lebanon School District, in partnership with the community, is committed to providing a challenging, positive, and safe learning environment that CARES:

• Cultivates curiosity and collaboration
• Achieves academic excellence
• Respects and values diversity
• Encourages responsible citizenship
• Supports the needs of every learner

Upcoming School Board Meeting:

Lebanon School Board Meeting Annual Budget Meeting Saturday, November 19, 2022 8:00 am LMS Cafeteria

Please visit the SAU #88 website for further information.

Link to Board Agendas and Minutes

Website: www.sau88.net
Location: 20 Seminary Hill Road, West Lebanon, NH, USA
Phone: 603-795-8500