Volume: 2020-2021 ● Number: 15 ● Lebanon, NH

December 4, 2020

Email: jdentremont@sau88.net
Website: https://lms.sau88.net/
Location: 3 Moulton Avenue, Lebanon, NH, USA
Phone: 603-448-3056
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LMSLebNH/
Twitter: @LMSLebNH

Dear LMS Families,

It has been a different week with the shift to remote learning. Despite the shift, we have persevered. Schooling is going well for most students and teachers. Our attendance has been good each day we have been remote, and our support teams work hard to track down or troubleshoot problems that come up while remote learning.

We will be returning to in person on Wednesday, December 9th.

There have been a few questions that have come my way related to the decision for LMS to go fully remote through December 9th that I wanted to address.

We discuss and review protocols and guidelines as a staff regularly. When the School Board approved the 5 day model, our classroom sizes returned to more "normal" levels with an average of 17 students. The goal in this model is that students are 3 feet away from one another while masked and that staff are 6 feet away from one another and students. Staff members try hard to keep their distance in classrooms, hallways, and other areas. There are times when staff members have to be within 6 feet of each other and students. We have had multiple days this year where we have almost gone remote due to lack of staffing. The Superintendent has been transparent about this possibility with the School Board and community. Dr. Roberts and our District Student Services Director, Mrs. Woolsey, even subbed one day to keep LMS open. We have fewer subs than in years past willing to come in. Please know that we will continue to do our best and exhaust all options to keep our school open and that we are making everyone's safety a priority.

When the District shifted to the 5 day in person model, families were asked to stay in their current choice through December 22nd. It is now December 4th. If a family would like to switch to in person from remote or from remote to in person for after the winter break, please be in touch with me as we will make any changes for January 4, 2021.

I wish you a pleasant weekend. We will see you virtually Monday and Tuesday and in person on Wednesday.

Regards,

John P. D'Entremont, Principal

In order to avoid unexcused absences, please remember to email Ruth Keane (rkeane@sau88.net) regarding student absences, appointments, etc.

Teachers are currently working on grades and comments. First trimester will be finalized on December 10th in PowerSchool. Families must set-up PowerSchool in order to access grades. We do not mail home report cards.

Did you know you can create a parent account that will automatically notify you by email regarding your child's grades, attendance, etc. daily, weekly or monthly.

• Want to create an account - Email Ruth Keane (rkeane@sau88.net) for a letter of instructions
• Do you have an account but are having trouble with it - Email Ruth keane (rkeane@sau88.net)

Updated COVID info from NH DPHS 12/3/20

Once again, NH has updated quarantine guidelines in relation to exposure to COVID and travel. The following guidelines are specific to NH. The CDC, VT, and other state guidelines are different from NH. We will be following these NH guidelines going forward. Lots of information coming your way. It can be confusing even for those of us (myself) who have been following the weekly changes closely. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions (npageau@sau88.net).

CHANGES:

*A person who is close contact to another person infectious with COVID-19 must stay

home and away from public locations for 10 days starting from the last day of exposure

to the infectious person.

*A person who has traveled outside of New England must stay home and away from

public locations for 10 days starting from the last day of travel outside of New England.

An exception still exists for travel quarantine only: one can “test out” of the 10 day travel quarantine if they have a negative COVID PCR based test on day 7 or after of their quarantine, and remain without symptoms.

***NH DPHS does NOT recommend adopting the “test out” option in the new CDC Quarantine Guidance (i.e. quarantine for 7 days and a negative test) for confirmed close contacts to a positive person. Currently, testing resources are not sufficiently available to adopt this approach, and risk of transmission is increased.

In all situations, you are still self monitoring for any symptoms until day 14. If you develop symptoms during this time period you need to test and follow the appropriate quarantine or isolation guidance.

Isolation guidance for confirmed positive cases as of 12/3/20:

https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/covid19/documents/self-isolation-covid.pdf

Quarantine guidance for exposure or travel as of 12/3/20:

https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/covid19/documents/self-quarantine-covid.pdf

NH COVID related information can be found on the nh.gov/covid19 website.

Common Questions:

Can I get a rapid COVID test instead of a PCR test?

One can get a rapid test if symptomatic. If one has no symptoms, then a PCR test should be done for accurate results.

Do I need to quarantine for 14 days if I travel outside of NE?

NO. DHHS just revised their protocol 12/3/20. If you travel outside of NE, you must quarantine for 10 days from the last day of travel OR quarantine for 7 days, have a negative COVID test on or after day 7 and remain asymptomatic. You should stay away from public places during this time and continue to self monitor.

Can I come to work/send my kids to school if someone in my house is getting a COVID test and waiting for results?

Yes. As long as you are asymptomatic, then you may come to work. Once the individual in your house tests positive, then you would need to remain home.

How long do I need to stay home if I test positive for COVID?

You will need to remain home for 10 days since the start of your symptoms, or 10 days from the test collection date if you are asymptomatic. You can return to school on the 11th day.

Someone in my house tests positive for COVID. How long do I need to remain home?

You will remain home for 20 days (10 days for the person who tested positive, and then you are home an additional 10 days for your quarantine after the period of isolation ends).

If I test positive or someone else in my house tests positive, will DHHS contact me?

Because of the influx in positive COVID cases in NH, DHHS will now contact cases related to schools with a “beginning” isolation or quarantine letter. They will no longer be providing a “release from” isolation/quarantine letter. Please reach out to your PCP or myself with any questions related to either quarantine or isolation.

What is the definition of close contact?

Close contact is defined as being less than 6 feet from a positive COVID individual for a cumulative 10 minutes or more during the person’s infectious period. What is the infectious period? It is based on the 2 days before the person becomes symptomatic or 2 days before the test collection date if the person is asymptomatic.

Please continue to be in contact with the nurse if your child is being tested for covid either due to symptoms or if they have been exposed to a person determined to have COVID.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

Based on guidance from the NH Department of Public Health and the New Hampshire School Nurse Association, in order for your child to return to school if they exhibit any of the symptoms listed above, they should either get a COVID test and produce a negative test result, OR choose to quarantine for 10 days since onset and improvement of symptoms.

DHMC Covid hotline (603) 650-1818. Hotline hours: Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 6:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. This is for DHMC patients only (unless you are deemed a close contact to a positive case) and you do not need a referral from your Pediatrician before testing. Appointment only.

https://www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/patient-education/covid19-testing.html

Alice Peck Day- (603)-442-5665 Hotline hours 8:30am-4:00pm on weekdays. Official State testing site therefore will test anyone regardless if your doctor is at APD or if you do not have a doctor. Do not need a referral. Appointment only. Must live within the Community of Alice Peck Day

https://www.alicepeckday.org/services/covid19communitytesting/

Nancy Pageau

npageau@sau88.net

603-727-9817 (direct line)

603-448-3056 (LMS)

Positive Cases - 1

Current Active Cases - 1

Students/Staff Currently Quarantined - 14

Number of Students/Staff Tested (since September) - 110*

*Includes students/staff who have been tested multiple times.

Number of Students/Staff with Pending Test Results - 4

NH COVID-19 Schools Dashboard

It’s getting cold and soon students will need winter gear for outside play. Now more than ever, kids need a break for exercise and fresh air each day. If you need help acquiring outerwear for your student, please reach out to your child’s school counselor. We have some limited resources to help families with this need. You can reach us through email or by calling the school.

Grades 5 and 6: Carolynn Stockwell

cstockwell@sau88.net

Grades 7 and 8: Stephanie Allard

sallard@sau88.net

Having concerns about your child at this time? Is your student struggling to stay on task? Things not going well? Reach out to the School Counselors for help. They are always happy to assist.

Carolynn Stockwell, 5/6

cstockwell@sau88.net

Stephanie Allard, 7/8

sallard@sau88.net

Elena VanZandt, Student Assistance Provider

evanzandt@sau88.net

We are going to do the student council informational meeting Monday, Dec 7th at 2:15 via Google Meets. Students who completed the interest form will be getting a link emailed to them directly. Questions, please contact Mrs. McFarland.

DECEMBER

Monday, Dec.14 - Holiday Socks

Tuesday, Dec.15 - Holiday Hats

Wednesday, Dec.16 - Holiday Movie Character Day:

Dress up like your favorite holiday movie character

Thursday, Dec.17 - Blizzard Day: Wear all white or Snowmen things

Friday, Dec.18 - Flannel Friday

Monday, Dec. 21 - Ugly Holiday Sweaters

Tuesday, Dec. 22 - Holiday PJs/ Comfy Clothes Day (appropriate footwear required)

Masks of LMS will return when we return in person.

Friday was fancy Friday where some staff and students dressed up to be fancy.

Remote Learners...if you have pictures of your remote learning, send them in to lmspirit@sau88.net. We will include them in the Scoop too!

Pictured below Dorothy, Nicholas and Aiden LMS 8th graders (and Ellen LHS) just before they broke the ice on the lake to go swimming. Polar plunge while remote this week!

7th graders Kestyn, Alexa, and Khyla hosted a pop-up collection for the humane society selling their homemade paw-sitive envelopes. They raised $94.25 in which they turned into food and treats for the animals and delivered to the UVHS.

Our Fall Fundraiser ends TODAY so get those last minute orders in! And many thanks to all the families who have already ordered. We appreciate your support!

(If you still need the info, visit meadowfarms.com and use School ID MF1127100)

December 23rd - January 3rd - school closed for winter break

School Board Meeting, Wednesday, December 9, 6:30 pm, LMS Gym and on Zoom, Please use this URL to join. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81063243731?pwd=SmNrVjFoRGdnZkE4Mmlqa212dW5hZz09

Click the button below for the latest newsletters from our Superintendent:

Hi! We aren't able to distribute to schools this season, so I'm sending the link for the winter
2020 issue of Kid Stuff: https://issuu.com/kearsarge/docs/kid_stuff_winter_2020

Articles inside include:

· Inside Art: Three local arts
organizations Artistree Community Arts Center, Library Arts Center,

· Childrens Art Center share craft projects and art ideas for all ages.

· Family Travel this Holiday Season -
Safety advice from Lebanon-based Global Rescue

· Holiday Safety Tips from the Experts

· Read EVERYTHING with Your Children

· Eight Ways to Connect with Grandparents During the Pandemic

· Let’s Talk Mental Health by West Central Behavioral Health

Please feel free to share the link - and these
educational articles - with your staff and
students as you see fit. Thank you, and happy holidays!

Laura Jean Whitcomb
Editor/Publisher
info@kearsargemagazine.com

If you have a student returning in person to LMS for the first time this year, please review the video tutorials to understand our processes and procedures while at school. We strongly encourage families to watch these together. Although some of our spaces now look a bit different than in the videos, we will still be using these procedures.

Here is the link to the Lebanon Middle School COVID Procedures. The button below titled LMS COVID Procedures takes you to the module and the LMS website too.

The school day begins at 7:45 - 7:50 AM.

The PikMyKid Check-in Health Screening is required each day. Students who do not complete the check-in before arriving will have to be screened at the door before entering the building. We continue to average 20-30 check-ins daily which is still slowing down the process. Please complete the check-in health screening before leaving home in the morning.

Students will be expected to arrive at the following times, as we stagger our arrival in order to process students into our building:

Bus Riders - 7:22 AM

Band/Chorus Students - 7:22 AM - Please follow directions from Ms. Garnham and Mr. Terry. If your child has a sibling that is not in the band or chorus, please drop them together at the same time.

Car drop offs need to plan to start at 7:30 AM or after. There is no early drop off.

Students should be sitting in a seat on the right side of the vehicle to exit on the sidewalk side. Students should also be prepared to get out before the car stops so they can do so quickly and the car line can keep moving.

If your child has to exit from the left side of the vehicle, please park and we will help them cross the crosswalk.

5th & 7th Grade Car Riders - Begins @ 7:30 AM

6th & 8th Grade Car Riders - Begins @ 7:38 AM

***If you have students in 5th and 8th for example you can choose the earlier or later time.***

Students will be dismissed at the following times:

Please park if your child is not along the curb when you enter the loop to keep the flow of traffic moving.

Bus Riders - 1:55 PM

5th & 7th Grade Car Riders Starting at 2 PM (please try not to arrive before 2PM)

6th & 8th Grade Car Riders 2:08 PM

***If you have students in 5th and 8th for example you can choose the earlier or later time.***

We have changed our School's PikMyKid settings. Parents can no longer change the default pick-up mode of their students. If you have a student who will be picked up by car permanently and not taking the bus for example, you will have to contact the school. To change your child's afternoon plans temporarily, use the calendar feature in order to delegate someone else to pick up for example.

Tutorials are found below in the Scoop.

All students are expected to attend school each day it is in session if they selected to be in school, and must be in Advisory by 7:45am for attendance.

All students arriving to Advisory after 7:45am will be considered late to school.

Parents must complete the PikMyKid App Check-In Health Survey each morning for each student to attend in person learning.

Parents must contact the school office each day their student (in person or fully remote) will be absent or late.

In person learners who have symptoms keeping them from in person learning, will be marked absent and do not need to access their teachers remotely. Our nurse will contact the family to discuss if COVID testing is necessary and what date the student may return to school.

All students who are called out absent for 1 to 2 days, for any reason, will be marked absent and do not need to access their teachers remotely. Student may make up missing work upon their return to school.

In person learners who are absent for 3 or more days due to illness or quarantine may learn remotely at their teachers’ discretion; however, they will continue to be marked absent.

Planned absences for all students must follow our student handbook attendance policy. In this case the student may learn remotely at their teachers’ discretion; however, they will be marked absent.

Extended Absences/Vacations

Parents/Guardians are discouraged from planning family vacations while school is in session. Please make plans that coincide with school vacations and holidays because it is difficult for students to make up classroom learning activities when a child is absent for an extended period of time. Permission is granted by an administrator, and a written request to the main office for a student’s work two weeks in advance is required. It is the student’s responsibility to notify teachers and collect assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to submit the completed assignments upon his/her return to school. Failure to obtain permission and to request work two weeks in advance will result in absences being unexcused.

New Period Attendance – In an effort to improve communications, LMS teachers now have the ability to take class attendance each period via Powerschool for all students. Students will be notified if they are marked absent. Parents will be notified if they have created a parent portal account in Powerschool. This should help parents/guardians monitor attendance for their remote learners.

It is important to note that an in person learner, who is at school, could be marked absent for a class for a variety of reasons (early dismissal, student services, counseling, etc.).

Breakfast and Lunch

Students will be able to purchase breakfast or lunch ahead of time. More details to come soon as to how students will order meals ahead.

• Breakfast $1.75
• Lunch $3.15

Reduced price tentatively for breakfast is $0 and lunch is $.40.

Food service along with everything else looks a little different this year. In the morning, students may not enter the building early to get and eat breakfast. There will be a daily offering with a cereal option for the students to choose from between 7:25 and 7:40. Students, regardless of grade, should enter the front doors of the school in the morning and the students should go directly into the cafeteria and pick up and eat their breakfast. Breakfast will not be available once the school day begins at 7:45. There will not be a breakfast break period this year. Remember that a reduced pay student receives a free breakfast.

At lunch there will be two options available at lunch every day. A daily offering and an option that will be consistent for the week. We are also offering a breakfast and a lunch for remote learning days. A cohort students can order meals for Tuesday and Wednesday at Monday lunch and again on Thursday for Friday. B cohort students can order meals for Wednesday and Thursday at lunch on Tuesday and again on Friday for Monday. The meals will be available for pickup at the end of the day and the student will pick up the meals on the way out at dismissal time.

Just a reminder, Free and Reduced applications must be filled out every year. You can apply on line at https://www.lunchapplication.com/ or you can get the application on the district’s website. Applications are also available at the main office.

Dennis Samuel

Food Service Director

Fresh Picks Café

Each day when your child(ren) come to school, they will be required to complete the health screening before coming to school. This will be through the PikMyKid app (more information to follow).

It is imperative that students do stay home if they are sick or have COVID-19 symptoms (COVID symptoms). Students should not come to school if they are not feeling well or have any of the following symptoms:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Students should have a water bottle and can use the bottle filling stations throughout the day.

Every student needs a backpack every day to carry their materials for the day.

Students also need to bring their chromebook to school every day they are in person. Parents/Guardians need to help students remember their device and help make sure it is charged. Students need to be reminded to be careful with their chromebooks to avoid breaking them. If you are having trouble with the Chromebook, email techsupport@sau88.net.

Students need their chromebooks every day they are at school! We continue to encourage students to take care of their machines and very much appreciate your help with this. We want to keep our machines in good working order at all times. We can troubleshoot functioning but we can't just replace due to breakage.

Please help your students with the following:

• Charging chromebooks every night.
• Making sure chromebook and charger get into backpack each night to and from school.
• Cleaning chromebook daily.
• Emphasizing taking care of your machine.
• Remembering passwords.

Need technology help?

Tech Support Hotline number: (603) 790-8501

This phone line will be open from 8am-4pm M-F. After hours, please leave a message and we will return your call.

Tech Support Hotline email: techsupport@sau88.net

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

The Lebanon Middle School community challenges and supports all learners in a

rigorous, stimulating, and developmentally appropriate environment.

To achieve our mission, we strive to foster curiosity, lifelong learning, and global citizenship while encouraging individual aptitudes, interests, and talents by underscoring our core values of LMS PRIDE:

Leadership

Motivation

Spirit

Perseverance

Respect

Integrity

Dependability

Excellence

John P. D’Entremont, Principal

Kim Ezen, Assistant Principal

Synthia Liska, Student Services Administrator

Brett Franklin, Director of Athletics & Co-Curriculars

Email: jdentremont@sau88.net
Website: lms.sau88.net
Location: 3 Moulton Avenue, Lebanon, NH, USA
Phone: 603-448-3056
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LMSLebNH
Twitter: @LMSLebNH