Lebanon Public Schools

– John F. Kennedy

The start of a new school year is always filled with excitement, but this year, the energy across Lebanon Public Schools feels especially powerful. With students back in our classrooms and staff leading with heart and purpose, we are reminded of our collective commitment to excellence. As we embark on this journey together, we do so under the banner of our 2025-2026 district motto: “New Year. Same Mission. Lasting Impact.” Whether it’s a kindergartener’s first day or a senior’s final first day, every moment holds the promise of growth, leadership, and legacy. Here's to a school year grounded in purpose and driven by possibility—LPS strong from day one.

Below, please find an attachment bringing you to a quick presentation I shared at the September 9, 2025 Board of Education meeting which includes our district goals for this year along with reflection on the progress we have made with our LPS 2030 Strategic Plan.

Last year, our elementary school piloted, and ultimately adopted the SAVVAS MyView Literacy program. Our LES teachers were model collaborators working alongside the SAVVAS implementation team. The company was so impressed with our teaching team that they put together this video celebrating our school.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/1111061785

Candice Laconti is the Associate Education Consultant at the Center for Literacy Research and Reading Success in the Academic Office of the Connecticut State Department of Education. Here is what she had to say after seeing our school story:

What an honest, beautifully rendered, touching picture of Lebanon’s implementation journey! Thank you so much for sharing this video with us! You were not alone in starting with a homegrown curriculum created by loving, impassioned teachers. But the fact that you recognized the need for change and took a risk to adopt the perfect one for Lebanon - and the intentional moves you made along the way to support your team and ensure success - is so impressive! Things like keeping an open mind, creating a team with stakeholders from every grade, exploring a variety of options, building consensus around a single program, creating an implementation structure that included moving slowly and consistent meetings, investing in professional learning, prioritizing parent feedback… all of these moves clearly made a huge difference. We especially loved Ms. DeLucia’s myView Minutes! The commitment and enthusiasm was palpable in each educator’s voice as she spoke of the journey. And we’re so happy to hear that your efforts are resulting in improved student growth and engagement.

Congratulations on this huge achievement! May this next school year be one of continued growth and joy!

All three school buildings are off to a strong start this year, with a focus on establishing instructional routines and creating engaging, student-centered learning environments.

Students in grades K–8 have entered their fourth year of i-Ready Math, with an emphasis on collaboration, rigorous questioning, and academic discourse. Classrooms are actively incorporating inquiry-based learning and structured routines across content areas—including Savvas MyView Literacy, science, and the new high school English courses, which are engaging students in deeper writing and meaningful discussions around literature.

To support ongoing instruction and professional learning, the district is submitting four grant applications again this year—Title I, II, III, and IV. These critical funds help expand access to high-quality instruction in language arts, mathematics, ELL services, preschool standards, and STEM/innovation initiatives.

Our TEAM program continues to support first- and second-year teachers through a process of professional growth centered on five key modules: classroom environment, planning, instruction, assessment, and professional responsibility. The program also provides culturally responsive training and opportunities for collegial observation and collaboration with mentors and content-area peers.

The PDEC Committee meets monthly to review survey feedback, support teacher evaluation, and shape upcoming professional development days. At our September meeting, we will analyze results from the August certified staff PD survey, review the upcoming PD day agendas, and discuss the new teacher evaluation model. The October 3 PD Day will continue to explore AI and Google tools in support of differentiated instruction and planning. Content-area teams will also have time to focus on department-specific priorities.

Department of Pupil Services Webpage: Please check the webpage for the Department of Pupil Services. It has recently been updated:

https://www.lebanonct.org/page/department-of-pupil-services

Important documents that are shared with special education parents each year are found here:

https://www.lebanonct.org/page/special-education-documents

Developmental Delay:

There are a total of fifteen disability categories in which a student can receive special education services in Connecticut. The category Developmental Delay is defined as a significant delay in one or more of the following areas: physical development, communication development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, or adaptive development.

Previously, Connecticut Planning and Placement Teams (PPTs) could identify students as eligible for special education and related services under the primary disability category of Developmental Delay between the ages of three and five.

Effective July 1, 2025, Public Act 25-67 expands the allowable age for this primary disability category to include students up to age eight.

Dyslexia Awareness: To celebrate Dyslexia Awareness Month and the launch of a year-long statewide Dyslexia Awareness Campaign, the Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities and the Bureau of Special Education are hosting a special event on the evening of October 7, 2025 in Waterbury. The event is open to the public. Parents, students, and educators are welcome to attend. Information about the event and how to register are in the flyer below.

Statewide Dyslexia Awareness Collaborative Kickoff

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 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.

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.

As we enter the second month of the school year, we’d like to remind families about meal prices,

balances, and some exciting updates from our food service team.

Meal Prices for the 2025-2026 School Year

Breakfast: $2.25 at all three schools

Lunch:

o Lyman: $4.25

o Middle School: $4.00

o Elementary School: $3.50

For families who qualify for reduced-price meals, the cost is:

Breakfast: $0.30 at all schools

Lunch: $0.40 at all schools

Please note: The state no longer subsidizes the reduced-price meal program, so families must pay

the reduced pricing directly.

How to Stay on Top of Your Balance

You can easily check your child’s meal balance through the Parent Portal at any time. To

manage negative balances, please make payments through My Payment Plus, or send checks or

cash with your child to the school cashier. We ask that all balances be settled promptly.

Free & Reduced-Price Meal Eligibility

We strongly encourage all families to complete the eligibility forms for free or reduced-price

meals. These forms are available on the school’s website.

New Meal Options for 2025-2026

Under the direction of Nizam Saad, our Food Service Director, we've introduced new menu

items featuring more locally grown produce and healthier options. We aim to provide meals that

students will enjoy, and we encourage feedback! If your child tries a new item they love, please

let the kitchen staff know—it helps us improve our offerings.

Join the School Wellness Committee

We’re seeking more involvement from parents, students, and staff in the School Wellness

Committee. If you’re interested in joining, please reach out to Martha Starkey-Castro at

martha.starkey-castro@lebanonct.org for more information. Active participation is important,

as it’s required for our involvement in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to an excellent year ahead!

At our Convocation we celebrated New Beginnings and honored teachers who have achieved milestones and continue to leave a lasting impact! In the picture next to this paragraph we highlighted Mr. Gray for 40 years of dedicated service.

Portrait of an Educator
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 25-26 school year please be on the lookout for write ups celebrating our teaching team.

For nearly three decades, Kevin Brodie has been a cornerstone of the Lyman Memorial High School community. Now in his 29th year in the classroom, Kevin has brought passion, intellect, and heart to an incredibly wide range of subjects—History, Civics, Philosophy, Human Rights, Politics and Government, Psychology, Anthropology, and Sociology—teaching across all high school grade levels.

Kevin’s academic journey is as rich and diverse as his teaching. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and holds three Master’s degrees from UConn, Quinnipiac, and UCLA. This year, he’s especially energized by the opportunity to teach ECE Philosophy—a subject that reflects not just his credentials but his lifelong love of thinking deeply, questioning boldly, and inspiring students to do the same.

When asked what keeps him coming back year after year, Kevin is quick to share: “I enjoy the connection and relationship with my students. It's the best thing about what I do.” He also credits Lebanon’s tight-knit, supportive community—across buildings and roles—as a key reason he still looks forward to each school day.

Kevin’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. As a UConn Human Rights Close to Home Fellow, he is collaborating with educators, students (including one from LMHS), and university professors to integrate real-world human rights issues into local curricula. This year, Kevin is designing lessons focused on the American Indian Boarding School system—offering students meaningful, relevant, and socially conscious learning experiences.

And in his “other life,” Kevin is a prolific playwright, poet, screenwriter, and actor. This past July, he was selected—among only 20% of applicants—for an exclusive residency at the Château d'Orquevaux in France, joining a global community of artists for three weeks of writing, collaboration, and creative growth. Next summer, his creative work continues with the production of a short film he’s co-writing, producing, and starring in, as well as the staging of one of his plays at a theatre in Pennsylvania.

From the classroom to the stage, Kevin Brodie embodies the Portrait of an Educator—curious, committed, community-centered, and continually evolving. Lebanon is incredibly fortunate to call him one of our own.

This month, we’re proud to feature Brandon Strout, a dedicated educator, coach, and mentor whose impact spans both the classroom and the athletic field.

Brandon is a graduate of Windham High School and a proud U.S. Air Force veteran, having served nine years in active duty and reserve roles. During his service, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Health from Eastern Connecticut State University, followed by a master’s degree in Special Education with a focus on Specific Learning Disabilities from Southern Connecticut State University.

With 16 years of teaching experience—primarily at the high school level—Brandon is known not only for his commitment to student learning but also for his enthusiastic support of extracurricular life. His coaching résumé is extensive and impressive: nearly 20 years of wrestling (including a class title with Griswold in 2011 and a runner-up finish with Lyman in 2024), 15 years in outdoor track and field, 11 years of soccer coaching, and stints with field hockey, girls' basketball, and cross country. He has also served as an AP Testing Coordinator, Class Advisor, Senior Project Monitor, pep rally emcee, and event staff for countless school events.

Brandon is proud of his deep connection to the community. He thrives in Lebanon’s small-town atmosphere, where close relationships with students allow him to support and challenge them to reach their full potential. This year, he’s especially excited to welcome new colleagues into the Physical Education and Health department and collaborate to continue growing the program. And of course, he’s already counting down the days to the winter wrestling season.

Here’s some fun facts: Brandon and I were once teammates on the football team at Windham High School. Also, Brandon has taught at both schools that his parents graduated from, Windham & Lyman.

We thank Brandon Strout for his service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the students of Lebanon.

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.

This month’s Heart of the Harvest shines a light on someone whose legacy in Lebanon Public Schools is as heartfelt as it is enduring. A proud parent with deep ties to our community, this individual has worn many hats over the years—parent, volunteer, staff member—and in every role, they have sown seeds of connection and care.

As a parent of four children—two graduates and two current students at Lyman Memorial High School—her journey with LPS spans decades. From coordinating yearbooks to updating newsletters, launching social media pages to serving as the middle school attendance secretary, her efforts have consistently centered on one powerful mission: strengthening the bond between home and school. Her work updating the LMS newsletter and founding the PTO Facebook page gave families an essential bridge to school happenings, helping parents navigate everything from sports and clubs to classroom news and who to call with questions.

For her, it’s always been about connection—putting faces to names, sharing celebrations, and making sure every family feels they are a valued part of our school community. And what she loves most about LPS is that anyone, at any stage, can make a difference. She began as a parent volunteer, and through the encouragement and openness of our district, became a staff member whose voice and ideas were embraced and elevated.

Her story doesn’t end with her own service. Her daughter, Aurora, grew up witnessing firsthand what it means to give back—and is now doing just that as a substitute teacher and coach of the LMS Girls Soccer team. Watching Aurora step into a leadership role within the very community that helped shape her has been one of her mother’s proudest moments.

Her message to our families is simple but powerful: Get involved. Whether it’s reading in your child’s classroom, volunteering at the book fair, or cheering from the sidelines, every gesture contributes to a stronger, more vibrant school community. And in doing so, we not only support our schools—we shape the legacy our children carry forward.

Earlier this month we celebrated Security Officer Appreciation Day and I’d like to take a moment for us to recognize and celebrate the important role Officer Wrona plays in keeping our school community safe each day. His presence provides reassurance, support, and a welcoming environment for our students, staff, and families.

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

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.*

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