Welcoming students back to school is such an exciting experience. Our learners look refreshed and ready to make this another amazing year in Lebanon schools. The first weeks of school were filled with many activities to support the transition and help students settle in. Our staff will serve as "warm demanders" balancing high expectations and high nurturance to help students make the most of their learning experiences in 2022-2023. We are all in this together and we are eager to work alongside you to prepare our students to be contributing members of a diverse global society.

A team member here in our Lebanon Public Schools recently shared a book with me titled The Culture Code- The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups.

In the first chapter the author is sharing some research conducted to try to find out what makes successful groups. The author shares that when you ask people inside highly successful groups to describe their relationship with one another, they all tend choose the same word. The word they use is family.

In many of my updates I talk about the close knit community we have and often refer to us a team. But I would agree that we truly are like a family in the sense that we care deeply about all our staff, students and community members and we are working together to provide the best possible education in Lebanon.

The start to this school year has been full of positive energy and I am looking forward to watching our learners grow and accomplish great things while we go "all in" to support them along the way!

Best,
Andy

The State Department of Education recently released student performance data from the 2021-2022 school year. During this year, Lebanon students in all tested grades performed above the state average on the Smarter Balanced Assessments for English Language Arts and Math.

Further, the data shows that our district was at the top of the New London County in all subjects comparing pre to post pandemic achievement. In particular our Lebanon Middle School was 2nd in New London County in ELA and Science performance and 3rd for Math performance. I am very proud of all our learners and would like to thank the teachers and parents for supporting our students.

These results while gratifying, are not surprising to me. We set lofty goals and had high expectations for all our learners. We were focused in our efforts to revamp our multi-tiered system of supports and align and allocate ESSER funds to accelerate learning. Our staff worked extremely hard to learn new strategies, collaborate to grow our collective practices and plan to deliver impactful instruction to our students.

Way to go Lebanon #LebanonPride #PerseverancePridePursuitOfExcellence!

From September 9th through September 11th our district welcomed back Lyman Memorial High School Alumni to celebrate the 100th Year Anniversary and to honor the Legacy of George W. Lyman. We had over 400 registrants. The weekend was filled with fun events and special recognitions. It was an amazing experience! I enjoyed taking in the stories our alumni shared as well as listening to their most memorable moments from their time at Lyman.

I would like to thank Barbara Wengloski and the entire planning committee; Emily Vigue, Shayla Coutu, Molly Lathrop, Catherine Pomerleau, and Mary Lou Beckwith for their tireless efforts to organize this celebration. Thanks also go to the staff and students that volunteered their time to be a part of the events. In particular I would like to recognize;

- John Jarvis

- Tammy Magnan

- Mr. Picard

- Wolfgang Andrews-Kowal

- Mrs. Michele

- Ms. Ricard

- Mr. Johnson

- Mr. Morello

- Mr. Gomez

Grades K – 4 Open House

Thursday, September 29, 2022 – 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

LES PTA – 6:30 p.m.
Lebanon Elementary School
Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month

LMS PTO – 6:30 p.m.
Lebanon Middle School Library Media Center
Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month

We are quickly making progress towards the build of our new barn. At the end of August we met with the Lebanon Planning and Zoning committee and our plan was unanimously approved. We have also consulted with our Town Planner, Building Inspector and the Uncas Health Sanitarium to make sure we are meeting all the necessary requirements for this project. Later this week we will be meeting with the builder to review the site and not long after this discussion the construction of panels and cutting of wood will begin. Our planned build date is October 17, 2022.

The Lebanon Public Schools submitted an attestation form on August 11th and will be receiving funding to help support continued free meals for our students for a portion of this school year. We were only recently made aware of this possibility and quickly moved to take advantage of this opportunity.

A requirement in receiving these funds is that we need to communicate to families 30 days prior to these funds running out. As you saw in the July Superintendent Update our district was prepared to make the shift back to meals at a cost. Once we know the exact amount of funding we will receive and have a better understanding of when the funds will run out, we will make sure to provide timely communication so you all can be prepared for the costs that will be associated with meals.

School Meals Assistance Revenue for Transition (SMART) Funds

Background

The intent of this appropriation is for these funds to assist households, through school food authorities’ (SFAs) continued provision of school meals at no cost to students for as long as possible in school year (SY) 2022-23, as SFAs transition back to operating the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP).

The funds will be referred to as School Meals Assistance Revenue for Transition (SMART) funds.

Purpose

SMART funds will:  require participating SFAs to provide free breakfast and/or lunch meals to all students in schools that are approved to participate in the NSLP and SBP in SY 2022-23 subject to the availability of funds.  reimburse SFAs the difference between the federal reimbursement rate for free meals and the federal reimbursement rate for reduced-price and paid meals.

Lebanon Public Schools is excited to announce that the State Board of Education, in conjunction with the state legislature, has approved our Connecticut’s Seal of Biliteracy. This newly established seal is in line with nearly 30 other states across the country. The designation associated with the seal attests to a student’s language ability in both English and a second language. The Seal of Biliteracy will be affixed to a student’s diploma and will also be noted on his/her final transcript, which will be sent to colleges/universities.

The Seal of Biliteracy is a testament to a student’s dedication to building literacy skills in both English and a second language and how it relates to post-secondary education and the workforce. The Seal of Biliteracy may also help to ensure proper placement in the right level course at the college/university level. Additionally, students may receive college credit for work that they completed in high school; check with individual colleges/universities for specific information about this. Very often the ability to communicate in both English and at least one other language equates to a higher pay rate when students join the workforce.

In order to receive the Seal of Biliteracy students must:

• Be in 11th grade or higher AND

• Complete the English language requirements from a Connecticut high school where the primary language of instruction is English AND

• Attain an Intermediate Mid proficiency (1-3 in all 4 domains)* rating in a second language.

*Typically, speakers and writers at the Intermediate-Mid level are able to handle a variety of tasks in everyday social situations. Conversation and writing at this level is generally focused on exchanges necessary for survival in the target culture. These topics may include personal information related to self, family, home, daily activities, interests and personal preferences, as well as physical and social needs, such as food, shopping, travel, and lodging.

The seal is designed to enhance your child’s educational credentials and will not impact your child’s graduation status. If you have any questions about the Seal of Biliteracy, please visit our school website or reach out to Sandra Rios, World Language Department Head at sandra.rios@lebanonct.org or by phone at 860-642-7567.

Special Education Parent Group - 6 pm

Wednesday, September 21, 2022 Lebanon Middle School Library

Topic: Navigating the Website and CT-SEDS

Lebanon Public Schools actively seeks to assist children and families by locating, identifying, and referring children from birth to age 21 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

The 2022-2023 school year is off to a great start! With recent 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.

The campaign aims to advance access to programs and services that build young people’s essential life skills as part of primary prevention and wellness promotion in a full continuum of support. cfchildren.org

The goal is to help adolescent girls form healthy relationships with themselves, family, friends and future romantic relationships

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Adolescent females 13-17 years

WHERE AND WHEN? Tuesdays at 4:00 pm for 10 weeks Starting September 27

LOCATION This group is held virtually online.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION Pre-registration is required.

Contact Jacqueline Proulx at

jproulx@genhealth.org or 860-450-0585 x6287

This week the Child Mind Institute offers tips on parenting tweens — kids who are about 9 to 12 years old. Articles include, how to help kids who are too hard on themselves, how to support your child who may be socially struggling, supporting your child with social media and self doubt and much more! childmind.org

To register: seracct.org

Join an AFSP "Out of the Darkness" Walk

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)

• Funding scientific research

• Educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention

• Advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention

• Supporting survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide

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.*

Click "buttons" throughout update to view articles & important documents

Families, please feel free to send photos of our students in action so that I can celebrate them in the Superintendent Updates. Thanks for helping share our Lebanon Pride! andrew.gonzalez@lebanonct.org

There was much to celebrate during our back to school convocation ceremony. Please enjoy pictures of staff that have reached milestones within our district.

Teachers achieving tenure:

Caroline Thompson

Kristen Krause Bielewicz

Roselyn Marino

10 Years of Dedicated Service:

May Kiselica

Maegan Meakem

Donna Wadja

Chelsea Williams

15 Years of Dedicated Service:

Megan Grogan

Lori Hermann

Lyn Johnson

Julie Lake

20 Years of Dedicated Service:

Chris Fabry

JF Halbrooks

Christine Johnson

Kyo Narita

Erin Pistel

Halle Torockio

Sheri Wilson

25 Years of Dedicated Service:

Kevin Brodie

Anita Calamo

John Klosowski

35 Years of Dedicated Service:

Mark Morello

Kathleen Smith

Paraeducator of the Year:

Julie Lake

Teachers of the Year:

Jen Olsen

Amy Reynolds

Congrats to all!

Allie is instrumental as our Student Activities Director. She helped plan and carry out a lot of New Student Orientation this year, has organized our x-block for every single student and staff member early so we could start it sooner this year and on top of that is a great teacher! She also coaches at a neighboring school on the side for the fall and winter season and coaches Girl’s Tennis at Lyman. Finally she is our AP Testing Coordinator this year. She is one of the most positive people in the our Lyman Community and always has a smile on her face.

Allie is in her 8th year teaching at Lyman. Before joining our community she student taught in Middletown. She is currently teaching some new courses including CP Geometry, Algebra 1 and Honors Pre-Calculus. She recently completed requirements to receive her administrative certificate and is pursuing a Sixth Year degree in Social Emotional Learning.

Allie speaks fondly of Lyman and loves the fact that you really can get to know everyone and develop relationships with staff and students. Allie says that this year is off to a great start. She is looking forward to watching her students grow and supporting them along the way.

Our first student recognition of the 2022-2023 school year goes to Aria Nowosad.

Aria is a 12th grader at Lyman. Aria takes pride in her academic performance while also contributing to our athletic programs. She has participated in three years of volleyball and is also on the tennis team. She really enjoys Art and music as well.

She has already taken four AP classes at Lyman and she is currently enrolled in 2 more. On top of that she is taking Japanese at Eastern Connecticut State University. This summer she took music theory and psychology at ECSU on her own.

Aria was recently recognized at a Board of Education meeting for receiving the National Rural and Small Town Award. In order to be eligible for this award High School Juniors:

• Must have a 3.5 GPA or higher at the time they are submitting the application. Both weighted and unweighted GPAs are considered.
• Must have permanent address in the United States, a United States Territory, US military base or attend a DoDEA school. U.S. citizenship is not required.
• Must identify as African American, Hispanic American, Indigenous, or attend high school in a rural area or small town.
• Must have taken the PSAT 10 in Spring 2021 OR the PSAT/NMSQT in Fall 2021 OR at least two distinct AP exams in 8th, 9th or 10th grade.

Additionally, Sophomores and juniors are score eligible if they score in the top 10% on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 within program by state in the eligible exam periods. Sophomores and juniors are also score eligible if they score a 3 or higher on two or more distinct AP Exams in the eligible exam periods.

Please remember you can see our COVID-19 data that is updated in real time athttps://www.lebanonct.org/ There is a "button" on the main page that links directly to our dashboard.

COVID-19 medications are now available through your doctor, local pharmacies, and health clinics.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not wait to get treated.

You must take oral COVID-19 medication within 5 days of your first COVID-19 symptoms.

Use the tool below to find a location that is right for you.

https://covid-19-test-to-treat-locator-dhhs.hub.arcgis.com/

If you have individuals looking for their vaccination record, they can now access the information by themselves.

The link is below for patients and legal guardians to access official immunization records for themselves and their children using the CT WiZ Public Portal.

https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Immunizations/CT-WiZ-Access-My-Immunization-Record

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