– John F. Kennedy

Hello Lebanon Students, Staff, and Families,

I hope you all are enjoying your summer. Please don't take this communication as a signal that summer is coming to an end. There is still plenty of time to relax and soak in the summer sun.

It is an exciting time here in district as we prepare for the 2024-2025 school year. This update contains a lot of important information that will help you get ready for the start of school.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out. You can reach me any time at andrew.gonzalez@lebanonct.org or 860-642-5633.

Best,
Superintendent Gonzalez

• Back to School Mailings will be sent to families in early August- as a reminder our mailings will be electronic this year. You will get a text message alerting you to check your emails.
• August 17- Fall sports practices begin (Football is August 15)
• August 22- New Staff Orientation- 8:00- Lyman Memorial High School Library
• August 23- Convocation- 8:30- Lyman Memorial High School Auditorium
• August 22- Freshman Orientation at Lyman 10:00-1:00
• August 26 & 27- Professional Learning- Staff only- NO SCHOOL
• August 28- First Day of School for all students (half day)
• September 2- Schools Closed- Labor Day

M & J has informed me that the routes are almost complete. Once we have a finalized spreadsheet it will be posted to our district webpage. We will send a Thrillshare message (text & email) to alert you that this information is ready for viewing. When you visit lebanonct.org it will be in the pop up as you enter the site. The pick up and drop off times will be listed by address. If you have any questions or concerns about times please contact M & J directly at 860-423-9552.

I am excited to inform you that our district in partnership with M & J Bus and Zonar will be providing families with a service called MyView which will allow parents to use GPS to track our busses. Families will have to set up their "geofences" and this will enable them to get notifications when their child's bus has entered these established zones and give real time arrival projections. We understand that pick up and drop off time varies due to many different circumstances but we are hopeful that with this tool and your patience it will improve the overall transportation experience and provide a level of comfort in knowing exactly when your student will be safely picked up or dropped off.

The access code and a user guide will be shared with you soon.

For the first time since 2019 families will need to pay for school meals. Below are the costs for this school year that were voted on by the Board of Education August 8, 2023 (as a reminder we were supposed to move back to paid lunches last year) after using the state's cost calculator and comparing with other districts:

LES- breakfast-$2.00, lunch-$3.25

LMS- breakfast-$2.00, lunch-$3.60

LYMAN- breakfast-$2.00, lunch-$3.80

The weighted average for lunch puts us at the required $3.55.

Reduced meal cost did not change.

In the past, the state has made some decisions late in the summer so there is a possibility this could change. If that becomes the case I will send a stand alone message articulating those changes so that you can be informed regarding meals for your children.

If you have questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to me and I will work swiftly to get you a response.

Dear School Child Nutrition Program Sponsors:

The free and reduced-price meal application documents for SY 2024-25 are being finalized and will be posted soon. When they are posted, the Bureau of Child Nutrition will issue an email to all sponsors. Please do not use the SY 2023-24 forms. There are some changes reflected in the SY 2024-25 documents and sponsors will be expected to utilize the most up-to-date forms.

It is very important for everyone to fill out the application for Free-Reduced Meals.

Governor Lamont Launches 2024 Summer Reading Challenge for K-12 Students

Posted on June 25, 2024 (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker, and Connecticut State Librarian Deborah Schander today announced the launch of the 2024 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge — an annual, statewide program encouraging kindergarten through Grade 12 students to read books during the summer months.

This year’s theme is “Read, Renew, Repeat.”

“Partnerships between schools and libraries are essential to providing students with access to a diverse range of books, resources, and programs that can help them thrive both academically and personally,” Governor Lamont said. “Research indicates that children who do not read during the summer can lose reading progress made during the past school year. By working together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to continue exploring the world through reading.”

“The 2024 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge is an invitation for children across our state to embark on exciting literary adventures cultivating a lifelong journey of reading. Students who learn to read, can read to learn, and therefore read to succeed in life,” Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “By motivating our young readers to visit the library and engage in books, we are granting every child an opportunity to unlock their infinite possibilities for a successful future.”

“We are thrilled to once again partner with Governor Lamont and the State Department of Education for the 2024 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge,” Schander said. “Reading is a year-round activity, and this reading challenge ensures all Connecticut students can seamlessly transition from school to library to home as they read for both fun and for personal growth this summer.”

Coordinated by the Connecticut State Department of Education in cooperation with the Connecticut State Library, the challenge started in 1996 as a statewide competition for schools based on student population and grade level. The 2024 summer reading program also supports community initiatives run by local public libraries and recognizes outstanding public library-school partnerships.

Each year, the program recognizes the highest percentage of the total school student population that participated in reading activities over the summer months. In the 2023 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge, 10,985 students across Connecticut participated in summer reading and 5,441 students visited a public library.

The Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge supports community programs run by local public libraries. Many public libraries will use the READsquared Reading Program, which allows students to access their summer reading logs anywhere they have an internet connection (including on mobile devices). Schools that coordinate with their public library may choose to have students use this online reading log, rather than a paper one.

To support summer reading, the Connecticut State Library’s statewide eGo eBook platform is now available through many local public libraries and provides access to digital resources for all ages.

For a list of local public libraries currently offering eGo, visit egoct.org.

For more information on the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge, including student journals and district reporting forms, visit portal.ct.gov/SDE/CTRead/Connecticut-Reads.

It is now more important than ever to keep math skills sharp and prevent any further learning loss. In an effort to address this need, the State of Connecticut launched the Commissioner’s Summer Math Challenge.

Why? Because being mathematically literate is important. Mathematically literate individuals are able to make informed decisions about the world around them and have the interest and confidence to meet the needs and challenges of today’s society.

Mathematics is a core skill for life. It is necessary in a range of life skills.

Mathematics develops critical thinking skills. It requires logic and order to solve complex problems. Mathematics enables us to explain how things work. It allows us to express our thoughts and ideas with clarity, coherence and precision.

Mathematics is essential in a world of constant change. New technologies are changing the way we live. It is becoming an increasingly important factor in a variety of industries.

Mathematics is the gateway to the future. Learning mathematics will enable students to become college and career ready.

Encourage your child to use what is already known to find answers for new problems. Ask your child to explain what she or he is doing when working on a problem. Be patient with unfamiliar methods, because they might be helpful to support your child’s understanding of mathematics.

Encourage your child to stick with a problem that may seem difficult at first; working on different ways to solve a problem can be helpful.

Play math games with your child and ask for explanations of his or her strategies and solutions. Use everyday activities to show your child how mathematics is used.

Reinforce mathematics by sharing your thinking as you work through real problems, especially if it takes some time and effort to find a solution. Show enthusiasm for your child’s study of mathematics.

To learn more about the Summer Math Challenge, contact the Commissioner’s Summer Math Challenge project at 860-713-6557, or visit https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/Math/Summer-Math-Challenge.

CT State Community College campuses across Connecticut are hosting Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) sessions this summer, aimed at helping prospective and current students, as well as their parents, navigate the FAFSA process. Sessions will be held at multiple campuses including Asnuntuck, Capital, Gateway, Housatonic, Manchester, Middlesex, Naugatuck Valley, Northwestern, Norwalk, Quinebaug Valley, Three Rivers, and Tunxis. Financial Aid Services staff will be available to assist with questions and renewals, and interested individuals are encouraged to check local campus schedules for exact dates and times (A link to these events is also available on the CT State website calendar: https://calendar.ctstate.edu/all/search/fafsa).

Embrace the Balance During the Summer Months

As the sun-drenched days of summer stretch before us, it's easy to get swept up in the excitement of barbecues, beach trips, and lazy afternoons spent basking in the golden rays. However, amidst all the fun, consider a balance between relaxation and maintaining your child's academic progress. Simply dedicating just a fraction of each day to reading, writing, or exploring new subjects, you can prevent the dreaded "summer slide" and ensure a seamless transition back to school in the fall.

Learn how to make learning fun with outdoor science experiments, math games, and reading challenges that complement your summer adventures. Keep your child’s mind sharp and curiosity alive as you discover the wonders of the world around you. Participate in the summer and math reading challenges (information located on our school websites). Visit the local library or hear a teacher read aloud being offered weekly at the Jonathan Trumbull Public Library by varied school staff. Take advantage of the state museums and natural trails!

With embracing the balance, you'll uncover the secret to a fulfilling, well-rounded summer that nurtures your child’s intellect and fosters growth. Say goodbye to the fear of academic regression and hello to a summer of exploration and discovery!

Before we fully shift gears to the next school year I want to share our 2023-2024 Annual Report and accompanying slide show to celebrate the great accomplishment of our staff, students and schools while also identifying growth areas for our future.

As you pull up the first page of the slide show there is small volume icon that will play music. If you hover over the bottom left corner of the screen and click the 3 dots that appear you can select auto play. Or you can just navigate through the slideshow at your own pace by hitting enter. Enjoy!

We have some major projects that are underway across our district. These projects will transform the appearance of some of our learnings spaces. Below are pictures showing the progress of four such projects. The first photo is of our LES gymnasium. The gym floor has been entirely removed and the concrete slab is being prepped with a moisture resistant barrier so that the new floor can be installed. The next two photos show the LMS gymnasium. This floor was completely sanded down revealing a lighter wood tone and creating a much brighter space. Staining and lines are being done as you are receiving this message. In the next set of photos you see a playscape that was installed for our preschool learners. This playscape was given to us by Mansfield Public Schools and acquired by our Facilities Director John Jarvis. Fencing will be added soon to complete this new, safe space for our youngest learners to play. The final pictures are from the asbestos abatement project at LMS. They show the floors stripped of old tiles and the hallways bagged creating containment areas. Since I added these pictures the containment areas have been taken down and new tile is being laid.

Our facilities team is extremely busy with the more typical summer cleaning and is maneuvering around these projects to have our schools ready for the return of staff and students. I will continue to share the progress through our social media pages and cannot wait to reveal the finished products to all of you.

Continuing to explore and provide different pathways for our learners to be prepared for post secondary education or the workforce is a priority of our district. Last year we successfully added a Certified Nursing Assistant class to our program of studies. We are in conversations to potentially add another class in the medical field (Emergency Management Services) as well as planning to develop a partnership with Electric Boat (welding, CNC, machinery, etc.) .

Extended School Year (ESY):

Extended School Year (ESY) is underway at Lebanon Elementary School. There are 73 students who are entering grades PreK through 10 attending. Thirty-four staff members are supporting students with reading, writing, math, and behavioral goals and objectives in addition to speech and fine motor skills. A school nurse and BCBA support the program. All students are engaged in learning tasks interspersed with creative activities and outside breaks. The time outside was limited the week of our heat wave. ESY helps students who may regress over the summer so they are ready to join their same age peers in the fall. The four week program ends on July 25th.

Final Notice: Lebanon Public Schools’ Department of Pupil Services wishes to inform all past students that exited special education services or graduated between 2013 and 2018 that we will be destroying special education records according to state guidelines in August of 2024. If you would like a copy of your records, please contact us at 860-642-5636 or email dawn.delia@lebanonct.org prior to July 31, 2024.

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.

The Lebanon School District is excited to announce a new resource for any family that sends a child to a school in the Lebanon district, as well as the agencies/businesses/staff in those towns. Through our middle and high school School Based Diversion Initiative grant, we are excited to offer for free, the Peace at Home Parenting program through June 30, 2024. In partnership with Colchester, this community parenting, education and support program, utilizes an online subscription which provides a series of monthly workshops for parents/guardians, including, parenting children and teens, parent self-care, understanding developmental milestones, sibling communication, balancing children’s academics and after school activities, and many more. Classes are designed to cover age ranges from birth to young adults, so there is something for everyone!

All of these classes are FREE! Once registered, you can join any monthly live interactive class and attend recorded 10 Minute Videos through your smart phone, tablet or computer. During live online interactive classes you will be able to ask questions, get practical, evidence-based solutions and receive handouts with important learning points. There is even access to over 150 on-demand videos, monthly Q&A and private Facebook group resources.

Working together, our hope is that students continue to thrive at home and come to school more resilient and ready to learn!

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.*

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