Lebanon School District

This communication is intended for our Lebanon School District families. Our April highlights includes information about our annual art show, the 2024-25 school calendar, PSSA examinations, LMS musical, and more!

If you need a translated version of our newsletter, open the online version by clicking the "view in browser" link provided at the top of the email. Scroll to the top of the newsletter, and select the translate option to view the newsletter in any language.

i necesita una versión traducida de nuestro boletín, abra la versión en línea haciendo clic en el enlace "ver en el navegador" que se encuentra en la parte superior del correo electrónico. Desplácese hasta la parte superior del boletín y seleccione la opción de traducción para verlo en cualquier idioma.

إذا كنت بحاجة إلى نسخة مترجمة من نشرتنا الإخبارية، افتح النسخة الإلكترونية من خلال النقر على رابط "عرض في المتصفح" الموجود في أعلى الرسالة الإخبارية. مرر إلى أعلى النشرة الإخبارية، وحدد خيار الترجمة لعرض النشرة الإخبارية بأي لغة.

Parents, friends, and supporters of the LHS Artists’ Guild and Lebanon School District Art Department! We invite you to visit our 2023-24 Best of the Best Art Exhibitions on Friday, April 5, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm. at the Lebanon Valley Council on the Arts Building.

What: An art show showcasing the individual artistic stylings of the students from the Lebanon School District’s K-12 art department along with students from Lebanon High School’s Artists’ Guild.

When: Friday, April 5, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm.

Where: Lebanon Valley Council on the Arts. Address: 770 Cumberland Street, Lebanon PA 17042. (This location is next to Timeless Café).

Refreshments will be provided.

On April 8, 2024, there will be a significant astronomical event - a solar eclipse. In our area of Pennsylvania, it will begin around 2:05 PM and last until around 4:30 PM. The time when the moon will appear directly in front of the sun will occur between 3:15 PM and 3:20 PM. As a result, we have decided to dismiss school early that day to ensure the safety of our students.

Therefore, on April 8, 2024, our district will be dismissing students at the following times, regardless of the weather on this day:

• Lebanon High School - 12:00 PM
• Lebanon Middle School - 12:30 PM
• Lebanon Elementary Schools - 1:00 PM

All home athletic practices, events, and extracurricular activities will have their start times adjusted to begin after 5:00 PM.

Our Board of School Directors approved the 2024-25 school calendar at their March business meeting. Information for next year's calendar includes:

• Dec 2, 2024
  

• School is in session (Monday after Thanksgiving)

• January 2 and 3, 2025

• Extended Winter Break for our Families

• Act 80 Days for Staff

• Student Half Days
• January 17, 2025 (PM)
• May 22, 2025 (PM)

Attention, Lebanon High School Dads/Guardians!

We invite you to join us for an All Pro Dad's breakfast on Monday, April 8th at 8:00 a.m. Students whose parent attends are invited to breakfast too! Please register below!

PSSA Testing and Electronic Devices Statement

Please remind your student that the possession and/or use of a cell phone or other electronic device during the administration of the PSSA Exams will result in consequences including the negation of test results. Specifically, the Department of Education’s assessment handbook states:

• “To ensure reliable test results and to avoid the cost of replacing test items, the Department of Education requires schools to set rules and take certain steps to protect test materials. One step or rule required in all schools is that electronic devices are not permitted at test sites. Electronic devices include cell phones, smartphones, E-readers, Nooks, Kindles, iPads, iPods, tablets, camera-ready devices, and any other electronic device which can be used to photograph or duplicate test materials, access the internet, and/or communicate with others during the administration of the PSSA…”

We understand that many students have a cell phone and bring it to school. As part of our testing protocols, we will ask students to turn off their phones and place them on a table or general collection area at the front of the classroom to ensure compliance with the above policy and to avoid the possibility and/or appearance of prohibited behavior. Students may NOT have a cell phone in their possession during the test administration. Therefore, if a student does not want to turn in the device to the test proctor, the device should be stored inside of the student’s locker until the conclusion of the test.

Pennsylvania Calculator Policy

If a student chooses to use a calculator on an assessment section where a calculator is permitted, the student must adhere to the following guidelines. The following are not permitted:

• Devices that have a primary purpose other than as a calculator (such as a cellphone)

• Calculators with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other beaming/wireless capabilities unless disabled

• Calculators with built-in Computer Algebra Systems (CAS)

• Calculators that make noise, need to be plugged in or talk

• Sharing of calculators during a test session

For specific questions regarding your child’s PSSA Examination, please contact your building principal.

DO

• Listen to, read, and follow all directions given.

• Ask questions if you do not understand the directions.

• Read each question carefully, especially multiple-choice items that ask for the “best answer.” Also, be sure to read any open-ended items carefully before responding.

• Be careful when marking your answers so that you do not skip spaces or fill in the wrong sections.

• Make sure to completely fill in the bubble for the answer(s) you select and erase completely any answers you change.

• Keep your eyes on your own test.

• Try to answer each test item.

• Check that you have completed all the test items in the test section before closing your test booklet or submitting your final responses online.

• Report any suspected cheating to your teacher or principal.

DO NOT

• Have notes in your possession during the test.

• Have any unapproved electronic devices (cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, etc.) in your possession during the test. Note, you may have approved calculators, if applicable, during the test.

• Share a calculator with others.

• Use the bubbles in the answer booklet to either eliminate possible incorrect answers or possible correct answers by making marks in multiple bubbles and erasing. Mark only the bubble for the correct answer(s) you have chosen.

• Talk with others about questions on the test during or after the test. (Students should be assured that they may discuss the testing process or issues of concern with their parents/guardians.)

• Take notes about the test to share with others.

• Leave an online test session until the session is complete or until instructed to do so.

• Use social media to post information about the test and/or test items.

The RISE Award was created to recognize and promote the commitment and excellence exhibited by classified school employees. Each state is invited to nominate up to two individuals by November 1, 2024. The U.S. Secretary of Education will select a single winner from all states’ nominations by May 31, 2025.

To be eligible for the RISE Award, an individual must be a full or part-time non-teaching school employee, including: paraprofessionals, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades. Nominations may be submitted by local education agencies, school administrators, professional associations, labor organizations, educational service agencies, nonprofit entities, or parents and students.

To nominate someone for the RISE Award, complete the online Nomination Form by August 30, 2024. More information on the RISE Award can be found on PDE's website.

Last month, a group of eight distinguished Lebanon educators participated in a roundtable discussion with Representative Schlegel and a few of his colleagues discussing the PSSA examination, challenges administering the PSSA, as well as ideas on improvements and/or reforming the State Assessment system.

We were extremely impressed with our professional staff who offered logical and practical solutions to our legislators regarding the PSSAs. Let’s hope the momentum continues as we were the first of a few scheduled sessions.

Thank you to the following Cedars for proudly sharing their ideas:

• Jeffrey Albright – Harding Elementary

• Ashley Bailey – Harding Elementary

• Kate Brunelli – Southwest Elementary

• Sue Danielewicz – Henry Houck Elementary

• Jennifer Hemperly – Northwest Elementary

• Christine Miller – Lebanon Middle School

• Staci O’Byle – Lebanon Middle School

• Francy Reigert – Southeast Elementary

Our Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee will meet this month and finalize additional components of our plan including our Student Services Assurances, Induction Plan, and Strategies for each of the Plan Priority Areas including:

Finally, our Steering Committee will present the plan to our Board of School Directors on June 10, 2024.

Every month, the district honors two high school students as Rotary Students of the Month. Rotary is the world’s oldest service club. Its motto is "Service Above Self” and its mission includes providing service to others, promoting integrity, and advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace. The Rotary Club of Lebanon supports the service to the youth in our community and local education by recognizing outstanding students from all six county schools and the Lebanon Career and Technology Center. In addition, it awards scholarships at graduation to outstanding senior students.

Congratulations to Genesis Carrasco de la Cruz and Braylon Beaver who were honored as our March Rotary Students of the Month!

Nine of our high school students traveled to Hershey Medical Center and attended an event hosted by the PA Breast Cancer Coalition. They were able to see the research and teaching side of Hershey Medical Center by observing in some of the labs, learning about cancer research, and using a few of the medical simulation tools. Their day also included discussions with both professionals and college students about careers in medicine.

Congratulations are in order for the exceptional dedication and talent showcased by both students and staff who contributed to our remarkable LHS musical production, "Anatasia." Undoubtedly, it stands as one of the highlights of the year, a testament to the collective effort and commitment of our school community. We extend our heartfelt pride to all our students for their outstanding contributions!

Moreover, we are delighted to share a poignant poem penned by LHS sophomore, Sneilin Rijo Rosario. It encapsulating the spirit and essence of everyone involved in this unforgettable production. Please take a moment to immerse yourself in its profound message; indeed, it resonates with the power and depth of our shared experiences.

Thank you to all families who attended our Family Night Out! Our students enjoyed Painting with Spheros, Catapults, Straw Rockets, and playing with Robotic Legos. Thank you to our amazing staff who helped plan this event. Watch for dates in the Fall - all district families are welcome!!

Earth Month, observed annually in April, is dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices. It serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve the planet for future generations. Activities during Earth Month often include community clean-up events, tree plantings, educational workshops, and advocacy campaigns. To celebrate Earth Day, please consider joining a local United Way team on April 20th for "A Day of Caring."

Take a few minutes and watch the video below to learn about how our Cedars give back to our community!

Additionally, April is recognized as National School Library Month, celebrating the essential role that school libraries play in promoting literacy, fostering a love for reading, and providing access to diverse resources for students and educators alike. This month is an opportunity to highlight the importance of our school libraries in supporting academic achievement and lifelong learning.

Thank you to our district librarians who help our students grow their love of reading!

During the month of March we welcomed the following staff members to our family: