Lebanon Public Schools
Superintendent Gonzalez's Update- April 2022
“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
Growing Learners, Cultivating Leaders and Creating Legacies
The article titled Students' Views on Leaders and Leadership provided some interesting insights regarding what students feel are important traits and behaviors of leaders. These findings not only served as a great reminder to me in what I should be modeling for our students but also made me think about how we are providing opportunities for our learners to lead within our district. I am proud to say I see a lot of student leadership happening in our classrooms, on the field of play, and in our community.
"Happiness held is the seed; Happiness shared is the flower."
Mark your calendars!
LMS will hold its graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 16th.
LES will celebrate their 4th graders Moving On Up on Wednesday, June 15th.
Times and specific details for these special events will be sent out by the building Principals in the near future.
Last Day of School
Budget 2022-2023
Board of Finance Decision
Please see information for the date and time of the town meeting below.
Drone Course
Drones are currently utilized in the following career fields: commercial photography/ videography, meteorology, military, law enforcement, cartography, disaster relief, agriculture, search and rescue, construction, and utility inspection. Anyone piloting a drone for a commercial purpose is required to have an FAA license to do so.
This course will in part prepare students for the FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot exam (to be taken outside of school at an FAA testing site). Students in this course will learn FAA rules and regulations concerning drone usage. Students will need to take the FAA certification test to be considered qualified to be a pilot.
Math and programming applications related to the certification test required to successfully pass the exam are the focus of this course, and not limited to inequalities, unit conversion, applying vector forces, reading aeronautical charts, GPS mapping, image processing, and interpreting METAR weather reports.
We are looking to grow this program with additional courses related to drones like photography/videography, programming, architectural uses and more.
Curriculum Corner
Curriculum Spotlight:
Connecticut SAT School Day Moves to Digital Format
By: Rita Quiles-Glover, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
On March 22, Lyman Memorial High School administered the SAT to 11th graders. While this is a yearly occurrence, this year marked a ‘first’ in school history-students took the test in a digital format using a school issued/owned computer. While the College Board has offered an online version of the test since 2016/17, the Connecticut State Department of Education began transitioning with schools in 2020-21. Some key reasons why the transition is beneficial to students and schools include:
Evidence from other states and surveys from students have shown a preference for the digital format.
College Board uses the same digital testing platform as the Smarter Balanced Assessment in grades 3-8 and Next Generation Science Standards Assessment in grades 5, 8 and 11.
The digital platform has built in tools such as a clock, calculator, zoom, answer eliminator, and highlighter that enhance the test experience. Students also can efficiently flag questions and easily revisit them later.
The digital test is readily accessible for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Section 504 plan. Individual accommodations can be offered in the same way that students have them in class.
Schools can manage test administration responsibilities, such as alternative test settings for students with accommodations, printing rosters and test tickets in an online format.
Schools have more test date options and are not required to test all students on the same day. This simplifies testing logistics by giving schools more time to focus on instruction and individualization for students.
A big thank you to Zachary Johnson, testing coordinator and math teacher at Lyman, who organized scheduling, proctors, and preparing students. More information about digital testing for students and families is available on the College Board’s website: https://digitaltesting.collegeboard.org/for-students including a preview of the digital testing experience. In addition, a resource of frequently asked questions for families and students is available: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/Student-Assessment/SAT/FAQfamilies_2022.pdf
News from Pupil Services
The Connecticut State Department of Education has developed a training module to help parents understand the special education process. The training is aligned with the implementation of the new IEP and the Connecticut Special Education Data System (CT-SEDs) on July 1, 2022. This module is also helpful to general education teachers who would like to know more about special education.
https://ct.ieptraining.org/individualized-education-program-a-guide-for-parents-families/
The Department of Pupil Services Webpage is in the process of being updated. Please check the new format. If you have any suggestions on what you would like to see, please email Dawn DeLia, Director of Pupil Services at dawn.delia@lebanonct.org.
April 6th is Instructional Assistants Appreciation Day! Please join us in celebrating our most important resource in supporting our special education students.
Our amazing Instructional Assistants:
Child Find
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.
Don't Forget
Lebanon Pride
9th Annual Bulldog Spelling Bee
The ninth annual Bulldog Spelling Bee took place Tuesday, March 22nd. There were twelve contestants and the champion was Senior Kyle Clairmont with the word "recalcitrant."
Senior Keera Patel placed second and her only downfall was the second "n" in "reconnoiter."
Other words they successfully spelled: punctilious, arraignment, centrifugal, and susceptibility
iReady Achievers
Winter Sports Celebrations
Our student athletes competed hard and had fun while being engaged collaborators as members of our Lyman Memorial Winter Sports teams.
Below is a list of athletes who were recognized for their outstanding performance:
Boys Basketball
Jaiden Lopez -All Conference First Team
Jordan Chandler- All Conference Honorable mention
Bennett Murphy- Scholar Athlete
Ben Darrow -Sportsmanship
Girls Basketball
Jenny Lopez - ECC 1st Team All Conference
Kassidy LaTour - ECC All Star Honorable Mention
Taylor Pankowski - ECC Scholar Athlete
Kasey Cook - ECC Sportsmanship Award
Wrestling
Cameron Samarco - 1st team ALL -ECC
2nd Team ALL -ECC
James Hiltz
Nehemiah Czelusniak
Mateo Coty
Indoor Track
Kristen Goodrich- 4th in the High Jump- State Class S
Jacob Palombizio, Greg Toussaint, Jeremiah Bobbi, & Daylan Griffin- 5th in the 4 x 200m relay- State Class S
ECC All-Star
Kristen Goodrich- High Jump
ECC All-Star Honorable Mentions
Kristen Goodrich-Long Jump
Leah Comeroski- 55m Dash
Jeremiah Bobbi, Jacob Palombizio, Gregory Toussaint, Daylan Griffin- Boys 4 x 180m Relay
Grayson LeMay, Gregory Toussaint, Jeremiah Bobbi, Maxwell Hussey- Boys 4 x 400m Relay
ECC Scholar Athletes
Maxwell Hussey & Kristen Goodrich
ECC Sportsmanship Award
Jakob Haynes & Leah Comeroski
Lyman CIAC Scholar Athletes (Honored at the Aqua Turf)
Bennett Murphy
Kristen Goodrich
A Historic Accomplishment
Lyman Windham Tech Co-op competed in the State Open Wrestling tournament Saturday and Sunday and had some history take place. Jalinda Pontes became the first CIAC Girls State Open place winner in the schools history finishing 3rd overall in her respective weight class she was 3 -1 over the course of the two day tournament her only loss coming to the eventual champion. This milestone is a testament to her dedication, perseverance and hard work throughout the season
Effective Communicator in Action
Responsible Citizens in Action
FFA Serving Seniors
Community Service
Community Service
Badminton Tournament
Connor Chapman and Bennett Murphy were doubles champs.
Cam Sammarco & Kyle Franchi were runners up.
Kyle was also the singles champ.
Bravo!
I had the pleasure of enjoying the High School Musical performance with my two little ones who were completely in awe during the show. I spent the remainder of my weekend listening to the High School Musical soundtrack with them as they danced across our home.
Please see a special note from our Lebanon Board of Education Chairperson:
To the Cast and Crew and musical directors of High School Musical,
I just wanted to take a few moments to reflect on your performance of HIgh School Musical this weekend. I attended on Friday evening with my children. I enjoyed every moment of your production. You had me falling out of my seat in laughter throughout the performance and brought me to tears with your finale performance of, "We are all in this together." That may sound weird, but I saw it as symbolic. The past couple of years have been absolutely unpredictable, for all of us. Students, teachers, musicians; you have all been through so much. Your concerts and performances were affected, your lessons or classes were affected. But this weekend, I began to reap the benefits of what is hopefully the end of the pandemic by enjoying your performance. Your energy and enthusiasm was bursting off the stage and each of you shined in your own special way. I watched sound engineers smiling proud from the back of the auditorium at the end of the show. The stage crew worked diligently at each transition and stood proud. The actors performed with confidence and grace.
I could go on and on about how proud I continue to be serving this school community. But you are the ones who should be proud. Your perseverance is inspiring. I can only imagine how many other lives you made just a little bit brighter this weekend. Thank you! And keep on doing what you do!
Best,
Sarah Haynes
Jump Rope for Heart
Lyman's 100th Year Celebration!
LYMAN 100th ANNIVERSARY- September 9-11, 2022
The Lyman 100th Anniversary Committee has been planning our celebration and All-Class Reunion to be held the weekend of September 9-11, 2022 at Lyman Memorial High School.
The tentative schedule can be found on-line and in print at various locations around town. The schedule includes Lyman sporting events, a student/alumni concert & variety show, opening ceremony, a dance, tours of the Middle and High Schools and a Lebanon Historical Society exhibit. There will be much more during the weekend, as well as time to reunite with classmates, old friends, and teachers. We are looking for participants for the Music Show and if any class would like to plan a mini reunion, please refer to the schedule for more details.
Exciting news: We are now accepting donations through PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lyman100years (answer: “Donation”). Donations will be used for anniversary celebration supplies, advertising and publicity, signage, merchandise, activities for the Lyman school population, 2023 graduation recognitions, etc. If you would like to donate there are several levels, and you can still pay by check. More information is included in the schedule and a separate donation form, available in various locations and on-line. The schedule and a donation form can be found here as pdfs.
Please follow us on Facebook at Lyman-Memorial-High-School-100-Year-Anniversary or find us at www.lebanonct.org/o/lmhs/page/lyman-100. For more information, or to have your email and name added to the list please email LymanMHS100years@gmail.com. Please check these pages for updated schedules and more information as we proceed towards September.
Please spread the word to your alumni family, friends, and classmates. We look forward to having our Lyman alumni family back in Lebanon for this celebration weekend.
Event registration will be available by May 1.
Community Conversations
Coffee and Chat sessions have proved to be challenging for people to attend. I have switched it up a bit with a new name and a virtual component. Please feel free to join me for Community Conversations on Thursday mornings.
https://meet.google.com/pbw-tnfb-bqo?hs=122&authuser=0Lebanon Covid-19 Dashboard
COVID-19 Medications
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.
Vaccine Clinic at the Senior Center
The senior center is hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Friday April 1, 2022, 2pm-6pm.
Griffin Health will be administering the 2nd booster to anyone who would like it as
long as they are over the age of 50.
All varieties available.
CT WiZ
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
American Rescue Plan for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief
The American Rescue Plan for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ARP ESSER) have been allocated to create programming that is not only innovative but allows our students to thrive in a safe, nurturing, rigorous and student-centered learning environment.
Lebanon Public Schools is projected to receive $347,039 ESSER II funds and $770,405 ESSER III funds that are to be used by June 2023.
Our team has developed a plan to apply these significant funds to support students who have experienced injuries of trauma as a result of necessary changes in the learning environment during the 2020-21 academic year.
Our plan addresses the following priorities:
■ Providing academic support to address learning loss and accelerate recovery
■ Partnering with families and the community
■ Ensuring our schools’ safety and well-being
■ Integrating Technology to support the success of all learners
Being responsive to the needs of the district and the students whom we serve, this plan will be reviewed and revised at regular intervals and updated materials will be posted on our district's website, shared with Board of Education as well as with our families by sharing at the building level through newsletters and other sources of communication.
As a result of a needs assessment and the collaborative conversations between administration, staff and Board of Education members, Lebanon Public Schools has hired a Math Interventionist and Literacy Coach to work at Lebanon Middle School. We have also contracted with Eastconn, our Regional Education Service Center, to provide K-12 Math support for our educators. Lyman will have a supported study hall to keep students on track. Our district added a Social worker to support our students social and emotional well-being. We also have invested in new educational platforms to support targeted instruction for our learners and teachers have been actively engaged in curriculum development this summer. Most recently the district posted, and has begun interviewing to fill positions that we feel will meet the priorities above. These positions include; a grade 4 & 5 teacher, a 7-12 Math position that will bring a concentrated focus to this subject and support 6th grade. These were initial steps towards addressing the needs of our district. Further communication will be sent to all stakeholders to engage in meaningful consultation for suggestions on educational areas to support.
If you have any feedback or suggestions on how we can grow our district through creative use of these funds, please reach out to me directly.
Keep Our School Zones Safe
Also, please remember that it is never okay to drive by/pass any school bus with flashing red lights.
Mission Statement
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.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement of the Lebanon Public Schools:
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.
Nondiscrimination Statement of the Lebanon Public Schools:
The Lebanon Board of Education, in compliance with federal and state law, affirms its policy of equal educational opportunity for all students and equal em ployment opportunity for all persons. It is the policy of the District to promote nondiscrimination and an environment free of harassment regardless of an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, ancestry, disability (including but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability, or learning disability), genetic information, marital status, or age or because of the race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ge nder identity/expression, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, marital status, or age of any persons with whom the individual associates. The District shall provide to all students without discrimination, course offerings, counseling, assistance, employment, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The District shall provide equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The District shall make reasonable accommodations for identified physical and mental impairments that constitute disabilities, consistent with federal and state statutes and regulations.
Lebanon Public Schools
Email: andrew.gonzalez@lebanonct.org
Website: https://www.lebanonct.org/
Location: 891 Exeter Road, Lebanon, CT, USA
Phone: 860-642-5637