Lebanon Public Schools
Superintendent Gonzalez's Update- May 2022
Happiness held is the seed, happiness shared is the flower
Spring is in the air!
Reflection
I did not have to look far for this month's piece to reflect on. It actually came directly into my email box because this presentation was shared with staff and students at Lyman as part of the social and emotional skills instruction that takes place during their Positive Academic Work Supports period.
It was a great reminder for me right before taking some time off to be with my family during Spring Break. It also will be something I will go back to during the busy months of May and June.
There will be many special events to celebrate our learners as we come down the home stretch of another successful year in Lebanon Public Schools. These events are exciting but they can also be stressful as they require a lot of planning and preparation for staff and students alike.
I encourage you to keep a positive outlook during any challenging times you may face and keep smiling. Your colleagues and friends will benefit from you optimism and I am sure they could use the emotional boost as well. Avoid feeling overwhelmed by all the end of the year brings, by enjoying a good laugh as this will help you shift your perspective. And don't forget to be grateful. Take time to count your blessings. I have even begun a gratitude journal to help me focus on the positive. It may feel awkward at the start but this exercise can be transformative. In being a part of this amazing learning community it is an easy routine because there is so much to be grateful for!
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.
Reminder- Last Day of School
Budget 2022-2023
At its Special Meeting on Tuesday, March 29 the Board of Finance voted to move forward to the Public Hearing a Board of Education budget which has an increase of 1.13%.
The Board of Education had voted on, and adopted a budget that included a 3.92% increase. This budget maintained our current staffing levels and supply requests while also adding enhancements to our district in the form of personnel and programming.
We felt this was a robust budget that our learning community deserved. We also understood that this percentage was higher than what has been presented in many, many years. We felt it was time for us to take a bold stance to demonstrate what our schools need to grow, evolve and continue to pursue excellence.
At the Public Hearing on April 11th no change was made to the decision to bring the 1.13% increase the education budget to the Town Meeting.
If you want something you never had you must be willing to do something you've never done
Annual Town Meeting
Annual Town Meeting to be Adjourned to Later Date Due to Newspaper Misprint
LAST UPDATED: APRIL 28, 2022 - 2:39PM
As a result of a newspaper misprint, the Town was not able to comply with the 5-day legal publication requirements to hold the Annual Town Meeting on the first Monday in May, as is required in the Town Charter. Without that proper notice, Town Meeting cannot legally proceed to consider the budget or other business.
Town Meeting must be called to order on Monday under the Charter but may only lawfully act to adjourn the meeting to a specific date and time in the future to allow for proper publication. May 16 is the proposed date for the Adjourned Annual Town Meeting. No other Town Meeting action will be deemed lawful, although Town Meeting may accept reports and petitions for action at the Adjourned Town Meeting.
Below is a statement from The Chronicle regarding the newspaper misprint:
STATEMENT BY THE CHRONICLE ON LEGAL NOTICE MISPRINT
First Selectman Kevin Cwikla,
I am very sorry we had an internal error, and did not run your Legal Notice for the Annual Town Meeting for May 2 that was scheduled to run Tuesday April 26.
The error was on our part, as you placed it in time to make that edition.
I can be reached at info below if anyone has any concerns
--
Jan Koivisto
Advertising Director
So Much to Celebrate
National Librarian Day
Happy Administrative Professionals Day
Curriculum Corner
We are fortunate in Lebanon to have a close knit school community that allows our high school students to connect with younger students in the district! This past month, French teacher Komi Adzimawo and his students visited the middle school to share happenings in the French department. Lyman students discussed events such as a summer visit to Paris, the benefits of learning a second language and other language-related topics. To top it off, Lyman students brought French culture to the middle school: French treats and snacks! Along with the French department, students in the Ag Department, led by Brenda Wildes, visited fourth grade classrooms at LES. 4th graders learned about egg production, colored easter eggs, and even met Lucy Lou, their newest lamb addition to Lyman! This connection across levels is not only a great source of learning for all, but it also contributes to the well-being of students and the school community as a whole!
2023 Lebanon Public Schools Instructional Assistant of the Year
The Lebanon Public Schools Instructional Assistant of the Year will be our nominee for the
State of Connecticut 2023 Paraeducator of the Year in honor of Anne Marie Murphy.
The Connecticut State Department of Education and the School Paraprofessional Advisory Council have established the Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Program to recognize the important role of the paraeducator in supporting student achievement. The award is named in honor of Anne Marie Murphy, a paraeducator who was killed in the Sandy Hook shooting. The program honors one paraeducator who has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in the performance of his/her job, thereby earning that person the respect and admiration of other paraeducators, students, teachers, administrators, co-workers, and parents.
May 27, 2022
Deadline to nominate a candidate for Instructional Assistant of the Year. To nominate an outstanding professional, please complete this Google Form link:
https://forms.gle/1VgKnqwbpJDrBFUF9
June 8, 2022
The Lebanon Public Schools Instructional Assistant of the Year will be announced.
June 30, 2022
Deadline for the district Paraeducator of the year to submit an application (using the application link provided) for the Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Program to the State of Connecticut.
September/October 2022
The State Department of Education will announce the 2023 Paraeducator of the Year.
Fall 2022
2023 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year is honored during the 2023 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Ceremony at The Bushnell Auditorium.
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
Thank You
Lebanon Korean War-Era Veterans Awards Ceremony
#LebanonPride
#Bravery
#ThankYou
Perfection!
LES Invention Convention
Responsible Citizens
All State Music Festival
Additionally, Caroline ran inside from her softball game, sang the National Anthem during the Lebanon Korean War-Era Veterans Ceremony, then rejoined her team in their victorious effort.
CAS Excellence
Each year the Connecticut Association of Schools honors two high school seniors who excel in the performing and visual arts and have outstanding ability, scholarship, and leadership. This acclaimed recognition dinner was held last night at the Aqua Turf in Southington. Pictured are Keera Patel and Rachael Springer with their teachers Mr.Covino and Ms.Ricard. Congratulations Keera and Rachael!
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.
How many people can say they attended their high school’s centennial celebration? You don’t want to miss it!
REGISTRATION FOR THE 100th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IS NOW AVAILABLE
WHY REGISTER?
With thousands of Lyman alumni and their families eligible to attend our celebration, the committee would like to know in advance how many will join us.
Registering prior to the date will help with planning, food, merchandise ordering, venue capacity, etc.
There is a $10.00 non-refundable per person fee; current K-12 students are free. This fee covers celebration expenses.
Please click on the google forms link and complete the registration form:
Printed copies are also available in various locations around Lebanon or by request from lymnamhs100years@gmail.com.
Payment can be made by check through the mail to the address on the form or through PayPal, https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lyman100years (answer: “Registration”)
You will not be considered registered until payment is received. Registration deadline is August 21, 2022.
Please continue to follow us on Facebook: Lyman-Memorial-High-School-100-Year-Anniversary or through the Lyman Memorial High School page: www.lebanonct.org/o/lmhs/page/lyman-100 for updates.
Silent Auction
CLASS OF 2022
PROJECT GRADUATION SILENT AUCTION
Please join us in supporting the Class of 2022 at our silent auction!!
WHEN : Friday, May 6, 2022 5:00 - 8:00 PM
WHERE : Lyman Memorial High School Library
WHY: To support an alcohol/drug free
celebration for our Class of 2022
Items up for bid : Gift cards from The Hoot, Bluebird Hill, Big Y, Madison LaFlam Photography, Michelle’s Barber Shop, Powers Outdoor Solutions, Benders Oil, Dunkin Donuts, Subway and many many more!! Tickets to Norwich Sea Unicorns, Old Sturbridge Village, Hartford Yard Goats, Wachusett Mountain!! Various gift baskets and home made items!! Many more items that are not listed here!!
Return from Spring Break- COVID Communication
Dear Lebanon Families,
The Connecticut Department of Public Health has advised school administrators throughout the state that COVID-19 transmission rates have been steadily increasing and that we should expect to see more cases of COVID-19 affecting students and staff in our schools in the coming weeks due to recent holiday gatherings and travel associated with school break weeks.
Our district is discussing how we can enhance mitigation strategies (e.g., increasing ventilation, enhancing cleaning protocols, etc.) in our schools to help reduce COVID-19 risks during this time of increased community transmission but we are also asking our staff, students, and families to help us reduce potential COVID-19 risks even further over the next several weeks by:
Staying home if you feel unwell and especially if you are experiencing any symptoms that could be caused by COVID-19, including:
- Fever or chills - New loss of taste or smell - Cough - Sore throat - Difficulty breathing - Congestion or runny nose - Fatigue/tiredness - Nausea or vomiting - Muscle or body aches - Diarrhea - Headache
• Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 if you have not done so already and getting a booster vaccine dose if you are eligible.
• Testing for COVID-19 either using an at-home test kit or at a pharmacy or other testing site if you:
- feel unwell or have any symptoms that could be associated with COVID-19; or
- have had an exposure to someone suspected of having COVID-19; or
- have recently traveled out of state using public transportation (e.g., air, train, bus); or
- have attended any large group events (e.g., concerts, weddings or similar events, etc.)
• Contacting the school nurse and following isolation guidance if you test positive for COVID-19, including remaining away from school activities for at least 5 days and wearing a mask when returning for an additional 5 days.
• Following quarantine guidance as appropriate for your vaccination status if you have a close contact with someone with COVID-19 either inside or outside of your household.
• Wear a mask when you are around other people especially if:
- you are not feeling well;
- are advised to do so based on isolation or quarantine recommendations;
- you are at-risk for severe COVID-19 complications; or
- you feel more comfortable wearing a mask at this time.
We appreciate your ongoing support and cooperation to ensure we have a healthy and safe end to this school year.
Lebanon 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.
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