LEBANON BOARD OF EDUCATION

Mission Statement

The Lebanon Public School District is a community of learners which values an active partnership with families, school and community. Our goal is to prepare students to succeed in a global world by providing a quality and challenging education in a safe environment.

Approved by the Board on October 11, 2011.

The Lebanon Public School District consists of three schools: Lebanon Elementary School, Lebanon Middle School, and Lyman Memorial High School, which includes a Vocational-Agricultural Department. In each of the schools, academic excellence is stressed, citizenship is promoted, and community service is expected.

Meeting the needs of children is paramount in achieving our mission. Through the teamwork of outstanding teachers, administrators, and parents, students obtain the skills necessary for successful and meaningful employment in the Twenty-first Century. Lessons stress creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and the ability to think critically and creatively. In addition, students learn to be competent in communicating, evaluating, and analyzing information from a global, economic, civic, health, and ethical perspective. Our goal is to promote the highest quality instruction with continuous improvement of student learning and provide comprehensive learning opportunities for children. We expect that our graduates are prepared to excel in the challenges of higher education. These goals are at the core of all great educational systems and will always be the central priorities of the Lebanon Public School District.

At the elementary school level, there are pre-school classes, multi-age classes, and grade-level classes. In addition, there are classes that loop (move from one grade level to the next) with their teachers and there is an enrichment program. At the middle school, students travel from classroom to classroom throughout the day to receive content and special area instruction. Students at the high school level participate in either the regular education or Vocational-Agricultural program. A variety of levels of instruction are provided, ranging from academic to Advanced Placement classes, as well as college partnership classes with the University of Connecticut and Three Rivers Community College, whereby students may earn college credit while taking courses in the high school.

Technology is infused into teaching and learning experiences and students apply it on a daily basis. Each school has multiple computer laboratories. Each classroom has at least one computer, and most are equipped with Smart Boards. The district uses a data system which collects student grades for analysis and remediation. As a result, lessons include scientifically researched-based interventions. In addition, the district software allows communication with parents, who are allowed to view their child’s progress on a daily basis.

Students are competitive in comparison to their counterparts on state and federal tests, including the Connecticut Mastery Test (grades 3-8), the Connecticut Aptitude Performance Test (grade 10), the Scholastic Aptitude Test and the American College Test. Students have earned distinction as CAPT Scholars and many students are inducted into the National Honor Society for their Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character.

Numerous extracurricular activities, including choral and instrumental music, and Talent Show and Drama Performances, are available to students. In addition, numerous athletic opportunities exist for students. Individual students and sports teams have been successful at both the league and state championship levels. Also, students in the Vocational-Agricultural program have received state and national honors in Future Farmers of America competitions.

The Lebanon Public School district receives much support from parents and community volunteers. Daily, volunteers can be seen in the schools helping in classrooms, libraries, etc. They also work with children and support daily lessons. Each school has an identified parent group (PTA, PA, Booster Club) that makes a difference in the lives of children by supporting educational and/or athletic initiatives through deeds and/or funding.

The facilities and grounds are safe and secure places for students to learn and grow. In addition, they are clean and well kept. Improvements are continuously being identified and addressed.

The Lebanon Public School district 2012-2013 budget is $17,869,353. This funding provides for the daily teaching and learning of students, and the overall expenditures of the district. There are 115 certified faculty and 60 noncertified staff members.

The district is governed by an elected nine-member Board of Education. The Superintendent oversees the administration of the three schools. In each school there is a principal. At the high school there is an assistant principal. The middle school has a part-time assistant principal and there is also a part-time Curriculum Coordinator. In addition, there is a Special Education Director who supervises the delivery of instruction to the special needs students.