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Issue: # 36                     
July 2015
Hattie B. Stokes
Dr. Taylor

It never gets old, the first day of a new school year has been and will always be a day of excitement, new beginnings, and unlimited opportunities for students, parents, and teachers alike. On the 6th of August the doors will open wide and over 3,500 students will begin another exciting school year. We are excited about the start of another great year at Lebanon Community Schools. From the confusion of the first day in a kindergarten class, to the excitement of starting their senior year as a member of the graduating class of 2016, students and staff are all looking forward to that first day.

 

I would like to welcome back all of our returning families, and I extend a sincere welcome to our new families. I want to encourage parents, grandparents, community members and key student influencers, to join our instructional staff and administration in working to provide all of our Lebanon students with a safe, caring, and enriching learning environment. Lebanon schools are for everyone! I hope you will take the time to visit your child's school, and become actively involved in their academic journey this year. I would encourage each of you to visit our school websites to see the variety of activities and opportunities you can be a part of. I would also suggest you each take the time to stop by your child's school and introduce yourself to the staff and principal. They will be glad to show you around and share all of the opportunities that are available for you to become involved in throughout the year.

 

Lebanon Community Schools is a great school district with a major focus on student achievement and insuring all students are successful. We are proud of our recent accomplishments and appreciate the potential of what the future holds. We strive to insure that the quality of instruction is excellent for all students, and committed to insuring every student achieves academic proficiency in all areas. Lebanon Community School Corporation is "your" school district and I am looking forward to working with you to insure that the 2015-2016 school year is another great year for your children.

 

Respectfully,

 

Robert L. Taylor, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Lebanon Community School Corporation

News
LCSC News
College and Career Fair  

Lebanon Community Schools is pleased to announce the date of the 3rd College and Career Fair! We look forward to partnering with the community to host this event on Wednesday, October 7th at Lebanon High School from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Students and parents will have the opportunity to become more aware of career paths and educational opportunities that are available upon graduation whether it be by pursuing an apprenticeship, direct employment, the military or a college degree. Students in grades 7-12 are encouraged to attend! 

 

Transportation Frequently Asked Questions

 

Welcome back to school! For parents' convenience we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about the transportation of your children. We hope this can help answer a lot of your questions.  

 

How are bus stops and routes determined?

Every Lebanon Community School Corporation student who is eligible for transportation is assigned a specific bus stop and route number. The Routing Specialist uses the VersaTrans software program to determine required bus stops. VersaTrans considers bus seating capacity, student data, zoning information, and safety variables during processing to create the safest, most efficient bus routes possible. We strive to place bus stops no more than 1/4 mile from each rider's home, although the distance to most stops is far less.

 

Why does our bus stop change from year to year?

Each year students move in and out of subdivisions, plus, students advance in grade levels. Therefore, stops change to accommodate all students in the area. Our routing software, VersaTrans, calculates all students in the area and walk distances to each stop-then determines the safest location for all students.

 

The bus passes by my house on the way to a stop up the street. Why can't it just stop and pick up my child at home?

Please remember that we transport more than 2700 students every day, so it is impossible to provide door-to-door service to everyone, and do it in a timely manner. It is more efficient to pick up several students in one stop, usually at a corner or other mid-way point for the students.

 

Our Sub-division does not have sidewalks and is poorly lit. How can I get the stop moved closer to our home?

Most of the sub-divisions in our district do not have sidewalks and the lighting is poor in many areas. With our VersaTrans routing software, and our knowledge of the areas we service, we try very hard to place our bus stops at the safest location possible. But, it is very important to remember that it is the parent's responsibility for the safety of the child to and from the bus stop.

 

The pick-up time I was given from the office was one time but the driver changed it to an earlier time. Why?

Our routing system, VersaTrans, calculates the mileage of the route, the number of stops along the route, and the speed limits of the roads to determine the "approximate" pick up and drop off time. What the routing program cannot do is calculate the traffic conditions, weather, and road conditions along the route. Therefore, it becomes necessary for the driver to make adjustments. When the adjustments are needed, the driver must contact our office and the students in advance to let them know of the change. Our office will contact the school and send a letter home with each student explaining the new time of pick-up. The afternoon drop off can vary some depending who is riding, traffic conditions and weather. If you feel the bus is running later than usual, 15 minutes or more, please call the school and see if the bus was delayed for any reason, or call our office @ 765-482-1499.

 

The bus was late dropping off my child by 15 minutes or more. Why didn't I get a phone call informing me of the late bus?

Each bus carries 50-70 students every day to and from school. It would take a great amount of time to call each house informing them of a bus running 15 minutes late. Please do not hesitate to call our office or the school if you have a concern.

 

Why does my child have to sit in an assigned seat?

There are several reasons for this, the first would be safety. An assigned seat on the bus helps the driver know who is on the bus. It also eliminates the child trying to find a seat at the stop, thus allowing other students the ability to deny a seat to your child. Assigned seats also help with deterring acts of vandalism on the bus.

 

Things are happening on the bus that the driver doesn't do anything about. Why?

The drivers first and foremost responsibility is to drive the bus! They cannot see everything that is happening on the bus at all times. If something is happening on the bus that concerns you and your child, please contact the principal of your school or call our office so we can assist. Most often the driver is not aware there is a problem. However, each driver is happy to assist and make every child's bus ride a safe and enjoyable experience.

 

My child is being threatened by another student on the bus. What should I do?

All school bus discipline problems should be immediately reported to the Principal of your child's school. Students who continue to cause problems can be removed from the bus for a period of one to ten days, or permanently, depending on the nature of the disciplinary problems.

 

My Child was running towards the bus and the driver looked at him/her then drove off. Why?

While it might look as though the driver "looked at the child and drove off" it is simply not the case at all. Drivers must check all the mirrors on the bus before moving. By looking at the mirrors it may seem as though the driver looked at the child, however; the driver never saw the child. The best way to make sure your child does not miss the bus it to be at the stop earlier, about 5 minutes before the scheduled stop.

 

We were late this morning and my child went running after the bus, but the driver never stopped.

Never-ever let your child run after a moving bus! This is just dangerous! If your child misses the bus, please call our office and we may be able to have the bus come around.

 

What qualifications must bus drivers have to drive a school bus for Lebanon?

In order to qualify to drive a school bus in Lebanon Community School Corporation, a person must be at least 21 years old, possess a valid Indiana Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) with Passenger (P), school bus driver (S) and air brake endorsements, and must maintain a safe driving record.

In addition, prospective drivers must pass the State Department of Education approved physical examination from an approved physician.
  
Drivers must also complete a comprehensive School Bus Driver Training Program provided by the state of Indiana and the Lebanon School Corporation Transportation Department.

 

Each year, drivers are evaluated on their driving skills and attend regular safety and training meetings.


Bus driver candidates also undergo a thorough criminal background check through the Police Department, Indiana Bureau of Investigation, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. This investigation will check applicants for any criminal history.

 

How many people can ride the bus?

There is no absolute number. Under Indiana law, the maximum number of students that can be transported in a school bus corresponds to the seating capacity designated by the manufacturer of the bus. Thus, a 72-passenger bus can carry 72 students, regardless of their age or size. Federal regulations govern how manufacturers determine seating capacity, using a 15-inch block for each designated seating position and rounding up to the nearest whole number. Most school bus seats are 39 inches wide; dividing 39 by 15 produces 2.6, which rounds up to three seating positions per seat.

 

Clearly that formula is not appropriate for all students. While state law does not limit the number of students per seat, it does require that aisles and exits be free of obstruction. This means that students cannot be hanging off the seats into the aisles, and their belongings cannot block emergency exits. A further consideration is that the passive restraint system called compartmentalization works only for students who are completely contained within the seating system; a student who is partially off the seat is not fully protected. Therefore, the number of students that can safely sit on a school bus seat is the number that fits entirely on the seat.

 

What are bus drivers allowed to know about student records?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) imposes significant obligations on local school units in regard to how they treat student education records. The state of Indiana has fully incorporated the requirements of FERPA into its own laws dealing with student records.These laws limit, in a comprehensive manner, the person who may access student records without parental consent; specifically, school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in a specific student may have access to student records without the parents' permission.

 

Under these laws, a school bus driver is defined as a school official, and if that driver operates the school bus in which that specific student rides, it is recognized that the school bus driver has a legitimate educational interest in those parts of a student's record relating to transportation. The "legitimate educational interest" is applicable whenever a school official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility, for example, a school bus driver needs to be informed if a student on the bus is likely to have a seizure or is allergic to bee stings in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility to that student. Likewise, if a student has a cognitive disability, such as autism or ADD, and the disability is likely to manifest itself on the school bus ride, the driver needs to be familiar with appropriate responses to this behavior in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities to all the students on the bus.

 

We look forward to an exciting new year. If you have further questions about transportation please call the Transportation Department @ 765-482-1499.  

 

Have a great school year!

Becky Nichols & The Transportation Staff

FFA News

The Indiana State FFA Convention took place at Purdue University on June 15-18. Over 30 Lebanon FFA members attended the convention this year with many being recognized for their hard work and dedication to the organization.
 
Some highlights include:

The FFA Chapter was recognized for being a Superior Chapter with a Silver Emblem Award and as a Silver Chapter Foundation Donor.
 
Hoosier Degree Recipients included: Jessica Mars, Ashley Syferd, Kyle Williams, John Plunkett, Alyssa Hankins, and Makayla Lee.
 
Jessica Mars also received 2nd place with her Small Animal Care Proficiency.


The LMS FFA Discovery Degree Quizbowl Team, consisting of Rilynn Turner, Zoe Stratton, Emma Biddle and Samantha Malagon received 4th place.
 
LMS FFA members, Heath Ernest and Katie McDuffie, received 4th place in the Food/Animal Science Discovery Degree Demonstration C.D.E.
 
Jakob Harsin was recognized on stage for being "Tagged to Teach Ag."
 
Corey Edwards and Peyton Keller participated in the Horticulture Science Demonstration, as well as Maci French and Josi Greene who participated in the Food Science Demonstration.


Lebanon also competed for the first time in the Vet Science CDE. Team members included Juan Ramirez, Julianne Lowe, Makayla Lee and Marie Dickison. The Vet Science CDE is a 6 part contest that is designed to introduce and prepare members for a career in the veterinary industry. Members learned about different diseases, animal anatomy and physiology, genetics, animal behavior, and more. They also were taught skills that are needed in the veterinary industry to restrain and diagnose animals. Breed, parasite, and tool identification was also covered. Finally, a team presentation was completed to show off their knowledge and skills while demonstrating veterinary-patient relationships!

LHS SAE students recently visited Turkey Run State Park to participate in two sessions with their Naturalist. The first involved learning about the importance and types of bees and the second was a guided hike that focused on habitats and the careers involved within natural resources.

Elementary News
Hattie B. Stokes ShamrockHattie B. Stokes

The 2014-2015 school year ended and we couldn't have done it without a great group of volunteers. We would like to thank all the groups and individuals that contributed so much to our staff and students - Food Pantry Helpers, SCORE, READUP, Otterbein United Methodist Church, Zionsville Girl Scouts, PTO, and the countless individual volunteers that gave up their time to help our school. We're looking forward to seeing you in the 2015-2016 school year. THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!!!   

LHS News

LHS AVID

Seeking mentors for middle and high school AVID students. You can find more information here

LHS 1:1 Program

Lebanon High School's 1:1 program is now in its third year. In 2013, LHS Students arrived to school carrying a school-owned MacBook Air into the building for the first time. The staff had been working extremely hard for over a year preparing for this day by participating in numerous hours of professional development. As we enter our third year, both students and staff have continued their growth and have become accustomed to the change away from traditional textbooks to more of digital, current, real-life curricula. LHS professionals are promoting academic excellence and graduate students who have the character and skills to be productive and successful citizens in today's world. Each student receives a MacBook Air, power charger, extension cord, and a computer bag. Both students and staff receive professional development and continuing assistance on how to use the device. Students are expected to use the computers for educational purposes and in a responsible manner. Computers are monitored by the LCSC Technology Department and our Internet filtering company called Lightspeed. No matter where the computer is being used, the computers are always being filtered. So if a website is blocked at school, such as Facebook, it is also blocked outside of school.

 

Guest Speaker

Each year we have a speaker come to LHS to talk to our students and parents about online safety/digital citizenship. This year we will welcome Josh Gunderson. Josh has appeared on MTV, Comedy Central, and Bravo Networks, and has completed numerous charity comedy tours educating and entertaining students, teachers, and parents across North America on digital citizenship. Josh can currently be seen on the NBC Drama American Odyssey and the new movie Jurassic World. He will be here to speak to students during the day on September 9th and will present to parents and our community on September 9th beginning at 6:30 pm in the LHS Auditorium. There is no cost to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Canvas

Over the past couple of years, students and staff used a learning management system called My Big Campus. Last March, we received word that My Big Campus would be no more. LCSC spent time looking at other learning management systems and selected Canvas to use starting this August. Students will be trained by their teachers how to use Canvas. One significant difference is that Canvas has its own gradebook. We will continue to use Skyward as our official gradebook. LHS teachers have spent several hours during their summer vacation being trained on how to use Canvas and working to get their courses switched over from My Big Campus to Canvas. More information on Canvas will be presented in future newsletters.

 

Tips for Students & Parents

The LHS staff works hard to help keep the computers safe and secure. Here are a few simple rules that are enforced at LHS:

  • Bring the computer to school every day fully charged

  • Do not spray any type of cleaner on the screen

  • Stop by the AppleCare Center at LHS with any issues

  • Keep out of extreme temperatures

  • Be careful around people and animals

  • Never leave the computer unattended

  • Do not swap or share your computer with anyone

  • Logout when not using it

  • Do not eat or drink around the computer

  • Never close the lid with something on the keyboard

  • Always transport the computer in the computer bag

Tips for Parents/Guardians at Home:

  • Have your child use the computer in a common area

  • Limit time on the computer/Internet for educational purposes only

  • Set and enforce rules at home, such as charging the computer overnight in a common area.

  • Communicate with your child the clear and decisive rules at home

LHS AppleCare Program

Lebanon High School has a student technology program to assist all students and staff with their technology needs. The program is called Lebanon AppleCare and is located next to the cafeteria. Two or three AppleCare students man the LHS AppleCare Center each class period. While not assisting students, the AppleCare students study the content on the Apple Certification Exam.

 

If there is an issue with a computer, the student will take the computer to the LHS AppleCare Center to get it repaired. If it cannot be repaired by a student technician, the computer will be given to the LCSC Technology Department and a loaner computer will be given to the student until the computer is repaired.

 

Insurance Options

A lot of time has been put to research the potential liability this 1:1 program will put on LCSC and individual parents. The student and his/her guardian are financially responsible for the technology except for the normal wear & tear. LHS students will receive a computer bag to assist in the protection of the computer. Students will always transport their computer in this bag. The 1:1 policy has been written to protect the computer as best as possible. For example, students are not allowed to use the computer in the cafeteria nor have drinks next to the computer to keep the risk of liquid spillage to a minimum. However, there are times when a computer is damaged in some way. Parents might elect to reduce their liability by purchasing an individual laptop insurance policy or carry this rented laptop on their homeowner's insurance policy. Others prefer to take the risk and go without damage insurance. LCSC does not require the purchase of insurance. Speak to your insurance agent for what is best for you. Insurance agents will be present at all three computer distribution days to answer your questions.

 

Questions?

The 1:1 program at LHS is well-known across the state of Indiana as one of the premier programs. LHS administrators and teachers have traveled the area to speak at summer conferences working with educators from around the state. We also host dozens of schools who are looking to go 1:1 and want to learn how we do it so well. For more information about the program & frequently asked questions, visit the 1:1 section on the LHS website or call 482-0400.

  

 

LHS Back To School Night

 

Download the flyer here.




 

LHS Computer Distribution 

   

Lebanon High School's computer distribution days are scheduled for:

  • Saturday, August 1, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Monday, August 3, 4:00 - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday, August 5, 2:00-5:00 pm

*The student and a parent/guardian must be present for the student to receive a computer.

 

*The student needs to already be registered for school in order to receive a computer.

 

If you have any questions call LHS at 482-0400 or visit the school website.


Gold Cards Needed for LHS Students Who
Wish To Participate In 2015-2016 Athletic Season

This verification card must be obtained from the Athletic Office and presented to the head coach PRIOR to participation on that respective team.

Four items must be on file in the Athletic Office in order to obtain your Gold Card. The following pages must be completed annually, or as marked:
  1. IHSAA PRE-PARTICIPATION PHYSICAL EVALUATION signed by parents, athlete, and Medical Doctor, and completed after April 1st
  2. LHS ATHLETIC HANDBOOK CONSENT FORM from the back page of the LHS Athletic Handbook
  3. CONCUSSION/SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST KNOWLEDGE STATEMENT FORM (located in back of LHS Athletic Handbook) signed by parent and athlete
  4. RANDOM DRUG TESTING CONSENT FORM signed by parents and athlete (good for all four years for all LHS athletic activities)
All forms are available on the LHS Athletics website or in the LHS Athletic Office. Items 1 through 3 need to be completed every year.
Staff/Faculty Spotlight
Ms. Strange Retires   

   

Dr. Taylor, Barby Strange

LHS teacher Ms. Barby Strange was recognized at the school board meeting on July 21st for her service and leadership at LCSC. Ms. Strange taught 17 years within the school corporation. Happy Retirement Ms. Strange!

School Events
See the exciting things happening in
Lebanon Community School Corporation
Hattie B. Stokes Elementary

August 5, 6 - 7 pm: X finds your Class/Ice Cream Night

August 6, 6 pm: Kindergarten Meet the Teacher & Parent Meeting

August 10, 6:00 pm: Grades 1-5 & Special Areas Meet the Teacher &

     Parent Meeting

 

Don't forget school starts August 6

Doors open at 8:45 am, Tardy Bell 9:00 am 

Perry-Worth Elementary

August 10, 6:30 pm: PTO meeting (Media Center)

August 21: PTO Movie Night - Home

August 27, 6:30-8:30 pm: Boy Scouts Call Out Meeting (Cafeteria)

September 2: "Distance for Dollars"

Lebanon Middle School

August Athletic Events  

August 24: School Pictures 

Lebanon High School

August Athletic Events   

August 1, 10 am - 3 pm: 1:1 Laptop Distribution 

August 3, 4 - 7 pm: 1:1 Laptop Distribution 

August 5, 2 - 5 pm: 1:1 Laptop Distribution 

August 4, 5 - 8:30 pm: LHS Back to school Night & FFA Dinner 

August 8: State Fair Band Day

August 19 & 19: Student Picture Day

August 22: Band ISSMA Summer Showcase

August 25 & 26: Tiger Leadership Camp

Community Events
Check out what's happening around our community!

Lebanon Ballet School 

Register for Fall Classes   

Sign up for Lebanon Ballet School's fall dance classes from classical ballet, to jazz to tap. With classes ranging from age 3 years to adult, there is something for everyone.     

 

Backpack Giveaway   

Mark your calendar! On Saturday, August 1st, from Noon-3PM, select Verizon TCC (The Cellular Connection) locations will be giving away a FREE backpack filled with school supplies - limit one per child. Keep in mind that the child must be present to receive a backpack. Be sure to call your local store ahead of time to verify participation in the program. 

 

Sign Up for Cub Scouts  

For over 80 years, Cub Scouts have been having the time of their lives making new friends and learning new things in an environment designed to help them succeed. Your child will LOVE being a Cub Scout. So have some fun... with the Cub Scouts.

Witham Health Services Logo 

It's the 12th Annual Kids Fest!   

Kids Fest is a free community event which will focus on improving the health and safety of kids while having fun! Everyone will get a free hot dog and drink and kids will be able to participate in face painting, bouncy house, dunk tank, rock climbing, and more! 

Thank you for your support of the Lebanon Community School Corporation Email Newsletter. We will continue to update you with news and events from LCSC on a monthly basis. We appreciate input from our subscribers as the newsletter continues to evolve.

Sincerely,
Lebanon Community School Corporation
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