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Life is always filled with moments of doubt or question. Did I pay too much, should I have spent more time with family, did I make the right decision about buying those "skinny" jeans (never a good idea if you are a guy over 50 years old), should I let my child drive to the away basketball game, and literally hundreds of other good or bad scenarios that are just a part of life and livingness that pauses one to question. While I have been the Superintendent of Lebanon Schools I have had many of those second guessing moments. None more critical than those decisions and considerations that might impact the learning environment for our students. Yet every now and then, there is a sign I come across that helps to affirm and validate what a great school system Lebanon Community Schools are. The sign comes in many forms: witnessing a random act of kindness by a student at the middle school during a weekend carnival event, seeing a group of kindergarteners reading a story together while acting out the different characters, or listening to LHS students talk about their efforts to raise over $23,000 dollars to build fresh water wells for villages in Africa, are powerful signs of affirmation that LCSC is a great place for students and those same students make LCSC a great school system.
I recently received a copy of a former student's Facebook posting written as an open letter to current LHS students. I wanted to share with you, these powerful and sincere words of advice from this former student.
Current Lebanon High School seniors:
It seems like years have passed since I was in your place, yet it's been a mere handful of months since I walked the halls with you all. Day after day, along with my fellow classmates, I would say, "I cannot wait to get out of this place and go to college." We've all heard this statement and I'm more than positive you are thinking the same thing as we speak. While I am continuously falling in love with my life at Indiana University and wholeheartedly advocate how wonderful college is, I urge you to take the time to relish in the experiences, memories, and privileges you are exposed to at Lebanon. Nearing the end of my first college semester and befriending students from Florida to California, I have been given a new outlook on my high school experience. There are "issues" that current students see as prominent "downfalls" of Lebanon; however I hope to convince you otherwise.
You think the dress code is too strict, Facebook is blocked on your school-issued MacBook Air, juniors cannot leave school grounds for lunch like seniors can, the teachers are subpar, etc. After speaking with friends and fellow classmates at IU and hearing stories of their high school experiences it is now clear more than ever that Lebanon was, and still is, in fact a prestigious and opportunity-filled high school to attend. I have friends that had a required dress code of blazers and plaid skirts. I have friends that could not leave school for lunch at all. I have friends that audibly gasp when I mention every student receives a MacBook Air. I have friends that went through high school without music programs. I have friends that attended high schools without sports teams. I have friends that went through high school not having pep rallies or school traditions.
I have learned many things in my four months of college such as the process of maintaining employee performance in the workplace and conjugating verbs into the passé simple form in French. What I learned most, however, was that my high school experience seems unmatched in comparison to some of my friends. Lebanon High School is an academic institution filled with rich tradition, engaging environments, and devoted educators and administrators that drive students towards success. It may have not hit me until months after graduating with the Class of 2015, but Lebanon is a remarkable school. So please hear me out, Class of 2016, take pride in your school and enjoy your last few months before they pass by ever so quickly. Your experiences at Lebanon will always outweigh those of someone from a less-fortunate school. And remember, "once a tiger, always a tiger."
I am proud to be a part of something that has been such a positive impact on a young person that is preparing for the future with the reaffirmed knowledge they have had a great educational opportunity to help prepare them for the future. Congratulations to all of our Lebanon alumni and to all of the wonderful teachers, coaches, mentors, and administrators that have been such an important part of that preparation.
With warm reflective smiles and pride,
Superintendent of Schools
Lebanon Community School Corporation
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Lebanon FFA News
Congratulations to the Lebanon FFA Parliamentary Procedures teams for advancing to section competition on December 9th. All three teams represented LCSC at the District Career Development Event on November 10th at Ivy Tech in Lafayette. The Senior team has now placed first for three years in a row. The Freshman Novice Team placed first and the LMS Novice Team placed second in the Novice competition. Parliamentary Procedures tests a team's ability to effectively and efficiently run a chapter meeting. Participation in this activity not only greatly improves teamwork skills, but also public speaking abilities.
Senior Team members - Jessica Mars, Katie Hasty, Sandra Malagon, Alyssa Hankins, Ashley Syferd, Kobe Burtron, Abbey Krulik, Sam Hood, Maci French, Jakob Harsin and Ally Zink
Freshmen Novice team members - Liz Mars, Samantha Malagon, Katie McDuffie, Heath Ernest, Tyler Mosley, Veronica Kassab, Emma Biddle, Zoe Stratton, Taylor Rice, and Kailyn Rittenberry
LMS Novice team members - Drew Cosgray, Daniel Hood, Emma Shock, Brayden Myers, Caitlin Cornett, Mary Brown, Hunter Harsin, and Taylar Dale
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Central
The Friendly City - A play about Lebanon, IN
Central's 3 rd grade students have been busy studying the Friendly City of Lebanon, IN. They were able to take several walking field trips to landmarks here in Lebanon. Students visited the Public Library, the Cragun House, and Ulen Country Club. Students then picked a landmark of interest to research and prepare a report and presentation. They also studied and rehearsed a play entitled The Friendly City written by 3 rd grade teacher, Kim Lahrman. Students practiced, rehearsed and prepared props for their plays. They then performed their play for parents, family members and staff. We are very proud of our Central Stars for their hard work and what a great job by Central teachers to plan such an engaging unit on Lebanon, IN.
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Harney Elementary School celebrates Veteran's Day!
Veteran's entering Harney were greeted with pictures, poems, and a gym ready to honor them. The program was coordinated by music teacher Julie Lakomek with the help of Nancy Meeks, Bethany Newsom, Brandy Toleos, Michelle Hedge and Teresa Kendall. The program was filled with Cub Scouts, history, music, a slide show, as well as a reception. Harney 5th grade students were chosen as speakers, and the 5th grade choir sang "America the Beautiful" and "Thank a Vet". The entire student body shared how thankful they were by singing "Thank You, Soldiers." Those in attendance were truly in awe at not only how beautifully it was sung, but how much respect came from the entire school. A slide show was also shown which included slides of family members of not only Harney students and staff, but of staff members from across LCSC. Veteran's stood proud as a Salute to the Armed Forces was played. Ending the program was a beautiful rendition of "Taps" played by Lebanon High School Senior Megan Elliot. Harney Elementary School did a truly amazing job at pulling together as a team to honor our American Veterans.
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Hattie B. Stokes
We are lucky to have two local churches spoil us with "treats". Otterbein United Methodist Church has been a big support of our team for years. They surprised us with yummy treats and an encouraging word. Freedom Church surprised us with treat bags for the teachers. Maybe we should say treat sacks. They were filled with all kinds of classroom supplies. A big Thank You to Freedom Church for the wonderful gifts and a big Thank You to Otterbein United Methodist Church for the treats and support.
Our Fall Fundraiser was a HUGE success thanks to all the parents, family, friends, students, and staff that supported this event. The Grand Prize - A remote control Minion was won by Faith Effinger. Kaiden Taylor & Sam DeWitt won the Stuffed Minions. Great Job! On behalf of HBS - THANKS A MINION!
Soctober
Final count for our sock drive in October - 673. Way to go HBS Students!
Thank you parents and student who attended our Family Fun Night, "Who's in our Community?" We had over 261 people attend! Mrs. Trafford's class won the popcorn party with the highest class attendance! Lots of great local heroes gave their time for the event and we would like to thank you all for coming into HBS and letting us learn more about you and your careers.
HBS would like to thank all Veterans for their service to our country!
Great Job Mrs. Schoeff and students! Your hard work and dedication radiated through in the performance from beginning to end! If you can read this - THANK A TEACHER. If you can read this in English - THANK A VETERAN!
5th Grade Vocabulary Parade
Each 5th grade student picked a word that they didn't know, and learned the definition. They were then tasked with creating a costume that represented that word. Very creative & great imaginations 5th Graders! Here are a few of the students & their "costumes".
Jesse Alkula - Disheveled
Grace-Ann Merchant - Chromatic
Dilynn Shockley - Aquamarine
October Students of the Month
Congratulations to our October Students of the Month!
Kaiden Taylor, Melanie Wethington, Gabriel Hatcher, Morgan Stofer, Makayla Trent, Ajdin Cajlak, Gabe Robinson, Ty'Anna Lee, Caira Gramlin, Keygan Tyree, Skyler Jones, Lily Butler, Ellie White, Faith Effinger, TJ Baumgartner, Cade Spanhook, Kalvin Burdine, Peyton Mofford, Devon Wilson, Grace Ann Merchant and Makenzi Reed
1st Quarter Shamrock Celebrations
 
We had our first Shamrock Celebration of the 2015-2016 school year! These students are just a few that were honored for their great choices and hard work during the first nine weeks! More names to honor coming soon!
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Perry-Worth's New "Buddy Bench"
Perry-Worth Elementary would like to thank our wonderful Girl Scout troop, #2880 for donating our Buddy Bench! It was a great way to start off our year here at Perry-Worth. There was an official 'ribbon cutting' ceremony complete with a thank you sign autographed by all of our Perry-Worth students!
Thank you again troop #2880!
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Introduction to Agriculture -
Food and Natural Resources News
On November 12th, members of the IAFNR class visited Fair Oaks Dairy Adventure in Northern Indiana. Students were able to learn about the dairy industry, animal science, ice cream and cheese production, as well as participate in a bus tour through the facility that showcased the milking carousel and anaerobic digester. Fair Oaks powers their facility from the methane gas that is collected from the animals' manure.
Lebanon Students Support Local Charities  
Lebanon Middle School students decide to make a difference in their community by working toward a goal of supporting the food drive and coat drive at their school. The five young men are part of a mentoring program at Lebanon Middle School. Lizabeth Dulhanty runs the program called S.O.S., aligning community mentors with students.
The students located a source of firewood from a local farmer who had trees that needed to be removed. The students cut, split, stacked and delivered the wood. As well as the physical work of the project, they participated in goal setting, developing a marketing plan, selling and record keeping. After delivering the wood 100% of the proceeds were used to purchase food for the food drive and coats for the coat drive. This is the second year for this project and it has tripled in sales allowing them to help more people in the community. The S.O.S.program often has more students than mentors. If you have any interest in becoming a mentor please contact Lebanon Middle School for more details.
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LHS Builds Third Freshwater Well in Uganda
On Thursday, September 22, 2015, over 50 LHS students presented a $7,800 check to the founder and CEO of the Thirst Project, Seth Maxwell. The $7,800 donation is being given to the Thirst Project to fund a third LHS freshwater well in Uganda. The two previous wells are fully operational and provide fresh water to underprivileged communities in Uganda that previously had to drink contaminated water from sedentary water sources that were filled with bacteria and disease. By providing fresh water to these communities, lives of men, women, and children are immediately saved. It is shocking, but approximately 4,100 children worldwide die every day due to waterborne illnesses as a result of not having a safe water source. LHS is doing its part to help eradicate the global water crisis. Over the past three years, LHS students and staff have donated $23,100 to the Thirst Project to build three wells. The goal for 2015-16 is to once again raise enough money to build our fourth well in Uganda. Lebanon High School is leaving a positive footprint in the country of Uganda. LHS would like to thank the Lebanon community for their generous support of our Thirst Project efforts. Please mark your calendars to attend our Thirst Project Christmas Concert at 7 PM on December 9thin the LHS Auditorium. LHS students and recent alumni will perform musical acts during the concert which promises to be a display of amazing talent.
Lebanon FFA Attends National Convention
 Over fall break 27 FFA members traveled to Louisville, KY for the annual National FFA Convention. Students got a chance to meet with over 55,000 other FFA members. While at the convention students met with professionals in top agricultural jobs as well as learned leadership skills to bring back to Lebanon. Some students got the chance to help and observe national FFA contests as well as visit Churchhill Downs. We look forward to the National FFA Convention being in Indianapolis next year!
LHS Sophomores Participate in Kiwanis Leadership Academy
Ten LHS sophomore students who are involved in the Boone County Kiwanis Global Youth Leadership Academy had a very full day on November 5th. The morning started with a tour of the courthouse which included a presentation from Judge Petit. His presentation included an explanation on his path to becoming a judge. The next stop was a visit to the Community Foundation of Boone County where students learned about the mission of the organization and future scholarship opportunities. Then, the students visited the Boone County Correctional Facility where students learned about law enforcement. The students toured the 911 center and got to see some of the specialized equipment that is used during emergencies. Finally, the students received a leadership presentation from Todd Ransom, a Big Ten Football Referee.
Save the Environment and Help Students!
The Lebanon High School World Languages Department continues to collect recyclable electronics and inkjet cartridges as an ongoing fundraiser. All proceeds help fund student overseas curricular enrichment trips. Recyclables currently being collected will benefit those students participating in the 2016 trips to France and Spain. If you have any of the following items to donate, please consider donating them to the LHS World Languages Department.
- Inkjet cartridges (must fit in the palm of one's hand)
- Cellphones
- iPads
- iPods
- Smart watches and fitness bands
- Gold, silver, and platinum jewelry
All donated electronics will be cleared of data and recycled properly - no landfills, incinerators, or exports of e-waste.
Donations can be delivered to the main office at the high school. If you have questions, please contact Holli Decker, World Languages Department Chair, 482-0400, ext. 21670.
Donations to Cinderella's Closet
Prom can be quite cost-prohibitive. To help lighten the financial load, Lebanon High School's Sunshine Society sponsors Cinderella's Closet, a collection of prom dresses that students can rent for a nominal fee. Sunshine is seeking dress donations to increase the options available for girls planning for prom this year. In addition to dresses, prom-appropriate shoes, handbags, and accessories will also be accepted. Please consider donating your used-yet-still-fashionable dresses to Cinderella's Closet!
Donations can be dropped off in the LHS main office. Please contact Jenny Gaha or Holli Decker, LHS Sunshine Society co-sponsors, with any questions.
LHS DECA Club Attends Leadership Conference
On Monday November 9th, the Lebanon High School DECA organization leadership team along with several DECA members had the opportunity to visit Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for a day of leadership development and competition. Ten members of the LHS DECA chapter joined over 450 other DECA participants from around the state for the daylong event. Students were able to engage in leadership activities with other chapters, hear from industry professionals within the Indiana Pacers organization, and compete against each other in highly competitive business-focused areas. The day ended with great lower level seats to watch the Indiana Pacers basketball team defeat the Orlando Magic that evening. The opportunity was very rewarding for the members of DECA, and these LHS students came back with not only new friends, new ideas, and new stories, but also with a newfound understanding of applications in leadership and competitive aspects of business. The DECA students who attended from LHS were: Kelsie Arnold, Tyler Wampler, VP of Finance Benji Hudson, VP of Marketing Zack Dafoe, President Selmina Masic, Michael Jeffrey, Tommy Wagner, Lidaou Edjeou, VP of Leadership Sam Sager, and Kallie Leib. The students were accompanied by LHS DECA sponsors Jason Joris and Greg Hudspeth.
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HES Building Secretary
JoEllen Northcutt is our Employee of the Month. Mrs. Northcutt is the building secretary at Harney Elementary, she has been with LCSC for over 10 years and is a dedicated staff member. She takes great pride in her work, is always accessible and helpful to students, parents and teachers. Congratulations Mrs. Northcutt!
Principal of the Year
 On Sunday, November 22, 2015, the Indiana Association of School Principals recognized Kelly Sollman, Principal at Hattie B. Stokes Elementary School as the 2015 District Elementary Principal from IASP District 5. District 5 is located in central Indiana and is made up of Boone, Hamilton, Howard, Madison, Miami and Tipton Counties. District Elementary Principals of the Year are elected by their peers. Congratulations Mrs. Sollman!
New School Resource Officer
Albert Hendrix, the new LCSC School Resource Officer was sworn in on November 17, 2015.
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 See the exciting things happening in
Lebanon Community School Corporation
Click here to download the 2015-2016 Lebanon Community School Corporation calendar. Gather events from one or more Lebanon Community Schools into one convenient calendar. Click here to generate your school's events calendar.
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December 18: End of Semester
December 21 - January 5: Christmas Break
January 5: Classes Resume
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December 14-18: Santa Shop
December 15: Holiday Program
9:30 am - 11:00 am: Grades 3-5
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm: Grades K-2
December 16: Holiday Program
9:30 am - 11:00 am: Grades K-2
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm: Grades 3-5
(The programs are the same. We provide two programs so parents have a choice of times and we are able to accommodate more parents. We do not plan on parents attending both of their children's performances. If you have any questions, please call the office at 765-482-5940)
December 19, 7:45 am: All Pro Dads
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Hattie B. Stokes Elementary
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December 3, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm:
PTO Meeting
December 10, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: WatchDogs
December 15, 9:30 am & 2:00 pm: Winter Program
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December 9: Holiday Concert
6:00 pm: Cadet Band, Primo Choir, Intermezzo Choir
7:30 pm: Varsity Band, Concert Band, Vivo Choir
December 12, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Christmas Dance
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December 5: FFA Fish Fry
December 6, 2:00 pm: Winter Band/Choir Concert
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Check out what's happening around our community!
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Lebanon Rock Church will distribute toys on December 16th in support of local children in need. Register online at LebanonRockChurch.org.
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Join Lebanon Parks & Recreation department for Christmas in the Cabin and the 4th annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 5. Enjoy carriage rides, Christmas in the Cabin, parade, and an appearance by Santa at parade's end.
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Watch our upcoming practice and see what wrestling is all about. No experience necessary! This is the perfect time to get a taste for the sport and ask any questions you might have. Boys and girls of all ages are welcome.
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Join The Caring Center and help the community on these important dates!
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Join Kappa Delta Phi and Arni's restaurant on Saturday, December 5 for a FREE Breakfast with Santa. Bring a camera for Photos with Santa. Each child will also receive a free Christmas ornament.
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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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