 |
December 12, 2015
Dear Parent, Guardian, Community Member, The Indiana Department of Education recently presented a document to Superintendents around the state that predicted up to a 25% drop in the 2015 ISTEP+ in the areas of Mathematics and Language Arts scores when they are compared to the 2014 ISTEP+ scores. I want to share with you some of the underlying facts and circumstances surrounding the latest state mandated administration of ISTEP+ exams. The ISTEP+ testing process has transformed from a way to measure student learning, with the intended benefit of assisting teachers in better planning to meet the specific learning needs of all students, to a legislative mandate that was poorly managed at best and unfortunately has minimal educational benefit for our teachers or our students.The potential negative impact that these latest ISTEP+ scores will have on our students, teachers, schools, and community does not come close to providing any useful or accurate information on student achievement, teacher effectiveness or overall school performance. When reviewing your child's individual performance please keep in mind the following factors had a significant and potentially negative impact on the testing process and subsequent results. -
-
The original testing procedures called for unacceptably long testing times, which then led the Indiana State Legislature to intervene and eliminate portions of the exam.This also resulted in schools taking different versions of the assessment. In Lebanon, the assessments that Perry-Worth and Central elementary schools were required to take were totally different from the exams that the state required Harney and Hattie B. Stokes students to take. This makes it almost impossible to compare district test results on a grade by grade basis. -
Multiple and frequent failures of the testing process due to the on-line testing format created many disruptions for students. Many students experienced some form of technology failure during the test-taking process. This led to understandable frustration and disengagement on the part of many students.
-
The excessive delay on the part of the Department of Education to provide individual or school testing results greatly minimized the educational benefits to both the student and the teacher. The original test was taken in the spring of 2015 and final results will not be received until almost the end of this year. That is over 8 months from the time the test was taken to when the students and teachers were able to see the final results.
The Lebanon Community Schools provide an excellent learning environment, where students gain both the academic preparation and the interpersonal relationship skills necessary to be successful in whatever post-secondary pathway they may choose. LCSC teachers and staff work with passion and commitment to diligently provide their students with the highest quality of instruction and academic support. One poorly developed and ineptly implemented high stakes exam cannot and does not reflect the hard work and efforts of our students and teachers. A standardized test does not know, understand or, more importantly, care about a child as well as that child's teacher. I strongly encourage each parent or guardian to reach out to your child's teacher and principal so that you can speak with them firsthand about your child's academic performance. With regards,
Superintendent of Schools
Lebanon Community School Corporation
|
LHS Walking Program
Starting on Monday November 30, 2015, Lebanon High School will be available for walking. The walking program will be Monday - Thursday while LHS is in session from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Walking will end on the Thursday prior to Spring Break which is Thursday, March 31, 2016. Walkers are reminded to sign in outside the Athletic Office in the main gym lobby each time they walk. The walking route will be marked on the north end of the building and walkers must refrain from entering academic areas including the upstairs. If children wish to participate, they must be walking with an adult to be directly supervised.
Congratulations to the Lebanon FFA Parliamentary Procedures teams for advancing to section competition on December 9th. All three teams represented LCSC at the Section Career Development Event at Fishers High School. The Senior team and Freshman Novice team both placed 3rd. The LMS Novice Team placed 6th. 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. Congrats to a job well done! LCSC is hosting the State Parliamentary Procedures CDE at LHS on January 30, 2016.
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.
|
Central
Boone County Toy Drive
Central families, staff and students helped support the Boone County Toy Drive by collecting new and gently used toys. Our Student council representatives carried all the donations over to the donation center after school. What a great way to give back during the holiday season. A special thanks to our Student Council leaders, Diana Fields and Kim Lahrman on their hard work and organization.
Central Christmas Program at LHS
Central students, Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade, dressed up and delivered a wonderful Christmas program. Our Central STARS took the stage at Lebanon High School for a wonderful evening of festive songs. Each grade level sang 2 songs and then the grand finale was all students singing We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Great job Central Stars! A huge thank-you to our music teacher, Vanessa VanderWal for her efforts in organizing this program.
|
4th & 5th Grade Read-a-thon
Harney's 4th and 5th grade classes love to read. They showed this love for reading by holding a read-a-thon. Students asked for pledges to help them raise money to help a local toy drive. People could donate per page or a flat amount for the read-a-thon. Students were then able to help purchase the presents that would be presented by the entire 4th and 5th grade students to the Boone County Toy Drive organized by Myrtle Bailey. Thank you to the 4th and 5th grade students for your willingness to participate and to their sponsors for your generous donations.
Wreaths Mrs. Gail Suscha's 2nd grade class at Harney Elementary is trying to spread holiday cheer. The students were asked to decorate a wreath that would be displayed for all the school to see in the library windows. The students and staff have oohed and awed at the wonderful creations that the students have created. Everyone is able to vote for their favorite wreath. Even a quarter to vote can help others at this holiday season. The wreaths are available for sale for $8.00 apiece. The money that is donated will go to help the Caring Center meet their holiday needs. Thank you to everyone who has donated money to help this worthy cause.
|
Hattie B. Stokes
Students have set up the "Angel Fund" to raise money for various causes. If they pay 50¢ each day of the drive they can participate in the "themes." This month the drive was for the MDA. One favorite day was hat day and the next was pajama day. In two days they raised $758.53 for MDA. WAY TO GO HBS STUDENTS!
Our students know how to celebrate Thanksgiving. Several classrooms had various types of "feast" to celebrate the holiday. Every year our Life Skills classes are "pampered" by hosting a pancake breakfast. The past several years they have been served by Lebanon's Fire Department. THANK YOU GENTLEMEN!
Our kick-off pizza party and introduction to the WATCH D.O.G.S. was well attended. We had 91 Dads with students. WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) Program is an innovative program being used by schools across America, which helps them to be positively impacted by the committed involvement of fathers and father-figures in their student's life.
For three days the students were able to come to "Santa's Shop" and purchase items for their friends and family. It was a busy three days for Santa's helpers, but with their help, the students were able to purchase gifts while learning how to "budget" their money. Round of applause to Miss Williams our Home School Liaison and her elves from PTO.
The students of Hattie B. Stokes presented the Sounds of the Season on December 15th. All the students performed in this holiday celebration. The 4th and 5th graders gave a special musical presentation of the Nutcracker that included singing, acting, dancing, and speaking parts.
November Students of the Month
Congratulations to our November Students' of the Month! These great kids came in each day showing their Shamrock lifelines and really focused on the month's lifeline of Gratitude!
Second Grade Stem Project
We worked in collaborative groups to plan and build a house for the "4th Little Pig". Our houses had to be strong enough to withstand the "Big Bad Wolf" (a.k.a. Mrs. Cramer's hairdryer).
Our students participate in our recycling program. They go to the classrooms and office once a week to pick up our papers. THANKS FOR HELPING MAKE OUR WORLD A LITTLE BETTER!
Shamrock Shamrock went for his grooming and came back as Santa Claus. Does he look like Santa!?! :)
|
 Perry-Worth Toy Drive
Thank you again to our generous Perry-Worth Elementary families, we were able to donate a carload full of toys for the annual Boone County Toy drive!
We appreciate your generosity in making a child's holiday a little brighter!
|
A Special Thank You to the New LMS PTO!
The LMS staff would like to send a huge Tiger-Thank-You to our new PTO! The PTO provided delicious food for the staff to enjoy both nights of conferences and helped organize the first LMS Walk-A-Thon to raise money for a new student rec room. The LMS students thoroughly enjoyed the Walk-A-Thon as they raced to complete as many laps as possible within the hour. Students got some fresh air, got their hearts pumping, and are now closer to having their long-awaited reward rec room!
LMS Student-Led Conferences
The past two years, LMS has changed our Parent-Teacher Conferences to Student-Led Conferences. This change not only increased parental attendance at conferences from 30% to 55% school-wide, but has also encouraged students to take a leadership role in their education.
We're truly appreciative of the increase in parental involvement as we aim to build and improve these on-going relationships. Conferences allowed parents and teachers to also discuss positives regarding student progress, suggestions for improvement, and overall tips for success.
Most importantly, we couldn't be more proud of our students! Our LMS students took ownership to prepare for conferences in their seminar classes. At conferences, students confidently and successfully lead their conference with their parents and teachers. They reflected on their progress in each class, gathered work samples to demonstrate their learning, and discussed their NWEA data in depth noting their strengths and weaknesses for Reading, Language & Math. Students concluded their conference discussing their goals for improvement.
Moving forward, our goal is that students will continue to monitor their own growth throughout the school year, parents will continue to support their student at home, and our staff will continue to encourage excellence!
Introduction to Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources News
Students have been doing a fabulous job presenting Demonstration speeches. Thanks to all that have helped make the projects such a success!
| 
|
For our December meeting, the members decided to make No Sew Blankets to donate to local fire stations. They made six blankets in an hour. It was great to see the kids be so excited to help those in need! Thanks, also, to everyone that bought poinsettias this year. The money raised helped fund the blanket service project.
Recognized 7th Grade Avenger Leaders
The following 7th Grade Avenger students recently received a Black & Gold privilege card for their continued leadership and noticeable citizenship this school year. Please congratulate: Aleana Braun, Taylor Burruss, Jessica Fischer, Karston Large, Melissa Nelson, Isabella Ortega, Hannah Parker, Jasmine Stewart, Jackson Townsend, Emme Turley, and Jacob West.
7th Grade LMS Students Write Creative & Dramatic Science Fiction Plays
  
|
Disease outbreaks, alien invasions, futuristic technology, detectives, autopilot aircrafts, robots with a mission, artificial intelligence, and time travel are the topics of our 7th grader's science fiction plays.
Students collaborated with their peers in Mrs. Cross's classes to develop characters with realistic flaws, brainstorm futuristic conflict and unique plot, and create surprising twists. Plays varied in tone: some comical, some dramatic, and some wondrous. Dialogue was written, practiced, and tweaked before performances.
Each group dramatically read their play for their classmates, and students voted for the best play in each class period. The six winning plays are: Crash Landing by Lauren Gascho, Jayda Echeverria, and Ivy Strahm; Trouble in the Hood by Sydney Lockwood, Mallory Mullins, and Jordan Rollins; Lost In Time by Kaitlyn Stoops, Dustin Loveless, and Irene Llanes; Tunnel of the Unknown by Calista Cole, Tylan Mills, Chase Johnson, and Skyler Bilderback; The Crash by Rylee Wilson, Alexis Trepcos, and Emma Glauber; and The Contagious Disease by Jaelie Mitchelle and Hallie Montgomery.
|
VIVO Choir B105.7 Christmas Choir Competition
In October, the three choirs at Lebanon Middle School decided to submit an entry into the "B105.7 Christmas Choir Competition". The students prepared their piece for a few weeks and submitted a recording of their best work. These choirs, along with other middle school choirs around the greater Indianapolis area, were judged internally at the radio station and it was then announced that one of our choirs was chosen as a finalist! The Vivo choir, an auditioned advanced-level choir, was picked as one of five finalists, with their entry, Let it Snow!.
Once it was announced that they had been chosen as a finalist, they went right to work! The director, Kelli Willman, informed her students and parents, along with the school system of the good news and from there it took off. The community at large did their part and voted once a day, every day, in order to assure the Vivo choir of their victory. From the beginning of the tallies, the Vivo choir led in votes every day until the end.
On December 7th, Sean Copeland, from the morning show on the B105.7 radio station, called Mrs. Willman and informed her on the air that her choir had won! The radio station then came out to the school and did a recording of not just one, but three of the Vivo choir's songs from their most recent concert and they presented them with a $2500 check for winning!
Before the choir had won, they had decided that if they did win, they would donate 10% of it back to their student body that was so supportive of them in this effort. The rest of the money will be used specifically to reward the students in the Vivo choir, as well as going towards the other choirs at the school who also were quite supportive during the whole voting process.
The choir's three recorded songs were played on B105.7 on Sunday, December 20th at 6:00 pm. You will also be able to hear them Friday, December 25th at noon (Christmas Day). The choir would like to send out another "thank you" to everyone who voted and they hope everyone can come out to their next concert on March 30th at 7:30 at the Lebanon High School Auditorium.
7th Grade Minion Team News!
Several students this semester have received a 'Black and Gold' card with privileges attached to it for being outstanding responsible students. Our latest group is seen in the attached picture. Congratulations to those students who have joined the others in getting this special reward: Nicholas Morgan, Logan Hines, Elizabeth Holmes, Morgan Lawson, Allyson Williams, Jessica Lehmkuhler, Sylvie Morgan, Lyla Barr, and Kate Chaudion.
January will be another 9-week awards meeting for recognition of the teacher's top 10 and most improved students; as well as our Tiger Ticket Draw for prizes. Tiger Tickets are given out to recognize good work, citizenship, cooperation, NWEA score improvements, assisting others, and for many other positive actions shown by the students. A drawing is held once a week for 4 winners and a larger drawing is done each 9 weeks for more winners. This incentive program provides the opportunity for a larger percentage of students to be recognized for 'doing the right thing'.
Box top collections and the carnival this year helped raise money to support these rewards. Currently a pancake breakfast is planned for January as a reward.
MATHCOUNTS News
The LMS MATHCOUNTS team participated in the Sycamore School MATHCOUNTS Invitational on November 21. Students from several local schools attended. The purpose is to practice a MATHCOUNTS type contest and learn more about problem solving. The team members are: Phillip Betts, Chyna Gates, Khushi Patel, Aaron Carter, Riley Newman, and Ian Malicoat. Congratulations go to Aaron Carter for being on the first place 6th grade team at this contest!
The regional MATHCOUNTS contest is in February at Purdue University. Students have been practicing since September.
7th Grade Festivities!
 7th grade students celebrated the holiday season with reward activities in seminar: caroling around the building bringing cheer to the classrooms, playing board games and card games, giving holiday manicures, competing in a carol-off competition, exploring goofy computer games, watching a movie while enjoying popcorn, and playing basketball. Students were rewarded for their positive behavior and high completion of work this semester! Keep up the terrific work LMS Tigers!
|
AVID
Thankfulness
| AVID Bigs were busy this week surprising their Littles with spirit and encouragement gifts. On Tuesday, November 24, the AVID 11 students visited the AVID 9 classroom with a poster and doughnuts to let them know they "'donut' know how thankful" they are for them. |
AVID 12 Student Signs to Play Baseball at Vanderbilt University
 On Friday, November 13, Reid Schaller celebrated with family, coaches, friends, and LHS faculty as he signed to play baseball at Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) beginning in the Fall of 2016. Currently he is undecided on a major, but looking at the field of business. Reid has been a member of AVID for six years. As Reid looks toward his next step in education, he says, "AVID has had an enormous impact on my education and my success through high school. AVID has prepared me for my next step in my future education and I am very grateful for my AVID teachers pushing me to my limits and helping me excel in my education."
AVID 10 - Etiquette Experts  From tie tying to proper handshakes, to setting the perfect place setting - AVID 10 students are becoming etiquette experts in the making! In preparation for the final (mock interview), students are researching, studying, and teaching their peers how to act in a professional setting. Students are working in small groups to present the dos and don'ts of one of the following etiquette topics: networking, appearance, netiquette, telephone/cell phone, and dining/tipping. AVID 9 and 11 Collaboration  AVID 9 and 11 students spent a portion of two class periods to collaborate on Tutorials and Organization. AVID 9 students arrived with completed Tutorial Forms and AVID 11 students served as Tutors as they completed a Tutorial session. What started out as a session to benefit AVID 9 students quickly turned out to be of benefit AVID 11 students, also. Here are some comments from AVID 11 students about the collaboration process: My thinking started to change during the tutorial when I saw the freshman interacting together and saw the same nervous look we used to have. - Kristen Basey When we brought in the freshman for tutorials, I thought that it was going to be a good experience for the freshman to see how we run tutorials and show them what asking question can do, but I believe that we received benefits as well because we got to see what it is like being the tutor. We had an opportunity to push the conversation forward and ask the group questions. - Olivia Williams Another day AVID 9 and 11 students met to collaborate again, this time on organization of Binders and Agendas/Calendars. Students were divided into their Bigs and Littles groups and AVID 9 students were given the opportunity to view the AVID 11 students' binders and their calendars and then they were given time to work on their own binders, with help from the AVID 11 students, to get them organized and ready for their next Binder Check.
LHS DECA Students Support Riley Children's Hospital The Lebanon High School DECA chapter recently completed a November service project for Riley Children's Foundation that directly supports Riley Hospital for Children. Contributions are used to support groundbreaking pediatric research, clinical programs that need additional funding as well as family-centered services for those children suffering from illness. DECA members worked for three weeks to support this great cause. The chapter was able to raise over $400 through contributions from the kindness of faculty, students, and community members. Lebanon DECA President Selmina Masic commented "Selling Riley mobiles was a great experience. It gave the members a chance to organize an event, practice selling, inform our peers about DECA and most importantly to support such a good cause." The LHS DECA chapter would like to thank all those who made a difference and supported the children at Riley Children's Hospital.
9th Annual LHS Custodial and Cafeteria Staff Appreciation Dinner
On Monday, December 7, 2015, the Lebanon High School staff held their 9th Annual LHS Custodial and Cafeteria Staff Appreciation Dinner. LHS Staff provided a homemade buffet dinner and Christmas gifts to approximately 30 custodial and cafeteria staff that work at LHS supporting the students and staff. The evening started with a festively decorated room with Christmas music playing as the honored guests entered. After a welcome and word of appreciation by Principal Kevin O'Rourke, a wonderful dinner was served. During dinner, Madrigals performed several Christmas songs under the direction of Liz Graybiel. The guests enjoyed the students immense musical talent through their amazing performance. Senior Benji Hudson ended the performance with a heartfelt thank you to those in attendance on behalf of the LHS student body. Then, it was time for the gifts. Each Custodial and Cafeteria Staff member received a Lebanon High School Polo shirt compliments of the LHS Athletic Department. Each guest also received a generous gift provided by the LHS Staff. LHS would like to extend a very special thank you to Patty Bohannon for all the work she put into organizing the event. Thank you to Angie Coddington, Student Council Sponsor, as nine student council members were a huge help with the event. Three helped with set-up after school, three helped serve during the meal, and three helped with clean-up after the meal. Lastly, thank you to the LHS Staff for providing the food and the gifts.
So Many Possibilities in LHS FFA By bringing fun and community service together, FFA members have had a busy month. Between donating cans to the food drive, writing notes to teachers and adopting a United Way family for the holiday's students are learning the importance of giving back.
In order for Lebanon FFA to give back to the community and the chapter we have fundraisers throughout the year. One of our fundraisers, the FFA Fish Drive, was a success in its 4th year. Students helped serve the meal, clean the tables and all other aspects to make it a successful fundraiser.
Other than giving back to the community with fundraisers, the money goes towards contests and fun activities for the students. One contest this month was the Hoosier Beef Congress where a team of students went to Indianapolis to judge a set of beef cattle. The students had fun and placed well for their first contest of the judging season.
Overall the students can get involved in many aspects of FFA, from contests and friendships to community service and education. The particular month students were able to experience many parts that FFA can offer.
|
|
| | Ms. Thomas, Josh Hawks, Dr. Taylor |
Employee of the Month
Project Technician
Josh Hawks is the Employee of the Month. Mr. Hawks is a project technician in the technology department. He consistently demonstrates care for the individuals who use the technology he supports. This is a rare and valuable trait for a truly skilled and dedicated technician. We are lucky to have Josh working for LCSC. Congratulations Josh!
Lebanon Teacher To Be Inducted Into Hall of Fame
By Will Willems Sports Editor  There is a Lebanon connection to one of the newest women's inductees into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. Luanna Faye Hill, who starred at Pike High School in the late 1970s, and currently teaches at Lebanon High School, is part of the nine-person induction class this spring. The formal induction will take place on April 30. "It was a quite a surprise," Hill said. "It means a lot. There has been a lot of talent that has come through the state it is amazing that they would recognize me. It is a great feeling."
Hill played three varsity seasons at Pike, leading the Red Devils to a 44-13 record. They won the Marion County Championship in 1976, '77 and 78', and won the Central Suburban Athletic Conference title in 1977. She was a three-time all-county and two-time all-conference selection. She became Pike's first Indiana All-Star in 1978 after averaging 19 points and 14 rebounds a game and setting Pike's record for career assists with 190. "I loved playing with all the girls at Pike and it was special to win the Marion County title three times," Hill said. "Being an All-Star in 1978 was another extreme surprise. It really wasn't a goal back then, and the IHSAA had just taken over governing women's basketball. It was a real surprise and something that I treasure."
She graduated from Ball State with a degree in Psychology and since has been a teacher and coach at Pike, Cardinal Ritter and Lebanon, where she is currently a teacher in the science department. While she no longer coaches, she said that coaching was something she enjoyed doing. It was great to show them little pointers that I had picked up," Hill said. Hill says that she still occasionally gets to games now and enjoys watching the Lebanon girls compete in the games she gets to go to. She said if she had advice for young players growing up, it would be put all your effort into something you want. "My advice would be to work hard at whatever you chose to do and enjoy it," Hill said. |
 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.
|
|
January 4, 2016: Professional Development NO SCHOOL
January 5, 2016: Classes Resume
January 18, 2016: Martin Luther King Day NO SCHOOL
|
|
January 11, 2016: Guidance Dpt Hosting Parent Night Scheduling Mtg
January 23, 2016: Charisma Invitational
|
|
Check out what's happening around our community!
|
|
Register today for the Lebanon Area Boys and Girls Club 2015/2016 Basketball League Session 2. Open to grades Pre-K-8. Clinics, player evaluations, practices, games.
|  |
Apply today to spend a day in the Indiana legislature. See the legislature in action, observe policy debates, assist legislators during session, and take a tour of the governor's office and statehouse. Apply by January 18th!
| |
|
Support the Lady Tiger basketball team by dining at EL Meson on Wednesday, January 13th. Of all sales made on this day, 10% will be donated to the Lady Tigers basketball team.
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
